| bs 5 4 < ‘ ‘a s f ¢ by Is q a s ‘< ‘ te = [== =¢ [em 3 wee en 1399 RY Gibson Inv NG Sh —— 4 Z THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE, COTTAGE GARDENER, COUNTRY GENTLEMAN. A MAGAZINE OF GARDENING, RURAL AND DOMESTIC ECONOMY, BOTANY AND NATURAL HISTORY. CONDUCTED BY GEORGE W. JOHNSON, F.R.H.S., anp ROBERT HOGG, LL.D. THE FRUIT AND KITCHEN GARDENS, by Mr. J. FLORISTS’ FLOWERS AND FLORICULTURE, by the Rohepn, Gardener to Viscount Holmesdale, M.P., Linton | Rev. H. H. Dombrain. Park; and Mr. T. Weaver, Gardener to the Warden of IT} J > i A Winchester College. 2 | GARDENING CALENDAR, by a William Keane. : | POULTRY-KEEPING, by Mr. J. Baily, Rev. W. W. Wing- field, E. Hewitt, Esq., and other well-known contributors. | BEE-KEEPING, by H. Taylor, Esq.; T. W. Woodbury, | Esq.; ‘*B. & W.;” and Mr. S. Bevan Fox. STOVE, GREENHOUSE, AND WINDOW GARDEN, by | HOUSEHOLD ARTS, by the Authoress of ‘* My Flowers,” Mr. R. Fish, Gardener, Putteridge Bury, near Luton. ; and others. : THE FLOWER GARDEN, by Mr. G. Abbey, Stansty Hall; and Mr. F. Chitty, Uplands, &c. LIBRARY NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN. VOLUME VII., NEW SERIES. VOL. XXXII., OLD SERIES. LONDON: PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS, 171, FLEET STREET. 1864. DOH THas OF aint potoeT . PRINTED AT, THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE, SW ALS FLEer SrrEer. — “nk, deste Bean KIRN GAR BROTIGE eer .f AA e LIED TEE wan testi TO OUR READERS. « Wuen I look through the Numbers of 1864 I am bold to say they are as good, or better, than. their predecessors.” This verdict of our Chaplain, “THe WILTSHIRE Rector,” is sus- tained by more evidence than we need record; and it makes us pause to consider, as a guide for the future, why our pages in the Volume to which our present Address is prefixed deserve the gratifying praise. One reason is very patent—our standard contributors have written as ably as heretofore, and many others, fresh and well-skilled, have enrolled themselves among our pensmen. Another reason is also manifest. All the contributions have been based upon the sound practical knowledge of the respective writers. All have related to subjects of interest to one or more classes of our readers, and all have had for their aim the improvement of practice or the acquirement of truth. A third reason is, that even in controversy a spirit of kindness and courtesy has been maintained. All seem to have been animated by the just conviction that an opponent has as much right to entertain an opinion as he has whom he opposes, and that he need not have his face scratched to make him feel that he is wrong. May these characteristics which have earned for this Journal approbation and success in 1864 be maintained and intensified in 1865; and when this year’s days are concluded, and our first Number of its successor appears, may it bear as its introduction an address as kindly-spirited and truthful from the same friendly heart. , Py ¢ ‘ f ir f a ay i i. | i 3 S i t i r j ree i é SS NF y ; i ie ¥. , sya aie wee o Baste VPS EEL aa PCa} oak eonaat, Feet AAR Neos Beabiny, & OCT 19 1910 Acer LoBei, 190 Achimenes — not fi-wering, 261; roots, preserving, 399; Rollissonii, 414 Acmena floribunda, 513 Aconite, Winter, culture, 269 Agapanthusumbellatus, culture, 15 ; potting, 280 Aglaonema commutatum, 179 Agricultural Show, jottings at, 17 Agricultural Hall Poultry Show, 96, 118, 138, 280; and the Poultry Club, 160, 180, 199 Ailanthi culture, lecture on, 452 Air-giving, 93 Alligator Pear, sowing, 279 Alocasia metallica and Lowii drying off, 380 Allspice, propagating Carolina, 220 Alpines in masses, 449 Alstroemeria culture, 328 Alyssum saxatile seedling, 399 Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, 136 Amaryllis formosissima, is it hardy? nas longifolia aad rosea culture, 38 Ammoniacal liquor, use of, 95 Among the Welsh Mountains, 151 Amphiblemma cymosum, 291 Anectocbiluses and their culture, 41 Anemone — culture, 327; apennina culture, 491 Annuals for garden decoration, 268 Ants—driving away, 35; to destroy, 110, 157; protecting wall fruit from, 173; trap, 276 Aphelandra Liboniana, 111 Aphides, destroying, 62, 158 Appetite, depraved, in fowls, 344 Apples as food for poultry, 142; for espaliers, 292, 316; dwarf, 33S; sauce (New England), 344 Apricots—new, Royal de Luxem- bourg, De Jonghe’s Sweet Kernel, 127; De Jonghe’s Diamant, 128; bush, 157; in pots, 198; gum on, SLT Aquatics in pots, 198 Aquilegia coerulea, 414 Arabis lucida variegata, 276 Avouciria imbricata forming cones, af Arauja angustifolia, 513 Arbor Vite browned, 359 Artichokes — preserving, 137; win- ter dressing, 438 Asparagus — making beds, 35, 400, 415; covering in winter, 479; re- moying, 137; culture, 351; sea- weed for, 400; forcing, 476; French culture of, 510 Asphalt path, 417 Aucuba japonica bearing berries, 405; sex of, 518 Auricula, Lord Clyde, 51 Aviary, mice in, 484 Azaleas—Souvenir de Prince Albert, 51; grafting, 56, 195; buds not expanding, 116; amcena potted in Joam, 440; shifting, 499; leaves falling, 518 BABIANA CULTURE, 328 Bacon — preserving, 464; Wilts v. Herts, 526; earing, 526 Bantams — keeping small, 20; my Black, 160; Nankin, 206, 324; Black Game, 223; legs of, 324; buying, 266; legs and weight, 424 ; white, 504; weight of, 504 Bartonia nuda, 513 Battersea Park, 214 INDEX. Bath and West of England Poultry Show. jottings on, 18; Turkeys at, G) Bedding-plants, hardy, list and cul- ture of, 81, 110, 137; propagating, 135; management, 432 Bedding for winter and spring, 365 “© Bee-keeping,” 321 Bee-book, is one wanted? 361; new, 422, 484 Bees—unhousing, price of honey, Li- gurianising an aviary, 20, 39; su- pering, 20; artificial swarming, flowers, 38; in Australia, a ‘‘ bee- bob,”? 39; ascertaining loss of queen, rules for purchasing, foul brood and dysentery, preventing swarming, outside a hive, queens, &c..49; in Lincolnshire, 59; Li- gurian swarms, Ligurians in Ayr- shire, maiden swarms,nniting weak stocks ; transferring, 60; in Perth- shire, 79; queen worried, natural and artificial swarms, in supers, $0; transferring, aspect for, re- moving to the moors, times of swarming, existence of queen doubtful, 98; adding queens, at Royal Agricultural Society’s Show, in Surrey, substituting boxes for straw hives, 99; Ligurian swarms, dying from confinement, dura- tion of life, do not injure poultry, flowers for, 100; at Daventry, 106; preparation of wax, depriving stocks, 121; ‘‘ A Devonshire Bee- keeper”? ». the Times ‘‘ Bee- master,’? 140, 162; uniting volun- tarily, commencing bee - keeping, purchasing stocks and_ hives, works on, 142, 319, 321, 361, 422; ill-success in bee-keeping, 162; forsaking a stock-hive; depriving, unions, good hives, 163, 164; au- tumnal removing,and transferring, 163; selection of queens, small swarms, 184; management and food, uniting, honey from combs not full, the season, foul brood, queens in 1862, 205; in Surrey, distance of flight, characteristics of Ligurian, borage-sowing for, 26; working supers on common hives, stocks from condemned, comb- pruning, autumnal unions, robbing, transporting, 224; ad- ding queens, foul brood, 225; Wildman at Dobney’s Gardens, 226; comb-pruning, 244; ruin of a new stock. iriend mistaken for an enemy, 245; are they omnivorous? treatment of weak swarm; honey dark - coloured, 246; managing on natural system, 265; foul brood in Yorkshire, 266; wasps. and ivy blossoms; queen's excursions; comb plates, 283; at Whitworth show, causing swarm to settle, analysis of excreta, 284; management, 301; dark honey, food, Woodbury-hives ; joining Ligurians to common; fout brood in Yorkshire, 302; foul brood, what written about it, 303; working hours; spider and wax moth, 301; book on, 319; boxes and supers, 320; carnivorous ; lec- ture on, 321; robbed by bees; ear- wigs in hives, from a distance, $24; uniting queens to, &c., varia- tion in Ligurian, carnivorous, 342; foul brood, 343; winter feed- | Breres—Continued. ing, Woodbury and other hives, 344; Woodbury-hive, 361 ; are they carnivorous? uniting queen to; wasps eat, their management, 362; beginning keeping, feeding, 864; Ligurian degenerating, not carnivorous, 382; joining Ligurian to common, hive protectors, foul brood, times of swarming, 3835 5 management in common hives, 493; rectifying irregular combs, variation in Ligurian, joining Ligurians to common, 404; work- ers short-lived, young reversed in cells, apiary in 1864, 420; taking honey from common hives, new bee-book, caution in operating with, rules for purchasing, 422; not carnivorous, stands for, 423; removing honey from hives, 424 ; swarming system, carefully feast- ed, 444; open driving, 463; death of a queen, 464; caution on mild weather, regicidal, driving, new book on, breeding Ligurian, re- moving to a distance, 484; old comb, foul brood, 504; regicide among, 524; swarming v. depri- ving, 525 Beet culture, 241 Begonias, potting, 417; 417 Belfast Poultry Show, 58; Botanic Gardens, 133 Bignonia jasminoides not blooming, 158; radicans culture, 49S Bewley Mr., Rockville, Dublin, 03 Bindweed kill 218 Birds--compror with, 353; crop saved by, 370; protecting buds from, 511 Birmingham Rose Show, 27; Fruit, Chrysanthemum, and Root Shows, 451, 492, 510 Birmingham Poultry Show, 401, 441, 458; matters relative to, 593; Committee, censure on, 520; re- sults, 524 Blindness in Cauliflowers, 16 Bloomsbury Flower Show, 69 Boiler—setting, 137-; for stove, 457 ; without brickwork, 480, 495 Bolton Greys, 344 Bones, crushed, as a manure, 493 Border, plants for a dry, 498 Botanic (Royal) Society’s Show, 5, 25 Bot'om heat—interrupted, 469; de- ficient, 518 Bougainvillea splendens, 179 Bouquets, artificial, 15 Bowling green, mending, making, 338 Box tree, moving, 359 Brahma Pootras, 324. 400, 41S, 442, 463, 480, 499 ; characteristics, 284; at Islington Show, 299, 300; origin of, 360, 443; pullet stag- gering, 504 Bread, preventing bitterness in, 206 Briars, moving budded, 280 Brighton Horticultural Show, 254; Poultry Show, 483 Brussels Sprouts, gathering, 360 Bryn-y-Neuadd, 294 Bude-Haven Poultry Show, 118 Bulbs—forcing, 208, 247; culture, 227; for garden decoration, 268, 285, 327 Bromeliacez, notes on, 64 Butter, imported and exported, 60 wintering, 298 ; CABBAGE—GROWING SEED, 55; CUL- TURE, 240, 277 Caladiums — in wintering, 479 Calceolaria cuttings, 337, 378, 415 Calceolarias dying, 16, 191; in beds, 94; in exposed poor soil, 280 Calf, raising the, 38+ Californian large trees, 237 Camellias — buds falling, 360; not opening, 499; grafting, 360; blooms failing, 441; in cocoa-nnt fibre refuse, 457 ; thrips on leaves, 457 Camlin, 149 Campylobotrys regalis culture, 116; refulgens, 179 Canaries —disordered, 40 ; asthmatic, 464; dull and moulting, 526 Caponising, 266 Curhead, 128 Carnations—perpetual, 243 ; seaweed as a manure for, 498 Carpets, to clean, 40 Carrots—grubs, 137; crop failing, 441; trenching for, 478 Caterpillars, 296; on Cubbageworts, 315 Cattle, to prevent jumping, 385 Cattell’s Nursery, 312 Cauliflower—bdlindness in, 16; cul- ture, 33. 240, 296, 397; under glass, 515 Cayenne pepper, 197 Celery — blanching, 196; earthing- up, 212; culture, 241, 258. 296 Cement to exclude air from bottles, 40 Centaurea — candidissima, sowing, 198; wintering, 221, 279; propa- gating, 279; argentea, propaga- ting, 243 Cereus hezagonus, grafting, 116 Chalk soil, evergreens for, 180 Charcoal-heated stoves, 457 ; fumes among plants, 467 Cherry — trees in pots, 14; Jonghe's Transpirent, 27 Chickens — decline in, 19; rearing, 36; v. green fly, 51, 86; mortality among, 58; pudding, recipe for, 159 Chicory for salads, 397 Chispenham Poultry Show, 462 greenhouse, 2615 De | Chiswick garden, 1; trial bedding plants at, 19L Chrysanthemums — stopping, 765 Show at the Agricultural Hall, 409 ; Birmingham, 409; Mr. Salter's 428; Mr. Forsyth’s. 429; select list, 440; Bob, 493; childrens’ show, 493; not flowering, 4985 cuttings, 499; done blooming, 517 Churebyard, planting, 360 Cinerarias—seedlings, culture, 15 ; wanted to bloom, 279; leaves curling, 479; not blooming in large pots, 480; maritima propa- gating and wintering, 279 Cissus porphyrophyllus, 179 City gardening.in New York, 105 Clay soil, improving, 95 Clematis—Townsend’s seedling, 29; Jackmanni, 215; rubro-violacea, 291. 513 Clianthus Dampieri seedlings, 6 Climbers—evergreen, 138; for house walls, 299; for conservatory, 440 Clover seed statistics, 35, 76 Cob-nut culture, 485 obcea scandens not flowering, 479 vi Cochin-Chinas, 424; points in, 100; legs of, 246; Silver-Buffs, 301; cock, weight, 324; merits, 401; diarrhoea in, 526; at the Birming- ham Show, 501; tail of Partridge cock, 504 Cockatoo eating its feathers, 424 Cocoaant fibre refuse for mulching, 22 Ceelogyne odoratissima, 111 Coleus Verschaffelti, wintering, 440, 467 ; Blumei and Verschaffelti, wintering, 467 Collingham Poultry Show, 402 Coltsfoot, to eradicate, 158 Compost-heaps, charred, fermenting, and turf, 315 Conifers — fast-growing, sandy soil, 478 Conservatory shading, 116; heating, 338; stage, 360 Cooking meats, 60 Cookery again, 159 Cooks, cookery, aud Wilts bacon, 323, 423 Co-n bin, moth in, 20 Corylopsis spicata, 111 Cottage gardens, 278 Corer and how to tenant them, 21; for “ Cotteger's Garden Guide,” 511 Cottingham Poultry Show, 181 Cotton cake as manure, 295 Covent Garden Market, 15, 35. 55, 76, 94, 115, 136.157, 179, 197, 219, 242, 260, 278, 297, 315 338, 358, 379, 399, 417, 440, 456, 478, 495, 517 Cows robbed of milk, 319, 342, 361; self-milked, 424, 444; jumping, 464 Creve Coeur fowls, 483 Crinums not blooming, 399 Cramp ia chickens, 181 Crocuses —culture, 270; list of, 2215 forcing, 248 ; at Curistmas, 260 Crystal Pslace Rose show, 4; Gar- dens, 185; Show, 211 Cuckoos, 142, food for, 183; winter- ing, 204, 265 Cucumber—disease, 13, 35; and re- medies 151; gum in, 94; dying, 95; Snake, not setting fruit, 137; mildew, 137; pit or house, 1585 culture, 258; pit, heating, 360; pollen preserving, 360; large crop, 411; house, hot-water pipes for, 479; in winter, 241; in dung-beds, 467 Currants—new, 27: best varieties, 68; on treliises, 296 Cuttings of various plants, 230 Cyanotis modifiora, 291 Cymbidium tigrinum, 51 Cypripedium caricinum, 215 DaHLIA GLABRATA, 370 Dandelions for salads, 397 Darlington Poultry Show, 480 Datura arborea, cutting back, 298 Deane Poultry Show, 201 Delphiniam Brunonianum, 111 Dendrobiams — marginatum, 51; eburneum, 111; nodatum, 291; after blooming, 316; japonicum, 513 Derby Poultry Show, 263 Derbyshire, absence of cottage gar- dening in north, 473 Dewsbury Poultry Show, 199 Dibbling, 54 Dicksou & Sons’ Ohester Nursery, 288, 430 Dinorben House, 435; &c , at, 514 Diccious plants, remarks on some, 253 Disa grandiflora superba, 513 Dominique fowls, 37, 182 Dorking cock — bumble-footed, 20: wheezing, 100; weight of, 266; feet swollen, 304 Driffield Poultry Show, 119 Drought and its consequences, ‘a Dry weather and watering, 143 Dacks—assuming drake’s plumage, 119; wild, preventing flying, 184; plumage of blak, 304; Rouen’s legs, 341; murder among, 463 ; bil and legs of Biack Indian, 464; ‘laying bad eggs, 484 Ducklings — aying, 20; 36 s Dudley Hill Poultry Show, 202 Dardham Down, jottings on, 18 fountains, Tearing, INDEX. EE, AN AGED, 122 Eggs—importation of, 57, 526; white- spotted, 184; packing for trans- port, 266; unfertile, 344 Elder, propagating variegated, 457 Elephant’s foot, 158 Ellesmere Poultry Show, 282 Emigrating to New Zealand, 242, 371, 392 Endive culture, 397 Entomological Societr’s Meeting, $2, 92, 174, 255, 437, 513 Enville Hall, 353, 372, 393; vinery at, 499 Epistephium Williamsii, 513 Eranthemum Cooperi, 215 Eriocnema marmorea, 179 Erythronium culture, 285 Espaliers, wood v. iron, 417 Evergreens—removing and planting, | 259; branches in winter flower- beds, 316 Evidences of progress, 106 Eye, education of, 112, 238 Experiences of a country parson, 144 | Eyes and no eyes, 174 FANCIER, RECOLLECTIONS OF AN OLD, 363 Farfugiam, wintering, 417 Ferguson—Mr. D., death of, 25; Mr. W. H., appointed Curator of Bel- fast Botanic Gardeéas, 133 Ferns — sowing spores, 135, 198; drying specimen, 179; hardy, how | I collected and cultivated, 267, 325, 865, 405, 474, 486; in higher tem- perature, 311; moving common, 339; potting, 417, 499; replanting under glass, 441; British for ex- bibition, 440; for glass-case, 440 Feverfew sowing, 77 Figs—culture, 55, 75, 296, 439; and packing. 55; tree throwing its fruit, 131; trees, managing, 359; | protecting, 399; for back wall of P vinery, 400; Singleton or White Ischia, 439, 51] ; in orchard-house, 94, 259 Filberts—pruning, 191; storing, 258, 279; cuiture, 485 Finlayson, J., deceased, 89 Fire too powerful, 10 Flower shows—remarks on, 145; our metrepolitan, 163; improving our, 229 Flower-beds, raised, 260; garden- ing in 1864, 275; for garden deco- ration in winter and spring, 306, 345, 365, 367, 385, 399; garden plans, 30, 236, 474; farming, 352 Fountains, 332 Fowls — useful, 206; washing plu- mage of, 206, 384, 484; for profit, 404; eating walnut husks, 444; preventing their raids, 480; for cold wet district, 524 Frame-lights, 280; double-glazed, 350 Franciscea. to free from thrips, 116 Frome Poultry Show, 340 Frost in August, 192 Foxglove eaten by cattle (2), 15 Fruit, new, 27; raising seedling, 85; maturing of,512; under glass v. that on walls, 6; time for gathering, 176; garden, forming, 198; trees, protecting, 198; dwart, management, 291; planting, 314, 496, 498; on east wall, 499; room management 407 Fuchsia — stopping, 35; Cloth of Gold, 51; buds falling, 180; red spider on, 180; dryiug, 399; win- tering, 360 Fumigating imparts flavour to fruit, 14 Furze, propagating, 479 GALLERY, SHRUB FOR, 410 Galvanised netting, its effect on flowers, 148 Game fowls, Red-breasted Duck- winged, 164; at Islington Show, 300; cock’s tail, fluff at base, 444; cockerel crowing, 526 Gapes, 184 Garcening under difficulties, 87 Gardens—visiting distant, and how to see them, 129; produce of a gentleman’s and a market, 74 Gardener’s Royal Benevolent Anni- versary, 28 Gardeners benefited by travelling, 51 ! | Garlic—culture, 25; planting, 415 Gas—heating by, 50, 479, 517; in greenhouse, 55; tar inside boxes, 0 Genethyllis fimbriata, 215 Geraniums—hedding, 71, 85, 159, 193, 216, 221; propagating, 71, 85, 166, 219; select, 116; Beaton’s, 233; Scarlet, planting-out and plunging, 115; qualifications of for bedding, 165, 231: select variegated, 159 ; Golden ‘Fleece, 159; autumn pro- pagation, 166; planting-ont, 167; in pots and planted out, 137; Cloth of Gold failing, 198; cuttings, 219; autumn treatment, 279; Ma- dame Vaucher, Cloth of Gold, and Golden Chain, 253, 293 ; Zonale, classed list of, 305, 330; winterirg, 245, 316, 360, 416 German paste, 404 | Gesnera flowers falling, 417 Gishurst compound v. American blight, 62 Gladiolus — manceuvre with, 238 ; exhibiting, 250; taking up bulbs, 220, 498; successful, 271; plante ing, 457; Eleanor Norman, 513 | Glasgow Pigeon and Canary Show, 443 Glazing. double, 517 Gloucestershire Bird Show, 402 Gloxinias—in vinery, 317; winter- ing, 479 Gnaphalium lanatum, 399 Gold fish breeding, 164 Goldfinch — beak elongating, lice on, 424 Gooseberries, 85 ; afew show, 61; se- lect show, 68; and Currants, &c., in kitchen garden, 76; cn trellises, 296; green fly on, 517; shows, 150 164; Gooseberry caterpillar v. White Hellebore, Furze, Garlic, Tan, aad Broom, 46; destroying, 12; sawfly propagation, 91 Goose—breeding, 59; distinguishing from gander, 284, 344; young, laying, 424; giddy, 444 Grape growers, American, 274 Grapes—Muscat, 29; varieties set- tled, 188 ; not ripening, 261; Black Prince, 45; spotted, 56, 380; shri- velling, 76, 198; growing large bunches, 76; blotched, 77; mil- dewec, 116; at Carhead, 128; not colouring, 137,357 ; shanking, 279 ; failure of Black Frontignan, 297 ; Trentham Black, 410, 475, 514; Chasselas Vibert, 411; Trentham Black and Chasselas Vibert, 426; admitting air to, 316; for late | vinery, 480; at Coombe Abbey, 455 Grasses—ornamental, 123; annual, and culture, 171 Grease spots, &c., removing, 284 Green fly, destroying,14 Greenhouse — to supply conserva- tory, 77; building, 146; and stove, a cheap, 148; for Vines, Peaches, and plants, 187; heating, 192, 316; stove for, 77, 220; heating a small 261; heating from kitchen boiler, 298 ; removable, 209; facing north, 316; ventilation, 457; bad smell in, 479; plants management, 297 ; evergreens for inside back wall, 35 Grievance, a gardener’s, 158 Grubs, 295; at the greens, 176, 191 Guano water, 159; for evergreens, 400 Guinea fowls in trees, 424 Gypsum, use of, 15 Haciey Hatt, 509 Halifax Poultry Show, 200 Hamburghs—Silver-pencilled cock’s tail, 384, 424; fowls, are they pro- fitable, 419; in south of England, 420; hackle of Silver-pencilled, 341; Spangled pullets’ feathers, 484; early brood of, 504; profit- able, 518; characteristics of Black, 52 Hand€worth Horticultural Society's rules, 492, 510 Haslingden Poultry Show, 119 Hautbois, derivation of name, 95, 109 Heaths, culture, 15; shifting, 499 Heating—by stove, 103; from a kitchen boiler, 498 Hedge trimmer, 216 Hedgehogs sucking cows, 301 Hens, eating their eggs, 142, 444, a eating each other’s feathers, 464 Herbarium, insects in, to destroy, 457 Hibiscus Cooperi, 179 Hives, Marriott's, 184 Holly hedge unthrifty, 77 Hollies ck thriving, 242; moving, 39 Hellyhocks — new, 147, 148; win- tering, 417 Honey, keeping, 204 Horticultural (Royal) Society's Chis- wick Garden, 1; Kensington Gar- den, 62; Show, 23, 210, 328, 470; Rese Show, 2; Show of New Plants, 169; Chrysanthemum Show, 391; Floral Committee, 3, 24, 67, 147, 232, 251, 271, 310, 391, 471; Fruit Committee, 25, 68, 148, 190, 251, 272, 471; intended Straw- berry Féte, &c., 42; lecture on the Rose, 66; Sir J. Paxton on its Exhibitions, 126; ** Proceedings,” 127; and its flower shows, 145; decay, 425; management, 450; special general meeting, 488 Horticultural prizes, and for what they should be given, 169 Horticultural shows; hints for pro- vincial, 399 Horticnitural society, a national one well-managed, 238 Horseradish culture, 478 ; Hot-water apparatus, water boiling over, 70 Hothouse near the sea, 149 Hotbeds,'remarks on, 155; a farmer’s, 154 Hottentot’s Bread, 158 Hoya culture, 15; carnosa culture, 339 Hyacinths—rules for growing in glasses, 172; for forcing, 208; in pots, 227; in glasses and baskets, 228; culture, 285; in water, 299; how grown for prizes, 411 Hybridising, 242 | Hydrangea (variegated) cuttings, 379 IcE, 516; HOUSES AND ICE HEAPS, HINTS FOR MAKING, 47 Tlinois cultivators, 332 ‘ Tliustrated Bouqnet,’’ 450 Indian gardening, 127; seeds sow- ing, 441 Insects, destroying, 199 Iris Madamoiselle Patti, 112; forc- ing, 248; culture, 328 Tresine Herbstii, 414 Islington Poultry Show, 341; Judges, 56, 77; prize list errors, 300 Ismene calathinum potting, 380 Ivy—detached from a wall, 179; propagating, 22] ; not poisonous to sheep, 266; on an Oak, 359; for edgings, 473 Ivery & Son’s Nursery, 8 Isias—forcing, 248; culture, 328; planting, 457 JacopzA Lity, 359; Harpy, 198 Japanese plants and culture, 372 Jonquil forcing, 248 Jottings, 116, 138 Judging poultry, rules for, 79 Kavcane, 417 Kalanchoe grandiflora, 111 Keighley Poultry Show, 222 Kent Poultry Show, 533 Kew Gardens, Sir J. W. Hooker’s Report on, 107 Kidney Beans, forcing, 258 Kilskeery Gardening Society, 213 Kitchen garden, changing site of, 70 ‘Knotty point, 264 Lanovk, LESSENING GAEDENS, 115 Lapageria rosea culture, 35 Latimers, 333, 347 Laurel cuttings, 220, 261 Lawn — panelled, 45; mossy, 56; weed on a, 76; sowing, 95; Seven Years’ History of, 101; mowing in winter, 359 Leather-coat Grub, 191 Leaves, collecting, 456 IN FLOWER Leeds Horticultural Show, doubt at, 4; Poultry Show, 502 Leg weakness in fowls, 266, 314; of cock ulcerated, 526 Leicestershire and Waltham Poultry Show, 118 Leigh Poultry Show, 243 Leopard's Bane culture, 512 Leschenaultia eulture, 15 Lettuce enlture, 218 Light, influence on insects, 173 Lily culture, 359 Lilies of the Valley forcing, 416; not blooming, 457 Liliums — wintering, 399; lancifo- lium in a window, 260; culture, 359, 393, 431 Limnanthes grandiflora sowing, 457 Linnea borealis culture, 449 Linseed oil-cake as a mauure, 418 Linum flavum, autumn-transplant- ing. 221; Macraei and Chamis- sonis, 291 Liquid manure, evaporating. 56 Liverpool Botanic Gardens, 170, 252 Lobelia—pink-flowered, 198; Gor- donii, 518 Long Sutton Poultry Show, 318 Love Birds dying, 444 MACLEANIA — SPECIOSISSIMA, PULCHRA, 215 Maidstone Gardeners’ Mutual Im- provement Association, 369 Malay fowle, 96 Manchester Gooseberry Show, 150; Poultry Show, 520 Mangold Wurtzel and Swedes grow- ing alternately, 427 Market gardening—to learn, 137; commencing, 180 Marking fowls, 246 Marlborough, a few days at, 233 Masdevallia civilis, 413 aeanc ya Barclayana wintering, 299 Meadow or clay soil, 220 Mealy Bug, destroying, 417 Medinilla magnifica, 179 Medlar seedlings, 469 Meconopsis aculeata, 51 Melon culture—soil, planting out, airing, watering, fruit setting, 22; shedding fruit, 36 ; watering, train- ing, pruning, renewing growth, 42; succession, supply, fermenting materials, economising heat, se- cond crop, shading, 62-4; cracking, 95; culture, 22, 114, 274, 293, 412, 494; trames and pits for, 110, 132, 133; pits for, 194; water, 137; hot-water pits for, 152; pit and vinery, 158; not setting, 219; pit drain, £20; seed, old v. new, 230; shriveliing, 261; late, 511 Miconia pulverulenta, 179 Micranthella Candollei, 51 Middleton Poultry Show, 264, 282 Mimulus — striking cuttings, 116; cupreus flowers eaten, 16; cul- Ane 220; luteus var, cupreus, Minley Manor, 433 Mistletoe on the Oak, 73 Monocheetum ensiferum leayes shri- velling, 493 Monmonth Poultry Show, 341 Morley Poultry Show, 263 Moss, to remove, 158 Mulching, 53 Musa Cayendishii culture, 36 Mushrooms, culture, 116, 218, 258, 277, 337, 440; beds out of doors, 137; beds, 197; bed in a frame, ~ 298 ; forcing, 477; growing mon- ster, 257; in London cellars, 359 pfyreipby ton aspuragoides culture, 51; GU ERCISS OS, FORCING, 247; coLTuRE, 286 Nasturtium propagation, 316 Nectarines, period of ripening in orchard - houses, 125; on west aspect. 316; not ripening, 456 Nepenthes distillatoria resting, 380 New Zealand--gardeners emigrating to, 242, 371, 392; garden tequire- ments for, 352 ii Newcastle-on-Tyne Poultry Show. 78 Newmillerdam Poultry Show, 139 New York, city gardening in, 105 Nice, Societé centrale d’ Agriculture, &e., 253 INDEX. North British Columbarian Show, 523 Northwich Gooseberry Show, 150 Nosegays, preserving, §8 Notice to quit service, 298 Oak PALING, STAINING, 498 Occupations, changing, 49, 68 Onions, meggotted, 76; storing, 196; culture, 277 Orange seedling, to blossom, 279 Orchard-house, My, 1, 43, 84, 125, 188, 207, 249, 287, 448 Orchard-houses, 153, 337, 452; pro- duce, 62, 86, 512; glass for, 77; experience of, 170, 190; in Guern- sey and Herts, 83; in the north, 105 ; Mr. Rivers’s and Mr. Pear- son’s, 150; at Great Marlow, 256, 313; v. walls, 250; lean-to, 2715 erecting, 290; routine, 296 ; trees, 308, 313; top-dressing and pot- ting, 259; pruning, 293 Orchard ot three acres, planting, 37 Orchids and Grapes in same house, 189; packing for importation, 195, 209, 233; packing Phale- nopsis, Sophronitis, and Burling- tonia, 252; for plant case, 399; in flower in November, 430 *Orchidaceous Plan's, Select,’ 289 Ormskirk and Southport Poultry Show, 160 Ornamental trees and shrubs, 445 Ornamental-foliaged plants, 479 Ornithogalum thyrsoides, 51, 280 Ornithology, 122 Owston Poultry Show, 182 PANSY—ITS NAMES, 371; John McNab Mrs. Dombrain, Mrs. R. Dean, and Mrs, Scott, 215 Parke and Pleasure Grounds, penses of Royal, 107 Paris, notes from, 44, 350 Parroquets, taming, 526 Parson, experiences of a country, 167 Partridges in a town, 504 Passion-Flower, pruning, 498 Paul & Sons Nursery, Cheshunt, 209 Paul’s, W., Nursery, 272 Peaches—under glass at Bradford, 45; period ofripening in orchard- houses, 125 ; Mr. Radcelyffe’s, 168 ; in orchard-house, 207; spotted, 220; for market, 221; in America, 255; Belle de Doué, 159; Ex- quisite, Early Albert, 152; Mon- strueuse de Doué, 257; on west aspect, 316; large crop of, 348, 379, 388; New American at Ar- gers, 429; Canary and Honey, 511; trees, management of, 145; repotting, 192; cutting down old, 276; manuring, 427; scale, 17, 385; planting in a greenhouse, 457; in pots and maiden trees, management of, 472; pruning, 480; house, construction, 279, heating, 392, trees for, 56; rou- tine, 296 ex- Pears—grub on tree, 76; Fondante | de Cuerne, 128; Easter Beurré, 220; Conseiller de la Cour, 312; Vicar of Winkfield, 414 ;“Beurré de Rance, 418 ; tree hidebound cured, 261; removing dwarf, 261; on quince stocks, 313; for espaliers, 316; pyramidal, 316; preventing fall of, 331; culture, 369; dwarf, 377; six for wall, 380 ; large speci- men, 348; choice 352; trees dis- eased, 499; for Thorn stocks, 510 Peas—and sticks for, 13; mildewed, 35; for seed, 116; raising early, 467, 490 ~~ Pelargoniums—stopping, 35; Anne Page, Edgar Turner, 112; select fancy, 159: United Italy, 215; British Sailor and John Hoyle, 291; seedlings, wintering, 261; new greenhouse described, 506 Pentstemons Princess of Wales and Attraction, 513 Peru, culture of its soil, 91 Petunias — dwarfing, 220; propaga- ting double, 250 Pheasant hen assuming male plu- mage, 37 Pheasants, Golden, 284 Phlox Drummondi, dwarfing, 220 Picea amabilis unthrifty, 230 Pig destroying fowls, 244 Pigeons—Antwerp, 59; management, 97; at Newcastle-on-Tyne Exhi- bition, 97, 183; canker in; sett- ling in anew home, 120; Tumblers dying, 122; at Neweastle-upon- Tyne and Darlington Shows, 135, 162, 203; food for, 161; Tumblers not flying, 265; Laced Fantails, 864; training high-flying Tnmb- ler, 444; Satinette, 463, 524; Turbit affected with cold, 526 Pine Apples — many-crowned, 77; remeving suckers, 316; bottom- heat for, 360; seale, 95 Pinery routine, 296 Pinuses, digging round, 137 Pipes—hot-water, coating for 379; in open ground, 455 Pits—heating, 220, 457, 518; con- structing, 299 Planting and transplanting, 503 Platycerium stemmaria, 35 Plum—leaves diseased, 16; trees blighted, 76; Green Gage unfruit- ful, 76, removing, 159; dwarf, 339; six choice, 379 Plumage, black turned white, 361 Pocklington Poultry Show, 203 Poinsettia pulcherrima, culture, 149 ; dying, 479; propagating, 517 Porch, evergreen for, 158 Potatoes— Royal Ashleaf, 111; crop- ping ground after, 137; storing, 159; supplying London with, 238 ; produce, 352, 452, 472; pits, 258 ; Hand's Freedom, 359; crops in Treland, 371; varieties for various modes ofculture, 465 Poultry — season, the present, 20; judging, 36, 56; keeping success- fally, 57,118; st Linton Park, 57; pride in, 59; shows deficient in the south, 22:; in a small enclo- sure, 243; judging, 244; show, metropolitan, 262; sweepstakes, trial about, 264; judges, 283, 381, 418, 457 ; shows north and south, 360, 419; Shows in the south, 339, 380, 401, 403; feeding, 344; keep- ing from a commercial point of view, 501, 518; weights of, 503; shows, why simultaneous? 520 Poultry Club, 138; Show, Judges at, 18, 36, 56, 77; Meeting, 317, 461 Primula—farinosa culture, 331; ni- valis and cortusoides culture, 449 Protecting materials, 516, 517 Pudsey Poultry Show, 203 Pyracantha pruning, 499 Pyramid beds, 472 Pyrethrums, Annie Holborn, Ful- gens plenissima, and Nemesis, 215 QUICK HEDGE THIN AT BOTTOM, 339 RABBITS—HUTCHES FOR, 120; losing, hair ; ears falling to one side, 12) ; indications of their age, 122; re- collections of an old fancier, 203 ; Patagonian, &c., 204 Railway charges for poultry, 418, Ad Ranunculus culture, 327 Raspberries, in dry soil, 137; un- fruitral, 480 Red spider, destroying, 9, 261, 493 Reed Hall, 310; Roses at, 311 Renanthera Lowii, 413 Reptile, monster, 122 Retinospora obtusa culture, 512 Rhododendrons—watering, 77; Prin- cess Alice, 112; Princess Helena, 414; seedlings, 220; mulching, 229; leaves, holes in, 3803; stocks, 457; soil for, 457 pea bary foreiags 477; to preserve, 42 Ribbon-border—at Putteridgebury, 94; planting, 220 Ridging light soil, 440 Ripon Poultry Show, 57 Rochdale Poultry Show, 181 Rockyille, 102 Rockery. flowering plants for, 242 Rooks, 97, 121 Root-pruning out of doors, 259 Rosery, 358 Roses—on their own roots, 16; mil- dewed, 16; lore (186+), 44; leaves, drying, 35; Key. W. I’. Radclyife's lecture on, 66; at Christmas, 76; leaves blotched, 76; pruning, 95; Vil RosEes—Continued. Lord Macaulay, 112; King’s Acre, 179,291; Alba rosea, 215; Charles Lefebvre, 493; select, compost for, 116 ; culture in pots, 137; propa- gating Manetti stocks, 137; ele- gant mulching for, 195; budding Munetti, 193 ; Moss ove xuriant, 220; Manetti_ stocks. 1; this year, 232; standard, 242; to bloo:n at Christmas, 260; White Per- petnal described, 290; beds, pre- paring, 298; cuttings, potting, $16; white, 525; pruning climb- ing, 339; treatment of budded, 339; new, 87, 346, 349, 408, 426; Committee on proposea, 343 ; past, present, and future, 388; pillar in conservatory, 410; in the north of Scotland, 436; seed sowing, 441; budding on the Llacknerry, 456, a70; suitable to the North, 468; gratting on Manetti, 499 Ruellia culture, 15 SAL’X SHOOT FASCICULATED, 243 Salvia argentea, 46 Sand (pit) for potting, 359 | Saponuria, dwarling, 220 Sarracenia Drummondi, 112 Savernake House, 234 Saxifraga Fortuni, 513 Seale, destruction of, 490 Scarborough Poultry Show, 182 Scarlet Runner culture, 314 Scilla culture, 285 Sea-kale at Christmas, 279; ing, 477, 493 SCASOUy lessons taught by this dry, 192 Seat, Whittlesey’s locomotive, 90 Seaweed for Asparagus-beds, 457 Seeds, sowing various, 359 Selaginella denticulata, failure, 46 Selby, &c., Poultry Show, 37 Sewage, house, its value and mode of application, 508 forc- cause of | Shallots — maggotted, 76; planting, 415 Shot in fowls’ crops, 304 Shrubs—for a division hedge, 2215 flowering, for winter garden, 345 Silene acaulis culture, 250 Skeletonising leaves, 8, 29 Skylark food, 404 Smith’s Nurseries, Worcester, 369 Smith’s Nursery, Dulwich, 339 Smoke, its effects on vegetation, 106 Smoky localities, plants for, 11 Snaith Poultry Show, 58, 100 Snowdon, wild plants found on, 142 Snowdrop—forcing, 248 ; at Carist- mas, 260; culture, 269 Societies, small local scientific, 72 Soldanella alpina culture, 449 Somerford Park, 453 Southampton Bird Show, 463, 483 Spanish—chickens’ combs, 100; prl— lets moulting, 404 Sparaxis—culture, 328; failing, 559 ;_ forcing, 248; planting, 457 Sparkenhoe Poultry Show, 222 Spinach, New Zealand, 370 Spring-blooming hardy plants, 242 Squirrel in confinement, 344, 404 Stand for a window, 137 Stenocarpus Cunninghami, 339 Stocks, Intermediate, sowing, 220 Stoke Newington Chrysanthemum Show, 391 Stove and greenhouse, a cheap, 148 Stoves, heating by, 103 Strawberries — Royal Hautbois, 11, 71; Bijou, and Souvenir, 11; Royal Hautbois, Lucis, Boisselot,. Bijou, Lord Clyde, 31; La Con- stante, 62; new, John Powell, 31, 104; Ingram’s Rifleman, The Pre- sident, 104; Princess of Wales, Sir Joseph Paxton, 105; clay for beds, 16; mildew, 16; rooting runners, 54; on chalky soil, 55; estimate of sorts, 84; beds, making, 95; planting, 221; this year, 231; plants, reforcing, 249; culture, 296, 497; trade of Aberdeen, 329 ; Alpine culture, 159, 389 ; potting for forcing, 399 Struthiopteris germanica, 280 Succulent plants, culture of, 135 Sulphur—paint for fruit trees, 410; v. red spider, 472 Sultan fowls, 181 vill Sunderland and Newcastle Ornitho- logical Society, 142 Sunderland Pigeon Show, 381 Sweepstakes, trial about, 183 Sweet Mace, 35 Sweet William varieties, 414 TACSONIA MANICATA NOT BLOOMING, 158 Tagetes signata pumila as a bedder, 498 Tan, fungus in, 198 Terraces, planting, 399 Thladiantha dubia, 291 Thorn stocks, Pears for, 510 Thrips, 176; on Balsam leaves, 565 on Vine. 95; destroying, 261; Ferns, 440 Todmorden Botanical Society, 152, 932, 331 Tomatoes—planting, 56; sauce, 324, 364, 384 ‘Tong Poultry Show, 182 Tredegar Poultry show, 522 Tredennick, J. Esq., his garden at Camlin, 149 Trees—in pleasure grounds not suffi- ciently varied, 31, 89; shrubs tor growing beneath, 479 Trellises in stoves, plants for, 432 ‘Trichomanes radicans culture, 260 ‘lrichinium Manglesii, 291 ‘ritoma uvaria, 285; failure, culture, 311 Tritonia culture, planting, 457 Tropwolum speciosum culture, elegans culture, 399 Tuberose culture, 479 Tulips—compost for, 95; 247; culture and list, 286 328, 339, Apples, bush trees Bee-hive, 2 good Bs Adjuster and Bar.. Bees, Inverted Bottle-feeder for . Boiler, [russ’s . "Conservatory, Mr, ams’s New, A at Enville Enville Hall Fruit-houses... Plan of Grounds . Conservatory... oO Sea-horse Pool. Flower-garden Plans Fountain, Hebe. Foxley’s Corrugated Brick Walls Furnace, a Vinery Gas-heating ......... Grafting the Vine. Heating. Hot-Water Apparatus Hedge Trimmer ........ Tee*HOuses,..............0-0000- Latimers, Ground Outline. Flower Garden 2” ” forcing, | INDEX. Tunbridge Wells Poultry Show, 317 | Turf soil, 132 Turkeys with swollen heads, 184 | Tyldesley Poultry Show, 362 Upas TREE, 298 Urceolina pendula, 215 | Utilization of Minute Life,” 173 Uttoxeter Poultry Show, 262 VaLLOTA PURPURFA, 116 Vegetables running to seed, 138 | Ventilating, 90, 261 | Verandah trellis, climbers for, 359 Verbenas — propagating, 135; best purple, 316; obtaining a stock of, | _.479 Veronica Hulkeana, 513 | Vinery—construction, 116; heating, | 138; with Melon-pit, 158: andCu- | cumber-house heating, 220; rou- | tine, 296; The Ground, 369; gliss | for, 441; furnace, 469; profits of, | 512; late, 518 | Vines—syringing, 14, 35; in pots, 15, 16, 440,498 ; under sashes, &c., 6; leaves rough beneath, 35; in a pit, 35; ing, 95; border, covering, 116, 441; Esperione, as a stock, 170; shoots diseased, 179; renovating, 220; for a cool vinery, 136, 261, 317; stocks for grafting, 159 ; red spider on, 191; Hampton Court, 198; with Camellias, fore- ing, 221; in pots, forcing, 221; in Canada, 250; bone-dust for, 262; in balcony vinery, 279; in pots failed, 299; moving into greenhouse; fruiting in pots; roots in greenhouse, 516; from eyes v. layers ; planting old small ; | Virginian Stock, transplanting, 399 | altering mode of prun- | ' Water Melon culture, 137 Watsonias, planting, 457 Weeds, eradicating, 196 Week, work for, 12, 32, 52, 73, 92, 113, 133, 156, 176, 195, 217, 239, 257, 276, 295, 313, 336, 356, 377, 397, 414, 438, 455, 476, 495, 515; doings of last, 13, 33, 53, 74, 93, 114, 134, 156, 177, 196, 217, 240, 258; 277, 295, 314, 337, 357, 377, 397, 415, 438, 456, 476, 496, 515 Wellingtonia gigantea, 473; culture, 15; in California, 238 | Whitiey Abbey, 474 | Wild fowl, food for, 100 | Wild plants—culture of, 136; Snowdon, 152 Wuliams’s Victoria Nursery, 174 Winter Cherry, propagating, 298 Wintering plants without artificial heat, 511 Wire edging, 77 Wire netting for protecting fruit trees, 136 Wirral Poultry Show, 202 Wood Pigeons destractive to Goose- berry bushes, 109 Woodstock Poultry Show, 281 Vixxs—Continued. planted in side and ontside, 327; | inarcbed, 338; not breaking well, 338 ; mildewed, 359; roots in tan, 359: for orchard-house, 365 5 not | thriving, border widening, 3793 | fruited in pots in 1864, 387 ; plant- ing, 399; from eyes, 400; sewage for, 417; unfruitfal, 418; plant- | 27 5 improving old, 4303 back- | } . rafters for, 431 ; for green- house, 440; in an orchard-house, 449, 493: grafting, 499; in pots, forcing, 516; charcoal for, 517; unfruitful, 518 on Visits to gardens public and private, | 102 Vitis Bainesii, 291; macropus, 414 Wasaes, 198 Wakefield Poultry Show, 160 Wal!-fruit trees for midland counties, | 400 Walks, washing and weeding, 456 Wallfiower, Graham’s Yellow Per- | fection, 51 Walnuts; preserving, 260, 261, 298, | Woolhope Naturalist’s Field Club. 72 332 | Worcestershire Poultry Show, 318 Walls—trees, insects on,.192; fruit | Worms—ground impervious by, trees for low, 261; Foxley’scorru- | 242; in pots, 295; heaps on a gated, 275 | lawn, 497 Wasps — destroying, 157, 206; v. bees, 183 | Water—as an ornamental feature, 88 | YELLOW-FLOWERED STOVE PLANTS, supply of, 93; cooling in hot wea- | 379 ther, 133; reservoirs for, 177; | Yews— pants under, 339; hedge in Herts, 189 | injured by drought, 359; tree Watering, 178; pot plants, 135; in polsonous, 383 dry weather, 143; barrow, 111 Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Poultry Show, 139, 482 Yorkshire Pomological Society, 429 Water Lily, white, planting, 249 WOODCUTS. a oe OF 499 PAGE. .. 110, 132, 133, 152, 153, 194, 274, 293 434 Melon Beds, Pits, and Houses .... Minley Manor Flower Garden... Orchard-house at Great Marlow Pears, mode of preventing their fall Pine Stoye at Enyille .. Poultry, Floor of Run.. 5, Drinking Fountain » Feeding Trough... Feeding Fountain Earthenware Nest ... Hatching-room ... Home and Vinery . 5, Netting-in their Run ... Somerford Park, Fiower Garden.. Strawberry, Rivers’s Royal Hautbois.. m House at Enville Ventilating Plant Structures Vine, Grafting Vinery, Furnace . Be Wall Case at Enyille ‘Hall . Watering Barrow..... Wedge for Air-giving Whitley Abbey Whittlesey’s Locomotive Seat to ov oo July 5, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. pt WEEKLY CALENDAR. THE CHISWICK GARDEN OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ANN, ONDAY, the 27th \ IN of June, was a << great day for SA the old garden at Chiswick ; andno one came away from it without a feel- ing of regret at the neglect with which it is ; “treated by the present management of the Society. No one could walk amongst the ornamental trees now attained to a noble growth, and now showing fully the taste which dictated their arrangement, without expressing the anger that is felt for men who are layishing thousands of pounds upon the gew-gaw garden at South Kensington, whilst upon these noble grounds at Chiswick the same management declared that the Society could not spare ‘‘ ten pounds ” _more! The fact makes one pause in writing the words, and think a second time whether such a perversion can be, and that the horticultural Fellows do not gather together and resolve that such a perversion shall not be. It would be no idle resolve, be it remembered ; but we believe that they hesitate, hoping that the management will take to a course: more consistent with the objects of a Horticultural Society. Among these objects is the increase of a knowledge of fruits and their cultivation—and at Chiswick the Society has to operate with the most complete collection of Apples, Pears, and Grape Vines that exists in Europe. Its noble vinery and the excellence of the Vines within it are worth a day of railway travelling to inspect. . To be able to exhibit all this, and much more which we need not detail, was a triumph for the Chiswick Garden, for every one of the fifteen hundred who visited it that day felt how it towered above its disproportion- ately pampered competitor at Kensington. That number —1500 visitors—should speak with a trumpet tongue a lesson to the Society’s managers. Of that number, 1360 were Fellows of the Society and their friends. Now, if this Strawberry Féte had been advertised as the fétes at Kensington are always advertised, how many more hundreds of the public would probably have attended ? Why was it not more publicly announced? Why was a iess powerful band engaged than is engaged for the_ Kensington tétes? If it was to obtain evidence that the Chiswick Garden is less attractive than the garden at Kensineton, that intention was abortive, of which no better evidence is needed than the joyous groups as- sembled there compared with the formal, dressed-for- display throng at Kensington. Quite sure are we that the Fellows who were at No. 171.—You. VII, New Sxnres. and indignation | Chiswick that day would record their votes, not only for more such assemblings there, but that the expendi- ture upon the garden shall be more liberal; that its turf and other parts of the ground shall be kept in good order worthy of what should be the model Society of Horti- culture; and then those Fellows might be content te allow some of the glass structures to remain as they all are at present—mere propagating and nursing places for the plants to furnish the beds and borders at Ken- sington. MY ORCHARD-HOUSE.—No. 4. A LEARNED friend who has written an extensive work on the Channel Islands, and who is an excellent authority on the matter, having resided in Guernsey for several years, in describing the climate of these islands represents them as being the “ chosen battle field’ forall the winds under heaven. The whole group lies in such a way off the main continent, that every fierce blast from the vast Atlantic Ocean meets a corresponding storm from the land, exactly at the spot where these favoured isles are placed. 5 Guernsey has, however, the distinction of a bad pre- eminence even here, while it frequently appears to me that our front walk, near which the orchard-house stands, is selected above all other spots in the island as that where furious storms most love to contend. On the Ist of January, 1861, about two-thirds of our orchard-house fell suddenly, as if a shell had exploded therein, under the violence of one of these gales, with a pressure of what seemed to me of about a hundredweight to the square foot! As no one would venture in, all the trees were crushed and the pots smashed, while the rafters fell among our Rose trees, levelling these at once. It was a sad sight for me, and it needed all my love for the work and conviction of its utility, even as a model and schoel for others around, to reorganise the house afresh. A clerical brother quaintly reminded me, that “ it was not 2 gin palace I was building, but a suggestive and useful structure.” The house was accordingly rebuilt, the mutilated trees sprang up afresh, new plans were adopted, everything was on a better scale, and I have never regretted doing so. When I think how many have profited by inspecting the work, and that I am able, I trust, to contribute some- thing towards my brother amateurs by describing matters exactly as they are with me, it is impossible not to feel gratified. Orchard-houses seem especially adapted for amateur fruit-growers. More can be learnt in them in one year than in, perhaps, ten out of doors. And among other things it must not be forgotten, that time is to us all that which is most precious. Let us, then, be ever ready to contribute towards another's innocent pleasures, so few in this world; and Jet us shun all bitterness of expression, in gardening matters especially. ; The continual strong breezes and generally cold weather of the last fortnight have been very trying to vegetation. Tender bedding plants, such as Amaranthus melancholicus No. 623,—You. XEXII, OLp SERrns. | in | | Day | Day | Average Temperature Rain in Sun Sun Moon | Moon } Moon's Clock Day of of | of JULY 5—11, 1864. Ga Besteenlirondeny Blast ona a dene ialt moon pecan |i won debe tare) DAT & M’nth} Week | 37 years. | Sun. \ | Day. | Night. | Mean. | Days. | m. h.| m. h.| m. h.!| m. h. m. s. LIBRARY 5 Tu St. John’s Wort flowers. ; 77.38 51.0 64 2 16 52af3) 17af8 | 37 5| 68 § 1 4 18 187 6 | WwW Ginnwoumeniness | 761 51.2 | 63.6 LESH ed Sqe Sh || 16h 8 lide | 4,9 2 4 93| iss INEW YORK 7 Ta Smooth Meadow Grass ripe. J}. 73.5 51.7 626 20 04,7 3) | 16) 8) r45 728 | 9 3 4 38 | 189 AS 8 F | Young Pariridges fledged. 74.1 50.2 62.1 19/55 3/15 8] 48 8 | 49 9 4 4 47| 199 BOTANICAL 9 Ss Everlasting Pea flowers. 73.7 50.1 6L9 17 56.3). 14 8 152 99/1 9) -10 o 4 56) 191 4 LP HE 10 | Son | 7 Suxpay AFTER TsrIniry. ) 94.4 50.7 625 15 57 3113 8 | 56 10/29 10 6 5 5 |. 192 GARBEN. 11 | M | Wild Basil flowers. | 74.6 511 62.9 10. |58 31/12 8 | after. | 52 10 7 |.5 13]. 193 cy | | | From observations taken near. London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 74.87, and its night temperature 50.9°, The greatest heat was 97° on the 5th, 1852; and the lowest cold, 36°, on the 7th, 1860. The greatest fall of rain was | 1.07 ineh. 2 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ruber, have been with us destroyed by the hundred. The wall Peaches look much injured; even standard hardy Pear trees have suffered, but under glass we have none of this, except that the season for gathering the fruit will not be so early as seemed likely during that wonderful May. Peaches are colouring fast and are large. Apricots are ripe with us. De Milan, the earliest full-sized Apricot, was, however, ripe last year a week before this. The extreme heat of May obliged us to give much water to the roots, and, probably, they are somewhat chilled and the tree put back from this cause. I regret now that tepid water was not given, as it is a great ohject to forward these trees. Early Favourite Plum is ripe. Doyenné d’Eté Pear is about 2 inches in length. , Ts it of any use to my brother amateurs to note the follow- ing? Itseems to me that it would be very interesting for some northern amateurs to forward us southerners the sizes of the fruit in some of those decried houses. Comparisons would not be odious in this case, for we must be at least ten days in advance in ripening power. I have never before seen that best of early Peaches, Early York, so fine as at this date. Some fine specimens from half a dozen trees are nearly 6 inches in circumference, though Early York is but a medium-sized Peach. Some- thing as early, as good, and full-sized would, indeed, be an acquisition. Canary comes near to it in excellence, it is a heavy cropper, of a lovely yellow, forming with Early York and Golden Purple, another rather late and singularly and beautifully-streaked Peach, such a triad as rejoices the amateur who has pleasure in colour. LHarly Crawford is about the size of Early York at present. Rivers’s Orange Nectarine, of which we have some twelve trees, is 43 inches in diameter; Violette Hative about the same; Hunt’s Tawny, a little larger; Downton, 5 inches in circumference. Chau- viére, a very excellent bearer, and Stanwick, two of the very best Nectarines, are 54 inches ; while Exquisite and Galande (French) Peaches are 64 inches in circumference. De Milan Apricot is 54 inches, and De Coulange 5 inches. The Peach Apricot and Kaisha are smaller. On these trees the crops are very heavy, about one hundred on one of them, and this makes them smaller this year. It must be a mistake to try to grow quantity at the sacri- fice of quality in orchard-houses, and wherever this is done the fault will soon show itself in the loss when sent to market, or in the next year’s produce. But I must resume the consideration of the other classes of Peach shoots. In the preceding paper we had dis- cussed two classes and now arrive at a third, which is of rather a puzzling character. This class will he met with along the branches, more or less, at about their central portions of extension. They are slender, from 6 to 8 inches in length, and present the disagreeable phenomenon of an unusually large number of fruit-buds unaccompanied with leaves. There are. however, some very small+buds visible near the bases of these slender shoots which are not fruit- buds, but they are dormant. For summer pruning under glass we can dispose of this dificulty without much risk. If there is time to recognise the peculiar character of the shoot it would be proper to pinch to three leaves, instead of to four at the first pinching- in, but it does not matter much. Some pruners in the autumn, out of doors, would cut back to the small buds at the base of the shoot, having no expectation of fruit from them. Others would treat them as fruit-bearers, and cut-in to 4 inches for this purpose; but in the summer orchard-house pruning, which alone is now the question, it will be well to pinch-in a little more closely these shoots. By this means they will be closer to the branch (always a great object in a small space), and by the stimulating influence of the concentrated heat they may bear and grow too. It seems unfair to expect the same slender shoot to bear fruit and to extend itself much. It is always better to have a certain number to select from. Some should bear, others should extend and ripen for the next season. Those which have borne their fruit should then be cut back below the spot where that fruit was grown, directly after it has been gathered in the autumn. ‘The buds at the base will thus be stimulated by the sap being now directed to them. What they accumulate in the autumn is thus most precious for [ July 5, 1864. the following spring. After a few seasons much becomes clear to the pleasing observer, and yet each succeeding year he will be reminded by mistakes and failures that gardening in its various branches is, indeed, an art, and he will be led to study the works of those scientific men who have done so much for him and his pleasures.—T. Continas BRi&HAUT, Richmond House, Guernsey. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL AND NATIONAL ROSE SHOW. Tuts was held at South Kensington on Wednesday and Thursday last, and never has it been our lot to see a finer display of old England’s national emblem. Stand after stand, filled with the finest blooms from all the southern parts of England, and some from the north, extended in a close and in some places double line the whole length of the conservatory arcades, affording to the view a glorious dis- play of the richest colours, and filling the air with a delicious perfume. The day being fair, though not so bright as one expects at the end of June, the attendance of visitors was very numerous, so much so as to render it almost an im- possibility to get near the tables, especially where the nur- serymen’s collections were situated; and it was pleasing to observe the evident interest taken in the merits of the respective stands, and of the several varieties of which they were composed. The first Class was for seventy-two kinds, one truss of each; a great improvement over the old and almost un- manageable Class of ninety-six. Here Messrs. Paul & Son were first with magnificent blooms, among which we parti- cularly remarked Madame Charles Wood, Charles Lawson, Madame C. Crapelet, General Washington, Lelia, John Hopper, Victor Verdier, Praire de Terre Noire, Hamlet, Clivier DeIhomme, Lord Canning, Professor Koch, Prince Camille de Rohan, Gloire de Santenay, Gloire de Dijon, Nar- cisse, and Madame Eugéne Verdier. My. Cant, of Colchester, was second, and Mr. W. Paul third, the competition in the case of all three exhibitors being very close. Of Mr. Cant’s, Monte Christo was notice- able on account of its blackish purple colour, Madame Cail- lat as a fine bright cerise, Maurice Bernardin for its fine colour, besides which there were fine examples of several of the kinds already named. Queen Victoria from Mr. W. Paul, white, slightly shaded with pink, and Princess of Wales, as a fine bright crimson, were remarkable for their beauty; to these must be added Charles Lefebvre, Beauty of Waltham, and a host of better-known kinds. Mr. Mitchell, of Pilt- down Nurseries, Maresfield, was fourth; Mr. Keynes an Mr. Cranston also showing fine stands. i In Class 2, forty-eight kinds, three trusses of each, Mr. Turner was first with fine examples of Charles Lawson, La Reine, Queen Victoria, Louis XIV., Duchesse d’Orleans, Victor Verdier, La Ville de St. Denis, Senateur Vaisse, Anna de Diesbach, Gloire de Dijon, Souvenir de Malmaison, and others. Messrs. Paul & Son were second, Mr. Keynes third, and Mr. Cant fourth. The next, Class 3, was for twenty-four kinds, three trusses of each, and in it Mr. Keynes took the first prize with beau- tiful blooms of Charles Lefebvre, Madame Furtado, Madame Charles Wood, La Brillante, Olivier Delhomme, Maréchal Vaillant, Francois Lacharme, John Standish, and Mademoi- selle Bonnaire. Messrs. Paul & Son were second, Mr. Cant third, Mx. Turner and Mr. Fraser being fourth: In Class 4, twenty-four kinds, single trusses, Mr. Turner was first, Mr. Keynes second, Mr. Cant third, and Mr. Fraser fourth. In the different stands were some excellent examples of Lzlia, Madame C. Wood, Charles Lefebvre, Madame C. Crapelet, Vicomtesse de Cazes) Madame Bravy, Clement Marot, and many others. In the Amateurs’ Classes, J. Hedge, Esq., of Reed Hall, Colchester, was first both in forty-eights and twenty-fours, showing, among others, fine trusses of Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, a splendid cream white; Rubens, white, shaded with rose; Comte de Paris, a superb white, all belonging to the Tea class; Madame Masson, Noisette Celine Forestier, Madame Boll, Charles Lawson, and L’Enfant Trouvé. Mr. Moffat, gardener to Viscount Maynard, Dunmow, was second for forty-eight, Mr. Ingle third, and Mr. Exell, gardener to July 5, 1864, } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDINER. 3 J. Hollingworth, Esq., was fourth. For twenty-fours, C. Worthington, Esq., Caversham Park, Reading, was second, Mr. Exell, third, and Mr. Ingle fourth. For eighteen kinds, the Rev. V. Knox Child was first with a fine stand, Mr. Plester second, R. B. Postans, Esq., third, Dr. Cooper, Slough, fourth; and the Rev. H. Helyar, Pen- domer Rectory, Yeovil, had an extra prize. All these exhi- bitions consisted of good blooms, and many of the trusses were very fine. The Rev. V. Knox Child was again first in twelves; Mr. Churchfield, gardener to R. L. Charrington, Esq., Carshalton, second, and Dr. Cooper third. Class 9 was for eighteen new Roses of 1863 and 1864. Mr. Keynes was first, Mr. Fraser second, Mr. W. Paul third, Messrs. Paul & Son fourth. Prominent among the kinds shown were Princess of Wales, Lord Macaulay, Lord Herbert, John Hopper, a fine violet purple seedling from Mr. Wm. Paul, Baron Adolphe de Rothschild, a fine fiery red, shown by all the competitors; Alba Rosa, white, with rose centre, the finest white Tea Rose which has appeared since De- voniensis ; Alfred de Rougemont, a large crimson purple; Le Baron Rothschild, carmine centre, shaded with violet towards the outside; and Le Rhéne, rich vermilion. Madame Soupert, white, with flesh centre, also seemed a very desir- able white Hybrid Perpetual; Emotion (Bourbon), white, more or less tinged with rosy pink, was very pretty in colour; and Louise Margottin, rose, was very desirable. Some beautiful blooms of this, from Mr. Fraser, were placed first in Class 10 for the best twelve trusses of any new kind of 1863, Mr. W. Paul taking the second prize with Lord Macaulay. For twelve trusses of any kind, Mr. Keynes was first with Charles Lefebvre (magnificent), Messrs. Paul & Son second with Mrs. Rivers and Comtesse de Chabrillant, Mr. Hedge fourth with the same kind, and Mr. Ingle third with Prince Léon. The first prize for the best twelve trusses of yellow Roses, not less than six kinds, was adjudged to Mr. Hedge. These consisted of Jaune of Smith, Celine Forestier, Aurora (very beautiful), Narcisse, Solfaterre, Triomphe de Rennes, Cloth of Gold, Louise de Savoie, Vicomtesse de Cazes, Isa- bella Gray (a beautiful deep yellow), and Enfant de Lyon. Messrs. Paul & Son and Mr. Cant took the remaining prizes in the order in which they are named. Classes 13 and 14 were for Tea-scented and Noisette Roses, and the trusses exhibited comprised good examples of nearly all the best varieties, while the perfume they exhaled was delightful. Mr. Hedge was first, Mr. Worthington second, and Mr. Ingle third among Amateurs; Messrs. Paul & Son, Mr. Cant, and Mr. W. Paul holding the same relative posi- tions in the Nurserymen’s Class. Class 15 was for single blooms of twelve distinct kinds, and here remarkably fine blooms were exhibited by Mr. Keynes and Mr. Turner, also by Mr. Cant and Mr. Hedge. Celine Forestier, Madame Furtado, Charles Lefebvre, Sena- teur Vaisse, Madame C. Crapelet, Lelia, and La Reine may be particularised as a few of the finest, and Gloire de Dijon was magnificent. i A few competitors came forward for the prizes offered for decorated baskets or vases of Roses. By far the best came from Mr. W. Adcock, gardener to Mrs. Forbes, Petersfield, and from the simplicity of the materials employed it was particularly deserving of credit, as well as for the good taste, which avoided anything like overloading with flowers—a fault which was very apparent in the other designs. It was made something after the form of March’s stands, the base being of moss, with a few Ferns and Grasses appearing to grow out of it; and the stem, which was, in fact, merely a crooked stick, was coveied with moss,.and supported a circular stand covered with moss, in which Roses were bedded (and not too many of them), a cluster of Rose-buds with the stalk and foliage forming the centre. Mr. Turner was second with a simple stand, in which Isolepis gra- cilis was employed with good effect; and Miss Wint third, with a basket supported by an imitation rough glass rock, with Ivy, Ferns, and Roses at its base, and beneath which was spread an anti-macassar, which would have been far better dispensed with. Class 17 was for six bouquets of distinct kinds. Mr. Hedge was first with Comtesse de Chabrillant, Senateur Vaise, Madame Boll, Madame Bravy, Madame Vidot, and L’Enfant Trouvé; Mr. Turner second; and Mr. W. Paul third. Madame Furtado and Praire de Terre Noire from the latter, were very fine, as indeed were the whole of those exhibited by the prizetakers. Moss Roses, as shown, lost much of their principal attrac- tion, the mossy covering being to a great extent hidden by the blooms. It is questionable whether they would not have been seen to greater advantage had they been shown in three trusses of a kind, and with an interval between each kind. Messrs. Paul & Son were first, Mr. W.-Paul second. The varieties were the Crested, White Bath, Baronne de Wasse- naér, Gloire des Mosseux, Common, Nuits de Young, a dark purple, Julie de Mersent, and Lanei. For the best three trusses of Hybrid Perpetuals Mr. Keynes was first, with immense trusses of Charles Lefebvre, the blooms measuring between 4. and 5 inches across, and the wonder of all who saw them. Mr. Cant was second with the same kind almost as large, and first for the best three trusses of Tea Roses with Souvenir d’Elise, Mr. W. Paul being second with Madame Villermoz. In pot Roses Mr. Turner and Messrs. Paul were first and second, Mr. W. Paul third. Among them were Caroline de Sansal, a good summer pot Rose; President, fine; Gloire de Santenay, Souvenir de la Reine d’Angleterre, an effective autumn pot Rose; Lelia, La Reine, La Brillante, Gloire de Dijon, Modéle de Perfection, Orderice Vital, pretty in colour ; Madame Furtado, &e. For new Roses in pots Mr. W. Paul stood first, Messrs. Paul & Son second. Among.those of the former, the best were Alphonse Damaizin, scarlet purple; Alba Rosa, one of the finest Tea Roses; Professor Koch, a very fine shaded crimson; Madame Caillat, with large smooth petals of great substance; Beauty of Waltham, Charles Lefebvre, Olivier Delhomme, fine colour, purplish red; Francois Lacharme, exquisite in form; and Emile Dulac, a fine lilac rose. Messrs. Paul & Son, besides several of those already re- ferred to, had La Brillante, very good; Maurice Bernardin, fine; Le Baron Rothschild, already noticed as one of the best of the new varieties; and Madame Wm. Paul. Of miscellaneous objects some good wax flowers, of which the Roses were the best, came from Mrs. Mitchell, Wands- worth Road; Lilium auratum from Messrs. Veitch; plant cases from Messrs. Barr & Sugden; and, finally, a Cocoa- nut, ripened inthe Duke of Northumberland’s stove at Syon, for which a first-class certificate was awarded by the Fruit Committee. It will be recollected that this nut was set and. began to swell under the management of Mr. John Smith, now Curator at Kew, and its maturation has taken place under the eye of Mr. Fairbairn, who is the present gardener. Frorat Comumitter, June 29ruH.—The great Rose Show was held on this day at the South Kensington Gardens. A Sub-Committee was summoned to inspect such new plants and florists’ flowers as might be sent for examination, the introduction of which added much to the interest of the Exhibition. Mr. Hally, Blackheath, sent several scarlet Pelargoniums. Enamel, a pleasing variety, pale rosy salmon trusses, with dark zone on bright green foliage, received a commenda- tion; Red Riding Hood, distinct white eye, bright scarlet flowers, medium truss, broad zone on dark green foliage, very dwarf habit—second-class certificate; Queen Mab, too much resembling Adonis; and Goliath, a coarse-growing plant with variegated foliage. Mr. Bull, Chelsea, sent a collection of scarlet Pelar- goniums, impressing the Committee with the idea that they were all seedlings. A selection of the following sorts was made, but the Committee do not recognise them as seed- lings, as the names of some of them appear in the catalogues of 1864:—Rosamond, pale salmon, new in shade of colour, zonate foliage, fine truss—second-class certificate; Madame Rendatler, deep rose, compact truss, fine form, slightly zonate—first-class certificate; Faust, fine truss of intensely deep scarlet flowers, zonate foliage—first-class certificate ; Hector, deep rose, fine form—first-class certificate ; No. 10 Psyche, pale salmon, centre shaded to white, small truss but fine petals, zonate foliage — second-class certificate. There were many other beautiful varieties in this mixed collection: Clipper, a fine flower, which received a first-class 8 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 5, 1864. certificate on a previous occasion; Achilles, a second at the Jast meeting ; Persian, a delicate pale-shaded scarlet; Rose Rendatler, Hve, Fanty, &c. From Mr. Bull also came Canna nigricans—first-class certificate; Geonoma Ghiesbreghtii— first-class certificate. Mr. Bull sent also three seedling Mimulus. 3 From T. Laxton, Esq., Stamford, came Fuchsia Harle- guin, pale pink corolla striped with purple, and Othello; neither of them were in any way novelties. From Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing came Verbena Sir G. Musgrave, a dwarf-habited scarlet ; truss average; flowers not first-rate in form; colour not equal to Lord Leigh and others of that class. My. Wm. Paul exhibited several seedling Scarlet Pelar- goniums of the Nosegay sec‘ion, these seedlings being results of the perseverance of the late indefatigable and enthusiastic florist, Mr. D. Beaton. There is a decided novelty in their colour and style which will render them indispensable in every eollection. They are but the first fruits of careful hybridis- ing, and we may reasonably expect further progress. Some of these seedlings have much broader petals than the usual Nosegay section, such as Stella, Merrimac, &e.; but that by no means gives a coarseness to the truss, although it would almost constitute an intermediate position between the broad-petalled section and the Nosegays. Amy Hogg, light rosy purple, very large, fine truss standing well above the foliage, which is slightly zonate; this variety is quite new and distinct in colour; as a bedding plant it will be invalu- able; it was the admiration of all who saw it—first-class certificate. Rebecca, rosy scarlet, broad petals, fine truss, distinct and new in colour; a most useful variety for bedding purposes—first-class certificate. Beauty of Waltham, darker shade of colour, fine fower, medium truss—second-class cer- tificate. Glowworm, quite a novelty, with bright scarlet upper petals, the lower deep carmine. The trusses of this seedling were thin. If this plant can be grown stronger it will not be surpassed by any other Nesegay. Beaton’s Indian Yellow: this, again, though quite novel in colour, in its present state did not produce sufliciently large and compact trusses, the essential qualification of this section of Pelargoniums. Orange Nosegay, had the same deficiency as the last two. Some of these seedlings will doubtless be exhibited again, when they may present an improved appearance. Mr. W. Paul also exhibited four seedling Roses :—Globosa (Hybrid Perpetual), a globular, compact, crimson red flower—second class certificate; Dr. Lindley, a shaded dark flower of very promising qualities; Princess of Wales, which has been much admired ; and Robusta. The specimens exhibited were in bad condition to judge of their merits. Mr. J. Walker, Thame, sent a collection of Sweet Williams ealled Auricula-eyed. They were very pretty, and received a special certificate. Messrs. E. G. Henderson sent Variegated Scarlet Pelar- gonium Queen of the Nosegays ; Petunia picturata, a white- striped variety, like many others; Petunia gigantea plena, a monster in size, large creamy white flowers faintly veined ; Verbena Velvet Cushion, a most useful bedding variety, dwarf habit, dark rosy purple flowers, said to have been erossed with the old hardy garden variety venosa. The eolour of this Verbena will be most telling in a mass, the foliage being very small. From Messrs. Carter, Holborn, came Clarkia integripetala Hore pleno, a very beautiful and showy annual, not spoiled from its numerous petals forming what is called a double flower. It received a first-class certificate. Mr. Townsend, Hornsey, sent three seedling plants of Clematis lanuginosa; but as there seemed some zeason to believe that these seedlings had keen before the Committee fast year under different circumstances, they were conse- quently unnoticed until some further inquiry be made. All we can say is, they were strikingly like the seedlings ex- hibited by Mr, Jackman, of Woking, last year. DOUBT AT THE LEEDS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. A vispuTE having arisen at our late Exhibition respecting a Vine that was exhibited as a “fruit tree in pot,” for our satisfaction it was agreed to ask your opinion whether you thought it eligible to compete in that class or not; and if the fruit being vipe it ought to have had the preference over a Peach tree in a pot with frvit unripe. Enclosed is our schedule.—R. F. ; [The schedule has these two classes “LL. Fruit Tree in pot (bearing fruit). MM. Vine in pot (bearing fruit) ;” and the classes are preceded by this general rule, “All fruits exhibited must be ripe and fit for table.’ We consider, therefore, that the Vine with ripe fruit was entitled to the prize, the Peaches being not ripe; and we consider a Vine in pot might .be exhibited in Class LL., for it is a fruit tree. There should have been the words, ‘“‘ Grape Vines excepted,” if the Committee intended to exclude them from that class. —Ebs. J. or H.] CRYSTAL PALACE ROSE SHOW. Tue difficulty of reporting on a Rose Show with an at- tendance of 15,000 visitors and crinolines three deep before the boxes is a matter of no ordinary character, and I was unable until after the rush of visitors came in to get near the boxes in which the magnificent blooms contributed by our leading nurserymen were placed. When I did so the thought occurred to me, What good will it be to write down the names of ninety-six Roses? and for whose benefit will it be done? and might I not adopt some better plan for benefiting the lovers of the Rose than such a process im- plies? There are various classes of Rose-lovers and Rose- growers who frequent these shows or who wish to know about them. There are exhibitors who have an eye to the future, and who desire to know what Roses which they have not may be useful to add to their collection; simi- larity to other varieties out does not affect them provided they be good exhibition Roses. Now it is quite evi- dent that if a Rose be x good one, a large grower and a large exhibitor will not be over-careful as to its similarity to another kind, it may be useful to him some day for making up his 96’s or 48 trebles. Then, again, there is the small grower, who also desires to bean exhibitar. With him the selection must be more particular, for he cannot afford room for all, and of those sorts which are most like each other he must discard some, Keeping one only out of the number. Then, the amateurs pur et simple, who have no ambition to excel as exhibitors, love a few Roses, and love them only for their own sake. With them colour and effect are more thought of than size and shape, and a brilliant fiery crimson is much more thought of than a delicate flower which to a florist is the perfection of shape and substance. There are some Roses which meet all such classes, there are some which donot. Thus, take such a Rose as Charles Lefebvre. No one can do without it—however small the collection, it must be there; while, on the other hand, when you hear Turenne or H. Bourcier is a fine Rose when you can catch it, why, the amateur cannot want to catch it. He cannot afford to give it space, and only, perhaps, get one bloom on a plant. To a nurseryman this is a matter of uo moment; space to him is comparatively a trifling matter compared to the chance of getting a fine bloom some show day when he wants it very much. Let us see how this applies in the Class of new Roses, in which Mr. Wm. Paul was first, Mr. Keynes second, and Messrs. Paul & Son third. There were in all these boxes Roses which without doubt are fine, but so like one another that amateurs would hardly care to fill their gardens with them all. Thus, Maurice Bernardin, Olivier Delhomme, Madame Boutin, Mad. Julie Daran, La Brillante, and others come at times so close to one another, that even an expe- rienced Rose-grower will find great difficulty in determining the name of one of the flowers. Such a case did occur. One of our very best amateur growers had misplaced the name of one of his flowers, and brought it to one of our most successful and experienced Rose-growers in order to ascertain itsname. He said, “It may be any of these, but I think it is so and so.” Of the Roses of 1861, sent out here in 1862, the following occurred in these stands, and have established beyond doubt their claim to be distinct, and will probably remain a long time on our lists. H.P. Charles Lefebvre (Lacharme), the finest crimson Rose we have, a fine grower, and of a July 5, 1864, J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. = >) substance of petal quite wonderful; Ducde Rohan (Leveque et fils), a noble flower of the Senateur Vaisse type, but of a somewhat lighter shade of colour; Frangois Lacharme (Verdier et fils), brilliant carmine with a purplish shade, very globular flowers, and altogether a first-rate Rose; John Hopper (Ward), beautiful lilac rose with a rosy crim~- son centre, very fine, and of excellent habit; Madame Boutin (Jamin), beautiful well-formed Rose, of fine habit ; Madame Caillat (H. Verdier), this Rose does not seem much known—it is not in Margottin’s or Rivers’s lists, but I have it very fine, and some blooms of it exhibited in the various stands were excellent—it is a bright Rose, well shaped, and very effective; Madame Charles Wood, a beautiful Rose, of large size, with large petals, and very lasting; Maréchal Vaillant (Leconte), rosy crimson, double, and well formed ; Maurice Bernardin (Granger), rich crimson, at times very like others of the same style; Monte Christo (Fontaine), brilliant dark crimson, a fine and distinct Rose; Olivier Delhomme (Verdier et fils), brilliant crimson, good shape and outline—I have not found it a very vigorous grower, but it may be so; Prince Camille de Rohan (E. Verdier), a very distinct Rose, rich dark maroon crimson—some blooms looked a little too thin; Souvenir de Comte Cavour (Mar- gottin), a beautifully brilliant dark Rose; Souvenir de Lady Eardley (Guillot pére), a rich rosy purple Rose; Vicomte Vigier (Verdier et fils), splendid colour; Beauty of Wal- tham (Wm. Paul), light rosy crimson. There were other Roses of the same year in the various stands, such as Christian Piittner, Alphonse Damaizin, Emile Dulac, Ma- dame Julie Daran, but I do not think them equal to others of the same style amongst those I have selected. And so with another Rose which it goes to my heart to say a word against for the name it bears—I mean Reynolds Hole; but | although very bright and very pretty in Mr. Wm. Paul's stand, yet I fear it is too small for our present taste. Amongst the Roses of 1862, let out here in the spring of 1863, the following were very noticeable, although I do not think that any of them were equal to Charles Lefebvre or Francois Lacharme; still they were very beautiful, and are Roses we must have :—Alfred de Rougemont, rich crimson purple, a very attractive colour; Baron Adolphe de Roths- child, brilliant red, approaching to Lord Clyde; Baron de Rothschild, a fine rose; Deuil de Prince Albert, dark crimson, but has the great defect of hanging its head when on the bush; Jean Goujon, light crimson—broad and flat Rose, one or two blooms of it were very bright; Le Rhéue, rich colour, fine shape, but, I fear, likely to be delicate; Madame Freeman, pale fiesh and white; Mrs. William Paul, red, shaded with dark crimson; President Lincoln, brilliant cherry rose; Wil- liam Paul, dark crimson; André Leroy, large deep crimson ; Laurent Descours, purplish crimson; Vainqueur de Goliath, a fine dark purplish crimson flower; Beauté Francaise, in Mr. Canit’s stand, very like Léon des Combats, but brighter, I think; Paul Desegrand, bright red, shaded; M. Alfred de Rougemont, white, shaded with rose. I have not entered into detailed descriptions of these, for I think we hardly yet know which will stand the best; but I am inclined to think I have selected those which are most likely to be enduring. The Roses of 1863, sent out here this spring, were not very numerously exhibited. Amongst them I noticed as good :—Alpaide de Rotalier (Campy), clear satiny Rose, but flat in shape; Madame Derreulx Douvillé, a beautiful Rose, to which I alluded last week—the fowers exhibited were small, but it will be a good and useful Rose—Paul Delameil- laray, 2 very vigorous large-petalled Rose; Lord Herbert, bright crimson, very much like Beauty of Waltham; Lord pea: a good dark; and Lord Clyde;a very splendid ose. — Of new Bourbons let out during the same period, there were exhibited Louise Margottin (meorrectly placed in some lists amongst the H.P.’s), a very pretty rose-coloured flower, of good shape; Emotion, somewhat similar in shape but paler in colour; Mademoiselle Emain, another light- coloured and pretty dower; and Reverend H. Dombrain, a beautifully-shaped and high-coloured Rose, as exhibited not quite so full as I have seen it, especially on the old plants at Marcottin’s, where it was very fine. Of new Teas there were shown Rubens,. a fine white, shaded; Triomphe de Guillot fils, white, shaded with rose and salmon, and in one instance exhibited with a great deaill of coppery bronze shading, which gave it a very striking appearance; and Alba, or Alba rosea, a magnificent new Rose, somewhat in the style of Madame Bravy, light, almos$ white, with rosy centre. It were an almost endless task to enumerate the various Roses exhibited in the stands of both nurserymen and amateurs. In the former the first prizes were, as it will have been seen, very much distributed, having been re- spectively assigned to Messrs. Paul & Son, Mr. Cant, Mr. Turner, and Mr. Keynes (two). The second prizes went to Mr. Mitchell (Piltdown), Messrs. Paul & Son, and Mr, Turner (two). Not so amongst amateurs. Here all the first prizes were taken by Mr. Hedge, whose Roses equalled, if not surpassed, his former productions, and whose Teas were a marvel of fine growth and care. And here I may be excused for one word touching a personal matter. My name appears as a prizetaker, and also as a judge. Let me say that in the Class of 18’s I requested"my able coadjutor. to decide without me, which he did; but, feeling that thie might not be generally known, I thought it advisable, on my return home, to write to the Secretary of the flower, show, saying that I was contented with the position assigned me, and declining to receive the amount awarded, desiring to “ avoid even the appearance of evil.” I should think that amateurs must have hailed with pleasure the rule of the Royal Horticultural Society, whick excluded the exhibitor in the larger classes from exhibiting in the smaller ones, as, where Mr. Hedge is, there is but, little hope of any other competitor taking a first prize. The rule seems to me a good one, as it enables small growers te have some hope of a prize, which is almost out of the question when one has to enter the lists with those whose collection is as large as that of many nurserymen, and grown with perhaps greater care.—D., Deal. THE ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S SHOW. JULY 2ND. Turis was the last Show of a brilliant and successful season; and it was not only equal, but in many respects superior to its predecessors. Although the dazzling colours of the Azaleas which lighted up the earlier shows were absent, and although the Pelargoniums, as a whole, were not equal in size or beauty to those previously exhibited, yet, as a compensation, the Stove and Greenhouse Plants were in greater abundance, the Heaths in greater perfection, the cut flowers more numerous and beautiful than ever. Then there was the Fruit—and such fruit! What Black Prince Grapes have ever been seen to equal those from Mr. Hill? At other shows he had exhibited three bunches weighing 8} lbs. and 10 lbs. 6 ozs., and these were wonderful ; but, more wonderful still, he now came with bunches weighing 13 lbs. 10 ozs., and 11 lbs. 10 ozs. for the three, and of which the largest could not be less than 17 inches long, and the smallest 14 or 15, and these perfectly ripe, and symmetrical. That such a display as that of Saturday last, unlike others which have been recently made, should be conducive to the advancement of horticulture cannot be doubted; and that such purely horticultural exhibitions can be made to pay their expenses, and leave a wide margin, not of protit, but of fands to carry out other objects connected with gardening science, the large and fashionable attendance of visitors om that occasion, amounting to many thousands, is abundant proof. Stove anD GREENHOUSE Puanrs.—The collections ex hibited by Messrs. Whitbread, Gilbert, Fraser, and some others were remarkably fine, and, containing several kinds not before exhibited this season, they excited greater interest. That fine Melastomad Pleroma elegans, as shown by Mr. Whitbread, was covered with numbers of its highly orna mental purple flowers, and it was seen in fine condition in other collections. Ixora salicifolia with magnificent heads of reddish orange bloom came from Mr. May and Mr. Rhodes; and the old but very pretty white-flowered species alba, from the fcvmer and Mr. Peed, was also very effective. Alla- mandas, consisting of Schotti and cathartica, were very fine, particularly the former; Dracophyllum gracile was in good condition in several collections, also Rondeletia speciosa 6 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Polygalas, Pimeleas, Vincas, Dipladenias, Statices, Rhynco- spermum jasminodes, growing very gracefully, and covered with its white Jasmine-like fowers; and Roella ciliata, very conspicuous from its lavender and violet flowers. Lesche- naultia formosa, with numerous scarlet blooms, from Messrs. Lee, forming a bushy little plant, was very pretty. Erica Parmentieri rosea, from Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Rhodes, was covered with its splendid deep rose-coloured blooms; Mr. Whitbread sent an immense Azalea magniflora in excellent condition, both as regards flowers and foliage ; and from Mr. Gilbert came Kalosanthes superba, with truly superb scarlet flowers. Clerodendron Thomsonie, from Mr. A. Ingram, though not fully out, was also very striking, and when better known this beautiful species will no doubt become a favourite exhibition plant. The prizes awarded were :—For sixteen, Mr. Whitbread first, Mr. Gilbert (gardener to E. L. McMurdo, Esq., Hastings) second, Mr. May, Hawkesyard Park, third ; for ten, Mr. Fraser, Lea Bridge, first, Messrs. Lee second, Mr. Williams third, Mr. Rhodes fourth; for ten (Amateurs), Mr. Peed first, Mr. Chilman second; for six, Mr. Wheeler first, Mr. Kaile second, Mr. Page third, Mr. Cross fourth. Fine-foliaged plants were of the usual character, com- prising Alocasias, Crotons, of which the narrow-leaved sort from Messrs. A. Henderson had the yellow variegation fully developed, and the plant formed a beautiful weeping bush ; a very tall Dracena indivisa from Mr. Williams; Latania borbonica, Encephalartos latifrons, the rush-like pendant- leaved Littza juncea, and Sabal Blackburniana, a noble plant, from Mr. Taylor. Messrs. Lee were first in the Nursery- men’s Class; Messrs. A. Henderson and Williams equal second. In the Amateurs’ Class the collections of Messrs. Baines, of Bowden, Cheshire, and of Mr. Fairbairn, of Syon, who were first and second, were very fine; Mr. Taylor and Mr. Young were third and fourth. Frrns.—Collections of the exotic species comprising large specimens of Cibotium princeps, Cyatheas, Gleichenias, Dicksonias, Todea africana, &c., were sent by Mr. Williams and Mr. Bull, who received first and second prizes; and those from Mr. Young and Mr. Martin, which were placed equal third, were also good. In British Ferns, Messrs. Ivery’s fine collection, as usual, carried off the first prize. Oncuips still made a fine display. Among those from Mr. Baker were the curious greenish-yellow-flowered Den- drochilum filiforme, Mrides odoratum majus, an old but very free-flowering species, of which this was an excellent speci- men, Cattleya amethystoglossa, Saccolabium guttatum, Holfordianum with six fine spikes, Vandas, Lelias, Cypri- pediums, &c. In the other collections we noticed the green- and-white-flowered Brassia verrucosa, the rare Brassavola Digbyana, Cypripedium Hookeri, and several good varie- ties of barbatum, Oncidium Lanceanum, Cattleya citrina, with bright yellow flowers, and which does well under cool treatment; Oncidium fexuosum, blooming, as it gene- rally does, very freely ; also a very fine example of Cattleya Mossie from Mr. Penny, besides Arides, Saccolabiums, Vandas, Cattleyas, Lelias, Phalenopses, in fine condition. A dark crimson and yellow Stanhopea, from Mr. Rhodes, attracted much attention from its remarkably large and handsome flowers; and by those who did not know that it was a peculiarity of the genus Acineta Humboldtii, pro- ducing a long spike of flowers from the bottom of the pot, was considered wonderful. This came from Mr. Parker, of Tooting. The prizes awarded were :—For twenty, Mr. Baker, first, Mr. Miiford second, Mr. Peed third; for twelve, Mr. Penny first, Mr. Page second, Mr. Chilman third; for six (Nurserymen), Mr. Williams first, Mr. Parker second, Mr. Woolley third, Mr. Rhodes fourth; for six (Amateurs), Mr. Wiggins first, Mr. A. Ingram second, Mr. Wilson third, Mr. Wheeler fourth. (Lo be continued.) CLIANTHUS DAMPIERI SEEDLINGS. Some time ago I sought your directions as to the culture of some Clianthus Dampieri seedlings, and was requested to let you know whether I succeded in flowering them; with much pleasure I therefore do so. I potted my two seedlings in a compost of peat, charcoal, turf soil, and sand, following your instructions as nearly as I could, and giving the plants a good place in the greenhouse. [ July 5, 1864. Both seedlings progressed healthily for some time, but the most vigorous one about two months back suddenly drooped and gradually withered without any apparent cause, the stem of the plant, below the collar, and the roots seemed black and diseased, leading me to suspect that the drainage was faulty, although I had taken great care about it. I am glad to say, however, that the surviving plant has thriven well, and during the past month has thrown out several splendid blooms in trusses of three or four flowers, with every appearance of continuing to do so for some time to come. The brilliancy of the flowers amply repays the at- tention required, and I have to thank you for the directions afforded, which have enabled me to flower the plant suc- cessfully.—A Younc AMATEUR. P.S.—Is bast matting better for budding purposes than worsted or woollen thread? I budded many stocks with the latter last season with hardly a failure. What is the advantage of bast-matting strips ? [We know of no superiority that the one has over the other. | FLAVOUR OF FRUIT UNDER GLASS v. THAT ON WALLS. I am indebted to “‘ Wrestbe” for his temperate communi- cation at page 437, in reply to my call for information as to fruit grown under glass being superior in flavour to that grown on walls. He saysI have undertaken a very diffi- cult task when I attempt to prove that those who have suc- ceeded in growing as fine fruit under glass as others upon walls, ought not to have done so for physiological reasons. I never undertook to do anything of the kind. What I said and still maintain was, that fruit grown under glass is superior in flavour to that grown on walls in the full sun, was an assertion diametrically opposed to the laws of Nature as expounded to us by vegetable physiologists. ‘‘ WrEsIDE” says facts are against my argument; and yet he does not furnish us with a single fact wherewith to afford ground for a discussion of the topic, but leaves others to speak of them. Whether does a Peach tree on 2 south wall or in an orchard- house enjoy the more light? This is the point on which “ WyrEsIDE” asserts I am so much in error as to astonish him, yet he adduces no facts; and as for his @ priori reasons, showing that orchard-house trees enjoy more light than trees on walls, I will show that they even bear out my argument. ‘ WyEsIDE” says, “A wall shuts out half the light of heaven.” Admitting this (which I cannot as ap- plied to Peaches on a south wall), it must follow that an orchard-house with an opaque back wall, ends, and sides for some height above the surface is as dark as the wall, from the opaque character of the back wall, darker from the total obstruction of light by the also opaque ends and sides, still darker again from the obstruction of light by the woodwork of the roof, and darker even yet by the impurities ever present even in the best glass, without adding another item to the darkness by the rays reflected, let the angle formed be what it may. If this be true of lean-to houses, how happens it that fruit grown in them is earlier than that in span-roofed houses? What is the cause of their being warmer? “ WYESIDE” does not take cognizance of the fact in the one ease, nor of the cause in the other. Is not fruit produced sooner in lean-to houses by that which “ WYESIDE” says makes walls darker than orchard-houses ? If a lean-to house be much lighter than a span-roofed, which I contend it is not, how comes a tree on a wall to receive less light than one surrounded by light on every side—such as one under a span-roof with glass ends and sides to the house? A tree surrounded by light on every side, as in a span-roofed house, does not receive nearly so much direct light nor even heat as one in a lean-to; for it is absurd to argue, that be- cause a house presents a larger surface of glass (more than half of it to a diffused light), to the open firmament, that it must necessarily be lighter than another presenting its sur- face at such an angle that very few rays of light are reflected. I suppose “WvrstpE” is aware that it is owing to the greater proportion of rays reflected by the roof of a span- roofed house over that reflected by a lean-to, which causes the trees in the former to assimilate the food of the tree in the leaves more slowly than in the latter, through the less intensity of the light; and the heat being less also, less food July 5, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 7 is pumped up into the leaves and the process of assimila- tion goes on more slowly, and the result is, frnit not ripe and the growth not perfected so early as with trees under a lean- to house roof. ‘‘ WYESIDE” may explain this away by con- tending that a span presenting a larger proportion of exposed surface to the air is sufficient to account for the difference of temperature in favour of a lean-to, which owes its heat to the smaller proportion of glass surface presented to the cooling influences of the atmosphere. I admit it; but how comes the lean-to to be heated much more quickly than the span? For the same reason? Decidedly not. Very well, then, we come to the point at once. A span-roofed house affording light to its inmates on every side, they are in- debted to refraction for all the light on the west side of the house when the sun’s rays fall on the east; and are not Pears on a west wall the same? Cherries on an east wall or aspect are also indebted to the same refraction when the sun’s rays are obscured from them by the bricks that in- tervene between them and the west side on which the sun’s rays are falling; but is the light not less intense on the side of the wall opposite that on which the sun shines? I sup- pose a wall on the sun-side casts no greater shadow than the sun-side of a glass roof, and the trees upon it receive the sun’s rays equally from top to bottom. But who can say the same of a glass roof? Why, the trees beneath it are indebted for the light they receive to that which passes through the glass, directly or indirectly, it is all the same; they cannot receive any or but little of that light which the angle of incidence causes to be reflected back into space. If it be as light on.the north side of a wall, or in the shadow of anything that obstructs or causes a deviation from the natural course of the rays as in an open space where the sun’s rays are not broken by some substance suspended or other- wise causing a deviation from the natural course of the rays, then are trees under glass in the enjoyment of more light than trees on a south wall. There is an equal amount of light on the earth when the sun’s rays are obstructed by the clouds, according to ‘“‘ WyEsIDE’s”’ argument as when there are no clouds to intercept them. “ WYESIDE” again, speaking of light, says that an Apricot on a west wall is deprived of the light which is sufficient to ripen Cherries on the east side by the bricks that intervene. Suppose we take away the wall and the Cherry trees, would the ;Apricot trees have more light? Not a particle; for immediately we take away the wall leaves appear on that side and shut out the light from the others on the opposite side, rendering them as dark as they were when the wall prevented their receiving any light from that point; and, in addition, they are deprived of the heat absorbed by the bricks and the shelter walls afford. Then as to trees on walls shooting at an angle from the wall on whatever aspect, does it not arise from the same cause as that which makes orchard-house trees grow upwards towards the glass? Surely trees shoot from walls for the same reason as that which causes orchard-house trees to grow upwards, the lowest branches to be weak and continually dying off—viz., towards the point from which the light is most intense. All trees on walls push their branches to- wards that which is necessary to their existence—viz., light. In whatever position or situation a plant is placed it is always found pushing its leaves towards the light. “Does Mr. Abbey imagine that light proceeds only in direct rays from the sun?” asks “Wresripz.” I can only answer that the theory of light rests on three laws: 1st, The rays of light are straight lines, given and reflected in the same. 2nd, The angles of incidence and refraction are in the same plane, and equal. 3rd, The angles of incidence and re- fraction are in the same plane, and their sines bear an in- variable ratio to one another for the same medium. As to the Apricot from a wall with a pallid hue on the side next the wall. Is not that pallid hue due to the absence of the same agents that cause those in an orchard-house to be of a “sickly colour” all over—the absence of sun, its light and its heat? _ But I must not lose sight of « Wyzsrpr” striving to make it appear that I consider it colder under glass than in the open air. If he refers to page 213, he will find that I state that I found the atmosphere 5° warmer in a span-roofed orchard-house than in the open air; but if he expects me to become converted to his views—viz., that heat is not inter- cepted by glass, or that orchard-houses owe their warmth over that of the open air to any increase of heat caused by the passage of solar heat with its light through glass, I must say he expects me to assert that which I know to be er- roneous. The best glass is that which stops the most heat, as Hartley’s rough plate, for all horticultural purposes, when the structures are heated or not heated, such struc- tures being warmer than the interior of houses covered with 16-oz. glass. Let ‘“‘ Wyrsipe” keep a register but for a week of the temperatures of three structures equal in their cubic measurements, and also equal in the area which is to admit the sun’s rays, and make the latter surface of— 1, 16-0z. glass; 2, Hartley’s rough plate glass; 3, oiled paper; and he will find more heat or a higher mean tem- perature under 3 than under 2, and higher under 2 and 3 than beneath 1. Further than this, let him take a large pane of glass, and place it over a thermometer so that the sun’s rays will pass vertically through it, and he will find the sun’s rays do not raise the mercury more than were there no glass over it; but suppose he place the pane of glass so that the angle of incidence be more than 45°, the mercury sinks proportionately lower than when under the pane of glass with the sun vertically over it. Again: let him erect a house with an angle of 25°, a second 35°, a third 45°, against a south wall, or with an opaque back wall, and complete his experiment by erecting a span-roofed house with the ends respectively north and south, with the roof at any angle he pleases, and glass down to the ground if he chooses; in short, have glass where we have some opaque material in the first three. All shall be equally well stocked with Peach trees, and all equally well attended to, and which will furnish ripe Peaches the earliest ? Why, they will come in order as named, the span-roofed house being fully a month behind the first of the others, and this with double the amount of “ glass not intercepting the heat,’ according to “ Wrexsrpx,” for it is so hot in houses with a glass roof securing light for the trees enclosed on all sides, as to render the heat quite unendurable. Mr. Rivers tells us such a climate is quite delightful. I myself had any time rather spend a week in a span-roofed orchard- house pinching-back the young growths, or otherwise at- tending to its inmates, than remain an hour in front of a south wall trimming Peach trees trained to it during very hot weather. The air is really so bracing in the former, and so roasting in the other, as to leave no doubt about which is the most comfortable situation to be in. The heat is another question, for heat as determined by the senses is no crite- rion to go by. In fact, degrees of heat and moisture cannot be determined by the senses with any degree of accuracy. In conclusion, I can only say that out of the six northern counties of England, and the whole of Scotland, we have but two cases of Peaches and Nectarines being grown in cold or unheated orchard-houses in that extensive range of country, much the largest half of Britain, one cited at Seg- gieden, near Perth, by “S. R.,”’ and the other by “ PENDLE,” near the famous peak of that name in Lancashire. Mr. Pearson also states the success of orchard-houses at Prescot, but whether Peaches and Nectaries are successfully grown in houses unheated and detached from a wall is not stated. This is all the evidence we have been favoured with relating to the success of orchard-houses in the north. Surely there have been more successes than those named. I have grown Grapes in unheated lean-to houses within the sound of the striking of big “Peter” of York, and had them ripe by the races held there in the last week of August; Peaches and Nectarines also in unheated lean-to houses in the latter part of July, and beginning of August; and gathered Haryl Anne Peaches from a south wall in the second week in August; and gone night and morning with a peck basket and collected fallen Peaches from a net in the last week in August and on through September, and more than once have had to go twice, the basket being too small to take all at once. At Bradford, however, such things are not seen, though I have seen Peaches ripen on a wall, yet I looked into all the hoorchard-uses round there, from that under 20 feet in length up to those 300 feet long and 20 feet wide, and never yet saw a crop in any of them, nor in those situated in much more favourable localities. Aa ine Mb. Rivers, after giving us a racy account of his liking for Cherries, and some excellent information as to their cultiva- 8 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 5, 1864. tion under glass (and I can bear witness to how well they do under glass, in unheated orchard-houses in the north), expresses his regret at the “rather low idea of the capabili- ties of the gardeners in the neighbourhood of Bradford,” which, he says, has been given by me, and this in conse- quence of my having given an account, of the failure of Peaches and Nectarines in orchard-houses in that locality. He says that the gardeners there “ ought to be able to con- quer all the difficulties of the position.’’ They, let me tell him, are qualified to do so; but it will be by heating their orchard-houses, if they mean to have Peaches and Nec- tarines with certainty, and not in unheated structures. They have grown as good fruit as ever was eaten, but they have received little aid from orchard-houses, except in the matter of Cherries, Plums, Pears, and Apples. Unheated orchard- houses answer well for these, as I stated on former occasions. Mr. Thomson may deserve great credit for growing Grapes, and having them ripe in January, but I believe he was not the first to accomplish the feat of having ripe new Grapes on the Ist of January; for, some twelve years ago, Mr. Watson, gardener at Ribstone Hall, Knaresborough, Yorkshire, at that time had some nice ripe Grapes, when I called there early in January, growing in a Pine-stove, specimens of which were exhibited at one of the Horticul- tural Society’s meetings in January, and duly reported in the “Transactions” of that Socisty. At Harewood House, the residence of the Earl of Harewood, I believe Grapes were produced by Mr. Fowler on New-year’s Day before Mr. Thomson accomplished the feat at Dalkeith. As for the ripening of Grapes in January teaching us to “look doubt- fully on our present laws of vegetable physiology,” as far as regards the influence of light ripening fruit, I must refer Mr. Rivers to the exhibiting of old Grapes versus new in January, 1863, the former being contributed by Mr. Tillery, Welbeck, and the latter by Mr. Thomson, Dalkeith, with a view of deciding on the relative merits of old over new Grapes. The old, ripening with more “light and sun heat,” were unanimously pronounced the best in point of flavour ; whilst the new were the freshest, and consequently most attractive in appearance, and as such were preferable to old Grapes. It was said that Mr. Thomson’s Grapes were not so “well coloured nor so well favoured” as they were from the same Vines in the January preceding, which was attri- buted to the prevalence of cloudy weather whilst the Grapes were ripening. New Grapes, then, ripened in January, were not equal in flavour to those ripened at a period when the sun’s light and heat were more powerful. In reference to my visiting either of the places named by Mr. Rivers, I do not see the necessity for going to either Nottingham or Liverpool to see what I every day see on my present employer's garden walls and espaliers. If Mr. Rivers be at all desirous of testing the capabilities of York- shire gardeners, he has nothing to do but send some of his very best orchard-house fruit to any of the York, Leeds, or Bradford Shows, and they will teach him to have anything but a “low idea” of them in future—GrorcE ABBEY. [We consider this a very unprofitable discussion. We have eaten Peaches and Nectarines ripened under glass nearly as fine, nearly as luscious, and nearly as high-flavoured as the best ever grown against a wall. Grant that they always are more or less inferior—what then? They are grown under glass for earliness and certainty. As to less light being received by fruit under glass than when grown in the open air—granted ; but what then? Fruit trees are grown under glass for the purpose of retaining heat to them. As to Peaches not being ripened in an orchard-house at Bradford, we are quite sure that Mr. Abbey only states what he knows; but the fact only proves that there must be something peculiarly unfavourable in the situation of that town, for it is certain that Peaches are so ripened in many places much further northward. ] : SKELETONISING LEAVES AND SEED VESSELS. Pur the specimens in rain water, in which they must remain till decomposition takes place, so that they may be freed from the pulpy matter, and after macerating in clear spring water dry them between sheets of blotting paper, then bleach them in diluted chloride of lime sufficiently strong to burn the tongue. When whitened, to be washed again in clean water, and dried by sun or fire. Take care not to allow the destructive process to be carried on too long, or it will injure the fibres, nor must they remain too long in the chloride. They may be cleansed, if leaves with strong fibres, with a softish nail brush, or pricked out with a pin, when the pulpy matter adheres too strongly to be removed with water. Some leaves takes months to de- compose. No two years are alike as to the time of gather- ing, or time required for the process. If obliged to be taken out of water during the process, for travelling, &c., the leaves must not be allowed to dry, but be kept folded in a damp towel. The softer the water the better. You must not bleach the leaves directly, but wait till you have a quantity to whiten. Lzaves.—Ivy, Magnolia, Pear, Apple, Butcher’s Broom, Andromeda, Tulips, India-rubber, Sycamore, Holly, Aspen, Poplar, Apricot, Lemon, Orange, Box, Lime, Hornbeam, Passion-F lower. SEED-VESSELS. — Stramonium, Henbane, Poppy, White Cherry, Campanula, Lavatera, Mallow, Hydrangea, Hore- hound, Sea Holly, Deadly Nightshade, Radish, Flax, Hemp, Stinging Nettle, stalk of Cabbage, tuber of Turnips. MESSRS. IVERY & SON’S NURSERY, DORKING. Or the many beautiful spots along the ridge of the North Downs, which stretch nearly across the county of Surrey, there are none from which a finer or more diversified view can be obtained than from Box Hill, in the neighbourhood of Dorking. This, as the name implies, is remarkable for the quantity of common Box (Buxus sempervirens), growing there, and believed to be indigenous; and which certainly adds materially to the beauty of the place. At the foot of the hill is a station on the Reading branch of the South- Eastern Railway, known as the Box Hill station, thus afford- ing a facility for such as live at a distance to visit this delight- ful spot. The convenience of approach is-largely availed of by hundreds of persons, and among them, doubtless, by many ot your readers who love to enjoy the beauties of nature ; so that every fine day in summer numerous groups of cheerful faces may be seen scattered over the green turf, enjoying their picnic and the glorious landscape spread before them. To enter into detail as to the many salient points of interest that can be viewed from Box Hill is not, however, the object of this article; but to remind the reader, and all interested in horticultural pursuits, that less than ten minutes walk from Box Hill station is one of the most important nurseries in Surrey, and, in some respects, in England—viz., the establishment of Messrs. Ivery & Son: for here originated many of the most splendid of the varie- ties of Azalea indica, that have excited such general admi- ration at the metropolitan and other flower shows, and which are found in every private collection of merit in Europe; and here also exists the wonderful collection of British Ferns that has now become an adjunct to the great floral displays. When an improved arrangement of those shows shall be effected, nothing will be found more suitable to aid m moderating the overwhelming blaze of the gorgeous speci- mens produced by the skill of our gardeners than the lovely foliage of the British Ferns. A visit to this establishment, then, will be found highly interesting, and although mine was made when the Azaleas were out of bloom, there was much to be pleased with. A brief inspection of the various houses in which the stock of Azaleas are kept was sufficient to be convinced of the excel- lent state of health and fine condition of the plants ready to be sent out, of which there are several thousands. Among the most important may be mentioned Iveryana, Criterion, Admiration, Barclayana, Gem, Beauty of Reigate, General Williams, Rosea elegans, Striata floribunda, and several other approved kinds, all of which were originated by Messrs. Tvery; and more recently—Carnation, Tricolor, and Levia- than. Of novelties about to be sent out, Beauty of Dorking is ready at the present time. It is white striped with rose, of fine form and good substance. Forget-me-not, reddish purple, will be ready in May, 1865; and Fascination, rose edged with white, in the autumn of next year. Those last- July 5, 1864. j & : JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 9 named will prove great acquisitions. Vast numbers of plants of all the leading kinds raised by other growers are in equally fine condition. Next, and in no way inferior in merit, is the magnificent collection of hardy Ferns, chiefly British, with about a dozen exotics. Altogether there are in cultivation here 158 varie- ties of British Ferns, but very many of these originated here as the offspring of other kinds. At present there appears to be no limit to the number of varieties likely to be obtained. Wariations occur every year, and some of them of great beauty and distinctness ; but it also happens that the seedlings (if I may use this term as applied to Ferns) frequently go back to the form of their original parents. It is worthy of note that all the Ferns actually found wild in this country are kept in stock, so that every lover of this description of plants can readily obtain kinds that would take a long time and distance to find in their wild state. The British Ferns, then, when brought under the training of the skilful cultivator, are yearly showing some new feature of interest, and, because of their hardiness, will at no dis- tant period be eagerly sought for as important items in garden decoration, for dinner tables, plant-cases, and many other purposes where foliage is required as much as colour. Their cultivation is also easy. therefore they may share the attention of all. The collection of Messrs. Ivery is familiar to the visitors of the great metropolitan shows; but to such as may not have had the opportunity of seeing them the subjoined list may be depended on as containing some of the most beau- tifuland distinct kinds. Adiantum capillus-Veneris (Common Maiden-hair), Aspleniums.—Asplenium fontanum (Smooth Rock Spleenwort); septentrionale (Forked Splenwort); viridis (Green Spleenwort). Athyriwms Filix-femina (Lady-Ferns). —Athyrium Filix-feemina apuzeforme, very beautiful, the out- line of the frond resembling a fish, and the pinne little fishes ; corymbiferum, fronds and pinne bearing light tassels at the ends, a vigorous grower, very distinct and lovely ; crispum, a dwarf tufted variety, very curious; diffissum, rather rave; Fieldie, a new and striking variety, it should be in every collection. The same may be said of Frizelliez. Laciniato- lineatum and plumosum rank among the most beautiful of the Lady-Ferns. Blechnwm spicant (Common Hard-Fern.— The best of the tribe is probably Blechnum spicant ramosum, all the fronds being beautifully erested at the ends. Nearly as good and distinct are polydactylon; strictum; subser- ratum ; and subserrato-imbricatum. Lastrea (Aspidium).— Lastrea Filiv-mas (Male Fern) : Bollandix, one of the hand- somest of the non-cristate varieties of Filix-mas, and very distinct ; crispa is quite a unique kind, differing from the species in the widest manner imaginable; cristata is a fine variety ; cristata angustata,.a new and rare form of the pre- ceding; and Jervisii is an interesting variety; Osmunda regalis cristata is very handsome. Polypodiwms.—The four following are pretty :—Polypodium Dry opteris, Phegopteris, Robertianum, and vulgare cambricum (Welsh Polypody). Polystichums (Prickly Shield-Ferns).—Polystichum angulare imbricatum ; angulare proliferum; angulare Wollastoni; and lonchitis (Holly Fern), are the most desirable. Scolopen- driums (Hart’s Tongue).—Of about thirty of the Scolopen- driums, the following half a dozen are good :—Scolopen- drium vulgare sculpturatum ; vulgare Wardii; vulgare cris- pum ; vulgare digitatum ; vulgare macrosorum; and vul- gare muricatum. The following four new Ferns are now ready for dis- tribution :—Athyrium Filix-foemina mucronatum and glo- meratum (which have both received first-class certificates from the Royal Botanic and Royal Horticultural Societies) ; Athyrium Filix-feemina Parsonsie, and Polystichum aculea- tum acrocladon. The last received a second-class certifi- cate from hoth Societies, but when shown it was not fully darcleped, so that its merits have not yet been fully recog- nised. Of the nursery stock out of doors, the most prominent are the Conifers, on account of the number, size, and form of the specimens. The Home Nursery, small in extent, con- tains a large number of fine plants of all the most important kinds used for ornamental purposes. Wellingtonias are from 8 to 12 feet high; and among them is one very inter- esting at the present time from the cireumstance of having twelve perfectly-formed cones. The cones were first noticed ’ last summer, but, not coming to perfection in the autumn, were suffered to remain, and are now firmly set; but it is not certain that they will produce seed. My own supposition is, that they are abnormal, caused by frequent removals of the plants. They are formed round the main stem at the end of the growth of 1862. Also deserving of notice is a Cupressus Lawsoniana, with abundance of seed. The Araucarias are very fine. From thirty to forty of them, ranging from 10 to 15 feet high, planted in close proximity, offer a curious and interesting sight, such as can only be seen in the old-established nurseries of England. It is a mistaken notion that Conifers are only fit for parks and large pleasure grounds. They should be planted every- where, in the smallest as well as the largest gardens (so many of fastigiate habit have, of late years, been introduced that the size can no longer be pleaded as an excuse), much more the compact kinds, as Thuja (Biota) aurea, Juniperus ericoides, &c. Any one taking the slightest interest in his gurden, and looking at the pianted space in front of Mr. Ivery’s house, filled with Conifers of all sizes and forms, would not hesitate to acknowledge their beauty, and the wide range of their adaptability. Among the other plants most worthy of note is a large one of Lonicera aureo-reticulata, which stood out in a rather exposed situation the whole winter. It continued crowing the whole time, excepting in the severe frosts, when very small portions of the ends of the shoots suffered trifling injury. The hardy character of this beautiful climber is thus sufficiently proved. - At the upper end of the nursery on the north side of the boundary-wall is a collection of Ivies and Vincas, suitable for shady and other places, where many things will not grow- Of the former Mr. Ivery tells me he has thirty-nine varie- ties. Many of them are very distinctly striped and blotched. The Roses are here, as they must be in every nursery, an important branch of the business. A judicious selection of the really best kinds is infinitely better than an indiscrimi- nate propagation of the good and bad that have always been muddled together in extensive collections. Without getting behind the times, the Messrs. Ivery are careful to keep out, as far as possible, the rubbish sent to England every year by the French growers. At the time of my visit there were good blooms of Triomphe d’ Angers, Triomphe de Caen (good. colour, but rather too thin), Deuil de Prince Albert, L’Ele- gante, John Hopper, Charles Lefebvre (good), Senateur Vaisse (still Al), Cecile de Chabrillant (ditto), Duchess of Norfolk, Mademoiselle Bonnaire (one of the best lizht Roses), William Griffiths, America, Général Jacqueminot, Baronne Prevost, &e. : In conclusion, I have to acknowledge the courtesy and kind attention of Mr. Ivery in pointing out the various objects of interest—Apoupuus H. Kent, Blechingley. DESTROYING THE RED SPIDER. Tue mixture used for the destruction of the red spider (and noticed by you at page 461) is not made from gum, but sago flour—a much cheaper mixture than gum, as it costs in Liverpool only about 10s. per ewt. (Potato starch will do equally well, if sago flour is not obtainable). My starch was made in the following manner:—2 lbs. of sago flour were made into a thin paste, thickening it in the same way as the laundry-maids do when making starch. This paste was then poured into three gallons of boiling water, and the mixture well stirred up untilit came to boiling again, it was then mixed with six gallons of cold water, and applied to the trees immediately by a syringe having a jointed nozzle. Thirty trees in my orchard-house were syringed with the effect shown on the leaf sent to the office of THe JouRNAL or HorricULTURE. It cannot be used too soon after being made. The cold water with which it is mixed reduces’ the temperature to something like 100° F., which is quite safe, but ifallowed to get cold it has not the same fluidity as at first. I think it best suited for Peaches and Nectarines. The pubescence on the under side of the leafin the Apple and the Plum, hold the film of paste more tenaciously than does the leaf of the Peach. For the thrips it ought to be very fluid to get close alongside the midrib of theleaf, and at the 10 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 5, 1864 same time be so strong as to impound them. This requires | a single leaf missed is sufficient to stock the tree withjthose greater strength than is needed for the red spider. pests again.—T. G. I think the trees require syringing two or three times, as P.S.—It is not effectual for the aphis. MORE FIRE THAN NEEDFUL TO HEAT THE WATER CIRCULATED. Lasr autumn I put up a small house (No. 1) chiefly for | it rushes and roars up, throws off the lid, and pours in propagating purposes, a semi-span, on Hereman’s Paxtomian | streams upon the glass roof, penetrating down to the plants principle, 20 feet by 10 feet. It was heated as shown in the | beneath, scalding them, and filling the house with steam. plan. Isoon found that I had not enough water for my | This is difficulty the first. a heat, for no sooner does the fire burn up than it boils. At Now, as a remedy, it has been suggested that I have a first I had a half-inch gas-pipe led through the glass roof at j, | parallel-sided cistern made of zinc or sheet iron, to hold for the escape of the steam; but this was quite insufficient. | about twenty-four gallons, and put this instead of the Then [had a tube of zinc made 6 inches in diameter, secured | present steam-pipe, soldering it over the open junction, as over the pipe junction, and carried through the roof, and | shown by the section (im), dotted in section L. This would then covered with a perforated lid—the whole shown at j, | have a moveable lid, for supply, and it is thought that the in the section L. But this scarcely mends the matter, for | increased contents would both leave ample room for swell- the space enclosed in this six-inch pipe is insufficient to hold | ing under heat, and also by the increased body of water the swollen water at boiling point; and so, ever and anon, | obviate the tendency to too ready boiling. BACK WALL. ARR REE OCC SN DSXD™¥>vVu™2:©OC RANA AANA ADIyryrwywnynqyN}} N SA F5b°6e BEF BE N N SS N__N \ { \ RO oO WK FRONT ~N a. \ \\ Ae k we va SSG gy eee 5 te SN OS i SaaS SS Sr \ SSS ee \ n \\ \\ MY NV HOUSE No. 2. \Y AT PRESENT UNHEATED, SCALE OF FEET N — 1 \ 5 10 20 \) Ni Walled pit, filled with tan, for plunging. Flow and return four-inch pipe for bottom heat, Tap at end of ditto. 7 de 4 Flow and return four-inch pipe for atmospheric heat. a, ¢, > a, e f, Boiler. gs Ay 0. Fireplace. Stokehole, under a shed. Please to give me your opinion on this, and if you approve, say whether the proposed cistern should be of zinc or sheet iron. Now then for difficulty the second. I want to put a little heat into house No. 2, and think that my boiler (/) is adequate to the work. The distance from house to house is about 9 feet, and it is proposed to carry one-inch connection- pipes from the flow and return at j, to similar flow and return four-inch pipes to be placed in house No.2. The proposed connections and pipes are indicated by the lines (n). But the space between the houses is occupied by the garden walk (k), which cannot be removed. May the connection-pipes dip beneath the gravel, and rise again to i, Front shelf. j, Steam-escape pipe. k, Garden walk. L, Section of front shelf at 7, on larger scale. m, Proposed waste-cistern. x n, Proposed continuation of pipes to House 2. their proper level within the house, No. 2? since {their level, even when so buried, would not descend nearly so low as the point at which each pipe respectively issues from or rejoins the boiler. Please to tell whether such a dip is practicable. T have omitted to say that as the heating of house No. 2 will only be occasional, while the heating of No. 1 is con- stant, the pipes (x) must each have a valve or stop; but this will present no difficulty, I presume.—ORcHIDOPHILUS. he primary cause of your trouble is having too much fire for the body of water to be heated, which causes the water to boil, and very likely to form steam next the boiler, the force of which throws the water up the six-inch July 5, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 11 ——— waste-pipe which you take right up through the roof of the house. We have had similar trouble in small houses and pits, from the expansion of the water when heated to or near the boiling point. If you have no more heat than you want, with the pipes thus hot, you had better add more piping, and not have them so hot, as the heat given off from the pipes at from 200° to 212° is very trying for tender plants. It would be safer not to have the water above 170°, or lower than that. Then the water would expand less. If, with water at 170°, or lower, you will have enough of heat, then the next point will be to moderate the strength of your fire, either by using inferior fuel or banking-un with ashes, and keeping the ashpit-door close whenever you have obtained as much heat as you want. By this means a gentle uniform heat may be kept up under any boiler, as the draught, if not regulated by the ashpit-door, can also be regulated by a damper. If from neglect or other causes there would be a doubt of this answering, the great means of safety would be your proposed expansion-cistern. It matters not how this is fixed, whether by the side or on the top of the open end of the pipe, provided the cistern communicates with the pipe and stands mostly above it. When the fire is lighted the water in the cistern should not stand much above the orifice of the open pipe. This will afford all that more room for expansion of the water ; and if the cistern is covered, to prevent the escape of vapour as the water cools, there will be plenty of water to fill the pipes and boiler, with, now and then, a little addition being made to it. Now, but for your safety-pipe through the roof, there would be danger of an explosion. With that safety-pipe, and the large discharge you speak of, there is danger of air getting into the pipes, especially the lower ones for bottom heat; and then, not to speak of danger, it ought to be generally known that a body of air enclosed between two columns of water gets, for all circulation purposes, as impas- sable as a barrier of solid rock. We perceive you have a tap or turncock at the farther end of the pipes for bottom heat, and, we presume, at the highest point of the pipes. The turning of this will let off any accumulated air: but why not have an open gas-pipe going outside the house instead, which would be continuously self-acting, and save you all the trouble of turning the tap? Ifa little hot water was your object, you could obtain that from your cistern ; but for all delicate purposes it is best to use pure soft water, warmed in the house by being set over the cistern. As to the material for the cistern, either zinc or sheet iron will answer well enough, but they will soon oxidise. If either is dipped twice in a galvanising trough they will last much longer. We would as soon have a wood box, say of 1}-inch boards, well beaten and joined at the corners. This kept constantly supplied with water will last a long time. Even if lined with zinc or thin lead both will last much longer from the support of the wood. As already stated, the large cistern will be the best safety valve. Secondly. As the junction-pipes to the second house, even when under the gravel path, will not be so low as the pipes in the first house when they issue from the boiler, the simplest mode of heating the second house, which only needs heat occasionally, would be to take a flow-pipe from the proposed cistern, which you could plug up, when not wanted, with a wooden plug. But the return-pipe must not return to the cistern, but form one of the other returns, or communi- cate at once from house No. 2 to the bottom of the boiler. We state this because it is best that the return-pipe from No. 2 should not rise, but rather decline from thence to the boiler. You might have taken only one flow-pipe from the boiler to the cistern, and from thence taken pipes for bottom heat, or top heat, whezever you liked, provided the pipes in no place were lower than the boiler, and the return-pipes, if anything, fell to the bottom of the boiler. The one-inch connecting-pipe you propose must be bedded in sawdust, or some non-conducting material, or it willlose much heat in the course of 9 feet. We would prefer at least a two-inch pipe. | PLANTS FOR SMOKY LOCALITIES. Tue reply which you have given to “L. H. S.” shows you to be well acquainted with all the trees and shrubs which can grow in the vicinity of smoky large towns. I live a mile distant from the centre of Manchester, on the east side. My garden is protected either with trees or buildings, except from the north. Limes and Elms appear to grow well for two or three years, and then either break off midway down the trunks, or, as if by magic, die in a moment. Poplars are thin, ragged, and unsightly, and are certain to die off. The Copper-leaved Beech holds its place, certainly, but with great struggling. The Mountain Ash does tolerably. The Horse Chestnut grows freely, but never blooms. The north and north-west winds affect the young leaves severely, making a wreck where abundant foliage existed. Pear trees grow well, but bloom only occasionally. This year three Pear trees, each of them at least 45 feet in height, have been profusely covered with leaves; one only bloomed, the other two disdained the trouble. Thorns grow well, and flower freely, both white and red. Lilacs, Gueldres Rose, Siberian Crab, and the Elder do well, more especially the latter, which seems as if it took a pride in combating the enemy, smoke, and routing it altogether. Azaleas grow well, the yellow one more freely than any other sort. The Azalea thrives best when it is protected from the keen blast or the blazing midday sun. But of all the evergreens which thrive here let me sing the praises of the Rhododendron. Some of the less hardy varieties have great difficulty in maintaining their footing, and indeed, like consumptive people, die off. Our garden would be nothing without the Rhododendrons, they are charming and beautiful whether in flower or not; waving their heads with every breeze of wind, they become the most polite and courteous of evergreens. Aucubas do very well indeed, they grow up into strong bushy trees, suffering from nothing but unkind Jack Frost. White and yellow Brooms, as yousay, do fairly, but that is all that can be said of them. Young Hollies appear to be doing well, but their seniors keep on disappear- ing. Laurustinus will not do; whilst the Ledum latifolium make their balls of snow every season. The Ribes thrives very well. Weigela rosea will not bloom, coax it ever so much. Privetis successful, and makes wood freely. Labur- nums are very satisfactory for a town buried in smoke, but when compared with those grown in more favoured situations they are scarcely worth naming. Ihave thus gone through almost all the kinds I am able to grow, which agrees with nearly all you have written. There is, however, one remark I am desirous of making to all who desire to have trees and shrubs in the neighbour- hood of large towns, and it is this—that if they want to be successful they must look carefully after them, and never cease their efforts in protecting them from the enemies which they have to fight against.—H. A. NEW STRAWBERRIES. Tue Royat Havrsors.—Through the kindness of the Rev. W. F. Radclyffe, of Rushton, we have received a basket of the fruit of Rivers’ Royal Hautbois, which, notwithstanding the distance travelled, came in excellent condition. This is by far the best variety of the Hautbois we have ever seen. It is the largest in size and the most abundant bearer, and the flavour is superior to any other of the Hautbois. The colour, like that of all the other varieties, is partly purplish rose and partly pale yellowish; and the flavour, as a friend remarked, was “like Strawberries and cream.” Mr. Dz Joneus, of Brussels, has sent us specimens of two new Strawberries which we think will prove useful additions to those already in cultivation, if it were for no other pro- perty than that of bearing a long journey without injury. In both of these the flesh is so firm and solid that the con- dition in which we received them was most excellent,¥and the flavour was not in the least destroyed. ‘Bryov.—This is evidently of the same race as that other excellent variety raised by Mr. De Jonghe called La Con- stante. The stalks of the leaves and fruit are short and stout, clothed with spreading hairs. ‘The blade of the leaves is of a glaucous green beneath, and a clear shining dark green above. Flowers small. he Fruit not so large as that of La Constante, from which it was raised, ovate or conical, regularly formed, and having large seeds, which are level with or rather prominent on the 12 surface. The skin is of a clear, varnished cherry-red, well coloured all over the surface. Flesh firm and solid, white throughout, juicy, rich, and with a sprightly flavour. This seems a very hardy variety, judging from the leaves and fruit that were received. Sovvexir.—This is apparently of more luxuriant growth than Bijou and La Constante, but it has all the appearance of belonging to the same hardy race. It is an immense bearer, and produces masses of noble fruit. The stalks of the leaves and fruit are clothed with spreading hairs; the leaves are broad, roundish, and deeply dentate, of a dark and somewhat shining green above. The fruit is large, sometimes very large, varying from rounded ovate to long conical, and in some instances it is irregular and corrugated in shape. Seeds large and even with the surface. Skin of a uniform shining cherry-red colour. Flesh white, firm, and solid, juicy, richly favoured, and with a fine pine-apple aroma. This is a very excellent Strawberry, and, in our opinion, surpasses all the other varieties raised by Mr. de Jonche. DESTROYING THE GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLAR. In No. 168 I see your correspondent complains of the leaves of the Gooseberry tree being injured by the wash, the recipe of which I sent you. This I suspect was owing to the soap not being sufficiently dissolved. In that case, wherever the clots of soap touch the leaf, they leave a brown speck similiar to the mark of the Celery grub, but if care is taken in this respect. I still adhere to my original’ state- ment, that it is the best cure for the caterpillar pest. Only yesterday I discovered some young trees affected. I instantly watered them over with the solution froma fine-rosed water- pot, and in less than half an hour the caterpillars were dead by hundreds on the ground.—Evan York Nepean, Bucknall Rectory. Tue question of the Gooseberry caterpillar having so frequently come before our notice, and being still under discussion, I beg permission, among the rest, to offer a few remarks on the subject; and, at the same time, to give a brief description of its habits, and the various changes it undergoes during its season, which, I think, will tend to show how easily parties may be mistaken when guided only by fancy and hearsay. j About thirty or thirty-five years ago my trees were so infested with these destructive larve that I was induced to watch very carefully the different movements and changes, both of these and other insects destructive to vegetation. But to proceed with the caterpillar. This pest is the progeny of a very small fly, a species of Tenthredo. The fly of the first brood emerges about the end of March or beginning of April from its chrysalis state, in which it has continued all winter, a few inches deep in the earth, under the bush. Hach insect deposits its eggs, end to end, sometimes to the number of thirty or forty, along the ribs and under the expanding foliage. Here they remain in the embryo state a few days, till nature pushes them forward into living depredators; and in a few days more marks of their existence will be visible upon the foliage —viz., small round holes, like pin-holes, to the amount of the number of caterpillars. After the insects produced upon the several leaves have devoured those leaves, they then spread over all the other unoccupied parts of the trees, consuming them leaf by leaf, until they are full-grown ; and then nature bids them retire from the bush, preparatory to the appearance-of a second brood, which will be about the end of May or the beginning of June, when the caterpillars may be seen casting their maculated skins amongst the remaining leaves of the trees and the weeds under them, when they enter the earth a few inches as before, and there remain about six weeks, and again leave the cocoon or case to establish the latter brood, which feed as usual until the caterpillars are full-grown, at which time they retire into the earth for their winter quarters. After having fully satisfied myself about their habits, &c., my next step was to provide a remedy for these ravenous de- predators. I first tried salt and water, and in about half an JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 5, 1964. hour the trees were in a dying state. My next application was alum and water, 11b. to eight gallons of water. This had the effect of dispersing them, only to wander over the branches and upon the earth. Some, however, died, while others in a day or two resumed their work. I then tried common brown or mottled soap, thinly sliced, and dissolved in gently-boilmg water; to this I added six gallons of rain water and two gallons of tobacco water. This mixture was applied with the engine in fine spray over the bushes, and followed by a. mar with a fine whisk, dashing the wet gently in amongst the foliage. This treatment proved effectual, and destructive to the caterpillars. But alas! like many other things now-a- days, both soap and tobacco water are no longer genuine: indeed the tobacco water of the present day is useless. For the next remedy: when the caterpillars became more advanced in growth, or nearly matured, a piece of canvass was provided, say 5 feet square, a slit was cut halfway through it, and it was drawn by two men round the tree, the stem of which was then struck smartly once or twice with a stick provided on purpose, with a cross-piece, 6 inches long, nailed on the end of it, covered with cloth to avoid bruising the trees, When the stem was struck down came all the pests upon the canvass, which was emptied from time io time, and the caterpillars destroyed. This was an important operation. for it removed all apprehension of another brood. But pre- vention is better than cure, and I am of opinion that picking off the leaves the moment they exhibit the small round holes mentioned above, is decidedly the best plan of all, and they must be looked for about the two periods [have named above. It may appear a tedious process; but when we consider the great mischief that is prevented by destroying these young depredators before they quit the leaf they are pro- duced upon, and spread over the whole tree, I think the trouble will hardly-be worthy a consideration. I may just add that neither placing Elder, Broom, Furze, nor, indeed, any other plants, in the bush will have the desired effect ; and all applications about the roots are useless, as the shell protecting the chrysalis is so hard and well manu- factured that no application can penetrate it. I can only help your clerical correspondent over his mistake in imagin- ing the branch of Furze placed in the Gooseberry bush to have destroyed:the caterpillar by supposing that it was most probably leaving the trees at this time, preparatory to its first change. In conclusion, I may just observe that I have noi a single Gooseberry caterpillar, I think, in my garden, and have not had for years, owing, I really believe, to the encouragement I give to birds. Blackbirds and Thrushes, with other birds, are singing delichtfully all day long; and large armies of that much-despiséd bird, the Sparrow, spread themselves over the ground, daily gathering caterpillars, aphis, &c., not only from the Gooseberry bushes, but from most other kinds of fruit trees, shrubs, &e.—JosHua Major, Landscape Gar- dener, Knosthorpe, near Leeds. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Tue frequent showers we have had of late have been very favourable for all necessary operations. Every yard of ground that can be spared should be prepared and planted with winter vegetables. Stir the surface of the soil amongst all growing crops where practicable; it will enable the rain to penetrate through it with ereater facility as well as check evaporation. The early crops of Peas, Spinach, Radishes, and Cauliflowers should be cleared off the ground as soon as they are exhausted. The ground, well manured and dug, might be planted with Cauliflowers or Walcheren Broccoli. Con- tinue to ridge out Celery, and plant the Broccoli and winter Greens on all disposable vacancies. Sow Spinach, Turnips, Endive, Lettuces, and Radishes to maintain the successional supply. Plant Leeks in well-manured land. FLOWER GARDEN. As we may presume the principal planting-out for the season is over, and for which the late rains will be of much service in promoting a free start, the usual routine of pegging down plants intended to be kept dwarf, tying others up, and keeping the surface of the beds free from weeds until they are covered by the growing plants, will comprise July 5, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 13 most of what is required for the next few weeks. In the meantime some attention must be paid to propagating various kinds of perennial plants of which a stock is required. Cuttings may be put in of Tea and China Roses, selecting wood of the present year when it becomes a little firm at the base. Roots, bulbs, &c., of Anemones, Tulips, Crocuses, Scillas, Fritillarias, &c., which have been out of the ground for some time to dry, should be properly labelled, and put by till the autumn, when they will be re- quired to fill up their respective beds for spring flowering. Keep the smaller and seedling plants free from weeds, and lose no time in sowing perennial and biennial flower seeds for blooming next season. Quick and Privet hedges should be closely cut-in with the shears. Let them slope-in a little towards the top, which will give them a better appearance ; but hedges of larger-leaved plants as Laurel, Turkey and Lucombe Oak, and Sweet Bay, must have the young wood cut back with the knife, as the shears would destroy the beauty of their leaves. Shrubs grown to embellish Italian and geometric gardens, terraces, &c., should now likewise be cut into the figures they are to assume; in many cases wires will be necessary to keep the branches in the proper places at first, when afterwards the. knife and shears will suffice to keep them in proper form. Portugal Laurel, Cy- presses, Arbor Vites, Yews, Bays, and tree Box, are the plants most commonly employed for this purpose, and when cut into architectural figures are fine accompaniments of the above style of gardening. They should, however, be clipped- in two or three times during the season, to preserve correctly the required outline. Flowering shrubs as they go out of bloom to have the dead flowers, &c., removed, and be slightly cut back. For the same reason remove the seed- pods from Rhododendrons, tree Pzonies, &c. These little attentions will be followed by an increased growth of the plant, and with the greater certainty of their blooming every season. Late-sown annuals should be thinned out as soon as they are well above ground, for if left to grow too thickly they spoil one another, and never make half the display plants do that are allowed plenty of space, and which are grown strongly from the first. Plants grow- ing in baskets and vases to have a final stirring of the surface of the soil before it is entirely covered with foliage. Likewise put on a layer of moss to check evaporation, and thus save some labour in watering. On light dry soils Ame- rican plants will be greatly benefited by a good soaking of water after flowering, and the finer specimens should be mulched to assist in keeping the roots moist during the growing season. Water Dahlias in dry weather; it will also be serviceable to mulch the surface of the soil with rotten manure Trap earwigs. FRUIT GARDEN. Peach trees will require repeated attention directed to the judicious regulation of the wood, with the view of main- taining the equilibrium of the tree. An undue growth of laterals should be suppressed, and the shoots regularly tacked to the wall, and the fruit exposed to the licht. Trained Pears demand similar attention. Remove Raspberry suckers, four will be sufficient to remain. Strawberry runners will be found sufficiently advanced for layering. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Should the plant-structures require repairs or cleaning, the stock may be removed with greater safety at this than at any other period. It is injudicicus to leave the com- pletion of such work until late in the season. Enjoin care in watering. Some importance belongs to the due adjust- ment of the supply to meet the varying requirements of the plants. Attend to the propagation of Pelargoniums and herbaceous Calceolarias, and other half-hardy plants. For- ward Chinese Primroses for winter blooming, and watch the general stock for autumn decoration. See that the Lilacs, Deutzias, and Provence Roses forced the preceding season are plunged and top-dressed. Propagate the Chinese Chry- santhemums for blooming in small pots. Go over the twiners in the conservatory frequently, and regulate the growth before the shoots get entangled; but avoid keeping them tied too closely, for they are never seen to advantage unless they are allowed to hang in their own natural and graceful manner. A number of hardwooded plants which were cut back some weeks since, will now kave recovered themselves, and be commencing a fresh growth. This is the proper time to shift into larger pots any plants requiring it. After potting keep the plants close for a few days, and syringe them daily, but avoid giving any more water to the roots than is sufficient to preserve the old ball moist. Mind the roots of the plant are well moistened before being potted. At this season when the plants in the conservatory are making their growth preparatory to blooming, it is of the greatest consequence that the border in which they are planted should be properly examined as to its humidity throughout, and receive, if necessary, a thorough soaking of weak liquid manure. This application should not be delayed too long; if applied late it might prolong the growth so much in the autumn as to prevent its getting ripened in due time, and hence the blooming of the plants would be injured. These remarks apply, of course, to those plants permanently planted out, such as Camellias, Oranges, climbers, &e. STOVE. The stock here will now be growing very rapidly, and must be afforded sufficient space to allow of the perfect de- velopment of the foliage, and the formation of compact, handsome specimens. The atmosphere of this house can hardly be kept too moist, and the plants should be sprinkled overhead morning and evening, and every available surface kept constantly moist. A slight shade will be necessary for tender plants in active growth, for a few hours on the fore- noons of bright days ; but this should be used as sparingly as is consistent with the perfect safety of the foliage. Plants that are known to suffer from the direct action of the sun’s rays should be placed in a shady part of the house, or kept together at one end, where they can be shaded without in- terfering with the plants that require plenty of light. Mealy bug and thrips will require to be looked after here for some time to come, and the utmost diligence must be used to keep these pests in check. W. KzAne. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. SowrED two rows of Peas. Planted out more Celery. Pricked out more winter stuff. We envy those who can plant out quarters at once, for we have to do the next best thing and must lift if possible with little balls as we get some ground cleared. The rains and the sewage together have made early Peas continue so long in full bearing, that we shall not be able to remove them for some time. Plants of Sangster’s, turned out from being sown on turves, and which have been daily gathered from since the first days of June, are now nearly 6 feet high, and so loaded that people will not believe they have been gathered from at all. With plenty of nourishment and close picking much may be done in little room. Went over a piece of Dwarf Kidney Beans under protection, and picked off all the larger beans for the hall, as one pod with beans forming and swelling inside will more exhaust the plant than a dozen nice crisp ones in which no sign of the bean appears. Staked Peas and Scarlet Runners, using for the latter the rough tops of some young larch trees, which we have kept several years for this purpose. This and spruce after the foliage has fallen are excellent for this purpose, and owing to the resin and turpentine which they contain, will last long after common pea-sticks from hazel, beech, hornbeam, &e., have rotted into dust. Twigs from these resinous trees answer well for the plants in the flower garden, and we prefer the spruce for bushiness and their lasting properties. Fresh twigs of larch—that is, those taken last winter, make also capital hair-pin pegs for the flower-garden. They are nipped off in bundles 6 or 7 inches long, are just cracked in the middle, and the two ends stuck in the ground over the shoot to be pegged down. Thinned Turnips, sowed suc- cession of them and Radishes. Planted Cauliflower, watered that producing with manure water. Gave larger pots to Cap- sicums from which we expect ripe fruit for Cayenne pepper. Prepared Mushroom-bed in shed. Thinned out Tomatoes. Thinned and top-dressed Cucumbers in frames, which up to this time have done splendidly and as yet gave no signs of the Cucumber disease, which troubled us last season and for which we could find noremedy except fresh soil and frequent planting. 14 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, { July 5, 1864. This disease for two years, showing itself in little brown spots on the leaf, and a guttering gumming of the fruit, showed itself on every member of the Cucumber family except Melons, which never were more healthy. In-doors and out of doors, by hot-water heat, and dung heat, and no heat at all, under hand-lights, and in the open air, Cucum- bers and Vegetable Marrows suffered and in almost every variety of soil, and we failed to have good Cucumbers except by frequent planting. We were not at all troubled last year in the early part of the season. As yet we have seen shoals. These may be some of the reasons why insects are found worse to destroy at some times than at others. We are now getting Cherries out of doors in plenty, before | we have finished with Cherries in pots in the orchard-house. no appearance of the evil, and we hope we shall escape the | infliction. Itwas annoying to be scarce of Cucumbers when they could be bought for “‘ two a-penny.” 4 We have nearly a dozen of inquiries on this subject, and we say honestly to them all, that after trying all sorts of | schemes we could not destroy the evil, and the safest plan is just to sow again whenever a trace of the disease appears. ‘Grow the plants to a good size in pots, and destroy the old ones. Clean the place well and plant in fresh soil. What brings it we are quite unable to say, as in almost every con- ceivable position, Cucumbers were affected here after mid- summer last year, when they had borne only a short time and produced at first healthy fruit. Generally a bed of Cucumbers used to last the season, but they have not done so lately with us; but we hope that our beds will con- tinue to produce as abundantly as they have done this season. If so, we shall be glad; but if we should be so | fortunate, we freely confess that we shall be as unable to | account for the continued success, as for the previous presence of disease, as the course of treatment is much the same as that followed for many years, when Cucumbers were such a matter of course as to give no trouble whatever except the routine of management. FRUIT GARDEN. Much the same as previous week. Plenty now to pick and choose from. Gavea little more water to British Queen Strawberries, where the crop was heavy. Hope to have drier weather for the other kinds to get them gathered. Raised Melons on flats to keep them from the soil, and thus prevent cracking. Gave a drier air to those ripening, so as to secure flavour by that and full sunshine. Melons is one cause of their inferior favour. In managing Melons disbudding is better than pruning. The mode of disbudding and stopping which we consider most systematic and correct has been given several times already. Here we think it necessary to state a little fact in the way of caution. We have used bruised laurel leaves for destroying green fly and other insects. We tried it a short time ago on Cucum- - bers and Melons, where a little green fly showed itself. The leaves or young shoots of the laurel are very strong in prussic acid when bruised now, and, therefore, much fewer of them must be used than in winter and spring. In a two-light box of Cucumbers half a peck of these leaves, bruised, were placed in an open box, and they settled the insects without hurting the plants. When about the same quantity was _ placed in a bed of Melons the larger leaves were consider- ably injured, and had to be removed; and this also injured the fruit then set a little more. As we had others about the same stage we removed the fruit as well as the affected leaves, and allowed the young shoots to run again, which are now setting with young fruit. We have often found that Melon leaves are more sensitive to tobacco smoke than Cucumber leaves. The same seems to hold good with the fumes from laurel leaves. Such facts tell us to beware of strong doses of anything. We believe that the Melon leaves were dry. ; We do not think we can give the rationale of the result, but we have seen the half of a house syringed before smoking with tobacco, and the other half left dry. Though both ends of the house were filled with similar plants, the syringed plants suffered considerably, whilst the dry plants were not the least injured. In places that can be at all shaded it is a good plan to give little air for twenty-four or thirty-six hours after smoking, and though the paths and the stages of the house are kept moist, no syringing until after that time should be given to the plants. Insects that are only sickly at first will die in such an atmosphere. If washed off and not killed by the fall they are refreshed by the water and the pure air near the floor, and will be able to crawl up again in The shading of | | are ripe and ripening. The latter seem to be the best flavoured. A Cherry-house must be a fine sight. For early ones we would be disposed to have a house in two divisions; to set the fruit in the colder almost open house, and then take them to swell off where more heat could be given—even if that was by an earlier- shutting-up. We had Cherries by this means very early. A few Plums in pots will also come early so treated. When we fairly try Apricots in pots, we would treat early ones much the same. Neither they nor Cherries will stand a con- fined warm atmosphere in their earlier stages. With all this, however, and seeing anything but the impossible in the culture of fruit in pots, we by no means say a word as re- spects the economy of the thing. The watering alone will make a hole in the question of economies. For amateurs who do a good deal of the work themselves, and who have a pleasure in having a great deal in little room, we have no fears of the system going out of fashion. , In general, and in dry weather especially, kept the Hoor and stages pretty moist, except in the places were Grapes This we consider a better plan in general than washing the Vines all over, until and even after the bunches are colouring. Unless the purest water can be obtained the Grapes are apt to be disfigured. We never can depend much on our water as to clearness and purity, and therefore we prefer that what the Vines do receive shall be pure, such as is raised by evaporation; and we like to see the dew drops hanging from the points of the leaves ina | morning which they have condensed during the night. We generally give the Vines a good shake, as soon as the fruit is set, to get rid of the bloom; and then, generally, we syringe every part well with tepid water, the clearest we can get, to remove all remains of the bloom, and after that we syringe no more. With a little sulphur on the pipes, and the moisture on the paths, and a rather close atmosphere instead of a very airy one, we are seldom troubled with red spider; and we see little of thrips on the Vines since we gave up placing Azaleas under the Vines. If there was a single thrips on the Azaleas he would be sure to found a colony on the Vines. It is a grand thing when plants are kept in their separate houses, instead of being forced to make every house an omnium gatherum, ora general receptacle. We never havea house for Vines alone, until the Vines are getting ripe. At all other times whenever a ray of light can be obtained, there are plants below for profit or pleasure. A few of the brown beetle appeared in the Peach-house, from which we have been gathering some time, and these we were forced to squeeze and wash off. Smoking was out of the question, as it would have left its nauseous flavour with the fruit. This house was not smoked during the season. Ifa few green fly appeared they were rubbed off or washed, as the house until lately has been supplied with Strawberries on shelves, and after the fruit commences the second swelling a smoking with tobacco injures the flavour, unless, perhaps, for veteran chewers of the weed. Some time ago, we had nice-looking Keens’ Seedling Strawberry sent to taste, and one tasting was enough. We could not make it out at all, until some close questioning brought out the fact, that a few days before the place had been smoked three nightsrunning. The Strawberries might nearly as well have lain an hour in tobacco juice. We do not know any fruit that is not less or more affected by tobacco smoke, when the fruit is ripening. We recollect tasting a fine Melon with a peculiar custard flavour, which seemed to give a sort of piquancy to the natural aroma of the Melon, though a little more would have made the Melon disagree- able. We found out that just as the fruit was cracking its skin a little as it was ripening, some bruised Laurel leaves had been put in the frame to keep some green fly at bay. All fruit as it ripens should be kept in the purest air, and that air if possible drier than usual. Every thing uncleanly ought to be avoided. Some objections have been made to what we said the other week about washing Strawberries. ‘All we shall say is, that if those who will take the trouble to grow Strawberries, will not take the trouble to keep them clean, they pretty well deserve to be choked with dirt. Even the grit would be preferable to fruit washed in a \ July 5, 1864. J pail not over-clean with hands not over-delicate, and then spread out to dry before going to table. What sort of flavour can they have after such sousing and washing, and the necessary accompaniments? for we maintain that where nothing is done to keep Strawberries clean, there will be no great particularity in the mode of cleaning them. One great advantage of growing small fruit, as Gooseberries, Currants, &e., on trellises, and elevated as dwarf standards is, that the fruit will always be clean. No spattering of mud on them after a shower. These things will be more thought of when quality as respects flavour shall be more considered than mere appearance, when fruit is sent to table to be eaten, instead of, as is now often the case, merely to be looked at. After using different coloured gravels and other materials as a substitute for flowers in beds, it would only be a step to paint wood and wax, in imitation of the best fruit for the ornamenting of the table. If for mere show they could be rendered as attractive as the realities. We are informed that artificial bouquets are now taken to balls and routs, and that a favourite scent can at any time be thrown over them by touching a spring in a concealed bottle or reservoir. The huge size that bouquets are now getting—-enough for a moderate-sized flower-bed—may force on the use of artificial flowers among those who feel com- pelled to follow the fashionable, and yet keenly study economics. After all, what great difference can there be in a lady holding a nosegay of artificial flowers in her hand, and carrying a sheaf of imitation of the real and unreal in her bonnet? For our sister flowers of humanity there is no flower we gardeners can cultivate that can be too good; but there is such a thing as gracefulness and beauty being so over-adorned that what is considered by many indispensable to be fashionable, is looked upon by those of more chaste and refined taste as nothing but deformity and vulgarity. With such variety of tastes it is a matter of gratitude that all may carry out their own peculiar views if they do not infringe on the rights of their neighbours. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Here we have been very busy in potting, clearing, mowing, rolling, &¢; bus on these, and especially potting and the summer treatment of plants, we shall have something to say next week/—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Joty 2. Of all out-door vegetables there is nowan abundant supply; and of Pines, Grapes, Melons, Strawberries, the supply is fully equal to the demand, Peaches principally consist of Violette Hitive, Noblesse, and Royal George, the latter and Galande or Bellegarde being particularly fine. Some excel- lent Figs are brought from Marseilles; and consignments from abroad continue to arrive, and consist of Victoria and Green Gage Plums, Carrots, Kidney Beans, Endive, Artichokes and Tomatoes. Common Cherries can now be obtained at from 34. to 6d. per 1b., but for those of the best quality former prices are still maintained. Cut flowers principally consist of Roses, Ee eomucie, Orchids, Stephanotis, Calceolarias, Sweet Peas, and Migno- nette. FRUIT. Sema. used - a Apples..... zsieve 0 0to00 0] Melons . 0 Apricots doz. 1 0 38 0} Nectarines 0 0 Cherries lb. 1 0 2 0] Oranges... 0 0 Figs doz. S§ 0 12 0} Peaches 0 0 Filberts & Nuts100lbs. 0 0 0 0| Pears... 0 0 Goosebrs. Green} sieve 2 0 4 0 dessert 0 0 Grapes, Hothonse....lb. 6 0 10 0 | Pine Apples. a 0 Muscats.. -« 8 0 J4 G | Strawberries . 6 6 Lemons ... 0 4 0 10 0! Walnuts.............bush. 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. 8. d. 8. d s.d. 3s. d Asparagus ...... bundle 3 0to6 0| Mushrooms ...... pattle 1 Oto2 0 Beans Broad. sieve 1 6 0 0| Mustd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 0 4 Kidney 100 1 0 1 6] Onions . bunch 0 4 O 6 Beet, Red Ak SB) pickling -quart 0 6 O 8 Broccoli 0 0 O 0) Parsley ..... i IO QO Cabbage 9 9 I 6} Parsnips OO) 5b B Carrots .... bunch 0 5 0 8] Peas... 06 #16 Cauliflower . .doz 2 0 4 0 5p 20 50 Celery ..... bundle 1 6 2 0} Potatoes 8 0 12 0 Cucumbers . each 0 6 1 0 New 02 04 Endive . 1 3 2 6] Radishes 06 09 Fennel ., 03 00 Turnip . 06 4210 Garlic an 0 8 O 0} Rhubarb neg OES WG Herbs............... bunch 0 3 0O 0 | Sea-kale . . baskets 0 0 0 0 Horseradish 1 6 4 Of Spinach Sieve 10 2 0 Leeks..... 0 4 6] Lurnips.. bunch 0 4 0 6 Lettuce. . 09 18 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 15 TO CORRESPONDENTS. RUELLIA, LESCHENAULTIA, AND Erica Cutture (7. G.).—A cool green- house is the proper place for them, and the highest and most airy situation the Stracture affords. Sandy peat is the most suitable compost, good drainage being the key of good root-action. The soil should at all times be kept moist ; too much moisture, however, is certain destruction to the roots, and a dry soil botii to them and the plant. At all times, except in very frosty weather, they require fresh air continuously winter and summer, and should not be mixed with other plants which wou!d rob them of light and air. They like a rather dry atmosphere, a close moist atmosphere being very injurious. FoxcLove—Gypsum (A. WV. IV.).—If cattle were to eat a large quantity of Foxglove it would be fatal to them, probably ; but we believe they would not eat it unless starving. The residue after obtaining carbonic acid by pouring sulphuric acid upon whitening is gypsum, or Plaster of Paris (sulphate of lime), and has been applied beneficially to Clover, and as a top- dressing to lawns. On some soils it has been found beneficial when mixed with them previously to sowing Turnips and planting Potatoes. 3 cwt. of it per aere is sufficient. SEEvLING Crnerarta Cuttcure (A Young Gardener).—Pot them singly, wher large enouxh to handle, in 48-sized pots, and place in acold frame. Heat is ruinous to Cinerarias. When the pots are full of roots shift into 24's, and grow on in the frame as before, putting on the lights only during very wet weather, and in the early frosty nights of autumn. Remove the plants to the greenhouse in the beginning of October, and shift into 16's or 12’s according as you wish to have the plants large or small. Keep near the glass in the coldest place, it cannot be too cool so long as frost is excluded, and give abundance of air at all times, except in frosty weather. Keep down the green fly by frequently fumigating with tobacco smoke, A compost of turfy lowm one-half, and one-half leaf mould, and well-rotted manure in equal parts, is the most suitable compost. VinEs 1N Pots (7. H. J.).—Keep the Vines in pots dry at the roots, but do not withhold water altogether, give only sufficient to maintain the leaves from flagging. If your Vines are trained so as to be near the glass, we advise you to let them remain there until the leaves have fallen; but if not in a situation where they receive abundance of light by close proximity to the glass, we advise you to have them placed there at once, and so get the wood hardened, or ripened, before you think of putting them outside. So long as the large leaves remain green the eye at their axil is not fully de- veloped, nor can the wood be ripe, though it may be brown. Maintain a dry atmosphere by a gentle fire in cold moist weather, in the house from which the Grapes have been cut; give air day and night; remove most of the laterals, to admit air ana light to tha large leaves and wood, andi n about a fortnight cease firing altogether, and give all the air possible. The leaves will fallin due time. Bowood Muscat does well in the same house as Black Hamburgh, but it should have the warmest situation. Hoya Currure (Jf, H.).—As your plant grows well it cannot be for want of heat that it does not bloom. Is it shaded by climbers, and at a great distance from the light? If so, and we fear it is, place in a position where it will receive the full sun; and, to assist in ripening tie wood, give little water at the root—in fact, let it become dry after August, and give no more moisture during winter than is sufficient to prevent the leaves drying or shrivelling up. We have one now, on the back wall of a vinery, with more than five hundred bunches of bloom upon it, and upwards of fifty of its wax-like flowers in some of the bunches. WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA (Rusticus). — Instead of your Wellingtonia thriving we think it is growing very slowly. The plant may have been grown in a pot prior to its being planted out, which has been the ruin of many of our choicest Conifers. Pot culture gives the roots a corkscrew character, whereas they naturally ramify through the soil in all direction from the stem, and this prevents their taking hold freely of the soil after planting, and their growth is slow on account of the crooked channels by which the sap is transmitted to the part above ground. The roots, too, in consequence of their corkscrew character, are not enabled to take that firm hold of the soil which enables the trees to withstand the violence of winds, and they are sometimes blown over. The above may be one cause of yours not doing well, or it may be attributable to improper planting, as in a cold, wet, clayey soil, and on the level without any preparation. Our advice is > selecting a showery time in September, remove the turf for a space of 6 feet all round the tree. Huveacartload of moderately rich loam—if turfy loam with an equal quantity of leaf mould intermixed, so much the better—in readiness, then take up the tree carefully with a ball if practicable, and dig the whole of surface from which the turf is removed one spit deep. Spread about half the cartload of fresh compost on the newly dug ground, and point it in with a fork. This done place the tree in the centre with the bottom of the ball upon the surface, and put fresh compost round the ball, so as to cover it an inch or two higher up than before, pressing the soil gently around the ball. Place the soil over the dug portion of the field, so as to slope from the tree down to the turf all round. Your tree will then stand on a gentle mound, flattened or dished at the top for about a yard wide, to hold water, of which give a good supply immediately after planting, and then relay the turf, which will not be sufficient to cover the little hillock, but will leaye a space about I foot 6 inches wide all round the tree. The edges of the turf will form a dish very use'ul in supplying the tree with water about twice a-week in dry weather, if any be needed afterwards, which will be the case if September be dry; but none will be needed after planting if the weather be at all wet and showery. Try this, and your tree will astonish you. AGAPANTHUS UMBELLATUS CULTURE (Zdem).—Pot in a compost of turfy loam and leaf mould in April, and place in a light airy situation in a cool greenhouse. Water moderately after potting, but when the pots become filled with roots water abundantly from May until October, keeping rather dry at the roots at other times, but not so as to affect the foliage much. The plants may be placed out of doors in June, and returned to their winter quartersin October. Under this treatment they mostly flower in September, and when distributed in large clumps in vases, or tubs, on terraces, they have a fine appearance. Kept in the greenhouse contiauously they usually bloom in May, sometimes in autumn, and occasionally at both periods. Cur Frowers (R. S.).—A prize ‘‘for the best collection” is very in- definite. We suppose the judges will be influenced not only by the number of different kinde, but by the taste with which they are arranged; and here we cannot help you, unless we had the flowers before ua. 16 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. _VARrous (WV. M.).—1, With the greater heat in sunshine in a curate'’s vinery, there would be the greater cold in dull weather, because the ac- cumulated heat would sconer radiate. The larger orchard-house would have the advantage of greater uniformity of temperature, being not so quickly heated nor so quickly cooled, and tiie comparative earliness of the two would depend more on circumstances and the management, than on the merits of the respective systems. 2, Common sashes, wide or narrow, may easily be made to fit to the-ridge form, by placing them together at top, and a yard or more apart at the base in the shape of atriangle. 3, Your proposed plan of using your sashes over a sloping frame with the Vines underneath is an old and a good plan. We have seen hundreds of good bunches thus obtained. Vines were grown against a wall, the frames were moved along the walls, so that a fresh piece of the Vines was taken in every year. Arough hotbed of litter was made, the frame set over it, and the Vine stems introduced, either through holes in the back of the frame, or just amongst the dung benesthit. The steam did good at first. By the time the manure had become sweet the buds would be swelling, and the material somewhat consolidated. Then the surface was covered with slates, most likely painted with sulphur, and the Vine stems trained, say 10 inches aboye the slate. Air was Culy attendedto; and a warm dull day selected for thinning the Grapes.. The same plan answers admirably, as in the curate’s vinery. without any fermenting material, but they will not come to Maturity so early. The mere distance of the Vines from the slates, provided | the sun strikes on the latter, is of lees importance as respects earliness than careful attention to the early giving and the early taking away of air, 80 as to enclose the concentrated power of the sunbeams. 4, By in- creasing the height of your frame-house, so as to be able to walk underneath it and do the work standing, and having no slates, you would be no better off than in your orchard-hcuse. But, without the slates, you may ripen good Grapesin such a place ; and you would succeed all the better and earlier, if you had a floor or wall that, from its dark colour, would absorb heat in the early part of the season; and of a light colour, so as to reflect heat and light in the autumn. house. 5, Orchard-houses are very much as they are managed. Good gardeters are loath to say ‘twe cannot;” but no work has ever contained so many confessions of failures and disappointments, from head men in the profession, as this work does. We believe all our coadjutors act on the principle that a failure understood is as instructive as a success. It is folly to condemn wholesale what many succeed so well in; and our columns are as open to failures as to successes. Our own opinion is, that almost anything may be grown in a pot or tub; but that it can be so grown economically for general purposes is entirely another affair. The watering alone would make havoc in the profits, but that allowed, there can be little question as to obtaining crops. Of course, let them hang as they grow, and failureiscertain. Most people are rather sanguine, Duy a lot of cheap trees with unripened wood | and obtain no fruit that will stand. Good folks should at least try trees next season that they have themselves looked over this season. 6, If you could tell the reason wky your Peach and Apricot trees in pots, so full of bloom, dropped their fruit, that would be a gain to yourself, and to the pro- fession genérally. The mere fact of failure is less against a system than @ fact of success is in its favour. It is just possible that, like spoiled children, your plants had too much atiention. We should conclude the growth was rather vigorous. We hope to have a better sccount of these trees next year. No doubt you will succeed with Vines, either in boxes or planted out. We also believe you will succeed with Peach trees, if your enthusiasm points that way, even though you should somewhat diminish the attention for securing luxuriance, and give a little more to the harden- ing of the wood early in autumn. Ficus ExLastica (A Reader).—We do not notice anything the matter with the leaf enclosed, and think the leaves fall naturally. With the Bilbergia vittata the cause may also be the same—namely, the old parts decaying as new ones take the strength and vigour of the plant. Your plants, however, we fear, are too copiously syringed, and the sun’s rays striking powerfully upon them cause the spotted appearance which the Indiarubber leaf had. RosEs ON THEIR OWN Roots (S.).—We are at a loss to account for your Madame Laffuy not blooming. It is one of the freest-blooming amongst the Hybrid Perpetuals. 1, We have not found any of Hybrid Perpetuals shy bloomers on their own roots; generally the reverse. 2, Caroline de Sansal, Comte de Nanteuil, Baronne Prevost, Général J acqueminot, Jules Margottin, Madame Vidot, William Jesse, Prince Léon, Senateur Vaisse, Princesse Mathilde, Maréchal Vaillant, and Lord Raglan. Vines in Pots—Roses (JV. Treasure).—The best kinds of Grape Vines for you will be the Royal Muscadine and Black Hamburgh— Pracues AND NECTARINES comprised fine frnit of Grosse Mignonne, Violette Hative, Early Newington, Royal Char- lotte, and Noblesse Peaches, and Downton and Elruge Nec- tarines. First prizes were awarded to Messrs. Rawbone, Sawkins, and Ford; second prizes to Messrs. Hill, Holder, and Miller. CuERRIES.—Black Tartarian from Mr. Turner, very large and fine, took the first prize in the Black Class; the same kind from Mr. Beck, gardener to Lord Broughton, being second. May Duke was shown by Mr. Meredith, Knight’s Early Black by Messrs. Lane. Mr. Enstone and Mr. Turner were first and second in the White Class, both with Elton. StTRAWBERRIES.—The kinds exhibited chiefly consisted of Admiral Dundas, Oscar, Sir C. Napier, Sir Harry, Empress Eugénie, and British Queen, all of which were fine. Mr. Turner had Sir Joseph Paxton, which has already been noticed in these columns. It is large and of handsome form, less irregular in outline than most large kinds, in colour dark red, and it has a slight Hautbois flavour. It has, moreover, the merit of ripening at the same time as Keens’ Seedling. Mr. Bailey had the first prize, the second going to Mr. Lydiard. July 12, 1864. ] MiscELLANEOvs.—Some good Figs, chiefly Brown Turkey were exhibited by Mr. A. Henderson, Mr. Brown, and Mr- Pottle; Raspberries by Mr. Young, Strawberries in pots by Mr. Turner, Vines in pots bearing fine bunches by Messrs. Lane and Standish, and orchard-house trees by the former and Mr. Fraser, Lea Bridge. The Cocoa-nut from Syon was again exhibited by Mr. Fairbairn, and a cluster of Musa Cavendishii by Mr. Carr, gardener to J. Hinds, Esq., Byfleet, whose success in cultivating this Banana was specially alluded to in No. 144. BIRMINGHAM ROSE SHOW.—Juty 7 snp 8. THe third annual Exhibition of Roses was held on the above days in the Town Hall, Birmingham. It so happened that the second Exhibition of the Birmingham Botanic So- ciety fell on the 7th; but whether this made any difference | as regards the number of visitors I can by no means state positively. The day was fine but not hot—indeed such a day as is most suitable for a flower show, so that visitors could enjoy both the Rose Show in the Town Hall and the other in the Society’s gardens. If tke two Shows falling on the same day made no difference in the number of visitors, it certainly did in that of plants; for Roses, however they may be prized as flowers, do not fill a large hall without an intermixture of foliage. This was not wanting, but more plants would have been better. The orchestra was nicely decorated with an intermixture of fine-foliaged and flowering plants, which looked exceedingly well, the effect being en- hanced by a temporary fountain. The Roses were very fine, and made a grand display, both in the body of the hall and also in the galleries, the whole being differently arranged trom last year, so as to allow more room for the visitors. Altogether the arrangement was very good, both in the disposal of the blooms and plants, and in that of the various gardening implements, &c., exhibited. Though I believe the Roses were as numerous as last year, or nearly so, I missed several of the larger exhibitors, and some of the smaller ones also. The Show was, however, a very good one, and there can be no question as to its success. The following is a list of the prizes awarded :— No. 1. Ninety-six varieties, three trusses.—First, Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt. This collection contained some of the very finest blooms, and was exceedingly fresh, although, probably, too fully blown for a two-days show. I noted the mames of some of the best, but I do not think it would interest the generality of readers to give them. Mr. J. Keynes, of Salisbury, was second, his collection very closely following that of Messrs. Paul & Son. The flowers were mostly very brilliant in colour, and sustained the character of the grower. ; No. 2. Forty-eight varieties, three trusses of each.—First in this class was Mr. B. R. Cant, of Colchester, with a most splendid collection, the blooms being full and generally well formed, besides being very brilliant, although placed within the shade of the front gallery. Second in this class came Messrs. Paul & Sons, and third Mr. Keynes, both with very good collections. No. 3. Twenty-four varieties, three trusses of each.—First, Mr. Cant ; second, Mr. Keynes ; third, Mr. Batley, of Rugby ; fourth, Mr. Davies, of Newbury. No. 4. Twenty-four varieties, single trusses.—First, Mr. Treen, Rugby ; second, Mr. Batley ; third, Mr. Vertigans, of Edgbaston. No. 5. Twelve varieties, three trusses.—First, Mr. Treen; second, Mr. Batley; third, Mr. Vertigans. No. 6 (Amateurs). Forty-eight varieties, single trusses.— First, Mr. 8. Evans, Arbury; second, Mr. J. Perry, Castle Bromwich. No. 7. Twenty-four varieties, single trusses. First, Mr. E. Stuart, Leicester; second, Mr. Evans; equal third, Mr. Sage, Atherstone, and Mr. Perry. No.8. Highteen varieties, single trusses. First, Mr. S. Evans; second, Mr. Brown, Elmden Hall; third, Mr. Hunt; fourth, Mr. Garnet, Moor Hall. No. 9. Twelve varieties, single trusses. First, Mr. Sage; second, Mr. Stuart ; third, Mr. C. E. West, Suther- worth. No. 10, Twenty-four varieties, single trusses. First, Mr. W. Brown; second, Mr. Perry; equal third, Mr. Garnet and Mr. Smythe, Solihull. No. 11. Twelve varieties, single’ trusses. , First, Mr. W. Brown; second, Mr. Wright, Perry Bar; third, Mr, Smythe; fourth, Mr. J. Perry. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ie No. 12. Six varieties, single trusses.—In this class the exhibitcrs are limited to such as grow their Roses within three miles of what is considered the centre of smoky Bir- mingham. Last year there was not one entry, but this season there were several, and the trusses exhibited were no discredit to the growers. The first prize was awarded to Mr. H. Lowe, Edgbaston; the second to Mr. E. Sansome; the third to Mr. Wragge, Edgbaston; and the fourth to Mr. E. Sturge. In No. 13, New Roses of 1862, 1863, or 1864, twenty-four blooms, Mr. J. Keynes was first. His collection contained splendid blooms of John Hopper and Baron Rothschild. The second prize went to Mr. B. Cant for a very nice col- lection. The third to Messrs. Paul & Son, whose collection contained very fine blooms of Paul Delameilleray, Jean Goujon, Madame Soupert, and Professor Koch. The fourth prize was awarded to Mr. Batley, who had Clement Marot, very good. In No. 14, the best New Rose of 1862, 1863, and 1864, Mr. Keynes was first with Madame Charles Wood, and second with Charles Lefebvre; Mr. Cant second with John | Hopper; Messrs. Paul & Sons fourth with Lord Clyde and Maréchal Vaillant. No. 15. Best Design, Basket, or Vase of Roses and Rose Foliage.—First, Mr. Vertigans ; second, Mr. Evans, Arbury ; third, Mr. J. Cole, Birchfield. No. 16, Best Design for Dinner Table Decoration, Flowers to be Roses with other Foliage.—First, Mr. Vertigans ; second, Mr. Brewer, Isling~ ton, Birmingham ; third, Mr. J. Cole. No. 17, Best Bouquet of Roses and Rose Foliage.—First, Mr. Vertigans; second, Mr. Cole; third, Mr. Treen; fourth, Mrs. Sandford, Chep- stowe. The above are all the prizes; but there were contributions in the way of plants and flowers, particularly a stand of Verbenas from Mr. J. C. Perry. ‘here were also stands of Roses which were not for competition; one row of boxes from Mr. J. Cranston, containing several hundred blooms, and most of them very fine.—F. Cuirry. NEW FRUITS. Tus morning I have had the pleasure of sending you another small case containing two varieties of Cherries and six of Currants. The Cherry No. 64 is Montmorency & longue queue (cultivated among us under the name of Cerise Orange*), and the other is De Jonghe’s Transparent. The latter was raised from seed in 1844, and produced fruits for the first time in 1852 or 1853. The tree is of very moderate growth and great fertility, a point which one feels the dis-, advantage of when strong shoots are required to supply buds for budding. Since 1854 I have tried it in every way, and I have found in the last experiments that the variety succeeds best grafted as a half standard or full standard on the Red Gean. It is less at home on the Black Gean. and much more still on the Mahaleb. Planted en cordon oblique against a wall or espalier, leaving the stem to develope itself at leisure, but taking care to pinch the laterals, there will be, in the second year, all along the stem, fruit double the size of the specimens I send in the case. As you see it the fruit is of very good quality. When the tree first bore fruit, after having examined and tasted it, I gave it the name of “Transparent,” and, to dis- tinguish it from other varieties bearing this name, I added my own as raiser of the variety. This denomination is in con- formity with the system of Baron Truchsess, now generally admitted in the science of pomology. It is also under this name that I have furnished many plants of it to Mr. Thomas Rivers, and you have described it+ from fruit received from that gentleman, without at all indicating its origin J. Dz JONGHE, Brussels, July 6th. (De Joneun’s TRanspARENT CHERRY.—We cannot speak too highly of this delicious Cherry, which in size equals the May Duke; the skin is thin and transparent, showing the texture of the flesh through it, and is of a pale red colour. It is sweet and richly flavoured. Rep Currants.—No. 5 is an abundant bearer, and pro- | * This is a very distinct Cherry from our Kentish, with which it is made | synonymous in the Horticultural Society’s Curalogue. + JounNAL oF Horricu.ture, Vol. LY., page 4t. 28 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 12, 1364, duces good-sized bunches, bearing from fourteen to eighteen berries on each. Tie colour is of a fine brilliant red, and the flavour much liss acid than that of the Red Dutch Currant grown in this country. No. 6. In this we do not distinguish anything different from the Red Dutch, and it is inferior to the Long-bunched Red. No. 7 produces shorter bunches than either of the above, and is possessed of a mild acidity. It is not, however, an improvement on existing varieties, except in that respect, for it is much less acid than even Knight's Sweet Red. No.8 is too much like Red Dutch in every respect. Waitt Currants.—No. 35 appears to be a very late variety, comparing it with the fruit of the following, which is dead ripe while the former is quite hard and green. No. 38 appears to be a great bearer, but in the bunches and berries it is not superior to existing varieties. | THE GARDENERS’ ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Tue Anniversary Meeting of this excellent Society was held on Friday, July the 8th. The Right Hon. Charles Lawson, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, presided, supported by R. Wrench, Esq., J. A. Henderson, Esq., J. Lee, Esq., J. Veitch, Esq., Messrs. Addiscott, Barnes, J. Bolton, J. Bruce, J. Cutbush, &c. The Lorp Provost said—I beg now to propose the health of “Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.” Although I have never had the honour to propose this toast in London, I feel assured that it will be greeted with the same hearty loyal reception which it never fails to call forth in the north, and everywhere throughout the British dominions. We are a loyal people, and will always respect and pay homage to our Sovereign. But Queen Victoria possesses, and deserves to possess, more than mere homage and respect. She has gained the love and confidence of her people; and well she may, for her whole life has been adorned by the unaffected display of virtues, never more brilliant than when they grace the exalted and illustrious position which Her Majesty occupies. The Queen has earned a great and a good name in history, and I trust she may be long spared to us. The Lorp Provost said—Our next toast is to health of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the other members of the Royal Family.” From what little I have had the honour of seeing of the Royal Family, and from a great deal I have heard, there are few families owe more to the care and anxiety which their parents have bestowed upon their early training, and few parents have ever had more teachable, well-disposed, and noble-minded children. I believe there is but one feeling in the country regarding the Royal Family, and that is, that the Prince of Wales, his fair Princess, and every individual member of that illustrious circle, are conducting themselves | with a propriety and a grace which reflects the highest honour upon themselves, and, I may almost say, if possible adds to the brilliancy of that lustre which their Royal parent has shed over the British Court [loud cheers]. The Lorp Provost—I have now the honour to propose the health of those services which have for centuries guarded the freedom and the honour of our flag. If ever there was a time when we should desire to see our Navy and our Army in good discipline aud ready for work, in my opinion we should desire to see that now. For some time past those clouds which have been gathering round the political horizon of Europe have been creeping on towards us, and darkening as they crept. Whatever may be the result of the excited state of feeling abroad, it is impossible to say; but, come what may, our soldiers and sailors are as brave and daring as they ever were; and if circumstances compel us to assert the dignity and authority of the British flag, woe betide the foe that may have the temerity to question our doings. I am glad toknow that our Volunteers are still keeping up their numbers, and are still maintaining their efficiency in drill and rifle exercise. They may yet be called upon to guard our shores, and I know they will do it well. I beg to propose the health of those services [tre- mendous cheering }. The Lorp Proyost—I have now the honour to propose what on the present occasion must be regarded as the most «The } important toast of the evening: ‘Success and Prosperity to the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution.” It is, perhaps, one of the finest features of this country, that private generosity and the kind feeling of the prosperous perform those obligations which the fortunate owe to the unfortunate, which in some countries are discharged by the Government, and in others left undischarged altogether. Now, in Great Britain the number of benevolent institu-— tions is most amazing, and they form in my humble opinion no unworthy monument in honour of the public sense of duty which beats nowhere stronger than in a British heart. Amid all the benevolent institutions in the country, I do think it is but fair that one should be devoted to gardeners, for I do not know that a more deserving, a more hardwork- ing, or a more useful class of men exist than they ; and more’ than this, their profession is peculiarly calculated to excite our sympathy for them in the days of their adversity. We have undoubted testimony that the gardener’s is the most ancient profession of all; and it has often occurred to me that the employment of gardening is the most innocent, and productive of the most happiness and pleasure. In a perfect state of things one can almost imagine all kinds of: professions being done away; indeed, things would be any- thing but perfect if certain learned professions continued to exist; but the tending to all the beauties of the floral crea- tion and the caring for the rich variety of fruits with which Providence has so bountifully endowed this earth, honestly appears to me to be compatible with an existence as perfect as we can imagine it to be. In that perfect state of things gardening would be a pastime, and gardeners, probably, something like angels; but at present they are only hard- working men, and they have to go through much toil to sup- port wives and children, and unhappily it not unfrequently happens, that in old age the poor man who has been the means of administering so much comfort to his fellow creatures, who has, no doubt, again and again adorned our tables with flowers, and served us with the choicest fruits ; who, in fact, has done his little to help in restoring the earth to its pris- tine beauty from which it has so lamentably fallen,—I say it often happens that this quiet, hardworking administerer to our joy and comfort, is overtaken by the hand of mis- fortune, his age embittered by sickness, and nothing to look to but the kindness of those who are unwilling to see an honest, good man go without a helping hand when he needs one. Happily this Institution exists, and we now celebrate its 21st anniversary. I am sure the history of the Institution is well known to most of those friends I see around me; but as some strangers have honoured us with their company, I think I may be forgiven if I say a few words as to its pro- gress :—During the early years of the Institution little or no good was effected, but in 1843 some beneficial changes in the management were introduced; it received the Royal patronage in 1851, and has gradually progressed in useful- ness, affording annuities to deserving applicants above sixty years of age; of £16 and £12 to men and widows respec- tively ; giving always a preference to subscribers, which has been found to encourage habits of prudence and economy’ through life. At this moment there are fifty-five persons preserved from the evils of poverty and sickness by this Institution. It is entirely supported by annual subscrip- tions, collection at the anniversary dinner, and the dividends on £5500 funded stock. My friends Mr. Wrench and Mr. Cutler kindly consent to continue their services as Treasurer and Secretary ; and of the twenty-four members forming the Committee of Management, one-third of that number are always practical gardeners. Now, I hope no one will esteem it a fault on my part when I say, if all the well-to-do gardeners were to come honourably forward and subscribe their mite towards an institution eminently their own, they would only be doing by their less fortunate brethren what reason, or- dinary kindness, and duty should prompt them to do. I hope that all our landed gentry will consent to become subscribers to this Society—every one should, indeed, who enjoys the luxury of flowers, fruit, and vegetables. The ladies, especi- ally, ought to think of the poor gardeners, whose hands have reared the flowers which give them so much pleasure, and enhance so beautifully their charms; but with the gardeners ib is a positive obligation, and I trust that ere long such will be the success of the Gardener’s Royal Benevolent Institu- tion, that not a single gardener or gardener’s widow in the July 12, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. a ds ci a ea tne country, who may be in true misfortune, may have to ask twice, or ask in vain, for its sheltering protection. The Lorp Provost said—The next toast which I have the pleasure to propose, is one to which I am not sure whether I should allude in its official or private capacity. I beg leave to propose “‘ The Health of the excellent Treasurer of this Institution, an esteemed friend of my own, Mr. Wrench.” In the particular branch of commerce in which I and many around me have been engaged, it is well known that Mr. Wrench’s name is a kind of household word; and Tam sure I only say with truth, that both his own name, and the name of his father before him, are held in an esti- mation which reflects the very highest credit upon the firm and upon every individual member of the family which raised, by their talent, industry, and high sense of honour, that firm so high in public opinion. It is most creditable to Mr. Wrench to find him, while even yet immersed in the anxieties of business, holding a responsible office in this benevolent Institution; and I well know that he holds it with great credit to himself, and that he has spared no effort to bring his services to bear successfully on the pro- sperity of the Institution. I know that for the success of the Gardeners’ Benevolent Institution we must also look to others than the Treasurer; but I always think it good to have a lucky Treasurer, and, as I cannot but regard Mr. Wrench as a lucky man this evening, surrounded as he is by so many munificent benefactors to the Institution, I congratulate the Institution in possessing so fortunate an omen of its future prosperity. The Lord Provost's health was next drunk most enthusi- astically, when in returning thanks he said :—I am quite at a loss how to thank you adequately for the very kind manner in which my health has been proposed, and the more than kind manner in which it has been received. I assure you when I was asked to preside at the dinner I felt myself much complimented, for I knew how many more distin- guished persons and more deserving might have been chosen for such an honour; still, from a feeling of pride I suppose, I could not refuse the compliment, and I have now had the intense satisfaction of presiding at an English dinner in your own English metropolis. Permit me before I sit down to say a word in praise of what I consider a noble feature in the English character—it is free from all prejudice, and in this forms a brilliant example to your neighbouring fellow countrymen north of the Tweed and across the Channel. In this great city you invite all and sundry—Scotch, Ivish, foreign—no matter where they come from they are all welcome, and welcome to do as they choose. I call this a grand national characteristic, and to it London is in no small measure indebted for the proud position she holds among the nations of the world, even England herself, indeed, for her greatness; and, to compare great things with small, I am indebted for appearing here this evening. I shall long remember the agreeable entertainment we have just bad, and again thank you most warmly for your kindness oO me. The health of the Ladies, who mustered strongly in the gallery, was next given. The musical arrangements were admirably carried out by Miss Poole, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Montem Smith, and Mr. Lewis Thomas. Mr. W. H. Thomas acted efficiently at the grand pianoforte; and our old friend Harker as usual made an able toastmaster. The dinner was of a most récherché character, and gave great satisfaction. SKELETONISING LEAVES. Soak the leaves in soft water until the green parts are perfectly decomposed. Pour off this water and fill the basin with fresh water, The basin must be large enough to hold the hand comfortably. Put the hand into the basin, and, holding the leaf under the water, gently manipulate it be- tween the fingers and thumb (using only the tips of the fingers), until every particle of green comes away. If it does not do so easily, the leaf requires more soaking. Fingers have a far more delicate touch than any brush. A piece of white blotting paper raises the leaf out of the water better than writing paper. Pass the leaf once or twice through a solution of chloride of lime, half a teacupful of the powder to a pint of water. Dry them gradually between folds of blotting paper not too much pressed, and remove them either to mount or to preserve in any manner you please before they are quite dry. MUSCAT GRAPES. As the interesting and instructive remarks on “Choice of Grapes” by Mr. Pearson (page 454), were offered partly for the purpose of eliciting the opinion of others, I am induced to offer a few remarks on the choice of Muscat Grapes. When Mr. Pearson says that it signifies very little which variety of Muscat, excepting the Cinon Hall, is planted, I have no doubt he speaks from his own experience; and there is no doubt that under skilful management and fayour- able circumstances he is, to a certain extent, correct. There are, however, varieties of the Muscat which are not attended, under ordinary circumstances, with that precariousness in setting which belongs to what is generally known as the old Muscat of Alexandria, and which results in the many samples of that Grape which are to be met with having irregularly set or stoned berries, and which greatly disfigure the bunches. First-class management can and does overcome this objec- tionable tendency in the old Muscat; but there are many instances in the present day in which Muscats are planted and fruited at the hot end of comparatively cool vineries, and under other circumstances not favourable to complete success in setting and maturing the berries. Under such circumstances I think the selection of varie- ties of the very greatest moment, because I have‘found that there are one or two varieties of Muscat, every berry of which sets and ripens in a temperature where the same success does not attend the old Muscat, and which are in size of berry and flavour, more particularly in the former point, more than equal to any of the Muscat section. The varieties I allude to are the Tynningham and Bo- wood Muscats, both of which set as freely, and can be thinned as freely, as the Black Hamburgh in a temperature lower than is necessary to secure the same result with the old Muscat. Moreover, both these varieties, with me at least, make finer berries than the old Muscat, while they ripen sooner, and are easier brought to that amber pitch characteristic of first-class Muscats. They can be shut up for forcing the first week of February, and placed ripe on the table in the last week of June. I think these are points well worthy of the attention of those who grow Muscats in a mixed collection, or who have not the command of a high temperature. The two sorts I recommend I am certain will give more satisfaction in setting and ripening in a moderate temperature than the old Muscat. What Mr. Pearson says about their general appearance when ripe and placed on the table may be, to a certain extent, correct. But I have for some time grown the three sorts to which I refer, and I would never think of planting the old Muscat while I could obtain the other two. Some time ago an effort was made to prove the Tynning- -| ham and Bowood varieties identical, but some who enter- tained that opinion think differently now; and they are, with me, more distinct in wood, foliage, and general cha- racter, than are some of the Black Hamburgh varieties of Grapes, which are, nevertheless, varieties.—D. T. MR. TOWNSEND’S SEEDLING CLEMATISES. My attention has been directed to the concluding para- graph of the proceedings of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society of June 29th, as reported in the last Number of your Journal. The insinuation contained in this paragraph is calculated to seriously damage my character as a florist, and, therefore, I beg to be allowed to occupy a small space to furnish the gentlemen composing the Floral Committee (and of whose names I am entirely ignorant), with some information respecting the seedling Clematises submitted by me for their judgment. The seed from which these Clematises were raised was hybridised and gathered by me. I came to St. Mary’s Nursery, Hornsey, at Christmas, 1862, immediately after which the seed was sown. The plants exhibited were the 30 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 12, 1864. produce of that seed, and have never been out of my posses- sion. Some of them bloomed last year, and one of the plants exhibited is a plant of this year’s growth, and bloomed for the first time thissummer. [I still have of this year’s growth more than twenty plants from the same seed, none of which have yet bloomed, but are now showing bloom, which I shall be happy to show to any petson who may favour me with a call, and answer any questions concerning them. None of these Clematises have ever been shown till they were exhibited at the Alexandra Park Flower Show, June 22nd; they were there awarded first-class certificates of merit. They were then submitted to the judgment of the gentlemen composing the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, June 29th. Since then they. have been exhibited at the Royal Botanic Society’s Flower Show, Regent’s Park, when they were also awarded certificates of merit. These were the only times the plants have ever been exhibited. I feel assured the gentlemen of the Floral Committee would not willingly injure my reputation as a florist by unjustly doubting my integrity ; and as they ap- pear to have withheld their commendation of these Clema- tises from some doubt as to their origin, I trust this explana- tion will be satisfactory to them, and that they will do me: the justice to award me any certificates they may think these plants merit; or should they desire it, I am willi again to submit them for their opinion at any future meet- ing of the Committee.—THomas TowNsEND. FLOWER GARDEN PLAN. ENTRANCE GATES. 1. Centre Golden Chain Geranium, surrounded with Bijou, and edged with Lobelia. 2. Henri de 5. Chiistine Geranium, Nierember- gia, Variegated Alyssum. 6. Cerise Unique Geranium, Lady Plymouth, Lobelia. r , Nierembergia, Variegated Arabis. | 3. Boule de Niege, Spitfire, Lobelia. 4. Bijou Geranium, Golden Chain, Lobelia. as shown in Perilla. 11, 14. Lady Plymouth Geranium, dotted with Brilliant. ~ Tue garden is surrounded by a wallasshown. The gravel path is wide, as it is used as a drive up to the house. The 2] eS € centre beds 19, 20, and 21 are raised one above the other, (2, 3. 4, 5, 6, planted as No. 1.) | 17, 18. Cerise Unique Geranium ; 7,8, 9.10. Cerastium with puitern EMVBIMPERIZE. EARLY ELIZABETH AN HOUSE § 12, 15. Lady Plymouth, dotted with } 19. Tropwolum clegans, edged with Lobelia. Lobelia, and Lady Plymouth Ge~ 13, 16. Cloth of Gold Geranium, ranium planted alternately. edged on outside only with Perilla, | 20. Christine Geranium, edged with Nierembergia Calceoluria Aurea floribunda, edged | 21. Perilla nankinensis, edged with on outside only with Perilla nan- Variegated Alyssum. kinensls, | as in the accompanying woodcut. The sides are of slate painted like stone. No. 6 bed would have been planted as: No. 3, simply reversing the position of Boule de Niege and Spitfire, but I had not a sufficiency of these Geraniums.— A SurroLK SUBSCRIBER. [We think your garden will look very well as proposed if you give it the necessary pruning and regulating, especially as respects the Perilla outside of the beds. We think, however, that you have too much Perilla; and a line all round the figures 13, 16, 17, 15 will give a sombre appear- ance, especially being next the grass. Charlwoodii and Purple King Verbena would suit better. The Perilla will é July 12, 1864, J want so much regulating outside Cloth of Gold and Aurea floribunda Calceolaria, that if you must use Perilla we would put it in the middle—thus: 13, 16, Perilla, Cloth of Gold; 17, 18, Cerise Unique Geranium (strong plants), Perilla, Aurea floribunda. In 21 we would put Scarlet Geranium instead of the Perilla; 19 and 20 as stated. Then as you cross 11, 14, and 12, 15, which will do well, and all the better from the above proposed alteration, we would take that crossing as the guide for the other planting ; and we would thus make pairs of 1 and 4,3 and 6, 7 and 9, 8 and 10: the last two might have Amaranthus melancholicus instead of Perilla. By your proposed mode all your edgings of the corner beds would be Perilla, all the outside ones Lobelia. By the proposed plan the inner would be yellow, the outer blue. Even blue is tame against grass. Give rich top- dressing to the Verbenas, and rotten leaf mould to the Cal- ceolarias, firming the soil well. | THE WANT OF VARIETY AMONG TREES AND SHRUBS IN PLEASURE GROUNDS AND ORNAMENTAL PLANTATIONS. WHEN we consider the great taste for ornamental garden- ing at the present time, the numerous fine hardy trees and shrubs which are capable of enduring our climate, and the moderate price at which they can be obtained, it is rather strange that the shrubberies and ornamental plantations in very many places of note are still mostly composed of the oldest and commonest kinds of trees and shrubs; which, with few exceptions, have occupied similar places in our gardens since the days of Philip Miller and Abercrombie. The great lack, however, of variety at the present time in most pleasure grounds and ornamental plantations is per- haps more owing to the generality of planters not knowing the different species and varieties of hardy trees and shrubs that we now possess, and the kinds which are best suited for the purpose. One of the principal reasons for planting different kinds of trees and shrubs in a plantation or pleasure ground is to ereate as much variety as possible in the scenery, by the display of the natural character and outline of the heads of the larger trees at a distance, and the smaller trees and shrubs near at hand; for the object of variety is not like that of mixture, to puzzle and confound the spectator, but to charm and delight by leading the eye a sort of wanton chase, as Uvedale Price has expressed it, ‘‘from one beauty to another; alike, but yet different;—presenting in the detail novelty at every movement, and all parts conspiring to form a beautiful and harmonious whole.’ Therefore, when trees and shrubs are planted for ornamental purposes in or around the pleasure ground, or near the mansion, they should in all cases present as much variety as possible, so as to make these spots attractive and interesting, more especially as the trees and shrubs planted in such places are for the most part permanent and confined to belts or clumps placed in prominent parts, for the purpose of forming screens, or planted singly for varying the general aspect of the place, or separating one part of the grounds from another. Mr. Loudon says, ‘The first step towards a knowledge and taste for variety is to be able to distinguish variety from mixture,” and “that a knowledge of what variety is would lead to an effectual desire to possess it.’’ Now, if, as Mr. Loudon so justly observes, such a desire were applied to the planting of the various hardy trees and shrubs which we now possess, what an amazing increase it would produce in the arborescent riches of country seats as compared with what they now are; besides, it would lead to the employ- ment of ten times the number of species and varieties of hardy trees and shrubs that is at present grown, and so displace the present meagre, monotonous, thicket-like mix- tures that ladies and gentlemen are now content with in most parts of the country. Again, if all the species and varieties of trees and shrubs which bear the open air in this country, and which have any pretence to ornament or dis- tinction, were planted at gentlemen’s country seats, what an interest would such places then excite as compared to what they do at present; and all that seems wanting to produce this interest, enjoyment, and commerce is a more JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 31 general knowledge of all the hardy trees and shrubs, their habits, and the sizes which they attain, on the part of those who are entrusted with their selection and planting, and a little more taste, ambition, and a desire to have them pro- perly named by their employers; for when a large variety of trees and shrubs are properly arranged and named they form a fine contrast, and add greatly to the interest of the place. The number of hardy trees and shrubs which we now possess is large and admits of very great choice in the forma- tion of ornamental plantations, where variety always adds both to the attraction and beauty of the place; for every tree and shrub has its peculiar character. The Lombardy Poplar, for instance, has unity of design and an unsocial habit, which forbids the mingling of its branches with those of other trees; while the Weeping Ash disobeys the ordinary law of vegetation, and grows downwards. Every tree and shrub, likewise, has its two characters, both of which are natural to it, the one when it grows up in a mass or among others, and the other when it grows singly, with ample room for the extension and development of all its parts. In the former case the stem or stems are mostly straight, and comparatively free from branches near the ground, while in the other the tree extends its branches amply on all sides, and retains them down to the ground. It is, theretore, obvious that plenty of room and pruning are of the greatest importance in the management of ornamental plantations and shrubberies, and quite as requisite as in timber planta- tions. In plantations where large and small kinds. are inter- mixed, and especially flowering ones, the chief object should always be to show the individual character of each species or variety and the beauty of its blossoms, and for these pur- poses the plants must never be crowded together. Nearly all trees and shrubs are planted as permanent objects, which increase both in size and beauty every year, and when a large assortment of them is introduced and properly arranged in the pleasure ground or ornamental plantation, a succes- sion of changes, not only of foliage and flowers but in the general aspect, takes place nearly all the year round; for a perceptible change is constantly going on in the plants, caused by their perpetual progress, not only to maturity, but to dormancy. Such changes are exhibited by the various tints of the young expanding leaves in the spring and the maturer shades of summer, by the various hues assumed by the dying foliage of deciduous kinds in autumn, and by their leafless spray in winter. Every species of tree and shrub has its peculiar habit of growth, tint of colour, and outline, and, consequently, requires sufficient space for the full develop- ment of its characteristics, and if these are not carefully considered at the time of planting an evil is created that frequently is not noticed afterwards until it becomes too late, and the result is either the mutilation or sacrifice of some of the finer specimens, which, if due consideration had been exercised at first, would have been avoided. Nothing can be worse than to see in a pleasure ground two or three nearly full-grown trees of different species and habits with their heads and branches mutilated or interwoven, and destroying the outlines of each other.—GrorGE GorpDoNn, A.L.S. NEW STRAWBERRIES. Iv is a rule with me, from which I seldom depart, tospeak only of good Roses and Strawberries, and say nothing of those which are bad or unsuitable to my locality, especially if they have been kindly sent by the raiser. Moreover, an article may be good elsewhere that is not good here. These are very good; and judging them under unfavour- able circumstances, they may be safely recommended. 1. Tur Royan Haursors (Rivers), is an immense cropper, and the fruit is very large and delicious. The plant is a hardy hermaphrodite. 2. Lucas (De Jonghe), derived from La Constante, is excellent, hardier, and a better grower. I do not think, as some do, that it is superior to La Constante, but it is excel- lent, and is a heavy cropper. The fruit is nearly round, and handsome. It is more suitable to different soils and locali- ties. The plant does not burn under a torrid sun, as I have seen La Constante do. It is also a better winterer. 32 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 12, 1864. 3. Borssetor Sreprine No. 1 (called, I believe, La Vin- euse), a latish Strawberry, is excellent, as a plant a heavy cropper, with round fruit of good flavour, with a slight brisk- ness. It is very hardy and quickly established—a point of great moment in this precarious climate. I speak of these three Strawberries after their second year’s trial. 4. Brsou (De Jonghe), is a pretty dwarf-habited plant, slow in growth, but healthy and tolerably hardy. The fruit is of regular and perfect shape, round-coned; but alas! from my only three plants the innumerable birds have pulled off the net, and saved me the trouble of tasting. 5. JoHN Powett (Ingram), is Queen-leaved and Queen- flavoured. The plants came late last autumn, I could not therefore expect a crop. I have tasted sufficient berries to say it is first-rate. The fruit is irregular, round-coned, and handsome. The flesh is solid to the centre and firm. It is juicy and pine-flavoured. I fancy it will be one of the very best new sorts, and remain in the catalogue. I have taken off all the remaining fruit in order to “make plant,” as the plants had a severe winter in their unestablished state. The Frogmore Pines (in huge crop and size here), and John Powell do Mr. Ingram the greatest credit. The former is one of the greatest leaps in the Strawberry line. 6. Lorp CrypE (Dean), is strong as a plant and quickly established. I received it late this spring in the midst of | hoar frosts. It isa first-class Strawberry. I saved sufficient fruit from my two plants to speak of it highly. It is of fine flavour, and also the most honey-sweet Strawberry that I ever ate. I think it will be a cropper. The berries are not uniform. They are round, cockscombed, or double- breasted. They are not so firm as John Powell, but I fancy they dre equal to it in flavour. These three are in their first year of trial. The last two have well pleased me. Here, then, are five novelties, a pentateuch of excellence, | that stand out in bold relief from an annual inundation of | trash.—W. F. Rapcuyrrs, Rushton. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY’S MEETING. Tux June meeting of this Society was presided over by | A. T. Stainton, Esq., F.L.S., in the absence of the President. | Amongst the donations to the library received since the last meeting were the publications of the Zoological and Botanical Society of Vienna, the Royal Agricultural Society, the Entomological Society of New South Wales, &c.; also a new work by M. Simon on the Spiders, and an elaborate monograph on the Bos Flies (Wstride), by Herr Brauer of Vienna. ’ Mr. Morris exhibited some leaves of the Sugar Cane re- ceived from the island of Mauritius, where the canes are infested to an alarming degree by a species of Coccus closely resembling the common Vine Coccus, and which was sup- posed to have been introduced from Belgium or France. The young leaves of the canes both in Mauritius and the island of Réunion are especially infested to a great degree by the insect. Sulphur had been applied to a certain ex- tent, but it was very difficult of application. Carbolic acid had also been strongly recommended to be used as a wash in a diluted form. It was in dry weather especially, when the leaves are succulent, that the pest is the most troublesome. Mr. F. Smith exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Atkinson of Cal- cutta, a number of drawings of the Lepidopterous insects of India, executed by native artists with a delicacy of touch and precision of colouring quite marvellous. Many very rare and interesting species were thus represented, especially gome singular varieties of the extraordinary Epicopeia poly- dora and Calinaga Buddha. He also exhibited a Humble Bee (Bombus sp.), captured by his son on Deal sands, which was evidently distinct from any previously-described British species; also, on behalf of Mr. S. Stone, a series of six nests built by a colony of Vespa germanica in cubical boxes glazed in front, and exhibiting a variety of most fan- tastic forms, one resembling a large cup on a pedestal, another the columns of a stalactite cavern, and one was a fair miniature representation of Stonehenge. Professor Westwood suggested that Mr. Stone had induced the Wasps to build their nests in these curious shapes by introducing small pieces of wire in different positions, of which the wasps took advantage as affording support to their combs. Some notes were also read on the destruction of queen Wasps in the spring of various years, proving how greatly the development of these insects is affected by the varieties of climate. In cold springs scarcely any wasps could be seen, but in dry and warm ones vast numbers were found; thus, in 1841 as many as 586 dozen of queen wasps were caught and destroyed. Mr. F. Smith objected to this wholesale destruction of Wasps (each queen, of course, representing an entire future colony), considering that Wasps were rather beneficial in the economy of nature than otherwise. Mr. McLachlan exhibited a Case-bearing caterpillar found on Thyme at Box Hill, differing from any hitherto observed Lepidopterous Case-bearer. The specimen in question was, however, stated by Professor Westwood to be the larva of the Coleopterous genus Clythra. Professor Westwood also exhibited a number of minute four-footed Acari, which had been communicated to him by Mr. Chapman of Glasgow, and which had proved very de- structive during the present spring to the buds of the com- mon Black Currant, within which they were found in vast numbers, and of which they destroyed the embryo bloom. He also exhibited and read the description of a new and remarkable Butterfly from Assam and Singapore, forming the type of a new genus, to which he gave the name of Liphyra Brassolis; the Butterfly, although belonging to the family Lycenide, exhibiting a great resemblance to the robust body Brassolis of South America. Mr. Bates read a communication from Mr. Trimen of Cape Town, giving an account of an interesting instance of mimetic resemblance traced to its object in the instance of a species of Spider which resides on the Senecio pubigerus, Linn., and which so exactly resembles the flowers of that species of Ragwort in its colours and markings as to de- ceive the small species of Butterflies, which it captures and devours when they fly down to settle upon the supposed blossom. Major Parry exhibited a curious case of monstrosity occur- ring on an exotic species of Stag Beetle, Odontolabis Ste- vensii, the antenne of which were divided into three branches. Mr. Stainton exhibited the curious pupa of a small Moth, Anchinia verrucella, which closely resembles that of the Butterflies of the genus Pieris, being attached by threads at the tail and girt round the body. Mr. Tegetmeier made some observations on the economy of Hive Bees, especially with reference to their habit of clearing out and taking possession of old combs, which they have the instinct to fasten with fresh wax at the top, and also on their feeding upon pollen. Dr. A. Wallace gave an aecount of the successful rearing and winding-off of the silk of the Bombyx Cynthia, which feeds on the Ailanthus, at Colchester. Specimens of the silk as carded from the cocoons, spun silk, and woven silk were all shown, together with a skein of ailanthine spun from the cocoon in a continuous thread, which had until quite recently been considered impracticable. : Mr. F. Walker communicated a memoir containing de- scriptions of new species of Chalcidites, of the genus Smiera, brought from the Amazons by Mr. Bates, and now in the British Museum. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. PERSEVERE in the all-important operation of stirring the surface of the soil at every favourable opportunity. There is no kind of soil which will not be benefited by this ope- ration, but more particularly for those having a tendency to run together or bind it is indispensably necessary. No one who has not followed out the system perseveringly can truly estimate the great advantages resulting therefrom. It is very proper to apply stimulants in the shape of manure trenched in and incorporated with the staple soil, or in a liquid state during the growing season; but the benefit of such applications is greatly increased by continued, and, as far as possible, deep surface-stirring; for it is the atmo- spheric agents acting upon and combining with the sub- stances composing the food of plants, which reduce them to a fit state to be taken up through the roots and assimi- q | July 12, 1864, ] lated by the plants. Cabbage, make another sowing for autumn use. Carrots, make a small sowing if they are in request for drawing young, also a few more Onions for the same purpose. The Tripoli Onion answers best. The au- tumn-sown ones transplanted in the spring will now be attaining their full growth; as soon as this is perceived lay the tops down with the back of a wooden rake for some time previous to pulling. Celery, the main crops must now be got out without delay. Let the plants be well supplied with water, and shaded for a few days if necessary. The early crops to be liberally supplied with liquid manure, and the soil about them frequently stirred with a fork; but by no means make any attempt at moulding up until they have nearly attained the desired growth. Peas, continue to earth up and stake, the last sowing of these may now be made. The Early Frame is generally recommended, but Knight’s Dwarf Marrow will also succeed if the season prove fine. Potatoes, the spaces between the rows of early Po- tatoes should be deeply forked up, and planted with the latest crop of Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Coleworts, and other winter and spring Greens. They will not interfere with the well-doing of the Potatoes. Scarlet Runners, earth-up and stake the later-sown, unless they are required dwarf, when the tops must be frequently pinched out; but it is always best to stake them if possible both for neatness and pro- ductiveness. Tomatoes, keep them well thinned out and constantly nailed. Turnips, keep up good successional sow- ings, of which a large breadth may now be got in. Dry wood ashes or charred refuse sprinkled over them when they are wet is a good preventive against the fly. FRUIT GARDEN. Keep the young wood of wall trees constantly nailed in. Spur-in the young,wood of Gooseberries and Currants, it increases their productiveness, and also the fineness of the fruit. Care will still be required to keep down the ravages of aphides on wall trees by frequently syringing. Straw- berry plantations, that are to stand to bear another crop, to have all the superfluous runners cut away between the rows, and all weeds carefully removed; but on no account let any of the foliage be cut away at this season. Most kinds of frnit now ripe or r1pening, will require the protection of nets to preserve them from birds. Peaches and Nectarines should have their final thinning when the stones in the fruit get firm and hard, as all the risk of dropping during the stoning process will then be over. Vines against walls to be nailed to the wall. Pinch out the points of the current year’s wood (except the leaders), of Figs when they have made five and six joints. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Shading should be used sparingly, except on bright days, for during dull unsettled weather plants require all the light that conservatories, the roofs of which are partially shaded by twiners, afford, and are greatly benefited by an occasional gleam of sunshine. The beauty of most softwooded plants will be considerably prolonged by the use of weak liquid manure, which should be given frequently. Indeed such things as Achimenes, Clerodendrons, &e., may be had in full | beauty from June to October through being liberally sup- plied with manure water; but this must not be given too strong at first. Keep the atmosphere as moist as can be done; but ayoid damp on cold nights by leaving sufficient air to cause a gentle circulation, and spare no attention to keep the plants clear of insects. Chinese Primulas, especially the double varieties, if at all backward, should be placed in a cold frame and shaded from the sun, where they will make rapid progress, particularly if the pots stand on a slight bottom heat. A thorough revision of plants belonging to the greenhouse should now take place with the view of affording them a final shift for the season, giving, where necessary, support by judicious tying, and repairing irregu- larities of growth. The obvious reason for shifting during _the summer is, that before the approack of winter the plants may possess a sufficient mass of roots to support them through that trying season. FLOWER GARDEN. Go over the beds frequently, and keep the young shoots of Verbenas, &c., nicely reoulated and pegged down until the ground is fairly covered, after which the shoots may be allowed to grow more at liberty. On poor dry soils two or JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER... 338 three applications of weak manure water, given at intervals of a few days, and when the ground is moist, will greatly assist in getting the beds covered without loss of time. See that Dahlias, Hollyhocks, &c., are securely staked and properly tied as they advance in growth. Manure water will also be useful to these. Remove dead flowers and seed from Roses, and give the autumn-flowering varieties plenty of manure water, in order to keep them in vigorous health and secure plenty of wood for blooming intheautumn. Bud- ding should be proceeded with in cloudy weather. Mildew is sometimes very troublesome after this season, and no time should ke lost in dusting the infested plants with sulphur. PITS AND FRAMES. j The stock here will now be growing freely, and should be frequently examined individually to see that all is going right, for plants when growing rapidly very speedily suffer through neglect in watering, or from the attacks of insects. Examine young specimens that were potted early in the season, and shift at once such as require more pot room, so as to get the pots moderately well filled with roots before the winter, in which state plants are much more easily carried through the winter than when either over or under-potted. Leschenaultias should be carefully examined for green fly. Chorozemas, Bossiwas, &c., must also be frequently examined for red spider and laid upon their sides on a clean mat and thoroughly washed with the syringe, repeating the syringing as often as may be necessary to eradicate the pest. Young specimens of valuable hardwooded plants should be carefully trained, keeping the shoots nicely tied out or pegged down in order to secure close compact specimens. W. KEane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Here our work has been much the same as in previous weeks, with the exception of clearing off our first Cauli- flower, and dunging and trenching the ground for Straw- berries—to be transferred from pots that were forced under glass—and clearing off some early Potatoes, to get in Brus- sels Sprouts and Scotch Cabbaging Kale. Dug down, also, some Strawberry-borders after being cleared of fruit, which, borders are also supplied with dwarf bush Apple trees, and planted thickly with Colewort Cabbage, except for a square’ of 4 feet or so round the trees. We do not by any means re- commend this hard cropping of fruit-tree borders; but must- do has a language of its own, as with a small garden, and a continuous supply, there is little use to think of uncropped fruit-borders, however much you may desire them to be so. For all tender fruit the injury done is not so much owing to what the cultivated plants take from such a border as from’ the shade given, which keeps the soil cold; and as the surface is apt to become dry from the absorbing properties of the roots of the vegetables, or smaller fruits, as Strawberries, the roots of the trees are naturally inclined to go down deeper after moisture than is good for them. Above we have spoken of clearing off the remains of the early Cauliflower, as in the very busy days of May and June, when every moment was valuable, heads were frequently cut, and the stumps left remaining until a slacker time could.be obtained for their removal. In general, however, this is a bad, wasteful, slovenly plan—wasteful because the large leaves left on the stump continue to pump up for themselves much of the nourishing properties of the soil, as we found beneath such stumps the ground dry, and thoroughly permeated by roots, at the depth of 30 inches; wasteful, too, because they thus not only uselessly exhaust the soil, but the nourishment which the decomposed stumps and leaves would give to other crops is so much longer held in abeyance. The plan is slovenly, because, if followed in the case of a Cauliflower, it is apt to be followed in the case of Potato-haulm, Lettuces, &c., it being somewhat easier to cut a Lettuce than to pull it up and leave all that is not wanted for the table to give its nourishing properties to the rubbish-heap, and all such remains left in the garden give it an untidy appearance, conjuring up the ideas of a thorough cleaning-up day ; whilst the prominent ideas in a well-kept garden should be constant tidiness, comfort, and elegance. Why should not a row or a bed of Cauliflower be 34 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ July 12, 1864. as interesting as a flower-bed? It has at least all the ad- vantages of utility to recommend it. The cut-and-leave- stump system is also very deceptive to all but the indi- vidual who cuts. A quarter of Cauliflower which has been thus treated, seen at a little distance, would look a quarter of Cauliflower still. When the useless parts are at once removed, the superintendent or the proprietor can see what he has left, and take stock without an effort. Brom this cause alone we have known unpleasantness from circum- stances that would be comical, but for the annoyance associated—such as gentlemen offering half a dozen or half a score of heads of Cauliflower to a neighbour, when he him- self had not one left fit to cut. : This gossip about stumps of Cauliflower brings to our mind two questions that should have been answered a weck ago. The first is, “What do you consider the best size for Cauliflower to be when sent to a gentleman’s table?” We do not consider the question of size as of so much importance as the question of quality. Insure quality, and then size will be an advantage, for large parties especially. The larger the better, if the head is white, compact, firm, no flower- iness on it, no openings, and forming about three parts of a solid ball. The same rule will hold good as to prize Cauli- flower at shows. A large head, if at all open or flowery on the surface, or with open spaces between the parts of the heads, will be passed over, and the preference given to a smaller head if quite firm and compact. As to ourselves, for the parlour table we prefer compact heads rather under than over the ordinary size of a man’s closed fist. When larger or beginning to open they are sent to the hall, and if they come in too fast even to suit rotations there, they are given in turns to the men who help to grow them. This brings us to the other question from “A Youne GARDENER:” ‘My Cabbages are many of them beginning to split and my Cauliflowers to run because they come in faster than they can be used. Is it not a usual thing to give such vegetables to the labourers who choose to accept them ? Would I not be perfectly right to do so?” We thoroughly approve of your intentions. It is a pity that what is fit for human food should be wasted; but if you wish to be safe you must dismiss from your mind all reliance in such matters on mere usage, and all feelings with respect to anything like right. The right alone rests with the proprietor, and if you are wise you will do nothing in the matter with- out receiving his full sanction. Even after this, such a com- mendable proceeding must be accompanied with prudence. After much observation and experience we consider that two things are essential. First, that you yourself see the vege- tables thus distributed ; and, secondly, that you take care that no more be given at a time than can be used at once by the receiver. ‘There must be no inducement in the shape of quantity for the labourers to dispose of them. There are many high-minded proprietors who would not con- descend to sell, but who feel a great pleasure in giving to their friends, and who are very pleased that any surplus should be given to the workmen ; but we have known in- stances of great mortification, unpleasantness, and even the giving up of a good old benevolent usage, because it came out that the workmen sold what was given to them. Well, then, in return for what we consider prudent advice, we want some of our readers and friends to help us. Of all vegetables there is nothing that delights more in sewage | water and manwre water of all kinds than Cauliflower. We have a pump for one sewage tank, and the men as yet have never said anything about it, as we do not think they have ever found the smell offensive. But our own nasal organs are excessively sensitive, and we are not satisfied with anything we have done to render the sewage inodorous before it is com- mitted to the earth. After that, the earth soon makes all tight. Now, what we want is some cheap and easily-obtain- able substance, and one, too, which would not interfere with the nourishing value of the water—a substance which would have the desired effect, either when thrown into the water or, better still, placed in the barrel in which the sewage is pumped. A short paper on this subject from a practical scientific friend, would, we are sure, be read with great interest. Perhaps a correspondent who gave us some good ideas the other week would be good enough to amplify on the subject. The great essentials are cheapness, retaining so that a common labourer may use it safely, and the humble cottager may apply it to the hole in which he husbands all his slops and washings for manure-waterings. We lately saw two plots of Cabbages in two neighbouring cottage gardens, those in the one plot having a light slaty woe-begone ap- pearance, with the leaves flabby, and little or no hearts, whilst those in the other plot had nice firm hearts, and a rich dark appearance in their foliage—a beautiful contrast to their neighbours. The kinds were the same, and the culture and treatment much the same, with this exception, that from one house all the slops were allowed to pollute the highway, and from the other the most of all that could be saved was put to the roots of the Cabbages. Some halfa dozen plants had been burnt up by an overdose, but this was knowledge which would be valued in future, and lead to diluting slops when otherwise too strong. In all cases it is safest to use such waterings weak enough. FRUIT GARDEN. Much the same asin previous weeks. Notwithstanding the showers, have had to water some heavy crops of Queens and other Strawberries, as the flower-stems looked as if inclined to droop. Want of watering when there is plenty of bloom is the chief cause of Strawberries failing to produce well. The first-turned-out Strawberry plants from forced pots are now coming nicely into bloom, and will come in as succes- sicns to such late kinds as the Elton. In all small gardens the fruitful plants of such late kinds as Elton and Eleanor should be marked for runners as stated the other week, as barrenness is more apt to be transmitted from them than from some of the earlier kinds. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Here it would take a long article to tell all the ins and outs of potting and repotting greenhouse and stove plants, fresh arranging with huge Balsam plants, Scarlet Geraniums, &c., looking over beds, fastening and training plants, so as to have all the beds full, so that they may not have that desert appearance until August, of which a correspondent spoke lately, and which is a common accompaniment of the present system of flower gardening. This and various other matters we cannot now allude to, farther than to enter a protest against the idea so currently gaining ground, that fine flower gardens, say from July, and comparative dreariness in the spring, are the fault of the gardening body. Let the burden be laid on the right shoulders. Let labour, material, and means be given, and with previous experience, and the help of Mr. Fleming’s little book, there would be no difficulty in having gardens gay from spring to November at least. But the truth is, that in a great many places the energies of gardeners are already overtasked to make the most of the bedding system for summer and autumn; and to fill the same number of beds continuously, say from March to the end of October, with the same means and the same expense for labour, is to attempt an impossibility, though the word impossible does not come much in our way. Where this extra expense cannot be aiforded, and spring gardening is, as it ought to be, quite as much considered, and rather more valued than a blaze of colour from midsummer and onwards, then the right policy is not to grumble that the gardener cannot do this and that, however willing, but to curtail the extent of the planting, and thus to enable htm to keep all in good order trom spring to autumn. For this purpose a reserve garden and a great number of pots will be necessary, that when spring beds are removed they may at once be filled with plants in bloom. One word as to thin and thick planting of beds in answer to two inquiries. Our rule would be to plant according to cireumstances—that is, the common bedding plants, such as Scarlet Geraniums and Yellow Calceolarias. Where the finest possible show was desired in June and July we would put good plants in some 6 or 8 inches apart. Where the best display was wanted from August until frost came, then we would put in similar plants from 12 to 16 inches apart. It is true you may thin in the autumn those plants turned out thickly ; but even then, independently of the trouble, they will not bloom so well generally as plants put in thinner, and that have thoroughly covered the beds without injuring each other. Circumstances, therefore, should regu- nutritive properties, simplicity and safety in the aaa late the thickness of our planting.—R. F, coca aoa mani July 12, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 35 TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Smith & Simons, Argyle Arcade, Glasgow.—Catalogues of Dutch Flower Roots and Select Roses. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Joty 9. Supply good and demand brisk. Apples and Pears have made their appearance, the latter chiefly Jargonelle from abroad, and of these a few good samples may be obtained. Plums are coming in abundantly from the continent. Pines, Grapes, and Strawberries are very good and quite suffi- cient for the demand. Peaches and Nectarines are more plentiful and prices are reduced. Melons are rather scarce, but of good quality; Figs more abundant. Common Cherries are bringing from 4d. to 6d. per lb. Of Currants there is a good supply of all kinds, Asparagus is nearly over. The supply of other vegetables is good. FRUIT. 5. d. 5. d - d. os. a Apples..... 1 6to0O 0} Mulberries .. 0to0 0 Apricots 1 0 8 O| Nectarines . 0 20 0 Cherries 1 0 2 O| Oranges... 0 16 0 3 6 5 O| Peaches .. 5 0 30 0 4 0 5 O| Pears (kitche: OOM OO «doz 4 0 8 0 dessert... doz. 2 0 3 0 Filberts & Nutsl00lbs. 0 0 0 0 | Pine Apples Sp Ay) Sea) ) Gooseberries....3sieve 3 6 5 O| Plums..,. sieve 0 0 0 0 Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 4 0 8 0 Quinces .. dosr #10) {OK s0N0 .. 6 0 12 0 | Raspberries 04 0 8 4 0 10 0} Strawberrie 06 16 4 0 10 0! Waluuts............. 14 6 20 0 VEGETABLES. s. d. 8. d s.d. s.d Artichokes 0 4to0 6/ Leeks... 0 4to0 6 Asparagus .. 3 0° 6 0] Lettuce. s OM SP 3: Beans Broad 1 6 O 0} Mushrooms -pottle’ 1.0 2.0 Kidney 1 0 1 6] Muatd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 0 4 Beet, Red 10 30 -bunch 0 4 O 6 Broccoli 00 00 a 0) (6° 0)_8 BrusselsSprouts 4 sieve 0 0 0 0} Parsley .... ab ee Cabbage ..... doz. 0 9 1 6] Parsnips . ORS LG: Capsicums 100 0 0 ©O 0} Peas... OP 6eilc6 Carrots .... bunch 0 5 O 8 spite; 2 Omeio UNO) Cauliflower .........doz. 2 0 4 0] Potatoes . 8 0 12 0 bundle 1 6 2 0 New SmiOe Ole 0) 0 6 1 O| Radishes doz. OG! One 9: 0 0 O O} Rhubarb 00 00 1 3 2 6] Savoys 1€0z.)0) 0) 7050 0 3 O 0} Sea-kale basket 0 0 0 0 0 8 O 0O| Spinach.. 10 20 Gourds&Pumpks.each 0 0 0 0 LEONE oI 0 Herbs.. bunch 0 3 0 0 04 0 6 Horsera «. bundle 1 6 4 0 LO 210) TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “ Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Jowrnal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, B.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more ___ than two or three questions at once. N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Peacu TREE INFESTED wiTH SoaLE (Old Subscriber).—Dissolve 4 0zs. of gum arabic in a quart of water, and paint the infested parts with it by means of a soft brush. Allow it to remain on a few days, then wash it off by strongly syringing the tree with water at 120°. In winter after the leaves have fallen dress the tree with a solution formed by dissolving 8 ozs. of Gishurst compound in a gallon of soft water, and brush this well into theieuselss and crevices of the wood, being careful not to injure the fruit S. _Garuic CuLtore (Zdem).—Plant the offsets in rich ground in an open situation in February, and in rows 1 foot apart, and 6 inches from offset to offset in the rows. The drills should be drawn about an inch deep, and the offsets placed with their growing points upwards in the drill, and be gently pressed into the soil. When pianted cover with an inch of fine light soil. Keep them clear of weeds, and when the tops turn yellow take up the roots, aad tie them in bunches of about half-a-dozen, and suspend in any cool dry place. Growine Carpace SEEp (Idem).—Sow the seed in April, pricking off the seedlings when strong enough, and finally plant out in rows 2 fect apart, and the same from plant to plant. Earth up and keep clear of weeds, and in autumn transplant into good rich deep soil aud in rows a yard apart, and sufficiently deep in the soil to cover the stem to the lowest leaves. The Cabbages should be 2 feet apart. A sheltered situation is to be preferred. The plants will bloom in due time, and seed will Sollow soon afterwards. Syrineine Vines (Idem).—Tbey may be syringed every morning before the sun becomes powerful with clear soft water, except when in flower, and after the Grapes change for ripening. It is, however, much more advan- tageous to syringe Vines at the time of shutting up the house in the after- noon, sprinkling the paths, &e., the following morning. Cucumbers Disvasep (F. C.).—The disease which is so prevalent at present amongst Cucumbers and the Cucurbitacee family generally, is evi- dently of fungoid origin, the cause and cure of it belng as yet concealed from scientific eyes. We know of nothing more likely to mitigate the evil than procuring sound seed from plants free from disease, and, after pro- viding a mild bottom and top heat, to keep both sustained so as to make the plants grow freely ; to employ soil that has been well exposed to the influences of the atmosphere, and moderately rich—that furnished by rotted turf being rich enough without any addition of manure or leaf mould ; to renew the plants often, and when they have produced a fair crop and show symptoms of decreasing vigour, and it may be slight traces of the disease, to pull them up and throw them into the fire, and put in young plants in their places, having previously removed the old soil and replaced it by fresh sweet compost. We shall ne obliged by.any of our correspondents favouring us with particulars of anything they have found useful in remedying the effects of this disease, which threatens to become as great a scourge to the Cucurbitacee as the Potato murrain was to the Potato a few years ago.—G. A. Corrace Garpeners' Dictionary (G. D., of H.).—Bohn’s edition is the last. No supplement has yet been added. ANTIRRHINUM AND OTHER SEEDS (A Young Amateur Subscriber).—Write to any of the great florists who advertise in our columns and ask them the same questions, They will readily reply. We never recommend tradesmen. Vine Leaves (EF. P. Hall).—What you call an “eruption,” only occurs on very vigorous Vines, It will not affect the crop. Keeping the house cooler, drier, and better ventilated usually prevents its occurrence. Crover Seep (B. H. W.).—Some Clover seed is grown in all the counties of England where the climate is mild and the rainfall small ; but it is grown most extensively, we believe, in Cambridgeshire. The largest quantity, kowever, is growr in the German States bordering on the Rhine, and it is exported chiefly from Hamburgh; yet that which comes to England from Ho'land and Belgium hes found its way thither principally from the German States. In 1861 there were imported into this country 198,120 ewts., in 1862, 168,974 ewts., and in 1863, 272,626 cwts. Wehave no means of ascertaining the quantity usually ripened in this country. Grounp Vinery (A. S. A.).—For four penny postage stamps sent with your direction, you can have, free by post, the Number containing the plan and description. Or if you wait for a few weeks a Manual will be published at our office containing that and all other particulars relative to Vine- culture, PrLatyceriem steMMARtA (A. A.).—This is the Fern you mean, and though you saw it growing in a greenhouse it flourishes more vigorously in astove. It isa native of Guinea and introduced in 1822. You will find it described in some botanical works as Acrostichum stemmaria. The usual treatment of stove Ferns is all that it needs. Maxine ASPARAGUS-BEDS (Novice}.—We prefer making the beds any dry time in autumn from September to November. It is not of much moment whether the ends of the beds are north and south, or east and west, but preference is given to the first when we haye the choice. The plants should be two and not more than three years old. They should be planted in the last week in March or first week in April. Any nurseryman can supply you with the right kind of plants. We do not recommend dealers. LAPAGERIA RosEA CuLturE (A Subscriber).—It requires a compost of turfy peat with a little turfy loam added, abundant pot room, and perfect drainage. It requires watering every day from the time growth commences until it ceases, and double the quantity at a time to that given to a Fuchsia. It should be trained near the glass on the north side of a span-roof, or be slightly shaded if on a southern aspect. Lastrea opaca will do well in a cold greenhouse in winter. Sroprine Fucustas AND PELARGONIUMS To BLoom IN SEPTEMBER (4 Young Amateur),—Fuchsias may be stopped until within six weeks of the time they are wanted to bloom, but to make sure if you stop them when this appears in print they will need no further stopping. Pelargoniums to bloom well in September should not be stopped after June. Ants (A. J. H.).—We do not think that they will injure either your Cucumber-roots or Mushroom-spawn. Youmay drive them away by sprink- lings of guano or Scotch snuff. Were they in any other place watering frequently with gas ammoniacal water would banish them, but it might injure your crops. Mitpew on Peas (JV. Z.).—On light soils the mildew may usually be pre= vented by manuring the soil liberally, mulching over the surface close up to the stems, and for a foot wide on each side, with stable manure, and watering freely in dry weather. Dusting with lime we do not think will be of any use. More vigour requires to be imparted to the plants. Swezrt Macr (Delta).—The plant so called by the south Derbyshire cottagers is Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare. x Evercreren vor Instpe Back oF Greennouse (R. G.).—For a strong free-growing evergreen for the back wallof the greenhouse, but the flowers are inconspicuous, the Ficus microphylla or capensis will answer well. For evergreens with a profusion of sweet yellow and whitish blossoms, you could have Jasminum reyolutum and Jasminum gracile. For evergreens in bloom all the winter and spring, and which rather like a little shade in sum~= mer, commend us to the Camellias, They would grow capitally in such a raised narrow border. Drvine Rosz Leaves (Zortus).—Dry them for making placing them where a dry cold current of aircan pass over them, Th Cabbage, Moss, and ‘Tea-scented are the most scented. Vines rn A Prt (J. M.).—There is no doubt whatever that the Vines will sucveed planted in the pit and trained up its roof, if you drain the bottom of the pit, and prevent the roots of the Vines descending. Names oF Insects (J. S. S.).—The insects in the pineries which seem to feed and breed in the tan, and do not appear to injure either the Pines.or stove plants, are an exotic Millipede, closely allied to our British species, Polydesmus complanatus. They have, doubtless, been imported with foreign plants. These insects are generally considered to feed on decaying vege- table matter.—W. pot pouri by e old % 36: JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Merton PrLants SHEDDING THEIR Fruit (J. M. Gileanach).—We think extra luxuriance is the cause of your Melons dropping, and so early. Lessen luxuriance by giving less bottom heat, no more water than will just keep the leaves from flagging, and plenty of air day and night, if at the latter period the atmospheric temperature do not fall below 65° and from that to 60°. No doubt the roots run too freely in your rich turf and cocoa- nut fibre. We are obliged by the information about Broom and caterpillars. Musa CaAvVENDISHII CuLTURE (D. G.).—Your Musa Cavendishii is doing well. Eighty fruit is a goodly number to swell well, and Nature seems to be doing what she expected to get some help in doing. A higher temperature, of from 75° to 85°, will not cause more fruit to set, but thinning them much may doso. When your plant has fruited. it is best to encourage it to make a sucker or two; then take it up, detach the young plant, plant it in new fresh soil, and ere long it will rivalits parent. This is a better plan than keeping the old stumps. Itis not common yet to have fruitful cones on the Welling- tonia. 3 Names oF Fruit (Thomas Record).—The Strawberries we should say are both Keens’ Seedling, but it is impossible to tell from a few fruit only, particularly as there are now so many sorts very similar to that variety. The Grape is Black Prince. (John Crofts).—No. 2, Elruge Nectarine; 3, Barrington; 5, Royal Goorge. We got in confusion with Nos. 1 and 4 That which is quite pale at the stone is Noblesse, and that which is red is Red Magdalene. Names or Prants (I. H. Mayne).—The white flower is a Watsonia, not a Gladiolus, but we cannot say which species without seeing the plant. The shrub is Ozothamnus thyrsoideus, D.C. (¥. Z,).—1, Lastrea decurrens, J,Sm.; 2, Lastrea dilatata, Pres)., perhaps the variety Standishi; but the specimen is too young to enable us to speak with certainty; 3, Erinus alpinus; 4, a Begonia, we cannot say which species, for there are up- wards of 350 known to botanists, and none of them can be accurately named from a single withered leaf; 5, Litobrochia vespertilionis, J. Sm.; 6, Sela- ginella cuspidata, Link. (S. H. W., Reading).—1, Lastreaspinulosa, Presl. ; 2, L. Filix-mas, var. paleacea, Moore. You will find Lastrea rigida in the “*British Ferns,” published at our office. L. quinquangulare is not in either of our Fern books, and we cannot refer you to any English description of it. It is said to be from West Africa, and is allied to L. decomposita, of which, indeed, some authors consider it a variety. It was first named and described by Kunze in the volume of the * Linnea”’ for 1850. (8. A. P.).— 1, Impossible to name the Lobelia from such a miserable scrap; 2, Farsetia suffruticosa, D.o.; 3, Cerastium tomentosum, L.; 4, Phlox maculata, var. candida, Bth.; 5, Helianthemum, sp. (Marple).—1, Polystichum aculea- tum (both) ; 2, too young to be recognised; 38, Alchemilla vulgaris, L. POULTRY CLUB JUDGES. I wave a letter before me from Mr. Hewitt, stating that he communicated to you privately respecting his being a judge to the Poultry Club, and how you can justify the way in which you have published the correspondence I am at a loss to know. The whole tenor of your remarks appears to have no other object in view than to attempt to injure the | proceedings of the Poultry Club, in proof of which, I beg to quote the following extracts from Mr. Hewitt’s letter to me, dated 30th June :-— «T can assure you that it is impossible for any one to feel more annoyed than I do at the paragraph in question, nor could any one be more astonished. About the date of your first letter I received from Mr. Dolby two letters, requesting me to aid the proposed Islington Show, by a notice in THE JOURNAL oF HorticuLrurE. I wrote one, as customary, sent it in a separate letter; but even then, well knowing there was a good deal of ‘ear-wiggine’ going on from the rear against the Club, I wrote another letter to the Hditors, explaining privately that in my case the restrictions of rules were removed. This letter was itself headed ‘ private,’ twice dashed, and even the envelope similarly endorsed. By the next morning’s post I received so very extraordinary and extreme a reply of disapproval, that I actually went up to London. I wrote a second, very much shorter, simply stating particulars of the prize list. This, too, was virtually refused, and in lieu of it eventually the paragraph appeared in print that is justly complained of.” See Tum JournaL OF HorticuLTURE of the 28th of June. Se Such an uncalled-for publication of a private and confi- dential correspondence appears to me to be a great breach of faith. Wishing to secure the services of such an upright Judge as Mr. Hewitt, I was anxious to make any sacrifice to meet his views, and the offer to waive the rules was merely a tribute to the great ability and acknowledged experience of the greatest poultry judge in the world—a tribute which no other judge may ever expect. Allow me finally to state that three members of the Club have consented to act as judges, who have been the most extensive breeders and successful exhibitors in the kingdom; so that you will find, probably, not as you imagine, that the [ July 12, 1864, rules of the Club are inoperative, and their application an impossibility, but the reverse—Epwp. Tupman, An. Hon. Sec. to Poultry Club. [We very readily insert this communication. It is quite true that Mr. Hewitt’s letter was marked “ private,” but as we had seen him subsequently, and stated the substance of what we should say in the first notice of his appointment, and to which he did not object, we considered it only due to him to state what we did in our second notice. We think the Club quite right, as you say, in securing the benefit of his great ability and acknowledged experience, and we are quite sure he will act independently. So far are we from wishing to injure the Poultry Club, that we hope it may succeed in establishing many: exhibi- tions, and that the awards of the judges it appoints may be satisfactory. What we object to is any competent judge (and no other should be appointed), being bound to adhere to rules rather than to the dictates of his own experienced judgment. | REARING CHICKENS AND DUCKLINGS. I syMPATHISE with “A. K. C.” as to the loss of his Dork- ing chickens. The boundless range and over-feeding are most likely the cause. I have found, in breeding poultry, that the Dorking and Spanish are the most difficult to rear. «A, K.C.” will do well to confine his chickens, with the hen, in a coop, away from old dead rotten wood, and not where fungi and worms abound. Feed them upon rice boiled in milk, and, as a change, give sharps and oatmeal mixed with milk, the milk to be sweet ; skimmed milk will do. «A Farmer's Wire” will do better to keep only one drake to six Ducks. Kill one of the drakes, and if she likes keep one of the young ones of this year’s brood. I have one drake to four Aylesbury Ducks. My troops of young Ducks range from sixteen to thirty-two ; ninety-nine in all, out of 182 eggs. All are fed with boiled rice and meal.—J. D. POULTRY JUDGING. Wao is not glad to see “ WinTsHIRE Rector,” whether ib be in his practical remarks, or his New Year’s Eve Dream? I read, and read again, and, on seeing “ WILTSHIRE Rector” at the end, am generally disposed to agree to all he writes; but in his “ Rules for Poultry Judging,” I cannot go with him. I have thought this subject over once and again, but I do not see how you are to make the living individuality which goes to make up the judge merge into the machine, which he must become if he is to judge by a certain code of rules, with which, possibly, he may not agree. On a matter of opinion, it is difficult to force any person to act contrary to his own notions. But, go further—frame your rules, place them in the hands of every poultry-breeder, and it must still rest with the judge to determine: it is his, individual opinion which must decide the merits—whether, for instance, that pen which is evenly matched is not more entitled to the coveted honour than that which has one-or, perhaps, two perfect birds, agreeing to the “code of laws” in every particular. Again, the value of the points in each separate bird must be considered as minutely as the Chinese painter measured the distance between the small-pox marks on the old gentle- man’s face, that he might transfer them to the canvas in- tended for presentation to his lady love. What reception will this minuteness receive at the hands of unsuccessful exhibitors? Why, very much like that bestowed on the poor Chinaman, who was unceremoniously kicked down. stairs by his rather testy sitter when the discovery was made. It is “agin natur,’ as Sam Slick would say, for others to discover faults in birds, whose faults, by constant glossing over, we the owners have learnt rather to like than otherwise. This, perhaps, applies much more closely to ‘exhibitors in a small way;” we have not the unlimited means to buy the perfect specimens, and must in some measure be content with what we can produce. When ‘“ WiLtsHireE Recror” says, “I have heard an exhibitor remark, ‘I do not know whether I shall take any prizes at this show; they depend upon who is the judge. Mr. A likes my sort of birds, &c’” This may be so; but G July 12, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 37 « Wittsoire Rector” and “the exhibitor’ both seem to forget that it is not always the same pens or the same exhi- bitors who compete: that even supposing they do, the con- dition of the pens may have altered. It reminds me some- what of my man Friday; although he really does attend thoroughly to my poultry, yet he hates cordially all “ vowls,” wishes “measter ’ud tell he to wring all their necks, shouldn’t have to tell ’un twice.” Although he dislikes the *“vowls,”’ he has no objection to a slice of prize money, and owing to sundry windfalls in this way he has learnt to appreciate my Brahmas. The wind, however, changed, and instead of prizes came commendations and high com- mendations. I do not blame the judges or wish for a code of rules, &e. I like prizes—who doesn’t? but Friday inti- mated, “Thick ther judge up theer warn’t much of a judge not to gie the big cock a prize ;” and a few days after when the next dose of high commendations arrived, he remarked, «Thick thur zort of vowl be gwine out o’ vashion, be’ant they?” I strove to convince him that there were better birds there, but I fear I did not succeed. I am sure he thinks the powers of the judge in question very limited. ‘*WILTSHIRE Rector,” perhaps, recollects that a few months back there was a great talk about the Poultry Club; a code of rules seemed about to appear directly. Where are they? Have the members found it impossible to frame them to satisfy all? I know by experience it is not pleasant to lose, but, as Hood says, “What can’t be cured must be endured.” We have, by somewhat general consent, arrived at certain landmarks; and, after all, I imagine, wrongly perhaps, that something is necessary to make the good judge that no rules can give—something, in fact, which is inherent in the judge himself, and not in any rules, however good. Certain points appear settled—thus even matching and condition in all pens, whatever the breed; a certain form of comb in some breeds, a variety in others; size, large in some, small in others; a certain character of feathers in a variety of breeds, which may be styled “ birds in feathers ;”’ a clean lee in some, feathered in others. Such general points, with others, we all know, or ought to know. Were we to know much more it would be contrary to experience to obtain universal satisfaction. Hach judge must see with his own eyes. and mentally make his own calculations as to the relative merits of competing pens. It would add immensely to the labours of a judge if at each pen he must, with pencil in hand, make a calculation of points; and I am rather dis- posed to believe that the best judges of the present day would not judge under such conditions.—Y. B. A. Z. SELBY, TADCASTER, snp MARKET WEIGHTON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW. Tue eleventh annual Exhibition of this Society was held at Tadcaster on Friday, the Ist inst. There was a good show of poultry, comprising about 150 pens. The prizes vee peered by Mr. Geo. Jackson and Mr. Alex. Cattley, of York. SpanisH.—First, M. Kidd, Tadcaster. Second, W. Houseman, Tadcaster. Chickens.—Prize, F. Powell, Knaresborough. Dorxixes.—First, T. E. Kell, Wetherby. Second, T. B. Ireland, Tadcas- ter. Chickens.—Prize, J. E. Kell. Commended, Mrs. Oliver, Bolton Lodge, Tadcaster. Cocurn-Cuina (Any colour).—First. W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, R. Dewes, Knaresborough. Chickens.—Prize, R. Dewes. Matay.— First, O. A. Young, Driffield. Second, withheld. Chickens.— Prize, 0. A. Young. Since Game Cock.—First, R. Bickers, Beverley. Second, T. B. Ireland. Parr OF Game Hens.—Firs!, J. Harrison, Holbeck, Leeds, Second, T. B. Ireland. i Game CHICKENs.—Prize, J. Barker, jun., Dunnington, York. Hampurea (Golden-spangled).—First and Second, W. Cannan. Com- pretaea; G. Holmes, Great Driffield. Chickens.— Prize, ©. Snowdon, Tock- with. Hampurcnx (Silver-spangled).—First and Second, W. Cannan. Chickens. —Prize, W. Cannan. GorpEN-PENCILLED HaupurcH Cock.—First and Second, W. Cannan. Haubcren (Silver-pencilled).—First and Second, W. Cannan. CuItTEPRATT OR CorstcAN.—First, W. Cannan. Second, withheld. PoLanps.—First, W. Cannan. Second, 0. A. Young, ANY OTHER VaKiETY.—First, F. Powell (Brahmas). Second. W. Cannan (Black Hamburghs). Chickens.—Prize, Mrs. Moore, Boston Spa (White re Commended, F. Powell (Brahma Pootra); H. Lacy (Brahma ‘ootra). Bantams (Any variety).—First, T. E. Kell (Game). Second and Com- mended, Lady Londesborough (Golden). Commended, W. Caunan (Golden). Cock oF aNY O1HER BREED.—Prize, W. Cannan, Pam or HENs oF ANY OTHER BREED.—Prize, T. E. Kell. W. Cannan; T. B. Ireland. Grxse.—Iirst, 0. A. Young. Second and Commended, W. K. Goodbarne. Ducks (Any variety except Aylesbury).—First, 0. A. Young. Second, W. H. Park, Mewton Kyme. Commended, W. Cannan, Ducks (Aylesbury).—First, W. Cannan. Second, 0. A. Young. Turxeys.—First, W. Cannan. Second, Miss Walton, North Milford. Commended, Mrs, Blacker, Healaugh. Commended, DOMINIQUE FOWLS. Txs variety is, very justly, becoming popular where best known, especially for hardiness. We find the following de- scription of it in a very valuable article upon poultry, in the late report of the Department of Agriculture. «The Dominique is the best fowl of common stock that we have, and is the only fowl in the country that has enough distinct characteristics to entitle it toa name. These fowls are full medium size, being but little less in weight than the Dorking, have full breasts, rounded full bodies, double or single combs, and yellow legs. Their main plumage has a light grey ground colour, while each feather is barred cross- wise with w darker shade. They are frequently known by the name “ Hawk-coloured fowls.” They are hardy, easily raised, retain their peculiarities with great tenacity, have yellow skins, a colour preferred by many for a market fowl ; and taking these fowls all in all, they are one of the best varieties in common use.” The flesh is good and they are fine layers. They roost high, and hence are not in the way like the lazy Asiatic fowls. . The Black Spanish are most beautiful fowls, but a winter like the past isvery disastrous tothem. Undoubtedly, with extra care in winter, they are the best layers in the world; but we would not recommend them for the general fowl of the farm by the side of the Dominique. The Spanish for a village or city are first. To substantiate our estimate of these fowls we will state that Mr. Wentworth, who has experimented with almost every known kind of fowl, has abandoned all others, and is now starting with the Dominique.—(Prairie Farmer). HEN PHEASANT ASSUMING THE PLUMAGE OF THE MALE BIRD. Turis change of feather is not nearly of so rare occurrence as many suppose it to be; and as the subject is now before the public, I willingly add my own experience to the state- ments of others already published. Some five and twenty years back I obtained a brood of young Pheasants, which after a time became exceedingly docile and familiar. Without exception they proved of the general common: feather. A portion of them I kept by me for many years. The hens all laid well, and the eggs proved fertile when placed under common fowls. Matters went on in this way for some ten years or more, when I found one of the hens become exceedingly pugnacious, ill-treatinge alike both her female and male companions. She ceased laying altogether, or rather did not commence laying at all at the customary time, though the others were as productive as heretofore. Her worst feature now was, she ate every ege she possibly could obtain of the other Pheasants, and this caused me to remove her to run with some fowls, whose eggs she also took a fancy to, with a zest equally depraved as when in the company of her fellows. It was when taking her from her original pen that I first perceived she was assuming the feather of the cock bird. It showed the first year chiefly about the neck and head, the breast also becoming of a peculiar ruddy hue. That first moult, too, the tail-feathers were evidently much longer than in the other hen phea- sants ; and during the three or four years I afterwards kept her ske gradually altered more and more to the cock’s plumage. At length she became so indomitable a virago as to allow no other bird of any kind to live in the same aviary. She was then killed, and I still have her preserved. The head and neck feathers are precisely the same metallic bluish green as a cock’s would be, but she never assumed the coral velvety appearance round the eye as in the cock. Her breast is of the ground colour of a cock, but devoid of the | black markings. The back and tail feathers are still much 38 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. the colour of the hen Pheasant, but her tail had each year become longer and longer, till the principal feathers reached that of a male bird. They are peculiar, the shaft of the longest feathers being somewhat depressed. A neighbour of mine had also a hen English Pheasant that changed its feather in the same way, but to a much greater degree, a few years after: indeed she, when living, looked at first sight like a young cock. She, too, became furious to other birds, and an inveterate egg-eater. When I last saw her she was closely approaching a clear blotting- paper colour, and had very slight markings on the breast, towards the crop only. She, too, was an old-reared bird. From what I have now stated alone, facts seem to carry out the supposition that all such birds are old birds, and in several shot Pheasants of like character they were evidently aged specimens. It is well here to mention, that in all cases I ever narrowly examined, the ovary was much diseased, though the bird showed well as to flesh or feather—in fact, appeared like an expressly fatted fowl. But I must briefly mention another case of a somewhat different character. I once hatched a young Pheasant that at her first moult, long before she had arrived at laying time, became of the questionable feather referred to; but as she consumed every egg within her reach, and was the worst of neighbours to all others, as time drew on her last appearance was on the dinner-table, devoid of all outward peculiarities. I also have known the same fact in a fowl, a Sebright Gold-laced Bantam hen, from whose eggs I for years reared many chickens of excellent markings. At one moult she obtained partial sickle feathers with a hackle and saddle feather that would be held as abominable in this particular breed; yet prior to this moult so perfectly feathered had she been, that at three different Birmingham shows she figured in the first-prize pen. Her spirit of ill-will was then similar to the Pheasant’s before named, and as I wanted eggs (though she never laid after her change), and she ate all other eggs at hand, I gave her to a medical friend, who, on examination after he had killed her, found a diseased ovary, as I had anticipated would be the case. In conclusion, it appears that all such birds are useless and very expensive as hobbies if allowed the run with others, and therefore it is expedient ,to put them aside as soon as this strange freak is first manifested—Hpwarp Hewirr, Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. ARTIFICIAL SWARMING. Tue following account of my first and successful attempt at making an artificial swarm may, perhaps, interest some of your readers, as it took place under peculiar circum- stances. In May last I received a hive of Ligurian bees from “A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER.” Early in the morning of the 4th of June I found the queen in a dying state on the alighting-board, and the bees passing in and out over her body with the most perfect indifference. On the 13th several young queens were heard piping; but day after day the weather prevented their swarming. On the 16th they attempted to come off, but the high wind drove them back again. The next morning I expected to find the super- numerary princesses thrown out; however, they were still piping, and the weather was wet and cold, so I determined to divide the bees. The stock which I shall call A was taken to an unfurnished room, and placed at some distance from the window. An empty hive, which I shall name B, was placed in the window. Both hives are made on the Woodbury plan. I removed the crown-board from A and puffed in some smoke; then, taking out a frame from the middle of the hive, I carried it to the window and found it contained what I wanted—a royal cell with a piping queen in it, and a fine young queen at liberty on the comb. This young lady I captured and returned to A. Having fixed the frame in B, and placed the crown-board on, I proceeded to brush a sufficient number of bees off the bars of A to keep the brood warm during the night. Then I placed the crown-board on A, closed the entrance, collected with a feather the bees which were trying to get out of the window, and placed them at the entrance of the hive. They all settled in before dark, and [ July 12, 1864. the hive was placed in the house which A had occupied, and A conveyed to another part of the garden. The next day was fine, and all the bees that left A went to B, which by the evening contained a good swarm, and a sufficient number of bees were left behind to carry on the work of the hive. The young queen in B piped for about two hours, and the piping continued in A until the next evening, when a fierce slaughter of the drones took place, and continued until all were lying dead on the floor-board, from which I swept them the next day. The bees in A have not settled down to their work as I could wish, and there appears to be a nervous timidity about them. They seem afraid to leave their hive, guarding the entrance against some foe, and disputing the passage of their own bees into the hive. A little pollen is carried in, but they leave off working early in the afternoon. I do not think anything can be wrong with the queen. I found two young grey bees on the alight- ing-board yesterday morning, and some drones that appeared after the great slaughter were worried. I think this ner- vousness must have been occasioned by the unaccountable desertion from their hive. Have any of your readers met with anything similar to this? The young queen in A is much darker than her mother was, whom, no doubt, she had slaughtered. If Lever perform an operation of this kind again I shall provide myself with indiarubber gloves, as I was very much stung through my dogskin. The moment I moved the frame Iwas attacked most savagely, and my left hand was very much swollen the next day. This is the second instance I have known of young queens having been kept beyond three days. I once had a hive that swarmed on a Monday early, having been kept back by the weather on the evening when piping commenced, and they piped until the next Sunday, when theyswarmed. The whole of the week was wet and cold.—J. L. [The cessation of honey-gathering in A is owing to all bees of sufficient age for this purpose having deserted it, and returned to the old spot. Time will, set this right. The young queen will become much lighter when, as a matron, she is expanded to her full size. ‘“‘A DrvoNnsHIRE BEE- KEEPER” says, ‘“‘Apologise for having misled this lady so much as to induce her to use leather gloves,’ and we do apologise; and as bees do not sting us through our gloves, we can only conclude that the skins of Editors are very thick—and so they need to be. FLOWERS FOR BEES. Tuer following notes are published in reply to a correspon- dent, “A Youne BrE-KEEPER :”— Boraaez is probably the best of all bee flowers. It flowers in July (earlier if self-sown), on through the summer until cut off by autumn frosts, and is an annual. It should he sown in an open situation in beds 4 feet wide, and as long as desired, sowing the seed broadcast, about an inch apart over the surface and then throwing the alleys out over the beds, so as to cover the seed with from a quarter to half an ineh deep of soil. A sowing made the first week in March, and another the second week in April, will afford a supply of flowers in most seasons from June until November. MreNonerre.—Sow the seed the first week in April in beds as described for borage, only it should be sown more thickly, and be only just covered with light fine soil. It flowers in July onwards through the season. SALVIA NemoRosA.—An herbaceous perennial with blue flowers. It is readily increased by divisions of the root, which should be taken off, or the old stools or plants divided, in March, planting the offsets like Sage slips in rows 2 feet apart and 1 foot from plant to plant in the rows; or they may be planted in four-feet beds with one-foot alleys between, and three rowsin a bed. It delights in a light gravelly soil, but will grow in almost all soils and situations. Planted on sunny hedgebanks, and on the borders of woods it grows well, being not only useful for bee forage but highly orna- mental. It should have an open situation, and after the stems decay they should be cut down to the ground, and a little leaf mould or any waste vegetable refuse placed around the stools between the rows, which should be neatly forked- in in the Apyril following. Beyond keeping clear of weeds Pa bed July 12, 1854. ] it needs no further attention. October. Crocusrs.—The bulbs of these should be planted in rows by the sides of walks, 1 foot apart and about 3 inches deep, in October, or in clumps, of three, five, or more together. Planted in sunny situations in shrubberies they add a charm to such places, and will grow well in all soils. Light soils, however, are preferable. They need no care beyond taking up once in three years, and dividing, planting a number in the same place again the same day, and others on hedge- banks, in fact anywhere not much overshadowed by trees. They should be replanted and divided in October. Sryete Biur Hepatica.—These, like crocuses, will grow It flowers from June to anywhere in open situations, and are increased by division of | the plant. They are best divided in autumn after the foliage decays, parting them so that two or three crowns are left to each division, which may then be planted in rows 1 foot apart, and the same distance between the rows. They should be planted so that the crowns are level with the surface. In future years it is only necessary to place a little fresh soil or waste refuse of any kind between the rows, to _ dig or fork it neatly into the soil, and divide the plants when too large for the allotted space, and replant. They flower early, often in January, and last a long time in flower. We have seen them in April. Crocuses usually flower in March and April. BEES: IN AUSTRALIA. ENGLISH apiarians will probably be interested in the fol- lowing extract from the address of Dr. Bennett, delivered before his Excellency the Governor (Sir John Young), and others, at the annual meeting of the Acclimatisation Society of New South Wales, on Monday, April 4th, 1864.—G. F. B., Spalding. «The English-imported bee has nearly driven away the small Australian stingless species, and the recent intro- duction of the Ligurian bee will be a great acquisition to the colonies, being very prolific, and yielding a larger supply of honey and wax than any other species; and the rearing of bees has the advantage of requiring very little capital, and but a small amount of labour. The quantity and value of the honey and beeswax produced in the colony is very great, and the latter has lately been exported to England at a remunerative profit.” A footnote in the Sydney Morning Herald adds the fol- lowing —= “T have been informed that the small black stingless bee in Australia has sometimes been seen in close proximity to the English bee, both having formed their nests in the same hollow of a tree, being only divided by a mud partition. When in that position one or the other lose their brood; they attack each other, and the Australian bee contrives to cut off the wings of the English bee. The honey from the native bee has a more agreeable acidulous flavour than that produced by the naturalised English insect.” SUCCESSFULLY LIGURIANISING AN APTARY. Havine had a beautiful Licurian queen sent to me last September, I removed the English queen from a common stock of bees in one of my improved observatory-hives, the four sides and the top of which are of glass, and placed her at their head. She immediately commenced laying worker eggs. [examined the combs on the 9th of October, and found many young Ligurians hatched, and the queen still laying eggs. In none ofmy commonstocks could I find any eggs on that day. This, I thought, was a very convincing proof of the great superiority of the Ligurians over the English queens in their prolific powers. The stock passed through the winter in the best possible health. The hive was exposed in an open latticed arbour, without any cover over the glass ; and the thermometer inside of the hive, ob- servations of which were taken three times each day, in- dicated a mean temperature of 3.88° in December, 3.90° in January, and 4.55° in February, higher than the mean tem- perature inside my other hives. March 14th.—I cleaned the floor-board for the first time, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. and only found two dead bees. I had not before seen a single dead bee upon it during the whole winter. April 20th.—I commenced my Ligurianising operations by removing the queen out of one of my English stocks, and gave to it two Ligurian combs filled with eggs and brood. I also removed all the drone brood and cells out of thirteen common stocks. April 22nd.— Examined the two Ligurian combs, and found no signs of any royal cells commenced (second day). April 25th.—Examined the two combs and found the bees had about half made a royal cell on each comb, but only one of which contained larve, the other cell was empty (fifth day). They had also about half made three royal cells on the next comb, which was entirely empty. April 27th.— Examined the two Ligurian combs and found the cell containing the larve enlarged. They had about half made another royal cell on the other comb, and the one pre- viously made was in the same state as it was on the 25th, neither of them contained eggs or larve. The bees had also constructed four more royal cells on the empty comb (seventh day). April 29th.—Examined the combs and found the larve in the royal cell nearly straight, and the bees about finishing the closing of the royal cell (ninth day). The two cells on the other comb, and the seven royal cells on the empty comb, were in the same state as on the 27th. I put another comb, containing drone and worker brood and eggs, into the hive out of the Ligurian stock, and I also placed worker eggs out of it into the nine empty royal cells, but I after- wards found that the bees removed all of them again. This is only the account of the operations with one stock, but the end of it all was, that on the 3lst of May I had beautiful Ligurian queens at the head of fourteen stocks, and had also hatched many more Ligurian queens than I required. On that day I made my first Ligurian swarm artificially, a very large one, and that night they had their queen hatched, and have done very well since. My great difficulty has been to prevent a single common drone being hatched in my apiary. About every ten days I examined every comb in each hive, and removed all the drone eggs or cells that I found the bees had made. I shall now be able to keep the Ligurians pure, as I have only Ligurian drones in my apiary, and there is not a single common stock within about three miles. Thus I shall not have the same difficulties to contend with in keeping them pure that Mr. Woodbury has, as he is surrounded by com- mon English bees. My old Ligurian queen is the finest and most beautiful one I ever saw, and she has certainly done wonders in laying eggs this spring. By the middle of May I had removed from her no less than twenty-two combs nearly filled with worker and drone brood and eggs, and the hive is crowded with bees quite ready for swarming —Wwum. Caxgr, Clayton Bridge Apiary, Newton Heath, near Manchester. TRY A ‘ BEE-BOB.” Mr. LanestrorH says, “Having noticed that a new swarm will almost always alight where they see a mass of clustering bees, I find that they can be determined to some selected spot by an old black hat, or even a mullen stalk, which, when coloured black, can hardly be distinguished at a distance from a clustering swarm. A black woollen stocking, or piece of cloth, fastened to a shady limb in plain sight of the hives, and where the bees can be most conveniently hived, would probably answer as good a pur- pose. Swarms are not only attracted by the bee-like colour of such objects, but are more readily induced to alight upon them if they furnish something to which they can easily cling, the better to support their grape-like clusters. By proper precautions before the first swarms issue, the hee- keeper may so educate his favourites that they will seldom alight anywhere but on the spot which he has previously selected. The Rev. Thos. P. Hunt, of Wyoming, Penn., has devised an amusing plan, by which he says that he can at all times prevent a swarm of bees from leaving his premises. Before his stocks swarm he collects a number of dead bees, and stringing them with a needle and thread, as worms are strung for catching eels, he makes of them a ball about the size of an egg, leaving a few strands loose. By carrying, Soe 40 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 12, 1864. fastened to a pole, this ‘bee-bob’ about his apiary when the bees are swarming, or by placing it in some central position, he invariably secures every swarm.” I wish some of my apiarian friends would try a “ bee-bob” of some kind, and report results in Tue JourNaL or Hor- TICULTURE.—A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER, APIARIAN NOTES. A Rute to AscERTAIN THE Loss oF QuEENS.—Soon after they swarm, the queens when on a bridal trip, and are en- joying the society of the drones, as they course through the air, become so intoxicated with their amorous enjoyments as to be confounded on their return. Not recognising their distinctive homes, they mistakingly land in a foreign colony, only to meet a sudden death by the subjects of a queen, whose jealousy prompts them to the attack. Should we inspect a hive about this time, and find no eggs or brood, it is proof positive that it has no queen. The usual time for this is about twenty days after the issue of the first swarm. Again, if the bees allow the drones to remain in the hive long after the general massacre—say to the Ist of September or October—it is a never-failing sign that the queen is want- ing, or that she is in an unhealthy condition. In such a state the stock should be supplied with a queen immediately, or united to another. Russ For PurcHasine Breses.—Select two-year-old stocks of large size, that swarmed the previous year: It has been demonstrated that such stocks have young and vigorous queens, and are generally well-conditioned, promising a healthy generation. A very old stock should he rejected, even if it swarmed the year before and contained a yearling queen, for the obvious reason that the bees, having been bred in the old contracted cells, will be found of small size and insignificant in numbers. If you take your hive away to get a swarm placed into,it, always purchase the first or prime swarm, and see that it is given you. Do not be put off with a second or late swarm, Choose a stock to commence with as you would choose a wife—get the best you can find. If you obtain one in the old box-hive invert it, and secure the bees by a cloth tacked securely over the bottom. Take it home when the air is cool, attend to it regularly, obey the directions as given, and then congratulate yourself as having started right. In the purchase of bees there are many things it is well to observe. Remember if stock-hives are to be procured, ascertain the age of the queen. To select a young healthful mother seems to be a forward step towards a vigorous pro- geny,—(Flander’s New Bee-book, American.) FOUL BROOD AND DYSENTERY.,. As it is the desire of some of your correspondents to learn from different observers their experience of foul brood, I give you what has come under my notice regarding it during the last few months. The first case was a hive that was much ‘diseased, and was broken up in autumn, and the contents given to a healthy hive for the yery purpose of proving in- fection, by “A Srewarton Aprartan,” and no bad result has accrued therefrom since. The hive is all but healthy. The second is a hive in my own apiary which was almost reduced to a mere handful in the spring from what is termed dysentery. But I differ a little in my opinion, thinking it rather an overgorging, or feeding in winter more than they ought to do, in consequence of sudden changes of temper- ature arousing them to activity and causing them to feed oftener than would have been the case had they been shaded from the sun. Atall events I have never found those attacked that were thus shaded. The bees were not able to fly, falling in hundreds on the ground, and leaving their excrements in the hive until it was thoroughly polluted. I took the advantage of the first fine day and turned the hive up to the rays of the sun for an hour and half till the bees were perfectly dry and able to fly. I then removed all filth, and took away one stock-box (it being in a square bar-and-slide hive), leaving in it one box only. It immediately commenced breeding, being about six weeks earlier than the majority of hives here. The spring this season was backward until April, the weather then continuing favourable till the 17th of May, when it took a turn and continued increasing in cold till the 31st, when it appears to have reached its climax. The frost on the 31st of May and 2nd of June was so severe that icicles ~ were suspended from the roofs of the bee-houses and covers, whilst the ice was an eighth of an inch thick, and newly- wrought ground was penetrated half an inch, so that all tender plants and the Potato crop have suffered severely. But I must return to the condition of the hive. It had not been long in the breeding state when I found there was something wrong from the strong effluvium emitted. I im- mediately turned it up and examined it, when I found it in a backward state, with foul brood, and the bees scattered throughout the whole hive, evidently paying all the attention they could to the scattered brood. I used no means what- ever to restore it farther than cutting out some of the worst combs for microscopical examination. This forced the bees to concentrate themselves, having very few combs for the queen’s peregrinations, so that at the present time it is in a very thriving state and has got additional room. I am not, however, oversanguine of its future prosperity, but if spared I will report to you how it gets on —A LANARKSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. : [Who shall decide when doctors disagree?” In illus- tration of this adage we quote the following paragraph from a letter recently received from an able and highly- valued apiarian correspondent in the adjoining county of Dumfries :—“*The past winter has been cold and change- able. We had occasionally severe frosts, but at no time in this county above an inch depth of snow. On the 14th December, the bees in hives exposed to the one-o’clock sun got all out and evacuated. Those shaded remained within and were obliged to remain till after the middle of March. The consequence, as might have been expected, was dysen- tery, and, in most instances, destruction.” Foul-breeding stocks should be isolated as much as possible in order to prevent the disease from spreading to others. Yours appears at present to be what Dzierzon terms the mild and curable type. Take heed lest it degenerate into | the virulent and incurable. ] HOUSEHOLD RECIPES. SorteD Carpets.—When soiled, carpets may be cleansed after beating with the following mixture:—Two gallons of water, with } 1b. soft soap dissolved in it, to which add 4 ozs. of liquid ammonia. This may be rubbed on with a flannel cloth, and the carpet then rubbed dry. CrmEeNT FoR THE Movurus or Corkep Borries.—Melt together #1b. of sealing: wax, the’ same’ quantity of resin, and 2 ozs. of beeswax. When it froths, stir with a tallow candle. As soon as it melts, dip the mouths of the bottle into it. This is an excellent thing to exclude the air from such things as are injured by being exposed to it. OUR LETTER BOX. PREVENTING SwARMING (An Amatewr, Preston).—Raising the hive on an eke 4 or 5 inches deep may prevent its swarming, or if the bees will work in a bell-glass it may have the same effect. Payne’s improved coftage-hive is good and cheap, and may be obtained of Messrs. Neigibour. Buy-** Bee- keeping for the Many,” price 4d., free by post from this office for 6d. Bees Ourstpe A Hive (Gardenia).—The entire colony appears to have taken up its quarters outside the hive, and not merely thrown out a swarm as youimagine. During the middle of a fine day we should disperse and quiet them by the means of a little smoke, cut off the combs (Keeping a sharp look-out for the queen), and fit them into q frame-hive into which we should then sweep the bees. If you eannot manage this, we see uothing for it but to destroy them in the autumn and appro priate their stores. Brrs—QuereEns, &c. (J. f7.).—It is impossible to say exactly what amount of delay from bad weather or other causes may suffice to compel a virgin queen to lay eggs and thus become a drone breeder. On one occasion I knew impregnation deferred a month without injury. A month after the issue of the last swarm the presence of a queen may be ascertainec by drivizg the bees into an empty hive and inspecting the combs. If sealed brood be found the stock is, of course, all right; if none can be seen it is, probably, queenless. If you cannot drive bees you may, perhaps, obtain a sufficient insight into the state of affairs by simply turning up the hive and dispersing the bees by means of a little smoke.—A DEvoNSHIRE BEE- KEEPER , Canaries (P. Cater).—We conclude from what you state, that either the weather is too cold for your Canaries, or that the other birds do not allow them to feed. We would recommend their being taken out of the ayiary and removed to warmer quarters, and that their food be hard-boiled eggs, bread, and canary seed, with occasionally a little hemp, mawseed, and green meat, We presume you supply the birds with plenty of sand in the aviary. July 19, 1864. ], JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND: COTTAGE GARDENER. 4, WEEKLY CALENDAR. JULY 19—25, 1864. Average Temperature eae Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon's ne sele Day of 95) 2 near London. 37 years: Rises. | Sets. | Rises. Sets. Age. Sra | Year | Day. | Night. | Mean Days. m. h.jim. he{ m. h.| m. bh. m. s Cotton Thistle flowers. 728 51.0 61.9 21 Saf4 Saf8 | 51 27 4 Q 6 0 201 Spear Thistle flowers. 72.5 dL1 6L8 22 9 4 3 8} 24 8) 48 5 16 6 3 202 Sun's declination 20° 24' N. 73.1 50.6 619 Tey PVOr aye O8) ge rps haa saa ah Nae 6 6| 203 Crested Dog’s Tail Grass ripe. 73.4 518 62.6 bat 12 4 TY 8 | £9) OF), 84.8 18 6 9 204 Burdock flowers. 740 52.7 62.3, 19 13° 4 0 8) 45 9! 55 9 19 i; 6 10 205 9 Sunpay AFTER TRINITY. [1797. 72.5 52.2 624 13 4 4), 582° 73) 12 10/130 1 20 6 12 206 St. James. Ducsuss Camp. Born, | 73.9 49.7 61.3 10 |16 4) 57 7{41 10) after. C 6 12] 207 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, temperature 5).3°. 1.37 inch. The greatest heat was 92° on the 25th, 1544; and the average day temperature of the week is 73.2°, and its night the lowest cold, 36°, on the 21st, 1862. The greatest fall of rain was THE AN ACTOCHILUSES. Wh ayes) ~~ NAS ° y HESE deserve more atten- ANY “ad tion than is bestowed upon them ; for well do they merit the title of gems of the vege- table kingdom, from the con- #-» trasts in the colour and ex- quisite markings of their leaves. As exotic Orchids they require at least a stove temperature,in which with proper treatment they thrive well, though there is a general impression that they are very dif- ficult of culture. To this cause alone can I attribute the want of specimens of this genus in almost all stoves; certainly ib is not in the prices charged for them that the cause is to be found; and I think that with a greater acquaint- ance with their real habits, and a certain, and by no means difficult, mode of treatment they may yet be brought into more general cultivation. i Perhaps the only plants under cultivation which have to submit to an unvaried treatment the whole year through, save, it may be, an increase in the minimum temperature during the summer, are those of the genus Aneectochilus. Instead of potting these plants as occa- sion suits, and then placing them under bell-glasses, there to remain an indefinite period, I advise a certain routine of treatment to be observed annually, the heads of which are here given, having myself had proof of the attendant success. True or Porrrnc.—All the plants, both large and small, should be fresh potted each spring, as, whether they require pot-room or not, and even when they are ap- | parently doing well, it will at all times, in consequence of the moist state in which they are kept, be well to put fresh and sweet material in the room of that in which they have remained all the winter, and which must have become more or less soured. They will thus be assisted in making a good growth during the summer. The time of potting them must depend entirely upon that at which the house, whether a stove or Orchid-house, in which they are grown begins to receive its summer treatment; at no time would I pot them until a temperature of at least 75° is attained. This, perhaps, would be about the beginning of March. Jompost AND MoprE or Porrrne.—The material in which I have found them thrive best has been a mixture of two parts of sphagnum, two of silver sand, and one of broken potsherds. The sphagnum, being finely-grown pieces separated from the more minute and dusty rem- nants, should be well chopped into small pieces ; but pre- viously to this, it, as well as the sand, and even the pot- sherds, should be well washed with clean water. This to some may not appear necessary, but I hold it to be an No, 173.—Vou. VIL, New SEnizs, } amongst the crocks. essential to success. These materials should be well in- corporated together. I prefer a shallow pan to a pot for growing them, and when possible it should correspond with the size of the plant; or if a specimen-pan is required this should be of the size to which it is desired to grow the specimen, taking care that. it match the bell-glass which is to be placed over ite The glass must at all times be kept over the plants. This I prefer to a mode often practised—that of plunging the pan into another, upon which the glass is then placed. The drainage should be abundant, taking care to place a thin layer of sphagnum upon its surface to prevent the sand from passing down. The compost having been then placed very firmly in a conical form in the pan, the plants should be planted carefully over the surface. Where the creeping rhizomes have rooted pretty freely they can be firmly embedded in the compost, otherwise a stem without roots should be firmly pegged upon the surface only. Give the whole a liberal watering with a light rose, slightly shaking the heavier drops of moisture from the leaves before the bell-glass is placed over them.. A shady warm corner will be the best place for them for a fortnight, taking care if the weather be very bright the first day or two after potting to place over them, in addi- tion to the customary shading, a thin sheet of paper. Propagation.—The most ready way of propagating them and that generally practised is by division of the creeping stems when of sufficient length, which will be about midsummer; this period, about the middle of their growth, being the best time. The stem may be severed by a sharp knife into as many pieces as will insure to each piece so severed two distinct roots, each having more or less hold of the soil below the surface. The plants so divided should be encouraged by a con- tinuation of the summer treatment recommended below until the following spring. Summer Truarment.—When the plants have become more or less established under the bell-glasses after the shift, a frame should be procured sufficiently large to. ‘admit the whole without undue crowding. Tt should be high enough at the back to allow of the pans being elevated upon pots. Three small 60-pots to each will be best, as thus the outer air will be more readily admitted through the apertures at the bottom of the pans amongst the erocks. The air will prove very beneficial to the plants, especially when the roots have struck well down No better position could be found for the frame than upon a side stage over the pipes and not too far from the upper glass. The plants will be better of being kept close for a day or two, after which the system of treatment I advocate during the summer, and which seems so beneficial to them, may be ' commenced. This consists in taking the glazed light away from the frame about ten o’clock every morning, and giving the whole a moderate watering overhead with clear tepid water ; just brush away from the axils of the leaves any heavy drops, leaving them then fully exposed to the No. 825.—Vot. XXXII., OLD SERres, 42 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 4 [ July 19, 1864. atmosphere of the house until the plants have become thoroughly dry, when the lights should be returned, shut down close, and allowed to remain so until, at the same time next day, the treatment be repeated. Should the sur- face of the soil be disposed to green over, remove carefully the worst, adding afterwards a slight surfacing. The Anzctochiluses already number upwards of thirty, of which superior as ready-growing are, intermedius, Lowii, Lobbi, superbus, Veitchii, striatus, argenteus pictus, se- taceus, and setaceus albo-marginatus. W. Harter, Digswell. INTENDED STRAWBERRY FETE AND BOUQUET EXHIBITION OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. THESE were wished to be on the 13th inst., but proved entire failures. There were twenty-five classes with corre- sponding prizes for Strawberries, but only entries in seven of the classes. and it may be said there was no competition in them, for ten prizes were awarded, and of these Mr. Lydiard, of Batheaston, near Bath, received seven! The heaviest single Strawberry was a British Queen, from Mr. Lydiard, weighing 1 oz. 8dwt.; the heaviest twelve Myatt’s Eleanor, also from Mr. Lydiard, 12} ozs. Then it was announced that “arrangements would be made by which it was hoped that Fellows, &c. (and others ?) might be able to purchase a supply of the different fruits ex- hibited;” yet it surpassed belief at the time, when it was announced on the first day, that all the fruit that could be purchased came from Mr. Solomon and Messrs. Webber, the fruiterers in Covent Garden, and that if you bought the fruit you could not have it until the day following! Did not the managers know that freshness is essential to excel- lence in Strawberries ? The exhibition of bouquet-holders was equally defective. The very beautiful one presented to the Princess of Wales by the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh, was kindly sent for exhibi- tion by Her Royal Highness, and there were eight or ten others in a glass case, but no one knew anything about them, nor did any one seem to care. If prizes had been offered for the most tastefully arranged bouquets, some interest would have been excited, and they would have been more consonant with the objects of a Horticultural Society. CULTIVATION OF THE MELON. 3 (Continued from page 23.) WATERING AFTER THE Fruit HAS Szet.—When the fruit has set and begun to sweil water will be needed once or twice a-week, or it may be every other night, so as to keep the soil in a moderately moist condition; and in addition to this a watering, which should be given about two o’clock in the afternoon in April, or if earlier in the season in the morning, and after April at the time of shutting up the frame, let that be when it may, so that the plants may not only feel the refreshing influence of water at the root, but that of a moist atmosphere, such as is produced naturally after a shower. They should be lightly sprinkled overhead daily at the time of shutting up the frame on the afternoons of hot days, to create a moist atmosphere, presently to be cooled down by the cold of night, thereby producing a kind of artificial dew to repair the waste in the day, and rein- vigorate the plants. This sprinkling overhead should not be practised in dull, cloudy, or rainy weather, nor should the watering be then so plentiful; but at the same time it is necessary to have the soil in a moist state whilst the fruit is swelling; three gallons of water at the same temperature as the frame being sufficient to apply to one light at a time. Whenever water is given; or the plants sprinkled overhead, care should be taken not to wet the stem or centre of the plant whence the branches radiate, or the stems will very soon decay at that part. The soil beneath the centre of each light should be slightly elevated above the rest of the surface, so that water may be carried away from the stems of the plants, and a space a foot in diameter, which is sup- posed to contain the stems of the plants, in the centre of each light, should never be wetted more than can be helped after the bed is earthed. When the fruit begins to net water must be supplied rather less copiously, still keeping up a moderate moisture in the bed and atmosphere; but when the netting spreads to nearly every part of the fruit, cease syringing or sprink- ling the plants overhead, and diminish the supply at the root to one-half what it was when the fruit was swelling. After the fruit has become netted all over desist altogether from watering the surface of the soil, and unless the foliage begins to show signs of want of water, no more should be given until the fruit is ripe; but if water be absolutely necessary to keep the foliage in good order, it must be given by making holes in the soil and pouring water into them through drain-pipes, for a dry atmosphere is essential to the perfection of the fruit. The soil even when the fruit is ripening should be in such a state of moisture as to cause the fruit to ripen fully. Watery and insipid fruit is the result of a moist atmosphere; but dryness induces richness of flavour, yet too dry a soil affects the juiciness of the fruit. Too much moisture in the atmosphere, also, at the time of ripening, with a wet soil, causes the fruit to crack, especially if accom- panied by a low temperature. The soil, therefore, should only be kept moderately moist after the fruit begins to net, and the atmosphere cannot be kept too dry if fruit is desired that needs no sugar to make it fit to eat. Trarninc.—lIt is presumed that the plants were stopped prior to planting out, and supposing them to be stopped at the second rough leaf, they will each push three or four shoots, one from each of the rough leaves, and gene- rally one from each of the bases of the seed-leaves, and these shoots do not spread much before they push laterals. These laterals, if left, overcrowd the neck of the plant; but as we are not certain that the shoots on which we are de- pending to produce fruit will do so, it is advisable to retain two or three laterals on the two shoots that spring from the base of the plant, and such laterals should be stopped at the second leaf. The first and third lateral of every al- ternate principal shoot should be cut away close to the shoot from which it takes its rise, the intermediate shoots having the first and third laterals retained, the second only being cut away. The laterals retained to supply the place of the principal shoots should these not set their fruit, or in order to supply shoots for a second crop, should be stopped at the second leaf, so as to throw as much support as possible into the principal shoots. These will grow rapidly and continue to throw out laterals as they advance, each of which must be stopped at the second leaf, and this stopping will again cause the sap to flow freely into the principal shoots. These should be trained at equal distances apart towards the front or back of the frame, according to their position ; the distance between them should be 1 foot. We have now only to cut clean out every alternate lateral for 1 foot from the lateral left at the base of each principal shoot, stopping those left at the second leaf unless fruit be shown, when they must be stopped at the joint above the fruit, but not until the flower has been properly impreg- nated and the corolla has closed. By the time these laterals push sub-laterals the principal shoots will be advanced to within 6 inches of the sides of the frame, when we stop them. This will induce laterals, and on these and the laterals already stopped, now pushing sub-laterals, we expect fruit will be shown in sufficient numbers to warrant our keeping the atmosphere dry for a time, to facilitate the setting. The proper number of fruit on a plant is two at an early period of the season, or later on when large fruit are required ; three after April, to afford full-sized fruit, and as many more as desired, only no one need expect to have on one plant six Melons equal in size to those on plants pro- ducing two or three. It not unfrequently occurs that the laterals retained near the stem of the plant show fruit, in consequence of the frequent stopping, before those on the principal shoots do so. Some make a practice of taking such fruits away, the reason being that if they should set they will require moisture for swelling, and that if not sup- plied with it they never attain any size, whilst if moisture is supplied on their account it endangers the principal show of fruit. Though it is preferable to have the flowers open at nearly the same time, yet I do not consider it wise to miss @ couple of fruit on a plant, though it be the only one in a frame that shows so early, for fruit formed early near the July 19, 1964. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 48, stem invariably swell the best, and are the most handsome. It should, however, be borne in mind, that it is very un- desirable to treat such fruit as if the principal crop were to be subordinate to them. Many cultivators of the Melon, however, consider that an early fruit, or one in advance of the rest, prevents others from setting freely, if at all; or if these do, they seldom attain the perfection they would were there no fruit in advance of them. This opinion I must say is also in accordance with my own experience, but I never could resist the temptation to get fruit set as early as possible; and from plants in different stages in the same frame, I have had fruit insipid in one case, and excellent in the other. It is desirable, therefore, to have the fruit set as nearly at the same time as possible, and though we have provided for this, it may happen that the plants do not show fruit so freely as we could wish, or if they do they do not set. Ihave said before, and I now repeat it, that the bottom heat should be brisk (80° to 85°), and a dry atmo- sphere with a change of air daily must accompany the set- ting. With these-conditions secured, the soil moist and firm, the plants not far from the glass, and strong, short-jointed wood, there is no difficulty in the matter. After the fruit is set provide a piece of blue slate or tile, and on this stand the fruit, which will prevent the side next the earth rotting, and to a great extent its not ripening on that side. I have tried glass, &c., for keeping the fruit from the damp soil, but have found nothing equal to pieces of common roofing slate. Prunine.—Pruning the Melon after the fruit is set is confined to stopping all growths as fast as they appear to two leaves, so as to throw as much support as possible into the fruit, which will swell rapidly, and in order to insure its doing so, all the leaves should be retained, except such as are yellow. After the fruit begins to net, a few of the small shoots should be cut in closely so as to admit more light and air to the fruit; but do not remove the large leaves, for on them depend the size and quality of the fruit. After the fruit is set and swelling all pruning, therefore, should be limited to thinning-out the useless wiry shoots that spring from the principal shoots or laterals, and to keeping those left above the fruit stopped at every second leaf, so that neither the wiry shoots nor those above the fruit may rob the principal leaves of their due share of light, air, and nourishment. Some make a practice of cutting away most of, the laterals after the fruit is set, but retain a growing point above the fruit, and it is stopped repeatedly at every two or three eyes. This is a first-rate system if the principal leaves can be preserved in a healthy state until the fruit is ripe, and when no second crop is desired from the plants; but should the leaves be scorched or attacked with red spider or thrips, the fruit does not attain that per- fection it would were there leaves in a healthy state to elaborate the food absorbed. When the fruit approaches maturity the greater part of the laterals and leaves, with the spray-like shoots above the fruit, should be removed, retaining, however, any healthy large leaves that may be on the main shoots for a short dis- tance each way above and below the fruit. These will be sufficient to attract and elaborate the food necessary for the maturation of the fruit, whilst the removal of the spray-like shoots with their small leaves will admit more sun heat and ! air, and materially improve the flavour, giving a richness that renders sugar unnecessary. The fruit may now be elevated on an inverted flower-pot, still keeping the slate beneath it, for ifit be placed on the pot without the slate, the steam of the bed or moisture rises and keeps the under side of the fruit wet, and may cause decay there. This raising the fruit nearer the sun completes the ripening, and heightens the aroma. Renewine Growrts.—Should the plants appear disposed to grow vigorously after the laterals are removed, and a second crop be desired, choose four or five of those that are near the stem of the plant. Give no water, however, except enough to keep the plants alive, and in a rather healthy state. Trim away all other latera!s except those bearing fruit, which will cause those left to take the extra sap, whilst the small quantity now needed for the support of the fruit will not deteriorate the quality in the least; but should extra support now be thrown into the fruit it not only injuriously affects the flavour, but is a direct cause of cracking. The fruit being ripe the old vines or principal shoots are cut back, the bed watered, and the shoots retained for a second crop treated in the same manner as those for the first crop. It is of little use attempting to obtain a second crop unless the fruit is ripe in July, or sooner, so that a good plant can be preserved, and the fruit can be set in August. AworHer Mops or Trarnine.—The most simple and most generally-adopted system of training Melons in dung-beds is to stop the plants at the second rough leaf, and then allow them to grow for a fortnight or so after planting-out, by which time they will be well furnished with shoots. Four or five of the strongest shoots are then selected, and spread out at equal distances, with their extremities pointing to- wards the sides of the frame, care being taken not to cross the shoots of one plant with those of its neighbour, one plant being taken to the back, the other to the front of the bed. Then cut clean out the spray shoots that cluster round the stem, which should at all times be kept free both of these and leaves, as they prevent the circulation of a due amount of air, and cause weakness, canker, or gummy exudation at that part of the plant, resulting in the death of the plants before the fruit attains maturity. The shoots are encouraged by taking away the small worthless shoots near the stem, and are trained from 9 inches to a foot apart. When they reach to within 6 inches of the sides of the frame their points are pinched off at a leaf. This causes the production of side shoots or laterals, and on these blooms appear nearly simultaneously throughout the frame. The atmosphere is kept dry, the flowers are duly impregnated, and by these means, with a brisk bottom heat, the setting of the fruit generally takes place. When that is effected a piece of slate is placed under each fruit, the shoots are kept rather thin by cutting out the weakest, and stopping the strongest, so as to cause support to pass into the fruit, and a good root-action kept up by the formation of new growths. The shoots are repeatedly stopped and thinned after this, so that the principal leaves may not be prevented from duly performing their functions for want of light and air, nor robbed of sup- port by a quantity of useless small shoots. This is all the training given in many cases, and I can vouch for large and fine-flavoured fruit being obtained in this way.—G. ABBEY. (To be continued.) MY ORCHARD-HOUSE.—No. 5. “Eueu Frucaces!’’ How swiftly fly the precious moments ! Let us employ them well. It seems but yesterday that I saw my Peach trees in bloom under a canopy of snow, so thick and heavy overhead as to make it seem twilight in- stead of a February morning. Conspicuous among them was the Honey Peach, with its lovely rosy blossoms, so unique that any one could recognise the variety at a glance. And already we are gathering the fruit! Ever since the beginning of the month we have had fine ripe Early York Peaches, generally 8 inches round, and well coloured. This is what the orchard-house does for us—it hastens the ripen- ing, and secures us a certain crop; it also enables us to grow delicate varieties of Peaches and Nectarines, which would never thrive out of doors. But to my mind, its great value lies in the succession of ripe fruit which can be ob- tained by a little skill. It is worse than useless to grow Peaches for a six-weeks season. In favourable seasons many are wasted, and this noble fruit degenerates in value from its very abundance, while in cold and wet seasons there are not only very few, but these do not last. Now, in the orchard-house there is no need to dread these results. Unless, as it is facetiously said, there are none produced at all, there is no reason why we should not have a three-months Peach-season, not to speak of Plums, Cherries, Apricots, &c. Three months con- stitute a large portion of the whole year, and if we can secure any particularly valuable fruit for this length of time it is saying a great deal in its favour. Orchard-houses do this—first, by ripening fruits early in themselves, and by making them earlier still; then by hastening midseason varieties, so that the same kinds on the wall shall come in directly afterwards; and lastly, by producing late fruits such as the open wall cannot be expected to ripen at all. This has been our regular practice, and from July to No- vember it is easy for our numerous visitors to judge for 44 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ July 19, 1864, themselves. A large portion of the fruit is sent to Covent Garden Market, though the house is not organised for the sale of the produce by eliminating valuable but not prolific sorts, and it is really painful to see the gorgeous varieties sent to an indiscriminating public, and to rapacious dealers. What would these care for tropical Peaches—rare sorts im- ported by Mr. Rivers, and carefully selected and sent to me as a favour by him? The public has much to learn still about the trouble these things cost the producer. Judging from the average knowledge of our visitors, I should say about one-third do not know a Nectarine from a Peach when they see it. We find, too, that many who themselves can- not grow even common things, are much disappointed un- less the orchard-house is literally breaking down with the weight of early Peaches. As if anything early is ever re- markably fine or prolific! There is undoubtedly great igno- rance about these matters—not that we know much more ourselves as yet, but orchard-houses are excellent instructors; even for that reason they should be built. One thing orchardthouses do teach, and that is not to everwork the trees. I believe that the poor things, if called upon for the credit of the house, would risk any amount of vegetable vitality. I once put it to a iavourite diagonal cordon to show visitors what we could do working sympa- thetically together. I was to prune scientifically, to water earefully, and to feed it well; besides, abundance of light and air was to be provided for it. Itthen engaged to do its best, and being young had no thought about consequences. The result was one hundred and twenty fine Early Newing- ton Nectarines, but the poor diagonal has never been quite well since. It occupied about 30 square feet of the back wall, making thus four Nectarines per square foot. To prove what I advanced before—that orchard-houses have the valuable quality of hastening the period of ripening fruits as years advance—Harly York, ripe August the 1st in 1861, was ripe on the 23rd of July in 1862, while this year it is as early as July 4th. Canary, ripe July 23rd in 1862, was ripe on July 20th, 1863, and July 11th, 1864. As to produce. This year we have 1200 fine fruit, Peaches and Nectarines ; about 100 Apricots, and a fine promise of Figs; a few Plums, no Cherries, having no room to spare; but I see them growing well in my friend’s houses. We have also, along the rafters, about 100 bunches of Grapes. All this produce is first-rate in quality, and would be much greater but for the variety of trees growing, many of which, though gcod, are not prolific. These are retained for the sake of experiment, but will ultimately be condemned. The weather has again changed, and become warm, and there is much lack of moisture. Our tanks are sadly tried, and I have no doubt that watering is a sad toil to many just now. Syringing is freely kept up; amd we always syringe, even when the fruit is colouring. The practice is condemned by some; but I must confess that the reasons given do not seem very sound. At night, especially. how does syringing affect the flavour of fruit more than a heavy dew? As to ventilation, it seems in July and August as if no amount of openings can be sufficient. The atmosphere is at times inconveniently close and unwholesome, do what we will. This must affect the vitality of the trees, especially if at all crowded. At any rate we find that the red spider abounds, and does most injury in trees placed in corners, where the draught does not affect them. In the same way, branches and shoots in dusty or neglected places are sure to become a prey to insects. The shoots on the Peach trees have now elongated con- siderably, and, if destimed to prolong the branch, have even required to be stopped freely. It is well not to do this too early in the season, unless the tree is bare at the lower portions. By allowing them to extend and strengthen first, the tree will much benefit in general vigour. As to those destined to be fruit-bearevs, we have already discussed three classes of them. There remain now only two more classes, and these I shall briefly notice. The first of these two is a shoot composed in nearly equal proportions of frnit-buds and of wood-buds, the latter, of course, nearest thestem. If out of doors, in the winter cut above the second triple bud; but if in the orchard-house, at the summer pruning pinch in to four well-coloured leaves at the first pinching-in. The other class are very vigorous and long, composed chiefly of wood-buds, perhaps a few fruit-buds near the summit or point of the shoot. Out of doors, in winter, cut in to two buds close to the stem, to produce two new shoots next season. In-doors, if you recognise these shoots clearly, and do not require them to fill up, then pinch back very short—to two leaves. At any rate, be much on your guard against these shoots; they are not useful, nor productive, and may become very gross and rampant, absorbing sap and doing no good with it. Should the close summer prun- ing be early, by having discerned their nature in time you will probably obtain two weaker shoots from the two eyes left, and these may ripen too, and bear. However, by pinch- ing in to four well-coloured leaves when the summer shoot has had time to be sturdy, and not before, and then to two leaves the second growths, as soon as these are pretty sturdy, the third growths may be pinched in closely any way. The leading branches to be allowed to gather strength before stopping them also. This is the easy science of in-door Peach-pruning. Summer laterals (anticipés in French), to be pinched in just above the first pair of leaves. But these also should be allowed to make a little growth, or they may shrivel up. This is the chief secret—close summer pruning in, but not too early in, the season—T. Cotuines BREHAUT, Richmond House, Guernsey. NOTES FROM PARIS, 1864. ROSE LORE. To me there is no greater treat connected with a trip to Paris than a few hours’ chat with my good friend M, Mar- gottin, of Bourg-la-Reine. I am always sure to get infor- mation, and reliable information too, on many poimts con- nected with the Rose. And then he is such a thorough enthusiast—and one does like an enthusiast, for it im- plies earnestness—and the Rose has been so especially his flower. he has given so much time and thought to it, that he is not a mere Rose-grower or Rose-seller, but also a Rose-lover. He will discard Roses which some other growers would send out with high-sounding names and descriptions; and hence there have been comparatively few Roses sent out from his establishment which we can well do without, while Jules Margottin and Louise Odier will be grown as long as Roses are grown. Some people say he is bigotted in his opinions. I dare say he is, and he has a right to be; for if a man knows a subject thoroughly, if he has grasped it in all its proportions, he must be necessarily in the eyes of others, when he maintains views and opinions which he knows to be right, considered as such. In a very old book I find it written of-one, ‘ Unstable as water he shall not excel,’ and so with those who are readily moved by what this or that person says; but I am bound to say I find a good deal of good honest common sense in all he says, and were he on our side of the channel I should call him a thorough John Bull. We had, then, on that bright sunny day after the thunder- storm of the 9th, which had so much damaged his bloom, a good chat as we went amongst his fine stock of standard plants. The hybridising of Roses came up on my asking him his opinion of John Hopper, which he pronounced a grand Rose, and telling him he had something to say to it, as it was a child of Jules Margottin; he then stated what I was before unaware of—that he, at any rate, of the French nurserymen, does not trust to the chante hybridising of insects, but that he has for years regularly crossed some of his flowers. At the same time he does not seem very much enamoured with the results, and thinks he kas perhaps done as well where he has not done so. He found, as most have done, that strange freaks are played in this matter. As my friend Mr. Standish has found that from two white Grapes he has produced the very blackest Grape he knows, so from two red Bourbons he had obtained a fine white, of which he had entertained great hopes. He had grown it for several years, and he then determined on propagating it for sale. But alas! it would not then open well, and so he discarded it; for, as he justly observed, a Rose that will not open well in France is sure not to open well in England. The Bourbon Rose which he sent out this season named Reverend H. Dombrain, was a seedling from Louise Odier crossed with Général Jacqueminot; and as I saw it there at July 19, 1864. J combined the qualities of both parents, the shape of Louise Odier and the colour and perfume of the Général. Then, again, his seedling Duchesse de Montpensier, raised by him in 1845 and sent out in 1847, was a seedling from Madame Laffay and Mrs. Bosanquet. Duc de Cambridge, again, was a seedling of Madame Fremion raised by him in 1850; while Jules Margottin, probably the best and most useful Rose he has ever produced, was a chance seedling, and the plant did not bloom for six years. From this Rose he has a seedling to be let out this year, very bright and clear in colour, and of large size. He had, he tells me, crossed Persian Yellow with a rose-coloured Hybrid Perpetual, and obtained a pure white Rose; but this never opened, and all his efforts in this direction had been frustrated. The immense number of red, scarlet, and crimson Roses annually sent into the market, and their great similarity one to the other, was also commented upon. In excuse of the French raisers, he said that there being no such com- petition as in England, raisers knew very little of what they each were doing. One man at Lyons, another at Caen, another at Abbeville, another at Angers, raise a very fine Rose. It is good—seems to them, at least, magnificent ; and hence it is “put into commerce.” All come over here ; and when they bloom with us, alas! it is the old story of tweedledum and tweedledee. In truth, he says, ever since the introduction of Général Jacqueminot the rise has been all in that direction; and he has now determined to, in sporting phrase, “try back.’ He has a number of Roses planted under sashes, and these of varieties which were sent out before Général Jacqueminot, and he hopes from these to obtain something novel. When I was there the pips were already well swollen; so that, doubtless, with a fine summer he will secure a good crop of seed. Concern- ing the Général, he told me that it was obtained by a M. Roussel, at Merédon near Paris, who had for thirty years been seeding from Gloire de Rosoméne, convinced that some day or other he should obtain something good from it. When on his deathbed, he told his gardener (Rouselet) that he had not much to leave him, but he would give him all his seedlings, and that if he managed well he would soon make his fortune. That very year Jacqueminot bloomed, though its raiser never saw it, and in 1853 was let out; but Master Rouselet was too fond of his glass and did not make his fortune. Géant des Batailles was raised, I believe, near Lyons, by an amateur of the name of Nérard, who in the same way for many years had been saving seed, convinced that he would obtain something good. It was sold to Guillot and by him let out. Margottin said he had not been any more successful than others in striving to intro- duce other blood amongst the present race of Roses. He had tried to hybridise with the microphylla Rose, but never could get anything worth keeping. Concerning some of the newer Roses, also, we had some interesting conversation. I do not at all find him disinclined to acknowledge the merits of the flowers of other raisers. He pronounced Francois Lacharme and Charles Lefebvre to be the best two Roses in their class. Monte Christo comes sometimes very fine; but those Roses described by French raisers as nearly full are very disappointing. You imagine you are going to have a fine bloom; it looks beautiful, colour excellent, but. it has hardly expanded before the eye shows itself. This is the case with Peter Lawson, Vicomte Vigier, Mdlle. Julie Daran, and many others—splendid when you can catch them in the bud, but very soon disappointing your hopes and expectations. Beauté Francaise he pro- nounced to be too like Léon des Combats, as I have myself since proved it to be in my own garden. ‘John Hopper, as already said, he pronounced to be a first-rate and distinct Rose. Baron de Rothschild he also thought, as we have found it here, excellent, and Le Rhone also. ® With regard to new Roses, M. Eugéne Verdier purposes sending out six this season. Of these the finest are Rev. F. Radelyffe, named in compliment to the Vicar of Rushton —a Rose of the Madame Victor Verdier class, but very bright and clear in colour; and Maréchal Niel, a very fine Tea Rose, said to be a seedling of Lamarque, very vigorous, free-flowering, and clear in colour. It is not absolutely new, as it was raised somewhere in the provinces, but is very little known. His other Roses were only under figures, and therefore to say aught of them now would be of little JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ‘nothing like it in Herts. 45 use. M. Charles Verdier has two of his own raising of which he speaks highly ; while Levéque has at present one. Mar- gottin has one, certainly not yet named; and another, a white, of the shape of Madame Rivers, but pure white. Of this he is not certain, and waits to see how it is this year before offering it for sale. Marest is also said to have one. This is all I could hear or see of Paris Roses. Mr. George Paul, who had the kindness to find me out in Paris, went further south—to Brie, Fontainbleau, and Lyons, and has doubtless notes of what he saw. I am inclined to think that French raisers generally are awakening to a sense of what they have put on English growers; and I am hopeful there will be more caution in selling, while I am quite persuaded there will be more caution on this side in buying. And now adieu to Roses, and flower shows, and gardens for a while. re this is in print I shall be off to the wilds of the far west of Ireland, engaged in other work than this, and in revisiting the scenes where many a happy day was passed—feeling, I dare say, how like a dream life is, and how impossible it is to conjure up the feelings of past days even in the midst of those scenes.—D., Deal. A PANELLED LAWN. A rew days since I saw a beautiful variegated, or, rather, almost white, grass, suitable for lawns. I think that a lawn planted with such grass, or worked into panels or ribands with green grass, would have a very fine effect. Has the plan been tried anywhere P—Jno. Chayron. [Is the grass a dwarf variety of the Gardener’s Garter (Phalaris) ? Whether or not, we do not think it would be effective ribanded with other grass alone; but it might make a good edging to flower-beds, with the grass lawn round. We should like to see a piece of the grass, and then. we should be better able to give an opinion. ] BLACK PRINCE GRAPES. Axtow me to correct an error you have allowed to creep in with regard to the weight of our Black Prince Grapes, page 26 last week’s Journan or Horricunture. Your weights of the four dishes in the previous week’s Journal were perfectly correct, page 5. The weight of the heaviest dish was 13 lbs. 10 ozs. The centre bunch weighed 5 lbs. 7 ozs. The heaviest dish previous to this was shown June* 24th, 1863, at the Royal Botanic: the three bunches weighed. 9 Ibs. 5 ozs. The whole of the Black Prince Grapes exhibited from here for the last four years are from grafts on the Frankenthal, not Mill Hill as mentioned this week. The first dish was exhibited on the 5th and 6th of June, 1861, on the opening of the Royal Horticultural Garden, and weighed 8 lbs. 14 ozs. I find the Frankenthal the best of all stocks for grafting, and the Barbarossa the worst.—W. Hin. LWe shall be glad if our readers will furnish us with the: heaviest weights of Black Prince they have met with. | PEACHES UNDER GLASS AT BRADFORD. TueERE has been much said about growing Peaches, &c., between Mr. Abbey and some others of your readers, and a. slur was cast upon all the gardeners about Bradford and its neighbourhood. I have been in my present situation nearly twenty years, and I have grown good crops of both Peaches and Grapes. If you look in Tum Corracm GARDENER for December 23rd, 1852, you will find an article by Mr. W. Dobson, entitled ‘‘ Grape Forcing, good specimens of.” Our place is as black as possible; for, about half a mile north of it, there are some chemical works; three hundred yards to the north-west there is a brickyard; and I have had to close the houses at midday when a kiln of bricks: has been burning, or else the sulphur would have destroyed all in the houses. Then, from west by south to east, lies Leeds, a town, I should think,as black as any in England— The houses are all close to the garden wall, and, except on the north-west, it is as black as anything you can conceive. 46 I send you a specimen of Peaches grown in the gardens of J. O. March, Esq., and I have had a good crop for the last fifteen years, except one season. The largest. Peach was 12% inches round, of the Royal George variety, the same asIsend. The tree has no grand south border to grow in, but the roots are under a path 4 feet wide. The sun shines on it about three hours in a day. There are Vines in the house as well. If we poor soot-persecuted gardeners grow fruit like that I send, what ought our more favourably-placed brethren to grow, with their pure air and fine soil—for ours is nearly clay—with good leaf earth? Nothing will grow in our leaf mould; it seems to poison everything.—J. Acoms. [The Peach sent was a very fine specimen 10} inches in circumference, weighed fully 9ozs., was highly coloured on the most exposed side, fully ripe, and of good flavour. ] WHITE HELLEBORE versus GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLARS—BIRDS. Ir is all very well for your Yorkshire correspondent to talk of his Gooseberry trees being free from caterpillars, and to give the credit tothe birds. Birds abound in my garden, and caterpillars would abound too unless means were taken to prevent it. There is an easy cure for the Gooseberry caterpillar, and a certain cure if it be only rightly used, and that is hellebore powder. Some will tell you that hellebore does no good, and no wonder when it is used in the manner many do. They let their trees get half covered with the caterpillar, then sprinkle them with the hellebore, and think they have done what is necessary. They might just as well do nothing. The right plan is fora man to keep his eyes open, and so soon as he sees the very first signs of the caterpillar to dust all the trees with hellebore, and to repeat the dose in two or three days. Let this be done when the caterpillar first shows itself, and success is certain. But I repeat that all depends upon the remedy being applied in time. Many, very many, gardeners spoil their work in this and other things for want of being soon enough. They are constantly too late, and you will see them locking the stable door long after the horse has been stolen. And now for a word about “the birds.” They are very pretty to look at, and it is very pleasant to hear them sing; but, notwithstanding, I would rather have their room than their company. Iam told they do much good. It may be so, but Iam sure they do a great deal of harm. While the good in my judgment is problematical, the mischief is mani- fest. In the matter of fruit, birds are the greatest possible nuisance. It is impossible to keep any fruit from them with- out nets, and not seldom they will have it in spite of nets. It is fortunate that orchard-houses help us here as well as in other points. Iam glad to say that my orchard-houses are again full of fruit this year, as they have been for the last eight years, notwithstanding that I live so far north as —Norra LancasHire. FURZE versus GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLARS. As regards the plaging of Furze in a bush for the destruc- tion of the caterpillars, I can say that 1 tried it in one bush which was much infested, and in a few days they had all disappeared, nor have I seen any one since on that bush, though plenty have made their appearance in other parts of my garden.—A. H. F. GARLIC versus GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLARS. Havine noticed the discussion as to the prevention of the caterpillar by Furze, I think it may be interesting to some of your readers to know, that I was looking over a gentle- man’s garden in the neighbourhood a few weeks ago, and observing some roots of Garlic planted round the Gooseberry bushes, I asked the gardener what they were planted there for, and he replied, “To keep the caterpillars away,” and he assured me it was quite effectual. This remedy may be worthy of a more extended trial, for Garlic is more useful than Furze in a kitchen garden, and it may as well be planted round the Gooseberry bushes as anywhere else. Can you inform me if there has been published at any JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 19, 1864. time any alphabetical list of flowers with the different com- posts proper for them? Such a list on card in the form of a chart to hang up in the potting-shed would, I think, be useful to many amateurs, at least, I know it would ke so to me and to all beginners. I have often thought of preparing such a list for myself, but could never find the time.—R. B. B. [We know of no such list. A gardener would not require it, and an amateur would consult our ‘“ Garden Manual,” or some other work if he had any doubt as to the formation of the compost. | TAN versus GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLARS. My Gooseberry bushes were much damaged by caterpillars last year; and as I read in your paper that the best remedy was to place a circle of tan about 2 inches deep under each tree, I have this season tried it with perfect success to the present time; and as the Gooseberry bushes in the garden adjoining mine are this year, although not, perhaps, so much as last, attacked by the same pests, I am glad to make known what I believe is a simple as well as effectual remedy for this evil—H. M. Gammon, Ozford. BROOM versus CATERPILLARS. Iz your readers will, as I have done for many years with perfect success, twist a good wisp of fresh Broom round the stem of each Gooseberry bush, so that no vermin can creep up from the earth except through the Broom, and see that itis properly twisted round and not a mere show, and that it is done just before the leaf-buds begin to open, so as to be fresh and bitter to its crawling friends, they never will be troubled with caterpillars.—J. Macxenzre, M.D. FAILURE OF SELAGINELLA DENTICULATA. EDGINGS FOR CONSERVATORY FLOWEB-STANDS. In an open colonnade here we have three semicircular stands exactly like those in the conservatory at Kensington. This is the second year we have had them, and as yet we have not been able to make the Lycopod (Selaginella den- ticulata) answer well for the edging. Do you think the following mode of treating it ought to insure success ? In March of this year I filled the wire baskets nearly to the top with good turfy loam chopped fine. I then spread the Lycopod all over the surface, and covered it thinly with finer soil, and placed the baskets under the stage in the green- house, where they remained until the end of June, when they were placed round the stands. The Lycopod seemed to be going on nicely up to that time, but since then it has begun to look worse. My opinion is, that the cause of failure may be attributed to the fact, that from the time the sun reaches the meridian until the time of setting, it shines full upon the stands. My employers have an idea that Mignonette would answer better than the Lycopod.— Bounorz. [The full exposure to the sun of the stands in the open colonnade is the reason why your Selaginella denticulata will not answer round the edges. It must have partial shade as well as moisture. Instead of Mignonette for such edgings, we would recommend a fringe of drooping Ana- gallis, or of Verbena pulchella. Ifthe sides of the stands are of a white colour, dull them to a dark colour. After the creepers are all over it, the colour will be of less consequence. | SALVIA ARGENTEA. Amone the many plants which are cultivated for the singularity of their foliage this is by no means the least remarkable. With a leaf as large as that of a Cabbage when fit to transplant, and of a thick and woolly texture, its appearance amongst other plants is singularly beautiful. In point of whiteness it is not equal to Centaurea candidis- sima, nor even Cineraria maritima, but it is possible by planting it in suitable soil that it may be improved in that respect ; but in its dwarf sturdy habit, and thick blanket-like foliage, clothed with a long hairy down, it possesses features widely distinct from anything else that I am acquainted July 19, 1854. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 47 with. It alsé possesses the merit of being of easy growth, | is white, is by no means unsightly; in fact, it is prettier and adapting itself to all situations. Although not an | than one that came out some years ago as a great acquisi- annual, it is most readily propagated by seeds, which are to | tion—namely, Salvia patens alba, for the flowers of S. ar- be had of most seedsmen; and if sown early in spring the | gentea are individually larger than the other, and in plants may ornament the parterre during the same summer, | colour and form equally good. I have never used it for and a few plants retained in pots will look well all the | bedding purposes, but for mixed borders a few plants intro- winter when such plants are far from plentiful. In the | duced amongst other things give an aspect different from following spring, most likely, it will run up to flower, though anything else I am acquainted with, Stachys lanata afford- the plant is not improved by its doing sc. The flower, which | ing the nearest approach to it.—J. Rosson. HINTS ON ICE-HOUSES AND ICE-HEAPS, &c. Havine recently had applications from some of our readers for No. 588, containing hints by Mr. Fish on the above subject, and that Number being out of print, we reproduce the greater portion of his article, with a few additional notes. ] Icr-HousEs are generally made in the shape of an inverted | cone, or an egg with the largest end uppermost, and a medium-sized house might be 8 feet in diameter at bottom, 11 feet at the widest part, and 14 or 15 feet deep from the bottom to the top. When bricks are used there is no diffi- enlty in thus having it round ; but I have no prejudice at all in favour of such a round house; but for all purposes would as soon have a square building, whether built of stone or wood, or any other material. Fig. 1 is a section of the egg-shaped well as commonly WO \\ \ A A \\\ \\ \ AY \ \ A \\ \ \ NY a, Double doors. ‘of 16 feet by 18 feet deep. One side abutted on the level of a fieid, and the opposite one on a deep sloping bank, the base of which was below the bottom of the ice-well. The ground being light the drain was of little use, as the moisture escaped at the bottom. The ice was carted along the level meadow to a platform at the doorway. There were two doors; the outside one was of stout deal, on hinges which enabled it to fold back on the roof. The corner one fitted loosely in @ groove, and this door was lined with woollen cloth. Though these doors were on the south side of the roof, the ice never failed. The roof was formed of 12 inches of thatch, and then fully a foot of close heath or ling. The ice was pretty well beaten outside, pitched in at the door- way, and then pounded down inside. Nothing as a house could be more simple, or keep ice better; and, the ice being AR a | built, with a trap drain from its bottom, and the bottom covered over with logs of wood and rough brushwood for a depth of a foot or 18 inches. It is furnished with a passage and a door outside and inside, so that the space between them may be filled with straw. As will presently be seen, we prefer a double wall instead of a single one, with an | open space between of from 9 to 12 inches. The opening | shown at the top is of great importance for filling the well, where the position of the ground will admit of it. Ifa layer of clay can be rammed against the outer wall it will be animprovement. The ground around the well should be shaded with trees and evergreens. Fig. 2 is a section of one of the simplest and best ice- houses I have met with. As far as I recollect, it was built | square, with stone walls, 16 inches thick, enclosing a square W SAMMI > c, Surface line. taken from clean water, venison, game, &c., were kept in the house for long periods untainted. In most of the old-fashioned egg-shaped houses there is a long passage leading to the well, with two or three doors, and, in many cases, the ice must be all carried in and out through that passage. With two padded doors, and a space of 15 inches between them, the long passage may generally be dispensed with; and, although the ice should be removed through these doors, it will always be an advantage to have an opening at the top for throwing the well-broken ice into the well. I have known several cases of severe illness as the result of men being kept for several hours in these long passages shovelling the broken ice past them. Where dryness may be secured there need be no objection 48 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 19, 1964, to sinking the well wholly below the ground. In soils retentive of moisture care should be taken to prevent the outside moisture penetrating through the walls, by building them in cement, ramming clay round the wall, with tar next the wall, or raising them partly, or nearly wholly, out of the ground. It is quite a mistake to suppose that to keep ice well you have merely to get it into a hole beneath the surface of the ground. On an average the earth will be warmer all the year round at the depth of the bottom of the well than at the surface. All moisture getting to the wall would melt the ice; the moisture that would ooze out from a wall above the ground would actually cool the interior by evaporation. : T have not had any ice-houses entirely above ground under my own charge; but I have noticed how well the ice kept in several, though, as far as I recollect, half as large again as the size mentioned above. I remember one house above ground that was built with double brick walls, the walls being separated 12 inches from each other, with a door in each wall opposite each other, about 5 feet from the ground level. The top of the house, steep and cone-shaped, was thatched to the thickness of 18 inches, and extended beyond the walls for acouple of feet. The outside thatch got covered with mosses and lichens, and there was a dense shade of trees over all. A temporary staircase led up to the doorway, and a stone staircase inside led to the bottom of the house. The ice was pitched in from the carts, and broken inside, and it kept remarkably well. The great secrets in this case were the double walls and the enclosed space for air between them. Of all non-conductors of heat, enclosed isolated air is the best. Neither what we call heat, nor what we call cold, has the power, to any great degree, to pass through it. I recollect once noticing in the end of June the thermometer in the shade, against the outer wall of such a house, indicating 77°, and another thermometer on the wall inside the ice-well ranging from 32° to 34°, but we shut the doors behind us. In sunk wells this double wall is just of equal importance. The outer one prevents the heat of the soil affecting the ice» I met with a nice example of this some time ago. An old-fashioned ice-well had been so built, and answered remarkably well. In course of time three or four ice-tubs had to be supplied at the mansion instead of one—every- thing in summer had to be cooled with ice—and the supply, from the house being opened so often, was not equal to the demand. ‘The supposed genius of the establishment counselled the removal of the inner wall, which would at once make the house about 3 feet wider from top to bottom, and set at liberty so many thousand bricks for other pur- poses. What could seem more feasable? and accordingly it was done, and the house well filled the next winter; but the enlarged house was emptied fully six weeks earlier than it used to be before. Since then the waggon-loads of straw packed against the walls inside, and the trouble, would soon cost more than the double wall, and, after all, with far inferior results. Few things are better non-conductors than straw, especially if not much bruised by the flail or thresh- ing-machine, as every space between the joints is, so far, a sealed-up air-tube ; but let that straw get thoroughly soaked inside a house, and its non-conducting powers would not only be gone, but the vapour always rising from it would keep a damp fog always resting upon and melting away the ice. T have no faith, therefore,in straw as a non-conductor inside a house unless it be kept dry. I havea large house which, when filled, generally secures pretty well a two-years supply ; that, too, had been built, I believe, with hollow walls, and the inner one was removed, before I knew it, to increase the size; but I soon gave up using packings of straw, having come to the conelusion that, on the whole, from getting damp it did more harm than good. When either a stone, brick, or wood house is raised partly or wholly above the ground level, covering the single wall, whatever it is, with from 6 to 9 inches of straw neatly fastened on the outside, and with the eaves of the roof projecting far enough to keep that straw dry, will be the best substitute for a double wall; and if the ears of wheat are removed, so as not to entice birds or mice, the straw will last a number of years. - Thus by using hollow walls, or a non-conducting medium, it will be seen that regular ice-houses may be as well, partly or wholly, above ground as below it; and in the circumstances of soils retentive of moisture, much better above than below. When so built, and near the mansion, they could be turned to many useful purposes, as respects keeping meat and vegetables, with more economy as to ice, than when the ice has to be brought in pails and barrow- loads to the house. So much for the place: now for the filling. The chief thing is to get ice from good clear water, and pound it well outside, but chiefly inside, of the house. If the water is not clean the ice will be unfit for preserving many things where fine flavour is an extra consideration. Every space of air enclosed between pieces of ice will hasten the decay of the ice whenever these spaces can gain access to the air above them. When filling in frosty weather it is a good plan to use a little water for filling up the crevices, which soon freezes the whole into a compact mass. All ice with leaves and pieces of wood in it is to be rejected if better can be had, as they will make a sort of free space round themselves long before the summer is passed. In packing it is advisable to keep the centre the lowest, and the outsides the highest, so that the moisture contained may find its way to the centre and there be frozen, instead of passing through the ice at the outside and escaping. This same rule should also be attended to in taking the ice out of the ice-house. It is impossible to break the ice too fine—the more like sleet and snow the better, and the firmer packed the better. This is even more necessary when the house for keeping it is small. As to keeping ice when obtained, the great object is to prevent it being surrounded with a moist stagnant atmo- sphere. Name or Caerry (M. Newman).—It is the Reine Hortense. Names oF Prants (B. M.).—1, Spirea ariefolia; 2, Erigeron glabellus. Your Mignonette is most likely suffering from dryness at the root; if not you will probably find that some insect is the cause. (2. G. S.).—Looks like Cheilanthes alabamensis, but the specimen is much too young to enable us to speak with certainty. (@. M.).—Nepeta nepetella. (F. S.).—Oxalis incar- nata. (J. B).—Tamarix gallica, or French Tamarisk. a POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. —————————————— POULTRY SHOWS. Avuoust 2nd. NewMitierpam. Secs., Mr. J. Turner, Walton, and Mr. W. Pashley, Newmillerdam, x AvGuUST sth. WAKEFIELD AND West Ripina. Sec., Mr. J. Crosland, jun. Thorne’s Lane, Wakefield. Entries close August 4th. Avcust 17th. Corrincuam. Sec., Mr. Joseph Brittain. Avcust 18th. Burnvey. Sec., Mr. R. Whittam. Entries close Aug. 6th. Avaust 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th. ALEXANDRA Park. Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits. Sec., Mr. William Houghton. Entries close July 23rd. Aucusr 27th. Hatirax anp CaLpER Vatz. Sec., Mr. W. Irvine, Holme field, Ovenden, near Halifax. Avaust 20th. Pocuineaton. Sec., Mr.T. Grant. Entries close Aug. 22nd. 96 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Avcust 30th. Pupsry. See., Mr. E. Sewell. Entries close August 27th. Auvcust 3lst. Drwspury. Sec., Mr. F. Aked. SEPTEMBER 7th and Sth. MancHESTER AND LIVERPOOL. Sec,. Mr. T. B. Ryder, Church Street, Liverpool. Entries close August 6th. OcroseR lst, 3rd, and 4th. IstineTon (AGRICULTURAL Hatu.) Sec., Mr. J. Douglas. Entries close September 17th. OctoBer 12th and 13th. Worcester. Hon. Sec., Mr. J. Holland. Entries close September 29th. , NovemMBer 28th, 29th, 30th, and DecEMBER Ist. BirminaHam. Sec., Mr. J.B. Lythall, 13, Temple Street. Entries close November Ist. THE AGRICULTURAL HALL POULTRY SHOW AND THE POULTRY CLUB. Notnine can be more fatal to the success of any under- taking than to raise questions, which, even if satisfactorily answered, may indirectly affect its stability. There is an old proverb about fools and wise men. We know that all persons listen eagerly to inquiries, and are rarely satisfied with the answers those inquiries elicit. This arises from the tendency of human nature to imagine evil, and the diffi- culty of expressing ourselves so that we may be understood by all. The proposed show of poultry at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, has, unfortunately, fallen into the difficulty of having questions to answer, and explanations to make. Be they rightly or wrongly put, be they easy or difficult to dispose of, they will have the effect of alarming many. The agitation may be premature, but it has begun, and now there is no alternative but to ventilate the matter entirely, and to give the fullest and most complete answers. None will doubt for a moment the propriety of the appoint- ment of Mr. Hewitt as a judge. Some question seems to be raised as to the appointment of the other judges. It is hard to say that a judge should not be a breeder or an exhibitor; but it is beyond question that neither directly nor indirectly should a judge exhibit at a show where he is toadjudicate. We must leave the Poultry Club to act accord- ing to their judgment, and we must form our opinions by the results. If the Show in question is to succeed it must ke above suspicion, and beyond reproach. Shows will soon cease to be where men feel that they have no confidence, and do not get a fair field. That the Poultry Club in their manage- ment of this Show will maintain and enforce that honesty and fairness which is their guiding principle we have no right to doubt. One cannot help suspecting some hostility to the principle of a poultry club to be lurking in some of the objections brought forward against the Show at the Agricultural Hall. I am inclined to look with favour on the principle. With regard to the existing Poultry Club I cannot say anything, as I do not know anything about it. Amateurs would be glad to know more of it and of its intentions; and most probably that knowledge would conduce to its welfare. A self-constituted and exclusive body cannot be tolerated, yet a poultry club is to be desired. A poultry club constructed on the limited liability prin- ciple, having the proper organisation of directors, officers, and shareholders, might, by common consent, take into its hands the appointment of judges, or, at all events, for all shows that desired to have them so appointed. The Club might also undertake the formation and management of shows in neighbourhoods where they were desired, where a certain sum could be guaranteed, but where there was neither the knowledge nor energy to do the work. General meetings of the Club should be held at all the principal shows in the kingdom: and it might be expedient to have a northern and a southern committee. These are propositions which I would do my best to aid, and which I shall be glad to see carried out.—Eeomur. Hap Mr. Tudman answered my communication himself, instead of delegating the duty to another, it would have been more satisfactory to me, and, I presume, to your general readers also. Why he has not done so is best known to himself. As respects the communication of his locum tenens, however, it has not mended the matter, notwithstanding the latter's attempt to raise a new issue on the character of those under whose auspices the doings of the Poultry Club have been ushered into public notice. Now, the “worthy Honorary Secretaries” and other officers may be all that he { August 2, 1864. contends for; they may be “gentlemen acting and giving © their services for the benefit of the poultry-loving commu- nity,” and be “purely honorary ;” they may, as Shakespeare says, be ‘all, all honourable men;” but when your corre- spondent urges on the strength of this that “they are not public property to be reprimanded,” &c., in other words, that they are above responsibility, I am persuaded I shall not stand alone in demurring to such an assumption. Per- sons who hold a public position, whether as honorary or paid - officers, must submit to public criticism, and to wince under the ordeal is sure to awaken suspicion that all is not sound. Now,.it cannot be denied that great soreness has been mani- fested by both of your correspondents; why, it is, perhaps, not for me to say. One thing, however, which is certain, is, that no assumption nor any amount of soreness can alter facts which are patent to all your readers. The first of these facts is the correctness of your state- ment that Mr. Hewitt was appointed one of the judges in the forthcoming Islington Show; and after the evidence you adduced from the correspondence between that gentleman and Mr. Tudman, in which the latter offered, and the former accepted, the office, the genuineness of which has never been questioned, even by Mr.'Tudman himself, the bold assertions of My. Tudman and his coadjutor “A Pounrry Fancrer” to the contrary can have no other effect, save that of throw- ing discredit on the other statements of the same parties. It is indeed truly amazing that any one in the face of evi- dence, such as that furnished by yourself, should have the hardihood to deny so palpable a fact. The next is, that such offer was accompanied by the with- drawal of the conditions, to establish which, it would seem, is one of the principal objects contemplated in the formation of the Club, and that Mr. Hewitt’s acceptance was the con- sequence, to use his own expression, of such “ restrictions being withdrawn.” Your correspondent waxes quite indig- nant at the bare intimation of the rules having been in any way compromised. ‘‘ How your correspondent [viz., myself] could state that the rules of the Club have been sacrificed or broken down he (the Poutrry Fancrer) cannot conceive ; for as yet,’ he adds, ‘“ they have been little acted upon, the test being yet to come.” Now, how comes it that they have not been acted on? unless it is that judges of standing and | character, like Mr. Hewitt, refuse to act under the restrictions attempted to be imposed by them. If this is not failure, :nd failure of no ordinary kind, I should like to be informed what is. It is the reference to this fact in your editorial remarks, which, in my opinion, is the gravamen of the offence, and the cause of the soreness felt by your correspondent; and that I, or any one else, should venture to submit that this involves the failure of the elaborate production is, of course, unpardonable in the eyes of so august a body—the more unpardonable on the ground of its truth. Your correspondent, moreover, offers grave objections to the publication of the names of the judges, for the reason, as he says, that the doing so would afford dishonest exhibi- tors the means of communicating with them. This is cer- tainly not very flattering to th e judges of the Club’s selection, implying, as it does, that they are not proof against efforts to tamper with their decisions, notwithstanding the alleged high qualifications of certain members to fill the office: for the judges being above such influences, any attempt would only end in the discomfiture of the exhibitors who resorted to such practices. But since your correspondent has raised this point, it may be asked what security have the public, that-exhibitors who are in the secret of such appointment,— for it cannot be supposed that there are no exhibitors among the Honorary Secretaries and other officers of the Clubh— will not avail themselves of their exclusive knowledge? And if we may judge by the denial of the palpable fact, and other features brought out in this correspondence, the officials are quite as open to the insinuation as the exhibi- tors.—AN EXHIBITOR. Matays.—The admirers of this variety have now an op- portunity of obtaining some of the best strain; for an ad- vertisement states that Mr. C. Ballance intends selling his entire stock. That gentleman purposes discontinuing ex- hibiting, having so frequently to officiate as judge. August 2, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 97 a ee ee ROOKS. Lasr May I wrote a word or two about these interesting birds; and as Convocation has just been. styled in some saucy newspaper “a parliament of rooks,” I suppose I must henceforth regard the rook as a brother. I have just re- turned from a three-weeks visit to the seaside—three some- what weary weeks to a lover of flowers and birds ; for of the former I saw very few, of the latter none, save that I noticed a poor boy with his pet jackdaw on his shoulder, and, in spite of the strong breeze then blowing, the little bird with flapping balancing wings kept his place.. I liked that jack- daw, and I liked his fond master—I don’t believe he is a bad boy. Three weeks at the seaside, again I say weary weeks. How old one seems to grow, how rapidly old, at a watering place, for how many generations of neighbours one outlives! First when you arrive, there is in the same house the family whom the servants call by their name ; they are old inhabitants of a week’s duration, while you are only the gentleman in the other drawing-room. How you respect that old family sort of county people of long stand- ing, with their names in the “ Dipping Chronicle,” among the visitors to that far-famed place. But in a day or two you take their position, and are respected in your turn by the newer comers. Then there are the neighbours outside. That large family in mourning—mourning worth wearing, for a rich aunt is dead, and her money brings them to the sea. Then there is the stout old gentleman with high white straw hat, and long telescope under his arm. Then there are the newly married couples, not that they care for the sea. Happy people, all the world to each other, my blessing upon ye! Now, I know how all these people and many others come to a watering place. They arrive in flys, looking for lodgings. The little girls carry dolls, and poke dolly’s face out of the window for her to look at the sea. But I never saw these good people go. They are no more seen—they are missed. Others succeed them at their windows. The large family is followed by two maiden sisters; the stout gentleman by a thin roman-nosed lady; or the lodgings are not let, the blinds are down, and the baleony unoccupied. How did they, how do they go? Not in flys; you never see any save with new comers, though plenty of luggage is carried off on trucks propelled by grim-faced men grinning in the sunshine. Again I say, How do people leave a water- ing place? Perhaps they leave in the dark to hide their tears. By the way, there is the reading-room at a watering place. How men congregate there! Poor fellows! they have little else to do. How they browse and browse on morning papers at one time, on evening papers at another ; then the weeklies and the locals come in for a pleasant change. And how many generations of readers I outlived in my three weeks! Poor men! they looked so healthy, who would have thought they would have gone off so soon ? Just in passing let me say, I did not see on the tables of the reading-room a single copy of “our Journal.” Great omission this, for it was just the paper that the browsers would have delighted in. «But you are saying nothing about rooks, sir.” Wait awhile good reader; many a fine mansion has a long ap- proach to it. But for this visit I should never have thought of the rooks, but I missed them, I wanted them, and now at Hilltop I see and hear themionce more. I instanced in my little communication of May last the case of two rookeries, one neyer shot at yet yearly decreasing; the other shot at each year and becoming fuller. Now, I cannot take an old Yabourer’s explanation, “ Lor, sir, the birds like it,” for I am sure theydo not. I regret that I have had no word or hint on the subject in this Journal. However, I have privately had an explanation offered by a sportsman and a naturalist. Would that all sportsmen were naturalists, for then many @ poor innocent bird would be spared, the windhover for example. My friend tells me he is sure that cock birds are more numerous than hens amongst most wild birds. Hence it comes to pass that if no rooks are shot, the cocks harrass the hens, disturb their sitting, and drive the mated birds elsewhere. ‘This, he tells me, is frequently the case with partridges. The man who to increase his birds allows none to be shot for a season ov two, finds presently that he hhas no game at all to shoot, the quarrelling and fighting end in dispersion and death. I would also add, Is it not reasonable that the young cock rooks being the stronger, earliest hatched according to your egg-theory, are the first to become branchers ? and every one knows that the boldest branchers being clearest from the nest fall most frequently to the rook-shooter’s gun.— WILTSHIRE RucTOR. ABOUT PIGEONS AND RABBITS. On looking over the columns of one of your recent Numbers, I find a valuable suggestion from Mr. Brent, recommending fanciers of Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits, &c., to communicate their successes and disappointments, after the fashion, of the apiarians. I for one have long wished to see this plan adopted, as I think it would be a fruitful source of instruc- tion and amusement to a great portion of your readers, and be the means of causing many a desponding fancier to be helped out of his difficulties. I am a Pigeon fancier and have a crotchet that birds breed better if allowed to fly out; consequently, nearly all my breeding stock have been allowed this privilege until now. One morning last week a pair of valuable Turbits took a fancy to try their powers of flight, and very soon lost their “reckoning.” Thinking if they could see the other Pigeons they would return, we went into the cote to set them out, and, having gone in rather abruptly, a valuable Carrier cock took fright and bolted. I can assure you that I now felt far from comfortable, but thinking that “ of a bad bargain I must make the best,” I set two men to watch them until night and then try to catch them; but in this they failed, and the trio remained out all night. The men were on the look-out by three o’clock the following morning, and kept watch all day. During the afternoon the Turbits discovered their home and returned, and by a piece of good management the men caught the Carrier at night. Ofcourse, I had to pay them well for their trouble; and though it was rather an expensive lesson, I consoled myself with the re- flection that it might have been worse. All my birds now see the daylight and smell the fresh air through wire-netting. On looking over my stock after this escapade, I found a Barb hen looking very ill. I put her “in hospital” at once, but she continued to droop and soon died. I opened her stomach and found food, which I feel convinced had been there two or three days. The skin and flesh from the legs towards the tail looked quite green. On opening the ovary I found an egg partially formed, evidently within a day or two of being laid. Can any reader inform me what was the complaint and the remedy ? I am also a Rabbit fancier, but in this a complete novice. I have a lop-eared doe, and I find the hair is coming off her nose and the skin looks rough and scaly like scurvy. I have put flowers of sulphur on the place affected. What is the complaint and the remedy ? I have a litter of young Rabbits about two months old, their ears are a tolerable length but both ears fall on one side. I should like to be informed how to make them fall properly. The parents are perfect lops. In conclusion I think I may say with Burns— «* But, mousie, thou art no thy lane, In proving foresight may be vain : The best-laid schemes 0’ mice and men, Gang after a-gley, And lea’e us nought but grief and pain, For promised joy.” —J. I. D. THE PIGEONS AT THE NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE EXHIBITION. Berne an exhibitor of Pigeons at Newcastle-on-Tyne, I went to see the Show, and when I arrived on Wednesday evening I found that two pairs of my birds had never been taken out of the baskets. They left Birmingham on Monday morning, and arrived at the Show between five and six o’clock on Monday evening. I complained to the Secretary, and we looked in the baskets, and found that the birds had not been taken out of the basket and put in the pens. As soon as he saw them he gave the first prize to my Satinetites. Ihave been to a great many shows, but I never saw a show where Pigeons were so badly judged as at Newcastle. If I can find out where Mr. T. W. Botcherley, of Darlington, ® 98 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { August 2, 1864, is going to judge, if I have entered my birds I shall never send them, as I consider that he does not know Pigeons sufficiently to be a judge.—H. Yarpuey. [This is only one of many strange details we have heard about the Pigeons at the Newcastle Show. ] TRANSFERRING BEES—BEST ASPECT FOR AN APIARY. I HAVE purchased two hives of bees, swarms of the first week in May, very strong, and of great weight, say 40 to 50 lbs. each. I have not brought them home yet, but intend doing so the first opportunity of getting them in at night. They are now in common straw hives. I wish to know if they can be shifted into a bar-frame hive, or straw bar-hive, without injury to them; but if too late, when can I do so? Can they be deprived of any of their honey if they remain where they are ? Also, my garden runs east to west, somewhat sheltered all round with palings, and currant and other trees. Shall I fix them to face the north? I should state that my house stands at the east end of the garden, so that they would be much sheltered from the east wind.—W. A. P., Ozford. [Transferring new and heavy combs into frame-hives is far too difficult an operation for a beginner. If you can get some practice this autumn with condemned stocks, so as to master the art of driving bees, you may be able to manage the transfer in the spring. Full directions for per- forming the operation were given in No. 75 of our new series. Do not attempt to remove your hives until the weather is much colder than at present. We prefer a south aspect—say from south-east to south- west—sheltered at the back, and from the prevailing winds, and free from all obstruction in front. ] REMOVING BEES TO THE MOORS. As the time has now arrived for taking the bees to the heather, I would remind your numerous bee-keeping readers of the very great advantage to themselves and the bees which is derived from their removal to the moors. I find that the hives which I keep at home always lose weight after July, whilst those taken to the moors have at least six weeks honey-harvest. I will now give your readers a few directions for removing the bees. The first thing to be attended to is to give them plenty of room, as, if the weather is favourable, they collect from the heath a very great store of honey; therefore, the day before I remove them, I place another hive on the top of the stock, and if they are in a bar-frame-hive (and no bee- master should use any other description, as in one season the bees will repay all expenses in the extra quantity, quality, and money value of the honey) I take all the honey out, ex- ~ cept about 5 lbs., which insures their preservation in case, as last year, it should rain nearly every day they are at the moors. The brood of course must not be cut out of the bar-frames. Over the place where the two hives join I tie a piece of calico securely with two strings round each hive, so that the hives cannot separate, or any bees escape during their removal. I then raise the hive about an inch upon pieces of wood, and early next morning every bee has gone off the floor-board. I then spread a piece of open net or leno upon a board, lift the hives upon the net, and tie it securely with two strings round the hive; and when this has been done, having previously seen which way the combs are built, I turn the hives gently over with the end of the combs at the bottom. With swarms very great care must be used in this part of the operation, as the new combs, being as brittle as glass, will bend and break down with their own weight, and that of the bees upon them, unless they are turned over with the edge of the combs at the bottom. When turned bottom upwards the combs all rest upon their own foundation, and the heat always ascends and so escapes through the net, and the inside of the hive is kept cool. The honey, I find, will not run out of those cells that are not sealed over so as to do the bees any injury. With old hives the same amount of care is not necessary, as the bees varnish their combs with a sort of glue; and when they have had brood in them each pupa leaves its silken cocoon in the cell, which so strengthens the combs that in time they become nearly as tough as leather, and you can knock them about as you like, provided you give them plenty of air. The stock, after the above precautions have been taken, may be placed in a wicker basket, or tied in a cloth. Swarms ride the best suspended. The same amount of care in turning them over when you get them to- the moors, and in bringing them back must be taken. These grateful little creatures will repay with usurious interest the expenses of removing them from thirty to fifty miles to such luxuriant pastures, where many tons of honey are annually lost to the nation for want of col- lectors.—Wu. Carr, Clayton Bridge Apiary, Newton Heath, near Manchester. TIMES OF SWARMING. “Puitiscus” asks whether a swarm has ever been known to emigrate without a royal cell being sealed, or in process of being sealed. Allow me in reply to express my con- viction that swarms generally emigrate before any of the royal cells are sealed. If you remove the reigning queen from a stock in order to rear an artificial one, you will find that a royal cell is well formed on the third day after removal, that it is sealed on the sixth, and that a young queen emerges on the fourteenth. Hence, allowing two days for confinement of the young queens when formed with a view to natural swarming, this will give for interval between the time a royal cell is sealed and the period of the young queens’ emergence, a space of ten, or say eleven days. Now what are the facts in regard to natural swarming ? Take the history of a hive for the following years :— In 1853 the interval between its first and second was ue days. In 1854 as Es B55 In 1855 ‘ ee ome In 1856 Be - is ;, In 1847 a on 13s In 1855 4 - Ls In 1859 a Bs 13s, In 1860 res AS 15s, The average interval between first and second casts, according to my experience, is twelve days. Between first and last casts I have frequently witnessed an interval of nineteen days; and in 1861 I had a hive which threw its first and second casts on June 15th and 27th, and its third and fourth casts on July 2nd and 5th, thus making an interval between the first and second casts of twenty days, the longest interval I have ever known. Only on two occa- sions, once this year, and once in 1854, have I had second casts in less than ten days after the departure of the first swarm. If, therefore, it happens in other localities as in mine, that a second swarm does not depart until ten or four- teen days after the first left, and if young queens are ready to emerge, and do emerge in artificial cases on the eighth day after the royal cells are sealed, it follows that swarms in some instances may perhaps have left before the royal eggs were hatched.—R. 8. EXISTENCE OF A QUEEN DOUBTFUL. IsHauu be obliged by “A DrvoNsHinz BEE-KEEPER ” answering me the following :—I drove a swarm of bees out of an old straw hive about a fortnight ago, they had not swarmed before doing so. I cut the comb out to examine whether the queen had been left behind, but did not find her, and supposed all was right. I left the comb in the old hive for the bees of the apiary to clear out. The following morning I went to remove the comb and old hive, and was much annoyed to find a queen alive, but in a weak state. I had no time to stop and take pains to introduce her to the hive, but placed her inside, when she was ejected imme- diately. The bees are working well, and I notice that they vibrate their wings opposite to the entrance. Is not this a sign that there is a queen inside? Iam in hopes that the queen I found was a young one, that came out of the cell after I had driven them, but I had not time carefully to ex- amine the comb, being called from home. I have a weak east- August 2, 1864, ] ing which I could add to this swarm to make sure, if you think I had better do so. My hives are the wooden octagon hives of Ayrshire, and not bar, so that I suppose I had better sprinkle them well with sugar and water before adding the two together. Your advice will greatly oblige— LoosE Box. {If the bees continue to work vigorously there can be little doubt of their possessing a queen. If, on the other hand, they should have ceased active work, whilst other hives remain busy, it may be well to add a small swarm. Sprinkling with sweetened water scented with peppermint will in this case tend to prevent fighting —A DrEvVoNSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. | ADDING QUEENS. I rtnp the only safe mode of adding queens is by fumi- gation. I tried the plan by putting the queen on the top, and when I let the bees in they would soon have killed her had I not taken her away, so at night I fumigated them, and there was no more fighting, and the next day they came off with the queen as a swarm.—A. M. BEES IN THE SHOW-YARD OF THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY AT NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE. THe following extract from the Northern Daily Express shows the light in which the unusual sight of an observa- tory-hive presented itself to the mind of a Newcastle re- porter, whose want of knowledge of the subject is evidenced by his mistaking the sex of the working bees :— ‘©A MODEL FACTORY. «Stand 194—G. Neighbour & Sons, Regent Street, and High Holborn, London.—We have heard of model farms and model lodging-houses for the working classes; but it was reserved for the Royal Agricultural Society’s meeting in 1864 to introduce to our notice a model factory, where we may see representatives of the working classes busily en- gaged in their daily avocations. The stand which we have quoted above may afford fruitful study to such philanthro- pists as the Earl of Shaftesbury, who make it their beneyo- lent aim to elevate the masses; and the lesson here given from actual life will not be lost upon working men themselves. «There are several striking features worthy of notice in the ‘model factory.’ We can clearly perceive that it has been established on a principle which is essential to the success of any great concern—viz., the principle of a good understanding amongst the operatives themselves, and between them and the head of the establishment. What strikes us in this model factory is the unity of action which reigns throughout. There is no jostling of rival interests, and no misunderstandings or cross purposes. The opera- tives in this establishment are so numerous that we ques- tion if any one has as yet been able to count their number, and yet all seem to be working in perfect harmony, their joint labour continually leading to one beautiful and sublime result. « Another feature specially noticeable in the establishment in question is the principle of subordination. Singular to say, that while the operatives are males the foreman of this model factory is a female; but that circumstance need not shock the sensibilities of our fair friends any more than it ought to offend the prejudices of the sterner sex, inasmuch as the mighty empire of Great Britain is ruled by the gentle hand of a female; and moreover in the one case as in the other, the presiding genius, amidst all her official cares and duties, takes care to preserve the modesty of her sex. She never in the slightest degree obtrudes herself needlessly on public observation, and probably on that very account the respect shown to her by her subjects is the more pro- found and devoted. «There is, however, one particular in which we would take leave to demur to the idea of this factory being in every respect regarded as a ‘model.’ We have not been able to discover that there is any particular period of the day in which the operatives are allowed to take refreshments. We JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 99 somewhat in the light of a sacred institution. And if the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society mean to set this up as a model institution, we are of opinion that some ex- planation on this point is desirable. Indeed, we have not been able to discover that the operatives in this establish- ment take any refreshment whatever. If they do, it must be ‘on the sly,’ vulgarly speaking. «There is one peculiarity, however, which must tend to popularise this institution, and which has served to make it one of the most attractive objects on the show ground. It is the fashion in‘all the great factories which abound on the banks of the Tyne, and throughout the country generally, to act on the principle of exclusiveness to a very great extent, and perhaps wisely so. As you approach the door you see an intimation in legible characters ‘No admission except on business.’ This may be very proper, but it is rather tantalising. In the model factory, which we are now describing, all the operations are open to inspection. Every action is patent to the eye of the spectator. This has been effected by a skilful contrivance, and it is this contrivance, in fact, which has entitled the inventor to obtain a place in the show ground for his model factory, which he describes by the somewhat ambiguous term of ‘a new implement.’ «But our readers may wish to learn what is the staple manufacture of this wonderful workshop. We reply— ‘honey.’ The factory we speak of is nothing more nor less than a bee-hive; or, to quote from the catalogue, ‘aunicomb observatory bee-hive,’ with living Italian alpine bees at full work; invented by T. W. Woodbury, Esq., of Exeter; im- proved and manufactured by the exhibitors. As implied by its name, this hive has one comb, so that both sides are fully exposed to the light of the day, thus allowing of an easy inspection of the queen bee, surrounded by her retinue. Price £10 10s.” BEES IN SURREY. I commeEncep bee-keeping in May, 1863, with a fine swarm. I let them have the whole of their labours of last summer to themselves, knowing that if I took the honey from them I might also take eggs or brood. The result has been, that when your correspondent was describing the danger of foul brood, my stock was hatching-out quantities of young. On the 12th of last May I opened one of my side boxes (collateral-boxes), and on the 26th of July I took off that box and found it contained 253 lbs. of honey and comb. On the 18th of June I let the bees into the other side box, and that is half full of honey at the present time, besides the middle box or pavilion of Nature, which has all the honey- cells sealed, and with the contents of which I never interfere, so that they have plenty of food to carry them through the winter. At the end of the season I purpose taking off the second box, so that I shall most likely obtain from that stock alone between 40 and 50 lbs. of honey. Whatever it is I will inform you.—T. 8. P.S.—Do you think I shall weaken or impoverish my stock by taking the second box off ? [If the stock-box be well filled, and the side box free from brood, you will not injure the stock by removing the latter. | SUBSTITUTING BOXES FOR STRAW HIVES. I nave two common straw hives, the one containing a last-year’s swarm, and the other an early one (2nd May), of this year; and under each a plain wooden box of my own rough make, both well filled with comb and bees. The end of one of these boxes is glazed, so that I can see that my labourers are rapidly filling it with their gathered sweets; and I have no doubt that the same is the case with the other, as they are a very strong stock, and work well. I desire to remove the straw hives, keeping the boxes as stock-hives, on which to place supers (of glass) next scason. Being a novice, I am in doubt as to the best time to per-_ form this operation. I presume early in September would be a suitable season, but shall feel greatly obliged by your advice on the subject. Probably if the severance were effected now, I should get two stocks for one; but I am in England have been accustomed to regard the dinner hour } indifferent as to that, as [ would rather have the stocks in 100 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 2, 1864. the boxes as strong as possible, than weaken them by divi- sion.—X. L. [Early in September is a very good time for the operation, which will be successful if the bees have been able to fill the hives with honey and have transferred the seat of breeding to the wooden boxés. You could scarcely have multiplied your stocks in this manner by dividing them earlier in the season. | EXTRAORDINARY LIGURIAN SWARMS. On the 7th of June the first swarm came off, on the 11th I heard piping, and on the 16th a second swarm came off. On the 21st a queen came off, and was secured, and made a swarm of; on the 22nd the third swarm came; and on the 5th of July I got a maiden swarm; on the 8th a second maiden swarm; and on the 16th a third maiden swarm, besides which the old hive threw me out thirteen dead queens, and the first swarm has thrown me out nine dead queens, besides the three swarms.—A. M. BEES DYING FROM CONFINEMENT. Last season I bought a capital swarm of bees, housed them in one of Nutt’s boxes, and everything went on well until they had filled a bell-glass with honey, and gave indi- cations of throwing off a second swarm (‘ cast,’ I suppose). I then added a side box, and the bees directly began to kill each other. After losing some 200 bees I removed the box, and all went on right as before. This year I took a large bell-glass of honey early in June from the same hive (by the way, why was there a brood- comb in the beil-glass?), and added the same side box as before, partly filled with comb, and they make no progress. They have just begun to kill each other again; and, strange to say, they amuse themselves by dragging dead bees from the bottom to the top of the hive, and then dropping them again. The dead bees are mostly smaller than the living ones. What am Itodo? I want to keep bees as an ornament— they are inside a garden-house—but I have neither ability nor courage to search for the queen, or drive, or artificial swarm, or any other scientific method, of which I read such interesting accounts in your Journal.—Noop.ez. [Your bees do not kill each other, but die from being unable to find their way out of the box. A small entrance in the side box will stop the mischief, by providing a ready means of exit. So, also, with regard to their “amusing themselves” by dragging dead bees to the top of the hive, and then dropping them; this is really an unavailing attempt to clear the hive of dead bodies, and will cease as soon as a direct means of exit is afforded them. The presence of brood in a super is by no means unusual. | WHAT IS THE DURATION OF LIFE IN THE WORKER BEEP From certain hints thrown out by some apiarian writers, I infer they have an impression that an abundance of youth- ful element in stock-hives in autumn is absolutely requisite to their success in spring. Will Mr. Woodbury oblige me and other readers of Tue JouRNAL oF Horricunture, with some information regarding the average length of the na- tural life of the worker bee? Ifa swarm were lodged in its habitation on the 1st of May, in what time might it be ex- pected to perish, supposing that at the end of every twenty days, during the summer and autumn, the brood-combs were entirely removed ?—R. S. {I think I cannot do better than quote in reply to my esteemed correspondent, the opinion of that great master in bee science, Dzierzon, on this point. He says the duration of life in the worker bee varies with circumstances. “Of the bees produced in May or June, few live longer than two months, if owing to favourable weather they can be con- tinually busy. If to ever so strong a stock of black bees an Italian queen be given, either in spring or summer, there will after six weeks be but few, and in two months probably * not any black beesremaining. But it also makes a difference how far bees fly, and upon what they pasture. When gathering from the corn-flower for example, they appear to grow old very soon, as the sharp leaves of this flower, as well as the close-growing corn, seem to wear out their wings very rapidly. They appear to preserve them much better when pasturing upon buckwheat blossom, partly because the flight, although strong, lasts but a few hours in the day, partly because they can conveniently hover about the blossom without their wings coming in contact with it. Bees, however, preserve themselves best, and scarcely seem to age at all when in a state of rest. Those, therefore, hatched in September look as juvenile and strong in Feb- ruary and March as if they had left their cells only a few days before. Also, if they pass their time in summer in a similar state of rest, as is the case in stocks without a queen, or inactive from other causes, they may, perhaps, bring their age up to a year, or even beyondit. That the worker bee, even if it escapes every danger, should reach the age of the queen, and live several years, as believed by the Baron Von Ehrenfels, is very unlikely. If he had known the Italian bee, and had experimented with it, he would scarcely have asserted this.” My own experience, also, leads me to believe the worker bee to be a short-lived creature, whose existence frequently terminates in a few weeks, and is seldom prolonged beyond six or seven months.—A DrvonsHIRe BEE-KEEPER. FLOWERS EOR BEES. Ar the commencement of this season I procured seeds of borage, poppy, &c., and have noticed that even these, and a large variety of other flowers, have been comparatively forsaken, from the bees preferring what my man calls the “French Willow” [Epilobium angustifolium, Narrow-leaved Willow Herb], amongst which they really seem to luxuriate ; and, from their liveliness and buzzing joyfulness, satisfy me that, of all the flowers of the garden, it is the one most palateable. It is, besides, a pretty object at a distance; and, what makes it much more acceptable, it requires no care in its cuitivation. I am only afraid, if needed, it would be difficult to eradicate, as the clump which we thought cleared is again as prolific as before, although, out of three yards square, we planted a strip at least a hundred yards in length.—W. G. OUR LETTER BOX. Sxaita Pourtry SHow.—I find prizes stated to be given to exhibitors, quite different from what is put down in the catalogue. I find several pens exhibited did not belong to the parties named in the catalogue, yet still getting prizes—not according to the rules, which are very stringent.— Country SoBSCRIBER AND EXHIBITOR. Witp Fown (J. G. F.).—The food of my wild fowl consists of waste bread, the crumbs from the table, and of corn of any description except oats. They are fed on shallow scours, because if the food be thrown into deep water much that sinks is lost. I have always had mine from Baily, in Mount street. Any one is a judge of their condition so far.as plumage is concerned, and all there is to guard against is their drowning from dryness of plumage, and their being insufficiently pinioned. The wing should be cut off to the spur.—B. Pornts or Cocuins (C.).—A full answer to all your queries would take up too much space. In all Cochins the head should be small and intelligent; the comb small, perfectly straight, and with numerous serrations; the last joint of the wing clipped up, the legs well feathered, the fluff large and soft, the tail small. If the tail be higher than the head, so much the better. Black feathers in the tail do not disqualify. All other distinctions are those of colour only. All mixtures are mistakes. Dorxine Cock Wueezine (Agnes).—The Dorking cock is suffering from cold or incipient roup. In either case the treatment would be the same. Give castor oil freely, a tablespoonful at a dose, and every other day. Twice or three times per day for a week, feed on stale bread steeped in strong ale. Keep him in a dry place, and let him have sun if possible. SPANIsH CHIckEN Comps (Country Poultry-keeeper).— As a rule, we do not choose the largest combs in Spanish chickens, they are apt to fall over, which is a fatal fault. We should prefer the small ones, if the birds are as good in every other respect. At the same time we would not lightly discard the large if they were perfectly straight and upright. Cocutn Hen DiseaseEp (A. Jf).—We are afraid the hen is a bad case, we have seen many such, und have never succeeded in curing them. The thigh and leg generally wither. Name or Birp (Pio Nonv).—From the sketch of the bird which you have sen‘ us, there is no doubt about its being the Pope Grosbeak, which is a species of the Cardin il, butnot the crested one. Licurian BgEs (Surrey).—Write to T. Woodbury, Esq., Mount Ralford, Exeter. Bees will not injure poultry, but if too near neighbours the latter will do mischief by picking up tired bees, which frequently drop and rest on the ground near their hives. Work azBouT Parrots (B. H. W.).—We know of no such publication. ADVERTISEMENT (Cmo),—We cannot give any opinion on the subject. August 9, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 101. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Average Temperature AUGUST 9—15, 1864. ee ee ace: From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 74.2°, and its night on the 10th, 1842; and the lowest cold, 52°, on the 13th, 1839. temperature 51.0°, The greatest heat was 93° 1.14 inch. Day. | Night. | Mean, Swift last seen. 74.2 (50.2 62:2 Purple Melic Grass flowers. 75,2 52.9 64.0 Foxtail Fescue Grass ripe. 75.6 61.5 63.6 . Michaelmas Daisy flowers. 75.1 51.0 63.0 Meadow Saffron flowers. TAL 50.2 62.1 12 SuNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 72.2 51.0 ‘61.6 ‘Swallows congregate. 72.8 50.0 61.4 an Son Sun Moon Moon Moon's aries Day of|t B7 years. Rises. Sets. Rises. | Sets. Age. aay ear. Days. | m. bh.|-m.. h.|.m,. bh. | m. h. M™.;\3; 14 38 af4 | 82af7 | 59 Ll | 47° 9 7 5°12 222. 17 40 4 1).31 7) after. | 20 10 > 5.8 228 17 41, 4 29° 7) 2); 0 1 9 4 54 284 14 43-47) 27 7113 31 50:11 10 4 44 225 7 | 44 4195 7}11 4) morn. 1L 4°33 | 296 15 46 4/23 7/59 4150 O 12 422 227: 15 48> 4!) Qh 7 | 42 5 | 0, 2 13 4 11 | 228 The greatest fall-of rain was SEVEN YEARS’ HISTORY OF A LITTLE LAWN. RISING young barrister, avery clever fellow, received, one morning, .a letter from an old college friend, who had re- cently become rector of a country parish. The clergy- man, after informing his quon- dam crony that his son, the barrister’s godson, aged one year, was getting on nicely, and now trotted about “ quite strong on his feet,” to use his mamma’s de- scriptive phraseology, proceeded to narrate that finding married housekeeping somewhat expensive, he had de- termined upon taking pupils. Then came the questions, Would his London friend, who, he knew, saw a great | many people in his active career, give him any help should he be able? Might he also refer hesitating parents to his barristership as a referee as to his capacity for teaching, &c.? The barrister smiled at the idea of his very good-tempered but at college rather non-reading friend becoming a tutor, for in truth he had been a trouble to his tutors; though perhaps the London man, being himself very well read, somewhat underrated his friend’s knowledge. The two met in the street afew days subsequently, and after such a greeting as only friends in youth give to each other when they meet in after life, the barrister said, “‘ By the way, about your letter. Well, my good fellow, of course I shall be delighted to say a word in your favour, and do all I can for you, pray command me; but I tell you what, Tom,” dropping his voice, and witha sly look, “ what can you teach?” ‘“ Hush!” replied the clergyman, ‘‘ at any rate I shall know more than the bayess “Well, true; I forgot that, certainly; so you Now, in oceupying a little space in the flower depart- ment of this Journal, I wish to say I write in a very modest spirit: I am but an amateur, with a heart for flowers and an eye for the beautiful, “still I know more than the boys,’ and by the boys I mean the young readers of this ee or the young in gardening experience gene- rally. Now for these I especially write to-day, and for those who have but a small garden. Seven years ago a family took possession of a prettily- situated house in the country. It was their own ; not the Queen and the Parliament combined could deprive them ofit. Sense of ownership always brings pleasure ; a tenant may be turned out, but- not the real owner: hence we usually see, save with the improvident, that it is the owner of a house, or one who rents upon 2 very long lease, that does much to improve the place, and to make it twice his own by alterations according to his fancy. Well, the grand moving day came, and the family took possession ; the children, m glee, ran from room to room, and the little ones lost themselves in the new house, bolting as often into a wrong room as the right one. No, 176.—Vot, VII., New Senses, When the house had been put in order, then there was the garden to think about. That denominated the kitchen garden seemed to crave no alteration; but there was the little lawn on the south side of the house—it measured) only 75 feet in length, by 55 wide—that must be altered ; but how to alter aright was a puzzle. Let us paint the little spot in words. There was the three-foot border. under the windows—well, that would do; then the gravel path along that, terrace-like and sunny—that would do; then the lawn, ‘sufficiently sloping to interfere somewhat with a hands-in-the-pocket stroll down, converting the stroll almost into a jolt. On the east side of. the lawn was a good border, scimitar-shaped; at the bottom, be- tween the edge of the grass and a well-grown Laurel hedge, was a narrow straight slip—just the thing for standard Roses, as the roots would be kept cool by the shade, and the subsoil was a rather stiff sandy clay. On the west side a dense Laurel hedge severed the garden from the village lane; and in the hedge a noble Elm, fit ornament for any park, but far too large to be near a. garden. Added to the mischief of so large a tree (yet, who would be such a Goth as to cut it down ”), the lane ran obliquely by, and threw the lawn “all of a squint,” as the country people say, making it awkward to lay out, and awkward to plant, as some beds would not come true to the eye. On it the new owner found eighteen beds, chiefly on the top and the side away from the Elm. Little of design was apparent; the beds might almost have belonged to a school of eighteen pupils, each bed being a child’s garden, cut out according to his fancy, irrespective of its bearing upon the other beds, or of the general effect. These were days prior to “ King Croquet;” so the. poor little lawn was smallpoxed very thickly on three parts of its surface with little ugly beds. The first summer was very dry, and the beds became little dust- holes. (N.B.—They were not dug out to any depth, and the soil of the lawn was made up of the rubbish left when the house was finished: hence it was a concrete of bits of brick and ‘limestone). The first summer, then, was very unsatisfactory. Long before the second came the owner reduced the beds to twelve. This proved a very wet summer, so the little beds were often little ponds, and the flowers bloomed badly. In the third’ summer the beds were reduced to nine, in the fourth to seven, in the fifth to five, and so they remained for the sixth. Now, upon each reduction there was this adyan- tage gained—the beds being larger, they were less of either dust-heaps or ponds; but there were these two faults—when you reduce your flower garden, by pre- serving some beds and blotting-out others, it is dificult to make any plan pleasing to the eye; and with this par- ticular lawn, running away to the right “all of a squint,” no plan would please—some bed, at some point of sight, came wrong to the eye. But to continue the story. Last spring every bed was laid down in grass, and an oval one, 22 feet in length, was cut in the centre; it was made 3 feet deep, and iilled with good soil. That bed I saw the other day ; it was 3 No. $28.—Vot, XXXII, Ord SERIES. 102 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 9, 1864. planted upon the usual system, with an edge of Cerastium tomentosum, next Lobelia, then Tom Thumb Geranium, then yellow Calceolarias, with the middle space filled with white, whitish, pinkish, and pink Geraniums, while quite in the centre line were dark purple dwarf Dahlias, with Salvias between. The bed looked nobly; the little lawn was no failure now; while below the bed, on the flatter part of the prass, “ King Croquet” was reigning, and a group of happy children, little queens of their several homes, were standing mailet in hand. Now, what are the lessons to be learnt by the seven years history of this little lawn? First, that in a retentive soil little beds do not answer; while, on the contrary, large beds containing more soil, the flowers in them bloom better. It also says how foolish for little people to ape great people; a simple plan is best for a small garden. Readers, despise not, then, my little history—WiLtsHirg Rector. VISITS TO GARDENS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. MR. BEWLEY’S, ROCKVILLE, DUBLIN. WHEN, in mentioning my departure to the scenes of my earlier days, I said how difficult it would be to realise the feelings of those days amidst even the places in which they were experienced, I did not sufficiently calculate on the strength of the impressions. I little thought how even the lapse of well nigh thirty years could do but little to efface them, and how every nook and corner came to be as well remembered spots; for I could trace my way in paths which I had not visited since those days; and the faces of those on whom many years had left their sure and certain marks came back to me with all the freshness of those days, and one seemed for a little to be thrown back in one’s history, and all that occurred since then to be but an “airy and unsubstantial dream.” I do not know whether it falls to the lot of many to have such an experience of life—to be separated for so many years from the scenes of one’s youth, and then to visit them in middle life; but I know of nothing that ever preached to me a more solemn sermon as to the lapse of one’s own days and the dreamlike character of human life. , However, my work here is not to sermonise, but to give some information on subjects connected with our common pursuit. I have already mentioned a few things connected with what I called gardening under difficulties, but I would not have it to be supposed that this is all that I had seen. I must, however, mention that horticulture did not form fhe special object of my journey, and indeed solittle entered into it, that although I passed through the towns near which two of my correspondents lived in the far north, yet I was unable to visit them, although, as my driver said, one “had the purtiest place in all the county.” One show place, however, I did see; and although Mr. Fish has so ably and graphically described it, yet I may be excused, perhaps, saying a few words, for in such a place and under such management as Mr. Bewley’s two years make a vast deal of difference. So much energy is shown, money is so liberally spent, and the science of gardening so well under- stood, that it is remarkable what progress a little time makes. Mr. Bewley enjoys unusual facilities for obtaining plants, and hence large masses are to be found in his collection which would not be readily found elsewhere. Instead, how- ever, of a long enumeration of the various productions, I may, perhaps, best serve the interests of horticulture if I dwell upon some few points of unusual character which were pointed out to me by the accomplished owner of Rockville. Amongst these was one which was perfectly novel to me, but which may not be so to some of the readers of THE JOURNAL or HorticuttuRE—I mean the system of double- roofing adopted by Mr. Bewley (Mr. Fish described it two years ago, but it does not seem to have attracted much attention) ; and to which, indeed, may be added in his con- servatory and Orchid-house double sides also. That, how- ever, there is much of novelty connected with it I gathered from the fact that Messrs. Veitch had sent over one of their employées to obtain correct information, in order that they might erect a house 130 feet long on this system. We are all aware how difficult a thing ventilation and equable temperature are in houses, how plants alternate between a dripping atmosphere and a dry torrid-zone sort of state, | and how much time, labour, and money are consumed in heating houses. Now, it struck Mr. Bewley that a great deal of this might be obviated by adopting the system to which I allude—that if he could get some 4 or 5 inches of air between the two layers of glass, it would be like Paddy’s frieze coat, equally good for keeping out cold and heat, and that, however expensive in the first instance, it would ulti- - mately repay him by the diminished cost of fuel and labour, and this result he has fully accomplished. I am not quite certain as to my figures, although I took them down at the time; but I may safely say that if any further information is required Mr. Bewley would be most happy to supply through your columns any that might be needed. Thus, he has found in his Fern-house, which contains exotic species of various kinds and degrees of tenderness, that he can dispense with the consumption of coke altogether between May and September, and that the amount used from October to April was one-third less than under the old plan. In his Orchid-house he had been exposed to a very severe trial of the plan; for, during the hard frost of January in the present year, he had the unfortunate news brought to him that his pipes were out of order. A man was sent for at once, but some joints had to be fitted which, he was assured, would be ready before night. However, when night came, it was found they were not the size, and he had nothing for it but to brave the frost. We know what that would mean in ordinary circumstances, with the thermometer below freez- ing at sunset, and no fire (cool-house treatment !)—all would have perished, or been so injured as to be good for nothing. What, then, was Mr. Bewley’s surprise and plea- sure to find that, owing to his double-rooting, the thermo- meter. had only fallen from 51° to 48°, and as he was compelled to wait another twenty-four hours, that in that time it had only fallen another 3°. He was amply repaid by this one event for all the money he had expended in the double-roofing. Then, again, he is never subject to a dry atmosphere. When he enters the house of a morning the whole upper and under surfaces of the plants are covered with dew; and some of the creeping plants had firmly rooted themselves against the glass. In the fernery the difference of temperature between the bottom and top of the house was 15°; and nothing could be more beautiful than the appearance of this house. I should add that, in the glazing of his house he uses what is called greasy putty —that is, ordinary putty with the addition of a little grease. This never thoroughly hardens, and consequently prevents the glass breaking, by allowing for the expansion and con- traction occasioned by changes of temperature. The fernery is adjacent to the orchard-house, which latter, a fine structure, I was unhappily unable to judge of, as, owing to some circumstance, the trees were not bearing well, and the mildew had largely attacked the Vines. I found, however, that it received at certain seasons some heat, and, consequently, was not the kind of orchard-house that I was most anxious to see, but rather a fruit-house, as indeed Mr. Fish called it; but Mr. Bewley assured me that last year he had had some very fine fruit, and abundantly produced. The fernery is indeed a noble sight, and as the result of but two years growth something remarkable. It would be impossible to give an idea of the extreme beauty of the arrangement and the vigour of the plants which it con- tains. The gothic appearance of the structure suggests the idea of some ruined church into which has been carried all the choicest varieties of this beautiful tribe. Here were on the floor of the house magnificent specimens of tree Ferns, Cyatheas, Dicksonias, and Alsophilas. Along the sides masses of rocks are arranged of very varied hues—red granite, con- glomerate, tufa—of all fantastic forms, and in them were inserted Ferns of the more delicate-foliaged kinds, such as Adiantums, &c.; then a staircase, well hidden by rocks and foliage, leads to the roof of the house, where, as the tempe= rature is somewhat higher, the more tropical Ferns are placed; and from this the view over the top of the house is beautiful in the extreme. You have the full expanse of the tree Ferns full in view, one Dicksonia being 20 teet across, while the arches and sides are covered with verdant foliage. Mr. Bewley had tried various experiments as to what would best contrast with the Ferns. One thing after another August 9, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 103 had been tried, and at last a tribe which would hardly have suggested itself to any one, the Begonias, was found to be the most suitable. Those who have only seen these in pots can have but little idea of them as they are grown here. Plants which were placed in crevices with not more than a quart of earth had grown so vigorously that they had run over the rockwork, forming large handsome leaves, and evidently showing that this was their real character—viz., rock plants. Nor is this the only way in which experiments have been tried. The colour of the glass was a matter that gave him some concern, and various tints had been tried; but at last he came to the conclusion that a claret or reddish brown was best suited for throwing up the green foliage within, containing as it did the red, which was the comple- mentary colour to the blue and yellow which in various degrees made up the green of the Ferns and Mosses. It has a curious appearance outside, but unquestionably effected Mr. Bewley’s purpose. Not that there was anything of unhealthiness in the Fern-house that required it absolutely, but it only tended to increase and intensify the beautiful freshness within. Amongst other plants used for decorating the sides and, roofs were Ficus stipulata, Begonia fuchsi- oides, Ivies of various species, Hoyas, Woodwardia radicans, Trichomanes radicans, &c.—in fact it is a fairy scene, which, as the old story goes, must be seen to be properly admired. Nor can I omit what I believe is Mr. Bewley’s especial pet. He has in his dining-room a large oblong Fern case, containing the most beautifully luxuriant mass of the Kil- larney Fern that can be possibly imagined. Mr. B. says that the great secret in growing this is not to encumber the case with soil, but to plant amongst pieces of rock, using comparatively but little mould. I can only say that in its way the case was on a par with the very beautiful mass of the Tonbridge Wells Fern which I saw last year at Lady Dorothy Nevill’s. Since Mr. Fish’s visit two years ago Mr. Bewley has added another very charming feature to his grounds in a garden for his daughter, who felt that she could not enjoy the garden owing to its fame bringing a constant stream of visitors. This garden may perhaps be best described as a cloister, round two sides of which run a series of gothic arches glazed at top. These arches are made of tufa, and at their base were planted Honeysuckles, Ivies, Clematis, &c. The borders are planted with flowering Peaches, Rhododendrons, Xe. ; and this indeed was the only exception I could make to the great taste displayed, as they were too large for the space, and did not agree well with the other arrangements. But what glorious masses of Ferns there were! Wouldn’t Mr. Ivery be delighted to see some of his choicest pets flourish- ing here in such grand vigour? Here was Athyrium Filix- feemina Frizellie, there plumosum; here, again, a noble plant, Athyrium Filix-mas crispum, there Osmunda regalis was treated to a place especially prepared for it and two other kindred species. But I question very much whether it is necessary to give this Fern so much moisture as is commonly done. I saw it treated as an ordinary garden plant in the garden of Lord George Hill, and the plants were from 4 to 5 feet high ; while on a sod of turf near his lordship’s excellent hotel at Gweedore I saw a nice plant of it luxuriantly flourishing on the top of a dry bank. Then the Aspleniums were well represented, and, indeed, the greater number of our British Ferns. As this is only a recent construction it will improve from year to year; but even now it is as beautiful in appearance as it is novel in design. In the lawn enclosed by these cloisters flower-beds were introduced, as well as standard Rhododendrons and Conifers; while at one end a wide-spreading Beech invited any Tityrus or Melibeus to repose beneath its umbrageous branches. It would be impossible to adequately describe the beauties of the conservatories and houses, nor, indeed, do I consider it at all necessary, as it has been done so well and ably by Mr. Fish; but I have thought it well to mark a few things that struck me, in the hope that they may show some of our friends what can be done in poor Ireland. Many people seem to have an idea that in all things she is behind the rest of the world, but I think Mr. Bewley may fairly chal- lenge this country to produce any collection superior to his own; and to one who, like myself, can look back on what horticulture was some thirty years ago in Ireland and con- sider its condition now, it is indeed very marvellous to see the improvement. There was one whisper that I heard, however, which grieved me somewhat; and that was that the fatal policy of ignoring florists’ flowers, and exalting stove and green- house plants and Orchids, is creeping into the councils of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland. I may instance as an example, that florists are expected to exhibit Carnations and Picotees on the 1st of September, because the Society could not afford to have the smaller exhibitions at which those flowers used to be exhibited, and this with, I believe, nearly £1000 inhand! Two large growers have given up growing them for exhibition, feeling that it was impossible to fulfil the conditions required ; and hence a beautiful and favourite flower will be neglected. As an outsider, only interested in the success of horticulture, I hope that my words may be taken as they are meant—in a friendly spirit, and used for the best interests of the pursuit of horticulture.—D., Deal. HEATING BY STOVES. In No. 153, page 172, there is an Arnott’s stove strongly recommended ; but I should doubt the practicability of daily cleaning out the clinkers, &c., as the depth between a and B is so great. Could not the same plan be carried out with an opening at top just in front of the chimney? Would the bent pipe answer as well if made of one-inch gas-pipe and to come out through the cover at top ? In Vol. XXVIII., page 630, is another Arnott’s stove with- out hot-water pipes, and which I think of trying, but “J. 8.” omits to state the length of flue in his eighteen-feet house. I have always heard that these stoves require to go into a chimney within 3 or 4 feet in order to obtain a good draught. The furnace-cover is said to be 13 inches square; but this must be too small to cover a wall 44 inches thick back and front, with a ten-inch opening. It should be 19 inches square at least. I am constructing a pit 20 feet long by 7 wide, and 6 high in the centre, sunk 2 feet. Should I place one of these stoves in the centre with a chimney to go out at once? Should a chamber be formed at the west end so as to grow Cucumbers and act as a propagating-pit ? What sized pipe would be required for a chamber 2} feet wide by 1 deep (What depth is best?), and 20 feet long? Per- haps for sucha pit the bent pipe passing once through the furnace would not be sufficient. I have a greenhouse 15 feet by 83, with a hipped roof, back wall to the east, and on the west side is a tank 4 inches deep, 2 feet wide, and 8 feet long. I have fixed one of Riddell’s slow-combustion stoves inside the house. It works well and is easily cleaned out and supplied with fuel at top. The three-quarter-inch pipe is bent to go into the wooden tank. The stove, no doubt, will keep out frost in winter, but on trying the stove and tank for two or three weeks I find the water gets sufficiently warm to heat the sand above the slate covering to the tank in two hours. If I were to make up the fire to last the night I should have the water boiling and at too great a heat. I had a great difficulty in keeping back the steam at the opening where I supplied the tank with water. I placed a large tin box over the opening, dipping into the sand, to keep back the steam. This takes up much room. Would not a two-inch drain-pipe, with a cover fitting into sand, do as well to keep back the steam? I am obliged to take the flue in a 33-inch iron horizontal pipe, 30 feet across a yard into a chimney. It draws sufficiently well at present. I burn coke and cinders. How can I check the heatin.the tank? If the fire is not attended to it is out in two hours. My great trouble in heating this small house was having no flue or chimney to go into. So small an iron chimney would soon have become clogged if coal had been used with the usual furnace and flue.—G. C. [Your various questions clearly show the importance of making every plan and system stand or fall on its own merits. Many plans and systems fail because those who adopt them must leave out something, or add something of their own devising, and then they are always good enough to blame not their own superior wisdom, but the system which they did not adopt, from attempting to improve it. Now, though we have not tried it, yet in opposition to your doubts, and judging from analogy and experience of other 104 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 9; 1864, stoves, we should have no doubt at all of the stove described at page 172 of the last volume answering admirably. There is not a point we would wish to alter. The stove being placed inside the house, a close-fitting doorway is essential, and we can see no advantage in placing that feeding-door higher up opposite the chimney. The reason for the position: of the feeding-place we deem most conclusive. An opening in the cover of the stove would taint the house every time it was opened. What you say of the impracticability of cleaning out the clinkers almost shows you must have skipped the description of the peculiarity of the grating or fire-bars, which, dropping down whenever you wish it, allow of everything being re- moved at the ash-pit door without any necessity for putting your arm down inside at all. This plan of grating for stoves or boilers was, we believe, first given by Mr. Allen, in a previous volume, and repeated in our manual “Heating,” page 37. Be assured no opening at top from such a stove inside the house would suit equally well. Your proposed bent pipe of 1 inch would, no doubt, give you heat in pro- portion to its size, but the double size of the pipe, and the bend in the fireplace, in the plan, would be likely when wanted to give three times the amount of heat; and if not quite so much, there would be the advantage of never having the pipes so hot as they would be from a one-inch pipe. Then, again, by turning up the:plan referred to in Vol. XXVIII, page 630, you will perceive that you have, no doubt, unwittingly mingled what is quite separate and dis- tinct. What is there given is not an Arnott’s stove at all, but merely a distinct form of furnace for a flue; the furnace placed outside, not inside of the house. Hence the moveable lid. at top is no disadvantage, which it would be were it in side of the house. The peculiarities of this furnace as.com- pared with those in common use are, first its being fed from the top by a hinged lid, and, secondly, the moveable grat- ing, as described in the case of the stove just spoken. of. The height and smallness of the opening into the due will insure a, good draught, as no doubt there is a chimney at the otherend. There isno mention of water-pipes, although no doubt they could be introduced if deemed desirable. The fact of the furnace being outside of the house does. away with your chjection to the size of the covering plate. One of 13 inches square would give 14inch all round the opening of 10 inches, which under the cireumstances would. be suffi- cient. We should have no objection to the 19 inches you consider necessary, except the greater expense of the plate and the greater weight and,trouble in raising it. We advert to these little matters more particularly, as critics and im- provers should be correct in their references. Now, certainly, we would not approve of constructing such a furnace (stove) with a moveable top, in a pit 20 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 6 feet in height at middle over pathway, with or without the hot-water pipes for growing Cucumbers, as there would be danger every time the cover was raised to replenish the fire. If the stove must be inside and fed inside we would prefer the form of stove first referred to, at page. 172 of last volume; but so liable are Cucumbers to suffer from the least back draught, that if for economy we wished the heat from the stove to be given to the house, we would construct it inside close to the wall, and have the feeding- door and ashpit-door outside of the house. To get bottom heat either with or without a chamber, the stove must be sunk sufficiently low to let the pipes or flue ascend. into it. For such a chamber two two-inch pipes would be necessary for early Cucumbers. The pipes should be near the top. See notice of such chambers at Berkhampstead, Nursery in & previous volume. ( i It is always well to.stick to the boat that carries us safely over the river. On this principle we would advise you to keep to the Riddell stove that does such good service. Hven with that and its moveable top we would be a little timid as respects Cucumbers. It is very different as regards the low heat required in a greenhouse. We presume your stove has no water round its sides, but that you take the three-quarter- inch pipe from the stove. In such a case the fire must be pretty strong to heat so quickly a tank 8 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 4 inches deep, We know of no remedy against over-heating except stopping the circulation, enlarging the - size of the tank, or careful firing. When once the requisite heat is obtained, it can only be kept regular by'a very: slow combustion. This is best done by carefully regulating the air through the ashpit-door: This is well adverted to at page 172 of last volume. In fact, that stove by care can be a stove of slow or rapid combustion just as it is desirable. But for your rather lofty chimney we suspect the 30 feet of a flue running horizontally across a yard would have been a difficulty. You are right in supposing that stoves’ without such an accessory do best with a very short hori- zontal pipe. Various modes have lately been described for © getting rid of steam, vapour; &c. We trust you will now see that the plan for a furnace outside of a house is a dif- ferent thing from a stove to be placed inside of a house, and’ that for these distinct purposes the plans would’ severally be efficient. The authors of these plans will, perhaps, offer further explanations if deemed necessary.—R. F.] NEW STRAWBERRIES. On my return from a very pleasant ramble in England, where I saw as usual many beautiful and interesting things in connection with horticulture, I beg to submit to your readers a short account of several new kinds of Strawberries, based upon my own personal experience, and some of which have already been alluded to in this Journal. First on the list stand the following seedlings, raised by that eminent horticulturist, Mr. de Jonghe, and which, as Dr. Hoge rightly observed to me, “ constitute a.really new race,” imas- much as the fruit is so solid that it will safely travel almost: any distance. This point has certainly long been a great desi- deratum, and its attainment is a decided step in the right. direction, combined as it is with the other necessary re- quisites of a good dessert Strawberry. Who is the amateur crower, that does not now know La Constante, succeeding so well in all parts of England as well as everywhere, and pro- ducing rich large crops of the finest fruit imaginable ? As there is, however, “no Rose,” or scarcely any, “without a thorn,” this splendid sort has one single fault—that is, the scarcity of the runners it produces, and this circumstance must prevent its being grown on a larger scale for market purposes, at least for many years to come. Thanks, how- ever, to the persevering efforts of its raiser, we have now several kinds possessing all the high qualities of La Con- stante, together with the important improvement that they are growing more freely and may, consequently, be pro- pagated as fast as any. These are:—Souvenir de Kieff, La Fertile, and last, but not least, Léonce de Lambertye. All three are of unquestionable merit, and ought to be not only in every private garden, but also in the field to supply the million. ‘ Then we have Bijou, a most curious sort, and undoubtedly the prettiest and one of the best Strawberries ever raised. This sort, not being a strong grower and but ashy runner, will necessarily be confined to amateurs’ gardens, and would be an excellent variety for ladies who take an interest in the useful pastime of growing Strawberries. 4 Of English novelties I beg to mention the following,.:— Joun Powzu (Royal Gardens, Frogmore).—A great ac- quisition and animmense bearer, of first-rate quality. Ido not, however, consider it “Queen-leaved” nor “Queen- flavoured,” as the Rev. Mr. Radclyffe stated m a recent Number. Nevertheless, it is a very useful sort and can be safely recommended to any one. Through the kindness of Mr. Powell, whilst in England I had occasion to taste some’ other seedlings raised in those magnificent gardens—viz., Fairy Queen, Elton Improved, Cockscomb, and several others, which will in due course be right welcome to all true: fragarians. : Ineraw’s RiFLEMAN, such a grand Strawverry in’ most English soils, does not succeed here, the French climate being evidently too dry, and oursun too powerful for it. On the other hand, Froemore Late Pine is a favourite here and thrives well. Tun Premier is apparently a very useful sort, large and good, and, what is not to be despised, an enormous cropper. T had runners of it late in the autumn through Mr. William Paul, every one of which produced three or four fruitstalks ? What a crop may we consequently expect from strong established plants ? es August 9, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 105 Princxss or WauLEs (Knight’s),—The earliest sort. I know of, and quite as early as May Queen, but much larger and of exquisite flavour. I must not conclude without mentioning Sir JosppH Pax- TON, of which I saw a few berries on calling upon Mr. ) Turner, who, with his usual politeness, allowed me to taste them. This is another Strawberry worthy of general culti- vation, and every amateur ought to be anxious to possess it, and will find it a worthy companion to President, sent out last year by Mr. Turner-—FERDINAND GuonDE, Les Sablons (Seine et: Marne), France. CITY GARDENING IN NEW YORK. One of the most pleasing features in this city is the number and variety of shady trees planted along the side walks of many of the principal streets and avenues, and, being almost entirely deciduous, they form a most grateful shelter from the scorching rays of the sun during the sultry summer months; and never has their shade been more agreeable than during the last week of the past month (June). The thermometer in the shade during that period daily indicated 95° and 97°. One day, the 26th, it ranged up to 102°—an almost unprecedented heat for June; so that when at length the temperature fell to 75° we almost shivered with cold, and had to resume thicker habiliments. The principal varieties of trees planted are Catalpas, Sycamores, Paulownias, Ailanthus, Hickory, Maples, Locust, Elms, Lindens, Horse-Chestnuts, Willows, Tulip Trees, But- tonballs, deciduous Cypress, &e. Besides doing good public service as shady trees, many of these are highly ornamental. Two weeks ago the Catalpas were one mass of bloom, and, having a broad umbrageous foliage, they would be most pleasing objects for the eye to rest upon anywhere, and are especially so in a crowded city like this. The Paulownias flowered very profusely in May and June, setting very freely ; but the Chestnuts do not fiower with the same rich profusion that I have seen them do at Hampton Court. These useful and certainly most inexpensive public ser- vants have most ruthless enemies in several varieties of caterpillars, which attack them in early summer while the leaves are yet tender, and seriously endanger their utility. I have seen many trees of Maples, Lime, Chestnut, and Willow almost entirely denuded of their foliage; and just now these present rather‘a curious appearance, having again clothed themselves with fresh foliage, in striking contrast to some of their neighbours, which enjoyed perfect immunity from the <‘flank movements” of the caterpillars. The Adlanthus, Catalpa, and Paulownia areuntouched. Of these the graceful Ailanthus is most extensively planted, the only objection to it being the sickly odour emitted from the flowers when in bloom; but this isnot the case with the male variety, which is now much sought after. The foliage being of a'much lighter tint, it is readily distinguished from the other. The public squares are also well planted with trees and shrubs, and just now the colour of the foliage is most refreshing to look at. The other evening, taking a stroll in the “gloamin” through Union Square, it was pleasant to behold thousands of the people walkime about and sitting under the trees enjoying the fresh breeze in the cool of the evening, the water sparkling in the fountain, and the beauty of the whole scene much enhanced by myriads of brilliant fireflies flitting about, making the gas lamps for the prosaic and unnecessary purpose of lichtine the square look like a most decided artificial innovation on nature. Asan instance of the perfection to which city gardening may be carried under many existing difficulties, we have the compact and most judiciously arranged establishment of R. Stewart, Hsq., in Fifth Avenue, presided over by his gardener, Mr. Davidson, where just now the grass is as green and close-shaven as any nobleman in England could wish his ancestral lawn to be; and this is the more credit- able, aswe have had no rain, with the exception of a passing shower, for fully ‘two months. The show of spring bulbs in the flower garden here would have delighted even the noble proprietor of Cliveden. The Hyacinths in particular were gorgeous, not only as a general mass, but also for individual too shortlived, the hot weather soon making sad havoe with. this favourite flower. A botanist might also light upon some:native varieties of plants stowed away in a corner, the pickings of many a botanical ramble of a brother of the present gardener. 2 This, although perhaps the most striking, is not by any means a solitary instance of successful city gardening ; and the taste for such is rapidly developing on this side of the Atlantic, in spite of the many drawbacks at present existing. —Davip Fouuts, New York. ORCHARD-HOUSES IN THE NORTH. I recrer to find that Mx. Rivers has awakened the ire of our brethren in Yorkshire. Mr. J. Acomb, as the mouth- piece of the offended party, has shown that fine Peaches can be grown near large manufacturing towns. I could name more than fifty places in the heart of the West Riding, where Peaches and Nectarines are grown quite equal to any produced elsewhere, and I have no doubt whatever as to their being much superior to any grown in orchard-houses in much more favourable localities farther south. But their being grown under glass has nothing to do with the question. “Have they been grown in houses of simple construction without artificial heat?” I have given my reply in the negative, and it has only been met by con- | firmatory evidence. True, we are told that such orchard- houses have succeeded in some places, but questions of im- port, are not settled by isolated cases, but by the majority. Within a circle of some ten miles in diameter I find twenty-three orchard-houses, and nothing like successful Peach-growing to be seen in any of them, being nineteen in favour of the “ayes.’ More than this, a nurseryman travelling to and fro in the north writes, “I have seen many of these houses, but never found a crop of Peaches in any of them,” adding, “I have no doubt that) Peaches can be grown, but the question is not what can be, but what is.” So with Peaches at and near Bradford; Peaches are grown successfully in many places in heated houses; and even without such assistance, when protected with a sub- stantial wall, you may see them in almost every garden of note; but we must travel over one hundred miles of country to Liverpool or Nottingham, or, if we like it better, have a two-hundred-mile ride to Herts, to see that which is said to be grown in many places in the north, still nobody knows where, and when we ask where, we are told to go to the places named. We are to go to France to see what wil enable us to overcome the difficulty of the situation. We are to shut our eyes to the fact, that our neighbours have: abundance of Peaches in houses constructed so as to be suitable for the climate; and whilst we have nothing but. a structure totally inadequate for the purpose intended, and knowing what will enable us to overcome the difficulty, we must avail ourselves of the orchard-house without telling those who furnished the “wrong thing,’ that we are not. pleased with it. Very few persons having spent £100 on an orchard-house, and after much annoyance, like to be told that it is unsuited for growing Peaches, and will require an. outlay of £50 to make it suitable for their production. Passing over the lucubrations of “Psnpuz,” and others, not excepting my other opponent, ‘“Wvusrpz,” I come to what may be taken as the arbitrary charge of the judge to.. the jury, or an explanation of some questionable point ot law. I allude to the Hditors’ note appended to my reply to . “ Wrusipn,” at page 8. The superiority of fruit grown under glass over that on walls, results in their being “nearly” as fine, luscious, and high-flavoured as the best ever grown against a wall. Their - inferiority is admitted. Point 1, Fruit ripened naturally is superior to that produced by artificial means, is therefore conceded. Mr. Pearson will be pleased to take notice that his superiority dwindles into nearly equal. Thereis a great . deal of difference between nearly equal, equal, and superior. | The question of light is also conceded. Point 2, Peaches }under glass receive less light than those on a south wall. |“ Wresipr ” will, of course, take cognisance that my pal- - | pable error is admitted to be correct. As to the other points in dispute, which I will term spikes ; and in June the Roses were also very fine, but only |' point 3, that orchard-houses for the growth of the Peach 106 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. and Nectarine must be heated in the north, has not been met by any evidence whatever to the contrary, and yet we are asked to believe that Peaches are so grown (without heat) in many places. More besides me ask where? The evidence being twenty-three cases of failure in a circle of ten miles, tS four of success in the whole north, this point is claimed also. Point 4, a wall covered with glass is better than an un- heated orchard-house, span or lean-to, or is not equal to a wall covered with glass for the production of Peaches or Nectarines. No evidence against this is furnished, but Mr. Pearson strives to make it appear that I advocated the building of walls in preference to erecting orchard-houses. My argument was and is, that Peaches and Nectarines have been grown, and can be now, on walls with equal certainty to those in orchard-houses with wooden sides and ends and a glass roof. As for Apricots, they are grown more abundantly and with greater certainty on cottage walls than in orchard- houses. I do not think it necessary to show why a wall covered with glass should be better suited for protecting a Peach tree in the north than a frail structure of wood and glass. If you build brick walls to your orchard- house instead of wood and otherwise make it such as has been employed for generations for the growth of Peaches under the designation of a Peach-house, and call it an orchard-house because the trees are in pots or planted out, _ yet trained as standards, bushes, or pyramids, I think you would be better thought of if you were to give things the - Same name as that by which our forefathers knew them. I now retire from the controversy; and if anything like wounds are felt, I can only hope that they will soon heal Kindly and no pain be given when the sore is touched after- wards. I have done with the subject.—G. ABBEY. EVIDENCES OF PROGRESS. We are told that in a religious periodical recently appeared a dirge, entitled “Pray for Daventry,” and we consequently inquired what calamity had befallen the place. The reply was neither clear nor satisfactory, but we waived further inquiry, for we knew that we should ere long be at this Bennavenna of the Britons; and that visit being now passed, we will note down a few facts which lead us to the conclusion that the place is not altogether in a state aban- doned—and improvable only by prayer. Talking over the recent discussion in our pages about “foul brood,” and inquiring if it had been noticed in the neighbourhood of Daventry, we were referred to a Mr. Pid- dington, and in search of that authority we at once set forth. We found in him an example of that higher class of artisan which was so rare fifty years since, that it may be considered as a creation of the last quarter of a century. «The schoolmaster being abroad” among artisans, facility of intercourse with other places by the agencies of the rail- road and penny postage, have raised this class from the mighty multitude of English artisans. These artisans have ever been distinguished for acuteness, thirst for information, and mental independance. The agencies we have mentioned placed the acquirement of knowledge within the easy reach of them all; and those of them who had minds most capable of improvement, and who were most sedulous to improve, form that high class of artisan of which Mr. Piddington is so good an example. Weshould not be justified in particularising all we noticed, but we may say the neatness and comfort diffused over his home, and the attention to arrangement and harmony of colour in the small flower-beds of the small garden, indicated a well-ordered mind and a cultivated taste—such comfort, and neatness, and beauty, would not have been there if not fully appreciated. We will only particularise of the garden that we never saw anywhere else the edging of the leaves of Geranium Golden Chain so brilliant. The apiary was in excellent order, and ‘foul brood” unknown in it, though a greater number of dead larve have been thrown out this year than is usual. There are about twenty stocks in the old-fashioned straw hive, seven in Marriott’s hives, and one in a box-hive of Mr. Piddington’s own devising. The old-fashioned hives he will gradually supersede, and he is about changing them all to a southern [ August 9, 1864. aspect, which he finds by far the best—there the bees being stronger, and their honey-harvest the largest. From his seven Marriott’s hives he has this season taken more than 100 lbs. of honey in bell-glasses, yet the store for winter in the hives is ample. Last year we visited the Horticultural Show at this town; and this year we reached it on the day of its annual Goose- berry Show, but too late to see the fruit exhibited. In the course of our rambles round we reached Norton Hall, the seat of the late Mr. Boutfield, one of the Vice- Presidents of the Linnean Society; and we must record our hope that Mr. Smalley, the intelligent manager and gar- dener, will be permitted to complete the improvements—the great improvements—which were in progress when Mr. Boutfield died. They are worthy of the family motto, “Jay bonne cause,’ and so is the transformation of the cottages around. They were miserable kovels; but now they are all substantial, comfortable dwellings, looking respect- able, and fostering that good preservative from evil—self- respect. The maternal grandfather of the late proprietor was the celebrated Dr. Withering, author of the “ Arrangement of British Plants,” and we note this for the purpose of record- ing that an excellent portrait of him is among the numerous pictures in the Hall. He is seated with a stem of the Fox- glove (Digitalis purpurea), in his hand, for the use of which in medicine he was an early and efficient advocate. Many other notes have we of progress in and about the town, but they are of a character not the legitimate themes of our columns, but the instances we have glanced over are sufficient to testify that there is something to be thankful for as well as to pray for at Daventry.—G. EFFECTS OF SMOKE ON VEGETATION. Dr. VortcKeR lately read a paper on “Smoke and its Effects” before the School of Arts, and the following is a passage from his lecture which especially interests the agricultural reader :— —~ : “Wheat, Barley, Grass, and Clover, exposed to a smoky atmosphere at an early stage of their growth, are visibly affected in a short time. The tops of these plants turn first red, then yellow, and finally white, and an effect is produced not unlike that caused by frost or excessive drought. Corn crops affected in this manner by smoke may recover to a certain extent, but they never yield well, inasmuch as the development of the plants becomes irregular, and the corn ripens unequally. If cereals are attacked by smoke when in flower, the ears do not fill well, and the grain is of a poor quality. : “Grass and Clover, more or less discoloured or bleached and damaged by smoke, are disliked by cattle, and often re- jected by them altogether. Smoke deteriorates the quality and diminishes the quantity of Grass and Clover crops. Plants with strongly developed leaves—for instance, Man- golds, Swedes, Turnips, and other green crops—are less liable to suffer injury from a smoky atmosphere. “Fruit and ornamental trees, on the other hand, are readily affected by such an atmosphere. The leaves turn yellow, brown, and finally black, and then drop. If the leaves are destroyed two or three years in succession, the trees become sickly, and finally die off. Fruit trees in blossom attacked by smoke yield no fruit, or but a poor sickly crop. “ During the combustion of coal much sulphurous acid is generated, which is carried away by the smoke of the fire. The injurious effects of smoke on vegetation are evidently due to sulphurous acid—a gas which, according to experi- ments made many years ago by Turner and Christison, causes the leaves of plants to drop when it is present in air merely in the proportion of 1-10,000th part. ae “Recently, experiments on the effects of air containing small quantities of sulphurous acid upon vegetation have been made in Germany by my friend Professor Stockhard, lof Tharand. Young Fir trees exposed two or three times for two hours'to air containing only 1-20,000th, or even 1-80,000th, of sulphurous acid gas were completely bleached in wet weather, and killed when they were exposed for a longer time to air containing so small a quantity of sul- phurous acid. August 9, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 107 “Tn dry weather a much larger quantity of this acid may be present in the air without doing any injury to plants. It 1s in wet weather that air containing only traces of sul- phurous acid is injurious to vegetation. In localities where much coal of inferior quality—generally rich in iron pyrites —is burned, the injury done to vegetation by the sulphurous acid proceeding from such coal may often be seen at a distance of from one to two miles from the place where the smoke is generated. “Farmers residing in a neighbourhood where brick-kilns and potteries abound frequently sustain much more injury than they are themselves aware. The quantity of sulphurous acid emanating from open brick-kilns is very considerable, and there cannot be any doubt that in certain localities the air is poisoned with sulphurous acid gas to an extent which prevents the healthy growth of Wheat, Barley, or Oats—so that good crops are rarely seen in such localities, and blighted ones are quite the rule. “By a recent Act of Parliament provision is made for the effectual condensation of muriatic acid gas in alkali works ; but, as far as I know, there is no law which prevents brick- makers throwing into the air any quantity of sulphurous acid which they choose, although it is more pernicious to vegetation than even muriatic acid gas. I have had many opportunities of becoming practically acquainted with the injurious effects which a smoky atmosphere produces on our cereal crops, and regard a strong deposition of soot on Wheat and other crops quite a sufficient evidence of the more or less complete injury which the crops must have suffered by the sulphurous acid always present in the air in districts where such sooty deposits are seen on plants. The disad- vantages of carrying on agricultural pursuits in the potteries, or in districts where volumes of black smoke discharge enor- mous quantities of sulphurous acid into the air, are well known amongst the more intelligent and enterprising farmers. This fact explains to a certain extent the backward condition of agriculture in such localities, and loudly calls for a miti- gation of the evils to which farmers are exposed who have the misfortune to occupy land in the immediate neighbour- hood of large manufacturing towns, or in localities where immense quantities of inferior coal are consumed by brick and tile makers, and manufacturers of earthen and stone ware, &c. Again, in districts where copper ore, consisting for the greater part of the sulphurets of copper or iron, are the raw materials from which copper-smelters extract the metal, enormous quantities of sulphurous acid are discharged into the atmosphere. «The injury done to vegetation by the smoke from copper works has been traced beyond a distance of four miles. It is true that smoke from copper works generally contains appreciable quantities of arsenic, which, of course, is inimical to the health of plants; but as the arsenical fumes are in- significant in quantity in relation to the large amount of sulphurous acid which is produced in roasting copper ores, and as air containing 1-40,000th or even 1-80,000th part of sulphurous acid gas is decidedly injurious to vegetation in wet weather, I think the sulphurous acid of copper smoke does more mischief to the crops in the neighbourhood of the works than the arsenical compounds of the smoke. Just as | little as alkali-makers are permitted to discharge muriatic acid into the air, copper-smelters should be allowed to dis- charge into the air the enormous quantities of sulphurous acid which is produced in roasting certain copper ores. It may, perhaps, not be possible to condense sulphurous acid so perfectly or as readily as muriatic acid gas, and probably the arrangements for the condensation of the former will be found altogether inappropriate to effect the condensation of the latter, but attempts to mitigate the evil resulting to vegetation by sulphurous acid fumes should be seriously undertaken. “Tt has occurred to me that the sulphurous acid fumes of copper works might, perhaps, be converted economically into sulphuric acid, or be used for the production of sulphite or hyposulphite of soda; and I do not consider it improbable that one of these days this highly injurious product will cease to be a nuisance to the intabitants of the country round about the works, and be turned to good economical account. “ As regards the actual quantities of sulphurous acid gas contained in the smoke of brick-kilns, we possess no data for our guidance. The quality of the coal used, the con- struction of the kiln, and the composition of the clay of which the bricks are made, must affect to a great extent the proportion of sulphurous acid in the smoke. Thus a coal with a high per-centage of sulphur, but containing also much mineral matter, on burning may produce less sulphurous acid than another kind of coal, poorer in sulphur and in mineral matter, inasmuch as the greater portion of the sulphur is fixed by the mineral portion of some coals. Again, if the clay contains magnesia or lime, or is purposely mixed with chalk, most of the sulphur of the coal will be fixed by the magnesia or lime. “The brick-makers in the neighbourhood of London, who use with the clay a considerable proportion of chalk, there- fore produce a smoke which contains but very little sul- phurous acid; whilst in districts where fire-bricks, tiles, &c., are largely manufactured from clay that does not contain ~ lime or magnesia, or merely insignificant quantities, the air becomes charged with sulphurous acid to an extent which injuriously affects the vegetation for miles round the brick clamps or kilns.” ROYAL PARKS AND PLEASURE GARDENS. An estimate of the amount that will be required to defray the charges which will come in the course of payment during the year ending 31st of March, 1865, for maintaining and keeping in repair the walls, keepers’ lodges, and other build- ings, the fences, roads, rides, drives, footpaths, plantations, &e., in the several Royal Parks, Pleasure Gardens, &c., under the management of the Commissioners of Her Ma- jesty’s Works and Public Buildings. This estimate is limited to such expenses in the several royal parks and gardens as are requisite to maintain them for the public use. Expenses not connected with the ap- propriation of the parks and gardens to strictly public pur- poses, are provided for in the estimate for ‘‘ Palaces.” Albert Road, Regent’s Park Battersea Park Bushy Park................ Chelsea Hospital Grounds . Chelsea Military Asylum Gr Greenwich Park .............c00008 Ditto (Department of the Ranger) Hampton Court Park Ditto Pleasure Gardens . Ditto Roads ........0...008 Holyrood Park ... Kennington Park ... Kensington Gardens. Kew Botanic Garden: Kew Pleasure Gardens. Longford River Regent’’s Park .., Richmond Park .............eceseeee0e Ditto (Department of the Ranger) Richmond and Kew Roads............... St. James’s, Green, and Hyde Parks Ditto (Department of the Ranger) Victoria Park ......... suescescesecesere ix] oO S > = =) ¢ WANDSORODDE NAOH SOOWONWUMRAR 97993 _ 6 5 Amount voted for the year ending 31st March, 1864, £97,952. Norte.—The income derived from the Royal Parks and Gardens is paid into the Consolidated Fund. The amount so paid in for last year was £3527 15s. ; SIR W. J. HOOKER’S REPORT ON KEW GARDENS. a Royal Gardens, Kew, W., Ist January, 1864. ’ As was to be expected, the number of visitors to the Royal Gardens during the past year was below that of 1862, the year of the International Exhibition, and is as follows :— 198,484 .. 214,934 98,315 Smallest monthly attendance (January)... 1,768 Greatest week-day attendance (25th of May)... 11,631 Smallest week-day attendance (24th of Novem Greatest Sunday attendance (21st of June)....... 12,441 Smallest Sunday attendance (11th of January).. 1 28 Good Friday (8rd of April) ............ Nansen eee eere-nocKd 9,798 Total.........0000 enongo0r00 401,061 The number of intelligent visitors of all classes who fre-_ quent the museum and plant-houses for purposes of in- struction have increased; and this has been even more the case with scientific visitors. 108 BOTANIC GARDENS. The only important change effected has been in the great Palm-house, where three of the largest Palms, having reached the top of the house, 60 feet above the. floor of the building, have had to be removed; this has been done with- out any accident, and their ‘places filled by younger and rarer plants. In last year’s Report I mentioned the occupation of the great architectural hothouse, No. 1, by the broad-leafed Aroids, and other tropical plants of fine foliage. These are already growing most luxuriantly, and I anticipate that this building will eventually prove perhaps the most instructive and attractive of its kind in the Gardens. In the course of the present year it is proposed to add to its other contents a selection of tall Tree Ferns, slender-stemmed Palms, and economic plants. Measures have been taken under the direction of the Clerk of the Works, to improve the condition of the orna- mental piece of water opposite the Palm-house, which had become very foul during the hotter summer months; and an arrangement has also been made fora larger general supply of water. Flower-beds have been carried round the geometric shrubberies on the west side of the Palm-house, and on both sides of the semi-circular walk skirted by the Yew fence. Many rare and ornamental young trees have been planted on the east side of the main walk leading from the great gates. Beds of Rhododendrons will be planted on the opposite side of the same walk. It is further intended during the ensuing summer to sink in the ground on each side of the same walk a row of such small Palms, Aloes, Cycads, and other rare and conspicuous plants in pots (with their names) as can be safely exposed. This arrangement will, it is hoped, not only give this part of the garden a most ornamental appearance, but also exhibit to the public a series of curious and striking exotic forms of vegetation in the most effective manner. The Reports on the success of Mr. Markham’s introduction of Cinchona Plantations in India, and in the establishment of which (including the colonies) the Royal Gardens have taken so large a share, are very satisfactory. Mr. Markham informs me that in the nurseries on the sites selected by him on the Nilghiri hills, only three years ago, there were, on the 1st of December last, 259,396 plants, of which 66,622 were planted out; that the tallest plant is nearly 10 feet high; that two plants of C. succirubra are in full flower ; and, further, that 6,562 plants have been distributed to private individuals. The bark from some plants has been analysed by J. E. Howard, Esq., and the results have been entirely satisfactory. In the Darjeeling plantations, Himalaya, under the super- intendence of Dr. Anderson, there are 8000 plants, and private applications for plants have been made to that gentleman for the enormous number of 1,500,000. In Ceylon, under the charge of G. H. K. Thwaites, Esq., there are 22,050 plants; in Jamaica, under the care of Mr. N. Wilson, 400; and in Trinidad, under Dr. Cruger, 24 plants. In the two latter colonies no attempt appears to have been made as yet to increase the stock by cuttings, a method so advantageously adopted in India. Steps have been taken, at the request of the Government of South Australia, to introduce the Cork tree into that colony. A large quantity of young plants are being raised in the pleasure ground nursery for transport, and will be sent out in a growing condition, in glazed cases, in the early spring. For procuring the acorns we are indebted to Dr. Welwitsch, Messrs. Vilmorin, of Paris, and I1.M.’s Consuls at Oporto, Barcelona, and Marseilles. “iS Large collections of semi-tropical trees and shrubs have been sent, at the request of the Admiralty, to the once desert island of Ascension, the upper parts of which are now clothed with trees and shrubs, chiefly derived from Kew; and I continue to receive from Captain Barnard the most satisfactory accounts of the thriving condition of these plants, and the consequent rapid increase of the fertility, water supply, pasture land, and vegetable produce of the island. The Berninda Grass especially, which was sent from this Garden several years ago, has now become the staple fodder of the place. Large collections of living plants and seeds have been JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 9, 1864, sent to the island of St. Helena, at the request of the Governor of that island. An active correspondence and exchange of plants has been kept up with Ceylon, Mauritius, Queensland, Calcutta, Victoria (Australia), Trinidad, and various nursery establish- ments at home and on the Continent. Besides these ordinary sources of supply, valuable col- lections of living plants and seeds have been received from the Rey. C. S. P. Parish, of Moulmayne; Mr. Hill, govern- ment botanist in Queensland (including a living plant of ~ Bowenia, a new and most remarkable Cycad); G. Mann (government botanist), West Africa; Dr. Welwitsch, Loanda; J. J. Monteiro, Esq., Angola; Mr. Hutton, South Africa; Dr. Atherstone, Graham’s Town; Dr. Imray, Dominica; Dr. Hillebrand, Sandwich Islands; Commodore Lord John Hay, China and Japan; C. H. Williams, Esgq., Bahia; His Grace the Duke of Wellington, germinating seed of the double Cocoa-nut (which, however, we have failed torear); Dr. Kirk, live plants collected during Dr. Livingstone’s expedition, and others in the Seychelle and Comoro Islands, &c., including fruit of the double Cocoa-nut. PLEASURE GROUNDS. The principal works to be reported on are the completion of the centre of the temperate house, and the transfer to it of all the plants destined for it from the old Orangery, and other buildings in the Botanic Gardens. These, which are for the most part planted inthe ground, have already begun to grow vigorously, and will soon present a noble appear- ance. The heating apparatus works well, and the con- struction of the building appears on the whole to be most satisfactory ; the only exception that must be made is with regard to the opening and closing of the sashes of the roof, which will require more care and skill to keep in order than was anticipated by the builders. Extensive plantations of trees and shrubs have been made in various parts of the pleasure grounds; and large beds of Rhododendrons, and rare trees and shrubs, are now being made along the banks of the new lake. The chief contributions to the Arboretum have been— Japan seeds, from Mr. Oldham, collector for the Royal Gardens, W. J. Elliott, Esq., Sir R. Alcock, &e. Amoor River, Chinese Mantchurian, and Siberian seeds from the Imperial Gardens of St. Petersburg. Australian seeds from J. Oldfield, Esq., Dr. Mueller, Government Botanist at Victoria, and others. Himalayan seeds of Pines, Oaks, &c., from Dr. Anderson, F.L.S., of Calcutta, and Dr. Cleghorn, F.L.S., Inspector of Forests. Seeds from the Nilghiri Mountains, from Mr. McIvor. Many very fine and rare greenhouse plants from James Bateman, Esq., F'.L.8., of Congleton. MUSEUMS. The old Orangery, so long condemned as a house for pur- poses of cultivation, and at last emptied by the transference ofits contents to the temperate house, is now chiefly occupied with the magnificent collection of timbers, cabinet and far- niture woods, from the Great Exhibition of 1862. In my last year’s Report I described this collection in some detail, and enumerated the colonies and donors of the severai con- iributions of which it consists, among which Tasmania holds the most conspicuous place for the magnitude and beauty of its specimens. Though now mostly in their places, much remains to be done during the coming year towards the fittings of the building, and the Hnal arrangement, ticketing, and cataloguing of the collection. : The additions of importance to the Museum during the past year are :— 2 A specimen of Herne’s Oak, presented by Her Majesty the Queen. A collection of articles (umbrella-stick, knife-handles, &c., made of Laminaria, or the stem cf Laminaria buccinalis), a gigantic seaweed of South Africa. From T. G. Ghislin, Esq. A Fakir’s richly carved drinking vessel, made of the shell of the double Cocoa-nut, together with carved articles of Shola-pith. From the Hon. W. E. Frere, Esq., of Bombay. Articles used as barter for Palm oil with the natives West Africa. From M. L. Levin, Esq. it Specimens of Pine Cones, Woods, &c., of North Asia. . From Dr. Regel, Imperial Gardens of St. Petersburg. August 9, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 109 ' A beautiful series of specimens, illustrating the mode of owth of the Mistletoe on Maple, Poplar, Hawthorn, &e. ‘om Dr. John Harley, F.L.S. Many curious and interesting tropical African vegetable products from Mr. Mann, Drs. Livingstone, Kirk, Meller, Captains Speke and Grant, &e. A large collection of Barks used as drugs by the natives of British Guyana, collected by Mr. Appun, under the orders of the Colonial Government. HERBARIUM AND LIBRARY. Our duties in this department have rapidly increased of late, owing to the demands made upon this establishment by the various departments of Her Majesty's Government ; to the number of plants sent to us, almost daily, for naming, and other information regarding them; to the receipt of |’ large collections from several important government ex- peditions; to the applications for assistance and advice on the part of young gardeners and others proceeding to take charge of plantations of Tea, Cinchona, Cotton, Coffee, &c., in India and the colonies; and the redoubled activity of the Colonies in the publication of their Floras, which, though paid for by the Colonial Government, can only be prepared at Kew, or by persons in direct and constant correspondence with its Herbarium and Museums. I have to commence my Report on this head with the announcement of the retirement of Mr. Allan Black, so long and so well known, both here and on the Continent, as the able, assiduous, and most obliging Curator of the Herbaria. Owing to the failure of his health, brought about by over- application to his duties, he has been obliged to seek a warmer climate. Most fortunately, the curatorship of the Government Gardens at Bangalore (held by a late foreman in the Royal Gardens) fell vacant at this time, and he was at once nominated to the vacancy. Our inability to find a person capable of filling Mr. Black’s place at his salary, no less than the increased duties of this department, have ne- eessitated a rearrangement ofthe present wholly inadequate stad, and a permanent addition to it. Professor Oliver, the Librarian, will henceforth take the joint duties of Keeper of the Library and Herbaria, and will have two assistants; he will at the same time continue his voluntary courses of Jectures to the foremen and gardeners, which he has hitherto eonducted with so much credit to himself, and benefit to our young men. It is impossible, within the limits of the present Report, to do more than allude to the chief public duties performed at the Herbarium during the past year, which are as follows :— Dr. Kirk, the surgeon and naturalist of Dr. Livingstone’s expedition, arrived in England-in October, and has been much engaged in the investigation of his large and valuable eollections, both in the Museum and Herbarium. Mr. Mann arrived in June from his three years’ arduous and perilous botanical journey on the West Coast of Africa Gneluding two ascents of the Cameroon Mountains, which he was the first to explore), as well as the Peak of Fernando Po, St. Thomas, Prince’s Island, the Sierra del Crystal, &e. His plants, amounting to about 3000 kinds, have been all arranged and catalogued, and the duplicates distributed to the Museums of America, Paris, Austria, Prussia, Russia, Holland, Hanover, &e. He has recently been appointed assistant curator of the Government Cinchona Plantations at Darjeeling in the Himalaya. His mountain plants have been described by Dr. Hooker, and are being published by the Linnean Society. The British Herbarium of the late W. Borrer, Esq., pre- sented in 1862, has been arranged by Professor Oliver. Captain Grant’s interesting collection, made during Cap- tain Speke’s expedition to Central Africa, have been brought to Kew, and have been named by Dr. Thomson, F.B.S., and published in the Appendix to Captain Speke’s Travels. Dr. Welwitsch, of Lisbon, the distinguished botanist, and explorer of the interior of Angola and Loanda, in Western tropical Africa, having been commanded by His Majesty the King of Portugal to take his collection to Kew to be named, has lately arrived with an immense Herbarium, in a most beautiful state of preservation, from those hitherto totally unknown parts of the world, and the first set is to be pre- sented to this Herbarium. Sir Charles Wood, Secretary of State for India, having directed the Flora of the British possessions in India to be proceeded with on the same plan as the Colonial Floras; this work (which will contain descriptions of at least 12,000 species of plants), has been commenced in the Herbarium by Dr. Thomson, F.R.S., late Director of the Royal Gardens at Calcutta. ; Of Drs. Harvey and Souders’ Flora of our South African possessions, the second volume is completed, and the third is in progress. Of the Australian Flora mentioned in my last report (and which will extend to six or seven volumes, containing as many thousand species), the first volume has been published by its author, G. Bentham, Esq., F.R.S., and the second is making rapid progress. The Flora of the British West Indian Islands, by Dr. Grisebach, has been completed during the past year, all but the Index. It contains descriptions of 3000 species of plants. Mr. Thwaites’ Enumeration of Ceylon Plants is nearly completed, and embraces upwards of 2500 species. The “Genera Plantarum” of Mr. Bentham and Dr. Hooker is progressing as fast as the authors’ other duties permit, the second part being half completed. Dr. Hooker has been desired by the Colonial Government of New Zealand to prepare a Handbook of the Flora of that interesting group of plants. One volume is now in the press, and will be published early in the spring. The “Species Filicum” is finished in five volumes, con- taining upwards of 300 plates; but a Supplement is about to appear, containing the new species that. have been dis- covered since the commencement of the publication, together with a synopsis of all known species. The Botanical Magazine has been conducted as formerly ; the 89th annual volume, containing 72 coloured figures, and descriptions of new, rare, or interesting cultivated plants, is published. Various papers by Mr. Bentham, Professor Oliver, Dr. Thomson, Dr. Hooker, &c., on some of the most interesting contributions to the Herbarium, especially African and Indian Plants, have been published by the Linnean Society of London. Other botanists who have worked in the Herbarium during the past year are Professor Babington, of Cambridge (British Rubi); the Rev. W. W. Newbold (British Plants); Mr. Edge- worth (North-West Indian Plants); Dr. Aitcheson (Panjab Flora), &e., &e. The principal contributions to the Herbarium have been :— An extensive collection of Borneo Palns, collected by Hugh Low, Esq., and presented by Messrs. Low, of Hackney. Large collection of Mauritius and Madagascar Plants, made by the late Judge Blackburn, and presented by Admiral Sir W. Bowles, K.C.B. The most extensive Herbarium of Indian Plants, made by Dr. Wight, F.R.S., during thirty years residence in the Madras Presidency, Nilghiri Mountains, and other parts of the western Peninsula of India; and containing the original specimens from which his numerous and most important botanical works have been written. Presented by himself. Very large and important collections made in all parts of extra-tropical and sub-tropical Australia and in Tasmania, by A. Oldfield, Esq. The Portuguese and Azorean Herbarium of the Baron do Castello de Paiva, presented by that nobleman. Havreois.—I believe Mr. Knight is right about the deri- vation. It is Fragaria elatior (higher in its stalk), and hence it is called Hautbois. The name may also be derived from the plant being found in high woods and deep forests. —W. F. Rapcnyrre. Woop Picrons.—I hope you will suggest some prac- ticable means of getting rid of a plague of wood pigeons, which light upon the Gooseberry bushes in scores, breaking the branches, and strewing around all the Gooseberries. Query, Are they in search of caterpillars? The most cunning sportsman cannot shoot them, they are such wary birds.— A.B. : 110 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 9, 1964, CULTIVATION OF THE MELON. (Continued from page 64.) Of the appliances employed for growing Melons none are in more general use than an ordinary frame on a dung-bed, which is represented in jig. 2.- a Is a common frame 2 feet high at back, 1 foot high in front, and 6 feet wide, placed on the hotbed b, and resting on bricks at each corner, c c. The dotted lines, d d, show how far the frame is to have dung piled up against the sides to maintain the top heat when the bed loses its heat considerably, or when a greater depth of soil is placed on the bed. The dotted lines, e e, drawn perpendicularly through the bed, show those portions of the bed which are to be taken away when it becomes necessary to line the bed from the bottom, to renew the heat when declining ; the space between e e and the dotted lines, ff, being filled with dung prepared in the same way as that for making the bed. The lining should not be applied at front and back at one time, but in front first, before the heat of the bed declines too much; the back lining may follow the front in about ten days or a fortnight. Linings to the bottom are only needed for early beds, and not always even then in mild seasons, for the frame will sink into the bed, and it will consequently be necessary to raise the frame up at intervals of a fortnight or three weeks, so as to keep the glass at a proper distance from the plants, or 1 foot above them. Raising the frame about the thickness of a brick each time will be sufficient, and this, with the re- moval of some of the spent lining, will leave a space by the sides of the frame in which some fresh hot dung can be placed, which will generally furnish sufficient heat without having the bed to line from the bottom. If, however, the heat is not maintained by top linings, the bed must be lined from the bottom before it becomes so cold as to place the well-being of the plants in jeopardy. soiling in a week or ten days, previously levelling it, and ~ adding more dung if necessary to bring the surface of the dung to within 1 foot of the glass. The soil is then placed under the centre of each light, so as to form a cone with a flattened top, the latter being only an inch or two from the glass. By the time the bed is earthed the dung will have settled, and when fully earthed it will present the appear? ance shown in the figure, a being the bed, ¢ the soil, and’ d the open space for the development of the plants. 6 6, Are - spaces 2 feet 6 inches wide, in which hot dung is placed; first in front about ten days after planting the Melons in the bed; and, secondly, at the back about ten days afterwards. The dung must at all times be kept higher than the pigeon- holes, and the soil within the pit should be kept close to the sides of the frame, otherwise the steam of the dung of the linings will pass into the pit and destroy the plants. The linings will require renewing, and additions of fresk dung to keep up the proper temperature according to circum- stances. The linings should be brought up to the dotted line, and if they are covered with wooden shutters the heat is greater, and a cleaner appearance is given. e Is a spout to carry off the water, and f 7 is the ground level—G. ABBEY- (To be continued.) HARDY BEDDING PLANTS wire VARIEGATED AND COLOURED FOLIAGE. In addition to Mr. Abbey’s list, I would suggest :— Finsert, Dark CoppeR-LEAVED, which is very distinct, dwarf-growing, and bears cutting-in well. SALIX CAPREA VARIEGATA.— With white, green, and light brown leaves. Bears cutting-in well; strikes in a little bottom heat in a fortnight, and so might be planted for a line in.a ribbon to be renewed every third year, or in most soils cuttings may be planted where required. Both of the above would, in windy situations and in the back beds, if allowed to remain, afford an ornamental shelter of 18 inches to 2 feet or more in height. BramMeie.—The Silver-leaved is very effective, but needs attention to keep it neat. I have a large-leaved Golden- variegated variety which is very striking. Vincas.—Besides the two named by Mr. Abbey, there is the Golden-leaved, which if well established and cut down early in the spring becomes very beautiful. I find the best way to propagate the Vincas and Brambles is to insert in the ground, in August and September, the ends of the young shoots, simply pressing them 2 inches into the earth. There is also the fine showy Coltsfoot with a white-edged leaf; but unless grown in pots sunk in the ground it is troublesome. ; : The common Rib Grass would be excellent when varie- gated, and it is not rare to find it in the fields and by the sides of roads with both white and golden variegation; but my plants with all my care have returned in a year or two to their normal green. They also propagate badly. Of Box some of the variegated kinds would be very usefak, and nothing will bear clipping better. VARIEGATED Houires.—There are many very handsome varieties; and small plants, if nipped-in in summer and constantly taken up and transplanted, become very dwarf, and bear their pretty scarlet berries in abundance. A fine collection of these Hollies was ex- hibited at the Brussels Show and attracted great attention. Probably, if grafted or budded on a dwarf _ slow-growing kind, such as the Hedgehogs, they would be much improved and produce berries earlier in the season. Ta I fancy the adornment of our grounds would be at least more interesting, if these handsome hardy plants Fig. 3. Probably the best mode of growing Melons by fermenting materials is that of a brick-pit (jig. 3), the inner walls pigeon- holed to admit the heat from the linings, 6 b, to pass into the bed a. The inside between the two inner walls is filled up to the rafters in the first instance with hot dung, pre- pared, sweetened, and well beaten down and trodden at the sides. The lights being put on, the bed will be ready for received a share of that attention which is now almost exclusively bestowed on summer bedding-out plants. —W. Wooter. DESTROYING ANTS. Tue following is related by M. Garnier, in a communi- cation to the Central Society of Agriculture, at Brussels :— A large colony of ants extending their walks over an area of nine or ten yards, gave great trouble in the garden. After August 9, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. lit trying various ineffectual means of destroying them, I placed near their haunt several small saucers filled with sugar and water, in which was mixed one-tenth of the weight of white oxide of arsenic. I watched them for about an hour, during which time many came to drink, and went away staggering, taking with them one or two which were dead. In the course of two hours not an ant was to be seen, and the next morning the anthill was entirely deserted. Why was this? The arsenic was not dissolved. Had they from instinct discovered that attempts were being made to destroy them? Iam unable to say. I merely state the fact, and leave it to the investigation of others.—A. 8., Bruges. A WATERING-BARROW. In describing this barrow it is desired to bring into notice not only a very useful apparatus, but also one that every gardener may make for himself. There are plenty of excel- lent machines for watering gardens, but they cost money. In nine cases out of ten this one need not cost a penny. The arrangement, as may be seen by the cut, is very simple. Having selected a good watertight barrel, put through it a strong wooden bar, with the ends rounded and projecting 2 or 3 inches from the sides. This bar should be about a foot from the top of the barrel. A holeis then bored in the bottom of the barrel, and a piece of leaden pipe, about 22 feet long, inserted and secured. A valve with a leather hinge is placed over this hole. A string from the valve is passed over a pulley, near the top of the barrel. This being done, mount the barrel on such a barrow as is shown in the cut, put arose upon the leaden pipe, fasten the valve- string to the right handle of the barrow, and the machine is made. If there are no unused barrow-wheels on the premises, one may be made by sawing two thick pieces of plank in a circular form, and nailing them together, with the grain of one at right angles with the grain of the other. Bore and chisel a square hole in the centre of this, and insert an axle, which is of easy construction. The peculiar convenience of this watering-barrow is that it may be wheeled along a row of vegetables or flowers, and by pulling the valve-string with the fore-finger of the right hand, the water will flow trom the rose until the barrel is empty, and the row will be watered with very little trouble and much expedition. 1f another pipe and rose be placed so as to project from the other side, both valves may be worked as easily as one, and two rows may be watered at the same time. The pipe being flexible, may be bent so as to suit the distance between the rows, the height of plants, &e. This apparatus is particularly adapted to places where there is much “ row-watering” to be done.—(American Gardener's Monthly.) / THE ROYAL ASHLEAF POTATO. ALTHOUGH we possess many really good sorts of this most useful of all vegetables, and consequently are rather fas- tidious in this respect, the appearance of the above new Kind excited a good deal of interest, and I was one of those who eagerly procured a certain number of “sets” for early planting. This was done on the 10th of April, in well-prepared ground, which had previously been manured with well- decayed stable-dung, mixed with rotten Oak leaves. On the same day I planted an equal number of the following kinds, the tubers being as far as possible of the same size— viz., the old Ashleaf, Gloucestershire Kidney, and Myatt’s Early Prolific. The first two proved the earliest, their tubers being fit for use on the 25th of June, when the haulm of Myatt’s likewise commenced to dry; whilst the Royal Ashleaf still continued growing. So far as to earliness. As regards the produce, the old Ashleaf, as usual, yielded only a scanty crop; the Gloucestershire Kidney about twenty-five per cent. more, and the tubers more regular in size and shape. Yesterday (July 30th) I had the whole bulk of the four sorts taken up, and found Myatt’s Prolific by far the most productive; whilst the Royal Ashleaf, upor the whole, proved not more prolific than Gloucestershire Kidney, and in flavour equal, though not better than Myatt’s. The Royal Ashleaf seems to have one great drawback, some of the plants being quite dead, whilst others in the same row had the haulm quite green. I am satisfied that I possess the true sort, having obtained my seed from one of the most respectable London firms. Of other new Potatoes which I tried, Daintree’s Seedling (now ripe) is a very prolific, good-sized, round Potato, with a very rough skin, white flesh, quite mealy, and delicious. Epp’s Glory is still growing vigorously, in spite of the pre- vailing drought, and apparently a latish sort. I shall repeat the experiment with the four above-men- tioned Kidneys next year, and plant a certain number of tubers of equal weight, so as to be able to judge which of them yields the greatest proportion in weight. I must add that the spring frosts in this part of France were not of sufficient consequence to have the least influence upon the growth of Potatoes FERDINAND GLOEDE, Les Sablons (Seine et Marne). PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, AND FRUITS. Coryuopsis spicata (Spiked Corylopsis). Nat. ord., Ha~- mamelidacee. Linn., Pentandria Digynia.—A Japan shrub, introduced from Yokahama by Messrs. Veitch, of the Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea. Flowers yellow, fragrant like the Cowslip. Blooms in February. “Shrub deciduous, and the flowers appear before the leaves, which are so much like those of our nut bushes as to suggest the name of the genus.” —(Bot. Mag., t. 5458.) DENDROBIUM EBURNEUM (Ivory-flowered Dendrobium). Nat. ord., Orchidacee. Linn., Gynandria Monandria.—Sent to Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton Nursery, from Moul- mein. Flowers “have exactly the appearance of polished ivory,” having dark red lines on the lip and base of column. —(Ibid., t. 5459.) KALANCHOE GRANDIFLORA (Large-flowered Kalanchoe). Nat. ord., Crassulacee. Linn., Octandria Monogynia.—Native of Mysore, Hindostan. Flowers yellow. Bloomed in a greenhouse devoted to succulents during May.—(Ibid., @. 5460. DEER Brunonianum (Mr. Brown’s Musk Lark- spur). Nat. ord., Ranunculacee. Iinn., Polyandria Mono- ia.—* This handsome species is a native of Western Thibet, on the mountains at altitudes of from 14,090 to 18,000 feet, where it flowers in August and September.” In England it blossoms in the open border in June, and dies down early in July. The flowers are pale blue, streaked with purple, and black in the centre. The whole herb has a strong musky scent.—(Ibid., t. 5461.) Ce@LoGyYNE oporatissima (Highest-scented Ccelogyne). Nat. ord., Orchidacee. Linn., Gynandria Monandria.—Native of Neura Ellia mountain in Ceylon, and the Neilgherry Hills of Madras. Grows on trees. Flowers in this country have a honey-like smell; they are white, appearingin April. It would seem to prefer shade, as in its native places it is always found on the north side of the hills.—(Ibid., ¢. 5462.) APHELANDRA Lrsontana (Libon’s Aphelandra). Nat. ord., Acanthacee. Linn., Didynamia Gymnospermia. Probably a Brazilian plant. Bracts bright orange; flowers yellow tipped with red. Flowers during May in a warm stove.— (Thid., t. 54638.) 112 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 9, 1864. Fancy Prtarconiums.—Adnne Page, very round outline ; bright crimson-rose top petals; lower ones lighter, all white- edged. Edgar Turner, dark crimson upper petals, with a brighter crimson edge ; lower petals same colour, but shaded off paler, until in the throat quite white. Both raised by Mz. Turner, Nursery, Slough.—(Floral Mag., pl. 205.) RHODODENDRON.—Princess Alice.. Raised by Messrs. Veitch by crossing R. Edgeworthii with R. ciliatum. Flowers large and pure white.—(Ibid.,, pl. 206.) Tris.—Mademoiselle Patti. Raised by Mr. Salter, Versailles Nursery. Upper petals orange; lower petals claret, darkly rear) bases of petals yellow veined with claret.—(Ibid., pl. 207. ; SarRacenrA Drummonpit.—Pitchers green ; tops white veined with green.—(Ibid., pl. 208.) Rosr.—Lord Macaulay. ‘ Full, deep, and richly coloured, it takes an honourable place among the thoroughly good crimson Roses which have been rather bountifully added to our collections during the last two or three years. We owe the opportunity of figuring it to Mr. W. Paul, of Waltham Cross, by whom it was obtained from the continent, and who first introduced it to the notice of British rosarians in the spring of last year; the flowers then exhibited winning, most deservedly, a first-class certificate. «When recently lecturing on Roses at South Kensington, our friend and correspondent, Mr. Radclyffe, observed with much truth, that none but vigorous-growing Roses were suitable for our English climate—this vigorous character being, however, just what it too often happens that Roses of continental origin are deficient in. In this respect we are glad to be able to attest that Lord Macaulay will fully meet the requirements of English growers; the habit being strong, the foliage bold and ample, the flowers of full average size, the form cupped, the petals firm and smooth, and the colour a rich crimson. As regards colour, indeed, the flowers are variable. Sometimes they are richly shaded with very deep, almost maroon crimson, and sometimes they are of an almost uniform deep crimson, as our figure represents them ; and sometimes, as was. the case with the blooms shown on the occasion of Mr. Radclyffe’s lecture, the margins of the petals are of a glowing crimson scarlet. In any of these conditions it is a beautiful Rose of hich merit. We have, therefore, no hesitation in recommending it heartily to the notice of Rose-growers as a flower of quality and refinement, ¢ombining with the richest colouring a perfectly free and vigerous habit of growth.” —(Florist and Pomologist, iii., 169). THE EDUCATION OF THE EYE. A WELL-EDUCATED eye is always an advantage to its pos- sessor, but few professions afford greater scope for its ac- quirement and exercise than that of a gardener. Most gardening operations require a clear discriminating eye, and a steady hand. Wherever you find an amateur whose pro- ductions and general management are equal to those of many practical gardeners, you at once set him down as one who is “quick to learn and wise to know,” for his skill and taste are the result of his own observations and experiments. Although a liking for a pursuit generally leads to some degree of skill in it, yet there are men who do one or two things well, and the rest of their work very indifferently. Take, for instance, your amateur friend who makes Dahlias, Pansies, Marigolds, or any particular flower his chosen hobby. He shows you some very fine flowers on robust plants ; but then you must shut your eyes to the rest of his. garden, or else your admiration of his flowers will be extinguished by your dislike of disorder and weeds—that is to say, if you have an educated eye. Some people say this class of men are incapable of more than one idea—it is Pinks and nothing but Pinks with them (or some other flower, as the case may be); and althouch their Pinks may be good, their gardens are far enough from being the pink of perfection. Is it not strange that the eye that can admire the symmetry and charming combination of colour which distinguish florists’ flowers, should sometimes be wholly insensible to the enhancing beauty of cleanliness, neatness, and order in garden management? Yet so it is, and there is No accounting for it, otherwise than by the want of what men put away their spades, trowels, or other tools without cleaning the dirt off them. Now, not to speak of the plea- sure there is in using a bright implement, and the finer” work you can make with it, some people would clean it and make it bright after use simply for the pleasure of seeing it so. This sort of thing is illustrated by the saying that one sometimes hears regarding the mistress of a house, “She has a keen eye for dirt.” When you see a plot of Dahlias so well staked and tied that every shoot is brought into the best position for receiving light and air, and the straggling or useless branches carefully pruned away, you are the more surprised if you find the border flowers that grow along by the walk all hanging in tangled masses, entirely at the mercy of the wind and rain. Ina case like this you say, “‘ Well, this man may be a good Dahlia grower, but he has no eye for anything else in his garden;” and you are not far wrong. It is not unlike what housewives calla “clean middle and dirty corners,” when they want to point out a sister’s deficiency in the domestic virtue of cleanliness. These are results of defective eye education that no Diogenes would require a lantern to discover. They are open, glaring, obvious, and wherever they exist they are as ugly as they are apparent. Again: when an amateur takes you to see his favourite plot of flowers, and you have to pass along a road that is barely passable, you naturally suppose that gravel and engine-ashes must be at a high premium in that quarter, and entirely beyond your friend’s reach. But, on the other hand, it must be conceded that where these garden defects are to be found, they are not always to be taken as indications of defective eye education, or want of taste. Amateurs are often hard pressed to get their favourite flowers attended to, and however much they may desire to have everything trim and shipshape, the time they are enabled to bestow on their gardens is wholly inadequate. You can generally see, however, whether a man is of a tasty turn by the way in which he does what his time permits him to do, and eyesores will, under every circumstance, remain eyesores to the educated eye. The very fact of there being such a word as “ eyesores” proves that some eyes are more defective than others. 5 Most men have heard or used the expression, “‘ He has not a straight eye in his head,” at some time or other; and this very common, but not very complimentary phrase, indicates either the careless use or the imperfect traming of the eye. One ploughman makes straight furrows, and another makes crooked ones; one man makes even work with his spade, while another leaves the ground in hills and holes ; one gar- dener can clip a Box-edging as straight and clean as if he had chalked a line to go by, as a tailor has when he cuts out a coat, but his neighbour performs the same operation in am out-and-in style, which is less pleasing to the eye. This may not be so much a defect in the education of the eye, as in the hand and eye not working together, or the hand not being trained to obey the eye. He may perceive that his work is not well done, and be dissatisfied with it. But when a gardener can go complacently past the yellow and decayed leaves on his greenhouse plauts, when he has time to remove them, you may be sure his eye education is defective. So in bedding-out for summer decoration, you will find one gardener make far nicer work than another, not in arranging colours and sizes for back or front posi- tions, for that is often done according to a fixed plan, but in the regularity with which he places each plant at the proper distance from its neighbour when he has only his eye to guide him. The same thing may be observed iz a hun- dred different forms. One eye cannot bear to see a crop of weeds and moss growing along with plants in pots, nor slimy vegetation covering the sides of the pots, nor gaining a foothold on the flags of a greenhouse, while to another these things are no eyesores at all. So with the plantsina greenhouse or stove; a gardener with what is called a good eye will make a far more effective arrangement than one who has neglected his eye education. It is the same in potting: one man will detect a wireworm, or anything else of an injurious character, and cast it out, while another will shovel everything into the pots, perfectly unconscious that he is doing his best to spoil his own work. Budding and grafting require an educated eye, for on the skill and nicety with which these operations are performed may be termed eye education. You will often enough ‘see / depends, in a great measure, their success. But for all that, August 9, 1864. ] you will find some who do not seethat a clean cut and a nice adjustment of the bark of the stock and scion are essential in grafting, nor that in budding it is at all important not to break the inner rind, nor to pull the eye out of the bud in taking away the wood. Such practitioners wonder that they have somany misses; but the wonder should be the other way, for their hits belong to the chapter of accidents. Or the whole, then, it is beyond doubt that some eyes afford evidence of a higher education than others. It is perhaps equally certain that some eyes are naturally endowed with keener and finer powers of perception than others. But it may be safely asserted that careful training will render the eyes of all equal to the work they have to perform, and capable of complying with the demands of good taste. A great point is gained when a man can see that his eye needs anything in the way of education. the road to a clear, discriminating, and tasteful vision. It is sometimes said of a person that “ He hasan eye like a hawk, and that nothing escapes his notice,’ but this power can seldom be attained without a close and lengthened practice of observing minute details. Careful inspection of the forms of flowers and parts of flowers, as well as of the leaves and seeds of plants, such as the study of botany involves, is excellent training for the eye. From small things it gradu- ally begins to appreciate and love the harmony of Nature | on a larger scale, and the result is a quick discernment of beauty and deformity, or what we may call the fitness of things. Thus by practice and painstaking, the eye acquires a natural but not conventional liking for nicety and order, suggesting, on which the occupation of a gardener or florist makes incessant demands.—An Oxp Spans. (West of Scotland | Hort Mag.). WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. To those who would insure a constant succession of choice kinds of vegetables and salads, the next fortnight will be the most important of the whole year. Should the present dry weather continue, the water-barrel will be in constant requisition morning and evening. Surface-stirring must also be frequently resorted to for the purpose of pre- venting too rapid evaporation. Carrots, now is a good time to sow the Early Horn to stand through the winter. Endiwe, planting must now be proceeded with in earnest, for what is now planted will constitute the great bulk of the autumn and midwinter salads. Let elevated beds of 4 feet in width, and possessing a bold curvature, be provided in an open and dry situation. Such beds should be a foot or more above the ground level, and must be made very rich. These beds may be hooped over in the end of October, to be readily covered with mats when frost arrives. Lettuce, keep up suc- cessional sowings of this and of Radishes, the growing crops of which must be liberally supplied with water. Onions, sow a good breadth of winter Onions; the Strasburg and Tripoli are good sorts. Sow thickly for drawing young for salads and for transplanting. Let the ripening Onions be bent down by hand in order to get the ground clear for Winter Greens. Parsley, sow for winter and spring use. Spinach, about the middle of the week is the proper time to sow Prickly Spinach for the winter. The ground should be good, but not too richly manured, as it is apt to make the plants grow too strong, which renders them more liable to injury from frost. Whatever remains undone in the way of planting-out Broccoli and Winter Greens must be completed without delay. Pay due attention to the thinning-out and surface-stirring amongst all advancing crops. Gather and store seeds of such choice vegetables as if may be considered advisable to preserve; but anything very extensive in this way ought never to be attempted in gardens exclusively de- voted to the purpose of cultivating vegetables for families having any pretensions to taste, as in most cases disappoint- ment and inferior quality will be the result. Whoever is conversant with the nature of Kitchen-garden produce is well aware how much the qualities of vegetables become deteriorated when grown, seeded, and produced on the same ground year after year. FRUIT GARDEN. The preservation of wail fruit from birds and insects should This is the first step on | JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ; Ars | t : and that valuable faculty of arranging, combining, and | Bis Seca 113 occupy attention. Haythorn’s hexagon or any other small- meshed netting may be employed with advantage to protect Green Gage or other Plums. Look carefully over Peach and Nectarine trees, and remove nails which are too close to the swelling fruit. In stopping and arranging the wood let only as much as can conveniently be laid in be allowed to remain, and that convenience must be qualified by due consideration for the perfection of the fruit and the proper ripening of the wood, which only the influence of the sun.and air can accom- plish. It is also an error in another respect to retain a large amount of wood to be removed at the winter pruning, for an undue excitement and extension is given to the roots, which, with a superabundant supply of sap, induces in the spring the growth of rank and unmanageable wood. Pear shoots which have been left, or only partly shortened, should now be pruned -back to three or four eyes. Proceed with Straw- berry planting. Remove runners from established plants to relieve and strengthen them. FLOWER GARDEN. Much watering will be necessary here during the great heat we now experience. Advantage must be taken of the first shower of rain to put out young seedling Wallflowers, Brompton Stocks, Sweet Williams, and other biennials into nursery-beds. Hollyhocks are general favourites, but they do not afford cuttings freely, and are in general not over- plentiful about most places: these should, therefore, be examined often in search of cuttings which they may afford, as those rooted about this time will make strong plants for Attend to the tying-up of these and Dahlias, and frequently go over.the masses of Verbenas, &c., for the purpose of regulating the growth, so as to keep it orderly and neat. The present dry weather has been rather preju- dicial to Polyanthuses. After rain put out seedlings ; a north- east border will be most suitable, the soil of which should be composed of loam, decayed leaves, and cowdung reduced to a black unctuous mass, in about equal proportions. We would again urge the necessity of layering Carnations and Picotees without loss of time. Attend tothe cathering and saving of choice perennial and biennial flower seeds; these should be watched daily, and collected as they ripen. We do not urge this operation to be carried on to a great extent, as the returns would not be adequate to the expense and trouble of collecting and cleaning them. We merely allude to those showy species and varieties, some of which every flower gardener possesses and cultivates, and which it is desirable to preserve. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Tt will be nuch to the advantage of the inmates of plant- houses to reduce the shading after this time to enable the plants to ripen their summer’s growth, allowing more air to keep down the temperature and to check any tendency toa second growth which may show itself, and which can only take place at the expense of next season’s bloom. Remove Achimenes, Gloxinias, Tuberoses, and plants of the same habit from the conservatory when on the decline. Passifloras and, in fact, the greater part of conservatory climbers will be growing fast and will require frequent training. Epacrises, winter-flowering Heaths, and other things requiring to have their wood ripened early, may now be placed in a sunny ex- posure. As the wood is already formed nothing remains but to get it ripened; and although sufficient water must be given to supply the demands of the plants, a dry and warm atmosphere are essential to the perfect ripening of the wood and consequent formation of bloom-buds. ‘The different varieties of Epiphyllum, if their growth is sufficiently ad- vanced, should have similar treatment. Give a shift to Chinese Primroses and Cinerarias. Chrysanthemums, Salvias and other autumn-blooming plants should be placed in their blooming-pots. STOVE. Various stove climbers as Combretums, Quisqualis, Alla- mandas, &c., will bloom fora considerable time if the shoots on which the flowers are borne are slightly cut-in when the blooms decay, and anything which prolongs the period of beauty with those favourites is worthy of adoption. PIES AND FRAMES, Where bedding-out on a large scale is practised, the pro- pagation and preservation of the annual supply of plants ‘becomes an important part of the gardeners duty. That 114 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. | August 9, 1864. the result may answer the expectation at bedding-out time, a careful calculation of the number required and the means there is of preserving them through the winter should be vaade. The next thing to consider is the kinds which require immediate attention to get them established before winter, those which may be deferred a month or so longer, and, again, what can be propagated in sufficient numbers in the spring, provided a few store-pots of each are kept for the purpose. In the first class we may place nearly all the varieties of Fancy and bedding Geraniums, Crassulas, Lan- tanas, Mesembryanthemums, Hydrangeas, and plants of similar habit which require to be established before winter. W. KEANE. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Ow1ne to the parching drought the work here has been of a routine character, as it was hopeless to think of planting anything out, the ground being like dry ashes, and there being no water to give to anything planted out. It surprises us that things continue to grow as they do, and they never could have done so but for the deep stirring of the ground in the first place, and frequent surface-stirring in the hottest days. Cauliflowers, in addition, have had fully 6 inches of short litter thrown closely between the rows, and firmed up to the stems, and_they are looking as well with this mulch- ing as if they had been watered twice a-week. We have now taken up all the Potatoes, a fine crop, and, as yet, not a speck of the old disease. We have put them in small heaps, with dry earth and ashes sprinkled among them. Two years ago, though the Potatoes showed no signs of disease when taken up in dry weather, like the present, they began to get diseased a month after they were housed in equally good condition, and when placed together in such small quantities that anything like heating was out of the question. Then, in addition to dry soil, a little powdered lime was also scattered amongst them. After all that has been said of this disease, we seem to know little more about it, as to its cause and cure, than we did on its first appear- ance amongst us. Amongst things to which we ventured to give a little water was Celery, as otherwise we were afraid it might throw up its flower-stalks. Immediately on giving it the sewage water, we covered the ground between the plants with 2 or 3 inches of half-rotten tree leaves. If that is not enough, we must use litter. Water is now with us becoming almost as valuable as wine—a fact which we hope will be borne in mind by those friends who have written re- specting changing the position of their garden, and especi- ally from the neighbourhood of a never-failing pond to a site where there is at present no water. Philosophise as you will, you cannot but feel annoyed when, after having got all things in tolerable order, you find them decaying and dying before your eyes, and you cannot give even a drop of water to save them. Something also akin to envy will be apt to creep over you when you hear of other people being so well situated in this respect. One of our friends has the charge of a pretty flower garden in front of the mansion, on ground about as much elevated as ours, and he used to know what it was to be without water in summer. A stream goes through the valley, however, forming a large lake, and a water-ram con- stantly going now supplies a large elevated cistern, and the turning of a tap and a long piece of hose enable a man easily to flood all the beds, and grass too, in a short time. We have heard this morning from the able superintendent of the Liverpool Botanic Gardens, and whilst we are parched up he tells us that some things are suffering from too much rain. Last season the flower-beds there were magnificent ; but though we took notes of them in a deluge of rain, we have not yet been able to tell what we saw. We have heard that the flowers are even, if possible, more attractive this season. On our visit last year we had some experience of the delugings to which our friends in the west are subjected ; and Mr. Tyerman would do good service by giving a list of the plants that do best under such circumstances, as even here we find that there are plants that seem never to have too much wet, whilst there are others that do little good unless they have a clear rather dry atmosphere. FRUIT GARDEN. Much the same as in the previous week. Have been obliged to throwsome whitening water over the glass to lessen the evaporation of moisture within, and find that with all this preventionlate Grapes and fruit in the orchard-house will be apt to colour and ripen too soon, owing to a deficiency of moisture at the roots. We have managed to give them a little sewage water, but not a fifth part of what we would have liked to have given them. Figs, whose first crop is now nearly over, we have also watered well, and then covered the soil with tree leaves, and kept the house closer to bring on the succession crop. Some plants in pots in the orchard- house will keep up the succession. All the pots in the orchard-house, and part of the soil, have also been mulched with half-rotten leaves, in order to lessen the necessity for watering often. The most of the pots are so heavily laden that some visitors have twitted us about not taking part in the orchard-house controversy, hut we have already more irons in the fire than we can attend to properly. With such demands for moisture, and reservoirs empty, it need excite no surprise that the sky and the barometer are the last things to be looked at at night and the first in the morning. Where Melons have been lately planted out, we manage to give them a slight syringing in the afternoon. For plants ripening their fruit we stir the surface of the soil to prevent cracking and over-drying, and give a little water to the roots beneath, by pouring the water down pipes left on purpose. The drier the atmosphere, not to be parching, the better will the flavour be. We have been desired to answer here some inquiries as to the best soil for Melons. One friend says that he can obtain no earth except that from his garden, which is a loam rather stiff than otherwise, and that he is nonplussed with long details of separate component materials for forming a suitable compost. No wonder. For ourselves we prefer simplicity, and we could not have a more suitable compost for Melons than such a garden soil if we searched the country through. To have it fresh, however, we would prefer the under spit to the top spit; and if the plants were a good size when turned out— say in six-inch pots, we would use no other soil whatever, but merely place some of the finest and best aired round the roots, and squeeze all the rest tightly with hands and feet, as under such circumstances it will be pretty moist. Ifthe plants are smaller, then from the surface of such soil ridged up in winter we would collect a few barrowloads in the spring, and keep it for placing a few shovelfuls round each plant. In each case after the firming, the surface may be left a little open and loose, to prevent cracking, and the too rapid evaporation of moisture. Such soil will in general be better without any manure at all. Ifthe Melons are not strong enough, manure waterings can be added at pleasure. But in such bottom-spit garden soil this will be rarely re- uired. 2 Another friend has a light sandy soil. The best thing he can do is to have a little clay, or strong loam to mix with it. Without anything of the kind, however, his light soil will do very well with a little rotten dung added to it if poor, and if made rather moist before using, a depth of at least 18 inches given, and the soil well firmed by mallet, and hands, and feet, as it is putin. So firmed, with a sprink- ling of leaf mould on the surface to prevent drying, we have. grown fine Melons in very light soil. The firming the soil is in such matters half the battle, and is of far more im- portance than a dozen of varied materials nicely mixed together. ' ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. General routine as to stove and greenhouse plants, re- moving Balsams, &c., from conservatory, and supplying with Coleus, Begonias, Browallia, Thunbergia, &e. Putting more whitening on roofs to shade, and thus lessen watering, as by this means we could also lessen the amount of air, and thus prevent so quick drying up. Syringed floors and stages with the same object in view. These matters, of course, would be of less importance where water is plentiful, but, where at all scarce, a nice moist growing atmosphere cam thus be kept up at the smallest amount from the water-pail. The same practice will also be valuable for lessening labour, and generally that is not too plentiful. Some gentlemen and ladies are most honourably straight- forward in this respect. They know their own circumstances August 9, 1864, J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 115 autumns some beds in which Scarlets were plunged with their pots were magnificent here, whilst others planted out were rather too much disposed to give foliage instead of extra bloom. Both in the last and present summer the beds of plants turned out in the usual way have done very fairly, and give healthy foliage and fine trusses without a drop of water. The four fine plants that have been, we think, seventeen years in the same pots, and are plunged in the centre of beds in their pots, and which show after three days at most that they need another drink, just tell us that our beds of Geraniums had been in a woful plight if they had consisted of plants turned out with their pots plunged, and we could have given them no water. With a little water we have been able to keep Calceolarias alive as yet. With no more at our command, and Geraniums plunged in pots also needing help, it is most likely that both would have perished. The character of the district, then, as to rains, and the supply of water when needed, are the best test to regulate our practice. So apt are Geraniums to become over-luxuriant in wet summers, that we would be much disposed to plant out and plunge them in pots, could we give water when the season proves a dry one. In such a season as this in Hert- fordshire, most likely the most of such plants would have dried up and died before now, if there were nothing better than rain water to depend upon. Circumstances, therefore, best, and may well consult their own tastes as to how they will spend their income. When the gardener is anxious to have some addition or some improvement made, they may tell him that they have no objection whatever, provided no additional expense is incurred and no additional labour in keeping up is required; as on these matters their mind is quite made up. If we gardeners get into a fix after this as respects labour we have only ourselves to blame. One thing many of us forget, which is simply this, that a small place well kept is far more satisfactory to all parties than a large place, the work of which can never be mastered from January to December. The best thing in such circum- stances is to keep the principal parts well and let the rest go wild. When some people go to a large well-kept garden and begin deprecating their own little place, and say they will lose all zest and interest in it, it would make us very sorry but for the conviction that the illusion would only be of very temporary continuance. Small gardens ought to be the best managed. If a brother workman has a single flower-bed more beautiful than the Duke of Sutherland possesses at Trentham, he may well divide the honours even with a Henderson. We candidly own, that in small places we have seen single beds of flowers, that out of our many beds we should have found it difficult or impossible to find a bed equally good in all its properties. Extent is apt to bewilder, but for comparison we should come back to quality. Hence the florists with their few yards of ground may well claim more than equality with the largest gardens. The cultivation of the sense of the beautitul wherever found, is the best antidote for even the rootlets of everything like envy or covetousness. In the flower garden the sun has pretty well done all the mowing and machining for us, but the grass is now becom- ing green. As yet the flower-beds have kept going on pretty well, independently of the drought. What have chiefly suffered are the Calceolarias and Salvias. We have never had the former better. As yet we have saved them chiefly by mulching, and a few homeopathic doses of liquid. Without water we fear another week will finish them. In our ground they would not disagree with a nice shower three or four times a-week. A wet season, therefore, suits them better than a dry one. Scarlet Geraniums on the other hand, that have scarcely had any water after they were established after planting out, seem just to be in their element. Their foliage covers the ground, and the bright sun and dry atmosphere just suit the large corymbs of bloom. This may, therefore, be an appropriate place to say a few words in answer to some inquiries respecting planting out Scarlet Geraniums at once, or plunging them in the pots in which they grow. The proper course to pursue will depend almost entirely on the natural or the artificial supply of moisture. We have previously mentioned four large Gera- nium plants that have been in the same pots many years, and which have the pots plunged in the flower garden. In wet summers these plants were always great balls of scarlet, because the roots were confined and comparatively dry, whilst beds of Scarlet Geraniums planted out were only middling as respects blooming, the foliage being abundant and requiring much thinning. These four plants are also good this season, but at the expense of watering them twice a-week, whilst, as stated above, those planted out have had None, and are pretty well as much supplied with bloom in proportion to their size. We could manage to water these few plants, but, for hundreds and thousands, we must have let them take their chance; and if these had been in pots we know they would have been scarecrows by this time with- out watering, whilst planted out they are very fair indeed without any watering. = : The inferences we draw from these facts, then, are—that in dripping, rainy districts, as about Liverpool and Glasgow, or where water can be given in abundance where required, Scarlet Geraniums will bloom best if turned out with their five or six-inch pots plunged in the ground, as the confine- ment and comparative dryness of the roots will encourage bloom, and discourage excess of foliage. But, on the other hand, in districts where there is generally little rainfall in summer, and in places, especially, where watering cannot be resorted to, it will be found best to turn the plants out in the usual way, without their pots. In some wet summers and become the best regulators of our practice, and what would be the best practice at Liverpool might not be the most suitable one here, and still less so along the dry east coast. In catering for the interests of all cultivators, the practice and the testimony of practical men in different localities will ever be most valuable.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Avevst 6. The long continuance of dry weather has affected the supply less than might have been expected; still it must be remembered that the demand is less, owing to families going out of town. Hothouse Grapes and Pines are sufficient for the demand ; Peaches, Nectarines, Gooseberries, and Currants, plentiful; Strawberries and Raspberries scarce; Apples and Pears are coming in in quantity. Imports from abroad consist of Pines, Apricots, Pears, and heavy consignments of Plums. Cabbages and Cauliflowers have advanced in price. FRUIT. s.d sd s.d. 3d Apples......08 «Sieve 1 Otol 6) Mulberries...... quart 0 Oto0 0 Apricots . J 1 0 3 O| Nectarines ..........doz. 8 0 15 0 Cherries .... apie Onesies G ..100 12 0 20 0 Currants, Red... sieve 2 0 4 0 ...d0z. 10 0 20 0 4 0 5 O| Pears (kitchen)...bush. 0 0 0 0 eae Oe SLO doz. 0 30 Filberts & Nuts perlb. 0 9 O 0 0 50 Gooseberries....4sieve 1 0 3 0 0 40 Grapes, Hamburghslb. 2 0 5 0 0 00 Musceats.... 40 8 6 6 10 Lemons ... a0 4 0 10 0 6 16 Melons ..cccett.cseees 26 50 6 20 0 VEGETABLES. s. d. 8. d s.:d. s.d Artichokes ..,...... 0 4to0 6/ Leeks........ cnoseap bunch 0 4to0 6 Asparagus ...... 0 0 O 0} Lettuce «score 0 9 1 6 Beans Broad.. 1 6 O O{ Mushrooms ...... -pottle 10 2 0 Kidney 2 0 3 O| Mustd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 0 4 Beet, Red . 1 0 3 O| Onions ...........bunch 0 4 0 6 Broccoli 00 00 i 06 08 BrusselsSpri 00 00 10 16 Cabbage ... OMS ale 09 16 Capsicums 0 0 O 0} Peas... 06410 Carrots 05 0 8 20 50 Cauliflower .. 2 3 0) 6) 0 8 0 12 0 Celery UO PaO ING WARenee 380 4 6 0 6 1 O| Radishes 00 00 - 0 0 O O| Rhubarb 00 00 1 3 2 6] Savoys ... SOOO 0 3 O O| Sea-kale . 00 00 0 8 O 0} Spinach... 210: 7430 Gourds &Pumpks.each 0 0 0 0} Tomatoes pas Tid. sno Herbs....... eiccen bunch 0 3 0 0 | Turnips ...00.... 04 0 6 Horseradish ... bundle 1 6 4 0] VegetableMarrowsdoz. 1 0 2 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, H.C. 116 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { August 9, 1864, We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Srrawserries (J. B. ¥. V.).—You can obtain the information you seek for from Mr. Rivers, Nurseries, Sawbridgeworth, Herts. Bowness (A Glasgow Subscriber).—We do not know the party you men- tion. Booxs (7. P.).—The “ Cottage Gardeners’ Dictionary’' is just the thing for you. “ Pras FOR Seep (A. F.).—Peas for seed should be sown rather thinly in Tows about the middle of March, allowing the same distance between the rows es the kinds respectively attain in height. The treatment given to Pea crops generally applies to those for seed—that is, earthing-up, staking, and hoeing between the rows. When the pods towards the extremity of the haulm become white the crop should be pulled up,.and laid on the sticks for a few days to dry. They are, after drying, placed on a dry hard floor and beaten out with a flail. The Peas are then sifted to free them of dust and the seeds of weeds, and stored away in bags, or‘on a dry floor. LapaGeria rospa (Z£. P.).—You need not fear about the air, only give abundance of water at the root. You cannot give it too much air,if only the current.is not strong, and that it cannot be with the netting to keep out bees. We think all will be right. VALLOTA PURPUREA — CEREUS HEXAGONUS (C. If. Major).—You may separate the roots immediately after the blooming. or, perhaps better, in April. In future avoid deep planting. It is very detrimental to this beau- tiful Lily, and yours rising above the soil is a proof of what it likes. The Cereus may have its top cut off new. This should be done with a sharp knife transversely at the required height. The part intended to strike should be exposed for 2 few days until the wound is.dry and covered with a kind-of skin. It will then strike or root freely in any light poor sandy soil. This is a bad time for grafting the stock. Such operations are best per- formed when the stock commences growing. Turips oN Franciscea (Z. Z).—The black insects on your leaves are thrips. Make a solution of 4ozs. of soft soap toa gallon of soft water at 120°, and dip the plant in it for about one minute, allow the plant to dry then repeat the operation, and wash afterwards with clear water, or sponge, every leaf on both sides with the above solution. Fumigating with tobacco will also destroy thrips. New Vivery (H.R. D. P.).—We presume you can go no higher than 7 feet.at back. Then for Grapes in June we would have no more thana height of 2% feet in front. If the ten-feet width inside is on the same Tevel, or a little higher than the outside, you could plant inside, and have the front wall on arches; or you could inake your front boundary of posts and beards, and have ventilators in the boards. If you sunk the house inside to give you more head room, unless you kept the roots there, or had extra drainage, you would need to plant the Vines outside and take the stems into the house. This plan would give yon more room inside. With- out this sinking, you might have more head room by taking a short hip, say 24 feet from the top of the north wall to a ridge-board, say 83 feet from the floor level. You might have four or five openings on pivot hinges in this hipped roof, and, with ventilators in front, all your roof could be fixed, and glazed with large squares. It would also be as well to have a corner- piece of 18 inches at each end next the apex made to open. The fine ought to be 1 foot in width, and from 15 to 1S inches deep outside measure. We shall be glad to assist if we can. CaMPYLOBOTRYS REGALIS CuLTURE—MIMULUS (Rossettii).—The Campylo- botrys is rather difficult to keep in good condition. It delights in a moist calm atmosphere. It is extremely susceptible of injury from water stand- ing on the leaves, sudden changes of temperature, and currents of cold air. By keeping your plant in a close humid part of the stove, in a diffused or not strong light, yet near the glass, and preventing cold, damp, and stag- nant air lodging near it, with good drainage and sweet soil, we think the leaves would retain their beauty much longer. Cuttings of Mimulus struck _ low will make nice plants for blooming in the greenhouse next spring; but after blooming once in the greenhouse they are not suitable for planting Out in beds. Mimuluses for beds should be planted in them in the spring, and they make a fine show for a time, but are very poor after a month or two of bright weather. They like a slightly shady situation and moist soil. OrnaMENTAL Grasses (2..B.).—Some hints on this ‘subject will appear shortly. Layinec OvT A PLEASURE GRouND (An Trish Subscriber),—We quite approve of your planting Rhododendrons against the wall of the proposed pleasure ground. At Raith, near Kirkcaldy, in Scotland, a wall is thus covered with the common Rhododendron right to its top, and the border in front with the very best kinds, as reared and grafted by the late Mr..Crockett. At gave a noble background to the flower garden. When this border is de- ‘cided on you will still have 88 by so much less than 106 feet for beds on lawn. We would rather you would devise a plan for yourself, or send one for us to amend or criticise, which we would gladly do, as well as the style of plant- ing; but were we to furnish plans for every similar place where such plans are required, we could do nothing else. We will criticise any plan, but we cannot do more. The slope of the ground will be an advantage when the beds are looked at from either side, Something of the simple plan given at p. 113 of last volume might suit. Unless the plan is artistic, like that at Trentham, or Linton, the simpler it is the easier will it be to plant and manage. Roses (A Siz-years Subscriber).—Hybrid Perpetuals—Madame Furtado, Senateur Vaisse, John Hopper, Pauline Lanzezeur, Baronne Prevost, Général Jacqueminot, Géant des Batailles, Lord Raglan, Louise Odier, Jules Mar- gottin, Comte de Nanteuil, and Caroline de Sansal. Hybrid Chinus—Charles Lawson, Chénédolé. Hybric Bourbon—Coupe d’Hébé, Souvenir de la Mal- aon Tea—Gloire de Dijon, Adam, Noisettes—Lamarque, Triomphe e Rennes, : MiLpEWwED HamMEvrGH GRAPES (A Constant Reader, Hanwrersmith)— The berries had been so rubbed by shaking in the course of carriage'that we-are not certain whether they were mildewed. We incline, however, to think that they were; and if these Grapes were under our care we should fill a -soup-plate with flowers of sulphur, roll each bunch in tie sulphur, and rub each sulpbured berry between the finger and thumb, leave*the sulphur on for 2 week, and then syringe it off, We have seen Grapss thus cured that were severely mildewed. Metons (C. P.).—I have not found it necessary to cover with mats after shutting up the frames. With a moist atmosphere and no artificial heat, Melons will rarely be injured if:shut up at the honrs named. Of course tauch depends on the weather. If the day be very bright and hot, air may | be required for an hour or two longer, and in cloudy weather the frames will need closing esrlier. No special ‘time can be given for opening and closing Melon-frames, the times mentioned relating to general rather than to special cases. With ordinary weather, however, the frames may be closed at the hours named, and no covering of mats is needed; forif aay fear be entertained of the sun being tco powerful air should be left on some time longer. To make ull safe, however, the lights‘may be covered with mats for an hour, to be then removed. The mats ‘should not, upon any con- sideration, be left on all night; but the glass must be exposed from May to September, or the plants will be deprived of many hours’ light and sun heat.—G. A. Musnrooms (An Amcdteur of Six Months’ Experience).—lt matters not whether the Mushroom-bed be in light or darkness. If in light the Mush- rooms will be a little browner in appearance, if in darkness they eome paler in colour. We think you will find all you want at pages 447 and 448 of the last volume, No. 169. If you wanted more definite information, and stated your means and material, we would advise you more fully. With your. experience we would adyise you to delay making your bed for amonth, unless it were a very shallow one. If you now make a bed of any size, unless in a cool cellar, you will be apt to have too much heat, as the heat of the atmosphere just now is too much for them. CovERING A VINE-BORDER —AZALPA-EUDS NOT Expanpine (A. B.).—We would cover the border with fern or litter by the end of September to keep in the summer heat. Very likely your Azaleas were dry on the surface of the ball. The plants would be benetited by an out-of-door position in Sep= tember if the vineries are densely shaded; if pretty well for light they may as well remain in the vinery. Rregxine Seconp Crop or Fics (J. G.).—Your Fig trees planted out in a cool orchard-house and showing a fresh crop of young Figs—say in the beginning of July, will not ripen there unless the autumn is very clear and warm, and you'shut up the house early in the afternoon. It will be of no use keeping such fruit over the winter, as most likely if the frost did not destroy them they would drop in the spring. By the end of September you will see ; and then if there is no hope of ripentng, you can cut off all the fruit that is larger than a good-sized Marrowfat Pea, and let the plants rest in winter by keeping them rather dry at the roots. BEDDING GERANIUMS—SHaDING CoNSERVATORY (Jgnoramus).—We could hardly decide there are so many. Of Scarlets, old ones, we would prefer Tom Thumb, Brilliant, Punch, and Excellence; for Rose Pinks, Shrublend Rose and Rubens: Pinks, Christine. Of Nosegays, none equals Stella as a dark scarlet. Driers such as painters use make capital shading for a con- servatory. A quart of milk, an ouace of flour, and an ounce of whiting make also aniceshading. Half an ounce of soda or less to‘a gallon of water will do for making water soft. Full exposure to the sua for a day is better still. We prefer the quassia without the soft soap. ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA ForminG Cones (A Subscriber).—It has done so at Bicton and other places. ConstructinG a Vinery (A Zhree-years Subscriber).—Your house will be a hipped-roofed lean-to — that is, width 16 feet, back wall 15 feet, front and end walls 3 feet, height of front glass some 6 feet, front sloping glass to join a short hip from the back wall, the ridge from both 17 feet from the floor, length 45 feet. Now, first, your plan will no doubt answer. The main thing for Vines will be to secure drainage. Then for 45 or 50 feet in length, if you propose one end for a greenhouse and the other for a vinery, it would be desirable to have a division with the power to heat oneor the other-separately or conjointly. This would even be advisable if you wished.to have early and late Grapes. In fact, you might force one part and have late Grapes in the greenhouse part. Every place for Grapes we have is filled -with plants, except when the Grapes are ripe, when the houses are kept airy and dry. The heating stove would be best placed in the middle. if economy were an object we would have a fixed roof, and give top air by the hipped-roof at back. Anything else you particularly want we willbe glad to advise upon. Compost For Roses (Jules Margotiin).—You will do well to mix lime with ditch-patings. It should be turned and mixed with black dung and then used. Brick refuse should be laid thickly over the surface, and kept well watered, and then, like burnt field-ashes, it will keep the ground moist. Lime is simply a re-agent, and not a manure. Chalk is an alterative,-also, and nota manure. Lime and chalk are best suited to clay lands. Half-inch bones are good for Roses and Strawberries in light lands. So, also, is nitro- phosphate.—W. F. RapcryFre. Name or Grave (P../.).—Your Grape is the Hubshee, an Indian variety. Names or Prants (W. H. W., Kilkee).—Aster tripolium. {Viator).— Spirsea arisfolia, Sm. The Holly is apparently the var. platyphylla. (S. A. P.).—1, Lobelia erinus, var. grandiflora; 2, Nepeta nepetella, L.5 5, Artemisia abrotanum, L.; 4, Potentilla atrosangumea, Lodd.; 5, Zebrina pendula, Schn. (Zex.).—The specimen sent is not sufficient to enable us :to do more than guess that your plant is a species of Kleinia. (MZ. If).— Comptonia asplenifolia. (Glasgow Subseriber).—Gymmnogramma achryso= phylla, a variable plant. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. JOTTINGS. Dip you ever attend a popular gathering at an Acricul- tural Meeting—one of those that are peripatetic, go from _town to town within the limits of the county, and of which the presence is so beneficial that enterprising towns buy their August 9, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. bala favours? Fancy the quiet little town of four or five thou- sand inhabitants suddenly exposed to the irruption of thirty thousand people! I could name many that I have visited on such oecasions, and [like them. Often there is but one real street, the High Street, almost beginning before you get to the town, and ending beyond it. I like the irregularity of it—the dear old church standing on the highest spot in the town, with its venerable square-turretted tower ; its almost obsolete sundial on its wall; its grotesque corbels; its old porch, inside which two fat-faced angels have watched those who. entered. for centuries; its green moss-covered tomb- stones telling the tale of past and passing generations. Yet it is not indifferent ; the glorious flag of old England flies from the belfry, and the bells ring a merry peal all day. There are the old houses with pointed gables, latticed windows, and projecting upper stories; the two red brick houses, one belonging to the doctor, the other to the lawyer (why do these professions always choose comparatively modern and red brick houses ?); the old inn, probably the George, the Angel, or the White Hart, venerable inside from its old dark oak wainscots, its wide staircase, its long corridors, and its square comfortable rooms; the new Railway Hotel raising its head above its predecessor, and boasting of its marble and looking-glasses; and the High Street in question—good, wide, comfortable street—you might put Regent Street in the middle of it, and leave Lombard Street on each side—in space only, be it understood. The shops lie many feet back from. the road and rise from the gutter that carries off the rain. Many have trees in front. Long blinds protect from sun. On these holiday occasions everything puts on its best. There is the head haberdasher, look at his display, and see the number of empty packages he has placed in front to show the extent of his importations. The clothier has baited his trap for the sort of men that will come in eharge of stock or on aholiday. The baits used to be smock- frocks and leather leggings, but now they are indescribable hats and caps, fancy neckties, and cheap jewellery, especially watch chains. Why, even the butcher’s shop looks attrac- tive. The trees in front keep off the sun, it is scrupulously clean, all the outer part is fresh painted, the back of the shop is thrown open, disclosing a garden, the leaves and boughs gently wave, suggesting a refreshine breeze; the very dead meat looks comfortable: The neighbouring pleasure grounds and copses have been laid under contribution. During the night waggons have come rumbling in, the spade and pickaxe have been at work during the darkness, and the morning finds an avenue of fir, larch, and beech, huge limbs of which have been put in the ground. Flags of every colour, nation, and society wave in all directions. Garlands and devices attest the taste and the industry of the good wives and daughters (I like the term better than ladies, because if they are one they will be the other), of the place. It is the day of days in the history of the town—not only an Agricultural Meeting, but the Horticultural Show, and the band of the 200th Regiment. Ordinarily the tradesmen of these quiet country towns are men to be envied, compared with the hurried anxious-looking men in London; but for some days before the show and for some days after they are at work night and day. Being an idle man, I have had leisure to watch these things. I was much amused a few years since when dining with some members of the committee the evening before the show. The question was asked who should go to the station to meet the military band. I hardly know why, but no one «ared to go. It is a common case for a committee collec- tively to be all that is energetic, but not a member of it has, or fancies he has, sufficient energy to act alone. It was so in this instance, and the difficulty keeame-so great that they drew lots. The lot fell on the most diffident of all. Like a prudent man, finding it inevitable, he began to make inquiry, and prepare himself; and having ascertained that the band- master of a crack regiment was a superior man, he went home for a night’s rest to fit himself for the ordeal of the morrow. The station was nearly a mile from the town, and the time for meeting the band was eleven. I determined to bethere. The committee-man was onthe platform fidgetting nervously about. The bell rang, and his excitement in- creased. Asthe train drew up, men in caps with variegated bands, clad in a white uniform with green facings, could be seen looking ont of the windows. I saw my man scan every: one who got out; he: was about to address’ several, at last, like most nervous and unready men, he made the only mis- take he could make—he asked the master to show him the master. There is no mistake in addressing the sergeant as the colonel, but vice versé. This was a contretemps, but he got over it, or, rather, the subject of it saved him with much tact. The band formed outside the station, and the com- mittee-man walked at the head by the side of the master. Then the transformation began; he was wrong, and changed step; he became more upright; he waived his walking-stick like a baton, beat the measure, and stepped to time; he attached himself to the band all day, and headed it when it returned to the station in the evening. These gatherings are essentially merry ones. The stream from the station to the principal inns and the show-yard, the country roads full of carriages, from the four-horse drag to the donkey-cart, the pedestrians dusty and travel-stained, all show gay costumes and smiling faces. What a change in costume and appearance! Beards, moustaches, and strange head-gears are the rule! What would be thought of the old heavy beaver of the gentlemen and yeomen, and the dogskin hat of the labourer now, in the days of wideawakes, deerstalkers, &c., decorated with a flower or a feather? But folk are all merry and good-tempered, and they are press- ing to the show-yard. The ladies go off directto the poultry. It is in a long tent, and that is crowded all day; thence they go to the flowers, then the fruit, and come to their rest where the band of the 200th Regt. is performing. The con- ductor understands his company, his grand music at the beginning was intended for the sedate world, but as the younger portion come to an anchor round him he glides off into rapid waltz, polkas, and quadrilles. It tells; every foot is beating time, and manya heart wishing fora dance. The male portion of the visitors are soon surrounding horses, oxen, sheep, and pigs. Things would be too smooth if there was not a little uproar. There is a stout man standing by a pen of pigs, and he declares he will have justice if it is to be had for money; and he does not hesitate to say the judges are fools, or something worse, to dispute the age he has put on his pigs. He wo'n’t. show any more, nor will a good many others; no; nor he wo’n’t subscribe, not he. There is a dinner at the Montmorency Arms at four. All the county members will be there, and all the nobility and gentry of the neighbourhood, and thither the throng wends. Step into the hotel with me. Every room has three or four parties in it. A dozen wait to take advantage of anyone who moves from a table. Bells ring continually, but at- tendants are few and far between. The extra men hired for the occasion take things coolly, but the regular servants fret, fume, and tear about, and wish the day over at two in the afternoon. Rows of men carrying trays pass in pro- cession from the inn to the Town Hall, where the dinner is held. Fresh salads, pale pastry, drooping jellies, tempt the gaping children. Fore-quarters of lamb, ribs of beef, chick- ens that show a society for improving the breed of poultry has work to do, hams, and fillets of veal, pass in quick suc- cession. At four o’clock a light cart draws up to the door, and is soon filled with savoury haunches from the parks of the neighbouring gentry. It spins across the road and returns for another burden; and then the business of the dinner begins. The town then takes another character. The shops shut up; the real inhabitants turn out; those who have far to go home, or who dislike a crowd and bother, order their carriages; those who go by train flock to the station. There is an extra staff for the day, but it is useless on the platform. The carriages are forcibly taken possession of, and remonstrance is useless. We once met a superim- tendant from London on such an occasion who was well up to his work. His carriages were crowded, and he was set at nought. When he said it was the wrong train he was laughedat. But hewas amanofresource. Heentered his office, and two porters issued from it a moment afterwards, walked the length of the train, crying, “This train for Tring and London only.” The thing was well done. The engine gave the premonitory scream, the guard asked if all was right, and had the whistle to his lips, but not in his mouth, when all the carriage doors opened, and disgorged the now: frightened though lately bounceable passengers, who, be- longing to the many third-class stations in the neighbours 118 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { August 9, 1864. hood, did not relish the idea of going there vid London, and paying the difference of the excursion ticket. (To be continued.) THE AGRICULTURAL HALL POULTRY SHOW AND THE POULTRY CLUB. Iy reply to your correspondent “AN Exursiror,’ I beg tostate that I have neither time nor inclination to enter into the paper war which he appears to wish, particularly as facts appear to have so little impression upon him. To him as to all other of your correspondents I say, Communicate directly, and they shall have all the information I can give. With me the matter ends here.—E. TupmAn, an Hon. Sec. to the Poultry Club, Ash Grove, Whitchurch, Salop. However true may be the remarks of your correspondent «*An Exutsitor,” I am very certain and at the same time very glad that he is not the delegate, or, as he would say, “the locum tenens,” of poultry exhibitors generally. He expresses himself as being “truly amazed” that any one should have the “‘ hardihood”’ to deny that the appoint- ment of Mr. Hewitt as judge at the forthcoming Islington Show had taken place. I again state that if he had read all the correspondence between you and Mr. Tudman he would have seen that “no such appointment has taken place;” and if he means to doubt the word of the Honorary Secretary of the Poultry Club, whois surely a person qualified to know what the Club is doing, I am the person to be “amazed,” and he is the one that possesses the ‘‘ hardihood.” That which your correspondent calls a “palpable fact” is not a fact at all. In reference to the rules of the Club, this ‘‘ Exnrsrror,”’ who appears not to quite understand what he is writing about, wishes to know, “ How comes it that they have not been acted on?” In answer to this, the rules are not yet fully compiled, and are at present undergoing revision, which is proved by the limited issue of the copies. I in turn want to know how anything can be said to fail before it has been tried. In conclusion, allow me to beg of “ AN Exuipiror” not to write in future upon a subject till he fully comprehends it.—A PovunTRy Fancrer. LEICESTERSHIRE AND WALTHAM POULTRY EXHIBITION. Tuts Exhibition of poultry forms a part of the stock shown at the annual agricultural meeting of this Society, which this year took place at Market Harborough, the object of the promoters (judging by the prize schedule), being more to encourage useful poultry than those breeds which are rather Fashion’s favourites. Great care is taken of the poultry whilst on exhibition, and with the well-known Turner’s Sheffield pens, the Show was a really well-ordered one. True it is, the number of pens shown were fewer than customary, it being now the midst of the moulting time, as it is certain that fowls are moulting some six weeks earlier than last season—a feature that will tell much in favour of the late shows. Some of the chickens shown were very early birds, as forward as any we have seen this year, and in ex- cellent feather ; but the adults, as a rule, were in a state of semi-nudity. It will be well just to remind our readers, that in Pigeons, however good individually, birds of directly opposed colours cannot hope for success exhibited as pairs, the matching of feather being as indispensable in Pigeons as in poultry. We were glad to see the Judges marked their disapproval of the quite too common plan now-a-days, of exhibiting two or more ganders in a pen, devoted according to rule to a male and two females. One pen of three ganders, and another of two ganders and a Goose, though the best by far as to size and feather, were most properly disqualified. The weather being exceedingly fine, without great heat, the number of visitors was most satisfactory, and the Show may be deemed a success. Dorxrme.—Firet, B. Everard, Bardon Hill House. Second, — Sheffield, Geddington Lodge. Chtckens,—First, B. Everard. Second, T. Burnaby, Upper Lodge, Pipwell, SpanisH.—First, M. Brown, Ab Kettleby. Second, B. Everard, Bardon ill House. Chickens.—First, withheld, there being no competition: Second, B. Everard. Cocuin-Curna (Any colour).—First, A. Guy, Eaton, Grantham. Second, J. Buckley, Desford. Chickens.—First, J. B. Hanbury, Clipston House. Second, Capt. T. Wetherall, Loddington. Commended, A. Guy. Cocuin-Carmma (White).— First, M. Brown, Ab Kettleby. Second, T. Sheppard, Humberstone. Chickens.—First, T. Sheppard. Second, G. Sheen, Leicester. Gane (Black-breasted and other Reds).—Prize, Capt. T. Wetherall, Lod- dington. Highly Commended, M. Brown, Ab Kettleby. Chickens.— Prize, B. Everard, Bardon Hill House. Highly Commended, Sir W. de C. Brooke, Bart, Geddington Grange. Gams (White, Piles or any other colour).— Prize, B. Everard, Bardon Hill House. Highly Commended, H. W. White, Home Farm, Great Crosby. Chickens.—Prize, B. Everard. Commended, A. Guy, Eaton. HampurcH (Of any colour).— Prize, R. E. Duckering, Northorpe- Chickens.—Prize, H. E. Emberlin, Humberstone. SINGLE COCKS. Dorxinc.—Prize, B. Everard, Bardon Hill House. SpanIsH.—Prize, M. Brown, Ab Kettleby. Cocuin-Curya (White).—Prize, F. W. Montgomery, Gaddesby. HamMBURGH.—Prize and Commended, J. Buckly, Desford. Bantams (Clean-legged).—First, Capt. T. Wetherall, Loddington. Second, H. E. Emberlin, Humberstoze. 3 Game Bantams (Black-breasted and other Reds).— First, Capt. T. Wetherall, Loddington. Second, A. Guy, Eaton, Grantham. ANY OTHER VARIETY Except Gams,—First, A. Guy. Second, W. Chamber- lain, Desford. Cock.—Prize, G. Sheen, Leicester. Ducxs (Aylesbury).—First, H. E. Emberlin, Humberstone. Second, M. Brown, Ab Kettleby. Highly Commended, H. E. Emberlin. Ducks (Rouen).—First, J. Sheffield, Geddington Grange. Second, .T. Burnaby. Upper Lodge, Pipwell. Turkeys (Black).—First, J. Johnson, Brampton. Husbands Bosworth Grange. TurRKEYs (Any other variety).—First, A. Guy, Eaton, Grantham. Second, J. Johnson, Brampton. GrEsE.—Prize, W. Kirk, Wymondham. PicEons.— Tumblers.— First, F. W. Montgomery, Gaddesby. Second, Right Hon. Viscount Ingestre. Powters.—Prize, H. E, Emberlin, Humber- stone. Runts.—First, H. E. Emberlin. Second, J. Buck, Leicester. Jacobines.— Prize, H. E. Emberlin. Fantails.—Prize, W. Draycott, Humberstone. Razsits (For the heaviest weight).—Prize, W. Chamberlain, Desford. ANY OTHER Kinp.—Prize, W. Chamberlain. Highly Commended, F. We Montgomery, Gaddesby. W. Dolby, Esq., of Rotherfield, and Edward Hewitt, Esq., of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, officiated as Judges. Second, J. E. Bennett, SUCCESSFUL POULTRY-KEEPING. As it is more pleasant to hear of success than failure, I am tempted to send you my experience in chicken-rearing this season; and think even the successful poultry-keeper, page 57, will acknowledge himself beaten. I shall be glad to hear if any one has been more fortunate than myself. Cocutn.—Feb. 11th, 5 hatched, 3 reared; Feb. 22nd, 4 hatched, 4 reared; April Ist, 4 hatched, 3 reared; April 14th, 7 hatched, 7 reared; May Ist, 7 hatched, 7 reared; May 2nd, 8 hatched, 8 reared; May Sth, 13 hatched, 13 reared. Total, 48 hatched, 45 reared. Hameurcus.—F eb. 11th, 6 hatched, 6 reared; April 20th,, 12 hatched, 12 reared. Total, 18 hatched, 18 reared. The first two lots consist of two cockerels and five pullets, and average 4 Ibs. 15 ozs. each. The pullets all commenced laying during the first week in July.—K. BUDE HAVEN & STRATTON HORTICULTURAL AND POULTRY SHOW. Tue eighth Exhibition of this Society was held on Friday, July 29th, in two spacious tents, in convenient grounds immediately adjoining the picturesque little church of Bude, commanding fine views of the Haven and the surrounding romantic scenery for which this favourite little watering place is famed. The Show lasts but one day, so that the birds are not fatigued by too long confinement in the poultry pens. One great disadvantage under which the Society labours is the fact that the nearest railway station is fully twenty-six miles distant, so that whatever birds are sent from long distances have this tedious journey of twenty-six miles to perform by coach before reaching their destination. This necessarily tends to deter amateurs who reside in other counties from sending their birds. There is, however, some talk of a railway being constructed to connect Bude-Haven. with the North-Deyon line, and if this scheme be carried out, avast improvement will no doubt be visible there in other things besides poultry. August 9, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 119 nn Considering the drawbacks under which they labour, the Committee succeeded in drawing together the comparatively large number of nearly two hundred pens; and though, as might be expected from the secluded character of the locality, there were several pens showing defects in the matching of combs and legs, yet the great bulk of the birds proved by their appearance and condition that the lessons of former years have not been lost upon their owners, and that very great pains have been taken in most instances to win prizes by intrinsic merit alone. Capt. Davey, an exten- sive ship-owner residing at Bude, kindly undertook the charge and care of all specimens from a distance, and we are bound to state that the greatest care and attention was bestowed upon the birds while in the pens as to feeding, water, &c., and we have no doubt that the owners received them back from the Show in as good condition as when they sent them off. Subjoined is a list of the prizes awarded :— Dorxrncs (Coloured).—First, Rev. G. De C. Guille. Second, Rev. A. C. Thyone. Third, J. Brock, Fourth, E. Hockin, Chickens.—First, Rev. J. R. Whyte. Second, Rev. G. De C. Guille. Dorxines (White).—First, W. Pickard. Second, Miss Maskell. Extra Prize (Given by the Rey. George De C. Guille).—Prize, Rey. J. R. Whyte (Dorking Cock). SpanisH.—First, R. Hoskin. Second, G. Slumen. Hoskin. Second, Rey. 8. N. Kingdon. Manorcas. —Prize, W. Shearm. Game.—First, A. West. Second, H. Parsons. Second, Rev. H. M. Bazeley. CocHi1n-CuHina.—First and Second, A. Trewin. Matays.—First and Second, H. Darch. CornisH (Black).—First, — Galswerthy. Haxmsureus (Golden-pencilled).—First, Mrs. Kingdon. Delmar. Hameureus (Golden-spangled).—Prize, J. L. Smith. HamBoureus (Silver-penciiled).—First, — Ham. Second, J. Walter. Hamsureus (Silver-spangled).—First and Second, M. L. Lucas. Potanps (Golden-spangled).—First, F. Gloyne. Second, J. Short. Potanps (Black W. T.).—First and Second, W. L. Trewin. Barnpoor.—First, W. Venner, Second, H. Francis. Fourth, W. J. L. Lyle. Third withheld. Bantams (Gold-laced).—First, Rev. H. M. Bazeley. Bantams (White).—First, Rey. G. De Guille. Second, W. Allin, Bantams (Black, &c.).—First, W. A. Deane. Second, W. Bromell. Gunza Fowns,—First, W. M. L. Lucas. Second, Rev. G. De C. Guille. Decks (Aylesbury).—First, J. Bines. Second, Rev. R. R. Wright. Duck- lings.—First, Rev. T. S. Carnsew. Second, J. Jewell. Ducks (Common).—First, Rev. G. De C, Guille. Second, T. Trewin. Ducklings.—First, Master T. Symons. Second, N. Pethick. TurkeEys.—First, G. Risdon. Second, Rey. A. C. Thynne. Grrse.—First, W. Brock. Second, Rev. G. De C. Guille. PiGEons.—Carriers.—Prize, Miss Lyne. Barbs. — Prize, Miss Lyne. Powters.—Prize, Miss Bray. Fantai/s.—Prize, Miss Lyne. Jacobins.— Prize. Miss Lyne. Zrumpeters.—Prize, Miss Lyne. Tumblers.—Prize, J.M. Braund. Blue Rock.—Prize, — Larke. Common Pigeons.—Prize, Miss Lyne. Raseirs (Lop-eared).—First, H. Gist. Second, H. Pooley. Firat, Miss Burton. Second. J. Brimacombe. Extra Prize (Given by William Maskell, Esq.).—Prize, H. Darch. Extra Prize (Given by the Committee).—Prize, T. Wood. The Judges were M. C. Ballance, Esq, of Taunton, Somer- set; and Mr. Leworthy, of Barnstaple, Devon; and their awards appeared to give entire satisfaction. Chickens.—First, R. Chickens.—First and Second, D. Maynard. Second, J. F. Common,— DRIFFIELD AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S POULTRY SHOW. Tuts was held on the 30th of July. The following were the awards :— Dorkincs.—First, M. Hunter, Green Hammerton. Second, Col. Loftus Sunderlandwick. Chickens.—Prize, W. Watson, Bishop Burton. SpanisH.—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, W. Hunter, Green Ham- merton. Chickens.—Prize W. Cannan. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).— First, H. Adams, Beverley. Second, W. Boyes, Beverley. Chickens.—Prize, H. Adams. Gams (Duckwing and other Greys).— First and Second, H. Adams, Beverley. Chickens.—Prize, R. Wool, Lockington. Game (Any other variety).—First and Second, H. Adams, Beverley. Chickens.—Prize, H. Adams. Cocuin-Cuina.—First, T. H. Barker, Hovingham, Second, T. C. Trotter, Sutton. Chickens.—Prize, S. Robson, Brotherton. Potanpbs,— First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, R. Loft, Woodmansey. Hamsurcus (Golden-spangled).—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, S. Campling, Cottingham. Chickens.—Prize, W. Cannan. Hampureus (Silver-spangled).—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, S. Campling, Cottingham. Chickens.— Prize, G. Featherstone, Cottingham. Hamscreus (Golden-pencilled).—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, J. R. Jessop, Hull. Chickens.—Prize, W. Cannan. Hampurexs (Silver-pencilled).—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, G. Holmes, Driffield. Chickens.—Prize, W. Cannan. ANY OTHER Pure of Distinct BREED NoT PREyIoUSLY CLASSED.—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, R. Loft, Woodmansey. Chickens.—Prize, R. Gowden, Bridlington. Farmyarp Cross.—First, H, Pinkney, Frodingham. Second, D. Dalby, Cottingham. Bantams (Black and White).—First, W. Cannan, Bradford (Black). Second, G. Mosey, Skerne (Black). Bantams (Any other variety).— First, J. R. Jessop, Hull (Gold-laced). Second, T. Holmes, Driffield (Game). SINGLE COCKS. Dorxine.—Prize, M. J. Grimston. SpanisH.—Prize, R. Tate, Leeds. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).—Prize. H. Adams, Beverley. Game (Duckwing and other Greys).—Prize, H. Adams, Beverley). Gams (Any other variety).—Prize, H. Adams, Beverley. Cocuin-Caina.—Prize, T. C. Trotter, Sutton. Potanps.—Prize, T. C. Trotter, Sutton. HamBoureus (Golden-spangled).—Prize, W. Cannan, Bradford. Hampureus (Silver-spaagled).—Prize, W. Cannan, Bradford. Hampureus (Golden-pencilled).—Prize, R. Mosey, Malton. HampuraHs (Silver-pencilled).—Prize, T. C. Trotter, Sutton, Hull. ANY oTHER Pure or Distinct BREED NoT PREVIOUSLY CLasseD.—Prize, Col. Loftus, Sunderlandwick. FarMyARD Cross.—Prize, G. Robinson, Hornsey. BanTAms (Black and White).—Prize, W. Cannan, Bradford (White). Bantams (Any other variety).—Prize, T. Holmes, Driffield. Grxse.—First, Mrs. 0. A. Young, Driffield. Second, Mrs. Nicholson, Lower Driffield. Goslings.—Prize, Mrs. Robinson, Swaythorpe. Turkeys.—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, Mrs. T. Dawson. Poults.—Prize, Mrs. T. Dawson. Gunza Fowt.—Prize, Mrs. O. A. Young, Driffield. Ducks (Aylesbury).—First and Second, W. H. Young, Driffield. Duck- lings.—Mrs O. A. Young, Driffield. Ducks (Rouen).—First, T. H. Barker, Hovingham. Second, J. Braim, Pickering. Ducklings.—Prize, J. Braim, Pickering. Ducks (Any other variety),—First, J. Braim, Pickering. Second, J. R. Jessop, Hull (East Indian). Ducklings.—Prize, J. R. Jessop (Wild). PiGEONS.—Croppers.—Prize, S. Robson, Brotherton. Carriers.—Prize, B. Leason, Driffield. Trumpeters,—Prize, J. Key, Beverley. Jacobins.— Prize, T. Ellrington, Woodmansey. Fantails.—Prize, J. R. Jessop, Hull Tumblers,— Prize, Miss R. Leason, Driffield. Barbs.—Prize, F. Key, Beveriey. Nuns.—Prize, B. Leason, Driffield. —H. H. Y. _ [We heartily wish some of our scientific readers would try and help our correspondent and oblige us at the same time. Personally we know little more of the matter than was stated in a late republished article on ice-houses, &c. A thick deal box with a secure lid would keep ice a consider- able time, and these any carpenter might make to order. Our whole experience as to cooling water inside of bottles, glassware and earthenware, is opposed to the results you have found. We one time had a sort of passion for cool water in summer. We had the water from a running brook, put it into common wine-bottles, pulled a woollen stocking over them, and suspended them full in the sun, with a large pail fixed above them from which two pieces of wool list depended over each stocking, just preventing the stocking getting dry. Had we nof stopped this pleasant practice of quafiing large quantities of this cooled water, we should not have been alive to write these notes. We got ina bad way, and a friendly doctor told us that these cooling draughts taken too frequently give a terrible check to the circulation of some persons, and we believe from our own experience that he was perfectly right. We know no reason why you should not turn your spare outhouse into an ice-house or snow-house, but we do not think you will sueceed unless you do away with the windows, obtain a double door, and either have a double wall and roof, or cover the whole outside with a coating of a foot of straw neatly laid on. Then with drainage we believe the ice would keep as well in an outhouse as in an ice-well or ice- house. In fact, in the late article, an ice-house is described as wholly above ground. Your outhouse would be of little use if the sun shone, or the wind played on a common root, or a common wall, and, of course, the windows would soon settle all.] Bexrast Royat Boranic Garpens.—At a very numerously attended meeting of the Directors on Wednesday, the 3rd inst., Mr. William Hooker Ferguson was appointed Curator, as successor to his late lamented father, who so long and worthily filled that situation. It is very much to the credit of Mr. William Hooker Ferguson, and speaks strongly for his abilities and pleasing disposition that the Directors were unanimous, and that the letters of recommendation and certificates read from Sir William Hooker, Mr. Smith (the late Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew), &c., were highly satisfactory. A letter was read from one of the Directors, who had been waited on with a proposal that a deputation from the local nurserymen and gardeners should attend on the Directors to express a wish that Mr. Fergu- son would be appointed. This is a strong evidence of the good feeling entertained towards him; and with every good supporter of the gardens the hope is strong that under his management and with increased finances they will go on and prosper. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. ContTINvE to plant out winter and spring vegetables wherever there is room. Cabbages, another sowing of the different kinds may be made for spring planting, and like wise of hardy Cos and Cabbage Lettuces, selecting a similar spot for the seed-beds as recommended for Cauliflowers. Cauliflowers, towards the end of the week the principal spring crop of Cauliflowers and Walcheren Broccoli should be sown. Sow thinly in an open place and not on too rich a soil, or the plants will become gross and less capable of standing the winter. Endive, plant out: where the ground is wet this crop should be planted on raised slopes facing the south, 134 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { August 16, 1864, to prevent damping in wet weather. This really valuable winter vegetable should find its way into every garden for culinary use, independent of its value as a salad plant. Onions, pull them up directly they show indications of ripen- ing, and expose the bulbs to the sun to ripen them. Parsley, thin out and cut down a portion of the spring-sown, that a fresh growth may be made before the winter. A portion of the thinnings should be potted in twelve-inch pots for re-* moving to frames in the winter. Radish, sow succession crops of the white and red Turnip Radish. Shallots, take up, and also Garlic for drying. As soon as a sufficient quantity of droppings is ready, proceed to make a bed for Mushrooms. FRUIT GARDEN. ; : The present is one of the most important periods of the whole year as to giving due attention to fruit trees. The autumn will soon approach, the solar light become much diminished, and the soil will be perhaps saturated by the autumm rains: it will then be too late to talk of the benefits of light to trained fruit trees. All tender fruit trees which are trained will now be benefited by stopping the growing shoots. Any amount of control may be exercised over the roots ky such means. Of what use is the excitement of so late a root-action as we frequently see encouraged by means of enriched soils and the neglect of stopping? In looking over Peaches and Nectarines it will be found that many of the shoots which were deemed necessary and nailed in for succeeding crops will begin to overlap each other; many of these are stopped at this period. Pears, too, whatever super- fluous shoots may have been retained, with the idea of pre- venting the blossom of next year from breaking, should now be well shortened back sufficiently to admit the sun’s rays with freedom. The stumps cut back (each carrying three or four efficient leaves), will assist in producing elaborated matter both to feed the fruit and to invigorate the embryo blossom-buds, now actively engaged in depositing food for a healthy development in the ensuing spring. FLOWER GARDEN. Hollyhocks, Dahlias, and herbaceous plants must be made safe from the effects of high winds by securely fastening them to their supports. The like attention should be paid to climbing plants against walls and trellises, standard Roses, &c. There is an appearance of negligence when plants are seen blown about by the wind, which should by all means be avoided. Remove daily dead leaves, withered blooms, and litter, and frequently sweep and mow grass, that a clean and well-kept appearance may be preserved. The general pruning of evergreen shrubs should now take place; reducing straggling growth within proper bounds, but avoid giving them anything of a formal character; the object is to assist not deform nature, and the general characteristics of each plant should be as much as possible preserved. The ease is different in pruning shrubs used as architectural em- bellishments, which will require trimming into the precise figure wanted. At this season many florists divide and repot their Auriculas and Polyanthuses, that both young and old plants may be established before winter. Avoid exciting composts, stimulants are only applied when the plants are growing. Take care that newly-planted beds of Pinks and Pansies do not suffer from drought. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. The usual quantity for a season’s supply of the soil used in potting, should be laid in as soon as possible, and before the ground is sodden with the autumn rains, for even turfy soil should not be carted and stacked up when satu- rated with water. The soil should be neatly put up in narrow ridges so as to be safe from wet, and it should be ex- posed as much as possible to the action of the air. As success in plant-growing very much depends upon having suitable soil for potting, no trouble or expense that may be necessary to procure this should be spared, when well-grown specimens are expected. Loam of moderately good quality may be obtained in most neighbourhoods; but good peat is not obtained in many localities. This is absolutely necessary, however, for the growth of choice hardwooded plants, and should be procured at the proper season, so as to have it in a fit state for use when wanted. Stove plants flowering in the conservatory will require attention to prevent their weather, carefully picking off decayed flowers, &c. Any of the twiners on the roof which have done flowering may be thinned out, so as to prevent shading the house too much, for after this season permanent shade should be avoided as much as possible. In mixed greenhouses look well after winter-flowering plants of a common character, such as Cine- rarias, Verbenas, scarlet Pelargoniums, Heliotropes, Roses, &e. Cinerarias must now be potted off, whether from seed or from suckers; Chinese Primroses also, giving the last shift to those intended to bloom in November and lGecember. Scarlet Pelargoniums to bloom well should be rather pot- bound. STOVE. Continue to top up the late growth of Orchids, and to keep the plants at the warm end of the house. Give air liberally in the early part of the day, and on very fine mornings syringe occasionally the whole of the stock. A little fire heat must be kept up, if only to insure a proper circulation of aix. COLD PITS. Young stock intended to fower next season should be ex- posed to the midday sun, in order to ripen the wood, taking care not to do this so rashly as to injure the foliage. This, however, will only be proper in the case of such things as have already made plenty of young wood, but it is advisable after this season to anticipate the approach of winter, and to use every possible means to forward the growth of valuable hardwooded plants in order that it may be somewhat firm and able to resist damp. W. KEANE. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. EITCHEN GARDEN. For.calender references of what should be done, we beg our readers to refer to Mr. Keane’s judicious advice for the last, and no doubt also for the present week. We have little to say, because we have done nothing but help to keep things going on as they were, being but too glad if they were not going backward. On Tuesday morning and during the day we had a nice refreshing rain, which though it did not do much to moisten the earth, cleaned the foliage, and swelled out the stems. We should have liked more rain, as it scarcely told upon our reservoirs, but we were thankful for what did come. The whole appearance of vegetation was changed as if by magic. The birds sang with their sweetest notes, and the blackbirds and thrushes for some dozen or twenty hours, showed by their comparative absence that they could be independent of our fruit, and of ourselves like- wise. Swallows that a few hours previously were soaring almost out of sight, actually came on the lawn to enjoy the damp herbage, and straddled across it in seach of insects, much as a water wagtail would have done. We felt that we could have beaten.a hulking fellow lately, for il-using some wagtails, one of our best friends, and also one of the most beautiful of British birds. We have noticed of late great numbers of swallows clustering on the roofs of con- servatories, the ridges of houses, &c., as they generally do in the end of September. We presume the excessive drought has lessened the supply of insects for food. On Wednesday the morning came cool and chilly, but the rising barometer and the brightening sun told us the rain was over, and inculcated the necessity of being equally careful as to water. Since then the fierce sun and scorching wind has evaporated most of the moisture that the dried earth drank in so pleasantly on Tuesday. We can only hope that the drought this time will be of shorter continuance. If no rain fall winter Onions and Spinach should be sown, and left for the rain to bring them up. It is of less use sowing Turnips, Radishes, and Lettuces, unless they can be watered or shaded, as the hungry birds would have all the seed before it came above ground. Lettuces and Endive should be planted out where there is any water to give them. We have, as yet, a good supply of the former from shady places. We have given additional shading by branches of trees to our Celery, as we could not water, and mulched the sides of the rows of Peas to help to keep them green. Cleared off some Peas that had ripened before their allotted being injured by damp, especially Achimenes, and Clero- } time, and had left others standing, though not attractive by dendrons, which should be gone over every day in cloudy } their partly withered appearance, because they acted as ai ae - will further help these buds farther back. It is a good plan August 16, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 135 shade to crops of Cauliflower between them. Kept the Dutch hoe going amongst most growing crops, less for the purpose of killing any young weeds than to secure a fresh- stirred surface to keep heat out and moisture in. FRUIT GARDEN. Strawberries in pots had the incipient runners taken off | and the pots attended to in watering as well as we could. Gave a soaking of sewage water to the late Vine-border, as the berries were beginning to colour too soon from the heat and the dryness at the roots. Should have liked to have | done the same to Peaches and Apricots out of doors, as some of the latter are dropping before they are ripe from dryness. Have great difficulty in getting a little clean water to syringe the trees in the orchard-house ; and the water-scarcity tells | much against trees in pots heavily laden. The rains of Tuesday having washed most of the sprinkling of whitened water from the glass, we renewed it again on Thursday, to arrest rapid evaporation. The fruit is ripening faster than we wished, and faster than it would have done had there been plenty of water to give. With abundance of water we would not have shaded the glass. It has now become our last means of safety. We have also slightly sprinkled the glass of our late vinery with a similar object. This would have been still more necessary if we had removed laterals freely. We had’some Grapes sent us to look at the other day which had been parched into a brick-red colour by a too free removal of laterals and leaves, and, perhaps, keeping the enclosed atmosphere rather close and warm, the bunches being thus exposed unprotected to tke fierce sun. In some of the hottest days we sprinkled the floors of vineries slightly from a syringe, just to moisten the air a little. The sprinkling with whitened water on the glass is done by colouring, say four gallons of water with as much as a small walnut or hazel nut of whitening. A large space may be dusted from the syringe in a few minutes, and if not thick enough the dose may be repeated. The first shower will take it off, and that just suits this temporary shading. In hot windy days we can thus do with less air, and, there- fore, the plants are less dried, a matter. of importance only where water is scarce. Some fruit trees that were showing signs of distress we have mulched round as a substitute for watering. In such continued dryness, and no means of watering, the plants are induced to send their rootlets down in search of moisture, and if this is not remedied afterwards by replant- ing or root-pruning, there will be a tendency to produce luxuriant unripened, instead of short stumpy wood. Any means that will keep or entice the roots near the surface will thus be of importance for securing fruitfulness. Went over most of the trees in orchard-house, shortening, nipping, and removing extra shoots, and cutting in half, or taking away altogether any leaves that shaded the fruit too much, as though Grapes are better of a little leaf shade, Peaches, Plums, and stone fruit generally are best when the fruit is pretty well exposed when ripening. Hoed all fruit-borders to keep an open surface. Run the ‘rake along any open spaces in the orchard-house for a similar purpose, and to promote neatness, as all places under glass ought to be very neat and clean. Weeds or filth there are next to unpardonable, even though cleanliness were not as essential to the health of plants, as to the well-doing of animals. Went over most of the dwarf fruit trees out of doors, gave them a second stopping, and thinned the shoots. Apples and Pears that were stopped early, are, in many cases, showing fine prominent buds on the parts stopped, and the short fresh growth has been again stopped, which to do the greater part of the pruning of fruit trees now, and to leave no more wood than will be necessary next season, so that more air and sun may act on that which is left. A little finishing up, and removing exhausted wood, but which is now bearing, as in the case of Peaches, &c., should be the chief things reserved for winter and spring pruning. We have been obliged to whiten all the glass of frames and pits, where Cucumbers, Melons, and even plants where gTow- ing, in order to lessen as much as possible the necessity for watering, This also rendered less air necessary. In such weather, Melons, &e., grown in hotbeds will generally need less water than those in places heated by hot water. The surface soil should be kept open to lessen evaporation. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Kept the floors of stove-house as damp as we could. Our washed gravel above the tiles of the floor has greatly helped us here. Gave a little manure water to Stanhopeas, which were blooming freely, to increase the size of the blooms, and kept potting young stock of Euphorbias, Poinsettias, &e. Fresh regulated conservatory, and took in more Begonias, Coleus, and Scarlet Geraniums. LEpacrises, and winter Heaths should now have more sun to ripen the wood, but the pots had better be protected from the fierceness of the sun’s rays, as, if the pots are full of roots, these are apt to be burned when close to the sides of the pot. Care should also be taken to moisten the whole ball when watering. Even our favourite resource of ringing the sides of the pot will not prove an unerring guide in this respect. If watering has gone on for some time. and the ball has not been thoroughly moistened to the centre, the dry part there will keep on increasing until it will at last repel water like the feathers on a duck’s wing, and what water is given will under these circumstances chiefly escape by the sides of the pot, and if damp there, on ringing it, the pot will emit a dull sound as if all the ball were wet. The weight of the pot will be the next test; but in all cases of doubt it is best to perforate the centre of the ball with a small wire, and then water, or plunge the pot for an hour over the brim in a pail of water. Many a fine plant has thus been saved that otherwise would have dwindled away untilit went to the rubbish-heap. When flagging in an established plant takes place, notwithstand- ing repeated waterings, it may almost be certain that the ball is dry at the centre. We say established advisedly, because young plants will often fag when wet enough, be- cause the roots have not had time to supply moisture to meet the demands of evaporation. A syringing or a shading in their case will often be of more importance than watering at the roots. But in the case of old-established plants which common watering fails to aid, the placing them in a tub of water for half an hour or more will often prove a sovereign remedy. Removed lots of Gloxinias, Achimenes, &c., to pits, frames, and sheds to ripen their tubers and bulbs, and gave all the light and heat possible without artificial heat to the Ama- ryllis tribe for a similar purpose, and plenty of water until the leaves began to change colour. Free growth in summer, and rest in autumn and winter, are what suit most of these beautiful hybrids. In contradistinction to the general run of plants, most of the succulent plants, and especially the larger Cacti, can now scarcely have too much sun, and too little water, pro- vided the shoots and stems are just kept plump. The best place for these in August and September, is the south front of a wall or fence, where the sun will play freely on them, and if rains are anticipated it would be well to have tiles or slates placed over the pots, to throw heavy rains off them. Little water at the roots will now be wanted, provided the _stems do not shrivel, and then next spring and summer there will be sure to be abundance of bloom. Such succulents are pretty well dried up in the dry season in their tropical or next to tropical homes, and the natural conditions in which they bloom most profusely present us with the key to their successful culture. We have begun propagating for next season, commencing with Verbenas. For reasons already stated, we will not do much with Geraniums until a week or two have passed. These Verbenas, owing to the great heat, and the little or no watering they have received, have some fly and thrips on them, and the cuttings when made were well washed, by pulling them repeatedly through a wash made of 4 ozs. of tobacco, and as much Quassia chips boiled in a gallon of water, and then the water strained off. The cuttings were allowed to lie in heaps after this washing for half an hour or so, and then were washed again in a vessel of clear water, and shortly afterwards dibbed into pots. We hope by this means to escape future trouble, as Verbenas with thrips or fly on them are a constant source of annoyance, and a little trouble now may save no end of work afterwards. The cutting-pots along with Petunias, &c., are placed on the ground, and covered by a frame, with the high side to the 136 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { August 16, 1864, south. We shall be sorry to give them any artificial heat. It may be wanted with late-struck plants. The rain of Tuesday just saved our flower-beds for a little longer display. As stated last week, we never saw Gera- | niums much better, the drought, as yet, has affected them but little. Calceolarias that were never finer are again showing signs of distress, and we presume we shall be able to give them no help, as water for cattle, let alone plants, is now becoming a serious consideration. We find there was | a mistake in printing last week, when the lawn is spoken of as getting “green.” It should have been “brown.” But for this brownness we question if the principal parts of the flower garden ever looked better. Visitors have ex- pressed their astonishment at such masses of bloom in such drought, and with little or no watering. We cannot expect it to last much longer, as we fear anything like watering is entirely out of the question. Already Calceolarias are drooping, and we fear that dwarf and tall Dahlias, indepen- | dently of mulching, must go to the wall, and, unless a soak- ing rain comes, we must be satisfied if we can save the roots. We mention these facts because already gardeners situated | we are certain they are worse thun use as we are are being found fault with because vegetables are becoming hard, and flower-beds decaying, and fruit falling before it comes to perfection. ail other palliatives are taken to lessen the consequent evils, we say, advisedly, that the gardener who does what is possible ought not to be blamed if he cannot accomplish the impossible. That our beds and borders have continued fair up to the present time we attribute to the surface- stirring having prevented cracks and extra evaporation : to giving the little water that could be spared exactly on the principles detailed in a late article on watering, and, perhaps more especially, not to any richness in the soil, but to deep stirring and pulverisation before planting.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Avetst 13. The supply is well kept up both from home and abroad. Grapes, and Peaches, are plentiful, cheap, and good. Raspbe; very scarce, and of Lemons there is a very short supply, consequently they have made @ great advance in price. Imports from abroad continue heavy, and comprise Greengage and other Plums, Apricots, Fontainbleau Grapes, Apples, and Pears, in abundance. Morellos are the only Cherries now to be had, and Strawberries are over. : Pine Apples, Tries are now FRUIT. sds. da sd. s. d Apples.... 1 Otol 6) Mulberries 0 Gtol 0 Apricots 1 0 3 0} Nectarines 2 6 10)0 10:0 Cherries 0 6 1 6) Oranges.. 10012 0 20 0 Currants, 2 0 4 0} Peaches . doz. $8 0 12 0 é Black - do. 4 0 5 O| Pears (kitchen)...bush. 0 0 0 0 Figs - doz. 2 0 3 0 dessert .. doz, 2 0 3 0 Filoerts & Nuts perlb. 0 9 0 0 | Pine Apples 3.0 5 0 Gooseberries....3sieve 1 0 3 0} Plums. 20 40 Grapes, Hamburghslb. 1 6 4 0 Quinces 00 00 Muscats.. 3 0 6 GO} Raspberries............ 1 Oe SEG Lemons .. 10 0 14 0) Strawberries OF Ob Omn0 Melons ... 1 6 5 0! Waluuts.............bush.14 @ 20 0 VEGETABLES. 8. d. s. d s.d. 3.4 0 4to0 6! Leeks 0 4to0 6 0 0 O 0} Lettuce... score 0 9 1 6 2 6 0 0O| Mushrooms pottle 10 2 0 2 0 3 O| Mustd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 0 4 1 0 3 0} Onions ...........bunch 0 4 0 6 0000 pickling ......quart 0 6 0 8 0 0 O 0} Parsley ...doz. bunches 2 0 4 0 Cabbage ...... doz, 0 9 1 6°! Parsnips O OG Capsicums 100 3 0 5 0 EEO Gest 5 16 Carrots ....., bunch 0 5 O 8 70 00 Caulidower 30 6 0 00 00 LON 2 0 00 00 0 6 1 O} Rhubarb 0000 0 0 OQ 0} Sayoys .. 0o0 00 1 3 2 6) Sea-kale 00.00 0 3 90 0} Spinach.. Ore \O 0 8 O 0| Tomatoes OM SIO, : 0 3 0 0O| Purnips ... 04 06 Horseradish ... bundle 1 6 4 0) VegetableMarrowsdoz. 1 0 2 0 TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED. Ferdinand Gloede, aux Sablons, near Moret-sur-Loing earmagga pe eence List of New and Beautiful Straw- If water cannot be had, and | ; by being taken up, potted, and placed under glass. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the - same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. A Belay questions must remain unanswered until next week. CaLapiums (J. Powell.) —Tnose you mention were imported from Para. Wier Nettine ror ProrectrnG Fruir Trees (W. F.).—We have no doubt that such a contrivance as that you name will answer admirably for protecting the fruit from birds. but as for protecting the blossom from frosts Tho wire, as you surmise, will to prevent injary from spring have to be covered with’ canvass or tiff. frosts, and wasps cannot be kept away by wire netting with half-inch meshes. The fruit we think will not be improved in flavour by being grown in a wire cage, nor will the appearance b2 improved by the drip from the rusted iron. Used to preserve the buds in spring, and the fruit in summer, we have no doubt that they will answer admirably, in‘other respects we do not perceive their utility. AmananTuus (Q. Q.).—We do not recognise the Amaranthus by the leaves, which only appear to be those of a small-leaved variety of the Amaranthus melancholicus ruber. As it has grown so freely, and is so bright in colour, we should certainly save seeds of it, and try it another year. As it doe: so well outside, we do not think it would seed any better Having one in a pot place it in a light situation in a vinery, or rather warm greenhouse, and it will seed more surely than ifkeptin a hothouse. Our Amaranthus melan- cholicus ruber seeds very freely ina greenhouse. If your plant is a better grower than the Amaranthus melaucholicus ruber, of which it is probably 2 variety, if will be a valuable addition to our list of ornamental-foliaged bedding plants. Itis usual for the Amaranthus to have the foliage almost green when grown in a strong heat, and partial shade; but the colour becomes brighter when the plants are exposed to the fall infiaence of hght. Raistnc Fess rrom Spores (Ruby).—Provide a bell-glass—say one of 6 or 7 inches in diemeter, and a pot large enough to allow the glass to go about half an inch into the inside of it. Put a large crock or pieze of pot over the hole in the pot, and on this place smaller pieces so as to fill the pot to one-haifits depth. A layer of moss or the rougher parts of the cempost sbould then be placed over the drainage, after which fill the pot to the rim with a compost of turfy peat, with a little sand intermixed. Gently press it down, leaving the soil slightly elevated in the centre of the pot. Water with a rose watering-pot, and place the pnt in a saucer of water, which should never be allowe.l to become empty afterwards. Whilst the surface of the soil is wet with the watering, brush the spores of the frond on to the soil with the hand, and when this is done put on the bell-glass. The pot should be kept in a moderately shaded and moist part of the greenhouse. The surface of the soil must be kept constantly moist, which it will be if the saucer be kept full of water, and the bell-glass constantly over the pot. If, however, it become dry, a gentle sprinkliag of water should be given through a very fine rose. When the seedlings app2ar the bell-glass may be tilted a little on one side by placing a smalt stone under the edge. After the seedlings gain strength they should be gradually exposed by removing the bell-glass by degrees, and potted singly when of sufficient strengh. You will only succeed in raising the hardier greenhouse species in a greenhouse 5 for the hardy kinds, however, it will answer admirably. Vines FoR A Coot Vineey (7dem).—For 2 cool house you cannot have a better Grape than the Black Hamburgh. Plant two Black Hamburghs, two Victoria Hamburghs, one Royal Muscaidine, and one Buckland Sweet- water. We do not perezive any insect on the Vine leaf; but we noticed those appearances usually presented by leaves infested with red spider. It is also scorched, probably by water standing on it, and for want of air early. If you notice a very small reddish-looking insect on the under side of the leaves, syringe forcibly twic2 daily with water, but if the Grapes are ripen- ing, or ripe, light a gentle fire, and sprinkle a little sulphur upon the heated surface, putting it on wet The Nasturtium is certainly very curious, the flower especially, but without seeing the plant we are not able to forma proper opinion of its merits. Asa curiosity it is worth preserving, and if you have no objection you may send usa few seeds, and we will prove the plant, and let you kncv the result. Witp Prantrs Cortore (A. G.).—You will be most likely to succeed with these by providing the same conditions artificially as those in which the plants are found to thrive best naturally. Make the soil as nearly as possible like that in which the plants have been growing; and the situation, whether open, sheltered, exposed to the sun, or shaded, and other circam- stances, should likewise be taken into account. Most native plants will grow in moderately light loam two-thirds, and leaf mould one-third. Some require a different compost, but we cannot name them without going over the whole of the British Flora. The plants should be taken up whilst in a state of rest, or just on the point of starting into growth, and replanted in their new quarters, due regard being paid to shading and watering them until they become established. Taken as a whole, their treatment does not differ from that of hardy plants generally. An addition of rich soil or Manure will assist them, but it must not be given in excess. Various (G. H. Green).—The idea that Peas and Beans grow the “ con- trary way in the pod in leap year” is preposterous. We do not know when Father Gavazzi Pansy was sent out. WHITTLESEY’s Locomotive SEaT.—We have received several inquirie where this can be purchased. Car any of our correspondents say where? —— -_” ————eEeEeEeEeEeEeEeE— | a ben August 15, 1864. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 137 Swaxe Cucumeer not Serine Frurt (Lex).—We think you do not admit sufficient air, and the plants grow quickly and weak. Give air at 75°, and impregnate the blossoms, and we think they will then fruit freely. The plants should have all the light practicable, and the blossoms must be kept ary whilst they are open. The temperature should not be lower than 60° at night. Por Roses not Bioomwme—Cocoa-nor Fern Basxers (J. J. J.).—You say your Roses have not been standing out on ashes for the last six weeks. We can only say they ought to have been, and likewise plunged up to the rim in the ashes to preserve the roots from the burning sun. Pot the plants in the beginning of September, and prune them when the buds begin to swell after taking into the house. If the Epacrises were shortened in the spring after blooming, the shoots will need but little shortening now. What is done now must be confined to shortening the irregular growths. Mignonctte in pots is usually poor and wiry after the first blooming is rast, and the plants kept over summer in a greenhouse are the same, which we think is stated in the article to which you allude. It is not uecessary to drill any holes in the cocoa-nut shells, except to hang them up by, but a hole may be made at the bottom to let water escape, yet water can pass throngh the husk, which is different from the shell, The husks contain the fibre so entensively employed for ropes, mats, brushes, &c. Grenraniums 1x Pors anpD PLantep Our (Inquirer).— Your Geranium, judging from the leaf and flower enclosed, is probably Princess of Prussia, which it much resembles. We are not, however, sure about it, for we did not observe the zone on the leaf, which is always faint; neither is it possible to name Geraniums by a flower or two and aleaf. It is necessary to see the plant to be able to speak decidedly. Geraniums have suffered much this year. like everything else, from the long drought, and yours would suffer more by being in pots. Probably the manure water has been applied in too powerful doses, which is prejudicial, and in any state not preferable to rain water for watering Geraniums in beds. Unless the ground is wet and rich we like to plant Geraniums out of the pots, but in rich soils we prefer them in pots, as their luxuriance is then, to a great extent, restrained. and they flower more profusely. In light soils. however, they are better planted out. If anythins, the plants take up best when plunged in pots, and are kept over the winter with greater certainty than when planted out and taken up and potted. There is, however, no danger to be apprehended by either plan. Vines OLD anp Nectectep (H. F., Bristol).—A work will shortly be published at our office, which we think will suit you, and if you are in need of farther assistance we shall be glad to afford it. Without a personal inspection, or full particulars of the condition of the Vines, we are unable | to advise you at present. Flowers of sulphur and flour of sulphur are the same. CarnoT Gruss (Bristul).—The larve which Lave devoured the young Carrots are the surface grubs of caterpillars of the Heart and Dart Moth Agrotis segetum. ‘hey are this year extremely abundant, and very injur- ious. Hand-picking, in the manner described above, is the best remedy. Rarsinc Water (Short of Water).—If the difference of level between he river and the bottom of the piston of an ordinary pump, notwithstand- ing the distance of the latter from the river, be no more than 23 feet, we should think that water would be raised. Theoretically the pressure cf the atmosphere is equal to supporting a column of water 33 feet in height, but practically it is found that ordinary pumps do not work well when the water has to be raised more than 25 feet on account of its friction in the pipes, anda perfect vacuum not being secured. With such a length of pipe as would be necessary in your case the friction would be great, and the pump, consequently, if it did act would be hard to work. If you could not use a force pump you might construct a cistern into which the water might be pumped with ease from the river, and thence by another pump into the garden. La ConsTaANtTE STRAWBERRY.—In answer to ‘“‘ Hugh Bowditch,” and seyeral other inquirers, we can only refer them to our advertising columns. We cannot deviate from our rule of not recommending one nurseryman in preference to znother. . Minpew on Cccuxsers (Bert).—The white spots on the leaf of your Cucumbers are, no doubt, mildew, which often, uay almost always, appears in the autumn. If the plants are otherwise healthy, a partial thinning of the vines and covering the ground with fine fresh leafy or turfy mould, and then giving a good watering with liquid manure, will, in general, encourage a fresh growth, and the rapid progress of the disease will be arrested; but it is next to an impossibility to ward it off long, for sooner or later in autumn it will make its appearance and the plant will succumb to it. Croppine Grouxp Arrer PotarToes (Bert).—You may sti!l plant some Broccoli in addition tv the Greens that you say are in, or you may sow a good width with Turnips. Spinach also may be sown as late as the lst of Sep- tember if that vegetable be thought likely to be wanted, while a portion of the ground, or some other piece, ought to be prepared for early Cabbages, and a bed of autumn Onions ought to be sown in the third week of August; in Tact there are so many ways of occupying ground that we can hardly point out any one in particular better than the rest. If you expect to meet witha market for the produce, and the situation is a sheltered one, a large breadth might be planted with Parsley from +eedling plants raised in April, or any- thing else likely to insure a goodreturn. We would not advise any crop, especially for pig-feeding, rather let those animal come in for their share after their superiors have been served. Some notes on pig-keeping will pro- bably appear in our pages shortly. a Market GarpENinG In NorFOLK (LZ. R.).—We fear we cannot give you much encouragement to start with so small a capital as you possess, espe- cially as your experience is not very great; but if you could obtain work for a time in one of the market gardens around London, you would there see the mode by which the best vegetables in the world are grown, and, we need hardly add, profitably too. We think you had netter visit some of those neighbourhoods where really good market gardeniog is practised, and obtain work at one, if even at nominal wages, so as to obtain expe- vieace. Most likely it will be necessary to modify this in practice in another locality, still the information so gained is invaluable, and cannot well be obtained by other means. Should you, however, prefer trying without such experience, we would advise you not to attempt to grow too much variety, but rather to aim at producing something (whatever it may be) well, so as to gain a reputation for it, and, thereby, a position, and it will be easy to Tegniate your operations afterwards. Raspsernrirs (X. ¥. Z.).—We think your soil must be too dry for this fruit, which requires a rather moist cool soil; but by deep trenching and removing some of the gravelly subsoil, and replacing it with soi! of a stiffer nature, you have done the best you can to improve it, and a good watering once or twice will be of service during the summer. The fruit you sent was smali, and would appear to have suffered from dryness. We should think the variety is the Red Antwerp, but it is difficult to say without seeing it growing. Water Meton Cotture (A. H.).—They require about the same treat- ment as is usually given to Melons, both as regards heat and watering. The fruit itself will tell you when it is ripe. Harpy Beppine Prants (W. J. WV.).—All the plants named in No. 175 are in cultivation, and may be had through any of the large nurserymen. The best time to obtain a stock is now or inthe spring. Cuttings of Rho- dodendrons may be inserted in turfy sandy peat, with one-sixth of silver sand added. Diecine Rounp NEWLY-PLANTED Pinvsss (J. R.).—This is oaly necessary when it is desired to move them a year or two after the date of the opera- tion. This insures their removal with a ball, and with greater safety. Unless you contemplate removing them a year hence, it is well to let them alone; for, by doing as suggested to you, you will check growth for a year or two, and that without serving any good purpose. The idea of planting cut-down Pelargoniums in flower-beds is preposterous. They should be cut down, certainly, but not plunged, nor otherwise placed, in flower-beds. Such matters are best left to your gardener, who, it seems, is much ahead of the engineer in garden matters. MvcsHroom-Bep Our or Dooxs (Devonshire).—It should be protected from wet completely, or nearly so, though a gentle shower would not injure the bed after the spawn hasrunthrough it. It is necessary, how- ever, to keep it dry whilst the spawn is running, and protected from cold and heavy rains afterwards, for sach destroy the spawn and young Mush- rooms. For general usefulness there isno better Strawberry than Keens? Seedling, and it will do moderately well on the aspect named. We think **Henfrey’s Rudiments of Botany” would suit you. PropaGaTING Manetti Rose For Srocks (An, Amateur).—Cuttings of this root freely, if inserted in good soil in the open borders towards the end of October or beginning of November. .Cuttings of 6 inches in length will root in this way most freely, taking out the eyes on that part of the cutting which is inserted in the soil—that is, for about two-thirds of the length. GRaPEs nNoT CoLourtne (A Subscriber).—We think the main cause of the Grapes not colouring is their carrying too heavy a crop. Twenty bunches are sufficient for a healthy Vine to carry on an ordinary length of rafter. We are also persuaded that bedding plants on Vine-borders, in anything like numbers, are out of place, and do more harm to the Vines than the pleasure derived from them warrants. When there is a heavy crop, Grapes are longer in colouring. To prove this to you, we may instance that we have a house in which the Grapes are just now ripe. Most of them began colouring on the lst of July; and the Vines have borne, on. an average, twenty-one bunches each, except two, which have respectively forty-four and twenty-eight upon them. Now, on the Vines bearing twenty-one bunches the berries were as black as jet in eighteen days (July 19th); on that with tweuty-eight bunches, in twenty-four days; and in the case of that with forty-four they are scarcely black now, but sufficiently so to. enable us to know that they will be very fine after all, as some of the bunches will weigh over 3lbs. They are all Black Hamburgh. We leave you to draw your own conclusions. Borter Sertine (C. Z.).—We do not comprehend what is meant by a division in the middle of a saddle-boiler, enabling you to have fire only over half the length of the boiler, unless it be that the first half is arched over the fire, and the other flued, or the saddle broken by a bar at the bottom, as you represent it, which will leave a flue through one-half of the boiler, by which the smoke must pass to the other end. If once the smoke ascends it is nob practicable to bring it lower than it rises in the first instance. You cannot, therefore, cause it to pass along a flue on both sides of the boiler below the level of the top of the furnace, though you may do so if not below that level, and thence take it over the boiler to the chimney. Your boiler, if properly set, which any one accustomed to such work will easily do, and if the most is made of its heating powers, will heat 800 to 1000 feet of tour-inch piping. Wie Stanp ror Winrow (Z£. D.).—You will have room for three rows of six-inch pots if if be 2 feet wide, which, we presume, itis; but if not more than 1 foot, two rows of 44 inches will be ample. A zine pan, to fif into the bottom of the stand, would be preferable to a number of pot- saucers. You may secure the pots by packing them tightly with moss, which will protect the pots from drying winds, which are so injurious to the roots of the plants. They may further be secured by fastening them with small wires across the stand, and crossed the other way. No equinoce tial gales can then move them. Weare glad to hear that you have suc= ceeded so well with Grapes in glass frames; and we think, with you, that they would be better 1S inches wide, the shape being immaterial whether it be square or triangular. The small snails must be enclosed when the tiffany bags are put on, either as eggs or otherwise, or they could not possibly pass through afterwards. Oiled paper bags are a novelty, and no doubt would answer perfectly, as they will admit a certain amount of light 5 and air might be admitted to the Grapes by piercing hoies in the paper with apin. If not well dried before put on they would communicate an un- pleasant flayour to the Grapes. The Daphne odora rubra has done well, and may have been killed by the Jasmine roots robbing it of support, and the drip of its foliage. Ceanothus rigidus should be pruned when it has done blooming, and may then be cut in close, The young shoots should be trained-in without stopping. PRESERVING ARTICHOKES—REMovine Asparagus (D. MW. Gregor).— Artichokes may be preserved for a considerable timeif cut with 6 or 8 inches of stalk attached, and this be stuck in damp sand in the root-cellar. Every three or four days a piece should be cut off the end of the stalk. If you take up old roots of Asparagus they are next to worthless after replanting. We would make new beds in autumn, and plant them with plants two or three years old in the end of March or beginning of April. pee Trrpotr Grare (4 Constant Reader).—lt is the same as Frank~- enthal. Harpy Hearus (An Old Subscriber).—We presume the sand and coals are merely intended as plunging materials. 138 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 16, 1804, Heatine 4 Vinery (D. P. B.).—If we understand youa-right, your house, 90 feet Jong, is not built.on the level, but on the slope, of the ground, and that the difference in direct level, from the one end to the other, is § feet. If so you must piace your boiler at the lowest end, and allow your pipes to rise to the other end just as your ground slopes. You need no particular boiler. You will need an open cistern, higher than the pipes, at the farther end, er else an open air-pipe there. Fill the boiler and pipes, and light your fire, and you will find that the rise of the pipes will cause the circulation to be more rapid. For keeping out frost two four-inch pipes would do. For early forcing you would need three or fonr pipes. Of these we would only have one return, and the other tlows; and they may all be on the same level, except where they issue from and join the boiler, the fluw proceeding from the top, and the return going to the bottom of the boiler. VEGETABLES RUNNING TO SEED (A Subscriber).—If you read ‘* Doings of the Last Week,” you will most likely find out the reason—namely, hot weather and deficiency of water. Many times such plants are starved in the seed-beds, and are likely to bolt, after planting, even though you can give them water. When plants cannot grow freely, so as to make leaves and leaf-buds, in self defence they resolve to perpetuate their kind by throwing up flower-stems and buds. Kitchen and FLowrer GarpEnine (A Constant Reader). — Reading, without practice, will never make you a gardener. You should place your- self under the tuiiion of some competent person before you veature to manage an esta’alishment for yourself. ORCHARD-HOUSE PEACHES FAILING—EVERGREEN Cympers (W. L.).— Perhaps the wood of the Peach trees was imperfectly ripened. Are you sure the roots were not too dry when the tops were in bloom? The heat from the flue will do good in autumn. ‘The various Ivies would look well against suck a wall. and so would the Magnolias, if you are warm enough, and would wait for them to grow. Booxs (A Clifton Subscriber).—A new edition of the ‘‘ Fruit Manual” willappear ere long, but we cannet yet say when. (JZ. #.).—The ‘ Cottage Gardeners’ Dictionary’ gives directions for the management of stove and greenhouse piants. For fullinstructions on the management of particular species, consult the pages of this Journal and the “ Florist and Pomologist.” There is no special work on the subject which is up to the times. Names or Fruit (J. F. V.)—Your Gooseberries were too much bruised for determination, but they appeared to be Crown Bob. Names OF Puants.—Although happy to oblige our correspondents when- ever possible, they often send such miserable scraps as to render the deter- mination of the species very difficult, if not impossible. (S. A. P.).—No. 5, Zebrina pendula, named last week, is better known as Cyanotis vittata, (2. Selby, Birmingham).—A Portulacaceous plant, but it is impossible to determine its name without a proper specimen in flower. (ff L.j.— Stuartia pentagynia; Cladrastris tinctoria is a native of Kentucky and Tennes- see. (Chemicus).—Both Todea pellucida and Lomaria falcata are exotic Ferns, the former being from New Zealand and the latter from Tasmania. As far as we can judge from the immature frond sent, the latter is correctly named. (Nos a Dolez).—The Aloe, we presume, is A. americana var. variegata, but it (Continued from page 118.) Arter the steady and anxious have left the town, the streets and show-yard are occupied by a different class. Shops are closed, and the young men swell the numbers of spectators ; the country people after a certain time are ad- mitted gratis, and then begins the hurry of the show-yard. It is half-past four, and it closes at six. The band of the 200th is fagged, or, as a matter-of-fact countryman said, “tired of too-too-rooing.’ The real middle-class agricul- tural element has disappeared, and Sponge’s Ldvior, the country-town swell, has taken the place—no improvement. The hearty quarrels of the herdsmen, many under the in- fluence of John Barleycorn, come quite refreshing on the ear. They do not go the length of the two-year-olds and three-year-olds in Ireland, but they are very pretty little feuds as they stand. “Giles woant tell all as he cood about that whoite bull as has fust, but he cood an he wood;” and Tummas answers, “Speak up, and speak out mun; ye’ve been telling all you knows for years, and you’s thinner, and yer children wuss fed.” Then Giles whispers to fwo or three, and they all inspect the white bull, and many shake their heads; and then one points to a particular mark, and Tummas sees it, and says, “I knows he’s bad there, and he looks older, but he yaint.’ Then there’s a sort of murmur- ing, and one of the young men from the town comes up with friends, or, as “Immortal Will” has it, “ accompanied ;” and after knowingly handling the bull (we got sadly kicked at that exercise once), he says, with a grave air, and all the aplomb of an authority, “A first-prize bull should, like Cesar’s wife, be above suspicion.” “Gie us your hand,” says Giles, but our townsman is wise, and had “skedaddled”’ as soon as he delivered himself of the oracle. ‘‘ What did’n say?” says Tummas, who was not deaf, but what they call “hard of hearing,” which means he would not know he was, in danger from a goods train till he felt it. ‘“ What did’n ; say, and whose wife was he talking about?” ‘ Yours,” said a bystander. “He makes a mistake,’ says Tummas, “for I never was married.” It is wonderful how towards the close of the day the eloquence of the men in charge increases, and what faults they find with the winners. The contest runs between the youth of the town and the matured wisdom of the country. “Brahmas beat everything in the way of fowls,” says a poultryman. “ Do they lay twice a-day?” says a townsman. « Always,” is the answer, “except Sundays and holidays.” Townsman evaporates. Then the time comes for removing the stock. Little knots form round the prize animals, and many a hardly- earned sizpence is spent to decorate the prize bull or horse with ribbons, that his success may be apparent to all. “TI hope,” says a beaten man, “ you have made your great coarse animal fine enough, with all your bows and rosettes. I never did like him, and I don’t.” ‘Never mind, don’t be jealous; go and borrow a hat-band, and put round yours.” Without any disorder, or ill feeling, the scene is entirely changed from what it was a few hours before. The masters are gone, the Committee men are at the dinner. The ladies went with the band. Here and there animals are seen moving across the ground. Carts are admitted to fetch poultry and sheep. Implements are being packed prepara- tory to removal. The task of keeping order devolves on the policemen, who do it well, and give notice to clear the ground. The crowds are now scattered over the town—harvest for the inns and public-houses. The countrymen are growing more demonstrative, and such groups as many of those in Wilkie’s inimitable “ Village Festival” are to be seen every- where. It is, however, inoffensive, and remains strictly agricultural. The merits of crops, animals, and ploughing, form all the conversation. Dancing-booths, rifle-galleries, photographie studios, fortunetellers, present their charms to the lads and younger men, and the recruiting sergeant plies a good trade. When we were young there were such things as ballads. We recollect that close to Harewood Gates, in Oxford, a man used to decorate the whole of the déad wall with rows of ballads, pinned on strings. In London such things have passed away, to make room for the ‘ Darkie’s Album,” “The Songster’s Companion,” &e. ; but in the country there is still a sale, and a man and woman singing an old song to an old tune find a ring of listeners, and flocks of customers. From the public-houses, choruses, wherein the “ Bold Drag-goon,” and ‘Delight of a Shiny Night” play a principal part, are heard. The men leading home the prize animals are treated wherever they go, till at last they are obliged to admit “they never knowed that horse go so crooked afore: why he went right across the street, and stumbled ever so many times!” Peace gradually creeps over the little town, and save that now and then some “wildish fellows” gallop down the streets, and a distant noisy chorus is heard, nothing would remain to remind one of a busy day. The improvised avenue looks sadly the next morning; the flags seem out of place without crowds. It is with the town as with a moderate family after the annual “party,” it is putiing-away day. THE AGRICULTURAL HALL POULTRY SHOW AND THE POULTRY: CLUB. I see in your Journal of last week that Mr. Tudman invites your correspondents to “communicate directly,” and they shall have all the information he can give. In the middle of last month I wrote to Mr. Tudman asking him for the rules and regulations of the Poultry Club, with the view of becoming a member, adding some questions so like the suggestions put out by “Ecompr” that they would appear to come from the same person. The answer I received was to the effect that the rules and regulations of the Poultry Club are available to members only—that the Club finds judges only for poultry shows, and that ‘“‘they are not in any way responsible for the prize list, nor do they get up shows.” sai, If the Poultry Club are not answerable for the prize list, nor do they get up shows, how is it that the prize list of August 16, 1864. } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 139 the forthcoming poultry show, at the Agricultural Hall, is headed with the words “Under the patronage and manage- ment of the Poultry Club?” If the Poultry Club did not take upon itself to find judges for shows, and had not been advertised as taking the man- agement of one, but was simply an association of gentle- men for purposes of their own, my application to Mr. Tudman might have been construed into an act of imper- tinence. Under the circumstances above mentioned I had a right, in common with every other exhibitor of poultry, to inquire what were the rules and regulations of the Club. If this be the kind of information to be furnished, I suppose your correspondents, who are invited by Mr. Tudman to com- municate immediately, wil! be as well satisfied as I am. A public statement of the rules and reculations, with the objects proposed to be accomplished by the Club, would save your correspondents and Mr. Tudman much trouble. It may be that this Poultry Club is a very desirable and useful body, but it certainly does not go the right way to win the confidence of the public.—Gzorer Mannina. NEWMILLERDAM POULTRY SHOW. Tzs was held on the 2nd inst., when the following prizes were awarded :— F Cove (Red).—First, G. Hellewell, Sheffield. Second, J. Charlton, Brad- ord. Game (Duckwing).—Tirst, J. Charlton, Bradford. Second, G. Hellewell, Sheffield. Game Cuickens.—First, J. Crosland, Wakefield. Sheffield. Cocntn-Cuinas (Buff),—First, S. Pickard, Wakefield. Second, W. Daw- son, Hopton. Cocuin-Cutna (Cuckoo).—First, W. Dawson, Hopton. Second, S. Pickard, Waketield. Cocuin-Cutna Cutckens.—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, J. Cros- Tand, Wakefield. Dorxrnes (Grey).—First and Second, S. Pickard, Wakefield. Chickens. —First, J. Hirst, Boyn Hill. Second, §. Pickard, Wakefield. Spanisu.—Prize, W. Cannan, Bradford. (Only one entry.) PuHEasAnts (Golden).—First, J. Ellis, Leeds. Seconda, H. Himsworth, Lupset. Chickens.—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, J. Ellis, Leeds. PHWASANTS (Silver).—Prize, W. Cannan, Bradford. (Only one entry.) Chickens.—First, J. Ellis, Leeds. Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. Any Distincr Brerp.—First, W. Carfnan, Bradford. Second, S. Schol- field, Heckniondwike. Bantams (Black or White).—Virst, W. Cannan, Bradford. = Second, J. Charlton, Bradford: Bantams (Any yariety).—Virst, S. Scholfield, Heckmondwike. J. Wade, Leeds. Turkrys.—First and Second, J. Fawcett, Wakefield. Gersr.—First and Second, J. Fawcett, Wakefield. Ducxs (Rouen).—First, J. Hirst, Boyn Hill. Second, R. Atha, Boyn Till. Banrams (Game).—Prize, G. Hellewell, Sheffield. (Only one entry.) Second, G. Hellewell, Second, YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S POULTRY SHOW. Tue above Show, which is one of the migratory class, was held at Howden on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th inst. The poultry entries were not so numerous as at some of this Society’s previous Exhibitions, but many pens of superior excellence were shown. Im the class for old Spanish, Mr. Rodbard was first; but the commended pen of Mr. Beldon would have been a formid- able competitor for the first prize if the cock had not been diseased in his feet. Mr. Rodbard was also the exhibitor of a good pen of dark Cochins. In the adult Game classes, Mr. Beldon and Mr. Julian exhibited some very good birds, and the competition between them was very close. The Game Chickens were not so good as might have been anticipated at a Yorkshire Show. Mr. Beldon obtained the chief share of the Hamburgh prizes; and in the Poland classes he was without a competitor. mi The following is a list of the awards :— SPANISH.—First, J. R. i istol. Highly Commended, H. Beldon, ° Chickens: Beeese: Rte et Dorxine.—First, F. Key, Beverley. Second, M. Hunter, Green Hammer- ton. Chickens.—Prize, Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleyeland. Cocnin-Cuina (Black or White).—First and Second, W. Dawson, Mirfield. DAIS Ree a iG pecs oF White).—First, J. R. Kodbard, Cones, 7 Soe ingley. Chickens.—Prize, S. Robson. Highly Game.—First, H. M. Julien, Hull. Second. A. Beldon, Highly Com- mended, J, N. Holmes. Chickens.—Prize, H. Beldon. Commended, J, Thornton. 3 Hameurcus (Golden-spangled).—First, H. Beldon. Second, C. Dd Leeds. Chichkens.—Prize, ©, Cowburn. aie eae Hampuren (Golden-pencilled).—First, H. Beldon. Secoud, S. Smith, Halifax. Highly Commended, H! Pickles. Chickens.—Prize, H. Beldon.- Highly Commended, H. Pickles. HAmMBuRGH (Silver-spangled).—Tirst, H. Beldon. Second, E. Ardington., Howden. Chickens.—Prize, H. Beldon. Highly Commended, C. Cowburn. HameBunGH (Silver-pencilled).—First, H. Pickles, jun., Skipton. Second, H. Beldon. Chickens.—Prize, H. Pickles. Highly Commended, H. Beldon. PoxLanp.—First and Second, H. Beldon. Chickens.—Prize, H. Beldon. ANY OTHER Distinct BREED NOT PREVIOUSLY CLASSED.—Prize, H. Lacy, Hebden Bridge. Highly Commended, F. Powell; H. Beldon. Chickens.— Prize, H. Lacy. Bantams.—Prize, H. Beldon. SineLu CocKs.— Spanish.—Prize, H. Beldon. Dorking.—Prize, H. Beldon. Cochin-China.—Prize, J. Bell, Thirsk. Game.—Prize, H. Beldon. Highly Commended, H. M. Julian. Commended, J. Rennison. Hamburgh (Golden- spangled).—Prize, H. Beldon. Hamburgh (Golden-pencilled).—Prize, 8. Smith. Highly Commended, H. Pickles. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled).— Prize, H. Beldon. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled). ~Prize, H. Beldon. GerEsE.—First, R. Johnson, North Cave. Second, S. Walker, Howden. Ducks (Rouen, or any other Breed not Aylesbury).—Prize, W. Bradley, Pollington. The Judges were Mr. J. H. Smith, Skelton Grange, near York; Mr. Jolly, Acomb. PIGEONS AT NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE AND DARLINGTON SHOWS. Av the Exhibition of the Northern Counties Agricultural Society at Darlington Mr. J. W. Botcherby, of Darlington, acted as Judge, as he did also at the recent Show of the same Society at Newcastle-on-Tyne. The re-appearance of Mr. Botcherby as a Pigeon Judge renders it necessary that something should be done to prevent a recurrence of such decisions as those named by Mr. Yardley at page 97, and alluded to in your own note relative to the many strange details you have heard “about the Pigeons at Newcastle- upon-Tyne.” To my having exhibited Pigeons at the last Darlington Show, and Myr. Botcherby having repeatedly declared at the time in answer to universal expressions of dissatisfaction that “he would never judge again,” may be attributed the fact of the decisions having escaped criticism so far as I am concerned. Now, however, that Mr. Botcherby has once more ventured to undertake a post for which he is altogether unfitted, further silence would be an injustice, more parti- cularly as it is well known that the appointment of Mr. Botcherby at Darlington was most strenuously opposed by one of the Committee, a gentleman well able to give an opinion; and that he was met by the declaration of the Honorary Secretary when the Judges were appointed that he had engaged Mr. Botcherby and would not have any one else! “A ComPILER OF THE DARLINGTON SCHEDULE,” who has ably exerted himself in the poultry department, and to whom its consequent improvement is justly due, will no doubt correct me if such be not the case. A few remarks will enable your readers to form their own opinions of the awards at Darlington. In the first place, a local exhibitor penned the birds, and his “partner in the fancy’ accompanied the Judge, the only pen exhibited by this person taking the first prize, though, with the exception of a half-crown prize at Middlesborough, it never figured as a prize pen at any other place. Jn Carriers some of the best birds were unnoticed. The silver cup for the best pen in the Show was awarded to an old Dun cock, a draft from the loft of one of our well-known exhibitors; while one of the best Carriers in the kingdom and in her prime, a black hen belonging to Mr. Else of London, was shown. In Powters, a hen second at Birmingham a few days previously was not considered worthy of commendation, and £5 was refused for another unnoticed bird in the same class. At Glasgow, a few days subsequently, two pens entirely passed over at Darlineton took first position in, perhaps, the strongest competition known. The other classes were no exception. Tn one two cocks were first against a very superior pair, and so on; but if further particulars are required they can be forthcoming. One of the Honorary Secretaries of the Newcastle Show, Mr. Shorthose, was at Darlington, and could scarcely be ignorant of the extreme dissatisfaction then so loudly ex- pressed; and it is unaccountable how that gentleman could have been induced to sanction such an appointment for Neweastle. At the latter place, in Powter cocks a bare- skinned bird took first; in Barbs the best cock stood second, while the best hen was passed over altogether; in Jacobins 140 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 16, 1864, the best. were not mentioned, while the worst in the class— a pair of coarse Yellows, the cock nearly without hood, took first. In Owls perhaps the most unusual decisions were given. Coarse rubbishy Blues won; while good Whites, and a most exquisite pair of Black-tailed Whites, extraordi- nary in head and beak, were unnoticed. In the medal class for Owls, a pair of Squeakers with their nest feathers on won against a splendid pair of Foreign Blues. In Any other variety white Dragons took first; but it seems from Mr. Yardley’s letter that on his bringing to light his pair of Satinettes this had beenreversed. Asaclimax, Mr. Hewitt, observing that an exhibitor had taken first and second in one class, induced the Secretary to reverse the cards ‘to save appearances.” ” Comment is unnecessary. Facts incontrovertible are given; and exhibitors must take means to prevent a repe- tition of such escapades as have brought an unenviable notoriety on the two northern shows.—A FANCIER. [Our rule is not to criticise the awards of competent Judges ; but where a Judge by repeated wrong decisions demonstrates that he is not qualified for the office he has accepted, we feel that it is our duty to denounce the error, especially when a Committee persists in retaining his ser- vices. Such a case is that now before us; and having the testimony of three well qualified critics, all concurring in denouncing Mr. Botcherby’s awards, we have no hesitation in inserting this letter from one of them; and we hope for his own sake, for the sake of the Society, and for the sake of exhibitors, he will henceforth decline acting as a Judge of Pigeons. | Iwas glad to see a complaint from Mr. Yardley of tke judging, or rather misjudging, of the Pigeons at Newcastle- upon-Tyze Poultry and Pigeon Show. I can bear testimony to the truth of Mr. Yardley’s statement.—Honzstr. “A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER” versus THE “«TIMES’” BEE-MASTER. SUBJOINED are two letters which our esteemed corre- spondent, Mr. Woodbury, has addressed to the Times in reference to the articles which have appeared in its columns from the pen of ‘‘A Brz-mastEer.” We publish them with- out comment, for the subject could not be in better hands. “TO THE EDITOR OF THE ‘TIMES.’ “«Str,—As an Enelish bee-keeper of many years’ expe- rience, I have been grieved at perusing the letters on the subject which have recently appeared in your columns, and which I cannot but think are likely to give our continental neighbours and transatlantic brethren a very mean idea of the skill and knowledge of British apiarians. Every one has aright to expect that when a subject is mooted in the Times the writers who step forward to discuss it will be at least up to the age in which they live; and it is because I perceived the gentlemen whose letters have already ap- peared are writing in the spirit of a bygone time that I venture to point out a few of their mistakes. «Wirst, with regard to bee communities remaining at peace with each other. This they will do so long as both are strong and tolerably prosperous, and honey continues plentiful out of doors; but as soon as honey-gathering is over, innumerable spies from strong colonies try the mettle of their neighbours, and should any one or more betray signs of weakness, the war of Germany against Denmark is enacted on a small scale, with this difference, that the in- vaders take absolutely all, and utterly destroy the van- quished; unless, indeed, the latter, as sometimes happens, join the confederation, and assist in the plunder of their own stores. Whatever virtues bees possess, therefore, honesty, or even the slightest respect for meum et twwin, is certainly not among them; nor have they any other guide in this par- ticular than ** That good old rule, the simple plan, ‘hat those should take who have the power, And those should keep who can.” «But, while pleading guilty to the sin of dishonesty among my little favourites, I must absolutely acquit them of the charge of drunkenness, or a ‘passionate liking for rum and strong ale. Neither the one nor the other will bees meddle with, unless their natural repugnance to such abominations be overcome by their liberal admixture with either honey or sugar in some form; nor will they even in this case accept the proffered libation so readily as if pure water were used to dilute it. «‘ My. Harbison, a sturdy citizen of the American Republic, considers the queen a simple machine for laying eggs, abso- lutely under the workers’ control, who stimulate or repress her fecundity according to circumstances. I do not go these lengths, but I know Mr. Harbison to be far nearer the truth than your correspondent who talks about the queen’s ‘ giving orders,’ and says that ‘if you interfere with her the watcher bees will sound the alarm, and 2 thousand stings, like swords, will be unsheathed’ JI am in the constant habit during the season of handling queen bees, and I can assure him that nothing of the kind ever takes place. The note of distress from a captive queen passes totally unheeded by her subjects; and though a few stray workers may alight on the bare hand that holds her prisoner, and even lick her as she is held between the fingers, the sight of her captivity has no effect in moving them either to anger or resentment. When she is indeed gone for ever they generally fall into confusion for a time, and appear to seek her, but even this is not invariable. I have, moreover, another fact to commuv- nicate, which will probably startle many of your readers. Regicide in its worst form is not unfrequently perpetrated by bees. The deaths of Charles I., or Louis XVI., or even that of Marie Antoinette, were indeed merciful when com- pared with that inflicted by these little termagants on their own mothers. Hurled in one instant from the height of popularity to the depth of misery, the poor deposed sove- reign finds herself pinioned and unable to move a limb, among a dense mass of her unnatural children; and there she remains, without the possibility of escape, until death, very many hours afterwards, puts an end to her misery. Often have I seen the poor dried and shrivelled carcase, betraying in the distorted rigidity of every limb the severity of its last agony; and all this, so far as we can discover, without a cause! The youugest and most fertile queens are sometimes victims, and that even at a time when their loss entails extinction on the community. Nay! listen young and newly-married brides, I have known queens devoted to this horrible and lingering death immediately on their return from their wedding excursion, and before they had expe- rienced the joys of maternity. 5 «Stewarton (Ayrshire) hives are octagonal, not hexagonal, in form, nor is there the slightest reason for imagining that the bee, which builds an hexagonal cell, would prefer a hive of the same shape. So far from a cottager being able easily to make the four compartments comprised in a Stewarton-hive, it would puzzle many a skilled carpenter to dovetail even a single octagonal box accurately together. «Common sugar (lump sugar is best), does not require to be exposed to a heat of 300° to be available by bees. Three pounds of lump sugar mixed with two pounds of pure soft water, and boiled a minute or two, forms excellent bee food. «Pressure by a watch-key and tobacco, as remedies for a bee sting, are no new discoveries. I advise any one stung by a bee to take the sting out as soon and as carefully as possible, leaving no part of it behind, and then let the wound alone. All the so-called remedies which I have tried (and their name is legion), only irritate and increase the swelling, which otherwise would soon disappear. «Tf any one has a swarm consisting only of 5000 or 6000 bees let him not take the trouble of hiving it. A good swarm will weigh 4J1bs., and I have known one weigh 8 lbs. Now 5000 bees are computed to go to a pound, and this is not too many, for a friend of mine counted and weighed 5020 freshly-killed bees this spring, and they only weighed 123 ozs. Let any one, therefore, do a simple sum in mental arithmetic and say if 15,000 to 30,000 are not within the mark, even allowing for the weight of honey carried off by the swarm. «Brood in supers is not always drone-brood, nor is the heat of drones necessary for the maturation of brood. Ifit were, they would not be absent in spring, when the weather is coldest, and a great quantity of brood is hatched, nor would they be destroyed in autumn, when the temperature _ a, August 16, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 141 is falling. There is, of course, a well-known and sufficient reason for the multitude of male bees in summer, and that is that queens may run no unnecessary risk by unavailing matrimonial excursions, as their loss at that time would entail destruction on the entire community. Neither does the queen exercise ‘queenly prerogative and dignity’ by selecting her husband. She launches into the air unat- tended, and there mates sometimes with a drone from a hive a mile or two distant from her own. «Bees are never nursed by other bees. They are strict utilitarians, and totally devoid of sympathy. ‘Those who cannot work shall not eat’ is a law applied with stern im- partiality alike to the disabled worker and useless drone. He, therefore, who would teach or learn a lesson in charity must look elsewhere. “With regard to the hive described and recommended in the Times of the 4th inst., it is simply one on the ‘ nadir,’ or ‘nether’ principle, a principle which has often been tried, and as often found wanting; and for this reason it is opposed to the instinct of the animal itself—an instinct which prompts it to place its honey above and its brood below. It may, therefore, be safely asserted that any stock of bees which is compelled to place honey in a ‘nadir’ would collect double or quadruple the quantity in a ‘ super.’ “JT feel I owe an apology to those gentlemen upon whose letters I have commented thus freely. Their motives are so unquestionably good that their errors would have passed unnotice® by me had they sought publicity through any other channel. As it is, I am very desirous of making it known to our continental and American friends that their letters do not convey an adequate idea of the amount of knowledge of the subject possessed by British bee-masters. Not only have we frame-hives second to none ever made for ingenuity and convenience, as well as the necessary skill to avail ourselves of the advantages they afford, but we are no strangers to the superiority of the Italian race of honey bee (Apis Ligustica), and are even now ransacking the world in the search after other species, while we have repeated and verified the experiments and investigations of Von Siebold, which establish, beyond question, the truth of Dzierzon’s great discovery of parthenogenesis in the honey bee.— T. W. Woopzury, Mownt Radford, Eueter, Aug. 6.” “TO THE EDITOR OF THE ‘TIMES.’ ““Sir,—Although we are informed on the authority of “A Brn-master,’ that ‘bees have not learnt to read the Times,’ we must not be surprised if it should be announced by him in a future letter that his bees have added this essential accomplishment to their innumerable moral virtues. Pending their acquirements of this faculty however, and the consequent irruption which is to bring me to my senses (or to drive me out of them), permit me to suggest, that in these days of railways and excursion trains, a trip into Devonshire would entail littie fatigue or expense on their champion. I should myself be delighted to see him, and should have little difficulty in proving to his satisfaction the truth of every statement made in my letter of the 6th inst. Tam now writing in a room overlooking a garden containing a score of inhabited hives with the queens of each of which I am on visiting terms. As your correspondent among other compliments is pleased to accuse me of ‘crass ignorance,’ _Ishall be happy to take him into this garden, and, after describing the peculiarities and personal appearance of the queen of each hive, to introduce him to every one in suc- cession, and thus give him the opportunity of testing for himself the correctness of my description. Can ‘A Bux- MASTER” do as much with his bees? fi “It seems, also, that I am an ‘ irritable old apiarian,’ whilst ‘A Buu-masrer’ is ‘really not irritated’ Of the amount of ‘irritation’ displayed on either side I leave your readers to judge, and am happy to say that your corre- spondent, who Lam informed has a son as old as I am, is somewhat at fault with regard to my age, though what this has to do with the question passes my ability to discover. “My bees are always well provided with food; but even his guess of poverty is as wide of the mark as the other. Avarice is as common among bees as among ‘old gentle- ced and the best provided stocks are often the most pre- atory. «When ‘A Brx-masTER’ pays me a visit we will try the experiment with ‘strong ale,’ and in the meantime I will lay in such a stock of sauces and other condiments as shall render his meal, which is to consist of bees, beer, and feed- ing-pan as digestible and as little disagreeable as possible, «T may remark in the interim, that the presence of beer in bee-food has long been dispensed with by the best modern apiarians. «“T do not, as I said before, go all lengths with Mr. Harbi- son, nor am I a‘Red Republican,’ or even an admirer of Abraham Lincoln, but I am a conservative in politics, a churchman in religion, and a loyal subject of Queen Victoria. Nevertheless, I re-assert, that regicide by bees has frequently come under my observation and is not unknown to others, although I am, I believe, the first Englishman who has recorded it in print. Those who know me are aware that I am not given to exaggeration, and in this case I repeat, that I have told merely the plain truth. Will ‘A Brr-wasTER’ kindly inform me in what respect he deems a conscientious search after, and a keen appreciation of, the truth as regards bees incompatible with the strictest orthodoxy both in politics and religion? I fancy if he will read through his last communication calmly and dispassionately, he will come to the conclusion that the ‘ machine for talking [or writing] nonsense,’ has been called into play on his side. «Sugar in order to be converted into barleysugar must first be diluted with water, and in this state is available to bees. Am I not correct, therefore, in stating that subse- quent exposure to a heat of 300° is unnecessary? When ‘A BrE-MASTER’ visits Exeter, I shall be happy to show him how to administer liquid food to bees without either smearing their wings or clogging their feet. “ But it appears I have not ‘ watched the habits of bees,’ ‘or studied the results of the investigations of Huber.’ This is another random shot, and like the preceding ones it flies under the mark. Huber (or rather his assistant, Francis Burnens), was a keen and generally an accurate observer, far in advance of the age in which he lived; but he was not invariably correct, and I have studied his investigations and the habits of bees sutticiently to know when Huber is to be relied on and wherein he was mistaken. The imputation of ‘ignorance’ on this point comes, moreover, with ludicrous incongruity from a man who not only fails to recognise, but absolutely derides as ‘absurd’ Huber’s ‘ explanation of two thousand drones where there is only one queen, with, per- haps, a couple of princesses,’ an explanation which has been deemed sufficient and satisfactory by every intelligent api- arian from his time to the present day. «A swarm consisting only of five thousand bees has, it is said, been kept through the winter by feeding, and has done well in a magnificent honey season. May we venture to ask for particulars? How was the number of bees ascertained ? Were they counted, or were they weighed? If counted, what was their exact number? If weighed, their precise weight? Were they hived in an empty or a combed hive ? What did they cost in food? I need hardly say that if they cost as much in food as the purchase-money of a good swarm, they really were not worth hiving. _ “With regard to the utter absence of sympathy in bees, I have nothing to modify or retract. Allowing for the in- fluence of imagination, ‘A Brn-masrEr,’ doubtless, describes what he has seen pretty correctly. He has erred only, as many others have done before him, in ascribing the actions of his bees to wrong motives. Had he witnessed the dé- notiement he would either have found the disabled worker left to die by inches on the floor-board totally unheeded by her sisters, or bundled neck and crop out of the hive shortly | afterwards. «Permit me in conclusion to say a few words to those gentlemen who have written thanking me for exposing some of the inaccuracies of your Tunbridge Wells correspondent, whose effusions, as they very justly remark, are likely to do far more harm than good. If it were desirable I could of course more than double the list of his mistakes which 1 have already noticed. But enough has been done. If the Times ‘BEE-MASTER’ continues stedfast in the pursuit which he appears to have taken up so ardently, he may in time become worthy to bear the title he has somewhat pre- maturely assumed. Whenever that period arrives we may be very sure that he will look back upon his share in this 142 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 16, 1864. correspondence with mortification and regret. On this ac- count I should be extremely sorry to adopt a course which might probably lengthen the discussion, and by so doing call a deeper blush to his cheek, and add poignancy to his regret. —T. W. Woopzsury, Mount Radford, Ezeter, 11th August, 1864. “P.S.—Since writing the above, I have received an admir- able letter from. your correspondent, the Rev. William Law. T should be indeed glad if ‘A Brz-mAsteR’ would meet me in the same spirit.” BEES UNITING VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT FIGHTING. A cuRIoUs circumstance has occurred to one of iny hives this year which may be worthy of recording. A very strong hive about three years old swarmed in May; in a few days it swarmed a second time in a high wind; at the same time the hive next to it on the right side swarmed likewise, and both swarms went into this hive, which I shall call No. 2. About three days after, the bees from No. 2 marched into No. 1 in great numbers without being interfered with. About a fortnight afterwards, early in the morning, I found the bees from No. 1 hive walking leisurely into No. 3, on the left hand, without being taken any notice of by those they were visiting. They walked steadily along the bench in a line about 2 or 3 inches apart. After this happened I felt the weight of No. 1 and found it was very heavy. Yesterday I found No. 1 hive all in commotion as though young bees were coming ont dancing for joy; but as this continued until the evening, I perceived something was wrong, and on lifting the hive found it to be almost empty, I, therefore, lifted the hive and after a few minutes rapping all the bees left it and crowded into No. 3. Lamata loss to account for the hive flourishing so well, and yet deserting without fighting.—H. M. [The probability is, that the young queen of No. 1 was lost through mistaking her hive on the return from her wedding trip. When hives are close together this accident is very apt to occur. There is, also, much more intercourse between stocks so situated than we have any idea of, and the voluntary union of two colonies under such circum- stances is, therefore, not much to be wondered at. | COMMENCING BEE-KEEPING. Havine just read Mr. Woodbury’s very interesting letter on bee-keeping in the Times, and also those which have recently appeared in the same journal, I feel myself greatly perplexed how to reconcile the various methods of manage- ment, seeing that each individual professes to give the result of much experience. I should tell you that I am ignorant of any method of management, and am about commencing bee-keeping next spring. Will Mr. Woodbury be so obliging as to favour me with his advice as to what books I should procure upon the subject >—W. G. [My advice is, “Do not attempt to run until you are able to walk,” or, in other words, do not depart much from the old well-understood mode of management until you have had some experience, and then advance by degrees. Get “Bee-keeping for the Many,” price 4d., and begin with Payne’s improved cottage-hive made rather larger than therein described, on which put small supers. These hives will throw swarms, and thus increase your stock. If they get too numerous try to drive some of the swarms, and unite to others in the manner recommended in the little manual. As you become accustomed to the management of bees you will probably wish for better and more convenient hives, such as frame-hives. To this there can then be no objection, but I never advise any one to buy costly hives until they have sufficient skill to avail themselves of the advantages they afford. Read Tue Journat or Horricunrurs, and avail yourself of editorial advice in any difficulty —A Drvon- SHIRE BEE-KEEPER. | : SUNDERLAND AND NewcasTLE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY. —We understand that the first annual Exhibition of this Society will take place at the Atheneum, Fawcett Street, Sunderland, on the Ist, 2nd, and 3rd of November next. Nine silver cups, value £5 each, will be offered for com- petion, five of which are offered by John T. Lawrence, Esq., of Liverpool. For particulars as to the prizes offered we must refer to the published schedules, which may be ob- tained of the Honorary Secretaries, Messrs. G. R. Potts, Albert Forge, and J. R. Robinson, 55, Nile Street, Sunderland. CUCKOOS. Havine a young Cuckoo which I am very anxious to keep alive through the winter, will any of your correspondents who have ever kept one, kindly inform me how they have fed it? I am feeding mine now on hard-boiled egg, chopped DD? meat, caterpillars and moths when I can get them, but I am afraid when the insect season is over my bird will suffer from the loss of its natural food. Any hints as to feeding and temperature, will greatly oblige.—A. K. C. To PrEesERVE RHouBARB.—Strip off the peeling, cut into inch pieces, then put 1 1b. of sugar to 5 lbs. of Bhubarb, stew until soft, then strain out the juice by pressing through a cloth, spread the Rhubarb on plates, boil or simmer down the juice quite thick, turn it over that on the plates, dry it in an oven or by the stove, the same as fruit, put into a jar and pound it down hard, covering closely, and it will keep for years; and, flavouring with essence of lemon, it will make a far more delicious pie than when green—of course, more sugar must be added when used.—(Canada Farmer.) OUR LETTER BOX. APPLES AS FooD For Pouttry (P. WM. K).—We can say nothing as to apples as food for poultry, but they will eat them readily if given now and then for a change. Given whole, they will pick them to pieces, or if eropped fine they will pick the fragments readily. They are wholesome ‘or them. Hens Eatine Eces (Amateur).—The desire to eat eggs shows that a hen or pullet is ont of condition. A diseased state of the inside will be brorght about by the use of meat, greaves, and other stimulants. They have pro- duced early eggs, but also have caused an inward craving that caa be Satisfiec only wiih unnatural food. She therefore eats her eggs, and will do so till she is cured. She must be purged frequently (every other day), with castor oil, a tablespoonful ata time. Be careful mot to over-feed, and avoid all stimulants. Place hard artificial eggs in her nest, or where she lays ; and although you may lose her present laying, you will probably save the next. Bers (J. Newland).—All questions relating to this subject should be addressed to the Editors. PuRCHASING BEES AND BEE-HIVES— WORKS ON BEE-KEEPING (Ifarple).— The best time to buy bees is in March, when they have stood the winter. Strong and sufficiently heavy stocks should be selected, and the judgment of a skilled bee-master obtained if possible. The price of a stock of bees, in the spring, would probably vary from 15s. to 30s. in different localities ; and we are unable to recommend one place as better than another for making the purchase. Bees will not be injured by a change at any season, if the distance be not less than a mile and a half; but if moved in warm weather, and when the combs are heavy, great caution is requisite. We cannot undertake to recommend any particular hives, but may state, generally, that Payne’s improved cottage-hives are well adapted for ordinary, and Woodbury frame-hives for scientific, bee-keeping. Any kind ef hive can be secured against accident; and Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, 149, Regent Sweet, will give every information as to price. (Z. W. Cowan).— Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, i49, Regent Street, and 127, Holborn, will supply you with bees. The best books on the subject are ‘‘ Taylor's Bee-keepers’ Manual” and ‘“‘ Bee-keeping for the Many” (English), and Langstroth’s ‘Hive and Honey-bee” and Quinby’s ‘Mysteries of Bee-keeping” (American). EXPERIMENTING WITH A YouNG QveEeEN (S. A., Baintree).—We fear for the result of your experiment. It is dangerous to trifle with virgins. Canaries (Chemicus).—We do not know the address of Mr. Roper who won the irst prize for Buff Belgians at the Crystal Palace Show. ‘ Canaries and British Finches,” contains representations of ali the principal kinds. Rakeit-HurcaEs.—''J. G. C.’? says, Can you tell me where I can buy good Rabbit-hutcbes constructed upon the principle recommenaed in the “ Rabbit-Boox for the Many,” at a moderate price? LONDON MARKETS.—Avetsr 15 POULTRY. The supply is moderate, and the trade almost nil. London is “‘out of town.” =11S-) aS Ge Fow!s . 2 6to3 0] Ducklings Smaller do. 1 9,, 2 0| Rabbits... Chickens. ne » L 6] Wild do. Goslings . 5 U ,, 5 6| Pigeons August 23, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day | Day | Rain in ; | t¢ |) Clock ‘ | Average Temperature Son Sun Moon | Moon | Moon’s Day off it 939 1 = . foe Pca AUGUST 295) 1862. near London. baivtrts Rises Sets. | Rises. | Sets. | Age. poe | Yean,, Day. | Night. | Mean. | Days. | m. .| m. h.|] m. h.|m. h..! m. 8 | 28 Tu Black Bryony flowers. | 72:9 48.9 604 18 O'afS | Saf7 | 55 9 | after. | 21 2 19 236 24 WwW Sr. BARTHOLOMEW. | 715 47.9 59.7 16 BR Hi 2.97 | 3910 44 Oo € Wee 1a 237! ; 25 |) Ta Wolfsbane flowers. | TLS 50.7 41.1 15 iow 5 OF 7) 27 WE} 42; 12) Be le Ty 4H, 238 26 F Prince Consort Bory, 1820, | 72.8 48.5 60.2 }; ll 5; 5 | 58 6.|. morn..| 30. 3: 24 1 31 239 27 Ss Beech turns yellow. | 73.9 | 49.5 61.2 11 7 5|56 @| 24 0] 8 4) ~ 95 I14| 0 23 Sun | 14 Sunpay arrer TRINITY. | 73:0 | 49.6 61.3 16 8 5 | 54 6) 22 1/45 4 26 + 0 56 241 29 M Althea frutex flowers. | 71.6 | 48.0 59.8 14 | 1 5) 52; 65)2@ 2) 12 5) 27 | O B8y), 248 1 | l From observations taken near London during temperature 49.0°, 1.32 inch. the last thirty-seven years, the average The greatest heat was 89° oa the 25th, 1859; and the lowest. cold, 32°, on the 29th, 1350. day temperature of the week’ is 72:3°, and its night The greatest fall ofrain was DRY WEATHER AND WATERING. T has often been said that a certain amount of discontent is essen- tial to happiness; and grumblers,even those habitually so, often enough live to a good oldage, carrying with them the propensity they ac- quired in ther youth: grum- bling, therefore, like medicine, = : in its way, and may, doubtless, be quite as necessary. In the various avocations of life there is always something to grumble at if an object is looked for, and too many of us are apt to hunt after one. Gardeners complain in winter of its being too cold; by-and-by we find, perhaps, that the soil does not work well, and we complain then that the winter has not been cold enough ; while in summer contrarieties are alike wished for and found fault with. At the present time (August), we think we are suffering extremely from want of water, while in all probability the crop of fruit we may have next year may owe its origin in a great measure to the dryness of the present period. Dry, bright, sunny weather is at most times grateful to vege- tation, certainly so to that which is established some depth in the ground; and when we consider that m such is embraced a considerable portion of the vegetable king- dom we must not be too hasty in finding fault. It may be true that an equally good result would have followed if more rai had fallen; nevertheless, our ideas of what constitutes perfection in such matters are yet far from perfect. Let us, therefore, be thankful for the advantages a dry summer brings with it, and try our best to obviate some of the inconveniences arising from it in other ways. : That water forms an important constituent of every vegetable is well known and admitted; and products of rapid growth necessarily require much water, or they fail in arriving at perfection. Most of the products of the kitchen garden contain a large per-centage of water, and to obtain this, the plant sends its roots out foraging to a more distant locality if its ordinary domain be ex- hausted; but there is a distance beyond which the plant fails to extend its roots, and a more diminutive growth is the result. It is not, however, below the surface only that the plant seeks for nourishment, the humidity of the atmosphere and the night dews are alike grateful ; and when these are less plentiful and there is less mois- ture in the soil, the less robust class of vegetation un- gusumahly suffers. Now, how to remedy this state of ungs has been for years a problem to the gardening world, but to say that it is solved in the present day would be wrong; for although something has been done, and very often indeed overdone (observe, I lay parti- cular stress on this word), the result is not in any case No. 178.—Vot, VU, Nev Srxrss, may be regarded as very good | so satisfactory as where Nature does the work in her own way- At the time at which I write (the middle of August), the appearance of vegetation and that of the atmo- sphere seem to point to a drier summer than we have had for several years. June, it is true, was not remark- ably dry, but it was not a wet month; and the end of it, as well as the whole of July, and August up to the present. time, has been exceedingly dry—so much. so, that many sources from which water is usually obtained have: failed completely ; the larger streams and rivulets have rapidly subsided, and the smaller ones are, one after the other, drying up entirely. In many places where water would bg an acceptable boon to vegetation it cam searcely be had in sufficient quantity to meet the everyday requirements of domestic use. Water, then, being so scarce, it behoves us to make the most we can of it; and unfortunately, where it is administered arti- ficially in the way of supplying moisture to the roots of plants, it is often given in too great a quantity at one time or the reverse. It rarely happens that anybody, watering a given plot of ground applies. anything like the quantity that Nature would supply in the shape of rain ; besides which, the advantages which a good water- ing gives are often lost from the soil being exposed: to the sun, when that caling and hardening of the surface takes: place which is alike injurious to vegetation and unsightly to the eye. All newly-planted surfaces should be covered, to prevent this caking and to retaim the mois- ture; but it is my imtention to advert rather to the quality of the water used than to the treatment of the soil after it has been applied. Whatever may be the class of plants to which it may be necessary to give water, there cannot be a question that the moisture which Nature supplies in the shape of rain is most beneficial in every respect: passing through | the air more or less rapidly, it absorbs certain gases, which are evidently essential to the well-bemg of the plants on which it falls, and the matters with which it is charged are alike grateful to the foliage of the plant and to its roots.” Next to rain is water of a sumilar kind which has recently fallen and not been polluted by ad- /mixture with other substances, which rain water not unusually is when the roof on which it falls or the vessel receiving it presents anything which it can hold in ‘solution. I have known a newly made tank turn water | exceedingly hard and render it unfit for domestic use, | and, of course, unfit for the requirements of plants also ; while sometimes the roofs of certain buildings contain matters equally obnoxious. Mere soot arising from coals is not. by any means the worst substance with which it comes in contact, although, except in certain cases, I am not.aware of any good it does. Roofs and tanks are not the only causes of contamination in rain water, for some- times in ponds when formed in clay containing a per- nicious substance, this is imparted to the water. Clay is not. by any means of so pure and innoxious a nature as is sometimes’ supposed ; neither is sand, for I have seen a kind of coarse gritty substance that had nothing par- No. 830.,—Vot. SXXII., Op SERirs- [> 144 ticularly poisonous in its appearance, and yet it would kill deep-rooted weeds when laid on a pavement or other place where they were. Of course, no one would think of using water coming in contact with a substance like this. Certain salts also abound in some soils, which render the water falling on them far from beneficial to vegetation. There- fore, taking all cases into consideration, it is perhaps more seldom than most people are aware that rain water is pre- served in store in anything like its natural purity. Although water from tanks, reservoirs, or ponds is some- times impure, it is nevertheless most grateful when Nature denies us the refreshing influence of rain. Next to rain water is that from streams and brooks that has been duly exposed to the air, and which does not injure the vegetation among which it passes. River water is often turned to good account in irrigation; and happy are they who, in the dry scorching weather of the present season, have a stream sufficiently elevated above them to insure a supply for more urgent purposes. River water is, however, not always innoxious. Sometimes it is charged to an undue extent with iron, in which case the bed on which it runs is red with rust, and such water can only be safely administered to such plants as delight in a soil in which iron is found in abun- dance—as to Rhododendrons, for instance ; but for domestic uses, I believe such water is by no means improper, and it is, perhaps, more wholesome than that containing chalky matter. It should, however, be more sparingly used amongst plants than water of another kind, if such can be had; although, perhaps, it is as good as the generality of well water, and much less hurtful than some of it is when used direct from its source. Well water ought to be used very" sparingly, and not at | : | the land into my own hands, more especially as it would all for watering delicate plants, until it has been exposed to the atmosphere for a few days in any open vessel, the more shallow the better. It not unfrequently happens, however, as in the present season, that well or spring water is the only kind to be had, and that even that is far from plentitul : hence it becomes necessary to soften it by exposure before using, which, as above stated, is best done in shallow vessels, or, if in deeper and larger, then longer time will be required. In whichever way water is exposed, it is hardly necessary to remark that in periods like the present, with the dry arid atmosphere acting upon it, a considerable loss in quantity will take place: but this cannot be avoided; and as water must be had for the purpose of furnishing newly planted thing; with moisture to start with, every care should be taken to economise as much as can be what supply there is. A careless labourer, thinking that excess is liberality, will pour more water into the heart of a newly planted Broccoli than would serve a dozen, and repeat the same dose in a day or two, never thinking that the roots of the plants he is operating on are thus placed in a temperature like that of February, while the top is enduring tropical heat. It would certainly be better where practicable to use warmed water. If well water must be used let it be heated to the tempe- rature of the atmosphere, and, after watering a plant with it once, let the latter be surrounded with dead moss, leaf mould, or very short dung for a time to keep in the moisture, which ought not to be allowed to escape. Although the present season will call into use all the contrivances that can be had to assist in retaining moisture in the ground and saving water, and potted plants will not be so much overwatered as they sometimes are, yet I expect when an impartial retrospect is taken of the season that there will be found many things to be thankful for, and as a whole that it may be pronounced a beneficial season, not abundant in vegetables perhaps, but fruits will be plentiful, and the condition of the trees for another year promising. Some weather prophets that I hear of have taken up another theme, and are predicting that we are to have no more Potato disease, there being none this season, and they have hopes of its being eradicated. Certainly the dry weather has preserved the Potato crop from disease so far, and from it I have good hopes of the disease not making its appear- ance in the crop of 1864. I may add, in conclusion, that although water is an essen- tial element for vegetation, yet when applied by other than natural means it loses half its value. It is best to imitate Nature, and when it appears that a good watering is re- quired, let it be done when rain is falling, assuming, of JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, { August 23, 1864, course, that the quantity of the latter is not likely to be sufficient. Shading the ground by some artificial means is also beneficial, and at the same time not allowing any crops that are at all likely to withdraw nourishmentfrom the ground to remain on it a day longer than necessary. The same rule holds good with regard to thinning crops; and in fact.any- thing and everything that will tend to retain moisture in the ground and obviate the necessity of watering ought to be taken advantage of, so that the latter need only be resorted to wken it can no longer be done without. J. Rosson. EXPERIENCES OF A COUNTRY PARSON. «*___ Delectando pariterque monendo.”* I succrepep to the livings of Rushton and Rawston, ad- joining parishes, in 1852. They were united, not at my request, by act of Parliament. I am nota vicar, as stated by friend “ D.,” but a pluralist Rector, the last, I believe, that was ever made. The churches are about 800 yards apart. Both are small and in good repair. The Rushton church, newly done up before I came, has more marks of antiquity than any other church in the diocese. To Rushton, then, I came in the August of 1852. LIhad been accustomed to farm a little at Moor Critchill when curate, and also as tenant of my kind friend Mr. Sturt. I served the church, since rebuilt in magnificent style at Mr. Sturt’s own expense. The new church stands on the site of the old church, in which George IV. worshipped when he | resided at Critchill. As my two glebes are the keys of my patron’s farm, the only one, at Rawston, and of my friend Mr. Sturt’s farm at Rushton, I did not think it right to take have greatly inconvenienced the tenants. I had lived long enough to know that when a sacrifice is to be made the clergyman is the proper man to make it, and that, however distasteful at the time, in the end he will be a gainer, in the satisfaction he will feel in not having disobliged those whom he has to instruct. 3 : Having been accustomed to “ vegetation’? all my life, for two years I felt like a fish out of water. What was to be done? What shall I, in leisure time, turn my hand to? At last I said to myself, “I will have a ‘go’ at gardening.” Here, however, a difficulty met me. The old gardener had been here twenty-eight years, and had fixed his tap roots deep down into the soil. We all know thata gardener likes to have all the farmyard manure, called here “spit dung” (preterperfect of spade), and that he does not like giving up ground ; still less does he like “master” trying his hand at things in which he has signally failed for twenty-eight years. His name was Elias Maidment, commonly called “Lias”’ here, and “sleeps well,” I believe, deeply lamented by the parson and all the parishioners. I buried him in 1856 under a lofty Chinese Arbor Vite in Rushton church- yard, and put a noble Portland stone at his head, with the names of his past employers. These words may be seen on the slab :— “‘An honest man’s the noblest work of God.” “T pray thee let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.’— (Deut. iii. 25). From this text I preached his funeral sermon. We all know that gardeners like having their own way. As to arguing with some of them, that is lost time; you might as well argue with the pump at Aldgate. In 1856 my brother was high sheriff and I was the chap- lain. Before starting I went down into the garden and found Elias pruning the Gooseberry bushes, and shouting at real or imaginary bullfinches. He had had a bad sore throat for some days. ‘The easterly wind was piercing; so I said, “TLias, go home, and get. into bed, and have some tea; for if this easterly wind catches you by the throat it will bring on inflammation of the lungs, and in your weak state you will be gone quickly.” ‘Ohno, that’s no odds,” was the reply. I went my way. After hearing sentence of death passed on Hannah Brown for the murder of her husband, which greatly saddened my brother and myself, I returned and found Lias in the last stage of inflammation of the lungs. Venous congestion had set in, and he was the colour of a copper-coloured Indian. I had barely time to say a August 23, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 145 short prayer and call his wife up to my house, where he died (having received every attention), when “Lo! he was gone.” This leads me back to answer the question, ‘‘ What shall I turn my hand to?” Isaid to Lias (in 1854), “Could you not give me up that bit of ground, as we have had no Straw- berries for two years, and let me try my hand?” ‘Oh, that’s no use. I have been here twenty-eight years and could never grow them; the soil don’t suit’em. It’s im- possible! But there, master can please himself.” possible,” said I, “is not English, and I will have a ‘ go.’ ” Though the soil is mixed with chalk, and rests on chalk, I have never found any “impossibility ’’ whatever. I have had immense crops this season. The Frogmore Pines were as big as Myatt’s Surprise. So far as regards Strawberries. The following relates to Peach trees, and is somewhat amusing. I could never beat into Lias’s head that without protection by sheets in such a situation it would be impossible to grow Peaches. Before, however, I come to protection I have painful operations to describe. “ Lias,” said I one day to him (he had a comic face, and his eyes nearly came out of his head), this is St. Thomas’s Hospital. These patients must undergo amputation. Get the saw and hatchet, and the spade and pickaxe. I am going to cut these old naked trees down, and cut off all their perpendicular roots and make new trees of them. It will be a bloody job; hemorrhage may set in. lLet’s have a pint of beer each, for it’s nervous work.’ The beer being disposed of I said, ‘Now don’t be unbelieving. Job says, ‘There is hope of a tree if it is cut down that it will sprout 299 again. “Sprout again!” said he; “if ever they sprouts again Pm a Dutchman!” ‘“Phoo!” said I, “prepare for operations. I am Sir B , you are Stiggins the operator.” «Oh, well,” said he, resignedly, ‘what must be must be!” “Now,” said I, “don’t be nervous; give a decisive blow right through the ‘crurum tenus,’ avoiding the ‘femoral artery.” He gave tremendous chops, bordering on the spiteful: and, after the limbs toppled down he burst into a loud fit of laughter and exclaimed, “I’m blest if that aint the cruel tenus; and the female artery,’ he added, “with a vengeance.” “Well,” said I, “Stiggins, you shall have half-a-crown.”—(N.B., no oil is so effective as palm oil.) I got him after this to cut the other two trees down, and also to cut off all their strong perpendicular roots, some of which were as thick as my wrist, and also to cut off the superficial roots in a radius of 30 inches round the stump. The ground was then renewed; and when the trees reached the top of the nine-feet wall and touched each other, I gathered, the first year of sheet-covering, over a thousand Peaches. I never before had as much from the whole wall as would fill my hat. From that time to this (eight years, including this), I shall, after taking its present fine crop of 560 Peaches, have gathered over 4000 Peaches, or an annual average of 500 Peaches for eight consecutive years! The trees are beautiful for strength, for new wood, foliage, and crops. The 560 Peaches now on the trees (I believe Royal Georges), are swelling fast and reddening. Since I have been writing this article two visitors, hearing of them, have called to see them, and expressed wonder and admiration. I have forgotten the year they were cut down. The old man died, I believe, in the March preceding the landing of over 1000. This was an unwise crop, as in the next year the trees only bore 197 from being overcropped. I am feeding the present heavy crop with strong beer grounds over the whole surface of the ground, which I never move, washed in with great inundations of water. They are copiously syringed every day at eleven o’clock to cool the wall, to refresh the wood and clean the leaves, and to keep down pests. Suffer a few words in conclusion. 1. Peach trees must be fed. What you take out must be put back. Every third year renew the surface with fresh maiden mould. The Peach trees of England die from too much disbudding, starvation, and neglect of the general health of the tree in winter and summer. 2. The leaves, when first breaking, are as tender as the blossoms. They must be protected by sheets or glass. Cold piercing winds injure the leaves, and ill health setsin. I had only twelve blistered leaves last year—only four this ear. 3. The Peaches should be thinned as soon as you can feel 3 Im- i the littie Peach in its sheath. They should be thinned at three times. 1823 were first taken off this year from the three trees, and 847 left on. There are now 560. These will come to perfection. 4. Peaches drop their fruit from immaturity of wood, pre- vious over-cropping, want of water, especially at stoning time, over-cropping, over-heating of the walls, and from starvation. 5. You must, till frosts are over, keep the leaves and blossoms dry. 6. Keep the wood as close at home as you can, and beware of letting the trees become bare at the base and centre. Spur the fore-wood, and keep the rest of the tree like a shrubby Calceolaria. Winter may be severe: therefore keep on plenty of wood to select from. I will be answerable next year to put a Peach wherever the reader will make a chalk mark.—W. F. RapciyFre, Tarrent Rushton. FLOWER SHOWS. Ir the old saying that “ too many cooks spoil the broth” be correct, then has the stew of the Royal Horticultural Society avery fair prospect of being spoiled—no, that would not be correct considering the condition in which things are at South Kensington, but of being made utterly useless ; but the state of affairs there has opened up a wider subject; and the whole question of flower shows, their present con- dition, and their future improvement, have come upon the carpet. Having had some little experience in this matter, I venture, even although Sir Joseph Paxton and others have written upon it, to suggest a few things, not so much by way of alteration, but to check, if it may be, any tendency towards an ultra-democratic movement in the matter, and to throw a little conservative element into the question. I do not pretend to speak with authority; but it is open to every one who takes the trouble of observing to give the result of his observations, even though they may be those that have passed through the minds of many besides him- self, and may not, therefore, have the appearance even of novelty. : f The first question that meets us is, What is the object of a flower show? Is it to afford an agreeable promenade for the upper classes of society? Is it to replenish the coffers of a treasury exhausted by other outgoings? Is it to put money into the pockets of a few large growers who are sure to exhibit wherever they can? I have no objection to any or all of these views of a flower show. I delight to see the array of beauty and fashion that one is always sure to see at a metropolitan show. I have no objection to a society making money by flower shows, if it can be done, and I think our great growers deserving of all encouragement, although I do not for a moment believe that they are great gainers by their prizes; nay, I feel confident were they to put toge- ther the expense and trouble of growing the plants, and the expense of sending them to the Show, that they are at aloss. But I contend that none of these are the primary objects of a horticultural exhibition. It is to encowrage gar- dening and gardeners, to show what skill, and energy, and perseverance can do, and to enable those who succeed in the various branches of the science to show the results of their labours; and I believe that where a society keeps this pro- minently before itself it is best fulfilling the objects for which it professes to work. J I know that it is objected to this that the very magnitude of the results obtained renders people hopeless of ever attaining a like degree of perfection. A gentleman sees, for example, some of Mr. Henderson’s or Mr. Meredith’s wonderful Grapes, and he contrasts them with his own miserable bunches, and he wants to know why he cannot have as good. Well, perhaps Robinson or Jones has not seen the said Grapes, but he hears of their size and beauty ; and if he be a wise man he will tell his employer, “I think, sir, you would hardly like to incur the expense that has been entailed to procure this fruit ; but if you dol am quite ready to try my best.” Well, he does not reach the standard set; but he inquires the method of culture, gets Thomson on the Vine or some such book, and his vinery bears a totally different appearance. The same holds good with regard to flowers. Take Mr. Bailey's Pelargoniums. It would never 146 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 23, 1864. suit a grower of small means to attempt such plants—a few of them*would soon fill a house; but is there any one who has ever seen them that does not, when he is growing his plants, have them in his mirfd, and endeavour to improve the appearance of his'plants by adhering tothis model? ‘Far, very far behind they are, but the exhibition plants have acted as the stimulus, and he is all the ‘better for having ‘seen them. Where, then, a society has the means within its reach, there flower shows ought to be encouraged and made to embrace within their limits the various branches of in-door and out- door gardening. The distinction that is often made between stove and greenhouse plants and. florists’ flowers, and that to the injury of the latter, is, I am sure, a mistake; and it is a gratifying thing that at the last great show of the Royal Horticultural Society the Princess of Wales paid:most attention to the cut flowers, and requested Mr. Turner of Slough, and Mr. W. Paul, to send her their Roses, -&c., which were accordingly forwarded to Marlborough House. This by the way. I return to the statement I have made, that the one object to be kept in view is the advancement of horticulture; and ifa society be honest in that, although it may make mis- takes and oftentimes ‘fail, yet I believe it will be looked landly upon by all who value ‘the benefits of gardening. And, as we look back on ‘the last thirty years, who is there that does not see the immense advance in horticulture—an advance which I for one do not hesitate to lay entirély to the floral exhibitions held in London and other places? 1 hope to resume this subject, one of so much importance, next week.—D., Deal. GREENHOUSE BUILDING. I wise to build a :span-roofed greenhouse (not a vinery), tthe length to be about 30 feet, would you kindly tell me what would be a suitable width, having reference to the stands for flowers, borders for plants and climbers, and walk for the ladies? What would be the best mode of heating it, and how can tiie furnace, boiler, and outlet for smoke ibe managed so as not to disfigure the structure, as it is tostand in the middle of a grass garden detached from every other building? Do you-recommend the house to run north and south or east-and west? Lastly, what might such -a house he likely to cost builtin a plain inexpensive manner within ten miles of London, Dublin, or Cork for example ? Tam open to any suggestion as to size and style:of build- ing, heatime, &e., and shall be much obliged for:such.—J.C.,, A Subscriber. {The matter has been treated on largely in previous volumes, 'but to oblige you we will give a few hints that may be usefal. First, For a span-roofed house’80 feet long, the necessary breadth, to admit of borders for creepers, stands for flowers, and walking room ‘for ladies, must depend on ‘the internal arrangements. When the fashions change 3feet:might ‘form asuitable pathway—at present the walks ought to'be at least from 3} to 4 ‘feet wide, and even then would be of little use for'such dresses as we have seen sweeping an eight-feet walk from side 'to side. Now, for an economical house, you'could hardly do better than adopt something of the'same style as wwe described as existing at Kimpton Hoo (vol. xx., page '55). Supposing the house to be 12 feet wide, we would make the height of the apex 8 or 9 feet, and the height at the sides, half class, from 5 ‘to 6 feet, ventilation being effected either ‘by class, or by openings in the wall below it. No better plan for ventilation at the top could be given than by having a: double ridge-board, a space of 9 or 10 inches between them, and these supplied with ventilators on ‘pivots. This would require an open cowl over them to prevent the wet entering. The next best plan would ‘be to have'a double ridge-board anda cowl coping, which could be raised by a lever. We are supposing that in ‘this house the walk is down the middle, and 4 feet in width, which would leave you room for 4 feet of stage on each side. 'That stage might bea flat table of the necessary height, or slope from ‘the side walls to the walk as at Kimpton Hoo, or the slope might be given without any stage at all by placing rather tall plants at the sides, and the dwarfest next the of it is, that almost every plant comes under the eye, instead of above it as in most arrangements. We ourselves have to place plants to be looked up to, but there is not then half the charm that is enjoyed when you look down.on'them. Some years ago we described the gorgeous effect produced by the masses of bloom in the conservatory at Dyrham Park (then under the care of our'able coadjutor, Mr. David Thomson) when looked at chiefly downwards from the drawimg-room glass door. Mr. Cox, at Kimpton Hoo, manages to obtain a good deal of the same effect in his little greenhouse. The plants at the sides, being the highest, act'as a background, and the lowest close to your feet bring all under the sweep of the eye, without straining it to look up. This, we think, would be your simplest arrangement, and, for a small house, per- haps the most effective. Whether with a flat stage or sloping stage or no stage at all, there would be ample room below the stages or below the pots, for a border for creepers, and it would be as well, perhaps, if each of them were planted in a wooden or brick box—in either case, the box need never be seen; but planting thus, instead of in a made border, would enable you to change your climbers ‘and replace them without interfering with those that pleased you. Considering the simplicity of details, ease of ventilation, &e., we do not think you could better this ; but if you wished to have a central stage to stand opposite the doorway at each end, and a pathway round it, then your house would require to be 10 or 12 feet in height at the apex or ridge, 64eet at the sides, and from 16 to 17 feet in width, and we would arrange it thus: In the centre, a platform 7 feet in width, and 3 feet from the ground, a pathway round it of. + feet in width,-and a stage all round the sides and ends, except where the door is, this stage bemg 18 mches wide and 30 or 33 inches from the floor. Such a house would give you much storage-room beneath the stages, and the skirts of the paths might be-edged with Mosses and Ferns. Such a house, however, would cost much more than ‘the more simple one, and we question if on ‘the whole it would look better. In both cases the path could ‘be partly occu- pied with dwarf plants when room is a matter of impor- tance, and ‘these eould be cleared away when ‘they would incommode ladies and their extended dresses. We state this because such little hothouses soon become crammed and their fair mistresses will not dislike wrapping their skirts closely in preference to injuring their favourite plants. Secondly, As to the best mode of heating. For such an ‘arrangement as the last, the best mode would be by hot water, and more especially if a heat of from '50° ‘to 55° and upwards were wanted in winter. For the simple plan first proposed, and where a medium heat of 40° to 45° in winter would be deemed sufficient, we would decidedly for such a single house adopt the flue system. We would carry that flue beneath the central pathway, either a single wide one of 15 or 16 inches, going from the furnace to the other end, or a double flue of 9 inches, outside measure, going and returning; ‘but in either case the flue should ‘be deep enough ‘to permit of a thin covering of tiles, and then the top of the flue to be of tiles, flagstones, or whatever material of a conducting character formed the pathway. One advantage of this plan would be that in cold. and damp days in winter, when the fire was burning, the ladies might always walk in the greenhouse with the certainty ofthaving, not damp or cold, but a mild heated medium beneath their feet. For simplicity and economy in‘such a house, to be kept temperate merely in severe weather, we would prefer the flue to any other mode of heating; and if a single fine through the house we would build the first 10 feet with brick on bed, instead of brick on edge. If hot water, with its greater expense for fuel, &ec., were resolved on, any middle or small- sized saddle-back or conical boiler will do; the simpler the construction the better. - : Thirdly, As the building is to stand in the centre of a grass garden, how least'to disfigure the structure with fur- nace, smoke-outlet, &c. Well then! in the first place we would not disfigure the place with any appearance of a furnace or stokehole. If the ground slopes at all we would have the furnace at the lowest end, and this would be best if you adopted a single wide flue or hot water. If on the level, it would not matter at which end the furnace were placed. Now, as you are not tied to 30 feet, but would wish ‘to pathway. This makes a capital arrangement, and the beauty ; be pretty near it, we would have that length for the house Angust 23, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER. 147 pe I ay proper; but. at the most appropriate end we would have some 6 or 10 feet. additional as a lobby, looking the same as the rest of the house outside, bat with a glass division and doorway in it, separating it from the other part. In one side of this lobby we would sink our stokehole, either for flue or hot water, and this we would cover with a wooden door, and over this you might set a table for plants, to. be easily moved into the passage when the flue wanted looking to. This: would effectually hide all appearance of a stoke- hole and furnace, unless to the initiated, and many things could be kept in this furnace-lobby in winter. In summer, when no fires were wanted, it would look like the rest of the house. Now, as to the smoke-outlet, supposing that was wanted merely at one end, still, for uniformity, we would have an ornamental iron shaft, or one of terra cotta, or earthenware, somewhat ornamental, fixed at each end, and the pair would so balance as to do away with any idea of ugliness. They might also be connested with breaks and juttings-out along the ridge-board, so that the smoke column and, its balancing neighbour would come in as necessary adjuncts. As for the smoke itself, except when lighting the fire, little smoke need be seen if broken coke is used, and a little air is caused to play over the fuel.in the furnace. Of course, if smoky coals are used, there will be more difficulty in disposing of the smoke. By such means as indicated the chimney, or rather chimneys, will be ornamental rather than otherwise. Were it not for being so detached from any other building, no smoke at all need be seen. For a more extended greenhouse it might, in similar cireum- stances, be desizable to carry the smoke in a tunnel to the neazest chimney of the establishment. What we suggest has reference to the circumstances you describe, keeping economy; efficiency, and graceful uniformity in view. Many greenhouses are disfigured because they look like a pig with one ear; the other ear, or the appearance of the double ornamental chimney, would have pleased the most fastidious taste, especially of those who are influenced by the first appearance, and not by stern questions of utility. Hither iron, somewhat ornamental, or earthenware tubes, not less than 9 inches in diameter, should be used as smoke-vents in such a house. Fourthly, We would prefer such a house to stand north and south, instead of east and west, as the full morning and afternoon sun can thus be taken advantage of, and the hot- test sun will strike the house transversely. The other direc- tion will, however, do very well, and. it will have one advan- tage standing east and west, that only the south side of the span will require shading. Mr. Cox does this efficiently at Kimpton Hoo by thin calico curtains inside, fixed by rings or pivots, which remain on in hot weather in summer, and can be easily taken off and replaced. Fifthly and lastly, As regards expense we would rather not touch on it. That will be a matter for the designer and the builder when the planis decided on. The more work, the more money; the more ornament, the moze expense. You can easily ascertain what the glass would cost at 2d. per foot, the expense of sash-bar rafters, if the roof is to be fixed, which should be at least 34 inches: deep by 14 inch across, also, the expense of glazing, the cost of walls per foot or per yard. The havine a fixed roof will reduce the ex- penses very much, but then you cannot move, the, house without taking it to pieces. Making the roof in sashes will pretty well double the expense. We have had particulars of the five-pound curate’s greenhouse, and the cheap wood- and-glass houses of Mr. Rivers, and our own experience leads us to the conclusion that that great gardener has not in cheapness exaggerated a jot. But beyond these simple struc- tures, everything in the shape of durability and extra elegance must be paid for: The best plan for you to adopt after fixing on a plan, is to have everything done by a respectable builder when you have settled on the price. If you have a,stone- mason or a bricklayer to employ, then a carpenter, then a glazier and painter; and then a hot-water man, you. must expect to pay not merely for the workmanship, but for the superintendence of the work being done in each department. Not being in the trade we would rather not give prices; as, when we have ventured on this ground, and found ourselves pretty correct, some half dozen of letters would come, stating that we would ruin the trade, and another half dozen tell ing usithe writers would willingly undertake such work at ‘man should make an agreement for himself. _ success. received a.special certificate were Peeress, Countess Russell, a lower figure than we stated. Still the alteration of circum- stances is so great, and the least departure from the simply useful so expensive, that it is much better that every gentle- Let him, however, well consider the matter, and have scarcely any deviations from the plan for which the estimate is given, if rigid economy is his object, as for each deviation it is only right. that he should pay.—R. F.] ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Aveust 16TH. Fiorat Commirrsr.—This was one of the most interesting meetings of the season. Subjects for examination were un- usually numerous. Mr. Chatev’s grand spikes of seedling Hollyhocks were in themselves, a splendid exhibition. Mr. Chater had brought some of these seedlings on the previous Tuesday, under the idea that it was one of the days for the Committee’s meeting. By the aid of a Sub-Committee and the Chairman, who. were summoned to a special meeting for another purpose on that day, certificates were-awarded, which will be noticed in the following report :-— The Rev. E. Hawke, Willingham Rectory, sent cut flowers of seedling Hollyhocks Willingham Defiance, light nese, bright colour—first-class certificate ; Gladiator, dark maroon.or ruby —first-class certificate; Cavalier, a carmine rose—second- class certificate. These were all very promising flowers. Mr: Payer,nurseryman, Folkestone, sent four seedling Pelar- goniums—Charles Payer, Mrs. A. Payer, Giant Golden Chain, Folkestonii, far behind the class. of flowers of the present day. Mr. Norford, Brompton, sent Verbena Purple Prince, a dwarf-habited plant, with very small purple truss ; Mr. Turner, Slough, seedling Verbena Princess of Wales, very delicate white ground, with pale rosy stripes, by no means an effective flower; also one flower of a promising Hollyhock, Yellow Perfection. Mr. Bowie, Clapham Rise, exhibited twenty seedling Gladioli scarcely in bloom, nor did there appear anything extra or novel in them. Mr. Cooling, Bath, had a very pretty striped seedling Verbena, ‘Annie, the best striped variety we have seen, pale pinkish ground, with broad bright rose stripe, which received. a second-class certificate; and Tropeclum, Fire Queen, not distinct from King of Tom Thumbs. Mr. Bland, “Star and Garter,’ Richmond, sent a double Fuchsia, Charmer, deficient in colour as well as form; and Mr. Perkins, Coventry, Verbena Harl of Aylesford, bright scarlet, but ‘inferior in every way to Lord Leigh and Foxhuniter. Mr. Chater, Saffron Walden, exhibited many superb spikes of seedling Hollyhocks, the only and proper way of showing their merits; for it is much more difficult to show a spike of good flowers than three good flowers selected from ai spike. Spikes.of several ofthe seedlings sent on the 9th were again brought for inspection. The following received first-class certificates :—Decision, a remarkably fine flower, buff, shaded with salmon; Rev. E. Hawke, salmon, suffused with rose, a very fine flower; Chairman, deeply-shaded cerise; Fanny Chater, a. first-rate flower, rose tinted with carmine; Acme, aseedling of 1863, had received a first-class certificate ; James Allen, purplish puce,, a most useful colour; Cygnet, the finest white ever exhibited. Second-class certificates, were awarded to Competitor, rosy lilac; Othello, shaded maroon; Fairest of the Fair, deep rose. Two other seed-. lings—Rev. H. Dombrain, a salmon rose; and Cyrus, pale. orange—were not noticed. Mr. Chater also exhibited for the Rev. H. Hawke a spike of a. seedling named Albion, a white flower faintly tinged with lemon, for which a second-class certificate was awarded. Among Mr. Chater’s eut flowers were Hercules, a fine full flower, yellow, shaded with fawn—first-class certificate ; Rev. Joshua Dix, bright red, very fine im texture and. colour, a. seedling of 1863-—first-class certificate; and among other seedlings we noticed Zeno, an orange buff; Millicent, a bright rose; Sanspareil, carmine rose; and Rubra purpurea. Such a collection of seedlings no individual has ever ex- hibited in one day; Mr. Chater must feel gratified at his In a collection of forty-eight cut flowers which Joshua Clark, Erebus, Royal Scarlet, Lady Daeres, Lady Paxton, Pericles, Princess, Invincible, Princess: of Wales,. 148 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { August 23, 1864. Glory of Walden, Rosea pallida, and many other first-rate varieties. Mr. Porter exhibited eight seedling Hollyhocks, among which was Volunteer Improved, a nice compact dark ruby flower, and a second-class certificate was awarded for it. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing sent seven seedling Holly- hocks. Some of these were very promising flowers, but not ina condition for their merits to be judged, having suffered much injury from the thrips. Stanstead Hero, a very fine flower, and others, will doubtless take a high position when seen under more favourable circumstances. A special certificate was awarded to Messrs. Downie & Co. for their collection of cut flowers, some of which were first-rate. We noticed Stanstead Rival, Lady Fuller, Joshua Clark, Charles Eyre, Scarlet Gem, Lady de Veaux, Orange Perfection, &c. Messrs. Downie & Co. also sent two fine specimens of Amaryllis reticulata superba, one bearing six and the other five beau- tiful flowers. This plant has been in cultivation for many years. Mr. C. J. Perry brought five seedling Verbenas, two of which, Glowworm and Snowball, received second-class certifi- cates at the last meeting. The others were Charles Turner, a very superb flower, large truss, blush ground, with very large rosy purple eye, the finest flower in its class—first- class certificate ; Lilac King, a pale lavender, fine truss, and very sweet-scented, dark eye; and Queen of the Pinks. A collection of twenty-four varieties also came from Mr. Perry, and it received a well-merited special certificate. The flowers were perfect in size, form, and colour. Among them were Purity, Miss Harvey, Wonderful, Nemesis, Startler, Em- peror, Magnificans, L’Avenir de Ballent, Modesty, &c. Mr. Perry also brought Scarlet Pelargonium Glowworm, pale orange scarlet, small truss. Mr. Bull contributed Verbena Otto of Roses, a flower remarkable for its perfume; Verbena Merry Maid, bright cherry, a pleasing colour for bedding purposes ; also a collection of Italian striped Verbenas. The Rey. R. H. Charlesley, Iffley, Oxford, exhibited cut specimens of Verbena Una, a fine flower, but not sufficiently distinct from other varieties; and Mr. Keynes, Salisbury, several seedling Dahlias, some of which were very promising flowers. Among these were Edward Spary, dark plum, first-rate form —first-class certificate ; John Salter, buff ground striped with scarlet, fine form—second-class certificate; Striped Perfection, a decided improvement in its class, dark maroon on a pale purplish ground—second-class certificate ; George Rawlings, purplish puce—second-class certificate; Lady Maude Herbert, a very beautiful flower, pale lemon tipped with carmine—first-class certificate; and Hamlet, a dull red or velvety crimson, fine form—second-class certificate. Mr. Eyles brought from the Society’s Garden, Chiswick, specimens of plants recently sent home by Mr. Weir, three of which received first-class certificates—viz., a species of Anthurium, from New Grenada, a very handsome-foliaged plant of the Caladium tribe; Peperomia species, and Pepe- romia arifolia; also a new Dieffenbachia, not sufficiently grown to decide upon its merits, excepting that it is very distinct from any other known Dieffenbachia. A fine plant of Peristeria elata, presented some time since by Mr. Bateman to the Society, and grown in the gardens attracted much attention. It isa very singular and beautiful Orchid, known in its own country as the “Dove” plant, the centre of each flower most perfectly resembling a white dove. Froit Commirres.—H. G. Bohn, Esq., in the chair. Mr. John Keynes, of Salisbury, sent three bunches of a new Grape, introduced from Smyrna. The bunches are large and long, and, considering they were grown on a pot Vine, give evidence that when planted out the plant will yield im- mense bunches. The berries are large, ovate, with a thin, tough, white skin, and crackling flesh. They were not quite ripe, and the flavour was evidently not yet developed, so Mr. Keynes was requested to send it later in the season. Mr. Francis Dancer, of Little Sutton, sent a basket of very large Lord Suffield Apples, one of the largest and most valuable early culinary Apples. A seedling Apple was sent by Mr. Cooling, nursery man, Bath, called Bailbrook Seedlings It was raised at Bailbrook, Batheaston, near Bath, and be- longs to the Irish Peach class, a beautiful and very early dessert Apple, tender-fleshed, with a balsamic flayour. The Committee recommended it as worthy of cultivation as a handsome, early, dessert Apple, ripe in the beginning of August; but the fruit exhibited on the 16th of August was considerably overripe, having already become mellow. A seedling Plum was received from Mr. Thomas Ingram, of Frogmore. It is medium sized, mottled with purple and yellow. Flesh yellow, melting, sweet, and richly flavoured. The Committee asked that it might be sent again. Mr. Cooling, of Bath, sent a seedling Kidney Potato of a fine purple colour; but as the Committee could form no judg- ment beyond the appearance, Mr. Cooling was requested to send tubers to the garden for trial. EFFECT OF GALVANISED NETTING ON FLOWERS. A ¥Ew days since a lady in Devonshire drew my attention to what appeared to both of us a very curious circumstance with reference to the effect produced by galvanised wire netting, when placed round a bed of flowers. The bed in question contains Carnations—seedlings, which would, properly, come into bloom this summer—but, strange to say, the plants commenced blooming in the month of April, and have continued to produce a great quantity of flowers up to this time. This appears to be contrary to the nature of the plant; and, indeed, a bed of the same kind of plants close at hand, but without the wire netting, has only bloomed in the regular season. Those within the netting have almost, and in a few cases quite, exhausted themselves with this apparently forced blooming, having made little or no grass, and many plants having actually died. The netting is, I think, 18 inches or 2 feet high, and is placed there to keep off rabbits. Can any of your practical readers give us any account of similar experiences, or can those who may possess scientific information assign any cause for the phenomenon ?— DrcrpEDLY PuzzLED. A CHEAP GREENHOUSE AND STOVE. By any one who has a mechanical turn, a greenhouse or stove can be erected and heated at a less cost than one would think. Having all along had a fancy for the cul- tivation of plants in-doors, I have tried many a shift, but with poor luck, and the expense of putting up a house to answer my wants was, I thought, out of the question. How- ever, in one of our newspapers, I observed the advertise- ment of a carpenter who wished to dispose of a lot of window- sashes, sound in glass and wood. These I inspected, and finding them suitable, closed with him at Is. 9d. a-piece for the lot. I immediately set to work, and made the frame of a size to fit my sashes, and in a very short time the whole was completed, painted, and made watertight. I may mention, that over the junction between the two sashes on the roof, I nailed roofing felt cut in strips, which costs a mere trifle, and the sash-bars were cut with a saw to allow the water to run freely away. Although I wield the pen as an occupation, still I can also handle the saw and plane, and the use of these one can easily acquire by a little practice. T have seldom met with an amateur gardener who could not handle them to some extent. Heating was the next difficulty. I first tried steam, as I was in possession of a small boiler for driving an engine in connection with a turning lathe which I had. This would not do. Steam could not be kept up all night. A stove was next tried. This would have done well enough could I have superintended it personally, but Thad to be at business all day, and it was by no means pleasant to come home and find it at a cherry red heat outside. It was keeping up the temperature with a vengeance ; and then the dust from the clinkers, even with the greatest care, would fly about. My patience was at last exhausted, so I resolved to adopt the hot-water system, and purchased one of Riddell’s stoves, with a coil of one-inch piping inside. Each end of the coil is brought out of the casing and screwed to fit a coupling. To this I added a foot more of tubing, and conrected them with the flow and return pipes going round the house by tapered oak plugs driven up with red lead into the four-inch pipes, and a hole bored in the centre, admitted the screwed end of the one-inch tubing coming from the stove. A better August 23, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 143 or cheaper joint could not be had, as it has been in use for more than a year, and is as good and free from leakage as the day it was first put in. For fuel I use what are called gas cinders, which are the burnt gas coal that is drawn from the retorts, and which can be bought for about5s. a-cartload. If astrong fire is desired, it will yield that to perfection by giving draught, and on the other hand nothing will smoulder so long with so little air. As a proof of this I refer to my note-book, and find that for fully more than a month my fire was never re- kindled, and then it was only owing to my absence from home that it went out. It may interest some to know how this is done. You are aware thatin these stoves of Riddell’s the fuelis put in by a circular aperture (fitted with a cover and made tight with silver sand), in the top of the stove. Now so soon as I have the heat up, and a clear fire, I open the cover, and fill up the stove nearly to the top with the cinders, close the ash-pit and front doors (the latter used for lighting), and then plaster these all over with wet ashes. Perhaps some one may be able to explain better than I can the reason why the fire burns at all. In the morning I open the small front door, and with a bent piece of iron remove all the burnt fuel till I see the clear fire. I then open the top cover and press the unburnt fuel down to the furnace- grate, and close up as formerly. If this is done I can imsure any one having little trouble in the management of that class of stoves. I may add that this treatment will not do with common coal, as it requires a fair supply of air to yield the required heat, or even to smoulder. I can speak from experience on this. 1 My house is about 24 feet long, and about 8 wide, divided into a stove and greenhouse. ‘The sashes cost me, I think, including all the wood I required, £3 10s.; hot-water stove, £4 10s.; pipes, £1. I find common rain-water pipes answer perfectly well, and being thinner than others heat more rapidly. I coat them with common blacklead dissolved in water to the consistency of paint, and laid on with a brush or piece of flannel ; one pennyworth of blacklead will goa long way. The joints of the pipes are filled in with hemp and redlead. You will see the cost was £9, but, of course, my time was a good deal occupied after business hours, but it was al- together a labour of love on the part of—AN AMATEUR MecHantic. [The smallness of the cost is entirely owing to the bargain you made, obtaining the articles much below cost price, and thus it hardly forms a guide for others. When all the ma- terials have to be purchased at their fair value, the fixed roof will always be the cheapest, and sashes will be dis- pensed with; but then for tenants such houses are not easily moveable. We consider you deserve credit for the way in which you have made the best of the materials. We have no doubt that with personal attention you would have succeeded in heating to your satisfaction, either with an iron or a brick stove; but all these matters require care. We are obliged by your experience of Riddell’s stove. It will answer better for securing the requisite temperature in the two divisions of your house. We believe every word you say about the fuel. We presume that what you call gas cinders are not the burnt gas coal drawn from the retorts ; but such, or coke, used again once for heating the retorts, and then called cinders. Such are generally in small pieces, possess good heating power in furnaces, and emit little smoke. We are obliged by all your details. ] HOTHOUSE NEAR THE SHA. Tam thinking of building a hothouse on the slope of a hill, facing south-east, but the piece of ground is within 200 yards of the sea, and is exposed to winds coming from the south and east. It is entirely sheltered from the north by the hill. My object in having a hothouse is to make it remunerative as well as pleasant. Now what per- plexes me is, whether the sea breeze is much colder than the land breeze, and whether the house would be very much more expensive to heat on that account. I am living in Jersey, where it happens that there is not one hothouse built close to the shore, and therefore there is no one to give me the results of his experience. Will you, therefore, kindly offer me a little advice on the subject ? It would beaserious loss for me to build one, and then to find that the extra expense for fuel would, in a great measure, swallow up all the profits. Coke is 7s. a-load, coals 18s. per ton. — Prr- PLEXITY. [We should not like to advise you in the circumstances without knowing how far the sea vapours and spray may be carried in your exposed position. It would be aserious thing to build a house for profit in such an exposed position, and some stormy night or day to find the salt spray coming into your house. Of course much might be done to prevent that, by close glazing, and ventilating chiefly on the northern side, or that not exposed from the sea. This would be our chief reason for delaying and making some experiments. The cost of the fuel need form no drawback—that is if you can take it easily to the place. The sea breeze in the position will be warm rather than otherwise. We have known hothouses do well at a shorter distance from the sea than you are, but then a bluff headland intercepted the spray, whilst you seem fully exposed. | VISITS TO GARDENS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. CAMLIN, THE SEAT OF JOHN TREDENNICK, ESQ. Own the banks of the river Erne (which from its issuing from the lake of the same name at Beleek to its entrance into the Atlantic has a fall of about 170 feet in about five or six miles), stands a house which from my earliest days I recollect to have heard of as one where gardening was dili- gently carried out, and successfully too; and I was the more anxious to see it, inasmuch as the old-fashioned notions of hor- ticulture were still cherished there, and everything had not been made subservient to one modern innovation—an advan- tage of which I think few can estimate the importance when climatic influences have to be combated. I have oftentimes seen in Ireland gardens which are perhaps very foreign to modern notions, but which always gave and do give me the notion of great enjoyment—well and abundantly stocked with fruit of all kinds, with an abundant supply of vege- tables, and then a green sward with a shrubbery at one side or in the centre, with beautiful shaded walks of Yews, Laurels, or even deciduous trees, inviting to meditation, and suggestive of comfort and ease in the sultry days which sometimes visit these northern regions. Of course, all this is most heterodox in the eyes of those who consider that everything ought to be en régle, and that uniformity (beds matching beds, colour, and height, and shape all alike), is that alone after which we ought to strive. But just look at the advantage in such a season as this. What are grass gardens now? I have seen many a one lately, and, as might be expected, green is the very last colour one sees in them. Many of the beds are only half filled with flowers; and in these bright glaring days the brilliant reds and yellows are anything but pleasing to the eye. In fact, for those who have been advocating a mixture of the old and modern systems of gardening this has been a most opportune season, affording them many a fulerum by which they may move their object. The gardens at Camlin may be divided into three portions, of which the walled-in one contained as magnificent a crop of fruit and as fine a collection of vegetables as are to be found anywhere. And here let me say I was very much surprised to find how very little difference there was in the state of forwardness between the north-west portion of Ire- land and my own extreme south-eastern portion of England. Strawberries were all, or nearly all, over; Gooseberries and Currants ripe; Cherries, the later sorts still to be had; Apples and Pears, &c., in much about the same condition ; and yet we certainly have a much larger share of sun and warm weather than they have, although the variations of temperature are not so great: and this is probably the reason of their productions not being so much retarded as their position would lead one to imagine they would be. There is but one large vinery where Grapes are forced, and well too. (And talking of Grapes, I forgot to mention in my account of the Rockville Gardens that Mr. Bewley enter- tains the notion that in order to obtain flavour and colour a different system should be adopted. He consequently keeps his house closed even during intense sun, running up 150 the thermometer to 120° during the day, and ventilates freely at night, thereby, of course, reducing the tempe- rature immensely. He himself speaks favourably of the results, and nothing could be more evenly beautiful than the crop I saw in the house when I was there.) The whole of the large garden, comprising several acres, was kept in excellent order, and well repaid the care and attention that had been bestowed upon it. Close to the house, which has been almost rebuilt by the present owner, is a grass garden; and it will, I am sure, gladden the heart of “A Winrsurre Rector” to know that this is one place in which “King Croquet” has been dethroned; for though wherever one goes quiet little lawns and grass gardens are gradually usurped by his most de- spotic majesty, the lawn here, which was used as a croquet ground, has been cut up into beds, and the mallets, and hoops, and balls banished to wait the time when some other convenient place can be found for them. The beds were well filled; but unfortunately that terrible frost that occurred on the last night of May played sad havoc, and many of the beds had to be filled again, so that there was a deficiency of bloom. One bed I particularly noticed as seeming to be a very nice relief to the brilliant colours which are generally the rule in such gardens; it was entirely composed of the Variegated Alyssum, which is used oftentimes for edging, but in this way it was to me a novelty and a pleasing one. There were the usual plants that we see in our modern system; and one can have no objection to it when, as here, the old friends are not thrown on one side for these new faces. Alongside of this, but separated from it by a wire fence, is. another piece of ground, partly shrubbery and partly garden, in which is a very fair specimen of the Nesfield style of gardening. It is a long but somewhat narrow steep, composed of a series of small beds, in which are planted some of the lower-growing bedding plants, while different coloured gravels, &c., are added. It was a combi- nation of the two styles, and better, I think, than a rigid adherence to the system of oil-cloth patterns, which have justly excited so much ridicule; yet the effect has been obtained by great trouble and considerable expense, and, after all, I question whether it is at all worth it. I know that Mrs. Tredennick regrets much that many of her old favourites have been consigned by the gardener to oblivion to make room for his plants. Roses seem to flourish here. Some of the standards were of great size, and the character of the soil tends to bring out their colours well. A bed of Moss Roses at Fort William, just opposite, was of the most luxuriant character, and showed clearly how admirably the soil agreed with them. There were not many of the newer sorts, but those good varieties which are to be found in the garden of every Rose- fancier. I do not intend to intimate that Camlin is what is called a show place, but it is a very pretty place; and the traveller from Enniskillen to Ballyshannon would do well to stop for a few minutes and ask permission, which will be freely granted, and I do not think there will be muck regret for the delay it has occasioned.—D., Deal. MANCHESTER GOOSEBERRY SHOW. How few of our readers know how a Gooseberry show is conducted; and the majority of them when reading of any kind of horticultural exhibition, immediately see, “in the mind’s eye,” raised stages, formally arranged plants, and batteries of red flower-pots. There are no such concentra- tions of things odious to good taste at a Gooseberry show ; there is no attempt at display; everything looks like busi- ness, and every one present seems to mean it. The very hostelry where this Manchester Show was held is in good keeping with the exhibition ; it looks like a resort of business, and its sign, “The Falstaff,” shows the rotund knight much belike an animated bloated Gooseberry, such as we saw there on the 6th day of August last past. Along the centre of an upper chamber a table was placed, on each side of which sat earnest men, the majority of whom had each a, box enveloped in a handkerchief, and guarded by his resting elbow. At the top of the table sat two officials, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { August 23, 1864. rendered grave by a consciousness of the power delegated to them. Before one of them was an accurately adiusted balance, and a long array of weights, from a single grain to that of many pennies. "This was the decider of each berry’s excellence in heaviness. By his side sat the recorder of each berry’s weight submitted to the balance; and from his book —the chronicle of Gooseberrydom—there is no appeal. Gooseberries are divided into four classes, distinguished by their colour—the white, green, yellow, and red. A berry is called for in a class—say greens. Some one takes a berry from its cotton envelope in his box, its weight and owner- ship are ascertained and recorded; another and many others follow in the same class, and it is found that William Jones’s Thumper is the heaviest. “Has any one a berry that will beat that?” A pause, and then a sly old fellow unfolds the cover of his hox; there is a general shuffle of excitement as he produces his Gooseberry from its cotton wrapping, and hands it to the weigher. All heads bend towards the balance. It is heavier by five grains than Thumper, and Thomas Smith’s Conqueror is placed as the prize berry of its class in the exhibition box. This box has a solid bed of plaster of Paris within it, and oval hollows are scooped in that bed ready for the repose of the victor berries. One Gooseberry was announced to weigh 33 dwts. 19 grs. NORTHWICH GOOSEBERRY SHOW. List of prizes awarded at the Gooseberry Show, held at the Angel Inn, Northwich, Cheshire, July 30th, 1864 :— EXHIBITOR. Name. dwt. gr. Mr. F. Yates, Maiden Prize (Kettle)......... Leveller.... =~ 20 4 Mr. G. Beckett, Twins (Pruning Knife)...,.. London . 45 10: Mr. J. Johnson (Premier Prize £1) ...-..... Antagonist. 34.4 Mr. W. Jones (Steward’s Prize, Copper Kettle) London .... 31 2 Mr. G, Beckett do. do. Leveller . 26 7 Mr. T. Lanceley do. do. 28 4 Mr. C. Leicester (Macclesfield) do. 27 G Mr. T. Nicholas (Steward’s Prize, Brass Pan) 25 a Mr, R. Foster do. do. 25, 22c Mr. J. Jones do. do. oh. 27 # Mr. C. Leicester (Plumbley) do. Antagonist _ 26 R Mr. F. Jameson (Steward’s Prize, Tea Pot)... Lion’s Provider. 25°66 Mr. T. Bull do. do. Seedling Mary Ann 23 12 Mr. Joseph Wynne do. do. Thumper ............ 25 24 Mr. G. Plant do. do. Freedom 21 1s RED CLASS. Mr. F. Jameson. London ..,. Mr. W. Jones... one Beauty ones Mr. T. Lanceley . ... Flixtonia . Mr. T. Lanceley ........... . Highlander Mr. C. Leicester (Plu ... Duke ofSutherland 25 22 Mr. J. Johnson .. Lion’s Provider...... 25 18 Mr. J. Johnson . Give ita Name 25 4 Mr. J. Wynne .... Clayton..... 24 18 Mr. T. Lanceley Slaughterm: 24 12. Mr. G, Plant .......-s000« Wonderfal. 24 30 YELLOW CLASS. aper Mr. J. Johnson. vee Leveller....-.seser0s+ . Mr. J. Beckett. Oyster Girl . . 25 4 Mr. W. Jones Tinker... . 2414 Mr. G. Plant Dm . 24 12 Mr. C. Leicester (Macclesfield) Trumpeter . 216 Mr. J. Johnson Peru. |\.-5.+<5 . 24>6 Mr. F. Jameson .... Leader . 28 12 Mr. C. Leicester (Macclesfield) Australia . - 2310 Mr. F. Jameson .......0e-- Catherina. . 2B % Mr. J. Jones CLAMP cverrseeginease 2 2B. GREEN CLASS. bs é . Charles Leicester (Macclesfield) ......... Jerry 6 ae oe TeHNEOR AabicehCood : caren ! Stockwell . 27 6 Mr. J. Johnson Norcliffe 26 4 Mr. W. Jones ... Thumper 25 15 Mr. T. Lanceley Shiner..., 2412 Mr. J. Wynne ... Telegraph 24 8 Mr. C. Leicester ( Sir G. Brown 24 6 Mr. G. Beckett... Bravo ....-.000+ 23 18 Mr. C. Leicester ( Rough Green & 28 6 Mr. J. Johnson . Gretna Green ...,.. 22 18 Mr. W. Jones . Antagonist ....,.006 . C. Leicester (Macclesfield) Mitre ....... oonomecascnacotans Snowdrop . Freedom . Careless ........ . Hero of the Nile... Jenny Lind Snowdrift . Overseer «+. Queen of the . J, Johnson... . T. Lanceley .... . C. Leicester (Macclesfield) Mr. F. Jameson shee Mr. J. Johnson... Mr. W. Ryley August 23, 1864,] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 151 BUSH APRICOTS. Tue Apricot being a favourite fruit with me, I read with interest the article in No. 177. Six years ago, come No- vember, I planted two very young trees of the Breda variety as bushes, and they grew so vigorously that when four years had expired, they each of them measured fully 10 feet in height, and as much across, although rather severely pinched and cut back. In the third and fourth years they blossomed abundantly, but would not set fruit. About this time your contributors and readers spoke out. Some complained that they could obtain no fruit, and Mz. Rivers advised that the trees should be turned into firewood. Thad at that moment come to the same conclusion (spring of 1863), and had commenced cutting one down; but when about to sever the last leader of this fine bush, a fit of com- passion seized me. I trimmed neatly the mutilated parts, lifted the tree, and replanted it in another place. It bore and ripened fruit the same year, and the untouched com- panion bush also produced a heavy crop of delicious fruit. This year they both bear a light but serviceable crop. The description of De Jonghe’s Sweet Kernel Apricot closely agrees with the Breda. Is it better, as a more sure bearer? or should I do well to plant De Jonghe’s Diamant? At the present time I have scarcely any wall to use, and am glad of bushes that succeed, as they take no gardener’s time. Ican manage them myself, which I love todo. The Apricot is a delightful companion all the srow- ing season; beautiful in blossom, beautiful in its lively and luxuriant foliage, and not less so when occasionally adorned withits golden fruit.—Cuaruzs Exuis, The Orchard, Upper East Sheen. [Until the new varieties which youname have been grown for some time in this country, it would be impossible to answer your questions with certainty. |] AMONG THE WELSH MOUNTAINS. “TI sHounp like to visit Wales if it were only to see the Sambucus niger, the plant said to be always found near old cottages, placed there by their first owners to keep away the witches.” So said a fair young lady not lone since. “You may remain at home and see it,” was the reply; ‘anda spray of Hider was fetched from a neishbouring hedge. This is not quoted merely for the purpose ‘of noting that the Elder is usually found near old cottages im Wales and elsewhere, and that it might have been placed there for anti-witchery purposes, or because a favoured wine is made from its berries, or a cosmetic from its flowers; but the con- versation is quoted as an example of things being sought for at a far distance which might be obtained close at hand —only because we do not know better. Take anotherimstance. Englishmen go abroad in search of the grand and the beautiful, yet the writer of this has ascended Table Mountain at the Cape of Good Hope; has ‘done the same among the rocky mountain passes of St. Helena; and he jhas threaded this way among the jungled hills of Sumatra. ‘rom all the lofty elevations of those far-off lands he has looked upon Nature in some of her grandest and most beautiful aspects; and now he records his experience that their-equals—their equals fully—are in the mountain districts of North Wales. This is written sitting in a wmdow looking down the lakes of Llanberis, or, as they are here called, Lyn Padarn and Lyn Peris. The densely wooded feet of the mountains Yr Alltwen and Coel Mawr are on either hand coming down to the lake’s edges, and would have been bathed by the waters but that a road has been cut around the margin. Nestling in these mountain woods peep out a few white-walled cot- tages ; in the distance, where the waters of the lakes com- mingle, and on a rocky prominence, stands that castle of many mythic tales—Dolbadarn ; and beyond that, towering as if in emulation to excel in height, are Glyder fawr, Mynyd fawr, and Snowdon.* In the garden borders near him are in full bloom surpassingly fine specimens of Fuchsias, Dahlias, and Hydrangeas—the latter blue-flowered without the aid of the gardener. ‘Truly this mountain-enclosed valley is a combination of the grand, the beautiful, and the cultivated, which may be often equalled but cannot be much excelled. Other lessons, however, are to be learned among the Welsh mountains, and they shall be jotted down, though small coat are felt as a descent after sweeping over such a grand. total. The present year has given birth to a cry against hotel landlords that has swollen into a mania for joint-stock-com- pany hotels ; whereas it would have been wiser to encourage those landlords who manage their establishments liberally, make their hotels enjoyable, and charge moderately. If asked where such are to be found, I reply there are many such in North Wales; and two at once rise upon my memory —the hotel at Capel Curig, and the Penrhyn Arms at Ban- gor. Moreover, they are surrounded by gardens thrown open to visitors, well ornamented with flowers, shrubs, and. trees, and preserved in order such as is only usual in private establishments. Not far from the Penrhyn Arms, which I would select as a model hotel, occurs that model village, Liandegai. I visited the place to see the tomb of James the First’s Lord Keeper, Archbishop Williams, but was far more gratified by the entire village. Every cottage, built of stone and slated, is a model of cleanliness and perfect repair ; every hedge is Quick, uniform in height, and scrupulously clipped to a pyramidal form; every cottage has a garden, and every garden is fully stocked and well cultivated. Every cottager is tidy ; and I visited the place more than once, attracted by the appearance of comfort and contentment which seemed all-prevalent ; and it is no exaggeration to say that I felt the happier for looking upon a place where labour and re- spectability, utility and perfect order, are so intimately com- bined. Cottage gardening there is pursued under favourable cir- cumstances. Lord Penrhyn is its patron, and a sheltered valley contributes alluvial soil and a genial temperature ; but I have seen gardening in North Wales pursued under no ordinary difficulties. At Capel Curig I strolled up a mountain side to an eleva- tion on which clung a plantation. Hazel had there been com- bating with the elements, and was worsted in the struggle. Bireh, however, defied the winds and other mountain seve- rities ; and just above them on a ledge of the mountain was imbedded a cottage. It has even a name in the ordnance map —Bryn Engyn. I could say much about the simple manners and kindliness of its tenants, but they chatted only in Welsh, and so we could only telegraph by nods, and finger- pointings, and smiles, there were no frowns needed. Well, in this region of Birches was a small garden, with a wall needfully high to protect its tenants, which were Goose- berries, Black Currants, Cabbages, Carrots, Potatoes, Tur- nips, and Peas, just ready (August 6th) for use—a tall late sort. Nothing could be said in commendation of the horti- cultural skill displayed, but the produce of the vegetables was a full average, except of the Carrots, and they would not require this exception had they been sufficiently thinned. Good gardening, however, or gardening of any degree of merit or demerit, does not characterise North Wales; but it is satisfactory to notice that there is such a prevalent taste for botany among tourists, that there are residents who specially announce their readinéss to aid in guiding to the localities where rare plants dwell, to assist in naming and mounting them, and to supply specimens. As examples, there is Mrs. Sykes, at Llandudno, and “John Roberts, Botanical Guide,” at Llanberis. The latter has a green- house in which he has for sale potted Ferns, natives of the vicinity, and the list is not scanty. Whoever intends to ascend Snowdon, should do so from Llanberis. There is no more either of difficulty or danger in accomplishing the ascent from thence, than there is in ascending any steep, stony bridle-way, for the road is only traversable on horseback or on foot. So little is the diffi- culty, that.an invalid lady, incapable of walking anywhere without support, reached with me the extreme summit of Snowdon, mounted on a mule, and aided by that most attentive and careful of guides, Hlias Roberts, brother of the “Botanical Guide.” The supply of “ Snowdon ponies” is ample—sturdy, sure-footed beasts, not to be urged out of what they know is a safe, short-stepped walk, by any * Glydyr fawr is 9275 feet high; Mynyd fawr, 2293; and Snowdon, 3570, | 2mount of persuasion, verbal or whackamical; and if the 152 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 23, i864. tourist, in addition to the aids we have mentioned, can secure rooms in that hostelry where cleanliness, kindness, and economy preside—Thomas’s Snowdon Valley Hotel, but which deserves to be called ‘“‘The Tourist’s Home”—he may be sure of a combination of “traveller’s joys” rarely attainable. One gentleman, suffering from acidity temporarily, not constitutionally, I hope for his own sake, told me that, “mounting up Snowdon was going a long way with nothing to see when you got there!” This is not the place to dwell on views having for their outlines the mountains of Ireland, Isle of Man, Westmoreland, and Cheshire, with foregrounds such as Salvator Rosa and Poussin loved to draw, but the botanist will agree with me that on and about Snowdon there is something “to see when you get there,” if he will read this list of its rare plants. Alisma natans (Floating Water Plan- tain). Anthericum serotinum (Spiderwort). Arabis hispida (Alpine Rock Cress). Arenaria verna (Spring Sandwort, and two varieties). Aspidium lonchitis (Rough Alpine Shield-Fern). Asplenium viride (Green Maiden-hair Spleenwort). Campanula rotundifolia (Round- leaved Bell-Flower — one-flow- ered variety). Carex atrata (Black Sedge). curta (White Sedge). Trigida (Rigid Sedge). Cerastium alpinum (Alpine Mouse- eared Chickweed). latifolium (Broad-leayed Mouse- ear Chickweed). Cnicus heterophyllus (Melancholy Thistle). Cistopteris alpina (Laciniated Blad- der-Fern). Cochlearia greenlandica (Greenland Scurvy Grass). officinalis (Common Scurvy Grass). Drabaincana (Twisted-podded Whit- low Grass). Emp2trum nigrum (Crowberry). Festuca vivipara (Viviparous Fescue Grass). Galiam boreale (Cross-leaved Lady’s Bedstraw). Habenaria albida (White Satyrian). Hymenophyllum tunbridgense (Tun- bridge Filmy Fern). Isoetes lacustris (Lake Quillwort). Littorella lacustris (Plantain Shore Weed). Lobelia Dortmanna (Water Lobelia). Lycopodium alpinum (Savin-leaved Club Moss). annotinum Moss). selaginoides (Prickly Club Moss). Osalis reniformis (Kidney-leaved Mountain Sorrel). Papaver cambricum ( Welsh Poppy). Parnassia palustris (Grass of Par- nassus). Poa alpina (Alpine Meadow Grass). glauca (Glaucous Meadow Grass). Polygonum yiviparum (Alpine Bis- tort). Polypodium aryonicum Alpine Polypody). phegopteris (Pale Mountain Poly- pody). Pteris crispa (Curled Brake). Ranunculus acris (Upright Meadow Crowfoot). Rhodiola rosea (Rosewort), Salix herbacea (Least Willow). reticulata (Wrinkled-leaved Wil- low). Saxifraga ajugefolia (Ajuga-leaved Saxifrage). hy pnoides (Moss Sasifrage). ofpositifolia (Purple Alpine Saxi- frage). Tivalis (Clustered Alpine Saxi- frage). stellaris (Starry Alpine Saxifrage). Serratula alpina (Alpine Sawwort). Silene acaulis (Moss Campion). Subularia aquatica (Water Awlwort). Thalictrum alpinum (Alpine Meadow Rue). minus (Small Meadow Rue). Vaccinium vitis-ideea (Cowberry). Woodsia alpina (Bolton’s Woodsia). (Interrupted Club (Hairy The employment of guide to the dwelling-places of these plants is one of danger, for many of them are found on the ledges of some of the most precipitous rocks. In walking through the Pass of Llanberis, I turned aside into the burial ground of its very plain little church, and one of the first epitaphs I could read, for the majority are in Welsh, records the death of William Williams, “for more than twenty- five years botanical guide at the Victoria Hotel, who was Killed by a fall from Clogwyn y Gownedd, June 13th, 1861, whilst pursuing his favourite vocation.” Not many yards from this epitaph is another, preserving the remembrance of an event which caused a general painful sensation at the time ofits occurrence. I need add nothing to these its details. “Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Henry Wellington Starr, B.A., Curate of All Saints, Northampton, who per- ished on Snowdon while on a tour through North Wales, September 15th, 1846, aged thirty-two years, and whose re- mains, discovered June Ist, 1847, were interred beneath this stone. An only son, and a faithful minister, he was uni- versally regretted, and he left a mother and two sisters to mourn for life their irreparable loss.” The monument bearing this inscription is beneath a very ancient Yew, from which the large lateral branches have been barbarously lopped; but a younger evergreen has been planted by the tomb, and, as is the prevalent custom, Box and other evergreens are arranged upon and around neigh- bouring graves. Even on the ill-cared-for resting place of the deceased cottage children mentioned in Wordsworth’s touching lyric, “We are seven,” I found flowers were planted, though I wish the grave was better kept of these who, “in Conway churchyard lie.”—G. NEW PEACHES. ExquisitE.—Through the kindness of the Rev. T. Collings Bréhaut, of Guernsey, we have been favoured with a speci- men of this remarkable Peach. Last year we were equally indebted to this gentleman for a similar favour, but the specimen which we received this year far surpasses that sent us last. The fruit is of immense size, being 103 inches in circum- ference, and weighing 9} ozs. It is roundish oval in shape, marked with a distinct suture, and terminated at the apex by a sharp nipple. The skin is yellow as that of an Apricot, with a dark crimson mottled cheek on the side next the sun. Flesh deep yellow, veined and stained with deep blood red at the stone, tender, melting, juicy, rich and vinous. This is a noble Peach, and one of delicious flavour. Mr. Bréhaut says—“I had it from My. Rivers in 1860. It fruited in 1862, on the 25th of August; again in 1863, on the 21st; and now it will be ripe about that time as you see. The tree itself has very yellow leaves and wood, and grows fairly, but I do not consider it prolific.” Eariy Anpert.—This we received from Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, whose seedling it is. The fruit is above medium size, roundish, frequently with one side of the suture higher than the other, and pitted at the apex. Skin greenish yellow, covered with crimson points on the shaded side, and deep crimson becoming sometimes almost black when grown against the wall, and fully exposed. Flesh white, with a faint brick-red tinge next the stone, from which it separates freely, very tender and melting, and | with an abundant sugary and vinous juice, which is very richly flavoured. A delicious early Peach, ripe about the middle of August. CULTIVATION OF THE MELON. (Continued from page 133.) Sryce hot water circulating in iron pipes has been em- ployed for heating horticultural structures, the old-fashioned system of growing Melons on beds of fermenting materials. has been to a great extent superseded. It is decidedly a less troublesome, and a more certain method of applying artificial heat, and has given an impetus to horticulture, especially to that branch of it relating to the cultivation of plants from warmer climates; and I will now proceed to treat of the application of hot water in iron pipes, and of hot air by smoke-flues, to the cultivation of the Melon, whether in pits without trellises for the shoots to run upon,. or in larger and loftier houses. Fig. 7 shows an ordinary pit heated by two hot-water pipes, a a, for bottom heat, which are surrounded by rubble, such as half bricks, &c., from 6 to 9 inches of the same being placed above them; the rougher parts of the compost are then put on, or a Jayer of charred turves an inch thick, so as to prevent the finer soil from passing into the rubble, and or that from 10 inches to a foot of soil, b, in which the Melons are planted in the centre of the bed. They are trained over the soil in the same manner as those in dung frames. There are two four-inch hot-water pipes in front, at oc, to maintain the proper degree of atmospheric heat, the soil being kept from them by a slate on edge, d. e eis the = a a i —— a August 23, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 153 enn ground level. Except in being heated by hot water the pit does not differ from an ordinary one. Fig. 8 is the end section of a pit heated by hot-water pipes, differing little from the preceding, except in the bottom heat being supplied by two four-inch pipes to a chamber, a a, the soil being supported above by flagstones, which also form the upper cover of the hot-air chambep; two of their ends and sides rest on the outer walls, thé other on pillars of brick or stone aso. The flags are not laid in mortar but have the joints open. A few inches of rubble placed on the flags prevent the joints from becoming choked with soil. There are two four-inch pipes in front for top heat, c is the space for a thickness of 1 foot of soil, and d the space for the plants; e eis the ground level. This mode of furnish- ing bottom heat to Melons—viz., by hot-air chambers, is preferable to placing rubble over the pipes as in jig. 7, or soil immediately in contact with the pipes. The heat is more equable by the chamber system, and communicates to the soil above a much lower temperature; but the heat is greatest by the other plan immediately above the pipes, whilst the remaining parts of the soil are nearly cold. By the chamber system there is a large volume of heated air of an equable temperature throughout, presenting the same evenness as a bed of fermenting materials. There are more ways of communicating top and bottom heat for Melons, but these two are the best that I know of. In fixing the pipes it is advisable to have those for top heat flows, and those for bottom heat returns.—G. ABBEY. (To be continued.) ORCHARD-HOUSES. In retiring from this controversy I cannot but think Mr. Abbey would have been wise to have dropped the subject instead of reopening the question. What does he wish to prove, or,what impression does he wish to produce before retiring? Is it that he did not advocate open walls heated by flues for the production of Peaches in place of orchard- houses? Your Number of April 19th will settle that question. Is it that he cannot grow Peaches without fire heat? Few will be disposed to doubt his evidence in such a cause. Is it that no one else can grow Peaches and Apricots without fire heat? Scarcely, one would think, whilst every year Mr. Rivers and myself advertise when our fruit is ripe, and invite all the country to see it. Is it that the fruit is inferior when grown under glass? Of course it may be if badly grown, if the trees are covered with red spider; but is it necessarily so? This is what is so trying to our tempers, that people who know so little of the subject should reiterate such nonsense time after time. Mr. Abbey says, “An Apricot from an orchard-house is of a sickly colour all over.’’ Why, he never can have seen one. I have some now better in flavour than he or any one else ever ate from a wall, and as handsome in colour as an Apricot can be, equally ripened all round, and like a sack of honey in texture, and Mr. Rivers has had this year pecks of such fruit. Then with regard to Peaches, my man has just sent in a Grosse Mignonne, which has fallen off a tree growing in the old orchard-house with boarded sides and ends, and with an open ventilating space, which cannot be closed, under the eaves all round; it weighs nearly half a pound, and is one of many like it left on the trees. If Peaches and Apricots are not superior when grown in an orchard-house to those from an open wall, what are we to think of the moral character of those who have eaten the thousands we have given away? I have never yet heard one who said he or she had eaten as good from a wall, and I have refused 7s. a-dozen for a whole houseful of Peaches, that I might give all who came an opportunity of judging. All that I would contend for is, that what is easy to me ought not to be difficult to any one worthy of the name of a gardener. Mr. Abbey says many orchard-houses have failed. There is no doubt of it; what other kind of cultivation does not fail in many places? I was shown three good vineries some time since with twenty-three bunches of Grapes in the three houses: successful Grape-growing is too common for the system to bear the blame in this instance. I had a gardener here only yesterday who said his crop of fruit was quite equal to mine, and his trees as clean and healthy, who failed miserably the first year. He acknowledged he had not half watered his trees the first season, and they were eaten up with red spider ; he took more care of them afterwards, and for two years the trees have been all one could wish. I said, “Well, what do you think of the system now?” ‘Why,’ he said, “I hope to have another house soon, for I take more pleasure in the orchard-house than anything else.’ I do not like to mention names of private individuals without their leave, but as the place is only six miles from here I will undertake to show it to Mr. Abbey. Within a mile or two of this place I can point out several houses where the gardeners failed the first year, and never afterwards. If trees are but kept clean and healthy there is less difficulty in fruiting them every season. This, as well as greater ex- perience, is sufficient to account for success. Many of my best trees have been ten years in pots. But are there no cases of constant failure ? I am happy to say I only know of one in this neighbourhood. A gentleman in the north of this county built a good house, I think three years since; when his gardener received the plants which had been pinched during summer and were full of well- ripened buds, he cut most of them down to improve them. Of course the first season was a failure. During that summer he refused to pinch the trees, ‘““he had grown Peach trees before, and knew all about it.’ Thé house was like a Willow holt, full of long unripened shoots, many of which were cut down again in spring, and there was a very small crop the second year. The third summer I met the owner, who told me he had a better crop, but not at all what he expected ; I told him it was more than I expected if he had any im- provement to report. But he asked, “What would you advise me to do? I have a few trees with a good crop upon them, and should like them to be fine, how ought my man to treat them? I told him my man had just top-dressed ours with a mixture of horse-droppings and malt dust, and he would repeat the dressing in July. The gentleman told his gardener what he had heard. In a day or two afterwards this Solon in a blue apron took out several inches of soil, quite baring the roots, and placed this hot stimulating manure in immediate contact with them! Of course all the fruit and most of the foliage dropped off, and so ends act _the third—three seasons lost. The gentleman was advised when next he top-dressed a grass field to pare off the turf first, and he acknowledged it would be a parallel case. There are many men who will never learn this or any other new system of cultivation. If they were in a position to see it every day, they would in time learn it as they learnt all they know, by what is termed rule of thumb, a rule which requires very little causality. I shall always hold that success is the rule, non-success the exception, in all cultivation under glass, where talent is united with industry. Where climate and moisture are under control there is but little room for excuses. After many years of experience I can honestly say the orchard- house is all, and more than all, I hoped for. In a bad cold district hot-water pipes may be necessary—here they are not required—to get better fruit, with certainty, every season, than we can ever produce on walls. When houses are built for each kind of fruit, and Apricots, Peaches, Plums, Cherries, &c., are grown separately, a new era will have commenced in gardening ; and when 300 square yards can be covered with a house fit for a nobleman for a little more than £200, who can doubt such will be the case ? In a short time men will be found writing that there is | 154 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 23, 1864, nothing new in orchard-houses, as we are now told there is nothing uncommon in producing Grapes in January. By- the-by, I was on the Committee when those new and old Grapes were exhibited; and though most of us voted for the old Grapes, because the competition was for flavour alone, and the new ones were unripe, yet all agreed that the new ones were worth three times as much in Covent Garden, even in their then state.—J. R. Pearson, Chilwell. HOTBEDS. I nave just been reading “A Gossip about Hotbeds,” and the advice given is very good. About twenty-six years azo L lived with an old squire as gardener, and had the manage- meni of a three-light and a two-light pit. One day I wert out about two miles to see a friend who was gardener at an old hall. He had two ranges of pits, each consisting of six or eight lights. far from the glass, and he said to me, “ Next year I will try the soil on boards.” I pondered over the remark, and in the following March I filled my two-light pit about three- parts full with worked manure, putting in posts in the corners and ledges, in order to keep the boards at about 20 inches | The pits, I must observe, were badly | from the glass. situated, being on a rising ground and exposed to north winds, and when I put my plants in, the wind cut them at the back if I gave air, and if not the steam was too much | for them. I found I had not sufficient heat for that early | period of the season, so I put linings all round, sunk 2 feet beneath the surface. I thus obtained more heat and also | more steam, and my plants looked worse and worse. The thought struck me one day, I will knock out half a brick just | below the boards, about the centre of the front wall. I did | so, and the steam came pouring out like smoke from a /| chimney, and in 2 few days my sickly yellow plants began to grow freely, assuming a dark green colour. pursued the same course ever since and never found it fail. A farmer near here who has a two-light frame has tried | the following plan for six years and he is always successful :— He takes six or eight cartloads of fresh dung from the stable, places it under a south wall just outside the garden, builds i square to the height of about 33 feet, beats the top level, | then takes two boards about 10 inches wide and an inch or two longer than his frame, and places one about the centre of his bed, which is from 1 foot 8 inches to 2 feet wider all | round than the fame. On each side of his centre board he places strips of old board, old stakes, bean rods, old gate | pars, or palings. leaying intervals of an inch or two for the | steam to rise through, these strips only extendirg an inch | or two wider than the frame all round. This done, he next puts on his cross-bars which are about the thickness of a | strong hedge stake, and their ends being cut flat these rest on each side of the centre board for about 2 inches. He then puts on his other centre board so as to cover the ends of the cross-bars, and thus there is an interval between the two boards which acts as a flue for the escape of rank steam. He then rests on each side of his top board another lot of strips like those at the bottom, and if a little closer together all the better. If short of strips he puts ona few Raspberry cuttings or stout straw. This stage isabout 8 or 9 inches above the level. Having made this framework he packs a lot of short dung all round it, and puts on 2 or 3 inches of rotten dung or clay, treading and beating it down so as to prevent the rank steam from going through. He puts on his frame and places 2 or 3 inches of dung or soil up the sides, so when the steam rises it works along the crosz-bars and escapes by the steam fine along the centre. He next puts on about 9 inches thick of soil all over and treads it down. Sods 2 inches in thickness chopped up, some rotten leaves and rotten dung mized together, form the best compost, a little sandy soil being placed at the top. making the sides of the bed even he drives in ten | or a dozen thatch pegs round the edges, leaving the tops about 4 inches above the surface, puts long strips of wood just inside the pegs, and fills in with soil at the two sides and front of his frame. On the beds thus formed he sows Radishes anda little Drumbkead Lettuce mixed. The Radishes soon His Cucumbers and Melons were just | beginning to show fruit, but the plants had sunk down too | I have | come up, and when these areidrawnthe Lettuces appear, and if too thickly they can be transplanted into the garden. He - then drives in six or eight thatch pegs round the hole at the back and putssome.straw round the pegs, for this hole must be kept quite clear. He next bnilds some manure about 1 foot or 15 inches up to the wood at the back of his frame, | and in a day or two the steam will be up; he obtains some Cucumber plants from a neighbouring garden, plants them in the frame, and with proper attention he ean have Cucum- bers ready for cutting in about three weeks. Last year he _ had a good supply from May to the middle of October. | The advantages of this plan are, that there is no danger | of over-watering ; that the plants are generally covered with | dew as in the open ground, at least on the under side of | the leaves; that when the Radishes and Lettuces are off | the roots of the Cucumbers strike into the soil on the out- side, getting the benefit of every shower of rain; and, | finally, that on a keen windy day the frame can be kept close without the plants beimg injured by the steam of the bed. If Radishes, &c., are not wanted the manure can be brought up to the sides of the frame, when a bed is made | up much earlier. Cuttings of all kinds do well. I generally | cut Cucumbers in the last week im March. One season I cut ripe Melons on the 27th of May. Potatoes do exceedingly well. In working brick pits I never like to raise the lings higher than the soil mside,.as they only reauire bottom heat to cause a steam in hot weather. I have generally found the only plan to. keep a good suc- cession of Cucumbers in pits is to raise young plants from cuttings and pull up old exhausted plants, turning the earth as well as the linings before putting new plantsin. I have always found a -good depth of earth—say from 1 foot to 2 feet, advantageous for Cucumbers and Melons, especially in a very hot season, as the roots are not so Hable to be scorched by the sun. : i have ventured to send you the above remarks, as I think every one should endeavour to impart to others as much in- | formation as he can.—E. MarsHau. : [We are very much pleased with your idea of doing all the good you can, and imparting all the information you can, evenin a humble way. Were there more of your dis- position there would be more knowledge, more happiness, and more progress in this world in which we live. We | honour your resolve quite as much though we may not be able to perceive much of the novel or progressive in what you describe. Keeping the bottom of such beds at a uni- | form distance from the glass by means of boards has been long practised. When the fooring was made secure, either by priming or by earth firmly placed over them, dung less sweetly worked could be used beneath them. In other respects, except keeping the roois “out of the manure little advantage was gained over the common bed and frame, | for provided the right distance from the glass is secured, | the frame will sink as the bed smks. We think your boards were too near the glass; imstead of 20 inches, 36 inches would have been better, which would have given you 20 inches for soil and 16 inches for foliage ‘and air. You might have moderated the force of the fresh air by hang- ing a close net over the opening, and if only a little tilting —say half an inch or less were given, the heated air as it passed out would have heated the cold sir gomg in. We have seen men planting Cucuwbersin a windy day in March, with as little care as to their tenderness as if _they had been planting an Oak on the open common. This was not the way by which the old gardeners performed such wonders with their dung-beds, and we feel persuaded you know how | to admit air end keep out steam. The suceess attending the knocking-out of a brick in the wall, just shows that you had too much noxious steam, from the dung not being | sweetened enough, and the boards and soil tooopen to Keep | it down, and also that’ most likely there was too much bottom heat to suit the atmospheric heat. In the “‘ Gossip | you refer to, fermenting material was scarce, and the most was made of it, and no danger at all was experienced from steam, the operations too being much less .cumbrous than those to which yon refer. Upon our own principle of follow- ing the plan that answers best, we advise you to follow yours, and would say to all with beds in brick pits, Adopt the same plan under similar circumstances. For ourselves a August 23, 1864. ] we rarely know anything about the effects of steam. All we want is the heat, and we have no difficulty in regulating it when obtained. We have no doubt the plan adopted by your neighbour, | the farmer, answers well, and if others try it we feel con- fident they will succeed as they ought to do. those six or eight loads of dung we think we could grow fine early Radishes without any trouble; and when they were done, we would take out the soil, turn out the dung, now pretty well sweetened, place as much more a little wrought | at the bottom, and the materials of the first bed on the top of it, cover all with soil well secured at the sides, and as | soon as that became warm turn out the Cucumber plants. Mind, we have no objection to the plan, but that it seems to require a great deal of doing, and we must confess we have little faith in such a steam chimney in a house as a sub- stitute for fresh air. But, perhaps, we do not clearly under- stand the system. We see through all about the banking- up to keep any bad steam from rising, but we do not see so well the efficacy of the hollow chimney-mouth, &. Ali danger from over-heating can be equally well prevented by making the bed much more shallow in the middle than at the sides, or what would come to the same thing, forming the bed there chiefly of faggots and prunings, or having a chamber underneath or flue to be heated by outside linings. We do not agree with you as to never having linings higher than the soil inside. Provided we have enough bottom heat, we prefer that the top heat should come chiefly from heating the sides of the pit and frame, instead of much through the soil. When we could not do this, we have run pipes through the bed into the atmosphere of the house, with the ends open, and by this means obtain heat without any steam. We have no doubt but that the system answers admirably with you when you obtain such results, and we and others feel indebted for your giving us this information respecting your practice. We also approve of the greater depth of earth for Melons than is generally given; but that will not do without sufficient heat. Of course, from July to October, in a warm season, Melons require little more heat than what the sun gives them. Could we make sure of sunny days we might pretty well dispense with dung heat and hot water too. The variable character of the climate renders either desirable when thoroughly under command. F. A GARDENER’S GRIEVANCE. I Hors you will give me a word of advice as to what I ought to do under the following circumstances. I was till lately gardener to the rector of the parish I reside in. I had had my situation for more than two years, and had no particular fault to find with it, except that my master was occasionally in the habit of using language to me and employing epithets which were most painful to my- self to listen to. I grant I was occasionally careless, but that was no reason why he should call me, as he sometimes did, ‘a donkey,” or as he did on one occasion, “a conceited muff,” But, sir, I want to. make you acquainted with the circum- stances under which I left my situation, and to, ask you whether I am not a very ill-used man. I will lay the entire ease before you. My late master’s garden, I must premise, opens into a field in which are kept three cows, and I was charged always to keep the gate, which stands between the garden and the field, carefully closed. I was generally very careful in this matter, but on one occasion, about three months ago, I left it open, and one of the cows found her way into the garden. My master was not pleased, as you may, suppose; but as I told him I was very sorry for my carelessness he did not say much; but he reminded me, as I thought most unnecessarily, that I had once before neglected to close the gate, and he told me, as he had a right to do, that I must not do any such thing again. Well, sir, I said I’d be careful. But, unfortunately, about six weeks ago I neglected to close the gate as I came out of the field the last thing at night, and in the morning my master saw the three cows feeding on the lawn, and I am sorry to say that they had trampled down the flowers, and made sad work. My master called me to him, and showed a most unnecessary degree of temper in the matter, and spoke in | JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. But with | | clergyman should know better. 155 a way that I considered quite degrading to his character as | a clergyman. He blew me up before the servant maids, | and called me in their presence “ disgracefully careless ” and “unfit for my place; and when I asked him what I was to do, the words he used were, “ Why, you helpless dog, go and turn the cows into the field”’ We went together for this purpose, and when the job was finished, “‘ Sir,” said I, “it was hardly fair for you to expose me before the young ladies in the kitchen.” ‘What young ladies do you mean, Jack?” he said, as I could see, very crossly. ‘ Sir,” I said most respectfully, “you just now spoke to me before the maidservants ; and though I can bear to be rebuked by your- self, sir, when no one is present, it is very huvtful to my feelings to be called names when young ladies are standing | by and listening. How, sir, can 1 keep up my character in | the kitchen if you are the one to let it down?” Whereupon my master laughed at me, and said, “Go and look at the garden, Jack, and judge whether I said a word more than you deserved.” ‘I shouldn’t have minded,” I said, “ sir, if it hadn’t been before the ladies.” In an hour or two’s time he was in the garden with his wife and two daughters, and, sir, the remarks I heard them make about me were more than human nature could well endure. As ill-luck would have it, in my confusion I had neglected again to close the gate, and one of the cows was just coming into the garden, and my master called out in a loud voice and said, ‘“‘ Look there, Jack;’ and when I had closed the gate, he saidin a sneering sort of way, ‘“‘ I suppose, Jack, Thad better say nothing to you before the ladies!” And then the ladies langhed at something, I could not make out what. I could not speak, but I felt most indignant. Well, sir, after I had tidied up the place, my friend, the under gardener at the hall, came on an errand from the Squire, and before he left I saw him, and asked his advice. I told him that my master had let me down before the maid- servants, and that he sometimes. applied unseemly epithets tome; and he fully coincided with my remarks, and said he did not wonder I felt hurt; and’ when I went on to say I contemplated giving up my situation, he said that though he did not like men to give up places when they were in the main well off, yet that sometimes it couldn’t be avoided; but he advised me to think well of it. However, on con- sideration, I determined to give my master a month’s warn- ing. When I had so done my master said to me (and mark, sir, how, even when in a good temper, he would not forbear calling names), “ You are a silly fellow, Jack, and I hope as you grow older you’ll grow wiser. But go to hed and sleep over it, and ifyou are tired of the place give me notice again to-morrow morning. If, however, you say nothing, I’ say nothing, if you are intending to be more careful for the future ;” and then he said some more things, and I can- not say but that he spoke very kindly. However, on the following morning I repeated my notice, and my master said, “ Very well, the greater donkey you; but mind, when you repent it, that it is your own doing, and not mine.’ ‘When I told my friend, the under gardener at the hall, he said it was not pleasant to be called a donkey, and thata In a few days’ time, sir, I heard, to my intense disgust, that this under gardener had applied for my situation, and was coming in my place ! Now, sir, was not this most unhandsome, and a violation of all professional etiquette? And, sir, my master told a gentleman who wrote for my character that I was a good servant; but he spoiled it by saying that I was sometimes careless ; and, sir, lam not yet engaged. But, sir, my con+ science assures me that I have acted right, and I hope that you will agree with me in thinking that if masters would keep their servants they should forbear from all such ze- marks as are calculated to wound their feelings, especially before female servants, who are commonly sufficiently imper- tinent without the opportunity being giyen them of hearing one blown up for any trifling act of negligence which any one is liable to. Nor was this the fizst time of my master’s having done so; he did it last January, when the fire was out one morning in the greenhouse, and he said some plants were killed by frost. However, I was very sorry, and said nothing; but one cannot bear to be put upon toe often. I hope, sir, you will pardon my intrusion, but Iam sure that as your publication is “for gardeners,” you will not 156 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { August 23, 1864, refuse to give me your opinion and advice as to the circum- stances I have laid before you.—J. M. [You seem to have acted very stupidly by so repeatedly leaving the gate open, and very foolishly in leaving a very kind and indulgent master. } WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Arrrnpd to seedling and newly-planted crops with water, and look over our former directions as to bringing up any arrears which, more or less, generally occur at this season. Keep a sharp look-out for the larve or grubs of a species of cockchafer, which at this season do considerable injury to newly-planted crops by eating off their roots. Carrots and slices of Mangolds may be stuck in the ground, when the insects will attack them and may be destroyed. Cabbages, no further delay should be allowed in sowing for a main crop. Celery, attend to the earthing, and when the attacks of slugs are apprehended, dust in lime about the plants before closing the earth around them. Herbs, collect them for drying, and on no account allow vegetable seeds to re- main exposed after maturity on the parent plant. Lettuce, Brown Cos and hardy Cabbage should be sown for spring use; prepare a piece of ground in a sheltered situation, and plant out that sown last month. Onions, lay the tops; in cases where the crop is affected with mildew, ripen the bulbs as soon as possible, and select the worst for early use. Spinach, sow for late winter use. FRUIT GARDEN. Crevices formed between the soil and walls are the favourite lodgments of numerous insects; therefore, at this season the soil adjoining walls should be frequently dis- turbed. A shallow trench may be taken out all along, and as this is being proceeded with, the soil adhering to the bricks should be removed with a hard broom. The portion of the wall thus exposedshould be sprinkled with lime water, to be used the instant if is made. Remove all superfluous shoots from wall trees, and expose the fruit of Peaches and Nectarines ; but this must not be done by cutting off the foliage. If the foliage in any case is overcrowded the remedy must consist in the proper regulation of the shoots. Place dry bean stalks, cut in lengths of about 6 inches, among the branches, and by that means most of the earwigs may be caught before the fruit becomes ripe. Spread short grass or other soft litter beneath Peach and Pear trees to receive chance-falling fruit. Cut out the old wood from Raspberry plants, leaving only about six of the strongest shoots of this year’s growth. FLOWER GARDEN. Look over rock plants, pruning back any that are over- growing choice kinds, in order to give them sufficient time to break before winter. Cuttings of choice plants, such as Saponaria ocymoides, Onosma taurica, Linaria alpina, Phlox setacea, &c., should now be put in for planting out in spring. Keep such plants cut back as have a tendency to overgrow Box or other edgings. Peg down a few shoots of Chrysanthe- mums for layering in small pots. Petunias and other bed- ding plants of gross habit should have pruning betimes to keep them within bounds. Root a good stock of Maurandyas, Lophospermums, Ivy-leaved Geraniums, and other climbers that add so much to the beauty of the flower garden. There is no grower who is in the least degree conversant with the cultivation of the Rose but knows that an abundant supply of stimulating materials should be applied to the autumnal- flowering varieties to have these in perfection during the next two months. Without applying manure water in large quantities there will be nothing but disappointment this season. We would, therefore, urge the necessity of stirring the soil about the roots of the Noisette, China, Tea-scented China, Bourbon, and Perpetual varieties, and when this operation is finished give the trees a good soaking with water strongly impregnated with night soil, or with drain- ings from the dunghill; an abundant, strong, and healthy bloom will be the reward, and the plants themselves will con- tinue for a greater number of years to throw up continually an abundant s upply of blooms. Thanks are due to Mr. Mechi for proving on a large scale the advantages which vegetables derive from the application of manure in a liquid form. From a long experience on a small scale, but with the ad- vantage of a much wider range of subjects, we can con-- fidently affirm that he is right. When once the sewage water of towns can be brought economically to the surround- ing lands and market gardens, a great improvement both in the quantity and quality of vegetables will be insured. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. The time has now arrived when plants intended to afford a floral display under glass during autumn and winter must have attention. Let Begonias have another shift, if not already * in pots sufficiently large. Keep the plants thin that their foliage may be preserved from injury. Crowea saligna and Plumbago capensis are both valuable autumn-blooming plants, and the latter furnishes large supplies of cut flowers. Attend to Chrysanthemums, water freely with liquid manure. The earliest winter-flowering Heaths and Epacrises must soon be placed under glass, as it will forward their blooming. Where Camellias, Chinese Azaleas and the hybrid Indian Rhododendrons were not potted in the spring, and require shifting, the present will be the most favourable time, as the young wood is now becoming somewhat firm, and the flower- buds are perceptible. As this class of plants require water very liberally during their period of growth, drain the pots well, and use very turfy peat and sand, adding an equal portion of fibrous loam for the Camellias. Plants of Brug- mansia, whose period of blossoming has passed, may be closely pruned. If drenching rains occur, any tender plants which are likely to suffer damage should be taken in-doors again; there is no occasion to house the whole stock at once. Plants impatient of moisture should not be kept out too long, the solar heat will soon become much diminished and the nights are lengthening, and, of course, evaporation will pro- ceed at a slower pace. STOVE. Plenty of moisture to the atmosphere, and pienty of air are still the essentials, increasing the ventilation progres- sively as the plants approach towards the next period, and inuring them to much more sunlight in a similar ratio, at least those which have made a strong and early growth; shading will, of course, be dispensed with, except in case of bright sunshine during the middle of the day. Pay every attention to such superior stove plants as Allamandas, Dipla- denias, Stephanotis, Echites, Euphorbias, Luculia, &c. PITS AND FRAMES. Some of the first-struck cuttings will now be fit for pot- ting-off; place them in a pit or frame, shade and keep them close until they are well rooted, when they should be set out to harden previous to being stored for the winter. Continue to put in cuttings, more particularly the best kinds of bed- ding Pelargoniums, which ought to be struck as soon as possible. - W. KEAne. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Srruu a burning sun and no water; and we have, therefore, been obliged to suspend all planting operations. Left yellow- haulmed Peas full of produce, that they might shade Cauli- flowers and other crops. Shaded slightly what little we attempted to plant or sow, and worked a Dutch hoe over the whole surface of the ground, alike to cut up incipient weeds and keep moisture from evaporating. Gave a little water, and only a little, to beds of Endive, Lettuces, Cab- bages, Chicory, &c. If this weather continue we expect we must fall back on Chicory and Dandelions for winter salad. We have put down in our memory some outlying corners by the sides of roads where the Dandelion is plentiful, in case it might be needed. With earth like kiln-dried dust, and water driven a long distance for the supply of cattle, it is vain to expect any for the kitchen garden. We fear that pot plants will also have to go to the wall. FRUIT GARDEN. General operations much the same as the last. Wasps are now exceedingly troublesome, clearing off netted pieces of Gooseberries, and attacking Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, &c., in the orchard-house. They have come in on us sud- denly like a flood, and are much smaller in size than we ever recollect seeing them before. In the spring of this year we never saw so many, so strong, and so wild, the wildness pre- August 23, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 157 © venting so many of them being caught as would otherwise have been the case. For about ten weeks not a wasp was to be seen, and now we have them in shoals. We have taken multitudes of nests, and mostly at a good distance from us, and many by the sides of highways. In some cases the wasps were stupified with powder and sulphur before being dug out. In most cases tar was poured into the holes, a little of which stupified them, and, in many cases, killed all that were in the combs at the time. We have gone to these tarred places, and never found a wasp returning to seek the old nest. When taken in the old way, it is a good plan to sink in the ground a bottle of water, or sour beer, leaving only the hole at the mouth open and level with the ground surface. We have taken bottles half full of wasps by this process. Old wide-mouthed bottles, half filled with enticing liquor, are also good traps, and so is the double hand-light. A common hand-light is set on bricks, with a basin of beer and decayed fruit underneath it. A hole is left in the top of the glass, another hand-light without any holes in it is placed over the first, and the part where they join stuffed with moss, clay, &c. The wasp, after feeding, flies upwards, and roams about until it finds the hole in the lower glass, through which it passes, but never returns again. Some upper glasses already contain many hundreds if not thousands. We have tried poisoning them, but with no great success. Ants, also, have become annoying on Apricots, &¢., out of doors since the dry weather. We cannot settle them as we used to do for want of water to syringe or engine with. A repeated hard engining of an evening with clear lime water would bring almost the whole of them for shelter to the bottom of the wall, and then we used to prevent their re- ascending by running a band, 2 or 3 inches wide, of tar and oil near the bottom of the wall. The oil prevented the tar from ing. The orchard-houses were almost entirely cleared of ants before the fruit ripened, by strewing some guano on the floor, and chiefly by the side of the wall, and then water- ing all over with sewage water. The ant hates anything containing ammonia. Clear lime water will often cause them all to sheer off, especially if there is much organic matter in the soil. Though small, they are very destructive in numbers, and should be kept down. They will eat sugar and water with arsenic in it greedily, and soon their ex- istence is settled. We used to place it in little saucers with a bit of wood across, leaving room enough for the ants to enter, then placed another saucer above, and a stone on the top to keep it in its place. When exposed, cats and dogs will be enticed to the mixture. All such poisonous matter should be used with great care. Let us advise all fruit-eaters to beware of what may be in the smallest hole. Unfortunately lives have been lost by swallowing a wasp, and we have known cases where the throat has been much swelled by inadvertently swallowing an ant. Hexagon netting, and coatings of wool, or cotton wadding will keep out wasps from fruit; but unfortunately all such remedies, by injuring flavour, are deprived of part of their value. For regular houses the best plan is to put gauze over all the ventilators, and then they cannot get in. For all matters relating to fruit we must refer to previous weeks. We have trouble enough to obtain water to keep Strawberries in pots going on, and for fruit in houses we are obliged to shade more than we like, to lessen evapo- ration. We have delayed cleaning the Strawberry rows and quar- ters, as the runners and old leaves help to shade the ground, and we found the part which we had cleaned and exposed suffered the most from the drought. Apples, though a heavy crop, will, we think, be smaller than usual, owing to the drought. Morello Cherries on north walis, owing to receiv- ing little sun, have been very fine, and the most forward and blackest have been gathered for brandy and bottling, to keep them from the wasps that had begun on them. Melons and Cucumbers we have been obliged to shade more than we like ; and pots in the orchard-house, in addition to mulch- ing, we have strewn over with hay and litter, to lessen evaporation. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Gave a little more air to the small stove, as the moist floor was causing a few of the plants to damp, but we wanted to save watering the individual pots as much as we could, by giving them an atmosphere in which they were forced to absorb pretty well as much as they perspired. Shaded con- servatory with whitening, and kept the floor and stages moist for a similar purpose asin stove, having proved that by such means much less water would be necessary than by giving more air and light and watering each plant as it required it. Shaded all freshly potted plants, as Cinerarias, Primulas, and Geraniums for a similar purpose ; and even with plung- ing will have difficulty in keeping Chrysanthemums growing on healthily. Out of doors it is amazing how well many of the flower-beds look. Calceolarias are yet pretty fair, and Geraniums would be magnificent but for the brown lawn by which they are surrounded. The ground being so dry we fear that a thunderstorm will pretty well dash off the carpet of bloom ; but if it does so it will enable us to proceed with our kitchen cropping. What have suffered chiefly are Salvias and Dahlias, both of which we have been compelled to leave to their fate, as not a drop of water could be given them. It may be trying enough to have a constant dripping atmo- sphere; but it cannot be so worrying as seeing things dying for drought and no means of averting the ruin. Our work has chiefly been threefold. First, switcking over the lawn with the daisy-knife to cut down any bits of Lotus, Bent, or Plantain, that in various colours raised their heads above the level of the rusty-brown lawn ; and, secondly, picking off lots of the exhausted flowers, and moving with a small Dutch hoe every bit of space round the beds, or any little spot among the plants where the hoe could have access, and except at the verge there are but few places where a three- inch hoe could get in. Wherever the surface can be moved it so far acts as a cooling to the plants, and if a shower should come it will go in instead of run away over a hard surface. These little hoes act as hoe and rake; the forward move loosens the surface, or just moves it when loose, and the back stroke makes it as level as any rake would do. For all general purposes in a flower garden as respects the beds, we never allow a rake with its horrid teeth to be used. In all picking, hoeing, &e., we clean as we go, allow no heaps to be formed, to have the pleasure of going after- wards and taking them up, and sweeping and cleaning the bottom of each heap. We recollect in' our young days trying how smoothly we could rake a flower-bed, and calling it * dressing” and “high keeping.” If the work is taken in time and there is not much to remove, the hoe will leave all in better order as respects encouragement to growth in a fifth part of the time. Then what lots of plants are injured and torn up by the teeth of even a smalliron rake! The best plan is to lock rakes up and keep them for some very particular purpose indeed. The third sort of work has been putting in lots of cuttings after the Verbenas, following with Scarlet Geraniums, ke. These are mostly placed in moveable wooden boxes, at perhaps a trifle more than an inch apart; and though they would do well enough in the open air in ordinary cir- cumstances, yet as we wish to keep up the regular outline of our beds, and therefore select very small bits for cuttings, and besides have little or no water to give them, we place the boxes under shelter of some kind, such as old sashes, tiffany, calico, &c. Thus it is well to suit our operations to our circumstances. The principle of adaptation cannot be too much studied or acted upon.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Aveusr 20. The market continues to be abundantly supplied, both with home-grown and foreign fruit; and vegetables are sufficiently plentiful notwithstanding thedrought. Lemons, being scarce, have again advanced in price. FRUIT. s. d. 8. d s. d. bp . les... 1 Otol 6] Mulberries .... punnef 0 6to eae - 10 38 O} Nectarines w......... doz 2 0 6 0 Cherries . O 6 1 6{ Oranges.... ..100 12 0 20 0 Currants, R 3 0 5 O| Peaches... oz. 4 0 10 0 Black.....+.++ . 4 0 5 0| Pears (kitchen)...bush. 0 0 0 0 HigSiass-ssescescosceese doz. 20 3 0 dessert.........d0z. 2 0 3 0 Filoerts & Nuts perlb. 0 9 0 0 | Pine Apples.. 30 5 0 Gooseberries....4sieve 1 0 3 0O| Plums., Dae ee) Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 1 6 4 0 | Quinces 00 0 6 Muscats 3.0 6 G BOG rd) Lemons .. 0 20 0 00 00 Melons ,.. 6 5 0 14 6 20 0 158 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { August 23, 1864. VEGETABLES. ; 8. d. 8. d 5: &. 3.4 Artichokes 0 4to0 6 .bunch 0 4to0 6 Asparagus . 00 0 0 Score 0 9 1 6 Beans Broad 26 0 0 » pottle 1.0 2 0 Kidney. sieve 2 6 4 0| Muatd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 0 4 Beet, Red. 1 0 3 0} Onions ........... bunch 0 4 0 6 Broccoli .. 00 00 piekling ...... quart 0 6 O 8 BrusselsSprouts} sieve 0 0 0 0) Parsley...doz.bunches 2 06 4 0 Cabbage . doz. 0 9 1 6) Parsnips . Bid OZ O° PSO Capsicums . +100 3 0 5 0} Peas... quart I 0 fF 6 Carrots .... bunch 0 5 0 8 Seas sushel 7 0 0 0 Cauliflower .. doz 3 0 6 0} Potatoes ..bushel 6 0 5 0 Celery .... bundle 1 0 2 0| Radishes doz. bunches 0 0 O 0 Cucumbers .each 0 6 1 0} Rhubarb .. 0)0)). 10; 0 pickling - 1 0 8 0] Savoys 00 0 0 Endive. 1 3 2 6) Sea-kale . 00 0 0 Fennel .... 0 3 O 0} Spinach... 27 730),( 44% 0 Garlic and Shallots, lb. 0 8 0 0) Tomatoes iT 0:;).3;, 0 Herbs.........,,....bunch 0 8 0O 0} Turnips.... 0 4 0 6 Horseradish ... bundle 1 6 4 0} VegetableMarrowsdoz. 1 0 2 9 TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED. William Paul, Paul’s Nurseries, Waltham Cross.— Select List of Hyacinths, Early Tulips, Gladioti, fc. Cutbush & Son, Highgate.—Bulb Catalogue for 1864. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “ Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.’ By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- , ture, Kc., 171, Fleet Street, London, B.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Grrantums (A Subscriber).—From the state in which the petals were when the blooms arrived the determination of the names was impossible. Arnis DestRoyine (NV. F+ H.).—The leaves are infested witha kind of aphis, which is very prolific, and equally difficult to destroy, and which does most injury on the under side of the leaf. Smoking the house with tobacco is of little use unless the house be filled with smoke to the floor, for immediately the least smoke is felt they drop on the floor and are then out ef harm’s way. Tobacco smoke will certainly kill all it tonches; but, the most effectual remedy is to syringe the plants with quassia water made by boiling 4 ozs. of quassia: chips in a gallon of water for ten minutes, and while cooling dissolve in it 4 ozs. of soap. The plants syringed with this, ov the leaves and shoots dipped in it, will soon be cleared of the pest. It may be mecessary to repeat the operation. Probably the roots are in too rich soil and too deep, and this would cause an imperfect ripening of the wood. We do not'fee] in a position to:express an opinion on the border unless we had details as to its depth and width, andthe situation of the roots init, with the age of the trees. If the trees are young and the border not deeper than 2 feet, we should wait another year and see what effect a season like this will have on maturing the wood. Coxtsroor Erapicatine (Jgnoramus).—If you persist in digging up. the roots of every plant as it appears, and never allow a leaf to remain a day without the root belonging to it being dug up, you will find your per- Severance will enable you to completely overcome this weed, and a thorough drainage of the land will also assist in doing so. You will find directions for keeping Gerariums, Verbenas, and Calceolarias without heat in Vol. VI., page 447. WrrE Puiant-sTAND FOR Winpow (.E D.).—We fear you have again allowed another error to creep in. Should it not be 3 feet 11 inches long, 1 foot deep, by 1 foot wide’ If so, you will have raom for two rows of 24 or six-inch pots, and by consultinga wireworker he will suggest many designs without the carpenter being at the trouble and you the expense of his carving one in wood. You may have the bottom of zinc, and have wire- work for the pots to fit into. The wireworker will tell you what will be suitable, and make the stand according to your directions. Fruit-Houses (G. W. V.).—We would call a house for Fig trees a Fig- house, one for Orange trees an orangery; but figery would be equally proper though not customary. Dirrany or Crete (De Foix).—Any nurseryman who has a good stock of herbaceous plants could supply it. E1ernHant’s Foor (An Under-Gandener).— From your description we have no doubt that your plant is Testudinaria elephantipes, which is known as Elephant’s Foot or Hottentot’s Bread. It is a deciduous. climber attain- ing a height of 8 feet, and a native of the Cape of Good Hope. The leaves are reniform andentire; and the rootstock is a large fleshy mass covered with a rough cracked bark, and is used by the Hottentots in times of scarcity asasort of Yam, It is mentioned in the ‘* Cottage Gardeners’ Dictionary ” under the head of Testudinaria. The genus Elephantopus is. also known as Elephant’s Foot, Little Dayid Geranium belongs to the Zonale class. EVERGREEN SHRUB FOR PoxcH (Forkshire).—What reason have your friends: for obtaining their Roses from Antwerp, and Pears, Apples, &t., from France? We, are quite sure that, you will be quite as well served by any of the English nurserymen, taking correct nomenclature and auality into consideration. We know of no’ evergreen plant better suited for a porch than the evergreen Thorn, Crategus pyracantha. Crataegus erenu lata is, if anything, more handsome, and produces larger fruit. in mid- winter. There are red and white- berried varieties. Moss on Fioor or Stove { Zoby).—Sprinkle the floor with sand, after thoroughly wetting it, and then brush it heavily with a brush three-parts worn. Continue to scrub it, adding moresand and water, until the whole is thoroughly clean. It will take some time to clean it. Salt madeintoa strong brine; by the addition of water will kill the moss, but will also kill the roots of everything it comes in contact with, and has the disadvantage of making the floor appear alwaysidamp. We know of no safecure except scrubbing at, frequent intervals. VenzascumM BLaTraRIa—CrNnocbossum (7. Theobold).—Your plant_will donbtless, flawer next year. Any of the large nurserymen near York could, we imagine, supply you with a plant of the common Hound’s Tongue. TACSONIA MANICATA AND BIGNONIA JASMINOIDES NOT Broomine (J. J\.). —We think neither of the plants named have had their wood sufficiently ripened in the preeeding summer to allow of their blooming in the sueceed- ing year, Pot them in a compost of turfy loam one-half, leat mould and sandy peat the other half, with a free admixture of silver sand, providing good drainage to at least one-fourth the depth ofthe pots, Place the pots as near to the front of the greenhouse as practicable, and train the shoots to wires, fixed so as to be about 9 inches from the glass.. Keep well supplied with water whilst the plants are growing, but towards autumn gradually diminish the supply, and keep the soil moderately dry during the winter, and the shoots moderately thin. Your plants ought, to bloom in the follow- ing year. Now is a good time to sow Fern spores.. CucumeER-Pit on House (An Amatewr).—For the mode of connecting small pipes with large ones, we refer you to the admirable letter of ** AN AMa- TEUR MEcHANIC.” Webhave several times recommended the same plan, but the experience-of our correspondent is none the less interesting. Had you stated)the particulars of your failures with your tank, we might have been able to have helped you. A tank IS feet long, 2 feet 9 inches wide, and 5 inches deep, formed of wood and covered with slate, ought to have grown first-rate Cucumbers in a low house or pit, if care were taken that the roots were not burned, and also thut, from the surface of the tank, a dry or a moist heat at will could be:carried into the atmosphere of the house. If there were no means of top heat except through the soil, then we cay easily imagine how the soi! might be too hot and the air too cold. We have several times given plans for pits for Cucumber-growing., A very good one on a small scale would be, height at back & feet, in front 4 feet, width 7 feet, bed 4 feet in widtli, path from 24 feet; two four-inch pipes below the bed, surrounded with clinkers, for bottom heat, two above bed for top heat, plants trained at least 16 inches,from glass. In your proposed position you would, of course, form a house, and tiiat would be much better. You do not say what is the height of the gable against which the house is to be placed’; but pre- suming it is 14 or 16 feet in height, we weuld adopt either of these heights fon the;back wall; and for 10 feet in width we would make, the front wall from, 34 to 4 feet in height. This would give a fine slope cither for early Cucumbers or early Vines. Then for Cecumbers we would shut off a pit— —say 3} or 4 feet wide, and 2} feetin height, the outside wall formimg one of the boundaries. Then we would place two, four-inch pipes at the bottom for bottom heat,,and one in front returning by the back for top heat. The bottom ones we would surround with clinkers, the top one in front to be opposite the ventilators in the wall, roof fixed, and a smallhinged ventilator along the top—say a foot wide. Trellis 16.inches from the glass. Kor very early Cucumbers thee pipes would be required for top heat. The back of the house could be devoted to many purposes. Such a house with different arrangements would do either for Cucumbers on Grapes, but not well for both at the same time. See an,answer about Melons and Grapes. Vinery with Mxron-rir (HZ. R. D. P.).—We: think we recollect your case and what we said about it; but you should haye referred us to page and column, as we have turned up several Numbers, and without finding what we wanted, We will do the very best for every correspondent at the time; but it would be impossible for us to retain individual cases: in our memory, and our friends should not give us unnecessary labour. We sometimes receive polite requests as to what volume such and such articles are to be found in, but we decline to do that forour readers which they could so well do for themselves. Now to the questions of our worthy corme- spondent. 1, You may plant the Vines outside, with the certainty of ripening good Grapesiin June if the house is spouted and the border pro- tected with litter and tarpaulin. As stated lately, if put on soon enough— say in the middle of October—dry litter or fern will be better than dung, just bevause-it is safer and easier fo keep in the heat of the soil than to send heat into it when it has been cooled. 2, You could grow Melons or Cucum- bers in a pit in the centre of the house, and you would do so earlier and better if you had lights to lay over the pit or frame. These lights would enable you to-afford a high temperature, or otherwise, to the plants in the bed, when you might be merely starting and breaking your Vines, and when a high temperature for them would be unsuitable. We have grown fine Melons in such positions, especially when the Vines were young. Whilst your Vines were young you might so employ your pit for a year or two with advantage, if you looked after insects. You might continue to do so if you kept your Vines from 4 to 6 feet apart, and were very careful as to insects. lf for the sake of abundance of Grapes you pretty well covered the roof with foliage, you would do little good with the Melons, under the shade, and they would be more apt to be troubled with insects, In fact, owing to the likelihood of insects, we would give up the use of the pit for anything except a few early things, after the Vines were fully establishedl 3, You will have abundance of heat from your flue; and, thenefore for Melons will want no sashes, after the heat of the house ranges from 65° to 70° with fire heat, The size of the flueis very good. For early work you had better have pans on it for evaporating moisture, until your crops approach the ripening state. 4, We think your ventilation will be sufficient, but, to make sure, you had better have a, little piece made to open in the end of the house close to the apex. Musurooms (An Amateur of Siz Months).—If you send us your address, together with four postage stamps, the Number which you require’ will be forwarded to you. August 23, 1864. ] Beppine GeRantums (Ste/i¢d).— All the Geraniums named are best, according to what you require. Glendinning’s Scarlet is a strong grower and good. Vivid is also good, and between that and Frogmore Scarlet in height. Than Frogmore there is no ‘better dwarf ‘free-blooming variety, unless, perhaps, what was a sport from it, the Variegated Brilliant. Tren- tham Rose, as you remark, is very fine. In this dry weather it is apt to become a little seedy—that is, the trusses will sooner become trusses of seed. Trentham Scarlet is nearly as strong in babit, a good orange scarlet, and, therefore, quite distinct from ‘Trentham Rose, which isa rose. A good neighbour to Trentham Rose would be Rubens, which is a waxy pinkish-rose, and endures hot dry weatherrather better than the Trentham Rose. Baron Ricasoli is very fair for bedding ifnot too much exposed. As you sign your mame “‘ Stella,” we presume you appreciate that variety, of which one of our pele asdemers: on looking at a ‘fine line of it, said, “It kills everything 8e. Sevect Fanoy Petarconrums (Vottinghamensis).—Cloth of Silver, Acmé, Ellen Beck, Roi de Fantaisies, Lady Craven, Undine. SELECT VARIEGATED-LEAVED GeRaniums (Zdem).—Mrs. Pollock, Flower of Spring, Bijou, Italia Unita, Cloth of Gold, Shottesham Pet. WIsTARIA SINENSIS (F. A. C.).—The second flowering of this is by no Means unusual in hot dry seasons like the present. FLOWER-GARDEN Pian (A Constant Reader).—We have no doubt the gatden will look very well. We presume there are straight lines at the ack as well as at the railing, and that may be the reason for having the square figures at the four corners. That, however, is no reason for making these clumps a mere narrow border, round what, we presume, is a square of grass inside. The narrowness of that border will make the plant- ing insignificant in effect compared with the other clumps. Supposing these Squares were left as ‘they are, or made into true squares, we would certainly ll up the centre ‘as well by digging the grass down. Then to work in yourplants, and make the desirable variety, ‘we would leave 1 as you propose, Tom Thumb edged with Gnaphalium; 2 and 3, White Verbenas, ¢ : © with a rim of Heliotrope; 5 and 8, Yellow Caiceo- 3 1 2 laria, mixed or centred with Ageratum ; 4 and 6, Scarlet Verbena and Purple King; 7 and 9, centre 7 8 9 Gazania, and broad band of Lobelia speciosa. Your garden would then be all of a piece, now your a 4, 6, 7,9, will look mean beside the others. There Railings and Street. 18 nothing artistic in the beds, you would see how a small square at Putter:dge was laid out and planted, and numbers of other plans have been given. However, your simple plan will look well if well planted. Forcine PEacuEs FoR Marker (J. D., Exeter).—Grow Royal George and Grosse Mignonne Peaches. ‘ i : i BELLE De Dové Pracu (IW. M.).—The Peach which you have under the name of Monstrueuse de Doué is doubtless the same as Belle de Doué, which is described inthe ‘‘ Fruit Manual ” as follows :—‘ This isa fine large melting Peach, an early variety of Bellegarde, It is of first-rate quality, with a vinous and righly-flavoured flesh, which separates freely from the stone. Glands round; flowers small. Ripens in the last week of August and beginning of September.” 7 Stocks FOR GRartinG Vines (JV. M.).—We still think the Black Ham- burgh is the best stock. The Muscat is often much stronger-growing, but it is more tender. It is as well’to graft white kinds on whites, and black on blacks, though it does not muck signify. In some few cases strange facts have come to our knowledge of stocks influencing scions, and, in the case of Grapes more especially, scions influencing stocks—so strange, that with- out greater corroboration we decline publishing them. We have never seen any bad effects as to setting from grafting on the Muscat. ALPINE STRAWBEREIES (F. £.).—They require the same treatment as to smanuring the ground, and general culture, as Strawberries generally. They oHe best raised from seed, which if sown in a pan in any light earth in March and placed in a mild bottom heat, will come up in a'few days, and outel then be removed to acold frameito harden-off. If due attention be peite watering, the plants will grow rapidly, and when of sufficient size oe Sey ‘they should be planted out in beds, allowing 1 foot between ‘awe a ae every way. Seed ‘sown in spring iusnally furnishes plants for late aT te earing, and the runners of the previous year planted in March or pril bear abundantly early in autumn. The ground in which they grow should ‘be well watered in hot dr i " 'y weather, otherwise they soon cease eee oes eee Weak. It must be kept ‘moist in order that they may Seuect Roses (Jdem).—Madame Lonise Cari i i : i . que, Souvenir de la Reine gSaglcterre, Triomphe d’Angers, Géant des Batailles, and Madame Tru- ux, are strong-growing free-blooming varieties. ‘Stozme Potatoes (W. W.).—It is a . 2 7 W.). good plan to spread them rather thinly in * dry place, or airy shed, for a fortnight or ees weeks prior to pong. = reening them by letting them lie on the soil for some days does ran our plan will answer, and you may cover them with straw now, MS ew spadesful of soil here and there to prevent the straw blowing out, putting onimore soil as'the frosty season approaches. POINSETTIA 'PuLcHERRIMA (Nottin i i \ PULCHE! ghamensis).—It may be kept in a con- a at 45°\in winter when it is blooming, but it cannot be grown in such a house successfully without more heat at the growing season. (Gowen FLEEcE GzRanivum (Calcaria):—If you take up the lants nm you will only spoil the appearance of the bed for the aa ie the season. The plants will droop and lose many of their leaves if taken up and potted now; but if you leave them alone until the beginning of Oeto- ber, and then pot them, reducing the heads a little, you will find they will do well in a cool greenhouse, only do not give them too much water. Bemovine 4 Green Gace Pium Tree (P. Q.).—If your tree can be taken up with a good root, with plenty of fibres attached, it may be safely removed, but success greatly depends on the care with which the operation is performed. The tree should be removed when the leaves begin to fall in the autumn, and it shonld fruit the second year after removal, probably the first, but in the latter case it ought not to be allowed to bear much. NAME oF Fruit (7. H. R., Dorset).—We donot know the Pear you sent. it isa very beautiful and a very delicious one, and we should like to know where you got it from, and any particulars ‘concerning it, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 159 Guano WartzrR (An. Amateur Gardener).—From 1 to 2.0z8..0f guano to a gallon of water is quite sufficient. Names oF Puants (Ff. R. P., Bickley).—Viburnum lentago. (C. A. U.)- —Linum grandiflorum var. (W. S., Hastings). — Phygelius capensis. (Marple).—1, Viciathirsuta; 2, Trifolium repens; 8,T.medium; 4, Melam- pyrum pratense. (D. H.).—Physianthus albens. (J. W.).—Veratrum nigrum: a native of Central and Southern Europe, and Siberia eastward to Japan. You will find a good figure of it in Reichenbach’s “ Icones Flore Germanice,”’ vol. x.—J. W. V., must send a flowering ‘specimen of hig Justicia. (#. B.).—1, Beloperone plumbaginifolia, var. angustifolia 5 2, Achimenes pedunculata. (@eo. Maples).—Onoclea sensibilis. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. COOKERY AGAIN. A Goon friend of ours, who knows we sometimes rush into print, advises us to advertise our capabilities in the way of producing sleep. He says if they were better known some of our papers would bé a real blessing to bad sleepers. He describes their effect on himself as most soothing and de- lightful; a dozen lines make him yawn, twenty-four make him nod, and the entire article produces the calmest sleep he ever has. Some good in them at all events. It is said ‘No lady who deals in the finny tribes ever declares those she has are in a state of semi-decomposition,”’ and it therefore stands to reason we like our papers greatly. We are, however, bound to'say there are some we like better ; for instance, those of a “‘ WiLTSHIRE Rector.’ We have no doubt he is the head of a happy family. Few things escape him. We liked his paper on “ Rooks,” but we do not like rook-pie. It may be prejudice, or it may be the foolish idea that they are unclean feeders, but we think it a | shame and an insult to good rumpsteak to bake it in such company. We like a chicken pudding; it is a boon in hot weather, and a resource in the summer; it is a valuable adjunct at the luncheon and in moderate families where there is but one dinner per diem, and that m the middle of the day. Itis a favourite with us. We are compelled to be | practical, and have long since tried to find a profitable side to our hobbies. We breed many chickens, and of course some of them are faulty. We shut our ears to all the en- treaties to keep this one, because it is so funny; that one, because it eats out of your hand; and another, because it runs all on one side. We shut our ears to the many “ at- tenuating circumstances” the juvenile advocates discover, and when two or three arrive at the size of pheasants we condemn them to the pudding. Recipe. Let the chickens be fasted and Killed. At the end of twenty-four hours cut them up. Do it cleverly. Cut off the wings at the first joint from the body. Take a sharp knife, and, beginning at the end of the breastbone, bring it down in one clean cut to the wing joint on each side; this gives two wings. Take off the merrythought; remove the legs and divide them, giving the thigh and the drumstick. Let the carcase lie sideways on the table, and divide it from end to end, separating the back from the breast; cut the back in half, crossways, and flatten the two pieces; serve the breast the same. Season according to taste. Take some mild bacon, and cut very thin slices. Make a suet crust, put it in a basin, place your joints of chicken and a few slices of bacon in the basin, tie it up in a cloth, and boil slowly for a long time. Turn it out when done. Chickens that are too small to roast and boil are very nice eaten in this way. To those who like the flavour, the addition of a couple of kidneys is an improvement. Revenons & mos Rooks. We think we recollect a paper anent them in the Spectator. A good gentleman living in Lincoln’s Inn Fields passed much of his time at his window watching them. Observing how frequently they fell to the ground and died, although apparently in perfect health a few minutes before, he was about to read 'a paper before a learned society, proving that they were very subject to apo- plexy, when making the acquaintance of an idle young fellow on the opposite side of the square, he found he was in the habit of shooting them with an air gun. ‘There is something to be learned from everything that is created. Birds are no exception: A Goose is said to be stupid; but try your best, and you cannot drive over one, though the road may be full of them. All birds are observers. Ifyou have a large cageful, and are accustomed to go into it every day, they will know you, and see you without fear. 160 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. | August 23, 1864. If, however, you want to catch one, and have to use a net, you will soon see the effect. From that day, if you go with- out the net, the birds are careless of your presence. If you take the net, every bird will try to escape you. Ifyou have a smaller cageful of birds, and have occasion to catch some by hand now and then, if there is one spot where you cannot reach them, every bird will:crowd there, and nothing will mate them leave it. THE AGRICULTURAL HALL POULTRY SHOW AND THE POULTRY CLUB. In replying to your correspondent, Mr. George Manning, I feel thankful that we members of the Poultry Club are not in any way responsible for prize lists, or the getting up of shows, as the Honorary Secretary, Mr. Tudman, very properly informs him; for if this were the case the sooner we take advantage of a recent Act and become a Limited Liability Company, the better. A show undoubtedly can be under the patronage and management of the Club without the Club being answerable for the prize list. In the course of a week or two, I am told, your correspon- dent will, on referring to a contemporary, have his curiosity satisfied as to the objects of the Club: but I, for one, object to any non-member being supplied with rules, for which I, with other members, have had to pay. Mr. Manning appears to question the proceedings of the Club. Surely he could afford half a guinea (one year’s subscription), and have had all the information he desired, and thereby avoided making what appear to me unjustifiable assertions—THos. HuGHEs. ORMSKIRK AND SOUTHPORT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S POULTRY SHOW. THE eighth annual Show of the above Society took place on the 17th inst., at Southport, on a plot of land in Port- land Street, abutting on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. There was a considerable falling off in the number of entries as compared with former years; but, although deficient in number of entries, there was no falling off in the quality of what was exhibited. Dorxinos.—Prize, J. Blundell, Burscough. Chickens.—First and Second, H. Blundell, Southport. Spanisu.—First and Second, R. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston. Game (Black or Brown-breasted Red).—First, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes, House, Middleton. Second, J. Eaves, Knowsley. Chickens.—C. W. Brierley. Game (Of any other kind).—First, C. W, Brierley. Second, J. Eaves. Hampureus (Golden-pencilled).—First, C. W. Brierley. Second, T. Ridg- way, Burscough. Hampurcns (Golden-spangled). — First, C. W. Brierley. Second, T. Ridgway. Hampounreus (Silver-spangled).— First, R. Teebay. Second, T. Ridgway. Cocuin-Curna (Buff ).—First and Second, T. Stretch, Grmskirk. Chickens. —First and Second, T. Stretch. Cocuin-Cuina (Partridge or Grouse).—First, C. W. Brierley. Second ang PEI Commended, T. Stretch. Chickens.—First and Second, T. tretch. GamE Bantams (Black or Brown-breasted Reds).—Prize, C. W. Brierley. __ Game Bantams (Any other colour),—First, C. W. Brierley. Second, T. Ridgway. Bantams (Any other variety).—Prize, T. Ridgway. | Game Cock (Any colour).—Prize, C. W. Brierley. Game Bantam Cock.—First, J. Berry, Burscough. Brierley. GEESE.— First, J. Bryers, Ormskirk. Second, H. Blundell, Southport. Ducss (Aylesbury).—First, T. Stretch. Second, J. D. Weaver, Southport. Ducks (Any other variety). Prize, C. W. Brierley. TuRKEysS.—Prize, C. W. Brierley. Jupecrs.—Mr. Joseph Hindson, Barton House, Everton, and Mr. Burnett, Hutton, near Preston. Second, C. W. WAKEFIELD POULTRY SHOW. Te third annual Exhibition took place at Wakefield on Saturday the 13th instant. Financially, we are glad to say the Show was a great success, the weather being delightfully fine, and, we believe, about 4000 visitors were present. The poultry were not so numerous as we expected; but now that the Hon. Sec., Mr. John Crosland, jun., has means at com- mand, we have no doubt his schedule for next year will assume a better shape, for as poultry is certainly not the least interesting part of the gathering, a fair proportion of the prize money will be allotted to this department. Under | Mr. Crosland the Show was admirably carried out in every respect. In Game the first-prize Black Reds were unusually good, and shown in splendid condition, well deserving the special prize of the silver cup for the best pen in the Show. In the same class a good Brown Red cock was accompanied by a hen minus one claw. Game chickens were very good.g@In Cochins Mr. Bishop had both prizes with Buffs such as are seldom seen at a local show. Mr. Lacy’s Brahmas also deserve notice, and added another to that gentleman’s honours. Dorkings were good, but out of condition. Hamburghs were only moderate. Game Bantams were particularly good, Mr. Crosland proving his immense strength in chickens, all of which were first class, and will no doubt be heard of again. In Ducks the Rouens were excellent. The following is the prize list :— Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).—First and Cup, J. Crosland. Second, G. Helliwell. Chickens,—First, Second, and Highly Commended, J. Crosland. Game (Any other variety).—First, G. Helliwell. Second, G. Crosland. Chickens.—First, J. Crosland. Second, J. D. Newsome. SpanisH.— First, R. T. Wood, Clark’s Villa Tower, Crumpsall, Man- chester. Second, J. Siddall, Rhodes Street, Halifax. Cocnin.—First and Second, C. T. Bishop, Lenton, near Nottingham. Highly Commended, J. Crosland, jun. Chickens.—First, Messrs. Bawn and Briggs, 5, Royal Parade, Harrowgate. Second, G. Crosland. BrauMa Pootra.—First, H. Lacy, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. Second, C. Lister, Mirfield. Dorgines.—Prize, T E. Kell. HampBurons (Golden-spangled).—First, H. Carter, Upperthong, Holm- firth. Second, J. Ellis, High Court Lane, Leeds. Hampuraus (Silver-spangled).—Prize, J. Crosland. Hampureus (Golden-pencilled).—Prize, J. Crosland. Hamepureus (Silver-pencilled). — First, D. Illingworth, Burley, near Otley, Yorkshire. Second, G. Helliwell. Po.anps.—Prize, H. Carter, Holmfirth. ANY OTHER BREED NOT BEFORE MENTIONED.—First, C. Lister, Mirfield. Second, J. Ellis. Bantams (Game).—First, Highly Commended, and Commended, Master C. Crosland. Second, J. D. Newsome, Batley. Bantams (Black or White).—Prize, Miss M. A. Crosland. Banrams (Any other variety).—First, W. J. Cope, Barnsley. Second, J. D. Newsome, Batley. (Cochin China.) Ducks (Aylesbury).—First and Second, — Hollings s puors (Rouen),—First, J. Hirst, Boyne Hill. Second, J. D. Newsome, atley. Judge of Poultry, Mr. W. Ludlam, Bradford. (Pekin.) MY BLACK BANTAMS. Tue very first paper which I sent to this Journal, now one year and eight months since, was devoted to the de- scription and praise of those pretty pets, Bantams, especi- ally Black Bantams, so, to make a bad pun, “I won my spurs with a charger of sootable colour.” Having now further watched the habits of these interesting and useful little creatures, I crave a little more space from you on the same subject. First, I would notice their appearance—Let me describe that trim little cock, now, as I write, crowing on my window-ledge, giving me a saucy and inquisitive look, perhaps for more breadcrumbs, his dear delight, perhaps because I write glancing at him, and he therefore connects himself in some way or other, I know not bird process of reasoning, with me and my present vocation. How bril- liantly red is his comb, especially when he is angry, that well-shaped comb, reaching far back in a peak; then his sparkling eye, and white ear-lobes, contrasting so well with his bright jet-black plumage. Then, again, what a beautiful hackle he has (I like much hackle in all cocks), it flows down his neck, over his shoulders it falls—so pointed and black is each feather, I compare it to nothing less than the “ back hair’ of some Spanish belle. Scarce less noticeable is his short curved strong beak, such a weapon of attack; then to complete him his silky-falling saddle, and his arched and flowing tail, and his whole body, especially his wings, glisten- ing with metallic hues. Nor is the little fellow’s figure, nicely poised upon his firm legs, less noteworthy, or that broad full breast, with head carried defiantly. Whether the poet Dryden ever kept Black Bantams I know not, but at any rate his description of the cock in one of his fables might lead one to suppose he did. ‘* High was his comb, and coral-red withal, In dents embattled like a custle wall; His bill was rayen-black, and shone like jet; Blue were his legs, and orient were his feet; White were his nails, like silver to behold ; His body glittered like the burnish’d gold.’” August 23, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 161 Take him all in all I am inclined to think that a well-bred Black Bantam cock is among the very handsomest of our domestic poultry. He is, too, a very clean little fellow. It is our custom to breakfast daily in the study, but on Sundays we take that meal in the dining-room. I had, a few years since, a cock of this breed who came regularly to the window at eight o’clock, tapped with his beak (if not noticed he would go on tapping, letting us have no rest), and have his breakfast of crumbs. But when Sunday morning came, he would first make his appearance at his regular window, but, alas, no welcome tablecloth, with good things on it, was to be seen; he would then run round the corner of the house at full speed, with his head on one side, listening for the sound of voices, passing front door and drawing-room win- dows, and at the dining-room windows he appeared for certain, crowing, tapping, and confident that his appeal would be successful. This bird was the cleverest fowl I ever had—but, in passing, let me say, the more you pet poultry, the more of mind or sagacity do they reveal, but gradually cease to pet and caress, they return to mere fowls of ordinary type. This bird used to fly up to my children’s heads or shoulders, stand on my foot and crow, and yet he was never vicious, the youngest bare-legged little child was no sufferer from his familiarity. Next let me notice the precocity of the Black Bantam. I have now by me four chickens of this breed, hatched on the 10th of last May, also four Game chickens, Black-breasted Reds, I do not mean Game Bantams, these were hatched on the same day, consequently they are all just three months old, for I write on the 10th of August. Now the Game cockerel is only a long-legged gawky boy, with almost colourless comb and wattles, he has never attempted to crow, while the two black cockerels have crowed these six weeks, and now execute that adult accomplishment to per- fection. They also walk with the hens, one is particularly fond of an old hen, and as I sent away my late cock, the master of the two cockerels is in all respects the Sultan. I wish somebody could supply me with the pedigree of Black Bantams, for I find them more game than Game. For instance, my Game chickens are of a prize strain, willow- legged and all the rest of it, but the black cockerel not only drives off the Game pullets, but is totally master of the Game cockerel, leading him a wretched life, for, not content with giving him a peck and done with it, the little tyrant hangs on his wing, and punishes the poor long-legged boy terribly, he never daring to turn again. Of course there will be a day of fearful retribution presently, a turning the tables, 2 Nemesis, and my only fear is that the grand battle will end fatally, in case of no eye seeing the fight, for my brave little fellow will fight to the last, of that I am quite confident. I know no one possessed of Black Game fowls, but I should like to try a cross between the two black kinds, Game and Bantam. A very nice little fowl would, I should think, be the result, and a profitable one too (and why not make pets profitable ?), for the black pullets are excellent winter layers. I want to breed a fowl, laying well, and also a fair size. I should know I was eating a Black Bantam egg if I had my eyes shut, and then next in my estimation comes the Game fowl’s egg. Now a cross would bring a bird with good points and properties, fit too for open gardens like mine ; and every one should keep half a dozen little fowls, even if they have no separate yard. Can anybody help me in this matter? Good laying, good-looking, spirited little fowls, too small to scratch up a gooseberry bush, or even a scarlet geranium, would, I think, be welcome to many. I have said nothing about the little black hens. Certainly I do not find them equal to the cocks in intelligence, but they are neat-looking birds, some of them good sitters, all excellent mothers. The pullets have charming little heads as they peer at one from a bed of potatoes. I also find that the colour of the hens, originally of a dull black almost brown, improves when you avoid breeding in-and-in— WILTSHIRE RECTOR. PIGEONS’ FOOD. I wave kept Pigeons many years, ever since I could hold one, and having had some experience of the different kinds of grain as Pigeon’s food, I should ke glad to exchange notes with other fanciers as to their opinions respecting the quality of various sorts of corn as food for Pigeons under different circumstances. I have generally been in the habit of allowing my Pigeons to fly out for the greater part of the day, and under such arrangements I find most kinds of food are wholesome, and the Pigeons thrive well when they can provide themselves with lime, gravel, and green meat. They always had access to a bath in fine weather, and also to salt. Disease was then almost unknown among them. Now things are much altered, not altogether for the better. I am living on the top of a hillina bleak situation; our water is from a well, very soft, and contains no lime. My Pigeons are high bred and tender, being Tumblers of different sorts—as Scotch, House, and Air Tumblers; Rollers; High-flying Tumblers, and Short-faced. The House Tumblers and many of the Air Tumblers cannot fly, from their tumbling so much, while some of the Rollers if put on the wing will roll till they strike the earth, and would in consequence injure if not kill themselves, and for this reason my Pigeons do not have their liberty, except the High-flying birds and the young ones, which are let out once a-day when weather suits. They fly for about two hours and then go in. It will thus be perceived that under present arrangements a delicate breed in a bleak place, highly fed, and taking no exercise, must be liable to complaints unknown to a hardier race in a more natural and genial condition. I am in hopes of obtaining a better and more sheltered place, and so avoiding some of the difficulties. Still some persons may say, Why not keep a breed that can take care of themselves and so be let out? but every one to his own -taste. I flatter myself I have a first-rate breed of Tumbling Pigeons and do not desire to change. I have now explained under what circumstances I have noticed the effects of various sorts of food. Tangs are generally considered the best food for Pigeons. I must agree with Mr. Eaton when he says they are relaxing, and too much purging is not conducive to health. Brans.—Small old beans are by many declared to be the best of all food. I find them strong and warm, if I may so express myself. I cannot well succeed without them, yet I regard them as heating; the old Pigeons will breed too fast on them, the cocks drive to nest so determinedly that they neglect the previous hatch; and, moreover, beans do not readily make soft meat, and the transition from soft meat to beans is too sudden for delicate young Pigeons already weak- ened by neglect, consequently, many die. Pras are very nutritious food, much recommended for Pigeons to fly on; but I find if my Pigeons have many peas the hens lay soft eggs. Lrentiis.—I have not tried any of this food of late years, but when in Germany found it good, and it is highly nu- tritious. VercuEs.—In France I fed my Pigeons principally on small grey vetches and liked them very much as food; but that is some years since, and I cannot compare them with present food. Wuear.—Very fattening and excellent for feeding young Pigeons on; but the old ones become fat, lazy, and soft- feathered on wheat. Baruey.—Very well as a mixture with peas, but I do not regard it as a good food, and the Pigeons do not seem to relish it. BuckwHEAt.—A very good addition, the Pigeons are fond of it, and I regard it as beneficial, but have not tried it much. HempsrEp.—Very fattening and exciting, and not good as a constant food; but useful in getting birds into con- dition or hastening pairing or breeding. CanaRysEED.—lI have a high opinion of this, but it is too expensive. Rice bears a bad name, but I find it useful as a mix- ture to prevent diarrhea, and think the Flying Tumblers fly better since they have hada little. _ f I should be pleased if any other fancier would compare notes and give me the benefit of their experience, either through the columns of this Journal or privately. It will be advisable to name the breed of Pigeons, whether in confine- ment or at liberty, how they are fed, and, what I regard as 162 JOURNAL, OF HORTICULTURE. AND, COTTAGE. GARDENER. [ August.23, 1864. of great: consequence, the quality of the water they drink ; for [ think this is of much importance to a bird that drinks g0 copiously as the Pigeon, the water often containing various earths and salts according to the nature of the:soil from which it is obtained. The subject of food, I think, is one well worth the trouble of a little investigation, and I shall be pleased to hear the opinions of others.—BERNARD P. Brent, Dallington, near Robertsbridge, Sussex. PIGEONS AT NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE AND DARLINGTON SHOWS. A terrer in your last Number, page 139, signed “A Fancrer,” I cannot allow to pass without giving some explanation. I regret exceedingly that there should be any ground for complaint as to the judging of Pigeons at the Newcastle Show, as I had, perhaps, more to do with select- ing the Judges than any one else. ‘When the Newcastle Show was first decided upon, Mr. Hewitt was fixed on as Judge, knowing that this gentle- man’s decisions almost invariably give satisfaction. He was written to, and accepted the office; but a few days previous to the Show taking place I received a letter from Mr. Hewitt, stating that he thought he could not comfort- ably get through the number of entries by himself in the time allotted, and suggested some one at least should be secured to take the Pigeons off his hands. I was, consequenily, tied for time to obtain a Judge for this department; but happening to place my hands upon the Darlington catalogue for last year, I noticed Mr. Botcherby acted as Judge there, so I concluded at once that if Mr. Botcherby was compe- tent to judge at an important Show like that at Darlington, I could not be wrong in asking that gentleman to do so here, and I wrote to him immediately, and procured his sanction, consequently the matter was decided. Previous to this I had not heard a single word about the dissatisfaction his judging had given at Darlington, or you may depend upon it I should have avoided the services of Mr. Botcherby. However, I believe Mr. Botcherby to be highly respectable and honest as a judge, but as to his competency for such a task I confess I know but little. You must also permit me to rectify an error in the letter referred to. I did not reverse a single card that Mr. Botcherby had placed upon the Pigeon classes; but unfor- tunately some of Mr. Yardley’s birds had remained in the basket until after the awards were made: regretting this as I did, I proposed to Mr. Yardley that if the amount of a first prize would satisfy him for the oversight in not putting the birds in their proper place in time, I should be most happy to pay over the extra amount, which Mr. Yardley accepted.—J. SHORTHOSE. On looking over your last Number, I find a letter from «A Fancter” criticising the judging of the Pigeons at the Newcastle and Darlington Shows. His strictures upon the former may be all very right, I am not in a position to give an opinion; but some of his remarks upon the latter are quite beside the mark. In the first place, he gives his readers to understand that Mx. Botcherby was the only judge at Darlington; but on refer- ring to the catalogue, which I happen to have, I find, under the Pigeon Judges, the names J. W. Botcherby, Hsq., F. Bellamy, Esq. “FancrER” altogether ignores the fact of the latter gentleman’s having officiated. Now, I know nothing whatever about Mr. Botcherby’s capabilities ; but I think every fancier will admit at once that Mr. Bellamy is a thoroughly competent judge, and, taking his presence at Darlington into consideration, I cannot think the awards were so outrageously bad as “A Fancrer” would have us believe. Again: he says, “The silver cup for the best pen in the Show was awarded to an old Dun cock, a draft from the loft of one of our well-known exhibitors; while one of the best Carriers in the kingdom and in her prime, a black hen be- longing to Mr. Else, of London, was shown.” Now, I am prepared to prove that the Dun cock spoken of was, when exhibited at Darlington, under three years old, and, to use «A FANCIER’S” own words, in his prime, and one of the best Carriers in the kingdom, With these misstatements before mel cannot help think- ing that if inquired into some other of “A Fancrmr’s” “ facts, incontrovertible” might prove fictions. To my thinking there is a feeling of soreness. throughout his letter which reminds one very forcibly of “sour grapes.”—J. I. D. «A DEVONSHIRE BEH-KEEPER” vurscus THE «TIMES ” BEE-MASTER. For. the credit of British journalism, I regret to state that my second letter in reply to the acrimonious tirade of the “ Bee-keeper” in the employ of the Times, who turns out to be Dr. Cumming, the well-known controversialist, has been refused insertion in that paper, although another violent attack on me from the learned (?) doctor's pen appeared in the Times of the 12th inst. Of this precious production I need only remark that it is worthy of its predecessor, and that it fulfils a prediction made by the Aberdeen Free Press of the 5th inst.—viz., that the doctor was using his influence with the view of puffing a book which he intends publishing. Unlike Dr. Cumming’s own interpretations of prophecy, this prediction has been literally fulfilled by the astonishing announcement that a man, who cannot write a letter on the subject of bees without blundering in every paragraph, is not only about to “put together” a book upon them, but has actually found a publisher willing to run the risk of printing it! Although the publishers of cheap literature have been notoriously unfortunate in their selection of api- arian writers, and the compilations of Messrs. Richardson and Wood must therefore be deemed formidable competitors in the race for pre-eminence in ill, Messrs. Low may safely be congratulated on having secured the copyright of what will in all probability turn out to be the most imaccurate bee-book ever manufactured.—A DrvoNSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. ILL-SUCCESS IN BEE-KEEPING. Tux letters in the Times about bees have somewhat revived my interest in my own, which for several years I have re- signed to the care of the gardener, an old-fashioned man, whose only ideas on the subject are tinkling and burning. For the last three years I have had neither swarm nor honey, and my six or eight hives have diminished to two, the reason being, as the gardener insists, that I gave away my luck by giving a swarm to a friend! Now, I wish to try if I cannot bring back my luck by taking them in hand myself; and I venture to ask if you will be kind enough to tell me what is the simplest and best kind of hive? I had been thinking of obtaining one of the nadir-hives, recommended in the Rev. W. Law’s letterin the Times; but it occurred to me before I saw by Mr. Wood- bury’s letter that the principle was contrary to the nature of the bee, and therefore I am hesitating what todo. Can you also kindly advise me what to do under the present state of affairs ? Two or three days ago, on opening the bee-house, which I had not looked into before this year, I found that the bees (in two common straw hives with flat tops), had made an immense quantity of comb outside the hives, thus connecting them together and with the roof of the house, which is now nearly filled with honey, and covered with clusters of bees. The two hives stand on a shelf. The gardener says the only thing to be done, is, later in the season, to burn the bees and take the honey; but I am most anxious to save the life of my poor bees, and should feel very much obliged if you could put me in the way of doing so, and also of going on better for the future. Some years ago I tried putting a glass over the hole in the centre of the hive; but though the bees on one occasion made a small piece of comb in it, they did not fill it, and I nee never succeeded in obtaining honey in that way.— C.S.B. [You cannot do better than use flat-topped straw hives, | with a three-inch hole in the top. You require the assist- ance of a practical apiarian, who, by the aid of a little smoke, would soon cut away the extraneous combs, and compel the | bees to retire to their hives. Had you supered your stocks this season, you would doubtless have obtained a large August 23, 1864. j JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 163 SOO TO, ee quantity of honey. Glasses require to be kept warm by an external covering of flannel, or some other non-conducting material; and the absence of this precaution, and the pos- sible want of decoy-comb in the glasses, are the most proba- le causes of failure. | BEES FORSAKING A STOCK-HIVE. Excerrinc myself, no one in this neighbourhood, so far as Tam aware, keeps bees, and the present is only the second season of my doing so, and this must be my apology for askin for information. In May last year, I bought what was considered, and, I believe, was a good top swarm, which threw off another after T had had it about a month. I kept them through the winter, both being strong and healthy. This season the parent hive threw off two swarms, the first in the end of May, and the second about three weeks later, both of which continue, so far as I can judge, healthy and active. About a month ago I remarked that the occupants of the original hive seemed to become lazy, not showing themselves outside in numbers like those of the five neighbouring hives, and such as I should have expected from their supposed strength. Daily their numbers seemed to diminish, till within a few days past there has been “no appearance,” and no sound of life from within. I lifted the hive off the board; and not a little, I confess, to my disappointment and surprise, found that they had fled, leaving about 13]b. of wax, but not an atom of honey. Now, will you kindly inform me how this is to be accounted for, and in what way I can prevent similar casualties among my bee stock in future P— E.J.S. [The bees have, doubtless, vanished from the old stock owing to the absence of a queen, and this may have arisen from various causes after the departure of the last swarm. The remaining bees may have failed to raise a queen. Your stocks may be placed too close together, and the young queen may, therefore, have perished through mistaking her hive on her return from her wedding flight, or she may have been “worried to death”? by her own subjects, as related by “A DrvonsHire BEE-KZEPER,” in page 80. All that you can do in order to render such a misfortune less likely in. future, is to take care that your hives are a sufficient distance apart. ] DEPRIVING. I wave adopted the Woodbury bar-hive and super as re- commended in the manual of “ Bee-keeping for the Many.” I find that the stock-hive contains from 45 to 50 lbs. of honey, and the super is filled with comb, but there is scarcely any honey. The space also between the bars of the stock-box and adapting-board is filled with comb and honey so full that it appears one solid mass. Now, I am anxious to take about 25 lbs. of honey from the super and stock-box, so as to leave 25 lbs. in the stock-box to supply the bees during winter. What plan would you recommend me to adopt? I should remark that I had to remove the adapting-board upon three or four occasions when I first put on the super as the bees would not take to the super at first, but would work between the top bars of the stock-box and the adapt- ing-board. My adapting-board has openings near the sides about a quarter of an inch in width. As I have discovered a sure system of ventilation, I think of having hives made of glass sides covered with board shutters lined with flannel, so as to be able to expose all four sides to view at once. In order to take the honey from my present box, do you think I should succeed if I were to remove the cover of the super and place-on it a hive con- taining 25 lbs. of honey, and to drive the bees into it by - tapping at the sides of the stock-box and super? Perhaps, however, a quarter of an inch would not be sufficient space for the queen and larger bees to ascend. In that case I should have to enlarge the opening in one part. I have an empty box with frame-bars.—J. H. L. [Tf the bees can spare them there is no objection to your appropriating the two side combs only from the side box. Their places will be best left vacant during winter, and in spring they may be advantageously filled up by a couple of empty combs from the super. The combs remaining in the latter should be taken care of, as they will give the bees an excellent start in filling the super next spring. Bees gene- rally fill the vacant space between the bars and crown-board with comb which may be scraped off when convenient, but you need not have removed the crown-board purposely. You had better allow your bees to remain in their present domicile, and stock your new hive with a swarm in the spring. | AUTUMNAL UNIONS. I HAVE bees in a common cottage hive, and I wish to | take the honey without destroying them. I am told I can fumigate them with the puff ball. I tried do'ng so but lost my bees. Iwas afterwards told I could effect my object by using chloroform: this I also tried, but whether the chloroform was good or bad I cannot say. I failed again. Some people think it a good plan to drum the bees ; bat I should fear to rely on it. If you do not object to kindly advise me what plan you consider best to deprive them, without destroying them at this season of the year, I shall esteem it a very great favour.—J. H. [Chloroform is destruction to bees, and fumigation we believe little better. The best mode of appropriating the contents of common cottage hives in autumn is to drive the bees and unite them to other stocks. Articles from the pen of “A DrvonsHIR=n BrEE-KEEPER,” describing the best way of performing these operations, appeared in Nos 139 and 144 of our new series. | REMOVING AND TRANSFERRING BEES. I wish to ask one or two questions respecting bees, if you will kindly answer them. Ist. I find I must shift my apiary as follows :—One lot some 20 feet to the right, but exactly in the same line as before, and another lot some 40 feet in front, to shift them by the side of'the first lot. Will you kindly inform me whether it is practicable so to do, and the best time ? 2nd. I hawe taken 30lbs. good from each of my eight hives, on the depriving system. Would)you advise me to take any from the stock-box? 3rd. What is your opinion as to transferring bees at this season into an empty hive—say from a straw to a bar-hive ? 4th. Which do your prefer, the collateral or storifying system ?—Jomw Newiann. [The best plan will be to nemove your bees temporarily to a distance of not less than a mile anda half. This may be done at once, and in three weeks’ time they may be brought back and arranged in their mew positions. We should say, as a general rule, do mot plunder stock- boxes. Bees with their combs may even now be transferred from straw into frame-hives, but it requires a considerable amount of apiarian skill to perform this operation successfully. We prefer the storifying to the collateral system. | A GOOD BEE-HIVE. SEVERAL correspondents have written to us inquiring what is the best style of bee-hive, where it can be obtained, and how it is managed. We have been at some pains to collect information on these points; and we shall now give the results of our investigations, in the hope that they may be of service to imtending or actual bee-keepers. We present herewith two illustrations of a hive, which, without hazarding the assertion that it is absolutely the best in existence, we have no hesitation in pronouncing a very good one, and, on the whole, the best that has come under our observation. It is manufactured by Mr. P. A, Scott, an ingenious mechanic of Toronto. This hive bears a strong resemblance in its leading features to the Lang- stroth-hive, but embodies improvements suggested by other eminent apiculturists, as weil as some peculiarities of Mr. Scott’s own devising. A very fair general idea of its outward appearance and internal arrangements may be gathered 164 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ August 23, 1864. from the accompanying cuts, but a few explanatory remarks may not be wholly useless. 2 been % x i hl : i ‘Ait t eae The above engraving (ig. 1), shows the hive in its usual closed state, and it will be seen that it has an independent stand, and is well contrived for protection against the weather. There is no danger of its being blown over, and it Fig. 2. is furnished with lock and key so as to be safe from unneces- sary disturbance. It is made to slant towards the entrance, to facilitate the carrying out of dead bees and other useless substances. Traps for the bee-moth are made in the move- able blocks at the entrance of the hive. A strip of cloth is tacked across the front, so that the bees when they come home heavy and clumsy with their load of honey may not be bruised and injured by striking against a hard board. Ventilation is provided for on the outside of the hive, and it can be regulated without disturbing the occupants. The ventilators are covered with wire cloth, so as to exclude the enemies of the bees. Dampness is carefully guarded against. The exterior of the hive is painted to preserve it from the weather and give it a neat appearance. The second cut (jig. 2), exhibits the interior of the hive, which is so constructed as to give the bee-keeper entire con- trol over the combs without injury to a single bee. It may be well to observe that the accompanying illustrations pre- sent two different sizes of the hive. Three sizes are made— those represented are the medium and largest sizes. The closed hive, as will be seen by the two sets of hinges, is double- storied. The open hive is one-storied. The lower part of the open hive, which may be considered the main portion of this bee-dwelling, is fitted up with moveable comb-frames, while above there is a set of boxes into which the bees can be admitted at pleasure. The moveable-comb principle may now be considered as fully established. All intelligent and experienced bee-keepers regard it as a most valuable addi- tion to the facilities for managing bees. The frames shown in the cut are so made as to guide the honeycomb in a straight line, and any one of them can be taken out and examined without disturbing the rest. They save labour to the bees, and give the bee-keeper full management of the internal activities of his insect family. The comb may be removed from the frames without cutting, and, if desired, the honey can be taken from the comb, and it returned to the hive to be refilled, or good pieces of worker comb may be put in the spare honey-boxes. The condition of the bees can be inspected at all times with perfect ease, the chambers being enclosed and partitioned with glass. This hive is adapted either for a strong or a weak colony. It can be either swarming or non-swarming, as may be preferred. Two swarms can be united in one hive, if it be desired. Artificial swarming can be readily accomplished in them, and the uncertainty of natural swarming may be entirely obviated.—(Canadu Farmer.) OUR LETTER BOX. Nankin Bantams (Constant Reader).—We cannot tell you where to obtain the Bantams. We have seen none for a long time. Suntan Fow ts (Ignoramus).—We fear we cannot help you. Miss Watts was the importer of these beautiful birds We fear the breed has not been kept pure. Douckwine Game Fowts (Amateur).— We do not know the Red-breasted Duckwinged Game, nor have we heard-of any. We ure not more enlight- ened with regard to the machine you sp-ak of, we have neither seen nor heard of it. PIGEON Unasir To Stanp (JV. X.).—Your White Dragoon has probably ruptured a small blood vessel on the brain ; rest and quiet will be best for the bird ; and time may effect a cure by absorption of the suffused blood. Hives (7. S., Derby).—Flat-topped straw-hives, with a three-inch hole in the top, are as good as any for ordinary bee-keeping and working supers. The Woodbury frame-hive is the best for scientific and experimental pur- poses. Gotp Fisu (Ff. G. § ).—If there are plants growing in your bisin for the gold fish to spawn ov, and che water is not too cold from the fountain, the fry will be hatched readily enough; the only fear will be of the eld ones eating them up. Perhaps the old fish after the spawn is deposited might be remeved. GoLpFINCH With ELonGaTEeD Brak (Z. G. H.).—You can pare the beak of your Goldfinch with a penknife, or pair af sharp scissors, back to its proper length, without any injury to the bird. LONDON MARKETS.—Aveusr 22. POULTRY. We should have nothing to note were it not for the advent of Grouse. This year seems desirous to make amends for past shortcomings. There have seldom been so muny in the market the first week as this year. The quality is excellent. s. d. 8. d. aod. (s.id. Fowls .. 2 0 to 2 6) Ducklings 2 O0to2 6 Smaller 1 9,, 2 Oj} Grouse... ame “OSy Chickens... 1 $,, 2 6) Rabbits... amie her bs at ees Goslings .. 0 0,4, G O| Wilddo.. TMOMRSEE 019 Geese ..... eee 4 6,, 5 O] Pigeons .... 08,0 9 August 30, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 165 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Da Day e , atillticot AUG. 30—SEPT. 5, 1864, AN erage | tomperatnze M?nth! Week. ; Day. | Night. | Mean. 30 Tu Agrimony flowers. 719 48.1 600 31 WwW Red Bryony ripe. 71.2 47.5 593 1 Ta Partridge shooting begins. 70.5 47.4 58.9 2 F Berberries ripe. 70.6 47.5 59.1 3 Ss Meadow Saffron flowers. | 70.3 47.5 58.9 4 Sun 15 SunNDAY AFTER TRINITY. } 70.8 46.5 58.4 5 M Hawthorn berries ripe. 70.0 47.4 58.7 Rainn | sun | sun’ | Moon | Moon | Moon's | ,f!9¢k | pay of bets Rises Sets Rises Sets A before Y 37 years. 6 ises. ets. g' Stil ear, Days. | m. h.| m. bh.| m. h.| m. h. m. $s 8 | llaf5| 50af6]27 3/38 5] 28 0 20) 243 15 |13 5/47 6)30 4| 0 6| 29 0 21 244 19 |15 5) 45 6|33 5/22 6| @ 0 17| 245 15 |16 5/43 6/37 6/48 6 1 0 36] 246 TSE A PISM LES |Pa lee! (ale ze lek ere cn 0 55} 247 15/19) 15/38 6 | 46 8/97 97] <8 1 14] 248 15/21 5) 36 6/50 9/53 7) 4 | 1 34} 249 | From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 70.7°, and its night temperature 47.4°. 1.50 inch. The greatest heat was 85° on the Ist, 1843; and the lowest cold, 33°, on the 3rd, 1862. The greatest fall of rain was QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SCARLET GERANIUM FOR BEDDING. f= HEN in bygone years such florists’ flowers as Tulips, Auriculas, Ranunculuses, Polyanthuses, and Pinks held a higher place in pub- lic estimation than they now do, many villages of no great pretensions had their periodical shows, which were looked forward to with considerable interest by aspiring exhibitors. Each ) class of plants had then : to be judged by a code of rules which, unlike the laws of the Medes and Persians, were altered if found defective. Whatever opposition may have been offered to these rules at times, and what- ever changes were made, it is certain that the flowers which stood high in public favour in the beginning of the present century were judged according to the close- ness with which they approximated to a certain standard of perfection which was supposed to be equitable. The rules which then existed are far from being obsolete at the present day, although, instead of a universal adherence to them, a sort of anarchy has sprung up, every man making laws for himself, so that even in such important flowers as the Azalea, Rhododendron, Scarlet Geranium, and many others, the points of excellence are far from being universally defined. Flowers have never been so popular as they are at the present day, but there is in Imany instances a lack of knowledge of the properties which fit a plant or flower for a certain purpose, and it would be a most desirable result if florists would deter- mine on some standard that is not absolutely unattainable, and judge the respective merits of each claimant for dis- tinction by the near or distant approach it makes to that standard. I therefore invite everyone to put forth his own views as to what constitutes perfection in one of the most useful as well as most popular of all our bedding plants—the Geranium of the Pouale section. In calling attention to this subject I confess having some misgivings as to a universal acknowledgment of any particular set of rules being attained, but, at the same time, much useful information may be obtained, and matters which individual growers might set down as established rules might be modified or set aside entirely by the majority; so much, indeed, depends on the cha- racter of the season, the soil, and other features, that the decided opinion of one individual might in a large as- sembly of growers receive very few or perhaps no backers. Take, for stance, the present season up to the 20th of August; in this district it has been a very dry one since the Geranium started into growth, and as one of the effects of the dry weather we see a greater abundance of bloom on Geraniums than we were wont to do, anda diminished growth, Sturdy, rank-growing varieties have No. 179.—Vou, VII., NEw SERIES. descended into the condition of medium growth, those of dwarf habit have been still more diminutive, and the whole have been alike loaded with bloom to an extent not generally met with. Judging them by the present season only we are struck with the idea that the strong and vigorous kinds are the best; but this is solely owing to the absence of moisture in the air and ground, and the consequent tendency of the plant to expend its energies in the formation of flowers and seed. If dry weather were to continue, and the plants were not supplied with water artificially, there would be every likelihood of their flowering themselves out, as the saying is—a cir- cumstance of rare occurrence with the Geranium, though by no means sowith many other plants. Indeed, I think there are examples already amongst our bedding Gera- niums indicating a cessation of blooming at no distant date, unless rain or artificial means push them into fresh growth ; but even in the latter case the bloom will be late and far from abundant. Before entering on the qualities necessary to constitute a first-class bedding Geranium, I must allow that my experience of some kinds this year is diametrically oppo- site to what it was last season, as some varieties I had then almost made up my mind to discard, have this sea- son been the best I had, and others the reverse: therefore we ought not too hastily to condemn anything without a fair trial. The present year having proved that strong growers are the best, are we justified in depending on them entirely for another season? To this I unhesitat- ingly answer, No; for until we have the character of the forthcoming season placed before us we must continue to provide against the contingencies which each succeeding year brings with it. If next year be damp, and we have only coarse strong-growing Geraniums to depend on, we shall have little bloom, and the beds will be over- grown with rank foliage. Let us now see what really constitutes a good bedding Geranium, leaving those extremes of wet or dry seasons out of the question, as they may be discussed hereafter. Although I by no means assert that the standard I lay down is the one that may be generally approved of, still it may serve as a basis on which to found amore complete and perfect system ; premising, therefore, that the plant is wanted for bedding purposes, and confining my re- marks to the Scarlet-flowered section, which is, perhaps, the most extensively-planted of any, I would define the desirable properties thus :— Habit —Strong but not coarse; spreading rather than upright ; joints short. Foliage.—As deep and shining a green as can be had, with the least possible horseshoe marking upon it; leaf- stalk short but strong, the leaf itself somewhat convex, and its edges smooth. Flower.—Truss medium sized (not but that large trusses are better than small, but they are also fewer in number), each individual bloom to conform to the standard that is generally laid down fora good flower. The iruss ought to be compact but not confined, and the bloom the same in colour to the centre, a white eye being objectionable. The No. 831 —Vot. XXXII., Orn SERIES. 166 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. | August 30, 1864. less the plant is given to perfecting seed the better; and kinds having. seed-vessels pointing downwards instead of upwards are the least unsightly. The flower-stem to point upwards generally, although this qualification on the outside plants is rather a disadvantage. The stem may either be green or white, but I cannot see any advantage in the latter colour. —M. B., North Devon. {The caterpillar found at work on the unripe Peach in the orchard-house was the larva of Mamestra persicariz, and out of place accidentally, the fruit not being its proper food. | LIVERPOOL BOTANIC GARDENS. In “Doings of the Last Week,” I lately alluded to the great beauty of the Liverpool Botanic Gardens last year. I intended a description of them, and Oulton Park, and other places, to have appeared before now, but could not get time for the pen to do what the head and the will wished. I believe that this trying season has much taxed the time and opportunities of many gardeners as well as myself. The ribbon-borders at Oulton, and the artistic arrangement at Liverpool, were exceedingly fine, and grand too, with the rain descending in torrents. Perhaps I may see them again before attempting to do justice to their beauty. I believe that whilst human nature is what it is every place will have its own difficulties, whether it be a private or a public establishment. ‘The success, however, of all public establishments of a popular kind (and the Liverpool Botanic eminently combines the scientific and the popular), will greatly depend not merely on the taste and genius but on the agreeable and gentlemanly manner of the super- intendent. It is delightful to find that amid the difficulties of serving such a number of masters Mr. Tyerman has suc- ceeded in securing the esteem of the Corporation, and the respect of the inhabitants generally. Long may he be spared to diffusé a ripening and bettering influence ; for I had oral evidence in various quarters that his efforts were as well appreciated among mechanics, and porters, and cabmen, as among the more genteel classes of society. It is so pleasing to find the services of a public officer duly appreciated, that I take the following from the columns of the Liverpool Daily Courier for the 18th of August :— ““ Yesterday, the annual official inspection of the Liverpool public squares and gardens provided for the recreative plea- sures of the inhabitants of this large and populous town took place, and this municipal duty was performed by the committee upon whom the highly interesting work of main- taining the gardens devolved. The committee met at an early part of the afternoon, and commenced their duties with the visitation of the various squares. These include the Great George Square, St. James’s Mount, Falkner Square, Abercromby Square, and Sheil Park; and we have the gratification to state that the committee were highly pleased with the condition of the whole of these public places of resort by the inhabitants of the districts in which they are located. There was a perceptible improvement in all of them, and with regard to the artistic arrangement of the flowers, the utmost credit was reflected upon the Curator. These squares, which so advantageously enlarge the lungs of the borough, and tend so greatly to the promotion of the pleasant recreation of the inhabitants, are a very important feature in the sanitary character of our local government ; and,it is very gratifying to find that they have not only been main- tained in their ful! force of efficiency, but that an actual im- provement is obvious to the most superficial observer. The principal object of inspection, however, was that popular place of entertainment known as the Botanical Gardens, entrusted to the horticultural skill of Mr. Tyerman. Here the committee arrived in their tour of inspection about five o’clock in the afternoon. They consisted, as usual, of the members of the finance committee, and some other members of the Corporation, who were invited to take part in the inspection; the Mayor and the ex-Mayor (Mr. R. C. Gard- ner), and about a dozen other of the municipal authorities being present; the Rev. H. Higgins, and other gentlemen to whom the invitation was extended, were also amongst the party. «The Botanic Gardens, it is well known, are the most August 30, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. kal interesting and also the most popular of the various places of public resort provided at the expense of the Corporation of Liverpool. It is, therefore, a matter of great importance to the inhabitants that they should be maintained in a manner adequate to their requirements. In the respected Curator of the gardens, Mr. Tyerman, we have no hesitation in saying that the Corporation and the public possess an official who, in botanical science, is capapable of realising their expectations to the utmost. Although the season is rapidly advancing into “the sere and yellow leaf,” the gardens still present the most attractive appearance; the beds, the artistic arrangement of which is admirable in the highest degree, abounding in the gayest and most enchanting combination of colours which floricultural skill could possibly display. The Botanic Gardens, with the extensive park adjoining, form certainly one of the most welcome and delightful boons to the people of Liverpool; and the high appreciation in which they are held is sufficiently indicated by the fact, that the attendance of the public includes on ordinary occasions as many as eleven thousand persons. On Thursday evenings a military band considerably enlivens the scene, and adds very appreciable charms, of a musical character, to those which Flora contributes. It will, no doubt, be as gratifying to the public as it is creditable to the skill and attention of Mr. Tyerman, the excellent Curator, to learn that on their annual inspection yesterday the committee found that the management of the gardens was in every respect unexcep- tionable, and that both in regard to the selection and arrangement of the flowers and plants—which, by the way, we may state, without fear of contradiction, would creditably vie with any public garden in the kingdom—the utmost care and skill had been exercised with the most successful result. The pleasures of the promenade made by the com- mittee were agreeably enhanced by the musical performances of the band of Orphan Boys, who played an admirable selec- tion of music on the grounds; and we need scarcely say that the duty which devolved upon the committee was through- out of the most interesting description.” —R. Frsx. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES. (Concluded from page 125.) ANNUAL GRASSES. A COLLECTION of the smaller species grown in pots is highly interesting, and gives a diversified appearance to mixed borders, the lively green shades and graceful forms of these Grasses adding to the beauty and variety. Most of the species are very desirable for bouquets in a fresh state, and when cut and dried, if mixed with Everlast- ings, they are valuable for winter bouquets and in-door decoration generally. . The soil most suitable for Grasses is a moderately rich loam, neither too light nor too strong, but of intermediate quality. It may be formed of mellow loam two-thirds, leaf mould one-third ; the whole well mixed, chopped with a spade, but not sifted. If the loam be light and poor one-third of moderately-decomposed manure may be incorporated with it in place of the leaf mould. Keep this compost under cover for a few days, so that it may handle the better in the potting. _The pots to be employed should be large enough to allow of the seed being scattered thinly, for nothing is so destruc- tive to seedlings as thick sowing, for it causes them to spindle up, and to flower weakly and prematurely. Drain the pot well, fill it with the compost to within half an inch of the tim, scatter the seed after levelling the surface, and then cover lightly—not deeper than just to hide the seeds—with fine soil. Place a neat label to each pot, not a large one (for nothing is so out-of-place as a large label to a small plant or pot), with the proper name of each Grass legibly written upon it; for it is a great drawback to grow a plant and not be able to tell the name of it. _Place the pots in a house with a gentle heat, such as a wmery, or frame employed for striking cuttings or raising half-hardy annuals. The soil should be kept well watered, 80 as to secure a speedy germination ; but too much moisture is apt to rot the seeds, especially when they are old; the soil should, therefore, be kept just healthfully moist. When 2 the seeds have germinated and the plants appear, be careful to have the pots near the glass; and when the plants are fairly up, place the pots in a greenhouse or frame, so as to prevent the seedlings becoming weak from excess of heat, giving air freely, and watering sufficiently to maintain them im a growing state. After they are of sufficient size to handle, transplant some of the largest with balls into pots filled with the same kind of compost as for the sowing, employing pots of various sizes according to the strength or height of the species. Small kinds, as Agrostis, may be grown in pots 6 inches in diameter, and others in sizes proportionate to their growth. It is essential to distribute the seedlings in threes in the centre of the pot for a specimen—that is, the small patches of plants standing at the points of an equilateral triangle, varying in distance between patch and patch as the species is strong or weak, or a large pot employed. The seed-pots have the holes made in transplanting filled up, and they, as well as the newly-potted plants, are watered, and placed in a cold frame or returned to the greenhouse, watering and sprinkling overhead night and morning with the syringe, so as to secure a healthy growth. Supposing the seeds to be sown in the middle of March, the plants will be in a forward state by the latter part of April or beginning of May. Those in the seed- pots may then be transplanted into spaces in mixed borders in places not shaded or under the drip of trees, nor in spots liable to become dusty during the summer. In planting out it is desirable to part the plants into small pieces, placing them in patches of five or more to- gether; watering them afterwards daily if a dry period ensue until they become established, and again in dry weather after they are advanced for flowering, with clear water both at the root and overhead, sprinkling the tops being often of as much importance as water at the root, especially in smoky, dusty places, where the pores of the plants are often choked by the accumulation of dirt. An occasional applica- tion of weak liquid manure will greatly tend to improve their flowering ; and though these plants have not the grandeur of a Dahlia, Hollyhock, or some other ornaments of the garden, they, nevertheless, deserve these little attentions. If they are not thought worthy of the same care that is ac- corded to other plants, they are not worth their room, and therefore ought to be discarded from the garden altogether. It is the haphazard system of growing annuals that has caused many persons to look upon them as nothing but weeds. Such, also, is the case with the majority of herba- ceous plants. They receive no attention whatever that may be termed “cultivating a plant,’ and they are dis- carded because not looked after. Now, I do not think there are any plants so likely to please as a selection of the best Grasses grown in pots; and though I may be a little pre- judiced in favour of them, yet I have found them much admired by those for whose pleasure they were grown. If desired to have a succession of spray for bouquets (and what is equal to Grasses for the purpose ?), we plunge half the number of pots to the rim in coal ashes in an open situa- tion out-doors, sprinkling them overhead every evening, except when a shower falling in the day renders it unneces- sary, and watering them daily or bi-weekly at the root as occasion may require, so that they may never lack that ele- ment, nor are they, on the other hand, deluged with it. Every second, watering may be of liquid manure highly diluted, or guano water, at the rate of 1 oz. to the gallon of rain water, which will do much to maintain the foliage in a green state. The pots, bear in mind, must not be crowded together, but distributed at such a distance as to afford sufficient space for the full development of the foliage, and for its being duly acted upon by the all-important influences of light and air. Under these conditions the plants will flower finely, and may be removed when in bloom to vases in-doors to mingle with flowering plants, among which they have an excellent effect. If seed be desired one or more of each kind should be kept for the purpose, for they will not produce seed worth saving in halls, drawing-rooms, &e. Ihave passed over those we have in pots in the green- house, which I will now revert to. They being potted off will need water and copious syringings morning and even- ing, beyond which they require no different treatment from other plants. They bloom a month earlier than those out- 172 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 30, 1864. doors, and are alike interesting, curious, or beautiful, whether left in the house to bloom or removed for decorating rooms. Some of the annual Grasses are only half-hardy; they should, therefore, be sown from the middle of March to the last week in April, in pots or pans, placing them in a slight hotbed, and when the plants are strong and well hardened off transplanting them into the open borders, or potting them off if it be desirable to have specimens in pots. Irre- spective of raising and growing them in pots, the hardy species may be sown in the places where they are to remain, in the first week in April, either in patches or in lines, scat- tering the seeds rather thinly, and just covering them with fine soil. Should the weather be dry after sowing, it is necessary to water the patches in order to insure germina- tion, and to keep a constant moisture in the soil, place an inverted flower-pot over the seeds, or a thin layer of moss, or a mat, the former and the last to be removed at night, or during the absence of sun. After the plants appear remove the pots or whatever else may have been employed to keep the soil moist, and when of sufficient size to handle thin the seedlings, distributing them, or otherwise allowing room to spread. They should be thinned to at least an inch apart if expected to assume their natural character. During dry weather they should be well watered, or their foliage will turn yellow and die off at the points, and the flower-spikes will rise prematurely, and be weak and poor for the lack of this element. In fact, they cannot have too much water, if only they have room to grow, and the soil be of such a nature that stagnant water cannot lodge in it, and so render it a bog. The species bloom at different periods; they should there- fore be watched, and any that are desirable to dry for winter should be cut either just before or just after the blooming is over, for if cut too early the flower-stalk has not sufficient strength to support the head, nor are they in full character, | and when cut when the seed is nearly ripe they are too brittle, and more straw-like than when gathered and dried earlier. The best time, in my opinion, is immediately after the blooming, selecting a dry day, and then drying them in the sun. Some dye them a variety of colours after they are dried, which adds materially to their beauty as winter orna- ments, otherwise dried Grasses are rather tame subjects for winter bouquets. Appended is a list of some of the most ornamental species ; the half-hardy kinds, which are to be raised and forwarded in heat prior to planting out, being distinguished by an asterisk. *PASPALUM ELEGANS.—Pretty, 1 to 1; foot. Lacurus ovatus (Hare’s-tail Grass).—1 foot. and ornamental. PENNISETUM LONGISTYLUM.—A very interesting and grace- fal Grass, 14 foot. P. rraticum.—Pretty, 14 to 2 feet. These two being from the south of Europe should be raised and forwarded in heatif intended to flower the first year. The first is very fine for a neutral or centre bed, the plants being raised and grown on one season, protected from frost in winter, and planted out in the spring of the following year. Its graceful foliage and elegant inflorescence entitle it to a prominent position amongst its congeners. HorpEuM jsupaTum.—A curious Barley-headed Grass, having a rosy tint. It is a biennial if not a perennial, flowering the first year. 1 to 1} foot. *SoRGHUM BICOLOR.—Tall, yet graceful. 2 to 3 feet. This will not do outside in cold exposed localities. *TRICHOLHNA ROSEA.—Beautiful, the inflorescence haying arosy tint. 2feet. Thesame remarks apply to this as the preceding. SETARIA MACROCHHTA.—Fine and graceful. 2 feet. AVENA sTERILIS (Animated Oats).—Very curious. The seed-vessels resemble a fly, and are furnished with a long, jointed awn, which twists about when subjected to moisture or dryness, and it is on this account an excellent hygrometer. 2% feet. CERATOCHLOA PENDULA.—Pretty. 14 to 2 feet. *CHLORIS POLYDACTYLA, RADIATA, BARBATA, FIMBRIATA, AND SUBMUTICA, are all remarkable on account of their for- mation, A. radiata being very curious. 1 foot. CurRysuRUS AUREUS.—A handsome variety with golden spikes. 6 inches. Curious ANTHOXANTHUM GRACILE.—Graceful. 6 to 9 inches. BrizoprrumM sicuLum.— Elegant; foliage shining light green, plaited inflorescence. 9 inches. ELzvstne coracana (Five-horned).— Curious. 2 feet. E. repica.—Graceful, with immensely long horns. 1 foot. E. onrcosracuya.—Very singular and striking. This is three-horned. Exymus carut-Mrepusx.—Graceful. 2 to 24 feet. AGROSTIS ELEGANS.—A very pretty species of the lightest possible appearance. A. LAXIFLoRA, graceful; A. pLUMosa, flowering in plumes; A. PULCHELLA, with nothing more pretty about it than the rest of the Agrostises, are all charming for bouquets either green or dried. A. NEBULOSA.—One of the most beautiful if not the most graceful of the smaller Grasses. 1 to 14 foot. JEGILOPS CYLINDRICA, with curious knotted inflorescence, is both curious and pretty. There is a prevalent opinion that it is the wild form of the cultivated Wheat; but having grown it some years I am certain man never was indebted to this plant for the “staff of life.’ Botanists refer the wild Wheat to a form of gilops ovatus—viz., Mgilops triticoides. I may state, however, that Aigilops ovatus does not assume another form so far as my experience goes; and as for the degeneration of the Wheat plant into an Aigilops, as asserted by Galen, it seems to require confirmation. Should any of your readers come across the alleged wild type of the Wheat plant (Agilops triticoides), producing seed, I should esteem it a favour if they would send me a few seeds through the Editors. ERAGROSTIS CYLINDRIFLORA.—Pretty. 14 foot. E. etecans (Love Grass).—Fine. 2 feet. E. macastacnya.—Elegant and very pretty. 13 foot. BRIZA GRACILIS.—Very pretty and curious. 1 foot. B. MAXIMA OR MAJOR (Large Quaking Grass).—2 feet. B. GenicuLaTa.—A charming species. Fine for bouquets. 9 inches to 1 foot. *HoLcus sAccHARATUS.—A stately plant, alike graceful, elegant, and ornamental. It produces a fine effect in mixed borders, and is desirable on account of the changeable character of the foliage and its delicate perfume. There are over a dozen varieties of the species all more or less advances on the parent, except that they do not grow so tall. It should be sown in ‘heat, and put out in a forward state, otherwise it will not fiower. Zua on Inpran Corn is a stately Grass for mixed borders, being bold and handsome in foliage, attaining a height of from 3 to 7 feet. There are numerous varieties varying in habit and with different coloured heads of corn. For these to do well it is desirable to sow the seeds, three or so in a 24-pot, and grow the seedlings in a gentle heat, so as to plant them out in May in a forward state. ~ G. ABBEY. At some future time I may add an article or two on “Cultivated Grasses,” especially those employed for laying down lawns, with a few hints on the best kinds for parks, meadows, &c., about gentlemen’s houses. 1; to RULES RELATING TO HYACINTHS GROWN IN GLASSES. TuxsE rules may be learnt in five minutes, and if followed, will, I am persuaded, be attended with satisfactory results. 1. If you choose your own bulbs, look for weight as well as size: be sure also that the base of the bulb is sound. — 2. Use the single kinds only, because they are earlier, hardier, and generally preferable for glasses. : 3. Set the bulb in the glass so that the lower end is almost, but not quite, in contact with the water. 4, Use rain or pond-water. 5. Do not change the water, but keep 2 small lump of charcoal at the bottom of the glass. f 6. Fill up the glasses with water as the level sinks by the feeding of the roots and by evaporation. ; 7. When the bulb is placed, put the glass in a cool dark cupboard, or in any place where light is excluded, there to remain for about six weeks: the roots feed more freely in the dark. 8. When the roots are freely devoloped, and the flower- August 30, 1864, | JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 173 ed spike is pushing into life (which will be in about six weeks), remove by degrees to full light and air. 9. The more light and air given from the time the flowers show colour, the shorter will be the leaves and spike, and the brighter the colours of the flowers.—(W. Paul's Lecture on the Hyacinth.) PROTECTING WALL FRUIT FROM ANTS. Last year I was very much troubled with ants, and, al- though I tried every remedy suggested to me, failed to get rid of them. This year they were equally numerous and troublesome, and commenced their depredations on my Morello Cherries. I at once opened the campaign, deter- mined if possible to conquer them. As I have a great ob- jection to the use of poisons unless under great necessity, T thought I would first try syringing the trees with a de- coction of elder. This was a failure. I next tried a decoction of quassia; but although it drove them away for a day or two they soon returned. Pepper was the next application, and that was only partially successful. ‘ They now began a vigorous attack on my Apricots. Here I tried crude gas water poured under the trees against the wall. On examining the fruit the next morning I found an Apricot hanging within 6 inches of where the water had been poured swarming with them. I thought I mustnow try poisons ; so obtained some cor- rosive sublimate, strychnia, arsenic, and cyanide of potas- sium. Each of these I separately mixed with either sugar, honey, or treacle, and carefully placed them under inverted flower-pots, the holes of which I closed to prevent bees from entering. The ants had free access ; but with the exception of the solution of cyanide of potassium and sugar, in which I found four or five, I could not discover any dead lying about. At first I thought perhaps other ants had removed the bodies; buta few days afterwards, on examining a piece of paper on which I had placed some treacle and arsenic, I found that while there was no trace whatever of treacle the arsenic remained. From this I conclude, that where the substance employed with the arsenic does not thoroughly dissolve it, the ants can discriminate, and only take that which is agreeable to them. Finding that poison did not succeed, I placed some soot along the base of the wall. This prevented their getting up; but I then found that they visited me from the opposite side, and many took up their abode in the interstices of the wall. My last, and I hope my most successful attempt, was with gas tar, but not quite in the manner recommended in your Journal. I first had one of the courses of bricks a few inches from the ground tarred the complete length of the wall; and then, as I thought if tar were put on the trees it mightinjure them, a slip of carpet was tied round each stem. This was also tarred over so as to completely insulate the bearing part of the tree. Next I daubed some tar here and there on the wail to drive off stragglers, and finally tarred the top of the wall to prevent their return. This has now been done some days, and since then up to the present time I have not seen one on the walls. It is necessary to mix some grease with the tar to prevent its drying, and should the bricks absorb it rapidly a second or third coat would he desirable. My object in troubling you with these remarks is more to prevent your readers from using arsenic and such violent poisons in their gardens than to show the advantage of tar, as in the latter, I am aware, I am suggesting nothing new. I may mention, to show how dangerous it would be to have poisonous mixtures lying about, that a short time since I placed in my greenhouse, with the intention of killing flies, some treacle and quassia. Shortly afterwards I noticed on two or three of the Grapes some little dark spots. These I found to be the treacle, probably carried by wasps or some of the larger flies. Suppose, instead of using quassia I had employed some strong poison !—AMATEUR. Messrs. Paut & Son’s Rosrs.—In addition to Mr. W. Paml’s and Mr. Turner’s Roses, as mentioned at page 146, Messrs. Paul & Son’s, of the Cheshunt Nurseries, were re- Leesa by the Princess of Wales to be sent to Marlborough ouse. NEW BOOK. UTILIZATION OF MINUTE LIFE. The Utilization of Minute Life ; being Practical Studies on In- sects, Crustacea, Mollusca, Worms, Polypes, Infusoria, and Sponges. By Dr. T. L. Purpson, F.C.S., London, &e. London: Groombridge & Sons. Tue object of this interesting little volume is to give not only a correct idea of various minute animals, which either are themselves, or whose products are utilized in various arts and manufactures, but to inquire whether they ‘‘ cannot be submitted to culture, and propagated more extensively by artificial means, and thereby the benefits derived from them increased.” The contents of the volume are divided into chapters, devoted in succession to silk-producing insects, colour-producing insects, insects producing wax, honey, &c., insects employed as medicine and food by man, crustacea, mollusca, worms, polypes, infusoria, and sponges. We do not object to such divisions, though they might be improved, but we do complain that there is no index. Such a book without an index is almost as embarrassing as an upper chamber without a staircase. We can only afford space for one extract, but it will enable our readers to form an estimate of the work. «© Many philosophers, from the time of Priestley and In- genhouz to the present day, have studied the influence of light on vegetables, but few have paid attention to its action upon the animal organism. Thus, whilst Priestley, Ingen- houz, Sennebier, De Candolle, Carradori, Knight, Payer, Macaire, and some others, made manifest the action of light upon vegetable respiration, absorption, exhalation, &c.—in a word, upon the phenomena of nutrition and development in plants, Edwards and Morren were almost the only ob- servers who studied animal life from the same point of view. Edwards showed that without light the eggs of frogs cannot be developed, and that the metamorphosis of tadpoles into frogs cannot be effected in absolute darkness.* Again: Moleschott has recently shown that the respiration of frogs is most active in the daylight, diminishing considerably during the night; and Charles Morren observed Infusoria to evolve oxygen whilst basking in the sunbeams which play upon the stagnant waters they inhabit. Later still, M. Berard took a certain quantity of eggs of the fly (Musca Cesar) ; he divided them into separate groups, and placed them under different coloured glass jars. In four or five days, the larve produced under the blue and violet-coloured jars were much larger and more fully developed than the others: those hatched under the green jar were the smallest. The blue and violet jars were found, therefore, to be most favour- able to rapid and complete development; then came the red, yellow, and white (transparent) jars; and last of all the green. «The larve developed in a given time under the influence of violet light were more that three times as large as those . hatched and reared in green light.+ «The experiments are certainly very interesting in a practical point of view; for if it be true, as it appears to be, that the larger a silkworm is the more silk it will produce, it would be worth while to repeat these experiments upon Te and endeavour to raise a large breed. under violet glass. “Nothing would be easier than to select.a portion of some silkworm establishment for the experiment, and to furnish this section of the building with violet-coloured windows. It would, indeed, be interesting to see these violet-coloured panes become as necessary to the silk-breeders as the yellow window is essential to the photographer. In the former instance the violet would serve to allow the chemical rays of light to pass, while the other rays are excluded. In the latter, the yellow is used to cut off these chemical rays, and to let pass the remainder.” *Compare Higginbottam in ** Proceedings of the Royal Society,” 1862; where some experiments of Edwards are refuted. + The effects of the sun’s rays, when filtered through differently coloured glass, upon the development of infusorial life, has recently occupied Mr. Samuelson. He fitted up a box containing three compartments, covered by a pane of blue, red, and yellow glass respectively, and found that under the blue and red glass infusoria were rapidly developed, whilst under the yellow hardly any signs of life were visible. He then transferred a portion of the infusion from the yellow to the blue compartment, when infusoria very soon made their appearance. 174 «BYES AND NO EYES.” I peg leave to thank you very much for the excellent article on “The Education of the Eye,’ which appeared in your Number of the 9th inst. I hope all the gardeners in England have read it, or will read it. You have given us various articles lately respecting the education of gardeners, but let a gardener be as well educated as he may in other points, if he has not an eye, he is worth little or nothing. You will see one man sweep out his greenhouse, but he never thinks of removing from the plants the yellow and de- cayed leaves. Another man walks by a flower-bed day after day, where half a dozen weeds stare him in the face, but he never stoops down to pluck them up. When a master who has an eye in his head points out to his gardener these same weeds and withered flowers, and suggests that the greenhouse and the flower-bed would look better if such eyesores were removed, what answer does he get? “Oh! yes, sir, we shall get to them in a day or two.” The meaning is plain. Most gardeners, even when they have plenty of help, go through their work in a regular circle like a horse in a mill, and so in part they ought to do; but meanwhile they should have their eyes open, and always, every day, be doing a little here and a little there, just as things happen to be wanted. A gardener ought to manage his ground as a housemaid does her drawing-room: she makes all things clean and right every morning, and then in the afternoon walks through the room and puts it in order. This is what a gardener should do with the place he has to keep. If he does not, if he lets his pots be dirty and green, if he allows decayed leaves to hang here, and weeds to grow there, do not let him excuse himself by saying he has not time. Such matters as I speak of take little or no time. Indeed, attention to-them will save time in the jong run. What the man wants is, not time, but ‘an eye,” and to give a man an eye if he has not one is the hardest thing in the world. I have taken endless trouble with men for years, but all in vain. I sincerely hope that your article may bave better success.—A Man witn an Hy. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY’S MEETING. Tre August Meeting of the Entomological Society was fairly attended for the season of the year, the chair, in the absence of the President, being oceupied by the Rev. Hamlet Clark, M.A., who communicated a valuable memoir on new species of Water Beetles, belonging to the genus Hydaticus, of Leach, from Australia, China, and the Gold Coast. A paper was also read by W. C. Hewitson, Esq., containing descriptions of six new and beautiful exotic species of Butter- flies from the northern parts of India and the island of Menado, Borneo. Another paper, by Mr. Baly, was also read, containing descriptions of new exotic species of herbivorous Beetles, belonging to the Calopepla and allied genera, pre- ceded by some interesting observations on the geographical distribution of these insects. Mr. Frederick Bond exhibited a specimen of Gelechia pin- guinella, a small species of Moth, belonging to the family Tineide, new to this country, which had been found on the trunk of a Poplar tree near London; also, Nyctegretes Achatinella, one of our rarest Moths, of the family Phycide, captured by Mr. T. Brown near Yarmouth. My. McLachlan exhibited a specimen of a Dragon Fly, Libellula striolata, from the south of France, the longitu- dinal veins of the wings of which, near the base, were dotted with numerous scarlet points, which proved to be minute Acari (Gamasus Libellule), and it was suggested that these parasites had occupied this position in order to obtain food from the circulating fluid within the veins of the wing sur- rounding the central air tubes of those organs. Mr. F. Smith, however, stated that he had found Acari on the hard horny bodies of Beetles and Bees, where they could not obtain such kind of nourishment. Mr. J. J. Weir exhibited an albino variety of Eubolia bi- punctaria, one of the Geometridae, taken on the Southdowns. Among the donations received since the last Meeting, were the publications of the Royal and Zoological Societies of London, the Royal Societies of Madrid, Moscow, Munich, Stettin, &. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 30, 1864. MR. B. 8. WILLIAMS’S VICTORIA HOLLOWAY. & Some three months ago our correspondent Mr. Harley directed attention to the Victoria Nursery, which Mr. Williams has formed at the foot of Highgate Hill, and we have now the pleasure of presenting our readers with a view of the interior of the simple but elegant conservatory and show-house which has been constructed under Mr. Williams’s direction. j This house is 105 feet long, 45 feet wide, and 20 high to . the ridge, the sides being about 10 feet in height.’ The frontage to the road is light and of an architectural charac- ter, there being six plate glass windows on each side of the door, separated by columns, and surmounted by ironwork of an ornamental vine-leaf pattern. As regards the general aspect of the interior, our engraving, taken from a photo- graph, will give the best idea. The floor is of Portland cement, the paths being marked off by a simply moulded iron edging. The central pathway is 7% feet wide, and another crosses it at the middle of the house; one of Pulham’s terra-cotta fountains, planted with Ferns, being placed at the point of intersection. Another path 5 feet wide leads all round, between which and the glass is a slate platform. The roof, which is fixed, is supported by eighteen hollow wooden columns and trussed with iron; and ventilation is effected by hinged sashes at the ridge worked by ropes and. pullies, and by side lights opening in the’ same manner. For heating there are four fow and return four-inch pipes running beneath the slate shelving and nearly on the same level as the floor. The mode of shading adopted is worthy of notice, for, unlike most conservatories, the tiffany which is employed is placed inside instead of outside the glass. Near the ridge there is a roller between every pair of rafters, on which the tiffany .is wound; and attached to the lower edge of the tiffany is a rod running in guides on the rafters. By pulling a rope this rod readily descends, bringing the tiffany with it; and by means of a pulley, when the shading is no longer wanted, the whole is wound up. We will now take a glance at the contents of the house. On each side of the central path are ranged in match pairs fine plants of Yucca aloifolia variegata, Chamerops humilis, Cibotium Schiedei, and Dracena australis, two handsome specimens of which, standing some 12 feet high, are con- spicuous in our engraving. Then at the fountain, where the main. pathway and the cross-walk intersect, are two plants of Dicksonia antarctica 6 feet high, one on each side ; and occupying a similar position on the opposite side are large specimens of Latania borbonica, backed with noble specimens of Cyathea excelsa. Further on we come to a remarkably fine Zamia Lehmanni, its singular scarred stem 3 feet in circumference; Marattia eleeans, with seven fronds 5 feet long ; and noble specimens of Cycas revoluta, Cyathea dealbata, and Yucca Boerhavi, the last very ornamental and tropical in its aspect. At the end of the walk is Cibotium princeps, with fronds’ extending 12 feet across; and two fine trees of Araucaria excelsa, touching the roof, stand sentry on each side of the door of the former residence of Sir Richard Sutton, which constitutes the further extremity of the conservatory. The splendid Indian Rhododendron Nut- talli, which produced such a profusion of its immense white and yellow sweet-scented flowers, and which was a conspicu- ous object when the photograph was taken, is, of course, now out of flower, but it may be observed figuring promi- nently in our engraving. The plant was then 10 feet high and 7 feet through, and had as many as ninety flowers on it at one time. Along the side-shelves were ranged a large collection of Agaves, Yuceas, Dasylirions, &c. Among them were the new Agave schidigera, the white cuticle of which appears as if torn from the thick substance of the leaf; Yucca Stokesii with large and showy foliage, the singular Australian Grass tree, which Mr. Williams has several times exhibited during this summer at the great metropolitan shows ;.and in the body of the house was Dasylirion acrotrichum with a flower- spike standing 8 feet high. . The other parts of the nursery are not yet completely organised, for walks of increased width are to be made, NURSERY, August 30, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 175 and several glass houses to be erected. Two, each 45 feet long and 33 wide, have just been commenced, and besides the conservatory four span-roofed and two octagon houses already exist. ‘These are variously filled with New Holland plants and Hricas, softwooded plants, and a large stock of Royal Vineyard Vines and Charlotte Rothschild Pines. 176 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, t August 30, 1864. THRIPS. One peculiarity of the present remarkably dry season is the swarms of small biack thrips which fly about in immense numbers, frequently settling upon our hands and face as we go about the garden. They infest many of the flowering plants, and, in some cases, do a great amount of mischief. Dahlias, Phloxes, Verbenas, and Geraniums, all suffer more or less from their ravages; but they seem to have a peculiar liking for flowers of a rose or pink colour, such as Saponaria calabrica, and, especially, Geraniums Rose Queen and Chris- tine. Wherever there is a plant of either of these Geraniums, in the beds, or singly in the borders, every flower is de- stroyed as it opens. I have whole beds with scarcely a single bloom, to say nothing of trusses, that is perfect, while beds close by, filled with other varieties, are comparatively unhurt. The thrips find their way inside the calyx, and, under its pro- tection, eat away the base of the petals, the remainder falling down upon the foliage. I have tried repeated applications of Gishurst compound, 2 ozs. to the gallon of water, but that produces little or no effect upon them, perhaps from the fact that they are buried in the calyx of the flower. More than once I have taken off all the flowers and burnt them, thinking the next lot that opened might be free, but the succeeding blooms shared the same fate as the others. The Saponaria suffers in just the same manner, each bloom being destroyed as soon as it opens. I should like to know whether this state of things is general, and why flowers of this particular shade should be such an attraction to these insects, while those of a different colour, although of the same genus, are comparatively free from their attacks.—J. Jonzs, Manchester. GRUBS AT THE GREENS. WueEn I went to school there came occasionally, once a half year or so, an old gentleman to give us a lecture on chemistry. His experiments were, I am afraid, all we cared about. What was to be heard passed unheard by the ma- jority, but what was to be seen attracted all eyes. I regret to say, also, that we delighted in taking pen and ink sketches of the Professor in various attitudes; his long nose, spec- tacles, and pointed chin, were attractive to the caricaturist. But what I want specially to remark upon was, the fact that on chemical-lecture days the under masters sat with the boys as learners. Now, to day I wish to sit with the boys. I write not to inform, but to get information. My Broccoli plants and other plants of that class are attacked by a horrible grub, such as I never had the pain to be acquainted with before. I saw one day, two or three plants leaning on their sides, and looking flagged. On approaching them I found they were all but severed at the part of the stem just below the surface, on examining which stem I found it was bored like a gun. Pulling up the root I scooped away the earth with my fingers, and, lo! a little way down was the offender—a flat, yellowish green grub, curled up in a semicircle. I find all my neighbours are suffering similarly, doubtless the dry season is to blame. I saw a large bed of Lettuces reduced to five. Then, [hear that Onions, Leeks, and Carrots are also attacked. As to my batallions of Winter Greens, they look as if they were General Grant’s batallions cut up by Southern cannon balls. If you please, I want to be told aremedy for my plants against these pests, for I am tired of finding them and crushing them on the path, as the cry is “Still they come.” I do not care about the scientific name of my enemy, possibly it is “Yellowgreenius grubbensis,” the product of “Musca tormentor gardenerii.” These names will suffice for me; but I want to exterminate the foe. Lime water has been tried but has failed. Will you befriend your troubled—WittsHire Rector ? [What heresy! ‘Not care about the scientific name!” Now, if you were told the scientific name you might thence comprehend the parentage of the marauders, and though there is no application known which will kill the grubs whilst it does no injury to the plants, yet there might be something sprinkled over the surface of the soil at another season of the year which would prevent the mother de- positing her eggs there. However, you do not wish to know the scientific name, and we will merely say that your “yellowgreenius grubbensis,” is known to, and character- istically described by gardeners as the “‘ Leather-coat,”’ for a tough-skinned adversary he is. The only remedy is (with- out intending a pun), to grub round each plant in a bed so soon as you see that one plant in it is attacked. Sucha proceeding only seems tedious, for one woman with an old dinner knife will prove the conservator of a large bed of Broccoli.in a single day. ] WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Tur haulm of Peas, Beans, &c., should be cleared away as soon after the crop is over as possible, and the ground manured and trenched to be in readiness for planting. Cabbage, the seedling plants intended to stand through the winter, to be now pricked out in nursery-beds of light soil at 5 inches apart. This will be found of great advantage, by inducing a hardy stocky growth. Celery, proceed with the earthing-up according to the demand. Some of the very latest crop may also be planted in rows to stand through the winter. The haulm of Peas laid by now in a dry place is a good material for covering Celery during severe frost. Endive, continue to make successional plantations. Some of the first planted out will now be in good condition for tying-up for blanching. Lettuce, a small patch of Bath Cos sown now will, if the autumn prove mild, be more valuable than that sown earlier. Onions, no time should be lost in storing the crops when fully dry; as the ground from which they are taken is generally used for Cabbage, it should be imme- diately trenched-up. If manure is necessary, let it be laid on the top of the trenched soil and fork it in. If, however, the ground was well manured for the Onions it ought to carry the Cabbage through, because if too much manure comes in contact with the roots in the autumn, it induces a succulent luxuriant growth, which renders the plants liable to injury from alternations of frost and thaw in the winter. Radishes, these may still be sown. Spinach, thin out the Winter, the plants to stand at least 8 inches apart, and the ground to be constantly stirred about. Occasional dustings with quicklime will also be necessary it slugs appear. Toma- toes, any that are likely to be late should have the leaves that are shading the fruit removed, and prevent the plants making any further growth by constant stopping. FRUIT GARDEN. Now that we have arrived at a season which generally matures the more important fruits usually cultivated in our gardens, it may be advisable to mention a few of the neces- sary precautions to be observed in the storing and gathering of fruit. Peaches and Nectarines should not be allowed to remain on the trees until they are what is termed dead ripe. A little practice will enable a person to determine the degree of ripeness at which fruit should be gathered, without resorting to the common and barbarous way of -pinching. Plums should remain till perfectly ripe, the large amount of saccharine matter in the fruit acts as a preservative, and although something may be lost in bulk bytheir being allowed to remain on the tree, the flavour will not be deteriorated. Such as Impératrice and Golden Drop, if protected from wasps, may be kept until a very late period in the season. Apples and Pears generally fall as soon as they arrive at any degree of ripeness, that period must be anticipated, and their removal effected as soon as its approach is ascertained. After gathering, the fruit intended for keeping should be laid out in the fruit-room for a week or ten days and exposed to a free circulation of air. The fruit will be found clammy from perspiration, it should then be carefully wiped and laid out thinly in the store-room, which should be kept, as soon as the fruit is introduced, securely closed and protected from the alternations of temperature. If Apples and Pears are gathered carefully without contusion, and sorted at a proper period, so that all defective fruits may be removed, they may be preserved with very little loss, and found in a plump highly- flavoured condition throughout the winter season. When mulching has been used for Peach and Nectarine trees, it should be removed at once, for the fruit is seldom well flavoured if the roots are excluded from the action of the sun and air during the period of ripening. See that the August 30, 1864. j Strawberries in pots for forcing next season are well cared for, placing them in an open sunny situation where they will have all the light possible, and do not allow them to suffer from want of moisture at the root. FLOWER GARDEN. As the numerous varieties of Verbena ave now in bloom, the best kinds should be selected for bedding out next year, also the particular habit and colour should be noted for the better arrangement of them at planting-out time. The same observation holds good in regard to new Petunias, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, &c. Give diligent at- tention to the propagation of bedding-out stock, and get cuttings that are sufficiently rooted potted off at once, keep- ing them close until they become established. 'Those that have been potted off some time, and are established in their pots, should be inured to exposure to the open air, stop- ping the shoots to keep them dwarf and stocky. Wistaria sinensis, Jasmines, and the Virginian Creeper, may be pro- pagated by cuttings. China Roses, Heartsease, or the Tree Violet, may also be increased now.. Mignonette for winter and spring flowering may be sown. The work of mowing and general cleaning must be well followed up. STOVE. As the nights become cold a little fire heat may be given, not with any intention to promote growth, but to assist in ripening the succulent wood. See that everything is free from insects, and keep the foliage of such things as Ixoras, &c., clean by washing with a sponge and soapy water when necessary. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Let the stock of Begonias have another shift if not already in pots large enough. Lilium lancifolium will now be in its beauty. Supply it bountifully with water, and shade the flowers from powerful sunshine to prolong their gaiety. Pay attention to Chrysanthemums. They must not be stopped later than this to have fine heads of bloom. A little liquid manure will assist them. Let it be applied twice a-week. Heliotropes, Verbenas, Scarlet Pelargoniums, and Roses, required for decorative purposes, should be pro- gressively shifted, stopped, and trained. They will be found useful till a late period of the year. Cinerarias and Chinese Primulas are common plants which cannot be put aside, and which amply repay attention bestowed on their culture. The earliest-struck Pelargoniums should now be potted off and kept close under glass for ten days or a fortnight, and then expose them on all occasions to the weather, except during heavy rains. The older plants first cut back, which have made shoots an inch or two in length, should now be shaken out of their old soil, the roots trimmed, and repotted in smaller pots. If they can be plunged in a slight bottom heat till the roots get a start it will help them. To havea late bloom of Fuchsias let a portion of the stock have their young wood cut back about one-half, If these are placed in a little heat they will break again, and go on blooming till Christmas. PITS AND FRAMES. Make a sowing of Nemophila insignis, Collinsia bicolor, Leptosiphon densiflorus, and other hardy annuals for next spring. The Intermediate Stocks will require to be pricked out into pans or boxes, and afterwards potted singly in small pots, using good stiff loam; likewise the Schizanthus of sorts. Place them in a cool close frame till well esta- blished. W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. WE are still pretty much at a standstill. We had a few slight refreshing showers on Sunday, the 21st, just enough to wash the foliage and damp the surface of the dust-dry earth. We feel sure that our time of visifation will come, and as we can do no better we must patiently wait for it. On the 20th we could see rain falling heavily a few miles distant, and on the 21st, at less than two miles off, we could see it falling copiously, whilst it came to us in drops. We have long noticed that thunder clouds break on our heights and discharge their contents in the surrounding vallies. A scarcity of water in elevated positions does something to counteract the importance of an invigorating atmosphere and extended varied landscapes. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER. V7 The well that supplies our mansion is neawly 300 feet in depth. From that we quietly for a time borrowed a few pailfuls a-day for syringing purposes, using it after it had stoodin thesun. If we take a potful now it is pretty well as good as stealing it, as the place has been put under lock and key. With our limited geological lore we do not think the precaution will avail much, as if not a drop of water was taken from the well, it would, we believe, sink to the same level as the surrounding streams, all of which are several miles distant. We shall be agreeably disappointed if many deep wells do not become dry and require sinking in November and December, and that not so much owing to the drought of summer as to the deficient rainfall in winter and early spring. That deficiency if it occurs will be little influenced by the using or refraining from using the water in such wells now. It is vainto suppose that the water will remain at the same level in the well, because not drawn, just as water in a barrel would do, because the tap from it was keyed up. If there should be a deficiency of water in wells in winter, it is cheering to think that in all probability there will be plenty of surface water. The parching dryness of the atmosphere has also been a peculiar feature of this summer’s drought. On the principle of compensation, it has generally happened, that the drier the weather, the more was the atmosphere charged with vapour, and that vapour, independently of affording relief to the foliage of plants, even by day, was generally pre- cipitated in copious dews in clear, starry nights. We have had, it is true, such refreshing dews, but not at all in pro- portion to the warmth of the day, and the clearness and cool atmosphere of the night. With a heat during the day little less than that of the tropics, and a coolness at night something in proportion, we have had nothing like their heavy dews, and that solely owing, we believe, to the dry- ness or deficiency of vapour in the air. This dryness has rendered the air more burning in bright sun, and more chilling in clear nights. After such a bright day as the 24th, and a clear night following, there was but little dew, and that was a crust of hoar frost at 4.30 a.m., and from water we lifted ice, not so thick as a shilling, but thicker than a sixpence. A good number of large corymbs of Scarlet Geraniums had their petals whitened and browned as if a hot iron had been placed near them. With all the advantages of drainage to gardens and fields, it may be possible from lessening the surface of evaporation, to render our atmo- sphere in the southern and eastern counties drier than may be desirable. There is a little matter here which we would be glad to ventilate. We have a large pond between the garden and the farm, fed by rainfall from some buildings, but chiefly by drainage. For both establishments it was considered a main supply; the water, when pumped into a cistern, being con- veyed in pipes to the houses in one case, and to sheds and troughs in the other. That has been quite dry since the beginning of June. It was surrounded, except for a little space at the north end, by trees and bushes, such as Ash, Oak, Thorn, &c., presenting not only a thicket at the sides, but the branches pretty well meeting in the centre of the pool, and affording a thickish shade in the summer months. Partly from the idea that the roots of these trees absorbed and made conduits for the water, and partly from the leaves falling and, in the course of years, tainting the otherwise clear water, it was resolved to cut down most of these trees. Now, allowing that the fallen leaves might be obnoxious when pure water was desirable, our own opinion is, that it was a mistake, so far as keeping water was concerned, to cut down these trees, as we believe that from their arresting evaporation from such a large surface of water they quite made amends for what the roots in the bank might absorb; whilst, by their removal, the whole of the moisture condensed by the foliage was lost. We have stood of a morning and heard a brisk shower of condensed moisture patter into the pool, when all outside was dry. The more pointed the leaves of the trees, so as to become sooner cooled, the more powerfully would they act as condensers of the surrounding vapour, Even in the case of a Beech tree that overhung a road, we recollect noticing, by means of shallow vessels placed below a portion of it, that in one morning it condensed and threw down not less than twelve gallons. The question to be solved, then, 178 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ({ August 30, 1864, is, whether such reservoirs should be shaded or exposed. As preservers and feeders, we think the trees an advantage rather {than‘ otherwise. In an agricultural point of view there can be no question of the improvement of throwing a number of small, crooked, unsightly meadows into one straight-sided field, and thus grubbing up much hedgerow bushes, and timber. This, however, may be carried to such an extent as greatly to lessen the water supply. One of our chief jobs during the week has been cleaning and greatly enlarging a simple reservoir for surface water when it comes. This simple reservoir is placed among trees at the back of a range of sheds; a wide road separates the sheds from the west garden wall, and inside of the wall are the main houses and Melon ground. The water from the houses goes into a cement-tank, which now contains our only sup- ply, at present just 14 inch of water, and which we use as carefully as if it were wine. All that falls on the Melon ground, and paths, and spaces between the pits and frames, and also on the glass of most of such pits, and on the road- way, we mean to divert into this simply-made reservoir. When much smaller it did us good service, and if we have such thunder showers and winter rains as we used to have, we know that we shall have it full before spring. This reservoir dug out of the clay, is, for its main part, 53 feet deep. It is an oblong square 19 feet by 15 feet at bottom, and 25 feet by 21 feet at top, so as to give a good slope to the banks, the slope being fully 7 feet. In addition to the oblong, for convenience and to lessen the swell of the water against the sides, we have a small neck at the corner 7 feet deep, 4 feet square at bottom, and 8 feet at top, for the pipe of @ common iron pump to go in, the pipe being cased in a wooden box pierced with holes to let in water, and keep out mud, of which we believe there will be little. This smaller neck has its sides tarred, and road drift thrown on, and some old slabs placed against the sides, kept in their places by cross pieces jammed in between slab and slab. These were added to secure the banks there, as previous ex- perience told us that with the action of the pump, &e., it was the point where the swell was likely to injure the banks. We have the main banks all beaten smooth and uniform in slope, and to-day we expect to cover them all with a thin layer of tar, on which we will throw as much road drift and sand as it will take in, and then draw a clean spade over it, when it will resemble a well, and besides the digging, the whole expense will be a few shillings. The hottom, by the treading, will be watertight enough, but for neatness and ease of cleaning afterwards, we may also give that a coat of tar, and beat an inch of fine gravel into it. We do not expect ever to have much sediment, unless when there are very heavy thunder showers that will pretty well defy our cesspools. We have tarred the sides for this reason, Previously the pool held the water well enough when it stood in it some time, but as we drew it out and the sides became exposed, the clay cracked ; and then when we had a fresh supply from rain, if enough to raise the water in the reservoir a couple of ieet or more, it quickly subsided through these cracks until they were fully swelled up. This was very little lessened even by a covering of turf. A little straw or branches were the best protectives. We have no fear of our tar-covered bank cracking except by frost in winter, and that will be best prevented by hanging some’straw over that part not covered by the water. We may mention that the overflow of our cement tank will also find its way to this clay reservoir. In former years this tank overflowed every winter, and we were also forced to make an overflow from the reservoir, but for two years past this tank has never been nearly full. We do not expect that for six or eight months our reser- voir, coated with tar, will furnish water sweet enough for a teakettle, or, perhaps, for some plants extra tender, but for all out-door vegetables and plants in general the slight taint of the tar will be advantageous rather than otherwise. As to getting the water, if we have anything like an average rainfall, we feel sure from the space at our command that this huge place will be full before spring. The mode of conveying water to the reservoir is as simple as possible. The road in front of the sheds is smooth and hard; and instead of being rounded in the usual way, it slopes a little from east to west, the west side next the sheds terminating in an open drain or culvert—that is, for a space 18 inches wide the centre may be about 2 inches lower than the rest —quite sufficient to take a great flow of water to a deep cesspool, from the top of which it flows into the reservoir. The water that falls on the Melon ground is intercepted in the same way. The most of the low pits have no spouting, as that is sure to come in the way, but immediately in front the ground has been tarred and sanded, and in some cases the front wall also. The ground between the pits is lowest in the middle; and from thence by slightly hollowed open culverts, so shallow as not to be noticed unless ina heavy rain, the water from a heavy shower is conveyed to several cesspools, from which the contents are taken in one drain across underneath the road. With but little trouble, there- fore, a great quantity of water may be secured and stored. Had we obtained some of those heavy thunder showers that fell within a few miles of us, we would in this clay reservoir have had 2 or 3 feet of water all over, which of itself would have made us independent as to moisture. As it is, all that we have been able to do is to mulch and shade to keep things alive, and having for years rather prided our- selves on fine autumn Peas, we fear that this season we must soon go without. We also fear that we shall have some bolted Celery this year, for even our sewage water has been so scarce that for several weeks the Celery has been left to its fate, merely mulched with tree leaves and shaded a little with branches. As yet, however, it shows no great signs of distress. We have lifted lots of our pricked-out vegetables, and planted them with balls, just giving each plant a homeo- pathic dose. Those planted out early have done well in all the heat, with no help but frequent surface-stirring ; and in the case of Cauliflower a little mulching. We shall be obliged to mulch Kidney Beans and Scarlet Runners if we wish to keep them vigorous. Unless the liquid is of an enriching nature, we are sure that much of the slight water- ings given by some people does more harm than good. Ever when a good watering is given the water should be soft, exposed to the sun previously and warmed, and, if possible, applied at night, or in a cloudy drizzling day. We were lately favoured with an account of a young gardener being next to turned ont of his place because he was deemed so thoughtless and inconsiderate as to give a good watering to a very dry flower-bed in a cloudy drizzlmg day. He ought, instead, to have been commended because he did think ; and from thinking made his labour and the water tell in a threefold degree to what they couid have done ina clear sunny atmosphere. As water has been ovr chief theme, we may as well finish with it as respects the fruit and ornamental garden. For general matters we would refer to our previous gossip for a fortnight. The dry chilly nights have caused us to alter a little our treatment of watering our Strawberry plants in pots. cr reasons stated above we have, until lately, watered towards evening, that the roots might get the benefit of the liquid, instead of its being quickly evaporated in the atmosphere. Whilst the chilly nights continue we will prefer watering before breakfast time, that the pots and surface soil may be drier before night,.and therefore not be excessively cooled by the combined agencies of radiation and evaporation. From the flower garden many truths may be learned as respects watering this season. We would especially direct the attention of our young readers to Mr. Robson’s article last week, and also to one some time ago in the beginning of summer. We have letters complaining that though water has been used largely, the plants refuse to grow. We have others stating that Geranium-beds, that never had any water since the beginning of June, were never better. We have in previous Numbers endeayoured to expiain these anomalies. For ourselves our Geraniums were never better as yet, and after they were pretty well established, they have had no water to speak of since the beginning of June, except two showers, which just cleaned the foliage and swelled the stems. Calceolarias and Verbenas are suffering, and, we believe, even they would not have suffered much had we been able to mulch them more. Verbenas and Dahhas we have been obliged to leave to their fate. Calceolarias, even yet, with no water are very fair. The one that has suffered most, not as to killing it, but as giving us a narrow line of creamy yellow instead of 2 mass some 18 inches wide, is the August 30, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 179 amplexicaulis. In a damp dripping season, it would have been maenificent. As it is, it has given us a line of yellow since the beginning of June. Could we foretell the seasons we might plant better, Calceolarias delighting in moist dripping summers, and Scarlet Geraniums rejoicing in such a season as this, so far as the south is concerned. We do not believe that deluging with water would have improved Scarlets on the whole. No doubt, if soft, warm, and rich, the individual trusses would be finer, but the foliage also would ke larger. We observe that, owing to the dryness, the trusses are coming smaller. It is scarcely possible to have all advantages; but we may accommodate ourselves to circumstances if we cannot bend these circumstances to our will.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Aveusr 27. Out-door produce is plentiful, except Cabbages, which the long drought and the recent frost have rendered very scarce. Apples, Pears, and Plums, are coming in in large quantities, and Peaches and Nectarines are likewise abundant, though generally not eqnal in size to those sent in ordinary seasons. Of Grapes and Pine Apples there is a good supply, but Oranges and Lemons are very scarce. Imports from abroad only comprise Green Gage and other Plums, and Pears, the consignments of the latter being heavy, and realising but a low figure. The principal dessert Pears now to be had are Jargonelle, Bon Chrétien, Beurré d’Amanlis, and Duches3e a’Angouléme, of which last only a few have as yet made their appearance. Filberts and Walnuts are beginning to arrive in large quantities. FRUIT. Bd 5s. 4 gs. d. 8 d 1 0to2 0} Mulberries.... punnet 0 Gtol 0 0 0 O 0} Nectarines ..doz 2! 0. 6-0 Cherries 0 6 J 6) Oranges.. 12 0 30 0 Currants, Red...4 sieve 0 0 0 0| Peaches . 4 0 10 0 _ Black do. 0 0 O 0| Pears (kitchen) OOM O10 Figs.. aplea Gi 2h16 dessert... 20 30 Filber } . 45 0 60 0] Pine Apples 4) 20) 276.0 Gooseberries....4sieve 0 0 0 0] Plums ..., 200) eon Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 1 6 4 0 | Quinces b 01202 10220 Museats .. ww... 3 0 6 O | Raspberries ereelDat0) Oe ONE0 Lemons .. 12 0 20 0| Strawberries ..punnet 0 0 0 0 Melons .., 1 6 4 0O'| Waluuts.. ..bush. 14 @ 20 0 VEGETABLES. uv 8. d. 8s. d s.-d. sd Artichokes ......... each 0 4to0 6] Leeks. -.. bunch 0 4to0 6 Asparagus . bundle 0 0 O 0} Lettuce. score 1 6 2 0 Beans Broad }sieve 2 6 0 0| Mushrooms .....,pottle 1 0 2 0 Kidney. Bsieve 3 6 4 O| Mustd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 0 0 Beet, Red, 1 0 3 0} Onions .....,.....bunch 0 4 0 6 Broccoli .. 00 00 pickling ...... quart 0 6 0 8 BrusselsSprouts } sieve 0 0 0 0] Parsley ...doz. bunches 4 0 6 0 Cabbage .... doz. 1 0 2 0| Parsnips . doz. fOL 9) 110 Capsicums 3 0 35 O| Peas... quart 1 0 1 8 Carrots .... 05 08 Bele % 0; 910) 10) Cauliflower . ..doz. 3 0 6 0] Potatoes Hes 3.0 50 Celery ..... bundle 1 0 2 0} Radishes doz. bunches 0 0 0 0 Cucumbers each 0 6 1 OJ] Rhubarb . -bundle 0 0 0 0 pickling doz. 1 0 3 O| Savoys medoza OVnO nc 0b 0) Endive score 1 3 2 6] Sea-kale basket 0 0 0 0 Fennel «.bunch 0 8 0 0 | Spinach. sieve 3 0 6 0 lots, lb. 0 8 0 0} Tomatoes .doz, 10 38 O tease severe dDUnch 0 3 O O} Turnips.., sbunch 0 4 0 6 Horseradish ... bundle 1 6 4 0} VegetableMarrowsdoz. 2 0 3 0 TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. John Cranston, King’s Acre, near Hereford.—Descriptive Catalogue of Selected Roses. B. 8. Williams, Paradise & Victoria Nurseries, Holloway. —General Bulb & Fruit Tree Catalogue. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “Journal of: Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, Xc., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. UB pMlany questions must remain unanswered until next week. Booxs (A Constant Subscriber).—The ‘‘ Fern Manual,” which may be had at our office for 5s., or free by post for sixty-four postage stamps, (T. L. K.}.—The ‘‘Science and Practice of Gardening,” which you can have from our office by sending your uddress and forty postage stamps. Dryina SrEcIMEN Ferns (D. V.).—The best paper for the purpose is very thick blotting-paper, which you can obtain of any stationer. FLower Garven Prawn (S. B.),—We think your planting would do very well. Did we make a change it would be to transpose the planting of 5, 6, and 7, 8, making 5, 6, Cineraria maritima, and 7 and 8 Stella, and altering the outside ring accordingly. The reason for this would be the having light and dark colours alternately. The main features of the group are similar to those of one given in No. 157 as existing last year at Putteridge, only the inner circle of clumps are more curved, and there are four smaller and four larger clumps in the outside circle. We will mention the planting this year, as it may give you some hints, 17 is tall Geranium in the centre, fringed with Eccremoearpus scaber ; round the Geranium a fringe of white Pentstemons; then a broad band of light Heliotrope Triomphe de Liége, followed by a ring of Cuphea strigillosa; then a band of Lobelia Paxtoni, and the outside like yours; round the diala band of Cerastium tomentosum. In the first circle of eight clumps, each is centered with a tall dark Fuchsia, with Convolvulus major peeping through them ; and four are filled up with scarlet Geraniums—say 1, 2, 5,6; and four with Calceolarias—say 3,4, 7,8. Of the Geraniums, two are Boule de Feu, and two Stella, and the four are edged with Lady Plymouth Geranium. The four Calceolaria- beds consist of yellow Aurantia multiflora, with a dense margin of the dark Victory. Tbe four smaller outside beds, alternating with the four larger ones, are each centered with a Honeysuckle, and Canary Nasturtium running through it. A chain of three links is made in the centre of the bed, a larger link round the Honeysuckle, and a smaller one at each end. The links are formed of Yellow Prince of Orange Calceolaria in one line. Inside, the links are filled with dark Calceolaria, as Crimson King, Victor Emmanuel; outside, with Lobelia speciosa, and a small band of Cerastium next the grass. The large beds have a chain of three equal links along the middle, the chain formed of Bijou Gerauium. The centre link is centered with a large old plant of Tom Thumb Geranium, surrounded by Prince of Orange Calceolaria. The two end links have each a white-flowering Fuchsia in the centre, and surrounded with a dense mass of Christine Geranium. Outside the bijou chain the bed is filled with the lilac Verbena pulchella, which beautifully softens down the whole. Wanrp’s Cases (H. Bagge).—We do not know any one who keeps these cases for sale. You can have the Bijou plant case of any size you like, and can obtain particulars from the maker, Mr. Stocks, Cabinet-maker, Archer Street, Notting Hill, They are precisely on the same principle as Ward's cases. The Trichomanes radicans can be grown in a glass pan covered by a well-glass quite as well as in a case. AMARYLLIS FORMOSISSIMA (Jacob@a Lily).—We are not aware that this bulbous plant has been proved hardy in this country, and we do not recol- lect the statement by Mr. Beaton as to its hardiness. It might do planted out in the open borders in April, and would no doubt flower in May or June if the flower-scape had been formed in the previous year; but it 1s very ques~ tionabie whether the heat of our short summer would be sufficient to induce and mature a strong growth, so as to keep the plants year after yearina blooming state. It is certainly worth a trial, but we have no experience on the subject. Deep planting of bulbs may protect them from frost, but we do not recommend such treatment, and the Amaryllis family are the last that we should try it with. CuLtturK or Pxuants (Ignotus).—Only the treatment of eight plants asked for at once, any one of which if fully described would occupy at least one page! Bougainvilleea splendens requires a stove temperature when growing, with that of a greenhouse when at rest, and a dry state of the soil, which should be turfy loam one-half, turfy peat or leaf mould half, with a liberal admixture of sand. Medinilla magnifica, a stove plant, re- quires a compost of turfy sandy peat two-thirds, turfy loam one-third, with a free admixture of silver sand. It blooms in May or June, and should then be repotted and cut back if necessary, but both operations should not be performed at the same time. Cut back after flowering, and pot when the shootshave pushed an inch or two. Campylobotrys refulgens needs a warm close stove, a compost of sandy turfy peat with a little loam and sand, abundant drainage, and slight watering, with a moist atmosphere, but no syringing overbead. Hibiscus Cooperi; soil, loam two-thirds, leaf mould one-third, with a little sand incorporated with it, and the temperature of a stove. Eriocnema marmorea, the same treatment as for Campylobotrys. Cissus porphyrophyllus, a stove climber, requires slight shade, abundant space, and a soil composed of peat two-thirds, loam one-third, with a little sand. Miconia pulverulenta, a new plant, succeeds in a compost of peat and turfy loam in equal parts, with about one-sixth of sand added. It, too, is a stove plant, and a fine one, impatient, as all plants with fine foliage are, of much syringing. Aglaonema commutatum, is another of the fine-foliaged plants that are all the rage just now. It is a stove plant, requiring a com-~ post of turfy peat two-thirds, loam one-third, with a free admixture of sand, abundant drainage, a moist atmosphere, and copious waterings when grow= ing vigorously, but about half the quantity at other times. SEEDLING Rosk (J. Cranston).—We regret that we did not see your Rose “« King’s Acre” in the season, for when such beautiful flowers are produced now, after such a drought, we may well ask what must it have been then? Those you sent were very fine, globular, and of a colour much wanted— purplish rose, with the reverse of the petals light. It is a really fine flower ; and if, a3 you say, vigorous, having withstood the season of 1860 as a seed- ling, it will be a valuable acquisition to our English-raised Roses. Ivy DETAcHED FROM A Wa Lt (Old Deer).—We advise you to try and fasten the Ivy to the wall with iron holdfasts, and if this can be done with- out breaking the main branches it may be allowed to remain over the winter, and then be cut in the April of the following year; butif that be impracticable we think you would do well to cut away all the stubborn branches that cannot be fastened to the wall, and to train in the weaker or smaller ones. We should do it forthwith on the score of neatness; but if you do not mind the appearance you may train the small branches to the Wall now, and defer cutting away those which are strong until March, when, on their removal, a large amount of nutriment will be thrown into the small branches, which will cause them to become exceedingly vigorous in the following summer. Vine SHoots Disease (G. FH. T7.).—We never saw any so badly gan- grened. The roots we think must have descended into an ungenial sub- soil. If so, the only remedy will be to lift them to within 18 inches of the surface, and to tempt them to remain there by keeping the surface_mulched in summer with long stable manure, The Fern you enclosed is Nephro- lepis pectinata. Name oF Insect (J. W. Anfield).—The insect was too crushed to be certain, but we think it is only what is usually called ‘‘ the Harvest Bug.’? 180 Fucusia FLoweEr-pups Faring (A Lincoln Lady).—We think the pnuds fall owing to the dryness of the atmosphere and defective root- action. Perhaps you have the pots standing in saucers, and the plants are thus deluged with water, causing the young fibres to rot, and it being these that feed the buds, the latter fall for lack of nourishment. Placing the plants out of doors at night will conduce ‘o their healthy growth ; but we think that alternate changes of cold and heat are not proper for a plant in a flowering state. The extreme dryness of the room, and the sudden change to the open air, are a probable cause of the falling of the buds. The plants cannot be too near the glass, but with the hot weather we have had recently it is likely that the evaporation from the leaves would be more than the supply from the roots, and the buds would then fall. The falling may have been caused by a dry state of soil, even if but for a few hours, or by the want of fresh air. The remedy wili be the opposite course of treatment. (A Perplezed Subscriber).—From your description of the treatment there is nothing, so far as we can discover, that could affect their blooming, except it be an insufficiency of water at the root. Water every two days is too little. Ours have required watering at least once a-day, and even that has been scarcely sufficient to keep them from flagging. Too much or too little water are equally injurious, and not less so is a dry atmosphere accompanied by a high temperature, and insufficient ventilation. You may enjoy the luxury of eating Grapes of your own growing by planting a couple of Vines if the tree on the south-west does not overshadow the house toomuch. You will not have room for more than two, and these we would have Black Hamburgh ; but if you wish for a White Grape. a Buckland Sweetwater may be substituted for one of the Hamburghs. In addition to the Vines, you may have a few plants, as Fuchsias, Geraniums, Primulas, Cinerarias, bulbs, and other greenhouse plants which may be placed out- doors in summer, and the house kept gay with Balsams, Celosias, Amaran- thus, and a few Achimenes and Gloxinias. ComMENcING 4 Market Garpen (L. R.).— We fear we cannot conscien- | tiously advise you to embark extensively in market gardening without more experience than you probably possess. If, therefore, your field be a meadow let it remain so until you can see more. You will easily find a tenant for it; andif you were tospend a yearamongst the market gardens around London, you would obtain more knowledge of the subject than you could from a whole Number of our periodical, that is if you kept a sharp look ont and noted everything that was going on around you. If you were determined to start at once, we would say, Begin with part of your land, Bay one acre, which is sufficient if you crop it with a variety of vege- tables, and do all the work yourself. If you determine on this commence at once, and trench a fart of it to plant with Cabbage for early spring use. The plants you must buy from some one having a good early sort, as the Enfield Market, Fulham, or Downham. During the autumn and winter you might keep on trenching, and ear'y in spring various crops might be put in, as to which we will give you advice in future Numbers. You must bear in mind that you will have nothing to sell until the end of April or May, when your Cabbages will be ready for market. During the autumn many crops may be got in, as patches of herbs, if they be wanted. Currant, Gooseberry, and other fruit trees may be planted, and in the spring Aspa- Tagus, as also Sea-kale and Globe Artichokes, if you intend to cultivate them. We would strongly advise you to find out the wants of the district you live in, and only plant what is likely to sell; of course, when you can see a prospect of a demand for another article then by all means produce it, and be sure and grow everything well, so as to acquire a good name at first, and then we have no doubt you will succeed. EVERGREENS ON CHALK Sort (A Constant Reader).—Besides the Yew and Box which you mention, we bave planted, and found to flourish, on a | similar soil near Winchester—Laurustinus, all the evergreen Berberries, Portugal Laurel, Evergreen Oak, and Taxodium sempervirens. Thecommon Laurel and Rhododendrons will not succeed. Rep SPrpER on Fucusias (J. §.).—Take the plants out of the house or the insects will proceed to the other plants. Syringe them with Gishurst compound according to the directions given on the packet, and repeat the application until the insects cease to appear. Keep the air in the green- house more moist by watering the path. _Names or Prants (Z. B.).—We cannot undertake to name plants from single leaves. Your tree may be any one of some half-dozen or more with similar leaves that we know. (Conway).—Linaria vulgaris. (A Subscriber, Heris).—1, Bromus macrestachyus; 2, unnameable; 3, Briza maxima; 4, Hordeum jubatum; 5, Pennisetuin villosum. (D., Budleigh Salterton). —Your plant is rightly named. It flowers in winter, when the branches are naked, and is a very acceptable addition to cur few indigenous winter flowers. (Z£. F.).—Cephalandra quinqueloba. (Constant Reader).—Gaul- theria Shallon. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. THE AGRICULTURAL HALL POULTRY SHOW AND THE POULTRY CLUB. Mz. Tupman in reply to my last communication declined to answer publicly any queries put to him, but promised all the information he could give to parties communicating directly with him. Mr. Manning states that he “wrote to Mr. Tudman, asking him for the rules and regulations of the Poultry Club, with the view of becoming a member,” and that the answer he received was “to the effect that the rules and regulations were available to members only.” The answers to his other inquiries appear also to have been as little satisfactory, as he seems to have relinquished all ideas of membership. ‘ A similar incident occurred to me some time since. The Club had advertised their rules to non-members at 5s. per copy, and I ordered a copy, enclosing a money order for the amount. The rules were, however, notwithstanding refused, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { Angust 30, 1864. and the money order returned. Mr. Hughes naively sug- gests that parties desiring to have information may obtain it by paying their half guinea and becoming members, which will also put them in possession of the rules; but this savours so much of the showman, that it is difficult to believe the suggestion to have been seriously made, especially, too, as another correspondent, who wrote to Mr. Tudman, states that from his reply it appeared to him doubtful if they de- sired any more members. This, however, is not all. Another correspondent, “A Pouttry Fancrer,” gravely assures your readers that the rules have not yet been fully compiled, and that they are nevertheless undergoing revision. This would indicate the whole affair to be a new version of the “ mountain in labour,” in that, after all the pangs of parturition, it has not even given birth to the “ridiculus mus!” But, seriously, who can have confidence in a club under such management? Here is a code of rules promised which were to reduce poultry judging to the precision of a mathe- matical problem—next they are advertised for sale, but refused to persons applying for them—then the public are informed that they are to be obtained only by those who become members; and lastly, that they are not yet wholly compiled, and are nevertheless undergoing revision! And, to render the state of things more anomalous, with some rules and regulations which appeared in another Journal, Rule 10 states “‘that the code of rules for the guidance of | judges, when made, to be published;” whilst Rule 13 re- quires “the judges to judge according to the rules drawn up for their guidance.” So we are on the eve of a show to be held under the auspices of the Club, where the prizes are to be awarded according to rules not yet-compiled. [Iam aware that this has been virtually denied, and that it has been asserted that the “members of the Poultry Club are not responsible for the prize lists or the getting up of shows.” If this is the case the wider it is known the better, that exhibitors may not be misled by the attractive heading of the forthcoming Islington Show—“‘ Under the patronage and management of the Poultry Club.” tis also generally understood that the Islington Com- mittee, when applied to, declined to undertake the respon- sibility of the Show, haying lost £400 by a previous one, and that a few of the Stewards of the Club entered into a | guarantee to secure the Committee from loss. It is time, too, that the public should know who are to be the judges; but this is another of those vexed questions, which appear to have made the confusion of affairs worse confounded. First we are informed that Mr. Hewitt is appointed; but this is now denied, notwithstanding the admis- sion of Mr. Tudman in his letter which appeared in your impression of the 12th of July, in which he says, “ Wishing to secure the services of such an upright Judge as Mr. Hewiit, I was anxious to make any sacrifice to meet his views, and the offer to waive the rules was merely a tribute to the great ability and acknowledged experience of the greatest poultry Judge in the world.” In his letter to Mr. Hewitt, he says, “AU I now simply ask is, Will you actas Judge for us? A large show is about to take place under the management of the Poultry Club, and we trust you will give us the benefit of your acknowledged ability.” If this does not amount to an admission of Mr. Hewitt having been engaged it is difficult to find terms more express. But here is the rub—the rules, which form the backbone of the scheme, had to be relin- quished ere the services of this distinguished Judge could be secured; and if Mr. Hewitt is not still under engagement, it is through the publicity of this correspondence. Nor are there any judges yet engaged, notwithstanding the contrary has been stated. Messrs. Challoner and Teebay may have been selected, but they are not yet engaged. Under all those conflicting circumstances the prospects of the impending show (and indeed of any future show under the patronage of the Club), are anything but satisfactory ; and what security can exhibitors feel under an Association which, under such circumstances, holds itself irresponsible ? With all the secresy and mystery surrounding its doings, what guarantee have exhibitors that there may not be “ ear- wigeing ” going on within its circle? That there may be “ earwigging”’ elsewhere, as Mr. Tudman complains, is not to be wondered at under the circumstances. Mr. Tudman may have in his own estimation chosen the better part of August 30, 1864.) ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 181 Eee ne valour, but if he wishes the Club to succeed it must be by different measures than those hitherto adopted.—ANn EXHIBITOR. Your correspondent Mr. Thomas Hughes, a member of the Poultry Club, objects to non-members of the Club being supplied with rules for which he has “had to pay.” He says, surely I “could afford half a guinea,” and have had all the information I desired. I do not understand Mr. Hughes. If he means that the rules of the Poultry Club form a little book for which he has had to pay half a guinea, I must tell him I think it is very dear. If he intends to say that any person becomes a member of the Poultry Club who has had to pay half a guinea, I will tell him that this is very cheap, and that therefore I cannot possibly afford to become @ member. I will not judge the Club by the letter of one of its members, but I will wait for the promised information which is to appear in one of the public prints, and then see if I can afford half a guinea.—Grorce Mannine. CRAMP IN CHICKENS. I sHounp be much obliged if you would explain the cause and prescribe the treatment of a disease by which I have lost several prize Hamburgh chickens this season. The disease first attacks the wings, which become disordered as if from fighting. In three or four days they drop, sometimes one, sometimes both, in such a manner as to impede walk- ing. Then the feet become cramped, and the toes drawn up together as if the sinews of the legs contracted. This rapidly grows worse, and in the course of eight or ten days from the commencement of the attack, the fowl is on its back and quite helpless, and in two or three days more dies. The appetite is good to the last, and in all other respects | the fowls appear perfectly healthy. The disease appears when the chickens are about four months old.—RuEUMATISM. [Your Hamburgh chickens suffer from cramp and die of it. We should expect to find your poultry-house with a stone, brick, or boarded floor—either would cause it. Should such be the case, remove it, or if you object greatly to that, cover it 6 inches deep with-dry gravel. It is, however, better to remove it. If this is not the cause, you will find it is some damp spot or place they use, or else poor or insufficient food. Get some ground oats, feed on them morning and midday, and in the evening give bread and ale. necessary while they are sickly. See that they roost in a dry place. | SULTAN FOWLS. I wnorticr in your reply to your correspondent “ Icnora- Mus” that you express a doubt as to the existence of Sultans as a pure breed. For the information of your subscriber I write to say that the original imported pen was sold to a gentleman and well-known breeder in Yorkshire, whose entire stock I recently purchased, including the first, second, and third generations from the imported pen, and I trust at some of the forthcoming chicken shows to vindicate the existence of this beautiful breed in its purity.—F. W. ZURHORST. ROCHDALE EXHIBITION OF POULTRY. Tuts Exhibition was held on the 24th inst., and, un- doubtedly, the grounds of A. H. Rhoyds, Esq. afford one of the most beautiful of sites for the purposes of such a Society. The weather, too, was of the brightest character, and the Show was numerously attended by those near at hand; ~ we also observed on the ground a considerable number of gentry from rather distant localities. The efforts of the Committee to display the poultry to the best possible ad- vantage were admitted by every one; and the entries being considerable as to numbers, the only drawback arose from the generality of the specimens exhibited being in the very midst of moult, so that particular details of the birds in their present condition would be unadvisable, even were the attempt carried out. Suffice it to say that, as will be seen This will only be | by reference to the prize list, a great majority of our prin- cipal poultry-breeders were represented by specimens that in a month or six weeks hence will most probably be in as perfect feather as could be desired. We cannot help, how- ever, calling attention this year to the great deficiency of really early-hatched chickens. SpanIsu.—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bradford. Second, S. Handley, Darling- ton Cottage, Pendleton. Commended, S. Haslam, Belfield, near Rochdale. Chickens, —First, S. Robson, South Milford. Second, J. Stott, Healey, near Rochdale. Cocuin-Cua1na.—First, E. Smith, Middleton. Second, Miss E. Beldon, Bradford. Chickens.—First, Captain H. Heaton, Lower Broughton. Second, G. Wheeler, Middleton. Commended, Miss E. Beldon. HampBurcH (Golden-spangled).— First, W. Travis, Little Moss, Ashton- under-Lyne. Second, Miss E. Beldon. Commended, J. Andrews, Water- house, Ashton. Chickens.—First, J. Roe, Hadfield, near Manchester. Second, F. Greenwood, Rochdale. HampBoreu (Silver-spangled).—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bradford. Second, J. Andrews, Waterhouse, Ashton. Chickens.— First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, E. Collinge, Boarshaw Clough, Middleton. Commended, R. Kay, Middleton ; J. Fielding, Newchurch. HameBureH (Black).— First, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House, Middleton. Second, Miss E. Beldon, Bradford. Chickens.—First, R. Battersby, Hey- wood. Second, J. Andrews, Waterhouse, Ashton. HamBurcH,(Golden-pencilled).—First and Second, 8. Smith, Northowram, near Halifax. Chickens—First, J. Fielding, Newchurch, Rossendale. Second, T. Wrig'ey, jun, Tonge, Middleton. Highly Commended, W. Ker- shaw, Heywood. Commended, J, Turner, Stand Lane, Radcliffe. Hampukeu (Silver-pencilled).—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bradford. Second, C. Boyds, Green Hill, Rochdale. Chickens.—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, J. Platt, Dean, near Bolton. Highly Commended, W. Yates, Unsworth, Bury; J. Sheppard, Ridings, near Roehdale. Potanp.—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bradford. Second, W. R. Duxbury, Primrose Road, Leeds. Chickens.—Prize, Miss E. Beldon. Brauma PootRa.—First, E. Leech, Greave, Rochdale. Second, H. Lacy, Hebden Bridge. Chickens.—First, T. Statter, Stand, Manchester. Second, H. Lacy. DeEeeee First, T. Statter, Stand, Manchester. Second, E. Smith, Middleton. Chickens.—First, E. Smith, Middleton. Second, T. Statter. Game (Any colour).—First, T. Statter, Stand, Manchester. Second, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House, Middleton. Chickens.— First, S. Cryer, Long- clough, Littleborough. Second, J. Turner, Stand Lane, Radcliffe. Highly Commended, F. Bright, Cronkeyshaw, Rochdale; R. Rawstron, North Terrace. Any VanRiety.—First, W. Fairburn, Wardle, near Rochdale. Second, Mrs. Crossley, Underwood Yard, Bury Road. Commended, R, Leech, jun., Greave, Rochdale. GamME Cock.—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bradford. Second, T. Stratter, Stand Hill. Highly Commended, J. Turner, Rochdale; C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House, Middleton. Bantam {Any variety).—F:rst, J. W. Morris, Rochdale. Second, Miss E. Beldon. Highly Commended. C. Walker, Bradford. Gersr.—First, W- Kershaw, Heywood. Second, E. Leech, Greave, Roch- dale. Highly Commended, W. R. Duxbury, Primrose Road, Leeds. Ducks (Aylesbury).—First and Second, E. Leech, Greave, Rochdale. Ducks (Rouen).—First and Second, T. Statter, Stand, Manchester. Com- mended, E. Leech, Greave, Rochdale. Turkeys.—First, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House, Middleton. E. Leech, Greave, Rochdale. The Judges were Mr. Thomas Chaloner, of Worksop, near Chesterfield ; and Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, near Birmingham. Second, COTTING HAM POULTRY SHOW. THE annual Show of Poultry and Pigeons was held on the 17th instant, and many excellent specimens were shown in almost all the classes. Subjoined is the best prize list we could obtain, as unfortunately there were no printed cata- logues, and it was no easy matter for the reporters to get a correct list. SpaniIsH.—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, S. Robson, Brotherton. Chieckens.—First, A. Holmes, Horham. Second, G. Robson, Hull. DorxkinGs.—First, F. Key, Beverley. Second, W. Watson, Bishop Burton. Chickens.—First and Second, W. Watson. Cocuins.—First, E. C. Frotter, Sutton. Second, R. Loft, Woodmansey. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).—First and Second, H. Adams, Beverley. Chickens.—First, H. Adams, Second, R Burgess. Game (Any other variety).—First, H. Adams. Second, R. Robson, Beverley. Chickens.—First, J. Hodgkinson, Hull. Second, H. Adams. Potanps.—First, W. Cannan. Second, J. Stephenson, Preston. Chickens. —First, J. M. Proctor, Hull. Second, W. Cannan. Hameurcus (Golden-spangled).—First, G. Holmes, Driffield. Second, S. Campling, Cottingham. Chickens.—First, G. Holmes. Second, W. Cannan. Hampuneus (Silver-spangled).—First, S. Campling. Second, W. Cannan. Hamsurcus (Golden-pencilled).—First, S. Campling. Second, W. Cannan. Chickens.—First, W. Cannan. Second, J. Bilton. Chickens.—First, W. Cannan. Second, J. Bilton, Cottingham. HamBurcHs (Silver-pencilled).—First, W. Cannan, Second, J. Bilton. Chickens.—Prize, J. Bilton. Bantams (Gold-laced).—First, J. R. Jessop, Hull. Second, R. M. Stark, Hull. Chickens.— Prize, R. M. Stark. Bantams (Silver-laced. Judge’s Prize.).—Prize, W. Cannan. Banrams (Game).—First, R. M. Stark. Second, G. Holmes. Bantams (Any other variety).—First, W. Cannan (Black). R. M. Stark (Silver-laced). Chickens.—First, J. Gawan. Brittain. Second, Second, J. 182 Any Orser Distixcr Varirry.—First, R. Loft. Second, W. Cannan. Chickens.—First, O. A. Young, Driffield. Second, J. Pares, Chertsey. Farmyarp Cross.—First, T. Coverdale. Second, R. Loft. Chickens.— First and Second, G. Bromley, Cottingham. Setiine Cuass.—First, H. Burstall, Nottingham. Second, G. Bromley. Pra Fowls.—First, J. Ringrose, Cottingham. Second, B. Haworth, Hull Bank House. Gurxea Fow1s.—First and Second, O. A. Young. Turxkers.—First, W. Cannan, Second, W. Wallace. Grrse.—First, 0. A. Young. Second, Mrs. Nicholson. Ducks (Aylesbury).—First, O. A. Young. Second, T..C. Trotter. Doucxs (Rouen).—First and Second, O. A. Young. Ducks (Any other variety).—First and Second, J. R. Jessop (East Indian and Wild). PicEons.—Croppers.—First, S. Robson. Second, W. Watson, Beverley. Carriers.—First, G. Robson. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Turbits. —First, H. Yardley. Second, J. R, Jessop. Trumpeters.—First, F, Key. Second, W. B. Van Haansbergen, Newcastle. Jacobins.—First, J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Second, T. Ellrington, Woodmansey. Fantails.—First, T. Ellrington. Second, J. R. Jessop. Dragoons.—First. W. Watson. Second, T. Statters, Hull. Tumblers.—First, W. B. Van Haansbergen. Second, W. Watson. Barbs.—First, W. B. Van Haansbergen. Second, H. Yardley. Wuns,—First, F. Key. Second, W. Watson. Any other variety.—First, S. Robson (Runts). Second, G. Robson (Spots). Zumblers (Blue Baldpate). —Extra Prize (Given by Mr. W. A. Summers), J. W. Edge. The liberal prizes offered by this gentleman for Nuns with the usual colours reversed failed to bring a single entry. and neither Red-headed nor Yellow-headed Nuns put in an appearance, although we understand the two latter are to be seen in the neighbourhood. F. Ferguson, Esq., was_the Judge. TONG POULTRY SHOW. Tux fourth annual Exhibition of the Tong Poultry Society took place at Dudley Hill, on the 16th inst. The entries were much more numerous than in previous years, and the poultry throughout were very good, and so were the Pigeons. The following is the prize list :— SpanisH (Black).—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon, Gilstead. Dorxines.—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Cocuin-Curya.—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. GamE.—Prize, T. Suddirk, Tong Street. Hamevures (Black).—Prize, Miss E. Beldon. Hameurcu (Golden-spangled).—First, J. Greenwood, Cutler Heights. Second, Miss E. Beldon. HameEuren {Silver-spangled).—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Hamsureu (Golden-pencilled).—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Highly Commended, J. Gans. Commended, J. Greenwood. Haxsurcs (Silver-pencilled).—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Highly Commended, H. Firth, Tong Street. Potanp.—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Bantams (Game).—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, H. Firth. Bantams (Any other variety).—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Highly Commended and Commended, S. Rhodes. Sincere Cock (Any variety).—First, Miss E. Beldon (Cochin). T. Suddirk (Game). Ducxs (Rouen).—Prize, Miss E. Beldon. Ducks (Aylesbury).—First, J. Blackburn. Second, C. Holmes. GresE.—First and Second, G. Yates, Holm Lane. Picrons.— Powters.—Prize, Miss E. Beldon. Carriers.—Prize, Miss E. Beldon. Trumpeters.—Prize, Miss E. Beldon. Ow/ls.—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, A. Field, Dudley Hill. Barbs.—Prize, Mies E. Beldon. Jacobins.— Prize, Miss E. Beldon. Tumblers.— First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, A. Field. Tumblers (Almond).—Prize and Commended, A. Field. Antwerps.—First and Second, A. Field. Highly Commended, A. Field. The Judges were Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey, Leeds; and Mr. L. Bedom, Gillineton, Bradford. Second, SCARBOROUGHS AND HACKNESS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S POULTRY SHOW. Tue Poultry Show in connection with this Society took place on the 19th inst., and the Scarborough Song Bird Society’s Exhibition was held at the same time, The following is a list of the prizes awarded :— Spantse.—First, W. Cannan. Bradford.%: Second, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Chickens.—Prize, W. Cannan. Dorxine.—First, J. Key, Leeds. Second, 0. A. Young, Driffield, Chickens.—Prize, J. Key, Beverley. Cocnin-Cuiva.—First, T. H. Barker, Hovingham. Second, 0. A. Young, Driffield. Chickens.—Prize, T. H. Barker. Highly Commended, W. Cannan, Bradford. : Game.—First, R. Hardy, Ruston. Second, G. Cartwright, Seamer Lane. Chickens.—Prize, R. Hardy. Hamevrcu (Golden-spangled).—First, Mrs. T. Darrel, Ayton. Second, J. Atkinson, East Ayton. Highly Commended, R. Smith, Norton, Malton. Hameorca (Silver-spangled).—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, J. Atkinson, East Ayton. HameBurca /Golden-pencilled).—First, A. Hawe, Burniston. Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. Highly Commended, O. A. Young, Driffield. HamsBurcH (Silver-pencilled).—First, J. Bilton, Cottingham. W. Cannan, Bradford. Potanp.—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Highly Commended, Messrs. Haynes & Hough, Bedale. Any Distinct BrEep not PREyIOUSLY MENTIONED.—First, O, A. Young, Driffield. Secoad, W. Cannan, Bradford. Chickens.—First, W. Cannat. Bradford. Highly Commendec, R. E, Turnbull, Hackness, Second, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 30, 1864. Bantams (Black or White).—First, R. Smith, Norton, Malton. Second, Lady Londesborough. Bantams (Neither Black nor White).— First. G. Holmes, Driffield. Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. MAighly Commended, O. A. Young. GresE.—First, O. A. Young, Driffield. Second, W. Duxbury, Leeds. Goslings.—Prize, Mrs. Hopper, Wykeham, Grange. Dvucxs (Aylesbury).—Prize, O. A. Young, Driffield. Ducklings.—Prize, Mrs. G. P. Dale, Scarborough. Ducks (Rouen or any other Breed not Aylesbury).—First, T. H. Barker, Hovingham. Second, J. Brain, Pickering. Ducklings.—Prize, Mrs. J. Darrell, Ayton. Turkeys.—Prize, W. Cannan, Bradford. Poults.—Prize, O. A. Young, Driffield. GuinEA Fowt.—First, O. A. Young, Driffield. Second, J. Riby, Rustor. Picxons.— Croppers.—Prize, J. R. Trennan, Helmsley. Carriers.—Prize, J. Dotchen, Whitby. Trumpeters.—Prize, J. Key, Beverley. Faniails.— Prize, R. Esh, Helperthorpe. Tumblers.— Prize, J. Dotchen, Whitby. Barbs.—Prize, J. Dotchen, Whitby. Any other Variety.—Prize, J. Hodg- son. Ornamental Waterfowl.—Prize, Mrs. G. P. Dale Scarborough. Ragsits (Any Breed).—Prize, W. Holmes, Driffield. Highly Commended, J. Grimshaw, Bridlington. a Sone Birps.—Canary (Half-bred).—First, R. Cross, New Queen Street. Second, J. Oxley, Alma Parade. Canary (Common).—First, W. Bean, William Street. Second, R. Cross. Canary (Marked).—First, R. Cross. Second, J. Rainton, Dumpte Street. Canary (Crested).—First, J. Rainton. Second, J. Oxley. Canary (Cinnamon).—Prize, J.Oxley. Lizard (Golden or Silver-spangled).—Prize, J. Oxley. Mule (Marked).—Prize, W. Bean. Mule (Orange).—Prize, R. Cross. Best Cage of Birds.—First, R. Cros3. Second, J. Oxley. SwEEpsTakes.—Canary (Yellow Belgian).—First, W. Hogg. Second, W. Jefferson, Knapton Station. Canary (Bu Belgian).—Prize, W. Hogg. Canary (Half-bred).—Prize. W. Jefferson. Canary (Buff Half-bred).— First, W. Hogg. Second, J. Towell, St. Sepulchre Street. Canary (Yellow Norwich).—First, C. Yeoman, Long Wesigate. Second, S. Smith, Falconer Square. Canary (Common Yellow).—First. W. Jefferson. Second, E. 8. Midgley, South Cliff. Canary (Common Buff).—First, W. Jefferson. Seconc, E.S. Midgley. Canary (Marked).—Prize, C. Leader, St. Thomas Strees. Mule (Marked).—First, W. Hogg. Second, W. Jefferson. Jule (Orange). —First, W. Wood, St. Nicholas Street. Second, J. Hattersley, Seamer Lane Parrot.—First, R. Oxley. Second, D. Wright. The-Judges for Poultry were Mr. George S. Simpson, North Burton; and Mr. Richard Nesfield, Snainton. ISLE OF AXHOLME, POULTRY SHOW. 4 THe Owston Poultry Association celebrated its anniver- sary on the 10th inst., and, notwithstanding numerous draw- backs the Society continues to increase in usefulness and prosperity. The Judge, Mr. J. Hodgkinson, of Hull, who has officiated at this Show previously more than once, spoke highly of the improvement to be noticed in the several classes exhibited; and to show that his efforts had been appreciated elsewhere, he was, on the preceding evening, presented with a valuable gold watch and chain by the Cottingham Floral, Horticultural, and Poultry Association. He pronounced this show of poultry, &c., an excellent one, particularly noticing three pens of chickens shown by Mr. F’. Sales, of Crowle—viz., Brown Red, Black Red, and Grey Game, and awarded each pen a prize as extra stock. Several specimens of English and foreign birds shown by Mr. G. E. Addey, of Epworth, elicited great admiration, and were awarded a premium. Although the number of pens was not so great the quality of the birds was superior to former exhibitions, and evinced the care in the breeding. The following is a list of the awards :— Dorxtes.—Prize, F. Sales. ‘ Potanps.—Prize, F. Sales, GamME.—Prize, F. Sales. BantTams.—Prize, W. Benson, Clarborough. Hamsurcu.—Prize, B. Barrow, Ferry. TurKEys.—Prize, F. Sales, Crowle GrEsEe.—Prize, Mrs. Dixon, Mellwood, Ducks.—Prize, — Bealley, Kelfield. GuinEA FowLs.—Prize, F. Sales, Crowle. OWSTON, DOMINIQUE FOWLS. Nor being a regular reader of the Journal I am not aware whether you have given any account of the Dominique fowl previous to that published in the Number for July 12th, and I therefore send an extract from the American Agriculiurist, containing an account of that variety.—F. H. «This well-known and much-neglected common fowl ig supposed to be an old and distinct variety, though usually looked upon as a mere farmyard fowl—that is, the accidental result of promiscuous crossing; but there are several forms among the barn-yard fowls, so called, that are seen to be repeated generation after generation, the counterparts of which are met with scattered here and there all over the See __ August 30, 1864. ] country. The Dominiques are distinguished by their mark- ings and their colour, which is generally considered an in- dication of hardihood and fecundity. By some they are cailed ‘ Hawk-colonred fowls,’ from their strong resemblance in colour to the birds of that name. In England they are usually called ‘ Cuckoo fowls,’ from the fancied resemblance of their plumage to the feathers of the Cuckoo’s breast. «The prevailing and true colour of the Dominique fowl is a lightish ground, barred crosswise, and softly shaded with a dark slaty blue. The combs vary, some being single, while others are double—most, however, are single. Feet and legs pent flesh colour and yellow; bill the same as that of the egs. —Norru Devon. | Geraniums, Verbenas, &e. 191 To keep Filberts dwarf and in a good bearing state, you should treat them very much as you would a Gooseberry bush, as they generally bear best on short, stumpy young wood. It is difficult to tell you why your Calceolaria Kayi keeps dying, whilst amplexicaulis keep well on. The free-flower- ing at the early part of the season might have exhausted the Kayi, and more especially if the roots had been at all cramped before turning them out. Some of our Calceolarias are also going, but that is solely owing to the drought; as though the stems have had three sprinklings from showers, the roots have had no moisture for more than two months, all the rain at any time not wetting the dusty earth more than the eighth of an inch deep. We presume that you have not had to complain of dryness, because amplexicaulis is the first to suffer from that; and we can suggest, there- fore, no other cause but very free early blooming, early cramping of the roots, or a soil deficient in nutriment. ] GRUBS AT THE GREENS.—No. 2. Many thanks for your reply to my grubby question in last week’s Journal, but as it is only a partial answer, the better half withheld, I humbly ask for the rest. The charge of “heresy” is a serious one against a clergyman, and “The Chaplain,” to boot; so that the sooner I recant the better, as it appears that upon the knowledge of the scientific name depends a thorough cure. Pray what is it? Such an ap- pellation does not resemble Butler’s account of ‘© A rhetorician’s rules, Which serye him but to name his tools.’” As even troublesome insects refuse to die unless learned cognomens are given to them. ; This reminds me of an anecdote of a physician who wrote a prescription (oh, the heretic!) in plain English. The patient died. The apothecary declared that “of course Mr. Dash died, as the doctor did not write his prescription in Latin.” Vulgar “Leather-coat” shall die by an old dinner- knife, but in his prior scientific stage he shall die by what- ever sprinkling process you kindly state. I ask on public as well as private grounds, for if next year the grubs in- crease, the family grub in many a house will painfully decrease. The benefits of a right belief are always great, so lam no longer a heretic, but in this, as cn every other point, an orthodox—WILTSsHIRE REcTOR. P.S.—I fear I do not always write plainly, thus I wrote in my last contribution on this subject, “ fat yellowish green grub,” not flat. [Our indignation is calmed, and we shall at once surprise our correspondent by informing him that the parent of his grubby marauders is no other than the “ Daddy Long-Legs, Tipula pratensis. The females are now depositing their eggs in the soil, and this is prevented by sprinkling a mixture of soot and gas-lime over the surface of the ground where Cab- bageworts or Lettuces are to be planted. | THE TRIAL BEDDING PLANTS AT CHISWICK. Somes time ago there appeared in your Journal some very clever little articles on mechanics as applied to gardening purposes. I forget whether there was an article on the wedge, but if not it was certainly an omission; and I am going now to show you what a useful instrument the wedge is, especially the thin end of it. In the “Proceedings” of the Royal Horticultural Society for August, September, and October, 1864, there appeared this notice— Show of Trial Flowering Plants and Fruits at Chiswick, with promenade.” Very attractive information to me, particularly as a certain garden ghost some months ago had hinted the difficulty of arriving at a satisfactory know- ledge of the vast numbers of bedding plants alluded to by your correspondents, and advertised in your columns. At Chiswick I arrived after a very hazardous journey by rail from London, and a dreadfully hot walk from the station to the Gardens. Do you know what a sellis? If evera poor parson was sold, I was on that same Saturday the 27th of August, 1864. “Trial beds!’ Now we shall see these «Where are they?” “There « 192 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, { September 6, 1864, “What! those little beds with five plants only to each?” “Yes, sir.’ “And how long have they been planted?” “About five weeks.” “But there is no bloom, and some of the beds are not half filled!” “Only five plants of each kind allowed, sir’ There was the Roi Italie, pretty little Lady Cowper, and coquettish Waltham Pet, a Velvet Cushion, my old friend Lord Palmerston, and defiant Stella. “But how bad you do look all of you! What’s the matter?’ No amswer came; but when I returned home my ghost, a little after dark, whispered con- solation, “Never mind, you have got the thin end of the wedge in.’—F. W. Avry, The Cell. they are, sir.” HEATING A GREENHOUSE. I HAVE a greenhouse 24 feet long, 12 feet wide, span-roof, running from south to north. Iam about to erect a Cu- cumber and propagating-house 12 feet square, to jom my greenhouse at the north end, andI shall be obliged if you will answer the following questions about heating it. ist. Willa eonical boiler without brickwork answer the same purpose as a saddle boiler ? 2nd. Will a round four-inch pipe answer the same pur- pose as an open one for bottom heat? 8rd. Will a flow and return pipe almost in the centre of my greenhouse be sufficient to keep the frost out? The above to work from the.Cucumber-house.— W. F. W., Norfolk. [1. The conical boiler without brickwork will answer the | same purpose as respects heating as a saddle-back with brickwork, perhaps more so; but in a Cucumber-house, if the boiler is inside of the house, it would be desirable to have the feeding aperture and ash-pit door outside, for reasons lately given in answers to correspondents. If the boiler is to be fed inside great care must be used in lighting and clearing away ashes. As respects the latter, if suffi- ciently wetted there need be no difficulty. If the boiler stands outside of the house there will be loss of heat from |} its sides, but this might be prevented in a great measure by a wooden case slipped over it, at say 9 or 12 inches distance, the inside of the case being made of a white colour by paint- ing or lime wash. 2. The round four-inch pipe will answer the same purpose for bottom heat as an open one; and if the heat is drier than you like, you can easily make it as moist as desirable, either by evaporating-pans, or throwing water among the clinkers, &c., in which the pipes are packed. 3. A flow and return pipe along the centre of the green- house will be effectual in keeping out frost just in proportion to the height of the house and the surface of glass exposed. If the ridge is above 8 or 9 feet from the floor, the sides of the house would scarcely be safe in severe frost, unless means were taken to secure a brisk motion of the internal air. As the pipes are to come from the Cucumber-house at the north end of the span, we would prefer you taking a pipe all round except at that end, placing the pipe not more than 15 inches from the side walls. If the house is lofty, and you have glass at the sides as well as the roof, this would be barely sufficient to keep out severe frost. But for the first expense we would advise more piping, as fuel is saved, and the health of the plants better secured, by never having the pipes very hot.—R. F.] REPOTTING PEACH TREES. Tue best time for potting Peach trees is as soon as the fruit is gathered—i. e., if the roots are in a healthy condition and growing in suitable soil, in which case do not disturb the old ball, but merely use a larger-sized pot, and make the fresh soil pretty solid with a blunt stick. If the roots are not in a good state defer the potting till the tree shows signs of shedding its foliage, then shake the roots free from the old earth, and repot the plants in more suitable soil. Never repot all your trees in one year, as there is always a slight risk of losing the crop of fruit the year following. Peaches appear to bear better when the pots are filled with roots. Potted early, the risk is very small, as the trees at once make fresh roots. After the fruit is set, and as big as horse | quite done for. ; on the Ist of June—viz., 4°. beans, take two parts of horse-droppings and one of malt dust, and place an inch or twoof the mixture on the surface of the soil, and renew it when the fruit is half grown. Wher the malt dust is mixed with manure it should be used at once, as if it remains in a heap it quickly ferments, and produces a very disagreeable smell. [The above is in answer to the queries of a correspondent whose letter has been mislaid.] FOUR DEGREES OF FROST, AUGUST 25rx. Sucu isa fact! In the morning everything out of doors had the appearance of a winter's morning. Many plants were frozen hard and stiff. The Dahlias are black and Dwarf Kidney Beans and Scarlet Runners are very much cut up, but not quite killed. The Perilla has suffered much, and Love-lies-bleeding is very much injured. The Perilla is certainly the tenderest of our bedding plants, as ours was very much disfigured by the frost we had here The wind has been north for some days past. On the 24th the thermometer was down to freezing-point, and on the 25th 4° below it, on the 26th 1° below. It is now, about 7 p.m., the 27th, and there is every appearance of a sharp frost to night. Has any weather prophet foretold this frost, or the weather in general of the past summer? Everything here is suffer- ing, especially the pastures, for want of rain. We have been obliged to water thousands of Rhododendrons to keep them alive, or many must have died. I am told that Pota- toes that were healthy and green before the frost are now black and laying down flat. I never say nor heard of such a frost in the month of August before-—Hrenrx Coomzs, The Gardens, Chetwynd Park, Newport, Shropshire. P.S.—I have waited till this morning’s post to report upon the night’s frost, and I find the thermometer indicates 4°. Last night I covered our Azaleas to protect them, as they showed the effects of the previous frost at the points of the shoots.—H. C., August 27th. On the morning of the 25th, the thermometer in the neighbourhood of London indicated 2° below freezing; and at Malton, in Yorkshire, we learn from the Times that there was ice the thickness of paper on three mornings of the same week, and that Dahlias were frost-bitten in low situations. LESSONS TAUGHT BY THE PRESENT DRY SEASON. From the present dry season may be drawn some useful lessons, and the value of these will be greatly enhanced if they are carefully noted now and acted upon judiciously hereafter. I am the more desirous to draw the attention of your readers to this subject, because I have noticed in various places some of the finest displays this season that the eye could rest upon, although this is a year of marked and unusual dryness. This, then, must be one useful lesson which will serve to teach us that, in spite of a scorching sun by day and a frosty air at night, there are ways and means to secure a floral display. We shall gain another point by considering how this is brought about, and it is chiefly by a good supply of water akout twice a-week—not a mere dribblitig from the rose of a water-pot, or a gentle bath from the hydropult, but a thorough wetting through the soil to at least the depth of 6 or 8 inches. How this is to be accomplished may be learned at Kew or Hampton Court. There the beds are not raised, but, on the contrary, instead of sloping from the centre to the outside, they rather slope to the centre, but only just sufficiently to secure every drop of water which falls upon the bed from being wasted. I am aware that an objection can be raised to this form of a bed in a retentive soil should a wet season set in, but this is to be immediately overruled by what ought to be a general practice—namely, deep trenching, the effect of which has never been so clearly demonstrated as in the present season. September 6, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 193 As all have not had an opportunity of seeing the effect | of this year’s drought upon those public gardens, it is with pleasure that I record my humble testimony of the splendid condition of the gardens at the Crystal Palace, at Kew, and at Hampton Court. Their condition demonstrates the ability of those upon whom the management devolves. One more lesson to be learned there I will bring under notice, and that is the absence with one exception (Purple King), of the Verbena as a bedding plant. I must not be understood to say that it is altogether banished from the flower garden, but a visitor at the Crystal Palace or at Kew eannot fail to notice that it is not so much used there as in times gone by. With me the Verbena is an especial favourite, therefore it must not be inferred that I make this comment purposely to lower it in the estimation of others; but my own observations justify me in saying, that near the metropolis the Verbena is often a failure, and as too many to their sorrow will tell us, it is usually so infested with thrips that it is more often than not a source of much disappointment.—J. C. Ciarke, Wimbledon. BEDDING GERANIUMS. (Continued from page 167.) THE modes of managing bedding Geraniums being endless, I shall only treat of one more, and that is how to dispense with potting in the spring treatment of autumn-struck cuttings. With this object in view they should remain in the cutting-boxes until the beginning or middle of April, and a pit or frame filled with ashes or any kind of rough material to within 1 foot of the glass, or, failing that, a turf pit to be covered with some old lights, should be in readiness to receive the plants. We then provide, or rather have at hand before we require it, some sphagnum, but if that cannot be procured,'the moss found abundantly in some woods will answer admirably. Having a heap of compost before us, another of sphagnum or moss on one side, the box containing the plants on the other, and some matting eut into two-feet lengths, wetted, and hung up in a con- venient place so as to be easily reached, we then take a lump of moss, draw it out so as to be the width of both hands every way, and lay it on the potting-bench on a piece of the matting. We next place a little soil on the moss, and then, haying taken the plant out of the box, place it exactly in the centre of the moss bed, and put a little more soil round it. We then close the moss neatly round it, and brine the strip of matting over the top, by the stem of the plant, down again under the ball, I will call it, and up again, twisting and turning it about until both ends are just long enough to. tie, when we fasten them with a knot that will draw the closer the more the moss swells after watering. We have then a Geranium wrapped in a moss coat, just as nursery- men wrap the roots of their choice shrubs for travelling, with this difference, that we put a little soil within the parcel in addition to that adhering to the roots. Each plant when mossed is placed in a riddle, and when this is filled the whole are taken to a frame, or pit, and we pack them closely together, and spread about half an inch of fine soil over the moss between the plants. In this way We ¢o on, watering them after the surfacing of soil till we have the frame full. After the plants are placed in the pit nothing is required but to keep the frame close for ten days, protecting from sun by day and frost by night, and afterwards to give abundance of light, air, and water when necessary, with frequent sprinklings overhead. By the last week in May or first week in June they will be all that can be desired, the moss being one mass of white roots, and they may then be planted in the beds. The matting is, of course, rotten by this time, yet the plants move with-a splendid ball, and the roots are not matted by running against the inside of a pot but present innumerable mouths ready to lay hold of the new soil without deviating to the right or left, whilst the roots of plants under pot treatment have to change their course, which they sometimes do tardily, as the sickly foliage too plainly testifies. ; As to old plants, which are preferable to young, from their blooming earlier, besides being larger and more generally effective, I will now offer a few remarks on preserving them through the winter. Most of us desire to prolong the beauty of the flower garden to the latest possible period; but care should be taken lest this be not overdone, especially when the plants employed are required for another year’s ornamentation. Sooner or later in October we must prepare for frost; but as no set time can be given, it is better to take up the plants a few days too soon than wait until they are hung with crystal drops, and their fleshy leaves have a glassy aspect. It is too late then, for, cover them as you please, the stems will rot when placed in heat. The plants may, it is true, be saved for a time by being protected at night by hoops and mats, or canvass, taking off the covering during the day ; but to do well they should be taken up and potted, or otherwise placed in safety, before the occurrence of irosts of sufficient intensity to injure them. I have found on a mean of the last two decades, that the 10th of October is the latest period at which Geraniums can be trusted out- side with safety. Presuming the plants to be planted out in the bed, we take them up with as much root as possible, not that a large root is desired, but when taken up carelessly we are apt to split the stem leaving a raggéd fracture which admits wet, ending in the decay of the stem and the loss of the plant. It is also undesirable to split the top by careless and rough handling, for being very suceulent the branches are easily split off at the points where they spring from the stem. In short, care should be taken to injure them as little as possible. Choose a dry day for taking up, and this done and all being in readiness for potting, we have to distinguish between variegated, tender, and rather small-growing kinds, and those of strong and vigorous habit. After this, we trim the roots in the first instance, cutting them in with a sharp knife so that a year-old plant may pass easily into a 32-sized pot if a small grower, or into a 24 if strong, pro- portioning the size to the size of the plant. The roots of all may be cut in to within 3 inches of the root-stem for plants that are not required large; but where large plants are desired it is not necessary to reduce the roots so much, but to proportion the reduction of the root to the size of the pot which the plant requires. After reducing the roots, which must be done in proportion to the size of the head to be left, it becomes necessary to cut in the latter. This is done by removing the old shoots and thinning ont those remain- ing, so that they may stand clear of one another. We. take away the old branches because they seldom put out a pro- fusion of shoots, and those which are produced by them are weak, and as such undesirable. The young shoots left, on the other hand, produce numerous shoots, and for that reason are preferable to old shoots. They, therefore, require the same treatment as to cutting-in as Pelargoniums after blooming, distributing the shoots, and shortening them so that an even-headed or well-shapen plant may be produced in the following season. The shoots left, having been cut-in to within 3 or 4 inches of the old stem, will have few if any leaves upon them, but this is of no moment (though I confess that I like them with a few leaves); and the plants should then be potted in any light good loam with a little sand intermixed. The soil should be in a moderately moist condition in order to obviate the necessity of giving water for some time. They are then to be placed in a house from which frost and damp are excluded, it being immaterial whether they are in the light or dark for a month or six weeks, by which time they will have pushed and will require light and water to sustain their vitality. Probably the young shoots will have a blanched appearance, but they will become green on exposure to light. During winter the plants will merely require frost to be excluded, and but little water will be needed. In February or March they will be growing freely, and must have more water; and in April if room can be spared, they may be potted, and afterwards treated the same as the cuttings potted in the spring. This treatment, it must be borne in mind, is only suitable for the stronger-growing Scarlets or others of free growth; most of the Variegated, and some of the less vigorous kinds, requiring a different mode of treatment, which I shall notice presently. Some think potting old plants in autumn a waste of room, considering it merely necessary to pack them closely in poor earth in boxes, cutting away all the leaves and the large disproportionate heads, without reducing the roots 194 so much as for potted plants. Some place the boxes so filled with plants under shelves and stages in houses, or in cellars, and sometimes, but rarely, in houses where light and air can be afforded. When placed under stages one-half the plants perish by the drip of the plants above them. They are liable to wither in a dry cellar, and to damp-off in a wet one; and boxes in a house of any kind, unless made neatly and well painted, are eyesores. I have hitherto con- sidered that there are conveniences at hand to do without these makeshifts, and that any one interested in a garden can derive pleasure from seeing the places where the supply of plants is kept to furnish the flower garden in summer.— G, ABBEY. (To be continued.) CULTIVATION OF THE MELON. (Continued from page 153.) Heating by means of hot-water tanks is an admirable means of supplying bottom heat to Melons. Fig. 9 is the Fig. 9. section of a pit well adapted for the Melon or Cucumber. a, a, a, a, Are compartments of a cemented tank containing about 6 inches deep of water, separated from each other by cemented brick walls one brick thick. This tank is covered with slates, which are laid without mortar on the division and side walls of the pit. Where there is a rather large hole between the slates advantage is taken to place an ordi- nary three-inch drain-pipe with one end over it, or a still better plan is to place these drain-tiles over holes made by taking the corner off a slate where it rests on the division- wall, and 2 feet apart. A few inches of rubble placed on the slates, and a sod grass side downwards upon it, will pre- vent soil getting down to openings between the slates; and whilst allowing the superfluous water of the soil to pass away, will also prevent the steam from the tank rising too much through the rubble into the soil, and making it sour or sodden, at the same time the advantages of a moist bottom heat are secured. The drain-pipes standing on end pass through the soil into the above space, 0, b, and through WIJ? WM Wilde UMMM LLL Et PONTE OCROTEN NECTAR LATA THT PETG TLE FRNA ON J : Cael FUNCEN EON ENESBSOAT UOTE ESTE CEEOL =| 1 a =I 1 a i 7 iE E EAMONN ONO ONO NTASOTET A OCOTTOTTLTE E t < poe ES _ = TO TE CEE EI Z 1 = —__ > Z| i Psi ATMO JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 6, 1864, front. The ground plan, 4, shows the circulation of the water, which enters the tank at a, and makes its exit for the boiler;at 0. Fig. 10 is a lean-to house about 12 feet wide inside. The pipes for bottom heat are in a tank, a, a, which is about three parts full of water. The tank is covered with flags or slates, but so placed that an opening 2 inches wide is left between them and the walls on which they rest. This allows the steam to rise; and openings being left, or a piece of 14-inch pipe let through the walls of the pits, one end com- municating with the tank and the other with the house, the atmosphere can be made moist, and when not wanted the pipe may be covered with a cap at b, 6,6. A moist heat and an increased temperature is therefore obtained. The house is wentilated at top, c, and in front by means of boards hung in the centre, and which can be opened much or little at pleasure. The air entering there is warmed by the hot- water pipes before it reaches the plants. e, e, Are spaces for soil over the tanks. There are two pits and two sets of plants as shown, one occupying the half of the house in front, and the other the upper part, and there is a shelf for plants at the back, f. Fig. 11 is a section of a pit useful for growing almost any kind of plant. Like the preceding, the pipes for bottom heat are in a tank of water, a; but they might be kept dry in a chamber, or be surrounded with rubble. In front is an open cavity in the wall, and by means of a wooden venti- lator air is admitted at b, becoming heated before it reaches the plants. The small lights are made to open by lifting Yy Yyy, SULEEEATEC LCN CELU CONN EON EEN PETE SIFT, VM Lh Le, 10 ZZ Fail s v1 Ns : 5 1 fa 2 Z ? a tb “a __ Sift Plan A: Fig. 11. them rises a nice moist heat, which can readily be kept down by placing a flat piece of slate over the ends of the pipes, c,¢,c. Inaddition to the heat ascending by the drain-pipes, top heat is furnished by two four-inch hot-water pipes in up with a crank, &e. There is space for soil atc over the tank, a shelf at back for plants, and a walk at back for con- venience. The Melons are trained to a trellis,—G. ABBEY. (To be continued.) September 6, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 195 - coe a a a ETI oa TTL GE TIL, Gn a AN ELEGANT MULCHING FOR ROSES. In a full south aspect in front of my house I have several choice Roses, which are trained on wirework (galvanised). Notwithstanding copious and continued waterings, they have all suffered from the extreme heat of the sun, except two, which had the Musk plant growing on the surface of the soil. This appears to have acted as a most beneficial mulching; in the watering given to the Roses the Musk has luxuriated, and the Roses have remained free from the attacks of the aphis or red spider, and rewarded me with rich blooms, while their companions unmusked have struggled unsuccessfully with their insect enemies, and have disfigured rather than ornamented tlhe front of my house.—T. 8. [Is the smell of Musk offensive to insects ?] PACKING ORCHIDS FOR IMPORTATION. Can any of your correspondents, who are in the habit of importing Orchids, inform me what is the best mode of packing the Aerides, Vande, &c., from India, in closed cases. A friend offers to collect for me, but glazed or Wardian cases are not available. If packed in charcoal dust would they not do well?—ORcHIDOPHILUS. [Knowing several parties who are desirous of the same information, we insert this inquiry prominently, and shall be obliged by any information on the subject.—Eps. J. or H.] WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. SucH ground as is now becoming vacant should be trenched-up as roughly as possible, manure being applied if necessary. This should always be done as soon as the crops are off, whether the ground is wanted again im- mediately or not, as it is an absolute loss of fertilising pro- perties to allow it to lie unturned. Gravel walks must come in now and then for a share of attention in weed- ing, rolling, &c. Cabbage, plant the principal crop of spring Cabbage on ground well manured as previously directed. The East Ham is a good variety for standing over the winter, it is not so apt to run in spring as most others. Prick out into beds a few inches apart, a large quantity of Cabbage plants which have just expanded their first two rough leaves. They will be required in spring. Caulijflowers, young seed- lings must not be allowed to stand too thick in the seed- bed. The thinnings may be pricked out thinly, and they will make good stocky plants. The watering of Cauli- flowers, Broccoli, and Celery must be diligently followed up, for it was never more necessary; near London we have not had a good soaking of rain for many months. Where deep trenching is practised its effect is very perceptible in the luxuriant growth of these vegetables. Endive, the July sowing may now be pricked out on a warm border, and as the early plantation attains a proper size the plants should be tied for blanching. Lettuce, make the last sowing for the season of Brown Cos and Hardy Green on raised beds of light soil, where they may remain till spring and be planted out to succeed those that are transplanted this autumn under walls and similar situations. Scarlet Runners, the large pods should be picked clean. These often give over bearing prematurely through the exhaustion occasioned by suffering the pods té go to seed. Spinach, see that it is properly thinned and the surface stirred. \ FRUIT GARDEN. Fig trees out of doors should be liberally supplied with water, if no rain falls, to enable them to swell off the late fruit. Give a final nailing to all wall trees, that there may - be nothing to obstruct the perfect maturation of the wood. Vines out of doors should have every shoot of useless wood removed, and the branches laid in close to the wall. Itisa somewhat nice point to know when to gather the respective fruits, some being best at one stage of the ripening process, and some at another. Asa general rule fruits of a precocious character and which ripen rather rapidly, and those also possessing some aroma, should be gathered somewhat under- in colouring, or which are scentless should remain much longer on the trees. FLOWER GARDEN. Neapolitan Violets which were parted and planted out in spring should now be carefully taken up with good balls and removed to a frame or pit for flowering during winter. The soil most suitable for them is well rotted turf; but sweep- ings of roads or any light soil will answer. Sweet Peas, Dahlias, and other plants requiring tying up should now be attended to before they are destroyed by winds. Climbers on walls should again be pruned and nailed if they require it. Mow, sweep, and clean grass lawns: hoe and rake borders during this fine weather, and destroy all weeds before rainy weather sets in. Still continue to propagate showy and choice herbaceous plants by cuttings and division of the roots, and seedlings of late-sown perennials may still be pricked out with advantage. Pot off a goodly number of the different varieties of Brompton, Giant, Queen and Inter- mediate Stocks. Continue to plant out Pinks, Clove Car- nations, and rooted cuttings of hardy herbaceous plants into nursery-beds. See that plants already established in beds are kept in a state of health and vigour by stirring the surface of the soil. Look now and then at the late-budded Roses and loosen the ligatures. Chrysanthemums out of doors should be carefully staked; if against a wall, where they thrive better, they should be trained while the suc- culent shoots will bend. Put in three or four cuttings in a 48-sized pot for blooming late. STOVE. Winter-flowering things should now receive extra atten- tion, as also those succession flowers which have been re- tarded. Nothing but a light situation will be suitable after this period. Those who are compelled to grow such stock in the shade of late vineries or other forcing-houses must rest contented to endure a partial failure. Let the Begonia family be duly estimated in this respect. The Euphorbia jacquinizflora, if propagated early and frequently pinched back, will now be dense bushes. They look best three in a pot. Of course, such plants as the winter Gesneras, Achimenes, &c., will not be forgotten. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Although many persons may hesitate in the work of in- troducing the house plants while the promise of a late sum- mer is before them, nevertheless it is dangerous to trust anything to the weather at this period of the year. . Cloud- less days are very delightful, but it not unfrequently happens that they are succeeded by clear nipping frosts at night: therefore the work of taking in plants should proceed un- interruptedly. Let the condition of each be examined, and defects in the soil or drainage of the pots be at once re- medied. Clear off moss, remove insects, and replace stakes. | The ordinary precautions for obtaining a supply of common flowering plants throughout the winter months should be progressively continued, Mignonette sown, Hyacinths, Tulips, and other bulbs potted and plunged—about equal portions of good loam and decayed leaf mould, with silver sand, will be the best soil for these if for forcing; but well- decomposed cowdung must be substituted for the leaf soil when the bulbs are intended for late flowering. After pot- ting them, place them on a dry bottom, and cover the pots 2 or 8 inches deep with old tan or ashes, preserving them at the same time as muchas possible from heavy rains. Under this treatment they will fill their pots with roots, and be in readiness for forcing when wanted. Pinks for forcing must be encouraged, and Cinerarias duly attended to. Roses in pots should occupy a fair share of attention. Young plants may yet receive a shift, and manure water may be applied to plants in activity. Where valuable stove plants have to be kept in the conservatory while in bloom, they will require careful management to prevent their being injured by damp ; and they must not be overwatered at the root, as stove plants are soon injured in a low temperature if kept too wet. Give air freely on bright days, but if the house con- tains many stove plants it will be advisable to shut up early in the afternoon, so as to retain a little warmth for the night, and in the event of wet cloudy weather setting in, it will probably be found necessary to use a little fire heat to dis- pel damp and preserve blossoms of tender things, and this ripe ; whilst those which ripen with difficulty, which are long | should be seen to before handsome specimens are disfigured 196 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. | September 6, 1864. or ruined for the season. Keep everything as clean and } all that had been put out—pretty well enough for our use— neat as possible, removing decayed leaves and flowers, &c., immediately they are perceived. PITS AND FRAMES. Tf previous directions have been attended to, the propaga- tion of next season’s bedding stock will by this time be well advanced, and where, from the pressure of other work or any cause, this is not the case, every possible dispatch must be used while the weather is favourable for such work. Con- tinue to put in cuttings of new and scarce plants. A close frame without artificial heat will answer to. keep them in at present. W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Removep the dried-up haulm of Peas and Beans, unless where we wished them to remain as a shade to undercrops. We have had a skiff of a shower or two on Wednesday which refreshed the foliage, but did nothing to moisten the ground. Wehave trenched-up a piece where Peas had been grown, and though stiff soil we found it very dry for 18 inches in depth. We have turned out lots of winter stuff with balls, giving a little sewage water round each plant, and then firming well and covering with the dry earth. They will have the chance of rains, and must be watered when we can obtain it. It is difficult to make people attend to these little matters even as respects planting. The above mode costs a little more trouble than putting the plants in in the usual way, and then soaking them well from the surface, but a pint of water would do more good in the one case than three pints in the other. Im the first case, the moisture is retained immediately about the roots and the soil is not cooled by evaporation. In the second case, the plants are checked by a diminished temperature, and the water you give soon mounts up into the arid atmosphere. Planted Lettuces, Endive, &c., in a similar way. Pricked out the most forward Cabbages for the winter that they may be lifted and turned out with balls as soon as the ground is | ready. strewed them with ashes, and shaded to keep out the heat. Watered a succession-sowing in the seed-leaf, | We are glad we planted a lot of Lettuces close to the foot | of the north side of a wall. They are succeeding those | under the shade of Apple trees. Unable as we have been to water, none but sown Letiuces could stand any time in the open garden. Raised and spread out a portion of the Onion crop—a } We hear much | said about housing them securely. If kept dry they will | good crop notwithstanding the drought. stand any amount of cold. We have never seen them keep better than when tied up in strings and hung up in an open Kept dry; but if rain or snow blew in on them and melted, and a sudden frost came, they were apt to be a little injured. } We often wish we could use them with impunity, but the use of one will taint all our wearing apparel for a week. We | have known several very strong old men who attributed | ~ their strength after they had seen seventy years and done | much hard work, to the free use of Onions. We have seen some of these men slice off raw, with the greatest gusto, some three or four large Onions along with their bread and cold | pork for dinner, and declare it was a dinner fit for a Prince. As for that, we have no doubt that the hungry ploughboy | who, swinging on a gate, slices off his cold bacon and bread, whilst his team are hayine their lunch, eats with a relish that the rich man rarely enjoys when partaking of the most richly-seasoned dishes. We have long been convinced that a good hot raw Onion is a capital thing for labourers who work out of doors, and who rarely have a good hot dinner. Good people should think of that before they show that they are annoyed by the Onion odour which generally ac- companies their use. We have known cottagers troubled as to where they could house their Onions. Let them be assured that all that is wanted is to keep them dry, then no frost will injure them. : From Celery we removed the shading of branches, and we are surprised how well, on the whole, it has done without watering—not a great deal behind some good Celery we lately saw that had been soaked once a-week. We cleaned by removing every bit of sucker, and then placing a little earth close to the stem. We are behind our usual time in ~ earthing-up, and have only done a part of one bed. Our Kind, the White Incomparable, if each head is tied after clearing away the suckers. needs but little earthing-up. We have a small bed, thick together, well blanched for soups, and for an occasional bit of cheese: but good heads will need something like three weeks. But for scarcity of water we would have had it in the beginning of this month, or much earlier. We have just managed to give our four large beds a fair watering with sewage, keeping it off the leaves, and will follow with about an inch of fine soil to keep the moisture in. It will soon fly off through the foliage, how- ever, and that will necessitate shading, if the heavens da not give us a good watering. We will plant out a little more with good balls so soon as dripping weather comes. For want of wet, though we gave a little water to the drills before sowing, we seem to wait 2 long time for Spinach and Turnips coming up. No weather could be better for hoeing, to keep the surface open, and to Eill all sorts of weeds. We use the words “all sorts” advisedly; for, if not all, the greater portion of the worst weeds—those worst to conquer—may be thoroughly eradicated by a persistent use of the Dutch hoe. “Atthem, always at them!” however, must be the motto. Keep this motto in view, and many weeds whose roots are difficult to eradicate will succumb, the roots decaying when the top is prevented giving them the benefit of any reciprocal action. ‘We have proved repeatediy that Nettles may be destroyed, not by digging up their roots, but by continually cutting off the tops when not more than an inch or two in height. There can be no worse weed to destroy than the large white-fowering Bindweed, that soon threads the ground with its cart-rope-like underground stems, and the smallest portion of which will grow. We once hada corner thoroughly overgrown with it. Take up a spadeful of earth, and there would be fully half a spadeful of these roots, called here by a term anything but pleasant to ears polite. We let it alone for a bit, then used a scythe over it, removed what was cut to the burning-heap, placed a foot of short grass over all, and let it remain siz weeks. On digging it up im the winter not a root was visible, though openings in the soil, of the size of tobacco-pipe stalks, told clearly where they had been. There were some Roses and other plants round this corner, and there enough was left for a future stock. The above was 2 summary way of eradicating this trouble- some customer, which from occupying a foot would soon if left alone occupy a whole garden. We have several times proved that this intrnder can be equally successfully dis- posed off, if there is constant war between it and the Dutch | hoe—that is, if it is cut, and cut, and cut again as soon as shed. No frost seemed to injure them so long as they were | it puts out a modest shoot of from 1 to 2 inches in length. This cutting continnally at the top seems thoroughly to paralyse and Kill the large roots, full of vitality as they otherwise are. We lately saw a fine old garden in this neighbourhood, and nota vestige of this weed to be seen anywhere in its seven acres. We knew that for years the garden was overrun with it, for it had been pretty well left to take care of itself, as all the keeping it had was merely a pretence, owiag to a deficiency of labour power, though the man who super- intended it wrought so hard from “early morn to dewy eve,” that when one shook hands with him you might well faney you held a rough iron file in yours. Well, we are glad to see that the fine old place looks now as if it meant to take its right position; but among all the improvements wrought by the present superintendent, nothing pleased us more than the seeming absence of this pest, which threatened to monopolise the whole place. The good man and accom- plished gardener did not mind telling us as a secret how he conquered this enemy, forgetting, no doubt, our inability to keep anything of the sort; and the pith of the secret, and consequent remedy, was just this—keep cutting it up with the hoe whenever it shows itself above ground; if the weather is sunny all the better. This quite corresponds with what we, too, have experienced, and numbers may be thankful to know that this pest, the Convolyulus sepium of Willdenow, we believe, and the Calystegia sepium of other authors, may be quite destroyed, and by a less troublesome a Ct a eee ee ote ee al September 6, 1864. ] process than digging and forking over and over to discover every bit of its white stringy roots. We have not quite the same amount of experience with another trailing, flesh or pink-flowering little Bindweed—the Convolvulus arvensis, which produces long knotted roots ; but from what little we have tried we feel convinced that, too, could be eradicated by constantly cutting off the top as soon as it appears above the ground. This seems to grow more rapidly after cutting than the large-flowering white Convyolvulus above referred to, and to delight as much in dry loose soils as the white strong-growing one does in soils that are moist, close, and rich. The continuous cutting of this trailing Convolvulus ar- vensis is of all the more importance, as the smaller roots are traced with more difficulty than the larger white roots of Sepium. The latter, though ruinous to a gardener, is a beautiful object with its snow-white blossoms on wild hedges and woodland scenery when in company of the Clematis and Honeysuckle, and some authors say that the roots may be used instead of scammony, as a stimulating cathartic. The less we see of such a plant in the garden, however, it will be the better for us. Some years ago we were presented with a hardy kind with white flowers as large as a saucer, and beautiful it looked; but though placed against a wall, and the root confined to a large pot, the shoots soon layered themselves, made bushels of large roots, larger than Sepium, and threatened to monopolise the whole wall and border, until we saw the necessity of destroying it, or carefully watching it. Gathered a nice lot of ripe Tomatoes that had been trained against the back wall of an earth-pit. Ridge Cucumbers and Gherkins were planted in front of them, and after having gathered a number for pickling we were forced to let the leaves of the Cucumbers become like tinder for want of the ability to water them. Most of our Vegetable Marrows are going off from the same cause, though it is no great loss, as, after this month, they are rather cold matters to have much to do with, unless treated something in the way that flint soup must be to make it at all agreeable. Gathered also a lot of ripe Chilis and Capsicwms for Cayenne. We used to wonder how Chilis were most in request for that purpose, as, so far as strength is concerned, there seems little difference between them and the generality of Cap- sicums. We think, however, the reason magt be that, bulk for bulk, there is more outside skin in the Chilis than in the generality of Capsicums, and also that on the whole it is firmer. In most private establishments we believe that the Cayenne is made from the skins dried and pounded. We think that the seeds are hotter and stronger than the out- side covering; but they are seldom used, or other colours of Capsicums except the red, as that would interfere with the red colour of the Cayenne. Why should not all be ground together, or the seeds and their outer integument kept Separate? So long as Cayenne must be red there will be adulterations, just as pickles must:be green, and, therefore, to a certain extent poisoned. The purchaser in such matters is pretty well as much to blame as the manufacturer, who makes to sell, and therefore must please the tastes and even the prejudices of the buyers. Would some friend tell us if there is any reason, except colour, why the seeds of the Capsicum tribe should not be ground into pepper ? Owing to a press of other matters and a scarcity of material, we deferred from day to day, and, therefore, rather long, making up a piece of a Mushroom-bed in our open shed. To make the matter worse, we mixed rather more of fresh droppings with some old dung than we ought to have done when haste was the object, as the mixture heated too much to enable us to spawn it quickly. In all such matters instead of mixing, it is better when quick work is wanted, to build in separate layers if old and new must be used. A fine heat may be obtained and lasting from using old and new tan in layers; but an excessive and fiery heat may easily bo had from mixing them together, a matter of some import- ance to those who use tan for bottom heat. Owing to the reasons stated above, we were some three weeks without Mushrooms, but as our superintendent of the kitchen had preserved some buttons the want was not much felt. The first piece has now for some weeks been in excellent bearing, and the Mushrooms are firm and fleshy, independently of the heat, which we attribute to the shady place and a free current of air over the bed. The second piece is spawned, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 197 earthed, beaten down, and a little hay sprinkled over it to prevent its cracking, and we have just put in dung for a small third piece, the droppings being rather fresh and mixed with turfy soil. We have also made a good number of bricks for spawn, as described last season, and set it in an airy place to dry before spawning. The bricks this year are only about 13 inch thick, as we found such better every way as respects finishing than thicker ones. These we will spawn when dry enough. Previously Mushrooms were such an everyday affair that we made a good deal if not the most of our spawn; but for a few beds it will always be best to purchase from one of the commercial establishments which pride themselves on sending out a first-rate article. No doubt the spawn is often blamed, and the materials are blamed when the blame ought to rest chiedy on our inatten- tion. Whatever the materials are, it is our part to vary our treatment according as we find them; and at their earliest stages Mushroom-beds need looking at once or twice a-day to see that all is right. Trial sticks are easily felt, and there should be plenty of them. Our Mushroom-house we have had all cleared out, leaving no woodlice if we could help it. Then two days running we burnt sulphur in the house, so that by shutting up every cranny no living thing would have the chance to survive. When the house had stood open a few days to get rid of the fumes of the sulphur, the walls, &c., were all limewashed, to fill up all holes and places of refuge, and when we can obtain some material during the month we will begin making our first bed. We previously stated that we found small beds in succession the best for a continuous supply when the material is at no time abundant. Fruit and ornamental department much the same as in previous weeks.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARK#T.—Sepremser 5. The supply of out-door fruit is very plentiful, but the size is not equal to what it is in ordinary seasons. , Of ‘*rough”’’ Apples and Pears, such as are hawked about the streets, immense quantities come in, and the prices realised are almost nominal. Importations of French Pears are likewise heavy. The best dessert Pears consist of Jargonelle, Williams’s Bon Chrétien, Duchesse d’Angouléme, Beurré d’Amanlis, and Louise Bonne of Jersey, Of hothouse fruit, Grapes, Peaches, and Plums are abundant, but the supply of Pine Apples is shorter. Very good Figs are now coming in from Jersey. Kentish Cobs have made their appearance, and bid fair to be of good quality, judging from the samples which haye arrived. They bring from 60s. to 6ds. per 1(0lbs. Good vegetables are very scatce, owing to the late drought, and realise high prices. The Potato market is heavy, and the quality is good. FRUIT. 5s. d. 5. d sd s. d Apples.......0-.3Sieve 1 0to2 0) Mulberries.... punnes 0 6tol 3 Apricots doz. 0 0 O 0} Nectarines v.s0.....0 doz. 2 0 6 0 Cherries .... alb. 0 0 O 0) Oranges 100 12 0 30 0 Currants, Red... sieve 0 0 0 0] Peaches ......es..000 doz. 4 0 10 0 Black......<. do. 0 0 O 0} Pears (kitchen)...bush. 0 0 0 0 IGS er stormarcneceaee doz. 1 6 2 6 dessert .........doz. 2 0 3 0 Filverts & Nuts 100lbs. 45 0 60 0) Pine Apples. £40) 6 810 Gooseberries...dsieve 0 0 O 0) Plums... 2.0 5-0 Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 1 6 4 0 | Quinces .. 00 029 Muscats.... 3 0 6 OG | Raspberri pe OF Op tsOryO Lemons ... 12 0 20 0 | Strawberri 00 00 Melons ... 1 6 4 0! Walnuts 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. 5 8. ds. da s:d. 3. a Artichokes .......... each 0 4to0 6 0 4to0 6 Asparagus ...... bundle 0 0 0 0 : *6) 22) 0 Beans Broad...... dsieve 2 6 0 0 TB BENS Kidney......3sieve $ 6 5 0 @*2 0 0 Beet, Red.. doz 10 3 0 04 06 Broccoli 1 10. 11 16% 0,6 08 BrusselsSprouts$sieve 0 0 0 0 40 60 bet Oo ee PED OP eeD $30 5 0 LrOinsk 3 05 08 PS ce, 70 00 . 0 0 O 0} Potatoes .....:...bushel 2 6 4 6 1 0 2 O0{Radishes doz bunches 0 0 0 O 0 6 1 0}Rhbubard ......... 00 00 : 1 0 8 OF Bavoys .. 006900 1 3 2 6] Sea-kale . 00 00 Fennel .... 0 3 O 0} Spinach.... $0 6 0 Garlic and Shallots, lb. 0 8 0 04 Tomatoes ner he Maa REEDS Wi. ciear vee punch 0 3 0 0/| Turnips............bunch 0 8 0 0 Horseradish ... bundle 2 6 6 0} VegetableMarrowsdoz, 2 0 3 0 TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Sutton & Sons, Reading.—Autuinn Catalogue of Inported Flower Roots, Geraniums, Carnations, Fruit Trees, and Seeds for Early Sowing. ; 198 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ September 6, 1884. E. Verdier, fils aint, Horticulteur, 3 Rue Dunois, Boule- yard, de la Gare d’Ivry, Paris.—Trade Catalogue of Gladioli and other Bulbs.—Trade Catalogue of Tree and Herbaceous Peonies, &c. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. EsicRATION To New Zeaanp.—‘* E. W.” would be obliged by any infor- mation relative to emigration to New Zealand, and especially whether it is desirable for a gardener. Low Waces (S. R., Kent).—Gardeners’ wages, like all others, are regu- lated by the relative amounts of demand and supply. No combination can compel a master to give 20s. if he can obtain as skilled a workman for l6s. ; and he would be able to do go because no combinations can be general. Strikes and unions always end in great privations to the workman, and in his succumbing at last. Bunsen’s Burners.—‘‘ G. S.” will be obliged by our correspondent ssa. W. W.” (June 7th), stating where Bunsen’s burners are to be obtained, and their price. York FLower SHow (0. Kennaway).—We cannot criticise in any way the statement made by our contemporary. Massrnc Cotours (Mrs. Osborne).—There is no practical book upon the subject. Many relative papers have been published in this Journal, and we are always ready to criticise and suggest alterations in modes of planting submitted to us for the purpose. We cannot furnish details, we can only point out defects. CENTAUREA CANDIDISSIMA SEED (Irish Lady).—It will grow from seed, and that most freely, but the difficulty is to procure the seed. ‘We donot know of whom it may be procured, in fact we rather think it is not yet in the trade. When you obtain seed we shall be most happy to teil you when and how to sow it to produce plants. Fonevs 1n Tan (Orchidophilus).—The fungus complained of is perfectly the tan briskly with a piece of wood whilst it is in its frothy state. Salt will also kill it, and injure the roots of everything it comes in contact with; but nothing is so destructive to the fungus as quicklime. Fern SporEs—HsmptTon CounT VINE—WoORE ON THE VINE (Ruby).— The fronds may be rubbed between the hands over the pot until they become so much dust, and then laid on the surface. It is the dust which the spore- cases contain that produces the plants. and if a quantity of that dust (which is the spores) fall on the soil, it is sufficient without picking off the large brown specks, which as likely do not as do contain spores. The Hampton Court will do well in a cool vinery, and so will any of the Hamburghs, except the Muscat and Golden Hamburghs. tainly a good variety of Hamburch, but we consider the Victoria, and Pope’s Hamburgh superior to it. We have in the press a book on the Vine, which will be published shortly, and it is likely to suit you. We are obliged by the Nasturtium seeds, which we fear are not sufficiently ripened to germi- nate. but if they do we will let you know about this time next year what we think of it. Grarrinc AzAtras (W. H.).—We cannot advise you to graft Azaleas in September, but the operation may be performed at that time if the stock be growing, otherwise it is doubtful whether the graft willtake or not. The grafts should be inserted in the strong healthy parts of the stem, their age is immaterial if only they be clean and free in growth. BupvEp Manetti Stocss (Country Curate).—The bud should not be covered with soil, for the moss is sufficient to keep the stock moist and cause | the sap to flow into the bud. You have done quite right to shorten the shoots of the stock, but they must not be stopped too closely, otherwise the bud will be forced into growth, perhaps, late in the autumn, which is a drawback rather than a gain. In spring, after the bud has grown, cover the stock with soil a few inches higher than the bud, this will probably cause roots to be emitted from that part, and you will have a plant fed by the stock, with the advantage of being on its own roots as well. You may take up the stocks budded with tender kinds of Roses, pot them, and winter in a cold frame, or protect the buds in winter from the severity of the weather by wrapping some hay loosely round them. Ggapes SHRIVELLING (S. #.).—The Black and Grizzly Frontignan are about the tenderest of Grapes. Neither of them will bear heavy cropping without being liable either to shrivel or shank ; and for both the soil should have more calcareous matter, as old lime rubbish, bricks, and lumps of stone, than would be requisite for other kinds. In such a season as we have had in the south, watering the borders would be an advantage. In damp summers such Grapes and Chasselas Mtisqué would be better if the borders were covered with sashes to keep them dry. The Frontignans in pots would have been benefited by weak manure waterings when the fruit was swelling, but as it is now ripening the manure waterings could do little good. If the crop is heavy removing a few bunches might help to keep the rest from withering away. Apricot TREEs 1n Pots (Z. Z.)-—Not only does Mr. Rivers produce an abundance of fine and well-ripened Apricots in pots without these haying their bottoms knocked out, but we have so grown them ourselves. Konica maritima (J. A.).—This is the same as Alyssum maritimum and Glyce maritima. The plant is now generally allowed to form the genus Koniga. Fiorist ANP Pomotocist (G. H.).—The Autumn Nelis will be described under Graham’s Autumn Nelis, it being the desire of the raiser that his mame should be associated with it. The Editors would be too glad to adopt the course you desire, but it is not a remunerative one, and they do not see their way to any alteration in the price. If those whose interest it was to have supported the experiment the Editors so liberally attempted had done their duty, the plan need not have been relinquished. Names or Fruit (J. M. Sadler).—1l, Louise Bonne of Jersey; 2, Croft Castle; 3, Gansel’s Bergamot; 4, Ne Plus Meuris. (P./.MU.).—1, Ambrosia ; 2, 4, 8, 9, 15, Beurré Diel; 3, 6, 16, Uvyedale’s St. Germain; 5, Poire Figue; 10, Napoleon ; 12, Easter Beurré; 13, Norfolk Besfing ; 17, Ne Plus Meutris. The Hampton Court is cer- | Jacopza Liry Harpy (Jacobea Lily).—You are quite right in your statement that Mr. Beaton, at page 130, vol. i., of Tne Corrace Gar- DENER, affirms that this Lily ‘‘Is found to be quite hardy in England if planted in front of a greenhouse, or in dry earth everywhere, if planted 6 inches below the surface ;” but he goes on to say that it never flowers unless taken up in autumn. We really do not perceive what information you require more than Mr. Beaton has recorded. CtotH or Gord GERANIUM Famine (A Constant Reader).—We grow this Geranium, and find it rather more tender than Tom Thumb or Tren- tham Scarlet. Itis a fine plant for an edging to beds, and has an excellent effect in chain and ribbon-borders. We think thet in your case something very obnoxious to the rcots is present in the soil in rather large quantity, or the leaves would not wither and die off as you represent. This Geranium likes a rather dry light soil, but in other respects its treatment does not differ from that of bedding Geraniums generally, except in its requiring to be taken up and potted a fortnight earlier in autumn, for cold rains maké sad havoc amoug the foliage; and it ought not to be planted out so soon in summer by ten days or a fortnight. Maxine a Fruir GARDEN—PROTECTING Fruit Trees (H. C.).— We agree with your plan so far as regards planting the wall 100 feet long and 10 feet high with Peach and Nectarine trees, and we know of no reason why you should not plant some part of the space with the other fruits named; but we do not approve of your plan of having a fixed frame of iron wire netting to protect them from birds. Recently we had an inquiry whether these contrivances would answer for protecting the blossoms of fruit trees from frost in spring and the fruit from the attacks of birds. We are glad to have an opportunity of disabusing our readers of such an idea, and to observe that the buds and fruit of the Peach and Nectarine are rarely if ever.preyed upon by the feathered tribe; that wire netting affords no protection to the bloom from spring frosts; that birds do not devour the buds of Strawberries and Raspberries, and consequently the netting is of no use for them at any period except when the fruitis ripening; that from the time of the fruit being ripe to that of the leaves falling birds do not prey on the buds of Cherry trees, Currants, and Gooseberries—the wire netting is consequently of no value at that time, but obstructs much of the sun’s light and heat, so necessary to the perfecting of the wood and maturation of the fruit-buds, on which depend next vear’s prospects ; lastly, that half-inch wire netting fixed over fruit trees will obstruct one-sixth of the sun’s light and heat, and harmless, though unsightly. It may be destroyed by moving the surface of | whilst it will not prevent the attacks of insects it will effectually shut out their natural enemies the birds. Had we such a space of 32 feet in width and so good a wall, we would in the first place exemine the soil, and if it was drained of superfluous water, and of a moderately stiff nature, we would merely trench the ground two spits deep. If not drained we would run one drain up the middle of the space ata depth of 4 feet; and if sandy, light, and poor we would add some stiif loam, give a good dressing of cow- dung, and though trenching it we would tread it firm. We would then plant Peach and Nectarine trees 20 feet apart, the first tree 10 feet from one end, and the remainder 20 feet apart, so that five trees would be necessary. These may be 1 Royal George, 1 Grosse Micnonne, 1 Noblesse, and 1 Early York Peach, and 1 Elruge or 1 Violette Hative Nectarine. The produce when the trees were in full bearing would be about 1000 Peaches and Nec- | tarines. The most suitable material to protect the bloom from frost is woollen netting with quarter-inch meshes. This may be purchased at about 8d. per yard; butif you do not mind the expense, the dest thing that could be done would be to cover the wall with glass. Having a good back wall, you wwould only need upright posts in fron which should be left 4 feet out of the ground, and be covered with three-quarter-inch deals, the uppermost but one being hung on hinges for ventilation. The sashes would be 20 inches apart—that is, the rafters, for we would dispense with the sash system altogether, leaving a space at top 2 feet wide, which would be fitted with a glazed frame to open the full length of the house by lifting up. Glazed and fitted up in every way as a lean-to house 15 feet wide, 10 feet high at back, and 4 feet in front, an admirable fruit-house might be constructed. Peaches and Nectarines might occupy the back wall, 6 feet from which you might have a row of Peaches and Nectarines in pots, or planted out 4 feet apart, and trained as pyramids; 3 feet from these towards the front there might be a row of Plums as bushes, and 3 feet from these again a Tow of Cherries, planted in quincunx fashion. A house of this kind would be far preferable to a wire cage. With but ordinary management it would afford some very fine fruit, whilst if well managed it would be profitable as well as afford a delightful occupation. If you do not approve of this, which would not cost much more than a useless wire cage, we would plant the Peach trees as before stated, and 4 feet from the wall mark ont a bed 4 feet wide, and plant it with Eclipse Strawberries. We would then leave a two- feet alley, and have another bed 4 feet wide, and in this plant La Constante and Keens’ Seedling Strawberries ; then another four-feet bed with a tywo- feetalley between it and its neighbour, and in this plant a row of pyramidal Cherries 6 feet apart, and two rows of British Queen Strawberries. 3 Feet from the edge of this bed we would plant a row of Fastolf Raspberries 3 feet apart, and 4 feet from it a row of Black Currants and Red: Currants, which would leave space in front for one row of Gooseberries ultimately, but two to begin with. Now, for protecting the Strawberries nothing surpasses ordinary netting, such as herring-nets, which may be purchased for a mere trifle per yatd; but for the Cherries, Raspberries, Currants, and Goose- berries wire netting is better. We advise you to employ nets of any kind but sparingly, and never except when absolutely necessary, and then they should be made moveable; and it is for you to decide whether flexible netting would not be much more handy and also more economical than wire netting. In conclusion we would say, presuming you to have the house, you would plant a row of Raspberries in the ground in front of the house, and 4 feet from it; at a like distance from these a row of Black and Red Currants; 3 feet farther off a row of Gooseberries; and in front of ail, three rows of Strawberries, the first 3 feet from the Gooseberries, and the other 4 feet from the first. We have no doubt but that either of these arrangements would afford you a quantity of ripe fruit. Pink Loseria (E. ZL. W.).—Kermesina Lobelia is as dwarf and compact as speciosa, but when true reddish pink; it should be increased by cuttings, as, when raised from seed, the seedlings vary in habit and shade. We haye pretty well decided on not using it freely for one reason—there is No means of keeping birds from it when young, unless stringing it or netting it over, ‘As soon as the pink flowers showed away went flower and plant too, unless firmly fastened. When the plants are fully established the birds do not touch them. They served ys with this Lobelia exactly as they did with, young seedlings of Beet, September 6, 1864, ] Aquarics In Pors (Rughy).—You may grow some in pots or pans without holes in them, or these closed up, if you place a few inches of stiff loam at the bottom. We have grown many kinds in pans, 1 foot 6 inches wide and 1 foot deep, without any holes of course at the bottom, this and the outside being glazed. At the bottom we placed from 4 to 6 inches of stiff loam two-thirds, and spongy boggy peat one-third, and in this compost we put in the plants, one or more in each according to the size, making them secure with a few stones upon the roots, or fastening them with pegs. Sufficient water was then added to allow of the leaves floating, or just covering them if of erect - habit, adding more water as growth advanced until the pan was full to the brim, Aquatics require a light and airy situation, and the temperature necessary for the species. Rain water is the most suitable for them, though hard water will do if exposed to the atmosphere some time prior to using it. You name Pontederas, of which Pontedera cordata and P. angusti- folia are all but if not quite hardy, but they do well ina greenhouse tem- perature; P. azurea, from Jamaica, requires a warm greenhouse; and P. lanceolata a temperature of at least 45° in winter to do well; P. crassipes, from Guiana, requires the heat of a warm stove; and P. dilatata the or- dinary heat of a stove ; Thalia dealbata, from South Carolina, does well in a warm greenhouse. In addition to these you may have Richardia ethiopica maculata, a fine-leaved kind, and the species; Peltandra vir- giniana, the majestic Papyrus elegans, the Two-spined Water Caltrops (Trapa bispinosa), which is a biennial; the Two-horned (T. bicornis), a perennial from China; Sagittaria graminea, S. Doniana, and S. lancifolia. Insects, Destroyine (V7. G. C.).—Syringing the foliage of the Dianthus with tobacco water made by pouring a gallon of boiling water on an ounce of shag tobacco will free them of the aphis, but it may be necessary to repeat the dose. Water freely at the roots with weak liquid manure, which may be made by dissolving 2 ozs. of guano in a gallon of rain water, and this with frequent sprinklings of water overhead should enable your plants to outgrow the enemy. As the seeds of the Kaulfussia did not come up they must have been bad or sown too deeply. Insects had nothing to do with destroying them. Give the ground a dressing of qnicklime in the spring, orin the autumn if the ground be then dug, and another dressing of soot in the Spring, which should be mixed with the soil or forked-in, and this will improve the soil and render it distasteful to worms and grubs. FLOWER-GARDEN PLan (J. W. Boyd).—We have no fault whatever to find with the proposed plan of the ower garden iu front of the range of houses. Such a plan would look best with slate, stone, or Box edgings, and gravel between. There scarcely seems room enough for grass between the beds. Well planted, the pair of similar groups, of five clumps each, would look _ well. We cannot say so much for the proposed arrangement on the south and lower level of lawn. Why should the Wellingtonia be placed in the centre of the diamond in the middle? and what beauty can there be in the four acute-angled triangles round it? As the Pinus tribe flourish so well with you, suppose that you place the Wellingtonia on the open lawn, and two Araucarias and two Deodars in the four corners, so as to give them room to grow, and then have a couple of ovals or circles for the Sikkim Rhododendrons. The roundness of their outline will contrast favourably With the acute angles on the upper terrace, but which there are quite at home. Were the inner platform made into a flower garden, we would have a different style from that adopted on the upper platform. We are pleased to hear of the health of the Vines, Araucarias, Rhododendrons, &c. The only explanation which we can offer as to your not finding flower-garden plans at the pages you mention, is that you must have taken up the wrong volume. The references are quite correct as applied to Vol. VI., to which they belong. Watt Trens Inresrep witn INsects (S. 7.).—Any time after the leaves have fallen up to the middle of February undo the trees from the wall, and if the mortar be much perisbed point up the nail-holes; and when this is done paint the wall from top to bottom with half a peck of lime, an equal quantity of soot, and 2 lbs. of sulphur vivum, made into the consistency of thick paiat by a sufficiency of urine heated to boiling point. This solution Well rubbed into every hole and crevice of the wall will be a dish that few insects like, In addition to this the trees should be dressed with a solution of sulphur vivum 2 Ibs., soft soap 21bs.,and 1 lb. of the strongest shag tobacco. Boil the tobacco in water for an hour and let it stand until cool, then Strain, and dissolve the soft soap in it, and add the sulphur and sufficient hot water to make it five gallons.at a temperature of 160°. With this paint every shoot and stem, rubbing ‘it well into every hole and crevice of the bark and joints of the wood, being careful not to dislodge the fruit-buds, The wash shoud be applied with a brush, and in winter before the buds begin to swell. An effectua\ mode of exterminating ants is to mix arsenic with sugar and water to the consistency of treacle, or equal quan- tities of honey and arsenic, either of which the ants greedily devour; but care must be taken that no animal have access to it. Guano will drive them away, and lime water will dislodge them. See remarks on this subject in Nos. 178 and 179. Names or Puants (A. W.).—Your “Thistle” is not a Thistle, but Trago- pogon pratensis, or yellow Goat’s-beard. The other plant is Helianthemum vulgare, common Rock-rose or Dwarf Cistus. (Alpha, Acton).—1, Poly- podium vulgare cambricum; 2, Lastrea dilatata. (2. F.).—1, Spiranthes autumnalis; 2, Asplenium trichomanes ; 3, Doodia caudata; 4, Onychium auratum ; 5, Doodia media. (M. D., Richmond).—Your plant is not a trua Bignonia, but belongs to the allied genus Pithecoctenium. As far as we can make out it is an undescribed species, but we will endeavour to ascertain More about it. The flowering of the Ailanthus is not an uncommon event. EE POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE, 9 THE AGRICULTURAL HALL SHOW AND THE POULTRY CLUB. T pip not intend to enter into the above controversy, but the letter of “AN Exuterror” demands some notice, so I trust you will allow me a short space in your columns. What the motive can be for attacking the Show I cannot conceive. I believe the Show to be got up on the most im- partial principle, and the fact of asking the Club to select JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 199 judges fully bears that out. The Club, we know, has many enemies, but I am pleased to say treble the number of friends ; and, as a member of it, I fearlessly assert its sole object is “a fair field, and that the best birds may win.” Its rules, with which so much fault is found, I admit are not faultless; but, then, my principle is not to cry the whole thing down, but join, and then remedy the fault. Poultry shows are surely few enough (at least, of this stamp), and keep getting less, so that, instead of opposing, it should be the earnest desire of all exhibitors to work together to establish such Shows as these on a sound and firm basis. © I fearlessly maintain a more suitable building, or a better manager than Mr. Douglas (if his equal), cannot be found. As regards the appointment of Judges, I, for one—and I never heard but the one opinion—consider it far better the Judges’ names should not be published, or that even they should be selected so long in advance. Three gentlemen will be at Islington of well-acknowledged repute, and who have the confidence of exhibitors in general. They were once large and most successful breeders, though now retiring from the arena as exhibitors. “An Exurpitor” seems hard put to, to find fault when he wants to know who guarantees the payment of the prizes. Have the former Shows broken faith with their supporters ? I challenge “An Exurprror” to prove anything at all against them; and I doubt not, if there be many of his class, which I do not for one moment suspect there are, the whole of the money would be lodged in some bank, or the Editors’ hands. In conclusion, I would fain urge exhibitors to pull together and support such Shows, and not condemn anything with- out a trial. I trust to see such a gathering that has never before been witnessed in the metropolis.—A SrrwarRpD. DEWSBURY POULTRY AND PIGEON EXHIBITION. YEAR by year this Show has risen in public estimation, and without a doubt the meeting just held has been the most successful of any. This is a matter of congratulation, but at the same time it is the just reward of the efforts made by the directing Committee; and with care it is pro- bable that the Dewsbury future shows will stand high in the ranks of our poultry exhibitions. There is one little comment to be made on the arrange- ments. The pens might be improved; and as the wirework is fast becoming imperfect, we would suggest in future shows either to renew it altogether, or to provide new wire folding-pens. These would soon give a return of the first outlay if lent out to neighbouring shows on hire, or even, in fact, by the advantages they would afford to the Dewsbury Show alone, if laid by from year to year. August 31st, the day of the Show, was one of those eccentric vicissitudes of weather for which our fatherland is so proverbial. At the earliest dawn everything promised most favourably. About six o’clock A.m. a scudding shower caused alittle anxiety, but it was so transient that all fears were soon banished by a temporary sunshine. At eight, however, the most gloomy apprehensions were hopelessly indulged in by the reputedly weatherwise. It rained for an hour incessantly, and so violently that the workmen employed could not possibly go on, and every one deplored the now apparent certainty of complete failure. Every object as far as the eye could reach was completely drenched, and as an aged agriculturist ob- served in our hearing, “this is a glorious rain for our turnips and pasture lands, but it’s certainly settled the Show.” We, as did all others, rejoiced to find his prophecy unfulfilled, for between nine and ten a good sharp breeze arose, the sun shone with redoubled power, the roads and grass were soon equally dry, matters progressed rapidly, and though the Show was a little delayed, the event proved that, nothing daunted, one continuous throng of visitors filled the grounds from midday to nightfall. As to the quality of the Poultry and Pigeons all were exceedingly good, but the old birds did not show to the advantage they will do when they have attained full feather. We purpose, therefore, confining our remarks to a few only of the principal pens that had somewhat renewed their plumage. In Cochins Miss Beldon exhibited some first-rate 200 Buffs both old and young; and the same was equally the case with the White Cochins shown by Mr. Dawson, of Hopton, Mirfield. Among the many excellent chickens shown we must briefly allude to both the Golden and Silver-spangled Hamburghs of Miss Beldon, for they are such as augur many triumphs yet to come. Mr. Dyson’s Black Red Game chickens (en 60), were equally praiseworthy—in fact, as good as any yet shown this year, and very early ones. The Game sweeps for single cocks were as nearly a failure as could well be imagined, two of the so-called “sweepstakes” containing only a single entry, and the third having but two birds in competition. The great uncertainty of getting up a compe- tition by the sweepstakes arrangements brings them day by day into greater public disfavour. If not more freely supported, as a matter of course, Committees of poultry shows have no alternative save to abandon them altogether ; for to call a bird a “winner” when there are none to dispute his title, and again to win only his own entry fee back, deducting expenses (as enforced by the schedules issued for these classes), is ill-calculated to increase the popularity of such “sweepstakes.” Before concluding our remarks on the poultry we cannot forbear a brief allusion to the class in which a “Committee’s silver cup’? was given for the best pen of poultry (any breed) in the Exhibition, but to be specially entered at increased fees for this class, though still enjoying the privilege of competing in their respective classes also; or exhibitors could enter singly for this cup only. A very spirited and capital competition of twelve first- rate pens ensued, embracing many of the principal prize- winners in the previous arbitrations. Mr. Cannan, of Brad- ford, was the winner with a beautiful pen of Spanish chickens, but very closely pressed by neariy the whole of the twelve competitors. Asa single cup was only to be awarded, and these prize birds had still to take their places in their original positions after the cup was awarded, no high com- mendation was recorded in this special class, as it would have only led to many misapprehensions if found attached to pens already boasting a first or second prize in their own variety, otherwise every one was well deserving of this especial recognition of good quality. The Pigeons were good, but the very heavy gale of wind was much against them; the Carriers evidently becoming almost blinded by its effects. This variety of Pigeon, when confined within its power, suffers seriously from continuous wind ; so much so as sometimes to be permanently injured. Cocnin-Caina.—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Second, W. Dawson, Hopton. Chickens.—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, W. Dawson. Highly Commended, R. Wade, Halifax. SpanisH.—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. Highly Commended, R. J. Wood, Manchester. Chickens.—First, W. Cannan. Second, J. Vickerman, Chickenley. Commended, E. Brown, Sheffield. Dorxinc.—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, E. Leach, Rochdale. Chickens, =—Prize, E. Leach. Hamsburcu (Golden-spangled).— First, Miss E. Beldon. Cannan, Bradford. Chickens.— First, Holmfirth. Hamspureu (Silver-spangled).—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Second, BB Bradford. Chickens.—First, W. Cannan. Second, Miss E. don. Hampurcu (Gvulden-pencilled).—First, J. Sunderland, Coley, Halifax. Second, Miss E. Beldon. Chickens.—Prize. Miss E. Beidon. Hamevurex (Silver-pencilied). — First, Miss E. Beldon. €annan. Chickens.— Prize, Miss E. Beldon. Poxtanp (Gold or Silver-spangled).—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Chickens.—First and Second, W. Newsome, Bingley. Poxanp (Any other variety).—First, W. Newsome. Beldon. Chickens.—Prize, W. Newsome. _ Game (Black-breasted and other Reds). — First, E. Beldon, bingley. Second, H. Snowden, Bradford. Chickens.—¥irst, T. Dyson, Halifax. Second, W. Miss E. Beldon. Second, H. Carter, Second, W. Second, Miss E. Second, J. Fell, Adwalton. Highly Commended, J. D. Newsome, Batley; | J. Imeson, Staincliffe ; J. Vickerman, Chickenley. Commended, J, Sunder- land, Coley, Halifax. Gane (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Second, J. Fell. Chickens.—First, J. Fell. Second, H. Snowden. ‘Commended, T. Vickerman, Gamer (White and Piles).—First, J. Sunderland. Second, H. C. Mason, Drighlington. Chickens.—Prize, W. Whiteley, Liversedge. Game (Black and Brassy-winged, except Greys).—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Second, J. Oldroyd, Dewsbury Moor. Chickens.—First and Second, J. D. Newsome, Batley. Bantams (Gold and Silver-laced).—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, Miss E. Beldon. Bantams (Black and Silver-laced). — First, C. A, Ridgway. Second, W. Cannan. Banrams (White and Silver-laced).—First and Second, S. Schofield, Heck- mondwike. Bantams (Game).—First, C. Lister, Mirfield. Second, W. T. Entwistle. Axy Breep not Mentionep.—First, J. D. Newsome, Batley. Second, C. Lister, Mirfield. Highly Commended. Miss E. Beldon, Bingley; W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Commended, E. Leach, Rochdale. Chickens,—First, H. Lacy, Hebden Bridge. Second, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { September 6, 1864. Ducks (White).—First, E. Leach, Rochdale. Bingley. at Dues (Rouen).—First, E. Leach, Rochdale. Second, J. D. Newsome, atley. Gresr.—First and Second, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. é Sweepstakes Cock (Any Colour).—Prize, H. G. Mason, Drighlington. SWEEpsTAKE Game CocKEREL.—First, H, ©, Mason. Second, T. Vicker- man, Chickenley. SWEEPSTAKE GaME Bantam Cock (Any Colour).—Prize, Wallis & Old- royd, Dewsbury. Second, Miss E. Beldon, PIGEONS. Powtrn.—Cock.—First, H. Brown, Sheffield. Second, Miss Bingley. Hen.—First, H. Snowden. Second, Miss E. Beldon. Carriers —Cock.—First, J. Firth, jun., Dewsbury. Second, J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Hen. — First, J. Firth, jun. Second, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Tumpiers (Almond).—Prize, H. Snowden. TumBLERs (Any other variety).—First. H. Snowden, Bradford. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Tcreits.—First, H. Yardley. Second, Miss E. Beldon. Commended, H. Brown, Sheffield. Jacopins.—First, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Second, H. Yardley, Bir- mingham, TRUMPETERS.—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, F. Key, Beverley. Ow1s.—First, J. W. Edge, Second, Miss E. Beldon. Highly Cmmended, H. Brown, Sheffield. Barss. — First, J. Firth, jun, Dewsbury. Seeond, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Commended, J. Firth, jun.; H. Yardley, Birmingham. Fanratts.—First, J. Firth, jun., Dewsbury. Second, J. W. Edge, Bir- mingham. Nwuns.—Prize, J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Coxmon.—First and Second, J. Vickerman, Chickenley. Wallis & Oldroyd, Dewsbury. ANY OTHER VaRieTy.—First, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Beldon. E. Beldon, Commended, Second, Miss E. Raxzits.—Lop-eared.—First, W. H. Firth. Second, J. W. Nutter, Dews- } bury. For Colowy.—First, C. A. Ridgway. Second, J. Squires, Rothwell. For Weight.—Prize, T. Smith, Dewsbury Moor. é Srrver Cup For Best Pex IN TSE EXursition.—W. Cannan (Spanish Chickens). JupcEs.—Mr. Thompson, of Saint Ann’s, near Halifax; and Mr. Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, near Birmingham. ‘HALIFAX AND CALDER VALE POULTRY SHOW. Tue twenty-sixth annual Exhibition took place on Satur- day the 27th ultimo, in Clare Hall Park, Halifax, which had been kindly lent for the occasion by Joshua Appleyard, Esq. The day was beautifully fine, and the attendance of visitors very great, the Park being densely crowded in every part. The arrangements were admirable in every respect. Poultry numbered 383, and Pigeons 137 pens. Spanish were good classes, Messrs. Cannan, Rodbard, and Beldon each exhibiting specimens of great merit. The first- prize chickens, we thought, should scarcely have been so hich in the list, for, although good, the second-prize pen contained a superior cockerel and a good pullet. Dorkings did not show to advantage; the prize pens were of average quality in adults, while the chickens contained some good birds. In Cochins Miss Beldon, Captain Heaton, and Mr. Stretch took the prizes for Buffs with capital pens—indeed. seldom have such really good birds competed at an agricultural show. In Any other variety of Cochins first prizes were awarded to Partridge, Whites taking second. Brahmas numbered twenty pens, ten in each class, and Mr. Lacy outdistanced competition in both classes with splendid dark-coloured pens. For the best Game Cock: or Cockerel Mx. Fleteher had the silver cup, value five ouineas, with a maenificent Brown Red cock well shown, Black Reds taking second and third, a splendid Brown Red and a Duckwing receiving high com- mendation. The first-prize single Game cockerel shown by Mr. Dyson, a Black Red, deserved his position, though we fancied him too much cramped in foot. In Black Red Game Mr. Brierley’s first-prize pen in old birds was good; and Mr. Crosland’s first-prize chickens were very promising, while the second contained a bad-footed cockerel. In Brown Reds Mr. Aykroyd took first with a capital pen, the hen being unusually good. The chickens of the same colour were a wretched lot. The cockerel in the first-prize pen was duck- clawed, and poor in every respect. Old Duckwings were in force though much out of feather, the first and second pens being most noticeable. In chickens of the same colour Mr. | Aykroyd ’s first-prize pen was splendid—the pullet of unusual. \ September 6, 1864. ] excellence, the cockerel capital in colour and shape, though requiring more development—a better pen we have seldom a In Any other Game, good Blacks were first in the old class. ‘In Polands White-crested Blacks, shown naturally, were first, Silver second. In chickens Silvers were first; the other two prizes being awarded to White-crested Blacks, the third- ce pen being excellent, and should have taken a higher grade. Hamburghs were numerous and good, this district being noted for these varieties, the Golden-spangled and Silver- spangled deserving especial mention. Miss Beldon had a large proportion of the prizes with pens wonderful in condi- tion, and of great merit. _ Any other distinct breed brought out Mr. Dawson’s beau- tiful Sultans in old birds. In chickens Andalusian took first. The prize Game Bantams were capital; and the Laced and Other variety class contained many good pens. Mrs. Seamons added another triumph to her list in Ayles- bury Ducks. The Rouen were, however, superior in quality, the first and second pens more especially. Geese and Turkeys were an average lot. The following is the prize list :— Spanisn.—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, J. R.Rodbard, Wrington, Bristol. Third, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Ch ickens.—First, J. R. Rodbard, Second, W. Cannan. Third, Miss E. Beldon. Dorxine.— First, W. Gaman, Thornton-le-Moors. Second, Miss E. Beldon, Bingley. Third, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Chickens.—First, C. W. Brierley. Second and Third, Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleveland. Highly Commended, Miss E. Beldon. Cocrty-Cuina (Cinnamon or Buff ).—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, E. Smith, Middleton. Third, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Chickens.—First, Capt. Heaton, Manchester. Second, T. Stretch. Third, Miss E. Beldon. Highly Commended, C. E. Risdale, Skircoat; C. T. Bishop, Lenton, Nottingham. Cocuiy-Cu1na (Any other variety ).—First, T. Stretck (Partridge). Second, Mle os, ae uyaite)- Third, W. Bowley, Cirencester. Chickens.— , LT. Strete artridge). Second, W: Dawson (White). Thir 7 Wade, Halifax. f a ; } eigen BrRauMa Poorra.—First and Second, H Lacy, Hebden Bridge. Third, Mrs. Seamons, Aylesbury. Chickens.—First, Second, and Highly Com- mended, H. Lacy. Third, T. Pomfret, Preston, Highly Commended, Mrs. Seamons. Game Cock or Cockrret, (Any colour).—Cup, J. Fletcher, Manchester. Second, W. Boyes, Beverley. Third, T. Bottomley, Shelf. Highly Com- mended, Miss E. Beldon; H. Adams, Beverley. Game CockEre (Any colour).—First, T. Dyson, Walifax. Mason, Leeds. Third, G. Noble, Dewsbury. Gamer (Black-breasted Reds).—First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second, He Seca a ie Coley, Hall. Third, J. Firth, Ellen’s Grove. Chickens.— ist, J. Crossland, jun., Wakefield. Second and ird, T. Si ali Commmenaeee eo 5 d and Third, T. Dyson, Halifax. Game (Brown-breasted and other Reds).—First, E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Second, W. Gaman, Thornton-le-Moors. Third, Miss E. Beldon. mae J. Firth, Second, J. Crossland, jun. Third, R Hemingway, 4 Game (Duckwing, Grey, and Blue).—First, D. Crossley, Haley Hill. Second, E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Third, W. Bentley, Cleckheaton. Highly Commended, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Chickens.—First, E. Aykroyd. Second, H. Snowden, Horton. Third, G. Hartley, Leeds. Gamu (Any other variety).—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, J. Hanson, Hipperholme. Third, Master D. Edwards, Fixby Park. Chickens.—First Bey CNM Second, G. Noble, Dewsbury. Third, B. Naylor, Heckmond- Pouanp.—First, H. Carter, Holmfiith. Second and Highly Commended Miss E. Beldon. Third, J, Smith, Keighley. Chickens.—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, H. Carter. Third, J. Smith. Hamevren (Golden-pencilled).—First, R. Hemingway, Shelf. Second, Ss. Smith, Northewram. Third, J. Hollings, Horton Bank Top. Chickens, —First, S. Smith. Second, R. Hemingway. Third, Miss BE. Beldon. Hamturcu (Silver-pencilled).—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Third, J. Sunderland, jun. Chickens.—First and Third, W. Maude, Bingley. Second, Miss E. Beldon. Highly Commended, J. Stell, Keighley. HamburcH (Golden-spangled).— First, Miss E. Beldon. ‘Second, W. ceten, pyator, See J. Andrews, Ashton-under-Lyne. Chickens.— ', IN. Marlor. Manchester. Second, J. G. Sugden i ir oh Fickles, Siaitivwaite. Da ee RRR eae AMBURGH (Silver-spangled).—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Thir Mrs. H. Sharp, Bradford. Chickens.— First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, we an, Bradford. Third, Mrs, H. Sharp. ig bs - - ae arp. Highly Commended, C. Cow. Hampureus (Any other variety).—First and Second, Miss E. Beldon. Third, C. Pease, Darlington. Chickens.—First, J, Hargreayes, Skipton. Second, Miss E. Beldon. Third, S. Briggs, Holywell Green. Any Orser Distincy BREED FXCFPT Bantams.—First, W. Dawson, Mir- fiela (The Sultan’s fowls). Second, C. W. Brierley. Third, C. Lister, Mir- field (Silkies). Chickens.—First, W. Barber, Oyenden (Andalusian). Second M. Smith, Ainleys (Malays). Third, C. Lister (Silkies). i Bantams (Game).—First, G. Noble, Staincliffe, Dewsbury. Second, J. Seen aes Wyaretiel, anes, ee M. stark 6, Claremont Terrace, Hull. NTAMS (Gold or Silver-laced Sebii: .—Firs: in iss pewen, Second, W. Cannan. a eum Ona BANTAMS (Any other variety).—First, W-. Cannan, 5 Third, 8. Schofield, Hee es ‘ rat Se eae Ducks (Aylesbury).—First and Second, Mrs. Seamons, Hartwell, Ayles- bury. Third, F. M. Hindle, Bury New Road, Haslingden. Ducks (Rouen).—First and Second, S. Briggs. Third, G. Noble. Ducks (Any other yariety),—First, 8. Briggs (Wild). Second, J. Oates, Pellon. Third, J. R. Jesvop, Beverley Road, Hull Wild). Second, H.C. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Chickens, | 201 GrESE.—First, W. K. Duxbury, 9, Primrose Road, Leeds. Second and Third, H. Edwards, M.P., Pye Nest (Canadian Geese), TurKEys.—First, C. W. Brierley. Second, Hon. Lady Hawke, Womersley Park, Pontefract. Third, W. Cannan. SeLiine Crass (Any Breed).—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, W. Smith, Beech Hill. Third, S. Briggs (Golden-pencilled Hamburghs). PIGEONS. In the Pigeon department the classes were well filled. Powters were good. In cocks a fine Blue was first; and in hens a lengthy White, rather short in leg, took a similar position. Mr. Eden’s highly commended White cock should have had a step higher. In Carriers Mr. Eden had. it all his own way, for, with the exception of a highly commended Black hen, there was nothing approaching the prize birds in either of the classes. The first Almonds, and first and second Black Mottled Tumblers were capital. Blue Beards and Black Balds had first and second in the class allotted to them. In Owls fine Whites took the prizes. In Turbits, Silvers in beautiful condition were first; Reds, too coarse, were second; a good pair of Yellows were commended, Good Red Jacobins took first and second in the class for that variety. Fantails were not so good as we have seen. In Barbs the first went to capital Blacks, the cock being de- fective in the colour of the eye, otherwise good in every other point, and accompanied by a fine hen—Yellows were second. Dragons were numerous, the first-prize pen of Blues was not equal to the highly commended pen of the same colour. Trumpeters were not so perfect as are generally shown at Halifax. The mottled cock in the first-prize pen was Mr. Shaw’s famous old bird, accompanied by a poor hen. In Any other breed Blue Shields were first, and Satinettes second. In the selling class Black-headed Nuns were first, and Turbits second. Powrers and Cropprrs.—Cocks.—First, S. Briggs. Second and Highly Commended, P. Eden, Cross Lane, Salford. Highly Commended, C. J. Samuels, Manchester. Hens.—First, H. Snowdon, Horton. Second, W. Smith. Highly Commended, E. Beldon, Gilstead, Bingley, Carniers.—Cocks.—First and Second, P. Eden. Highly Commended, J. Firth, jun., Dewsbury ; B. Consterdine, Littlebrough. Commended, S. Briggs. Hens.—First and Second, P. Eden. Highly Commended, E. Beldon. Tumeters (Almond).—First and Second, P. Eden. Commended, H. Snowdon. TumeELeERs ( Mottled).—First and Second, P. Eden. Commended, S. Briggs. Batps or Brearps —First, H. Yardley. Birmingham. Second, S. Briggs. Owrs.—First and Second, P. Eden. Third, H. Yardley. Highly Com- mended, J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Tunpits.—First and Commended, S. Briggs. Second, J. Wade, Bradshaw Lane, Highly Commended, H. Yardley. Jaconins.—First and Second, S. Briggs. Fantaits.—First, S. Briggs. Second, H. Yardley. Barsgs.—First, W. B. Van Hansbergen, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Highty Commended, P. Eden. Highly Commended, S. Briggs. Dracons.—First, W. Smith. Second, S. Briggs, Highly Commended, J. Wadsworth, Halifax; W. Gaukroger, Halifax; and C. J. Samuels: TRUMPETERS.—First and Second, S. Briggs. Macpies.—First, H. Yardley. Second, 8. Briggs. ANY OTHER BrEED.—First, S. Briggs. Second and Commended H. Yardley. Highly Commended, P.: Eden and C. BE. Ridsdale, Skircoat. SELLING Crass.—First, H. Sunshall, Gedney. Second, W. Massey, Gedney. Jupers.—For Poultry—Mr. Joseph Hindson, Liverpool ; and Mr. Richard Teebay, of Fulwood, Preston. Pigeons.— Mr. H. Weir, London; and Mr. J. W. Thompson, Southow- ram, Halifax. Second and DEANE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S POULTRY SHOW. Tuts Society held their first Show on Wednesday the 31st of August, in a field near the church. The rain fell very heavily in the early part of the day, but the weather after- wards cleared up, and was very fine, and the number of visitors was consequently large. The pens of poultry were not very numerous, but there were some very good birds. The Spanish headed the list, but only one pen was sent. The Dorking were in very bad feather, dark birds being first, and Silver Grey second. The show of Game cocks was: not very good; and 1n the class for cock and two hens, Brown Red took first, and Black Reds second. In the Cochin class there were only two pens, Buffs taking first, and Partridge second. In the Golden-pencilled there were some very good birds ; the first-prize cockerel was beautiful. The Silver-pencilled were not so good. In Golden-spangled only three pens were entered; but in the Silver-spangled class: there were some splendid birds, particularly the pullets in the first-prize pen. In Polands Blacks were first, and Silver 202 second. In the Any variety class only two pens were shown ; the first-prize pen, belonging to Mr. Leach, of Roch- dale, was very good. Of Game Bantams there was a large entry, but the quality was not very good. In Any variety of Bantams Silver-laced took the first prize, and Blacks second. Of Aylesbury Ducks only two pens were shown. Mr. Leach had a very nice pen, their beaks being very good. There was a very large entry of Rouens, and it was a very good class; and in the Any variety class Carolina Ducks took first, and Call Ducks second. Three very nice pens of Geese were shown. The following are the awards :— SpanisH.— Prize, S. Tyldesby, Farnworth. Dorxincs.—First, S. Farrington, Astley. Second, F. Charlton. Game Cocx.—First, J. Turner. Second, S. Farrington. Game Cock anD TWO Hens.—First, C. P. Ackers. Second, J. Turner, Radcliffe. Cocuin-Cui1na.—First, J. Wood, Brinscall Hall. Middleton. HampBurcHs (Golden-pencilled).—First, J. Haselden. Second, T. Wrigby, Middleton. Hameureus (Silver-pencilled).—First, E. Crompton. Deane. Second,. H. Wheeler, Second, J. Platt, Hamevreus (Golden-spangled).— First, N. Marlor, Denton. Second, G. Whittaker. Hampoureus (Silver-spangled).—First, M. Isherwood, Redcliffe. Second, J. Fielding. Poxtanps.—First and Second, S, Farrington. ANY VARIETY.—First, E. Leech (Branbma). Second, F. Bullock, Chowbent (Brahma). Game Bantrams.—First, J. W. Morris, Rochdale. Stoneclough. ANY VARIETY BanTaMs.—First, 8. Farrington. Hytor. Ducks (Aylesbury).—First, E. Leech, Rochdale. Westhoughton. Ducks (Rouen).—First, J. Nelson. Second, T. Wakefield. Ducks (Any other variety).—First, J. Eckersby. Second, C. P. Ackers, Bickershaw. GrrsE.—First, E. Leech. Second, L. Walls. TourkeEys.—Second, E. Leech. First withheld. Extka Srock,—First, T. Bromlow, (Pigeons). Deane. The Judges were Mr. Richard Teebay, Preston ; Mr. Elijah Smith, Middleton. Second, J. Fletcher, Second, J. Eckersby, Second, A. Bowden, Second, W. Markland, WIRRAL FARMERS’ CLUB AUTUMN POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. Tis Show was held in the Birkenhead Park on the 30th of August. The site selected was exceedingly well adapted for the purpose, being on the rising ground on the west side of the lower park. There was also a flower show, which added materially to the attractions of the general Hxhi- bition. Dorxincs.—First, Miss Davis. Second, W. Copple, Prescot. SpanisH.—First, G. Garlick, Rock Ferry. Second, R. Davies, Chester. Game.—First, J. Foden, New Ferry. Second, J. Perren, Birkenhead, HampBurcus.—Prize, G. Garlick. ANY OTHER BreeD.—Prize, F. Kelshaw, Great Crosley. Any Brerep.—Prize, G. Garlick. BantTams.—Prize, G. Maples, Wavertree, Cocuin-Curnas.—First and Second, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Ducss (Aylesbury).—Prize, W. Innman, Upton. Ducks (Rouen).—First, T. Stretch. Second, A. Woods, Sefton. GEESE (Grey).—Prize, Lady Cust, Leaston Castle. GerEsE (White).—Prize, Miss F. H. Congreve, Burton. TuRKEYS.—First, Miss Davies. Second and Highly Commended, W. Dayies, Lower Bebbington. PicErons.— Carriers.— First and Second, W. Stalker, Liverpool. Powters. —First and Secona, D. Thwaite, Rock Ferry. Almonds.—First, W. Stalker. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Fantails.—First, D. Thwaite. Second, H. Yardley. Jacobins.—First, T. D. Walker, Hoylake. Second, D. Thwaite. Blue Rocks.— First and Second, D. Thwaite. The Judges for Poultry and Pigeons were Mr. Hindson, of Liverpool; and Mr. W oolley, of Bunbury near Tarporley. DUDLEY HILL POULTRY SHOW. THe second annual Show of the Dudley Hilt Floral, Hor- ticultural, and Poultry Society, was held at Dudley Hill, on Saturday the 27th of August. The day was fine and the visitors numerous; and there is every reason to believe that the usefulness of the Society is becoming apparent to all the inhabitants of the locality; and doubtless another year will witness an. augmentation of the prize list. There were twenty-one classes for poultry, and thirteen for Pigeons, but the latter were not well supported with entries, though in poultry there were a good number of pens comprising some very good birds. Mr. Cannan took a large JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 6, 1864. amount of the prize money, and showed well in most of the classes. In Game Mr. Hodgson showed some very good pens; and in Game Bantams Mr. Tetley had a splendid pen of Furnace. We noticed some pens that had their legs very neatly done over with green colouring. In Geese there was a beautiful pen of Spanish. SpanisH.—Prize, W. Cannan, Bradford. Dorxines.—First, H. Firth. Second, W. Cannan. Game (Black-breasted and other Red).—First, J. Hodgson, Bradford. Second, T. Suddick, Dudley Hill. Game (Duckwings).—First, J. Hodgson. Second, T. Suddick. Hampurcus (Golden-spangled). — First, J. Greenwoud, Dudley Hill. Second, W. Cannan. Highly Commended. J. Greenwood. HamBurGHs (Silver-spangied),—Prize, W. Cannan. HampureHs (Golden-pencilled).—First, J. Driver, Allerton. W. Cannan. Highly Commended, J. Gomer. HampureHs (Silver-pencilled).—First, W. Cannan. Poranps.—First, W. Cannan. Second, T. Suddick. Game Bantams.—First, E. Tetley. Second, H. Firth. Bantams (Other variety).—First, W. Cannan. Second, J. Gomer. Cock (Any variety.—First, W. Cannan. Second, J. Hodgson. Commended, T. Suddick. GEEsE (English).—Prize, — Yates GreEsE (Other varieties).—Prize, — Yates. Ducks (Aylesbury).—First, W. Cannan. Second, — Yates. Ducks (Roven).—First, W. Cannan. Second, — Dolby. Picrons.—Tumblers (Short).—Prize, A. Field. (Almond).— First, A. Field. Second, — Holmes. Turbits.—Prize, A. Field. Antwerps.—First, Second, and Highly Commended, A. Field. Ovwls.—First, A. Field. Second, — Waddington. JupGEes.—Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey; Mr. J. Beedon, Gir- lington; and Mr. J. Parkinson, Bradford. Second, Second, J. Driver. Highly PUDSEY POULTRY SHOW. TxE first Exhibition of Poultry and Pigeons, in connection with the Pudsey Floral Society, took place on Tuesday, August the 30th. The day was fortunately very fine, and the Show was well patronised, the press of visitors becoming so great in the evening that it was very difficult to obtain a fair view of the specimens exhibited. The entries were very numerous, pens being shown by the best Yorkshire and Lancashire exhibitors, though some of the latter did not put in an appearance. The class for Spanish contained a most excellent pen of chickens, which will doubtless stand high at many more shows. Cochins and Brahma Pootras were not as good as might have been expected. Most of the Game shown were in bad feather, but otherwise good. Of Golden-spangled Hamburghs there were pens not to be easily beaten; and the Silvers were also very good. Golden-pencilled Ham- burghs were a good class, and an extra second prize was awarded for them. In Silver-pencilled Mr. Sharpe exhibited a pen containing a cockerel of rare quality; and the Black Hamburghs were both numerous and good. Of Game Ban- tams there were some excellent specimens; but the class for Black and White contained birds that, for the most part, were suffering from the moult. In Bantams the Any other variety class was the most interesting. The first prize went to a neat little pen of Cochins, the second to a perfect pen of Silver-laced, and the third to Silkies. Polands were first- rate. Aylesbury Ducks were very fine, but the variety class for Ducks was much better. The first prize went to a perfect pen of tame-bred Wild, and the second to East Indian. In single cocks the first, second, and fourth prizes fell to Game, the third to Brahma Pootra, and the fifth to Spanish. Of Pigeons there were fifty-one entries, comprising excel- lent specimens from the lofts of Messrs. Clarkson, Edge, Hughes, Yardley, Cowburn, Haansbergen, and Jessop. The birds were well fed and watered during the day, and all were despatched to their homes the same night. The pens used on the occasion were Turner’s, of Sheffield, SpanisH (Black).—First and Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. Third, W. R. Duxbury, Leeds. CocuiIn anD BRAHMA Poorra.—First, W. Cannan. Second and Third, C. Lister, Mirfield. Game (Black-breasted or other Reds).—First, J. Sunderland, Coley Hall, Halifax. Second, J. Hodgson. Third, F. Spencer, Pudsey. Game (Other varieties) —First, J. Hodgson. Second, J. Sunderland. Third, C-. Lister. Hameureu (Gold-spangled).—First, W. Cannan. Second and Third, C. Cowburn, Leeds. Highly Commended, J. Greenwood. HamBureH (Silver-spangled).—First and Second, W. Cannan. Third, C. Cowburn. Hampurex (Gold-pencilled).—First, W. Cannan. Second, J. H. Sharpe, Bradford. Extra Second, W. Harker, Cottingley. Third, G. Wilson, Pudsey. September 6, 1864. ] Hameuneu (Silver-spangled).—First, W. Cannan. Second, W. Mand, Bingley. Third, J. H. Sharpe. Hamacren (Black, White, Buff, or Cuckoo).—First, W. R. Duxbury. Second, W. Cannan. Third, W. Harker. Bantams (Game).—First, C. Lister. Second, J. Newsome, Batley. Third, W. F. Entwistle, Otley. Banrams (Black or White).—First, W. Cannan. Second and Third, C. Lister. Bantams (Other varieties).—First, J. Newsome. Third, C. Lister. Poranp.—First, W. Cannan. Duxbury. Ducks (Rouen).—First, J. Harrison, Beeston. Third, J. Newsome. Ducks (Aylesbury),—First, W. Cannan. Third, W. R. Duxbury. Ducks (Any other variety).—First and Second, J. R. Jessop, Hull (Wild and Black). Third, J. Oates, Halifax (Black). Srycie Cocx.—First, H. C. Mason (Game). Second, J. Fell & Son (Game). Third, Lady Hawke (Brahma). Fourth, J. Sunderland (Game). Fifth, W. Cannan (Spanish). Picrons.— Carriers.—First, J. Clarkson, Pudsey. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Powters.—First and Second, W. Hughes, Leeds. Dragons. —First, H. Yardley. Second, C. Cowburn. Ow/s.—First, J. W. Edge, Bir- mingham. Second, W. Hughes. m. bh. |-mis he m. 8 | 20 Tu Sun’s declination 0° 54’ N. | 67.0 44.0 55.5 16 45 af5:| 2af6 | 35. 8. | 29r 11 19 6),.47-). 264 2 w EmpErR WEEK. St. MATTHEW. 66.5 45.1 558 19 475 | 0° 6 |'23> 9’! after. 20 7.8 |. 265 22 TH Acorns fall. 66.7 45.7 56:2 18 48) 9550) 572" 55) 1810 De oT (¢ T2937 |*-* 266 23. F Peewits congregate. 69.1 46.4 577 |) 1G 50 959|.55)) 5) 17% Ue} 9 2 22 75305 |> © 267 24 Ss Beech mast falls. 65.7 45.1 55.4 | 17 | 5L. 5 | 52. 5 | morn..| 45. 2 | 23 | S11). 268 25 Sun | 18 Sunpay aFrrer TRINITY. 65.7 | 44.0 59.8 1 | 53.5) 50 5] 1S. 0} 14 8 | § 81] 269 26 M Martins chiefly gone. 63.3 | 447 55.0 19 5°95 (2485 POP SI leaps | 95 | 8 51°} 270 | | | | | From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 66.6°, and its night ; temperature 45.0°, 1.68 inch. The greatest heat was 82°on the 25th, 1832; and tbe lowest cold,26°, on the 26th, 1855. The greatest fall of rain was BULBS. (Continued from page 209.) FORCING HYACINTHS IN POTS. HE soil. most suitable for the growth. of the Hyacinth is loam from rotted turves that { have lain in a heap in the full sun for twelve: months, and been turned over twice. An equal quantity of fresh manure should be mixed with the turf at the time of laying up, and a bushel of soot sprinkled in at each turning. It is very distaste- ful to grubs and worms of all kinds; and unless the compost be free of these and other noxious grubs it is useless planting Hya- cinths in it. If the compost is made as above it will answer well; but, if the loam is of a strong nature, one-sixth of sharp sand intermixed will much im- prove it, and prevent its binding. Soils that form a close tenacious mass when pressed are unsuitable, and should, therefore, be avoided. If turfy loam is not to be had, soil of any moderately light de- | scription will do, adding an equal quantity of leaf mould if the soil is strong, or of hotbed manure if it is light. A liberal admixture of sand will improve the compost if itis deficient in that substance. The compost, let it be what it may, should be chopped pretty fine with a spade, and passed through an inch riddle, which wall take away any large sticks or stones, and. yet leave the compost rough. Close sifting is not to be recommended, as it is apt to render the soil a mass of mud; besides, the roots do not them run freely through it. Pots 6 inches in diameter, which, I believe, are the 32-size of the London potteries, but 24's of many pro- vincial establishments, are the most suitable, though bulb-pots, now out of fashion, 4 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep, answer admirably. As the roots of the Hyacinth penetrate to the depth of a foot or more in the open garden, it is only reasonable to suppose that deep pots are preferable to those which are shallow. Six-inch pots, however, answer very well for single bulbs; but where three bulbs are placed in a pot the size should be proportionately larger. Three bulbs do very well in a seven or eight-inch pot, and in three’s Hyacinths are more effective than when grown singly. Pots 45 inches in. diameter, which are the 32’s of some potteries, will answer perfectly for the smaller kinds of bulbs; in fact any size double the diameter of the bulb will do. ‘The compost being in a moderately dry condition, so | large crock over the hole in the pot, and on this half an inch of moss, cocoa-nut fibre, or pieces of charcoal, and on this again an inch of the rougher parts of the com- post. We have now secured perfect drainage, and the pot must next be filled to the rim with the general compost. The bulb is cleared of offsets and loose scales,-but only such as are decayed or injured, and, placing the bulb in the centre of the pot, press it into the soil so that the apex may be level with the rim of the pot, or just a little above the surface. Press the soil gently around the bulb, leaving a half-inch cavity below the rim of the pot for watering, and the soil should slope from the apex of the bulb to the sides of the pot, so that water will drain from, not to, the bulb. If three bulbs are inserted in a pot they must be equidistant from each other and treated like those potted singly. After potting give a gentle watering, and having covered a level plot of ground on a north border or any other open and cool situation with coal ashes, so as‘ to prevent worms entering the pots, stand these on it, and invert a 60-sized_ pot, or, what is better, a thumb-pot without a hole init, over the crown of the bulb to keep it dry, as it is apt to rot when brought in contact with wet plunging materials. On the pots from 4 t6 6 inches of coal ashes are placed, or old tan, or anything of a similar’ nature. In this position they are to remain for a time, but how long is'a difficult question to answer. However, we will let them remain six weeks if potted pricr to the Ist of October, and only a month if potted after that date. The object of thus plunging is to let the roots be well established before the foliage starts into growth; which is an important point in their cultivation. Plung- ing is by many considered of vast importance. 1 have no hesitation in stating from my own experience that it is of no value whatever. For some years I was in the habit of plunging the bulbs that the pot might be filled with roots before the foliage started; but I often found the foliage had:started and was/of a considerable lengthin a short time, and that, I think, was in a great measure due to the depth at which the bulbs were situated. I have found from: 4 to 6 imches sufficient covering, for when placed at a greater depth the foliage quickly grows to- | wards the light, and from the depth of soil through which it has: to pass becomes blanched, and it is hopeless to expect a fine spike on a short stem after the foliage is drawn to the length of from 3 to 6 inches. I have had these bulbs plunged in ashes and covered with a foot or more of leaves, and I found such treatment, though highly lauded by some writers and practitioners, far from conducive to success. It is necessary, however, to place the pots somewhere, and I have found that putting them on coal ashes in a cold frame immediately afier potting, keeping the lights drawn down at all times except when heavy rains ocenr. is quite equal to pluneing them; for the idea that any bulb will root sooner beeause the pot is covered with several inches of ashes is absurd, and the foliage will not start one moment sooner because it is exposed to the infitences of the atmosphere. TJ three that it will not bind when pressed in the hand, place a | years in succession diyided the bulbs as received into No. 182.—Vot. VIL, New Series, Wo. 834,—Vou. XXXIL, Oin SEnizs. 228 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 20, 1864. three parts, and placed one lot in a cold frame plunged to the rim in coal ashes, and protected from wet by the lights; but at other times, except in frost, exposed to the air day and night. The second lot were buried to the depth of a foot in ashes; and the third plunged in a like manner to the depth of from 4 to 6 inches. This was done on the 14th of September, and on the Ist of November I found those in the frame with the apex large and closely clasped by the sword-like leaves, which were green and about 14 inch long, the roots matting round the pot. The bulbs under 6 inches of tan were in a similar condition, but not so well rooted as those from the frame, they were, however, in good condition ; but those under 1 foot of ashes were grown to an extent of from 3 to 6 inches, and in many cases the apex was gone, no doubt from want of air and an excess of moisture. Both the first and third lot did well, but the first was the best, not according to my own judging, for my employer wanting to make a present of a dozen to a lady and selecting from the 150 then in flower, chose them without exception from it. More than this, I invited a florist, who sees things in a different light from a gardener, to inspect them, and out of the thirty-eight left of those placed in the frame he selected nine as the best, whilst out of one hundred composing the other two lots there were only three equal to the nine, although the sorts and quality of the bulbs were the same in each case. The time of potting should be regulated by the period at which the bulbs are required to bloom. For early bloom- ing they should be potted in the last week in August; but as they are rarely purchasable before the middle of Septem- ber, a number should be potted at that time and placed on ashes in a suitable situation, as before directed, for from four to six weeks; but where a few are desired to bloom very early, the pots should be plunged to the rim in a gentle hot- bed, made by throwing up dung 2 feet high and covering it with ashes. This will produce a mild bottom heat of 70° or 75°, and excite a speedy root-action, and by exposing the surface to the air the bulbs will not be excited into top or leaf-growth. The heat of such a bed will only last for a fortnight or three weeks, at the expiry of which time the pot should be washed and freed from dirt, and placed on a shelf near the glass in the greenhouse where there is a free circulation of air, so that a strong growth may result. Here the Hyacinths are to remain until the first week in November, being duly supplied with water and the tempera- ture kept above freezing. They may then be introduced into a house with a temperature ranging from 45° to 50° from fire heat, keeping them near the glass for three weeks, giving a little fresh air daily, and water of the same temper- ature as the house, so as to preserve the soil in a moist state never very wet nor very dry. By the third week in Novem- ber they should be in a temperature of from 50° to 55° by fire heat, with a rise of 10° or 15° by day, keeping them near the glass as before, and giving air so as to encourage a stiff growth. Ina fortnight the night temperature may be from 55° to 60°, which is the greatest forcing temperature I have found the Hyacinth succeed in, with a rise of 10° by day with fire heat, or 15° or 20° with sun. If due regard has been paid to keeping the plants near the glass, admitting fresh air, and watering, they will bloom finely a little before or by Christmas, when they may be removed to cooler quarters, yet the temperature to which they are taken should not be lower than 45°, or the plants will suffer in consequence. Providing another batch of bulbs were potted at the same time, and put in some cold place to form roots, they should be removed to the greenhouse by the 1st of November, and placed on a top shelf near the glass, where they can have plenty of air (a great point in Hyacinth culture), by which means the crowns will swell gradually, and vigorous growth result. By the 1st of December the temperature must be increased to 50° by night, or the bulbs should be placed in that temperature, it being presumed that they have been kept for the last month in a heat of from 40° to 45°; and in a fortnight the heat may be raised to 55° at night, which will bring the plants into bloom by New Year’s-day. Where a succession of Hyacinths is in request, another batch should be potted in the beginning of October, and afterwards every fortnight until the middle of December, the first three lots being plunged in ashes fora month, then an increase of heat, the first in the second week in January, the second in the beginning of February, and the third in the latter part of that month, to which those potted after them at intervals will afford a succession under ordinary greenhouse management, the late bulbs being retarded so as to bloom late. For general purposes, however, two pottings are sufficient —viz., one in the second or third week in September of the early double and single varieties, and another in the first week in October, but not later than the second week; for though it is desirable not to plant them when a late bloom is wanted, yet as a rule, retarding the growth beyond its proper period has a deteriorating influence on the vigour of the bulb. Presuming them to have been potted in the middle of September, they should be removed from their situation out of doors to a shelf near the glass in the greenhouse, and where they can have air on all occasions except in time of frost and rain, even then a little air is advantageous. If not required to bloom early let them have time; but if a few are desired early, the most forward may be placed in a tem- perature of 50°, and they will bloom in January. If not forced they will bloom in February, at which time and a fortnight prior to it, the minimum temperature should be 45°, and in this they bloom to perfection. When the truss, or rather the bells, begin to develope, every other watering may be of weak liquid manure, as the size of the bells will be improved in consequence, but after they are in full bloom the flowers will retain their beauty longer by watering with water only. Those bulbs potted in the beginning of October should be treated in precisely the same manner as the first lot, with this difference, they must be protected from frost, and not removed into the greenhouse until the third week in No- vember. These, if kept in an ordinary greenhouse, will bloom splendidly in March and April, the essentials to success being—Ist. Placing the bulbs in a cool situation until the pots are filled with roots. 2nd. Keeping them near the glass, for the more light the greater is the elabo- ration of the food, and the more stiff is the foliage, the more compactly are the bells arranged, the stouter the stalk that supports them, and the brighter the colour of the flowers. 3rd. The size of the flowers, and the shortness ¢ rather the stiffness of the spike depends on their having plenty of air on all favourable occasions. 4th. That they have no more heat than is sufficient to maintain the plants in a healthy, growing state, for the more naturally a plant is excited the more satisfactory are the results. 5th. A free open soil with plenty of vegetable matter. 6th. Perfect drainage, and being kept free from worms. 7th. A moist soil at all times, neither too wet nor too dry; but double the quantity of moisture may be afforded when the truss is nearly developed, every alternate watering being with liquid manure at the temperature of the house. 8th. When in bloom their beauty will last much longer if they are kept in an almost invariable temperature of 40° or 45° instead of a variable one, but they must be fully in flower or the colours will not beso bright, nor the flowers so fine, without a sufficiency of light and heat. 9th. The Hyacinth will bloom much more satisfactorily in a house from which frost is only excluded, than in one where more fire heat is employed. HYACINTHS IN GLASSES AND BASKETS. ; For growing in water the single kinds, because earlier and of stronger constitution than the double, are the best; but the double kinds have been and are satisfactorily grown in water. In choosing bulbs for placing in’ glasses let the main point be heaviness of bulb, and look well to the base of the bulb to make sure that it is sound; those showing signs of few or no offsets are to be preferred. October is the best month to place Hyacinths in water, which should be rain or pond water. The best glasses are those which are the most opaque; those known as Tye’s are to be pre- ferred, and triple glasses look better than single ones. Fill the glasses with water, and place the bulb therein so that the base of the bulb just touches the water, or, if anything, does not quite do so. Place the glasses in a dark cool place with a temperature of 40° or 45° for from four to six weeks, until the roots have grewr to the extent of 4 inches ; kept a month in a greenhouse, and brought into flower by | then gradually inure to light, and fill up the glasses with September 20, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 229 water, which must be soft as before and well aired prior to using. The most suitable position is a cool room, as near the glass of the window as possible. It is not necessary to change the water: it may be kept pure by placing a few small pieces of charcoal in it, and the glass should be kept filled up as the plant takes the water up. If it become offensive, however, it should be changed. Sponging the leaves with rain water occasionally will free them of dust and contribute to their vigour. Fresh air, also, if it can be given without creating a draught, is of great value in securing stiff foliage; and light gives the colour to the flowers. Warm rooms are apt to draw the foliage and spike. Changes of temperature, as from a hot to a cold room or the reverse, are bad; and not less so is taking them from light to darkness or the contrary. After the roots are a few inches long the water may be lowered to half an inch from the base of the bulbs, as these occasionally decay when kept constantly wet. An airy situation is best, and if it be sunny all the better. The glass should be turned frequently, so that the foliage may not draw towards the light and become lop-sided, but be evenly balanced. Be very careful not to disturb the roots, and not to hurry in placing a support to the plant, only using one when it becomes necessary. If these hints be acted upon Hyacinths will bloom well in water, but they will not be as fine as those grown in pots. I was formerly of opinion that if a little liquid manure were added every morning to the water the bloom would be all the finer. I tried it, pouring every morning about six drops into each glass, and I thought the blooms were better than those which had none; but I very much: question whether the liquid manure was really the cause. Perhaps some one will try it and communicate the result. Hyacinths, with a variety of other early-flowering bulbs, are also grown in baskets, &c., in sand, moss, and a variety of other substances. The best material that I have found is cocoa-nut dust; it is light, holds a quantity of water, and when mixed with an equal portion of charcoal, reduced to the same degree of fineness as coarse-grained gunpowder, it answers very well. If a basket or bowl is to be used we first place a layer of rough charcoal at the bottom, and then fill to the rim within the size of the bulbs with cocoa-nut dust and charcoal, in equal parts, thoroughly incorporated, on this place the bulbs, and lastly cover them so that only the apex of the bulb is left above the surface. The material should be kept constantly moist; and after planting, the basket, or whatever it may be, should be placed in a dry, cool, dark place for a month, and then be fully exposed to the air and light, so that a vigorous growth may be en- couraged. If desired, the surface may be covered with Sela- ginella denticulata by planting it between the Hyacinths. If Hyacinths are planted in moss or sand lay about half an inch of charcoal at the bottom of the vessel, on which place the moss, pressing it firmly down; and on this plant the bulbs, allowing the same distance between each as the bulbs are in diameter. Cover these with moss, except the apex, give a good watering, and keep in a dark place for a month; then remove to a light, cool, airy window, and surface the vessel with green moss, which will give a cheer- ful appearance to the whole. Water overhead two or three times a-week through a fine rose, with well-aired soft water, to clear the leaves of dust and refresh both top and root. This watering should be discontinued after the plants come into bloom, when they should be watered at the root only. In other respects the treatment of Hyacinths in glasses filled with water, or planted in moss or sand, differs but little from that of bulbs grown in pots. G. ABBEY. (To be continued.) COCOA-NUT REFUSE FOR MULCHING RHODODENDRONS. In the Number for August 23rd Mr. Robson has given some excellent instructions on the subject of watering. He says that all newly-planted surfaces should be covered, to prevent their cracking and hardening. There is nothing so good for this purpose as the cocoa-nut refuse. I was induced to try it from seeing it used in several gardéns last year, and noticing the neat appearance it had. By spreading it thickly over the flower-beds and round the fruit trees it prevents evaporation, and saves the labour of such frequent watering ; another advantage is that the water is not wasted in running off the flower-beds on to the walks. I put some of this stuff round a plant that was nearly out of the ground, with its roots exposed, and some time afterwards I removed it, as the bed was too crowded, and was surprised to see the number of fine fibrous roots the plant had thrown out on the surface where this stuff kad come in contact with the old ones. My neighbour’s Rhododendrons are looking almost dead, whilst mine are in a vigorous healthy state. Botk of us planted them in November; I mixed a quantity of the refuse with the earth, but he used none. I should think it a good plan to apply liquid manure by saturating this refuse with it, a little of which would be washed down to the roots at every watering.—H. E. OUR METROPOLITAN FLOWER SHOWS. Noruine is easier or more common than to attempt to run down by abuse when argument fails; and I therefore attach very little importance to what is said by those who, intrenched in their own fortifications, think to overwhelm me by choice epithets. But why I am a wolf in sheep’s clothing I know not, except that I have used moderate and temperate language, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my views are shared by some of the leading men in the horticultural world. I have had, since these articles were written, opportunities of meeting them—both those who are exhibitors, and- those who are simply lovers of flowers—and have been told by one and all that my views are correct; and I can only say that, if they are not so, I shall be glad to see the question quietly and soberly argued, but shall refuse to believe that such matters can be set down by assumptions of wisdom, or sneers at the ignorance of others. Can, then, nothing be done to improve the appearance of our flower shows? or are they to remain in their present state of formality? In considering this question I have been led to a few conclusions, which may, after all, he worth nothing, and to which great objections, and valid ones, may be made, but which I shall, nevertheless, set forth. In the first place, all the three great metropolitan exhi- bitions might be vastly improved by the addition of more verdure, to relieve the mass of bright colouring which the most of exhibition flowers present; but, instead of offering prizes for Conifers and the like, I would propose that these be supplied by the societies themselves. All have appliances enough for this purpose; and this is precisely the plan adopted by the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland, Mr. Moore, the intelligent Curator of the Glasnevin Gardens, always sending in some fine plants to ornament their shows. I would propose that these be grouped in the most effective manner before the exhibition plants are brought in, ahd that the flowers be staged or placed as these fine-foliaged plants demand. This, were taste displayed in the arrange- ment, would tend considerably to do away with the formalism that is complained of, but which, I think, very little strikes one at the Regent’s Park. Then I would certainly restrict the size of the pots in which the greenhouse plants are shown. ‘This has been done with the softwooded exhibition plants; and I cannot understand that, with the skill and energy displayed by gardeners now-a-days, it is impossible to grow hardwooded plants in the same manner. I would not at once do away with the large plants, but I would offer prizes for greenhouse plants and Azaleas in certain sized pots, and do away with one of the present classes if needed. Great advantages would, I think, accrue from this to all concerned. The fact is, now, that no plant, however pretty, will be grown by those gardeners who exhibit unless it will bear twisting and torturing in all directions, and bloom at certain seasons ; and then their size is so great that a few of them fill green? houses, however numerous, and the proprietor loses all his pleasure in his garden for these enormous masses: hence it is that Vineas, Hriostemons, and such-like things make their appearance every year, and go the round of all the shows. But where are the Ixoras, Clerodendrons, and many other plants which used to be grown? Oh! they would not do— 9230 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { September 20, 1864. i.e., they refused this nursing process. But then it is’said, ‘How can you supply their place at the exhibitions? J believe that a far larger number of exhibitors would come ‘forward if they were not frightened by the recollection of the huge things they have to compete with, and then we should all gain by the greater variety of plants exhibited. One can now tolerably well name what plants will be shown before the day of exhibition comes} but were suitable plants required this would not be the case. Then, as to Azaleas, while one cannot but admire the skill displayed in producing such huge pyramids of bloom, I believe that half-specimen plants, allowed to grow more naturally, would be more pleasing to the general public. One remembers, in old Chiswick days, the plants shown by Mrs. Lawrence and others; they were not crinolines or hoops, and yet how beautiful they were! Therefore, I say, offer prizes for un- trained greenhouse plants in ten-inch pots. he enormous pots for Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, and, I hope, Roses, are now for ever gone. Why not try what can be done with those plants which seem to be more intractable? There must, however, be one sine qud, non—viz., that the size of the pots be unalterable—not to be changed at the whim and caprice of the governing powers; for these plants are not such as an be trifled with; and, as to training, I am aware that no plants can be grown without a certain amount of this, but I would consider that as little as possible should be intended by the term. All cut flowers should be separated from those grown in pots. The plan of placing them in along tent as adopted at the Regent’s Park might be easily followed, and free access obtained by all who wished to see them. And might not something be done ‘by offering prizes for herbaceous plants? There are many ‘beautiful things in that class which we never see, but which are certain to please when well done. I remember with much pleasure in former days ‘tastefully arranged baskets of these as shown at the Royal Horticultural Society’s shows in Dublin. I know of nothing more that in the present state of the matter can be done, and am convinced that these are sound views. Let us hope that something may yet be attempted to remedy defects where they exist; but let not the blun- dering and bad taste of one society be taken as a proof that reform is needed in all.—D., Deal. PICEA AMABILIS NOT THRIVING. Azout twelve years ago I purchased a Picea amabilis, which proved to be grafted near the collar. It is now about 7 feet high, and has been removed twice, the last time about four years ago. Last year it grew 9 inches, and this year it has grown about'3. During the dry weather the leader has dropped its leaves and withered. The stem has become mearly covered the whole length by something like the American blight, and which appears on the branches, and near the ends of them, and they are drooping. The ground is rocky below, and no water can remain near.” The situa- vion is quite open, and other plants have grown very well, though not fast.—J. G. [We fear the fact of your tree being grafted has some- thing to do with its want of success; added to which, most likely the situation is too dry, or the present season has been too much so for a plant not yet well established. Our own experience with this species is limited, but those to which it is allied mostly like a moister soil. The Silver Fir is found luxuriating on slopes and in dells where water ds not far distant; and the finest Douglas Pine that we know is also in such a situation, and we know it fails to thrive in very dry places. We therefore think your tree requires'a little more moisture than it has had this season, and probably another year it may do better. We have seen Picea nobilis thriving admirably by the side of water, and we believe P. amabilis was in the same neighbourhood. The former, however, also thrives well in the dry grounds at Linton. A specimen which had accidentally lost its leader many years ago remained several years without one; but it even- tually produced a fresh leader, which has rushed up with all the symmetry and uprightness of a well-formed tree, and ‘the growth for the last six years has averaged about 3 feet seach year. The subsoil, though dry, is admirably adapted to most forest trees. Tf, on the contrary, the subsoil of your garden is of an unfavourable character and the surface soil not deep, the result cannot be so satisfactory. The oozing out of white resin which you mention is a proof that something is wrong, but it is too late to remedy this season. Another year it would be better to supply the tree with water during the growing season if dry weather should pre- vail. We do not think any useful result will follow taking up and replanting unless you have reason to believe the soil bad and unsuitable. Another season the tree may do better. ] OLD AND NEW MELON SEED. Do you consider old Melon seed to be preferable to new ? If so, please state your reasons. Do you consider it more productive than new? If so, be so good as to state the reason why it should be so. —A Novice. [Judging from the appearance of the piece of comb which accompanied your letter, we should say that the age of the stock was correctly stated. Your idea respecting the pro- bable loss of the queen we believe to be right, but the vendor may have known nothing of it, as some of its original in- habitants were probably in possession a month ago. The maggots around the skirts of the hive were doubtless the larvee of some kind of wax moth. We deem the combs rather too old to be given toa swarm. Floorboards should be changed before winter sets in, and in the spring. Mr. Woodbury’s articles on driving and uniting bees in Nos. 139 and 144 of Tae JournaL or HorricuttrureE will give you the information you require as to the best mode of uniting stocks. ] A FRIEND MISTAKEN FOR AN ENEMY. An apiarian friend of mine has informed me of an alarm- ing affliction which befell the apiary of.a lady of his ac. quaintance. This lady one day paid a visit to her bees, and was greatly alarmed at seeing one of her hives invaded by a large number of monstrous bees, which were evidently quite masters of the poor honey bees, as they went in and out without hindrance. Not relishing the aspect of affairs, and, 246. perhaps, fearing that the depredations of the miscreants might be extended to her other hives, she determined to consign this one stock, interlopers and all, to the brimstone- pit without delay. The work of destruction was success- fully performed, and the legitimate inmates of the hive, together with their invaders, were consigned to a common death. A few of the latter were carefully collected, and sent in triumph to my friend, who was asked to pronounce his opinion as to what these depredators could really be. He found—listen all apiarians who dread the appearance of any new enemy or scourge in your apiaries! he found these terrible enemies were nothing less than the ordinary male bees or drones, and that the too-careful owner had sacrificed her best and most prosperous colony.— 8S. Bevan Fox, Ezeter. ARE BEES OMNIVOROUS? Your article from “Rusy,’ in the Number for the 6th inst., is, I am afraid, likely to mislead new beginners, as bees do not generally sting when swarming, and it is strange his bees do not frequent the borage, as this is con- sidered one of the best bee flowers. My Ligurians were working on it till 7 p.m., the other day, and the plant is generally frequented so much that the country people say they are like swarming, and, therefore, I intend next year to plant a larger extent of it. You certainly do not mean to say that bees are carni- vorous, and I cannot believe that they either eat the bird or the Chinaman’s fowl. I believe they would carry out all the flesh. from the bones that they could, but not eat it. This story is something like giving Pigeons a salt cat, and as a Welsh correspondent some time since stated, their consuming moist sugar given as you get it from the shop, whereas it is very little of it that they consume, but they carry it out. I might as well state they eat oats, as I put a quantity into the feeder to prevent them drowning, and was rather surprised the next evening to find nearly all the oats gone,and, therefore, the next day I watched them, and was amused to see them very busy bringing the oats out; as they could not carry these sideways they took hold of the thinnest. end, and as they came out looked as if they had along proboscis. You had better advise ‘‘Rupy” to procure Ligurian bees, as they do not sting so much as the black bees, and I can confirm the statement that they gather from red clover after it has been once cut.—A. W. [Although bees are usually very peaceable when swarming, we recret to say that we speak feelingly when we state that even Ligurians will occasionally transgress the strict rule of politeness on these occasions, and we cannot, therefore, feel surprised at a lady declining to run any risk. We have certainly always found bees constant in their attentions to borage when in bloom; but we scarcely know what to say with regard to. the carnivorous, or rather omnivorous, pro- pensities attributed to them. We ourselves saw what we doubt not was fruit juice, stored in. their cells on one occa- sion, and we have now before us a letter from the most dis- tinguished hymenopterist in the kingdom, in which he says he has recently observed what to him was “an unusual phase in. the habits of the hive bee—a number of bees re- galing themselves on the moisture of a putrid bird. The bird had been cut or torn open, was in a state of advanced decay, and a little rain had moistened the stinking mass. On this fluid the bees were regaling themselves.” However absurd it may at first sight appear, the fact that bees will pick the bones of small birds when prepared and presented to them in the manner described by ‘‘ Rusy,” is attested by too many witnesses to be entirely discredited. What becomes of the flesh of the poor little biped under these cir- cumstances is rather a puzzling question, but is one that could be readily solved by experiment, if “R.S.,” or any other of our scientific and observing apiarian correspondents, would take the matter in hand. ] “TANGING” SWARMS. AnrHoues the general custom which prevails among country bee-keepers of heating some instrument for the JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ‘he went to the village for a hive. [ September 20, 1864. purpose of inducing bees to settle more quickly, has been violently assailed and condemned by various authors, yet I am by no means convinced that the system of “tangine”” is so utterly useless as they would have us believe. Two instances have been related to me which occurred this sum~- mer. l= iGnmi2r 20 Kidney. 3 6 4 O| Mushrooms ...... pottle 1 6 2 6 Beet, Red. 1 0 3 O|} Mustd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 0 0 Broceok. .... 1 0 1 6} Onions ...........bunch 0 4 0 6 BrusselsSprouts 4 sieve 2 0 2 6 pickling ......quart 0 6 0 8 Cabbage .... 1 0 2 0} Parsley ...doz. bunches 4 0 6 0 Capsicums 1 0 2 0} Parsnips 22 dOzns 04-9 pe ash Carrots ... 0 5.-0 8) Peas....... quart 0 0 00 Cauliflower ......... 0 0 0 0} Potatoes ........bushel 2 6 4 0 Celery 1 0 2 0| Radishes doz. bunches 0 0 0 0 Cucumbers 0 6 1.0] Savoys .........0....doz. 0 0 6 0 pickling .. 1 0 3 0} Sea-kale . basket 0 0 O 0 Endive . 2 6 4 0| Spinach.. Sieve 3 0 6 0 Fennel ... .bunch 0 3 0 0} Tomatoes -ssieve 2 0 3 0 Garlic and Shallots, lb. 0 8 0 O/} Turnips....,,......ounch 0 8 0 0 Herbs........,.....bunch 0 3 0 0] VegetableMarrowsdoz. 2 0 3 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Jowrnal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. SEEDLING VERBENAS (F. A. S.).—Your collection of seedling Verbenas contains some very pleasing varieties; the colours are good, but not new, and the flowers deficient in form. General Simpson and Nemesis are the types of a good formed flower; Purple Queen, Model, Medina, Aurora, Princess Dagmar, were perhaps the best. We would adyise your sending specimens properly put up in a stand for the opinion of the Floral Com- mittee at its next meeting. PreEservine WatnvTs (£. P.).—They can be kept quite moist, and peel easily, if put into a pan and placed in a cold damp cellar. LILIUM LANCIFOLIUM IN A Winvow (J. P.).—We presume if has flowered and the foliage is now decaying; if so, repot it now in a compost of turfy loam with a little leaf mould and well-rotted manure mixed with it, providing efficient drainage. Gradually withhold water after flowering until the foliage decays, when the stems should be cut down to the surface, and no water given except a little occasionally to prevent the soil becoming injuriously dry. You may stand the pot in a cool dark place until the foliage appears, when it will require to have light. It must be kept in the pot during the winter. TRICHOMANES RADICANS CuLtTuRE (C. R. H.).—Drain the pot to one-third its depth, and then fill up with chopped fresh sphagnum and pieces of brown peat in equal parts. On this place the plant, layirg out the creeping thizomes or stems on the surface, which should be pressed firm. Place pieces of sandstone on and between the rhizomes, not so as to cover them, but in part to maintain the plant in a proper position and for the roots to cling to. Sprinkle with water through % fine syringe night and morning in summer; but in the morning only in winter. Coyer with a bell-glass fitting within the rim of the pot, tilting if on one side about half an inch af night, but keeping close by day ; place the pot in a pan of water always kept full, and keep in a rather shaded part of a cool greenhouse. PropaGaTine Double Perunras (James Hurst).—1. We strike a number of cuttings in autumn, and obtain a stock from these in the spring for late blooming. Autumn cuttings bloom much earlier and are the finest in the months of June and July, whilst spring cuttings are superior for blooming in August and September. 2. Young plants bloom better, thoughnot more profusely, than old plants; the flowers are larger and the foliage finer, Roses 1x Pors (A Lady Subscriber).—You may have a fine bloom at Christmas. We donot think you will gain but lose by repotting the shrubs now; but as the earth is low and sodden, turn them carefully out of the pots, remove the drainage, and replace it by fresh, placing a layer of moss over it, and then the least portion of fresh compost so as to raise the surface of theball to within half an inch of the pot rim, Keep in a light airy situation in the greenhouse, sprinkling with water twice’ daily through a syringe in bright, but in the morning only in dull weather and keep well supplied with water at the root. After blooming gradually withhold water, still keeping the soil healthfully moist until April, then place under a wall or in some sheltered situation, plunging them in coal ashes in May in an open situation. Kepot in June, and prune in July, and by this treatment you will have Roses through the autumn months up to Christmas. Crocusrs AND SNoWpRoPs TO BLoom AT CHRISTMAS (J. E. W.).—If you have clumps of these in the garden, take up the most promising and pot them in six-inch pots, in a compost of loam and a little leat mould. Water, place in a cold frame, and keep there until the beginning of November ; then place them in a cool greenhouse on shelves near the glass, and where they can have air daily. Keep well supplied with water, and in three weeks place on a shelf in a house with a temperature of 50° by night, with air daily, and in another fortnight if they be not sufticiently adyanced for blooming at the desired time, increase the temperature to 55°, Air, light, and not too high a temperature are the essentials to success, See what is said about them in another page. : September 27, 1864. ] CunE or a HipesounD PFAar TrEE.—You advised me this spring with respect to a Louise Bonne of Jersey Pear that was hidebound, either to throw it away, which you seemed to recommend as the best course to pursue, or to keep it moist at the juaction of the stock and graft with moss. I preferred trying the latter plan, as I have plenty of time on hand, and immediately set to work; and in addition to the moss heaped it well up with horsedung, and occasionally watered it, so that it has been kept quite damp allsummer. The effect has been almost magical, for the blistered places are fast disappearing ; and although the blossom at the time I wrote for your advice had a very weakly look, the tree has borne an excellent crop of fine fruit, quite as large or larger than the largest of Jargonelles, so that I really have just cause to thank you heartily for your advice. The tree is a bush on the quince.—A. Q. Removine Dwarr Pear TREES (Working Amateur).—You may trans- plant them now. Disturb the roots as little as possible; move them with a good ball of earth; wash-in earth about the roots in their new locations ; and stake them very securely to prevent their being wind-waved. ALBERT Epwarp SeEepLine Dantta (B. W. K.).—Your seedling Dahlia is inclined to be coarse, the petals confused, and the colour dull. It may do well for the border, but requires delicacy, form, and colour to render it serviceable as an exhibition flower. Preseryine Watnuts (A. G. Z.).—The nuts becoming mouidy is of no con- sequence. Take them out of the green outer coat; wash them thoroughly; drain them, and put them into earthenware jars, and store as recommended to our other correspondent. EYES AND No Eyrs (Many Correspondents).— We have received so many letters upon this subject that we must decline inserting any more. It is enough that the hint has been given that employers ‘‘ with an eye” like eyesores removed as soon as they occur; and those gardeners who have not pursued such a prompt course will do well to take the hint. We know of no first-rate gardeners who required the suggestion. Fruit Tress ror Low Watt (An Inquirer).—Your wall is very low— 4 to 5 feet is too much so for trees to be trained permanently against them. On the north aspect Morello Cherries would do well; they are of weak growth, and may be trained laterally. On the east you might put Pears and Plums, selecting the less vigorous growers, such as Winter Nelis for the former, and Green Gage for the latter. On the south you might have Peaches, Frexca Bercamor Pear, &c. (C.J. M.),—It is impossible to say what variety you have under this name. There is no variety so named specially, and many have a French name attached. It certainly ought to succeed as a dwarf tree without a south wall. Gypsum is a good application to soil containing an excess ofiron. Oak and Beech, we should think, would grow on your clayey land, but you do not say where it is situated. What would succeed inland will often fail on the coast. Metons Sunivyettine (S. Z.).—We are at a loss to tell what is meant by a Melon changing colour. Melons in houses require rather more moisture than those in hotbed frames. When the fruit begins to ripen, which it will not take more than a week or ten days to complete, the atmosphere should be kept rather drier, but not so dry as to affect the foliage. We think your plants have been too dry both at the roots and top, and that the fruit not fully swelled has shrivelled for want of moisture. After the fruit is fully swelled and netted completely over no amount of dryness will cause shrivel- ling, and it will ripen if detached from the plant and placed in a suitable temperature. The soil in which the plants are grown should be kept moist at all times ; but not so much so when the fruit is ripening as when it is Swelling. The flavour is likewise improved by the atmosphere being kept drier during the ripening. CaLADIuM IN A GreENHousE (Ruby).—All the variegated-leaved kinds require a stove temperature, and cannot be grown well in a warm green- house, much less in one where fire is only employed to exclude frost. VINES FOR A Coon Vixery (Jdem).—You could not have a worse than Barbarossa, and we recommend you to plant Buckland Sweetwater instead. Esperione will do, and Muscat Hamburgh is also good if alittle heat be given ; if not, Black Hamburgh as a Black Grape, or White Frontignan as a White one, would be better. Black Prince will answer. Your inside border should be 3 feet deep—9 inches of brickbats and other rubble, and 2 feet 3.inches of compost. You may cover the border after. the first three years with an inch of short manure every season, in February. The refractory Fuchsia we would not’ throw away, but take cuttings of it, and grow these on. Our correspondent says, ‘‘ He has been in the habit of filling beds which may be vacant late in summer, with tops of Scarlet Geraniums in b!oom, bordering them with Nasturtium shoots, watered once and then left to themselves.” He adds, “They make a great show in autumn.” Weare obliged to you for the seeds. Lauren Currines (A Constant Reader).—They will mostly root if you take off the present year’s shoots with a little of the old wood at the base, or a short heel, and insert them three-quarters of their length in ordinary * garden soil, trimming the leaves off to that extent. They will nearly all Toot. The best time for this is the beginning of October, and they may then be put in close together, but not so as to touch each other. Portugal Laurels may be treated in the same way with a likelihood of success. SEEDLING PELARGONIUMS WINTERING—DxsTROYING Worms (G. I. Q.).— The Pelargoniums will not do in the frame after this month, quite as much on account of cold as damp. In the absence of a better place you may possibly keep them over the winter in a window with a northern aspect, only do not water much, and prevent frost reaching them. Annuals for Spring blooming should be sown rather thicker, and it is not necessary to thin them unless they are very close together. Lime water made by pouring thirty gallons of ‘Soft water on 12 lbs. of lime, well stirred, and allowed to stand for forty-eight hours, will leave a clear liquid which may be applied to Calceolaria seedlings if you wish to expel worms; but are you sure that the mischief is not done by slugs, 2s you speak of their being eaten up? Examine the plants a short time after dark, witha lantern, and you will, per- haps, find the enemy at work. Muscat of ALEXANDRIA NOT RIPENING — ACHIMENES NoT FLOWERING (Hatifax).—If the Barbarossa Grape ripens well, we think that the Muscat should be doing so likewise. Give the Muscat less air, more heat, and less water than the other varieties if the fruit is stillso green. Being so healthy, we have no fear ofits not ripening, We think the reason that your healthy Achimenes and Gloxinias did not bloom might be too much shade at too little heat, and that the rusty appearance is owing to the shade and ‘yness, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 261 Booxs (Jane).—We shall very shortly publish a work on Vine culture— ~ it is now printing. Mr. Abbey’s papers on Melon culture, recently pub- lished in this jonrnal, give all needfuldirections. Inthe “Garden Manual,” which you can have free by post from our office for twenty postage stamps, you will find directions not only for Rose culture, but Melon culture. Heatinec A SMALL GREENHOUSE (Calcaria).—For a house 16 by 9 feet we have no doubt that an Arnott’s brick stove would be quite sufficient. To insure a propaga! ing place in spring, it would be easy to have small bent pipes, say 10 inches in diameter, placed over or in the fireplace, with their ends come municating with a small wooden tank, covered with slate or plate iron, We do not think, however, we could give details more simple as to the building of them than we have frequently done. Since your tradesman sees so much difficulty, perhaps it would be as well to have a flue as you propose, passing along one end and front, and returning to the place from whence it started. It is of little importance whether the chimney is at D, above the furnace, or at E, a little distance from it. With a high chimney the flue may be on a level througbout, If the chimney is not high, 2 or 3 inches of arise from near the furnace, after it takes the level in the house, on to the chimney, will cause it to draw better. As you want to use it also for propagating, we think that a common nine-inch flue will suit you best. If you wish to be economical, instead of having a space between the flues, one central wall would do for both flues—that is, three side walls instead of four. At the three turns it would be adyisable to have soot doors, and then, when clean< ing, you would not need to disturb the flue, and the brush could be run along it all the oftener. What you style your flow and return flue would thus present a surface of 18 inches when placed together. Above that you could have a latticed or other shelf for plants in summer; and that removed, you could use the whole of the top of the flue, and especially the end next the furnace, for a propagating-box or pit in the spring. The best way to do this would be to have small shallow boxes of the necessary width made of zinc, and so that a hand-light would go over them ; or you could have wooden boxes, say 17 inches wide, bottomed with zino, and 5 inches deep in front, ana 8 behind, with a moveable glass lid, and in these you could regulate the heat to a nicety, move away when more coolness was required, and bring others when more heat was necessary for them. Even with the end of the flue next the furnace much might be done with a few of these little boxes, say 20 inches long, and the cuttings could be inserted in suitable soil in the boxes, or in small pots, to be filled and put in, and taken out when neces- sary. Such boxes would answer well for hardening off many things when they required no bottom heat from the flue. You would see lately how to have a hot tank from such a flue. The atove would be simplest. PropaGating Piants (A Young Beginner).—For twenty penny postage stamps you can have, free by post from our office, ‘The Garden Manual.” It contaims full directions for what you ask, and much more, which you, as a beginner, will be glad to learn. FLOWER-BED PLANTING (Stella).—We would alter your circle bed and plant thus, beginning at the grass—l, Variegated Alyssum; 2, Lobelia speciosa: 3, Cloth of Gold; 4, Bijou; 5, Christine; and 6, Boule de Feu, instead of Trentham Rose. We think the Cloth of Gold will be more telling against the Lobelia than Bijou. If your plants of Bijou were strong, and the plants of Christine small, we would also change them, and this would range your variegated foliage better over the bed. If Christine is strong, plant as you propose. Trentham Rose will too much overtop Christine, and, therefore, Boule de Feu, or moderate-sized plants of Stella, would be better. To make a nice circle of all these six colours your bed for single rows would require to be 11 feet in diameter, or 10 feet at the very least—say 11 feet; then pro- ceed thus :—Fix on the centre and draw. circle, with a line a foot in length, which will give a diameter of 2 feet. Plant that round with Boule de Feu, 9 inches apart, and then fill up the centre. This will give you a circle of fully 23 feet in diameter, as the plants grow, of scarlet. Then make another circle a foot farther down, and plant with Christine 8 or 9 inches apart. Then a third for Bijou, and plant about 7 inches apart. Then 10 inches far- ther down, another circle for Cloth of Gold, 7 inches apart; a fifth circle, 9 inches farther down, for Lobelia, and plant them 4 inches apart; and a sixth circle, § inches farther down, and plant with Arabis 3 inches apart. For double rows allow double room. VENTILATION (Julia).—It is very advisable to have ventilation af the highest point of the roof of the conservatory. However, we have known plants do very well when there was little or no air given there if shade was afforded: otherwise the dry heat will be apt to call into existence shoals of red spider. Desrroyinc Rep Sprper AND Turirs (Idem).—The means to be used will much depend on the kind of plants to be operated upon. Repeated smokings with tobacco will destroy the thrips, and repeated lashings with water and sulphur fumes (not from burning the sulphur) will keep down the red spider. For particular plants, perhaps nothing is better than dipping the plants all over into a tub of size water, just sufficiently strong to be slightly sticky when placed between the fingers; setting the plants in a shady place for a couple of days, and then drawing the fingers through them. Afterwards dip the heads repeatedly in soft water at about 90°, and lay the plants down on a cloth or a mat, and syringe them well all oyer. Both insects, when they get ahead, are difficult to master. DISEASED VINE-sHOOTS (Pampinus).—We discovered no red spiders, but where they bad been, and on both specimens we found about half a dozen small white thrips looking as if they had not been hatchedlong Thrips and red spider are, therefore, no doubt your principal enemies, encouraged no doubt by dryness at the root of the Vines, and a dry bright sunny atmosphere. See answers to other correspondents. Watering at the roots if the border is dry, a moister atmosphere, and smoking where the Grapes are not too ripe, will be the quickest way of extirpating the thrips, and washing every open part of the wall with sulphur and soft soap, and coating the hot-water pipes or flue with sulphur, if not above 170°, will be the best thing for van- quishing the red spider, unless you can also wash the leayes of the Vines. , VenTILATInG (Ignoramus).—We perceive nothing unsuitable in the mode of ventilating ; but unless we knevv more, we do not see the propriety of using Vines in pots in a house well filled with Vines, except for obtaining them a little earlier. We do not object to the Vines in pots being grown on & platform close to the front glass. Unless in extreme cases you will not need to whitewash the front glass, as the leaves will in general so overlap the front as to give shade enough. In the narrow upright houses at Trentham, the fruit was as near the front glass as yours will be, but no drawback was experienced on that account. The Vines in pots will do better if the pots are plunged. Muscat Grapes are dearer than other Grapes because they require more heat and more time to ripen them thoroughly. F 262 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 27, 1864. INSECT-INFECTED Vine (JV. W.).—We found ne insect on the Vine leaf, but plenty of proof that it had been nibbled all over by the the thrips. If the Vines are nearly ripe, or Sully so, your best plan would be to take off all the worst leaves carefully and burn them, and then sponge the others care- fully with soap and water. At an earlier stage you might have smoked with tobacco; but if ripe the smoking is apt to taint the fruit. For the Muscat’s shanking you can have no remedy now. Generally it proceeds from over- cropping, or deficient root-action ; perhaps from the roots being deep in a cold, rich, wet border. Bone Dust FOR VINE-BORDER (Pond-dhu).—Spread the bone dust oz the surface of the border, and fork it in, not disturbing the soil more than 9 inches. Curtinc Furze Hepes (£. S.).—Whether you mean clipping or cutting down a furze hedge, the best time for the operation isin dry weather, at the end of February or early in March. Names oF Insects (A Farmer’s Wife).—The little beetle you have sent, as found in your bed-rooms, chairs, &c., is the Ptinus hololeucus, now spread over a great part of England, but which we believe was imported into England from Russia about thirty years ago in a cargo of leather or skins. We do not think they breed in the Ivy; possibly their larve feed upon refuse animal matters about the house. Their occasional appearance in great quantities in houses is, however, a mystery. The larve of the Ptini generally feed on dry animal matter, whilst the Anobiums (an allied group) feed on old wood. You would confer a benefit by hunting out the place of feeding of this species in its larva state.—W. Names or Fruit (J. NV. P. S.).—1, Achan; 2, Williams’s Ben Chrétien ; 3, Louise Bonne.of Jersey; 4, Beurré Diel; 5, Beurré Duhaume; 6, Marie Lonise; 7, King Edward’s; 8, Comte de Lamy; 9, Marie Louise; 11, Ne Plus Menris; 138, Beurré de Rance; 14, Conseiller de la Cour; 15, Grosse Calebasse. It is quite impossible for us to repack fruit sent to be named, and return it. (Z. P. H. B.).—How can you have the conscience to ask us to name twenty fruits, and such alot of bad specimens as they are? We have named all that are worth naming. 1, London Pippin; 2, Nonpareil ; 3, Lemon Pippin; 4, Northern Greening; 8, Scarlet Nonpareil; 9, Winter Greening; 13, Royal Russet; 14, Yorkshire Greening: 16, Beurré de Rance ; 17, Glou Morcean; 19, Passe Colmar; 20, Beurré Bos Names or Puants (Sutton).—It is Cotyledon umbilicus, a common plant, not at all confined to Guernsey. (Georgey).—1, Datura stramonium ; 2, Buddlea Lindleyana. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. METROPOLITAN POULTRY SHOW. I am glad to see that one of your correspondents has broached the subject of a London poultry show. I feel certain that it would be successful if properly timed and managed. The great success of the Birmingham Show has no doubt arisen from the fact that it is held simultaneously with the cattle show; and there can be no reason why a show held at a convenient place in close proximity to the Agricultural Hall at the same time as the Smithfield Cattle Show should not be a great success. The only thing wanted is a suitable building suitably placed, and there alone is the difficulty ; but I fear it is an insuperable one.—P. UTTOXETER EXHIBITION OF POULTRY. Tue Staffordshire Agricultural Society was first established in the year 1844, and, consequently, it has now stood the test of twenty years. For a considerable number of years _ past poultry has held an important position at its annual meetings; and if anything were necessary to prove how popular this portion of the display is, we can confidently refer to the absolutely thronged state of the very large tent in which the poultry was exhibited, and that from the very time of opening to the public, to its close. It must not, ~ however, be for a single moment supposed that this remark- able influx of visitors gathered themselves within the tent devoted to poultry from any stress of weather : nothing of the kind, for, on the contrary, a more lovely, genial autumnal day could scarcely be imagined, and yet throughout the whole time the fair sex were carefully inspecting by far the best collection this Society has ever called together. We may truly say, that scarcely the most fastidious amateur could find a really bad pen among the whole, and we were pleased to hear that the entries were more numerous than ever. The situation of the show-field was a most suitable one, and the scenery was very extensive; whilst to render the day’s pleasure even still more enioyable, by the kind and ready permission of A. H. Vernon, Esq., the excellent band of the Second Derbyshire Volunteers enlivened the proceedings, thus adding very much to the gaiety of the scene. We must now take a brief review of the various classes in the order they appear in the printed catalogue. Black- breasted and Brown Red Game fowls head the list. It was a matter of general remark, that not a single first-rate pen of the latter colour was to be found, whilst the Black Reds were better than at previous meetings. The pullets in the first-prize pen were remarkably well-developed specimens, but the cockerel, to our ideas, appeared as though it had been over-run on its “walk” by an adult male bird. The second-prize pen were a remarkably Game-like-looking trio, but were evidently, though so well bred, wanting in strength and bone, had they been tested in the cock-pit. In the next class for Game of any other colours, a pen of Duck- wings stook first, but the cock was undoubtedly too light- coloured in the shoulders, and more leggy than desirable. This was one of the weakest classes in the Show, the entries consisting of only three pens. We now proceed to the Spanish, which were such as would add credit to any show. It is difficult to call to mind a better competition than ensued between the successful pens. The faces of the first- prize birds, though but little, if any, above half the age of their competitors, reminded us strongly of the pens of Spanish shown some years back by Mr. Peck, of Wigan. They were of extraordinarily fine quality, and as delicate in appearance as white kid. They were the property of Mr. Lamb, of Wolverhampton. Mr. Rodbard’s second-prize pen were remarkably well-grown specimens, but the cockerel when two years old will be too much corrugated about the face for a first-class specimen. We now come to the Dork- ings, which were not only very good, but remarkably early well-grown chickens. Some of the pullets in the class for Silver Greys were as good as any one could desire so early in the season. In Cochins the Show stood very high; and if we are to take those shown as evidences of the attention still paid to breeding them, the public taste for Cochins is even yet farfromabygone. Mr. Bates, of Harborne, cleared the board of all prizes in the Cinnamon and Buff class with birds of the highest merit and very true to colour through- out, the matching of the pens being also evidently well con- sidered. Mr. Stretch here exhibited a most excellent pen for size and general characteristics, but of feather most difficult to describe. . Their general appearance bespoke them to be bred from a cross between Silver Cinnamons and Buffs, as they partook of the peculiarities of both, but far from being true-feathered to either. Still they were remark- ably good birds, and shown in faultless condition—lovely fowls to look upon at their present age, but will, if shown at two years old, be completely “ grizzled.’ The dark Cochins were only represented by Brown birds, which are not nearly so attractive a colour as the Partridge-feathered ones. The Hamburghs were weakest in the Golden-pencilled class; but the Silver-pencilled and both the Spangled classes were most meritorious. Turkeys were shown of excellent quality ; and Mrs. Seamons of Aylesbury, quite astonished the inhabitants of the Ut- toxeter district by a display of both Geese and Aylesbury Ducks that put everything approaching to competition in the shade. Throngs of visitors crowded around these pens the whole day. The first-prize Geese were Toulouse, the second were truly bred Embdens; and it was difficult to determine priority of position between them. The Ayles- burys shown by this lady were just such as she appears always able to send out wherever good premiums are offered. The Rouen Ducks were not only a strong class, but also a very good one. A most unusual feature here was that there was not a single faulty-coloured-billed Duck throughout. A class for Buenos Ayrean Ducks produced great competition. It is, however, well for amateurs to bear constantly in mind that large size here is regarded as the very opposite of a desideratum, however perfect the feather. They should certainly not exceed the size of an ordinary Widgeon, and if smaller so much the better. Some capital White Muscovy Ducks, a pen of Guelderlands, and some excellent Negro or Silky fowls, as “extra stock,’ closed the rear of this excellent Show. Every possible care.was given to the birds, and we were much pleased to notice that, with one solitary exception, every specimen sent appeared in robust health. Although the railway accommodation to Uttoxeter is not anything like equal to that of the shows that were held respectively at Burton and Tamworth in preceding years, we are glad to find more money was taken at the doors. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).—Chickens.—First, J. Bakewell, Draycott Mill (Black). Second, J. Stubbs, Weston Hall, Stafford (Black). Commended, J. Stubbs (Black). September 27, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 263 Game (Any other variety).—First, Sir St. G..Gore,. Bart., Hopton Hall Hawsurcus (Golden-spangled).—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, G- Wirksworth. Second, J. Holme, Knowsley, Prescot (Duckwing). Farnhill, Carlinghow. Chickens.—First, T. Wilcock, Morley. Second, J. SpanisH.—First, G. Lamb, Compton, Wolverhampton, Second, J. R. Rod- bard, Aldwick Court, Wrington, Bristol. Commended, T. Cliffe, Hanley ; E. Fell, Burslem. Dorxrne (Coloured, except Silver Greys).—First, J. Hill, Bladon Wood, Burton-on-Trent. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, Wirksaworth. Commended, Mrs. M, Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury. Dorxtne (Silver Grey or White).—First and Second, Lady Bagot, Blith- field Hall, Rugeley (Silver Grey). Cocuin-CuHIna (Cinnamon or Buff).—First and Second, H. Bates, Har- borne Heath, Birmingham (Buff). Highly Commended, C, T. Bishop, Len- ton, Nottingham (Buff); T. Stretch, Ormskirk (Buff). Cocu1n-Cuina (Brown or Partridge-feathered).—First, T. Stretch, Orms- kirk (Partridge). Second, E. Tudman, Ash Grove, Whitchurch, Salop (Partridge). Highly Commended, E. Tudman (Partridge). Hampvuren (Golden-pencilled). — First, A. Carter, Poulton-le-Fylde. Second, Rev. R, Roy, Bedwardine Villa, Worcester. Aampures (Silver-pencilled).—First, J. Holland, Ches‘nut Walk, Worces- ter. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, Wirksworth. Aighly Commended, W. Bradley, Diglis Leesk, Worcester. Commended, H. Marshall, Cotgrave, Nottingham. HamsuncH (Golden-spangled).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, Wirksworth. Second, J. Leech, Liverpool Road, Newcastle. Highly Commended, T. May, Bloomsbury Street, Wolverhampton. Hamevureu (Silver-spangled).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, E. T. Holden, Walsall. Highly Commended, J. Leech. TurkEys.—First, J. Coxon, Freeford, Lichfield. Second, Mrs. P. Wolfer- stan, Statfold Hall, Tamworth. Highly Commended, J. Faulkner, Bretby Farm, Burton-on-Trent. Gersr.—First and Second, Mrs. M. Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury (White (whi See Commended, J. Faulkner; J. Brassington, Barlaston, Stone ite). Ducxs (White Aylesbury).—First and Second, Mrs, M. Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, W. H. S. Kynnersley, Brook House, Mar- chington, Uttoxeter. Ducks (Rouen).—First, J. Holme, Knowsley, Prescot. Second, T. R. Hulbert, Perrott’s Brook, Cirencester. Highly Commended, C. Pease, Southend, Darlington. Commended, J. Bakewell, Moor House, Uttoxeter. Ducks (Black East Indian).— First, J. R. Jessop, Beverley Road Hull. Second, F. W. Earle, Edenhurst, Prescot. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Extra Pourtry.—Highly Commended, J. T. Pountain, Cowsley Field House, Derby (Muscovy Ducks) ; Mrs, Hay, Sudbury, Derby (Guelderlands). The Judges were George Cargey, Esq., the Cottage, Osmas- ton Manor, Derby ; and Edward Hewitt, Hsq., Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, MORLEY POULTRY SHOW. Tuts Show, held in connection with the Horticultural and Agricultural Exhibition, took place on the 19th inst.; and, notwithstanding a wet afternoon, was attended by thousands of people from Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, and the neighbour- hood, all of whom appeared to take the liveliest interest in the Show throughout. The Committee exerted themselves in a praiseworthy manner, and succeeded in making the Show a complete success, and everything passed off well. The show of poultry was not large, yet in many cases the birds were of good quality. Of course the lateness of the season caused the adults to show disadvantageously. A nice Black Red Game stag, though a little too narrow across the shoulders, won first prize for cock of any breed, and_a decent Brown Red cock was second. A fair pen of Brown Red chickens were first in their class, and a pretty pen of Black Reds were second. This position would have been reversed but for the cock in the second pen being slightly Duck-heeled. A good pen of Duckwing chickens won, and had the sectional prize for the best pen of Game fowls exhibited awarded to them. A capital pen of Silver-pencilled Hamburgh chickens walked over, and had the sectional prize awarded to them. Bantams, though not numerous, were good in each class, and a capital pen of Black Red Game won the sectional prize. Spanish were very meagre, and, unfortunately, a very good pen of chickens, belonging to Mr. Cannan, were disqualified on account of being in the adult class. A good pen of adult Cochins, belonging to Mr. Beldon, won the sectional prize. There was a nice show of Pigeons, and-a. few pens of Rabbits were exhibited. % Cocks (Any Distinct Breed).—First, T. Dyson, Halifax. -Second, J. Sune derland, Halifax. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds),—First, J. Fell & Sons, Adwalton. Second, H. Beldon, Bingley. Chickens.—First, H. C. Mason, Drighlington. Second, T. Dyson, Halifax. Commended, J. D, Newsome, Batley. GaME (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).—Second, J. Fell & Sons. ee a and Special, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Second, J. Fell and Gamr (Whites and Piles).—First, J. Sunderland. Second, H. C. Mason, Drighlington. Chickens.—Second, H. C. Mason. Game (Black and Brassy-winged).—Chickens.—First and Second, J. D. Newsome, Batley. Witty, Farvley. Hampurous (Silver-spangled).—First and Second, H. Beldon, Bingley Chickens.—First, H. Beldon. Second, J. Jowett, Morley. Hameureus (Golden-pencilled),—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, S. Smith, Bore hoyaAt: Chickens,—First, J. Sunderland, Halifax. Second, S. Smith. Hampureus (Silver-pencilled):—First, J. Sunderland, Halifax. Second, H. Beldon, Ringley. Chickens.—First and Special, H. Beldon. Potanps (Golden-spangled).—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Chickens.—Prize, H. Beldon. Poranps (Silver-spangled). — First and Second, H. Beldon, Bingley. Chickens.—First and Second, H. Beldon. Potanps (Any other variety).—First and Special, H..Beldon, Bingley. Bantams (Gold or Silver-laced).—Prize, H. Beldon, Bingley. Bantams (White).—First, C. Lister, Mirfield. Second, H. Beldon, Bingley. Bantams (Black).—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, C. Lister, Mirfield. Bantams (Any other variety).—First and Second, J. D. Newsome, Batley. Spanisu,—First, H, Beldon, Bingley. Second, W.K.Duxbury. Chickens. —Prize, H. Beldon. Dorxines.—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, G. & S. Taylor, Hunslet, Chickens.—First, G. & §. Taylor. Second, R. Athey, Chapelthorpe. Cocuin-Cuina.—First and Special, H. Beldon, Bingley. Chickens.—First, C. Lister, Mirfield. Second, H. Beldon. Any oTHER Vanrety,—First, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds, Second, H. Beldon, Bingley. Highly Commended, C, Lister, Mirfield. Chickens.—First, W. K. Duxbury. Second, H. Beldon. GrEsE (Light-coloured).—First, Second, and Special, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Highly Commended, J. Dawson, Morley. Ducks (Rouen).— First, J. D. Newsome, Batley. Second, J. Ward Adwalton. ae (Aylesbury).—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, W. Barnett, olbeck. Ducss (Any other variety).—Prize, C. Lister, Mirfield. TurKeys.—Prize, C. Grosvenor, Middleton. Picrons.—Carriers.—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, J. Firth, jun., Dewsbury. Ow/ls.—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, T. H. Sagar, jun, Leeds. Yurbits.—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, J. Firth, jun., Dewse bury. Barbs.—First, J. Firth, jun. Second, H.Beldon. Tumblers,—First, H. Beldon. Second, T. H. Sagar, jun. Jantails.—First, M, Spedding, Dewsbury. Second, — Naylor, Armley. Powters.—Prize, H. Beldon, Bingley. MWuns.—Prize, M. Spedding, Dewsbury. Jacobins.—First, J. Ross, jun., Stump Cross. Second, J. Firth, jun., Dewsbury. Common.— First, M. Spedding, Dewsbury. Second, T. Barron, Morley. Rassirs.—Prize, Rev. W. Thorold, Middleton Parsonage. The Judges were Messrs. R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston, and H. M. Julian, Whitefriargate, Hull. POULTRY AT THE DERBY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. (From a Correspondent.) Tue annual Exhibition of the Derbyshire Agricultural Society was held at Derby, in the cattle market, on Friday September 16th. The poultry was not the least attractive feature in the Show, and the improvement in point of breed, as wellas number, was very manifest, there being nearly one hundred pens exhibited. } In Coloured Dorkings Mr. Hill showed a very fine pen, the Countess of Chesterfield being second. Mr. Faulkner’s Whites, which were the first at the Sparkenhoe Farmer’s Club, well merited the same honour here, although there was none to oppose. Spanish showed very well, the first- prize birds being excellent, as well as the cock in the second- prize pen. The Game classes, as a whole, were very good, Mr. Spencer’s Whites being everything that could be desired. In Hamburghs Mr. Campion’s Silver-pencilled well deserved the honour they obtained. Mrs. Hurt carried off the premium for Dorking chickens, and the Countess of Chesterfield was second. Many of the Game chickens promised well. The first-prize Cochin pullets were splendid birds, but the cock was not their equal. Whites were second with a capital en. E For Rouen Ducks there was no competition; but the second-prize Aylesbury were very large, though rather short of breed compared with the first. Geese and Turkeys were good, though the entries were few. Last, though not least, was Mr. Pountain’s pen of White Muscovy Ducks, which deservedly received a high commendation as extra stock. Dorxres (Coloured).—First, J. Hill, Bladon Wood. Second, Countess 07 Chesterfield. Highly Commended, J. Hitchman, M.D., Mickleover. Com-= mended, J. Faulkner, Bretby Farm. Ohickens.—First, Mrs, Hurt. Second, Countess of Chesterfield. Commended, J. Faulkner. 7 Doxrxines (White).—Prize, J. Faulkner. SrantsH.—First, J. T. Pountain, Cowsley Field House. Second, H. Darby, Derby. Gis (Dark-breasted). — First, J. Bakewell, Dracott Mill, Sudbury. Second, W. Thorpe, Thulston. Highly Commended, G. Statham, Sudbury. | Commended, J. Bakewell. Chickens.—First, Mrs. Hay, Sudbury. Second, T. S. Radford, Egginton. Commended, J. Milness. Game (White or Pile).—First, C. Spencer, Thulston. Second, J. Milnes, West Hallam. Commended, H. King, Melbourne. 264 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { September 27, 1864 Sse Si yal epee pee oiEa ee eee Hampurcus (Gold-pencilled).— First and Second, P. W. Bowne, Bull Bridge, Crich. Commended, C. Spencer. Hampureus (Gold-spangled).—First and Second, F, Camp, Etwall. Com- mended, S. W. Cox, Spondon ; J. Faulkner. , _ Hampureus (Silver-pencilled).—First, T. Campion, Braileford. G. Statham. i Hasurcus (Silver-spangled).— First, Miss A. M. Hurt, The Knoll, Little- over. Second, Mrs. Hurt, Alderwasley. Commended, J. Langley, Mickle- over; H. Darby. : ‘ ; CocHIn Cuickens.—First, J. T. Pountain (Buff). Second,{H. Wallis, Derby (White). Commended, J. Hitchman, M,D. (Buff). Ducks (Rouen).—Prize, R. Cowley. , Ducks (Aylesbury).— First, J. Faulkner. Second, J. Hitchman, M.D. Highly Commended, W. Harding. Grrsr.—First, W. T. Cox. Second, J. Hitchman, M.D. Commended, R. Cowley, Bredsall; J. Faulkner. TurKeys.—First and Second, J. Brough, Langley. Exrra Stock.—Highly Commended, J. T, Pountain (Muscovy Ducks). Second, MIDDLETON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW.—SerrempBer 22ND. Gaxe (Black-breasted and ether Reds).—First, J. Wood, Moat House, Haigh, near Wigan. Second, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, near Manchester. Third, T. Dyson, Pellon Lane, Halifax. Highly Commended, Capt. H, Heaton, Lower Broughton, Manchester; J. Fell, Deighton, near Leeds; J. Firth, Lily Lane, Halifax. Cockerels.—First, T. Dyson. Second, J. Wood, Highly Commended, '. Statter, Stand, near Bury; J. Firth. f Game (Any other variety).—First, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough (Pile). Se- cond, E. Aykroyd, Birlington Road, near Bradford (Duckwing). Third, J. Fletcher (Duckwing). Cockerels.—First, H. Thompson, Milnthorpe (Pile, white legs). Second, W. R. Duxbury, Leeds (Duckwing). Gan (Any variety).—Cup, J. Crossland, jun., Wakefield. Second, J. Wood, Haigh, near Wigan (Brown Red). Third, E. Aykroyd, Bradford (Duckwing). Highly Commended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough (Piles); J. R. Rodbard, Aldwick Court, Wrington, near Bristol (Duckwing); J. Wood ; H. Thompson, Milnthorpe. Commended, J. Eaves, Knowsley; T. Statter, Stand, near Bury; C. W. Brierley, Middleton; T. Dyson, Halifax; W. K, Duxbury, Leeds; Capt. Heaton. Spanisa.—First, E. Brown, Sheffield. Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. Third, J. Topp, Halshew Moor. Cockerel.—First, W. Cannan. Second, E. T. Holden. Dorgrnes.—First, J. White, Warlaby. Second and Third, E. Smith, Middleton. Highly Commended, C. W. Brierley. Cockerel,—First, S. Harrop. Second, J. White. Pullets.—First, E. Leech, Rochdale. Second, J. White. Highly Commended, E. Smith. BrauMA Poorra.—First and Third, H. Lacy, Hebden Bridge. Second, TT. Statter, Bury. Cockerel.—First, T. Statter. Second, H. Lacy. Highly Commended, Mrs. M. Seamons, Hartwell. Pullets.—-First and Second, H. Lacy. Highly Commended, E. T. Holden, Walsall; E. Leech. Cocurn-Cuina (Any variety).—First, T. Stretch, Ormskirk (Partridge). Second, Captain H. Heaton (Buff). Third, J. Nelson, Manchester (Buff). Highly Commended, C. Kershaw; J. Crossland. Cockerel.—First, C. E. Ridsdale. Second, Captain H. Heaton, Manchester. Highly Commended, C. Kershaw. Pullets.—First, Captain H. Heaton (Buff). Second, W. A. Taylor, Manchester. Highly Commended, G. H. Wheeler; J. T. Wellens, Middleton. Hameurcu (Gold-pencilled).—First, C. M. Royds, Rochdale. Second and Third, J. Fielding, Newchurch. Highly Commended, T. Wrigley. Middle- ton. Cockerel.—First, T. Burns, Wigan. Second, J. Preston, Bradford. Pullets.—First, J.Wrigley. Second, S. Smith, Northowram. Commended, Mrs. H. Sharp, Bradford. -HamevresH (Silver-pencilled).—First, J. Robinson, Garstang. Second, J. Preston, Old Bongh, Ollerton, near Bradford. Third, H. Beldon, Gilstead, Bingley. Cockerels.—First, H. Charnock, Church, near Accrington. Se- cond, D. Illingworth, Burley, near Otley. Pullets.—First, Mrs. H. Sharp, Bradford. Second, E. Smith, Middleton. HampourcH (Gold-spangled).— First, T. Scholes, Chadderton. Second, J. Sugden. Third, J. Roe, Hedfield, near Manchester. Commended, T. Ogden, Chadderton. Cockerels.—First, J. Buckley, Tainton, near Ashton- under-Lyne. Second, Hepworth & Coldwell, Norridge, Holmfirth. Com- mended, Messrs. Saul & Co., Boarshaw. Pullets.—First, J. Chadderton, Old Lane, near Hollinwood. Second, J. Ogden, Chadderton. Highly Com- mended, J. Lancashire, Heaton. HamporeH (Silver-spangled).—First, J. Robinson, Garstang. Second, Messrs. Saul & Co., Boarshaw, Middleton. Third, M. Isherwood, Bank Top, Radcliffe. Highly Commended, J. Fielding; J. Kay. Cockerels.—First, J. Lancashire, Tong Lane. Second, J. Collinge, Middleton. Highly Com- mended, J. Ogden, Middleton. Putlets.—First, M. Isherwood. Second, J. Hilton, Middletor. Highly Commended, T. Collinge; J. Lancashire. Hameurex (Black).—First, H. Beldon, Gilstead, Bingley. Second, R. Battersby, Heywood. Third, J. H. Lord, Little Green, Middleton. Highly Commended, R. Goodwin, Middleton. Cockerels.—First, J. H. Gardener, Hollinwood. Second, J. H. Lord. Highly Commended, J. Hope, Oldham, Pullets.—First, E. Partington, Middleton. Second, R. Battersby, Hey wood. Highly Commended, T. Jaques, Bottom Barrowfields, Middleton; R. Lanca- shire, Sandy Lane, Tonge. ’ Any VARIETY (not included in the Classes).—First, H.Carter, Upper Thong, Holmfirth. Second, H. Beldon, Gilstead (Silver Polands). Third, W. Bar- ber, Ovenden, near Halifax (Andalusian), High!y Commended, W. Fair- bairn, Wendle, near Rochdale (Cuckoo Creels). Cockerels.—First, H. Bel- don, Gilstead (Silver Polands). Second, S. Farrington, Chat Moss, Ashley, near Manchester (White-crested Black Polands). Pwllets.—First, S. Far- Tington. Second, W. Barber (Andalusian), _ Bantams (Game).—First, J. W. Morris, Rochdale. Second, J. Crosland, jun., Wakefleld. |Third, J. W. Morris. Highly Commended, J. Crosland, jun. Cockerels.—First and Second, C. W. Brierley, Middleton (Black Red and Brown Red). Bantams (Any other variety).—First, C. Walker, Halifax (Gold-laced). Second, H. Beldon, Bingley (Black). Commended, T. C. Harrison, Hull. Cockerel.—First, H. Beldon (Silver-laced). Second, C. W. Brierley. Duckiines—First, J. Hartley, Rochdale. Second and Highly Com- mended, Mrs. M. Seamons. Rouen.—First, J. Nelson. Second, J. Robin- son, Garstang. e Any other variety.—First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second and Highly Commended, T. Statter. : Gostines (Any variety). — First, J. Southern, Kenyon. Highly Commended, D. R. Davis, Knutsford, 2 TurKerys.—First, R. J. Wood, Manchester. Second, C. W. Brierley. Highly Commended, E. Leech ; D. R. Davis, Knutsford. Potttry Setting Cuass.—First, H. Carter, Holmfirth (Black Polands). Third, T. Burns, Second and Second, R. Goodwin, Middleton (Black Hamburghs). Abram, Wigan. Highly Commended, Miss A. Bamford. Picrons.— Tumblers (Almond),—First, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Second, P, Eden, Salford. Carriers.—First and Second, P. Eden, Salford. Powters. —First, E. Brown, Sheffield, Second, P. Eden. Jacobins.—First, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Second, BE. E. M. Royds, Rochdaie. Fantails.— First, J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Second, H. Yardtey. Qwls.—First, J. W. Edge. Second, J. Walmsley, Failsworth. Nwns.—First, H. Clegg, Oldham. Second, J. W. Edge. Any other variety.—First, C. J. Samuels, Manchester (Trumpeters). Second, P. Eden (Barbs). Rassits.—First and Second, R. Anderson, Stand, Pilkington. JupcEs.—Poultry : Mr.5 R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston ; Mr. J. H. Smith, Skelton Grange, near York. Pigeons and Rabbits: Mx. E. Slack, Newton Heath, near Manchester. KNOTTY POINT. POULTRY SHOW SWEEPSTAKES. In our Journal of the 30th ult., page 183, we gave the details of a case argued in the Suffolk County Court. The Judge of that Court, John Worlledge, Esq., delivered his. judgment in the case on the 19th inst., and we have been favoured with the following copy of his judgment. Payne v. J. DALLENGER AND WHISSTOCK. This was an action brought by Mr. Payne, who is manag- ing clerk to Mr. Gudgeon, of Stowmarket, to receive from the defendents the small sum of 8s.; but though the sum be small, Mr. Payne alleged that the case involved a matter of principle, but to my mind it seems to involve a good deal more ‘feeling than principle; but however that may be, L must decide it according to the best of my judgment. The case arose in the following way :—On the 26th and 27th of May last, there was a poultry show at Woodbridge, under the auspices of the Suffolk Poultry Society, of which defendents were the Secretaries, and among the events, ta use a sporting phrase, that were advertised to come off, was a sweepstakes for “Dorking Cocks,” which was thus set forth in the programme of the Show: ‘ Dorking cock class, a sweepstakes of 7s. 6d. each will be opened for Dorking cocks of any colour, the stakes to be disposed of (after de- ducting 5s. from each entry for hire of pens, &c.) in the same proportions as in the Game cock class.” The plaintiff having a Dorking cock, of which I suppose he entertained a high opinion, entered him for the above sweepstakes, and at the same time remitted defendants the sum of 7s. 6d., according to the terms of the printed programme as shown above quoted. Mr. Payne entered his Dorking cock on the 7th of May, which was the last day for entries, and there was no other entry at all for the Dorking cock sweepstakes ; but Mr. Payne had no notice of the fact, and in due time sent his bird to Woodbridge, where he was duly exhibited with other feathered bipeds then present. There being no other entry for the Dorking cock sweepstakes, the prize Mr. Hewitt awarded Mr. Payne. The prize in sweepstakes was. 2s. 6d., and 2s. 6d. was accordingly sent to Mr. Payne by the defendants, and received by him. But Mr. Payne was not satisfied with that, and has brought this action to recover Ss. more, which I understand is thus made up— 3s. for the expenses of sending the cock to Woodbridge, and 5s. the residue of the 7s. 6d. paid by’ Mr. Payne when he entered his bird. The first Mr. Payne contended he was entitled to recover from the defendants, because he said it was their duty as soon as they knew there was no other entry for the Dorking cock sweepstake, to have given him notice of the fact, so as to have prevented the necessity of his sending his bird to Woodbridge, and that not haying done so they were liable to refund to him the expenses of sending it; and the 5s. Mr. Payne claimed upon the ground that there being only one entry, there was, strictly speaking, no Dorking cock sweepstakes at all, and that, therefore, he was entitled to recover back the whole of the 7s. 6d, he had paid upon the faith of there being a sweepstakes. Now, it is clear that all entries are made subject to the Highly Commended, C. Moore; J. Robinson; E. Leech.. September 27, 1864. ] rules and regulations of the Show, and, indeed, in the form of entry signed by Mr. Payne, it is expressly stated that his entry was so made. That being so, it is In my opimon a sufficient answer to Mr. Payne's claim as to the 3s., and there is nothing whatever in the rules and regulations re- quiring the defendants to give Mr. Payne the notice he con- tends he was entitled to, and, therefore, his case as to the 3s. fails. And with respect to the 5s., the residue of the claim, the following of the rules and regulations appear to me material to the decision of the case—viz., “ All exhibitors will be required to pay 5s. per pen for each class exhibited, which shall include coops, food, attendance, &c.” And Rule 10, « Persons entering poultry and failing to send the same to the Exhibition will forfeit the entrance for each pen, &c., so left vacant.” Now coupling the rules I have quoted with the words in the programme of the Dorking cock sweep- stakes (after deducting 5s. from each entry, for hire of pens, &e.), it is, I think, perfectly clear that of Mr. Payne’s 7s. 6d., 4s. 6d. only was his stake in the sweepstakes, and that the remaining 5s. became absolutely and irrevocably appropriated to the hire of pens, &c.. The &c. being large enough and general enough to include, and probably also intended to include, a contribution to the general expenses of the Show ; and the tenth rule also shows, in my opinion, that whether the birds entered were exhibited or not, the 5s. at all events were not to be returned, that being, in fact, the entrance fee for each entry. Now, that being, in my opinion, the result to be deduced from the rules, it is quite unnecessary for me to decide the knotty point as to whether there was, in fact, a sweep- stakes for Dorking cocks or not; because if there was, Mr. Payne won it, as was decided by the Judge of the Show, and has received the prize. If there was not, Mr. Payne has equally got back his stake—viz., the halfcrown, which is all that he was entitled to on the failure of there being any Dorking cock sweepstakes, if failure there was. I think, therefore, the defendants have paid Mr. Payne all that he was entitled to receive under any aspect of the case, and the judgment of the Court must be for them; but as Mr. Dallenger’s letter* of May 30th was not exactly a fair statement of the facts, and was calculated to produce a wrong impression on Mr. Payne’s mind, each party must pay their own costs. Judgment for the defendants without costs. * [COPY OF LETTER REFERRED TO. | ‘Ecclesia Chambers, 30th May, 1864. “Dear Srr,—I enclose you 2s. 6d. in stamps for prize Dorking cockerel sweepstakes. There was only one entry, and we retain 5s. for the pen. **Your cock had the privilege of competing with the Dorking cocks (Class 12) against Mr. Frost, Mr. Lingwood, and Mrs. Blair, but Mr. Frost beat you. We thought it only fair, as there was only one entry for sweep- stakes, that you should be allowed to do so, and it was done, but without success. ‘Yours truly, “JNO. DALLENGER,” ‘*Mr. H. Payne, Stowmarket.”” TUMBLERS NOT FLYING. Asour four months ago I purchased half a dozen high- flying young Tumblers, which when I turned out flew so high as to go out of sight, and they generally were about an hour before they descended ; but since that they seem to have been gradually growing worse and worse in their flying, and now they never fly more than ten or fifteen minutes, yet I know that those belonging to the vendor fly for two or three, and sometimes four or five hours without alighting, and he said that mine would do the same when they grew older. Will you tell me the reason of their not doing so, and the remedy? I only let them out once a-day, and some- times not at all, so that it cannct be through having too much liberty. Last week I shot half a dozen commoner ones for the table, and they being in very good condition, I thought perhaps I might be feeding the Tumblers too well, so I gave them less food, but as yet it has made no diffe- rence.— A SUBSCRIBER. [1 think that you allow your flying Tumblers to associate with common Pigeons, and as the old proverb asserts, “ Evil communications corrupt good manners,” your Tumb- lers learn to imitate the habits of the common birds. I would advise you either to kill off all the common Pigeons, or to keep them confined until the Tumblers have had their daily JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 265. fly. Ifyour Pigeons are too fat more exercise will reduce them to proper condition. Weather permitting, make them fly every day, and keep them to it until they are again in good training, and then be careful that they do not relapse into idleness. They cannot be fed too well when they are in training, and have regular daily exercise. Peas, Indian corn, and lentils, are variously recommended as the best food for flying on, and a little hempseed just at starting ; but the Pigeons must not be turned out too full. You will, perhaps, have some trouble to make the Pigeons keep up at first, but you must not expect to succeed unless you attend them regularly.—B. P. Brent. | WINTERING A CUCKOO. I PERCEIVE one of your correspondents is very anxious to preserve through the winter, alive and in health, a young cuckoo which he has reared this summer. I have not myself any fear that this may be easily effected. by proper care, as I, when a youth, kept both the cuckoo and the corncrake the year round. I had both when quite young. The cuckoo I fed at first on raw meat and boiled eggs, of which it always ate ravenously during the time it was in my possession—viz., until the 26th of April, being very nearly a year old. It then escaped by the neglect of a servant, its health and plumage being perfect, for, singularly enough, it moulted to adult feather during February. The meat it preferred was either sheep’s heart or sheep’s kidney cut into moderate-sized pieces, of which it consumed considerable quantities. Until-the November of 1828 it had the free range of a large back unoccupied attic. Severe weather then setting in, this bird was placed in a throstle’s wicker cage near the fire in the kitchen, and as it at that time seemed yery listless and drooping, possibly in part from being more closely confined, it was then supplied with an occasional treat of “‘mealworms” from a flour mill in the neighbourhood. The moment it saw mealworms it ate heartily, however disinclined to motion previously. The dull habits of this bird continued only during the really cold months of winter, for in February it was again set at liberty in the room with its old companion the corncrake, and flew about as happily as ever. During the whole time it was in my possession it never once uttered the well-known cry from which it takes its name, but frequently when flying about the room made the exceedingly rapid monotonous noise, customary to this bird at spring time, when flying in the open country. They are a very objectionable bird to. keep on account of the nature of their excrement. The corncrake was a truly lively and most interesting pet, and was so young as to be only covered with black down when I obtained him. He was at first fed on chopped eges, boiled hard, mixed with cheese and meat, and even- tually he went on well with chopped bread and cheese alone. He was always in motion, for his hearing was so singularly acute that to approach him without his knowledge was im- possible. I kept him nearly three years, and he almost invariably “craked” before rain. He was jokingly called my “ weatherglass,” and mostly proved a very correct one. He had a turf of grass whenever it could be readily obtained, and was especially fond of grasshoppers and woodlice, and would leave any other food to seize a stray mealworm, if by chance his cuckoo-friend happened to let one fall. He was” a great favourite of all the family during the whole time we had him, and never evinced the sullen disposition of the cuckoo, for he would follow us when spoken to—in fact he seemed determined to cultivate acquaintance with every one. His plumage was, except at natural intervals of time, of as brilliant a character as though at liberty, and strong were the expressions of regret, when one morning he was “found dead” without any apparent indisposition beforehand.— Epwarp Hewitt, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. MANAGING BEES ON THE NATURAL SYSTEM. Some time ago you were good enough to insert a letter of mine on the subject of bee-keeping, wherein I expressed my intention of abandoning the “scientific” system for a more 266 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 27, 1864. ee ORO natural one based on the habits and instincts of the bee. It will interest your readers to learn from my experience how they may turn a general disappointment into a plea- surable and profitable amusement. The great feature of all controversy on the subject is how to prevent swarming. To this end all kinds of elaborate hives have been invented, books written, plans proposed, and controversies engaged in. My four-years experience with Neighbour’s, Taylor’s, Stewarton, and other hives con- vinces me that it is impossible to prevent swarming except by one method, that of cutting out the queen’s cells—a difficult, delicate, and, to inexperienced or timid persons, dangerous operation. So strong is the colonising instinct, that all the plans of space and ventilation that can be adopted will not retain the swarm at home if queen bees are allowed to be hatched; whilst the adoption of such plans invariably results, as far as my experience goes, in injury to the young bees and the retardation of the honey crop. The fact that swarms issue from large hollow trees, garrets, church roofs, &c., where additional accommodation for comb-building is amply provided sufficiently proves the point that by giving space you cannot prevent a swarm from issuing. Having once made up my mind on the subject, I abandoned the system, the constant results of which had been lost time, lost honey, and continual an- noyance. The experience of most amateurs is, I venture to think, one of similar disappointment. I have adopted what seems to me a more natural and sensible plan. 1 now encourage swarming, hive the swarms, unite them if ‘ casts,’ let them work all the summer, and in the autumn take the honey, destroying such hives as I think too weak for the winter, leaving strong stocks from which only supers have been taken for next season’s supply. I also avoid as much as possible, in contradiction to my previous mode, interfering with the bees. They regulate their own temperature and time of swarming far better than we can do; and they will work to greater advantage if not inspected and intruded upon too much in the honey season. Acting on these principles, the following is my result for 1864. From five stocks I have had eight swarms, one of which I gave away; another, after being hived in a Stew- arton, took wing and settled in an old pollard; and two casts L united. From No. 1, an old stock, after two strong swarms had issued, I took 44 lbs. of honey, and destroyed the bees, as I wanted to change the comb. From No. 2 I took a super of honey weighing 11} Ibs. From No. 3 I took 15 Ibs.. Nos. 2 and 3 swarmed together; and so large was the united swarm that I was obliged to put on a super the same night. From these boxes I took 36 lbs. From No. 4 I took a large super with 20 lbs. ; and from its prime swarm, which I have since destroyed, I took 183 lbs. Two casts from Nos. 3 and 4 were united in July, and having been lately fed, now form a strong stock for next spring. From No. 5 I took 11 lbs., and destroyed the old stock, keeping its prime swarm. I have just destroyed the swarm from No. 1 in the tree, and obtained 16 lbs., making a total of 1323 Ibs., whilst I retain five strong stocks amply provided with food for the winter. Part of this success arises from the season; but the chief result has arisen from my allowing nature, with a very little assistance from art, to have its own way.—A BEE-MAsTER tn Essex. FOUL BROOD IN YORKSHIRE. I senp you herewith a small box containing a sample of comb taken from one of my hives. I fear there is little doubt of its being virulent foul brood, but shall esteem it a favour if Mr. Woodbury will kindly inform me whether it is so. The stock was driven late last autumn into a Woodbury hive, and had to be fed. This spring I found four of the combs covered over with fungus, and completely deserted by the bees. I removed these, but found no brood in the cells, but only mouldy pollen. I supposed that they were fed too late to seal over the cells, and that evaporation in the winter had caused the growth of mould. They have since increased in numbers, but have not swarmed, nor yielded any honey; and to day, on examining the combs, I found brood in nine frames, some of the cell covers perforated, others not so, but nearly all with flattened tops, and containing brood more or less decomposed. ; In the same shed I have a Lignrian swarm of May, this year, which has done very well, yielding me a super of 25 Ibs. of fine honey. Iam very sorry to find that it has re- ceived the infection, though at present it exists to a much smaller extent than in the other stock. Should Mr. Woodbury’s verdict bear out my fears, I pro- pose to unite the bees of the two stocks with the Ligurian queen, which is a fine one, and drive them into a hiye with empty comb in it, giving them three days quarantine in an intermediate-hive, and then feeding them for the winter. Will this be my best course ? and shall I need to confine the queen longer than the workers, at this season of the year? T have also enclosed a sealed queen cell which I took from a hive belonging to a friend, which has swarmed twice, and since been robbed and deserted. It appears to be empty; if so, have the bees sealed it over again after the queen has left, or what has become of the royal larva? Is the honey from diseased stocks fit for human food, and if not to what use can it be applied ?—C. D. [I regret to say that the sample which accompanied this letter is unquestionably foul brood, and I should think of a very virulent type, since I never saw any that presented 2 worse appearance, whilst it appears to have communicated itself by infection to a neighbouring stock. If“. D.” either possesses or can procure another healthy stock to which he can give the Italian queen, I should ad- vise his doing so, and destroying both the diseased colonies, in preference to attempting their union and cure by the means he describes: and for these reasons—the cure of foul brood is always very uncertain at the best, and at this ad- vanced season I fear the chance of success would be small indeed. Added to this, there is somuch difficulty in uniting Ligurian to common bees, that I believe the Italian queen would run quite as great a risk during the fusion of the two diseased colonies, as she would by being placed. at the head of a healthy stock of common bees. I therefore consider it better to follow the course which I have pointed out, and by which the hope may be entertained to entirely get rid of the disease. Honey taken from foul-breeding stocks may be safely eaten, or made use of for any other purpose, except that of feeding bees. I believe a queen had hatched out of the royal cell sent, but the cell cover, remaining attached on one side as by a hinge, had closed after the departure of its tenant, and thus appeared as though it had remained perfectly intact. This is no very unusual occurrence.—A DEvOoN- SHIRE BEE-KEEPER. | OUR LETTER BOX. Lec Wearness (Subscriber).—Your Cochin-China cockerel, being a heavy bird, showing weakness in his hocks, may recover from thaf in the course of another month or two. Feed chiefly on bruised oats, give bread sopped in beer two or three times weekly, and four grains of citrate of iron daily until the bird shows more strength in his legs. WeIcuT oF A Dorxrne Cock (W. S. P. B.).—As a rule, a Dorking cock is making satisfactory growth when he weighs as many pounds as-_he is months old. If, therefore, yours has made 61bs. in four months, he is un< usually good. It is quite unimportant that he has red earlobes. Feed him generously, and iet him have his liberty. Buyine Bantams (Zdem).—The proper time for buying a Silver Sebright Bantam hen is when she is clean moulted, about two months hence. The eurplus stock of most breeders is sold next month. A good hen in always worth twenty-five or thirty shillings. Caponistne (JV. R. C.).—We know of no book that treats on caponising. The custom has so much fallen into disuse, that there are few, or no men, who can perform the operation. It is not worth doing. The sufferings of the birds, the numbers that die, and the inferiority of the birds compared with young cockerels, which may be made as large, while they are younger and more delicate, haye caused the practice to be discontinued. Packinc Eocs ror Transport (A. J. H.).—The proper way ‘to pack all eggs intended for sitting is to use moss. Cover the bottom of the basket with it, roll up every egg separately in moss, so that it is completely en- veloped, then put it in the basket, small end downwards. Fill up in this way till there is room for no more. Then put a layer of moss again, and pack another row of eggs. Continue till the basket is full, and be carefa}- to top up so tightly that no egg shall move out of its place whilst travelling, Ivy nor Porsonovs To SHEEP, &c. (EZ. J. J.).—Sheep eat Ivy with im= punity. The Duke of Richmond at Goodwood, and Mr. Eliman near Lewes, have first-class flocks of Southdown sheep. Clipping the wings of hens has no bad influence on their laying powers. Age reduces that power. October 4, 1864. } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Pn WEEKLY C Day | Day Average Temperature of of OCTOBER 4—10, 1864. weroondon’ M’nth| Week. Day. Night. | Mean 4 Tu Sloes ripe. 64, 43.7 539 5 Ww Common Reed Grass ripe. 63,2 41.5 52.4 6 TH Maple and Beech leaves fall. 62.0 44.3 53.1 7 F Birch leaves become golden. 62.6 44,4 53.5 8 8 Poplar and Cherry leaves fall. 61.4 42.0 51.7 9 Sun 20 SunDAY AFTER TRINITY. 60.5 42.7 51.6 10 M Hazel leaves turn yellow. 61.5 43.8 52.7 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven ye: temperature 43.2°, greatest fall of rain was 1.06 inch. The greatest heat was 80°on the 4th, 1859; and the lowest cold, 28°, on the Sth, 1850; 8th, 1852; and 9th, 1849. ALENDAR. Reina Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon's Glock Day of 37 years. Rises. Sets Rises. Sets. Age. Sain Year, Days. | m. h.| m. h.| m h.| m. hb. m. 8, | 18 Baf6 | 29af5 | 51 9) 0 7 4 ll 24 | 278 18 9 6) 27 5 | 54 10) 42 97 5 ll 42 279 21 VU Gy 250975) [PSI OVI ES 8 6 1l 59 | 280 18 13 6) 23 5) after. SUIS 7 12 16] 281 19 15 6]21 5/]30 1/| 37 10 »)) 12 33 | 282 9 |16 6/18 5| 9 2|50 11] “9 |12 49| 983 22 18 6/16 5/43 2 | morn. 10 | 135) 284 \ i} ars, the average day temperature of the week is 62.2°, and its night The HARDY FERNS: HOW I COLLECTED AND CULTIVATED THEM.—No. 1. ANY years have passed away since my intense love for the vegetable world centered itself in “hardy Ferns:’” I loved them, not be- cause they were the fa- shion, but because they pleased me — pleased me in a manner that even wild flowers failed to do. Ithink one rea- son for this was that I felt the study of Ferns was within my capa- city, I could, as it were, measure thelength and necessary for the knowledge re- no very unpronounceable names ; breadth of what was quired—no hard books, but what was far better, I saw in the distance long walks in pleasant places with cherished friends, a little specu- lation, a little argument, and a great deal of innocent enjoyment. Then the habits of the Ferns pleased me ; the tall graceful Lady Fern hiding herself away in some sequestred nook—the hardier Filix-mas shooting up tall and straight, proud of its strength and size—the pleasure- loving little Septentrionale basking in the very eye of the sun—the shy Ruta-muraria scorning any home or com- panions but those of its own seeking, and quickly pining away in a land of strangers—the Scolopendriums revel- ling in their rich variety of form, each with a separate charm, yet together forming one of Nature’s loveliest groups. So I brought to the study of Ferns a lover’s heart, and like other lovers I have had many ups and downs in following the fair objects of my choice, and my huge Fern-book stands like a gallery of departed mis‘resses, each labelled with the fond name of a wild imagination ; a diminutive frond of Lastrea dilatata appears boldly as “ Dryopteris !” unmitigated Filix-mas does duty as “‘Las- trea cristata!” Oreopteris alone is right. Oh! what happy days does my old Fern-book recall !—what pleasant wanderings by banks and braes, by rock and river! Each Fern has its own separate existence in my memory. I see once more the little brawling Gwendryth, from whose banks I drew my Dilatata-to flaunt for a time under its fictitious character; I hear the hearty welcome of the Welsh tailor, whose weather-beaten cottage stood beneath a weeping Birch tree by its side, where the poor fellow earned a scanty living for his consumptive wife and many children. From that first visit my mind travels to the last; the gentle voice is hushed, the poor bed of straw empty, and lying in an inner room on a flower- bestrewed coffin is the patient sufferer at rest for ever. The Welsh poor are like none other; I have wandered No, 18£—Vot. VIL, New SERiEs, amongst many people, been greeted as a friend by many, but never so gratefully, so gracefully, as in the lowly cottages of Wales. My first Oreopteris was found in a wild mountain spot afew miles from Chepstow. I went in search of it with a frond from a true plant in my hand. I remember the search as if it were but yesterday—how gallantly I plunged into the Devil’s Punch-bowl, where, I was told, the Oreopteris drank the dews of heaven! how diligently I crushed every FernI found there, till the sweet lemon scent that escaped told me my search was over, and that the frond in my hand, with its tidy rows of spore-cases, guard- ing the leaflets like rows of little soldiers, and its bleached- looking stalk, was my favourite Oreopteris. There are many common Ferns to be found about Chepstow and the beautiful banks of the Wye. I found the Ceterach, Asplenium trichomanes, divided forms of Hart’s-tongue, &e.; but I also found Tintern Abbey, that most perfect of all English ruins, and Raglan Castle, and I would say, Let no man think he has seen a sunset till he has seen one from the tower of Raglan. Yet it is a cockney sort of sunset! for it is pointed out to you with the utmost precision, every shade of colouring expatiated upon, till you turn away with an angry feeling as if some one had spoken of your own beauty in a rude unfeeling manner ; yet for all that, one looks in a glass again, and I hope to see a sunset from Raglan tower once more. From Chepstow I passed on to South Wales, where for several months I carried on my somewhat wild researches much as a mariner without a compass might do; but my “‘ionorance (most certainly) was bliss,” and by the magie wand of imagination each day’s discoveries were trans- formed into gems of rarest value. I have never altered these fictitious names in my book, they bring me such happy memories of bygone days; they are a journal in which nothing but scenes of beauty and pleasure aré recorded. This frond was gathered at Dynevor Castle, put aside for the minute while I hammered away at the rocks; for I carried on a little desultory wild geology as well as botany, and Dynevor is a famous place for both. As I look at this Asplenium ruta-muraria I am once more serambling down the old broken mud wall, strongly savouring of pigs, where it had made its home, far down to some famous sand-burrows from which I gaze on the treacherous Cefn Sidan stretching far out into the blue waters towards Tenby. As I watch I see two vessels bearing down on each other; they pass and seem to pause ; a boat is lowered from both, and then I see the smaller of the two vessels slowly sink down lower and lower till only her mast is above the sea. I hasten home, and after a while of suspense hear the good news that no life was lost. Another Fern takes me to a Welsh wedding, where I had been “bidden” by a printed invitation in these words :—‘‘ As we intend to enter the matrimonial state on Thursday, the 9th day of June next, we are encouraged by our friends to make a BIDDING on the occasion, the same day, at the young woman’s father’s house, in the village of L——, at which time and place the favour of No. 836.—Vot. XXXII, Ord SERIES. 268 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 4, 1864 your agreeable company is humbly solicited, and whatever donation you may be pleased to confer on us then will be thankfully received, warmly acknowledged, and cheerfully repaid whenever called for on a similar occasion, by your obedient servants, David Jones, shoemaker, and Hester Morris,” What a wedding it seemed to be, as I gazed for a few minutes on the soberly merry scene! What an incon- gruous heap of presents the bidding had collected—chairs, tables, a clock, cups, jugs, pots and pans! What a Babel of voices! and what dancing! Nothing rude or boisterous but the fiddle, which gave spasmodic attempts to be jocund only ending in a growl, to which one young dancer after another trod 2 sedate and solemn measure, while the elders exclaimed, “Look! see what a grand dance! Yes, yes, it is fine.” Thinking the “‘Sassenég” might be a hinderer of mirth, I departed. This frond of Aspleniam marinum, measuring 1% foot, I consider the gem of my old book; it bears a look of learning about it; it reminds me that at this time I invested half a guinea (its then price), in Moore’s ‘‘ Popular History of British Ferns,’ and that it has been quite worth its cost to me. Inthe local distribution of Aspleniummarinum I found mentioned, “Cliffs between Tenby and Saunder’s Foot.” I tremble when I think of those cliifs. Armed with a bamboo 15 feet long, with a knife tied on the end,JI sallied forth one day in search. By using the utmost dexterity the bam- boo was carried safely over the ferry; but the land passage was not so easily accomplished, the retreating tide leaving, not sand or shingle, but huge boulders of slimy stones and rock, covered with various Alew, each more inimical to walking than the other, while little pools of water with tiny crabs in them seemed lying in wait at every step. I measured the bamboo with my eye, and grasped it fairly in the middle, but now its head would entangle itself in the seaweed ahead, its poor body starting up like an overstrained bow, threatening to precipitate me backwards; and now it would bury itself in the sand, from which, at an unwary jerk, it flew madly in the air, dancing the knife about in dangerous fashion. Yet, how beautiful was that coast! Cliff after cliff broken into every fantastic form, with masses of trailing plants adorning them, and here and there, high and dry, a bit of sand from which poor dried-up grass issued, sent, as it seemed, to bear the tender weight of pink and white Con- volvulus. The white ripples of the retreating tide returned for a moment to gaze upon the intruders, while far overhead a solitary bird went sailing into the blue distance, sending forth a plaintive cry to its lost fellows. -And in some little cave amidst this unbroken solitude I was to see for the first time my friend Asplenium marinum, and at last I found it! A damp dripping cave it was, with no bit of dry rock to promise a safe perch if the waves caught you; steep cliffs around with no escape; but hanging here and there above my reach, even with the bamboo, i saw the long shining sprays of the beautiful Marinum. But how to get at it? Mounting as high as I dared on a tiny ledge till hat and chin peered over the projecting rock, steadying myseif with one hand, with the other I hoisted up the bamboo, and be- gan a sort of sky fishing, making desperate jerks to reach my object, when suddenly there boomed on my ear like a cannon, “ Bless my soul, madam, you’ll be killed! Hold on till I come.” But who was “I?” Just rounding the cliff came a little boat, and in it a gentleman, a lady, and a sailor. Stout and ruddy against the blue sky showed the pair as I sighted them over the point. The “situation” was not exactly happy, but with a firm hold I was master of it. The party landed. The gentleman bowed, and asked leave to take my place; but even then we were but a few inches nearer the Fern. Then the sailor came, and, like Cesar, saw and conquered. “ Yes, yes,’ he said. ‘Sure she’s high, but I’ get her. MayI stand on your shoulder, sir?” In a moment the boatman was on the stranger’s arm, cling- ing to ascrap of rock. A spring, and he was safe on a ledge, securing root after root of the desired treasure; and thus I became possessed of the first living specimen for a fernery that has been my pleasure for ten years. The little party in the sea-cave gathered round the Fern, feeling we could hardly admire it enough, with its black shining stipes, its simply pinnate frond—not stiff, as in cul- lonely spot, parted for ever. tivated specimens, but with a waving curve of dark bright green on which the light glinted—its fructification (it was autumn), rich, full, and brown, traversing from either side ofthe mid-vein of the pinnule to the serrated outer edge. After due examination, the sailor took a “ cordial’? from our pic-nic flask, jumped into his boat, and the party, so strangely brought together in pleasant fellowship in that I planted the roots in pots half full of drainage, and I have them now as green and beauti- ful as then. In looking at them I often wonder whether there still exists in another English home one of the trophies of this day, of which a gentleman says in a jolly voice, “That, my love, is the Fern I found the day J saved the lady’s life in the Welsh cave; and whether the rejoinder remains, «My dear, you were very foolish, and it-was the sailor !”— Finrx-Femina. ANNUALS AND BULBS FOR GARDEN DECCRATION. THE time is drawing near when there willbe a. blank in the flower garden from the removal or destruction ofits summer occupants, unless prompt measures be taken: to replace them by plants calculated to do away with the dreary aspect which the beds too frequently present in winter; spring, and early summer. The flower garden can be made interesting from the appearance of the Snowdrop to the blooming of the Rose; in winter, by a discriminate use of small or miniature evergreen shrubs; in autumn by thepre- paration of the beds for bulbs and other spring-flowering plants; in spring and early summer, really beautiful by means of a variety of plants. It is high time to sow seed of the following annuals for flowering in the ensuing spring, and as the beds will not be ready for them for some time, it is advisable to sow rather thinly in a sheltered situation, and, if possible, on well-drained ground. If the soil is poor and light a dressing of leaf mould an inch thick, spread on the surface and neatly pointed-in, will benefit the plants. Prior to sowing tread the surface firm if the soil is at all light and sandy; but if tenacious in character treading will not be required. It is necessary to have the soil firm that the plants may make fibrous roots, so that they can be removed with a close ball. It is also certain that seedling plants withstand frost much better in a firm than in a loose soil, and they are there stronger and more dwarf. Having levelled the surface and sown the seeds thinly, but rather more thickly than in spring sowing, only just cover them with very fine soil. If all go on well they will be up in a few days, when a vigilant watch must be kept on the seedlings to prevent their destruction by slugs. A little soot sprinkled around them will do much to prevent the ravages of these; but the best plan is to search for them at night with a lantern, and the next best to dust a little quicklime over the plants at dusk in order to kill the depredators. If the winter prove mild all will do well and be of suffi- cient size to transplant into their blooming quarters when the first mild weather occurs in March. Take them up with good balls and plant them thickly, consolidating the soil about their roots. Water copiously if dry weather ensue, and thin the plants if they stand too closely; but this will rarely be necessary, the difficulty being to obtain enough of them to cover the surface densely. To provide against accidents and to fill up blanks, it is advisable to sow a quantity in pots and afford them the protection of a cold frame, admitting air freely on all oc- casions, and protecting only in severe weather, when a cover- ine of mats will do much to keep off frost, and if the mats be left on until the plants are thawed the injury sustained will be much less. To preserve the roots the pots should be plunged to the rim in coal ashes. Those who have room may keep them on shelves near the glass in cool green- houses, and if an early bloom is desired they may be potted in spring and allowed to flower in the greenhouse. They should be transplanted to their final quarters if wanted for flower-garden decoration by the beginning of April. Light loam and leaf mould in equal parts form the most suitable compost. The seeds should be sown from the middle of September to the beginning of October, that bemg the latest period. September is the most suitable month. October 4, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 269° The following are the annuals that I have found really useful for the decoration of flower-beds in spring, and al- though all of them do not flower sufficiently early to allow of their being employed, yet the majority answer the pur- pose on an average of seasons :— Alyssum maritimum (Sweet Alyssum), flowers white. Calandrinia speciisa, pink. 1 foot. ‘ 5 Campanula earpatica, blue. A perennial and not suitable for bedding, but valuable for borders; and so is Delphininm formosum, blue. Campanula Lorei, blue; and its variety, alba, white. 1 foot. Clarkia pulchella, Tom Thumb, rosy pink. 6 inches. C. pulchella, in variety. 14 foot. - ‘ ©, pulchella con:pacta. A smaller variety of the common kind. 9 inches. Cochlearia acaulis, lilac. 6 inches. i Collinsia bartsisfolia, purple; and Collinsia. bartsivflora alba, white. 1 foot. Delphinium cardiopetalon, blue. Erysimum Peroffskianum, orange. Eschscholtzia californica. yellow. E. crocea, yellow ; and E. crocea alba. Eucharidium grandiflorum, reddish purple. Eutoca viscida, blue. 1 foo%. Gilia nivalis, white. 9 inches. G. tricolor, tricoloured. Collectively a bad white or grey. Godetia tenella, purple. 1 foot. Gypsophila muralis, pink. 6 inches. frame, Iberis umbellata (Candytuft), in variety. Kaullussia amelloides, blue. 9 inches. Leptosiphon aureus, golden yellow or orange. L. lu‘eus, yellow. 6 inches. L. densiflorus, purple. 9 inches to 1 foot. Limnanthes Douglasii, yellow and white. 5 to 7 inches. This does better sown in autumn thanin spring. The white variety is excellent. Lupinus nanus, b!ue; and its variety alba, white 9 inches. Malcomia maritima, red; and its variety alba, white. 6 inches. Myosotis palustris azurea major, blue and yellow. 6 to 7 inches. 4 Nemophila insignis, blue. 38 to 6 inches. This sown in autumn does much better than when sown in spring. It makes a charming bed. N. maculata, white, spotted purple. 6 inches. (Enothera prosirata, yellow. 6 inches. Makes a good bed throughout the season. Saponaria ealabrica, pink; and Saponaria calabrica falba, white; fine. 9 inches to 1 foot. Sch‘zanthus Priesti, white. 1 foot. Silene pendula, rose; and S. pendula alba, white. 6 to9 inches, — WVenus’s Looking-glass (Campanula speculum), blue and white varieties, 6 inches. Veronica syriaca, blue and white. Makes rather a pretty edging. Viscaria oculata nana, pink; aud its variety, alba, white. 1 to 14 foot. Whitlavia grandiflora, purple. 1 foot. In point of utility for flower garden decoration I can only accord annuals.a secondary position, as they are uncertain in their time of flowering, and cannot be depended on to survive the winter, at the same time it would not be just to say that they are of little value, though it must be admitted that hey are vastly inferior to early-flowering spring plants and bulbs. Of flowering plants for spring decoration I shall have something to say by-and-by. BULBS FOR FLOWER GARDEN DECORATION. For the most part all hardy bulbs are easy of cultivation, needing no particular soil or preparation beyond that re- quired by hardy plants in general. Bulbs of all kinds, how- ever, thrive best in soils that are free from stagnant water, and which are moderately rich and porous. No general rules can be laid down as to the successful cultivation of the whole; but some hints on that of each genus may be of service. 6 inches. 1 foot. 13 foot. 9 inches to 1 foot. 9 inches to 1 foot. 1 foot. 1 foot. This is only half hardy. Sow ina 1 foot. 3 to 6 inches. SNOWDROP. Simplicity and modesty are the peculiar charms of this lovely flower. It will grow almost anywhere, but prefers a free open soil, particularly if containing decayed vegetable matter, such as that found in woods not too much encum- bered by brushwood. It will also bear almost any amount of ill treatment, and it is not unusual to see it transplanted when in full flower, and be but little injured. Such treat- ment, however, cannot be recommended. Ground intended to be planted with this bulb should be dug or loosened to a depth of from 9 inches to a foot, and if a little leaf mould can be spared to mix with it so much the better. Immediately after the foliage decays take up the roots and divide them, sorting out the large from the small bulbs, it being a good plan to have three sizes—large, medium, and small. The large bulbs will answer perfectly for the most conspicuous places in the flower garden; the medium-sized will do for mixed shrubbery borders in open spaces, either in front of evergreens or under the shade of deciduous trees; and the small may be planted in woods, by the sides of walks, and in parks, a clump here and there, which will add additional beauties to such places. When- ever the Snowdrop is taken up it should be planted the same day.’ It is a native of Britain, and as such is not benefited by the drying process. It is only plants from warmer climates that are improved by drying, which pro- motes the ripening of the bulbs—a process which cannot be accomplished in our cold damp soil. They may be planted as margins to borders in lines about 6 inches from the edging, drawing a drill with a hoe 3 inches deep, and placing the bulbs in this at an inch apart in a double row, allowing 3 inches between the rows, and in quin- cunx fashion, so that the first row may be 4} inches from the edging, pressing the root end into the earth, and then covering with soil to adepth of 3 inches. Inthe same manner they may be planted as margins to flower-beds; but if the lines are curved the distance between the rows should not be greater than that between the bulbs, or from 1 to 14 inch. Double rows are much more effective than single, and treble rows better still. The foliage will usually be sufficiently decayed to allow of the Snowdrops being planted at the time of preparing the beds and borders for their summer occupants. Snowdrops may remain in the same place for a number of years, annual removal doing the greatest possible injury to these bulbs, and all others from cool climates. If removed more frequently they should not be planted so deeply, from 14 to 2 inches being sufficient covering; but when left for years they annually get nearer the surface, and unless top-dressed will ultimately throw themselves out of the ground, for under cultivation they are deprived of the annual deposit of vegetable matter which in nature enables a plant to exist on the same spot for generations. I was particularly struck with this on planting several roots under trees, from the ground beneath which the leaves were- annually removed, and others in a spot where leaves and herbage were allowed to remain. They were ail planted at nearly the same depth, but at the end of seven years the bulbs in the former situation were level with the surface, whereas the others were no nearer it than when first planted. In planting, therefore, in dressed ground, it is not necessary to remove them oftener than once in seven years, unless they have increased to such an extent as to throw each other out of the earth or become irregular. The medium- sized and large bulbs are those best calculated for planting in clumps of twelve or more together, at from half an inch to an inch apart. The small, planted in woods, on hedge- banks, or any other suitable place, will in time gain strength and afford additional charms to such spots. Dried bulbs should be planted if possible in September, and not later than October, in order to secure a good bloom. They may be planted close to the stone edgings of beds, and in all beds and borders, without infringing on the space allotted to Crocuses, Tulips, &c., and they do not interfere in the least with the summer planting of the beds or borders. The single Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), is the most graceful, usually commencing to bloom in January—never, so far as I have seen, before that time; the double-flowered’ (Galanthus nivalis flore pleno), succeeds it. Galanthus plicatus, or the Crimean Snowdrop, is double the size of our common English species, and possesses the same exquisite purity of colour, flowers at the same time, and has broad leaves, and flower-stems 9 inches or a foot high. It is a welcome addition to our earliest spring flowers, and must find its way into every garden. I must now advert to what I consider a valuable acqui- sition—namely, Colchicum alpinum, a very dwarf kind from the Swiss Alps, roots of which, imported last autumn, remained in bloom the whole of the winter, even during the frost. ‘The flowers are of a pale rosy purple, several rising from one root. Itis probable that its winter-blooming pro- perties may be impaired by our more temperate climate ; but should it retain them, it will be valuable as being one of the few flowers of midwinter. WINTER ACONITE. This is a charming early-blooming plant, rising to the height of about 6 inches, producing, when in a mass, a blaze of golden blossoms. It requires the same treatment as the Snowdrop, and should be in every garden. I once had charge of a garden where there was a tall screen of Lime and Elm trees, and a walk between them, and on each side was a yard of single Snowdrop, another of Winter Aconite 270 (Eranthis hyemalis), a third of double Snowdrop; and this walk, when the majestic arms of the trees were crusted with hoar frost, and there was just a sprinkling of snow to whiten the ground, had a splendid effect, especially when the sun shone. The Winter Aconite flowers in the months of January and February, and frequently in March. CROCUS. Neat, dwarf, compact in growth, the Crocus ranks as one of the most beautiful ornaments of the flower garden. Like the Snowdrop, it may be planted so near the margin of beds as not to interfere in any way with the other occupants. It is so varied in colour as to be charming in beds or borders, either in lines of one colour in ribbon borders, or in con- centric rings in beds; and nothing can exceed the beauty of a border planted in clumps of one colour, or of several blended together, especially when associated with Hepaticas, and particularly the pink one. Crocuses are usually planted in October, November, and December ; but I should be guilty of misleading my readers were I to say that such is the most suitable time. It is ill treatment to dry Crocuses at all, for they are not improved by the process, nor, as I said before, is any bulb that will endure our climate, and become sufficiently ripened. To do the Crocus justice, it should not be removed more frequently than once in three years, and must then be planted the same day. They like a rich, open soil, not necessarily dry, but free from stagnant water. Planted in lines, they should be inserted to a depth of 2 or 3 inches, and at a like distance apart. In clumps of six or more they are very pleasing. The bulbs in this case need not be more than an inch apart. The Crocus dces not grow under trees so well as either the Snowdrop or Winter Aconite, owing, I think, to its growth not being perfected before the shade of the trees deprives the foliage of light to a great extent. It should, therefore, have an open situation; but at the time of re- transplanting it is desirable to plant only the largest bulbs in the most prominent positions, reserving the smaller for places of less importance. The most suitable time to trans- plant Crocuses is immediately after the foliage decays. I have no wish to depreciate imported Crocuses, for I find that they furnish larger blooms than those of English growth; and I wish to impress on the minds of all that finely as imported Crocuses flower the first year, they will, if not disturbed, improve in beauty, not for the next year only, but many succeeding seasons. Imported bulbs should be planted in their quarters as early in autumn as the places can be got ready for them. The Crocus, after being grown in the same soil for a number of years, becomes weaker. To obviate this, a por- tion of the old soil should be removed, and its place supplied by a quantity of fresh rich soil. A dressing of rotten manure spread over bulbs early in autumn is not lost on the roots beneath, and such attentions should be more fre- quently given than they are. Very fine beds may be formed by planting a double row of Mont Blanc, white, 6 inches from the edge; 6 inches from that again a double row of Prince Albert, blue; then at a like distance Dutch Crocus, yellow; a fourth of La Majes- tueuse, striped; a fifth of Othello, dark violet; and Giant Yellow in the centre. This will be splendid for a circular bed 7 feet across. For a border 6 feet wide we have the first row, 6 inches from the Box or other edging, a double one, white, Queen Victoria; the others being—2, Cloth of Gold, yellow ; 3, General Garibaldi, purple; 4, Aletta Wilhelmina, white, flamed violet; 5, New Large Yellow; 6, Vulcan, deep purple. The second row is 1 foot from the first, and so on, early Tulips being planted between each. Again we have a border 12 feet wide, which is to be gay in early spring. Such will hold twenty-four rows, and we can have it first-rate by planting, beginning at the edge—1, Queen Victoria, white; 2, Captain Cook, purple; 3, Cloth of Gold, yellow; 4, Argus, violet, white margin; 5, David Rizzio, dark purple; 6, Sulphureus, brimstone yellow; 7, Mont Blane, white ; Prince Albert, purple; 8, Large Yellow; 9, Cloth of Silver, white, purple stripes; 10, Ne Plus Ultra, blue, tipped with white; 11, Yellow Dutch; 12, Princess of Wales, dark purple; 13, Caroline Chisholm, white; 14, New Large Yellow ; 15, Albion, blue, white and blue striped; 16, Van Speyk, feathered blue and white ; 17, Saffron; 18, Lord Raglan, dark JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 4, 1864. blue; 19, Diana, white; 20, Cloth of Gold; 21, Lilaceus superbus, light violet, white margin; 22, Versicolor, white, with purplish veins; 23, Large Yellow; 24, Grande Vidette. Planted in this way, a border of Crocuses is not to be rivalled ; and to a true lover of nature there is no finer sight on a bright spring day. Now as Crocuses are only temporary, or destined to give place to other flowers at a more advanced period of the year, it becomes necessary to remove them with balls in the last week in May, planting them again in an open situation in the reserve garden, giving a good watering, but none after- wards. In autumn they may be retransplanted to the places previously occupied, at latest by the beginning of November. They will bear this treatment better than might be expected ; but a system which I have adopted with more success, is to plant the Crocuses in double rows (I do not like single), the first 6 inches from the edge of the bed or border, and the next a foot from it, and so on, which leaves space between for planting early Tulips, and these come off in time for bedding plants to be put in their places, without disturbing the Crocuses. The Tulips look no worse for having a line of the loveliest foliage between the rows, but are improved ; and thus we do justice to the Crocuses, and have a bloom from early spring until a late period, when they are replaced by other plants not more beautiful than their predecessors. (Lo be continued.) G. ABBEY. TRITOMA UVARIA—GLADIOLUS. From remarks made by gardeners who visited various places in the latter part of the past summer, coupled with what little observations I have been enabled to make my- self, I should certainly think that very ornamental plant, Tritoma uvaria, has lost the high position it held in the last and preceding years. The expectation then formed of it was, that it would take a place amongst the tall bedding plants, or, perchance, a row of it would be found occupying a site where Dahlias, Sweet Peas, or the taller Tropzo- lums had previously done duty ; but, whether from the dry summer, or from some other cause not sufficiently under- stood or accounted for, the flowers of this plant in most places seem to have been few indeed up to the middle of September, and the condition of the plants such as to leave little hopes of their making much display this autumn. That this is in a great measure to be attributed to the dry weather I fully admit, but Iam far from certain that such is the only cause, as in my own case the plants in spring seemed to be in anything but a promising condition; many of them had died during the winter, and I find on inquiry that other growers had in a like manner lost a great portion of their stock, and as this could not be from the lack of moisture at that season, some other reason must be assigned for the failure of this popular plant, which, whatever may be its merits, is certainly not an early bloomer. It would, however, be premature to condemn it for not succeeding better in a dry season like the present, but its failing during the past winter can hardly be attributed to the same cause, especially as we are told that the plant is one of the hardiest we have. Be this, however, as it may, the Tritoma uvaria of 1864, seems to have lost the position it occupied in the preceding years, and the quantity of flowers is likely to be much less than we have had for several seasons. f I believe it is admitted that this Tritoma likes a damp situation, possibly the side of a brook or ditch, where the soil is open, or, perhaps, inclined to peaty sand. A stiff clayey soil is too likely to produce slugs, which prey upon this plant, and I expect that last autumn, which was unu- sually mild, favoured these destructive vermin, and to their voracious appetites I fear some of our winter losses are to be attributed. One thing at all events is certain, the plants did disappear, and as severe weather did not set in until the first week in January, these marauders may be fairly charged with a part of the blame; but if, on the other hand, this plant has suffered from any of the other causes by which other classes of plants are affected, some further inquiry ought to be made into the matter. Perhaps other growers who have been more fortunate will kindly record the circumstances to which their success is attribut- October 4, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 271 able, and any other particulars relating to this highly popular plant, so that where local circumstances will permit of the mode of cultivation being varied, we may look for success with somewhat more of certainty than we can at present. While on this subject, I may mention that at most of the places to which I have been this summer, the Gladiolus has done well, and those we have here have flowered abundantly and strongly, and retained a better foliage than usual. Even in the dry weather of August they seemed not to lack any of the freshness which was so wofully absent in other things, and from this we may infer that the Gladiolus hardly requires hand-watering, nor yet a dripping summer to do well, but simply wants bright sunny weather. Of course, it need hardly be stated that this hastens the decay of the bloom, as well as its production, and that those who want a prolonged display must, therefore, adopt some shading process. The condition of the plants, however, in the present autumn, and their past success, augur favourably for another year; let us hope that the Tritoma may also raise its head in a more prominent manner next season than it has done this, and that a like failure may not occur again. if any one who, by a different mode of culture, has suc- eeeded this season would record his practice in THE JOURNAL OF HorricuLruRe, he would confer a great benefit on others, who, like myself, are far from satisfied with the vesult of this year’s growth.—J. Rosson. LEAN-TO ORCHARD-HOUSES. 1. Wat do you consider the best height for the back ‘and front of a lean-to orchard-house, so that a narrow path might be made round the front for a man to squeeze along in pruning ? 2. Do you think it a good plan to raise the back border2 feet? 3. Will 14 feet wide hold four rows of trees when matured, ‘with a two-feet path in the middle, and one of 18 inches in front ?>—A. Q. [It is impossible to gain every advantage by any one mode -of building a house. The low-fronted houses, as Mr. Rivers’s -lean-to’s, are no doubt the cheapest. Our orchard-houses this season have been pictures of health and fertility. The garden-wall existed previously, it is 11 feet in height, width of house 11 feet, height in front 3} to 33 feet, according to the slope of the ground. There are trees against the back wall, and 5 feet from it a row of trees in pots, and a second and third row near the front, just leaving enough of room ‘for a man to get along stooping. The whole of the back of the heuse as well as the front is supplied with dwarf tem- ‘porary plants in the spring, for keeping and hardening-off. ‘The trees used may b2 kept much the same size by pruning, or if allowed to grow larger, a less number of trees will do. If heavily cropped some will be exhausted prematurely. Our pathway now is latticed wood 18 inches wide. With a house at all moderate in height, there is no occasion for sinking the pathway. That was done to obtain headway in a low house and thus secure economy, In your fourteen-feet wide house if no walls now exist. and Vest Houchton is far enough south, you might make a ‘span-roofed house easiest—say 5 feet at sides and 10 feet at ‘apes, the half of the 5 feet glass, and a walk down the middle, with a bed for two rows of trees on each side. If you resolve on a wall and a lean-to, then we would have the back wall at least 12 feet in height, and the front from 4 to 6 feet, ee ee height if you want a comfortable pathway in front, € tormer if you are satisfied to pass along as you can. Then for internal arrangement we would advise you to have trees planted out against the back wall, and no other trees in the house for from 3 to 52 feet from the wall, and these should not be allowed to be above 5 : ¥ 2 54 feet in height. This opening at the back of 53 fest or soa chee aa g e back of 53 feet or so would be 1 and thus you might have three rows trees in front, either in pots or miata out, and TOR 3 necessary. By this mode you could have Peaches and ectarines against the back wall, and Cherries, Plums. &c. of the best sorts in front. Bear in mind what has frequently been referred to in “Doings of Last Week””—the watering that will be required for trees in pots. The labour in this respect would be lessened if the trees were planted out; but then they are kept small with more difficulty. ‘ The plan involving least labour in such a house would. be to plant against the back wall, and to plant also in front, and train to a trellis some 15 inches from the glass, the trellis to be rounded at 53 feet from the back wall, so that the sun’s rays could reach the bottom of the wall. The trellis at the highest should not, therefore, be more than 6 feet from the ground. By not planting trees against the back wall and having your main path in the centre, you will have beds on either side that will each hold two rows of dwarf plants. In such a case we would advise the back border being raised 15 or 24 inches, as that would secure more sun light to the back bed. For the sake of neatness, however, one side of the pathway at least would need to be held up with bricks or something of that kind. With such a height as we have spoken of, the back border might be 15 inches higher at the back, slope gradually to the front, and thus a sunk path be avoided, and the expense of keeping up the sides. In our lean-to’s the ground at back is about 15 inches higher than in front, and the narrow wooden trellis is on the level. Formerly we had a nice gravel path within 2 feet of the back wall; but we could not keep it moist enough, and greatly prefer the narrow wooden path through which we can pour water at pleasure. Did we wish to try pots, as you are resolved to do, in such a fourteen-feet-wide house we would plant out against the back wall and have three rows of trees in pots in front, the back row not nearer than 5 feet from the back wall, nor above 5 or 5} feet in height. We would only leave from 18 inches to 2 feet for passing along in front, and unless the front were 5 or 6 feet in height, we would not seek a regular pathway there. We think these remarks will embrace most of your ques- tions. If you do not plant out against the back wall the border will be all the better for being raised there, and you will have ample room at first for four rows of trees. By keeping to the bush form and having the main pathway in the middle, if ever you wish to plant out the best specimens, one row in each bed will be enough, and you could put a pot plunged in any open space so that no room should be lost. In spring, autumn, and winter such a house will be useful for many things besides the fruit trees—R, F.] ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. SEPTEMBER 27TH. Frorat Commirrres.—At the meeting held this day there was an extensive display of seedling Dahlias, but few were considered worthy of certificates. Mr. C. J. Perry, Castle Bromwich, had Ne Plus Ultra, large, and of fine form, and quite distinct in colour, pink veined with buff yellow. This well deserved the first-class certificate which was awarded to it. Startler, dark maroon, with pale blush tips, was also a pretty flower. Mr. Turner, Slough, again exhibited his fine, deep golden yellow seed- ling Leah, which has been noticed in previous reports as pens a first-class flower, and on this occasion it fully main. tained the character which has beet given ef ib; also, Rosetta, rosy ciins6n, With a magenta tinge, a very bright color. Mr: Tutner likewise SéHt 4 collection of the sorts sent ott by hith, ¢otiprising large and fine blooms of Lord Palmerston, Lord Derby, Critetion, Charlotte Dorling, Prin- cess of Prussia, Chairmbai, Cyenet, Lord Clyde, Leah, and others. For this he tessivyed & special certificate, and a similar award was made to him for five boxes of Roses; among the finest blooms were Senateur Vaisse, Francois Lacharme, Pierre Notting, Vainqueur de Goliath, Olivier Delhomme, President, Beauty of Waltham, and Souvenir de Malmaison. Gloire de Dijon, with which alone one box was filled, was in splendid condition. A plant of Lilium auratum bearing two of its immense blooms was also shown by the same exhibitor. A box of Roses in very good condition was likewise contributed by Messrs. Paul & Son. Mr. Rawlings, Bethnal Green, had a second-class certifi- cate for Dahlia Purple King, a large and showy kind, lilac purple with a magenta tinge; Mr. Sladden, Queen Victoria, Mrs. Sladden, Sparkler, Exquisite, and others, which were shown at the meeting of the 13th of September, were again exhibited, but the Committee did not think them worthy of |} an award. 272 Mr. Legge, Edmonton, sent Black Doctor, with fine large very dark blooms; also, Excellent, Ellen, Mr. Golding, Dauntless, Glory, and others, most of which had been pre- viously shown, but not thought of sufficient merit. Mr. Knight, Battle, had Albert Edward, large blooms, carnation- striped and flaked on a buff yellow ground; Mr. Burgess, Chelsea, President Davis, reddish buff; and Mr. Hopkins, Brunette, apricot, very deeply laced with dark crimson. The following were shown by other exhibitors, but received no award—viz., Earl Radnor, Mrs. Brunton, Lord Clifden, Boule de Feu, Fanny Sturt, Queen of the Vale, Chrome, and Beauty. From Myr. Standish, Ascot, came two very fine seedling Gladioli, for both of which first-class certificates were given. They were—Our Little Lucy, bright magenta rose veined with white, and having a purple feather in the throat, very distinct and beautiful; and Miss Mowbray Morris, large flower, flesh, with splashes of rose, and purple feather, a very fine variety. Skimmia oblata, also from Mr. Stan- dish, was likewise awarded a first-class certificate. It is very ornamental both in berries and foliage, the former being oblate and bright red, the latter of a uniform light green, and it is stated that it stands sun well. Mr. Veitch, Chelsea, sent a magnificent basket of Odon- toglossum grande, the flowers 53 inches across, the plants in which had been treated on the cool system, never having been afforded fire heat since last winter. For this a well- merited special certificate was given. Cattleya exoniensis, one of the hybrids raised in the Exeter nursery by Mr. Dominy, the parents being Cattleya Mossie and crispa su- perba, had a first-class certificate. The flowers are large and showy, the lip being deep purplish crimson, orange veined with purple at the base, and the petals and sepals of a delicate lilac blush. Odontoglossum Uro-Skinneri, was also contributed by Mr. Veitch. Mr. Watson, gardener, to C. Leach, Esq., Clapham Park, had a first-class certificate for Nerine coruscans major, a Cape bulb with fine, compact heads of orange scarlet flowers, the stamens, of the same colour, standing out conspicuously above the divisions of the flower. He likewise exhibited species of Nerine and Brunsvigia of no remarkable beauty, and a showy Hemanthus, with orange anthers and scarlet filaments. Mr. Smith, Hornsey Road, received a second-class certi- ficate for Petunia Fame, with crimson purple and white flowers, a pretty variety. Mr. Barker, nurseryman, Godal- ming, had a first-class certificate for Asplenium resectum, a very pretty stove Fern from the Island of Ascension. From the same exhibitor came also Pteris flabellata ascensionis, Asplenium erectum proliferum, in which the fronds are pro- liferous towards their extremities, Psilotum triquetrum, three pretty varieties of Mimulus, and twenty-four kinds of Tropeolum, among which were several brilliant in colour, and others peculiar in their markings. Mr. Parsons, Welwyn, contributed Achimenes Stella, rich velvety crimson purple, a fine variety, for which a second-class certificate was awarded; Mr. Batley, Rugby, a stand of seedling Verbenas; and Mr. Thompson, Ipswich, Callirrhée involucrata, crimson purple, with white base, which was commended as likely to prove a useful border annual. Lastly, from Mr. Bull, came Dendrobium adun- cum, with small but pretty white flowers, with a faint blush of lilac; Cattleya bicolor major, with a rosy purple lip, and olive sepals; Adiantum prionophyllum, Alocasia longiloba zebrina, the leaves metallic green, and the leafstalks with zebra markings; and Fuchsia The Giant, with very large double flowers, the corolla blue violet, and the sepals scarlet, but in the specimen seen not reflexing well. Froir Commrrrrr.—F. J. Graham, Esq., in the chair. A scarlet-fleshed Melon of good size weighing about 3 lbs., was received from Mr. John Murdoch, gardener to H. Allsopp, Esq., Hindlep Hall, Worcester. The flesh was very tender and melting, and the skin thin, and the flavour was re- markably good, so much so, that the Committee awarded the fruit a first-class certificate. Myr. Henderson, of Trent- ham, sent a dish of very handsome Peaches, of the variety known as Gregory’s Late. This Mr. Henderson considers the best of all the late Peaches, both as regards flavour and lateness, and his opinion was confirmed by the Com- mittee, who unanimously considered it a variety worthy of JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 4, 1864, general cultivation. Mr. Myers, of Brentford, also’ ex- hibited a fruit of the same variety. Mr. Graham, of Cran- ford, exhibited fruit of his Muscat Musecadine Grape, which was delicious in flavour, differing entirely from that of Chasselas Musqué, it is more brisk, and has a sort of orange flower flavour mixed with that of the Muscat. This was pro- duced in a house without any fire heat. From the garden at Chiswick there were two varieties of Frontignans, Muscat Regnier, and Chasselas Musqué de Nantes, both very similar, and neither calling for special mention. Mr. John Richard- son, gardener to Joseph Pease, Esq., Southend, Darlington, sent splendid bunches of Golden Hamburgh, and Foster’s White Seedling, but unfortunately they were so smashed in the box through being badly packed, that their beauty and flavour were destroyed. MR. WILLIAM PAUL’S NURSERIES, WALTHAM CROSS. Iv is now upwards of two years since we paid more than a passing visit to these nurseries, though often intending to go over them in a deliberate manner; but want of time, and the very knowledge that there is something there to interest at all seasons, were the cause of that intention not being carried into effect till the other day. As a walk leads directly from the platform of the Waltham Station to the nurseries we availed ourselves of that mode of access, and passing beside large quarters of fruit trees, Conifers, and ornamental shrubs, and then along a broad grass walk with beds of evergreens on each side, we reached the office, where we were fortunate enough to find Mr. Paul, who kindly offered to show us round. In leaving it we passed through the shop, which, as might be expected in the height of the bulb season, was full of Hyacinths, early Tulips, Crocuses, Nar- cissus, &c.; and on remarking on the size and weight of the bulbs, Mr. Paul informed us that they were the largest and heaviest which he had ever imported. Being anxious to again look at the splendid new Gera- niums which Mr. Paul is about to send out, we visited the houses first. Of these several new ones have been erected. during the last two years, and one is now being completed. They are all span-roofed, about 50 feet in lencth, and from 18 to 20 feet in width, and the whole are efficiently heated by means of two boilers, one being a modification of the saddle-form, and the other one of Monro’s cannon boilers, with the performance of which Mr. Paul expressed himself perfectly satisfied. These houses, though alike in their general appearance and of the most simple construction, are admirably adapted to the purposes for which they are severally intended, and might be studied with advantage by those who seek to erect glass structures combining effi- ciency and durability with economy. The first house we entered was filled with Tea Roses, planted out in beds in the middle and at the sides, and trained up the pillars and over the roof. Notwithstanding the dryness of the season, which has affected plants under glass as well as those out of doors, in consequence of its being impossible to preserve at all times the requisite degree of humidity in the atmosphere, Noisette Lamarque and some other Roses in this house have made extraordinary growths, varying from 5 to 7 feet in Jength. Gloire de Dijon, planted in the central bed, and grown on its own roots;is trained to'a single stem 73 feet high, the growth of but one year; and as a further example of the rapidity with which this variety grows, Mr. Paul informed us that he mew an instance in which it had in one year gone up 14 feet of the front of a cottage and then run 7 feet along the roof, making a growth of altogether 21 feet. Were it not that almost all the ripe shoots have to be eut for buds, this house would be a magnificent sight, but as it is it contains many glorious blooms, scenting the air with their delicious perfume. Of the numerous varieties planted here, Celine Forestier is the freest and best yellow climber, and the blooms are well set off by the fine mass of green foliage which it produces. That superb variety, Gloire de Dijon, was also in fine condition; indeed, if properly managed it is seldom seen otherwise. These two with Belle de Bordeaux, pink, resembling Gloire de Dijon in habit, are the best three for covering a house. Isa~- bella Gray and Jane Hardy are also fine climbers, with beau- October 4, 1864. ] tiful deep yellow flowers, but unfortunately they will not expand their blooms unless planted in a dry soil and warm situation ; on the other hand, Homer, delicate in colour, tinted blush with a salmon centre, is at once vigorous and one of the hardiest of the Tea-scented Roses ; and Nina, with large and very pure blush flowers, is a lovely hardy kind for planting out of doors, but not a climber. Of others we observed Ophirie, nankeen and copper, a good climber for a house coloured white, against which the lighter Roses do not look well, especially if the foliage is not vigorous and plentiful; America, creamy white, large and fine, excellent for a south wall in a warm situation; Niphetos, lemon white, large and very beautiful; Eugéne Desgaches, rose, very large and sweet; Duc de Maventa, salmon, large, and cupped; Nisida, rose and yellow, exceedingly sweet, and a profuse and continuous bloomer; Marquise de Foucault, fawn, sal- mon at the centre, delightfully fragrant; Solfaterre; and Julie Mansais, lemon white. Another house, distinguished as No. 5, was likewise filled with a fine collection of Tea Roses in pots. In the next house we entered was a collection of fine healtky Vines for fruiting and planting out, amounting to sixty or seventy sorts, and with the wood rapidly becoming wellripened. Passing from this we came toa second vinery, into which Mr. Paul introduced forty-one varieties, both new and old, in order to ascertain the comparative length of time required for ripening. They were all grown in pots, and sub- jected to cool greenhouse treatment; and many of them were bearing fine bunches, though some of the finest which were exhibited at the Crystal Palace Show had suffered consider- ably in consequence. Among them were Calabrian Raisin, a good late white Grape, which answers well for pot culture ; and Muscat Noir de Jura, an excellent late black kind, which possesses the additional recommendation of being ornamental by its foliage, which changes in autumn to yellow and red. Chaptal, bearing eight fine bunches, fully justified its character for productiveness, and as being well adapted for pot culture; Foster’s White Seedling was likewise bear- ing good bunches, as well as Chasselas de Falloux, the berries of which when ripe have a reddish tinge. This is a variety of acknowledged merit for pot culture, being remark- ably productive. Black Monukka, though by no means first-rate, was producing good bunches and has the property of being stoneless. Some very large bunches of, this kind were produced in the conservatory at Chiswick two years ago. Of new Grapes General de la Marmora, white, was bearing large bunches and abundantly ; Chasselas Bulherry was very thin-skinned and transparent; and so, too, was Almeria, The others were Chavoush, Ingram’s Prolific Muscat, and Perle Impériale, a fine-looking berry of a pale amber colour. Chasselas Vibert, though better known, deserves mention on account of its abundant bearing, large berries, and suitability for pot culture. The next house wag-filled with a stock of Vines ready for fruiting in pots’; and:we observed that the wood was short-jointed, hard, and. solid; with large well-developed eyes, such.as give the promise of starting vigorously. We now came to a house in which were many of the best of Beaton’s Geraniums, and though the requirements of propagation to meet the great demand which will unques- tionably arise for these had made great havoc among the shoots, there was.still enough to. show what valuable acqui- sitions they are. Amy Hoee is decidedly the finest, being entirely new in colour—a bright purplish rose; producing enormous trusses, and having the habit of Cybister, it will doubtless be planted by the thousand when known, and no one can; fail’ to admire it. Indian Yellow, scarlet suffused with yellow, is another first-rate kind, which cannot fail to become a general favourite. Scarlet Gem, with large orange scarlet. flowers and dark horseshoe leaf, will be very useful on account of its colour and dwarf almost creeping habit. Black Dwarf, crimson scarlet, is also of dwarf habit; and the trusses, which are freely produced, are very compact. Glowworm we did not see in flower, but from what we have seen of it on former occasions we can affirm it to be a sort of great promise; the colour of the top petals is a brilliant scarlet, that of the lower ones carmine with a magenta tinge. Orange Nosegay, bright orange, and Donald Beaton, orange scarlet, are both very desirable free-growing kinds; and Mrs. Wm. Paul, with broad finely formed petals of a JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 273 delicate peach, if sufficiently free-flowering, will be a great acquisition. The above are only a few of the best of Mr. Beaton’s seed- lings, for these amount altogether to about 4000, many of them presenting new shades of scarlet tinged either with orange or magenta; but Mr, Paul is thinning them out as they come in flower, and discarding the least promising and distinct. It is not, perhaps, of much utility to attempt de- scribing plants before they are named, but we may mention a variety with broad silvery edges and pink flowers; another with leaves of a similar character, but not so broadly edged with white, and having magenta flowers; asalmon red, shaded with orange towards the eye; an intense scarlet with broader petals than Stella; anda magenta with a very distinct orange blotch at the base of the top petals, but the flowers as seen were rather small Passing by another house filled with Vines, we reached an orchard-house, in which were Peaches, Nectarines, and Apri- cots planted out, Figs in pots, &c.; but the crop had been gathered except from Late Admirable Peach, which was bearing good-sized fruit in abundance, and Stanwick Necta- rine, which appears to succeed much better in orchard-houses than out of doors; the tendency of the fruit to crack is, how- ever, a great drawback to this otherwise excellent variety. This house is not heated at any period of the year, and except in being provided with wooden shutters sliding in grooves at the sides, it does not differ in its construction from the other structures. The object of having wooden shutters instead of glass at the sides is to economise heat, which in severe weather would be rapidly carried off from, the glass; and by ‘shutting up early with sun heat the thermometer is never less than 5° higher in the morning than it is out of doors, and the blossom is never injured by the spring frosts, which render the crops from unprotected trees so uncertain. The soil used is strong turfy loam and nothing else; and to prevent the trees becoming over- vigorous, as well as to promote fruitfulness, they are taken up every second year in autumn, and the crop of the follow- ing season is never diminished but rather increased by the removal. Adjoining the orchard-house a new span-roof is in course of erection for pot Roses. The dimensions are nearly the same as in the case of the other structures, but both roof and sides are to be fixed. Ample ventilation, however, is provided at top by hinged sashes of the same length as the rafter, and which open upwards; whilst air is admitted at the sides by openings in the wall, closed by wooden shutters placed in the interval between every pair of top ventilators, so as to prevent strong draughts. Several propagating-pits were filled with Vines, Roses, new Geraniums of all kinds, and multitudes of Conifers, such as Thuja aurea, Pinus Lambertiana, Picea Nordman- niana and nobilis, Juniperus chinensis, &c., the number of Conifers raised each season being altogether about 20,000. In one pit were 3000 dwarf Roses, and in another a fine lot of seedling Picea nobilis and several Japanese plants, as” Retinosporas, Sciadopitys, Thujopsis dolabrata, &e. One of these, Raphiolepis ovata, now in flower, will, if sufficiently hardy for our climate, prove a great acquisition, the foliage being of the deepest green and of thick leathery substance. As an edging plant, Huonymus radicans variegata promises to be very useful, having the leaves variegated with pure white, and being, moreover, perfectly hardy ; and another of the same genus, E. japonicus aureo-variegatus, with dark green leaves and golden variegation, makes a beautiful table plant. It has been shown several times during the last two seasons, and wherever seen has been favourably noticed. A still more valuable acquisition is the new Japanese Osmanthus ilicifolins, which closely resembles the Holly in appearance, forming an admirable substitute for it, and, as far as observations have hitherto gone, of more rapid growth under ordinary treatment. There is besides a varie- gated form, which may be used to replace the variegated Holly. °* We noticed in some of the propagating-pits an excellent and extremely simple contrivance substituted for hinges to the propagating-frames inside the pits. It merely consists: of an iron strap attached to the woodwork of the back of the sash, bent so as.to hook over a slightly curved piece of iron fixed edgewise on the frame, thus— ( 274 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { Ootober 4, 1864, This never goes out of order, and the sash can be lifted off whenever it may be necessary to do so. Passing by other pits where there were thousands of seed- ling Hollyhocks and dwarf Roses, and merely glancing at two tiffany-houses, which are invaluable for shade and coolness in summer, we came to the nursery quarters, where we had intended to make a lengthened stay, but from want of time were compelled to content ourselves with little more than arun through. This was the more to be regretted, as Mr. Paul has bestowed much attention on trees and shrubs and their adaptation to particular soils and positions so as to produce effect in planting. Among Yews were a lot of well-grown and compact plants of the Golden, and a kind in- termediate between the Irish and the common, with a fine pyramidal form and very dark almost black foliage. There were, besides, interesting collections of English Hollies, Ivies, and quantities of choice Conifers—as Thuja gigantea, plicata, and Lobbi, Thujopsis, Wellingtonias, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Piceas Nordmanniana, nobilis, and pinsapo, various Cedars, &e.; in addition to quarters of Roses, altogether five or six acres in extent, containing multitudes of standard Roses, where Gloire de Dijon and Mrs. Bosanquet were blooming finely, while Dr. Lindley was remarkable for its extraordinary vigour and the size of the leaves, many of them 3 inches in length. The last-named, although not actually in bloom, was covered with flower-buds. A bed of the variegated Rho- dodendron ponticum was very conspicuous by its well-marked yellow variegated foliage ; and the variegated Acer negundo was another invaluable plant for lighting up shrubberies and relieving the monotony of green which is so often com- plained of. In the fruit-tree quarters, besides an extensive general stock, were large quantities of pyramid Pear trees of the best varieties, and what was alone worth a journey to Waltham to see, dwarf Apple trees on the Paradise stock, which though not more than 2 feet in height were bearing a most ex- traordinary crop, the fruits in many instances touching each other on the bearing-shoots. . Several of these dwarfs had as many as thirty-seven Apples on them, not small but good medium-sized fruit, and where the variety was naturally large the fruit were so likewise, though not so numerous. These dwarf bush Apple trees were only 23 years from the graft, and were planted in rows 24 feet apart, and at not more than 18 inches from each other inthe row. Assuming, however, that each tree were allowed 5 square feet of ground, an acre would hold 8712 bush Apple trees, and if these only bore fifteen fruit a-piece, the produce would be 130,680 fruit, or say 725 bushels, the value of which on the ground would be upwards of £100. Where bulk of produce for sale is the object, it may not be desirable to confine the trees to the same dimensions and space allowed them in the nursery- rows, but from what has been stated it is evident that a very large produce can be obtained from a small area, and that in all probability such trees would prove remunerative if planted on an extensive scale, whilst for small gardens they must be invaluable. There are many persons who could have at most but half a dozen standard trees, and many more who have only room for one, and tastes differ, varieties do not all ripen at the same season, most fruits that are good for the dessert are not fit for the kitchen; but by planting these dwarfs a long succession and diversity of flavour and appearance can be secured. There is then something to be seen, something to be learnt, at Waltham Cross at this season as at others. AMERICAN GRAPE-GROWERS. A new beginner in Grape-growing must “keep cool:” as in all divisions of the sons of men the newest converts are the most unreasonable zealots,—he will find among Grape- growers those who give him the most trouble are they who have had the least experience. In one of our last year’s volumes, our correspondent “Phineas Chewce ’—yvinous juice, we presume, changed to vinegar—happily hits off this peculiarity of the neophyte, by supposing him torecommend not only planting a cat at the roots of the Grapes he would have muskeat, but it must also be planted with its “ tail to the north pole.” The house must be of such a shape, such a size, such an angle, and such an aspect. None other will do at all. The plants must be set so, trained so, pinched so, and pruned so; and so and so must be the hourly attention, daily practice, and yearly rule. The crop of your cold vinery will give you the “cold shoulder,” unless you heat it; and it will put on airs, unless you air it everyday. So the story goes. «The first thing hi does when hi goes hinto my vinery hof ha hevening,” once said a good gardener to us, “hipulls hoff my hair.” But “I should pull off my hair if I did,” replies an equally good one; “I lower my sasb, or open my ventila- tors in April, and let the air stay on all the year.” It is the fault of novices that they cannot distinguish between essentials and non-essentials. All these minute matters are well enough if you want superior Grapes; but good Grapes and plenty of them can be had easily and cheaply ; and no matter how small a garden lot may be, one of the first improvements, after laying out the garden proper, we should recommend to be a cold grapery.— (American Gardener's Monthly.) CULTIVATION OF THE MELON. (Continued from page 194.) Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a span-roofed house, with a path in the centre. and two beds on each side. The house is heated by six four- inch hot-water pipes, two just by the side walls within the house all round, and one on both sides of the path. Bottom heat is communicated by two hot-water pipes, one under each of the beds, in the first instance to a tank, a,a. The tanks are covered with slates, and on them a foot of compost is placed for the roots torunin. The plants are trained to: a trellis. The ends of the house should be respectively north and south. A house of this description is admirably adapted for producing early Melons and Cucumbers. Fig. 13. Fig. 13. This is simply a house with a half-span-roof. Bottom heat is supplied by two four-inch hot-water pipes to a chamber, a, and top heat by two pipes in front, and one to the left of the path in the centre of the house. 6, isa bed of soil. There is a trellis at c, and a bed at back, d, which is very useful for plants, yet of no value for Melons. Bottom heat is furnished to it by a hot-water pipe, e, covered with rubble.—G. ABBEY. (To be continued.) October 4, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 275 FOXLEY’S PATENT CORRUGATED BRICKS FOR GARDEN WALLS. On the centre of no danger of bruis- the face of each ing the branches ; brick is a stout bead projecting and no extra fit- tings of iron, cop- half an inch from its surface; this being pierced with per, or wood trellis are needed. The bricks are holes at intervals of about 2 inches, made of the or- dinary size, and, serves by means therefore, can be of bast, string, or wire, to tie in the branches of used in connec- tion with common bricks. They are made either with trees. Every gardener a horizontal or knows that walls vertical rib, but against which fruit the horizontal is considered the trees have been trained for a long best for general series of years be- use. Onethousand come much de- corrugated bricks faced bynail holes, are required to and that repoint- 3500 common bricks. ing becomes ne- cessary, not only to allow of fresh The smaller en- graving below re- nails being driven presents a single brick, showing the in, but to prevent insects lurking in the crevices; but walls erected with these bricks have an ornamental appearance, and never get defaced with nail holes; mode in which the projecting rib is perforated. The three holes at the end of the brick are only to make the bricks lighter, burn sounder, the trees may be kept perfectly clean and free from insects ; no nailing is required, and there is, consequently, and give a firmer hold of the mor- tar. We shall be glad to hear of their being tried on a large scale. NOTES ON FLOWER Wart changes are yearly taking place in our flower gar- dens! For example, glance over a tew of the many plants which have been brought forward within the last eight or ten years as flower garden plants. Along with many others Tam gradually using fewer Verbenas, and only six or eight years ago we used them to more than double the extent we now do. I have repeatedly stated most of the objections to the Verbena being extensively used. First, the rambling ‘habit which many Verbenas have prevents their being used in ribbons, or even very often in beds, with only a margin of some other colour; secondly, there is their liability to~ taildew in dull or rainy weather, and while such weather lasts their often refusing to flower satisfactorily ; and, thirdly, two or three of our most choice sorts have this season been much affected with rust. This may, perhaps, have arisen as much from the very dry and hot atmosphere overhead as from dryness at the root. We managed to Keep their roots in a tolerable state as regards moisture by watering, at least giving sufficient for them to have grown much better, and no doubt they would have done so, had not the atmosphere been always so very hot and dry. The rust almost killed several sorts of our Verbenas before the rain came. As respects this rust upon some of our Verbenas, I cannot satisfy myself, but very probably they had been to a certain extent attacked by some sort of fly, which by puncturing the leaves had rendered them less able to battle against the hot weather. Iam pleased to say that my former favourite has again come off victorious. Purple King has stood under all con- ditions the best; all through the hot weather it was in GARDENING IN 1864. splendid bloom. Blue Bonnet, Array, Mrs. Holford, Robin- son’s Defiance, Géant des Batailles, Miss Hamilton Nisbet, and one or two other “selfs”? we may still retain. How- ever, none but selfs of good, distinct colours prove telling and effective. We have in one or two parts of our grounds to do battle against large Oak trees, and this year they have done so much injury that I shall keep as much as possible away from them in all future arrangements. I am glad to say my favourites for the flower garden, the Geraniums, required less attention than almost anything else; and except in two places, where they were directly under the shade of an Oak tree, they have all grown and done well. Some sorts have yielded an immense quantity of bloom. Tom Thumb outdid itself with me this year in the amount of bloom which it produced. Stella Nosegay has commanded universal admiration from all who feel an interest in the flower garden. Brilliant has been indeed brilliant, especially during the hot weather; Baron Hugel was quite a mass of bloom; Christine has done well, and I might go very nearly over the names of all we have, and give a good report of all. We grow about half a dozen sorts of Calceolarias, all good when used for the purposes for which they are best adapted. Some are good for ribbons when planted in the second row from the back; others to form the second row from the front. Next to the front row I use Aurea floribunda, and one that is not of quite so deep a yellow, but rather more dwarf, having the foliage not quite so stiff and erect, nor so much serrated. I am not able to give you its name, it is very good dwarf. We use as a tall-crowing one in certaim cases, Polyphemus, and as a yellow, Latifolia. Prince of 276 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. SSS. nae mena nan eect eri nD oD Ennoite tances Orange has bloomed very abundantly, and when planted beside Flower of the Day Geranium, or any other light- foliaged kind, it tells well. Some years ago I thought of dispensing with Petunias altogether in the flower gardens. However, these few seasons past I have made more use of them, and in some eases they tell well, and flower all the season. This is of itself a very great advantage. We have a bed of Scarlet Nosegay Geranium, encircled by a ring 18 inches wide of a small-flowered Petunia. The Petunia is kept pretty close down by the use of long hooked sticks. On the outside, next the grass, is a row of Sedum carneum variegatum, which produces a good effect. We use a small white Petunia in our panel border, white being a colour we are somewhat de- ficient in. We keep the white in this panel border pegged down in the same way as I have just stated. We plant it in squares of 10 or 12 feet, all the squares being divided by. a band of yellow Calceolaria, and each square is made as much different from the others as the means will allow. Abed or square of white Petunias.tells well planted between a.panel of Tom Thumb and another of Scarlet Nosegay. Has any one observed the singular inclination which the little Sedum carneum variegatum has, at least here in the Isle of Wight, to grow in its recumbent form more or less towards the sun? We have it in three positions, all differ- ing, and in all it exhibits the same tendency, that of growing towards the sun. I have observed that since the rainy and dull period has come, this propensity is not manifested so strongly as it, was in the very hot weather. I would be glad to learnif any one else has observed the same tendency exhibited by this plant. Tt is not a large variety of plants which we should aim at in our flower gardens, it is not botanical collections that please the eye in modern flower gardening, butia few well chosen yet distinct colours, well contrasted, and each bring- ing the other colour boldly out.—G. Dawson. CUTTING DOWN OLD PEACH TREES. Tue Rey. Mr. Radelyffe in a recent communication to this Journal says he has given his Peach trees their autumn management. I have lately had some old Peach trees put under my care, and as I am anxious to do my best with them, I should be much obliged if Mr. Radclyffe would tell me how he manages his trees. I read an account of his mode of management some time back, but I had then no old Peach trees, and as I send Tue Journat or HORTICULTURE away after I have read it, I cannot refer to it.—S. C. [Some years ago I cut the trees down as near to the stump as my gardener (now dead), thought prudent, pro- bably on an average to from 2 to 3 feet from the stumps. Were I now to cut such trees down, I would cut them closer tothe stump. The perpendicular roots were all cut off, and the surface roots were cut off in a radius of 30 inches round the stumps. The ground round the stumps was then re- newed with black dung and fresh mould. Since the period of cutting down I have renewed the whole of the surface soil. As the crop this year on the three trees was heavy (560 Peaches), I dressed the stumps and surface soil three times with the residue of beer-barrels, mixed with three or four times the quantity of water. After this was-put on I copiously watered the whole of the ground so dressed. As regards the autumnal after-management referred to by «<§. C.,” on the removal of the hexagon netting, I eut off all the second growth of wood close to or within an inch of the wood previously pinched. The average leneth of the wood pinched would be from 6 to 8 inches. The forewood is spurred. I disbud but very little, as I am persuaded that depriving the tree of foliage is not good for it; and that in the case of the base and centre of the trees, it leads to bareness. The wood is ripening well, and there will be plenty left after any winter demolitions that may take place. —W. BP. Rapcryrre. | Tue Anr Trav.—Procure a large sponge, wash it well and press it dry, which will leave the cells quite open; then sprinkle over it some fine white sugar, and place it near where the ants are troublesome. They will soon collect [ October 4, 1864. upon the sponge and take up their abode in the cells. It is only necessary to dip the sponge in scalding water, which will wash them out dead by tens of thousands. Put on more sugar, and set the trap fora new haul. This process will soon clear the house of every ant. ARABIS LUCIDA VARIEGATA, OR GOLDEN ARABIS. I THINK it was in reply to some inquiries of Mr. Robson that I made some remarks last autumn about this lovely hardy edging plant. Another year’s experience of it on a much larger scale has fully confirmed my conviction that, since the introduction of Cerastium tomentosum as a white or grey edging plant, there has not been so really lovely and easily: managed an edging plant added to our parterres as this Golden Arabis. What the Cerastium is as a white or grey edging, this Arabis will ultimately become as a golden. It is one of the most unique imaginable where a straight front boundary line is required. An idea of its fitness and beauty when closely planted in long lines cannot be formed from seeing a few individual plants. Here it has been the object of admiration to all who have seen it. I need scarcely say that it is as hardy as a daisy, and easily in- creased by division either in spring or autumn. It requires very little labour to keep it tidy, as all that is needed in this respect is to pick the flowers off immediately they show themselves in spring. It is never so fine when planted in sandy or hungry soil as when well cultivated.—D. THomson, Archerfield Gardens. WORK FOR THE WEEE. KITCHEN GARDEN. ConrinvE to destroy weeds wherever they appear. Clear away the yellow leaves from Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts, and any decaying vegetable matter wherever met with. To prevent the attacks of slugs on young Lettuces or Canli- flower plants mix soot and lime in equal proportions, and dust the plants with the mixture once or twice a-week. Cabbages, make good the blanks that may have occurred in the plantations of Cabbages or Coleworts, and keep a large reserve to make plantations in spring, as well as to fill up the blanks caused by the winter. We must expect frost soon, and ought to prepare accordingly. Lettuces, for in- stance, that are just coming into use may be lifted with balls, and placed in frames. Onions, look over those that have been stored, and remove any that are beginning to decay. Radishes, make the last out-door sowing, which, if the winter do not set in early, may prove useful. Spinach, see that it is thoroughly thinned and well hoed in favourable weather, and in every way encouraged. Tomatoes, in late situations where they are just ripening, let them be gathered and ripened off in the houses, as the least frost is fatal to them. FRUIT GARDEN. The principal operations in this department are gather- ing fruit when it is in proper condition, making prepara- tions for filling up blank spaces on the walls, trenching ground for orchard trees and fruit plantations, which should be well done to insure success. Planting may now be done; mulch and stake safely without delay. Continue to keep the runners removed from the Strawberries, and those that have been some time potted for forcing should now be placed in a sheltered situation to insure their not being too much soddened with wet. Strong pricked-out ‘plants may still be potted with good success, if placed on a kindly bottom heat. Keep the fruit-room cool and airy, examine the fruit fre-. quently, and pick out any that are found to be decaying. FLOWER GARDEN. October is the most eligible time of the whole year for alterations, planting, &c., and whether planting or general ground work, operations should be carried forward with vigour as soon as possible. Such matters should not be allowed to press on the ordinary business of the garden, extra work requires extra labour, and if such is not supplied a corresponding amount of injury must occur in some other department. Alterations carried out during the autumn are doubly important, both on account of the season for October 4, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 277 planting, turfing, and such operations, and also on account of the busy character of the spring months, which always bring sufficient claims on the most diligent, without the presence of extras of any kind. Remodelling flower-beds, or making new ones, may be carried on after the middle of the month, and where old beds are to be broken up the herbaceous plants already existing should be numbered or named in due time, in order to be able to ascertain the heights, colours, &c. Ornamental shrubs, whether ever- green or deciduous, may be removed with every prospect of success after the second week; no hesitation need take place as to the kinds, provided the ground is properly pre- pared by trenching, and thoroughly drained if necessary. The broom will now be in constant request, and although the varying tints of autumn are so admirable when con- trasted on the trees, yet they are not so much admired on the lawn or gravel walks. We would now suggest a most liberal use of the roller on all lawns previous to the last mowing, this will leave the surface firm and smooth for the winter. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. In arranging the stock in its winter quarters in these structures beware of overcrowding it. Drawn stock is not endured in these days, it is far better to throw a portion away than to spoil superior specimens. Many of second- rate character which require another season’s growth, may be preserved in good dry pits, at least until the middle of December, when if very hard weather occur they may have a chance of removal, perhaps tosome of the other structures until the end of January. It cught ever to be a maxim in regular plant-houses that no two plants touch, still we must confess that many who would admit the propriety of the principle are frequently compelled to ignore it in practice through want of sufficient accommodation. See that Epacrises and other winter-blooming plants are placed in a part of the house where they will be fully exposed to the sun, so that the wood may be well ripened and free blooming insured. Examine frequently Heaths and other plants subject to mildew, and apply sulphur as soon as it is perceived. Water to be very carefully given at this season, especially in the case of large specimens, for there is much more danger of over-watering now than when the weather is warmer and the plants more active; therefore, look over the plants frequently and never water until it is absolutely necessary. Any of the late-growing Heaths which may be in want of more pot room may still be shifted, but do not expose them to cold winds, and water very carefully afterwards, for the roots cannot be expected to progress very rapidly at this season. Let everything requiring it be neatly tied at once. STOVE. Forcing must be avoided as much as possible, still the cold nights must not be permitted to affect the temperature so as to check materially the declining growth. Fall into winter treatment as quietly and naturally as you can; to accomplish this without sensibly affecting the healthy ap- pearance of your plants is a great desideratum, and with care quite within the reach of the anxious cultivator. FORCING-PIT. This important and indispensable erection now begins to claim our attention. It may be termed the workshop of decorative horticulture, for it is out of this department that ornament and perfume must be obtained. Greenhouses and conservatories always afford some flowering specimens even in the midst of winter; but aided by this auxiliary they may be stocked at all times during the winter and spring months with suitable subjects in bloom. Take in an ample supply of all kinds of shrubs fit for this purpose. This will apply more particularly to American plants. All kinds of Dutch bulbs must also be immediately potted and plunged in a convenient situation ready to be removed, when wanted, to the forcing-pit. PITS AND FRAMES. Early-struck cuttings to be removed to shelves in the greenhouse or pits. If cuttings are now taken from Chry- santhemums showing bloom, put three in a 48-sized pot, and placed in a nice heat, they will soon root and bloom beautifully for decorating the front of stages or clumps.— DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Tue dry weather having caused Spinach to come up rather late, instead of sowing again we planted a number of rows, taking up patches of from three to five young plants, and putting them in rows some 6 or 7 inches apart. These, supplied with a little clean water, are now doing well. In our stiff soil we do not make a practice of thinning Spinach much, but rather cut out the young plants for use, and leave it on the whole rather thick for winter. We find that we have a better supply from not thinning it much in the rows. In rich, light land we think it would be as well to thin the August sowing in September, to about 4 or 6 inches apart. What is the best way to cook Spinach? The only time we tasted it truly delicious, it was thus managed. The heads and leaves were washed well, and allowed to drop all the water possible from them in an open sieve, then turned into a saucepan and boiled or rather steamed with their own juice. The chief of the cuisine told us that boiling in water spoiled it. Certainly as we tasted it it was delicious. Cabbages.—Planted a piece with our forward plants that had previously been pricked out, lifting them with small balls, and setting them in soil which had been well ex- posed to the air after the Onions were taken off, in rows 2 feet apart, and 1 foot from plant to plant in the row. This width is necessary if the crop is to stand over the second autumn and winter. A clergyman who is a good gardener told us the other day that he made it a point at one time to pull up a spring Cabbage as soon as he had cut from it, but that now he sees-the propriety of leaving the stumps to produce more. From many of our plants, besides the fine one Cabbage in early spring or rather summer, we have had three or four nice Cabbages in summer and au- tumn, and now these plants have each heads consisting of from five to a dozen nice young Coleworts. IH thus left, 2 feet from row to row is not too much. Did we merely take the first Cabbage, 1 foot from row to row would be enough, and a vast amount of cutting would be obtained in little room. What we said lately on leaving all the old leaves and prunings of heads, &c., between the rows, will be found appropriate. In addition to rough hoeing, we would manure-water the whole of the old piece if we could. Itis generally a rare fillbasket until the spring, if the winter is not very severe. If thus treated with a little enriching in autumn, they boil as sweet as young Coleworts; but it is well to encourage both. Coleworts, now heading, were planted about 12 inches apart, and have had in this bright weather a little sewage water. Onions.—Sowed a few lines for succession to those sown in August. If the weather in winter should prove open, these will be best for spring transplanting, as the earlier- sown would be too forward. We prefer transplanting for early bulbs to allowing the plants to remain where sown. In stiff heavy land, if the plants remain where the seeds were sown in autumn, the earth should be scraped away from the surface of the bulbs, as otherwise they are apt to come long-necked. Tied up a lot of summer Onions in strings of different sizes, so that larger or smaller ones may be had at once as wanted. The White Spanish and the Tripoli we like best for autumn sowing. It is only by autumn sowing and transplanting that we can hope to rival the foreign imported Onions. This season the Onions are firm and sound, and fair as to size, but not so large as usual on account of the drought. This second summer after the rains is making all look bright and promising again. 5 Cauliflowers.—Pricked out more as previously stated, and a watered those bearing, and successional crops, with sewage - water. A nice crisp Cauliflower is what we find people never tire of unless presented in too great quantity. Mushrooms.—Spawned the first piece in a shallow bed in the Mushroom-house, and just surfaced it with a little fresh droppings. We will allow it to remain a few days before earthing-up. Our beds in the open shady shed are covered, so that we have no need to hunt the pastures, and the home-grown are far more juicy and fleshy than those in ~ the open fields. Before we took to the open shady shed in summer we used to be troubled with thin maggoty 4 Mushrooms in houses in July and August, but we have now 278 no difficulty in producing them as sound and firm as at Christmas. It is much to be desired that our friends would respond to the wish of the Editors by trying the experiments re- corded at page 257, as we fear we cannot afford the time ourselves; and if we did the result would be of little use to us, as we have already detailed how by rich surfacings of Mushroom-beds we obtained the Mushrooms too thick and massive for successful cooking. If we were sure that such heavy Mushrooms would be desirable, then we might strive to obtain them; but at the weight spoken of we do not see how they could be cooked without slicing them into a number of pieces. From our knowledge of the antipathy felt by the Mushroom for lime when at all active, and other reasons, we must confess ourselves a little sceptical of the whole affair; but still we would be glad if others with more leisure would carefully conduct the experiments. The farmer’s son was no fool who, after attending a course of chemical lectures, said he found out that muck made Barley grow, though he had a strong suspicion of this truth before he was indoctrinated with scientific farming. We have hitherto relied for Mushroom crops on muck in a certain condition; but if by a cleaner chemical process we can ob- tain them healthy and suitable for the table, why, by all means let us have them. Capsicums, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, &c.. as in previous weeks. COTTAGE GARDENS. We are glad that able men are doing what we attempted to do many years ago—namely, showing the connection be- tween a well-managed garden and a clean, well-managed, comfortable house. There will, no doubt, be exceptions; but the flowers in the window, and plants and vegetables in the garden, give us a sort of key to the character of the inmates of the cottage. On this account, whatever value we might put on allotments at a distance, we would never place them in comparison as to advantage with a garden close to the homestead, where even a few spare minutes might be profit- ably spent. There are just two ideas here which we wish to ventilate. The first is in connection with the subject of well-kept cottages. Marks of approval in different ways are often bestowed on the best-kept cottage gardens. As a general rule, we think the conclusions are formed at too early a period, if only one visit is paid to the gardens. It would be better if these were inspected late as well as early in the season, or, perhaps, at three seasons in the year—say April, July, and October. We are all, unless very lazy and un- thrifty, aroused by the beauties of spring, and we dig, and plant, and sow, and clean, and brush, as if we would be insulting all that is beautiful and harmonious around us, if we allowed anything like untidiness and filth to appegr. We are apt, however, to treat our gardens much as many people treat their houses—give them one good clean-up in the year, and then just a brush and a promise at times. As we obtain the produce we think less of neatness, and thus it often happens, as any person may notice in passing along the highway, that the garden that is a little paradise in May and June, is too much the garden of the sluggard in ‘October and November, overrun as it is with decayed vege- tables polluting the air, and weeds of all sizes left alone in their glory. After the winter vegetable are put in and eared for, every decaying bit of vegetable ought to be covered in the manure heap, and every spare bit of ground turned up to the ameliorating influences of the atmosphere. Some of the marks of commendation for cottage gardens should be retained for their found condition at this latter time, and the position of the refuse heap, the slophole, and how managed, should be taken into consideration, as well as now these matters would bear on the health and comfort of the inmates of the cottage. Cottage gardens in general in the autumn are much behind the mark, and as such exert a deteriorating moral and social influence. The other idea is just this—many possessors of cottage gardens have complained to us that their efforts at neatness, nicety, &c., were undervalued, because they had wrought or did work ina garden. They have complained that they were disqualified from taking commendations or prizes on account of their daily work, and that prizes were taken by tailors, shoemakers, and artisans, who had more time in their gar- JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { October 4, 1864. dens than they had. Where there are many of such garden labourers in a village or neighbourhood, it might be ad- visable to let the competition be among themselves. Where this is not the case, or no rule to the contrary exists, we do not think that working in a garden ought to be any cause for disqualifying them from contending for the place of honour. True, they may be more conversant with the routine work, and know more about the best kinds of vegetables, and thus far have an advantage over their fellows who follow other avocations; but they labour under a great disadvantage in the very sameness of their usual day work for their em- ployers, and the evening work for themselves. To the tailor and the shoemaker, and many other artisans, working” in the garden is a delightful change. The work, in fact, becomes rest in labour. The tramping, and the digging, and the wheeling give a zest and preparation for the usual toil. Apart from the advantage and the pleasure to be gained, there can be no great rest in digging for oneself on an evening after digging for an employer all day. This depressing influence should be kept in mind, as well as the advantages such labourers possess; and duly allowed for, there will be little difference between them and other la- bourers and artisans. The feeling of satiety from long con- tinuance at one kind of work is perfectly natural. The re- cognition of it has led to the proverbs about the smith’s mare and the shoemaker’s wife being ill shod. It explains the reason why, generally, with many exceptions it is true, farmers are such careless gardeners. They are occupied with their farming pursuits during the day, and gardening is such a near neighbour to farming, that the former fur- nishes no zest in the way of a change. You will have no | difficulty in finding among farmers men of scientific know- ledge, good chemists, and attentive students of natural history, whose gardens would not compare with those of some ot their labourers. The truth is, when they have a little time they like a pursuit that takes them farther away from their daily avocations. Among fruit and flowers our work was chiefly a con- tinuance of what was reported in previous weeks. The flower garden, but for the falling leaves, still looks fair—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Ocroser 1. Supplies continue good ; fruit is very plentiful; vegetables of most kinds abundant. Some foreign Hamburgh Grapes of middling quality have arrived. Melons are becoming more scarce; Pines are sufficient for the demand; Oranges are more plentiful in consequence of the* arrivals of autumn fruit from Madeira; and as heavy importations may be expected shortly, prices have fallen. As regards Apples and Pears we haye nothing fresh to report. FRUIT. 8. d. s. d{ : eds. d 1 0to2 0} Mulberries.... punnet 0 OtoO0 0 ut Ole On O Eee 0 00 00 0 | 0 00 00 00 3 0 12 0 OP ORS 0/10) se 5 0 lo O Figs meee eu Lae G eee dessert... doz. 1 0 3 0 Filberts & Nuts 100lbs. 69 0 80 0| Pine Apples lb 4 0 8 O Gooseberries....4sieve 0 0 0 O| Plums.. DONT 0 Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 1 6 4 0 | Quinces .. is 40 6080 Muscats . 3 0 7 O| Raspberri Sib: FOCO0 80 Lemons 100 8 O 14 O | Strawberr oo 00 Melons ... each 1 6 4 O'! Walnuts 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. 8, d. s. a s-d. a& a 0 4to0O 6) Horseradish ... bundle 2 6to5 0 00 00 ..bunch 0 2 © 3 0 0 O 0} Lettuce.. 23 2 O73) 10 3 6 4 Oj} Mushrooms ...... pottle 1 6 2 6 . 1 0 8 O} Mustd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 O 0 1 0 1 6| Onions .........bunch 0 4 0 6 BrusselsSprouts} sieve 2 0 2 6 pickling ...... quart 0 6 0 & Cabbage ......-..-.6 doz. 1 0 2 O| Parsley ...doz.bunches 4 0 6 © Capsicums . 1 0 2 O| Parsnips ot >) 1059 ae O, Carrots ...... 05 08 00 00 Cauliflower » 0 0 00 2,6..4% © Celery a0, s210 00 00 Cucumbers 06410 = ON (OeerO picklin: 2 SLO oaAO, oo 00 Endive 26 40 20 40 Fennel a3 00 20 30 Garlic - 08 96 0 08 08 HerbBaeecve 0s 00 20 $0 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 279 October 4, 1864. J TLS a ARIA SRT SCO VA IU PLS 0 TUUEL USS NM ARCADE Pees TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Storinc FILBERTs (Stel/z).—These, as well as Cob-nuts, should be left in the husks, put into earthenware jars, and placed in a cold damp cellar. Veronicas (3 H.).—As there are about 130 species, exclusive of a multitude of varieties, we cannot undertake to publish their names and colours. If you refer to the ‘t Cottage Gardeners’ Dictionary ”’ you will find them there. Busy PEAR AND APPLE TREES (An Old Subscriber).—To give “ full parti- eulars,’’ such as you require, would require a whole page of our Journal. Buy Rivers’s ‘“‘ Miniature Fruit Garden.” Bensen’s Burner.—In answer to ‘'G. S.,” if may be obtained at any ~hilosophical instrument maker’s, and at many of the large gasfitters’ shops im any large town. Ido not remember the exact price, but it is only a few shillings.—A. W. W. CixerartAs Wanxtrp To Boos (Gardener).—As the plants are now throwing up their bloom-stems, and you wish them to flower, you must not stop or pot the plants, but place them near the glass, and admit abundance of air, guarding against injury from green fly by fumigating with tobaceo on its first nppearance. ‘They will bear slight forcing, a temperature of from 45° to 50° being warm enough; but they must be kept close to the glass, affording at the same time abundance of fresh air. Fucus1a LEAveEs Spotren (2. Af, TV’.).—We do not observe anything the matter with the leaves except that they are assuming their autumn tints, and appear as if splashed with thin whitewash, which may be due to syringing the plants with water holaing lime in solution. In other respects the Jeaves appear healthy. ORANGE TREE FROM A Pip (Jdem).—It will bloom most assuredly ; and how it has been growing for ten years without blooming is a puzzle. We have bloomed them frequently at four and six years old. If you are tired of waiting, you may graft itin spring, plunging the pot in a hotbed in April, and when it breaks or sends out shoots, put in grafts by side-grafting, leaving a couple of inches of the scion below the union, so that this heel may dip into a phial coutaining water, fastened by the neck to the stem of the stock, at a suitable height. You may also inarch, which is the surest of all modes of grafting, or bud it; in the latter case putting in the eyes from half-ripened wood, any time from June to August. ‘The operation is per- formed in the same way as with Roses. CINERARIA MARITIMA AND CENTAUREA CANDIDISSIMA PROPAGATING AND Winterine (7. S.).—This Cineraria, you say, is not hardy with you; and such is the case in many places, for this simpie reason—the soil is too damp and rich, On dry gravelly soils, and on rockwork, it is perfectly hardy; and the way we keep it over the winter is to transplant it in autumn to the foot of a south wall, where we allow it to remain until spring, when we plant in its proper position, and by dividing the large roots obtain sufficient plants to fill the space previously occupied. In some soils and situations Cineraria maritima will not live. You may, therefore, take up a few plants and pot them in any light loamy soil, keep sparingly supplied with water, and winter in a dry airy situation in the greenhouse. In February place in a temperature of 55° or 60°, which will encourage the production of side-shoots. When these are of sufficient size to make into cuttings of three joints, cut them across transversely below the lowest leaf, and remove it and the next above it, leaving one with the growing point at top. Insert the cuttings in moist silver sand, and plunge the pot in a bottom heat of from 75° to 80°. Place a bell-glass over the cuttings if the atmosphere of the house is dry, butif it is calm and moist the bell-glass may be dispensed with. Keep the sand moist, but avoid wetting the foliage. If the sand be kept very wet the cuttings will damp off. They will root in a fortnight or three weeks, and may then be potted. Continue them in heat until established ; then remove to the greenhouse and gradually harden-off prior to planting-out. Centaurea candidissima requires the same treatment, only the cuttings must be taken off close to the atem of the old plant, so as to have a heel; and they should not be planted out 80 soon by a month, or not before the beginning of June. These Cinerarias may be raived from seed sown in February ; but the foliage is not 80 bright in coiour as that produced by cuttings from old plants. GERANIUM LEAVFS TURNING YELLOW (Gardener).—We are unable to detect anything the matter with the leaves enclosed, and think they are yielding to natural decay through age. Want of water at the root may have hastened their early maturity. In other respects we do not see any- thing the matter with them. You may cut the plants down now, and they will push again before winter; and when the shoots are an inch or two long they may be potted, reducing the ball considerably. Such plants will bloom splendidly next year in April and May. SEA-KaLE ForcinG ror CarisTMas (Idem).—To have it ready at Christmas the roots should be placed in a temperature of from 55° to 60°. Under the stage of a stove wili do well, and an inverted flower-pot, with the holes stopped up, will answer for blanching the shoots, putting it on in the second week in November. If you force the plants where they grow, hot dung should be placed on the pot about the same time, or six weeks before it is wanted for use. The roots will not do to force twice. The shoots are weak enough from the early forcing, and they are useless for forcing again before a matured growth takes place. Grapes Suanxinc (J. W. H., Lancashire).—As the Vines did so well last year, would it not be advisable to try them another year? Perhaps they had ‘too heavy a crop or wanted watering, if ever they do want it in Lancashire, for in the south it has been so dry. However, if you resolve on raising the roots, you cannot do it too soon to secure fresh roots. The material you speak of (the top spit of a pasture), will do very well if thrown up at once. it will do with little lime if you take a thin film of turf off, which will make a nice heap for potting. and use the other turf after the grass is removed 2 or 3 inches deep. When turf is used at once, and then with a good deal of grass in it, it is apt to heat too much, Move the flags. Name or Drantuus (Jf. F.).—It is one of the legion of Indian Pinks not one of which hasa name. Seeds from it would produce plants not one of the flowers of which, probably, would be like those of the parent. Pracu-nouse (A Seven-years Subscriber). We think your proposed arrangements will answer very well. We would have preferred a double ridge-board, covered with your cap at apex, the ridge-boards a foot apart, and a swing ventilator between them. We would move the two pipes close to the front farther in by 2 or 3 feet, if you mean to plant the trees there, within 15 inches or so of the glass. You have ample piping, six rows (four might do); but you are quite right to have six, as they need never then be too warm; and you will be able to coat them with sulphur from the time the buds break, and that is the best safeguard against red spider. Sucha house would be best with its ends north and south, or its side south-east and north-west, and, a true span would look best. We presume one side of your’s faces the north considerably, and that, too, will answer well enough. We do not see clearly the object of having pipes in the chamber, beneath the outside border for the early house, to be covered with glass, under the present arrangements; but if, in addition to the 9 or 12 inches of rubble beneath your 2%-feet-deep border, you placed open conduits of pipes, such ag small round dram-pipes, every 3 feet or so across the bottom of the house, among the rubble, and raised these lines of pipes in several places above the surface of the border at the back, then these two pipes in the chamber would give a mild heat to the border throughout when you commenced forcitsz. The top of the pipes at back might be plugged, and opened when a moist air was deemed necessary. You will not have too many trees at first; but most likely two trees for each side will ultimately be enough, unless you root-prune. For such a house half-standards will be better than standards. Karly House (Front).—One dwarf Elruge Nec~ turine, one Violette Hative ditto, one half-standard Noblesse Peach. (Back). —Half standards: one Early Grosse Mignonne Peach, one Barrington, one dwarf Violette Hative or Bellegarde. Late House (Front).—One dwarf Walburton Admirable Peach, one dwarf Téton de Venus, one half-standard Roman Nectarine. (Back).—One half-standard Peach, Salway, one Galande or Chancellor (if very late), one dwarf Pitmaston Orange Nectarine. Vines In Batcony Vinery (A Five-years Subscriber).—The Apples sent are Barchard's Seedling, correct, a good cooking Apple; and the other is the Winter Greening, a first-rate keeping Apple for kitchen use. For your raised balcony, greenhouse, and vinery, we would prefer that the order for the Vines should be made partly under the balcony, and also in front of it; and we would plant the Vines in front of the pillars, and enclose them in a three-sided wooden case, placed against the pillars, and the stems packed in sawdust. As this house, 15 feet by 10, is to contain Camellias, Rho- dodendrons, &c , with Vines overhead, and to be heated solely from the sitting= room, the door of which can be left open from 10 pm. until 7 a.m., we would recommend that in severe weather in winter the fire should be replenished at bedtime. Kvyerything will be safe enough if the soil in the Camellia pots do not freeze. If a small boiler were placed at the back of the fireplace, and pipes taken from it, the house would be still more secure, and the room-door might be shut at night. As the back wall of the house is now supplied with a Sweetwater Vine, und that is a beautiful Grape when well grown, we would not have more than four Vines on the roof, one at 3 feet from each end and the other two equally divided. To make the most of the Sweetwaters the house should he kept rather close when they are in bloom; and several times during the day in sunshine the dry hand, or a dry feather, should be drawn over the bunches, so as to promote free setting. But for your objecting to the flavour of the Black Hamburgh, we would have recom= mended you to have two Hamburghs and two Royal Muscadines in such a house; but as you must have tbe Muscat flavour, we would advise two plants of the Muscat Hamburgh and two of the White Frontignan. The Muscat Hamburgh was very fine in Mr. Lane's orchard-house last season, but that house is now heated. For variety you might have one Muscat Hamburgh and one Esperione, or one Lady Downes’, which would prolong the season of Grape-gathering. We have ripened White Frontignan without fire heat. If you had not a Sweetwater against the back wall, we would have recommended Buckland Sweetwater; but though a nice Grape, and hardy, it has no Muscat flavour, which you wish; and although the berries of the White Frontignan are rather small, they are exceedingly rich, and for our own eating we prefer them to the Muscat of Alexandria. For strong Vines that would give you a little fruit next season, with not less than 9 feet of good stem, you would have to pay, we presume, from 5s. to 15s. each, according to strength and prominent eyes. We would advise you, however, not to take much from them the first season. For such Vines the first thing to be avoided is stagnant water, and, therefore, a drain from the border will be necessary. Above that it will be advisable to have a foot of rubble, of clinkers, stones, brickbats, &c., and then from 18 to 24 inches of soil. If fresh rough loam allthe better; and it may have a tenth part of brick rubbish and a twentieth part of rotten dung mixed with it, along with eight or ten bushels of broken or bruised bones. We would use little cocoa-nut refuse, but a few bushels will do good. We would prefer a rather thick muslin for shade in early spring, fixed on the roof inside by rings. It will keep out nearly as much cold as frigi domo. and it will be more pleasant to look through during the day. After the Vines grow and fill the house, such a shade will not be wanted after May. The blinds may be hooked on with rings, a foot or so from the glass. Perarconium (7.8. S.).—The variety to which you refer has not as yet been sent out. ' ALLIGATOR PxEaR (BD. C.).—Sow the pips in equal parts of loam, peat, and leaf mould, next March, and plunge the pots in a hotbed at 80° or 86°. When up and growing repot, and place in a stove, giving them the same treatment as stove plants generally. Unless you have room to accommodate a goodly-sized Apple tree in your stove you will make poorly out in grow= ing this tree for its fruit, for it attains a height of 40 feet. It is from the West Indies. "280 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 4, 1864, STRUTHIOFTERIS GERMANICA (EZ. G. H.).—By Struthrapteris germanie we conclude you mean Struthiopteris germanica, or Ostrich Feather Fern, which | is cuite hardy, and will grow in shavy rockwork and shrubberies. It forms noble circular crests of great elegance and beauty, often 3 feet across, and imcreases rapidly by underground stolons, and the neighbourhood soon becomes densely covered. Itis from central Europe. It is fully described in our ‘* Fern Manual.” Frame Licurs (Melon Grower).—The most suitable lights are those made of well-seasoned red deal, though pitch pine is a more durable timber. The frame sould be made strong, but as light as possible, the sides and ends of the lights 3 by 23 inches, morticed and tenoned at the corners. You may have, at equal distances apart. three sash-bars, 1} by 2} inches, narrow side upwards, which will be rebated three-quarters of an inch for the glass to reston. This will require glass 9} inches wide, end 213 inches long, which is the size we would have. Twenty-one-ounce sheet glass of good quality will answer perfectly. Any carpenter can make the lights, but you will be ee served by any of the horticultural builders who advertise in our columns. PortinG AGAPANTHUS UMBELLATUS (C. M. Major).—You may pot this beautiful African Lily immediately after it has done blooming; and remove the offsets from Lilium gigantenm at the time of potting, which may be now or in March. We do not know in what way you could facilitate the ripening of the Lilium seed-pods, unless by an increase of heat, and expo- sure to more intense light. Curtincs OF Various Prants (Idem).—Half-ripened shoots of Brug- mansias will strike freely at any time in a mild bottom heat, and so will cuttings of Passiforas, which may be taken now, but we like them a little earlier. The best time to take cuttings of Escallonia rubra. and Acacia longifolia, is when they have half-ripened shoots upon them, or young growths of a firm texture to the touch, which should be put in as early in the summer as pissible. Cuttings of any plant will root much more freely in the early part of summer than in the autumn. _Movine BuppEp Briars (W. A,.).—You may remove them safely any time in November. They will move more safely at that time than if they were allowed to renain another year before moving. November, February, ae March are the best seasons for removing them. The former period is est. ORNITHOGALUM THYRSOIDES (EZ. G. H.).—We do not know the variety alba. Ornithogalum thyrsoides is from Natal in South Africa, and all but, if not quite, hardy. Being of doubtful hardiness it should have the pro- tection of a cold pit or co'd greenhouse. It should be potted in September in pots of a suitable size, 6 or 8-inch, in light turfy loam two-thirds, leaf mould one-third, with a free admixture of sand. Peat is preferable to leaf mould, unless the latter be of good quality, but a little of beth will not be amiss. It is not unusual for the plant to show for bloom’at Christ- mas, throwing up stems from 1 to 1} foot high, with a spike of snow-white flowers having a yellow centre arranged in the form of a sceptre. The flowers individually are of a good size and neatly formed, opening at ‘the bottom first, and in many cases more than fifty flowers will be borne on a spike, and occasionally one hundred. It blooms for three or four weeks if not kept in a high temperature, and has the property of remaining in full bloom in a cut state in water. It is both easy of cultivation, and one of the best things introduced of late years. CaLceoLaRias IN ExposEp Poor Sort (Jdem).—We have them this year on a poor light soil over gravel, and they have done famously. We might as well let you into the secret of how we accomplish this when others have failed even on strong soil, such as the Calceolaria likes. In November we take ont the soil to the depth of 2 feet, place 6 inches of fallen tree leaves at the bottom, and then replace the soil. We plant the beds with bulbs, such as Crocuses, Tulips, &c. ; and when these come off, by the first week in June, 6 inches of well rotted manure is forked into the bed, and trodden firm. We plant and give a good soaking of water, and ufte: wards twice a-week until the plants become established, and a sprinkling overhead on the evening of hot days. In July we muich the beds with an inch of Mushroom-bed dung, and give a thorough soaking of water, and ia ordinary seasons we have sp!endid beds, and never finer than this ye2r, especially of yellow. Shonld the summer prove dry we water twice a-week, every other time with Jiquid manure. Canariensis, Aurea floribunda, Amplesicaulis, Rugosa major (a hardy early kind), Sage’s Yellow (a strong-growing kind), Yellow Dwarf, Cloth of Gold, and Yellow Prince of Orange are excellent yellow sorts, which we find do well on light soil with the above treatment. Book (Perseverantia).—‘* The Cottage Gardener’s Dictionary ” will, perkaps, suit you. If you wish to have falier botanical descriptions you must have Loudon’s ‘‘Encyclopedia of Plants.” zt Names or Fruit (H. R.).—1, Styrian; 2, Catillac; 8, Beurré Diel; 4, Chaumontel; 5, Beurré Langelier; 6, Bishop’s Thumb; 9, Franklin’s Golden Pippin ; 11, Downton Pippin. Others not identified. (St. Leger) — 1, Bull’s Golden Reinette; 2, Nelson Codlin ; 4, Dutch Mignonne; 5, Kibston Pippin; 6, Broughton; 8, Passe Colmar. Others 1ot identified. (WVevw Forest).—1, Belle et Bunne; 2, Crasanne; 3, Comte de Lamy. (C. 7. J.)— 2, London Pippin; 3, Lamb Abbey Pearmain; 5, Yorkshire Greening; 6, Scarlet Nonpareil; 9 Beurré Diel; 10, Piles’ Russet. Others not iden- tified. (G. H.).—1, unknown and worthless; 2, Golden Reinette; 3, Dume- low’s Seediing; 4, Chester Pearmain; 5, unrecognised; 6, Selwood’s Reinette. (B. A. N., Shrewsbury).—2l, Herefordshire Pearmain. The others unknown and very inferior. (A. B.).—The Grape No 1 wants more heat. The specimen is abortive. Graft a Black Hamburgh upon it. No. 2 is very_little better. We cannot identify either. (J. Everett).—1, York- shire Greening ; 2, Dumelow’s Seedling, apparently, but a wretchea speci- men; 3, Kerry Pippin; 7, Gravenstein; 9, Beauty of Kent. -The others Were undistinguishable. Nawes or Prants (Ciciley).— We reply—l, Athyrium Filix-femina ; 2, Lastrea cilatata; but there is little evidence in the wretched scraps sent. Correspondents who send such specimens must suppose us to be magicians, (J. S.).—1, Lastrea Filix-mas cristata; 2, Lastrea spinulosa; 3, Lastrea Filix-mas ; 4, Lastrea Filixs-mas paleacea. (7. C.).—Plumbago Lsrpente, we think, but the flowers were much crushed. (4. B.).—1, Nephrolepis tuberosa: 2, Pteris cretica. (An Old Subscriber).—l, Dabcecia polifolia; 2, Erica yagans, var. alba; 3, Chelone glabra; 4, Seems to be a scrap of Linaria striata; 5, Apparently some Boragewort, but we cannot name it pte the flowers. (W.L.).—We cannot name your tree without seeing e flower, POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHGLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOW AT THE AGRICULTURAL HALL, ISLINGTON. OcroBER Ist, 3RD, AND 47H, 1864. We believe we are correct in stating this is the first Show held under the immediate patronage of the Poultry Club. The building leaves nothing to desire, and its management by Mr. Douglas deserves high commendation. There are few places in the United Kingdom where fowls can be cared for as judiciously as they were here. We use the word advisedly, because in some places kindness and good in- tentions unwisely directed do more mischief than any neglect. The perfect cleanliness visible everywhere was pleasing, and the most fastidious could detect no unpleasant smell. The Show was looked forward to by amateurs as the first test of judging by rules. The Club, however, does things by halves. After a troubled labour of twelve months the rules should be ready, and they should be public. When the catalogue is headed by the announcement, “Under the Patronage and Management of the Poultry Club,” each class should have a copy of the rules by which the birds were judged. This would explain many things that should be understood by exhibitors, and still more by those who fill the office of Judge. Where liberty of action is denied, and a man is pinned to rules, it is no longer the decision of a Judge, but the verdict of a book. If that book were im our hands we should probably have little to say; but as it appears to be printed only for a few, we must judge the tree by its fruits. There was a very good class of Dorkings, but in this, as in all others, Lady Holmesdale’s pens were empty. ‘The first and second prize birds were good; but in our opinion pen 17, belonging to Captain Hornby, was the best pen in the class. In Class 2, for White and Silver-Grey Dorkings, the first- prize Silver-Grey cock had a black and white breast. We preferred Mr. Lingwood’s White Dorkings to the Rev. G. F. Hodson’s. We liked Mr. Boyle’s pair of pullets, but could find no merit in Mr. Sutherland’s. The first-prize Spanish were very good. We did not atall like the second-prize birds. It wasa poor class. We liked Mr. Boyle’s second-prize Brahmas better than Mr. Barclay’s first. These latter were vulture-hocked, which has not hitherto been deemed desirable. The Cochin prizes would have been reversed according to the old system of judging. Mr. Chase would have been first. Capt. Heaton’s birds are sadly out of condition. The White Cochins were the best and largest class we have seen for some time, but here we should have altered the awards, by putting the third first. $ The Game did not come up to the old standard. Twisted combs and squirrel tails were not approved formerly, but they were plain in some classes. In Class 23, a third prize was given to two pullets with distinctly red deaf ears. In Class 27, Mr. Duxbury’s Black Hamburghs were every way superior to Mr. Beldon’s, which had first prize. In the variety of Bantams we cannot understand why. Piles that contribute one pen, should override a good class of Duckwings. In the Gold and Silver-laced we liked Mx. Jones’s second better than Mr. Spary’s first. The cock in the latter had a very narrow comb. The Spanish cock in 381 had a distinct thumb mark in his comb, and the Brahma, 398, was a poorly-conditioned bird. We liked the second-prize Rouen Ducks better than the first. The Geese were excellently judged. We have thus re- viewed the 509 pens which composed the Show of Poultry. We know little of Pigeons, and the gentleman who promised to report upon them was unable to attend. J We have been obliged to report of this Show differently from our usual method. -It may be that impartiality in re- viewing a show is as difficult as strict veracity is in history, according to Lord Macaulay. We were unwilling to trust entirely to ourselves for this reason, and, therefore, con- sulted many others. Their testimony agrees with our own. We have reviewed this Show as the test of judging by rules. We have felt throughout it was an unthankful task. Our October 4, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 281. oo feeling has been, that book-judging is impossible. We are more than ever convinced that it would break up exhibi- tions; but if it is desirable that it should be adopted, let the rules be published and canvassed by those who have the greatest interest in them. It is manifestly unfair to Judges to publish that they shall decide by rules which are unknown to those who have to report on the judgments. Dorsincs (Coloured, except Silver-Grey).— First, J. Frost, Parham, Suffolk. “Second, R. W. Boyle, Dublin: ‘Third, C. Priest, Worthing, Highly Commended, A. Stanford, Eatons, Sussex; J. Anderson, Meigle, Forfarshire ; Capt. Hornby, Preseot. Commended, R. W. Boyle. Dorxinas (White or Silver-Grey).—First, A. Anderson, Meigle, Forfar- shire. Second, Rev. J. F. Newton ‘Kirby-in-Cleveland. Third, Rev. G. F. Hodson, North Petherton. Highly Commended, H: Lingwood, Needham es Suffolk. Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth, Derby- shire. Dorxrnes (Coloured or White).—First, R. W. Boyle, Dublin. Second, R. B. Posrans, Brentwood. Third, J. Sutherland, Mulingar. Highly Com- mended, R. W. Boyle. SPanisH.—First, W. Rone, Bristol, and J. Rodbard. Second, A. Heath, Calne, Wilts. Third, W. Cannan, Bradford, Yorkshire. Braumas (Dark).—First, W.T, Barclay, Leyton. Second, R. W. Boyle. Third, C. Priest, Worthing. Fourth, H. Lacy, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. Highly Commended, A. Lacy; C. Priest. Brauwas (Light).—First and Second, J. Pares, Chertsey. Third, J. Clarke, Chiswick. Braumas.—First, R. W. Boyle. Second, J. Hinton, Hinton, near Bath, Highly Commended, W. T. Barclay, Leyton. H. Lacy, Hekden Bridge. Cocuins (Brown or Partridge).—First, l. Streten, Ormskirk. Second, E. Tudman, Whitchurch, Salop. Third, — Cartwright,. Oswestry. Highly Commended, Rev. G. W. Hodson, North Petherton, Bridgewater. Cocuins (White or any other colour).—First, W. Dawson, Hopton, Mirfield. Second, F. W. Zurhorst, Dublin. Third, Rev. F. Tayior, Keast- Wick, Westmoreland. Highly Commended, R. Chase, Birmingham; G. Lamb, Wolverhampton; H. Yardley, ngham; F. W. Zurhorst. Commended, F. W, Zurhorst. Chivkens. ze, &. Tudman, Whitchurch. Cocuins (Cinnamon or Buff). —First, Capt. Heaton, Manchester. Second, Rey. W. C. H. H.- D'Aeth, Arborfield, Reading. Third, R. Chase, Balsall Heath, Birmingham. Highly Commended, H. Bates, Birmingham; J. Crosland, jun., Wakefield; Capt. Heaton. Commended, Rev. C. Spencer, Attleborough. Chickens.—First, J. Crosland, jun. Second, F. W. Zurhorst, Dublin. Commended, H. Bates; F. Gardiner, St. Peter Street, Islington. Gamez (Black Reds).—First, T. Dyson, Halifax. Second, W. T. Everard, Leicestershire. Third, A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Shropshire. Commended, S. Matthew, Stowmarket, Game (Brown or other Reds, except Blacks).—First, Second, and Third, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Game (Duckwings, Greys or Blues).—First, E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Second, S. Matthew, Stowmarket. Third, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Com- mended, S. Matthew, Game (White or Piles).—First, S. Matthew. Second, J. Fletcher. Third, Miss E. Crawford, Farmsfield, Notts. Game (Any other colour).—Prize, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Game (Reds).—First, J. Fletcher. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirks- worth, Derbyshire. Commended, J. Wood, Wigan. GamxE (White or any other colour).—First, J. Halsall, Ince, near Wigan. Second, J. Fletcher, Stonecloush. Poranps.—First and Third, G. C. Adkins, The Lightwoods, near Bir- mingham. Second, H. Beidon, Bingley. Hamepurcus (Gold-pencilled).—First, T. H. Ashton, Tamworth. Second, C.M. Rosds, Rochdale. Third, F. Pittis, jun., Newport, Isle of Wight. Highly Commended, J. Robinson, Garstang. Hamepurcus (Silver-pencilled).—First, Sir St: G. Gore, Bart., Derbyshire. Secon", J. Robinson. ‘Third, Mis. H. Sharp, Bradford. Hampurcns | Golden-spangled).—Fir-t, G. H. Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Third, J. Roe, Hadfield, wear Manchester: Hampureus (Silver-spangled).—First,;,H. Beldon, Biugley: Second, T. Davies, Newport. Mon. ‘Third, Mrs. H. Sharp, Bradtord. Hamevneus (Pencilled).—First, J. E. Powers, Biggleswade, Beds. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. ~ Hampurcus (Spangled).—First, H. Beldoa, Bingley. Gore, Bart, ANY oTHER VaRIETy.—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, N. Sykes, Esmond Road, Old Ford. Second Extra, Miss C. H. Ballance, Taunton. Third, H. Saville, Ruffore Abbey. Third Extra, F. W. Zarhorst, Dublin. Second, Sir St. G. Bantams (Red Game).—First, J. W. Kel.eway, Merston, Isle of Wight. - Second, Miss E. Crawford, Southwell, Notts. Third, Rev. G. Raynor, Brentwood. Highly Commended, J. Crosland, jun.; Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. ; J. Munn, Stoneclough; R. B. Postans, Brentwood, Essex; R. Switt, South- well, Notts. ; Capt. Wetherell, Loddington. Banrams (Any other variety).—First, R. Swift, Southwell, Notts. Second, J. W. Kelleway, Isle of Wight. Third, J. Hoime, Prescot, Lancashire. Bantams (Gold or Silver-laced).—First, W. Spary, Dunstable. Second, E. Jones, Clifton. Third, W.Spary. Commended, E. Jones. Bantams (Black or White, Clean-legged).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second and Third, F. Pittis, jun., Newport, Isle of Wight. BanraMs (Any other variety).—Prize, P. W. Storey, Daventry. Dorxines (Coloured or White).—First, C. Priest, Muntham Court, Worthing. Second, Rev. J. G. A. Baker, Biggleswade. Highly Com- mended, RW. Boyle; C. Priest. Commended, A. Stamford, Ashurst, Surrey ; H. Lingwood, Sutfolk. Spanisa.—F rst, E. Draper, Northampton. Second, W. R. Bell, Newport Pagnell. Commended, A. Heath, Calne, Notts. Braumas —First, J. Wright, Suffolk. Second, W. E. Hammond, Ipswich, Higtly Commended, R. W. Boyle; J.Hinton; H. Lacy; J. Wiight. Com- mrended, W. T. Barclay, Leyton. Cocsins (Cinnamon or Buff).—First, C. E. Redsdale. Second, F. W. Zurhorst, Dublin. Highly Commended, Capt. Heator, Manchester; H. es, Birmingham. _ Cocurns (White or any other colour).—First, F. W. Zurhorst, Dublin. Seeond, B. Tudinan, Whitchurch, Salop. Game (Black-breasted Reds).—First, Hon. W. H. W. Fitzwilliam, Rother- ham. Second, A. D. Dyas, Madeley, Shropshire. Game (Brown-breasted or other Reds except Black).—First, T. Statter, Manchester. Second, J. Wood, Moat House, near Wigan. Game (White or any other colour).— First, P. Jones, Drayton, Salop. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Hampuncu (Pencilled).—First, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, F. Pittis, Newport, Isle of Wignt. Hampurew (Spangled).—Prize, Sir St. G. Gore. Bart. Bantams (Game).—First, J. W. Kelleway, Merston. Second, M. Auk= land, Chesterfield, Third, J. Munn, Shaweiough, Manchester. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart.; R. Swift, Southwell, Notts; M. Turner, Preston. Commended, Rey. G. Raynor, Brentwood. Ducks (Aylesbury).—First, Second, and Third, 3. K. Fowler, Prebenda Farm, Aylesbury. Docs (Rouen),—First, R. W. Boyle, Dublin. Second, C. Pease, Southend, Darlington. Third, W. T. Barclay, Leyton. Highly Commended, I. Statter, Manchester; J. Rodbard, Wrington, Bristol. Ducks (Any other variety).—First and Third, T. H. D. Bayley, Biggles- wade. Second, F. W. Earle, Prescot, Lancasbire. Highly Commended, T. Statter, Manchister. Commen ted, Miss C..H. Ballance, Taunton. Grxse (White).—Prize, R, W. Boyle, Drblin. GEEsE (Grey or Mottled).—First and Second, R. W. Boyle, Dublin. Third, Mrs. M. Seamons, Aylesbury. ORNAMENTAL Water Fown.— First, Second, and Third, H. Saville, Ruiford Abbey. TurKeys.—First, J. Smith, Stafford. Second, R. W. Boyle, Dublin. Third, W. Wright, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire. Highly Commended, P. W. Storey, Daventry. Commended, W. Wright. PIGEONS. PowTers (Cocks).—First, G. R. Potts, Sunderland. Second, R. Fulton, Deptford. Third, F. Else, Bayswater. Highly Commended, R. Fulton, Deptford; S. Robson, Brotherton, Yorkshire. Commended, P. Eden, Salford. (Hens).—First and Third, G. R. Potts. Second, P. Eden, Sal- ford, Highly Commended, P. Falton, Deptford. Commended, J. Steib; Liverpoo) Road, Islington; G, R. Potts. Caneter Cocks (Black or Dun).—Cap, P. Eden, Salford. Second, T. Colley, Sheffield. Third, A. P. Leite, Manchester. Highly Commended, F. Else, Bayswater. Commended. T. Colley; A. P. Leite. Carrier Hens.—First and Second, T. Colley, Shetiield. Third, F. Else; Bayswater. Highly Commended, P. Eden, Salford; F. Else. TuMBLERS (Almondj.—First, P. Eden, Salford. Second, F. Else, Bays- water. Highly Commended, J. Ford, Monkwel! Street, London; F. Else; M. Hall, Old Bethnal Green Road. Suort-racep (Tumblers). — First, J. Percivall, Rye Lane, Peckham. Second, H. Morris, Forest Hill, Kent. ‘Mottled).—First, P. Eden. Second, KF. Else. Highly Commended, P. Eden. Commended, C. J. W. Rudd. (Balds or Beards).—First, H. Morris, Forest Hill. Second, J. H. Esden, Hammersmith. Highly Commended, F. Else; D. Fossick. Barnsbury. Tursits.—First, M. Wicking, Blackheath Park. Second, F. Else, Bays+ water. Highly Commended, H. Yardley, Market Hall, Birmingham. Ow1s.—First, G. H. Sanday, Holme Pierrepont, Notts. Second, P. Eden. (The whole class Highly Commended.) a Fantaits.—First, M. Wicking, Blackheath Park. Second, R. F. Jarvis, Holmesdalz, Kent. Highly Commended, F. Else; J. W. Edge, Ashton-New- Town, Birmingham; S. C. Betty, Gloucester Gate, Regent’s Park. Jacopins.—First, M. Wicking. Second, C. Bulpin, Bridgewater. SUMPETERS.—First, C. Bulpin, Bridgewater. Second, F¥. Else. Highly Commended, W. H. C. Oates, Newark, Notts. Commended, J. R. Robinson, Sunderland; H. Yardley, Birmingham. b Runts.—First, T. D. Green, Saffron Walden. Second, J. Hardwill, Taunton, Barps.—First and Second, P. Eden. ANY oTHER New or Diszincr Breep.—First, Rev. C. Spencer; A. P. Leite. Second, M. Wicking. Third, A. Heath; H. Yardley. Highly SORTER) H. Yardley; A. Heath; Calne, Wilts; S. C. Betty, Regent's ark. Carkizrs (Except Blacks or Duns).—Cocks.—First and Second, W. H. Edmonds, Broadway, Westminster. Hens.—First and Second, J. C. Ord, Pimlico. Highly Commended, T. Colley, St. Philip’s Road, Shefield. Commended, W. Smith, Grays Inn Road. Macpits.—First, C. Bulpin, Bridgewater. Second, M. Wicking, Black- heath Park. Deacons. — First, J. Percivall. Second, T. Whitley, jun., Halifax, Highly Commended, W. Massey, Gedney, near Wisbeach; H. Yardley. Nons.—First, M. Wicking. Second, J. W. Hége, Birmingham. RABBITS. Lonerst Ears.—First, J. Cranch, Portland Lawn. Beresford Street, Walworth Road. Greatest WeEIGHT.—First, J. Cranch. Second, W. Lock. Brst Couovr.—First, H. Hanford, Wilford, Nottmgham. Second, Hall and Co., Plumstead. Highly Commended, Miss M. Hawksley, Edgware Road. Commended, W. Philpott, Copenhagen Street, Islington; H, Han- ford; J. Cranch; J. P. Millar, Whitechapel Road. Second, W. Lock, WOODSTOCK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW.—Seprr. 207H. Arrancrements had been made for a supply of pens from London, but from some cause they did not arrive, and the Committee were driven at the last moment to make the best provision they could. The Duchess of Marlborough won both the champion prizes for the best pens in the show. The Dorkings and Cochin-Chinas were a very superior class, and the Show generally was very creditable. nisH.—Chickens.—Prize, F. S. Dodd, Hampton Poyle. é SS eat priee: HL. Gaskell, Kiddington. Chickens Prize, Duchess borough. Ce reee cnirkeris = Prise Duchess of Marlborough. 282 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 4, 1864, Cocuin-Crina.—Prize, F.S. Dodd. Chickens.—Prize, F. S. Dodd. Hausurea (Rpangled).—Prize, J. James, Woodstock. Chickens.—Prize, W. Heath, Kicling on. HameBunreu (Pencilled).—Prize. J. James. Chickens.—Prize, W. Heath. Game.— Chickens.—Prize, R. Pratt, Woodstock. Ges.ines (White).—Highly Commended, J. Prior, Woodstock. Gerse (Grey).—Prize, Duchess of Marlborough. Goslings. — Prize, H. L. Gaskell. Ducks (Aylesbury).—Prize, Colonel Bowyer, Steeple Aston. Ducklings. —Prize, Duchess of Marlborough. Highly Commended, Colonel Bowyer. Ducxs (Coloured).— Prize, C. Fowler, Biceeter. Ducklings. — Prize, S. Druce, Eynsham. Turkeys (Black).— Prize, Duchess of Marlborough. Poults. — Prize, H. L. Gaskell. TunxeEys (Grey). — Prize, Colonel Bowyer. Bowyer. Judge, Mr. James Turrill, of Oxford. Poulis. — Prize, Colonel ELLESMERE POULTRY EXHIBITION. THis forms part of the Oswestry District Agricultural Society’s Exhibition, which it is wisely proposed shall be held in a different town each year. This arrangement adds very much to the interest of any similar meeting, as fresh localities are thereby enlisted in the undertaking, and, con- sequently, the novelty rather increases at each annual re- petition than the contrary. The Show, which was held on September 29th, proved a decided success; so much so, that the attendance of visitors must have shown an incredible increase; and the quality of the poultry present, equally with the number of pens entered, bore evident marks of improvement likewise. On referring to the catalogue we find entries from Knowsley, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Aylesbury, and even from such a distance as Dublin. This shows as strongly as could be that the public feeling is now interested in the success of the undertaking, nor do we doubt that eventually this Society will rank highly among our poultry shows. A little confusion as to the numbers when compared respectively with the pens and the printed catalogue was the only draw- back to the proceedings, and we trust that in future years a similar occurrence will be especially guarded against. The Game classes took foremost position, the Brown Reds and Black Reds being very good ones; but the Duckwings were far from so satisfactory in plumage as could be desired. The hackles of the cocks were mostly dark listed down the centre of each feather, or what is perhaps equally objection- able, mixed irregularly with black patches. We mention this shortcoming in the hope of preventing a selection by their owners in future years so fatal to prize-taking. Some very good Grey Dorkings were shown, but some of this variety were exhibited in very bad condition indeed. There were several pens of good Cochins shown, particularly the White ones from Mr. Zurhorst, of Donnybrook, Dublin; the Partridge-coloured ones of Messrs. Tudman and Cart- wright respectively; and the Buffs of Mr. Bates, of Bir- mingham. There were also good Hamburghs, but Mr. John Robinson, of Vale House, Garstang, Liverpool, monopolised all four prizes in these classes. All Bantams competed toge- ther, and, most strangely, none but Game Bantams were entered. Most of these wanted age to make them fit for the show pen, though not a few bore traces of very careful ‘breeding. The Turkeys were excellent ; and the Geese were especially objects of public interest, on account of their immense development of both bone and flesh. The Aylesbury Ducks were better than the Rouens, and weighed well, Mrs. Seamons’s first-prize pen being 223 lbs. the three birds ; Miss Shaw’s, second-prize birds, were 21}lbs.; and even the highly commended pens were 20 lbs. and 21 Ibs. respectively. From these weights it may be presumed that they were of unusually excellent character as a whole class. Among the ‘Extra poultry” were a pen of capital White Decoy or Call Ducks. The weather throughout was as fine as possible, so much so, that not a spot of rain fell to mar the happiness of the day. Everything, therefore, passed off most plea- santly, and the whole undertaking proved a decided success. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).—First, T. Whittingham, Bather- ton, Nantwich | Brown-breasted Red). Second, S,Joinson, Nantwich (Black- breasted Brown). Highly Coinmended, T. Bargess, Burleydam, Whit- church ; A. B. Dyas. Madeley, Salop (Red); J Tomley, Whitemere (Black- breasted); W. Gamon, The Green, Thornton-le-Moors, Chester (Black- breasted). Commended, W. Drury, Hurleston, Nantwich, Cheshire (Black Red); P. H. Cooke, New Marton (Brown-breasted) ; W. Gamon (Brown- breasted Red). Game (Any other variety).—First, A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Salop. J. B. Chune, Severn Cottage, Coalbrookdale. Commended, Misa Sadler, Heath Cottage, Whitchurch. ‘ Dorxines.—First and Second, Miss Davis, Tae Lache, Chester. Highly Commended, E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot, Oswestry; E. Tudman, Ashgrore, Whitchurch ; W. Gamon, The Green, Thornton-le-Moors, Chester. Cocuin-Carna.—First, E. Tudman, Askgrove, Whitchurch (Brown or Partridge). Second, P. Cartwright, Oswestry (Partridge). Cocnin-Cuina (Any other variety).—First, T. W. Zurhorst, Bellville, Donnybrook, Dublin (White). Second, H. Bates, Harborne Heath Cottage, Birmingham (Buff). SpaxisH.—Miss Dayis, The Lache, Chester (Black). Plas Wilmot, Oswestry (Black). Hampuncus (Pencilled).—First and Seconé, J. Robinson, Vale House, Garstang, Liverpool. Hampurcus (Spangled).—First and Second, J. Robinson, Vale House, Garstang, Liverpool. Commended, C. Cooke, Breadenheath, Whitchurch. Gamer AND OTHER BantTaMs.—First, 8. Owen, Ellesmere. Second, T. Hassall, Whitchurch. Highly Commended, W. Gamon, The Green, Thorn- ton-le-Moors, Chester. Commended, C. R. M. Owen, Erway, Ruabon; T. Burgess, Burleydam, Whitchurch. Turkzys.—tirst, Miss Davis, The Lache, Chester. Second, T. Burgess, Burleydam, Whitchurch. Highly Commended, R. Topham, Elson, Elles- mere; R. Lewis, Sycamore House, Hordley. GrEsE.— First, Mrs. Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury. Burleydam, Whitchurch. Ducks (Rouen).—First, J. Holme, Knowsley, near Prescott. Second, W. Gamon, Thornton-le-Moors. Highly Commended, J- Nelson, Heaton Mersey, Manchester. Ducks (Aylesbury). — First, Mrs. Seamons, Aylesbury. Second, Miss E. Shaw, Oswestry. Highly Commended, Miss E. Shaw; Mrs. Seamons. Commended, B. W. Winn, Llanforda Hall Exrra Pou.rry.—Highly Commended, G. Williams, Oswestry (White Call Ducks). Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, officiated as the Judge. Second, Second, E. Shaw, Second, T. Burgess, MIDDLETON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW. (From a Correspondent.) Tux sixth annual Exhibition of the Middleton Agricultural Society took place on the 22nd ult. We published the prize list last week. The entry of Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits numbered 500, being about 100 pens in excess of last year. About 20,000 visitors were present, £588 being received for admission at the doors. The principal classes were for chickens, and this neigh- bourhood being famed for Hamburghs, the competition was in many cases very close. Red Game headed the list. Brown Reds were first and second. The cockerel in Mr. Wood’s first-prize pen was late in feather, but a good chicken. Mr. Fletcher’s second-prize pen were in much better condition ; both cockerel and pul- let were, however, rather defective in feet. In the single cockerel class a good Black Red was first, and a Brown Red second. In Game any other variety, a good pen of Piles took precedence, capital Duckwings being second. In Single Cockerels a white-legged Pile was first, and a Duckwing second. A silver cup, given by a few amateurs, was offered for a pair of Game pullets, and produced no less than forty- one pens, containing many good pullets. The cup was awarded to Mr. John Crosland, jun., for a splendid pair of Black Reds. Mr. Wood was second with a good pair of light Brown Reds, and Mr. Aykroyd third with an unusually good pair of Duckwings. The competition between the three pens placed was very severe indeed, the Judges had great difficulty in arriving at a conclusion, the pens being so evenly balanced in every point, Reds at length obtaining the pre- ference. Several pens received commendations. Spanish were unequally matched in the winning pens. The first- prize pen contained a poor cockerel. For Single Cockerel a very even good-faced bird took first. Qorkings and Brahmas formed good classes. In Cochins, Mr. Stretch was first with Partridge, good in shape and feather, but not a match in colour of legs; Capt. Heaton was second with a very fine pen of Buffs. For Single Cockerels excellent Buffs were first and second; and for a Pair of Pullets Capt. Heaton took first with good Buffs; Partridge were second. The Hamburgh classes were well filled, most of the prize birds being excellent, although we noticed some crooked in bone. In Silver-spangled there was a falling-off in good cockerels ; Gold-spangled were better; Blacks were capital. For Any other variety, Black Polands were first, and Silvers second ; while for Single Cockerels the positions were reversed. Bantams made up good classes, any age being allowed, In Game good Black Reds won for cock and two hens; while October 4, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Ce TT SST GEE TPT TMNT ETT STF TG Li DSi UG SETS TORE RISE Toto SS for cockerel Black Red was first, and Brown Red second. In Bantams any other variety, Gold-laced were first, and excellent Blacks second. Y In Ducklings, Aylesburys, Mrs. Seamons suffered a defeat, the first prize being awarded to a very fine pen belonging to Mr. J. Hartley. Rouens were also good. The Pigeons were not numerous, but some very choice birds were exhibited, many of which, however, did not receive notice; in fact, the best pen was passed over. In Almonds the worst pair were first, Mr. Eden having to be content with the second position. In Carriers splendid Blacks won. In Powters the best pair of Blues, belonging to Mr. Eden, were not noticed. Jacobins were chiefly no- ticeable for odd eyes. In Fantails crested birds were first, and a fine pair of plain-headed second. In Owls the first went to poor Whites, the second to very coarse Silvers, Messrs. Eden and Fielding’s fine Whites not receiving notice. In Nuns the first-prize pen contained a pair with odd eyes, the second were fair birds. In Any other variety a pair of splashed Trumpeters were first, and Black Barbs second; while a much superior pen of Barbs was unnoticed. POULTRY JUDGES. As one of the exhibitors I attended the Agricultural Show recently held at Middleton, and was sorry to hear the com- plaints current as to the character of the poultry judging, the awards accorded to some of the classes being of a nature to make it evident that the Judges were not competent for their task. It is not denied that one of the Judges is well quali- fied to decide on the merits of some kinds of birds, such as the Spanish, Hamburghs, &c.; and it is the more to be regretted that he should have undertaken to pronounce on the deserts of classes, where he had to rely more on the opinion of others than on his own judgment. Judges must bear in mind that many of the exhibitors whose fowls they judge understand the peculiarities of those kinds which they are in the habit of rearing and exhibiting quite as well as the Judges themselves; and that the deci- sions of the latter are certain to be canvassed and scrutinised, and if they do not approach tolerably near to correctness will not fail to be condemned. It is, therefore, a great mis- take when Judges undertake to decide on claims, often con- flicting, between the several competitors in a class where the knowledge of the exhibitor is superior to their own; and they would confer an incalculable benefit by confining them- selves to the classes with which they are acquainted. On the other hand, a contrary course frequently inflicts irrepa- rable injury on the cause of poultry exhibitions. It occasions disappointment and well-grounded discontent among the contributors, and if permitted to occur with anything like frequency would ultimately defeat the object of these shows in the improvement of the various kinds of fowls, and also break up the exhibitions altogether. One of the Stewards of the late Middleton Show, who pos- sesses a good knowledge of the qualities of birds, I was glad to observe, was fully sensible of the anomalies in the poultry judging, and candidly admitted them when pointed out to him, expressing his sincere regret at their occurrence, inti- mating that they should not recur in any future Show. Before closing this line, allow me to explain that it is not out of a captious or unfriendly disposition towards any party that I have taken up the pen, but in the interests of the exhibitors and exhibitions; and the circumstance that the only mode whereby what is wrong can be remedied is sub- mitting it to the ordeal of public investigation, will be a sufficient apology for troubling you with this communica- tion.—J. BEES, WASPS, AND IVY BLOSSOMS. In a letter which I have received from my cousin, Mr. George Fox, of Kingsbridge, in the county of Devon, he gives a most interesting account of what has fallen under his notice, with respect to the ivy blossoms and the wasps. As his letter was not intended for publication, I extract the substance for the edification of others. a lane, known as the Back Lane, it may be seen in the most splendid luxuriance, the blossoms swarming with flies and wasps, the latter being in such numbers as to appear like a swarm of bees in the air. In the neighbourhood of Exeter at this date, the 27th of September, the ivy blossom is not much opened; and as for wasps, numerous as they have been, we have been troubled by very few within the last two weeks. But in Kingsbridge an almost Egyptian plague of wasps still exists. Up to ten o’clock on the 26th, about the ivy in the lane, bees, flies, and wasps, were almost equally divided, the bees somewhat exceeding the wasps in numbers. An extraordi- nary excitement prevailed among all the bees in Mr. G. Fox’s aplary in consequence of the great supply of honey and pollen. Although the day continued uninterruptedly fine and warm—external thermometer in the shade 63°, baro- meter 30.35—on revisiting the locality of the ivy bloom at two o’clock not one bee was to be seen on the ivy, very few flies, but thousands upon thousands of wasps. Every bunch of flowers had three or four wasps upon it. His bees had become suddenly quiet, but were about mignonette, fuchsias, &c., asusual. The wasps had established a perfect mono- poly of the ivy, and the bees must have felt intimidated at their overwhelming numbers, and deserted the otherwise tempting pasture. Last year, when wasps were comparatively scarce, the bees gained considerably in weight from the ivy blossom; but now it seems as if the bees had agreed to surrender the field unconditionally to the wasps. My correspondent con- cludes by expressing his belief that the pith of this matter is worthy of investigation by the entomologists of the day, irrespective of its singularity and interest to the apiarian. I have told the tale of this close observer of nature in an imperfect manner, and without having obtained permission from him to do so. I wish he could be induced to give, from his own pen, the readers of the Journal the benefit of his observations more frequently. He has promised me that he will relate his experience with hives made of a new material. I trust he will do so, and that before long, as T’am sure it must interest all apiarians.—S. Bevan Fox, Exeter. [We heartily coincide with this concluding wish.—Eps.] QUEENS’ EXCURSIONS—COMB PLATES. Has Mr. Woodbury ever known young queens to take flights after positive evidence of impregnation ? Has he ever known virgin or drone-breeding queens lay eggs in the same year as they were hatched ? What is the longest period which has ever come under his observation between hatching and impregnation ? Can he inform me of the composition of the metal plates for making wax sheets ?—S. [Although the fact has never come under my own personal observation, I consider it proved on indubitable evidence that queens sometimes again take flight after a perfectly suc- cessful wedding trip. Huber was, I believe, the first who observed it, and his testimony has recently been confirmed by my accomplished apiarian friend “J. EH. B.” I have also just come across an article by Otto Rothe, a clever German apiarian, on this very subject, in which he states it as cer- tain that some queens who have already returned with the sign of impregnation will yet take wing afterwards. He relates, in support of this conclusion, an instance in which he witnessed a young queen return with unquestionable evidence of her excursion having been successful on the 25th of last April. On the 27th she again took flight, apparently without any result, and a subsequent examination of the interior of the hive and the brood found therein, proved that the object of her flight must have been fully accomplished on the 25th. I have on more than one occasion known drone-breeding queens lay eggs the same season in which they were them- selves hatched. The longest period I ever knew between hatching and impregnation occurred in 1862, when I had a queen which laid no eggs till she was thirty days old, so that she must probably have been twenty-seven or twenty-eight days old The bloom of the ivy in the neighbourhood of Kingsbridge | before making a successful wedding trip. Her worker sisters is more abundant than has ever been known before. Down | appeared to manifest impatience at this unusual delay, mas- 283 © 284 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 4, 1864. much as I found her rigorously imprisoned more than once ; but ultimately all turned out right, and, as before stated, she commenced laying worker egg’s when thirty days old. Plates for impressing artificial combs are made of type metal_—A DrvoNsHIRE BEE-KEEPER. BEES AT THE EXHIBITION or trxz WHITWORTH AND ROCHDALE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. We learn from the Rochdale Observer that ‘‘In centuries long past the good people of Rochdale every year, in the month of Aucust, made an excursion into the marshes lying round the town to gather rushes to strew the stone or mud floors of their churches and chapels through the chill winter months. When the use of rushes for carpets had been superseded by less barbarous expedients the people pre- served the memory of the custom by the pantomime of dragging a monster rushcart through the town for the edifi- cation of their friends and visitors. But in process of time this pantomime fell into evil hands and disrepute, becoming merely the excuse for a gross public scandal; and at last this scandal was suppressed by the public voice, the name only remaining to keep alive the recollection of a fine old religious custom. “The great feature of the rush-bearing week, for several years past, has been the exhibition of the Whitworth and Rochdale Agricultural Society; and this year that Society has had probably the most successful, and certainly the most satisfactory, of its meetings. “With recard to the extra stock, the palm must be awarded in this class to Mr. John Wrigley’s collection of bees. These bee-hives were a great point of attraction, and throughout the day by far the most interesting collection on the field to many visitors. Mr. Wrigley was literally besieged. The collection consisted of an observatory-hive, a bell-hive, a unicomb-hive, a cottage-hive, with a super containing 25 lbs. of honey, and a comb of last year’s honey, containing 20 lbs. of the precious store. To those who have followed the recent newsp2per controversy as to the habits of the bee it must have been especially interesting to watch the movements of the bees. For several hours a violent fratricidal war was carried on, and to the drones Wednesday was a day of merciless slaughter. Penned up in their hives as they believed for the winter, the little bees occupied ‘themselves most gallantly in driving out their big brothers and uncles, twisting their wings, hunting them to the bottom of the hive, and there summarily dispatching them by a process of lynch law. The motive apparently prompt- ing this measure was the instinct of self-preservation to protect themselves against starvation by the exhaustion of their honey before the return of spring with its flowers. No idle bee is ever tolerated within the hive. As soon as the slightest sickness or defect is discovered in a bee it is instantly hustled out of the hive, and left to die or recover, just as the case may be. ‘The movements of the queen bee excited the liveliest interest and attention. She is the very arch-type of a constitutional sovereign—reigning without governing. Her subjects possess all the rights of a free people. They believe in the sacred right of rebellion; and when any especially gross act of regal tyranny has been perpetrated, when the sovereign prerogatives have been stretched beyond the constitutional point, not even the great English people can be readier than these little repub- licans to vindicate themselves against the royal authority. Not only are cases of deposition frequent, but occasionally the queen is put to the cruellest torture and death. Still, when ail goes well, the bees are the most loyal and dutiful of subjects. They respect and reverence their queen toa degree which seems greatly out of character with their really high spirit of independence and self-assertion. We are assured by Mr. Wrigley that it is a gross libel on the bee to say, as the Times ‘‘ Bee-master” says, that she is fond of a little beer. Bees may be tempted to indulge in fermented liquors, but—listen to this ye teetotallers !—both from prin- ciple and taste, they infinitely prefer a glass of clear cold water with a cinder anda few lumps of sugar.” Caustine A Swarm ro Serrnz.—To prevent a swarm fling away, or to make one settle, take your longest garden syringe full of water, and give them a gentle shower with a very fine rose, not vindictively to half drown them, but to give them a hint that they had better look out for shelter. I tried it first some years ago, and it has always been suc: cessful.—_E. M. W. ANALYSIS OF THE EXCRETA OF BEES. Various opinions are held respecting the composition of the excrement of bees. While most persons regard the contents of the rectum as composed of thé digestible remains of pollen, Dr. Alefield recently declared them to be uric acid. An analysis of the excreta has shown the follow- ing ingredients :— 1. Remains of pollen.—l boiled the excrement in caustic potash lye, slightly diluted. After filtering, I washed the residuum in hot dilute muriatic acid. What was left after again filtering, could, from its insolubility, be only the re- mains of pollen. It appears under the microscope like an indistinctly granular mass. 2 Uric acid.—I immersed the excrement in concentrated sulphuric acid, in which uric acid remains undecomposed. After carefully decanting the liquid from the resulting car- bonaceous mass, I added water; and then washed the preci- pitated matter in water. I now added one drop of liquor ammonie and one drop of muriatic acid. On heating, the mass assumed a purplish hue—the characteristic action of uric acid. 3. Hivpuric cacid.—I hoiled some excrement in caustic potash lye. After filtering, I added dilute muriatic acid, and obtained a precipitate which proved to be composed of uric and hippuric acid. According to an approximate estimate, the excreta of bees consists of about one-third uric and hippuric acid, and the rest of indigestible portions of pollen.—(Canada Farmer.) VouatTite Soap For Removine Paint, GREASE, Spots, &c,—Four tablespoonfuls of spirits of hartshorn, four table- spoonsfuls of alcohol, and a tablespoonful of salt. Shake the whole well together in a bottle, and apply with a sponge or brush.— (Scientific American.) OUR LETTER BOX. Distincursnine GANDERS From GrEsE (B. H. W.).—It is very difficult to spezk positively as to the sex of Geese, and therefore all sorts of expe- dicuts are recor!ed to—some trust to one, some to another. ‘The gander is supposed to bave a shorter and thicker neck. He is said to have the bag between the legs single, while the goose has it double. In adult binds the sex may be discovered by examination. Many people try them with a dog. If the birds are shutup in.a small place like a pigstye, and a dog put in, the ganders will all lower their heads and hiss at it. BrapMa Poorra Gxaracteristics (A. G.).—There are light and dark Brahmas. ‘You shculd choose one or the other. In the dark variety the cock should have a black breast, thickly spotted with whit ; dark tail, light hackle and saddle, black, or nearly black, thighs. The pu lets are pencilled all over, except the hackle, which is black and white striped. Vulture hocks are not desirable, (Brahma Pootra).—The vulture hocks are great defects, but not disqualifications. ‘The crooked breasts are not important. Poutrry Exuisitions (An Exhibitor of Poultry).—We insert in our list gratuitously every forthcoming poultry show that the secretary annouuces to us; and we ask all such secretaries to send the announcements. Goupen Pueasants (W. H. B.).—Golden Pheasants are not productive till they are two yeurs old. It is after the same time tle cocks get their plumage. Barley is the best food, but they are fond of and ranire green food. ‘They must have clean water. They are very hardy, and require little or no shelter. They may be allowed to run about in all weathers. If the house is not already covered, we advise you not to cover it. The birds do not require it, und ‘any little gain by keeping out rain is more than counterbalanced by the loss of sun. : LONDON ‘MARKETS.—Ocroser 38. POULTRY. The principal feature in our market this week is the Goose trade for Michaelmas. It has been diminishing for years, but the trade has never been so bad as this time. It was difficult to find buyers at low prices. Michaelmas remains as quarter day, but itis forgotten so far as Goose-eating is concerned. s. d. «8. d. 8. do Large Fowls . 2 Gto3 O | Grouse...... 8 0 Smaller do., 2 0,, 2 8 | Partridges . 19 Chickens. 1 6., 1 9 | Pigeons . 09 Geere . 5 0.,, 7 O | Rabbits 15 Ducks 2 83,, 2 6 | Wilddo.. 09 October 11, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND ‘COTTAGE GARDENER. 285 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Da Day i ae ee OCTOBER 11—17, 1864, Average Temperature Hain ta Sun Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon’s Clocks | Day of ‘M nth] Week. near London. 37 years,| Rises. | Sets. | Rises. | Sets Age. | sun. | Year, | | Day. Night. | Mean. Days. |m. h.| m. h. ore De | sae a: 11 Tu Elm berries yellow. 61.9 42.9 524 20. 20 af6 | 14af5 72 3 | "3 1 11 13 20 285 12 w Ash leaves fall. 60.5 42.3 51.4 21 21 466 25.5) 7°41 34) 28> 2) 12 13 35 286- 18 Tu Stiff Wheat Grass ripe. 60.4 42.5 51.5 19 23, 6] 10 -5 8 4/50 3 13 13 49 287 14 F Swallow last seen. 60.0 41.6 50.3 17 25 6 7 5) 27 4) 11 (5 14 14: 3 288 15 Ss Lady Bird hybernates. 58.8 41.0 49.9 18 26) 6 SS & 51] 32 6 (eo) 14 16 289 16 Sun 21 SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 58.7 40.2 49.4 16 28 «6 SP. USMM4S ECS S527 C7; 16 14 29 290 17 M Martins last seen. 58.2 41.2 49.7 16 30. («6 Vcd) 257 688) 09 1T 14 41 291 i} i From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 59.8°, and its night temperature 41.7°, 1.04 inch. The greatest heat was 74°on the lth, 1842; and the lowest cold, 24°, on the 15th, 1860. The greatest fall of rain was BULBS FOR FLOWER GARDEN DECORATION: (Continued from page 270.) SCILLA. OR margins and edgings to beds and borders these are very pretty dwarf plants. The prevailing co- lour is blue, though there are some white and pale rose varieties. They require the same treatment as Snowdrops, and like them should not be removed more fre- quently than is necessary for increase, or when the outline becomes broken, or the‘ clumps too large. The flow- ers are in spikes of from six to twelve blooms, bell-shaped, and gracefully pendant. As edgings to beds of Hy- acinths, or for marginal effect in beds of any kind, the Scillas are unrivalled by any plant in their colour during the early spring months. Scilla sibirica, which is not more than 3 or 4 inches high, has the most charming effect of any plant I know as an edging to a bed of Cloth of Gold Crocus, if planted so as to form a band 6 inches wide; and round a bed of Hyacinths of red shades, a six-inch band of Scilla bifolia and an outer ring of 8. bifolia alba are quite charming. The best white is probably S. campanulata alba, which is of free growth and a profuse bloomer. S. patula, a porcelain blue, with a good spike, and free in habit and blooming; S. campanulata (syn. belgica ccerulea), fine blue; and S. amena, bright blue with erect spike, are the best out of about eighteen. S. peruviana, blue, has large erect trusses; and there is a white variety of it. Scillas are admirably adapted for marginal effect in window-boxes and baskets when associated with other bulbs. They will grow in ali soils, those which are rather light being preferable, and they require a light open situation. MN) BH ERYTHRONIUM. The Erythronium, or Dog’s-tooth Violet, has orna- mental foliage distinct from that of any other bulb, and has a fine effect when planted as an edging to beds of Hyacinths, always considering the shades of colour, so that a pleasing arrangement may be made. They are veasy of cultivation, but like a light dry soil containing plenty of vegetable matter, as leaf mould. They do best, No. 185.—Vot. VII., New SERiEs, however, in peat soil. Dried bulbs should have a little sand placed round them at the time of planting, otherwise they are very apt to decay in consequence of the absorp- tion of moisture, whilst the root is rendered all but fari- naceous through drying them. They should be planted about 3 inches apart and at the same depth; and when once planted they should not be again removed until they have increased too much, or until the soil becomes impoverished, which may be known by the weakness of the foliage. The best time to transplant them is imme- diately after the foliage has decayed. They should be replanted the same day ; the largest roots being used for immediate effect, whilst those of less size are put in more closely together in places of minor importance. LEry- thronium americanum has yellow flowers, and is fine. Erythronium dens-canis and its variety major have pur- plish blooms; and the variety alba and its sub-variety major have white blossoms. The leaves are occasionally employed for decorative purposes, the bulbs being in that case potted and forced like Hyacinths. HYACINTHS. These are unrivalled (and so are all plants for some particular purpose if we only knew it), for producing effect either in beds of one colour, or in marginal lines, balcony-boxes, and ornamental designs, associated with other bulbs or in masses by themselves. The grand secret in forming beds of them is to plant in a line, ring, or bed of one colour, and one variety only, so that the drawback of ‘ mixtures ”’—that is, different heights, colours, and periods of blooming—may be avoided, the aim being to obtain a bed or border of equal height, and with each colour appearing simultaneously. Mixtures, however, answer perfectly for borders and mixed beds, though not admissible except as neuters in an arrange- ment of beds where an equal and uniform effect is de- sired. Bulbs of this description may be had at a cheap rate, and though not equal to those sold for growing in pots and for forcing, they make a splendid show in April. The colours are white, blue, red, and yellow in different shades. The Hyacinths usually employed for bedding are the second-sized bulbs, or such as eee some disquali- fication for being grown in pots—as loss of name, com- monness of sort, this being old, perhaps; yet they may be good sound bulbs, and calculated to make a fine show. Miniature Hyacinths are nothing more nor less than matured small roots of named Hyacinths, which bloom finely for their size, and are therefore admirably adapted for small groups, edgings to beds or borders, baskets, or window-sill boxes or frames. When the beds are cleared of their summer occupants it is time to prepare them for planting bulbs to bloom in April, May, and the beginning of June. Nothing is better than deep digging or trenching, placing at the bottom of each bed 6 inches of fresh or recently fallen tree leaves, which should be covered with a foot of soil; and they will serve to raise the beds considerably, and allow water to drain away freely. In the course of a No. 837.—Vot. XXXII, Orp SERIES. -- 286 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 11, 1864. _- year the leaves will be pretty well decomposed, and. on digging in the succeeding autumn they will be brought to the surface, and thus the soil will be enriched by a not-over- stimulating manure. Fresh leaves being put in every au- tumn, the beds annually receive a dressing of vegetable matter, which saves dung; and in dry summers especially the roots lay hold of the decomposing leaves, when the plants are becoming exhausted by blooming. No one thinks of thinning the bloom of bedding plants, and the consequence is that in summers like the past they bloom themselves to death. The beds being thus prepared, if the soil is free I simply plant the bulbs from 4 to 6 inches apart in lines, double rows being more effective than single, allowing the same distance between the two lines, and 1 foot between each pair of double rows. If in beds, 6 inches from bulb to bulb is a fair allowance. Insert the bulbs 3 inches below the surface; and if the soil is wet place a little dry sand around each, but on light soils this is unnecessary; then rake the surface and make it neat. ‘The beds should slope from the centre to the sides, and the borders from the back to the front. The bulbs should be planted from the beginning of Oc- ‘tober to the beginning of December, the middle of November ‘eing’a suitable time. It is very desirable to plant in dry weather, for unless the ground is in good working order the bulbs are almost certain to become unsound, especially if -dkept in a very dry place previous to planting. About the middle of December the surface of the beds should be covered with an inch or two of partially decayed leaves, which serve as a protection against frost, keep the beds from becoming saturated with rain, and afford nourishment to the roots. By spring ‘the leaves will be thoroughly de- composed by the action of the air, and he in a suitable state for being dug into the beds preparatory for bedding-out plants. 2 NARCISSUS. Those known as Polyanthus Narcissus are as well adapted for planting out of doors as for pot culture, and a bed of them is at least novel and fragrant. They require precisely the same treatment as Hyacinths. Garden Narcissus, as the Hooped Petticoat, Trumpet, ‘Pheasant’s-eye, and other varieties are usually styled, are admirably adapted for borders, and a bed or two may be de- “sirable. The roots should be planted from the middle of October to the middle of November, but the earlier the better. Plant them about 3 inches apart, and the same “depth, in ground stirred deeply, and in. good heart. Planted in borders in clumps of from six to twelve bulbs they look well, and the flowers are very desirable for bouquets in spring. Once planted it is not necessary to remove them oftener than. once in three years, and then the bulbs should be put in as soon as the ground can be prepared for them, -always renewing the soil if they are planted im the same ‘place. It is not uncommon to see these roots left for years without any care whatever, and as they increase fast the clumps become large, and are poor in consequence. On taking them up it would be well to consider whether it may not be desirable to plant the smaller bulbs in woods near the outsides, by woodland walks, in the front of shrubberies, or in parks. The most suitable time to remove them is when the foliage decays. The double white Narcissus is remarkable for its delicious odour; and the charming N. bicolor with white sepals, and funnel of yellow, is distinct and fine when it can be had true to name. The Trumpet Narcissus (N. maximus) is also ‘fine; and the Sulphur Trumpet (N. moschatus) desirable. ‘Pheasant’s-eye (N. poeticus), pure white, with its cup varie- vane with red, will be in every garden; N. bulbocodium Hooped Petticoat), is rich and effective; N. incomparabilis flore pleno or Nonpareil, Silver Pheenix, bicolorata or Orange Pheenix, not excepting bifrons, with its Jonquil-like flowers, and the Jonquils are all fine, but must yield to the glorious N. pseudo-Narcissus, or single Daffodil of our woods, and the Van Sion, or double. TULIPS. Probably no flower is so worthy of extensive cultivation ‘for the ornamentation of the flower garden as the early single Tulips. They are very numerous, and many of them are of little value for planting in masses, but having grown a number of them I can vouch for those named below being good bedders. YELLOWS. Canary Bird, rich pure yellow, attaming a height of about 9 inches, Pottebakker Yellow, yellow self, of good form, and effective; 9 to 12 inches. Due Van Thol, yellow, early, and very dwarf; 4 to 6 inches. Yellow Prince, 4 good yellow, about 9 inches. Thomas Moore, orange, distinct ; 9 inches. WHITES. Pottebakker White; 9to12 inches. Surpassed by none. Luna. A neat flower and very effective. Queen Victoria, fine form, but small; 9 inches. Jagt Van Delft, white self, fine form; 9 inches. rae La Laitére, white, heightened by an outer blue tint; fine; 9 inches. SCARLET SHADES. Typhon,-erimson-searlet, rather small, but-effeetive ; -9-inches. Duce Van Thol, scarlet, very beautiful ; 6 inches. Cramoisie fidéle, intense scarlet. Couleur Cramoisie, crimson scarlet, small, but ‘fine. Vermilion Brilliant, the-best of the scarlets ; 6 to.9 inches. La Belle Alliance, rich crimson scarlet ; 6 to 9 inches. BLUE SHADES. Florida, purplish violet, fine; 9 inches. Berangaria, a purple with a little mauve init. Very fine. ‘Archua, violet purple, lilac belt; 9 inches. Caiman, violet or puce, with lilac margin. La Plaisante, violet, with a slight rosy tint. Wouverman, violet purple; fine. FEATHERED, STRIPED, AND TINTED IN VARIOUS SHADES. Duc Van Thol, red with orange border, early ; 4 to 6 inches. Keizerkroon, yellow ground, flaked vivid scarlet. Queen of the early Tulips. ‘ Royal Standard or Standard Royal, white ground, flaked with carmine. Alida Marie, white, tipped and flaked with cerise; extra fine. Bride of Haarlem, white bordered with crimson. Rosa Mundi, white, shaded rose; ‘fine. Grand Due, yellow and crimson. Rose Luisante, rosy crimson, peach edges. Due Major, rich red, margined orange yellow; 6 to 9 inches. Rose Tendre, white, feathered and striped crimson. : Roi Pepin, white, striped or rather flaked-with crimson. A new kind, and a great improvement. - Ma Plus Aimable, a bronzy red flaked with orange ; 6 to 9 inches. Standard.of Gold, yellow, crimson tip; very gay. DOUBLE TULIPS. Tournesol, scarlet: and yellow. The most effective Tulip in cultivation. § inches. i f Yellow Rose, yellow. The best yellow bedcing Tulip. 9inches. There is a variety of this with variegated leaves. La Candeur, white. ‘The best of all whites. Rex Rubrorum, crimson scarlet. The best of the reds. Imperator Rubrorum, crimson scarlet; gay; 9 isches. k Pzony Gold, golden yellow feathered with crimson; 6 to 9 inches. Couronne Pourpre, Tich crimson; very effective; 9 inches. Marriage de ma Fille, white, striped violet rose; 1 foot. i Overwinnar, white, barred and feathered violet purple; 6 to 9inches. Gloria Solis, crimson with yellow border ; 6 inches. Duc Van Thol, red-and yellow; 6 inches. There are in addition to these the Parrot Tulips, which have flowers of large size and brilliant colours, forming most effective groups in borders. Of these, Perfecta, scarlet and yellow ; Constantinople, red; Feu Brillant, scarlet ; Coffee Colour ; Belle Jaune, yellow; and Monstre Rouge, crimson, are amongst the best. : ‘ Then there are late or rather show Tulips, which _are not the fashion just now, but if ever a sight is worth seeing it is abed of these under canvass ona bright day in early summer; put knowing little about Feathered Bizarres, Flamed Bi- zares, Feathered Bybloemens, Flamed Byblemens, Feathered Roses, Flamed Roses, and Selfs, I shall leave them to he disposed. of by those more initiated in such matters. Tulips like a deep rich soil, light rather than strong 5 but any kind will answer if free of stagnant water, and stirred to a depth of a foot or 18 inches. If very light a dressing of cool manure, as sheep or cowdung about a year old, spread an inch thick on the surface, and pointed in, will contribute to their vigour; but if the soil is very tenacious and heavy, the same thickness of sharp sand would be preferable. By all means plant in dry weather, placing the bulbs 6 inches asunder every way, but the smaller kinds, as the Duc Van Thols, should not be more than 3 or 4 inches apart, planting them so that the apex of each may be covered 2 inches in wet soils, and 3 inches in those which are dry and loose; ‘a covering of light mould, especially if the soilis heavy and wet, is conducive to success. Although Tulips will grow and flower if stuck into the soil in almost any way, yet they annually become weaker in growth, and fewer in number, until they at last disappear. Once planted they require no further 9 inches. 9 inches. October 11, 1864. ] JOURNAL, OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. "287 protection until the blooming is past, when they may be taken up with balls, if the foliage is fresh, and planted again in a similar situation, placing them the same depth in the soil, givine a good watering, and shading from hot sun for three or four days, after which remove the shading, and discontinue watering, when they will ripen their growth, and be little the worse of the removal. In most seasons, however, the foliage will be so far advanced as to allow of their being taken up by the first week in June, it being in- jurious to the roots to allow them to remain in the soil after the foliage exhibits a yellow hue. The bulbs should not be allowed to remain long in the ground after flowering, but should be taken up and dried before the foliage is quite gone. The most suitable time to plant is the first fortnight in November, and they may be planted up to January, but the later they are put in the later will be the bloom in the spring, and as. this interferes with the planting of the sum- mer occupants of the beds, early planting is advisable. (To be continued). G. ABBEY. MY ORCHARD-HOUSE.—No. II. THE season of the year is at hand for remodelling our orchard-houses; for replacing such trees as, from any cause, we do not wish to retain; for classifying varieties, and adapting them to those portions of the house which their habits seem to require; and for removing such sorts as, after having been tested and found naturally free-growing and prolific, we may desire in future to grow on some warm all wall. About this latter portion of the subject I shall have a few suggestions to offer to my brother amateurs, chiefly because it constitutes my best experience. It is now about ten years since, havine carefully studied the cordon system on the continent under Dubreuil, and tried it on the open wall in various ways, I adapted it, with the important modi- fication of the summer pruning-in of the shoots, to the exi- gencies of the orchard-house. trial the system (chiefly represented by diagonal cordons), being successful, the results were published in 1860 in a small work. houses in this island and in England the system has been adopted for the back walls. Among these none have been so successfully worked as the well-built house at Grange | Lodge, in this island, under the able management of Mr. Pethers. On the diagonal cordons of the back wall this season were crown some of the very finest possible fruit. Two other houses on this plan in the island show remark- able signs of fruit for next year. But this is not the place to allude to this matter further than as far as it bears on the point mentioned above—namely, the removal of trees to the open wall, which, I contend, is greatly facilitated by the adoption of these flat diagonal cordons. Readers of this journal may remember a part of the orchard-house controversy, where one excellent. authority “predicts the universal adoption of the system for Pears. I have myself no doubt on this subject, having for ten years very successfully grown Peaches, Pears, Plums, Cherries, and Apples side by side in this way, as is well known. Nay, I believe that the very choicest fruit can best be grown in this fashion. I should suggest, then, to my brother ama- teurs that, if they wish to thin out their stock of trees in their houses, planting them out against a good warm wall would be easy in this way. If they had cordon trees trained aS mine are, diagonally, at intervals of 3 feet against the back wall, nothing would be easier than to plant them against an open south wall in the same fashion. Care only would be required that foreright shoots, which in-doors bear well away from the wall, should not be allowed to grow too far out, if in the open air, simply hecause they thus lose the warmth of the wall. A skilful gardener, however, would avoid this error; and I have seen this year two thousand Peaches grown in a friend’s garden on trees trained in a imilar manner. As to other fruits, especially Pears, they bear wonderfully as diagonal cordons. On one of our south walls (about 12 feet high), are seen Plums, Cherries, and Pears growing side by side. We can begin our wall with a May Cherry, and end it with a winter Pear. Apples of the best kinds are splendid in this fashion, though not equal to After some years’ further | Since that period in a certain number of orchard- | eee those grown in an orchard-house. This year in these islands Apples have done well under glass. But to return to the point. I mean that any one desirous of thinning out his orchard-house would be best enabled to do so if he grew his trees in this shape, so that if he chose they might be re- moved to the open wall, for it is evident that a bush tree is unfit to be planted against a wall. It requires to be cut down and much altered, besides losing a year’s fruit. Some trees there are which do better; but generally, if the tree be a fine open bush, well-rounded and equal, .as it should be, it is then very ill adapted for a wall tree. The next best shape to the flat diagonal is the vertical cordon, which shape is common enough in nurseries now. By cutting away one side of this vertical tree it can be adapted for a wall. If so, plant it as a diagonal cordon at an angle of 45°, if in a bearing state, free growing, and healthy ; but if exhausted by bearing, or weak, or a maiden tree, then plant it at an angle of 75° till it lay hold of the soil, and begin to thrive; then lower it to 45°. It thus assumes the natural angle of most branches; Nature points this out, and experience demonstrates that this angle is the most proper to produce fruit. A vertical branch is apt to grow too strongly, and the sap to accumulate at the upper portions, leaving the lower ones gradually bare. If brought down to the horizontal line the vertical shoots will absorb the sap, and become unduly strong, while the ex- tremities of the leaders will dwindle away. I confess to being quite a bigot in favour of these diagonal cordon trees. They are easy to manage, do not. grow ram- pantly as some think, they cover the wall very soon, you can have a great variety of sorts, they come sooner into bearing, any particular tree is easy to protect, being grown in such a small space they require no lifting, nor root: pruning ; even in the house, as far as I can see, if dissatisfied with the tree itis easy to remove it, and there is no un~- pleasant blank space left on your best walls for years ; and as to fertility, there is nothing to compare with it, space for space. Any further suggestions required I shall be happy to communicate; but it seems simple enough. ; At present few Peaches: remain in the house, only three sorts in all; but this is an error to be remedied. Thomas’s Late, an American, is only about 8 inches round as yet, and colouring well. I¢ is a delicious late Peach, in shape ke Early York, and well worthy of trial in lean-to houses: against the wall. The next to ripen, at the end of the: month, will be Tardive PHspagne. This Peach it is very difficult to ripen well in the south unless the season be favourable. When thoroughly well grown in the house it. looks like a waxen Peach, and is continually taken for such if exhibited. This is one of the triumphs of the house. These yellow Peaches, though not so valuable for the market, if early (so the dealers say), when late become then very useful. For dessert they are very fine, their colour by con- trast with other fruits makes them very telling. Baldwin's. Late, is only half erown at present. Being m a pot, and not in a very good place, it has not a good chance to colour well. There are seven Peaches on the bush, and these are not to be ripe till November. By that time most of the leaves of the other trees will be fallen. These three varieties are good sorts. Out of doors they would be simply ridicu- lous failures. We have planted early Potatoes between the potted trees, and in the spare borders. Not requiring the house for win- - tering anything, nor for Chrysanthemums, nor finding any- thing, except early Potatoes and Strawberries, worth the trouble of growing, we have always planted Potatoes in this way—not that it adds to the beauty of the house in winter; quite the contrary, but these are valuable things to produce As to the sorts planted. Early Handsworth is really a very good sort for these houses or for frames; it is large, and can thus be dug up comparatively early, and the haulm is naturally short, which is a very valuable quality for” Potatoes under glass. Planted on the 1st of October, we dug up some weighing six to the pound, which were ready by the 25th of March, and realised 15d. per pound then. Carter's Early Champion Kidneys are also a good sort to plant, because early Kidney Potatoes always realise more © when sold for some reason or other. We have this year. planted both sorts, and also some French varieties common’ here. It is best, however, not to look too long at our houses: 288 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [{ October 11, 1864, from the money-point of view. A comparison of all our garden books would be very amusing, not to say instructive. —T. Cotuines Bréxaut, Richmond House, Guernsey. TRITOMA UVARIA. Responpine to Mr. Robson’s request in the last issue of your Journal, I beg to state that Tritoma uvaria, though always exceedingly fine, was never so magnificent as this season in Hast Lothian. We have here several long back lines of it, which have been truly magnificent for a long time, and still continue so. It presents no signs of degen- eracy, but the reverse, and most certainly we have no hardy herbaceous plant that can compete with it from the begin- ning of September till the middle of October. After the latter date T. grandis takes its place, and flowers in great beauty up till Christmas; so that by planting the two kinds plant for plant in the rows, the flowering season of the Tritoma can be extended for four months. Grandis is much more vigorous, and throws up its flower-stems much higher than uvaria. They are here moulded up before severe frost sets in like a row of Potatoes, and we never lose a plant; and when the flower borders, to which they form a backing, are dug or trenched, a quantity of leaf mould is worked in near the roots of the Tritoma, and in this way it thrives amazingly. The soil is a very dry, deep sandy loam, and this is one of the driest districts in Great Britain, so that it cannot be superabundant moisture that makes it thrive here. Like most other flower-garden plants, it requires liberal treat- ment. Long may it be ere we have to lament the loss or degeneracy of so noble a plant.—D. THomson, Archerfield. VisITS TO GARDENS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. MESSRS. FRANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSON & SONS, CHESTER. On my return from a mournful journey to Ireland, such a journey as one can take but once in a lifetime, I found myself one morning in the ancient and loyal city of Chester. Many, many years ago I had passed through it ere railways ran, and when the journey from London to Dublin occupied some two or three days instead of eleven hours as now; but so peculiar is the character of the city, and so vivid are the impressions that are made in early days, that it seemed all quite familiar ground, and but as if the other day that I had seen it. Having a few hours in the morning to spare before the train for London started, and having those with me who were like myself interested in such matters, instead of lionising the town we determined on visiting the nurseries of the Messrs. Dickson, about which we had heard a good deal, and of which the good people of Chester seemed to be not a little proud as a good specimen of a provincial estab- lishment ; and the extent of the grounds and the order and neatmess that prevailed throughout fully justified them in the opinion they had formed. These nurseries are situated at Upton, about a mile and a half from the city, and are in an elevated position, ex- posed to a good deal of rough weather, so that plants ob- tained from thence and removed to more sheltered districts would be likely to thrive very well; for it is a great point to have such trees and shrubs as have been used to a rougher climate than that in which they are permanently to abide, while the reverse is oftentimes injurious to the well-being of the plants, such as have been reared and nurtured in sheltered and warm districts being very apt to suffer on their remoyal to colder ones. There are upwards of 130 acres comprised within the limits of the ground, the soil about one-half gocd retentive loam, the other half light sandy soil; and although this might seem unsuitable to many other things which are grown, yet by judicious ma- nagement everything is in a healthy and vigorous condition. There is a long range of houses containing the usual varied stock of a general nursery in both stove and greenhouse plants. I have never seen, for instance, a healthier and, for its size, a finer stock of Azaleas than those which are grown here. No symptoms of thrips could I see on any of the plants ; and many of them were of that attractive style known as half-specimens naturally grown, and all well set with bloom-buds. The outside wall of these houses is planted with Berberis Darwinii, which is one of the prettiest of our shrubs, always fresh and green, and when in flower presenting a perfect mass of beautiful apricot-coloured ra- cemes, and pretty also in fruiting time, with its larse plum- coloured berries. In front of the houses there is a long narrow slip laid out somewhat in Nesfield’s style of garden- ing. Coloured panels, however, are not used, white being the only covering of the walks, the bright colouring of the flowers being regarded as sufficient for the purpose. Amongst the many combinations here, I think that a bed, the centre of which was composed of Centaurea candidissima, and the edge Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, was one of the most effective. This plant has not, however, succeeded very well so far north, the climate seems too cold for it. Gazania splendens makes a fine autumn bed, and at that season of the year seems here to remain open in the sunshine instead of closing up as it does in the summer. On one of the walls I noticed a fine plant of Clematis lanuginosa in good flower; as also C. lanuginosa candida, a pale nearly white flower, which will contrast well with those new ones of Messrs. Jackman of Woking, so rich and brilliant in their colouring. As Roses are now so much in vogue, and have become everybody’s flower, and as persons will not now care to buy inferior sorts, the Messrs. Dickson have devoted a large space to their culture. As fine and healthy a selection of Roses in pots as I have ever seen, numbering 20,000, anda large portion of those on their own roots, afford a tempting selection to the Rose-growers of Cheshire, and indeed of other parts too; while from thirty to forty thousand stan- dards in the ground are also such as an amateur would well like to select from. A new rosarium in a sheltered position has also been lately planted, and in it I observed in bloom many of the best and finest varieties of Hybrid Perpetual, Bourbon, and Tea Roses. Charles Lefebvre to its other charms seems to have added this of its being very free- flowering in autumn. Géant des Batailles, Celine Forestier, Maréchal Vaillant, and others were also displaying their beauties, and the vigour of their foliage seemed to indicate that they were well contented with their situation. I was told that the Messrs. Dickson had more than once been exhibitors at the shows of the Royal Horticultural Society of Dublin, and that they had been successful. Conifers seem also to thrive here remarkably well, although we are sometimes apt to associate them with the peaty soil of Surrey ; but nothing could be healthier than those here cultivated. There was one specimen of Araucaria imbri- cata, the most beautiful and unique that I have ever seen; for there are evidently several varieties of this noble tree, this having a far more drooping and graceful habit than any that I have seen, while the foliage was large and vigorous. Wellingtonia seemed also quite at home, a fine tree eight years old being upwards of 12 feet high, and with a very large stem. Then there were nice specimens of Thuja com- pacta, japonica, Lobbiana; Picea amabilis, P. Nordinanniana, &c. Rhododendrons were also in good health. : The portion of the ground allotted to fruit trees is very large; and everything here, as may be supposed, is done on a very large scale. Thus, for example, there were seed-beds of the common Laurel which contained upwards of 12,000,000 plants, this being arrived at by taking a square foot, count- ing the number of seedlings in it, and multiplying the whole space by that. Nor have I seen anywhere more vigorous Vines in pots than there are here. Again I must ask, What becomes of them all? It can only be, I think, that they are grown for a season in pots by purchasers, and then killed by injudicious management. I know of no other way to account for the immense quantities that are everywhere grown, and for which there ever seems to be an increasing demand. Perhaps one of the prettiest things in the whole grounds was a ribbon-border of Hollies, which when completed will be a quarter of a mile in length. The edge of the border is. composed of two rows of Box; then some variegated Ivies are pegged down; and then five rows of Hollies, first yellow variegated, then white ditto, then yellow, then white, while the background is composed of the more ornamental species of green Hollies. I cannot conceive that anything in its way can exceed this when the whole mass has been filled in, October 11, 1864. J while it will have the great advantage of being always bright and clean. As forming part of ornamental grounds it is well worthy of imitation by those whose tastes are not cir- cumscribed by the extent of their grounds or the depth of their purses ; and I should be glad to see this same border ina few years’ time, when it has filled in, as I believe it . Amongst minor matters I noticed a very excellent con- trivance for vases. It is well known that stone vases are very expensive, and iron ones are not so seemly; but here the plan is adopted of converting iron into stone—that is, the iron vases are painted a light stone colour, and when wet are dredged all over with sand. This adhering to the wet paint gives the exact appearance of stone, and can be of course easily renewed from time to time. It will be seen that these nurseries fully deserve the cha- racter they have obtained of being amongst the most exten- sive and best arranged of our great provincial establishments. There was great order and neatness arrived at throughout, and this is not an easy matter in such an establishment ; but it certainly enhances very much the appearance of the grounds. The morning on which I saw them was bright and clear after the bounteous rains of the past few weeks; and I came away most favourably impressed with the entire management and stock of this extensive concern. I should add that at the shop in Eastgate Street there was a very fine selection of the best and most sought for Dutch bulbs a au kinds, a worthy appendage to the Upton grounds.— +» Deal. COTTAGES, AND HOW TO TENANT THEM. Some friends have kindly told me that I was rather hard on the proprietors of cottage property who had taken little thought about a water supply, and have brought forward instances with which I was well acquainted previously of unsatisfactory investments in cottage property, and the next to impossibility of keeping these cottages, when let at a very cheap rent, even in a healthy condition from over- crowding, and the want of all refined habits in the inmates. T have been told of instances where proprietors had spent a lifetime in endeavouring to give a cheerful aspect and a high moral tone to villagers on their estates; and that they failed in all their attempts because the people would either crowd their houses by taking people to live with them, or when a son and a daughter at a very early age—but in the painful circumstances none too early—thought proper to marry, without anything to commence housekeeping with, they received an asylum with one of the parents, and thus two or three families were crowded together into a place only suitable for one, with all the consequent attendants of- pestilence and fever, increase of poor rates, pauperism, &e.; and the question is put, What would you do under sach circumstances ? Well, in the first place, if a gentleman had a number of cottages so bad as to be unfit to live in comfortably, and there could in general seasons be no water supply for the promotion of cleanliness, it would be best to give the occu- pants due notice, and either correct what was amiss or pull the cottages down. , Secondly. If a gentleman, as most gentlemen do, let nice cottages at a lower rent than mere contractors, one speci- fication as to overcrowding should be rigidly enforced, and no families, or even lodgers, allowed to live there with- out the knowledge and permission of the proprietor or his agent. If this is not done I know what the consequence will be. Where no refined or high moral feeling exists, a house that might do for a man and his wife, and perhaps four children, will soon be made to hold as it can some ten or a dozen, and of different sexes, and anything like morals and decency be swept away. The very knowledge of such supervision will be a great help to refinement and morals. Thirdly. In all such cases monthly tenancies, or at least monthly notices, are of great value; and if the breaking of the conditions be followed with a few cases of expulsion, these will be of great benefit. It is within my knowledge, that in cases where every convenience for decency and cleanliness was given, the tenants would persist in having a dungheap and a slophole close to their dwelling instead of at the farthest part of their gardens, careless how they produced the seeds JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 289 of fever and pestilence in themselves and others. It is a great blessing that the law will not permit a man to poison himself with malaria, or be the means of polluting the atmo- sphere of his neighbours; but the most effectual law with all such people when admonition and repeated warnings are of no avail, is simply the notice that they must quit their quarters. A few instances of this kind in a neighbourhood will do a vast amount of good. Fourth. Though I am anything but a Malthusian, I have a strong impression that in many agricultural districts lads and lasses marry too young; and I consider that they always do so when they have nothing between them to commence housekeeping with. As for true love in such cases, itis all a chimera. If a young man loved a woman he would never ask her to join her fate with his until he could place her in a cottage at least ordinarily supplied with the necessaries of comfort and decency. I shall never forget going into the cottage of a newly married pair, both very young, and seeing a few rough boards in a corner for a bed, a board with four round spreading sticks stuck in as legs for a table, a couple of large stones and a board between them for a seat, and a pot to answer all culinary purposes. This might be an extreme case, and was; but how many young couples commence life with taking on their first month’s housekeeping, and trying to pay the old as they take on the new? Now, were I a squire, or a gentleman, or nobleman, and felt a little pride in my cottages, I would allow no young couple to take possession of them without showing me that they could furnish them respectably by their own honest earnings and savings. The gentleman who will condescend to do this, or insists on his agent doing it, will take one sure step towards securing good, well-behaved, moral tenants—a step which will be more productive of good than lots of mere routine visitations once or twice a-year, or ever so many sermons on cleanliness or propriety, however earnest and rightminded the clergyman or the minister may be. What gentleman would think of letting a farm to a man merely because he was the highest bidder, if it were well known that he had no effects and not a pound at his banker’s ? And yet gentlemen complain of the unthrift, the untidyness, the want of decency, andabsence of moral feeling too per- ceptible among a few of their cottage tenantry, notwith- standing all necessary arrangements to the contrary, though they give some of their best cottages unhesitatingly to young couples who between them can scarcely defray the expenses of the marriage feast and marriage ceremony, and commence their united career in debt to the butcher, baker, and grocer, and even to the cabinet-maker for the stool on which they sit and the bed on which they rest— a debt that too often clings like a millstone round their necks, paralysing all the energies of a life. Proverbs are fine things in their way, often the concentrated wisdom of ages; “ Marry for love and work for money,” however, has ruined thousands. The landlord who would feel a satisfac- tion not only in having healthy commodious cottages on his demesne, but in having them occupied by industrious, moral, well-conducted families, will exercise the truest benevolence in ascertaining that the young aspirants for tenancy have been well-conducted, and acted on the obverse of the pro- verb, and worked for money before they married for love. Ah! when scarcity and want stalk in by the door, and ugly wretchedness looks in at the window, love, happiness, and industry are apt to go out by the chimney. Some people that will be reached by nothing else than their own self interest must have that appealed to; and the scrutiny I propose would tell on the best interests of all connected, and by means of example exert a general beneficial influence. With every desire that charity may perform its perfect work, it requires no seer’s vision to perceive that many of our social evils in the country as respects the working classes, are owing to an undue patronising of the necessarily-ever- needy, because the inconsiderate, the unsteady, and the unthrifty. Though not so pleasant, it would be well to try the other course.—h. Fisu. Orcuipacrous Prants.—The ninth Part, just published, of “ Select Orchidaceous Plants,” edited by Mr. Warner and Mr. Williams, fully equals its predecessors in useful informa- 290 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 11, 1864, tion and beauty of illustration. The four Orchids described and portraited are Anguloa Clowesii, Chysis Limminghii, Celogyne cristata, and Disa grandiflora superba. The por- trait of the last-named is one of the most successful we know, and does justice to this splendid flower; for, as the authors truly say, “ Disa grandiflora superba ranks among the finest of greenhouse Orchids.” They add, “Our drawing was taken from avery strong plant that produced with us eight blooms on one spike—an unusual number, for commonly not more than two, three, or four are produced. It was grown in a greenhouse under Vines, but as near the glass as possible, where it obtained plenty of light.” ERECTING AN ORCHARD-HOUSE. I wave been particularly interested with the communi- cations in the Journal on orchard-houses, their manage- ment, &c., and purpose building one, dimensions not yet de- termined on; but before commencing to build, would you give me your advice on one or two matters? First. Let me tell you I shall have to manage it myself, I cannot afford to employ a man regularly. You will understand from this economy is a great consideration. As to the description of house—is Sir Joseph Paxton’s method of building green- houses a patent? Should I be infringing his rights, or lay myself open to any pains or penalties, if I bought wood and employed a country carpenter to work it up on his (Sir Joseph’s) principle P Which is the better plan—to grow Peaches and Nectarines, &c., in pots, or to plant them out? If grown in pots would soil to the depth of 2 or 3 feet require removing, and a cer- tain amount of rubble put in, and what thickness? If this turning out of soil and bringing the rubble could be dis- pensed with, I think it would save a great expense. If grown in pots would the trees require repotting every year, or how often, and how many years do you suppose a tree could be grown in a pot? Will the trees produce as much or more fruit when grown in pots as when planted out, or vice versi? and why do people always write and talk of growing trees in pots—is there some great advantage in it? Nearly all the articles in your Journal and your little manual on greenhouses, speak of this method as if planting- out was not to be thought of.—TRent. [We do not take the responsibility of determining what is, and what is not a patent; but we feel pretty certain that if resolved to adopt Sir Joseph Paxton’s method of houses for the million, a village blacksmith cannot make them up so economically as they are advertised, as all the work is cut by machinery, and put together by men used to it. If economy is your object, and the place is your own, a fixed roof will be the cheapest and best. In Sir Joseph’s system, to which you refer, sashes are made in the usual way; but there is a raised cap between every two sashes some 8 to 12 inches wide, glazed, and this by means of a lever is. raised to its full width, or for as little as halfan inch. By means of nuts the lever might raise a third, a half, or the whole of the length of this ventilating cap. We would rather you decided yourself as to whether you would grow in pots, or plant out the trees. You will find the matter temperately stated in “Doings of the Last Week,” and in a late short article by “RB. F.” Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The pot system enables you to have more variety in little room, gives you more command over the size of your plants, and enables you to do all the root-pruning required very easily, and will give you good fruit if you thin sufficiently ; but the plants will require much more attention, and especially in the way of watering. The fruit may be as numerous as you like, but unless well thinned they will not be so fine as from trees planted out. On the other hand, trees planted out are apt to grow too luxuriant, and will demand root-pruning as well as frequent pinching of the shoots, hut you will be more independent of the water pail and continued attention. In your case, absent during the day, and with little help, if great variety were not your object, your simplest and best plan would be to plant the trees and train to a trellis 15 inches from the glass, and cultivate temporary plants in pots until the per- manent trees filled the house, and then if you give air early in the morning the trees would pretty well look after them- selves. The pot system must have labour and frequent waterings. If you decide on pots, you have no occasion to have @ rubble-bottomed border. A little fresh soil beneath the bottom of the pots will be quite sufficient, and half or three-. parts plunging the pots will be advisable, chiefly for saving watering and keeping the roots in a more equable condition as respects temperature. If grown in pots, and the pots are from 15 inches and larger in diameter, the trees will do well for several years in, the same pots with the help of fresh top-dressings every year. We have seen trees in 20-inch pots that had borne well for ten years, and showed no signs of falling off. Smaller- sized pots would be better to be shifted, and that should be done as soon as the fruit is gathered. For instance: a small tree in a ten-inch pot should get one from 12 to 15 inches in diameter. If you tell us what sort of house you resolye on, and. what is the mode of growth you decide upon, and want more definite information, we shall be glad to help to the utmost of our ability, as we fully sympathise with all circumstanced like yourself. We must not forget that one charm of the pot system is that the trees will.afford you nice exercise in pinching and watering night and morning. If you would rather escape these pleasures, then plant out and train to a trellis. ] WHITE PERPETUAL ROSES. Tue request of a correspondent (J. Broughton), to know what are the best white and light-coloured varieties of Hybrid Perpetual Roses of the present and past few years, induces me to say a word on the point. There is no doubt that this is a direction in which the skill and energies of hybridisers ought to be exerted, for it is a class in which we are very: deficient. There are times when Madame Vidot and Mrs. Rivers, especially the latter, appear nearly white, and then they are most beautiful; but why have we had nothing approaching that style for some years? The run has been all on the crimsons and roses, and even the latter have been comparatively little thought of when darker and brighter flowers were to be had; and however much we may admire the bright and gorgeous colouring of this style of flower, we still want something of a lighter character for contrast, and hence are obliged to go to the Teas and Noisettes for them $ indeed, those white flowers which have been produced during the past few years can hardly be called Hybrid Perpetuals, the character of their growth and style of dower alike pro-. claim them to be Hybrid Noisettes. The best of them, hows. ever, I still conceive to be Mdlle. Bonnaire and Virginal ; but perhaps I shall best satisfy your correspondent’s wishes. by giving descriptions of each of them as they occur to me. Mademoiselle Bonnaire (1861).—Pale flesh, nearly white, and in bud most exquisite. One of the prettiest of the: class. Wood very green and thorny. A good grower, though not robust. Virginal (1860).—Very similar to the above, although, perhaps, not quite so full, and more white—i.c., with less of, the flesh tint in it; flowers of a fairsize. Blooms exhibited, by Messrs. Paul & Son and Mr. Keynes might be even called large. ; Louise Darzins (1862).—Quite white, but small. Habit of plant very dwarf, and altogether with very much of the Noisette character in it. Blooms profusely. Mademoiselle Eugénie Verdier (1861).—Nearly white, with pale flesh centre in the style of Virginal. Ihave seen some very beautiful blooms of it. The habit of the plant is mode- rately vigorous. Madame Alfred de Rougemont (1863).—This I saw exhibited very well early in this year. It is not a pure white, hut slightly shaded with rose; may prove an acquisition. Madame Freeman (1863).—Pale flesh, changing to white. I have not seen enough of this, but it seems to be delicate. Seur des Anges (1863).—Large, pale blush, but very much inclined to crack and come defective, so that I fear it will never be of much service. Louise Damaizin (1864).—This I have not seen, but it is described as a virgin white. Of these I should be contented with Mademoiselle Bon- naire, Virginal, and Madame Alfred de Rougemont. October 11, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 291 ‘As to “light” Roses I hardly know what your correspon- but the legal expenses, loss of time, and the disinclination to engage any, one who has sued his master, would more than outweigh the yalue of the few shillings oyerplus. Yon had better state fairly to your master your willingness to leave at the time he wishes, but that you are entitled toa week’s wages in addition; and, unless he is unreasonable, or there is some’ fact of which we are ignorant, he will give you your full due. DaToRs ARBOREA Curtinc-BAcK (IZ. F.).—You may cut the plant back. when you like; but we should prefer, if you keep the plant in a low tem- perature in winter, just secure from frost, to cué it back about March, and then, as the heat increased, it would break vigorously; and if the wood was well ripened every fresh shoot would produes flowers. No plant will better stand pruning or cu‘ting-in. We prefer planta 6 feet high to those 2 feet m height, when we can give them room, as the huge flowers look best when’ you can look up to them hanging down, or at least look to them om the - level of the eye. At 3 or 4 feet high you only see the backs of the dowers. HeEaTING AND GLASS FOR GREENHOUSE (J. J.).—We believe Mussett’s: apparatus answers very well. We should prefer either clear or rough glass to green, for a greenhouse, though we have little doubt but green would do, Light blue, or sky blue, does well. PRESERVING WALNUTS.—‘ Can any of your correspondents inform me wnat. will prevent Walnuts getting mouldy, when gathered and laid by? QOneof your correspondents mentions they may be kept moist by being placed in jars and keptin a cellar; but this will not prevent their getting mouldy, which they do first outside the shell, then inside the shell; the skin that covers the kernel becomes mouldy, and afterwards black, and soon the nut. decays.—A. G. i.’ [We shall be obliged by information on this point. We wash them thoroughly, and then keep them: in jars in a cold cellar, without their becomming mouldy.] PRopacGaTING WintEeR Cuerry (A Subscriber).—The fruit is that of the: - Winter Cherry (Physalis alkekengi), a hardy herbaceous plant, readily increased by seed sown in spring. It is best removed in March, and the roots divided, which is a ready mone of propagating it. It will grow almost anywhere, but'prefers light sandy loamy soil, Booxrs (H. U.).—Im about a fortnight the work on Vine culture will be published. It will be advertised in‘our next Number. The ‘* Cottage Gar= deners’ Dictionary ? can be bad from our office free by post for ds. 8d, October 11, 1864. j JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 299 a ed eee, CiroseErs ror Hovsr Watts (G. C.).—We suppose you wish to cover the Walls on every assect with suitable shrubs and climbers, and other plants. “North aspect’: Hedera (Ivy) algeriensis, Reegneriana, latifolia maculata, palmata, and silver-edged ; Virginian Creepers; Jasminum nudiflorum, flowering in January; and Cotoneaster microphylla. East and west aspect: Berberis Darwinii; Clematis azurea grandiflora, Sieboldi, lanuginosa and its variety pallida, fammula (sweet scented), Hendersoni, viticella ‘atro- Tubra; Atragene austriaca ; Chimonanthusfragrans; Crategus|pyracantha (Evergreen Thorn): Pyrus japonica, red and white; Jasminum revolutum, white and sweet; Honeysuckles—viz., flexuosa (scarlet), Trumpet, Dutch, ~atly and late; and of Roses—Ayrshire, Splendens, Dundee Rambler, Queen of the Belgians, Alice Gray, Ruga, and Thoresbyana; Evergreen, Princess Marie, Myrianthes, Williams's Climbing, Princess Louise, Felicité Perpetué, and Adelaide d’Orleans; Hybrid, Madame d’Arblay and The ~ (Garland; Boursault, Inermis, Amadis or Crimson, ‘and Gracilis; DMul¢i- Slora, Laure Dayoust, Tricolor, Purpurea, and Russelliana. South aspect : Aristolochia sipho; Lonicera aureo-reticulata, fragrantissima, and brachy- 'poda; also evergreen Honeysuckle; Eugenia Ugni; Wistaria sinensis and its variety alba; Passiflora corulea and grandiflora; Periploca grmeca; Magnolia grandiflora; Jasminum Wallichianum ; Hypericum nepalense ; Escallonia pterocladon and monteyidensis; Ligustrum japonicum; Ceano- thus intermedius, azureus, and hybridus; Bignonia radicans major and ‘grandiflora; Banksian ‘Roses, Jaune vif, Fortuniana (white and yellow), and Janne serin; Woisette, Jaune Desprez, Cloth of Gold, Solfaterre or Augusta, Triomphe de Bolwyller, Ophirie, and Lamarque. _.-Mauranpya BancLayana Winterme (dn Amateur).—We fear this creeper would not bear the vigours of an ordinary winter in the West Riding of Yorkshire if matted up. If you mat it up, covering with a good thickness of straw, and then with Russia mats sufficient to prevent frost Penetrating, there is no doubt that it might be kept over winter as you Propose. We have no experience in the matter, and are content to take ‘cuttings in autumn, keeping them over the winter in a cool greenhouse, and --letting the old plants take their chance. Why not try to keep it over'the Winter matted up? and so settle a question in horticulture for yourself. Tf you do, and succeed, we shall be glad to hear of it. _ Hyacrntus in Water (7. G. C.).—You placed the Hyacinths too early in the glasses, October being quite early enough, and the bulbs themselves might hot be over sound at ‘the base to begin with. ‘Too much care cannot be taken in selecting bulbs that are sound, and it isa point requiring some judgment and experience. When Hyacinths are placed in water early they remain too long inactive, or are liable to rot at the base, the main point ‘being to secure a speedy protrusion of roots after the bulbs are placed in the glasses; for if they remain any length of time over water in a dormant state the base must rot, from the moisture at that part. It is best, there- _fore, not to place them in water until October, when we may calculate on a Speedy growth. The grubs in the water are probably the larvae ofthe gnat which is plentiful in most-soft-water tanks. It is not likely that they would be able to leave the water and go on to the bulb unless it touched.the water, When they might, and they would then do irreparable mischief. If you strain the water through a piece of muslin you-may keep such insects out of the glasses. We know of nothing that will kill them and yet be harm- less to vegetable life. Having changed the water, place a piece of charcoal at the bottom of the glasses, and place them in a dry cupboard, Constructing A Pit (¥. £. C.).—You may do as you propose, but you will act wisely if yon dispense with your holes in the wall (pigeon-holed ‘wall), and build it solid. This will enable you to dispense with any very ‘secure platform of boards, &c., and the more open the boards, &c., are, the better will the heat rise. With your holes in the wall there would be danger of steam, and moisture, and damp from the dung. In severe weather you would have to pack up to the top of the frame or pit with litter, or tie straw against it. You will find such a place answer well also for hardening off. All that is necessary, provided there should be a little heat against the walls, would merely be giving abundance of air. In most cases where there is not abundance of litter you would find a brick Arnott’s stove and some Mats the cheapest and best mode. However your plan, but with solid walls, will do admirably. If open-walled your platform must be secure against steam from thedung. The distance of the platform from the glass must depend on the size of the plants. For rather small plants 20 inches would bea good distance. If the pit is deep provision should be made for altering . the platform, and the best mode would be to have two-inch ledges of brick formed inside in building, say at 20.and 30 inches from the glass. FAILURE OF BLAck FRONTIGNAN GRAPE (£#. F.).—Your Black Frontig- nan would be improved by placing glass over the border. The White Frontignan would do well grafted on it, and is not liable to shank or shrivel _The Museat Hamburgh will do well inarched on the Alicante, and Lady Downes’ will do as well as the Hamburgh and keep rather longer than West’s St. Peter’s. Vines Farep 1x Pots (J. 0., Bradford).—Unless we saw and knew ‘what the Vines had done we could not say what they would do next year. As they did little good this season they might do well next year if the wood “is good and well ripened. If the wood is weak and not firm we could hold “out no great prospect of success. When Vines in pots.once bear heavily sthey do little good afterwards. If they bear only moderately, and the wood is moderately strong and firm, the same Vines will produce for years, As you have the plants they would be worth trying. In neither case will it be worth while to place them out of doors, unless in front of a south wall to harden the wood. The pots must be protected. If you want to force early, as soon as the leaves colour the pots might be placed on the north side of a fence to rest the Vines before again exciting them. Waitt Warer Lity Prastine (A. K. H.).—The best time is in April when growth iscommencing. Take them up carefully with as much of the thick fleshy stem as possible, and if kept some time out of water, pack in ‘damp moss and keep from the drying influences of the atmosphere. The plants cannot be too soon planted in their permanent positions after they are taken out of the water. If the pozd bottom consists of mud, or the (bottom is a strong loam, nothing will be required but to tie a stone to the Toot of the plant, and having fastened it firmly drop the whole in the place desired. The depth of water should not be less than 1 foot nor more than 3 feet. | If there is no'mud and the bottom is gravel, place the plant on the ‘amderside of a thick sod, tying it fast with wire, and then Grop it into the place desired, taking care to place it with the crown upwards, If the above modes cannot be adopted you may pot the plants in strong loam, fastening “them with stones to prevent them rising, and then place pot and all in the { water, ORNAMENTAL BorpeR SHEUES IN Pots (De Foiz)—We are promised some notes-on ‘this subject, and will publish them forthwith. Brive Woop Anemone Roors.—A Subscriber would be much obliged by being informed where these can be obtained. Names or Frurt.—(J. Rust),—Your Apple is unknownto us. (Dr. Porter). —Pears.—2, Beurré de Capiaumont; 3, Beurré Bose; 4, Easter Beurré; 5, Beurré d’Aremberg. Others not recognised. (H. B.).—1, Reinette du Canada; 2, Boston Russet; 8, Not recognised ; 4, Franklin’s Golden Pippin ; 5, Herefordshire Pearmain; 6, English Codlin; 7, Lady’s Finger; 8, Kerry Pippin. (7. S.).—1, Marie Louise; 2, Kerry Pippin; 3, Birmingham Pippin; 9, Bedfordshire Foundling ; 10, Early Nonpareil; 11, Vaughan’s Pippin; 13, This seedling is a good summer cooking Apple, but is already past. Others not recognised. (G. R. Bigge).—A, Hullandbury ; B, Golden Pippin; C, Devonshire Quarrenden; D, Yellow Ingestrie; E, Fearn’s Pippin. (Fruit-eater).—Pears.—1, Auchan; 2, Gansel’s Bergamot; 4, a very small Beurré Clairgeau. Apples.—6, Trumpington; 4, 5, and 7, are alike and unknown; 8, Vaughan’s Pippin. Others not recognised, (Iago).— Pears.—1, Quite decayed ; 2, Quite rotten; 8, Louise Bonne of Jersey; 4, Ganeel’s Bergamot; 5, Beurré Diel; 6, Quite decayed. Apples.—l, Ke Pippin ; 2, Duich Codlin ; 6, English Codlin ; 9, Winter Codlin ; 12, Brookes’; 13, Braddick's Nonpareil; 15, Carel’s Seedling ; 16, French Crab. Others not recognised. (C.&. P.).—1, Margil; 2, Keeping Redstreak. (G. 0.).— Your Apple is'Pearson’s Plate. (G. 1.).—Emperor Alexander‘Apple. (Bio —1, Glou Morceau ; 2, Marie Louise; 3, Ne Plus Meuris ; 4, Flemish Beauty 5 5, Glou Morceau; 6, Napoleon. (J. P., Longford).—l, Beurré Kennes; 3, Napoleon ; 4, Louise Bonne of Jersey. (WW. A.).—1, Vicar of Winkfield 5 2, Easter Beurré; 3, Auturan Pearmain ; 4, Blenheim Pippin; 5, Dumelow’s Seedling ; 6, French Crab; 7, Hampshire Yellow; 8, Golden Winter Pear- main; 9, Russet Pearmain; 10, Scarlet Nonpareil. (A Young Pomologist). —l, Cellini; 2, Beauty of Kent; 3, Reinette du Canada; 4, Blenheim Pippin; 5, Golden Reinette; 6, Margil; 8, Franklin’s Golden Pippin ; 9, Cockle Pippin; 10, Golden Noble? (2. C. H.).—Your Grape is Early Malingre (see Hogg’s “Fruit. Manual’’), certainly not White Frontignan. It has no Muscat:fiavour. Names or Puiants (A Flintshire Subscriber).—2, Cheilanthes radiata; 3, Pteris longifolia; 4, Asplenium cicutarium; 5 and 7, Adiantum -pubes- cens; 6, Some imperfect'Adiantum ; 8, Blechnum occidentale. Henslow’s “Dictionary of Botanical Terms”’ is what its name indicates, but it does not translate the names of plants. The ‘‘ Cottage Gardeners’ Dictionary ”” translates the names. (7. H. .).—We cannot detect a plant's name from such a dead mashed leaf. Good specimens should be sent. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. ISLINGTON AGRICULTURAL HALL POULTRY SHOW AND THE BRAHMAS. I aw not going to inflict on your readers another analysis of the leading shows as to relative entries, but I should like to draw the attention of the advisers of the grand- mother of poultry shows to certain facts, illustrated by the Show just held at the Agricultural Hall. } Thanks to the proceedings of the Crystal Palace authori- ties, the Show just held has been the first opportunity that has occurred for gauging the various breeds as regards the produce of 1864, and I venture to say that not a few per- sons who examine the catalogue will be exceedingly sur- prised, not the least, I suspect, those who have cast on the Brahma the stigma of impurity. What are poultry breeders about, when so many pure breeds are to be found, that such an increasing number should pet this despised race? Could it have been supposed a year or two ago that at the first great chicken show in 1864, Brahmas would have held the position they do? , Z i Setting aside Bantams, the prizes for which were certainly too small, Brahmas enter more largely than any other breed, in proportion to the prizes offered, The Dorking alone approaches them. True, there were ninety-three pens of Game to fifty of Brahmas, but the former had nearly three times the amount of prize money offered, setting aside the much greater facility for making up pens, now generally conceded to Game—viz., that only one lady is exhibited. Brahma breeders owe a deep debt of gratituce to the authorities at the Agricultural Hall. Through evil report and good report they have befriended the Brahma. They have consistently dealt liberally towards them, more libe- rally, in fact, than any other schedule-framers, and Ithink the result must have proved to every one the justice of their deeds. At any rate, they must have this satisfaction, that at no previous show has there ever been an exhibition of Brahma birds equal to that justheld. J am not now speak- ing of the quality, but from the high commendations be- stowed, [ imagine that was not lacking. All SUCCESS then, say I, to Islington, and its promoters. Never mind, whether itis the “Poultry Club” or not, the old proverb says that «Handsome is that handsome does,” and that Islington has acted handsomely tous despised Brahmas there is no doubt. I would ask those who malign us to look at the Regu- + 300 lations of the Show. No. 1 runs thus—“The Judges, whom the Poultry Club will select, will be empowered to withhold a prize or prizes for want of merit or competition, but ad- ditional prizes will be given where the entries are numerous and meritorious.’ This blue ribbon of distinction was reserved for Brahmas. I trust Mrs. Birmingham will make a note of it; this, too, at a show, where Dark and Light birds were divided, and a class for pullets added. Judging from the prize list, amongst all the classes for single cecks, there could not have been one with a more severe competition than the Brahma, thirteen entries, eight being named in the prize list. Then hail to merry Islington, And to the Peultry C—, And when they next do hold a Show, May I be there to gee, —yY. B.A. Z. [We hope we may meet you there, and that then the classes may be better arranged. May White and Coloured Dorkings be separated, and Polands of all sorts be un- mingled. | GAME FOWLS AT THE ISLINGTON POULTRY SHOW. As an exhibitor of Game fowls, I attended the Poultry Show at Islington last week, and you may imagine what my surprise was, after devoting almost a year’s trouble and expense, and taking great pains to breed chickens in January, to see the following words written in pencil on one of my pens. “Disqualified. Old birds.” I immediately spoke to Mr. Douglas on the subject, and he told me that he had given it as his opinion at the time they were judged, that the birds were chickens of this year, and he still entertained the same opinion about them, but that the Judge would have it to the contrary, and there was no appeal from his judgment. Now, Mr. Editor, after a man like Mr. Douglas (who, I suppose, has been the most suc- cessful exhibitor of Game in England), gives it as his un- qualified opinion that my birds were bred this year, I do not think the person who judged them could have had much kEnowledge about a bird, or he never would have indulged in such a strange freak as he did. My principal object in writing to you is, that you may publish this letter to clear my character from an unjust im- putation which has been thrown on it by some one who ought to have known better. In conclusion I must say, that I think the rules of the Poultry Club have been compiled by the members solely with an idea of pleasing their own fancies. If such were not the case, I do not think we should have seen prizes as thickly distributed to the members as they were.—GEORGE W. RanweE tt, Kingston Crescent, Portsea, Hants. POULTRY SHOWS NORTH AND SOUTH. Tue remark has been made that more poultry shows are held in the north of England than in the south, notwith- standing that the south is more favoured by climate. I think I can discern the cause. In the north they keep fowls more for eggs. The Rose-combed Everyday-layers are _ there the favourites; Silver and Golden-pencilled, Golden and Silver Pheasant-marked, Redcaps, and Black and White Everlastings (I object to the name “‘ Hamburghs”’), are there admired and exhibited, many of the shows appropriating five or six classes to them, which are eagerly filled by the neighbouring fanciers. In the south—that is, in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Hants —those Everyday-layers are scarcely known; and as the breeders here keep fowls only for rearing chickens, the coloured legs and non-sitting propensity of that sort is directly against their being kept. Yet our southern poultry committees are so blind to their own interest, or so ignorant of the poultry fancy, that they still reserve four or more classes for those north-country breeds, while all the southern varieties must compete in one class. This is, in my opinion, the cause of the failure of poultry exhibitions in this part of England. As for Shows, we have the Islinston, the Tunbridge Wells, the Brighton, and the Maidstone. The JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, —————————— EES EAL Lt Lal [ October 11, 1864. Rose-combed Everyday-layers for the north, the Spanish, Shanghais, and Brahmas for such places as Birmingham and Liverpool, and Game for ail England; but for the home counties the varieties of the Dorking, or Surrey and Sussex fowls, are the birds for exhibition. I have just returned from the Agricultural Exhibition at Tunbridge Wells, where I was forcibly reminded of the above fact. There the Dorkings, though they had only one class, yet made half the exhibition; while the four classes of Rose- combed Everlastings (alias Hamburghs), had notmany more entries than classes; Cochins and Brahmas no entries. Can anything be plainer than that if the southern com- mittees wish their poultry shows to be a success they must, like the northern managers, patronise their local breeds? Let them give the Dorkings five or six classes—namely, White Dorkings, Cuckoo, Grey, Speckled, and any other coloured ; then, as the neighbouring breeders find these varieties pa- tronised, they will join in the exhibition, and instead of regarding it (as the many now do), as a sort of rare show, they will in a year or two become interested supporters. I beg to request the committees of our southern shows to con- sider this question for another year; for [ am sorry to say that even the London Show does not give the Dorkings a fair chance, for there only two classes are offered for all varieties, the White and Silver-Greys being mixed in one. Is this fair? I repeat the Dorkings should have five classes— 1, White; 2, Silver-Grey; 3, Cuckoo; 4, Speckled; and 5, Other colours; then, and not till then, will they have justice done them. I have been referring more particularly to the southern shows. I do not wish it to be supposed that I desire the Rose-comb Everlasting layers to have less respect shown them ; but I contend that in this part of England Dorkings are entitled to an equalif not a larger amount of encou- ragement. It is all very well to divide the Brahmas into Dark and Light (though they are only varieties of Shanghais), yet would it not be better to separate the Spanish into Black, White, and Blue?—B. P. Brent, Dallington, Sussez. ERRORS IN THE ISLINGTON PRIZE LIST. I sEE you have an error in the prize list of the Islington Show. You have it the same as it is in the official prize list, which is incorrect I should fancy—viz., Class 14, Brown Reds, My. Fletcher first, second, and third, whereas he only showed two pens, numbered 201 first prize, 202 third prize. Mr. Dyas showed pen 195, to which is awarded second prize. Also in Class 15, Duckwing Greys and Blues, you have it Mr. Aykroyd first, which is right, and Mr. Mathews second and commended, whereas he only showed one pen in that class ; the second prize was numbered 208, which belonged to Mr. Everard; third, Mr. Fletcher, which is right. Now you will stop a good deal of dubious feeling if you will in- quire into the matter, and put it right in your next Number. —Tuomas J. STH. P.S.—You do not give the names of the Judges. [We corrected one error, the name in the prize list being “Rose” instead of “ Pease;” and we are requested to correct another—viz., the second-prize single Spanish cock be- longed to Mr. W. R. Bull,-not Bell. Wehaveno means of as- certaining now whether our correspondent is correct in what he concludes. We did not publish the names of the Judges because they were not officially announced, but we heard that Mr. Teebay judged the Spanish, Brahmas, and Cochin- Chinas; Mr. Dixon, Polands and Hamburghs; Mz. Challoner, Game and Game Bantams. Who the other classes were judged by we did not hear. | BRAHMA POOTRAS ar toe ISLINGTON SHOW. Tux wise policy of the Islington anthorities in dividing the Brahma class has been signally justified by the result. The Brahmas ranked among the five most numerous breeds at the late Show; they equalled the combined muster of the four varieties of Hamburgh fowls, more than doubled the Spanish, and were just six times as numerous as the Poles. The new class of Light Brahmas exceeded in its numbers October 11, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 301 thirty-two out of the fifty classes of poultry, &c., which formed the Show; and among the classes numerically in- ferior to the Light Brahmas were the four Hamburgh varieties, and all the Game classes except the Reds. In single cocks the Brahmas stocd second in number, being surpassed only by the Game Bantams. These figures are encouraging as to the future of the Brahmas; for if, at the first Show which recognises their right to division, they make so creditable a muster, we may fairly count upon increased numbers at future shows, when the ranks of the Light variety will be swelled by the birds of those breeders who, discontinuing to keep a breed so strangely ignored, will gladly return to their old favourites, now that justice is done to them.—Brauma Poorra, SILVER-BUFF COCHIN-CHINA ,_FOWLS. In your report of the Uttoxeter Show you say in your remarks about Cochins, ‘Mr. Stretch here exhibited a most excellent pen for size and general characteristics, but of feather most difficult to describe.” The description of birds alluded to I have occasionally exhibited for several years, and although I have seen them frequently described in your columns as “ Silver-Cinnamon,” I have always considered it a wrong designation; for, according to written authorities, a cinnamon in Cochins is a reddish brown, or the colour of wetted cinnamon, and the Silver variety has a cinnamon hackle, and the body colour a sort of French white, or the same mottled with cinnamon. Now, the birds in question differ from the above, having a golden-coloured hackle, both cocks and hens. The former have a buff ground colour, most of the feathers edged with a silvery colour on the side of the wings and backs; and the latter, the body colour more or less of a neutral buff. Ihave usually called them “ Silver- Buffs,’ and I think that is the correct designation; for as there are Cinnamons and Silver-Cinnamon varieties so called, why not one of Buffs and another of Silver-Buffs >—THomas StretcuH, Ormskirk. [‘‘Silver-Buffs”? we think is a good distinctive name for these birds. ] HEDGEHOGS. THE man who has the care of my cows informed me, to-day, that some milk had been taken from one of them at night. From the moist state of the teat sucked he attri- buted the loss toa hedgehog. Is it a fact that hedgehogs have milked cows at pasture, or is it merely a vulgar error ? —J. J.T. [All good authorities decide that it is an error to suppose that the hedgehog sucks the cow when she is lying down at pasture. If your cow had any milk taken from her, we should conclude, without any hesitation, that it was by a hand. | BEES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT. An increased interest has recently been excited, which is net likely to abate, in the propagation and preservation of an insect whose instincts and labours clearly indicate that it was intended for human appropriation and benefit; and, although a new branch of commerce has not been opened, an impulse has been given to an old and neglected one, which, in its aggregate results, may assume the character of a tributary stream to the wide current of our national prosperity. Let a comparison be instituted, first, between the quantity of honey of foreign import and of home produc- tion ; and, secondly, between that which is and that which might be obtained from ample resources within our reach, and the result will show that we are sending abroad for the very article which abounds in our own rural districts, and lies at our very doors ungathered. The extent of bee farms,—of floral acreage, still unstocked, vastly exceeds that which is turned to any profitable account. These considerations have an important financial bearing, and point to a source of income which has not yet found its way into the tax-gatherer’s schedules, and can be assessed only at the rate of ordinary skill and patient perseverance. Let those who can, keep bees. Of course a given extent of country can only maintain a certain number of hives. If I may hazard a conjecture, I should say that for every 100 acres throughout our midland district we might apportion two hives. This is merely a rough guess, and probably below the mark. This estimate, I am convinced, is on the safe side. If I were asked for absolute data on which to base an opinion, my estimate would assume this shape :— For capital invested take each stock-hive at £1 value, then £20 would be the amount of capital required for a bee-farm of 1000 acres. Taking the average of good and bad honey seasons, we may assume, and that quite within the mark, that each hive will yield, one year with another, 10 Ibs. of honey. Reckoning the value of this at 1s. a-pound, we have £10 sterling as the interest of a capital of £20, a return of exactly 50 per cent. If I am, as I believe to be the case, within the mark, what can be a better or safer investment than a few full bee-hives ? Our cousins across the Atlantic—Heaven help them to their senses and the pursuits of peace!—keenly appreciate the value of an apiary, and know how to manage it. We are indebted to them for some new forms of hive-construction, which promise to be of great utility, and in the science, no less than the practice of bee-farming, they are, I suspect, in advance of ourselves. Let me now proceed to the discussion of a few facts and suggestions culled from the mass of correspondence with which I have been almost overwhelmed :—First, as to the best aspect for an apiary. Get as much unobstructed sun- shine as possible from the 8.E. to W., and as much shelter as you can obtain from every other point. The intervention of a low wall or fence as a screen from the 8.W. prevalent wind will be an advantage, provided it does not interfere with sunshine from that quarter. I have a range of open hives with a 8.E. aspect, sheltered and shaded from every other point but that included between 8.E. and 8.W., while my apiary has an aspect which embraces the points from 8.8.E. to W. The open hives receive the sunshine first, and part with it soonest. The effect is curious and instructive. The bees in the open hives are the soonest on the alert; those in the apiary continue their work the longest. With respect to the quantity of honey collected in a given time, I cannot note any difference. In Holland it is said that bee-hives are generally placed with a north aspect, in which they thrive remarkably well (Vide CorracE GARDENER, Vol. v., p. 76). Ihave not sufficient confidence in the result to try the experiment myself, nor do I know of any one who has. I do not like hives to be enclosed in bee-houses; they are better, in my opinion, exposed to the free currents of the external atmosphere. A warm blanket of stagnant air often proves awet one. Bees will bear the lowest winter temperature unhurt, but a moist hygrometric condition is fatal. A sudden increase of atmospheric temperature causes a deposition of moisture within a bee-house, which affects the health of these insects more than anything else. Place the hives in an open shed, the darker the better in winter, and let the wind blow around them. : Secondly, as to swarming, my advice is to learn its indica- tions, which have been described in the Times, and may be read in any manual of bee-keeping. See, if possible, a swarm hived, and remember that the object is to secure the queen. I have found that, as a rule, it is only in very warm weather that bees invariably hang out. I have mostly (this May was a partial exception) no other warning than a sudden cessation from their work, the bees spreading them- selves in numbers of forty or fifty on the alighting-board an hour or two before the queen comes out. When the nights are cold, and the hives are full, the great increase of tem- perature in the interior shows itself in a long broad streak of deposited moisture at the opening of the hive, commonly called sweating. When this is seen keep a sharp look-out on the morrow, if fine, from 10 4.m.to2 p.m. If the bees be perceived holding intercourse with their “‘antenne,” in eroups of ten or twelve on the front board, and labour slackens, you may expect a swarm. TI have frequently seen a swarm on the point of taking a flight kept back by the passage of a cloud across the sun. When the anxious moment comes, and the melodious and ~ unmistakeable hum of 15,000 or 20.000 bees proclaims them on the wing, let the watcher retire to a respectful distance, 302: JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,. [ October 11, 1864, especially keep children, in fact all but experts, out of harm’s way, for if the queen, in a fit of perversity or weakness, were to alicht on the head of even an experienced bee- keeper the swarm might be hived, but it would be at the very imminent peril of human life. When they have all settled, and are quiet, hive them according to the best experience or directions obtainable. But thirdly, hiving is not always an easy matter. Bees will not always go where you wish them, frequently where you least expect them. This is a point to be considered. in the establishment of an apiary. The first step in this, asin other things, is the most important. The best locality, at least one which in my case has proved most satisfactory, is the sheltered corner of a kitchen garden, with rows of cur- rant trees in front. The majority, by far, of my swarms. have alighted. on. currant trees, although some have selected rasp- berry trees in preference, and they have not unfrequently settled on the part where the canes are secured to the stakes. In this.case the greatest care. is required in handling the swarm, lest the queen should be crushed. The only thing to be done is either to cut through the canes below the bees, and bending the stake over the hive, to give it a sharp rap, and thus house the swarm ; or, as I have mostly done, to cut out only afew of the canes, so as to make an opening through which the bees are precipitated when dislodged. A knowing hand will always mark where the bees first begin to cluster, and will take especial care to get that part of the swarm hived first, well aware that the queen is there, and that, if secured, the rest of the bees will be sure to follow. Itisa great point with me to ascertain this, if possible, and I have on two or three occasions found it of immense advantage to do so. Two years ago I had a large swarm alight on the thick stem of a large plum tree, where the shakine principle could not be brought to bear. There was, of course, no grape-like pendant clustering. The stem was bandaged with a large thick poultice of winged life. I knew whereabouts in the mass her apian majesty was located, and, with a housemaid’s dusting brush, I had little difficulty in getting her into my power, and then at my leisure swept the remain- ing bees from the stem to the sheet, on which the hive was placed beneath the tree. I once had a swarm drop in the centre of a thick and tangled row of peas, and, instead of clustering into a compact mass, the bees spread themselves over a space bordering upon 15 or 16 inches square. I did not see where the queen alighted, and failed in my first attempt to hive her. Fortunately, however, I noticed a small cluster of bees.on the ground, and on separating them found the queen. Taking her gently up between my finger and thumb, I placed her under the hive, and the swarm was secured.—Wintiam Law, Marston Trussell Rectory, Thedding- wortles Bangbus (To be continued.) DARK-COLOURED HONEY—BEE FOOD— WOODBURY FRAME-HIVES. I sez in THE JournnaL or HorticuntureE for last week, this answer to a correspondent. “The dark colour of your honey this year is owing to some peculiarity of the season and its effects upon the pasturage.’ Now, I dare hardly venture to have an opinion contrary to that of the Editors of the Journal, but I had made up my mind that the dark colour was owing to the honeydew. I never remember so much as there has been during the latter part of this sum- mer—viz., the last week or so of July and the whole of August. Now, I found that the storing of dark honey was coincident with these honeydews, and this autumn, when removing supers, it was quite curious to observe how plainly and distinctly you could mark the change from the purest white to this dark honey. All that I have taken since August has not only the colour, but also the flavour, of coarse brown sugar syrup, and I have handed over some 15 lbs. or so to the nursery and kitchen, where it is appreciated. Secondly. I seea letter in the same Number headed, “ Are Bees Omnivorous?” I know nothing on this point of my own knowledge, but I feel sure that I remember hearing my brother-in-law say some years ago, before I kept bees, or took any interest in them, that he often fed his on chicken bones from the table, and occasionally gave them a black- bird, but lest I should have dreamt it, I have written to him to ask particulars, and as he is very accurate and a good. observer, I shall be fally satisfied with his reply, which I will forward. to you if you desire it. And now I would ask a question. Three years ago I procured a Wood- bury bar-hive, which has been most satisfactory in all respects. ‘Two years ago I obtained a Woodbury bar-frame hive, and. each year the frames have got a little out of the perpendicular-as soon as the bees began to work, and thus scarcely any of the combs are true, and many are joined’ together so that the frames are useless. I do not wish to break up this stock this autumn. Can I, now or next spring, take out each bar and prune and straighten the combs, and then how can I keep them straight ? Query 2. Is the borage, so much recommended as bee food, the common rough-leaved blue borage? If so, where can the seed be obtained, and would-it answer to sow some quarter of an acre of poor land with it P—A. W. B. [You may very probably be right in connecting the col- lection of dark-coloured honey with the existence of honey- dew, but we do not deem this opinion contrary to our own. Honeydews do not always produce thick dark-coloured honey, and its very general appearance this summer we still believe: to be owing to some peculiarity in the season and its effects upon the pasturage. We shall be glad of any evidence with regard to the car- nivorous propensities attributed to bees. Every Woodbury frame-hive either is, or should be, fur- nished with a notched bar fitted transversely at the bottom of the hive: Hach frame drops into its appropriate notch, and is in this way kept perfectly steady and perpendicular’ until filled with comb. When this has been accomplished) the notched bar had better be removed as the weight of the combs renders its presence unnecessary, and it would bea hindrance to their free manipulation. During any warm day in either April or May the combs may readily be set straight ; and if kept in their proper position by clips formed of tin or sheet zine, strips of wood, wire, or other temporary supports, they will in twenty-four hours be so firmly fixed by the bees that all extraneous appliances may be safely removed. The plant referred to is the common blue borage. The seed may be procured of any seedsman, and, once sown, it will probably increase and multiply fast enough. ] JOINING LIGURIAN QUEENS AND BEES TO BLACK BEES. I oBSERVE in some of your last Numbers that you seem to doubt the joining of Ligurian and black bees together. TF have lately joined four hives, first taking the black queen ~ away, and without the least fighting. This I have done by fumigation, joining during the time they are fumigated. f do not observe any of your apiarians have hit upon a sure plan of joining Ligurian queens to biack bees; but I have joined several by fumigation, taking the black queens away first; or, if they are in frame-hives, it saves a great deal of trouble to first take away the black queen, and when the bees have settled in the evening, to fumigate them, and then join the queen, which need not be fumigated. Care is required after fumigation that they be shut in until they recover, and plenty of air (warm, not cold) given, and that they be let out next morning. By this plan you may join three or four hives together.—A. W. FOUL BROOD IN YORKSHIRE. On perusing Mz. Woodbury’s reply, that the sample of comb sent from my: hive ‘‘ was unquestionably foul brood,” and that he ‘‘ never saw any presenting a worse appearance,” I felt that, at this late season of the year, it would be the wisest course to take his advice, and destroy both my in- fected colonies. I did not, however, like the opportunity of trying the cure of this fell disease to pass away, and, therefore, determined on making the attempt. I should say that both the dis- eased stocks are Ligurians (though in the older one the breed is not so pure), and that they were both in Woodbury frame-hives. I first removed the queen from each hive, and then pro- October 11, 1864. ] eeeded to drive the bees out. I do not know whether it is the experience of others, but I found, as I have before done, that “driving” bees from boxes is very “slow,” and after ‘drumming for about ten minutes with very small results, proceeded to brush the bees from the combs with a feather into an empty hive, and, putting them on their stand, they all went in at night, when I fastened them up. I found eggs and brood in all stages in both the stocks. The next day I united the bees, making use of syrup favoured with peppermint, and put them into a probationary box having two sides of glass, sufficient ventilation being secured by the bottom being made of one piece of perforated zinc, and by large openings in the top board covered with slides of the same material. The total nett weight of bees was a little more than 23 lbs. I should be glad if you or any of your correspondents would say what is about the weicht of bees in a strong stock at this season. My own idea is, that with the killing of the drones, and the great numbers that die and are destroyed in various ways without being to any great extent replaced by brood, that few stocks would have more than half the weight of bees that they had three months ago. Placing the best queen with about fifty workers under a bell-glass at the top, I kept the bees confined for six days, giving them the queen on the fifth day without much diffi- culty. During the whole time the bulk of the bees hung in a cluster beneath the queen, lengthening to the bottom in the daytime and contracting into a small space at night. On once changing the position of the queen at the top, the eluster below very shortly followed. Although I could not well have given more ventilation, the excitement in the day- time once or twice sent the thermometer up to 90°. I fed them with a little syrup each day, and they made one small comb, about 12 square inches. Nearly a hundred bees died each day: in all I counted rather more than five hundred dead ones. Thinking that there would be less danger of failure if I gave them a winter’s stock of sealed honey, and a friend having proposed to drive the bees from one of his straw hives, I was glad to avail myself of this for the purpose. On driving the bees from this stock we were surprised to find not more than 4 1b. of them, no queen, and several drones; the hive contained 16 or 17lbs: of honey. It is rather remarkable that this handful of queenless bees should have managed to guard their stores, being close to several strong stocks which have proved themselves-adepts at rob- bing. There was no brood, and the combs appeared perfectly healthy. Into this hive I drove my poor imprisoned bees, and took them to a friend’s garden two miles off, and where no bees are kept. Here they will remain till spring, when I propose to cut out the combs, and if I find them free from disease to transfer them to a frame-hive. If, unhap- pily, otherwise, they will, I think, be consigned to destruc- tion. In this case I shall feel at least somewhat repaid by having proved to my own satisfaction that it is well nigh useless to attempt the cure of foul brood at this season of the year. In either case I intend to inform you of the result.—C. D., Sheffield. FOUL BROOD, AND WHAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT IT: WE are all exceedingly obliged to “R. S.” for experi- menting on foul brood, as well as for his kindness in making public the result of his experiments. It is, of course, pleas- ing to me to find those statements confirmed, which it is now needless to say were not only free from exaggeration, but were penned in sad and sober earnest, and without even the slightest intention of astonishing apiarians generally. I may remark that “R.S.” is the “valued correspon- dent in the north,” to whom J alluded in’ page 403 of the fifth volume of Tur JovRNAL oF HorricuLTURE, and that Tam informed by him that all his observations and experi- ments have gone to establish anu that I have stated regard- ing the infectious character of the disease. ‘Since ‘concluding in page 446 of the last volume of Tux JourNAL or Horricunture the series of papers under the title which heads this article, my attention has been drawn to the fact that in Bonner’s “Bee-Master’s Companion,” JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 303 published at Berwick in 1789, foul brood is accurately de- scribed, a whole chapter being devoted to it under the title of «An uncommon disaster, which sometimes, though rarely, happens bees,” and in which he says—*TI shall here narrate a very strange disaster which happened to four of my hives last spring; which, for the singularity of it, I hope the reader will excuse me for relating here. In the latter end of March I had four hives that had but few bees in them, and also but very little honey, and consequently, could neither have defended themselves from robbers nor famine. To put them in a way of defence from both, I supplied every hive with asufficiency of honey to bring her to June, and also after two days reinforced her with bees to defend her from robbers; after, in the first week of April, I took the four hives a mile from my own apiary, and placed them in a sunny, quiet place among whins which were beginning to bloom, and near some sallow trees, whose palms were out, so that when the weather was fine they had food at their door without the trouble of much travel. .. As soon as they were well set down among the whins the weather turned very good, and my four mended hives fell briskly to work and wrought throng for twelve days of fine weather.” Bad and cold weather then set in, but in due time “good and pleasant weather comes round again, and my strong hives fell briskly to work; whilst scarcely a bee was to be seen at the entry of any of my mended hives. I was sur- prised at it, as knowing it was neither for want of bees nor honey. I then turned them up, and by looking down be- tween the combs, I saw’ plainly that the young were all going backward in the cells. I waited other eight days, and none of the bees ever carried any at all, while my strong ones carried throng. I then turned them up again, and cut out a large piece of comb with maggots in it, and found every one of them dead, and going backward in the cells; as it was such a case as I was perfectly a stranger to, I could not know the cause how it happened, neither did I presently know what method to take with them next. I conjectured that every hive having got so many bees, and so much honey added to them; at the same time placed in the midst of good pasture, to which the sun added his com- fortable presence, all which completed their happiness, and set them a-thinking summer was at hand, and now they should set to prepare for it, by hatching forward a numerous brood, which they accordingly had done, and had a vast number in their cells, considering the season of the year, and the short time they had; and also their number was not very great, although they had a moderate quantity. I also conjectured that as the queen had been made prolific by the heat in the hive, to lay great quantities of eggs, the bees had also to go off in large quantities a-foraging among the flowers for fresh farina to seal the maggots up in their cells with, and when so many were abroad, the few that remained at home could not keep a sufficient heat in the hive to nourish up so large a brood.” Blaming “ ex- cessive cold”’ as the cause of his disaster, Bonner “ waited till the beginning of June, and the bees turned very few, the old ones dying of age, and few or none to supply them ; they decreased very fast from the time of the disaster to the beginning of June, they carried loads, and bred some, but very little. When I turned them up in May and June, and looked down between the combs, I was unable to do it for the stench that the rotten maggots produced. I then saw plainly that they never were to turn to any account the way they were presently in; for though they were beginning to tear out some of the consumed maggots, and lay eggs in their place, and increase a little, the season was going away fast, and, consequently, they would be of little value at the end of summer. . . . I then immediately pro- ceeded and took all the bees out of one of the hives, and put in an empty one. I next took all the bees (which were very numerous) out of one of the strong hives which. . , was standing beside the mended ones, and put in another empty hive also. I then set down both the hives containing the bees in the very spot where they stood when in posses- sion of their own hives, in order that they might keep their old stance, and then I took the hive containing the stinking maggots, and with an instrament made on purpose, cut out all the pieces of combs containing the stinking maggots, among which were two hundred young bees coming forward, in some of the cells which the bees had cleaned out; but I 304 paid no reeard to them, but cast them into my empty comb- barrel, that the cells might be made into wax the next time Imade that commodity. After that I took the numerous bees which I had taken out of the strong hive, and put in the hive which I cut the combs out of, and set the bees exactly where they stood when in possession of their own hive, and they being numerous, soon filled her full of combs again. I then took the heavy hive which was almost full of maggots in the cells, and had also, I judged, 10 lbs. of honey in her. I then took the few bees which came out of the stinking hive and put in her, and set her down in the place where the few bees stood before, and covered her well, and gave her a very little entry, in order to keep her warm to hatch out the young, and in ten days time she hatched out a most numerous brood, and they were both thriving hives. I did exactly the same with the other three stinking hives, and changed their bees with three of their strong neigh- bouring hives, and they all did well, and gave me satis- faction, which I esteemed an excellent cure for so desperate a case.” An excellent cure, indeed, provided it were permanent, which my experience of foul brood leads me very much to doubt, especially as in a subsequent work published in 1795, our author again refers to the disease, but this time in a manner which appears to indicate that he had found it by no means so “rare” as he had previously imagined. What- ever may be thought of the means by which he attempts its cure, and the reason he assigns for its outbreak, there can be no doubt of its identity with foul brood; and as this is the earliest and best description of that disease which I have met with in any British author, I have been tempted to quote at some length from what is now a rather scarce book.—A DrvonsHIRE BEE-KEEPER. BEES’ WORKING HOURS. Wov.Lp some of your correspondents state the hour that bees go out foraging in the morning ? as I observe in your Journal it is stated that they do not go out before 8 a.m., whereas I saw some of mine out at seven this morning, September 29th, and it was cold too. They were on the borage. and this last season had swarms at 8.30 a.m.—J. Eumo. [Bees commence work early or late according to the season, andthe prevailing temperature; but the strength of the colony has great influence, as it is by no means unusual to find the bees of a strong and flourishing stock on the wing long before the inhabitants of a neighbouring but less prosperous hive. We have, however, frequently seen wasps invading even strong colonies at so early an hour that-no sentinels were on duty to repel them. ] THE SPIDER AND THE WAX-MOTH. From the days when Virgil sang of bees the spider has been numbered among the enemies of the honey bee.- In common with most bee-keepers, I waged relentless warfare against it, until my attention was called to the large numbers of bee moths often found suspended in its webs. From that time I looked upon it with a friendly eye, satis- fied that while it feasted upon many an unfortunate bee, it was entitled to the same favourable regard with the insecti- vorous birds, which claim a share of the fruits their industry has helped to protect. Within the last two years, however, I have found it to my interest to cultivate a still more friendly acquaintance with this detested insect, as I am now able by its help to preserve all my empty combs from the ravages of the bee moth. Let me tell your readers how I came to make so useful a discovery. ies Two years ago 1 placed a small hive, containing an Italian queen, from which I was raising other queens, upon an empty old box-hive, which, being laid on its side, furnished @ convenient stand for my nucleus. Putting some frames with the empty combs for a few days in the box-hive, where they were protected from the sun-and weather, and were convenient for replacing frames of brood removed from the nucleus, I noticed that a spider soon spun her web among them, and that in a few days she had caught several bee I have seen bees out at half-past 6 a.m. frequently, | JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ Ootober 11, 1864. moths. During the season I used this place as a receptacle for empty combs, and never saw any indication that the bee moths had deposited any eggs amongst them. Last year I used the box in the same way, with similar results. Encou- raged by this success, I left early last spring a number of empty combs in hives untenanted by bees, and find them, after repeated examinations, protected by spiders, and as free from the depredations of the larve of the bee moth as though they had never been without the protection of the strongest colonies of bees. Those who have kept pace with the progress of improved bee culture, have long ceased to regard the bee moth as a very formidable enemy to the successful rearing of bees. Populous and well-provisioned stocks suffer only trifling injuries from it, while those that fall a prey to it are usually queenless, or in such a condition as to be worthless without the aid of an experienced bee-keeper. The presence of the bee mothis most to be deplored in the apiaries of the skilful, because of the great difficulty of protecting empty combs from the ravages of its offspring. The use of moveable comb-hives enables the bee-keeper to turn to advantage every piece of good comb taken from colonies which are broken up, or to which any accident has happened, if such combs can be preserved from the only insect known to live upon wax. But ifa single female moth gain access to these combs after they are removed from the bees, or if only a few eggs are deposited in them before their removal, the worms, as soon as they hatch, begin to eat the combs, and so rapid is their increase in hot weather, that in a short time such combs are rendered entirely worthless. Both in Europe and this country wany plans have been devised for the safe-keeping of empty combs, but all of them require more time and skill than bee-keepers usually have at their disposal. Once committed, however, to the faithful guardianship of the spider, they may be considered secure, whether placed in empty hives, or in any special depository made easily accessible to these watchful insects. If I found the spiders at all dilatory in taking possession I should put their egg-bags early in the season into the receptacles where I keep my empty combs, or I should capture and introduce some full-srown specimens; but thus far any hive or box placed on the ground, and having sufficient opening, has been tenanted as early in the season as I could wish.— L. L. Lanestroru, in American Country Gentleman. OUR LETTER BOX. PrumacE oF Brack Ducks (Buff Cochin).—Black Ducks should have no white feathers, but few are without some, and they are more common round the eye than on any other part of the plumage. If they were shown against birds as good in other points, and lacking these defects, they would be beaten. Old birds are far more subject to them than young ones. One or two white feathers may be found in almost every bird of the breed, unless they have been pulled out. If they are in all other respects prize birds, we do not think you would be justified in returning them. Fowts witH SHoT IN THEIR Crops (Cecil).—There is no cure for the case you mention—that is, there is no way of getting rid of the shots imme- diately; but unless they are swallowed in large numbers we do not see why they should be fatal. Fowls are tenacious of life. They live with pins in their gizzards. We have taken tin tacks out of them, and we shonld think that if barley meal were mixed stiff, and they were fed on it, the shots would pass away with it. Fowls will not pick up shots, and such numbers as you mention must have been poured down thethroat. They will swallow anything that is put in their mouth if the beak be held closed. Dorxkine Cock witH Swouten Feet (W. B. D. A.).—Your Dorking cock injured his feet in the fight so much, that they are too tender to carry his heavy body. Ail you can do for him is to put him in some place with one hen where it is very soft grass. Failing that, let him have a small run covered with hay. This is the only chance, as his weight is against him. Feed him liserally—bread and milk, bread and beer, and ground oats. Brack BEETLES (Annie).—Have you tried Chase’s Beetle Poison? Itis said to be very effectual. LONDON MARKETS.—Ocroser 10. POULTRY. The supply of poultry does not increase, asit mostly doss at this season of the year. ‘There is, however, but a small demand, and little consequent variation in price. s.d. s. d. - de Large Fowls . 2 6to3 O | Grouse 6 Smaller do., . 2 0,, 2 38 | Partridges 9 Chickens, - 1 6,, 1 9 | Turkeys .. 0 Geese . . 6 0,, 6 6 | Pigeons .. 9 Ducks... 2 0,, 2 3 | Rabbits... 5 Pheasants 2 3,, 2 6 | Wilddo.... e Ee October 18, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. - 805 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day | Day AveragelT q Rain in 1, | Clock oe ge Temperature Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon's Day of aia ror OCTOBER 18—24, 1864, near London. 37 adn Rises Sets Rises. Sets Age. puter Ves Day. Night. | Mean. Days. | m. h.}| m. h.| m. h. jm. h. m. 8; 18 Tu St. LUEF. 57.9 41.3 496 18 32afG | 59af4 {14 7 | 14 10 18 14 +52 292 19 WwW Hazel leaves fall. 59.5 39.9 49.7 18 33 Bu or a4 6 8 | 13 11 19 LS e38h. (298 20 TH Virginian Creeper leafless. 59.1 40.0 49.6 15 35:' 6 55 4 5 9 | after. 20 To, 13 294 21 F Sun’s declination 10° 38/ S. 58.3 39.6 48.9 16 37 6) 53 4 6 10 | 44 0 21 15 922 295 22 iS} Walnut leafless. 58.7 43,1 50.4 21 99.56 iol t4ull LOe Tes (¢ 15 31 296 23 Sun 22 SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 58.0 40.4 49.2 20 40 6|49 4{ morn. | 44 1 23 15 39 297 24 M Privet berries ripe. 56.2 39.5 47.9 17 42 6/47 +¢/12 0 8-12 24 15 47 298 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 58.2°, and its night temperature 40,5°. 0.96 inch. The greatest heat was 78°on the 2lst, 1831; and the lowest cold, 17°, on the 23rd, 1859. The greatest fall of rain was ZONALE GERANIUMS AT LINTON PARK. OME little time ago I pointed out many of the qualifications which Ithought most desirable in the Zonale Geranium for bedding purposes, one being that the foli- age ought to be plain and bright green rather than marked with the horseshoe, as a great many really good va- rieties are. In a sub- sequent paper Mr. Ab- bey very properly differs with me on this point, remarking on the many really good varieties that possess the leaf-marking, and the compa- tively few kinds without it. This I by no means deny, but, on the contrary, agree in; and the list which I give of the kinds grown and flowered at Linton Park during the past summer proves that the greater number of them exhibit the horseshoe marking. But if we examine every object by the standard of excellence laid down as gene- rally approved of by the most able censors, it will be found that comparatively few things approach that stan- dard, and Geraniums are no exception. Although some of the sections into which I have divided the class of Geraniums here described scarcely offer an example of an entire plain leaf, I am nevertheless in hopes of seeing some of the family assume that more simple garb, and still possess all the attractive features of the best of their section. Once direct the pyblic in the right way, and the caterers for them will on their part furnish what is wanted, The fact of some of the very best bedding Geraniums of the day lacking the black marking of the foliage is a proof that a good flower may be produced as well by a plain-leaved plant as by a zoned one. For instance: Tom Thumb and Crystal Palace Scarlet have both plain leaves, to which may be added Punch, Chris- tine, Trentham Rose, and some others; and the markings of Stella and Magenta are faint, and might disappear entirely in another generation, and no one would wish to see these varieties changed for horseshoe-leaved ones. I am far from denying all merit in the latter class ; on the contrary, in plants for a greenhouse, or where imme- diately under the eye of the spectator, a well-defined zone of one or more colours on the leaf, clearly and distinctly- formed, is an additional attraction to some kinds; but in the flower-bed that is to be admiréd at the distance of, erhaps, 50 yards or more, the less of the marking the etter. Fancy Geranium Christine with a deep band of black on the foliage, and see how it would damage the rich tint of the flower! Why, it is as much the foliage as the flower that gives Christine pre-eminence over Kingsbury Pet as an old variety and Eve as a new one, both being marked in the foliage; while the white and flesh-coloured ones seem to suffer more from the confu- No, 186.—Vot. VII., New SERizEs, sion that the two colours on the foliage create than the other sections do. I may also mention that I dislike a white eye ina scarlet Geranium as it weakens the colour - the other qualifications are so well known as to require no further comment here. The past season has in some respects differed from former years in the well or ill doing of certain kinds of Geraniums. In the garden here the dry weather had the effect of dwarfing many of the rank growers, and inducing a profusion of bloom such as they never before exhibited, while the dwarf sorts were dwarfed still more, the individual blooms—for instance, those of Little David and Briliant—being very small. The season throughout must, however, be regarded as having been favourable to the Geranium, and with the exception of ‘Cloth of Gold and one or ‘two others all have done well. I would suggest to those who make it their duty to furnish new kinds to try the yet unexplored tract, leading from the deepest crimson or purple we now possess to a still higher or deeper tint of the same colour; scarlets, rubies, pinks, flesh. colour, and whites are plentiful enough and to spare, but little has yet been done in the direction I point out. The Nosegay class seems to offer the best medium for producing what is wanted in that way; but alone with it must march a section of the more compact form of the most approved of the Zonale-leaved kinds. The Silver-edged varieties require but little amendment, but the Golden ones much. ‘Lo these, however, I will advert on another occasion. In dividing the list into the following sections I by no means aver that the lines of distinction between each are clearly defined; on the contrary, they blend into each other; but as near an approach to accuracy as possible has been aimed at. The varieties named are both old and new, and though not numerous, I prefer giving only those grown here; but I should like other growers fo furnish a list likewise, so that we might compare notes Many really good kinds have only a local reputation, but with the advantages of a publication like Tur Journan or Horticunrure there is no reason why they should not be better known; and I shall be glad to hear further remarks or criticisms on this interesting subject. Cuass 1.—Zonale Geraniwms wiih white flowers; foliage plain or horseshoe-marked. Ethel. — Upright grower, vigorous; horseshoe marking medium; flowering trusses good and tolerably abundant. It flowers also very well as a potted plant. Snowjlake.—Dwarfer in habit than the last named, which, however, it much resembles in other respects; its flowers may possibly be a shade whiter, but it falls short of the qualities its name implies. White Tom Thumb.—l fear that this may not be correct, as the foliage has a clear and rather dark marking, which its namesake has not. It is, however, a good variety in its class, flowering more treely than some others. Madame Vaucher.—Strong grower, having the foliage dig- tinctly marked; Hower-truss good when the blooms are all expanded at once, which, however, is nct so often the case in this class as in those of darker colours. I believe this is the best known of all the Whites, and it has many admirers No. 838.—Vot. XXXII, OLD Suries, 306 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 18, 1964. Purity.—Foliage slightly horseshoe-marked ; habit good ; but flowers no improvement on Ethel. Miriam.—Foliage slightly marked with horseshoe; habit upright and rather loose; flowers no improvement on older kinds. It may possibly be better as a pot plant. Virgo Marie-—Foliage darker marked than the last, which it excels in most respects. Possibly it may become one of the most popular of its class, but I believe it is not very plentiful yet. White Nosegay.—I received this under the name of Mini- mum Nosegay, but find the latter name is applied to a crimson one of the same habit. White Nosegay, however, has little to recommend it beyond being very dwarf; the flowers are a dull pale flesh colour rather than a clear white ; it blooms abundantly, however, and may be useful as an edging. White Ivy-leaf.—This, like the last, is far from a clear white, but, taking all its qualities into consideration, it deserves a place in every collection; even those who discard the ordinary White-flowered class admire this kind. It is liable to run into a pale pink or flesh colour. CuAss 2.—Flowers flesh-colowred or pale pink; foliage either plain or horseshoe-marked. Maiden’s Blush.—F oliage slightly horseshoe-marked ; habit strong, rather upright; trusses good and pretty abundant. It is one of the best of its class for beds, the uniform colouring of its petals appearing better in mass than the two-coloured kinds mentioned beneath, which, however, have their merits as pot plants. Francois Desbois—Much like the last, only the horseshoe marking is darker, and the habit a trifle more spreading ; the colour of the bloom is alike in both. Diadem.—Foliage with a rather dark horseshoe marking ; habit good; flower with a pink centre, and outer limb of petal white or nearly so, giving the combination of the two colours a fleshy tint. As an ornament for the plant-house I expect this and the following will be favourites; but for bedding purposes, as stated above, I prefer the single to the two-coloured varieties. Eugénie Mézard.—Dark horseshoe marking; habit more dwarf than the last; flowers much the same, the outer edge of the petal being paler than the centre, and on that account looking as if it were bleached with the sun. As an in-door plan’ it may, however, be useful. Eve.—Strong upright grower; horseshoe marking; flower a little more pink than the above. I have not sufficiently tried this to be able to state with certainty how it will turn out. Madame Rudersdorf.—Somewhat like Diadem, with, per- haps, a shade more colour, and foliage somewhat less deeply marked with the horseshoe. Like the last, I have not tried it in sufficient quantity to be able to say with certainty how it will turn out. Lizzie —F oliage somewhat downy, scarcely any marking ; habit compact and good; flowers produced freely, but, like those of most of its class, liable to be damaged with the rain or sun. Crass 3.—Flowers pink. Christine.—This well-known favourite is, perhaps, still the best of its class, its only fault being its tendency to produce seed-pods or spikes in greater abundance than is agreeable; in all other respects there is little to wish for. Helen Lindsay.—This variety much resembles the last ; the flowers may, perhaps, be ashade darker. Not having grown it much Iam unable to say more of its merits than that it promises well. Striking.—This, like some of those in Class 2, is a two- coloured flower, which when seen at a distance looks like a pink. The central part of the flower being darker than the outside, a mixture is produced. By no means unpleasing as a bedder, but still more to be admired as a potted plant. Foliage horseshoe-marked, and habit more robust than that of Christine, from which it also differs materially in colour. Hendersonit.—For some years I had under this name a dwarf variety of the Lucium roseum breed, but it has been superseded by Christine. There is, however, a variety par- taking a little of the Nosegay section called Hendersoni nana which has its admirers, but unless for some special purpose I could never see any particular merit in it. Skeltoni.—Horseshoe-marked; more upright grower than those I have named; but, on the other hand, the flowers are less showy. It is fast falling into disuse. Kingsbury Pet.—Better than the last, but in the same strain. It is better as a potted plant than as a bedder. (To be continued.) J. Rosson. DECORATION OF THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER AND SPRING. GARDENS gay with flowers, and interesting with foliage, are not common at these seasons, noris that to be wondered at, considering the present rage for polychrome gardens. Quarries contribute their sands and crystals, furnaces their clinkers, and some old building its quota of the elements necessary to form the brick-and-mortar gardens; but all these offer no compensation for the absence of the ever beau- tiful forms of vegetable life, whether in flower or not. Any one visiting the gardens at South Kensington during the next six months, will not fail to notice that shrubs will not grow, no one can tell why, and that the polychrome-beds with their varied-coloured earthy substances are not in keep- ing with the order of a garden in the ensuing two seasons of the year—winter and spring. Such mimic gardens would be more in place as floors to playgrounds, on which are played all kinds of pretty games; but to the horticul- turist they are too puerile to afford any amount of lasting gratification. That there are plants sufficient to render our gardens not only interesting, but beautiful in winter and spring, the spring garden at Cliveden exists as a witness; for there it is questionable whether a finer display of flowers artistically arranged is not attained in April, and onwards to June, than at a more advanced period of the year. But if we would see anything really worth seeing in the way of flowers during the spring and early summer months, it is not in the gardens of the great that we must look for it, but in those of the good rector over the way, or within the limited area of a cottage garden, where old tried friends have not been discarded to make way for those changeable things that are here to day and gone on the morrow. We cannot leave such places without saying with the poet— ‘* Full many a flower is born to blush unseen.” And so they are in their native wilds, and it is for man to bring them together so that they may form what we re- cognise as a garden having its flowers at all seasons, not those which flower in summer only, but those especially ‘* That come before the swallow dares, and take The winds of March with beauty.” It is the absence of those plants which tend to enliven the flower garden between the removal and reappearance of the summer occupants of the beds, in addition to the labour and cost attendant on what affords a short display of bloom in summer only; and the anything-but-garden-like ap- pearance of places where the bedding-out of tender plants is indulged in, that has led some to advocate a return to the old herbaceous border, and dependance upon a few showy annuals for the summer and autumn display. It is when there is an absence of plants flowering in spring that we may say of our present style offlower gardening, that it is «¢___ like the tyrannous breathing of the north, Shakes all our buds from growing.” That the arrangement of tender plants in beds need not prevent any from enjoying flowers in spring, I hope to be able to show; and I am persuaded I can point out to the brick- and-mortar gardener, that there is no necessity to hunt quarry, coal pit, or furnace for materials wherewith to em- bellish our gardens during the winter, spring, and early summer months. First amongst those adapted for rendering a garden in- teresting in winter, are evergreen shrubs. It is a common supposition that these must be grown in pots, but it was pointed out by the late Mr. Beaton, in Vol. XXIL., page 59, that they would bear removal twice annually with greater facility than the summer occupants of beds—that is, they may be removed from the reserve to the places assigned for them in the fiower garden in autumn, and again taken up to make room for bedders; the expense of providing suitable } October 18, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 307 Se ee ——————————— ee evergreens in pots ready to put in on the removal of the plants in autumn, is therefore done away with. There is no difficulty either in growing them in pots, or removing them twice annually—first in October, and a second time in the latter part of May. It is the same with deciduous shrubs, they will move as well in October to their winter quarters, and in spring after blooming, if care be taken to preserve a ball. There is some difficulty, it is true, at the commence- ment, but the shrubs take amazingly well to the system after having been removed twice annually for a year or two. Shrubs of all kinds are now cheap, and can be had by the dozen, hundred, or thousand, of a suitable size; and those who intend doing something this winter towards improving the bare appearance of their gardens should set about it at once, and select a sufficiency of shrubs of various heights and shapes, distinct in foliage, both as regards colour and habit. The tallest should not exceed 3 or 4 feet in height; and three sizes or heights should be secured—viz., from 3 to 4. feet, from 2 feet to 2 feet 6 inches, and from 1 foot to1 foot Ginches ; likewise different forms—i.e., pyramids and bushes, both feathered to the ground, and standards, also such as are naturally of low or prostrate growth. The following list may serve as a beginning :— Holly (Ilex), of many kinds, is admirable for the purpose, and though considered difficult of removal, no shrubs move more safely. They may be had of all sizes up to 3 feet, and of pyramidal and bush forms. By removing them so fre- quently they arrive at an early maturity, and produce berries when very small, and such plants are quite charming for the ornamentation of beds in winter. Besides, removing them twice annually renders the amount of cutting to keep them in shape a question of little import, it being only necessary to stop all growths at the fourth leaf, but only those that grow a-head of their neighbours. Tlex aquifolium flavum, deep green foliage; azwreo-margi- natum (gold-edged) ; senescente-marginatwm (spineless gold) ; spino-marginatum (prickly gold); croceo-marginatum (gold- edged, but deep); medio-pictum (gold-blotched); croceo- fuscwm (chimney sweep) ; argenteo marginatum (silver-edged) ; and its varieties senescens (spineless silver); spinescens (prickly silver); latwm (broad-leaved silver); and medio- argenteum (silver-blotched). Then we have the small dense- leaved hedgehogs, ferox (green-leaved); gold variegated (ferox awrewm) ; and silver hedgehog (ferow argenteum) ; the lovely Handsworthi, and its variegated variety; cornuta, Tarago, Shepherdi, maderensis, and its variety atrovirens; and last in my list, but not in merit, the beautiful Weeping Holly (Ilex aquifolium pendulum), which is quite charming on a four-feet stem, and so I think will be its variegated variety. Then we have Aucuba japonica, and A. lati-maculata, which move as freely as Cabbages, and with far more certainty, giving material for acouple of: beds of the loveliest kind, the bold, dense, and handsome gold foliage, though green at a distance, yet forming a suitable contrast to that of a deeper hue; and when we have the female Aucuba at a price within the reach of all, with its fine berries to set off its handsome foliage to better advantage, we may count on having three of the best shrubs for winter decoration in the Aucuba. Common Lawrel affords charming, bold, light green foliage, and when moved frequently it will transplant as safely in the last week in May as in the beginning of October, and as we want to move it at both these times, it is just the sort of plant. Its cousin, the Portugal Laurel, is rather more shy, but we must have it as dwarf bushes to form a centre for a large bed, and we will edge it with Vinca minor fol. aureo- variegatis. Wemust have our standard Bay trees, too; but as Bay trees are not over-hardy, we will have the Portugal Laurel instead ; and having them on four-feet stems, all that is wanting to make people believe that they are Orange trees out of doors in winter, is that the green of the foliage is too deep by half. These placed in the spots usually as- signed to Roses by the sides of walks, are far superior to the queen of flowers from October to June. They are very handsome. Finely contrasting with these are standard Yews, which move like Docks. They will bear comparison with anything that a sunnier clime can send against them, even if left over summer, and dwarf plants of Taxus baccata are not amiss for a distinguished position. The Weeping Yew (7. Dovas- tont) is never seen to such advantage as when‘on a stem 4 feet or more high; and when we get its variegated offspring (awreo-variegata) on a stem suitable for a standard, we shall be in a way to show admirers things as they ought to be. Taxus adpressa or brevifolia, when once of a suitable size will last for nearly a generation without any cutting or clipping, and not become too large. We must also have the Irish Yew (Taxus hibernica), which always keeps mounting up, and never grows to one side, and its silver and gold variegated varieties. Of Junipers, Juniperus Bedfordiana, glauca, recurva, sue- cica, and thurifera, are not amiss, and moving well, and having fine foliage we must have them. Nor must we over- look Sabina (Savin), its variety tamariscifolia, and its sub- variety variegata, for any of them make nice beds, and will answer for edgings; but a better kind for such a pur- pose is prostrata; while J. stricta is the most ornamental of all. Thuja aurea, than which nothing can be more beautiful in spring with the golden colour it then assumes, and the American, Chinese, and Siberian Arbor Vitzes hold their own in any company with which they are associated. The best form of the Chinese Arbor Vite (Thuja orientalis), is compacta, nothing more than a close-growing variety of the species. 1. Hookeriana, much resembling T. awrea, but more glaucous in appearance, is fine. T. occidentalis (American Arbor Vite), is one of the best, as it bears clipping well, and makes one of the most beautiful edgings and hedges known. The variegated forms of T. plicata and T. orientalis, both the silver and gold, are lovely for edgings to any of the species. T’. Wareana is very fine, and by far the best of the Siberian Arbor Vites. Of Cupressus, the most beautiful of all is Lawsoniana, form- ing a bed of the loveliest description; but beautiful as it is, it is as nothing when placed beside its variety, awreo-varie- gata, which is most attractively variegated with gold. C. Lambertiana or macrocarpa is just passable; and the same may be said of McNabiana and Goveniana. C. cashmeriana is a very graceful species, but I fear too tender for general adoption. Chamecyparis spheroidea variegata has handsome foliage, beautifully variegated green and gold. Chamecyparis thwri- fera is handsome in a young state, and when kept low by frequent removal, but declines in beauty I think as a specimen. Cryptomeria japonica nana and its variety viridis, offer a fitting contrast to foliage of a deeper green, and they have the rare property of retaining their bright olive green through the winter, which the species seldom does. Some of the Pinuses are also useful, the very dwarf and close-habited Abies clanbrasiliana being admirable for edgings to large groups of deeper-hued foliage. P. cembra is very hardy and makes a good bed or a line in a ribbon-border. Picea Nordmanniana is the best of all the Silver Firs, and a specimen of this in the centre of a bed with a band of Arabis caucasica variegata, or A. lucida variegata of some, is beauti- ful beyond description. The dense habit of the Pine, and the foliage, dark green above, and of a beautiful glaucous hue beneath, make the golden Arabis appear to much ad- vantage. The Arabis, by the way, is one of the best golden edging plants we have, and I was glad to see Mr. Thomson’s notice of it in the Number for October 4th. P. nobilis is also fine, and few exceed it in beauty as a single specimen. Small plants of Abies canadensis (Hemlock Spruce), and of A. tawifolia (Californian Hemlock Spruce), a more ornamental variety than the preceding, which it much resembles, are useful. The majority of the Pinus family may be employed. with good effect, but they move very indifferently, and as growing them in pots ruins them for after-planting to attain large dimensions, and as they are impatient of cutting, it is advisable to grow them in pots, and treat them in every way as dwarf plants, specially for decorative purposes in the flower garden. Thujopsis dolabrata and its beautiful variegated form, are amongst the finest of recently introduced plants, and whilst they are growing to a size suitable for planting, it is worthy of consideration whether these and many others of a similar kind might not be advantageously employed for enlivening the dreary flower garden in winter. Nurserymen 308 should have them planted in groups so that visitors may see and judge for themselves, and I am certain that if this were done the taste for ornamental shrubs and trees would be diffused, and a zest given to the study of foliage, and its contrasts both* in colour and outline, with a view to pro- ducing an effective arrangement, which can only be achieved by commencing on a preconceived design. I hope that we shall yet see nurserymen arranging their plants for sale, so that purchasers may at once select the most suitable for their purpose, creating at the same time a taste for arbori- culture, which is, perhaps, the most neglected of all branches of horticultural science. Retinospora pisifera aurea, than which nothing can be more lovely, and R. obtusa, are plants that must find their way everywhere; and when we have the dwarf Thujopsis lete- virens and Thuja pygmea at a price within the reach of all we may consider that we have as fine a lot of shrubs suit- able for planting in beds in autumn as can be wished. In addition to the above, I must name the beautiful Ligus- trum glabrum awreo-variegatum, L. japonicum awreo-margina- tum, two beautiful forms of Japanese Privet which may be clipped into any shape and make; and Osmanthus “licifolius variegatus, and its dwarf form. Various kinds of Box are excellent as edgings, for forming even surfaces either all green, or silver or gold variegated. They may also be employed as bushes and pyramids. Buzrus rosmarinifolia, marginata, balearica, and halepensis are admir- able for decorative purposes. Ivies, plain and variegated-leaved, and the different Peri- winkles, come in as edging plants of no mean order. The first step is to have a plan taken of the garden, num- bering all the beds, and then to decide on those to be filled with evergreens, which should be about one-third of the whole. This will leave one-third for flowering shrubs, ever- green or deciduous; and one-third for dwarf flowering plants and bulbs. When this is done and the arrangement decided on, it is very easy to fill the beds satisfactorily from the stock of most nurserymen, for there are thousands of plants in every nursery that only need seeing to be called into requisition. The next procedure is forking over the beds deeply ; and the shrubs, which should be taken up with balls, must be planted at such distances as to cover the whole of the sur- face, placing the tallest in the centre, and edging each with some plant of dwarf habit, distinct in colour of foliage and character. After planting give a good watering, and if dry weather continue give occasional waterings afterwards ; but if wet none will be required. Beyond this the plants will need no further care until spring, when they must not be allowed to suffer from want of water, and when the time for moving arrives, which may be the last week in May, take them up with balls of earth and plant immediately in the places assigned to them in any open yet sheltered situation, placing them so that each will receive light and air from all points, for no good comes of huddling them together. Water freely at planting and throughout the summer; a mulching an inch or two thick will save much of the water- ing by diminishing the evaporation from the surface. If any trimming be needed it should be done when the shrubs -are growing, stopping the gross, and cutting-in the lanky growths, so that even nicely balanced specimens may be ob- tained. Further than this they need little attention, and will move again to the beds in October and November as freely as any other kind of plants, if care be taken to pre- _ serve a ball of earth at the roots. Yo prevent any fear as to the liability to injury conse- quent on the removal of the shrubs twice annually, all of them may be grown in pots, using a rather stiff turfy loam, and pots large enough to contain the roots comfortably. Drain efficiently, pot rather firmly, and giving a good water- ing plunge in the beds to a depth sufficient to hide the rims of the pots. In dry weather they must be watered, and after they are removed from the beds they should only be plunged to a depth sufficient to hide the pots, leaving the surface bare so that it may be known when any plant needs watering without the foliage indicating its absence. They should be annually freed of all roots that have penetrated into the soil through the holes in the pot, and potted every other year in October.—G. Appry. (To be continued). JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 18, 1864. ORCHARD-HOUSE TREES. I am quite sure I go with a large proportion of your readers when I thank the “ Poor Grnrieman” for his very agree- able letter and gentle castigation. He has given us only a portion of the rock on which he foundered by carrying too much sail. Iyread in the “ Orchard-Honse,”’ in all the editions from the 6th to the 11th—in the latter at page 50, under ‘ Apricot culture,” as follows: ‘‘ While in their young state the fruit must be thinned, leaving at first upon a bush that has been two years in a pot about three dozen, which, when they attain the size of a small nutmeg, must be re- duced to two dozen. The third year a tree, if it has pros- pered, will be able to bring three dozen to maturity. It is, however, better to have a few finely grown fruit than many that are small.’ This should have acted as a corrective; but I erred in trusting to the judgment of my readers, and hoping for some discrimination in them. I have since for some time found out that in describing modes of culture every sentence must be well weighed, allowing ofno deviation from the prescribed mode; if you do, you are, as the boys say, “done.” Now for my confession. I confess that all the time I was writing the above paragraph I was thinking of a tree two or three years old from the nursery, so that the second year in the hands of the cultivator it would be from four to five years old, and quite capable, if well fed, of bearing three dozen of fair-sized fruit. I have just looked at a Peach tree five years old, and bearing thirty-four fair-sized Peaches; but the tree has had rich surface-dressings, and is a sturdy fellow, its branches 3 feet across. Under ordinary treatment two dozen would have been nearer the mark. My caution is a salve to my conscience; but I shall for the future be more strict in giving rules for thinning. Mr. Berger’s orchard-house I know to be a great success. The unnecessary points in his culture are roof-ventilation and repotting in autumn—a troublesome business. I havenever deviated from the easy and simple mode of culture I at first pointed out—viz., top-dressing in October by taking out the surface earth and effete masses of fibrous roots from 4 to 5 inches deep, and replacing with some rich compost of loam and rotten dung in equal parts. This fresh food in autumn, and surface-dressings in May, June, and July, of horse-droppings and malt dust, equal quantities mixed and saturated with strong liquid manure, seem, if we may judge from the luxuriant health of every tree to which they have been applied, to be perfect as tree food can be. It is indeed quite interesting to observe the seeming instinct with which the small feeding roots come to the surface for their rich food: no turtle-eating alderman could select and eat green fat with more avidity. On looking over my trees the other day I was half inclined, in a flight of fancy, to endue them with reasoning powers, and to conclude that they must have had a meeting, and passed a resolution to the effect that while such rich surface food was comeatable they would not go down for any cold, watery, flavourless eating and drink- ing; for on looking at many hundreds of Peach and Apricot trees full of luxuriant health, I could not find any roots making their way through the apertures at the bottoms of the pots—all were at the surface. I observe that Mr. Fish plunges his pots. In the light sandy soils of Bedfordshire I have seen pots plunged about two-thirds of their depth with good effect. In stiff soils they are better on the surface. The warm air of the house’ is like a blanket round the pots, and the roots feel it and enjoy it. I repeat, feed from above in preference to feeding from below; the food is warmer and more easily digested. I have always thought this to a certain extent, but have waited and watched, and now I know it. I also repeat— referring to the trouble that Mr. Fish takes in repotting his trees—that after a tree has grown in a thirteen-inch pot (it is always better to give inches in naming the sizes of pots rather than the pot-makers’ terms, as 4’s and 6’s, to designate sizes), for three or four years, it may be at once transferred to an eighteen-inch pot (18 inches in diameter), which, as far as I can see at present, is the maximum size to be used in orchard-house culture. When established in pots of that size the roots at bottom may remain undis~ turbed ; top-dressing in autumn, and surface-dressing in spring and summer, will keep the tree in luxuriant health October 18, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 309 for many, many years. I often wonder what crinkum- crankum shapes the bottom roots of my old trees have assumed—I have not seen them for years. The amateur orchard-house cultivator should not be op- pressed with the weighty cares of repotting; it only troubles him to no purpose. A large tree in a large pot should be a pleasant fixture, requiring, like a very old and well-polished mahogany table, but little care to keep it bright. The “Singleton Fig” is a misnomer. Its new name was given to it, I believe, by mistake, although it made it more commercially valuable, for trees of it were sold at 10s. 6d., whereas under its true name of White Ischia it was not so dear. No Fig better deserves culture, but only in the forcing-house, for it invariably drops its first crop, which should ripen in May with others when forced; but its second most abundant crop, which it should ripen in July, amply compensates, for no Fig can be more rich and delicious. One more paragraph and [havedone. I haveseen spring surface-dressings applied by awkward gardeners so rough, so uncouth, so unlike what they should be, that I have felt a wish to toss pots and trees into some dark and swollen Lethe-like river, The surface-dressings to which I allude are great lumps of manure, undecomposed, and unfit for any place but the dunghill, heaped on the mould in the pot to a depth of several inches. This covering most effectually keeps out heat from the surface roots, the earth becomes sodden, the leaves turn yellow, the fruit drops, and the wise operator opens his mouth and wonders what can be the matter. If my favourite compost for surface-dressing cannot easily be procured, the best substitute is rotten or nearly rotten manure chopped up into a neat-looking and friable state. It should next be saturated with strong liquid manure for two or three days, and then used—not piled on 5 or 6 inches deep; the depth should be from 2 to 3 inches—formed into a neat shallow basin, the stem of the tree in the centre, so that the water given should be retained.—T, R. SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING PROVINCIAL HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.’ Tue “ Secretary of a Country Horticultural Show of thirty vyears standing” asks our opinion on the proper time to hold ashow. That of the past season, he says, was held in the last week in September, which was thought by many to be too late. He adds, the accommodation for the show in a public hall in the town is very good, and the competition amongst exhibitors is great, cottagers also being favoured with a class. From the inquiry made we suppose the ma- nagers of the show would like to have it at a time likely to bring together the greatest number of important products. Although he mentions Dahiias, Hollyhocks, and Gladioli as being favourites in the neighbourhood, we apprehend the period that would bring the greatest number of attractive objects to the show would be the one selected. Now, it is by no means easy to give good advice in a ease like the above without more knowledge of the district than we possess. Very often the best time to hold a show is one in which horticulture is very little consulted; the fashionable season at a watering place, or any event in a county or district town calling a number of people to it, is often made the time for a horticultural show. Visitors at such places, more especially when the funds in a great mea- sure depend on what is taken at the door, are more consulted than any particular class of plants, fruits, or vegetables. The latter have to be got ready for the show-day, not the show-day for them. ‘This state of things cannot be altered, neither is it fair to find fault with-it; but we will suppose that the show in question is not fettered by any conditions of the above kind, but simply that the good people of a quiet country town want to know when is the best time to in- sure a good and attractive show, regardless of all outside influences. Although we are quite at sea where our corre- spondent writes from, we will suppose him to reside some- where to the south of York, and point out one or two modes of dealing with the show, so as to meet the requirements of the majority of those interested in the matter. That it is impossible to satisfy all must be known to every one who takes upon himself the duty of secretary. By way of assisting the inquirer we will state a few facts connected with a local horticultural show of about the same standing as the one alluded to, but which was, perhaps, at one time at least, in a more prosperous condition, and its operations more extended. Examples are always good monitors, and we give this one before venturing an opinion. The horticultural society alluded to is connected with a town of some 25,000 inhabitants in a rural but somewhat wealthy neighbourhood, and not a hundred miles from London. Most of the leading gentry and principal trades- men of the town and neighbourhood are members paying one guinea annually, for which they have four tickets of admission to each show, there being twoinayear. Gardeners pay ds. subscription, which by a defect in the administration merely allows them two tickets to each show. The funds are also augmented by payments at the doors, visitors at an early hour being charged 2s. 6d., and later in the day 1s. The first and most important show is held in the last week in June, under canvass, in a field commanding one of the finest prospects in England, there being at least half a dozen large tents, with two military bands, and all the pomp of a metropolitan show; and if the day proves fine it is so well attended that, notwithstanding the tickets of subscribers, a sum of upwards of £100 has frequently been taken for ad- mission. The second show is generally in the first week in September, and is held in the public hall or market-room—a spacious room, in which it has been said that six hundred have dined. The September show is more for fruit than plants; but there are the cut flowers of various kinds, with vegetables of almost every description ; and as an ex- hibition of horticultural produce and skill it is far superior to the June show, but never so attractive. Fashionable visitors like more space, and, consequently, attend in less numbers, so that in the most successful days the pay- ments for admission bring but a small sum to the exchequer, and this show, as compared with the June one, is a dead loss to the Society. The prizes are not large at either of the shows, but the varied productions make up a consider- able display, and the June show is looked upon in the neigh- bourhood as a féte at which the best articles of attire are brought forth. Now, this Society, like all others, has been liable to the visitations common to such institutions—one or two unfortunate days, and a change of place for holding the show, coupled with, perhaps, the fact that its novelty is wearing off, has much impaired its position, so that, instead of having a considerable sum in hand, the Society is, or was very lately, on the verge of insolvency, not from any want of care or mismanagement of its affairs, but solely from the misfortunes which such institutions are liable to. With a case like this before us, we confess feeling some hesitation in giving advice; but as our correspondent’s query simply relates to the best time to hold one show, the matter is circumscribed, still our answer must be a qualified one. If the show be for plants, or if they are regarded as of more consequence than fruits, June is the best time, and not too late in the month. If, however, forced fruits, in addition to plants, be in requisition, the last week in June will in a great measure answer for both, as by that time Grapes, Melons, and possibly Peaches and Nectarines, may be forthcoming, with Cherries and Strawberries from out of doors, and a host of vegetables and plants of the finest description. If an extended show of fruit and cut flowers be the desideratum, the first week in September will generally furnish both; but, as stated at the beginning of this article, if the company is likely to be greater in June than in Sep- tember, let the fact have due weight in the decision, as no show, nor in fact anything else, can well go on without visitors. In most cases an energetic secretary, and half a. dozen active business committee-men, haying a perfect knowledge of the feelines and requirements of the neigh- - bourhood, are able to judge whether it is prudent to make - a bold move in a progressive direction or not. If your Society has existed thirty years, and is still popular, there is proof that the principle is healthy, and that a more liberal course might be ventured upon with advantage. Although we would strongly advocate the increase of prizes, and the encouragement of horticulture, we are not blind to the fact that the public at large look also at some other source of amusements as being necessary adiuncts to such a 310 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 18, 1864 meeting, and these are expensive items. The hire of half a dozen large tents or marquees will cost from £20 to £30, perhaps, and music is also costly; added to which the hire of seats, the payment of assistants, and other charges, trench heavily on the funds; but it sometimes happens that a bold move in this direction is successful. The advisability of changing the established head-quarters in the Market Hall, to a place out of doors, is a subject that can only be judged of by those well acquainted with the neighbour- hood, but it is very possible it might succeed. A spirited attempt is often followed by success, and the projectors receive their meed of public approbation. If an out-door exhibition be decided on, then by all means have it in the end of June or beginning of July, if the situation is late; the length of the days and other things favouring out-door amusements at that time more than at a later period. By well considering all the arrangements beforehand, and perhaps revising the schedule, or in fact making a fresh one, a feature may be given to the show which it has never yet had. It might also be announced, if the June show were successful, and the funds of the Society would afford it, that a second would be held in September for fruits and cut flowers, &c., as at present; this show, of course, being held in the market-room. For such a show we should say that about the 10th of September is a good time, as Peaches and Nectarines would then be ripe; the end of that month is too late for them. It may be thought that the interval between the two shows is too great, but the public do not like too frequent repetitions, and July and August do not present much that is important beyond what may have good representatives at one or other of the shows here recommended. As the show is well supported by exhi- bitors, it is very likely that a spirited move in the way suggested will meet the support of the public, and that the local press will have the opportunity of recording a complete success, everybody being pleased with the affair, and that thousands of visitors will retire to their homes with the remembrance of a social and intellectual treat, which such meetings afford. We have little hesitation in recommend- ing a June show; but in the event of such not being decided on our ignorance of the locality andits peculiarities prevents our giving an opinion on the subject of the show being held either out-doors or in. We would have the September one as early as convenient, but ge nerally about the 10th wil be found the best time. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. OcToBER 11TH. Frorat Commirrrr.—the scarcity of plants and flowers sent for the examination of the Committee this day fully realised the fact of the departure of sunny days and beau- tiful flowers; but we have no reason for complaint. The interesting meetings held by the Committee during the past season, and the number of plants and florists’ flowers that have been examined, fully prove that a deep and lively interest in horticulture still exists. George Cooper Esq., Alpha House, Coburg Road, exhibited a small plant of an Oncidium from Brazil. It was recognised as a well-known variety. Mr. Legge, Edmonton, sent three seedling Dahlias —Lord Warden, deep orange red, tipped with white; Mr. Bolton, dark lilac rose; and Lightning, yellowish buff striped with red, of good form. This latter seedling re- ceived a second-class certificate. From Mr. Bull, Chelsea, came three very pretty and in- teresting varieties of British Ferns—Polystichum angulare rotundatum, Polystichum angulare grandiceps, and a form of Athyrium Filix-foomina; but the plants were too young to decide upon their merits, though they are all of them ex- cellent varieties. Aucuba japonica picta (mas), in flower, a very beautiful variety with broad white variegation, received a first-class certificate, and Aucuba japonica vera was also shown with two clusters of its brilliant red berries. Mr. Macintosh, Hammersmith, sent Solanum capsicastrum hy- bridum, a cross between S. capsicastrum and S. pseudo- capsicum; it will form a nice plant, intermediate in size and habit between its parents—second-class certificate. Mr. Macintosh also had a seedling Capsicum with round seed- vessels the size of marbles. Messrs. Stuart & Mein exhibited cut specimens of seed- ling Pentstemons and Antirrhinums, some of the latter good flowers, but not an advance on varieties in cultivation. Messrs. Veitch, Chelsea, sent three seedling Cattleyas of much interest—C. devoniensis, white narrow petals, with deep purple lip—first-class certificate; Cattleya Dominiana alba, a white variety of C. Dominiana—firrst-class certificate ; and Cattleya exoniensis, a beautiful variety, which received a first-class certificate at the last meeting of the Committee. Messrs. Henderson, Wellington Road, exhibited Pelargo- nium Lady Cullum, another variety of those beautifully varied-coloured Zonale Geraniums, the introduction of which belongs solely to this well-known firm. Lady Cullum is distinct in colour, and equally beautiful with Mrs. Pollock, &e. It received a first-class certificate. Mrs. Gerard Leigh was a white-edged variety with a coloured zone, but inferior to Italia Unita. Mr. Fleming, Cliveden, brought cut speci- mens of several seedling Pelargoniums not yet named, they are of the intermediate section, having the truss of the Nosegay, but broader petals. Some of them are novel in colour, one being a bright orange scarlet, others deep purplish rose of varied shades. Next season these will probably appear with names, and will take a good position in that section of Pelargoniums which they represent. VISITS TO GARDENS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. REED HALL, COLCHESTER, THE SEAT OF J. T. HEDGE, ESQ. Has ever any Rose-grower had the homage paid to him that Mr. Hedge has? Have ever any others but he been asked where he was to exhibit, as the questioners would rather not enter into competition with him? Has ever any amateur held a more distinguished position as an exhibitor than he has done? Nay, is there any one, north, south, east, or west, who has the courage to pluck the laurels from him, or to deny him the place he has unquestionably won as the champion exhibitor amongst amateurs? Let us, then, take a peep at the garden from whence these achievements issue. Reed Hall is an old manor house, about a mile and a half from the old Roman town of Colchester, and was so called (its original name being Foxborough), because until a late period it was thatched with reeds. There is nothing in the house itself to call for remark, and I daresay thousands might pass by and never so much as dream what marvels of skill are produced there. The situation is high; the soil deep, rich, unctuous loam, such as the Rose delights in; and the drainage excellent. Here are conditions to begin with sufficient to encourage a grower, but not sufficient in themselves to insure success. In such a soil the briar is at home, and the Manetti comparatively useless, so that Mr. Hedge mainly depends on the former for his stocks. And here let me say that he does not leave anything to chance work. When he wishes to get briars he does not buy them of those who go about for them, and perhaps have them for days or weeks out of the ground, but he goes or sends some of his men; and the briars are dug out, carried home, and planted at once, many of them in the situation where they are to remain; and on stocks so treated Teas, Noisettes, and Bourbons, as well as Hybrid Perpetuals, flourish with unwonted vigour. The Rose garden is arranged in beds; and as these are of a convenient size and of various forms, it is easy to go round them and examine every flower in the bed with great ease: this, I think, is a great recommenda- tion. Here is a bed of Teas, and there a‘bed of Hybrid Perpetuals ; and you can, moreover, see the names of them all, for Mr. Hedge is methodical to a degree ‘in everything he does, and legible and accurate labelling is a matter on which he prides himself. Where there are standards the labels are attached to the trees; where dwarfs, pieces of slate—such pieces as are taken off by slaters, cut and pre- pared afterwards—are used; they will then last for years. In everything there is the greatest neatness ; all his cards, shades, slates, &c., display this, which is a great charm in a garden, and always tends to set off flowers however good, while the very best flowers are spoiled by want of it. I have said that he does not use the Manetti stock much, for he finds that it very soon, on such stiff soil, kills the Roses, so that they rarely last more than two years—in fact, . October 18, 1864. } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. “311 it is a stock adapted better for poorer and lighter soils, which can be highly manured. Mr. Hedge does not encou- rage autumn blooming. His object is to obtain flowers in the Rose season, and not afterwards, and hence he says ' that he prefers not to bleed his plants by shortening the shoots to procure an autumn bloom. Especially is this the case in a dry season like the present year. He says the plants require all the vigour they can for themselves, and - therefore he would not allow even the blooms to be picked cff. With regard to the removing of Roses, he does this as a ~rule every three years, although some are left for five ; but he considers that they ought to be removed every three years. By having his beds of different ages they are not all _ removed at the same time, and so great an amount of labour as that of replanting all his stock is avoided. What is the amount of this stock? will naturally be asked. Well, I . believe not far short of 5000. But then these are not all _ planted out in beds. Many are in two large squares, while there is a large border of dwarfs containing some on the Manetti stock, which, as I have said, is but sparingly used. . Itis manifest that Mr. Hedge, having so large a stock, and budding a considerable quantity every year, from whence he ‘can get maiden blooms, stands on a great vantage ground above common mortals. Any one who has noticed his stands must have remarked the splendour of the Teas and the variety in his boxes. To obtain the former great care is taken. He has a large stock of old parasols and umbrellas, and these are opened out over the trees as the buds are expanding, and they are thus preserved from the influence of the weather; and there, in that little sheltered corner of the house, is the Banksia, budded on which those wondrous blooms of L’Enfant Trouvé, Mr. Cant’s Rose, are found— . those glorious blooms, which have made many a Rose- grower open his eyes widely ; in fact, everything that skill and experience can suggest has been done to make this a very paradise of Roses. Mr. Hedge is no great lover of novelty. He waits to see & Rose well proved before he puts it down as Al; but such flowers as Charles Lefebvre, Francois Lacharme, Alfred de Rougemont, and Baron Adolphe de Rothschild he cannot do without, and when once he adopts a Rose he propagates it largely. Nor amongst the notabilities of his garden should TI omit Walter, as good a judge of a Rose well nigh as his master, and as enthusiastic in bringing them out in good order for exhibition. Will not Walter sit in a luggage-van, all night if need be, so that the boxes shall not be capsized ? - Will he not regulate the pace of the van that takes them to the Palace or Kensington?—aye! will he not sit up five nights in the week when showing is in season, and more too if needed ? Nor are Roses the only things cultivated here. Here is a square of Dahlias from which grand blooms will be cut which shall carry off cups, and there some splendid Asters which shall take away first prizes too. Peep, too, into that greenhouse ; see those pots of Japan Lilies. Did you ever see anything more full of bloom, or more densely packed than they are? Will they not astonish the Colchesterians next week at their flower show? (this was in August). And here are greenhouse plants well done and ready for the earlier shows next year ; then in that cool vinery see the magnificent Black Hamburghs, and even Muscats, lying -in rich abundance ; look even at the vegetable garden, and see the vigour of growth, and order, and regularity, and then say whether good gardening is not practically carried out. And now suppose that, having made your petite tour, you enter inside the hospitable walls of Reed Hall. Let me tell you, if you are not a teetotaller, that you will find there as good a glass of wine as is to be had in England, and that, whatever you are, you will get as hearty a welcome as is to be had from John 0’ Groat’s to Land’s End—aye, or even in the dear old green isle herself, around whose name cling many sweet and pleasant memories; and as you sit there listen to your host as he descants on Roses, their characters, their caprices, their triumphs; if no hairbreadth escapes by flood and field, there are midnight journeys by railways, and contretemps which it required a good courage to over- come. And then you may hear racy stories of the doings of the pompous officials of the Imperial Society of Toadyana, and of the brilliant offer of a 2s. 6d. prize for bringing up a box of Roses in September to, let us say, Timbuctoo; and if you have your ears open and your wits about you, you may hear many a wrinkle that will be as gold to you by- and-by—at least this was my experience. I had no recom- mendation to Mr. Hedge but that I loved flowers and knew something about Roses; and yet I was treated with a hos- pitality so genial, and a courtesy so truly that of an old English gentleman, that amongst my sunny recollections I have to put down in the tablet of my memory my visit to Reed Hall.—D., Deal. TRITOMA UVARIA CULTURE. In your Number of October 4th, which has only just come under my eye, Mr. Robson asks for the practice of others in reference to this ornamental plant, and I willingly give the experience of an amateur in a small way. The Tritomas are especial pets of mine, and I think I may claim success for them this year, inasmuch as the spikes have all been between 5 and 6 feet in height, the last four- teen inches being densely clothed with bloom, fully expanded to the very tips. The flower-stems began to shoot up in the beginning of August, and by the third week of that month were in all their glory. The plants have never been watered at any time during the season; and my own idea is that the peculiar nature of the soil, which is a pure loam, is in a double sense at the root of the matter. All bulbs, in fact, succeed well here, and Crocuses and Snowdrops are grown by the acre in this neighbourhood for the Lcndon market. A strong confirmation of this opinion I find in the fact that when I resided in Middlesex, the soil being a gravelly clay, the same plants never did well with me, showing blooms of only half the height, and often only in time to be nipped off by the frost before they expanded. As soon as I removed here and transplanted them into this soil all trouble to induce vigour ceased, the plants rapidly increased, and the flowers have always appeared some weeks earlier than before. Some time ago it was recommended in this Journal never to meddle with their foliage. I have followed out this ad- vice, and find serious injury always follows its infraction. This constitutes a great drawback to the ornamental cha- racter of the plant, as the long leaves look very untidy in the winter and spring. A plant that was “trimmed” a bit last autumn “to make it look tidy,” as my man called it, before I had time to interfere, totally vanished in the winter, and a few suckers are all that is left of it now. Tusually protect them in the winter by a thick coat of fine ashes laid round the crowns. The variety glaucescens ap- pears to be the most hardy here, and the flowers are brighter and more showy than the grandiflora, but the foliage being narrower gives a less graceful habit to the plant.—Gzorcz ¥'. BaRRELL, Spalding. SOME HARDY FERNS PREFER A HIGHER TEMPERATURE. I uve in a land of Ferns, some, indeed most, of the varieties, British ones, being indigenous to this county. It may be interesting to other growers of Ferns to know that some species which are found in this county will thrive far more luxuriantly in the hothouse than in their own habitat. As to Asplenium marinum, I believe this is already known. On the seashore near this place it grows sparingly and with no great luxuriance. In the stove here it flourishes most luxuriantly. Asplenium lanceolatum is found in great abundance near Barmouth, in this county. In the stove its character is totally altered. Instead of being a small shrivelled plant, it grows with such luxuriance that at first sight it may be taken for Asplenium adiantum nigrum. Lastrea recurva grows equally well in the hothouse. : I may also mention Asplenium septentrionale. Till I in- troduced it into the stove I kept a plant for two years lingering during the winter with a frond or two. It is now looking healthy, with many fronds; and in the last month I obtained a healthy plant from Snowdon, which was potted, and placed near the other, and not a frond has changed its colour. Of Polystichum lonchitis I cannot speak so favourably ; 312 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 18, 1864, though we are on the west coast of Wales, it hitherto has not done well here. Last yearit lived through the winter in acold frame. I have tried it in the hothouse, it began to shrivel there. It does not succeed much better in the greenhouse. I am inclined next year to try it out of doors. Woodsia ilvensis grows without any particular care in our fernery, which is under the shade of a large Beech tree.— A FERN-GROWER, Peniarth, Merionethshire. CONSEILLER DE LA COUR PEAR. Tur Rey. S. Reynolds Hole, of Caunton Manor, near Newark, informs us that he has just weighed two fruit of that variety, and he wants to know “whether 183 ozs is, or is not, an unusual weight for a delicious dessert Pear grown in a midland county ;” to which we readily reply that it is an astonishing weight for this, or any other delicious dessert Pear. The greater experience we have of Conseiller de la Cour, or Maréchal de la Cour, as it is sometimes called, teaches us that it is not only one of the finest Pears in cul- tivation, but that it is one which does not confine its fine qualities to certain, or very highly favoured localities, but will succeed even in those districts where the choicest Pears are rarely to be met with in perfection. MR. J. CATTELL’S NURSERY, WESTERHAM. WHEREVER gardening is carried on with energy, combined with skill and careful management, there is much to see that is both interesting and pleasing, as well to the pro- fessional horticulturist as to the amateur. This is more particularly the case in extensive grounds, where, from the variety of subjects presented to notice, the ability of the cultivator is rendered more manifest. The perseverance of English gardeners is often a theme for eulogy, and we are all proud of their exploits, and, as Englishmen, we all love to praise and admire their achievements. Such was the pleasure I experienced on a visit to Mr. Cattell’s nursery at the end of last month. The nursery, situated on the north side of the town of Westerham, has been established many years, and is too well known to the horticultural world to need particular description. For the information of your readers it may be as well to state that it is easily reached from the Sevenoaks Station, a few miles to the east, or from the Caterham terminus by the omnibus, passing through the villages of Oxted and Limpsfield, just under the eastern portion of the ridge of the North Downs, one of the prettiest drives in the county of Surrey. The premises have been greatly improved by the entire rebuilding of the seed warehouse, offices, shop, and residence, with a handsome frontage in the High Street of Westerham now in course of completion, and which will add greatly to the convenience of the establishment. Passing through the building the visitor at once enters the nursery. The first object of attraction is a belt of Conifers, with some ornamental shrubs intermixed, on each side of the road leading to the lower part of the grounds. This plantation, which is of considerable length, contains all the varieties now ordinarily used for ornamental purposes, excepting the larger Pinuses, with many beautiful kinds of recent introduction. Being tastefully arranged, the view from the upper end is very striking; the more so at this time of year, when the diversity of the foliage of the coniferous tribe is seen to the best advantage; and, being interspersed with the variegated forms of the Holly, Box, Negundo, Syringa, the effect is considerably heightened. Amone the Conifers are fine specimens of Abies (Picea) nobilis, A. Nordmanniana; Cupressus Lawsoniana, C. ma- erocarpa, C. Goveniana; Thuja gigantea, T. aurea; Thu- jopsis borealis; Juniperus drupacea, the curious J. spherica, J. hibernica compressa, a very diminutive form of the Irish Juniper; Abies clanbrasiliana and A. pymea. The ground on each side of these belts is appropriated to seed-plots for Kitchen garden plants, Strawberries, and some herbaceous and annual flowers. ‘ Crossing the public road which divides the nursery, the principal compartment is entered containing the stock of American plants, a very complete collection in excellen condition, notwithstanding the long drought of the summer, which has seriously affected this class of plants in many parts of Surrey, and probably in other localities where the soil is not naturally adapted to them. Here were also the quarters for the Roses and the more choice ornamental shrubs, the orchard-house, propagating-houses, flower-beds, and the Dahlias, then in magnificent bloom. Roses form an important branch of the business here, and have been successfully cultivated for many years, the stock numbering many thousands. To see one particular kind was the chief object of my visit. A new seedling raised by M:. Cattell is being sent out this autumn for the first time it is named “Beauty of Westerham,” and is one more instance that good Roses can be originated in this country. When I first saw a single bloom of it, now more than two years ago, in a box exhibited at the annual Show of the Blechingley and Nutfield Cottage Garden Society, in come pany with Victor Verdier, Senateur Vaisse, Madame Furtado, Louis XIV., Madame C. Crapelet, and others, then compara- tively new Roses, it appeared a beautiful and distinct flower. I expressed my opinion of it at the time in another journal, and a further acquaintance with it gives me no reason to change my opinion. Its qualities may be thus summed up. As an English production it is well calculated to withstand the vicissitudes of our climate, being vigorous in habit, with bright green foliage, blooming freely all the season, delightfully fragrant, equalling in that respect Madame Furtado, and of a rich scarlet crimson colour. It will be said that we have enough crimson scarlet Roses; and all who have seen the noble blooms of Senateur Vaisse, Charles Lefebvre, Beauty of Waltham, Lord Clyde, Gloire de Santenay, Maurice Bernardin, Duc de Rohan, and some others that have this year been produced and exhibited, must acknowledge that we are rich in this colour, yet Beauty of Westerham is distinct from any of the above varieties; and Mr. Cattell is quite justified in sending it out as a useful addition to our Hybrid Perpetual Roses. Another novelty, of a very different nature from the pre- ceding, is a Tropeolum called Foxhunter, obtained by Mr. Farmer, the intelligent foreman, from T. Schultzi. This will prove a very useful bedding plant, where masses of colour are sought for, being a most profuse-blooming kind, of a very brilliant scarlet. A peculiarity of this Tropzolum is the sending out spurs 3 or 4 inches long at every joint along the stem, producing abundance of flowers. Mr. Farmer informed me that itis the freest-blooming Tropeolam he has ever known. The foliage somewhat resembles the well-known Crystal Palace kind. The fine weather previous to my visit had brought out the Dahlia blooms in great abundance and perfection. The large plot of ground planted with Dahlias afforded a splendid sight. Mr. Cattell is not unknown to fame in connection with this flower, having on several occasions boldly entered the lists with the Hector and Achilles of Dahlia growers from Slough and Salisbury. Not being a connoisseur of Dahlias, I speak with diffidence about them. Of the great number of varieties, I could not but admire the large and magnificent blooms of Andrew Dodds, Midnight, and Triomphe de Pecq, among the dark kinds; Lord Palmerston, John Keynes, scarlet; Lord Derby, crimson; Queen, Golden Drop, and Goldfinder, primrose and yellow; Juno, lilac; Hon. Mrs. Trotter, Miss Pressley, and Charles Turner, mottled or tipped at the edges of the petals. A walk through the orchard-house necessarily concladed my visit, for, although there was much more to see, my time - was limited. This orchard-house is what I have been taught in the columns of this Journal an orchard-house ought to be —viz., a simple wood-and-glass structure to protect fruit trees from the inclemencies of this variable climate, and to further the ripening of the fruit without the aid of artificial heat. Myr. Farmer informed me that the house in question fully answered the purpose it was intended for. His ex- planation was very simple. ‘The trees which are all in pots are brought into the house in February, when the sap gene- rally begins torise. After they have fruited, and the young wood is thoroughly ripened, they are brought out and fully exposed during the winter. On their treatment while under cover it is no part of mine to enter, not pretending to sufficient acquaintance with the subject further than the Cn TC oe October 18, 1864. ] common attribute of most of us, that we cannot help be- lieving what we see. Judging from the superb fruit on the trees in that orchard-house, it seemed to me marvellous that there should be any controversy at all upon the subject. Among the ornamental shrubs I noticed the interesting Colletia bictonensis, Desfontainia spinosa, both of which have proved hardy with me, and the latter bloomed well; Griselinia littoralis, recommended by Mr. Robson, and very properly; the curious Rubus leucodermis, and Cotoneaster Simmonsii, with its bright scarlet berries, which render it very ornamental in winter.—Apo.puus H. Krnt, Blechingley, Surrey. PEARS ON QUINCE STOCKS IN A LIGHT SOIL, In your last Number of the Journal I observe in your answer to “ YorxsHIRE”’ that you recommend him to pro- cure Pear trees on the free stock, on account of the dry porous nature of his subsoil. T live in a more cold and bleak portion of Yorkshire than Doncaster and its neighbourhood. My garden is on a light dry limestone soil overlying a limestone gravelly subsoil. In this soil I have grown a number of Pear trees on the quince stock for the last twelve years. My collection con- sists ab present of forty-eight Pear trees, of which seventeen are dwarf bushes. With two exceptions they are all on the quince stock, and these two have given me more trouble with a less satisfactory result than a dozen of the others on the quince. All my trees are in perfect health, and in ad- mirable order. I simply state this to show you that I know something of the subject on which I am writing. From my own experience I would most decidedly recom- mend ‘‘ YoRKSHIRE” to purchase bush or pyramidal Pear trees on the quince stock. The list of Pear trees extracted from Mr. Rivers’s “Miniature Fruit Garden” contains several varieties not suitable to the climate of Doncaster, unless they be grown against a south or south-west wall. I should recommend the following Pears as much more likely to suc- eeed as bushes or pyramids:—Doyenné d’Eté, August, on quince; Jargonelle, August, ditto; Beurré Giffard, Septem- ber, ditto; Beurré Goubault, October, early, ditto; Beurré Superfin, October, ditto; Louise Bonne of Jersey, middle of October, ditto; Comte de Lamy, ditto, ditto; Fondante @Automne, ditto, ditto; Thompson’s, ditto, ditto ; Beurré Diel, ditto, ditto; Seckle and Suffolk Thorn on the free stock. If “ YorKsHIRE’s” garden is not well sheltered from the prevailing winds it would be desirable to procure bush- pruned Pear trees, otherwise the pyramidal form of training is to be preferred. I like trees grown in the south the best, as their wood is always well ripened.—C. M., Yorkshire. [We are much obliged by this communication. It is evi- dence that on some dry soils in certain localities the quince stock succeeds ; but on light soils Mr. Rivers recommends that the soil over the roots of the quince stocks be mulched, and the junction of the stock and scion covered with earth, we presume to encourage the production of roots from the latter. On a light soil with a chalky subsoil the only trees that failed in our orchard were those on quince stocks. ] ORCHARD-HOUSE AT GREAT MARLOW. Rererrine to “J. F.’s” account of the orchard-house at Great Marlow (No. 183, page 256), I shall feel much obliged if you will state the numbers of each sort of fruit tree in the house, that some idea may be formed of the yield. The average which he gives is no criterion.—Davip B. Linpsay. {The following is a list of the trees, and the number of each variety :—Pears.—EHaster Beurré, 2; Winter Nelis, 2; Fondante d Automne, 2; Marie Louise, 1; Colmar d’Arem- berg, 2; Beurré Rance, 2; Passe Colmar, 1; Josephine de Malines, 1; Fladberg, 3; Beurré Superfin, 1; Bergamotte Hsperen, 1; Beurré Diel, 1; Louise Bonne of Jersey, 1; Van Mons Léon le Clere, 2; Brown Beurré, 1; Napoleon, 1; Glou Morceau, 2.—Total, 26. Apples—Mannineton’s Pear- main, 1 ; Reinette du Canada, 2; Court-Pendu-Plat, 1; Cel- lini, 2; Cox’s Orange Pippin, 3; Ribston Pippin, 2; Old Nonpareil, 1; Emperor Alexander, 1; Scarlet Pearmain, 1; Golden Pippin, 2; Northern Spy, 1; Melon Apple, 3; Male JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 313 j Carle, 1; Scarlet Nonpareil, 1; Boston Russet, 2; Court of Wick, 1; Cockle Pippin, 1; Wheeler’s Russet, 1; New Rock Pippin, 1; King Pippin, 1.—Total, 29. Peaches.— Salway, 2; Royal George, 3; Bartington, 2; Grosse Mig- nonne, 2; Early York, 1; Violette Hative, 1; Noblesse, 1; French Galande, 1 ; Belle Bauce, 1; Walburton Admirable, 1 ; Bellegarde, 1.—Total,16. Ayricots.—St. Ambroise, 2; Moor- park, 7; Peach Apricot, 5.—Total, 14. Plwns.—Kirke’s, 2; Jefferson, 1; Late Orleans, 2; Reine Claude de Bavay, 2; Pond’s Seedling, 2; Coe’s Golden Drop, 2; Impératrice, 1; Transparent Gage, 2; White Magnum Bonum, 2; Cloth of Gold, 2; Guthrie’s Late Green, 1; July Green Gage, 1; Early Prolific, 1.—Total, 21. Nectarines.—Elruge, 2; Rivers’s Orange, 2; White, 4; Hardwicke Seedling, 2; Violette Hative, 2; Baleowan, 2; Bowden, 1; Pitmaston Orange, 1. —Total, 16. Cherries—Empress Eugénie, 1; Cleveland Bigarreau, 1; Black Eagle, 2; Waterloo, 1; Governor Wood, 6; Royal Duke, 1; Circassian, 1; Brown’s Black Heart, 1; Elton, 1; Werder’s Early Black, 1; Florence, 1; Duchesse de Paluau, 1; Black Tartarian, 1; May Duke, 1; Belle Agathé, 2.—Total, 22. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Wuen Box-edgings require relaying, or walks gravelling, let it be done forthwith. Beet, the roots of the latest crop to be now taken up without being bruised and the tops care- fully twisted off above the crown, to be stored away in any dry place free from frost in sand or earth, or buried in heaps of earth, as other roots are kept. Broccoli, it is now time to check that growing luxuriantly by laying it down. We find constant attention is necessary to secure the plantations of Cabbages, the Cauliflowers under hand-lights, and the winter Lettuces, from the ravages of slugs. Dust the ground between the plants every second day with soot and quick- lime, and make good the blanks from the seed-beds. Where Carrots, Parsnips, Salsafy, and Scorzonera, are liable to be attacked by grubs, which are very numerous this season, or to injury by frost in consequence of the situation, being low and damp, the sooner they are taken up and stored away the better. FRUIT GARDEN. The preparation of quarters for the reception of Goose- berries and Currants should be completed, as planting may shortly commence. The formation of fruit-tree borders should be proceeded with, and stagnant water must be carried off by drains. A stratum of stones or bricks should intervene between the soil of the border and a cold clayey bottom. Although these precautions may not be strictly necessary in all cases, there are but few instances: where they can with propriety be dispensed with. FLOWER GARDEN. Some temporary coverings should now be at hand to protect half-hardy plants from the first attack of frost, which is generally of short duration, when a spell of fine weather succeeds. By such protection for a night or two their flowering season may be prolonged for a few weeks. Chrysanthemums against walls should be closely tacked in, and spare lights, reed-covers, or mats, kept in readiness to protect them from sharp frosts. A fresh, green, cheerful ap- pearance may be given to the flower-beds as soon as the frost has done its worst amongst the bedded-out plants, by intro- ducing a supply of small neat plants of the different dwarf hardy evergreen shrubs, such as Aucubas, Berberis, Laurus- tinus, Arbor Vite, Laurels, and any of the many sorts of Pinus, Rhododendron, Holly, &., to be kept in pots. By disposing of the various tints of green and variegated foliage in separate or mixed masses, a pleasing and interesting cha- racter could be given to the view of the flower garden from- the windows even in the dull days of winter. Choice Alpines should be plunged in coal ashes or old tan. Place Carna~- tions and Picotees in pots in cool frames, and water spar- ingly. Protect tender Chinese and Tea-scented Roses. Shrubs in overgrown walks should now be cut back or taken up and replanted. Cuttings of Laurel and other shrubs may now be prepared and put thickly into nursery-beds in the reserve garden. Anemone roots to be planted 2 inches deep. _Tulip-beds to be prepared by digging the ground 314 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 18, 1864, 12 or 15 inches deep, and mixing decomposed turfy sandy loam with the soil. The Ranunculus-beds to be prepared by taking out the old soil to the depth of 1 foot, putting in about 6 inches of well-rotted cowdung at the bottom, and then some good rich loam, mixed with a little of the cow- dung, to 6 inches above the level of the surrounding surface, the bed when finished sloping from the middle to the sides. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Hints from the thermometer should regulate the admis- sion of air to these structures. Favourable weather should be taken advantage of to the utmost extent, and in many cases openings for air may be left all night. The careless practice of opening the sashes at stated intervals to any certain degree without reference to external circumstances, must, throughout the season, be avoided. Keep the Azaleas and Camellias regularly moist at the roots, never allowing them to become too dry or too wet. Shift herbaceous Calceo- larias and Cinerarias regularly. Give plenty of air to Heaths and New Holland plants, and water very carefully ; the same with Orange and Lemon trees.. Shift advancing Pelargo- niums, and water freely at the root. Take pot Chrysanthe- mums into the greenhouse and conservatory; water with weak manure water occasionally. Shift Chinese Primroses, and keep them in a light airy place. If any of the beautiful tribe of Tropzolums, particularly tricoloram or Jarratti, which have flowered early in the season, start into growth, they should not he checked, but allowed to grow slowly through the winter; but if there is no appearance of this, which is best for their future success, their roots should be kept inactive in a cool place, with the soil about them quite dry, and they must be protected from mice. The necessity of a store of the various kinds of soil for potting should invite the precaution of securing a sufficient stock for winter use under cover before the drenching rains of autumn have rendered it unfit for use. PITS AND FRAMES. The earliest opportunity should now be taken to remove Auriculas, Carnations, Picotees, Pinks, Pansies, and all such florists’ flowers to their winter quarters. Cold dry frames, raised upon a few bricks to give a circulation of air beneath and among the plants, are the best situation for them. But very little water should be given during the winter, only sufficient to keep them from flagging. Additional air should be admitted to the frames daily by tilting up the cashes in favourable weather; the vavancies around the bottoms of the frames to be filled up, and a moderate degree of protection to be given in the most severe part of the winter. Indeed, during a great portion of the winter no coverings will be required, as the plants will bear to be frozen without injury if the lights are covered with straw or litter to exclude the sun’s rays, when they will thaw gradually and slowly. The frames to be looked over occasionally to see that the plants do not suffer from drip from the lights, or from slugs, snails or canker.—W. Kranz. i DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Mucx the same as in previous weeks. Weather still dry, with parching east winds. Ran the Dutch hoe through every bit of ground, to give an open surface, and cut up every incipient weed. Pulled up all the Peas and Beans done bearing. A piece of Dwarf Kidney Beans still very good. Scarlet Runners, thanks to a little sewage water, are still very fine, whilst in most cottage gardens hereabouts they have done little good this season. But for the sewage we would have been in the same position. Two years ago we obtained a very superior Scarlet Runner from Mr. Veitch —the pods are larger and more thick and fleshy than those of the ordinary kind. White Dutch Runners and White Scarlet Runners are hardly worth growing in comparison with the old scarlet-flowered and mottled-bean kind. Of the White you obtain fine, large, long, smooth pods, but even if gathered young they never seem to eat so crisp and juicy as the Scarlet Runners. For amount of yield of real nourishing food there is no better friend to the cottage gardener than the Scarlet Runner. We have sometimes been in the habit of associating the Scarlet Runner with the degree of refinement and civilisa- tion arrived at by the working classes. We can recollect. when, in Scotland, the Scarlet Runner was merely seen amongst the working people as a flower trained up by the side of a window. In cottage gardens you could scarcely meet with any vegetable but Curly Greens, Cabbage, and Potatoes. Cauliflower was considered to be aping the aristocracy. The cooling Lettuce on a hot summer day, the nutritious Dwarf Kidney Bean and Scarlet Runner, were wholly discarded ; and on our last visit to Scotland, though there were improvements in cottage gardens, the homely natives might well have taken a lesson from their English neighbours, who would have secured a far greater variety, and more nutritive qualities of food, from the same sized garden. The Scotch peasantry, who, perhaps, value them-- selves quite enough on their hardy habits, their inde- pendence of character, and their respect to the outward. moralities, might well learn something from their southern. neighbours as respects the useful, the healthfal, and the refined. The very variety of food at a peasant’s table ~ expands alike his desires, his mind, and his heart, and tends. to raise him in the scale of civilisation. The man with so. few wants that nature alone will supply them, whatever. peculiar excellencies he possesses, can, as a man, be little. better than a barbarian. Mind, we say nothing against the. man—quite the reverse—who, well aware of the benefits and. the pleasures from variety of food, voluntarily deprives himself of that gratification, in order that, by his self- denial and self-effort, he may attain a desired object. There is no occasion, however, for him to try to make the world believe that fine Grapes are as sour as Crabs, merely because his means or his purposes deny him the gratification of eating them. The Great Creator, in his goodness, pre- sented us with wonderful variety of the useful and the beautiful, that we might thankfully and temperately enjoy them all. The man who is contented with the least tempting viands, when his means would command the more nutritive and enticing, can only secure our respect when we know the means thus saved are devoted to a noble purpose—such as. helping those less prosperous than himself. We certainly shall be glad to know what progress is making in cottage- gardening in Scotland, especially as to the variety of vege- tables cultivated. We clearly recollect that, in a large village, or rather town, north of the Forth, there was only one man who knew how to grow and how to treat a Lettuce.. A greater attention to home comforts, even as respects the table, would do nothing to undermine the taste for intel- lectual studies; but it might help to give us less of the rough and the uncouth in association with the advancement of intellect. Pricked out more Lettuce, watered Cauliflower and young. Cabbages, took up Carrots and Beet, and hunted for slugs,. grubs, and caterpillars. Examined Potatoes. All in the. ground should now be taken up, and those wanted for the new year should now be planted, with glass ready to put over them. Planted a piece of a pit with Dwarf Kidney Beans, where we can give a little heat; and cut the young fruit from young plants of Cucumbers, which we wish to produce a few in the beginning of winter, as of late we have given up growing them all the winter through. We would here state, however, in answer to a correspondent, that what was said lately of winter Cucumbers was just the result of our own practice. Had we nice plants coming on now, that we wished to bear plentifully about Christmas, and the new year and onwards, we would scarcely allow a frnit to swell before the middle of December. FRUIT GARDEN. Were we disposed to do anything in the way of trans~ planting, lifting, and planting, or even root-pruning, the dryness would deter us. In opening a ditch 30 inches deep. for a fence in 2 meadow, the ground at that depth seemed quite dry and flaky. No pressure afforded any signs of moisture, and the lowest of it, when squeezed hard by the hand, could not be firmed together. Planting in such soil, without abundance of water, is out of the question; but preparations may be made, and in places where there is no such dryness, transplanting, root-pruning, &c., may now be proceeded with, as soon as the fruitis gathered. In planting young trees, and when they are to be moyed only short distances, they will go on all the better, and make fresh - October 18, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 315 roots the sooner, if the operation is performed before the leaves lose their greenness, if there is the chance to syringe these leaves ina hot day, or to shade them from the hot sun. Where neither syringing nor shading can be given, the planting had better be delayed till the end of the month, as then moistening the foliage will be less required. When the dryness prevents lifting and transplanting, much may be done in pruning and thinning the tops, both of trees to be transplanted, and of those that are established and intended to remain as they are. It is much more pleasant to do this now than in winter, and it will, by the admission of light and air, tell more upon the fruitfulness of the tree next season. We have gathered all our Filberts, most of our Apples, a number of Pears, and all Plums except, a few of Coe’s Golden Drop, which ripened rather sooner than usual, as the tree was rather severely root-pruned last season. One ad- vantage of this Plum is its hanging so long after it is ripe, and becoming all the richer if a little shrivelled at the stalk. Were we to state what we have been doing with other fruit we would merely be repeating what was said last week. CHARRED-RUBBISH HEAP. Took the advantage of the absence from home of the pro- prietor, and thus having smoke without annoyance, to have a large heap of prunings, roots, weeds, &c., placed | together, and will cover with earth, so as partly to char, and | then burn the remainder toashes. To this heap are brought all the bad weeds, as couch grass, &c., as nothing settles them so well as burning them. We tread the heap of prun- ings as well as we can, and then, as leaf mould would be too valuable for a covering, we place a layer of litter and vege- table leaves all over before covering with earth and clay, which prevents the latter from falling into the middle of the heap. ‘To make the heap more compact we frequently throw into it and over it, before the earth-covering, great lots of sawdust and refuse from the wood-yard, which thus become charred. Light where you will the heat will always reach the top, and for charring, the concealed fire must be brought down by degrees by boring holes until the base is reached. With a little care a great amount of charred matter may thus be obtained from a lot of rubbishy materials. But in such a heap if you wait until all is charred the charred matter will become less and less from the admission of air by chinks and crannies. It is best, therefore, to open such a heap when the bulk is charred, and then make a fire of the remainder, which will burn ever so much rough earth, clay, &e. A good portion of our heap will be smalJl laurel prunings, ‘and these when charred with other things are good for common purposes, but not so good for tender cut- tings and plants in-doors if not previously well exposed to the air. Oak, Lime, and any common wood, except that of the resinous tribe are good for particular purposes, and a char heap of such wood must be carefully attended to that none of the heap may be burned into ashes. FERMENTING-HEAP. We have little grass to assist us this season, but all we could collect from the mowing and machining of the lawn, and the tree leaves that are falling a little prematurely, along with all the litter we could command, have been thrown into a heap to ferment, and will be found valuable in forwarding a few cuttings rather late in frames, and in helping various crops. Many things, even Lettuces, would do better in winter, and stand more air even in cold weather, if they had a foot or 18 inches of such a mixture beneath the earth in which the roots were placed. The only diffi- culty was procuring water to moisten the litter. In common seasons the grass would have done that admirably. EARTH AND TURF-HEAPS. Took the opportunity of a small meadow being planted to procure a lot of turf and earth, and will stack up the former in the manner previously indicated. It is so dry that it is hard work to take it up; but then it will come home light, and we must not miss the chance. Most probably we will let it lay roughly, and only build it in stacks when it is a little wet. In common seasons it is easy to moisten as we use it, and it will keep all the better and be more sweet from being piled up when rather dry. The gardener who never can obtain a bit of fresh turfy soil is much to be pitied, and scheme how he will his employers will ultimately suffer. Some of our best gardeners think nothing of getting soil from a distance of many miles if it suits them, and the result will generally be seen in superior cultivation. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Very much the same as last week. Proceeded with re- potting Pelargoniums, potting Primroses, Cinerarias, &c. The flower garden is still so fine, that we gave over taking things up, and will trust even Cloth of Gold a little longer. With north and east winds the nights have become warmer as the days are duller. Masses of Stella are still masses of gorgeousness. We will commence with Calceolaria cuttings next week.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Ocroser 15. Hothouse Grapes are very plentiful and of excellent quality, while of Pines there is a fair supply. Peaches are now scarce, but sufficient for the small demand which exists for them. Of Apples and Pears large | quantities of excellent fruit are to be had; and in Plums a few Purple Gages are still to be met with. New Oranges are beginning to come in, the first cargo having arrived; and new Walnuts are seen in abundance. The vegetable market remains unchanged, and Potatoes are still heavy, the samples, it must be added, are remarkably healthy, the disease apparently dying out. FRUIT. A era sd. 5s. d Apples Pa 1 Oto2 0] Mulberries punnet 0 O0to0 0 Apricot: 0 0 O 0O| Nectarines ive Oi OL ONO) Cherries . O 0 O 0} Oranges 10 0 14 0 Currants, 3 0 0 O 0} Peaches seo 0. 12130, Black do. 0 0 O O} Pears (k Bilal hera Uy s(1) Figs... dozeliGRt 2h? G dessert . TAON 3.40 Filberts Olbs. 60 0 80 0/| Pine Apples a eee ORO 60 0 8) 0O| Plums PAD if AY 1 6 4 0] Pomegranates 04 00 3 0 7 O}| Quinces ......... 20 40 Lemons .. 8 0 14 0O| Raspberries. 1b.-0) 0) 0.0 Melons TAG tae OC UWalnutsencecccrecss bush. 14 0 20 G VEGETABLES. s. d. s. d s.d. ad Artichokes 0 4to0 6) Horseradish 2 6to5 0 Asparagus ...... 0 0 O O} Leeks... 0} 525 Bans; Beans Broad 0 0 O 0} Lettuce. 20 3 06 Kidney. Sh GtwronsO TG PIS Beet, Red. 3 We Bs 0) 0.2 .0 0 Broccoli 1s Oa can) OFS aes OG: Brussels 20 2 6 06 08 Cabbage . Brat) my 300) 40 60 Capsicum: 1 Olson. O, 0/9 eens Carrots ... OS OES) 00 00 Cauliflo Ane Hen uetg: 207 SA0) Celery .... Ope 2a 0) LO ein O) Cucumbers 0 6 1 O| Savoys .. doz.,,1,, 0: 2:.0, pickling - 0 0 O 0} Sea-kale . basket 0 0 0 O Endive .. 2 6 4 O| Spinach... sieve 20 4 0 Fennel .......... 0 3 0 O0| Tomatoes. i 20 30 Garlic and Shallots, lb. 0 8 0 O/} Turnips..... 0 3-0 6 Herbs....... ee unch 0 3 O 0} VegetableMarr: Ome om TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. S. Ponsford & Son, Loughborough Park Nurseries, Cold _ Harbour Lane, Brixton, Surrey.—Catalogue of General Nur- sery Stock; Select Catalogue of Dutch and Cape Flower Roots. André Leroy, Angers, France.—Supplément aw Catalogue de 1863; Tableau des Arbres Forestiers et @Ornement déja. orts. fh James Veitch, Royal Exotic Nursery, King’s Road, Chelsea, and Coombe Wood, Kingston Hill, Surrey.—Catalogue of Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Conifere, American Plants, fc. 1864-5. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “ Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London. E.C. i N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. CATERPILLARS ON CanpacEworts (7. Record).—As far as we can discerr from your brief description they are the offspring of two or more of the white cabbage butterfiies (Pontia brassice and P. napa) and of the cabbage moth (Mamestra brassice). Why they at one time preferred your neigh- bour’s crops, and now have selected yours, defles our penetration. You have no remedy but hand-picking, 316 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Ootober 18, 1864. nn nen ree Movine VINEs From OPEN Ground To GREENHOUSE (Old Subscriber).— The best time to plant Vines is early in March, and you may move those intended for outside and inside planting at that time. One Vine to a rafter is quite sufficient when these are 3 feet apart, which is the proper distance, and quite close enough when plants are grown under them, so that you will have only room for nine Vines; but you do not say how you propose training them. Unless the Vines are better than out-door Vines usually are, we think they will do you little service for some time. Young Vines ate prefer- able to old ones from any quarter, especially from out of doors, for the bad training has to be surmounted, and they do not usually push freely. DENDROBIUMS PAXTONIANUM AND NOBILE AFTER BLoomine (James Hurst). —They should not be cut down after blooming, as from their bases rise the future stems, and thus a kind of support is afforded to the young growths. Any that are old and dead may be removed. Porrine Rose Curttnes (Zdem).—The best time fo pot Rose cuttings inserted in September is April, affording them during the winter the protec- tion of a frame and lights, or hand-glasses. Admit air in mild weather, especially when humid, and gradually harden them off by tilting the light or lights. By the middle or end of April they will be ready for potting, after which continue them in the frame for a time, keeping close for a week or ten days, and then admit air, gradually hardening-off by the end of May. They may then be planted ont, or plunged in coal ashes’ in an open yet sheltered situation, and repotted in September, _ Best PURPLE VERBENA—NASTURTIUM PROPAGATION (Z. G. H.).—Tiere is no better purple Verbena as a bedder than Purple King. Verbena venosa is a frame perennial, hardier than many of the varieties from Melin- dres; but even it requires the protection of a frame, a dry spot, light soil, and the protection of mats, in addition to the lights in severe weather, In certain genial and sheltered situations it stands our climate. Nastur- tiums generally may be raised from seed, but if of the better kinds of Tropzolums, cuttings are preferable. You fail to ask specifically as regards the culture of Tropwolum speciosum, and we cannot furnish answers when we do not know what is asked. MYRSIPHYLLUM ASPARAGOIDES CuLTURE (Mf. D.).—Pot in a compost of turfy loam, fibry sandy peat, and leaf mould, in equal parts, with a free ad- mixture of sand. Drain the pot to one-third its depth, and do not overpot the plant, employing a size that will cramp the roots rather than allow room to spare. Grow in a greenhouse, and train as near the glass as possible; at all events select a light airy situation. When the plant commences growing water copiously, increasing from the commencement until the maximum is reached when the foliage is growing rapidly. After this give no more than is sufficient to keep the foliage fresh, and when this begins to turn yellow do not supply a drop for the next three months, and expose the foliage to all the light and sun heat possible. This will ripen the wood so well, and the eyes will be so well matured, that it will not fail to bloom with a continu- ance of such treatment, which is similar to the conditions which it enjoys in its native habitat—the Cape of Good Hope. It ought not to die down or be dried off until early autumn, but it may be treated so as to bloom at different periods of the year by varying the time of growth and rest. Hotwarter APPARaTus FOR GREENHOUSE (Jane).—We have no experience of the stove you name, and we fear the lamps, unless there were a pipe to convey the vapour into the open air, would injure the plants. If you pro- pose to employ gas try Clarke’s new gas hotwater apparatus, which is highly spoken of by many who have tried is. If you have not gas at command try a small saddle boiler set at one end, the boiler inside but the furnace-door outside of the house, and connect with it four-inch flow and return pipes, and run them along about 1 foot from the front wallof the lean-to. This will afford sufficient heating power to prevent frost injuring any description of greenhouse plant, and you may have them in growth all the winter, as you wish. The nest best plan is to have a furnace at one end and a flue along. the front, which will be quite sufficient to keep out frost with a moderate fire. Removine Pine Suckers (St. Omer).—We would remoye the suckers now, and have them rooted plants before severe weather sets in. As they only serve to impoverish the parent. they might as well be removed at once. It is the practice of good Pine-growers to twist out the suckers that appear before the fruit shows with a pair of long-handled pincers, when the suckers can be fairly laid hold of, as when they are removed early the stem of the plant is not so likely to be injured as when they are allowed to remain until nearly the size of a fruiting plant. When Pines are planted out, as yours are (no new thing, by-the-by, in England), and when the sorts are such as arrive early at maturity, especially those of the Queen race, one, or, at the most, two suckers rising from the neck of the plant, or at a little beneath the soil, are allowed to remain on the parent. These grow until the fruit is ripe, when the parent is eut away, and the sucker grows amazingly, and not unfrequently in eighteen months produces a fruit larger than the parent. Should the suckers rise from the axils of the leaves at some dis- tance above the soil, they, being ineligible, are either twisted out with a pair of pincers as they present themselves, or have their hearts drilled out by thrusting a pointed square stick into them, and twisting it round several fimes, but not so as to injure the old plant. BRANCHES OF EVERGREENS FoR BEDS IN WINTER (A Constant Reader, North Devon).—The parts most eligible for this purpose are densely- branched shoots of all evergreen trees and shrubs. There is not an ever- green that may not be employed in this way. Arrangement is a matter of taste, and that you seem to understand. As to their adaptability for the purpose specified, they are better than nothing, bunt after all look well for a time as the weather is wet or dry. The proper place for branches of all kinds not planted to strike root, or to serve some purpose other than that of living plants, is the rubbish-heap. To make a garden a cemetery is worse than having nothing in it, for neatness is superior to having faded autumn- tinted foliage in the beds all winter, and dead-looking plants in the spring. ADMITTING AIR TO GRapEs (Zdem).—In fine’ dry days the lights may be opened early in the morning, and remain open all day; but at night they should be closed before the heavy autumn dews begin to fall, using fire by day only. If you can have a little air on at back without wet getting in at night by all means do so, otherwise the house had better be closed. It is a warm confined moist night air that is so injurious to Grapes hanging, and air at night, especially at this season, does more harm than good. We have in the press a book on Vine culture, which we think will suit you. Booxs (J. 0., Bradford),—You can have Appleby’s ‘ Orchid Manual, for the cultivation of all kinds of Orchids,” for thirty-two stamps free by post from our office ; and the ‘Fern Manual” for sixty-four stamps. LEAN-ro House Factne tHe Nortu (7. 7.).—If you had not been at the trouble of putting in front lights, and we suppose glass also, your north house would have made an excellent one for Ferns: as it is, it will do very well for that class of plants; and there are many interesting kinds that will endure a great deal of frost, which you may grow in Scotland in a house not heated. The house will also do very well for Camellias, and many hard= wooded plants will endure a great amount of cold, but we would not advise Heaths, as they like sun and air. Azaleas, however, will most likely do well with you, and the hybrid Rhododendrons will succeed admirably, while in spring and summer your house will be just suitable for flowering plants, as Calceolarias, Geraniums. and Balsams. If you determine on wintering Camellias and the like, do not be tempted to try an Arnott?’s stove in severe weather; rather cover up in any rough way, if it were even by throwing straw amongst the plants, and if they are frozen tet them thaw slowly and eee ans the dainage amongst hardwooded plants will not be so great after all. PEACHES AND NECTARINES ON A West Aspect (Monmouth Subscriber). —There can be no question that Peaches and Nectarines would ripen with greater certainty under glass than without it; and as you wish to build such houses cheaply, we advise you to make the bulk of yourroofa fixture, but to have some good large flaps at top as weliasin front. Assuming the length of rafter to be 15 feet, we should say let 2 feet of that at top be on hinges to lift up by an easy contrivance, and the remaining 13 feet might be all a fixed roof. A small but neat bar of T-iroa will support the glazing-bar from sinking if fixed from rafter to rafter in the middle, The front wall may be wooden boards almost its whole depth. Winterine Tom Toump GERANIUMS IN A Hay-torr (7. A.).—You may winter them as you say, in a hay-loft, if there be light to it, but do not place them there until the weather is likely to setin frosty. If you havea cold pit with lights, and watertight, let them stand there as long as the weather is open and mild, say perhaps till the first week in December, covering up the frame at night when frosty, but giving air at all times when mild, ‘keeping the plants dry, and checking growth by exposing them gradually to cold winds, so as to have them at rest, or nearly so, before setting them into the hay-loft. Cover up while there, if it be required, keeping them dry almost to withering, and remove them in March to some place where there is more light. If they are in pots let them remain so, and if potbound so much the better. Fruiting VINES IN Pots (Idem).—If the wood appears ripe, and the leaves easily part from the shoots, they may be pruned at once. A small shoot or two at the top is of no particular consequence. It would, however, be better to let them remain outside after pruning for a little time, say a month or so, to harden, when they may be introduced into heat gradually. It would be better not to fresh pot them now, but place them in saucers or pans, and when fairly started feed them with liquid manure at times. En- larging the pot at the present time will only cause the production of more wood, the fruit deriving but little benefit from it. Do not be in too great a hurry in forcing. We have seen many pots of Vines spoiled by being forced too early, the incipient bunch going blind, and producing no berries worth~ caring for. APPLE AND PEAR TREES FOR EspaLrers—Prrimip Pears (Yorkshire) —We think the espaliers would be profitable, and that the border of flowers in front next the walk will look well; but the fowers should be of low growth, and not planted nearer the trees than 2 feet, therefore your border should be at least 1 foot wider, or the trees planted that distance further from the walk. At the commencement the flowering plants may, of course, be planted wider in the spaces not covered by the trees; but for the fruit trees to do any good they must not be crowded by plants, but have free expo- sure to light andair. You may have the espaliers any height, but we prefer them 6 feet. Galvanised wire, if properly made, is preferable to ordinary wire, though the latter will answer well if kept painted. The wire may be stapled to wooden poats, which should be fixed firmly in the ground, and charred to the depth they are in the soil, and a few inches aboveit, Above the surface they should be well painted, or coated with boiling gas tar. The posts should be 2 feet in the ground, and the end ones double the strength of the inside ones. The first wire should be 1 foot from the ground, and the others 9 inches or a foot above it, which will make seven wires necessary. If you train the trees horizontally, the posts should be 20 feet apart for Pears on the pear stock, and 12 feet apartif on the quince. The posts for the Apples should be 20 feet apart for those on the crab stock, and 13 feet apart if on the paradise stock; and the trees of both Apples and Pears should be planted halfway between them. The two end posts may be made firm by driving a post 3 feet from them in a line with them outwards, and fastening a wire to them, and then to the first upright post 5 feet from the ground. The other posts are best secured by ramming the soil round them firmly. We would have the Apples on the paradise, and the Pears on the quince stock. Eleven Apple trees would therefore be required—say eight for baking and three for dessert—as you have a greater quantity of Pears. They may be—dessert Apples: Red Astrachan, Blenheim Orange, Golden Pippin, or Court of Wick. Kitchen Apples: Keswick Codlin, Nonsuch, Manx Codhn, Lord Suffield, Gravenstein, Waltham Abbey Seedling, or Golden Noble, Winter Pearmain, and Dumelow’s Seedling. We would have the Pears on the quince stock at 12 feet apart, as stated. Thirteen trees would, therefore, be required. They may be the following, which come into season in the order in which they are named: Doyenné @’Eté, Jargonelle, Colmar d’Eté, Williams’s Bon Chrétien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise, Thompson's, Forelie or Trout Pear, Hacon’s Incomparable, Beutré Diel, Alexandre Lambré, Beurré d’Aremberg, and Beurré de Rance. We presume that by dwarf standard Pear trees you mean bushes and pyramids, which are the most suitable for planting along the sides of paths in kitchen gardens. Stan- dard trees shade other crops too much. We think your arrangement of the garden very good, and hope these hints may be useful; but if you want further advice do not hesitate about asking us for it. We never deviate from our rule of not recommending dealers. Vine Roots rnsipE GREENHOUSE (J. J.).—If the roots be only covered with bricks to the width of the path, leaving a considerable surface bare, we do not think any great harm will result to the roots; but if you cover the whole of the surface inside they cannot be fed or watered, and will, besides, be shut out from air. It is usualin such cases to have a pathway formed of laths, which are moveable, thus facilitating the attention necessary to be bestowed on the border, which consists in watering when the Vines are active, so as to keep the soil in a health{ully moist state, and giving a mulching of 3 inches of short manure every spring, to be covered with an inch of loam to take away its untidy appearance, ‘ October 18, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 317 PLANTING AN ORCHARD oF THREE AcrEs (A Subscriber).—In giving advice of this kind somewhat more of your ulterior objects ought to be Known than is given in your otherwise well-penned letter. We confess we are no particular admirers of closely-trimmed fruit trees anywhere excepting against a wall, espalier, or similar place. If we were, like you, near a fashionable watering-place, where there isa good sale for fruits in sum- mer and early in autumn, we would trench the ground as you propose, plant standard Apples about 20 feet apart each way, and fill the ground between with Gooseberries or Currants at 5 feet apart, cutting away and ‘removing these bushes as the Apple trees advanced, and eventually sowing the orchard with grass. If the situation is very windy, dwarf trees trained cup fashion might be substituted, and these may do much closer, say 2 feet ‘apart. We would not, however, recommend miniature trees if a large quan- tity of fruit is wanted. We have seen several Apple trees the present season yielding forty bushels of fruit each, and it would take a great number of small bush trees to accomplish this, besides the trouble and expense of training the latter. As you confine your list to ten varieties, and believing you would do better by growing chiefly early sorts, we would recommend the following, the greater portion to be of the first-named, which are early: Devonshire Quarrenden, Kerry Pippin, King of the Pippins, Cellini, Blen- heim Orange, New Hawthornden, Mapson’s Seedling, and Lord Suffield, all summer and autumn fruits ; and for late keeping try Golden Knob, Welling- ton, Winter Queening, or Court-Pendu-plat. For appearance in early sum- mer, the Red Juneating, Red Astrachan, and Cox’s Orange Pippin, are all good; while for early bearing, and the property of filling the basket quickly, the Keswick Codlin has few equals—J. R. Gtoxrntas GRrowineG IN A Vinery (Ruby).—Pot them in February, keep- ing them until then in any kind of light soil in a dry part of the vinery> from which frost is excluded, and employing a compost of turfy loam and leaf mould in equal parts, with a free admixture of silversand. Provide drainage to one-fourth of the depth, using pots two-thirds larger than the bulbs. Water sparingly until the growths appear, then give more gradually as growth progresses. If vou have a hotbed you may plunge the pots in it, and grow these plants there for six or eight weeks, and thence remove to the vinery, and place on a shelf near the glass. Thunbergia coccinea to do any good requires a stove temperature, though it will do moderately in a temperature of not less than 45° in winter. Boussingaultia baselloides should do in avinery, which is quite warm enough a place for it. It requiresa compost of peat and loam in equal parts, with a free admixture of silver gand, abundant water when growing, but none when at rest, and all the light possible after the foliage has attained its full size, a free circulation of air being also afforded. You may keep the Caladiums named in a heated glass case, only they must not be too wet in winter: maintain a temperature of 55° to 60°. They Juxuriate in a compost of turfy loam and leaf mould in equal parts, with a free admixture of sand. Vines From EYEs versus LAyERS—PLANTING OLp SMALL Vinks (If. F.). —Vines from eyes are preferable to those from layers, because the joints of the wood are shorter, and they have the advantage of going on progressively to perfection without any drawback: whereas layers are liable to receive a check when detached from the parent, which prevents their growing freely for some time afterwards. It would not be judicious to plant in a permanent border Vines that have been in small pots for three or four years, and have thin old-looking canes, for they seldom take to the fresh soil well, and make correspondingly poor growths. Free, young, strong, healthy- growing canes, the thickness of the little finger, which were in the eye this spring, would make double the growth if planted next spring, and give a crop of Grapes the year following : whereas the others will be only recover- ing themselves preparatory for a start another year. For planting in per- Mmanent borders we prefer young moderately strong well-ripened canes to those that have been grown years in pots, even though strong. Dovstz Senecros (W. Dillistone).—Your double Senecios are yery good ; the one named Magenta very attractive in colour. Its dwarf habit is a great recommendation, The other varieties are too dark for bedding pur- poses. In our opinion Senecios are better adapted for pot culture as deco- Tative plants. The variety Magenta is most desirable from its brilliancy of colour, Not having seen the plants growing, we can only speak of the pro- priety of names as applied to colour. CucuMBER-HOUsE—CoLD VinEry (J. H. C.).—Your proposed arrange- Ment will do for Cucumbers after the end: of February. For winter supply you would require at least three pipes below the central bed, and three pipes on the coldest side of the house. A good arrangement for such a house would be a bed in the centre 4 feet wide, a walk on each side 23 feet wide, and a shelf next the sides all round a foot wide. Did the house stand north and south, espeeially—but even as it does stand—we would prefer having a bed on each side, which, with middle walls, would take up 33 or 4 feet, and thus leave a path down the middle of from 3 to 4 feet. Two four-inch pipes beneath each bed would then do, and two round the house for top heat. For winter work a third would be desirable for the coldest side, as the health of _ Cucumbers depends much on not overheating the heating medium. Fora cold house we would haye one Buckland Sweetwater, one Royal Muscadine, one Muscat Hamburgh, and the rest Black Hamburghs. For a house to be heated take the first three, two Hamburghs, one Muscat, and one Lady Downes’. _ SEEDLING Fucusrs (John Scott)—Your specimens of Fuchsias arrived in avery sad condition. The names not being fastened to each specimen renders it difficult to recognise them. To do your seedlings justice we should see plants in flower. Presuming that the one with the pale mottled rosy purple corolla is Loveliness, we should say that was the best, although the sepals are rough. That with the large double white corolla, if free in flower- ing, would make a good decorative plant; the other specimens have no novelty about them. Much depends on the habit of the Fuchsia to render ifuseful. The Petunia is no advance upon many well-known named varieties. Names or Fruir (S. S,).—2, Court-Pendu-plat; 3 and 4, Court of Wick; 5, Golden Pippin; 6, Robinson’s Pippin; 10, Norfolk Beaufin. Others not Tecognised. (A. H.).—6, Barcelona Pearmain; 7, Vicar of Winkfield ; 8, Round Winter Nonsuch; 10, Scarlet Nonpareil; 11, Green Nonpareil; 13, Triomphe de Jodoigne. Others not recognised. (TZen-years Subscriber). —1, Forge; 2, Christie's Pippin; 3, Cellini; 4, Gravenstein; 6, Striped Beaufin ; 8, Golden Harvey; 9, Same as No. 10; 10, Same as No. 9; 12, Adams’s Pearmain; Baking Pear, Black Worcester; 14, Same as No. 2: 45, Carel’s Seedling. Others not recognised. (Hast Retford).—2, Golden ‘Winter Pearmain ; 4, Golden Noble; 7, Catillac; 9, Court of Wick; 10, Api Petit. Others not recognised. (J. JV., Southgate).—Apples.—l, Gloria Mundi; 2, Blenheim Pippin; 3, Dutch Mignonne; 4, Scarlet Nonpareil; 5, Ribston Pippin; 6, Court-Pendu-plat. Pears.—l, Napoleon; 2, Marie Louise; 3, Beurré de Rance; 4, Easter Beurré; 5, Beurré Diel; 6, Beurré d’Aremberg ; 7, Fondante d’Automne. Others notrecognised. (lV. F. H. H.). —1, Marie Louise; 2, Beurré Diel; 5, Passe Colmar; 4, St. Germain; 5, Catillac; 6, Williams’s Bon Chrétien. (H. P.).—Your Apple is Coe’s Golden Drop. Names oF Prants (Zex).—Cyanotis vittata. (Zeaftet).—It is quite im- possible to name your plants from pieces of leaves only : we must see the flowers. (Constant Reader).—Juniperus communis. (J. MW. K.).—The plant with a prickly pointed leaf is Ruscus aculeatus. The other two are not ina nameable state. (Mary).—Mesembryanthemum cordifoliam. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY-CLUB MEETING. (From a Correspondent.) Tue half-yearly meeting of the Poultry Club was held in the board-room at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, on the 1st inst., when about twenty members were present. Upon the motion of Mr. Beldon, Mr. Kelleway took the chair. The following new members were then elected :—Messrs. J. E. Powers, H. Lacy, W. J. Pope, J. Fletcher, J. Crosland, jun., W. Guerrier, J. Smith, J. Anderson, A. Crook, C. Priest, H. Bates, — Colley, F. W. Else, M. Headley, J. Monsey, and W. B. Tegetmeier. Mr. Zurhorst gave notice of motion, respecting the absence of the minute-books, &c., of the Club, for the next meeting. Mr. Beldon said, that with respect to the book of rules for judging, he considered that the dissatisfaction shown at the principle out of doors was due to a misapprehension of their purpose. The rules laid down were really a standard of excellence for the guidance of exhibitors. It was absurd to think that the Judges were to make their awards book in hand; but any flagrant violation of the acknowledged standard of excellence by a Judge would entail an explana- tion from him hy the Stewards. Mr. Beldon, to remove the only possible point of opposition to the Club, moved that the name be altered to “A Standard for the Guidance of Poultry Exhibitors.” This being seconded, was unanimously adopted. It was stated that the revised edition would be ready in a few days, and each member immediately supplied with a copy. A long discussion took place about a monthly periodical on poultry matters; but from the experience of some mem- bers present it was not deemed advisable, it being certain to entail a pecuniary loss. The appointment of the Judges at Birmingham was next brought forward, and is was resolved to memorialise the Committee that if they still appointed some of their old Judges they would select fresh ones to act with them in whom exhibitors had confidence. The next meeting was fixed for the Monday of the Bir- mingham Show at the Bingley Hall Tavern at three o'clock. The meeting then dispersed after passing votes of thanks to Mz. Kelleway, the chairman, and Mr. Ashton, who acted as secretary. TUNBRIDGE WELLS POULTRY SHOW. We are always glad to note progress of poultry in con- nection with agriculture. It is a natural thing, and the association is therefore a correct one. The good people of Kent are not slow in learning. Last year was the first exhi- bition of the sort they have had, and they have soon applied the lesson which they then had placed before them. aoe its soil, its contiguity to London, and from tradition, Kent should be, as it was formerly, one of the chief poultry pro- viders of the London market. Many villages and places retain in name an old reputation. We recollect when Wes- terham was famous for its breed, just as Le Mans and La Pléche are for theirs in France; and Handeross, Cuckfield, and Dorking are here. There was a great increase in Dorkings, Géese, Ducks, and Turkeys—all among the most useful and marketable of the dwellers in the yard, or on the farm. The progress was not confined to the numbers, it was as perceptible in the quality. Many of the birds shown were fit for any ex- hibition in England, and would hold their own creditably anywhere. There were twenty-one pens of Dorkings, many of them most excellent. The Rev. Mr. Barnes showed three 318 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { October 18, 1864. pens, taking first and second, and a high commendation. The first-prize pen sold readily for ten guineas. We have seldom seen two better pens; but there was the old mistake. Tf the cock from the second-prize pen had been put with the first-prize pullets, it would have been an improvement. Mr. Simmons’s birds were very good. Hight pens were deser- vedly mentioned. The Polands and Spanish do not seem to grow in public estimation. We imagine much of this may be attributed to the fact, that non-sitters are troublesome birds on a farm. They involve the necessity of keeping two breeds, and these are tiresome to keep distinct. If they are allowed to mingle, then we soon come to the abomination of all abominations—the strange creature called a ‘ barn-door fowl,” an “olla podrida” made up of a small contribution from Spanish, Poland, Dorking, Game, “and many others, which now to describe would be too long.’ The idea is suggested to us by having before our eyes while we write, a picture, by a Flemish master, said to possess considerable merit. The cock is yellow and white with blue legs, he has a lark crest, and a cup comb; one hen is white with a splashed topknot; another is black all over, she is also crested ; another hen is brown‘and white—all have dark legs. In the country where this was painted they are still called **Boor’s fowls,’ and invoiced as such when sent over for sale. A pure breed is more valuable, and quite as useful. The food consumed by one of these equals in expense the con- sumption of a pure bred and good fowl]. One is worth on table, or in the market, twice as much as the other, and surely uniformity and harmony of colour and markings shall be worth something in the yard. Hamburghs were poorly represented in numbers; but Mr. Brassey, who took nearly all the prizes, did so with good birds, especially the Golden-pencilled. We question whether it would not be well another year to give fewer prizes for the Hamburghs, and more for the Dorkings. In the “various class,’ Mr. Brassey was successful with some good Créve Cours. There seems to be a speciality at this Show for good Duckwings. All the Game were excellent, these especially. Mr. Gee took both prizes. Messrs. Cheney and Simmons showed good Bantams. The Turkeys were very meritorious. Lord Abergavenny took both prizes, hard run by Sir Walter James. Geese were excellent, especially Mr. Sharp’s first-prize pen of Toulouse. Mr. Wyer also showed heavy birds. Aylesbury Ducks were a good, but not an even class. Mr. Gee’s birds which took both prizes had an easy victory, on account of the excellence of their points; but there were larger birds with yellow bills, and one pen of very good Ducks slightly foul-feathered. Rouens were another good class, and brought deserved honours to Messrs. Sharpe and -Field. Another, and in our opinion, a very useful class at an agricultural show, was one for “any other Ducks.” Some very large birds were shown. Mrs. Cramer Roberts took first, and Lord Abergavenny second. The Show is held in a lovely spot, and was favoured with beautiful weather. Like most agricultural shows, it is a holiday, and a source of enjoyment to all. The Committee is a painstaking and active one, deserving the success they meet, and Mr. Richardson is an urbane and excellent Secretary. Mr. Baily, Mount Street, Grosvenor Square, was the Judge. LONG SUTTON POULTRY SHOW. Tue first annual Show of Poultry and Pigeons was held on the 12th inst., and was in every respect a great success, many of the birds being of great merit. Amongst the num- ber may be mentioned the Spanish, shown by Mr. W. Massey, Gedney ; Silver-pencilled Hamburghs, by Mr. T. J. Saltmarsh, Chelmsford; and Brahma Pootras by Mr. E. Sherman, Chelms- ford. A fine pen of Silver Polands were well shown by Mr. G. Boothby, of Louth; and an exquisite pen of Game Ban- tams by Mr. G. Clarke, of Long Sutton. A good collection of Pigeons were shown, the prize pens being of extraordinary merit. The entries numbered 136 pens. Upwards of £18 was taken at the door, though the admittance was’ only 6d. each until four o’clock in the afternoon, when the Show was opened free, It is the intention of the Committee to publish a much more extended prize list another year, as they now have the patronage of the members for the county and the gentry of the neighbourhood. We wish it success. Doxxrincs' (Any colour).—First, J. A. Clarke, Long Sutton. Second, J. Vorley, Holbeach. Highly Commenced, G. Bocthby, Louth; Mrs. J. Clarke, Long Sutton. HG ae (Any colour).—First, Miss Kemp, Fleet. Second, H. Snushall, edney. SpanisH.—First and Second, W. Massey, Gedney. Cocutin-Cuina (Any colour).—First, Mrs. W. Massey, Gedney. Second, E. Gregory, Leverington. Highly Commended, I. Whitsed, Holbeach. Come mended, P. Hutchinson, Spalding. HamsurcuH (Any colour).—First, T. J. Saltmarsh, Chelmsford. Second, W. Stevenson, Gedney Marsh. Highly Commended, T. J. Saltmarsh. Commended, G. Lee, Gedney. Any VaRreTy not NaMED Above. — First, E. Sherman, Chelmsford. Seeond, G. Boothby, Louth. Game Bantams (Any colour).—First, G. Clarke, Long Sutton. Second, R. Swift, Southwell. Commended, J. Barnes, Peterborough. ANY Farsyarp Cross.—Prize, G. Clarke, Long Sutton. Market CHIcKens or 1864.—First, J. A. Clarke, Long Sutton. Second and Third, J. Vorley, Holbeach. Mrs. J. Clarke, Long Sutton. Ducks (Any variety).—First, J. Eno, Long Sutton. Second, J. G. Hobson. Highly Commended, W. Wright, Sutton. Turkeys (Any colour).—First, Mrs. Harris, Sutton. Second, W. Wright. Highly Commended, T. Snushall, Gedney. GEESE (Any colour).—Prize, B. Day, Sutton. BS SincLe Cock (Any Breed or Cross).—First, E. Sherman, Chelmsford. Second, J. Vorley, Holbeach. Third, G. Manning, Spriagfield. Fancy Picrons.—First, Mrs. W. Massey, Gedney. Second, W. Massey, Third, D. Woodhouse, Nottingham. Highly Commended, I. Whitsed, Hol- beach ; P. Hutchinson, Spalding. Brest Rapnir.—First, Master F. Medd, Long Sutton. Second, Miss Bennett, Long Sutton. Third, W. Beaty, Long Sutton. Highly Commended, G. Manning, Springfield. Brest THREE Rapsits.—Prize, D. Osborne, Long Sutton. Mr. James Monsey, of Norwich, officiated as Judge. Commended, W. Oliver, Long Sutton WORCESTERSHIRE POULTRY EXHIBITION. TE Committee of the Worcester Poultry Show have just held their ninth annual meeting in the Corn Exchange of that city. A more excellently adapted building for every purpose of a moderate-sized show it is difficult to imagine, as it is not only well lighted, but ventilated in a manner so perfect as to leave nothing to be desired. Thanks to the persevering and very strenuous exertions of Mr. John Holland, from whom many more assuming exhibitions might with profit take copy, everything passed off quite pleasantly and in order, each duty being fulfilled in the time originally appointed, thus creating none of those unexpected delays, and consequent after-bustle and hurry to make up lost time, to which cause alone not a few of our poultry meetings may entirely attribute their eventual failure. It is an equally gratifying result to find that not only did the entries of poultry on this occasion outnumber by more than twenty pens even the largest of the eight preceding Worcester Shows, but it is equally important to note down, that the quality of the birds exhibited was ‘a decided improvement over those hitherto competing. With these few well-deserved remarks, we will now pro- ceed to make a few observations on the classes generally. Game fowls headed the lists, and here from evident inatten- tion to the rules of the prize schedules, two most excellent pens were disqualified for exhibiting one pullet and cockerel in the stead of a pair of pullets and cockerel. Too muck careful attention cannot be devoted by intended exhibitors to the rigid examination of each particular prize list, as it by no means follows that the rules of one society should tally pre- cisely with those of similar meetings in the neighbourhood. Vexation and annoyance must ensue, although the blame rests beyond question at the doors of those parties only who have by mischance made a false entry, for the rules and regu- lations must always be strictly enforced without favour or affection to any one. In the Game classes a great and some- what general drawback arose from the cockerels having been so recently “dubbed”? as to be still suffering depression from this operation. It isan unwise step to subject them to the in- creased suffering of a poultry show until perfectly recovered. There were several cockerels, however, exhibited, that ina few weeks to come will show in greatly improved condition. The Spanish class was a remarkably good one, but it was obvious to any one at all conversant with poultry culture that several of the so-called pullets exhibited were birds in- disputably of far greater age than represented. It is not | October 18, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 319 ne SS frequently that so good a class is met with at any local show as were the Grey Dorking class at Worcester ; and we noticed, also, some especially good White Dorkings in another part of the Exhibition. One of the triumphs of the Worcester Show, however, centred in the classes for Cochins, all three of these classes were far beyond general expectation, and the competition was necessarily most severe. This remark will apply with equal force to both the Buff, Partridge- coloured, and the White Cochins.. Some unusually good Brahmas were exhibited in their class, and some very fair specimens were also shown of this variety in the ‘selling class.” In Hamburghs the Golden and the Silver-spangled breeds were shown in numbers and quality that left little to be desired; the Silver-pencilled ones, for which this neighbourhood has been for so many years celebrated, were an exceedingly good class, and the Silver-spangled Polands and the Black Polands were equally praiseworthy. In the Any variety class were shown first-rate Silky fowls, Malays, Andalusians, Black Hamburghs,and White Dorkings. The Sebright Bantams were decidedly superior to those that have been of late years exhibited, and the White and Black Bantams were also good. In Geese and Ducks Mrs. Seamons was as usual quite at home in the prize list, and left very little for division among the remaining competitors. Sir St. George Gore, how- ever, sent a pen of exceedingly good-plumaged Carolina Ducks. Thos. Harvey Dutton Bayley, Esq., exhibited his unapproachable pen of Grey Call Ducks; whilst the display of Buenos Ayrean Ducks was a show in itself, and this class consequently was one of the most interesting portions of the whole exhibition. The “selling class” consisted of over forty pens, many of which at once changed hands from the very limited price enforced upon them by the conditions of the prize schedules ; in fact, it drew forth quite a competi- tion among intending purchasers, and proved beyond ques- tion one of the most remunerative classes to the Committee that appeared on their list of premiums. No Pigeons were exhibited at Worcester, and the with- drawal of encouragement this year from so popular a portion of such meetings might possibly well deserve reconsideration on future occasions. The weather very luckily turned out most favourable, and a band of the Volunteers, placed on a stage outside the . entrance, proved very attractive. Game (Black or Brown-breasted Reds).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Hopton Hall, Wirksworth, Derbyshire. Second, J. Cock, Worcester. Highly Commended, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Game (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).—First, E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Highly Com- mended, A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Salop. Game (Any other variety).—First, J. Cock, Worcester. Second, E. Win- wood, Upton-on-Severn. Game CockeEreEts (Any variety).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirks- worth. Second, T. Statter, Whitefield, Manchester. Highly Commended, Mrs. Hay, Sudbury, Derby. Commended, J. Holme, Knowsley, near Prescot; A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Salop; T. Dyson, Halifax. Spanisa.—First, E. P. Holden, Walsall. Second, G. Lamb, Compton. Highly Commended, E. Brown; W. Rove, Bristol. Commended, W. Bradley, Worcester; A. Heath, Calne, Wilts; W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Dorkines (Coloured).—Fiast, J. White, Northallerton. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth, Derbyshire. Highly Commended, Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Clevyeland; Mrs, Pettat, Basingstoke; Mrs. Young, Stratford-on-Avon; J. Hill, Burton-on-Trent. Commended, Rey. M. Amphlett, Evesham; E. Tudman, Ash Grove, Whitchurch, Salop. Cocuin-Cuina (Cinnamon and Buff). — First, H. Bates, Birmingham. Second, G. Fell, Warrington. Highly Commended, Rey. W. C. H. H. - D’Aeth, Arborfield, Reading; H. Bates. CocuIn-Cutna (Partridge and Grouse).—First, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Second, E. Tudman, Whitchurch, Salop. Highly Commended, P. Cart. wright, Oswestry. Commended, C. H. Wakefield, Malvern Wells. Cocuin-Cuina (Any other vyariety).—First, R. Chase, Balsall Heath, Birmingham. Second, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfield. Highly Commended, ¥. W. Zurhorst, Donnybrook, Dublin; G. Lamb, Compton. Commended, Mrs. St. John, Basingstoke. Brauma Pootra.—First, P. Statter, Manchester. Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, Mrs, Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury. Commended, J. Pares, Chertsey. Hamepureus (Gold-pencilled).—First J. Robinson, Vale House, Garstang. Second, Rev. R. Roy, Worcester. Highly Commended, J. Fielding, New- church; F, Pittis, Newport, Isle of Wight. HAMBuRGHs (Silyer-pencilled).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirks- worth. Second, J. Robinson, Garstang. Highly Commended, Rev. R. Roy, Worcester; I. W. Walsh, Worcester. Commended, P. Foxwell, Wor- cester; D. Illingworth, Burley, near Otley. '_ Hampurcus (Gold-spangled).—First, B. Boynes, Keighley. Second, J. Leech, Newcastle. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirks- worth ; G. Brook, Huddersfield. Commended, T. May, Wolverhampton. Hampureus (Silver-spangled).—First, E. Collinge, Clough Middleton. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Highly Commended, T. Davies, Newport, Monmouth; J. Fielding, Newchurch; G, Whitcombe, Twigworth Villa, near Gloucester. Potannps (Gold or Silver).—First and Second, G. C. Adkins, Lightwoods, near Birmingham. Highly Commended, Mrs. Blay, Worcester. Pouanps (Black, with White Crests),—First, J. Smith, Keighley. Second, H. Carter, Upperthong. Any Distinct VARIETY NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE CLASSES.—First, Rev. P. W. Storey, Daventry (Silky Fowls). Second, J. Robinson, Garstang (White Dorkings). Highly Commended, Rev. G. F. Hodson, North Petherton (White Dorkings); Mrs. Blay, Worcester (Andalusians) ; W. K. Duxbury, Leeds (Black Hamburghs); J. Hinton, Hinton, near Bath (Malays). : Gamg Bantams (Any variety).—First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second, J. H. Turner, Sheffield. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Wirksworth ; J. Crosland, jun., Wakefield; J. Munn, Shawclough. Bantams (Gold or Silver-laced).—First and Highly Commended, M. Leno, jun., Dunstable, Beds (Silver-laced). Second, Rev. G, F. Hodson, North Petherton (Gold-laced). Highly Commended, Mrs. Pettat, Basingstoke, Hampshire; R. Adams, Birmingham. Commended, T. C. Harrison, Hull. Bantams (Black or White).—First, T. Davies, Newport, Monmouth. Second, J. P. Gardener, Rugeley. Highly Commended, F. Pittis, jun., Newport, Isle of Wight. Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Turkeys.—Second, Mrs. Wolferstan, Tamworth. Gostines.—First and Second, Mrs. Seamons, Aylesbury. Highly Com- mended, C. R. Powys, Wallingford. Commended, Mrs. S. R. Herbert, Powick, near Worcester; R. Rees, Abergavenny ; W. K. Duxbury, Leeds, Ducks (Aylesbury).—First, Second, and Highly Commended, Mrs. Seas mons, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, E. Shaw, Oswestry. Ducks (Rouen).—First and Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, T. Statter, Manchester. Highly Commended, Mrs. S. R. Herbert, Powick, near Worcester; J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury; W. Gamon, Thornton- le-Moors; W. Stephens, Higham Green, Gloucester. Commended, J. K. Fowler; J. Holme, Knowsley, near Prescot; J. Robinson, Garstang. _ Ducks (Any other variety).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. (Carolinas). Second, T. H. D. Bayley, Biggleswade, Beds (Grey Calls). Highly Com- mended, Mrs. Pettat, Basingstoke, Hampshire (Wild Ducks) ; Miss Clifton, Whittingham, Worcester (Buenos Ayrean); J. R. Jessop, Hull ( Wild Ducks) ; T. Statter, Manchester (Buenos Ayrean); F. W. Earle, Edenhurst, Prescot (Buenos Ayrean), Commended, Capt. Edgell, Road, near Bath (White Call Ducks) ; C. W. Brierley, Manchester (Grey Calls); J, R. Jessop (Buenos Ayrean); J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury (Buenos Ayrean). A SeLLIne Ciass.—First, W. Holland, Pershore (Silver-pencilled Ham- burghs). Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. (Golden-spangled Hamburghs). Highly Commended A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Salop (White Game); W. K. Duxbury, Leeds (Golden-spangled Polands); Rev. R. Roy, Worcester (Golden-pencilled Hamburghs); T. Fletcher, Great Malvern (Silver- spangled Polands) ; Mrs. Blay, Worcester (White Muscovy Ducks). Com- mended, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, near Newport, Monmouth (Grey Dorkings anid White Cochins); J. Hinton, Hinton, near Bath (Silver-spangled Poands); T. W. Walsh, Worcester (Silver-pencilled Hamburghs); T. Fletcher (Frizzled Fowls) ; W. Bradley, Worcester (Pile Game Fowls) ; J. Robinson, Garstang (Grey Dorkings and Silver-spangled Hamburghs). E. Pigeon (Dark Brahmas). Edward Hewitt, Esq., of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Bir- mingham, officiated as the Arbitrator. COWS ROBBED OF THEIR MILK. AutHoucH I agree with you that “J.J.T.s” cow (see page 301), was not milked by a hedgehog, I cannot un- hesitatingly conclude that the milk was taken by a hand. My attention was lately attracted to a cow lying in a mea- dow by the somewhat strange posture of the animal. Going up to her to see what was amiss, I found her quietly sucking one of her own teats. She was in a wretchedly poor con- dition, and a countryman who stood by remarked, “ She’s a’most sucked herself to death.” f If, as I suspect, “J. J. T.’s” cow has a similar habit, his man may convict her in the theft by looking at her mouth, even if he cannot succeed in catching her in the act of stealing her milk.—Epwarp Lzsrzr, Borstal. BOOK ON BEE-KEEPING. From a short report in your Journal of the Entomological Society’s Meeting, it appears that the letters of the Times’ Bee-master have been condemned and deplored as full of inaccuracies and errors the most ridiculous and disgraceful. Nor is the evil which has been inflicted on the public to stop here—we are to have a “book” from the pen of that cele- brated writer—a book in which if we find some truth we may also expect to find the exploded notions of our fore- fathers reproduced with many mistakes and blunders of the tyro. Now for this bane, whose evil influence will be diffused far and wide, there ought immediately to be provided an antidote—and who so able for the task as the “ DEVONSHIRE Brn-KEEPER?” I believe that gentleman can produce a work on bee science and husbandry worthy of the age; and if he will set himself to the task, I have no doubt he will receive the countenance and support of every British apiarian. A book scientific and practical, embracing the most recent physiological discoveries, and all the newest and best methods 320 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 18, 1864. of managing bees, is a want with which the public has not yet been supplied. Will Mr. Woodbury respond to a request which I in common with many others now make ?—R. S, BOXES AND SUPERS. In No. 182 of your New Series of Toe JouRNAL or Horti- cULTURE, I find an article on comb-pruning by your valued correspondent, Mr. S. Bevan Fox, and in that article allusion is made to one of his hives, No. 7, a box adjuster-hive, from which in the year 1863 he took a super of 30 Ibs., and in the present year, 1864, another of about 40lbs. Now, as Tama bee-keeper, not, indeed, on a very large scale, I should be glad if your correspondent would furnish me with the dimen- sions of the stock-hive, and also those of a super to hold 30 or 40 lbs. of honey, likewise what must be the minimum inside measure of a wooden box-hive to contain sufficient honey to carry a good swarm through the winter—A. K. H. [The adjuster-hive was originally invented by Mr. G. Fox, of Kingsbridge. I gavea full description, accompanied by a diagram, of the one then in use by myself, at page 99, of No. 555, Vol. XXII., published May 17th, 1859. As it is possible that “A. K. H.,” may not possess a copy of THE CoTTace GARDENER of that date, I here sketch outa short description of the hive, which I hope may suffice to show him the principle both of its construction and manage- ment. The dimensions now given slightly vary from those of the previous account, but are, I think, in every way an improve- ment. The stock-box A is 12 inches square, by 8% inches deep, “inside measure. It is made of $-inch yellow deal (or g-inch when planed), well and truly dovetailed together, and as additional security, pinned at each corner by two pins of iron wire 4% inches long, meeting about the centre, pre- viously having bored with a fine gimlet. A rebate of -inch in depth by 75-inch wide, is run along the upper edges of the back and front. The bars, eight in number, which are 123-inches in length, by -inch wide, and 3-inch thick, are sunk in notches of the same width and depth, so that there will be a space of three-eighths of an inch between the bars and the adapter or cover. The bars should also be con- structed with shallow ribs of about 34-inch square, on the ~under side, after the fashion of the Woodbury ribbed comb- bar. A thin coating of melted wax should be applied to | manner according to the fancy of the owner. these ribbed surfaces previous to a swarm being hived in the box. c Is a thin board clamped at the ends, used as an adapter and top. This is fastened to the box by well-greased screws, which must be carried through the clamps only. There are two slits 8 inehes long by 2-inch wide, on each side, corre- sponding with two of the openings between the bars. These are best made towards the two sides, leaving no communi- cation near the centre. When the super is not being worked these slits for communication are closed by two pieces of wood about 3 inches wide, which are slipped gently along from one end to the other, so as to avoid crushing bees. The super B must be made with great nicety, just large enough in the square to slip down over the stock-box a, or about 132 inches square, by from 12 to 15 inches in depth, according to the honey district. This is also furnished with eight bars 14 inch in width, either formed and fixed like those in the lower box, or made of $-inch stuff, a piece of 2% inches long by % inch deep being cut out of the top part of each end of the Sar bar, thus— It is hardly necessary to say that the top and adapter of the inner box must be made perfectly flush with the outer dimensions of the same. The window in the stock-box, 7 inches in length by 43 inches in depth, is darkened by a shutter of stout zinc, sliding upwards from below through a slit cut in the ficor- board, and working in grooves covered by narrow slips of the same metal sunk its own thickness into the wood. The window in the super is of somewhat larger dimensions—say 10 inches high by 7 inches wide, and may be closed in any Tn all cases of bar-bives the glass must be fitted, as nearly as possible, flush with the inside of the box. The floor-board p is made of 14-inch stuif about 18 inches | square, strengthened by two cross pieces dovetailed and driven in tight about 4 imches from each side. It is ad- visable to screw the bottom board to the stock-box, other- wise it would be difficult to take off the super without lifting the inner box. The screws must pass through the cross- bars, a mortice being cut in the floor-board proper to allow of play backwards and forwards as the grain contracts or exjands, according to the dryness or moisture of the atmosphere. Bee-keepers will do well to attend to this simple affair in the manufacture ofall box-hives, as otherwise the sides of the box are strained and started from their fastenings; but it is particularly necessary as respects the hive under consideration. The entrance is 6 inches long by $-inch high, and is eut in the upper surface of the floor-board. It is contracted when desirable by moveable wedges, or by aslide. There is an alighting-board attached. During winter, or at any time that the super is not being filled, it must be kept in its proper place over the stock-box, itself being intended to form the outer case. A moveable roof of wide dimensions is advisable. This may be made to fit the top of the super. To work this hive the stock-hive is supplied with a swarm in the usual way. A few bits of clean worker comb attached to the bars will assist in promoting straightness of comb- building. If none is at hand the waxed ribs must be trusted to. The following season, or the same if the hive becomes well filled, the slips of wood: are removed from the adapter, and the super let down to the floor-hoard. There will be a space of a few inches for the bees to commence operations in. Some clean guide combs should, if possible, be attached to the bars to induce them to do so. When the bees are fairly at work, and as the space allotted them becomes occu- pied with combs, the super should be raised an inch, being Tetained in its place by small blocks of wood. A rack and spring on each side used to be the means adopted for this latter purpose, but as it never seemed quite secure, the blocks of wood were substituted. As the work of filling goes on, the super must be raised little by little, suitable blocks being at hand. Two persons are necessary to effect this, and to remove the super at the end of the season. Some little exercise of judgment is requisite in deciding when these several raisings ought to be made. If delayed 7 mace October 18, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 321 a a too‘long the combs will probably be attached to the adapter, | anything out; and my friend only laughed at my suggestion and a fracture is the consequence. If effected too rapidly, or beyond what the honey season will warrant, a quantity of empty or half-filled combs is the result. A little experience will teach the owner better than any written directions. I have had a hive of this construction in pretty constant use for about fourteen years, tenanted by various swarms. I cannot be sure of the quantities of honey obtained from it prior to 1858. In that year a super of 30 Ibs. was taken; in 1859, one of 53 lbs., of particularly beautiful honey, and in subsequent ‘seasons it afforded results already detailed in No. 182 of the present series. Mr. G. Fox, the summer after first stocking this hive of his invention, obtained a splendid super of more than 66lbs. It is remarkable that only once have I ever known brood to be found in the super. This may be accidental, but I wish I could report the same of other supers. The hive has its faults, the chief being that a bee dress is generally requisite when carrying out any of the before- mentioned manipulations, as well as an additional pair of hands when removing the super. But as a remunerative hive under the management of one who understands it, I do not believe it has any superior, if it has its equal. With respect to the second query of “A. K. H.,” as to the dimensions of supers calculated to hold from 30 lbs. to 40 Ibs. of honeycomb, an octagonal super of 13 inches in di- ameter by S inches deep, will contain about the latter quan- tity. J am very partial to shallow square supers constructed to carry the same bars, which fit into the frames in use in my frame-hives. These boxes are about 13 inches square, by depths varying from 3} to 54 inches, inside measure, in- cluding the bars. One of these boxes is first given, and when tolerably well filled with combs, an empty one, without the bars, is placed between the stock and the super. The combs are extended into the second box, and here is a modi- fication of the adjusting principle at once. By this plan I have obtained some of my largest and best supers, from 54 1bs. in weight downwards. The best dimensions for wooden stock-hives are 13 inches square by 8inches deep. A smaller-sized box would, doubt- less, contain enough stores to carry a colony through the winter; but more than this is required, there must be suffi- cient capacity for the breeding powers of a prolific queen, and the storing of large quantities of pollen. This being deficient, it is useless to expect the bees to confine their breeding quarters to the stock-hive; but they will ascend for that purpose into the supers. That small stock hives are a great mistake has long been the opinion of—S. Bevan Fox, Ezeter.] BEES ARE CARNIVOROUS. In the Number of your valuable Journal for September 20th, a correspondent, “A. W.,” seems to be quite incre- dulous about my experience of the carnivorous propensities of the honey bee. Since then I have received a strong tes- timony in favour of the correctness of my theory. A lady in my neighbourhood has been most successful in preserving and increasing her stock of bees during the last three incle- ment seasons, when every one else in the vicinity lost all or nearly all theirs. Being anxious to know how she managed her hives, I called on her and asked how she fed her bees in winter. Her reply was, “Almost entirely on meat—any scraps of fresh meat left after our dinner, such as chicken bones, limbs of ducks or other fowls, bits of roast tbeef with the gravy in them, as bees like underdone meat.’ “Dont you put sugar or something sweet.in it?” said lin a rather astonished tone. “Oh, nothing of the kind, but we are careful not to let any salt touch the meat. If there pe the smallest grain of salt on it-the bees would not eat it.” « And is this the way you always feed your bees ?” «Always; and my father and my grandfather never gave their bees any other food than meat, because sugar was dear in their time.” The lady lifted up a hive, and on the floor was a black erowd of bees, in the midst of which could be seen the in- distinct outline of the drumstick of a turkey. The bees were evidently hard at work, though I could not exactly determine what they were doing, but they were not carrying that they might so dispose of the meat. Bees certainly attack soft fruits. I have known them totally destroy two crops of ripe Peaches, and to cause much trouble in a vinery by joining in the depredations of the wasps. Bees are very capricious in their tastes for flowers. I have a hedge of Globe Fuchsias crimsoned over with blos- soms, which resounds all day long with such musical hum- ming, that I put it down as a first-rate bee-pasture ; but on close examination I did not find a garden bee on the whole hedge—the songsters were all of the wiid furry family. This puzzles me much. Honey for one should be honey for all. I feel rather disappointed in my Fuchsia hedge, from which I had expected great things for my bees.—Rupy. BEE-KEEPING. Bee-keeping. By “Tue Tres” Brez-master. With Ilus- trations. London: Sampson Low & Co. Turis is a superfluous and jesuitical book—superfluous because it contains nothing useful that is not to be found in recent cheaper works; and jesuitical, because whilst it pro- fesses to obviate “the obscurity and complexity of bee books in general,” all its practical portions are pure and simple ex- tracts from those very books. That our readers may judge for themselves on this point it will be sufficient to state, that the body of the volume contains 224 pages; of these nearly 50 pages are a reprint of the letters in the Times, and more than 70 pages are verbatim extracts from the works of Bevan, Taylor, and others. Not 30 pages are original. We take leave to correct one of the many unfounded and reckless assertions in which the writer indulges. In page 142 he states that Mr. Woodbury has “patented” a hive, and insinuates over and over again that that gentleman exposed the Bee-master’s errors because he did not notice this hive. It is more than probable that every apiarian reader of this Journal knows this assertion to be untrue, and will disbelieve the ungenerous insinuation : nevertheless it may not be out of place to mention that to our certain knowledge Mr. Wood- bury has no pecuniary interest in the sale of any of the hives which have been named after him, nor has he ever be- nefited, or sought to be benefited, a single penny by his apiarian inventions. With two further observations we leave the volume. We haye no intention to criticise the Times for rejecting Mr. Woodbury’s reply to the ‘“Bee-master’s” letter; but the “ Bee-master,” acting as judge in his own cause, says that reply was rejected “very properly.” We must therefore observe, that at the Entomological Society, “‘ Professor West- wood and the Rey. Hamlet Clark (two disinterested judges), regretted the diffusion of somuch error in a leading journal, and the unfair treatment to which Mr. Woodbury had been. subjected.” Lastly. The ‘‘ Bee-master” recommends a lady, if she finds a toad in her apiary, to “empty on him a snuff-bor full of strong snuff,” adding, as if it was a jocular treatment, “he will reflect a few days before he returns to his old quarters.” Now, we ask of our readers, whether ladies or gentlemen, not to adopt such a cruel treatment, for it insures torture and a lingering death to the toad. BEES, BEE-HIVES, AND BEE-MASTERS. On Tuesday the 11th inst., a lecture on the above subject. being the first of the winter course of lectures in connection with the Liverpool Young Men’s Christian Association, was: delivered at the hall of the College, Shaw Street, Liverpool, by the Rev. J. Cumming, D.D., of London. The Rev. R. W. Forrest presided; and after calling upon the Rev. Mr. Forfar to open the proceedings by a prayer, briefly introduced the rev. lecturer, remarking that they must all be much surprised at the versatile talent of our lecturer, whether discoursing about the Pope, or descanting upon the economy of the little insect which he will bring before our notice this evening. The Rey. J. Cumming, who was enthusiastically received by the very large audience that thronged the hall, said they would no doubt be surprised at the subject announced for: 322 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 18, 1864, their consideration this evening. He said, The truth is, I am accustomed to spend the summer months with my wife and children at a cottage in Kent, where for the last fifteen years I have sought out amusement, in hours that I could spare from those duties that devolve on me as a minister and teacher of Christ, in attentively studying the economy of the hive; and my lecture to-night will therefore be the result of my personal experience of the habits of bees. Some of you will perhaps say, “Dr. Cumming must have a bee in his bonnet, and but occupies his time for the moment with them.” Ihave read few books on the subject; but I have twelve hives, some of which have glass windows and some have not, the bees in which know me so well that they would rest on my hands, face, and hair, and not one of them dare to sting me. I often sit for hours watching my bees, and when I observe anything interesting or unusual in their proceedings “ make a note of it.” Virgil has given an account of bees in one of his Eclogues ; but by far the most attentive watcher was the blind ento- mologist, Huber. I do not think that apiarians have suc- ceeded in bringing any new facts to light, or noting anything concerning their habits which he (Huber) did not. The component parts of a hive are three—workers, queen, and drones—not three different kinds of bees, but three different species. Workers.—The worker is a little tiny insect, with four wings, and beautiful colour on its body. All the work of the hive is divided amongst the workers—some of them collect honey—(and it is a curious fact that the bee never goes from flower to flower, but picks out a flower—thyme, borage, or clover—and keeps to it)—some collect food for the young grubs, some act as guards to the hive, to keep out intruders; and there are others whose duty it is to ventilate the hive. I can play with my bees, and take a swarm in my hand; but if a stranger approaches the hive the guards instantly fly at him. But I think the most curious thing in the economy of the hive is its ventilation— four or five bees go to the mouth of the hive, and, using their wings as fans, by moving them backwards and forwards, keep up a cool current of fresh air through the hive. It is worthy of notice that, if a bee-master, in order to ventilate his hive, cut a hole in the top of it, the bees immediately cement it up with a wax-like substance which they collect, and which is called “propolis.” From this we may learn that, while ventilation is necessary to healthy life, draughts are hurtful. Queen.—The queen is twice the size of the common bee, and is the most elegant creature you could imagine —you would take her for an empress. Queen as she is, she springs from the ranks. The previous queen lays precisely the same egg in the royal as in the common cells, but the young princesses are fed with a peculiar kind of food called “royal jelly.” If the queen dies, and there are no princesses, the hive falls into a state of anarchy, and one of three things will usually happen: either the bees will all take flight and perish, or pine away and die, or, more fre- quently, if there is a very young worker grub in the hive, they enlarge its cell and feed it with “royal jelly,” and it in due time becomes a perfectly developed queen. I have seen the queen going round the hive giving instructions with twelve or thirteen ladies in waiting, who—this is a well-known fact —never turn their backs on her majesty, exactly like our Own Queen’s court. Bees are very fond of strong drink, particularly Scotch ale. Whiskey and brandy they will not touch, but give them rum with sugar in it and they will sip it up eagerly. The only time I ever saw bees turn their backs on their queen, was in a weak hive to which I had given some rum medicinally, and they all drank to excess, and, her majesty included, became intoxicated and tumbled about the hive. They eventually became so excited that; though November, they attempted to swarm, but as soon as they felt the cold wind outside they returned to their hive. _Drones.—In a good hive of about 20,000 bees, there are from 1500 to 2000 drones. There is no such thing as polygamy among bees. The queen selects one to be her husband, and he remains so until he dies, when she does not take another but remains a royal widow. You will ask, What then is the use of so many drones? I have madea discovery which has led me to adopt a theory, which has been opposed by many able apiarians. The temperature of the hive in the breeding time (for I have thermometers in some of my hives), ranges from 90° to 95° Fahrenheit. The drones remain in the hive during the cool morning until twelve o’clock, when they go out and enjoy themselves for an hour, and then remain in during the evening. The only time when this high tempera- ture can be kept up naturally is in the middle of the day, and during the months of June, July, and August, before which time the drones are killed. Drones, therefore, keep up the requisite temperature of the hive. They are lazy, idle, good-for-nothing fellows, and when the queen has selected her husband begin to sip the honey. When the. workers perceive this they drive them out of the hive. Hundreds, I may say thousands, of times have I seen a little worker garotte and by sheer force throw out of the hive a great burly drone. Hives——In Kent, the peasantry use the common straw hive, and I have little doubt they do the same thing in Lancashire, suffocating the bees with sulphur when they want to obtain their stores. This is a most foolish proceed- ing, as besides destroying the stock, it utterly ruins the honey, by filling it with poisonous sulphurous acid vapours. It is very wicked, too, and I consider beecide next to ho- micide. I use Stewarton hives, and from ten by the de- priving system I this year obtained 212 lbs. weight of pure virgin honey, leaving the bees about 150 Ibs. for their sub- sistence during the winter. I am not a honey-seller, but had I sold this to Messrs. Neighbour & Son, I could have obtained 2s. 6d. per lb. for the best, 2s. for part, and 1s. 6d. for the remainder. I make it a point never to killa bee; but if I kill one accidentally, so good a memory have they, that for two or three days they would sting me did I go near the hive. If any of you have bees in a straw hive full of honey, my advice to you is, Do not suffocate the bees, but when most of them are out, about twelve o’clock, take a knife and firmly and fearlessly cut a hole in the top of the hive of about 3 inches in diameter. Have a board with a similar hole ready to put on the top of the hive, and on it place a bell-glass, put a nightcap over the glass to keep it warm, return in three or four days, and you will find the glass full of pure virgin honey. There is no prettier object on a breakfast-table than a bell-glass full of honey, and a very much better thing it is than fat bacon. Those who eat honey to breakfast always have sweet tempers. There are three kinds of hives in general use—the Ayrshire or Stew- arton-hive; the collateral, but I do not think it so useful as the former; and the nadir, from nether, or lower. One great law is to make the hive as little tortuous as possible; my idea is, the plainer the more successful. Every cottager should keep bees, they will pay the rent, if he only have six, seven, or eight stocks, which will nett £8 to £10 per annum. If any of you are going to begin keeping bees, I would be happy to give any advice in my power. Swarns.—If you do not give the bees room they will swarm; the swarm is always headed by the old queen; 10,000 or 15,000 bees rush out at once—some say they send out scouts to fix upon a place for alighting—and form a cluster with the queen in the centre, exactly like a bunch of grapes, 7 to 9 inches long, and 3 or 4 inches in diameter. Swarms always take place between twelve and three o'clock. A princess arriving at maturity either causes a swarm, or else the rival queens fight until one of them is killed. - Enemies of Bees.—Wasps.—Every one in the country must have observed the unusual quantity of wasps this year. They dash into a hive, and take a sip of the honey, until the bees collect together, and drive them out. I generally offer 3d. or 4d. for each wasp’s nest destroyed. in my neighbour- hood. I know ofno more useless insect. He lives by thiey- ing. I often put a piece of barleysugar about 6 inches long at the entrance of the hive. The bees are so fond of this that they collect together in sufficient numbers to resist the wasps. Spider.—This is a great enemy of the bee. Ifa bee gets entangled in its web, nothing can save her. I have found it impossible to take its adhesive threads off her legs with- out mutilating her. The best remedy—a hard crush—and oftenused. Tomtit.—This little audacious bird willin winter fly on to the alighting-board, and knock at the door, and gobble up the first bee that comes out to see what is the matter. Death’s-head Moth.—This is another troublesome enemy of the bee. The best remedy is to narrow the en- trance so that it, cannot get into the hive. Snails.—Snails. etober 18, 1864, J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 323 are so fond of warmth that they will crawl up the support of a hive, and sometimes get into it. The bees are powerless to sting them; but on one occasion I noticed a snail get into one of my hives, and after trying various expedients, the bees actually built it up all round with propolis until it was suffocated, and then let it remain in its sarcophagus, as it caused no smell. But the bee’s greatest enemy is man with sulphur. Bees are very kind to their sick or wounded companions. They will take a wounded bee on to the alighting-board in the warm sun during the day, and lick it, take it in at night, and bring it out in the sun on the following morning. Bees are early risers, being at work by daylight, and they never work after four o’clock in the afternoon. They are very tidy and cleanly—you have no idea how often the hive-floor is swept out. None are lazy but the drones. They are very loyal, defending their queen from all attacks. They are not pugnacious; their stings are only used in self-defence, as they know that as their sting remains in whatever they attack, they are sure to die after it. A vote of thanks to the reverend lecturer concluded. the proceedings.—Eaton Curr. {For the correction of many of the mistakes made by the rev. lecturer, we refer our readers to Mr. Woodbury’s two letters in pages 140 and 141 of our present volume, but we cannot refrain from noticing one or two additional blunders. Surely Dr. Cumming must have been very unconscious of what has been passing in the apiarian world during the present century, when he hazarded the assertion that no new facts had been brought to light by apiarians since the days of Huber. Is parthenogenesis in the honey bee no new discovery? and can he possibly be ignorant of the numerous facts investigated and proved by means of the Ligurians—such as, for example, that bees do not always return to their own hive, nor are they invariably slaughtered when they attempt to enter a strange one; also that Huber was mistaken in dividing worker bees into two kinds—viz., nurses and wax-workers, the fact being that both are iden- tical in every respect except age? Huber has also been proved wrong in other particulars, such as his statement that bees will invariably accept another queen at the expira- tion of twenty-four hours from the loss of their own, and that workers will at no time attempt to employ their stings against a stranger queen. A queen bee is not nearly so graceful and elegant in form as a worker. Although she is ordinarily treated with great attention and apparent respect, no special “ladies in wait- ing” accompany her ; nor does she ever give “instructions,” for the duties of the hive are carried on with perfect regu- larity during the interregnums of the swarming season, and whilst her majesty is absent on her nuptial excursions. If the lecturer had read even Huber with attention he would have learned that there is sometimes such a thing as polyandry (not polygamy) among bees; and if he were aware of what is passing around him he would have known that this fact had been confirmed by more recent observers. When Dr. Cumming commences with “I have made a dis- covery,” we may be pretty sure he is about to resuscitate some long-exploded fallacy, and this proves to be the case with his theory in respect of drones. We need hardly say that the queen never “selects”? a husband, neither is a single worker anything like a match in point of strength for “a great burly drone,” unless the latter has been much weakened by exposure to cold or starvation. It is tolerably evident, also, that the lecturer has never seen a large, or even an ordinary-sized swarm, or he would have doubled his numbers, and trebled or quadrupled his measurements. It must indeed be but a poor swarm that on a hot summer’s day forms a cluster only “7 to 9 inches long and 2 or 4 inches in diameter!” _ What a lazy race of bees the doctor must possess if they “never work after four o’clock in the afternoon!’ Truly they would appear to have joined the “nine-hours’ move- ment;” and we fear we may yet learn, on the lecturer’s au- thority, that they have resorted to trades’ unions and paid emissaries, in which case we may congratulate ourselves on being at such a distance from him that our bees are likely to escape contagion, and continue working as heretofore all pid through till darkness compels a cessation of their abours. Seriously, we think it a great pity that Dr. Cumming should attempt either to lecture or to write upon a subject regarding which he knows so little. Compliments on his “versatility,” and the “thanks” of town audiences who in this particular are necessarily ill-informed, may be gratifying to his vanity; but his evident want of information with regard to bees must make the judicious grieve. Occupying as he does no mean position in the very highest and holiest of professions, he might surely leave apiarian science (to which, as he most truly says, he has contributed nothing whatever), to be taught by those who really understand it. | COOKS, COOKERY, AND WILTSHIRE BACON. Man is a carnivorous animal, also an herbivorous, also a frugivorous, also—for I might possibly add another “ also” — what does man not eat? The earth, the sea, the moun- tain, the plain, are alike ransacked by him for food; but flesh is not good when raw, nor vegetables nice when not cooked, and fruit, although pleasant enough to the palate as plucked from the tree, is improved after having been submitted to the action of fire. Witness an apple- dumpling—a dish fit fora king. Why, did not its very manu- facture cause wonder to arise in the breast of George III.? in honour of which event it ought to have been called « King’s dumpling.” As James I., at the banquet at Hough- ton Tower, near Preston, is said to have knighted then and there a loin of beef, so “‘ farmer George”’ should have taken the wonderful dumpling under kingly patronage for ever. Now, it seems, possibly by accident, that man in very early days cooked his food; he became, or found, a cooking animal. How does this matter stand now that the world is in round numbers some six thousand years old? We will in our investigation of this subject go no further than our own country. Well, in every cottage cooking is going on at some time of each day, usually in the evening, for although the labourer and mechanic may do with bread and cheese, or a slice of cold bacon and bread, at their brief meals in the day, yet they naturally, when they come to sit down and feed in earnest, like a hot supper. Cold food may do in the daytime, but hot bacon and potatoes or greens and hot pudding at night. Then, again, cooking is going on in the mansion all day long ; cooking for hot break- fasts, for lunch, for dinner, besides preparing all sorts of things to come in at future times. In houses of the middle class cooking occupies even necessarily a great deal of thought and time. Now, who, as a rule, is cook? Well, we reply, women, though with a full recollection of male cooks rushing across our old college court at Cambridge, white-aproned and white-capped. Yes, as a rule, woman is the cooking animal. Among the countless thousands of benefits and comforts coming to us from woman’s presence in the world stands this—she cooks for us. And now for a little homily upon this subject of cooking. I am sure it occupies too much thought and time, in- finitely more than it did when our fathers were in our places. We are grown very heathens, and the first question practically asked in our houses is too often, ‘‘ What shall we eat and what shall we drink?” with this commentary, let the most luxurious viands be prepared in the most luxurious way. If asked to give an example in proof of the extravagance of the age, I would point to the increase in cooks’ wages. A good old body, cook in old days in a mansion well known to me, had but £14 a-year, and managed to save a fortune out of it. One of her successors had £40 per annum. Cooks now can get any wages, they are the only servants who can rapidly make money. As to governesses, why the ccoks would not change places withthose poor young ladies—of course not. Then, look at the alteration in respect to the dinners. They used to be plain and good, roast and boiled, with a side dish or two. Now, in the same house are side dishes by the dozen. Hence it comes to pass—how intolerably long dinners last !—you sit down at half-past seven, and finish possibly at half-past nine, then dessert; and so the whole evening is consumed in gourmandising. People give dinner against dinner, side dish against side dish, vieing as to excess and richness of food; they talk of having had “such afeed at Mr. Plutocrat’s.” What animals! their horses would use the same words if they could but talk. 324 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 18, 1864. Now, from these lengthy dinners it follows there can be no intellectual games, such as Canning loved; little or no time for music or anything rational. 1 once heard of three maiden ladies whose evening entertainments were termed “bohea, prayers, and turn out.’ I would say that some modern dinners are, “cram, guzzle, and turn out.’ People meet not so much for pleasant intercourse as for gluttony. The world began to go wrong when dinners were later than six o'clock. England has been on the decline ever since. The demand for cooks is something tremendous. Letters from friends continually have this—“ From Messrs. Lane came a fine collection of Grapes, in- cluding handsome well-ripened bunches, the berries being also large, of Esperione, Lady Downes’, Muscat Hamburgh, Black Hamburgh, Dutch Hamburgh, Bowood Museat, Golden Hamburgh, and Buckland Sweetwater. This collection added much to the interest of the Show, and well deserved the first-class certificate which was awarded to it; and Messrs. Lane received a similar distinction for the fine col- lection of Vines, Pears, and Cranges in pots, the former loaded with excellent bunches. Still more interesting was the collection of Grapes grown in the conservatory at Chis- wick, and.consisting of thirty varieties. Among them were two bunches of Barbarossa, the one a very large bunch weichine 6 Ibs. 13 ozs., produced by a Vine on its own roots; and the other borne by a Vine grafted on the Black Hamburgh, which though only weighing 3 Ibs. 13 ogs., was very compact and handsome, more regular in the size of the berries, and much better coloured. The two Vines were erown under precisely the same circumstances, and the October 25, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 329 difference in their respective productions can therefore only be attributed to the influence of the stock upon the graft. The other Black Grapes were also well represented in Frank- enthal and other Hamburgh kinds, Muscat Hamburgh, Lady Downes’, Oldaker’s West’s St. Peter’s, Burchardt’s Prince (another first-rate late kind), Black Monukka (which is seedless), Muscat Noir de Jura, Siderites Smyrna, Black Prince, Black Morocco, Esperione, and Morocco Prince. Of White kinds there were Canon Hall, Muscat of Alexandria (well-coloured), Raisin de Calabre (a good late-hanging kind), Blussard Blane, Golden Hamburgh, Royal Musca- dine, White Nice, White Frontignan, Royal Muscadine, and Reeves’ Muscadine. Of Reds there were only three—viz., Ahbee, pale yellow, with a higher tinge of rose than usual, very beautiful but not very good; Chasselas de F'alloux, purplish red, and Tokay des Jardins. Two excellent bunches with good-sized berries cut from the large Vine at Cumber- land Lodge, and exhibited by Mr. Ingram, completed the list of notabilities in the Grape classes. Appues, both for dessert and kitchen use, were well and numerously shown, but owing to the peculiar character of the season many of the varieties of these, as well as of Pears, were much out of character. For six dishes of dessert Apples, Mr. Ford, gardener to W.E. Hubbard, Esq., Horsham, was first with Cornish Gilliflower, which is known to be at once one of the best and in general one of the ugliest of Apples, but in this case large and well coloured; Adams’s Pearmain very fine, Red Pearmain, Scarlet Pearmain, Blenheim and Messrs..G. & J. Lane, St. Mary’s Cray, and Mr. 'T. Ingram | were second, the former with excellent examples of Ribston and Blenheim Pippins, Bull’s Golden Reinette, Cornish Gil- liflower, Summer Nonpareil, and King of the Pippins; the latter with Cox’s Orange Pippin, Court-Pendu-Plat very highly coloured, Scarlet Nonpareil, Fearn’s Pippin, and two | One of them called Ingram’s Frogmore Nonpa- | seedlings. reil is stated to be an excellent long-keeping Apple, in use from October to March; in shape it is roundish, rather flattened ; in colour greenish yellow, with russet markings. | The other, Gipsy King, is much more attractive in appear- ance, resembling Court-Pendu-Plat in size and colour, and having an eye like the Blenheim. It has, we are informed, a firm ‘yellow flesh, and will keep till June. Mr. Buster, Goring, near Worthing, was third. In three dishes Mx. Ford was first with remarkably large and fine fruit of King of the Pippins, Golden Reinetie (?), and Blenheim Pippin; Mr. Hall, gardener to Capt. Tyrrell, R.N., Ealing, second with Blenheim and Cox’s Orange, both very fine, and Ribston Pippin. Gravenstein, from Mr. Lee, Clevedon, was large and fine; and Fearn’s Pippin, from Mr. Kaile, large and very highly coloured. ‘Kitchen Apples, though not:generally so large as we have seen them, were large for the season. Mr. Serymger, Reading, stood first with Emperor Alexander, splendid, Blenheim and | Yorkshire Greening, both very large and fine. Next came Mr. Lee, gardener to Viscount Combermere, Whitchurch, with Mére de Ménace, of a fine red all over, the six weighing 6 Ibs. 10 ozs., Blenheim, and Flower of Kent; and Messrs. Lane, St. Mary’s Cray, with Waltham Abbey Seedling, Blenheim, and Gloria Mundi. Third-class certificates were awarded to Messrs. Moffat and Sayers. ‘In addition to several collections of Apples for competition from Messrs. Potts, Bentley, Drewett, Beasley, Hall, Mobbs, Tivey, and others, there was a rich and varied display of 122 sorts from the Society’s Garden at Chiswick. Pears were likewise numerously shown. The best six dishes were those from Mr. T. Ingram, gardener to Her Majesty, consisting of Beurré Diel, Beurré Clairgeau highly coloured, Glou Morceau, Van Mons Léon Je Clerc, and Chau- moutel, the whole of which were very fine; and British Queen, a richly-flavoured cinnamon-coloured Pear of his own raising, and which has been already described in these pages as being of first-rate excellence. Mr. Scrymger was second with Glou Morceau, Marie Louise, Beurré Diel, Beurré Rance, Vicar of Winkfield, and Beurré Bosc; and Mr. A. Ingram, also of Reading, third with the first three kinds, Duchesse d@’Angouléme, Van Mons Léon le Clerc, and Beurré Bose. In three dishes Mr. Sage, gardener to Harl Brownlow. Ashridge, was first with Beurré Rance, Glou Morcean, and Duchesse d’Angouléme; Mr. Ford second with Glou Mor- ceau, Thompson’s, and Marie Louise; Mr. Lee and Mr. Willcocks third. Kitchen Pears chiefly consisted of Uvedale’s St. Germain, Catillac, and Beurré Rance, but none of them were remark- able for size. The first-prize lot from Mr. Bentley, gardener to Lord St. Leonards, Thames Ditton, consisted of the last two and Beurré Langelier. A collection of seventy-two dishes of Pears, comprising many interesting kinds, came from the Chiswick Gardens. MiscetLangous.—From Mr. Ingram, Frogmore, and Mr. Ward, Headington Hill, came excellent Salway Peaches, the former taking the first place; and of Plums, Coe’s Golden Drop, and Ickworth Impératrice, were shown by Mr. Mobbs, and Mr. Sayers. Raby Castle Currants from Mr. Tivey, the Hyde, St. Albans, were remarkably fine, even at this late season; and White Dutch from the same, and Mr. Ford, were also very good. Mr. Williams, gardener to the Hon. Mrs. Ives, showed good Morello Cherries, Dutch Medlars, and a basket of well-crown Citrons; Mr. Potts, a fine basket of Oranges and good Morellos; Mr. A. Ingram, Hugenia Ugni; Mr. Mobbs, Black Prince Strawberry, very good for the second crop; Mr. Ford, Quinces ; and Mr. Whiting, the Deepdene, Meredith’s Hybrid Melon. For the above objects numerous certificates were awarded, for which we must refer to the prize list. VEGETABLES AND Roors.—The exhibition of these was meagre, with the exception of the Potatoes, of which a col- | lection of fifty-six was sent from the Society’s Garden at Ribston Pippins, all of which were large and well coloured. | Chiswick, and to these we may take occasion to refer here- after. The only exhibitor. of Kidney Potatoes was Mr. A. Moffatt, who had Imperial, an excellent kind, Royal Ashleaf, Pink Fluke, Flesh-skin Kidney, Prince of Wales, and Lemon Kidney, a large and clean tuber, all of which were free from disease, and otherwise excellent. The same may be said of the Round kinds exhibited by Mr. Moffat, among which were Daintree’s, very sound and clean. Fortyfolds and Regents were shown in good condition by Mr. Ford ; and a seedling called Hands’ Freedom, said to be very good and productive, by Mr. Hands, Neweastle-on-T'yne ; Chardon, a large knobby continental variety, stated to be very pro- ductive and useful for feeding cattle, by Mr. Veitch, Chelsea ; and Lemon Kidneys, large and fine, by Mr. Bentley. Good Onions, Carrots, Beet, Incomparable Celery, Scorzonera, and Walcheren Broccoli, beautifully white and close in the curl, were shown by Mr. Whiting; White Belgian Carrots, Batavian and Curled Endive, by Mr. Veitch; excellent Salsafy, Scorzonera, Beet, and Turnips, by Mr. Drewett; Mushrooms, Beet, a Mammoth Gourd, weighing 123 lbs., and Dwarf Curled Sayoys, by Mr. Young, Highgate; and. White Stone Turnips, Endive, Early York Cabbages, and. Walcheren Broccoli, by Mr. Ford. Tomatoes came from Mr. Morris, and Mr. Salter, those from the latter being called the Cherry kind, but in reality Pear-shaped; Aubergines from Mr. Potts; excellent Endive from Mr. Masters; Mush- yooms from Mr. Rogerson; Peas from Mr. Tivey; and Brussels Sprouts, closely set with large sprouts, from Mr. Scrymger. For the certificates awarded, we must again refer our readers to the official list. Tur ABERDEEN STRAWBERRY TRApE.—As most people who are acquainted with our city know, the Aberdeen market-gardeners have for long been highly successful culti- vators of the Strawberry. In respect to bull and flavour the varieties of this excellent fruit crown by them will hardly be exceeded. Few people, however, we believe, have any very tangible notions of the actual extent to which the cultivation of the Strawberry has grown. We usually think of Strawberries in pints or quarts, not in hundredweights and tons ; yet Strawberries by the ton have become an actual item of export, and during the present season the quantity brought into the market and sent southward, chieily to London, to be manufactured into preserves, amounted to © about 35 tons. This is independent of considerable quantities used at home for the manufacture of preserves on the wholesale principle, and for ordinary domestic use, &e., which must have brought up the total quantity to something He 50 tons; andif we take into account that a ton of Straw- berries is worth from £25 to £30 (probably only smaller 330 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 25, 1864. quantities reaching the latter rate), it will be seen that this has become no unimportant branch of market-gardening. It is a branch, moreover, that promises to extend. It is only a few years since Strawberries began to be exported southward at all; but the demand is, we understand, very keen, and eyen beyond the supply, and contracts to the ex- tent of 30 tons have been already entered into for next season, while some of the principal growers are considerably extending the breadth they have under cultivation. Of the Strawberries preserved by wholesale ‘“‘surers’’ no inconsider- able part are exported to the Continent, and some even to India.—(Aberdeen Firee Press.) ZONALE GERANIUMS AT LINTON PARK. (Continued from page 306.) Crass 4.—Geraniums with flowers of a cherry, ruby, or salmon colour; foliage plain or horseshoe-marked. Rubens.—This old favourite is still deserving of cultivation, as its habit of growth, free blooming, and general adapta- bility to most situations give it a place in most collections. It is slightly horseshoe-marked, the foliage at the same time being downy. Carulea.— Foliage, medium horseshoe marking; habit rather upright; flower-truss very good and well formed. It possesses a brightness about it of which most of the others in its class are deficient, and whether in a flower-bed or a pot it may be pronounced one of the best Geraniums grown. Countess.— Somewhat like the last, but the individual flowers are less perfectly formed, and less bright; in habit of growth and freedom of flowering there is little to wish for in it. Madame VAbbé.—Strong grower; slight horseshoe mark- ing; flower approaching somewhat to a rose. With me, however, it flowered late, but it may have been prevented doing so earlier from other causes than its own disinclina- tion to flower. Hector.—Habit good; dark horseshoe marking; flowers produced freely, of a pretty rosy salmon colour. Not being sufficiently tried I cannot say more than that it promises well. Rose Perfection—This scarcely belongs to this class, its flower being a sort of happy medium between rose and pink. It is one of the very strongest of all growers, and in the past season bloomed remarkably well. The habit is upright, and the foliage only faintly marked with the horseshoe. Conqueror of Ewrope.— Foliage with a darkly-marked horse- shoe; flowers a sort of cherry salmon, of good form and habit. The plant is promising, but receiving it late in the season I cannot speak positively as to its merits. Ratazzi.—Nosegay. Slightly marked with a horseshoe. Like most of its class it flowers freely, and will no doubt answer well as a bedder. Cuass 5.—Flowers scarlet ; foliage either plain or but slightly marked with the horseshoe. Punch.—Foliage slightly downy; habit strong and erect rather than spreading; flower-spikes well elevated above the foliage. A well-known variety, much grown and ap- preciated; it is much taller than Tom Thumb and others of ‘that class, although much less than the next variety. Irs. Mayler.—A very strong grower, with immense trusses of bloom on long and stout flower-stems. It is of the same class as used formerly to be known as the Giant, Smith’s Emperor, Sol, and I believe other names. It is better adapted for growing against a wall than for a bed, although a few plants of this surrounded by dwarfer ones answer very well, its very strong stems rushing up to a great height when they are protected. a5 Sutton’s Perfection, called also, I believe, Attraction, is a somewhat strong grower, though much less so than those pre- viously mentioned. Itis one of the very best bloomers, and the trusses are large and fine; but with me this past season it was late—a fault. I never before had to find with it, and for which I cannot account. Most growers admire it, and itis equally at home in a pot under glass. Tom Thumb.—Notwithstanding all that has been said in favour of others, this is still unquestionably the most popular Geranium of the day. Iam, however, convinced that there Tom Thumb, and where the spurious or inferior one exists it is quite possible other kinds may excel it. The foliage of Tom Thumb approaches nearly to what I have on more than one occasion stated to be what I want in a bedding Gera- nium—i.e., a clear bright green, free from horseshoe mark- ings, and also from that downiness which gives a dull colour to the foliage, and which in some respects detracts from the merit of Christine and other varieties. Royal Dwarf—Somewhat like the last, but a less abundant bloomer, and instead of being dwarfer than Tom Thumb it is a more robust grower. It is, however, not by any means of a gross habit, but blooms and flowers well, and deserves a place with those who delight in a multitude of names. Little David.—Dwarfer than'Tom Thumb, very free bloomer, and well adapted for vases. It is of the same habit as Tom Thumb, and, like it, deserving of better treatment than some of the shy bloomers. Little David deserves a place in the most limited collection. Crystal Palace Scavlet.—This, which I had also under the name of Trentham Scarlet, is of the Tom Thumb class, the foliage being a bright green; perhaps, however, the plant is a little more upright-growing, but this is a questionable qualification; and some growers of this variety insist that it is identical with what they have grown for years as Tom Thumb. The difference here is not sufficiently marked for me to say with certainty that it is distinct from that well- known variety, which I have had nearly twenty years. I would, however, advise all growers to try Crystal Palace Scarlet, and ascertain whether it is really distinct from and an improvement on Tom Thumb. Crass 6.—Flowers scarlet; foliage more or less marked with the horseshoe. Queen of England.—Marking very dark; strong grower, somewhat upright; fine truss. Better for pots than for bedding-out, excepting for the centre of beds, or where a tall upright plant is wanted. Compactum.—Marking very dark. This old kind seems to be eclipsed by others of its class, therefore I cannot recommend it, as I intend discontinuing its use after the present year. ‘ Marvel.—Horseshoe marking only slightly shown; habit of plant good; flowers pale scarlet; petals large and fine. Standing the sun tolerably well, and being of a distinct tint from the bulk of our Scarlets, it promises to be 2 favourite. Scarlet Globe.—Foliage slightly marked with horseshoe; habit strong and pretty good; flowers with a white eye, but in general they are small for so vigorous a plant, and not being remarkable as a pot plant, it may be discarded. Blazer.—This is one of the Zonale class, having the mark- ings composed of two or more colours, a class at one time expected to become fashionable; but having failed to pro- duce a good effect in the flower garden, and those hitherto presented to us being somewhat leggy and ungainly for pot culture, they have latterly ceased to be noticed. Another feature they present seems also to be no particular qualifica- tion, the flower-stem is often white and semi-transparent. The flowers of this variety have a white eye, and as a scarlet are not without merit; but the irregular growth of the plant disqualifies it for all symmetrical work in flower-beds. British Flag.—Fellow to the last-named, perhaps a little more robust, and the trusses of bloom a shade darker. Adonis.—Dark horseshoe marking; flowers pretty good, light scarlet, somewhat like Marvel; habit good. It promises well, but not having many plants I cannot speak with cer- tainty as to its merits. Vivid—I am somewhat uncertain whether the variety which we have under this name is true, it having a slight horseshoe marking. The habit is strong and somewhat upright; flowers in a large truss, bright, fine, and good. Prince Imperial.—Of more dwarf habit than most of this class, and ‘consequently better adapted both for beds and potting; flower-truss good, bright scarlet. One of the best of this section. Stella.—This popular variety is more of a crimson than a scarlet, but is nevertheless often planted as one of the latter, and as such may be classed here. Of its merits it is need- less to speak, as it shone pre-eminent in most of the public are more varieties than one cultivated under the name of | gardens around London, when it was put in competition October 25, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 331 with other Geraniums; to those not acquainted with it I may say it is a sort of half Nosegay; habit spreading ; foliage nearly plain green; flowers in fine trusses, and most abundantly. It is one of the memorials our late lamented fellow labourer Mr. Beaton bequeathed to the gardening world. Stella is very good as a potted plant, but thrives best when planted in a mass in a flower-bed. Cybister—I fear this is a still further departure from the scarlet, but I hardly know under what section to class it. I must in the first instance, however, say that my acquaint- ance with it is limited. Not having grown it until the present year, and that but sparingly, I cannot speak confidently on its merits, but may say it is more of the Nosegay breed than the last, the flowers being also more crimson. Many growers, however, speak well of it. Cuass 7.—Flowers rose colow’. Trentham Rose.—This popular variety needs no comment, the plant being all that can be required in habit, and the flowers individually are as good as those of the majority of recently introduced varieties, and better than many of them ; but it must be acknowledged that, viewed at a distance, the flowers have not the attractive colouring of Stella and some of the Scarlets—they are more for effect close to the eye. In habit the plantis spreading, and the foliage scarcely shows any horseshoe marking. Paul V Abbé.—A more robust grower than the last, with foliage distinctly marked with horseshoe. Flower-truss very large, and plant more upright-growing. For the centre of a bed this is a desirable variety, while its immense trusses of bloom are of themselves sources of much attraction. Beauty of Mildoise—This so much resembles Trentham Rose, that I am far from certain that they are not synony- mous. More need not therefore be said about it. Cerise Unique-—Having all but thrown this old variety away, I only mention its name as one of this class having @ more upright growth, foliage marked with horseshoe in two colours, and the flower-stem white. Cuass 8.—Flowers purple, or approaching that colour. Magenta.—Slightly horseshoe-marked ; strong grower, but spreading ; half Nosegay; truss large and fine, and of the lovely colour implied by its name. Next to Stella, itis the most telling Geranium that can be planted, being of a colour hitherto not approached by any Geranium. Imperial Crimson.—Nosegay ; foliage small and plain green; habit dwarf; flowers good purple, and very abun- dant. A good plant for edgings or for a single line in a ribbon, the compactness of its habit fitting it admirably for that purpose. Woodwardiana.—I am somewhat doubtful whether this be the correct name: if so, it'is somewhat like the last in colour of flower, but more robust in growth. It is also a N veneeey> not altered by hybridising with the broader-petalled class. Lucidum.—tThis old variety of the Nosegay class, the first I was acquainted with, excepting Harkaway, seems to dege- nerate, or other kinds have surpassed it in beauty and general qualifications. I shall discard it. Purple Nosegay.—This once-popular variety becomes so leggy and bare of foliage that it no longer deserves culti- vation, and compared with Magenta it is worthless. Lord Palmerston.—Foliage nearly plain; flowers partaking of the Nosegay class, more of a crimson than purple; habit good and promising. Not having seen much of it, I must leave its properties to be commented on by others. It pro- mises well.—J. Ropson. CULTIVATION OF SOME RARE WILD FLOWERS. PRIMULA FARINOSA. Tourists who visit the upper parts of Aire and Wharfedales during the months of May and June, are often charmed with the beautiful flowers of Primula farinosa (Bird’s-eye Primrose), and bring back plants which they have collected in the moorland pastures. These are planted in the gardens at home, where they grow, and for a time allis well. If we afterwards inquire after them we are told that the roots are dead and thrown away. Not so, the leaves were dead, but the roots were alive, though dormant, peeping out of the soil like a little bud, ready for growth early in spring to flower and please the collector who gathered them, and to serve as a memento of a visit to a wild but charming district. This flower is one of my favourites, and was some years since gathered for me by a friend in the Craven district, where it grows very plentifully, and Baines in his “ Flora of Yorkshire,” informs us that it may be found varying from the purest white flowers to the deepest crimson. It is of very easy culture, growing in almost any kind of soil, and seems to do best in that collected from the sides of roads repaired with dross or slag from the iron works in our neighbourhood; but it will grow and do well in common garden soil. The best time to increase it is in spring as soon as the plants commence growing; if we then take up a root we find it composed of a number of little buds cluster- ing round the family hearth. These are easily divided with the fingers, taking care that a small root is with every bud, and the small buds will flower the same year. If allowed to flower, and then divided, the roots are tough, and do not easily part, and few plants are obtained; these, if the weather be dry, seldom do well——Rusric Rosin. PREVENTING THE FALL OF SPECIMEN PEARS. I HAVE sent you a little box of Pears merely to show you an idea which struck me in the summer, as answering to keep large Pears from being blown down by the wind. I have before had a good many King Edward’s Pears, but they were nearly always blown down before they were much more than half grown. Tying them does not answer, and I thought small net bags would do, and they have answered admirably. The bag should fit moderately close, as the Pear is not sus- pended by the bag so well if the bag is too large. I tie the string to the same branch unless the fruit is on the end of it, and then I tie it to an adjoining branch, so that the weight of the Pear is in the bag.—Guorcre Lez, Clevedon. TODMORDEN BOTANICAL SOCIETY. “45 MrETING OCTOBER 3RD. Tur President in the chair. The President exhibited fronds of a most beautifully-crested form of Athyrium Filix- foemina, lately gathered by him near Hapton. Mr. J. Sim, of Perth, sent a specimen of Rosa alpina, L., recently dis- covered on Kinnoul Hill, near Perth, by Dr. White, jun., ot that city. This Rose is said to be new to Britain, and Dr. White may be congratulated on making so important an addition to our flora. Mr. Aitkin, of Bacup, exhibited speci- mens of Alisma natans, from the Vale of Llangollen. Mr. Halstead, of Bacup, a most indefatigable Fern-hunter, brought various interesting forms of Blechnum spicant, recently collected by him in the neighbourhood of Kossen- dale: one of these forms the President pronounced to be new. Mr. Halstead also exhibited fronds of Scolopendrium 332 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 25, 1864. vulgare crista-galli, a very fine variety, lately gathered in Sheddin Clough, and a curious dwarf Pelystichum from the same prolific locality. The Society’s late excursion to the Isle of Man, of which the Secretary gave an interesting outline, was not nearly so well attended as we had been led to anticipate; the late- ness of the season, and the miserably wet weather combined having apparently damped the ardour of most of the intend- ing excursionists. List of Plants Gathered on the Isle of Man Excursion :— PHaenocams.—Arenaria maritima, Anagallis tenella, Brassica monensis, Crambe maritima, Cochlearia danica, Hypericum androsemum, Draba hirta, Saponaria officinalis, Lepidium Smithii, Pineuicula lusitanica (very plentiful at the bottom of Growdale), Pyrethrum maritimum, Conium maculatum, &e. Cryprocams.—Osmunda regalis very abundant and fine, Adiantum capillus-Veneris (in great abundance on rocks and in caves close to the sea to the north of Glen Mea), Asple- nium adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria, Allosorus crispus, Blechnum spicant anomalum, B. spicant multifurcatum, Lastrea Filix-mas producta, Polystichum angulare paleaceum, P. angulare tripinnatum, P. angulare subtripinnatum, Polypodium vulgare semilacerum (very abundant and fine at the waterfall, Glen Mea), &c. PRESERVING WALNUTS. Remove the husk and wash the nuts thoroughly in clean water. Now throw them into a saline solution made thus— water one gallon, common saltilb., nitre loz. The nuts are not to be kept in the solution longer than is required to put them into it and take them out again. Place them upon a sieve to drain, then wipe them with a rough cloth. Now pack them, where you will, with cocoa-nut refuse, or with broken charcoal. When required for table they should be washed and dried. Walnuts thus treated will rarely become mouldy ; nevertheless, like all things of this earth, they ought to be “looked to” now and then, for one rotten Apple will spoil a bushel. As a general rule cellars are not the places to keep Wal- nuts, because there are therein always the sporules and germs of mould-forming plants.—Srrrimvus Priussn, Chiswick FOUNTAINS. « A SvuBScRIBER” wishes to know what kind of fountain would look well in a moderate-sized garden. It is to be placed in the centre, where four gravel walks meet at right angles. One of the walks extends 180 feet long, and the fountain will be about 90 feet from the drawing-room windows. The gravel walks are 8 feet wide, and it is in- tended for the walk round the fountain to be about 5 feet wide. The fountain, including the basin, must not be more than 11 feet in diameter. Which is thought better, iron or composition of stone? and what height should it be? [The question of fountains is one chiefly of taste, position, and the supply of water, and the information you give us is too scanty to enable us to advise you as we would wish to do. There is a difference between a mere basin and a foun tain. ‘The one is merely a receptacle of water, giving little or no indication as to how the water is to be supplied; a fountain, on the other hand, indicates more or less the out- burst of water from a jet, and which presupposes a natural or artificial reservoir of water at a much higher level than the fountain. Such a fountain is always best placed in a valley, because then the surrounding heights will always give the idea of its being natural. A fountain on elevated ground always shows that if that fountain is to play it must be through means of water raised mechanically to a still greater elevation. The command of this water ought to regulate the size of the fountain or basin, and the height which it appears above the ground level. For a fountain 11 feet in diameter of basin, if the basin is 2 feet or 18 inches above the ground level, we think it would be enough; and a raised figure in the centre in the shape of a mermaid or triton, or even several smaller basins, one above the other, the water coming out of the uppermost, or even out of them all, would look very well. The height above the basin may be from 3 to 10 or more feet, according to the supply of water. Iron, we believe, would be best for such decorative fountains, to be painted and sanded when wet. Perhaps one of the best ways would be to build the tank or basin with brick and cement, and have an iron coping dipping down some 15 inches into the water. Such fountains should either he empty or covered up in winter. The best plan is to empty all the supply piping at any rate. Composition will be apt to trouble you after severe winters. We incline to the iron, but both are good when no water is left to freeze. Even stone will crack if left wholly exposed with water in it in winter. We cannot recommend makers, nor is there need, as there is no lack of them. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY’S MEETING. Tue October meeting of the Entomological Society was held on the 8rd inst., Francis Pascoe, Esq., F.L.S., President, in the chair. A case of insects of various orders containing many rare species, especially of the genera Bolboceras, Hesperia, and Mantis, collected in India by Lieut. R. C. Beavan, was pre=- sented to the Society by that gentleman. Three minute species of Beetles belonging to the family of the Rove Beetles, Staphylinide, were exhibited by Mr. Sharpe, as new to the British lists, and which had been col- lected by that gentleman in Scotland. A box of insects collected on the coast of Brazil, from Rio Janeiro to Monte Video, by Mr. T. Pullinger, R.N., was ex= hibited by Mr. Ianson. : The President exhibited two remarkable species of Beetles recently received by him from Australia, belonging to the genera Atractocerey and Cyphagogus. Mr. Wallace stated that he had captured several species belonging to the former of these two genera during his re~ sidence in the Eastern Archipelago, and that they were wood-feeders in their economy. Mr. Doran exhibited the rare British Moth, Botys asinalis, which he had captured during the month of August last near Lyme Regis. Major F. Parry exhibited a box of insects collected at Gibraltar by one of his sons, also a Cureulio from Brazil, from the body of which a number of elongated vegetable filaments had been produced, belonging apparently to the genus Spheria. Professor Westwood stated that he had illustrated and described several similar examples of these vegetable para~ sites in an early volume of the Society’s “Transactions,” and that there appeared to be several very distinct, and probably undescribed, species of fungi which attacked insects preserved in cabinets. One of these is remarkable as being composed of very fine threads of such great tenacity, that in cleaning the insects from the mould the tarsi of the spe- cimens were often pulled off. The subject was very deserv= ing of the attention of microscopic botanists. A memoir by Mr. Baly, containing descriptions of new exotic species of Plant-feeding Beetles (Phylophage) was read. Mr. F. Bond stated that he had found that several par- tridges which he had lately shot, had fed upon the larve of Agrotis segetum, which had this summer and autumn proved so destructive to the root crops throughout the kingdom. y CULTIVATORS OF THE SOIL IN ILLINOIS. Iy this prairie State are some of the largest farmers of their own lands in the world, many of their corn fields con- taining 500 to 1000 acres, where the reaping machine has ample room and verge enough to display its powers. With- out this great saver of labour, in a country rife with fever and ague, the crops must otherwise be lost from want of hands in harvest time. Among the great farmers of the State are Messrs. Jacob Straun, Ike and Jemi Funch (brothers,) and others holding several thousand acres, the landlord and tenant system being unknown. Mr. Straun held about 30,000 acres, almost rival- ling Jobin the number of his quadrupeds. He usedto supply October 25, 1864, ] by contract all the butchers of St. Louis, a city then having 120,000 beef-eaters, the prices being fixed oncea-year. Beef falling in price, the butchers thought they should throw up a bad bargain, and refused taking his cattle. Mr. Straun sent his men through the neighbouring district buying up all the fat cattle and selling them at Cincinnati and other towns, or sending them east, so that fora month the citizens of St. Louis were without a roasting joint, when the butchers had to “ cave in,” or surrender at discretion. This monarch of quadrupeds riding along and seeing a young lady milking a cow asked for a drink, which the milk Hebe gave him. He then inquired if she knew who he was, to which there was a yes, when he popped the question of marriage, to which another yes was given. Returning the same way a few days after, he called at the farmer’s house, where they were at dinner, and not recognising his sweet- heart among half a dozen of sisters, he requested the young lady who accepted his offer to stand up, which was done, and they were soon after man and wife. _ The Messrs. Funch may at present be the largest farmers in that great State; one brother owning and working 32,000, and the other 17,000 acres of prairie—the former annually selling in Chicago £12,000 worth of cattle and hogs, the pro- duce of his own fields. They were among the first pioneers of the State; one of them on marrying trading a hat with the clergyman performing the service, and getting back a pig in exchange. In these early days the Western farmers were addicted to euker and poker, as well as whiskey drinking, though now very temperate, and on an occasion when one of these gentlemen found his neighbour card-sharping, he pulled the leg from the table and cracked the cheater’s pate. Greater punishment has often been inflicted in the Mis- sissippi steamers on the gamblers by nailing their hands to the table with the bowie knife, which is only withdrawn with the false card. ; An amusing incident took place at the American Hotel, Springfield (where President Lincoln practised as an attorney and counsellor at law, with a monster sign-board over his door). Several large farmers, in wet weather, put up at the hotel, turning into the sheets with their mud boots on and discolouring blankets, bed, sheets, and quilt. A short time after they again called, but were refused admittance or lodg- ings, when they put an advertisement in the papers through the States calling on their brother farmers not to stop at the American ; but a counter one was inserted by the landlord, giving his reasons for turning the gentlemen out of doors, and no doubt most of our readers will consider them conclu- sive. Neither Messrs. Funch nor Straun were on the printed list, but it comprised the names of some of the wealthiest and largest farmers in the West. Fat salt pork and beans form the chief food of the Western farmers, who might live like princes on the barn-door fowl {if they would only feed them) and prairie chickens (grown) and quail, as well as other game, and fish when in season. Vegetables they never think of, though the prairies would produce them in abundance. As to tea, it is “ cisalpine,” uninjured by a sea yoyage, being chiefly manufactured in Philadelphia and Boston—one-third of that used in the West being “ Bogus.” In one wholesale house in the western metropolis, where the stock was 2700 chests, over 900 were home-made. The farmers must have tea at 1s. per Ib. The country store-keepers must have it at 9d. per Ib., to supply the farmers, and the wholesale merchant must have it at 6d. per lb., to give him a fair profit; the Philadelphian or Boston “ wooden nutmeg” tea-maker getting 6d. per Ib. for drying and colouring leaves. A SUGGESTED COMPROMISE. _A weptcat friend, who has combined the study of natural history with that of surgery for many years, on hearing my bitter complaints of the destruction of the buds of my Goose- berry bushes by the birds in winter and early spring, re- commended to me as a certain antidote to sow a few patches of Barley and white Clover in the neighbourhood of the trees. The birds, he says, must have green food at that season of the year; and so long as they can procure the tender blade of the Barley, and their still more favourite leaf of the white Clover, they will not condescend to meddle JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 333 with the coarser production of the Gooseberry. The trial will be simple and inexpensive, and is certainly worth making. S) LATIMERS. Tuts delightful residence of the Right Hon, Lord Chesham is beautifully situated on a commanding eminence two miles from Chesham, three from Amersham, and six from Rick- mansworth, the latter being the nearest place by which at present access can be had by train. By the latter we took our route, and after passing some finely undulated scenery, and the pretty village of Cheneys, and its church with its elevated spire, more than a mile distant from Latimers, we ere long crossed a rustic bridge, attended by a noisy water- fall of the Colne, and, after climbing a steep hill, arrived at the commodious and picturesque cottage of our friend Mr. Donaldson. The more proper entrance, we presume, would have been by the farm at the southern side of the lake, from which a nice approach, after passing over a bridge with a fine view of a deep cascade, winds up to the mansion, the building being as a matter of necessity amid the swells and undulations of this part of the Chiltern Hills. Just opposite the roadway from Mr. Donaldson’s premises is a splendid Elm, with a seat placed round its bottom, on which those tired with the ascent may “rest,” and thus far “ be thank- ful,’ the Elm dividing upwards into five large stems, and its main circumference at some 4 feet from the ground being fully 18} feet. From this position the approach soon forks, one part going westward to the stables and onwards, passing the north side of the kitchen garden, and the other going south-west to the offices and mansion. The mansion is a noble Elizabethan building, with the carriage entrance on the east side, the flower garden on the west, and a terrace garden of gravel and grass on the south front. Westward of the mansion, and on both sides of the river, the park scenery is continued; and north of the Hower garden the principal part of the pleasure grounds are situated, containing many nice specimens of the best young Conifers, Hollies, Yews, &e. Having satisfied ourselves with the beauty of the east front, and the picturesque outline of shrubs and trees by which the gravel was surrounded, we entered on the south terrace, and the beautiful prospect far more than counter- balanced the trouble of climbing up and descending the undulating hills. We will just for the present leave details, and take you with us, whilst we stand together on the gravel in front of the terrace wall (see section of ground from memory). There, right before you is the beautiful turf with its slopes and levels, and the pasture ground down to the lake almost as fresh and green; the lake itself clear as a mirror, and only needing the dash and the spray of the cascade to be seen to enhance its beauty; the fine trees here fringing its farther bank; the hold sweep of the sheep walk beyond, which could only be more beautiful if more extended, bounded by plantations farther to the south, and forming the sky outline. To the westward the vale, with its undulating banks on each side of the river, opens up broader and wider, and the trees are grouped, and the plan- tations fringed and curved with rare picturesque effect. Eastward, after the eye has wandered over diversified scenery, it seems to linger on the top of the spire of Che- neys church, the church itself, as well as the village, being concealed by the surrounding woods, and the whole forming a panorama of the beautiful not soon to be forgotten. Amid all this beauty there was just a trifle that seemed to jar on the unity of the scene, and we feel glad we noticed it, because the explanation was so satisfactory and honourable to all the parties concerned. Just opposite the mansion the boundary of the farther woods (10) stands out almost in a straight line, contrasting unfavourably with the bold massive scenery to the eastward, and the picturesque outlines to the west. This led to our being informed of what otherwise we should never have guessed—that the wood with the straight line, as well as the land up to Cheneys on that side of the river, belonged to the Duke of Bedford; and that though the Duke had let the land to Lord Chesham, and given him full powers to do with the trees as he liked, there might be a little delicacy in meddling even with the young woods. One thing is certain, that the removal of a 334 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Ootober 25, 1864. EE Eee eee SE EE eee eee few young trees, so as in this one part to take away the stiff outline, would be a great improvement. When cottagers, as well as squires and noblemen, are apt to quarrel and be very conservative as to their landmarks, it is pleasing to find our highest aristocracy, instead of making these landmarks conspicuous, showing rather their anxiety that their property, if possible, should be made to contri- bute to the interest and the beauty of the residences of their neighbours. We were here reminded of what, if time and circumstances had permitted, we should have mentioned long ago, the great-heartedness in similar circumstances of the Earl of Derby and Lord Sefton, whose rides and drives so meet and continue on their separate demesnes, that a stranger would have no means of knowing, without being informed, on which nobleman’s grounds he was passing. Though, therefore, part of the scenery to the south-east may not absolutely belong to the proprietors of Latimers, they may well rejoice in and enjoy its beauty. Here we have been reminded of a striking passage in the first volume of “What Will He Do with It,’ by the great novelist and statesman, Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer Lytton, where allud- ing to diversity of scenery, “The new villas, or old manor houses on lawny uplands, knitting as it were together England’s feudal memories with England’s free-born hopes; the old land with its young people; for England is so old, and the English are so young;” and he goes on to tell us how, in their wanderings, “the grey cripple and the bright- haired child often paused and gazed upon the homes and de- mesnes of owners whose lots were cast in such pleasant places. But there was no grudging envy in their gaze, and therefore, SECTION OF GROUND IN FRONT OF THE MANSION. 1, Front of mansion. f 2. Narrow terrace. = eal 3. Strong terrace wall, continuing westward as far as the flower garden extends. 4, Broad walk extending still farther westward into the pleasure-ground and park. they could enjoy and possess every banquet of the eye; for at least the beauty of what we see is ours for the moment, on the simple condition that we do not covet the thing that gives our eyes that beauty. As the measureless sky and unnumbered stars are equally granted to king and beggar, and in our wildest ambition we do not sigh for a monopoly of the empyrean, or the fee simple of the planets; so the earth too with all its fenced gardens and embattled walls, all its landmarks of stern property and churlish ownership, is ours too by right of eye. Ours to gaze on the fair posses- sions with such delight as the gaze can give, grudging to the unseen owner his other, and it may be more troubled rights, as little as we grudge an astral proprietor his acres in Capricorn. Benignant is the law that saith, ‘ Thow shalt not covet.” Ah! a grand thing it is for us working men, this right of eye. Coming to the details, we may mention that the upper terrace of grass, marked 2 in the section, seemed narrow for the size of the house. It was level with the top of the wall 3, which is a very substantial affair, and built of square blocks of light stone, alternating with one seemingly of flint or various coloured granite. This gave a variety to the look of the wall, and on the whole we think made it more interesting than if it had been all of one colour, as both of these lozenges contrasted with the red colour of the mansion. This wall extends as far as the flower garden does. There is no balustrade separating the upper terrace from the lower terrace, but large, massive, sculptured stone vases were set all along at regular distances, and were well filled with Scarlet Geraniums, &e. This answers very well just now, as we do not consider the flower garden quite finished ; but when itis, either a low balustrade would be required, or an increase in the number of vases. Beautiful as the grass terraces looked, still there is an appearance of baldness in the beauty, owing to the south front, with the exception of the vases on the top of the terrace wall, haying no shrub or tree to distract the at- tention from the lawn, lake, &c. We think the baldness would be best remedied by some elegant tubs with Portugal 5. Level and slopes of kept grass. 6. Slope of pasture to the lake, 7. Lake formed by damming up, by means of a cascade, the river Colne. 8. Fine groups of trees on south side of the lake, and mostly concealing farmhouse and buildings. 9. Sheep walk on opposite hill. 0. 10. Picturesque banks of trees, terminating the sky outline. Laurels being placed along the south side of the walk, the tubs being a mere make-believe for artistic effect, the roots being chiefly in the ground, as Mr. Henderson managed them at Trentham. Irish Yews every 30 feet or so would also have a good effect. Vases with flowers would add richness but do much to neutralise the unity of the scene, as with the exception of these vases on the terrace-wall, we have yet seen no flowers, nothing to distract the mind from the green turf and the picturesque scenery. These nicely- trained Laurels, &c., would add the artistic to the pictur- esque, the artistic where it should be seen near such an elegant mansion, and that without interfering with the dis- tinct unity of expression in this south front, which the in- troduction of floral ornaments would be sure to do. No doubt many of our artists would like to lay down & parterre on the wide space of lawn between the first slope, and no doubt it would look beautiful and be quite in its place, were there no other flower garden. But let it not be forgotten, that one of the chief charms of Latimers is the distinct interest associated with each of these three fronts of the mansion. Break up the fine breadth of lawn here and this diversified interest is gone. We hope the south front will remain as it is, a standing rebuke to the growing practice of sticking flower-beds here, there, and everywhere. to the destruction of everything like repose, rest, and breadth of view. The poet has sung of ‘ «© Water, water, everywhere, Ané not a drop to drink,” If we go on as we are doing, we will want another poet to sing of “ Flowers, flowers, everywhere, and nota bit of green grass on which to stand and see them.” We now, however, leave this terrace and mount the steps to the flower garden on the west side of the mansion, this garden being on the same level as the upper terrace (2) on the south front, and the same wall (3) being continued on its south side. We had heard of this flower garden, and formed high expectations of it, as some of our readers may recollect what we said of the beauty of the flower garden at the Hyde when under Mr. Donaldson’s management. The arrangement and the blending of colours were everything October 25, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 335 Se eee eee ee en Ee ae 2°. Bia ¢ a 8 25 San 6 ais .2 ®& ha Faia Se) St a 25 Soa 5 2A g-. 8 3 eal 2 a - 5a nH oa hore or Jo Biss i Bes = EO ouias Same as SE < 3 R EO Gi ane P2 .2 6 i} 22-5 Baeseg Bret MS & Ss Sses50 2s ovaoog 2a ERMESS -=9 8 aa as Aa 7 BeS2oas 2 fs £& ° 3 a on od a FAST 2 o : S & 3 = 3 32° a as gg9 23 EESSE ce oHSEESS sao ESS SSS: ESOSOSSESLASESAS 33 seis oe) =a a 2" Heen a me St A a wm AH Oo OM Dinix SOLE UG) Madesetestienectiesieaienion. 1! Hewat vewiencaes NORTH-WALL OF ROSES. —cK—K—KCttrrn t iii | mn n. iY gi | | ) re lin i> | O x ist i; wl f\ea8 | ul tt] ‘Qa ‘1 ND ! td | iE Il: io Ay) i< | Bs hy bl (Dy | ; Dany ‘ iM oi" that could be desired. The broad band of Box round the central oval told remarkably well. Did we wish to be hyper- critical it would be to say that the small circles in the chain pattern would have looked as well if all had been planted with the same thing. The four twists of Perilla were just high enough, but half an hour’s nipping would have made 336 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, { October 25, 1864. them perfect. A few days before the end of September most likely they were the right height, and most probably were so by the Ist of October. It was easy to see that heights were studied carefully, as well as colours, a matter of great importance in a symmetrical arrangement. Being a distinct garden for flowers, what we have said above of breadth of view does not at all apply, as it forms of itself a separate feature of interest.. Beautiful as it looked, however, and well as it was managed, two changes seemed to be necessary to render it complete. The garden is more a parallelogram than a square, being something like 38 yards by 34 yards. The whole plan is beautifully balanced and harmonious, with the exception of the four outsides, all of which are different. The two opposite sides should be the same. There need be no difficulty with the north and the south side. To make a handsome chain-border on the west side, as well as next the mansion, would require a little more encroaching on the lawn. ‘To do this would necessitate the removal of a Horse-Chestnut tree at the north-west corner, more valued than its appearance would indicate—more espe- cially as there are better and more interesting trees in the background; and also the taking away of a Beech tree or two at the south-west corner. The removal of these would also be an advantage to the high-keeping of the garden, as the leaves of the Chestnut soon begin to fall, and every yellow leaf in that garden would mar its beauty. Then, secondly, to secure the idea of completeness the garden should be distinctly bounded. This is done now on the south side by the terrace wall and vases; on the east side by the man- sion, fronted by the broad walk of gravel, there being room for a similar walk between the garden and wall on the south side. On the north side there is the wall for Roses, the top of which meets the steep sloping bank of turf northward ; but on the west side there is no boundary—no background to reflect and concentrate the brightness of colouring. A few yards of balustrading on the top of the north wall, close to the mansion, and in character with it, furnish the key note as to what is required. Continue that balustrading all along that north wall, a similar balustrading, but on a lower devel, on the west side, and either continue it along the south terrace wall, or multiply the vases there by placing smaller ones between the rich stone sculptured ones. (To be continued.) R. Fisu. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Make it a rule never to allow the haulm, leaves, &c., of plants to remain on the eround when the crop is gathered, a convenient place outside the garden should be appropriated for the garden refuse; and before the leaves, &c., are wheeled to the heap, let a sprinkling of ashes or charred refuse be placed over each layer, by which a heap of valuable manure will be formed. While the ground is dry, proceed with digging up vacant spaces, throw- ing it into ridges that the land may be more effectually exposed to the influence of frosts. It should be a rule to double-spit or trench land every alternate year at least; but when two crops are taken off the same place yearly, trenching should alternate with digging each time the ground is cropped. Cauliflowers, as they are easily damaged by frost go over them frequently, and tie the leaves over the advancing heads. A portion of the less forward may be removed to spare pits or frames to succeed, or laid in deeply in a sheltered place, with their heads inclining to- wards the north, to be protected with straw or mats from frost. Cauliflowers under glasses or in frames may during the mild weather have air very freely. Carrots, having finished their growth should be taken up, and stored away for use. Potatoes, those that have been taken up and stored should be looked over and sorted; one rotten Potato will infect half adozen. Others not yet taken up may now be dug. Spinach, go over the winter Spinach with the hoe, and follow with a dressing of soot. This useful winter vege- table requires strong stimulating manures to haye it in perfection. FRUIT GARDEN. The planting of fruit trees either in the open quarters or against walls may be commenced as soon as we have a good soaking rain. In planting odd trees between old-established ones against walls, a hole of considerable size should be made for the young tree, and refilled with fresh compost. In preparing new soil for planting fruit trees endeavour to keep it as dry as possible, and choose a dry day for planting that the soil may be in a favourable state for the growth of fresh roots during the autumn. The present time, after rain, is likewise the most favourable for relifting and root- pruning such trees as are too luxuriant and require check- ing, to induce a fruitful habit. We prefer liftimg the trees entirely, unless they are very large, to cutting off the roots as they stand. After shortening the roots proportionately to the strength of the tree, spread them out near the surface, and fill in with compost, on which a mulching of half-rotten dung should be spread to prevent frost from pene- trating the ground. Though the above is often necessary with existing trees planted in too rich or too deep borders, it should be borne in mind that it is only a palliative measure, and in the course of a few years will require re- peating, unless measures are at the same time taken to make the border shallower or poorer, as the case may be. We are of opinion that wall trees would be more fruitful were their roots confined to borders of very limited extent compared with what is generally the case, and by which the balance between the roots and branches could be adjusted without the trouble and expense of root-pruning. Clear off the remaining leaves froin wall trees to give the wood the advantage of sun and air to assist its ripening. : FLOWER GARDEN. Before the flower-beds and borders have received the first shock from the approaching winter, the final remarks for the season should be made as to any re-arrangement of height, colour, or kind in the ensuing spring. This is more especially necessary when alterations of any kind in the design of the garden are intended. When the beds are cleared of decayed matter, a quantity of such biennials as the dark Wallflower, Sweet Williams, &c., may be planted, or bulbs for a late display. Let Dahlias, Carnations, and tender plants of all kinds be looked to, it may be necessary to pot some things for spring propagation. Onamental climbers on trellises, arcades, &c., in blossom, should have protection on nights of a frosty character. Much valuable blossom may some- times be insured by very simple means, as it not unfre- quently happens that after one or two severe nights the weather becomes mild for weeks. CONSERVATORY AND GREENHOUSE. As the beauty of out-door scenery passes away before the storms of autumn, the conservatory should be made as attractive as possible, as it will now become in some measure the only place where flowering plants can be seen with com- fort in unfavourable weather. To assist, let the requisite arrangements, both as regards watering and changing the plants, take place early in the day that the effects of the watering may be removed, and an agreeable dryness pervade the house before it is visited by the family. No pains must likewise be spared to keep the house gay, by introducing plants in succession as they come into bloom, including a portion of the stove plants which have been grown expressly for this purpose. A little gentle forcing will bring the dif- ferent varieties of Epiphyllum into bloom, and with the ad- dition of Chrysanthemums, late Fuchsias and Pelargoniums, Pancratiums, Amaryllis, Mignonette, Neapolitan Violets, &e., a tolerably gay appearance may be maintained until the time when forced plants will be more generally available. r STOVE. q The weather has been most favourable for ripening the succulent shoots of free-growing plants. When opportunity offers, therefore, do all you can to ripen the young wood, for it is in this way only that you can expect to get well through the winter. The temperature of the stove may now decline by night to 65°. . FORCING-PIT. Keep the temperature of this structure by night at 60°, and inerease it by day, if necessary by fire heat, 15° above the night temperature. This willassist Nature in fowermg the few plants and bulbs which bloom in anything like per- fection during dark November. PITS AND FRAMES. Everything should be finally arranged here as soon as October 25, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 337 possible. See that the Mignonette has a very light situation, and is plunged close to the glass and free from drip. Store Verbenas growing freely should have their tops pinched, as also Petunias and other ordinary mass flowers. Give all the air possible. Intermediate Stocks intended for next year should be kept dry. Neapolitan Violets to have as much air as possible—W. Kane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Pienty of rumours of rain, but none has fallen here. Watered Cauliflowers, Lettuces, Cabbages with sewage water. Tied and earthed up Celery. Gave also a little water to Scarlet Runners still fruiting beautifully. Covered and tied Endive. A capital plan where no glass protection can be given is to grow in rows from 2 to 24 feet apart, render it large by good treatment, tie up when dry, and then earth up; leaving only the top exposed. If in rainy weather a board is laid along the top the damp will be kept out. For common purposes nothing answers better for early work than giving the plants of the Large Curly a rough tie, and then placing slates, boards, or tiles along them. We gene- rally, for all the flat-crowing kinds, merely cover with boards, or place a few inches of dry tree leaves over them. Hoed among young Onions, Spinach, Strawberries, Let- tuces, &c., as the rougher and opener the surface the better will they stand all changes of wet or cold that may ere long be anticipated. As soon as we have time we will take up the most forward Carrots, Salsafy, Scorzonera, Beetroot, &c., as they keep so much better when taken up dry. Laid broken leaves over Cauliflowers, alike to keep them white and prevent frost from affecting them. Mushrooms.—Had a piece more put in the Mushroom- house. Our beds under the thatched shed have done wonders, and are still producing profusely. We examined the bricks we made for spawn, and find it is running very slowly, and therefore made up a little bed of litter, and packed it on the bed to give it a speedier action. Much good spawn is spoiled by over-heat and over-wetness; but no good can be done without good spawn, unless we treat a bed so as to make it become a bed of spawn naturally, and to do that requires more time than we can spare in general. ‘We had an instance of this the other day. We generally put our Calceolaria cuttings into a low brick pit, the inside being considerably below the outside surface. But for this we would have done nothing inside; yet fearing that under the circumstances we might have too much damp, we placed about a foot deep of rather dry litter in the bottom of the pit, on which we placed the compost for the Calceolarias. When the Calceolarias were transplanted about March other things more tender were transplanted into that pit, and then after May the same place was used for plants in pots, low enough to stand under the glass, neither the litter beneath nor the soil being removed. Several times lately we noticed our map, with armsful of nice Mushrooms from among the flower-pots, which would have been valuable if we had not the supply from the thatched sheds. On removing the surface soil almost the whole bed was a mass of run spawn: No doubt there had been a few droppings in the long litter, leaves, and stubble that formed the understratum, and most likely it contained spawn or spores; and here these had been extending ever since the end of October, 1863, and only began to produce Mushrooms freely a few weeks before we were under the necessity of clearing the bed out. That bed, covered with glass and protected from frost, we have no doubt would have produced heavily all the winter. Such masses of spawn are very good for placing anywhere, to ob- tain a little heat and moisture, and they will then produce well when slightly covered with earth. Such spawn is gene- rally too far run to be useful for running in a fresh bed; but lots of Mushrooms may be obtained from it in an emer- gency by the above process, when it generally soon exhausts itself. Tomatoes.—Gathered the last of these, which have been quite at home this season. A number of years ago we made some excellent sauce in a very simple way, simpler than any we have seen in the books, and we believe the recipe was in the Journal, but we have now forgotten it and cannot find it. We knew there were a few bits of Capsicum, Horse Radish—a very little bit cut fine, and some Shallots, with pepper and salt to taste. Will some kind friend give a simple recipe, which without much trouble will give us a sauce that will stand over the most of the next summer ? FRUIT GARDEN. The wind being very boisterous, and our friends the birds having commenced pecking our best Pears, we have gathered. the greater portion of our fruit. Looked over, also, that pre- viously gathered, and as we will want more room in pits and frames, have been wheeling out rotten dung ready to go be- tween the rows of Strawberries, &ec. As time permits, ‘we will go on pruning a little, as it is more pleasant doing it now than in the depth of winter. Orchard-house.—We intended shifting a few trees that are in smaller pots, but have not been able to touch them yet. We rather think we must wait for a wet day, when out-door work must be given up. As stated the other week, trees in pots from 13 to 16 inches in diameter, will want potting but seldom. We have had heavy crops of fine Pears in pots not more than 9 inches in diameter, and, of course, if to be con- tinued these'would require more room. For the larger size of pots, we are quite sure that the mode described by Mr. Rivers last week is the best—namely, good top-dressing. Our half or three-quarters plunging our pots was chiefly owing to deficiency of water, and to save so much watering. We are well aware that trees with pots exposed under glass, do not suffer from sun heat in summer so much as those exposed out of doors. Except some Cherries and Plums, few of the roots of our trees had gone above an inch or two from the pots. Not only did we thus plunge to keep the trees alive, but for a month or six weeks we covered the pots altogether with litter. There is one little matter we would like to notice here. In the orchard-house, the latest one, we had some beautiful Ribston Pippins in September, flavour pronounced to be de- licious; Plums, &c., the same. Then and since we have had fine-looking Pears, but we think the look was the best of them. They were not so high-flavoured and juicy as similar kinds grown out of doors, and ripened on the shelf of the fruit-room. Such, where grown in quantity, we would half plunge out of doors in a warm sheltered place after the middle of June. What do our practical men say? We also intended taking out our fine plants of Cherries in pots, but » time went on, and there they are, and we begin to think from their appearance, and as we do not mean to force them, they are just as well where they are. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Proceeded with securing greenhouse plants, hardening off stove plants, giving both all the air they could stand, and as soon as possible will remove Fuchsias, Begonias, &e., from the greenhouse, and rearrange for the winter. Examine bulbs to see that mice have not attacked them. Give all the air possible to hardwooded Cape and New Holland- plants, but keep them secure from drenching rains, which * the state of the barometer would indicate to be not far dis- tant. General work, as to potting, cleaning, &c., much the same as inthe last two weeks. We fear the high winds will sweep off the most of our tree leaves, which are falling freely, and when they go careering off into other people’s lands, it is a great loss to us, and helps to keep us hack for the next season. Were it not for these leaves the flower garden would still be fine, but to keep it free of leaves now would be like washing the skin of an Ethiopian to make it white. A month or five weeks ago, we noticed some men with brooms hunting stray leaves over a lawn, getting some half a dozen to lie down friendly together to be picked up by a- barrow afterwards. Long before the barrow came. the leaves would dissolve partnership, and be trying to establish a fresh resting place on their own account. Such stray leaves as these would disfigure the nice lawn, and they might have been picked up individually and put in the gatherer’s pocket at once, or m an apron or bag, sooner than half a dozen could have done it by the do-and-the-undo policy. Of course, when the leaves lie thick, sweeping and heaps must be resorted to; but in the great majority of cases, the making of heaps, to come and clear them up afterwards, is a mistake. Calceolarias.—Our chief work of the week has been prepar- J 338 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 25, 1864. ing for and inserting a great number of Calceolaria cuttings, to the preparation of which we have already alluded. We put in the bottom of the pit as much dryish litter as when well trodden would be a foot or 14 inches deep, then a couple of inches of half rotten leaves, also well trodden, then an inch of leaf mould, as we thought free of worms, mixed with the riddlings of the soil, then 23} inches of sandy loam, and a quarter of an inch of drift sand on the surface. Before the sand was put on the whole was again trodden, levelled, and slightly watered, as the material was rather dry; the sand was firmly beaten down, and the planting began. This season we plant them in rows 1 inch apart, and the rows are nearly 10 inches from each other. We like little short cut- tings, about 2 inches long, taken off from the older stem with a heel; but you cannot always depend on getting them all with such qualities. It requires more time to take the cuttings off, and the lads will rather prefer having more time in the shed in making, than at the bed in taking them off. , All amateurs who do most of the work themselves, we ad- vise to spend time in the selection of their cuttings. There is little time afterwards required in making them, and though longer pieces, necessarily shortened, will often do well, they require more trouble and looking after than these short stubby pieces from 2 to 23} and 3 inches long. Cleaning the bottom, removing a leaf or two, and shortening one or two more are all that they require. When planted we water to fix them well, and for a long time a skiff from the syringe in a hot day, the glasses close, and air at night when not frosty will be all that they will require, as we would be best pleased if they rooted little until after Christmas.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Ocroszr 22. Supplies of fruit continue heavy, with the exception of Piaes, which are rather scarce, and of Peaches, which will soon be over. The principal dessert Apples are King of the Pippins, Ribston Pippins, which are very abundant, and Cox’s Orange Pippin, of which there are excellent specimens tobe had. Besides these there is great plenty of nameless Apples, such as are hawked about the strects. Pears for dessert purposes consist of Marie Louise, Crassane, Duchesse d@’Argouléme, from the continent, and Beurré d'Anjou, a handsome new kind. The supply of Cobs is short this week, owing to holders keeping back ; and vegetables are not so plentiful as they have been in former weeks. The Potato market remains unchanged. FRUIT. 8. d. s. d 8 dos. d 1 Oto2 0} Mulberries.... punnet 0 O0to0 0 0 0 O 0} Nectarines ..doz. 0 0 0 0 f 0 | Oranges. 10 0 14 0 0 0 12 __ Black, do 00 00 5 0 10 0 Figs. «doz. 0 0 00 dessert .. 10 30 Filberts & Nuts 1001bs. 60 0 80 0 | Pine Apples. 45.0; SiO Cobs ............d0. 60 0 80 0| Plums... Qi Olnnde0) Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 1 6 5 0] Pomegran 04 0 6 Muscats.... «» 3 0 7 0O| Quinces .. Des O en annO, Lemons .. 8 0 14 0 | Raspberries.. 00 0-0 Melons ., 1 6 4 0° Waluuts....., 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. 8. d. 8. d 8. d. 8. Artichokes ........each 0 4to0 6] Horseradish ... bundle 2 6to 5 5 Asparagus ...... bundle 0 0 0 0| Leeks..... bunch 0 2 0 38 Beans Broad......4 si 0 0 O 0} Lettuce. «score 2 0 4 0 Kidney 38 6 5 0] Mushrooms ..,...pottle 1 6 2 6 Beet, Red............ doz. 1 0 3 0| Mustd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 0 0 Broccoli ..... ... bundle 1 0 1 6)].Onions . ~..bunch 0 4 0 6 26 3 6 pick]: «Quart 0 6 0 8 1 0 2 0} Parsley ..doz, bunches 4 0 6 0 1 0 2 0) Parsnips , 0:9) 310 0 5 O 8} Peas......... 00 00 4 0 6 0} Potatoes 26 4 0 1 0 2 0} Radishes doz. bunches 10 0 0 Cucumbers .. 0 6 1 0} Savoys ... ci tO) 3 @ Pickling . doz. 0 0 O 0} Sea-kale 00 00 Endive , 2 6 4 O| Spinach.. BH ~ 0 0 3 O 0} Tomatoes,. 20 40 0 8 O 0} Turnips 0-3 0-6 0 3 O O01! Vegetablen 20 3 0 TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. James Veitch, Royal Exotic Nursery, King’s Road, Chelsea, and Coombe Wood, Kingston Hill—Plant Catalogue; Cata- logue of Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Conifere, American Plants, Sc. ; Catalogue of Select Roses. Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough and Salt Hill.— Catalogue of Roses, Fruit Trees, Conifere, Hardy Trees and Shrubs, &c. ; Select List of Pelargoniums. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Guava (G. S.).—We believe yours to be the Psidium Cattleyanum. The purple fruit you enclosed was too bruised to judge of its exact shape, but the perfume and Strawberry flavour were that of the species we have named, P. ferrugineum we never heard of before. Fruit (C. W., Boston).—Write 1o Mesars. Webber & Co., Covent Garden Market. Pear Lraves (C. FZ. Z.).—They are attacked by a parasitical fungus. If you could co!lect all the affected leaves now and burn them, and do so when the fungus appears next year, you would extirpate the plague. It injures, but will not kill your trees. MusHrooms (Silas Fixings).—Sowing salt over grass land early in autumn might prevent the occurrence of Mushrooms. We do not know the Elms in the Close of Salisbury. Henstow’s Dictionary (Marfordie).—You can have it free by post for fifty-two stamps. The flowers were destroyed by the post-office punches. RosEry (A Lover of Roses).—It is, as you say, often spelt with an a, but having an English termination, we think the e is more correct. If the word hada Latin termination then it would be otherwise, asin rosarium. It is desirable also to have the spelling distinct from rosary, the name for the Roman Catholic string of beads. Dwarr Apple Trees (Z. M. JW.).—Your overgrown dwarf Apple trees are doubtless grafted on the crab stock. No pruning will arrest their growth. The only method of doing so would be to take them up carefully in November, and reduce all their shoots to half their length, making their heads symmetrical. If they commence to make vigorous growth, say in 1866, they may in the autumn of that year again be taken up and replanted. Bow ttnc GREEN (G. B.).—Our correspondent asks whether a bowling green should not rise 6 inches in the centre? We have always considered that a perfect level was the most desirable. It is so stated in Rees’s Cyclo- peedia, where there are very full directions for making a bowling green. Heatine A Conservatory (7. Z. B.).—We have no doubt that Mussett’s plan would answer, and that of any other tradesman who advertises in our columns. Candidly, we take with the usual drawbacks allsystems of hot water that are todo so much work at so small a cost. In all the plans we have worked we never found very great difference when continuously worked. A tall, conical, or tubular boiler would suit you and so would a flue along the centre of the house. We do not know the mode of laying out your 34 by 22 feet wide house, and whether span-roofed or not; but we have no doubt that the cheapest and most economical plan for merely keeping out frost would be a brick Arnott’s stove inside the house. (Stain/ey Hall)—Much the same answer as to the preceding, Any of those tradesmen who ad- vertise in our columns would do the work for you, or, if preferred, any blacksmith or plumber that has been used to itin your neighbourhood. We have no preference for systems, after having seen and tried most at work, except liking the simplest best. A middle-sized saddle-back, or conical, or tubular-boiler will suit your purpose, and if your house is lofty, span-roofed and you wish to keep a temperature of from 55° to 60° in winter, you would require three pipes all round. If the house is a lean-to and you do not want so high a temperature, two pipes at the ends and front will be ample. InancuED VINE (/Watton).—If you want to give due strength to the inarched Muscats you must cut away the head of the original stock. If you cannot well do this at once, take away a good portion of it, and the whole of it next year. As the Muscat shoot is so weak, cut that down to a couple of buds or so. The more strength of the stock you give it the better will it do. The flower was too faded and injured to be identified. ARABIS LUCIDA VARIEGATA.—James Hoade, Addleston, Surrey, wishes to know where he can obtain a supply of this plant. EMIGRATING TO New ZEALAND.—“ J. C.” wishes to know if Strawberry plants can be packed so as to be taken out; whether tcols should be taken $ whether Quick thrives there; what kinds of seed should be taken; and whether settlers there grow their own grass seed?) Answers to these queries, and any other information, will be acceptable, VINES NOT BREAKING WELL (Vinery)}.—We fear you have allowed too much fruit to remain on your Vines, which as you say are very young, and supposing you did the same last year, and then started to force early the past spring, the evil you complain of was very likely to happen. We fear we cannot give you any better advice than to cut them down below the blank caused by the buds not breaking, or even lower; but if plenty of canes exist you might let some of them remain as they are in order to pro- duce some fruit next year. Buds that have missed breaking the past season will not break next, although most old wood is furnished with sets of embryo buds which only burst forth into leaf on being urged by some ex- traordinary cause—as the heading-down of the plant or other similar ordeal. We certainly caution you against allowing the Vines to bear so heavily another season. Direction (S. B.).—The direction is Stanley Bridge, King’s Road, Chelsea. Insects (G. W. H.).—Send us specimens in a quill or box, so that they cannot be crushed by the post-office stamps, and we will endeavour to tell you the names, October 25, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 339 Apyice (J. A.).—You appear to see the difficulties so thoroughly yourself ‘ as to stand in little need of advice. As to the vineries, we think it almost a pity to meddle with them; but dividing the range into three, instead of two, would enable you to have an early house next the boiler, with less consump- tion of fuel than you would need fora larger house, Secondly, As the range of vineries is only 64 feet, we think that taking out part of the glass in the centre, and forming a span-roof there from north to south, would involve considerable labour and expense, and do much to impair the usefulness of the vineries, and also to mar the symmetry which your employer values so much. Thirdly, On the west side of the vineries there is an open space, with a pit in front of it in line with the outside Vine-border, and west of the open space is an orchard-house. and we certainly would recommend you to have a house in that open space if it were not so wide as the orchard-house. This would be much better than interfering with the general outline of the vineries, such as having a span-roof in the centre of them, as we have fre- quently proved that putting up a new house is often an easier and less ex- Pensive affair than cutting, changing, and altering the appearance of an old one. Fourth, This plan would give you symmetry, as the pit you now have, with the new house behind it, would form the centre, the orchard-houses the west wing, and the vineries the east wing. Fifth, If you choose to increase your houses eastward, we do not see that, though the ground and the wall drop there, the new houses, being on a different level, would do away with symmetry. If so disposed on this lower level, making the vineries the centre, you might have the pit and house behind it, and an orchard-house as on the west side. Sixth, We question if you will heat much cheaper by one boiler, unless you choose to alter the position of the boiler—that is, on the supposition that you do not go farther eastward, and also on the supposition that the new house, pit, and vineries, are on a similar ‘level. If so, if the late vinery were changed into an early one, you could easily heat it and the pit from a boiler placed at the back of the vinery, and without heating any other part, unless you liked. If the piping in the pit ison 2 much lower level, then, but for the unsightliness of the present stokehole in the path, that would be the best place for your one boiler. But, seventhly, If you contemplate having a house or a pit at the east end of a vinery, and perhaps a house without heat farther east still, then it would be desirable to have the houses needing most heat at that end, and to place your boiler at the lowest part ; aud the simplest plan then would be to take a flow and return from the boiler to the farthest point you wished to heat, and then take flow and return from these to every house you wished to heat separately. By this means you would always have a little heat from the pipes in all the houses, but the flow and return need not be more than 3 inches, and when you did not want the heat you could give a little more air. This would be the simplest plan. If you increased the number of houses, however, you would require to have two boilers near together, in case you should have an accident with one. With eight or nine places it is arisk to depend entirely on one boiler. For such work we would prefer upright tubular or conical boilers. The lowering of the top lights of the vinery, and making a hip instead, would so far lessen the length of the Tafters. We see no advantage in doing so. We do not see how you could have the lights now at top, for what would you form the hip with? Surely not with an opaque hip—that would be worse still. We are obliged by your experience of Cloth of Gold. It has varied much this season. Perhaps Golden Chain has never done better than this year. Torn HepdaeEs THIN AT THE Bottos (A Five-years Subscriber).—1f they are too thin for a fence to prevent the intrusion of cattle, and you can dis- pense with them as such for a year or two, you may cut them down to 1 foot from the ground, and thisany time from that at which the quicks are leafless to the middle of March, but the earlier the better. If the fences cannot be dispensed with for a year or two it would be preferable to lay the Thorns, cutting each stem 9 inches from the ground about three-parts through, and bringing the top down in an oblique direction, so that a fence 2 feet 6 inches or 3 feet high may be formed, crossing the smaller branches, so as to secure them in the position in which they are placed. In this way the hedge will become close at the bottom by the production of shoots below the cut part; but if the top be taken clean off a much better fence will be the result, There is no fear of frost injuring the quicks if they be cut in autumn. Movine Common Harpy Ferns (Rusticus).—If it be the common Bracken (Pteris aquilina), it is rather difficult of transplantation. To succeed at all with it select that which is growing the least, and dig it up in patches now, or from this time up to the appearance of young growths in spring, going so deep as to secure the underground creeping stems, taking up with the earth entire about them, and planting in the places desired. All other kinds of common Ferns mav be taken up now with a ball of earth to them, or it may be deferred until March. If care be taken not to stub them up, but to preserve a nice ball to each plant, they will move safely and make quite a show in the first year, especially if they be planted in a little leaf mould, and have a good watering after planting if the weather be dry. If planted now they will not require watering. Hoya carnosa CuLTuRE—PruninG Ciimpine Roses (Hoya).—The Hoya does wellin a compost of turfy light loam, leaf mould, and peat, in equal parts, with about one-sixth of broken potsherds, or pieces ot charcoal the size of a Walnut, added, using besides a like proportion of silver or other sharp sand. The drainage should be perfect, and occupy at least one-third the depth of the pot. It requires but little water in winter, and at other times about half the quantity given to ordinary greenhouse plants, as Fuchsias, &c. If an ornamental-foliaged climber is wanted, there is nothing handsomer than the well-known Cissus discolor, and it likes a little shade ; but if there is no shade from plants overhead, Passiflora Decaisneana, or Stephanotis floribunda, are quick-growing and fine climbers. Your Management of the climbing Roses is quite right, and we cannot improve on your practice, except it be that if the old shoots are worn out they would be better displaced by younger shoots. In that case the strong shoots springing from the base of the trees should be allowed to grow trained in to the wall, and the old shoots cut away to make room for them, and eventually entirely removed. Our ‘‘Garden Manual” contains directions for the cultivation of the plants named, and may be had from our office free by post for twenty stamps. Peacues (Persica).—For late varieties procure Walburton Admirable and Gregory’s Late. We believe that Mr. Osborne, nurseryman, Fulham, has Rust’s Thames Bank Peach. TRITONIA AUREA IN A Pot Done Bioomine (J. Z.).— Pot it now, and cut down the foliage to the surface when it decays. Keep dry, but not dust dry, during the winter, and shelter in a pit or cold greenhouse, from which frost is barely excluded. SEEDLING Pansy (An Old Subscriber).—It is quite equal to many other varieties, but far inferior to the best now in our florists’ lists. Movine Houttirs—Prants Unper Yew TREES (WV.).—Hollies which have not been transplanted frequently will not move safely at any season, and we fear a worse time could not be selected than the present. Wet showery weather in April and May is the most suitable time. We know of no tree or plants that will grow under the shade of a Yew tree, except the different varieties of Vinca or Periwinkle, both green and variegated. Consrructine A Vinpry (A NVovice).—You had better have the back wali 18 or 20 feet in height, as the front is 23 feet. On that space of ground, 50 feet wide and 160 feet long, you could have about four houses, or five, according to the height. Thus supposing the first at the north end to be 18 feet in height, 20 feet in*front of that you might have one 14 or 15 feet in height at back, and as you decrease the height you lessen the shade from the one in front. Your best plan is to erect poles of the proposed height of back and front, with a diagonal ine representing the glass between them, and place these in a line from north to south, and see how the one does shade or not the slopes or glass of the house behind it. We could calculate this very nicely for you, and at much trouble might show how the house would be influenced by the shade in the different months of the year, but the sticks will show you all you want, and it is part of our system not to do for our friends what they can better do for themselves. Be assured that what the narseryman told you is all nonsense. Of course, it is not to be understood that you are to force the Vines the first season; but the glass will warm the soil as well as the atmosphere, and provided you give enough of air, plant with the glass on by all means, as it will help not only to give you better growth, out toripen that growth sufficiently. CrarKeE’s Gas anp Hor-watex Apparatus (Yorkshire).—The manufac- turer is Mr. T. C. Clarke, Eagle Iron Foundry, 25, Seel Street, Liverpool. Dwarr Pium Trees (An Amateur Horticulturist).—Plum trees may be grown successfully as bushes; but, as no dwarfing stock like the quince for the Pear, or the paradise apple for the Apple, has been discovered for Plums, they are apt to grow too vigorously, even when their young shoots are pinched in to three or fourleavesallthe summer. This may, however, be remedied by taking up the trees biennially in November and replanting them. The central branches of your Apple trees may be shortened to half their length without injuring the trees. No injury can result from rain to the cut sur- face. The month of February is, on the whole, the best month for winter pruning fruit trees. Puantine Vine From A Por (B. T. E.).—The Vine turned out from a pot into a “curate’s vinery ”’ will do very well, but it depends upon the growth it has made this season whether it will produce a crop next year. Buvpvep Roses (J. P., Ellington).—Remove the bandages. Early in next spring cut off the shoot at two joints above the inserted bud, and when the shoot from this bud is about 4 inches long stop it. During May the two joints of the stock shoot may be pruned off close to the inserted bud. Boox (Revd. J. M. F.).—Mec’Intosh’s ‘Greenhouse, Hothouse, and Stove”? may suit you, but we believe the ‘* Cottage Gardeners’ Dictionary LH) is more easy for reference. Names or Fruit (J. J. 7.).—Pears.—1, Uvedale’s St. Germain; 4, Ne Plus Meuris; 5, Beurré d’Aremberg; 6, Beurré de Rance; 7, Beurré a@Aremberg; 8, Beurré de Capiaumont; 9, Easter Beurré; 10, Swan’s Egg. Apples.—2, Warner’s King; 3, Dutch Codlin; 4, Ribston Pippin; 5, Rotten; 6, Golden Winter Pearmain; 7, 8, and 9, Ribston Pippin; 10, Lewis's Incomparable; 13, Dutch Codlin; 16, Herefordshire Pearmain 5 18, Lincolnshire Reinette; 19, Yorkshire Greening; 33, White Costin. Others not recognised. It is really unconscionable to send so many. (M4. H. J.).—2, Fearn’s Pippin; 3, Trumpington; 5, Devonshire Quarren- don; 6, Manks Codlin; 7, Yellow Ingestrie; 11, Golden Harvey; 14, Passe Colmar; 15, Doyenné Boussoch; 16, Bezi Vaet; 18, Brown Beurré; 19, Rotten; 20, Belle Apres Noél; 22, Forelle ; 23, Beurré Diel; 24, Berga- motte Cadette. Others not recognised. (C. R.).—1, Beurré Diel; 2, Beurré de Rance; 3, Duchesse d’Angouléme. (Old Subscriber).—3, Hacon’s In- comparable; 4, Beurré Diel; 5, Ne Plus Meuris; 7, Beurré de Rance 5 8, Suffolk Thorn; 9, Gendesheim; 11, Emperor Alexander; 12, Api Rose; 13, Golden Nonpareil; 14, Franklin’s Golden Pippin; 15, Golden Knob; 16, Tower of Glammis; 17, Gloria Mundi; 18, Dumelow’s Seedling ; 19, Borovitski. Others not recognised. The specimens were very fine. (G. H.).—1, Chaumontel; 2, Flemish Beauty ; 3, Chaumontel; 4, Beurré de Rance ; 5, Beurré d’Aremberg ; 7, Ne Plus Meuris; 8, Benrré Diel. (W. G.). 2, Adams’s Pearmain; 4, Golden Reinette; 5, Gravenstein; 8, Wyken Pippin; 11, Hughes’ Golden Pippin; 13, Fearn's Pippin; 14, Reinette du Canada. The Pear is Doyenné Blane. Others not recognised. (W. 0. R.). —l, Trebbiano; 2, Prolific Sweetwater. The first requires more heat than the Black Hamburgh. Names oF Puants (A Wairnshire Subscriber).—It is Stenocarpus Cun- ninghami. Its flowers are most beautiful, in candelabrum-like umbels, clothed with most vivid orange scarlet down. It does not bloom until it has attained a height of 15 or more feet; requires a greenhouse and abund- ance of light; is evergreen, and a native of Moreton Bay. (Constant Reader).—Your lemon-scented plant is Dictamnus fraxinella. (Stockport). —1, Hieracium crocatum; 2, Jasione montana; 3, Too young to be named; 4, Thrincia hirta (#. H.).—1, Sericographis Ghiesbregtiana ; 2, Cannot be named as sent; 8, Dedalacanthus nervosus; 4, Peristrophe speciosa. (A. L. Melville).—Agapanthus umbellatus, var. foliis variegatis, sometimes called Agapanthus variegatus in gardens. 7 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOWS IN THE SOUTH. _ WE recollect the building of the Burlington Arcade. As it approached completion there were crowds at each end, and among them men of all callings, admiring and con- demning, as the case might be. A butcher heard all that was said, and at once declared it was fit for one thing only —it would make a first-rate butchers’ market. He saw it only as connected with his trade. We are apt to view all 340 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. places, when on our poultry-hobby, with an eye to their fitness for runs or shows. We cannot tell the reason, but shows do not prosper in the south or south-west. During the winter the north has its weekly shows, which are well supported. They increase yearly; but in the south, and even in the south-west, they die a natural death. They had no lack of support; but, we believe, they were a sort of poultry “ Do-as-you-likes”’ of the first category (see Kingsley’s ““ Water-babies’’), and so they went out, and, like them, have disappeared. People left off poultry in those parts, and descended to horses and dogs. Extremes meet; and so we suppose, as there are none now, they will be numerous by-and-by. We must wait, but, like Sancho’s island, they are a long time coming. It is strange how people differ, and how supine the Anglo-Saxon, so enterprising in some things, is in others. He will compass the elements and surpass the labours of Hercules to do some great thing, but little things slip quietly by, and are unnoticed. Were it not that a certain per-centage of man- kind is born fond of everything that breathes, and must find an outlet for a gushing sympathy for animal life, we do not think Englishmen would care for any fowl but a Game cock; nor do they care for breeding the lower order of quadrupeds, except as pets, or fancy things. In that little hive of a country, Belgium, Rabbits are reared as an article of food. In the suburbs of the towns, and in the towns themselves, there is no such thing as a stray or wasted cabbage-leaf or bad potato. The Rabbit-keepers collect all, and the result, as shown by recent statistics, is that 80,000 Rabbits, weighing above 200,000 Ibs. of delicate food, are sometimes consumed in a week. This is a notable amount, and, calculated for the year, gives large figures. All pains are taken to increase the size of these Rabbits; and the garden of one of the breeders of them shows every cabbage plant trimmed up like the elms in the hedges of some counties. It also shows a goodly heap of manure, the return for the waste vegetables consumed by the Rabbits. The same care and painstaking presides over the poultry management. Every fowl is selected according to its fitness for the place where it is to live, and for the purposes to which it is applied. Being a Catholic country, there is a great demand for eggs. This, added to the fact that much of the soil is unfitted for rearing chickens, causes many of the non-sitters to be kept. Attention to such details would enable many to have a paying hobby, would provide many a delicate Sunday dinner, and would add to the food produced in the country. -As a great lover of poultry, and a constant reader of your Journal, I feel surprised at your remarks on the Tunbridge Wells Poultry Show. I allude to the barndoor fowl, that “abomination of all abominations.” This neighbourhood (Imean within a circle of ten or fifteen miles) is a great poultry county, and, I believe, sends more fowls to the London market than any other part of Sussex. From our railway station alone, some thousands are sent every week, and there is often a sum of £600 sent in one week from the Newgate and Leadenhall salesmen to pay for the fowls col- lected by one van. Ofcourse, these fowls are bred in the neighbourhood, and yet not one farmer or cottager in a hundred keeps a pure-bred fowl. Some breeders say the more breeds are mixed the better and the hardier the chickens | are. Ihave walked ten miles out and home in the earlier part of my “poultry mania,’ to see a place where only Spanish were kept. Pure-bred Dorkings are better known, and I have been pleased to see of late a growing liking for them amongst those who breed for profit only. As for Brahmas, I look back with regret to the hours I have wasted in explaining to friends and poultry breeders what a Brahma fowlis. In fact, I finally gave up the breed in despair of ever meeting with any sympathy in this neighbourhood. There were two or three pens at Brighton Show last year, but no class for them, I believe, although I see there is to be one this year. I consider the scarcity of Polands and Spanish at the Tunbridge Wells Show is chiefly owing to the Show being but little known, as this is only its second year; also, the difficulty in reaching it from any point south of Tunbridge Wells. There are now many breeders of Spanish and other non-sitters near Brighton, and between { October 25, 1864. there and Hastings, who have no show within easy access, except the one at Brighton. Your correspondent, Mr. B. P. Brent, would sweep all the beautiful varieties of Hamburghs into one class, with the euphonious title of everlasting layers, while with (no doubt his favourite fowl) Dorkings he would have no less than five classes, even dividing Silver Grey, Cuckoo, and Speckled. I agree with him that Dorkings must have the greatest number of classes in order to make southern shows a success ; but the chief reason why there are not more of the non- sitters kept in the south, is the fact of hundreds of thousands of eggs being weekly, nay, almost daily received in the southern ports from the coast of France. These being sold very cheap, are, of course, disseminated in all the large towns in the south, and so quickly are they now brought over by steamers, that they are commonly sold in our watering places as “new laid.” Until we cultivate and encourage the breed of “everlasting layers” more, I fear we shall not be able to compete with the French for eggs, if we do for chickens.—A THoROUGHBRED SpanisH, Uckfield. Sussex, October 19th, 1864. Tam glad to see that the comparative dearth of poultry shows in the south, which I Jately noticed, is attracting the attention of your correspondents. I should like very much to hear any suggestion from “ Y. B.A. Z.,” whose letters I always read with pleasure. One of your correspondents last week alluded to the absence of Brahmas from the Show at Tunbridge Wells. If the authorities there and at Maidstone would only give Brahma breeders a chance of knowing when their Shows were to come off by an advertisement in your columns, I feel confident, from the experience of other Shows, that they would have a goodly muster of Brahmas. The popularity of the breed is by no means confined to the great towns of the north, for at Islington, of the eighteen exhibitors who showed Brahmas, fourteen belonged to the southern half of the kingdom. Mr. Brent’s suggestion that the Dorkings should be sub- divided, and the number of Hamburgh classes diminished, seems justifiable from the experience of recent Shows; but the same test proves that in popularity the Brahmas are surpassed only by the Dorkings, and when the relative en- couragement given to the two breeds at many Shows is taken into account, it is found that the Brahmas stand second to none. Spanish fowl certainly do not seem to be erowing in favour; nor can I think that many, if any, poultry exhibitors desire with Mr. Brent the subdivision of the Spanish into Black, White, and Blue. The people at Dork- ing last year held a Show at which no fowls were admissible except Dorkings; but I cannot conceive that such complete subservience to the genius loci is deserving of imitation at other Shows.—Brauma Poorra. FROME POULTRY SHOW. Tus was an exhibition of poultry held in connection with the Frome Agricultural Association in the private grounds of John Sinkins, Esq., close to the railway station, and though not large, contained some very good specimens! We hear that it is the intention of the managers to offer a more extended and attractive prize list next year; and we are quite sure they will meet with the success they deserve in so doing, for nothing could exceed their anxiety to please both exhibitors and the public. This was evident in all the arrangements; and especial credit is due to Mr. Charles Harding, the indefatigable Hon. Secretary. The day was fine on the whole, and the numerous visitors must have helped to swell the exchequer, which offers promise of greater liberality and success on a future occasion. Doxrxines (Any colour).—First, Mr. S. Lang, Redland, Bristol. Second, E. Baily, Calne. Commended, R. Elling, Sutton Parva. Spanisx (Any colour).—First, A. Heath, Calne. Second, R. Elling. Cocuins (Any colour).—First, Miss J. Milward, Newton St. Loe. Second, J. Gardener, Bristol. q Hampureu (Pencilled, any vatiety).—First, G. Bendel], Wallbridge. Second, Rey. C. W. Edgell, Styles Hill House, Highly Commended, G. Bendell. Game (Any variety).—First,"R. Elling, Sutton Parva. Second, Miss A. Elling, Sutton Parva. Commended, H. B. Festing, Maiden Bradley. t Any orHER Distincr BREED.—First, T. P. Edwards, Lyndhurst, Hants October 25, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 341 (White-crested Polands). Second, J. Hinton, Hinton, near Bath (Brahmas). Highly Commended, J. Hinton (Brahmas). Commended, W. Miller, Sher- bourne (Silver-spangled Hamburghs), Docxs (Any variety).—First, E. Ponting, Whatley (Rouens). Second, Marchioness of Bath, Longleat (Black East Indian). Highly Commended, E. Ponting, Whatley (Rouens). Commended Capt. Edgell, Road (White Call). Commended, Marquis of Bath, Longleat (Aylesbury); f. Smith, Westbury (Rouen). Grrsr.—First, Marquis of Bath, Longleat. Second, E. Jeffrys, Rye Hill. Second, T. Ashby, Commended, Miss K. Ashley, Sharpshaw Farm. Tourkeys.—First, Miss J. Milward, Newton St. Loe. jun., Hazlett Hill Farm. Commended, Marchioness of Bath, Longleat. Extra Prize.—Highly Commended, Capt. Ludlow, Heywood, Westbury (Chinese Silkies). The Judge was Charles Ballance, Esq., of Taunton, Somer- set, and the awards, we are told, gave entire satisfaction. MONMOUTH FARMERS’ CLUB POULTRY SHOW. Tuts was held on the 12th inst. Mr. R. H. Nicholas, of Malpas, a well-known and successful poultry exhibitor, con- sented to act as Judge. Sraniso (Any age). — First, E. Shaw, Oswestry. Second, J. Pearce, Wyesham. Doxxines (Coloured).—First and Second, J. Skinner, Maindee. Highly Commended, E. Shaw, Oswestry. Commended, Miss A. Jones, Priory. CocHin-CuiIna (Any yariety).—First, Mrs, E. Everett, Gibraltar Cottage Ges Second, E. Jones, Newport. Commended, Mrs. E. Everett uffs). Hamevureus (Gold or Silver-spangled).—First, T. Davies, Belmont Cottage, Newport (Silver). Second and Highly Commended, J. Skinner, Maindee (Silver-edged and Silver). Hampurcus (Gold and Silver-pencilled). — First, J. Skinner (Silver). Second, J. F. Clifford-Butler, Llantilio (Gold). Poranps (Any variety).—First and Second, J. Skinner, Maindee (Golden). Game (Any age).—First, T. Davies, Newport. Second and Highly Com- mended, G. Pritchard, Llanvihangel. ANY OTHER VARIETY NOT BEFORE MENTIONED (Any age). — First and Second, T. Davies, Newport (Minorcas). Banrams (Any variety).—First, T. Davies, Newport (Black). Second, Miss G. Everett, Gibraltar Cottage (Silyer-laced). Third, Mrs. E. Everett, Gibraltar Cottage (Game). Highly Commended, T. Davies (Black). Turgéeys (Any age).—First, E. Bullock, Hadnock. Second, W. James, Lydart. Highly Commended, W. Williams, Pilstone. Commended, Mrs. E. Everett (White). GrEsE.—First, R. Rees, Abergavenny. Second, Miss A. Jones, Priory (White), Highly Commended, Miss A. Jones; R. Rees. Ducks (Aylesbury).—Fivst, R. Rees. Second, J. Skinner. mended, E. Shaw, Oswestry. Ducks (Rouen).— First, J. Skinner. Highly Commended, J. White, St. Weonards. Tretire. GuInEA Fowts.—Prize, W. Philipotts, Trelersdee, Highly Com- Second, I. Theyer, Walford Court. Commended, Mrs. Elliott, ISLINGTON POULTRY SHOW. Devoutty do I respond to the first part of your note to my remarks that we may meet at some future Islington Show, but I fear there is no such luck. Imust simply dream of the many wrinkles I might learn from an houyr’s stroll amongst our pets in such company, and hope on. In my remarks I did not mean to say that I considered the sche- dule perfection. We ought not to forget that Islington is young, very young, but its growth has been very rapid, and im some respects she has set an example to her elders—in Brahmas, for instance. Ido not think that Silver-Grey and White Dorkings at a Show of that calibre should compete in the same class; but you yourself have, I think, in by- gone Numbers, especially, if my recollection serves me, in your remarks on Birmingham in 1863, said that you saw no necessity for Silver-Greys having a class to themselves. However, I myself should not object to their having three classes; but am disposed to think that even in the southern eounties five classes, as suggested by Mr. B. P. Brent, would inmany cases form sorry exhibitions. Ts your talented cor- respondent quite correct in writing as if the Dorking were peculiarly a southern-county bird? My skimmings of prize lists would induce me to say that the prizes very often go northwards—not unfrequently out of Eneland—to wit, Mrs. F. Blair, Mr. J. Anderson, and others. It has always seemed to me but right that the Committee of really grand Shows should make up their minds to a loss on many classes, in order that they may obtain a variety—a collection, in fact— of the various breeds of poultry. Less Shows, such, in fact, as are held northwards, are usually tacked on to agricultural exhibitions, and generally prove the most attractive portion. This is their right place, and they generally succeed; but we southerners miss the manufacturing population, who take the show-day as their holiday, who pay their shilling willingly, and whose payments fill the coffers of the Associa- tion, and make the speculation successful. Take Lord Trede- gar’s Show as an example even in the southern counties. I recollect the infancy of the poultry department—four pens of Cochins, shown by some gentleman at Chepstow; this was about twelve years ago. They created great excite- ment; there was no prize offered for them. The follow- ing year some prizes were offered, and some thirty or forty pens exhibited. hese numbers gradually increased, although it was necessarily a local Show, as the Committee did not undertake the charge of the fowls. Well, what has it grown to now?, A two-days show, with three or four hundred entries, and exhibitors from all parts of the country, many of our best breeders exhibiting. But here, as im the north, “the hills” furnish a large manufacturing population, and the speculation is, I imagine, a success: at any rate, the classes are yearly increased. To Mr. B. P. Brent’s further suggestion, that Spanish should have Black, White, and Blue classes, I say, Yes, by all means, when, like the Brahmas, they have fought the same upright fight, and proved that they will support such classes; but the experience of Islington seems rather against any increase of classes. Why, in the ‘pair of pullets” class, there were four entries only, and the second prize then withheld! There are additions which I hope Islington will recollect —certainly a class for Malays, even though it be necessary, as our friend ‘‘ WILTSHIRE REcTOR” says, to hide them that those only interested in the “uglies” may see them. I think I could show him some that would make him alter his ideas. Polands, any variety, is another mistake, certainly ; but it must be borne in mind that it has been brought about by the supineness of Poland fanciers. Until they come forward more I could not advise a division into more than «“ White-crested Black” and “ Silver and Gold.” Again: with great advantage to all parties, Geese and Turkeys might there be exhibited in pairs. Mr. G. W. Ran- well, certainly, has great cause for complaint ; but if “ prizes were thickly distributed to the members,” there was one very glaring instance in the second-prize pen of Brahmas of a member not getting his deserts. LT have myself nothing to do with the Poultry Club—nay, as your columns prove, I have written against hook-judging : therefore I am rather against the Club than for it; but if by their influence they can get up such a prize schedule and such a Show as Islington seems to have been, then I say we southern counties ought to be grateful to them.— Y. B.A. Z. HACKLE or SILVER-PENCILLED HAMBURGHS —ROUEN DUCK’S LEGS. I sHaun feel obliged by your informing me if there are any printed rules or book of the requisites for exhibiting: poultry besides ‘‘ Baily on Fowls,” as 1 was yesterday at the Worcester Poultry Show, and saw the first prize given to Silver-pencilled Hamburghs, one hen having spotted hackles, and in another case a Rouen Duck with yellow feet, like a drake. I always considered, and Baily and all other books state, that the Silver Hamburgh hackles must be pure white, and the Rouen Duck’s feet black. I really shall feel obliged by knowing what are the rules and how to be obtained, as it seems hard on exhibitors if it is left to the whim or faney of the Judge.—L. J. Giupy. (Very rarely do we ask of a Judge a reason for his decisions, and when we forwarded Mr. Gilby’s letter to Mr. Hewitt we told the latter gentleman we did not do so for the sake of enabling him to defend his awards, but to have his opinion about the hackle and the lees. His reply, however, enters fully into all the topics, and with his permission we pub- lish it. «T bee at once to assure your correspondent I was at the time of making the awards at Worcester quite as cognizant of the ‘spotted hackle’ in one of the Silver-pencilled hens as he himself was, and at the time regretted it; though I believe in the hands of a less scrupulous owner she would have been so ‘improved’ before sending out that she might have passed muster without any one observing it. I am perfectly aware that it was a failing; but there are many 342 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. other points equally important to success as the hackle in the Silver-pencilled Hamburghs, all which have equally strong claims on the attention of an arbitrator. “T myself very rarely expect to find positive perfection even in a first-prize pen of birds if comprising three speci- mens. The awards, it should always be borne in mind, are made rather to the least defective than as an arbitrator’s guarantee of absolute faultlessness. - «As to the statement that a Rouen Duck’s feet should be black, I never before heard it propounded as indispensable or a desideratum. The true type of the Rouen Duck, of either sex, is admitted to be the Mallard and Wild Duck; size only always excepted. I myself never saw a Wild Duck nor yet a purely-bred Rouen with black feet. At first, as young ducklings, both breeds have dusky legs and feet, but on the attainment of the second feather they always assume a colour very closely resembling that of a Seville orange, sooty on the webs; and this hue they afterwards retain for life, subject, as in all birds, whether aquatic or otherwise, to becoming much lighter coloured during moulting time, and after long laying. Again: the intensity of colour in all waterfowls’ legs and feet is greatly dependant on whether they enjoy free access to water, or the contrary. No adult purely-bred Wild Duck has black feet, nor am I aware of any domesticated variety of Duck with black legs and feet, except the East Indian, though several of the smaller wild waterfowls are very closely approaching to it; but not so the true Wild Duck. “Your correspondent has a considerable variety of books on poultry to choose from. The original ‘Poultry Book’ is expensive; then comes ‘ Dixon on Poultry,’ and ‘Nolan on Poultry,’ and a very cheap little work named ‘ Poultry Book for the Many,’ published at your office, and any of the others can be obtained through a general bookseller.—Hpwarp Hewirtv.” COWS ROBBED OF THEIR MILK. In reply to your correspondent “J. J.T.’ and your an- swer to his query, I beg your insertion of the following fact. About eight years since [had a cow whosomewhat suddenly ceased to give more than the smallest quantity of milk. After nights and days of watching, we found she was regu- larly milked by two strong pigs, whose wonderful condition at the time was a mystery to us. I do not know anythine about hedgehogs milking cows, and never heard of such a thing.—T Rent. UNITING QUEENS to STOCKS—UNITING BEES. I HAVE much pleasure in submitting to the apiarian readers of Tur JourNnaL or Horricutrurs the following letter from the esteemed correspondent whose failure with a Ligurian queen was related in page 225, and to whom I sent a second queen in place of the one which met so un- timely an end.—A DErvoNnsHIRE BEE-KEEPER. “Dear Srr,—I am glad to say that the queen and bees arrived quite safely at Albrighton yesterday (October 10), at 3.27, and also that I successfully united them to the stock which had been previously prepared for their reception. «When the box arrived I noticed that it smelt strongly of what seemed to me to be heather honey, and I feared that the peculiar smell might render the strangers obnoxious or distinguishable to my bees. So having removed the lid I substituted a piece of perforated zine, and after bringing the queenless stock into the house inverted the small box over the aperture in the crown-board, and allowed them to remain in this position all night. In the morning I placed the Italian queen with two only of her own subjects under a small bell-class, and adzuitted one bee from the stock. It appeared not to take much notice of the queen, but having just touched her a little with its antenne, left her alone. A second bee was then admitted, which, marching up to her majesty, at once seized her by the root of the wing. I instantly interfered, and crushed the hostile bee, still ad- hering tenaciously to the queen. I then thought I would try the effect of peppermint-scented syrup ; and having taken the hive to its accustomed stand, blew a few whiffs of tobacco smoke underneath the erown-board, and sprinkled ,the bees bountifully with the scented syrup, and, replacing the crown- [ October 25, 1864, board, allowed them ten minutes to lick up the syrup and settle themselves. At first I thought of sprinkling the Italians also with the syrup, and then slowly admitting the bees from the stock to the queen and bees altogether; but on consideration, thinking it would then be difficult to see what the disposition of my bees might be towards the person of the queen, I determined to make a second attempt as before. The result was most satisfactory. The bees at once acknowledged the queen (whom I also had danbed with scented syrup), so that in about one hour I felt justified in allowing the queen to descend into the hive. Subsequently I sprinkled the Italian workers, and allowed them to enter at the doorway of the hive. No fighting ensued, but a per- fectly harmonious union was effected. I have just united the discarded hybrid queen to a stock of black bees. Had the second bee used its sting instead of its teeth a repetition of the previous tragedy would have occurred. “T think sprinkling bees with scented syrup is a good pre- paration both for uniting queens and bees to strange stocks, and for this mode of proceeding I am indebted entirely to you. I have effected many unions with bees in this way with invariable success, no fighting taking place in the hive; but a little (not much), has sometimes occurred on the following day, owing to the hesitation with which the strangers alight at the entrance. If adjoining hives are united, and the conjoined bees are placed between the ori- ginal sites, both being equally puzzled, fighting has not ensued.—J. E. B.” VARIATION IN LIGURIAN BEES. I Have a hive of Ligurian bees, the queen of which is breeding differently-coloured workers. Some of them are brilliantly marked, while others are quite dark, the orange- coloured stripes being scarcely visible. Will you tell me whether this is a common occurrence, or the result of a cross with a black drone P—A. N. B. (‘The queen of your Ligurian stock has been hybridised by a black drone, which is no very unusual occurrence. You have yourself accurately described the mongrel breed, which results from the cross between the two varieties. ] BEES CARNIVOROUS. “Tam very jealous,’ Dr. Cumming observes, “for my bees ;” and so am I, sir, and I do’nt relish the idea of their being flesh-eaters, any more than that of my honey having been brought home in the same “sac” with horse beef. Alas! for our old-fashioned notions ; how they go one after another, as the world grows wiser! Why, I should have fancied, sir, that the turkey drum-stick which “Rupy” saw inside a hive covered with bees, was undergoing the process of mandible-scraping as a sanitary precaution; or that it micht be destined, like the “ Bee-master’s”’ snail, to receive propolitan sepulture. Before I saw the article on this subject in your Journal, I would as soon have believed in a hybrid between a wasp and a bee, as in the carnivorous propensities of the latter. I wonder, by-the-by, whether ‘“ Rupy’s” bees had any peculiarity either in the cut or colour of their coais, which would at all countenance the notion that there might be a dash of vespan taint in that hive. Since reading the article alluded to, I have tried my own bees with flesh, and some that were hungry, too, but they turned away from it with disgust. I took care to have it dressed With the “gravy in,” andnosalt, but they recoiled from it, with, as I thought, surprise and annoyance. Mutton, beef, rabbit, hare, it matters not, they will not even touch it. One or two old fellows made a rush at it, at first, and after giving it a few raps with their antennx, turned round and eyed me full in the face, as if in contemplation of an “odd fish,” for which I suspect they took me for my pains. However, if they do not know the value of “fibrin” in imparting strength to the constitution, I mean to teach them, and I mean, sir, to adopt this system, at least, I offer it as a suggestion, subject to your approval. I shall make some strong beef tea, thickened with calves’ feet jelly, and flavoured with “Scotch ale.” ‘ The idea of a patent food for bees has crossed my mind Spt cae October 25, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 343 | ee once or twice, and if I had or could obtain a great name and high sanction, perhaps I might make a venture which would raise my humble blush to a par with Thorley or De Jongh. By-the-by, I wonder what became of the propolitan mausoleum in which Dr. Cumming’s snail was interred, what kind of snail it was, and what it did during the some- what slow process of living sepulture? Truly it must have been a snail of wonderful patience, and the bees must have worked even with more than apian alacrity—Rusy Buusu. FOUL BROOD. In again taking notice of foul brood, let it be distinctly understood that it is not for the purpose of resuming a dis- cussion on it, but simply to state what I have observed since my last communication. Let others do the same, and then we may hope to find out its cause and cure. I trust that what I have to say, though it partly relates to what I have seen in my neighbour’s apiary, will not be deemed the less interesting on that account. 1st. When the bees arrived from the heather last autumn and it was found that all his hives contained foul brood more or less, he drove the bees out of three hives (uniting them at the same time), cut out all the combs, except in the three hives, and carefully selecting all those which had no foul brood, put them in a clean straw top or super. He sup- ported them with sticks, and placed the super on the top of an eke of empty combs, but containing a good swarm of bees which I had given him, and which had been always free from foul brood. In the spring of this year when we examined it there was a considerable quantity of foul brood both in the super and eke. We also observed a few drone cells diseased. This was the first occasion on which we had ever observed drone brood affected. We then drove all the bees into a clean empty hive, which was taken to the heather with the others. 2nd. The three united swarms alluded to he kept for ten days in an empty hive, and then put them into a hive of empty combs which I gave him, but quite free from disease. The two when examined in the spring after the bees had swarmed and all the young brood was out, were found to contain a quantity of foul brood. The bees were driven into a clean empty hive, as in the former case, and sent to the hills. Since they came from the heather they have been examined as well as his other hives, nine in all, and Iam glad to state that not a single foul-brood cell has been seen inany of them. This is the more remarkable, as his hives had it more or less every year for ten or fourteen years. Those bees were ted with honey from diseased combs. I have now to report what has occurred among my own hives. It will be remembered: that last year foul brood made its appearance for the first time in one of my hives, a Neighbour’s, and when seen it was at once destroyed, bees and everything. The disease again made its appearance in three of my hives this spring, but in none of the others, and, strange to say, it was in those bars I had taken out of the hive which contained the queen I had received from Mr. Woodbury last summer. The bars were taken out and put into hives containing black bees for the purpose of raising Ligurian queens. One of the bars had fitteen cells on each side diseased, the others not so many. I removed the bars at once, but allowed the bees to take the honey they con- tained on the outside of the hive. I have examined every bar I possess since they returned from the heather, but could not find a single diseased cell in the whole stock. Could it be the queen I had from Mr. Woodbury that had brought foul brood all the way from Exeter, and so polluted my apiary? or is it some weakness or defect in the stocks wherein it appeared? But why speculate? I confess its cause is still as mysterious to me as ever. In my neighbour’s two cases one had clean bees put among combs taken from where the disease was, though those combs were free of foul brood, and it was even carried down to the eke of clean combs. In the other case the bees though taken from among foul combs had been kept in a clean empty hive for ten days, then put among clean combs, and were still diseased. In my own case could a singie queen bee be the means of conveying this disease? Whocan say? To ascertain what effect a sudden reduction of temperature would have on a hive full of young brood, from a common cottage-hive containing a good swarm, and the bees lying out as if about to swarm, I drove out all the bees, caught the queen, put her back among the combs along with a few bees, certainly not more than five hundred, placed them about 40 yards from their old stance, and put in a bar of eggs from a Ligurian queen among the driven bees, placing it on the old stance that they might rear another queen. I had left so few bees along with the queen and young brood that for ten days seldom a bee was to be seen issuing from the hive, and though I gave them food they did not take it for ten days or more. While the hive was in this state I had a delicate thermometer made with a long bulb, and the tube 6 inches in length beneath the scale, and inserted the tube between two combs in the centre of the hive, 6 inches down. It happened at the time that the weather was extremely cold for the season, the external temperature being as low as 48° at night, while the thermometer inside the hive indicated 63°, seldom rising above 75° for fourteen days, I certainly expected nothing else but a mass of corruption, but after two weeks the bees began to go out and in, and had wonderfully recovered before they were sent to the hills; somuch so that I put on a super, but previous to doing so I turned the hive up, and found that all the brood had been hatched. I could see no foul brood. When the hive came from the hills I took off the super containing 15 lbs. of honeycomb, having made 19 lbs. in all while at the heather. The hive is still free from foul brood. In February of this year, I had thermometers, the same as the one above,’ placed in three Woodbury-hives, just when breeding commenced. The bulbs were inserted be- tween the bars where the brood was, and the temperature was frequently as low as 48°. On the 15th of February one thermometer indicated 45°. The temperature gradually rose during the summer, though not rising and falling quite so much as out of doors. The thermometers remained long at 95°, and when they rose to 97°, the bees lay out. I never observed the temperature above 97°, unless the bees were disturbed, when it would rise to 120° or more. I was asked by an old bee-keeper who had kept bees for more than fifty years in the old straw hives, to look at one of his which was not thriving. On turning it up I found it a mass of disease. I observed what [ never did before, the young grubs unsealed-up, some of them nearly black, others streaked with black lines as if with pen and ink. There were also numerous drone grubs in the same state, and but few bees, which seemed not to be able to seal-up the brood, as it was seen in all stages diseased. It was the worst case Lever saw. The queen appeared to be active and healthy. The whole was destroyed. I may also state that foul brood has made its appearance this year in the hive of a neighbour, who has been always free of it hitherto. It was only a few cells. I know of only one person in all this neighbourhood whose hives have not suffered more or less, and great numbers have entirely lost” their stocks ; but I hope a better day is coming for all. This season has been so good that the spirits of bee-keepers are again reviving, and should we have such another season next year, I doubt not but many who have managed to bring their stocks through the crisis, will be rewarded for all their perseverance and discouragements by a demand for stocks. To show the great decrease in the number of hives in this locality, in one place on the hills where I have counted 450 hives in former years, this year there were only 37. Thad fourteen hives at the heather this year, and they gathered 353 lbs. of honey, being on an average 25 lbs. each. The highest made 37 lbs., and the least 15 lbs. The fourteen hives contained 689 lbs. of honey, bees, and comb. The heaviest hive weighed 104 Ibs. The like result has not been obtained in this quarter for a number of years.—ALEX. SHEARER, Yesier Gardens. THosz among the readers of Tur JouRNAL or Horri- CULTURE who have perused my communications on “ Foul Brood, and Those who have Written about It,” will be aware that the illustrious Schirach considered that this disease might arise from the queen depositing her eggs in a reversed position, so that the young bees, unable to extri- cate themselves from their prison, die and putrify. In this opinion he was followed by the Abbé della Rocca, Huish, 344 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 25, 1864, and more recently by the apiarian writer in ‘“ Chambers’s Information for the People.” The notion of young bees finding themselves with “their heads where their tails should be,” appeared to me so whimsical, that although I certainly discovered a defunct young queen in this position in a royal cell in a foul-breeding hive, I paid little attention to the circumstance until reminded of it by “A RENFREWSHIRE BrxE-KEEPER,’ and assured by him,that he had found dis- eased pup in this extraordinary predicament. Since that time I have only once had the opportunity of examining perfect pup in a diseased state, and in this case they were unquestionably inverted, their heads being in contact with the bases of the cells. On adverting to this circumstance in my correspondence with that accurate observer, “RB. S8.,” I find, however, that he is unable to affirm it, and as I hope to have no further opportunity of investigating the point, I mention it in THe Journat or HorricuLTure, on the chance of Mr. Shearer or some other correspondent being able to throw light upon it. Whilst on the subject of foul brood, I wish to express my acknowledgements to Mr. Tegetmeier for directing my at- tention to Bonner’s quaint and interesting description of this disease which appeared in page 303. I quite agree in the opinion privately expressed to me by an esteemed friend, that ‘itis creditable to British apiarians, that a disease so prevalent as foul brood appears to be, has not altogether escaped their attention.”—A DrvonsutrE BEE-KEEPER. WINTER FEEDING. Is brown sugar moistened with a little water, or rum and | | boiling-point. water, and pressed firmly into basins and turned over the top of the hive, a good plan for feeding bees in the winter? —M. F. [We never before heard of, and of course have never tried, this plan of feeding bees, but cannot say that we are very favourably impressed with it. We believe winter feeding to be a mistake, and consider that the necessary supply of food should always be administered in the autumn. | THE SQUIRREL IN CONFINEMENT. WHEN a youth, this pretty little animal was a great favourite with me, and after some failures I succeeded in keeping one five years in the best of health. The most wholesome food I found to be a piece of bread, the size of a large walnut, steeped for about two minutes in milk, in such condition that he can hold it in his hands; “pap” 1 found invariably gave squirrels the rot, and they never survived long on such diet. In addition to the bread I kept in his cage a small pan of hempseed which he was very fond of, and allowed him to drink from a pan of water as much as he liked once daily. Nuts, fruit, and green buds he had as a treatoccasionally. I have had squirrels so tame that they have lived in my pocket, and have gone with me wherever I went, and the pretty little fellows have had many a ramble in the fields and on trees, always returning at the shaking of afew nuts. Like most tame favourites, however. 2 violent death was generally their fate, so I was induced to restrict their liberty, and latterly confined them mostly in a cage. Itis generally considered that a revolving cage is torture to a squirrel, | must differ entirely from this. On the con- trary, it is a source of great delight and exercise. If the wheel by any means was stopped, the distress of the squirrel was extreme, and a gleam of pleasure could be plainly seen inhis large bright eyes when it started again. There are two facts which struck me as contrary to the generally-received habits of the squirrel—the first was the extreme reluctance of the animal to jump; even half a yard in any direction but downwards required a very strong temptation, and nothing would induce a squirrel to jump where he could climb. I have noticed this peculiarity both in confinement and when at liberty. The other point is, no squirrel that I ever was acquainted with would eat acorns; they would seize them eagerly, nibble them, and drop them in disgust.—JoHN Hunter, New Malden, Surrey. New Encianp Appre-sauce.—Make your cider of good, sound, ripe apples, and immediately on its running from the | press, and before it has an opportunity to “‘work”’ or fer- ment in the least degree, put it into good, clean, brass, kettles (they must be scoured and cleaned perfectly bright inside, the old verdigris and rust is poison), and boil it four barrels into one. Take good, ripe, sweet apples—(Tollman Sweetings are the kind I used), of the late fall or winter varieties—pare, quarter, and core them; then take a pan- full and put into your kettle of boiling cider, and let them cook through but not soft, so that the quarters retain their shape and size, and skim them out with the skimmer, and put them into the barrel, or whatever the sauce is to remain in—which, by the way, must be perfectly clean and sweet, or free from acid. When the apples are all cooked, the cider in the kettle will be somewhat reduced in strength, and must be boiled down to the state to keep well, and then poured into the cask with the apples, in sufficient quantity to cover them well and to have plenty of juice in the sauce when used. In making true New England apple-sauce and boiled cider, much depends on having the cider boiled instantly on its running from the press, as it begins to ferment the moment the apples are mashed; and the warmer the weather, the more haste should be made, and also the stronger the cider should be boiled down, even six to one. In boiling the cider, if it should be necessary to defer boiling a part of it over- night, for want of time to accomplish it all in one day, it should not be allowed to remain in the kettle overnight, nor to stand in it when not boiling for any length of time, as it will attain a poisonous acrid taste. Care should also be taken not to boil so as to burn or scorch the cider on the sides of the kettles. When boiling the cider, all impurities should be skimmed off, especially just as it arrives at the The proportion of apples to cider must be to your own taste, whether thick with apple or thin with cider. If too thick with apple, more cider may be added at any time after; and also if the cider is boiled down too thick which cannot well be done in this warm climate, it can be reduced with water as used.—(Prairie Farmer.) OUR LETTER BOX. IstincToN Prize List.—We are informed that the Silver Cup for the best pen of Game was awarded to Mr. E. Aykroy4’s first-prize Duckwing chickens. WEAKNESS IN A Dorkinc Cock (A. WV. B.).—Give him bread steeped in strong ale every morning and evening. Feed him on ground oats. in the middle of the day. The most certain restorative is to give him the yolks of raw eggs, three or fourevery day, but it is a dangerous taste to encourage. UNFERTILE Eecs (Subseriber).—You probably have too many hens to the cocks. The eggs you mention are unimpregnated. DEPRAVED APPETITE IN Fowts (Guernsey-Bluc).—It is nof an unusual thing at this time of year, during the moulting season, for fowls to peck off each other’s feathers and eat them. It arises from a feyered state of body, and a craving after unnatural food. They seek to eat the bleeding stub of the feather. The fowl appears well, and we are always advocates for leaving wellalone; but if you wish to cure him of his cough, we think a dose or two of castor oil will doit. Lettuces are very.good for heated systems. Drier oF Povurtry (Poultry Fancier).—Our theory has always been the same, and it has stood the test of many years of breeding. It is, during the period of growth to feed as well as possible, in order to supply the means of increase, Although in most instances pullets cease to grow when they begin to lay, that is only as regards the scaffolding; but the furnishing of plumage, and the filling-out of trame then begins, and although growth ceases, there is a constant increase of weight. Many amateurs consider spare feeding that which we should call luxurious. Scantily-fed chickens cannot make large hens. DISTINGUISHING GANDERS FROM GEESE (JV. X.).—Examination is the certain test of sex in Geese. There is sometimes difficulty even in this. You should ask the Judge who disqualified your pen. He will tell you his grounds, perhaps. Botton Greys (Bolsover),—This is the local name for the Silver-pencilled Hamburghs. They are a distinct variety and come true to colour. They will bear confinement ina small space. They are one of our best egg-pro- ducers, but seldom are broody. WoopBurRY AND STEWARTON-HIVES (Cornwall).—Messrs. Neighbour and Sons, 149, Regent Street, and 127, Holborn, and Mr. R. Eaglesham, Stewar= ton, manufacture, and will on application state prices of Woodbury and Stewarton-hives respectively. We can recommend no others in preference tothese. We are unacquainted with the hive yon mention, and shall be glad of a description of it. LONDON MARKETS.—Ocroser 22. : POULTRY. Trade is very dull at market. The supply is ample. S. deo) ‘sande s,d. s. d. Large Fowls .......... 2 6to3 0 | Grouse 2 0to2 6 Smaller do 1 >» 2 O | Partridges Ses lee: Chickens 1 6., 1 9 | Hares DU) ee Geese 6 0,, 6 6 | Pigeons Q 8.55709 Ducks 1 9 ,, 2 0 | Rabbits... 1:35, 1 4 Pheasants .. 2 35, 2 6 { Wilddo.... 08,09 November 1, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 345 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day | Day | Average Temperature Rainiin Suan Sun | Moon | Moon (irene @lnak Day of eae dab NOVEMBER 1—7, 1863. | near London. Eraser Rises. |~Sets. | Rises. | Sets. | Age. | ace Year. Day. | Night. | Mean | Days. | m. h.| m. h.| m. bh. | m. hb. | m. 8: 1 Tu ALL Sarsts. 5L4 33.3 | 46:5 | 21 | 56af6 | d2af4 | 46 8,40 5 | 2 | 16.18 306 2a ROU, Elm leaves fall. 544 37.9 | 462 | 16 |58 6|30 4/47 9:98 G{ 3 |18 19 307 3 Ta Sycamore leafless. 53/3 | 36:3 | 448 | 18 Oreo | oShe Lal ede LONE Do) 17 | 4} 16s8 308 4 F Lilac leafless. DSP MRSOeTn [CO 440i Bly ONO MON AL * V7 26) Aan 2919) (v29) 8 5 16 17 309 5 S Ash and Hornbeam leafless. 53.5 | SBi2H ps5 (45:9) [18s ely Benet (24 a4! Wjafrer’ |<33i) W979 46 16 15 310 6 Sun 24 Sunpay AFTER TRINITY. |. 53.0 38.2 456 | 19 BF eT | p22) i 1440) 4751 10). =) 16 12 $11 7 M Cherry leafless. 52.4 | 37.3 44.8 | 17 Uy Olezleedolom ot morn.s 8 1G ss9) 312 \ | From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of The greatest heat was 64° on the 2ad, 1857; and the lowest cold, 19°, on the 3rd, 1861. temperature 37.5°. 1.62 inch. the week is 53.2, and its night The greatest fall of rain was DECORATION OF THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER AND SPRING. (Continued from page 308.) FLOWERING SHRUBS. F these the most suitable are evergreen, but some of the finer kinds of early flower- ing deciduous shrubs are very desirable. Few exceed the splendid Berberis Darwinii; its foliage is hand- some; it blooms freely in April (earlier against a wall and in warm situations), and its fine racemes of golden drop-like flowers render it one of the finest shrubs A bed of it is unsurpassed by any ie ut we have. low-flowering plant or shrub at that season. the loveliest of all yellow beds is that formed by | the tiny-foliaged, yet dense, dwarf, Berberis empetrifolia ; and not less beautiful is the gorgeous Mahonia aquifo- lium, which has handsome foliage and fine heads of | yellow blossoms. The Berberries are easily cultivated in pots, and do well in a compost of light loam and leaf | mould in equal parts. The first-named forms a fine bed of from 1 to 3 feet high, the Berberis empetrifolia one of from 1 to 14 foot high, and the Mahonia aquifolium beds of from 2 to 3 feet. The early-flowering kinds of Hrica or hardy Heaths form admirable beds. The best low rose-coloured bed that it is possible to have for spring-blooming is one of E. carnea, and that known as EH. herbacea, a flesh-coloured kind, little differing from the preceding. Then there is BE. mediterranea, with pink flowers, which is handsome in habit, and makes a fine bed from 1 foot 6 inches to 3 feet high. The above, though doing best in peat soil, will thrive in ordinary ground, and, forming close balls, will move freely twice a-year—to the beds in October, and to summer quarters in the last week in May, only they must be kept well supplied with water after removal. Kalmia glauca, a free-flowering dwarf shrub, with reddish blooms appearing in April and May, makes a nice bed. It likes peat, and so do all the American plants, and these are admirably adapted for planting in groups, the foliage being as effective as the flowers, which, as is well known, are amongst the handsomest we have. They all form close balls, and on this account may be transplanted with as much certainty in May or June, immediately after flowering, as at any other period of the year, it being desirable at that time to plant them in prepared beds of peat soil; but in autumn they may be removed to the flower-beds with as much soil adhering to the roots as possible, and planted in their winter quarters in ordinary soil, where they will bloom nearly ({ think quite), as well without as with peat soil. They certainly are grown more safely in pots in sandy peat soil. Ledum thymifolium and L. buxifolium are dwarf and dense in habit, and form admirable edgings. They No. i8,—Votu.. VIl., New SERiEs. are very pretty when in bloom, the blossoms being pink in bud, and expanding of a clear white. The variecated form of L. thymifolium makes a handsome edgince, little more than 6 inches high. L. latifolium is a fine shrub | from 13 to 2 feet high, and its balls of white bloom are remarkably pretty in April and May. Andromeda floribunda is by far the best of the Andro- meda family, producing its pretty, wax-like, delicately- scented blossoms in great profusion in March and April. Tt is one of the best plants we possess, and is both hand- some in foliage and habit. The flowers are white. A nice match-bed for this lovely shrub may be formed of Pernetiya mucronaia, which has handsome foliage, and rather small, drop-like, white flowers. Some of the early-flowering Rhododendrons might also be employed, R. caucasicum album blooming early, and being of dwarf habit is admirably adapted for the purpose. Rhododen- dron Nobleanum and R. atrovirens are also very suit- able. Rhododendron ponticum variegatum also makes a nice bed on account of its foliage. Coronilla glauca, with fine yellow flowers borne in great profusion, though usually found in greenhouses, is hardy enough to do well in sheltered situations, where it makes a bed of the loveliest description, and its variegated form (C. glauca variegata), is indeed fine. They will, however, only do in some localities. What is more curious and effective in its way than a bed of Ruseus hypoglossum or Double- leaved Butcher's Broom? Examine its bloom, and though the flowers are green, it is both singular and attractive ; then, for forming a really gorgeous golden bed, Ulex europea (Furze), single and double, will com- pete with anything of the same colour. They should be grown in pots in rather poor sandy soil. % : For the beauty, as well as fragrance of their flowers, Daphnes may be planted, and of these any of the follow- ing are suitable :—Pontica rubra; and the striped form of the species (variegata), D. cneorum, with pink flowers, and its variegated form, which has pink flowers in addi- tion to variegated foliage. The Daphnes should be grown in pots of sandy loam and peat, in equal parts, with free - drainage. To these may be added several Cofoneasters, as Simmondsi, with the finest of scarlet berries in antumn and winter, and C. microphylla, by no means despicable as a plant for surfacing beds, and for edging others, affording berries in winter and flowers in spring; as standards on four-feet stems they are also ornamental. C. rotundifolia or C. buxifolia (I could never see apy difference between the two), is suitable for a bed, and a standard or two will look well if judiciously placed.. Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), is another evergreen flowering plant that must not be overlooked, a bed or two of it will have a handsome appearance. After these come deciduous-flowering shrubs, and when we have Jasminum nudifloruwm, which is sure to flower at Christmas before the leaves are produced, and give a golden mass for some time, we have a fitting companion for the Christmas Rose, which I will note ere long. This Jasmine succeeds admirably in a pot of loam and leaf No. 840,—Vou. XXXII., Oxp Series. 346 mould in equal parts, and will flower as well on a wall with a north aspect as in the sunniest situation. Rhodora canadensis, with purplish blossoms in April, and which likes a pot and peat soil, and Forsythia viridissima and suspensa with their yellow trumpets, tell well. Magnolia conspicua, though attaining the dimensions of a tree, is not out of the way as a bush or pyramid pinched in like Apple or Pear trees, it being well supported by M. Soulangiana, and finely contrasted with M. purpurea, or obdvata of some. Ribes san- guinewm, wurewin, and the white variety tell effectively when in a mass, and they grow so well in pots, and bloom so freely, even when small, that it is a marvel that they should have es- caped being employed so long when there are so many empty spaces for them. Mouton Peonies, too, in endless variety, bloom so much earlier when grown in pots as to be eligible for spring decoration. Amelanchier boiryapium, treated as a bush Apple, is a sheet of snowy white in April or May ; and managed on the same principle, the Amygdalus persica flore pleno and flore albo, camelliefora, coryophyllifiora, rosea, and versicolor, double rose, blush, pink, and white, are all fine. They require the pot-treatment of the Peach. And what is handsomer than the gorgeous scarlet of Pyrus japonica ? It and the white-flowering kind, also the double, are all destined to occupy a prominent position in the flower garden in spring. I do not know whether they are common shrubs or not, but it is rare that we sce any of the Buckthorns, but most of them flower from April to June, and though the flowers are only greenish yellow, yet these shrubs are very fine. They may be grown as dwarfs, and pinched-in like some Pear trees. The only one that has white flowers is Rhamnus frangula. Why should we not also have Chimonanthus fragrans ? which is most fragrant and likes peat soil; aud we ought not to say our beds must remain empty for want of something to put in them until we have taken the last plant of Chameledon procumbens from off the Scotch mountains. It is a trailing Azalea, not more than 6 or 9 inches high, with pink flowers in April and May. It requires a sandy peat soil. Most of the foregoing are best grown in pots in the com- post recommended for each, and where none is mentioned, it | is to be taken for granted that they will grow in ordinary soil. All plants in pots require good drainage. This should, therefore, be_provided, and water furnished before the want of it is indicated by the foliage. Under rather than over- petting is desirable to induce flowering more than growth. Evergreens in pots will need little water from November to March, and deciduous shrubs none during that period. At other times they should not be allowed to suffer from want of attention to watering, and it must be borne in mind, that the bloom of any plant will last longer when a plentiful supply of water is afforded. G. ABBEY. (To be continued). THE NEW ROSES. As usual, from all quarters the question is asked of me, « What do you think of the new batch of Roses? what would you advise me to have?” and as usual I feel how very diffi- cult the office of a prophet is. I cannot look back with much satisfaction to the manner in which I fulfilled that oiice last year; for on referring to THE JournaL or Hor- TICULTURE, where I ventured to give my opinion as to the Roses of the future, I find that out of the eleven which I fixed upon as likely to contain the best, three only promise now to be among the first rank. Less fortunate in this respect than Mr. Radclyife, I may indeed perhaps this year hope to be a little more successful, for I happened to be in Paris at a better season; but even this is not much of a boon. Any one who has gone over in the hope of seeing the French seedling Roses knows how difficult it is. to effect this. Hither you are too early or too late, or, malheureuse- ment, the nursery is so far off that you obtain very little information. Then the raisers of Roses are so scattered that it would require a long time to go through them all, and thus even those who go to far more trouble and expense than I did are disappointed in their researches. Lam still strongly of opinion that we must trust rather to the character of the raisers than to the glowing descrip- tions of the French lists. With that pardonable love for one’s own children which leads many an English raiser of JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 1, 1864. florists’ flowers to overestimate the beauty of his seedlings, they can see nothing but the most brilliant! remarkable !! splendid!!! magnificent !!!! varieties in their productions ; and many of them, I am afraid, if they contrive to sell them, do not much concern themselves about our disappointment, or rather not ours, but those of the growers for sale. Ama- teurs rarely purchase until the second year, and then they have had the opportunity of seeing or hearing something about the kinds with their own eyes and ears; and by the au- tumn following their débit a tolerably fair winnowing of the inferior ones has taken place. Following as nearly as I can the plan that I adopted last year of classing them under . their respective growers, I shall, omitting the wonderful and im some cases incomprehensible descriptions of them given in the French lists, briefly sketch their characters, and say where I have seen or heard such reports as give one good reason to hope favourably; and first, then, with the Paris raisers. CHARLES VERDIER. So far as I can ascertain, there are only two Roses to be let out by M. C. Verdier this year, and one of these I know to be good. 1. Duchesse de Caylus.—A very well formed globular Rose, of crimson scarlet colour, and of vigorous habit. I am very much mistaken if this will not be found to be amongst the best Roses of the year. 2. Duc de Wellington.—A brilliant velvety red, darkly shaded; centre of the flower lively red. EUGENE VERDIER FILS AiNE. When I was in Paris M. Verdier very politely brought me his seedling Roses to see at the hotel where I was staying. It was after that tremendous storm of the 18th of June had burst over Paris, deluging everything and beating down the heads of the poor Roses; and besides, several of them were only under numbers. There were these, however, which I selected, and they are likely to be valuable acquisitions. I may add, too, that I went through part of his seedling cround, and saw there many hundred varieties rejected which a year or two ago would have been thought superexcellent. 3. Rushton Radclyjfe.—An odd combination of terms, unless we are to style our reverend brother as the Scotch do, the Radclyffe of that ilk, or drop the name and call him Rush- ton, like ‘Lochiel” or ‘‘Islay.’’ Well, the Rose is a fine one, of the style of Madame Victor Verdier, very full and clear, with no shading, and I shall be very much surprised if it do not take a leading position. 4, Auguste Riviére—Lovely carmine red ; reverse of petals paler; edge of petals light. 5. Comtesse de Paris.—Lovely currant red; full. 6. Doctewr Andry.—Beautifully imbricated ; lovely carmine red. Very good. 7. Général d’Hautpoult.—F lowers in clusters; lovely scar- let red. I think this is the one that I had marked as next in merit to Rushton Radclyffe. If so, it is likely to be a valuable flower. 8. Madame Verschafelt—Piant almost thornless (I do not know that this is any particular merit); well-formed flower, beautiful tender rose. 9. Souvenir de William Wood.—A flower said to bear a likeness to Prince Camille de Rohan, only darker. If this be a correct description I did not see it; but one that is said to be an improvement on that fine variety must indeed be desirable. MARGOTTIN. 10. Charles Margottin.—I see that my excellent friend only announces two flowers this season, and of these I have only seen the present Rose. It is a very large, brilliant, and showy flower, one of the very brightest I have seen, and I should think likely to be a valuable Kose. 11. Mademoiselle Amélié Helphin.— Lively carmine rose, well formed, and large. _ MAREST. 12: Duchesse de Medina Celi—Some two or three years ago, before Marest removed tc his present nursery, driven out by the increase of buildings in Paris, he told Mr. Stan- dish and myself that he had a grand Rose to let out: if this be the one it will, no doubt, be one of the best cf the year. At any rate he has raised two Roses which ought to give him credit—Prince Léon and Comtesse Cecile de Chabrillant, and November 1, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 347 only these, as far as I can recollect. I think that we may then hope that the Duchesse, which is described as shaded blood-red purple, may be one of our best Roses. LEVEQUE ET FILS. 13. John Veitch.—A very lively red; well formed ; the plant very vigorous, 14. Madame Eliza Vilmorin.— Very free flowering. A curious Rose, somewhat puckered on the edges. I saw these Roses at Paris in the summer, but I cannot say that I was greatly prepossessed with them. And now for some of the Lyons Roses. LACHARME. An honest good raiser, who has every year sent us over something good, and whose judgment as to a Rose we may consider to be tolerably good. 15. Madame Charles Verdier—A beautiful vermilion Rose, described as being between Baronne Prévost and Duchess of Sutherland; and if so, likely to be a very great acquisition. We want Roses of this character, and if Lacharme says that it is good, we may well give him credit for it. 16. Xavier Olibo (which I have no doubt will come to be called ‘“* Holybones”’).—This is described as a large, well- formed, velvety black Rose, amaranth shaded; and I dare say it will be amongst some of the foremost Roses of the season. GUILLOT, PERE, Another raiser, to whom we are indebted for many good flowers, has this year some which promise well. 17. Capitaine Rognat.—A cupped, very full Rose; brilliant red. 18. Madame Portier.—Tender rose. Not very large flower. 19. Monsieur Moreav.— Beautiful purple Rose; flowers globular. 20. Triomphe de la Terre des Roses.—A beautiful violet Rose, very fragrant. Let us hope its name will be signifi- cant of its beauty. It is difficult to say what these colours are, for I find the same colour oftentimes most differently described, or to what flowers they bear any analogy. They sound well, and 17 and 20 especially so. Let us hope they will sustain M. Guillot’s character. I find I must defer further criticisms till next week. A word, however, first as to Mr. Radclyffe’s communi- cation. I did not enter into the subject of white and light Roses generally, but only as I was asked, those of the Hybrid Perpetual class, or I should certainly have referred to those which he has mentioned. Madame Macker is an unknown flower to me, so I can give no information concerning it. I am more than ever convinced that we must, in speaking of Roses, especially as to their hardiness or otherwise, make our observations conditional. Thus, Mr. Radclyffe says Virginal requires a wall; but it does not do so with me—it blooms and grows very well in the open border; while, strange to say, I have had Madame Rivers half a dozen times from various growers, and yet have always lost it, although I have in most places seen it growing in great vigour.—D., Deal. LATIMERS. (Concluded from page 336.) In concluding our notice last week we left off at a bank, passing over which, and by the nice specimens it bears of Pinus, Wellingtonia, Cypress, Abies pinsapo, Hollies, and Yews, mingled with older deciduous trees. we reach a flower garden on the north side of the offices and mansion, and concealed from them by a dense thicket of Yews, Hem- lock Spruce, Hollies, &e. This garden has a large fountain in the centre, with large flower-beds round it, and might have been a very pretty spot before the surrounding trees threw over it so much shade. Mr. Donaldson spoke of its being transformed into a fernery, and there are plenty of nice young Yews to continue the boundary all round, so that the place would not be seen until you entered it through an arch of Yew or Ivy. Roots and puddingstones were being col- lected for the purpose, and a few Pinuses on the higher points that will be thrown up, in addition to the surround- ing boundary, will give a nice shade to the Ferns. A few Alpines and fine-foliaged plants among the Ferns will add to the effect of the latter, and thus another distinct feature of interest will be formed within a few minutes’ walk of the mansion. From the reservoir of water, forced up from the lake, water might grace this fernery as well as the elegant flower garden. Passing hence through the pleasure-grounds, we reach the stables and the kitchen garden, the former a fine block of suitable buildings, but which there is some idea of re- moving farther eastward, so that the present road to them may be shut up or made strictly private. The kitchen garden, of about 34 acres in extent, has the outside walls here covered with masses of Laurels, and, if the contem- plated change take place, Mr. Donaldson expects to cover these walls with fruit trees. Under present circumstances the effect is very good. Of the kitchen garden we must say little, as our critical gossip has been rather lengthy—gossip which, if it yield little pleasure, will, we trust, be equally powerless to give any offence. Notwithstanding the dry season, we found fine quarters of vegetables for present and for winter use, and among them a new curled Berecole from Mr. Veitch, which seemed to be an improvement on the Scotch Cabbaging Kale. Among the fruit trees we noticed some nice trellises of strained wire, about 34 feet in height, for Gooseberries and Currants, the trees in both cases being clustered with fruit- buds. We know of no plan so suitable for small gardens, a great amount of fruit of the best quality being thus obtained, whilst the ground between may be cropped with low vege- tables. Such trellises, too, are easily protected from birds and wasps. Mr. Donaldson also assured us of a striking fact, that though the wasps attacked without mercy the Goose- berries grown as bushes, they did not at all interfere with those grown upright on the trellis. All the Apples and Pears by the side of the main central walk were root-pruned last season, the Apples to be kept down as low dwarf bushes, and the Pears to be grown in the pyramidal form, and all were bristling with buds and short-jointed wood. {he trees against the walls had either been renovated, or taken up and replanted, or root-pruned with good effect. There were whole quarters of Strawberries in pots, most of them in 24’s, each pot standing on an inverted saucer, with free space all round, and the plants were the finest and strongest we have seen for years—in our opinion just too strong ; but no doubt they will produce fine masses of fruit. Of other sorts, Mr. Donaldson, for the main supply, prefers President, which he considers like Keens’ Seedling, but greatly superior to it under glass. . There were a small Fig-house or two, a small and a large Peach-house, a span-roofed vinery in which the roots had been lifted, a Paxton-house for the million for various pur- poses, but with an upright glass front as far as we recollect, and the flap or cap between each two sashes capable of being raised at pleasure for the half or the whole of the leneth by a simple lever. The back wall of this house had several broad shelves, so that by these, in addition to the platforms, a great number of things may be stored. The main range of vineries is divided into three or four houses of good size—one pruned, one in which the wood was ripe, one planted with Muscats doing well, and one filled with fine Hamburghs. These, fine as they were, did not satisfy Mr. Donaldson ; and he had cut out several Vines at one end, hanging the fruit in the fruit-room, and planted fresh ones, after having made a fresh border for them. He can draw some of the old stems over this part next season, and thus by degrees he will renovate this fine house and never lose a crop. These vineries are 17 feet wide, 17 feet in height at back, and about 14 foot in front. The borders outside rise pretty well to the water spout, and by the end of September were all covered with strong wooden covers, tarred or painted, to keep heat in and cold and wet out. Among flowers, not to speak of pits, frames, small houses, &c., we found a nice greenhouse and stove. But we must mention only one thing about the plants, and that is, that the greenhouse was rendered more beautiful by a number of pots of Convolvulus or Ipomeas of almost every shade of colour, and tint, and stripe, the plants being allowed to twine about a branch or the top of a young tree fixed in the | pot. These climbers in pots made a most attractive feature. Out of doors we found fine plants of Chrysanthemums. * 348 The dry weather and the grub had spoiled a border of China Asters, in the culture of which Mr. Donaldson used to excel ; but as a consolation to us we noticed a nice border of her- baceous and bedding plants, and were informed that this border belonged to Lady Chesham, whence she could gather flowers without interfering with the beauty of the rich par- terre near the mansion. Something of this kind should always be provided where cut flowers in quantity are a daily desideratum. Nothing wiil so thoroughly paralyse energy and effort, as finding a first-rate bed of yesterday trans- formed into little better than a wreck to-day, through this. person and that being permitted to gather flowers from it at pleasure. One other fact, and we finish the account of our morning’s inspection of this interesting place. On walking up the bank from the pleasure ground we observed cast metal pipes in trenches not yet filled (the joints, we think, closed with lead), for transmitting water from the reservoir in a higher position to the stablez, garden, mansion, offices, clergy- man’s house, &c. This water of the reservoir is brought up the hill from the lake by the action of a water-wheel. We did not see the wheel as the place was locked, but we saw Mr. Metcalfe, the able superintendent of the farm, and his water-wheel was going, and helping to thresh, cut, grind, saw timber, &c. Tke water to tur this wheel is brought across through the wood by a wooden culvert from the lake, and over what is called the old stream, which acts | Mr. Metcalfe would only high enough to as the tail course to the farm wheel. like more power, but the cascade is give him a breast instead of an overshot wheel. that drives the machinery for the supply of water to the mansion is entirely in a chamber beneath the ground level, and the tail water comes out beneath the cascade. If the water is too low to drive this wheel a horse can be employed to work the machinery. The cascade js a fine feature with | : 5 y: | 4 2 | but at comparatively small pecuniary cest, the Inxury of a the water foaming and frothing over it, but it is apt to be dry when the farm wheel is worked during the day. Raise the cascade some 18 inches, which raising would necessitate but little alteration in the present banks of the lake, and far enough back transfer the waters of the old stream into the Colne; ard not only would much more power be given to the wheels, but, as the old stream would supply as much water as is now taken for working them, the cascade with its tumbiing and sparkling waters would be a thing of beauty every hour of the day. We need scarcely adda that neatness and good culture were everywhere conspicuous. The first word in the sixteenth line of the previous article, page 333, should be “winding” instead of “ building.”— R. Fisx. PROPOSAL FOR A ROSE COMMITTER AT PARIS. How can the inundation of new Roses from the ecntinent be stemmed advantageously to the English growers? Facts go to prove that out of the fifty new Koses annually sent to this country not more than five or six live over three years in the public mind, or are worthy of a place as distinct varieties in any respectable Rose catalogue. While I believe that the years 1866 and 1867, from the great heat of the present and last season, will place English raisers more on a level with their neighbours, something in the meantime must be done to prevent English growers and amateurs from being quite disgusted and discouraged in buying new Roses. I would propose for consideration that a committee to protect the interests of the Rose be formed in this country, rouch on the principle of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, to consist of say twenty of the first Rose growers, to sit at Paris every month during the Rose season. To carry this out a Rose Society would require to be set on foot, each member subscribing a fixed moderate sum to defray expenses, including the sending out monthly three or more of the above committee to preside at the meeting in Paris, and give certificates of merit and prizes for the best new productions. The English judgment and taste would thus be better met, confidence restored, and time and money saved, as it would not then be necessary to grow in quantity hundreds of “novelties” two years before they can be iaithfulily recommended for our gardens. The The wheel | JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 1, 1864. minds and pockets of honest nurserymen would not be hurt by consigning hundreds, nay thousands of the well-grown new Roses annually to the faggot-pile, where they ought to be carefully put to make room for better varieties. : Looking at the great and deserved love England has for her Rose, I consider this subject, which I have but feebly laid before your readers, worthy of the earnest attention of the Royal Horticultural Society, and of all who are interested in our national flower.—Henry Curris, The Devon Rosery, Torquay. LARGE PEARS. Srxrme in the Journal what the Rev. S. Reynolds Hole, of Caunton Manor, near Newark, can produce from the Con- seiller de la Cour Pear, I beg to enclose you a slip taken from the Dumfries Standard, to show what can be produced from the Duchesse d’Angouléme. The weight of the eight Pears was 7 lbs. 14 ozs.—GiLtserT TWEEDIE. “ § fruit-bearing Pear tree was shown by Mr. T. Tweedie, and is quitea prodigy. By a process which Messrs. J. Palmer | and Son have carried out with singular success, the tree is | away the palm from even the fruitful vinery- dwarfed in size, so as to gain in produce what it loses in stature; and this specimen (a Duchesse d’Angouléme) has, under Mr. Tweedie’s careful management, proved so prolific that, though little more than 4 feet high and growing man 11-inch poi, it displayed eight immense Pears; one measured nearly 12 inches round, and weighed 14 ozs.; another, of rather greater circumference, weighed 131b.; the rest of the crop being worthy companions of these individual specimens. « When at Annan, we had an opportunity which we gladly | embraced, of viewing the garden and greenhouse in which Mr. T. Tweedie practises with so much success as an amateur horticulturist; and we feel sure that if merchants and others of his class saw what he accomplishes with considerable care, greenhouse would be much more generally indulged in. A few rare exotics igured amongst its contents, and from the roof hung quite a harvest of Grapes, similar to these large specimens which lent opulence to the exhibition. Anaviary near by vied in attractiveness—we might almost say bore Such a col- lection cf the feathered tribes is, we suspect, not to be | readily found elsewhere in the possession of a private gentle- man. In a shed—vwe cannot call it a cage—20 feet by 9, | were more than a hundred birds, from the redbreast, the lark, the blackbird, the thrush, and others of a commoner kind, to the goldfinch, canary, starling, and pheasant, all | manifesting a loving fellowship with each other, and forming such an interesting, happy family as was delightful to behold. An Oak stump in the centre, and various shrubs in other parts of the aviary, form the roosts or resting-places of the plumaged race, and there they were seen hopping from twig to twig, or taking a larger flight across, enjoying com- parative freedom, and evidently in the highest comfort and health. A golden pheasant is the paragon of the entire establishment, ard the creature, though superlatively hand- some and most superbly attired, assumes no haughty airs, and lives in amity with the humblest of his brethren. The owner of this unique feathered republic is Mr. G. Tweedie, who, we suppose, feels as much pleasure in presiding over it as his brother does in his horticultural products.” ~ LARGE CROP OF PEACHES. In 1863 I ripened on eight trees 1600 Peaches, many of immense size; and in 1864, the same ‘trees produced and brought to perfection 2500 Peaches not so large, partly owing to the drought. In the year 1863, about 4000 Peaches had previously been taken off; and in 1864, at least 5000 were also removed. The eigMt trees are on a wall with a south-easterly aspect, have been about eighteen years planted, and have generally borne most abundant crops. In consequence of the fruit being for some years destroyed by spring frosts, I had a covering of thin canvass placed over them. In the first year when removing the canvass, I found an abundant crop of fruit but no leaves ; these had been destroyed from keeping the covers over the trees night and day. Ina short time fresh leaves came out, but all the fruit gradually disappeared. : November 1; 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 349 In the following year I removed the covers every fine day and some fine nights, and the result was a splendid crop of fruit. This same result occurred several years in succession, until the sheets being weakened by age were entirely destroyed by a heavy shower, and the trees were that year unprotected. However, the spring being mild the crop was good. Inthe following spring when the trees were in full bloom, a heavy shower completely washed away the pollen, and in that year also I had not a Peach. Next winter I piaced a temporary coping-board about 12 inches wide over the trees and left it there until about June, when the rain would be serviceable. The result was, that in that and every succeeding year I had splendid crops. This simple and cheap mode of protecting the trees I conceive to be far the best. I need only refer to the crops of 1863 and 1864. An Englishman writing in a contemporary this year, says he had 510 Peaches on three trees, whereas I had 1124 on my two largest. I hope that the publication of this note will call forth remarks from Peach-growers, and I am anxious to know whether others have exceeded what my gardener has accomplished.—T. Dany, Fair Hill, Cork. [We do not understand the measurements of the trees which bore these extraordinary crops. Mr. Daly in another letter says :—One tree, 23 feet by 10, 230; two, 20 feet by 10, 400 ; two, 20 feet by 10, 400. Wholelength with eight Peach trees 128 feet. Now, as five trees occupy 103 feet, then only 25 feet are left for the other three.—Eps ] NEW ROSES FOR 1865. I sec. to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of Rose catalogues from Mr. Rivers, Sawbridgeworth ; My. Cranston, Kine’s Acre, Hereford; Mr. Cant, Colchester; Mr. Cattell, Westerham ; and M. Eugéne Verdier, Paris. On perusing the lists of our own countrymen, it is satis- factory to find the improvement they exhibit by the rejection of large numbers of inferior kinds, with which they have in former years been too much burdened, to the no small per- plexity of purchasers and the disgust of rosarians; there is yet room for further improvement, which it is hoped that the experience of another year will suggest. As it is, Mr. Rivers’s catalogue is so carefully compiled that there is indeed little to complain of, and very much to praise and be pleased with. By not inserting the novelties of the cur- rent year, of which it is impossible, as well as unfair, to speak with certainty till they have been sufficiently proved, Mr. Rivers has acted quite in conformity with the thorough knowledge of Roses which has always distinguished him as a great authority in all that relates to them. If the other growers who deem it necessary to insert new kinds before fully proved were to give them in a separate list, as is some- times done, it would decidedly improve their catalogues. All lovers of the Rose owe a tribute of respect to M. Ver- dier for the many charming varieties originated in his esta- blishment. He has also readily acknowledged the merit of English horticulturists by conferrine their names on flowers originated or sent out by him—names that are highly es- teemed and respected among us, as will be seen by the list presently to be given. M. Verdier’s announcements are in two lists—the first, published in September, contains the new kinds originated in his own establishment and some others sent out by him (for the perusal of this I am indebted to the kindness of the Rev. W. F. Radelyffe, of Rushton) ; the second contains the kinds obtained from the seed-beds, and sent out for the first time by other French nurserymen. In these lists there are seventy-three Hybrid Perpetuals, seven Bourbons, two Tea- scented, three Perpetual Moss, two hybrids from Bourbon and Noisette, and one Microphylla—in all eighty-eight. These statistics are given that your readers unacquainted | with the facts may judge for themselves of the enormous number of varieties yearly offered for our acceptance, and, of course, grievous disappointment if we are foolish enough to take the bait. Seeing, too, that the modest price of 25 francs —that is, £1—is asked for a single plant of very many of them, our French friends must evidently have fast hold of the notion that “John Bull has more money than wit.” Tt is a sheer impossibility that all of these new Roses can | doubtful at present whether any of them are. There is nothing to indicate it in the descriptions given of them, with one exception to be presently noticed. If, therefore, this annual influx is not steadily resisted by our great growers, with some reservation, their collections will continue to be disfigured by kinds not entitled to a place in them. The following are selected from the list, with the descrip- tions given by the raisers. They are all of them stated to be of vigorous habit, with large and full Sowers, and may probably in time be found to be of some merit. It is quite useless to entertain any expectation of sorts in our climate that have not a sound and hardy constitution. If any hope on the point may be expressed it is that the kind bearing the name of the worthy rector of Rushton may prove a sterling acquisition, it will then be a recognition of merit, reminding the Rose-loving public of a good and painstaking rosarian. Docteur Andry (Verdier).—Perfectly imbricated; deep red- dish carmine; flowers about 12 centimetres in diameter (4% inches). A variety of the highest merit. Rushton Radclyje (Verdier).—Perfectly imbricated; fine cherry red, clear and distinct; from 10 to 12 centimeives in diameter (4 to 43 inches). Sowenir de William Wood (Verdier).—Blackish purple, very dark, similar to Prince Camille de Rohan, but darker; flowers from 9 to 10 centimetres in diameter (34 to 4 inches). John Keynes (sent out by Verdier, but not obtained from his seed-plots).— Vivid reddish scarlet, shaded maroon; 10 to 12 centimetres in diameter (4 to 4% inches). William Bull (sent out by Verdier).—Globular and well formed; bright cherry red; about 12 centimetres in dia- meter (43 inches). Charles Wood (Portemer, jun.).—Deep red, shaded blackish, of fine form; 9 to 10.centimetres in diameter (33 to 4 inches). Denis Helye (Gauterean).—-Very erect; bright rosy car- mine; 12 to 14 centimetres in diameter (4% to 53 inches). A very effective variety. Mademe Moreaw (Gonod).—Cupped, pxony-shaped, with large petals at the circumference ; bright dazzling red, shaded with violet ; 12 to 14 centimetres in diameter (4to 54 inches). Charles Margotiin (Margottin).—Brilliant carmine, with fiery centre. ‘ Duc de Weilington (Granger).—Bright red, velvety, shaded’ black, with lighter centre. John Veitch (Levéque).—Well formed; fine, vivid, shining red. Madame Charles Verdier (Lacharme).—Well formed; fine vermilion rose, between Baron Prévost and Duchess of Sutherland. Mademoiselle Loide de Falloux (Trouillard).—Fine form ; white, slightly tinged with rose. Monsiewr Boncenne (Liabaud).—Cupped; velvety, blackish. purple. Xavier Olibo (Lacharme).—Fine form; velvety black,. shaded fiery amaranth. One of the most promising, should it prove sufficiently hardy, is the Tea or Noisette Maréchal Niel very vigorous, with long, stout, reddish branches; leaves consisting of three or five leaflets, extra large, shining and undulated; flowers full, from 12 to 14 cen- timetres in diameter (4} to 54 inches), of a beautiful deep yellow, intensely fragrant. Obtained some years ago by a horticulturist in the south of France, and it has till the pre- sent time remained unknown. This magnificent Rose is the most beautiful of all the Noisettes, to which belong Chromatella (Cloth cf Gold), Isabella Gray, Jean Hardy, Solfaterre, &c., and surpasses them in habit and abundance of bloom. So says M. Verdier. But if all the above are at present little known to us except by name and the raisers’ descriptions, there are some- by our own countrymen now being, or about to be, distri- buted which may be depended on, and, therefore, worth immediate attention. Such are Princess of Wales (W. Paul), Dr. Lindley (W. Paul), King’s Acre (Cranston), Beauty of Westerham (Cattell), a fine autumnal Rose, fully described at page 312.—ApoLpuHus H. Kent, Blechingley. Pracr Aux Dames !—I have just been shocked to read, in the Rose catalogue of Messrs. William Wood & Son, that be improvements upon those we already possess; it is even | “Reynolds Hole, cupped and double, is in the way of Louise 350 Odier ;” and as this can only mean that I, in a state of inebriety, and in the position which schoolboys assume when giving each other a back at leapfrog, am obstructing @ young lady’s path, I think it my duty, as a married clergyman, immediately to assure your readers that I am perfectly sober, perfectly straight, and have never performed gymnastic contortions in the presence of Miss Lonise Odier. —Reynoups Hors, H.PL DOUBLE-GLAZED FRAMES FOR EXCLUDING COLD. THERE are so many persons who desire to save their plants during winter, who have no means of applying heat in any way, that I think I may do them a service by bringing to their notice the plan I have found so very useful—viz., a double frame to keep out the extreme cold. This idea I obtained from seeing double windows em- ployed in several London houses, in Piccadilly, and the west of London generally, to keep out the noise, and maintain the rooms at a more equable temperature. Knowing well, as I do, that a stratum of air between two glasses will keep out noise, heat, and cold, the adaptation of this principle to preserving plants in winter is not very surprising, and having in practice for two or three years proved its value I now bring it before your readers in order to verify my dis- govery, or rather adaptation, of a fact well known. I have had my lights made with a very broad frame, so that two sashes can be made upon it, one under, one over, so that they both lift at the same time, when it is necessary to give air to the plants beneath. Ihave some of the usual —shail I say old-fashioned ?—glasses, the snow has fallen upon them, and I find a very marked difference in the melt- ing of the snow. The snow rapidly disappears from the single lights, but on my double sashes it remains. I will not go into the science of radiation, conduction, transmis- sion of heat, &c., suffice it to say to a gardener, that with a double light the cold will not go down to half-buried pots or plants as through a single light.—Srprimus Presse, Ph.D.. F.C.8., &e., Chiswick. . NOTES MADE IN THE ENVIRONS OF PARIS DURING A VISIT IN SEPTEMBER. Axour five years ago you were pleased to insert in your | pleasant and useful Journal, a few notes made by me during a visit which I had then paid to the Valley of Montmorency, celebrated for many horticultural productions—amongst fruit, Pears, Peaches, Grapes, Cherries; and amongst vege- | tables, notably Asparagus. I have again paid a visit to that beautiful country, and I amin not singular in my estimate of it, for since I was last there a vast number of country seats of more or less import- ance have sprung up, the Parisians having taken a lesson out of our book by residing in the environs, not, it is true, quite to the extent we do here, but leaving Paris for five or | ‘six months of the summer only. It takes a long time to reconcile ladies who have resided all their lives in so gay and so fascinating a capital as Paris, to satisfy themseives with the quietude and domesticity of a genuine country life. No opera! No theatres! No society even—at least not that | varied and amusing one which they have been accustomed to. A country residence, therefore, during the winter months would be looked on as little less than an expatriation. In fact, until a radical reform takes place, it would be difficult for a family to carry out such a project, unless they made up their minds to do so in the most primitive style, and wait upon themselves ; for one of my friends having made up his mind to give up his town house, coachman, footman, cook, lady’s maid, and all the rest of the fry, waited upon the mistress to inform her that they must leave her service. “Why, what does all this mean? What is the matter that you should thus all wish to ieave at the same moment ?” “Well, Madame, we are very contented and very happy in your service, but we hear that it is your intention to re- main in the country all the year round, and in the winter we should all die of ennui.” JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 1, 1864, When it was told to me, I remarked at once, “ Weil, you let them all go of course.’ ‘Indeed, we did not, but, on the contrary, gave up our project, as we were quite certain that we should never be enabled to replace our old servants by others.” Time, however, works wonders, and in the course of a very few years I have no doubt we shall see families making the country their permanent residence, and this will pro- duce a favourable eifect by increasing the traffic on the rail- ways, which, except by the morning and evening trains, is very small even during the summer months, as families residing for six or seven months of the year in Paris, have | no desire to go there very frequently. Of course, I am alluding to the families of merchants and those engaged in commerce. Constant residence would also tend much to encourage horticulture, for although a vast deal of money is already expended in the pursuit, yet it is confined to those who may be strictly termed the rich. These have certainly very pretty and tolerably well-kept gardens, and, as a rule, very extensive ones, but they would be neater-looking, bear examining more minutely did their owners have them con- stantly under their eyes during the winter as well as summer months. Well-kept lawns would then be better appreciated, but I see no improvement in them since last there. The ladies, who take the initiative in all gardening matters, ap- pear to understand the difference between an English and a French-kept lawn, but they are powerless_over the obstinacy and stupidity of their gardeners. Talk to one of these latter about cutting the grass once a-week and he would simply think you mad. As to rolling and entting edges, it is quite out of the question, and the iron roller continues to be un- kzown. Iam only referring to the private gardens. The public ones decidedly take the lead. In them every available im- plement is taken advantage of. I saw one which may be known here, but was quite new to me. it was a double roller, or rather a pair of rollers, one following another and worked by a locomotive. The rollers were, I should say, 4 feet in diameter and of great power. The grass- cutting machine I could not hear of either in Paris or its environs. What are Messrs. Green about? What Messrs. Shanks, that they do not make their machines known? They are wanted badly enough, for even in the public gar- dens the lawns do not come up to the standard of excellence required by the critical eye of an Englishman. In other | respects these gardens are tastefully laid out and artistically arranged. The system of ribbon-beds and massing 1s not carried out to the exclusion of mixed borders, which I ex- amined with minute attention. The harmony of colours was well observed, as was geometrical precision as to dis- tances, and every border was a mass of either flowers or foliage, although there was nothing strikingly new to record. Clumps of Fuchsias hiding the stems of standard Roses, Gladiolus serving the same purpose, Dahlias tied up as they grew so as to form a straight column, were stiff perhaps, but the blossoms were concentrated, none straggling about or hanging down. I have said that the borders were a mass of flowers or foliage. This latter may not seem a desideratum to us; but French taste runs much on handsome-leayed plants of the tropical class, amongst which Cannas figure to a econsider- able extent. These are used both as single objects and in large masses without the admixture of any flowering plant, save, perhaps, an edging of some large Geranium—the Pink, much the same colour but larger than Christine, bemg a favourite. By-the-way, does Tom Thumb grow larger there than here? it so appeared tome. But toreturn to the mixed borders. Every plant is placed in a hollow, so that water may be given without fear of its running away from the roots. The system of watering, too, is good and uncommon. A series of Indiarubber tubes is formed by screwing one into the other until the required length be arrived at. These tubes are perforated with very small holes, and care is taken that in screwing them on to each other, the holes form a con- tinuous and straight line. The tubes are laid on the ground, alongside a border let us say, the cock is turned and a fine and gentle shower falls on everything within its reach. One man can thus regulate a long length of tubing, removing it from time to time as required. I saw this system in opera- tion in the gardens of the Tuilleries and the Jardin d’Accli- November 1, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORYVICULTURS AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 351 matation. In the latter place I was caught in the shower when strolling off the public thoroughfares. But I shall tire your readers by this discursive chat. I sat down with the intention of addressing you upon one subject, and I have not yet touched upon it. I mean THE CULTURE OF ASPARAGUS. It appears to me that we have yet much to learn of the cultivation of this much-esteemed vegetable. The noted grower in France, is Monsieur L’Héraut, of Argenteuil, the neighbourhood where I was visiting. He is, no doubt, known to many of our horticulturists, as he has been studying the growth of this veretable for the last twenty years, and has carried off eighteen medals, three being enamel, one bronze, twelve silver, and two gold. One of these last was from the Brussels Show of this year, where, by the way, it was stated that with the exception of the Pére L’Héraut, the French made themselves conspicuous by their absence. Le Pére L’Hévaut for many years possessed but one hectare of land (a little less than 24 acres), upon this he confined himself to the cultivation of Asparagus; but from it he derived an income of 4000f.—say, £160 per annum. He sells his produce to the first-class restaurants and purveyors of Paris at inconceivably high prices. He produces bundles containing thirty-five heads, measuring 14 inches long, and weighing 6 kilogrammes, or roughly 12 Ibs., for which he receives from 25f. to 30f., and that during the entire season. ‘The smaller heads sell at from df. to 10f. He has latterly been jeined by his son, the firm being now L’Héraut, Salbceuf et fils, and they have added considerably to the extent of their land. On one piece I saw 2000 plants, on another 1700. Argenteuil being only a few miles from the residence of my host, I drove over and saw both father and son. We happened to hit on the very first day of the vintage, every hand was in the fields, but we found Madame L’Héraut, the | son’s wife, and she with genuine French amiability insisted on conducting us to her husband. Leaving our carriage, therefore, with the groom we trudged through the vineyards, and a most animating sight it was. It was just the moment of the midday repast of bread and Grapes, and the various groups looked like so many pic-nic parties, everybody was very merry, for the groups were not composed merely of the labourers but of their friends also. All are welcome at such a time to eat their fill. A quarter of an hour’s walk brought us to the vineyards of Pére & fils L’Héraut. The first I found a plain unpretending gardener of the old school, with an idea about going a-head nevertheless; the son a fine specimen, physically, of a Frenchman. He had been a soldier, of course, had a good intelligent face, and we soon found him tobe thoroughly up to his business. The father being oceupied with looking after his people, the son ciceroned us, after dis- patching to the wine press two carts laden with open barrels filled with Grapes of the morning’s gathering. From him and from a pamphlet which he gave me, published by him- self, and entitled “Culture des Asperges en Plein Air,’ and sold at 50 centimes, say 5d., I learnt the following :— The Asparagus flourishes best on an old vineyard, as the copious nourishment given to the Vine suits it. The older a soil and the more worked it may have been, always provided thatit has been constantly well kept up, the better. The seed has much to do with success. At the com- mencement of their career they grew the Hardy Dutch, a very productive variety but not bigcer than the middle finger, and having the disadvantage of producing its crop all at once. For many years past they have saved their own seed from some they originally had under the name of Rose de Hollande Perjfectionée. This variety is in quality and size much superior to that grown in the locality. It pro- duces during a longer period, and gives first-rate and in- creasing crops up to the age of six or seven years, and will then continue good for another twenty years. For the raising of this seed and its cultivation I must refer your readers to the pamphlet in question. I must confine myself to the plant itself. In the selection of the ground never take the site of an old Asparagus-bed. A soil slightly clayey suits the Rose de Hollande best; but this variety up to its sixth year is not an abundant producer, although it amply makes amends by its exceptional size and quality, by the longer duration of its season, and by the greater longevity of the plants. A sandy and dry soil suits cnly the smaller varieties of Asparagus. In making a plantation no beds are raised above the sur- face. Holes are dug on the level ground in the autumn 20 inches in diameter, and 6 inches deep, 1 yard apart, and 4 feet distance in the rows. The earth taken out is placed between the rows in the form of hillocks, which may be used for early Potatoes, Lettuces, or Dwarf Beans—anything in short that comes off early. Into each hole is thrown 3 inches deep of half-rotten stable manure mixed with coweung and town rubbish, or in default of this last, road scrapings and rotted vegetable refuse—the older the better. It is covered to the depth of 13 inch with some of the earth taken from the holes. In the month of March, towards the end in this country, the one-year-old plants are put in by opening a hole with the hand between the manure, one plant to each hole, taking care to spread out the roots carefully and equally; cover with 13 ich of the soil, pressing the extremities of the roots strongly down, place a stick to each to mark the spot that no injury may arise when digging the ground. During the semmer months keep the ground as free from weeds as a lady's flower garden. In the autumn when the stems are nearly dry, cut them down to the height of 6 inches. Should any have failed let the stick remain to indicate the spot, and replace in the following March. In the month of November the roots should be subjected to the action of the atmosphere by removing a little of the earth from the surface; and in this state the plant passes the winter, for it must be borne in mind, that Asparagus does not suffer from cold, but moisture, and the more earth there may be over the crown the greater will be the amount of such moisture. The cultivation for the second year is the same, except that a little more soil may be thrown over the crown at the beginning of April, and a stake 4 feet long should be placed between every alternate plant, so that the two plants may be attached thereto, in the autumn, to prevent their beng blown about or broken off by the wind, which is very in- jurious. The wind causes the stems to make holes at the base, into which the rain enters and rots the crown. In the third season of their growth, about the middle of March, if warm, the ends of the stalks should be removed, and each plant should be earthed-up to the depth of 8 inches for the stronger, but less for the weaker. ‘These mounds should be raised exactly over the centre of each crown. The largest heads may be taken during fifteen days only, and when about 2 inches high, as a rule we should be satisfied with taking from three-year-old plants two heads from each. You will observe that I do not use the word “cutting,” but “taking” off. I must be permitted to tell a little story thereon. Ata Meeting of the French Horticultural Society in Paris, various knives for cutting Asparagus were sent in by makers. The President, the Comte de Morny, said— “Well, sentlemen, I think we must leave it to the most ex- perienced man in France on this subject, Monsieur Pére, L/Héraut, to decide on the merits of these;” but to the amazement of all present he stated that he knew no more about it than they did, for he never cut a head in his life, and should consider it murder to do so. Being called on to explain, he did so to the following effect :— *“Vhe earth is removed until the two fingers arrive at the head of the crown, the stalk is then thrust off (much as we take off Rhubarb-stalks I presume). If, however, it will not come of without injury to the crown, a blunt knife is placed against it close to its junction with the latter, and it is snapped off by pressure. The crown is then earthed-up again. In the autumn all the eavth is removed down to the crowns and replaced by the compost already alluded to, a little of the old, light, pulverised soil is thrown on again, and the ground between the rows is then well dug-down to the roots, taking care, however, not to injure them. In the March of the fourth year the earthing-up may be increased in height to 10 inches. More heads may now be taken from the plants and during a longer period. In the spring of the fifth year the soil may be earthed-up in one continuous line, and fresh compost put in the alleys inits place. This com- post serves to walk upon, and is getting into condition for use in the following year. In the autumn the ground is again levelled, and this is continued from year to year. During the fifth year the gathering may continue for a 352. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November I, 1864. month ; and in the sixth year the plants are in perfection, and it may be carried on for six weeks; but the season for this vegetable ought never to extend beyond that period, except by beginning earlier with forced plants.” It may interest some of your readers, particularly small gardeners, if I give my calculation of the profit derived from the growth of this vegetable by M. L’ Héraut. L kaye said that the produce of his £ s. d. & s. d. hectare of land brought him in 4000f. a-year, which we will call ............... I cannot say what is paid for land in Argenteuil; therefore, I will take it and labour atits worth here—say, then, Hon en by set west oes Eales end sh eneeenede ue 22 0.0 With the exception of carting com- post, the whole was cultivated by him- self. I take his own labour then at 4s. a-day—a high rate here, quite un- Enown in France. Trat would be ... 68 0 O Forty loads of compost and delivery at 10s. (1s it too much or too little?) 20 0 O 160 0 O 105 0 O Nett prohtassiss. shiiesaccetdecaercnestaatees es £55 0 0 Ihave no doubt the profit is much larger in France, but an English gardener would not look with contempt at that, I think. I shall be glad to be set right on any of these points, and, in fact, court criticism. I see already that I have omitted one item—viz., the delivery of the Asparagus daily throughout the season. ‘This expense must be de- ducted from what I have given as the nett profit. I mean to try this system, and have ordered my few plants to be sent me at the fitting time, which will be in the month of March, and they will be one year old. M. L’Héraut will not recommend a plantation to be begun with older ones. He insists that nothing is gained by it. If you think my annual progress would be at ail interest- ing, I shall be happy to give you a few lines thereon this | time next year.—H. 8. Watson, Old Charlton. COMPARATIVE PROLIFICACY OF POTA OES I sEenD you the results of experiments made by myself in the produce of various sorts of Potatoes, which I can vouch for having had exactly the same sort of treatment in every way. They were grown in what we call black soil, which produces Potatoes largely, but not, perhaps, of so good quality as brown soil. I have, however, found them all to be good eaters. Paterson’s Blue is a beautiful Potato in appearance, and of great size; I had several Potatoes weighing 31, 30, 29, and 28 ozs. The Napoleon is a very rank-growing Potato, with haulms as thick as a strong walking-stick. It is a good eater, but from its great haulm must be an exhausting crop. The Fluke figures badly, possibly from a want of change of seed. My own experience would make me think that it does not crop so heavily as formerly in this neighbourhood. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, and 14, were all got from Scotland, from different places. I had no preference. I tried the experiments fairly.— W. W.4H., Prescot, Lancashire. Weight cf Sets. Sort. i.—14 lbs. Paterson’s Blue 2.—14 lbs. Paterson's Regent 3.—14 lbs. Paterson’s Red ... 4,—14 lbs. Daintree’s Farly 5.—14 lbs. Paterson’s Oval B 6,—14 lbs. Paterson’s Victoria 7.—14 lbs. Webb's Imperial ... 8.—14 Ibs. Paterson's Napoleon . 9.—!4 bs. Dalmahoy ............ 221 lbs., or not quite 16 times ditto. 10,—14 Ibs. Pink-eye, Kemp ......... 200 lbs., or more than 12 times ditto. 11.—14 Ibs. Arrowswith’s Seedling . 179 lbs., or 13 times ditto. 12.—14 Ibs. Fluke .. ... 95 1bs., or 7 times ditto. 13.—14 lbs. Bloomer .. «. 92 \bs, or 64 times ditto. 14,— 8 lbs. Rosse’s Early .. 272 lbs., or 24 times ditto. Weight of Marketable Produce. G18 los., ox 44 times the weight planted 539 lbs., or 38 times ditto. 401 Ibs., or 28 times ditto. 394 lbs., or 28 times ditto. 9 Ibs., or 25 times ditto. 329 lbs , or 234 times ditto. 272 lbs., or 19 times ditto. 229 Ibs., or 16 times ditto, Fuower Farminc.—Take a pair of compasses and strike an are on the map of the French shores of the Mediterranean, making the Port of Antibes the centre, open the com- passes to Nice, and strike round—the highest point will be Grasse ; then descending again to the shore in an opposite direction, the compass leg will mark the fringe of the Es- trelle hills, and the well-known town of Cannes, with Lord Brougham’s villa. From Nice to Cannes it is twenty miles, and from Grasse to the shore ten miles. The three towns form a geographical triangle, having the tideless blue sea for its base. Within this triangle is the valley of the Flower Farms. There are flower farms in England also, but they are insignificant in comparison with those of France. Else- where flowers are ornaments—charming accidents. Here they are staples. They grow like grass and corn, like Pota- toes and Mangold Wurtzel. Here bloom the Jasmine, the Orange, the Violet, the Tuberose, the Jonquil, the Rose, the Cassia, not as in our beds, not as in horticultural gardens, not as gardens, but as fields. Broad acres of colour flash under the hot sun. The atmosphere is heavy with perfumes when the snows are melting on the mountains, and the gurgling Var is rapidly growing into a roaring torrent. Here we enter homesteads not of golden grain, but of Laven- der sheaves; not of cheese, but of olive oil; not of beer and elder wine, but of orange-flower and rose-water in vats; not of clotted cream, but of jasmine and violet butter. Itis like a country of the “Arabian Nights.” You expect the dark-eyed peasants to answer you in lyrics, and the very dogs to bark in tropes. You are oppressed with the pro- digality of splendour. The soil is so fertile that, to borrow Douglas Jerrold’s witty conceit, if you tickle it with a hoe, it smiles with a flower; or, as the natives say, if you plant a walking-stick, the ferule will blossom.—DR. SEPTIMUS PIESSE, in the Cornhill Magazine. CHOICE PEARS. I srt that the Rey. S. R. Hole has: recommended a Pear. I will venture to recommend a first-rate one, Beurré Superfin. I tested it by my Marie Louise, which is also a first-rate Pear, but not quite so good as Beurré Superfin. I tasted also at the same time Marie Louise d’Accle. It is delicious, very handsome, and of a beautiful colour, golden russet. In July I tasted Doyenné d’Eté, a good cropper, and nice for an early Pear. Beurré Mauxion, and Comte de Lamy, are good croppers, and very good. Mr. Rivers made me a present of twenty Pear trees on the quince stock, and they were planted on the 25th of March and 9th of April this year. Iam quite pleased with the little trees and their fruits. Two had no blooms, and | one, Madame Millet, dropped its fruit. The others I have not tasted, as they are late Pears. Doyenné d’Alencon is a fine Pear; Duchesse d’Angou- léme is very fine, three Pears not yet ripe weighed 25 ozs. ; Beurré Beaumont bore fourteen handsome Pears, and is the healthiest-looking tree of them all; Beurré Diel is very fine. The little trees, several of which bore fourteen Pears, have much pleased both me and my visitors. I shall move every plant yearly, and put some decayed dung and mould under them, and I do not expect to report, as some have done, a failure with Pears on the quince stock. I recommend people to procure Mr. Rivers’ twelfth edition of the “ Miniature Fruit Garden.” AsIam on pomology, I may mention that when I had the pleasure of dining with Dr. Hogg, I tasted some ex= cellent Grapes from Mr. Rivers. I have forgotten the names of all but one. and that was first-rate, the Harly Smyrna Frontignan.—W. F. Rapcnyrrs, Rushton. ’ GARDEN REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW ZEALAND. Repiyine in part to the inquiries of your correspondent, «J. C.,” in your paper of the 25th, we beg to say we send out monthly considerable quantities of grass and other agricultural as well as garden seeds to New Zealand, and we gather from this that settlers there do not grow their own seeds, which is confirmed by a gentleman to whom we annu- ally send large quantities coming to England this year and ordering a:still larger supply. We should recommend your correspondent to take out tools with him, he would be sure to get what he wanted here, which he might not be able to do in New Zealand. With regard to plants of Strawberries, a ee i ah November 1, 1864. } and Quicks, we do not know whether they would undergo sucha journey, buta “ fruit nurseryman” would, doubtless, know. If they are taken they should be packed separately. Seeds for New Zealand should be packed in stout wooden cases lined with zine, which are of no small value over there. —Surron & Sons, Reading. I am able to answer “J. C.,” having spent fifteen years in that country. I have seen Strawberry plants taken out in a small Wardian case, but “J.C.,’ need not go to that trouble unless he has some very extraordinary sorts. He will find plenty of Strawberries in New Zealand. Tools are to be had at all the chief towns. However, he might take a light spade with extra bindings on the handle, and a small four-pronged Potato-fork. He would also find a light single-edeed billhook handy. Quick thrives well in stiff clay soils, but in the light soils of New Zealand it fails, and Furze is grown in its place. Quick does well in Nelson, and in some parts of Auckland. In Taranaki all the hedges are of Furze. Grass seed is grown extensively in New Zealand, but a little good Perennial Rye Grass would always find a market. Red Clover does not seed there, consequently that may be taken; but the colonists look with suspicion on English seed, it is so often spoilt-on the passage. Seeds of the Brassicas are more often good than any other. “J.C.” may take Cabbage, Cauliflower, Radish, and similar seeds, ' and will find a market for them, as the colonists find a diii- culty in producing seeds of this family in a pure state. English-erown Onion seed always fails. ‘‘ J.C.” will find the American blight very destructive to the Apple trees. If he can take owt a remedy he will do some service. A fungus is very destructive to the roots of exotic trees. High winds are rather troublesome. With these exceptions he will find New Zealand a fine country. He must make up his mind for hard work; for gentlemen gardeners are very rare in that. country. With industry, sobriety, and perseverance success is certain. “J. C.’ must not put his seeds in the ship’s hold, but must keep them in a box in his cabin. The damp heat of the hold in the Tropics destroys their vitality. —BENs. WELLS, 11, Orchard Place, Plumstead Road, Woolwich. ENVILLE HALL. THs magnificent demesne of the Earl of Stamford and Warrincton, is situated about six miles from the thriving, busy town of Stourbridge, which itself is nearly a mile from the railway station. ‘The traveller who goes from and returns to Birmingham, will require a fair stock of patience, amidst the waitings and changings at Dudley and Dudley Port junctions, &c. On leaving the west side of Stour- bridge, we noticed a neat, handsome church, school houses, residence for teachers, and at .a short distance a residence for the clergyman, all erected and presented by William Foster, Hsq., M.P., to the inhabitants of Stourbridge. Ere long we notice in a hollow on the right hand the homestead of the above benevolent gentleman, Stourton Castle, cele- brated as the birthplace of Cardinal Pole, and for the at- tempted batterings it received from the cannon of Cromwell, placed on the towering peak of Kinyer Edge. Many and somewhat contradictory are the traditions amongst the people, as to the success or failure of the cannonading. Kinver Hdge itself, with its frowning peak becomes a fine feature in the landscape. As we mount the high crests of the road. we get fine views of the beautifully wooded, un- dulated hills that, mingled with large intervening breadths of sheep-walks, form the back grounds of Hnville. As we have stood on the Hoe at Plymouth, and admired the rich verdure of the woods of Mount EHdgecumbe, we have felt that the bald waste that crested the hill, detracted from the richness of the luxuriance that skirted the shores. ‘There is nothing of this at Enville, as we approach it, because the rich pasture lands that on these elevated plateaus diversify the landscape, are themselves bounded by luxuriant woods, forming the sky outline. Ere long passing the old kitchen garden, still used for growing vegetables, and through part of the race course, a large waste covered with heather and fine masses of sombre bonnet-headed Scotch Firs, we reach the village, and in- JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 253) stead of going north-westward some ten miles to Bridge- north, or right forward into a splendid hotel, just now built, chiefly for the accommodation of visitors, we turn into a private road on the left, pass the north end of the kitchen garden, and the finest cricket cround in England, of six acres in extent, level throughout, and beautifully kept, on one side of the road, and on the other side, after passing Mr. Craw’s house, the post office, several private, and one public entrance to the pleasure grounds, we arrive at the mansion, a substantial, commodious structure, and as we were informed, most beautifully furnished, and elegantly decorated within ; but in its low level position, and external plainness, forming a striking contrast with the vast and the magnificent around it. Now, where shall we begin to give our readers some idea of the impressions left on us from our hasty visit to this in- teresting place? After a little consideration, we think it will. be best first to look through the kitchen and fruit garden, because after all these are the concerns of the greatest utility ; and, secondly, because in the much that we have heard about flower-beds and shrubbery, we have heard. but little as to the kitchen garden, and the means for keep- ing up a supply in all departments. The new kitchen garden, in contradistinction to the old one, is about twelve acres in extent, and about five of these are inside the substantial walls. The vegetables seemed to have suffered but little from the drought we experienced farther south, partly, no doubt, owing to the abundance of the water supply. The great proportion of the trees against the walls had been lifted the previous season and replanted, after placing a quantity of good turfy soil beneath each tree. Espaliers and dwarf standards by the sides of walks had been treated in the same way, and with the best results. Large quarters were in course of preparation for Strawberry planting, and in several open spaces between pits and houses, where unobstructed sunlight could be obtained, were some four thousand pots of Strawberries for forcing, mostly in six and seven-inch pots, very strong, and ripening their buds well. There were some Black Prince and Keens’ for early work, and Queens for late produce, but the great bulk of the plants were Sir Charles Napier and Oscar, and of these latter Mr. Craw spoke highly for quality and produce. Out- side, besides many flowering plants to be forced, we noticed a great quantity of compact plants studded with flower-buds of the Azalea amcena, which Mr. Craw stated forced beau- tifully. To insure something like variety, we shall now take a walk through the different structures, beginning at the north side of the garden. Outside of the walls, besides soil, composts, &e., neatly kept, carpenter’s workshop, pot bins, &e., is a cucumber- house, 60 feet long, 11 feet wide, and 9 feet to the apex, with a short hip from the back wall, and 3 feet in front, walk along the back, bed heated below in front, ventilation at top by raising a short sash on south side by a lever. In front of these were two pits, glass covered, for various purposes, each 60 feet in length, and two open brick pits, filled with Roses and other things for forcing, and a great number of Lilium giganteum, ripening their large crowns, the older leaves hanging in a drooping, withering condition - over the sides of the large pots. Most.of these had. heen grown from sucker oifsets. Several plants that had bloomed showed the mark of the thick stems they had produced. Such plants must make a grand appearance in the large conservatory. Rich treatment, and huge bushel pots, seemed. to be the secret of their successful cultivation, along with the ripening and resting process given to them in the autumn. ‘ These low, open brick-pits are a march in the right direction, as showing a certain amount of care and pro- tection given to the plants placed in them, and doing away with the want of order and neatness, which is apt to prevail when plants in pots stand here, there, and everywhere. We next come to the principal range of lean-to forcing- houses, backed by their appropriate open and close sheds, for keeping composts and potting, stokeholes, &c. At present there are anumber of furnaces, but ib is intended ultimately to heat the whole by means of three boilers, unite the flues from these into one below ground, and raise a chimney for them among a dense mass of trees, so that the garden shall 554 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 1, 1864. be free from smoke. One of these boilers, a tubular one by Myr. Gray, has already been put down, with a merely tem- porary chimney, and Mr. Craw spoke very highly of the man- ner in which it did a great amount of work very efficiently. In these back sheds there was one feature well worthy of note. In a corner was a small open boiler like a wash- house one, steaming away with manure water. This simple appendage furnishes at all times two great advantages. The operator is enabled to give water to his plants of the desirable temperature, and then whatever the manure used, be it horse, cow, sheep, deer, or other droppings, liquid manure from the farm, &c., boiling the water and material before diluting it prevents the possibility of the eggs of insects being thus communicated to the soil. We turn in to the front of these sheds, and commencing at the east end we enter an early vinery 40 feet long, 14 feet wide, 14 feet in height at back, and 3 feet in front. The Vines were pruned and cleaned, planted inside on a raised border, with arches in the front wall, and heated by pipes below in a chamber covered with stout slate, on which some rubble and then the soil were placed. The pipes were close to the front and the back wall, a small ledgewall bounding the path from the bed, and the Vines were planted inside of the front pipes. This seemed a very excellent house. Next we come to two narrow late Fig-houses, with upright front glass, in the Trentham style, with Figs against the back wall, and a trellis stage in front for Strawberries, and other plants, the platform being sufficiently low not to shade the Figs on the back wall. In our younger days it was thought advisable to cover shaded back walls with Figs, because they would grow there, and so they would, but would they continue to yield fruit ? We now come to the Black Hamburgh-bouse, where the wood was ripening nicely, the Vines planted also in a raised bed, but not heated below; and next we pass through a Muscat-house looking well. Then we enter a mixed house of Hamburghs, Lady Downes’, and Buckland Sweetwater, the latter very fine. It is intended to make this house into a late one, by taking strong canes of Lady Downes’ along the front of the house, and inarching these on the other Vines, especially the Hamburghs. We then pass into a West’s St. Peter’s-house, but as his lordship is very partial to the Muscat Hamburgb, it is pro- posed either to remove the West's St. Peter’s, and plant with the desired kind, or inarch the Muscats on the pre. sent stocks, the choosing which must depend chiefiy on the state of the present border. We then go through two narrow Fig-houses that have yielded their crop, the trees showing fine, short, stubby wood, and enter a vinery with raised bed inside, planted this summe1.otside border still to make as needed, and the Vines doing wll—border on raised platform with hot-water pines below to be used when needed, and some White Frontignans planted against the back wall, to be kept in bearing until the front Vines fill the house. The Vines in front are planted twice as thickly as they are intended to remain, for every alternate cane will be cut down and treated to secure strength for permanent cropping. The other Vines will be cropped uxtil the permanent ones are fully established, and will then be cut out, and the house given up to the latter. pit p Our recollection of the rest of the village of houses and pits is more confused, as lean-to’s, hipped-roofed, and span- roofed houses are more mingled. We will instance the fol- lowing, beginning at the west end and going eastward. First, a large span-roofed Orchid-house, with two divisions, one for species from a cooler climate, and another for those from warmer latitudes. In the former, were many fine Caladiums, and fine-foliaged plants, and huge masses of Phaius grandifo- linus, the Bletia Tankervillie of our young days, which from the round full appearance of the large bulb-hke crowns told of the brilliancy they would present with their spikes of flowers in winter and spring. In the warmer division, Nym- phea ceerulea, and others, were blooming freely in a tank in the centre bed, scenting the house with their rich perfume. On the bed were several fine plants of the Peristeria elata (the Dove Plant) in bloom. In baskets suspended from the roof were huge masses of Dendrobiumsmoschatum, latifolium, and Pierardi, whilst every open space was draped with pen- dent shoots of the rich-foliaged Cissus discolor. One of the distinctive features of this,house, however, was a sort of | wide tank-shelf along the front and ends of the house, formed of slate, with an iron ledge screwed on so as to be water-tight. Here all the more valuable and more tender plants were situated, raised as deemed necessary above the water on the shelf. There is a tap at one end for draining the water off when deemed necessary, and replacing with fresh. The water not only keeps a moist atmosphere about the plants, but prevents most sorts of insects from getting either on the plants, or among the soil or sphagnum im which they grow. Leaving these we enter a span-roofed house, 14 feet wide; height to apex, 9 feet; height in front, 4 feet, with pathway down the middle, and a raised bed on each side, heated below, and also heated above, and now filled with the best Tea Roses in pots, to yield flowers all the winter and spring —ventilation by moving short sashes by a lever on the south side of the ridge. Next we pass a large pit filled with cuttings of Geraniums in hoxes—the cuttings small, show- ing that Mr. Craw was anxious not to spoil the outline of his beds—and come to a large hipped-roofed house, with raised bed in the centre, heated beneath, and pipes, exposed at sides, back and front, for forcing all sorts of things for the large conservatory. ‘This house had a large cistern at one end, with hot-water pipes passing through it, so as always to secure plenty of hot water for use. Then we come to a large Pine pit of the old-fashioned kind, with a raised platform outside against the back wall for walking along, moving the sashes, &c. The Pines were very strong, and showing and swelling handsome fruit of Queens, Providences, &c. Then at right angles stands a span-roofed New Holland house, from 50 to 60 feet lone, and 24 feet in width, and con- taining many fine specimens. Again: in different ranges, we have a Geranium-house, 50 feet long, with a curvilinear hipped-roofed on the north side, a sloping roof in front, a walk in the middle, and a bed of earth on each side, and used chiefly for forcing kinds; then a propagating-house, much in the style of the Rose-house, 11 feet wide, 8 feet high to ridge, 4 feet at sides, ventilation at top between double ridge- board, path down the centre, bed on each side, and each heated by pipes beneath the bed; and again we find a hipped span-roofed house for early Muscats, length 27 feet, height to apex 15 fect, height in front 34 feet, width 18 feet, with soil-bed supported on arches, and heated below as well as above. The Vines were looking well, and had been planted nearly two years. GROUND 126 Fe SARIS NA? Gin ier LINE. STD ee ee) Fig. 1. Many of these houses seemed so particularly suitable for the purpose contemplated, that we would have given sections of some of them, but for taking up room, and also because we think that from the dimensions given these sections may be made for themselves by any desirous of having them. We cannot help, however, giving the sections of two houses which scemed particularly well suited for the object aimed at. : November 1, 1864. j JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 355 The first is a Strawberry-house (fig. 1), 453 feet in length, | 2mount of the direct rays of the sun to the plants beneath between 9 and 10 feet in width, inside measure, height to | it during the early months of the year, when forced Straw- apex 10 feet, height in front 3 feet. 1 and 2 are wooden | berries are most in demand. We could well believe the ventilators at back and front, hung by pivots in the centre. | Statement of the wonderful crops obtained in this house, The diagonal pieces of wood supporting the shelves are as | 2nd from such plants in pots as we noticed ripening their far apart as such supports for stages generally are, so that | Crowns. We have seen no other house so suitable for the there is ample room for getting at these seven shelves | Object, and can well imagine it would be free from the annoy- easily trom the inside of the house. It will be observed that | ances and insects that are apt to seize on the Strawberry all these shelves are at an equal distance from the glass, and | when the plants are crowded into any and every open space that the slope of the glass is such as to give the greatest im any house where there is heat. All who have the am- Ground Fig. 2. bition to keep everything and every structure to its right use, will thank us for ~/ this section of the Straw- berry-house at Enville. The other house is the principal Pine-stove, a cross section of which on the same scale as the pre- ceding is given in fig. 2. The length of this house is 50 feet; width inside, 17 feet; height to apex from path, 10 feet; height in tront above ground level, nearly 3 feet. The central path is sunk about 1 foot below the ground level, the front path 3 feet. There is a narrow bed at back, a wider bed in the middle, and a broad slate shelf above the hot-water pipes in front, forming a most valuable position for Dwarf Kidney Beans in winter. The beds are separately heated by hot water in a chamber he- neath them, the top of the chamber being covered by strong slate. In this and other Pine-beds wood had been used for covering the chamber, with openings to let up the heat; but when the plants were turned out, there was ever and anon the bother of a piece of wood giving way and letting a part of the bed down. SSS SSS Fig. 3. No doubt slate is much the best every way when the first expense can be comfortably incurred. The plants in these beds were all turned out into rough fibry soil, and showed by their stubby sturdy habit and the dark green of their foliage that they were receiving the treatment they required. Whilst passing through, the beds were being watered with rich manure water, nicely heated, that came from the open boiler to which we have already adverted; and the rough openness of the soil and perfect drainage would enable such enriching water to be given oftener, not only with impunity but with great advantage to the plants. In front of all these houses, again, were three ranges of pits, each 170 feet in length—the first called the Melon range; the second used for propagating and keepine beddin: plants, &c.; and a third, a low range without glass, forme of brick ends and sides, and a four-inch wall from back to front every 4 feet apart. ‘This cross wall not only acts as a support to any cloth covering that may be used, but divides the whole length into so many separate divisions—a good plan for keeping each sort of plant placed there separate and distinct from its neighbour. On unrolling the frigi domo cloth on the morning of our visit to let the bright sun in, we found the whole of these open pits filled with Cloth of Gold, Golden Chain, Alma, Earl of Stamford, Little David, Pearl, and other Geraniums. The cuttings, having been pricked out into nice sandy soil, were rooting nicely, and would be raised and potted and kept in any place where room could be had during the winter. The sight of these pits without glass and with glass began to give us an idea whence would come the more than 100,000 plants that last season were used for planting in the pleasure grounds. After admiring some Calceolarias in the borders, as Prince of Hesse (a fine deep crimson), Magnificent (a good brown), Tom Thumb, and some others raised by Mr. Watson, of St. Albans, we reached the south front of the middle wall of the garden. This wall is fronted with a beautiful, upright case, after the Trentham style, for Peaches, as only a part of the east end is devoted to Cherries, looking as if they would produce heavily. ‘This case (see jig. 3) is altogether 360 feet 356 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 1, 1864. in length, 53 feet in width, back wall 14feet in height, front glass the same height; height to apex of spar-roof from ground, 16 feet. Every 20 feet along the back wall is a neat trellis about a foot in width, and which is continued in an arch over the pathway, from wall to glass, for growing on, and fastening to it Tea Roses, which are great favourites of his lordship, and many of which were beautifully in bloom in the beginning of October. Instead of the upright trees in front, as at Trentham, there is a latticed stage or shelf over the pipes, which Mr. Craw considers much preferable, as giving unobstructed light to the back wall, whilst these shelves are admirable places for fruiting great quantities of Strawberries in pots, and for keeping lots of other things in pots that are low in growth. Whe great heicht gives these cases an imposing appearance, and the whole is well finished; the large lights slide freely past each other, a stout plate of iron forming the ground sill allthe way. The trees seemed in excellent condition. Part of the hipped-roof is opened for ventilation by lever power. The west wall, or what we may call such for convenience, is covered with young, thriving trees of Apricots and Peaches, and the border is fronted with a broad gravel walk, at each end of which it is proposed to erect a summer-house, from which fine views may be obtained southward over the picturesque race course, and westward over the cricket ground, which must have a striking effect ona playing day, when enlivened by numbers of showy tents, flags and banners of all colours, plenty of music, and thousands of people criticising the sport, and so far making each splendid hit and run their own. Part of the ground between this walk and the cricket ground is devoted to an orchard, and on the north side of it is placed the old conservatory, which was not considered good enough to grace the pleasure grounds. It is, however, a beautiful low structure, with ridge-and-furrow-vroof, 140 ft. Jong, and 24 feet in width, divided into five or six houses, and heated to suit either stove or greenhouse plants. In it we found nice young plants of Camellias, Oranges, &c., and in one house a great many nice plants of Humea elezans, of which a great number is wanted every season. In the same house was also-a- number of -very large pots, some 18 inches in diameter, with the different Tropezolums, as tricolorum, Jarrattii, &c., growing in them. Several tubers were placed in each pot, this being about three parts full 2 soil, and as the shoots grew the earthing-up to the surface would be given gradually. Most of these would have the top ofa young tree fastened in the pot, over which the branches wonld wind and clamber, and thus become fine objects for the large conservatory. Next the gravel in front of this conservator ry is an ob- long square, devoted now to beds of flowers, but next season this space will be occupied by a geometric flower garden; and backed as it wili be from the orchard by a hedge of Box, it will, we have no doubt, form a striking feature in these gardens, and the more especially as, notwithstanding the quantities of flowering plants used, there is nothing as yet of the regular or geometric in the vast pleasure grounds. Mr. Craw kindly showed usa plan of thisnew regular garden coloured, &c., and we have no doubt it will bea gem. It consists of a centre and a wing on each side in the broken chain style. The centre alone would make a neat garden, and as such we believe was sent some years ago by Mr. Craw from Ayrshire to the Horticultural Journal. We have, as far as we recollect, a promise that ib will be arain given in its extended form with the planting, and our readers will then judge if we have said more than safiicient of its elegance and its fitness for the position. At the back of this conservatory three elegant rooms have been erected; the central one to be used by the family and friends as a resting and retiring-room when visiting the Kitchen gardens, and the rooms on each side to be used as fruit-rooms. The walls are built hollow, air admitted: at the bottom of the walls and in the roof; roof either double, or the ceiling: well covered aboye with sawdust. The elegant windows and shelves for fruit are stained wainscot colour. The windows are furnished with blinds and shutters, to be used according to the weather. The shelves on three sides of the room are fitted up with slits of wood some 23 inches wide, with halfinch openings between, and the ontside ledge is about 2} inches high. A table with drawers is yet to be placed in the centre of each room; and we will say no more of them now, as we have the promise that a plan, with ac- companying details, will be sent when all is finished. But there is one little thing we must notice, but which only seems little after we have seen it in operation, and so simpleiis it and useful that the wonder is that it has not been generally adopted long ago; so true is it that everything seems simple when it is understood and practised. The simple unique contrivance is this : Along each of these outside ledges a small strained galvanised wire is fixed, and opposite every kind of fruit the name is clearly written on a card label, which is then tied by a thread to the wire. As the fruit is changed the label is changed. This is far superior to laying labels on the fruit, or tacking them on the sides, and thus disfiguring them.—R. Fisz. (To be continued.) WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Ir any esculent roots remain in the ground they should be taken up immediately. Dress Asparagus-beds ; manure, ridge, and trench all vacant ground, first making arrange- ments as to what spring crops it is intended for. Cabbage, earth-up those planted for Coleworts for winter and early spring use. Look over the principal plantations frequently to see if the slugs attack the plants. Ifthey are numerous lay a quantity of Cabbage leaves on the ground and examine these daily. A pail of hot water or some lime may be taken round at the time they are examined, and the slugs shaken into it. By this simple method many thousands may be de- stroyed at this time of year. Cauliflower, lose no time in taking up those nearly fit for use, lay them in a frame, so as not to touch each other, and keep them free from dead and decaying leaves. Celery, carth-up that imtended for winter use to 2 good height as soon as the soil becomes a little dry. It will be necessary to attend to this as early as an opportunity offers, as the frost may set in shortly, which, from the weather preventing earthing-up lately will do it much mischief. Hndive, continue to blanch it by tying up or wrapping the leaves together and laying two flat tiles on each plant, so as to form a slight ridge, one tile overlapping the other. Tettuces, pay thesame attention to the autumn plantations that was recommended for the Cabbages. Give air freely to the young plants in frames. The Cabbage | Lettuces in frames for winter use will not require much air. Peas, a few, and also Broad Beans, may be sown ona dry, warm border. Some cover them with cinder ashes, but we have several times seen them go off in the spring, and have been fully satisfied that the ashes were the cause of their doing so. i FRUIT GARDEN. Let there be no tack of attention in the fruit-room at present, for fruit requires more care during the first few weeks after gathering, than all the season afterwards. Give just sufficient air to carry of damp, but nothing more, as allowing dry winds to blow over the fruit would only cause shrivelling. Strawberries for early forcing should be placed where they can be protected from drenching rains, a eold frame or pit, where either can be spared, would be the best situation for them, but the lights should not be put on except in case of rain or frost. Indeed, the whole stook im pots for forcing would be benefited by being placed where it could be guarded from heavy rains. If any transplanting or root-pruning of fruit trees has to be done, let this be at- tended to as soon as the leaves are off, and see that trees exposed are securely staked before leaving them. Also, prepare the ground for fresh plantations, and plant the trees as soon as convenient. Take every opportunity of pushing forward pruning and nailing. FLOWER GARDEN. Those who propose making additions to their collection of Roses, shonld do'so at once, as there will be a better chance of obtaining good plants now than after the nursery stock has been repeatedly picked. The present season is also very favourable for planting all but tender sorts, which had better be kept under glass until next May ; but these should be procured at once, and if they can be placed in a gentle heat through the winter, they will grow freely and furnish cuttings which will root just as freely as Verbenas. In pre- November 1, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 357 paring ground for Roses let it be trenched at least 2 feet | the first dry day will be chosen to run the Dutch hoe among deep, and well incorporate a very heavy dressing of manure with the soil to the full depth. It is hardly possible to make the soil too rich for any kind of Rose, particularly the autumn-blooming kinds, and 4 or 6 inches of good rotten farmyard dung will not be too much where the soil is natur- ally poor and light. Large-headed standards that have done blooming for the season should be cut back pretty freely to lessen the chance of their being injured by heavy gales of wind. Continue to clear the beds of their summer occupants as these become unsightly, and. after trenching or doing whatever can be done to save time at nest planting-out season, get them furnished for the spring. Look over the herbaceous-borders and make any projected alterations there, taking up and dividing any of the coarse-growing plants that may be inclined to encroach too much upon their neigh- bours. Roil and cleanse lawns from worm-casts; lime water may be employed to destroy worms if too numerous. Trans- plant Sweet Williams and single Wallfowers into beds or borders, to replace the gay but tender beauties which fade on the approach of winter. Plant bulbs and examine those previously set. Mice are particularly prone to destroy them. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Take advantage of unfavourable weather for outdoor- work to get the foliage of Camellias, Orange trees, &c., thoroughly cleaned, for it is hardly less essential to the | health of such things that their foliage be kept clean and in a fit state to perform its functions, than that their roots be kept in a healthy active condition. Look over the plants fre- quently, ane examine those liable to suffer from mildew and damp, such as Leschenanltias, Boronias, &c., for a short neglect will sometimes result in the disfigurement of a promising plant. The Boronias, Leschenaultias, Gompho- lobiums, &c., are very impatient of exposure to cold drying winds. Keep Cinerarias and other softwooded stock clear of green fly, and endeavour to secure stocky plants by affording them sufficient pot room, and admitting air freely whenever the weather permits.. Cinerarias are rather liable to be attacked by mildew at this season, and if this enemy makes its appearance apply sulphur immediately it is per- ceived. In most places Chrysanthemums will be the chief feature of attraction at present, and where these are largely grown they make a fine display, and are worthy of every necessary attention to preserve them in beauty as long as possible. They are very impatient of a close rather warm atmosphere, and if the house contains plants requiring this treatment the Chrysanthemums should, as far as practic. able, be placed in the coolest part, where air can be given freely at every favourable opportunity; for, unless they can be rather freely exposed to air, their foliage is soon attacked and disfigured by mildew, especially if the plants are bushy and well grown. PITS AND FRAMES. All flower-garden plants, such as Petunias, Verbenas, Calceolarias, &e., intended to be wintered in cold frames or pits should now have strict attention. Let their supply of water be limited to that quantity only which is requisite to keep them from flagging, and let them be frequently gone over, and all dead or decaying leaves immediately removed. Give them all the air possible during the day, if dry, and shut up tolerably early in the afternoon. Finish potting Dutch bulbs. Pot Rhododendrons, hardy Azaleas, Kalmias, Lily of the Valley, and al! other plants usually required for Winter forcing. —W. Knane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. On Saturday and Sunday week we caught the leavings of the storm that produced such havoe in Yorkshire and elsewhere. On Thursday last we had a day of almost con-. tinuous rain, which will do much good. Before it came we managed to earth-up the most of our Celery, among which, notwithstanding the drought, we have not yet seen a run head, thanks to our shading with evergreen boughs when we could give no water. Notwithstanding our hoeing, we find the mild dripping weather is causing numbers of small weeds to show them- selves among Spinach, young Onions, Cabbages, &ec., and these crops again. It is wonderful how soon weeds come, even after great care has been taken to keep them away, and prevent any ripening their seeds. Well might some: otherwise clever people adopt the theory of spontaneous generation, not cnly as respects these little weeds, but also as respects insects and other vermin, so annoying to the gar- dener. We believe that a single brown beetle, such as those that annoyed us last year, left alone during the winter, or any of its eggs untouched, would, by oval and viviparous genera- tions, have millions of progeny before the end of the summer. We just as firmly believe if a fine plant oi Chickweed, or of Groundsel, be allowed to ripen and scatter its seeds, and. these. seeds be turned down into the earth, so great is the vitality of the seeds, that enough of them may be brought within the vivifying influences of the atmosphere at every turning up of the soil, to give employment in hoe and hand- weeding tor more than a generation of men. In our own case we ascribe the frequency of these weeds, notwithstand- ing the attempts to keep them from seeding, to the necessity of using anything we can procure from the sides of a small part of the highway, using leaf mould as almost our only manure, and raking the leaves where there is a likelihood of. ] Annual weeds ll ever prevent the ocenpation of a gardener being a x vegetables in) general, see previous weeks, if the weather will permit of the operations being performed. There have been few attacks on young Cabbages and Cauli- flowers hy grubs. since we scattered a little tar on the surface of the ground, and watered them from a pool the sides of which we had plastered with tar ; this, therefore, so far tainted the rain water that subsequently fell, but not so much as'to do any harm to such plants out of doors. Gathered seed of Asparagus for sowing, then cut down the heads with an old scythe, and will clean and dress the ground as soon as pos- sible. We always believe that this vegetable delights in rich treatment in summer when growing, more than when it is comparatively dormant in winter. Looked over Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, &c., and placed some of the winter Onions in the ground in a sheltered place to supply Scallions in hard weather in winter, and in an emergency to be stripped small for salading. FRUIT GARDEN. Here we did little else than protect Strawherries in pots from heayy rains. Took advantage of the muggy, drizzling weather to smoke Peach-house, early vinery, and orchard+ house, with bruised Laurel leaves, and a lot of tops of green Capsicums, chiefly as a measure of prevention. A solitary fly or two were discovered before the smoking, but they were dried up to mummies the next morning. We might have liked the tobacco smoke better, reaching into every cranny, of stem and wall; but then to produce and keep such a dense cloud in large houses for some eighteen hours, would have cost much, whilst the laurel-leaves cost nothing but the bruising. Care was taken that no fame should appear,” and we have observed no green leaf suffer, though in some places the fumes had heen so strong as to form a dark prussiate of lead on the painted rafters. It is of no use to attempt to wash off that dark colour, but left to itself, and with air on the house, it will gradually become of the original colour. Advantage was taken of the wet to shift a few fruit trees in small pots into larger ones, and to top-dress others after picking out some 1 or 2 inches of surface soil. If we could, we would have done this work three weeks ago. As soon as the leaves fall more, we will place all such plants: closer together that we may find more room for beds of Strawberries under cover, Lettuces, Canliflowers, &e. Com- menced washing Vines in first house with hot soap water after the above smoking. Washing also the glass, wood- work, stages, walls, preparatory to lime and sulphur white- washing the latter, and cleaning the house thoroughly before filling it with plants, which will remain until the neces- sary heat for forcing the Vines is too much for them, when they must be removed. We would have used a little sul- phur in smoking this house before washing, as the wood’ is hard, but we were afraid that some of the fumes might find their way into the next house, where they would have done injury. Our Vine-borders are’ still unprotected, for they were so dry that a little moisture would do them good JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 1, 1864, I yather than otherwise. Wooden or asphalt coverings are capital things for keeping the borders in a right state as to heat and dryness. After this rain preparations should be made for planting, replanting, and root-pruning fruit trees, according as their circumstances may require. Many kinds of fruit liable to have the wood cankered and spongy, will be kept healthy and well ripened if the trees are lifted and replanted every two or three years. These when surface-mulched and re- planted in good time in the autumn will scarcely feel the effects of the moving more than their making for some time less vigorous wood, which will, consequently, be better ripened, and more furnished with fruit-buds. For all small gardens especially, these stunted but yet healthy and fruit- fal trees are the things to be aimed at, so that you can walk about the tree, and do to it everything it needs on ferra firma, and require no long dangerous ladders on which to | mount and lean to some tempting branch until ladder and you come to grief. There is with hardier trees often two ways of attaining the same result. You may wish to fill a certain space with wood quickly, and not mind sacrificing fruit at first to growth. In that case you may encourage rather strong growth, and then, when the space is nearly filled, relift and | plant or root-prune carefully in September, and if you have a fine autumn you will most likely have a preponderance of fruit over growth for some years afterwards. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. As soon as the ground is moist enough, all sorts of skrubs, and evergreens especially, should be planted or replanted. If the ground is still dry the holes may be opened, and thus the exposed soil will be ameliorated. and any stopping or pruning that the head requires should be given though it would have been better if that had been done a month ago, or more, as was previously alluded to. Any shrubs or trees deemed rather tender for the climate, should be planted on knolls, so that the more limited growth in consequence may | be better consolidated. The stronger Roses may beat least partially pruned, to prevent the winds swaying them so as to affect the roots. T'ender Teas, &c., in beds, in cold places, may as well be taken up and put in thickly by the heels in a sheltered place, or under a shed with some hay or fern ready at hand to place among the branches, if severe frost should come suddenly. Laying turf may be proceeded with as soon as the turf is damped sufficiently to render watering unnecessary. This is better done now than in spring, chiefly for three reasons— first, it is more pleasant to do the work, and there is more time generally to spare for the doing it, and it will be well consolidated and levelled before spring, and want thus scarcely any attention then, which it will do if deferred until | March or so, and the weather should prove dry and parching. We have frequently known old pasture because not level enough for a lawn, dug or trenched down to admit of the ground being levelled, and then great trouble and expense incurred to obtain what was considered good turf from the sides of some country road, though most likely well-stored with the litile plants and the seeds of Daisies, Plantains, &e. A better plan in most cases would be to roll the rough pasture, mow it close, and sweep it hard, and then take up and replace again as you level, and if you think proper, seatter a little Dutch Clover and a few fine Bents over the turf before you finally roll it down. We have at last taken up some Cloth of Gold, Golden Chain, Alma, and other Geraniums, and in taking them up the secret was disclosed how they stood so well with us in this dry season when we had no water to give them. We traced the roots of many fully 3 feet down. Could the Cal- ceolaria be induced to send its roots down like the Geranium, it, too, would stand the dry weather better. That we got on as we did in such a season we have no doubt, as we pre- viously stated, was owing to the deep stirring of the ground. We found Geranium roots much deeper than the above, but we question if they would thus have found their way down so easily, ir there had keen a hard pan some 12 inches from the surface, that no utensil or pointed lever-power had ever broken up. Just before the wet we also managed to go over a great quantity of small cuttings in pots and boxes, stirring up the surface soil with a pointed stick, and in many in- stances removing a portion where there was the least sign of damp or fungus, and replacing with a sprinkling of fresh loam, rendered light by drift sand and charcoal dust. We shall be anxious to keep these as much as we can under pro- tection out of doors as long as possible, instead of cramming fruit-houses at once. Will also take care that no plants or boxes of plants are housed for the winter until satisfied of their being free from all kinds of insects, as it is of little use cleaning houses as a preventive of evil, and then let the evil enter with our own consent. As stated some weeks ago, Auriculas, Polyanthuses, Car- nations, and the more tender alpines, should now be protected from soaking rains, and whenever frost is feared earth should - be piled several inches high round the stems of Dahlias to prevent the buds being affected. Gave all the air possible to Chinese Primroses, Violets, Mignonette, Cinerarias, &e. Tree or pyramidal plants of Mignonette, the best of all for winter cutting, should be kept in rather a dry atmosphere. Brought on forcing plants very gradually, and lessened the bulk of the climbers in greenhouse and conservatory to give | more light to the plants beneath. Washed off the rough of the shading that had been given to such houses and pits and frames in summer, to lessen evaporation when we were so short of water. Gave all the light and air possible to | stove plants to firm their growth, and helped them also in damp weather with a brisk fire for two or three hours during the day. ; Charring.—From the most unpromising rubbish we ob- tained a load or two of small charred material, and the remainder, being more twigs with leaves than anything else, we will burn, and with it a great lot of earth and weeds ; the produce will lighten parts of our heavy land. Getting up some turf for future composts from a paddock where a road is to be formed, and the sides planted, has oceupied, and will occupy, a good deal of time. We allowed the material to be slightly damped, and then commenced building it in stacks 4 feet wide. By next summer it will | be good stuff.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKHT.—OcroseEr 29. We have nothing fresh to report. Grapes continue plentiful, and Pines are still seare2; in Apples and Pears the kinds remain the same, and the supply is heavy. Large importations of foreign Grapes are still arriving, also Oranges of the new crop, but the latter not in buik as yet. Of Potatoes the consignments are very heavy. FRUIT SeydegeSaad Re oe i a NOS sre.veeeeree ES 1 0to2 0} Melons ........ 1 0 Reriants 2 . 0 0 O 0| Mulberries . 00 00 Cherries . 0 0 O 0} Nectarines . = is o nN 5 1405 05:0 Chestnuts . AGP Bue YAO dite 00 00 SEIS OSSTOR IO pO Oy ON) el 10) y3hi0 s. 60 0 80 0 Baa OS) 70 0 8) 0 22 eae0 e St ve 00 00 04 "1 é Grapes, Hambu 16 50 2 0 Rrieests Se Onda, I Sh! sO Omen O, Lemons ...,..0.2.----+- 5 0 12 0} Walnots............. bush. 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. . s, ds. 4 R-/d. 3.) 0 4to0 6] Horseradish ... bundle 2 6to5 0 0 0 O O| Leeks........ .bunch © 2 0 3 0 0 O 0| Lettuce... PATA irene 4) 3 0 4 0 16 26 pede Oe Sie 0 02 00 HOS eS 04 06 BrusselsSprouts3sieve 2 6 3 6 06 08 Cabbage elo Oe eh) 40 60 Capsicums Th Ongw@ Fe Oe 9 ek O Carrots .... OVD eR OMS, 00 00 Cauliflow nS) L060 26 40 1 0 2 O| Radishes a ay — Oy) O 0 6 1 0} Savoys oe......c00-.- oO eo, - 9 0 O 0} Sea-kale basket 0 0 0 0 2 6 4 O| Spinach..... sieve 20 3 0 0 3 O O| Tomatoes.. sieve 2 0 4 0 0 S 0 0} Turnips .........-- bunch 0 3 0 6 0 3 0 0! VegetableMarrowsdoz, 0 0 0 0 TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED. William Chater, Saffron Walden Nursery.— Catalogue of Superb Double Hollyhocks and Choice Pansies. 1864-65. November 1, 1864, ] TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London. B.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. SEEDLING Porato, HAnp’s Freepom.—This, which we noticed as exhi- bited at the Royal Horticultural Show, was raised by W. Hand of Neweastle- under-Lyne, Staffordshire, and not of Newcastle-on-Tyne. LItiom Lancirorrum Cuvture (F. W. B.).—These Liliums withstand the winter when planted 6 inches below the surface in light loamy soil, but require the protection of a greenhouse or a cold frame when grown in a pot. The bulbs, when the foliage decays, should be potted in light, rich, turfy loam, with good drainage. Little water must be given during winter, but sufficient to keep the soil from becoming dust dry; and a plentiful supp!y should be afforded when growing. Itmay be grownina pot ina cold green- house or frame, having abundance of light and air. The other we do not know under the name, nor are we aware of any such plant, and we have grown them all. _ Livy Conroure (Zdem).—The Jacobea Lily (Hippeastrum), should be grown inapot. The idea that it will grow with air and light, without soil, is a fallacy. Pot in strong turfy loam by February, plunge in a hotbed if at command, and water sparingly until growth commences, then water freely, and keep well supplied until the foliage attains its full size, afterwards gradually diminish- ing the quantity until the leaves decay, and then discontinuing watering altogether. Winter in a dry airy part of the greenhouse in the soil in which the bulbs have been grown. When the flower-scape appears, and is on the point of expanding, remove to the greenhouse, where the plant will flower finely from April to June. Cyclamen persicum requires a compost of turfy loam, peat, and leaf mould, in equal parts, with a free admixture of sand. Tt should be potted just when it commences to grow, or in September, pro- viding efficient drainage. It should now be on a shelf near the glass in an airy pars of the greenhouse, and be throwing up for bloom (our Cyclamens are in bloom), and should be watered, so as to keep the soil not very wet nor dry. After flowering, or in spring, remove to a cold frame, plunge in coal ashes, and after May it may be plunged out of doors, and left there until September, when it should be potted. We shall say something on the culti- vation of Liliums and Cyclamens shortly. Lawn-MowiINne IN Winter — Ivy upon OAk'— Yew Hence Insurnep By Droveur (An Old Subscriber).—Unless the winter prove milder than ever was known the grass will not grow much, and will not require more than one mowing after this; or the final mowing may take place when the garden is cleared of leaves, and otherwise cleaned up for the winter. After that, rolling once or twice a-week in mild weather, and keeping clean of leaves, &c., will be all that is required until April, when mowing will of course be necessary. Ivy planted by an Oak will be a long time ere it will exert any great influence on the Oak; but it certainly does injure all trees to which it is allowed to cling. It smothers them. We noted that some young Oaks with Ivy growing on the stem were much smaller anu weaker than those without the Ivy. The Yew hedge will right itself if left alone All that can be done is to mulch the ground for a yard on both sides of the plants with short litter or manure, let it remain on through the winter, and in March place an inch of mould,on that. Liauid manure, if given at all, should be applied at every alternate watering, and only when the plants are growing. Copious waterings in dry weather are preferable to frequent waterings with manure water. Vine Mirpewep—Praca Tree Worracess (P. B. F.).—Something is probably wrong with the roots of the Vine. They may have penetrated into ungenial, cold, wet soi!, or the soil itself may be too cold and wet. Lf the soil is moderately light and open, and thorougbly drained, we shoul | think the roots all right; but if the soil is wet, and there is no drain, the mildew is probably to be ascribed to that cause. If this is the case take up the Vine, preserving all the roots possible, drain the border, and render the soil lighter by mixing with it a quantity of lime rubbish from an old build- ing. This shou'd be done now or in March. You will gain nothing by cut- ting the Vine down, nor will you have any chance of remedying the effects until the cause isremoved. By replanting and bringing the roots nearer the surface the cause may probably be removed; but if the mildew occur another year dust flowers of sulphur on the parts when it first appears, being careful to dust every part affected. Disease of the wood is more apparent in the bearing of the Vine the year fol!owing, than durivg that in which the disease appears. It would be better to plant a young trained Peach tree in place of the worthless kind. You may cut it down, however, and bud it next summer if you choose to do so, and do not mind waiting three or four years for a crop. The Royal George is a good Peach, and so is Grosse Mignonne. Peach trees are not grafted, but budded. Sparaxtis Fartine (R. R.).—We think the failure was to be attribu’ed to taking up and keeping in a dry place until the time of planting, when the roots, having lost their vitality, refused to grow. This is by no means an uncommon case, but very frequent with Tritonia aurea and some others, which ought not to be taken out of the earth at all, except for the purpose of replanting. They should be left in the pot in the soil in which they have been growing, and, though the soil may appear dry, there is a sufficient amount of moisture present to preserve the vitality of the roots. Dauttas (S. B. O.).—The varieties are far too numerous and nearly alike to enable us to tell the names from such specimens. Not one of those sent is first-class, but they are very good for border flowers. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 359 Pir Sanp For Portina (J. Bryan).—We know of no better mode of testing sand, except by analysis, than to place a portion of it in water and stir it about. If it dirties the water it is not pure silicious sand, and is not to be recommended for mixing with soil. In applying silica to plants it is best afforded in fine grains of silicious sand. Pit sands of all kinds, after being washed, and freed of their earthy particles, answer the purpose of mixing with soil; but the majority are, for the most part, little more than half silicious matter, and when wet little better thaa masses of mud. Such are to be avoided. The best of all sands is that found in peat soil, the next is silver sand, and the next best river sand, and the latter two are the only forms of silica available for potting purposes. Arpor Vira Brownep—Box Tree Movine (IW. Barker).—The brown ness of the Arbor Vitwz is probably due to the drought. If it is only browned in foliage it may probably recover; but if the wood is brown, instead of green, when cut, we advise you to root the tree up, for it is dead. Once any of the Conifer tribe become ill-looking they rarely, if ever, recover. The Box tree may be removed with a prospect of success if it can be takeu up with a ball, or a mass of fibrous roots, and this may be done in April, in showery weather. You may cut it in, but it would be best to defer that until a year after removal, cutting so that some green parts would be left. You may grow the Strawberries and pyramidal Apple and Pear trees in light sandy soil by liberal dressings of well-decomposed stable manure, or, whiat is better, cow-dung a year old. ManacinG Fic Trees (2. MW. W.).—When the Fig trees are matted up for the winter the Figs should not be removed, except those which are nearly full-sized. These may be removed, as they seldom swell after the protection is taken off in spring, but turn yellow and fall off. Any of the size of a hazel nut should be preserved. The ends of the shoots should not be shortened either in autumn or spring; but when the protection is taken off, if the branches are nearer together than 9 inches when spread out, the old long branches with few young shoots upon them should be cut out to the bottom. so as to admit of the branches left being trained in at from 9 inches to 1 foot apart. If they make shoots a foot or more in length in a Season, stop them at the fifth leaf; but if the growth do not exceed five or six leaves aunnally the shoots should not be stopped, but trained in at their fulllength. Any shoots that tend to fill the tree with wood should be cut clean out, so that air and light may be admitted to the fruit and pro- mote the ripening of the young wood. As the trees are vigorous, we do not think an application of manure to the soil would be of any advantage, but would tend to encourage growth rather than the maturation of the fruit and wood. Entrance Gare (H. 7. H.).—We cannot furnish such a plan. It would be too costly to furnish a drawing to all who require working plans, Musurooms In Lonpon Crtvars (LZ. 7. S.),—Mushrooms may be grown in cellars more successfully, perhaps, than anywhere else. Unless the cellar reached about 55° in winter the bed would require a little protec- tion from dry hay or something of that kind being shaken over it. In stummer they do admirably in cellars, because there they are easily kept cool. They will not, however, succeed in cellars any more than anywhere else, unless the spores or spawn run in decomposing organised matter, in which the more animal droppings there are, as that of the horse, the better. Of course there is trouble in taking that material out and in. To lessen that trouble so far we have filled large pots, about 18 inches in diameter, or tubs, or boxes, capable of being easily carried by one or two persons, and filled, spawned, and earthed them before taking them to the cellar, treating each one just as we would do a bed. This lessened the litter in the cellar. Treat your dung as you may, you will be apt, especially if the garden or the house is old, to take some woodlice in with it, which of course will grow bigger, and must be trapped as elsewhere, We know of no other insect tha will be apt to trouble you if the droppings are well heated before being used. We have seen fine Mushrooms, Sea-kale, and Chicory, in London cellars. CLIMEERS FOR VERANDAH TRELLIS (7. R. S.).—We have no doubt that the Roses you name will do well enough if you give the ground a good dressing of rotten dung, well incorporated with the soil, and then in summer mulched the ground over the roots with more rotten dung. No doubt your soil is too noor. If you wished a change, we have no doubt that Honey- suckles and Jasmines would do, choosing the hardiest kinds, as the hardy Chinese yellow Jasmine for winter, and the white for summer. We have no doubt, however, of the Roses, but it may be necessary to replanr. Prune, and wash with Gishurst, or something of that kind, to get rid of insects and their eggs. Y Brack Hamburcu Grapes not Corourtne (A Young Gardener).—We fear there is something wrong either in the border or the materials of which it is composed. Generally speakirg, Grapes have coloured well this season ; but you may perhaps have overcropped the Vines, or a too severe prun-ng of the summer wood, or its opposite by preventing light and air acting on them, may have something to do with it. Your border, which you say is ‘ 3 feet deep on a two-foot drainage, is ample enough, or perhaps a foot too deep, and we apprehend :f the roots were examined they would be found near the bottom—very likely amongst the drainage and beyond the action of the atmosphere. Soil for Vine-borders ought to be open rather than rich, and when there is the happy mixture of the chemical constituents required in the food of the Vine, the latter thrives almost in spite of mis- management. When the mixture is an artificial one there is more uncer- tainty. In your case we would be disposed to lift the Vines carefully and replant them in a soil more in accordance with their requirements in this country. Some articles on this subject will shortly appeur in this Journal. The evilin the ease of the Muscats arises from a like cause. Sow1ne Vartous SrEps (Mary Scott).—Ageratum mexicanum, Arctotis grandiflora, Heliotrope, Portulaca, and Anagallis seeds, should be sown in the first week in March, in pots of light sandy loam and leaf mould, coyered lightly with soil, and placed in a gentle hotbed. Pot when large enough—two, three, or more round the side of a small pot, or the first three and last singly, according to their strength, and grow on in a green= house, hardening off in a cola frame. Alyssum compactum is a hardy plant blooming in spring, and should be sown out of doors in May. Linums are a numerous family, and you do not say which yours is, 80 we imagine it to be an annual that may be sown in the first week in April where it is intended to bloom, or in pots under glass in March; if a tender sort, to be planted out in May. Sedum may be hardy or tender, but we presume the former, to be sown out-doors in May, but it will not flower the same year. One of the seeds named we were unable to make out. 360 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Ncvember 1, 1864, Furnisuineé Borrom Hear To Pink Puants (St. Omer).—You are quite right as to your plan being novel; and its answering the purpose for which it is intended is a great point in its favour. We never did see any advantage in placing rubble over the pipes, knewing. as we do, that the heat rises, and warms the bed more over the pipes than elsewhere; but we do see advantage in placing the pipes in an open chamber, and covering that chamber with open slates, or slabs of stone, by which the bed above is equally heated throughout. Such is your system, only you employ wooden sleepers.and drain tiles, instead of :tone or slate coverings. Though there be a variation of materia!s the system is the same. Garnerinc BrussEts Sprouts (Z. C.).—When the Sprouts are large enough for gathering then is the right time, and as for their being only fit to use after frost, it is like saying that summer Cabbages are not worth eating. We cut them as soon as we can, or when abont the size of a tennis ball, and quite firm, for if not used they will open or become loose, and are then no better than Coleworts. Try them, and we feel sure you will like them. We have used ours since September, and like them better than any- thing at this season. Hearine a Cucumper-rir (J. B.).—For a pit 36 feet long, sunk below the ground level from 18 to 24 inches, width 7 feet, height at back, inside, 8 feet, and in front 63 feet, a flow and return three-inch pipe, along the front and one end, would only do for Cucumbers planted out towards the end of April. To plant out about January you would need the double of what you have now; and to keep on in severe winters you would need a fifth pipe, if you could give no protection to the glass on very cold nights. Your tank or box over the pipes, 18 inches deep and 12 wide, will do to grow the plants in, if planted at first some 5 inches from the top, and gradually earthed-up with rich light compost. We do not think raising the pipes will give you any advantage. The top of your tank should not be less than 15 inches from the glass, and your trellis at the back wal! should be fully more—say 18 inches—and that will give room for the foliage. We do not see how ‘taking the glass off, and the pipes away, would make a nice house.” We can well fancy how, by raising the back wall 18 or 24 inches, lengthening the sashes to suit, or having an opaque part at top, where air could be given, and doubling the pipes, you might have a nice Cucumber-house, WINTERING GERANIUMS AND Frcustas (K. C.).—If the Geraniums are variegated-leaved kiuds, you must not cut them in; but if Scarlets they should be cut in and disleafed, if to be keptin the dark (in that case cut- ting in but little); but have the leaves left on if they have light. Give only a little water to prevent the plants drying up, but afford air and plenty of light if exposed to it at all. Little if any water will be needed before March, but if the soil is very dry, a little should be given on the morning of a fine day when it is likely to be dried up before night. Fuchsias should not have any water from this time until March, when they may be cut in, and watered a little at first, increasing the quantily as the plants advance in growth, repotting them when the shoots are 1 or 2 inches long. If the situation in which they are kept during the winter is very dry the soil may become too dry, they should therefore be examined, and a little water given if the shoots show a tendency to shrivel. Frigi domo is a good material for keeping out frost, and so is stout canvass, but the first is to be preferred, Conservatory Stace (A Subseviber).—If you have glass for half your height in front, why not have a low stage all round, and the walk up the centre? or even if you had a flat stage of 23 feet in front, and a raised stage of 43 feet for base at back, you would get at your plants with greater ease than on the broad stage you propose. The number of shelves must be determined by the size of the plants. For small plants the shelves may be only G or 9 inches below each other. For lurge plants they might need three or four times that space. If you have no glass in front of your house your proposed plan will do. CamELrIA Bups Fartine (Perplexed).—There is nothing noxious in the water. Sudden transition fromm moist air to dry air and more heatis a probable cause of the buds falling. The cause of the plants in the vinery not dropping their buds is probably due to the greater moisture, and cooler and more shaced state of that structure. Another very likely cause is the conservatory being badly ventilated, as Fuchsias, Citrons, &c., have not done wellin it. Was the house painted? If so. the plants were probably put in before the fumes of the paint had gone off. Perhaps the plants have not been kept well supplied with moisture, or watering may have been overdone, either of which conditions will cause the buds to fall. You should have thinned the buds to at most two on a shoot. The enormous quantity borne at the point of the shoots, judging by that sent, is more than any plant can swell, support, and properly expand. Then the Citron leaves are infested with brown scale, which yon will find on looking at the under side next the midrib, and the insect would be better removed with a sponge and a solution o° sott soap, not too powerful. That, however, bas nothing or but little to do with the leaves falling, and that, we think, is due to one or other of the causes named; the buds sent have been defective some time, especially the small ones. Ving Roors iy OLp Tan (A Reader).—We would remove the tan now, and replace it by turyes cut 2 or 3 inches thick from a pasture where the soilis of a light loamy nature, being careful not to injure the Vine roots in removing the tan; und in placing the turves, which are all the better if from three to six montlis old, lay the roots in them, covering about 6 inches deep. You will find this much better than tan for Vine roots to ramify through, and it will be a new source of strength to the Vines. We have in the press a work on Vine culture, which will treat fully on the subject. PrResERVING CucuMBPR Poturn.—Ecuium canpicans (October).— We do not perceive what is wanted with the pollen for winter impregnation, as Cucumbers swell their fruit as well unimpregnated as impregnated, and are much better for use as they are without sceds. We never experienced any. deficiency of male blooms in winter, it might be because we took off all we could put our hands on, yet we always have more than we want, and that isnone. You may keep the male blooms in a closely-stoppered phial, putting them therein when the pollen is ready for shedding, or you may collect some of the pollen on white paper, and keep it in a sealed bottle, not to be opened except when used, but we question its utility. From your large plants of Echium candicans you may expect some handsome blue flowers in May or June of next year, if you keep the plant in a light, airy situation in a cool greenhouse, and do not over-water them during the winter. ‘The spike of berries sent belongs to some Phytolacca, probably Phytolacca decandra or Virginian Poke, but for certain identity, foliage and flowers should haye been sent. GraFTiInG CameELttas (Pond-dhu),—Camellias may be so managed, as well as Oranges, and any time before fresh vigorous growth takes place in the spring. In all cases, however, where the grafted plants could be placed in a moderate moist heat, there would be no necessity for leaving any part of the bottom end exposed. We have grafted even large plants of Camellias all over, watered the plant well, then }aid the head down over a slight sweet hotbed, and placed a sash from a frame overit, and amat ateach side. The plant was moved once or twice to give water, before the scions commenced to grow freely. We would recommend, asa suitable Peach for your orchard-_ house, Walburton Admirable. Coe’s Golden Drop Pium is anything buta shy bearer under glass, but it must have abundance of air when in bloom. We believe that in a house with air full on, and a little shaded in summer, so as to retard the crop, this excellent Plum might be kept almost till Christmas, and then in saccharine matter be more like a preserve than a Plum. PLANTING A VILLAGE CuHuncHyarD (Tea Rose).—But for what you say about, the windows being shaded, we have no doubt the nurseryman’s selection would suit you. Keeping that in tiew, we would be disposed to place a Chinese Arbor Vite in the centre, and in a circle, 6 feet from that, we would plant four Laurels (Portugal), and four Hollies, alternately with each other; and then, 4} feet farther, presuming that the diameter of circle is about 234 feet, we would plant a row of Laurustinus, The Portugals could be nipped-in as the Hollies grew. ‘To make an appearance at once you might plant common Laurels, pegging them down over the ground. Is it necessary to have that circle at all? Round the sides, where there is room, we would put a plant or two of the common Yew, the Irish Yew, common. Arbor Vite, and Cypress. A Deodar would soon want the clump for itself. If there were no circle you might have an Araucaria opposite the entrance, and a Deodar at each side, so as. to avoid the windows. Names OF Fruit (J. P.).—Pears.—1l, Catillac; 2, Doyenné Boussoch; 7, Chaumontel; 8, Conseiller de la Cour; 9, Vicar of Winktield. Apples. —1, Franklin's Golden Pippin Apple; 8, Golden Russet; 6. Golden Winter Pearmain ; 13, Dumelow's Seedling; 14, Lady’s Finger; 15, Hollandbury. Others not recognised ; and we are not sure we distinguished correctly the 6 from the 9. (IV. R.).—2, Lewis’ Incomparable; 3, Wyken Pippin; 4, Winter Majeting ; 6, Wormsley Pippin; 7, Catshead ; 8, Golden Reinette; 9, York- shire Greening ; 10, Winter Queening ; 11, Dumelow’s Seedling ; 12. Crimson Queening; 13, Beauty of Kent; 16, Early Nonpareil; 18, Syke House Russet. (Constant Reader, Ross).—Pears.—2, Wacon's Incomparable 5 8, Passe Colmar; 4, Glou Morceau; 5, Brown Beurré; 7, Easter Beurré, Apples.—1, Blenheim Pippin; 2, Norfolk Beefing; 4, Dumelow’s Seedling ; 5. Ci range Pippin; 8. Court of Wick. (If. 8., Holland Road}.—Your Pear is Uvedale’s St. Germain. (H. J. Watson).—l, Winter Pearmain; 2, Bezi de Caissoy, in use from November till March. ripening in succes- sion; 3, Chaumontel. (A. W7.).—Your Apple is the Golden Noble, Where numbers are omitted the fruit to which they were attached was not recog- nised. (J. Barnett).—l, Passe Colmar; 2, Zéphirin Grégoire; 3, Joséphine de Malines. (A Young Pomologist).—Your Apples were named at page 299. We do not remember the Pears. Names oF Pxranrs (Dudlin).—Your Fern is Athyrium Filix-foemina. (J, Smith, Orton Hall).—1, Asplenium adiantum nigrum; 2, Asplenium trichomanes; 3, Polypodium Robertianum; +4, Polypodium dryopteris; 5, Polystichum aculeatum lobatum in a young state; 6, Polystichum lonchitis. (Johnny Tucker).—1, Rhipsalis crushed—perhaps cassytha; RA FOWLS. I FEEL sure it would give much satisfaction to a Jarge section of the poultry world, as well as to myself, if some of your correspondents who are learned in Brahmas, would be so kind as to give us some information through your columns which may tend to throw some light on the question at present so unsettled, “Are they a true breed or not?” And I hope they will accompany any communications with some reliable data on which their opinions are formed. In your last Journal, I see you state that you consider them either a variety of the Shanghai, or a cross of the Malay, and as some maintain them to be a distinct breed, I presume we have here the three points between which opinions vary. : Having only kept them for a myself short time, I do no feel competent to form a decided opinion; but I must con- fess, as [ kept Cochins at the same time, I could not help noticing peculiarities in their habits which disposed me to lean to the opinion that they were decidedly not Cochins. Indeed, of this I feel certain, but then it is evident those peculiarities might have been introduced by a “cross.” Iam, however, disposed to think that if the breed had been obtained by crossing, they would occasionally “ throw back,” but I never heard of such an occurrence. Certain it is that they are a most valuable kind of poultry for all pur- poses, whatever be their origin; and although I do not at present keep poultry, I join with many others in regrets that such determined efforts should be made to deny them the place they deserve.—W. H. B. [Dr. Gwynne, of Sandbach, Cheshire, was one ot the first to possess this variety, and he informed us that he ob- tained them from Dr. Bennett, of the United States. He at : : November 1, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 361 once concluded that they were either a mere variety of the Cochin-China, or a cross, “probably with the Malay.” He asked for information from Dr. Bennett, but could obtain no satisfactory reply, and why he could not is fully apparent from this which we extract from an American work on poultry. “The variety of fowl itself was the Grey Chittagong, to which allusion has already been made, and the first samples of which I obtained from ‘Asa Rugg’ (Dr Kerr), of Phi- ladelphia. in 1850: Of this no one now entertains a doubt. They were the identical fowl, all over,—size, plumage and characteristics. «But my friend the Doctor wanted to put forth some- thing that would take better than his ‘Plymouth Rocks ;’ and so he consulted me as to a name for a brace of grey fowls I saw in his yard, I always objected to the multiply- ing of titles ; but he insisted, and finally entered them at our eens Depét Show as ‘ Burrampooters,’ all the way from ndia. «These three fowls were bred from Asa Rugg’s Grey Chit- tagong cock, with a yellow Shanghae hen, in Plymouth, Mass. They were an evident cross, all three of them having a top-knot! But, wimporte. They were then ‘Burram- pooters.” “Subsequently, these fowls came to be called ‘ Buram- pootras, ‘Burram Putras,’ ‘Brama-pooters, ‘ Brahmas,’ *Brama Puters,’ ‘Brama Poutras,’ and at Jast ‘Brahma Pootras.”’ In the meantime, they were advertised to be ex- hibited at various fairs in different parts of the country under the above change of titles, varied in certain instances as follows; ‘Burma Porters, ‘Bahama Paduas,’ ‘ Bohemia Prudas,’ ‘Bahama Pudras’; and for these three last named, prizes were actually offered at a Maryland fair in 1851!” BLACK IS WHITE. Conrrapicrory as this may seem, it is no less strange than true, that what was black is now white. But to my story. A neighbouring farmer purchased some chickens two years ago, and among them was a single black one, which in due time became a hen, and underwent the usual eares of henhood. Now, whether these cares or female vanity, aroused by the fact of being a solitary black one among so many of various gay colours, or both, preying on a peculiarly constituted mind, produced the effect I am about to describe I must leave my readers to decide; but certain it is that after twelve months this black hen was observed to be changing her plumage, until at eighteen months old she became black and white; and the change still coing on at two years old this once jet black hen, black even to her legs, became, and is now, of the purest milk-white, with legs.as white as any Dorking’s. The hen is now in my possession, having been kindly given to me on expressing much interestin the matter; and the above facts can be vouched for as strictly true. May I ask if such a ease of washing a blackamore white has been met with before >—R. O., Hglingham. [Many instances have occurred, and some have been noticed in our pages of Black Spanish hens gradually ac- quiring an entirely white plumage. ] te TYLDESLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S POULTRY SHOW. Tue thirty-first annual Show of the above Society was held on the 20th ult. Game. — First, J. Hilton, Boothstone Bridge. Second, T. Wakefield Golborne. Spanisu.—First, W. Gregory, Atherton. Second, J. W. Speakman Atherton. z f : Cocuin-Cuina.—Prize, T. Wakefield, Golborne. Dorxine.—First, S. Farrington, Astley. Second, J. Bullough, Atherton. Hameurews (Golden-pencilled).—First, J. Morris, Westleigh. Second, T. Davies, Hindley. Hampuraus (Silver-pencilled).—First and Second, J. Piatt, Deane. Hampurcus (Golden-spangled). — First, J. Walton, Hindley. Second, J. Morris, Westleigh. Hameureus (Silver-spangled).—First and Second, J. Morris, Westleigh. Highly Commended, J. Haslingaon, Tyldesley. ROLAND Ferny and Second, S. Farrington, Astiey. ANTAMS. —Virst, R, Gerrard, Atherton. Second, S, Farrington, A: b Commended, S. Farrington, ci ¥ ED Ducks.—First, T. Wakefield, Golborne. Second, J. Newton, Astley. Commended, J. Gregory, Hindley; J. Bullough, Atherton. Gersr,—Prize, W. Green, Little Hulton. Mr. John Elliott, Westleigh, officiated as the Judge. COWS ROBBED OF THEIR MILK. You are correct in stating that the idea of hedgehogs sucking cows has long been abandoned by naturalists, the chief reason being, I believe, that the mouth of the animal is not large enough to admit the teat of the cow. The sug- gestion that the human hand drew the milk from your cor- respondent’s cow is the most probable one, and she may have sucked herself ; but I venture to suggest that a more common thing to have occurred in that way, would be that one of the cows running with her was perhaps the culprit.— Wik. B. Is A NEW BEE BOOK WANTED ? *O, that mine adversary had written a book.”—Jos xxxi, v. 35. I sorn most cordially in the request of “R. 8.” Mr. Woodbury would confer an inestimable favour on the whole community, whether bee-keeping or honey-liking, by writing on a subject in which, we may say without depreciating others, he is “fucile princeps.’—A Constant READER. [The request preferred by “BR. 58.,” in page 319, seconded as it is by “A Consrant REapmr,” has brought the above question very forcibly to my mind, albeit by no means for the first time, since, I may confess, that I have lone con- templated such a task, and have spared neither labour nor expense in obtaining information and experience to qualify me for it. . My idea is, that the work should first appear in the columns of WHE JouRNAL or HortTiIcULTURE, whence it would afterwards be reprinted and offered to the bee-keep- ing world at a moderate price. Hor upwards of six years I have been a very frequent con- tributor to the pages of this Journal, and I have to acknow- ledge with gratitude the kindly appreciation which has always been accorded me. To this correspondence I owe the commencement of many valued friendships, and am in- debted to it for numberless pleasing episodes and grateful reminiscences. Whatever information I possessed has always been freely communicated to all, whilst in my turn I have derived much advantage from the interchange of ideas with others. May I venture to hope, that if it be decided that I am to write a new bee-book, it would be received by the Editors and readers of Tar JouRNAL oF HorTICULTURE in as kindly and indulgent a spirit as the nearly hebdomadal contributions of—A DEvonsHIRE BEn-KEEPER. [To this reply we give a ready insertion, and should feel that we did an injustice not only to the writer but to our readers if we did not cordially assent to the proposal. We look forward with confidence to the work as one that will be of great utility ; for Mr. Woodbury possesses not only know- ledge of the habits of bees and of all the literature on the subject, but a long experience in the apiary, and is fully qualified to teach how to manage them under any system, whether for amusement or protit.—Eps. | WOODBURY FRAME-HIVHES. «A, W. B.” says that the frames in his Woodbury’s bar- frame-hives “got a little out of the perpendicular as soon as the bees began to work, and thus scarcely any of the combs are true, and many are joined together, so that the frames are useless.” I have heard the same complaint from many hbee-keepers that use these hives. In reply to his inquiry you say, that “every Woodbury frame-hive is furnished with a notched bar fitted transversely at the bottom of the hive. Hach frame drops into its appropriate notch, and is in this way kept perfectly steady and perpen- dicular until filled with comb. When this has been ac- complished the notched-bar had better be removed, as the weight of the combs renders its presence unnecessary, and it would be a hindrance to their free manipulation.” With all due deference to Mr. Woodbury, the time that he removes his notched bar is the very time it is most required, as the 362 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 1, 186s. bees do not fill both sides of all the combs equally with honey, but sometimes put three or four times more weight of honey af one side of the comb than at the other, and the weight on the heavy side not being in the centre throws the bottom of the frame against the next comb, until the weicht is balanced in the centre. The bees then have to | shorten the cell that presses against the next comb. In} turning the hives over to take to the moors, or for any other purpose, his bar-frames all tumble-together whichever way the hive leans on its side, and so crush and kill the bees be- | tween the loaded combs. Mr. Woodbury’s notched bar also | rests upon the floor-board, and so prevents all the dirt being easily removed out of the hive from behind it. In my im- proved bar-frame hives the notched bar is fixed on the ends of the hive, and the hive can be turned over on its sides or in any other way when the cover is screwed down, and not a single bar-frame or comb can get out of its place. Many Woodbury-hives have been altered to my plan, and their owners all say it is a great improvement. It does not in the least interfere with any manipulations in taking out or putting in the frames, but rather assists the bee-master in guiding the combs exactly to their place again when put back in the hive.—Wittr1am Carr, Clayion Bridge Apiary, Newton Heath, neax Manchester. [The foregoing objection is wholly imaginary. When a comb of moderate thickness is fixed in its place in the centre of a bar, it is absolutely impossible so to distribute the weight of honey which it will contain as to cause its frame to deviate even in the slightest degree from the perpen- dicular. Whenever this occurs after a frame is filled with | comb, it must be attributed to defective workmanship in | the frames themselves. Ifa hive is to be turned on its side | or inverted, the combs and frames should be secured ac- cordingly; but we regret to learn that Woodbury-hives have been tampered with in the way described by Mr. Carr, as notched bars have not been discarded from them without sufficient reason. No frames can be readily or conveniently manipulated which have to be dropped into notches, and it | makes no difference in this respect whether these be in the centre or at the ends of the frames. | } ARE BEES CARNIVOROUS? Wirxout wishing to give any offence, or be considered | unpolite in doubting a lady’s word, I cannot but think that | bees do not eat meat; and I shalJl be glad to hear what | your able correspondent, “A DrvoNsHTRE BEE-KEEPER’S”’ | opinion is on this subject, as T have so often observed when | bees have been said to eat this, that, or the other that has | been put iato their hives, that they have only taken it out to get rid of it, as witness the grains of candied honey and undissolved sugar, &c., they bring out; but when I have a hive that I do not care for I will certainly give them some | meat, and then watch them closely to see if they do consume it.—A. W. [My opinion is identical with your own; but we shall soon have the matter placed beyond doubt, since “R. S.” has responded to the appeal in page 246 by submitting the alleged carnivorous propensities of bees to the test of expe- riment, and will ere long be in a position to report the result.—A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. We have another communication on the same subject } decidedly evidencing that bees are not carnivorous. It will | appear in our columns next week.—Eps. ] UNITING QUEEN TO BEES—WASDPS EAT BEES. | I rxink the want of success in introducing Ligurian queens into stocks of black bees, is in consequence of allow- ! ing the queen to go into the hive too soon after the removal of the black queen. I find that fumigation injures the constitution of the bees; and although they appear to recover perfectly, the mortality | afterwards is very great and rapid. The queen does not appear to suffer so much from the fumes as her subjects. I have just placed a Ligurian queen at the head of a black stock with perfect success. On Monday last I received | brush, and hive. from Mr. Woodbury by train a Ligurian queen, and lost no time in removing the black lady from one of my stocks on | Tuesday. After allowing the bees to communicate with the strange queen through zine for some hours, I let her go down into the hive; shortly after I had to release her from a cluster of workers, and had some difficulty in getting her from two bees who had her firmly pinioned by each wing. The next day about 3 p.m., after great management and caution on my part, she was received with the greatest affection, and pollen was taken into the hive. The bees do not as a rule sting the queens, but smother them. This, however, may depend on the temper of the bees: sonie are much more iritable than others. Have any of your correspondents noticed that the wasps eat the bees alive in their hives? They eat the soft part of the body, leaving the trunk and head walking about the floor-board. This is only, I believe, in weak stocks; strong hives do not, I think, suffer in general from them.—J. L. (There is very great uncertainty attending the intro- duction of a strange queen, and you were very fortunate in inducing your bees to accept the alien monarch after they had once imprisoned her. We have on more than one oc- casion known queens destroyed after they had been per- mitted to lay eggs, and have often seen queens stung by workers. We can confirm your statement as to the way in which wasps serve living bees. We have seen them treat both bees and daddy longlegs in this manner. | BEES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT. (Concluded jrom page 302.) Now for one of the greatest difficulties in this department of bee management which I ever encountered, but yet com- bined with one of the most striking and instructive facts in the natural history of the bee which I ever witnessed. My first and best swarm came out about eleven o'clock in the morning of Whit-Monday. It was soon hived and protected from the intense heat by the shade of a kitchen table-cloth and an umbrella. In about an hour and a half afterwards another swarm was on the wing, and just as I had secured |} it the frst swarm left its hive, and rising 20 feet or more above its domicile, commenced a gyratory progressive move- | ment in the direction of a thick wood about a quarter of a mile distant. I almost despaired, but with two other helpers | started at once in hot pursuit, equipped with bee-dress, The bees made straight for a large ash tree, encompassed with the thick foliage of the surrounding | copse, through which they took their course unerringly to a | small round hole, scarcely half an inch across, in the upper part of the trunk. I knew the tree well, but was not aware | before that it was hollow. The damp had penetrated into some old wound, over which the alburnum had closed, giving to the trunk the appearance of perfect soundness. My hope | of recovering that swarm was at first very slight indeed, but I saved it after all, and in this way. I suspected that, notwithstanding the specious appearance of the tree, it was unsound throughout, and that if I dug between the roots a little below the surface of the soil I might open communi- cation with my bees above. My conciusions were soon veri- fied, and, by dint of digging and cutting, I opened a hole at the bottom of the trunk large enough to admit my hand, and soon obtained evidence, from a mass of fine touchwood raspings, that the bees had been at work with their man- dibles for some days past in scooping out a new domicile in close contiguity with the point of ingress. Only one chance remained for me, and that was to start them afresh by making their new home as uncomfortable as I could. My plans were laid and adopted in a quarter of an hour. I had recourse to the magic puff ball, Lycoperdon giganteum, a piece of which, as large as my fist, I lighted and placed in the hole. The difficulty to displace the air above was at first insuperable ; I coutd not create a current from the small- ness of the opening above. Three pieces of buif ball I burnt in this-way in vain. I next had recourse to the flame of lighted paper, and in about an hour and a half could just perceive a small quantity of damp smoke issue from the hole, followed by a stream of bees. But, alas! the smoke soon subsided, and my bees returned. Knocking the trunk and blowing through the hole with a pair of bellows were equally in vain. My dernier ressort was brimstone—for my November 1, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 363 only alternative now was to “kill or cure.’ As its fumes | by a solitary aphis, and if closely examined will be found to rose slowly to the hollow, there was a terrible commotion | among the bees, and in a few minutes some dozen or two fell | suffocated on the brimstoned paper. I feared for the queen, | wondering whether she would have time to free herself from | the embraces of her loyal subjects before her doom was | sealed. The outside of the tree was now covered with bees | running about, many of them feebly, in a state of wild ex- citement. I had only to wait a couple of minutes to see a eluster forming on a blackthorn tree not ten yards distant— | the queen was there, and in ten minutes the swarm was safely hived. I took it home in triumph an hour or two | after sunset, for I never, if I can help it, move a newly-hived | swarm to its final destination before that time. It is now a first-rate stock, full of bees and honey. I have no doubt whatever, both from the line of flight and the evidence already noticed, that the bees were instinctively moving to a pre- viously selected habitation ; and I have as little doubt that the swarming of the first colony from the hive in spring is nothing but a general muster, that all the emigrants may take wing together under the direction of experienced guides to a home of which they have already received ample in- formation. This is merely a fact corroborative of a long | broached idea, and illustrative of one of the wonders of | animal instinct. Here is another analogous fact, which I} relate, because it supplies the only missing link in the chain of my deductions. I can vouch for it by personal inquiry and inspection. A swarm of bees, belonging to a cottager living in a village about three miles from hence, made directly for a small crevice between the arch and woodwork of one of the windows of a house in the same village. That | they did not alight there by mere accident is evident from the circumstance that a number of bees were observed recon- noiterine that very crevice, which seems to communicate with the ceiling joists above, two or three hours before the arrival of the swarm. Fourthly. With respect to ventilation, a subject the rationale of which every bee-keeper ought to understand, and one as important for the sanitary condition of the hive as for that of the cottage, I have adopted the following ex- pedient for frustrating the invariable effort of the bees to stop up with propolis, the smaller perforations of the zinc plate usually employed to admit air and exclude insects. I cover the opening for ventilation with two zinc plates of different size perforations. The inside piece has holes of a size just sufficient to prevent a bee from passing through, and is placed a quarter of an inch or so in front of the other, which is perforated more finely. This requires the removal of the glutinous barricade much less frequently than would be the case were there no intervening piece between the bees and the smaller perforations. With respect to the system of ventilation adopted by the bees themselves, by which a certain degree of noxjous air is removed by the fanners stationed at the mouth cf the hive, there is, I con- ceive a much deeper philosophy connected with this develop- ment of instinct than a casual observer would suppose. Is there no appreciation here of the chemical doctrine of “gaseous diffusion,’ by which gases of different densities intermingle, even when the denser is the lower? The move- ment of the living fans imparts momentum and directive force to atoms of air already in astate of natural commotion. The instinct of the bee has from the beginning laid hold of a chemical law which natural science only discovered in the last generation. ‘Magna opera Jehove exposita omnibus qui delectantur lis.” Thad intended to cite some curious illustrations of apiarian observation and experience which my recent correspondence has most amusingly and instinctively brought to light, but I have already occupied your space too fully. I must reserve this until I have something to say about the “ Ligurian bees,” which I have just introduced into my apiary, and conclade with two or three observations about bee-tlowers and honey. In early spring the great requirement is pollen, and the indication of a populous and prosperous hive is afforded by the eagerness with which it is sought. Bees revel among willows, and in a bed of osiers they find an ample storehouse of spring provision. Of course they ransack the nectaries of all early flowers, and the leaves of the laurel and the ivy also afford them very grateful supplies. Those of the former are punctured in the very early spring contain an exudation of a transparent gummy character, viscous and saccharine. The puncture is generally found on the under side of the leaf, in the cuticle, about an inch from the petiole or footstalk. It requires very close examination to discover it, although I have occasionally seen its honey drop the size of a No. 4 shot. I have no doubtit is excretory. But I must not forget to mention one flower, an early sum- mer one, which from the extraordinary fondness bees evince for it, we call here, by way of pre-eminence, the ‘‘ bee-flower.” It is a salvia (S. nemorosa), and for gardens large enough for massing different colours is really no mean acquisition. The leaves are glaucous, and the flowers a deep lavender. It flowers early in June and continues all the summer. I will send you a dozen roots with pleasure. I must not say all that I thought of doing respecting the nature and origin of some of the materials from which honey is elaborated. Chemistry can change old rags into sugar, which would be none the less palatable because of its origin, were it not that fancy sometimes affects the taste. Let us think, then, of ‘busy bees” only in connection with sweet spring flowers and sweeter honey, and not allow science to vitiate our taste. ‘‘ Where ignorance is bliss ’tis folly to be wise.”—Wintram Law, Marston Trussell Rectory, Theddingworth, Rugby. RECOLLECTIONS OF AN OLD FANCTER. No. 4.—TrapresmMen Fanciers. I reapity, gladly, even proudly, own to have a great liking for the sons of trade. I like them whether they belong to High Street, or Back Lane. I know them well, and have been fellow-workman with them in carrying out many a literary scheme. I have found, especially among the younger men, a thirst for knowledge, and sometimes an extent of reading which would surprise many who have never come mind to mind in contact with them, and still more surprising when one considers the very few hours a-week they are able to devote to literature. Much kindness ex- tending over many years have I received from tradesmen ; and when I hear fine ladies and gentlemen complain of having met with incivility from behind a counter, I have thought, almost said, ‘*‘ Have you, sir, been quite the gen- tleman, or you, madam, quite the lady to those of whom you complain? Have you been civil, or only haughty? Have you felt there was the same blood in the one that handed you an article of dress, or showed you a book, as in yourself—that they were your fellow creatures and fellow Christians ? Have you been kind, and spoken in a tone of voice which showed you respected the feelings of others ? If you cannot say on your conscience that you have done all this, need you wonder as to what you have met with, taking poor human nature as it is ?” Now, the industrious tradesman, who looks well after his business, has naturally a very stationary position; he must be a keeper at home, he cannot leave his duties ; in plainer’ words, he must “stick to the shop.” But such a man so situated, needs above all men, a hobby, yea, I am sure all men need one; a little outlet to certain feelings almost in- describable, something which is to the man what a toy is toa child. ‘“Weshould cultivate the pleasure gardens of our minds as well as the corn fields,” said Archbishop Whately. Wise, beautiful words! The man who has no innocent hobby is apt to make vice his hobby. But, in regard to tradesmen, they must not have a hobby which, by taking them from home, removes them from positive duties—which, in fact, would interfere with their providing for their families. Thus horses are always dan- gerous if made a hobby of. Oh! the many “horsey” tradesmen that I have known come to ruin. Horses lead to hunting, then hunting to absence from home. Even a pro- fessional man is sometimes injured in this way. I knew a surgeon who soothed his conscience as to hunting by saying of the master of the pack, ‘“‘If Lord So-and-so should have 2 fall and break his collar bone, it would be the making of me.” However, my lord never fell and broke a bone, but the doctor's patients fell off instead, calling in another surgeon during his absence. - Worse than hunting, far worse (and I wish to say ever a word to do good as well as to amuse or instruct), is racing, as 364 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. that involves gambling. A tradesman, owner of a racing pony, known to me in early days, ended his career a suicide in a county jail. Well, then, having settled it that an industrious, careful tradesman ought not to be away from home in business hours, where may he find a suitable hobby? And, in passing, let me add, that in these days of much travelling and sight- seeing, home pleasures are apt to be despised. Our truest, our best pleasures are at home, easy of access, close to us— like the daisies they lie very near, if we will but look for them. In what, then, I ask, may the man, much by necessity and duty at home, find an innocent hobby? First, in flowers, and especially in florists’ flowers. These are better as a hobby than a general garden, for they require such constant looking after, and like children, care of them in- creases our love. “People talk of a proper pride, sir, you might as well talk of a proper dunghill,” said a stern divine of old days; but he was wrong, quite wrong. There may be a properpride: thus aman may have a proper pride in his flowers. How well do I remember the pride, yes proper pride, with which a grocer showed me his bed of Ranunculuses. There, under an awning, carefully tended, were the glorious flowers, glowing, bright, and beautiful, the result of days and weeks of care. Then, is there not a proper pride when a prize has been won? Before exhibition-day what family consultations there are, why the whole household is concerned in the matter—* Shall it be this flower or that?”—and the pride of all when the prize is brought home! I once found a schoolmaster whose hobby was his orchard-house, garden | x L | paper on bee-keeping, which appeared in the “‘ Journa | West of England Agricultural Society. Mr. Woodbury says—‘‘Stock-hives he could have none, for that was all playground; but on the little space to spare he built an orchard-house, and there he forgot his woes, the boys’ noise, and the false quantities and bad syntax. But not only flowers, there are birds, fowls, pigeons, and rabbits, all these prove excellent and harmless hobbies. The eye of Crabbe, a town-bred man like myself, saw the use of hobbies, and what they were. After describing a small tradesman’s family, he says— ‘¢ True pleasure hails them from some favourite source, And health, amusement, children, wife, or friend, With life's duli views their consolations blend. Nor these alone possess the lenient power Of soothing life in the desponding hour. Some favourite studies, some delightful care, The mind with trouble and distresses share ; And by a coin, a flower, a verse, a boaf, The stagnant spirits hrve been set afloat; They pleased at first, and then the habit grew. ‘¢ Oft have I smiled the happy pride to see Of humble tradesmen in their evening glee, When of some pleasing, fancied good possessed, Each grew alert, was busy, and was blessed. Whether the call bird yield the hour’s deligh¢, Or, magnified in microscope, the mite, Or whether Tumblers, Croppers, Carriers seize The gentle mind, they rule it and they please.” Fowls Crabbe does not mention, though he well might; for into how many a backyard have I gone to see them— how many a cockloft have I climbed into to see Pigeons— how many an outhouse to examine the wondrous ears of some prize Rabbit; or stood in the little walled garden to watch the habits, or hear narrated to me, of now a Hawk, and then a Plover! As to the benefit derived from a hobby, of that, as well as the pleasure afforded, Iam quite confident. A hobby is a relief to the mind, it employs some ofits loose faculties. Yea, it promotes good temper, soothes a ruffled spirit. A briefrun from the ledger to look at fowls or flowers is refreshing. Then a man’s little plans for the improvement of his birds, his pleasant intercourse with other fanciers. I own that I think live things are better for hobbies than anything else. Aman may become tired of collecting stamps, or of auto- graphs, but rarely wil he tire of birds. A bishop was accustomed to get up and say, after a hard day’s work in his library, ‘‘ Now, then, I will go and have a look at my pigs;” and a witty friend of mine declares of a super-Calvinistic divine, that it was wonderful how less terrific his opinions became after he took to Cochins. : So I say, let every man have his hobby, and he will be the better for it, so long as he rides it, and it does not run away with him. And further, let every man whose duty makes [ November 1, 1864. him stay at home, have a home hobby, and it will bring him no injury—not the hunter, nor the racehorse, but rather the florists’ flower, or the bird, the fowl, the Pigeon, or even the despised Rabbit. High Street may have some of the former, Back Lane some of the latter.—WintsHire RECTOR. OUR LETTER BOX. “«Y_B. A. Z.’—We have a letter for this correspondent—whither shall it be directed? Lacep Fantarz Prcrons (A. P. Z ).—If Lace Fantails could be produced of equally good carriage, and with as ample tails as the common Fantail, they would compete well in a general class for this beautiful vuriety of Pigeon, but as yet none have been publicly exhibited at all equal to the usual White Fantails in these most essential peculiarities. If a pen of Lace Fantails were equally good, we believe that almost eyery one of our principal Pigeon arbitrators would decide in their favour, simply in recognition of their peculiar feather and comparative scarcity; but the birds hitherto shown were decidedly open to great improvement before they could claim an approach to equality with our best Fantails. It is quite impossible, nevertheless, to give any opinion on birds we have not seen. Times’ BEE-wasTeR.—We have received various communications—some attacking and some defending him; but we think it best to occupy no more space concerning so unworthy a book. ‘Lhe line of defence adopted is, that though the book is very faulty, yet errors are to be found in other works on bee-management, which is no more a defence than was the excuse offered for a bad pic‘ure—*t Yes, bad; but Jones painted a worse.” BEciInNING BEE-KEEPING (£. C.).—We should recommend your begin- niug with flat-topped straw hives, such as are described in “ Bee-keeping for the Many,” under the name of ‘‘Payne’s Improved Cottuge Hive,”? but made rather larger—16 inches diameter inside, by S or 9 inches deep, is a good size. These hives have a central aperture in the top, 4 inches in diameter, over which is placed a small super, which is not, howerer, intended to prevent swarming. If you wish to adopt the depriving system you may. have straw hives made after the pattern described by Mr. Woodbury in his of the Bath and may be 16 inches in diameter by 9 deep, inside. As a fiat-top of this size, when made of straw, is apt to sink with the weight of the combs, if may be formed of two circular pieces of half-inch wood, glued and nailed together, with the grain crossed, to prevent warping, There should be a two-inch central aperture for feeding, and two slits, half an inch wide, by 6 inches long, on either side, and a snear to the sides of the hive as possible. The two- inch hole should be closed by a bit of tin or zinc when the bees are admitted into a super through the side apertures, as the queen is apt to lay eggsin the super when central communication is permitted. When not in use all egress through these apertures is stopped by means of wooden blocks.” Either of these hives will enable you to commence bee-keeping economically, conveniently, and profitably. Whenever you wish tv step beyond them we advise you to go at once to Woodbury frame-hives, of which you will find a working descripti&a, with illustrations, in ‘‘Bee-keeping for the Many.” Frame-hives have become almost universal in America, and they present so many advantages that we cannot but believe they will rapidly supersede all others in the apiaries of such of our British bee-keepersasaim at something beyond the old-fashioned straw hive and brimstone-pit. Frepine Brees (J, Ff. W., Wandsworth). — No bee-feeder is equal to the inverted bottle when used asshown in the engraving. A common pickle- bottle does admir- ably for copious feeding, anda four= ounce or six-ounce vhial for spring- feeding. The month of the bottle should be covered with coarse net, and if a bit of perforated zine be interposed it will facilitate its being refilled with- out annoyance from the bees. The supporting wooden block should fit.go close that neither bee nor wasp shall be able to obtain a surreptitions sip on the outside. Dr. Cuusine’s BEE Lecture (A Constant Reader).—We did nos notice the lecturer saying that Virgil gives an account of bees in one of his “ Eclogues,” instead of ‘‘ Georgics,”’ because this was not a mistake from ignorance. Dr. Cumming is not without classical knowledge. Tomato SAuce.—Mrs. G. Dowdeswell, seeing a wish expressed in the last Number for a recipe for making tomato sauce, begs to mention a very simple mode adopted by herself for some few years past, by which she can have the same prepared by the cook as required, fresh at anytime. The tomatoes are gathered perfectly ripe, free from cracks or bruises, and are gently wiped with a soft cloth, and placed in a wide-mouthed jar. Some vinegar, haying been boiled and allowed to stand until cold, is then poured over them, sufficient being used to entirely cover them. The jar is then covered with wetted bladder, and the tomatoes keep perfectly fresh and good until those of the following season come in. The peasantry in the south of France keep the tomatoes in this simple manner. Their mode of making sauce Mrs. Dowdeswell, unfortunately, has not perfectly; but the tomatoes, in the manner described, can be made as required into sauce by any cook.—The Down House, Worcestershire. , November 8, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 365 WEEKLY CALENDAR. | a | j Day | Day | average “Ti Rain in s i 1, | Cloe eu ge Temperature Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon's Day of woe ate NOVEMBER S—14, 1863. | near London. Posen Rises Sets | Rises. | Sets. | Age. are Year. Day. | Night. | Mean. | Days. | m. b.| m. h.| m. h.| m. b. H m. Ss 8 Tu Hooded Crow arrives. 5L1 349 430 17 Qaf7 | 19af4 | 42 1 9 0 9 |}16 0) 333 9 Ww Prrixce or Wates Bory, 1841. 50.7 34.8 427 15 DOL VSN baie Qe 2Baued 10 15, 59. | 314 10 TH Birch leafless. 50.6 35.2 42.9 21 12 7)16 4/387 2) 46 2 ll | 17 53, 315 ll F Martinmas. 50.9 35.1 43.0 15 Aap lou Alpe OlsS, 5.4 12 | 15 46, 316 12 Ss Bunting’s note ceases, 50.4 34.1 42.3 16 16 7) 18-4) 388 3/26 5;..138 |15 38 317 13 Sun 25 SunDAY AFTER TRINITY. 49.5 35.4 425 20 17 7 | Vai 4s|' Ldn «47 (y4dsie 6: | 2) ; 15 30} 318 14 M Wood Pigeons congregate. 48.0 33.9 40.4 19 19, 7,|.10 4) 1_.8)/53 7)" 15. | 15) 20 319 | | From observations teken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of temperature 34.8°. The greatest heat was 63° on the 12th, 1841; and the lowest cold, 18°, on the 9th, 1854. 1.24 inch. the week is 50.2°, and its night The greatest fall of rain was BEDDING FOR WINTER AND SPRING. ;- HAT a splendidsea- son! we hear ex- pressed upon all occasions we come in con- tact with either town or country gardeners; and so it has been. Surely we may venture to say that the Italian summer has been equalled for once by that now passed away in Britain. Among the other wonders this has wrought none are more conspicuous than the gorgeous continued display of colours which all who have a flower garden must have when enjoyed up to a much later period of the season than most can remember. A majority of our flower-beds were full, and in fine order until the rather sharp frost on the morn- ing of the 24th of October. This had the effect of putting most people on the alert, who had their tender or valued sorts of bedding stuff still out. It might by many parties be considered that this late continuance of flowering, in comparison to other seasons, would be a hindrance to the planting of winter and spring bedding stuff. This is not so, but very much in its favour. If such things as Pansies, Silene, Myosotis, Stocks, &c., be planted in their winter quarters early, and we have a good amount: of sun afterwards, they invariably commence growing fast, and are, therefore, tender when the sharp winter frosts begin. Silene is, perhaps, the most difficult to get in at the proper stage. This season, however, we have overcome that most effec- tually. Upon observing that the fine weather was bring- ing these plants too forward, I set a man with a fork to raise the plants quite up, and then tread them in again ; we haverepeated this until they are starved but sturdy- looking plants, and likely to meet any frost without in- jury. Nothing makes such splendid spring beds as the Silene pendula, both white and red. The beds and borders filled up to this time consist of one bed of dark Auricula, edging Arabis lucida variegata ; yellow Auricula, edging of the same Arabis; Polyanthus black, red, yellow, and variegated, with Crocus edgings; white Pansy with blue Scilla edging; Magpie Pansy, with Dog’s-tooth Violet edging; yellow Alyssum, with dark red Daisy edging ; white Evergreen Candytuft, with blne Pansy edging. All these are crammed quite full, not an inch of soil to be seen; our stock allows us to do this; for although the season has been dry, and it was consequently ditiicult to manage these plants, every one was kept in some shady place with only a sparing amount of water. The smaller borders we are now (October 28th), busy No, 189.—Vot. V1I., New Sezriss, digging what we term spit anda half. This allows us to give a good dressing, and also to take up the bulbs left in the border over the summer. These are arranged and planted again as the work proceeds, planting the bulbs in rows or otherwise on the top of the first-turned-down spit.—J. F., Cliveden. (To be continued.) VINES FOR THE ORCHARD-HOUSE. ARE you ever asked to recommend Vines for an orehard-house? If so, be sure to place Trentham Black the first on your list. In one large orchard-house which covers 300 square yards I planted a Vine to each of the pillars, to see if good Grapes could be grown in Nottinghamshire without heat. The only ones I had much faith in were the white and rose-coloured Muscadines, though I hoped the Black Hamburgh might ripen; but to prove them I planted several other varieties. The result is that the Muscadines have been ripe and cut long ago. Chasselas Vibert has: also been dead ripe some time, but is not worth growing, being too small and shabby-looking, though good in flavour; the bunches and berries are only about half the. size of the White Muscadine. The Black Hamburghs are good in colour, thin-skinned, and in flavour quite equal to those grown in heat, though not quite so large. he Trentham Black is, however, quite the best, being richer, larger, and blacker than the Hamburghs, and in every way superior. In the hot- house the Trentham Black is a first-rate early Grape, we cut about 40 lbs. from a young Vine this season; but it would not be wise to plant too many of this variety in our early house, as it is too thin-skinned to keep long after itis ripe. With us it is earlier, larger, and richer’ than any of the Hamburghs, and all persons would do well, I think, to plant one of this kind; but as a variety to be grown in a cool or cold house there can be few or none equal to it. We really cannot be too careful in recommending fruit trees; it is so tiresome, after waiting years, to find it necessary to replace a worthless variety. I called a short time since at Frogmore, and as the Prolific Mus- cat, raised in that garden, will hardly grow with me, I asked to see it in fruit, and was told it had been destroyed as worthless! What will those say who have given from one to two guineas a plant for it, and that so recently ?— J. R. Pearson, Chilwell. HARDY FERNS: HOW I COLLECTED AND CULTIVATED THEM.—No. 3. TurovcH the Trossachs—not walking or driving leisurely, stopping here and there to admire, now drag- ging this wheel, now getting down for a lounge up that hill;—but dashing, scrambling, tearing along on the outside of a rickety old coach, driven unicorn fashion, with a wild-looking “leader,” having a mad devil in _No. 841.—Vot. XXXII., Orv Seztes. 366 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 8, 1864. her eye, called “‘Black Bess”? by the coachman, who, in- stead of minding his horses, kept quoting Sir Walter Scott, to the intense horror of one of our party, a superb four-in- hand “ whip.” Oh! the perils of that drive—the ludicrous mixture of the sublime and the ridiculous. Black Bess scorned a whip, and the coachman employed his to illustrate his quotations. «There, madam, is the rock where Fitz James withstood Roderick Dhu. © Hlis back against a rock he bore, And firmly placed his foot before.’ Hold in, Bess, will you; what’s up now?” ‘My good friend,” broke in the whip, “do let me have the reins. Do, pray, be careful.” “Bless you, sir, don’t be frightened, Bess is as gentle as a lamb when you let her have her own way. Hold hard, old girl. Now for it;” and like a mad thing, Bess was tearing down a grip, and pulling might and main up a steep ascent. A few more alarming quotations and we come to Loch Katrine, lying graceful and beaming, with its little sunny isles beneath the shadow of its mountains and its trees. A small steamer plies up and down this lovely lake, and you find yourself looking out for landmarks given you by Scott. The “beach of pebble bright as snow,” the “ silver strand” are there, it only needs “fair Ellen’s” voice to take the place of the rough music of the paddles. Loch Katrine is a graceful preparation for the grander beauty of Loch Lomond. I can hardly fancy a lovelier pic- ture than that which bursts upon you as you near the inn of Inversnaid, Ben after Ben rising in the distance, some brown, some blue, and some with bright patches of green here and there. I did not forget the Ferns. I spent hours hunting the hill- sides at Inversnaid. Oreopteris grew in abundance, with beautiful Filix-foomina and other common Ferns. I had made friends on the lake with a gentleman, armed as I was with trowel and bag. He joined us in the walk. «What success?” I asked, half hoping he had found some rarity, half fearing lest his booty should exceed my own. He shook his head. I opened my store triumphantly. «Look here,” I said, ‘‘is not this a wonderful find?”’ and [ displayed a graceful little Fern. ‘This is the Woodsia ilvensis ! ” I saw a twinkle in the “ Fern-man’s” eye; but he told me gravely my specimen was only a baby “ Filix-fcemina ;” and then he added, how troublesome baby Ferns always were, aud that one could not easily decide on a Fern unless there was fructification. I might hunt for varieties of Filix- mas and foemina, but he thought I shonld find nothing else. Then he discoursed of Ferns in general and of Fern-hunters, how he found ladies looking for Septentrionale in a wood, for Ceterach in a ditch, and for Asplenium viride on a wall. «T do,” said I. “Tt is a pity to waste time,” he answered. ‘Find out the whereabouts before you search. Know what you are likely to find, and then take anything strange you meet with.” And so it came to pass I only brought away from Inversnaid a few young plants of Oreopteris and a Lycopodium or two; but I took to more diligent readings of Moore, and wished there had been a few simple directions as to the “how” of finding Ferns. Of course we made the tour of Loch Lomond in the steamer, which was filled with a strange mass of human beings bent on pleasure—the geologist with his hammer, the young girl with her sketch-book, the botanist with a round tin at his back, the pedestrian with his knapsack. For five minutes we scanned each other, and then turned our attention to the scenery. It was a glorious day—a day of strongest lights and shadows—a day of sun and-cloud; and I could scarce fancy any luxury greater than lying down on a sofa of plaids and sailing through this beautiful world of waters—a world cut off, as it seemed to be, from any outer world by high frowning mountains, by steep shaggy rocks—every minute the scene changing, bold rugged Bens melting away into bright green islands, and these into a far-off distance of more gentle outline. Looking from side to side as you approach Inverarnon, you come to a hill covered with Firs, some standing, many fallen, and already ‘barked.’ A picturesque group of women in red petticoats and white jackets are seated by a picnic fire cooking; these are the ‘barkers,’ who live in rough huts built about the wood during their season of work, and vividly remind one of the Olive gatherers in the Olive woods of Sardinia. From the head of Loch Lomond a coach conveys you over the Black Mountain and through the awful pass of Glencoe to the hotel of Banavie at the foot of Ben Nevis, where I was assured I should undoubtedly find Polystichum lonchitis ; and up the sides I tramped many a weary mile in the search, now scrambling up a rocky path, now floundering in a bog—but no lonchitis. Indeed, I may here own that I have never found one plant of this most interesting Fern. “ Lonchitidoides”’ I have found in plenty, and some bearing such close resemblance to lonchitis as for a time to create a doubt even in the mind of Mr. Bree; but the doubt cannot last very long, for I have proved the fact that lonchitidoides in time becomes lobatum, and after a while lobatum becomes P. aculeatum. I have watched the plants changing from year to year, and have had many an argument about it; but each Fern-grower can prove it for himself in three or four years. T have one large plant of true lonchitis, which I bought ata small nursery without being able to trace its history, and from which I have this autumn divided three young plants. There is one feature in lonchitis which entirely divides it from lonchitidoides—the pinnules, even in thetiniest frond, lap over each other like the scales on a fish’s back ; each pinnule is furnished with sharp teeth, with a projection like an ear close to the rachis, which is covered with brown scales ; the fronds grow stiff and erect, and its whole form- ation gives one the idea of protection from wet. The fronds spring from the centre, throwing up several sets of fronds during the summer, the whole preserving a compact vase- like form. During the extreme heat of summer, atter water- ing the Ferns I made a practice of pouring a little water into the cup of the plant, thinking to encourage the new fronds. After some time I observed a little frond quite perfect, yet very small, spread itself like a guard over the nest of young fronds. I gave up my system of encourage- ment, and, instead, threw a little cocoa-nut refuse into the centre of the cup as a protection; and this has answered beautifully, and the plant has thirty fronds on it of this year’s growth, but the long-continued drought has caused these to be less fine than usual. In the wooded dells at the foot of Ben Nevis I found the Pyrola, whose pretty bell-like blossoms of white with a rosy flush were as fragrant as a bowl of Lilies of the Valley. I brought several plants away, but failed to make them grow. My next hunting ground was Oban and its neighbour- hood; and here I had great success with Cystopteris fragilis, which abounds in many beautiful varieties. On the road to the Kerrara Ferry I found angustata, with its acutely drawn-out length of frond and pinne; dentata, broad and stumpy-looking, bearing a near resemblance to Dickieana, save that the fronds are more robust and the pinne not quite so closely approaching each other. J have never found C. alpina, C. montana, or Dickieana; but I possess many healthy plants of each variety excepting montana, which I have lately procured from Myr. Veitch’s nursery. It pro- mises to grow rapidly as the others do, but I daresay it will need a little extra care. The walk from Oban to the Ferry will repay the tourist, even if he be nota lover of Ferns. Amongst the heather he will find the Golden Asphodel with its feathery blossoms of exquisite form; and in July there are beds of rich ripe Strawberries scenting the air, which bldws pure and iresh around him. He should go at eventide and watch the sun setting over one of Nature’s loveliest scenes. The sea, broken into numerous still calm lakes by rocky islands, reflects every golden cloud, while the distant mountains form a frame of the softest blue; and above and beneath, it is the same fair scene. Oban is a real Scotch town—you feel you are in the High- lands. The people talk a patois of English-Gaelic, and understand you with difficulty; the shopkeepers have an English of their own. It is a strange isolated community grafting English fashions slowly on northern stocks. You go to a “store” to buy calico or some little matter. «Have youany good calico?” you ask. ‘ Yes—no—I think —amy calico is worth hardly anything just. Yes, it’s very \ \ November 8, 1864, } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 367 bad calico.” Perhaps you are obliged to have it, and, to your surprise, find it very dear. You remonstrate. ‘‘ Yes, I think it’s very dear calico, and no good in it,” they answer. Then their good nature is wonderful. They will know your business, and will insist upon trying to help you. In a country walk you pass by what looks like a huge washhouse. “Is that a washhouse?” you ask a poor woman in the road. ‘A washhouse, is it? Yes, I think. Is it a washerwoman youwant? Allow me to recommend you one; it’s Mistress McFarlane, of Tweedle Street; she’s just the most perteeklar woman in fine linen and dressing.” Staffa and Iona are “done” from Oban, but it was just afraid of the water I was; so I watched the departing and returning steamer in peace, picturing to myself the damp beauty of Fingal’s Cave; the ruined cathedral standing out against the clear blue sky; and wondering what Columba would have said to the Free Kirk in Scotland, and whether any Ferns grew upon the weather-beaten island. I spent a day on Kerrara, hunting in vain; but it is not time wasted, for the shores of the island are very beautiful, and the slopes green and sunny, and many a lesson of life may be learned while listening to the quiet music of the waves breaking against the shore.—F1Lix-FeMrna. DECORATION OF THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER AND SPRING. (Continued from page 346.) FLOWERING AND VARIEGATED PLANTS. Earty spring-flowering plants are, as the following lists of | those most suitable for planting in masses will show, pretty numerous, furnishing materials for a fine display from the blooming of the delicately-tinted Christmas Rose till the | gorgeous queen of flowers herself comes forth. of form, habit, and foliage, this in many cases being varie- gated, or otherwise ornamental. Thus the flower-gardener, who is possessed of taste, energy, and intelligence, has at his disposal materials which will enable him to make no in- considerable display during the early spring, spring, and early summer months. Numerous, however, as the materials are now, there is every probability that when a taste has been disseminated a greater demand will arise, and more will be forthcoming. As a rule the tints of flowers are lighter during the cooler portion of the year. In spring we have an endless variety of white flowers ; summer abounds more in scarlets and reds; and autumn in yellows and purples. In a gardening point of view man very much alters the natural distribution of the colours, and the garden is made to teem with scarlet in autumn, and this tells well on account of the preponder- ance of green at that time. Spring-flowering plants may be divided into five sections, according to the colour of the flowers and foliage—viz., Ist, Whites. including those with silvery foliage or white varie- gation; 2nd, Blues; 3rd, Yellows, including those with golden variegation ; 4th, Purples; and 5th, Reds, including reddish-purples. 1sT.—WHITE SPRING-FLOWERING PLANTS. Of these the most interesting and beautiful is the Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger). It attains a height of | about 1 foot, and is well adapted for a centre to a bed of | bright colours on account of the bright green of its foliage, which forms an excellent neuter, whilst the flowers are most interesting, especially when peering from beneath a bed of snow. It will grow anywhere, but prefers a rich light soil, with occasional applications of leaf mould. It is increased by division of the root. Arabis alpina, albida, grandiflora, and lucida, are well- known profuse bloomers, forming a close carpet of whitish foliage. Being of dwarf growth they are well adapted for low beds and ribbon-planting. A. albida variegata, with white variegation, is admirably adapted for edgings. All are most readily increased by division. Small portions put in 6 inches apart in nursery-beds in spring, after blooming, will make fine plants by autumn, and may then be moved with balls to the places assigned to them in the flower garden. Such plants | offer almost every shade of colour in their bloom, diversity | Hepatica triloba alba, or white Hepatica, is lovely, not growing more than a few inches in height. I have seen many so-called double white Hepaticas, which were only dwarf double Wood Anemones. Saxifraga oppositifolia alba is most charming; the bed should be surfaced with small rock stones or clinkers, and the interstices filled with sandy loam and peat in equal parts, in which the plants are to be planted. Saxifrages of all kinds require the same treatment—viz., to be placed on raised beds of rockwork, clinkers, brick, or even flint, and after filling the interstices with soil they should be planted thickly, so as to cover the surface. They then form pleasing beds. Stellaria holostea is nothing more than a weed in our woods; but avery pretty weed it is, flowering abundantly in ordinary light soils from March to June. It is increased by division of the root after flowering; and the divisions, planted in nursery-beds, make fine roots for moving to the beds in autumn. Linaria cymbalaria alba is a pretty trailing plant 3 or 4 inches high, and makes a lovely edging or bed if treated in the same way as the Saxifrages. The variegated form is also fine on account of its foliage. It requires a sandy loam, and is increased by division or rooted stems. The next plant worthy of notice is Mentha sylvestris varie- gata, the merit of which consists in its foliage: hence it is useful for edgings and line work. It is increased by cuttings and division. Phlox Nelsoni, than which nothing is handsomer, should | be planted on raised beds, as described for Saxifraga opposi- tifoha, as it is impatient of stagnant moisture. It likes a sandy soil, and seems all the better of a little peat. Cuttings and division. Phlox nivalis is a fine free-blooming sort, not exceeding 6 inches in height. It does best in raised beds, and is benefited bya little sandy peat. It was, and I believe is, scarce in gardens. Of Bellis perennis there are many fine double varieties. They are of most easy culture, it being only necessary to divide the roots. They are fine edging plants. Light sandy soil is best. Lamium maculatum (longiflorum) album is another pretty weed of our own hedges, flowering in March and onwards ; growing freely in common soil, and readily increased by division. It grows about 1 foot high, and is very fine when well grown. Primula nivea, vulgaris alba, the double form of the first species, and Primula vulgaris alba plena, are well known, and amongst the handsomest of spring flowers. The white Cowslip (P. veris alba) is also pretty. Division. Ranunculus amplexicaulis, from the Pyrenees, grows about a foot high, and makes a fine bed. It will grow anywhere in an open situation, and in common soil. It is increased by division. Isopyrum thalictroides is a pretty white and green flower- ing plant, attaining a height of 9 inches, and flourishing in sandy loam. Division. Iberis sempervirens, saxatilis, corifolia, Tenoreana, and gibraltarica, are fine evergreen under-shrubs, attaining a height of from 6 to 12 inches, and flowering so profusely as to be sheets of snowy white in April and onwards. They will grow in any kind of soil, but bloom earlier in that which is light and sandy. They are most readily propagated by cuttings. Trillium grandiflorum, a tuberous-rooted plant, is a charm- ing thing not much more than 6 inches high, delighting in sandy soil, and doing best of all in sandy peat. Increased by parting the roots. Iris pumila alba and I. sibirica alba are very neat dwarf plants, flowering in March and April; effective in groups. Division. Arenaria balearica is a very pretty trailer, and not less so is A. ciliata. They are increased by division, require light soil, and are always improved by a little peat. Ficaria ranunculoides alba is all but a yellow. It is a pretty little plant, growing about 6 inches high, has tuber- ous roots, and is increased by division. A. montana we must also have. Antennaria margaritacea isa splendid white-foliaged plant, suitable for forming a band, line, or edging, a foot wide and the same high. he young shoots rise from the stool, and are as white as snow, in April, when the plant may be in 368 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. creased by slips like Sage, each slip having an inch or two of the root-stem attached. It makes a splendid row or ribbon all through the summer, and it flowers so well from June to September as to be valuable for bedding purposes; but being in every cottage garden, and as hardy as the Nettle, no one cares about it. Asperula odorata (Woodroof), a common plant of our woods, flowering in May and onwards, is a fine thing as everybody knows. It grows about 9 inches hich, has white sweet-scented flowers, likes a sandy soil, and is inereased by division. A. taurina, from Italy, is a suitable companion to the Hnglish Woodroof, and a very pretty plant. It is in- creased by division. Dodecatheon meadia albiflorum is a very pretty American Cowslip, growing freely in loam, attaining the height of a foot, and increased by division. What is handsomer than our Cloudberry (Rubus chame- morus), so dwarf and altogether lovely? It grows freely from suckers in loam, and better stillifa little peat be added. R. saxatilis, too, is no mean ornament, but its blooming is a little too late, not being general till June, otherwise it isa dwarf trailer with few rivals. Again, there is the lovely Cochlearia integrifolia, fenes- trata, pyrenaica, officinalis minor, and its sub-variety rotundifolia, all white-flowered biennials, growing 8 or 4 inches hich, and all alike fine. Cardamine pratensis flore pleno, which has dirty-white flowers, just comes to mind as being suitable for those who may strive to find an excuse for the emptiness of their flower-beds on account of the wetness of the soil. This is the plant for such. C. bellidifolia will suit places at a high elevation, like Ben Nevis on the other side of the Tweed, whilst those situated on low ground will find C. trifolia useful. Division. The Hutchinsia calycina and H. alpina are nice things, the former a mere pigmy of about 2 inches, fond of sandy peat soil; and the other 4 inches high, and growing any- where in common soil; both are increased by division. Glaux maritima alba is a pretty trailer, growing freely in sandy soil, and attaining a heieht of 3 or 4inches. It is best raised from seed, and is also increased by division. Androsace villosa, with dirty-white flowers, and A. chamee- jasme, dirtier still, are nevertheless very pretty ; but though occasionally flowering early, are not to be depended on. Sandy peat is the best soil for them. Increased by division. Jeffersonia diphylla is a pretty plant, doing weil in sandy loam. It is increased by division. Corema alba, an under-shrub about a foot high, is, beyond dispute, fine; though its fowers are not of the gayest, yet | it is handsome, and has white berries afterwards. Requires sandy peat, and is increased by layers. Prunella vulgaris alba, a native plant, is curious, rather -precarious as to time of blooming, but as it does occasionally bloom early we must have it, and divide the roots to obtain -& stock. Cornus suecica, from the Scotch and Swedish hills, we must also lay hands on, and grow in bog soil, dividing the roots for stock. Violas asarifolia, humilis (a little Mexican, only hardy in sheltered situations), odorata alba, odorata alba plena (once common enough, but now scarce), canadensis, bicolor, at- tenuata, and the white Dog Violet (V. canina alba), are all white Violets more without than with scent; they are all increased by division. Pulmonaria officinalis alba is really ornamental, and grows anywhere. It is about a foot high, and is propagated by dividing the roots. Schivereckia podolica is all but an Alyssum, and fine. It should be grown in light soil, and will do better in peat. Division. Silene patula and some others, flower pretty early occa- sionally, but generally not before June. Cerastiums tomentosum, alpinum, lanatum (will make its way into a ribbon ere long), latifolium, grandiflorum, Bie- bersteini, and glaciale, the first and the last but one well- known ribbon plants, to which others may be added as rivals, especially C. grandiflorum. Division. Besides Cerastiums we must have others on account of their foliage :—Funkia Sieboldi variegata, Fragaria vesca varie- gata, and Vinca major variegata, and to these may be added { November 8, 1864. more flowering plants, as Saxifraga nivalis, pyramidalis, in- termedia, longifolia, longifolia media, polita, tridentata, afii- nis, petra, elongella, hypnoides and its varieties pulchella, viscosa, muscosa, and angustifolia, and last of all Stachys lanata. 2ND.—BLUE SPRING-FLOWERING PLANTS. Hepatica triloba cerulea and its variety plena (single and double blue Hepaticas), are amongst the earliest and hand- somest, and why not grow H. angulosa, acutiloba, and ame- ricana? They are fine, but little different in appearance, I mean in flowers, from the commonly cultivated varieties. Division. Aubrietias deltoidea, purpurea, and A. deltoidea grandi- flora not only flower profusely in spring, but are in fine bloom now (October 24th), and will continue so throughout the winter. Divided in sprizig like Arabis, and grown in nursery-beds, they make fine plants by autumn. Aster alpinus purpureus is a pretty dwarf species attain- ing a height of 9 inches. It Jikes light soil with leaf mould or peat. Division. Campanula excisa and gracilis, are fine, and are increased by division. Borago orientalis, laxiflora, and cretica, are fine free- blooming plants, the first attaining a height of from 18 inches to 2 feet, and the last two about a foot. They do best in sandy loam. The first is increased by division, and the last two by cuttings. Ajuga reptans coerulea, and the variegated form of A. rep- tans, are nice, not growing more than 6 inches high. Division. Omphalodes verna is an elegant plant, not above 6 inches high, and makes a nice bed. It likes a light soil, and is in- creased by division. Glechoma hederacea, a weed in almost every hedge, has lovely blue flowers in spring, and can be had in any quan- tity for the trouble of collecting. It is propagated by divid- ing the roots, or putting in cuttings of the rooted stems. Geranium pratense, an elegant weed in many meadows, and its double variety (G. pratense flore pleno) from the Scotch mountains, would be eonsiderably enhanced in value if they could only be induced to flower a little earlier; as it is they are useful. A stock is obtained by dividing the roots. Globularia vulgaris, and linifolia, are pretty plants, grow- ing about 6 inches high, the former propagated by division, and the other by cuttings. Soldanella alpina, montana, and crenata. Very pretty plants, forming fine beds. ‘They must have extra drainage and free soil, with a little leaf mould or peat. Division. Polemonium reptans makes a nice bed, and will grow anywhere. Division. Height about 6 inches. Lithospermum prostratum is a pretty trailing plant, at- taining a height of about 1 foot. Propagated by cuttings. Anchusa stylosa, myosotidiflora, growing about a foot high, and A. paniculata, a tall species, are fine Borage-like plants. The last is raised from cuttings; stylosa, though an annual, should be treated as a late-sown biennial, and be sown in autumn; the Forget-me-not-like species (A. myosotidiflora) is increased by division. : Above all, we must have Gentiana verna, acaulis, and its narrow-leaved variety (angustifolia); G. pumila, pyrenaica, brachyphylla, humilis, from the Caucasus, though it is an annual, and must be sown every year in September, and then add G. altaica, a taller species by three-fourths than any of the others. We may obtain them in any quantity by dividing the roots. Well drained soil and leaf mould or peat are essential. yah ct Sisyrinchium crandiflorum is a pretty thing, requiring light soil, and is increased by division. i Pulmonaria azurea is well worthy of cultivation. P. mollis, and P. angustifolia, though native species, are fine; and P. paniculata, and virginica, I have booked for a prominent position. Division. ; Phyteuma pauciflorum (not so few-flowered as the name implies), P. Halleri, and P. Sieberi, are pretty. They are in- creased by division, and grow but a few inches high, except P. Sieberi, which attains about 1 foot in height. Erinus alpinus forms a fine bed, not more than 3 or 4 inches high, and does all the better if grown in light, dry soil. Division. J : Veronicas petra, prostrata, aphylla, microphylla, de- : November 8, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 269 pauperata, serpyllifolia, tenella, nummularia, neglecta, and quaternata, are all lovely little plants not more than a couple of inches high; alpina in many varieties all dwarf and trailing, V. gentianoides, a giant in comparison, and many others, are all free-blooming, preferring light soil, and increased by division. Besides these the annual Veronicas, which are such miserable things for summer flowering when sown in spring, are never seen to advantage unless sown in September, for their time of flowering is in the spring, and they evidently dislike the heat and dryness of summer. Vineas are fine, especially V. herbacea, major, and minor, their foliage being as handsome as their flowers. ‘The double variety of V. minor, which I have not seen for the last ten years, is fine, if it flowers as well’as I once saw it in a clump many yards wide under the trees of a plantation. With these must be associated the lovely spring Forget- me-not (Myosotis montana). It flourishes in moist soils, and in sunny situations flowers with the Snowdrop and Winter Aconite. It has flowers double the size of the Wood Forget-me-not (M. sylvatica), and of a brighter blue. It also continues in bloom most of the spring. Division. I must again call attention to the lovely Hepatica angu- losa, which has flowers double the size of the single blue Hepatica, of a clear and vivid sky blue. The leaves are five-lobed, and hairy. ‘The flowers are borne on stalks from 9 to 12 inches high, and well up above the foliage. Imust conclude the list of blue flowers with Iris reticulata, which with the first return of spring sends up its dwarf stems in tufts of from 6 to 9 inches high, affording a suc- cession of really beautiful blossoms of a deep, yet brilliant blue purple, with golden orangeat the base. It will find its way into every garden, as it is a charming plant for forcing. I. pumila makes pretty groups. _It grows 6 inches high, and flowers in April and May, affording a profusion of blue and yellow blooms.—G. Appry. (To be continued.) THE GROUND VINERY. THe ground vinery is a great fact and a great success. Mr. Rivers has sent us two bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes, one taken from a Vine in the open air, and the other from one grown ina ground vinery. The former is a small insignificant bunch, with berries the size of swan-shot, green, hard, and acid; the latter, part of what appears to have been a good-sized bunch; the berries large, black as jet, thin-skinned, and deliciously flavoured. In fact they were quite equal to any that could be grown in a vinery. The site and soil of both plants were the same. The bunch of the former hung 9 inches from the ground on a Vine growing in an open border, and a few feet from the ground vinery; the latter was also 9/inches from the ground, but under the ground vinery, and with that protection such great results have been achieved. From what we have seen in other places these ground vineries will become a necessity in every garden, and must ere long be as common as Sea-kale pots or hand-glasses. A full account of them will be found in Mr. Rivers’s “‘ Miniatur Fruit Garden.” : MAIDSTONE GARDENERS’ MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. A GENERAL meeting of this Society was held at the Rose and Crown Inn on the 12th ult., Mr. J. Robson in the chair. As announced at the last meeting, Mr. Luckhurst gave an account of his experience in the cultivation of the Pear, several fine specimens of that delicious fruit being exhibited. With proper attention, some kinds of Pear trees would last two or three centuries. One of the best plans to adopt, in order to obtain a good and plentiful crop, was to graft the Pear on a quince stock, from which, with good management, some of the finest fruit might be obtained. Mr. Luckhurst then entered into a detailed account as to the best modes of training a tree, each system having its peculiar advantage, one of the principal objects in view being to male the tree look graceful to the eye. One of these modes was the hori- zontal system, which had a pretty effect. when. well trained. Mr. Luckhurst then enumerated a number of Pears suited to the different seasons, interspersing his remarks with some well-timed and practical hints on the different descriptions. The Chairman followed Mr. Luckhurst with a few observa-~ tions on the same subject, remarking that one of the most popular plans at one time was the “umbrella” system, which had its advantages, being very graceful to the eye. Another was the pyramid system, upon which Mr. Frost made a few practical remarks. A general digycussion ensued, in which Messrs. Wilmore, Whyman, Davis, Luckhurst, and Frost took part, each one giving his experience in the ma- nagement of the Pear tree. The subject having been fully discussed, the balance-sheet for the year was brought for- ward and read by Mr. Davis, from which it appeared that the Society had been formed one year, during which time its success had been far beyond the expectations of the most sanguine. During the year they had one most successful Show, and the number of members had increased very con- siderably. Notwithstanding the small subscription to the Society, the. balance in hand at the present time was £36 13s, 2d., £30 8s. Gd. of which was placed in the savings’ bank in the name of the trustees of the Society. MR. RICHARD SMITH’S NURSERIES, ST. JOHN’S, WORCESTER: THESE nurseries are situated about a mile and a quarter west of the city. The principal entrance is from the Bransford road, and turning to the left a drive conducts the visitor to Mr. Smith’s dwelling and counting-house, the grounds about which are flanked with greenhouses, and laid out with flower-beds on grass, rustic baskets, rockwork, water, &e. The flowers at the time of my visit were being removed, and the beds planted with dwarf plants of the Golden Arbor Vite, Silver-blotched Ivy, Golden Holly, Irish Yew, Golden-striped Irish Yew, the Heath-like Japan Cypress, which during the winter becomes of a peculiar’ violet red colour, and is, therefore, particularly desirable for contrast, especially with light green colours; the Black- leaved Laurustinus, Silver-striped Periwinkle, Irish Gorse, Golden-striped Periwinkle, Silver Holly with red berries, Aucuba japonica, Cerastium tomentosum, and similar plants, to give variety and contrast to what may -be called the winter arrangement of the beds. On the lawn are fine examples of Weeping Ash, Weeping: Beech, the Japan Arbor Vite, a dwarf, dense, bushy, and: conical-shaped kind, very desirable for lawn specimens ;. Wellingtonia gigantea, Quercus Fordii, Juniperus excelsa, (the tall Juniper), a compact, distinct, and very ornamental pyramidal tree, rather tender, but in sheltered situations: forming a beautiful specimen; Nordmann’s Silver Fir, of majestic and symmetrical form, and which is most valuable. in landscape gardening, its warm green contrasting well with all the shades of blue and grey; the Himalayan Spruce, the Laurel-leaved Oak, deciduous Cypress, and the. Silvery-branched Virginian Cedar, which is a beautiful va- riety of the Red Cedar, with a peculiar whitish appearance, and very useful for contrast, for planting near water, or on rockwork, and as forming a fine cone-shaped tree. Araucaria imbricata, with its deep green foliage, rigid form, and sym- metrical shape, is about 22 feet high. The lower branches from their length and weight, droop gracefully, and resemble snakes partly curled around the trunk, and stretching forth their lone slender bodies in search of prey. I also noticed. the Frankincense Juniper, symmetrical in form, and having delicate-looking branches, although it is so hardy that no frost will injure it; the large-coned Pine, invaluable for effect in landscape gardening; the green drooping Cedar, a, very graceful variety, and as pendulous as a Weeping Willow; and the Picea nobilis (the noble Silver Fir), pro- perly so named, for this is certainly one of the most majestic and magnificent trees in cultivation. Douglas writing of it says—“I spent three weeks in a forest composed of’ this tree, and day by day could not cease to admire it.” One of the specimens here measured 3 feet 9 inches round at 3 feet from the ground, and 33 feet in height. Lambert’s Pine, the gigantic Arbor Vitw, the Evergreen Redwood Tree, and Cupressus Lawsoniana, were beautiful specimens.. All of these are natives of California, and perfectly hardy. 370 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. On entering the grounds the first thing that arrests your attention is a carriage drive stretching two-thirds of a mile ina straight line, and altogether through the centre of the nurseries about one mile and aquarter. On each side is a broad edging of turf extending the whole length. Both sides are planted ribbon-border fashion, the first row being the Golden-striped Yew; the Nootka Sound Thujopsis, one of the most valuable introductions of late years, second; then the Irish Yew; fourth, the Deodar Cedar; then the Siberian Arbor Vite, well-shaped and useful for variation of colour, and the Araucaria imbricata; the whole backed by a Yew hedge. The rows at each side rise in regular gradation from the front row, 2 feet high, to the Yew hedge at the back, 10 feet high. The next scene on the same carriage drive is a ribbon border planted at one side with a row of Golden Arbor Vite, then Portugal Laurel, next Irish Yew, then Thuja Wareana, backed by Irish Yew, 10 feet high. On the other side is a row of choice varieties of Green Holly, then Deodar Cedars, then Juniperus virginiana, backed by Irish Yew. The next example of a ribbon border is composed on one side of Thuja aurea, Picea nobilis, Deodar Cedars, standard Portugal Laurels, and Cedars of Lebanon; and on the other side, Golden Holly, Nordmann’s Silver Fir, Irish Yew, Abies canadensis, and Thuja Wareana. The arrangement of the various ribbon lines in this noble carriage drive is well worth inspection, in order to see what pleasing effects can be produced by the judicious assortment of form and foliage. The walk on the left communicates with the Heath-house, New Holland-house, Pelargonium-house, stoves, Fig-houses, propagating-houses, &e., all heated by hot water, and con- taining a choice collection of young healthy stock. On the right is a house for growing young Vines, 117 feet long, by 173 feet wide, also orchard-houses, the first nearly 200 feet by 27 feet ; another 115 feet, by 25 feet ; one 40 feet by 25 feet ; and another for growing Figs, 50 feet by 33 feet. There are many thousands of orchard-house trees in fine bearing condition. Altogether there are sixteen large houses for various purposes, and one thousand glass pits, and about three acres of raised brick-beds on which lights can be placed for newly-iransplanted stock. Continuing along the drive which connects the various nurseries together, passing large beds of Araucarias, Abies excelsa inverta (a new weeping variety), Picea nobilis, P. amabilis, P. Nordmanniana, P. Pinsapo, Wellingtonia gigantea, Thujopsis borealis, T. dolabrata, Podocarpus of sorts, and masses of many other valuable evergreen Conifers, of which tribe Mr. Smith’s stock is allowed to be the finest | in the kingdom, we come to a nursery where quarter after quarter, to the extent of thirty acres, is occupied with evergreen trees and shrubs of all hues, sorts, shapes, and sizes, in most luxuriant health. These are cultivated with the greatest care. Mr. Smith never allows any stock to exceed three years without removal, and every plant is formed from its earliest infancy to make a handsome spe- cimen, and thus by timely care the most perfect form that can be desired is obtained without formality and without stiffness. Thence we pass to the Rose ground of eight acres, and containing one hundred thousand Roses. How, “D., Deal,” would revel amidst the beauties he would there behold “Tn all their crimson glory spread, While, drooping fresh the dewy head, They scent the early morning.” In order to give the public some idea of the stock, I will only observe that standard, half-standard, dwarf, pyramid, bush, orchard, and wall fruit trees, occupy more than forty acres. We now come to the Gothic lodge at the entrance from the Malvern road, and cross to the nursery opposite, where fruit, forest, and flowering trees each take their place in the most convenient and suitable arrangement. Each class of stock by itself, and the whole arranged for convenience and general effect, is the primary aim in every department. There are hundreds of standard Portugal Laurels 6 feet high, very handsome for terraces, they make good sub- stitutes for standard Orange trees. The Colchian Laurel, of which there is a large quantity, is different from the common Laurel in leaf, it is more upright and hardy. The large and commodious packing-shed, with other { November 8, 1864. offices, is situated in a central part of the ground, it has a large crane attached for loading vans, &c. To account for the luxuriant state of the young stock which is propagated by thousands, and then transplanted into the raised brick-beds, and the fine stock in the home nurseries, it is only necessary to state that the whole is watered by underground iron pipes and flexible hose, a means to an end which is well worthy of adoption in many places. To sum up some of the principal features of this establish- ment, it is worthy of remark, that there are never less than seventy men employed, and the number varies from that to often one hundred and thirty. The space occupied in the cultivation of young stock is thirty acres, and about one million of Conifers and ornamental trees, besides other stock, are annually produced. The glass houses, pits, &c., comprise an area of 64,000 square feet. There are twenty- one miles of walks, though no more exist than are abso- lutely necessary for convenience in seeing and cultivating the stock advantageously. There are 400,000 stakes used annually, and eighty tons of garden-pots. Besides the nur- sery, Mr. Smith has a very large seed business connected with his establishment. The whole was in first-rate order, not a weed to be seen in any department, which reflects great credit on the very intelligent foreman, to whom I am indebted for many of the above particulars——Winniam KEANE, NEW ZEALAND SPINACH. Attow me to call attention to this vegetable (Tetragonia expansa), which I think is not so well known as it deserves. It is most useful, quite equal in flavour to the common Spinach, and more ornamental, having much the appearance of the Ice Plant, which it almost equals for garnishing. It comes in at a season when the common kind is of little use from its so soon running to seed. During the present dry season it has been most valuable, sixteen or seventeen plants having furnished a nice gathering once and twice a-week for the last three or four months; and they will continue to do so till killed by frost. I find that it does well planted between rows of early Peas, the shade being grateful to it in its early stage of growth ; and it comes into use about the time the Peas have to be cleared off. The treading about it in gathering the Peas appears to suit it. For the information of persons not acquainted with it, I may as well mention that it requires the same treatment as tender annuals—viz., sowing in heat during March or April, pricking off, and planting out towards the end of May, allow- ing a square yard for each plant. By gathering the young tops for use, great numbers of side shoots are produced.— J. T. Creep, Gardener to T. Swanwick, Esq., Whittington, Chesterfield. A CROP SAVED BY THE BIRDS. I FEEL it my duty to report an instance which I think will go far towards establishing the fact that birds are of great service to the gardener. About five weeks ago my crops of Brussels Sprouts, Broccolis, and Sayoys, amounting to some hundreds of plants, were attacked by a multitude of caterpillars ; and so severe was this attack that I anticipated the destruction of my crops, and many who saw it pro- nounced it to be in excess of anything they had ever seen before. I communicated with the Editors of this Journal concerning it, and before their reply came to hand the blackbird, thrush, tomtit, and robin, came to the scene of destruction, and in three days there was not a dozen cater- pillars to be seen, all being carried away and eaten by these birds. I can, therefore, report a crop saved by the birds. I may mention that this is not the only instance which I have noticed of the good effected by these birds.— Tuomas Record, Belmont, Hendon. DAHLIA GLABRATA.—I haye now (Nov. 1), in my garden in full bloom and beauty an elegant little flower, to which Ihave attached the sobriquet of the “‘Lady Flower,” from the fact of the attention of all ladies being immediately November 8, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 371 rivetted upon it, from its extreme simplicity and elegance. Its name is the Dahlia glabrata, and the seed of it may be procured from Mr. W. Thompson, of Ipswich. It is a small single Dahlia from 14 to 2 inches in diameter, of colours varying from deep purple to milky white. It is charming in a bouquet.—T. 8. GARDENERS EMIGRATING to NEW ZEALAND. New ZEALAND consists of three islands, two large and one small; the larger are separated by Cook’s Strait, a channel about 50 miles broad—distance about 1200 miles from Australia. New Zealand contains nearly 75,000,000 acres, or is about as large as Great Britain and Ireland. It contains nearly 50,000 natives, and from 90 to 100,000 Europeans; but as ships are weekly arriving with emigrants this population cannot be exactly stated. The climate is considered as healthy, or rather more so, than that of England, January being the hottest, and July the coldest month. There is more wind and rain than in England, but fewer wet days, as the rains are heavier than here. The summer is a little warmer, and the winter much warmer than in England; mean temperature of the New Zealand summer 65°, that of the winter 50° ; but in so large a place it varies, the north island being a few degrees warmer than the south. Winter is not much colder than a cold wet English March. Our common bedding plants, as Geraniums, Verbenas, &c., will live out all the winter in the north island, and in the south will survive with a little protection. There are no wild animals hurtful to man. Minerals are rather plentiful, but not much worked as yet, as wood is the chief fuel, and itis dear. Greater part of it is found in the north island. Most trees, shrubs, fruits, flowers, and vegetables, that will succeed in England will do so in New Zea- land; and others that require a warmer winter than ours may also be grown. Gooseberries and Currants, particularly Black Currants, do remarkably well. I find Quick Thorns are used, mixed with Furze, for hedges. Seeds of all kinds that are good should be taken, as good seeds are always valuable here, and doubly so there. Food is dear, bread 1s. 4d. per four-pound loaf, meat 8d. to 10d. per pound, and house rent very dear. A handy man would perhaps receive 8s. per day—at least my friend does, but he is not afraid to roughit. Such a man is almost sure to get on if sober and industrious, although it is common to hear people say “I wish I were in England again.’ People must make up their minds to rough it for a year or two, and the wife must have good heart, and deny herself many little things for a time, such as comfort in furniture, &c., unless the married couple have a good sum of money to furnish with. My friend says, if the wife has good heart nearly all the battle is won. My friend, after being there some time, bought a quarter of an acre of land for £50, paid £17 down, and £33 by instalments, and paid interest at the rate of £6 10s. per cent. He after- wards borrowed £100 at £12 per cent, and built a cottage costing £150; land, building, fencing the ground, and the titles, cost £221. He paid in a little over four years £130, or about £30 per annum, but has two children that are help- ing him; one, a girl, sixteen years old, is getting £20 per year with board and lodgings. His advice is, to any one going out, take all you can, tools, furniture, clothing, &c., as they are mostly double the price they are in England. It is a very serious journey, and he would not advise any one to go without much thought about it, and a determination to be sober and industrious, and rough it for a year or two. A character from the last master, as well as one from the clergyman, are very valuable. Schools and places of worship near towns are good, as well as pretty plentiful. He advises me not to leave my place to go out, but should I have left, and have a difficulty in getting another situation, to venture out.—W. C. Pansy.—It is no doubt true, that the word Pansy is derived from the French penser, to think; although Ben Johnson spells it pawnsé, Spenser (Shep. Cal., April, 1. 142), paunce ; and Milton, in Comus, speaks of pancies. I agree, however, with Grime in thinking Dr. Richardson’s account of the erigin of the name unsatisfactory. I should be inclined to regard Pansy as one of a long list of names bestowed by the quaint fancy of our ancestors, who, by fixing, often per- haps arbitrarily, on certain flowers to express certain ideas, constructed a laneuage of flowers. The grotesque appear- ance of the full-blown Pansy may, perhaps, have led to the imposition of the name, but only because it may have led to the selection of the flower as an emblem of “thought.” At any rate Ophelia (Shakspeare’s Hamlet, Act IV. Sc. 5), uses the Pansy as an emblem :—‘‘ There’s Rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember ; and there is Pansies, that’s for thoughts.”” Quesnay, the physician of Louis XV., and leader of the Economists, was called by the monarch his “ thinker,’ and granted for armorial bearings three flowers of the pensée. The following is a list of some of the names by which the Pansy goes with rustics and old writers :—Heart’s-ease—Herb Trinity —Three-faces-under- a-hood— Kit-run-about— Cuddle-me-to-you—Love-in-vain— Kiss-behind-the-garden-gate—-Jump-up-and-kiss-me-my-love —Love-in-idleness. Under this last name Shakspeare speaks of it in the famous passage, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act II. Se. 2:— “* Yet marked I where the bolt of Cupid fell; It fell upon a little western flower, Before milk-white, now purple with love’s wounds, And maidens call it ‘ Love-in-idleness.’ ”’ In the description of the effects of the flower that follows, there is evidently an allusion to the emblematical signifi- cation of the Pansy :— “* The juice of it on sleeping eyelids laid, Will make a man or woman madly dote Upon the next live creature that it sees.” And again below :— “* And with the juice of this I’ll streak her eyes, And make her full of hateful fantasies.’’ German rustics, I am told, call the Pansy stiefmutter, step- mother.—F asius OxoniEnsts in Notes and Queries. THE IRISH POTATO CROP OF 1864. Tue Irish Potato crop of 1864 is, perhaps, the finest that has been turned out of the ground for a quarter of a century. In some parts of the country where old lea lands were broken up and planted last spring the produce has reached a point hardly ever before attained. One instance we have heard or is that of a Down farmer who planted a small field with the variety called “Skerries,” and the produce raised amounted to 1000 bushels, being at the rate of 600 bushels to an Irish acre. Other cases have been recorded this season where a still larger turn-out has been taken up. In the palmiest days of Potato-growing, and ere the blight was heard of in Ireland, the average of 250 bushels of Potatoes, fit for market, to the statute acre, was thought a fair crop; for even then there were always found considerable quantities of inferior and unsound tubers which were thrown aside to, be used in cattle feeding. The care taken by growers for some years past, as well in the selection as in the change of soil for their Potato lands, has had the best effect on the crop; and, after long perseverance in the right path, the Trish farmer has reached a degree of success unequalled in the history of agriculture. It will be recollected by those who paid any attention to the subject that for a great many years before the setting in of the Potato disease it was not unusual for farmers to continue planting as seed the same variety of Potatoes, and this course was continued until the root had reached the highest degree of excellence as an article of food. In proportion, however, as some varieties of the article excelled in quality for table use, their value as seed declined ; and, when planted season after season, the natural vitality gave way, until at length direct disease came on the crop and general destruction followed, bringing want and misery to the doors of thousands of the peasantry. i The old habit of living half the year on the produce of his Potato plot has ceased to be the rule of the cottager in every part of Ireland. He no longer depends on the turn-out of a precarious crop for his subsistence. One of the results of the famine season, with all its dread realities, has been to familiarise the masses of the people in this country with a class of food much superior to that with which their fathers were accustomed to be content. If, therefore, the Potato 372 lands were again to be visited with the blight which made such havoe among them, the effect. would now be much less serious than it was eighteen years ago. As it is, the blessing of abundance will prove most advantageous this year, not only to the people as food, but to the farmers as additions to their material for the stall feeding of cattle.—(Banner of Ulster.) _. JAPANESE PLANTS AND CULTURE, Kanagawa, June 21st, 1864. So much hag been written by others about the natural products of Japan, that little remains to be said, having reference entirely to the limited range foreigners are per- mitted access to. Mr. Fortune’s book being especially de- voted to such subjects, is, of course, the most complete. ' Hodgson, in an appendix to his book, has a catalogue of native plants which I have not had an opportunity of ex- amining. Mr. Veitch contributes to Sir R. Alcock’s work valuable notes on the plants of Japan and its agriculture. He has, however, fallen into some few errors, which it may be as well to correct. Among the plants enumerated as growing wild are Nerium oleander, Vinca rosea, Balsamina hortensis, Celosia eristata, and others, which are undoubtedly all introduced; certainly they are not found growing in a wild state in this neighbourhood. In another place he speaks of wild Straw- berries, probably referring toa Potentilla bearing a profusion of tasteless fruit, very much resembling a small Strawberry. In my last I gave the names of some exotic plants culti- vated by the native gardeners. To these are to be added the Chinese Hibiscus, Pomegranate, Echinocactus Hyresii, and Epiphyllum, Justicia carnea major, a Quisqualis, Myrtus tomentosa, Tecoma jasminoides, Sago Palm, Oxalis Bowiei, Ardisia crenulata, and another species of which there are a dozen varieties, with variegated and curled foliage, with red and white fruit. They are entirely unique, and, indeed, I have seen no more valuable acquisitions in variegated plants, or any possessing greater interest than these as most beautiful additions to the already numerous list of hothouse plants of that character. ‘These exotics could only have been received from the Dutch and Portuguese in early times ; and consider- ing the limited intercourse allowed with foreigners, they are evidence that the florists of Japan are not without enterprise in their business, and ready to avail themselves ‘of every opportunity of adding rare and beautiful plants to their collections. Iwas surprised one day, on showing a prominent Japanese merchant a representation in stone of some foreign Pears, to see that he recognised the fruit, and to hear from him that a few trees were growing in the garden of a doctor at Miaco. I felt inclined to doubt his statement, thinking he was confounding them with the native varieties. He had, however, another name for them, and insisted on the correct- ness of his knowledge; also stating that the M.D. used the fruit for a medicine—an excellent way of disposing of his crop at remunerative prices. If they are foreign Pears, itis singular they have not been distributed. One cannot help feeling a regret, apart from commercial interests, at the mutual consents given by other govern- |. ments to the closing, for the present, of Kioto, the port of Osaca, near Miaco. ‘That city is the Paris of Japan, wherein is collected all that is rare and beautiful. As many as are the floral treasures obtained here, I have not the slightest doubt many more could be added to the number, if we were allowed to explore the gardens there. Not the least beautiful of Japanese plants is the Iris, of which many varieties are cultivated, from the purest white to the darkest blue, with all manner of intermediate shades and pencillings. I shall have a collection to send home the coming autumn; and if they survive and bloom, when you see them you will agree with me in saying their merits de- serve that they should be classed as a florist’s flower. An addition to the conservatory will be Magnolia parvi- flora, a species after the style of M. pumila, only of a more robust growth, with pure white flowersof a delicious fra- grance, The Maple, in all its variety of variegated and dissected leaves, will prove to be among our finest acquisitions of orna- mental hardy trees. The golden-leaved Pines are also to be JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ November 8, 1864, included in the list of decided novelties. I fear the difficulty of transporting them safely so great a distance will prevent. their introduction for some time, or until some one can give personal attention to them on the voyage. 1 fiattered myself this spring that I had obtained from Yedo a collection of twenty varieties of Tree Ponies, having given a dealer here directions to obtain that number of the most distinct and best from out of forty or fifty he said were cultivated. I believe he performed his part to the best of his, knowledge; but, unfortunately, he had to purchase them in bud, and when they bloomed I found only six or eight sorts. These, however, although not what I expected, will prove valuable as a source from which new sorts may be obtained by hybridisation. A fine addition to the greenhouse is an Orchid very similar to, if not a species of, Bletia, in growth like the old B. Tan- kervillie [Phaius grandifolius.—Ep.], only more beautiful than that old favourite. In passing the other day a small garden in an obscure situation, I saw growing a row of young plants of Indian Corn, with leaves distinctly striped with white. Of course I made a note of it, to procure seed at the proper season. Who knows but what, after a while, the vegetable gardener may invite you to look at his gold-blotched Cabbage, his tri- coloured Lettuce, silver-margined Squashes, or striped Cu- cumbers ? The past winter has been exceedingly dry, and somewhat colder than usual. The spring too, has been more backward, but seasonable rains came on in time for the Wheat and Barley crops. The harvesting of the Jast is nearly over, and that of the Wheat will soon commence. Farmers are now also busy transplanting Rice from the seed-beds to the paddy fields. This work, although not laborious, would, to those who perform it be exceedingly unpleasant, as those who perform it have to wade all day long knee deep in water. It is chiefly done by women and boys, the men performing the severer. labour of preparing the fields for the reception of the plant. Mr. Veitch says the transplanting is done in April. He probably refers to sowing the seed in nursery-beds. Immediately after the grain crops are harvested, no time is lost in sowing Cotton, Sesamum, Buckwheat, and Sweet, Potatoes. Their system of liquid manuring enables them to plant at once, without any further preparation of the soil than simply opening the drills for the reception of the seed. They practise sowing seed very thickly—I should think twice as much as is necessary, the surplus being just so much grain lost. Millet and Maize are both transplanted, but neither to the extent to entitle them to the name of a field crop. Potatoes are in blossom, and are now looking, fine. The late rains will aid them very much in producing a large crop, which will be wanted to help to feed the small army of foreign soldiers now gathering here for the purpose of reconciling the Japanese government to the inevitable change that must take place in their policy towards other nations, or, in other words, bayonet reconciliation. Not the least consideration with myself is, that in the end freer access will be permitted to other portions of the country.— T. Hoaa.—(American Gardeners’ Monthly.) ENVILLE HALL. (Continued from page 356.) PLEASURE GROUNDS. As we return from the kitchen garden and cross the road- way already referred to, we might enter the flower garden and pleasure grounds of 70 acres by the post-office private entrance (4), close to Mr. Craw’s residence ; and having passed the three lakes termed the conservatory pools (20), we would obtain, as far as the inequality of the ground permit, a bird’s-eye view of the whole up to the extreme south- west point, where the pagoda is placed some 200 feet above the level of these pools. With great undulations (one of the chief charms of these gardens), the grounds as a whole rise sometimes gradually and at other times abruptly from this level to the boundary woods and sheep-walks beyond. A line from the mansion on the south to beyond these pools on the north, and not distant from the private road, might be considered the base of an unequal-sided triangle, which November 8, 1864. J formed the greater part of the dressed grounds; the pagoda standing in the acute angle opposite the base, and the sea- horse pool and Jordan’s pool, with their splendid fountains, being on the south side of the triangle. Such, we think, would be the best entrance for a stranger with little time to spare, and who wished to carry away with him the prepon- derating ideas of the vast and the magnificent as well as the beautiful. But to obtain anything like a clear idea of the diversified interest of Enyille, we would advise the stranger to do just what we will attempt to do with our readers—take them with us, and enter by the same bronzed gates that admit the general public (1a), without going so far as the en- trance (1), that leads to the mansion (2), as gardening rather than architecture is our theme. Opposite the entrance is a rabbit-yard and aviary (3), both in excellent condition, and furnishing endless amuse- ment and instruction to those who, like Lady Stamford, are partial to the study of such departments of natural history. The interest of these places is greatly increased by the rabbits not only having every convenience, but full oppor- tunity for holeing and burrowing, and by many of the birds showing off the brightness of their plumage to advantage from being allowed ample space and protection among the sombre Yews and other evergreens that separate these yards from her ladyship’s garden (6), and her dove-house (16), which is equally sheltered and interesting. But as flowers are our object at present, we enter a walk that runs northward again, separated by a wall from the road- way, called the Rose walk, and beside it is a straight ribbon- border (5). The wall is covered with Wistarias, Jasmines, Honeysuckles, &c. ‘Then climbing Roses are festooned, and half-standard Roses in a line in front, the ribboning being then Brilliant Geranium, Aurea floribunda Calceolaria, Lobelia speciosa, and Cerastium next the grass verge. This border was very nice as the first dish of the banquet. A turn to the left from the middle of that ribbon walk brings us to Lady Stamford’s flower garden (6), behind the aviary. This, though most simply arranged, is inter- esting as almost the only attempt like combinution or mass- ing of groups to be found in these gardens. The garden is centered by a large elevated basin fountain of the shell pattern, surrounded by eight circular beds ¢ {good size. Four of these beds were filled with blue Loliclia, with a broad edging of a pretty pink Verbena pegged down; and the other four, placed alternately with these, were filled with Countess of Warwick and Christine Geraniums, and three rows of Golden Chain next the grass. The Golden Chain does admirably in these gardens. A horseshoe or semicircular ribbon-border, next the Yews and evergreens, surrounds the half of this garden, and was thus planted, beginning at the grass: Lobelia speciosa, Aurea floribunda Calceolaria, Emperor of the French Geranium, Hendersonii Geranium, and standard Roses in front of the fine bank of evergreens. This little garden is open to the walks on the north and west sides, with the exception of some small circular beds (represented thus in the plan .), about 34 feet in diameter or less, at something like regular distances near the sides of the walks, each centred with a Rose or Humea, and variously filled with bedding plants. There are several hundreds of these small beds over the ground, and all we saw were filled with great taste, though in some cases it seemed to us that their absence would have been more gratifying than their presence, as interfering with breadth of view and confusing rather than giving repose to the eye. On the open side of this garden is a fine specimen of the Venetian Sumach (Rhus cotinus), which, though perhaps not more than 10 feet in height, is 89 feet in circumference of head, and must have been a splendid sight when covered with its feathery spikes of bloom. Though originally one plant, some of its branches had bent themselves to the ground and thrown up stems, but this is not seen without examination. From this garden a walk leads to the north front of the mansion, passing the dove-house (16), itself backed by a noble mass of Portugal Laurel, and fronted nearer the mansion with a splendid plant of the same (15), that has layered itself a little like the Sumach and is fully 200 feet in circumference of head. This is paired on the other side of the walk by a fine Rhododendron ponticum (14), the head JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 373 of which is 185 feet in circumference as it sweeps the ground. That is the measurement given to us as correct by one of Mr. Craw’s assistants. Our own measurement from stepping round it made it 1 foot more. Just opposite the dove-house is a fine Purple Beech, with its branches sweeping the lawn, and there are several other nice trees and masses of ever- greens besides. Now, though flowers are attractive, place them where you will, we must own that we would rather have seen none of these small beds by the sides of this walk from the mansion, and for these reasons: heir smallness detracts from the dignity of the mansion; they tend to fritter away by their very regularity, instead of enhance, the magnificence of the fine specimens of trees and gorgeous masses of shrubs, more picturesque than formal in their outline, and by the eye being accustomed to flowers, though. in small masses, the visitors from the house would be less astonished and delighted by the large circular masses of bloom in Lady Stamford’s garden, and in the five or six assemblages of these large circles that stretch in dif- ferent departments, each with its own distinctive name, from Lady Stamford’s garden to the conservatory pools, and westward beyond the conservatory. If any possible im- provement as to floral display is to be effected at Enville, it will be done more by aiming at concentration than diffu- sion—more by giving increased relief and repose, and there- fore augmented variety, than by the bewildering repetition. that is apt to terminate in confused sameness. Great minds there may be to whom nothing is impossible, but to the most of us there is'a difficulty in comprehending and ana- lysing the attractions of different objects when presented to our view at one and the same time. Returning to the north-east side of Lady Stamford’s garden, we enter on a winding walk that leads to the con- servatory pools (20), passing on the left hand three of these departments or gardens for flowers, grouped with large circles in the middle and small ones round the outside. In the first department, containing a fine specimen of Pinus macrocarpa (10), we counted twenty large circles, and about the same number of smaller ones. We cannot evenattempt to describe the planting of these, or the 160 beds in all, ranging from 18 to 23 feet in diameter, but we will ere long give the planting of afew as an example. The second depart- ment, among other evergreens has a fine specimen of Thuja aurea (11), and a large Wistaria sinensis now trained round hoops, and which generally blooms well. The plant was formerly trained against the walls of an orangery which has long been removed. On the right-hand side igs one of: the finest features of Envillein a floral point of view, in the shape of the post-office ribbon-border, so called because extending from Lady Stam- ford’s garden to that private entrance, running nearly parallel with part of the straight ribbon-border already re- ferred to (5), and with the private road, but so thoroughly blocked out from both that you might well imagine there were no such things near you. Beginning at the grass verge this border was planted as follows: Two rows of Golden Chain Geranium; a broad band of Lobelia speciosa from seed; a fine row of Little David Geranium, dwarfer and more free-flowering than Tom Thumb ; a fine thick row of Flower of the Day Geranium with the flowers nipped off ; a row of Perilla, with standard Roses at regular intervals; and the back row Hollyhocks, chiefly grown with a single stem, and which showed to great advantage from the dark mass of evergreens behind them, relieved, however, by the varied hue of the finer-foliaged Hollies. Golden Chain ‘was thoroughly at home in the front belt, and to make this three thousand good plants were required, This ribbon was a gem. The pools to which we have now come are different, but communicating with each other. All are well supplied with waterfowl, and their banks are well fringed with plants, chiefly Rhododendrons, Willows, Alder, &c., except the south and west banks of the upper pool, which thus bring the water in view from the conservatory. The east side of that pool, besides the evergreens, was also fringed with some herbaceous plants, as Variegated Balm and Variegated Alyssum ; but any thoughts of their appositness for the situation were dispelled by the proud demeanour of the swans, who followed us all round the upper pool, no doubt disputing our right to visit their domains. Between the 374 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 8, 1864, November 8, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 375 middle pool and the east end of the conservatory is a fine mass of evergreens, fronted with Rhododendrons. On the south side of the upper pool close to the water is a fine mass of Oaks; and on the west side is a fine old gnarled Oak, with the top branches beginning to decay, telling of the hundreds of years it has braved the tempest as well as the breeze (28). From the vicinity of this Oak (28), a good view is obtained of the north side of the conservatory, and the pinnacles of the museum and smoke-tower; and direct west on to the owl and eagle-house, and thence to the pagoda is comparatively open lawn, with dense groups of evergreens, and Pines, &e., thinly scattered and enlivened by but few of the large circle flower-beds which so bewildered us near the fine ribbon-border. As to the eagle-house (27), we may here say, that it is a fine, strong, rustic structure surrounded by stout wire fencing. There are fine specimens of both kinds of birds; but what rather surprised us was the fact, that though there are large holes made in the artificial rock for the denizens to retire to when they think proper, especially in severe weather, they hardly ever enter them; and even the owls prefer building their nests and hatching their young on the ground in a sheltered place between jutting stones, instead of going into the deep recesses which we would have thought they would use. The conservatory (19), is a very elegant building com- bining great artistic and architectural taste with much fitness for the object contemplated. It was designed and erected by the late firm of Messrs. Gray & Ormson. It is in length 160 feet, and in breadth 79 feet. It stands upon a raised platform some 20 feet above the level of the upper pool, and has a broad gravel terrace all round it, graced with fine pyramidal plants of Sweet Bay in tubs. These fine Bays are placed under protectionin winter. The stoke- Cox SERVATORY AT ENVILLE. holes are reached from an opening, close to the steps, in the sloping bank on the north side of the terrace. Three boilers are used, and 5000 feet of four-inch piping. On the lawn at the base of this'slope are placed six raised beds or baskets of an hexagonal or octagonal shape, their sides covered with bark, and these baskets were all planted in the mixed style; all attempts at artistic arrange- ment being thoroughly concealed. They afforded a relief after looking at the hundreds of flower-béds, so neat and trim that not a twig or a blossom seemed as if it could get out of place. We were reminded of what we have sometimes noticed in nosegay making—one person will take a long time to produce a desired effect, and after all the composi- tion will be as stiff as a poker in its symmetry; whilst a young lady in a few minutes will go to her own border, cull a sprig here and another there, place them in position as she goes along without making great pretensions to aiming at taste, and yet eight out of ten people would prefer the nosegay thus huddled together just because there was more of the natural than the artistic about it. The inside of the conservatory is not yet finished, as it is desirable to allow the ground full time for sinking and be- coming consolidated before putting down beautiful path- ways. On this account little except a few creepers are per- manently plantedout. There isto bea wide pathway or road down the centre, and narrower ones along the sides, and by the sides of these paths the pipes for heating are placed in chambers, with open iron-grating work over them. The main supports of the building are of iron, and the main columns are hollow to act as drain-pipes from the roof. All the rest for the reception of the glass except the domes is formed of wood. The ventilation is ample, and the tops of the domes are easily opened and shut by a wire rope con- cealed among the climbers round the pillars. About the middle of one end were two fine plants in tubs of Araucaria excelsa, which will soon be through the roof if not provided 376 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 8, 1864. for elsewhere, and to balance these on the other side were / two fine plants of Yucca, or Dracena, with good clear stems and large heads of green leaves. Camellias, Azaleas, Oranges, Fuchsias, &c., made up the most of the present furnishing, and the prominent creepers and climbers dangling in pro- fusion from the roof were Tecomas, Acacias, Passifloras, and Tacsonia mollissima. iE We forgot to mention, that the smoke from the furnaces of this conservatory is conducted underground to an elegant tower at the north-east corner of the museum (21), and at a short distance from this museum is Lady Stamford’s dove- house (22), where an interesting collection is kept. From the middle of the terrace on the south front of the conservatory a walk, with flower-beds on each side, leads up to an open lawn on which are some wonderful Lime trees, of which more anon. This walk if it had gone straight on would have landed at a fine Rhododendron close to the mansion. At the centre of this walk there is a beautiful basin and fountain with fine specimens of pyramidal Sweet Bays set round it in tubs on the gravel. The basin is deep, but to prevent waterfowl from getting in and possibly not getting out, strong wire-netting is placed across some 15 inches or so below the surface of the water. We have thought that the large beds, some 20 feet in diameter, placed on each side of this walk on the south front of the con- servatory might help to give an idea of the system of plant- ing. We will just premise then that the opposite beds were planted alike to balance each other, as well as to contrast with their neighbours, and that in the first row next the walk there were four beds; in the second and third rows three beds; and these were mostly placed so that the beds im one row angled the beds in the other row next it. In the first row then, beginning at the conservatory, the opposite sides of the walk being the same, the first bed was Little David Geranium, edged with Variegated Alyssum ; the second bed Lobelia speciosa, edged with Golden Chain Geranium; the third bed the same, being on the opposite side of the fountain; and the fourth bed was a repetition of the first. In the second row, the first bed was Hendersonii nana Geranium, edged with Pink Pearl Geranium; second bed, Rosy Queen Geranium, edged with Ageratum kept low; third bed, Hendersonii Geranium, edged with Pink Minimum Nosegay. In the third row, the first bed was Purple King Verbena, edged with Lord Stamford Verbena, a whiteleaved variegated with pink flowers and much valued; second bed, Emperor of the French Geranium plunged in pots, edged with Purple Kine; third bed, Amplexicaulis Calceolaria, edged with Amaranthus melancholicus, the latter doing well; and so on with the other rows. These beds from their very massiveness looked very well. All these beds and -elso the other circles were raised in the centre so'as to make half, and | some fully more than half a ball, and all were densely filled. Among the many fine beds, it may not be amiss here to mention a few that struck us as being particularly fine; and here we must, perhaps, mention first the circle 23 feet in diameter, near the lower conservatory pool, planted with Trentham Rose Geranium, and densely edged with Cen- taurea candidissima, and a bed of the same size filled with a fine dark Petunia, named Lord Stamford. Then the following beds—Amplexicaulis Calceolaria and Ageratum ; again with Amaranthus, and again with a strong blue purple Verbena ; Gazanias, very fine, with blue Lobelia; Brilliant Geranium with Purple King Verbena; Cloth of Gold Gera- nium and Purple King Verbena; Purple King and Lord Stam- ford Geranium; Pearl Geranium, a dwarf pinkish Nosegay, with Madame Vaucher; Alma Geranium with Trifolium repens nigrum, a pretty bed; Lord Stamford Geranium with the above Trifolium; Lobelia speciosa, strong plants from seed, edged with Gazania splendens; Geranium Rosy Queen with Ageratum; Trentham Rose Geranium and Cineraria maritima; Mrs. Pollock Geranium and Lobelia speciosa ; Purple King Verbena, and Lord Stamford Geranium, &e. Nothing surprised us more than the extreme brilliancy of the Amplexicaulis Calceolaria, which made it a striking feature all over the grounds. It used to be equally fine with us, but owing to the drought and no water to help it, we had but few flowers after the middle of August. On second thoughts we think it better to defer some con- cluding remarks—a few words on the style of arranging these huge beds. From the south of the conservatory a fine peep is obtained of the top of the museum, and the elegant smoke tower, sur- | rounded with Ivy, and banked up with huge banks of ever- greens; and between the museum and the fine Lime tree, the eye passes far beyond the dressed grounds to the arched gates that lead to the drive in the woods, that takes onward to the more elevated sheep-walks. In the front of the above bank of evergreens at the museum, extending a long way westward, is a narrow ribbon border of three rows (29), Manglesii Geranium next the grass, Brilliant behind, and then Amplexicaulis Calceolaria next to the bank of green and telling very much by its bright yellow for a great distance. - Of the museum itself, though we took a few notes, we must say nothing of its birds, and fishes, and animals, and shells, and fossils, and ores, and minerals, and kinds of rocks, but from its pinnacled turrets, and pretty oriel win- dows, and its position on a knoll, and its background of trees and evergreens, it forms a fine feature to the grounds from many distinct points of view. R. FisH. (Zo be continued.) WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Keep the heaps of compost well turned over, as the time is approaching when every advantage must be taken of frosty mornings to wheel it over the land. As a general rule, ground that is very deeply trenched should be manured after the trenching, and the manure forked in, except in the case of its being intended to be cropped with tap-rooted plants, which will require the manure to be trenched-in deeply, and not incorporated with the surface soil. Trench- ing all vacant ground must be vigorously followed up, taking care to trench-in all green and decaying refuse, which is better than throwing ‘such materials in «a heap to decay, which entails a positive loss of fertilismg matter. Breccoli, it is now high time to perform the operation termed “‘lay- ing” with the stock of spring Broccolis. A tender veye- table will endure severe weather better when deprived of a portion of its succulence than when overtaken by frost when in a luxuriant state. Cauliflowers, those already headed to be carefully taken up and stacked m a dry pit, or underthe pro- tection of a wall, where a thatched shutter may be employed in unfavourable weather to ward off the wet. Endive, as many as possible of these plants and of Lettuces should be transplanted into frames, where they may be at least pro- tected from rain. Sudden frost succeeding rains will more injuriously affect advancing salads than any other possible circumstance of weather. Mushrooms, take advantage of wet ‘days for making fresh Mushroom-beds, and clearing out those that are spent; also, collect and prepare droppings for forming fresh beds by spreading them in a shed and turning them every day until they are sufficiently dried to prevent excessive fermentation after putting up. Look over root- stores occasionally to see that nothing is going wrong. Take advantage of a Gry day to earth-up Celery, which now should be done effectually, as we are uncertain how soon frost may set in. Clear off all decaying leaves, &c., and stir the snrface of the soil on dry days among growing crops. i : FRUIT GARDEN. Gooseberry, Currant, and Raspberry pruning and planting should be in progress. An adequate quantity of cuttings of the first two should be put in every season to provide for possible losses. The due preparation of borders for the re- ception of fruit trees should be completed, and the trees planted in the course of the month. Pruning and nailing may be commenced, a judicious system of stopping in the growing season renders the first-named operation a com- paratively light and easy task. FLOWER GARDEN. : Make the garden look as pretty and lively as possible during the winter, and this can be done with comparatively little trouble and expense after the first outlay, by filling those beds which are not planted with bulbs, or sown with hardy annuals, with dwarfed specimens of shrubs. The beds near the house would look best filled with Laurustinus, Aucuba japonica, Golden and Silver-leaved Hollies, Arbutus, November 8, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 377 Berberis, evergreen Rhododendrons, and Box; those at a greater distance with Portugal and common Laurels, Arbor Vite, Phillyrea, &c., filling each bed with one distinct sort. We have frequently seen shrubs kept in pots for this pur- pose, but we consider this as unnecessary trouble. In re- moving them from their winter to their summer quarters, plant them in prepared beds in the reserve garden, and by regularly pruning back the summer growth of some, and pinching off the ends of shoots of others, a compact dwarf shrub will be obtained, and thus be in readiness for another year. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. During the short dull @ays and long nights of this month, great care must be taken with all plants that have finished their growth to keep them free from all excitement, and pretty dry at the roots. Chrysanthemums will now be de- corative plants here and will require attentive watering. Although they are very showy plants, and to see them ar- ranged as to colour, size, &c., to advantage, they would require a house to themselves, nevertheless, it is necessary to be cautious that they are not introduced to such an excess as to overcrowd other and more valuable plants. All dead leaves to be picked off. A gentle fire to be applied during the day, which will allow of a free circulation of fresh air being afforded, and, by closing up early in the afternoon, will produce sufficient heat to resist the encroachments of ordinary frosts at night. Even when severe frosts occur, night coverings, if possible, should be applied in preference to fire heat. All hardwooded New Holland plants, such as Eutaxias, Boronias, Pimeleas, &e., are very susceptible of injury from cold drying winds; therefore, if they are wintered in the same house with the more hardy sorts of greenhouse plants, they should be accommodated with a situation free from draughts, with plenty of air from the top sashes in fine days. Choice Fuchsias that have been trained with a handsome leader should be preserved in the greenhouse, to be supplied with plenty of air and light to keep the wood sound and healthy, in pre- ference to storing them away under the stage, or any other out-of-the-way place. Creepers to be closely tied that they may not interfere to an injurious extent with the amount of light in the house. PITS AND FRAMES. The cheapest and most effectual coverings for pits and frames are wood frames the length and width of each light, thatched 2 inches thick with wheaten straw. The frames to be made of well-seasoned deal, the sides, ends, and centre bar to be 12 inch thick by 2% wide, to be morticed and glued together, and small bars 1 inch square to be let in at about 1 foot apart to support the straw. Any two handy men will thatch one in a few minutes. A more temporary framework may be formed of shingles such as are used for making sheep- hurdles. Such coverings are neater, cleaner, cheaper, more easily put on and taken off, and’ more efficient than mats or any other covering at present in use. Indiscriminate water- ing must be avoided in the treatment of stock in pits and frames. Well-matured plants with no stagnant water about the roots, will resist such a low degree of frost as would be im- mediate death to others of the same sort that are succulent, ofimmature growth, and saturated with moisture. Hyacinths may still be planted in pots or put into glasses, and those which have been brought forward according to previous directions, may be forwarded in heat if required for early bloom. They can also be grown in pots of moss kept moist —W. Kranz. DOINGS OF THE LAST WHEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Have done little here, being anxious to collect turf and soil for future composts whilst the weather remains dry, as that makes such a difference in the carriage. Preparing for future planting, and especially opening holes for transplant- ing good-sized Larches and other forest trees, as, the holes being opened and the soil spread out, the latter will have the advantage of the first rains that fall, so that moist earth may go against the roots at least. The same should be done as respects preparing to plant fruit trees. In our circumstances it would be folly to plant anything until the ground be more moistened, or there be plenty of water at hand to supply the deficiency. In making the holes for forest trees we never saw such dryness, and to great depths. Our prophecy in summer as to wells becoming dry in Novem- ber is being too much verified from the accounts we receive from many quarters ; and also, as we stated then, the taking the water in August somewhat freely, and the using it with great care and stint, have made little or no difference. Use it, or not use it, the water in the well would sink to the general level, and when dry we must either sink the well deeper or wait until the water rises. The nearest running streams to us are 34, 4, and 5 miles distant, and we are from 250 to 300 feet above them. As these streams sink so do our wells, as we presume none of them are deep enough to go beyond the chalk formation. Many of us rejoiced in the water we obtained by the last rains, and we would just throw out the hint to those whose wells are low or dry to use even the rain water with care and economy, as if we have a wet winter, and get plenty of water in our tanks and pools, the spring will have come before these rains tell much on our wells. There is an old axiom, that almost every housetop will catch enough of rainfall to meet the wants of those who inhabit it; but then how few houses have tanks or reservoirs sufficiently large tio hold the whole of the water that falls in the case of heavy rains. Even in the last rains there were many thousands of gallons that went from our walks and roads that would have been worth almost anything in summer. Many summers like the last will make us more careful of the water that falls from buildings at least, and we know of several instances where all over- flows from the soft-water tanks will not be allowed to escape by the main drain as heretofore, mixed with all the house sewage, but will have a separate drain for itself into a reser- voir, that shall be filled with pure water only. Instances also occur of parks and fields being so drained that the water shall be first emptied into a reservoir before the over- flow finds its way into ditches or other outlets. As an instance of the scarcity of water this season, we may men- tion that buildings stood still for want of water to make mortar, or were continued at a ruinous cost to the contractor from having to cart water from a distance of four miles, and up and down steep hills. With all the dryness, however, the late rains have brought up the Wheat beautifully, and vegetables are thriving well when once established. As a measure of precaution. broke some leaves over the heads of Cauliflowers to prevent a slight frost injuring them. Hoed and cleaned among young Onions, Spinach, Cabbages, &c. Looked over seed Potatoes, took up Carrots, planted Shallots and Garlic, earthed-up Celery, especially one bed of tall strong red, that requires endless work in comparison with the Dwarf Incomparable. Cut a good many of the Red Cabbage for pickling. Switched the walks hard to prevent them becoming a harbour for worms and slugs. FRUIT GARDEN. Looked over gathered fruit, removing any that are specked, just leaving a little air on the house, to prevent, too much clammy sweating. We lately said that Pears ripened under glass were rather deficient in flavour, but some forward specimens, Marie Louise and Glou Morceau, were pronounced most excellent. We fear we overdid the little trees with bearing. A small garden of dwarf trees would be most interesting. Say a hard concrete bottom, soil 20 inches deep, trees well pinched-in, planted 5 feet apart, in rows 6 feet from each other, and a frame put over, so as to permit of covering with frigidomo. Heavy crops, summer pinching, and surface manuring, would keep these healthy and fruitful with but little necessity for root-pruning or frequent replanting. Pruned as we could find an oppor- tunity, but wished we could do more, as it is more comfort- able doing it now than in winter; but where attention could be given in summer, the pruning now will chiefly consist in removing or shortening the late summer and autumn growths. Here is just one of those cases in which the amateur or the nurseryman who chiefly affects one department of gar- dening, should, and so often does, beat the gentleman’s gar- dener. In the one case, everything may be done at the right time; in the other, one sort of work must often wait for another, unless in those extraordinary cases where labour is very plentiful, and one man, or set of men, may be set to attend to one department. Even a little extra work or job 378 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 8, 1864. will often throw all arrangements out of gear until the lee- way can be brought up again. In the orchard-house we swept and cleaned the leaves from the earliest part, and moved the trees in pots, setting them closer together, and will put litter among and over the pots by-and-by, and thus placing them close together will give room for lots of Geraniums, &c., from the beds, and for Cauliflower, Lettuce, and Endive for the winter. These trees have all been syringed with water at about 170°, after the smoking with Laurel leaves that we gave them. After the smoking we noticed some Ribston Pippin trees in pots, that had some American blight (Aphis lanigera), on them that did not seem killed by the smoking, the woolly matter, no doubt protecting them. These we have set out of doors as a preparatory step to thoroughly cleaning them top and roots, for on examining the roots we found there was as. much blight below the soil as above it. We shall use strong lime water, or ammoniacal water, if we can obtain it, and then paint with Gishurst or sulphur and clay. We never had this insect on Pear trees but once, and that was on an Althorp Crasanne, and it existed at almost every bud. It had several scourings with lime water in the autumn, and was painted with clay and sulphur in winter, and the insect never made its appearance again. Turpentine, and even oil, will kill all the insects they touch, or shut them up from the air; but both are so far injurious to the plants. Thick lime wash would be as effectual for shutting them up from air for a time, and would do no harm. Mr. Rivers, at least, ought to have the credit of doing away with the idea, that a man could only plant Pear trees for the benefit of his grandchildren. These Apple trees, and some Plums and Pears, were procured, as far as we re- collect, as maidens, in the spring of 1863, and then potted. They were grown out of doors that year in small pots, and were fruited in-doors in the present season, and just bore too heavily to perfect a forest of buds for next season, but with a more moderate crop, they would continue year after year. Even as it is, there will be plenty of buds for a crop. if deemed necessary, therefore, by station planting, root- pruning, or summer pinching, the plant that is budded or grafted in the season of 1864, may produce fruit at least in 1867, and often in 1866, if you wished merely to say that such a thing could be done. The fruiting so early would, however, like taking a crop from Vines some fifteen or eighteen months from the bud, render future crops from the plant a very problematical affair. For other matters see notices of previous weeks. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Did a little to keep the lawn and the walks passable, have too much in hand to attempt to go over them every day. Will defer a good thorough cleaning in all parts until the most of the leaves have come down. Ash, Lime, and Elm leaves are now nearly down, but those of the Beech stick as if glued with bird lime, and Oaks are as yet rather green. The very sight of the tops of the trees now, will tell at once the nature of the tree as respects its rooting. All those whose roots extend chiefly along the surface, as the Ash and the Elm, have shown long ago the ripening effects of the dry summer, whilst the deep-rooting Oak shows no great dif- ference from its statein ordinary years. In the fruit garden the state of the foliage will also often give a good lesson. Thus, where it has fallen, or is in course of doing so, nothing is wanted but a little top-dressing to increase vigour if required. Where the leaves are still vigorous and green, it says plainly enough that the roots are going down deep, and might be the better if their points were nipped off to lessen the vigour. Took up a number of Geraniums from the beds, and placed them thickly under cover until we have time to look over them. Took up and potted a number of large plants that formed the centre of the pyramidal beds. Talking of pyramidal beds, we hope ere long to describe some pyramids of Calceolarias, &e., at Bentley Priory that did thoroughly sur- prise us, and that made a grand contrast with the usual beds. We have not had time to finish. our Calceolaria cuttings, but will be satisfied if we can do so before the old plants are touched with frost. We are glad that a correspondent has drawn our attention to our description of putting in these cuttings at page 338. That description is all right enough, with this exception that “10” is printed for “2.” The little sentence that puzzles him should read thus—‘“ This season we plant them in rows 1 inch apart, and the rows are nearly 2 inches from each other.’”’ Last season the rows were only 4 inch apart, but that was rather close, as the rooted cut- tings became a perfect thicket early in spring. Had we plenty of room we would give the cuttings more of it—say from double to three times as much—and then we might save ourselves transplanting until we turned the plants at once into the beds. Our practice hitherto has been to take up these thick-set Calceolarias in March, plant out in beds where we can give a little protection, lift with balls in May, and transfer to the blooming-beds. ; Another correspondent asks if it would not be better to take up now and pot or plant under glass nice stubby plants from the beds? We say, No, except you wish to have large plants as centres, or to grow in pots for early spring and summer blooming. For symmetrical plants in beds we prefer plants from cuttings inserted now, and a score of cuttings may be placed in the room that would be required for a fair-sized plant. ‘An Op Birp” tells us, “ My Calceolarias were all struck in the end of September, long before you put one in. I saw your Calceolarias in September, and they were only pass- able, whilst mine were extra good. I mean to keep to early striking.” By all means: a man is right to use the bridge that takes him safest over the stream. We have struck late for many years, and never missed a fine bloom in Sep- tember and onwards until this season; and that we consider entirely owing, not to the time the cuttings were put in, but to the great drought with which we were visited. Our object in late striking is, that the plants may have as little check as possible, and yet be kept inasmall space until May. Older plants, and plants curbed and checked, we thought we had proved were apt to wear out, or only yield leaves instead of masses of flowers in the autumn. We are tho- roughly convinced that, had we a stream or a large reservoir of water near us, our Calceolarias this autumn would have been as good as they usually are; still, that is no reason why another plan may not be as good or better than ours in different circumstances. A sense of honour must insist on detailing the very plans used, and mentioning failures as well as successes, otherwise these notes could be of no value or interest whatever. We like to hear everybody’s opinion, and still more their practice; for even if we cannot adopt all these modes, we may still have the advantage of knowing that “in the multitude of councillors there is safety.” All bedding plants are now kept rather dry—that is those struck lately, and a little hay and litter is in readiness to throw over them in a sudden frost, as we are not ready to take many into our fruit-houses as yet. Commenced clear- ing out the conservatory, and fresh surfacing and cleaning the pots to go there. Chrysanthemums with us this season will be late and we fear rather inferior, in consequence of keeping them for two months banked-up against the north side of a shed very much shaded by trees. As we could not give them any water, this was the only shift we could resort to to keep them alive. They now look fair after being exposed since the rain came. Cinerarias, Primroses, &c., have had all the air possible, with shutting up partially at night. Shortened the climbers in conservatory to give more light, and cut the leaves from lots of fine-leaved Begonias that the pots may stand in another house anywhere in the shade. Plenty of air will be required for Croweas, Leschenauitias, Diosmas, Boronias, Gompholobiums, &c., but if they are near the front glass, the air should not pour at once on the stems. It is safest in winter to give top air rather freely, instead of giving so much by the front sashes. Pots should also be frequently rung with the knuckles to see that they are not over-dry, as dryness now is the fruitful cause of so many Camellia-buds dropping before expanding. Azaleas should also now be kept free from thrips, and if there is room might as well remain in a coolish house before the leayes drop that are likely to do so. Stove plants to bloom in winter, as Euphorbias, Poinsettias, and Justicias, should now have less water and more air until the flower-buds appear, when more water, heated, may be given to encourage strength and size of flower. It will now be time to trim creepers and twiners in this department. In summer they act as one of the best shades; but now light will be the chief thing that we cannot command, and, therefore, every advantage should be taken to get as much as possible of it.—R. F. November 8, 1864 ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 379 Sr as COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—NovemBer 5. The market continues well supplied, and continental arrivals are heavy. Pines are far from plentiful, and prices are maintained. Grapes are suffi- cient for the demand, and include Dutch Hamburghs, but being inferior to home-grown fruit prices rule lower. New Lemons from Messina begin to arrive in quantity, and are of excellent quality ; Oranges of the new crop are not yet coming in freely. Dessert Apples and Pears, both of the best and inferior quality, are very abundant; the former include Ribston, New- town, Cox’s Orange, and Golden Pippins, and King of the Pippins; the latter, Crassane, Duchesse d’Angouléme, Marie Louise, Glou Morceau, and great quantities of common Bergamots. Some fine specimens of foreign Apples and Fears are now to be seen in the fruiterers’ windows, consisting of Uvedale’s St. Germain, under the name of Belle Angevine, Catillac, Glou Morceau, und Easter Beurré Pears; and of Reinette du Canada and White Calville Apples. FRUIT. as. d. 8s. d s. d. s. d Apples., #sieve 1 Oto2 0] Melons ... each 1 6to4 0 Apricots ..doz. 0 0 QO 0] Mulberries . punnet 0 0 0 4 Cherries lb. 0 0 O 0] Nectarines .. doz, 0 0 0°O Chestnuts . bush. 14 6 20 Oj Oranges.. 100 10 0 14 0 Currants, Red...3 sieve 0 0 0 0} Peaches .. doz, 4 0 16 0 Black. do. 0 0 O 0} Pears (kitchen)...bush. 5 0 10 0 oer afnOM ON a2 057-0) dessert... oz, 10 3 0 S 60 0 80 0} Pine Apples apin6 Oh. 9520, Cobs ..... proces do. 70 0 8) O} Plums ...... ae Sy Ounces Gooseberties ..3sieve 0 0 0 0] Pomegranates 04 06 Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 1 6 5 Of Quinces .... 16 380 Muscats .. 3 0 7 O| Raspberries. 00 00 Lemons ........ 5 0 12 0} Walnuts 14 0 20 6 VEGETABLES. s. d. s. d ad. oad Artichokes . 0 4to0 6] Horseradish ... bundle 2 6to5 0 Asparagus .. 0 0 O 0} Leeks. .banch © 2 © 8 Beans Broad. i 0 0 O 0} Lettuce... score 2 0 4 0 Kidney sieve 3 0 4 Oj Mushrooms ......pottle 1 6 2 6 Beet, Red doz. 1 0 3 0} Mustd.&Cress,punnet 9 2 0 0 1 0 1 6] Onions ...........bushel 2 0 4 0 DGS 6h! pickling ...... quart 0 6 O 8 Cabbage doz. 1 0 2 0O| Parsley ...doz. bunches 4 0 6 0 Capsicums 1 0 2 O| Parsnips . doz 0 9 10 Carrots ..... 0 5 O 8] Peas...... quart 0 0 0 0 Cauliflower . es a0n 6) .10 26 4.0 Celery ..... bundle 10 2 0 OVO) PT 40) Cucumbers . each 0 6 1 0) Savoys .. ee dOz. ell SOR 246) pickling doz. 0 0 O 0} Sea-kale basket 3 6 O 0 Endive score 2 6 3 0} Spinach.. sievs 2 0 3 0 Fennel bunch 0 3 O 0] Tomatoe i 20 +4 -0 Garlic an ots, lb. 0 8 0 O| Turnips... OST OIG Herbs...,......).....bunch 0 8 0 0! VegetableMarrowsdoz. 0 0 0O 0 TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. William Barron, Elvaston Nurseries, Derby.—Select Cata- logue of Ornamental Plants, 1864-5. Smith & Simons, 34 and 35, Argyle Arcade, Glasgow.— Catalogue of Gladioli, &c. James Veitch, Royal Exotic Nursery, King’s Road, Chelsea, London.—Deseriptive Fruit Catalogue, 1864-5. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,%* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. Nae any questions must remain unanswered until next week. Srx Cuoicr Proms (W. K. H.).—Green Gage, Reine Claude Violette, Coe’s Golden Drop, Transparent Gage, Kirke’s, and Reine Claude de Bavay. _ VINE-BORDER (W. D. P.).—Under the circumstances your predecessor did quite right in making the drain, but it would have acted better if it had been 2 or 3 feet deeper, so as to have been below the depth of the border. We approve of all you propose, but if on chalk you think the firm bottom necessary, we would concrete it by mixing lime and gravel with the chalk, and then rolling it firm when wet, aud on that we would place fully a foot of lumps beneath the soil. Lance Crops of PEACHES.—We are informed that the whole length of the wall, producing the crop mentioned at p. 349, is 153 feet, by 10 feet high. Of the eight trees, three occupy 63 feetand the remaining five 90 feet. The produce of the former, respectively, is thus shown:—No. 1 (23 feet width), 350 Peaches; 2 (20 feet width), 400; 3 (20 feet width), 400; other five trees (18 feet each), 1350—in all, 2500 Peaches. Coatrrc For Hot-watsr Piers (C. K.).—Before laying the pipes w coat them with black paint, composed of lampblack and boiled linseed o sufficient to be of the consistency of thin paint. This is applied with a brush, working it in well so that every part of the iron may be covered, and it is allowed to become thoroughly dry before the pipes are fixed or jointed together. When the boiler is first set to work and the pipes as hot as they can be made, we give another coat with the same composition as thick as it can be put on, as it becomes much thinner when applied to the pipes. The oil paint applied on a hot surface finds the bottom of the un- even surface of the iron, and the heat being kept up until the paint is dry, it will last a long time without the iron rusting. We have it good at the end of ten years, and when it gives way we repaint the pipes as before whilst hot, Applying the paint to the pipes whilst hot creates an intolerable smell, and is not good for vegetation. The painting should therefore be done when the house is unoccupied with plants, and air being giver the operator will be enabled to paint the pipes while hot, otherwise it is pernicious to breathe the atmosphere. If the pipes arenot painted whilst hot, the paint is apt to peel off, but by heating the pipes are made thoroughly dry, andthe paint runs to the very bottom of every hole and crevice; besides, though there is a strong smell it is gone all at once. This is our mode of painting pipes in cool dry houses—as stoves and greenhouses. We have another for pipes in moist houses, it is the best for any description of iron exposed to wet, and we only name the preceding, as it is a practice we followed successfully before we were aware of the lutter, which is to coat the pipes whilst hot with genuine red lead paint. This is the best coating for ironwork of any description that we have tried, and we therefore recommend it in preference to black paint, or any paint that has nothing anti-corrosive in it except oil. Two years ago we removed about 400 feet of four-inch hot-water piping that had been down thirty years, and exteriorly they were as good as when put down, and this with a good'coat of whiteiead paint. They had not been painted during that period. Whether white lead years ago was different from that which is now sold we cannot say, but it is certain that it will not at the present day preserve hot-water pipes from rust for half that perioc. Red lead paint, then, is what we recommend, and it should be put on whilst the pipes are hot, or they ought to be heated immediately afterwards and kept hot until dry. all plants being taken out of the house. Coating with gas tar is death to all vegetation if the pipes ever become hot. and the ‘“‘blacking"’ of the foundryman is worse than useless, it is deceiving, For iron in or out of water, nothing is better for cheapness and efficiency than three good coats in the former case, and two in the latter. VARIEGATED HypRANGEA Curtines (i. F.).—The best time to strike these is after the shoots have grown from 4 to 6 inches long, and have become a little hardened. This, under ordinary treatment, is in June, when the points may be taken off with three joints and a growing point, cut transversely below the lowest joint, the leaves there and at the joint above removed, and the cuttings inserted in sand a little below the second joint. They will strike either in heat or in a shady part of the greenhouse. Cuttings of the young growing points taken now will root freely if the pots are plunged in a mild hotbed. Stove Pants wiTH YELLOW FLOWERS —EVERGREENS FOR SMOKY LOcALI- TIES (Constant Reader).—Allamanda cathartica, grandiflora, neriifolia, and Schotti; 1mpatiens Jerdoniw@ which has yellow in the flowers; Hibiscus lutea plena; Strelitzia regine; and Hexacentris lutea. The most suitable shrubs are Rhododendrons of sorts, Aucuba japonica, and Hollies. Of smaller shrubs the very pretty Pernettya mucronata, Andromeda floribunda, Heaths, Kalmias, Ledums, and Berberis Darwinii. Most annuals do well; and of biennials or plants treated as such, the Wallflower is pre-eminent for spring, and Canterbury Bells for early summer; and Sweet Williams are invaluable. To give you full information on all that relates to the man- agement of smoky gardens, would take more space and time than we can at present devote to it; but we hope to treat of the subject fully in an early Number. Vines not Turivine (York).—We think there is something pernicious in the soil, and that the border is quite rich enough. The indifferent colour- ing of the berries would indicate that the border is a little too rich rather than that it is not sufficiently so; or the unthriving state may be caused through an insufficiency of air, and the Vines carrying too heavy a crop. The reason of the soil being obnoxious to the roots is, that it is strong dark soil. It oughtto have been sound light-coloured loam, the top spit of a pasture being best. To it were added one cartload of rotten manure to every four of soil; a cartload of brick and lime rubbish from an old building to every three of soil would have been better especially with dark strong soil, The crushed bones are good, and that was all we would have enriched the border with at the time of making, for the rotten manure could not retain its fertilising properties longer than a couple of years and then they are gone, and a close soap-like mass, in which Vine-roots do not like to run, is left behind. We presume the border is drained with rough stones to the depth of a foot, and that thereis a drain along the border, and having an outlet, to take away the superfluous water. This being the case, and you being satisfied that the border is not a close, wet, soapy mass, but free and open, we would cover the outside border now with a few inches of litter to protect any roots that may be near the surface, and in February or March we would spread over the inside border 3 inches of partially decomposed short manure, and any nutriment the latter contains will be washed down to the roots with the waterings. We would also place from 6 to 9 inches of littery manure on the outside border at the same time, and any enriching matter which it may contain will be washed down to the roots by the rains that occur between then and June, when the litter may be removed, but the covering on the inside must be allowed to remain. This, if the border is not rich enough will do much to give the berries size, thinning them well when smaller rather than larger than Peas being another essential to obtain- ing large berries. Taking a moderate rather than a large crop, will do much towards securing proper colouring if accompanied by free air daily, and a little at night when the berries are colouring. On the other hand, if the border is wet and close, and the roots running badly in consequence of its not being drained, we can only recommend you to take up the Vines aud make a fresh border, but you must draw your own conclusions as to tnat, as we can only form an opinion from the data furnished. WIvENIne ViInE-BoRDER (Moonshine).—You may add another yard to the Vine-border now. It will not injure but improve the succeeding crop. By all means place the Strawberries for forcing on the shelves in the cool vinery, especially if they are to be forcedearly. You may stack them out= side if you do not want to force them much, but they will ripen their buds much better in the cold vinery. 380 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE, AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 8, 1864. AMARYLLIS LONGIFOLIA AND ROSEA—POTTING ISMENE CALATHINUM BULBS (Thorn).—Pot them forthwith in turfy loam and leaf mould in equal parts, with a free admixture of sand. If thesoil is moist do not water, but place the two former in a cool greenhouse, and the last ina warm greenhouse or cool stove. When they begin to grow, which they will do towards spring, water sparingly at first, gradually increasing the quantity as growth pro- gresses, giving plenty in summer, reducing the quantity in autumn, and giving but little in winter. Keep in a light airy situation. In labelling, for Amaryllis longifolia write Crinum capense; and for Amaryllis rosea, Crinum capense rosea, They are nearly if not quite hardy in some parts of the country. They will grow in sheltered situations with a little litter over them in winter. Books (Sandhurst).—There is a cover for each volume of ‘‘The Florist and Pomologist,”? and it may be procured at our office. No ‘Annals of Horticulture” has appeared since 1849. ‘‘The Gardeners’? Year Book’’ is published annually at our office, and contains the information you seem to require. (A Young Gardener).—There is no difficulty in the way of any bookseller, who has a trustworthy London agent, obtaining ‘‘The Wild Flowers of Great Britain.”? The Numbers appear regularly on the lst of each month, and may be had direct from our office free by post for thirteen penny postage stamps. McIntosh’s “‘ Book of the Garden” isan excellent work for a young gardener. It may be obtained through any bookseller. It is in two volumes, price £1 11s. 6d. and £2 12s. 6d. Gas Srove in Grrennousk (Ryde).—If, as you describe, all the fumes: arising from the burning of the gas are conveyed by a pipe into the outside air, the stove may be safely used. Pears (G. I. L.).—Six Pears for your walls, to ripen from October to March, may be Beurré Diel, Beurré Rance, Glou Morceau, Passe Colmar, Ne Plus Meuris, and Winter Nelis. DisEasep Grapes (JV. M. C.).—They are ‘‘ spotted’? as gardeners describe ulceration of the berry. As the crop is very heavy, the disease is probably caused by the roots not being able to supply sap sufficient to maintain heaithy growth. The berries were too bruised to enable us to identify the variety. The roots are probably outside and too cold. Puantinc Flower Garpen (Alpha).—We think your proposed planting will do very well, though it would have been easier dono with small beds. The design is pretty, but the fine figures in the centre will be drowned by the large ones round them. We question whether one bed of an octagon shape would not have looked better. Hotes 1x Ruopopenpron Leaves (Z. W.).—The leaves on the shoots enclosed are eaten or punctured through by the lary@ of some insect, but what that has been we are unable to tell. Ants have nothing to do withthe mischief. Had you looked at the Rhododendron foliage in July and August you would have found a dusky-looking caterpillar, about three-quarters of an inch in length, feeding on the then succulent leaves; and had it been picked off with the hand and destroyed, the mischief would, to a certain extent, have been mitigated, Boxes CoaTep 1nsipE wits Gas Tar (A. H.).—If the tar was allowed to become thoroughly dry, or be absorbed by the wood before soil was put in the boxes, it will not injure the cutt'ngs more than had the boxes been coated With ordinary lead paint. The roots, however, of-all plants do not like tar, and we do not see why it was applied to the inside of the boxes. After the boxes have been used some time the tar will wear off; but if the plants will not grow in them satisfactorily you have no remedy but to take the boxes to pieces and have the tar planed off. We think this will be unneces- sary, and that you are needlessly alarmed; for what we said of gas tar had no relation to such work as yours. Itrelated to an entirely different subject ; but yet no plant will grow well in a tarred tub or box. ALOCASIA METALLICA AND Lowit Dryinc OrF—NEPENTHES DISTILLATORIA (4 Sunderland Amateur).—The Alocasias should have less moisture, less heat, and no more water during winter than is necessary to keep the soil barely moist. The temperature named is quite low enough, a minimum of 65° being most suitable. The bottom heat is right, but the saucers of water ought to be dispensed with at this season. The soil should not be allowed to become dust dry, nor ought the foliage to be allowed to suffer for want of water. A rest is essential to free growth next season. They should not be dried like Caladiums, but still rested by diminishing the atmospheric moisture, heat,and the supply of water at the root. They will do under the conditions named in the refuse or tan, preference being given to the former. The Nepenthes also should have a rest, and it will do under the same conditions as the Alocasias at this season. In winter it should not have so much moisture, nor heat, as when growing. Names or Fruits (G. Taylor).—1, Beurré de Rance; 2, Forelle Pear; 8, Cellini; 4, Wormsley Pippin; 5, Nonpariel; 7, Reinette du Canada; 8, Golden Winter Pearmain ; 10, Cellini) 2—1, Autumn Bergamot; 2—2, Passe Colmar; 2—3, Margil; 2—4, Trumpington; 2—6, Kerry Pippin. -(Z. B.).—1, Dumelow’s Seedling ; 2, Herefordshire Pearmain; 5, Winter Greening; 6, Autumn Pearmain; 8, Court of Wick. (Bushbridge).— 1, Fondante de Malines; 2, Sans Pepins; 3, Duchesse d’Angouléme. (¢. F. O.).—1, Suffolk Thorn Pear; 2, Blenheim Pippin; 3, Ribston Pippin; 8, Mank’s Codlin; 9, Wyken Pippin. (H. P.).—35, Emperor Alexander; 38, Nonpariel; 60, and 77, Court of Wick; 80, Herefordshire Pearmain. When numbers are not mentioned the specimens were not recognised. (W. B. B.).—Pears.—1, Beurré Diel; 2, Beurré Bose; 4, Beurré Diels 6, Beurré de Rance. (Apples).—1,Hollandbury ; 2, Dumelow’s Seedling; 8, Scarlet Nonpareil; 4, Beauty of Kent; 5 and 6, Court Pendu-plat. Names or Prants (1M. D.).—Salvia Grahami. (ZHarn).—1, Corydalis lutea; 2, Too young to name; 3, Inula dysenterica; 4, Eupatorium canna- binum; 5, Nardus stricta; 6, Agrostis alba; 7, Spergularia rubra. (Orchid- ophilus),—We see no reason why your plant should not be Cattleya superba, except that the flower is smaller than usual. (Zskdale).—1, Seems to be a Tradescantia, but the flower is completely smashed by the post-office Stamper; 2, Tritonia aurea. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOWS IN THE SOUTH. I sHaun be glad if I can be spared a little space to say a few words on this subject. I know England, north and south, pretty well; I may add east and west too, nor am I a stranger to things existing in the manufacturing districts of Lancashire, and my eye has always been upon poultry. First, in regard to shows, their uses and benefits. By placing prominently before the eyes of many persons beau- tiful specimens of the various breeds of fowls, it follows that at every show a desire arises in some of the lookers-on to possess such fowls as they behold. Also, in some who already keep good birds, there comes a wish to possess better. Hence each show increases the love of poultry. It is seed sown: therefore, shows should be encouraged by all who are lovers of, or who are interested in fowls. Again:. shows are supported to a great extent by amateurs, more or less wealthy, who keep no account of expenditure, and, doubtless, sacrifice a considerable sum yearly, only being paid by the pleasure afforded; and who will say, that to such persons so situated, this is bad pay ? Next we come to a class of fanciers of special sorts of fowk, who having a name, in most cases well earned, make their hobby self-supporting, or even very remunerative. But poultry shows must for stability look to something else. To succeed permanently they must rest upon a broad com- mercial basis. Fancy alone will not do;, whims even the most amiable seldom fill the pocket, though by the way, I am for hobbies without loss at any rate. In short, shows must pay, and they can only pay by introducing or encouraging those kinds of fowls which are profitable. Now, in the south, Dorkings are chiefly kept. Without doubt, the Dorking is the paying table fowl; its square build, its deep breast giving an extra cut, point it out as the very fowl for the cook. But fowls have another use—viz., they are producers of eggs, and hundreds of eggs are broken in our kitchens to every couple of fowls cooked. Now, in the south of England egg-producing fowls are not kept in sufficient numbers, hence French eges, Jersey eggs, and Irish eggs, are im- ported in thousands, and who is to know when they were laid? By the way, I always date each egg with my pencil as I take it from the nest. It is such a comfort to see the date before you break the top at breakfast, feeling quite sure that all is right inside. Dorkings for farmers, and for others who supply the southern markets with table fowls. For them many prizes should be given at all southern shows. The egg question remains, and I am sure many may add to a living by the sale of eggs, who cannot breed fowls. I say, then, to our southern friends: your motto must be, “‘Hamburghs come south,” and to bring them south offer many and good prizes. They, the Hamburghs, are our best egg-producers, and until the breed is made tolerably uni- versal in England, there will be a deficiency ineges. Fancy will do for other fowls, but Dorkings and Hamburghs do not rest on mere fancy. Surely the admirable qualities of the Hamburgh cannot be known. At the Chippenham Show last year, not one pen of Silver-spangled was exhibited, and only two of Golden-pencilled and Silver-pencilled, and only one of Golden-spangled. Eggs are the want, and from Hamburghs alone can come the supply. Let them not, then, be regarded any longer as mere pretty fancy fowls. People who keep poultry for profit have something yet to learn. Dorkings for farmers; Cochins and Spanish for town yards ; Hamburghs for eggs where a tolerable run is to be had. In writing upon this subject I take care to keep quite clear of my own individual taste or fancy, and to take a broad view. Pet love blinds one eye at least. A fancier will naturally “write up” ‘what he fancies. Lovers of Brahmas, those “ wandering Cochins,” or Cochins without one great benefit of Cochins—viz., being stayers at home, will write up Brahmas. All this is natural, but what we want is more eggs. I quite endorse the words of “A THOROUGHBRED SPANISH,” “unless we cultivate and en- courage the breed of everlasting layers, we shall not be able to compete with the French in eggs.” So, again, I say, «Hamburghs of all kinds to the south.” They are profit- able where profit is needed. Other classes for fancy, and fancy prices ; but Dorkings and Hamburghs for profit. Their excellencies are opposite, but keep the two, then the table will be supplied both with chickens and eggs. Let these two kinds be especially encouraged in all poultry shows in the south, this will bring both before the eye, and encourage both breeds ; and I feel sure, both breeds being profitable, they will, if kept in great numbers, in turn support the show. WILTSHIRE Rector. November 8, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ‘381 POULTRY JUDGES. I prrcerve by your Journal of the 18th ult., that the Poultry Club are dissatisfied with the Judges of the Show at Birmingham, and are about to memorialise the Committee, either to change the Judges or to add to them other Judges “who will have the confidence of the exhibitors.” tesvhectael What does this mean? I, as well as many others, were under the impression that the Committee at Birmingham had carried out a most onerous undertaking in a most satis- factory manner, and the number of the entries and the quality of the birds exhibited, are a proof of satisfaction on the part of a very large number of exhibitors. Query, can Judges be had who will please all the exhibitors ? I can give you an idea of what some amateurs expect of Poultry Committees. We have a Society in this city, and for the past four years we have had an annual Exhibition which has been remarkably successful, and the general details of schedule, pens, Judges, and other arrangements have been highly approved of by every one who has visited the shows; but we find our arrangements do not please some members of the Poultry Club, as we have received a letter from a Dublin gentleman stating that though he highly approved of the schedule, &e., yet he had lost all confidence in any “ Irish Judges” that he ever met with, and, there- fore, he suggested that we should place ourselves in the hands of the Poultry Club, adopt their rules, and get them to send us two Judges, adding that the Club would pay a portion of the expenses of the Judges, and that he would make a large entry, and, besides, would give £3 in money, or medal, for the best pair of fowls exhibited. You will under- stand that this disinterested offer was conditional on our placing ourselves in the hands of the Poultry Club. The Committee answered, that they had the most perfect con- fidence in the Irish Judges, but that in the present case they had already appointed their Judges; and as it so happened, both of them were Judges approved of by the Poultry Club. This you would fancy ought to suit the gentleman in question ; but no, the Judge appointed for poultry, though admittedly a first-rate Judge, was not the one he wanted, so he “hung fire.’ and as far as could be judged from his letter in reply, was inclined to back out of the matter. Some members of the Committee were of opinion that it ought to be explained to the gentleman in question, that the Society was composed of gentlemen who bred and exhibited birds not for profit or puffing, but to improve the breeds through the country, and for their own amusement; but the majority decided on making no reply, but they were unanimous in declining to relinquish the control of the Exhibition at the suggestion of an interested exhibitor, even though he was willing to pay for their doing so.. Iam a fancier of Pigeons, and have read a very excellent work on them by Mr. Haton. He says in it, that one of the ways to get prizes at a Show, is to “ buy the birds from the Judges,” and from the awards at some of the late Exhibitions (vide last Islington catalogue), I am inclined toagree with him; and as we have kept clear of any “jobbing” up to this time, we do not wish to commence now. The Judges appointed for the Show are both well known in Lon- don, Birmingham, and Glasgow, and in no instance have their awards been questioned.—A Cork “Fancrer.” SUNDERLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY’S FANCY PIGHON SHOW. ‘Tue first annual Exhibition and competition of fancy Pigeons in connection with the above Society was held in the Central Hall, John Street, Sunderland, on the 1st, 2nd, and 8rd inst. Originally the Society was only intended for the immediate locality, but, encouraged by distant fanciers, the Committee determined to make it open to the United Kingdom. Since the discontinuance of the late Halifax Exhibition—an event deeply resretted by all true fanciers— there has not been a really first-class Pigeon Show, with the exception of that at Glasgow, now also given up; and it was therefore to supply this want that the present under- taking was inaugurated, more particularly as the town of Sunderland is of easy access to both English and Scotch exhibitors. A fancier unconnected with the Society, anxious to lend a helping hand, undertook to offer a silver cup value £5, to be purchased by private ‘subscription, and to be given as might be determined upon; and through the same channel John T. Lawrence, Esq., of Liverpool, muni- ficently contributed no less than five similar cups to be offered for five different varieties. One of the Hon. Sees., G. R. Potts, Esq., gave a similar cup, which, with two more given by the Society, enabled the Committee to offer no less than nine silver cups, value £5 each, for competition, in addition to nine classes with prizes of £2 and £1 each, as well as a selling class. Acting on the suggestion of Mr. Lawrence, the entry fees were fixed low—namely 5s. each pen, except for the selling class, the result being that most of the very best birds in the kingdom were sent for compe- tition, numbering upwards of 230 pens. All the birds were ranged on a level, the Glasgow circular pens being used on the occasion. Some of the birds were searcely through the moult, but we understand that next year the Exhibition will be held at a later date, so as to enable the whole of the various specimens to be in greater perfection of feather. Under the able management of the Hon. Sees., Messrs. G. R. Potts and J. R. Robinson, the arrangements were most complete and admirably carried out in every respect, their exertions being crowned with entire success; and we hope the Society will continue to receive the encouragement to which it is so eminently en- titled. In the class for the best pair of Almond Tumblers there was an entry of twelve pens. Mr. Peter Eden won the cup with a splendid pair, good in all points. Mr. Else secured second position with a pen excellent in feather, but not so perfect in head and beak. In the class for Carriers the cup was also awarded to Mr. Eden for a remarkably good pair of Duns. Mr. Colley was second and highly commended with good Blacks. In Mr. Else’s highly-commended pen (Black), the hen was out of condition. For the best pair of Powters eight pens were sent, the competition being extremely close. The cup was awarded to an extraordinary pair of Yellows, belonging to Mr. George Ure; the hen being unquestionably the best of the colour ever exhibited. Mr. Eden took second with very fine Blues, and Mr. Potts received very high commendation for a capital pen of the same colour, the cock being slightly out of order ; while Mr. Ure’s Reds, a splendid pair, were highly com- mended. : Mr. Lawrence’s cup for Barbs brought some first-class birds of this variety, more particularly in cocks, perhaps four of the best ever seen together competing. The cup was awarded. to Mr. H. Beldon for Yellows of most unusual merit; the second went to Blacks, the cock with the drawback of haying yellow eyes. The Fantail class was an excellent one, numbering fifteen _ pens. Mr. Else secured the cup (Mr. Lawrence’s), with a plain-headed pair, small and fine, good in carriage and con- dition; a nice pair were second; and seven pens, including a good pair of Laced, received notice, proving the closeness of the competition. In Jacobins ten pens were sent for Mr. Lawrence’s cup, which was taken by a beautiful pair of Reds, very small and fine, an equal match, with good hood and chain, belonging to Mr. Esquilant; fine Blacks were second; while Reds (two pens), and Blacks were highly commended. In Turbits fifteen pens were exhibited, Mr. Lawrence’s cup being awarded to a splendid pair of shell-crowned Reds, clean and fine, belonging to Mr. 8. Shaw; a small pair of peaked-crowned Blues were second; two pairs of good Yel- lows and a pair of Silvers receiving high commendation. The Owls formed a beautiful class of a dozen entries, Mr. Lawrence’s cup falling to Mr. Sanday’s fine pair of Whites, shown in capital condition, with the exception of the hen being slightly picked on the head. Mr. Eden took second with very good Blues, a good match; and the Blue cocks in each of the pens shown by Messrs. Else and Fielding were highly commended, as well .as a pair of Whites belonging to the latter. In the class for Trumpeters fourteen pens competed. The cup, given by distant fanciers, was won by Mr. J. R. Robin- son with a splendid pair of Black Mottles, good in rose 382 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, { November 8, 1864. marking and size. Mr. Shaw was second with the same colours, his famed old Mottled cock not being so well accompanied as formerly. First-class Whites received very high commendation, and good Whites, Mottles, and Blacks were highly commended. Blue Powters formed a class of seven pens. Mr. G. Ure had first with an extraordinary pair in every point. Mr. Cochrane’s second-prize birds were also very good. Black Powters only numbered four entries, but each was worthy of a first prize, and such a class was never, we believe, brought together. Mr. Potts was first with birds of great length. Mr. Eden was second. Mr. Ure’s highly-commended pen con- tained a particularly good cock. White Powters were not numerous but good. Messrs. Eden and Ure divided the prizes in the order named. In any other colour of Powters, Mr. Ure bad first with a pair of Reds of extraordinary length ; and Mr. Potts’ second-prize pen contained one of the best Red hens known. Black Carriers mustered eleven pens, but Mr. Eden out- distanced competition with remarkably good birds, and took both prizes. In the class for Dun Carriers, Mr. Colley took both prizes with capital representatives. Balds or Beards formed a pretty class. Very fine Blue Beards were first, and Blue Balds second. The latter were unusually good in head and beak, and clean cut, but slightly deficient in matching, the hen being unequal in colour to the cock. In the class for Motties or Kites, Mr. Eden had both prizes with his wonderful Black Mottles, four pens receiving notice. ti Any other Variety Class numbered fourteen entries. The first prize went to Mr. Shaw’s Blue Shields, shown in fine condition. The Rey. C. Spencer was second with Swiss Pigeons. Isabels, Satinettes, and Brunswicks were highly commended. The Selling Class brought no less than sixty-five entries. lack Headed Nuns were first ; Helmets second ; and Fantails third. The following is the prize list :— TomsBreErs (Almond).—First and Cup, P. Eden, Salford. Second, F. Else, Westbourne Grove, Bayswater. Highly Commended, P. Eden; G. Ure, Dundee; F. Else. Canrriers.—First and Cup, P. Eden. Salford. Second, T. Colley, Sheffield. Highly Commended, T. Colley; F. Else. Cock.—Highly Commended, W Massey, Gedney. : PowrTers.—First, Cup, and Highly Commended, G. Ure, Dundee. Second, P. Eden, Salford. Very Highly Commended, G. R. Potts, Sunderland. Banrss.—Firet and Cup, H. Beldon, Bingley. Second, W. B. Van Haans- bergen, Newcastle. Highly Commended, P. Eden, Salford. Cock.—Highly Commended, W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe, Notts. Fanraits.—First and Cup, F. Else, Bayswater, Second, J. R. Jessop, Hull. Highly Commended, T. Ridpeth, Rusholme; A. P. Leite, Man- chester; J. Thackray, Petergate, York; H. Yardley, Birmingham; G. Ure, Dundee; F. Else; R. T. Jarvis, Dartford. JacoBINS.— First and Cup, F. Esquilant, Oxford Street, London. Second, T. Ridpeth, Rusholme. Highly Commended, 8. Shaw, Halifax; F. Else, Bayswater; F. Esquilant. TuRBITs.—First and Cup, S. Shaw, Halifax. Second, J. R. Robinson, Sunderland. Highly Commended, 8S. Shaw; H. Yardley, Birmingham. Owts.—First and Cup, G. H. Sanday, Nottingham. Second, P. Eden, Salford. Highly Commended, P. Eden; J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale. Cocks. —Highly Commended, J. Fielding, jun., and F. Else, Bayswater. __ TRuMPETERS.—First and Cup, J. R. Robinson, Sunderland. Second, S. Shaw, Halifax. Very Highly Commended, F. Else, Bayswater. Highly Commended, W. B. Van Haansbergen, Newcastle; W. H. C. Oates, Bes- thorpe, Notts; S. Shaw; F. Else; J. R. Robinson. Powrers (Blue).—First, G. Ure, Dundee. Second, J. Cochrane, Glasgow. Highly Commended, H. Beldon, Bingley; H. Brown, Walkley, Sheffield. Commended, G. H. Ellis, Leicester; P. Eden, Salford. Powrers (Black).—First, G. R. Potts, Sunderland. Second, P. Eden, Salford: Highly Commended, G. Ure, Dnndee. Commended, H. Eeldon, ingley. : Powrers (White).—First, P. Eden, Salford. Second, G. Ure, Dundee. Highly Commended, P. Eden; R. Fulton, Deptford. Powrers (Red, or Any other colour),—First, G. Ure, Dundee (Red). Second, G. R. Potts, Sunderland. Cargiers (Black).—First and Second, P. Eden, Salford. Commended, H. Martin, Glasgow; A. P. Leiie, Manchester. Carriers (Dun er Any other colour).—First and Second, T. Colley, Sheffield. Highly Commended, F. Else, Bayswater; F. Esquilant, Oxford Street, London. TumBLERs (Balds or Beards).—First, W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe (Blue Beards). Second, F. Esquilant, Oxford Street, London. Highly Com- mended, J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale (Blue Beards) ; T. Ridpeth, Rusholme. TumMBLERs (Mottles or Kites).—First and Second, P. Eden, Salford (Black Mottles). Highly Commended, W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe, Notts (Red Mottles) ; J. Percival (Kites). Commended, J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale (Black Mottles) ; F. Else, Bayswater. Any VARIETY NOT PREVIOUSLY Namep.—First, S. Shaw, Halifax (Blue Shields), Second, C. Spencer, Attleborough (Swiss Pigeons). Highly Commended, Rt. Hon. Countess of Derby, Prescot (Isabels) ; H. Yardley, Birmingham (Satinettes) ; H. Beldon, Bingley (Brunswicks). | ous in his mode of expressing it. SELLinG Crass (Any variety).—First, W. Johnstone, Carlisle (Nuns). Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham (Helmets). Third, T. Rule, Durham (Fantails). Highly Commended, T. C. Taylor, Middlesborough (Nuns) ; J. Bel), Newcastle (Tumblers); H. Yardley (Tumblers); J. R. Robinson, Sunderiand (Carriers). Commended, J. W. Edge, Birmingham (Turbits) ; J. Key, Beverley (Turbits) ; J. Pringle, Newcastle (Balds); W. Massey, Gedney (Dragons); J. Bell (Tumblers); H. Yardley (White Trumpeters and Yellow Magpies). The Judges were Mr. T. J. Charlton, of Bradford, and Mr. D. Wolstenholme, of London, and their decisions gave general satisfaction. LIGURIAN BEES DETERIORATING INTO BLACK BEES. THERE a is long review of the Times’ “ Bee master’s” book in the Morning Star of the 25th of October, which, no doubt, you and many of your readers will have seen; but we shall feel much obliged to Mr. Woodbury if he would say if it is a fact that the pure Ligurian bee changes into the common black bee in course of time, as the reviewer states. But I have no doubt that many of your apiarians would be much obliged to Mr. Woodbury if he would review this book, and also the Star’s reviewer in your Journal.—A. W. [The Star reviewer is quite wrong in stating that ‘pure Ligurians change in the course of generations into the com- mon British variety,’ if he meant that this change can be effected in any other manner than by interbreeding with the black species. Iam, in fact, pretty certain that this latter is what he really did mean, although he was rather ambigu- There is no doubt what- ever that the tendency to cross between the two varieties is the great difficulty to be encountered in introducing the Ligurian to a country so well stocked as England is with the common black bee. Still I know cases, and could point to one in particular, where a Ligurian stock was introduced into: an apiary of common bees some years ago, and per- mitted to increase by natural swarming only. The result has been, as was to be expected, a considerable number of hybrids; but even now some stocks continue to present all the characteristics of pure Ligurians. I regret that I cannot comply with “A. W.’s” request by reviewing either the book or the Star reviewer, since I agree with nearly all the conclusions at which the latter has arrived, whilst I feel precluded from noticing the so-called “)bee-book” itself by the fact that a great part of it consists of mere personal vituperation directed against—A Dzvon- SHIRE BEE-KEEPER. | BEES ARE NOT CARNIVOROUS. Bewters however mistaken, and statements however ab- surd when honestly made are entitled to respect, and should not be cast overboard without investigation, as the ground- less superstitions of some Jonas Jackson. When “Rupr” gravely informed us that bees, like flies, fed on flesh and fowl, or possibly garbage and carrion, I would have looked upon him as gravely facetious, had not the Editors of the Journal assured us that the alleged fact was supported by most respectable testimony. Besides, the Ligurians bore a striking resemblance to wasps in their outward appearance, and why might they not also resemble them in their habits? But, unhappily for antiquated notions, neither black bees nor Ligurians, so far as I can perceive, are disposed in the very least degree to be carnivorous. ‘ About three weeks ago I presented two hives with pieces of roast beef, pheasant, and thrush. Some pieces were simply roasted, others were basted with honey, or immersed in syrup of sugar. Those saturated with honey and sugar were the only pieces that the bees cared about, the others were quite unheeded; although a process of disintegration went on in the pieces made attractive by honey and sugar, not one particle was eaten. What was wanting in the original size of the pieces was found under the drainer on the bottom of the feeding-trough, in granules reduced to about the size and form of eggs laid by the queen bee. Had I not taken the precaution of using a trough protected by a bar- drainer, the particles would doubtless have been thrown down on the floor-board, or carried out. As soon ag the November 8, 1864. ] honey and syrup were extracted the pieces were abandoned, and they have been lying within the hives from the time I inserted them till now, as uncared for as a cast-out maggot. Bees, under certain conditions, when gnawing flesh with a view to its removal, may make use of the juice; but I am persuaded no amount of fish, fiesh, or fowl, would preserve the lives of a famished hive a single day. It is the saccha- rine matter on which bee-keepers must depend for the safety and prosperity of their bees. Next to honey, the best food and most easily procured for feeding purposes, is lump sugar melted in the manner recommended by Mr. Woodbury, the proportions being 3 lbs. of sugar to 2 lbs. of water.—R. 8. JOINING LIGURIAN BEES TO ENGLISH OR BLACK BEES. In the Journal of October 11th, “A. W.” says he joins stocks of bees by fumigation. Now, it is decided by bee- masters that fumigation by whatever process it is accom- plished, more or less injures the bees. The great secret of joining bees or uniting stocks is, after having removed one of the queens, to liberally sprinkle each lot to be joined with sugar and water. The bees immediately commence lapping itup. The stock to be joined should then be well sprinkled and shaken down in a mass upon the top of the bars. The bees of each lot commence cleaning one another, and the assistance rendered makes thein friends and proves the old saying, ‘‘ A friend in need is a friend indeed.’ If the bees joized are from the same apiary, it is well to confine them in the hive until the next night, when very few bees will go back to their old place. I have this last month joined twelve stocks of common bees to my Ligurians, and in some cases have joined the Ligurian bees toa black stock; but I of course destroyed the black queen in every case. I have not lost on an average more than a dozen bees in each stock joined, and have not had a single failure. It is all nonsense about peppermint scent and all other nostrums.— WILLIAM CaRR. [You appear to have been very fortunate in uniting bees this autumn. Following precisely the same course, you may be equally unfortunate next year, as no means have yet been discovered by which we can be absolutely certain of avoiding a quarrel. Be not too hasty in condemning the use of pepper- mint-scented syrup. We believe it to be serviceable in con- founding the sense of smell by which bees are supposed by many to recognise each other. No harm, at any rate, can result from its use. ] BEE-HIVE PROTECTORS. I Haver been a bee-keeper for. several years, and during that time have tried various contrivances for protecting my hives from the weather. _Bee-houses I have discarded on account of the large number of bees which I generally lost during the autumn from spiders’ webs. Some mornings I have found as many as a dozen bees entangled in the meshes of the spiders’ webs, if I omitted to clear the houses early in the morning before the bees ventured out. Large straw hives I have also used for coverings, but they also” want something to cover them, or during very wet weather the rain is apt to soak through and cause dampness in the hive which they are intended to protect. Some _ bee- keepers recommend covering the hives with earthenware dishes similar to milk-pans. I have also used these, but have found it necessary to have stakes fastened in the ground to secure the covers to, or off they would have come the first windy day. The stakes and the string which are required to keep this description of cover on the hives make it look a very untidy affair. Well, after having tried almost everything that I could think of, I came to the conclusion that something in the shape of a large hive would answer the object I had in view, and could be made to look orna- mental; but as I work my bees on the depriving system, I was at a loss how to contrive acover which would keep my bees free rom damp in the winter, and without removing it enable me to work them in summer. After some little re- flection I determined to have a large clay pot made in the shape of a bee-hive, but with the top moveable like the top ofa sea-Kale pot. Having some business to transact with JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 383 the manager of the Southborough brick field at Kingston, I explained to him what I required, he readily understood me, and made some pots with moveable tops sufficiently large to enable me to put a cap on in summer, and then make use of the top of the cover to protect the cap from getting wet. At the present time I am, of course, using them to cover the stocks only, and to my mind they are an ornament to the garden, but I think that they will be much more so in the summer, when I am using the small straw caps, and the cap covered with the clay top. I have shown the covers to many friends who are interested in bees, and they all pro- nounce them to be good, and I think that if they were gene- rally used we should not hear of so many hives being annually lost through damp. I intend painting the covers with stone-coloured paint, at present they are as I received them from the potteries.—J. W. T., Wandsworth, Surrey. THE “TIMES’” BEE-MASTER’S BLUNDERS. A coop deal of Dr. Cumming’s nonsense about bees is tolerably harmless; and had it not most unfortunately ap- peared under the authority of the Times newspaper, would no doubt have been passed over with the silent contempt | which no real bee-keeper could help feeling on reading the letters. In your notice of his lecture at Liverpool you quote him as saying, “‘ Swarms always take place between twelve and three o’clock,” and you pass over this most mischievous misstatement without correction. Every one who really keeps bees must know that if he never began to watch before twelve o’clock most of his swarms would be lost, and I cannot imagine a piece of information more likely to ruin the hopes of a beginner. I may as well add that bees on fine days, at swarming time, may be expected to come off at any time from 9 a.mM., and even earlier, up to 3 and even 4. p.M.—FRANK GRANT. FOUL BROOD. ON reperusing my notice of foul brood in pages 348 and 344 I fear I have not been sufficiently explicit in disclaim- ing all participation in the absurd notion that this disease is due to the mode in which the queens of infected stocks deposit their eggs. IPf this were really so, no mode of treat- ment would avail in mitigating the disease so long as the faulty queen was retained. I need hardly say that so far from such being the case, a change of queens is not even of the slightest service. My object was merely to draw attention to the fact that in more than one instance diseased brood has been found to be inverted, and to inquire how far this circumstance had come to the knowledge of other observers. —A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. Derapiy Errects or THE YEw T'REE.—It appears from recent facts which have come under our notice that the Yew ° when taken into the animal stomach becomes fatal in its poisonous effects, which proved to be the case a few days since. Some men employed by the Llanelly and Swansea Extension Railway Company had occasion to fell a Yew tree that stood in the way of some cuttings on land in the occu- pation of Mr. John Morgan, Bolgoed, where some cattle belonging to that gentleman happened to be grazing on a field imto which the tree fell, when unfortunately one of his best cows, in full profit, browsed some of the Yew leaves, which in a few hours proved fatal. A post mortem exami- nation was made, and proved that among the contents of the stomach was a quantity of Yew in a high state of fer- mentation. Only a few days since we heard of a similar oceurrence to a horse belonging to Mr. J. Bailey, of Little- ton Drew. To Prevent CaTTLe From Jumpine.—at the last meeting of the Am. Inst. Farmers’ Club, the following novel way of preventing cattle from jumping fences was promulgated. Its parentage is good:—‘‘We lately learned a curious remedy to prevent steers from jumping fences, which is so easy of application, and appears so effectual that we give it to the public. It is simply to clip off the eyelashes of the upper lids with a pair of scissors, and the ability or disposi- tion to jump is as effectually destroyed as Samson’s power 384 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 8, 186, was by the loss of his locks. The animal will not attempt a fence until the eyelashes have grown again. Of this we are informed by Samuel Thorne, the great breeder of Duchess County, who assured us that he had tested it upon a pair of very breachy oxen. As it was of great value to him he hopes it will be tried by others.” —(Canada Farmer.) RAISING THE CALF—A HINT TO THE CRUSTY. «Tsn’r she a beauty, father? Only see what a handsome little head she’s got, and how fat she is. I don’t. believe there’s another calf in the town that can beat her.” «That's just what I think, Nathan,” replied the farmer, without raising his eyes from his axe-grinding. “She'll do to kill by Saturday. Joel Smith wants part of her. We might as well sell the whole, for the head and pluck will be as much as we shall want this hot weather.” “Don’t have her killed, father. Why can’t we raise a calf as well as other people? Ford said when he was getting the hay yesterday that it was a shame to have all of old Brindle’s calves killed, for she was the best breed of cows anywhere about. You know what a pailful of milk she gave all last summer, and that you got the premium on her butter.” «Well, I know all that, boy, but she would cost more than a hundred dollars before she would bring a cent. If any- body is fool enough to raise them when they can buy them all ready for milk at 20 dols., to 30 dols., let them do it. I’m too old for such calculations.” “Perhaps it is so, but I can’t bear to have her killed. If you will let her live I will take all the care of her, and raise a bed of carrots for her to eat next winter. Why, she shan’t trouble you.” mw «Your mother wants the milk right away, to make all the butter she can this month, and if we keep the calf she must have it two or three weeks longer. Then, what will you do with her this summer ?” : “Oh, let her go in the pasture with the cows. She can eat a little clover now; I fed her with some yesterday. Ford said she would eat almost anything in a little while.” “Tt would make pretty work to have her run with her mother; she’d take all her milk each day.” Here Nathan was at a loss for another plea, when he happened to think of the little orchard, and proposed to put her in there. But his father told him she would eat the sour apples that fell off and spoil her teeth. He thought he could put Bossy inher pen at night, and get up early enough in the morning to pick up the apples. Several other objec- tions were raised and met with the same boy-earnestness, when his father told him to go to his work and he would see about it. This ‘see about it” gave the boy some encourage- ment. He thought it would be a good plan to get his mother on his side. When he went into the house he found her so busy in soap-making that all he could get from her was, “Just as your father thinks best about it; I shall want the rennet, for I am going to make cheese in dog-days. The butter isn’t worth much that’s made then.” Here was some- thing new for Nathan, who did not know what rennet was for, or where it came from. When his mother told him it was the calf’s stomach, he thought it would be an easy matter to get one of some of the neighbours who never made cheese. A few mornings after this conversation, farmer Gaines asked. his wife what she thought of letting Nathan raise the calf. Her reply was, ‘‘ You know best about it, father. I should like to have the boy gratified, if it don’t give you too much trouble.’ What an excellent lesson this reply was to all dictatorial, unthinking wives, whose opinion must rule, or threre will be a drizzle or storm within and without. Nathan heard and said nothing about Bossy for a week, expecting every day that she would have her throat cut, loving her all the more with the fear of losing her. In the meantime the farmer had been resolving the subject in his mind, and came to the conclusion that if keeping the calf would make an early riser of his boy it would be worth while to try it, for the summer at least, when he thought he would get enough of taking care of her, and be glad to have her sold in the tall to the drovers. No farmer could have been more pleased with a present of the best Devon or Ayrshire cow, or seen from her a better prospect of wealth, than did Nathan Gaines when his father told him he might keep the calf, if he would take good care of her, and raise all the roots sbe wanted for next winter. All this he promised to do, and anything else that was desired. Never had he so high an opinion of his father before. This unexpected favour made obedience a very easy matter. Every morning Nathan was up bright and early to take care of his calf and look after his carrot-bed, so as to be ready for any other work. Bossy soon became so much of a pet with the family that she never went hungry. Even the farmer, who feared so much the cost of raising her, seemed to enjoy giving her an extra bite as he went to feed his horses, and often Nathan found . bits of bread and other morsels from the table, which she liked very much. When autumn came the calf had done so well there was no danger of her being sold. Every one who saw her said she was the largest and best one of the season. Farmer Gaines thought his boy had done enough more work to pay for all she ate, and if it took a ton of hay to keep her through the winter, he had no idea of having her sold. Nathan’s interest in the calf never flagged, neither did he allow her to be any trouble to his father. Wewill pass over three years of her life, when we find young Brindle giving as much milk as her mother, and will soon take her place in the barn, for old Brindle’s cow-life is almost over, and she will in a year or two be consigned to the beef-barrel. Farmer Gaines has never regretted that the calf’s life was spared, for he has a better cow than he could find elsewhere ; and by gratifying Nathan in this act the boy had formed habits of carefulness and industry which will be worth a for- tune to him. No father loses anything by giving the boys reasonable indulgence, even if the cost is not always repaid in cash.—(Ohio Farmer.) OUR LETTER BOX. SILVER-PENCILLED HAMBURGH Cock's Tart (R. W.).—It should be white with a black tip to each feather. A black tail would be a disqualification. Any approach to it is therefore a defect. Wasuinc Fowts (Fancier).—As a rule it is only the outer feather that is dirty, therefore it is only that which requires washing. Wash with soap and water, then put the bird in a basket partly filled with hay or soft straw, and let it stand before a fire till dry. Dr. CuMMING anp VircIL.—I noticed in your Journal of last week that “A Constant READER” had called your attention to Dr. Cumming’s saying in his lecture on bees that ‘‘ Virgil has given an account of bees in one of his Eclogues,”’ which should be ‘‘ Georgics.” In justice to Dr. Cumming, I beg to say that the nistake was my own, in inadvertently transcribing Eclogues, instead of Georgies, in the report, for which I beg to apologise. —Ea Ton CLIFF. Tomaro Saucy.—Break the tomatoes into an earthen pan or jar, bruise, and sprinkle with a handful of salt, and let them stand twenty-four hours; then stir them up, and put them into an oven closely covered, and let them simmer very gently for about two hours; then work them through a sieve till the seeds are left quite dry. Add some spice according to taste, and a root of garlic chopped fine, and a teaspoonful of dry sweet herbs to every quart of tomato. Put into the oven again, and let the whole simmer till it attains the th'ckness required. The spice stated in the recipe is a quarter of an ounce of cloves, a quarter of an ounce of mace, half an ounce of all- spice, and one ounce of ginger, cut in slices, to each quart of tomato. If you prefer it you can substitute Cayenne pepper for ginger. Tomato Sauce to keep through the winter.—Put a peck of tomatoes, six large onions, one or two capsicums, and six shallots, into an earthen crock, and place it in an oven, when the bread is taken out; leave them until quite soft; then, when cole, pass them through a fine bair sieve. Add pepper and salt, and boil the purée until sufficiently thick, about the thickness of very thick cream, When cool, bottle for use in wide-mouthed bottles, covering the corks with sealing-wax or resin. If at any time it appears to ferment boil it again, adding a little more pepper and salt. “A GARPENER’S WIFE”? can recommend the following recipe for making tomato sauce, to which horseradish can be added if the recipe is liked :—When quite ripe take off the stalks and wipe the fruit quite dry, put into a slow oven or stew-pan till soft, then put through a hair sieve to separate seeds from pulp. ‘lo every pound of pulp add one pint of gooseberry vinegar, twenty large shallots, half an ounce of garlic, half an ounce of capsicum, half an ounce of ground white pepper, and 2 ounces of salt. Boil the whole until the shallots and garlic are soft, rub through the sieve again, and give another boil. If too thick, add more vinegar ; bottle when cold. If goose- berry vinegar cannot be had common will do. LONDON MARKETS.—Novemser 7. POULTRY. There is a good average supply of poultry, and a very bad demand; prices are consequently low. Partridges, as usual, are becoming scarce, but the supply of Pheasants is large. s.d. 8. d. 8. d. s. d. Large Fowls 2 6to3 0 | Grouse 2 0to2 6 Smaller do. 2 0,, 2 3 | Rartridges . Me Gh 55 0 Chickens, 1 6.,, 1 9 | Hares PIR Geese , 6 0,, 6 6 | Pigeons . BL Wh) Ducks .... 2 0,, 2 3 | Rabbits. a ee ya be ats) Pheasants 2 0,, 2 3 | wi'ddo.. 08,0 9 November 15, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 385 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day | Day at. Average Temperature Rain in Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon's Cloe | Day of Rae atl NOVEMBER 15—21, 1864. | near London. eee, Rises. | Sets. | Rises. | Sets. | Age. aa | Year Day. | Night. | Mean. | Days. | m. h.| m. h.}] m. b.| m. b m. 8s. / 15 | Tu | Apricot leafless. 49.4 344 414 16 «| Qlaf7| 9af4| 53 5/58 8 16 | 15 10! 320 16 Ww Larch leaves fall. 48.5 32.7 406 13 23°07 T4449 2652" 99 17 14 59 | 821 17 TH Teal arrives. 47.5 33.8 40.6 W7 24°47 6 4/50 7) 38 10 18 14 47 322 18 F Fieidfare arvives. 47.6 33.3 40.4 19 26h a7 & 4) 54 8/15 11 19 14 34 323 19 Ss Pyracantha berries turn orange. 48.3 33.7 41.0 16 28° 7 4°45) 59° 9 | 450 2) 20 14 20 324 20 Sun 26 SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 48.5 35.0 41.7 13 29 rd 2 4 2 11 | after QL 14 6 825 21 M CrowNPRINCEss OF Prussta Bory,) 49.2 | 36.4 42.8 22 31 7 Levy | morn. 35) OO (¢ | 13 50 3.6 [1840. | | L - | From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 48.3°, and its night temperature 34.2°. 0.87 inch. The greatest heat was 62° on the 16th, 1540; and the lowest cold, 18°, on the 15th, 1848. The greatest fall of rain was DECORATION OF THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER AND SPRING. (Concluded from page 369.) 38RD.—YELLOW-FLOWERING PLANTS. NDOUBTEDLY the handsomest of yellow spring flowers is rf Alyssum saxatile. Itis now in bloom with me on rock- ‘sv work, and it, with Aubrietia deltoidea and Arabis alpina, promise to bloom abun- dantly throughout the win- ter. Being in patches of several superficial feet, and running over large stones, these have the appearance of little mountains of blue, white, andyellow. Alyssum saxatile is a free-blooming evergreen undershrub, forming gorgeous beds of yellow in April and May. Itis readily propagated by cuttings taken off with a little of the old stem, or a heel, or slipped like Sage. It is also raised from seed. There is a variety called A. saxatile compactum which is very de- sirable on account of its dwarf close habit and profuse bloom- ing., The variegated form (A. saxatile variegata), forms a lovely golden mass in early spring, its foliage being also very ornamental. All the above thrive in well-drained soils of any description, but best in sandy loam. Alyssum montanum is a dwarfer free-blooming yellow than A. saxatile, being only half the height of that species. lt is increased by division. Under the name of A. al- pestre two distinct kinds are sold—at least, I had one A. alpestre that had flowers more curious than orna- mental, appearing in June, and under the same name another, which was a lovely mass of golden yellow in April and May. It was also much more dwarf and com- pact. The latter is, I think, the same as that sold by nurserymen under the name of A. alpestre, and it is, I believe, the A. Marshallianum (Andrews), or A. alpestre of Bieberstein, which is from the Caucasus, whilst the other is to be referred to A. alpestre of Linneus, it being from the mountains of Southern Europe. However this may be, the Alyssum alpestre that I wish to note for spring decoration does not exceed 6 inches in height, differs little from A. montanum, flowers most profusely in April and May, and is increased by division. yssum orientale differs little from A. saxatile if both are not identical ; the variegated form of it is, I am sure, not different from A. saxatile variegatum. They are pro- No. 190.—Vot. VIL, New SERiEs, pagated by cuttings, like sandy soil, and are very hand- some in a mass. Primroses. The most handsome of spring yellow- flowering plants is the Primrose, than which nothing makes a lovelier bed, and if it be edged with the Aucuba- leaved Daisy, nothing can be finer. The double form (Primula vulgaris plena-sulphurea), is unquestionably a diamond of the first water. It makes fine beds if edged with Stachys lanata alone, or with the latter planted alter- nately with the Aucuba-leayed Daisy. Adonis vernalis. A mass of this old herbaceous plant is gorgeous in April and May. It grows about a foot high, and thrives in all well-drained soils, doing best in sandy loam or sandy peat. It is increased by division. There is another pretty kind (A. volgensis), little different from the preceding. Onosma tauricum, than which few plants have brighter yellow flowers, is fine even as a specimen, but much handsomer in amass. It grows from 6 to 9 inches high, flourishes in light soil, and is increased by division. It is, however, somewhat difficult of propagation, but at Well Head, Halifax, Mr. Baynes propagates it by layers, and it may there be seen in a pot looking as handsome as anything well can be. O. arenarium is a rather taller species, and equally handsome. Double Marsh Marigold. For wet soils we have the Double Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris plena), which. is a gorgeous mass of gold, the flowers individually like buttons, and it grows with its roots in soil under water. It should be grown in wet soil, and is increased by division. Cheiranthus alpinus is a dwarf yellow-flowering Wall- flower, not more than 6 or 9 inches high, a perennial under- shrub, increased by cuttings taken off with a heel, and inserted in July in sandy soil in a shady border. Yellow Wallflower. The yellow variety of the common Wallflower (Cheiranthus Cheiri luteus), is very fine, and” may be increased by inserting cuttings or slips with a heelin sandy soil in a shady border, keeping moist till well rooted. Plants may also be raised from seed, which should be sown in May in an open situation, transplant- ing the seedlings when large enough into nursery-beds in lines 6 inches apart, and the plants 3 inches apart in the rows. Under this treatment, with a rather light soil and copious waterings in dry weather after pricking out, they make fine plants by autumn, when they may be removed with balls to the places assigned to them, or transplanting may be deferred until spring. This, how- ever, is best done in autumn, as the ae bloom much stronger; but a reserve should be provided to fill up any gaps that may occur. Cheiranthus Marshalli, a splendid variety, is the next® best yellow bedder to Alyssum saxatile and Adonis ver- nalis. The flowers are a good yellow, but to make sure of the stock being true it is best propagated from cuttings ; for seedlings sport much, as do those of the common Wallflower, though it occasionally comes pretty true from seed. It makes a fine bed, and is fragrant withal. Pro- pagated by cuttings or seeds the same as the common ‘Wallflower. No. 842.—VYou. XXXII. Oxp Series 386 Saxifraga cymbalaria, or Ivy-leaved Saxifrage, forms dense erect tufts from 3 to 6 inches high, with succulent ivy- shaped shining leaves, surmounted by a profusion of pale yellow blossoms, spotted with orange at the base. It pre- fers moist situations, but will grow anywhere, seeds most freely, reproducing itself in great abundance, and is evi- dently anannual. Seeds sownin June make splendid plants for blooming in the following year. For the ledges and fissures of rockwork this is a gay plant during the early spring and summer months. 8. aretioides is a yellow-flowering Swiss pigmy, of no mean appearance in a bed, but is better suited for rockwork. It is inereased by division. Anthyllis vulneraria is pretty enough for a bed, but flowers rather late, still it is worthy of a place. It is only the common Houndwort, however, common enough in chalky pastures, and therefore many people will not care to have it. Itis increased by sowing the seeds when ripe, and by division when there is anything to divide. Hippocrepis comosa, another English weed, and a very pretty one, not exceeding 6 inches in height. makes a neat bed. Itis an evergreen trailer, and increased by division. Uvaularia perfoliata, and U. flava, are nice dwarf plants, increased by suckers taken off with a little root. They flower finely in May. Narthecium ossifragum is another plant for wet soils. It would, however, be all the better ifit bloomed alittie earlier. It is a curious little thing, occasionally blooming well early in the season. It is increased by division. Eremurus spectabilis, which I have not seen for a long time, strikes me at the moment as being likely to form a tine yeliow bed to flower in May; it is increased by offsets. Gagea lutea, a pretty little bulbous plant, a native of our woods, G. stellaris, a Scandinavian, and Sternvergii, a Swiss, | make pretty beds in well-drained soils. Trollius americanus. This really gorgeous species which is less than the magnificent T. europzus, must not be omitted. Both will grow anywhere, and are of easy ma- | nagement. Division. Ranunculus illyricus, and R. pygmeus (often confounded with R. montanus, which is taller, and does not flower so early) make splendid beds; but none rival R. gramineus, which is one of the many fine things to be found in Wales, the double form (R. gramineus flore pleno) being the best | cfall. Division. Doronicum austriacum, and D. scorpioides, are nice plants, growing about 1 foot high. D. plantagineum, and D. par- dalianches, are avout double the height of the two preceding, the latter being the well-known Leopard’s Bane, so plenti- felly found in many meadows. Division. Gratiola aurea is a very pretty dwarf plant, not exceeding 6 inches in height, and it will grow anywhere. Division. Last in my list of yellow-flowering plants are Primula auricula lutea, which is excellent fora yellow bed; P. elatior, P. Pallasi, adwarfspecies, and P. Palinuri, an excellent small kind from Naples, rather tender, but doing well in sheltered situations in sandy loam. 4TH.—PURPLE-FLOWERING PLANTS. Aster alpinus is a free-flowering purple, but somewhat late, and it is not always to be depended on. It grows about 9inches high. Division. Lamium orvala is a deep purple, the plant somewhat tall, and it flowers rather late. Division. DMyoseris purpure2, like the last, is another tall plant, haying a very handsome flower much in the way of Chicory. Division. Orobus vernus is a plant worthy of being planted in a mass. It grows wellin any ordinary garden soil, attains a height of about a foot, and should be increased by parting the roots. Ramonda pyrenaica, a dwarf plant, from 3 to 6 inches high, flowering in May, is 2 good purple, thriving well in sandy soil. Tussilago alpina, about 6 inches high, is a pretty light purple, increased by division. Hyoscyamus orientalis has purple flowers, with a tinge of yellow, grows a foot or 18 inches high, and prefers light soil. Division. H. physaloides is a dwarfer and hardier species, a better purple, and flowers more profusely. Division. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 15, 1864. Primula carniolica is a pleasing purple, and not more than 3 or 4inches high. P. viscosa, villosa, and nivalis are pretty, and worth more attention than is at present accorded them. P. purpurea, a species from the Himalayas, is, I think, likely to prove the finest purple Primrose yet in- troduced. When we have added Soldanella alpina and montana, Aubrietia deltoidea and purpurea, which are blue rather than purple, we have no more purple flowers for spring, except Viola odorata purpurea. 5TH.—REDS, INCLUDING REDDISH PURPLES. The lack of blues and purples is fully compensated for by : the richness of the flowers of this division; they are not, however, so bright in colour as desirable, nor so profuse in blooming as the whites and yellows. The Hepaticas, double and single red, are amongst the foremost of spring flowers; in fact, Hepaticas form a charm- ing class by themselves, and being amongst the earliest of spring flowers they deserve even more attention than is accorded them. Hepatica triloba rubra (single red), and H. triloba rubra plena should be associated with Snowdrops and Crocuses, as they flower earlier than the majority of spring-flowering plants. Saxifraga oppositifolia is a charming plant, making one of the loveliest of beds. It should be raised as described for 8. oppositifolia alba. S. crassifolia, and S. cordifolia, are also desirable. They are increased by division. Lychnis alpina, from the Scotch hills, L. viscaria, and the double form of the last, are charming plants that must be hunted out of their native wilds, and planted in our gardens. Light soil is preferable for them. Division. Hutchinsia stylosa is a somewhat tender plant, dwarf and very pretty. It is increased by division. Erinus hispanicus, a pretty dwarf plant, is very fine, and of free growth, though it does not exceed 6 inches high, and is increased by division. Epimedium alpinum is a creeper, growing some 9 inches high, and having blood red flowers in April. Itis a native of this country. Increased by rooted cuttings, and will grow anywhere. but best in wet soils. Phlox pilosa, amcena, and verna, are pretty flowers, flou tishing in light loams, and growing about 6 inches high. All make nice bedders, and are increased by division. Linnza borealis, than which few plants are prettier, likes dry ground, and is an evergreen trailer, increased by division. It is a native of Scotland, and does not grow more than 3 or 4 inches high. Arabis rosea is a glorious plant for filling a bed with fine rosy flowersin spring. Itis as hardyas any Arabis, and is readily increased by division and seed. Cortusa Matthicli is one of the many lovely plants of the order Primulacee. It grows 6 inches high, produces fine rosy red flowers, and is increased by division. Ajuga reptans rubra, a dwarf plant, Ginches high, is suitable for wet soils, but will grow anywhere. Ithas pretty flowers in May, and like most hardy plants is increased by division. Canadian Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), is a nice plant, with a pretty reddish orange flower. It-may be raised from seed or propagated by division. It prefers sandy soils, doing best in sandy peat. Aad why not have a bed of Geraniums in spring by-plant- ing Erodium alpinum, which does wellin all sandy soils? It is dwarf, has handsome foliage, and is propagated by cuttings and division; also, a bed each of Geranium nepalense and G. tuberosum, which bloom in May in warm situations, and are then amongst the handsomest of'pink flowers. Sandy loam is the best soil, and a stock may be obtained from cuttings or by division of the roots, which is a slow but sure TOCess. : Silene acanlis, a little plant common on some hills in Scotland, makes a neat mass, but is at least a month too late in blooming, though it does sometimes come early. It is propagated by division. a Pulmonaria grandiflora, a fine pink, and P- officinalis will deck a couple of beds, and will grow anywhere. P. virginica is as good as either of them but a little taller. Division. Melitta melissophyllum of our woods, grows about a foot high, it being beaten by the Swiss form (M. melissophyllum alpina), which is dwarfer and more profuse-blooming. The flowers are flesh-coloured and fine. Division. November 15, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 387 Heuchera glabra, grows about 1 foot high, has very pretty pink flowers in May, makes a lovely bed, and is increased by division. Saponaria ocymoides with its dense cushions of pink, makes one of the loveliest of beds. It is an evergreen trailer, doing best in light soils, and is increased by cuttings, which root freely in sandy soil in a shady border. To these may be added the rose Siberian Violet (Viola Krockeri) ; Pzonia anomala, with red flowers; P. decora, purplish red; P. lobata, with rosy flowers; the double form of P. tenuifolia being fine, and P. tenuifolia, good. Nor must we omit Corydalis bulbosa, a pretty pink-flowering tuberous-rooted plant, which prefers lightish soil, but will grow anywhere, and when we have a bed of Dielytra spec- tabilis in pots, which is most excellent, only it blooms quite late enough, we must rely on Primroses for the rest that is to be done towards decorating the flower garden with red flowers in spring. Of these the pretty reddish purple varieties of the Primula auricula are excellent; P. Allioni, P. altaica, the lovely P. cortusoides, the pretty P. ciliata, and the handsome Danish P. stricta, are all excellent. The double red Prim- rose of gardens (P. vulgaris plena-rubra), the double purple, and others in red shades are excellent in beds by themselves, as margins to others, or associated with other plants, nothing being prettier than a bed of double red Primroses edged with white double Daisies ; and, last of all, the different forms of Polyanthus, whether single or double, are very fine. As regards other plants, we have Pansies in many shades of colour, and many other really good early-flowering plants might be found, and brought into’ use as spring ornaments to the flower garden if, only, all of us would set to in ear- nest, and having found a plant blooming early communicate its name to others through the medium of the horticultural press. Having the plants named, or others equal to them, in stock, and they should be stiff strong plants grown in an open situation, and not huddled together in some out-of-the- way corner, they are to be taken up with nice balls. Whether they be deciduous or evergreen plants, herbaceous, bulbous, or tuberous-rooted, they must all be taken up with some earth to them, at least as much of it as adheres to the roots, be planted immediately (closely so as to cover the surface if evergreen, or so as to do so if deciduous by the time they flower), in their several positions, doing the work carefully so as not to break orinjure either the tops or roots. This may be done any time in mild weather from October to the middle of February, and when the ground is in good working order so as to insure neatness. It may be necessary to water after planting, but not often, once at planting being enough to settle the earth about the roots. This even is misapplied if the weather be at all wet or showery. A reserve of most kinds should be kept back to fill up any blanks that may occur during the winter, the beds being made good by the beginning of March. By the last week in May, or first week in June, all of them, owing to their places being required for summer bedding plants, must be cleared off, and this is done in the same manner as at planting, taking them up with a ball, and re- moving them to their summer quarters, which should be an open yet sheltered sunny situation. After removal water well, especially if the roots are bulbous or tuberous, and continue to do so according to the weather until the plants become well re-established. Such as have done blooming and are in a fit state for propagation should be divided, as in the case of Primulas, or cuttings or slips should be inserted, as in the case of Alyssums and Wallflowers, or seeds sown if pro- pagation is to be effected in that way. If bulbous-rooted they are best divided at the time of planting, if that be in October, but if later it should be done when the foliage decays. G. ABBEY. NOTES ON A COLLECTION OF GRAPE VINES FRUITED IN POTS IN THE SUMMER OF 1864. In the month of March, 1864, I took from my collection of Grape Vines, one plant of each of forty-four sorts, and placed them in a cool vinery with the view of testing. 1. Their suitability for pot culture. 2. Their quality. 3. Their com- parative earliness. The pots were placed on slates so that the roots could not escape from the pots; the rods were trained up the rafters of the house, and the plants fully supplied with weak manure water. The whole of the plants were but one year old and of equal strength. I shall proceed to describe them in the order in which they ripened. Those marked B, are Black; W, White Grapes. 1. Chasselas Vibert, W. Ripe August 26th. Produced six medium-sized bunches of large well-flavoured berries. It was the earliest and best of the Sweetwater race, and set better than any other. 2. Grove-End Sweetwater, W. Ripe September 10th. Pro- duced six small bunches, rather loose. Berries large. First- rate. 3. Muscat de Juillet, B. Ripe September 10th. Produced three small bunches. Berries small. 4, Chasselas de Falloux, W. Ripe September 10th. Pro- duced ten large bunches. Berries large. A good pot Vine. 5. Chasselas Bulherry, W. Ripe September 10th. Pro- duced ten large bunches. Berries of medium size; flavour good. 6. Almeria, W. Ripe September 10th. Produced ten large bunches. Berries large. A good pot Vine. 7. General Della Marmora, W. Ripe September 10th. Produced ten large bunches. Berries large; flavour above the average. Quite first-rate. 8. Royal Museadine, W. Ripe September 10th. Produced eight medium-sized bunches. Berries of medium-size. First- rate. 9. Foster’s White Seedling, W. ‘Ripe September 13th. Produced eight large bunches. Berries large. A hardy good Grape. 10. Muscat St. Laurent, W. Ripe September 13th. Pro- duced six small bunches. A rich-looking Grape of good flavour. Hangs well. 11. Chasselas Duhamel, W. Ripe September 16th. Pro- duced four small bunches. Berries large. Flavour very good. 12. Chaptal, W. Ripe September 16th. Produced ten large bunches. Berries of medium size. 13. Black Hamburgh, B. Ripe September 18th. Produced seven large bunches. Berries large. Still one of the best for pot culture. 14. White Frontignan, W. Ripe September 18th. Pro- duced six medium-sized bunches. Berries of medium size. First-rate. 15. Buckland Sweetwater, W. Ripe September 18th. Produced six large bunches. Berries large. A good pot Vine. 16. Trentham Black, B. Ripe September 20th. Produced one small bunch with large berries. Of doubtful value for pot culture. 17. Chasselas Musqué, W. Ripe September 20th. Pro- duced seven medium-sized bunches which did not crack ; ripened well. Berries large; of exquisite flavour. 18. Esperione, B. Ripe September 20th. Produced ten large bunches. Berries large; flavour good. A first-rate pot Vine. 19. Pope’s Hamburgh, B. Ripe September 20th. Pro- duced ten Jarge bunches. Berries large. A first-rate pot Vine. 20. Black Frontignan, B. Ripe September 26th. Produced nine medium-sized bunches. Berriessmall. Not so good as the White Frontignan. 21. Muscat Hamburgh, B. Ripe September 26th. Pro- duced seven small bunches ; shanked. Berries large ; flavour exquisite. 22. Alicante (French), apparently Black St. Peter’s, B. Ripe September 26th. Produced ten small bunches. Berries of medium size ; flavour first-rate. 23. Madeira Muscat, B. Ripe September 26th. Produced three small bunches. Berries small, of exquisite flavour. 24. Perle Impériale, W. Ripe September 26th. Produced six large bunches. Berries large, of a rich golden hue; skin thick ; flesh solid; flavour good. Hangs well. 25. Sarbelle Muscat, B. Ripe October 1st. Produced eight small bunches. Berries of medium size. 26. Purple Constantia, B. Ripe October 1st. Produced eleven medium-sized bunches. Berries of medium size; flavour exquisite. A good pot Vine. 27. Ahbee, W. Ripe October Ist. Produced four large 383 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 15, 1864. bunches. Berries large and handsome; slightly acid. Not so good as Raisin de Calabre. 28. Black Prince, B. Ripe October 6th. Produced three large bunches. Berries large First-rate. 29. Chasselas de Fontainbleau Rouge Hatif, B. Ripe October 6th. Produced seven small bunches. Berries small. 30. Muscat Noir de Jura, B. Ripe October 6th. Produced six medium-sized bunches. Berries large. A good hardy sort. Foliage beautiful in autumn. 31. Ingram’s Prolific Muscat, B. Ripe October 6th. Pro- duced seven small bunches. Berries small; flavour good. 32. Raisin de Calabre. W. Ripe October 6th. Produced three large bunches. Berries large and handsome. Flesh firm; flavour good. Hangs well. 33. Chavoush, W. Ripe October 6th. Produced three.large bunches. Berries large. A fine-looking Grape. 34. Cambridge Botanic Garden, B. Ripe October 6th. Produced three large bunches. Berries large. 35. White Romain, W. Ripe October 10th. ‘Produced ten medium-sized bunches. Berries of medium size. A good pot Vine. 36. Lady Downes’ Seedling, B. Ripe October 10th. Pro- duced seven medium-sized bunches. Berries large. A good pot Vine. 37. Black Monukka, B. Ripe October 15th. Produced four large bunches. Berries large, conical, and stoneless; flavour fine. 38. West's St. Peter’s, B. Ripe October 18th. Produced six small bunches. Berries large. Quite first-rate. 39. Morocco Prince, B. Ripe October 20th. Produced eleven medium-sized bunches. Berrieslarge. Quite first-rate. 40. Burchardt’s Prince, B. Ripe Cctober 20th. Produced eight large bunches. Berries large. Not sufficiently known and valued. Quite first-rate. 41. Kempsey Alicante, B. Ripe October 20th. Produced seven large bunches. Berries large. A good pot Vine. Three varieties—Trebbiano, Mill Hill Hamburgh, and Due de Malakoff, bore no fruit. The large bunches averaged 1 lb. in weight; those of medium size three-quarters of a pound; the small half a pound. Now, for the application of these facts. With an ordinary greenhouse or vinery a good supply of Grapes, White and Black, and of various flavour, may be secured for at least three months in the year at a very moderate cost of money and trouble. The entire weight of fruit gathered off the forty-one one-year-old Vines may be fairly set down at rather more than 2cwt. Had they been placed where the roots could have been passed through the holes at the bottom of. the pots, I doubt not that a heavier crop would have been secured ; but I could not conveniently accomplish this, nor did I deem it necessary for my purpose. Reasoning from this and previous experiments, for seven of the best pot Vines I should choose for weight—Esperione, Pope’s Hamburgh, Chasselas de Falloux, Chasselas Bulherry, Almeria, General Della Marmora, and Chaptal; for an ad- ditional seven—Black Hamburgh, Morocco Prince, Bure- hardt’s Prince, Foster’s White Seedling, Purple Constantia, Kempsey Alicante, and White Romain. Chasselas Vibert should be added for its earliness.—Wint1Am Paun Waltham Cross, N. ROSES PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. However desirable the plan proposed by Mr. Curtis (and anything on the Rose, from one bearing that name ought to be listened to), I fear it is impracticable. There is not the same spirit in France as to exhibiting that there is here; for although the Central Society of Horticulture has held meetings somewhat similar to the Floral Committee of the Horticultural Society here, yet very few of the growers, even around Paris, thought it worth while to send their seedlings. ‘Something of the kind was suggested to me some years ago, but I could not do it. Thad hoped +o have continued my dissection of the Rose lists this week, but have been prevented; and I find that there is a mistake in the printing of the first paper. In speaking of M. Hugéne Verdier’s Roses I am made to say I have selected “these;” it should be “three’—the two Hybrid Perpetuals mentioned, and Maréchal Niel, Tea, which I shall speak of by-and-by. As far as my judgment and knowledge of the Paris Roses are concerned, Duchesse de Medina Coeli, Duchesse de Caylus, and Rushton Radelyffe, will be the leading varieties. In a letter received from M. Charles Verdier the other day he speaks highly of Due de Wellington (Granger) as being a very fine Rose. What a splendid season it is! I have cut blooms this month which were first-rate; and have now two beautiful flowers of Devoniensis and Madame Joseph Halphin, taken from standards, in the vases on my chimneypiece—quite refreshing on Lord Mayor’s-day. Although the term Hybrid Perpetual is abused, yet to be able to cut blooms of Senateur Vaisse, Général Jacqueminot, &c., as I have done from my small collection, in the month of November, entitles them to our gratitude.—D., Deal. LARGH CROPS OF PEACHES. Mr. Daty (page 348), expresses a wish that some re- marks may be made on his communication about his crops of Peaches. If the Englishman referred to means the under- signed I make no apology for taking precedence, as I am entitled to correct an error. The Peaches gathered from my three trees this year were 560, and not 510. Of the quality of these Peaches the best proof is their winning the first prize at Blandford, Baron Hambro being second, and that they were good enough to send to Mr. Eyles for the déjetiner at the Kensington Exhibition in September. I say quality with emphasis, because it is simply ridiculous to talk of quantity without quality. The quantitas vocis is a good thing, but the qualitas rei is a better thing. The qualitas of a Peach depends (supposing the sort to be good), rather on the size of the Peach than on the number of Peaches on the tree. The heaviest crop that I ever grew on my three trees, which were, and are still, about 52 or 53 feet wide by 9 feet high, was 1024. What was the effect of this unwise crop? The next year I had only197 Peaches. From this I learnt that to overdo is to undo. . I do not speak in defiance of Providence, still less will I lay a charge against Providence if I fail; but I firmly be- lieve that I shall be able to gather next year 500 Peaches from the above trees. This will make 4500 Peaches in nine years off two trees now in their forty-sixth year, and off one tree now in its twenty-ninth year, the men being alive in this parish who remember their being planted. After the erop of 197 Peaches I believe that the next crop was 775. Lord Portman’s present gardener, Mr. Leach, came that year to inspect the trees. I had taken off a vast quantity, and had left on the unwise number of 1200. Mr. Leach said, “I advise you to take off one-half at least.’ Well, I am never prejudiced or obstinate. I therefore, though they were thoroughly separated before, thinned them down to a number that allowed me to gather 775 good Peaches, not tasteless witherlings. I fancy that the next year the crop gathered was about 468. I say fancy, because I have not my references here. This leads me to diverge. This summer my old and valued friend Mr. Shipp, book- seller, of Blandford, came here to see the Roses and eat Strawberries. I hardly need say that the two hallucinated him. Being here, he said, “I wish you would let me have your articles already published. I will cut them out and paste them into an album free of cost, with thanks for the amusement and edification that I have received from them.’ Hence, as he has my periodicals, I must be forgiven for an erratum. Y { To return. .I think that in an article on Peaches in my “ Florist,” now in Blandford for the above purpose, My. Powell, of the Royal Gardens at Frogmore, has said that three Peaches per square foot are sufficient. Iam not expert enough to say much on this matter; but I firmly believe that what we gain in numbers by overcropping we lose in weight, size, and quality this year, and next year in quan- tity and quality. I believe yet further, that where we leave on six Peaches the Jerseymen and Frenchmen leave on three. Mr. Daly’s crops in 1863 and 1864 are certainly very great; but, will he not say in due time, “There is nothing like moderation and a good annual supply??? What sort of | land has he? It must be a land of “nuggets” to stand for any length of time such heavy cropping. I for one shall November 15, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORYVICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 389 be glad to know what is the crop of 1865. I am very glad to see that he manages his Peach trees as regards protection much the same as myself; but I fear our error is a leaning towards overcropping. I do not attribute the loss of his leaves and tae non-setting of his fruit to the same causes as he does—quite the contrary. It was not from keeping the sheets on, but probably from having left them off on “mild nights,’ when the frost caught him napping. In bad weather I leave them on for days and nights together. When will people learn that the leaves of a Peach tree are more tender at their unfolding than even the blossoms ? I went this year to review my oldest friend’s large garden near here. What didIsee? A capital crop of Peaches pro- tected by tiffany ; but the north-east wind and frosts had gone through the tiffany, and blistered the leaves almost to a to- tality. Theleaves looked as if a mole had burrowed between the cuticles. These blistered leaves must drop; what is to become of the tree and fruit till new ones spring up? The tree, being deprived of lungs at such a time, must suffer in its general health, and the fruit can never be of first-rate quality. Pines, Grapes, Ferns are well done at my friend’s: the two things wanting there are glass casings and more pumps. In such a large garden, with so many trees, it is of no use to talk of sheeting, which is better than any glass casing for the general health of the trees, unless it can be drawn up and let down by rollers. Where there are only a few trees, and where the amateur takes particular interest in them, sheets will (put on at 4 p.m. and taken off at 10 a.21., and only left on in discourteous weather), beat everything. The trees are much more healthy, thus protected, than when permanently stewed under glass. Had I a glass casing I would, in torrid summers, remove every bit of it after the danger is over. The mess made under glass arises chiefly from a want of free circulation of air, and from deficient watering. In conclusion, I must say that it is not the fault of gar- deners that their Peaches fail; they cannot do impossibili- ties. A Peach tree is as much an exotic as a Muscat. The Muscat is protected, but the poor Peach tree, blossoms and leaves, is suffered to “rough it.’ The wood this year is nicely ripened, and the leaves drop fast. I am like Mr. Micawber in the Fleet prison, hoping some good thing will «turn up!”—W. F. Rapciyrre, Rushton. CULTURE OF THE ALPINE STRAWBERRY. Norwitusranpine the excellence of the Alpine Straw- berry as a dessert fruit, comparatively little attention has been paid to its cultivation. This is evidenced by the fact, that we too often see it grown in some out-of-the-way place, or trampled under foot, as if kept for the mere sake of having the variety. Consequently, it is no wonder we so often see such small fruit from this valuable Strawberry. Knowing its value, and that its culture should be more eared for, I offer to your readers a few notes on the mode of cultivation I have practised with good results. To obtain seed, procure some fine and well-ripened fruit ; bruise it, and spread it over some thick paper for drying. Place it out in some dry airy place, not allowing the damp to affect it; when dry scrape it off from the paper, and store it away till the following March; then sow in pans, just covering the seeds with light soil. Place the pans in gentle heat until the seedlings are up and sufiiciently strong; then gradually harden them off. Never allow the plants to become too dry. When sufficiently hardened, prick them out, in a rich and open piece of ground, in rows 9 inches asunder, allowing 4 inches between the plants in the rows. Keep all runners cut off, and give water when required. Nothing more will be wanted but keeping the plants free from weeds during summer, until the following spring, then a piece of ground in an open position must be provided, highly manured, dug, or if well trenched all the better. Choose a fine day for transplanting the piants to their fruiting place—a care that cannot be too strongly recommended for all planting. The ground being ready for planting, mark out the rows 2 feet apart; then with a plunging-fork take up the plants, and set them in their new quarters a foot apart in the rows. Neatly finish off the ground, and never allow weeds to encroach. Keep gll runners cut off during the summer, which will enable the plants to swell their fruit better. Watering is one of the essentials for the Strawberry, there- fore it must be duly done. Another point is to cover the surface round the plants with some kind of material, such as flints, broken tiles, or slates. I use flints, which not only allow the water to pass more readily to the roots of the plants, but keep the ground near the roots more moist. Following the above hints, one may have ripe Alpine Strawberries from the time the other larger kinds have done bearing until the end of October, and often later; and thus the labour bestowed on this Strawberry will be amply compensated, and especially to those who, like myself, have many dishes to make up every evening.—C. P. VISITS TO GARDENS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. MESSRS. F. & A. SMITE, DULWICH. As some years had elapsed since I had been able to visit the well-known nursery at Dulwich, I was not sorry of the opportunity afforded me in the month of September of again going through the extensive houses which cover so large a space in thisnursery. When I was there before, the nursery was in a transition state. It had formerly been one from which Covent Garden Market had been largely supplied with those plants which are not indeed “*bern to bloom unseen, And waste their sweetness on the desert air ;’? but are born to die an untimely death, killed by tke dust, and dirt, and gas, and fire heat of London rooms. The Messrs. Smith were then getting out of this, and at the present time the houses and pits that used to be filled with such plants are occupied with the choicer and more valuable ones that are comprised in a good nursery stock. The success which has attended their efforts at hybridisation in the many beautiful varieties of Cinerarias, Azaleas, &c., which they have from time to time brought before the public show that they are not novices at such things; while their magnificent show of Balsams has always been acknowledged as about the finest in the kingdom, and, as I witnessed, there is no retrogression in this department. It would be impossible for me to describe (and were I to do so it would be a useless attempt), the whole of the plants contained in this extensive establishment; and I shall there- fore select a few such salient points as seem to me to espe- cially mark it. Thus their collection of Zonale Geraniums is probably as extensive as any in the kingdom, comprising every variety of home and foreign growth; while their own establishment has afforded them thousands of seedlings, many of them of great promise, especially amongst those Tricolor variegated ones of which Mrs. Pollock is the type, and on which there is now so great a run. The Messrs. Smith have largely hybridised in this class, and some of their resuits are very curious. Selecting one of the plain yellow-leaved sorts, such as Cloth of Gold, for the mother plant, they have hybridised with some of those broad-zoned varieties of which there is a plentiful assortment, and thus the combination is obtained; while the bright flame, vary- ing from light pink to brilliant crimson, is found in a large proportion of the issue. In some the marking partakes more of a marbled character, being irregularly disposed over: the whole leaf. ‘Then, again, there were plants which were absolutely double, half the plant was green and half varie- gated. Nor was this confined to the leaves only: the stalk was in the same way divided, one half of it being green, the: other marked. Whatever may be the cause of variegation, be it disease or not, some light might surely be thrown upon it, by such curious results as these, in the hands of a bo- tanist. Then, again, some plants run up quite green through- out. To the eye of an inexperienced person they would seem to be useless; but Mr. Smith waits, and strangely enough they break, from the base of the stem very fre- quently, quite variegated. Others again, which show symp- ‘toms, very faint it may be, of variegation, when potted into richer soil break into colour. While alluding to this subject . I may mention that I have this autumn put in a large quantity of cuttings of Mrs. Pollock, and that I have not lost one. My plan is to put three or four cuttings in a pot, and place them in the sunny part of my little greenhouse. . 350 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 15, 1864. I mention this because some persons have remarked to me that it is a queer thing to propagate. Amongst other bedding Geraniums I noticed as very good Prince of Orange, an orange scarlet, and two others (under numbers), which promise to be acquisitions—20,64 and 58,64; the former of these is a very fine flower. Azaleas form a large feature in this establishment, up- wards of ten thousand small plants alone being grown, and, as we know, many fine sorts have come from here. Flag of Truce fully bears out the high estimation formed of it when it was first exhibited. The foliage is handsome, while the purity of the white exceeds that of nearly all the single varieties. Thrips is a great plague here, owing in a great measure to the existence of some Thorn hedges, which har- bour this pest; and the experience of the Messrs. Smith differs from that of Mr. Barnes and others, inasmuch as they find tobacco of very little use, but use a preparation something like Gishurst, which they say, as indeed I could see, effectually stops its ravages. There was also a quantity of their pretty rosy pink Azalea Clapham Beauty, which has, moreover, the advantage of being very early in bloom; and possessing as it does an excellent habit, it is a very desirable plant for the spring decoration of the greenhouse. Crispiflora rosea, an improvement on the old and pretty crispiflora, is also largely grown, and meets with a ready sale. In the stoves I found a very excellent assortment both in old and young plants, of the rarer and more valuable plants that have been introduced of late years. Alocasia metallica, Lowii, and zebrina were excellently done; while Cyperus alternifolius variegatus was in greater masses than I have | Here was also a good stock of the very | anywhere seen it. pretty Saxifraga Fortunei, which will ere long find its way into many a cottage window, supplanting its plainer rela- tive, which is now so extensively grown by cottagers. In the cooler houses many of the recent introductions from Japan were found, such as Thujopsis dolabrata varie- | gata, Retinosporas, Osmanthus, Eurya—plants which, if they only prove hardy, cannot fail in a few years to make a con- siderable change in the landscape gardening of our days. Many of the new varieties of Zonale Geraniums, which are more adapted for greenhouse culture than the open air, were also to be found here. Amongst them I noticed Marie L’Abbé, Mrs. Theirs, Ornement des Massifs, a curious plum- shaded scarlet. Fuchsia Pillar of Gold, which was originated in this establishment, has proved itself a very useful ornamental plant, and when well grown, and mixed with others, the effect | is excellent. There were large quantities of it grown here; but to my mind it looked better when placed amongst other plants than when used in large quantities. Cloth of Gold is another somewhat similar variety, which deserves all the praise that has been given to it, affording a very pretty con- trast to the previous one. The other varieties of Fuchsias were also to be found here in large quantities. In Balsams the Messrs. Smith are certainly in advance of all others, and I found pit after pit filled with plants which were maturing their seed. The different varieties are all kept perfectly distinct, and I can only say that I did not see one plant with single flowers throughout the thousands that were there; so that if single flowers are obtained from their seed it must be owing to some mismanagement in their culture ; and as I had myself been disappointed, I asked Mr. Smith how it was that 1 came to have so many single flowers. He quietly asked me, “‘How do you grow them?” I told him that I potted them off singly, and then as the flower- buds showed rubbed these off. repotting them into larger- sized pots, and then trusting to the later buds for the bloom. meeting of the “Agricultural Society,” the response can hardly be negative, and I think all allow that when poultry are shown, it is the department most thronged. Well, then, if I am correct in this idea, it would appear to be the first duty of exhibitors resident in the neighbourhood of an agri- cultural association, to urge the tacking on poultry, and if this has been already done, to try to improve the prize list. Here let me say, that in two instances where I have tried this course, it has been very successful, and the Secretaries have been most courteous, although personally unknown to me, in considering any suggestions I have offered, and often in trying them. Well, then, let me suppose that some brother or sister maniac has been successful so far in inducing the agricul- tural] society to admit our pets, the show, as regards poultry, may be a perfect failure, simply because the Secretary does not understand the importance of advertising, or if he ad- vertises at all, he does it insufficiently. It has frequently happened to me to read reports of shows in your Journal, to which I would have sent specimens willingly, but your notice of the show is the first notice I have seen of it; in fact, the show is over when you first hear of it. Or, again, the advertisement appears for the first time on the day the entries close. How would a diminished scale for shows, when inserted three times, answer? ‘This, however, is beyond my tether. The Secretary might secure a tolerable entry, by cutting from the catalogues of the larger shows the names of ex- hibitors residing within a certain distance, and sending them at once a schedule and certificates of entry by post, soliciting entries. I am not so certain that according to the locality selected for the show, an increase cf certain classes of fowl, will do much for southern shows. Manifestly, this will not make the entries greater, if exhibitors do not know that such a show is about to be held. This latter point is very essential, especially in the lesser shows, as held in the north. Their proposed existence must be made known. I should say it was simply owing to this fact, that no Brahmas were seen at Tunbridge Wells. Give them but a chance, and they may be seen. Dorkings may be a southern county bird, but they are kept all over the country, and have numberless admirers, now that by experience their delicacy during chickenhood appears to have been overcome. Hamburehs, on the contrary, certainly have more friends in the north. Are there no friends to poultry who have influence with the Gloucester Agricultural Association? Time was, when they used to have a splendid show of poultry in connection with the animal portion, but some years ago it was discon- tinued, and thus an annual show was lost to the south. I hope some person may have sufficient influence to restore us this. One word in conclusion, as to the Poultry Club, the short report of the meeting noticed in your pages, lately contained a statement which will go far to disarm much of the oppo- sition, at least, so I humbly imagine; the alteration of name from ‘Rules for Judging,’ to “Standard of Excellence, &e., for exhibition,” is very important. The exposition given by good judges, the reasons why they have in certain cases awarded prizes apparently against the standard would be useful to all of us, and your own columns proved very lately that the best general Judge of the day, Mr. Hewitt, has no objection to defend his judgment in certain cases. I should myself have been greatly pleased with an explanation of awards in another class, it is, however, too late now.— Y. B.A. Z. WINTER AND SPRING MANAGEMENT OF STOCKS IN COMMON HIVES. I pecan bee-keeping this season, and have five straw hives in a shed (same as Neighbour’s). They stand on cases with drawer for feeding, on Nutt’s principle, and are all well covered-up with coats and carpet. Now, as ventilating hives in winter is recommended, I want to know if I should re- move the carpet, &c., and open the block fronts in the cases on which the hives stand, and insert, over the holes, into the feeding-drawer or cases perforated tin, and then ventilate the shed well in which the hives are? My main object next ¢ 404 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. year will be to get swarms so as to start a lot of frame-hives or boxes. Please also say if it is wise in the spring to disturb the bees to clean the floor-boards, and when is it the right time. I have partly closed the entrances to my hives by means of wedges. Do you consider this wise, as it stops ventilation ? About a month ago my hives weighed from 20 to 30 lbs. each, and they seem strong. About what time should you resort to feeding, as I want early swarms ?—J. A. [Common straw hives require no ventilation, and the less they are meddled with during winter the better. If the coats, carpets, &c., have been long in their places, take ad- vantage of the first fine mild day to remove them, and clear out all vermin, such as spiders, moths, earwigs, &c. After shaking and beating (the coverings, not the hives), replace them and make all snug for the winter. The latter end of February or early in March, according to the season, repeat the operation, and if you can with little disturbance sub- stitute clean floor-boards for the dirty ones, so much the better. A few ounces of food given at regular intervals by means of an inverted bottle, two or three days apart at this season, will be of use in stimulating the breeding powers of the queens. Entrances should be contracted during winter, but even this must in some degree be regulated by circum- stances, a populous colony requiring more air, and, there- fore, a larger doorway than a weak one. | HOW TO RECTIFY IRREGULARLY-BUILT COMBS. I r1np the following passage in a recent letter from one of my most valued apiarian correspondents. «Some of the writers in Tur JourNaL oF HoRTICULTURE complain of their combs on bars being crooked, and fixed transversely. «Tf you found a Woodbury frame-hive in this condition, and wished to inspect the middle combs, but found it im- possible to move the frames, how would you proceed to make the inspection? Would you begin by taking out the side bars first, and! polish each bar straight in succession? or would you begin at the place where you wish to make the inspection, and pull up the frames, nolens volens, having first inserted a knife between the bars, so as to separate the combs ? «T make a supposition with the view to an answer in the Journal for the benefit of novices.” In the case supposed by my correspondent, I should com- mence by extracting a side comb (that which happened to be the straightest, for choice), and rectify whatever irregu- larity might exist m each comb one by one, partially or even entirely detaching from their bars such combs as might require it, and after straightening them, temporarily sup- port those which had been either partially or wholly detached by means of wire, &c. All these temporary supports may usually be removed the next day; but it may not be amiss to state that all operations of this kind must now be de- ferred till spring is pretty far advanced (say April), and should on no account be attempted either late in autumn, or during winter.—A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. VARIATION IN LIGURIAN BEES. Wit you give me your opinion upon the enclosed speci- mens of bees? No.1 is from a hive which breeds all alike, with the exception that about one in a hundred is darker than the rest. No. 2 is from the hive referred to in page 342 of Tue JouRNAL or Horticutrurs, and which breeds all varieties. No. 3 breeds all alike; but all are darker than the original stock, unless the few in No. 2, which are most brilliantly marked. I should esteem it a favour if you would let me know whether any are pure or not, and whether, as I am told, pure-breeding queens can be obtained from the ege of a hybridised one, if impregnated with an Italian drone, or if, when they are once impure, they remain so.—A. N. B. [The colour fades so much in dead Ligurians, that the Specimens accompanying your letter are really of little use [ November 15, 1864, in helping us to decide the question submitted to us. Ne- vertheless, you are welcome to our opinion as far as it goes. No. 1 we should consider pure, as there is some degree of variation even in the purest stocks, and the only test we admit in our own apiary is an entire absence of common bees. This rule condemns No. 2 as hybridised, and would clear No. 3 from suspicion, if (which we rather doubt), the bees are really “all alike.’ We see no reason why an isolated black stain should not in the course of time be bred out of Ligurians, if you can but avoid a relapse, just in the same way as the Ligurian strain becomes bred out of the common bee in a few generations. The difficulty would be in avoiding a repetition of the dark taint. ] JOINING LIGURIAN QUEENS AND BEES TO ENGLISH OR BLACK BEES. In uniting queens there is alwaysa risk, and I cannot find out the mystery why the bees will not accept a queen that is given to them, and after they reject her, if she is given to another stock they receive herjoyfully. Again: the same stock that rejected the first queen will gladly accept another queen, if given to them almost immediately afterwards. A short time since I had a case that illustrates the point. Having imported direct several of the most pure, beauti- ful, fertile Ligurian queens to be found on the continent, I placed one over a stock for some hours that had its queen removed two days before. I thenadmitted one bee at a time and they behaved very well, until half a dozen had been admitted, when they seized and attacked the queen, and I could not separate them without taking the queen up in my fingers and actually pulling the bees from her. This took place four times, when seeing that the bees would not accept her, I put her over another stock, and when I admitted the bees they received her joyfully. I then gave the stock that had rejected the queen another of the imported Ligurian queens, and they received her in a friendly way and conducted her in triumph into the hive. Since I sent you the account of joining bees on the 14th of October, I have joined five more lots of bees, and everyone successfully. They were driven on the 31st of October, but I do not recommend driving bees so late in the season, but the farmer had neglected them, and would not feed them. The bees insome of the stocks would not leave the combs, so we had to cut the combs out and brush the bees with a feather into the empty hive. I did not hastily discard pepper- mint scent until I found it from practice useless.— WILLIAM Carr, Clayton Bridge Apiary. OUR LETTER. BOX. Cocuin-Cutva Fowts (£. C.).—We imagine your birds are Silver Cinna- mons—the body a sort of French creamy white, and the hackle darker. They will breed good chickens with a buff cock, and are an esteemed variety. Another class is ordinary Cinnamon, and is coloured exactly like the spice after which it is named. Mov.itine oF SPANISH PuLLETs (Cochin).—We have known them when hatched in January to change their feathers the same autumn almost entirely, but not regularly to moult. The cocks do, and we haye some now naked-necked. Brst-Payinc Fowts (One who Wishes to Make his Hens Pay).—Buff or Partridge-coloured Cochin Pullets, and an adult Dorking cock, will supply eggs in the winter, and produce good table chickens. ‘The Pullets should be bought every year, and their predecessors parted with. Foop ror SkyLarKs (G. R. B.).—Bread and cheese is a first-class food for Skylarks. A little whole hempseed, groats, or cooked meat finely minced may be added occasionally with benefit. Larks should always have a green turf to peck at, and the bottom of the cage be thickly covered with clean dry sand for them to dust in. Hempseed is best given whole, but js not a necessity, and must be used sparingly. The meat must not be salted. GrrMAN Paste (Idem).—Take two table-spoonfuls of lard free from salt, beat it in a saucepan till it is nearly boiling, add four table-spoonfuls of treacle, keeping the saucepan near the fire but not putting it on again, and stirring the treacle well in gradually. Keeping it still near the fire just to keep warm, stir in peasmeal till it becomes a stiff crumbly mass; a little mavwseed to be added. About 34 pints of peasmeal go to the above quantity. —B.P.B. SqurrRELs In ConFINEMENT.—In your impression of the 25th of October, your correspondent, Mr. Hunter, states that Squirrels neither jumped nor ate acorns. This, I think, is unusual, as I have long kept some of these pretty animals, and I have now two, who daily spring and leap, and freely eat acorns, which, indeed are their principal meal. They live in a cage with some wild Rabbits, several varieties of Doves, and a pair of Golden Phea- sants,—Grorce H, Brooxs. 3 November 22, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 405 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day | Day iAveracey Rain in q Clock : epmcalake a age Temperature Sun Sun Moon |} Moon | Moon's Day of peed Ra NOVEMBER 22-28, 1864, near London. 37 yea Rises Sets Rises. | Sets. Age. ayer ear. j Day. | Night. | Mean Days. | m. h.})m. h.| m. hb. | m. h. m. 3. 22 Tu Titmice draw near houses. 48.8 B41 414 20 33 af7 Oat 4 5| 0) | 57) 0 23 18. 34 327 23 Ww Grey Wagtail arrives. 47.0 34.0 405 15 B45 7 69 Bi Sra ek we ll 24 13. 17 328 24 Tu Sweet-scented Coitsfoot flowers. 47.1 32.1 39.6 Ww 86, 7) 58° 3) | 12)-°2 |. 89 1 25 13° 70) 329 25 F Warch leafless. 45.9 33.4 39.6 19 BSt OT BT ABU Ne IBVI259 9: 26 12 41 | 330 26 s Oak leafless. 47.0 33.0 40.0 19 89H Te 56 3) 22!) 4°29) 27 12; 22) 881 27 Sun ADVENT SuNDAY. 46,8 34.3 40.5 17 4). 17 |,55 » 3.) 28.; 5) 59... 2 28 12 2) 352 28 M Elm leafless. 48.0 35.3 41.7 18 42 7) 55 3135 61 37 3 29 ll 41 | 333 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 47.2°, and its night temperature 33.7. 1,21 inch. The greatest heat was 60° on the 28th, 1828; and the lowest cold, 9°, on the 23rd, 1858. The greatest fall of rain was AUCUBA JAPONICA VARIEGATA BEARING BERRIES. =e O one who had the plea- i sure of seeing the plant will have forgotten the interesting and hand- some specimen of Au- cuba japonica vera, co- vered withits brilliant scarlet berries, which was exhibited by Mr. Standish, of Ascot, at the first spring meet- ing held at South Ken- sington on the 9th of March last. Few plants, if any, ever received such unanimous and well-merited approbation. It has been the only new plant of the year which has been signalised by having the Society’s Silver Flora Medal awarded to it. For this addition to our ornamental shrubs we have to thank Mr. Fortune, who introduced it into this country with many other very valuable Japanese plants. At the time when this fruit-bearmg Aucuba, it being a female plant, was introduced, the stamen-bearing or male plant was brought with it, by the fertilising powers of which we were promised in due time to be able to make the well-known Aucuba japonica variegata, which is a female, a fruit or berry-bearing plant. The promise then made has been fully realised; and a fine plant of our old friend Aucuba japonica variegata, 8 or 10 feet in circumference, can now be seen in Mr. Standish’s nursery at Ascot, well covered with berries, which, though at pre- sent green, are fast showing symptoms of the approach- ing change to bright scarlet. The plant which is now producing its berries, was temporarily planted in one of the Vine-houses for the purpose of being experimented upon. It is truly most interesting and gratifying to all true lovers of horticulture to see the perfect success at-- tending the fertilisation of this plant. The time is not far distant when the male or pollen- bearing plant of this shrub will be attainable by all; but at present few only possess it, the value being so great and the stock very limited. In the meantime we may anticipate the privilege of seeing these shrubs, which grow so luxuriantly in every situation in this country, and which are so ornamental by their variegated foliage, covered at Christmas (a rival with our truly-loved English Holly) with brilliant scarlet berries. - There are many other varieties of the Aucuba, not yet sufficiently abundant to be known, but very beautiful and varied both in foliage and inthe berry. Mr. Stan- dish has a plant now ripening its berries, which appear to be of a bright yellow colour. There is very little doubt but that next year many varieties of Aucuba will be exhibited. Several of the leading nurserymen have been making collections; and when these new kinds are acclimatised, and within the reach of the public as respects No, 191 —Vor, VII, New SERiES. a their price, a very great addition will be made to the hardy evergreens now used for winter-garden decoration in this country.—X. HARDY FERNS: HOW I COLLECTED AND CULTIVATED THEM.—No. 4. Onz great point in a tour is the sort of talk you meet with during its course. On the coach or in the steamer you are thrown into much nearer relationship with your fellow passengers than on the less sociable railway. Un- happy they who wrap themselves up in their dignity and chew the eud of their own thoughts, instead of enjoying a healthy interchange with the minds of others! My black tourist’s bag with its conspicuously visible trowel was a useful help to me in the matter. It proved a sufficient introduction to foreigners, and to those plea- sant English people who travel with the happy wish of being pleased with God’s glorious creation, whether in the human or natural world. Many a treasure has found its way to my bag from a fellow trayeller’s wallet, un- locked by the sight of the magic trowel. Many a talk has it given me of the vast forests of America, many a comparison of their vegetation with our own. Shall I be pardoned if I say that of all foreigners I prefer Americans to travel with? Their keenness and comprehensiveness of sight is extraordinary. While another would but take in the general outline of a view, an American has perceived and jotted down tidily in his memory every important feature, each tiny peculiarity. I once spoke to one of the scarcity of Ferns about Lock Lomond. ‘Yes, madam,” he replied; “ but I gathered thirty different wild flowers there in half an hour.” Americans talk to you at once, and talk in a totally different manner from English people. They seem to be * burdened with no lurking fear of there being danger in making a pleasant, acquaintance—they do not appear to wish to know even your name. Smith is to them equi- valent to Brown, if only Smith will exchange his ideas in return for the unreserved pouring-out of the treasures of their own well-stored minds. have never known an English gentleman do this. He is always perfectly polite ; but why should he trouble himself about a stranger he will never see again—a nobody? He has plenty to think about, probably others have the same. But to return to my trowel, to which amongst other things I owe two beautiful clumps of Septentrionale. In the course of our wanderings, after “doing” the Caledonian Canal, and searching in vain for Hymeno- phyllum unilaterale at the Falls of Foyers, and making many a pretty addition to Cystopteris from the Muir of - Ord, we arrived at Dunkeld, that loveliest of all lovely halting-places, where hill and valley, rock and river, contend with each other in sweetest rivalry as to which shall lend the greatest charm to the scenes around. About two miles from Dunkeld is the Stenton Rock, and | growing there side by side may be found Asplenium sep- tentrionale, A. germanicum, and A. trichomanes. Trowel in hand, I marched off to hunt. ‘ Where No. 843,—VoL, XXXII, Otp Sprits. 406 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. November 22, 1864. awa?” said an old road-scraper to me; “ye'll be seeking for something, nae dout.” I explained I was going to Sten- ton for Ferns. ‘‘ Weel, weel, yell find them unco high, too high for a leddy, maybe.” The old road-mender was right. I returned hours after, wet through with what in pleasant mockery is called Scotch mist, but Fernless. ‘‘Ye'll hae been disappointed,” said my old friend when he caught sight of me. “Ye come to me the morn and I'll see. I live at Stenton, ye’ll hae seen my hous for bye the rock.” The next day I kept my appointment; and my friend, true to his word—for he was a very Scot—had two large clumps of Septentrionale for me. ‘Oh, leddy,” he said, «the gran gardeners hereaboots hae taen all the ither sort, and I could nae find ye one root.” When I offered the old man a shilling he answered, “ Nae, nae, keep your siller, I am glad to hae pleased ye.” And I was pleased, for never have I seen in England such plants of Septentrionale as these. They were no unhealthy- looking scraps picked off the face of the rock, but compact tufts (one of them mixed with A. trichomanes), of 3 or 4 inches in size. Much has been written about the difficulty of managing Septentrionale, but I have hitherto found none. I planted these specimens (considerably reduced by gifts to friends), in an open fernery facing the south, and they came up year after year luxuriantly and well, but they do not increase. Asplenium germanicum is said to grow on the Stenton Rock, as well as the septentrionale: I was shown a plant of it; the tiny forked fronds were about 1} inch in size, and not so broad as Septentrionale, the forked ends being almost as fine as a thread. I have never possessed this Fern, nor have I ever seen a healthy specimen of it, or one I should know as perfectly distinct from Septentrionale; indeed, I believe the plants shown to me as germanicum have only been diminutive specimens of Septentrionale. From the Stenton Rock in the cold north my mind wan- ders to the sunny south, where, under conditions somewhat similar, and yet how widely different, I have seen at Bag- néres de Luchon in the Hautes Pyrénées, the entire face of a rock, in the very eye of the sun, entirely covered with Septentrionale: the fronds were nearly double the size of our English Fern, and the forked ends one mass of rich brown spores. I seldom look at Septentrionale without being, in thought, carried away to beautiful Luchon. I seem once more to be by the side of the Fern-covered rock. It stands jutting out on the road leading into Spain, down which gaily-dressed muleteers are driying their mules, laden with wood for the winter’s use; the merry bells are tinkling in the air as the poor mules shake their heads under the heavy burden. On my left hand are jagged rocks, whose crevices are gay with wild flowers; on the right are Beech-covered hills, with pretty chalets dotted about here and there, slanting down to the town, with the river, lined with golden Poplars, flow- ing through. Before me, in the far distance, is the Port de Venasque, its snow-capped peaks glitter like diamonds in the sun, and seem to sparkle with delight at the glorious scene stretched out beneath them in the fair land of Spain. I inhabited one of those chdlets on the Beech-covered hill. The garden is a very wilderness of flowers, and in this wil- derness there is a little oratory with a statue of the Blessed Virgin, whose shrine is always decked with flowers, and the hand that places them there is the rough toil-stained one of the old housekeeper, Jeanne. “My mistress used to put them there,” she said; “but she died when the little miss was born, and now there is only me.” 2; Good old Jeanne! with her hard features and tender heart ! whose only outward religious observances seemed to consist in placing the flowers and in sundry crossings of herself. How much I used to enjoy our shoppings and marketings together in the early morning; Jeanne’s head coquettishly adorned with a brilliant amber kerchief, tied in a dainty knot on one side, and she herself trying, with unexampled patience, to make me a proficient in (her) French, which consisted of a most bewildering patois of Spanish and French mixed together in one confused mass. I have never found Septentrionale growing in the shade, nor do I believe it could endure such a situation ; it luxuriates {in warmth and sunshine, and does not care for much water. The one great point in cultivating it is thorough drainage ; if there is any moisture hanging about, the base of the fronds will decay, and gradually fall off, and a tiny wireworm will come to help in the work of destruction. When the least decay is visible in the fronds, dig up the plant, and look to the drainage. At Dunkeld I found quantities of very fine Ruta muraria growing in the old wall of the Duke of Atholl’s park. I managed to pick out a great many roots with considerable portions of earth attached; but, alas! I have never made Ruta muraria live for more than two years in cultivation. I have tried it with old mortar, planting it upside and down- side and every way, but all to no purpose; I am new trying it in a flower-pot nearly filled with drainage, placing the flower-pot sideways in the fernery, and covering it with earth. The Duke of Atholl’s grounds are strictly preserved, and I have a strong aversion to going over houses and grounds with a bought permission, so one day I determined to enter them as a freebooter. I was stopped by a little fellow. «Ye'll nae be ganging there,” he said; ‘‘it’s the Duke’s private walk.” “ But supposing I’m the Duchess,” said I. «Weel, if ye’re the Duchess ye maun go,” said the boy ; and then, amazed at his own temerity, he ran off, leaving me to retrace my steps. On the road between Dunkeld and Aberfeldie I found a very beautiful variety of Athyrium Filix-foemina, some of the fronds were nearly 2 feet in length, the stipes of the younger fronds were of a pinkish brown, and very bare, the pinne were thrice-pinnate, and the whole Fern had a graceful feathery look. I have since seen what I believe to be the same Fern under the name of Filix-femina plumosum. I found it not far from the pretty waterfall called the Rumbling Bridge, where troops of merry children meet you with baskets and pinafores full of rich dark red Bilberries, and the far-off distance has at eventide the sunny glow of the south falling on ruddy banks of Heather. I found Lastrea spinulosa in many places in Scotland; it must be hunted for in shady nooks, where it grows side by side with A. Filix-femina and Blechnum spicant. Mr. Bree gave me a very curious specimen of L. spinulosa which he found growing on the Coleshill bog; the stunted frond was little more than a foot in size; in colour it was a sickly- looking greenish yellow. Mr. Bree also gave me a frond of the very same root when cultivated, and it would have puzzled any one but a close observer to have known they were the same Fern; and it is this altered aspect of Ferns under altered conditions that makes their study bewildering toa beginner. I dare not venture to say that L. spinulosa under any conditions would turn into-L. dilatata, but it looks uncommonly like it; and you find varieties so nearly ap- proaching both Ferns that it is difficult to name them. This difficulty does not exist with Lastrea uliginosa, the under pinnules of uliginosa being the same size as the upper ones. Uliginosa seems to approach nearer to L. rigida than any other Fern, and yet on placing the two side by side it would be impossible to mistake one for the other, the entire growth of uliginosa being taller and much more robust, while the pinne are much farther apart. Lastrea rigida I have never found, so I have been reduced to the necessity of buying one; and of all my Ferns I have found rigida the most tormenting to deal with, its likes and dislikes are as many and as mnacconniable as those of a way- ward child. When I bought the plant of an amateur dealer for 3s. 6d., it consisted of a nest of brown fronds, with one withered frond about half a foot long, and two little deformed fronds by its side. It was very unpromising, and my friend the dealer assured me it was an illnatured subject that re- paid all your care by giving you nothing but those black looks.. I did all I could for the “ne’er do weel.” I made it a lovely home with well-drained fine leaf mould for its food ; but a year passed, and its new fronds were dwarfed, dark, and illnatured-looking ; moreover they were evidently rot- ting away. I looked for the reason, and found a large Fern, planted above rigida, dropping some of its surplus wet upon it. I moved it to a clearer place, and at last I gave satis- faction. I housed it in winter, and planted it in a clear sunny spot in summer, protecting the young fronds as I do those November 22, 1864. ] of Polystichum lonchitis, and it has rewarded me beyond my expectation. It has now a crown of healthy fronds covered with fructification, and it has thrown out two young plants at its side: when these are well established I shall try the parent Fern out of doors all the year, covering it with litter during hard frosts.—F1iLix-F@emIna. THE FRUIT-ROOM. Ir is certainly much to be regretted that although most structures intended for horticultural purposes have received their full share of attention, and the most approved modes of erecting them have been at times ably discussed in this Journal and other gardening works, the fruit-room has scarcely ever received a passing notice. Assuredly this cannot arise from the indifference with which it is regarded, for it is of the utmost possible importance ; but somehow fruit-rooms, generally so called, form such uninviting features in most gardens that they are never visited by fashionable company. That this should be the case is unfortunate; for a nice collection of Apples and Pears in the month of No- vember is as well worth inspecting as anything the plant- houses contain at that time ; but when a makeshift of a shed, or some hovel no longer of any other use, has to be put in requisition for the purpose of keeping fruits, those having the management of it naturally shrink from inviting any one to see their collection when huddled together in such humble quarters. They nevertheless manage now and then to keep their fruit pretty well in such houses or sheds, and not unfrequently better than is sometimes done in structures of greater pretensions, and we are, therefore, led to inquire if there is not something wrong with the latter, and a care- ful investigation into the matter confirms the suspicion that this is really the case. The subject of keeping winter fruit being so important, let us examine the elements which either lead to success or the contrary. When we look into the mode which Nature adopts to insure the reproduction of each species, we find that all seed- vessels or receptacles have a function to perform, and when this is accomplished they perish. Some seeds are scattered abroad by the bursting of the seed-pod, and by a jerk thrown some distance. Others are clothed with down, and dispersed far and wide by the wind. Others depend on their removal being effected either by birds, animals, or some similar agency, and of such, perhaps the Apple and Pear may be accounted examples, while they also exhibit the seed en- closed in a fleshy substance capable of resisting decay for a greater or less period—in the wild ones, certainly until the proper time for depositing the seed in the ground; and as- suming the fruit to fall where it is grown, the conditions for its keeping are prepared for it by natural means. Dead leaves and herbage form a sort of nest as well as a covering, securing the preservation of the seeds until the appropriate time for their being deposited in the earth. Our object, however, is the preservation of the fruit, and the seed is no further regarded than as being a component part of the fruit ; but as Nature has shown us that a cool and far-from-dry medium serves all the purposes of keeping the fruits spoken of through the inclement part of the winter, we may not be far wrong in copying to a certain extent some of the condi- tions thus laid down. It being shown that a cold medium is the best to prevent decay in the fruit now under consideration, the question naturally arises, How is a cool atmosphere to be obtained ? To a certain extent we have but little control over the temperature, for though we might increase that of the at- mosphere of the room, we cannot easily diminish it; but something may be done in the latter way, or, at all events, the evils of overheating our fruit-rooms may be avoided. To cram a house with Apples and Pears in the warm weather of the early part of September is making it little better than a pest house, especially if there be very little ventilation ; for the quantity of fruit lying in so confined a space en- genders heat, or, what is equally bad, vapours are given out that are anything but favourable to the preservation of the fruit. Yet how common it is to crowd the fruit-room so early in the season. Apples keep falling, and birds and wasps attack the Pears, and, consequently, there appears to be no alternative but covering the shelves with fruit, perhaps JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ‘407 three or four thick. Ripening takes place with more or less rapidity in consequence of the forcing to which the fruit is subjected, the close stifled state of the room, and the warm condition of the external air hurrying on the ripening, and ultimate decay, of the whole of the fruit there collected. Assuming, therefore, the position in which Nature often deposits her fruits to be on the whole favourable to their keeping (and we often see that an Apple which has fallen softly amongst long grass or other herbage exhibits as high a state of preservation when found there in winter as others of its kind when housed in the ordinary way), we are led to consider that plenty of fresh air is by no means unfavourable to the keeping of such fruits. On this account, therefore, our fruit-rooms ought to be well ventilated, and they ought not to be too low, or if from circumstances they must be so, they should be ventilated at top as well as at the sides and ends. The best form for a fruit-room when it stands alone is an ordinary span-roof, of tiles laid on dry—that is, not embedded in mortar in the usual way; below the rafters the roof may be ceiled halfway up following the inclination of the rafters, with a flat space of some 3 or 4 feet in the centre, in which a latticed ventilator may be fixed, the latticework very open, and extending the whole length of the room. There should be a sort of contrivance for closing the latticework—a board, say on hinges, like a long trap- door. This is better than sliding latticework, as the latter is apt to get out of order, and is not easily moved. The tiles, being open, will allow all vapours that find their way into the apex of the roof to pass through, and the ventilator will only require closing in very severe weather. In dry situa- tions it would also answer: as well to have the house partly underground, say 3 feet or so; this tends to keep the tem- perature more equable, and in the hot dry weather of the dog-days is certainly a relief from the heated air outside. The side and end ventilators may be of glass, not allowing, however, any windows to the south, and for the same reason it would be better if the building were shaded from the mid- day sun in that direction, buildings being better for that purpose than trees. The situation ought also to be uncon- fined, and free from all noxious vapours and damp exhala- tions. The internal fittings might be in the usual way, a series of shelves all round, and a table shelf in the centre, and if the latter had drawers in it so much the better. The shelves ought not to be too close above each other—four or five in a tier is quite plenty—the highest one being at least 7 feet from the ground. It is customary to make the shelves partially open, but I am not certain that this is required. One of the best-keeping fruit-rooms I ever had to deal with had slate shelves, close and impervious. Care, however, was required not to allow the fruit to tumble about on a shelf so hard. I am no advocate for straw, or anything of that kind, under the fruit. There are many conditions in which fruit has been kept tolerably well, and for a long period. A cool cellar is not by any means a bad place, only the quantity ought not to be large, or ventilation must be obtained; but the currents of fresh air that are wanted in September, may in a great measure be dispensed with in December, or, at all events, much less will do. A cellar is better than a great many fruit-rooms. I have also retarded some fruit in an ice- house and kept it later there than it would have kept in another place, but the propriety of retarding fruits, except- ing for special purposes, is much questioned; certainly the flavour is deteriorated. I have also seen a quantity of Apples buried in the ground like Potatoes. This was merely for an experiment, and the result was that many of them burst, much the same as a Potato will when boiled with the peeling on. Keeping them in achalk-pit or cave approaches so much to the cellar that it may be classed as the same. Sheds of all kinds are used to store Apples in most places where they are grown abundantly, and in Kent thousands of bushels are kept in heaps on the floor of the hop-drying kilns, which, being lofty and airy, are by no means bad places. The great misfortune is, the fruit is often laid in heaps from 2 to 3 feet thick, and a little straw thrown over it in severe weather. Keeping Apples in air-tight bores or jars has been abandoned of late years, and casks of various kinds are occasionally used, but more frequently for transporting fruit than for storing it away. Although Apples will oc- casionally keep a long time under conditions different from 408 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 22, 1864. those now given, it is not to be inferred that these methods are better, as the fruit might, perhaps, have kept a little longer if fairly tried in the way described. Before closing these remarks I may observe, that as fruit vipens earlier in certain seasons than in others, and in some 3s charged more abundantly with those juices which promote decay, the keeping is not always alike, even when attempted in the same way. A well-perfected fruit may be as forward one season by the 1st of September, as it will be in another by the end of the same month; while it is almost needless to observe, that the ripening, and, consequently, decaying influence of a warm month like September tells more than an equal length of time later in the year. It is not too much to say, that the thirty days in September ought to be accounted equal to the fifty days that next follow, taking, of course, average seasons. Hence, fruit that ripens so much earlier than usual has but a poor chance of keep- ing well if the weather be warm. Those, therefore, that want to prolong the season of any particular fruit must keep it as cool as they can, and success will be in accordance with the reduced temperature, all other conditions being favour- able. In a general way, the place most conducive to the good-keeping of fruit is similar to that which preserves milk —oue with a cool atmosphere and abundant ventilation, and free from all vapour, bad smells, and stagnant air of all kinds. In fact, a fruit-room ought to be as sweet as a dairy. J. Rosson. THE NEW ROSES. WHEN one passes away from the region of what one has “seen in the matter of flowers to what one has heard, it is very much, I fear, as great a change as from fact to fiction. And certainly there have been few writers of fiction who have excelled some of our French friends in their descrip- tions; for seeing their glowing accounts of their novelties and seeing the novelties themselves are two very different things, one being too often but the “counterfeit present- ment” of the other; and I can conceive nothing more galling than for a nurseryman to be compelled to throw away dozens of plants which he had propagated with so much care and trouble in the belief that they would be sought after. I therefore feel more than ever the difficulty of forecasting as to the probable value of the eighty and odd new Roses now offered. In truth it must be the merest conjecture, and chiefly dependant on one’s knowledge of the growers and their previous exploits. We may thus speak hopefully of what a Verdier, a Margottin, a Lacharme, or a Guillot may produce; while a Touvais, a Fontaine, or a Moreau will not inspire us with much confidence. I shall therefore simply give the names with the descriptions of the French raisers, and such conjectures as may occur to me from my previous acquaintance with the Roses of former years. GUILLOT FILS. 21. Abbé Berlése—Full flowers, well formed. changing from a reddish cherry to carmine rose. 22. Madame Rousset.—F ull, beautiful tender rose; reverse -of petals silvery. 23. Souvenir de Bernardin St. Pierre——Full flowers, well formed, imbricated. Colour varying from a velvety crimson rose to slaty-red violet, with the centre a shaded red. I have heard a good account of this Rose from Mr. G. Paul, who told me he saw it at Lyons. It is evidently much thought of by the raiser; and from the description, which would refer it rather to the class of such flowers as André Leroy and Mrs. William Paul, I should be inclined to think favour- -ably of it. Colour GONOD. 24. Achille Gonod.—Full flowers, well formed. “Lovely carmine red. 25, Madame Hermann Stenger.—F lowers full, well formed, standing well on the plant. Beautiful rose, shaded with sulphur in the centre. 26. Madame Moreau.—Flowers fall, Peeony-formed, and ¢on- vex; outer petals very large. Colour clear lively red, shaded with violet. Of these there is something novel in the description of the last flower, and it may be possibly good ; but the description rather inclines one to fear that coarseness may prevail in it —a fatal defect to a Rose. PORTEMER FILS. 27. Charles Wood.—F lowers full, very well formed. Very dark red shaded with black. 28. Jean Rosencrantz.—F lowers full, well formed. Lively coral red. ' The first of these reminds one of Lord Macaulay, a flower of the same raiser’s. I hope it may be worthy of the rosarian whose name it bears, for it will then be what the boys call a “stunner.” TOUVAIS. 29. Belle Rose—Very vigorous. Flowers full, globular, cpening well, of irreproachable form and appearance. Clear rose, very fresh ! En 30. Senvramis.—Flowers full, globular, good form and appearance. Tender flesh rose. 31. Sowenir d'une Mére.—Vigorous. Flowers full, flat, large petals; tender rose at the outside, centre lively cerise. Very fragrant. Notwithstanding the wonderful description given of 29, the former productions of Touvais have not given me much confidence in looking for anything very wonderful from him, for I do not know any Rose of his that is now a general favourite. TROUILLARD. 32. Baptiste Desportes.—Vigorous. Flowers large, full, and well formed. lively shaded red. 33. Constant Lussan.—Vigorous. Flowers medium full, well formed. Beautiful clear red, passing into violet. 34. LD’ Abbé Laury.—Vigorous. Full, well formed. Lively red, shaded. 35. Loide de Falloux.—Vigorous. Flower large, full, well formed. Blush white. 36. Madame André Leroy.—Vigorous. formed. Salmon rose. M. Trouillard is the foreman of the well-known nursery- man M. André Leroy, of Angers, and has been for many years known as a Rose raiser, although his flowers have generally come to us through My. Standish, of Ascot, who has purchased generally the stock, but finding, asI believe, that they were not generally up to the mark, he has given this up, and hence M. Trouillard comes out on his own account. His flowers generally want fullness of shape, and of those which Mr. Standish has let out belonging to him, there is hardly a flower, save Hugéne Appert, that has risen to the position of a general favourite, and that sadly wants regularity of form, the outline being very imperfect, while André Desportes, Reynolds Hole, Madame Standish, Mar- guerite Appert, and others, must be numbered, I fear, amongst the things of the past. Nearly full, well OGER. 37. Belle Normande.—Vigorous. Very large, globular, tender rose, silver shaded. edinaly useful as a guide to all residents in the locality.—Ebs. ] THE NEW AMERICAN PEACHES AT ANGERS. 3 Size and] - . | Perfect-|Rivers’s report Name. aan Flesh, | Flavour. ly xipev | 1863. 1 Bergen’s Yellow eee } yellow excellent |Aug. 9 |Not mentioned 2 Drindhill ......... medium | yellow |moderately 12 i Mi good 3, z. Be lene eee medium, Fe 3 lewellen Bauited ‘i yellow good Sept. 15 a9 Bh 4 Gorgas) .0....3..4.. large. \ yellow ais rourid raion good » 14 Mer laree and 5 Lagrange ........ medium \ nee passable | ,, 27 |Not mentioned BRA ISIS NNEC se medium \ yellow] passable |Aug. 31 ” ” 7 Morrisania ...... medium,|) pale Y 2 poinied |f vellow very good |Sept. 14 ® 2) § PresidentChurch| medium, pale x P round yellow very good | ,, 31 ” cs 9 Prince John ...... Rana | yellow} very good} 5, 15] ,, a7 10 Pyramidal......... small | yellow passable |Aug. 30 3” AD f 11 Smock Free ....,. meen } yellow] very good |Sept. 15 oy) 6 12 Tippecanoe ...... medium | yellow bad Aug, 15 | Very Jess: | Good, 13 Van Zandt’s 7] large pale f 5 3 Superb ...... a pointed yellow| Very good |Sept- 13 |Not mentioned 14 White English ... medium pale very bad August 1D 25 15 White Globe...... Baan \ yellow| middiing |Sept.13| ,, 53 | 16 Denning.. medium | yellow | very bad |August | 5, ” 17 Benade medium | yellow | very bad jAugust | 55 » 1S Amelia .. mediuin | yellow | not good |August iD ” 19 Susquehannah ...|medium } yellow good August |Yellow. Good Nearly, if not all the above are clingstones, vigorous from the graft, and free growers, now four years planted, and first fruited, 1864. 20 Exquisite 21 Golden Parple 22 Canary . 28 Honey.... 24 Stump the World Not fruited 1864. ” Small, only one fruit, 1864. Deszribed as medium size. Denning and Benade condemned. Honey,'Harly Tillotson, Colombia, Asceola, Bordeaux, Bagby’s Late, Pine Apple, Henriette, &c., not fruited yet. Of the last ave! Uxquisite i is described at page 152. Golden Purple is above the middle size; suture well de- fined; rich lake colour on sunny side; freestone, melting, 430 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 29, 1864. juicy, with a rose-water flavour, red near the stone. my orchard-house on the 20th of July. Canary, ripe July 11th; above the middle size, with a dis- tinct nipple, freestone, flesh yellow, melting, aromatic. Quite a usual southern Peach. Honey, middle sized, freestone, very pointed, like an almond, pale red on the sunny side, peculiar tropical flavour. Ripe July 21st. Stump the World, very large, blunt nipple, distinct suture, striped with red on the sunny side, pale red at the stone which parts freely, juicy, delicious flavour. A first-rate Peach; ripe on the 15th of August, very prolific, and de- serving cultivation. It makes much wood and might succeed on a warm wall.—l’. C. Bréwaut, Richinond House, Guernsey. Ripe in ‘ORCHIDS IN FLOWER IN NOVEMBER. Barxerta Skinneri; Calanthe vestita nivalis, C. vestita flava oculata, C. vestita rubro-oculata; Cattleya bicolor {three varieties), C. labiata (seven varieties); Cclogyne agenaria, C. speciosa; Cypripedium barbatum, C. insignis, C. Fairrieannm, C. yvenustum ; Dendrobium formosum gigan- teum; Epidendrum vitellinum major ; Ionopsis paniculata major; Lelia anceps, L. anceps (variety), L. Pervinii, L. Per- yinii grandiflora, L. prestans (many varieties) ; Lycaste Skinneri (many varieties) ; Miltonia candida, M. Morelliana ; Odontoglossum grande; Oncidium barbatum, O. excavatum, O. ornithorhynchum, O. papilio majus ; Phalenopsis amabilis, BP. grandiflora, P. rosea; Saccolabium violaceum; Sophro- aitis grandiflora, S. cernua; Trichopilia tortilis; Vanda insignis, V. tricolor; Zygopetalum crinitum cceruleum. The above Epidendrum vitellinum majus kas been in flower for the last seven months. Lelia anceps variety is very fine, one spike measures 4 feet 6 inches in length, with five flowers on it, each flower measuring 5} inches across; one of the Lelia prestans is also very fine, with seven spikes on it, some bearing two flowers on one spike. Mr. Robert Warner, of Broomfield, informs me that it is a very unusual thing to see L. prestans with two flowers on one spike in this country. —CuHaritres Kemuerry, Gardener to Thos. Jones, Eso., Ellerslie Vilia, Whalley Range, Manchesier. IMPROVING OLD VINES. - Some, perhaps, like myself with only one house for Vines, may be benefited by my experience. The house here is a very old one, with two Vines, a Black Hamburgh, and Black Prince, having stems as thick asa man’sarm. Hight years ago they bore bunches so small that it made one quite miserable to see them, and my em- ployer said I might try to improve them. Being close to the house, and planted in a 12-feet gravel walk, where a border could not be made, I had to remove the gravel and earth to the depth of 15 inches or more without finding aroot. Below that the roots were plentiful. i then broke the old earth up with a fork as carefully as possible, to avoid injuring the roots, and had ready a mixture -of loam, a little well-rotted dung, and a few bushels of inch bones. Turfy loam from Epping Forest was the kind used. Reading about the same time in your valuable Journal, that some person srew Celery very fine by laying earthenware- pipes under the roots, I thought that was a hint for water- ing my Vines, so I laid rows of pipes amongst the loam with elbow joints close to the wall, put brickbats around each joint that the water might run out freely, and a lid to the top of each pipe, on which lid we can stand a plant to make ali look tidy. I can pour about eighty gallons of weak liquid manure down, put the lid on, and all looks clean. After filling the walk with the loam, &ec., a little above the level to allow for setiling, I put the clean gravel on just sufficient to make all neat. Rolling over that part for two or three years afterwards was like rolling over elastic. The Vines did much better in the following season, and every year since then the wood has strengthened, and the bunches and berries increased in size. I have some bunches hanging now more than a foot long well shouldered, and coloured. The expense was very little, and quite repaid itself in the second season. I tried the walk this summer, and found it quite full of roots; but with the pipes I can give them all they want without again disturbing the walk. Three years ago a friend removed with his master to a new place, where there was a vinery in a very bad state, the bunches few, small, and shanked very badly, the Vines had not been planted more than eight or ten years. He asked my advice, and I told him to carefully take them up and renew the drainage and border in September. He hesitated. Itold him it was so stated over and over again in THE JouRNAL oF HORTICULTURE. He had the same loam, bones, &c., all ready as before stated, took the Vines entirely up, covering the roots with damp moss and matting, renewed the drainage and border, carefully planting the Vines, watering the roots, and gently syringing the leaves morning and evening, and made a little fire. One Vine only drooped, and that a Muscat. In the following season the wood was short-jointed and promising, but there was not much fruit, but that we could not expect. In the last two years the crops have been very good, both in bunch and berry. He is greatly pleased, and his master well satisfied, so accept the best thanks of my- self and friend for the benefit we have obtained from your valuable Journal, and often when I read I thank you and all your correspondents for the pleasure and profit I receive.— W. C. MESSRS. FRANCIS & ARTHUR DICKSON AND SON’S NURSERIES, CHESTER. WHEN I gave a notice of these nurseries some time since, I stated that I had been unable to go over the forest and fruit tree grounds. A friend has, however, supplied the deficiency, and the following brief account will perhaps be interesting to those of your readers who care for such things, for these grounds form one of the most extensive depéts for forest stuff, as it is generally termed, in the kingdom. “Some eighty to ninety acres of ground are devoted to the cultivation of forest trees alone. In addition to the twelve millions of seedling Larch (not Laurels, as by an error of the press it was made to read), alluded to in THz JOURNAL OF HoRTICULTURE of October 11th, there are also to be seen from five to six millions of transplanted Larch, varying in height from 18 inches to 4 feet, healthy, vigorous, and clean-grown stuff. Thorns or Quick are grown to an equally large extent, the stock being of very fine quality ; and the same may be said of large quarters of Scotch Fir, Spruce, Spanish Chestnut, the Austrian Pine, also Pinus laricio, both of these last-named trees being very much used in the formation of plantations. They are both very valu- able quick-growing Pines, admirably adapted for exposed situations. Then there are almost endless quarters of Hazel, Black Thorn, Ash, Beech, Birch, Horse Chestnut, Elm, Silver Fir, Hornbeam, Poplars, Sycamore, Willows, &c., offering to planters an extensive range for the selection of their materials that only great establishments like the Upton Nurseries can offer. “Tt would seem that one other especial feature of the out-door nursery work is the production of plants suitable for game coverts, underwood, &c. For these purposes there is annually raised a very large quantity of Berberis aqui- folium, which is much sought atter for the formation of coverts, the berries being excellent food for pheasants, while the rabbits will not bark the plants. For the same pur- pose the Canadian Gooseberry—the stock of which, judging from the catalogues periodically issued by the large nursery firms. seems to be almost exclusively in the hands of the proprietors of the Upton Nurseries—is also extensively grown for coverts; the fruit, which abounds on the plants, is readily devoured by game, while the plant grows very vigor- ously, and spreads with amazing rapidity. It only requires to be more generally known to be extensively employed for this purpose. For the same end are also grown Black Thorn, Hazel, Hollies, Laurels both Portugal and common, in large quantities, and of all sizes and stages of growth; Rhodo- dendrons, Snowberry, Sweet Briar, Privet, all of a superior character to what are generally seen. Pinus pumilio is also an excellent plant for covers, as it grows very densely, and game are fond of seeking it for shelter. “The culture of fruit trees is another especial feature of November 29, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 431 the Upton Nurseries. They are grown to a large extent, the variety of the sorts being in keeping with the area of their cultivation. Of standard-trained trees there are strong and handsome specimens of Apples, Pears, Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots. Of dwarf trained trees the quan- tity is very considerable, including Peaches, Apricots, Nec- tarines, Plums, Cherries, and Pears. The Peaches and Nectarines are as fine and handsome specimens as could be wished for. The growing taste in favour of fruit trees in the pyramidal form is apparent here by the extent to which they are cultivated. ‘They are more ornamental than standard trees for kitchen gardens. ‘I'he fruit is screened to a great extent from the force of the wind, and the trees occupy less room in the garden. There were here capital specimen trees of this shape of the best varieties of Apples, Pears, Plums, and Cherries. he iruit tree department also comprises Gooseberries, including all the best Lancashire show varieties, as well as sorts for kitchen purposes and preserving ; Currants in extensive variety, Strawberries in all the leading kinds, Raspberries, &c.” Such are my informant’s words; and I am sure, if this | department equals in completeness the ornamental portion which I visited, it must be exceedingly well worth a visit.— D., Deal. LILIUM LANCIFOLIUM CULTURE. In your Journal of November 15th, in an avticle on the cultivation of the Japan Lily, Lilium lancifolium. Mr. Earley recommends January and February as the best times for potting it for successional flowering; but I think either of the above months much too late, as the roots are always active, consequently these should be potted as soon as the foliage is ripe. I potted half a dozen large pots the first week in October, | and I hope by the time at which Mr. Harley recommends potting, to have the pots full of roots, and very strong stems coming through the soil. By this treatment I frequently have twelve or fifteen flowers on a stem, and should I want the plants in bloom by the first week in July, I can easily do so by placing them in a cool, airy place in the conservatory all the summer, whereas if I want them in August or September I have only to place them in » sheltered spot out of doors as soon as the weather will permit—say early in June. They will require shading or to be placed under the shade of trees for a few days which amounts to the same thing. I mention my differmg from Mr. Earley, because I do so from long experience in the cultivation of the above beautiful flower, and L am thoroughly convinced that half the miser- able specimens often met with, are the results of late potiting, and neglecting to soil up the roots thrown off the stems in the early stages of their growth: Ihave this season ripened ‘a quantity of seed of a fine variety of Lilium lancifolium rubrum, impregnated with the pollen of punctatum, and should be obliged by a few hints on the management of seedlings from any of your correspond- ents. I thought of sowing the seeds in a frame on a south border, in some well prepared ground. If I do so, with Tiberal treatment how long will it take me to flower them? —W. Brown, The Gardens, Hlmdon Hall, near Birmingham. I nave read with pleasure the letter from your corre- spondent, Mr. W. Earley, on the cultivation of that most interesting bulb, Lilium lancifolium; and although I may agree with him, so far as concerns the production of speci- men pots full of bulbs and their management, I totally dis- agree with him if he means to convey, that by his mode of treatment the plant and flower can be developed so as to show their beauties to advantage. ‘To do this every bulb must be planted in a separate pot and flowered singly, carefully avoiding that most objectionable practice of staking, which I consider quite unnecessary. To my fancy it quite destroys the natural appearance of a stem, which has a most imposing effect when grown straight and free from support. L will now state the results of some years’ experience which may be read with pleasure by some of your correspondents. Thave grown small Lilium bulbs to the weight of 1 Ib. each, and which in three years produced flower-stems | valuable Tulip or Gladiolus. 5% feet hich, perfectly straight without the assistance of a single stake or support, and each bearing sixteen or eighteen blooms of such size that each petal measured in many cases 1} inch across. I have never tried to keep up a succession of flowers, but, as in any large collection some will flower earlier than others, I was quite satisfied to plant all my bulbs at the same time, and take the chance of their lasting quite long enough, at least until such time as the room in my small greenhouse was required for some other favourite. I com- menced to plant at Christmas after having carefully ex- amined the roots which I had always shaken out of their pots a month before. [removed all decayed roots and scales, of which latter very few ought to appear if the bulbs are healthy. The soil which I have found most suitable for my purpose is an equal portion of fibrous peat, leaf mould, and maiden loam or well-decayed turf, with a good admixture of silver sand. Each bulb, according to its size, is planted in a pot 5 or 6 inches in diameter, well drained with some broken flower-pots, over which I place a layer of moss. I plant, not as Mr. Earley recommends, with the top of the bulb over the top of the soil, but weil below the surface, bedding the bulb and covering it with silver sand, as a fancier would a I give them, when planted, a good soaking of water, and then allow them to remain almost without any on the floor of the greenhouse until they fairly start into growth—say about 2 or 3 inches. The very fact that the natural habit of the bulb is to throw out a regular wig of roots at the point from which the stem starts, ought to be sufficient to illustrate the necessity of keeping it well under the surface, for I believe it is not from the roots of the under portion of the bulb that the flowers are nourished, but from those over the bulb at the base of the flower-stem. When they reach this second stage, I shift each bulb into a nine-inch pot drained as before, taking care to plunge the plant still deeper; but being sure to leave at least 2 inches at the top of the pot for top-dressing in June. This top-dressing consists of good fresh soil mixed with well- decayed cow manure. These Lilies will bear good rich top- dressing. Manure mixed with the soil will do more or less injury to the bulb, and every particle of what is used until June should be as fresh and free from any decomposed matter (except the leaf mould), as possible. After the final potting I place the pots on a sheltered gravel-walk in a southern aspect, guarding as far as possible against worms and slugs getting under the pots. I syringe every morning and evening, and never let the soil become quite dry. By turning the pots carefully towards the light when the plants show any inclination not to grow quite upright, I have never had occasion to stake them. By this treatment they will grow with beautifully polished leaves down to the edge of the pot, and will repay the trouble they may occasion up to the time of placing them in the greenhouse for flowering. This time I estimate by the size and condition of the buds, which ought to be well and fully formed before housing.—Joun Correr Braue, Cork. BACK WALL vy. RAFTERS OF AN ORCHARD HOUSE FOR VINES. Witt a Black Hamburgh Vine do equally well, bear as large Grapes, and come as early to perfection planted against the back wall of an orchard-house, which wall is slated, as under the rafters of the same house, the Vine being planted in this case in the front border? ‘he first plan I prefer, as the Vines under the rafters shade the fruit trees so much. If planted against the wall, I suppose there is no better plan than to let them grow perpendicularly, and train the laterals at right angles.—A. B. [If the trees in the front part of the orchard-house do not keep the light of the sun from the back wall, the Vine will not only do as well against that wall as if trained up the rafters, and but for the slate-facing of the wall the Vine ought to ripen its wood and its fruit earlier. If there is any risk of the wall becoming too hot, you could keep the stem half an inch or an inch from it. The bunches will be shaded sufficiently from the foliage. You might cover the whole of 432 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 29, 1864. the wall with Vines, and have low fruiting plants of other kinds in your front border. Your White Grape is the Chasselas Musqué. To prevent cracking the soil should be kept rather dry as the Grapes approach to ripeness. ] MANAGEMENT OF BEDDING PLANTS. NorwitHstanprne the very dry weather we have had this last summer, my flower garden has been one of the gayest in the neighbourhood; so much so, that it was the constant remark of my friends, “How gay your garden is! I have not seen any plants look better than yours this summer.” Now, how did I gain for my garden this celebrity ? First, I took great pains to get my plants into a healthy state before they were bedded out, neither overlexuriant nor stunted by hardening off, as one so often sees bedding stock at the beginning of May. Secondly, After the first three weeks I gave no water at all. Thus am I more strongly than ever confirmed in the opinion that, in order to make bedding siuff do well and have a gay appearance to the garden throughout the summer, you. should be particularly careful to have it in a good, healthy, stocky-growing state before planting out, and after it has taken good hold of the ground to withhold watering. In dry weather watering plants in the cround, unless it | is done in the most copious and thorough manner, does more harm than good, as it only draws the roots to the surface.—G. M. PLANTS ON TRELLISES IN STOVES. THERE are few persons able to afford a stove, or as some would term it, a tropical greenhouse, who would not like to have some creepers or twining plants in it, these being either trained around pillars, or upon trellises. Without mentioning the more rare and expensive kinds which are only sought after by the few, I wish to make some remarks on the more common and useful. Of this class some grow plants that do not flower freely, or which if they bloom do not afford a decided contrast between their foliage and their flowers. Some of the Tacsonias grow very freely, and when allowed to run will flower pretty well; but most of them are not allthat is desirable in the colour oi the flower, a circumstance which is much against them; but diversity so far from being an objection, should be sought for where there is room. Another point worthy of consideration in connection with such plants, is that they should not be overcrowded. We all feel a certain degree of reluctance to cut away in the early part of the season whatever might add materially to the adornment of our houses. Sometimes this feeling is indulged in toc far, and where the space is limited many of these strong-growing plants will exceed their proper limits if not attended to in time, and judiciously managed. At whatever season this class of plants flower, I have found it a gocd practice when the flowering is nearly over for a time, to give them a good pruning-in, always being careful to remove as much of the old wood as possible, as it offers facilities for the lodgment of insects and their eggs in the fissures of the bark. On such occasions examine the plants well wherever they touch the pillar or trellis, for enemies are often found lurking in such places. When giving the plants their yearly cutting-in, and cleaning, I have found it a good plan to paint the pillars or trellises against which they are trained. When this is done yearly one coating of paint will be quite sufficient at a time. This always gives the house a healthy, orderly, and clean appear- ance. I often wonder that these little details are not mere regularly attended to in places which are otherwise highly kept, and I venture to affirm that such details are far more carefully attended to in commercial establishments, where we may suppose that everything is done with a view to the greatest economy, and to secure the largest returns. Having made these general observations, I may remark that there are two plants in a stove here which have this season been splendid for months. The house is span-roofed, about 24 feet long and 14 feet wide; at one end is planted coccinea, and at the other end is a Bignonia, which has run over the whole of the roof. It is tied to wires about 1 foot under the glass, and from its appearance it is well named incarnata. The flowers are produced in good-sized clusters, and the plant has been already two months in flower, and is still very full of bloom.—G. Dawson. LECTURE ON “ ATLANTHI CULTURE.” Tus was delivered by Dr. Wallace, on the 10th ult., at the Literary Institution, Colchester. The interest which the subject possesses. and the probability that at no distant day Ailanthi culture may become one of the staple trades of the country, justify us in giving a more extended report of the lecture. The Lecturer commenced his remarks by congratulating himself, that in the subject which he had selected for his lecture he had the peculiar privilege of unfolding a new page of natural history, and of introducing to their notice a tree both beautiful and valuable, and an insect recently ac- climatised in Europe, elegant, graceful, and larger than any of our English species, easily reared and domesticated, the instrument of a pleasant pastime to the youth of both sexes, yet capable of contributing to our industry and wealth by a system of cultivation, to which was given the name of Ailanthi culture. This system, as yet in its infancy in Europe (the so-called centre of civilisation and commerce), had been practised for many years in China, Japan, and the- Eastern Archipelago; and as the subject of Ailanthi cul- ture, or the production of silk from the cocoons spun by caterpillars feeding on the leaves of the Ailanthus glandulosa, had up to this time attracted no marked attention in Eng- land, and as he had for many years devoted his spare time to the study of insects, and more particularly of butterflies and moths, he determined when he settled in Colchester, to embrace the first opportunity of investigating this new in- dustry, and great was his astonishment when the oppor- tunity he had so long coveted lay at his feet, for in his own | garden he found a fine and beautiful tree, some 50 feet hich, as well as a number of others in the town and neighbour- hood. Dr. Wallace then went on to describe the tree, which | was first introduced into England in 1751 (the seeds of it being sent to the Royal Society of London, by a missionary in China), but although its cultivation extended very rapidly, it was only used for ornamental purposes. ‘The tree, he said, was of a remarkably hardy nature, quick of growth (as he showed by some beautiful specimens of this year’s shoots), throve admirably upon almost any soil and in any atmo- sphere, produced a remarkable foliage both for its size and the peculiarity of the odour which it sent forth, and was more easily propagated than any other plant. If no further use could be assigned to the tree, its culture was well worthy attention for ornamentations,‘and purposes such as that to which other wood was applied, but it was an especial object of interest as possessing another property of untold valae— viz., the juices of the tree were converted by the natural chemistry of acaterpillar which fed upon the leaves into a silken or gummy thread, which, uwnravelied from the cocoon, and twisted, spun, and woven by the hand of man, became a fabric capable of clothing the human race. Having briefiy- noticed the history of the Bombyx mori, or the Mulberry silkworm, and especially demonstrated its unsuitability to the climate of England, he proceeded to lay before his audience the claims of the Bombyx cynthia, or the Ailan- thus silkworm, a few living cocoons of which were sent to Turin by the Abbé Fantoni, a Piedmontese missionary in the north of China, and from thence found theiz way to Paris, where in June, 1857, the first living specimen of the: butterfly saw its light in Europe. Since that time, it having been discovered that the leaves of the Ailanthus tree were its natural food, the Bombyx cynthia had spread over Europe and its colonies, and made its first appearance alive in Eng- land in 1861 or 1862. Dr. Wallace, aided by specimens which he had at hand, then gave an interesting description of this. wonderful insect, commencing with it in its first stage, the eos, and tracing it through its several changes till it spun its cocoon, and finally emerged a beautiful insect, some ex- traordinary specimens of which he exhibited. Several in- in a prepared bed under the flooring, Passiflora racemosa ; teresting peculiarities of the insect were related, and par- November 29, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 433 ticularly the extraordinary means which the caterpillar used to prevent the accident of the leaf upon which was the cocoon being blown off the tree; and the lecturer devoted some time to a consideration of the best mode of raising the insects. Upon the commercial aspect of Ailanthi culture he declined to give a decided opinion whether or not it would “pay,” for the time since it had been tried was too brief to have established the value of the silk in the market, or, in- deed, to introduce it in any bulk into commerce; but this he could say, that as regarded the tree in 1861 in France more than a million trees were planted and more than a hundred millions of seed sown (sufficient to plant fifty thousand acres), and that the demand for eggs of the insects exceeded the supply. The value of the Ailantine silk as sent from Japan and China was well known to consist in its extreme durability, but it could not vie with the Mulberry silk in lustre and gloss. It was not desired, he said, toset forward Ailanthi culture, as likely to supplant agriculture or even sericiculture as regarded the Mulberry tree, but rather to supplement both, for Ailanthi culture if successful, would only be applied to those lands which from poverty of soil or other causes could not be otherwise cultivated,—viz., all sandy or sterile soils, railway banks, moors, mosses, bogs, rocky and stony ground, such as under cliffs, mountainous regions, sandy marshes and along the coast. It would not either displace Mulberry silk, for having a different texture, appearance, and inferior gloss it would be used for purposes quite distinct from those to which that silk was applied. Upon the question of cost he quoted statistics of the culture of the tree and the rearing of the worms in France, and showed that there a profit had been derived of £21 per acre upon ground otherwise valueless. Dr. Wallace then concluded as follows :—-I have now very feebly and inadequately (and omitting, for want of time, many points of great interest) laid before you, as it were, a leaflet from the great.book of Nature, as yet undeciphered in England. Numerous as are the benefits we reap from her, there yet remain, even at our feet, many of her secrets uninvestigated many undiscovered sources of health and in- dustry. Pisciculture as applied to our British sea fisheries, to the salmon, and to the oyster—sericiculture on an ex- tended basis, not confined to a single species as heretofore —the return of sewage to the land—the introduction of new species of living creatures.from distant paris, suitable to our requirements, and susceptible of acclimatisation — these and other problems are presented to us for solution in the decade 1860-70. Itis the duty of man, by patient inves- tigation, to arrive at a correct interpretation of Nature’s laws, and apply them successfully to his own benefit. The process is a slow one, and many mistakes must be made be- fore the truth is elicited, but success inthe end is sure. And with jreference to this novel industry to English and Euro- pean Ailanthi culture, it is worth while to note the remark- able events which have heralded its dawn. One hundred and ten years ago the tree was acclimatised in Europe, but not for sericiculture. Had the silkworms then come over with the tree, they could not have been reared for many years to come for lack of foliage; but sufficient time was re- quired for the tree first to become indigenous in Europe, Canada, Australia, and to manifest its reproductive and hardy nature. Then came a severe epidemic in Europe among the varieties of the Mulberry silkworm, inducing the proprietors to send out into the original silk-growing dis- tricts, India, Japan, China, for new and healthy kinds. This alone was possible by the aid of missionary enterprise : with- out the help of those pioneers of religion and civilization the Ailanthus silkworm would never have reached Hurope. Various coincident movements in China and Japan threw open these countries to Huropean research; the Ailanthus silkworm is discovered and sent to Hurope, and the Ailan- thus tree is at this time acclimatised, and abundant food therefore was now ready for the silkworm on its arrival. Then came a crisis in the cotton trade; the American war put a stop to our supply of cotton; substitutes were sought in every direction, and Ailanthi culture assumed at once a more important appearance; and not merely Ailanthi culture began to be investigated, but other species of cocoon-forming insects producing silk of hardy habits, and susceptible of acclimatisation in Hurope were sought after. Thus the dream of the 14th century, which James I. vainly strove to realize, is on the point of completion. Fortunate will it be for England, fortunate indeed for Ireland, if land, hitherto valueless, can be so tended as to furnish, with easy care and , slight cost, a tissue warm and durable, and fit even for the poor man to wear—fortunate will the women and children be if another healthy industry be open for their nimble and yet tender fingers. I cannot but be struck with the remark- able chain of events which has heralded these new projects, and I feel confident that at no very distant period European sericiculture will rank high amongst industrial products. (Applause.)—(Essex Gazette.) MINLEY MANOR. Tue Seat or RarKkes Curriz, Esq. Amone the many country residences which have sprung up of late years and become interesting in a gardening point of view, this must take a high rank, particularly when we consider that whenever the fruit from this garden has been shown at our great metropolitan exhibitions during the last three seasons, it has invariably either taken prizes or been adjudged equal to that from other first-class gardens. After a long drive on a glorious September day, a friend or two and myself entered by one of the new lodges. The drive from this is wild in the extreme, the whole country as far as the eye can reach is hill and dale, covered with Heath and here and there a few patches of Firs bending before the wind. Along the sides of this new drive were fresh-planted Rhododendrons and American plants, generally with a back- ing of Larch, Spruce, &c.,'for shelter, which must be very necessary, for it is scarcely possible to find a more exposed situation so far south. At one of the turnings of the drive we came in full view of the chateau, as, I suppose, I must call it from its architecture being the pure old French. If the colour had been grey instead of red, it would have been easy to have imagined oneself wandering among the hills of Normandy. Its campanile with long steep slated top, the high almost perpendicular roof, and hanging bartizan, have an un-Enelish look; and the barren situation would have made many pause before they chose such ja site for a mansion. Having found Mr. Meads, the gardener, he conducted us first to the range of houses, which consisted of seven divi- sions, all of the common lean-to form. Entering from the east end the first division we came to was alate Peach-house with a good sprinkling of fine fruit still upon the trees. Then followed the early division from which the fruit had been gathered in June, and the trees were covered with green healthy leaves, both front and back. Next to this was the early vinery, in which were cut the Black Prince bunches that tried the veteran Grape-grower, Mr. Hill, at the Regent’s Park June Show, Mr. Meads’ bunches being heavier by 2 ozs., the three bunches weighing 8 lbs. 10 ozs., and Mr. Hill’s 8 lbs. 8 ozs. A Next to this is a Muscat-house, and such Muscats! Iam certain that it would have been possible to have picked out twelve bunches without finding their equal in any one house. Some of them must have been 6 lbs. in weight, and judging from the weight of some that had been cut, few of the twelve were under 5 lbs. The house is 17 feet long by 15 feet wide, and there is a Vine to each rafter, carrying eight bunches. The Vines were planted four years ago last June, and thirteen months after planting the Grapes from this house gained the third prize at Kensington. The berries of these bunches were large and plump, and of a clear rich amber colour. Joining this is the central-house, which js used as a greenhouse, and in which there is a Vine carry- jng thirteen bunches to each rafter. Two of the bunches taken as an average of the rest were found to weigh, one 4 lbs. 3 ozs., the other 4 lbs. 5 ozs., the whole being beauti- fally coloured. This house is 30 fect long and 17 feet wide. Next to it is a vinery 35 feet lone and 15 feet wide, wholly planted with Black Grapes. The average crop was ten bunches on each Vine. Some bunches of Museat Eamburgh here were very fine specimens of this precious variety. Some of them must have been of a good weight. (See ac- count of the October Exhibition at South Kensington, at page 328.) It must be remembered that the Vines were upon their own roots, and that the Grapes then shown were 434. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 29, 1862. grown on what was a wild moor five years ago, and the ground behind this range is so still. The other houses are devoted to Peaches and Figs. In front of these houses is the kitchen garden partly formed, and torming—no easy task where there is scarcely 2 inches of surface soil. The kitchen garden borders which had been formed, were planted with ribbon-rows, a practice very prevalent in this neighbourhood, and of which more anon. Fine dwarf Apple and Pear trees trained in the way they should go and already in good bearing, were arranged in the squares and borders. On leaving the kitchen garden we enter the north court which forms a large square, surrounded on each side by a neat low wall. Opposite the front door, on the north side of this, are a splendid pair of gates, once, we were told, the property of the great Napoleon, and bought at a fabulous price by Raikes Currie, Esq., the owner of this fine place, to whom it also owes its origin. Behind these gates and away over the moor, among the heather, we could see the outlines of what would some day be a splendid avenue. On entering the pleasure grounds and flower garden we ccme first upon King Croquet’s ground (x), in the shape of a sunk panel with plenty of space inside. Surrounding this, on one side, c, were large circular ~ At RAG AS NEN \ iN \ \ RW NS NN SS MOXY WSe Wee : WO \ INENTN \ WE | FLOWER GARDEN AT MINLEY ABBEY, A. Beds in principal portion. 8. Imperial Crimson Geranium, edged with cc. These nine bedsare all pyramids, about 4 feee 1. Centre, Stella Geranium; next, Rose Queen; edging, Cerastium. 2. Calceolaria Aurea floribunda, Purple King . _ Verbena; edging, Alyssum. 3. Tom Thumb Geranium, edged with Man- glesii Geranium. 4, Flower of the Day Geranium, edged with | Manglesii. 9. Bijou Geranium, edging Lobelia speciosa. 10. Old variegated Scarlet Geranium, edging Lobetia- 11. Christine Geranium, edged with Manglesii. 12. Cerise Unique Geranium, edged with Gaza- nia splendens. across, and from 4 to 5 feet high. Five of them are salmon and pink Nosegay Gera- nium mixed. The other four are Scarlet Geranium, with a white mixed in order to give life, the white Geranium Virginata, bp. Circles, Trentham Rose Geranium, edged with Alyssum. 95. Tall Heliotrope and Gera- “Verbena pulchella. 5. Brilliant Geranium, edged with Lobelia | speciosa, 6. Shrubland Rose Petunia, edged with Prince of Orange Calceolaria (old variety). 7. Manglesii Geranium, Verbena venosa, mixed; edged with Duke of Cornwall Verbena. beds of pyramid Geraniums from 4 to 5 feet high. These | have a splendid effect. It is surprising that we so seldom see this style of planting carried out. From here the view is magnificent ; we are standing on a high point on a line of hills on one side, and opposite, against the horizon as far as the eye can reach, is a long range of the Surrey hills, with a wide-spreading valley, and Aldershot between, and a few gentle rising woody knots, on which here and there a noble mansion stands, the pride of all the neighbouring lands. The beds in the flower garden were in fine bloom. A bed of Manglesii Geranium and the old-fashioned Verbena venosa |B. Four beds No. 1. Christine Geranium, edged with Lobelia speciosa. | Two beds No. 2. Tom Thumb Geranium, edged | with Alyssum variegatum. | Oval bed No. 3. Pink Nosegay Geranium, | Amplexicaulis Calceolaria, mixed; Scarlet! Geranium edged with Cerastium. | niums, Amplexicaulis Calceojaria,, edged: with Rose Ivy-leaf Geranium. | x. Grass. Kk. Yew hedge. ¥, Conservatory. LL. Grass slope. Gc. Rosery, mM. Walk. u. Grass. N Croquet ground.. 1. Terrace wall. were beautiful. There is too littie of this mixing done. We- tried the Purple King Verbena and Flower of the Day Geranium, once with the flowers picked off; but the venosa is a warmer colour and makes a richer bed. The whole is beautifully kept, and does as much credit to Mr. Meads as his fine Grapes. It must have been, literally speaking, up- hill work to make this place in such a barren situation. The conservatory is small but well filled. Being an architectural structure, it is, like all of that class, ill-adapted for plants. The dells behind the house are being filled with American plants, which are best suited for heath soils.—J. F. November 29, 1864. J} JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. DINORBEN HOUSE. In times gone by it was usual to look for good gardening only in retired country places, where the smoke of factories and the dust of much-used thoroughfares never found their way, and when many gardening requirements, especially for forcing purposes, were only to be had in such rural retreats. Oak and Beech leaves for supplying bottom heat and subse- quently furnishing leaf mould, were only to be had in quan- tity in places where they grew, and many other things wanted in a garden, as stakes of all kinds, were only to be obtained where grown. However, times have altered; the most bulky commodities are removed long distances with ease and economy, and the benefits of one neighbourhood are brought home to another. Facilities for gardening are now as much at the command of the suburban dweller as of those further removed; and we often see villa residences in fashionable neighbourhoods possessing all the require- ments of country places of longer standing. A plot of ground of no great extent is made to combine park, pleasure ground, and garden; and the natural features of the locality being often judiciously blended in, the whole frequently presents effects that may be copied elsewhere. Amongst such sub- urban dwellings we now and then meet with some which claim a higher position alike for their extent and the taste and skill displayed in they management or arrangement. Conspicuous amongst these is that to which I now call attention, and which from its many artistic features will well repay a visit. Dinorben House, the residence of — Reed, Esq., is beau- tifully situated on the slope of a hill a little distance from Tunbridge Wells. The site of the mansion is the side of one of those eminences which give the district around this fashionable town so richly varied an aspect. The house itself is new—in fact it may be said to be still in the builder’s hands from the great number of workmen about it; but when finished it will no doubt present a noble aspect, and for many generations remain a monument of the taste of its founder. It is hardly my province to enter upon the architectural features, but I may state that the mansion is faced with Caen stone of the best quality, which, as every one knows, is the most suitable for the highest description of decorative work. I need hardly say that such has been largely introduced without at the same time running into any of the superfluities which defeat the purpose of or- namentation, and of which in the present age we have certainly many examples; but here a sufficiency of plain surfacing has been reserved to give solidity to the whole, while ornament where really wanted has been furnished with no sparing hand. The mansion, which faces the south- east, is approached from the contrary direction by a car- riage road making a curve round the high ground at the back. The entrance-gates, which are very handsome, open from the high road leading from Tunbridge Wells to Pem- bury. The width of this road gives no little importance to the villas and mansions to which it affords access; while the scrupulous cleanliness of the whole, the salubrity of the air, the picturesque scenery, and, certainly not the least, the fashionable company hy which the various tenements are occupied, all tend to give this district an appearance of wealth which only the higher class of watering-places present. The example set by the proprietor of Dinorben House has evidently had a great effect in inducing others to build in the same neighbourhood, and mansions of greater or less claims to notice are rising in various directions. As I have just remarked, the mansion faces the south- east, and is sufficiently removed from the highway to secure the requisite degree of privacy. The ground at the back of the house, now in a transition state, will doubtless hereafter be rendered attractive by the many valuable trees removed there, Mr. Reed having for years been an extensive pur- chaser of fine specimens of Pinuses and other trees ; and some good examples of successful transplanting were pointed out to me, amongst others was an Araucaria imbricata about 35 feet high, which had been three times transplanted in the last seven years. This, however, was not on the plot of ground alluded to, neither had the various removals which the tree had undergone been beneficial to it, although its appearance was better than could have been expected in the case of a tree which had been so often subjected to such an ordeal. Between the mansion and the high road is situated the kitchen garden, in which are some good, useful hothouses. The Grapes are particularly fine; in fact, I should say by the appearance of the Vines, that the soil of the neighbour- hood seemed better adapted to their well-being than most of the mixtures that are compounded at so much cost else- where. A very short distance from Dinorben House is the garden whence Mr. Drummond sent some remarkably fine Black Hamburgh and Muscat Grapes to the London shows two years ago, winning the first prizes in his class; and when I state that those at Dinorben House were scarcely inferior, I need say no more in their favour. The trees and other things in the garden were also good, and a conserva- tory adjoining the mansion was well furnished with flowering plants; but the principal feature of the place was the pic- turesque grounds fronting the mansion, and stretching a considerable distance to the right and left of it. The mansion being on a ridge, the descent ends in a valley, the ground rising again on the opposite side. In this valley the spirited proprietor has at great cost formed a fine piece of ornamental water of some three or four acres in extent, and so contrived as to present a more natural ap- pearance than most artificial sheets of water. A judicious disposition of trees and shrubs about it, with a very large amount of excavation, have rendered it as a whole as highly ornamental as its limited size will admit. The ground at the opposite side of the water has likewise not been for- gotten in the liberal disposition of shrubs and trees, while the more dressed side nearer the house has been rendered highly interesting by the excavations and embankments, rendered necessary by the artificial damming up of the water, having been tastefully formed into rockwork. This has not been frittered away into whimsical combinations, of which we see so many examples, but has the more plain and solid ap- pearance which natural scenery in an undisturbed state presents at places to our view, the only difference being in the class of plants which are grown. These consist of a liberal quantity of Pampas Grass, Cotoneaster, Juni- perus, double Furze, on the higher and drier places, and many other plants, with some weeping deciduous plants overhanging the whole. In one of the groups I noticed a fine specimen of Aralia in beautiful flower, and as shrubs flowering in October are far from numerous, it would be well if those intending planting would secure plants of this pretty shrub, which, together with Ligustrum japonicum, and some others, form fine objects at this season. Return-_ ing from this digression, I may observe that the rockwork and its accompaniments formed a pleasing object by the edge of the water; and where this emptied itself into a lower level a waterfall was provided, and the water was subsequently con- veyed through other channels to an artificial basin, forming a feature that will be described hereafter. I have said that considerable addition is being made to. the mansion, and numbers of workmen were busily em- ployed. A large force was also engaged in removing earth immediately in front of the house, preparatory, I believe, to a terrace with balustrading, &c., being formed, and probably below this a geometrical garden, but of this lam not certain. Operations are going on overa considerable part of the space between the mansion and the shrubbery forming the screen- work to the rockery at the extremity of the lake. Eastward, however, of this there was a large space which had been planted some years, and the health and vigour of the trees told that the treatment they had received, had been to their liking. The natural inclination of the ground being to the south-east, an avenue of Deodar Cedars formed the extreme eastern boundary of the dressed ground in that quarter, the ground descending in a somewhat uniform fall of, per- haps, one in eight or nine, for about two hundred yards to the bottom, where a handsome basin received the water that passed from the lake above alluded to, which in some unseen. 436 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 29, 1864, [cases uwTwTuwwTwTwTww manner entered and passed through the basin, keeping its water at alltimes pure and fresh. ‘The basin also contained a piece of sculpture said to be of some artistic merit, and like others of its class, the fountain could be made to play from a supply furnished by artificial means, but without this its position, and the fine avenue of Deodars pointing to it, gave it a fine appearance. The ground rises on the opposite side from the basin, and the avenue-ending there, a summer- house with another shrubbery formed a very good termina- tion. The summer-house or erotto being slightly elevated, the rising ground with the two lines of fine trees looked remark- ably well, while the mansion and sloping ground in front of it was also seen to great advantage. From this point there was another walk skirting the other side of the pond. It was margined by shrubs, and had, I noticed, an edging of Berberis, or Mahonia, as it is often called. Some other walks in the same neighbourhood were edged with that very useful plant Cotoneaster microphylla, but I must not pass over the fine avenue of Deodars with- out again calline attention to it, and the adaptability of the tree for the purpose. Those here alluded to were nearly of uniform size and appearance, 15 or 18 feet high, perhaps, and in their present condition with the beautiful glade of turf between them (no gravel), they formed a feature that cannot well be too often copied; the only fault, perhaps, but which it is likely willnmot be found out for twenty years yet, isthat the avenue is too narrow. Without measuring it, the width did not appear more than 45 feet, which might, perhaps, have done for Weliingtonias, or some | deciduous tree intended to spread at top, but it is not sufii- cient for Deodars. A short time ago I saw a case of the same kind with Cedar of Lebanon, which had been planted about the same distance apart, and after a growth of about thirty years, they interfered very seriously with the gravel- walk between them, several of the branches meeting. Now this ought never to be the case with Cedars, as their beauty consists in our being able to survey them in their entirety, without mutilation of any kind. Nevertheless, for many years this will continue to be a noble avenue, and it, | and the other fine trees of the choicest species of Pinus with which the lawn is interspersed, exhibit what skill and enter- | prise can do in a limited period. I believe the formation of the grounds, together with some other artistic work, is from the designs of Mr. Marnock, while the good keeping of the whole, where not invaded by alterations going on, reflected | great credit on the worthy gardener, to whose kindness Iam indebted for a sight of a place remarkable for the rapid progress it has made in the last few years, pro- gress no doubt facilitated by the kindly nature of the soil. This seems to be of that intermediate kind which will grow American plants and other shrubs as well as trees. The influence of the climate has also, no doubt, something to do with it; but the great moving power ne doubt is the perse- vering energy of the proprietor, who it is to be hoped may long live to see the perfection of objects of his own raising, and in his declining years witness the advance to maturity of many of those pets which all who are fond of out-door gar- dening surround themselves with, while another and another generation after that may look with admiration on the noble specimens of Wellingtonia, and other trees, and be told that these fine trees were planted, and the noble dwelling adjoin- ing them erected, in the middle of the nineteenth century.— J. Rogpson. ROSES IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND. Ir may be interesting to know how certain Roses succeed in this northern climate: I beg, therefore, to say a few words respecting some of the varieties I have in cultivation ; but in the first place it will be as well to describe the soil and situation in which they are grown. The ground is what may be called a good, free, working soil, of a darkish colour, rather light than heavy; the situation, chiefly for the sake of convenience, my time being limited, is in front of my cottage on a border facing the south, to which the ground slopes about 1 foot in5. The soil is of Pit ite and being on the gravel is naturally well ained. Before beginning to particularise them I may state that, out of sixty or seventy varieties which are now growing in my small garden, and the whole of them were selected at random as far as their suitability for northern situations was concerned, I find that there are very few, if any, that will not do well with proper care and attention, especially if budded on the Manetti, and planted deeply. My young plants, none of them above two years old, produced blooms this season which were admired by all who saw them. From Gloire de Dijon and Souvenir dela Malmaison (both in bud, with many others, at the present time), I cut blooms which measured 5 and 5% inches in diameter respectively, without a faded petal, and with a freshness of colour I never saw surpassed in England, if, indeed, equalled; others were equally good, such as Comtesse de Chabrillant, William Griffiths, Madame Boll, Baronne Prevost, Madame Vidot, Anna Alexieff, Louise Odier, and many others; amongst which the Noisettes, Celine Forestier and Triomphe de Rennes were most beautiful, although only planted last spring. The dark Hybrid Perpetuals Souvenir de Comte Cavour and Triomphe de Lyon did not do quite so well; although the plants were quite healthy, their flowers did not open freely. Prince Camille de Rohan, I believe, will prove a good Rose for the north; itis a fine grower, and in colour very rich and distinct: with me it was almost black. Empereur de Maroc and Cardinal Patrizzi have also done very well, as, indeed, have all the Roses in my collection with the exception of a few grafted plants, which I find are not at all suited for this locality, they may as well, and much better I think, be on their own roots at once. For instance: Géant des Batailles and Lord Raglan (the latter a strong grower), did not move at all the first year; the former has not yet produced a bloom worthy of its reputation; and last February I put in a plant each of Colonel de Rougemont and Léon des Com- bats, and up to the present time they have scarcely grown at all, while Francis the First, a Rose of moderate growth, has reached nearly 4 feet in height. Perhaps their slow growth may be attributed to their having been worked in- doors at a high temperature, and sent out before being properly hardened off; but whatever the cause may be, they are useless, especially when rapid growth is an object. Some of the others of my Hybrid Perpetuals have grown most luxuriantly, especially Alexandrine Bachmeteff and Queen Victoria; but the latter does not open well, which I fear may turn out to be the case with that fine Rose Auguste Mié, which I did not ailow to bloom this season on account of the smallness of the plant; it is now large and healthy, having grown very rapidly. Madame Louise Carique, Jules Margottin, Victor Verdier, and Reine des Violettes have grown finely; and Duchess of Norfolk, Souvenir de la Reine @ Angleterre, Anna de Diesbach, La Reine, Senateur Vaisse, Buffon, and Dr. Bretonneau, judging from the progress made by the plants, which were very small at the time of planting, I think will also do well, but the last is too dwarf in habit. The Bourbon Rose Paxton is a very strong grower; but Acidalie, though I think it will ultimately succeed, has not yet shown any sign of being a vigorous grower, as most nurserymen describe it. T have also a few summer Roses that have done remark- ably well—viz., Paul Ricaut, Coupe d’Hébé, Brennus, Ché- nédolé, and the Mosses Laneii, Comtesse de Murinais, Baronne de Wassenaer, Princess Adelaide, a very strong grower, and Celina; the latter has grown pretty freely here, although generally describedas dwarf. However much some people may fancy this Rose, I feel rather disappointed with it; its buds are pretty enough, but the flowers are only semi-doubie. The Austrian Rose Harrisonii grows and flowers freely here, and is very beautiful, but the Persian Yellow will not open with me at all; I have it, however, budded on the” Briar, and hope to see a’ flower or two next season for the trouble I have taken with it. In addition to the above I budded, last year and this, some forty or more stocks of the Dog Rose, &e., from which I expect a fine display of bloom next season. Amongst the first-budded were two Roses I had given me by a neigh- bour the year before, which, on opening their flowers, I did not consider good enough to grow beside the other varieties. November 29, 1864. ] I was about to take them up, and throw them away, when an idea struck me that I might turn them to account by converting them into standards of some other sort: I con- sequently budded one, a plant with a clean stem of about 15 inches in height, with Duchesse de Cambacéres, and the other, about 34 feet high, with Général Jacqueminot; the former from a dormant bud has this season grown into a fine bushy head, which produced no fewer than thirty-eight buds; and the latter, from a bud which was not much larger than a pin-head before starting into growth in the spring, has thrown up four strong shoots which have scarcely ceased blooming from July to the present time. My reason for mentioning this is that from what I have seen I believe it will make an excellent stock, which the Dog Rose is not under all circumstances; for in light and dry soils, unless mulched or otherwise carefully attended to, it will not thrive at all. On the contrary, the Rose i speak of appears to do well in almost any situation; it grows and flowers freely in most of the cottage gardens in this neigh- bourhood, where it receives not the slightest attention. In colour it is of a rosy pink when nearly opened, but soon changes to a pale blush or white; flowers large and irregular in shape; in its wood and foliage it has some resemblance to the Moss Comtesse de Murinais. It does not, at least so far as my observation goes, throw up suckers at long dis- tances from the root like the Dog Kose, which is a great advantage; for standards are frequently half ruined by these secret enemies before one is aware of their existence. I in- tend, however, giving it a further trial, having put in a dozen or two for budding on next season, after which I will be better able to judge of it. Although thé Rose, as you may have observed, is my especial favourite, I do not altogether forget the cultiva- tion of other plants; but as your_patience must now be nearly exhausted, I will merely state in conclusion that with various flowers, from the humble Crocus to the more stately Tulip and Gladiolus, with masses of Sanonaria, Nasturtiums, Stocks, and Asters, I have contrived through- out the season not only to make one of the humblest cottages in the Highlands look cheerful, but, to a certain ex- tent, comfortable by having the kitchen garden well stocked with various kinds of vegetables, including Scarlet Runners even, which are not known here as an article of food, a few nice rows of Celery, and some other things quite foreign to this locality. Being a young amateur, I feel some hesita- tion in forwarding these remarks; but the articles on the Rose which appear from time to time in Tue JourNAL or HorricutTurs, to which I am a regular subscriber, being chiefly confined to Hngland, I do so in order to show that the queen of flowers, with a little care, can be grown, and grown well, even in our Highland glens. I reeret, however, to state that, although such may be the case, cottage gar- dening in the Highlands is much neglected ; a few Cabbages, Greens, and Potatoes are certainly from necessity grown, but in the cultivation of flowers the Highland cottager, generally speaking, takes no delight whatever.—Locu Nzss, Fort Augustus, Iwerness. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY’S MEETING. Tue November meeting of the Hntomological Society, held on the 7th inst., was very fully attended, in consequence of that evening being fixed for the presentation of a very handsome piece of plate (in the shape of an épergne repre- senting a Palm tree with outspreading branches, the base clothed with foliage, amongst which insects were sporting), to William Wilson Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., Treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society, &c., one of the most liberal patrons of entomological science. This piece of plate had been subscribed for by the members of the Society ; and the address by which it was accompanied, engrossed on vellum, set forth Mr. Saunders’s claims upon entomologists for his uniform liberality and devotion to the Society. Amongst the insects represented at the foot of the tree were several which had been dedicated by their describers to Mr. Saunders, such as the Erycina Saundersii, Mecynorhina Saundersii, &c. Mr. Saunders, after expressing his gratitude to the members for so handsome a gift, impressed upon them the necessity of JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 437 objects of their study, and which had been too much neglected by entomologists. He had been anxious to forward exotic entomology by assisting in sending out collectors to foreign countries; but the collections which he had thus formed were freely open to any one desirous of studying them; and he should much prefer that the many new species which had thus been obtained should be described by our own writers rather than left for foreigners to publish. Mr. Sidebottom exhibited four species of Beetles belong- ing to the family Curculionidee new to the British lists— namely, Lixus filiformis, Sibynes canus, Pentelus griseus, and Ceutorhynchus Poweri. Mr. F. Smith exhibited specimens of both sexes of a new British Bee, Bombus pomorum, taken near Deal, and which had been mistaken for a supposed variety of Apathus ru- pestris, but which proved to be a true species of Humble Bee. ir. Saunders exhibited some Galls found on rootlets of the Oak several feet underground, from which ahout a week previously wingless specimens of a species of Cynips made their appearance, all of which proved to be females. It was difficult to understand how these insects could either make their escape out of the ground from such a depth, or how they could find their way from the surface to the rootlets to deposit their eggs. It was also remarkable that the males were not developed. at the same time, and it was suggested that this was a case of alternation of generations, such as had recently been pointed out as existing in the genus Cynips in the United States. Mr. Smith stated that, so far as his observations went, not a single male individual of the genus Cynips was known. The same was also the case with a species of Tenthredo (Hemichroa Alni), of which hundreds of females had been taken, but no male had ever been seen either in this country or on the continent. Mr. Stainton exhibited a remarkable kind of Gall found on Oak trees, resembling a lump of cotton wool, of which, however, the perfect insect was not known. Mr. Saunders also exhibited several other kinds of Galls, which he had found in Switzerland. A series of engravings of British species of Hemiptera intended for a work on that order to be published by the Ray Society, was exhibited. A letter was read from 8. Stone, Esq., of Brighthampton,, giving an account of the carrying out of diseased larve of Wasps by the perfect insects. He had observed this in nests of both Vespa vulgaris and sylvestris. He had also found the larvee of the parasitic Ripiphorus in the nests of these insects, and had observed that the larve enclosed in the larger cells of the queen Wasps were larger than those in the small worker ceils. Professor Westwood suggested that the larve of the Wasps appeared to have been attacked by an epidemic similar to that in the hive Bee, described in these pages under the name of foul brood by Mr. Woodbury; and Mr. F. Smith gave an account of his visit to that gentleman, who had. unfortunately rediscovered the malady in one of his hives. My. Carter, of Manchester, exhibited several beautiful specimens of the very rare Trochilium sphegiforme, reared. from the stalks of Alder in North Staffordshire. The Secretary gave a very favourable account of the re- cent exhibition of natural history at Huddersfield, in which insects were well represented, amongst which was a remark- able hermaphrodite specimen of Liparis dispar. The exhi- bition had proved a complete financial success. Mr. Baly read a paper containing descriptions of new species of exotic Plant Beetles (Phytophaga). Mr. Wilson, of Adelaide, South Australia, sent an article containing a general survey of the entomology of our South Australian colonies as hitherto known. About five thou- sand species of Coleoptera had been captured, including 200 Carabide, 600 Curculionide, 450 Chrysomelide, 300 Bu- prestide, &e. The Secretary read a translation of a memoir recently published on the natural history of a species of Coccus,. which attacks the Sugar Canes in the island of Mauritius. In the discussion which ensued on this paper Mr. Saunders. stated the very beneficial results he had found in the em- ployment of diluted spirits of wine (one-half of water), for the destruction of Mealy Bug and other species of Coccide: careful investigation into the habits and economy of the | in greenhouses. Thus diluted it does not injure the plants, 438 and when applied in small quantities at the tip of a leaf it runs down the veins, in which especially are nestled the young of the Scale insects or Mealy Bugs. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Cabbages, hoe between the earliest-planted, and also be- tween Lettuces, &c. This should be frequently done to growing crops throughout the winter, as by keeping the surface loose and open frost is prevented from penetrating | to any great depth, and the roots are kept in a more active state. Celery may have a final earthing-up when the soil is dry, if the weather has prevented its being done before. Cardoons may also be treated in a similar way. Leeks, they should have more earth drawn to them before frost séts in. They are an excellent vegetable when well blanched. Peas, whenever the ground becomes dry put in a second crop of an early sort. as also Mazagan Beans, If Peas are sown in the open quarters the drills should be protected by a ridge of earth kept to the north or east of the rows. Keep down mice by trapping, they are troublesome to early-sown crops of the above. Radishes should be sown either singly or with the Short Horn Carrot on a dry warm border in beds. The Early Frame or Short-topped is best at this time. Cover the beds with straw or litter till the seeds germinate, when they should be uncovered every day when not frosty. Sea- kale, the old plan of forcing Sea-kale was a most expensive and unsatisfactory mode, expensive on account of the breakage of pots, and the loss of labour, and unsatisfactory on account of the want of more perfect control over the whole proceeding. The best as we!l as the most economical plan is to take up the roots and force them in a body, after the manner of Asparagus. To accomplish this, it is of course necessary to grow the roots strong, for the especial purpose, and in the kitchen garden. Such roots being available, they may be forced in any structure from which light and the severity of the weather are excluded. The roots can be either forced in frames with a double mat nailed down over the glass, or under the mere wooden box; but the best place is the Mushroom-house. A sunken pit is necessary, and this should be a yard in depth—that is, 2 feet for the fermenting material, and 1 foot or nearly so, for the crowns to rise, with any opaque covering considered necessary. The strongest fermenting material is placed at the bottom, with aslight covering of old leaves, the crowns are set thereon as thickly as they can stand, and filled up between with old tan. If at the beginning the heat is too strong it is reduced by the application of cold water, repeated if necessary, and when the crowns are 3 inches long all the remaining bottom heat is done away with by the application of cold water; this renders the Kale stronger, and retards it for succession. Rhubarb may be forced in a similar way. This, however, may be placed in large pots, and set on fiues or other warm surfaces. Asparagus requires the same treatment, but it should have 4 inches of soil over the crowns, for if the stalks be long exposed to a low temperature, they will be hard and of inferior flavour. ; : FRUIT GARDEN. Where orchard trees have been left for some years un- pruned, the hand-saw will be required to thin out the larger branches. Keep the middle of the trees open to admit air, and to promote the formation of fruit-buds on the interior pranches. Itis, however, a bad practice to leave any de- scription of frnit tree to itself, as it would in all cases pay the cultivator to prune once a-year at least. Push forward pruning, nailing, and tying espalier trees, and suchlike tedious operations, as fast as the weather and circumstances will admit. ; FLOWER GARDEN. Let lawns be well rolled when sufficiently dry for the purpose. Every part of the turf should be frequently swept during the winter. Nothing addsso much to the enjoyment of pleasure-ground scenery as well-kept turf, and when con- nected with evergreen shrubs an agreeable relief to the Greariness of the season is afforded, which renders the loss of more attractive vlants less to be regretted. At the same time see that the walks are kept dry and firm, in order that they may at all times be comfortable to walk upon. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. | bulbs. [ November 29, 1864. STOVE. This will require a very liberal ventilation now, increasing fire heat, if necessary, in order to accomplish it. Still apply moisture to the air, although in a diminished degree; but withhold moisture entirely from the roots of deciduous Orchids, or those sinking into a state of repose. If thereis any fear of a scarcity of bloom next May, a portion of the Achimenes and Gloxinias should be repotted at once, and placed in a warm part of the house, choosing such as have been longest at rest; and a few Clerodendrons, Allamandas, a plant or two of Echites splendens, and Dipladenia erassi- noda, may also be started. Jet Ixoras and all other hard- wooded plants that have made sufficient growth, be kept rather dry at the root, in order to check their growth, and induce a tendency to form bloom-buds, but do not let the soil in the pots become so dry as to affect the foliage. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Should dull weather continue, occasional fire heat will be required for the plants in these houses. The fires should be lighted in the morning, in order that the houses may be thrown open during the day to promote a free circulation of air. This will dry up damp and help to keep the plants in a healthy state. Let the surface soil of the pots be slightly stirred to remove moss and promote free evaporation from the suriace. PITS AND FRAMES. With the assistance of a garden frame, and some stable manure or tan to farnish a gentle heat, Hyacinths may be had in flower at Christmas, and with a good stock of bulbs the display may be kept up till April or May. For early forcing the bulbs should be planted in September, as recommended at that time; those to fower in spring should be planted in October, November. and December. The best pots are the 48-size for one bulb, and the 32-sized pot for three bulbs. It may be well to add that three bulbs grown together in one pot produce a much finer effect than single The soil should be one-half fresh loam, decomposed horse or cowdung, with a small portion of clean sand well | intermixed. If, however, this cannot be obtained, then the lightest and richest at command must be employed instead. Fill the pots lightly with the prepared compost, and place the bulb upon the surface, slightly pressing it into the soil. After giving a liberal watering set the pots out of doors on a, place where perfect drainage is secured, and cover them with about a foot of old tan. Afterremaining there about a month or five weeks the bulbs will be sufficiently rooted to render it safe to remove them to a gentle bottom heat of about 55°. It is necessary to be careful that the roots are not allowed to penetrate the fermenting material. A sit- ting-room window forms a suitable situation for Hyacinths while in bloom, and the beauty will there be longer in fading than in most places.—W. KEANE. 2 DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Trrep to clean it up a bit, but the dripping weather pre- vented us doing more than clearing the walks of leaves; taking up Asparagus for an early bed, filling merely one light at first, as we have rather encroached on our stock in previous years, and must dispense with having it so early for a year or two, until the stock fit for forcing is larger. Artichokes, Globe—Cut over the stems, and placed some long litter over each stool, and then a féw spadesful of soil over it to keep it in its place. It is safest to give these this little protection, especially in heavy soils. The assur- ance of their hardiness will be a poor compensation for the want of a supply if, from trusting to that assurance, the plants should be killed by a severe frost. We have known them stand uninjured and unprotected for several years, and then, after another season, not a bit of the old plants was left alive. i Sea-kale—Took up a lot, squeezed the roots into pots, and placed them in the Mushroom-house. It would be easier to place them in a bed at once; but placing the plants in pots permits of their being moved as desirable, either into a little bottom heat, into a cool dark place when November 29, 1864. j JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 4393 the heads might incline to come faster than we want them. Other vegetables much the same as in the two previous weeks. FRUIT GARDEN. Took most of the Strawberry plants in pots under cover in the orchard-house. Placed some in frames with a little bottom heat, just to give the plants a start, and yet, by giving plenty of air, prevent anything like drawing the crowns. These pots are merely set on the bed in reduced leaves, a foot thick of fresh leaves being beneath them; but we would have preferred the pots to have been either suspended or set on a hard bottom, as shelves, &c., at first, as whatever will tend now to produce vigorous foliage will also tend to rob the flower-buds of their strength. Having no nice airy house at liberty, we do not now desire Straw- berries very early. We have had them very tidy to look at at Christmas and on New Year’s-day ; but unless the weather was frosty and a bright sun, there was little flavour in the fruit. In bright weather, and from keeping the pots rather dry for some days before gathering, the fruit was very tolerable. Pruned some more Peaches, and looked over Grapes in vineries, and fruit of Apples, Pears, &c., in the fruit-room, as this dull mugey weather is the worst for fruit-keeping. We think if the shelves and drawers are clean nothing should be used to set the fruit on except well-dried paper. Straw, hay, &c., always give more or less of a taint whenever they become a little damp. In this dull weather a pretty free ventilation should also be given, or the place will become too damp and confined, and the fruit in consequence will sweat and rot. A few rotting fruit will contaminate the whole house, and all such should therefore be removed. Fruit spotted with the first marks of decay should either be used at once or given to the garden men, as in a short time they will be fit for nothing. Except in some of our large places, as Trentham, Enville, Luton Hoo, Wrest Park, &e., it is rare to find a suitablé fruit-room. Any shed or out-of-the-way place is made to answer. if there is a proper amount of earnest enthusiasm; but even enthusiasm will die out if there is nothing with which to feed its fire. E saved the crops of some Peach trees for two years in a severe frosty night by each time getting out of bed, and taking the whole of his bedclothes to act as coverings to the trees. No other means being in future procurable, and as the pro- prietors objected to even the appearance of branches, our old confrére at last cooled in his enthusiasm, and the next year the frost settled the young crop. That was not the worst of it. We have no doubt that the use of the bed- clothes for the above purpose, however commendable as an effort of anxious enthusiasm. laid the foundation of our old comrade’s last illness. That is not the only instance in which gardeners to our knowledge have injured their health for life from an excess of otherwise most commendable zeal and anxiety. To secure good winter fruit for table, and to see it comfortably before it goes there, a good place, hollow- walled, hollow-roofed, and yet air and ventilation at com- mand, ought to be secured. Fig-house.—The fruit now becoming very insipid, we had all removed that was larger than a pea, pulled off any leaves | that were left, gave the plants a fair thinning,as we grow them roughly in the bush style, washed them over with soap and water, and then painted with clay, sulphur, and a little Gishurst mixed. We have not washed these Figs for several years, as we never noticed anything on them ; but this season we saw some scale, and we would rather have it all destroyed before the plants come into leaf than afterwards. Prevention is ever better than cure; and most likely if we had washed the trees last season we would not have had this incipient appearance of insects now. We immediately watered the plants to prevent the roots becoming overdry in winter, and then filled the whole bed with bedding plants, and gave plenty of air to keep the house cool, which will be continued until we give more heat to start the Figs. After many trials and some experience we have given up allowing a Fis to stand over the winter that is much larger than a pea. Those just swelling at the base of where the leaf was are still more sure. Did we want to bring in our ripe Figs early in spring we would have effected this thorough clearing by October, Much may be done in the most unsuitable places | We knew of a case in which a bachelor gardener | | fruit on it removed before the end of September. as we have long proved that the longer Figs are allowed to bear in autumn and the beginning of winter the more apt are they to drop their fruit next season. Singleton, or White Ischia Fig—This dropping of the first crop is very characteristic of the Bacifico, the Singleton, and the White Ischia, all of which we believe to be aliases of each other. There is not a better nor sweeter Fig than this little honeycomb of a thing, which in general is not much larger than half the size of a good White Marseilles ; but to have it good and well ripened, and opening itself up like the half-expanded flower of a Stapelia, requires a good heat. We mention this the more particularly because, though we have had a'fine warm summer, we did not ripen this Fig well in an orchard-house, and kept them too long there to ripen kindly in a closer and warmer place afterwards. It is true we were rather deficient of water during the sum- mer, but we do not think that was the cause of not ripening kindly so much as the craving for a closer and warmer atmosphere. Such kinds as Lee’s Perpetual or Brown Turkey, and even White Marseilles, ripened kindly enough, the latter two crops and a portion of a third; whilst this little thing did not 1ipen one crop comfortably. We cut off great batches of fruit from small pots, because there seemed no chance to their ripening kindly. In a vinery or in the Fig-house, where a little artificial heat was used, they ripened kindly, and bore profusely. We mention this the more particularly because we have a little doubt if the questionable liquid we were forced to use suited this rather delicate Fig over-well, though not hurting other Figs; and, | therefore, we should be glad to know if others this season have fruited this kind to their minds in an open, cool, un- heated orchard-house. To make the Singleton yield a good first crop in April May, &c., it should be pruned, and all the Without such precautions it is so apt to throw off its first crop, that it would be kest to prune it, and treat it to yield only one crop in the year. This one crop in the orchard-house ripened very unsatisfactorily with us this season. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. As the weather permitted, got on with cleaning beds, &e., regulating herbaceous plants, faggoting old Scarlet Geraniums in pots, and shallow boxes, examining all young stuff, to prevent damping, taking off each leaf that showed any signs of such visitation, giving the plants more room, stirring the surface soil, and carefully watering any plant that seemed dry, so as not to damp the place. Thinned creepers in conservatory, gave manure water to Chrysan- themums, Primulas, Cinerarias, Pinks, and Perpetual Car- nations, and to other things that needed it. As some damp has been caused by previous washing and cleaning, put on a brisk fire in the daytime, with plenty of air to dry the house, giving air to hardwooded plants, however, as detailed the other week. Placed Roses in pots in a little bottom heat. It is amazing how these plants flourish in a cool temperature with a slight increase of bottom heat, and _ the pots plunged in a bed, even if the bed is old sawdust. All hardy shrubs force nicely into bloom when thus helped. See what was lately said about looking after bulbs of all kinds. Thinned out very much the creepers in the stove to give light, and removed all the autumn Gesneras, &e., to the floor of a cool house, where frost will not reach them. Removed also the pots of Caladiums to the floor of a cool stove, and covered them over with moss, which will prevent them becoming over-dry, and otherwise we will let them get pretty dry, but not quite so. All the Amaryllids, Tritomas, &e., that are now resting, will receive moisture enough if the pots stand on a cool moist floor in a house where the tem- perature is rarely under 40°. In such dull, foggy weather, damp, and weak, sickly growth must be neutralised by plenty of air, and a low temperature, and if possible a drier atmosphere than that which prevails outside our houses.— R. F TRADE CATALOGUH RECEIVED. B.S. Williams, Paradise and Victoria Nurseries, Holloway. —Catalogue of New and Choice Pelargoniums, New and Rare Exotic and other Plants. 440 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 29, 186%. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Novemper 26. The supply of out-door fruit continues plentiful, and consists of the same varieties as mentioned in previous reports. Winter Nelis Pears have made their appearance this week. Of Grapes there are sufficient for the demand ; of Pines there is a better supply, and prices have somewhat declined. Oranges and Lemons are now coming in more freely. All out-door veget- ables, such as Cabbages, Brussels Sprouts, and Savoys, are sufficient for the demand.. Potatoes are abundant, but rather dear; and Onions have also increased in price, though some consignments have come in from Germany. FRUIT. - s. d ed. 8. d Apples...... 2 0} Melons ...............each 1 6to4 9 Apricots . .doz. 0 0 O OQ} Mulberries....punnet 0 0 0 0 Cherries . Jb. 0 0 0 O| Nectarines doz. 0 0 0 0 Chestnuts .. sh. 14 0 20 0 | Oranges. 120 5 0 10 0 Currants, Red...4 sieve 0 0 0 0| Peaches loz. 0 0 O 0 Black do. 0 0 0 0} Pears (kitchen)...bush. 5 0 10 0 nee OnFOn 0520 dessert . Or s*.0 Filverts & Nuts 1001lbs. 60 0 80 0 Pine Apples. 59 8 0 Cobs ... 70 0 S) O}| Plums..... Die.0) 4.76.50 Goosebervies 0 0 O 0} Pomegranates J 0)-.4), 0) 6 1 6° 5 0 | Quinces #sieve 1 6 3 0 3 0 7 G| Raspberries. 1b. 0 0 0 0 5 0 10 0} Walnuts bush. 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. B...d. a, a a. d. 3. d Artichokes ... 0 Oto0 0] Horseradish ... bundle 2 6to5 0 Asparagus 00 00 .bunech 0 2 9 8 Beans Broad. 00 00 20 4 0 Kidney 2s) On aoe 1 Gee G Beet, Red 1 0 3 O| Mustd.&Cress.punnet 0 2 0 0 Broccoli ... 1 0 2 0) Onions ...........busbel 4.9 5 0 BrusselsSpri 2 6 13 6 pickl . quart 0 6 0 8 Cabbace ... 1 6 8 0} Parsley ...doz, bunches 4 0 G6 0 Capsicums 0 0 O 0} Parsnips . Ydoz. 08°90) Carrots .. 0 5 O 8 | Peas...... quart 0 0 0 0 Cauliflower 4 0 6 0} Potatoes ..bushel 2 6 4 0 1 0 2 0} Radishes doz. bunches 0 9 I O 0 9 1 61 Savoys «.. sere dom ol OME 6) 0 0 O 0} Sea-kale basker 3 6 0 0 2 6 3 O| Spinach.. sieve 3 0 5 0 «. bunch 0 3 0 0] Tomatoe Zsieve 0 0 O 0 allots, lb. 0 8 O 0] Turnips... bunch 9 3 0 6 Herbs........<:,....bunea. 0 3 0 0] VegetableMarrowsdoz. 0 0 0 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,% We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “‘ Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.’ By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Jowrnal of Horticul- ture, Xc., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. RSs aan questions must remain unanswered until next week. TRITONIA AUREA CULTURE.—I advise all those interested in this plant to try both systems—viz., that of Mr. Abbey and that I advocate, and to judga for themselves. I never found Tritonia aurea in a state devoid of growth, or leayes more or less green.—W. Earry, Digswell. _GRASS-LAND ManaGEMENT (Miles).—The best work on the Grasses, and -giving some instructions for the improvement of meadows and pastures, is Sinclair’s “ Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis.” There is also a good essav on) the economical improvement of Grass lands in the seventh yolume of the Quarterly Journal of Agriculture.” Sevecr CurysantHEMums (P. J. H. D.).—Of Tasselled flowers, Triomphe du Nord, reddish chestnut ; and Invincible, white. These are the only two which we can recommend to you. For twelve good incurved kinds have Jardin des Plantes, Cherub, yellow; White Queen of England, Beverley, white; Lady Hardinge, Lady Slade, Her Majesty, Bella Donna, rose and blush; Sir Stafford Carey and Lord Ranelagh, brown; Prince Albert and Dr. Rosas, crimson. Six Pompons—Fuairest of the Fair, Madame Fould, Danie, Salamon, Capella, Madame Eugéne Domage. _ WixTertnG CoLeus Verscaarreti (J. 7. 0.).—The large bay window is preferable to either cold frames or the window with anorth aspect. Keep the soil dry, giving no more water than is sufficient to prevent the stalks shrivelling. It will pot bear much cold, and not the least damp, and reauires a temperature of 45° to winter it safely. You may winter it, however, by keeping it dry, and excluding frost by heating the room either with a lamp or hot water, the latter being preferable. It should not be cut down now, and not in spring until it commences growing afresh. ‘Florists’ Flowers,” which may be had free by post from our office for five stamps, contains the information sought. AZALEA AMGNA PoTrep IN Loam (J. If.).—We have grown Azaleas very fairly in loam and leaf mould, and we think your plant will also do well until the blooming is past, when we would pot it in peat soil. It is only natural for the leaves to turn yellow and fall, though more have fallem than we should like at this season. Ours are remarkably fine in foliage this year. *matica: Pteris cretica, serrnlata, cretica albo British Frrxs ror Exurprion (4 Young Gardener). — Lastrea Filix- mas cristata, Polystichum angulare proliferam, Athyrium Filix-feemina plumosum, Scolopendrium vulgare muliifidum majus, Asplenium tricho- manes incisum, Blechnum spicant ramosum. Tzke the Strawberries under cover at once, and by the beginning of January place them on shelves near the glass in a vinery at. work, bringing them on slowly. Turirs on Ferns—Crirrmers ror_A Conservatory — Waite HELIO- rropE (Zlora).—On acalm evening fill the house with tobacco smoke by burning shaz tobacco in a fumigator, and repeat the dose on the next night but one. Famigate afterwards whenever a thrips is'seen. Our corre- spondent wishes to: Know how to preserve Arbutus. berries, so as to use them as an ornament for dishes. As to creepers for a conservatory, no men- tion is made as to how many are desired. lLapageria rosea, Mandevilla suaveolens, Mimosa prostrata, Passidora Nenumanni and Clowesiana, Hib- bertia grossulariefolia, Jasininum heterophyilum, Sollya linearis, Tacsonia mollissima, Kennedya monophylla, and KX. rubicunda superba, are all suit- - able. We know of no shrubs that will thrive in extremely wet soil without drain:ge except Willows, Alder, and bog plants, and not one in a hundred are shrubs. So far a3 we know, a white Heliotrope is not now to be had. H. linifolium, from the Cape, we have grown, but thought little of it. Most of the white kinds are annuals and biennials. Vines FoR GREENHOUSE—FERNS For Gass Case (If. P.).—You will require five Vines if they are planted along the front, the first one being 1 font 6 inches from the end, and the others 3 feet apart. You may have Black Hamburgh, Buckland Sweetwater, Black Champion, White Fron- tignan, and Trentham Black; but we would only have three in so narrow a house, and plant in front a Black Hamburgh 3 tvet from the end of the house, Buckland Sweetwater in the centre, and Trentham Black 3 feet from the other end. When they reached the rafter we would let two shoots grow, and train one to the right and the other to the left, end up the house when each had run 1 foot 6 inches. Ia this case you would have rods at 1 foot G inches from the ends, and a little less than 3 feet apart, just the same asif five Vines were planted. You may have either British or exotic Ferns, just as the situation is cold or warm: Say British—Lastrea Filix-mas crispa Polypodium vulgare, P. vulgare auritum ; Scolopendrium vulgare, and the varieties sub-cornutum, ramosum, marginatum, and multiforme; Blechnum spicant ramosum, and B. spicant lancifolium; Asplenium marinum, 4. sep- tentrionale, A. viride, and. the multifid form (bifidum or multifidum), A. tri- chomanes, and varieties multifidum, incisum, and depauperatum; Adiantum eapillus-Veneris; Asplenium fontanum; Polypodium cambricum ; Poly- stichum lonchitis, and P. angulare proliferum. Exotic Ferns—Asplenium Monsanthemum, obtusum, reclinatum, radicans, dimidiatum, flabelliforme, and attenuatum; Adiantum reniforme, setu!osum, affine, and cuneatum 5 Davallia canuriensis, pentaphylla, decora, and solida; Lastrea glabella, acuminata, and quinquangularis; Acrophorus Nove-Zealandiz ; Niphobolus rupestris, pertusus, and lingua; Nephrolepis tuberosa, and pectinata ; Dry- naria Fortuni; Platyloma rotundifolium; Pleopeltis pustulata, and stig- eata; Woodwardia (Doodia) ginelia densa, and S. denti- aspera, media, and corymbifera or caudata; Se culata, for surfacing. Rivaine Licur Sort (K. R.).—Your gardener is probably correct. Ridg- ing light soil, and exposing it thus to the frosts of winter, has little or no enriching effect, but it confers a benefit by destroying the larva of vermin if the frost is intense. Your best culture would be to grow your Turnips, &c., in narrow beds, deepening the soil of these by throwing on to them the earth from the paths, and mulching your crops with cocoa-nut fibre refuse and other material. Case For Srrikine Currmes (A. P. D., Salop).—The Bijou Plant Case made by Mr. Stock, Archer Street, Westbourne Grove, answers. It is heated either with gas or Child’s night lights. Musnnoom-crowrne (A Reader).—See an article on this subject by Mr. Fish in No. 169. ltis just the old concluded story repeated. Place spawn in the ground anywhere, and prevent it being lost there by heat and mois- ture, and it will produce Mushrooms without any chemical waterings; but such spawn: will soon exhaust itself. ‘To secure a good lasting bed the spawn must run in rich manurial matter. ‘The article referred to, and ‘‘ Doings of the Last Week,” will tell you more than we can well repeat now. We have no faith in such short euts to success. We have had plenty of Mushrooms in the open air by merely placing bits of spawn below the ground an inch or so, but. they were soon exhausted. All the chemical waterings, &c., are mere theoretical delusions, 3 Vines rn Ports (2. S.).—Any kind of Vines may be grown ia pots ina vinery. For un orchard-house, Black Hamburgh, Royal Muscadine, Dutch Sweetwater, and Buckland Sweetwater, are perhaps the best. See remarks of Mr. W. Paul the other week. Plants in pots and inthe open ground are in different circumstances. With Vines you may keep the soiiin the pots open until they are placed in the fruiting-pots. After that, and when starting for fruit, the soil should be firm. When mere growth is the object keep the soil open: when fruitfulnessis t object keep it firm. SHRUB For A GaLLERy (J. D.).—You say nothing at all about ‘he’sune light. the most important cireumstance. Guslight is prejudicial to plants, unless nicely managed asto ventilation. No plants will flourish long without the light of day. If, as we presume, you are without that light, the only thing you can do is either to grow large plants of Geraniums, keep them in the gallery for a few days, and then replace with others, taking them in and out. Shrubs, szchas Aucubas, Laurels, and Cypresses, may be treated inthe same way. If you have light any shrub will succeed. SuLraur Paint ror Fauir Trezs (C. P.).—Sulphur and clay is a capital paint, and you may add a little lime, but not much if the lime is fresh. If the lime is mild it will have little more effect than any other earth, and we would prefer a little soot instead. The main object is to shut up all the buds and wood from the air for a time. We would decidedly paint the trees, though they showed no signs of insects during the summer, doing it chiefly all about the buds with a soft brush. Prevention is better thancure. We have not painted our Figs for several years, and suw nothing until this auturin, when we noticed scale. We washed with soap water, and then painted with clay, sulphur, and a little soap in the water. As the buds swell the mixture will drop off, and you can help it gradually by slight syringing. Vines—Pears on Quince Srocxs (WV. E£.).—The “Vine Manual,” which you can have free by post from our office for thirty-two postage stamps. The point of union of the scion and the Quince stock should be buried beneath the surface of the soil. =e November 29, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. aa (i CameELLIA BLooms FALLING WHEN HaLr-FxPANDED (J. M.).—We think that the temperature was too low, and that if there had been an increase of heat sooner they would not have fallen. hey remained a fortnight half- expanded, and then you gave an increase of heat sufficient to have thrown off the buds of anything. A rise of 10° in so short a space of time’must be injurious to vegetation. We are not certain, but incline to tae opinion that the buds were rot fully matured, and the imperfection did not manifest itself until the blooms commenced expanding. REPLANTING FERNS 1n Rockwork Unper Grass (A. B.).—The best time to replant them would be in the March of next year, but you may do so now if care be taken to remove them with as much root as possible. Sowine Inpran Seeps—CoverinG VINE-BORDER (W. M, B.).—Sow the seeds in March, and place the pots in a hotbed of from 75° to 85°. The Vine- border would be improved by covering with a good thickness of dry leaves _or litter, but not such as would heat much. This covering would prevent the border becoming very wet, as the materials would themselves absorb most of the rain. If not covered in this wav, it ought to have at least a ele inc) perenne of litter to prevent frost injuring the roots. Your cover- ingsiniwe nia eae with leaves and dunga short time before commencing Guass For ViNERY (Calcaria).—It is against our rules to address our coadjutors privately. Mr. Abbey is nota plant-seller. We question if you could get the plants spoken of in any one nursery at present; but if you make your wants known you will obtain them all by degrees, and as soon as the demand is known there will be no want of a supply. The 16-ounce glass will do if about that weight; but if some of it does not range above 13 ounces it will be scarcely strong enough, as your rafters are 20 inches apart. We believe that in a box of some hundreds of feet you will find little that is fully 16-ounce, though called so. Some may be alittle more, but the bulk will scarcely average 15ozs. The squares should not be deeper than 12 inches at most—that is, 20 by 12. Twenty by ten would be better, as the laps give Strength. If the place is exposed, however, we would advise what is called 21-ounce, though it would cost some ls. 3d. more. We have used 16-ounce ourselves, and, as yet, with little or no casualty for a number of years; but aa puprei.e doing: much again we would prefer 21-ounce, as the U end a little in storms, and especially with s) iB vi i think the bending is no disadvantage, ¥ sibs usted GaxpEn Pian (A Subscriber, Ramsgaie).—The only improvement in your plan that we would suggest would be to doaway with the stiff shield-like piece of grass in front of the house by curving it on each side, either by taking it nearer the wall, or farther from the wall about its centre, and the same beyond A, either of which would do away with the stiffness and make it more picturesque. The quickest-growing evergreens would be the common Laurels; but if you are far enough from the smoke we would advise them next the wall, and to be cut out as they grew too large, and then a mixture of Cypresses, Abor Vite, Arbutus, Portugal Laurels, and Aucubas, and DLaurustinuses for the front row. If or the turn of rhe walk you came neat the wall, you could drape it with Ivy. If the soil is poor enrich it with rotten dung ; if little better than sand or clay you will have to add some loam or good soil from a field or the sides of the highway. A few deciduous shrubs, as Lilacs, Ribes, and Spiraeas, would enliven the borders. Cannor Cror FatLine (George Wighton).—To guard against the ravages of the Carrot grub, we trench the ground 2 feet deep in November, working in a liberal dressing of well-rotted manure, and throwing the surface in rid res and as rough as possible. We throw it back or down on sharp frosty mornings in February, and in March a dressing of lime is applied. At the time of ROU: the ground is strewed black with soot, not pointing it in like the yume ae fork pp covering: at pata the ol from the alleys between the . re then sown in drills in usta i i have a splendid lot of Carrots in autumn. br par tubal etal) micory Dryine (D. Applegate).—Mr. G. Abbey writes, “ I gave th part of Chicory treatment which related to its eultioation and ee ees ‘or market, and it is not usual for cultivators to enter on manufactures.” Orthe drying process, he says he is “ practically ignorant.” E eee ae SowiIne (Rosen).—Gather the heps when fully ripe, as they wal oe is time, and place in a flower-pot in dry sand, guarding against hose nee are very partial to them. In the first week in March break the mane © pieces and sow them in pans, but these should not be common ae ene which are about 3 inches deep. Those for Rose-seeds should aoe ea ihan 6 inches, and they need not be more than 9 inches in aIWEGe A ie sized flower-pots will do quite as well. Drain weil, and aie Aes in 1 inch of the rim with rich sandy loam, on this place the Sot icy out 1 inch,apart, and cover with half an inch of fine soil. Plunge ua aD phoulside guite up to the rim in a sunny open place, watering so ieee eep the soil moist; but this will only be needed in dry weather. ee y ane) plants will probably appear in April or May, but the seed may not getate until the second spring. Strict guard must be kept against Mice, or they will take them all. When the young plants have made three or four leaves take the plants up carefully and pot them in small- pots, placing in a cold frame for a few days then harden o ni out @ month later in a bed of rich soil. : By the end of acne Willhave made shoots strong enough for budding, especially the strong growers, take these and bud on strong stocks. The following summer the buds will make vigorous growths, and they being left unpruned will bloom in the following year, Ifnot budded let them grow without pruning, but mnget of the better varieties are shy bloomers on their own roots. They will Pay of them without working at three years old, but it usually AKeS Six years to bloom a superior sort on its own roots, for they are mostly Se atOUs, at least, we want such for our climate. We fear that the horse- ; ppings would emit an unpleasant smell, but we recently saw the bottom of a piech turned into a Mushroom-bed, and it was producicrg famously. Names or Frurr (D. J.).—1, Duchesse d’Angouléme; 2 and 3, Beurré . J). 32 i tré Bose; ie 5, Vicar of Winkiield ; 6, Achan; ae Comte de Lamy; §, Beuere MW ane de Capucins; 12, Beurré Diel; 13, Uvedale’s St. Germain; 14, Beurré Pangelery, 15, Baronne de Mello. (C. #.).—The Apples are—1, Catshead; 2, Ribston Pippin; 3, Herefordshire Pearmain; 4, Claygate Pearmain 5, Pearson’s Plate; 7, Lewis’s Incomparable; 9, Golden Pipyin. The Fern is Asplenium adiantum nigrum, va. acutum. (H. 7.).—The Pear is Besi wees The pale Apple is White Winte Calville, and the red one we do not Names or Piants (Lowisa).—The Arabis sent is the Lucida variegata. We think the white variety. Of variegated Arabis there is also a yellow- tinged variety, but the colour was too faded to know whether the leaves had been edged with white or yellow. The succulent heving no flowers we are a It looks like a low-running Sedum with small green foliage edged with white; but it might alsy be a Mesembryanthemum. We regret we cannot be sure. (4. 7.).—Neither of the shrubs are nameable without flowers. The Ferns are—1, Adiantum Zthiopicum ; 2, Nephrolepis tuberosa. (Worcestershire Subscriber).—l, Unnameable in its present state ; 2, Adiantum sp.; 3, Anemidictyon phyllitidis; 4, Platyloma rotundifolia. (Ruby).—The Polypody is the variety called cambricum; the ovher Fern is Lastrea spinulosa, You must send a better specimen of the Fuchsia. (Conifera).—How can you expect us to name such scraps? We can only guess at what one or two may possibly be. 1, Is the tip of the frond of a Blechnum; 3, A Thuja, perhaps occidentalis; 4, May be Biota orientalis; 5, Looks something like a bit of Taxodium distichum ; 7, Quite unrecog~ unable to point out. POU BIRMINGHAM POULTRY SHOW. Tuts Exhibition commenced yesterday, and will be con- tinued until the 1st of December is passed. We have only time to print a list of the prizetakers. Our remarks, as well ag the list of commendations, must be reserved until next week. Dorxrnes (Coloured).—First and Third, Right Hon. Viscountess Holmes- dale, Linton Park, Kent. Second, Sir J. Don Wauchope, Bart., Miller’s Hill, Dalkeith, N.B. Fourth, T. Tatham, Singthorpe, Northampton. Fifth, T. Statter, Stand Hill, Manchester. Chickens.—First and Second, Capt. W. Hornby, Knowsley Cottage, Prescot. Yhird, Sir 8t. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, Derbyshire. Fourth, R. P. Williams, Glas\inn, Clonta:f, Dublin. Fifth, J. Frost, Parham, near Wickham Market, Suffolk. Dorginc Hexs.—First, W. W. Bartlam, Henley-in-Arden. Second, Right Hon. Viscountess Uolmesdale, Linton Park, Kent. Third, J. Drewry, Newton Mount, Burton-upon-Trent. DorKine Puuters.—Firet, Capt. Hornby, Prescot. Second, R. W. Boyle, Dublin. Third, Rev. E. Cadogan, Walton Parsonage, Warwick. Dorxines (White).—First, J- Robinson, Vale House, near Garstang. Second, H. Lingwood, Suffolk. Chickens.—First and Second, H. Lingwood, Spanisu.—First, H. Lane, Bristol. Second, J, Garlick, Liverpool. Third, Rt. Hon. the Viscountess Holmesdale, Linton Park, Kent. Fourth, R. Peebay, Fulwood, near Preston. Chickens.—First, E. Jones, Clifton, Bristol. Second, D. Parsley, Bristol. Third, E. Brown, Sheffield. Fourth, R. Teebay. Spanish Hens.—First, Miss Biggar, Ecclefechan, Dumfriesshire. Second, Rt. Hon. Viscountess Holmesdale. SpanisH PULLETS.—First, Rt. Hon. Viscountess Holmesdale. H. Lane, Bristol. Cocuin-Cuina (Cinnamon and Buff ).—First, Capt. Heaton, Manchester, Second, C. T. Bishop, Lenton, near Nottingham. Third, H. Bates, Yardley, near Birmingham. Fourth, R. Adams, Handsworth, Birmingham. Chickens. —First, Capt. Heaton, Manchester. Second, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Third, Rev. C. Spencer, Attleborough, Norfolk. Fourth, C. T. Bishop. Cocuin-CatnA Hens (Cinnamon and Buff).—First, E. Smith, Middleton, near Manchester. Second, Capt. H. Heaton, Lower Broughton, Manchester. Cocain-CuInA PuLteTs (Cinnamon and Buff).—First, H. Yardley, Market Hall, Birmingham. Second, T. Boucher, Birmingham. Cocuin-Cuina (Brown and Parttidge-feathered). — First, J. Shorthose, Shieldfield Green, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Second, J. Stephens, Walsall. Third, — Curtwright, Oswestry. Chickens —First and Third, T, Stretch, Ormskirk. Second, R. White, Broomhall Park, Sheffield. Cocnix-Cuina Hens (Brown and Partridge-feathered).—First, E. Smith, Middleton, near Manchester. Second, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Cocuty-Camna PuLLets (Brown and Partridge-feathered). — First, — Cartwright, Oswestry. Second, E. Tudman, Ash Grove, Whitchurch, Salop. Cocnin-Cuina (White).—First, R. Chase, Balsall Heath, Birmingham. Second, Rev. F. Taylor, Keastwick, Kirkby Lonsdale. Chickens.—First and Second, Rev. F. Taylor, Keastwiok, Kirkby Lonsdale. Brauma Poorras.—First, Mrs, Hargreaves, Arborfield Hall, near Reading. Second, R. W. Boyle, Dundrum, Dublin. Chickens.—First, R. W. Boyle, Dundrum, Dublin. Second, W. L. Barclay, Knott's Green, Leyton, London, N. E, Third, T. Statter, Stand Hill, Manchester. Matay.—First, Rev. A. G. Brooke, Ruyton XI Towns, Salop. Second, Master C. A. Ballance, 5, Mount Terrace, Taunton, Somerset. Chickens. —First, Rev. A. G. Brooke, Ruyton XI Towns, Salop. Second, Miss C. H. Ballance, 5, Mount Terrace, Taunton, somerset. Crive-Ceur.—First, J. Harrison, 14, Central Beach, Blackpool. Second, A. Dixon, Birches Green, Birmingham. Ckickens.—First, J. Harrison, Blackpool. Second, W. Blinkhorn, jun., Peasley House, St. Helen’s, Lanca- shire. Brack Hampurcu.—First, R. F. Goodwin, Middleton, near Manchester. Second, F. Sabin, Birmingham. Third, W. W. Nicholls, Sale, near Man- chester. Chickens.—Firet, 5. Shaw, Stainland, Halifax. Second, R. rE Goodwin, Middleton, near Manchester. Third, J. Dixon, North Park, Clayton, Bradford. Hamburen (Golden-pencilled).—First, J. E. Powers, Bigglewade, Beds, Second, C. Tattersall, Waterfoot, near Manchester. Third, S. Shaw. Stainland, Halifax. Chichkens.—First, F, Pittis, jun. Newport House, Newport, Isle of Wight. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, near Wirksworth, Derbyshire. Third, C. Moore, Poulton-le-Fylde, near Preston. Hamboercw (Silver-pencilled).—First, W. Wood, Sheffield. Second, J. Preston, Allerton, near Bradford. Third, H. Beldon, Gilstead, Yorkshire, Chickens.—First, D. Harding, Middlewich, Cheshire. Second, S. Shaw. Stainland, Halifax. Third, J. Robinson, Vale House, near Garstang. HamporcH Hens (Pencilled).—First, J. Lowe, Whitmore House, near Birmingham Ge Second, J. Robinson, Vale House, near Garstang. HampurcH Pourrers (Pencilled).— First, W. H. Dyson, Snap Farm, Horton Bank Top, near Bradford, Yorkshire (Golden). Second, Sir St. G. Gore., Bart., Hopton Hall, near W irksworth, Derbysire. HampuncH (Golden-spangled).— First, I. Davies, Harborne. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Derbyshire. Thir’, J. Robinson. Chickens,—First, §. H. Hyde. Taunton Hall, Ashton-under Lyne. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Third, W. Kershaw, Heywood, near Manchester. Second, 442, Hampurou (Silver-spangled).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, Miss E. Beidon, Gilstead, Bingley, Yorkshire. Third, J. Fielding, Newenurch, near Manchester. Chickens.—First, J. Fielding. Second, Mrs, Hurt, Alderwasley, Belper. Third, Miss E. Beldon. HamporcH Hens (Spangled).—First, J. Roe, Hadfield, near Manchester. | Second, G. E. Hardman, Rawtenstall, Manchester. HamBurGH Puutets (Spangled).—First, J. Leech, Staffordshire. Second, The Right Hon. the Viscountess Holmesdale, Linton Park, Kent. PorisH Fowt (Black with White Crests). — First and Second, T. P. Edwards, Lyndhurst, Hants. Third, W. Newsome, Bingley, Yorkshire. Chickens.—First, Second, and Third, J. Smith, Keighley, Yorkshire. PouisH Fow ts (Golden).—First, Miss E. Beldon, Gilstead. Second, F. R. Pease, Southend, Darlington. Third, S. Shaw. Chickens.—First, W. Newsome, Bingley, Yorkshire. Second and Third, F, R. Pease. PoutsH Fow ts (Siiver).—First and Second, G. C. Adkins, The Lightwoods, Birmingham. Third, H. Beldon, Gilstead. Chieckens.—First, Miss E. Beldon, Gilstead. Second and Third, G. C. Adkins. ANY OTHER Distinct VARIETY.—First, F. H. Neville, Edgbaston (Cuckoo Dorking). Second, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, near Exeter (La Fléche). Third, Mrs. D. Haig, Lichfield (Magpie Tarifans). Game Fow1 (Black-breasted Reds).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirks- work, Derbyshire. econd, Miss K. Charlton, Bradford. Third, J. H. Williams, Spring Bank, near Welshpool. Fourth, J. Halsall, Ince, near Wigan. Chickens.—First, R. Woods, Osberton, Worksop, Notts. Second, J. Halsall. Third, A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Shropshire. Fourth, Capt. Wetherall), Loddington, near Kettering. Game Fow Ls (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted).—First and Cup, T. Statter, Manchester, Second, J. Wood, Wigan Third, G. Helle- well, Walkley, near Sheffield. Fourth, H. Adams, Beverley. Chickens.— First, J. Wood. Second and Fourth, E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Third, M. Billing, jun., Erdington, near Birmingham. Game Hens (Black-breasted and other Reds).—First, E. Aykroyd, Brad- ford. Second, J. Wood, Wigan. Game Purvets (Black-breasted and other Reds).—First, Mrs. Hay, Sub- bury, Derby. Second, C. Minors, Sudbury, Derby. Game (Duckwings, and other Greys and Blues).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth, Derbyshire. Second, W. Gamon, The Green, Thorn- ton-le-Moors, Chester. Third, T. Carless, Hovering, near Nottingham. Fourth, E. T. Reynolds, Tysley, Birminghair. Chickens.—First, E. Aykroyd, Bradford, Yorkshire. Second, Sir St. G. Gore. Third, J. Holme, Knowsley, Prescot. Fourth, T. Carless. Game (Black and Brassy-winged, except Greys).—First, J. Fletcher, Stone- clough, Manchester. Second, Messrs. Bullock and Rapson, Leamington. Third, H. Beldon, Gilstead, Bingley, Yorkshire. Chickens — First, J. Fletcher. Second, H. Beldon. Third, J. Lb. Newsome, Batley, Leeds. Game (White and Piles).—First, Captain C. Curtis, Lutterworth. Second, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, Manchester, Third, Rev. F. Watson, Messing, Kelvedon. Chickens.—First, J. Fletcher. Second, J. Sunderland, Halifax. Third, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Tiverton, Devon. GaME Hens (Except Black-breasted and other Reds).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart, Wirksworth, Derbyshire. Second, E. T. Reynolds, Tysley, Bir- mingham. Gaxe PULLETs (Except Black-breasted and other Reds).—First, H. Worrall, West Derby, Liverpool. Second, J. H. Williams, Welshpool. SINGLE COCKS. Dorxine.—First, E. Tudman, Whitchurch, Salop. Second, J. Robinson, Garstang. Third, Lady S. Des Veux, Burton-upon-Trent, Fourth, Right aon Viscountess Holmesdale, Kent. Fifth, Mrs. Arkwright, Etwall Hall, Derby. ceaatae iret) H. Lane, Milk Street, Bristol. Second, H. C. Mobbs, Northampton. Third, D. Parsley, Rock Cottage, Bristol. Cocuin-Cuina (Cinnamon and Buff).—First and Third, Capt. H. Heaton, Lower Broughton, Manchester. Second, Mrs. R. White, Broomhall Park, Sheffield. Cocain-Curna (Except Cinnamon and Bnff).—First, J. Poole, Ulverston, Lancashire. Second, R. White, Broomhall Park, Sheffield. Third, C. H. Wakefield, Malvern Wells. BrauMa Pootra.—First, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, near Exeter. Second, T. Statter, Stand, Manchester. Third, R. W. Boyle, Dundrum, Dublin. Hamsurcu (Golden-pencilled)..—First, H. Beldon, Gilstead, Bingley, Yorkshire. Second and Third, Rev. R. Roy, Worcester. Hamporeu (Silver-pencilled).—First, C. Moore, Poulton-le-Fylde, Preston. Second, J. Holland, Worcester. Third, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, near Wirksworth, Der5yshire. Hampurcu (Golden-spangled).—First, W. Kershaw, Heywood, near Man- chester. Second, Messrs. Bray, Broadhead, & Wilkinson, Choppards, Holm- -firth, Yorkshire. Third, Messrs. Burch & Boulter, Sheffield. Hampureu (Silver-spangled).—First, J. Fielding, Newchurch, near Man- chester. Second, B. M. Clive, The Highfields, Gravelly Hill, near Birming- ham. Third, T. Burns, Leigh, near Manchester. Poxisa.—First, W. Newsome, Bingley. Second, J. Smith, Keighley. Third, H. Beldon, Gilstead. GameE (White and Piles, Duckwings, and other varieties, except Reds).— First, E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Second, M. Bilting, jun., Erdington, near Sumingh aul: Third, J. Halsall. Wigan. Fourth, J. H. Williams, Welsh- ool. E Game (Black-breasted Reds).—First and Second, J. H. Williams, Welsh- pool. Third, E. C. Gilbert, Penkridge, Staffordshire. Fourth, W. Boyes, Beverley. Game (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted).—First and Cup, T. Statter, Manchester. First, J. Smith. Second, J. Fletcher.. Third, M. Billing, jun., Erdington, near Birmingham, Fourth, G. Clement, Bir- mingham. s Bantams (Gold-laced).—First, M. Leno, jan., Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Second and Third, U. Spray, Dunstable, Bedtorashire. p Bantams (Silver-laced). — First, U. Spary, Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Second and Third, M. Leno, jun., Dunstable. Bantams (White, Clean-legged).— First, W. Draycott, Humberstone, near Leicester. Second, Rey. F. Tearle, Leicester. Third, W. Watson, Calstock, Tavistock. Bantams (Black, Clean-legged).—First, T. Davier, Newport, Monmouth. Second, Miss K. Charlton, Bradford. Third, J. Bradwell, Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Bantams (Any other variety except Game).—First, W. J. Cope, Barnsley (Pekin). Second, W. Harvey, Sheffield. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 29, 1864. Game Bantams (Black-breasted and other Reds).—Miss E. Crawford, Farnsfield, Southwell Second, J. W. Kelleway, Merston, Isle of Wight. Third, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, Wirksworth, Derbysh‘re. Fourth, Hon. W. T. W. Fitzwilliam, Wentworth Wood House, Rotherha u , Game Banrams (Any other variety ).—First, R. B. Postans, Brentwood, Essex. Second, R. Hawksley, jun., Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Third, J. W. Kelleway, Merston, Isle of Wight. Game Bantam Cocks.—First, J. W. Kelleway, Merston, Isle of Wight. Second, C. Aukland, Heetwell Cottage, Chesterfield. Third, R. B. Postans, Brentwood, Essex. Ducks (White Aylesbury).—First ana Third, Mrs. Seamons, Hartw ] Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Second, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm Aylesbury. Docks (Rouen).—First, S. Shaw, Stainland, Halifax. Second, H. Worrall, West Derby, Liverpool. Third, J. Anderson, Meigle, N.B. Fourth, Capt. - W. Hornby, Prescot. Ducks (Black East Indian).—First, J. W. Kelleway, Merston, Isle of Wight. Second, Mrs. Hayne, Fordington, Dorchester. Ducks (Any other variety).—First, S. Shaw, Siainland. Second, R. P. Williams, Glasslinn, Dublin. GexEsE (White).—First, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Second, W. Kershaw, Heywood, Third, J. Fanlkner, Burton-upon-Trent. Geese (White).—First, Mrs. Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury, Bucks. Second, J. Lycett, Marston Villa, Stafford. Grerse (Grey and Mottled).—First, W. H. Denison, Woburn, Beds (Toulouse). Second, J. Lycett, Stafford. Third, Her Grace the Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palave, Woodstock, Oxford. GrEsE (Grey and Mottled).—First, Mrs. Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury, Bucks. Second, W. Lort, jun., King’s Norton, near Birmingham (Old nelish). Turkeys —First, J. Smith, Breeder Hills, near Grantham (Cambridge), Second, Rev. H G. Baily, Swindon (Cambridge). Third, G. R Dartnell. Arden House, Henley-in-Ardeu (Norfolk). Poults.—First, Mr. C. Browne, Withington, Shrewsbury (Cambridge). Second, J. Beasley, Brampton, Northampton (Cambridge). Third, J. Smith (Cambridge). PIGEONS. TousBters (Almond).—Fir-t, F, Else, Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, Lon- don. Second, F. Esquilaut, Oxford Street, London. Third, P. Eden, Cross Lane, Salford, Manchester. Carrier (Black).—Cock.—First, F. Else. First, F. Else. Second, P. Eden. Careter (Any other colour).—Cock.—First. P. Eden, Salford. Second, Messrs. W. Siddons & Sons, Aston. Hen.—Ffirst, Messrs. W. Siddons and Sons. Second, F. Else, Bay -water. PowTer (Red or Blue).—Cock.—First, G. R. Potts, Sunderland. Second, P. Eden, Salford, Hen.—First, G. R. Potts. Second, P. Eden. Powrer (Any other colour).—Cock.—First, P. Eden, Salford. Second, F. Else, Bayswater. Hen.—First, G. R. Potts, Sunderland. Second, P. Eden, Salford. Batps.—First, T. Ridpeth, Rusholme, Manchester. Second, F. Esquilant. Beaprs.—First, W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe, Newark. Second, F. Else. TumsBiers {Mottled).—First and Second, P. Eden, Salford. TuMBLEKS (Any other colour).—First, J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale, Second, J. Ford, London. Ronts.—First. T. D. Green, Saffron Walden, Essex. Bridgewater. 3 Jacozixs (Yellow),—First and Second, J. T. lawrence, Breckfield, Everton, Liverpool. Jacozrys (Any other Colour).—First, J. T. Lawrence, Liverpool. Second, T. Ridpeth, Poplar House, Rusholme, Manchester. FanTaiLs (White).—First. C. F. Allison, Friar’s Place, Acton, Middlesex. Second, T. Ridpeth, Poplar House, Rusholme, Manchester. Fanrarts (Any other colour).—First, F. H. Paget, Birstall, Leicester- shire. Seconc, J. W. Edge, Aston New Town, Birmingham. TrumpxTERS (Mottled).—First, S. Shaw, Stainland, Halifax. J. R. Robinson, Sunderland. Trumpeters (Any other Colour).—¥irst, S. Shaw, Stainland, Halifax. Second, W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe, Newark. Owts (Blue or Silver).—First, P. Eden, Cross Lane, Salford. Second, J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale. Owxs (Auy other Colour).—First, G. H. Sanday, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham. Second, P. Eden, Cross Lane, S:lford. Nouns.—First, F. Else, Bayswater, London, W. Second, T. Ridpeth, Poplar House, Rusholme, Manchester. Third, Rey. A. G. Brooke, Ruyton XI. Towns, Salop. ‘ Tursits (Red or Blue).—First, J. W. Edge, Aston New Town, Birming- ham. Second, S. Shaw, Stainland, Halifax. Tureits (Any other Colour).—First, J, Percivall, Peckham, Surrey. Second, S. Shaw, Stainland, Halifax. Banrss (Black).—First, P. Eden, Salford. Second, S. Shaw, Stainland. Bargs (Any other colour).—First, P. Eden, Salford. Second, W. H.C. Oates, Besthorpe, Newark. Dracons.—First, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Second, S. Shaw, ‘Halifax. Third, C. Bulpin, Bridgewater. Macpies.—First, S. Shaw, Halifax. Second, C. M. Royds, Rochdale. Axtwerps. —First, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Second, T. Ridpeth, Rush- olme, Manchester. ARCHANGELS.—First, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Peckham, Surrey. 5 ANY OTHER NEW OR DIsTINCcT VARIETY.—First, S. Shaw, Halifax. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Third, A. Heath, Calne, Wilts. Second, P. Eden. Hens.— Second, C. Bulpin, Second, Second, J. Percivall, BRAHMA POOTRAS. NorwirHstTanpine your recent fiat that a Brahma is only a Cochin in masquerade, I am not discouraged and without assuming to be either Attorney or Attorney-General for Brahma Pootra Land, or any other land, from supporting the opinion of your correspondent “ B.,” that the breeds are distinct. Their breeding true to colour is not a decisive November 29, 1864. ] proof I admit, but that is not the point. ing true to colour would have been direct evidence against them. Stability in this respect negatives an adverse tes- timony. As to the American story, I confess that I lay little stress, if any, upon it, or any other Yankee story, if against usual experience. It is not remarkable for clearness in itself. I do mot intend to take up the question of origin of species. That I leave to Heaven and Mr. Darwin. But if Brahmas were really in the beginning a cross between a Cochin and a Chittagong. then a Chittagong and a Cochin have origi- nated a breed and that is all. I never saw a Chittagong, but it is said by the books to be a cross between Malay and Dorking. In that case, a cross again with a Cochin, retain- ing permanently its peculiar type, would be an anomaly indeed. However, let me suggest an experimentwm crucis. Let some enterprising spirit cross a Malay and a Dorking and obtain a Chittagong. Cross this Chittagong with a Cochin, and if the produce has all the characteristics of a Brahma, cadet questio. There is an end of the matter. But, sir, if constancy in the peculiar habits, disposition, and properties of a bird are no evidence of breed, I am at a loss to know whatis. Varieties of Cochins differ in colour, but in these respects they are all alike. So with Dorkings. So with Hamburghs and other varieties of the same breed. And in these respects there is as wide a difference between a Cochin and a Brahma, as between any two distinct breeds whatever. Their mode of laying is quite different. The Cochin lays a few eggs and then sits. She leaves her young often prematurely to lay and sit again. The Brahma lays a sreat many eggs—a hundred or more—before she sits, and usually sits but once and rears her brood carefully. The egos are rather different inshape. They are alittle rougher in the shell so as to be discerned by the feel, such, at least, is my experience. Their chickens are easier to rear. They put on flesh more readily. They, perhaps, range something wider. The crow of the cock is very different, nearer the note of chanticleer than that dying bray of the donkey, which is by no means suggestive of nightingales. It may, perhaps, be alleged that he gets this note from the Dorking quartering in the Chittagong side of his shield. He is by no means so cowardly a bird, and will stand boldly up toa Game cock and punish him, as I know to my cost. If all these peculiar characteristics with an aspect and colour constant and sufli- ciently distinct are marks only of a Cochin merely varying in feather, it is certainly the most remarkable variety known to the poultry world. In point of fact, it is these very characteristics that stamp their value on any breed. It is for their peculiar excellence in these qualities, not for their feathers, that different breeds are approved and carefully kept pure. If it was not for their pre-eminence as layers, neither comb, nor hackle, nor spangle, nor pencil, could keep the Hamburehs from oblivion. To dis- regard such important distinctions seems impossible. It is not because it is a variety of Cochin that the Brahma is kept up and highly prized, but because it possesses peculiar and valuable properties of its own to which the Cochin has no pretensions whatever.—ImPLuUMIs. [Admitting all the merits that our animated correspondent. claims for Brahma Pootras, yet those merits are no more than characterise a variety. The same may be said of the Coloured Dorking as compared to the White Dorking and others. All the essential characteristics of form and plumage are the same in the Cochin-China and the Brahma Pootra. We have no expectation that the cross-breeding suggested would do more than demonstrate that the Brahma is a variety of the Cochin-China, but we fear that even that would not alter the opinion of our correspondent. He ignores direct evidence as a mere Yankee story, and it has heen recorded ag a result of experience, that ‘*A man convinced against his will Is of the same opinion still.” ] -GLASGOW PIGEON AND CANARY SHOW. Havine been from home I did not receive my usual copy of your Journal until to-day, and on looking over the report of the Sunderland Show I was somewhat surprised to find stated therein that the “ Glascow Show was given up.’ I JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Their not breed- | 443. have merely to refer you to the advertising columns of your. own Journal of the same date (8th inst.), to show the incon- sistency of this, I believe inadvertent, statement. There has been a slight change this year in the management, but that is no reason why such a statement should have crept into your report. As the originator of the Glasgow Show and present Secre- tary, I certainly feel happy to think that it should have been considered a model Show, and I trust that it will always continue such. I enclose you a prize list which is more intended to produce honourable competition than pecu- niary gain.—Jauxzs RurHven, Secretary. [The gentleman who sent us a report of the Sunderland Show we are quite sure only repeated what he was told, and he will rejoice, as we do, that he was misinformed. The Glasgow Show is to be held on the 23rd and 24th of December. The prizes are liberal in money, in addition to medals and other rewards; and as every variety and sub- variety has a separate class, the Show especially deserves the support of Pigeon and Canary fanciers. | THE ORIGIN OF BRAHMAS. Many years ago, when Brahmas were not the “household birds” they have now become, I seized my pen and, like many others, rushed into print in defence of my pets. f well recollect there was a long wordy war, but it reminded me somewhat of the tale told of a gentleman rather noted for his longwinded descriptions always given in a somewhat legal manner. This person on one occasion, meeting a friend evidently in a great hurry, nevertheless secured him as a listener, commenced his minute description, and after detaining his impatient friend on tenter hooks for a con- siderable time, he wound up with this appeal—‘ Now, do not you think that perfectly conclusive?” ‘Oh, not the shadow of a doubt about it,” said his impatient friend, glad of the respite; “I wish you good morning.” “ Hold,” says the other, “‘ wait one minute; there is as much to be said on the /other side of the question.’ His friend, however, bolted, saying he was perfectly convinced. Brahma origin is like this, there is a vast deal to be said for and against according to our bias; but, perhaps, it only wastes the time of impatient friends, so I say honestly at once, although I have headed this communication as I have done, that I do not intend at present to enter into the dis- cussion, I plead cuilty to having felt awfully pugnacious on this topic once or twice lately—frst with Mr. B. P. Brent, when i vented my spleen on paper for “our Journal,” but saved the readers the infliction. Quite recently, dear Messrs. Editors, with yourselves, when you gave my pets that quiet dig in the ribs, and gave it as your opinion that the bar sinister belonged to them. If I had not a wondrous kindly feeling for “our Editors” as well as “our Journal” I might _ have called you out, and, being but a small man myself, would not have objected to my size being chalked out on your body—* all shots outside the line not to count!” The question of altering names has been mooted on several occasions of late, and you gave us a pretty list lately for our pets, but lam content with‘ Brahma.” It is as euphonious as Dorking or any other name, so it appears to me, and, therefore, I shall not adopt ‘‘ Bahama Padua,” or any other of the crackjaw names, even although “a rose by any other name might smell as sweet.’ Still, in these notes, I was much tickled with one thing, and I must say that, according to those notes, we Brahma breeders are remarkably clever fellows. You said the first ever shown had “unmistakeable topknots,” I quote from memory. Well, where are these topknots gone? Why do not Game-fanciers come to us for the secret? then there would be no occasion to trim their birds! What wonderful deplumatory have we used, and why is it not advertised ? Joking apart, dear Messrs. Editors, although, on second. thoughts, I shall not call you out, as even a hit outside the chalk line might injure ‘our Journal,’ I nevertheless shall send you a challenge. It is this—state what you consider the marks of a pure breed, then, perhaps, some of us may have a word or two more to say in defence; and come what may, if you prove us the most wretched mongrels that ever existed, f shall reply, ‘Handsome is that handsome does,” 444, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t [ November 29, 1364, I might have said “looks ;” but i will write no more than —yY. B.A. Z. Since writing the above, “our Journal” with “B.'s” letter has reached me. I will only add, taking your words, that I want the “essentials on which a distinct breed can be founded.” Ishonld also like to know the breeds you do consider pure, we shall then have some foundation for the discussion.—Y. B. A. Z. RAILWAY CHARGES ror POULTRY CARRIAGE. I noricE with much satisfaction that some one has ven- tilated the question of the high rates charged for carriage of poultry by railway companies in general, and the London and North-Western in particular. : Having large dealings with the latter company, I tried the effect of individual influence and representation, but in vain. On many others besides myself, who live at a great distance from all shows, this high carriage question be- comes a grinding oppression, and reduces in many cases our contributions to shows toa very small minimum. Ifa united appeal were to be made by a united body of exhi- bitors, such as meet at Birmingham, Iam sure the directors would at once mitigate the evil complained of, which is so much at variance with the spirit of the age, and which while it checks progress, must curtail those profits which from poultry shows and exhibitors ought to be something con- siderable. While carrying unsold stock back free, on what principle is an extra rate levied on poultry? What has the feathered world done to merit so unenviable a distinction >—VictTim. THE SWARMING ‘SYSTEM. From my own observations this year and last, I am satis- fied that hives which are permitted to swarm, if forward, will yield a larger harvest of honey than they would do if kept upon the conservative principle. I made a swarm on the 18th of May by taking a frame out of a bar-and-frame hive with the queen, and then placing it in an empty hive which was then located upon the stand of the old hive. I weighed this swarm a few days ago, and found it weighed about 40 Ibs. nett. At the end of July it would have been at least 7 or 8 Ibs. more, as my bees have done nothing since that time. Asecond swarm was made from the same stock, yet the old hive was equal in weight to the first swarm. Three storified hives yielded on an average 35 lbs. each of pure honey in their supers; but the stock hives were in each case very light, and required copious feeding to make them safe for the winter. Other hives which swarmed were very heavy.—J. E. B. BEES CAREFULLY FEASTED. We are told by the wise man that “There is nothing new under the sun ;” and although sorry to brush off the bloom of novelty from “Rupy Buusn’s” proposition of making our poorer hives sharers in our Christmas festivities, I may relate a circumstance of a somewhat similar kind which I am assured actually took place. Among the superstitions yet current in some parts of this county is one which would certainly commend itself to the sympathies of Jonas Jackson if he ever heard of it; and if he has not, I hope he will forthwith add it to the list of customs which he has already promulgated, and the religious observance of which he proclaims to be essentially necessary to all who would attain eminence in the occult mystery of successful bee-keeping.* Not only is it requisite, as he says, whenever any joyous event takes place, such as a marriage or a christening, to make the bees partakers of the good cheer provided for the occasion, but it is absolutely essential that no one item of either the dainties or the sub- stantials should be omitted. The evening of the day which had witnessed the departure of a newly married couple having arrived, the “‘gude man” proceeded to qnestion his spouse as to the due fulfilment of the indispensable ceremony of presenting the bees with a * Vide JourNAL oF HorticutrureE, Vol. V., page 99. modicum of every eatable and drinkable that had been pro- vided for the wedding feast. ‘Had they had a bit of the turkey, the chicken, the ham, the boiled beef, and, though last not least, the wedding cake?” “Yes.” ‘Some of the spirits [rum, I hope, not being omitted], ale [Scotch, of course], and cider?” “Yes.” “Baccy?” “No, what could they do with baccy? bees can’t smoke,” urged the wife. “Nonsense, Betty,” replied her lord and master; if they can’t smoke they can chaw!” And so the omission was supplied in good time, “baccy” being forthwith added to the previously incomplete list of dainties; and having been, we may presume, in due course “catawamptiously chawed up,” as the Yankees have it, the care and anxiety of the worthy couple were doubtless rewarded by the continued and unfailing prosperity of their well-cared-for apiary.—A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. Cows Minxine Taemsetves.—I know for a certainty that cows sometimes do suck themselves. The proper remedy —the one used in the Vale of Black Moor, in the county of Dorset—is a headstall with spikes in the nose-band.—W. F. RapcuyFre, Rushton. OUR LETTER BOX. _ EvrrortaL Responsisitity (H.).—Your informant, and the correspondent in a contemporary, are totally wrong. No one, except the two gentlemen whose names appear upon our first page, has any control over the editing of this Journal. They are responsible for all its contents. and nothing appears in its columns without their assent. Gippy Goosr (G, A.).—A small blood yessel has burst upon the brain. Quiet and the avoidance of hard corn are your only available helps. Waiter Cocain-Cutna Fownis(A Very Old Subscriber).—We do not know the address, and certainly would have no Gealings with the person you name. Write to some of the prize-takers, or, what is better, go to some poultey exhibition, and buy pullets from one exhibitor and a cockerel from another. Hens Eatinc THE Egas THEY ARE Sirtine on (J. W.).—Hens with such a habit as you mention should be marked for the kitchen, and killed as soon as they have done laying. To allow such to sit is to jeopardise valuable broods at this season of the year. The driver of a Hansom cab in which we were riding a short time since, assured us, when the horse hid kicked away all the front except the iron framework, that ‘‘ There never wosa quiter oss after the first few minutes.’? In fact he was fresh. We should like in future to have him well worked before we rode behind him. It may be your hen, like the cab horse, is only vicious ‘‘at first.” Therefore, if you wish to retain her services, put her for some days on some good hard arti- ficial eggs. She will peck them till she is tired, and will then give up the job in disgust. We can hardly give an opinion about the pen of Dorkings at Islington. Mistakes are unavoidable sometimes, and this may have been one. BANTAMS WITH CocHIN-Curnas (Freeland).—We say yes. We have done it for years with perfect safety. Pourtry Eatine Watnur Husxs (J. W.).—We have never known the green husks of walnuts to injure poultry. We have two pens entirely shodowed with walnut trees, and after they are threshed the ground is covered with husks. We have never seen fowls pick them up. We shall feel glad to have the opinions of competent persons as to the properties of these husks. Our correspondent had a Dorking cockerel die after thirty- six hours illness. His crop was full of walnut husks. Waits Fiurr At Base or Brack RED Game Cocn’s Tarn (A Doubter). —Yes! it is always there. The amount is uncertain, and varies much. It is not a desirable thing in an exhibition bird, nor indeed in any other. If two birds of equal merit and value were offered to us, but one had this peculiarity more developed than the other, we should reject him on that account. Traine HicH-rLyinc TumBLEer Pigeons (JV. C. T.).—Your beef and easiest way is to obtain a few pairs of already-trained highflyers, which will save you much trouble. If, however, you have already a breed of good pedigree which you wish to train, you must take the trouble to see that they are well looked after, fed on good food, as peas, tares, lentils, or Indian corn; that all that can fly well are turned out once a-day, in the morning is best, and put on the wing. At first you must make them fly, if it is only for five minutes. The time cau be gradually increased, until they will fly without trouble for from two to four hours. As soon as they settle they should be coaxed in, and kept contined for the rest of the day; nor must they be allowed to fly about with other Pigeons. As they become accustomed to daily exercise they will not have much desire to feed until they have flown. To prevent their going out quite empty it is as well to give thema small feed of hemp or canary seed; but they must not be full fed, for they cannot fly well with a heavy crop full, but after a long fly they will eat ravenously. Care must be taken to associate being out with flying. Lazy birds, sick ones, or such as have a bad habit of settling on some chimney or high building, must not be let out, or had better be got ridof.—B. P. BRENT. Love Brrps Dyine (A Lady Subscriber).—It is impossible to say what was the cause of your birds dying. The general treatment is to keep them warm and feed them on canary seed; also give them, in aseparate feeding- box, some millet, and occasionally a few oats (soaked all night in cold water), and the tops of watercress sparingly. Groundsel is only good for them in the spring of the year, and the early part of the summer, and then but very sparingly. We presume that you have given them water, which is necessary. December 6, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 445 WEEKLY CALENDAR. ae ae Average Temperature M°’nth} Week. DECEMBER 6—12, 1864, near London: 6 Tu Annual Meadow Grass flowers. 47.7 36.1 41-4 7 Ww Winter commences. 48.1 36.0 42.1 8 TH Common Chickweed Sowers. 43.8 34.0 33.9 9 EF Skylarks congregate. 46.5 35.7 41.1 10 Ss Polyanthus flowers. 46.7 33.3 40.0 i Sun 5 SunDay IN ADVENT, 45.5 32.4 59.0 2 M Wallfiower in bloom. 45.6 33.7 39.6 1 Day. | Night. | Mean. Bain in Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon's Glock | Day of 37 years. Rises. | Sets. Rises. Sets. Age. Sanit | Year, Days. | m. h.| m. h.| m. h.| mb. m. 3s, | 19 | 53af7 | 50af3])15 0); morn. ») 8 32} 341 18 54 7}50 3/40 0; 381 O fs S 6) 3842 16 55674; 49 38 TN GIS 48025 9 7 40 343 15 54) 56, 7G 49h. By [e363 Vif 5 Siliy, ao 7:13) 344 24 5800) 49) Sh Ad « 219, 4 1L 6 45 | 345 16 59 7/49 3/51 2) 33 5 12 6 18 | 846 16 0 8)49 3/389 38 | 40 6 13 5 50 347 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 45.3°, and its night temperature 345°, The greatest heat was 63° on the 12th, 1841; and the lowest cold, 16°, on the 9th, 1851. “The greatest fall of rain was 1.02 inch. se LTHOUGH many valuable in- troductions of ornamental trees and shrubs have been made during the past twenty years, our parks and pleasure grounds remain in much the same condition as regards the general features produced by ornamental trees as before the introduction of those no- velties. Whether we examine pub- lic or private parks and pleasure grounds, the sameness of the materials employed renders the landscape monotonous, and leaves nothing for the eye to fix on. Taking the majority of our parks from the enclosure of ten up to that of a thousand acres in extent, in them we find nothing of interest in the way of trees, except those peculiar to the soil, and which may have sprung up from self-sown seeds, or been part of the origi- nal forest, so far as there is any indication of their being there for the purpose of embellishment. There are thousands upon thousands of acres of parks of various sizes, the trees of which are in an ornamental point of view utterly valueless, remaining year after year without answering any purpose, producing an inharmonious, uninteresting landscape of a monotonous aspect, most wretched as a picture, and commonplace as to the trees employed. In many places the whole of the sylvan shade and glade is furnished by very few species ; some cannot boast of more than a dozen, others of not more than two or three, and most of these species are indigenous to the locality. This state of things may at first thought appear de- sirable, for it is desirable where many acres of land are oceupied with trees, that they should pay. In a com- mercial point of view, such trees as those above referred to, are no less deceptive than when considered as orna- ments, for they, like hedgerow timber, are unremu- nerative, and so are all trees standing singly, or wide apart in groups. I found that in a wood of large di- mensions fifty Oak trees, calculated to be between two and three hundred years old, occupied less ground with the spread of the branches than ten of the same age planted singly im a park, and though the latter were much larger in circumference of stem, they had such short stems that each did not contain one-half the amount of the measurable timber of those in the wood. If this be a fair example of the paying qualities of park timber, the question of profit is at once disposed of, and the orna- mental value of the trees being equally small, we are left in the dark as to what prompts their toleration. It is undoubtedly wise to plant, or retain if planted, a number of trees of the kinds common or indigenous to the locality, in order to afford shelter to the more tender, and to show the character of the district ; but to retain an undue pro- portion of such to the exclusion of species which are No, 193,—Vot, VIL. New SErizs, more desirable, because calculated to do away with the monotony, and equally valuable as timber, would lead to the conclusion that they are kept at a dead loss to the owner through the deterioration of the timber from natural decay. Irrespective of their not paying, they are ineffective from being badly placed and resembling a jungle. It may seem undesirable to plant to produce that sublimity which some see in rotten trees, and I can only say, an object naturally beautiful is doubly so when it is also useful. Viewing the subject with a like eye in relation to our gardens, the same remarks hold good, though there is the difference that no one expects trees and shrubs in gardens to pay, but to yield an amount of gratification corresponding to the sum expended. There is a great deal of sameness in the trees and shrubs employed, and a great consequent loss of pleasure, and the interest is all but annihilated. This is a most deplorable state of things. The choice of forest trees for the embellishment of gardens is another prevalent error, as for size they bear no proportion to the situations in which they are placed. Suiting the size of trees to the extent of the grounds in which they are to be placed, though of great importance is very generally disregarded. Trees of some kind are indispensable in all gardens, for whilst they give beauty, they also afford an agreeable shade during the hot days of summer; but planted, as they often are, in small gar- dens, they must either be curtailed by frequent cuttings or mutilations, or be left to usurp the whoie of the contracted space to the exclusion of species better suited, as regards size, to the extent of the ground. These large trees in a few years, supposing them to have been planted small, attain such a size as to smother everything else, rendering it altogether impossible to have variety, for very few shrubs or plants will grow under them, and to have either green turf or healthy flowers, the two grand objects for which gardens are desired, is impossible. Then, taste in the distribution of the trees and shrubs in gardens is very much sinned against. It is common to find evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs planted on lawns singly, or in groups, with flower-beds between them. ‘The single trees bear no relation to the groups, and the beds are not connected with them, and the consequence is, they do not combine so as to form either a regular or symmetrical whole. It certainly is highly pleasing and picturesque to see trees, shrubs, and flowers all struggling together for the mastery in a na- tural state; but this sort of beauty is unsuitable for garden scenery. The object of collecting trees, shrubs, and flowers in gardens, is to produce them in a higher degree of perfection, and to show them off to greater ad- vantage than can be done in a state of nature. What- ever in the planting, cultivation, or management of a garden interferes with these two objects, the perfection of the plant, and its display to the greatest advantage, is wrong. No. 845.—Vor. XXXII Oxp SEnIEs, 44.6 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 6G, i864. Now, the indiscriminate mixture or distribution of ligneous and herbaceous plants on a lawn, leads to no good result, but the effect of one injures the other. They cannot form a picture. The expression of a tree is one of grandeur and dignity, and to be impressed with this the eye must be at a certain distance from the object, so as to compre- hend the trunk, branches, and head, as a whole. As to a shrub or a clump of such, it cannot be denied that its beauty is of a very different kind from that of an herba- ceous plant. On the other hand, the expression of an her- baceous plant in flower is that of brilliancy of colour, and beauty of detail, and to enjoy these, the eye must be quite near, so that it may be directed to the flower and its dif- ferent parts. The beauty of any object or scene consists in the unity of expression—that is, in the tendency of all the parts of that object or scene to unite in conveying to the mind a pleasing impression. But, with the mixture of trees, shrubs, and flowers, they each detract from, instead of uniting to form & whole. To enjoy the flowers the eye must look down, and be exclusively directed to them; and to enjoy the trees the flowers must be overlooked. A picture, a scene, or an object, to be appreciated as a whole, and to produce its full im- pression on the mind, must be capable of being seen with the eye in one fixed position. There are two distinct kinds of scenery—Ist, forest-like; and, 2nd, garden-like scenery ; and these distinctions are founded on the principle that the mind can only attend to one thing, and one kind of thing at one time. To apply this it follows that when flowers are the prin- cipal objects, the trees and shrubs must be kept subordinate, and when the trees and shrubs are the chief objects, the flowers ought to be kept subordinate. In a garden there is no way of doing this but by keeping them apart, so that the one may form the foreground or principal object nearest the eye, and the other be in the distance or farthest from the eye. The effect of dug ground near a tree is to diminish dignity of expression, and shrubs, except when small, having more or less the expression of trees, though less discordant, are so much so as to cause their exclusion from symmetrical flower gardens. In these the greatest effect is produced when the flower-beds are not mixed with shrubs, because these prevent the eye of the spectator discerning the symmetry of the figure, of which the beds form the component parts. Where, however, the object is not symmetry, but irregu- larity, variety, and intricacy, then the beds of flowers and groups of shrubs, or single specimens, may be intermixed, and this sort of disposition produces the greatest beauty of which an irregular flower garden is susceptible, providing always that each group is planted with one species, or with similar species of one genus, all attaining their greatest beauty at one time; and whether flowers or foliage be their chief attraction, they should unite in forming a whole. Every bed of flowers, and group of shrubs or trees, will, therefore, if placed separately, form, of itself, a whole, and bear no relation to forming a whole or picture to be viewed by the eye from one fixed point. It very often occurs in irregularly-formed gardens that there are many straight lines which are indicative of regularity, whilst the main feature is irregularity, and this is inconsistent with a plan which, in all its great features, is irregular. I shall not pursue the subject of the many different styles of arranging gardens further than to give the principles of them, which cannot be set aside to gratify individual taste. The different modes of creating artificial landscapes may be distinguished and defined as four—lst, the geometrical ; 2nd, the picturesque; 3rd, the gardenesque; and 4th, the natural or rural style. The geometrical style consists in laying-out and planting grounds in geometrical figures— that is, in mathematical forms or lines—regularly straight, or regularly curved. French and Dutch gardens are in this style, the majority of our own at present being simply modifications of the French and Dutch styles, especially as regards displaying masses of flowering plants in geometrical figures. For a limited space, and where a variety of trees and shrubs will not grow (as in or near our large manufac- turing towns), or are not desired, no description of garden is better adapted to please the general taste than one laid out geometrically. The picturesque style is exemplified by the trees and shrubs being planted at irregular distances, as they are in natural forests and groups, so as exhibit such a general union as would look well in a picture. In planting the trees and shrubs intended for pictorial effect, they should be scat- tered over the ground in the most irregular manner, both in their disposition with reference to their immediate effect as plants, and with reference to their future effect as trees and shrubs. In planting, thinning, and pruning, for picturesque effect, the beauty of individual trees and shrubs is of little, if any, consequence: because no tree or shrub in a pic- turesque scene should stand isolated, each being only consi- dered as forming part of a group or mass. In planting a picturesque plantation trees should prevail in some places, in others shrubs, in some parts they should be thick, in others thin ; two or three, at least a tree and a shrub, ought always to be planted together. The beauty of the isolated tree cannot be, for the beauty of a tree or shrub in the picturesque style consists in its fitness to group with other objects. A tree or shrub obtains its fitness to group with other objects not in the perfection of its form, but in that imperfection which requires another to render it complete. This style is admirably adapted for park and pleasure- ground scenery; some of the best specimens are visible at Studley, near Ripon, and at Redleaf, Kent. The gardenesque style is characterised by the trees and shrubs being planted at irregular distances, whether in masses or groups, and so as never to crowd each other, pre- serving the individual form of a tree or shrub at a near view, but at a distance forming masses and groups such as might be painted, though not selected in preference to a picturesque scene by the artist. In planting, thinning, and pruning, in order to produce a gardenesque effect, each indi- vidual tree or shrub should stand at such distances from others that its beauty as a single specimen may be seen, though the whole should group when viewed at a distance. Every tree, shrub, or herbaceous plant, in the gardenesque style of laying out, derives its beauty from the perfect manner in which it is grown; and gardens arranged in this style may be consi- dered the most beautiful of all, because the gardenesque addresses itself to the lovers of landscape scenery, the botanist, and the gardener, for it enables them to enjoy the beauty of the whole as a garden scene, and look at the trees, shrubs, and plants individually when near. Combining these two advantages, the gardenesque style stands highest in the scale of art, not the least of its merits being the in- struction and pleasure derived from viewing plants grown to the highest state of perfection. The natural, or rural style, consists in producing artifi- cially that which appears natural when contrasted with the artificial scenery by which it is, or may be surrounded. Natural scenery, imitated according to art, is the legitimate province of landscape gardening, and includes two modes— the picturesque and the gardenesque, or nature subjected to a certain degree of cultivation. ‘To design and execute a scene in the picturesque style would require the eye of a landscape painter, whilst the gardenesque would not only require the eye of a landscape painter, but the science of a botanist and architect, and the knowledge of a horticul- turist. Every part of nature may be imitated according to art, whether it be rude or refined; but nothing that has-art applied to it can ever be mistaken for a work of nature, and if imitations they ought to be avowed as such. There is, in addition to the four styles of landscape gar- dening already noted, another known as fac-simile imita- tions of natural scenery; but they cannot be considered as belonging to gardening as an art of culture, because all appearance of culture is to be avoided, and they cannot be considered as belonging to gardening as an art because it is intended that the result shall not be recognised as the work of art, but mistaken for a work of nature itself. They are simply impositions. They do not come within the province of a gardener. Any person with a painter’s eye, and the assistance of labourers, &c., will form them as well as a landscape gardener, if not better. These are the principles which regulate the operations of the landscape gardener, as I have learned them from our best authorities, and in applying them to the distribution of trees and shrubs to be named hereafter, I hope to show that these principles are too oftendisregarded. At the same December 6, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 447 time I shall endeavour to revive a taste for the more exten- sive planting of ornamental trees and shrubs in our parks and pleasure-grounds, as well as to convey some hints that may be useful to those making alterations on their estates. (To be continued.) Cee HARDY FERNS: HOW I COLLECTED AND CULTIVATED THEM.—No. 5. Durrye my absence from home I had a fernery made for my spoil. I chose an open space of ground facing due south, so that in the summer time the Ferns would have the full light and warmth of the sun’s rays. I did this, because I had noticed that the most rare and delicate Ferns I had seen chose for themselves situations of the like character. The back of the fernery abruptly descended to the edge of a pond, through which there was a running stream. On one side there was an Elm tree, which overshadowed a small part of the fernery. In making the rockery I had but one idea, and that was to provide a suitable home for the Ferns —one in which they could revel, and enjoy life as everything was created to enjoy it. The beauty of the rockery was but a secondary consideration, and, besides, at the best of times rockeries are but shams, and I never yet found a Fern that was taken in by them. If you transplant Septentrionale or a Cystopteris from a rock, so bare that the wonder is how it found sufficient food to sustain life, to similar conditions, it will die. All Ferns in cultivation require depth of soil and good drainage ; so I had a large pit dug and filled with drain- age, then I put in good rich earth and leaf mould. The stones or rock were disposed so as to form compact little beds about a foot square, rising tier above tier, the highest | “within convenient reach. When completed, the fernery looked like the terrace gardens one sees abroad, and it had a beauty peculiarly its own—a sort of tidy fitness for the purpose it was designed for. My fernery was like my book of dried Ferns: for a year or two it presented instances of my failures rather than of my success. I planted large Ferns at the top—Filix-mas cristata, Filix-foemina with black stalk, Onoclea sensibilis, Lastreas, and Oreopteris. As time went on I found this plan would not succeed; the drip from the large Ferns satu- rated the next tier of plants, and wherever the drip fell the fronds became decayed and mouldy. This I have found to be invariably the case. I also found the plants on the side of the fernery under the shadow of the Elm tree gradu- ally grow unhealthy-looking and dwindle away. A Poly- podium cambricum, which is now a mass of healthy fronds and brown creeping roots, for two years obstinately refused to give me more than two little stunted fronds ; but directly I moved it to an open sunny space it seemed to smile in my face, and very soon new and fine fronds were sent up to thank me. Onoclea sensibilis is a native of Virginia, but it is so hardy and free in its growth that no fernery should be without it. The fronds are large and strongly ribbed, something like the leaves of the Rhubarb: it sends up long bare spikes | crowned with fruit, as in Osmunda regalis. Onoclea sen- sibilis is a very Bedouin in its wandering habits. It seldom pitches its tent for two seasons following in the same place. Give it plenty of house room this year, make it never so comfortable, and next year it will pass up far away in the midst of a bed of Dryopteris or Cystopteris. It makes itself at home anywhere, runs up hill or down hill with equal facility, and is never found where it is expected. I soon found the limits of the quiet fernery too circumscribed for the versatile habits of Onoclea; so I moved it to a larger sphere, where it wins general approbation, and brings up a numerous family creditably. The common hedges of Warwickshire furnished me with Polypodium vulgare, which I planted in the rough crevices of the sides and back of the fernery. It grows well without care wherever there is thorough drainage. It prefers living amongst the débris of decayed wood; and the rich golden fructification against the bright green of the fronds makes it “a thing of beauty,” and consequently “a joy for ever,” in any situation. From the lanes about Fillonghley I brought Asplenium | trichomanes for the lower terrace. I also found Adiantum- nigrum near Fillonghley. This I planted in the crevices between the blocks of rock in several places, its wavy habit making it very useful for the adornment of the rough stone. The old bridge at Stoneleigh—about which so many a tale and legend exists—furnished Ruta-muraria for my many vain attempts at cultivation. In the neighbourhood of Corley Moor I found Lastreas oreopteris, dilatata, and I believe L. spinulosa, also the Filix-feemina with the black stalk. The beautiful lake at Arbury contributed some Osmundas, but they were not born on the soil, so I only placed them by the pondside, looking forward to the time when I should find them growing in a habitation of their own choice. Blechnum spicant, with its curious spikes of fertile fronds, is also common in Warwickshire. It abounds in the hedges and lanes of Exhall, Fillonghley, and many other places, and forms handsome tufts for the lower ranges of a fernery, or for spare corners where wavy green is wanted. I have found it with the ends of the fronds divided, as in the Hart’s Tongue; but the divisions were never more than two, or at the most three, and the duration of the peculiar feature is very uncertain. I have lately bought of Mr. Ivery, at Dork- ing, a very beautiful variety of the Blechnum calledramosum The end of the frond is tufted. I imagine this tuft to have been either made or increased by cultivation, as I have never found a Fern in the wild state approaching to it nearer than the cleft end I have mentioned. I sent to Mz. Ivery at the same time for a Polystichum lonchitis, but I received a plant which appears to be a mild form of lon- chitidioides. The pinnules do not lap over each other; the habit of the Fern is reclinate and flabby instead of firm and erect. It is a young plant, but I fancy I have named it rightly. The Scolopendrium vulgare grows plentifully in Warwick- shire, but I have seldom met with any of its many varieties there. About Fillonghley it may be found with its long waving fronds measuring nearly three-quarters of a yard. When the snow hangs in rich wreaths about the hedges in the dear woodlands, and all nature seems dead and shrivelled around, hidden beneath its snow-white veil—under the friendly shelter of the hedge they have made their home, the Scolopendriums hold high revel in their brightest suit of green, laughing at winter’s icy touch, knowing it has no power toreach the warm sap that flows beneath their thick coats. The woodlands of Warwickshire have a charm that belongs only to themselves, and one that lingers about them through every season of the year. Life there seems to take a richer, fuller tone than elsewhere. The trees strike their roots deep down in the soil, and send up their huge limbs heaven- wards, forming shadows still and deep in the summer time. The thickets are musical above with the song of birds, and beneath lies spread a fairylike carpet of a million wild flowers. There the lark sings her sweetest song, soaring heavenwards, and the nightingales fill the evening air with melody; and man, living amidst scenes like this, insensibly shapes his life and inner thoughts into unison with the scenes around him, and, as Warwickshire Will has it— *« Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything.” The converse he holds with them is earnest and true; and whether the biting autumn wind makes him steel his body to endure, or the summer air woos him to gentler thoughts of soft indulgence, he feels in his inmost man, «This is no flattery.” The intellect of the people bears analogy to this outer life. It may have no wide range, there may be no versatility of genius, but the Warwickshire artisan brings to the foundry or the loom a mind so concentrated on the work before him as to constitute him a workman unsurpassed by any county in England. The language spoken by the people is essen- tially strong and truthful. They tell you their sorrows and their joys with a wonderful open-heartedness, and with a power of thought and freedom of language I have never heard equalled. Church and state are dear to a Warwick- shire man in proportion as the parson “shows a good light,” and the master gives a “fair wage for a fair days work.” But I have wandered away from Warwickshire lanes to Warwickshire people—a short digression—for many ae 448 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 6, 1864. a white-washed cottage nestles beneath the spreading trees in the lanes, and many a welcome from old friends has greeted me as I appeared trowel in hand. The Warwickshire lanes abound in Polystichum aculeatum. Tt may be found side by side inits varieties of lobatum and lonchitidioides, but the latter is more rare. Polystichum angulare is also to be found. It may be known from acu- leatum by the darker green of the fronds, by their stiffer habit of growth, and by the prickly nature of the pinne. It is necessary to study both Ferns together to be able to decide with certainty at a glance which Fern is before you. Ophioglossum vulgatum grows in the meadows of Warwick- shire ; but the Adder’s-tongue is not happy in cultivation, and it is so common that, like Pteris aquilina or common Bracken, few care to cultivate it. I transplant Ophioglossum yearly to the fernery, but only to see it yearly devoured by slugs. Eventually I discarded from the fernery nearly all of the large Ferns, planting them in good rich soil in the walks leading to the rockery. Filix-mas, Filix-femina, Lastrea dilatata, and the Scolopendriums grow well and handsomely in the shade—indeed they may be said to prefer it. One of the handsomest foreign Ferns for out-door culture is the Struthiopteris germanica. Its perfect vase-like form of tender green, throwing from the centre rich-looking spikes of fruit, contrasts well with the dark robust Filix-mas, and forms a beautiful object for the eye to dwell upon. Nothing but Ferns should be planted in a fernery, and great care should be taken to make good drainage at the bottom of each separate space allotted toa Fern. Inplant- ing them you must be careful that a large Fern does not overdrip a small one. On my return from Scotland I planted Septentrionale in am open space in the full sunshine, with good earth and drainage, and it has flourished well. I put a specimen of each Cystopteris in the fernery, turning the others irto a border for a flat fernery I made without rock. They grew well in this situation, increasing rapidly, so that in a couple of years I could have stocked three or four ferneries. Dryopteris and Phegopteris I planted on the lower range and at the sides of the rockery; but they are troublesome in cultivation, the creeping roots finding their way into each other’s houses, and becoming a confused but always beau- tifal tangled mass of green.— FILIx-F@MINA. MY ORCHARD-HOUSE.—No. 12. ABSENCE, on a visit to those districts of Franee which are most celebrated for their fruit culture, has caused an inter- termission of some weeks in these papers. The time, how- ever, has been busily occupied in examining into matters ~which, however important to the amateur, he cannot always command the opportunity of seeing for himself. Having no object but to be useful to my brother amateurs, it shall be my future care to present to them the results of these notes on fruit culture in France. The day has, happily, long gone by when to allude to the works of any of our neighbours was viewed with suspicion and dislike. Though England is confessedly at the head of all in her horticultural triumphs, she never could have attained to this had she despised the progress made in other parts of the world, in similar pur- suits. Hach nation has its peculiarities and special pro- ficiencies, and the speciality of the Englishman is that he is not above learning from even uncivilised communities. Though considered abroad as the most prejudiced of man- kind we are really the only cosmopolitans. If these things really be so, they are the secret of our success in every great undertaking. And when we consider how much horticulture, as a practice, and not merely as a theory, is influenced by differences of climate, soil, and locality, it is evident that there is very much to learn still, and that every humble contributor to the general stock of knowledge has his ap- pointed post in the work. Looking also at the subject from another point of view, each individual effort which is made to promote free ex- change of thought among neighbouring nations conduces to the growth of good feeling and peaceable dispositions. It is this thought which makes many of us rejoice in the spread of horticultural pursuits, for we know that they civilise men, and calm angry jealousies. My brethren, the clergy of England, know this well, and they are especially unanimous in recommending a taste for these homely and quiet objects. No one feels this more than the amateur in foreign lands, for he is sure of a kindly welcome when he presents himself as an inquirer. A bondis at once established between utter strangers, and it is his own fault if the traveller fail in bringing back some new and valuable information. Having myself, from ill health, spent much time on the continent, I can testify to the truth of these things, and having de- rived many advantages therefrom in former times, it was very interesting to revisit these localities after a lapse of - seven or eight years. Perhaps, some notes made may interest my brother amateurs. The places visited were Angers, Chartres, this year, and Montreuil (near Paris), last year. We may take these places as types of the most advanced French cultivation. They are essentially different in their “school,” as it is there termed, but present nevertheless points of resemblance. The practice at Montreuil is that which most resembles good English open-air pruning (I speak of the Peach at present) ; that at Angers differs somewhat from it, but both are essentially “long pruning.” At Chartres, on the other hand, is a “school,” about a quarter of a century old, founded and directed by M. Grin, ainé, which advocates the very closest pruning. That of Orleans is a development of this system, and has numerous adherents. As it is proposed to place these matters on a larger scale before the readers of this Journal, our remarks here shall be confined to Chartres. Chartres is a town situated on the western line of rail, and not far from Paris. It is very accessible to any amateur, and well worthy of a visit. The summer climate is very favourable for fruit culture, but the winter is cold, and the soil, generally, not deep, nor abounding in rich matter. Science, therefore, has to be called in aid here as well as in England, and from what I heard from other quarters, horti- culture, until M. Grin showed the way, was at a low ebb. This kindly-disposed and intelligent gentleman has a small property of his own close to the public gardens, which are beyond the promenades. It is necessary to remember this, as the French are not clever at directing Messieurs les Anglais. Having, however, managed to overcome these ap- parently insurmountable difficulties, we were amply re- warded. Indeed, few things have given me more pleasure of late than this visit. The system advocated by M. Grin lies at the basis of all orchard-house pruning. It consists mainly of extremely close summer pruning, in the simplest and most rational way possible, and as M. Grin has devoted nearly his whole life to the study of fruit trees, and notably of the Peach, and has inaugurated a novel and a successful system, ama- teurs will be especially interested to hear something of it. M. Grin has confided to me the -task of representing his opinions to the English public, of which he speaks highly, and as this system is, in the main, similar to that described in my own work, “Cordon Training,’ published in 1860, this may serve the better to describe it. As these lines are not written for the great and learned gardeners of the nobility, but simply for amateurs and in- quirers, I may here again say that all Peach pruning con- sists of “long pruning,” and “close pruning.” M. Grin is the person, undoubtedly, who has introduced this last system, and who has perfectedit. So novel a revolution has caused a storm of angry contention among French cul- tivators. While it has been assailed and criticised by some, others have endeavoured to supersede it by introducing systems developed from a similar basis. These systems have, nevertheless, their own merits, and shall be con- sidered in due time. I myself, have long been convinced of the value of close pruning. Having, in 1857, heard of itfrom M. Leroy, of An- gers, while I was there attending lectures on fruit culture, on returning home I immediately cut back very closely all my Peach trees in the open air, and have continued up to the present time to grow very fine and regular crops from trees closely spurred. Not one of the shoots on these spurs have been tied-in. They have simply been pinched-in in the summer to three leaves, and several shoots being formed on each spur, one or two were selected in the winter to bear the fruit, and those not wanted were cut back to two eyes December 6, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 449 to obtain fresh wood. I took the idea from hearing about M. Grin’s work, as I said, but had never seen his trees till this year. ‘They therefore differ from my own, and are very beautiful specimens of Peach training. I doubt if any one has ever seen finer in every way than those in the public gardens under M. Grin’s charge. They were perfect in form, either as horizontal or oblique cordons, healthy, and very fruitful. M. Grin, however, pinches during the summer to two leaves, and obtains very fine bearing shoots quite close to the branch. Thisis closer pruning than my own. dominant idea is similar, and it will be at once evident that this “close pruning” is the very thing we require for orchard-house trees. In fact, no other can be practised, and I may be allowed to say, that in my opinion, it is far superior to the practice founded on disbudding. I hope to show this more fully at some future date. In practice orchard-house pruners have long ago dismissed “long pruning, or disbudding,” as out of place. There is no room for the one, nor is the other needed, if we concentrate the action of the sap by a better and a more natural plan. In the open air, by merely being careful to cut away fore- rights, and to tie in those shoots which are unruly (I do not, but it may also be done with much advantage), there is | no reason why Peach trees should not bear as well on this plan, as they do in orchard-houses. The intelligent gar- dener of a friend, by merely adopting this plan after having seen my own trees, has obtained remarkable crops. In our gardens being satisfied with leaving one fine Peach for every 9 square inches, the crops every year are nearly always the same. Inthe house we take about double. I beg here to endorse what that “great gardener, Mr. Rivers,’ (as that worthy writer, “R.F.,” calls him),says about not ex- pecting continuous and heavy crops from trees in orchard- houses. They will bear fast enough if required; but no tree can stand this demand on its vitality. If we had houses in which to rest our trees—say every third year, this might be done. Returning to the gaxdens at Chartres, we witnessed many fme specimens of Pear and Apple trees trained to horizontal wires in various handsome forms. Some Vines closely pinched in were also very promising. There is another idea to work out. As these matters have a direct bearing on the orchard-house question, which has now become so interest- ing, such remarks may prove useful. Amateurs may be assured that the progress of these houses is watched with interest abroad. In those mar- vellous climates what might not a Rivers effect! Prejudice and a fear of outlay alone keeps cultivators on the Continent from producing fruit rivalling that of tropical regions. I have heard most of the objections raised by foreigners to this, but they have but little weight. Nevertheless, appli- ances to lessen the evil effects of abrupt atmospherical changes, are now recommended in the best works. Tiffany screens will soon be generai, temporary glazed coverings have always been used, and what are orchard-houses but these ideas elaborated ?—T. Cottines Brénavut, Richmond House, Guernsey. VINES IN POTS IN AN ORCHARD-HOUSE. I wise Mr. W. Paul would inform your readers whether the Grapes which he so usefully tested in an orchard-house, were confined in pots, and whether the house was heated. I have always found it difficult to grow Grapes in pots in an unheated house. The Vine has naturally long rambling xoots, and however careful one may be in giving good drain- age, and having a light soil, yet the Vine, unless assisted by bottom heat, is so slow in fully occupying the soil, that this becomes compressed and soddened by the necessary water- ing. In the open ground Vines seem comparatively indif- ferent to soil and drainage. I have just had to dig up some St. Peter’s planted in the border of an orchard-house near a stove about four yearsago. Several large roots, leaving the well-made inside border and the warmth of the stove, made direct for the outside garden ground, which was soddened by drip from the roof. The Vines ripened, however, capital crops.—S. B. But the | following :—“ The Vines were grown throughout in the tem- perature of a cool vinery, which was kept somewhat close while they were setting. There was no bottom heat, and not a root left the pots. The latter were full of roots when first introduced, the plants having been grown froi eyes in pots last year.—Wu. Pavu, Nurseries, Waltham Cross.’ | GROWING CERTAIN ALPINES IN MASSES. Mr. Apsey really makes my mouth quite water. He talks of “beds of plants” looking “lovely” and “ beautiful ”— of plants we unlucky amateur gardeners can hardly meet | with, and still less srow when we havethem. Fancy “beds” of Linnea borealis, Primula nivalis and cortusoides, Silene acaulis, Soldanella alpina, Cortusa Matthioli, and double red Primroses! Will Mr. Abbey tell us how we are to have | beds of such delightful little rarities, and in what county he has seen them? Pray give a place to this note if you have room, that brother amateurs may state their experience.— A. R. ( bunda, edged with Pe- centre Stella Nosegay; and I rilla. ” Centre row Perilla nanki- nensis. 2nd. Calceolaria Aurea flori- bunda. 3rd. Tropzolum elegans. Scale 24 feet to the inch. FLOWER GARDEN AT SOMERFORD PARK. 10th Bed. Geranium Rose Queen, edged with Lobelia Pax- toniana. 11th Bed. Geranium Trentham Rose, edged with Miss Night- ingale. 12th Bed. Verbena Bonny Dundee, edged with Lobelia Pax- toniana. 13th Bed. Geranium Carmine Nose- gay, edged with Helio- trope Miss Nightingale. 14th Bed. Geranium Stella Nosegay, edged with Lady Ply- mouth, 15th'Bed. Geranium Punch, egd. with Mangles’ Variegated. 16th Bed. Gazania splendens, with Humea elegans in centre. 17th Bed. Geranium Alma, edged with Verbena Ariosto, 18th Bed. Mignonette, Humea ele- gans in centre. have seen nothing in my ram- bles this season to equal Stella for beauty. This gardenis kept gay in the spring, on the Clive- den system of spring flower gardening, with such things as Tulips, Wallflowers, Anemo- nes, Forget-me-not, Lasthenia californica, Limnanthes Dou- glasii, &e. From this lovely spot we 4 wend our way along the plea- sure ground by the north-east side of the mansion to the front, and here an unrivalled blaze of floral beauty at once bursts upon the view. In front of the mansion is a broad terrace-walk, and in front of that a sunk-panelled flower garden. This is but the second year of its being planted, it having only re- cently been laid out by Mr. Sileock, and its ornamentaT appendages are not yet com- pleted. It looked extremely well. All the beds were full to overflowing, and when the sun’s rays fell upon them the effect was charming. Through the kindness of Mr. Silcock, I here give a plan of one half of the flower garden, the other half exactly corre- sponds with the one engraved. Our young friends will do well to draw it out on paper, and paint the beds the colour of the flowers. Down the centre is a broad gravel walk 18 feet wide. It occurred to me that the walk would be better away, and if water could be supplied, an ornamental fountain in the centre would add greatlyto the effect. With recard to the planting of the beds, and the arrangement of the colours, there was a preponderance of Perilla _nankinensis, Purple King Verbena, and Lobelia speciosa; but Mr. Silcock told me that many of the beds were destroyed by the late spring frosts causing vacan- cies, and there not being a sufficient supply of the same kinds of plants, the original design could not be adhered to. In close proximity to the flower garden were some fine old Oaks, “kings of the wood,” having evidently maintained their position for many years past. One I noticed of tre- mendous girth, three of us joined hands together andwere unable to span round it within about three feet. It would be a want of cour- tesy were I to close these notes without acknowledging Mr. Silcock’s exceeding kindness, the profit I received, as well as the gratification, I felt om finding every part of this do- main in such excellent keeping. —QuiIntTIN Reap, Biddulph. December 6, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 455 HOT-WATER PIPES PASSING THROUGH THE OPEN GROUND, I wave had about 20 yards of two-inch pipes, flow and return, in the open ground, to heat a vinery at some dis- tance from the boiler. Ihave placed bricks below the pipes and also along the sides, and intend covering them over with semicircular tiles cemented on the brick to keep out wet, the whole to be covered over with puddle. Please say if you consider this fixture sufficient, and if it would be desirable to fill the chamber in which the pipes are with saw- dust, so as to retain the heat for a longer time.—Sawopvst. [We think your precautions sufficient, and if you left a small air opening in the culvert next the boiler, and the other end next the vinery entirely open, we would do nothing more, as the heat and a constant charge of air would be carried from the culvert into the vinery. If there are reasons why the end should not be left open into the vinery, then you had better stuff the pipes round with sawdust. | GRAPE-GROWING AT COOMBE ABBEY. Coomssr Abbey is a new name in the lists of English gar- dens of note. A short time ago a public notice of this fine place appeared, in which some fine Barbarossa Grapes were spoken of. Having recently seen these Grapes, I can state that the notice referred to indicated but faintly the mag- nificent appearance of the Grapes, and the style of work that has grown up at Coombe Abbey within a few years. A week ago I found ripe Strawberries being gathered, and was told that they were to be had in succession onwards. After seeing the ways and means to secure such a desidera- tum, the first doubts were considerably modified. Had I seen nothing but the Barbarossa Grapes, it would have been quite satisfactory as to Mr. Miller’s standing as a Grape-grower. In the same house are samples of that splendid Grape, the Lady Downes’, equally fine with the Grapes I wish to speak of. The Barbarossa at Coombe Abbey is growing on its own roots; the Vine has been planted about two and a half years. On one Vine are six bunches, the least not less than 5 lbs. Several of the bunches will weigh close upon 8 lbs. each, and these bunches are equal in shape and colour to the best Black Hamburghs. When seen in this style the Barba- rossa has a very noble appearance. Lately, the Barbarossa has been spoken of as superior when grafted on the Ham- burgh. I have seen it in this way and it looks well, but appears to me something different from the Barbarossa. The leaves, when so grafted, are decidedly those of the Ham- burgh, shed early, and tell against the most valuable auality of Barbarossa, that of hanging long. It is most gratifying to gardeners to see a young man of such enterprise as Mr. Miller, at the head of one of the most complete gardens in England.—Cuas. McDonatp. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. SHovtp frost prevail, every advantage must be taken of it to wheel manures and composts on to the various quarters requiring it, and if it cannot be trenched in at once, let it be laid in heaps at convenient distances and covered with soil. Ridged ground may be occasionally forked over and knocked about, to expose fresh surfaces to the action of the atmosphere. Collect as many leaves together as possible, they are invaluable for mixing with green manures for fer- menting purposes, as they not only correct the rank and violent fermentation, but preserve a_more steady and uniform heat for a greater length of time. Those of the Oak are much to be preferred, as they resist decomposition the longest; Beech comes next; after these there is little choice. Caulijlowers, surface-stirring among young growing crops of these and of Cabbage, Lettuce, &c., must be as dili- gently followed up now as in the summer, when vegetation is more rapid; indeed, there is no season when these im- portant operations can be neglected with impunity. Fre- quent pulverisation of the soil acts as a great check to the penetration of frost in winter, and to the evaporation of moisture in the summer. One indispensable condition is, that the ground must never be trodden on after the opera- tion is completed. Celery, if very severe frost come on pro- tect this, Parsley, and late Endive for spring use. Ground cropped in the preceding season with Carrots, Parsnips, or Potatoes, and found, as is frequently the case at this time. infested with grubs, should have a good dressing of soot or lime dug in, or if they cannot be had, the soil should be turned up in ridges for the winter. FLOWER GARDEN. At this season of the year a little labcur will secure a valuable supply of material for enriching the flower-beds and borders. Leaves are everywhere at hand, they should be sedulously collected and stacked in some out-of-the-way place, with a mixture of road sand and light soil, rotten sticks, and decaying vegetable matter, and left to ferment; in a season or two the most valuable compost will be the result, especially suitable for many of the shrubs and plants which decorate our gardens, whose original position was probably near some primeval forest, the ever-accumulating leaves of which would naturally give a character to the surrounding soil, and encourage the growth of Rhododen- drons, Azaleas, Magnolias, &c. Examine pillar and trellis Roses, and if the weather is favourable see if the soil wants renewing, or the kinds changing. If. choice sorts, large holes capable of containing three or four barrrowloads of well-prepared soil should be mads. Turfy loam of good quality is the chief thing, to this add a portion of rich rotten dung, and if at hand a little sandy peat or leaf mould. Have everything in the shape of protection ready for covering half-hardy plants on the approach of frost. FRUIT GARDEN. If any planting of young trees, or removing of others, has still to be done, attend to it at once. Let Gooseberry and Currant bushes be pruned on frosty mornings, or when the ground is in a dry state, so that it will bear treading upon without injury. After pruning give the ground among the Gooseberry and Currant trees a good dressing of lime or soot, which is useful as a preventive of their great enemy, the caterpillar. As Cherries, Gooseberries, and Currants have often their buds destroyed in severe weather by birds, take the opportunity of a damp day and well dust the shoots with a mixture of dry soot and quicklime using sufficient to cover the buds. Two or three dustings during the winter prevent in a great measure the ravages of these pests. Where the Raspberry grub is troublesome give a good dress- ing of gas lime before digging the ground, taking care to apply it regularly about the base of the plants. STOVE. A cautious application of fire heat must still be observed here. Keep the temperature rather low than otherwise for fear of exciting a premature growth. Cleanliness and a judicious use of the watering-pot should be strictly attended to. A small portion of air may be advantageously admitted on fine days, and will greatly assist in purifying the atmo- sphere of the house. Many things will be sinking into repose here, and from such water must be entirely withheld. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Remove Chrysanthemums as the flowers fade to make room for other things. The earliest started Camellias and Epacrises will be advancing into bloom, as will the useful Erica hyemalis and Wilmoreana. A little fire heat will be indispensable here during cold damp foggy weather, in order to allow of admitting a little fresh air to carry off super- fluous moisture without lowering the temperature too much; but this should be applied during the day, and all watering should be done in the morning, so that the atmosphere’ may be moderately dry before night; as a damp stagnant atmo- sphere is especially injurious to flowers. The winter flowers will now be making a splendid display in the convervatory, at least where they have received special attention through the summer to thisend. The Euphorbia jacquinizflora is one of the foremost of these beauties when properly cultivated. Poinsettia is a bold and dashing conservatory plant, and indispensable at this time of the year. Gesnera. zebrina, under high cultivation, is a most beautiful winter flower. Some of the genus Cytisus are very showy and fragrant, and as yellow flowers are somewhat scarce they become very useful. 456 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 6, 1864 FORCING-PIT. This is a good time to introduce the following plants here, provided they have received the necessary treatment during the summer :— Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Persian Lilacs, Sweet Briars, Moss and other Roses, Ledums, Kal- mias, Daphnes, Anne Boleyn Pinks, Dutch bulbs. Unless, however, they are in proper trim it will be labour in vain, and no mode of forcing or form of pit can compensate for this. The great secret of success, if the heat is wholly derived from fermenting materials, is to keep down accu- mulating damp and mouldiness by an almost constant venti- lation. Those who are fortunate enough to possess pits heated by hot water will, of course, pursue a somewhat different course. PITS AND FRAMES. Look well to those structures containing stores for next summer, and have sufficient protecting materials always in readiness with which to cover them whenever the weather is unfavourable-—W. KEANE. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. Ty all departments the work was chiefly a repetition of previous weeks. Looking after vegetables, protecting Straw- berry-pots from excessive rains and slight frosts, clear- ing off faded leaves from the vineries, &c.; potting Cine- ae jas and Primulas, and finding suitable positions for them. The chief labour has been cleaning up, collecting tree leaves, sweeping and rollig lawn and walks, as most of the leaves are now fallen. This isa constant work, where neat- ness is an object, and fallen and drifting leaves always conjure up feelings of melancholy. Rough-pruned some strong Roses, &c., at the same time. All such work that was done before the late heavy rains on Wednesday, now looks nice, from the thorough washing the lawn and walks received. Such washing of the latter, especially if salf is used in the summer jor killing weeds, will help to make the walks all nice before the winter. We always feel reluctance to use salt for cleaning after April and May, as with fine gravel, if used later, there will be a tendency to softness in winter, which is disagreeable, especially in damp weather. When used early in spring, it will generally be completely washed out of the gravel before winter. When walks are toorough to be walked on comfortably, we mean from the gravel being large, and of an unbinding character, salt applied to Hill weeds, will also ere long make the gravel fine enough. For fine gravel, even on this account, salt should always be used sparingly, as it will break the pebbles gradually down to dust. This wearing effect of salt should not be forgotten, and especially should it be remembered when used near the walls of a stone building. We have known cases where the salt after getting into the ground had risen through the stones, and moistened and mouldered them to a height of several feet. Salt, even for such purposes of cleaning, shorld therefore be used sparingly and with judgment. We once cleaned very easily some dirty, greasy, green pavement with salt and soda water, but it was a long time before we could get the salt out, so as to prevent it eating away the softer stones, and leaving a whitish dust on the surface, which told too clearly to the initiated the means that had been used for cleaning. We rolled hard all the walks we could get at, as if there is the smallest fall to the sides—say 14 inch from the centre to the sides of a nine-feet walk, a firm, smooth surface now, will send the rains off instead of allowing them to penetrate the walk; and when this is done, the walk being compara- tively dry will be little influenced by frost, as it is unpleasant to go on walks when raised by such frosts, which they will certainly be if they have previously been wet. The firm rolling of walks early in winter is also an advantage in all shady places where moss and green is apt to accumulate in Winter, as when a sharp frost comes the surface of the firm walk can be well scrubbed with an old hard broom, and almost the whole of the green thoroughly removed—a much easier and better process than digging and turning, which always leaves a walk uncomfortable for a time. Notwithstanding the trouble of collecting and keeping tree leaves, they are, perhaps, the most 2sefui tuings to be found fora garden. With scarcely any trouble in the way of preparation, they furnish the means of themselves for slight hotbeds of all kinds. If collected damp, all that is necessary is to throw them into a heap, so that the some- what violent heat may scatter slugs and kill a good many seed-weeds. When a stronger heat is required, as for Cucumbers, this will be secured by a mixture of horsedung, and then a casing of these sweet leaves will keep down all noxious steam. When collected when they are damp and wet it matters little where you put them, as unless in very small quantities they will be sure to heat; but if they can - be procured dry it would be a good thing to store them in an open shed that is sparred all round but with a substantial roof to let off the wet. Here trodden rather firmly they will keep a long time and heat but little, and when wanted for use will always yield heat when sprinkled with water. We have known them thus kept as carefully as if they were Hops, and have seen them good even when two years gathered. It would be of little use thus housing them when collected wet as they would be sure to heat. These leaves when decomposed may be used so con- tinuously for marure until the ground, whether a flower- bed or a Cabbage-ued, may long for a change of enriching material; but this may always be helped by a slight appli- cation of lime, and though such leaf manure will not yield such heavy crops as a good dressing of farmyard manure, the produce will generally be much sweeter. Even Celery, a rampant feeder, we always think sweeter and crisper when grown chiefly in decomposed leayes.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Decesper 3. We have nothing fresh toreport. Prices remain unchanged. FRUIT. : s.d s G 5. d. = a Apples 1 Ote2 0 1 6to Ancicats 3 00 00 00.00 Cherries .. 00 00 00.00 Chestnuts 14 0 20 0 5 0 10 0 Currants, R 00 00 00 60 Black. 00 00 5 0 10 0 Figs ..doz 0 0 O 0 1, C55. .0 Filberts & Nuts 100lbs. 60 0 80 0 y SO Fone Cops aircccesesves do. 70 0 80 0 00 090 Gooseberries ..3sieve 0 0 0 0 04 06 Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 1 6 5 0 40 690 Museats ...........+--« 3.0 7 0 1 10L Or 070 CTO S rerceneaccece sree 100 5 0 10 0 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. s. ds. d a.d. sd 0 OtoO O| Horseradish ... bundle 2 6to5 6 0.0 O 0} Leeks..... = 02 908 0 0 O QO} Lettuce 20 40 2 0 3 O| Mushrooms ..... 1.6 2.6 1 0 3 0} Mustd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 0 0 Broccoli ......... 1 0 2 0} Onions ......... bushel 4 0 5 0 BrusselsSprouts3sieve 2 6 3 6| 06 085 Cabbace .......... doz 16 3 0 4060 Capsicums 100 0 0 O 0; “7 0. 2 + Lee Carrots . munch 0 5 O 8 00 00 Cauliflow: doz. £4 0 6 0} 2) Gut O Celery undle 10 2 0} CE) Pied LY Cucumb’ each 9 9 IL 6) Savoys .... 2 ORG pickling doz. 9 0 O O| Sea-kale ) S6r 0710 Endive ... .score 2 6 3 0| Spinach........3... 3.0 5 0 Fennel ........0++ bunch 0 3 O 0} Tomatoes... 00.9 0 Garlic and Shallots, 1b. 9 8 0 0} Turnips..... cree bunch 0 3-0 6 Herbs....... ...bunech 0 3 0 0} VegetableMarrowsdoz. 0 0 0.0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “ Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. Bupprxe Roses oN THE BLACKBERRY (An Inquirer). —The Blackberry and the Rose are of the same natural order, but we never heard of their being united by budding, nor do we see any probable advantage that would arise from the Blackberry stock. Necrarres not Rrpenrye (Hampshire Hills).—Very rarely do Nee- tarines ripen well on anopen wall however good the aspect. If you covered them with glass lights like those of a Cucumber-frame, the fruit would ripen and well repay you. December 6, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 457 PLantise PEACHES IN A GREENHOUSE (J. M.).—Your mode of planting will depend on what you want to use the house for. If chiefly for Peaches and preserving plants under them in winter, then by all means plant the trees in front of the bed, and train them right over all the roof on a trellis 16 inches from the glass. If you wish the bed to be used for placing plants iat all times, whether fruiting plants or flowering oxes, then by all means plant against the back of the bed and train to a perpendicular trellis along the pillars. You will have abundance of light for this trellis, provided no plants high ‘enough to obstruct light are placed before it. The first plan would be the best for a regular Peach-hcuse, the second would be best for giving light to a great variety of things in the same house. In either case the bed may be used for other purposes before the trees fill their allotted space. If the trees are planted at back, secure good drainage, or there may be too much soil there. Tivo feet will be ample, or even 22 inches. Prantine Warsonras, [xtas, SPARAXIS, TRITONIAS, AND GLADIOLUS (J. F). —The most suitable time to plant the first four is October, and for the Gladioli the latter part of March or beginning of April if the soil be light and well drained ;_ butif cold and heavy, the end of April or beginning of May isa more fitting time. Directions for planting them will be found in our Number for October 25th, page 328, and we can add nothing to the information there given, save that the distance apart should be 4 inches, and that Watsonias require the treatment of Ixias, The ground in which Gladioli are to be planted should be dug deeply, and forked over once or twice during the Winter if it be at all heavy, giving a liberal dressing of manure or leaf mould in the autumn, so that it may be thoroughly decomposed and incor- porated with the soil by spring. Plant 9 inches apart, and cover with 3 or inches of soil. These remarksrelate to the Gandavensis section, and if yours be of the Ramosus section they should be planted in February or March. iS RopopEnprow Srocks (8. C.).—The Rhododendron ponticum is a good stock, and the best we know. Any time will do to pot Rhododendrons, as they take up with such fine balls, but if there is one time better than another to pot them at itis March. If you pot them now, or any time in mild weather from now until spring, they will be suitable for grafting at that season, but they are better established a year in pots, though this is not imperatively necessary if only the stocks are sufficiently strong. The Rhododendron is usually raised from layers, and we are not aware that it can be done successfully by cuttings. The Azalea cuttings two months struck would do better in a temperature of from 45° to 50%, than in one of 60°, which we presume is the minimum. CaMELtras IN Cocoa-Nor Fisez Reruse (Z. §. I.).—The present state of the plants is probably due to your employing the dust in a fresh state, when it is much too open to be used for potting hardwooded plants; butif if was pressed firm and mixed with turfy loam we do not see in what way it could bring on the consequences named. The plants were most probably neglected, as regards water, when placed on the top shelf of a stage in the greenhouse, and were not shaded from the sun. This is more likely to be the cause than potting in the refuse, for with us the Camellias have done wellin it, but we reduced it to black or very dark mould. The circum- stance of the leaves being blotched confirms the aboye conclusions, as they are usually so when the young growths are made under an unshaded roof. The only remedy that we know of, will be to place the plants in a mild hotbed next April—say in one of tanner’s bark in a vinery, and to keep them there until new growths are made and the buds set, when they may be removed to a cooler and lighter structure. Camellias prefer a slight shade when making their growth, and a slight increase of heat and mois- ture. Tobacco smoke will assuredly kill thrips if you fill the house so that a plent cannot be seen, taking care to do so on calm evenings when the plants are dry, and employing the strongest shag tobacco. Smoke twice on alternate evenings, and afterwards whenever the insect appears. You will do little towards exterminating the pest if the plants are not kept cool, well aired, and supplied with moisture such as is needed. A sprinkling of water through a fine syringe on bright mornings is conducive to the health of Cinerarias and herbaceous Calceolarias. Som ror RHopopENpRonS (Z£. NV. £.).—As your soil is very light and dry it will not grow Rhododendrons; but if it were dug out in the places where you propose planting to a depth of 1 foot 6 inches, and the holes filled with good turfy peat soil, we have no doubt that you might grow Rhododendrons well. In putting the peat in the place. of the soil taken out if should be chopped with a spade, so that it may not lie too lightly and open, In choos- ing the peat select the brown turfy sort; and if Bilberries grow in it prefer that to such as is found on the higher parts where the common Heath grows very dwarf and stunted. SEAWEED FoR AspARAGUS-BEDS (R. B.).—It is an excellent manure for Asparagus-beds. We applied a mulching of it quite fresh, when the stems of the plants were cut away in autumn, and left this covering on the surface until March. We then removed it, and having plenty of decayed seaweed _ We gave the beds a good coat of this, and just pointed it in with a fork. Wrixpow GARDENING FoR THE Many (7. S.).—We cannot send a leaf without destroying a copy to do so. THRIps oN CAMELLIA Leaves (Irish Lady).—There were traces of thrips having been on all the leayes sent exceptone. Thrips very rarely attack Camellias, this being only the second instance in our experience. Fill the house some calm eyening with tobacco smoke so densely that a plant cannot be seen, and repeat the dose the next night but one. Syringe'the plants on the underside of the leaves the day after each fumigation, taking care to have the foliage dry before fumigating again. It may be necessary to repeat the fumigation, for though tobacco smoke will destroy the insect it will not killits eggs. Repeat the fumigation, therefore, if the pest ap- pears. The atmosphere must have been kept as dry as that of the deserts of Arabia to render the Camellia leaves a suitable prey furthrips. Keep the air more moist, otherwise the leaves will drop, and the flower-buds fall like a shower of hail. Stove Borer (A Constant Subscriber).—We have reason to know, that the boiler named soon burns through, and that all the so-called boilers with- out setting do the same. There is little if any difference in them, and they all do their work pretty well, subject to the drawback of the outer casing speedily burning through. We cannot deparé from our rule of not recom- mending one dealer in preference to another, and we have no doubt the one named will answer as well as others. If you will refer to the Number of this Journal for January 19th, page 58, you will find a notice of a boiler that would suit you. For further particulars our advertising columns will meet your wishes. PROPAGATING VARIEGATED Exper (i. F.).—You may take cuttings with three joints from the young growths, selecting those which are moderately strong, and cutting them transversely immediately below the lowest joint, and slantingly above the uppermost. Insert two joints in the soil, or if the cuttings have five joints three, leaving oue in the former case, and in the latter case two ont of the soil; the majority will root. Now is a good time to put themin. They grow best, however, from layers. A moderately light soil is best, and the cuttings may be put in in rows 1 foot apart, and from 3 to 6 inches asunder in the rows. Litres OF THE VALLEY NoT Broomine (H. A.).—You will benefit them much if you thin ont one-half the plants or roots, so that they can obtain more air, planting those removed in soil well manured, and the plants not too close. They are best planted in rows 1 foot apart, and just covered with soil, giving a top-dressiag of well-rotted manure or leaf mould an inch thick. There is no plant so much admired in its season as the Lily of the Valley, and yet it is the worst tended of all plants. They are crowded and huddled in some corner, and do not flower half so well as they would do if better cared for. LIMNANTHES GRANDIFLORA SowiNne (Mrs. F. W.).—There are two seasons of sowing this :—September for flowering in May and June, when it would be of most use to bees; and March and April for blooming in July, August, and September. Heatmne A Swati Pir (An Amateur).—We are almost sure that as you have a boiler and hot-water pipes for your vinery, the simplest and most economical mode for heating the small pit for Cucumbers, &c., at the end of the vinery, would be to take a flow and return pipe to your pit, and from them heat the little pit independently of the vinery. We would have been more decided on this point if you had given us the position of the boiler. OF course, the simplest of the portable hot-water apparatuses would do for such a little place; but we think the simplest and cheapest of them would cost you more labour and expense than heating from the present boiler. Were} we to heat such a little place for ourselves, we would fix a brick Arnott’s stove, with or without a flue in the house, but to be fed from the outside low enough to haye a chamber for giving bottom heat and means for imparting moisture to the top heat. CHARCOAL-HEATED Sroves—Hot-waTerR APPARATUS— VENTILATING GreEEnHouse (A Subscriber).—We think the canaries will decidedly suffer unless there is a little ventilation at fhe top of the house night and day, or the laps of the glass admit fresh air. That the hot-water apparatus to be heated by lamps will be effectual for a house 21 feet by 12, will depend on the height of the house and the size of the lamps. For a house of that size, a little furnace would often ve the best. There should also be a funnel to take away te products of combustion from the lamps. If the water in your pipes is not more than 160° or 170°, you will require at least 50 or 60 feet of three-inch pipe. Where frost was merely to be excluded, we would prefer a small iron stove with a flat top for placing a basin of water on, with a pipe through the roof to take away the products of combustion. We object to the charcoal stove unless you lave a funnel to take off the products of combustion. A stove, though small, if supplied with charcoal or broken coke, will give off a great amount of heat. The only care required is not to place the stove too near tender plants, and to neutralise the dry heat by moisture. Notwithstanding all improvements, the most economical plan for asingle small house is a moveable stove, which may be taken out of the house from April to the end of October. Brick stoves are better than iron, but then they are fixtures. However, neatness is always gained when the fire either of a stove, or a furuace, or a boiler is fed outside of the house; but ina single house we believe itis gained at the expense of economy. _Ven- tilation is not always wanted at the top of such a house, but it is desirable to be able to give it there when necessary. For a house only 21 feet long, however, you may dispense with the ugliness of ventilators in your fixed roof, by having a piece of the angular ends close to the apex made to open—= say a right-angled triangle, with a base and perpendicular of 18 inches. Desrroyine Insects iv Herearta (W. R. H.).—The best way of doing this is to give the specimens a dressing with a solution of corrosive subli= mate in methylated spirits of wine. It can be done with an ordinary painter's brush, and the sheets afterwards laid out to dry. Names or Frvits (Zyro).—No. 1 (Apple), Sturmer Pippin; 2 (Pear), Striped Virgouleuse. (A. 7.).—1, Cornish Gilliflower; 2, Marmalade Pippin; 3, Pigeon; 4, Autumn Pearmain. 1 (Rear), Beurré Bosc. Grape Trebbiano. a Nawes or Pants (G. S., Cornwall),—Tecoma jasminoides, a native of New Holland. It requires a greenhouse in most parts of England, and its being in full bloom on November 28th, against the front of your house, is an evidence of the mildness of your situation. (Conifera).—The scraps of Scolopendrium it is impossible to identify. No.8 may be digitatum starved. (C. C.).—Lastrea montana, synonymous with L. oreopteris. The other specimen apparently a starvling of Ferdinanda emineas. CF. R. H.).— 1, Ruscns aculeatus; 2, Salix ambigua. (Mary D.).—Calceolaria scabiosze= folia- (Kentorian).—1, Drynaria muszfolia; 2, Gymnogramma chryso= phylla; 3, Asplenium marinum; 4, Selaginella cuspidatum. (Dr. Sandi- ford).—Your Queensland Cotton is the variety of Gossypium barbadense, known as ‘‘Sea Islands Cotton.” (Orchidophilus).—Ornithogalum cau datum. The Saxifrage appears to be a tufted and much-cleft variety of $. hypnoides. (C. R. B.).—1, Cyanotis vittata; 2, Coleus sp.? (bad speci= men). (C@. B. P.).—The Orchid is Epidendrum cochleatum. Gymmno- stachyum Verschaffeltii and Anthurium leuconeurum are totally distinet plants, wide as the poles apart. Send us a leaf and we will tell you which your plant is. ee ed POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE Sa POULTRY JUDGES. WE have received an unsigned letter, but bearing a post- mark indicating whence it emanated, asking in no very courteous phrase “ Whether we shrink from the sound opinion we formerly held that dealers should not be selected as judges.” Our reply might be more brief than the query. We do nof shrink from that opinion; but we have a few 458 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Deeember 6, 1864. remarks to add, from some of which we hope, in our turn, that our anonymous catechiser will not “shrink.” There is no doubt that among dealers in poultry are men possessed of much sounder knowledge of the good condition and desirable characteristics of each variety of fowl than can be found usually among amateurs ; and the chief objection to dealers being judges is that they might recognise birds which they had sold, and might be prejudiced to decide in their favour. If, therefore, such amateurs as the Rev. Mr. Pulleine. the Rey. W. W. Wingfield, Mr. Hewitt, Mr. Andrews, and one or two more we might name, could officiate at all the poultry shows in the three kingdoms, we should not require any argument to induce us to say, Let them, and no others, be judges at those exhibitions. Those gentlemen, however, could not spare time to be such judges-general, and other amateurs so qualified are not sufficiently numerous. Dealers, and amateur-dealers, consequently have to be employed, and the distinction between these two classes is not always so clear, nor the characteristics of honesty always so deve- loped in the amateur-dealer as to enable a committee to decide without hesitation to select him as judge. Letters written to judges indicating the pens in which certain birds were to appear; mending broken feathers, and removing | other feathers that were of the wrong colour; having rela- tions who were bond jide dealers, and with whose birds they were thoroughly conversant, are all events that have occurred among amateur-dealers, and which do not incline commit- tees to select judges from among them. This leads us to observe that we advise poultry show committees to trust to their own judgments in selecting the judges, for they have quite sufficient knowledge; and they stigmatise themselves if they act as if they thought they were not quite as honest—quite as little actuated by | wrong motives—as are the members of any club, though } these modestly assume that they ought to have the appoint- ment of the judges and the entire management of all the poultry shows in the United Kingdom. BIRMINGHAM POULTRY SHOW. GREATNESS, according to our immortal poet, may be a birthright, or may be achieved, or it may be thrust on a man nolens volens, as with a friend of ours, who, in the machine- breaking riots, many years since, met some hundreds of rioters in a narrow lane, and, being on horseback, was at once surrounded, elected as leader, and compelled to go with them. The public-minded men who originated this great Exhibition, and who still carry it on, must, we think, belong to the second category. It is the most arduous, but it is also the most durable. Sixteen great Shows, one after the other, all eclipsing their predecessors, are the results of those qualities that command success in life, whether they are exercised in a public, or a more limited private capacity. We can never look at this great undertaking without reverting to its beginning. We doubt whether the most sanguine of those who assisted at its birth anticipated a third of the success that has attended it. The show week has become an insti- tution in Birmingham—cattle followed poultry, roots followed cattle, implements followed roots, and then, spite of size and galleries, Bingley Hall was full. The influence of the Exhibi- tion is felt without—the Dog Show and the Flower and Fruit Shows are offshoots of it. Viewed as a public undertaking, it has filled the streets of Birmingham till police measures have become necessary to prevent crowds and accidents. Wherever you turn your eye you see a printed notice asking you to “keep to the right.” This insures circulation spite of numbers. Beds are at a premium, and hotel accommo- dation can only be had by being bespoken long beforehand. The streets are filled with holiday people, and everything is done to make the town attractive. On Tuesday a novel procession was organised—fire engines, decked with flags and ribands, and carrying stalwart firemen, in smart uni- forms and glittering helmets, were each drawn by four grey horses, and preceded by mounted police and a numerous The increase of that part of the Show with which we have more particularly to do is a thing to be recorded annually. At different periods rules have been imperatively necessary | in the list. | hens next year. {in importance and merit. to limit the entries; and while, in many exhibitions, an extension of time is allowed, and exhibitors are solicited to send birds, in this instance there is no deviation from the fact; the entries close, and this year more than a hundred were refused, on the second day of November. The sum now given for poultry prizes is a very large one, and the managers are always open to suggestions for any alteration In poultry, as in other things, there are ebbs and flows, and the breed that one year is more numerous than any other, may in three years time be only third or fourth on the list. If exhibitors ask for fresh classes they are immediately given as an experiment. If they are well supported they are continued; if they are not they are withdrawn. Silver Grey Dorkings asked for classes, and had them, but they could not maintain them. The general Dorking classes had more prizes, and new ones were this year made for Créve-Ceurs and Black Hamburghs. Both will apparently be successes. We need hardly say that the Dorking classes were remark- able for the quality of the birds shown. They always are; but they were on this occasion worthy of notice from the fact there was not an inferior birdin them. The Viscountess Holmesdale and Capt. Hornby were the most distinguished ; and we were glad to see that birds travelled from Dublin were able, in the face of such competition, to take a fourth prize. Mr. Palmer Williams accomplished this feat. There was hardly a pen in these classes that did not merit a com- mendation. The birds were large, handsome, and healthy. The classes for hens and pullets were well filled, and showed excellent birds. Captain Hornby’s pullets will make good Dublin again took the second prize with fine birds of Mr. Boyle’s. Lady Holmesdale and the Rey. Mr. Cadogan were deservedly prizetakers. The White Dorkings were highly meritorious. We have before spoken of ebbs and flows, and an instance of them is now before us. A few years since Spanish fowls were supposed to be at their highest, and they then declined They have scarcely held their ground these four years. The classes now shown indicated one of the most extraordinary improvements ever seen; there were lots of perfect birds. Mr. Rake’s, shown by their different purchasers, were the most successful. Mr. Jones, Mr. Lane, Lady Holmesdale, Miss Biggar, and Mr. Teebay, not only sent capital birds, but they were all in unusually good condition. We know not the reason, but at all shows the classes for Spanish hens and pullets fill badly as to numbers. The present was no exception. Cochin-Chinas were good as were ever shown during the sixteen years that have passed since they first tenanted Bingley Hall. Captain Heaton’s strain proved itself the best last year, and it kept its word of promise now. His yard was first in adults, chickens, and single cocks. But it must not be thought the success was easy. Neither Mr. Stretch nor Mr. Bates is defeated without a struggle in these classes; and Mr. Bishop showed himself strong in numbers as well as quality. In these classes the hens and pullets are far more numerously sent than in most others; Messrs. Smith and Yardley were deservedly winners. The Brown and Partridge were very good, and they introduced some new names among the winners. An old one, Mr. Stretch, was first in chickens. The Whites were excellent ; Mr. Chase and the Rev. F. Taylor took all the prizes. These formed numerous classes. We believe some of the heaviest Cochins ever seen might have been found among the Grouse and Partridge birds. The next class is one that has steadily and deservedly worked its way in the public estimation. Brahma Pootras have held on through abuse and neglect till they have become an important class. Two of the five prizes went to Dublin, and the first in adults was awarded to Mrs. Har- greaves, of Arborfield. The Malays were excellent, but it is a pity they are not more numerous. The same may be said of the Créve-Ceurs. The Black Hamburghs justified the liberality that gave them classes by numerous entries, and their exhibitors show they can send first-rate specimens in good condition. We are told these beautiful birds are common in parts of Yorkshire. We look for large classes in future, and there- fore offer a word of advice. These birds must not have white faces. The Golden-pencilled were far better than the December 6, 1864. ] Silver. The Silver breeders are neglecting the accuracy of the markings, and forgetting the tendency there is in these birds to become lighter as they become older. Clear hackles have been secured at the cost of pencilling on the wing and tail. We think perfection in these birds must not be sought. Tf a well-pencilled tail and marked wing can only be had in conjunction with a partially-spotted hackle, we must submit to it as the less evil. Although the same may be said of the Spangled classes, it must be qualified. The Silvers were only inferior to the Golden because the latter were unusually good. We have seldom seen a better pen than that shown by Mr. Hyde. All the prize birds in these classes were good, but the Silvers were in some instances too light. The cocks were especially deficient in marking on the wings. We can speak most highly of all the Poland; the only desideratum was an increased number of entries. Mr. Adkins has a speciality for Silvers, and Mr. Edwards for Black with white tops. All were beautiful. The Various class brought many pens of Cuckoos, a beautiful pen of La Fléche, some good Silkies, but none of the monstrosities that used to fill up its numbers in former years. As usual, the Game formed a capital show without assist- ance from any other breed. Their condition and beauty of feather were worthy of all praise, and showed that the descendants of the old cockers had not failed to benefit by the knowledge and experience of their predecessors. It is almost impossible to particularise all that deserve especial notice; yet the veriest tyro in Game fowls, or one who had never before admired them, would not fail to be struck with the surpassing beauty and excellence of Mr. Statter’s cock that took first in Class 50, and deservedly received the extra prize of five guineas as the best in theShow. Mr. Worrall’s pullets, and two pens belonging to Sir St. G. Gore, were next in merit. It is almost painful to leave as many good birds unnoticed as we are compelled to do in these beautiful classes. Our last week’s hasty prize list will have told the winners. The Brown Reds were certainly this year better than the Blacks. The Duckwings were very handsome; Mrs. Hay, Messrs. Wood, Aykroyd, and Fletcher may be proud of their laurels. Our task is something like Penelope’s web. We have to begin again. We have no doubt—indeed we are sure—the Single Cock classes are a boon to purchasers. We doubt whether they are as acceptable to judges, and we are sure they are not to reporters. It may be said of the Dorkings that they presented an unrivalled show. Lady Holmesdale, Lady S. Des Veeux, and Messrs. Tudman, Robinson, and Arkwright were suc- cessful—no small boast. A prohibitory price hardly saved the birds in this class, and all moderately-estimated ones were immediately sold. The Spanish showed the same improvement that the general classes did. Right good birds were sent from all parts of the United Kingdom. In sporting phraseology we should still say—Bristol for choice. Manchester bore the bell for Cochin-China cocks—Capt. Heaton first, closely followed by many of the “celebrities.” In Partridge cocks, there was a notable display of excellent birds, many of great weight. Brahma Pootra cocks richly deserved the prizes awarded to them. Messrs. Pigeon, Statter, and Boyle showed very fine birds, and took the prizes in order. The Hamburghs call for little notice beyond a general commendation, and the remark that in these classes the best cocks seemed to be reserved to compete together rather than to exhibit themselves with their hens. In these, as in the Dorkings, the non-prohibited birds were snapped up. The Polish cocks were good. Spite of Shakespeare’s ideas on the subject, there must be something ina name. The same occur in the Game cock classes as in the general com- petitions; and Mr. Statter also takes the extra silver cup for the best among the good. Mr. Matthew Leno and Mr. Uriah Spary took the prizes for Gold and Silver-laced Bantams. A cock among the latter must be as tired of taking prizes as Talleyrand was of oaths of allegiance. The Black and White were very numerous and beautiful; and among the Varieties, which mustered well, there were all sorts of oddities—the Japanese, which appear ashamed of their legs, and hide them with their wings; the booted White ones; the Speckled ones; three hens of serious- looking, most diminutive Buff Cochins; and many whose JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 459 origin we can only guess at. And then, the Game Bantams —such a display of little beauties—Black-breasted Reds, Brown Reds, Duckwings, and Piles; Miss E. Crawford took first and extra prize. There were scarcely any inferior pens. Mr. Postans’s first-prize birds were beautiful. The public who read this, if any get as far, has no idea of the difficulty in finding words to describe the same events eighty-three times over without falling into the most painful tautology. We are arrived at Class 83—Aylesbury Ducks. We may expect to go on swimmingly. Mrs. Seamons achieved an exploit—first prize with three Ducks weighing 27 lbs. ; Fowler second, 25lbs.; Seamons third, 24]bs. This was a good class, but it was a nonentity compared with its suc- cessor, Rouen Ducks. There were halcyon days when three out of four pens had faulty bills, and half the remainder were fitted to ride feather weight. Now all want close examination, and half require to be weighed. Fifty pens competed—Mr. Shaw first, 25 lbs.; Mr. Worrall second, 243 Ibs.; Mr. Anderson third, 241bs.; Capt. Hornby fourth, 23$ lbs. Many commended pens deserved prizes. Beunos Ayrean were remarkably good, especially the three prize pens; nine others were in the prize sheet. Various Ducks brought Carolinas, Brown and White Calls, of great merit. Getting to the Geese is like seeing the lights in the distance; we are getting near home. Mr. Duxbury’s old White Geese weighed 84]bs; Mr. Kershaw’s, 57 lbs.; and Mr. Faulkner’s, 541bs. The young ones, Mrs. Seamons’, 57 lbs.; Mr. Lysett’s, 521bs. The old Grey birds weighed badly. The young ones made amends—Mrs. Seamons’, 61lbs.; Mr. Lort’s, 57 lbs. The old prize Turkeys, 63 Ibs., 61 lbs., and 603 1bs; the young birds, 47 lbs., 463 lbs., and 46 lbs. Several of the commended pens weighed more than 43 lbs. It is needless to say everything was well conducted ; Messrs. Luckcock, Matthews, Shackel, Wright, Lowe, Map- plebeck, Adkins, Sabin, and others are always at their posts. No question can arise that will not have an immediate solu- tion; no complaint that will not meet with ready redress. In the name of the poultry public we thank them all, and congratulate them on their deserved and continued success. The heavy rain on Monday morning did not diminish the attendance of visitors to the extent which might have been expected. The number was 7083, against 6445 last year—namely, 4,248 by subscribers’ tickets; 2,131 by pay ment of 5s.; and 704 by payment of 1s. each. In the poultry sales, up to Tuesday evening, there had been a slight falling off, the amount on Monday being £616 7s. 6d., against £661 12s. 6d. last year; and on Tuesday £208 19s., against £189 7s. in 1863. We published the prize list last week, and now give the commendations. Dorxincs (Coloured). — Highly Commended, A. Potts, Hoole Hall, Chester; J. D. Hewson, M.D., Coton Hill, Stafford; H. Lingwood, Needham Market, Suffolk. Commended, Rt. Hon. Countess of Dartmouth, Patshull, Albrighton, Wolverhampton ; Kt. Hon. Lady Bagot, Blithfield Hall, Rugeley ; A. Stanford, Eatons Ashurst, near Steyning, Sussex; Miss Wilcox, Nailsea Court, near Bristol. Chickens.—Highly Commended, Rt. Hon. Viscountess Holmesdale, Linton Park, Kent; Lady Bagot; Sir J. D. Wauchope, Bart., Miller's Hill, Dalkeith, N.B.; Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleveland, near Stokesley, Yorkshire; H. Lingwood; J. Anderson, Meigle, Forfarshire 5 J. White, Warlaby, Northallerton; A. Potts; R. W. Boyle, Dundrum, Dublin. Commended, Mrs. Arkwright, Etwall Hall, Derby; A. Potts; J. Frost, Parham, Suffolk ; Lord Stanhope, Brentby Hall, Burton-upon-Trent. Dorxtne Hens.—Highly Commended, Mrs. Young, Eatington Vicarage, Stratford-upon-Avon ; Rey. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleveland, Yorkshire ; Rey. E. Cadogan, Walton Parsonage, Warwick; Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, near Wirksworth, Derbyshire; W. Harvey, Sheffield; J. D. Hewsen, M.D.. Coton Hill, Stafford. Dorxkine Puttets.—Highly Commended, Miss Wilcox, Nailsea Court, near Bristol; W. W. Bartlam, Henley-in-Arden. Commended, Rey. E. Cadogan, Walton Parsonage, Warwick; T. Whittington, Preston Hill, near Henley-ia-Arden; J. R. Smith, Edgbaston. Dorxines (White).—Chickens.—Highly Commended, J. Clift, Dorking, Commended, J. Robinson, Garstang. SranisH.—Commended, J. L. Lowndes, Aylesbury; R.B. Postans, Brent- wood, Essex. Chickens.—Highly Commended, J. Shorthose, Newcastle-on- Tyne. Commended, W. R. Bull, Newport Pagnell, Bucks; R. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston; E. Draper, Northampton; A. Heath, Calne, Wilts; E. Jones, Clifton, Bristol; R. B. Postans. Spanish Hens.—Highly Commended, R. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston. Commended, J. Smith, Walsall. \ SranisH Puttets.—Highly Commended, Miss Biggar, Ecclefechan, Dum= friesshire; E. Jones, Clifton, Bristol < Cocuin-Curna (Cinnamon and Buff).—Highly Commended, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Commended, C.T. Bishop, Lenton, near Nottingham. Chickens. —Highly Commended, T. Boucher, Birmingham; H. Bates, Yardley, near Birmingham. Commended, C.T. Bishop; H. Bates; Mrs_R. White, Shef= field; T. Stretch; J. Nelson, Heaton Mersey, Manchester. Cocutx-Cuina Hens (Cinnamon and Buff).—Highly Commended, J. Ge > ne 460 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, Sugden, Keighley, Yorkshire; J. Stephens, Walsall; R. Adams, Hands- worth. Commended, H. Bates, Yardley, near Birmingham. Cocain-Cuina PULLETs (Cinnamon and Buff).— Highly Commended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury; Capt. Heaton. Manchester; H. Yardley, Bir- mingham; T. Boucher, Birmingham ; W. Wood, Sheffield; J. F. Pountain, Derby. Commended, R. Boddington, Birmisgham; T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Cocuin-Cuina (Brown and Partridge-feathered).— Chickens — Highly Commended. ©. Tudman, Whitchurch, Salop; — Cartwright, Oswestry ; J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Commended, J. Poole, Ulverston, Lancashire. CocHix-Cuiva Hens (Brown and Partridge-feathered).— Highly Com- R. Adams, Handsworth, Birmingham. ~ Cocutx-Cuina PuLtets (Brown and Partridge-feathered).—Highly Com- mended, E. T. Holden, Walsall. Commended, C. Kershaw, Ashton-under- Lyne; E. Tudman, Whitchurch, Salop. Cocutn-Cuina (White).—Highiy Commended, W. Dawson, Hopton, Mir- field, Yorkshire; R. Chase, Balsall Heath, Birmingham; H. Yardley, Bir- mingham; G. Lamb, Compton, near Wolverhampton. Chickens.—Highly Commended, Rey. F. Taylor, Kirkby Lonsdale; G. Lamb; H. C. Wood- cock, Rearsby, near Leicester; F. F. Zurhorst, Dublin; W.Dawson. Com- mended, G. Lamb; F. W. Zurhorst; R. Chase, jun. 7. BrauMa Poorrgsas.—Highly Commended, T. Pomfret, Hoghton Lane, near Preston; R. W. Boyle, Dundrum, Dublin; F. Sabin, Birmingham. Chickens.—Highly Commended, J. Poole, Ulverston, Lancashire; F. R. Pease, Darlington. Commended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury; T. Pomfret. Matay.—Highly Commended, J. J. Fox, Devizes; W. Watson, Calstock, Tavistock. Chickens.—Highly Commended, Rey. A. G. Brooke, Ruyton XI. Towns, Salop. Crive-Cevr.—Chickens.—Highly Commended,*J.’Harrison, Blackpool ; W.. Blinkhorn, jun., St. Helens, Lancashire. Brack Hamsurcu.—Chickens.—Highly Commended, W. W. Nicholls, Sale, near Manchester. Commended, C. Sedgwick, Keighley, Yorkshire; W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Hameurcu (Golden-pencilled).— Commended, H. Beldon, Gilstead. Chickens.—Highly Conmmended, Messrs. J. & F. Howard, Bedford; C. Tat- tersall, Waferfoot, near Manchester ; N. Marlow, Denton, near Manchester. Commended, Rev. R. Roy, Worcester. HamBoxGH (Silver-pencilled).—Chickens.—Highly Commended, Rt. Hon. Viscountess Homesdale, Linton Park, Kent. Hamepvurch Hess. (Pencilled).—Commended, H. Beldon, Gilstead; Rey. T. L. Fellowes, Acle, Norfolk. HamevrcH PuLets (Pencilled).—Highly Commended, F. Pittis, jun., Isle of Wight (Golden); E. Smith, Middleton, near Manchester (Golden). Corarended, Rey. R. Roy, Worcester (Silver); A.U. P. Gurney, Hampton Place, near Hereford (Golden). Hampures (Golden-spangled).—Commended, W. Kershaw, Heywood, near Manchester. Chickens.—Commended, C. Sedgwick, Keighley, York- shire; C. Broadbent, Saddleworth, Yorkshire; J. G. Sugden, Keighley, Yorkshire. Hamevres (Silver-spangled),—Highly Commended, H. Beldon, Glistead. Chickens.—Highly Commended, Viscountess Holmesdale; G. E. Hardman, Rawtenstall, Manchester; T. Burns, Leigh, near Manchester; E. Collinge, Middleton, near Manchester. Commended, Mrs. H. Sharp, Bradford ; J. Fielding, Newchurch, near Manchester. Hampurenu Hens (Spangled).—Highly Commended, H. Beldon, Gilstead ; S. H. Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne. Commended, H. Carter, Holmfirth; Messrs. Aston & Sons, Birmingham. HampvurcH Punters (Spangled).—Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth, Derbyshire; E. Collinge, Middleton, near Manchester. Commended, W. Kershaw, Heywood. near Manchester. Pouisa Fow (Black with White Crests).—Chickens.—Commended, T. P. Edwards, Lyndhurst, Hants; J. Sunderland, Coley Hall, near Halifax. ANY OTHER DisTIncT VARIETY.—Highly Commended, H. Savile, Ollerton, Notts (Japanese Silky); J. L. Lowndes, Aylesbury (Andalusians). Game Fown (Black-breasted Reds).—Chickens. —Highly Commended, M. Billing, jun., Erdington, near Birmingham; J. H. Williams, Welshpool. Commended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, near Manchester; J. Andersoz, Meigle, Forfarshire; E. C. Gilbert, Penkridge, Staffordshire; W. White- house, Henley-in-Arden; J. Smith, Grantham ; M- Billing, jun. Gamez Fowts (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted).—Highly Commended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, near Manchester. Commended, J. Linnell, Coventry; M. Billing, jun., Erdington, near Birmingham; T. Statter, Manchester; E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Chickens.—Highly Com- msnded, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth; M. Billing, jun.; G E. Meredith, Wellington, Salop; A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Shropshire. Com- mended, J. Fletcher; T. Statter. Game Hens (Black-breasted and other Reds).— Highly Commended, W. Boyes, Beverley, Yorkshire. _. Game Puttets (Black-breasted and other Reds).—Highly Commended, Capt. Heaton, Manchester; J. H. Williams, Welshpool; M. Billing, jun., Erdington, near Birmingham ; J. Halsall, Ince, near Wigan; J. H. Braiken- Tidge, Chew Magna, near Bristol. Commended, J. Wood, Wigan; J. Smith, Grantham; R. Swift, Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Game PouLtets (Except Black-breasted and other Reds).—Highly Com- Mended, E. Lowe, Comberford Mill, near Tamworth. SINGLE COCKS. Dorxinc.—Highly Commended, Sir J. D. Wauchope, Bart., Miller's;Hill, Dalkeith, N.B.; W. Endall, Henley-in-Arden; W. H. Denison, Woburn, Bedfordshire; J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury; R. B. Postans, Brentwood, Essex; E. Shaw, Oswestry; Rev. J. G. A. Baker, Old Warden, Bedfordshire. Com- mended, J. White, Warlaby, Northallerton; J. Drewry, Newton Mount, Burton-upon-Trent; Rey. E. Cadogan, Walton Parsonage, Warwick; W. W. aan Henley-in-Arden; A. Stanford, Eatons Ashurst, near Steyning, USSeXx. &paNnisH.— Highly Commended, Viscountess Holmesdale; G. Robson, Hull; W. R. Bull, Newport Pagnell, Bucks; J. L. Lowndes, Aylesbury; D. Parsley, Bristol; R. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston; H. Lane, Bristol; R. Paton, Kilmarnock; E. T. Holden, Walsall. Commended, R. Paton. Cocuin-Cxrva (Cinnamon and Buff).—Highly Commended, Mrs. R. White, Broomhall Park, Sheffield; W. Dawson, Hopton, Mirfield, Yorkshire; W. Wood, Sheffield; T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Commended, C. T. Bishop, Lenton, near Nottingham; F. W. Zurhorst, Donnybrook, Dublin; Capt. Heaton, Manchester. » Cocain-Cuina (Except Cinnamon and Buff).—Highly Commended, T. Stretch, Ormskirk; R. White, Broomhall Park, Sheffield; W. P. Merry, { December 6, 1864. Coventry. Commended, T. Stretch, Ormskirk; F. W. Zurhorst, Donny- brook, Dublin. BraHMA Poorra.—Highly Commended, H. Savile, Ollerton, Notts; H. James, Walsall; W. L. Barclay, Knott’s Green, Leyton, London, N.E. Commended, Mrs. Hurt, Alderwasley, Belper. HampurcH (Golden-pencilledj.—Highly Commended, J. Garrs, Wibsey Slack Side, near Bradford; C. Tattersall, Waterfoot, near Manchester. Commended, W. H. Dyson, Horton Bank Top, near Bradford; J. Holland, Worcester. HAmBurcH (Silver-pencilled).—Highly Commended, J. G. Sugden, East- wood House, near Keighley, Yorkshire. Commended, D. Harding, Middle- wich, Cheshire; J. Robinson, Garstang; J. Holland, Worcester. Hameuneu (Golden-spangled).—Highly Commended, Messrs. Aston and Sons, Birmingham; I. Davies, Harborne, near Birmingham; J. Roe, Had- field, near Manchester. Commended, H. E. Emberlin, Humberstone, Leicester. Hameurex (Silver-spangled).—Highly Commended, Viscountess Holmes- dale, Linton Park. Game (Black-breasted Reds).—Highly Commended, J. Stubbs, Weston Hall, Stafford. Gawe (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted).—Highly Com- mended, J. Linnell, Anstey Hall, Coventry; R. Swift, Southwell, Notts. Bantams (Gold-laced).—Highly Commended, Rey. G. S. Cruwys, Tiverton. Devon; J. Crossland, jun., Wakefield; M. Leno, jun., Dunstable, Bedford- shire. Bantams (Silver-laced).— Highly Commended, U. Spary, Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Commended, F. R. Pease, Southend, Darlington. Bantams (White, Clean-legged).—Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth, Derbyshire; Capt. Wetherall, Loddington, near Ket- tering; G. Hellewell, Walkley, near Sheffield; H. E. Emberlin, Humber- stone, Leicester. Miia aes Bantams (Black, Clean-legged).—Highly Commended, F. Pittis. jun., Newport, Isle of Wight. Commended, J. Ludlow, Solihull; F. Pittis, jun. ; J. Jackson, Hall Green Hall, near Birmingham. Bantams (Any other variety except Game).— Highly Commended, R. Chase, juu., Balsall Heath, Birmingham; H. C. Woodcock, Rearsby, near Leicester; J. D. Newsome, Batley, near Leeds; F. R. Pease, Southend, Darlington; A. G..Cane, St. John’s College, Cambridge. Game Bantams (Black-breasted and other Reds).—Highly Commended, R. Hawksley, jun., Southwell, Notts; J. Munn, Newchurch, near Man- chester; J. W. Morris, Rochdale; C. Aukland, Chesterfield; R. B. Postans, Brentwood, Essex; Rev. G. Raynor, Kelyedon Hatch Rectory, near Brent- wood, Essex. Gawe Bantams (Any other variety).—Highly Commended, J. Crossland, jun., Wakefield; J. G. Pearson, Whitchurch, Salop. : Game Baxram Cocks.—Highly Commended, Miss S. N. Hill, Shrews- bury; Mrs. C. W. Brierley, Middleton, near Manchester; J. D. Newsome, Batley, near Leeds; J. Holme, Knowsley, near Prescot; J. W- Morris, Rochdale; H. C. Woodcock, Rearsby, near Leicester; W- J. Cope, Barnsley; E. Brown, Sheffield. a : Ducks (White Aylesbury).—Hichly Commended, T. Hollis, Reading; Mrs. Seamons, Aylesbury ; J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Ducxs'(Rouen).—Highly Commended, T. Statter, Manchester; J. Holme, Knowsley, near Prescot; J. Munn, Newchurch, near Manchester; H. Cc. Woodcock, Rearsby, near Leicester; H. Worrall, West Derby, near Liver- pool; W. H. Denison, Woburn, Bedfordshire. Commended. T. Hollis, Reading; S. Lang, jun., Redland, Bristol. : P y Ducks (Black East Indian).—Highly Commended, Miss Clifton, Whit- tington, Worcester; J. W. Smith, Oundle, Northamptonshire ; Mrs. Wolferstan, Tamworth; J. Holdway, Weston, near Bath. Commended. Mrs. Wolferstan; F. W. Earle, Edenhurst, Prescot; Rev. W. Gover, Saltley Training College, Birmingham; W. Watson, Calstock, Tavistock; J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Ducks (Any other variety).—Highly Commended, D. Parsons, Cuerdon, near Preston. Commended, H. Savile, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire. GEESE (White).—Highly Commended, H. Savile, Ollerton, Notts. Com- mended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury; W. Lort, jun., King’s Norton, near Birmingham. i GrEsE (Grey and Mottled).—Highly Commended, E. Herbert, Powick, near Worcester; Hon. Mrs. Colville, Lullington, Burton-upon-Trent; J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. TurKEys.—Highly Commended, Mrs. A. Guy, Eaton, near Grantham; W. Lort, jun., King’s Norton, near Birmingham. Poults.—Highly Com- mended, Mrs. Wolferstan, Tamworth; Mrs. A. Guy, Eaton, Grantham 5 J. Smith, Breeder Hills, Grantham. : PIGEONS. Tur Pigeons, numbering three hundred pens, were ranged in one of the galleries, and were of easy access to the visitors. Almond Tumblers formed the first class. Mr. Else was first with a pair very fine in feather; the second-prize pen contained a splashed and unevenly-matched pair ; while Mr. Eden’s third-prize birds, although not etjual in feather to the first, were very much superior in head and beak to either en. : Carriers were divided into four classes of single birds. In the two for Blacks, cocks and hens respectively, Mr. Else took both first prizes; Mr. Eden had second positions, each with particularly good birds. In cocks, Any other colour, Mr. Eden had first with a splendid Dun; Messrs. Siddons second with a good bird of the same colour. In the like class for hens the first prize went to a Dun cock, shown by mistake we imagine. In the four classes for Powters Mr. G. R. Potts had a great success, taking three out of the four first prizes. In that for Red or Blue cocks a Red, very lengthy in feather. and limb, was first, and a good Blue second. In Powter cocks, December 6, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 461 Any other colour, both prizes were awarded to good Whites, Mr. Eden’s first-prize birds being particularly noticeable. In Powter hens, Red or Blue, Messrs. Potts and Eden took the prizes with fine Blues, and the former received high commendation for a very handsome Red. In Powter hens, Any other colour, a very fine Black was first, White second, and a fair Yellow was highly commended. The class for Balds was only small. Mr. Ridpeth substi- tuted a fine pair of Blues for his Sunderland Blacks, and took first position; Mr. Esquilant had second with very good Blues, the first-prize Islington Yellows being un- noticed. In Beards Mr. Oates maintained his position with his splendid Blues, Mr. Else taking second. In Mottled Tumblers Mr. Eden’s wonderful Black Mottles out-distanced competition. In Tumblers, Any other variety, good Kites took both prizes. ; The class for Runts was unusually large and good. The first and second prizes were awarded to Blues, the third to Silvers. In Yellow Jacobins Mr. J. T. Lawrence held his own, gain- ing both prizes with splendid birds; and in Jacobins, Any other colour, Blacks took both prizes. Mr. Lawrence’s first-prize pen contained a hen rather coarse in head; the second-prize pair were rather faulty in eye, but small and fine. Mr. Esquilant’s extraordinarily fine pair of Cup Reds were entirely passed over. In White Fantails plain-headed birds won on this occasion (both prizes falling to crested birds last year); a crested pair received high commendation, and an unusually good pair of plain-headed were commended. Fantails, Any other colour, only numbered four pens, the prizes being awarded to good Blues and Blacks in the order named. In Mottled Trwmpeters Mr. Shaw held his accustomed place, taking first. The cock has occupied the same posi- tion at Birmingham five years in succession, being the remarkable old bird originally belonging to Mr. F. Mewburn. Although well shown, the hen accompanying him is not equal to his former companion for four years. Mr. Robinson had second prize with a pen much out of condition, and containing one of his Sunderland Cup birds. In Any other colour Trumpeters Mr. Shaw had first with good Black, peculiarly known as “ Balaklavas;” and Mr. Oates was second with capital Whites. In the two classes for Owls the small foreign variety took all the prizes. In that for Blue or Silver the former gained both prizes. A very poor pair of light powder Blues were highly commended. In Owls, Any other colour, Mr. Sanday repeated his Sunderland victory with his well-known Whites. Whites were also second and highly commended; a pair of Blacks, unevenly matched in eyes, also received the same distinction. In Nuns good black-headed birds took the prize. Turbits were divided into two classes. In the one for Red or Blue, Red had both prizes, the first being given to a peaked-crowned pair, and the second to very good shell- —W. W., Northallerton. [Your construction of furnace is excellent, and the top door for feeding the furnace must be a handy and a cleanly mode of feeding, besides acting on the slow-combustion principle. It is a move in the right direction. For the future good of the Vines we would cut them all back to two good eyes about the middle of December, and when they pushed select the strongest shoot, rubbing the other off: There must have been unaccountable reasons for the poor growths made; ours, planted in the eye, shot out toa length. of 20 feet. You do not say what kind of plants you wish to get a stock of, nor the kinds at present in hand; but if you give usthe names of those you have we will tell you how te obtain a stock from them. Once you have the sorts there is no necessity to go to the nurseries except for new sorts, _ and to repair misfortunes. | a INTERRUPTION OF BOTTOM HEAT. Tnave just built a small stove, with two pipes for top heat all round, and two four-inch pipes under each bed for bottom , heat. The pipes are in a chamber covered with slates, upon the slates are a few inches of broken bricks, &e., and then a bed of leaf mould, full of sticks and very rough, for about 18 inches in depth; in that I have plunged the pots, but I find I can get very little bottom heat, not nearly enough for propagating, and sometimes the soil even feels quite cold, and yet the top pipes are quite hot, and the temperature of the house is between 70° and 80°. Do you think any: other material than leaf mould would be better? The leaf mould is also full of worms, woodlice, and many other insects. If I retain the leaf mould, how can I best get rid of the worms? Would tan or cocoa-nut refuse be better than the leaf mould in respect to letting the bottom heat penetrate? From the bottom pipes to the surface of mould |is about 2 feet.—S. E. H. Black Hambureh, only grew a foot; wood ripe, leaves off. | [There is no doubt that your top pipes for heating the air of the house act efiiciently. Have you felt the pipes in the chamber to see if they are equally hot? because if not, there is something to be done to secure a free circulation in . 470 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 13, 1864, the chamber as well as in the exposed pipes. If these chamber-pipes are hot enough, then there is nothing wrong in the heating. These chamber-pipes will be most efficient in heating the slate if placed not far from it. Ifthe pipes are hot, and yet the slate does not become so, open a few holes, say a couple of inches square, in the bottom of the chamber communicating with the air of the house, passage, &c. Lime or salt will destroy the worms in your leaf mould; the former will be the safest, as salt in excess would injure your plants and cuttings. Cocoa-nut refuse will save you from the worms, but it will be as bad a conductor of heat as the rough leaf mould, and ifit become dry at the bottom will keep all the heat about the slates. Instead of this 18 inches of rough leaf mould, use some 5 or 6 inches of sand or roughish ashes, and if the slate becomes hot they too will be so. . For all tender things, however, for which you require extra heat, you should have a glass hand-light, &c., to place over your cuttings, as that will keep the heat from radiating. From 80° to 90° will be high enough for the tenderest. ] ROSES BUDDED ON THE BLACKBERRY. I wAvVE tried this and the buds did not take (see page 456). I have budded Maurice Bernardin on the Sweet Briar this summer; it has taken and made wood.—W. F. RapciyFrFe, Rushton. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S FRUIT, VEGETABLE, AND ROOT SHOW. Tuts, which was termed an “International Show,’’ com- menced on Wednesday last, and terminated, so far as perishable fruit and vegetables were concerned, on Saturday last; but the other objects will remain tillthe 16th. There were upwards of eighty classes in the schedule, but as no money prizes were offered—merely certificates bearing a money value according to the receipts—in many of the classes there was little and in some no competition. The Show, nevertheless, was a large one, and the display made by the Apples and Pears, of which it was principally composed, was very extensive and good, and served in some measure to compensate for the small quantity of hothouse fruit shown. Not only did they closely fill a range of tabling running almost the whole length of the conservatory, but they ex- tended into both the adjoining arcades. Though there were classes for collections of fruit from fruiterers and private growers, Messrs. Webber & Co., of Covent Garden, were the only English exhibitors. Their collection was well arranged for effect, and consisted of a noble Smooth-leayed Cayenne Pine Apple in the centre, two others of less size, two Black Jamaicas, and two Queens, Black Ham- burgh and Muscat Grapes, Prickly Pears, Tangerine Oranges, twelve splendid specimens of foreign-grown Uvedale’s St. Germain Pears between 8 and 9 inches long and 6 in dia- meter, and weighing collectively 293 lbs.; Catillac, Easter Beurré, and Glou Morceau, very fine; Reinette du Canada, Calville Blanche, and Gloria Mundi Apples, Pomme d’Api, Matthews’ Eliza Pear, &c. The merit of this fine collection was recognised by a first-class certificate. PrnE APPLES were yery poorly represented as regards numbers. By far the best were two noble Smooth-leaved Cayennes, from Mr. Ingram, gardener to Her Majesty at Frogmore, each weighing about 7} ]bs. A Black Antigua, of 34 lbs., from Mr. Neale, Banbury, was second, and a Smooth Cayenne of 3 lbs. 12 ozs. from Mr. Wallis, Astle Park, third; a Black Prince, of 7lbs. 60zs. coming also from the same. The best Queen was one of 3lbs., from Mr. Heather, gar- dener to R. Pulford, Esq., Thames Ditton. BI GRAPES were very good for the season, but the exhibitors were few. There were only two of White Grapes, Mr. Till- yard, Bentley Priory, who was first; and Mr. A. Ingram, Highgrove, Reading, second, both having large, regular bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, large in berry, and beau- tifully ripened. -Of Black Hamburgh, both in the class for six, and in that for three bunches, Messrs. Lane, of Berk- hampstead, were first, with fine bunches, large in berry, and well coloured; and Mr. Hill, Keele Hall, whose name is a guarantee for the quality, second; Mr. Frisby, Sleaford, third. Bunches cut from the large Vine at Cumberland Lodge, were again shown on this occasion by Mr. T. Ingram. In Any other Black kind, fine bunches of West’s St. Peter’s, from Mr. Tillyard, were first; and Barbarossa, from Messrs. Lane, second ; Lady Downes’, from Mr. Frisby, third. Messrs. Lane likewise exhibited fine baskets of Black Hamburgh, Barbarossa, Black Prince, and Esperione, in the Miscella- neous Class. Prars, both of dessert and kitchen kinds, were nu rously shown, and the former comprised many fine exa mo- of Glou Morceau, Easter Beurré, Chaumontel, Beurré Rance, Passe Colmar, Winter Nelis, Vicar of Winkfield, &c. For twelve dishes, Mr. T. Ingram was first, with Prince Albert, Chaumontel, fine and highly coloured, as indeed were most of the others in his collection; Easter Beurré, Shobden Court, Glou Morceau, Vicar of Winkfield, Knight’s Monarch, Groom’s Princess Royal, Jean de Witte, Winter Nelis, Moccas, and Passe Colmar. Mr. Cox, gardener to W. Wells, Esq., Redleaf, who was second, had likewise an excellent collection, the fruit set out upon Ivy leaves, and whigaa comprised Baronne de Mello, Old Colmar, Joséphine de Malines, and others already named. Mr. Lumsden, gar- dener to Lady M. Hamilton, Sleaford, was third. In the class for six dishes the competitors were more numerous. Mr. Tillyard was first with Chaumontel (finely coloured), Passe Colmar, Beurré de Rance, Glou Morceau (very large and fine), Easter Beurré, and Joséphine de Malines. Mz. Phillips, gardener to J. Barton, Esq., Ponte- fract, was second; Mr. Ford, gardener to W. Hubbard, Esq., Horsham, third. Several collections in this class were for various reasons disqualified, and among them one from I. Corbiére, Esq., Cerisy Belle Etoile, Normandy, which contained fine examples of Uvedale’s St. Germain, a kitchen Pear, under the name of Belle Angevine, Haster Beurré, very fine, but in duplicate, and Colmar des Invalides. In three dishes Mr. Beasley, Twyford Abbey, Acton, was first with good fruit of Chaumontel, Glou Morceau, and Easter Beurré; Mr. Earley, Digswell, second, and Mr. A. Ingram third. The best single dish was Glou Morceau, from Mr. Ford; and Beurré Diel, from Mr. Westbrook, was second. The heaviest five came from Mr. Murray, gardener to the Rev. D. Williams, Tring Park. The kind was Glou Morceau, very large, but the weight was not stated ; next came Chau- montel, from Mr. Plester, and, third, Glou Morceau, from Mr. Phillips. In kitchen Pears the best single dish was Catillac, fine, from Mr. Ross, gardener to C. Eyre, Esq., Newbury; large and fine Uvedale’s, from Mr. Scrymger, were second, and the same kind, from Mr. Cox, third. In no case did the weights of these dishes appear remarkable. APPLES were very numerous, and in some of the collec- tions very fine. For twelve dishes Mr. T. Ingram was first, having, amongst others, Blenheim Pippin, Gipsy King, an Apple of his own raising, a good keeper, and of excellent flavour ; Court Pendu-Plat, Ribston Pippin, Claygate Pear- main, Rosemary Russet, Old and Scarlet Nonpareils, and Fearn’s Pippin. This was a very fine collection, and many of the fruit were hiehly coloured. Inthe latter respect, however, those from My. Cox, of Redleaf, were the most remarkable ; several of them were naturally high-coloured varieties, and, ripened in the fine climate of Kent, they were almost dazzling, and threw a ruddy glow around them. They consisted of Brabant Bellefleur, Col. Vaughan, Baddow Pippin, Golden Winter Pearmain, Ribston, Blenheim, and Cox’s Orange Pippins, Scarlet Winter Pearmain, Sturmer Pippin, &e. This collection, and that from My. Betteridge, Milton Hill, Steventon, were equal third; excellent: collections from Messrs. Lane, St. Mary’s Cray, and Mr. Ford, being second. In six dishes Mr. Betteridge was first, Mr. Kaile second, and Messrs. Lane, St. Mary’s Cray, third. In this class were shown fine examples of King of the Pippins, Court Pendu-Plat, Fearn’s Pippin, Adams’ Pearmain, Scarlet Non- pareil, Loan’s Pearmain, and Spanish Pearmain, bearing considerable resemblance to the Blenheim Pippin, but stated to be distinct from that kind, being earlier and keeping longer. There were several other good exhibitions in this class. In three dishes Mr. Betteridge was first with King of the Pippins, and Blenheim and Ribston Pippins, of good size, and finely coloured; Mr. Ford second, with Golden Reinette, Blenheim and Herefordshire Pearmain; and Mr. Bentley and Mr. Kaile third. The best single dish for flavour was December 13, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 471 Cox’s Orange Pippin, from Mr. Hall, gardener to Captain Tyrrell, R.N., Acton; the same, from Mr. Plester, was second, and Blenheim, from Mr. Ford, third. In kitchen Apples the exhibitions were numerous and good. The varieties consisted of Blenheim Pippin, Gloria Mundi, both of very large size, Alfriston, Mére de Ménage, Dumelow’s Seedling, Yorkshire Greening, Waltham Abbey Seedling, Rymer, Bedfordshire Foundling, New Hawthorn- den, Glory of Kent, Beauty of Kent, and other approved sorts. For twelve dishes Mr. Betteridge was first, Mr. Cox second ; for six, Mr. Betteridge first, and Mr. Parsons, Acton Green, second ; for three, Mr. Ford first, and Mr. Betteridge second; and for a single dish, Mr. Plester first, with New Hawthornden; Mr. Wells second, with Blenheim, very large. Thejheaviest five Apples were Gloria Mundi, from Mr. Lums- den, Sleatord; Alfriston, from Mr. Young, Highgate, second. MiscELLANEOuS F'Rurr.—In this may be included a very extensive collection of Apples from Nova Scotia, which were also exhibited in competition with English growers. Among the sorts exhibited were excellent examples of Gravenstein, Ribston Pippin, Gloria Mundi, Emperor Alexander, King of the Pippins, Blenheim Pippin, A’sopus and Flushing Spitzemberg, Red Baldwin, and other American sorts. Altogether the collection was such as did credit to the colony, and served to show that for Apples at least the climate is well suited. Mr. Hardie, gardener to the Viceroy of Egypt, was likewise an exhibitor, his collection being of a tropical character. It comprised Pomegranates of the largest size, two large bunches of Dates, which would have presented a better appearance had they not met with an accident on the journey; Citrons, Lemons, Shaddocks, various kinds of Oranges, Custard Apples, fruit of the Papaw tree, Psidium pyviferum, and Medlars. A large collection of Belgian Pears was likewise added to the Show on Friday, as well as a collection of fruit from M. Chevet, of the Palais Royal, Paris, comprising large specimens of Uvedale’s St. Germain Pears, White Calville Apples, two large Capsicums, &e. Raby Castle Currants, in excellent condition, were shown by Mr. Ford, and Red and White Dutch by Mr. Tivey and Mr. Curd; the latter also showing Medlars and a Bromham Hall Melon. A good dish of Cuthill’s Black Prince | Strawberry was likewise exhibited, as well as some Quinces and Impératrice Plums. VEGETABLES, Roors, &c.—Of these there was a tolerably | large Show, and the articles exhibited were generally good. The best collection of Potatoes, comprising twenty-five sorts, came from Mr. Curd, gardener to M. Thoyts, Esq., Reading. In it we noticed Webb’s Imperial Kidney, Daintree’s Harliest, Champion China (a pink-eyed sort), Fox’s Seed- ling, Flukes, and Dalmahoy. Mr. Campbell, Winorick Hall, near Warrington, was second with Flukes, Scotch Dons, Arrowsmith’s Seedling, Pink-eye Kemp’s, Oxford Reds, and others, in all twenty sorts. For Kidneys Mr. Frisby, gar- dener to H. Chapman, Esq., Sleaford, was first with Brighton Albion, Jackson’s Superb, Myatt’s Superb, Early White Kidney, England’s Glory, and Lapstone, the last very fine. A fine large kind, called Prince of Wales, was sent by Mr. Veitch ; and Mr. Taylor, Hunton Bridge, had a fine dish of Huntingdon Kidney. In Round kinds Mr. Moffat, gardener to Viscount Maynard, Dunmow, was first with Pheasant’s Hye, Painted Lady, Harly Shaw, Early Tenweek, Transell’s Seedling, and Dalmahoy, all sound and good. Mona’s Pride, from Mr. Budd, was very good; and a tuber of a Scotch Potato, grown at Eccleshall, and weighing, when dug, 27 1bs., was exhibited by the Rev. C. P. Good. From Mr. Spary, of Brighton, came 268 tubers, the produce of a single small white Potato, showing its extraordinary productive- ness. But as we are promised some remarks on this portion of the Show by our worthy correspondent, “ Upwarps AND Onwarpbs,” we will leave further remarks on the Potatoes in his hands. Onions consisted of White Spanish, of which good examples were shown, James’s Keeping, Silver Skinned, and Danvers’ Yellow. Of Carrots Mr. Curd exhibited some of extra- ordinary circumference ; and of Parsnips the Hollow-crowned and Student were well grown, clean, and of good size. In Beet, Pine Apple and Nutting’s were the chief kinds; the latter, from Mr. Frisby, was first. In Turnips Mr. Ingram, Frogmore, and Mr. Ford, were first, White Stone, Orange Jeily, American Red-topped Stone, and Sutton’s Early Six- weeks being the chief kinds shown. Good roots of Salsafy came from Messrs. Earley, Kaile, and Curd; and of Scorzo- nera from Messrs. Drewitt and Ross; and London Flag Leeks, of large size, from Mr. T. Ingram, Mr. Budd being second with Musselburgh. Chinese Yams, large and fine, and fine sticks of Horseradish, were shown by Mr. Tillyard; good roots of the former also coming from Mr. Cruickshank and Messrs. Sutton. Of Peas there were only two exhibitors—viz., Mr. Frisby and Mr. Tivey; the former had Ne Plus Ultra, the latter Carpenter’s Express. In Celery Wall’s White Invincible and Ivery’s Nonsuch from Mr. Hall were first in the White and Red classes; and of Endive, Green and White Curled, Moss Curled, and Batavian were shown by Messrs. Veitch, Frisby, and Harley. Of Cabbageworts excellent Savoys were show by Mr. Budd; also by Messrs. Ingram and Frisby; and of Brussels Sprouts, those grown by Mr. Earley from home- saved seed were as fine as could be desired. Roseberry and Dalmeny Sprouts were also well represented. Of Cabbage the best was Early Dwarf York from Mr. Ford, and very good it was. Next came Fearnought, from Mr. Budd; and, third, Lochart’s Rosette Coleworts, from Mr. Ingram, and which seem to have the property of forming a nice firm heart. Some good Broccoli was also shown by Messrs. Budd, Ford, and Frisby. Of miscellaneous vegetables Cardoons, now seldom seen, came from Mr. Veitch; Mushrooms from Messrs. Moffat, Budd, and Ingram; Dwarf Kidney Beans and Telegraph Cucumbers from Mr. Mobbs; Asparagus from Mr. Curd; Sea-kale from Mr. Earley; and a handsome new Lagenaria from Natal was contributed by E. Stuart, Esq., of Nice. In the same arcade with the vegetables Messrs. Sutton, of Reading, have a fine stand, extending 70 feet in length, the centre being formed by a glazed case, containing a thousand different kinds of seeds of grasses, forage plants, trees, shrubs, vegetables, annuals, &e. On each side of this centre are wings, in which examples of various grasses, large specimens of agricultural roots, and Gourds are exhi- bited ; and the whole is tastefully decorated with Pampas Grass. There is also an interesting collection of Potatoes. Mr. Veitch likewise exhibited a collection of Potatoes, Parsnips, some remarkably fine Turnips, Swedes, and Man- golds, grass seeds, Chardon Cattle Potato, &e. Lastly, preserved fruits and pickles were shown by Messrs. Fortnum & Mason, of Piccadilly, and Burgess & Son, Strand. Froraut Committer, Dec. 7.—On this occasion Mr. Veitch had a first-class certificate for Manettia species, a pretty twiner, with bright scarlet flowers; and R. J. Gray, Esq., Exeter, had a similar award for Asplenium palmatum cris- tatum, with crested fronds, and a very handsome variety. Three or four Chrysanthemums were also shown, but re- ceived no award. Frouir Commirres.—A Sub-committee met at the Garden, South Kensington, on the occasion of the Great Fruit Show, to examine such new fruits as were exhibited. A seedling Pear, name Prince Consort, was received from the Rev. John Huyshe, of Clysthydon near, Exeter. It is a large and handsome Pear, in shape somewhat resembling a very large Marie Louise or Van Mons Léon le Clere. One specimen was as much as 5 inches long and 3} inches wide. The skin is yellowish green; the flesh yellowish, firm, very juicy, and rich, with a sort of Gansel’s Bergamot flavour. This re- ceived a first-class certificate. A seedling Pear was received from Mr. H. Muggleton, gardener to Hon. G. W. Milles, Lees Court, Faversham. It bore a close resemblance in shape to the Broompark, a seedling raised by Mr. T. A. Knight, but it was far inferior to that variety, and was not considered a desirable kind. Another seedling Pear was received from Mr. Matthews, of Clapham, under the name of Matthews’ Eliza, which was recognised as being identical with Groom’s Princess Royal, a variety raised and distri- buted many years ago by the late Mr. Groom, of Clapham. M. Grégoire, of Jodoigne in Belgium, sent a collection of seventy-one varieties of seedling Pears, not any of which were considered to possess any merit. One, intended as a compliment to the Assistant Secretary of the Society, was named Andrew Murray. It was coarse-grained, dry, harsh, acid, and peculiarly disagreeable, and the Committee were of opinion it could never be of any service. Mr. Thomas 472 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Short, gardener, Clewer Park, Windsor, sent a seedling Melon, which for so late in the season possessed a great deal of merit. It was of large size and yellow. The flesh was of dark green colour and very well flavoured. PRODUCE OF POTATOES. In publishing the results of my experiments as to the comparative productiveness of Potatoes, in your Number of November 1st, my sole motive was to elicit from those who had made experiments, the results of their experience in such matters, and to induce others to make trials of various sorts of Potatoes for themselves. I was not weak enough to suppose that all the results of experiments made would agree with my own, because I am quite aware that the re- lative produce of everything, but especially, I think, of Potatoes, would depend much on climate, soil, &c., and in such a dry summer and autumn as our last on the quantity of moisture obtained, either from dews, or from partial showers. My object, therefore, is in some measure obtained by such information as “AGRIcoLA” gives, but when he goes on to say that “some such mistake has insinuated itself into the Prescot experiments, seems certain from this, that the return claimed is altogether incredible,” I must, in all courtesy, beg leave to say, that there is no mistake, and can be no mistake in the produce. The “proof of the pudding is in the eating.” I only obtained from Mr. Paterson 14 1bs. of seed of his Blue. That I did get from this seed 618Ibs. of marketable produce, is known to very many. About this there is no mistake, and the best proof I can offer to “ AGRicona,” is to say that should fate or fortune lead him to this neigh- bourhood, I should be very glad to show him about 600 lbs. of the sort which I have kept as seed for next year. I may add that I do not know Mr. Paterson; that I have no personal interest in the matter at all; that I was only induced by a Scotch friend to give these new sorts a fair trial, and were I at home (which I am not), I would send for your inspection (Mr. Editor) Mr. Paterson’s bill, proving that I only bought 14 Jbs. of seed, which I again affirm produced 618 lbs. of Potatoes.—W. W. H., Knowsley Cottage, Prescot. P.S.—Mr. Paterson will probably speak for himself, but, I think, he wrote me word, that some of his experiments on a larger scale had produced even more favourable results. (There is no need for our correspondent to produce proofs, we have known him many years, and are able to say that his word is quite sufficient testimony to the truth of any fact within his own knowledge. That Messrs. Paterson should have obtained at the rate of more than 1400 bushels per acre, intimates that an ex- periment on a small scale cannot be relied upon as evidence of the produce obtainable per acre, for we fear no Potato will yield 1400 bushels on that space. The first President of the Horticultural Society, the late Mr. Knight, tried many experiments on Potatoes, and he only has recorded his hope that 1000 bushels might be obtained.—Eps. | SULPHUR v. RED SPIDER. In Number of November 29th, a mixture of clay and sulphur is recommended as a paint for fruit trees. Does this act me- chanically by smothering the insects? Last year, hoping to get vid of the unpleasant smell in Gishurst due to the chemi- cally combined sulphur, I tried a number of mechanical mixtures of soap and sulphur on orchard-house trees, the proportion of sulphur being so large that the trees were quite yellow after painting. For atime I hoped that the washes had succeeded, but later on, red spider appeared active among the particles of sulphur. It would, therefore, seem that sulphur mechanically mixed has not the same effect as sulphur chemically combined, as in Gishurst.— [It is quite true. We have seen red spider as merry as crickets among lumps of sulphur; but we have seen the same thing among dried Gishurst, and every other mixture that we have heard of or tried. We have more faith in the fumes of sulphur from a heated wall, or a hot-water plate, [ December 13, 1864. than from any mere surface application, whether mechanical or chemical, When insects appear on the growing plant, Gishurst water and other mediums will be useful, and if the Gishurst is made with water a day previously, the un- pleasant smell will be dissipated. For mere painting de- ciduous fruit trees, so as to smother up all insects’ eggs, clay paint is as good as any, and that may be made of any colour with sulphur, soot, and lime, all of which ingredients are unpleasant to insects, though in their mere mechanical condition they will not kill them.—R. F.] PYRAMID BEDS. Sous time ago we were promised a description of the pyramid borders at Bentley Priory. As they were again alluded to last week as being very ornamental at Mr. Raikes Currie’s new residence, I am induced to beg the favour of a detailed account of the mode of grouping, height, &c., at some convenient and early period. Is the Geranium Manglesii the same as Mangles’ Variegated? if not, please describe it.—EssEx. [As soon as we can we will say a few words concerning Bentley Priory ; and, were we to give all the details of the pyramidal beds, not borders, at once, we should only be spoiling the table by removing one of the best dishes. Last year an engraving was given of an avenue of pyramids at Putteridge Bury, and their planting in circles. These were very fair, but they were far behind the pyramids of Mr. Tillyard’s at the Priory, which pyramids were of one thing and one colour. The beds at Putteridge, and perhaps at Mr. Raikes Currie’s, were themselves considerably ele- vated. The mere beds at Bentley Priory are flat, the pyra- midal appearance being given by the plants alone. The Calceolaria amplexicaulis and the Heliotropes were magni- ficent; but, like our old parish schoolmaster, we will not anticipate. Possessed of vast funds of knowledge, he par- ticularly delighted in Rollin’s History and Plutarch’s Lives ; and when, to whet our anxiety, he would give us an outline of the facts, and the philosophy of such a life, he would stop short with—* I must not anticipate!’ In the mean- time our correspondent may as well save a few old tallish plants if he can. It will require him some years to rival Mr. Tillyard.' Geranium Manglesii and Mangles’ Variegated are the same variety. This is generally used in combination ; but, when well grown, a massive bed has a splendid effect, with its gossamer feathery-like flowers, which, with the light foliage, produce a charming effect. It is one of those plants, however, that do well in some places without any trouble, and will only do very middling in other places, do what you may. | MANAGEMENT OF PEACH TREES IN POTS AND MAIDEN TREES. Sxovtp Peach trees in pots be taken out of the orchard- house after the fruit is gathered? My man has plunged mine under a wall in the open garden, and I find others are doing the same; but I see nothing about it in Mr. Rivers’s book. Which do you consider right, to keep them all the year. round under glass, or turn them out in the autumn Pp Also, when should they be brought back under glass again? One more question I should like answered. I have bought about one hundred maiden Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot trees, which I am now having cut down and potted, but IT have no room to put them in my orchard-House; but I have purchased a piece of ground where I intend building a resi- dence, and hope to have a large orchard-house there. Now, T want to know whether I can keep these maiden trees (which are now being potted), for two years out of doors, so as to bring them to nice bearing trees by the time my orchard- house is ready, if so, is any particular treatment required ? T am having them potted in 11-inch pots now, and thought [ could shift them into a size larger next season, and the follow- ing season (two years’ time), into still larger pots in which they would remain and be transferred to the orchard-house. —J. D. [Such trees may either be set out of doors or kept in-doors. with very good results, In a fine summer like the last, when December 13, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 473 the fruit was gathered and the wood about ripe, the trees could be set out, the pots banked-up with litter, choosing as warm a place as possible in front of a wall to perfect the ripening of the wood until the leaves had fallen. After that it mattered little where the trees were placed, unless it was resolved to force them early, and in that case the north side of a wall, to rest the trees, and protecting the roots from extra wet, would be the best place for them. All others may remain in anyplace after the leaves fall, the pots pro- tected from frost and wet, until the first frost of some 4° or 5°. This out-door treatment not only helps to swell the buds nicely, but also with the assistance of the little frost to get rid of the eggs and remains of insects. We have known plants left too long and much injured by the frost. On the whole then, as one of the chief objects of orchard-houses is the ripening of the wood, as well as the ripening of the fruit, and as the very dryness, easily secured, so much promotes the former, we generally keep our plants in-doors; but as soon as the leaves turn yellow and droop, we place the plants as thick as they will stand, protect the pots with litter, and use the rest of the bed of the house for other purposes. If | we had a plant infested with insects, however, we would be #pt to give it out-ofdoor treatment in the autumn. Instead of cutting down your maiden plants now, we would merely shorten and prune back the side-shoots and pot in 9 or 10-inch pots. These pots should then be plunged into a bed out of doors, or into a shed all the winter, where they can have plenty of air. If out of doors a piece of board or tile should be placed over the pot to keep extra wet from the soil. During winter, if out of doors, extreme frost must be guarded against by protection, and a little tiffany or Nottingham netting, as a protection, will be necessary until the middle of May, so that the young wood may be healthy and kind. This, nipped during summer, as those in-doors, ‘will secure a2 good foundation, and the chief thing will be to Tipen the wood, so that the plants shall have all the sun possible, and little moisture in the autumn. Next winter they should be protected the same way. | WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA. In some of your back Numbers this year, you furnished yonr readers with the dimensions of several of the large specimens of Wellingtonia now growing in different parts of England; and you requested that other eorrespondents would forward to you the size of their plants at the end of this summer's growth. I now venture to send you the dimensions of my plant, which was sent here by Mv. Barron, of Elvaston, in 1857, and was at that date 44 feet hich. Our plant has upon it at this present time fifty-seven cones, each the size of a large walnut, and I think these will prove fertile, as the male and female blossoms were in per- fection at the same time during the summer. The male blossom is pink in colour, and Mr. Barron expressed himself much pleased when he saw it and took some away with him, saying he should like to lay it before the members of the Royal Horticultural Society. I have no hesitation in saying that our plant is as perfect @ specimen as can be found in England. Other plants may, perhaps, be somewhat higher, but none can be more perfect in its pyramidal outline. It has not a twig out of place, and the triangle formed by its boughs from top to bottom is as correct as it is possible to conceive. The circumference of the stem of this plant near the ground is 5 feet. The spread of the branches is 38 feet in circumference. The height of the plant is 15 feet 1 inch._— _ B.D., Monk Hopion, Salop. ABSENCE OF COTTAGE GARDENING IN NORTH DERBYSHIRE. Iz I had not been from home I should sooner have an- Swered your query as to the reason of cottage gardening having made so little progress in North Derbyshire, at least as far as I am able to answer it. The truth is there isno obvious reason. Various customs, manners, observances, are seen to prevail in some places, of which it is difficult to understand how they arose, or why, having arisen, they were confined to those localities. But possibly climate may have had something to do with the neglect in question. Cottage gardening much prevails in Cheshire; but in Cheshire to all the old cottages you almost invariably find attached a small orchard filled with Apple, Pear, and Damson trees. It is almost certain that any one attaching a bit of land to a cottage for an orchard would devote a portion of it to a garden. In Derbyshire you see nothing of the sort, at least in the Peak—no doubt for this reason, that only the coarser fruits will ripen at all, and not those always. For instance: Walnuts grow well, but never harden the shell or produce a kernel; Filberts do badly, and will not always ripen. This severity of climate may have been such a drawhack as to discourage instead of stimulate gardening, and cause owners to acquiesce in the idea that it is more proitable to keep the land in grass, for which it is admirable. Perhaps another reason might be suggested in the thinness of the population and fewness of the gentry to encourage such things in a large portion of the northern division of the country. But whatever may be the reason of the fact, there is no doubt of it, as you observed. We are doing what we can to awaken a better taste by annual exhibitions, but it requires time to bring new habits into the country—HueH Forp Bacon, Castleton, Derbyshire. TRENTHAM BLACK GRAPE. I THINK your correspondent Mr. G. Bester only read the last part of Mr. Pearson’s article on the Trentham Black Grape, or he would never have asked, Has he grown it ina cool house ? for Mr. Pearson distinctly says, “ In one large orchard-house which covers 300 square yards, I planted a Vine to each of the pillars to see if good Grapes could be grown in Nottinghamshire without heat,” and the result of that experiment has far exceeded Mr. Pearson’s expec- tations. Ihave not grown it myself, but I have had the pleasure of seeing it twice this year at Chilwell, both in heat and without heat, and in each house the Grapes were a credit to the grower, and would be so to any good Grape-grower.. I can tully endorse all Mr. Pearson kas said in its favour. i Perhaps your correspondent Mr. G. Bester treats his orchard-house the same as I once saw a beautiful glazed Peach wall treated—it was thrown open every day regard- less of the weather. The consequence was small fruit, and not ripe until after that on the open wall.—T. D., near Newark. IVY FOR EDGINGS. I HAVE not seen the Ivy edgings in the gardens of the Emperor of the French alluded to by “K. M. P.,” but many in our English gardens. The way they are made is to form the borders of old rubbish if the soil be wet, otherwise the plants will not withstand the winter, particularly when the more tender variegated kinds are grown. If the soil is light such precautions are not necessary. The plants bemg at hand—good strong plants, which are mostly raised in, or grown in, pots for a time—are planted out in spring 2 feet apart, watering them until they become established. As they grow the shoots are trained over the surface, and secured in the proper position by pegs. When the shoots meet, or the desired length is attained, they are pegged down, and the points directed towards a vacant space, ultimately there being none. When the surface is entirely covered, the points are cut oi, and this makes the border dense in consequence of the number of shoots which arise from this stopping. The after-management consists in keeping the shoots within their proper limits by going over them frequently, and cutting off those which are disposed to ramble, taking care to train such, if there be any vacant space to fill, in that direction instead of cutting them oi, so that an equal sur- face may not only be obtained but preserved. It is also ne- cessary to clear the border of dead leaves, as these are very unsightly ifleft to decay on the plants. Every three years or so the Ivyy-bordersshould be cut quite close, leaving, however, a 474: JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND GARDENER. [ December 13, 1864. number of shoots to furnish fresh growths and leaves to cover the surface quickly. The best kinds for such pur- poses are the Algerian Ivy (Hedera algeriensis), H. Reegne- viana, and the different forms of canariensis; the Gold-blotched Trish, the Marble-leaved, and that known as the Irish pal- mate-lobed Ivy being very fine. The Slender-branched form of the Hedera helix, or gracilis, with those other forms of the species of small but close growth, are admirably adapted for train- ing round the basket or wire- work of beds in the flower gar- den, where they have a fine effect : such are H. helix Donerailense minor, and its variety marmo- rata, Cullis’s Silver-margined, lobata, chrysocarpa, and pul- chella. TI shall shortly offer further re- marks on these useful plants.— G. ABBEY. FLOWER-BORDER PLAN, WILL you give your opinion upon the arrangement I have made in the design which I en- close? It is situated in front of the drawing-room windows, immediately under the eye. My employer wishes to have it planted in the ribbon style.— Cue. [We think your proposed plan will {look very beautiful, and your proposed planting cannot be improved on. We think, however, your di- viding your two side-borders by a band across of Gnaphalium lanatum will destroy the fine sweep of colour just by dividing it. We think that if you had your circles as now, and the centre broken border as now, and then mixed the outside row of the other two borders with Koniga maritima, and blue Lo- pbelia all round, and the other lines the same all round, you would not have so much variety, but you would have a far more telling effect. It is a mistake to suppose that mere variety will produce grandeur of effect. | A, 1. Verbena Purvle King. Geranium Christine. Geranium Bijou. Geranium Christine. Verbena Purple King. Koniga variegata. Geranium Tom Thumb. Calceolaria Aurea floribunda. . Geranium Tom Thumb. Koniga variegata. Gnaphalium lanatum. Lobelia speciosa. Geranium Flower of the Day. Perilla nankinensis. Geranium Flower of the Day. Lobelia speciosa. Humea elegans. Coleus Verschaffelti. Centaurea candidissima. Humea elegans. 2. Centaurea gymnocarpe. 8, Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, Cc PELE RSH Re Dr oR el WHITLEY ABBEY. Tue Seat or Lorp Hoop. Tue curiosity with which all strangers visiting Coventry re- gard the effigy of Peeping Tom induced me one fine morning in October to saunter forth from the “Red Lion” in quest of him, and, to my surprise, In a niche in the wall at the corner of the street facing the market-place was the veritable Tom in a field marshal’s hat. How ridiculous ! The general interest excited, even in remote parts of the king- dom, by the processions which occasionally take place at the great or show fair, and in which Lady Godiva occupies so pro- minent a situation, will plead my excuse for this passing notice. On the right-hand side of the turnpike road to Whitley Abbey is the new cemetery, which was laid ont under the superinten- dence of Sir Joseph Paxton, the member for Coventry. It com- prises nearly eighteen acres. The ground selected for this purpose was exceedingly pictu- resque in its original state, and its beauties have been further enhanced bythe masterly design, and the tasteful manner in which it is laid out. It is only of late years, and since the passing of the bill against in- tramural interments, that the English people have become, in some degree, familiarised with these picturesque and attractive places of burial, which have been at once the solace and the or- nament of continental towns, af- fording not only a resting-place for the departed and a fitting retreat for sorrowing relatives and friends, but a promenade for the meditative, amidst gardens and alleys that speak of death, but tell their tale in a soothing spirit. It is only at a compa- ratively late period that we have permitted ourselves in this country any sympathy with those gentle and graceful cares and affecting symbols of linger- ing attachment which our con- tinental neighbours have Jong since been accustomed to bestow upon the last dwelling-places of those they loved or respected in life. These testimonies of love beyond the grave—the care- fully-tended flowers, the gar- lands of variously-coloured Ever- lastings, the handful of treshly- gathered flowers flung upon the tomb, the Snowdrops and Crocuses, in themselves the poe- tical symbols of “death in the midst of life,’ as they fade and die away, but no less emblems of a second life and resurrection as they spring forth again after the death of winter—all these graceful and touching evidences of sorrow seeking to find a December 13, 1864, } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 475 soothing vent in garnishing the place where the loved one awaits a secondlife, were long unknown among us. Whitley Abbey is about two miles from Coventry. It is a capacious Elizabethan mansion of stone, situated on rising ground. It was here that Charles I. is said to have fixed his station, when, in 1642, he ineffectually summoned the city of Coventry to surrender. The stove and greenhouse attached to the south side of the house, as seen in the ac- companying engraving, are 60 feet by 25, supported by pillars covered with Mandevilla suaveolens, Ipomea Learii, Passiflora Buonapartea, Bignonia venusta, Lophospermum scandens, and other choice climbers, trained also beneath the roof from which they hang in rich garlands and festoons of flowers and foliage. Smith’s Giant Scarlet Geranium covers a large space on the back trellis, and is 25 feet high ; | there are also magnificent specimens of Punch Geranium, Fuchsias, Camellias numerous and luxuriant, with their bright glossy leaves, and thickly set with bloom-buds, and Japan Lilies in full bloom, with fine healthy foliage. The Acacias are also worthy of notice for variety and good | cultivation. The fine Gloxinias also require favourable notice. In front are flower-beds on grass planted with the usual bedding-out plants—Scarlet Geraniums, Calceolarias, Verbenas, &c. Trained against the house, as seen in the engraving, are large specimens of the White Banksian Rose, Magnolias, and Glycine sinensis. In front of the lawn is the lake, and by a tasteful treatment of its boundaries con- siderable indefiniteness is obtained. At the head of the lake is a natural rockery, secluded, and approached from the pleasure-ground walk; it is composed of arches mantled with climbers, and narrow winding passages, steep and abrupt, canopied and darkened with evergreens. The crevices are filled with Ferns, seedling Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Orchis, Primroses, Foxgloves, and other and more rare sorts of British plants. The masses of Rhododendrons and hardy Azaleas with other shrubs of trailing habit on the rocky margin of the lake, which is varied by indentations and projections, must appear gorgeous in spring when covered with bloom and reflected in the water. The quiet character of the lake, its caverns, and its rockery, combine to make OWN ROY Shae LY Ui WWE YY, Se MM yj Ml iy ee We MW mining —— = = = =n = == aS Fe —— = = Z 3 acs = = ais » ——— —— = a“ : = LSS = = = = Za LSS nw UY Viz S = ” Pi vs WE QF Yj Z Z a ASSESS SSE LZ LiL Ya foe eNO ta TEU caer ULE AZ a PS x Mo yyy 17) NYY ieee LL a ¥ SF i WHITLEY ABBEY, this place a scene of picturesque and artistic beauty. It is truly delightful to saunter through these lovely scenes with a mind capable of feeling the beauties and the glories of the creation, displayed in the insects climbing up the spiry grass or disporting on the fragrant flowers ; in the scattered fish, of various colours, poised on tennuous fins; in the feathered inhabitants of the grove that make the welkin ring with their sweet music, and in the contrasted wonders of vegetable life, “from the Cedar that groweth in Lebanon to the Hyssop that springeth out of the wall.” In the pleasure grounds are fine specimens of Evergreen Oaks, Pinus excelsa, Deodar Cedars, and other Conifers, planted by Colonel Hood, who was killed in the Crimean war, and on that account they give a hallowed and melan- choly charm to the place. The kitchen garden of three acres is some distance from the Abbey. It contains three vineries and a Peach-house, old-fashioned, but in good preservation, with strong healthy Vines and Peaches. The collection of Pears numbers as many as fifty sorts. They are to be seen against the walls, also as standards and dwarfs. One fruit of Léon le Clere “were very fine. weighed 12 ozs.; Louise Bonne of Jersey and Haste: Beurré Plums on dwarf bushes were bearing heavy crops, and the collection of Apples had that yellow, mellow, yet juicy appearance so agreeable to the eye and taste. The park of 250 acres commands an agreeable prospect over some extent of country, and is adorned with some mag- nificent Beech and Oak trees; one of the latter measured 15 feet in circumference 3 feet from the ground. “Oaks,” says Shenstone, “‘ are in all respects the image of the manly character. As a brave man is not suddenly either elated by prosperity or depressed by adversity, so the Oak displays not its verdure on the sun’s first approach, nor drops it on his departure: add to this its majestic appearance, the rough grandeur of its bark, and the wide protection of its branches. A large, spreading, aged Oak is, perhaps, the most venerable of all inanimate objects.” ** Mark yonder Oaks, superior to the power Ot all the warring winds of heaven they rise, And from the stormy promontory tower, And toss their giant arms amid the skies, While each assailing blast increase of strength supplies.” 476 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 13, 1864 ~ The Hon. Mrs. Hood has furnished her drawing-room with models of figures and groups in the various occupations common to each country, and which are generally copied from the Fllustrated London News. The objects are distin- guished for good taste and considerable skill. ‘© A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. Tts loveliness increases ; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing." The whole is under the excellent management of Mr. Pond, the head gardener. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. : ProcrxpD with former directions as regards manuring and trenching, which are the principal operations at this season. Gravel walks should come in for a share of attention. Sifted coal ashes are an excellent material for the back walks, as it bears the winter traffic well and is always pleasant to walk upon. A coating of this material may now be given if they are ina bad condition. Celery, take advantage of the first dry day that may occur if the ground is in a rather dry state, to earth-up closely any that may have outgrown the previous soiling, and be prepared to protect the ridges in case of severe frost. Dry stable litter answers very well for this purpose. Parsley, endeavour as far as circumstances will permit, to have a good supply under safe protection, for there is generally a large demand for this, and in the event of a severe winter it is difficult to save it by the ordinary protection of hoops and mats. Peas, sow a few more, and Beans, as succession crops, drawing earth to the strong of the first sowings. A little dry charred earth is excellent, laying it on each side of the stems. A few branching sticks or spruce fir will defend them from cold cutting winds or severe frost. : FRUIT GARDEN. It is always desirable to have as much of the pruning and nailing done before the approach of spring as possible. Lose no opportunity, therefore, of forwarding the operations, for besides the advantage of having that kind of work done before the busy season, the garden will present a much neater appearance after the wall trees are nailed, the borders made trim, the small fruit-bearing bushes pruned, and the ground among them slightly forked over. See that the standard trees which have been recently moved or root- pruned are firmly secured against injury from winds, and also let any root-pruning or transplanting remaining to be done this season be executed as soon as possible. FLOWER GARDEN. The weather is still favourable for carrying out alterations and where these are in hand they should be prosecuted with the greatest possible dispatch. Planting and the removal of large trees or shrubs cannot be finished too soon, for it is of the utmost importance that the plants should be afforded some chance of making fresh roots before the trying winds of March. See to even small plants being secured against the wind, for these are often injured by being blown about after planting, which a small stake and a few minutes’ work would prevent. Procure a stock of Briars for budding on next season. Let the roots be well trimmed, cutting back closely the strong ones, for these if left will be of little use save to furnish an endless supply of suckers. As soon as alterations are completed, and the beds and borders are put in proper order for the winter, let a little fresh gravel be put upon the walks if necessary, in order to render them firm and dry for the winter. Plants of a tender habit in the borders should have some litter, sawdust, or old tan spread pretty thickly over the roots, and a few spruce fir or furze jushes stuck round them. Creepers on walls or trellises should now be nailed or tied-in. ‘Those of a tender descrip- tion should be protected. Examine pillar and trellis Roses, and see if the soil wants removing, or the kinds changing. For choice sorts roomy holes should be made, capable of con- taining three or four barrowloads of well-prepared soil. Turfy loam of good quality is the chief ingredient, to this add a portion of rich rotten manure and, if at hand, a little sandy peat or leaf mould. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Chrysanthemums and most of the flowering stock will require frequent attention in watering. The leaves of Ca- mellias, Oranges, &c., are liable toa dark scum: this should be cleaned away with a sponge at this period especially, as the chief interest among pot plants depends in a great measure on cleanliness, both with regard to the leaves and pots. Take care when frost arrives that the Heaths do not be- come too dry of a sudden. The best preventive of this is to be very shy in applying fire heat. We have already alluded to the ill effects of humidity and stagnant air in plant-houses as evils to be guarded against most particularly at this - season, but these are of minor importance compared with one of our own creation, evidence of the existence of which is not unfrequently seen in the drawn and unhealthy occu- pants of greenhouses—we allude to heat, which, judiciously applied, is, of course, of the first importance, but employed without judgment becomes a fertile cause of the evils above described. It must be borne in mind that a spring or sum- mer temperature, without the sunlight of the one or the other, is altogether an anomalous state of things, and one which cannot be pursued consistently ; with things so sus- ceptible of such influences as plants, above all, high night temperature should be avoided. We are convinced of the value of the practice of employing night coverings, and of thus dispensing in a great measure with the use of fires. STOVE. Some of the early-ripened tall Cacti may now be intro- duced either in the stove or forcing-pit, and receive a liberal watering to commence with. Do not encourage any fresh growth at this period, rather aim at that kind of manage- ment which will serve to consolidate the growths already made and to develope the blossoms of the late-fowering plants in a proper way. : FORCING-PIT. This is a capital period at which to introduce a consider- able bulk of things for genuine forcing purposes. Rhodo- dendrons, Azaleas, Persian Lilacs, Moss and Provence Roses, Sweet Briars, Honeysuckles, Kalmias, Daphnes, Rhodoras, the more advanced Hyacinths, Narcissus, Tulips, &c., may now be fairly started. A sweet bottom heat of 80°, and an atmospheric temperature of 65°, will be necessary, whatever the structure. One thing may be here observed, and thatis —that it is in vain to introduce anything unless properly set for bloom. This points to the necessity of a special summer’s training, as advised in proper season in this calendar. PITS AND FRAMES. Look over the plants carefully, at least once a-week, and remove decaying leaves, &c., which, when left, only encourage damp and mildew. See that the frames are well banked up, so as to be proof against any ordinary frost, and do not neglect covering up securely at night.—W. Kmann. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Cuoss a dry day for wheeling a little rotten dung on to alleys, quarters. &c., to be used as wanted, reserving the chief of such work for dry frosty weather. Packed up Carrots, Beet, &c., in sand and dry earth in sheds. Protected Canli- flower, earthed-up Cabbages, and strewed the ground with dry burned rubbish, especially near the plants, which will alike protect them from severe frosts, and set slugs and snails adrift. If this fine mild weather continue much longer, we will just move up the most forward Cabbages in- tended for spring with the point of a steel sork so as to snap the extreme roots, and then fasten the earth firmly about them. This will check growth, and diminishing luxu- riance will render the plants more sturdy for meeting a severe frost. Protected Artichokes with some litter round the crowns, which we find had been neglected. Cleared Asparagus ground of faded tops and weeds, and covered with a dressing of rotten hotbed dung, consisting chiefly of decayed leaves, the virtues of which will be washed to the roots by rains; but, as stated the other week, summer is the right time for helping the Asparagus. Aspwragus Forcing.—Gave plenty of air to Asparagus coming on in a common hotbed. We mentioned the other week that we had forced this vegetable in rather too large ao December 13, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 477 quantities for our supply of plants for several years, and we mention it for recommending the practice of having good / beds for forcing slightly, at least without the necessity of destroying the plants, which is generally the case when old roots are lifted and transferred to a mild hotbed. Last year we stated how such beds should be made so as to be forced by dung, by flues, or hot water; and how for a little help, a bed may have brick or board edgings, with a pit or narrow ditch round it in which fermenting material may be placed in March. No plan costs less trouble for present supply than lifting the roots, from four to seven years old, out of the beds, and forcing them in a slight hotbed; but then, of course, the roots are of no more use, and, therefore, a con- stant succession of young beds must be kept up to take the place of the older ones broken up. Thus treated we have had fine heads about Christmas from plants scarcely more than three years from the seed; but generally it is desirable to have the plants older. One or two inquiries have been made as to the mode of planting such raised plants in the hotbed, and doubts have been expressed as to the possibility of gathering so many heads from such a small space. These doubts would be dis- sipated if it were recollected that all the good*roots and buds were clustered close together, to yield as much as possible in the way of produce, without providing for the produce of another year. We treat these Asparagus plants in the hotbed just as some amateurs treat their one or two stools of Rhubarb in the open air—by slipping off every stalk and leaf that comes—a good plan for obtaining all the present produce possible, but not a good plan if we expect produce every year. Keeping in view, then, that we wish the bed for its space to hold as much as possible, and that by tree leaves, &c., we have a hotbed which will yield from 80° to 90° of bottom heat, we place all over it some 3 inches of sandy soil and leaf mould. We then begin at the end of a row or Asparagus-bed by taking out a trench, and with mattock, spade, and fork undermine the mop-like roots with their crowns, taking care not to break the latter. These will generally be all sound if the bed is young, but some will be rotten and decayed if the beds are old; and such should be removed, as without sound buds and roots there will be no produce. These roots are placed carefully in a barrow and are taken to the bed; and the first row of crowns is placed carefully at the back of the beds, and the long mop-like roots are drawn out in front of them and packed in the light rich soil. The next row of crowns is placed on the top of these roots as near to the first row of crowns as possible, and the mop-like roots drawn forward in a similar manner, and so on until the frame or bed is filled. A slight sprinkling of soil is then put over the roots, a watering given so as to wash in among the long roots, and then a couple of inches of leaf mould or old tan, or any light soil thrown over all. The crop will depend more on the previous treatment and the state of the crowns than on any- thing we can do to give strength to the plants after they are taken up. Extra heat is the greatest enemy they can meet with, and this can be greatly regulated by the air given. When once the shoots are about fit for use in winter, light and air are necessary for colour and flavour; but too much air must not be given in cold weather, or the shoots will be apt to be hard. Instead, therefore, of giving too much bottom heat, we prefer banking up the sides of the frame, so that we can give more air without greatly reducing the inside temperature. Though we speak of hotbeds, however, our amateur brethren may have Asparagus all the winter, especially after Christmas, in their little greenhouses, or even in their rooms and windows. We have seen it very good in cellars—rather pale in colour, it is true, but much improved by being placed in damp sand for a few days before using, and set in a window, a little film being cut from the bottom of the shoot every morning. The damp sand is better than water. We have also grown it on the floor, and even by the sides and on the top of a flue in a greenhouse, beneath stages, &c., in boxes some 8 inches deep and a foot wide, moving the boxes to the light as the shoots rose some 3 or 4 inches above the ground. We have seen some such boxes very nice, in the window of a clergyman’s study, after being forced near the Kitchen fire. It reminded us of the doings of another minister of the gospel, whose kitchen was a recular forcing-house in winter for bulbs, Rhubarb, Sea-kale, &e. Emthusiast as he was in everything connected with gardening, these pursuits were engaged in, less from any object of mere self-eratification, than the—(well, it must have been self-eratification, too, though combined with)—the nobler desire, by means of a flower, or a vegetable out of season, to throw some ray of sunshine into the chambers of affliction and suffering. Owing, we suppose, to the influence of a more than mes- meric warm-hearted kindness, every young girl in the kitchen, instead of grumbling at the trouble, took almost as much interest in the old barrels and tubs that cumbered her domain as her master himself. We have even been assured that the short instructive interviews on such occa- sions have become the beacon lights to regulate the course of a life journey. Such success, under difficulties, is just a proof of the truth of the old adage, that “‘ Where there is a will there will be found a way.” Sea-kale and Rhubarb.—Took up some more roots, and placed them in the Mushroom-house. Here we have just taken a note out of the clergyman’s book. When his Hya- cinths and Tulips, and Narcissus, had filled their pots with roots in the dark cupboard, and begun to push at the top, he used to bring them nearer the fireplace, and, to encourage upright prolongation, place a pot of the same size, reversed, over them, with the small hole in the reversed pot open, except at night. This kept a higher temperature in the atmosphere round the lengthening flower-stem. When the covering-pot got in the way, the pot, with the bulb, was moved to the mantelpiece for a few days, and then to the window. Now, in the case of Sea-kale, we think the easiest and simplest of all plans for forcing it, is just to build a mild hotbed, that will yield about 80° of bottom heat, and from 55° to 60° of top heat, place the roots thickly in it, and cover with any old box or opaque material that will exclude light and air, and which will leave an open space of 12 or 15 inches over the crowns. For a constant supply for first cutting, this plan is apt to give too much produce ata time, and, therefore, it is more suited to large families and market supply, than to small households. In the latter case, little at a time and recularly is more wanted, and, therefore, though we might follow the above plan in a dark corner of the Mushroom-house, we prefer for the first crops, packing a lot of roots in some large pots. If these come faster than we want them, we can remove them to a cooler, dark place. Ifthey do not come so soon as we want them, instead of placing more heat about the pots, which might injure the flavour of the vegetable, we find it better to place a pot of the same size reversed over them, and this soon draws the heads to the desired length. Let it be borne in mind, that all things thus grown in the dark, be it Sea-kale, Rhubarb, Chicory, or Turnip tops, depend. chiefly for their strength on the stored-up matter of the previous season, and for their quality in being used in a comparatively short and stubby state—say 6 inches for Sea-kale, and 10 or 12 inches: for Rhubarb. Go beyond that and you have watery juice instead of substance. Mushvrooms.—Perhaps it would be as well to notice what can only be defended in an emergency. A short time ago we stated that we feared our summer-beds would not give a large enough supply for a shooting party, and, therefore, we put more heat to the first bed in the shed Mushroom-house, by turning over a preparatory bed below the one that was to come on, so as to steam the house, and by letting heat into a hot-water pipe, and steaming the house by syringing the hot pipe. For eight or ten days the heat of the atmo- sphere would range from 60° to 65° and 70°, just from 5° to 10° too much for general purposes. The object so far was gained, as the bed has been, and is now, a white sheet of Mushrooms of ail sizes, from that of the fashionable cap hat to the size of pin heads. But the very sight of the large thick Mushrooms tells the initiated that the thing has been over-done. We like to see those huge Mushrooms, when it is desirable to have them, clinging, as it were, to the bed, with their thick juicy stems only an inch or two in height. Those large specimens we are now gathering, on the contrary, are many of them on stems of from 3 to 4 inches in height—a sure sign that the bed has had too much heat, and almost as sure a sign that the produce may be ample for a time, but that it will be exhausted prematurely, and 478 that, therefore, when this treatment is from necessity re- sorted to, due care should be taken to secure successions. Even what we meant for a succession piece has come in a fortnight or three weeks too soon, and, therefore, a third piece has been spawned and earthed, and a fourth bit put in preparation. In making fresh pieces at this season in houses bearing for table, all rank steams should be avoided, or they will taint, and in some cases discolour the Mush- rooms. The Mushroom itself is in no way particular as to the extra sweetness of the material at its roots, it is only as affecting the top that this care is necessary. In making a fresh bed, therefore, it is desirable to place the rankest material at bottom, and the sweetest at the top, and if this is not quite sufficient, the best remedy for keeping the house sweet by keeping down all noxious steams, is to cover the surface of the bed with a sprinkling, say an inch or more, of dry earth. This after having served its purpose, may be mixed with the manure at spawning time. At first from ne- cessity, through shortness of manure, we used a considerable amount of dry, fibry loam mixed with the fermenting ma- terial, and for some time we do so from choice, as the soil becomes such a good preparer and moderator, that dung may be used without losing its rich properties by turning, dry- ing, &e. Trenching for Carrots.—The cleaning the pleasure grounds and the collecting of leaves has prevented us doing much in the way of digging, trenching, and ridging. Were we sure of a good frost in the month of November, we would prefer leaving such work until the surface of the ground were pretty well frozen, as that is one of our best helps for getting rid of many enemies in the shape of slugs and snails. It is as well not to delay after December, however, for if we wait for the surface to be frozen, we may lose the chance of having the fresh-turned-up ground pulverised and mel- lowed by the best of all cultivators. Bear in mind, that we disapprove of turning down frozen soil; but we do like to have the soil of beds and quarters frozen and thawed again before we turn it down. Im all old kitchen gardens some extra care should be taken in preparing the soil for Carrots and other roots of a similar description. The great draw- back is generally an excess of richness in the surface soil at least, which causes the roots to fork instead of descending straight and well-formed. This also is one reason why the Short Horn is more cultivated in such circumstances than the long Altrincham, &c. For a year or two, our Carrots did not please us, but this season they were very good notwithstanding the drought, and we believe just from preparing the ground as we used to do in old gardens. We have now commenced ridging a piece that has borne heavy crops of winter Onions, Peas between, and then Cauliflower between the Peas. The ground was, therefore, in far too rich a condition, especially near the surface, for Carrots. It is being ridged-up three spits deep, the upper spit being placed at bottom, and the fresh bright soil of the bottom, with just a little of the clayey subsoil, placed at the top. The bottom spits we will not meddle with any more, as they have been well broken; but the top spit, now in the form of ridges, we would scatter over with a little gas lime if we had it, failing that we will sprinkle a little tar with a brush over it, just leaving a drop here and there to deter by its smell; and after sprinkling a little lime, chalk, or lime rubbish, or charred rubbish along the rows, we will turn over these surface ridges several times during the winter before levelling them down for sowing in the spring, and the experience of the past would predicate that next season we shall obtain nice, larce, straight roots, as the best richest soil at the bottom of the trench will entice them down- wards instead of encouraging them to fork at the top. In very poor sandy soil we have seen magnificent crops from manuring heavily, but placing that manure from 12 to 15 inches from the surface. Horseradish.—¥ew things keep up their price at market better than this hot customer. In general it receives but scant justice, being condemned to some out-of-the-way corner, and where, from remaining long in the same place, the produce becomes much harder and less succulent than younger, better-cultivated roots. We have met with some instances where due attention was paid to it, and it went through the rotation of cropping much the same as other perennial vege- tables. In these cases the ground was duly prepared—not JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 13, 1864. ittle bits, in the usual way, but long thin pieces were used for planting, and the ground kept hoed and cleaned among the plants as regularly as among Cabbages or Onions. The result was fine massive bunches of underground stems. There was little difficulty with the old plantations, as, though the smallest bit of root-stem will grow, it will also lose its vitality like the dreaded Convolvulus, if the top is kept well cut with the hoe. The order of these plantations we felt to be a rebuke to some of our out-of-the-way corners. It is not a bad rule, in taking this crop, to keep an open trench ; dig to the bottom of the root pretty well, and fresh: plant as you goon. But wehave always noticed that a man would require the eyes of Argus to do such work anything like systematically: and hence the Horseradish department as to appearance, is generally such that the least said of it the better. In making‘fresh plantations the ground should be trenched from 18 to 24 inches deep; in general little manure will be necessary, and that chiefly placed at the bottom; but if the ground is stiff, or approaching to clay, burned and charred rubbish, lime rubbish, and chalk will benefit it much, and cause the plants to grow with more vigour. The sets should be planted in rows, 20 inches apart, and 8 or 10 inches apart in the row. Where much in demand and valued, a little bit should be planted every two years or so, and the older plantation stubbed up. Other departments next week.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Decemser 10. The supply of out-door vegetables continues good. Forced vegetables only comprise Sea-kale and Dwarf Kidney Beans, Dessert Apples are still plentiful, and principally consist of Newtown Pippin, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Nonpareil, and Old Golden Pippin. In dessert Pears the best are Winter Nelis, Glou Morceau, Chaumontel, Easter Beurré, and Matthews’ Eliza, or ~ Grcom’s Princess Reyal, which is of good quality, and very serviceable at this period of the year. Grapes and Pines are sufficient for the demand. FRUIT. s. d. s. d s. d. 8. d Apples...........3 sieve 1 Ofo2 0| Melons ..............each 1 6to4 0 Apricots doz. 0 0 0 O | Mulberries punnet 0 0 0 0 Cherries .. «jib. 0 0 0 0 | Nectarines ........... doz. 0 0 0 0 Chestnuts ... bush. 14 0 20 0 | Oranges... ..100 5 0 10 0 Currants, Red... sieve 0 0 0 0| Peaches ...... doz 0 0 0 0 Black...... do. 0 0 O O| Pears (kitchen)...bush. 5 0 10 0 Figs...... Be @OZs1 0104 ON O, dessert.........doz- 10 3 0 Filberts 1001lbs. 50 0 80 0] Pine Apples.. 50 8 0 CoUsiierentececsa do. 70 0 80 0] Plums......... 00 00 Gooseberries ..3sieve 0 0 0 Oj Pomegranates. QO Geil Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 2 0 6 0{ Quinces .. 40 60 Muscats.... 5 0 8S 0} Raspberrie: yO Onn OmNO, Lemons 5 0 10 0} Waluuts.., 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. s. d. s. d s.d. 3d Artichokes ..-...... each 0 Oto0 0| Horseradish bundle 2 6to5 0 Asparagus ...... bundle 0 0 O O| Leeks.... 0) 2) 0) 3 Beans Broad...... }sieve 0 0 O O| Lettuce. 20 40 Kidney.. ..100 2 0 3 O/| Muskroo L622 16 Beet, Red.. . 1 0 8 O} Mustd. & Cre 02 00 1 0 2 O} Onions 40 50 26 3 6 pick 06 085 . 1 6 38 O| Parsley ...doz, bunches 4 0 6 0 0 0 0 O| Parsnips 0) 9% 15¢8. 0 5 O 8} Peas...... (0/00) .0)50, . 4 0 6 O| Potatoes ........bushel 2 6 4 0 1 0 2 0| Radishes doz. bunches 0 9 1 0 1 0 2 0 | Savoys .cc.....c000-.. doz 10 2 6 - 0 0 O O| Sea-kale basket 3 0 0 0 2 6 3 O| Spinach.... .Sieve 3 0 ~S 0 0 3 0 0} Tomatoes. 3sieve 0 0 0 6 0 8 O 0} Turnips............0unch 0 3 0 0 0 3 O O| VegetableMarrowsdoz. 0 0 90 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Jownal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, H.C. f N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Coxrrer For Dry Sawpy Sort (Monticola).—None will thrive so well in such a soil as Pinus insignis, and it is one of the most handsome. Booxs (J. 7. P.).—‘¢The Garden Manual,’’ which you can have free by post from our office for twenty postage stamps; and Richardson’s ‘‘ Domestic Pigs,” which you can obtain from any bookseller. x #y December 13, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 479 New ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGED Puants (K. D. 7\).—Of the Mrs. Pollock class of Geraniums you might add to those you already possess, Captain Meade, Lady Cullum, and Sunset; also Saxifraga Fortuni, Lonicera aureo-reticu- lata, Iresine Herbstii, and Aucuba japonica picta. We might name a host of other plants did we know the purpose for which you require them, and whether you can command a stove temperature. You will, however, find a list of the new plants of the year in ‘‘ Hogg’s Gardeners’ Year Book,” about which you inquire. It is now ready, price ls. free by post ls. 2d. Gorse oR Furze PRoPaGaTina (Rusticus).—We find it succeeds better by sowing than transplanting, it being difficult to remove at any time, even when young. PoINsETTIA PULCHERRIMA Dyinc (H. V.).—Your plant is dying from want of a suitable temperature. It is not usual for it to die down at this season, nor in fact at any time, though it does lose its leaves after flower- ing, when it should have a rest and be pruned in. It requires the heat of a stove, and cannot be grown, so far as we know, successfully in a temper- ature of less than 55° in winter, though we have had it doing fairly in a conservatory at about 50°. We fear it is dying back because the shoots were not sufficiently ripened, and you will only accelerate its death by cutting it back. Keep in the warmest and driest part of the house, and give no water beyond a little to prevent the wood shrivelling. If you have a hotbed ready in March we would plunge the pot in it, cutting down when the eyes became prominent, and growing in the frame hotbed all the summer, so a8 to have it in bloom early, which we fear will never be the case if grown in a greenhouse. SHRUBS FoR GrowiIne UNDER TREKS (Rusticus).—The best that we know are Berberis, or Mahonia aquifolium, B. repens, and B. Darwinii. They are very ornamental, and form excellent game cover. We have a planta- tion such as yours, which is desired to be ornamental, and we find that of all things we plant in it Aucuba japonica does the best, and takes to the situation better than any other plant. We have some plants 6 feet high, and as much through, and this under Elm trees which are large enough for rooks to build in. Evergreen Privet does very fairly; so does the Box- leaved Privet ; common Hollies, and common Laurels are indeed good plants for such places, but difficult to establish at first, owing to the dryness of such situations. We planted some hundreds last spring both of Laurels and Hollies, also Aucubas, and, notwithstanding the unparalleled dryness of the summer, we have not lost a single Aucuba, and many Laurels which We thought dead are now shooting from the root; the Hollies are still alive, and will no doubt shoot with the return of spring. They were Watered regularly twice a-week. It is no use planting such things in dry situations unless they are looked after until established. Common Yews we have doing fairly, and Butcher’s Broom well, Box does badly, Rhodo- dendron ponticum middling,—the soil, however, does not suit such plants. Alexandrian Laurel (Ruscus racemosus) does well, Portugal Laurels are indifferent, and the Periwinkles are excellent for covering the ground. We have not had many opportunities of seeing Skimmia japonica in such Situations, but feel justified from what we have heard in recommending it for select spots in shady plantations, BIRMINGHAM Fruit Sxow (W. McP.).—Blenheim Orange and Blenheim Pippin are the same Apple, and the collection in which it was exhibited as two distinct varieties should have been disqualified. It was an oversight on ine part of the judges. The letter you copied was not intended for publica- tion. Epucarion or Garpeners (IW. D.).—The subject needs no further advo- cating. You are quite right in considering a general knowledge of chemistry is desirable to be possessed by a gardener, and you will find chemistry fully applied to horticulture in ‘The Science and Practice of Gardening” published at our office. OBranine A Stock or PurPLe Kine VerBena (P. J. A.).—If you have a gardener friend he would most likely be in a position to let you have the gceater part of the cuttings desired by the beginning of next March. If you could obtain half, or even a fourth of them, by the first week in that month, you might have a hotbed of well-sweetened dung made a fortnight previously, 5 feet high at back, and 4 feet in front, and a foot wider than the frame all round. This would give a bottom heat of from 80° to 85°, and a temperature of from 70° to 75° within the frame. A few inches of rather dry soil should be placed over the bed, and 2 or 3 inches of moist sand upon it. The cuttings, being inserted in pure silver sand, in saucers, without drainage openings, will, if the soil be kept wet, strike in ten days or a fortnight. You may then place some rather light loam and leaf mould within the frame for a few days, to become warm, and in this the cuttings may be potted singiy in 60-sized pots when well rooted, watering gently with water of the temperature of the frame. Continue them in the frame, and when sufficiently grown take off their tops, and make cuttings of these, the bed being lined to keep up a temperature of 60° or 65° at night. These cuttings will strike in another ten days or a fortnight, and be ready for potting off, and in about ten days more they will each furnish a cutting from the point. The cuttings from which they were taken in the first instance will, through the stopping, by this time have made two, three, or more shoots, now of sufficient length for cuttings, which, with those already struck, will give you something like the number of cuttings desired, and of course plants by the latter part of April; but you must so time a bed as to have it ready for the third lot of cuttings by the third week in April, the two first batches being gradually hardened off. The last batch will be struck in ten days or so, when they are to be potted off, and, when well established, gradually hardened off, so as to bear planting out in the last week in May, Providing you cannot obtain one-fourth of the number of cuttings desired by the beginning of March, we would purchase, if we could, a dozen strong plants (which we very much question if we could do), and place them in a mild hotbed, not so hot as for cuttings ; and having other beds ready to strike the cuttings in as they are obtainable, twelve good plants would furnish the number of cuttings you require; but we fear the main difficulty will not be in obtaining the cuttings, but the plants to take them from. Your best plan would be to make friends with some gardener who has these plants to furnish by the thousand. Failing this, we do not think you could do better than purchase a few dozen strong plants early in spring, even if you gave for them a trifle more than the regular price. CryeRArta LEAvEs Curuine (J. P. F.).—If your Cinerarias are free from fly why do you smoke them once a-week? We have no evidence, but think that most likely the curl in the leaf is from the frequent use of the tobacco smoke, and letting it reach the plants in a hot state. Avorxss (H. J. V. H.).—We have not Mr. Noye’s address. CaLADIUMS—CoB@aA scANDENS—GLOoxINIAS (Rosa-flora).—We fear the Caladiums will perish if kept in a greenhouse during the winter. They should be wintered in a stove, and be kept on a damp floor, so that the soil may be kept a little moist. If kept dust dry the roots are liable to rot when they are watered in the spring. If you have no better place than a green~ house, you will make the most of it by keeping them in the hottest part, and not letting the soil become too dry. If the case was heated they ought to have been kept in it without water all winter. Pot them in March, and put them in the case at once, watering sparingly until growth fairly com~- mences, then water freely. Cobcea scandens does not flower because it has not room enough on a small wire trellis. Give the plants large pots to grow in, and the upper part of a back trellis in the greenhouse, and they will bloom abundantly ; or, if you want anything to cover the roof in order to afford a little shade to Ferns and the like, your two plants will cover them in a short time. You will do no good by cutting them down until they become unsightly, when the cutting back will induce fresh shoots with finer foliage. Give the Gloxinias very little water and keep near the glass, and they will go to rest as soon as they ought. Keep in the warmest part of the greenhouse all winter, placing the pots on a damp floor, but without any water. Shift in March from thumb pots into 24’s, watering gently; and do not water much, only keep the soil just moist until they begin to grow. If you have a hotbed to plunge them in after potting they will do all the better, and you may grow them in it until they are showing for bloom, when they will do well in the warmest part of the greenhouseif they are hardened~ off a little before removing them from the hotbed. CoveRInG ASPARAGUS-BEDS IN WINTER (H. WV. Z.).—Unless you wish to have the Asparagus with a long slender underground shoot with no more of it eatable than the green or purple tips, there is no benefit in the French system which you mention, In what way the uncovering of the roots in winter can benefit the plants we cannot perceive; and we know very well if the soil were taken off the crowns in autumn that the frost would kill every crown so exposed in winter, for Asparagus, though a native of this country, becomes very tender through high feeding or rich manuring. The crowns in winter ought not to be covered with less than from 3 to 6 inches of soil, 3 inches more of manure being added every autumn. [t should not be too rotten, so that it may act as a manure and protection at the same time, Taking the roughest of this away in March, and forking the shortest into the beds at the same time, is the best method of securing strong shoots in April onwards, These are not fit for cutting until they are from 3 to 6 inches out of the ground, or more than half green or purple, that part only having the flavour of Asparagus, the underground white part being about as tough, and quite as tasteless, as the root of an Elm tree. This is the English system. and the same as that pursued by your gardener. Year-old plants are not covered with soil or anything in autumn, for, not being highly fed, they are not s@ tender as old plants. The French system differs from the English in earthing the beds in spring, so that the shoots may be blanched their full length, or to a length of 9 inches with the tips just coloured. Such look very nice, but are tasteless. The beds being covered with soil in spring it is necessary to take a quantity of it off in autumn, so as to prevent the roots or crowns rotting, as they are liable to do when in a wet soil, and in order that the roots may be better manured, and not to expose them to the atmosphere, for that can do plants little good when they are in a state of rest. In this case the soil requisite to blanch the shoots would have to be put on the beds again in spring. There cer- tainly would be no harm ia trying the French method; but if you wish good Asparagus for table keep to the old plan.—G. A STENCH IN GREENHOUSE (ZHrin-go-bragh).—Without more particulars we cannot account, with certainty, for the bad smell from your flue. If newly done the lime would give off strong vapours when a strong fire was used. In such a case you had better use a slow fire all day during the mild weather, with plenty of air in the greenhouse, until the bricks and joints are slowly dried. Are you sure that clean water was used for making the lime, and also that the bricks were sound and good? for we recollect of a flue being made with bricks from what had been a manure tank, and no time would remove the smell. In either of these cases much more care and patience must be used. Does the flue craw freely? forif not the smoke will be apt to come through the joints; and if rubbish, such as cinders, contain- ing bits of cloth, feathers, vegetables, &c., is used, if the smoke do not come through the odours will. Is your iron pipe for the smoke large enough for the flue, or if large is it clear throughout? as they soon fill, and the scent from themselves, and then from sending smoke back, is bad. Use, at first, good dry fuel. Hor-warter Pipes ror CucumBer-HousE (Wigan).—VYou do not state the height of your 8 feet wide and 23 feet long span-roofed Cucumber-house, with a bed 2 feet 3 inches wide on each side; but allowing it to be of the ordinary height, we would say that one pipe all round below the beds would be sufficient for Cucumbers in May. ‘Io get Cucumbers all the winter, or very early, you had better have two pipes for bottom heat beneath each bed, and two for top heat all round. Heating By Gas (G. P. S.).—We should be glad ff some experienced correspondents would state tneir practice as to this mode of heating. We adopted it some years ago successfully. Meanwhile we would state that few plants suffer more from gas fumes than Ferns do, and, therefore, the fumes should be kept out of the house by having a tube or chimney to pass into the outer air. Could not the house be heated from the same place as that which is used for the greenhouse? If the results of the combustion of the gas are got ria of, we have no doubt that gas would serve the purpose. CELERY Bo.tine (Bickley).—We presume you mean that your Celery is , throwing up the flower-stalk, and therefore becoming unfit to send to table. You would find lately the whole rationale of this in an article by Mr. Fish. Dryness at the roots is the chief cause, and the next cause is checking growth before planting out. TuBEROSE CuLTURE (Jane).—We fear no better results will attend your efforts another year, as the roots seem to be considerably weakened. We would pot them in March in turfy loam of a rather strong nature, giving only a slight watering, and keeping on a shelf in the greenhouse. In April plunge the pots in a mild hotbed (75°), and keep them there until the first week in August, giving a good supply of water, and syringing the plants overbead, so as to keep down attacks of red spider. They should be kept near the glass. When they have made all the growth they appear disposed to do reduce the supply of water to half for three weeks, and in three weeks more leave it off, During the winter keep the pots in a light airy part of the greenhouse. 480 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 13, 1864. Borers wiTHour Briekwork (S. T.).—Any of those boilers advertised as suitable without setting in brick would answer your purpose, providing you have a chimney from them. If the boiler is inside the house no heat Will be lost, but great care must be taken of the fire to prevent back draughts, or you will have the fumes that the flue now gives you. The advantage of a boiler, with or without hot-water pipes attached, is, that the sides do not get so hot as an ironstove carelessly managed is apt todo. For all small single greenhouses for amateurs we would prefer a brick stove to aniron one, because the brick does not get so hot, and retains the heat longer than the iron. Eanty Viveny (A. B. C.).—Your proposed house will do admirably for early forcing, or for keeping Vines late; but for the purpose you should have three pipes instead of two for your hot-air chamber, and you will want at least double the pipes you propose for top heat. Boor (G. LZ. D.).—‘*The Cottage Gardeners’ Dictionary” defines the names of the plants. It is published by Mr, H. Bohn, London. Tree On1on.—‘A Nurseryman”’ wishes to be informed where he can obtain this species? He has applied without success to other nurserymen. Frnpert anp Cop Nuts (8. 7.).—Most likely the variety advertised in our columns is an improvement on former ones, but whether it be the one you speak of or not, we are notable to say. In our columns next week, you Will see an article on the Filbert by one of our correspondents, which will give the information you require. RasreERRyY Canes nor Beanine (M. B.).—If your situation be a very dry one, this fruit will not do well with you, but if you can remove them to a damper one, so much the better. After planting cover with rough dung. and in future years dig only very shallow amongst them, as the roots lie near the surface. Mulching in summer and supplying with liquid manure will do much to insure good fruit even on dry ground. If the plants be vigorous, you may leave four or five canes, provided the plants be wide enough apart, but do not by any means crowd them. Is your kind a good one? if not, try Prince of Wales, or Improved Fastolff. REMOVING GoosEBERRY, CURRANT, AND OTHER TREES (Jdem).—These May be removed as early as you like, taking care in doing so not to tread the ground into a sort of putty-like mass, The earlier such work is done after the leaf falls the better, in order that the roots may commence their Work in their new abode. Crxeranrras Nor FLrowsRine mv LarcE Pots (Jdem).—It is quite as well that your plants do not show flower-stems, as it is likely these would all become abortive or nearly so, and produce no petals, as is generally the case with Cinerarias showing flower in the dark days. By-and-by your plants Will be all the finer from not throwing up flower-stems too soon. If you can induce them to flower in October that will do, but not later. Pruninc Peace Trees (J. H.).—Itis customary to shorten the shoots in all cases where a good wood-bud can be had to cut back to. Usually such buds are between two bloom-buds, but care must be taken to insure this, and it is better to delay the pruning until these show themselves with certainty. If there be plenty of wood well furnished with bloom-buds on the tree, you may cut away the gross shoots entirely, unless one should happen to be where it is wanted to furnish a naked part of the tree. It is, however, sometimes necessary to leave shoots their full length when trees are uot furnished with wood-buds, and this is often the case in trees not over-healthy, as there is generally one or more buds at the point which are certain to grow. We must also caution you against leaving fruit on a branch that bas not a leading shoot, for although the blossom will set and the fruit will advance to a considerable size on such shoots, it will not arrive at naeny, and will, therefore, only exhaust the tree and cause disappoint- ment. Grapr For Late VinEry—Rovunp anp Lone Brps ALTERNATELY {B. H. W.).—Black Alicante is snited for a late vinery, but is a bad setter. ‘You had better have Lady Downes’. We forget the exact size of the beds at the Crystal Palace, but whatever the diameter of your circle may be, the same width and double the diameter in length will look very well for your Jong beds. Thus, if your circles are 8 or 10 feet in diameter, the long beds should be 8 or10 feet wide, and 16 or 20 feet in length. Of course, the sweep of the circle will cause the rounding-in of the ends of the long beds. It does not matter whether the outside end of a long bed is rounded or not, but it would look as well done so, and to give-u reason for doing so, you might place a small shrub or Rose on the grass there. It is, however, a matter of no moment. The white Geranium will not be so showy as the Feverfew early in the season, but it will likely be better in the autumn. We think the long beds will be best planted in lines with a borderall round. But you may change them every year, and cross and recross them in ever so many ee all be beautiful if symmetrical and the colours bright and inct. Names or Fruits (Inquirer).—Vicar of Winkfield. (7. 7, F.}.—Calville Rouge Apple; Van Mons Léon le Clere Pear. (William Hilder).—1, Blen- heim Pippin; 2, Early Nonpareil; 3, Bedfordshire Foundling; 4, Scarlet Nonpareil. (George Curd).—l, Fearn’s Pippin; 2, Court of Wick; 3, Like @olonel Vaughan’s; 5, Calville Blanche; 7, Old Nonpareil; 8, Franklin's Golden Pippin ; 9, Golden Russet. (J. A., Nottingham).—It is one of the wine Grapes, ard probably never had any name known in this country. It is.quite worthless. Names or Prants (C. S. W.).—Barren frond of Adiantum capillus- Veneris, Common Maiden-hair, y POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. PREVENTING THE RAIDS OF FOWLS— BRAHMA POOTRAS. THERE are one or two plans by which “A SourH CounTRY- MAN” might, I fancy, still keep his special pets, Ham- burghs. True, they are terrible fliers, but it must be remembered that all fowls fly only when alarmed, and that their method of “fencing” is to alight on the fence like a Welsh hunting pony, and then down on the other side. Now, if the present fences of “‘A Sour CouUNTRYMAN” are walls, he may nail stout strips of wood on his yard-side of the wall firmly into it, letting them be 2 feet at the least higher than the wall, and about 6 feet apart. To these let him attach some fine three-inch galvanised wire-netting, and if he do not put a connecting rail between his uprights, as so many do for the sake of appearance, I do not think even his Hamburghs will get over. With a connecting rail they will be certain to make it the alighting spot. In addition to this he may cut half of one wing, and if he is careful to do this himself, cutting only the under wing, no person can detect it, and it materially diminishes the power of flight. If the fences are wooden the same plan may be adopted. A hedge fenve must depend on its goodness, but a foot width of wire at the bottom, if the fowls can get through, and a modification of the uprights and wire at the top ought to succeed. In the case of hedge fences the wire must be wider at the top; but “ WitrsHirr Rector’s” advice to another correspondent in the same Number will suit him. «Try, try, try again,” and from my own experience I feel certain he will succeed. I have to thank several of your correspondents for kindly notices of any communications, and I am very glad to see from “BRraxuMma Poorra’s ” account, that my history of Lord Tredegar’s Show is bearing fruit. f I hardly know how to take myself in reverse—to wit, «7, A.B. Y.,” “Tis hard work to write the letters that way,” and, as Sam Slick would say, “don’t seem to come kinder natteral.” Does he mean all he says? or is he, as the same author would say, only “a bamming of me?” Well, it is more suited to my amour propre, bump very largely de- veloped, that it should be the first; but I may tell him, that “the idea of the judge giving an account of his awards” is not mine, but I either read in your report of the Poultry Club October Meeting, or dreamt that I did, to this effect, that in cases where the judge appeared to have given the prizes in opposition to the standard of excellence, he would be requested to explain his reasons for so doing, and I still think that from such exposition made public all of us would learn something. I do not know whether “Z. A. B. Y.’ fancied I was the writer under other feathers of the said article, in defence of the purity of my pets (Brahmas), signed “B.,” if so, he will shortly find out his mistake; at any rate I think he will see at Birmingham, that although the correspondent might have been buried with the Brahmas, his proposed tablet erected and all, that somehow the Brahmas themselves have survived the burial and have mustered more strongly than ever, and that numbers will call them remarkably handsome birds.—Y. B. A. Z. DARLINGTON EXHIBITION OF POULTRY AND PIGEONS. Tuts was the twelfth annual meeting held under the ma- nagement of the Darlington Committee, and it is most satisfactory to say a better Show need not take place, even: in the most favoured locality. The popularity of the meet- ing just closed may be estimated from the fact that not only were to be found in the catalogue thenames of most of the principal English breeders, but also the Show was greatly improved by a very spirited competition from noted breeders resident in Scotland, and even the Emerald Isle. The very liberal list of prizes, therefore, offered at Darlington carries conviction that, with a good amount. of premiums, a first- rate competition may invariably be insured. The arrangement of the pens was excellent, and the most careful attention was devoted to the specimens whilst publicly exhibited. The total number of pens shown was somewhat over seven hundred, and the amount of inferior specimens was remarkably few. In Spanish fowls Viscountess Holmesdale took precedence in adults, and Mr. Brown, of Sheffield, in chickens, the cup being secured by the adult birds, though the chickens ran closely for this much-coveted honour. In Grey Dorkings the show was most meritorious, and, per- haps, the rivalry was even greater in these classes than any other throughout the Show. As may be generally supposed, December 13, 1864. J Viscountess Holmesdale made a very large and superior display of these useful birds. This lady’s first-prize pen of old birds added most materially to the high reputation of the strain of Dorkings, for which Linton Park is now so pro- verbial. They gained the first prize in their particular class, an extra prize of a silver cup for the best pen of Grey Dorkings exhibited, and the yet additional trophy of the Society’s principal silver cup for the best pen of poultry in the Exhibition, all breeds competing. Of course the neigh- bourhood of this particular pen seemed a perfect “resting- place”’ for all visitors, and at times it was even difficult to obtain a furtive glance, the anxiety to get a sight of them being universal. In chickens Mr. Charles Priest, the well- known manager of the poultry belonging to the Marchioness of Bath, stood in the first position with some capital birds that were equally successful at Brighton the previous week, and seemed but little the worse of their long journey. The first-prize Single Grey Dorking Cock was the rosy-combed one that has been ofttimes equally successful in other years, the property of Lady Holmesdale. Mr. John Robin- gon, of Vale House, had it all his own way in White Dorkings with a very superior collection. In Cochins the success was almost a counterpart of that at the late Birmingham meeting, Capt. Heaton taking the cup, pressed closely by Mr. Bates, of Birmingham, Mr. Stretch, of Ormskirk, and one or two others. The White Cochins were really good, and shown in first-rate condition. In Brahmas Mr. Boyle, of Poyner Park, Dundrum, Dublin, left but a very sorry lot of premiums to the share of his rivals, winning in both classes (old and chickens), and again for Single Cocks, though the competition was excellent, and the classes well filled. The Game were all of high character, and Messrs. Statter, Fletcher, Aykroyd, Julian, Sir George Gore, Billing, Cross- jand, and a few others found a host of opposition from Game fowls of the best strains in the kingdom arrayed against them, so that to win their position was no slight undertaking. In Hamburghs the Spangled birds were beyond doubt the best represented variety—a feature we scarcely anticipated in so generally well-known classes, particularly as the Pen- cilled breeds abound in the surrounding districts. The Polands were exceedingly good, the Black with White Crests being especially so. We regret, as faithful journalists, to be compelled again to record a fresh attempt at deception practised by the owner of decidedly the best pen shown in this class, and which discovery not only entailed the loss of a first prize they would otherwise have obtained, but the well-merited disgrace of public *‘ disqualification” also. It really appearsas though, to some minds, the annoyance of detection exercised but little salutary influence in such matters; for it is only, per- haps, six months back that the same exhibitor, Mr. Henry Carter, of Upperthong, Holmfirth, met with similar exposure for then dyeinls the tail of a Poland cock; the imposition on the present o¢casion being adopting a similar plan as regards the legs of t}.e fowls he exhibited. It is well known to all experienced /oreeders that the legs of Black Polands fade much in coloir from age, still this fact affords no justifica- tion for adoyting measures to secure prizes quite opposed to all regulatiojis, and equally so to the opinions of all straight- forward con petitors. In the hope to put down such unjust practices, aj they affect other exhibitors’ interests, we adopt the plan of/2xposing to public animadversion every case that may be capable of Proof ; and though an occasional ill-gotten prize may possibly be secured by such malpractices, the risk of disgrace may, we trust, even yet prove a deterrent for the future. ; The Silver and Gold-spangled Polands were better than customary ; and most of the Bantams were exceedingly good. Geese, Turkeys, and Ducks were shown of the best quality. The show of Pigeons was capital throughout, though the entries were somewhat less extensive than heretofore. The Carriers, Powters Fantails, Barbs, and Jacobins are worthy of especial mention. SpanisH (Black).—First and Cup, Viscountess Holmesdale, Linton Park. Second, E. Brown, Sheffield. Commended, Mrs. Bolland, Bedale. Chickens. —First, E. Brown, Sheffield. Second, D. Parsley, Bristol. Third, J. Short- hose, Newcastle-on-Tyne. SpanisH (Black),—Cock.—First, H. C. Nobbs, Northampton. Second, E. Brown, Shefiela. Highly Commended, Viscountess Holmesdale. Come mended, D. Parsley, Bristol. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 481 Dorxrngs (Coloured).—First and Cup, Viscountess Holmesdale. Second, . Statter, Whitfield, Manchester. Highly Commended, F. Pease, Southend, Darlington ; Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby, Stokesley; Miss Forster, Cliffe, Pierce- bridge. Commended, Lord Binning, Mellerstain, Kelso, N.B.; Miss Milne, Otterburn, Kelso, N.B.; A. Perkins, Darlington. Chickens.—First, C. Priest, Worthing. Second, F. Pease. Third, Sir St. G. Gore, Hopton Hall. Highly Commended, Viscountess Holmesdale; Rev. J. G. A. Baker, Biggles- wade. Commended, J. White, Northallerton; Rev. J. F. Newton; Vis- countess Holmesdale; J. Robinson, Garstang; Sir J. D. Wauchope, Bart., Dalkeith, N.B. Dorxines (Coloured).—Pair of Pullets.— First, C. Priest, Worthing. Second, Sir J. D. Wauchope, Bart. Commended, F. Pease, Southend; Miss A. Wilcox, Nailsea Court, Bristol. Dorxines (Coloured).—Cock.—First, Viscountess Holmesdale. Second, JT. Statter, Manchester. Highly Commended, C. Priest, Worthing; W.G. Bannister, Woodbridge, Suffolk; Sir J. D. Wauchope Bart. Commended, J. White, Warlaby ; F. Pease, Southend; Rey. J. F. Newton, Kirby; Rey. J. G. A. Baker, Old Warden. Dorxrnes (White).—First and Cup, J. Robinson, Garstang. Second, D. Parsons, Cuerdon, Chickens.—First, J. Robinson. Second, H. Lingwood, Needham Market, Suffolk, CocHin-Curna (Cinnamon and Buff ).—First, Capt. H. Heaton, Man- chester. Second, H. Bates, Birmingham. Coimmended, C. T. Bishop, Lenton, Nottingham. Chickens.—Firstand Cup, Capt.H. Heaton. Second, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Highly Commended, A. Perkins, Darlington. Com-~ mended, J. Nelson, Heaton, Mersey. Bs Cocuin-Cuma (Any other variety).—First, Rev. F. Taylor, Kirby Lons- dale, Second, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfield. Chickens,—First, W. Dawson. Second, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Highly Commended, Rev. F. Taylor; H. Bagge, Cambridge. Commended, H. S. Stobart, Witton Tower, : Cocutn-Cuina (Any variety).—Pair of Pullets.—First, H. Bates, Bito mingham. Second, Capt. H. Heaton, Manchester. Highly Commended, C. Kershaw, Ashton-under-Lyne; A. Perkins, Darlington. Cuommended, W. Gamon, Thornton-le-Moors, Chester. Cocurn-Cuina (Any variety).—Cock.—First, Capt. H. Heaton, Manchester. Second, A. Perkins, Darlington. Highly Commended, J. Nelson, Heaton Mersey, Manchester. Commended, H. Bates, Birmingham; W. Dawson, Hopton; Rey. J. G. Milner. BraumMa Poorras.—First and Cup, R. W. Boyle. Second, UH. Lacy Hebden Bridge. Highly Commended, C. Priest, Worthing. Chickens.— First, R. W. Boyle. Second, H. Lacy. Highly Commended, I’. Pease, Southend; C. Priest. Commended, Rev. A. D. Shafto, Brancepeth Rectory F, Pease; E. Greenwood, Burnley ; J. Wright, Woodbridge. Brana Pootras.—Cock.—First, R. W. Boyle, Dundrum. Second, J- Wright, Woodbridge. Highly Commended, C. Priest, Worthing. Com- mended, T. Statter, Manchester. i Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).—First, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, Manchester. Second, H. M. Julian, Hull. Highly Commended, TY. Robin- son, Ulverston; G. W. Binns, Darlington. Chickens.—First and Cup, BE. Aykroyd, Bradford. Second, J. Smith, Grantham. Third, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Highly Commended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, ei Game (Any other variety).—First, W. J. Cope, Barnsley. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Chickens.—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, E. Aykroyd, B rd. aie (Any variety).—Cock.— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, J. Smith, Breeder Hills. Highly Commended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough ; G. Pounder, Kirby Moorside; I. Statter, Manchester; H. M. Julian, Hull. Cockerel.—First and Cup, E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Second, M. Billing, june, Erdington. Highly Commended, T. Statter; Sir St. G. Gore, Bart, Com- mended, H. Thompson, Old Hutton; A. Perkins, Darlington. Gamer (Any variety).—Pair of Pullets.— First, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Second, W. J. Pope, Biggleswade. Highly Commended, E. Aykroyd, Bradford ; A. Perkins, Darlington; T. Robinson, Ulverston; F. L. Roy, jun.. orn, Kelso. : : dads (Gold and Silver-pencilled).—First, J. Robinson, Garstang. Second, H. Beldon, Gilstead. eae oy Commended, Viscountess Holmes- b mended, J. E. Powers, Biggleswade. _ Se Sas (Gold and Silver-spangled).— F-rst and Cup, H. Beldou, Gilstead. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Highly Commended, W. K. Dux- bury, Leeds; J. Robinson, Garstang; J. Shorthose, Newcastle-on-Tyne ; uth Davies, Newport, Monmouthshire; T. Burch, Sheffield. _ HamBurcHs (Golden-pencilled).— Chickens.—First, J. Robinson, Garstang. Second, W. H. Dyson, Bradford. Highly Commended, Rev. R. Roy, ‘Wor- cester; Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Commended, A. Nuttall, Newchurch ; J~ Sunderland. 5 a 5 ; urnaus (Golden-s) angled).—Chickens.—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. seuonds'B: aoe Keighley. Highly Commended, H. Beldon, Gilstead 5 {, Burch, Sheffield. Commended, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. | - HamBurcHs (Silver-pencilled).—Chickens.—First, J. Robinson, Garstang. ir St. G. Gore, Bart. f $ Second snes (Silver-spangled).—Chickens.—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, A. Beldon, Gilstead. Highly Commended, Mrs. Sharp, peaclout Pouanps (Black, with White Crests),—First, J. Smith, Keighley. Second, F. Pease, Southend. Disqualified, H. Carter, Upper Thong, Holmfirth, legs painted. ? ‘ p ad. Second Nps (Gold or Silver-spangled).—First, H. Beldon, Gilstead. Second, B Pease, Sathana. Highly Commended, H. Beldon; F. Pease. Com~ . Pease. fs een (Gold ‘and Silver-laced).—First and Second, F. L. Roy, Jun; New- thorn, N.B. Highly Commended, J. Crossland, jun. 5 F. Pease; W. K. Daxbury, Leeds. Commended, J. Crossland, jun. pie Bantams (White and Black).—First, T. Davies, Newport. Senos I Crossland, jun., Wakefield. BSS aa Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. 7. J. Charlton, Manningham. i Coe rea tGame) math and Cup, J. Crossland, jun. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Highly Commended, Hon. W. T. W. Fitzwilliam, Wentworth; J. Crossland, jun.; G. Smith, Waverley, Derbyshire ; J. Barker, Sunder- land. 5 ir St Ams (Game).—Cock.—First, F. Pease, Southend. Second, Sir St. Bucares Bart. ne Commended, E. Brown, Sheffield; W. Rogers, Sun- derland. : A ‘Aylesbury).—First and Cup, J. Smith, Breeder Hills. _ Second, Se ieeen ote eee Ducklings.—First and Second, Mrs. Seamons. Commended, J. Eden, Greenbury, Scorton. Ducks (Rouen).—First, J. Nelson, Heaton Mersey, Manchester. Second, 482 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 13, 1864, T. H. Barker, Hovingham. Ducklings.—First and Cup, R. W. Boyle, Dun, drum. Second, T. Statter, Manchester. Commended, J. Nelson; W.Gamon, Thornton-le-Moor ; J. D. Newsome, Batley. Ducxs (Any other variety).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. T. H. D. Bayley, Biggleswade, Beds. Southend; W. A. Wooler, Darlington; S. Burn, Whitby; J. Harris, Darlington. Commended, E. Stamper, Darlington; J. R. Jessop, Hull. GxrrsE.—First, Mrs. Seamons, Aylesbury. Second, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Highly Commended, F. Pease, Southend. Goslings.—First and Cup, R. W. Boyle, Dundrum. Second, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. TurxkrEys.—First, F. Pease, Southend.. Second, J. Smith, Breeder Hills, Highly Commended, Mrs. Bolland. Powlts.—First and Cup, J. Smith. Second, F. Pease. Highly Commeuded, Rev. P. W. Storey, Dewsbury. TuRKEYS.— Cock.—First, F. Pease. Second, J. Smith. ANY oTHER Distinct Brrep.—First, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. H. Beldon, Gilstead (White Polands). (Cochin Bantams), SELLING Cuass (Any breed).—First, Rey. P. W. Storey, Daventry. ‘Second, J. Robinson, Garstang (Golden-spangled Hamburghs). Third, Miss Roy, Kelso, N.B. (Brahma Pootra). Highly Commended, G. Yeats, Studley, Ripon (Coloured Dorkings); W. Lawrenson, Eaglescliffe. Commended, Hon, W. T. W. Fitzwilliam, Wentworth (Golden-pencilled Hamburghs) ; W. Massey, Gedney (Buti Cochin); J. White, Warlaby; F. Pease, Southend (White Cochin and Brahma Pootra); W. K. Duxbury, Leeds; Sir St G. Gore, Bart.; T. Clemenson, Darlington (Brown Red Game). Extra Stoce.—Highly Commended and Commended, F. Pease, Scuthend (Golden and Silver Pheasants). PigEons.—Carrier Cock (Any colour).—First and Second, T. Colley’ Sheffield. Highly Commended, J. Thompson, Bingley. Commended, W Woolley, Bunbury, Cheshire. Hen.—First, W. B. Van Haansbergen, Neweastle-on-Tyne. Second, F. Else, Bayswater. Powter Cock (Any colour).—First and Second, G. R. Potts, Sunderland. Highly Commended, S. Robson, Burton Salmon. Commended, H. Brown, Sheffield. Hen.— First and Cup, G. R. Potts. Second, H. Brown. Highly Commended, G, R. Potts. Tumblers (Almond).—First, F. Else, Bayswater. Second, T. Rodham, Guisbrough. Tumblers (Any other variety).—First, W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe, Newark. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Fantails.— First, W. B. Yan Haansbergen, Newcastle. Second, F. Else, Bayswater. Trumpeters.—First, J. R. Robinson, Sunderland. Second, F. Else. Barbs. —First, W. B. Van Haansbergen, Newcastle. Second, W. Wooley, Bun- bury. Jacobins.—First and Second, J. Thompson, Bingley. Highly Com- mended, J. T. Phipps, Darlington, Turbits.—First and Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, T. C. Taylor, Middlesbrough. Owls.— First, J. R. Robinson, Sunderland. Second, ¥. Else. Highly Commended, H. Yardley. Any other New or Distinct variety.—First, W. B. Van Haans- bergen. Second and Highly Commended, H. Yardley (Spots and Satineties) - Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, and Mr’ Richard Teebay, of Fulwood, Preston, judged all classes except Game; the Game fowls coming exclusively under the jurisdiction of Mr. Thomas Challoner, of Chesterfield ; and Mr. W. Thompson, of Southowram, Halifax, officiated for the Pigeons. Second, Highly Commended, F. Pease, Second, Highly Commended, F. Pease YORKSHIRE SOCIETY’S POULTRY, PIGEON, AND RABBIT SHOW. (From a Correspondent.) ‘aE eighth annual Exhibition of this flourishing Society terminated at York, on Friday, the 2nd inst., with results highly satisfactory to its promoters. This year a large additional attraction to the Show, was created by the intro- duction of Pigeons and Rabbits, and the receipts were about £100 in excess of last year. There was 2 good show, em- bracing 265 pens of poultry, 276 of Pigeons, and 52 Rabbits. The birds were well arranged, and the building is well adapted for the purpose. The city of York being very central for such an Exhibition, I hope next year to see a large in- crease in the entries. It must be borne in mind that this year the Birmingham Show was going on at the same time, nevertheless, the poultry and Pigeon classes were all well filled with first-class birds from some of the principal breeders and exhibitors in England. The Rabbits were also well re- presented, though next year I anticipate some additional classes for the various colours, &c. I submit the following notes on the various classes. Dorkings, the second-prize pen I think ought to have been first, and Mr. Pease, of Darlington, showed a splendid pen of Whites, which certainly ought to have been noticed. In the chicken class the birds were of great merit, and I think fairly judged. The Spanish classes, both adults and chickens, contained some excellent birds. The Cochins were well re- presented, there being twenty-five entries; but I was sorry to see only one class for all the varieties. The Game classes were all well filled, but no birds of any particular merit shown. ‘The four classes of Hamburghs were also well re- presented with some beautiful specimens, though in some classes I think they were not at all well judged, especially the Silver-spangled. There was a good display of Polands, Miss Beldon taking first with a splendid pen of Silvers. In ‘class was well filled, containing seventeen entries. the “ Any variety’ class there were nineteen entries, ten of them being for Brahma Pootras, thus showing the necessity of establishing a separate class for these birds. There were also some entries of them in the “selling class.” In Game Bantams there were sixteen entries. The first prize went to a beautiful pen shown by Mr. George Smith, Staveley, Ches- terfield. In Bantams of any other variety, there were twelve entries. The first prize went to Mr. R. Pease, Darlington, for a splendid pen of Silver-laced. In Ducks, Rouen, or any other variety, there was a large entry, but the judging has given very great dissatisfaction. The Aylesbury Ducks, Geese and Turkeys, were all well re- presented, and I think fairly judged. In Pigeons there was great competition in the Carrier classes, there being twenty-nine entries for the best cock of any colour, and twenty-seven for hens. It is generally con- sidered that the cocks were fairly judged; but in hens it is thought the second-prize Dun, belonging to Mr. F. Else, Bays- 1 water, ought to have been first. In Powter cocks of any colour there were twenty-two entries; and in hens of any colour, there were nineteen entries. The general opinion of fanciers is, that in these two classes the birds were not at all judged rightly, as in the cock class there was a fine dis- play, consisting of Mealies, Whites, and Blues, belonging to one of our famous breeders, Mr. Henry Simpson, of Newark, and I consider one of his Mealy birds to be the finest style of bird ever seen, having symmetry in every point. His white Powters were also of great merit, the first-prize bird belong- ing to Mr. 8. Robson, Brotherton, having been bred by him, gives him great credit. The Short-faced Tumblers were not well represented. In Tumblers of any other variety, there was a very good show of this class of bird, they being re- presented by many good specimens. In Fantails there was an extraordinary show, they being represented by twenty-one entries, containing many first-class birds. The Trumpeter In the Barb class there were no birds of extraordinary character. In the “ Any other variety ” class there was a fine display of birds, and twenty entries, the first prize going to Nuns. There was a good display of foreign specimens, but I was sorry to see none of them noticed. The “selling class” was well filled with forty-two entries, the first prize being carried by Barbs, the second by Fantails belonging to Mr. H. Simpson, Newark. Mr. Simpson’s Fantails could have been claimed at least ten times over. i There was an excellent show of Rabbits, including some very fine specimens shown by Mr. Ridpeth, of Manchester. The first prize tortoiseshell buck exhibited by Mr. Alex. Cattley, of York, was a fine specimen, and well deserving of its place. The entry for Dutch was only small, but the specimens were good. In Himalayans there was only one entry. i : The following is the list of prizes awarded :— Dorxines.—First, Miss E. Beldon, Gilstead, Bingley. Second, T.E. Bell, Wetherby. Chickens.—Prize, F. R. Pease, Southend, Darlington. _ fpanisH.—First, G. Jackson, York. Second, Miss E. Beldon, Gilstead. Chickens.—Prize, S. Robson, Brotherton. Cocuin-Cuina.—First, T. H. Barker, Hovingham. Second, H. A. Hudson, Ousecliffe, York. Chickens.—Prize, R. Dewes, Knaresborough. i Game (Black-breasted or other Reds).—First, J. Sunderland, Halifax. Second, Miss E. Beldon, Gilstead. ‘ Game (Any other variety).—First, H. M. Julian, Hull. Second, T. Hartley, Head Leig. Chickens.—Prize, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. HampureH (Golden-pencilled).—First, Miss E. Beldon, Gilstead. Second, A. Nuttall, Newchurch, Manchester. 4 Hampureu (Silver-pencilled),—First, J. Sunderland. Second, D. Mling- worth, Burley, near Otley. y Hamsureu (Golden-spangled).—First, Miss E. Beldon, Gilstead. Second, I. Todd, Newall-with Clifton, Otley. Hampureu (Silver-spangled).—First, Miss E.Beldon. Second, C. Outram, Sheffield. = Ponisu (Any variety).—First, Miss E. Beldon. Hull. ANY FARMYARD Cross, OR OTHER VARIETY NOT PREVIOUSLY CLASSED.— First, R. Loft, Woodmansey, Beverley. Second, Miss E, Beldon. Third, E. Leech, Rochdale. Bantams (Game).— First, G. Smith, Staveley, Chesterfield. G. Cutler, Malinbridge, Sheffield. : BanraMs (Any other variety).—First, F. R. Pease, Southend, Darlington, Second, Miss E. Beldon. TurKEys.—First, F. R. Pease. Second, Mrs. Legard, Poppleton. Powlts. —First, Mrs. E. Hick, Heslington, York. Second, E. Leech, Rochdale. Grrse.—First, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Second, F. R. Pease, Southend, Darlington. Ducks (Aylesbury).—First, E. Leech, Rochdale. Second, O. A. Young, Driffield. Ducxs (Rouen or any other).—First, J. K. Jessop, Hull (East Indian). Second, W. K, Daxbury, Leeds. : Second, R. Jessop, Second, December 13, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 483 ee eee SELLING Crass (Any variety).—First, T. Hartley, Gomersall. Miss E. Beldon. Third, W. Harker, Cottingley, Bingley. Extra Pourrry.—Prizes were awarded, to F. Powell, Knaresborough, and T. Watson, Heworth, York. Picrons.—Carrier Cock (Any colour).—First, G. H. Sanday, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham. Second, A, F. Leite, Manchester. Hen.—First, T. Colley, Sheffield. Second, F. Else, Bayswater, London. Powter Cock (Any colour).—First, S. Robson, Brotherton, Burton Salmon. Second, G-R. Potts, Sunderland. Hen.—First, H. Brown, Walkley, Sheffield. Second, H. Simpson, Newark, Notts. Tumblers (Short-faced, any colour).—First, . R. Jessop, Hull, Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Tumblers (Any other variety).—First, I. Todd, Newall-with-Clifton, Otley. Second, H. Simpson, Newark. Fantails.—First, E. Horner, Harewood, Leeds. Second, T. Hives, Cotgrave, Nottingham. Trumpeters.—First, Miss E. Beldon. Second, F. Else. Barbs.—First, W. B. Van Haansbergen, Newcastle-on- Tyne. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Jacobins.—First, J. Thompson, Bingley. Second, G. H. Sanday, Nottingham. Turbits.—First, H. Yardley. Second, G. Fletcher, Acomb, York. Owls.—First, G. A. Sanday. Second, F. Else. Any other New or Distinct variety.—First, 0. A. Young, Driffield. Second, T. R. Trenam, Helmsley. Selling Class (Any breed) ,—First, J. R. Robinson, Sunderland. Second, H. Simpson, Newark. Ravsits.—Lop-eared Buck (Any colour).—First, A. Cattley, York. Second, T. H. Ridpeth, Rusholme, Manchester. Doe.—First, T. H. Ridpeth. Second, G. Calvert, York. Himalayan.—Prize, J. W. Frier, York. Dutch.—First, S. Hall, York. Second, G. Jackson, York. The Judges were Mr. J. W. Thompson, Southowram, near Halifax; Mr. James Smith, Walkley, near Sheffield; and Mr. Harry Adams, Beverley. Second, THE BRIGHTON POULTRY EXHIBITION. WE are not aware of any local poultry show that has so speedily won its way into public favour as that under the management of the Brighton committee. Although only three years have passed since its first institution, and though beginning in a very small way, its promoters were in no wise disheartened. Last year great progress was evident, and the exhibition just concluded was quite equal to the best of local meetings of this character. We trust 80 satisfactory an issue may conduce to similar exhibitions in the surrounding districts being speedily restored to the high position they held some ten years ago; for the falling off in the number of shows in the south of England is certainly rather to be attributed to the supineness of committees than to any indisposition on the part of either the general public or exhibitors to support them. The exhibition at Brighton proved a most successful one in coloured Dorkings, the specimens exhibited by the Mar- chioness of Bath being such as would be highly creditable to any show. The chickens were peculiarly fine and well- grown birds, the best for their age we have this year met with, and there is not much reason to doubt that we shall speedily hear of them again at the head of other prize lists. Some good specimens were shown in the class for the best coloured Dorking cockerel, but from some cause or other several old birds put in an appearance, that, of course, met with instant disqualification. Exhibitors cannot possibly be too careful in consulting their prize schedules before enter- ing, as no two lists are probably alike, and the conditions they impose must necessarily he enforced to the letter. The Game classes were decidedly the least perfect of any in the showyard, and the entries were unusually limited. Black Spanish were good, but had barely recovered from moulting. The best feature in the Brighton Show was the Brahmas, of which twenty-seven pens were on the spot. It is not beyond their desert to say that this collection was quite equal to any we ever saw at even the largest of our poultry shows. The excellence of these birds throughout, whether dark or light coloured, was so remarkable, that they formed the chief attraction of the meeting, and never was competition so severe. The Cochins were not a large nor a very perfect class; but the Hamburghs were particularly fine, especially the Golden-pencilled ones. The Polish were also good. In Game Bantams there was a good display, Mr. Kelleway, of the Isle of Wight, taking the chief honours with uncom- monly neat and beautiful specimens. Mrs. Seamons, of Aylesbury, took her accustomed place in the prize list, her best pen of three birds weighing 27 lbs. The Turkeys and Geese were well represented, and the Show was favoured with a first-rate attendance, the weather being quite summerlike. Dorkres (Coloured).—First and Second, Marchioness Dowager of Bath, Worthing. ‘Third, A. Stanford, Eatons, Steyning. Highly Commended, Marchioness Dowager of Bath; W. Stanford, jun. Commended, A. Stan- ford. Chickens.—First and Second, Marchioness Dowager of Bath. Third, ‘T. Roper, Barham, Suffolk, Highly Commended, Marchioness Dowager of Bath; A. Stanford. Commended, G. Hudson; Sir P. Burrell, Bart., M.P.; — Hawes, Hayes, Horsham. Cockerels.—First, A. Stanford. Second, Rev. J. G. A. Baker, Biggleswade. Third, Marchioness Dowager of Bath. Highly Commended, Sir P. Burrell, Bart., M.P. Game.—First, Rev. T. C. Hose, Little Wymondley, Stevenage. Second, H. Gorringe. Third, G. Boniface, jun., Ford, Arundel. Commended, H. Gorringe. _Chickens.—First, G. Boniface, jun. Second, G. W. Ranwell, Portsea. Third, W. J. Pope, Biggleswade, Beds. Sweepstakes Single Cocks.—First, and Third, G. Boniface, jun. Second, H. Gorringe. SPANISH (Black).—First, J. H. A. Jenner, Lewes. Second, R. Wright, London. Third, Rev. J. de la S. Simmonds, Winchester. Chickens.—First, E. Draper, Northampton. Second, A. Heath, Calne, Wiltshire. Third, W._R. Bull, Arundel. Highly Vommended, W. R. Bull. Commended, O. E, Cresswell, Hanworth, Hounslow; Rev. J. de la S, Simmonds. BrauMa Poorra. — First and Third, Marchioness Dowager of Bath. Second, C. Cork, Shoreham. Highly Commended, Marchioness Dowager 0 Bath; Rev. T. C. Hose, Stevenage; W. L. Barclay, London; R. Ede, Worthing. Commended, Marchioness Dowager of Bath; J. Pares. Cocuin-Cuiva.—First, T. W. Russ, Hastings. Second, Mrs. M. Seamons, Third, Mrs. Prescott. Highly Commended, F. Zurhorst, Donnybrook, PotisH (Any variety).—First, J. Hinon. Second,—Edwards, Lyndhurst Third, D. Mutton, Brighton. Hampvureus (Gold-pencilled or Spangled).—First and Second, F. Pittis, jun., Newport. Third, — Hunter, New Malden, Surrey. Highly Com- mended, G. Edgar, Lancing. HameBuraus (Silver-pencilled or Spangled).—First, Marchioness Dowager of Bath. Second, — Pyne, South Lancing. Third, — Saltmarsh, Chelms- ford. Bantams (Any variety).—First and Second, J. Kelleway,Merston, Isle of Wight. Third, F. Pittis, jun. Highly Commended, Hon. F. Petre, Brent- wood. Commended, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Exeter. ANY VARIETY NOT PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED.—First, F. Zurhorst, Donny- brook (Sultans). Second, — Cother, Salisbury (Malay Pheasant). Third Marchioness Dowager of Bath (Silkies). Highly Commended, — Edwards, Lyndhurst (White Dorking) ; J. Willett, Lewes (White Dorking) ; E. Pigeon, Lympstone (La Fléche); Mrs. Brassey, jun. (Creve Coeur). Commended J. Pares, Chertsey (Andalusian) ; J. Hinton, Hinton, Bath (Malays) ; Mar- chioness Dowager of Bath (Silkies). Grrsr.—First, Mrs. Seamons, Aylesbury. Second, — Barclay (Toulouse). Third, Sir P. Burrell, Bart, M.P. Highly Commended, T. Poole, Brighton Spanish). : pe) (Aylesbury).—First and Second, Mrs. M. Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury. Third, — Willett, Lewes. Highly Commended, — Parlett, Chelmsford. i Ducks (Any other variety). — First, W. Stanford, jun (East Indian). Second, J. Adams, Fareham. Third, Marchioness Dowager of Bath (Rouen). Highly Commended, — Barclay; Marchioness Dowager of Bath (Rouen). Commended, Sir P. Burrell, Bart., M.P.; E. Pigeon, Lympstone (East Indian). : ni Tourkeys.—First, Lady Macdonald, Liphook, Hants. Second, Miss Mil- ward. Third, W. Newland, Broadwater. Highly Commended, — Hum- phrey, Ashinytor. PrcEons (Dragons or Carriers).—First and Second, E. Draper, North- ampton (Carriers). Third, — Cork, Shoreham (Blue Dragons). Pricrons (Any other variety).— First, Dr, Gream (Powters). Second, — Bunce, Walworth (Black Mottled Tumblers). Third, A. Middleton, Newport (Turbits). Highly Commended, — Bunce, (Almond Tumblers) ; — Amore, Brighton (Ascola). Commended, — Amore (Norman Black). James Turner, Hsq., of Chyneton, Sussex; and Edward Hewitt, Esq., of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, officiated as the Judges. CREVE CUR FOWLS. For two seasons past I have kept Créve Coeur fowls and have raised a large number of chickens. My stock birds were all prizetakers, carefully matched for breeding, and the runs they and the chickens were on had done well for Cochins and Hamburghs. But almost without exception I find the tails, especially of the male birds, wanting in firmness and hardness of feather, so that they are very apt to break and so spoil the appearance of the birds. I have noticed the same bad tails in birds of this breed raised by other breeders, in imported birds, and even in some that were exhibited at the Birmingham show; and a defect of this nature would be a strong objection to the keeping of a breed undoubtedly very valuable as egg-producers and non-sitters.—W. B., Lancashire. [We have kept them largely, and have not noticed the peculiarity named by our correspondent. They are by no means hard-feathered fowls. The La Fléche are before them in this particular. | AWARDS AT THE SOUTHAMPTON BIRD SHOW. You will very much oblige by contradicting the statement made by Mr. Taylor, of Portsea, respecting my dissatisfaction at the awards at the late Southampton Show. I am perfectly satisfied with the Judges. When the case of Mr. Triggs’ bird was brought before meI stated that his bird, as he then appeared, certainly looked the best bird, but adding, doubt- 484. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ December 13, 1864. less when the Judges went round the bird may have been out of condition. Tagree with Mr Taylor that more time should he allowed for judging such as the Palace Show, where there should beia day expressly for judging, and the birds should be at the Show a whole day previously, as many of them come a long distance, and are so exhausted that it requires a day for them to recover.—THos. Moors, Fareham. DUCKS: LAYING BAD EGGS. Tue Duck was hatched last spring, and commenced laying about ten days ago, and has laid half a dozen eggsand every one of them bad. The whites are bluish, and the yolks are the colour of a sponge, or, if anything, a little darker.— W. Y. M. [It may be the result of disease or of improper food. Such things do sometimes happen with first eggs ; and if you can- not attribute it in any way to the former causes, we think we may safely tell you that a little patience will probably be the cure. | SITTING HEN EATING HER EGGS. In answer to “J. W.’s” question respecting the hen eating her eggs when sitting, I can say I had one that did solast year. Sheis a very good hen to lay, and TI did not wish to kill her, so I thought I would try to remedy the evil, She used to keep on her eggs for two or three days together, and that was when she ate her eggs. So I thought it was hunger, and I made it a practice to turn her off every morning at feeding time, and I then found she ceased to eat any eggs. I think your correspondent will find that this propensity is caused by hunger through remaining on the nest too long.—ELMwoop. THE RECENT MILD - WEATHER—A CAUTION. To-pay has been quite like summer—the sun very warm, scarcely a breath of wind stirring. My hees (five stocks), have been out of their hives quite as numerously as on many days in September. I am afraid it is a bad sign, but should like to know if any of your correspondents have found their bees do the same.—J. W. T., Wandsworth. [Permit me to address a word of caution to the apiarian readers of Tue JourNnaL or Horricutture. The recent mild weather appears to have stimulated a very rapid con- sumption of the stores in hives intended to stand the winter. I am almost ashamed to confess that I have already lost a fine stock from sheer starvation, but I deem it right to make my misfortune public as a warning to others. I made up all my stocks to what I deemed a sufficient weight in Oc- tober, and was quite taken by surprise at finding, only two months afterwards, one dead of starvation, and some of the others so light as to necessitate prompt measures to save them from the same fate. The consumption of food by my bees this autumn has certainly been remarkably great, and it has very probably been the same with others. The ap- pearance of this note of warning may save some of my - brother apiarians from a similar misfortune to that experi- enced by—A DxrvonsHiRE BEE-KEEPER. | BEES REGICIDAL—DRIVING BEES. Some time ago “ A DevonsHrrE BEE-KEEPER” asked the readers of Tue JourNnaL or Horricunrure if any explana- tion could be given by them as to the strange aberrations of regicidal attacks on queens. Now, I dare not venture to explain the cause; but, nevertheless, it does not hinder me giving a few hints of what has come under my own observa- tion. It is a well-known fact that at swarming time bees, which intend doing so, often try to take possession of any weak hives that may be near, and succeed in doing so. The first thing they do after they do gain admittance is to kill the queen. This I have often seen. Since the intro- duction of the Ligurian bees into this locality they have shown their thievish propensities by attacking both the |! black bees and’ the weak hives of their own race. About a month ago, one day, after feeding a Ligurian hive, my at- tention was drawn to a black hive, and I saw numbers of Ligurians marching in and out just as if they were at home, and on drawing the shutters and taking a peep at the in- terior, there were the yellow bees nibbling away atthe black at the very top of the hive, and in a few hours the queen was thrown out dead. Might it then not be strange bees that killed the queen, and not her own subjects? as they, being weak hives, might be easily overcome, and the queen on her return could be easily made captive by a few strange ones. I see that “C. D., Shefield,’ complains that it is with difficulty that he can induce the bees to leave wooden hives.. For my part I never found any difference if the weather was at all favourable. I have often driven them in winter when necessity required, and instead of cutting-out combs and brushing the bees into an empty hive when I found them a little dilatory, I simply tied a thin muslin cloth or such like over the mouth of the inverted hive, and placed it before a fire, not too near, for a short time, and then I accom- plished my end easily.—A LANARKSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. A NEW BEE BOOK. T= question has beenasked, “Is anew bee book wanted ?” In these days of rapid book-making, there is. a great lack of originality, a new book too often proving but old material dressed up in a new form, and from a want.of practical know- ledge of the subject treated of, the compiler is apt to intro- duce absurd errors and exploded theories, of which style «Bee-keeping, by the Times Bee-master” may serve as an illustration, and of such books we have certainly no need. But there is a want felt amongst apiarians generally, ofa thoroughly original and practical work on bee-keeping at a moderate cost, embracing what was useful and well esta- blished in the past, together with all the more recent dis- coveries and improvements. The acquaintanceship of “A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER” with the bee literature of his own and other countries, and, above all, his extensive prac- tical experience of both the British and Italian bee, long ago induced me to express to himself the hope that one day he might be induced to favour us with what I felt sure would prove a standard work on the subject, “the right man being in the right place.” This hope it affords me the greatest pleasure to findis about to be realised; and as the knowledge of our interesting little favourites progresses, that he may. be spared to put it through many editions, is, I feel sure, the sincere wish of all the readers of the apiarian corner, as well. as of -A RENFREWSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. OUR LETTER BOX. Wasuine FowLs—HARDENING PLuMaGE (H, S.).—If dirty the birdsshoald be washed, and not more than two days before they goto the show. Peas or small beans will harden a cock’s plumage—raw yolk of eggs will do the same. FEATHERS OF SFANGLED HaweurcH Portets (Golden Hamburgh).—if you sell all the Spangled pullets that have a few white spots you will be likely to sell all. They all have them under the belly and towards the tail. We do not consider them at all important there. We should think them a defect on the chest or back. The first-prize Birmingham birds were very good in our opinion. Weshould not consider a few white spots sufficient reason for discarding a hen. Their belly plumage is commonly coloured to hide the white spots. Breurnenan Prize List.—In the coloured Dorking chicken class Mr. S. Lang, jun., The Shrubbery, Redland, Bristol, should have appeared in our list as the owner of 2 highly commended pen. Coontn-Cuina Cccxeren (W. H. Wheeler). — The thumb mark in his comb is not of the slightest consequence in a stock bird. Mice my an Aviary (Ivy Hedge).—The best means of getting rid of the mice is by poison placed outside of the aviary, provided it is not used care- lessly and poison something besides the mice. We have known many small birds killed by mice during the nighttime, Phosphoric paste is the best, but it must be used very carefully. If the aviary stands by itself zinc 18 inches high ronnd the bottom will prevent the mice getting in; but if it joins a wall or building then the wirework should be made close, so they cannot get through. Brezpine Licurian Bers (A. L. B.).—We should suspect some taint of the common black bee in a Ligurian queer that bred only very dark workers with but one orange-coloured band, and we would not breed queeus from her unless compelled to do so in the absence of a better. Remoyine A Hive ro A Distance (H. A. H.).—Secure the hive, one of Neighbour’s improved cottager’s, with windows, firmly to its floorboard, \coyer the entrance.and the holes in the top of the hive with perforated zinc ; itie a. cord ronnd it, do.not trust it in the hands of railway porters, and let lit trayel in the same carriage with yourself. December 20, 1864. } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 485 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Da Da zs Rain in 1 Cloc se ee DECEMBER 20-26, 1864, myetags Temperature Taat woe eu Moon Moon | Moon's log Day of M’nth! Week nea . 37 years, ises. ets. tises. Sets. | Age. Sun. | Year | Day. Night. | Mean. | Days. |m. h|m. h.| m. h. | m. b m. 8; 20 Tu Sun’s declination 23° 27’ S. 440 33.7 389 13 6afS | 50af3] 58 11 / 32 11 21 1 55 | 355 2 Ww Sr. THomas. Shortest Day. 43.4 33.7 386 14 6 8 | 51 8) morn. | 42 11 © 1 26) 3856 22 TH Furze flowers. {menced 44.9 33.0 38.9 18 ASH aL eS Slee SEO 23 0 55 | 357 23 F Great frosts of 1794 and 1829 com- 44.2 82.0 38.1 20 7 8 | 52 3 5 2} 28.0 24 0 25) 358 24 s Moles throw up hillocks. 44.0 31.4 37.7 16 § 8|52 3/10 3/56 O} 25 before | 359 25 Sun Cuaristwas Day. 43.5 28.8 36.1 9 SHOU SS USN TS a sO eas |e) 26 0 35 360 26 M Sr. STEPHEN. 42.7 31.3 37.0 12 Sy S54 8 iQV oS pV 42 | 27 14) 361 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 43.8°, and its night temperature 32.0°, 1.13 ineh. The greatest heat was 58° on the 25th, 1827; and the lowest cold, 4°, on the 24th, 1860. The greatest fall of rain was THE FILBERT AND COB NUTS. ag |S are g_ ITH the exception =e dal ; I] At_|it H WoW y- of the Grape Vine lt S W’L there is no fruit ity tree with which I am acquainted so much indebted to pruning for ren- dering it fruit- ful as the Filbert. I believe that I do not exaggerate when I state that the severity with which this tree is cut in exceeds even that by which the best Grapes are generally obtained. Such severe mutilation would very quickly cause disease and death in a tree less robust and less tenacious of life, but the Filbert endures all for many years, and rarely succumbs, some plantations being quite fifty years old, although other reasons often afford a eause for removing them before that time. Filberts are often met with as a sort of undergrowth to fruit trees of larger dimensions, as standard Apple, Pear, Plum, or Cherry trees; but they are also frequently allowed a plot to themselves, and certainly, where the soil and other circumstances favour their growth, they well de- serve a place where they will not be interfered with by other trees. T believe it is generally admitted that the Filbert and Cob Nuts are importations from the Peninsula or some other district in central or southern Europe, and not a native improvement on the wild Hazel Nut of our copses and woods effected by long and persevering cul- tivation, as the Apple and Plum may have been. The economical value of the latter fruits being greater than that of the Nut, the desire to effect improvements was, no doubt, more earnest in their case than in that of the Nut, which was most probably regarded as a luxury. Dismissing that subject, however, I may remark that the same soil and situation in which the wild Hazel is found appears to be the best for the cultivated varieties —namely, hilly stony districts, neither too dry nor too wet, and of which the subsoil is penetrable by the roots of this and other trees. On such a soil is found the wild Hazel, and on such, too, the cultivated Cob and Filbert thrive the best. The aspect does not seem to be of so much consequence, as Filbert grounds are found in declivities facing all directions, not the least productive being those with a western aspect; while plenty having a northern one are equally successful ; but all aspects are under this crop, and now and then a plot nearly level is met with. Generally hilly places are put under this erop after having been trenched, and part of the stones taken out. The heavy loam of low lands which produce the best Wheats does not appear to answer so well for the Filbert, and a drier position should therefore be selected. No. 195,—Vou. VIL, New SERizs. The Filbert and Cob are propagated plentifwlly enough from suckers at the root, which are generally bedded in some nursery ground for a year or so before finally plant- ing out, and they are headed down to within a foot of the ground, to obtain a series of branches radiating at that height, which are so cut and arranged as to form the skeleton of the future tree. This, when full grown, in some respects resembles a basin in shape, the centre being hollow, and the outer edges about 5 feet from the ground, the diameter being 12 feet or so. Where there is a large number of trees together, and they are care- fully planted in lines at 12 feet apart each way, and trimmed as they usually are, the upper surface of the rim of each tree is an exact counterpart of its neighbour, and the eye of the observer passes over the whole in a line parallel with the ground. Hach tree is-cut as exactly at a certain height from the ground as corn usually is, and the only difference is that the Filberts are 5 feet from the surface, and the stubble only a few inches. The mode in which the Filbert is trained might, per- haps, be very well copied in the case of other trees. The young tree, as already stated, is cut down so as to obtain a quantity of shoots at less than a foot from the ground, which are so cut as to secure others continuing to spread in all directions from the centre with so little rise that at the radius of 5 or 6 feet their tops may not be higher than at most 5 feet from the ground. This pruning and training, however, is the work of years, and while it is progressing lateral branches pointing in the same direction are left on and encouraged, taking care that whatever young wood is allowed to remain for such a purpose should be neither too strong nor too weak, the former only producing its like, and the latter beg too insignificant to expect much from; but of the two ex- tremes the latter is by far the preferable. Some other peculiarities in pruning are also well worthy of notice, and might, perhaps, be copied with advantage elsewhere. Tt is well known that the Filbert and Cob (both being alike in that respect), push shoots 6 feet long and up- wards. These rampant shoots are sometimes situated where a branch is wanted, or where it would be impru- dent to remove them entirely ; and to cut them back with the knife in the usual way would only be to encourage another of a like kind from the one so operated upon. In cases of this kind the knife is laid aside, and a rough- toothed saw is used to cut through the shoot, leaving it in as hageled a condition as it well can be, and this coarse operation assists in checking the tendency of the same branch to produce other vigorous shoots ; while all small shoots are shortened in by the knife in the same way as those of other fruit trees, the portion left rarely bemg more than 3 inches at any place, and often less in the full-grown tree. Neither are the main and subsidiary branches at all close, the practice being to get a few (what might appear), gnarled, ugly, Suey branches with a few spurs on equally uninviting to look at; but the practised pruner can tell tolerably well by the ap- pearance of the tree which are fruit-bearing spurs and which are not, although it is difficult to explain how on No. 847.—You. XXXII,, Onp SERIES, 486 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 20, 1864. paper. In general such shoots are small and short-jointed, and about the end of January, if the winter has not been unusually severe, small pink spots will appear, showing through the bud, these are the female blossoms, and form the embryo of the fruit’; the male blossoms are expanded, and hang in catkins months before these appear. It is, therefore, better for those unacquainted with this tree not to begin to prune until these tokens of fruitfulmess can be seen; at the same time it is not prudent to delay it too long, as they are easily rubbed off, and all prospect of fruit is then gone. The female blossoms though expanded long before settled fine weather, are, nevertheless, tender, and easily injured by frost, and, therefore, a declivity facing the west is often thought to be the best, as the frosts of spring are often gone ere the sun can shine, and thus they escape injury. Over- hanging Apple trees are likewise not altogether without their use, as they afford a little shade and shelter, so that large breadths of these trees and Filberts are planted to- gether, while in not a few instances there is a crop of Hops overtopping the Filberts for some years; but this latter plan is not considered of any beneiit to the Nuts, but is merely adopted to obtain the most from the ground. Gooseberry and Currant trees are by far the most common accompaniments, they being invariably planted to occupy the spaces between the Filberts while these are progressing. Assuming the latter to be planted at 12 feet apart each way, the small fruits might be 6 feet, or if the Nuts are 10 feet apart, the latter would be 5; so that for every Cob or Fil- bert there would be three Gooseberry or Currant trees, unless the latter or the Nuts were intermixed with standard Apple or other trees, which are often 20 feet or more apart. Generally, however, the ground is heavily cropped from the beginning, and it is by no means unusual to see Currants, Filberts, and Apple trees all growing together, the last over- topping the former two, and scarcely a speck of ground to | be seen. It is very rave that a Filbert is seen on grass land, the opinion being that the tree derives advantage | from tillage; and, on the other hand, as the Cherry is said to be injured by this, a Cherry orchard is generally laid down in grass. Such is the Kentish custom, and a long course or culture based, no doubt, on practical observations has determined this course to the best in both cases. Of the varieties most esteemed by the grower it is difficult to say much, the demand pointing out the kind most proper to grow; but there is little question that the quantity of Cobs now grown far exceeds that of Filberts, and that the culture of the former has been on the increase for many years, whilst that of the latter has been decreasing, few young | plantations of these being made. The varieties of both are very limited in number as compared with those of other fruits. Sometimes when a grower has a reputation for fine fruit a local name attaches itself to the variety he cultivates. although in all probability no real distinction exists. How- ever, there are some inferior kinds, and these it would be proper to weed out. Subjoined I give the names of a few, to which, doubtless, others might be added. Common Cob.—i believe a much harder-shelled one than this is found in other counties, as the kind now called the common cne is the same as Lambert’s or Kentish Cob else- where, A good Nut, producing excellent clusters, with a large full kernel. I may mention that, for experiment, I once weighed a quantity of average quality, including the husks, as they were, and had them cracked, and then weighed the kernels alone, and these were found to be a trifle more than half the weight of the whole, and, therefore, the reader may form an idea that they were pretty full. The shell, however, is harder than that of the Filbert and improved Cosford Cob, but the kernel keeps better than the latter, and is equal to it in flavour. Cosford Cob.—This only differs from the last in- being thinner-shelled; as regards bearing it is much the same, and except that the common Cob keeps fresh longer, there is not much difference between the two. Spanish Cob.—The distinction here is so questionable that it is doubtful if the Kentish and Spanish may not be syno- nymous. There are also other names, having reference to localities where large quantities are grown, but it is impos- sible to describe them as being applied to distinct varieties. Red-skinned Filbert.—This is by many esteemed the finest Nut grown, and for a month or more after gathering is un- questionably so, and most people admire it during that time. It does not, however, keep so well as the Cob, and, as a plant, is less prolific, or, rather, is more tender. A few plants, however, ought to be in every collection. White or Common Filbert—This is more hardy than the last, and bears better; it is also a very good nut. Frizzled Filbert—The husk which encloses the nut being fringed at the point has given this plant its name. Asa curiosity it has its admirers, and the nut is also good, though not better than those above mentioned; but the peculiarity of the husk gives it a claim to notice. Besides the above there are many others perhaps, with which Iam but imperfectly acquainted. One variety is grown for the tint of its foliage resembling that of the Copper Beech, and is called the Purple-leaved. I believe, however, that its fruits are little, if at all, better than common hedge Nuts, its merit resting solely onits foliage. There is also said to be a Dwarf Prolific of high reputation, and which doubtless deserves notice, but not being acquainted with it I cannot speak of its merits. Possibly, however, other growers from localities equally favourable to the growth of Nuts will give us the benefit of their experience. There is no fruit that I am acquainted with of which the cultivation seems to be con- fined to so few districts as this. Assuredly the soils and situa- tion suitable for it are more generally to be found than is commonly supposed, and there seems to be no reason why it should not be tried in many places in which there is every prospect of its succeeding. J. Ropson. HARDY FERNS: HOW I COLLECTED AND CULTIVATED THEM.—No. 6. Aun my Fern journies were not made in the shape of tours, where public conveyances and public inns threw one with a mixed society, giving to one’s thoughts and associ- ations a diffuse itinerant character. Some journies there were, taken in choice companionship, which stand out clear and bright in my memory like sunlight on a hill, marking each blade of grass, each tiny flower, with a distinct exist- ence of its own; so that I can say, “ As I gathered this leaf my thoughts gathered round some subject, made clear to me for the first time by the light of the genius of my friend ;” or, ‘As I uprooted this Fern along-cherished prejudice was uprooted with it.” Insensibly in my mind certain Ferns have become the embodiment of certain graces ; they act upon me as monitors, reminding me of voices passed away that I never heard save | in tones of love and charity, luring me on to a life of truth and beauty open alike to all. Amongst my brightest representative Ferns is the Cete- rach offcinarem. I have never found any difficulty in cul- tivating Ceterach. Although it is a little wayward in the choice of its own habitation, yet where it does grow the walls will be full of it, every niche and corner adorned by its prettily crimped fronds—now shining green, now russet brown, as the sunlight may fall. I have usually found Ceterach growing on old stone walls, where a good deal of lime has been used in the mortar. In this position the fronds do not attain any great luxuriance, and are often so curled that only the brown mass of spore-cases at the back is visible. It is sometimes to be found on rocks, and in this situation the fronds will reach 6 or even 7 inches in length, while the full fructification will form a little border of brown fur on the outer side. Whenever I look at Ceterach it seems to whisper to me— “ He prayeth best who loveth most” All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all.” Bound on a pilgrimage to Clevedon in Somersetshire with a friend whose lite tanght me the spirit of the ancient ma- riner’s rbyme, we stopped at the little village of Ashton near Clifton, and there, abounding in profusion, we found Ceterach. All the lower parts of the walls had been cleared by wayfarers like ourselves; but high above it hung out its green banners too temptingly to resist. We tried to reach itin vain. Old women in white, full-bordered cap, and neat kerchief, came out to look. ‘ Would miss like a chair and December 20, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 487 a knife?” Thus armed “miss” was invincible; and under the smiling protection of the old women she scooped out brick and stone, and a basketful of healthy plants, shortly to be put on the lower tier of the Warwickshire fernery. At La Spezzia in Italy I found a diminutive form of Cete- rach, which might be called pinnate. It was growing on a rock within a few yards of the tideless sea, facing the glorious bay, where a whole fleet could ride at anchor. Nothing could exceed the grandeur of that Spezzia bay on a clear Sabbath morning in autumn, a cloudless sky over- head, and the deep blue waves breaking into white ripples about the huge men of war, whose gay pennons bespeak their nation. Hight-oared boats are passing from the ships to land, bringing, it may be, some of their crews to join the motley throng of worshippers gathered in the cathedral to hear mass. Some of the women kneeling there have white linen folded like dinner-napkins on their heads; others have the Spezzia hat—like a little cheeseplate, made of fancy straw, and trimmed with scarlet braid; others, again, have the Genoese headdress—a gay cotton shawl like a counter- pane, wrapped round them, covering the head. Some are talking, some laughing gaily, but at the elevation of the Host every sound ceases, and every knee is bowed in adora- tion. Yes, there are some things reverenced in Italy—re- verenced by rich and poor, by men and women, by every- body everywhere. From the cathedral at Spezzia, by the help of the magic Ceterach, a slight transition takes me to the old parish church of Clevedon, where lies buried Arthur Hallam, the talented son of the historian Hallam,.and the “A. H. H.” of Tennyson’s “In Memoriam ”—the noblest monument that man’s love ever raised to man, on which Mr. Tennyson lavished with the prodigality of boundless affluence the wealth of his intellect, the riches of his soul. We poorer mortals deck the graves of our beloved ones with simple flowers that perish in the using. It was for Tennyson alone to weave undying wreaths, each chaplet bright with the hues of Paradise and fragrant with the breath of love. As we stood by the simple marble slab placed on the grey wall of the old church, we marvelled what manner of spirit had animated the poor dust beneath our feet, capable of playing on the chords of Mr. Tennyson’s inmost nature, and of awakening strains of such perfect harmony. As in memory I now recal that hour and the friend by my side, the name of Arthur Hallam fades away and another takes its place; but the beautiful Latin inscription, rendered in simple English verse by a loving hand still reads thus— “< Farewell, thou dearest, best beloved, Torn from our longing eyes! May we who mourn thee rest with thee, With thee together rise.” I may not venture to describe Arthur Hallam’s resting- place. We read in ‘“‘In Memoriam :’”— *« The Danube to the Severn gave The darken'd heart that beat no more; They laid him by the pleasant shore, And in the hearing of the wave.” As Ceterach is in my mind the embodiment of all that is pure and enduring in friendship, so Botrychium lunaria, or the Moonwort (occupying, like Ceterach, a separate niche in Ferndom), represents all that is capricious and unstable. It is not that Botrychium gives you back black looks for your care: on the contrary, it repays you with an appear- ance of the most felicitous enjoyment. It seems to revel in the change of air; its round little pinne look fatter; its tiny spike of fruit looks richer. You flatter yourself that at last you have your friend safe; but lo! in the spring when you look for him he is gone—utterly gone. Botrychium can hardly be called a rare Fern, for it has a very wide distribution ; but its minute size-and peculiar habit render it difficult to find. Its bright green fronds are the colour of the rich meadow land in which in Shropshire, Hereford- shire, and other counties it is tobe found. In any situation it requires a keen eye to hunt it out. One of its loveliest haunts is on Haldon Hill in Devonshire, where, in the months of May and June, it grows freely on the richer por- tions of the soil. When it opens its dewy eyes in the early morning of spring what a panorama of beauty and glory dazzles them! Hills, bright with the green of early corn, sloping down to pretty farmsteads, nestling in orchards wearing a rosy veil of bloom. Beneath the undulating hills, stretching far away, the boundless expanse of ocean, over which the ad- vancing sun makes a pathway of light; and as he comes up on his royal way, beacon after beacon on the grey range of the Dartmoor Hills (which have been, as it were, a pillow for my Fern), proclaims to the yet sleeping world that the day god has arisen. On the right hand and on the left beauty—beanty of tree and flower—hbeauty of hill and dale —beauty of rock and river—and beauty exceedingly glorified of ocean, girt on either hand by ruddy rocks boldly advanc- ing into the angry waters or retiring far back, leaving a gentle sweep of bay, where ocean-tossed mariners find rest, and from whence the fisher’s boat puts out in safety. Happy Botrychium, bred up in scenes like this! No wonder you say to yourself when £ ruthlessly dig you up with my iron spade (the fibrous roots making a trowel useless), “One woman may dig me up, but twenty shan’t make me live.” I never have made you live, and I fear I never shall. I treat Botrychium like an annual, and trans- plant it yearly to the fernery; but I do not care forit. It has but one form of beauty, and that is short-lived, and you see it all at once. It comes wp short and stumpy, just where it pleases—it wo’n’t be put out. It waves over no broken stone, it adorns no tempest-beaten tree. If you transplant it, it dies; if you leave it, at the first hint of winter it perishes. Often and often I have wished it might be banished my favourite kingdom, and consigned to the land of “Lords and Ladies,” to which, in spite of all botany, I believe it more than half belongs. Ophioglossum grows on Haldon, not far from Botrychium, which it much resembles in its habits. In the lanes leading to Haldon I have found Adiantum nigrum acutum, the variegated Adiantum, a curious variety of Polypodium vul- gare, having each pinnule cleft at the end, Trichomanes, Blechnum spicant, &c.; and in the cullies, the giant Filix- mas, and Lastreas dilatata and spinulosa. Lastrea thelypteris has also found a home on beautiful Haldon. The spot it has chosen is a green swamp in the midst of the everlasting hills. The fronds make their way through reed and briar up to the fair sunlight, and some- times will measure a yard and even more in lencth. The- lypteris is exceedingly troublesome in cultivation from its creeping habit, and I should recommend it to be placed at the back of the fernery, where there would be the greatest amount of shade and damp, and where it would be out of your way. Growing wild, Thelypteris is not without beauty, but in cultivation it has nothing particular to recommend it. The fertile fronds have no decided character of their own, but look like a common frond, ill-grown and faded. Its chief interest is the difficulty of getting it out of its treacherous lurking-place, so green and safe in appearance, so unsubstantial in reality. Bogland abounds in beauty. The Golden Asphodel is there, and the little pink Pimpernel, and there the Sundew lifts up its white blossoms to the early sun; and while you search for these and other trea- sures, the startled kine turn round and look at you with half curious, half doubtful eye. Not far from Haldon on the Chudleigh rocks I have found a curious form of Polypodium vulgare. I suspect it to be a permanent variety; and though it is not yet cambricum, its pinne being narrower and its fructification more abun- dant, it approaches very near to it in some of the plants; and I look forward to cultivation improving its form and size, which at present is rounder and smaller than the true cambricum, the middle pinne being the widest. I found my first wild Osmundas near Exmouth. They grew in an old forsaken orchard, where you took each step in danger of being swamped. The marshy nature of the ground suited these noble Ferns, and they grew up right royally on every side, their fronds waving in the breeze. I never saw more beautiful sunsets than there are at Exmouth. The painter Danby told me he made his home there on that account. He had made long wanderings, seeking for the beauties of the setting sun, and had found the concentration of all he sought for at Exmouth. Shortly after Danby told mv this the curtain of night fell on the painter, and his own sun set for e= 2v.—FILIX-FEMINA. [Editors aiways assume the privilege of corvecting evident mistakes in the contributions they receive ; and they noticed 488 nent JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 26, 1862. in the last communication from “ Finix-remmna” that she had, in the hurry of composition, made a confused statement about Polystichum angulare and aculeatum; yet the Editors hesitated, and finally refrained from altering what had come from a master’s hand. They have hada pat from a velveted hand in consequence, accompanied by the following, to be substituted for the eight lines of col. 1, p. 448, beginning at the fourth line from the top :— 2 ; «The Warwickshire lanes abound in P. aculeatum. It fi side by side in its varieties of lobatum and lonchitidioides, but the latter is more rare. Polystichum angulare is also to be found. Aculeatum may be known from angulare by the darker green of the fronds, by their stiffer habit of growth, and by the prickly nature of the pinne. It is necessary to study both Ferns together to be able to decide with certainty at a glance which Fern is before you.” | ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. A spECIAL general meeting was held on Tuesday, the 13th, to receive the report of the Council on the bye-laws. W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., was in the chair, besides whom there was only one other member of Council present—namely, Mr. Henry Cole, C.B. The attendance of Fellows was like- wise very thin. The CHarmman said they were met together to consider the bye-laws, which, at the last annual meeting, were not considered satisfactory, and the Council at once took steps for their revision. A Committee was appointed for the pur- pose, and, their report having been adopted by the Council, it was now submitted to the Fellows for approval. They were much indebted to Mr. Thring and Mr. Bowring, who had taken much trouble in the matter, and it was mainly in consequence of their assistance that the Council were in a position to recommend the report for adoption. As each member present at the meeting was furnished with a copy of the amended bye-laws, they were taken as read. Mr. CxestrR then said that, incautiously, he had been involved in matters connected with the Society iz the spring of last year, and had proposed a resolution requesting the Council to take steps to revise the bye-laws, and the Council _ had recommended him to be placed on the Committee appointed for that purpose. The position was not an enviable one, and, though he undertook it, he thought it would have been better if some one more conversant with the law had been appointed; and he did not know how the Committee could have accomplished the task without the assistance of Mr. Thring. He would now proceed to point out the chief ditferences between the new and old bye-laws. He did not say the new ones were perfect, but as much so as the Charter would allow of. In the new bye-laws a very iarge discretion was given to the Council. He would, however, recommend that body to take early steps for getting a new charter. By the new bye-laws can- didates for admission as Fellows were only required to be | recommended by two instead of, as formerly, by three Fellows, and these are not required to state whether they Know the candidate personally, by report, cr otherwise— their simple recommendation to be enough. Further, that the certificate of recommendation shall be suspended in the Council-room, be read at the next ordinary meeting. unless the name of the candidate has been previously published in the Journal of the Society, in which case the reading may, be dispensed with; and that the election of the candidate shall be put to the vote at the next meeting, unless the Council sign a certificate recommending immediate election, in which case the candidate may be elected at the same meeting as that at which the certificate is read. Voting to be open or by ballot; in the former case a simple majority to be sufficient, in the latter a majority of two-thirds. The next alteration of importance was with respect to the subscriptions. Formerly no Fellow more than one year in arrear was entitled to vote and exercise his other privileges ; by the new bye-laws no Fellow whose subscription is in arrear is to bé allowed to exercise his rights and privileges. Power is also given to the Fellows to remove any cne of their body by the vote of a general meeting on four weess notice _ being given, stating fally the grounds on which the proposal ismade. The bye-law permitting the Council to re-admit a Fellow who has resigned to be omitted. With respect to honorary members, the number of which was formerly limited to ten, the number in future to be unlimited. With regard to the annual meeting, instead of being held at one o'clock, by the new bye-laws it is to be at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, or at such other hour as the Council may decide; eleven Fellows to form a quorum as heretofore, at an ordi general meeting seven. He, Mr. Chester, had some doubt 2s to the legality of the rule admittine ladies to the right of voting by proxy; but he thought that, whoever he might be, he would be a very bold man who attempted to deprive the ladies of that privilege, and it was therefore continued in the new bye-laws. By the old bye-laws the ordinary method of voting was by show of hands, or calling the roll, when demanded by any two Fellows present, and in certain cases by ballot; whilst by the new bye-laws when the voting was not by ballot, it was left to the Chairman to determine the manner in which it should be conducted. Power was given to the Council to admit the public without payment on any number of week-days not exceeding three in each year. A provision was also now made for the admission of any horticultural societies and their members into union with the Society, and partial participation in its privileses. Section 74 was entirely new —it related to the education of gardeners. Soon after the recess a Committee had been appointed to take the subject into consideration. Sir Joseph Paxton had attended, stated his views, and given much assistance, and the result was that a report was sent into the Council, and, though pub- licity had not been given to the recommendations which it contained, he (Mr. Chester) believed he might state that it was under consideraticn. The new bye-law was as follows :-— ** At the first meeting of the Council after the annual general meeting in each year, the Council shall appoint a Committee to be called the ‘ Educa- tion Committee,’ whose duties shall be to advise the Couzcil what measures they can take for improving the education of gardeners, and to assist the Council in taking such measures as the Council may approve for that pur- pose. One-half at least of the members of the Education Committee shall be members of the Council for the time being ; and the Council at its discre- tion may from time to time appoint, remove, re-appoint, and vary the number of the members of that Committee.” Sections $2 and 84 provided that ‘‘ Any member of the Council may resign his seat to the Council, but suck resignation shall not be deemed complete until it has been accepted bya re- solution passed at thenext ensuing anuual general meeting, and the accept- ance of any such resignation shall not be entertained by such general meeting uzless the member proposing to resign has signed a paper in the form marked © in the Appendix, and has left it with the Secretary or Assistant Secretary on or before the Ist of January preceding such annual meeting. “Tf any member of the Council dies, or becomes incapable from any cause whatever in the interval between any two annual meetings, the other members of the Council may #ili up the vacancy so created by the appoint- ment of some other disereet Fellow, and any Fellow so appointed shall for all purposes be deemed to occupy the position of the person to whose seat in the Conncil he has been appoirted.”’ This was intended to prevent objeetions being raised to the validity of elections, as was the case at the last annual meeting, and, to prevent the possibility of doubt, notice of resignations was required in a particularform. The question which then arose was whether a resignation was to be taken as one of the three vacancies, or as being in addition to these. He himself thought the latter ought to have been the way; but this was only an instance of the difficulties with which the Committee had to contend, in consequenee— of the Charter and old bye-laws; and had it not been for the assistance of Mr. Thring they could have done nothing with the mass of confusion which existed, but by his aid they had succeeded in drawing up a clearer code of law to govern the Society. It was also thought desirable to intro- duce a bye-law to the effect that ‘‘no member of Council shall, at any exhibition of the Society, receive any money prize, medal, or pecuniary reward for any article belonging to him, or to any firm of which he may be a member, or in the profits of which he is interested.” , 3 The Committee had likewise*proposed some alterations in the form of the balloting paper—[That the Council shall cause to be prepared, on or before the 15th of January in each year, two balloting papers, one stating the vacancies (distinguishing ordinary from extraordinary vacancies) cre- ated or expected to be created in the Council, and required to be filled up at the annual meeting; the other contaiming the names of such Fellows as the Council recommend to fill the offices of President, Treasurer, Secretary, Expenses Com- December 20, 1864. } mittee-men, and Auditors ; these balloting lists to be circu- lated amongst the Fellows some time not later than the 15th of January. Further, that if any Fellow desire to substitute the name of any other Fellow for that of any one recom- mended by the Council for removal or election, such Fellow, within seven days after the balloting lists have been cir- culated, shall leave at the offices of the Society notice in writing of every such proposed substitution; that the notice of any substituted names shall be suspended in the Council- room, and circulated in or with the number of the Society's Journal published in February; and that if any balloting list contain any names other than those in the list recom- mended by the Council, or of which notice has been given in the prescribed manner, or if it contain more than the proper number of names, such list shall be deemed void, and not taken account of by the scrutineers.] The object of these provisions was to put it out of the power of a small body of the Fellows to determine on names beforehand, and so take the Council and Society by surprise. changes were only known in the Council, but by the pro- posed alteraticn Fellows would know what the composition of the Council was likely to be, and could deal with it. Thus there could be no surprise on either side—either on that of | the Conncil or that of the Fellows. With regard to the accounts, the new bye-laws provided for a report from the auditors. Mr. Chester, in conclusion, suggested that this did not appear to be the occasion for criticising the position of the Society, although he believed that it would be competent for the meeting to do so, and he wished to impress upon the Fellows the importance of making as soon as possible any alteration they might think fit. He begged to move that the existing bye-laws be repealed, and the new ones adopted. Major-General Sir ANDREW WavuGuH, in seconding the | motion, said that their thanks were due to the Committee | and Mr. Chester for the pains they had taken. It appeared to him that the general principle which had guided them had been to give ample power to the Council, who were | themselves responsible to the Fellows. Mr. 8..H. Gopson thought the new bye-laws should stand over for further consideration; if gone into seriatim, they would take two or three hours, and seeing the few members | who were present he would move an adjournment for a month. He had stood alone in the Council on many matters, and that was not an enviable position. He had, though a member of Council, applied to see the accounts, and had been refused, and that was the reason he was standing on the floor merely as a Fellow of the Society, and not sitting with the honourable gentlemen up yonder, for in conse- quence of that refusal he had sent in his resignation to the Duke of Buccleuck, the President. With regard to the new bye-laws they had been nine months at least in the hands of the Committee, and it was not too much to ask that they should stand over another month. It might be asked why he himself did not take an active part with respect to the revision of the bye-laws? and his reply was, that he was not on that Committee, though he should have been, had not Mr. Cole objected to it. There were several things in the new bye-laws to which he took exception; for instance, if, as was the case with Sir Daniel Cooper, their Treasurer resigned, they had no power under the new bye-laws to appoint another. He objected to the Council having more power than they already possessed. Had one member of Council the power of preventing another seeing the accounts? He was referred to Mr. Cole for per- mission to see the accounts. The CuarrMan said he ought to state that he never knew Mr. Godson had applied to see the accounts and been refused. The AsstsTANT SECRETARY said Mr. Godson must be under some extraordinary delusion. Mr, Godson had never asked to see the accounts. Mr. Cole had left. some papers of his own, and he would not take upon himself to let Mr. Godson see them without Mr. Cole’s consent being previously ob- tained. Mr. Cote said if he did leave a paper, he had never re- fused Mr. Godson’s inspecting any accounts. He (Mr. Cole) had left a paper at the garden with memoranda of accounts, and Mr. Murray (the Assistant Secretary) was under the impression that Mr. Godson’s application referred to these, and not to the books of the Society. Last year the | JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, _ 489 Mr. Gopson—Very prettily put. Some farther remarks were then made, when Sir Andrew Waugh rose to order. Mz. Gopson—I speak on the question of resignations. Under the new form of the bye-laws supposing 2 Treasurer to be appointed in the interval between the annual meetings, the appointment would be illegal, and all cheques signed invalid. He hoped that the mover and seconder of the motion before them would consent to an adjournment for another month. Sir ANDREW WaucuH—If Mr. Godson had any cbjection to any of the bye-laws he might propose another, and they could debate it. The Caarrman—lf Mr. Godson will move an amendment that would be the quickest way. An amendment was then moved and carried—that any ‘casual vacancy by death, resignation, or incapacity, should be filled up by the Council. Mr. Gopson continued that a greater latitude was given to the Council than before. He would suggest that the whole of the names in the Council should be returned to the annual meeting, which would give the Fellows at large the opportunity of striking out any three, and that thus the Fellows would have the control; by the opposite course the power of introducing fresh blood would be nullified. Mr. Taurine regretted that it was utterly impossible to carry this proposition into effect. It would amount to ostracising; and he thought the proposed bye-laws only amounted to this—that the Council should have their list, and the opposition theirs. They might then fight it out fairly. Mr. Gopson—Nothing could be more explicit than the old rule; but he told the Assistant Secretary again, that at the last annual meeting the resignations were given in previous to the election, because they were cn the minutes of the Council. [* Time, time.” ] Mr. Godson—“ Time!* He was much obliged to that gentleman who called “Time.” He always tried to be in time; he was generally five minutes before his time; he was too soon for this meeting; he had been waiting for it ever since half-past twelve o’clock last night. The notice in his Journal was for 2 a.m., and he would have come there at two o'clock in the morning had not some friends per- suaded him not to do so. The Assistant Secrerary here said that Mr. Godson had a proof-sheet, and that was not the notice. Mr. Gopson asked for the notice convening the meeting. It should have been read in the first instance. The Assistant SecRETARY said it was in the “ Proceed- ings,” and in one of the papers. Mr. Gopson called for the notice. Whilst the paper was being sought for, a Member thought there was a bit of quiet satire in bye-laws 81 and 83, by which it was provided that vacancies should be filled up by “discreet persons.” He thought it would be better to assume that all were “ discreet,’ and strike out the word. { Laughter. | The Cuarrman then read the notice, published in THE JOURNAL OF HogricuLrursE of December 6th, convening the meeting. Mr. Gopson—What paper are you reading from? The CHARMAN said it was Tas JOURNAL or HoRTICUL- TURE, one of those papers which are very well known, and circulate largely among horticulturists. Its circulation was as large, if not larger, than any paper of its kind, and hor- ticulture was much indebted to it. Mr. Gopson—And this Society has much to thank it for. Some discussion then took place as to proxies; and Mr. TuRING proposed that, Any Fellow holding proxies shall vote as such at a ballot, by annexing by whose appointment the proxies are given. After some further discussion, it was moved by Mr. CHESTER, and seconded by Sir ANDREW WaAuGH, “ That the existing bye-laws be repealed, and the new ones adopted, with the alterations, amendments, and additions thereto ;” and, this being carried, the same gentlemen moved and seconded, “That the meeting recommend the Council to take steps to get a new Charter.” Mr. Gopson said they had not £300 to spend on a new Charter. 490 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. The CHarrmMAN said the present Charter had been a stumbling-block in the way of the Society, and, on putting the resolution to the meeting, it was carried. A vote of thanks to Mr. Thring, and the rest of the Com- mittee on the bye-laws, was then carried unanimously ; likewise a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr. Godson, in moving it, passing a high eulogium on the forbearance of the Chairman, than whom, whenever he occupied that position, no one could act with greater fairness. DESTRUCTION OF THE INSECT SCALE. I pustrRE to draw your attention to a discovery my gar- “dener has made, for even if known before, I have never found it alluded to in any horticultural work, and on looking through your past volumes they throw no light on the sub- ject. I allude to the scale on Orange trees. I have a small Orange-house, in which I grow all the varieties at present in England that are good for the table, and until this year I have been enabled to keep the trees free from scale, or, at all events, so clean that a winter cleaning alone was sufficient. I always have heat in this house, and this season in the month of August (the early part of it), they were so dirty that my gardener took each tree ont of the house, and they were cleaned most thoroughly. It was done by a small rose I had made for red spider on Peach trees under glass. I have a pressure of more than 100 feet of water, and its force immediately removed every scale, and when replaced in the house it would take ten minutes to find one scale. To my own, and my gardener’s utter astonishment, the trees soon became as dirty as ever, going from home, I requested my gardener to do nothing with all hands until he had again thoroughly cleaned the Orange trees, as it really amounted to this: they must be kept clean, or their culture relinquished. With clean water. small brushes, and sponge, they commenced, and when I returned I found the cleaaing not half finished; the insects were so numerous, that the time absorbed, with the greatest industry, was immense. On my return, my gardener said, “I have found out how the scale breeds, and can account for their rapid increase. Last year we had some aphides in the house, and from several times fumigating we had little or no scale. I found a number of small black insects running over the Orange trees, and on those cleaned the day before they were as numerous:as on those not cleaned.” We at once fumigated and but slightly, and found it killed every insect. He then commenced examining some full-grown scale having a dark spot in the centre of the scale, with a magnifying glass. He found under the scale, in different stages, the identical sort of small black insects he had seen on the trees, and killed by smoke. He preserved some in a bottle for me to see, and he drew the conclusion that this is the male, the limpet-shaped scale the female, and that if you by regular fumigating kill the male, there will soon be no scale. This, I believe, to be the true version of the increase of scale; but to be certain there was no mistake, I found numbers of large scale on trees not yet cleaned, and with a magnifying glass in hand, I removed with a pin the female scale, and there found numbers (one under each scale) of the small black insect. I have found in books on the subject, since then that this is the male and female seale, but I have not found it in any horticultural work, or any suggestion, that the male is easily killed by smoke, and if you destroy them you certainly must prevent any increase. I enclose you leaves with scale on them, and the male in different stages of growth, also some perfect ones, taken running about on the trees, and some from under the scale (in a small bottle). Ihave often removed the female scale when large and full grown, and with a glass seen hundreds of small ones run away, but I could never account for im- pregnation. Because I have had so much scale on my Orange trees you must not imagine my place is not kept clean, as I can show Peaches of all kinds, fruit trees of all kinds, under glass and exposed, vineries, &c., as clean as any in England. I should be glad of your reply, and you may make any use you like of this communication, but I am convinced, as an bye { December 20, 1864. old fiorist, that we have hit on the way to destroy scale, and hope it will afford as much benefit to others, as I fully expect to find myself. It also shows why Orange trees kept out of doors in the summer get clean of themselves, there is not continuous heat enough to bring the male scale to per- fection, and if it hatch the cold nights either kill him or prevent impregnation. Mr. Rivers whom you know to be a very experienced man in these matters, finds it an entirely new light to him. —Jamses ALpRIGE DEVENISH, Rodwell, Weymouth. [We forwarded this communication and the specimens to Professor Westwood, and he replies thus :—“ The preceding communication is another instance of investigation in the vight direction not carried quite far enough, and, conse- quently, resulting in the not unusual error of friends being mistaken for foes, and beneficial insects destroyed instead of the real authors of the mischief complained of. The small, black, lively insects sent by your correspondent, and regarded by him as the male of the scale insects, are not such, they are parasites belonging to the order Hymenoptera, and genus Encyrtris, which teed in the larva state within the bodies of the scales, and, consequently, destroy them. Hence they are to be preserved and not destroyed. The real males of the scale insects are, as described in all works of entomology, and I presume also in all good horticul- tural works, minute, weak, six-legged, two-winged, creatures, slow in motion, with the bodies and wings clothed with a fine white powder. In out-of-door species of Coccide these males are developed at a fixed period of the year, and as they are very fragile they might be easily destroyed by fumi- gation attempted at the right time. In hothouse species | I believe the generation of scales and allied insects is con- the scale breeding nearly as fast as aphides. As I was | tinuous, and that there is not a fixed time for the develop- ment of the males; but this fact is not proved. Inves- tigation, where scales are prevalent, will easily determine whether this be so or not. If the males should be proved to be produced at one or two fixed periods of the year, there will be no excuse for the horticulturist if he do not clear his houses by destroying the males, and so preventing the pro- duction of future broods of young.—J. O. W.] EARLY PEAS. (Concluded from page 467.) Or the ordinary modes of sowing and planting Peas for an early crop, it is needless to say much, as they have been frequently detailed to the readers of THz JouRNaL oF Hor- TICULTURE. In general, the middle of November is as early as is prudent, under any circumstances, to sow a crop, and very often this is too early, a mild autumn or winter en- couraging growth till the plant is so far advanced as to be unable to withstand the spring frosts which follow, so that it is generally better only to sow a small quantity at that time, and make another sowing early in December, following this up by one early in January. This is the mode we adopt, but Mr. Fish, our worthy coadjutor, prefers deferring sow- ing till spring, and then he does so in pots or boxes, and plants the crop out after hardening off in the usual way. We have adopted both plans with much the same result, and where there is a difficulty in saving the autumn-sown crops from the attacks of slugs, mice, and other depredators; as well as when there is some drawback in the ground, it is better to rely on spring sowing and planting out; but when any approach to uniform success can be depended on out-door sowing is a much less troublesome mode, as the earliness of the crop in each way is so nearly alike, that it would be difficult to say which is the better. The preservation of the seed from mice and birds, and the young plants from the attacks of slugs and smaller enemies, are also matters worthy of attention. Covering the row with coal ashes is not by any means a bad plan, but they ought not to be fresh from the fire, otherwise they are prejudicial to vegetation. A covering of sawdust is also beneficial, as mice do not seem to like burrowing in that material, while better than either as a preventive of the attacks of slugs, is barley chaff, which attaches itself to, and lacerates the soft bodies of the slugs, and does not seem to be at all relished by mice. The attacks of birds, however, are not so easily prevented, | | December 20, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 491 and netting has to be adopted in some places; the simplest and easiest protection isa length of galvanised wire netting about 18 inches wide, bent in the middle so as to present a continuous arched covering. In some gardens these and similar contrivances have to be put in requisition to secure a crop in summer, the birds being so troublesome, and they are equally so when the crop is fit to gather. It is seldom that the early crop requires any further shelter than what the ashes, sawdust, or chaff alluded to supplies, but as soon as the plants have grown 6 inches high, or even before that time, some short stakes may he of ser- vice in protecting them from the effects of cold winds or late spring frosts. I have seen coverings for early Peas and Potatoes made like the ridge of a house, about 18 inches wide, and the same high, transparent calico, or some such material being stretched over them, and which could be put on and taken off when wanted, and they were of service to the Potatoes; but the Pea is a much hardier, though net by any means so robust a vegetable. In cold, bleak situa- tions, however, shelter of some kind may be of service, and in such the crop may receive its proper staking earlier than in places more favoured. Of the varieties of early Peas much has been said and much disputed. The multiplication of names has been such that it is much to be feared that several so-called early varieties, have a common origin in a bag of Charlton, the only difference being the name and the higher price. Now, I by no means charge respectable seedsmen with intentional fraud—on the contrary, many, I know, are amongst the most honourable traders of the community; but there are others less serupulous, who, though their stock be but limited, yet, somehow, have always everything that is asked for, and a bland excuse for everything that comes different from what was expected; but buyers, as well as sellers, are to blame for this. The insatiable thirst after fresh names must be met, anc scone is given to those whose scruples do not pre- vent their benefiting by it, and, though new and popular varieties of Peas, as well as other vegetables, may be de- cidedly better than some that preceded them, it unfortunately happens that every parcel bearing that name is not the true variety. However, a few years generally consign all indif- ferent varieties to oblivion—thus the popular names of ten years ago are but rarely met with now, while the standard old ones, as the Kent, Charlton, and Early May, which, by- the-by, I believe all very nearly resemble each other, are still on the lists. Nevertheless, as improvements are wanted, let us hope that further progress may yet be made. In the meantime I give a short list of such early varieties as I am acquainted with :— Daniel O Rouwrke—A good Pea; stands the winter well, and a tolerably good bearer. Sangster’s No. 1 is the same as this. Warner's Emperor.—Of late years this Pea has become more tender with me than it used to be; it is, however, very good still, and, amongst early Peas, none is more prolific. Dickson's Favourite.—Somewhat taller than the above, being more in the way of Prince Albert, and I believe Omar Pacha is somewhat the same in habit; with me it did very well last year. Early Warwick.—This old variety has so strong a resem- blance to the Charlton that I think they must be classed as synonymous. Racehorse.—I have never seen this in good condition, and I find the name is rare in seed catalogues. Early Frame.—This, the Early May, Kent, and some others, have doubtless taken their origin from the Charlton. They are all good bearers, and about the same in earliness as those previously mentioned. I must confess that these are the only early kinds I have grown of late years, and many kinds are no doubt omitted which, by other growers, may be regarded as superior to any I have named. Amongst those t hear spoken well of is Sutton’s Conqueror, very good as a running Pea; and there are some of the dwarf section, such as Dillistone’s Early Prolific and Tom Thumb which have each their admirers. Doubtless there are others of equal merit, but, not having grown them, I cannot speak from my own experience. Early Peas, however, are of such importance that it is not likely that any really good ones can remain long unknown. The great aim seems to be to obtain varieties that will | | come into use a few days sooner than those already known to us. Constitutional hardiness is another qualification ; for it sometimes happens that considerable portions of a row die off in March, from causes which are but imperfectly understood. I have in vain endeavoured to determine the cause of this, though it is likely that the plant dies when it no longer receives any support from the seed; but I am far from affirming that such is the true cause, as the season is generally so far advanced as to lead to the belief that the seed had long ceased to afford nourishment. Certain, how- ever, it is that everything connected with the Pea is not yet fully understood; and I confess being as anxious to learn more on this subject as to give advice. Common as the Pea is, and its culture under certain conditions more easy than that of most other crops, there are some points connected with its management in winter, as well as in the latter part of summer, which render it anything but a certain plant. On its summer growth another article will be forthcoming at an early period.—J. Rogson. ANEMONE APENNINA CULTURE. In reply to “ E. F.,”’ who complains of the flowers of her Anemone apennina plants being “poor and puny,’ I may state that we have plants of it in large patches in a border amongst other herbaceous plants that have no flowers less than a half-crown piece, and many fully the size of a crown piece. The border runs east and west. At the back (the south side) there is a row of variegated Hollies and other shrubs from 10 to 15 feet in height, in front of them are tall herbaceous plants gradually lowering in height from the back to the front, which may be about 8 feet from the Hollies and shrubs. The border is, therefore, fully exposed to the north, and partially so to the south; for the shrubs shade the border considerably, yet not completely, for they are not planted close together, but so that each may be seen, and worked about on all sides. In this border, about a foot from the Box-edging, the Blue Wood Anemene is planted now in patches a foot or 18 inches in diameter, with room between each for hoeing and otherwise trimming the border when necessary. In this border, shady during the mid- day hours only, in a light loamy soil on gravel, this plant is quite at home. It has no rival when in flower, and even before blooming its handsome foliage renders it particularly attractive. It receives no care beyond keeping clear of weeds, and the intrusion of its neighbours, and lightly pointing the ground around it in autumn or spring. A calcareous soil is the most suitable for it; but it will grow anywhere if the soil is free of stagnant water, and not very strong. ‘lhe situation should be open yet shady—that is, not so shaded as to be hidden from the sun’s rays by a close canopy of leaves overhead, nor dried up through the trees abstracting all the moisture and nutritive principles from the soil, but what may be termed open woods and borders shaded from the mid-day sun, on the borders or margins of which it will grow freely, especially if the soil is naturally light and dry, and not rendered so by the roots of other plants. The ground should have a dressing of leaf mould 3 inches thick worked in to a depth of a foot, and the roots should be planted in this in August or September about 3 inches apart, and covered an inch deep with soil. In November the surface should be mulched with an inch of leaf mould; and here they should be allowed to remain for the next three years at least without being disturbed, keep- ing them clear of weeds and other plants that may intrude upon them. If the part of the garden is kept as dressed ground, a slight forking around them twice a-year will not injure them, providing care be taken not to disturb them, and if a little leaf mould be forked in each time the fork is plied round them the flowers will be much finer. Once planted and established nothing further will be re- quired for years, and the plants will go on increasing, in time forming large masses, which when in a sheet of bloem, as I have seen them amongst some trees surrounding rock- work not many miles from York, cannot fail to cause ad- miration. It is a scarce plant in gardens, and in the trade, but ere long we shall have such plants as these offered by the hundred, and in time our parks, our woods, and woodland walks will present a scene of interest and beauty that will 492, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 20, 1864. vie in spring with the more costly flower garden. The time will soon come when our parks, our woods, and our woodland walks will be ornamented with such plants as the Snowdrop and Aconite in-winter; Crocuses peering on their margins, and on mounds; Daffodils decking the pastures and making them yellow, as if strewn with Buttercups; Primroses and Cowslips adding their charms. Crowfoot and Orchises will be in the hollows of many meadows, and most woods, as well as the common Wood Anemone, fhe Violet, and very many more, all in place of Nettles, Thistles, and other rubbish, for which such places are now so conspicuous. That the walks in woods will soon be made fit for the foot to tread upon once more, that employers will see that such places are not robbed for the sake of sensation gardens, and that there will be a return to things purely horticultural, is the firm conviction of—G. ABBry. : BIRMINGHAM FRUIT ann CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW : OR, THE HANDSWORTH HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. From what has been written of this Society from time to time, we might have been led to believe that it offered fair for a Midland Counties Exhibition. Than Birmingham no town could be better chosen, and no time more wisely se- lected than the week of the Cattle and Dog Shows. It is worthy of remark that whilst a horticultural society seems to be maintained with difficulty, a Cattle or Dog Show when- ever attempted meets with every success, and the rush of visitors is something extraordinary. We have been so long used to a cattle show, that we do not now wonder at the fittings and preparations for these occasions. A dog show is of more recent introduction, and who could visit this show at Birmingham without feclings of admiration? A building to all appearance erected for the express purpose, beautifully fitted up and subdivided for the accommodation of the different classes of animals, and even abundantly heated by the introduction of gas—a multiplicity of dogs in | every class, clean, and well cared for—at one end of the building a magnificent display of silver cups for distribution amongst the successful competitors—all this showed strencth and a healthily-conducted exhibition. We do not find in the Cattle and Dog Shows such re- strictions as to the locality of the subjects for exhibition as we do in the Horticultural Show. The two former are most liberal, and have acquired a fame worthy of the great town in which they are held; the latter is remarkable for its being so extremely two-sided. The Class No. 1 limits the competition of fruit to that which is grown within fifteen miles of Birmingham; and Class No. 2 is open to all the world. Thus an English gardener who wishes honestly to compete for any of these prizes, pits himself against others who get up their collection out of a garden in size nothing less than that of the whole world. I am inclined to think that before this Society can claim to itself much credit for being the cause of advancing the “science of horticulture more than any other provincial one” (as stated by one of your contemporaries), an infusion of much new blood will be required. T had a schedule sent me which I took for granted was an invitation to compete, but on looking it over I found that in Class No. 1, I was precluded from the simple fact that I was beyond the restricted radius of fifteen miles. On reference to Richmond’s new map of the Midland Counties, I am about twenty miles from Birmingham, as the crow flies. Referring further to this class, there were no prizes for Pine Apples, or single dishes of Grapes, which at this season of the year are very interesting. Then, again, for a collection of twelve dishes of fruit, a prize of 30s. is offered. This is the highest prizein this class. A goodly sum for such a boastful Society. This Exhibition, be it remembered, is open for four consecutive days during the great show week, and is afforded the use of the “noble Town Hall granted by the Mayor,” yet the total amount of prize money, including the ten-guinea cup, does not amount to £100. How does this small amount contrast with the reported account that “several thousands visited the Exhibition during the four days?” This is the amount which does so much for the “science of horticulture.” It seems strange that a medium cannot be given between on the one hand, a radius of fifteen miles sound Birmingham, and on the other the ends of he earthY The true gardening skill of this country is not ene couraged or represented by the Handsworth Exhibitioz. We-d not find such restrictions and extremes in the Cattle or Dog Exhibitions. I'next had a glance at Class No. 2, open to all the world fruiterers, dealers, and others. The bye-laws of this class say—‘“It is not imperative that the fruit shown in this class should have been grown by the exhibitor.” This piece of cooked jobbery would not do for me—pardon me for thus expressing myself, but to me it seems too plain, and I eamnot help it. If I were to compete in this class, having a view to success, I would have to journey or telegram, to beat upaeollection. Thus, without even the shadow of a garden, without even seeing a single fruit necessary for any of these collections for fifty consecutive weeks prior to the Show, may any one with a very ordinary amount of sagacity, purchase or obtain by any similar means, all that is required, and he who is most assiduous by these means in obtaining the ten-guinea cup, will, according to this Society, be the one who has contributed most to the advancement of the “science of horticulture,’ without requiring to take any pains as to culture, watering, budding, grafting, root-prun~ ing, and a thousand other cares. A man following any occupation in kin as different to gardening as a lobster is to a skylark, may, by means of “ purchase, put himselfin a superior rank to those who have laboured indefatigably im the trenches for twelve months.” Societies are generally organised through the exertions of some enterprising individual, and generally prosper when they have for their object the common weal of his country and fellow men, and with such philanthropic views that individual is much to be admired. I do not profess ta know who are the actual managers of the Handsworth So- ciety, but from a report which has appeared in this Journal, for ‘its adinirable arrangements much credit is due to the Honorary Secretaries, Mr. George P. Tye, and Mr. Charles James Perry, the latter maintaining throughout the play a position resembling very much that of a ‘‘Hamlet.” It is indispensable to have a good Secretary for the manage- ment of a Society, and few positions could offer better ,to show the philanthropy of a man than that of an honorary secretary giving his services in such a way as not to invite the remark that those services are for any selfish end. At this Show we find the Honorary Secretary, a resident near Birmingham, competing for, and carrying off the ten-guinea cup, and all the rest of the principal prizes, obtaining twelve first prizes and four second, walking easily over every one, including Mr. Pluck, a fruit merchant of Jersey, a resident among the fruits in the Channel Islands, and to whose name we only find one first and two second prizes recorded. It seems strange that Mr. Pluck should send fruit all the way from Jersey, and compete only for one or two secondary prizes. The large collection of fruit of Mr. Perry’s which did obtain the cup, contained a tolerably free sprinkling of baking and stewing Pears. Mention of this, however, did not appear in any of the reports of the meeting which I saw. It will be necessary for the Handsworth Horticultural Society, professing to do so much for the “science of hor- ticulture,”’ to give a public explanation as to the cause why they limit their encouragement to fifteen miles round Bir- mingham on the one hand, and on the other why they in- vite competition from all parts of the world. These ex- tremes without some explanation are not reconcilable, and until this is done, the Birmingham Fruit Show will remain a delusion. ; A thoroughly healthy horticultural society is much wanted in Birmingham, not only for the Midland Counties, but for the north of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Many gar- deners at this season could bring their productions to Bir- mingham, who could not go so far as London, and on this account their produce, no matter however meritorious, would never be brought before the public. There is yet a wide field open for the encouragement of horticulture. The Royal Horticultural Society of London enjoys a great name, but is exceedingly local in its efforts to do good. Those who reap the most benefits from that Society are the London nurserymen, and suburban gardeners, whilst the encourage- ment of provincial nurserymen and country gardeners is comparatively neglected. But now that they are fairly December 20, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 493 started (?) we find them desirous of having union with local societies, and what is to prevent them from putting their shoulder to the Birmingham Society, and issuing a schedule for a great fruit show to be holden once a-year during the show week? It might, however, be necessary to depute from the Fruit Committee a certain number of delegates to insure success and protection to the meeting. Wu. MruEr. CHARLES LEFEBVRE ROSE. Amonesr its other claims to be considered the finest Hybrid Perpetual Rose in cultivation, may be added, if my experience of it be correct, that of really deserving the name of Perpetual. I have this day (December 8th), cut a bloom of it, which for size, shape, and colour is as perfect as if cut in the middle of the Rose season. It measured 3 inches across, and is, as I look at it on my chimneypiecs, arich treat at this time of the year. Undoubtedly this is an exceptional season, but I think there are few Roses of which such an account can be given now. You may get them, it is true, but not in such character. I know it is the habit to decry Perpetual Roses, as if they did nothing worthy of their name, but to have had, as I have had, blooms for so many months, up to midwinter, surely entitles them to some credit on this score. If persons expect that their trees are to be for ever crowded with bloom as in summer, of course they will be disappointed; but if their expectations are moderate, I do not at all see that the name is undeserved, audit is just possible that improved varieties, with somewhat more of Bourbon blood in them, may yet give us more autumn flowers than even at present.—D., Deal. DESTRUCTION OF RED SPIDER. Soor is a certain cure forred spider. No plant, that I know of, is more subject to them than Kitley’s Goliath, 2 much better Strawberry than has ever been allowed. I have re- introduced it. It is better than many that come opt at high prices. It is obtuse-coned, subject to white tips, but fine, a Beavy cropper, and of good flavour. Red spider drove it out of general cultivation. Some years ago I had some plants sent to me to plant covered with them like Cayenne pepper, I put in the plants, watered them and the whole surface of the ground, and then I put on the soot till nothing but soot sould be seen. I never saw anything more of the red spider. My present Goliaths are perfectly free from this pest. In two places I have seen Goliath perfectly devoured by it. Berhaps soot mixed with the sulphur and clay might be of service to the fruit trees of “G. W.” (page 472). Insects detest ammonia, and in no form can you apply it so inno- gently as with soot, which containing nitrogen is conducive %o the prosperity of vegetation. When sown over Straw- Berry plants it enables them greatly to resist severe frosts. oW. I. Rapciyrre, Rushton. + CRUSHED BONES AS A MANURE. I sHovuxp feel obliged by any of your correspondents alating if any injury has arisen to their plants by the use ef crushed bones. Myr. Rivers, in his ‘‘Orchard-House,” zecommends the use of one quart of bones to every potted ‘Jine, mixed intimately with the soil; and, in your answers 0 correspondents, I see them recommended to be placed gear the bottom of the pot. Now, I had some nice young Yines last autumn, two years from the eye, intended to fruit the present season, which were healthy and well-rooted when potted, and to which I applied about one quart of gresh bones, crushed, mixed with the soil, and I expected good results. From about ten such Vines I have not had a bunch; they have grown very badly, and have not ripened their wood. Satished that something was radically wrong, i examined their roots, and found them very poor and zotten, and some roots, as thick as the stem of a pipe, which jook healthy, are in some places shrunk to half their size, and at such places they easily break. My sister, also, hearing of the virtues of bones, used some for her Fuchsias, which have done pretty well; but, on zepotting, she finds very few roots, whilst, in other seasons, without bones, the soil has been one complete mass of roots. My opinion is that the bones have generated some fungus or other in the soil, which has produced the effect described. Favour me with your opinion, and say should the bones be raw or boiled, or vitriolised. —J. J. [A quart of crushed hones we consider quite enough for a bushel pot. Using raw bones extensively has just pro- duced the same effect as using putrifying flesh in the soil. Boiled bones, or old bones, may be used more freely. Vitriolised bones, as superphosphate of lime, may be used safely in moderation, and best as a top-dressing—say 2 ozs. at a time to a 15-inch pot. We, too, have been thwarted once or twice by using raw fresh bones. If unavoidably used they should be placed in the soil at some distance from the roots. | x VINES IN AN ORCHARD-HOUSE. Iszz one of your correspondents does not agree with me * on the value of the Trentham Black Grape for a cold house, and says his plant does not set its fruit well. I have two bearing-canes of this variety, one in a warm house and one in an orchard-house without fire heat. From the first we gathered about 40 lbs. weight of beautiful fruit, as well set as Black Hamburghs, larger, richer, and thinner skinned, and it has been quite as satisfactory in the two previous seasons. I know it to be correct, having had the plant direct from Trentham. As I wrote before, it was in every respect superior to Black Hamburgh in the cold house. Now, as both of our houses have a gocd deal of air given to them, is it not possible-that your correspondent’s house may have been too close and damp? There must be some reason if we could but find it out why Vines behave so dif- ferently in one place to what they do in another. Ask a man whose soil is dry and who gives a great deal of heat to his Vines, what he thinks of Barbarossa, and he will, perhaps, tell you it is the best of all late Black Grapes. We all know what it is as generally seen. So of the true Black Alicante. Ihave grown it for years in two houses, one warmer than the other. In the warmer house it is equal to the Lady Downes’ and keeps better; in the other, which had heat enough to ripen Black Hamburghs thoroughly in October, it is hardly fit to eat, though quite black and equal in appear- ance to those in the warm house. There is much to learn about fruit; let each give his opinion and the reasons for it, and it will be mutually beneficial—_J. hk. Prarson, Chilwell. CHRYSANTHEMUM “BOB.” Two gardeners here in New York had a dispute about the date when Chrysanthemum “Bob” was first introduced, raised, or sold in Hngland. The one contends that it was cultivated in England in 1850, the other says it was not out at that time. Will you oblige us by answering the above.— J. W. Woop. _ [We sent the above letter to the best authority we know on all that relates tothe Chrysanthemum, and the following is his reply :—< Bob was raised by an English florist at Lyons, named Smyth, about 1852. I sent it out in 1854,— JouN SauTer, Versailles Nursery.’’] CHILDREN'S CernysantHEMUM SHow.—A Chrysanthemum Show on a small scale, took place at the school-room of Summer Town, near Oxford, on Monday last, the exhibitors being the children educated there. With the view of foster- ing a love for flowers amongst the children, one hundred young plants were distributed in the spring to about thirty of them, boys and girls, by a late resident (Professor J. O. | Westwood), the only restriction being that the children undertook to cultivate the plants themselves without assist- ance. Small prizes were offered, not so much for fine fowers as for care bestowed on the plants. The late dry summer proved unfavourable for the experiment, but seventeen o the children produced their plants on Monday last, to nine of whom prizes were accordingly given ; several of the plants being carefully trained and nicely bloomed. The girls ap- peared to have bestowed as much pains on their plants as the boys.—(Oxford Jowrnal.) 494. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 20, 1864. CULTIVATION OF THE MELON. (Continued from page 413.) MELONS IN HOUSES. Fig. 16 shows a plant in a six-inch pot with two rough The requisite number of shoots to cover the trellis being leaves, and a pair of seed- | obtained, whether that number be one, two, three, four, or apes eens leaves, and which is ready for | more, they should be trained straight without any further SS stopping. Fig. 17 represents | stopping until they reach to within 6 inches of the top. of fi the same with the growing | the trellis, when the point of each should be taken out with Ti ii point rubbed off, or taken | a penknife, for large cuts at any time always weaken the Ml out with the point of a pen-| plant. Taking out the points of the principal shoots will Fig. 16 Fie. 17. knife, at the second rough | cause the emission of side shoots, which I will term laterals, leaf. Any shoots coming from | all along the principal shoots, and from these, at the axils the axils of the seed-leaves are to rubbed off when first | of the second or third leaves, fruit will usually appear. visible. : Should any, however, not show fruit at or before the third. Fig. 18 represents the plant with two shoots springing from | leaf on the lateral, such the axils of the two rough leaves to which it was previously | should be stopped at the stopped. If the plant have | thirdleaf, but thoseshow- a six-foot trellis to grow on, | ing fruit should not be these two shoots wiil be | stopped until the embryo sufficient, and they may, | fruit has been duly fer- therefore, be trained to the | tilised, and the corolla trellis without stopping, at | has closed over the im- 1 foot apart, taking out the | pregnated organs; all first three side shoots that | the laterals should then spring from the bottom of | be stopped at one joint each of the principal shoots | above the fruit, the plant with a small pointed sharp | will then have the ap- knife. Thus taking away the side shoots near the collar | pearance shown in jig. 19, of the plant secures light and air at that part, and decay | presuming it to have there, which is a common disease, is to a certain extent | been trained with four Fig. 18. prevented. shoots; and let the number be what it may, each principal If three or four shoots be required to cover the trellis, at | shoot will resemble those in the figure. ree the distance of a foot apart, the two shoots are stopped at From two to four fruit being set on each plant, their the third leaf (b, fig. 18), and this will give rise, generally, | swelling will be materially aided by stopping at the first to six shoots, but always to four; and of these, four shoots | joint all erowths from laterals not producing fruit, but those should be trained up, at 1 foot apart, from the bottom to- | sub-laterals taking their rise from the axils of the leaves wards the top of the trellis, and if two more be produced, | situated on the laterals producing fruit should not be they also may be retained, and kept at the lower part of | stopped until a week or ten days afterwards, so that the the trellis, and stopped pretty closely, to act as a reserve in | food arrested by stopping the sub-laterals may not only be case the principal shoots fail to produce fruit. driven, but attracted past or into the fruit, the growing, FSET DE ITED ETE_E_TZEEZEZ-Z ZETA =z EDIE } 3 i) Boar 4 al is) i i ! —- s 1%: f ea IDOE Fig. 20. point being situated above or near it. This being effected | which will rapidly advance towards perfection. Continue the fruit will swell rapidly, and by stopping the sub-laterals | to keep the sub-laterals closely stopped, giving those, how- on the lateral on which the fruit is borne beyond the point | ever, on which the fruit is borne rather more freedom. at which this takes its origin, and the whole of the other | Should the frequent stopping tend to overcrowd the maim sub-laterals on the plant being kept closely pinched in to | leaves from the principal and lateral shoots, the sub-laterals one joint as fast as new growths are made, the whole | must be reduced in number by cutting them clean out, and strength of the plant will be concentrated on the fruit, close to the shoot or lateral from which they spring, so as to_ ee ee December 20, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 495 expose the principal shoot and lateral leaves to light and air, in order that the food absorbed by the roots may be duly elaborated in the leaves, and these being kept healthy fine, full-flavoured fruit are the consequence. It is quite possible that the embryo fruit produced on the laterals may not set or swell, or it may be that none is shown. In this case the laterals should be stopped at the third or fourth leaf, and this stopping will induce sub- laterals on which we may confidently look for fruit at the first, second, or third leaf. This being the case the sub- laterals are stopped at the third leaf; the plant will then appear as represented in fig. 20. The fruit being set and swelling freely, it is necessary to thin the sub-laterals, going over them twice—first, a week or ten days after the fruit begins to swell, removing two of those not producing fruit, but not stopping any shoots whatever, only removing two of the sub-laterals on the laterals from the upper part, as shown by the cuts on the principal shoot, d, and this from every part of the plant, unless such*be producing fruit as, e, on the lateral, f, and principal shoot, h, on the left, when the two sub-laterals below that on which the fruit is borne are stopped to one leaf each, thus \, and the shoots from the sub-lateral are not stopped but left to grow for some time. In case the fruit is borne on the nearest sub- lateral, i, on the lateral, k, on the principal stem, 1, the sub-laterals and lateral are removed to the cross cut on the lateral, i; but those shoots springing from the bases of the sub-laterals are not stopped at that time, nor until a week afterwards. From a week to ten days after the useless sub-laterals are cut away, the growths taking their rise from the sub-laterals are stopped to two leaves, but if pro- ducing fruit to four, above the fruit, and if those lefs over- crowd the main leaves and stems, their number is reduced by degrees, so that the plant may not be gorged with sap, and gout result through an insufliciency of leaves to ela- borate the food absorbed. After this the new growths are kept closely stopped, and thinned to admit light and air to the main leaves until the fruit is perfected, when the plants may be pulled up, and others planted in fresh soil if a second crop be desired; for Melon plants in houses after producing one crop are not worth keeping to afford a second. In case the principal shoots do not set fruit on the lateral, or sub-lateral shoots, the principal shoots may he cut down to the two reserve shoots (which have been kept pinched in) at the base of the plant, and situated to the right and left respectively—viz., m n, in fig. 20, and shoots sufficient to cover the trellis may be obtained if the plant is vigorous enough and they must be trained in lieu of those cut away. Such shoots cannot fail to produce fruit immediately, but it will be small, though well flavoured. This method of training Melons is adapted for all low trellises, and is the same as that recommended in the case of training the Melon over the surface of beds without trellises.—G. ABBEY. (Po be continued.) BOILERS WITHOUT BRICKWORK. LE noricz in the Number of your Journal published De- cember 6th, that you say, in answer to “A Consrant Sus- SCRIBER,”’ on the subject of stove boilers—‘‘ We have reason to know that the boiler named soon burns through, and that all the so-called boilers without setting do the same. There is little if any difference in them, and they all do their work pretty well, subject to the drawback of the outer casing speedily burning through.” ; In reply I beg to state that by no means “all” the stove boilers burn through, as I can mention four or five manu- facturers in London besides myself, who make stove boilers requiring no setting, and which do not burn through any faster than the ordinary saddle or conical boilers set in brickwork. These boilers are constructed with the fire in the interior of a cylindrical water space (see accompanying engraving), and no casing is used outside. I may mention that I have erected this class of boiler in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens at Chiswick and South Kensington, and in many other places, especially in the neighbourhood of London, where I find they give great satisfaction, as they are quickly and cheaply erected, and can be as easily removed if required for alterations. I think you will see from the enclosed tracings that tke boilers which I have described differ considerably from the one to which you allude in your remarks.—THos. 8. Truss. [We quite assent to the above. Our observation applied to furnaces with boilers placed above them, not to furnaces the sides of which are formed by the boiler, for as long as this is kept filled with water no excessive burning can occur. | WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. No opportunity should be allowed to pass by, of getting the soil in a favourable state for the reception of the various crops which must soon be committed to it, and as the basis of success is allowed by all good practical gardeners to be a thorough system of drainage, no time should be lost in at- tending to this most material point. Whatever is done should be done well. Never allow a drain to be laid down that is likely to be deranged in its operation, as the good. that may otherwise be derived from it would be nullified from the difficulty of ascertaining where the defects are. As this kind of work may be done any time when it is dry over- head, you will do well to look to it in time. Broccol:, these will be advanced by the recent mild weather, look over and select the most forward for protection in case of the return of frosty weather. Continue to remove all dead and decaying leaves. Cabbage, plants may still be planted or pricked out from seed-beds, and those planted in October should have a little soil drawn to them. Garlic and Shallots should be planted. Peas, the early ones which are breaking the soil may have a ridge of mould drawn over them, a covering of sawdust, old tan, or clean sand, is very good for the purpose, as it tends to keep the slugs in check. Set traps regularly for mice. Provide a successional supply of Sea-kale and Asparagus, in whatever way forcing is practised. PRUIT GARDEN. Orchard trees of large size are much neglected about many places as to pruning, the heads should be liberally thinned, cutting out all branches which cross the others, and dead pieces, and leaving the shoots sufficiently far apart that light and air may have free play among those left when the foliage is on. In removing large branches care should be used to make close clean cuts, and if the wood is coated with strong, thick paint, this will help to prevent its de- cayinge before the wound is healed over. Also, take ad- vantage of leisure time to thoroughly examine the fruit stores, and remove any that are found to be decaying. Of course, the frost must be excluded from here, but on no account use fire heat unless the temperature cannot other- wise be kept above freezing. Admit a little air on fine days, especially after keeping the room shut up for some time; but as the fruit will now give off but little moisture, very little air will suffice to keep the atmosphere dry, and no more than may be necessary to do this should be given. Any of the more choice varieties of Pears that do not ripen properly should be removed to a warm, dry room tor a few days, which will be found to greatly improve them. 496 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 20, 1864. —— FLOWER GARDEN. Laurustinus, variegated Hollies, or other such shrubs that have not grown kindly to be supplied with a top-dressing of rotten dung or leaf mould, to be lightly forked into the ground to give nourishment to the roots. Ifa similar want of luxuriance is perceptible in Rhododendrons, or other such evergreen American shrubs, they may be taken up and replanted with advantage, enriching the ground with a liberal supply of peat soil, or well decomposed leaf mould. Hoeing and raking the borders amongst shrubs will be sufficient to give them a clean and neat appearance, without the spade, to which we have a great objection when used to cut up the fibrous roots to debilitate the growth of shrubs that were planted to produce luxuriant and healthy growth as the most ornamental for pleasure-ground scenery. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. As a moist stagnant air is most injurious to greenhouse plants at this dull season, we would advise a gentle fire to be applied during the day to expel damp; but heat and moisture should be reduced to the lowest degree possible compatible with the safety of the plants from frosts, and in accordance. with the very small amount of light at this season, When high degrees of heat are kept up a large amount of water is necessarily applied, when elongation, or length without strength, takes place. Orange trees, or any other plants that have not been recently potted, to be fresh- surfaced by removing a little of the top soil and supplying its place with fresh. Pelargoniums to be kept rather cool and dry, giving whatever water they may require on the mornings of fine days, that the superfluous moisture may evaporate before evening. Herbaceous Calceolarias to be kept near the glass, shifted into larger pots if they require it, to be watered moderately through a fine rose, to be never allowed to get thoroughly dry, and when they require water it should be given before noon. The attacks of green fly to be prevented by fumigation with tobacco smoke; and when removing decayed leaves be careful not to pull or cut them off close to the stem, when the flower-shoots would be very likely to be injured by the operation. Camellias after the buds are set, and so far advanced as they are at this time of the year, require particular attention that they may not be excited too much by artificial means, nor must the tem- _perature to be allowed to decrease for fear of the flower-buds falling of. Water also should be carefully given, neither saturating the soil to stagnation, nor allowing it to become too dry. When the Chrysanthemums begin to fade they may be removed to the north side of a wall, the pots plunged in old tan, leaves, or sawdust to protect them from the severity of the winter. Constant removals in the conservatory will at this period be necessary, for where a good reserve stock is Kept, nothing should be suffered to remain which does not contribute to the gaiety of this structure. This change renders the whole more interesting; for in former days, before the special cultivation of winter flowers was under- stood, a most tiresome monotony prevailed: the Oranges, Myrtles, Oleanders, with huge American Aloes, appeared as if nailed to the spot. Take all possible means to avoid drip, and maintain the most perfect cleanliness and order. ; PITS AND FRAMES. Continue to give careful attention to halfhardy plants in these structures, taking advantage of every favourable op- portunity to expose them freely to air. Anything of which there is but a small supply of plants to propagate from should be placed in growing-quarters at once, taking care to keep near the glass, and free from insects, mildew, &e. Softwooded plants in heat at this season are very subject to the attacks of insects—W. Kranz. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. . KITCHEN GARDEN. Mucx the same as last week. Gave plenty of air to As- paragus, encouraged Rhubarb and Sea-kale, and planted Potatoes in pots, to be grown in them, and others in small pots to be transplanted when we gei a slight hotbed. Sowed also some dwarf Tom Thumb Peas in pots, and put some charred rubbish and burnt weeds by the sides of the young Cabbage plants, and also top-dressed with the same Cauli- flowers under hand-lichts, so that the surface soil may be as dry as possible. Will try and keep rain from them for three months. Gave manure water to Dwarf Kidney Beans. Thinned the Cucumber fruit in a small bed to enable it to keep on a little longer, and made a small hotbed for sowing the first crop under_a frame. When the shortest day is passed everything will grow better and faster afterwards. FRUIT GARDEN. Proceeded with pruning and nailing as opportunity offered, as the spring will be sure to bring its own work with it. As soon as convenient we will daub our dwarf trees with a mix- ture of Gishurst, soot, lime, sulphur, clay, cowdung, &c., to clean the stems, and keep the tomtits and bullfinches from the buds. Just now the tomtit does, we think, more good than harm, as he casts his sharp eye and little bill so knowingly into every hole and cranny in search of insects. In general he acts as a friend until the buds begin to swell, and then he will do his work in earnest, clearing a tree of its fruit-buds in a very short time. Last season, independently of netting, he made great havoc with Plums and Pears, and just began on Apples, when we inanaged to lose sight of him. He requires to be sharply looked after, for after and during hard weather you may not see him for a month or two; but most likely when the buds are soft and sweet he will bring not only himself but a whole cloud of relations, and they clear off everything as they go, pretty much like an invasion of locusts. Hven now he may be easily poisoned by putting nux vomica or arsenic into pieces of mutton suet, bat then, if we could only keep him moderate in his desires at bud- swelling time, we should feel sorry to interfere with the good deeds of the artful, little, pretty rogue at other times. Gooseberry and Currants—We generally merely thin a little, and defer full pruning until the bird-rayaging time is pretty well over. Ifwedo not do it ourselves we hope that some of our readers will try these homely fruits trained. to low trellises. It will be something strange if wasps do not touch them on these trellises. Amateurs who wish to have the fruit clean and nice, and to gather it themselves, without any danger of being troubled with lumbago, if they do not adopt the trellis plan, should have some standards at least 3 or 4 feet in height. A Currant tree is then a pretty sight in fruit, and so is a Gooseberry tree. The best way to secure them at first, is to insert a stontish stick before planting. the stick rather higher than the top of the tree. Two cross wires fastened near the top of the stick, and a wire round at the circumference, would secure the tree well at first, and in a short time it would need no support. Planting fruit trees may still be proceeded with. In many orchards the trees become covered with moss and lichens, and prematurely decay, from too deep planting. Nature herself will give an admirable lesson here. Hvery tree if self-sown, and with plenty of room to grow, will, less or more, be found to stand on a little mound, and the roots will be found extending near the surface of the ground, as well as at greater depths. With trees hardy enough for the climate, and which we wish merely to grow for timber, it matters little how deep tke roots grow. In fine, mellow, loamy soil, there is no great necessity for planting even a fruit tree on a mound, though every reason for not planting it deep. All tender trees, and all fruit trees should~be shallow-planted. In the case of tender trees, the less the growth the more fully will the growth be ripened, and, therefore, the better will it stand rough vicissitudes. i holds not only tue in the case of fruit trees, but as we also grow them for fruit, and not wood, we should bear in mind, that the nearer the roots are to the air, and sun heat and light, the more will the fruitful parts preponderate over the mere growth developments. Bush and Pyramidel Trees in gardens, therefore, will in general thrive none the worse for being elevated on little mounds. In thin sandy soil a greater depth is thus secured, and the roots run beyond the mound at a shorter distance beneath the surface. In very rich soils, with or without a heap of stones or clinkers beneath, the mound will help to check over-vigorous growth. In deep, cold, clay soils—at least with clay bottoms—the tree has a better chance to ‘send its roots in the best soil, without being enticed to go ‘ deep, and be gorged with unhealthy matter fruitful of canker ae eer December 20, 1864. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 497 and other evils. Ifthe roots, by concreting or other means, can be prevented going down at all into such cold damp | soils, the better will the trees flourish. The mounds also give a better chance for root-pruning if that should be ne- cessary, and richness and moisture near the surface may easily be secured by top-dressing and mulching. In soil at all moderately rich, we would mix no manure whatever with it at planting time, but we would top-dress with leaf mould or rotten dung every year as long as the plant required it. Even if it became too strong and vigorous we would prefer root-pruning or replanting rather than discontinuing this surface-dressing, as the masses of mop or wig-like’ roots near home are more serviceable for producing and feeding plenty of fruit than lots of long naked roots going ever so deep. In planting on mounds, supposing the mound to be 4 or 5 feet in diameter, the centre may well be from 12 to 15 or more inches higher than the surrounding level. Strawberries.—Nearly finished cleaning beds in the open air; removing all runners, thinning where too thick, but leaving the old leaves on the plants to act as some protec- ‘tion ; then hoed or forked an inch or two in depth between the rows, and placed on the space a layer of rough, rotten, hotbed manure. Watered plants in pots under “protection in orchard-house, as when now allowed to become too dry the flower-bud is apt to perish. This is more necessary in our case, as, owing to the drought of summer and little water to give them, our plants are in smaller pots than usual. Moved a lot of plants from a frame, where some were shewine the buds, into a small pit where we have some Vines, and which we will start slowly. We will keep the pit rather close a few days, that the plants may sustain no check in being removed from the damp frame at this season, they having “had a mild bottom heat from tree leaves. Nothing i is better than such a frame for starting such plants ; but anything like a check afterwards, either from a dry heat ora lower temperature, does harm to the Strawberry plants. We have placed them thick in the brick pit, as by the time they want more room we will be better prepared for thinning them. They are placed on narrow boards, with just a sprink- ling of leaf mould on them, and that we like better than pans or flats at this season. We put a little hay and litter over the pots of trees in orchard-house, in case we should have a sudden frost; the wind from the north-east is cold enough for anything. Will prune and wash here at the first opportunity. Forcing Vines, Peaches, and Figs may now be commenced. to have ripe fruit in June, beginning very slowly at first with a moist atmosphere, and a temperature ranging from 45° to 50°, raising it a few degrees each week until you approach 60°, above which the temperature should not rise by fire heat until the buds of Vines are all broken, the flower-buds of Peaches set, and the young Figs swelling. Where a little bottom heat can be given to early Vines it will be an advan- tage. Where the roots are out of doors the ground should be well, or, rather, early protected, to keep in the summer’s heat. It will always be advisable to have a little heat in the bor- der before raising the temperature much above that which is necessary to keep out frostin-doors. The mere excluding of frost by keeping plants under the shelter of forcing-houses does them no harm. But if such trees as Vines and! Peaches. have a little frost, but not enough to injure them, we think it helps to keep them more free from insects. On the other hand, it is right to state that we have seen Peach trees out of doors, exposed to a frost that was quite as much as they could stand uninjured, and yet be eaten up with insects early next season; whilst a few feet from them trees pro- tected by glass, and frost just excluded, had not an insect on them the following season. All general rules have their exceptions. A few Figs out of doors we will give a little protection to before the frost becomes severe; but after having them in-doors in plenty, they have become of less use to us. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Our chief work has been collecting leaves and thoroughly cleaning, and sweeping and rollin’ the pleasure grounds. The leaves have come down so irregularly that this has been a long, trying job this season, and nothing in a fine day, even to say nothing of a dull, foge¢y one, so much tends to conjure up morbid and melancholy feelings, as lots of leaves on walks and lawns, undergoing the-firss processes | of skeletonising. Our walks are so smooth that we are a | little in doubt as to rolling them after this last sweeping. Ifwe do so our chief object will be to make them firmer, so | as to throw off the rains. A very smooth walk is not such a luxury in winter as it is in summer; and in fine weather in | summer, walks, except in show places, however nice, are scarcely ever used. Who would tramp on gravel when he | could use the carpet lawn? Where much “walking is ne- cessary in winter, the lawn will generally be too damp, and except for the thin goloshes of ladies, a roughish walk that will leave nothing on the soles of the boots, will be quite as pleasant as a smooth walk, if it leaves marks of the foot- steps. It is not easy to obtain both advantages. For smoothness we use & slight sprinkling of fine siftings every | year. For roughness in winter all the large stones, and all | the fine sandy siftings should alike be excluded. But for the first expense, walks in small places would be cheapest in the end, if formed of stone or pavement, or even of thick asphalt, but then they, too, would be too smooth, and sometimes dangerous in winter. Worm Heaps on Lawns.—These are great eyesores, when a bright level expanse of green is the great object aimed at. In small plots the best and most effectual remedy is to roll the lawn, and then in a day or two when the holes are open to water it over well with clear lime water that is made by placing a good spadeful—say half a peck or more of quick- lime in a hogshead of water, stirring it well and using it when clear. This will also banish them from the sides of walks. Salt would be more effectual for the latter purpose, but then it would also soften the walk. In large lawns it is almost impossible to use lime water all over, but a few places may be done nearthe mansion. The remedy for large lawns, however, must chiefly be the roller. A’ wooden one such as a boy can draw is best, and as the worm heaps encrust it, the earth must be scraped from it. A large space ef lawn may thus be aeone over quickly. A handy “wooden roller may be 10 or 12 inches in diameter, and 33 to # feet in length, furnished with a light wooden handle to pull by. Such a roller is as useful for a lawn in winter, as a daisy- knife is in summer. Sweeping worm heaps, unless in very dry weather, is an unsatisfactory process. The roller leaves a better appearance behind it with a tithe of the labour. Besides, the worm dislikes the sound of the roller, and departs to his deeper fastnesses for protection. Besides attending to plants in general, we have put Roses, Dielytras, Deutzias, and other shrubs in frames and beds where they can have a mild bottom heat, preparatory to more forcing. Planting of all kinds may be proceeded with, and if tender Roses have not been taken up they should be protected with fern. spruce branches, &c. Many things, as Fuchsias, should have their roots protected with moss, ashes, or sawdust; and Hollyhocks will be the better of having mounds of such and charred rubbish placed over the roots ; Dablias we keep in dry earth in a shed, like Potatoes, aod have rarely lost a root.—R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Decemper 17. The market continuez well supplied, out-door fruit and vegetables being plentiful, while of Grapes and Pines there is sufficient for the demand, Quinces are becoming scarce, and will soon be over. In forced vegetables good Sea-kale and Kidney Beans may now be had, but Rhubarb has not as yetmade its appearance. In Potatoes prices are fully maintained. Christmas trees are now broughtin iarge quantities, and the greengrocers are laying in their stock of Holly and Misiietoe. The showy scarlet-bracted Poinsettia pulcherrima is also plentiful. Other flowers chiefly consist of Heaths, Cameltias, Azaleas, Chrysantsemums, Chinese Primroses, Mignonette, with a sprinkling of Perpetual Roses. FRUIT. ad. 5, d s.d. 3s. @ Apples....... 1 0to02 0} Melons ...............each 1 6to4 0 Apricots 0 0 O 0) Mulberries -punnet 0 0 O 0 Cherries . 0 0 O 0} Nectarines Os othe Ay Chestnuts - 14 0 20 0 5 0 10 6 Currants, RK 00 00 00 00 Black 00 00 5 0 10 0 Figs... 90 00 dessert... Ue Ure Sh) Filberts 40 0 60 0] Pine Apples. 50 8 6 Cobs/ 70 0 80 O} Plums ........ 00 00 Gooseberties ..$sieve 0 0 O 0} Pomegranates...... 06 10 Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 2 0 6 0 | Quinces 40 60 Muscats . 5 0 8 0 | Raspberrie 00.0 6 Lemons . 5 0 10 6} Walnuts 4 0 20 0 498 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. VEGETABLES. 8. d. s. da ad. 3d 0 0to0 0} Horseradish ... bundle 2 6to5 6 03,'0:5.40)50 bunch 0 2 9 3 00 00 score 2 0 4 0 20 3 0 pottle 1 6 2 6 Beet, Red...... 10 30 unnet 0 2 0 0 Broccoli ... 1 0 2 O| Onions ...........bushel 4 0 5 0 BrusselsSprouts 3 sieve 2 6 3 6 pickling ; 06 0 8 Cabbage ... doz. 1 6 3 0O| Parsley ...doz. 40 60 Capsicums +100 0 0 0 0} Parsnips OPS EEO Carrots ... bunch 0 5 O 8] Peasw.... 00 00 Cauliflower ..doz. 4 0 6 0]| Potatoes DAG hg ae 0 Celery . bundle 1 0 2 0} Radishes doz. bunches 0 9 1 O Cucumbers each 1 0 2 O| Savoys . dozisn ds 0l 2) a6 pickling . doz. 9 0 O 0} Sea-kale basket 3 0 0 O ‘Endive .score 2 6 3 0} Spinach.. sieve 3 0 5 0 Fennel bunch 0 3 O 0 Zsieve 0 0 0 O Garlic an allots, lb. 0 8 O 0 sbunch 0 3 0 6 Herbs..............bunch 0 3 0 0 wsdoz. 0.0 0 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. SEA-KALE-FORCING (Dorset).—The plants suitable for placing in frames are those with crowns fully an inch in diameter, and such are usually three or four years old from the seed. Plants once taken up and forced are not worth keeping for the same purpose again, though they will gain strength in a year or s0, and may then be used, but they are not equal to younger plants, and nothing is gained by keeping them. SizE or Meton-Pit (A. 7. S.).—The height of the Melon-pit (fig. 12 in our No. 184) is 7 feet from the floor to the apex, and how you make it only 5 feet we are at a loss to know. You may readily asceriain the dimensions of the pit by measuring the engraving, and reading it off on the scale. PLANTS FOR A Dry Borper (A Lady Subscriber).—There are no plants that will flourish in a Clematis-shaded dry south border except the different kinds of Ivies, and these we think will be the most suitable for your pur- pose. Periwinkles might also grow, but there are no flowering plants that will flourish in such a situation for any length of time. Lobelia likes a wet soil, Cerastium might succeed, and it, with Geraniums, would do the best in summer. Stachys lanata will grow well in many places where few other bedding plants will succeed. Thompson's “‘ Gardeners’ Assistant” is the best of the works named by you. ARRANGING Fruit Trees (UV. ZL. T.).—If we understand yon aright you have a hedge 84 feet long on the south, and a wall of the same length on the north, and on this you may have Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, and Fig trees, or one Grosse Mignonne Peach 8 feet from one end, then an Elruge Nectarine 25 feet from it, then a Brown Turkey Fig 15 feet distant, a Royal George Peach 15 feet from the Fig, and a Moorpark Apricot 15 feet more; and there will then be room for another Apricot 12 feet from the last. You may plant the east and west borders with Pears at 15 or 20 feet apart— say the west with Pears, reserving the east for Plums, Cherries, and Black Currants. The Plums should be planted the same distance apart as the Pears, and the Cherries at 12 feet distance, whilst the Currants may be planted a yard apart, especially if the boarded fence is a high one. We do not think Medlars would please you. We do not know whether we have read your letter aright or not, nor can we make out what is meant by the fence 84 feet long by 18 feet wide. If the wall is covered with trees, and you only wish to piant trees against the boards, then you will not plant the Peaches and Figs, nor any of the fruits named for the south wall, for they will do little good in such a situation, even in Devonshire. The other trees tape By ou will do swell on the east and west aspects. Not knowing the en of the east and west borders we are not able to tell how ma it would take to plant them. Diy mensierees TAGETES SIGNATA PUMILA AS A BEDDING PLANT — PsstON-FLOWER PRUNING—BIGNONIA RADICANS AND CaPREOLATA (LZ. G. H.).—There is more than one yellow bedding plant named Tagetes, of which the yellow varieties of French Marigolds are no mean objects; but Tagetes tenuifolia has yellow flowers, much smaller, but in greater profusion than those of the French Marigolds. It is, however, a tall plant from 2 to 2} feet high, and is only suited for large groups. Tagetes signata is a fine bedder, but like the last, is somewhat tall; but its variety T. signata pumila is only a foot or so high, and makes a fine golden mass. It is a half-bardy annual, Tequiring to be sown in the first week in March in a compost of light loam and leaf mould, and placed in a hotbed. When up guard against drawing the plants up weak by admitting air daily, and otherwise endeayouring to insure sturdy growths. When large enough to handle pot off in threes round the sides of small pots, again place in the frame, and keep rather close for a few days, then gradually harden off, and plant out in ‘the last week in May or first of June. They are a little more tender than French Marigolds. You will not gain anything by cutting the Passion-Flower down, and you may lose the plant if you cut to the old wood withont any eyes upon it. Cut it in to within three or four eyes of the main stem, or shorten the yeung shoots to that length in January, which will answer vour prrpose much better than cutting it down tothe roots. If it has a long naked stem it may be cut down to within a foot or so of the soil, and if there be young wood there by all means leave a few eyes on it, for it will shoot again with much greater certainty from the young than from old wood, which may or may not have some dormant eyes. It ought to flower before another Christmas. Bignonia radians is distinct from Bignonia capreolata; the latter is a more tender plant, requiring the protection of a greenhouse, whilst the former is all but, if not quite, hardy. They are, however, some- what similar, and though distinct enough for large collections, are, perhaps, mot so for small gardens. You can grow it well trained to the rovf of a greenhouse at a few inches from the glass, either planted out in a border or potted in a good-sized pot, using a compost of turfy loam and leaf mould, with a free admixture of sharp sand. It requires abundance of light and air, and plenty of reom. Various (7. H.).—The half-calf binding of our annual volume would be about 5s. The insect is a scale (Coccus), and is destroyed by painting over it with soft soap, &c., as often detailed in these pages. The price of Hogg’ <‘Gardeners’ Year Book” is one shilling. bia ® Be [ December 20, 1864. Taxine up Giaprotr Boies (A. S. A.).—The butbs should be taken up when the foliage turns yellow, drying them, keeping them in a cool dry place, and replantmg in spring. Payne’s cottage hive, sold by Messrs. Neighbour & Son, Regent Street, London, will suit you. Vines MiLpEwED (D. MW. S.).—The Vines may be mildewed from being grown in a close moist house, and their roots being in a rich undrained border. They may not be mildewed for these reasons, nor can any one assign a cause for every attack of disease, though there may be some pecu- liar state of the juices of the plant which makes it liable to the attacks of insects and parasites. The cure rests in dusting the parts affected with flowers of sulphar whenever the disease presents itself, and this, with atten- tion to the minutiae of Vine-growing, which may be learned from the ‘‘ Vine Manual,” which you can have free by post from our office for thirty-two stamps, will prevent the Vines suffering from mildew, The oil cloth placed over the border in winter will be of great benefit to the roots in keeping them dry, but this will not prevent attacks of mildew. Dust the leaves with flowers of sulphur whenever the mildew shows itself, and this will keep it down, and if persisted in will effectually rid you of it; but donot wet the sulphur and rub the leaves with it, for by so doiug you can never reach the parts affected, and at the same time you will injure the leaves. The mildew may or may not re-appear another season. Srarning OaK-pPatine (A Subscriber).—The light colour may be perma- nently removed by brushing it over thoroughly with linseed oil. Norra or Scornann (A Subscriber, Aberdeen).—The best mode of intro- ducing common Primroses would be to procure some plants in very early spring, and place them in sheltered shady places near you. Gur correspon- dent adds—* Contributions such as that from your friend from Fort Augustus in the issue of November 24th, greatly enhance the value of your Journal in this part of the world; but he omits to tell your readers two things of importance—first, how he grows his Roses, whether as dwaris, half-stan- dards, or standards; and second, what description of stock he has found so successful. He tells us in two rather lengthy paragraphs it is not the Dog Rose. but he evidently, by accident, omits to say what it is. It would be very interesting also to Rose growers in this quarter, where the cultivation of the Rose as standards has been but partially successful, to know your correspondent’s general mode of trextment taroughout the year, especially his manner of preserving them during winter.” Vine Leaves (An Old Subscriber).—There are no scale insects upon them, but symptoms of gangrene, intimating, we think, that the roots are not sufficiently active to supply sap for the growth of the leaves, &c. If the roots are outside the house we should cover the border with fermenting dung 2 feet thick, and plave over that a tarpaulin, or someching else that will exclude excessive rain, or other chilling circumstances. Layinc Our AND Measveine Gaounps (7. I.).—There is no book specially devoted to these subjects. There is much about them in the first volume of MeIntosh’s *‘ Book of the Garden.” Monocuz=Tum ENSIFERUM LEaves SHRIVELLING (Idem).—It is probably losing its leaves, and the shoots dying back through being grown in too coola house. It requires the heat of a rather warm greenhouse, though it will do fairly in a dry greenhouse with little water, providing the wood be well ripened in summer. Heatrnc From A KITcHEN Borer (W. E. H.).—We should be more certain did we know the exact height of the kitchen boiler and the floor of the conservatory. The lower the boiler beneath the pipes in the conserva- tory the better—that is, at least for several feet, provided the top of the boiler is closed. As your boiler is open, you can have no pipes in the con- servatory higher than the general level at which the water stands in the boiler, in no case quite so high as the top of the boiler. You may use two or three-inch pipes, one within 3 inches or more of the top, and one neat the bo:tom of the bo'ler, as the connection between the boiler and those in the conservatory. These pipes when in the kitchen may be enclosed in a wood case. These may be placed on the same level in the kitchen, except where they enter the boiler. ‘he pipes must not sink be.ow nor rise above the level of the water in the boiler. If you wanted a heat of from 45° to 50° in cold weather you would need three four-inch pipes in the front of the conservatory. These may all be on the same level, with a shelf over them. Thns the flow-pipe from the boiler could join a double pipe, and these could join at the farther end to receive the one Yeturn-pipe. All things consi- dered, we believe the kitchen boiler to be your best mode; butif the boiler is much on the same level as the pipes in the conservatory these pipes must neither rise nor fall. Vixes 1x Pots (D. D.).—If you wish to trust your Vines in 10-inch pots we decidedly advise you to let them remain in the same pots, but use rich top-dressing and manure-waterings, and you may even place some good soil below the bottom of the pot in the bed, and let the roots run in it if they choose. A little bottom heat will be serviceable. Do not shift now by any means if you wish good fruit and plenty of is. SEAWEED AS ManuRE For Carnations (——).—It is a good manure for them, but should be thrown together and allowed to decompose, and then be mixed with three or four parts its bulk of light sandy loam, if not experienced we would not advise you to use it largely. Earty Grapes (J. B. Charlesworth).—To obtain early Grapes in the way you allude to requires considerable experience and care. Allowing the late Grapes to hang till March will require much less care and expense. Vartous (Jf. H.).—If the Lilies and the Dielytra are very dry at the roots they should be watered before plunging them in the foreing-bed. If fair for moisture—that is, neither wet nor dry, they will absorb moisture from the bed of leaves, and ia that case we would not water until the tops began to grow. We would not repot any such plants, but top-dress with rich material. Your proposed house on the north side of the wall will do well for follage plants and Ferns. You do not say the height, but for a mode- rate heat you would need at least 120 feet of four-inch pipe to keep stove fine-foliaged plants healthy. You could keep Camellias and Azaleas admir- ably in such a house in winter, or at any time, except when making growth and setting their buds; but then you could not keep Ferns, &c., thet required much heat at the same time, as the extra heat would be too much for the Azaleas and Camellias. Boox (R. H. A.).—The ‘‘ Fruit-Gardening for the Many’’ will suit you. It can be had free by post from our office for five penny postage stamps. Appress (Stella).—Mr. West, when we last heard of him, was residing at Bournemouth, Hants. 1 | — December 20, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 499 CunhyYsANTHEMUMS NOT FLOWERING (A Young Amateur).—We have little doubt that stopping them so late as the middle of July was the cause, and certainly so if you live ina cold district. VINE-GRAFTING (A Subscriber).—Take the scions from the Barbarossa at the time of winter pruning, ana select such shoots as have the wood well ripened, the joints short or close together, and moderately strong, or about the thickness of the middle finger, not thicker, nor of smaller size than that. Other sizes and descriptions of wood will of course do, but for a etrong stock we like the scion stropy; but if the stock be young and small the scion should be of equal size, or rather under than above the thick- ness of the stock. Keep the scions with their lowest ends stuck in moist soil in a cool house. When the eyes of the stock begin to swell, cut it down to within a few inches of the place desired for the insertion of the graft or scion. Choosing a smooth part of the stock, about 6 inches below the point to which the stock is headed down, with a sharp knife take a slip of wood about an inch and a half long from the side of the stock (b), making a clean cut. Take the scion (a), and cut it from behind an eye downwards, so that the cut made may exactly correspond with that om the stock. The cut should be made at the lowest end of scion. Next make a sloping- downwards cut in the stock, and about three-quarters of an inch in Jength, and balf an inch deep, commencing half an inch from the upper part of the first cut. A sloping cut must now be made in the scion from the bottom upwards, exactly corresponding to the cleft made in the stock, so that when the scion and stock are joined together they will fit into each other. Insert the scion in the stock after heading the scion down to three eyes, taking care that the two fit bark to bark, or, if the stock be thick, on one side atleast. On this the success of the operation depends ; therefore particular care must be taken to insure the bark of scion and stock being in contact. The scion being adjusted, bind it closely to the stock, but not too tightly, and be very careful not to displace the scion. Matting or Cuba bast is the best for tying. The point of union may then be covered with clay, but if the operation is neatly performed a little sphagnum wrapped round will answer quite as well. If the scion take, the matting may be loosened in about six weeks, and removed altogether a fortnight afterwards; and when the graft grows vigorously that part of the stock above the graft should be cut away. which can be done more safely at the summer than at the winter pruning. One shoot only will be required to train up the rafter, so that the strongest being selected after the scion fairly shoots the other two may be rubbed off. If it be late before the stock is ready for grafting the scion may be stuck ina Potato. The time of grafting will depend on the time of year when the stock commences growth. So far as we know the stock has no influence on the flavour of the fruit, and a Barbarossa on a Black Hamburgh will have the same flavour as if on its own roots, just the same as Peaches on the Plum have no trace of the flavour of Plums. SHirTinc Heatus ayD AzaLEAs (A Constant Reader, Dunbar).—When the plants have done blooming and are beginning to grow, is a good season to shift these. March is a good time to shift Heaths; April, May, and June for Azaleas blooming in the months preceding those named. Mildew on Heaths is chiefly caused through a damp close atmosphere, for which there is no remedy but more efficient ventilation. PyracantHa Pruninc—CuRrYsANTHEMUM CUTTINGS—FERNS PoTTING— CAMELLIA-BUDS NOT ExpaNnpvING (Rose-bud).—The Pyracantha should be pruned in spring, cutting out or thinning the shoots, so that they may not overgrow each other nor grow too far from the wall. By training-in some young shoots from the bottom between the old, you will probably obtain berries at the bottom as well as the upper part of the shrub. Pot the cuttings of Chrysanthemums singly in small pots, and place in a gentle heat where they will soon root. When rooted harden off and winter in a cold frame, protecting from severe frost by a covering of mats. Potin March into 24's, stopping the plants to five leaves; pot again in May into nine-inch pots, and if large plants are desired, transfer them to 12 or 13-inch pots early in July. A compost of turfy loam and leaf mould, two-thirds of the former to one of the latter, will grow these plants well, adding a little sharp sand if the soil seems deficient of it. The plants may be stopped in April to make them bushy, again in the latter part of May, and for the last time by the middle of July. The most suitable time to pot Maiden-hair Ferns and all Ferns, is before or when they begin to grow, and that time is March or the beginning of April. The Camellia Goes not expand through an im- perfect root-action, and there is no remedy but to plunge in a mild bottom heat, with a top heat of 50° by night. Frouir Trees on an East Wau (Under the Shade).—We have no doubt that Pears would do the best on clay soil in a damp climate. You do not state the height of the wall. If it be low (10 feet), one tree will be sufficient ; but if more than that height two will be required. By the Duchesse Pear of Jersey, we presume you mean Duchesse d’Angouléme, a noble-looking Pear, but with us not first-rate from a wall, though rich und melting from espaliers. We think Marie Louise, in season in October and November, and Glou Morceau, in season in December and January, will suit you. It will be a good plan to dig a rather large hole and put in some good loam or rich compost so as to give them a good start. ‘Lhere is no better stimulant for Vines in such a position as yours than applications of weak liquid manure once or twice a-week. ‘The Arums died down through the dryness of the Situation we should think. GrartinG Roses ON THE MANETTI Stock (4 Subscriber and Lover of Roses).—Prior to grafting your stocks should have been established a year in pots. You may, however, do as you say, pot them now or not until you graft them in February, and then plunge them in a hotbed. You may graft before potting, and you will-need no clay, only graft low enough that the point of uniou can be covered firmly with soil, leaving three or four buds of the graft above the surface. Whip-grafting is the best mode, and that will Tender it necessary to head down the stock at the time of grafting. Owing to the stocks not being established a year in pots, the plants will only make moderate growths the first season. Except some few of the Hybrid Per- petuals, and these, the dwarf and moderate growers, all do well on the Manetti stock. To give names would only be repeating them from a cata- logue. DIsEASED PEAR Trees (Pyrus).—The cracked fruit and blotched leaves indicate that the roots do not supply sufficient sap. Remove the soil from above the roots within a cireuit of 4 or 5 feet round each tree, and replace it with fresh soil mixed with well-decompused stabie manure. Mulch over the roots in summer. Your Mosses are—1, Bryum ligulatum; 2, Hypnum oreum. Vaxgrous (C. E.).—We nave carefully read over your two letters. We regret we cannot give you a correct section of the Muscat-house at Enville, as at this distance of time we might make a mistake in some minute matters. We will, however, privately put you in a way for securing what you want. Meanwhile the description given at page 354 of an early vinery would supply much of what you want for an early Muscat-house. In a house 14 feet wide we would have three four-inch pipes for bottom heat, either covered with rubble or, better still, in a chamber with slate over it, and 6 or 8 inches of rubble over the slate, and then from 20 to 24 inches of open turfy soil. The rubble with openings would secure thorough drainage. One reason why the Vines pianted in old Pine-beds in large houses, after all the tan was removed, and suitable soil was put in its place, were more affected with mildew than in the case of Vines planted out of doors, we believe to be owing to the want of drainage, and perhaps the want of heat at the roots. If two four-inch pipes had been placed in the bottom of these old Pine-beds, rough rubble or stout slate placed over them, 6 or 8 inches of rubble above that, with a few little openings in the front wall of the pit to let out extra moisture, and then plenty of piping for atmospheric heating, so as to give plenty of air, we believe that mildew could scarcely be present, or continue long if it did make its appearance. In such circumstances we have seen fine Grapes produced free from all disease, as the roots and tops were completely under control. We have seldom seen a more elegant house for Pines than the section shown at page 355, and commanding more conveniences. Were that house to be used for an early vinery or Muscat-house we would prefer the house to be 1 foot or 15 inches higher at the ridge. We would require no pits, but have a latticed path underneath the ridge, four pipes, as now, in a shallow chamber, rubble above, and then the soil, four pipes in front above the level of the shelf shown, and two at back close to the wall. The Vines to be planted behind the front pipes and in front of the back pipes— say a foot distant in either case. But we feel convinced that in saying this your judgment is quite as much to be relied on as ours. Your present long range of houses facing south-east would be much improved by a hipped roof. So far as we recollect the sash-bars and glazing were old. ‘The heavy rafters and sash-bars gave a great amount of shade. The caping of the rafters might be reduced with advantage, and when fresh sashes were wanted, the glazing with large instead of small squares would be a great advantage. It is impossible in your climate to have too much sunlight if you have ventilating power to counteract it when necessary. We should approve of your proposed arrangements for such a new range, and a large tubular boiler, or even a saddle-back would answer. If we have any pre- ference for the former it is because it is easier fed with fuel trom the top. If you use tbe whole square for forcing purposes we would prefer having two boilers to use combined or separately—the one as a reserve. It is too much risk to have such a square of forcing-houses depending on one boiler. After seeing much, and experiencing much, and incidentally speaking well of some boilers, our real opinion is that there is but little difference between them when well set and well wrought. As to iron houses, they have the advantage of lightness and durability, and if well painted and carefully glazed—that is, neither tight nor loose, they will answer the purpose quite as well as wood if the sashes are fixed. Houses will ever be more economi- cally managed if the roofs are fixtures, and the ventilators placed back and front, independently of the roofs. For general purposes it is a good plan to have the rafters and main supports of iron, and the sashes of wood. Great lightness will thus be secured, and the houses will require much less firing than if all the bars were also of iron. Paint as you will, iron roofs will cost more for fuel, and require more ventilating power in summer. One great drawback in iron roofs is that if negiected as to painting the drip from them is ruinous to all vegetation beneath them. Wooden houses are now built very light, bat where much was done and fine effect an object, before building it would be worth your whilo to look at the houses of Mr. Bewley, Blackrock, near Dublin, where some arrangements will be found worthy of adoption, or affording hints for our practice. We rejoice to know tbat the grounds at your ancient place are Jikely to be laid out so beautifully. You will find some good hints in the ‘‘ Vine Manual” published at our office. Insrruction (A Young Under-Gardener).—We should have answered you sooner but your letter was overlooked. We should recommend you to select Trentham. Britisa Ferns (W. W. Denslow).—Mr. F. Y. Brocas, of 25, Hart Street, Bloomsbury Square, can supply collections of Ferns as required. Mr. Brocas has for some time been preparing sets of Ferns and other plants for Christmas and New Year’s presents. Namgs OF Fruits (D. O. R.).—They must be local varieties, for we do not recognise one of them. They probably came from the cider district. Names or Mossrs (C. P.).—1, Hypnum alopecurum; 2, Bryum ligu- latum; 3, Marchantia; 4, Dicranum scoparium (approaching Dicranum majus); 5, Dicranum scoparium or Dicranum Dillenii; 6, Polystichum undulatum ; 7, Hypnum splendens; 8, Hypnum dendroides. Names or Prants (Zrevallyn).—1, Polypodium vulgare, and 2, its var. cambricum; 3, Blechnum spicant. (C. D., Westmeath).—1, Lastrea dila- tata; 2, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum. (G. Z.).—Calanthe vestita. (4 Welshman).—1, Maxillaria, perhaps aurea-fulva; the specimen is insuffi- cient; 2, Next week; 3, Lomaria borealis; 4, [he young barren frond of some Lomaria, perhaps lanceolata; 5, Pteris cretica; 6, Asplenium bulbi- ferum. (2. C.).—1, Cyrtomium falcatum ; 2, Adiantum concinnum ; 3, A. re- niforme; 4, Selaginella robusta ; 5, Selaginella sp. (bad specimen) ; 6, As- pidium hispidulum; 7, Selaginella pubescens. (A Welshman).—2, Sela- ginella Galeottii. (A Lady subscriber).—1, Lastrea dilatata; 2, Selaginella pubescens; 3, Asplenium marinum; 4, unnameable from such a bad specimen. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. SR SS BRAHMA POOTRAS. In discussing the purity of any breed, the defence must depend somewhat on the nature of the attack. The assail- 500 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 20, 1864. ants of the poor Brahmas are of two kinds. On the one hand they are hybrids; on the other, they may be pure, but only a variety of Cochin. Much has been written on both these points. Were the first position tenable, should we not, long ere this, have arrived at instances of the Chitta- gong, &c., &c.? and, when I say we, I do not mean I— by myself, I—in my alphabetical capacity—but all those Brahma breeders who have no other object in view than truth; for, in starting, it may be at once laid down as certain that the question of purity, even if settled adversely to the Brahmas, would not shrink their admirers, whose name is legion. We have learnt to value them for their many useful properties, which, as was lately noticed by one of your correspondents, other breeds do not possess; and I suspect we shall stick to them. Certainly, if we did so during the many years of suspicion and coolness, more certainly now, when they may be called the popular fowl, and when schedule-framers are beginning to find out that they enter well. Looking to either method of attack, the question of history and origin is a matter of importance; but is it an essential ? Is it a sine qué non of a pure breed? If so, our “ pures” will be sadly curtailed. Let us turn to the “ Poultry-Book” —that beautiful work which one of “our Editors” assisted in giving to us lovers of fowls—what do we find there ? Dorking: “We have sought for information as to the time when Dorking and its fowls first became noticed, but our inquiry has been fruitless.” The history and origin of the Dorking, though styled par excellence in that book the * Enelish fowl,” is involved in uncertainty. Spanish: “Best Spanish have been obtained from Hol- land.’ There is a very probable reason assigned ; still it is very strange that the best should have migrated to Holland. Hamburghs: Origin uncertain. Game: No account given, simply that they are essentially English. Cochin: These seem undoubtedly to have come from Shanghae; but, despite the efforts made to call them by their right name, Cochin has stuck to them. Polands: “Which of these is to be considered the Polish birthplace we are not specially informed, nor does it appear probable that any inquiries, however carefully conducted, are now likely to settle the question.” ‘With Poland, certainly, we have nothing to connect these birds.” Now, in these two latter breeds we have a country giving its name to certain breeds, yet having nothing to do with them. May not this be the case with Brahmas? I know nothing of Dr. Bennett, but it is possible that, having got at the source of the Brahma, he may have given it the name of Brahma Pootra for the very purpose of misieadine others, whilst, perhaps, they may be found somewhere on the American continent. Nay! he may have gone further— he may have stated the descent as a cross for the same purpose of misleading; and, as Barnum had something to do with them, it is more than probable that all we know from American sources is “Hum!” To all this we can only say, If history and origin are essential, what must be said of the many established and pure breeds that have not got any? - Hybrids, it is allowed, return to one or other particular type; and as the Brahmas have been with us some fifteen years—I have myself kept them some eleven or twelve—it is time they reverted, if they ever intend doing so. Still they show no signs this way; but, on the contrary, they have become more settled, and points of feather are actually being insisted on. This is a hybrid, forsooth ! I turn again to the “ Poultry-Book” (‘‘ Brahma Pootra,” page 177), and there I read, “‘ There are birds of the Malay and Shanghae families by whose union such colours would probably appear.” To this is appended a foot-note, that in 1853, at Farningham Show a pen of fowls was shown very similar to the Brahmas, and stated to be a cross between Malay and Speckled Dorking. Yes, but were these feathered? I know not. The “ Poultry-Book” then continues—* If the test of like producing like for several generations should be successfully afforded by Brahma Pootras, other grounds must be sought for by those who would consign this alleged variety to the comparative ignominy of a hybrid origin.” I would draw especial attention to these words. It appears to me that the Brahmas have bred true to feather—that like has produced like: therefore Brahmas, using the argu- ment of ‘‘ our Editors,” are not of hybrid origin. If this part of the argument is satisfactorily disposed of, let us see whether they are only a variety of Cochin. Were T asked the question, I should reply as distinctly as T could, Certainly not. To decide this very knotty point, let us see what are the characteristics of a pure breed. According to notes from “our Editors” I gather that many distinctions which our sharp-sighted predilections discover amount to nothing, and only prove a variety. I set these aside, there- fore, not that I consider them of any importance, and I take these words of ‘ our Editors’ as my guide—“If a bird is like another in its form and plumage, they are of the same species.” While I write these words I fancy I hear my old bird crowing—he happens to be miles and miles away—as though he would say, “Do not spare them. Hit them hard, though they have got plenty of friends;” and thus encouraged I turn again to the “Poultry-Book.” There I find the back of Cochin described as “ flat.” This descrip- tion is followed by that of Mr. Sturgeon, no mean authority, by-the-by. He says, “drooping forward, with the hinder part consequently raised.” These italics are my own. When I bred Cochins, and loved them dearly for many years, I liked my birds to rise from shoulders to tail. I believe the best birds are so now. I put it plainly to all my brother Brahma fanciers, Is this the form that we desire in our pets? Cer- tainly not. On the contrary, we desire a drop from the shoulders to the tail; the very reverse, in fact, and in the « Poultry-Book”’ I also find this given as characteristic of the Brahma. Again I find a decided difference of form in the brow as compared with the Cochin. It may be argued, these dif- ferences come from the Malay origin, but by the previous extracts from the “ Poultry-Book” I consider the hybrid “question disposed of. There is a further difference in form in the tail; not only is it longer and more upright than that of the Cochin, but the sickle feathers separate, curving outwards like that of the Black Cock. This I have not seen in Cochins. In the Brahma hen I have frequently seen what I consider the equivalent of this—one feather on each side separate from the rest. I think, too, there is no question amongst those who have eaten both that there is a greater depth of breast in the Brahma. Ave these “differences of form” sufficient? If not, I have failed. To those who do not think them sufficient I tender yet a few observations. Are the differences of form between a reddish-faced Spanish and a whitish-faced Black Hambureh as marked? ‘The combs are immaterial, and it will be observed that I have laid no stress upon the form of the Brahma comb, now generally seen. Again: are not these differences greater than between Game and Game Bantams than those that exist between Black Hamburgh and Black Bantams ? When to the differences of form, considered essential by “our Editors,’ we, who have watched them closely, detect differences of character in the Brahmas to the other variety ; but to all it is but fair to say, if they are not hybrids they are equally distinct from Cochins. The characteristics have been noticed at various times lately in your pages: one that I have not seen noticed is the greater precocity of the cockerel—he crows earlier, &c. All these help to prove the position. But I have chosen to stake my hobby on the difference of form, and as I have said before, prove them the veriest mongrel, I shall not think one iota the worse of them. Were I compelled to resign all save one, then Brahmas for me. In conclusion, dear Messrs. Editors, let me say that your late quotation of “A man convinced against his will,” &e., admits of another application, and may be used against yourselves as well as against those who think with— Y. B. A. Z. [We have never had a doubt, and we still have no doubt, that the Brahma Pootra fowl is a variety of the Cochin- China, and if ever a fact was satisfactorily proved, then the fact is proved that they are only a variety. In the first place we have positive evidence that the variety was pro- duced by cross-breeding between a Cochin-China and a Chittagong fowl, and here let us remark, that cross-breeding is totally different from hybridising. A hybrid is the pro- December 20, 1864. ] duce, usually barren, between two different genera, as be- tween the horse and the ass. A cross-bred is between two Species or varieties of the same genus, as between a cart- horse and a racehorse. Hybrids, when they are not barren, usually breed back to one of the forms of the original parents, as when a hybrid is produced between a Linnet and a Canary; but a variety, when not a mere accident, will con- tinue to propagate itself truly. Thus all the Cochin-Chinas breed true, though differing merely in colour. We accept the sentence as our own, that “‘If a bird is like another in its form and plumage, they are of the same species ;” and we would willingly abide by the decision which any ornithologist would arrive at, who knowing nothing of the dispute, had a Brahma Pootra cock and hen shown to him by the side of a Cochin-China cock and hen of the same age. There may be slight differences in the slope of the back ; there may be more meat on the breast (fully accounted for by the Chittagong cross) ; there may be other slight variations, but these cannot shake any man’s judgement who sees the birds side by side, the characteristics of the breed, in form and in plumage, are borne by both. We see no force in the observation, that the origin of other breeds of fowls is not known, unless it be to strengthen the conclusion as to the Brahmas being a variety, for their origin is known, Nor do we see that the Black Bantam resembling in some respects another black breed, proves more than that the latter may have ministered to procure the colour of the other, just as the Game cock has ministered to produce the Game Bantam; similarly the Chittagong ministered to produce the Brahma variety of the Cochin- China. ] COCHIN CHINAS AT BIRMINGHAM SHOW. THE report of the Birmingham Show shows a of £100 in poultry sales compared with last year. This is, no doubt, to be attributed in a great measure to the holders of birds being unwilling to dispose of their best specimens. Capt. Heaton refused £25 per pen for his two first-prize pens of Buff Cochins, and the gentleman who offered this would doubtless have given a higher price, but Capt. Heaton de- clined to sell; £15 15s., was also refused for another pair of | Buff hens; £10 10s., fora pair of Buff pullets; and £15 15s., for a Buff cockerel, and I have no doubt that many other large sums were refused in other classes. These came under my own notice.—C. F. E. POULTRY-KEEPING FROM A COMMERCIAL POINT OF VIEW. I purpose including in this essay directions for natural and artificial hatching, as well as rearing and fattening chickens, also furnishing plans, elevations, sections, and details of the buildings and apparatus required. In so doing I shall endeavour to avoid all technical expressions, and f shall not touch upon topics which have no immediate concern with poultry breeding from a commercial point of view ; but I shall confine myself exclusively to giving pub- licity to such facts as I have proved by actual experience. _ I must, however, catition my readers not to be startled by the novel plan of hatching, rearing, and fattening poultry which I advocate, and of which they cannot find corrobora- tion in any book; and I advise them, before criticising the principles herein put forth, to well weigh all that is stated, and I am confident that every one will admit that they are based upon sound sanitary and scientific laws. THE NECESSARY APPLIANCES FOR SUCCESSFUL POULTRY . \ BREEDING. An impression univeysally prevails that poultry cannot possibly be bred with profit except on farms, and then only when bred in large numbers. This is a mistaken idea, as a few head of poultry will yield proportionately as much profit as any larger number. For instance: whereas, in large establishments heavy expenses are incurred for build- ings, rent, machinery, and labour, these charges do not occur with the amateur breeder, who attends to his poultry personally. It is true that large establishments can buy their grain cheaper, and grow their own vegetables; but this, again, is compensated with the amateur, by iis obtain- ‘JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. falling-off | 501 ing a better price for his eggs or poultry, evenif used for his own consumption, than the large breeder, who is obliged to sell his produce through a salesman at wholesale prices. However, to obtain such satisfactory results it is absolutely necessary to observe certain sanitary laws in the construction of the poultry home, and see that the dietary scale is in con- formity with the confined state, and, in fact, providing the poultry with an equivalent of such food as they could pick up when in a free state. The poultry home I suggest is applicable alike to amateurs and large breeders, and is intended for the accommodation of one cock and six hens for breeding, or twelve hens for laying, and twenty-four half-grown chickens; and as the same principle must be carried out whether in small or large establishments, it follows that where it requires only one home for seven, twelve, or twenty-four birds, it will require 100 homes for 700, 1200, or 2400 birds, and so on, in proportion to the magnitude of the breeding establish- ment. This plan has, moreover, the advantages of keeping the races and sexes separate, of affording the means of easy inspection, and of extending and multiplying the homes gradually with the growth of the establishment, besides facilitating the labour in feeding and hatching and the sanitary requirements. Another erroneous idea entertained is that poultry will never thrive well in a confined state; whilst, in fact, they will thrive much better, and be much more productive, than when left roaming about, in all weathers, in search of food, provided the directions given hereafter be implicitly followed. However, it is so far true, that poultry confined in a damp place, ill-ventilated, and not afforded a diet adapted to their confined state, can never thrive. But whose fault is this? Why it might as well be said that a person cannot thrive during solitary confinement, when it is well known that prisoners with a regular diet, comfortable cells, and appro- priate labour, soon become very sleek and healthful in appearance, and that in proportion there is less disease and fewer deaths in prisons than among the free population, who are compelled to seek a precarious living in all kinds of weather, and whose home is a wretched hovel, deficient in all sanitary requirements. Moreover, farmers have now for a number of years carried on successfully, in confined spaces, the rearing and fattening of cattle, which are called stall- fed cattle, and which system, although nominally more expensive, is yet far more profitable than the ordinary method; and why should the same system not be extended to poultry ? In general the management of poultry is considered of too little importance, and is left pretty well to chance. It is true that of late years poultry exhibitions have created a taste for poultry breeding; but this is confined solely to amateurs, and what may be called fancy poultry breeding. Yet, amongst all domestic animals, the fowl is, in proportion to its cost or keep, the most profitable and useful; and here- after I will prove, by figures obtained by actual experiences that poultry can be reared and sold at the rate of 4d. per pound, leaving a handsome profit to the producer. Now, such results, particularly when butchers’ meat is 10d. and 1s, per pound, and, moreover, daily rising in price, in conse- quence of the increase of the population, and the decrease of pasturage, ought to prove a sufficient stimulant to the public at large to give a little more attention and considera- tion to an increased production of such valuable animal food, which, by proper management, could, within a very few years, become as much the food of the poor as it now forms a delicacy for the table of the rich. However, to obtain such favourable results, it is absolutely necessary to carry out the instructions given hereafter as regards the construction of the poultry home, the sanitary arrangements, and the dietary scale. A POULTRY HOME Ought to consist of four separate compartments, exclusive of the glass-covered passage, which runs the whole length of the building, to facilitate the service at all times and in all weather. 1st. A roosting and laying compartment, or bed-room. 2nd. A glass-covered run, or living-room, in which they can be confined in wet weather. 3rd. A hatching-room, or state bed-room. 4th. An open run, or park. 502 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. THE OPEN RUN. Starting with the well-ascertained fact that poultry cannot possibly thrive or be kept in good health on damp ground, it becomes necessary. where the sur- face is not gravelly, to make an artificial dry run. This is best ac- complished with concrete, which, besides being cheaper than flag- stones or bricks, does not absorb the moisture, and is much warmer to the feet. This run should be formed slightly concave, as shown in jig. 1, and have an incline towards its end, where the rain water can be discharged into a drain communicating with the duck pond. During summer a few inches Fig. 1. Transverse section of floor for deep of gravel, and in winter openrun, showing also drain- age. about 9 inches deep of horse ma- nure, ought to cover the floor of this run, which will afford the fowls ample exercise by scratching and running. The sides and top should be formed of galvanised iron netting, of about 14-inch mesh for full-grown poultry, and 1-inch mesh for chickens. In fine weather the food should be thrown broadcast in this run, but in wet weather the poultry ought to be fed from feeding-vessels or fountains (see figs. 2, 3, 4), placed in the roosting-room, near the door of the covered rrn. Bae soar i Fig. 4. Section of feeding-fountain. Some persons recommend the sides of the run to be boarded to the height of 2 feet, to prevent the cocks of the adjacent runs fighting together. This, however, in so narrow a run, would partially exclude the sun, which is not desirable; besides, cocks, after a few days’ acquaintance, become very neighbourly. The above fountains are constructed on the principle that, when placed with their openings towards and about a foot from the wall, the poultry will be unable to scratch any dirt in, nor can the droppings from the perches fall in. Fig. 2. Drinking-fountain. Fig. 3. Feeding-trough. THE GLASS-COVERED RUN. The floor of this compartment should be composed of at least 6 inches deep of finely-sifted gritty stuff, such as road dust, ashes, and sand, and on this it would be well to sprinkle occasionally some flowers of sulphur, which would prevent vermin breeding on the fowls. It is the universal belief that fowls powder themselves to get rid of vermin on their body; but such is not exactly the case. The fact is fowls, like all the other feathered tribe, perspire freely, par- ticularly so in the night. This perspiration clogs their feathers, consequently they perform their ablution in gritty dust, on the same principle that human beings do in water, to get rid of the dried perspiration, and to expand their feathers. The same can be seen performed by the birds of the air, who, on a dry hot summer day, make their abiutions in the dust of the roads. In this run the fowls must be kept close during wet weather, as wet feathers are most injurious to their health, particularly when they are confined. The sides of this run should be boarded, and occasionally whitewashed. The glass frame forming the roof should be made to open the same as a forcing-frame, so as to admit of free ventilation. A perch ought also to be fixed in this compartment, and the door communicating with the outer run should, in the winter time, be closed at night.—G. K. GEyEtin, Civil Engineer, London. (Lo be continued.) { December 20, 1864. THE LEEDS POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. Tuts exhibition of poultry, though numbering more than seven hundred pens, was doubtless injured materially by the fact that Lord Tredegar’s annual meeting was held this year simultaneously at Newport, Monmouthshire. The con- sequence was that many pens entered by their proprietors for both meetings were finally reserved for exhibition at Newport, not a few owners supposing that the comneti- tion would be less severe than at Leeds, and, as a necessary result, the chances of their own success at Newport would be greater. vious provision, so many mistakes of judgment should have arisen, for certain it is that in Spanish, Dorkings, and Co- chins the competition at Leeds was the very reverse of severe, and the probabilities necessarily are that had they been present at Leeds, pens out of the prize list altogether at Newport might have (in these particular classes), been successful prizetakers. The arrangements of the pens at Leeds were excellent, and the care taken of the birds betokened rather that they were overted than the contrary. It should always be remembered that too great a supply of food after long travelling is equally undesirable for poultry as ‘‘short-commons;” the want of exercise tending to produce indigestion, more especially in such specimens as are not accustomed to exhibition. In Spanish fowls Mr. Teebay, of Preston, took the first prizes for both the old and also the chickens; though very excellent birds, they were not shown in the high exhibi- tion trim we have so frequently seen them. Of the remain- ing Spanish fowls little is worthy of mention, save that one or two pens lost position altogether from the amount of “trimming” that had been adopted prior to sending them. This practice is now unfortunately so prevalent that a por- tion of owr Spanish fanciers seem to think the removal of actually every vestige of feather on the face is an improve- ment—a mistake the loss of premiums will best tend to remove, and abolish altogether. The Dorkings of Sir St. George Gore were good, and well shown ; but the paucity of Dorkings of even a medium class was painfully apparent to every one. So many of the pens of Cochins were empty (although the entries were not a few), that it was really a difficulty to find suitable pens to receive the premiums of the Society, these three first-named classes being quite the least favoured in the showyard. The Game fowls exhibited at Leeds were, however, very good, and the classes well filled. Of all specimens, perhaps, the Brown Reds had the call in their favour, though many of the Black-breasted Reds were extraordinarily good. In Hamburghs, excepting the Silver-pencilled old birds, it is very rarely we see so good a display—a remark as uni- versally applicable to the classes generally as to the prize birds only. The Spangled varieties of either colour were one of the chief points of excellence at Leeds, the compe- tition being extended throughout both classes. The Silver Polands were perfect, both old and young ones, and it will be seen to this breed the Society’s silver cup was awarded. The Any variety class was an extensive one, and contained many very unusual varieties; the class for Extra Poultry being scarcely less interesting. Dorxines.—First, T. Rogers, St. Helens. Second, A. Wilcox, Nailsea Court, Bristol. Third, E. Smith, Middleton, Manchester. Chickens.—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, C. W. Brierley, Middleton, Manchester. Third, F. Key, Beverley. Spaniso.—First, R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston. Second. J. Marchant, Halifax. Third, W. Newsome, Leonard Place, Bingley. Chickens.—First, R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston. Second, W. Newsome, Bingley. Third, W. Cannan, Bradford. Cocutn-CHina.—First, R. White, Broomhall, Park, Sheffield. Second, H. Beldon, Bingley. Third, C. W. Brierley, Middleton, Manchester. Chickens.—First, vu. E. Ridsdale, Halifax. Second, Rev. F. Taylor, Kirby Lonsdale. Third, C. Sedgwick, Riddlesden, Keighley. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).—First, M. Billing, jun., Erding- ton, Birmingham, Second, J. Hodgson, Bowling Old Lane. Third, C. W. Brierley, Middleton, Manchester. Chickens.—First, E. Aykroyd, Girling- ton, Bradford. Second, Capt..Heator, Lower Broughton, Manchester. Third, T. Briggs, Fearacliffe, Bingley. Game (White and Piles).—First, R. Butcher, Chesterfield. Second, A Robertshaw, Queensbury, Halifax, Third, W. Whiteley, Liversedge. Chickens.—First, R. Butcher, Chesterfield. Second, E. Aykroyd, Girlington, Bradford. Third, G. Wostenholme, Sheffield. Game (Any other variety).—First, E. Aykroyd, Girlington, Bradford. Second, G. Wostenholme, Sheffield. Third, W, J. Pope, Barnsley. Chickens. First, E. Aykroyd. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Third , J. Firth, Lilly Lane Miils, Halifax. i It is really amusing that, after so much pre- - December 20, 1864, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 503 Game Cock (Any variety).—First, E. Aykroyd, Girlington Road, Brad- ford. Third, W. K. Duxbury, Primrose Road, Leeds. Commended, @. Pounder, Kirby Moorside. Hampurcu (Gold-pencilled).—First, H. Beldon. Bingley. Second, J. Preston, Allerton, Bradford. Third, S. Smith, Northowram. Chickens.— First, R. Hemingway, Shelf, Halifax, Second, S. Smith, Northowram. Third, J. Garrs, Wibsey Slack, Bradford. HampBurous (Silver-pencilled).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirks- worth. Second, D. Illingworth, Burley, Otley. Third, H. Beldon, Bingley. Chickens.—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, H. Beldon. ‘Third, J. Preston, Allerton, Bradford. Hampurenus (Gold-spangled).—First. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, H. Beldon, Bingley. Third, J. Walker, Hay-a-Park, Knaresborough. Highly Commended, C. Cowburn, Calls, Leeds. Commended, N. Marlow, Denton, Manchester; W. Birdsali, Meanwood. Chickens.—V¥irst, J. Walker. Second, Sir St. G. Gore. Third, H. Beldon. Highly Commended, J. Crookes, Hadfield, Sheffield; W. W. Nichols, Sale, near Manchester. Commended, W. K. Duxbury. Primrose Road, Leeds. Hameureas (Silver-spangled).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, H. Sharp, Park Road, Bradford. Third, H. Beldon, Bingley. Highly Commended, A. Smith, Woodside, Silsden. Chickens.—First, C. Cowburn, Calls, Leeds. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Third, H. Beldon, Bingley. Highly Commended, H. Sharp, Park Road, Bradford. Commended, J. Newton, Silsden; T. Fawcett, Northgate, Baildon. Potanps (Any variety).—First and Second, and Society’s Silver Cup, for best pen of any breed of poultry in the Exhibition, H. Beldon, Bingley (Silver-spanzled and Go'den-spangled), Third, F. R. Pease, Darlington (Golden-spangled). Chickens.—First, H. Beldon (Silver-spangled). Second, Mrs. Kell, Wetherby (Silver-spangled). Third, W. Newsome, Bingley (Golden-spangled). ANY FARMYARD, CROSS, OR OTHER VARIETY NOT PREVIOUSLY CLASSED. —First, R. Loft, Woodmansey, Beverley (Sultans).’ Second, H. Beldon, Bingley (Black Hamburghs). Third, C, Lister, Mirfield (Chinese Silk Fowl). Highly Commended, M. Smith, Branch Cottage, Huddersfield (Malays) ; W. Maude. Dubb, Bingley (Black Hamburghs) ; C. Sedgwick, {Riddlesden, Keighley (Black Hamburghs) ; E. Leech, Rochdale (Brahmas). Bantams (Black).—First, A. Aykroyd, Girlington, Bradford. Second, C. Lister, Mirfield. Highly Commended, S. Schofield, Heckmondwike. _ Bantams (White).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, S. Schofield, Cleckheaton. Commended, J. Crosland, jun., Wakefield. Bantams (Game).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, C. W. Brierley, Middleton, Manchester. Highly Commended, J. Crosland, jun., Wakefield; R. Dodge, Sharrow Road, Sheffield. Commended, A. Robertshaw, Queensbury, Halifax; R. Dodge. Bantams (Any other variety).—First, F. R. Pease, Darlington (Cochin Bantam). Second, J. Crosland, jun., Wakefield (Silver-laced). Highly Commended, T. C. Harrison, Beverley Road, Hull (Silver-laced); W. J. Cope, Barnsley (Cochin Bantam); C. W. Brierley, Middleton, Manchester (Gold-laced), Commended, J. Crosland, jun., Wakefield (Gold-laced) ; 8. J. Ashton, Mottram (Silver-laced) ; F. R. Pease. GuInEa Fow1.—First and Second, O. A. Young, Driffield. Merkin, Great Driffield. Highly Commended, H, Merkin. ‘TuRKEys.—First, F. R. Pease, Darlington. Second, C. W. Brierley. Middleton, Manchester. Third, A. Heptonstall, Tadcaster. GEESE.—First, O. A. Young, Driffield (Empdens). Second, W. K. Dux- bury, Leeds (Empdens). Third, B. Baxter, Elslack Hall, Skipton (Toulouse). Commended, F. R. Pease. Darlington (Toulouse). Ducxs (Aylesbury).—First and Second, E. Leech, Rochdale. Third, E. Shaw, Oswestry. Ducks (Rouen).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, A. Cattley, York. Third, J. Dixon, North Parade, Bradford. Highly Com- mended, 8. Pickard, Wakefield; F. R. Pease, Darlington. Ducxs (Any other variety).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth (Carolinas). Second, H. Beldon, Bingley (Grey Calls). Third, J. R. Jessop, Hull (Wild Ducks domesticated). Highly Commended, J. R. Jessop, Hull (Buenos Ayrean), Commended, J. Dixon, Bradford (Shell- Ducks). ExTRA Pourrry.—Silver Medal, C. Lister, Mirfield (Rumpless) ; J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford (Carolina) ; J. Harrison, Wakefield (Chinese Silver Pheasants) ; W. Dawson, Hopton, Mirfield (Egyptian Geese). Highly Commended, J. Dixon (Mandarins) ; W. Dawson, Hopton, Mirfield (Egyp- tian Geese). Third, H. PIGEONS. fn Pigeons no previous meeting of the Leeds Society has been so successful, every class being well represented. A pen of grand Dun Carriers took the silver cup, and well indeed they deserved it. The Powters were also capital. Almond Tumblers were very limited, only two pens being shown, but both good, The Owls were also first-rate speci- mens. Fantails were shown numerously, but not so clean and good as we hoped for. The classes of Nuns, Barbs, Turbits, and Jacobins deserve special mention. Classes expressly assigned to Swallows and to Magpie Pigeons were, of course, quite new to the generality of shows, nevertheless they were well supported, and with perfect representatives of these singular breeds. The class for Any other variety of Pigeons contained some very beautiful pairs of Pigeons. This class was evidently quite a public attraction, and one of the most interesting in the exhibition. The weather at the commencement seemed threatening, but on the whole proved more satisfactory as time wore on. Carriers.—First and the Society’s Silver Cup for the best pen of any variety of Pigeons exhibited, I. Colley, St. Philip’s Road, Sheffield. Second, F. Else, Bayswater, London, W. Commended, C. Cowburn, Calls, Leeds; G. Robson, Brewery, Hull. PowreErs. — First, W. Ashforth, Loxley Terrace, Sheffield. Second, H. Ramsden, Rose Cottage, Armley. Highly Commended, E. Brown, Sheffield ; W. Cannan, Bradford. Commended, §. Robson, Brotherton; E. Brown. ‘TUMBLERS (Almond).—First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, F. Else, Bayswater, London, W. TumsBiers (Any other variety).—-First, W. Camnan, Bradford. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, J. R. Jessop, Hull; C. Cowburn, Calls, Leeds. Commended, J. Hey, East Parade, Huddersfield. Owts.—First, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Second, J. W. Edge, Aston New Town, Birmingham. Highly Commended, J. Hey, jun. FantalLs.—First, J. Thackray, Petergate, York. Second, F. Else, Bays- water, London, W. Highly Commended, E. Horner, Harewood; H. Yardley. Barss.—First, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Second, W. Massey, Gedney, Wisbeach. Highly Commended, J. Firth, jun., Webster Hill, Dewsbury ; W. Cannan, Bradford. Commended, J. R. Jessop, Hull. Tursits.— First, F. Else, Bayswater, London. Second, H. Ramsden, Armley. Commended, J. W. Edge, Birmingham; H. Yardley, Birmingham. Jacozsrns.—First, J. Thompson, Bingley. Second, W. Massey, Gedney, Wisbeach. Commended, W. Massey ; J. W. Edge, Birmingham; H, Yardley. Trumeeters.—First, F. Key, Beverley. Second, F. Else. Nons.—First, F. Key, Beverley. Second, B. Season, Driffield. Runts.—First, S. Robson, Brotherton, Second, J. Wade, Bank, Leeds. Dracons.—First, W. Cannan, Bridford. Second, E. Moorhouse, Haley Hill, Halifax. Highty Commended, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Commended J. Thompson, Bingley ; H. Ramsden, Armley. Antwerps.—First, J. R. Kidson, Burley Lawn, T.reds, Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, C. Cowburn, \ :!s, Leeds. Commended, H. Yardley. Macpirs.—First, J. Harrison, Wakefield. Secon«, A. P. Leite, Manchester. Swaxtows. — First, J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Second, H, Yardley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, J. Hey, Huddersfield. ANY OTHER Variery.— First and Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham (Satinettes and Spots). Highly Commended, A. Braham, Potternewton (Archangels); \T. H. Sagar, Park Lane, Leeds (German Letts). Com- mnended, A. P. Leite (Laced Fantails); J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Mr. Edward Bond, of Leeds; Mr. John Douglas, of the Agricultural Hall, London; and Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, were the Judges. WEIGHTS or PRIZE POULTRY, ann MATTERS RELATING to tan BIRMINGHAM SHOW. I RECEIVE so many letters, and see so many statements, about the weights of prize poultry, that I am tempted to give you the following remarks. I regret to say that last week, only four days after the great Birmingham Show, the Aylesbury drake shown by me, and which was in the second- prize pen there, suddenly died, apparently from no cause whatever, and I found he weighed 93 lbs. Previous to going to the Show he was upwards of 10]lbs. This is the largest weight, I believe, ever attained by either Aylesbury or Rouen. He was allowed to be, by all who saw him, the handsomest bird ever bred, and was but nine months old. Let me add a few words about Geese. It was remarked at Birmingham, by many, that no pen of adult Toulouse Geese was from my yard. I had sold my old birds, the winners for four years running, at that show and elsewhere, and which always weighed from 73 to 75 lbs. the three; and I did not think their descendants good enough to win, so I did not send any. Judge of my surprise when I found the winning pen weighed the miserable weight of 37 Ibs. the three; whereas my gander alone weighed 34 1bs., and those which I did not send weighed 64 1bs. the three. I mention this that the public may not give undue preference to White over Grey Geese. I cannot understand the judgment about the White goslings. According to your paper the first-prize birds of Mrs. Seamons weighed 57 lbs.; mine, when they left home, weighed 63 lbs., and on their return weighed 61 lbs., and were only commended. Now, as to Rouens. We must all congratulate ourselves on the magnificent show of these splendid birds; and, although they do not attain the weight of Aylesburys, nor are they noted for such early maturity, nor are they such prolific layers, yet their seeming adaptability for most parts of the country makes them justly popular. I must confess I think the Judges very sparing of their favours. There were many pens fit to win at any show entirely passed over, and which I must attribute to the miserable provision made for them by the managers of the Show. Nothing could possibly be worse than the position of all the water fowl. No one could see them except he went down on his hands and knees, and then, from the depth of the pens, the frightened creatures rushed into the farthest corners, and were quite out of sight. Why did not the Committee raise these pens about 18 inches from the ground? this would have enabled all to have been seen. I would also suggest that in future only a gander and goose, and a Turkey cock and one hen, should be shown: there would be a much larger entry, the Committee would save money in feeding, and the exhibitors a large sum in 504 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. carriage; and the other shows through the country would soon follow the example. This is of the greatest importance just now, as I am told the railway companies have ordered that poultry should pay fifty per cent. more than any other class of goods! I must say I think this one of the most monstrous and disgraceful acts on the part of the railway companies that I have ever heard of. It really means that they will “put a stop to most of the poultry shows throughout the kingdom; and why they should do this I cannot conceive. I hope you will write down this attempt at extortion, and prevent, ere it be too late, this gross imposition. Here is a capital opportunity for the Poultry Club to show its utility, by raising an agitation, and by its members all uniting in a yemonstrance against the project. Already the charges are excessive, and ought to be reduced—Joun K. Fowter, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury. [Not only the Poultry Club, but all exhibitors of pouliry, and all committees of poultry exhibitions, should unite in memorialising the directors of such lines as so unjustly and short-sightedly have raised the charge for poultry carriage, request to be informed of the reason why it is so raised, and endeavour to remove the reason assigned. Failing in this, we would have it stated in Parliament as one of the instances rendering it desirable to have the railway mono- poly abated; because, let it be remembered that the question of terminating that monopoly in many lines will soon have to be debated and decided by the Legislature. | OLD COMB. Mr. S. Bevan Fox in the report of his apiary for 1864, states that the comb in one of his straw hives, although | eight years old, “appeared by no means worn out.” This shows the wisdom of Mr. Woodbury’s advice at page 244 of the Journal, where he counsels us, as a rule, never to “ resort to comb-pruning with the view of rejuvenating old stocks.” Seldom, if ever, do old stocks die simply from their combs having become, through age, unfit for breeding purposes. At all events I never met with a case, and I have seen some very aged hives. Those managed on Nutt’s system and in which swarming has -been effectually prevented, are in a few years left with aged and effete queens, which besides being unable to keep the population up to the mark, may perish in winter or at a time when their loss cannot be repaired. Those old stocks, again, in which swarming is allowed, are left with the younger queens, and if the season is ad- vanced or proves wet and unfavourable, they may meet with an accident in their wedding flight, or through impregnation being retarded, turn out drone-breeders, and thus bring ruin. on their hives. Besides, stocks which give out swarms are sometimes left with a very small population at the close of the season, and are, consequently, unable to bear up against the rigours of winter. In addition to these evils the stores of old stocks which have given out swarms are often greatly reduced, not only by what the young brood has consumed, but by what the swarms have carried off. I, therefore, re- gard, not comb old and unfit for breeding purposes, but paucity of numbers, poverty of store, and accidents of one Kind and another as the destroyers of old stocks. I have seen the bees demolish 3 or 4:square inches of oldand unfit comb composed of worker-cells, and insert comb with drone cells in its place. I say then, with Mr. Woodbury, As a rule, leave the bees to themselves to renew their aged combs. —R. 5S. : FOUL BROOD, Ir is certainly most singular that the position of pupe in foul-breeding stocks should be found reversed. Whether such peculiarity may yet afford a clue to the elucidation of the greatest of all apiarian mysteries—foul brood, or is simply a cortortion of weakness or approaching dissolution, a turning of the face to the wall, as it were, remains yet to be explained. In the black stock sent “A DivonsHIRE BEE-KEEPER ” last year to be ligurianised, ere yet he had discovered the cause of his “dwindling apiary,” and which had been infected from his Ligurians, he informed me of having discovered, on cuvting up a royal cell, a defunct princess in this novel pre- [ December 20, 1864. dicament. I looked on the matter at the time, as very possibly did my esteemed correspondent, as purely acci- dental. On foul brood showing itself generally in my apiary in the end of last season | was very much puzzled at finding worker brood so placed, and on making a renewed acquaint- anceship with this vile scourge this season paid particular attention to this, and invariably found the diseased grubs reversed, the only stray exceptions to the rule being defunct embryos that had evidently advanced a stage or two further before their demise, and were, besides, not in so foul or rapidly decomposing a condition. Noticing that the attention of the Entomological Society has been directed to this subject, it would be of the highest importance to apiarians generally were some member of that learned body to take up and investigate the point—say by making a daily microscopic comparison during the coming season of the evolutions of the pupe from the egg upwards, in a diseased and healthy stock, thereby detecting the exact oe stage, if not the cause of the change of posture and demise. The above allusion to this season’s experience of foul brood reminds me that ™y contributions to the apiarian corner of “our Journal’’ have fallen grievously behind, and if occupation with other matters do not supervene, some older jottings may be pardonable during the dormant season, when, generally, there is a greater lack of more stirring events.—A RENFREWSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. OUR LETTER BOX. To PovLTRY BREEDERS AND THE TRADING CommuUNITY GENERALLY.— Has any one had dealings with a person calling himself Thomas Andrew, writing on letter paper headed Andrew Brothers, African Merchants, 48, Dale Street, Liverpool, and what was the result? Cross BETWEEN WHITE CocHiIn-CHINA AND SILVER Grey Dorurxes(W. 7). —Never having seen the progeny irom this cross-breeding we cannot give an opinion upon them, We should expect them to be good table fowls. Bricuton Suow (7. C. H.).—You will tind a notice of this show at p. 483. Dantincton Pouttry SHow.—Mr. Kershaw, Ashton-under-Lyne, informs us that his Cochin-China cock (any variety) was ‘‘ highly commended” at this Show. Wuire Bantams (J. W.).—We most unhesitatingly say, Select the small pirds. We hardiy know what to call good ears, as the white ears are not imperative in them, asin Black Bantams. Where other points are equal, there can be no doubt whatever that smaller size should turn the scale in favour of the birds exhibited. Tarn OF ParTRipce Cocuin-Caina Cock (Cochin-China).—One or swo white feathers are not a disqualification. It is commoninold birds. The only feather-disqualification is red, or blotched breast. BrauMa Pootrs PULLET STASGERING (Country. Rector).—Administer castor oil freely, in doses of a tablespoonful. If this fail, you may bleed from the comb, but do not cut of any of the points cr serrations. Feed entirely on soft food, as bread, meal, &c. Variovs (Rouen).—You must choose your breeds. Brahmas, Spanish, Cochins, and Crévye Coeurs, and also La Fléche, will do well in a small space. You do not say you mean to rear chickens. If you want only eggs you will not require to change your cock. If you wish to breed only Brahmas you must keep with them Créye Cceur or Spanish; they lay white eggs, the Brahmas brown, Give them as much sun as youcan. If your yard is paved, cover it with loose gravel an inch or two deep, and supply them with turfs, cut with plenty of mould. No bird bears confinement worse than 2 Dorking. Three, or at most four Ducks, are enough for a drake. They do not require to be fattened from the time of hatching; but a bird that is intended to be 2 winner at some time must always be kept in the highest condition, and may be put up for a fortnight before it is sent to. a show, for the purpose of increasing weight. A Duck is never in better condition than at ten or twelve months old, but she often gets heavier as she gets older. Prorits oF PounTRY-KEEPING (R. F. E.).—Poultry-keeping, on a small scale, will help 2 man to hye, but will not secure aliving, we think; but we commence a series of papers on the subject to-day. New-laid eggs in the winter are very profitable. Weicut or Bantams (£. H.).—There is no fixed weight for any but the Sebright Bantam. These should not exceed—cock, 17 ozs.; hen, 14 ozs. A Bantam caunot be toosmall. The hen is out of condition. If she wants medicine, give castor oil. The appearance you speak of is indicative of poverty; feed well, and, as the laying season comes on, the comb will be red. Earby Broop oF SiLYER-PENCILLED Hampurcus (Poultry).— Let your chickens have good sound, and not weak beer to drink. Give them groats, bread and milk, cooked meat chopped fine. Feed them afterdark and before daylight- by candlelight. Always recollect you have sixteen hours night to eight of daylight, and you must lessen the consequences by late and early feeding. Let the rip with the hen under it be in a sheltered and dry place. Let it be warmed, but it does not require to be artificially warmed. The later they are fed at night the less necessity there is for early morning feeding. 5 PartRipers.—On the 7th inst. some amusement was created in the quiet little market town of Lutterworth by a covey of five or six Partridges alighting in the centre of the town, causing an immediate scramble amongst those persons who happened to be in the street. Nor is this a solitary instance—on the Wednesday previous one bird was captured in the same locality, and on Sunday last two more were also taken. Can you give me any information as to the cause?—A SuBSCRIBER. [Excessive terror from being pursued by a hawk was the probable cause. A Pheasant about three years since was flushed before the County Hospital in the centre of Winchester. ] December 27, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 505- WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day, | Dey | Average T! Raina) loc 2 4 es 3 ge Temperature Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon’s Day of wath Weex. DEC. 27, 1864—JAN. 2, 1865. | near London: Sea Rises. Setar legos: | Sepsl Kee. before Vieant | Day. | Night. | Mean. | Days. /m. bh | m. h.| m. hb.| mb. m. 8. 27 Tu St. JonN THE EVANGELIST. 42.7 29.6 361 14 SafS | 55af3 | 23)" 4634 f2y 3 28 1 34 362 28 w INNOCENTS. 43.8 29.3 | 356 11 9518 p65. Sash iz 3) 4 © 2 4 363 29 Ta David Don died, 1841. 43.0 | 33.3 38.1 7 9 §)| 56 3 Ze FShel2e 5 1 2 33 364 30 | F | Royal Society founded. | 447 | 326 | 38.7 15 9) 8/57, (3'| 48: (81 2% 16 2 3 2) 365 3 s Joseph Sabine died, 1837. | 44.2 | 33.9 38.9 11 9 8|}58 38 | 23) SOF | 74 es7 3 3 31 | 366 1 Sun 1 SunpDay aPTER CHRISTMAS. | 43.4 | 31.3 37.4 12 9 8|59 3) 19 10 22 10} 4 4 0 1 2 M Laurustinus flowers. | 42.5 | 3L3 37.4 15 S28) 0 4 | 45 10, 39 ll 5 4 28 2 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-seven years, the average day temperature of the week is 43.2°, and its night temperature 31.5°, Tain was 0.70 inch. The greatest heat was 58° on the 28th, 1855; and the lowest coid, 1° below zero, on the 28th, 1860. The greatest fall of PLANTING AND TRANSPLANTING. ee vz ___ENERAULLY speak- = == = => > ‘~~ ing the removal ‘and planting of trees and shrubs is an operation to be performed in the months of Sep- tember, October, and November, ac- cording to ortho- dox rules. But, then, as regards myself, I happen to be one of those selfwilled individuals who follow no conventional rules in connection with gar- den operations, and as gardening is a matter of business with me, the fraternity will probably stigmatise me as perverse and headstrong. Be that as it may, whenever I find it desirable or necessary to remove and transplant trees or shrubs, and I have a convenient opportunity, I put aside all considerations as to the time of year, and submit only to the negative dictates of frost and much wet. Ihave transplanted trees and shrubs in the middle of summer and in the middle of winter, in spring and in autumn, the after-treatment, of course, being influenced by the weather, and never have I found that the success or failure of the operation could be directly or indirectly traced to the mere season of the year at which it happened | to be performed. This assertion may be diametrically opposed to the opinions of many of the most able and experienced gar- deners, I nevertheless adhere to it, and even deny that the best time to remove trees is when there is plenty of moisture in the ground; in other words, when there is sufficient moisture in the soil to cause it to hold together in solid spits. I like it best when it will crumble, and run in among the fibres and roots, and this I find it will do best in the summer time, when the ground is com- paratively dry. Much, I am aware, depends on the nature of the soil, and if it is naturally crumbly and light, probably the best time to plant trees in it is the autumn or winter; but even this I will not venture posi- tively to assert, for L have invariably found that, no matter what the soil is, newly-planted trees are likely to do best when the roots start into action immediately after planting. This is certainly not done in the winter, unless the season happen to be_unusually mild; and although the trees may sustain no injury from remaining along time inactive, it does not disprove what I affirm. Some years ago I assisted in removing a number of evergreen shrubs from one garden to another: they were taken two or three at a time on wheelbarrows to a dis- tance of about half a mile, and the weather was both hot and dry, the period of the year being about midsummer. As each was planted a basin was formed around it, the soil being in a crumbly state. This basin was filled up twice with water, which seemed torun the soil in amongst No, 195.—Vot. VII, New SERIEs, the roots, and leave them as though they had never been removed. They took to the soil immediately, and I never knew fresh-planted shrubs do better. I thought at the time that it was incurring too great a risk, as the shrubs were fine specimens ; but the result proved that all my fears were groundless, and if since then I have had ocea- sion to remove trees or shrubs at any period of the year Thave never hesitated to do so. The weather subsequent to the operation will suggest such precautions as are necessary to insure safety—that is, in the way of shading, syringing, mulching or watering, and staking in case of high winds. These precautions are often necessary, and the neglect of them is more frequently the cause of failure than the supposed wrong time of the year. I would not, however, have it understood that I am advocating summer planting in preference to autumn or winter planting. There are cases in which it would be entirely out of the question to perform such operations in the summer on account of the pressure of other work; nor does what I assert affect this matter in the least. What I would recommend is not to be bound by usage, nor to be led by would-be clever theorists, who describe minutely how the tree should be taken up, how the hole should be dug, how the soil should be trodden over the roots, the month, the week, or even the day on which transplantation should be performed, and such matters of detail as are far better left to the discretion of the operator. Many gentlemen lay out large sums of money in the purchase of trees and shrubs, and make extraordinary mistakes in the planting and disposition of them, simply, it appears to me, for want of a few practical lessons, and partly, perhaps, from being unacquainted with the nature of the trees which they plant, or their knowledge being confined to the simple fact that trees should be planted with their roots downwards. This is rather a limited knowledge of vegetation; but judging from the manner in which many trees are treated one would think that it was also the extent of the knowledge possessed by the planter. For instance: a gentleman owns a field or paddock, and desires to have a be!t of trees round it. He goes or sends to a nursery for one or two hundred young forest trees, and they are planted, the turf being replaced close around their stems. While the owner is congratulating himself on the pleasure he will experience in soon having a plantation of vigorous young trees, some of them are dying, and the rest do not grow. How is this? The nurseryman who supplied them is blamed; it must be his fault in supplying bad trees. What else can be the reason? Trees are pointed out as growing vigorously in neighbouring fields, with the grass extend- ing up to their trunks, justas he would like his own to be, and he cannot see why they should not. Now, I would simply inform him that the grass growing under an old- established tree is merely there on sufferance, the tree has the mastery, and will not allow the grass to attain more than a certain degree of strength ; but with fresh- planted trees the case is different, the grass pushes out fibres long before the tree, and the roots are down among those of the tree before the latter have made a single fibre, No, 548.—Vou. XXXII., Op SERIES. 506 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 27, 1864. In fact, the grass abstracts all the moisture from the ground at the time of the year when the tree requires it most, so that the latter is left to starve, consequently it does not grow. The gentleman, however, cannot see this, and blames the nurseryman; but if he will take a useful hint, and look nearer home he will find the remedy. When the trees are planted let the ground be kept bare of. herbage as far as the roots extend, and this until the trees are thoroughly established. In another case the trees are planted in gravel or sand, and in this they cannot grow from want of nutriment. The nurseryman cannot very well be blamed in this case, for the cause of failure is obvious, and the want of success is at once attributed to it. In consequence of this discovery the owner orders the surface of sand or gravel to be removed, and two spadesful of strong manure to be placed close to the stem of each tree; or he orders each to have half a pailful of good strong liquid manure; so they are poisoned, and eventually succumb to their fate. Possibly the gentleman employs a gardener, who well knows that liquid manure beyond a certain strength will injure, perhaps kill, his Cabbages, and he will possibly suggest that the stuif might be a little too strong. Well, then, the gentleman will buy more trees, and treat them to liquid manure in a weaker state; but even then somehow or other they do not grow. Now, I would suggest that newly-planted trees have neither the mouth to imbibe nor the stomach to digest liquid or even solid manure, and that trees require plain soil to fibre into: consequently if a good-sized hole had been made in the gravel for each tree, this filled up with common soil, and the trees planted in it, they would probably have done well, and, when established, pushed their roots into the gravel, and derived a certain portion of nourishment from it. It must not be supposed that I have merely pictured ima- ginary possibilities ; for I have seen instances of what I have described, and have known gentlemen purchase valuable shrubs and trees to plant on their lawns; but, as a rule, the practice has been to lay the turf close up the stems after planting. Two-thirds of those which I have known treated in this way have either died or barely existed, and this I can ascribe to no more likely cause than replacing the turf over the roots. I have frequently taken off the turf round coni- ferous and «ther trees, removed some of the soil, and have noticed th t in almost every instance, except after con- tinued rains, the ground has been hard, dry, and seemingly impervious to any amount of rain. It is evident that such are not the conditions in which a tree could be expected to grow and flourish; it is worth while, therefore, to take a lesson from the fact, and in planting trees, especially those which are valuable, to leave the surface of the soil bare for a certain space round the stems when they are planted on lawns. Let a neat circle be cut in the turf, and the appear- ance will be quite as good as if the turf had been laid close to the stems. This will go far towards insuring the safety of the trees both by permitting rain and artificial waterings to sink down, and saving the trees from the drying and exhausting influence of the grass, which takes up the mois- ture for its own support. There are other circumstances in connection with planting trees and shrubs which it would be worth while to notice, for it is astonishing how little attention is given to the sub- ject by a large number of gardeners, young ones in parti- cular, who apparently consider it a matter scarcely deserving more than a passing thought. Numbers of trees are thrust into the soil with torn and bruised roots; others are buried much deeper than they ought to be; many have the soil thrown in solid lumps on the roots, this being often trampled and trodden until it becomes as hard and solid as it is possible to make it, as though planting a tree were an operation differing in no respect from setting up a post or scaffold-pole. Then, again, fresh-planted trees are left all the winter to sway and twist about with the force of the wind, which alone would prevent the roots taking hold of the soil. These and other shortcomings are not at all un- common, and appear to result from a thoughtlessness that in effect is as culpable as wilful carelessness or neglect. The old axiom, that “what is worth doing at all, is worth doing well,’ applies in all its force to planting trees; for it is by no means pleasing to the owner nor creditable to the ope- vator when, after planting a number of trees or shrubs, a large per-centage of them die, leaving ugly gaps, which must be, and are, eyesores to all who behold them. The neglect of such precautions as are necessary to insure success cannot be excused on the score of taking up too much time; for to plant a tree well, and as it should be, does not take a minute longer than to plant carelessly. There are, it is true, causes of trees dying which are not always under tke control of the planter, and for which a certain allowance ought to be made; but, then, it is undeniable that careless planting is productive of more failures than any other cause that I am aware of, and this must be my apology for offering these remarks. What I have said refers more particularly to that class of gardeners who have no under gardener or other assistance, and many of them perform such work as planting in a manner far from creditable to themselves or the vocation which they assume to represent. It is not too much to assert that nothing can be of more consequence, as a rule, than the success or failure of fresh-planted trees, since they are ever before the eye, and criticised by employers and visitors. The character of the planter is, consequently, in- volved, and it would be well for him to give his attention a little, or, rather, much, to the art of planting, and not be contented simply with relying upon the facts that a hole must be dug, the root of the tree placed in it, and the soil returned and trodden over. Any labourer knows that much, and can do as much; and if the gardener desires, as he should, to receive credit for a little more understanding, he must show it in the way he performs his work.—F. CHITTY. FLOWERS OF THE PAST SEASON. GREENHOUSE PELARGONIUMS. Wuen the objection is made that flowers are being con- tinually brought before the public which are no improvement on kinds already in growth, there are a few things to be considered before condemning the raisers and distributors. The perfection to which many of our most favourite flowers have been brought is such, that a very slight improvement is often all that we can hope for in the colour or form of the flower; but this improvement is often combined with an improved style of growth, which greatly enhances the value of the variety; and this is a step greatly needed in some of our best flowers even yet. Thus, one of the very finest Pelargoniums of the past season—Achilles, has in point of colouring reached a climax which can hardly be surpassed ; but then its style of growth is such that it is impossible ever to make a good plant of it. Raisers must, then, try if they cannot get such a flower on a robust style of growth. Then, again, some varieties are over-robust. The foliage is so coarse, that, although the blooms are good, yet they are either too sparingly produced or else smothered by the foliage. When I make such observations I have not in my mind the needs of exhibitors, but of the general grower. A painstaking trainer can make an exhibition plant in course of time ovt of almost anything, even as Sergeant Popkins will, if you only give him time, convert the veriest Johnny Chawbacon into a smart and well-set soldier; but amateurs who never think of exhibiting, and yet who desire to have. a good show of Pelargoniums, do want to know which are those best suited for the home stage, and it is their wants that I would ever bear in mind—exhibitors can and will take care of themselves. As usual, Messrs. Hoyle, Foster, and Beck have supplied the new flowers; the productions of the two former going to Mr. Turner for distribution, and of the latter to Mr. B. 8. Williams. I have had, thanks to them, the opportunity of seeing their flowers in my own little greenhouse, and of taking notes from day to day of their qualities. In this way a more satisfactory conclusion can be arrived at than from a mere cursory glance at an exhibition or in a nursery; and although it is very possible there may be mistakes in the following lists, yet the remarks are made according to the best of my ability, and may, I think, be depended upon. ME. HOYLE’S. These deserve the first place, for unquestionably he is the best seedling-raiser that we have, and his flowers always appear in large numbers in every winning set of exhibition ee December 27, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 507 plants, and, moreover, amongst his lot were decidedly the best flowers of last season. Artist.—A very fine large flower. lower, a clear bright rose; white centre. flower, and the habit of the plant good. Achilles.—A flower of the most brilliant colouring, orange ground, strongly marked; upper petals dark beautiful ma- roon with fiery crimson edge. Habit of plant very weak, difficult to grow. Diadem.—A rosy purple flowez, and with a deeper shade of colour in it, with a bright white centre. Quite a novelty in this shade of flower. Top petals very dark, narrow border of bright carmine. Habit of plant good. A first-rate flower. Emmeline.—Orange rose lower petals; very dark maroon top, margin of bright carmine. The Prince-—Clear rich orange flower, white centre ; top petals maroon, broad border of carmine. Very free-flower- ing, and of good habit. Royal Bride.— A white flower; top petals, large deep blotch, narrow bright border. No improvement on other similar flowers as far as my judgment went, and in that of a friend and neighbour whose opinion on these points is worth having. Amy.—Peculiar shade of purple, with very large trusses, but a gross habit of foliage, which detracts from its value. Alezandra.—A shaded lilac rose flower; top petals bright scarlet rose, with small blotch. A novel-looking fiower of good habit. Lord Eversley.—Very tree flowering; or excellent quality and rich colours. . Light centre; top petals bright maroon, with narrow shaded margin. Cherry Ripe.—Bright rosy orange; centre white. fine. Blotch not very dense. Good habit. Phantom.—Lower petals rather long, white throat ; flowers somewhat loose, but striking in colour. A few of Mr. Hoyle’s flowers I had not the opportunity of seeing, so cannot say how they have turned out—such as Aristides, Peerless, Penelope, and Philo. Of those enume- rated above the best are unquestionably Artist, Achilles, Diadem, and Alexandra. The Prince and Lord Hversley are well worth growing. Upper petals very dark ; a A bold-looking Very MR. FOSTER’S. Belle of the Ball.—A strongly-coloured painted flower; somewhat long lower petals; top petals quite black, margin rose; eye white and clear. Rienzi.— Painted carmine lower petals, black petals ; narrow crimson edge. Princess Helena.—A little rough. of Topsy. Lower petals painted. Miss Burdett Coutts.—Rose-coloured flower, not of first-rate quality. These flowers have all, more or less, the fault which I have always found in Mr. Foster’s fowers—that they are not sufficiently broad in proportion to their length, and which T have no doubt excludes so many of them from the exhibition stage; still they are improving, and with a little foreign blood infused into them would be much better. They are very rich in colour, and their habit is generally fair, so that there is only this change needed. Belle of the Ball and Rienzi are the best of those named. maroon top Very dark, in the style MR. BECKS. Display.—Very dark heavy spot; nice dwarf somewhat too long in the petals. Maggie.—Pretty light spot; very free flowering; shape good, and habit very dwarf. An excellent variety. Princess of Wales.—Bright rose colour; very bright, but not constant. : Spotted Nonpareil.—Hxcellent dwarf habit; free bloomer; the colour bright and rich. An excellent variety. Hector.—Good smooth flower; colour bright rose, white throat, dark shaded spot; habit good. A very pleasing flower. Diana.—Habit of the plant dwarf; lower petals painted ; top petals very dark, with margin of scarlet rose. An excel- lent variety. Paris.—Smooth flower, but common in colour, and in no respect remarkable. The Charmer.—A nice, smooth, rose-coloured flower of fair average properties. = habit, but We have already had some very excellent flowers from Mr. Beck, and some of the above are in habit all that we want, the growth short-jointed, plants “stocky,” as the phrase is, and the bloom freely produced. The flowers may not have, perhaps, quite that refinement (I know of no better term to use), that Mr. Hoyle’s have, but they are some of them such as an amateur will delight in for their style of growth. As far as I could see Maggie, Spotted Nonpareil, Hector, and Diana are varieties that will be found well worth grow- ing, and will keep up the credit of Mr. Wiggins, who has given us many very beautiful varieties. It is impossible not to see that the Pelargonium is still amongst our most favourite flowers, although, from the pre- sent style of exhibition, the same plants are too often, from year to year and from show to show, placed before our eyes. If more encouragement were given to smaller plants, I am persuaded it would be more popular than ever; it possesses so many advantages, is so easily grown, is so free-flowering, and continues for so long a period in bloom, that from cot- tage to palace it finds a home; and it is quite a pleasure, in our neighbourhood at least, to see how the old worthless Kinds in cottage windows are being displaced by better and newer varieties. Again are there new candidates for publie favour, and amongst them probably the very finest Pelar- gonium ever raised, John Hoyle. On these I hope to report in due season.—D., Deal. HOUSE SEWAGE. Removep as I am from the great centre of practical thought and speech, I appear to myself as a humble worker upon the outskirts of the earth, creating in my little sphere motives for my own forces to exert themselves on, and occasion- ally using the press as my safety-valve. I find it a creat blessing thus to be able to occupy my mind independently in a little exclusive borough, where scarcely a neighbour feels sufficient interest in one’s proceeding to wish one good speed, nor inclined to take any advantage from my undertakings for their personal interests. Mr. Fish in his “ Doings,” ex- pressed a wish that I would further enlarge upon the subject of sewage soon after I wrote about it in May last (Vol. VI., page 365). I will not repeat what I then said, but as the ; question is very important to the country, and is becoming very popular, as well as out of regard for the request of Mr. Fish, I willingly take it up. A few words as to the past. It is thirty years since (I was then a hoy), the great utility of sewage and liquid manure became impressed upon my mind by accident. Lhave, with but a few years’ intermission, used it ever since, and fifteen years ago, in my first article in this Journal, I touched upon the utility of sewage, and I have every year since adverted to the subject, both in these columns and in those of four other periodicals. To help to reconcile opinions, I think it well to send some specimens of our fruit for you to pronounce on, and if you find that it possesses any quality worthy of mention, you may chiefly attribute it to the supplies of sewage which the trees have been accustomed to receive. I could not arrive at flayour in this soil, even when I had twice taken up the trees experimentally and changed its texture. Till the happy idea of sewage came to aid me Pears were scarcely equal to Turnips, and the Apples were ona par. It is seven years, I think, since I first sent you some of the same sorts from the same trees to taste, in consequence of the improvement in flavour after the first summer’s supply of sewage, and the trees have never since had any other manure, for we keep neither horses nor pigs, and dung is very expensive. T feel that I cannot take so firm a grasp of my subject as I could wish, unless I revert somewhat to the state of this garden on my introduction to it. From inquiry I found out that it had long been considered a piece of ground quite worn out, and oceasionine more expense to cultivate than it was worth. It had been upwards of two hundred years under fruit and vegetables, and the miserable specimens which I saw and the appearance of the whole were so dif ferent from what I had been led to expect, that any person not accustomed to look beyond the surface would certainly have been disheartened. To examine the subsoil was my first proceeding. I found thatit had never been disturbed since the garden was made, and, consequently, that the soil 508 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 27, 1864. in time could probably with honest treatment be brought back to what it was at first, a sound gravelly loam. About 3 feet deep a natural clay presented itself, and this made me decide at once for drains. It isnow seventeen winters since, reckoning in the present, a re-arrangement of the ground took place and it was drained; plain-trenched I cannot say that it was, for what with new fruit-borders, shifting walks, and so on, a great body of soil was removed to new positions. Care was taken to keep the bottom spit down as much as possible. Rotting wood and débris, the accumulation of “several years, and famous as a preserve for rats, were cleared out of the back yards, and added as the completion and planting went on, and this was all the manure afforded. Just before sowing-time next spring soot and salt were applied as a top-dressing, and the greater part ot the ground was cropped with Potatoes. The result was upwards of two hundred sacks per acre, of a sort of Kidney much grown about here at that time, excellent as a cropper but worthless to eat. This example serves to show the beginning of a principle upon which old gardens can be renovated, and let me add, all holdings, be they great or small, agricultural or horti- cultural. For my own part rather than allow the excuse of want of dung to distress me, I would delve into and break ap the most uncongenial subsoil as a means of compen- sating for the want. I had no liquid-manure tanks here, neither from the state of affairs with which we had to con- tend for some years would the idea of making them have been entertained ; but as time rolled on hard cropping began to tell once more on the soil, and the knowledge that the nourishment which it required was running daily away to pollute the river, caused the masons to be set to work to form atank. From one, in due course, we advanced to two, and also two large soft-water tanks, which catch the rain that falls on the roof of the house and outbuildings ; and, as if human nature were never satisfied, I want another of each kind. The ground here has never shown any signs of ex- haustion since I have used the sewage; of course it also receives the decayed vegetable matter, tree leaves, and other rubbish annually collected on the premises, with the addition of the decayed manure of a two-light hotbed judiciously applied, occasional dressings of lime rubbish, or a few | bushels of quicklime, and the sweepings of chimneys. Still | these additions would not be nearly sufficient to keep the soil productive without the application of the sewage. Having arrived at this point, I will now try to describe the manner in which I apply the sewage to the land, and in order to do so intelligibly, I have taken measurements, and made calculations, the results of which will, I hope, come within the comprehension of the least informed of my readers, and meet the wants of the smallest operator. I will take as my basis an area of 44 square yards of turf, covering the roots of our largest Apple tree. Our largest sewage tank holds 850 gallons (not including the unpump- able sediment), which would weigh about 4tons. Our hand- waggon holds 30 gallons, and by this I have been enabled to know the exact quantities I have allowed for the above space. Three hundred gallons of sewage to the 44 square yards is as much as this soil will carry, and I avoid driblets as I would the plague. Except with light, sandy, and gravelly soils, one can pretty well judge when the ground is tho- roughly saturated, for then the water will run from the sur- ace. I withhold sewage from fruits and vegetables till such time as they most require it. I give it to the Cabbage family, and all succulent plants at periods from their young strength up to production; to the pod-producers from their midgrowth up to the last gathering ; to fruit trees in the open ground as soon as the fruit is set and established upon the trees, and again when it is half grown; to Vines from the time of the berries setting up to the first indications of colouring; to orchard-house trees in pots from the fruit being well established up to the first signs of its ripening. I give a good soaking once a-week; and this applies with me to flowers in pots, even up to the time of their ceasing to bloom, and to Roses, evergreen shrubs, and deciduous trees down to the Filberts, or to any spare ground during the winter, and according to the amount of sewage manure at command. Wor fruit-borders, previous to the application, ZL slightly fork over the surface, and for turf under Apple trees I ply up the surface with the same implement gently, to allow of the sewage sinking in, and prevent its running off by the surface. ' On the supposition that 300 gallons of sewage have been given to our Apple tree a week or so after the falling of the blossom, and that the Apples are beginning to swell, when they sorely tax the tree for nourishment, then apply 300 gallons more, and so that the extremities of the roots may receive the greatest share. The quantity will then, in two waterings, have amounted to 600 gallons to the 44 square yards of ground, and that is the proportion which I allow, whether the space be large or small, using judgment, how- ever, and having regard to the thorough saturation of the soul, of course, making allowances when this is ina wet state. i water with the sewage in a dry time if possible, and on the third day I work over the surface of the soil with a scratch- trident, for if this operation were neglected the moisture would be rapidly evaporated. Though we may be sure that the soil would not part with any of the manurial particles added to it by the sewage, let it filtrate downwards, or evaporate upwards, still the condition in which its nutritive properties are most available to the spongioles of the roots is when the soil is kept open, warm, and moist. Now, as 44 square yards are to 4840 (the number of square yards to an English acre), so are 600 gallons to 66,000, or 310 tons 11 cwt. 3 qrs. 20 lbs.—say 310 tons 12ewt. From chemical analysis I learn that 1250 tons of London or Edin- burgh sewage are equivalent to 1 ton of Peruvian guano, the present market price for which would be, I believe, £13 12s. 6d. per ton. Then, according to the above calcula- tion, 310 tons 12 cwt. of Woodstock sewage would be equal to 4cwt. 3 qrs. 20 Ibs. of guano, and in value to £3 7s. 1d. per acre, presuming the Woodstock sewage to be equal in strength to that of London or Edinburgh. I have no reason to believe that it is less so; for the sewage of this house does not. become intermixed with waste water, every drop of which is made use of for some household purpose before: it enters the tanks, which also receive the excreta from the closet, and soapsuds. The quantity of sewage from this. small establishment that I have distributed to the garden in the last twelve months has been 8250 gallons, weighing. 38 tons 16 cwt., calculated to be equal to 2 qrs. 13 lbs. of guano, worth 8s. 4d., which cost rather staggers one by its in- significance, when the immense results that we have derived from it are taken into consideration. It is quite evident that there must have been other manurial agents at work in the sewage, besides that equivalent in guano in a liquid state, fit to be absorbed by the young rootlets of the plants and trees. At any rate I consider the system is paying us fifty per cent., notwithstanding that our sewage waggon has recently had a new bottom, and the pump-bucket and hose require repair. As respects deodorisation, I require but little assistance, as the sewage here is seldom allowed to remain long enough to become offensive; and I generally, during the summer time, give my sewage-waterings in the evening, and by next morning I find that the bad smell has almost disappeared, in consequence of the gases being absorbed by the soil. Connected with one of the tanks, however, there is a drain leading direct from the scullery, and, there being no stink- trap, I generally use a disinfectant, for the house-servants complain of the effluvia in the kitchen; and, what is worse, they complain of Mr. McDougall’s disinfecting powder, which I have for a long time been in the habit of using; they declare it has a pitchy smell of its own worse than that of the sewage. I used the box of powder which was sent to me from your office early this spring as a disinfectant for the tank and drain in question, and it immediately took away all bad smells, and left none of its own. I really wish I could find out whence it was obtained, in order that I might procure some more. I think you informed me that Mr. Fish had a box of this powder sent to him. Did he try it? A half-peck or so, qualified by a bucket of water, as we do soot or lime, to be stirred into 600 gallons or so of sewage a few hours before making use of it, and then the utensils dusted with the powder through a coarse dredger after they were used, completely destroyed the bad smell. I use McDougall’s powder now in tho manner de- scribed, and I do not know of its equal for the purpose,. excepting the powder above mentioned. Mr. MeDongall, for December 27, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 509 his sewage works at Carlisle, I read, uses a liquid disin- fectant ; it may possibly be a better ingredient for the pur- pose than his powder.—Upwarps AND ONWARDS. HAGLEY HALL. Tue Seat or Lorp LytTELTON. A pLeasant walk of a mile from Stourbridge led to the lodge gates. Having entered the carriage-drive a portion of the diversified scenery of the park is seen on the right ; turning to the left by the stables, visitors are requested by a notice on the gate to proceed through the small pasture field, and ring the bell at the garden entrance. On entering is a small flower garden, gay at the time of my visit with Scarlet Geraniums, Calceolarias, Verbenas, Lobelias, &e. A large Juniper, its drooping branches loaded with red berries, was likewise an attractive object. Further on is the kitchen garden of six acres. The first house we entered was the stove, which contained good specimens of Stephanotis floribunda, Bignonia venusta, and the usual assortment to be seen insuch places. There were a Cucumber-pit 50 feet long, a vinery 50 feet long, containing good bunches of Black Ham- burgh and White Nice; a Peach-house, 30feet long by 15 wide, with fine healthy trees of Grosse Mignonne and Noblesse. A fruit of the latter weighed 10 ozs.; and Mr. Mackie said it was but little more than the average weight of every one on the tree. A second vinery, 30 feet long, contained fine bunches of the Barbarossa, a favourite late Grape here. The plant-house, 30 feet long, was filled with Camellias and a good collection of Chrysanthemums. The fruit-room con- tained a choice assortment of Pears and Apples, such as one can only expect to see in Worcestershire, and a few other localities favourable to their growth and maturation. The Dahlias were worthy of notice for their size, beauty, and constancy. The best, where every one was good, were Bob Ridley, Dodds’ Minnie, Triumph, Dr. Hogg, Garibaldi, Lord Russell, Mrs. Crisp, Warrior, Mount Vesuvius, Merrivale, and Loveliness. In the pleasure-grounds are noble clumps of Rhododendrons, and a large specimen of the Pampas Grass. A summer-house, with stained-glass windows, re- presented the seasons, as described by Thomson; and among the forest trees was a. Larch that measured 11 feet 3 inches in girth 3 feet from the ground, and having a straight bole 50 feet high. It may be interesting to the reader to know that this beautiful park and grounds, of about one thousand acres, were laid out by the first Lord Lyttelton, assisted by his friend Shenstone. We are told that the manner of laying out ground in the natural style was quite in its infancy when Shenstone began, about the year 1750, to carry out his ideas of rural elegance, and by degrees he brought his own place, The Leasows, to such perfection that, long before he died, his little domain had not only attracted the notice and procured him the acquaintance of persons the most dis- tinguished for rank and genius, but had become the envy of the great and the admiration of the skilful—a place to be visited by travellers and copied by designers. The first object that attracts attention in the park is the Grecian temple, situated on rising ground; then a pedestal dedicated to Thomson, with a Latin inscription. The next is Jacob’s well, with the rectory-house, on the brow of a distant knoll, partly visible through the trees. Further on is the dingle, with a rivulet meandering through the valley ; ther another testimonial of friendship, with the following To the Memory of WILLIAM SHENSTONE, Esq., In whose verse Were all the natural graces ; And in whose manners Was all the amiable simplicity Of pastoral poetry, With the sweetest tenderness Of the Elegiac. On, still on, to the Rotunda, whence there is an exquisite view of the dingle. The rivulet that runs along the bottom is dammed into pools, and one of them is seen through a vista or arcade formed by the branches of the trees. It is a scene to be felt, not described—a music of the eyes, a melody of the heart, whese truth is known only by its sweet- ness. Short views of fezest glades down the glen are diver- sified by the straggling trees that hang upon the declivities. A Cedar of Lebanon in the dell measured 18 feet 3 inches in girth at 3 feet from the ground. It appeared worthy indeed to be the emblem of the majesty of Israel. An Oak larger than its companions measured 15 feet 7 inches in circumference, and the bole to the branches was 20 feet high. The next object I came to was a pedestal, with the following brief notice— ** ALEXANDER Pope, 1744.” The next was the crowning-point of all—the Ruined Castle, a masterly deception, standing on the highest ground in the Park, and commanding an extensive prospect on to the Malvern Hills, the Welsh mountains, Woodbury, and splen- did home views of the diversified scenery of the park, the dingle, and the pools. Then home by a tablet dedicated to Milton, with the following lines from his “Paradise Lost:” “© These are thy glorious works, Parent of Good! Almighty! Thine this universal frame, Thus wondrous fair. Thyself how wondrous then, Unspeakable! who first above these heavens To us invisible, or dimly seen In these thy lowest works; yet these declare Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine.” Geologists tell us that the body of the earth was once in a state of fusion—that is, it was once all ina melted state, glowing, burning, flaming, and that it gradually cooled until it became covered with a hardened surface. This park in the convulsions of Nature seems to have been tossed up into all sorts of forms, and is now clothed with trees, some appearing in full view, others half concealed behind the rising banks, and others with their rounded heads appearing above the summit of one range as if they were clumps of shrubs seated on the sloping banks of the more distant hills. Such extent of ground, such variety in the disposi- tion of it, objects so interesting in themselves and ennobled by their situations, each contrasted to each, every one dis- tinct, and all happily united—the parts so beautiful of a whole so great compose altogether a landscape of some mag- nificence and of great beauty. I-have seen many landscape paintings where the trees have been grouped in the most picturesque manner, and where the soft green glades have been displayed in a very delightful style to give variety, light, and shade, and where the tone of colouring and all the other accompaniments have been employed by the landscape painter to realise the best creations of the imagination; but I have rarely seen any landscape to compare with the scenes that are produced. in this place. These scenes are produced by groups of trees, the Oak, Beech, and Chestnut predominating, disposed, not in the random manner recommended by some landscape gar- deners to produce some effect, and to be left as a haphazard attempt at a composition most incongruous, but in a method. upon which the mind was employed to picture the future effect from the original arrangement—to see them gradually developing their forms and features with their growth, until they ultimately attain a beautiful landscape, the object pre- conceived from the beginning. Mr. Loudon, in his “Encyclopedia of Gardening,” de- scribes Hagley, “A square house with raised pavilions at the angles, in a park long celebrated for the beautiful undu- lations of its surface, the fine scattered groves and thickets of Beech and other trees. As a seat, however, it is deficient in having no pleasure ground or flower-garden scenery near the house. This must naturally lessen the comforts of its possessors in the winter months, who must cross the open park before they can get at gravel paths of any kind.” A person who had never seen the place would naturally con- clude from this description that the house was isolated in an open exposed situation. It is true there is no pleasure- ground or flower-garden scenery around the house, but it is naturally sheltered by rising grounds, and the walk of about 50 yards leads to the shrubbery and pleasure grounds. To my taste it is better as it is. You go forth to enjoy the shade and shelter of a short walk through flowers and shrubs, or, if inclination leads you to extend it through wood- ‘land scenery in the park, there is the charm of variety to engage your attention; while flower gardens or pleasure grounds seen from the house, being always visible, hecome monotonous and devoid of interest. The beautiful ground 510 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 27, 1864 around the house is varied by gentle swells and graceful slopes; here dipping into easy hollows, and there rising in gradual ascents of moderate height. The varied undula- tions, and the different shadows and tints of mild colouring thrown across the view by the different inequalities, form of themselves a pleasing picture. I cannot conclude without returning my grateful acknow- ledgments to Mr. Mackie, the head gardener, for his hospi- tality and kindness in accompanying me to all the various scenes in this extensive and beautiful park.—W. Kane. ASPARAGUS-BEDS—FRENCH CULTURE. I po not know if it be permissible to comment on your answers to correspondents, but if so, may I be allowed to make a few remarks on “G. A.’s” answer to “H.N.E.,” page 479, No. 194. , I cannot tell what the questions may have been, that were put by “H. N. E.,” but presume them to have been elicited by my short paper on the French method of cultivating this esculent in your Number of the Ist of November; but I will confine myself to the remarks of “G. A.” He says— «There is no benefit in the French system, unless you wish to have Asparagus with a long, slender, underground shoot, with no more of it eatable than the green or purple tips.” Well, I must not be rude, so will merely say, that it appears to me rather a cool assertion, after my description of that grown by L’Héraut, pére et fils, a bundle of thirty-six heads of which weighs 141bs. I admit that the shoots are long, very long, 14 inches, but with that weight the reverse of slender, I think. I saw the plants growing, and although I certainly did not measure them, yet I may venture to say that the stems were 13 inch in diameter above the ground. Is that called slender? “G. A.” then goes on to say, “In what way the uncovering of the roots in winter can benefit the plants we cannot perceive.” I beg his pardon, he does perceive it, and very clearly, too, which he proves himself, as he says a little further on, “The beds being covered with soil in spring, it is necessary to take a quantity off in autumn, soas to prevent the crowns rotting, as they are liable to do when in a wet soil, and in order that the roots may be better manured.” That is it exactly. I could not put it better myself. Again, he says, ‘The earthing-up in spring blanches to the length of 9 inches, with the tips just coloured. Such look very nice, but are tasteless, the underground white part being about as tough as the root of an Elm tree.” May Task “G. A.” if he has ever been in France, and did he ever eat French Asparagus? Does he know that hundreds of pounds sterling are taken of Englishmen weekly in the « Halles’’ of Paris, for this vegetable for the London market ? Does he think that Frenchmen, notably the greatest epi- cures in the world, that Englishmen who can afford to pay 20s. for a bundle of thirty-six heads of Asparagus, would be likely to eat it, ifit were as tasteless and tough as anold Elm tree? I can assert, on the contrary, that it is deliciously tender, and full of favour, green, purple, and white. I fear “G. A.” is one who thinks nothing can be good out of England. I do not particularly object to that, I rather admire a man of good, obstinate prejudices in favour of his own country, as Dr. Johnson liked a good hater. T could not, perhaps, discuss scientifically this question with “G. A.,” but I see the naked fact staring me in the face—the French produce finer Asparagus than we do. We cannot get over that. Let us try, then, and equal them if we cannot surpass them. L’Héraut tells me we shall never do this last, because we have no worn-out vineyards in this country, and thatis the soil especially adapted for the growth of Asparagus.—H. S. Watson, The Cottage, Old Charlton. [It is quite admissible to comment upon anything that appears in our columns, for we have no object but the elicit- ing of truth. We have seen Asparagus grown in England as large as that named by our correspondent. A bundle was exhibited any three heads of which weighed a pound. It was, 28 dur correspondent describes the Frenca Asparagus, fully a foot in length; but then if 3 or 4 inches of the French Asparagus are eatable, then is it superior to that we saw exhibited of English growth, for of that not more than from 1 to 2 inches were edible, the rest, as “G. A.” describes it, was “as tough as the root ofan Elm tree.” Soil, no doubt, has much influence over Asparagus, but climate has more. In a warm climate where its progress is more rapid, the white part during early growth is less woody, as for the same reason it is in forced Asparagus.—Ebs. | PEARS FOR THORN STOCKS. I s#aut feel obliged if you will inform me what varieties of Pears take best on the Thorn. I have an idea that, double-worked, it will be a very good stock in some soils; but so far as my own experiments go, although the fruit seems to be improved in flavour, the trees are short-lived. If f could find a sort that took kindly and grew vigorously TI should feel inclined to propagate it freely.—T. G. [The Vicar of Winkfield and Louise Bonne of Jersey you will find two varieties that make a vigorous growth on the Hawthorn. That some varieties are not short-lived when grown on that stock we have sufficient evidence, for we know a tree of the Styrian nearly thirty years old which is now perfectly healthy, and bears an abundance of fruit annually. This is a subject we should like to see carried out more fully than it has hitherto been by fruit-growers. | BIRMINGHAM FRUIT SHOW. In your last week’s impression appeared a well-written paper by Mr. W. Miller, which in my opinion was indeed a word in season. I attended the above Exhibition, and looked carefully through the different classes, and I was quite as much surprised as Mr. Miller seems to have been at the way in which many things were managed. In the first place, the first prize for twelve varieties of kitchen Apples was awarded to Mr. C. J. Perry, one of the Honorary Secretaries. This collection should have been disqualified, not but that it was undoubtedly the finest collection, but it consisted of only eleven varieties, two dishes containing Blenheim OCrange—one dish exhibited under the above name, and the other under the name of Blenheim Pippin, which every gardener knows to be one and the same variety. In the second place, the gentlemen’s gardeners who exhi- bited at this Show are not likely to exhibit again unless under very different conditions; for one well-known fruit- cultivator told me that it was the first and last time he should think of exhibiting on any such terms. I? it is foreign fruit that is wished for by the managers of the above Society, why not have a collection limited to such, and also a col- lection of Hnglish-grown fruit for English gardeners to exhibit, and of which they might be justly proud, instead of inviting them to be at the expense of conveying their own productions to and from an exhibition, without the slightest chance of success, against Channel Islands’ fruit? It is not to be expected that gentlemen’s gardeners with their nume- rous and never-ending duties, if they even wished so to do, could find time to tear about the country like a commercial traveller to hunt up the finest dishes of different examples they might meet with, much less could they visit the Channel Islands. é In the third place, the twelve first and four second-prize cards placed in front of the Hon. Secretary’s winning col- lections contained the following words :—“ First or second prize (as the case might he), to C. J. Perry, Esq.;”’ but then followed, ‘* Gardener, Thomas Pointon.”’ This last part at least must be a delusion, for what could this Thomas Poin- ton know about the greater part of his master’s winning- dishes of fruit? Nothing more than, perhaps, the unpack- ing thereof. What care or pains had this gardener bestowed on their production that his name should so figure? How often had he rolled down the tiffany to protect the blossoms in the spring? or later in the season carefully thinned the fruit? or, later still, protected it against and watched for wasps and other pests? ‘There were exhibitors at this Exhibition who had bestowed all due care upon their pro- ductions; but how did they stand? Why, by the side of this fine foreign fruit they were many lengths behind. It may be said they were not obliged to exhibit. Certainly not; but why send invitations round, and so get together some good growers with good English productions, to find December 27, 1864. ] themselves cut out altogether by fruit grown in a more genial clime, and purchased, begged, or borrowed purposely for this Exhibition—and by whom? Why by one of the Honorary Secretaries. ; The Pears and Apples from Jersey were certainly very fine indeed, but it is out of all reason for them to come into competition with English-grown fruit; and therefore, as I said before, it shows the absolute necessity of distinct classes for all foreign fruits, if any satisfaction is to be given. Lastly, I agree with Mr. Miller in thinking that a tho- roughly healthy horticultural society is much wanted in Bir- mingham; but at the same time I trust the next schedule of a fruit show that may be issued, will be one that will not only tempt but repay thoroughly good fruit-cultivators to put in an appearance, so that really fine English fruit may meet with its deserts, and not all the principal prizes go to foreign fruit-jobbers.—W. H. TRExn. WINTERING PLANTS WITHOUT ARTIFICIAL HEAT. In your Number of December 13th, there is an inquiry from a ‘‘Youna GARDENER” as to the best method of pre- serving his bedding plants during the winter in an unheated greenhouse. This is a difficulty that must have forced itself upon the attention of gardeners over and over again, espe- cially of late years when so large a stock of bedding plants is required. Professor Piazzi Smyth informs us that from careful ob- servations carried on for many years at the Royal Obser- vatory at Edinburgh, it is found that the mean semi-annual variation of heat amounts at the surface of the ground to 50° Fah.; at 3 inches under the surface 30°; at 3 feet 16°; at 6 feet 10°; at 12 feet 5°; at 24 feet 1°. Thus we see that at a depth of only 6 feet, the mean va- viation is five times less than at the surface of the ground. I cannot, therefore, help thinking that the knowledge of these facts might lead gardeners to a solution of their diffi- culty. Let the house intended for the preservation of plants during the winter be sunk 6 or 8 feet below the surface of the ground, and you may do away with flues, and pipes, and charcoal, with their disagreeable accompaniments of coal and smoke and ashes, to say nothing of the expense, and constant attention and anxiety which attend them. As regards light, the glass roof would be the same as now. For ventilation, air might be admitted to the bottom by means of a pipe, similar to the wind-sails for admitting air to the holds of ships, with two or three ventilators or aper- tures at the top of the structure ; and the necessary drainage could be easily effected. It also appears to me that the present sloping stages with the plants in pots exposed to the air on ail sides, are very unsuitable for preserving them during the winter. Would not horizontal stages be better? the plants being placed in boxes somewhat larger than Mignonette boxes; and two or three of these horizontal stages might be arranged one over the other, thus accommodating a greater number of plants. The lower stage would not have much light, but that is not of vital importance with the present object. Tf additional security against frost were required, a baize cloth might be stretched when necessary at the top of the house, from back to front, about 1 foot beneath the glass. I have made the above remarks merely by way of suggestions. —Istz or Wieut. LATE MELONS. I sez in your report of the Fruit Committee of the Horticultural Society that a Melon was exhibited by Mr. Short, gardener at Clewer Park> Windsor, of excellent quality for so late in the season. I cannot but congratulate Mr. Short on such a decided success. A late Melon cannot be otherwise than a decided acquisition where much fruit is in demand, more especially when it is required to be of good flavour. Some time ago I communicated an article to your pages pointing out the desirability of a good late Melon, as { then considered such possible, and I am glad such results are already accomplished. When gardener at Crom Castle JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. B11 in Ireland, Mr. Short kindly forwarded me a few seeds of a Melon called “Graham’s.” I changed my abode before the Melon was ready for table, but I understand from my suc- cessor that “Graham’s” Melon is a first-rate kind as regards flavour, being the best by far amongst a good many other kinds. Mr. Short appears to possess some really good kinds, which I hope he will enable other cultivators to obtain.— JoHN Epiineton, Wrotham Park, Barnet. PROTECTING BUDS FROM BIRDS. I was much struck the other day while walking round the grounds of my neighbour, Mr. Rivers, with two rows of Plum trees, large pyramids from 12 to 14 feet high, and nearly as many years old, all apparently surrounded by a network of lace, which in the bright sunshine was quite dazzling, owing to the heavy coat of rime on each thread. I found on inquiry that the buds of these Plum trees were im such high favour with the sparrows and bullfinches, that they usually stripped the trees during the winter, not attacking trees of other sorts growing near them, the buds. of the sort in question, the Reine Claude de Bavay Plum, being apparently their favourite food. On examining the trees. I found the apparent network formed by white worsted carried round the outside shoots of each tree, with a twist round the ends of several twigs to make it hold fast. It thus formed a net with meshes from 1} to 2 feet in diameter. Iwas assured that this was an old custom, but a sure pre- ventive to the vexatious depredations cf bud-eating birds. I observed, also, on the lawn some large bushes of the May Duke Cherry, the buds of which are such especial favourites with bullfinches, protected by white worsted, and not a bud was touched. The cost and trouble were not heavy, 2% lbs. of worsted and two boys with a short ladder netted one hundred large Plum trees in two days.—PRuUNUvs. WHITE ISCHIA FIG—CANARY AND HONEY PEACHES. in reply to “R. E.'s” inquiry (page 439) regarding the White Ischia Fig, I cultivated it many years in a house without heat, but never obtained anything more than a stray specimen of fruit. This was, of course, fruit of the first crop. Upon making inquiries of a Fig amateur who had lived in Italy, I was informed that the White Ischia was equally loth to give a first crop in its native land, so I put my plant into a heated house, and now obtain an abundant second or autumnal crop. Its flavour is so pecu- liar and so excellent, that I have increased my stock, and tried one tree in the border of the house, but the fruit was no larger than from pots. The compact growth of ‘this variety makes it very desirable where space is scarce. In page 430 of your Journal Mr. Bréhaut appears to say that a Canary Peach ripened in his orchard-house on- the lith July. Surely, if this is not a misprint, the house must | have been heated. The Honey Peach, to which he also refers, is a most singular fruit. In taste it is very sweet; but the shape is so like a swollen almond that it is possible that the Peaches described by the ancient Romans may have been nearly allied to this variety.—S. B. NEW BOOK. The Cotiager’s Garden Guide. Edinburgh: Andrew Elliot. London: Hamilton, Adams & Co. WE believe that it is no secret, and we are sure that it ought not to be, that this excellent little threepenny book was prepared by Mr. Cunningham, a writer to the signet, and landed proprietor in Scotland. He had observed, as all must have observed who have travelled among highland and lowland cottiers, that they, as a rule, neglect gardening. There are many notable exceptions to be met with, but generally the Scotch cottager neglects his garden. This, at the first thought, seems the more surprising, because gar- deners are one of the three great exports of Scotland, doctors and black cattle being the other two; but if we |inquire we find that the gardeners by profession are not 512 usually the offspring of Scotland’s cottagers, they are, for the most part the sons of a higher class. Be the reason what it may, the fact is patent that Scotch cottagers neglect gardening, and to rouse them and to guide them from this injurious neglect is the object of the work before us. “They will find,’ says the introductory note, “by paying a little attention to the subject, that it is quite within their power to obtain either some addition to the comforts of their own firesides, or a little money from the sale of the produce. «This small publication may also, perhaps, prove useful to parents who desire to give their children a taste for flowers, and to encourage them in the innocent pleasure of rearing their own plants. “The object has been to give practical information, so that any one may easily find out what to put in his garden, the quantity and price of seeds required, and how common vegetables ought to be cooked.” Such are the writer’s praiseworthy, disinterested objects, and without any reserve we say that whoever follows the instructions he gives, will not fail to attain them. Let us add, that although Mr. Cunningham gives the instructions, and is well capable of giving them, yet with the good spirit of one who not only wishes to be of service, but is anxious to adopt the surest mode of conferring the benefit, he has had the pages of his little book revised by some of the ablest gardeners, and other good authorities. We commend the work to our readers ; and those of them who wish to distribute such a guide among cottagers not yet attracted to gardening, or who need more information, may obtain the book at the reduced price of 2s. per dozen. PRODUCE FROM AN ORCHARD-HOUSE. SrxInG a wish expressed by one of your correspondents, that cultivators of orchard-house trees would furnish a state- ment of the quantity or size of various fruits under their superintendence, I enclose mine, hoping you may think it likely to prove interesting to your readers. I have two small houses, one 15% feet by 12, the other 18 feet by 83, and in them about eighty trees of various de- scriptions. The Peaches, Nectarines, and some of the Plums are kept under glass the whole season. The Pears, Apples, and the remainder of the Plums are placed out of doors about the 25th of June, the pots being plunged half their depth in the soil. Size of the pots 12’s, 8’s, and 6’s. The Peaches and Nectarines were over-cropped, one having forty left on it, when prudence said twenty would have been a good crop, consequently they were rather small, but the flavour was generally good. ‘The Pitmaston Orange Nec- tarine bore a large crop of excellent flavour and size. As regards Plums, Cce’s Golden Drop bore a good crop, flavour delicious ; Jefferson, two years in pots, bore forty-six fruit of the usual size; Pond’s Seedling, thirty fruit, beautifully po ee six weighing 13 ozs., or rather more than 2 ozs. each. Aprizs (beautifully coloured).—Brandy Apple, 72 inches circumference; Mela Carla, 11 inches; Melon Apple, 124 inches; Reinette du Canada, 13% inches. Prars.— Beurré d’Esperen, 71 inches by 71; Beurré d@ Aremberg, 9 inches by 8; Ji oséphine de Malines, 8% inches ; by 83; Winter Nelis, 9% inches by 10; Beurré Diel, 7% inches by 11. The flavour of those which have ripened has been delicious.—W. H. T., Sawbridgeworth, Herts. P.S.—Mr. Rivers saw the above Apples and Pears growing, and pronounced them first-class fruit. CULTURE OF LEOPARD’S BANE. Owine to the machinery being out of repair at a woollen mill, a number of young women were for a time thrown out of employment. Having nothing to do they took aramble into the country. One of them bent on gather- ing wild flowers rambled into a wood, where, in a boggy place near a stream, she gathered a handful of the flowers of Doronicum pardalianches (Leopard’s Bane). Pleased with them she showed them to her partners, who on their return gathered handfuls of the flowers. They were shown to the operatives at the mill, the flowers were new to them ; having JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 27, 1864. cottage gardens at home, they inquired where the wild plants grew, and went and gathered roots which they planted at home. They grew, and next season flowered abundantly. The cottagers were pleased with the flowers, and distributed roots among their neighbours and friends. The Leopard’s Bane is now a common plant, and is one of the cottager’s favourites. It is easily propagated by dividing the roots, which are composed of several knobs connected by long fibres. The best spot to grow it is a damp soil, there it will flower for along time. The flowers come at the end of the branches, are overtopped by succeeding ones, and are of a bright yellow colour. With us it is a rare wild plant, and if the herbalists collect the leaves as eagerly as they have done in the last season, it will not be long before it is exterminated.—Rustic RoBrin. THE MATURING OF FRUITS. I sHAut be glad of some information relative to the ma- turing of fruits, particularly the later sorts of Pears. I think there is much yet to be learnt of their proper treat- ment, which treatment, perhaps, ought in some measure to vary with each sort, if this were practicable. Take, for instance, the Beurré de Capiaumont. Mr. Rivers classes it among the stewing Pears, whereas with me if not allowed to hang too long on the tree, and so soon as gathered put into a room where the temperature never or seldom falls below 60° Fahr., itisin about a fortnight or three weeks one mass of juice, and of very high flavour, but, un- fortunately, it does not keep after this stage is reached more than a day or two. So with the Marie Louise, the Beurré de Rance, and some others, although I prolong their season by keeping them in a cold room, I never develope their favour as I do when kept warmer. -In fact, in the case of Beurré de Capiaumont, if 1 keep it cool a fortnight after gathering it never becomes melting.—T. G. PROFITS OF A VINERY, Havine noticed discussions on orchard-houses in your Journal for some time, I thought an account of a house under my care might interest some of your readers. When I came to this place (Manor House, Ashton-on- Mersey), an orchard-house was about to be erected. It is 60 feet by 20, but 6 feet are taken off for the boiler and potting-shed. Air is given atthe sides and top, in a similar manner to the one at Great Marlow. It has a double row of four-inch piping, flow and return, along each side and one end; but as the lady I have the honour to serve wanted flowers, the internal arrangements were altered. A partition was put across the centre, making each part 27 feet long. The front was filled with stands suitable for plants, the other portion with bedding plants. Ten Viries were planted on each side; they were planted inside, and the roots allowed to run out. In the hot summer of 1859 they made excellent growth, and in 1860 they were allowed to carry two bunches each. In 1861 they carried six bunches each. In 1862 we began selling the Grapes, realising £40, and in 1863 we made £51 13s. Gd. We have just done cutting Grapes, and I find we have made this year £61 19s. 10d. if the account from Great Marlow be a fair calculation, I think Vines would be— most profitable, besides the advantage of growing plants underneath them.—S. Ryprr. [Our correspondent calls the structure an orchard-house, but itis a heated vinery. He does not say when he begins forcing, nor how early the Grapes were ripe.— EDs. | RETINOSPORA OBTUSA. T oprarnep a few small plants of this Japan tree about a year aco, and being uncertain whether they would prove perfectly hardy or not I planted them in a cold pit. In the severe weather of last January I stuck a few laurel boughs amongst them and over them, and they escaped without the least injury. In fact, I think they would not have suffered if they had been perfectly exposed. It is not, however, to their hardiness but to another circumstance that I wish to direct attention. Since the summer growth has perfected December 27, 1864. ] itself, or even before then, the plants have become of a pretty golden yellow, quite as much so as Thuja aurea in its best state in spring or early summer, and the appearance is certainly more handsome than the Golden Yew is at any time. I now ask if this is the usual character of the species, and if not, whether this feature is likely to become perma- nent? Ifso, the tree will be a great acquisition to our shrubberies and elsewhere. I may add, that Retinospora pisifera is growing by the side of the plant above mentioned, but shows no symptoms of turning yellow; and one plant of R. obtusa also retains its green colour. The soil they are growing in is a sandy one, such as is occasionally used for cuttings, and plants only partially rooted. I do not perceive any disposition on the part of other plants in the pit to change colour, there being some of Cupressus, Juniperus, Wellingtonia, &ec., and to the best of my memory the plants of Retinospora here alluded to showed no symptoms of turning yellow at the time they were planted, which was at the end of October. ff others of your readers have plants of Retinosporas that have changed in like manner, they may, perhaps, be able to throw some light on the matter.—J. Ropson. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. Tue Entomological Society’s meeting for December was held on the 5th inst., the President, F. Pascoe, Esq., F.L.S., being in the chair. A numerous collection of entomological publications presented to or purchased by the Society since the last! meeting were laid on the table, including Dr. Haagen’s recently published memoirs on the invertebrated animals of Prussia and on the Odonata of the Holy Land; MM. Saussure & Sichel’s new work on the Scoliide, Dr. Candeze on new Elateride, the Baron Lelys Longchamps on Agrionides, &e. : Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited a series of carefully prepared microscopical slides containing specimens of the spiral tongues of numerous species of British Butterflies, and ex- hibiting great variation in the striation of these organs, and in the form, arrangement, and number of the minute papille at their extremity. Hvenin closely allied species, as ‘Vanessa C. album and Io, these variations were found to be very strong. Mr. Frederick Bond exhibited a photograph of a strange variety of the common Magpie Moth, Abraxis grossulariata, the fore wings of which were nearly suffused with black markings ; also a drawing of the larva of Acronycta strigosa. The Rev. Hamlet Clark exhibited a collection of minute Beetles collected in Egypt by the Rev. P. Cambridge, as well as a number of Ants of different species collected in Syria by Mr. Lowne. Mr. F. Smith exhibited, on the part of Mr. Stone of Bright- hampton, a remarkable Wasps’ nest, variegated in the co- Jours of its outer covering, having been formed jointly by two distinct colonies of Vespa vulgaris and V. germanica, one of which was placed in a box in a bedroom window, and the other in the window immediately beneath it; and Mr. Stone observed that when any individual of the upper colony flew low on returning home, it mistook the nest and entered the lower one instead of its own, and thus a diffe- rent colour was caused from the two species differing in the nature of the wood of which the covering was made, one species selecting hard sound wood, and the other such as was decayed. Mr. Stone also exhibited the larve of Ripi- phorus, parasitic in Wasps’ nests, one of which still remained attached to the body of its victim, the grub of the Wasp. Mr. W. F. Evans exhibited a number of specimens of a small green species of Cockchafer (Pyronota xstiva), from New Zealand wool, insome bales of which thousands of specimens eould have been procured. It was supposed that in flying about the sheep they had become éntangled in the fleece. The President exhibited some small clobular nests of a ‘species of Spider from South Australia, collected by Mr. Audubon, closely resembling the seeds of Lophospermum, the Tea plant of Australia, whilst the Spiders themselves resembled small lumps of birds’ excrements; and as they Kept watch near the nests, insects on which they fed were easily deceived. : Mr. Stevens exhibited a number of insects forwarded from JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 513 tropical Western Africa, Fernand-vaz River, by M. Du Chaillu. He also read a letter from the same gentleman, stating that he had dispatched a living Gorilla to Europe; but it had unfortunately been killed in the boat which was conveying it to the vessel, in whichit got loose. Mr. Stevens also exhibited some specimens of the rare African Beetle Cheirobasia Barkei, one of the males of which was remark- able as wanting the brush of hairs on the fore tarsi, which is one of the distinguishing characters of the male of this species. These insects had been sent by Mr. Layard from South Africa, Mr. Hewitson sent a monograph of the genus Ypthemia belonging to the Satyroid Butterflies, together with de- scriptions and figures of two new allied genera. Mr. Kirby read some notes on the synonymy of various British species of Butterflies, insisting that their names required changing by the rule of priority in favour of other names bestowed on them by previous writers. Mr. F. Mocre exhibited an extensive series of silk and silk-producing insects; and communicated the completion of Captain Hutton’s remarkable Memoir on the reversion and restoration of the Silkworm in India, containing de- scriptions and figures of the caterpillars of various kinds of Silkworms cultivated in that country. PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, AND FRUITS. AcMENA FLORIBUNDA (Copious-flowered Acmena). — Nat. ord., Myrtacee. Linn., Icosandria Monogynia. Native of New South Wales. Flowers inconspicuous, but its clusters of bright purple berries are very showy. ‘Tree 20 feet high, like a gigantic large-leaved Myrtle, would be highly orna- mental in the conservatory.— (Botanical Mag., t. 5480.) ARAUJA ANGUSTIFOLIA (Narrow-leaved Arauja).—Nat. ord., Asclepiadacee. Linn., Gynandria Pentandria. Native of the forests of Uruguay. Stove climber with yellowish white, not conspicuous fowers.—(Ibid., ¢. 5481.) DENDROBIUM JAPONICUM (Japanese Dendrobium).—Naé. ord., Orchidacee. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. Common in Japan. Flowers white, not showy.—(Zibid., t. 5482.) Barronra nupA (Naked (Bractless) Bartonia).—Nat. ord., Loasacer. Linn., Icosandria Monogynia. Native of Missouri, introduced by Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich. Flowers yellow, but, as Mr. Thompson fairly points out, “ It cannot be looked upon as a hardy ornamental plant, the flowering taking place only late in the evening, and at a season (October), when it is too late for the ripening of the seeds.’”—(Ibid., t. 5483.) VerronicA HuLKEANA (Hulke’s New Zealand Speedwell). —Nat. ord., Scrophulariacee. Linn., Diandria Monogynia. «Quite a new form of Veronica.” Native of the mountains in the middle island of New Zealand. In a cool greenhouse it flowered in May, but from crowing at 2000 feet elevation in its native island, it may be expected to be hardy kere. Flowers lilac, and in a thyrse like those of the common Lilac shrub.—(TIbid., t. 5484.) EpisterHium Winans (Mr. Williams’s Epistephium).— Nat. ord , Orchidacee. Linn., Gynandria Monogynia. Native of tropical South America. Flowers of a fine, light, red- purple colour.—(Zbid., t. 5485.) SaxirRaGa Forrunr.—One of the numerous variegated plants of Japan. The leaves are of the dark green usual in the genus, but variously blotched on the upper surface with white and pink.—(Floral Mag., pl. 221.) GuaprioLus, ELEANOR Norman.—Raised by Mr. Standish, Royal Nursery, Ascot. Flowers white tinged with pink, and flaked with dark pink stripes.—(Zbid., pl. 222.) Dis& GRANDIFLORA var. SUPERBA.— We noticed this recently in Messrs. Warner and Williams’s “ Orchidaceous Plants.’—(Ibid., pl. 223.) Prntstemons.—Princess of Wales, white, with lips broadly bordered with pink. Attraction, white, tinged with pink. Both raised by Mr. Salter, Versailles Nursery, Hammer- smith.—(1bid., pl. 224.) CLEMATIS RUBRO-VIOLACEA.—Raised by Mr. G. Jackman, Woking, by crossing C. lanuginosa with C. viticella. It is quite hardy, and, as its name indicates, the colour of the flowers is reddish purple.—(Florist and Pomologist, iii., 265.) 514 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, ( December 27, 1864, pared with what I had been led to expect. I, however, FOUNTAINS AND ROCKWORK AT DINORBEN resolved to try it another year, and at the same time to HOUSE. send an eye or two to a friend of mine, who is a first- Tusz, which we noticed at page 436, were executed in | class grower of pot Grapes, to see if he would meet with terra cotta by Mr. James Pulham, Broxbourne, Herts, in] any more certain success than I had done. However, in the year 1859. the following spring I received a note to the effect that The fountain called the Hebe Trentham Black had proved a is represented in our engrav- failure with him, as well as ing; it is 20 feet high, and is myself, and that he considered in the centre of a four-lobed « it a shy bearer, and conse- basin 42 feet in its widest dia- quently an unsuitable variety meter. The whole cost £280. for pot culture. The material of which it is So much for its unsuitability formed is terra cotta of the for pot culture. I will now colour of Caen stone, and is endeavour to state its adapt- said to be very durable, which ability for vinery cultivation. might be expected from its The original Vine was planted being burned until semi-vitri- out in the June of the same fied. The water of the foun- year in which we received it tain, from the jug held by into an inside border of a cool Hebe, flows into a cup held in vinery, where the Grapes are her other hand; but it also generally ripe by the first week rises from the nostrils of four in September. It was allowed dolphins, and from the upper to grow vigorously for a couple basin falls into the lower one. of years, and the third year Round the latter is an outer we hoped to have taken a basin 3 feet wide, for plants. few bunches from it; but A similar Hebe fountain has sirange to say, although an been sent to Bombay by Mr. unusually strong well-ripened Pulham, to be fixed in the cane, it showed but two or grounds of Sir Jameset Jee- three bunches, and these were geebhoy. small and puny. The next It is ornamental, even when year, however, the result was the water is not flowing, which gratifying, and for the last cannot be said of all foun- two or three years it has borne tains. magnificent bunches, with a profuse bloom of an intense purplish black colour, and a most delicious flavour, being more juicy and rich than the Black Hamburghs in the same house, and it has in every way proved itself a most desir- able (and with my employer a favourite) variety. I have ob- served thatit retains its leaves in a healthy green state much jonger than any other variety growing in the same house, which would naturally lead one 30 suppose that the bunches would hang much longer than on the other varieties having less vitahHty. This, however, is not the case with us, for we find the berries invariably mould and decay earlier than the Black Hamburghs in the same structure. This cir- cumstance arises probably from the berries containing @ larger quantity of those juices which tend to hasten decay. From the above facts I am led to infer that this variety is not,a desirable one Tor pot cultivation ; but when grown in a cool or warm vinery, and closely pruned, it cannot fail to give universal satisfaction. For an orchard- house, regulated as Mr. Pear- ‘son advises or teaches in his very sensibly written book on orchard-houses, I have not the slightest hesitation in TRENTHAM BLACK GRAPE. RESPONDING to your request in the JournNaL or Horri- CULTURE at page 410, I beg to state that I obtained a plant of the Trentham Black Grape direct from Mr. Fleming as soon as it was Gistributed, which I think was in the year 1858. Iwas induced to get it through tke recommendation of a friend of mine (now deceased) who had just visited Trentham, and had there seen it fruiting remarkably freely in pots. So fine were the bunches, and such the num- ber produced on comparatively small Vines, that he thought it would prove the most useful and prolific Grape for pot cul- ture that he had ever seen. Being myself fond of the cul- tivation of Vines in pots, I immediately set about propa- gating it from all the laterals 1 could command, and by the autumn I succeeded in ob- taining several strong canes fit for fruiting in the en- suing season. These were duly started the following spring, and I naturally anticipated a fine crop of Grapes, but to my surprise such was not the case; for, instead of bunches, I had claspers in almost every 2 I 3 case, the isolated bunch or recommending it as a suit- two produced being also of a = : able variety. Henry Munzo, very inferior character com- ape Her Fountar%es ! Clevelands, Tyme Regis, Dorset. == - December 27, 1964. ] WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Tux weather must now decide the operations to be per- formed in the kitchen garden. If frosty all manures ought to be wheeled to where they are wanted. If the Asparagus- beds are not soiled up for the winter, no time should be lost in getting it done. In open weather trench or dig all vacant spaces ; trenching is a prospective operation, therefore the bottom ought to be manured well, as by that process land will remain in heart three or four years, and after that time a second trenching will bring up the soil from beneath. Brussels Sprouts, when gathering do not cut out the crowns until spring. Some do so in the hope of inducing them to throw out more sprouts, but we think it injurious at this season, as it admits moisture, which in the event of severe frost, proves fatal to the whole stem. Cauliflowers, stir the surface of the soil amongst the plants under hand-lighis, and sprinkle some charcoal dust or wood ashes amongst them ; it will sweeten the surface of the soil, and prevent the green growth over it, which stagnant air is apt to produce. F'or land that has been long cropped with vege- tables, a dressing of fresh loam would in many cases be pre- ferable to manure, and where this is wanted, and can be ob- tained, it should be at hand, in order that advantage may be taken of frosty days for wheeling it upon the ground. Where fresh soil cannot be obtained, charred vegetable refuse, such as prunings of shrubberies, edgings of walks, and many things which turn up in course of the season, may be cheaply made to form an excellent manure. FRUIT GARDEN. Figs against walls will require some protecting material placed over them in the midland and northern counties. | When the frost sets in lay a coat of manure—say 3 inches thick around the Gooseberry and Currant bushes. Continue to prune and nail wall trees; however judicious the system | of summer management, many small bits will require re- moving before nailing, if the trees are to be kept handsome. We are also alive to the great importance of having a just equilibrium betwixt roots and branches, and in rich garden soil this can only be attained by lifting the trees every two or three years or by root-pruning. FLOWER GARDEN. Many persons object strongly to planting shrubs or trees in winter, believing that the roots if hurt at this season are liable to rot, and certainly early in autumn is a much pre- ferable season; but with favourable weather we would not delay such work a single day, and if the soil is properly pre- pared by draining, &c., where necessary, as should always be done before planting, there will probably be fewer iailures from planting now than if the work were delayed till March. But where the garden is ofa clayey nature, and in an unkind | state at present, it will be better to defer planting until spring. Where Rhododendrons are grown in masses, and exhibit any indications of having exhausted the soil, a top- dressing of rotten cowdung 3 inches deep, and extending as far as the roots, should be applied at once. This will strengthen the plants for flowering, prevent rapid evapora- tion in summer, and keep the ground cool and moist, which is essential to the well-being of this handsome tribe of plants. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. The changeable weather which we are now experiencing will render it necessary to carefully attend to specimen hbardwooded piants which have to be wintered in these houses. Many of these are impatient of heat and a confined atmosphere. Use no more artificial warmth, therefore, than is absolutely necessary, and endeavour to counteract its drying effects, either by means of evaporating-pans, or by sprinkling the paths or borders, &c., in order to prevent any- thing like a dry parched state of the atmosphere. STOVE. If there is any prospect of a scarcity of plants in flower next spring, a portion of the Gloxinias and Achimenes which have been the longest at rest may be started at once, as also a few Clerodendrons. The latter should be cut back to the lowest eyes so as tosecure bushy specimens, with the pots covered with foliage, and when the plants have fairly JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 515 started into growth the balls should be reduced sufficiently to allow of giving a good shift in fresh soil without increas- ing the size of the pots. A few of the Allamandas may alsa be pruned and placed in heat, provided the wood is well yipened. A plant or two of Hchites splendens and Dipla- denia crassinoda may also be started. Let Ixoras and all other hardwooded plants that have made sufficient growth be kept rather dry at the roots in order to check their growth, and induce a tendency to form bloom-buds, but do not let the soil in the pots become so dry as to affect the foliage. FORCING-PIT. This structure will now be kept in full activity to supply the various calls for plants in bloom, which at this season of the year are more or less in demand in most establish- ments. Care should be taken before plants are moved to sitting-rooms to gradually harden them for a day or two, either by placing them in the conservatory or an initer- mediate house. Dutch bulbs should be largely used. for present forcing. Do not forget to introduce a good batch of Roses, choosing the most promising plants of Teas, Bour- bons, and Hybrid Perpetuals, which are the best kinds for winter flowering. Next to Camellias, Azaleas are, perhaps, the most showy plants that can be had in bloom at this season, and where there is a good stock of these to draw from, some of the most forward plants of the common varieties should be placed in heat at once, moistening them | overhead two or three times a-day; but unless the plants have set their flower-buds early in the season, they can | hardly be expected to flower so freely or finely as under more natural circumstances in the spring. PITS AND FRAMES. The inmates of these structures will require but little water for some time, and the little that may be necessary should be given early in the morning of a fine day, when air can be given to dry up the atmosphere before night. Also, guard against the ‘ill effects of damp by giving air whenever it can be done without risk, but do not expose the stock to cold north, or north-easterly winds, which seldom | fail to turn the foliage brown and rusty.—W. Kzanu.- DOINGS OF THE LAST WHEE. KITCHEN GARDEN. Tam frost came as was anticipated, 510, 15, and more degrees, but with an inch of snow that protected things very much, which was a great advantage after the warm muggy weather had kept plants growing without enough of sun to consolidate that growth. An inch of snow is a matter of importance in such cases. We can offer no better pro- tector. Every fake as it falls on another flake shuts in so | much air, and thai air so shut in becomes a nonconductor._ . Our chief care as to vegetables was confined to Cauliflower, Celery, and Letiuces. The Celery we banked up with stubble, placing a little all over the ridge of the bed, be- tween the plants and over the plants; all the rest will now remain for the season, except what is over the plants, which will be removed that the tops may have sun and air, and may with a few branches of spruce and other ever- greens be replaced on a frosty night; and the current of wind and the slight freezing would seem to say we shall not be long without it. These changeable days, ranging so soon from 40° to 26° or lower, render niuch more care and. attention necessary. The Cauliflower under hand-lights was covered over with litter after the soil inside was crusted, and the leaves hard. We thought we were in for a fort- night’s frost, or we would not have waited so long. We knew that the frost allowed would do no harm, and after a. slight freezing, the plants being in a state of rest, we knew they would take no harm if shut up for a fortnight, 2 month, or even two months. We once had Cauliflowers shut up thus for ten weeks, and we never had earlier or better Cauli- flower. The temperature for all that time must have been from 28° to 32° under the covering. Had it been from 40° | to 45° we should have expected to have seen asickly blanched vegetation. Asit was, the covering remained on for twenty- four hours after the thaw set in, and the Cauliflowers being 516 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. thawed gradually looked as well as if they had been shut up for one night only. They were just as fresh as a lawn would be that had fallen to a temperature of about 31° be- fore it was covered by a foot of snow for six weeks. As soon as the snow went the lawn looked more healthy and green than it did before the snow came. Cauliflowers and Lettuces for use were protected before they were much, if at all, frosted. In their case the less they are touched the better, and they should not be long covered up continuously unless the temperature is very low, close on freezing. As to the protecting materials to be used in a hurry, mats are as good as any, but then a single or a double mat is of little use in a severe frost, in a cold pit. A little rough hay is a grand thing for protection, as it lays open, and can also be pressed a little close. Straw is also good, and the less broken it is the better if you can cover with something closer at the surface. Rough stubble is also a good: pro- tection for many things, and chiefly because it is open, and allows the air to penetrate and circulate. We protected a lot of glass in a cold pit with it alone the first cold night, and our superintendent of protecting told us he thought it was of little use for a severe frost. That depends entirely on how it is treated. Of itself it would not be sufficient to keep out our most severe frost without very frequent turning, as its very looseness and roughness would allow lines of radiation to reach from the glass to the sky, and thus the frost would enter. But supposing that 6 inches of this loose rough stubble were placed over the glass, and 2 or 3 inches of tree leaves, as we used, or half as much of soft rough hay were placed over the stubble, it would require & very severe frost to penetrate beneath the glass. The very openness of the stubble, a drawback if used alone, be- came a great advantage when joined with the closer mate- rial at the surface. Not only would every straw of the vough stubble serve to prevent radiation, but the closeish material at the surface would make the whole body of stubble beneath a non-conductor. We were not over-well provided with protecting material; but though we had a great num- ber of tender plants in cold and earth pits, the stubble, ranches, &c., and some 1 or 2 inches of tree leaves on the top of everything made all quite safe, so that we have not lost a plant. Those who would take a lesson in protecting should, in a severe frost, examine the state of the ground under long grass, moss, or even a slight covering of tree leaves. We have often been surprised to find how thoroughly Nature accomplishes her objects with the slightest materials. Hints from our pastures and woodlands are often as valuable as hints from books. We have had several letters, in spite of the standing protest of our conductors, about our old friend who took all his bedclothing to save his Apricots and Peaches. It is often important to know what to do in an emergency, and therefore we will mention how another friend, now gone, saved thousands of pots of Mig- nonette, when almost every neighbour lost them, though we have alluded to the matter previously. The frost came so suddenly that much litter for protection had not been procured. A mat was put over the glass, anda thin covering -of litter over it. The frost was so severe as soon to pene- trate beyond the mat; but its intensity was rendered harm- less by a constant shaking and turning of the litter over the mat. Our old friend and his man Friday worked as hard as they could, one at the front and another at the back of the frames and pits, in turning this litter the whole night, beginning at one end, again, as soon as they reached the other. Every time the litter was shaken and turned it presented a fresh surface to the action of radiation and conduction, and Mr. Frost had to begin his work afresh. ‘We have saved many plants by having the surface of the covering broken before daylight, as just before the dawn is generally the time when the frost is most intense. We have had several private complaints that we did not tell how to save the plants from the coming frost, and we sup- pose it will be best to plead guilty of not knowing the future; but sure we are that all amateurs will receive a helping hand from their neighbours, and, if wise, they will use the experience of being caught napping as a good reason why they will never be found so unprepared again. Fruit garden very much the same as in previous weeks. { December 27, 1864. Looked over Grapes. Gave enough of heat to keep the frost from them, more especially as the most of the foliage was removed. Looked after Strawberries, examined fruit stores, and washed and cleaned second vinery, much as was stated as respects the first. Vines.—We have put in a few eyes, in case we may want them. Those who intend forcing Vines in pots should com- mence as soon as this sees printer’s ink. Young plants are best for this purpose, supposing that a good crop is taken from each plant, and the plants are then thrown away. When the plants are kept on from year to year, a very moderate crop must be taken yearly.. We have had from eight to sixteen and twenty good bunches from plants fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen months from the bud-cutting. To expect future crops from such plants would be useless. On the whole, where means are at command, and a fine show a feature, we prefer taking only one crop from the plants. For this purpose the single buds, with three-quarters of an inch at each end of the bud, should be inserted singly in the smallest pots by the first week in January, be placed ina moderate hotbed for a fortnight, and then in a nice sweet hotbed with a temperature of 85° bottom heat, and 60% or 70° top heat. Here the little pots will soon be filled with roots before the bud has made much top growth, and should then be shifted into a larger—say a four-inch pot, using warmed soil, and never allowing the least check to the plants. This plan must be followed, shifting as soon as needed, and giving bottom heat until the plants are in pots from 12 or 18 inches in diameter. These well ripened and placed out of doors in the autumn for a month or six weeks, will be in good order to start in November and Decem- ber. The general routine has already several times been given. When pots are intended to bear continuously, about four bunches should be the medium. It is best to take a good crop, bring on fresh plants, and throw away the old ones. Ice.—We went round and looked at the usual pools for supply, and, though there was but little water in the most of them to freeze, we had everything ready to take that little on the following day; but the thaw at night came more suddenly than the frost, and, instead of being helped by rolling snow, the snow had all disappeared before the morning. What ice we could have secured was very hollow, but still it would have been ice; and if we had not stilla pretty good supply we certainly should have taken the first chance to obtain a little, even if we had put it in an ice- heap for present use. Most likely we will yet have a more continuous frost ere long; but, as the weather may be un- certain, it will be well not to lose another chance. We find, on inquiry, that some of our confectioners in neighbouring towns procure the ice they want from London in summer, as the demand for ices, and cooled drinks, is growing even in our out-of-the-way places; and they con- sider that as yet this mode suits them better than having an ice-heap of their own, though they complain sadly of the necessary expense for carriage, &c., making sad work of what otherwise would be their profits. A larger demand for iced articles would, no doubt, lead to a more general supply. Many large hotels in the country thus obtain their ice from London, or the nearest seaport, and the blocks from Wenham Lake are most valued. In the case of some large hotels this practice is followed even after going to the expense of forming ice-houses, in which the ice will not keep; so that, simple though the matter seems to be, there must be some of the simplicities overlooked, where such failures take place. We have proved over and over again that snow, rolled into large heaps, and well consolidated in the ice-house or heap, is only a little inferior to ice for keeping. If too fluffy to beat well, a little water will remedy that defect. It is best rolled when soft. It is no use trying it when the surface is hard and frost-crusted; and collecting it without rolling it into huge balls is but poor work.—R. F. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Sutton & Sons, Reading.—Sutton’s Amateurs Guide and Spring Catalogue for 1865. James Veitch, Royal Exotic Nursery, King’s Road, Chelsea. —Catalogue of Garden and Flower Seeds for 1865. : December 27, 1864. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 517 COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Decemsper 24. Supplies are good and the demand fair, but not very brisk. Pines and Grapes are fully sufficient for the demand; Apples abundant; but good dessert Pears not over-plentiful. Notwithstanding the severe frost of the 18th inst. and general coldness of the weather, the supply of out-door vegetables continues good. The first consignment of Cornish Broccoli has just arrived, and the heads though small are of very good quality. As usual at this season, the market is crowded with carts anc waggons from the country bringing Christmas trees, evergreens, and Mistletoe, for which, notwithstanding the large quantities which have been already disposed of, there is still a ready sale. FRUIT. s.d 8s. a 8s. d. 3. d Apples..... 1 Oto2 0] Melons ..... acre cates each 2 6to4d 0 Apricots 0 0 O 0] Mulberries . 00 00 Cherries . 0 0 O 0} Neetarines 050.40: 0 Chestnuts . 14 0 20 0| Oranges 5 0-10 0 Currants, Red...4 sieve 0 0 0 0] Peaches 00 00 Black.. do. O 0 O O| Pears (k 5 0 10 0 Figs... 6 Bye Ohi Ole Orta 0: dessert... Lie Geeta O Filberts . 40 0 60 0} Pine Apples. 50. 8 0 Cobs: . 70 0 80 0} Plums....... 00 00 Gooseberries ...4 sie 0 0 O 0} Pomegranates 0,6. 1h 0 Grapes, Hamburghs lb. 2 0 6 0} Quinces 40 6 0 Museats « 5 0 8 O| Raspberrie 00 0 0 Lemons . 5 0 10 0} Waluuts..... 14.0 20 0 VEGETABLES. sg. d. 8. a ad. a4 Artichokes . 0 Oto0 0} Horseradish ... bundle 2 6to5 0 Asparagus .. 0 0 0 | Leeks.... bunch 0 2 0 8 Beans Broad. 0 0 O 0| Lettuce. ..Score 2 0, 4 0 Kidney ley 2 0 38 O| Mushrooms .pottle 1 6 2 6 Beet, Red.. . doz 1 0 3 0} Mustd.&Cress,punnet 0 2 O 0 Broccoli ......... bundle 1 0 2 0} Onions ..........,bushel 40 5 0 BrusselsSprouts $sieve 2 6 38 6 pickling ...... quart 0 6 O 8 Cabbage ..... doz. 1 6 3 0} Parsley ...doz, bunches 4 0 6 0 Capsicums 100 0 0 0 0} Parsnips ¥iNdoz,, 1092.98 os 10 Carrots ..... .ounch 0 5 O 8] Peas....... .quatt 0 0 0 0 Cauliflower doz. 4 0 6 0} Potatoes .........bushel 2 6 4 0 Celery ..... 1 0 2 0) Radishes doz. bunches 0 9 1 O 1 6 3 0} Savoys ... LS WOP 2G: 0 0 O 0]! Sea-kale 1 6!. 3)0 2 6 8 0} Spinach.. Sy 40 Spe.0 0 3 O O| Tomatoe: OFF 0s 000) 0 8 O 0} Turnips...........buuch 0 3 6 6 Herbs...............bunch 0 3 0 0/} VegetableMarrowsdoz. 0 0 0 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the de- partmental writers of the “ Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman.” By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be ad- dressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticul- ture, &c., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B.—Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Heatine sy GAs.—In answer to the inquiry made by “G. P. S.,”. I saw avery simple apparatus which appeared to answer the purpose for which it was intended in a smail greenhouse belonging toa Mr. G@ West, a retired ironmonger, whose invention it is. It is very simple, and consequently inexpensive ; but whether the warmth generated would be sufficient for 2 large house I am unable to say. Mr. West lives on Bexley Heath, Kent, not far from Woolwich, and I am sure he will readily explain his method of heating, and, if required, would erect the apparatus.—G. A. LanepaLe. CHARcoAL For Vinzs (A Subseriber).—We do not know the translation from the German you mention. If we wished to apply charcoal to the roots of Vines we should remove the earth down to the roots nearest the surface, and sprinkle some charcoal broken into small pieces over them. It might be done now. Bunsew’s Burner (IW. Dickson).—We do not know the maker, but we are told that the burner is well known to and supplied by the gas-fitters. Tan For Cavey Som (J. Hurst).—Decayed tan will be a good and en- during manure for your garden; but, as it is infested with slugs, we would pare off and burn 6 inches in depth of the surface before applying the tan. _ MArwET-GARDENING (R. F. F.).—We know of no other work on the sub- ject besides that you mention. Frenca Peiarconiums (K. D..J. W., Jersey).—The best houses in Paris for Pelargoniums are Thibaut et Keteleer, Rue de Charonne, and Rougier- Chauviére, Rue de la Roquette. Prorectine Buossom (2. S.),—Your thin canvass will do very well, but we would bring it within a foot of the ground, and only cover that space in severe nights. It would be well to have a two-feet opening every 12 feet, at the top of the wall, to open on sunny days. Your cloth will be more BEUVICeADes if strained, for keeping the blossom dry, than forkeeping out much frost. Dovgte-cLazine (M. R.).—The distance between the two tiers of glass need not be more than the eighth of an inch. As you are using Hartley’s rough plate glass, two tiers of that would exclude the light too much. The inner tier had better be of clear glass. AspHaLt Parn (T7yro).—Take two parts ef very dry lime rubbish, and one pait coal ashes, also very dry, and both sifted fine. Ina dry place, on a dry day, mix them, and leave a hole in the middle of the heap, as brick- layers do when making mortar. Into this pour boiling-hot coal tar; mix, and, when as stiff as mortar, put it 3 inches thick where the walk is to be, The ground should be dry and beaten smooth. Spriakle over it coarse sand; when cold pass a light roller over it, and in a few days the walk will be solid and waterproof. Fucusts—CoBaa SCANDENS (Ruby).—We do not recognise the Fuchsia by the flower and leaves sent. The flower is that of F. fulgens, with the leaves of a reflexed-sepaled kind, as Banks’ Glory, As a flower, judged by the standard of the florist, it is valueless; but as a plant for greenhouse decoration, we should think it very ornamental. When it commences to grow thin out the suckers, leaving one only if you wish a plant with one stem, or two or three of the strongest, taking the others away. This will cause the sap to flow more freely into the shoots left, and they will be stronger in consequence, and the plant will bloom more freely. Cobc2z scandens is not hardy so far as we know in any part of Ireland, except in very mild situations, and against walls when protected from frost by acovere ing of mats or straw. Lomaria L’Herminieri, Nephrodium molle corymbi- ferum, Nothochlzna lendigera or elegans, Lastrea glabella, Pteris argyrea, and Adiantum cuneatum. Anemidictyon phyllitidis requires a cool stove to grow it well, though it will do well in a vinery; but what is a vinery but a stove insummer? Ina greenhouse, especially if cool and airy, it does no good. We are quite certain the plant sent for us to name was Polypodium cambricum. We have plants of it from its native home with the fructifi- cation plentiful. The person alluded to, we are quite sure, only stated his own experience, and had only come across barren forms of the species. CnarysANTHEMUMS DonE Bioomine (Chrysanthemum).—Keep the plants in the pots in a cold frame with the old stems cut down to the surface. Take cuttings in March or April, and these will soon root in a little heat. Such make nice small plants for blooming late in small pots. Shift them into 24-pots in May, and transfer into nineé-inch pots in June. Stop them when well rooted to four leaves, and when they have pushed sufficiently, stop again to four leaves by pinching out the tips of the shoots. Keep them. stopped until the middle of July, then discontinue the stopping process. If you want large specimens pot the suckers in March, otherwise we like to do it in Noyember, place in a cold frame for a few days, then harden off. In potting select the strongest and best rooted short-jointed suckers, Stop them when 6 inches high, and you may stop again in the end of May or beginuing of June, and again in the end of thaf month or beginning of July. The Mundevilla suaveolens will most likely bloom another year if you do not cut it in too much, but merely thin out and shorten the shoots a little, giving it abundance of light and keeping it moderately dry at the root during the winter. It is one of the sweetest flowers grown. PROPAGATING POINSETTIA PULCHERRIMA (H, M. S.).—Cuttings of this put in about the middle of July will root freely if the pots are plunged in a hotbed. If they have two joints, one in and one out of the soil, they will do well. The cuttings are best inserted singly in 60-sized pots, in a compost of turfy peat, loam, and leaf mouldin equal parts, with a free admixture of silver sand. This will suit established plants; but more sana should be mixed with the soil for the cuttings. The plants thus struck should be potted in six-inch pots, kept near the glass in a moist atmosphere in a stove: temperature, and well watered. Cuttings may also be put in in February and treated in the same manner, stopping them in May, and much larger and earlier-blooming plants will be the result. It is an intermediate stove plant. There are many berry-bearing plants called Winter Cherries, but that usually known as the Winter Cherry, is Physalis Alkekengi. Any of the nurserymen who advertise in our columns can furnish you with double Pansies. GREEN FLY oN GoosEBERRY BusuEs (J. King).—We were at one time sorely pestered with fly on Currants and others of the Ribes family against. walls. The fruit was dirty and not fit for use, though larger than that from bushes, We were in the habit of washing our wall trees with a solution of different ingredients at the winter dressing to prevent summer attacks of insects, and with good success tried it on the Ribes tribe, as the Gooseberry and Currant. It was made as follows:—One stone quicklime, and 14 lbs. sulphur vivum, 1 peck of soot, 141bs. soft soap, with tobacco water made by adding four gallons of water to the tobacco liquor of the tobacco manue facturers, sufficient to form the whole into the consistency of thin paint. With this we painted every branch, upward from the ground, with a common: paint. brush immediately after the winter pruning, or before the buds began to swell. Birds do not like the buds after this dressing, and the fly was not troublesome in summer, and in many cases did not attack the trees. If it did we syringed the trees during bright weather, just when the fruit was. full grown, with tobacco water made by adding six gallons of water to the tobacco liquor of the shops, or by pouring a gallon of boiling water on an ounce of the strongest shag tobacco, The smoke of a large town would not bring on: attacks of green fly, for we have grown Gooseberries in such a locality very fine and clean, and we were much assisted in the work by the grossly mal- treated house sparrows, which devour green fly, caterpillars, and other garden pests. Preserve such friends as these and you will find them assist in ridding you of yourenemy. We should think your Currants will not produce fine fruit if the leaves are taken off the bushes during the height of the growing season, especially if this practice be continued year after year. Gum iw Apricor Trees (Hampshire Hills).—There is, so far as we knows. no cure for the gumming of fruit trees in some soils, and the Apricot is very subject to it on the red sandstone, and thin sandy soils with a gravelly subsoil. it will not interfere with bearing further than this, that a diseased branch is liable to die off at any time, and is just as likely to do so when the fruit is nearly ripe as at any other time. The gum which exudes shouldé. be removed with a knife, and the place pared down to the fresh bark, and the wound will heal over if the hole be stopped well with clay and cowdung.. Though this may prevent the accumulation of gum at that part, the plaster assisting the healing of the wound, yet it will not preyent its exudation from: another part of the tree. You will gain nothing by cutting the branches of the Pear tree back, but, on the contrary, lose a number of years in getting the wall covered again. We would insert some buds in the spurs on the lower parts of the branches next summer, and the buds, if they take, will,, in a short time, produce fruitful spurs on the lower part of the branches, 518 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 27, 1864. Borros Heat Dericrest (B. T. E.).—We think your simplest plan wil! be to lower your slate a foot or 15 inches, so as to be 2 or 3 inches from the ppes. These two pipes ought to give you enough of bottom heat. Stop ze top holes in the slate, and, if necessary, make two or three holes at the bottom of the chamber, near where your return-pipe nowis. If you want more piping we think you would require it most for the atmosphere of the house. We presume your pipes in the vinery are all right as to level. The simplest way of heating such an arrangement would have been to have taken a flow from the-boiler to a cistern at the farther end of the propagating- house—say 2 or 3 feet above the highest piping—and from thence, by plugs, give top or bottom, or vinery heat, as required. HyacistH CuLtorr 1n Horuanp (A. NV. Morin).—The articles to which you allude appeared in Nos. 19, 20, 21, 24, and 25, May and June 1853. They have not been republished. New Roses (H. L.}.—Our Number published on Nov. 1 contains a criticism on the new Roses. You can have it free by post if you send four peany postage stamps to our office with your direction. Heatixe a Pir (TW. U. B.).—Such pits, to be heated with dung, must be provided with linings, if early Melons or Cucumbers are desired. As you wish to have an open area round your pipes for bottom heat, your best plan would be to cover the chamber with slate, within 2 or 3 inches of the pipe. Place 6 inches of open rubble over the slate, beneath the soil, with openings back and front, by pipes or otherwise, to let the heatup. By pouring water into these openings, among the rubble, over the slates, you can have a moist bottom heat and a moist top heat at command, and a dry heat, as you desire. We have no objection to a tank, or evaporating-pans, on your pipes, but the above would be the simplest. For early work for such a pif you would need two four-inch pipes for bottom heat, and two for top heat. For late spring, summer, and autumn work, two pipes at bottom would do, if top heat, by means of openings, could be taken when necessary. for winter Cucumbers you would require three bottom and three top pipes. The simplest plan of all would be to haye pipes alone for bottom heat, sur- rounded with clinkers, brickbats, &c., with means for sending water amongst these clinkers and bats when necessary. The reason why so many people fail in obtaining bottom heat from pipes is—the air gets too confined, and thus becomes a non-conductor ; the material placed over them also gets too dry, and that becomes a non-conductor as well. It is a mistake to have a mound over such pipes, and expect it to be heated through, unless the air at the bottom of the mass is kept moist and in motion. See answers to other correspondents to-day, and lately, and Mr. Fish’s description of heating at Mr. Lane’s, of Berkhampstead, last season. There is no difficulty in getting plenty of bottom heat in Mr. Lane's enclosed chambers. Without chambers, with merely open rubble round the pipes, the secrets of success are moist air, and air in motion. These two little facts are, as respects heating by bottom heat, worth the expense of seversl volumes. The age of Tmonuments, however, is passed, and well passed. Sex or Avcusa (Idem).—The common Aucvba japonica of our gardens is the female variety. Mr. Standish has the male variety, introduced by Mr. Fortune. Vines Unrruitrun (Jyro).—If you look back to Mr. Fish’s description of border-making at Keele Hall and Trentham, or see what is said on the subject in the “ Vine Manual,”’ published at our office, you will see that you could not have done worse than plant the Vines at the bottom of your border, and take the stems ia at the bottom of the front wall, as shown in your black ink line. Your red ink line would be preferable, but even that shows the Vine planted toolow. As your front wall is 24 feet high, make your border 2 feet 4 inches in height; place 9 inches of open rubble at the bottom, with a drain in front, and spread out the roots of the young Vines within 4 inches of the surface. Your Apples are small specimens of the Old Golden Pippin. They attain four times the size in an orchard- ouse. Lopetra Gorponit (A Lover of Flowers).—Lobelia Gordonii is a good dealin the same way as Paxtoniana. A lot of these Lobelias requires 2 microscope to distinguish them. We raised seedlings of Paxtoniana last year, and though like, they also differed a little from the parent, and we suspect this will be the case with the others less or more. SUNDERLAND PUBLIC Park (M. B.).—We do not know whether tiie prizes for the plans have been awarded. You had better write to the Town Clerk of Sunderland. Icz-HousE (G. C., Penrith).—We think in your case, if the house is small, the lining with straw would be an advantage, but asit becomes wetit should be withdrawn. For years we have used none, and we thus getrid of much wasting vapour. Late Vinery (J. Goodear).—It will be safest to keep your vinery shut during frost. You may useit until March or Apri! for wintering bedding plants. You will not start the Vines if you do not raise the temperature above from 40° fo 45°. You may wash your Vines with a paint of clay and aulDpur, You may do the same with Gishurst at about balf a pound to the gallon. Azates Leavss Fatirxe (Liverpool).—The treatment you describe is good, only the buds were set or the growth made before the plants were placed outside; a cool house, however, would hare been a better position for them, for the sudden changes consequent on their being placed out of doors, aud brought in again, hare had en injurious effect on the piants. The leaves’ falling so much is in most instances principally caused by forcing the plants to set their buds early in the season, and long weak growths are the consequence. The leaves fall early because they were formed early and imperfectly. We fear the drainage is not over-perfect, that the plants have been too freely watered, and the soil thus rendered unsuitable for the roots. A temperature of from 40° to 45? from fre heat is quite warm enough for Azaleas in winter. You say you noticed appearances of rea spider on the leayes. This is rather uncommon; it was more likely to be thrips. You syringed the leaves with tobacco water, and that has been too strong, and turned the leaves brown—in fact destroyed them. The house should have been fumigated with tobacco, and so filled with the smoke that not a plant could have been seen from the outside. Leave the plants alone wow, water only when they require it, and we think they will bloom well after all. Make the drainage more secure after the; have bloomed, and pot them if they require it, elevating the necks of the plants a little in the centre of the pots. The buds of the shoots sent were sound, and will Dloom we think. Hanes or Favits (C, R.).—Your Apple is certainly quite distinct from Ribston Pippin, and is apparently a very excellent keeper, but we cannot say what it is. One of the specimens is exactly like a Ribston in appearance, but the flavour is quite different. (J. B. Z.)—Pears.—1, Colmar; 3, Broom- park; 5, Knight’s Monarch ; 6, Beurré de Rance; 7, Passe Colmar. Apples. —2, Ord’s; 7, Dutch Mignonne; 8, King of the Pippins; 11, Sam Young; 12, Coe’s Golden Drop; 14, Devonshire Queen ; 16, Bedfordshire Foundling. The numbers not named are unrecognised. (Mortgomery).—The large green Apples are Yorkshire Greening, and the round yellow ones Dumelow’s Seedling. (J. If. Miller).—3, Passe Colmar; 4, Beurré d’Aremberg. The others were smashed. 2 Names or Prants (HM. P.).—1, Blechnum occidentale minus; 2, Doodia caudata; 3, Goniophledium appendiculatum; 4, Lastrea patens; 5, Asple- nium fontanum. POULTRY, BEX, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. HAMBURGH FOWLS ARE PROFITABLE. Havine kept Gold and Silver-pencilled Hamburgh fowls for some years I am able to speak respecting them. As layers they stand alone, never ceasing to lay but at moulting time ; and the Golden lay much larger eggs than the Silver, and are healthy, bright, happy birds if allowed freedom, but they will not thrive in coniinement. Being obliged to keep mine confined for about five weeks before the grass was cut, though a tolerable yard was allowed to each breed, their feathers became in a most deplorable state. First, the cock lost all the soft down of his hackles, the stump of the feathers remaining. The heads, breasts, and nearly all the feathers of the hens then became diseased. I tried cocoa-nut oil and turmeric rubbed on but to no purpose, and until the moulting season they never recovered their fine plumage. The cock nearly died. They ate well and continued laying, but they were frightful objects to look at. During this time they were well supplied with lettuce and greens, and always allowed to run on the lawn and garden every morning for a short time. I have found half-bred Silver or Gold Hamburghs lay larger eggs, and never offer to sit more than once in a year; and these would be the breed of poultry ‘‘ CHANTICLEER” wants as “good egg-producers, hardy, easily reared, and not large.” They mix well with the thoroughbred, and do not prevent the exhibition of prize poultry. I should advise a cross of the Dorking and Ham- burgh, and then putting some of these pullets with the thoroughbred birds. They (Hamburghs) are very easily reared and beautiful when first hatched. Out of thirty or forty I did not lose one this summer. Very good birds may be bought by answering the ad- vertisements in this Journal and learning the pedigree of the fowls. A few feathers cut off one wing, leaving the flight or large wing feathers, will not disfigure the Hamburghs, and will prevent their flying over every fence.—SHAPP-SPUB. POULTRY-KEEPING FROM A COMMERCIAL POINT OF VIEW. (Continued from page 502.) THE ROOSTING AND LAYING BOOM. Tuts should be kept scrupulously clean, swept out daily, and occasionally thoroughly whitewashed. The fioor, com- posed of concrete, ought to be slightly sanded over daily. The sides and ceiling, also the divisions of the nests for laying, should be made of boards well whitewashed. The nest (jig. 5),should be made of earthenware, and partly filled with fine sand or cocoa-nut refuse, and slightly sprinkled over with flowers of sulphur. t The roosting-perches should be formed of hot-water pipes, as they are of the utmost importance to keep the poultry warm during the cold nights, and cool during the hot nights, which will induce continuous egg-laying at a period when eggs are most scarce, whether for hatching or consumption. Most persons must have observed that even the heaviest fowls will seek tv perch nearest the ceiling, and that when roosting their feathers are ruffled or open. This is easily explained by all persons conversant with aérostatic laws— namely, that heated air being lighter than cold air, the former will ascend: consequently the warmest place in a Fig 5. . Earthenware Nest. December 27, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 519 room will be nearest to the ceiling; and fowls open their feathers when roosting to admit the warm ascending air. Another important point in the construction of this room is to create perfect ventilation without causing a draught. Now, different gases varying in their specific gravity are formed in this room—namely, carbonic acid, which is a heavy gas and hangs near the floor, ammoniacal gas from the excrements of fowls, and carbureted hydrogen gas from the exhalations of the fowls, both of which are light, and consequently rise to the ceiling. It therefore becomes necessary to adopt a principle of ventilation by which voth the heavy and light gases can be got rid of without causing a draught, which would be prejudicial to the health of the fowls. This is accomplished by two pieces of perforated zine, one opposite the other near the floor, and the same near the ceiling, and at least 12 inches above the roosting- perches. } THE HATCHING ROOM. This in my planis situated above the roost- ing room, and is composed of two compart- ments—the one in which the hen sits, the other where she has a supply of gritty dust to perform her ablutions (see jig. 6). The sides, floor, and ceiling are formed of boards well whitewashed. Light is admitted through a glass door from the passage, over which perforated zinc is fixed to provide for effi- cient ventilation. The roof is covered with asphalted felt, and the nest ought to be of earthenware, the same as those for laying. ¥ hatcbing-room. THE POULTRY HOME AND VINERY. Fig. 7.—Poultry Home and YVinery. Fig. $.—Plan of Poultry Home. A Is a glass-covered passage running the whole length of the building, and from which communication is obtained by means of doors to all the compartments of the homes on | either side. This passage ought to be about 6 feet wide and 8 feet high to the rise of the roof. a Is a flue formed of bricks and covered-in with paving tiles, with ventilators at certain distances. This fue runs the whole length of the building, and ought to be about 9 inches wide and 15 inches deep. It serves for warming the building by means of hot air, steam, or hot-water pipes; and the admission of heat to the passage is regulated by means of the ventilators. The floor should be formed of concrete, the sides of white- washed boards, and the roof of glass, with moveable frames at certain distances to allow of ventilation. This passage ean also be turned to profitable account without extra cost by being used as a vinery or greenhouse. B Is the roosting room, about 3 feet square and 6 feet high. The floor should be made of conérete, the sides and | ceiling of whitewashed boards. Near the ceiling and to the floor pieces of perforated zine ought to be fixed opposite one another for the thorough ventilation of this compart- ment. The partitions of nests, bb b (fig. 8), should be made of whitewashed boards, the top projecting about 3 inches to prevent the droppings falling in. The nests should be made of earthenware in the shape of fig. 5. | ¢Isa door communicating with the passage, and d with | the covered run. In this door an opening ought to be pro- | vided with a glazed slide for the egress and ingress of the , fowls. In this compartment fowls should be fed in wet | weather, and the drinking-fountain ought also to be placed here. The perches where practicable ought to be formed of | cast-iron hot-water pipes running the whole length of the | building. These can be partly covered with felt, which | should be removeable for cleaning. These perches should | be about 3 and 4 feet from the floor. c. The hatching-pens are immediately over the roosting- room, and should be 3 feet deep, 18 inches wide, and 2 feet high. This space is divided into two compartments, fand g, the one for the nest and the other for the ablution of the hen in dry gritty dust (see jig. 6). The sides, floor, ceiling, and partition are made of whitewashed boards ; the door is glazed with a perforated zinc plate over it for ventilation, and the roof covered with asphalted felt. The nest should be of earthenware, the same as that for laying (see jig. 5), with a layer of sand, which again is covered by a piece of fresh-cut turf, on which the eggs are placed. See “ Natural Hatching” in a subsequent paper. p. The glass-covered run should not be less than 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, 4 feet high to the rise, and 6 feet to the apex-or top of the glass frame, which ought to be moveable to admit of ventilation. The sides should be formed of 520 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 27, 1864. whitewashed boards; and the floor of about 6 inches deep of gritty dust. A perch can also be fixed in this compart- ment with advantage. E. The open run should not be less than 12 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high, and the floor made of concrete, as shown in fig, 1. The sides and top should be of galvanised iron netting. It is not, however, advisable to fix wire net- ting in too great leneths without support, as, with the least strain uponit, it gets out of shape. The plan I recommend for the construction of open runs.consists of separate wooden frames 6 feet by 3 feet, on which the wire netting is fixed Fig. 9.—Wire Frame. (see jig. 9), and grooved uprights in which these frames are slid (see figs. 10 and 11). The frames forming the top can Fig. 11.—Corner Upright. ‘be joined together by hinges.. By adopting this plan the whole run can be removed in a few minutes, or any part can be taken away for repair without interfering with the other, or some spare frames might even be kept in stock to replace those in want of repair.—G. K. GnyExin, Civil Engineer, London. (To be continued.) THE POULTRY CLUBS CENSURE OF THE BIRMINGHAM SHOW COMMITTEE. I sex by a report, printed and sent me by the Secretary of the Poultry Club, that a vote of censure was passed by the meeting on the Birmingham Committee for the appoint- ment of the same Judges as last year at Bingley Hall. I beg to say that, although I took part in the discussion of several subjects at that meeting, the vote was passed after I with many others left the room, and that if I had been presemt at the time I should have opposed the vote most strongly, as I should have hesitated to censure a body of gentlemen from whom I have always received the greatest courtesy, and whose conduct is always characterised by such thorough fairness and honour, evinced towards exhibitors on all occasions.—Joun K. Fowiur, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury. WHY ARE SHOWS HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY? In your report of the Leeds Poultry Show, you allude to the fact that the Newport Exhibition was held at the same time, and to the injury which meetings held thus simul- taneously inflict upon each other. I am glad to see the subject noticed in your columns. While on the one hand, we hear complaints both of the non-success of poultry shows, and of their dearth in the south of England, we find on the other hand existing ex- hibitions jostling one another, nay more, “cutting each other’s throats,” by seizing with fatal precision the same day for their respective meetings. Last year Basingstoke and Islington were contemporaneous. This very month Birmingham, Brighton, and York, were held at the same time. Now, it is bad, certainly, for birds to travel from show to show without an interval of rest, but it is worse for managers to injure each other’s chances of success, and for exhibitors to lose half their chances of a prize, owing to the suicidal rivalry of leading shows. Can we not induce some of our managers to vary the monotony which crowds the month of December with incessant and competing shows, by a few exhibitions of old birds in’the spring, and young ones in summer and autumn? Wil! not Islington or Alexandra Park, or the Crystal Palace take the hint? Can we not have a metropolitan show when London is full, and days are lengthening, when moreover a railway journey is not as at this wintry season an act of penance ?>—BRauMA PoorRa. MANCHESTER EXHIBITION OF POULTRY AND PIGEONS. Four years have now passed away since the first show of poultry was held at the Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Man- chester. Year by year this meeting seems to grow more important, and to gain rapidly on public favour; in fact, the aggregate entries of the Show just concluded exceed those of last season by very nearly 130 pens—as strong a proof, perhaps, as could be adduced, that the untiring efforts of the Messrs. Jennison to deserve public support are duly appreciated by exhibitors generally. The majority of our poultry readers are most probably aware, that the large Music Hall in connection with this establishment, is one of the most eligible and convenient places we can call to mind for the holding of such an ex- hibition. We may mention, too, the great advantage arising from the proprietors being able to thoroughly warm the whole building by hot-water apparatus, similarly con- structed to those in use for horticultural purposes. The advantage arising from this fact, to such poultry as have been long accustomed to great care and attention when at home cannot possibly be overrated, and it was spon- taneously acknowledged by several visitors, that the fowls not unfrequently came back from the Manchester Exhibition in actually improved condition to that in which their owners had forwarded them. “To serve all alike without respect to rank or station, the printed rules being always adopted,” is punctiliously observed throughout the whole proceedings, and, consequently, when one knows that these regulations will be enforced, very few try to evade them, and general satisfaction ensues. We purpose making a few passing re- marks on the classes generally. Silver Grey Dorkings are the variety that head the list, and we cannot help feeling regret so beautiful a breed of poultry seem so little supported. The popular notion we are aware is, they are more tender to rear than the com- mon-coloured Dorking; but our own experience in a run holding generally about a hundred specimens, convinces us they are equally hardy with other Dorkings, and that they lay more abundantly, which is, no inconsiderable recom- mendation. The classes for Coloured Dorkings, except Silver Greys, were, however, exceedingly well filled at Manchester ; the choicest specimens from the stockyards of Viscountess: Holmesdale and Captain Hornby here vied with each other in close rivalry. It would be useless to hope for a better display. It was in these classes that Lady Holmesdale’s adult Dorkings secured not only the first position for merit in their respective class, but also the extra silver cup giver to the best pen of fowls in the Hxhibition regardless of variety. About forty of the best first-prize pens were selected as fitting competitors for this principal premium, and the invidious and delicate task of such an award was deputed by the Messrs. Jennison to Mr. Hewitt, of Birming- ham, alone; those gentlemen thus carrying out thereby the principle of ‘voting for the Judges,” as pursued by the exhibitors at the time of making their entries, by individual endorsement on each entry paper. This fine pen of Dorkings is certainly one of the best pens we have seen for many years past, and was again shown in first-rate condition. We cannot pass over these classes without remarking that, perhaps, the competition in the Grey Dorking classes through- out was never excelled, consequently those Dorking breeders who missed the opportunity thus afforded lost a treat of no common character. The Black Spanish were numerous, and shown in first-rate ee December 27, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 521 condition. We are glad to see that the now old-fashioned corrugated faces once so coveted, are quite fallen in public estimation. That it is a direct step to improvement admits of no doubt, the exquisitely kid-like face, soft and unstained as a lady’s dress glove, being infinitely more beautiful than the so-called “cauliflower” faces, that at three years old generally deprive the male birds not only of the power of vision, but even of feeding themselves at all without special assistance. The classes for Créve-Ceur fowls may be regarded as an entire failure, for only two pens (both very good, however), were entered in the general class; and the class for Single Cocks was entirely empty. The Cochin classes were almost a counterpart of the Bir- mingham Exhibition, Captain Heaton still standing a-head, but pressed even more closely than ever by his former com- petitors. Few fowls “ever worked so hard,” to use the expressive term of a bystander, as these magnificent pens of poultry have done during the last few weeks. It is evidently telling rapidly on constitution, and to give these worthy antagonists a few weeks’ rest to invigorate them before the fast-coming breeding season, would be a most prudent step for their respective owners, bearing so ma- terially as it inevitably must do, on the robust character of next year’s chickens. White Cochins were few as to entries, but little from perfection as to character; and the Partridge- coloured Cochins and also the Brahmas were good. The classes for the last-named breed were divided for light and dark-coloured birds. The Silver-spangled Polands were quite the best of the Poland tribes exhibited, but the Black Hamburghs were very deficient specimens. In Hamburghs we regretted to find several very “roupy” they then were, even if considered only in common justice to the poultry in their vicinity. Silver-spangled Hamburghs were a most meritorious feature of the Show, but the Golden- spangled variety were unusually faulty in combs. Great care and attention to this point is necessary to success. The Game fowls were a capital display, a great portion of them being evidently in the most perfect condition that could be desired, hitherto unaccustomed to the exhibition pen, and evidently competing to no mean advantage thereby | over those that have been of late quite overtaxed by the combined trials of excessive travelling and close confinement. The Game Bantams were especially good, as were the Turkeys, Ducks, and Geese. Among the latter were shown some extraordinarily fine specimens of the Sebastopol Geese, ‘and a pen of Brent Geese, in so exquisite condition, that the feathers shone, and were smooth as the skin of a living seal. They attracted ereat attention. The Pigeons were numerous and very good, and embraced the most perfect selections from all our principal breeders, and the accommodation for these public favourites could not have been improved. Dorxines (Silver Grey).—First, R. W. Boyle, Dundrum, Dubiin. Second, D. Parsons, Cuerden, Preston. Highly Commended, Rey. T. O'Grady, Ash- bourne. Chickens.—First, Rev. T. O'Grady. Second, D. Harding, Middle- wich, Cheshire. Commended, Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleveland. Doxrxrnes (Silver Grey).—Cockerel.—First, M. Hedley, Red Hill, Surrey. “Second, T. Statter, Stand Hill, Manchester. Pullets.—Prize, T. Statter, Dorxines (Coloured, except Silver Grey).—First, Viscountess Holmes- dale, Staplehurst, Kent. Second and Third, Captain W. Hornby, Prescot. Highly Commended, Rev. J. F. Newton. Chickens.—First and Second, Captain W. Hornby. Third, Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleveland, York- ‘shire, Highiy Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Commended, W..A. Taylor; D. Parsons, Cuerden, Preston. Dorxines (Coloured, except Silver Grey).— Hens ov Pullets.— First, Viscountess Holmesdate. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart, Hopton Hall, Derby- shire. Cock.—First, Viscountess Holmesdale. Second, E. 'Tudman, Salop. Third, Captain W. Hornby. Commended, Rev. J.G.A. Baker, Biggleswade. -Cockerel.—First, E. Shaw, Oswestry. Second, E. Tudman. Commended, Miss S. J. Whitham, Brierfield, Marsden, Lancashire. Highly Commended, Viscountess Holmesdale. Dorxines (White).—First, D. Parsons. Second, H. Savile, Olierton. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. s Créve-Ceur.—Prize, J. Harrison, Blackpool. Commended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. SFANISE.— First, Viscountess Holmesdale. Second, J. Garlick, Liverpool. Highly Commended, J. R. Rodbard, Wrington, Bristol. Chickens.—First, &, Jones, Clifton, Bristol. Second, Viscountess Holmesdale. Third, J. R. Rodbard. Highly Commended, Master P. H. Stevens, Macclesfield. Com- Mended, E. Brown. Sheffield; J. Garlick, Liverpool. p Sranisu.—Cock.—First and Second, H. Lane, Bristol. Third. T. P. Wood, jun., Chesterfield. Commended, H. C. Mobbs; J. Smith, Openshaw. Hens.— First, H. Lane. Second, Viscountess Holmesdale, Staplehurst, Kent. Commended, S. Robson, Brotherton, Yorkshire; R. B. Postans, Brentwood. Cockerel.—First, 8. Robson, Brotherton. Second, R. Paton. | Third, H. Beldon, Bingley. Commended, J. L, Lowdes, Hartwell, Ayles- ‘ bury; E. Brown, Sheffield. Pullets,—First, H. Lane. Cocutn-Cuina (Cinnamon and Buff).—First, Captain H. Heaton, Man-. chester. Second, H. Bates, Birmingham. Third, C. T. Bishop, Lenton, Nottingham. Highly Commended, R. Adams, Handsworth, Birmingham. Commended, C. T. Bishop. Chickens.—First, J, Nelson, Heaton Mersey. Manchester. Second, R. Adams. Third, Captain H. Heaton. Highly Com- mended, W. F. Zurhorst, Donnybrook, Dublin; J. Shaweross, West Gorton, Manchester, Cocuin-Cuina (Cinnamon and Buff).—Cock.—First, W. F. Zurhorst, Donnybrook, Dublin. Second, J. Smith, Openshaw. Third, H. Ogden, Ashton-under-Lyne. Highly Commended, E. Bemrose, sen.; J. Kershaw, Mossley. Commended, C. Kershaw, Ashton-under-Lyne; Captain H. Heaton, Lower Broughton, Manchester ; J. Shawcross, West Gorton, Manchester. Pullets,—First, Captain H. Heaton. Second, C.:T. Bishop, Lenton, Not- tingham. Third, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Highly Commended, C. T. Bishop; J. Nelson, Cocutn-Cu1na (Brown and Partridge-feathered).— First, E. Tudman, Whitchurch, Salop. Second, C. Kershaw, Ashton-under-Lyne. Highly Commended, J. Stephens, Wallsall, Birmingham; T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Chickens.—First, E. Tudman. Second, C. E. Riddsale, Skircoat, Halifax. Third, C. Durham, Manchester. Highly Commended, W. A. Taylor, Man- chester. Commended,T, Stretch. Cocuin-Cuina (Brown and Partridge-feathered).—Hens or Pullets.— First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Seeond, E. Tudman, Whitchurch, Salop. Highly Commended, J. R. Rodbard, Wrington, Bristol. Cockerel.—First, J. Elliott, West Leigh, Lancashire. Second, T. Bott, Bury, Lancashire. Third, E. Tudman. Highly Commended, W. H. Kershaw, Ashton-under- Lyne. Commended, E. Tudman; J. Ashcroft, Liverpool. Cocurn-Cuina ( White).—First, R. Chase, Birmingham. Second, G. Lamb, Compton, Wolverhampton. Highly Commended, Rey. F. Taylor, Kirby- Lonsdale. Cock.—First, G. Lamb. Second, R. Chase. Highly Com- mended, Rev. F. Taylor. Commended, W. Copple, Prescot. BrauMa Poorra (Light).—First and Commended, J. Pares, Chertsey. Chickens.—First, J, Pares. Second, F. Crook, Forest Hiil, London. Brauma Poorra (Dark).—First, H. Lacy, Lacy House, Hebden Bridge. Second, W. Hargreaves, Bacup. Third, R. W. Boyle, Dundrum, Dublin, Commended, J. B. Stevens, Macclesfield. Chickens. — First, H. Lacy. Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury, Third, R. W. Boyle. Commended, W. Av Taylor, Manchester; H. Lacy. Cockerel.—First, T. Statter, Stand Hill, Manchester. Second, J. Poole, Ulverstone, Lancashire. Highly Comes inended, W. Hargreaves. Commended, H. Lacy. PouisH (Silver).—First, H. Beldon, Gilstead, Bingley, Yorkshire. Second, pate ss A A J. Heath, Cheshire. Highly Commended, J. Percival, Harborne, Bir- pens exhibited, capital birds, but quite out of place where | 3 i i ‘ mingham. HamsBurcus (Black).—First, J. Hope, Oldham. Second, R. F. Goodwin, Middleton. Chickens.—First, R. F. Goodwin. Second, H. Saville, Notts. Cock.—Virst, H. Beldon, Gilstead, Yorkshire. Commensed, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds, Hampurcu (Golden-pencilled).—First, T. Wrigley, sen., Tonge, Middle- ton. Second, J. E. Powers, Biggleswade, Beds. Commended, J. Grundy, Wrigley, Manchester. Chickens.—First and Second, F. Pittis, jun., Isle of Wight. Third Miss M. A. Fielding, Newchurch, Manchester. Highly Commended, E. Bemroze, sen.; Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, Derby= shire. Commended, J. Moss, West Gorton; J. Gleave, Cheshire. Cockerel. —First, T. Wrigley, jun. Second, Rev. R. Roy, Worcester. Third, J. E. Powers. Commended, F. Pittis, jun.; C. Tattersall. Hamuunca (Silver-pencilled).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Chickens.— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, W. Bradley, Worcester. Third, Miss M. A. Fielding, Newchurch, near Manchester. Cockerel.—First, D. Illing- worth, Burley, Yorkshire. Second, H. Charnock, Accrington. Hampurey (Golden-spangled).—First, I. Davies, Birmingham. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Third, N. Marlor, Denton. Highly Commended, S. H. Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne. Commended, J. Pickles, Slaithwaite, Chickens.—First, Miss. Marlor, Denton, Second, J. Roe, Hadfield. Third, M. H. Broadhead, Holmfirth. Highly Commended, J. Buckley, Ashton- under-Lyne; W. H. Nicholls, Sale, near Manchester; Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Cockere!.—First, J. Mellor, Slaithwaite. Seeond,J. Roe. Third, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Commended, Miss A.A. Roe, Hadfield; C. Broadbent, Saddle~ worth. Hameureu (Silver-spangled).—First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Commended E. T. Holden, Walsall, near Birmingham. Chickens.—First, Sir St @ Gore, bart. Second and Third, J. Fielding, Newchurch, Manchester. Cockerel.—First, Sir St. G@. Gore, Bart. Second, J. Fielding. Hampuren (Spangled).—Hens.—First, Miss A. A. Roe, Hadfield. Second, S. H. Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne. Third, J. Beesley, Sale, Cheshire. Highly Commended, H. Beldon, Gilstead; W. Cooper, Helmsley. Com- mended, W. Cooper; W.K. Duxbury, Leeds. Pullets—First, J. Wright, Meltou Mowbray. Second, E. Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne. t Game Fown (Black-breasted Reds).— First, J. Halsall, Ince, Wigan. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Third, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, Manchester. Highly Commended, J. H. Williams, Welshpool; W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Cock.—First, W. Gamon, Thornton-le-Moors, Chester. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Third, J.H. Williams. Highly Commended, J. Smith, Breeder Hills, Grantham. Chickens.—First, J. Halsall. Second, H. Thompson, Miluethorpe, Westmoreland. Cockerel.—First, W. Gamon. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. i 2 Game Fow1 (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted).—First, Je Smith, Breeaer Hills. Second, T. West, St. Helens, Lancashire. Third, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, Manchester. Highly Commended. T. Statter, Stand Hill, Manchester. Cock.—First, J. Smith. Second, T.Statter. Third, R. Swift, Southwell, Notts. Highly Commended. N. Grimshaw, Burnley; W. Galley, Nantwich; ©. Bowens, Nantwich. Chickens.—First, T. West. Second, J. Fletcher. ‘Third, E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Uighly Co.nmended, M. Billing, jun., Erdington, Birmingham, Cockerel.—First, M, Billing, jun. Second, T. Statter. Third, N. Grimshaw. i i Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).—Hens.—First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second, G. Clements, Birmingham. Third, C. B. Kennedy, Ulverston. Pullets.—First, J. H. Cock, Worcester. Second, T. West, St. Helen’s. Third, H. Backhouse, Biackburn. Fourth, J. Halsall, Ince, Wigan. Game Fowx (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).—First, Sir St. Ge Gore, Bart. Second, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Third, S. Matthew, Stow=- market. Chickens.— First, oe SiG Gores Bart. Second, J. Halsall, Ince, Wigan. Third, E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Hy (i etic (except Black-breasted and other Reds).—Cock.—First, M. Billing, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 27, 1864. 522 jun., Erdington, Birmingham. Second, Sir §t. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall. Third, S. H. Walwyn. Hen.—First, J. Halsall, Ince, Wigan. Second, Mrs. E. Whittam. Cockerel.—Prize, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Game (White and Piles). — First, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Second. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Chickens.—Prize, J. Fletcher. Cockerel.—First, J. Fletcher. Second, H. Thompson, Milmethorpe. Game Bantams (Black-breasted and other Reds).—Chickens.— First, J. Hilton, Ashton-under-Lyne Second and Third, J. Munn, Newchurch. Fourth, R. Swift, Southwell. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall; R. B. Postans, Brentwood. Gane Bantams (Any other variety).—Chickens.—First, E. Mapplebeck, Moseley, Birmingham. Second, R. Hawksley, jun., Southwell. Gane Bantam Cocks. — First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Third, G. Smith, Staveley, Chesterfield. Cockerel— First, W. Brierley. Second, W. Gamon, Thornton-le-Moors. Third, Miss Crawford, Farnsfield. Highly Commended, G. Smith. Bantams (White, Clean-legged).—First, E, Mapplebeck, Moseley. Second, Miss K. Charlton, Bradford. Bantams (Black, Clean-legged).— Chickens.—First, Miss K. Charlton, Bradford. Highly Commended, F. Pittis, jan., Isle of Wight. Bantams (Any other vatiety).— First, W. J. Cope, Barnsley (Pekin Bantams). Second, P. W. Story, Daventry (White Feathered-legged). Highly Commended, H. Salvile, Ollerton, Notts (Japanese Silky). Ducss (White Aylesbury).—First and Highly Commended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, Sir R. Clifton, Bart., Clifton Hall, Notts. Ducss (Rouen).—First, R. W. Boyle, Duadrum. Second, J. Holme, Knowsley. Third, C. P. Ackers, Bickershaw, Wigan. Fourth, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Highly Commended, J. Nelson, Heaton Mersey. Ducss (Black East Indian).—First and Second, J. W. Kelleway, Isle of Wight. Third, F. W. Earle, Prescot. Ducss (Any other variety).—First, T. H. D. Bayly, Biggleswade (Brown Call). Second, C. P. Ackers, Bickershaw, Wigan (Brown Call). OpnaxentaL Water FowL.—First, J. Jennison, Zoological Gardens, Man- ches:er (Carolinas). Second and Highly Commended, H. Savile, Ollerton, Notts (Manderins, Sebastopol Geese, and Carolinas). Grrse (White).—First, W. Kershaw, Heywood, Manchester. Second, Mrs. M. Seamons, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, J, Brundrett, jen., Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester; W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. GreEs= (Grey and Mcttled).—First, R. W. Boyle, Dundrum. Turzeys.—First, J. R. Wood, Lower Crumpsall, Manchester. Highly Commended, J. Wood, Wigan. Poults.—First, J. Smith, Breeder H Second, R. W. Boyle, Dundrum. Highiy Commended, W. Wright, Ful- bourne, Cambridgeshire. __ Extra Srocx (Any other variety.—Firs*, E. Jones,Clifton, Bristol (Silver- Jaced Bantams). Second and Third, Mrs. E. Haig, Litchfield (Magpie Tarifans). PIGEONS. Powrens.—First and Second, P. Eden, Salford. Carzizrs (Black).— Cock.—First, F. Else, Bayswater, London. Second ang Third, P. Eden, Salford. Hen.—First, F. Else. Second and Third, P. len. Carnrers (Any other colour).—Coci:.—First, P. Eden, Salford. Second, H. Morton, Macclesfield. Third, C. J. Samuels, Birch Lane, Longsight. Hen.—First, F. Else, Bayswater, London. Second, P. Eden. Third, A. P. Leite, Manchester. Commended, H. Morton; F. Else. Dracoons.—First, W. H. Snushall, Gedney, near Long Sutton. Second, J. Percivall, Peckham, Surrey. Third, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Come mended, W. Woolley, Cheshire; H. Magson, Hollingworth, near Man- chester; S. A. Taylor, Birmingham. ‘Jacorins.—First and Third, J. Hockenhull, Nantwich. Second, T. H. Ridpeth, olme, Manchester. Highly Commended, T. B. Ridpeth st, F. Else, Bayswater, London. Second, T. H. Ridpeth, Rusholme, Manchester. Third, E. Mapplebeck, Woodfield, near Birming- ham. Commended, J. W. Edge, Aston New Town, Birmingham. Ron7ts.—Férst and Second, J. Baily, jun., Mount Street, London. Commended. J. Baily, jun. Barpes.—First and Second, P. Eden. Salford. Third, A. P. Leite, Man- chester. Very Highly Commended, W. Woolley, Banbury, Cheshire. Toreizs.—First, W. Edge, Ashton New Town, Manchester. Second, E. Mappleck, Woodfield, near Manchester. Very Highly Commended, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Owzs.—First and Third, S. Sanday, Holme Pierrepoini, Notts. P. Eden, Salford, Notts. Highly Commended, P. Eden. TrumrEters.—First, S. A. Taylor, Lozells, Birmingham. Second, F. Else, Bayswater, London. Third, W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe, Newark, Noits. Fantatts.—First, F. Else, Bayswater, London. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Commended, J. Baily, jun., Mount Street, London. : Tumeizrs (Almond).—First, F. Else, Bayswater, London. Second, P. - Eden, Salford. Highly Commended, P. Eden. Tumpizrs (Any other variety).—First and Second, P. Eden, Salford. Highly Commended, W. Leyland, Altrincham. Brazps.—First, W._H. C. Oates, Besthorpe, Newark, Notts. Second, Me ee Samuels, Birch Lane, Longsight. Commended, F. Else, Bayswater, ondon. ANY OTHER VAnIETY.—First, A. P. Leite (Laced Fantails). Second Rt. Hon. the Countess of Derby (Isabels). Third, H. Yardley, Birmingham (Satineties). Extra Prize, T. H. Ridpeth Rusholme. Manchester (Balds). Commended, J. Baily, jun., Mount Street, London (Priests). Highly Second, RABBITS. ‘Brack anp Wuire.—First, H. Handford, Wilford, Notts. Firth, Hyde. Z YELLOW aND WHITE. — W. Howell, Harborne, Birmingham. Second, W. Stelfox, Greenheys, Mauchester. Highly Commended, T. H. Ridpeth, Rushoime, Manchester. ToRToIsEsHiut,.—First, A. Cattley, York. Second, T. H. Ridpeth, Ruerobne, Manchester, Highly Commended, W. Stelfox, Greenheys, Man- chester. BLUE aNd WuiTE.—First, Messrs, Hall & Co., Plumstead, Kent. Second, W. Hall, Leek, Staffordshire. one ASD, Waire.—First, A. Firth, Hyde. Second, T. Tunaby, Kensing- in, Derby. Sstr Cotovn.—First and Second, T. H. Ridpeth, Rusholme, Manchester. Loxerst Eans.—Prize, J. Read, Coventry. Highly Commended, W. Stelfox, Greenheys, Manchester. Second, A. Heavisst WEIcHT.—Prize, E. E. M. Royds, Greenhill, Rochdale. Forricu Ranpits.—First and Second, J. Buchanan, Hertford, JupGEs.—Pouliry: Game, Game Bantams, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, Ornamental Water Fowl, &., Mr. Douglas, Mr. Chaloner, and Mr. Adams. Dorking, Spanish, Cochin-China,~ Brahma Pootra, Créve-Cceur, Polish, and Hamburgh, Mr. Hewitt and Mr. Dixon. Pigeons: Dr. Cottle, Cheltenham. Rabtits: Mr. Owen, London. LORD TREDEGAR’S POULTRY SHOW. : D=EcEMBER 13TH. Awone the birds were contributions fom almost all parts of the kingdom, and the prize list will show that the com- petitors included the first poultry fanciers of the day. Many of the pens were really beautiful and merited the admiration they received. As usual the shed was crammed during the whole time it was open. As Mr. Logan took the champion prize for cattle, it is gratifying to find that in the poultry also, the prize given to the exhibitor who obtains the greatest number of prizes, has, notwithstanding the close compe- tition, been retained in our own neighbourhood, it having fallen to the lot of our townsman, Mr. 8. H. Nicholas, whom we bave pleasure in congratulating upon his success. There | Was very nearly a tie between Mr. Nicholas and Mr. Fowler, the celebrated Duck breeder of Aylesbury—the former gentleman having sixty-four points, and the latter fifty-nine, ize being reckoned by points, of which five are counted prize, and so in proportion, a point less for each rior prize. The following prizes were awarded :— late value Five Guineas, given by the Poultry Committee, to the greatest number of Prizes, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, SPANISH.— First, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport. Second, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury. Commended, Mrs. N. Grenville, But- leigh Court, Glastonbury; J. Llewellin, Caerphilly, Cardiff. Doznxrxe (Colonred).—First, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury. Second, J. Buckley, Penyfai House, Lianelly. Highly Commended, Hon. F. C. Morgan, Ruperra Castle, Glamorgan; C. Lyne, Brynhyfrid, Newport ; J. Logan, Maindee House, Newport. Doexine (White).—First and Second, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport. Commended, H. J. Evans, Brecon Old Bank, Cardiff. Game (Black or Brown-breasted Reds).—First, M. Billing, jun., Wood End, Erdin mn. Second, J. H. Braikenridge, Chew Magna, Bristol. Highly Commended, R. H. Nicholas, Newport; J. Liewellin, Caerphilly, Glamorgan. Commended, W. K. Dusbury, Leeds. Game (Duckwings or other Greys and Blues).—First, J. B. Chune, Coal- brookdale, Shropshire. Second, Messrs. J. A. & W. H. Briggs, Prospect House, Manningham, Bradford. Commended, F. King, Wellington, Salop. Game (Any other variety).—First, J. Llewellin, Caerphilly, Cardiff_ Secend, T. Fletcher, Great Malvern. F Cocerx-Cutna (Coloured).—First, W. Bowly, Siddington House, Ciren- cester. Second, J. Gardiner, Bris Commended, Mra. E. Everett, Mon- mouth; W. Bradley, Worcester. A Piece the Exhi Newport, Cocrrs-CHina (White).—First, F. W. Zurhorst, Belville, Donnybrook, Dubdlin. Second, J. Gardiner, Bristol. Commended, Mrs. E. Everett, Mon- mouth. Brauua Poorra.—First, J. Hinton, Hinton, Beth. Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesburr. Commended, Right Hon. Lord Tredegar, Tredegar Park; J. Hinton ; E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Ex i ‘ Hampurces (Gold or Silver-pencilled).— First, J. A. & W. H. Briggs, Manningham, Bradford. Second, J. Holland, Chesnut Walk, Worcester. Third, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Commended, W. Clarke, Wellington, Shropshire; T. Fletcher, Great Malvern. Hamsuneus (Gold or Silver-spangled).—First, W. K. Duxbury, Leeds. Second and Third, T. Davies, Stow Hill, Newport. Highiy Commenced, T. Davies. r Potanps (Black with White Crests).—First, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport. Second, T. Fletcher, Great Malvern. Poranps (Golden or Silver).—Firs>, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport Second, J. Hinton, Hinton, Bath. Commended, W. Pickford, Clifton Place, Newport Maays OR INDIAN Gawe.—F and Second, J. J. Fox, Devizes, Wilts. Highly Commended, J. Hinton, Hintor, Bath. Bantams (Game).—First, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, C. Cam. bridge, Colborne Ville, Coronation Road, Bristol. Highly Commended, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Exeter. Commended, Mrs..E. Everett, Monmouth. Bantams (Black or White).—First and Second, T. Davies, Newport. BantaMs (Any other yariety).—First, Miss G. Everett, Gibraltar Cottage, Monmouth. Second, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport. ANY oTEER Distinct BReED.—First and Second, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport, Third, F. W. Zurhorst, Belville, Donnybrook, Dublin. Fourth, Miss Brown, Hardwick House, Chepstow. Fifth, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Commended, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Exeter (La Fléche) ; R. H. Nicholas (Black Minorcas). Guinea Fowis.—First, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport. Commended, Sir G. Walker, Bart., Castletown, Cardiff; S. Lang, jun., the Shrubbery, Redland, Bristol. Ducxs (Aylesbury).—First, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, J. Pye, Spitty Farm. Abergavenny. Highly Commended, J. Logan, Maindee House, Newport ; J. K. Fowler. Commended, H. J. Evans, Brecon Old Bank, Cardiff. Ducks (Rouen).—First, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport. Highly Commendea, J. Logan, Newport; S. Lang, Red~ land, Bristol. Commended, W. Stephens, Highmam Green, Gloncester., Becember 27, 1864. | JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 523 Grxrsx.—First, R. Rees, Coalbrook Cottage, Abergavenny. Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, R. Rees; J. K. Fowler; A. Cuth- bertson, Llangibby. TurRKEYs.—First, Miss J. Milward, Newton St. Loe, Somerset. Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, F. C. Morgan, Ruperra Castle, Glamorgan. Commended, F. C. Morgan; C. Lyne, Brynhyfrid, Newport; H.J. Evans, Brecon Old Bank, Cardiff. SxLLine Crass (For Fowls of any age).— First, R. H. Nicholas, Newport (Hamburghs). Second, J. Hinton, Hinton. Bath (Brahma Pootra). Third, E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot, Oswestry (Grey Dorkings). Commended, R. H. Nicholas, Newport (Golden Polands and Silver-pencilled Hamburghs) ; J. Hinton, Hinton, Bath (Silver Polands); W. K. Duxbury, Leeds (Ham- burghs); Messrs. J. A. & W. H. Briggs, Manningham, Bradford. SWEEPSTAKES FOR SINGLE COCKS. Spanisu.—First, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport. Dorxtnc.— Prize, E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot, Oswestry. Highly Commended, J. Logan, Muindee House, Newport." Game.—Prize, G. S. Sainsbury, Devizes. Highly Commended, J. B. Chune, Coalbrookdale. Shropshire. Commended, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport. Cocuin-Cuina.—Prize, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Bantam (Game).—First, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport. Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Any orHEeR Variety.—Prize, R. H. Nicholas, Malpas, Newport (Brahma Panay Highly Commended, E. Pigeon, Lympstoue, Exeter (Brahma ootra). COTTAGERS’ PRIZES. Fowzts.—First and Third, T. Thomas, Machen Fach, Newport (Red and Pile Game). Second, G. Boundy, Malpas, Newport (Silver-pencilled Ham- burghs). Fourth, Mrs. E. Ford, Malpas, Newport (Golden-spangled Ham- burghs).—Hichly Commended, W. Jenkins, Malpas, Newport (Dorking). Ducxs.—First and Fourth, G. Boundy, Malpas, Newport (Aylesbury). Second, W. Reed, Malpas, Newport (Aylesbury). Third, J. Thomas, Pont- newydd, Pontypool (Aylesbury). PIGEONS. Canniers.—First, H. Yardley, Market Hall, Birmingham. Second, C. Bulpin, River Side, Bridgwater. Highly Commended, C. Phillips, jun., Newport. Powrers.—Tirst, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Second, G. S. Sainsbury, Devizes, Wilts. Commended, C. Bulpin, Bridgwater; J. W. Edge, Aston New Town, Birmingham ; C. Phillips, jun., Newport; E. Pigeon, Lymp- stone, Exeter. Tumsters.—First, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Second, F. Barfoot, Newport. Highly Commended, W, Bowly, Siddington House, Cirencester; J. W. Edge, Aston New Town, Birmingham. Fantaits.—First, T. Rowe, Newport. Second, Miss J. Milward, Newton St. Loe, Sumerset. Highly Commended, H. Yardley, Birmingham; G. S. Sainsbury, Devizes, Wilts. ANY orHEeR VaRiety.—First, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Exeter (Magpies). Second and Third, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Exeter (Turbits). Judge for the Poultry, Mr. Angus Sutherland, Burnley Lancashire.—(Monmouth Merlin.) NORTH BRITISH COLUMBARIAN SOCIETY. Tuts Society held their sixth annual Exhibition of Fancy Pigeons and Canaries in the Trades Hall, Glassford Street, Glasgow, on the 23rd and 24th December. We have only room for the awards; our remarks will appear next week. Powrers (Pied, except Yellows).—Medal and Second, M. Stuart, Glasgow (Blacks and Blues). Third, J. Muir, Glasgow (Blacks). Very Highly Oommended, W. Lightbody, Glasgow (Blues). Highiy Commended, D. Stewart, Perth (Blues). Powrers (Yellow Pied).—Medal, G. Ure, Dundee. Very Highly Com- Iended, J. Wallace, Glasgow. Highly Commended, H. Simpson, Newark. Powers (White).—Medal, J. Wallace, Glasgow. Highly Commended, G. Ure, Dundee; R. Fulton, London. r Powrers (Bluck Cocks).—First, G. Ure, Dundee. Second and Highly Commended, J. Montgomery, Belfast. Hens.—First, M. Stuart. Second, J. Montgomery. Highly Commended, R. Arbuckle. Powrers (White Cocks).—Painting aud First, G. J. Maclean, Edinburgh- Second, M. Sanderson, Edinburgh. Highly Commended, J. Wullace, Glasgow; J. Luis, Edinburgh; J. Ruthven, Glasgow, Commended, G. Ure, Dundee. Hens.—First and Second, M. Sanderson. Very Highly Com- mended, J. Montgomery. Highly Commended, J. Wallace, Glasgow; G. Ure, Dundee. Powrers (Blue Cocks).—First and Second Sp., J. H. Frame, Carluke. Second, G. Ure, Dundee. Highly Commended, J. Wallace; G. Ure; J. Ruthven, Glasgow; D. Stewart, Perth. Hens.—First, W.- Lightbody, Glasgow. Second, J. Ruthven. Very Highly Commended, W. Lightbody. Highly Commended, M. Stuart, Glasgow; J. Ruthven; M. Sanderson, Edinburgh. Powzers (Rea Cocks).—First, J. Wallace, Glasgow. Second, J. Mont- gomery, Beltast. Highly Commended, M. Stuart, Glasgow; J. Luis, Edin- burgh. Hens.—Firstand Second, G. Ure, Dundee. Powrers (Yellow Cocks).—First, G. Ure, Dundee. Second, J. Mont- gomery, Beifast. Highly Commended, H. Brown, Sheffield. Hens—First, G. Ure. Second, M. Stuart, Glassow. Highly Commended, J. Wallace. Commended, J. Butler, Glasgow; J. Wallace. Powrers (Cocks, Any other colour).—First, J. Luis, Edinburgh. Second, J. Wallace, Glasgow. Highly Commended, M. Stuart, Glasgow ; W. Geddes, Glasgow ; J, Panl, Glasgow; J. Wallace. Commended, J. Muir, Glasgow. Hiens.—First, W. Lightbody, Glasgow. Second, J. Muir. Hivhly Com- mended, W. Geddes. Carrtgrs (Any colour).—Pzize, F, Else, London, Very Highly Com- ™Mended, K. Fulton, London. Highly Commended, J. Muir, Glasgow. Carriers (Black Cocks).— First and Seconu, T. Colley, Sheffield. Highly ‘ Newcastle. Commended, J. Wallace, Glasgow. Hens.—First, W. B. Van Haansbergen Newcastle. Second. R. Fulton, London. Highly Commended, T. Colley. ” Carriers (Dun Cocks).—First, C. J. Samuels, Manchester. Second, T, Colley, Sheffield. Highly Commended, T. Colley; H. Yardley, Birmiagham. Hens.—First aud Special, T. Colley. Second, J. Muir, Glasgow. Highly Commended, F. Else, London ; T. Colley. Commended, R. Fulton, London, SHort-raceD TUMBLERS (Almonds).—First and Special, M. Stuart, Glasgow. Second, R. Fulton, London. Highly Commended, J. Wallace, Glasgow ; G. Ure, Dundee. Suorr-Facep Tumpiers (Mottles, Any colour).—First, G. Ure, Dundee (Black Mottles). Second, F. Else, London. Ssort-raceD TUMBLERS (Any other colour or marking).—First, J. Wallace, Glasgow (Kites). Second, M. Stuart, Glasgow (Kites). Bsrss.—Medal, J. H. Frame, Carluke. Barss.—First, J. H. Frame, Carluke. Second, W. B. Van Haansbergen, Highly Commended, H, Yardley, Birmingham. Fantaits.—First and Medal, F. Else, London. Second, G. Ure, Dundee. Hizhly Commended, F. Key, Beverley ; W. B. Van Haansbergen. Jaconrins.—First, R. Pickering, Carlisle. Second, W. Nelson, Johnstone. Highly Commended, F. Else, London. TRUMPETERS,—W, Powell, Belfast. Second, W. B. Van Haansbergen. Highly Commended, J. H. Frame, Carluke. Tunsits.—First and Medal, J. R. Rennards, Helensburgh. Yardley, Birmingham. Ow.s.—First. R. Pickering, Carlisle. Second, F. Else, London. Nuns.—First, F. Key, Beverley. Second, H, Yardley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, T. Short, Glasgow. Macpries.— First, J. Sharp, Johnstone. Highly Commended, F. Else, London. Common TumBiers.—First, J. Sephton, Prescot. Second, J. Sharp, Johnstone (Blue Beards). Highly Commended, T. Short, Glasgow (Black Bald Pates); J. R. Rennards, Helensburgh. Orner Breeps.—First, J. Sharp (Blue Brunswicks). Second, A. Heath, Caine (Isabels). Third, C. J. Samuels, Manchester. Second, H. Second, T. Short, Glasgow CANARIES. Exrra Prize (A Silyer-plated Teapot for best Pair of Canaries).—Teapot, D. Duncan, Carron. ScorcH Fancy (Yellow Cocks).—First and Medal, G. Ayton, Glasgow. Second, A. Wilson, Wishaw. Third, T. Buchanan, Glasgow. Fourth, S. Brown, Glasgow. Hens.—First and Fourth, T. Buchanan. Second, J. Mair. Third, A. Wilson. Scotca Fancy (Buff Cocks).—First, J.Smith, Dundee. Second, G. Ayton,’ Glasgow. Third, R. S. Wylie, Paisley, Fourth, M. W. Ruthven, Glasgow. Hens.—First and Medal, D, Duncan, Carron. Second, A. Kelly, Paisley. Third, J. Templeman, Glasgow. Fourth, M. Bell. Beteran Fancy (Yellow Cocks).—First and Second, T. Buchanan. Third, J. Watt, Leith. Fourth, R. Forsyth, Edinburgh. Hens.—First and Sp., J. Watt. Second, S, Crawshaw, Lochee. Third, R. Forsyth. Fourth, J. J. Garden, Aberdeen. Beteian Fancy (Buff Cocks).—First and Fourth, J. Watt, Leith. Second, W. Jamieson, Glasgow. Third, S. Crawshaw, Lochee. Hens.—First and Second, J. Watt. ‘Third, W. Pitcaithly, Dunfermline. Fourth, R. Forsyth, Edinburgh. PresaLps, Scotch Fancy (Yellow Cocks).—First and Sp., A. Wilson, Wishaw. Second, 8. Brown, Glasgow. Third, H. Fisher, Glasgow. Fourth, C. M’Williams, Glasgow. Hens.—First, J. Crawford, Beith. Second and Third, H. Newall, Glasgow. Fourth, C. M’ Williams. Presaups, ScorcH Fancy (Buff Cocks).—First and Third, H. Newall. Second, H. Fisher, Glasgow. Fourth, N. M’Lean, Glasgow. Hens.—First, T. Christie, Glasgow. Second, D. Duncan, Carron. Third, H. Newall. Fourth, D. Stewart, Perth. ; Goxprinch Mors (Yellow Cocks). — First, G. J. Barnesby, Derby. Second and Third, W. Kirk, Dunfermline. Fourth, T. Doughall, Carlisle. Go.prince Mutes (Buff Cocks).—First, G. J. Barnesby. Second and Fourth, W. Kirk, Dunfermline. Third, T. Buchanan, Glasgow. JupGEs.—Pigeons: \Mr. T. J. Charlton, Bradford, and Mr. J. Miller, Glasgow; Umpire, Mr. A. Cowan, Ayr. Canaries: Mr. R. Crawford, Kilbirnie; Mr. W. Ferseuson, Beith; Mr. G. Masterton, Glasgow; and Mr. N. M‘Lean, Glasgow. KENT AND MAIDSTONE POULTRY SHOW. Tue show of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, wool, and roots, took place in the College Yard, Maidstone, on Tuesday, the 13th inst. Spanish headed the list. There were four entries. The first prize was taken by a very fair pen; the next two pens were mongrels, and the fourth contained three small pullets. Of Dorkings there were three entries of old birds, most of which had sore hind claws; and ten entries of young birds, among which were some good birds. There were also two pens of Dorkings in the “ Any other class,’ making in all fifteen pens of Dorking fowls. Game came next. There were seven pens of old birds, and six of chickens, all of which were Reds, and I noticed the winning birds were marked on the legs both with white and yellow tape, which is generally considered as a good veason for disqualifying them. Ham- burghs were divided into Golden and Silver, and had one entry in each class ; the pen of Golden, consisting of a Biack-breasted Spangled cock, and two badly marked Golden-pencilled hens, while the Silvers were represented by a tolerable pen of Spangled birds. Bantams had two classes, old and young; two prizes, in each class, and two entries in 524 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 27, 1864, one class, and three in the others. Four pens were Game Bantams, and one Black. The class for other breeds had five entries, three of Brahmas, one of Shanghaes, being a white cockerel and dark pullets, and a pen of coloured Dorkings. Extra stock comprised a fine pen of single-combed White Dorkings, and three pens of Pigeons, a nice pair of small blue Owls, and two pairs of Fantails, one white, the other black. ; Of Turkeys there were two entries, both by the same ex- hibitor. Of Aylesbury Ducks there were five entries, but some of the larger birds had stained bills. Ducks of other breeds mustered seven entries. A very pretty pen of Wild Ducks took first prize, a large pen of Greys with white flights was second, and a pen of Rouens commended. The remainder were imperfect Rouens. . It will at once be seen that Dorkings are the principal fowls shown, and the Committee should put them first. and give them most classes and prizes. Grey, and other coloured Dorkings would be better filled than those for Hamburghs. Game came second, and then Bantams. Poultry was also exhibited the same day at Rye Cattle Show. lam very glad to hear of such exhibitions of poultry, but am quite sure we in the south require every such local show to improve our local fowls, to wit, Dorkings, whether } White, Grey, Cuckoo, Speckled, or any other colour.— B. P. Brent. FOWLS FOR COLD WET DISTRICT. OnE of your correspondents, a few weeks since, was in- quiring for the most profitable sort of fowls. I suppose a good deal depends on climate and locality ; but here, in our wet Lancashire, nothing succeeds so well as the cross-bred fowl, between the Spanish cock and the Golden Hamburgh hen. The chickens are healthy, and easily reared; the pullets lay eggs equal in size and quality to the Spanish ; they rarely want to sit; they are generally black, a good size, and handsome; and the cockerels are good for the table. In all respects I think them much better than the Pencilled or Spangled Hamburghs, which are not so hardy, lay smaller eggs, and not so many of them as the cross- breds.—T. G. BIRMINGHAM POULTRY SHOW. AurHouGcH the sales of poultry, in the office set apart for the purpose, were not quite so numerous as last year, they realised rather more money. 1864, 1863, Pens 3. Pens s. d. Monday ............ 154 ,.... 61617 6 GST serecerscers 66112 6 Tuesday ..... 56... 208 1S 0 52 189 7 0 ‘Wednesday 38 w. 14112 0 25... 70 2 6 Thursday .. 25 ...... 100 0 0 40 .. 133 13 6 Total ......... 273 ... 1,066 8 6] Total... 280 .. 1,054 15 6 £ 8. a. Pens TN cccecorceeereCRcE Te MS OGG RES) BOMIS6L erates ee 273 AS6S PERE ee een Wi C54 15.916) 01 SES petite ku Rn ey see Tee 280 Among the pens disposed of were Mr. Yardley’s (Market Hall, Birmingham), first prize Buff Cochin pullets, for £20; Mr. Lawrence’s second prize Yellow Jacobin Pigeons, for £20; Mr. James Wood's first prize Black-breasted Red Game, for £12 12s. ; Mr. Elijah Smith’s first prize Buff Cochin hens, for £12 12s.; Mr. James Wood’s first prize Brown-breasted Red Game, for £12 12s. ; Mrs. Seamons’s first prize Aylesbury Ducks, for £12 12s.; Mr. Shorthose’s first-prize pen of Par- tridge-feathered Cochins, for £10 10s.; Miss Beldon’s first prize Silver Polish chickens, for £10 10s.; Mr. Jas. Fielding’s first prize Spangled Hamburgh chickens, for £10 10s.; Mrs. Hurt’s second prize Silver-spangled Hamburgh chickens, for £10 10s.; Mr. Aykroyd’s first prize Duckwing Game, for £10 10s.; Mr. Cock’s Black-breasted Red Game (single cocks,) for £10 10s. ; Mr. Swift’s Game Bantams, for £10 10s.; Mr. Hulbert’s Rouen Ducks, for £10 10s.; Miss Biggar’s first prize Spanish pullets, for £10; Mr. Bates’s commended Buff Cochin hen, for £10; Mr. Bishop’s commended Buff Cochin cock, for £10; Mr. Poole’s first prize Partridge- feathered Cochin cock for £10 ; Mr. Kelleway’s first prize Game Bantam cock, for £10; and Mr. Postan’s highly com- Classes for White, | mended Game Bantams, for £9 9s. for sums varying from £8 10s. to £5. We append a statement of the aggregate of the sales during the last twelve years :— Fifty other pens sold 1853 . 1854 1855 1856 1857 ids 1858 204 pens . 1859 LOD aos 1860 203 mua 1861 TES = 1863 210s gas 1863 . 2805 1S 64 ee ee 2738 No sooner were the doors of the Hall closed on Thursday evening that this work commenced, and was con- tinued, with scarcely any intermission, through the night, so that by ten o’clock on Friday morning the entire 1,677 pens of poultry, and the 290 pens of Pigeons, had either been despatched to the several railway stations, or were ready for delivery to such local exhibitors as had arranged to call for them. The promptitude and ability with which the com- plicated regulations for the accomplishment of this removal were carried out, entitle Mr. Mapplebeck to the warm thanks of the exhibitors.—(Midland Counties Herald.) SATINETTE PIGEONS. I am much obliged by Mr. H. Noye’s explanation respect- ing the pretty Satinettes, but he seems to disregard the distinction between a variety and a breed. The difference may be a trifle, yet it makes all the difference between us. Lam quite willing to admit them asa distinct variety, but of the same breed as Turbits—in fact, a distinct variety of the Turbit-breed or kind. How far they may be superior to the other varieties of Turbits must remain a mere matter of private fancy. A correspondent who has bred them informs me he paired a Satinette with a Turbit, and the produce were to all intents Turbits. Change of colour, the addition of a turned crown, or a few feathers on the feet is not enough to constitute a distinct breed or sort.—B. P. Brent. REGICIDE AMONG BEES. I am very glad that “A LANARKSHIRE BEE-KEEPER” has again directed attention to this interesting subject. Itis all very well for such ad captandum writers as Dr. Cumming to exclaim “that bees are regicides is not true. They never kill their queen; they love and are loyal to her, and obey her commands,” and so on through a mortal Times column, of what one of his reviewers happily styles “a mellifluous compound of nonsense and error ;” but the fact unfortunately remains that bees are sometimes provokingly apt to slaugh- ter their queens, and it is only by directing the attention of apiarians generally to the subject, and by carefully collect- ing and comparing facts and observations bearing upon it, that we can hope fully to investigate, and, perchance, even to explain what now appears a most inexplicable and un- satisfactory chapter in the natural history of the honey bee. Taking Huber for my guide, whenever I discovered a queen imprisoned in a knot of workers I used to fancy that she must either be a stranger, or at least a supernumerary queen produced in the same hive; and I well remember, on first finding a young imprisoned queen in a small queen- rearing box or nucleus, the long and unavailing search I at once made in the hope of discovering a second princess. On another occasion of the same kind I fancied the juvenile queen must have mistaken her hive in returning from a nuptial trip, and, therefore, having released her from her sisters’ pitiless embrace, I thought I could promptly and safely resolve my doubts by introducing her to a single worker from the neighbouring colony, to which I fancied cats ) 1 | December 27, 1864. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 525 ‘she belonged. The solution was certainly prompt, but could scarcely be deemed satisfactory, since in little more than a second the unfortunate queen lay in the agonies of death, having been instantly stung by the strange worker to which she had been so inconsiderately introduced. Here, then, was another blow to my faith in the infallibility of Huber, who declares that ‘“‘the workers at no time will attempt to employ their stings against a stranger queen.” In process of time I became aware that queen bees were really liable to hostile attacks by their own workers, such attacks assuming the form of rigorous imprisonment in a dense cluster of their rebellious children; and at length I witnessed several instances which I have already related, and in which these incarcerations terminated fatally in the case of young and perfectly fertile queens. Although I had ascertained that princesses were very liable to these attacks on their return from their wedding flights, I was long under the impression that in their case a fatal termination was not to be dreaded, and even went the length of imagining that a brief period of imprisonment might possibly be beneficial. ~Revenons & nos moutons. Where was I when I digressed? O, saying that I had fancied that a fatal termination of a re- gicidal attack on a princess was not to be dreaded. But before relating the facts which have this season awakened me from my dream of security, permit me a few words in reference to the hypothesis submitted by your esteemed Lanarkshire correspondent, and which hypothesis these facts will, I fancy, go far to disprove. It may be remembered that the idea that regicidal attacks might be initiated by stranger bees has been already promulgated m these pages by that careful and accurate observer “R. S.,’* and as coming from such a quarter it is undoubtedly well worthy attention. Still, I am bound to say that, so far as my observation extends, I have never met with an instance in which I could trace a regicidal attack to the presence of stranger bees. When these are introduced in large numbers, as in uniting stocks in autumn, the risk is undoubtedly great, and the queen not unfrequently falls a victim to the involuntary invasion ; but so far as my experience extends, mere robber bees neither molest nor pay the slightest attention to the native queen. In those instances which I have witnessed she has passed totally unregarded, the marauders appearing too intent on plunder to take the least notice of her. In some cases it may, of course, be different: I can only speak of what I have myself seen. But to return to the experience which completely upset all my preconceived notions with regard to what I had supposed to be the innocuous if not actually beneficial im- prisonment of youthful queens. On the 20th of last June, when honey was so plentiful that no bee would dream of pilfering from others what she could so readily collect for herself, I opened a small nucleus-box, and found the young queen absent. During my examination she returned with evident signs of impregnation, and was instantly seized and imprisoned in a dense knot of workers. Having released her from her persecutors, I closed the box and let her fly. She returned to the hive’s mouth, where she was instantly seized by one of the sentinels, but broke away from it and flew off acain. The same thing was repeated once or twice, but ultimately she eluded the guard and slipped into the hive. As the day advanced I inferred from the restless demeanour of the workers that she was again in durance; and as on examining the hive in the evening this proved to be the case, I thought I would err on the side of caution by ensconcing her in a queen-cage within the hive itself until the next day, when on her release she was well received, and remained without further molestation. Subsequent events make it probable that she owed her life to my precaution. Later in the summer I missed a young queen, and ulti- mately discovered her lifeless on the ground immediately in front of her hive, and im that shrunken and distorted con- dition which marks the hapless victim of a regicidal attack. T could not by the closest examination discover any sign of impregnation; but I had little doubt of her having been destroyed on her return from an excursion, whilst her demise was at any rate a fatal blow to my pretty theory of bene- ficial imprisonment. I had not long to wait for something even more conclusive. * Vide JournaL or Horticutture, Vol. VI., page 67. 4 At this time I possessed a young Italian princess, with which I was absolutely in love. She was not remarkably large, but in colour, grace, and symmetry I have rarely beheld her equal. Whether within the hive or on the wing she was equally lithe and agile, and she was accordingly watched with an admiring interest accorded to but few of the inhabitants of my apiary. One day I was somewhat startled at finding in her hive that horrible little knot of workers, with whose appearance I am unfortunately but too familiar. Warned by the misfortune which I have just related, I determined to leave nothing to chance, and having thus caught them in flagrante delicto, I congratulated myself on being, as I supposed, in time to save my especial little pet from the fate which had only a few days before over- taken her unfortunate sister. Judge, then, of my mortifica- tion on gently dispersing the cluster at finding its nucleus . to consist only of the poor shrivelled and distorted carcase of my so recently beautiful queen! On examination I had the additional mortification of finding conclusive evidence of a successful wedding trip, so that it became apparent that my hopes had indeed been blasted in the very moment of their fruition. in neither of the instances above related can I discern anything to countenance the hypothesis, that regicidal attacks are initiated by robbers. It is true, that in the first case the hive was open at the commencement, but not only was no plundering perceptible, but, as stated before, I do not believe there was such a thing as a robber bee at that season of plenty; and even setting this aside it will scarcely be maintained that the sentinels at the entrance by whom the queen was afterwards repeatedly assaulted belonged to the marauding fraternity. In the other case I can only say, that I could discover no appearance of an attack by robber bees, and that I am satisfied that none had taken place.—A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. SWARMING versus DEPRIVING. My experience does not all coincide with that of your correspondent “J. E. B.,” who at page 444 seems to imply that allowing stock-hives to swarm increases their honey store; the inverse of this rule holds good with us. Surely the queens of the storified hives must have been worn out by age, or there was something radically wrong with the management of these hives, when such an invidious com- parison could be drawn. Acting on the principle that union is strength, both of population and honey store, the escape of a swarm from a, depriving-hive, despite the best efforts to avert it, is looked upon as a great misfortune by us northeners, and it is at once returned, should it stubbornly refuse to remain, even though royal cells be destroyed. ‘The queen herself is often sacri- ficed, so as to keep up the population; but if the swarm is hived another prime one is as soon as possible procured and. added to the emigrants, with the view of combining a suffi- cient force for the getting up or completing supers. _ Z No better proof of the success of the “conservative prin- ciple” need be looked for than the interesting report of that thoroughly practical conservative bee-master Mr. 8. Bevan Fox, “ My Apiary in 1864,” published in a recent Number. I made an involuntary convert to the depriving system this year as follows :—A most enthusiastic bee-keeper in this quarter, of the old swarming school, who usually spares neither time, trouble, nor sugar, to have the honour of hiving the earliest swarm in the district, was lett behind this season, and chancing to meet me was lamenting over his bad luck. He told me he had kept a swarm in one Stewarton octagon box purposely to have an unusually early swarm; the bees had been long “lying out,” but somehow or other would not come off. He was not a little surprised on my telling him that his anxiety to effect his desire was in all probability the cause of its frustration. It was more than likely that the queen, in the small area of available comb in a single Stewarton had not room sufficient to unburden herself of her eggs, so as to fit her to be in a condition to fly off with the longed-for swarm. In addition, he was a considerable loser by allowing his bees to hang out idle during the then capital honey-gathermg season. Beaten as he was, he thought he could not do better than 526 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 27, 1864. follow my advice of giving a second breeding-box below at once, shortly thereafter a honey one, and further breeding- space gradually as the stock might require it. The result was his taking off a splendid super of clover honey, and a second beautiful one of the gleanings of the heather and on its return from the moors a very heavy stock. On showing me with pride the last of these trophies, he told me as long as he kept bees he would never allow a hive to swarm, to which resolution I made the addendum always providing he kept his queens young and vigorous, for which additional hint he expressed his further acknowledgements to—A REn- FREWSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. WILTSHIRE BACON versus HERTFORDSHIRE BACON. Som weeks ago I read in your paper how to make bacon by a “ Wiitsuire Recror.” Now, I knows better; and what your Rector tells us to do about letting out the brine by a hole in the corner of the tray, taking out the bacon when cured, rubbing it with bran, and hanging it in the kitchen, you may just as well rub it with a brickbat and hang it in the sun. If you want good bacon, do as I do, place your side of a good-sized pig in your tray. If it weighs 50 lbs., take of common salt 2 lbs., bay salt 2 Ibs., saltpetre 4 ozs., mix these salts well together and rub the mixture in thoroughly. This is the first day’s work. The second day take 12 Ib. sugar and half a pint of vinegar, boil them together and pour on to your bacon, as is to be, hot, then rub the salts and the vinegar and sugar wellin. Do this and turn the sides every day for a month, never let off the brine, then take them out and smoke them gently in wood smoke for three weeks. If my bacon does not beat the Wiltshire out and out, Iam not—SauLLy GRISKIN. P.S.—Some people like their bacon hogs singed. My grandfather, a Berkshire man, would insist that no bacon was good unless the hogs were singed. He was a blue-eyed old Saxon, and like all of that race hard to move. I believe there is no occasion to singe bacon hogs. My neighbour, the doctoz’s wife, a Warwickshire lady, tells me they never use sugar in curing their bacon in the north, and never smoke it, drying it in the kitchen. Nasty stuff, I say. CURING BACON. ANOTHER inquiry concerning bacon! and from “ Ballin- asloe,’ in the land of Bacon! I shall henceforth attach a more literal meaning (not indeed forgetting the figurative), to the phrase, “Hvery man wants to save his bacon.” Matters relating to food must always be ranked among important matters. Thus an army Irept on short rations for a week would be beaten by an inferior force of well-fed— say bacon-fed, to the last hour. In replying to my Irish correspondent, I would say first, that much depends upon the pig. Not to take the extreme case, that without a pig there would, manifestly, be no bacon at all; but with an interior pig, inferior in breed and feed, the bacon will be inferior too. I would presume, then, that my inquirer has nothing todo with the Irish pig described in a book lying before me, in these not favourable words. ‘In Ireland the native pig is tall, long-legged, bony, heavy-eared, coarse-haired, and by no means possessing half so much the appearance of domestic swine as they do of the wild boar.’ I remember seeing large droves of such pigs five and twenty years ago, but I hope they are no more visible anywhere. The best pig for a gentleman’s pig—i. c., where not wanted of a large size, is the Berkshire, very slightly crossed with the Chinese. I began with the rule of killing when the supposed weight was eight score pounds, but now that little mouths begin to be larger mouths, I kill at nine score. : As to the component parts of the pickle. We use a ston of sali for the whole pig of nine score including hams, faces, &e., and 1 Ib. of saltpetre ; nothing else whatever is used for the flitches. A person accustomed to salting bacon scon sees, so my cook informs me, when the meat will take in no more salt. ‘True Wiltshire people use no other ingredients even for the hams, but usually they are cured more highly, vide any cookery book at hand, and choose the receipt most pleasing. —WitsHire Recror. Lancs Importation or Eees.—The enormous number of 291,597,240 eggs has been imported into this country in the first ten months of the present year !—not very far from a million a-day. OUR LETTER BOX. DaruineTon Pou.try Saow.—I have received a Game cock from the Darlington Show which does not belong to me. If the owner will write and describe the bird I shall be happy to send it to him.—Hgnry HEarTon, Lower Broughton, Manchester. CHARACTERISTICS OF Brack Hampureus (Cornish Subscriber).—The shape and comb should be the same as the other varieties of this breed. The deaf ear should be quite white, the face should not. Game Cockreret Crowne (1. F. S.).—Although at the age of four months some cock chickens make a sort of noise that may by courtesy be calle crowing, yet it is nothing extraordinary that a bird two months older should be silent. The Game are the likeliest to crow early, and the bird in question may have crowed many times without having been heard. Distaskep Fowts (Lady Subscriber).—We fear your fowls have the roup. If there are but few cases separate the sick from the healthy, and give Baily’s pills. If all are affected, and you have too many to treat as invalids, give s\imulants—strong beer is the best, and put camphor in all their water. TAMING Parrogquets (Idem).—We have the small Parroquets, it you mean the Undnlatas, perfectly tame, aud have never had any difficulty with them. We have constantly seen them at liberty flying about in rooms. A tuft of growing grass is a bribe they can never resist, and they will go anywhere for it. Diarreca in Cocazs-Crina Fowrs (ZH. W.).—You must continue the purging till the evacuations assume a natural and healthy state and colour. Feed on the most nourishing things, as oatmeal, but very little at a time. Discontinue the cabbage and Indian corn. We have little doubt she has picked up something that is injurious if not poisonous; but castor-oil will carry it off if persevered in. Cocxr’s Lec Utceratep (Lenton).—We know no poultry doctora. If the bird keeps in good condition you will only bave to wash the wound con- stantly, and keep it dressed with citron ointment as soon as the discharge diminishes. Generally speaking, these affections of the leg are the pre- cursors of fatal maladies; but in these instances they are accompanied by shrivelling of the limb and wasting of the body. The absence of these symptoms in your case would seem to point to an accidental cause for the ailment. Turgir PicEON AFFECTED WITH CoLp (M. A.).—To administer cod-liver oil to Pigeons, mix flour or meal with the oil to a stiffish paste, roll it into Pellets, and give the bird one every tweive hours. The pellet will be more eely swallowed if a few drops of water are first put into the bird’s mouth. —B. P.B. Sr1ven-Gnrev Raperr Sains (Coney).—Refer to the London list of furrierss and write to some of them if you have a dozen or more skins. Canary (JV. B. A.).—As the bird becomes dull and heavy, and his feathers ruffie only when hung from the curtain-pole near the window, it is very probable that the fumes of the gas collect there during this season, as the heated fumes rise to near the ceiling and rush to the coldest part of the room. Let the cage be suspended in a warmer part of the room, and lower from the ceiling. CanantEes Movxrtine (Canariensis).—1st, Canaries occasionally lose their voice from cold. Benefit may be derived from dissolving Spanish liquorice in his drinking-water. 2nd, Maw seed—that is, poppy seed, is generally much relished by the birds, and I think it much more conducive to their health than hemp or rape seed. 3rd, Bread is not injurious, and you may let your bird eat as much as he likes. 4th, To cut the bird’s claws, take him in your hand, and Jooking through the nails to see haw far the quick extends, then cut off the remainder with a sharp pair of scissors.—B. P. B. SuPERST) TIONS ABOU? Bers (J. Jackson).—Yonr letter is written in a good spirit, but is totally at variance with our own experience, and the experience of all apiarians. We are very glad that you derive assistance from our pages, : LONDON MARKETS.—Novemser 21. POULTRY. The character of the Christmas market of late years has heen almost monotonous—few first-class goods, they consequently make good prices; large quantities of inferior poultry, which finds a sale with difficulty, but is evidently remunerative from the fact it is perseveredin. During the first few years of the Goose clubs the supply of these birds was inadequate, they therefore made very large prices. There are plenty of them now, but they sell well. Une man sends up many thousands. Poultry is in the ascendant during this week in Sussex, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, and many parts of Ireland, Scotland, France, Holland, and Belgium, From the various points all come to Leadenhall as their common centre, and the market during this week is a perfectly unique sight. We do not quote Turkeys. If of good quality they are like meat, and valuable, accerding to weight, rising rapidly after the limit of eighteen pounds is passed. s. d. 8. d. 5. ds Capons..... 7 0 to 110 | Grouse 0 Large Fow 4 0 ,, 5 O | Partridges spe Oeas ut Smailer do. 3 0,, 3 6 | Hares Sri yee Gi Chickens 1 9., 2 0 | Rabbit Ly dtiggek <3 Geese 6 0,, 9 0 | wild do 0 .9,, 0 0 Pheas: 3 0 ,, 3° 6 | Pigeons OUR ue, fetes melvant Sa v York sae rT Libra ii NT 3 5185 002 1Faen | ea i: