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THE JOURNAL
OF THE
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
OF
LONDON.
VOLUME II.
LONDON:
_PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY, AT THEIR HOUSE,
21, REGENT STREET.
SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.
1847.
London: Printed by Winuram Cuowes and Sons, Stamford Street-
y ’
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
VOLUME II.
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS :—
Article
I. On Hybridization amongst Vegetables. By the Hon. and
Very Rev. William Herbert, LL.D., Dean of Manches-
ter. Part the First . : . .
II. On the Ventilation and Covering of Hot houses. By Mr.
Thomas Moore . . . pF .
III. Facts connected with the Potato Disease. by Mr. George
John Towers, C.M.H.S. . , ‘
IV. Note upon Daphne Fortuni, a new species eee from
China. By Mr. Fortune, Curator of the Botanic Garden
of the Society of Seer at A oi (With a Co-
loured Plate) . ° . ,
V. Report on Experiments sitio’ in ap Garden of the Society
in 1846, with Seeds prepared by Mr. Francis Henry
Bickes, of Mayence, on the Rhine . . .
VI. On the Culture of Asparagus at Killerton. By Mr. w.
Crage® Gardener to Sir T. D. ea. Bart., M.P.,
F.H.S.
VII. Further gies. on the ee of Electricity on
Vegetation. By Edward Solly, Esq., F.R.S., F.LS.,
Hon. Memb. Royal Agricultural Society, Professor of
Chemistry to the Horticultural Society, &c. : .
VIII. A Return of the Proportion per Acre of Diseased and
Sound Tubers in the Society’s Collection of Potatoes
cultivated in 1846. By Mr. R. Thompson, Superintendent
of the Orchard and Kitchen-Garden Department .
TX. Observations upon the Polmaise Method of Heating Garden
Buildings, By D. B. Meek, Esq., Holmsdale House,
Nutfield ° : : . . : . °
X. Remarks on the Culture and Habits of the Cephalotus fol-
licularis, accompanied by Meteorological Tables of the
Temperature of Cornwall. By Thomas Corbett, Gar-
dener to Sir William Molesworth, Bart., M.P., F.H.S. .
XI. On Hybridization amongst Vegetables. By the Hon. and
Very Rev. William Herbert, LL.D., F.H.S., Dean of
Manchester. Part the Second . . .
VOL, II. a
Page
34
35
39
45
49
81
lV
Article
XII.
XXI.
XXII.
XXIII.
XXIV.
XXV.
XXXVI.
XX VII.
. On Pruning Pear Trees.
to His Grace the eee Sd York, F.HLS., at Nune-
. On the Genus budaignindting and its ibis
CONTENTS.
Observations on the Propagation of Bunt (Uredo Caries,
D. C.), made with an especial reference to the Potato
Disease. By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.L.S. .
. Experience in the Transmission of Living Plants to and
from Distant Countries by Sea. By Mr. Fortune, Cu-
rator of the Botanic Garden of the ae of Apothe-
caries at Chelsea
. Journal of a Mission to California in Leathe of pues
By Mr. Theodor Hartweg, in the service of the Horti-
cultural Society. Part IJ. Continued from Vol. I., p. 185
By Mr. Henry Baily, Gardener
ham Park 3 . ° °
. Note upon Azalea Ovata, a new sacs ucines ron
China. By Mr. Robert Fortune, Curator of the Botanic
Garden of the Society of Ba ais at SRL ¢ With
a Coloured Plate) . ‘ , :
- On the Culture of the ee By Mr, J. B,
Whiting, C.M.H.S., Gardener to Henry Thomas Ha
Esq., F.H.S. . ° : : ,
By
Mr. William Wood, Pine-Apple Place °
. Remarks on Cultivating Tropical Fruits for the Table.
By Mr. A. Scott, C.M.H.S., Gardener to the Right Hon.
Sir George Staunton, Bart., M.P., F.H.8. : 5
. Remarks on the Tank System of Heating in the Culture
of Pire-Apples. By Mr. Robert Reid, C.M.H.S., Gar-
dener to Mrs. Clark, Noblethorp, Barnsley, °
‘The Propagation of Fruit and other Trees from Branches
and Cuttings. By Mr. James Barnes, C.M.H.S., Gar-
dener to the Baroness Rolle, F.H.S., Bieton, near
Honiton. ° ° ° - . . :
Memoranda respecting the Saa-Gaa-Ban, or Apias tuberosa,
-a supposed equivalent for the Potato. By the Vice-
Secretary : . : ; . ° ° °
West Indian Fruits and Esculents that may be advan-
tageously introduced into Cultivation in England.
By Sir Robert H. Schomburgk . ° : . .
A Note upon Saxifraga mutata.
W. Herbert, F.HLS. . : ‘ - . . °
REPORT FROM THE CoUNCIL 5 : ‘
Dielytra spectabilis, a new Plant introduced from China.
By Mr. Fortune. (With a Coloured Plate) ; .
Observations and Experiments made in the Garden of the
Society in 1846 relative to the Potato Disease. By Mr.
Robert Thompson, er ae . the Gtekard and
Kitchen Garden. °
Propagation and Culture of Gat, ‘ies: in Pi By Mr.
pe sakes to Col. spare F. ppt at Portnall
ar ; ° ° :
By the Hon, and Rev..
Page
107
115
125
126
136
138
142.
144:
148
155
161
178
12
183
CONTENTS.
Article .
XXVIII. Directions for Cucumber growing for the Market, as PERer
tised by James Cuthill, Camberwell . . °
XXIX. Journal of a Mission to California in search of Plants. By
Mr. Theodor Hartweg, in the service of the Horticul-
tural Society. Part IIE. Continued from Vol. II., p.121
XXX. On the beneficial Effects of an Annual Root-cutting with
certain Fruit-bearing Plants. By Mr. R. Errington,
C.M.H.S., Gardener to Sir Philip de Mata Grey Eger-
ton, Bartt., M. Pp F.HS. ° ° e e °
XXXI. Report on the Fruit and Kitchen hoe pet near Paris, from
observations made during a Visit in the Spring of 1847.
By Mr. Robert Thompson, Se dara of the Orchard
and Kitchen Garden : . ;
XXXII. A History of the Species of an By the Hon. sad
Very Rev. Wm. Herbert, F.H.S., Dean of Manchester .
XXXIII. Two New Species of Achimenes. By Mr. George Gordon,
Superintendent of the Plant Department in the ee S
Garden. (With a Coloured Plate) . °
XXXIV. On the Culture of Roses, more especially the Desneee
and Training of Tall, Climbing, or Tree-Roses. By Mr.
Alexander Forsyth, C.M.H.S., Gardener to the Earl of
Shrewsbury, F.H.S., Alton Towers . ; Pee
XXXV. On the Treatment and Propagation of the Japan pee
(Anemone Japonica). By Mr. George Gordon, Superin-
tendent of the Ornamental Department in the pone Bo s
Garden . A : : ° ° .
XXXVI. ie he! at Castle Malgwyn, near Pembroke, tie seat
A. L. Gower, Esq., F.H.S. Asia Mr. W. ig: Ba
r darian there . ° .
New Puants, &c., FROM THE SOcCIETY’S GARDEN :—
1. Aconitum autumnale . . : ° ° : 2
2. Pinus Grenvillez ° . . ey are ° p
3. Pinus Gordoniana . . . : £ - .
4, Spireea pubescens ° : S °
5. Forsythia viridissima . °
6. Cerasus japonica . .
7. Pinus Wincesteriana . ‘
8. Akebia quinata . . : ; Ps
9 e e
10 .
e
e
e
eo @ e¢ « e °
e
. Viburnum plicatum
. Berberis parviflora
11. Viburnum macrocephalum’
12. Amomum vitellinum . . d ‘ A Z t ‘
13. Berberis hypoleuca . : ° : : ° . :
14. Pleurothallis Smithiana . : ; . : P ee
15. Tacsonia mollissima . : r sis 3 ‘ : é
16. Echeveria retusa : é a ‘ F 2
17. Raphiolepis indica . : : . : : °
18. Spireea prunifolia, flore pleno . : “ : °
19. Bletia Gebina . : : : : : : ;
20. Pholidota chinensis . 3 : 3 2 4 : :
21. Peonia Moutan A : i - ; : 3
191
195
249
293:
294
30
803:
ay 3
ab..
79
157
tb.
158
ib.
160
243
th.
244
245
246
247
248
306
1b,
307
tb.
308
ab.
vl CONTENTS,
»
22, Epidendrum lacertinum
28. Coburgia stylosa ;
24. Ipomeea melena °
25. The Double White Peach
26. Zingiber amaricans «
27. Hugelia elongata .
28. Hollbollia acuminata .
29. Begonia biserrata ‘
30. Aquilegia leptoceras .
31. Wulfenia Amherstiana
82. Clematis Grahami .
33. Rosa anemoneflora .
34. Navarretia squarrosa .
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PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS oF THE Society, from May 1, 1846,
_ August 3, 1847.
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.
I.— On Hybridization amongst Vegetables, By the Hon. and
Very Rev. William Herbert, LL.D., Dean of Manchester.
Part the First.
(Communicated Oct. 14, 1846.)
Havine been urged to prepare a paper for the Journal of the
Horticultural Society, embodying whatever is known to me con-
cerning the cross-breeding of vegetables—although I am not
aware that I can add much to what I have already laid before
the public on this mysterious subject—in compliance with re-
peated requests, I will try to arrange what seems to me ascer-
tained, and to point out some of the results, and some of the
difficulties and uncertainties that require further investigation.
When I first asserted that it was preposterous to suppose all the
existing forms of vegetables, according to the subdivision of our
botanical arrangement, to have been so specially created by the
Almighty, and that I suspected the various forms of animal life
to have also branched out from a smaller number of original
types, I was attacked by some as a person who was minishing
from, instead of attributing infinity to, the power and wisdom
of God. I trust that the progress of useful knowledge has nearly
dissipated such absurd caluminies ; and that the labours of geolo-
gists have shown that, as the Allwise, who fills the unlimited ex-
_ panse of universal space, speaks to us of his hands and handy-
work as if He were an artificer of our own definite dimensions,
so the Scriptures detail the immense operations of ages before
the creation of man by expressions conformable to our petty
space of life—revealing in simple terms a few great truths, gra-
dually and duly confirmed by the progress of scientific investi-
gation, which brings to light the primordial remains that prove
the succession of events, while it adds immeasurably to the great-
ness and majesty both of the operations themselves and of the
means by which they have been effected, showing that they were
not comprised within a diurnal week of our terrestrial life, but
filled a gigantic page in the great volume of antecedent time.
- We must learn to understand the true force of the words of
Scripture, and not derogate from the greatness of God by re-
ducing it to the compass of our narrow conceptions. I have
entered at length into that consideration in a late publication
entitled ‘The Christian,’ and shall not now revert to the
subject.
VOL. II. B
2 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
- Let us, however, consider the grounds for believing that all the
existing forms of vegetable and animal life flourished, such as they
now are, from the first. If such was the case, why do the deposits
of the old world not exhibit them all, as well and as plentifully
as the lost races? And how comes it that the primeval forests,
and the vegetation of primzval swamps, have vanished with the
mastodon and the sauri, and neither the oak nor the chesnut,
neither the rhododendron nor the azalea of our own days, are to
be found amongst the remains of ancient time? We know of
no second creation of vegetables ; we have no account given to
us, by any person having divine authority, of any successive acts
of creation, except in the course and unfolding of the reproduc-
tive system by generation, and in the creation of land animals
after the fowls and aquatic creatures, and of man after them,
though every reproduction, where a new soul is incorporated
with a new body, is in fact a fresh creation, but conformable to
the law established by God at the commencement, when He
said, ‘‘ Let the waters and let the earth bring forth ;” unless we
adopt this, which perhaps is the most probable solution, that the
mandate to the earth to bring forth vegetables (that is to say,
the law impressed upon its matter to that effect) had not merely
instantaneous effect, but was a law continuing for ever to operate,
and, as long as the earth remained in the same general state,
would reproduce the same results in the generations successively
arising; but, on each great change in the circumstances of the
earth itself, would produce results, both in the vegetable and
animal forms, that are continually arising from and returning to
the dust, different from those which the same mandate or law of
the Almighty evoked in its original condition. That simple view
of the great creative act of Almighty God is calculated to give
us the sublimest view of His unfathomable wisdom and power,
and it accounts for the mystery of generative reproductions in
similar form, as well as for the variations which have taken place in
existing things since the first great periods of the creation. Ifthe
old saurian races, which are utterly extinct amongst animals, could
only thrive in shallow salt water, which seems probable, we can
understand why, after the uplifting of a larger portion of the
earth and the confinement of the waters to deeper hollows within
a narrower space, their races should have gradually failed, being
drowned or starved in the deep, and unable to exist on the dry
land. We may, perhaps, by a stretch of imagination, figure to
ourselves some drier and more elevated spot in the earliest ages
of the world, where the animals and vegetables which were
destined to people it in later years, after the destruction of the
races which prevailed at first, had their nidus, and were so
closely quartered together, that the species of rhinoceros and
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES, 3
roebuck now existing, by perpetually biting the oak or the
hazel, prevented them from multiplying, and were in their turn
so harassed by the hyeenas of the existing species, that their
races were barely able to perpetuate themselves; while the ex-
tinct rhinoceros and hyzena have had a more rambling spirit,
and gone forth into the wide world, and fed on the margin of the
waters upon the vegetables and creatures of the shallow swamps,
so that their bones became mingled with them in death. But,
if anything so improbable were admitted, we should still be met
by a grave difficulty; for why should those which had over-
spread a wider space, and become multiplied, have disappeared
from the world, and the species, which we must suppose to have
been so limited in number and confined in space, that their
remains have not been discovered, have since become prevalent
in their stead? I can suggest no rational solution for that diffi-
culty; no reason why the remains of the old world, when
dragged from underground, should exhibit a rhinoceros and a
hyzena, or a plant, of a kind which does not now exist, and not
exhibit the kinds which do exist, if both were created simulta-
neously, in their precise respective forms: and yet, without
entering into particulars, I may safely assert that, as to many
races of animals and plants, the fossil species are not found in
the present day. We must try, with humility and piety, to re-
eoncile apparent facts with the revelation of God that has been
handed down to us: we must remember, that as the Bible con-
tains the only and the whole word of God, and is the sole record
of His will and of the doctrine He has delivered to us, and
stands in that respect alone, unrivalled, and invaluable, it is not
the sole, nor even the most certain, record He has given us of
ancient natural facts; for the remains of the old world, which
He has preserved in such wonderful perfection by His power
and wisdom, are infallible documents, handed down by His
almightiness for our instruction and edification; and, although
we must not indulge in presumptuous speculations and con-
clusions drawn from them, the facts which they exhibit are
even more certain than the words in that precious and invalu-
able volume which relate to things only mentioned incidentally
therein, and not affecting the great object for which the Bible
was given to man—namely, the declaration of the will of God,
and the relations between Him and ourselves. We have, in the
history of Egyptian hieroglyphics, a memorable instance of the
gross stupidity of mankind in understanding words. A distin-
guished Greek ecclesiastic had expressly written that they ex-
hibited the first elements of words. For sixteen hundred years
the meaning of that expression continued to be a riddle, and the
most wild and absurd theories were advanced in the attempt to
B2
4 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
explain it; no schoolboy was asked ‘“‘ What are the elements of
words?” and answered, ‘ Letters, to be sure!” and no person
discovered that the first elements of words were their initials, till
a sentence was accidentally found written in letters as well as in
hieroglyphics. I may therefore safely say, that the image of
substantial bones stamped by the will of God in ancient days
upon the solid rock, unchanged and almost unchangeable, are
more certain documents as to old facts than any written record ;
because we now see the former as they are and were impressed
by the dispositions of the Almighty, and we may quite misun-
derstand the meaning of the latter. When we look to doctrine
and the will of God, we have nothing but the inestimable vo-
lume of the Bible to consult ; and yet we lament to find how
unable even its most precious words are to bind mankind in a
uniform and consistent understanding of their import, and of the
things absolutely necessary for our salvation ; and, excepting the
fact that everything was made by God, they testify very little
concerning the things and creatures with which He peopled the
world in the first ages, and that so loosely, that our understand-
ing could not rely upon our interpretation of its meaning, in
vpposition to the imperishable memorials He has handed down
to us, if they should seem to disagree; but, in truth, when
rightly examined, they do not disagree.
According to the scriptural statement, God created vegetables
before the existence of the light of the sun and moon, or the pre-
sent course of night and daylight ; at a latter period He created
the birds and aquatic animals from the sea, including under that
name (see Gen. ii. 19) the wet soil it covered; and, ata later
period, land animals from the earth, which had then become fit
for their production: and He ordered them to yield fruit and
seed, and to bring forth after their kind—“ cattle, and creeping
thing, and beast of the earth, after its kind.” Here arises a
great question, which has never been properly considered :—
What is their kind? Zoologists and botanists divide vegetables
and animals respectively into genus and species. Species means
form or appearance; and genus means a kind. ‘Therefore,
according to the words in use amongst us, we are to understand
that God created the genera severally, and ordered them to
multiply within the generic limits. And what are even generic ©
limits? According to the new lights of science, those limits
are varying every day; and no two botanists or zoologists are
agreed about them: and we have no record of the origin of spe-
cific diversities. But botanists have higher divisions ; they have
tribes, alliances, orders, &c.; and who shall venture to say that
the limitation, which the Bible calls a kind, was not that which
modern penmen in Europe have thought fit to call an order, or
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 9)
atribe? To me it seems that the Bible itself appears rather to
indicate that it does not mean one of the lower subdivisions,
where it adds, as an explanation, ‘ cattle, and creeping thing,
and beast of the earth, after its kind:” which might signify, that
cattle shall not yield a creeping ; a beast of the earth (that is,
a cat or tiger, &c.) shall not yield cattle—z. e. a cow or sheep,
&ce.; a snake shall not yield a bird or a fish: and beyond such a
general outline the Bible history speaks not to man on the sub-
ject of the propagation and diversification of races. It is a
subject open to inquiry. It is not said that God made each
beast, but ‘‘ the beast of the earth after his kind.” Weare left
to our own inferences and experiments, and to the examination
of the organic remains God has bequeathed to us, in order to
acquire temporal knowledge on such points; which, as we
acquire it, will lead us more and more to adore the infinite
wisdom and power of God; but is entirely unnecessary to the
great object of holy life and the acquisition of eternal salvation,
and therefore of a nature which the Allwise did not think fit to.
communicate to us authoritatively. Upon all such matters,
therefore, we have liberty to speculate and reason, with piety
and humility, according to the gifts God has given us, for the
ood of mankind, and for His own glory.
I will therefore state, briefly and humbly, what is the general
bias of my surmises as to the diversification of vegetables, to
which that of animals must be ina certain degree analogous.
We know that four races of men have branched out from one
stock,—the white, the black or African, the brown or Asiatic,
and the red, with various subdivisions of aspect amongst them,
and we know nothing of the mode or time in which those di-
versities arose. Revelation and history are equally silent on those
facts. ‘They must have occurred very early. Jupiter is said to
have visited the Asthiopians ; and M. Faber has proved that the
things recorded of Jupiter relate to the period which immediately
followed the deluge. We may therefore assume that such changes
began in the lifetime of the sons of Noah, or were immediately
consequent on the dispersion of mankind. We are equally in
the dark as to the races of dogs. Old writers allude to different
kinds of dogs, and we do not know when or how any one of those
we possess originated ; and the same may be said with respect to
the origin of languages. From these facts I draw this inference,
which seems to me incontrovertible, that a course of change was
in operation in the early ages after the deluge, which had ceased,
or at least was greatly diminished, before the era at which our
knowledge of events began to be more precise, and handed down
by writing. I shall be told that these different races of men
breed freely together, and that these dogs intermix, and produce
6 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
mongrels also, and that we see thereby that they are only va-
rieties of one kind. Granted; I entertain no doubt of their
having respectively descended from one pair of created indi-
viduals ; but how do you prove to me that the cat, lynx, tiger,
panther, lion, &c., did not descend from one created pair? Iam
rather inclined to think that they did (but this is only a surmise),
and even the horse and the ass from one created pair; and I am
quite unable to believe that the several sylviee of the wren family,
some of which can with difficulty be distinguished except by the
proportions of their quills, and which have nevertheless very
diverse habits, notes, and nests, were created separately and
specially ; and, when I look to the vegetable races, I am still
more unwilling to assent to the assertion, that every plant,
which this or that botanist has called a distinct species, or even
a distinct genus, hada special creation in the period before the
sun and moon shone upon this world, when God created vege-
tables. Upon what authority is such an assertion made? Upon
none but the dictum of those who are pleased to inculcate it.
Upon what ground is it made? Upon none that will bear in-
vestigation,—upon a rash assumption that everything cross-bred is
sterile, and that if the offspring is sterile the parents are thereby
proved to have been descended severally from the Creator. In
the first place, the fact is even false as to animals. Buffon records
an instance of the fertility of a mule. I have seen that which lam
satisfied was a hybrid between a bitch and a fox, which was the
father of many puppies. But if the fact were positively true,
how is it to be proved that the constitution and frame may not
have undergone such changes in the diversification as to prevent
intermixture? If I can show that in one genus of plants cross-
breeding is not only easy, but more easily obtained than fertility
by the plant’s own pollen, and that in others, so closely allied to
it as to make it a question whether they are not sections of one
genus, cross-breeding cannot be effected generally, and in no case
easily ; that in some genera of plants many or all the cross-bred
varieties are fertile, and in others nearly allied thereto all, or
almost all, are sterile; the assertion that the races of canis or
dog must have had one origin because their crossed produce is
fertile, and the races of felis, from the cat to the tiger, must have ©
had separate origin because their crossed produce is sterile (sup-
posing the fact to be true, which is not ascertained), must fall to
the ground. The only thing certain is, that we are ignorant of
the origin of races; that God has revealed nothing to us on the
subject; and that we may amuse ourselves with speculating
thereon, but we cannot obtain negative proof, that is, proof that
two creatures or vegetables of the same family did not descend
from one source. But we can prove the affirmative ; and that is
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 7
the use of hybridizing experiments, which I have invariably sug-
gested; for if I can produce a fertile offspring between two
plants that botanists have reckoned fundamentally distinct, I
consider that I have shown them to be one kind; and indeed I
am inclined to think that, if a well-formed and healthy offspring
proceeds at all from their union, it would be rash to hold them of
distinct origin. We see every day the wide range of seminal
diversities in our gardens. We have known the dahlias from a
poor single dull-coloured flower break into superior forms and
brilliant colours; we have seen a carnation, by the reduplication
of its calyx, acquire almost the appearance of an ear of wheat, and
look like a glumaceous plant; we have seen hollyhocks in their
generations branch into a variety of colours, which are repro-
duced by the several descendants with tolerable certainty. We
cannot therefore say that the order to multiply after their kind
meant that the produce should be precisely similar to the original
type; and, if the type was allowed to reproduce itself with vari-
ation, who can pretend to say how much variation the Almighty
allowed? Who can say that His glorious scheme for peopling
and clothing the earth was not the creation of a certain number
of original animals and vegetables, predestined by Him in their
reproduction to exhibit certain variations, which should hereafter
become fixed characters, as well as those variations which even
now frequently arise and are nearly fixed characters, but not
absolutely so, and those which are more variable and very subject
to relapse in reproduction ? |
Let me suppose that the Almighty perhaps originally created
an individual plant of each natural order extinct and ex-
isting, supposing the natural orders to be correctly set forth,
and rectifying the errors which may require correction. What
proof can be offered that more individual vegetables were ori-
ginally created? None! It will perhaps be asserted that the
several individuals of different species or present form, which
are included in one order, could not have descended from one
original mother, because either they will not breed together, as
is usual with individuals of the same species; or, if they do, their
offspring is sterile. Such used to be the assertion; but it was
bare assertion, unsupported by proof. In the first place, the
fact is false in numberless instances; in the second, if it were
true, what proof can be given that no two things descended from
one origin can have become so diversified as to be now incapable
of a fertile union, or of producing that which will be fertile?
We are utterly in the dark as to the mystery of fertilization.
Weknow not by what wonderful secret contrivance the unsearch-
able wisdom of God has prevented the minute and almost imper-
ceptible grains of pollen from usually fertilizing any ovary but
8 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
that of its own or of a kindred flower ; and how can we presume
to say that structural and constitutional differences may not have
arisen amongst vegetables which have diverged from one origin,
rendering the fertility of their sexual union in some cases diffi-
cult, in others impracticable ?
I have had no opportunities, by the help of a powerful micro-
scope, of pursuing any investigation into the process by which
the pollen fertilizes the ovules; and I have somewhere stated,
that, although I could not pretend to contradict those who asserted
that the grains of pollen from their own bulk emitted tubes
which reached from the surface of the stigma to ovules in the
germen, sometimes as in Hymenocallis pedalis tubiflora, 12 or
13 inches distant, and in others where the germen is subterra-
neous at an uncertain distance, my understanding would not
assent to it: my objections were twofold: first, that it did not
appear possible that such a minute body should emit a tube of
such length, through which its contents were passed into the
ovary, as asserted. Secondly, that in all the wonderful con-
trivances of Almighty wisdom to effect apparently difficult pur-
poses, I had perceived that no unnecessary complication of
machinery was used. It seemed to me preposterous to imagine ~
that the Allwise would employ such almost miraculous tubes to
convey the contents of the grains of pollen into the ovary without
conducting them to the ovule itself, when they might have been
as securely delivered by passing directly from the pollen into the
passage through which the tubes were to advance without such
secondary conductors. It was as if an engineer, after leading
water for miles from the mountains in pipes, should at last turn
it into the valley, to find its way as it might into the cistern he
was desirous of supplying. I understand that further observa-
tions tend to the establishment of the fact that the tubes, instead
of terminating abruptly, as before asserted, do actually reach the
foramen or aperture of the several ovules, and obtain admittance
through the mouth thereof. I have not witnessed this phenomenon,
but I am willing to believe in it, because it is perfectly consistent
with the apparent wisdom of God in all his works; but I think
those who have broached the facts have not understood the opera-
tion, and it seems to me to yield the key to a great part of the
mystery in which the subject of vegetable fecundation is involved.
I therefore recur to my first objection, that it is utterly impos-
sible that such a minute body should emit such a pipe and its
contents, that is, emit it of its own substance; and I apprehend
the fact to be, that by contact with the juices of the cognate
plant it acquires that which enables it to gain bulk for such an
elongation. I conceive that the abstraction of something, per-
haps carbon, from the juice of the stigma, is necessary to that
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 9
increase of bulk, and in some cases that atmospherical moisture is
essential to it. Hence it arises that old pollen which has been kept
perfectly dry may act so as to fertilize, but that which has been
once damp cannot do so, because it has been carbonized and has
discharged its office, and is ineapable of acting a second time.
But the probability is, that, although mere moisture may have a
certain effect on the pollen, there is some more chemical union
between the grain of pollen and the’ juice of the plant necessary
to carry the duct to its distant point of reception, and enable it
to cry “‘ Open Sesame,” and make good its entrance when it
arrives there. It has, I believe, not been duly considered, that
the fecundation of the ovules is not a simple, but a complicated
process. ‘There seem to me to be three or four several processes
—the quickening of the capsule of the fruit, the quickening of
the outer coats of the seed itself, and the quickening of the ‘in-
ternal part or kernel, and the quickening of the embryo.
Whoever tries to raise mule Alstreemerias from A. aurea by
some cognate species, will find, under favourable circumstances,
every flower produce a full-sized perfect capsule, though he may
fail in obtaining the least enlargement of the ovules. A mule
raised by Mr. Bidwill between Passiflora coerulea and onychina
flowered this summer in my conservatory, and produced of itself,
to my surprise, two fine plump fruits, two inches long, of a bright
orange colour, there being no other Passiflora in flower at the
time on the premises. On opening its beautiful fruit, it proved
to be empty as a bladder, the outer coat of the fruit only having
been fertilized in consequence of the weakness of the cross- bred
pollen. In other attempts at cross-breeding, or in plants that do
not make seed freely in our climate, he may “find not only a per-
fect capsule, but seeds grown to full size, though containing a
perishable lymph, and no sound kernel. In others he may find
the seed either of an undue texture and substance; or, if appa-
rently good, deficient in embryo. In some cases, as in the very
extraordinary one first noticed by Mr. Brown with respect to
Hymenocallis, the seed having no discoverable embryo when first
ripened, acquires one after lying for some weeks or months on the
earth. It follows, therefore, that a continued operation of the
pollen must be necessary to produce all these requisites for the
formation of a good seed. It has been said that, when the ovules
are fertilized, the outer coat or capsule begins to swell. This
does not appear to be true; for the capsule often becomes per-
fect, though the ovules do not seem to have become fertilized at
all. It seems, therefore, a process independent thereof, whether
simultaneous, antecedent, or posterior; so must the fertilization
of the seed-coats and of the albumen be, since they may grow
without an embryo: and some mysterious process must be con-
10 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
tinued to vivify the embryo at a later period, since it can elude
the microscopic research of Mr. Brown in a seed so large as that
of Hymenocallis. I have cut open seeds of Hymenocallis an inch
and a half long, and found no visible embryo, but a large cavity ;
yet the rest of them, being left in the damp ground, acquired
visible embryos, and sprouted some months after. If, therefore,
as I apprehend, the pollen tubes cannot reach the ovules without
deriving substance from the cognate juices of the style through
which they descend, it becomes easy to understand how there
may be sufficient affinity between them to carry on the process to
the degree necessary for quickening the capsule, but not to carry
it on to the point requisite, and with the excitement and irrita-
bility necessary for reaching the ovule, and stimulating it to open
its aperture for the reception of the substance conveyed by the tube
from the interior of the grain of pollen. It isalso easy to under-
stand how moisture, either to feed the plant inwardly, and make
its juices abundant, or to affect the stigma outwardly, may be
necessary to the fertilization of the ovules. If a chemist could
analyze the pollen before application, and the tubes after, perhaps
it would appear that the pollen is deficient, and, in order to be
available, must be deficient in some one of the ingredients which ~
will be found in the tubes. If it be true, as I imagine, that it is
necessary for the pollen to derive from the style some chemical ad-
junct to increase its bulk, and to enable it to irritate the aperture
of the ovule and obtain access, it will become manifest why it is,
that in some genera intermixed produce is easily obtained—in
others not; because it depends upon the close similarity of con-
stitution and chemical relation of the component parts of the two
plants. We can easily understand that the individual which, ona
hot and barren soil, dwindled, after the dispersion by the deluge,
to a slender annual, may have acquired such different chemical
qualities, that it has not now sufficient affinity to the species which
in a moist and luxuriant position has become the master of a forest,
twining its colossal arms round the loftiest of its inhabitants ; while
two other species, though very different in some striking points of
conformation, may have such constitutional similarity, and such
identity of component ingredients, as to have precisely the same
chemical affinities and intermix readily. Why is it that in the
genus Hippeastrum all the several natural species, forms, or
varieties of that plant (I care not by what title their variation is
styled) breed more readily by the pollen of any other, however
complicated by cross-breed, than by its own; and that in the
genus Habranthus, most closely allied to it, every attempt to
cross the several natural sorts has as yet entirely failed? ‘The
facts are so. Why is it that in the genus Zephyranthes, closely
akin to Habranthus, and making seed freely, crosses are obtained
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. il
with much difficulty, and, when obtained, are rather disposed to
sterility? I cannot answer those questions, further than by say-
ing that the ways of the Allwise are past finding out: but I can
surmise that in the genus Hippeastrum there is a great sameness
of constitution, and that the pollen finds in the style exactly that
which is requisite for the growth and development of its tubes,
and that the pollen of a fresh individual with the same chemical
properties gives a more powerful stimulus, as the introduction of
a fresh cross has been found to do amongst animals; and that in
the two other genera there is less sameness of constitution, greater
difference in the proportions of the component parts of their Juices,
and the pollen is not suited with what it wants for the purposes of
fertilization. I suspect, therefore, that it is by the nice adaptation
of the juices of each individual type to yield the exact proportion
of what is wanted for the pollen of its kind, that the Almighty
has limited the races of created things; and that, wherever that
adaptation is perfect, a perfect offspring is produced. Where it
is not perfect, an inadequate or a weak fertilization takes place. |
It is further to be observed that there is frequently an imperfect
hybrid fertilization, which can give life, but not sustain it well.
There are several crosses which I have repeatedly obtained, but
could not raise the plants to live for any length of time. I
obtained much good seed several years ago from Hibiscus palustris
by speciosus ; I sowed a little each year till it was all gone; the
plants always sprouted, but I saved only one to the third leaf,
and it perished then. I have never raised beyond the third or
fourth leaf a cross between Rhododendron ponticum and an orange
Azalea, though I have saved two or three through the first winter.
My soil, however, is very uncongenial to them, and under more
favourable circumstances they would have been saved. From Rho-
dora canadensis by Azalea pontica (sections of genus Rhododen-
dron), I saved ultimately only one out of more than a hundred
seedlings, and that became a vigorous plant. Such crosses some-
times are a hundred times more delicate in their first stage than
natural seedlings. Mr. Bidwill, in attempting crosses at Sydney,
has also (as he informs me) raised some with difficulty, which have
invariably perished. In these cases I apprehend that, although
the affinity of the juices is sufficient to enable the pollen to fer-
tilize the ovule, the stimulus is insufficient, the operation languid,
and the fertilization weak and inadequate to give a healthy con-
stitution. It has been generally observed that hybrid fertilization
is slower than natural fertilization, and that often a much smaller
number of ovules are vivified. ‘The same cause probably operates
in that respect: the affinity not being perfect, the necessary in-
gredients are attracted by the pollen less readily and insufficiently,
and by many of the grains not at all.
12 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES,
It appears that if two stigma-bearing lobes of a triple or
even tripartible style are cut off, the whole germen may be
fertilized by the one left. In such cases, therefore, the pollen
tubes from one lobe must be able to penetrate all the cells of the
germen. In cases such as I have seen, where both natural and
hybrid seeds have been produced in one capsule, I cannot state
whether the two sorts of pollen acted through the same or dif-
ferent lobes. I have im no instance succeeded in obtaining any
multiplicate cross by blending the pollen of two or more kinds
intimately before their application. Mr. Knight thought he had
given at the same time the curl of one cabbage and the red colour
of another to a third variety. My invariable failure in such
attempts induces me to think his recollection was inaccurate, if
he meant that he had done so at one fructification. He might
easily have obtained the twofold features by two successive crosses,
but I believe not in one generation by simultaneous application
of different pollens: for 1 do not think that two grains even of
the same pollen can get effectual access to the foramen of one
and the same ovule. JI now understand, nearly at least to my
own satisfaction, in what manner the pollen of Rhododendron may
in the fertilization of the ovules supersede the pollen of Azalea
previously applied ; because I do not believe that they are always
fertilized so soon as has been usually supposed. The stimulus
may have been given to the germ or outer coat of the seéd-vessel,
and yet the fertilization may not have reached the ovule, and the
operation which produces a living embryo may remain suspended
till a change of weather and a moist atmosphere afford a supply
of carbon, or whatever is needful thereto; and therefore that
pollen which has perfect affinity:to the plant may develop itself
effectually at a later period on a change in the state of the atmos-
phere; but, when the pollen has once reached and stimulated the
foramen, further access will be assuredly denied. I have repeatedly
observed in dry seasons the pollen of Rhododendron very parched
and seemingly deficient, the stigmas dry, and the germens remain-
ing for weeks nearly stationary after flowering, as if no seed
would be produced; but, upon a change of weather inducing
moisture, universal fertility of the pods soon became apparent.
I suspect that in such cases the fertilization has remained incom- |
plete from want of the food necessary to the elongation of the
tubes. If such views have any foundation in truth, it is possible
that, in addition to mere water, a supply of the chemical ingre-
dients which are the food of plants to the style may facilitate
difficult impregnations. It is certainly desirable, where dry pollen
is to be tried, to moisten the stigma to which it is about to be
applied.
Having made these preliminary observations, I will try to re-
ON HYBRIDIZATION-AMONGST VEGETABLES. 13
capitulate the facts that seem to be ascertained. It is now forty
years since I began experiments on this subject, which have been,
not an employment, but an occasional source of amusement. My
original assertion was, that the genera of plants (rectifying in the
limitations and definitions thereof by botanists such things as
shall appear to require rectification) represent the several created
types of vegetables; that such created types cannot properly
amalgamate; and that, if a monster is at any time produced be-
tween them seminally, it cannot be seminally reproduced ; that
the species of botanists and the permanent local varieties are not
essentially different in their nature, but are variations induced by
causes more or less remote in the period of their operation, though
the features of their diversity may be severally more or less im-
portant, and that they differ from accidental varieties in the per-
manent habit of similar reproduction which they have acquired
from soil and climate, and that often in a long succession of ages.
Those points appear to me now completely established, except-
ing that we cannot prove that even the genera did not branch
out from higher types, or in fact that the tribes or orders were
not the original genera, or kinds. In some genera we find that
all the species are capable of breeding together and producing a
fertile offspring : in Hippeastrum that they even prefer breeding
with each other; in some genera that many species will cross
together, and some have as yet refused to cross; in some, that
the cross-bred plants are abundantly fertile ; in some obstinately
sterile ; in some individuals capable of fertilization by the pollen
of another, and not by its own; in some cases that two individuals
will breed freely with a third, and not with each other.
To what results do those facts lead us? ‘The promiscuous
blending of the species of any one genus proves that the sterility
or impediment to intermixture does not depend upon any original
created diversity of species—. e. that the thing called a species
by botanists is not the created type; and, if the fertility does not
depend upon that, the various results must depend upon the want
of equal affinity amongst the several species of each respective
genus—that is to say, on a wider departure from the common
type in the several varieties of one genus than in those of another.
We cannot suppose anything so preposterous as that the Almighty
would have created so many species of a genus, with permission,
when approached together by the hand of man, to confound their
generations, and so many others under a peremptory prohibition
todo so. Therefore, if by a genus we mean anything definite,
anything that has a real and natural character, and not merely a
fanciful and capricious denomination, whatever be the nature of
the individuality which absolutely and essentially separates one
genus from the rest of the creation, must also exist in every
14 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
other genus; so that, if the species of any one genus are varia-
tions generated from one original type, the species of every genus
must respectively have descended from a peculiar type; otherwise
it would be apparent that the same thing is not meant when the
words genus and species are used in the one case and in the other,
and that the application of the words is vague and unscientific.
If I have shown that the species of one genus are convertible,
and therefore of one origin, I have shown that every genus must
have had one original type, unless the genus which I bring in
evidence shall appear to be in truth a division of an inferior
grade, and not deserving of the name of a genus. Let us, there-
fore, inquire how the fact stands. It so happens, as if expressly
to prevent the possibility of any doubt on that point, that the
genus in which I have lately produced the proof of the most mar-
vellous convertibility, is not only a valid genus, but embraces
greater structural differences than any genus amongst the seven
or eight thousand that have been defined—I mean the genus
Narcissus, which, on account of those diversities, had been sub-
divided into a number of genera; which supposed genera have
been found capable of breeding together and re-crossing, so that
not only intermediate forms can be originated, but one even of
the supposed genera can be obtained in two or three generations
from the capsule of another. This cannot stand as an isolated
fact. It holds out a warning to all botanists, that on closer in-
vestigation it will be found, not merely that the genera of plants
duly modified are the descendants of individuals which have
branched into variations, but that a great portion of the seven
or eight thousand are not even real individual types, but sections
of a genus or kind embracing a certain class of variations, which
have peculiar affinities to each other, and which in many, per-
haps in most, cases cannot now intermix with plants of another
section. ‘The circumstances of the genus Crinum do not speak
with less force as to this point. When I first introduced and ~
described a number of species of Crinum which had not been
known before in Europe, I was greatly censured by some expe-
rienced botanists for asserting that plants, which they held to be
species of Amaryllis, were in fact variations of the genus
Crinum, and it was even declared that Crinum was more nearly
allied to Pancratium than to the species in question. I proved
the justice of my botanical view of that point by obtaining not
merely sterile mules but a fertile offspring between the Common
Cape Crinum, which was before erroneously called Amaryllis
longifolia, and the great Crinum pedunculatum of New Holland.
I have now in my garden a further seedling from such a mule,
between the Crinum Capense and Crinum canaliculatum which is
closely akin to pedunculatum, with ripe seeds upon it. Gene-
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES, 15
rally these mules become impregnated by the pollen of Crinum
Capense, of which a great bed stands near them, and the offspring
being two-thirds Capense, revert nearly to its aspect; but the
plant above mentioned did not revert, but exhibits an improved
form of the mule, and is in fact a new fertile species. The
freedom with which species of Crinum of the old Linnean sec-
tion and most of the section I added thereto interbreed, furnishes
decisive proof that the facility of intermixture is not confined to
genera in which species have been rashly formed out of seminal
varieties, but is found when the species were even erroneously
considered to be of different genera. ‘There is every reason to
believe that Thuja and Cupressus have bred together, and those
who look to the small difference between them will become satis-
fied that they form two sections of one genus. Sinningia has
been crossed with Gloxinia, and the produce is capable of being
crossed again. ‘They are indubitably of one genus or original
kind; and perhaps not they only, but Gesnera also and Achi-
menes. When we look to the botanical characters, the cha-
racters of very many genera, of which all the species are not
generally cultivated, are frequently false as to matter of fact,
because opportunities have not occurred, or have not been care-
fully used, of comparing all the species in a live state, and in
dry specimens the truth cannot be always ascertained.
Therefore, if it be admitted, that there is little probability of
obtaining a cross between two plants generically distinct, it does
not follow that it would be needless to attempt an intermixture
between all that bear and have long borne different generic
names. Some observations on the inaccuracy of the views of
Martius and De Candolle concerning the Gesneracez, as stated
in the Bot. Reg. 1845, 3, will illustrate my meaning. The
question arose in that article, whether the subject was to be
called Gloxinia or Gesnera tubiflora. I have premised that the
separation of Sinningia from Gloxinia has been disproved by the
crossed produce, which even bears seed. First, then, as to Ges-
neria or Gesnera, the alternative of “ five protuberances at the
base of the corolla or an equal swelling all round,” is no generic
distinction, if the swelling of the base is to furnish such a dis-
tinction compared with a protuberance on one side. ‘These pro-
tuberances depend in part upon the relative posture and incli-
nation of the calyx and tube. They are so various in different
species, that Achimenes patens has a long spur projecting from
the prominence of the base. A like objection applies to the
definition, ‘‘ two or five glands round the ovary,” which shows
that the thing set forth, as the fixed and determining character,
is a varying feature. Proceeding to the definition of Gloxinia,
we find, 1. calyx equal, as distinguishing it from Gesnera, with
16 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
calyx somewhat unequal. The fact is not so. The two upper
lateral segments in Gloxinia speciosa and hirsuta have a dispo-
sition to be smaller than the others. The calyx of the order
consists of one upper segment and two pair of laterals, and there
is often a little and not very certain difference between the two
pair. ‘Their relative size is manifestly unsteady. 2. Corolla
protuberant on one side only of the base. It will be found that
the protuberance varies in the species according to the greater
or less depression of the corolla. In Gloxinia speciosa it is bent
downwards so rigidly, that the base can only swell upwards. In
Gloxinia hirsuta the corolla is not depressed and the base is very
different. Proceeding to Achimenes, we find an assertion utterly
unfounded, that the anthers are separate, being united in the
two former genera. I have before me the anthers of Achimenes
coccinea, pedunculata, hirsuta, &c. all as closely attached to-
gether as those of any Gesnera. I have also seen a few flowers
in which they were separate, but I believe in a barren and im-
perfect state, and I find them more ready to part when they de-
cay. Having disposed of those false facts, let us see what dis-
tinctions remain. Gesnera, corolla tubular. Gloxinia, funnel-
shaped, or somewhat bell-shaped, inflated in the middle. Achi-
menes, tubular and funnel-shaped. ‘Those differences, if cor-
rectly stated, would only show that there is a variability in the
swelling of the tube in different species, as there is in a much
more decisive manner amongst the various species of tropical
Convolvulacez in the genus or section Pharbitis ; but those facts
are also incorrect. The corolla of Gloxinia hirsuta is not in-
flated, but nearly cylindrical, with furrows; on the other hand,
that of Gesnera zebrina and Geroldtiana is immoderately in-
flated, and nearly similar in form to that of Achimenes pedun-
culata and hirsuta. What remains? Nothing between Ges-
nera and Gloxinia; a ring round the ovary to Achimenes. I
ean however point out one, which has not been noticed, of con-
siderable importance between the fruit of Gloxinia and Gesnera
as applicable to Gloxinia speciosa and hirsuta. The fruit erect.
Gesnera, the fruit sub-horizontal, with a beak curved a little
upwards and a different dehiscence. Again: Gesnera, calyx
adpressed. Achimenes, calyx patent. No person can compare
Gesnera zebrina and Geroldtiana with Achimenes pedunculata
and hirsuta, and not see that they are much more closely allied
to the latter than to Gesnera faucialis and bulbosa, and others
which have the upper portion of the limb prominent and in-
curved, while that of the former is short, two-lobed, and recurved:
but the calyx of Gesnera rutila is neither patent nor adpressed ;
the calyx of Gesnera Geroldtiana has the upper lobe of the calyx
not adpressed, while that of faucialis is closely adpressed ; there-
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. iy
fore, if these characters are so important, another genus must
be formed for Gloxinia hirsuta and another for Gesnera zebrina
and Geroldtiana. The fruit of Gesnera tubiflora is horizontal,
and I have no hesitation in saying that it does not conform
with Gloxinia speciosa, but approaches rather to Gesnera zebrina,
having the tube however less inflated. Here then we have a
beautiful race of plants which are in cultivation, concerning
which the most skilful botanists are quite adrift, and which lies
open to experiments on the part of those who have opportunities
of testing their respective individuality.
The genus Lycopsis is distinguished specially by Endlicher, as
having the stamens included in the tube. I brought from
Cephalonia a pretty unknown Lycopsis (L. sanguinolenta, mhz ;
staminibus non inclusis, limbo albo maculis sanguineis, foliis
variegatis), scarcely distinguishable from Lycopsis variegata in
its singularly variegated foliage, but having the stamens not
included in the tube. I entertain no doubt of the possibility of
crossing it with Lycopsis variegata, or of their joint origin in
times long bygone. Let the cultivator therefore not be discou-
raged by every nominal generic separation, but let him take his
own view of apparent affinities, and bring the accuracy of those
separations to the test. It has not been unfrequent with eminent
botanists to speak of the convenience of uhiting or separating
some plants generically ; a remark which I can never observe
without dissatisfaction. If botanical distinctions are matters of
convenience, and not the limits assigned to His created works by
the Almighty, and investigated by the humble researches of
human science, the botanist is degraded to the mere character of
an index-maker. It is a matter of convenience and useful to
separate extensive genera, which have various subordinate forms,
into sections and sub-genera, to which names may be affixed ; but
we render the book of botany a deceptive tissue in inconsistency
if we lose sight of the fact that the genus or generic character is
(or, according to our amount of knowledge, is presumed to be)
the definition of the limitations of the created type, and confound
the sub-divisions made by us for convenience with the natural
divisions that originally proceeded from the Divine Artificer.
I will exemplify this rather from my own immature views than
from those of others, though the evil is of rapid growth amongst
those to whom botany is a study and profession, and not, as to
me, an occasional amusement, which has been often neglected
for months and even years together. Perceiving that the plants
called by me Choretis differed from Hymenocallis by the inser-
tion of the filament into a callus on the anther, I inquired of
those who were much better informed than myself whether such
a difference existed amongst the species of any well-ascertained
VOL. II. Cc
18 ON ITYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES,
and accepted genus, and no such genus could be brought to
mind. I therefore, though with great hesitation, separated gene-
rically Choretis, which differed also like Ismene in bearing a
globular seed that produced a bulb underground, not vegetating
upwards till after a season of rest. JI am now satisfied by the
cross-breeding in the genus Narcissus, of which the sections
(supposed to have been genera) are distinguished by greater
diversity of stamens, that Choretis is not a genus, but a sub-genus
or remarkable section of Hymenocallis. In the like manner I
am satisfied that my late brother’s gardener, Mr. Carton, now re-
siding with the Duke of Northumberland, raised at Highclere
two beautiful mules between Hymenocallis speciosa and Ismene
calathina, and I am thereby convinced that, notwithstanding their
diversity of form and habits, Ismene is also to be considered as a
sub-genus or section of Hymenocallis, Such is the rectification
of my own botanical views: but the matter does not rest there.
If I have here retrodden my steps justly, the professors of the
science on all sides must check their course a little, and retrace
an infinity of crooked windings, and look not merely to petty
differences, but to the general bearing of their sub-divisions.
This very day astatement has issued from the pen of a most able
botanist, that 2o doubt can exist of the propriety of accepting
the generic separation of Spartium spinosum of Linnezeus, alias
Cytisus spinosus of Lamarck, as called Calycotome spinosa by
Link, on account of “deciduous teeth and a truncated mem-
branous edge to a calyx subtended by a bract,” and its ranging
with ‘ stiff, spiny, yellow-flowered bushes ;” and the establish-
ment of a genus Retama for some sorts of Spartium, Syspone of
Genista, Lembotropis of Cytisus; and the restoration of Labur-
num as a genus is approved. I have not a word to say against
the establishment of such subordinate classifications, as a matter
of convenience; but if it is meant to exalt such distinctions into
genera or original limitations of kinds created by the Almighty,
I must protest against it as a total subversion of the true sub-
stance of botany; and I am persuaded that my distinguished
friend does not so mean it, and has not sufficiently considered the
consequences of thus blending great and insurmountable sepa-
rations with lesser and subordinate variations. We have actu-
ally a mule between Cytisus Laburnum and purpureus, of which —
I shall speak more particularly, and those he proposes at this
time of day to separate generically, for I presume that Cytisus
purpureus will not fall under Laburnum. I hope that these
observations may tend to draw the attention of botanists to
the invaluable aid the results of cross-breeding afford to their
labours, at the same time that they may excite the cultivator of
plants to take the high station he ought amongst the scientific
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 19
investigators of the glorious creation by which Almighty God
has surrounded him.
Hippeastrum and Narcissus are, I think, the genera in which
the most remarkable convertibility of species has appeared. In
the former genus no impediment has occurred in the inter-
mixture of any of the various natural forms. Seed, when ob-
tained, from Hippeastrum reginze-vittatum has reproduced the
eross-bred flower, though usually of rather inferior size. It is,
I think, desirable to enter into special details. I stated (Amaryl-
lidaceze, p. 871) that I had found flowers of every cross-bred kind
of Hippeastrum, after its stigma had been touched with the pollen
of another bred by a different cross, produce seed abundantly ;
while those on the same stem, which were touched with their
own pollen only, either failed to produce seed, or produced few,
and those in a capsule very deficient in size and vigour. ‘The
observation of several years enables me now to say that this
remarkable fact is almost invariable, and that, although the
hybrids in this genus are capable of bearing seed by their own
pollen, the admission of the pollen of another cross-bred plant
of the same genus (however complicated the cross) to any one
flower of the umbel, is almost sure to check the fructification of
the others, so that the excision of the anthers in such case is
quite superfluous, the difficulty being to get the individuals to
fertilize their own germens. This remarkable fact led me to
try a further experiment, and the result has brought to light a
startling fact, that in the same genus the pollen of a cross-bred
plant can even overpower the natural fertilization of a wild bulb
of an unmixed species, For this experiment I chose a bulb
lately dug up by Mr. Gardner on the Organ Mountains in
Brazil, and sent to me by the kindness of G. Wailes, Esq., of
Newcastle ; closely allied to H. aulicum, of which it may be
called var. Organense, or, if it be separated as a species, H. Or-
ganense, having the scape usually two-flowered, the red not
intense or shining as it isin Aulicum, and the screen in the
throat ragged and half-bearded. ‘The very bulb lately dug up
in Brazil was used. It produced two two-flowered scapes; the
first pair of flowers were touched with their own dust, and the
germens swelled; of the second scape, which was several days
later, one flower was touched with its own, and the other by the
dust of a fine triple cross from H. bulbulosum, var. pulverulen-
tum by reginz-vittatum, otherwise called Johnsoni. The ovaries
of the three flowers impregnated by the natural pollen for a few
days after the decay of the last flowers appeared to have the ad-
vantage, and the fourth continued smaller, and seemed likely to
fail, when it unexpectedly made a rapid advange, and imme-
diately the three others ceased to grow, and after a few days
C2
20 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
perished entirely ; while the progress of the pod impregnated by
the mule made vigorous and rapid progress to maturity, and
bore good seed, which vegetated freely. The impregnation by
the cross-bred pollen was therefore slower in taking effect, but
had the same decided superiority over the pollen of the natural
species as over that of any other cross-bred variety. The anthers
had been taken out of the flowers before their expansion. This
is a strange truth, and the more remarkable from the difficulty
of obtaining cross-bred seed at all in the genera which are most
nearly related to Hippeastrum, namely, Habranthus and Zephyr-
anthes. Where no access from the dust of another individual is
admitted, the hybrid Hippeastrum Johnsoni is capable, as I have
stated, of reproducing itself by seed. A bulb of Solandrifloro-
Johnsoni, of which all the flowers were set by their own pollen,
produced seed vigorously from all of them.
My experiments among the Narcissean bulbs have produced
still more singular results, which have been partly detailed in
the Botanical Register. It will be recollected that in examining
the various genera which had been carved out of Narcissus by
Mr. Salisbury and Mr. Haworth, I discarded some of the sepa-
rations as inconsistent, or founded upon trivial features ; and that ©
I retained, as distinct from each other, Corbularia, with declined
assurgent filaments; Hermione, with very small oval anthers,
almost sessile, and incumbent on decurrent filaments, with short
incurved points; and Ajax, with very long linear erect anthers
and stout filaments, in great part free. These plants, viz., the
hoop-petticoat, the daffodil, and the Polyanthus narcissus, are
separated by features which, as far as my research extends, I can
find united in no other genus of plants. With much greater
hesitation I assented to the division of Hermione and Ganymedes
from Narcissus, in which the differences, though of a like nature,
are far less marked. There was still another separation of
Queltia, of which there were two divisions, one with larger
anthers coming nearer to Ajax, and one with ‘smaller anthers in-
cluding the jonquil. In the progress of my investigation I
found that no person could furnish me with the seed of any
Queltia of the class with larger anthers; and, although wild
localities are attributed to several of them, it did not appear
that they had been observed to increase there or elsewhere by —
seed. On looking back two hundred years, to the time of
Clusius, it appeared that he could not point out the place of
their growth, but had received some expressly from a garden.
A strong doubt had suggested itself to my mind whether these
anomalous species were not garden hybrids produced above two
hundred years ago, and admitted as natural species by botanists
who did not suspect their origin. On the other hand, no plants
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 21
divided by such strong features of structural difference as Ajax
and Narcissus or Hermione, had yet been found capable of
breeding together. I had instituted a course of experiments to
bring this mystery to light before the publication of my treatises
on Amaryllidacee and hybrid vegetables, but the results were
not sufficiently verified to make me think it advisable then to
broach the subject. I will now state the facts and the course of
my experiments. The macrantherous or large-anthered Queltias
consist of five species, with their varieties:—1. Macleayi; 2.
Montana; 3. Incomparabilis; 4. Orientalis; 5. Odora. Mac-
leayi and Orientalis have not been ascertained to have been
found anywhere in a wild state, and it is not stated that any
person has known either of them to have produced seed.
Montana is likewise so circumstanced ; but we further know
that it was cultivated by Parkinson, and his expressions were
considered as implying that the bulbs had been sent to him from
the Pyrenees by a Frenchman. ‘The words do not very clearly
refer to this plant, but the name by which he describes it implies
that he thought it a native of the mountains. But if a French-
man had found it on the Pyrenees, how is it that it has no place
in the Flora Gallica, and that it has never been discovered wild
since the days of Parkinson? Incomparabilis has been found
wild in France, and, I believe, in Bavaria; and it has been a
question amongst collectors whether it was generated accidentally
between an Ajax and Narcissus poeticus. ‘There can be no doubt
that in.every respect, except the smell, it is, in all its varieties,
such a plant as might be expected to be produced by such an
union. It increases abundantly by offsets, and is common in our
gardens, but it has not been found to produce any seed by those
who attend to the cultivation of Narcissi. Parkinson states that
its seeds are pretty large for a Narcissus, but very rarely pro-
duced; but he gives no account of its having been propagated
by seed: and yet, if it had been a natural species, it might be
presumed that it had been freely cultivated by seed to have ob-
tained the three fine double varieties we possess, as well as single
ones. Under these circumstances, I tried whether I could ob-
tain seed from it by its own pollen, protecting it from the wea-
ther; secondly, whether it would make seed by any other pollen ;
thirdly, whether I could cross Ajax with Narcissus poeticus, and
make the very plant. The result is, that I could obtain no seed
from it by its own pollen; and that, although I had at the first
one seedling Ajax by the pollen of Q. incomparabilis, the usual
result has been a failure in all impregnations by it. Pollen of
several other Narcissean plants were applied to it in vain; but
by the application of the pollen of N. poeticus., var. stellaris,
one of its supposed parents, I obtained a healthy pod, containing
22 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
nine large seeds; and plants are raised from them. I obtained
seed from Ajax Pseudo-narcissus by the same pollen, which also
vegetated. J also got, with the greatest facility, seed from the
same Narcissus poeticus by Ajax luteus, var. propinquus, and var.
maximus, and by all the varieties of moschatus, the pods being
large, and the seed abundant; but I could not fertilize it by the
pollen of Q. incomparabilis or odora, though botanically nearer
to it in strueture. Two pots full of seedlings of N. poeticus by
A. albicans and cernuus were unfortunately killed by too early
exposure to frost in the winter of 1887, after having been forced.
I have since obtained similar crosses frequently, both from the
wild pseudo-narcissus of Yorkshire and from the neat little Ajax
minor. ‘The result produced Haworth’s Q. incomparabilis and
aurantia and another form from the same pod, as figured in
the Botanical Register ; and afterwards various hybrid varieties
with both pale and orange cup, like a single orange-pheenix of
the gardens, and the Queltia concolor named by Haworth from
~ a lost plant of Parkinson’s, and his Q. alba; and also, from
Ajax minor, varieties of smaller stature. From incomparabilis
itself, by the pollen of N. poeticus, was produced a very pleasing
new plant, figured as Narcissus Spofforthiz in the Botanical Re-
gister, which, with a larger and orange cup, had the generic
features of a true Narcissus, like poeticus; and it seemed very
evident that another cross by the pollen of poeticus, or at most
two, would actually produce a genuine N. poeticus from the de-
scendants of Ajax Pseudo-narcissus, and extirpate the female
type. I have not had leisure and opportunity to follow up that
experiment, the bulb having been planted out, and the Narcissi
do not make seed so freely in the border as when forced and
kept from strong sunshine.
The facts above recited are sufficient to establish the point,
that the several varieties, single and double, of Q. incomparabilis
were raised between N. poeticus and some yellow Ajax, above two
hundred years ago, and that more varieties may be obtained by
following the processes above stated. I apprehend that the yel-
low parent has been A. Pseudo-narcissus, var. nobilis, the Pseudo
of Redoute, in which I have perceived a similar unpleasant
smell. By the pollen of a cut flower of that N. Spofforthiz I
obtained twelve very strong seeds from N. montanus, taken up
just before it flowered, and potted at the Fulham nursery, placed
in my room in Portman Square in 1842, and deprived of its
anthers; the only pod of seed N. montanus is recorded or
known, as far as J can hear, to have ever produced. Those seeds
were unfortunately mislaid in removing from London, and were
never recovered. The pollen of N. montanus, whether it be a
natural plant or not, is very fertile. Ihave flowered seedlings
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 23
from Ajax minor by it, and very neat and pretty things they are.
I have also flowered seedlings from N. poeticus by it, and they
are remarkable, having the widely expanded limb of poeticus,
with the drooping posture and long cup of montanus, in one of
them a little edged with red. This is a strange circumstance.
A plant, widely distinct from any other species, cultivated above
two hundred years, not since found, as far as I can learn,
where it was supposed to grow, or elsewhere, except in gardens,
producing no seed by its own pollen usually, if ever, yet very
ready to fertilize its neighbours, and to be fertilized by a cross-
bred plant! If it be cross-bred, I should say that Hermione
dubia and N. (Ajax) candidissimus of Redouté are its most pro-
bable parents. From Ajax Pseudo-narcissus and minor I have
many crosses by Hermione, especially the variety called States-
general by the Dutch; they make the genus Diomedes of
Haworth. Pseudo by States-general produces a very handsome,
vigorous, two-flowered, yellow Diomedes, with some little variety
of shape and tint. I have given a figure of one from A. minor
in the Register, and it will serve to show how Diomedes Mac-
leayi and Sabini, of Haworth, originated. Sabini produces no
seed by itself, but I have had seedlings from it by N. poeticus,
which have been rather neglected.
We must next consider Q. odora, of which there are ten or
eleven varieties, but no person has been able to produce to me
a seed from any one of them; and, though several spots in the
South of Europe are pointed out as their native places, I cannot
learn that any botanist has found their fruit. M. Loiseleur des
Longchamps, the author of the ‘ Flora Gallica,’ to whom I am
obliged for the urbanity with which he has replied to my in-
quiries concerning the French Narcissi, assures me that it is
certainly indigenous in France; but he admits the fact that he
has never heard of its seed being found; and, although its seed is
mentioned in the Neapolitan Catalogue, Professor Tenore could
give me no tidings of it.
Clusius above two hundred years ago received the variety
calathinus from a Dutch garden, and was ignorant of its native
country. Bulbs of the variety isometra, which I described for
the first time (p. 416) from a specimen gathered under the chesnut
trees in Madeira, have been since imported from thence, but I
cannot learn that any seed of it is discoverable, and I believe it
is confined to a particular spot. It is observable, that the ches-
nut woods in Madeira are not indiyenous ; and in them, and them
only, Amaryllis Belladonna is now found abundantly, though
certainly not an original native of the island, and not observed
there by Masson. It is further to be considered, that as we pos-
sess many varieties of Q. odora, they could not have been obtained
24 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
without cultivation by seed, unless we suppose that they are all
to be found in different localities equally sterile, which is almost
an absurdity. How then could they have been made? From
my experience in breeding mules, I said from the first that if
Ajax luteus could cross with the jonquil, it would produce ex-
actly such plants, and that all the varieties might be obtained by
fertilizing the latter by different varieties of Ajax.
These sentences are printed from a page written eight or nine
years ago, and the opinion therein expressed has been since verified.
Such plants have been raised both by myself and by Mr. Trevor
Alcock near Carmarthen, and, having flowered, have shown that
the Linnzan N. odorus, the genus Philogyne in all its variations,
is cross-bred between Ajax and jonquil. Concerning the sterile
Q. orientialis (Schizanthus of Haworth), I am quite satisfied that
it is a cross between Narcissus, either poeticus or albus, and
Hermione Italica, probably var. preecox. I have been able to
obtain no cross from any Narcissean plant by the pollen of
odorus, orientalis, tenuior, Bazelman major or minor. ‘The
pollen of the double Roman and Soleil d’or Narcissi of the shops
is sterile from long cultivation by offsets. |
I think there is a strong presumption that the whole section of
large-anthered Queltias (Amaryllidacee, p. 413) are cross-bred
plants of long standing in our gardens; and the probability is
that they were raised above two hundred years ago in a Dutch
garden, either by accident, from the contiguity of the species in
cultivation, or more probably by the skill of some gardener who
may have possessed the secret of hybridizing them, and suffered
it to die with him. It must be remembered, that wherever a
cottage garden existed two or three centuries ago, the bulbs that
were grown in it, if the climate is congenial to them, may con-
tinue to be reproduced ; that cultivators may even have amused
themselves with planting a bulb in any coppice or pasture; and
that bulbs may be carried into the fields with manure, or dropped
by accident; and that the existence of some of these Narcissi in
particular spots in France where they do not make seed cannot
be taken as proof of their being natural species and indigenous.
There is another portion of the Narcissi which labours under
a like suspicion—I mean the family of Hermione bifrons. I am
of opinion that bifrons and compressa were both raised between
a yellow Hermione and a jonquil, and I entertain no doubt that
they can be so reproduced with variation. Not having had any
stock of single jonquils, and having been disappointed in the
Dutch bulbs which were purchased for the experiment, but which
proved to be calathina, I was not able to bring this to the test ;
but the crosses which I have obtained between Ajax and Her-
mione make it certain that jonquil, which is nearer allied to
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES, 25
Hermione, will mix with it. I have seedlings from A. pseudo
by a yellow H. brevistyla, from A. minor by papyracea, equi-
limba, and italica or States-general. All the breeders were forced
near a month before the time of flowering, and were carefully
deprived of their anthers some days before expansion by making
an incision in the tube and drawing them out at bottom, so that
they did not approach the stigma; and the non-access of the
natural pollen was proved by the invariable failure of all the
flowers touched with the pollen of certain plants, and the success
of almost all touched with that of certain others. For instance,
the failure was complete with pollen from Double Roman Her-
mione which seemed very dry; of Soleil d’or (doubtless because
the bulbs have been raised by offsets for three or four centuries) ;
of the large-anthered Queltias, except montana; of Bazelman
major and minor, which I am satisfied are crosses between Her-
mione brevistyla and Narcissus poeticus; of N. gracilis and
tenuior; of Corbularia and Ganymedes; while it is remarkable
that almost every Ajax flower touched with pollen of Hermione
States-general has seeded. The application of pollen of Ajax
luteus or moschatus to Narcissus poeticus is almost sure of suc-
cess. ‘The constitution of the seedlings was very different. The
seed of A. pseudo-narcissus crossed with A. luteus came up readily,
and grew so fast and weak in the green-house in winter that it
was necessary to put the pot out; that of the same Ajax which
was impregnated by Hermione brevistyla came up very slowly,
much of the seed rotting, and the seedlings did not find the house
too warm, and were twice as many months as the others were
weeks in reaching the same stature, and proved so delicate that,
having been planted out in May, all but one of the first batch,
which was much injured, rotted by the cold and wet in the
autumn. One drawback is, that the seed of Narcissi is very apt
to lie two years in the ground, unless sown immediately ; and to
rot if it gets too much wet before it is ready to vegetate; and
that the snails are apt to destroy the seedlings if raised in the
open border ; and that the mule seed, however good and fine, is
more apt to suffer than the natural seed.
N. gracilis and tenuior lie under the same suspicion as the
Queltias. Their native country cannot be shown ; their seed has
not been seen ; that which I described (p. 316), as less round than
the seed of N. poeticus, was from the Chelsea Garden; but it
proved to be seed of the larger and lesser jonquil, misnamed by
a mistake. There is an outline in Parkinson of a plant said to
be from the Pyrenees, which looks like tenuior; but I very
little heed this; for if the mules were raised by the secret skill
of some gardener, he would have been likely to state a false
origin. I apprehend that they can be produced between jonquil
26 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
and Narcissus poeticus or albus, gracilis from the larger Narcissus,
tenuior from the diminutive pale poeticus which I have had from
Florence ; and I have more than once had seed from N. poeticus
by the jonquil, which would indubitably have produced N. gra-
cilis, but the seedlings have been neglected and the labels mis-
laid. Neither gracilis nor tenuior have been known to bear seed,
nor has any native locality been assigned to them. I believe
them to have sprung from the larger and smaller varieties of
poeticus. That Bazelman major and minor of the shops, and
Sweet’s Hermione Cypri are the produce of poeticus and a white-
limbed Hermione, and N. bifrons and compressus of Tazetta and
jonquil, I consider to be as certain, as if I had obtained them
from seed, and I have not troubled myself to make the like.
There is ample room for further experiments in this race of
plants, from which much vernal beauty for our gardens and
rooms may be obtained, and even the curious little autumnal
Narcissus and the autumnal green jonquil may be brought into
action. But the great value of these experiments lies in the
strong light they throw on the wide variation which the Almighty
has permitted from his created type with licence to revert towards
the abandoned form, and by intermixture to produce new forms,
while in other races, which exhibit less diversity of form amongst
the species, the variation seems fixed. ‘There cannot be more
perfect similarity of structure and habit, excepting a difference in
the size of the seeds, in any two plants of different species than
in Schizanthus pinnatus and retusus, and yet I have tried so
many chances on both plants without success that I believe they
will not intermix at all. The same observations apply precisely
to Anomatheca juncea.
While the foregoing sentences were in the press, a curious
anomaly in the strange race of plants of which I have been treat-
ing (the Narcissi) has come to light, though we had some
obscure notices before of such a tendency in the genus; I mean
the obliteration of its cup; which was ingeniously compared by
a friend of mine to the removal of the part of the hero from the
tragedy of Hamlet. N. deficiens, mzhi, from Sta. Maura, has
no cup that I can distinguish without a magnifier, and the little
ridge that exists is imperfect, and in some of the plants takes the
form of six minute separate teeth. The cup had been dwindling
away to little in the other known autumnal species, and we
have an obscure notice of an eight-flowered Narcissus obliteratus,
said to be found near Mogadore. ‘This suggests to me so strong
an illustration of the probable origin of races and their departure
from one point, that I must be permitted to pursue the subject a
little further. N. deficiens has one or two short, slender, cylin-
drical leaves, just like the flower-stalk, and one small white star-
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 27
shaped flower with a tube, and an abortive attempt to produce
the rudiment of acup. The order contains Narcissi with the
filaments included within a cup; the Pancratiform plants, in
which they are connected by the cup; the Amarylliform, in
which there is no cup, but often an irregular manifestation of the
membrane that forms it in the shape of ring, screen, or beard,
or even supernumerary anthers; and the Caulescent plants, such
as Alstremeria. I wish to illustrate the possibility, and even
probability, of their being all branched from one created type,
however dissimilar at the remotest extremities of the order.
First, then, I consider N. deficiens to be the nearest existing
plant to the first Narcissus; and turning to the Pancratiform
plants, I find Cavanilles’s Pancratium humile ( Zapeinanthus,
Herbert corrected to Tapeinegle, the former name having been
preoccupied, but perhaps referable to genus Lapiedra), in size,
bulb, foliage, stalk, and flower nearly similar to N. deficiens,
excepting the yellow colour of its limb, and its sometimes bear-
ing two flowers on the stalk, like N. obsoletus. Its cup is so de-
ficient, that in the one dry specimen I have seen I could not per-
ceive it without a lens, and it was merely a minute exhibition of
a thread of connecting membrane. The most conspicuous dif-
ference is the prolongation of the filaments, and the want ofa
tube. Cavanilles’s plate is very inaccurate. ‘The specimen had
a one-flowered scape five inches long, peduncle above one-fourth,
spathe eleven-sixteenths of an inch, germen short, subordinate,
perianth seven-sixteenths long, segments about one-tenth wide,
cup scarcely anything but a manifestation of the membrane
visible with a magnifier. Here then we have what we may
suppose to be nearly the form of the first attempt to produce the
Pancratiform plant. The abbreviation of the tube from many
inches to a fraction occurs in the genus Hippeastrum. But I have
another autumnal flower at this moment just appearing, Carpolyza
spiralis, of the Amaryllidiform section ; and in what does it differ
from N. deficiens? Bulb, leaf (except its not being erect),
scape, spathe, season, size, and shape of the flower similar, and
the colour nearly so; bearing sometimes three flowers; but it
has the fleshy seeds of its division, and it has no manifestation of
the membrane. Here then we have what we may take as nearly
the first type of Amaryllis, Crinum, and the whole division to
which they belong. Approach these three, and compare them ;
and, however widely they have departed from each other at the
extremities of each division, who will venture to say that they
could not have proceeded from one type ?—or that Carpolyza
without the membrane may not be the very root and foundation
of the order? Is the breadth of a hair in the position of a
thread of membrane, either between or behind the filaments, or
28 VENTILATION AND COVERING OF HOT-HOUSES.
its total absence, requiring keen sight or a lens to discover it, a
variation impossible in the course of generations since the crea-
tion of vegetables before the sun shone upon the earth? Is ita
feature of difference as conspicuous as those which daily occur
amongst seminal varieties? And does it not derive its import-
ance (for I do not underrate its importance) merely from its
having become in all its further development a fixed character
and the badge of a peculiar family? It must be remembered,
that even amongst the Pancratiform plants, Urceolina has even
less rudiment of a cup than N. deficiens, and that iu Pentlandia,
which in every other respect is a perfect Stenomesson, with
which it is perhaps capable of breeding, there is no vestige of
the membrane which forms a cup. Then turn to Alstroemeria,
and look at Alstreemeria pygmza, Herb. Am., pl. 8, and see
something like the first attempt to produce that race, a solitary
pale-yellow flower on a short stalk, with a few narrow leaves at
its base, and see how near it comes to the Tapeinegle humilis ;
having, however, a palmated tuber, and therewith the disposition
to a leaf-bearing stalk—a variation occurring in some genera
amongst plants of which the flowers are conformable, as in the
group of Sisyrhynchium. The round turnip has this very year
degenerated into a bunch of keys in my fields, in consequence of
the state of the atmosphere, as I know to my cost; and since the
change of weather some turnips are beginning to form a round
root on the top of the bunch. Here I see, to my cost, how the
condition of earth, air, and water can affect the conformation of
a root; and I learn what the changes that have taken place
since the great era of the creation of vegetables may have done
in that respect. I should take Zephyranthes minima, and
Gracilis, Carpolyza, Hessea, and Acis, to be nearest to the
created type of Amaryllidacee.
Il.— On the Ventilation and Covering of Hot-houses. By Mr.
Thomas Moore.
(Communicated Sept. 19, 1846.)
Ir is a well-known fact, that in producing an artificial climate
for the growth of tropical plants, or for the purpose of forcing
those which are natives of more temperate regions, the less
amount of artificial heat which is applied in keeping up a proper
degree of temperature (so that this is done), the better wili that
climate be suited to its intended purpose, all other things being
equal ; and it is especially at night when the plants are surrounded
by darkness, and when excitement would be more than ever hurt-
ful, that this becomes of increased importance. At night, too,
VENTILATION AND COVERING OF HOT-HOUSES. 29
it has been found that a depressed rather than an elevated tem-
perature is desirable for the healthy development of all plants
requiring artificial heat, inasmuch as they will not thrive with-
out their natural season of repose.
From the changeable nature of our climate, there is some dif-
ficulty in apportioning the degree of applied heat so as to suit
exactly the requirements of the plants; and it is especially diffi-
cult to maintain with certainty the low degree of night tempera-
ture which would be desirable, and at the same time avoid risking
the safety of the plants through a sudden and unexpected declen-
sion of the temperature of the exterior air. ‘These difficulties
under present circumstances have to be surmounted by a degree
of watchfulness and care which presses heavily upon the daily
rest of those whose duty is thus involved, and incapacitates them
to a certain extent for those studies which are indispenably con-
nected with honourable proficiency in their vocation ; nor is this
watchfulness, though rigorously maintained, at all times attended
with success.
It appears to me that the end in view would be much more
effectually and certainly secured by a complete system of covering
hot-houses and forcing-houses ; and this, too, would very greatly
relieve the attendants. I am aware that night-covering is a
generally acknowledged benefit, and that it is in some cases acted
on; but it should be more universally and more systematically
followed up. Toassist in bringing the principle of night-covering
into more universal application is the purpose of the following
suggestion.
I need not stop to show how night-coverings prove beneficial.
It is sufficient to state that whatever prevents the radiation of
heat from the interior to the exterior atmosphere through the
conducting agency of the glass, decreases in the same ratio the
amount required of applied heat, and hence saves the plants from
being submitted to unnecessary excitement. The principle upon
which a covering acts most efficiently is that of enclosing a com-
plete body or stratum of air exterior to the glass, this body of
air being entirely shut away from the surrounding outer atmos-
phere; and as air is a bad conductor of heat, the warmth of the
interior is by this means prevented from passing to the exterior
atmosphere ; or, in other words, the exterior atmosphere being
prevented from coming in contact with the glass cannot absorb
from the interior any sensible proportion of its heat. ‘To secure
this advantage, however, the coverings must be kept from con-
tact with the glass, and they should extend on every side where
the structure is formed of materials which readily conduct heat,
such as glass oriron. The coverings, in fact, should form neither
more nor less than a close outer case.
30 VENTILATION AND COVERING OF HOT-HOUSES.
One point connected with the application of these coverings
which I consider would constitute an improvement, and which,
as far as I am aware, has never been acted on, is that of having
them to fit so accurately as to exclude the external air (a matter
of no difficulty in the degree required), and then to have a series
of ventilators provided, to stand open during the night, whereby
an interchange of the atmospheric volume would take place
throughout the night, without exposing the plants to contact
with cold air. ‘The stagnation of the internal atmosphere would
thus be prevented, in consequence of the interior air, and the air
between the glass and the covering being of different degrees of
density owing to théir being differently charged with heat. By
this plan, therefore, I conceive that direct benefit would accrue
to the plants; and it would also materially assist in preserving
that cooler—but not cold—night temperature, which the fear of
injury from frost prevents from being now fully realized in ordi-
nary cases.
5 i) 5 10
#?
The annexed diagram represents one of the many ways in
which this idea might be carried into practice. It will be under-
stood that, as here shown, the side shutters and end shutters (the
latter not indicated) fit into grooves, the upper groove being
attached to iron pins, and thus fixed at a proper distance from
the building without obstructing the passage of air along the
enclosed space, and that on the lower side being so fixed as to
exclude the external air in that direction. ‘The top or roof
shutters also run into a groove along the ridge of the roof, and
at the lower end fix close down to the top of the side shutters,
fastening with a button. Each of the shutters should have a
projecting fillet fixed on one side, so as to shut close over the
adjoining one. The shutters, themselves, should of course be
made of light frame-work, strengthened where necessary with
MR. TOWERS ON THE POTATO DISEASE. |
small iron rods. The material used for covering them may be
the asphalte felt now manufactured extensively for roofing pur-
poses, or strong brown paper coated with tar; the latter is used
extensively in Germany for this purpose, and is found to be very
durable and cheap; it is there even preferred to every other
material.
Though the covering of hot-houses has been already practised
in some cases, I am not aware of any one having adopted a close
covering with the view to facilitate ventilation or aération during
the night. It appears to me that the circulation of air, secured
by the means here proposed, would have much influence in ex-
eluding cold, whilst at the same time it would prevent the interior
from becoming too warm and close.
5, Gloucester-place, Regent’s-park.
Iil.—Facts connected with the Potato Disease. By Mr. John
Towers, C.M.HLS.
(Communicated October 23, 1846.)
Ir might appear superfluous to dwell longer on an infliction
which has formed the subject-matter, as it were, of all the peri-
odicals on rural affairs for above twelve months. Nevertheless,
as a member of the London Horticultural Society, I should not
be satisfied were I to withhold the communication of experi-
ments and results performed and obtained by myself, without
any interference which could affect the condition of either.
In common with others, my then extensive and most beautiful
winter crop became affected in August, 1845. The earlier
varieties of ash-leaved, middle, prolific-kidney, and round pota-
toes (all white), suffered little. I caused the haulm of all the
winter reds to be cut over and burnt, but that of the Champions
and “ July” variety (so called) was left untouched. During the
dry weather of October’all were dug. The crop would have
been great, but a sixth part, or thereabout, was either so decayed
or affected as to be deemed worthless. ‘The remainder was stored
in a dry airy barn, but so covered by new straw and a rick-cloth
as to be quite secure from frost.
The only circumstance of moment which I noted as then pecu-
liar to the disease of 1845 was the fermentation of the entire
cellular substance of a few of the largest tubers, even as they
were digged. It bore every appearance of strong working yeast—
frothy, and in texture nearly adhesive and ropy as birdlime—the
fermenting pulp emitting highly fcetid ammoniacal gas, dis-
coverable by the approach of a glass stopper moistened by muri-
32 MR. TOWERS ON THE POTATO DISEASE.
atic acid. JI have witnessed nothing similar in the totally
decayed tubers of 1846, they being altogether rotted as if by
immersion in water. The labourers here remark the same cir-
cumstance, saying, that ‘“‘now they have the wet rot, whereas
last year it was the dry.”
In 1845, after permitting the store to remain quiet for a
month, I had it looked over, and removed another quantity of
decaying tubers. It was then I perceived, as others had re-
marked, that strong sprouts appeared at the rose or crown ends,
even when the fibrous end of junction with the plant was greatly
affected. I selected a bed of good loam for seven eight-yard rows.
Furrows were made, and the sprouted decaying potatoes were
planted in them one foot asunder, all of them dusted over along
the course of the drills with dry air-slaked lime. The course
of each row was sprinkled with coal-ashes over the covering
earth. Had frost occurred, the rows would have been further
protected, but it did not, and broad beans were dibbled in among
them, about ten inches apart. Notwithstanding the precocious
excitability of the eyes, a phenomenon which has not as yet
been observed (October 19, 1846), the shoots were so tardy in
the spring, that, fearing a total decay, I set early sound kid-
neys in the intermediate spaces, and these rose before the No-
vember sets. At length the shoots of the latter appeared, with
here and there a blank, and both varieties progressed together,
as also some of the beans; but as a burning heat with aridity
was established by the 22nd of May, the bed became droughted,
and when new potatoes were wanted, the ground and the lime
with which the potatoes were covered were found dust dry. A
second progeny, some not larger than peas, had been produced
from pre-ripe young tubers, themselves not so large as walnuts.
Both plantings remained healthy till the first week in August:
then the dark-brown spot, with mildew round it, on the under
side, appeared in the leaflets. When the stems became feeble, I
pulled the whole up entire.
Results.—The kidneys failed as to yield, but very few were
diseased. Some rows remain in the ground, which now is so
poached with perpetually recurring rains that it is difficult to
move it: the crop from the defective tubers was fine flavoured.
2. A row of very early kidneys had been left in 1845. The
tubers were therefore deep, but they produced extremely vigo-
rous shoots, which remained healthy till August 3. On their
foliage I first observed the spot and the accompanying mildew.
Under a powerful lens this fungus was most beautiful. Upon its
fibres, spores were seen of an oval form; the fibres rotated if
touched by the breath, and some spores were then seen to ex-
plode. Though the foliage and stems failed rapidly, 1 found
MR. TOWERS ON THE POTATO DISEASE, 33
little decay of the tubers in September, and their quality was
very good. ‘This experiment proves that ‘ self-sowing,” as it is
termed, is no security from disease of the leaf at least. In an-
other instance, one large solitary plant had died away completely,
and became a pale buff. I digged the potatoes, and found a
great return. One only was tinged with the reddish corrosion
so much resembling that which is seen in the bruised pulp of an
apple.
So fine were these potatoes, that about the lst of October I
had a row of more than 10 yards planted with the entire smaller,
or the halves of the larger tubers.
3. During the course of April all my potatoes were planted ;
and, whether entire or cut, the tubers were coated with dry lime
before they were’ placed in the ground, and more lime was
sprinkled over them before they were covered with earth. In
the month of August, whatever the situation or the variety, the
leaves of all became affected. In one instance the haulm was
cut off within 9 inches of the surface, in others it was left un-
touched, but I could perceive no difference in the results. Some
tubers (yet comparatively few) became spotted, others a mass of
brown watery pulp, but of most the quality was, and remains,
good.
The inferences I draw are these :—No security has been ob-
tained by any precautions adopted by me or by others with whom
I have conversed.
4. ‘The old store was finally inspected in April, when some
gallons of diseased tubers were remored, and, with a quantity of
sproutings and some damp straw, were thrown in a heap near a
ditch. ‘There, after a few weeks, numbers vegetated, formed a
mass of luxuriant verdure, and those plants remained long free
from taint. At length they fell over, and died away, when it
was found, by inspection of the mass, that only a very few tubers,
none so large as a walnut, had been produced—proving that de-
cayed vegetable matter, without any of the proper earths, was
entirely insufficient to support potatoes. Peat or heath soil from
Bagshot I have: proved to be a most fertilizing medium; but
though from one four-ounce tuber I had twenty-eight returned
(some much larger), yet the quality as to flavour was not satis-
factory : hence it should appear that loam is required to support
the tuber. :
5. The period of planting appears to possess some influence :
thus, within half a mile of my residence, there is a field of several
acres which I remarked in passing to be perfectly green and
healthy on the 17th of September. I saw it again a month after,
and perceived no change. The foliage appears to have escaped
infection, perhaps from the late planting, which was not made
VOL, II. D
34 NOTE UPON DAPHNE FORTUNI.
till after midsummer. I shall try to inspect the crop of potatoes,
if indeed there be any.
If very late sowing be a preventive, it remains to be seen how
autumnal planting may succeed. I have put inal] my late sorts
in deep drills made in new loamy soil without manure, excepting
a sprinkling of dry sawdust mixed with one-third of coal and
wood ashes, with a small quantity of coal-soot. Rain has fallen
in great profusion, and the ground isa swamp. I made no se-
lection, and must wait the result.
1V.—Note upon Daphne Fortuni, a new species introduced
from China. By Mr. Fortune, Curator of the Botanic
Garden of the Society of Apothecaries at Chelsea. (With a
coloured plate).
A BOTANICAL description of this charming shrub has been
already published by Dr. Lindley in the first volume of this
Journal.* It was discovered in a nursery-garden near Shaughae,
in the winter of 1843. As it is deciduous in its habits it was
then leafless, but when taken down to the south of China with
the rest of my plants for the purpose of being sent to England,
the warmth forced it into bloom, and I had the pleasure of see-
ing its flowers before it was sent off.
When I returned to the northern provinces in the spring of
the following year, I found it wild on many of the hills in the
province of Chekiang. It here forms a dwarf shrub, two or
three feet high, and, like other deciduous plants, its leaves fall
off in autumn. Like the English Mezereum, it is the harbinger
of spring. In March and April the flower-buds expand, and
then the whole of the hill-sides are tinged with its beautiful lilac-
coloured blossoms, and have a very gay appearance. Before
they fade, the Azaleas, as if in floral rivalry, burst into bloom,
and give those northern Chinese hills a description of beauty
peculiar to themselves.
The plant from which the drawing has been made reached
the garden of the Society in good condition on the 26th of July,
1844, and flowered in England for the first time in January,
1846. It is to be hoped that it will soon be propagated in suffi-
cient quantity to be given away to the Fellows of the Society ;
at present it is extremely rare.
Its Chinese name is Vi-lan-ce. Like the Mezereum of this
country, its bark is extremely acrid and poisonous, and is used
by the natives to produce blisters on the skin, particularly in
cases of rheumatism.
* Vol. i. p. 147.
Hort: Journ: Vol: 2. tl.
Dafa LD OHTHRMM.
22D 7m
te del. :
Gr Da7rvlay sv
EXPERIMENTS IN SOCIETY’S GARDEN. 35
In the garden of the Horticultural Society it is found to be
very easily cultivated. It grows without much care in a loamy
well-drained soil, and strikes freely from cuttings. It may pro-
bably succeed well if grafted on the deciduous hardy kinds of
Daphne. ‘The main points in its cultivation, however, area well
drained soil, full exposure to the sun when forming and ripening
its wood during the summer months, and rest during winter
when the leaves fall off. Attention to these matters will always
secure a fine show of bloom in the early part of spring. If it is
allowed to ripen its wood and lose its leaves in autumn, I have
no doubt that it may be brought into flower at any time during
winter by the application of heat, and is consequently well
adapted for forcing.
It is impossible for me to say whether this plant will be hardy
enough to endure our English winters, although there is some
probability that it may. Its companions in the north of China
are such things as Macartney roses, Glycine sinensis, Chinese
pine, &c. The thermometer (Fahr.) on the Chekiang Hills
often sinks to within a few degrees of zero, and I never met with
the species in the southern parts of the Chinese empire. It is,
however, planted out in the Society’s Garden, and its hardiness
will be proved during the present winter. Whether quite
hardy or not, it will always be a favourite amongst spring
flowers in the greenhouse, where it richly merits a place in every
collection.
V.—Report on Experiments made in the Garden of the
Society, in 1846, with Seeds prepared by Mr. Francis Henry
Bickes, of Mayence, on the Rhine.
Ir having been announced that superior crops had been pro-
duced on very poor land, without the aid of manure, from seeds
prepared by Mr. Bickes, considerable interest was in conse-
quence excited. It was stated that favourable results were ob-
tained from the discovery in Prussia, Austria, Germany, Hol-
land, Belgium, France, and latterly in England.
Mr. Bickes having offered to prepare seeds for trial in the
Society’s Garden, various kinds were supplied to him for the
purpose. ‘The seeds for the experiments, when taken out of the
respective packets, were separated into two as nearly equal por-
tions as possible ; one portion was forwarded to Mr. Bickes for
preparation, the other was retained for sowing unprepared, for
comparison.
A piece of ground, 133 feet in length and 31 feet in breadth,
was uniformly prepared. In this the seeds were sown in rows
D2
36 EXPERIMENTS IN SOCIETY’S GARDEN.
across ; the prepared portion occupying one end of the piece of
ground, and the unprepared the other, leaving a vacant space
10 feet wide in the middle.
The Prepared and Unprepared seeds were sown in a similar
manner, and on the same day, March 18th. Comparative ob-
servations, with regard to the appearance of the respective crops
were made from time to time, and noted as follows :—
1. Nemophila insignis.—April 4, Prepared and Unprepared
above ground. April 9, plants in both cases perished from
cold and excessive wet.
2. Gilia tricolor—April 4, Prepared and Unprepared above
ground. April 9, Prepared appears better than Unpre-
pared. May 11, both similar. June 17, Prepared scarcely
so good as the Unprepared.
3. Collinsia bicolor. — April 4, Prepared and Unprepared
equally above ground. April 9, Prepared appears the
best. May 20, Prepared scarcely so good; and the same
remark is applicable June 17.
4. Chryseis crocea.—April 9, a few plants above ground; in
both cases similar. May 29, Unprepared the best.
5. Papaver amenum.— April 9, plants in both cases up abun-
dantly. May 11, similar. May 29, Unprepared appears
the best. June 17, leaves from Prepared seeds rather
broader ; probably owing to the plants being less crowded
than in the Unprepared.
6. Godetia rubicunda.— April 4, above ground, and in both
cases similar; the latter remark applicable April 9, May
11, and May 29.
7. Lupinus pubescens.—April 9, Prepared, 42 up; Unprepared
44, April 13, Prepared, 54 up; Unprepared, 87. May 11,
similar, plant for plant. May 29, Unprepared seems to
have rather the advantage.
8. Erysimum Peroffskianum.—April 9, both up abundantly.
May 11, 29, June 17, Prepared seems rather the best.
9. Lupinus polyphyllus.—April 9, Prepared, none up; Unpre-
pared, 2. April 13, Prepared, 21 up; Unprepared, only
14 up. May 11, similar. May 29, several blanks in the
Prepared; plant for plant similar to the Unprepared.
10. Acer Pseudo-platanus.—Seeds in both instances failed to
vegetate.
11. Madeira onion.--May 11 and 29, similar.
12. Large Spanish onion.—April 9, Prepared scarcely so far
above ground as the Unprepared. May 11 and 29, appear-
ance similar.
13. Radis rose demi-long.—April 4, 9, similar. May 11,
14.
15.
16.
Ls
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
EXPERIMENTS IN SOCIETY’S GARDEN. 37
Prepared, not so numerous, decidedly better, plant for
plant, than the Unprepared.
Malta lettuce.—April 4, 9, similar. May 11, Prepared
appears rather the best. May 29, similar.
White Paris cos lettuce—April 4, above ground equally
in both cases; Prepared seems rather the best; and the
same remark is applicable May 11, but the contrary
May 29.
Yellow Malta turnip.—April 4, plants in both cases above
ground. April 9 and May 11, Prepared seems rather the
best.
Green-topped white carrot.— May 11, similar.
Red Castelnaudary beet.—May 29, similar.
Yellow-leaf beet—April 9, a few of the Prepared up;
more of the Unprepared. May 19, similar.
Lettuce-leaved spinach.—April 4, a greater number of
plants up in the Prepared than in the Unprepared ; and the
seed-leaves larger. May 11 and 29, Prepared seems rather
the best.
Pomeranian cabbage.—Similar.
Large green Savoy.—April 4, 9, similar. May 11, Pre-
pared rather better than the Unprepared.
Fine dark-red cabbage.—April 4, up alike. April 9, Pre-
pared appears the best. May 11, one end of the Unpre-
pared row scarcely so good as the Prepared; the other
fully equal.
Champion potato—six whole tubers planted.—May 11, Pre-
pared and Unprepared above ground five or six inches.
May 26, earthed up; the plants in both cases similar.
. Haricot noir hatif de Hollande—May 11, of the Prepared
17 up; Unprepared, only 1. Subsequently, the whole pe-
rished.
. Pots nain hatif.—April 9, all appearing. May 29, a few
flowers expanded, alike on Prepared and Unprepared.
. Auvergne pea.—April 4 and 9, similar. May 11, Prepared
a little taller than the Unprepared.
. Windsor bean.—April 9, Prepared, 33 just appearing ;
Unprepared, only 20. April 138, Prepared, 77 up ; Unpre-
pared, 68. May 11 and 29, similar.
. Barley—April 4, 9, and May 11, Prepared and Unpre-
pared similar. May 29, Unprepared rather darker green
and a little stronger than the Prepared. June 10, Awns ap-
pearing. June 17, Prepared about 14 inch taller than the
Unprepared.
. Wheat.—April 4,9, May 11, and June 17, similar.
Ce)
38 EXPERIMENTS 1N SOCIETY’S GARDEN.
It may be necessary to remark, that in Nos. 14, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 21, 22, and 23, the plants were thinned to regular dis-
tances, leaving an equal number of plants in the Prepared, and
Unprepared rows. The barley, No. 29, and the wheat, No. 30,
were sown in drills, six inches apart; the seeds being placed, by
a marked rod, two inches apart in the drills.
The amount of produce resulting from the respective Prepared
and Unprepared seeds is exhibited in the following Table.
| Produce from
Seeds Seeds not
prepared. | prepared.
lbs. oz. | Ibs. oz
1) Nemophila insignis . . : . ° F . . + +e
2 | Gilia tricolor : : - Whole produce, July3 . . 8*13 10 5
3) Collinsia bicolor .« : = vA July3 . j So atk an a
4| Chryseis crocea . ; 4 * Aug. ll. - | 27 44] 23 13
5| Papaveramenum . 3 - 45 July 21. oP IS OAS Ss
6| Godetia rnbicunda . : : 3 Aug.1l. of db GHIS 5S
_ 7| Lupinus pubescens : ° 3 Aug. 1l. ee Ny ea
8| Erysimum Peroffskianum . . P Aug. 11. oO s OS
9) Lupinus polyphyllus - “ af Sept.1l. « eB had ad «A
10 | Acer Psendo-platanus ° ° ° . . . : oe .
11 | Madeira Onion ‘ A é 43 Aug.1l. 0 (24nd [26-2
12) Spanish Onion s 5 ‘ = Aug. 11. » a. List of
13] Radis Rose demi-long . ; ts July3 . ae Toe
14| Malta Lettuce : . ° Zs July3 . » |®@ 5] 41 12
15 | Paris Cos Lettuce . . is * July3 . ~ | oo sjieos.8
16 | Yellow Malta Turnip : ‘ “3 July3 . os PTD Ts 257
17 | Green topped White Carrot é és Sept. 11 - | 18.11 }15 12
18| Red Castelnaudary Beet . 4 Sept ll. =} 20, Bale &
19 | Yellow Leaf Beet + c z $3 Sept. ll. 2 OGL ss. 2
20 | Lettuce-leaved Spinach . : Ss July3 . spell we Weed Cad
21| Pomeranian Cabbage . . Cut close by the ground, Sept. 11 | 71 9 | 88 15
22| Large Green Savoy A . Fe 3 Sept. 11 | 81 5] 95 12
23 Fine Dark Red Cabbage . ° oa s Sept. 11 | 7 0; 82 O
24| Champion Potato . ° - Tubers,dugup . Sept. 11 | 37 10/44 5
25 | Haricot nain hatif de Hollande . é ° = . . a
26 | Pois nain hatif f a - Whole produce, July 3 . - |} 10 12};11 4
Prepared, Number of Pods 953 irae eat 4, 4.8
Unprepared, * 1,124 t heir weight . .
27| Auvergne Pea - 5 - Whole produce, July 3. » ee 1d ) oe
Prepared, Number of Pods eae ber ” 15 3 3
Unprepared, k 1,139 eit weight . ° o
28) Windsor Bean - : - Whole produce, July 21 . . a8 ia |e ae
29 | Barley, 5 rows prepared, against 3 unprepared, July 21 . 4 80698) / 28:0
. (Grain 10\bs. 130z. prep. 81bs. 14 oz. unprepared.)
30 | Wheat, 5 rows prepared, against 3 unprepared : E 2 | so Se
(Grain 2lbs.1lloz. prep. 2lbs. 40z. unprepared.)
—
Oo
id
wo
It thus appears that, in eight instances, the return of produce
is in favour of the Prepared seeds; and in twenty-three in-
stances the Unprepared has the advantage. The potatoes, it
may be remarked, were in both cases nearly all diseased ; whilst
in an adjoining piece of ground there was a good crop of sound
tubers, with very few diseased. This can only be attributed to
the depth of planting, which was much greater where the crop
turned out the soundest.
RopertT THOMPSON.
ON THE CULTURE OF ASPARAGUS. 39
In my opinion the differences thus observed are mere accidents.
I do not find that Mr. Bickes’ preparation has any appreciable
effect, either beneficial or otherwise.
JOHN LINDLEY.
VI.— On the Culture of Asparagus at Killerton. By Mr. W.
Craggs, Gardener to Sir T. D. Acland, Bart., M.P., F.H.S.
(Communicated October, 1846.)
The large size and excellence of the Asparagus grown at Kil-
lerton having excited attention in consequence of its having
been exhibited at the Society’s Meetings in Regent-street,
where it has successively obtained a Banksian Medal and a
Certificate of Merit, Mr. Crages has been requested to state
his mode of cultivation ; and he does so as follows :-—
Havine for some years been successful in the cultivation of
asparagus, [ beg to offer an account of my method; and al-
though in this there may be nothing new, yet if fully carried
out I am sure it will prove as successful with others as it has
done with me.
About the middle of May, I select some of the finest heads
for seed, and in autumn, when the seeds are ripe, I wash them
out of the berry, drying them as quickly as possible, and pre-
serving them in a dry place during winter.
Sow early in March, in a rich piece of ground, prepared for
the purpose. I generally sow broadcast, in beds four feet in
width ; drawing the soil with the back of arake equally off on
each side of the bed into the alleys, so as to cover the seed about
an inch in depth. The seeds are sown moderately thick, and
after the young plants are about two inches in height, I thin
them out to about three inches apart, which allows those that
remain to become fine strong plants for next year’s planting.
Should the season prove dry, an occasional watering will be of
great benefit.
In selecting the ground for permanent beds, choose a piece
free from trees, and sloping to the south, if possible. I should
prefer a strong sandy loam of the depth of three feet; if not
naturally so deep, make it that depth artificially. Take out a
trench two feet six inches wide and three feet deep ; laying one-
third of the soil on the vacant ground where you commence,
and carrying the other to the place where you intend to finish.
Suppose the trench to be now taken out, and the ground ready
for trenching, lay over the whole surface, six inches in depth of
dung from old hotbeds, shaking it well with a fork. Turn in
40 ON THE CULTURE OF ASPARAGUS.
the first spit and crumb with a full length spade into the bottom
of the trench, mixing the dung and soil thoroughly together
with a fork, then throw on the other soil, until the second
trench is the same depth as the first, and so proceed until you
come to the last trench, into which throw half the earth taken
back, and add dung equal to that for the first spit, mixing it
and the soil well together with a fork as before. Now that the
ground has been once trenched over, and the bottom spit
thoroughly mixed, tread the whole surface, and again lay on it
about six inches in depth of dung, shaking it well as before.
Then proceed to trench the ground back, leaving the bottom
spit that has been mixed with manure unmolested. Proceed
as before, after the first spit and crumb have been turned in,
mix the dung and soil well together with a fork, which will be
two-thirds of the trench mixed, throwing on the top the re-
mainder of the earth unmixed with dung, until you come to the
first spit that has been mixed, and so continue until the ground
-has been all trenched a second time; then throw in the earth
laid out at the commencement of the trenching, adding dung
equal to that for the spit just thrown in, and well mixing it with
the soil. There will now be an opening at the top, and one-
third of the earth left at the bottom. Tread the whole surface
over, and again lay on six inches in depth of dung, forking it
up the hill, and keeping the same opening. The whole mass of
earth and dung will then be thoroughly mixed from bottom to
top, and the opening will take the remainder of the earth thrown
out of the first trench.
The work should be done in dry (not frosty) weather—say
in October. The ground being thus prepared, throw it up in
rough spits, one spade deep, to be pulverized by the frost against
planting time.
My time of planting is, when I observe the plants to have
grown about an inch above the ground in the seed-bed, choosing
a dry day when the soil will work freely. After having marked
out my beds four feet in width, and having allowed two feet for
the alleys, I strain a garden line on each side, and as before
mentioned, with a rake draw the soil equally off the bed into the
alleys about two inches and a half deep. I then strain the line
exactly through the middle of the bed, and with the point of a |
dibble make light marks one foot six inches apart. ‘That being
done, I then strain the lines nine inches from the margins of the
bed, being a distance of one foot three inches from the middle
row, to the outside ones. These I mark in the same way as
I did the middle one ; but so that the plants will not be oppo-
site each other. Every thing being now ready, plants are
obtained from the seed-bed, selecting the finest and exposing
ON THE CULTURE OF ASPARAGUS, 4]
them as little as possible to sun and air. I place one plant over
each mark made in the bed, spreading the roots out as regularly
as possible on the surface, and laying, as I proceed, a little soil
with the hand from the alleys on the plants, in order to fix them
in their places. The bed being planted, I strain the lines on
the outside, and with a spade throw the soil from the alleys
over the crowns, covering them about an inch and a half, but
not deeper. If any burned vegetable matter can be obtained
from the rubbish heap, I should recommend coating the beds
over, about half an inch in depth with it after they have been
planted. In autumn, when the stalks are ripe, cut them down
close, and clean off the beds, taking care not to disturb the soil,
the crowns being so near the surface. Make a mixture of equal
parts rotten dung and burned garden rubbish, and coat the beds
with it three inches in thickness, just covering it with soil from
the alleys. In this state allow them to remain during winter,
and early in March run it through with a fork down to the level
of the bed when covered.
I have cut a few heads the second year after planting ; but
in the third year one-half the fine asparagus that comes up may
be cut without injuring the plants. The fourth year the beds
are in fine bearing condition, and when in this state my method
is to keep every thing cut, both large and small, up to the first
or second week in June, with the exception of the heads selected
for producing seed. After this time, I allow the whole to take its
natural growth, and I tind my beds to continue for years in a
good bearing state. Some of them were made ten years ago,
and I have cut finer asparagus from them this season than I did
three years back. And I must mention further, that I have not
put a barrow-load of dung on them for four years. In the
summer months, I keep the rubbish of the garden burning,
preserving the ashes dry until autumn, and, as soon as the
asparagus is fit to cut down, I take off half the soil above the
crowns with a fork, laying it on the alleys; I then put on three
inches in thickness of burned rubbish, running it through with
a fork as near the crowns as possible without injuring them.
I then take a portion of the soil, that has been removed and
cover the bed with it, allowing it to remain on them through
the winter. Early in March I mix the whole well together
with a fork, and rake the beds off regularly, watering with
manure water once a week through the growing season, if
required.
I have grown a crop of turnips or lettuces on my beds every
year since they were planted; but I do not recommend the
plan if sufficient ground can be had for these crops in other parts
of the garden. —
a et
42 MR. SOLLY ON THE INFLUENCE OF
VII.—Further Observations on the Influence of Electricity
on Vegetation, By Edward Solly, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., Hon.
Memb. Royal Agricultural Society, Professor of Chemistry
to the Horticultural Society, &e.
(Communicated November, 1846.)
In a preceding number of the Journal * I drew attention to the
subject of electricity in connection with the growth of plants,
and briefly recapitulated some of the more important of the
humerous investigations which have been made during the last
hundred years, with a view of determining the nature and extent
of the influence which electricity has been supposed to exert on
vegetation. J also described a few of the experiments on this
subject which were made last year in the gardens of the Hor-
ticultural Society at Chiswick; the general tendency of which,
as far as the results of so comparatively small a series of experi-
ments may be trusted, was certainly opposed to the view that
electricity in its ordinary forms exerts any very marked in-
fluence on the growth of plants. The experiments described
were designed with the object of endeavouring to augment or
diminish the natural supply of electricity which, under ordinary
circumstances, might be supposed to affect the plants; for it was
imagined that if this power played so important a part in the
phenomena of vegetation, any means which could either diminish
or increase the natural quantity of electricity in the earth on
plants would necessarily either assist or retard the growth of
such plants. No result of this kind, however, was produced ;
but this was of course only negative evidence, which might be
influenced by the form of the experiments and other circum-
stances; and in drawing the general conclusion that the direct
effects of electricity on the growth of plants is far less than is
commonly supposed, I was led to do so by other experiments
than those described. Some of these I propose now to mention.
In the experiments at Chiswick just alluded to, no direct
attempts were made to increase the natural effects of electricity
by augmenting its quantity from artificial sources, in the manner
described with such opposite results by the electricians of the
last century ; I was, however, enabled to make a series of ob- |
servations of this nature through the kindness of Lord Hill, who
intrusted the management of the following experiments to his
excellent gardener Mr. F. Nieman, under whose superintendence
I was quite certain they would be carefully and accurately
carried out, and the results minutely observed and noted.
The place selected for the experiments was one of the grape-
* Vol. i. pp. 81—109.
ELECTRICITY ON VEGETATION. ; 43
houses in his Lordship’s garden at Hawkstone, in which the con-
venience of a dry warm room attached was obtained; in this
room, which was in fact part of the storehouse, boarded over
above the furnace, a powerful cylinder electrical machine was
arranged. ‘The cylinder of the machine was about 20 inches by
16 inches, and was very well insulated, so that although the
room was not always so dry as might have been wished, the
machine always gave abundance of electricity even in wet and
damp weather. Stout glass tubes of about 5 feet long passed
through the back wall of this room into the grape-house, the
tubes projecting several inches from the wall on either side into
the store-room and grape-house. ‘The walls were nearly 4 feet
thick, being double, and containing flues. Through these tubes
copper-wires of the 12th of an inch in diameter were carried,
one end of each being connected with one of the two conductors
of the electrical machine, the other ends of the wires being
fastened to two rings of wire placed on the top of the separate
stools well insulated with glass legs a foot high. Each con-
ductor of the machine was thus connected with, and in fact made
one with an insulated stool in the grape-house, the stools being
placed at a distance of some feet from each other, and the wire
suspended from the framework of the house by loops of white
silk. When thus arranged, sharp and powerful sparks could be
drawn in abundance from any part of the wires or from the tops
of the stools when the machine was worked; whilst the latter
was so completely apart from the house and plants as not to be
at all affected by the moisture &c. necessarily present in the
grape-house. It was also found that a pot of moderately moist
earth containiag a growing plant, when placed upon the wire
circle attached to the top of each stool, became thoroughly
charged with electricity when the machine was worked, and
gave abundant sparks to the hand or a piece of metal.
The first experiment was made in October, 1845. Four sets
of pots were taken, in all respects perfectly alike, each set con-
sisting of five pots containing, 1, young plants of French beans ;
2, young plants of the common scarlet geranium; 3, young
plants of strawberry; 4, seeds of wheat; and 5th, seeds of
mustard and cress. One series was placed on the wire-ring on
the insulated stool connected with the positive conductor of the
machine; a second on that connected with the negative ; a third
on a similar stool of wood wholly uninsulated, placed near the
insulated stools as a standard of comparison, whilst the last was
sunk in tan and exposed to the influence of bottom heat. The
experiment was carried on for four weeks, the two stools being
strongly electrified four hours a day, namely, from ten to twelve
in the morning, and from two till four in the afternoon ; during
44 MR, SOLLY ON THE INFLUENCE OF
this time the French beans came into blossom and formed pods.
Those which were positively electrified were rather more forward
than either of the other three sets, appearing to be about four
days more advanced. Mr. Nieman, however, does not think
that this could be fairly attributed to the influence of the elec-
tricty, but that it was caused by accidental circumstances. In
the other plants no difference whatever could be observed, and
the seeds came up at the same time and were in all respects
perfectly alike.
Being rather surprised at this result, and having certainly
expected to observe some little difference in the germination of
the seeds, I requested the experiment might be repeated with
some other seeds, and this was accordingly done in January,
1846, with pots containing wheat, barley, oats, mustard, and rye.
The action of the machine was kept up four hours a day for three
weeks, but in this case also no perceptible difference whatever
could be observed. As in these two experiments, however, the
conditions were very unlike those which ever can occur in
nature, another experiment was tried at the suggestion of my
friend, the Rev. E. Sidney, in which the plants themselves were
left quite free and untouched, a peculiar electric state being
brought about by induction, so as to resemble as far as possible
the effect of an electrified cloud. For this purpose the insulated
stools were removed, and a branched wire terminating in several
points connected with the wire from the positive conductor of
the machine was suspended over an uninsulated pot in which
wheat was sown, a wire from the negative conductor being con-
nected with the ground as in the ordinary manner of working a
machine. ‘The machine was worked as before four hours a day,
and consequently the germinating wheat was exposed every day
to the influence of the positive electricity given off from the
pointed wires suspended a few inches above it. Another similar
pot of wheat was kept by way of standard, and on comparing it
with the electrified wheat from day to day no difference whatever
could be observed.
Since to some extent plants growing thus under glass can never
be fairly compared with those growing naturally in the open air,
it became desirable to make an experiment with plants growing
wholly in the open air, and for this purpose three sets of pots’
were arranged in the open air, two being placed on insulated
stools, and the third placed close by, but uninsulated, the three
being in all other respects perfectly alike. One stool was con-
nected by wire with the positive, and the other with the nega-
tive conductor of the machine. Six pots were taken in each
series, containing seeds of French beans, spinach, cauliflower,
turnips, cabbage, and mustard. The machine was worked four
ELECTRICITY ON VEGETATION. 45
hours a day, from ten till twelve in the morning, and from four
till six in the afternoon; the experiment was commenced early
in July and continued till nearly the middle of August, and the
weather being remarkably fine and warm, the machine worked
well and gave abundance of electricity. In the middle of
August the working of the machine was discontinued, the plants
were all then perfectly similar, and during the whole time of
carrying on the experiment no perceptible difference could be
observed in any of the pots.
The general result to be drawn from these four experiments
made on different kinds of plants is certainly opposed to the idea
of much influence being exerted by free electricity on the growth
of plants under ordinary circumstances. It is very possible that
the arrangements devised for the purpose of these experiments
were by no means the best, or those most fitted to exalt the
effects sought for, but nevertheless a number of seeds and young
plants were placed four hours a day under the influence of an
unusual quantity of negative and positive electricity, and it is
hardly possible to doubt that some effect would have been
apparent were the free electricity of the earth and air of so
much importance in connection with vegetation as has been
supposed.
VIUII.—A Return of the Proportion per Acre of Diseased and
Sound Tubers in the Society’s Collection of Potatoes culti-
vated in 1846. By Mr. R. Thompson, Superintendent of the
_ Orchard and Kitchen-Garden Department.
A CONSIDERABLE number of varieties of potato in the Society’s
collection had been cultivated in the garden for many years.
A change of soil became necessary ; this, as well as want of
space in the garden, rendered it expedient to plant out most of
the varieties on a farm in the neighbourhood belonging to Mr.
Jessop. This season the following varieties were thus treated,
near the Thames, in a warm, black, sandy soil, loose for the
roots of plants both in wet and in dry weather. It had no
manure, as the latter appears to increase disease in the present
over-excitable state of the potato plant.
The potatoes were planted in drills, about 21 inches apart.
The length of drill which each variety occupied was accurately
measured, and the produce carefully weighed, even to ounces.
From the data thus obtained the following table has been com-
puted :—
46 DISEASED AND SOUND TUBERS
Estimated Produce per Acre. Per Cent.
of Produce
Diseased .
Sound. | Diseased.
Tons. cwt. lbs. (Tons. ewt. lbs.
Cornichon jaune, dit la Parmentier. | 10 14 22 - - -
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No.2 . wo | 20 ht. Chad - - -
Bonne Belotte . 4 " 9 14 49} — | =
Early Kidney 9 14 28 | - - a
Jaune Blanche 9 ~B°H6 | 85 | mt
South American . 8 16 49 | na | at
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No. 26 . 8..\.10,.,98:4-4 seer doe
La Jaune Haricot ee ea | - - | *
Diack’s Early Round Sy ae | - = wes
House-keeper’s Delight. : oI ST - - rs
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No. 27 . . rie FB | ar ees =
Red Kidney ’ . ° . 7.13: 50 - - ss
Flat White . E 4 : ye wee es eh ae na
Round Black 7-5, 94 peg =:
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No. 30 . reo. ae a fos &
White-eyed Red . ‘ « W616 oe - = a
Black Kidney . : . ‘ 6 12 59 - - =
Golden : , P 6.9, 61 —- = =
Early Purple Marbled . . : oe is eee - - -
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No. 14. 5 19 18 - - -
Hative de Meudon ‘ 5 18 09 - - _
Girkin I : A : Go. 25068 = = ie
La Canterbury . 5 18 84 - = _
Honour of Servet ys lo cet - = =
La Guérine 3 : . 4 a 12° “7 - - =
Raith i : - : ee _-_ = | as
La Claire Bakne | E 4 : h 5 9.55 - - 2
Goldfinch ’ P " . ii. Ot a “2
Greenlaw’s No. 18 ‘ . 54) 1. BG ge =
Yorkshire F ey Be § —_— =
Spanish e . ° AT)" 21 - = _
La Batave . : : 4 8 103 — é:
Round Red Ginn J £ vA oe - - =
Cornichon Rouge d@’ Hallenie 4 0 68 a wt
Long Faint Red . a aS - - _
La Prime Rouge, ou Rouge Tardive 3 10 92 - = _
Robertson’s Kidney : . BP ay - = -
Lanckman’s Red . i P r a 3611-55 tit =
Gloucestershire Pink . ‘ mn it Dn Ad aoe! as
Karly Manly. . . atli 2.10. 48 - - =
Maesbury Red . . alae i ae - = -
La Trufte d’Aott. 2 13 30) res as
La Longbrin : 2 41,33 - - -
Long Red Kidney 2 9 41 ee et -_
La Oxnoble ; 2 6. eb mae Se
Knight’s Seedling ° 2. 2. ee) —— =
La Rose Jaune . . 5 > 719 a - - =
La Rose Gail : > 5-4 By os é
Sweeney Seedling : i 4.29 - - ~
Diack’s Red . 0 19 42 2a =
IN THE SOCIETY’S COLLECTION.
—_ —_—___—.
Monstrous White
Philadelphia . .
Dutch , . :
Shaw . . ,
Bread-fruit . , .
Winchfield . : 4
Durham, or Mossy .
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No.
Petite Jaune : .
La Patraque ° .
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No.
Mule. : . .
Yorkshire Red. .
Greenlaw's Seedling, No.
Large Pale Red . .
Hollist’s Pink Kidney .
La Bonne Pommier .
Smooth Red Kidney .
Black (La Violette) ,
La Jaune Semi-longue ,
Vaughan’s Seedling .
Pink Oporto :
Round Pink
White ‘ :
Belle Ochreuse .
Large Yellow.
Bangor Rouge .
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No.
—_—_—__— — No.
———_——— No.
Onion t : ’
La Baviere . : 4
Dwarf »
Black (La Noire Grosse)
Early Kidney
Bullock’s Heart
D’Hollande
Neapolitan .
La Coton ,
Azores y
Khynsburgh
Grosse Jaune
Jaune Hative
Early Dwarf .
Brown’s ;
Early Walnut-leaved .
Radical ; ‘ :
Seedling White .
Yellow , : i"
Oxnoble =. . ;
.
°
°
e
. °
.
.
e
s
17.
. . e 2 ° e .
. ° ° e . ° ° e °
e. e . .
e . . °
Estimated Produce per Acre.
Sound.
Tons. cwt.
YTS
12
PWIDWAWAAWAORhRhADHYIOAWOANH @
_
—
Se
— a te
SON OW ONMONADANAMNURMMNOH ARNO
— |
TAOBRDONWNUIDHAHEMOWARAABDARHOANKR OW
HoH ORO
Diseased.
CoCo C COC OOO oC OCOCOSCCOSCOSCOCOSCOSCOCOCOOCOOOOCOOSCSCOSCSOOSOSCOSCOSOSOSOSoSoSeoeoece
WORONWTNE HK WWNONWENDNNNNNNNHKOPFP ORF OYFRK OR COOCOrOCOCcCOCcCOoOoCooo°Nrscsd
. |Tons. cwt.
47
Per Cent.
of Produce
Diseased.
CO Cr TWIAAMBMAAAMI- OF Ww
PRP ODOAPRPNNNONTOO
HHH OOOSSOOOOSOSOOOSSOS
; o%
for)
48 DISEASED AND SOUND TUBERS.
Estimated Produce per Acre. Per Cent.
of Produce
Diseased.
Sound. Diseased.
Tons. cwt. lbs. |Tons. ewt. lbs.
New Grenada . - ojos 14°87 1° 0 “are 3°24
White Oporto . . . » dl aS 84 eee 3°38
Leather-coat ° : . : Bb 40°87 4 \B 8-72 3°43
Large White . . 2 >| + 48°6a, 0 a ee 3°54
Biscuit . . : 4 14°19] © .@8@ 54 3°57
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No. 10. ‘ 2° AT. 206] 0. ae 3°57
La Bernard E . : 6 3 597] 0 aie 3°61
Booth’s Early Hamburgh . bid) 68 Oat Getewea 3°64
Vitelotte . ° . . 8° 10°75) © .6 3°67
Blue Red Marbled > : s 1 2°12 85) O),..3 3°98
Downton Yam . . ° . B° 15.) 43q/- Ocul 8 4°34
La Semi-rouge . : ° . 2°97 a1 4. a 4°49
Parnel’s . ; ° : i 8 12 65) oO. Obes 4°57
HAative de Juin . . ° » | 9 Ss Bids Ose 4-60
La Chinese, ou Sucrée F , p 22 QA O°. Gee 4°69
Early Bright Red Palatinate. =| 2 10 30] OQ.) 2 4°76
Champion . . . » | 8 29-87 ) Oates 4°77
Jersey Blue ; : “ — 19 44°22 1 Opis 5°17
Everlasting : seg 17, 29 1 “haan 5°21
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No. A. > 12°19. 6 | Ben ope 5°33
La Jeanette . ° : ct pe O.25 |] Bane 5°36
Salisbury . . 4 : q 6 See 1 Oye ae 5°44
Bellows-nose ° : ° : f AE ae) 0-8. 8 5°61
Magendaise . . : . )}-6 53°59] O. 7 106 5°63
La Dégénérée . . ° > 1.°13.-24 Oo. Gewse 5°66
Diack’s Prolific : : Wik ae er 6°92
Hogs Goliath . : : pd. AL) O10 eee 7°05
July . . ; . . . | 7 “6, 22.44 Oodilents 7°27
Pink-eyed . . . a eee me Wy Oe oe Wg, ee 7°34
Knight's Seedling . ° ¢ | 6 | 8 2047 0-.4..83 7°37
No. 36 ° . ° : . S 32°54 0 13 106 7°48
Diack’s Barly ¢ 2) +56 60) ag] 2 17.22) O° 6” 465m BtOE
White French Kidney . : : 4 0 7°88 | O-.2% “3: seems
La Feuille de Haricot . : e108. E814 be Oo) eee 8°33
Mealy White - . ‘ 5 '3, B61} OS" yee 8-41
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No. BE i. a ak Mi fee fas eed fe 8:48
Jaune Tardive . : . ; . 00. BT OVS” ve 9-06
Lancashire Red . $ E ‘ 7. 47, "68 YO. “Gi 9°18
Greenlaw's No. 5 . - 3 5 6,106 0% T1932 9-54
Mowbray s . bi fee) ADS FOr Ry 2s 9-90
Ormeskirke’s Early Dwarf ‘ » 1-959 31 Ocl16 88s niene
No. 199 : . . . 61, 72 O° 15 It 10°19
Ormeskirke’s Kidney : . - | 6 19 77] O Th Aaihieieaes
Cambridge . ° . . «| ° 6 14 106] 0 6 “}epierEs
Walton Hall : ° . . P 18 106 O24; 92 10°67
Les Orphelines . . : » |. 6 5. On) ) Ope pigeemta erier Sa
Rouge Ecailleuse. ; . : 1° 7 W014 DB a a
New . ° . ° p - 0-90 0 12,67 1? 14
Greenlaw's Seedling, No. 13. eS $3") Toe Stl tte
Nome . 4 4 34 0 10 102 11°46
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES. 49
Estimated Produce per Acre. Per Cent.
of Produce
Diseased.
Sound. Diseased.
Tons. ewt. lbs. |Tons. cwt. lbs.
Violette de M. Sageret . : aif 400/151) FL Os eSeFee! bebo
Angleterre Hatif . . of 6-14). O.f9 OW | 69, | cl is62
Quarry, or Low Lines . . ob. ( 6.0 12 109 ie, 18; bly L985
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No. 20 . eee a Oe Lew seek RSA
Coul Seedling . ‘ : vice. isivo, ©: o TP tasue
New Hundred-fold . -| 3 16 93] O 13 64] 15:00
La Tige Couchée . . ep 10 9 1}29/29.1 cle, 16 -69y);415-83
“« Wild,” Saxe-Weimar . . OS 206 dd . De len 1585
La Marbrée : ‘ Cid Oe EO. en LO) Gao
American Native . . ° of ©. 17 (72) 2 “F100 -) ‘16°85
Oxnoble . 6S SOP or 835} 18°66
La Jersey (Jersey Blue, from Paris) Bi16G9 4b4 @)t 1%: 695) cl8:95
Purple Kidney . : 2. 10. (28, 0..5,8,.,63)), 18281
Bermuda, No.2 . . e P 8 0 49 ee ae 19°04
Dutch, or Flat White . : . 8 4 92 1 18 105 19°13
White Kidney . . : : 7 16° 8 20. 83'| . 30°63
La Bleu des Foréts . : . Py BO oT Pi 2a At
Bermuda, No. 1 ‘ - 3 1 48 Tiss Bye TR. RE
La Grosse Irlandoise .- ° ee Te Ue ee oe ee a
Large July ° : . ord, . 8 tee.) oe oo. OF oe
Early Shaw . : : a 0° SS 1 Label 26°50
Greenlaw’s Seedling, No. 11. ft (#01004 PLS 97 161) Bd44s
Oxnoble . ° ° ° . 3 15_ 94 Sy hb, 9] 40°31
Pink Kidney 7 ° . . dibs: 8 a, £114 47°00
Johnson’s Pink , : ° , 2 8 12.) 2. 6 98). 48-64
La Blanche Longue . ; Ea a0} eof te Saree
1X.— Observations upon the Polmaise Method of Heating
Garden Buildings. By D. B. Meek, Esq., Holmsdale
House, Nutfield. In a letter to the Vice-Secretary.
(Communicated November 17, 1846.)
THE attention of horticulturists has recently been much at-
tracted to anew mode of heating commonly called Polmaise ;
and considering the prominent part I have taken in pointing out
its principles, enforcing their truth, and carrying them into
practice, you will not be surprised that I seek to obtain for my
views and plans, in your Society’s Transactions, a more extended
circulation and more durable position than I could otherwise
hope to procure for them ; and perhaps it is not too much to
say, that considering our climate, considering our means of col-
lecting plants from every portion of the globe, there is no subject
in which your Society should take a deeper interest, than in the
VOL. II. E
4
50 POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES.
mode of diffusing artificial heat—those very means by which
- your most splendid results are obtained.
In July, 1844, a communication appeared in the ‘ Gardener’s
Chronicle’ from Mr. Murray of Polmaise (Stirlingshire), stating
that he had heated a vinery by merely a circulation of air, pro-
duced by the well-known principle that hot air is lighter than
cold air, and that therefore, if a stove is placed in a chamber,
and a drain is made below the level of the floor of a vinery lead-
ing into this chamber, and another passage at a higher level is
provided from the chamber back to the house, the entire air of
the house will gradually flow through this warm chamber and
become heated ; that by allowing fresh external air to pass also
into the cold drain under control, any required amount of fresh
air could be secured and heated before mixing with the general
atmosphere of the house; that moisture might be supplied by
means of passing the hot air over a blanket, kept moist by
strands of worsted hanging upon it from a water-trough, and con-
ducting the water by capillary attraction, its amount being regu-
lated by the number of strands employed; that on these princi-
ples, by means of one of Haden’s powerful stoves, he had suc-
ceeded in obtaining most excellent grapes, at much less cost than
by any of the usual means, without the use either of flues or hot-
water pipes; and he concluded by stating, that all who had seen
his vinery expressed much admiration both at the plan and its
effects. I will not dwell upon the manner in which this commu-
nication was received by some of the first practical men near the
Metropolis,—the more than insinuation, that as Mr. Murray’s
grapes were ripe in September, the vinery was never heated at
all,—the sly jeer at the ‘‘ wet blanket” and the “hole in the
wall,”’—the bold assertion that it ‘‘ must fail” or “ prove waste-
ful ;’—-suffice it to say, the discussion .became personal and
offensive, and was wisely put an end to for a time, and those
who abused a principle that they either did not understand or
care to investigate, and derided a plan they never tried, must be
content to look back upon this uncalled for display of their own
ignorance. Nothing particular transpired on the subject till the
close of the last year, when public attention was again called to
it, and doubts as to facts, strong opinions, and prophecies of
failure, were again expressed ; there was no attempt on the part
of the opponents of the system to investigate its principles and
prove them erroneous; neither did Mr. Murray, or the one or
two persons who advocated it, make any attempt to prove its
principles correct, to ‘investigate fully their results, or to show
that the end Mr. Murray had obtained was culy to be expected
from the means he had employed; the facts were denied by
some, and those who insisted on them seemed unable to explain
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES. 5l
them ; and such was the position of affairs when I entered on the
discussion. My fondness for horticulture urged me to an in-
vestigation, for which my acquaintance with the laws regulating
the diffusion of heat seemed to fit me. I soon saw that the
success of this mode of heating was independent of any peculiar
detail as to form of stove, &e. &e., but resulted from the em-
ployment or introduction of a novel principle in artificial heat-
ing; this principle being the power the air possesses of acquiring
and. rapidly distributing heat under certain conditions by its own
motion, thus rendering any other means of distribution unne-
cessary. And I propose to prove the truth of this principle in
various ways, to point out the manner in which it may be con-
veniently reduced to practice, and the advantages likely to result
from its employment.
We inhabit a globe surrounded by an atmosphere extending
perpendicularly about forty-five miles from the earth’s surface ;
this atmosphere varies considerably in its temperature, being
exceedingly heated in certain localities at certain times; and
as effects do not occur without means, we naturally inquire
what are the means Nature employs to produce atmospheric
heat. Does the sun heat the air as its rays of heat pass through
the air to the earth? Certainly not, for we find that the higher
we ascend, and the nearer we approach the sun, the colder the
air becomes ; experience also tells us that luminous, radiant
caloric has little effect on transparent bodies, whether solid,
liquid, or gaseous, passing through them unabsorbed ; therefore
the air is not heated by the radiant caloric of the sun. Air
cannot be heated by radiation, but only by contact; but does it
touch the source of heat? Certainly not. Do heated surfaces
pass down into it in the form of flues? or do pipes of hot water
(without which some say it is impossible to warm the air nicely)
run through its extent? None of these indispensables exist, and
yet the atmosphere is warmed. The radiant caloric passing
from the sun through the air becomes absorbed by the earth’s
surface, the earth is heated, and the atmosphere becomes heated
by contact with the earth, Nature’s principle clearly being a
radiating body and an absorbing body, with which the air is in
contact ; so far she instructs us as to the right mode of attempt-
ing to heat air, not directly by radiation, for it cannot be done,
but by contact with a body which has obtained its heat in that
manner. By examining more closely, we shall find Nature
instructs us as to the distribution of the atmospheric heat so
acquired. Not only does the sun heat the earth by radiation,
but it heats it unequally, because, as ‘different portions of the
earth’s surface are differently situated with respect to the sun,
and as radiant caloric also diminishes in effect as the squares of
E 2
52 POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES.
the distance from the heating body increase, it is utterly impos-
sible that the earth can be equally heated by radiation, and we
know practically that it is not, but that we have a sphere un-
equally heated on its surface, this sphere enveloped by an
atmosphere, itself consequently unequally heated. And what is
the result when liquids or gases are unequally heated in different
portions of the same mass? That currents are established for the
purpose of restoring the equilibrium ; that till the equilibrium be
restored they are ceaseless; that the force or velocity of such
currents mainly depends on the difference of temperature between
the two portions, the result being that the portions which are
too hot become cooled, and those too cool become warmed.
And but for this principle a considerable portion of the earth’s
surface would be uninhabitable. The unequal heating causes
the current, the current diffuses the heat; they are antagonizing
forces: thus the atmospheric variation is the cause of the trade
and other winds, while these put a limit to the variation itself.
Nature’s principle of diffusing atmospheric heat clearly therefore
being, the internal movement of the atmosphere itself. We
have, therefore, a body radiating heat, a body absorbing it, an
atmosphere unequally heated; this very inequality the cause of
sufficient distribution. How beautifully simple are Nature’s
means! how perfect her results! He who created the different
forms of matter endowed each with properties exactly fitting it
for the purposes it would have to perform. To heat a liquid to
warm the air (a gas) was no lesson of His teaching ; it was man’s
error, who, neglecting to study the vast book set before him in
the kingdoms of Nature, has used an instrument for a purpose
for which it was never intended, and is therefore full of prac-
tical imperfections ; and surely we shall find that the true prin-
ciple of diffusing heat artificially is to provide a radiating body,
namely, the burning fuel; an absorbing body, such as an iron
plate, over which the air we desire to heat can freely move, and
this is Polmaise !
I shall now prove its truth by reference to our present state
of scientific knowledge, and see how far it is in accordance with
the laws which we know regulate the diffusion of heat through
different forms of matter ; and having shown it a natural mode,
I shall have little difficulty (as might be expected) in proving
that it is philosophical and sound in principle. I leave the
question of the production of heat entirely ; a given quantity of
fuel will evolve in its combustion a given quantity of caloric.
The country is deeply indebted to Dr. Arnott for pointing out
the true principles on which the caloric evolved should be
economized, and its production regulated! The combustion (and
consequently the caloric) should be regulated, not by the supply
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES, 53
of fuel, but by the quantity of atmospheric air enabling the fuel
to burn; but the question with which I am concerned is one of
diffusion, and this is all important! We have three forms of
matter, each having properties enabling them to diffuse heat:
solids, liquids, and gases. Which of these instruments of diffu-
sion does science teach us to choose? Heat is diffused through
solids only in one way, namely, by the contact of one particle
with another; this is called conduction. This property is pos-
sessed by all solid bodies ; but in some it is very considerable, in
others slight, giving rise to the term conductors and non-con-
ductors ; it is a comparatively slow process. Heat is diffused
through liquids slightly as in solids, from the contact of their
particles; but there exists another means of diffusion. The
form of matter depends on the cohesion of its particles: if this is
great they are solid, if less they are liquid, and where wanting
they are gaseous; in these two last forms of matter the particles
or molecules are so far removed as to be enabled to circulate
among each other, so that when set in motion currents are pro-
duced in liquids, and drafts in air; thus, when heat is applied to
the upper surface of a liquid, it heats it very slowly, only by
contact from particle to particle, but when applied to the lower
surface, it heats it with great rapidity, because those particles
which become heated first necessarily expand; expanding, they
become specifically lighter ; becoming lighter they ascend, while
the heavier particles descend; for these currents are unceasing
till the entire liquid becomes of the same temperature through-
out; and it is in consideration of this principle that man has
taken a liquid for the purpose of diffusing heat; it is this which
enables the hot water to perform its office. Hot water is essen-
tially a go-between—something to take the heat absorbed by the
solid body (namely, the bottom of the boiler) to the air. Heat
is diffused through gases, perhaps not at all from particle to par-
ticle, as these are so far removed from each other in this form of
matter, but it is diffused through them with extraordinary rapi-
dity ; for owing to their very slight cohesion, their particles are
free to move with a rapidity unknown to the liquid form, a
rapidity we acknowledge in our expression ‘‘as swift as the
wind.” Gases also, being transparent, allow the free transmission
of radiant caloric. Which of these forms of matter, then, shall
we employ for the diffusion of artificial heat? Shall we take the
solid, with one portion in the fire, the other in the place we
desire to warm, allowing the heat gradually to progress, particle
by particle, by the slow process of conduction? It is folly, ex-
claims the philosopher! Certainly, cries the advocate of hot
water! for a liquid will diffuse the heat by the internal move-
ments of its particles with great rapidity. But the philosopher
o4 POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES.
goes a step farther; he desires not to stop at the liquid; he tells
us there is one form of matter which diffuses heat with a rapidity
unknown to any other; and, moreover, thisavery instrument of
diffusion is the object itself which we seek to heat; thus, instead
of employing a go-between, we heat that at once which it is our
object to heat. And such is the Polmaise system of heating.
We desire to heat a certain amount of air ; we provide the heat ;
the air appropriates and diffuses it with an equality and speed
which evidently cannot be attained by any other means. Is it
any wonder that a plan based on principles so natural and so
philosophical should be eminently successful? That it should be
cheap, as compared to any other means, in its first cost, and eco-
nomical in its use? For the expense of diffusion is saved. What
necessity exists of carrying the heat to the air, when the air will
travel to the heat? What need of boilers, cisterns, stopcocks,
pipes, and water to produce and diffuse atmospheric heat? Is it
not certain that such means must involve waste in cost, and use,
and constant repairs? Boilers to unset, to clean, occasionally
split, pipes oxidizing on the one surface and choking up with in-
crustation on the other. But the worst evil remains. If the
boiler is set within the place to be heated, such a mass of heated
material makes one portion of the building far too hot, so that it
has been found necessary to banish the boiler from the house, and
thus to incur the enormous waste that takes place in the stoke-
hole; and some idea of this waste may be conceived when I
state, that during one week last February a table of temperatures
was taken in your Society’s Gardens. A thermometer was
placed in the external air, another in the span-roof stove house,
a third in the boiler chamber; and the temperature indicated by
_ these thermometers was as follows, the mean being about 60°
Fahr. for the stove, 80° Fahr. for the boiler chamber, 40° Fahr.
for the external air :—
Temperature in the Iron-roofed Stove, in the Stoke-Hole, and Out of Doors.
Iron-roofed Stove. Stoke-Hole. Out of Doors.
Date. Morning.} Noon. Night. }Morning.} Noon. | Night. mesiiiae| Noon. | Night.
|
Feb. Max.|Min. |Max.| Min./Max.|Min.}Max.|Min. |Max.| Min./Max,| Min./Max. Min.|Max. Min. Max.! Min.
|
—|- hit!
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES, 35
Moreover, the temperature of the house was assisted by there
being a separate boiler in another chamber to supply the bottom
heat, and the external temperature was singularly high; had
this table been taken February twelvemonth, it is probable the
loss would have been far more apparent ; however, it is sufficient
to prove the hot-water system extremely wasteful in its use.
Another serious objection attaches to hot water, or any other
mode which introduces any radiating surface within a building
which we desire to heat uniformly, or nearly so—for the very
terms radiation and equal diffusion are a contradiction; radiation
is a power the effect of which diminishes as the squares of the
distance from the heating body increase, so that the instant
radiation is introduced, uniformity of temperature is necessarily
sacrificed. Are not hot-water pipes radiating surfaces? And
that of very unequal temperature in their circuit ? Will they not
of necessity, therefore, heat bodies unequally, especially since
these bodies cannot be all at one uniform distance from them ;
the result being, that the atmospheric uniformity will conse-
quently become deranged ? I do not wish to deny that I consider
hot water far preferable to smoke flues; I will admit the heat to
be more uniform, the chance of smoke and exhalation got rid of;
I acknowledge it to be a step on the road to truth, but it has not
gone far enough; it stopped at the water; it should have gone
onward to the wind.
While pointing out the errors of our present modes of heating,
I would remark that there are other plans of air heating quite
different from Polmaise, and which I consider essentially erro-
neous. I will endeavour to explain them, and show their errors.
The principle on which they act is this—to place a stove either in
a separate building or in some portion of the building it is
desired to heat, and to provide a current of air either from the
external air or elsewhere to blow over the stove, to become
heated, and then by flowing into the building to warm it; but
in this arrangement we apparently forget that the air is material ;
that gases, though very compressible, still enjoy the property
common to all matter, namely, bulk, and consequently, that hot
air will not flow into a building to any great extent until some
means are employed to remove the air at present within it.
This is not only theoretically but practically true; for in a
dwelling-house in my own neighbourhood, heated on this prin-
ciple, the hot air would not flow into one room unless there were
a window open, or into another unless there were a fire in the
grate, proving that the ingress of the hot air depended on the
egress of the cold, and was in exact proportion to it; this is
truly what one of its advocates has called it, a system of heating
based on ventilation; but a moment’s reflection will convince us
o6 POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES,
at once of the absurdity of such a combination, for on this plan
it is evident we can only supply much heat with much air, while
probably only a small amount of the latter is requisite. I should
even say that the wants of a hot-house, with regard to air and
artificial heat, were frequently the one exactly the reverse of the
other ; that in the depth of some winter’s night, with a cutting
wind blowing, the requirements of the hot-house as regards heat
would be great, while it would experience no want of fresh air.
Again, experience has proved to us that plants will flourish in
extreme beauty elsewhere than in the open air; and while glass
houses may be considered as evils rendered necessary by our
climate, these have proved to us that with a certain amount of
ventilation plants will flourish within them. Is it not then the
most rational and most economical course to ascertain the amount
of air required to keep plants in health, and then to provide the
means of heating that air? Is it not wasteful to heat more air
than the plants require, to be obliged to heat a quantity of cold
fresh air, and blow it through the house incessantly, only for the
purpose of keeping up the heat, when the air already in is quite
sufficient for a time, and probably only wants one quarter the
heat to raise it to the required temperature that the external air
needs? I well know that the best practical horticulturists allow
a great amount of ventilation (some even by night), and with the
best results; let it be freely provided! But let us not so com-
bine ventilation and heating, that when one is wanted the least
we must supply it the most. Another objection to this mode of
heating is, that as the escape of that air which is to allow fresh
warm air to enter takes place at the roof, the flow of hot air is at
once determined to the very point to which it is probably not
required, and thus a thermometer on the floor and another in the
roof would indicate considerable variation of temperature; in
other words, the heat is not equally diffused, the agitation of the
mass is not complete ; it arises from an extraneous force, and not
from a movement within; the one may be aptly compared to the
motion produced among the particles of a liquid by a stream
running through it, the other the motion arising from internal
fermentation.
But let us turn from error to the truths of Polmaise. Nature
teaches us that the only way to heat air is to bring it in contact
with a heated surface,—Polmaise does so. Philosophy tells us
that the most rapid means of diffusing heat is to employ that
medium which moves with the greatest rapidity, namely, the
air,—Polmaise does so. Economy tells us that an agent is an ex-
pensive luxury ; he takes his per centage ; that we do not require
his services, nay, they are an obstruction; that our course is to
allow the air to diffuse the heat itself, and to warm that air which
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES, o7
we do, and not that which we do not want,—so does Polmaise.
Common sense tells us that the air in a building which most
requires warming is the coldest,—Polmaise takes it first. Every
body cries, “‘ Heat us uniformly !”—Polmaise is the only mode
that can possibly approach to it. Having proved the truth of
the Polmaise principles of heating, I shall proceed to point out
the manner in which they may be easily reduced to practice.
The coldest air in any building (whether room or hot-house)
is of necessity on the floor; if it can pass below the floor it will
be there ; so that if a drain be made below the floor of a room,
with gratings opening into it, this drain will be instantly filled
with the coldest air of the room. Supposing this drain extends
into another building, and the air which it contains is at liberty
to pass over a heated surface, and having passed it can again flow
back at a higher level into the place from whence it came, it is
evident from the principles so recently laid down, that the whole
air of the room will flow over this heated surface and become
warmed, and that such currents of air will never cease till the
air of the two buildings is at nearly the same temperature ; and
consequently, that in proportion as we burn fuel, and heat the
surface employed, so must we by this means raise the temperature
of the air passing over it.
Subjoined is a plan and section of the hot-house and stove,
showing the simple mode in which I propose to carry out the
Polmaise heating.
The outer line of ground plan represents the walls of a hot-
house, the openings, C, are external ventilators for the purpose
of admitting fresh air; these are exactly such as might be em-
ployed for any other system of heating; they have no necessary
connection with Polmaise, and the heating principle acts,
whether they are closed or whether they are open. It is evident
that when open they admit fresh air into the house; and however
cold the weather, any air admitted by them, instead of cutting
the plants, as is the case when side-sashes are open, will immedi-
ately, from its great specific gravity, descend at once into the
cold-air drain, and become warmed before coming in contact
with the vegetation within the house. The number left open
will, of course, be dependent on external circumstances ; and
when they are all closed, the hot-house resembles any other hot-
house that is closed, and thus heating and ventilation are kept
apart, the requirements of the two necessarily being different.
Within the external walls is a walk round three sides of the
house, in which are openings, E, leading into drains, these
drains converging into a main drain, as shown by the arrows ;
these drains are formed of brick on edge-sides, and duchess
slates for roof, the scil forming their floor. The main drain is
METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES.
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four feet wide and one foot deep, so that by laying a brick flat
amd four courses high in the centre, and bricks on edge at the
sides, two common duchess slates reach to form the roof, and on
these is spread some sifted soil to make the drain air-tight; the
centre brickwork forms a support on which in several places to
build up single brick piers to support the iron rafters which
carry the slates, on which rests the plunging-bed, as shown in
longitudinal section. ‘This main drain, which should be slightly
on the descent towards the chamber, pierces the end wall of the
hot-house, the foundation being left out at that point, the end
wall of the house being there carried by York flagging, with a
centre support ; and thus the means are provided for allowing
the cold air to travel from the house to the chamber. ‘The
openings at HE, in the hot-house at Nutfield, are regulated by
sliding lids, made of slate, for the purpose of experiment ; this,
for practical purposes, is unnecessary, and in many cases it will
be found very convenient to make the cold-air openings in the
centre of the house concealed by some ornamental stage, the
floor of the walk forming the roof of the cold-air main drain; or
handsome ventilators might be inserted at once in the roof of the
main drain, to take down the cold air. These points of detail
architects will arrange to suit different places, the great and
essential point being to provide a means for the cold air at the
extreme end of the house to pass to the hot chamber. The
outer wall of the hot chamber is built of 43-inch brickwork ;
this chamber is air-tight, as far as regards the external air,
having two openings on the side next the house on different
levels, the lower one to admit the cold air, the upper one to allow
its return when heated. The stove occupies the chief portion of
the chamber, standing isolated within it, except at the points
where the fuel is supplied and the ashes removed, and where the
return-flue passes into the chimney. ‘The area left between the
wall of the stove and the wall of the chamber is two inches,
except on the side next the hot-house, where of course there is a
larger area to allow the cold air to rise and flow over the plate ;
but it will probably be found desirable to sink the top of the
stove to a level with the cold-air drain. The stove is formed of
four walls of 9-inch brickwork ; the outside measure is 5 feet
5 inches long, 4 feet 4 inches wide; the internal measure,
therefore, 3 feet 10 inches long, and 2 feet 10 inches wide.
Another wall of the same substance is carried up between the
two ends, but not in the centre; it is 16 inches from the wall of
the stove next the hot-house, and of course leaves a space of
9 inches between itself and the farther wall. It will be seen by
plan, that this wall and the one next the hot-house form the
actual furnace or fuel box; in part of their length, where such
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES, 61
is the case, they are built of fire-bricks, as are also the flues ; and
wherever the walls are likely to be much heated, they are Stour-
bridge fire-bricks, set in the same clay, being, in my opinion,
more durable than Welsh lumps; it will be well to parge the
outside of the walls of the stove. The stove is 3 feet high,
which allows 3 inches for paving of ash-pit + 1 foot for depth of
ash-pit -+ 8 inches for depth of bars + 1 foot 6 inches for depth
of furnace from bars to plating = 3 feet. The iron top is
formed of three plates, with a view to allow of expansion; two
of these plates have extending rabbets, so that when laid in place
ee re Ld
They are 1 foot 6 inches one way by 3 feet 6 inches the other,
so that when laid in their place, and the space for expansion be-
tween each allowed, they form a surface of 4 feet 7 inches by
3 feet 6 inches. ‘This, by calculation, will be found to give them
a 4-inch bearing on the four outside walls of stove. Along the
wall of stove next the hot-house, a course of thin brick is laid,
not close to the edge of plating, but half an inch from it. The
two end walls are carried up three courses higher in 43-inch
work, and so also the outer wall ; and between all these and the
edge of plating there is a half-inch space; the purpose of this
groove is to fill it with sand, so that the plates can expand and
squeeze up the sand, while, when they contract, this will follow
back and keep the joint air-tight. I am assured, however, by
practical men of great experience, that it will be found quite un-
necessary to have the plates cast in three pieces; that it would
suffice if cast in one piece, provided it were cast with a loop
round the edge, which should fall into a groove of sand, and that
the plate would then expand in the loops: this will greatiy lessen
the danger of exhalation. The situation of the damper, as shown
in section, is bad; it should be placed exactly at the junction of
the flue with the chimney; and it will be found to economize fuel,
by preventing the loss of heat, if between the brickwork form-
ing the end of chamber and the stove some non-conducting
material, such as hair-felt, be placed, and also if double doors be
used for the furnace. I find the only loss of heat that takes place
in the apparatus at Nutfield is from the furnace-doors and the
bricks around them, and this might be prevented by the above
plan. ‘The doors employed are Sylvester’s patent, which, for all
purposes where the regulation of draught is required, seem to be
the best that can be imagined; there are no hinges to rust, or
machinery to get out of order, or screws to untwist ; they simply
hang on a frame, in which they slide, the edges of the door and
frame being ground to fit; and another advantage which they
seem to me to possess is, that if any explosion should take place
62 POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES.
within the stove, from a collection of gases (and all economic
stoves, where of course the combustion is slow, are liable to such
occasionally), instead of the boiler or plates being blown out of
their place, these doors would be lifted outwards, and the evil
consequence avoided. Within the chamber, extending between
the two end walls of the stove, and bearing slightly on the end
wall of the hot-house, is a tank of water, I’, divided longitudi-
nally, 4 inches deep, as shown in section, also by dotted lines in
ground plan, supplied by a check cistern from the outside, G,
also of course divided; this may be furnished with a tap, by
which to empty it, or at which the gardener can always obtain
chilled water.* The roof of the hot-chamber is formed of
double slating, with a layer of M‘Neil’s hair-felt and two or
three inches of sawdust between, and the upper surface is never
warm. From these arrangements it is evident that the entire
air of the hothouse, must flow over the plating, through the
chamber, and back over the tank of water (as shown by the
direction of the arrow in plan and section), and be returned back
into the hot-house in a heated form through the upper opening.
Here it is received into a large brick pit (as shown by inner lines
in plan), and it is allowed to escape through slate ventilators
from the sides and end of this pit. Iron bars extend across this
pit, and on these slates (thick duchess) are laid; upon these
some pebbles and a few inches of tan as plunging material. ‘To
those who have been accustomed to hot water, I may say, that
if they regard the cold-air main drain as the return pipe, the
chamber as an air-boiler, the brick pit as a hot-air tank, they
can be at no loss to understand either the arrangement or the
principle, and to perceive that there is no difficulty whatever in
reducing those principles to practice. And this brings me to
the third consideration I had proposed, namely, the advantages
likely to result from the employment of Polmaise heating; and
the relative importance of these advantages will be differently
regarded by different classes of persons. The wealthy lover of
horticulture will first inquire, Can I grow my plants better? He
* This cistern or tank is of very unnecessary extent: it is 5 feet long by
3 feet 6 inches wide; if it were 18 inches or 2 feet, it would be ample to
supply the moisture necessary ; and this should be divided as in plan: for
a conservatory, a single trough 9 inches wide would be amply sufficient;
and even this, as fires are only required in such structures in winter, when
much moisture is not required, would almost be unnecessary; it will be
observed from the position of the tank, that its under surface forms a sort
of roof to a flue, compelling the cold air to traverse the hot plate before
returning to the house: so that if the tank is dispensed with, some other
means must be taken to secure this—such, for instance, as a sheet of iron
plating or thin casting. My present tank will evaporate 50 gallons per
week !
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES, 63
who is equally fond of it, though with less means, will inquire
first, Can I grow more cheaply? While the grower for profit
will consider both of equal importance. [I will consider cost,
and first the original cost: this will be regulated by the purpose
for which it is required, similarly to other heating powers. An
apparatus of equal power with mine may be erected for 20/., de-
pendent on the price of brick and slate. It must be considered that
for this sum a great amount of bottom heat is secured, from 82° to
94° Fahr., over a bed 22 feet 6 inches by 9 feet wide, together
with the requisite amount of atmospheric heat in a house 28 feet
by 17. Compared to hot water, Iam sure the first cost does not
exceed one-half what the latter would be to secure the same:
amount of bottom and atmospheric air in the same house in the
same locality. But the way in which the economy is best
viewed is by considering that the entire expense of the distri-
bution of the heat is necessarily saved by the air distributing it
by its own motion, and that the expense of the air-boiler and
setting is about the same as the water-boiler and setting; the
expense of the tank it is fair to charge not to the heating but to
the evaporation, as moisture must be supplied in some way under
any mode of heating.
The working economy I take to be equally certain. If the
stove is properly built, there need be but little loss of heat, the heat
of the stove being all swept into the house by the currents, ex-
cept that portion which is lost at the junction of the stove with
the external wall of chamber; while in the hot-water apparatus,
if the boilers are set externally (and it has not been found ad-
visable to set them within the house), there is great waste of
heat,—I do not speak of every individual case, but of the gene-
rality of cases ; and since a given quantity of fuel can only evolve
a given quantity of caloric during its combustion, it is quite
evident that that system must prove most economical in the use
which secures the most caloric for the purpose required. With
regard to the amount of caloric passing up the chimney, Pol-
maise stands on the same footing with all other economical
stoves in which the combustion of the fuel is regulated by the
supply of the oxygen and by means of Sylvester doors, and
dampers in the chimney ; the amount of heat lost in this manner
is inconsiderable. Some heat must always be sacrificed in this
manner in all systems; for if there were no caloric in the chim-
ney,—that is, if the air in the chimney were not rarefied, there
would be no current of air to the fuel, and the fire would not
burn ; and if this is to be saved, it can only be done by bringing
the chimney through the house,—in fact, by again returning to
the flue system.
The next advantage I shall notice is the equal distribution of
64 POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOTHOUSES.
the heat. Taking the word equal in its strictest sense, that
which is desired will never be absolutely attained; but it is not
to be denied that the closest approximation to uniformity must
be secured by employing that medium which is most rapid in its
motions. But this excellence attaches to all systems where the
air is used as the medium of diffusion. What, therefore, is the
peculiar merits of Polmaise? If we again look to Nature, we
shall see a specimen of the proper mode of heating the air,—we
shall see how the heat is diffused, so that the hottest portions
become cooled, and the cool heated ; but we shall look in vain
for an equality of temperature. Such was not Nature’s purpose.
An earth unequally heated produced and required for its inha-
bitants, both animal and vegetable, an unequally heated atmo-
sphere. We shall not find her imparting to her favourites a
great amount of bottom heat while the atmospheric temperature
is low, thus stimulating a flow of sap which the leaves are un-
able to dispose of; neither shall we find her with high atmo-
spheric heat and a low soil temperature, inducing a foliage which
the roots cannot afford materials to maintain. These are man’s
plans, not Nature’s. When shall we, by observing her beauti-
fully-adjusted balance, learn to regulate our own? And as a
uniformity of atmospheric temperature around our globe would
have been an imperfection, we shall look in vain to Nature for
the example or the principle of the objects of our search. But
is Philosophy equally silent? Will she point out no way? She
has with Nature pointed to the means, but she is left alone to
discover how to use them. It will be observed, that in the mo-
tions of the earth’s atmosphere towards those portions of the
earth that are most highly heated,—in other words, the flow of
air from the poles to the equator, the hottest portion of the air
is always succeeded by the hottest but one,—that a particle of
air, for instance, that leaves the poles would travel onwards by
degrees to the equatorial regions, acquiring warmth on its way,
till arrived at the equator (presuming no other force interfered
to derange its course) ; and while we can easily see in these cur-
rents a powerful means of preventing too great a difference in
the atmospheric temperature, a means sufficient to secure the end
designed, still they are not such as can possibly occasion a uni-
formity of heat. Surely common sense would tell us, that if uni-
formity is our object, we should take not that portion of air first
to the heat which is hottest but one, but that which is coldest of
all. Does not philosophy teach us that rapidity of current de-
pends mainly on difference of temperature, and that therefore we
must not only use the means that can travel the fastest, but we
must subject them to the conditions that shall zxsure their doing
so,—such is Polmaise. The air which is taken first to the
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOT-HOUSES., 65
heated surface of the stove is the coldest air in the house, or
otherwise it would not be upon the floor; and when I notice
certain facts observed by Mr. Murray at Polmaise, and by myself
at Nutfield, it will be evident that the result is exactly what we
might anticipate from using a power, not only able, but forced to
move at the extreme of its speed, namely, a closer approximation
to uniformity of temperature.
Another advantage resulting from the employment of Pol-
maise is, that not only is uniformity of distribution secured, but
this uniformity is independent of external circumstances. Many
persons, mistrusting anything new, though unable to deny results
that are evident to all who choose to verify them, exclaim, that
it is all very well now, but how will this plan keep out the frost
in the winter ?—while those who have so certainly foretold its
complete failure look forward to the winter frost as their forlorn
hope. But when we examine principles, we find that the velo-
city of the current between the two buildings is in proportion to
the difference of the temperature of the air in the two. It is
evident, therefore, that the only effect exerted on the air within
the hot-house by the cooling influence from without will be to
send it more rapidly to the source of heat; so that, provided a
proportionate amount of fuel can be burnt, and caloric evolved
in the chamber, the air of the house will take care that the heat
so evolved is distributed. It will no longer be necessary, in
order to keep the frost out of one end of the hot-house, to par-
roast the other, as in the old flue system; for while in all sys-
tems of heating this same principle operates to check the varia-
tion to a certain extent, in no system can it act so efficiently as
in that in which the coldest particles go first to be heated, thus
insuring the greatest possible amount of velocity of distribution.
The last advantage I shall notice as pertaining to Polmaise
heating is, the necessary and constant motion of the atmosphere
which it secures; and this will probably be found by horticultu-
rists to be one of the most important considerations affecting the
question. My knowledge of vegetable physiology is not suffi-
cient to enable me to prosecute this consideration far, and those
who understand the subject best are not unanimous in their opi-
nion as to what are the precise effects of atmospheric motion
upon vegetation. Whether it has any other effect than that of
bringing fresh supplies of carbonic acid to be acted upon by the
foliage or not, it must be evident to the most casual observer
that some important results proceed from this cause. We have
occasionally very high temperatures externally both by day and
night, yet we never see that peculiar appearance called ‘“ draw-
ing” among plants grown in the open air. Is not a stagnant
atmosphere the cause therefore, rather than the amount of tem-
VOL. II. F
66 POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOT-HOUSES,
perature? Should we not expect most excellent results from
that system of heating which secures the greatest amount of
atmospheric agitation,—which not only warms a certain amount
of air, but by its motion secures that the whole of the air so
warmed shall be brought in contact with the foliage which it is
to nourish,—which, so far as motion of the atmosphere is con-
cerned, puts a plant in the hot-house in the same position as a
plant out of doors? May we not reasonably hope that, with a
certain amount of fresh air charged with its proportion of car-
bonic acid gas, and this in motion, we shall always be able to
rival nature in the compact beauty of our specimens, as we have
done in the profusion of their bloom ?
Having noticed the advantages of Polmaise heating, I have no
wish to conceal its dangers. Man may take the principles of
Nature, and when he reduces them to practice, he finds that he
has introduced some human imperfection, and so it is with Pol-
maise. A boiler may burst, or a pipe choke up with a hot water
apparatus, and a gaseous exhalation may escape from the stove
of Polmaise. The compounds of sulphur and oxygen appear,
even when much diluted, most prejudicial to vegetable life, and
the effects of the bursting of a flue are well known; and this is
the point of danger. I prophesy that no winter, however severe,
will affect the operation of Polmaise ; but all the beauty of this
principle of heating must be sacrificed, unless we can secure the
chamber from gaseous exhalation. With this view, let me urge .
upon all those who may employ the Polmaise principle to be
extremely particular in the manner in which the stove is built.
Let the outside be parged; let it be constructed of at least nine-
inch brick-work ; and if the iron plate can be cast in one, with
a projecting rabbet on its under surface, and this rabbet es
into a sand groove thus :
it appears that all possibility of exhalation must be precluded.
Indeed, if even this were insufficient, it is hardly probable that a
sound principle of heating should be lost for want of some inge-
nious mechanical contrivance to prevent exhalation. However,
I have thought it my especial duty to point out the weak points
of Polmaise ; and while I acknowledge that I think the form of
stove 1 have employed has many advantages, and especially the
retention of the heat, I by no means wish to prevent others
of a more complex and expensive, though probably of a more
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOT-HOUSES, 67
powerful character, being employed. All the merits of my
stove, whatever these may be, are due to Dr. Arnott; but I trust
that the great principle of Polmaise, the conditions under which
the stove is placed, will never be lost sight of ; for on no other
principle can atmospheric heat be so naturally, so cheaply, or so
uniformly diffused.
During the last two months I have had repeated opportunities
of making thermometric experiments in the hot-house at Nut-
_ field, and also other trials of a very interesting character, and
leading to very important practical conclusions. The hot air,
as it enters the hot-house from the chamber, passes beneath the
bottom of the plunging bed, exactly at its point of entrance ; one
of the slates on which the bed rests has been removed, leaving
an area of about 2 feet, or half the hot-air opening; and by
this means a thermometer can be suspended in the hot blast
at its entrance. I have seen this indicate 174° Fahr., but it
' commonly ranges from 120° to 150°. When about the latter
point, another thermometer suspended one foot above the former
will indicate from 85° to 90°, ; while a third, on the same level
with the second, but at one foot horizontal distance, will indi-
cate only 65°; and other thermometers hanging in different parts
of the house, at one end or both, or in the centre, indicate 63° ;
while even a thermometer on the floor, at the extreme end of the
house, will indicate 61°. The only unequal portion extends about
2 feet around the hot-air opening, and in the ridge of the house,
where we must always expect to find the temperature several
degrees higher. The temperature of the plunging bed varies
from 80° to 92° Fahr. in different portions, which is accounted for
by the fact, that much of the hot air escapes through the open
ventilators before reaching the extreme end of the bed; but for
many purposes this variation is desirable, and all this may be
regulated, according to circumstances, by the side ventilators.
The temperature of the plunging bed is peculiarly steady, arising
from the material being a bad conductor of heat, slow to heat
and slow to cool. ‘The inference to be drawn from all the expe-
riments I have made is, that there will be no occasion to provide
any means of distributing the hot air; it will equally diffuse
itself. Another point I have determined is, that the lower the
external temperature, the greater the proportionate difference
between the hot-house and the external air, arising partly from
the principle of compensation already noticed. ‘Thus the ave-
rage temperature of the hot-house above the external air, with
moderate fires at night, is about 20°; but on the only occa-
sion in which I have yet had an opportunity of testing it in
frost, the house at night was 30° above the external air, and
never during the night was the difference more than 26°. It
F 2
68 POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOT-HOUSES.
was a quiet, clear, frosty night, the external air at 31° Fahr.* I
find the uniform range of the differential thermometer, from six
o'clock in the evening till eight in the morning, is from 62° to
57° or 58°. It must be remembered that this is legitimate
atmospheric temperature. There are no means within the house
of affecting the thermometer by radiation, either from pipes, or
from bricks heated by pipes, or by hot flues, and then attributing
the thermometric point to atmospheric temperature, which is
partly owing to radiation, a very common error; but it is the
temperature of the air taken by a thermometer suspended
against the upright side sashes of the house. The house itself is
a span roof, containing about 4000 cubic feet of air; it is glazed
with sheet-glass, the ends are both glazed, and the upright side-
sashes are three feet in height, standing upon stone walls four
feet high. Itis situated in a kitchen-garden, partly walled, on a
very considerable elevation, as will be evident when I state that,
though only 20 miles from London, I can from my own grounds,
on the same level, distinctly see the Downs in clear weather. I
have purposely abstained from using any covering material,
such as asphalte shutters, with a view of testing the heating
powers. These facts entirely corroborate those obtained at Pol-
maise by Mr. Murray, which were published in the Gardener’s
Chronicle of the present year.
Another inquiry of great practical importance is, How far the
success of this mode of heating depends upon the conditions
under which the principle is carried out? Principles are all-
important, but experience can alone teach us the best mode of
applying them. When we reflect on the gradual advancement of
hot-water heating, the experience that has been slowly brought
* Another experiment was made by closing four of the cold-air orifices,
reducing the exit of the cold air to two one-foot openings, and I could not
detect that the temperature of the house was always affected, while it was
quite evident that the velocity of the currents in these two was greatly in-
creased; neither could I ascertain that the uniformity of the temperature
was at all affected; the drains left open were those at the extreme end of
the house: had these been closed and those near the chamber opened, I
think it probable the uniformity would suffer. I also closed all the hot-air
ventilation, allowing only the escape of hot-air at the opening close by the
hot chamber ; neither did this affect the general uniformity of the distribu-
tion. These evidently lead to the conclusion, that a small amount of cold-
air drain will prove sufficient: and also that any chamber or means of
diffusing the hot air is entirely unnecessary, except where required, as at
Nutfield, for the bottom heat. This experiment has not always been uniform
in its results: sometimes when only two cold drains are open the tempera-
ture of the house is less by two degrees than when all are open, but I can
never detect that it affects the uniformity of the distribution ; it must also
be understood that the temperatures named are not always the same; but
the most important and best ascertained point is the equal diffusion of the
heat.
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOT-HOUSES. 69
to bear upon forms of boilers and situations of pipes, how absurd
it would be to suppose that we have got at all beyond the
threshold of Polmaise heating ; and when we consider what has
been accomplished with a system wholly unnatural, and partially
unsound, what may we not expect to achieve with a mode of
heating where the principles defy attack. But we shall cer-
tainly find our error if we suppose that the success of Polmaise
is independent of all conditions. There is no question that heat
causes currents when applied to liquids; that such currents will
cause an actual circulation ; but conditions are necessary to this
before the principle can become useful ; for, provided the boiler
is situated above the return-pipe, the circulation will not take
place unless express arrangements have been made with the flow.
And numerous have been the failures, partial or total, of hot-
water apparatus from the relative position of the return-pipe
and boiler; and it is, I believe, pretty generally understood,
that a rise in the flow-pipe, and a fall towards the boiler in the
return, is the best mode of obtaining a good hot-water circula-
tion. May we not expect, then, that certain conditions will
equally attach to render Polmaise effectual or otherwise; and
already, to-my knowledge, two failures have occurred,—one at
least partial, and one entire,—and both apparently caused by the
situation of the cold-air drains, which are the return-pipes of
Polmaise. In the case of total failure, the cold-air main drain
rises a foot before entering the chamber, and of course the air,
not having yet become warmed, cannot rise, but lies dead in the
drain, and the circulation is effectually impeded. And these
failures promise to be more instructive than even the success of
the house at Nutfield; for there the main drain runs on a level
into the chamber, as shown in longitudinal section, and even
after its arrival in the hot chamber it ascends before reaching the
iron plate, which may be regarded as the air-boiler. Surely,
well as it acts, there is every reason to think its operation would
be far more effectual provided the cold-air drains had a gradual
fall, say of 1 in 80, towards the chamber, and if the stove was
lowered in such a manner that the top of the plate should be
level with the bottom of the drain, that the air might not have
to make any ascent till it received the full impetus arising from
expansion. The best form of stove, the most desirable position
in which to place it, the relative size of drains, and their proper
inclination,—for the solution of all these points we must quietly
wait for accumulated experience; and as at the commencement
of this paper I alluded to the importance which the subject of
the diffusion of artificial heat assumes in this country, so at its
close I would again venture to urge it upon your Society. -How-
ever much horticulturists may be indebted to your Society for
70 POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOT-HOUSES.
the advancement caused by your encouragement,—whatever they
may owe to your exertions in bringing into and spreading through
this country many of the plants which now adorn our gardens
and hot-houses,—in no way could your Society more effectually
increase this obligation than by devoting some portion of your
means and attention for the purpose of investigating the relative
merits of different modes of artificial heating.
Now that the cost of glass structures has become so much
lessened, and consequently their erection so much more general,
this subject is daily increasing in importance. A series of care-
fully-conducted experiments made under like circumstances, in
buildings similarly situated, and constructed with a view to de-
termine the relative merits of different modes of heating, espe-
cially as to their economy both of first cost and use, the amoun
of artificial temperature produced, its regularity, the uniformity
of its diffusion, and their general effects on vegetation, would be
of extreme value to horticulturists, who, for the want of some
standard of the kind, are daily imposed upon by designing people
for their own individual gain; and one thing at least will be
admitted by all, that it is much to be wished that some cheaper
means should be devised than at present exists for horticultural
heating. Brick flues (may they not be said to be the most eco-
nomical means of all?) seem to be generally abandoned on the
score of various imperfections, especially their unequal diffusion
of heat and their liability to exhalation. Hot water (even ad-
mitting all its fondest admirers can say of it) is limited in its
usefulness by the cost of erection. Surely, under these circum-
stances, it well behoves all lovers of gardening to try the merits
of Polmaise. The soundness of its principles who can dispute ?
Hostile opinions have been plentiful, but arguments few: it
remains for individual ingenuity to exercise itself as to the most
effective mode of reducing them to practice.
Since the above observations were in type a sudden change
has taken place in the atmospheric temperature. At the be-
ginning of the present month the external temperature at night
was as lowas 21° Fahr.; there was no difficulty in keeping up the
temperature of the house to its usual point, 57° or 58°, during
the night—the fire, as usual, being only supplied night and
morning. It will be found necessary to employ some means of
lessening the bottom heat at the end nearest the furnace—94° at
the winter season being, I apprehend, out of all proportion to
the atmospheric heat and light. This may easily be effected by
employing at this portion of the bed a double bottom, with an
area, say of one inch, for air between the two, or by using some
non-conducting material. Another practical point to which at-
POLMAISE METHOD OF HEATING HOT-HOUSES. 7,
tention must be drawn is, that the heated air, acting upon the
slates forming the bottom of the bed, will of necessity exert
a drying influence on whatever rests upon them; and that, sup-
posing this to be soil in which plants were bedded out, this
would become extremely dry and ungenial: the roots which
found their way downward would soon perish. Exactly the
same difficulty arises where the bottom heat is communicated by
hot-water pipes running beneath the plunging-bed, namely, their
parching effect on the superincumbent soil ; while, if open tanks
are employed, then the other extreme is incurred, and the soil is
soured by incessant steam. It has been suggested to me that
this difficulty is best overcome by making the bottom of the bed
water-tight, and placing on the two or three inches of broken
brick, rubbish or pebbles, down among which water can be
poured in different places, which will diffuse itself and become
absorbed, and gradually moisten the soil above it as it is con-
verted into vapour by the heat below, while any excess can be let
off by having holes at the requisite level fitted with plugs. All
these points will be made more or less perfect according as they
fall into the hands of ingenious men or otherwise. IJ only wish
to draw attention to them as affecting the good practical working
of the system, leaving others to make the application which their
own peculiar and individual case may require. ‘The only other
subject I wish to notice is the form of the top of the stove, espe-
cially as connected with gaseous exhalation: with plates formed
as mine are, there must always exist a liability to this, and on
one or two occasions I have clearly detected the presence of gas
slightly in the house—when there has been fresh fuel supplied
and the damper pushed in so as to stop the chimney (thus
forcing its escape, as it were)—now though very slight, and only
occurring when forced to escape, I think it desirable so to con-
struct the plating that even this shall be prevented, which may
be effected by having the plates cast in one, with a projecting
rim on the under surface sinking into a sand-groove. However,
it is with much pleasure that I take this opportunity of stating
that a form of plating has been prepared and shown to me by a
well-known and very eminent firm largely engaged in the horti-
cultural trade, which I consider far superior to the flat plating I
have employed: it is in several pieces to allow of expansion, and
yet arrangements are provided which are calculated to prevent
the possibility of exhalation, and at the same time in the
same area a much larger surface is exposed to absorb heat from
the fuel and communicate it to the air; and, should it accom-
plish these points, I am sure it will meet with every encourage-
ment it deserves.
Dec. 10, 1846.
72 ON THE CULTURE AND HABITS
X.—Remarks on the Culture and Habits of the Cephalotus fol-
licularis, accompanied by Meteorological Tables of the Tem-
perature of Cornwall. By Thomas Corbett, Gardener to Sir
William Molesworth, Bart., M.P. F.H.S.
(Communicated Nov. 18, 1846.)
We have a large rock-work at this place; it faces the pleasure-
grounds. ‘There is a large recess in this rock-work, where we
have a flight of steps winding from the bottom to the top ; about
half way up these steps a bog or swamp was made, and in this
bog we grow our Cephalotus. It is sheltered from the north, east,
and south by granite rocks weighing from half a hundred weight
to several tons. There are shrubs and different trees growing on
and about the rock, which help in summer to shade part of the
sun’s rays from it. The bog extends nearly on a level; the
shape of it is rather irregular; its average diameter is about 9
feet. Above the rock, and some distance from it eastward, there
is a reservoir, from which the fountain in the centre of the
flower-garden is supplied by a large leaden pipe. As the place
where we can turn the water off or on to the fountain is conti-
guous to the bog, where there is a small pipe attached to the
large one, there we have another stoppage to the small pipe; it
extends partly round the bog; there are small perforated holes
all round it as far as it goes: from this we can turn on little or
much water to the bog, just as we think it requisite. At the
commencement of making this bog there was rather a low place
across the bottom, and as the under-ground was very porous, I
put a layer of wet clay all over it; the next covering was a
mixture of turfy peat, and a little very much decayed leaf-
mould ; and on the top of that was a layer of sphagnum, with
some of its decayed roots, and some of its natural soil that was
under the roots. The surface of this composition was not all
kept equally wet.
The first thing that I planted in this bog was Sarracenia pur-
purea, which was about four years ago. It was a very small
plant at that time, but it has grown very much, and is still
doing very well, and it had nine flowers on it at one time last
summer. I put a hand-glass over it to protect it in winter.
Occasionally we put other materials over it to keep out the frost.
The spring following I planted the Cephalotus under the same
hand-glass, and there it remained, doing very well, and treated
in the same manner as the Sarracenia, until last April, when,
to my surprise and regret, our poor little Cephalotus was rooted
OF THE CEPHALOTUS FOLLICULARIS. 73
out of the mossy ground by some mouse or large snail, and was
to all appearance dead. The roots were all dried up, but I fan-
cied there was a little life in the stem; I brought it into my
cottage, and laid it on some damp sphagnum. I then went
up into one of the woods, and found a rotten stump of an old
tree ; I cut off from it what I thought suited my purpose. There
were some chasms in it, and it had living moss growing in it,
and some perfectly rotten wood. I next put into one of these
holes a little fine and sandy peat, a few knobs of rotten wood,
and some very much decayed leaf-mould, and also a little sphag-
num. I then planted my poor withered little plant in this
mixed holeful of living and decayed matter, and I sunk this
old stump in the middle of the bog up to nearly the level of the
rim of this hole, where the percolating water gently moved
past, and pressed probably in a small degree through the lower
fittings of the hole. I afterwards put a small bell-glass over the
little plant; but the edge of the hole being rather uneven, the
glass was not air-tight. Over this I put a square iron hand-glass :
it being in two parts, the air got in a little between the top and
bottom ; and in the middle of hot sunny days I have this partly
shaded with a piece of old mat. In this situation no mice or
snails are likely to be enabled to invade it.
In about a fortnight after, I was delighted to find my little
favourite returning again to the evidence of vitality, and now I
never saw it in such a vigorous growing state. At first it threw
up healthy plain leaves, and soon after it had eight or ten of
them. It has now brought into sight about six or eight of its
beautiful pitchers; some of them are three parts grown, and
some are less. It has divided itself into two stems. In summer
I generally take off the bell-glass altogether, except when the
night air is rather cold; and in very fine weather I turned the
top of the hand-glass, so that through the angles the air had full
access to the plant.
In this bog all last winter were also the following plants :—
Dionza muscipula. Lycopodium circinatum.
Sarracenia flava. — helveticum.
-——- Drummondii. —— caudatum.
—— adunca. —_———_ _ ludovicianum.
Parnassia Caroliniana. ——- —— denticulatum.
———— palustris. : ————- Selago, &c.
The following tables will show in what sort of climate this
experiment has been tried :-——
-
74 CLIMATE OF CORNWALL.
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken at PENCARROW in
CoRNWALL.
Lat. 50° 19’ N.—Long. 4° 54’ W. Time 19 m. 36s. after Greenwich.
230 ft. above high water mark.
Thermometer. 4 ze Hygrometer.
s J be Amount of
ace. ® ® 5
E E Ex agg g Rain for the
£ 5 | aa & 5.5 ee es
oe & S & ak: ga2Z a as Year.
Jan 43° 32°68} 37°84! 29°69 °87| 2°09) 41-01) 3-72"
Feb 43°25) 34°08] 38°66) 29°6 1°72) 4°91 | 89°15) ©a*7F
March | 56°3 | 37°7 | 47° 29°7 1°3 3°03) 53°27) 2°94
April }| 58°3 | 38°73) 48°51) 29°71) 2°78) 6°43] 51°87| 2°92
May 66°3 | 47°33) 56°82) 29-41) 4:4 9°9 | 56°4 3°98
June 69°13} 42°79) 55°96} 29°82 4°86) 11°43} 57°7 2°64
July 66°2 | 49°4 | 57°8 | 29°75 3°58) 8°84) 57°36, 4°12
Aug 65°6 | 52° 58°8 | 29°71) 3°12, 7°32) 58°28) 3°42
Sept 65°18] 50°738| 57°93) 29°53) 2+84 7°62) 58°51) 9°92
Oct 62°52) 50°24! 56°38] 29°46 2°5 | 5°96} 56°56) 6°85
Nov 50°7 | 38°6 | 44°65) 29°59 1°89 4°5 | 46°2 6°34
Dec 47°16) 38°49] 42°82) 29°59 1°45 3:5 | 44°11) 6°6
— i | | eS -
Average) 57°79) 42:73] 50°26 reir" 2°68 6°14 51-65 57°29
The hottest days were on the 29th of April, 25th and 27th of May, viz. 80°.
The coldest night was on January 7th, viz. 12°.
The first oak-leaf was expanded on the 30th of April. The same circum-
stance took place in 1839 on the 15th of May, and in 1840 on the 9th of May.
4 .
Thermometer. 2 s Hygrometer.
ss Amount of
Date. | ov l .
E Ex M 23 a Rain for the
g| 4 d | 3 | 288) G2] se
a a fQ « OD a > — Year
woe. | S | S|] S S| g8e| "8 ] Ss
Jan 43°38 31-26 37°32] 29°81 ks: 4°22] 39°16) 4°38
Feb 49°96 35° 86! 42°91] 29°76| 2°49) 5°89! 44°07) 3°85
March 52:29) 38°58] 45°43) 29°76) 2°7 6°48} 45°81} 4°12
April 59°57| 36°03) 47°8 | 29°85) 7: 16°17} 43°4 °81
May 56°2 | 43° ge Ge aN lea 8 6°2 | L4*5\'| 5O0"7 1°75
June 77°57) 51°73) 64°65) 29°84! 9°5 | 22°96] 55°31} 1°57
July 73°26) 49°96) 61°61] 29°78! 5°8 | 18°7 | 60°19| 2°97
Aug 74°84| 54°58) 64°71] 29°85] 10 25°26) 51°58) 3:23
Sept 64°93) 48°33) 56°63) 29°73) 5° Vi?" | Se 2a oc
Oct 5° OT) 36°39) .46°5 | 29°78; “5°5-> 12"5 ) eee “S706
Nov 50°66! 39°27| 44:96] 29°45] 2°6 6°26] 44°4 8°15
Dec 51 41°06! 46°03) 29°8 1°3 2°96} 48°04) 3°25
Average] 59°94) 42°17) 51°05) 29°76} 4°8 | 11°49, 48°45) 40-64
The hottest day was on the 16th August, viz., 90°. The coldest night was
on the 7th January, viz. 18°. The driest day was on the 16th August, viz.
44°, The first expanded oak-leaf was seen on April 29.
CLIMATE OF CORNWALL. 75
* Lat. 50° 19’ N.—Long. 4° 54’ W. Time 19m. 36s. after Greenwich.
230 ft. above high water mark.
Thermometer. 2 s {Hygrometer.
Pais, Amount of
Date. 8 g = & Si Saved . ;
= a gs noo eR Rain for the
Zohan foumgenl Bae ee (abe [ba py
4 i DHA) Sy o& ear.
1843. 3 S S ae | ane a |:
Jan, 47°6 | 39°35] 43°47) 29°56) 1:5 3°51) 44°09) 4°69
Feb. 42°64) 32°18] 37°41] 29°36) 2°3 5: 3.| 37°04) 3:1
March | 51°6 | 37°6 | 44°6 | 29°78} 4°5 | 10°5 | 41°1 1°87
April 55°63} 40°63) 48°13) 29°57) 2°1 4°23) 51°4 3°51
May 59°9 | 44°13) 52°01] 29°54) 3°4 7°91) 51°99) 4:82
June 63°81} 49°81) 56°81) 29°32) 4°5 | 10°8 | 53°01; 3-11
July 69°22) 52°45! 60°83) 29°75) 5°4 | 12°34) 56°88) 2°08
Aug. 70°4 | 49°06) 59°73) 29°78} 6°9 | 16°03) 54°37) 3°54
Sept. 70°73) 51°33) 61°08} 28°88} 6°7 | 14°16) 56°57) 1°41
Oct. 57:2 | 41°97) 49°58) 29°6 3°62) 8:45) 48°74) 8-20
Nov. 50°73| 38°7 | 44°71) 29°63] 2°6 6°06) 44°67) 3°98
Dec. 48°87) 40°97| 44°92) 30°09} 1°35) 3°16) 45°71) 1°48
| | | | | |
Average] 57°36) 43°18] 50°27) 29°65) 3°66) 8°53) 45-49) 41°79
Thermometer. ves e Hygrometer.
3S
Pies) Amount of
Date. FI a So |s
nae ; -
: F i B'S gee aé ie Rain for th
‘ e g BO | Seal ep oe Year.
Pie Vee Nest oa | BOR eg, (aem me
Jan 45°67| 35°64) 40°65) 29°8 | 2°35 5°5 | 41°17) 3°62
Feb 45°06) 52°54) 38°7 | 29°46; 2°6 a: 39°06) 4:16
March | 49°06} 32°51) 40°78) 29°86| 4:09 9°54) 39°52) 2°45
April 61°2 | 37°37) 49°28) 29°86) 5°9 13°83} 52°37 *538
May 63°4 | 38°09) 50°74) 29°81) 8°07 | 18°83) 44°57 "19
June 67°6 | 47°96) 57°78) 29°76) 8°43 | 22°48) 45-12) 1-14
July 71°22) 50°13) 60°67} 29-75) 8:2 19° 52°22) 1°33
Aug 65°93] 48°93) 57°43) 29°65) 6°7 15°6 | 50°33) 3+29
Sept 65°56] 47°1 | 56°33/ 29°8 | 6°96 | 17°03) 48°53) 2-82
Oct 56°93) 41°22) 49°07) 29°69) 4:1 9°5 | 47°43) 5-09
Nov 52°76] 38°1 | 45°43) 29°59) 2°46 5°75] 47°01) 10°64
Dec 41°84) 288 | 35°32) 29°68] 1°48 3°45) 38°39) 2°67
Average] 57°18] 39°84! 48°51) 29-72) 5°29 | 12°21] 44°97| 37-98
The hottest day was on the 28rd of July, viz. 78°. The coldest night
was on the 21st December, viz. 12°.” At St. Breoke, rain 38°74. Pentilly,
rain 43°827.
76 CLIMATE OF CORNWALL.
Thermometer. “2 e Hygrometer.
Pigs Amount of
Date. | FI 28 | nt
2 S Ex neo B |Rain for the
a 5 d | &3 | 28s] 82 | ez
“ ee) > 2 € ear.
1845. S = si ee LP dee edn oe
Jan. 48°12) 33°48) 40°8 | 29°64) 2°42 5°64) 42°48 4°44
Feb. 47°68) 29° 38°34! 29°73) 9° 21 26°68) 2°8
March | 47°32) 26°64!) 36°98) 29°78 5°1 11°9 | 35°42 °86
April 61°96} 37°76) 49°86) 29°6 | 6°26 | 14°6 | 47°36, 2°47
May 64°16} 40°9 | 52°5 | 29°71) 5°38 | 12°56) 51°61) 1°59
June 74°4" | Ad” 60°6 | 29°78) 5°47 | 12°7 | 61°4 3°6
July 70°64) 49°7 | 60°17; 29°7 | 4°65 | 10°93) 59°71) 2°38
Aug. 70°5 | 47°3 | 58°9 | 29°72) 4°33 | 10° 60°5 3°03
Sept. 66°93) 42°77) 54°85) 29°75) 5*1 11°9 | 55°02) 4°65
Oct. 59° 41° 50° 30°08} 3°806; 8°88) 50°12, 2°06
Nov. 52°73) 38°27| 45°5 | 29:49] 2°8 6°55) 45°2 5°69
Dec. 48°5 | 36° 42°25) 29°69) 1°71 3°99) 44°51) 1°76
Average 59°3 | 39°15] 49°22) 29°72) 4°67 | 10°88) 48°42) 35°33
The hottest day was on the 12th of June, viz. 94°. The coldest nights were
on the 13th and 10th of March, viz. 10°.
“I
™“
NEW PLANTS, ETC.
NEW PLANTS, ETC., FROM THE SOCIETY’S
GARDEN.
1. ACONITUM AUTUMNALE.*
Received from Mr. Fortune April 6, 1846, as a “‘ species of
Aconite flowering in winter.” From Chusan among
his dried plants.
In its manner of growth this Aconite resembles A. Napellus ;
in the form of its flowers A. Cammarum. It grows about 3 feet
high, and produces its flowers, which are lilac and white, in a
simple spike, which however in time becomes a panicle by that
retrograde development which seems common to all Aconites.
The smell of the blossoms is heavy and unpleasant ; and they
have a great tendency to form subulate petals in addition to the
ordinary hammer-headed ones; in one flower as many as seven
of such processes were counted, and of them one was an inch long.
It is most nearly related to A. japonicum, from which it ap-
pears to differ in its pubescence, in its helmet not being exactly
conical, but very blunt and rounded, and in the filaments having
broad wings expanded on each side into a tooth.
This species was found cultivated in the gardens of Ningpo,
in the north of China. It is prized there chiefly on account of
its habit of blooming late in the autumn or winter. As it will
certainly prove quite hardy in Europe, and retain its habit of
flowering in winter, it will therefore possess some interest to the
collectors of new hardy herbaceous plants. Nov. 23, 1846.
2. Pinus GRENVILLEZ.{
Found by Mr. Hartweg on the Cerro de San Juan, or
Saddle Mountain, near Tepic, in Mexico, attaining a
height of 60 or 80 feet.
Leaves in fives, 14 inches in length on the wild specimens, very
robust, triquetrous, thickly set on the branches, dark-green, and
very much resembling those of Pinus macrophylla, but rather
longer ; sheaths persistent, nearly 14 inch in length, rather rough
and scaly ; seed-leaves on the young plants mostly ten in number,
and rather long; branches mostly solitary, rarely in pairs, irre-
gular, and very robust; buds very large, imbricated, non-resi-
* A, autumnale ; (Cammarum) pubescens, foliis palmatifidis laciniis pin-
natifidis lobis subfoliatis acutissimis, spica simplici stricta, gale&é compressa
rotundaté sensim acuminata, cucullis obtusis circinatis, filamentis utrinque
in alam latam acuminatam productis, ovariis 3 villosis.—J. L.
+ P. Grenvillee ; foliis quinis longissimis triquetris validis serrulatis, va-
gina longissima subscariosd, strobilis pendulis solitariis sessilibus rectius-
culis longissimis, squamis rhombeis tetragonis rugosis obtusissimis, ala
semine multd longiori biloba,—G. Gorpon.
78 NEW PLANTS, ETC.,
2)
al
Y yy
a
—S
FROM THE SOCIETY’S GARDEN. 79
nous, and thickly set with long narrow brown scales ; cones pen-
dulous, solitary, sessile, quite straight, tapering regularly from
the base to the point, 16 inches in length, and 33 broad at the
base, with from 28 to 30 rows of scales; scales nearly all of a
size, six-eighths of an inch broad, slightly elevated and blunt,
particularly towards the base, from which a small portion of
clear resin sometimes exudes; seeds about the ordinary size,
with bifid wings, which are rather broad, and more than an inch
in length.
This noble pine is very easily distinguished from all others by
its very long straight cones and stout foliage. It is called
‘¢‘ Ocote macho,” or male pine, by the natives, on account of its
robust habit, and is found plentifully on the highest parts
of the Cerro de San Juan. It has had its present name given
in compliment to the Right Hon. Lady Grenville, who possesses
one of the finest pinetums in Europe at Dropmore.
3. Prnus Gorponrana.* Hartweg.
Received from Mr. Hartweg, who found it on the Cerro de
San Juan, or Saddle Mountain, near Tepic, in Mexico,
attaining a height of 60 or 80 feet.
Leaves in fives, 16 inches in length on the wild specimens,
rather slender, triquetrous, very dense, light-green, and longer
than any of the other kinds; sheaths persistent, about 14 inch
in length, rather rough and scaly; seed-leaves on the young
plants mostly seven in number, and rather short ; branches ra-
ther numerous, regular, slightly elevated at the points and not
very robust; buds very scaly, non-resinous, and of a moderate
size; male flowers rather large, in dense clusters, and very nu-
merous; cones pendulous, mostly solitary, slightly curved, and
tapering regularly from near the base to the point, from 4 to 5
inches in length and 14 broad near the base, with 14 or 15 rows
of scales ; scales half an inch broad, slightly elevated, particu-
larly those about the middle and towards the points, while those
next the base are nearly flat and much smaller; the cones are
quite destitute of resin, and on footstalks about $ an inch in
length ; seeds small, angular, with rather narrow wings, about
+ inch in length.
This handsome pine has the longest and finest foliage of any
kind yet introduced, and is called by the natives ‘‘ Ocote hembra,”
or female pine. Mr. Hartweg, who discovered and named it,
* P. Gordoniana ; foliis quinis tenuibus minutissimé serrulatis longissimis,
vagina squamosa subscariosa, strobilis pendulis subsolitariis ovato-oblongis
rectiusculis, squamis rhomboideis vix pyramidatis rugosis obtusis, semine
parvo ala semilanceolataé obtusé.—G. G.
80 NEW PLANTS, ETC. |
states that it is not frequently met with on the colder parts of the
Cerro de San Juan, and is likely to be hardy.
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.
XI.— On Hybridization amongst Vegetables. By the Hon. and
Very Rev. William Herbert, LL.D., F.H.S., Dean of Man-
chester. Part the Second.
(Communicated Oct., 1846.)
I have mentioned that different species of Zephyranthes did
not intermix willingly, but seedlings of Z. tubispatha by Z.
carinata flowered at Spofforth, which produced no seed, and have
been lost since. One was raised from Z. sessilis var. Guatima-
lensis by carinata, which has borne seed and fertilized var. vere-
cunda. The dust of H. concolor and other species of Zephyr-
anthes and Habranthus, and of Sprekelia formosissima and cin-
nabarina, has been very frequently applied to Hippeastrum, but
always in vain. Hippeastrum, however, both here and in Ame-
rica, has willingly produced seedlings by the curious plant
figured as Sprekelia cybister, and supposed by me to form a
second section of Sprekelia, differing in the relative length of its
several stamens and in the Hippeastrum-like breadth of its
leaves. Professor Lindley was therefore right in looking upon
it as an anomalous Hippeastrum ; and I think it gives reason to
believe that Sprekelia is rather a very strongly marked section
of Hippeastrum approximating to H. aulicum than a genus
originally distinct; in which case the question would be yet
open, whether, under very favourable circumstances, a cross
might not be still obtained, for no Sprekelia seems willing to
bear seed in our climate and under our cultivation.
The genus Crinum goes round the belt of the world not ex-
ceeding a certain distance from the equator. A portion of it
was originally included in the genus Amaryllis, being supposed
to conform with the Belladonna lily, on which it was founded.
The greater part of that portion breed as willingly with those
within the old Linnean limitation of Crinum as with each
other ; but those from the west coast of Africa (although one of
them, C. spectabile, is naturalized in Brazil) usually fail to breed
with any other species. One of them, however, C. Broussonet-
ilanum, comes so near to the East Indian species, that Mr. Ker
united it with them as a variety under the name Amaryllis
ornata. I raised after repeated failures one seedling from C.
Capense by pollen of C. spectabile, as I believe, but I lost the
plant when two years old, before I could feel certain of its cor-
rectness. Here is one of the unintelligible freaks of nature ;
VOL, II. G
82 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
that is to say, one of the departures from analogy in the disposi-
tions of the Allwise, of which I at least cannot fathom either
the cause or the mode.
The genus Crocus, with great uniformity of aspect, branches
into an infinity of species and local varieties, being found in
peculiar situations and soil, but with greater similarity of habits
and constitution than Crinum; and it might have been supposed
that, when brought into cultivation, their seminal produce would
become confounded. On the contrary, I have tried in vain for
years to obtain any cross; I have not one as yet on which I
depend ; and, if I have any, not above three or four such bulbs,
and about as many seeds. The cross-impregnation seldom pro-
duced a pod, and, if it did, the seed was usually shrivelled and
bad. Look at the geological map of Bory St. Vincent. Half
the island of Milo consists of igneous rock, half of marble and
schist. On the schist he found C. levigatus. ‘The same schist
appears in Thermia; C. levigatus is there. I know that it
passes thence to Hymettus and to the neighbourhood of the
quarantine station at Zeitun. I doubt not that a like ealca-
reous formation will be found there. But why does C. levigatus
jump from the summit of Milo to the summit of ‘Thermia, and
thence by Hymettus to Zeitun, without touching the hills of
Epidaurus or Nauplia, or any part of the Morzea, as far as it has
been searched? I believe because the soil, subsoil, and climate,
in which it grows, have forced Crocus to take that form and
aspect which botanists call C. levigatus, not that it has a
predilection for such, for experience leads me to think that few
local bulbs or even plants prefer their native soil, though they
are found in it because they can endure it, while the rivals,
which would otherwise oppress them, cannot thrive vigorously
in it. Many such are found to perish if potted or cultivated in
their native soil removed to another situation, finding either an
injurious increase or diminution of moisture in the new position,
which makes a different soil expedient for them there. Griffinia
grows in mountain woods in very strong loam ; it will scarcely
live in such soil in our stoves, where it seems to like sandy peat.
Ismene Amancaes grows in Bolivia in loam strong enough to
break an iron crow; here it must be cultivated in pure white
sand. I find such European Orchideze and Croci as grow in
chalky or calcareous stuff, very much disposed to canker and die
if potted in the like, while the fresh tubers and corms of almost
every kind turn out well from a yellowish crumbling loam of
moderate tenacity. No Crocus grows naturally in alluvial soil,
probably because other plants would there smother it; but
many, ifnot all, delight in it in a sufficiently dry situation, ‘when
cultivated. Different soils, therefore, suit the same vegetable
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 83
under different circumstances, because in different positions they
will have to contend with other difficulties and other rivals for
the occupation of the soil. I consider a due quantity of moisture,
without excess or deficiency, to be the main requisite to every
plant which has peculiar local affections, premising that it must
have space, unincumbered by stronger rivals that would over-
power it, and a suitable temperature. I have found a blue
Statice growing aloft in solid stone at the back of Portland island,
and elsewhere on the brink of a runnel ina saltmarsh; I have
found Gentiana verna on the firm turfy brow of the St. Gothard,
and in the flooded marshes at the head of the lake of Thun.
The clouds and the sea-spray and fog furnished in the high posi-
tion that incessant moisture which those plants demanded, and
which the rival grasses found to be superabundant for their use
and injurious to their vigorous growth.
To return to C. levigatus: one of two views must be adopted,
either that schist, in a position where it receives a certain degree
of moisture under a certain temperature, is essential to enable a
variation of the genus Crocus which originated in such a posi-
tion to reproduce and maintain itself against all intrusion, or
that the like data tend to produce a similar variation in different
insulated spots; but it is not easy to suggest a satisfactory reason
why such an indisposition to intermix should exist in a genus
which branches into so many local species with so much general
conformity both of habit and aspect. It has sometimes occurred
to me, that the variations produced by circumstances of poverty,
where the plant exists by superior powers of endurance, become
more fixed than those which arise from luxuriance. Crocus
seems to me to live in a state of constant mountain warfare,
avoiding the presence of powerful rivals; Narcissi shoot both
early and vigorously, and usually domineer over the grasses, &c.,
in the position they choose. The attempt to cross Crocus vernus
with other species led to some interesting observations. Plants
thereof were taken up and potted at the flowering season for
that purpose. I found that no excision, however deep, of a
flower that had expanded itself, and of which the pollen was set
free before it was taken up, could prevent the underground
germen within the sheaths of the plant from perfecting its seed
in due time. The fertilization had taken place and could not be
arrested. On the other hand, no application of its own pollen
would fertilize a flower after the transplantation; the check
received prevented the fertilization; prevented, as I believe, the
plant from supplying that which the pollen required to enable it
to elongate its tubes. But a further remarkable circumstance
was observed. The roots so potted were plunged in a sand-bed,
that they might be ready for the next year’s operation without
G2
84 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
transplantation ; but two seasons succeeded, and those roots pro-
duced no flower. A small bulb of a variety of C. vernus from
the Splugen had been also potted two years, and did not flower.
It was planted out, and no longer failed. What does this imply ?
I suspect that the relative cold and moisture of the erown and
the base or fibres of a plant is an important point which culti-
vators have overlooked, and which may be one of the agents by
which local variations have been produced. C. vernus on the
Alps, at an elevation of 5000 feet, frequently flowers by piercing
the yet unmelted remnant of snow. In that position its head is
wet and very cold, while its tail descends to the warmer and
drier stone. In a pot at my window the vernal sun warms its
head, while the pot detains the wet round its fibres and the
evaporation from the pot chills them. The relative circumstances
are therefore reversed. When I find that Crocus vernus does
not descend below 5000 feet on the mountains of the South of
Italy, and that its near kin C. Imperatonius flourishes there be-
tween 2000 and 3000 feet above the sea, I cannot avoid sus-
pecting that the variation was worked in times by-gone by the
difference of position, and I ask myself whether the different
relative moisture and warmth of the two extremities of the plants,
and not the mere difference of soil and temperature, caused their
diversity, and now prevent their juices from co-operating for
mutual fertilization.
I will now turn to the genus Colchicum, not because I have
raised crosses therein, which I have not tried, but because it well
exemplifies the confusion of ideas that exists on this subject
amongst botanists,* both as to facts and theory. Colchicum
with great general similarity varies infinitely not only in different
localities, but even in the proportions of the several flowers
of the same plant. The natural consequence is, that many
species have been described, insufficiently defined and not easily
determined, to which my own collections can make a considerable
addition. A strong feature of difference is size; the bulb or
corm of some being large, and the leaves wide and a foot long,
while in others the bulb is small, and in one species the leaves
almost filiform. Consequently, in R. and Sch. Syst. we find
very long dissertations on the question of the identity or differ-
ence of several species of this genus, and Professor Bertoloni
(Ameen.) refers a lot of them, great and small, to Colchicum
autumnale, saying the difference is in proportion of parts, the
* J wish to take this opportunity of doing justice to my scientific friend,
Dr. Brown, having stated incorrectly, Amar. Pr. Tr., p. 5, that the germen
growing below or above the flower was undetermined in his order Aspho-
dele. I overlooked the word by which he indicated it, from its being mis-
placed, on comparing the definition with that of a cognate order.
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES, 85
smaller being from a more arid situation, and that it flowers
earlier on account of the colder climate in which it dwells;
meaning, I suppose, where the autumnal rains are earlier.
There seems to be a disposition to accept this as sound reasoning ;
but what does he mean? I believe neither he nor those who
would accept it know exactly what they assume. Does he fancy
that the small forms are peculiar to dry and cold situations? I
can assert that the fact is not so. I have found one of the very
largest (which I propose to call C. pulechrum) on a high moun-
tain in Cephalonia, very near to the small C. Bertolonicum and
other diminutive kinds, and I have found small kinds not much
above the sea level in Corfu. Does he mean that the small
sorts, in which he sees some affinity to C. autumnale, will acquire
the stature and proportions of C. autumnale when removed into
the soil and climate in which it is found? The fact is not so;
the small forms remain unchanged in cultivation. Does he
fancy that the mean temperature of the southern hills, on which
the small forms are found, is colder than the meadows of York-
shire, in which the larger autumnale grows? ‘The reverse is the
case. Upon what principle then is it asserted that some forms,
permanently very different, are of one individual species, and
others in the same genus of several species, because they differ
in having the margins of the leaf more or less parallel, or the
stigmas straight or bent, and so forth? There is nothing rational
in this; and yet the whole science of botany lies under that
cloud. The true fact is, that Colchicum is one created type;
that it has branched in by-gone ages into various forms, through
various circumstances of climate, soil, subsoil, and altitude, and
the altered features have become durable. In the sub-division
of this genus or kind into existing species or permanent forms,
the botanist has to consider, and guess as well as he can by
analogy, what are the features which will prove permanent when
the species is multiplied by seed in different situations. Culti-
vation will bring his specific divisions to the test, in the same
manner that cross-breeding is the test of the genera or kinds.
No man can be a consummate botanist without some access to
horticulture, or at least some attention to its results. The
greater number of botanical genera have been formed on the
view of dried specimens, in which the parts collapse and cannot
be truly discerned; consequently, I find scarcely a genus to
which I have occasion to refer, in which false facts are not
asserted, from the want of opportunity or industry to investigate
truly and compare its general form with all its occasional varia-
tions. In the genus Colchicum, three sepals larger than the
three petals which they enclose, the alternate length and inser-
tion of the filaments, and the thickness of their base, are, I be-~
86 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
lieve, true generic features. If they should be found deficient
in any species, a thing which I do not much expect, it will be
one of the many instances in which a feature becomes obsolete
without affecting the general character of the type, as in the
section Azalea five of the stamens of the genus (Rhododendron)
are oftener deficient than present. Cross-breeding shows that
such a deficiency is not original, but an incident. By true
generic features I mean features that belonged to the type of the
genus, whether that was the created type, or whether the genera
themselves had diverged from fewer created individuals ; an in-
quiry which would be superfluous and vain.
The facility with which the larger Rhododendrons intermix
with some sorts of Azalea is now well known, and it is quite
clear that Azalea is a condition of the same genus, in which half
the anthers are usually deficient (half in the perfect form being
of inferior power), and the leaves disposed to be deciduous,
although they are deciduous also in Rhod. Kamchaticum, Dahu-
ricum, and one or more Chinese species. Some seedlings of the
yellow Pontic Azalea frequently produce seven, eight, or nine
anthers, and Indica with evergreen leaves has usually a fuller
complement, but is much more unwilling to cross with the ever-
green Rhododendrons, showing clearly thereby that the feature
which had been assumed for the generic character, is even of less
importance than some secret difference which we cannot discover
amongst the species. Az. (socalled) squammata has ten stamens.
From Rhodora Canadensis impregnated by A. Pontica I obtained
a plant (A. Seymouri, Bot. Reg.) which would everywhere pass
‘ muster as Azalea. It is therefore preposterous to look upon
Azalea and Rhodora as other than strongly marked and defective
sections of the genus Rhododendron. It was my original notion
that the cross-bred produce from such plants, if placed alone in
a soil and climate perfectly congenial to their fructification,
would perpetuate the cross-bred type. I am satisfied that in
many cases that would occur, but perhaps not where the diversity
is as wide as between Azalea and Rhododendron. ‘The crosses
between the Nepal, Pontic, and American Rhododendrons are
fertile, and doubtless would perpetuate themselves, though with
a good deal of sporting. I formerly mentioned that the result
from the impregnation of the shrubby Calceolaria integrifolia by
Caleeolaria plantaginea, which is quite as humble and herbaceous
as a plantain, was remarkable, the whole produce having a
similar aspect, that of a very dwarf plant, with long serrated
leaves on very short stiff branches, the inflorescence being ex-
actly intermediate between that of the two species. It appeared
at first to be sterile, but last year I obtained a pod from it, and
it has reproduced itself as perfectly as if it were a natural species
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES, 87
from the mountains of Chili; set with the pollen of other
hybrids it has produced handsome varieties perfectly herbaceous.
The whole produce of the pod I have mentioned having been
similar to the parent plant, and quite distinct in appearance
from any other Calceolaria, there can be no doubt that, if they
were planted in a wild spot, of which the soil, circumstances,
and climate suited their growth and fructification, a new species,
according to the terms and acceptation of botanists, would have
been there established ; and yet any person who cultivated Cal-
ceolaria integrifolia by impregnating it with C. plantaginea
would obtain the like. We learn that most of the fine heaths
of South Africa are very local. Above thirty years ago I
announced that I had crossed E. vestita coccinea with jasmini-
flora (though Mr. Salisbury fancied they were of two separate
genera, on account of the shape of the seed-pods) ; and it is now
ascertained that Mr. Rollissun, of Tooting, raised E. jasminiflora
by mule impregnation between E. Aytoni and ampullacea, and
several others, of which no wild specimens have been found, and
kept his secret until his death for the sake of profit. ‘The genus
Erica not yielding its pollen till the anthers are forcibly touched,
and having the stigma therefore extremely likely to be hybridized
in a wild state, there seems reason to believe that the species
have been multiplied on the African wastes not merely by the
variation of soil and position, but still further by the intermixture
of the various forms which had so arisen. Such things oecur
occasionally even between plants widely distinct. A single bulb
of Crinum submersum was found in a pool of water in Brazil in
company with plants of a variety of C. erubescens, one of which
had been impregnated by pollen of C. scabrum which grows on
woody hills, and of which the pollen must have been brought by
an insect or humming bird. I must not quit the mention of
Rhododendron without stating that the mules of the late Mr.
Smith of Norbiton by Azalea Sinensis were raised, as I know for
certain, from a white Rhododendron of the cross between R.
Pontieum and the white maximum, which abounds on the hills
of Jersey in the United States, being a distinct local plant, im-
pregnated by Azalea Sinensis; and that it is erroneously stated
in the Ghent ‘ Flore des Serres’ that they are crossed by Rh.
arboreum. I saw the mother plant when the seed-pods were still
green. Mr. Smith crossed R. arboreum with Dauricum semper-
virens, but I could not prevail upon him to sell the plants, or
house them, and they all died young from frost and neglect.
My own Rh. Aprilis was raised from a Pontic Rhododendron by
Dauricum sempervirens, and has made no seed.
Let us now take a view of the circumstances attending the
genus Gladiolus. With the exception of the few species of
88 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES,
which the lower lip is abbreviated, on which account those were
erroneously formed into a separate genus Anisanthus by Sweet,
they are pretty uniform in the shape of the flower, with much
diversity of size, colour, foliage, stature, and even seed, which
last feature induced Sweet to build up another false genus Sphe-
rospora. Forty years ago I first crossed the large and brilliant
scarlet and white Gladiolus cardinalis with the smaller, but more
freely flowering, G. blandus, which sports with white, purple,
and rose coloured flowers, and (under the name of carneus,
which was in truth rather a. local variety of the same) of a
coppery flesh-colour. ‘The result was a fertile breed of great
beauty, of which the prevailing colour was purplish roseate.
Crossed again with cardinalis it yielded florid plants, scarlet,
copper-coloured, rose-coloured, white, and purple with endless
variation. By across of the first mule and of cardinalis itself
with G. tristis, of which the flower is pale yellow with brown
specks, deeper tints and rich speckling were introduced, with a
difference in the foliage and seeds, the seed of G. tristis being
smaller and longer, its leaves rigid and quadrangular, the trans-
verse section exhibiting a cross. The seeds of cardinalis are
like those of blandus, but larger. ‘There can scarcely be two
species more dissimilar than cardinalis and tristis in any genus
which has the form of the perianth uniform, the latter having
such remarkable leaves, narrow, rigid, and erect, a slender stem,
with night-smelling flowers, and the former very broad semi-
recumbent glaucous foliage, and an inclined half-recumbent stem
with large scarlet and white blossom ; yet the produce of these
intermixed is fertile, and where the third species blandus has
been also admitted into the union, it is fertile in the extreme
(incomparably more so than the pure G. cardinalis), and by
that triple cross the tall strong Gladiolus oppositiflorus of Ma-
dagascar has also produced offspring, which, though not disposed
at present to make seed freely, has produced some this year.
Again, the first of these mules was fertilized by G. hirsutus
(known at the Cape by the name roseus), a plant with flowers
straighter than usual in the genus, and strongly scented, the
leaves hairy and margined with red. That cross has not as yet
proved fertile. The same G. hirsutus was crossed by Mr. Bid-
will at Sydney, where the Cape bulbs thrive more freely than.
here, with G. alatus (which Ecklon wished to turn off into a
genus Hebea), having hard rigidly ribbed leaves, a short stem,
and orange flowers. ‘The cross-bred plants flowered here last
autumn, being intermediate in foliage and flower. The only
opportunity I have had of crossing G. alatus with the first-named
mules was defeated, notwithstanding much precaution, through
the introduction of pollen by the humblebees, which are dan-
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 89
gerous marplots to such experiments. The showy G. Natalensis
(called also Psittacinus) of the Natal country, which endures
more frost than any of the Southern Gladioli, though it suffers
much from July rains in many positions, has been freely crossed
by myself, by Mr. Belfield, by Mr. Bidwill, and by cultivators
on the Continent, with G. oppositiflorus, a Madagascar plant,
found perhaps also in Caffraria, and often called improperly in
the shops floribundus, an old name for a very different plant.
The cross named G. Gandavi (for the adjective name Ganda-
vensis to a garden cross is very objectionable) has been figured
in the beautiful Ghent periodical work of M. Van Houtte and
his fellow-labourers in botanic and horticultural science. It is
there stated most erroneously to have been raised between Nata-
lensis and Cardinalis. It flowered at Ghent for the first time in
Europe, the soil and climate being much more congenial to
Gladioli there than at Spofforth and in the west of England,
but some of the seedlings raised in Devonshire and taken to
Sydney bad flowered earlier. Abundance of beautiful seedlings
have been raised here and abroad between cardinalis and oppo-
sitiflorus, and vice versdé, many of which have been sent over
from the Continent under the name G. ramosus, as if they were
plants of a natural species. - Those from abroad have generally
perished soon here, the soil and climate being too damp, but my
own seedlings, probably the opposite cross, have a much stronger
constitution, more variety of colour, and have this season ripened
much seed. This statement might perhaps induce the reader to
think all the species easily convertible; but itis notso. If Iam
asked why, I can only say, that the ways of God are not as our
ways, and are past finding out. ‘The cross erroneously stated to
have been made between G. Natalensis and cardinalis, if not
absolutely impossible, is so difficult, that repeated attempts made
during successive years by myself, and by J. Trevor Alcock,
Esq., who interested himself in this matter, and probably by
many others, have all proved abortive; and no cross has been
effected, as far as I know, between G. Natalensis and any species
from the Cape territory, although both Natalensis and the Cape
species mix readily with the Madagascar plant. I am now
trying whether the cross G. Gandavi, being half-blood, will
mingle with the Cape species, and the result is not yet quite
certain. I lately set nine flowers of G. oppositiflorus with pollen
of G. hirsutus. Large pods were readily produced, but unex-
pectedly they proved to contain only chaff and perishing kernels,
the fertilization having perhaps extended to the seed-vessel and
the outer coat of all the ovules, without having vivified them ;
but I believe one frosty night in August caused the failure.
Five equally fine pods were produced at the same time on a
90 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
scarlet $ cardinalis mule. Few of their ovules were at. all fer-
tilized, and the greater part of those were chaff, but a few appa-
rently good seeds were amongst them, which will probably
vegetate. G. Gandavi itself has ripened its seed three successive
years, and one from the first batch of its descendants is now in
flower. It preserves the cross-bred type, and might be accounted
a distinct species, if I did not know that it was raised from
oppositiflorus by pollen of Natalensis. It reverts, however, a
little towards the male parent, the purple stripes of the female
parent being less strongly marked than the original mules, and
the flower is scarcely as large or bright coloured, following the
course I have observed in other cases, that seedlings from a
cross-bred plant by its own pollen sometimes degenerate in the
size or brilliancy of their flowers.
We must next turn to the Gladioli of the northern hemi-
sphere, there being, however, a plant of intermediate position,
G. equinoctialis, on the heights of Sierra Leone. The northern
Gladioli are all purplish, with a tendency to rose-colour, and in
a few cases to blue, excepting the whitish and the white vari-
eties. They peremptorily refuse to breed with the Cape species ;
and, although I will not say that the cross is impossible, I have
failed in so many attempts that I have abandoned them. But
although the northern species differ somewhat from those of the
Cape territory, and agree with G. Natalensis in a more direct
presentation of the flowers to the front from an erect stalk, there
are a great many different local forms of them, with a great
general similarity of aspect and intermediate forms, which almost
defeat the attempts to distinguish them specifically, but furnish,
with a similarity of flower, a strange diversity of seed—the
winged or foliaceous margin of the African species being con-
spicuous in Byzantinus, communis, Boucheanus, and some
others ; totally disappearing in G. segetalis, Fischerianus, and
some others; curtailed in some varieties, and almost obsolete in
others, of G. communis. The gradual curtailment of that margin
in varieties of communis, as well as the close resemblance of
G. segetalis to them, shows that the separation of the latter as a
genus is preposterous. but there is another strange circum-
stance connected with them, which tends to show how species
originate. G. Byzantinus will grow and increase greatly in.
almost any soil or situation; G. segetalis is very apt to die at
Spofforth—I supposed it tender and fearful of wet. The white
Gladiolus commutatus of Bouché, communis albus of the Dutch,
but in truth a white G. segetum, always dies at Spofforth—I
believe they perish because the soil, however good for barley, is
too light for them. Near Trieste and in Santa Maura G. sege-
talis engrossed strong yellow ploughed land that lay flat and
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 91
wet, and was also pestered by Aristolochia clematitis; but G.
Illyricus is only found in meadows of alluvial soil subject to
inundation ; and where I saw it in flower in May, near Trieste ;
the sod was then three inches under water. Yet these three
species require nice discrimination to separate them. ‘Their case
is somewhat like that of the wrens, Silvia sylvicola, trochilus,
rufa, loquax, and Temminckiana, which are only distinguished by
skilful persons, yet differ greatly in note, nest, and habits.
Although the northern Gladioli, which conform with cardinalis,
&c. as to their seed, will not breed with them, I believe, on the
contrary, that there is no obstacle to their breeding with their
European congeners that have round, unwinged seeds. In the
genus Schizanthus, retusus refuses to breed with pinnatus; though
they conform with each other in all respects except the size of
their seeds—a circumstance which is not an obstacle in Gladiolus,
but is so in Anomatheca, as I have already stated. I can sug-
gest no direct solution for that mystery ; but some difference of
constitution probably prevents the pollen from deriving what is
essential from the juices of the female plant. I should conceive
that G. Byzantinus and communis, which have seeds like the
African sorts, and are not particular as to position, are nearest
to the northern Gladiolus of the oldest days; that some of its
offspring, having fallen into peculiar situations, have acquired
constitutional peculiarities, with some alterations of aspect and
structure, that have become fixed characters.
There are some classes of plants with great diversity of forms,
but so graduated as to render it almost impossible to subdivide
them satisfactorily into distinct genera and species. I find the
undescribed Colchicums from different localities varying so
much from each other generally, and yet so little fixed in their
own usual peculiarities, that all specific names for them seem
vain. Again, the difference which separates Colchicum from
Merendera, viz. a compact slender tube in the former, and in
the latter, instead of a tube, six long slender bases to the leaflets
of the limb, which are fastened together by little hooks at the
mouth of the seeming tube, but easily separable, would appear
to furnish a good generic distinction ; but the perfect agreement
of the two in habit and general appearance induces me to think
that they were united even in comparatively late periods of the
world, and I should expect to find them capable of intermixture,
and I shall take the first opportunity of making the experiment.
The Sisyrinchioid plants include a mass of individuals which it
is most difficult to class under distinct genera, but which are
very remote from each other in habits and appearance, and they
slide away through the Tigridialike plants towards the real Irises
and their near kin, in a manner that cannot be readily brought
92 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
within the scope of regular systematic views. When we turn to
the multitudinous iridaceous plants of the Cape territory we
find no less difficulty, and the subdivisions are baffled by forms,
of which it is difficult to dispose consistently. Sweet’s small
Orthrosanthus multiflorus was naturally remanded by Dr. Lindley
to the Sisyrinchiums, because its flower seemed to conform with
some which were not peculiarly allied to it; but no person can
Jook on Mr. Mangles’s Orthrosanthus ceruleus, a plant of the
largest growth amongst those races, and another lovely species
introduced by him, which I call O. gracilis, and not at once
recognise the aspect of Orthrosanthus, the inflorescence being
borne on the axils of the flower-stems, instead of being simply
terminal, which is a feature of considerable importance, and
seems to indicate that the race is at least now distinct. We are
labouring, therefore, under great difficulty in assigning the just
demarcations to the genera or kinds; and it is evident that atten-
tion to the cultivated forms and intermixture of plants is no less
essential to botanical knowledge than the inspection of wild
specimens. By that we are enabled to learn how far the off-
spring of individuals can sport at the present day, and how far
those which seem to be distinct are capable of union; and by a
survey of the results it may perhaps become apparent at last
whether that union is in truth only a reunion of things that
have been severed in ancient times.
The genus Hymenocallis was mainly separated into species, as
Dr. Roxburgh had distinguished the East Indian forms of
Crinum, by the proportionate length of the tube and limb. That
answered tolerably well as a prevailing feature, while the known
forms were few, although we often found great difference in the
proportion of flowers on the same umbel; but the species have
poured in upon us from so many localities, without certain indi-
cations of their natural habitation, and so many mules, bred
accidentally as well as intentionally under cultivation, have been
mixed with them, that it becomes almost vain to attempt to
continue subdividing them further into species; and it can only
be said of each fresh variety, without the particulars of its habi-
tation, that it is an Hymenocallis. I was able on the first sight
of two forms brought by Mr. Cuming from Manilla, though
new to me as to their peculiarities, to say that he had got |
them from a garden where they had been probably introduced
on the removal of some governor and his family from Spanish
America to the East, because Hymenocallis is peculiar to the
western hemisphere ; and he at once admitted the fact to be so.
The more deeply plants are investigated, the more will it be
felt that the establishment of kinds or genera, the discrimination
of their higher affinities, and the pursuit of specific diversities
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 93:
to their local habitations and associations, with research into the
causes that are in operation there, are the duties of the botanist ;
but that the distinctions between species and variety are not
sufficiently substantial and positive for any scientific reliance to
be placed upon them, and that a dispute on such a distinction is
waste of words and battling with the air. The genus Hymeno-
callis, however, though sliding into variations almost indis-
criminate, is perhaps one of the races most deserving considera-
tion of all that exist in the world. It is confined to the New
World (that is, to the American continent and the West Indian
islands), within a certain range from the equator; it rejoices in
wet, and in cultivation may be kept in pots immersed in water.
I have not found any one form of it object to immersion during
its season of growth. In the form of its flower it approximates,
especially through H. speciosa, which has the filaments shorter
and rather converging, to Pancratium of the Old World so
nearly that it is difficult to separate them very satisfactorily by
the inflorescence, though the stamens of the former have rough
pollen, and are longer and looser; those of the latter stiffer,
shorter, and conniving. But no Pancratium has been found
in a swamp ; they abhor excess of wet, and one which it is diffi-
cult to cultivate, P. tortuosum, mhz, grows in the sandy desert
of Arabia, near Gedda. Pancratium has shelly black seeds, and
Hymenocallis large fleshy green seeds, which have been usually
called albuminous, so that they stand in two widely distinct
sections of the order Amaryllidacee, separated by a feature
which in other orders has been admitted even amongst the in-
superable limitations of the order itself. Will Pancratium and
Hymenocallis now blend their offspring? I believe they will
not; and, if produced, I am persuaded that it will be sterile.
Were they created distinct from each other at the beginning ?
I cannot compare their flowers, and presume to say that I think
they were. I will now state a fact which I had hoped to eluci-
date further, but either I had not opportunities of repeating
the experiments, or other matters prevented me from availing
myself of them. At p. 211, Amar., I gave a detailed account
of the origin of four seedlings, called H. amcena var. lorata,
hortensis, from four weak discoloured seeds of H. amoena, which
had been deprived of its anthers and touched with the pollen of
another genus. ‘That pollen was taken from P. Illyricum.
The lorate leaves, and the weakness and discolouration of the
seeds, at first made me think that a bigeneric cross was obtained ;
but there was no increased hardiness of constitution, and no
difference in the inflorescence derived from the male parent. I
have, therefore, no reason to assert that P. [lyricum had had any
influence. Accidental admission of its own pollen, or of that of
94 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
some other Hymenocallis in an impoverished and half-effete state,
probably produced the variety. The four seedlings were pre-
cisely similar to each other: they have not often flowered, and
have not borne seed, but they have been rather neglected. It is
desirable that further experiments should be tried on Hymenocallis
by pollen of P. Ilyricum, and vice versa; but I do not think
they will blend, though I am a little less confident on that point
than I should have been some years ago. If these four seedlings
had been raised by the accidental access of pollen nearly effete
from some other Hymenocallis that had flowered lately in the
same house, their flower should have been modified. Is it pos-
sible that a grain of its own pollen, nearly effete, had touched
the stigma, in spite of my precautions, and that its defect was
the cause of variety? If so, an important clue would be ob-
tained. Is it possible that the pollen of the cognate genus Pan-
cratium, without being able to fertilize the ovules, could help
the defective grain of its own kind to some ingredient in which
it was defective, and so obtain some influence over the produce,
without being actually its parent? If, as I believe, two grains
of pollen cannot act simultaneously in the same ovule, that could
not be; but it is a point open to inquiry, and upon which I
merely say, that where I have carefully mixed the pollen of
twelve species of Calceolaria, that of one only took effect, and
that I have not succeeded in any attempt to effect a double or
mixed fertilization at the same time.
In former publications I -laid very great stress—and I now
believe too much stress—on the form of the fruit, for I think
that important part of vegetation is no less capable of modi-
fication and change than other parts thereof. ‘The extensive
genus Iris, with great general similarity of aspect, exhibits some
anomalous diversities. In Iris setosa, otherwise very like [.
Virginica, the conspicuous erect petals of the genus have dis-
appeared, and given place to three slender bristles; in Iris
Sibirica, and the species closely connected with it, the solid
flower-stalk has become a fistulous pipe; in the Gladdon, the
outer and second coats of the seed, which in the fistulous sorts is
hollow, becomes filled with pulp, and the seed assumes the colour
and semblance of a ripe berry. ‘The bulbous races have their
own peculiarities. Theory and experience lead me to think that
the whole of the extensive bearded race that occupies the Mediter-
ranean formation and its skirts, creeping on as far as Nepal, from
the many very dwarf species to the large Germanica and pallida,
are easily convertible, and stand almost on the footing of local
varieties. I cannot blend them with the fistulous Siberian or
with the species belonging to the Virginian type. I think the
bearded Mediterranean, the fistulous Siberian, the Virginian
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 95
type, the Gladdon, the bulbous race, perhaps the American
vernal, the so-called genus Dietes, and some other portions
of Iris, to have been departures from the first created type,
-which occurred in much older times than the more extended
~ diversification of species, and that we shall now find it difficult,
if possible, to pass those limits in cross-breeding; and such is
my view of the whole vegetable kingdom, though in some fami-
lies it will be found more easy to confound the new forms and
revert to ancient associations than in others. In the genus Rosa
(though herein I speak from observation and not from experi-
ence) there is probably no impediment, not even respecting R.
berberifolia, the singular link by which the rose is connected
with the Cistus. In Rigidella, on the contrary, it is most difficult
to cross the two pendulous species, and I am not sure whether
I have at last succeeded in effecting it or not, though the plants
are very conformable, except that one flowers in the morning
and the other exactly takes its place in the afternoon. ‘The
genus Pelargonium, as well as Calceolaria, has furnished much
beauty to florists who have crossed ad infinitum the different
varieties first obtained by hybridizing. Pelargonium has been
subdivided into various genera, which have not been generally
adopted, because their limits are obscure and unsatisfactory ;
and it is only by trying to cross them that we can find where
the positive impediments lie. It is impossible, as far as I have
seen, to cross the race to which the horseshoe scarlet belongs,
or that to which tricolor belongs, with those which the florist
has intermixed. With very little apparent structural difference,
there seems to be a secret insuperable bar; and I think they
were probably severed in a much earlier period of the world
than the kinds which will breed together. The first great step
for the florist in that race was the production of the plant called
Ignescens, by the intermixture of the family, to which betulinum,
Citriodorum, &c. belong, with a tuberous-rooted scarlet one,
that might however have been thought less likely to breed with
them than those which refuse to do so. ‘The fertility of that
plant set wide the doors of innovation, but the stream is confined
within certain limits. Florists, however, have not availed them-
selves of the further help they might have drawn from the
colours of the tuberous sorts that might be brought into action,
their aim being directed more to size and form than to variety ;
but as the scarlet-colour has been drawn from a very small
flower to one as large as their rising-sun, so the blood-red of P.
sanguineum, as well as the black and the yellow of the tuberous
kinds, might probably be brought into like conspicuous mani-
festation.
I am not aware that any difficulty has been found in crossing
96 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
the various species of Fuchsia; but the natural forms of F.
virgata, gracilis, globosa, and discolor, appear to me so superior
to the mixed shapes produced by gardeners, that I have been
unwilling to deteriorate them by intermixture. In one Fuchsia
of a mixed race I was struck with the appearance of the green
colour of the fruit of F. fulgens, but more vivid, though in all
other respects it seemed to conform with those that bear red
berries. As the natural green fruit of Fuchsia is agreeable to
the taste, it is possible that a hardier green-fruited race may be
obtained with the same quality. The supposed sterility of mules
has very much deterred cultivators from trying how far plants
that bear palatable and wholesome fruit may be intermixed, and,
excepting Mr. Knight’s experiments, very little has been done
in that branch. Our climate does not suit experiments, to ascer-
tain whether the lemon, orange, shaddock, citron, and lime are
indefinitely convertible, and, if not, exactly what insurmountable
impediments occur; but I believe no one has even tried to
blend the very highly-flavoured Fragaria viridis with the larger
and more fruitful kinds, and gardeners adhére to the chance of
improved seedlings from the most approved individuals, though
they are aware that size, without flavour, is unsatisfactory. It
is remarkable that in some genera bearing eatable fruit the
crosses are usually fruitful, and in others not—a circumstance
which requires deep investigation. The few mule Passifloras
raised seem indisposed to make seed, and still more to fill the
fruit, if formed, with succulent pulp; but it does not follow
that the case will be such with all. P. quadrangularis bears a
large, rich-flavoured fruit in a stove under peculiar treatment ;
edulis, a better-flavoured fruit in a greenhouse; laurifolia and
maliformis very different fruit in a stove; a small species sent
to me by Mr. Maclean, from Chorillos above Lima,.under the
name of suffruticosa, bears a delicious fruit of the size of a
gooseberry in a stove; P. alata, nearly akin to quadrangularis,
has a vile fruit; czrulea, no better; but it remains to be tried
whether no hardier species of passiflora will give a fertile, suc-
culent, and well-tasted fruit by intermixture with the best,
tenderer kinds. In the genus Cactus it isso. Well-flavoured
mules are obtained at once from C. Ackermannianus, of which the
fruit is very bad, by crossing it with C. speciosissimus or Phy]l-
lanthoides. It is remarkable, that in the section Cereus the
mules are as fruitful, and have the fruit as juicy, as the natural
forms, however dissimilar. Nothing can be more unlike each
other in the same genus than the two species I have last named,
yet they breed willingly together, and the fruit of the mule
differs from that of either parent as much as the flower. I stated
(Amar. p. 345) that I could not see a single point in the generic
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES, 97
character of Echinocactus to separate it from Cereus, and that
I expected them to be found able to intermix. I observe that it
was once proposed to take the stem as the distinctive generic
feature, unless it should be thought better to combine them in
one genus. ‘To that I say, that, while species of Cereus disagree,
in that some of them have fleshy, angular, thorny stems, and
others flat, leaf-like, smooth stems, but are proved to be of one
genus, we have not sound grounds for separating Echinocactus
on account of such a feature; and I contend that the separation
is a question of fact, not of option and preference, as if the
botanist were a commissioner to set out the fences for an enclo-
sure of waste lands. I have very few Echinocacti, and have
had no opportunities of testing the point; but I requested Mr.
Beaton, a most intelligent gardener, when he had the care of
Mr. Harris’s rich collection, to do so, and he very soon sent me
seed from the mule Cereus called Jenkinsoni by Echinocactus
Kyresii, but they were only outwardly perfect, and did not
germinate. If he had remained longer there, I think he would
have effected the union. Mr. Beaton produced the cross between
Ribes sanguineum and one of the yellow-flowering species, which
brings that genus to my recollection. ‘The gooseberry and red
or white currant are held to be of one genus, but it has not
been found practicable to blend them, and probably it is not ;
but it does not follow, because they will not breed together
directly, that they might not through some other species, as in
the genus Gladiolus G. cardinalis and Natalensis refuse to mix
with each other, but do freely with G. oppositiflorus. Since both
these crosses with Oppositiflorus make seed, I consider that, by
perseverance, the impracticable cross can be nearly forced, by
reducing both crosses one step further from the dissentient
parents, till the two crosses are found able to intermix, and then
crossing the produce upwards, step by step, with a greater ap-
proximation to them. I am not aware that any attempt has been
made to cross the acid with the sweet currants, which might so
perhaps yield a new and pleasant fruit, and the attempt should
be made. It is very difficult to foresee which combinations,
when made, will produce a fruitful offspring. The genus Nerine
strongly exemplifies that difficulty. It consists of two portions,
those with regular corolla and straight filaments and style, and
those which have them bent and the corolla distorted and in-
clined. There is a cross section of the genus not tallying with
the above-mentioned distinctions, viz. those with centripetal
inflorescence, 2.e., beginning to flower on the outside of the
umbel and flowering last in the centre, and those with centrifugal
inflorescence. The cross between N. curvifolia of the first
section and pulchella of the second is very fertile, both being
VOL. II. H
98 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
centripetal; that between N. curvifolia and undulata of the
second is absolutely sterile, because the latter differs in being
centrifugal. The mule, however, follows the male in being
centripetal, but is quite barren. A difference, therefore, which
had been overlooked by botanists till I observed it, seems to be
the outward mark of the impediment which makes the mule
unfruitful. Cross-breeding, therefore, shows that feature to be
more important than it had been thought.
The blending of colours amongst cross-bred plants is rather
capricious. The golden-flowered Swedish turnip crossed with
the yellow-flowering white turnip did not give an intermediate
shade of colour, but some plants with golden and some with
yellow flowers. The orange and the blue Anagallis gave a
pale, dull pink. The scarlet G. cardinalis with a white G.
blandus, and with the yellowish G. angustus and G. oppositi-
florus, gave a purplish rose-colour. Rhododendron ponticum
and Rhodora Canadensis by the yellow Azalea very much dis-
carded colour, instead of taking an intense mixed hue. The
yellow and red-flowered Ribes, however, gave a dull rust-colour.
It generally requires two crosses from the scarlet to fix the
bright colour in the mule. G. Natalensis impresses its colour
much more strongly on G. oppositiflorus than G. cardinalis does,
being more nearly akin; whether from that cause or not I will
not presume to guess.
Hybrid Alstroemerias have been raised, but with difficulty,
and they seem delicate. I believe it was a mistake to suppose
Mr. Van Houtte’s fine collection of many-coloured Alstrcemerias
to be cross-bred. Poeppig had long ago informed us that A.
hemantha sported in the Subandine meadows of Antuco with
every shade, from white to citron, orange, rose-colour, vermi-
lion, and crimson; and I believe his plants to have been ob-
tained by seed from that quarter, which I had long vainly tried
to obtain. I have raised a Bomarea between variabilis and
acutifolia, which seems to be fertile. I do not believe it would
be possible to cross a Bomarea with Alstreemeria. I think I
may venture to say that, as far as I have observed, the prevailing
disposition of cross-bred vegetables seems to assimilate more to
the male than to the female parent, though the appearance may
possibly be sometimes the reverse, and often strictly intermediate ;
but, as far as I have seen, if we obtain a cross between a hardy
and a tender species, the produce, where the male is hardy, will
be much more hardy than where the female is hardy and the
male tender. This is very important and very conspicuous in
cross-bred rhododendrons. I do not think it is so with animals,
where the cases seem analogous. Having bred many horses, I
have found mares that were roarers almost invariably produce
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES, 99
roarers, and very little, if any, evil occur from breeding by a
roaring horse. Many years ago Mr. Milne, of the Fulham nur-
sery, obtained three mules, which are well known, from Passiflora
racemosa set with the pollen of ccerulea. ‘The produce did not
require stove cultivation, like the female parent, but they have
been generally sterile. From their first distribution to the pre-
sent day they have grown in my cool conservatory, flowering
abundantly, but sterile, with this exception, that many years
ago one shrivelled, pulpless fruit was formed and ripened, con-
taining twelve good seeds, which vegetated. ‘The flowers of all
were nearly similar to those of P. ccerulea, the male. One of
them is growing in the same conservatory, with the flower, I
think, rather finer than that of the common coerulea, and it has
never borne fruit. The rest having been planted or left out of
doors at different times, have been killed by frost or neglect.
At the time when this dry fruit was ripened, there was a plant of
P. coerulea in another house in the garden, though disconnected,
and eighty or ninety feet distant. Therefore, either the flower
was fertilized by pollen of ccerulea brought by an insect or by
accident, and two crosses by the pollen ccerulea, made ccerulea
itself from the ovary of the tender scarlet racemosa, or the mule
was fertilized by its own pollen, and the offspring diverged to
the male type, throwing off the similitude of the female alto-
gether. The natural coerulea did not fruit here while I pos-
sessed it, and it dies when planted out at Spofforth.
I have already stated the possibility of raising the poetic nar-
cissus by two or three crosses from a daffodil, and I have also
shown that the Gladiolus crossed from G. oppositiflorus (which
breeds freely with the Cape species) by pollen of G. Natalensis
(which will not), produces seedlings, one of which having
flowered, reverted a little towards the male type. Here then we
have the like fact. The Passifloras were produced by the pollen
of the mule, or by accidental access of the pollen of the male
parent. If by the former, these widely-separated species are
convertible, and a new form originates from their union; if by
the latter, the male type may be obtained by repeated crosses
from the ovary of a very different plant; and, whichever be the
case, the origin from one created kind is proved in that instance,
and, by implication, in all cases of similar difference. I believe
all the Cape species of Gladiolus to be convertible; I have found
no positive impediment. The rare G. abbreviatus might be
almost made between G. cunonius and tristis; it has the curious
leaf of the latter, and a flower approaching to that of G. cunonius.
Mr. Plant’s mule consists of the two, with the addition of G.
cardinalis. Perhaps I have forgotten to mention that Corbularia
will not breed with the other Narcissi.. I have crossed the com-
H 2
100 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES,
mon honeysuckle with hirsuta, lutea, and Fraser’s scarlet; but
the berries of the latter were devoured by a robin. It is ad-
visable, in such cases, to tie a cap of muslin over the bunch of
flowers, both to exclude pollen and ward off the robins and
blackcaps at a later period, I have had a whole umbel of ber-
ries, supposed to be poisonous to man, of Hemanthus multi-
florus eaten in one morning by a friendly robin in the stove.
I mentioned in a former treatise a remarkable circumstance
concerning the purple hybrid laburnum, on a plant of which a
small branch with the habit and nearly the leaves and flowers of
the diminutive Cytisus purpureus had sprouted and maintained
itself in the garden of my brother. The circumstances, which
‘afterwards came to my knowledge concerning that remarkable
plant, are still more extraordinary. In the garden of the late
Mr. Loudon, at Bayswater, upon a large shrub of the same
hybrid, one of the limhs resolved itself into its elements, diverg-
ing into two branches, one of which had the small weeping
habit, leaves, and flowers of C. purpureus, the other nearly the
leaves and racemes of yellow flowers belonging to the common
laburnum.; and those two branches ripened good seed, while the
rest of the shrub producing the hybrid blossom was absolutely
sterile. The seeds borne by the smaller branch were less abun-
dant, and had been lost; those on the yellow branch were
plentiful, and I raised many plants from the seeds, which were
kindly given to me by Mr. Loudon. They returned nearly to
the form of the common laburnum, excepting that two of the
seedlings showed a little purple tinge on the green stalks, which
might, perhaps, have extended to the flowers, but they were lost
by neglect. In the same season the diminutive branch on my
brother’s tree bore seed, and from it I raised plants, differing
very little from the usual C. purpureus. I have since learned
that in many places, where this mule has stood some years, the
like phenomenon has appeared. ‘The history of the plant is,
that it was not raised from seed, but made its appearance in the
following remarkable way :—A number of stocks of laburnum
had been budded with C. purpureus in a French nursery-garden,
and, the bud on one of them died; but the wood and bark in-
serted lived, as frequently occurs in such cases. After some
time new eyes formed themselves, one of which produced this
hybrid, C. Adami. I suggested, in a communication to Mr.
Loudon, that it must have broken from the exact juncture, and
proceeded from a cell of cellular tissue formed by the union of
two cells, which had been cut through, and had grown into one,
and which, therefore, belonged to the two different plants, half
a cell of the tissue of C. purpureus having been spliced to half a
cell of C. laburnum. The necessary consequence would be that
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 101
a bud formed from that compound cell would derive qualities
from both species, but qualities less fixed and innate than those
which are derived from generative union. ‘This has been looked
upon as a speculation, but I consider it nearly amounting to a
certainty, because I think that the consequence is necessary, and
that the phenomena cannot be accounted for in any other man-
ner; and nothing of the sort has occurred to any known mule
production, vegetable or animal. Since that time my brother’s
shrub has put out many of the large-leaved yellow branches
and of the small branches, and they are fertile. It occurred to
me that it would be a confirmation of my view, if the reverted
branches of each kind should keep to opposite sides of the stem ;
and on examination that proved to be decidedly the case.
Whether that circumstance occurs elsewhere or not, I do not
know ; but it looks as if one side of the wood adopted the
character of one half of the original cell, and the opposite side
the other character. I think that clever gardeners might thus
obtain crosses between plants which will not intermix seminally.
The olive and privet might be tried with hope of success ; for
the privet, when the olive is grafted upon it, is very persevering
in throwing shoots from the old wood. A long slice of privet
should be inarched on the olive with a very sharp and clean cut of
both the woods, and then teized by rubbing off the buds, till it
breaks on the exact suture. Of course many fatlures must be
expected before a bud will be obtained from a compound cell ;
but I think, with perseverance, it will be produced; perhaps
most easily by uniting half of two young stems of equal bulk
from just above the root upwards. Let us, however, pause
to reflect on this phenomenon, whatever be the mode of its
operation. Here we have not only two plants, so very dissimilar
as the almost arborescent yellow laburnum, and the weak, humble,
small-leaved, purple-flowered Cytisus purpureus, produced from
the seed of the same individual; but, if we strike cuttings
from the two varying branches, we have the individual plant
itself actually resolved into its elements, and those perfectly
separated. Can we for a moment hold, after contemplating
that fact, that the Almighty certainly created those two plants
distinct, and allowed them to become, from two individual kinds,
one; and from one be resolved again into two? Have we any
analogy in the vegetable or animal kingdom that can warrant
such an extraordinary doctrine? and is not the plain inference,
that they were one individual kind when they proceeded from
the Creator, and are so still, though diversified in appearance ?
If two plants so dissimilar are admitted to have so diverged,
the like course of change must be attributed to other genera
also; for I cannot think it will be shown that those two are by
102 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
any peculiarities entitled to form an exception from the general
law imposed upon vegetables. The only things that I know at
all analogous are these, that a layer from a striped carnation,
that has run to red, continues so; that a branch of the variable
Pompone variety of Camellia Japonica, that has run to red, con-
tinues so also; that branches of the copper-coloured Austrian
briar occasionally revert to the usual yellow colour, and the
peach and the nectarine have been known to be produced on the
same tree from one source; but in those cases there is no sup-
posed diversity of kind, or even of species. The seminal variety
in the three former cases merely falls back to the more usual
colour; and in the latter, two different cultivated improvements
of the almond manifest themselves in the same plant. What-
ever analogy they offer, confirms the view of the original identity
of Jaburnum and Cytisus purpureus. It must be remembered
that, if the smallest piece of bark be inserted into a different
stock, and lives, whatever bud shail break from its tissue, ex-
hibits the qualities of the plant from which that piece of bark
was taken, without regard to the juices, root, or bark of the
stock. If it proceeds from the stock, it exhibits its qualities; if
exactly from the suture, how can it avoid exhibiting the joint
qualities ?
I know not whether C. laburnum and purpureus can be made
to intermix seminally. The very handsome Erythrina Bidwilli,
which flowered at Spofforth last August, having been sent to me
from Sydney by Mr. Bidwill, and raised in that neighbourhood,
either by himself or by Mr. M‘Leay, from E. herbacea by
pollen of E. cristagalli, is, I believe (unless Wiegman’s asserted
mules, between vetches and beans, were truly raised), the first
well-authenticated hybrid amongst papilionaceous or pea-shaped
flowers. Mr. Knight only blended varieties of the pea. The
papilionaceous forms are, however, so numerous, and the genera
are divided by such inconspicuous differences, that it might be
supposed that their intermixture would have been easy and fre-
quent. Why they are of. rare occurrence I know not, and have
not tried to cross them. In this case the union of the two plants
is remarkable, because the former produces its spike of flowers
directly from the root, the Jeaf-bearing stems being barren,
while the other parent is almost arborescent in a favourable:
climate, and blossoms from the axils and ends of the leafy
branches, in which respect the mule follows it. Wiegman
asserted that he had obtained fertile mules between the vetch
and the bean, by merely making the plants grow in contact,
tying them together, and leaving the operation to the bees. I
mentioned formerly that there exists in England an obscure
plant, which is a strong handsome pink-flowered prehensile
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 103
pea, and bears fruit that has the appearance and flavour of a
small bean. At the time I mentioned it, plants of the kind
were fruiting. plentifully in my curate’s garden. This is an
important fact in the consideration of our subject; for, if it is a
cross between a pea and a bean, being very fertile, it must prove
the singleness of their origin ; if it is a variety of the pea having
acquired and perpetuated the fruit of a bean, it seems to give the
same result, that the two must have proceeded from one created
type. When the generic characters, as ultimately stated by
Endlicher, of Pisum, the pea, and Vicia, to which the bean
belongs, are carefully compared, it will appear that, except a
little prolongation and straighter position of the flower, which in
some other races would be immaterial, the only fixed feature of
difference is the asserted roundness of the seed in pea, and its
lateral compression in the vetch and bean, a feature which, if
the fact were undeniable, is insignificant in many other genera.
If the pea, vetch, and erect bean have sprung from one type,
and are convertible, to what result does that fact lead us? Can
we maintain a multiplicity of created roses, cistuses, potentillas,
cornflags, and irises in the face of that fact? Are we not forced
thereby to the points, which I urged above thirty years ago, that
the genera are the substantial divisions in botany; that the
asserted difference between the species and local varieties of
botanists has no firm basis; and that it is a matter deserving
grave consideration, whether even a multitude of established
genera are not variations from fewer original kinds, of which the
real limitation may be found in a higher position amongst tribes,
classes, or orders? And, if that point be established, as I
humbly think it must be in the vegetable kingdom, upon what
footing will the species and varieties of zoologists stand, when
the analogies between plants and animals are fully considered,
which it is not my province, and which I do not pretend to have
sufficient depth of knowledge, to investigate ?
The Orchidaceous plants exhibit the most confusive diversi-
ties. When it is made a question whether Maxillaria Warreana
and costata should not be removed into the genus Peristeria,
and whether Bifrenaria and Dicrypta should not merge in Max-
illaria, we seem to stand on very loose footing as to those genera,
though the doubt may be perfectly consistent with the most
skilful botanic discernment. And how should there not be
such doubts, when we find the genus Catasetum produce at times,
on the same stalk with its usual flowers, others that seemed,
according to analogy, to belong to a different genus? Cycnoches
Egertonianus produces at random forms of inflorescence almost
as different, both in form and colour, from each other as those
of any two genera in the order. Canwe, in face of those
104 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
phenomena, assert that no vegetable since the period before
the sun and moon gave it light, no bird or fish since the
Almighty called them forth from the salt mud, no creature of
the earth since it was evoked from the dust, can have departed
from its precise original structure and appearance? Let us be
more humble in our assumptions of scientific knowledge, less
bigoted and self-sufficient in our examination of revealed truth,
and let us give glory to the infinite and unfathomable power and
wisdom of God. I call it self-sufficient to hold that ancient
and obscure words can have no possible meaning, but that’ which
we have been in the habit of attributing to them inconsiderately.
It may be unacceptable to the botanist, who has been accustomed
to labour in his closet over dry specimens, and think he can lay
down precise rules for the separation of genera, and look with
complacency upon the scheme he has worked out, to find that
the humblest gardener may be able to refute him, and force him
to reconsider the arrangement he has made; but the fact is so.
The cultivator has the test of truth within his scope,—
Examenque improbum in ista
Castigat trutina ;
and, far from being an evil, I look upon it as a great advantage,
because it will lead the industrious and intelligent gardener to
take a higher view of the objects under his care, and to feel his
own connection with science, and it will force the scientific to
rely less on their own dictation, and to feel that they must be
governed by natural facts, and not by their own preference.
Cross-breeding amongst Orchidaceous plants would perhaps lead
to very startling results; but unfortunately they are not easily
raised by seed. I have, however, raised Bletia, Cattleya, Orchis
(Herminium) monorchis, and Ophrys aranifera from seed; and
if I were not during the greater part of the year absent from
the place where my plants are deposited, I think I could succeed
in obtaining crosses in that order. I had well-formed pods last
spring of Orchis by pollen of Ophrys, as well as other species
of Orchis, which had been forced ; and if I had remained on the
spot I think I should have obtained some cross-bred Orchidaceous
seed. An intelligent gardener may do much for science by
attempts of this kind, if he keeps accurate notes of what he |
attempts, and does not jump at immature conclusions.
It was not surprising that the late Mr. Haworth should have
told me many years ago that he did not thank me for my mules;
not that I had sent him any, but because he probably began to
have an indistinct misgiving that they were striking at the very
root of the minute divisions which it had been the favourite
labour of his life to establish, as definite and absolute. With
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES, 105
accurate discrimination of individual specimens, and great in-
dustry in searching them out, his mind had not capacity even
to combine the seminal variations of particular species, and he
found the high-road on which he was travelling broken up by
a troop of unexpected invaders. I mentioned long ago that I
.had raised at Mitcham primrose, cowslip, oxlip, and dark poly-
anthus, from the seed of one plant highly manured without any
hybridization.
Concerning Petunia, and the genera allied to it, I have nothing
to add to the observations in my treatise on hybrid intermixtures,
Amaryl. p. 377-9, to which I beg to refer the reader. I have
no reason to alter any of the views expressed in those pages,
but I do not recollect that I pushed the experiments relating to
them any further.
In a treatise on this subject I must not forget Plant’s vegetable
monster, of which I gave the particulars, with an engraving, at
the commencement of the miscellaneous matter in the ‘ Botanical
Register’ of 1843. The sketches were made by myself with
the most careful accuracy, from the three plants which were
sent to me by Mr. Plant, ina dormant state, from which they
never awoke. They were, in fact, seemingly past hope, or
nearly so, when I received them, and began to turn mouldy as
soon as they were watered. I believe he lost at the same time
the fourth, which he kept for himself. Whoever will examine
the engraving, and read the particulars detailed there, can form
as just an opinion as I can, whether he really had obtained four
anomalous monsters from Gladiolus blandus, impregnated by an
Hippeastrum, or whether they were something else which he
had confounded with his supposed mule seedlings. They were
like no vegetable known to me, and their strange form has
certainly the appearance of fluctuation between the structure of
a dry-coated annual corm, and a fleshy tunicated bulb. Even
Mr. Plant thought they would prove incapable of flowering.
Their leaves, which I did not see, were stated to have been more
glossy than those of a Gladiolus; and they scarcely appear to
have been capable of a protracted existence, unless under the
most unremitting care. He stated that they had suffered from
neglect while he was ill. J am inclined to believe that they
were biordinate and semiabortive mules ; for I cannot absolutely
repudiate the possibility of monstrous impregnations, though I
believe the produce to be doomed to a very brief existence, if
ever brought to life.
P.S.—It appears from a communication lately received that I
have not made myself clearly understood in the first article re-
specting the diversified features that have become fixed characters
106 ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES.
in the human and other races. I consider that causes of change
must have been in active operation in the first period after the
deluge, which subsided, and no longer produce such powerful
effects ; and that it is probable (whatever those causes may have
been) that they were still more cogent in the periods which
preceded the creation of man; producing alterations of a much,
stronger character than any which have since arisen. If I am
asked what those causes were, I cannot pretend to answer. But
I think the cooling of the body of the earth, with consequent
variations in the gases that emanated from, and were absorbed
in, and surrounded it, a very likely cause of variations in the
things that sprung therefrom. I imagine that at this moment
the relative temperature and moisture of the fibrous roots and of
the bulb or point of union between the root and shoot in vege-
tables, and between the feet and the head in men and animals, is
of infinitely greater importance than either cultivators or medical
practitioners have suspected. Jam told that some persons who
devoutly hold that mankind sprang, as we are told, by genera-
tion, from one created pair, nevertheless think that the peculiar
aspect of the various races of men was a judgment afterwards
miraculously stamped upon them by God, as their speech also
was diversified to separate them at the dispersion; but, if that
be admitted to the exclusion of natural causes, we must hold
like judgments to have been inflicted upon dogs, of which the
distinct races are quite as various, and their origin as much
enveloped in obscurity. Neither do such persons consider
rightly what a miracle is. It is a thing arising contrary to the
usual and apparent course of events, and shown either by pre-
diction, or by the circumstances of the event, to have arisen for
a peculiar object; but it may have been produced by the unex-
ampled or even unusual operation of natural causes, which we
cannot easily fathom, working together by the Almighty will to
produce the marvel. ‘The appearance of three suns in the heaven
by an extraordinary effect of refraction is a well-authenticated
fact, and it was a great marvel, but not a miracle; that of the
sun, continued after its hour of setting, whether caused by re-
fraction or by some disturbing power that deranged the usual
course of the earth’s movements, was not merely a marvel, but
a great miracle, because it happened at the prayer of Joshua, for
the purpose of giving him light to overthrow those who were
striving against God’s people. The driving back of the Red
Sea by a wind of unparalleled strength and continuance acting
upon an unusual ebb tideso as to lay bare a transverse sand- bank
was in itself a great marvel, but occurring at the precise moment
and place of the arrival of the Israelites, so as to let them pass,
and ceasing exactly at the fit moment to destroy all their pur-
~~
ON HYBRIDIZATION AMONGST VEGETABLES. 103
suers, was a stupendous miracle. The plague of locusts fell
last year on Zante, and the murrain both of beasts and potatoes
has fallen on our own land ; but in Egypt they were miraculous,
because specially invoked by God’s prophet. The demonstration
of the natural means through which the Almighty worked a
miracle, which could have been performed by no slight of hand,
but by the power of Him alone, increases (instead of diminish-
ing) the force of the miracle, by strengthening its credibility,
and distinguishing it from the pretences of impostors; and its
force is infinitely greater when those natural means, unsuspected
by the persons who witnessed and reported it, are brought to
light by the progress of science in confirmation of the fact. I
assert, therefore, without hesitation, that, if the diversification of
the human races was intended with a view to effect their dis-
persion, such a miracle would, in all probability, have been
effected by the operation of natural causes, and that the like
diversification of other races proves that it was so effected.
In the first part of this treatise I observe the following mis-
prints:—p. 6, latter for later; p. 7, creeping for creeping
things; p. 19, in inconsistency for of inconsistency; and the
omission of the words ‘and cruenta’ after‘ juncea ’ at the end of
the second paragraph in p. 28.
XII. — Observations on the Propagation of Bunt (Uredo
Caries, D.C.) made with an especial reference to the Potato
Disease. By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.L.S.
(Communicated Jan. 18, 1847.)
ANOTHER year has brought with it a recurrence of the ravages
amongst potatoes, but has added little to our knowledge of the
cause of the disease. On the Continent, where it has in general
appeared under a milder form, little attention, comparatively, has
been paid to the subject, and at home, where unhappily we are
suffering to such an alarming extent, while various causes have
been assigned in a more or less dogmatic spirit, and the at-
mospheric theory seems very generally to have been abandoned,
and indeed could not have been maintained in the face of the
notorious difference between the cosmical phenomena of the two
years, apart from all consideration of the history of the disease,
the fungal theory has met with more favour, though by no
means with universal credence.
Professor Liebman in Denmark, Mr. Moore of Glasnevin, Mr.
Queckett, Mr. Graham, and several excellent observers in the
‘ Gardener’s Chronicle,’ have more or less decidedly recurred to
the notion that the disease is dependent on the influence of
108 ON THE PROPAGATION OF BUNT.
parasitic fungi. My own opinion rests as it did at the time of
the publication of my former memoir; certainly it has not been
made less strong by another year’s experience. Be the degree
of uncertainty however on the subject what it may, I make no
apology for again adverting to it, especially as the observations
I have to record bear upon a question of much importance, and
which, in the hands of persons of more leisure and ability, may,
if followed out, increase our knowledge in several matters of
which we are at present ignorant.
It has been known for many years that the principal diseases
of cereal plants, such as rust, bunt, mildew, &c., are of vegetable
origin. Unger attempted to overthrow this notion, and to prove
that they were mere exanthemata, analogous to eruptive diseases
in animals. ‘The observations, however, of Corda, Léveillé, and
others, have now completely established the fact, that the pro-
ductions in question are not mere modifications of the cellular
tissue; but that they spring from a distinct mycelium, and are
as certainly vegetable as any other fungi. It was long since
also ascertained by Bauer that one of them, viz., bunt, could be
propagated with certainty by rubbing the grains of wheat with
the spores, and the practice of steeping wheat previous to its
being sown, whether founded on more or less correct. notions of
the nature of the disease, a practice seldom neglected with im-
punity, is in accordance with his experiments. As regards the
mode of propagation of these diseases the most vague and ill-
founded notions have prevailed, the more general opinion being
that the reproductive organs themselves were absorbed by the
spongy tissue of the roots, or by the stomata, and so traversed
every portion of the plant by means of the intercellular passages,
or rooted in the tissue at the base of the stomata. It has
not in general been understood that those bodies which, as far
as has been observed, are the only ones destined to produce
mycelium, are far larger than the intercellular passages, and
frequently than the individual cells, or even the stomata them-
selves. ‘The figure given by Bauer of the contents of the spores
of Puccinia graminis is not correct, as may be ascertained by
actual examination, or by comparison of Corda’s admirable
figure. ‘The spores, in point of fact, contain merely a grumous
mass, with one or more oil globules, and by no means distinct
sporules, as supposed by Bauer.
Now, whatever may be the cause of the disease in potato
tubers, I look upon it as matter of absolute certainty that the
destruction of the aérial portion of the plant is due to the
developement of Botrytis infestans. The notion that it is a
mere consequence of a previously diseased condition is, I firmly
believe, quite untenable. It becomes then matter of interest to
ON THE PROPAGATION OF BUNT. i09
ascertain, if possible, the conditions under which such parasites
are developed. Probably from the lateness of the season, when
niy attention was more particularly called to the subject by a
communication from the Irish Commissioners, I did not succeed
in 1845 in making the spores germinate, though M. Decaisne
informs me that he found no difficulty in doing so. They ger-
minated, however, readily enough in the summer of 1846. My
attention, indeed, was turned more particularly to the point at
an earlier portion of the year, when it was difficult to get more
than one or two infected leaves, and even had it been possible to
_collect the spores in any quantity, experiments seemed more
likely to give a speedy result if directed to some cereal parasite,
such as bunt. The spores are of a peculiar structure, of suffi-
cient magnitude to be easily observed, and the mycelium pro-
duced of considerable size, and as the disease was to be developed
ultimately in a particular organ, to the production of which the
ultimate energies of the plant were directed, there seemed a good
chance of being able to observe the progress of the mycelium.
I hoped then to ascertain whether the actual penetration of the
mycelium into or amongst the tissues of the plant were necessary,
or whether the grumous contents of the spores, if circulated
amongst the juices, might not be sufficient for its propagation.
The latter notion had been lately advanced as a mere theory by
Dr. Greville, and I felt inclined to believe, from various observa-
tions and considerations, that there was some probability at least
about it. The importance of obtaining, if possible, correct
information on the point is at once obvious.
Having determined then to direct my attention to bunt espe-
cially, 1 procured as good a sample of wheat as possible, and
divided it into two portions, washing the one carefully, and then
sowing it with every precaution, that there should be no contact
with any of the spores of the bunt with which I was experi-
menting ; the other portion was steeped in a thick mixture of
bunt and water, a portion of the black liquor being poured on
the surface of the soil after the impregnated grains were sowed ;
the progress of the grains and spores was then daily examined.
The clean wheat sprang up as usual, but there was soon an
evident difference in the infected grains, a difference which was
distinctly visible till the ears were perfectly developed, when
every infected plant was bunted, while from the unimpregnated
seeds not a single bunted ear was produced. In one of the
bunted plants not only the ear was diseased, but there was a
streak of bunt upon the stem, in which the fetid smell and
peculiar structure were not to be mistaken, a circumstance which
I have never before observed, nor am J aware that the fact has
been noticed by others, and confiimatory of the opinion that the
110 ON THE PROPAGATION OF BUNT.
disease is not a mere alteration of structure in the grains of
fecula, were such testimony wanted.
Four days after sowing I found that the spores of the Uredo
had been sucked in, doubtless by capillary attraction, between
the young root and its investing membrane, which was ruptured,
germination at that period having scarcely taken place. The
spores were quite as large as either of the two distinct series of
cells of which the young root is composed.
Three days later I perceived the first traces of germination in
the spores. A little obtuse tube thicker than the pellucid border
of the spores, in a very few instances only, and appearing like a.
short peduncle, scarcely so long as their diameter, was protruded
through the external membrane. This surprised me extremely,
because on the mass of spores, whether on the surface of the
soil or on the grains of wheat, there was a white, very delicate,
extremely short, down. On a closer examination the greater
‘part of the grains of bunt were found to be clothed on one side
with fascicles of white filaments, from two to four times longer
than the diameter of the bunt spores, and producing towards
their apices extremely long and slender, somewhat curved
acuminate multiseptate spores.
Three days later a large portion of the grains of bunt were
ruptured, either irregularly or in a stellate form; a few more
had germinated, the filaments being evidently protruded from
the internal membrane, and either straight or curved, and occa-
sionally branching off in two opposite directions, the tips of the
threads being in all cases very obtuse, and many times larger
than the intercellular cavities of the tissue of the roots.
The parasite, meanwhile, had undergone a very curious change,
the spores being no longer separate, but connected with one
another by one or more short transverse tubes, exactly as in the
threads of Zygnema.
Two days later many more of the bunt-spores were ruptured,
and the mycelium more elongated ; and, after three more days,
the parasite was vanishing, and scarcely visible any more ‘‘en
masse’ to the naked eye, while the mycelium had increased to
the length of six or more diameters of the spores. The young
infected wheat-plants were now evidently diseased, the sheaths
and base of the leaves looking crumpled, and spotted either with —
white or brownish specks, and the whole appearance less healthy
than that of the unimpregnated plants.
The diseased sheaths were now, in most cases, full of mycelium,
but no such appearance was visible in the healthy state. Though
the disease had evidently commenced, it is to be observed that
the tubes protruded by the spores were but slightly developed,
and that, though the utmost pains were taken, I could trace no
ON THE PROPAGATION OF BUNT. ill
Tissue of diseased sheaths traversed by mycelium 15 days after inoculation.
connection whatever between these and the diseased tissue.
There was not the slightest doubt as to the fact that the two
sets of wheat plants exhibited quite a different appearance ; and
my own observations were confirmed by several practical men
who saw them. It is of course incapable of proof without
tracing the connection of the internal mycelium with that pro-
duced by the spores, that the two were really derived from the
same origin; but as the peculiar appearance was exhibited only
by the impregnated plants, there is a strong presumption as to
identity. All the plants were afterwards more or less infected
with U. Rubigo vera, which appears to be the infant state of
Puccinia graminis, and which afterwards was developed, and
there would of course then be matter of doubt to what fungus
any observed mycelium might belong.
In a single instance only, ten days after the first appearance
of disease, in examining some little white specks which appeared
on the leaves of the bunted wheat, I saw a curved filament
passing through one of the stomata, but whether from the out-
side to the inside, or the contrary, I cannot say. ‘The mycelium
in these white specks was not abundant, but thicker than the
walls of the cells.
Lr ON THE PROPAGATION OF BUNT.
In a month from the sowing of the wheat, the fecula of the
grains being then nearly absorbed, it was difficult to find any
spores, and no further developement of mycelium, directly from
the spores, had taken place.
The first bunted ear appeared four months from the time of
sowing, and while every impregnated plant produced bunted
ears, not a bunted grain appeared on the plants which sprang
from uninfected seed.
The experiments were repeated with precisely the same re-
sults. In a single instance the parasite was developed on the
tip of the tube protruded from the germinating bunt-spore. It
should seem then, as far as may be concluded from the observa-
tions noted above, which I am ready to confess should have been
more varied to lead to any certain result, that a penetration of
the mycelium directly protruded from the spores of fungi is not
always necessary for the developement of the fungus, but it is
probable that the grumous contents of the spores are imbibed by
the plant which is destined to be the prey of the parasite, and
that these, circulating with the juices, carry the principle of
disease to every part, and under favourable circumstances are
capable of reproducing the parasite.
To establish a point of such delicacy would require ample
leisure, and very varied observation; but there are few subjects
more likely to reward the observer, either directly or indirectly,
with new and valuable results.
Should it prove true, there would no longer be any surprise
how a disease originating in the leaves might be propagated
through the stem to the tuber, or the contrary, and Martius’ or
Morren’s notions of contagion would no longer be regarded as
mere reveries of fancy. It is indeed opposed to the general
notion, that no reproduction takes place except by the separation
of a cell from the parent stock; but, as knowledge increases, too
many of our most favourite and general notions are overthrown
to justify us in being diverted from research, through the mere
stumbling block of preconceived opinions.
There is another direction to which observations also may be
led by the subject. The production of the parasite on the spores
of bunt was constant in my experiments, and was repeated at
Bristol and Clifton under the eyes of Mr. Thwaites and Mr.
Broome, to whom I had communivated bunted grains of wheat,
for the express purpose of seeing whether the same circum-
stances would take place at a distance. I was at first inclined
to think that it had something to do with the reproduction of
the bunt ; and it is quite possible that in plants, as well as in the
lower animals, there may be an alternation of generations. ‘This
is, however, merely thrown out as a hint which may be followed
ON THE PROPAGATION OF BUNT. 113
VOL. LI. I
114 ON THE PROPAGATION OF BUNT.
out by those who have fewer avocations than myself. Many
anomalous appearances, amongst Algz especially, seem to indi-
cate something of the kind.
It remains only to characterise the parasite on the bunt, which
is certainly quite new to science. It would be easy to form a
new genus, from the circumstance of the spores ultimately con-
Jugating ; but as this does not seem connected with the repro-
duction of the species, and the other characters are altogether
those of Fusisporium, I shall place it in that genus. The
characters then will stand as follows :—
Fusisrorium inosculans; minutissima, fasciculata, alba;
sporis longissimis incurvis vel flexuosis multiseptatis demum
conjugatis.
Hab. in sporas germinantes Uredinis Cariei, D.C.
It forms extremely minute white tufts, visible to the naked eye
only where the spores on which they grow are thickly spread.
Threads at first simple and erect; rather obtuse, soon forked
above, and producing much elongated fusiform, multiseptate,
curved or flexuous acuminate spores, which ultimately contain
globular sporules, or nuclei, at length connected with one
another by one or more short transverse tubes.
King’s Cliffe, Jan. 15, 1847.
Fig. 1. Spores of bunt seven days after sowing. One is still in its natural
state, another germinating, and two crowned with a fascicle of the parasite
(Fusisporium inosculans).
Fig. 2. Threads of the parasite more highly magnified, filled with globules,
two of which are free.
Fig. 3. Various views of the parasite and its spores, three days later,
magnified. The spores of the parasite are fully developed, and once or twice
conjugated. The globule-bearing thread and spore, marked aa, are more
highly magnified than the others.
Fig. 4. Spores of Uredo at the same date; two with the germinating
thread more elongated ; one ruptured and empty, and another with the disc
split in three directions.
Fig. 5. Spores of Uredo two days later; in one the germinating thread
gives off a branch on either side.
Fig. 6. Spores of parasite of the same date, conjugating with each other.
Fig. 7. Portion of spore of parasite more highly magnified.
Fig. 8. Spores of Uredo three days later; the germinating thread elon-
gated. The parasite now very scarce.
Fig. 9. Parasite produced on the germinating thread of Uredo, in an ex-
periment made some days later.
Fig. 10. First appearance of spores in the diseased germen, with the
mycelium.
Fig. 10*. One of the spores more highly magnified.
Fig. 11. Gradual developement of spores.
Fig. 12. Three views of perfect spore, by Mr. Broome, as seen at different
focal lengths.
TRANSMISSION OF LIVING PLANTS BY SEA. 115
XIII.— Experience in the Transmission of Living Plants to and
from Distant Countries by Sea. By Mr. Fortune, Curator
of the Botanic Garden of the Society of Apothecaries at
Chelsea.
(Communicated Nov. 5, 1846.)
Havine been engaged by the Horticultural Society of London
to proceed to China for the purpose of examining the Horticul-
ture and Botany of that country, and of sending home such
vegetable productions as might be useful or ornamental in Eng-
Jand, the Council deemed it an excellent opportunity for sending
out at the same time a collection of living plants and seeds,
with the view of ascertaining precisely the effects produced
upon such things during a long sea voyage, as well as of intro-
ducing to China some of the best flowers, fruits, and vegetables
which are cultivated in Europe. For this purpose they ordered
some glazed cases to be prepared, and filled with such kinds of
fruit-trees and ornamental plants as were likely to succeed well
in the climate of China, and be of use both to the Chinese and to
the foreign residents. 'They were made fast on the poop of the
vessel, and we sailed from England on the Ist of March, 1843.
The weather during the early part of the voyage was cold, dull,
and wet, and the plants grew very little until we reached the
latitude of Madeira, which we saw on the 13th of the month.
The thermometer averaged 62° Fahr. at this time in the shade,
and the plants feeling the effects of the sudden change of tem-
perature began to grow with great rapidity, completely filling
the cases in a few days with young shoots and leaves. _ This
took place before we reached the equator. The vines, peach-
trees, and figs seemed quite at home; the roses also grew fast
and began to blossom, but were evidently in an atmosphere
which was too hot and close for their constitution, and in a short
time their leaves began to suffer from pressure against the damp
glass in the same manner as we frequently see plants in crowded
hothouses in England.
About this period—that is, when we were in the vicinity of
the equator—the thermometer averaged 77° in the shade, and
was frequently higher in the night than during the day. From
the condition of the plants at this stage of the voyage, it was
evident that a most important point in the preparation of cases
is always to select specimens which are strong, healthy, and
well established; weak plants, in many instances, are sure to
perish, because the stronger kinds overgrow them, keeping them
from the light and air, and preventing them from forming stems
and leaves for their support.
12
116 TRANSMISSION OF LIVING PLANTS BY SEA,
We passed the longitude of the Cape of Good Hope in the
beginning of May, but in order to have the advantage of
westerly winds we kept well south—in lat. 38°—where the
thermometer ranged from 55° to 65° Fahr. This change was
evidently a most trying one for the plants, which, after having
grown rapidly when sailing through warmer climates, and
having filled the cases with weak, half-ripened wood, were now
suddenly checked by dull weather and a temperature which was
comparatively low. Mildew and other fungi now attacked them,
and most of the leaves which were in contact with the glass were
rotted by the damp.
It was curious to remark the similar effects which were pro-
duced upon animals and plants by this change of temperature ;
both suffered more from comparative than from actual cold.
A few weeks before this, the plants began to grow most rapidly
in a temperature about the same as that in which they were now
suffering from cold; in fact, they grew considerably then, in a
temperature several degrees lower. -‘The very same effects were
produced upon my own feelings, as well as upon those of the
other passengers in the ship. We felt the heat much in lat. 33°
or 34° N., with a temperature of 58° and 60°, and were then
putting on our thin white clothing ; while with the same warmth
on the south side of the line we felt cold, and were obliged to
resume our thick, warm dresses.
Having kept in the same degree of latitude all along from the
Cape until we reached the Islands of Amsterdam and St. Paul’s,
in the Indian Ocean, we then stood northerly, in the direction of
Java Head. ‘The temperature, of course, gradually increased as
we sailed northwards, but the excitability of the plants was, in a
great measure, gone, and even when we reached the Straits of
Sunda, where, owing to the proximity of land, it was much
warmer than it had been under the line in the Atlantic Ocean,
still they grew again in a slow and languid manner, and the
shoots were weak. It is these rapid changes from summer to
winter, and from winter to summer, which destroys so many
plants in a long voyage round the Cape, to or from India or
China.
When we reached Hong Kong I found that most of the plants
were alive, although some of them were in a very exhausted
state. Some olive-trees which I took out were as healthy and
green as the day we started ; vines, pears, and figs also stood
the voyage remarkably well. ‘The soil, although it had received
no water for four months, was nearly as moist as when we left
England, which proved the closeness of the cases.
Having described what actually takes place during a long sea
voyage, I shall now proceed to give some instructions relating
TRANSMISSION OF LIVING PLANTS BY SEA. 117
to cases, packjng, shipping, and general management, which, I
trust, will be useful to those interested in such matters.
GuLazED Casres.—‘‘ Ward’s Cases,” or air-tight cases, as they
are commonly called, are so well known in all parts of the
world, that a minute description of them here is unnecessary.
They are not, strictly speaking, air-tight, but they are so close
that the moisture cannot escape, and therefore, if the soil is well
watered before the case is closed, the moisture is retained in
sufficient quantity to support plants during a voyage to or from
the most distant parts of the world. When the sun shines,
evaporation goes on in the usual way, but the vapour finding no
outlet condenses on the glass and wood of the cases, as well as
upon the leaves of the plant, and in the evening again falls down
like dew upon the soil. In this manner the vapour goes on
forming and condensing, according to the heat of the weather
during the voyage, without much actual loss, providing the cases
are tightly made.
After this explanation, any one will be able to see that it is of
the greatest importance to have the cases made of well-seasoned
wood, which is not liable to split or open at the joints when ex-
posed to the hot sun of the tropics. If this happens, the plants
will either perish from drought, or sea-water will probably be
admitted, which is equally fatal to vegetable life.
Another defect in the construction of many of these cases is
the shortness of their feet. The bottom of the case should
always be at least six inches raised from the deck of the vessel.
Washing decks is the first part of the sailors’ business every
morning at sea, and they are not generally very particular as to
where they throw the water. If the feet of the plant-case are
shorter than six inches, there will not be sufficient room for the
sailors to dash the water below it, and consequently both the
bottom and sides will stand the chance of being washed every
morning as regularly as the decks. In the course of a four or
five months’ voyage, the salt water is certain to find its way into
the soil, which it then saturates, and destroys the roots of the
plants. I have no doubt that this is one of the reasons why
plants generally arrive in such bad condition from India and
other parts of the world, for I have frequently seen the soil of
such cases in a complete puddle when they come to hand in
England.
Puants, Sort, &c.—I have already noticed the great import-
ance of choosing strong, healthy plants, which are not liable to
be overgrown or to damp off during the voyage. I found that
grafted plants were also more liable to suffer than others, as one
or two of my young scions died, while the stocks remained
healthy enough.
118 TRANSMISSION OF LIVING PLANTS BY SEA.
The soil of the cases should be at least nine or ten inches in
depth. After the plants are put in, each case should be placed
perfectly level, and liberally supplied with water. It is much
better if this can be done ten days or a fortnight before the
plants are to be sent off, so that they may be well established in
their new quarters. During this time they can have frequent
waterings, and then, when the soil has filled up all the crevices
in the cases and become firm, it may be fastened down with cross
bars of wood. A little moss, where it can be obtained, is an
excellent thing to sprinkle on the surface, as it both helps to
keep the earth down, and at the same time prevents evaporation
from going on too rapidly.
This mode of packing applies to shrubs and trees; orchids, or
air plants, require different treatment. As the latter do not
draw much nourishment from the soil, there is no occasion to
have so much of it in the cases; indeed, a large body of damp
soil is very apt to rot the plants. Two or three inches is quite
sufficient. As these plants are generally found growing upon
trees, the best way is to cut the portion of the branch on which
the plant grows, and send it home with the plant upon it. In
the majority of cases it isa bad plan to pull the roots off the
wood, if the plants are to be sent in glazed cases and exposed to
a sea voyage for five or six months. When I despatched some
eases filled with Phaleenopsis from Manilla, I had them made
with only one glazed side, the other was wood. After packing
the bottom of the cases full of plants I nailed a great number to
the wooden side, and from the number which arrived in good
order in this country the plan must have answered the purpose.
It is well known that many of these air plants require so little
nourishment from the soil, that they may be sent home in
common packing cases if the voyage does not occupy more than
six weeks or even two months, such as from the West Indies or
South America. The above remarks, with regard to air plants,
therefore, only apply to long voyages, such as from India or
China to this country.
Suips AND SHIPPING PLantrs.—When the vessel is about to
sail, the cases should be closed firmly, and the joints must be
made perfectly tight. Narrow strips of canvas dipped in a boil-
ing mixture of tar and pitch, and put on the outside of the joints,
answer the purpose admirably, and should always be used where
there is any difficulty in making the joints close.
Large vessels with poops are the best for plants, and should
always be preferred where there is any choice, as their deck
is higher and consequently less liable to be washed by the sea.
The poop, either in small or large ships, is the best place for the
cases to be placed—in small vessels they should either be put
TRANSMISSION OF LIVING PLANTS BY SEA. 119
there or not sent at all. The main or mizen top is sometimes
-recommended, but most captains object to have such heavy
articles placed so high above the decks.
In 1841 or 1842 the Horticultural Society received a case of
plants by the ‘Emu,’ from Van Diemen’s Land, the whole of
which were dead when they reached this country. As I hap-
pened, in 1843, to go out to China by the same vessel, I made
some inquiries of one of the officers regarding the treatment this
case had received on board during the passage home. He
candidly told me that they had considered it too much in the
way when on the poop, and had sent it forward near the bows.
When, therefore, the vessel was ‘‘ ona wind,” or had a heavy head
sea to contend with, she shipped a great quantity of water over
the bows, and, of course, deluged the poor plants. This at once
accounted for the bad order in which the case had been received.
I should therefore recommend botanical collectors, and those
individuals who are in the habit of sending home cases of plants
from the far distant East to their friends in Europe, to obtain a
promise from the captain that the cases shall remain upon the
poop of the vessel during the whole of the voyage. If they are
sent forward, or even placed upon the quarter deck, the contents
are sure to be destroyed. It is also the best way to ship the
cases in the usual business manner, taking a bill of lading for the
same, with the freight payable in England, or in any other place
to which the ship may be bound.
Unless there is some one on board who understands the cul-
tivation of plants, the cases should never be opened from the
time they are shipped until they arrive at their destination.
The only directions I was in the habit of giving when I took the
plants on board, were the following :—‘‘ Do not move them from
the poop; never allow them to be opened ; should any accident
happen to the glass repair it immediately, either with glass, or,
where that cannot be had, a piece of thin board will answer the
purpose; in stormy weather, when there is any probability of
spray coming over the poop, throw an old sail over the cases ;
and, lastly, never allow the sailors to throw a drop of water over
them when they are washing decks in the morning.” These
directions are short, easily understood, and easily acted upon.
TREATMENT DURING THE VoyaGE.—When the botanical
collector returns with his plants, or when there is any one on
board of the ship who understands their management, the cases
may be opened and the plants examined from time to time with
the most beneficial results. In order that those who are going
out or returning from the East may understand how this is best
done, I shall detail, shortly, my own practice during the voyage
home, and its results,
120 TRANSMISSION OF LIVING PLANTS BY SEA.
Eighteen cases were packed in the manner I have already
recommended and taken on board of the ‘John Cooper,’ then
at anchor in the Bay of Hong Kong. As it was in the end of the
year, the monsoon was fair down the China Sea, and we reached
the Island of Java in eleven days. After passing the Straits of
Sunda we had variable winds for a week or ten days, and then
got into the south-east trades. In these latitudes the weather is
generally settled and fine, the sea is smooth, and the vessel is
wafted gently onward in her course towards the Cape of Good
Hope. In ordinary circumstances, therefore, it is perfectly safe
to open the eases frequently during this part of the voyage.
Those under my care at this time were made with sliding-doors
at each end, sothat I could give air and get my hand in without
unscrewing thesides, These slides were drawn out almost every
day in the morning after decks were washed, and on very fine
days the side-sash of each case was unscrewed and the plants
fully exposed. At these times all the dead or damping leaves
were removed and the surface of the soil dressed and cleaned.
I always made it a rule never to leave any of them open at
night, however fine the night might appear to be.
This mode of treatment was carried on until we began to get
near to Madagascar. As bad weather is generally experienced
off this island, I made all the cases tight as possible with
putty, and never opened them again until we got round the
Cape. After the ‘Cape of Storms” is passed, the mariner
generally gets again into fine weather, and with a fair south-east
trade wind runs direct for St. Helena. Knowing that I would
be able to procure a supply of fresh water there, I exposed the
plants as much as possible every day, in order that all the
dampness might be removed, and that the young wood which
was then formed on many of the plants might be well hardened.
When we anchored at St. Helena I took care to give the soil as
much fresh water as it could take in, and then screwed the sashes
down again. The weather continued fine and the winds fair |
until we reached the equator. During this time the end slides
were generally open every day. When near the equator we
again got into variable winds, having run out of the ‘ trades,”
and were frequently deluged with heavy rains. At these times I
was in the habit of opening the sashes and allowing the plants to
receive a refreshing shower, which did them a great deal of
good. In circumstances of this kind, however, great care should
be taken that the water does not come down out of some of the
sails which have been exposed to the salt spray of the ocean, as
it would then be impregnated with salt, and would probably
injure or destroy the plants. I notice this more particularly, as
an accident of the kind nearly happened to myself.
MR. HARTWEG’S JOURNAL OF A MISSION TO CALIFORNIA. 121
After coming through the “ variables,” we got what are
called the north-east trade winds, and steered for the Western
Islands. As the weather was now bad, and the vessel ‘‘ close
hauled,” that is, sailing very near the wind, we often had a con-
siderable quantity of spray coming over the deck. Before
coming into this weather I took care to have the cases again
perfectly closed ; the end slides now had often to remain closely
shut down, not only on account of the spray, but also on account
of the saltness of the air, which would, doubtless, have been
very deleterious. After having three or four weeks of this
weather, we got at last into smooth water in the English channel,
where, as the weather was fine, I again opened the cases and
found them* in excellent order. No detention taking place at
the Docks, the cases were immediately conveyed to the garden
of the Society at Chiswick. The following numbers will show
the results of this shipment :—
Number of Plants put into the casesin China . . 250
” reported in good condition when landed . 215
9 which died during the voyage . . . . 385
In a communication from Mr. Livingstone of Macao, read to
the Society in 1819, and published in the 3rd Vol. of Trans-
actions, it is stated that, at that time only cne plant in a
thousand survives the voyage from China to England, and sup-
posing on an average that plants purchased in Canton, including
their chests and other necessary charges, cost 6s. 8d. each,
consequently each surviving plant must have been introduced at
the enormous expense of upwards of 300/.; the results which I
have given above will show, however, that we have made some
improvements in the introduction of Chinese plants since the days
of Mr. Livingstone.
XIV .—Journal of a Mission to California in search of Plants.
By Mr. Theodore Hartweg, in the service of the Horticul-
tural Society. Part II. Continued from Vol. I., p. 185.
(Received Nov. 4, 1846.)
On the 28rd of February I returned from an excursion to the
Rio Grande de Santiago, the largest stream in Central Mexico,
taking its rise from the swampy plains between Lerma and
Toluca, near the city of Mexico, and traversing a space of more
than 600 miles in a north-westerly direction. During the late
rains the water rose fourteen feet above its ordinary level, de-
stroying the early crops of Indian corn, and carrying everything
before it that impeded its course.
122 MR. HARTWEG’S JOURNAL OF A MISSION TO CALIFORNIA.
The vegetation is in no respect different from that observed
on the descent to San Blas; and the only object derived from
this excursion were an Epidendrum, an Oncidium, and another
orchidaceous plant resembling a Catasetum in habit, but pro-
ducing a flower-stem 8 to 10 inches from the apex of the pseudo-
bulbs, which at its extremity is much branched. ‘This species
occurs exclusively on palms, and seems to flower during the
rainy season. °
On the 7th of March, I despatched a tin case containing the
seeds collected about Tepic to Guadalajara, to be forwarded
thence by diligence to Vera Cruz. On the 9th I sent off to
Tampico the Orchids and pine cones, occupying two chests.
About the same time my luggage arrived from the city of
Mexico, where it had been detained a month from the want of
an opportunity, and the change of government, which took place
about the beginning of the year. On such occasions the mule-
teers contrive to keep out of the way from fear of having their
mules embargoed, or losing them altogether.
On the 14th of March, I finally left Tepic for San Blas,
whither my luggage had preceded me, and embarked the follow-
ing day on board of a small schooner for Mazatlan, where I
arrived after a passage of five days. Mazatlan is now the most
important port on the west coast of Mexico, as the customhouse
officers are more accommodating than at San Blas or Acapulco.
Upon making inquiries about merchant-vessels proceeding
soon to Northern California, I found to my consternation that no
opportunity had offered for the last six months, nor was it likely
there would be any for some time; but that the United States
ship ‘ Portsmouth’ would sail in a few days for Monterey. The
day previous to her sailing I applied to Commodore Stoat
for a passage, backed by a letter of introduction from an influ-
ential house in Mazatlan, but I was told by him in very few words
that he could not serve me; that under the present circumstances,
when a rupture between the United States and Mexico was hourly
expected, he could not let his movements be known: thus wishing
to keep the ‘ Portsmouth’s’ destination secret—her purpose being
well known three weeks before she sailed.
More successful was an application I made about the beginning
of May to Rear-Admiral Sir George Seymour of H.M.S. ‘ Col-
lingwood,’ who kindly allowed me a passage in H.M.S. ‘ Juno,’
then proceeding to Monterey. ‘Towards evening of the 11th of
May, I went on board, and, sailing the following morning, we
arrived at Monterey on Sunday the 7th of June, after a passage
of twenty-six days.
On the 8th I delivered my letters of introduction, and the
following morning I settled down in the quiet little town of
Monterey.
MR. HARTWEG’S JOURNAL OF A MISSION TO CALIFORNIA. 123
The verdant fields and pine-covered range of mountains at the
back of the town form a pleasing contrast to the dried up vege-
tation about Mazatlan. ‘The predominating trees are an ever-
green oak (Quercus californica), forming a tree 30 feet high,
with a globular crown, and having the branches much distorted.
It occurs principally in low but dry situations. The higher
parts are occupied by Pinus insignis, a tree 60 to 100 feet high,
with a stem of 2 to 4 feet in diameter. This species is liable to
vary much in the size of the leaves (which stand in threes) and in
the cones, according to local circumstances. In close woods, a
mile or two from the sea-shore, at an elevation of 200 to 300 feet,
the leaves usually measure 44 to 53 inches, and cones 4 to 44
inches in length by 24 broad; towards the beach, where the trees
are mostly one-sided—a defect caused by north-west winds, which
blow for the greater part of the year—both leaves and cones
diminish in size. These differences, which are too insignificant
to establish even varieties of Pinus insignis, have given rise
to the names Pinus tuberculata and radiata, which were, accord-
ing to Loudon, collected by the late Dr. Coulter near the sea-
shore at Monterey ; that locality, no doubt, is Point Pinos, as it
is the only habitat near Monterey where pines grow close to the
beach ; it is at the same time the place where I made the fore-
going observations. In all situations the cones grow three or
four together in a cluster, remaining on the trees several years
after shedding the seeds; are pendulous, with the apex some-
what recurved ; deformed, that is, the scales on one side are more
developed than on the other, and enclose two winged seeds under
each scale. ‘The cones are about eighteen to twenty-four months
in ripening.
On the dry banks of ravines, to the north-east of the town, the
Californian horse-chesnut (Pavia californica) is common. This
extremely ornamental shrub or low tree rises to the height of
25 feet, is of a globular shape, and produces its fragrant white
flowers of a delicate pink hue in great abundance on spikes
12 inches long; one of these spikes, which I had the curiosity
to count, had more than 400 open flowers and buds upon it. Of
shrubs I observed Ceanothus thyrsiflorus very common in the
pine-woods, and forming an evergreen shrub 10 to 15 feet high ;
Sambucus, No. 28;* Lonicera racemosa; Spireea ariefolia ;
Rhus 3 sp.; Caprifolium Douglasii, No. 4; Diplacus, No. 65;
Garrya elliptica ; Rosa, No. 12; Lupinus arboreus and ornatus ;
Ribes speciosum and malvaceum; Adenostoma fasciculata, a
neat little evergreen shrub allied to Spireea ; Arctostaphylos 3
* This aud the subsequent numbers refer to the Herbarium not yet re-
ceived.
124. MR. HARTWEG’S JOURNAL OF A MISSION TO CALIFORNIA.
sp.; a Vaccinium; Gaultheria Shallon ; and an evergreen Prunus,
No. 102, resembling the Portugal Laurel. Of annuals and per-
ennials, No. 13; Hugelia, No.5; Delphinium, 3 sp., No. 24,
26, 61; Leptosiphon androsaceus and densiflorus; Collinsia bi-
color ; Convolvulus, No. 23; Malva, No. 25; Lupinus succu-
lentus, and densiflorus; Castilleja, No. 89; Cénothera, No. 3,
44; Chironia, No. 64. Of bulbs, Calochortus luteus, Cyclo-
bothra alba, Brodizea congesta, Calliprora flava, Hesperoscordum
lacteum, and a Zygadenus called Amole, of which the bruised
roots serve as a substitute for soap.
On June the 22nd, I left Monterey for the mission of Santa
Cruz, in company with an American gentleman, who obligingly
furnished me with a horse for the occasion. Santa Cruz is across
the bay, due north, of Monterey, and at a distance of sixty miles
by land, whilst by water it does not exceed twenty-five miles.
Passing along the sea-shore over the plains, which present the
same vegetation as about Monterey, we arrived in the afternoon
at the mission, after a gallop of seven hours. ‘This speed is the
usual mode of Californian travelling; on longer journeys some
horses are driven before, to serve on the following days.
The mountains of Santa Cruz are well wooded with Taxodium
sempervirens, called by the American settlers redwood or bastard
cedar. In close forests it grows to an enormous size, averaging
200 feet in height, with a stem of 6 to 8 feet in diameter, which
is as straight as an arrow, and clear of branches up to 60 or
70 feet. One tree, that is termed by the Americans ‘the giant
of the forest,” is 270 feet high, with a stem measuring 55 feet
in circumference at 6 feet from the ground. The bark of the
redwood is from 6 to 12 inches thick, reddish and smooth; the
timber is of a beautiful red colour, like pencil-wood, fine, close-
grained, light but brittle; it is well adapted for in and out door
work, as the boards when seasoned do not warp, nor is it attacked
by insects. Large quantities of lumber are annually exported to
the Sandwich Islands; 1000 feet of 1-inch boards, delivered on
the beach at Santa Cruz, are worth 81.
Some fine trees of Abies Douglasii are found in the mountains
of Santa Cruz; they do not form masses of themselves, but are
thinly scattered among the redwood trees, with which they vie
in size. The mountain oak (No. 84, Castanea chrysophylla ?)
also occurs here, forming a tree 50 feet high, of a pyramidal
shape, with persistent lanceolate leaves four inches long, ser-
rulate on the margin; below they are covered with a rusty,
yellowish down, which in the young leaves also covers the upper
surface. ‘The fructiferous catkins are produced on the points of
last year’s wood, and do not exceed 2 inches in length, whilst
the catkins on the young wood are from 4 to 5 inches long, and
ON PRUNING PEAR TREES. 125
sterile. The nuts, or rather acorns, are covered, in an unripe
state, with down, and enclosed in an open cup, which on the
outside is clothed with coarse scaly hairs. ‘The mountain oak
erows invariably in close shaded woods, and seems to be widely
dispersed over the country west of the rocky mountains. Some
Indian tribes eat the acorns either raw, or make a sort of bread
of them.
On the outskirts of the woods I observed Arbutus procera
50 feet high ; a Lauraceous tree with linear light green leaves
of nearly the same dimensions; two species of Ceanothus ;
Corylus, No. 85; a Spirea; Solanum No. 90; Zauschneria,
No. 97, with scarlet flowers like a Fuchsia; and No. 87.
XV.--On Pruning Pear Trees. By Mr. Henry Baily,
Gardener to His Grace the Archbishop .of York, F.H.S., at
Nuneham Park.
(Communicated October, 1846.)
A FEW years ago my attention having been called to the
presence of a number of fruit buds at the base of a shoot of a
pear-tree which had been accidentally broken in the course of
its season of growth (the tree itself being trained upon the plan
called Quenouille), and my impression at the time being that it
had induced a greater amount of fruitfulness than generally
resulted from the plan (usually adopted, and certainly a judicious
one) of tying down the young shoots, I was led to make some
experiments, the result of which so fully corroborated the just-
ness of my first conclusion, that I have since made it a part (and
consider it an important feature of my system) of pear culture to
twist the young shoots so as to fracture them slightly in the
growing season.
The soil here being a very light gravelly loam, and the pear-
tree not succeeding well when worked upon the Quince stock, it
became a desideratum with me to devise some mode by which
early productiveness might be induced upon the Pear stock.
I am now convinced that I have hit upon a mode which (upon
this soil) gives me an equivalent for the loss of the Quince,
which is well known to bring the varieties which are worked
upon it into early bearing.
It is therefore my practice to go over the trees immediately
after midsummer, and with the finger and thumb fracture the
young shoots, just breaking their tissue and leaving them hang-
ing (they are broken at about four or five buds from their bases) ;
this checks their luxuriance without exciting the leaf-buds to
push again, which is always a natural consequence of the old
mode of pruning out the summer shoots of wall and espalier
126 CHINESE AZALEA OVATA.
trees. When the time of winter pruning arrives, an abundance
of fruit buds are found to have developed themselves adven-
titiously, and the dexterous, but too frequently misguided,
pruner finds that this simple operation has accomplished more
than the knife, and that his ‘‘ occupation,’ is almost “ gone.”
The same practice is applied here to the wall and espalier
trees (trained horizontally) with the same results.
If I am asked to give the rationale of my mode of treatment,
I will say that it is one of many modes of inducing early pro-
ductiveness ; such as frequent removal, ringing, planting in poor
soil, root-pruning, &c., but it is one which inflicts no injury upon
the tree, as is the case sometimes in ringing. I will conclude
by the following extract from the invaluable ‘ Theory of Hor-
ticulture :°—‘‘ Whatever produces excessive vigour in plants is
favourable to the formation of leaf-buds, and unfavourable to
the production of flower-buds: while, on the other hand, such
circumstances as tend to diminish luxuriance and to check rapid
vegetation, without affecting the health of the individual, are
more favourable to the production of flower-buds than of leaf-
buds.”
Nuneham, 30th October, 1846.
XVI.—Note upon Azalea Ovata, a new Species introduced
from China. By Mr. Robert Fortune, Curator of the Botanic
Garden of the Society of Apothecaries at Chelsea. (With a
coloured Plate.)
(Communicated Feb. 23, 1847.)
Tuls is another of those fine flowering shrubs lately introduced
from the north of China by the Horticultural Society. It isa
very distinct species, and was named and described by Professor
Lindley at p. 149 of the first volume of this Journal. I met
with it, for the first time, in the autumn of 1843, and sent home
seeds by the overland mail, which were found in a good state for
vegetating when they arrived in England. Subsequently I also
sent living plants in Ward’s cases on several different occasions,
part of which arrived in safety. From these importations the
plant has been extensively distributed to the Fellows of the
Society, either bearing its present name or that of ‘ Azalea
274.”
It was found growing on the sides of the green tea hills in
the province of Chekiang, and also on some of the islands of the
Chusan Archipelago, where it is called the Aing-sze-wha, or
‘‘ silver silk flower,’ by the Northern Chinese. ‘There are two
Hort. Journ, Vol -2. ¢.2.
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CULTURE OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 127
varieties of this species, both of which are now in Europe. One
bears flowers of a rich white colour; the other is pink—and
both are beautifully dotted with dark spots on the under petals :
I think the white variety is the morc beautiful of the two. The
corolla in form is nearly round, and not unlike the Rhodo-
dendron Chameecistus, or a finely-shaped Pelargonium, in ap-
pearance.
In the woods this species has an arborescent habit, and grows
from 8 to 12 feet in height, but on the exposed hill sides it
generally forms a dwarf bush 2 or 3 feet high. Its flowers are
produced in great profusion in the months of April and May.
I never met with this species in the south of China; and it is
probable that it will be found hardy, or nearly so, in the climate
of England.* It may be propagated easily enough by seeds,
cuttings, or layers, or it may be grafted on some of the hardy
species. Some of the hardy varieties of Rhododendron would
probably make good stocks for this purpose. One of the chief
points to be attended to in its cultivation is thorough drainage.
I invariably found it growing on the hill sides, often amongst
rocks and stones, where no stagnant water could remain near
its roots. ‘This point being attended to, it will be found to
thrive well in the same kind of soil in which the other species of
Azaleas are generally grown.
XVII.— On the Culture of the Chrysanthemum. By Mr. J. B.
Whiting, C.M.H.S., Gardener to Henry Thomas Hope, Esq.,
P48.
(Communicated Feb. 16, 1847.)
TueERE has never been a season within my recollection in which
Chrysanthemums blossomed so superbly as in 1846; owing,
doubtless, to the unusual fineness of the autumn; and as this
circumstance will in all likelihood bring this esteemed flower
into still greater favour, the present seems a proper period for
describing a simple method by which excellent plants may be
produced with less labour and greater certainty than by any
other method that I am acquainted with. I shall therefore de-
tail the course of culture followed by me last season, beginning
with the propagation of the plants. Cuttings of all the kinds
intended to be grown were planted in the usual way about the
middle of May, and, when sufficiently rooted, they were potted
singly into sixties, afterwards keeping them close in a pit until
* It has been this winter found to bear a temperature of 4° Fahr., ina
low damp situation, both on a south and north aspect, without exhibiting
any appearance of suffering.—J. L.
128 CULTURE OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM.
they had recovered from the check of parting. In this situation
the plants soon commenced a new growth, and when this was
observed they were all stopped with the intention of making
them bushy. Early in July they were shifted into sixteens,
using a good loamy soil moderately enriched with dung. Some
of the strongest plants were potted singly, two or three of the
weaker being put into one pot, and the pots set upon a bottom
of coal-ashes in the open air. Being carefully tended, the plants
soon began to grow rapidly, each producing several shoots, when
they were sticked and tied, some to three sticks, in order to form
tall plants, but the greater part into round bushes; afterwards
they were allowed ample room, and never permitted to suffer for
want of water. At this stage of their progress, the pots being
well filled with roots, a few plants were set aside for the purpose
of trying the effect of guano-water upon them; and finding
after a few applications that it deepened the rich green of the
leaves and increased the general robustness of the plants, the
whole stock was treated in the same manner, applying it libe-
rally twice a-week in lieu of ordinary waterings. As the
weather was dry and warm, the plants required water every day,
frequently tivice a-day, so that a considerable portion of the
manure would no doubt be washed away ; but in moister weather,
when few of the guano particles would be unavailable, once
a-week would probably be often enough to give the manure-
water. When danger from night-frosts was apprebended, the
plants were removed into a conservatory, where they blossomed
beautifully, retaining their foliage almost down to the rim of the
pots. Plants of Rival and Surprise, not much exceeding 2 feet
in height, expanded nearly a hundred flowers each ; while other
varieties of less spreading habit, which produce their blossoms
upon shorter branchlets, such as De Crequi and Madame
Pompadour, had from fifteen to twenty flowers on a branch,
forming almost a close spike of bloom. No doubt this result
must partly be attributed to the last splendid summer, which re-
sembled that of the Chrysanthemum’s native country; still I
can confidently say that those who follow the course of culture
here described will find it less troublesome and more certain
than most other methods.
MANAGEMENT OF THE GENUS ZSCHYNANTHUS. 129
XVIII.—On the Genus Aischynanthus, and its Management.
By Mr. William Wood, Pine Apple Place.
(Communicated Feb. 10, 1847.)
THERE is perhaps no genus of plants of recent introduction pos-
sessing stronger claims on the attention of cultivators than that
which forms the subject of the following remarks, whether con-
sidered in regard to the ornamental character or comparatively
easy culture of its species—enduring opposite extremes of tem-
perature and exposure, not easily injured by excess of moisture,
resisting the most intense sunlight with impunity, thriving in al-
most every possible mixture of vegetable matter, accommodating
themselves to situations in which many other plants would perish ;
and withal, repaying the attention bestowed on them with a pro-
fusion and long continuance of beautiful flowers. Less formal
in its features than Kalosanthes, and more lasting in its beauty
than the Cactus, it affords a finer combination of rich and gor-
geous effect throughout the spring, summer, and autumn months,
than probably any other genus with which we are acquainted.
It is indeed difficult to assign a reason for the almost total
absence of Aéschynanthus from our metropolitan exhibitions
until within a very recent period, since the merit of the last in-
troduced species over that of their predecessors does not so
much consist in their greater beauty (beautiful as they are) as _
in their smaller and neater habit of growth. The difficulty of
obtaining uniform and successive bloom may perhaps, however,
be regarded as the principal reason for the gradual disappearance
of such fine objects from public competition.
The following remarks are intended to explain the cause of
abortive growth in the species of A&schynanthus generally,
founded upon an inquiry into their natural conditions of growth,
with a view to ascertain how far such conditions can be adopted
with advantage under artificial culture.
The species of A%schynanthus may be popularly described as
a class of semi-epiphytal shrubs, of a neat decumbent habit, with
slender succulent stems and leaves, readily emitting, by the aid
of atmospheric moisture alone, numerous aérial roots, by which
the plants adhere to vegetable substances. The flowers are
principally produced in clusters from the extremities of the
branches, and in some instances from the side or lateral growths,
approaching in form that of the common Foxglove, and varying
in size and colour from bright orange-scarlet to all the interme-
diate shades of vermilion and rich crimson. ‘The absence of
uniform bloom under the ordinary methods of growth may in
part be ascribed to a mistaken notion being entertained on their
first introduction as to the best means of obtaining it. Fora
VOL. II. K
130 MANAGEMENT OF THE GENUS ZSCHYNANTHUS.
considerable period the species were almost wholly considered
as epiphytal plants, and, as such, were grown principally in
sphagnum or moss attached to branches or logs of wood in pots,
or suspended promiscuously with other plants, and thus exposed
to the alternating influence of light and shade, drought and
moisture, in an atmosphere many degrees less humid than was
congenial to their growth; and they were seldom or never in-
dulged with rest, which is so essential to their fertility.
Though generally found in their native localities on the
trunks and branches of trees, in moist and shady woods, the fact
appears to have been overlooked, that the design and adaptation
of such situations was but in accordance with a primary law of
Nature, which often seeks the perpetuation rather than the per-
fection of the species, leaving the skilful cultivator the means of
obtaining the highest results of growth by a well-regulated arti-
ficial management.
The position in which epiphytal plants are found (attached to
vegetable substances and in elevated positions) implies a habit
of growth and structure unable to resist stagnant moisture,
whether under natural or artificial treatment ; nevertheless, where
perfect growth is sought, experience teaches us that such treat-
ment as enables them to secrete the greatest amount of nutriment
(subject to a regulating power) may be rendered conducive to
their highest fertility.
A partial exclusion of light and a moist warm atmosphere are
powerful stimulants to growth, whilst the reverse is essential to
fertility ; and since the former of these conditions are those in
which the species of A&schynanthus are naturally found, whilst
they are fitted to endure much more light, heat, &c., the fol-
lowing inference is drawn :—that their natural habits of growth
do not necessarily imply the conditions most favourable to fer-
tility, and that therefore the principal cause of abortive growth
in the species generally may be mainly attributed to adhering
too closely to: the conditions in which they are found in their
natural state. ‘The practical application of the subject admits
of a twofold division of the genus in relation to its culture :-—
Ist. As epiphytal plants suspended upon or adhering to other
vegetable bodies, and principally sustained by atmospheric:
moisture; 2ndly. As pot-plants, deriving nourishment princi-
pally through the medium of their underground roots in soil.
For the former, the most essential conditions of growth and fer-
tility consist in a due exposure to strong sunlight, heat, and
moisture; and for the latter, in an intermediate exposure to a
modified low and dry atmosphere, equal to an entire cessation of
growth until the formation of bloom.
The pliant texture of their stems renders them admirably
MANAGEMENT OF THE GENUS ASCHYNANTHUS. 131
adapted for cultivation as “ epiphytes,” for they can be easily
attached to grotesque logs of wood or branches thickly inlaid
with sphagnum or moss, in which they should be fixed with
copper wire, and suspended in the stove or orchid-house. Still
more picturesque, however, are they when planted within vase-
like wire baskets, inlaid with the same material (sphagnum).
Within these baskets should be placed a hollow dish equal to
their inner diameters to retain moisture, the remaining area
being filled up firmly with equal portions of turfy heath-mould,
and coarse half-dried leaf-soil. Managed thus, they produce a
fine effect, their rich crimson and orange-scarlet flowers forming
a striking contrast with the glossy dark green foliage. One of
the most important features of the genus consists in its requiring
less moisture whilst in bloom than at any other period, and in
the blossoms retaining their freshness and beauty nearly two
months, rendering them invaluable for decorating town con-
servatories or saloons, and also for ornamenting classic vases
and artistic pedestals,
As epiphytal plants, the following practical directions are
essential to their highest culture. In attaching them to port-
able logs or branches, the latter should be so formed as to admit
of the plants being inlaid with the greatest possible amount of
sphagnum. This might be effected by fixing strips of board
edgeways to a common centre-piece, widening towards the base
in a pyramidal form, or any other outline according to taste.
Each longitudinal piece or board should have parallel heads or
bits attached to its side, to admit small portable cross supports,
whereon each plant might rest; or spokes projecting at right
angles from the centre-piece, and at alternate distances, might
answer the same end. By adopting a contrivance similar to the
one just described, the roots of the plants would be less exposed
to the drying effects of the atmosphere, and a far more uniform
state of moisture would be kept up than could be maintained in
the ordinary way of fixing such plants to blocks. The sphagnum
should be used in its fresh growing state; and the roots of each
plant (with its ball of soil where practicable) covered with a
layer of the same, and secured with tying material previously to
being attached. Perhaps the most efficient contrivance for ad-
mitting the greatest amount of damp material, as moss, &c. for
epiphytal plants, requiring excessive moisture during their
growth, would be to adopt fanciful designs of well-seasoned
basket or wicker-work (which would last during two seasons),
by which the difficulty of securing sphagnum or moss to ordinary
round blocks would in a great measure be obviated. When
thus prepared, the plants should be hung up in the hottest part
of the stove or orchid-house, and exposed to the strongest light,
K 2
132 MANAGEMENT OF THE GENUS ZSCHYNANTHUS.
avoiding all shade from sunlight. During the season of growth,
moisture must be freely supplied by syringing, and when the
plants have become duly established, each log or support should
be taken down and immersed in water once or twice a week. As
the plants attain mature growth, the water should be enriched with
liquid manure in the proportion of one gallon to four, or one
handful of guano to four gallons of water. The first season
should be devoted to growth alone, and the plants should be ex-
cited to bloom in the following one. As the stronger growing
species of schynanthus are very sparing in lateral growth,
attention must be paid to shortening the extremities of each
shoot when 6 or 8 inches in length, taking off at least two joints.
When the growth has again branched off to four or six joints,
and the terminal leaves are approaching mature size, water
should be gradually lessened in amount (but not in quality), in
order to ripen the growth; and as the latter manifests a uniform
and proportionate vigour, the plants should be gradually re-
moved for a few weeks to a lower temperature, say from ten to
fifteen degrees, and placed in a position well exposed to light ;
and such varieties as bloom the following season may be finally
placed in a cold close pit or greenhouse, and preserved from
currents of cold air, water being applied once in ten days or a
fortnight until it is desirable to excite them to bloom; such as
flower in the current year may be retained in a dry warm
greenhouse.
The second mode of culture is that with respect to their
growth in pots, and in this way alone can uniform and perfect
growth be obtained in connexion with equal success in bloom ;
for when so treated, greater uniformity of moisture can be main-
tained, and there is less evaporation by exposure to the atmos-
phere. Though excessive vigour of growth may be generally
regarded as unfavourable to fertility, yet it is only so when the
growths are badly ripened, which is generally the case. The
greatest vigour of which plants are capable may be rendered
favourable to bloom by a due appropriation of the elements
essential to fertility in the proper season.
In pot-culture there are two ways in which these plants may
be successfully grown—first, by using soil; and, secondly, by ©
substituting sphagnum and decayed branches, &c.; and as each
method possesses its peculiar interest, I will consider them sepa-
rately. The soils most suitable are coarse vegetable composts.
varying to almost all mixtures from pure unmixed heath-mould
to all the medium qualities of leaf-soil, decayed branches, sphag-
num, and small portions of sandy loam, but all requiring to be
so arranged as to admit a full but uniform distribution of moisture,
both by ample bottom-drainage and by a regularly porous texture
MANAGEMENT OF THE GENUS _ESCHYNANTHUS. 133
throughout the mass. 1st. When heath-mould is naturally de-
ficient in vegetable matter or fibre, add one-third half-decom-
posed leaves or decayed branches; but if the latter be too coarse
for the size of the plants, rub it through a sieve three-quarters of
an inch in width in the mesh. 2ndly. Where sufficient vegetable
matter exists in the mass, but in unequal proportions, pass the
most decayed portion through a sieve of a quarter of an inch
square, and use the remaining portion. sérdly. Where the
quality of the entire mass appears worthless or inapplicable, col-
lect the coarsest turfy pieces from the store heap, and bruise
them with the hands as far as possible through the first-men-
tioned sieve. ‘By this process, and with the addition of vege-
table matter, as leaves, branches, &c., almost every requisite
degree of porosity may be obtained ; the last-mentioned materials
being less or more, in proportion to the strong and retentive
quality of the soil—the strongest soils admitting of the greatest
degree of mechanical texture (or porosity) by the addition of
coarse vegetable matter or broken sandstone, potsherds, &c.
The lightest and finest soils also admit of a nearly equal amount
of vegetable matter alone being added to improve their quality
and counteract cohesiveness. The strongest soils require the
least pressure in the process of potting plants, and vice versa,
but, where coarse vegetable matter or sandstone or other opening
material forms a component part of the whole bulk, the process
of potting should be “ firm” in proportion. In selecting plants
for potting, those should be preferred which are uniformly young
and vigorous, and such as have been struck from parents whose
growth was unimpaired by excessive bloom. Plants intended
for superior growth should be uniformly vigorous or excitable,
this being the first condition on which the fitness for transferring
small plants to large pots depends; in the absence of this, all
other conditions are inefficient. The second essential point in
potting, where much growth is required before the flowering
season, is, as has been already stated, porosity of the soil. The
ereater the amount of soil used in potting, the greater should be
its porosity, and vice versd. Plants in suitable health may be
removed from pots of 4 inches in diameter to those of 8, 10, or
12; their vigour being the only rule of fitness, and their conse-
quent exposure to a suitably modified atmosphere the only con-
dition of success.
The correct management of the species of A‘schynanthus,
when grown in pots, depends upon the same general treatment
as when placed upon blocks or in baskets, in their exposure to
strong sunlight, exclusion from shade, and in their being kept,
until sufficient growth be obtained, in a congenial. moist tempe-
rature. ‘The gross and succulent structure of the species offers
134 MANAGEMENT OF THE GENUS ZSCHYNANTHUS,
a striking illustration of the fact, that the ability of plants to
resist sunlight is in proportion to the power they possess of
secreting moisture; and hence it is inferred that, as one of the
principal causes of abortive growth and paucity of bloom is
solely attributable to a partial exclusion from light by the ordi-
nary modes of cultivation, thereby excluding the principal agent
for inducing fertility—the importance of a full exposure to its
influence cannot be too strongly urged, ‘** the amount of assimila-
tion in plants being determined by the degree of light to which
they are exposed.” *
Now admitting the correctness of these remarks, the following
inference may be drawn, that those organs of plants upon whose
maturity the formation of bloom depends, should, under artificial
growth, be so arranged as to admit of their receiving the direct
rays of light upon them. ‘Those species whose bloom is formed
at the extremities of the branches, as A. grandiflorus, pulcher,
Lobbianus, and ramosissimus (maculatus), should be trained as
near to an upright position as possible, whilst those whose
flowers are formed laterally from the axils, as AX. Boschianus,
miniatus, Horsfieldii, &c., should be so disposed as to admit an
equally diffused light to their lateral or side-growths by a sym-
metrical arrangement of their shoots—the inward growths being
trained in an upright and oblique line, and the outward retained
at equai distances by small upright stakes or hooks over the mar-
gins of the pots.
The second mode of cultivating Auschynanthus in pots is by
treating the species as semi-epiphytes, by planting them in
sphagnum and decayed vegetable matter (as rotten branches,
leaves, &c.) intermixed with broken sandstone, charcoal or pot-
sherds, in the proportions of two-thirds of the first-mentioned
materials and equal parts of the latter. By this system the
largest plants may be obtained in the shortest time, as the nature
of the material admits of the quickest circulation of moisture,
and enables the plants to assimilate a great amount of nutritive
matter in a short period. The ultimate success in obtaining
bloom equal to the extent of growth so obtained will greatly
depend upon a course of treatment applicable to the conditions
by which they have been grown. The power of plants to store
up food should in this and similar cases be regulated according
to the means whereby they are enabled to ripen their growth
for the formation of bloom; for it has already been shown that
the peculiarly gross and succulent habit of the species is such as
to enable them to appropriate fluid matter to a degree greatly
disproportioned to their ripening powers, unless exposed to the
* Lindley’s Principles of Botany.
MANAGEMENT OF THE GENUS ASCHYNANTHUS. 135
_ strongest influences of light, heat, &c., and kept almost wholly
from growing previously to the flowering season. Where plants
are stimulated to growth in a much greater degree than is
favourable to fertility, the influences of light, air, heat, and
other fertilizing agencies should be applied in proportion. ‘The
peculiarities of management consist in potting the plants firmly in
proportion to the absence of soil, using considerably less bottom-
drainage, and exposing them to the highest temperature of which
the stove or orchid-house will admit, avoiding all shade from
sunlight ; water should also be applied more freely and uniformly
than when grown in earthy soils, and during vigorous growth it
should be enriched to a greater degree with liquid manure.
Where it is desirable to have large masses of bloom, the species
may be grown in the above manner by adopting stone pots or
boxes, containing from six to twelve plants in each. The
porosity of the material in which they are grown dispenses with
the ordinary practice of shifting from smaller to larger pots.
The most beautiful species are :—1. As. ramosissimus (macu-
latus), a slender growing species, but capable of forming a large
specimen. Its flowers are principally produced from the extre-
mities of the previous season’s growth, expanding in succession
from February till May; after this period the plant should be
re-excited to growth by being partially pruned back, which, on
being matured, will admit of its being progressively hardenedeoff
in a lower temperature, and of its being removed to a light,
cool, close pit until autumn, finally placing it on a dry shelf or
platform in the greenhouse or cool end of the stove until re-
quired to bloom in spring. During its season of rest water
may be applied once in ten days or a fortnight. This species is
one of the most valuable for its being easily excited to bloom
throughout the mid-winter and spring months, when its rich
clusters of crimson flower-tubes present a very gay appearance.
When removed to the stove or warm conservatory, water should
be gradually applied, as the plants exhibit a tendency to absorb
it, syringing now and then being sufficient on their first exposure
to increased temperature. 2. /#. grandiflorus is a summer and
autumnal flowering species, producing its flowers on the extremi-
ties of the current year’s growth, from July to September.
Having obtained a sufficient extent of growth during the early
spring months, according to the conditions previously stated,
watering should be gradually lessened, and syringing wholly dis-
continued, which, aided by exposing the plants to a decrease of
from 10° to 15° in temperature, will encourage the formation
of bloom. When the blossom-buds show colour, remove the
plants to a dry light greenhouse, where an intermediate tempera-
ture is maintained during the first week, after which air may be
136 CULTIVATION OF TROPICAL FRUITS.
admitted more freely during the flowering season; water may be
applied once a-week, and alternately mixed with rich liquid
manure.
Carpenters, painters, tent-pitchers, &c. 208 O 10 152 16 5
Miscellaneous labour beyond what is required
for the ordinary service of the Garden ~ . 234 19 11 308 3 3
Hire of crockery . ° : ; ‘ 13 14 2 12 13 0
Miscellaneous printing . Z : : 74 1 6 85 0 6
Admission tickets . : ; : : 41 4 6 44 0 0
Advertisements : ; : : ; 101 11 6 9719 6
Sundry petty payments. 5 : . 35 4 1 3 1 0
Carriage, postage, &c. : ‘ ‘ . 28 14 0 32 15 6
Stationery : ° : ; ° ° 10 15 11 WS ade: Ho:
Cloak-room expenses - ; . : 613 0 or @
Judges . : 48 6 0 56 8 O
Extra clerks and hire of temporary rooms . 33 2 6 39 5 6
Police . ° , 118° 2 0 123, .2.8
Bands and all musical expenses . . : 342 2 6 349 15 0
Provisious for exhibitors, police, &c. . ; 54 11 9 63 4 9
Watering roads : : : ° ° 20 5 0 30 5 6
Medals . + aba : : . | 1,182 5 0] 1,284 -0 0
Miscellaneous . . 26 4 oe
Refreshments for His Highness Ibrahim
Pacha and suite . ° ° : °s 33 4 3
£3,100 2 6 |£2,939 5 8
The influx of visitors to the Garden on the day before the
Exhibitions has now become so large, and proves so serious an
inconvenience to the persons employed in the preparations, that
the Council have found it necessary to limit future admissions
on those days to Fellows of the Society, and visitors personally
introduced by them.
The Meetings in Regent-street have been as well attended as
usual; the beauty and interest of the specimens exhibited re-
maining unimpaired. The value of the medals awarded on these
occasions is exactly what it was last year, namely, 78/. 5s.
MAY 1, 1847. 165
Collectors.
‘Upon the subject of Collectors the Council have to report that
Mr. Fortune returned to England from China in May last,
bringing with him the most important part of his collections.
The particulars of his visit to that empire have been already
published in the Journal of the Society, vol. i. p. 208. The
cost of his expedition amounted to the sum of 1818/. 17s. 7d.,
spread over about three years and a half of time. The Council
trust that this large expenditure will be justified by the result.
Some of the plants which have flowered, such as Weigela rosea,
Daphne Fortuni, Forsythia viridissima, Dielytra spectabilis,
Anemone japonica, the double Spirza prunifolia, the double
white Chinese Almond, a double white Peach, and Gardenia
Fortuniana, are objects of great interest and beauty ; others, such
as some Azaleas, Jasminum nudiflorum, Akebia quinata, Campa-
nula nobilis, Rhynchospermum jasminoides, Berberis Fortuni,
Buddlea Lindleyana, are very useful additions to our collections ;
and many others, including the new varieties of Moutan, from
which so much is expected, are still to blossom. It is satis-
factory to the Council to be able to announce that all the species
from the north of Chusan, and some from that island itself,
appear to be quite hardy, not having been affected injuriously
by the late unusually severe winter.
With respect to Mr. Hartweg’s mission to California, the
Council regret to have little to add to what has been already
announced. From Tepic, where he was at the date of the last
Report; he proceeded to Mazatlan, in order to procure a passage
to California; but the blockade of the Mexican ports by the
United States’ squadron had then put an end to all private trans-
port, and therefore Mr. Hartweg gladly availed himself of the
permission kindly granted him by Rear-Admiral Sir George
Seymour to proceed to Monterey in H.M.S. Juno. He reached
that place on the 7th of June, and on the 28th of July sent home
a continuation of his Journal, with a letter. Since that period
the Council have received no intelligence from him or from his
agents.
In anticipation of the danger and difficulties inseparable from
military operations, the Council took an early opportunity,
through H. E. Louis M‘Lane, then the United States’ Minister
in this country, of soliciting from the Cabinet of Washington
protection and assistance for Mr. Hartweg. The following cor-
respondence which passed on the occasion will show with what
readiness the Government of the United States acquiesced in the
request of the Council :—
166 REPORT OF THE COUNCIL,
21, Regent Street, June 17, 1846.
Sir,—I take advantage of the permission given me by your Excellency to
lay before you the following communication :—
It is the custom of this Society to apply a portion of its funds to the
acquisition of plants and seeds from foreign countries. For this purpose a
collector, Mr. Theodor Hartweg, a German, was despatched last November
to California, vid Mexico. His last letters are dated from Mazatlan, to
which place he had proceeded in the hope of finding an opportunity of
reaching Monterey, or some other Californian port. In the meanwhile,
hostilities having commenced between the United States and Mexico, and
the former power having, as we are informed, decided upon blockading the
Mexican ports, the Horticultural Society is apprehensive that Mr. Hartweg
may be cut off from his communication with Europe, if he shall have
reached California, or that he may be detained on the west coast of Mexico,
either of which events would render useless the expense incurred by the
Society in this mission, or perhaps endanger Mr. Hartweg’s personal safety.
It is under these circumstances that the Horticultural Society ventures to
solicit your Excellency’s good offices with your Government, which can have
no desire that the objects of science should be frustrated any further than is
inevitable in a state of war. The Society trusts that the United States
officers may be instructed to protect and assist Mr. Hartweg in the event of
his seeking their aid, and that it will not be found impossible to give him
some assistance in the conveyance of his collections to Europe. Should he
succeed in communicating with the American cruizers, and they would take
his small parcels on board, the latter might be transferred to any English
man-of-war on the station, or what would be better, conveyed to Panama
with despatches, when they would be taken charge of by the English Consul
there ; or, if possession of any Californian port were taken by the United
States forces, it would be a great advantage to us if the American officers
were instructed to give Mr. Hartweg such aid as in that case might be
effectual.
I have ventured to point out these as possible means by which Mr. Hart-
weg’s operations might be facilitated, in doing which I believe I have com-
plied with your Excellency’s wishes. But it is impossible for us to foresee
in what way American aid may be most valuable to him. I would venture
to express a hope that, if the United States Government should be able to
grant the Society assistance in this matter, the orders which may be sent to
the officers in command will be so framed as to enable them to extend their
assistance in any way not now expressly contemplated.
The Society relies with confidence upon your Excellency’s enlightened
views of the importance of scientific investigation no less than upon the good
will which you have been so good as to express, for such a recommendation
of this application to the favourable consideration of your Government as
will secure the objects prayed for as far as they may be practicable.
I have the honor, &c.
(Signed) Joun LINDLEY,
His Excellency Louis M‘Lane, . Vice-Secretary.
&e. &e. &e.
38, Harley Street, June 18, 1846.
Srr,—I have had great pleasure in forwarding your letter of yesterday to
the Department of State at Washington, and in recommending that one of
the modes you have suggested for the accommodation of the Horticultural
Society may be adopted by the President.
MAY 1, 1847. , 167
I do not doubt his compliance with your request, and that I shall soon
have the pleasure of acquainting you with the fact.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
John Lindley, F.RS., Louis M‘Lane.
Vice-Secretary of the Horticultural
Society.
38, Harley Street, August 3, 1846.
Srr,—I have the pleasure to transmit to you a copy of a despatch received
from the Secretary of State of the United States by the last steamer, together
with the papers accompanying it, from which you will perceive that your
wishes in regard to the exportation from Mexico, notwithstanding the
blockade, of the seeds and plants collected by Mr. Hartweg for the Royal
Horticultural Society have been promptly complied with.
I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,
To John Lindley, F.R.S., Louis M‘LANE.
&. &. &c.
(Copy.)—No. 39.
Department of State, Washington, 14th July, 1846.
Srr,—I have duly received your despatch, No. 56, conveying the request of
the Vice-Secretary of “The Horticultural Society of London,” that some
arrangement may be consented to by this Government for allowing to pass,
notwithstanding the existing blockade of the ports of Mexico, certain collec-
tions of foreign plants and seeds made for the Society by Mr. Theodor
Hartweg. I have lost no time in submitting Mr. Lindley’s application to
the President for his consideration. The copies of papers herewith trans-
mitted will acquaint you with the favourable manner in which it has been
entertained, and the measures which have been adopted to effect the object
proposed.
I am, Sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) JAMES BUCHANAN.
Louis M‘Lane, Esq.,
&e. &e. &e.
(Copy.) Navy Department, July 13, 1846.
Sir,—I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of a circular addressed
to Commanders of United States squadrons, directing them to facilitate the
operations of Mr. Theodor Hartweg, agent of the British Horticultural
Society, so far as may conduce to his security and speedy return to Europe
with his collections for said Society.
The original letter from Mr. M‘Lane, our Minister at London, of the 18th
of June, to the State Department, upon the subject, is herewith returned.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
(Signed) GEORGE BANCROFT.
Hon. James Buchanan, :
Secretary of State.
(Copy.) Circular.
Au officers of the Navy of the United States who may meet with Mr.
Theodor Hartweg, the agent of the British Horticultural Society, believed
to be now in California, on peaceful business for that Society, are required,
notwithstanding the blockade of the Mexican ports, to give him protection,
168 REPORT OF THE COUNCIL,
and to afford such assistance in the furtherance of his object as may conduce
to his security and to his speedy return to Europe with his collections for
the said Society.
(Signed) GEORGE BANCROFT.
Navy Department, July 10, 1846.
Copies of these letters were immediately despatched to Messrs.
Barron, Forbes, & Co., at St. Blas, with a request that they
would forward them to Mr. Hartweg; and the Council fully
believe that the officers of the American squadron would not
- hesitate to act up to the spirit of their instructions. Under
these circumstances, and considering that he was also under the
protection of the English Admiral on the Californian station,
the Council trust that the cessation of all intelligence from Mr.
Hartweg for so long a period has only arisen from some of those
accidents to which communications at so great a distance are
always liable in unsettled countries, and in time of war.*
Garden.
With the assistance and by the advice of the Garden Com-
mittee, the Council have continued to take means for the im-
provement of the Society’s Garden, which, although they have
not involved any considerable outlay of money, will nevertheless,
it is hoped, add materially to the efficiency of the establishment.
In addition to maintaining the buildings in a state of thorough
repair, and of providing whatever was needed for the due culti-
vation of the ground, the addition of new buildings has not been
neglected. ‘The anxiety of the Council to improve the Society’s
financial affairs has however confined the expenditure upon new
buildings to tne construction of some new brick-pits for the pro-
tection of half-hardy plants; of about 80 feet of small glazed
span-roof buildings, for the reception of new shrubs brought
home by Mr. Fortune and others; and to the completion of a
ridge and furrow conservatory presented to the Garden by
Messrs. Hartley & Co. of Sunderland. This house was intended
by the donors for a specimen of a greenhouse which could be
contracted for at a fixed price per square foot of the area which
it covers, and promised to be useful as a shelter for greenhouse
plants, or as a winter garden, or for any of the other purposes
for which glazed buildings are required. Owing, however, to
the inexperience of Mr. Hartley’s workmen, and to defects in its
construction, it was found to demand considerable alteration, the
* Since this Report was read, letters have been received from Mr. Hart-
weg, dated Monterey, Jan. 12, 1847, together with a continuation of his
Journal, which is printed in a subsequent part of this volume.
MAY 1, 1847. 169
cost of which was agreed to be shared between the Society and
Mr. Hartley. These delays prevented its being finished till very
lately, and the Garden Committee have not yet thought it ad-
visable to recommend its being heated.
A portion of the wall which cuts off the hothouses from the
view of visitors proceeding into the Garden along the main
walk has been removed, so that the latter now leads by a slight
bend directly to .the front of the hothouses ; and thus in some
degree is cured one of the great defects in the original design of
the Garden. Le « GON guy te
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PROCEEDINGS, ¥
_ May 5, 1846, (Recent SrruET,)
Exections. Henry Petre, Esq., 33, Portman Square; and
John Charles Weir, Esq,, East Acton.
Awarps. Knightian Medal to Mr. Carton, gardener to his
Grace the Duke of Northumberland, at Syon, for a noble
specimen of Platycerium grande in fruit. Mr. Carton
stated that the plant had been brought home by Mr. Bid-
will in 1843, and was received at Syon in December of the
same year. In 1844 it threw out a leaf in fructification,
from which a quantity of young plants were raised similar
to some accompanying the specimen. These His Grace
desired to be presented to the Society. The seedlings in
question were raised from seeds sown as soon as they were
ripe; no symptoms of vegetation appeared in seeds sown
after they had been kept for some time.
Banksian Medals to Messrs. Henderson of Pine-Apple Place,
for Tremandra verticillata, a pretty Swan River plant,
**‘ which was received from Baron Hugel last year. It is
a profuse bloomer; but of course—as we had to propagate
from it—by no means so bushy as the plant is capable of
becoming under judicious treatment. The flowers require
sun to make them expand finely.”
Certificate of Merit to Sir T. D. Acland, Bart., F.H.S., for an
exceedingly fine sample of Asparagus; 106 heads weighing
10 lbs. 15 oz. ; each head being thicker than the thumb.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocieTy’s GARDEN. Corethrostylis
bracteata, a Swan River shrub, of which much has been
expected ; but its pink flowers, although produced in abun-
dance, want brilliancy of colour to render them sufficiently
attractive. Accompanying it was also Mina lobata, raised
from seeds collected in Mexico by Mr. Hartweg in his new
expedition to California. From the appearance of the
foliage of this pretty little plant, nobody could doubt its
being a Bindweed, but the flowers are unlike those of the
order; they are produced in long one-sided racemes, and
are bright orange when young, but become pale yellow
when full blown.
Booxs PRESENTED.
The Botanical Register for May. From the Publishers.
Andeutungen zur Charakteristik des Organischen Lebens nach Seinem Austreten in
den Verschiedenen Erdperioden. By Dr. A. Wagner. (4to. Munich, 1845.)
Bulletin der Kéniglich Akademie der Wissenschaften, Nos. 51 to 57, for 1844; the
Nos. for 1845; and Nos. 1 to 5, for 1846.
And Transactions of the Royal Bavarian Academy. Vol. 4, Part 2. From the Aca-
demy at Munich (1845).
The Atheneum for the month of April. From the Editor.
62
vi PROCEEDINGS.
May 9, 1846. (GARDEN ExHIBITION.)
The weather on this occasion was very propitious, a brisk
S.W. wind prevailing throughout the day. The exhibition of
Orchids alone was 48 yards long, in a double bank, nor was
there a bad specimen among them, and indeed this was the great
and gratifying feature of the show. The fruit was not abun-
dant ; the best of it was excellent, and was suitably rewarded ;
but much was inferior. The exhibition was inspected by
H.R. H. Prince Albert at an early hour; and the number of
visitors altogether who entered the garden amounted to 4844,
exclusive of exhibitors.
The Awarp was as follows :—
Large Gold Medals: 1. To Mr. J. Robertson, gardener to
Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for a collection of forty stove and
greenhouse plants. 2. To the same for twenty species of
Exotic Orchids.
Gold Knightian Medals: 1. To Mr. Barnes, gardener to G.
W. Norman, Esq., of Bromley Common, Kent, for a col-
lection of forty stove and greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr.
Frazer, of Lea Bridge Road, for a collection of twenty
stove and greenhouse plants. 3. To Mr. Mylam, gardener
to Sigismund Rucker, Esq., F.H.S., for twenty species of
Exotie Orchids. 4. To Mr. James Williams, gardener to
C. B. Warner, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve species of Exotic
Orchids. 5. To Mr. Hunt, gardener to Miss Traill, of
Hayes Place, Bromley, for twenty species of Cape Heaths.
6. To Messrs. Fairbairn, of Clapham, for the same.
Gold Banksian Medals: 'To Mr. Hunt for a collection of
twenty stove and greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Green,
gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for a collection
of twelve stove and greenhouse plants. 3. To Messrs.
Rollisson, of Tooting, for twenty species of Exotic Orchids.
4. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F. G. Farmer, Esq.,
F.H.S., for twelve species of Exotic Orchids. 5. To Mr.
G. Eyles, gardener to Sir George Larpent, Bart., F.H.S.,
for six species of Exotic Orchids. 6. To Mr. W. Cock, of
Chiswick, F.H.S., for twelve new varieties of Pelargonium
in 8-inch pots. 7. To Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck,
of Isleworth, F.H.S., for the same. 8. To Mr. W. Cock,
for twelve varieties of Pelargonium in ]-inch pots. 9. To
Mr. Catleugh, of Hans Place, Chelsea, for the same. 10.
To Mr. Slowe, gardener to W. R. Baker, Esq., F.H.S., for
twelve varieties of Roses in pots. 11. To Messrs. Paul
PROCEEDINGS. Vil
and Son, of Cheshunt, for eighteen varieties of Roses in
pots. 12. To Mr. Robertson, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence,
F.H.S., for twenty species of Cape Heaths. 13. To Messrs.
Rollisson, of Tooting, for the same. 14. To Mr. May,
gardener to E. Goodheart, Esq., of Langley Park, Becken-
ham, for twelve species of Cape Heaths. 15. To Mr.
Fraser, of Lea Bridge Road, for the same. 16. To Mr.
Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for
twelve greenhouse Azaleas. 17. To the same, for Tall
Cacti in flower. 18. To Mr. Scott, gardener to Sir George
Staunton, Bart., F.H.S., for Cyrtopodium punctatum.
Silver Gilt Medals: 1. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to James
Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of twelve stove and
greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. M. Clarke, gardener to W.
Block, Esq., of Muswell Hill, for a collection of six stove
and greenhouse plants. 3. To Mr. Catleugh, for the same.
4. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F. G. Farmer, Esq.,
F.H.S., for the same. 5. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of
Exeter, for twelve species of Exotic Orchids. 6. To Mr.
Plant, gardener to J. H. Schréder, Esq., F.H.S., for the
same. 7. To Mr. Hunt, gardener to Miss Traill, for the
same. 8. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus,
Bart., F.H.S., for six species of Exotic Orchids. 9. To
Mr. Catleugh, for a collection of twelve new varieties of
Pelargonium in 8-inch pots. 10. To Mr, Gaines, of Bat-
tersea, for a collection of twelve varieties of Pelargonium
in 8-inch pots. 11. To Messrs. Lane and Co., of Great
Berkhampstead, for eighteen varieties of Roses in pots.
12. To Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Coster, Esq., of
Streatham, for twenty species of Cape Heaths. 138. To Mr.
Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for
twelve species of Cape Heaths. 14. To Messrs. Veitch and
Son, of Exeter, for the same. 15. To Mr. T. Malyon,
gardener to T. Brandram, Esq., of Lee Grove, Black-
heath, for six species of Cape Heaths. 16. To Mr. Daw-
son, of Brixton Hill, for the same. 17. To Mr. Falconer,
gardener to Archdale Palmer, Esq., of Cheam, for twelve
varieties of Greenhouse Azaleas. 18. To Mr. Barnes,
gardener to G. W. Norman, Esq., for six varieties of
greenhouse Azaleas. 19. To Mr. Robertson, gardener to
Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for Tall Cacti in flower. 20.
To Mr. Kemp, gardener to P. Grillion, Esq., of East
Acton, for Grapes. 21. To Mr. Ingram, gardener to Her
Majesty, at Frogmore, for the same. 22. To Mr. J. Davis,
of Oak Hill, East Barnet, for the same. 23. To Mr. John
Povey, gardener to the Rev. J. Thornycroft, Thornycroft
Vill PROCEEDINGS,
Hall, Congleton, for Pine Apples. 24. To Mr. J. Davis,
for the same.
Large Silver Medals: 1. To Mr. Bruce, gardener to Boyd
Miller, Esq., of Collier’s Wood, Mitcham, for a collection
of twelve stove and greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Slowe,
gardener to W. R. Baker, Esq., F.H.S., for the same.
3. To Mr. Malyon, gardener to T. Brandram, Esq., for a
collection of six stove and greenhouse plants. 4. To Mr.
Cooper, at Mr. Pawley’s, White Hart Hotel, Bromley,
Kent, for the same. 5. To Mr. Taylor, gardener to J.
Coster, Esq., of Streatham, for the same. 6. To Mr.
Gaines, for a collection of twelve new varieties of Pelargo-
nium in 8-inch pots. 7. To Mr. Stains, of Middlesex
Place, New Road, for a collection of twelve varieties of
Pelargonium, in 8-inch pots.* 8. To Mr. Dobson, gardener
to Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for the same. 9. To Mr. Parker,
gardener to J. H. Oughton, Esq., of Roehampton, for a
collection of six varieties of Pelargonium, in 12-inch pots.
10. To Mr. Gaines, for the same. 11. To Mr. Francis, of
Hertford, for eighteen varieties of Roses, in pots. 12. To
Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for the same.
13. ‘To Mr. Plumbley, gardener to C. J. Dimsdale, Esq.,
of Essenden Place, Herts, for twelve species of Cape Heaths.
14. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to J. Cooke, Esq., F.H.S., for
the same. 15. To Mr. Epps, F.H.S., for the same. 16.
To Mr. Pamplin, of Walthamstow, Essex, for the same.
17. 'To Mr. E. Jack, gardener to R. G. Lorraine, Esq., of
Wallington, Surrey, for six species of Cape Heaths. 18.
To Mr. Plumbley, for a specimen Cape Heath. 19. To
Messrs. Fairbairn, of Clapham, for the same. 20. To Mr.
Robertson, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for twelve
greenhouse Azaleas. 21. To Mr. Bruce, for six green-
house Azaleas. 22. To Mr. Francis, of Hertford, for a
collection of new hardy Evergreens, in pots. 23. To Mr.
Gaines, for six varieties of Calceolaria, in 8-inch pots.
24. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart.,
¥.H.S., for Azalea rubra plena. 25. To Mr. May, gardener
to E. Goodheart, Esq., for Erica vestita coccinea. 26. To
Mr. Frazer, for Boronia serrulata. 27. To Mr. Bruce,
for Helichrysum humile. 28. To the Rev. John Clowes,
F.H.S., for Oncidium phymatochilum. 29. To Mr. Dods,
gardener to Sir Geo. Warrender, F.H.S., for Grapes. 30.
To Mr. Mitchell, of Kemp Town, Brighton, for the same.
* Afterwards altered to a Silver Gilt Medal, Mr. Stains having been
erroneously supposed to be a nurseryman.
PROCEEDINGS. ix
31. To Mr. Brewin, gardener to Robert Gunter, Esq.,
F.H.S., for Pine Apples.
Silver Knightian Medals: 1. 'To Mr. Epps, of Maidstone,
F.H.S., for a collection of twelve stove and greenhouse
plants. 2. To Mr. Pamplin, for the same. 3. To Mr. E.
Jack, for a collection of six stove and greenhouse plants.
4. To Mr. G. Stanly, gardener to H. Berens, Esq., F.H.S.,
for the same. 5. To Mr. Slowe, for a specimen Rose, in a
pot. 6. To Mr. Barnes, gardener to G. W. Norman, Esq.,
for six species of Cape Heaths. 7. To Mr. Bruce, for the
same. 8. To Mr. Clarke, for the same. 9. To Mr. A.
Balston, of Poole, for a specimen Cape Heath. 10, To Mr.
Smith, of Norbiton, for six greenhouse Azaleas. 11. To
Messrs. Lane and Son, for a specimen Fuchsia. 12. To
Mr. Pamplin, for Epacris grandiflora. 13. To Mr. M.
Clarke, for Pimelia spectabilis. 14. To Mr. H. Waterer,
F.H.S., for Seedling Rhododendrons. 15. To Mr. Carson,
for Azalea lateritia. 16. To Mr. Beck, for a Seedling
Pelargonium “ Competitor.” 17. To Mr. G. Stanly, for
six varieties of Calceolaria, in 8-inch pots.* 18. To Messrs.
Veitch and Son, for a new species of Saccolabium. 19.
To Mr. Mylam, Gardener to S. Rucker, Esq., jun., F.H.S.,
for the best-named collection of plants (one error in thirty-
six names). 20. To Mr. Walter, Gardener to Capt. Hart,
of East Hoathly, Sussex, for Grapes. 21. To Mr. Chap-
man, of South Lambeth, for Grapes. 22. To Mr. Fleming,
gardener to the Duke of Sutherland, F.H.S., for Peaches
and Nectarines. 23. To Mr. D. Judd, gardener to W.
H. Whitbread, Esq., F.H.S., for Melons. 24. To Mr. J.
Davis, of Oak Hill, for British Queen Strawberries.
Silver Banksian Medals: 1. To Mr. A. Kendall, of Stoke
Newington, for a specimen Fuchsia. 2. To Mr. Ayres,
gardener to J. Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for Crowea saligna.
3. To Mr. Frazer, for Chorozema Henchmanni. 4. To
Mr. Ivery, of Peckham, for a collection of Cinerarias. 5.
To Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for a seedling Pelargonium, ‘‘ Hebe’s
lip.” 6. To the same, for a seedling Pelargonium ‘“ Bac-
chus.” 7. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, for Eranthemum
variabile. 8. To Mr. Robertson, gardener to Mrs. Law-
rence, F.H.S., for Hydrolea spinosa. 9. To Mr. May, for
a specimen Cape Heath. 10. To Mr. Frazer, for the same.
11. To Mr. Robertson, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, F'.H.S.,
for the second best-named collection of plants (zo error in
* N.B.—Nos. 1 and 2 (Mr. Geo. Elliott) would have received a medal
had they not been disqualified by being shown contrary to the regulations.
Xx PROCEEDINGS.
twenty names). 12. To Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Coster,
Esq., for the third-best named collection of plants (no error
in twenty names). 13. 'To Mr. Fleming, gardener to the
Duke of Sutherland, F.H.S., for Grapes. 14. To Mr. H.
Eyre, gardener to R. W. Barchard, Esq., F.H.S., for Keen’s
Seedling Strawberries.
Certificates of Merit: 1. To Mr. Dods, gardener to Sir Geo.
Warrender, F'.H.S., for Dysophylla stellata. 2. To Messrs.
Veitch and Son, for Rhodostemma gardenioides. 3. To
Mr. Cameron, of the Botanic Garden, Birmingham, for
Anthericum ceruleum. 4. To Mr. Beck, for a seedling
Pelargonium “ Patrician.” 5. To Mr. Miller, of Ramsgate,
for a seedling Pelargonium, ‘‘ Mount Etna.” 6. To Mr.
Kinghorn, gardener to the Earl of Kilmorey, Orleans
House, Twickenham, for a seedling Calceolaria, ‘* Master-
piece.’ 7. To Mr. Gaines, for a seedling Calceolaria,
‘* Lord Hardinge.” 8. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E.
Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for a seedling Calceolaria, ‘“ La
Polka.” 9. To the same, for Achimenes picta. 10. To
Mr. Brunsell, gardener to J. C. Weir, Esq., of East Acton,
for Azalea indica alba. 11. To Messrs. Rollisson, for the
fourth best-named collection of plants (one error in twenty
plants). 12. To Mr. Barnes, gardener toG. W. Norman,
Esq., for the fifth best-named collection of plants (four
errors in forty plants). 18. To Richard Brook, Esq.,
F.H.S., for a collection of Apples and Pears.
June 2, 1846. (REGENT STREET.)
Evections. Mr. William Healy, 130, Fleet Street, London.
Awarps. -Banksian Medals: To Mr. Saunders, gardener to
the Earl of Carnarvon at Highclere, for a charming collec-
tion of hardy hybrid Azaleas. Some were the result of a
cross between A. pontica and the red-flowered A. rubescens
of the United States, and showed in a remarkable degree
the value of such crosses; for in the mules the yellow
flowers of A. pontica partook of the rich crimson tints of
A. rubescens, in a greater or less degree of intensity, and a
beautiful display of various-coloured flowers was the result.
This was also the case in another group of hybrids obtained
from . Ditto . . cs . 14
— Braip. . - | Ditto es ok 12
— SPENCER . . | Ripley Queen. . | 10
—— BENNES: © 20%.) 60} Queene “sre! .
— Dops o ¢ - 5). Globe ,,,. 0
een a! ee
. ° Ditto * e
— Browne e « «| Providence .
PAD W571OD OOO HH WWHWKHYA AE RP RPT
no
— CoLLINSON. . . Ditto? fi sce! ow) i 104
— BELTON. .. . 0 a ee ae 8
I, os ana mn. 6 hl a aa 52
— CuRISTIE yong po ornare rae 102
— SPENCER eiUg ites (OY, 6
— THOMPSON. . .« Ditto ws» eis 23
— M‘EwrenN ... BGO. . - a5 a9 gs ci 14
— Baces . ...« ys | Bnville, . -<. « 23
The total number of Pine-apples exhibited was 60, of which
35 were weighed. Judging from the appearance of those not
weighed, as they stood side by side with those that were, the
total weight may be estimated at 272 lbs. ; and when they were
first cut the weight must have been considerably greater.
The beautiful grounds at Chiswick House were, through the
liberality of the Noble President of the Society, thrown open to
the visitors, among whom was his Highness Ibrahim Pacha.
Five military bands were in attendance, and, the day being
favourable, the effect of the whole was satisfactory. The number
of visitors was 6083, exclusive of exhibitors.
VOL. II. c
XX PROCEEDINGS.
The Awarp was as follows :—
Large Gold Medals: 1. To Mr. Robertson, gardener to Mrs.
Lawrence, F.H.S., for a collection of forty Stove and
Greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Mylam, gardener to S.
Rucker, Esq., jun., F.H.S., for twenty species of Exotic
Orchids.
Gold Knightian Medals: 1. To Mr. Frazer, of Lea Bridge
Road, Leyton, for a collection of twenty Stove and Green-
house plants. 2. To Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, for
twenty species of Exotic Orchids. 3. To Mr. Don, gar-
dener to F. G. Cox, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve species of
Exotic Orchids. 4. To Mr. Hunt, gardener to Miss Trail],
of Hayes Place, Bromley, for twenty species of Cape
Heaths. 5. To Messrs. Fairbairn, of Clapham, for the
same. 6. To Mr. Spencer, gardener to the Marquis of
Lansdowne, F.H.S., for a miscellaneous collection of
Fruit.
Gold Banksian Medals: 1. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to
James Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of twelve Stove
and Greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Robertson, gardener
to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for twenty species of Exotic
Orchids. 3. To Mr. Plant, gardener to J. H. Schréder,
Esq., F.H.S., for twelve species of Exotic Orchids. 4. To
Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F.G. Farmer, Esq., F.H.S.,
for six species of Exotic Orchids. 5. To Mr. Robertson,
for twenty species of Cape Heaths. 6. To Messrs. Rollis-
son, of Tooting, forthe same. 7. To Mr. Green, gardener
to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for twelve species of the
same. 8. To Mr. Frazer, of the Lea Bridge Road, for
the same. 9. To Messrs. Lane, of Great Berkhamstead,
for eighteen varieties of Roses in pots. 10. To Mr. Flem-
ing, gardener to his Grace the Duke of Sutherland, F.H.S.,
at Trentham, for a miscellaneous collection of Fruit.
Silver Gilt Medals: 1. To Mr. Malyon, gardener to T.
Brandram, Esq., of Lee Grove, Blackheath, for a collection
of twenty species of Stove and Greenhouse plants. 2. To
Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S.,
for twelve species of the same. 3. To Mr. Catleugh, of
Hans Place, Chelsea, for six species of the same. 4. To
Mr. Redding, gardener to Mrs. Marryat, F.H.S., for
twelve species of Exotic Orchids. 5. To Mr. Eyles, gar-
dener to Sir George Larpent, Bart., F.H.S., for the same.
6. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to J. Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for
twenty species of Cape Heaths. 7. To Mr. May, gardener
to E. Goodheart, Esq., of Langley Park, Beckenham, for
six speeies of Cape Heaths. 8. To Mr. Epps, of Maid-
PROCEEDINGS. xx1
stone, F.H‘S., for the same. 9. To Mr. Slowe, gardener
to W. R. Baker, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve varieties of Roses
in pots. 10. To Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck,
F.H.S., of Isleworth, for eighteen varieties of the same.
11. To Mr. Stains, of Middlesex Place, New Road, for
twelve new varieties of Pelargonium, in 8-inch pots. 12.
To Mr. Dobson, for the same. 13. To Mr. Stains, for
twelve varieties of Pelargonium, in 8-inch pots. 14. To
Mr. Bassett, gardener to R. S. Holford, Esq., F.H.S., for
Aérides odoratum. 15. To Mr. Falconer, gardener to
A. Palmer, Esq., of Cheam, for Renanthera coccinea. 16.
To Messrs. Veitch, of Exeter, for a new species of Ixora.
17. To Mr. Hunt, gardener to Miss Traill, of Hayes
Place, Bromley, for Grapes. 18. To Mr. Hamp, gardener
to James Thorne, Esq., of Mawbey House, South Lambeth,
for the same. 19. To Mr. Mitchell, of Kemp Town,
Brighton, for the same. 20. To Mr. Dods, gardener to
Colonel Baker, F.H.S., for Pine Apples. 21. To Mr.
Fleming, for a Pine Apple.
Large Silver Medals: 1. To Mr. Epps, of Maidstone,
F.H.S., for a collection of twelve Stove and Greenhouse
plants. 2. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F. G. Farmer,
Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of six Stove and Greenhouse
plants. 3. To Mr. Jack, gardener to R. G. Loraine, Esq ,
Wallington, for the same. 4. To Mr. Hunt, gardener to
Miss Traill, of Hayes Place, Bromley, for six species of
Exotic Orchids. 5. To Mr. Jack, for the same. 6. To
Mr. Bruce, gardener to Boyd Miller, Esq., of Collier’s
Wood, Mitcham, for six species of Cape Heaths. 7. To
Mr. Dawson, of Brixton, for the same. 8. To Mr. Bruce,
for a specimen of Cape Heath. 9. To Messrs. Rollisson,
for the same. 10. To Messrs. Lane, of Great Berkham-
stead, for a collection of Roses, in fifty varieties. 11. To
Mr. Robinson, gardener to J. Simpson, Esq , of Thames
Bank, Pimlico, for twelve varieties of Pelargonium, in
8-inch pots. 12. To Mr. Turner, of Chalvey, near
Windsor, for twenty-four varieties of Carnations. 13. To
Messrs. Norman, of Woolwich, for the same. 14. To Mr.
Turner, for twenty-four varieties of Piccotees. 15. To
Mr. G. Edmunds, of Wandsworth, for the same. 16. To
Mr. Waterer, of Knap Hill, Bagshot, F.H.S., for a collec-
tion of new hardy Evergreens, in pots. 17. To Mr. Eyles,
gardener to Sir George Larpent, Bart., F.H.S., for Ste-
phanotus floribundus.. 18. To Mr. Frazer, of Leyton, for
Allamanda cathartica. 19. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir
E. Antrobus, Bart., for Lisianthus Russellianus. 20. To
c2
xxil
PROCEEDINGS.
F. Scheer, Esq., F.H.S., for a new specie’ of Echinopsis
from Bolivia. 21. To Mr. Dods, gardener to Sir George
Warrender, Bart., F.H.S., for a miscellaneous collection
of Fruit. 22. To Mr. Frost, gardener to Lady Grenville,
F.H.S., for Grapes. 23. To Mr. Davey, gardener to G.
Smith, Esq., F.H.S., for the same. 24. To Mr. Tillery,
gardener to his grace the Duke of Portland, for the same.
25. To Mr. Collinson, gardener to the Marquis of West-
minster at Eaton Hall, for Pine Apples. 26. To Mr. W.
Browne, gardener to C. W. Packe, Esq., M.P., F.HLS.,
for a Providence Pine Apple. 27. To Mr. Frazer, gar-
dener to E. D. Davenport, Esq., F.H.S., for Pine Apples.
Silver Knightian Medals: 1. To Mr. Collins, gardener to
E. H. Chapman, Esq., of Harringay House, Hornsey, for
a collection of twelve Stove and Greenhouse plants. 2. To
Mr. May, of Woodford, for a collection of six Stove and
Greenhouse plants. 3. To Mr. Bruce, gardener to Boyd
Miller, Esq., for the same. 4.'To Mr. Young, gardener to C.
Barron, Esq., of Camberwell, for six species of Cape Heaths.
5. To Mr. Jack, for the same. 6. To Mr. Pamplin, of
Walthamstow, for the same. 7. To Mr. Green, gardener
to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S. for a specimen of Cape
Heath. 8. To Messrs. Fairbairn, for the same. 9. To
Mr. Frazer, for the same. 10. To Mr. R. Moseley, for
six varieties of scarlet Pelargonium. 11. To Mr. Stanly,
gardener to H. Berens, Esq., F.H.S., for six species of
Pelargonium. 12. To Messrs. Lane, for Moss Roses, in
twelve varieties. 13. To Mr. Terry, gardener to Lady
Puller, of Youngsbury, for a collection of Roses, in fifty
varieties. 14. To Messrs. Paul and Son, of Cheshunt, for
the same. 15. To Mr. Slowe, for a collection of Roses, in
twenty-five varieties. 16. To Messrs. Cobbett, of Chob-
ham, for the same. 17. To Mr. Coysh, gardener to R.
Hudson, Esq., of Clapham Common, for twelve varieties of
Pelargonium, in 8-inch pots. 18. To Mr. Gaines, of
Battersea, for the same. 19. 'To Mr. Ward, of Woolwich,
for twenty-four varieties of Carnations. 20. To Mr. Dick-
son, of Acre Lane, Brixton, for the same. 21. To Messrs.
Norman, of Woolwich, for twenty-four varieties of Picco-
tees. 22. To Mr. Dickson, for the same. 23.°To Messrs.
Lane, for a collection of new hardy Evergreens, in pots.
24. To Mr. Gaines, for a Fuchsia, ‘‘ Duchess of Suther-
land.” 25. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to J. Cook, Esq.,
F.H.S., for Veronica salicifolia. 26. To Mr. Young,
gardener to C. Barron, Esq., for Stephanotus floribundus.
27. To Mr. Dawson, for Erica Irbyana. 28. To Mr.
‘PROCEEDINGS. Xxill
Stanly, gardener to H. Berens, Esq., F.H.S., for Gloriosa
superba. 29. To Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Coster, Esq.,
for a collection of British Ferns. 30. To Messrs. Veitch,
for a new species of &éschynanthus. 31. To Messrs.
Rollisson, of Tooting, for the best-named collection of
Plants. (Vo error in forty names.) 32. To Mr. Dode-
meade, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq., F.H.S., for Grapes.
33. To Mr. Wright, gardener to the Hon. Mrs. Rushout,
F.H.S., for Grapes grown in pots. 34. To Mr. Chapman,
of South Lambeth, for Grapes. 35. To Mr. Wilmot, of
Isleworth, for the same. 386. To Mr. T. Belton, gardener
to Charles Wynne, Esq., F.H.S., for a Pine Apple. 37. To
Mr. W. Christie, gardener to Viscount Folkestone, for
Pine Apples. 38. ‘lo Mr. T. Bray, gardener to E. Lousada,
Esq., of Sidmouth, for a Pine Apple. 39. To Mr. J.
Hewitt, gardener to G. Purday, Esq., of Bayswater, for
Pine Apples. 40. To Mr. Wright, for Peaches and Nec-
tarines. 41. To Mr. Parker, gardener to J. H. Oughton,
Esq., F.H.S., for the same. 42. To Mr. Elliott, gardener
to J. B. Boothby, Esq., F.H.S., for Bigarreau Cherries.
43. To Mr. Whiting, gardener to H. T. Hope, Esq.,
F.H.S., for Bigarreau and Circassian Cherries. 44. ‘To
Mr. Fleming, for a Melon.
Silver Banksian Medals: 1.'To Mr. Stanly, gardener to H.
Berens, Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of six stove and
greenhouse plants 2. To Mr. Slowe, gardener to W. R.
Baker, Esq.,.F.H.S., for the same. 38. To Mr. Taylor,
gardener to J. Coster, Esq., of Streatham Common, for the
same. 4. To Mr. Francis, of Hertford, for eighteen
varieties of Roses, in pots. 5. To Mr. Slowe, gardener to
W. R. Baker, Esq., F.H.S., for a specimen Rose, 6. To
Mr. Dobson, for the same. 7. To Messrs. Paul and Son,
for a collection of Moss Roses, in twelve varieties. 8. To
Mr. Francis, for a collection of Roses, in fifty varieties.
9. To Mr. Taylor, for six varieties of Cape Heaths. 10.
To Mr. Wood, gardener to J. G. Seager, Esq., of Poole,
for a specimen Cape Heath. 11. To Mr. Hunt, for the
same. 12. To Mr. Ellis, of Woolwich, for twenty-four
varieties of Piccotees. 13. To Mr. Ward, for the same.
14. To Mr. Cutter, of Slough, for a collection of new
hardy Evergreens, in pots. 15. To Mr. Kendal, of Stoke
Newington, for Fuchsia, ‘‘ Erecta elegans.” 16. To Mr.
Robertson, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for Pavetta
Borbonica. 17. To Messrs. Veitch, for Cuphea cordata.
18. To Messrs. Henderson and Co., of Pine Apple Place,
Kdgeware Road, for Atschynanthus Boschianus. 19. To
XXiv
PROCEEDINGS.
Mr. Robertson, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for the
second best-named collection of Plants. (One error in
twenty names.) 20. To Mr. T. Umpleby, gardener to H.
Benyon, Esq., for Grapes. 21. To Mr. T. Bray, for the
same. 22. To Mr. Gadd, of Betchworth, for the same.
23. To Mr. M‘Ewen, gardener to Colonel Wyndham,
F.H.S., for a Pine Apple. 24. To Mr. Thomson, gardener
to G. Byng, Esq., of Wrotham Park, Barnet, for the same.
25. To Mr. R. Braid, gardener to H. Perkins, Esq.,
F.H.S., for the same. 26. To Mr. Brewin, gardener to
R. Gunter, Esq., F.H.S., for Pine Apples. 27. To Mr.
Collinson, for Nectarines. 28. Mr. Mason, gardener to
Sir John Kenaway, Bart., Escot House, Devon, for Peaches.
29. To Mr. Collins, for the same. 30. To Mr. T. Bray,
for Black Eagle Cherries. 31. To Mr. Kendall, gardener
to H. Pole Carew, Esq., Anthony House, Devonport, for
Citrons. 32. To Mr. M‘Ewen, for Melons. 33. To Mr.
Parker, fora Melon. 34. To Mr. Braid, for the same.
Certificates of Merit: 1.'To Mr. Francis, of Hertford, for a
collection of Moss Roses, in twelve varieties. 2. To Mr.
Ellis, for twenty-four varieties of Carnations. 3. To Mr.
Griffin, of Uxbridge, for the same. 4. To Mr. Edmonds,
of Wandsworth, for a seedling Piccotee, ‘‘ Mrs. Reeves.”
5. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F. G. Farmer, Esq.,
F.H.S., for Chironia floribunda. 6. To M. Frost, gardener
to Lady Grenville, F.H.S., for Triptilion spinosum. 7.
To Mr. Young, gardener to C. Barron, Esq., for Clethra
arborea. 8. To Mr. Cole, of Bath, for cut Hollyhocks.
9. To Mr. Jack, gardener to R. G. Loraine, Esq., for
Cuphea miniata. 10. To Messrs. Veitch, for Clematis
glandulosa. 11. To Mr. Mylam, gardener to S. Rucker,
Esq., jun., F.H.S., for the third best-named collection of
Plants. (Three errors in forty-two names.) 12. To
Mr. Fleming, for Peaches and Nectarines. 13. To Mr.
Elliott, for Melons. 14. To Mr. Hewitt, for Circassian
Cherries. 15. To Mr. Meyer, of Boston Lane, Brentford,
for Cherries.
August 4,1846. (REGENT STREET.)
In consequence of the glass lantern of the meeting-room
having been destroyed by the hail-storm of Aug. 1, no meeting
took place, as was duly advertised in the daily papers; neverthe-
less,
several objects deserving of notice having been sent from
the country, the following is an account of some of the more
remarkable.
PROCEEDINGS. XXV
From Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter, was a cut specimen
of a new Leschenaultia, which has been named L. splendens;
but which is, perhaps, L. laricina. From the same nursery was
also Pleroma elegans, a very fine deep purple-flowered green-
house shrub, with shining evergreen leaves. It was stated to
have been raised from seeds received from Mr. W. Lobb, who
found it in the Organ Mountains, at an elevation of 6000 feet.
The flowers continue open for three or four days. Of fruit, Mr.
Spencer, gardener to the Marquis of Lansdowne, at Bowood,
sent a magnificent Melon, said to be the true Ispahan. It mea-
sured 194 inches in length, and 6 inches in diameter, weighed
13 lbs. 7 oz., and was of the finest possible quality. It was stated
to have been grown in a common brick-pit, without any fire-
heat ; and the same plants were mentioned to be each producing
three or four similar fruits. ‘Three Providence Pine Apples were
sent by Mr. Turnbull, gardener to the Duke of Marlborough, at
Blenheim, which were stated to be the produce of 23-year old
plants, grown in pots. They weighed, respectively, 11 lbs. 8 oz.,
11 lbs., and 9lbs.; the heaviest measured 22 inches in circum-
ference, and the number of pips was 11. They were handsome,
well-formed fruit, with moderate-sized crowns. Finally, Mr.
James Cowie, gardener to the Earl of Radnor, Coleshill House,
Berkshire, sent a Cabul Melon, weighing about 74 lbs., which
had been raised in a pit heated by fermenting material.
September 1, 1846. (REGENT STREET.)
Erections. Lady Constable, of Burton Constable, Yorkshire ;
Miss Hinckes, Tattenhall, Wolverhampton; John Blayds,
Esq., Oulton Park, Leeds; Charles Druce, Esq., of Den-
mark Hill, Camberwell ; William Maury, Esq.,
Cheshire ; Thomas Wood, Esq., 39, Craven Street ; Everson
Harrisson, Esq., Tolethorpe, Stamford ; ; and Mr. John
Weeks, Gloucester Place, King’s Road, Chelsea.
Awarps. Knightian Medal: To Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney,
for various Orchids, especially a Warrea from Guiana ; a
Saccolabium from Bombay ; ; avariety of Cattleya granu-
losa; and a lovely specimen of Dendrobium chrysan-
thum.
Banksian Medals :' To Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, fora very
fine plant of Dendrobium formosum; and to Mr. Barnes,
of Bicton, for three handsome Queen Pine Apples, an ac-
count of which appeared at vol. i. p. 260; they weighed,
respectively, 64 lIbs., 5 lbs. 14 oz., and 5 Ibs. 1loz. ~The
heaviest, especially, was a fine fruit, forming a regular
XxVi PROCEEDINGS.
pyramid, 1 foot in height and 18 inches in circumference,
surmounted by a rather small crown.
Certificates of Merit: To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter,
for Tromsdorffia speciosa, a soft-wooded Gesneraceous-
looking plant from Java; it is erect growing, with large
opposite obovate leaves, from whose axils spring clusters
of Chirita-like flowers—pale blush, with the tube shaded
with violet: the plant had been grown in a stove, but in
a specimen from the greenhouse, sent along with it, the
tube was much deeper coloured. To Mr. Mitchell, gardener
to E. Lawford, Esq., for large bunches of Black Hamburgh
Grapes, with finely swelled berries, but hardly sufficiently
coloured; they were produced in a greenhouse, without
the aid of fire-heat. ‘To Mr. Josling, of St. Albans, for a
Seedling Grape, some account of which has been given at
p. 296, vol. i.; it is an excellent variety, rich and sugary,
with a Frontignan flavour, and deserving of extensive
cultivation.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocieTy’s GARDEN. Spathoglottis
Fortuni, one of the first plants Mr. Fortune met with on
the granitic mountains of Hong Kong; Iochroma tubulo-
sum, a half-hardy shrub with long tubular deep porcelain-
blue flowers, found by Mr. Hartweg on the mountains of
Yangana, near Loxa ; Mr. Fortune’s Abelia rupestris ; and
a new pale yellow-blossomed Clematis graveolens from
Chinese Tartary, which promises to become a_ useful
addition to the arboretum wall.
Books PRESENTED.
Flora Batava, Nos. 142, 145, and Index, &c. From His Majesty the King of Hol-
land.
Voyage Botanique le long des Cétes Septentrionales de la Norvége depnis Drontheim
jusqu’au Cap Nord. Par Ch. Martins. From the Author.
The Atheneum for June and July. From the Editor.
The Journal of the Royal Geographical Society of London, Vol. 16, Part 1. From
the Society.
The Botanical Register for August and September. From the Publishers.
Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York, Vol. 4, No.5. From the
Society.
Mibcidiets de la Société de Physique et d’Histoire Naturelle de Genéve, Tome 11,
Part 1. From the Society.
Seven Parts of the Proceedings of the Zoological Society. From the Society.
October 6, 1846. (REGENT STREET.)
Erections. Joseph James Ward Rigley, Esq., 29, Lansdown
Place, Cheltenham; Samuel Morton Peto, Esq., Somer-
leyton Hall, Suffolk, and 47, Russell Square, London ;
William F. Cooke, Esq., 345, Strand, and Elliot Hill,
Blackheath; Lionel Place, Esq., R.N., Elstead Park,
PROCEEDINGS. XXvli
Godalming, Surrey; Charles Robert Scott Murray, Esq.,
Danesfield, Great Marlow, Bucks; and Alexander Oswald,
Esq., M.P., Clarendon Hotel, and Auchincruive, Ayrshire.
Awarps. Silver-Gilt Medal: To Mr. Wilmot, of Isleworth, for
a magnificent collection of Pine Apples, not only remark-
able for fine growth, but also for novelty. It contained
two Moscow Queens, the heaviest weighing 5 lbs. 6 oz.; a
Montserrat, weighing 5 lbs. 2 oz.; two smooth Cayenne
Pines, a variety much cultivated in France, and certainly
one of the best of the juicy Pines in cultivation, the
heaviest weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz.; a Ceylon, a juicy-looking
lemon-coloured variety, weighing 4 lbs. 10 0z.; a Ripley
Queen, 43 lbs. ; an Antigua Queen, 4 lbs. 7 0z.; an En-
ville, 5 lbs. 2 oz. ; a variety named Buck’s Seedling, mea-
suring 13 in. in length ; and, finally, a Maranham, weighing
64 lbs. In addition to these Mr. Wilmot also sent two fruit
of the Cayenne raised from a crown taken off a fruit exhi-
bited about two years ago; it was planted and threw up
two stems, united at the base, each stem producing a large
and well-ripened fruit of handsome form.
Large Silver Medals : To Mr. Hewitt, gardener to J. Purday,
Esq., of Bayswater, for two magnificent Queen Pines. The
heaviest weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz., the other 5 lbs. The former
measured 11 inches in height and 18 inches in circum-
ference ; the number of pips was 11. It was well formed,
finely swelled, and in all respects must be regarded asa
fruit of first-rate excellence. To Mr. Rae, gardener to
J. J. Blandy, Esq., of Reading, for various Orchids, more
especially Lelia Perrinii, Cattleya Aclandiz, Dendro-
bium formosum, Maxillaria Rollissonii, Miltonia candida,
Trichocentron fuscum, and Phalenopsis amabilis.
Knightian Medals : To Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, fora fine
collection of Orchids, comprising Warrea bidentata; Ca-
maridium ochroleucum; the red variety of Rodriguezia
secunda; Miltonia Clowesii; and the pretty Demerara
plant, Aganisia pulchella. To Mr. Povey, gardener to
the Rev. J. Thornycroft, for a Providence Pine Apple
weighing 9 lbs. 14 oz, ; it measured 94 inches in height and
22 inches in circumference ; the number of pips was 10.
“Tt was the produce of a plant 2 years and 9 months
old, that had been grown in a pot and treated in the manner
described at p. 144, vol. i., except that I never put in my
Providence suckers until the middle of December, as I find
when they are put in earlier they become well rooted, and
in a fine state for growing rapidly, just as the dark season
commences, which causes them to grow very white and
XXVili PROCEEDINGS.
tender in the heart; but when they are left thus late, by
the time they are rooted the days are considerably on the
turn, and they never fail to grow away without any check
whatever.”
Banksian Medals : To Mr. Davey, gardener to G. Smith, Esq.,
of Colney Hatch, for fine bunches of Wilmot’s Black Ham-
burgh Grapes, grown under glass, weighing respectively
23 lbs., 2} Ibs., and 1}1b. To Messrs. Loddiges, of Hack-
ney, for various Orchids, comprising the scarce Stanhopea
bucephalus, Dendrobium rhombeum, a Dendrobium from
Java resembling D. Heyneanum, Angreecum bilobum, and
Oncidium incurvum. To Mr. Redding, gardener to Mrs.
Marvatt, of Wimbledon, for a compact and finely-bloomed
specimen of Odontoglossum grande. To C. B. Warner,
Esq., for a tall Oncidium unguiculatum, a new and distinct
species, not showy, but having the merit of remaining long
in flower. To Mr. Don, gardener to F. G. Cox, Esq., of
Stockwell, for various Orchids, especially a good specimen of
the brown-coloured Houlletia Brocklehurstiana. To Messrs.
Veitch and Son, of Exeter, for Hoya campanulata, a new
species, producing a bunch of some 16 or 20 bell-shaped,
waxy, cream-coloured flowers, each about the size of a
shilling. ‘‘It was sent to us from Java by Mr. Thomas
Lobb, and arrived in England in August, 1845. It ap-
pears to be a free bloomer, and is a plant of easy cultiva-
tion ; it has been treated as ordinary stove-plants are in this
establishment.” Also to the same for a fine specimen of
4Eschynanthus Lobbianus. ‘‘ This we send to show what
an exceedingly free-blooming plant it is. When exhibited
at Chiswick in July it had not near so much bloom on it.
It is the same plant as was then exhibited, and has been in
flower ever since. We have had small plants in 4-inch
pots covered with flowers of this one as well as of pulcher
and radicans. The treatment they receive is the same as
that adopted with the older species. We are of opinion that
bottom-heat is very beneficial, and find plants grown
without it not blooming so freely as those receiving it.”
Along with these was Fuchsia serratifolia, which was sent
in consequence of some people entertaining an opinion
that it is a shy bloomer. ‘‘ We have this season had quan-
tities of plants in 5-inch pots not 12 inches high blooming
all over, and all our larger plants have flowered equally
freely. We attribute the failure of some parties in not
blooming it to arise from their growing it too freely, by
potting it in too rich asoil, and giving it too much pot-
room, and also in growing it in too warm a house. We
PROCEEDINGS. XxXix
have proved that small pots, common garden earth, and ex-
posure to the open air from the beginning of May, is the
best way to grow it; and we have seen instances in which
it has been planted in the common soil of the garden,
thriving and flowering most abundantly, and forming a
most lovely object. ‘These remarks will serve to explain
our reason for exhibiting a plant now become so plentiful,
hoping, when its proper culture is more generally known, it
will become as great a favourite as it deserves to be.”
Certificates of Merit: To Mr. Dobson, foreman to Mr. Beck,
of Isleworth, for a nice Oncidium leucochilum, and a lovely
dwarf specimen of Achimenes patens, that had been struck
from leaves inserted in sand in June, potted off into small pots
in July, and after being well rooted, put into slate pans in
August, thus offering a ready means of obtaining nice dwarf
plants at this season. To Mr. Holmes, gardener to the
Marquess of Winchester, at Amport House, for beautiful
bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes; ‘‘they were the
produce of vines to which xo artificial heat whatever had
been applied; the vines were syringed once a day during a
fortnight whilst ‘ breaking ;’ afterwards, to the time of
colouring, a moist atmosphere was kept up; the house is
also used for greenhouse plants, and is completely shaded
from the afternoon sun by a group of Elms.” To Mr.
Hally, of Blackheath, for fine bunches of the same variety
from the open wall. And to Mr. Jackson, gardener to H.
Beaufoy, Esq., of South Lambeth, for an Enville Pine
Apple weighing 4 lbs. 11 oz.
NOVELTIES FROM THE SOCIETY’S GARDEN. Epidendrum cera-
tistes, a species introduced by Mr. Hartweg; the flowers
are very like those of EK. selligerum, and are rather sweet-
scented ; Batatas Jalapa, of which some account was given
at p. 308, vol. i.; cut flowers of Mr. Fortune’s Buddlea
Lindleyana. Too much heat and rich soil causes this to
grow over luxuriantly, and consequently to produce few
flowers. It has been found that the plant requires age
to flower well, and with these two requisites—age and
rather poor soil—it has proved itself to be one of the best
autumn flowering shrubs we possess. Along with it were
blooms of Anemone japonica, from the open border, to
which the plant promises to become an important addition ; -
also of the blue Torenia concolor (another of Mr. Fortune’s
plants), which, being a native of marshes, will probably not
succeed well ina dry situation. Of Sweet Chesnuts, several
French and English varieties were exhibited, to show what
XXX ‘ PROCEEDINGS.
the late warm season has done for the ripening of this fruit.
Of the former, the Marron Cornu was the largest and finest ;
it was broad at the base, full, tapering abruptly to a slightly
curved apex, and of a bright light colour. The Noir,
though not black, was much darker than any other. The
Ancisse generally contains one large nut in each husk;
colour rather dark. The Rallue resembles it, but is not so
broad. The Brétonne is large, but had scarcely acquired
its ripe colour at the base. The English sorts considerably
resemble each other, but are much smaller than the French
varieties, in consequence of a greater number (sometimes
five) growing to maturity in one husk. The Downton is re-
markable from its having a short-spined husk.
Books PRESENTED.
The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. 10, Part 1. From the Society.
The Botanical Register for October. From the Publishers.
Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, Vol. 7, Part 1. From the
Society.
The Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society, No. 7. From the Society.
P4 bas Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Nos. 27 and 28. From the
ociety.
A few Observations on the Mismanagement and consequent Barrenness of numerous
out-of-doors Grape Vines in and about London, and on the means likely to restore
many to a state of fruitfulness. By F.N. From the Author.
Journal de la Société d’Horticulture de Macon, No. 1, Vol. 1. From the Society.
Notice sur l’'Impossibilité de Naturaliser les Végétaux. Notions sur l’Art de faire les
Boutures. Art de Construire et de Gouverner les Serres. Par M. Neumann, From
the Author.
The Atheneum for August and September. From the Editor.
Comptes rendus hebdomadaires des Séances de l’Académie des Sciences & Paris.
ler. Semestre, 1846. From the Academy.
November 3, 1846. (REGENT STREET.)
Erections. The Earl of Stamford, 33, Hill Street ; Sir Walter
C. Trevelyan, Bart., Nettlecombe, Taunton ; Henry Stuart,
Esq., Kempston, Bedford; D. S. Merewether, Esq., Hil-
lingdon, Uxbridge ; Samuel Bennett, Esq., 18, High Street,
Bath; John M. Yeells, Esq., Bathford, near Bath; James
G. G. Seager, Esq., Longfleet, Poole, Dorset; and Mr.
James Veitch, nurseryman, Exeter.
Awarps. Knightian Medals: To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of
Exeter, for a most beautiful specimen of Cattleya labiata
superba, from the coolest part of their Orchid-house, where
it had been allowed plenty of air during the summer
months; the handsome bright red-flowered Begonia fuch-
soides, and a new Clerodendron, a noble-looking plant with
numerous large panicles of white or rather blush-coloured
flowers, sent from Java by Mr. Thos. Lobb. ‘“ It was dis-
covered in the mountains of Seribfi at an elevation of 2000
PROCEEDINGS. XXXi
feet, and was received by us late in the autumn of last year.
As will be perceived, it is an abundant bloomer, and we
have now two other plants equally loaded with bloom.
We treat it the same as the other kinds already in cultiva-
tion, giving it rich soil, with a moist warm atmosphere, and
bottom-heat.” To Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney, for Ca-
lanthe curculigoides, Catasetum saccatum, and a tall Onci-
dium oblongatum.
Banksian Medals: To Mr. Robertson, gardener to Mrs. Law-
rence, F.H.S., for Saccolabium denticulatum. To Mr.
Webster, Eartham Gardens, for a cut spike of Renanthera
coccinea. ‘The plant from which it was cut is growing
upon a log of wood covered with moss ; it was taken out of
a very moist and warm house about the middle of June,
and placed at one end of a late Peach-house, with its top
nearly touching the glass, the whole plant being exposed to
the full force of the sun. The house shortly afterwards was
thrown open day and night: in this dry and airy situation
water was given every evening with a syringe, and a flower-
stem shortly afterwards made its appearance. The plan®
has been growing in the same exposed situation until within
the last three weeks, when it has been removed to a warm
house. Although the spike is not so large as it would
have been in a more congenial atmosphere, yet the flowers
are not inferior either in size or colour. As the plant
became reconciled to its cold exposed situation, I had the
gratification of seeing six more flower-stems make their
appearance, being in all seven at one time upon the plant.
These are of course in a more backward stage, and will not
be in flower for some time. I am inclined to believe that
the Renanthera may be made to flower while very young
by attending strictly to the plan of keeping the top of the
plant nearly close to the glass, giving it full exposure and
abundance of moisture.” To Mr. Moore, gardener to R.
Hanbury, Esq., for a fine Cattleya labiata. To Mr.
Gold, gardener to Sir W. W. Dixie, Bart., for four Queen
Pine Apples, the heaviest of which weighed 5 Ibs. 6 oz.,
and the others respectively 4 lbs. 6 oz., 5 lbs. 2 oz., and
4 lbs. 20z. To Mr. Reid, of Noblethorpe, for four Queens,
weighing respectively 5 lbs. 6 0z., 5 lbs. 5 0z., 4 lbs. 7 oz.,
and 3 Ibs. 12 oz. To Mr. Mitchell, of Kemp Town,
Brighton, for very excellent bunches of Black Hamburgh
Grapes, from vines which had ripened off a fair crop about
the end of February. The bunches were not large; but
the berries were finely swelled, sweet, and good, and the
crop was said to be large. After the first crop had been
XXXil PROCEEDINGS.
gathered and the vines allowed about two months’ rest,
they were pruned, and, although they bled profusely, they
pushed well, and ripened an abundant crop. The young
wood for the next year was stated to be well ripened, with
plump buds, showing every prospect of an excellent future.
It was not, ‘however; contemplated to take two crops from
the vines next year. To Mr. Smith, gardener to the Hon.
J. Norton, Anningley, near Chertsey, for fine Cannon Hall
Muscats.
Certificates of merit: To Mr. Hewitt, gardener to J. Purday,
Esq., for three Queen Pine Apples, weighing respectively
5 lbs., 4 Ibs. 12 0z., and 4 lbs. 10 0z. To C. B. Warner,
Esq., F.H.S., for various Orchids, especially Cattleya
labiata, Lelia Perrinii, and Phalenopsis amabilis. ‘To Mr.
Plant, gardener to J. H. Schréder, Esq., F.H.S., for a
handsome Oncidium with a large pale yellow lip and
brown-barred petals. To Mr. Glendinning, F.H.S., of the
Chiswick Nursery, for a new white-flowered Hoya.
WOVELTIES FROM THE SociETY’s GARDEN. Phalznopsis ama-
bilis coming profusely into blossom a second time; large,
noble-looking bushes, just coming into bloom, of Veronica
speciosa and salicifolia; and a small-flowered Chrysanthe-
mum, sent from China by Mr. Fortune; it is called the
Chusan Daisy, and is held in great repute by the Chinese.
Among Pears from the Garden were Figue de Naples, an
excellent bearer as a standard, and one of those kinds that
must not hang long on the tree, otherwise it will not be-
come melting ; Napoleon, from a wall; Doyenné Gris, from
a standard, as was also Bezi de la Motte and Bergamotte
Cadette, the latter possessing the property of ripening in
succession all the winter; some from the same tree have
been ripe early in October, whilst others only became fit
for use in March. ‘The Apples were Pearson’s Plate, one
of the best dessert varieties; Rymer and Waltham Abbey
Seedling, both Kitchen Apples, the former a great bearer
and a good keeping variety ; the latter requiring scarcely
any sugar in cooking.
Booxs PRESENTED.
Paxton’s Magazine of Botany from May to October inclusive. From Mr. Paxton.
Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. 20, Part 1. List of the Fellows for 1846;
and Proceedings of the Society, Nos. 25 to 29 inclusive. From the Society.
The Botanical Register for November. From the Publishers.
December 1, 1846. (REGENT STREET. )
Exections. James Wheble, Esq., Bullmarsh Lodge, Reading,
PROCEEDINGS. XXXill
and Jeremiah B. Favell, Esq., of Featherstone Hall, Ponte-
fract.
Awarps. Knightian Medal: To Mr. Robertson, gardener to
Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for Veronica speciosa, Barkeria
Lindleyana, and Saccolabium denticulatum.
Banksian Medals : To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter, for
Lysionotus longiflorus, a Java plant, with large red flowers,
and apparently new. ‘It was not well bloomed, only two
flowers being open, but these were sufficient to show the
brilliancy of the colours ; when the sun is on it, the tint
is particularly rich. We have no doubt it will prove
a free bloomer, as we have several plants much smaller
forming buds. Mr. Lobb states that he found it in damp
forests, at an elevation of from 3000 to 4000 feet. We
have treated it as a stove-plant, but one by o means re-
guiring a high temperature.” To C. B. Warner, Esq., for
a finely-coloured and well-bloomed Epidendrum Skinneri.
Certificates of merit: 'To Mr. Munnock, gardener to the
Rev. C. Pritchard, for a pretty Centropogon fastuosum. —
To Mr. Tillyard, gardener to the Duke of Buckingham,
for specimens of Oxalis Deppei, whose large fleshy fangs
form an inferior, but, under some circumstances, a useful
accessory to a table. Of the productiveness of the root, it
was stated that 18 square yards had produced 980 roots,
weighing 217 Ibs. This weight had been obtained from
ground which at one time had been a walk—the gravel and
sand, with the addition of some leaf-mould, being trenched
up together. The sets or little roots were planted on the
2nd of May. To Mr. Tucker, gardener to J. Moorman,
Esq., of Clapham Road, for fine specimens of Marie Louise
Pears, in excellent condition even at this late season.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocieTy’s GARDEN. Mr. Fortune’s
Jasminum nudiflorum, and the little Chusan Daisy; a
richly-coloured variety of Lycaste Skinneri, and the Vicar
of Winkfield Pear, a rather uncertain variety as regards
quality.
Books PRESENTED.
The Botanical Register for December. From the Publishers.
Notice sur la Construction d’une nouvelle Serre de Palmiers au Jardin Impérial de
Botanique 4 Ste. Petersbourg. From Dr. Fischer, F.M.H.S.
The Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society, No. 8. From the Society.
The Address delivered at the Southampton Meeting of the British Association for
the Advancement of Science, Sept. 10, 1846. By Sir Roderick Impey Murchison,
President. From the Author.
XXXIV PROCEEDINGS.
January 19, 1847. (REGENT STREET.)
Exections. Miss Charlotte Sim, Coombe Wood House, near
Kingston, Surrey ; and Mr. Conrad Loddiges, of Hackney.
Awarps. Knightian Medal: 'To Mr. Carton, gardener to His
Grace the Duke of Northumberland, at Syon, for a ripe
fruit of Theobroma Cacao. This fruit was believed to be
the first that has been produced in this country. It was set
about the beginning of August, and the plant has conti-
nued to flower from the stem and branches up to the present
time. The tree is between three and four years old, about
7 feet high, with a clear*stem of about 5 feet; it has been
grown on the large shift system, abundantly supplied with
water, but well drained. Mr. Carton also sent some fruit of
Carica papaya. There is another variety at Syon which pro-
duces a cluster of fruit at the top, close to the stem of the
plant, but the fruit is not quite so large as those now sent ;
the fruit-bearing flower of this variety is produced at the
end of the long foot-stalks, and is about double the size of
the other flowers.
Banksian Medals: To Mr. Catleugh, of Chelsea, for an ex-
ceedingly well grown specimen of Eranthemum pulchellum,
measuring at least 5 feet in diameter; and to Mr. Mason,
gardener to Sir John Kennaway, Bart., for a Queen Pine-
Apple, handsome for the season, weighing 4 lbs. 2 oz.
NoveE.tTies FROM THE SocieTy’s GARDEN. The true Ha-
brothamnus elegans, one of Mr. Hartweg’s introductions.
It proves to be a handsome greenhouse-plant, very different
from the things sometimes sold under that name, many of
which have turned out to be unworthy of cultivation.
Booxs PRESENTED.
The Athenzum for December. From the Editor.
The Botanical Register for January. From the Publishers.
On the Correlation of Physical Forces, being the substance of a course of Lectures
delivered in the London Institution in the year 1843. By W. R. Grove, Esq.
And Vols. II. and III., in continuation, of the Library of the London Institution.
From the Managers of the London Institution.
The Agricultural Magazine and Journal of Scientific Farming, for December, 1846,
and January, 1847. From the Editor.
The Mystery Solved, or the Potato Decay ; its Cause and Remedy. By James Glenn,
of New York. From Viscount Palmerston.
The Cause of the Potato Disease ascertained ‘by Proofs, and the Prevention proved
by Practice. By Law. Rawstorne, Esq., Penwortham, near Chorley. From the
Author.
The Naturalist’s Pocket Almanac for 1847. From the Publishers.
Parts 3 & 4, Vol. IfI., Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, Vol. IV., and Part 1, Vol. V., of the Journal
of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India. From the Hon. the East
India Company.
PROCEEDINGS. “XXXV
February 16, 1847. (RecENT STREET.)
Exections. W. Edgar, jun., Esq., Eagle House, Clapham ;
John Alleard, Esq., Stratford Green, Essex; and Mr.
John Parsons, nurseryman, Flushing, Long Island, New
York.
Awarps. Knightian Medal to Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting,
for a collection of Orchids, including four varieties of Ly-
caste Skinneri, one very distinct, with uniform velvety violet
flowers; two forms of Lelia anceps; Leptotes bicolor ;
Epidendrum vitellinum; Maxillaria cruenta; Dendrobium
nobile, and moniliforme; a variety of Oncidium Caven-
dishii; Cyrtochilum maculatum; Phalenopsis amabilis ;
Goodyera discolor ; and Zygopetalum crinitum.
Banksian Medal to Mr. Beck, of Isleworth, for various
Orchids, consisting of Dendrobium nobile and Pierardi ;
Leptotes bicolor and the curious little Cephalotus follicu-
Jaris; Oncidium Cavendishii, nudum and unguiculatum.
Mr. Beck remarked “ that upon this last are two distinct
sets of flowers, as regards size and colour. The plant has
been in bloom all the winter, and the flowers on the first
stem are now old; they were always inferior to those on the
second one. Indeed I rather despised the plant on account
of its faded appearance in the brown colour of the flower.
That opinion has yielded to more favourable impressions ;
and I think the plant now a great acquisition.”
Certificate of Merit to Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, for a
very distinct white variety of Cyclamen ibericum.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocreTy’s GARDEN. ‘The true Cycla-
men vernum, the large-flowered Snow-drop (Galanthus pli-
catus), which is handsomer than the common Snow-drop ;
and a cut spike of a magnificent specimen of Lelia super-
biens, which was then in flower in the Garden. Also,
Cuttings of—Werder’s Early Heart Cherry, a German
variety, earlier than the May Duke—Bigarreau Napoléon,
or Laurmann’s Kirsche; a great bearer; larger than the
Bigarreau—Royale Hative Plum, a purple fruit, early and
exceedingly rich—and Ickworth Impératrice (Figured,
Trans., 2nd Series, vol. ii.), superior to the Old Impératrice,
Books PRESENTED.
Miscellanea Botanica, No. 5. From the Author, Signor Antonio Bertoloni. (4to.,
Bologna, 1846.)
eon Magazine of Botany for November, December, and January. From the
itor.
The Botanical Register for February. From the Publishers.
Journal of the Royal Geographical Society, Vol. 16, Part 2. From the Society.
ae Floricultural Cabinet for January and February. From the Editor, Mr, Joseph
arrison.
TOL, iI. d
XXXvi PROCEEDINGS.
Fifteenth Annual Report of the Royal Horticultural Society of Cornwall, From the
Saciety.
Observations on Amaryllis Tinzi. From the Author, Baron Thomas Melazzo, at
Palermo. é
The Agricultural Magazine and Farmer’s Journal for February. From the Editor.
The Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society, No. 9, and Index, Title-page, &c., of
Vol. 4 of the Proceedings of the Society. From the Geological Society.
March 2, 1847. (REGENT STREET.)
Exections. Sir J. T. Tyrrell, Bart., M.P., Boreham House,
Chelmsford ; T. W. Booker, Esq., Velindra House, Car-
diff; Francis Passingham, Esq., Truro; C. Child, Esq.,
Palace, Bromley ; Mrs. G. Holford, Buckland, Brecknock-
shire; W. H. Smith, Esq., Kilburn House, Kilburn; Mr.
F. Dickson, Nurseryman, Chester; and Mr. J. Salter, Nur-
seryman, Versailles.
Awarps. Knightian Medals: To Messrs. Loddiges, of Hack-
ney, for a very handsome Cymbidium, quite new, and re-
markable for the large size of its flowers, which are snowy
white, except the lip, which has a streak of yellow in the
centre. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter, for a noble
bush of Dendrobium nobile, finely flowered, and an equally
well-managed Epacris variabilis.
Banksian Medals: 'To Messrs. Loddiges, for various Orchids,
more especially the rare Ansellia africana, a large variety of
Dendrobium nobile, Phaius Wallichii, Oncidium lacerum,
and Brasavola venosa. ‘lo Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs.
Lawrence, of Ealing Park, for a collection of Orchids,
consisting of Phalenopsis amabilis, Barkeria Skinneri,
Phaius Tankervillia, Epidendrum vitellinum, and three
others.
Certificate of Merit to Mr. Jones, gardener to E. J. Hut-
chins, Esq., Dowlais House, Glamorganshire, for two Pro-
vidence Pine Apples, handsome for the season, weighing
respectively 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 6 lbs. 4 oz.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocietTy’s GARDEN. Mr. Fortune’s -
Forsythia viridissima, Daphne Fortuni, Azalea squamata,
and A. obtusa, with the double-flowered variety of Spirzea
prunifolia; also Pear-Cuttings, consisting of—Althorp
Crassane ; a variety raised by Mr. Knight; hardy, and an
abundant bearer as a standard ; the fruit buttery and rich;
and in season in October and November—March Bergamot ;
also raised by Mr. Knight ; an excellent hardy variety; fruit
middle-sized ; Bergamot-shaped, rich, and valuable for its
late keeping—Thompson’s ; found amongst a number of un-
named Belgian seedlings; fruit middle-sized, melting, and
exceedingly rich; in season in November—and Suffolk
PROCEEDINGS. XXXVii
Thorn ; a variety which bears well as a standard ; possessing
the flavour of Gansel’s Bergamot, with less grittiness.
Booxs PRESENTED.
The Botanical Register for March. From the Publishers,
The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, No. 17, Part 2. From the Society.
Prince’s Manual of Roses (New York, 1846). Prince’s Descriptive Catalogue of Roses,
1846 and 1847. Catalogues of Rare and New Fruits, &c. From Messrs, Prince, of
Flushing, Long Island, New York.
March 16, 1847. (REGENT STREET.)
Evections. Viscount Fielding ; George Hudson, Esq., M.P.,
York ; Mrs. Cotton, East House, Terrace, Turnham Green ;
and Mr. Edward Pierce, Nurseryman, Yeovil, Somerset-
shire.
Awarps. Knightian Medals: To Messrs. Loddiges, of Hack-
ney, for various Orchids, especially fine specimens of
Dendrobium macrophyllum and densiflorum. To Messrs.
Rollisson, of Tooting, for six varieties of Lycaste Skinneri,
all differing more or less from one another in size and
colour, and for a plant of the scarce Dendrobium Cam-
bridgeanum.
Banksian Medals: To Messrs. Henderson, of Pine-Apple
Place, for the new yellow Dendrobium chrysotoxum.
To Mr. Glendinning, of Chiswick Nursery, for Hen-
freya scandens, a new white-flowered climbing-plant from
Sierra Leone; and to Mr. Mason, gardener to Sir John
Kennaway, Bart., Escott, Devon, for three Queen Pine-
Apples, weighing respectively 3 lbs. 14 0z., 3 lbs. 7 0z., and
3 Ibs.
Certificate of Merit to Mr. Nicholson, gardener to the Earl
of Orkney, Taplow, Bucks, for a seedling Camellia, named
‘Countess of Orkney,” a large fine flower, with a white
ground, striped with rosy pink.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocIETY’s GARDEN. Spiranthes cerina,
a singular terrestrial Orchid, sent from Guatemala by Mr.
Hartweg; a new variety of Cyrtochilum maculatum, with
larger and much handsomer flowers than those of the ori-
ginal, half the lip being yellow ; Epidendrum Skinneri, with
flowers which had been open ever since the end of October
last ; the hardy little Himalayan Primula (P. denticulata) ;
Mr. Fortune’s Azalea obtusa; and his double-flowered
Spireea prunifolia. It was intimated that packets of White
Silesian Beet and Quinoa seeds would be ready in a few
days for delivery to all Fellows not in arrear of their Annual
Subscriptions.
ad2
XXXVlli PROCEEDINGS.
Books PRESENTED.
Jonrnal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, Vol. 7, Part 2. From the
Society.
The Agaontesceal Magazine and Farmer's Journal for March. From the Editor.
The Floricultural Cabinet for March. From Mr. Jos. Harrison.
Comptes rendus hebdomadaires des Seances de l’'Académie des Sciences & Paris.
2me. Semestre, 1844.
Memoires de 1’Institut de France, Vol. 19.
Memoires présentés par divers Savants 4 l’Académie des Sciences de l'Institut de
France, tom. 9. From the Academy.
The Athenzum for the months of Jinuary and February. From the Editor.
Rapport sur les Moyens de suppléer au Deficit des Produits de la Pomme de Terre.
From M. Vilmorin.
April 6, 1847. (RecEnT STREET.)
Exections. Major-General William Morison, C.B., M.P., 16,
Savile Row ; T. W. Usherwood Robinson, Esq., Houghton-
le-Spring, Durham ; and Mrs. Park, Ince Hall, Chester.
-Awarps. Knightian Medal to Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney,
for a collection of Orchids, including Aérides virens; Den-
drobium anosmum, a handsome Philippine species; D. pul-
chellum ; a large variety of D. Pierardi, Oncidium phyma-
tochilum, Scuticaria Steelii, and Broughtonia sanguinea.
Banksian Medals: 'To Messrs. Henderson, of Pine Apple
Place, for Boronia triphylla, a handsome new species of
good colour; B. anemonefolia; and the scarce Eriostemon
scabrum ; ‘all remarkably free flowering plants, both young
and old, requiring scarcely any fire-heat.” To Messrs.
Rollisson, of Tooting, for a specimen of Puya Altensteinii,
a Brazilian plant nearly related to Pitcairnia, and a collec-
tion of Orchids, comprising Miltonia cuneata, Houlletia
Brockelhurstiana, Burlingtonia rigida, Trichopilia tortilis,
and others. To Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence,
for Dendrobium densiflorum and Enkianthus reticulatus, a
greenhouse-shrub.
Certificates of Merit: 'To Mr. Glendinning, of Chiswick Nur-
sery, for a variety of Chorozema cordifolium. To Messrs.
Rollisson, for a fine specimen of Erica Willmoreana. To
Messrs. Davies and Co., of Wavertree, for flowers of a red-
coloured seedling Camellia, named Daviesii. To Mr. Bar-
ton, gardener to J. Tharp, Esq., Chippenham Park, Suffolk,
for a collection of Apples and Pears in good condition,
consisting of Chippeniam Pippin, Winter Pearmain,
London Pippin Apples, and well-coloured specimens of
Uvedale’s St. Germain Pears. To D. B. Meek, Esq., of
Nutfield, for a dish of Alice Maude Strawberries, which
had been grown in his Polmaise Stove. They were sent
with a view to prove that the atmosphere of a house heated
on this system is not deleterious to vegetation, as has been
PROCEEDINGS. 3XXIX
hinted by some ; but quite the contrary, as indeed all evi-
dence goes to prove. The fruit in question was well
coloured ; and the leaves, some of which accompanied the
fruit, were large, clean, and very healthy.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocrEeTy’s GARDEN. Echeveria retusa,
a Mexican species, lately received from Mr. Hartweg; and
Trymalium odoratissimum, a graceful Swan River shrub,
covered with drooping panicles of small white blossoms,
which are scented like a hawthorn.
Booxs PRESENTED.
*‘Sanatory Tracts,’ No. 1 (Water and Air). From the Author, Dr. A. Booth.
Niederésterreichisches Landwirthschaftliches Wochen-Blatt, Nos. 1 to 52, 1845.
Verhandlungen der K. K. Landwirthschafts-Gesellschaft in Wien, Vol.3, Parts 1 and
2, N.S. From the Agricultural Society of Vienna.
Discours sur les Fleurs Nationales de Belgique, et sur l’Utilite de créer des Jardins
Historiques, destinés a l’enseignement de |’ Histoire de la Patrie. Par Chas. Morren.
From the Author. 8vo. Brussels, 1846.
Journal of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India. Vol. V., Part 2.
From the Society.
Mémoire sur les Plantes sarclées 4 Racines Alimentaires. (8vo. Rouen,
1843.)
Enquéte sur le Cidre faite 4 St. Pierre-sur-Dives, le 6 Oct. 1845. (8vo. Frosh
Caen, 1846.) M. Aliph
Des Assolements et de leur Application 4 la Culture du Département de: Beondl
de la Seine Inférieure. (8vo. Rouen, 1842.) ——-o
Des Principales Améliorations 4 apporter dans le Mode de Culture et
les Instruments employés dans l’Arrondissement de Rouen. (1845.)
Transactions of the Zoological Society of London, Vol. 5, Part 4, and Proceedings of
the Society, Nos. 161 to 166 inclusive. From the Society.
April 20, 1847. (REGENT STREET.)
Erections. Sir John Cathcart, Bart., Cooper’s Hill, Engle-
field Green, Surrey; Lancelot Dent, Esq., 8, Fitzroy Square ;
John Jardine, Esq., Turnham Green ; Joseph Sandars, Esq.,
Taplow House, Maidenhead ; and Edward Osborne Smith,
F.S.A. and F.G.S., 24a, Bryanstone Square.
Awarps. SKnightian Medal to Messrs. Loddiges, of Hack-
ney, for Acineta Humboldti, Oncidium cornigerum, Com-
parettia rosea, Zygopetalum tricolor, Vanda peduncularis,
Bolbophyllum barbigerum, and other Orchids.
Banksian Medals: To Messrs. Henderson, of Pine Apple
Place, for a collection of Hyacinths, and three specimen
Azaleas, named Pheenicea Herberti, Triumphans, and Mag-
nifica. To Mr. Davis, of Oak Hill, East Barnet, for ‘‘ New
Dutch Sweetwater” and ‘ Black Hamburgh” Grapes;
very fine bunches for the season. °
Certificates of Merit: To Mr. C. Ewing, gardener to O. F.
Meyrick, Esq., F.H.S., fora dish of forced Chinese Cherries,
the fruit of Prunus pseudo-cerasus, a tree introduced into
this country by the Society many years ago. The fruit is
about as large as a sparrow’s egg, of a reddish amber colour,
oD?
and furnished at its point with a tumour. Mr, Ewing
xl
PROCEEDINGS.
stated, ‘‘ As far as my judgment goes, I think the tree per-
fectly hardy; and should it be so, it will be a very great
acquisition as an ornamental plant, for early in February it
produces a profusion of beautiful pinkish flowers without
any forcing whatever. It strikes most readily by cuttings ;
and if grown in a moist place, sends out roots over its
branches similar to a vine in such a situation. The flavour
of the fruit is about the same as that of the May Duke.” To
Messrs. Loddiges, for a seedling Camellia named Aulica,
a flower novel in colour, and possessing good properties.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocreTy’s GARDEN. Specimens of the
true Cattleya intermedia; Cestrum roseum, a dingy, red-
flowered plant that has been sold for the beautiful Habro-
thamnus fasciculatus; and a remarkably handsome Azalea,
one of Mr. Fortune’s importations, with large salmon-
coloured flowers, spotted in the upper petals with purple.
Notice was suspended in the meeting-room that the annual
accounts were ready for distribution to the Fellows.
Booxs PRESENTED.
Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. 10, Part 2. From the Societ
Three Years’ Wanderings in the Northern ‘Provinces of China. mae the Author,
Mr. Robert Fortune.
The Athenzum for the month of March. From the Editor.
Transactions of the American Philosophical Society held at grees gd a, Vol. 9, N.S.,
Part 3. Proceedings of the Society, Nos. 34 and 35, &c. From Society.
Portrait in Lithography of the late E. "Rudge, Esq., F. H.S. From Mrs. Rudge.
Address delivered at the Anniversary Meeting of ‘the Zoological Society of London,
Feb. 19, 1847, by Leonard Horner, Esq., President. From the Society.
Seventy-third Annual Report of the Royal Humane Society, 1847. From the Society.
May 1, 1847. (Recent STREET—ANNIVERSARY.)
A Report from the Auditors was read, stating the income and
expenditure, the balance in hand, debt and liabilities of the
Society for the year preceding ; after which, copies were distri-
buted among the Fellows.
A Report from the Council was then read upon the present
and past condition of the Society, &c. (See p. 161.)
Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be given to the Vice-
Secretary for his valuable assistance in carrying out the im-
provements in the education of the men in the Garden, and
to the several donors of books to the Garden Library.
The Society then proceeded to ballot for officers for the ensu-
ing year, when the following Fellows of the Society, viz.—
His Grace pe Duke of Northumberland,
J. J. Blandy, Esq., and
R. W. Eyles, Esq.,
were elected new Members of the Council, in the room of—
PROCEEDINGS. xli
Sir W. Middleton, Bart.,
S. Rucker, Esq., and
H. Pownall, Esq. ;
and the following Fellows of the Society were elected Officers
for the ensuing year, viz.—
The Duke of Devonshire, President,
Thomas Edgar, Esq., ‘Treasurer, and
J. R. Gowen, Esq., Secretary.
The Report of the Auditors above alluded to was as fol-
lows :—
*‘'The Auditors on this the thirty-eighth Anniversary have
to report to the General Meeting of the Horticultural Society
of London, that they have examined the Accounts of the Re-
~ ceipts and Payments for the past year with the vouchers, and find
them to be satisfactory and correct.
*¢ GEo. BAIN.
“R. W. EYLes.
“ H. Groom.
“21, Regent Street, April 8th, 1847.”
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PROCEEDINGS. xliil
May 4, 1847. (REGENT STREET.)
Exections. Misses Emma and Eliza Elliotson, Clapham ;
Sebastian Nash, Esq., 11, St. John’s Wood Road; and
Henry Villebois, Esq., Marham House, Downham, Nor-
folk.
Awarps. Banksian Medals: To Mr. James Rigby, of Old
Brompton, for a very handsome specimen of Eriostemon
neriifolium ; and to Messrs. Weeks, King’s Road, Chelsea,
for a fine Torenia asiatica.
Certificates of Merit to Mr. Glendinning, Chiswick Nursery,
for a Daviesia, an odd-looking plant from the coast of New
Holland, with flowers handsome enough ; but with a singu-
lar foliage, ‘if it may be so called, for it was rather an ex-
tension of the stem. This last operated in some measure as
a drawback on the beauty of the plant, giving it a bare
appearance. ‘To Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence,
of Ealing Park, for Vanda cristata, Dendrobium secundum,
and other Orchids; and to Mr. Eyre, gardener to R. W.
Barchard, Esq., of Wandsworth, for a dish of large and
well-coloured Keens’ seedling Strawberries.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocrEeTy’s GARDEN. A double yel-
low-flowered Cape Oxalis, a var. of Caprina; and a plant of
Tropeeolum edule, an orange- yellow flowered species, whose
roots form an indifferent kind of food to the natives of the
west coast of America. The latter deserve notice on account
of the manner in which it was trained. It was scrambling
over a branch of a larch, whose lateral twigs had been left
unpruned—a mode of training attended with little or no
trouble, and rendering the plant much more natural in ap-
pearance than the artificial contrivances usually adopted for
exhibiting the beauty of such things.
Booxs PRESENTED.
Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York, Nos. 6 and 7, Vol. 4,
From the Lyceum.
The Potato Disease and Bad Ventilation. By Franklin Coxworthy, Esq. From
the Author.
The Botanical Register for May. From the Publishers.
Jardin de St. Pétersbourg, 1846. From the Author, Dr. Fischer.
May 8,1847. (GARDEN EXHIBITION.)
This exhibition had the misfortune to fall on a most unfavour-
able day. The dawn was wet, the morning damp, the forenoon
gloomy, midday cheerless, and the afternoon a deluge. This
was the more unfortunate, for the show was-excellent ; indeed, if
anything could have increased respect for the unrivalled skill of
VOL. II. e
xliv PROCEEDINGS.
English gardeners, it would have been this exhibition, which,
with two or three exceptions, consisted wholly of plants display-
ing the must admirable cultivation. Fruit was scarce; but what
was produced was good and well ripened. Out of 11,580 tickets
_which had been issued, only 1479 were presented, the whole
number of visitors and Fellows of the Society having been 1644,
The number of Medals awarded was 24 gold, and 85 silver, their
value being 409/. 15s.
The AwaArp was as follows :—
Certificate of Honour: 1. To Mr. Frazer, of Leyton, Essex,
for a collection of thirty stove and greenhouse plants.
2. To Mr. Mylam, gardener to §S. Rucker, Esq., jun.,
F.H.S., for twenty species of Exotie Orchids.
Large Gold Medal: 1. To Mr. Hunt, gardener to Miss
Traill, of Hayes Place, Bromley, for a collection of thirty
stove and greenhouse plants. 2. To Messrs. Veitch and
Son, of Exeter, for twenty species of Exotic Orchids.
Gold Knightian Medal: 1. To Mr. Donald, gardener to
Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for a collection of thirty stove and
greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to James
Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of fifteen stove and
greenhouse plants. 3. To Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting,
for twenty species of Exotic Orchids. 4. To Mr. Wil-
liams, gardener to C. B. Warner, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve
species of the same. 5. To Mr. Hunt, gardener to Miss
Traill, for fifteen varieties of Cape Heath. 6. To Messrs.
Fairbairn, of Clapham, for the same.
Gold Banksian Medal: 1. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir
E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for a collection of fifteen stove
and greenhouse plants. 2. Io Mr. Carson, gardener to W.
F. G. Farmer, Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of ten stove
and greenhouse plants. 3. To Mr. Plant, gardener to J.
H. Schréder, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve species of Exotic
Orchids. 4. To Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck,
F.H.S., for six species of the same. 5. To Mr. Slowe,
gardener to R. W. Baker, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve varie-
ties of Roses in pots. 6. To Messrs. Lane, of Great Berk-
hampstead, for the same. 7. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to
J. Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for fifteen varieties of Cape Heaths.
8. To Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, for the same. 9. To
Mr. Cock, F.H.S., for twelve new varieties of Pelargonium,
in 8-inch pots. 10. To Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr.
Beck, F.H.S., for the same. 11. To Mr. Parker, gar-
dener to J. H. Oughton, Esq., of Roehampton, for twelve
varieties of Pelargonium, in 11-inch pots. 12. To Mr.
PROCEEDINGS. xlv -
Dobson, for the same. 13. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir
E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for a collection of Greenhouse
Azaleas, in twelve varieties. 14. To the same for Tall
Cacti, in flower.
Large Silver Gilt Medal: 1. To Mr. Taylor, gardener to
J. Costar, Esq., of Streatham, for a collection of fifteen
stove and greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Bruce, gardener
to Boyd Miller, Esq., of Collier’s Wood, Mitcham, for a
collection of ten stove and greenhouse plants. 3. To Mr.
Carson, gardener to W. F. G. Farmer, Esq., F.H.S., for
twelve species of Exotic Orchids. 4. To Mr. Eyles, gar-
dener to Sir George Larpent, Bart., F.H.S., for six species
of the same. 5. To Mr. Jack, gardener to R. G. Loraine,
Esq., of Wallington, for the same. 6. To Mr. Spencer,
gardener to the Marquess of Lansdowne, F.H.S., for a col-
lection of six Amaryllids. 7. To Mr. Dawson, gardener
to the Earl Cowper, at Panshanger, Herts, for twelve va-
rieties of Roses in pots. 8. To Mr. Dobson, gardener to
Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for the same. 9. To Mr. Frazer, of
Leyton, for fifteen varieties of Cape Heath. 10. To Mr.
Taylor, gardener to J. Costar, Esq., for nine varieties of Cape
Heath. 11. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus,
Bart., F.H.S., for the same. 12. To Mr. Pawley, of the
White Hart Hotel, Bromley, for the same. 13. To Mr.
Gaines, of Battersea, for twelve new varieties of Pelargo-
nium, in 8-inch pots. 14. To the same, for twelve varie-
ties of Pelargonium, in 11-inch pots. 15. To Mr. Frazer,
for a collection of Greenhouse Azaleas, in twelve varieties.
16. To Mr. Mylam, gardener to S. Rucker, Esq., jun.,
F.H.S., for a collection of Greenhouse Azaleas, in six
varieties. 17. To Mr. Smith, for a collection of Rhodo-
dendrons. 18. To Mr. James Wood, gardener to J. G.
Seager, Esq., of Poole, Dorset, for Eriostemon buxifolium.
19. To Mr. Pamplin, of Walthamstow, for Epacris gran-
diflora. 20. To Mr. A. Parsons, gardener to A. George,
Esq., of Ponder’s End, for Grapes. 21. To Mr. J. Davis,
of Oak Hill Gardens, East Barnet, for the same. 22. To
Mr. Mason, gardener to Sir John Kennaway, Bart., of
Escott, near Honiton, for two Queen Pine Apples. 23.
To Mr. E. Davis, gardener to Lord Boston, F.H.S., for
three Providence Pines.
Certificate of Excellence: 1. To Mr. Malyon, gardener to
T. Brandram, Esq., for a collection of ten stove and green-
house plants. 2. To A. Rowland, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve
varieties of Roses in pots. 3. To Mr. Francis, of Hertford,
for the same. 4. To Mr. Plumbley, gardener to C. J.
e2
xlvi
PROCEEDINGS.
Dimsdale, Esq., F.H.S., for nine varieties of Cape Heath.
5. To Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S.,
for a collection of Greenhouse Azaleas, in twelve varieties.
6. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F. G. Farmer, Esq.,
F.H.S., for a collection of Greenhouse Azaleas, in six va-
rieties. 7. To Mr. Spencer, gardener to the Marquess of
Lansdowne, F.H.S., for Pimelea spectabilis. 8. To Messrs.
Veitch and Son, for Eriostemon buxifolium. 9. To Mr.
R. Turnbull, gardener to His Grace the Duke of Marl-
borough, F.H.S., for Grapes. 10. To Mr. Mitchell, of
Kemp Town, Brighton, for the same. 11. To Mr. Patte-
son, gardener to the Earl of Chesterfield, for a Black Ja-
maica and a Blood-Red Pine Apple.
Large Silver Medal: 1. To Mr. R. Poole, of Leyton, Essex,
for a collection of ten Stove and Greenhouse plants. 2.
To Mr. W. Clark, gardener to W. Block, Esq., of Muswell
Hill, for the same. 38. To Mr. P. N. Don, gardener to F.
G. Cox, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve species of Exotic Orchids.
4. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart.,
F.H.S., for six species of the same. 5. To Mr. Hunt,
gardener to Miss Traill, for a specimen Cape Heath. 6.
To Mr. Malyon, gardener to Thomas Brandram, Esq., of
Lee Grove, Blackheath, for the same. 7. To Mr. Frazer,
of Leyton, for the same. 8. To Mr. Gaines, of Battersea,
for six fancy Pelargoniums. 9. To the same, for six va-
rieties of Calceolaria, in 11-inch pots. 10. To Mr. Bruce,
gardener to Boyd Miller, Esq., of Collier’s Wood, Mitcham,
for a collection of Greenhouse Azaleas, in six varieties.
11. To Mr. Jack, gardener to R. G. Loraine, Esq., for To-
renia Asiatica. 12. To Mr. Frazer, for Chorozema Hench-
manni. 13. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter, for
Hoya campanulata. 14. To Mr. Toy, gardener to Colonel
Challoner, F.H.S., for Grapes.
Silver Knightian Medal: 1. To Mr. Catleugh, of Hans
Place, Chelsea, for a collection of fifteen Stove and Green-
house plants. 2. To Mr. Slowe, gardener to W. R. Baker,
Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of ten Stove and Greenhouse
plants. 3. To Mr. Bruce, gardener to Boyd Miller, Esq.,
for a specimen Cape Heath. 4. To Mr. G. Wiltshire,
gardener to J. G. Reynell, Esq., of East Sheen, for twelve
new varieties of Pelargonium, in 8-inch pots. 5. To Mr.
Ivery, of Peckham, for eighteen varieties of Cineraria.
6. To Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Costar, Esq., of Streatham,
for twenty species of Hardy Ferns. 7. To Mr. Dobson,
gardener to Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for a Seedling Pelargonium,
‘“‘cruentum.” 8, To the same for a Seedling Pelargonium,
PROCEEDINGS. xlvli
“Cavalier.” 9. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter,
for a new species of Dendrobium. 10. To Mr. Mylam,
gardener to S. Rucker, jun., Esq., F.H.S., for the best
named Collection of Plants. 11. To Mr. Elpbinston, gar-
dener to the Right Hon. The Speaker, for a Moscow Queen
Pine Apple. 12. To Mr. Spencer, gardener to the Mar-
quess of Lansdowne, F.H.S., for Black Jamaica Pine
Apples. 13. To Mr. Toy, for a Black Jamaica Pine
Apple. 14. To Mr. Fleming, gardener to His Grace the
Duke of Sutherland, F.H.S., at Trentham, for Melons.
15. To Mr. Toy, for British Queen Strawberries. 16. To
Mr. Bennett, gardener to John Smith, Esq., of Dulwich, for
Keens’ Seedling Strawberries. 17. To Mr. Turnbull, gar-
dener to his Grace the Duke of Marlborough, F.H.S. (at
Blenheim), for May Duke Cherries.
Silver Banksian Medal: 1. To Mr. Pamplin, of Waltham-
stow, Essex, for a collection of fifteen Stove and Green-
house plants. 2. To Mr. G. Stanly, gardener to H. Berens,
Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of ten Stove and Greenhouse
plants. 3. To Mr. Jack, gardener to R. G. Loraine, Esq.,
of Wallington, for the same. 4. To Mr. Plumbley, gardener
to C. J. Dimsdale, Esq., F.H.S., for a specimen Cape
Heath. 5. To Mr. G. Stanly, for a collection of Hardy
Cypripediums. 6. To Mr. Frazer, for twelve varieties of
Cineraria. 7. To Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck,
F.H.S., for a seedling Pelargonium, “Centurion.” 8. To
Mr. Ayres, gardener to James Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for a
species of Gompholobium. 9. To Mr. Donald, gardener
to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for Pultenzea paleacea. 10. To
Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, for the second-best named
collection of plants. 11. To Mr. Collins, gardener to E.
H. Chapman, Esq., of Haringay House, Hornsey, for Keens’
seedling Strawberries. 12. To Mr. Carson, gardener to
W. F. G. Farmer, Esq., F.H.S., for Melons. 13. To Mr.
Snow, gardener to the Earl de Grey, F.H.S., for Apples
and Pears.
Certificate of Merit: 1. To Mr. Miller, of Ramsgate, for a
seedling Pelargonium, ‘“‘Queen of Kent.” 2. To Mr.
Ivery, of Peckham, for a seedling Cineraria, ‘‘ One in the
Ring.” 3. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, for a new species
of Vanda. 4. To the same, for the third-best named col-
lection of Plants. 5. To Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs.
Lawrence, F.H.S., for the fourth-best named collection of
Plants. 6. To Mr. Frazer, of Leyton, for the ftfth-best
named collection of Plants. 7. To Mr. Stanly, gardener
to H. Berens, Esq., F.H.S., for Citrons.
xlviii PROCEEDINGS.
N.B.—The Judges desired on this occasion to express their
opinion that the appearance of woody Plants was greatly injured
by the excessive use of stakes, as employed in some collections.
June 1, 1847. (REGENT STREET.)
Exections. Lady Elizabeth Reynell, Abbotsford; Major-
General Sir Adolphus Dalrymple, 129, Park Street, Gros-
venor Square, and Delrew House, Aldenham, Herts; and
Hamilton H. Fulton, Esq., 8, Great Queen Street, West-
minster.
Awarps. Large Silver Medal to Messrs. Veitch and Son, of
Exeter, for Rhododendron javanicum, a new species intro-
duced by Mr. Thomas Lobb from Java, and extremely
handsome both as respects the beauty of its foliage and the
brilliancy of its reddish-orange blossoms. This was the
imported plant, small and weak from travelling ; though
beautiful in its present state, it was much inferior to the native
specimens, and certainly equally inferior to what the plant
may be expected to become. It was found on Mount Salak,
at elevations from 2000 to 3000 feet, and in this country
will possibly prove about as hardy as a Chinese Azalea.
To the same, for Browallia Jamesoni, found in woods near
Molitore, province of Cuenca, in Peru, at an elevation
of 6000 feet. The plant exhibited was a shrub some 24
feet in height, covered with small shining leaves, and round
orange flowers about the size of a shilling. It proves to be
an extremely gay-looking greenhouse shrub, quite new, and
with which we have nothing of the kind at all comparable.
To Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney, for a nice collection of
Orchids, containing a spotless variety of Dendrobium san-
guinolentum, five species of Aerides, three Saccolabiums,
‘and other interesting plants.
Knightian Medal to Mr. Craggs, gardener to Sir Thomas Ac-
land, Bart., of Killerton, Devon, for a fine bundle of Aspa-
ragus, consisting of 100 heads, which weighed 14 lbs. 11 oz.
This was green Asparagus, eatable almost to the very base.
It was mentioned to have been grown after the manner
described by Mr. Craggs at p. 39, vol. ii. A bundle of
Asparagus from Mr. Errington, gardener to Sir P. G.
Egerton, Bart., M.P., at Oulton Park, was also submitted
to the Society’s notice, and along with it the following me-
morandum respecting its treatment.
‘** The cultivation of this valuable esculent being carried
out with a very considerable amount of success here, perhaps
PROCEEDINGS. xlix
a few remarks on the mode pursued may prove of interest.
The sample has been forwarded, in order to show the cha-
racter of thearticle ; not merely on account of extraordinary
size, but of its succulence. Many persons do not succeed
to their wish in its cultivation; they heap up manures in
abundance over the crown, and, although the plant is a
gross feeder, they do not reach that amount of success which
so liberal an application of manures would seem to ensure.
This goes to show, in conjunction with other matters, that
the texture of soils is not regarded as it ought to be.
‘The Oulton kitchen gardens, which consist of between
three and four acres, are composed of a light sandy loam,
very light, but of considerable depth. The Asparagus
dislikes adhesive soils, and would, I have no doubt, thrive
admirably in sand and rotten manure, provided the neces-
sary amount of moisture could be permanently supplied
during the growing season.
“‘ Most of our experienced kitchen gardeners have a
course of culture founded on practice, and generally adapted
to the locality where the gardens are situated. I for one
have my rotation of crops; and one principle I steadily
pursue, in the cultivation of Asparagus, is to plant a new
bed or beds yearly. I grow all my celery on what is
termed the Scotch bed system ; and have long availed my-
self of the superior depth and enrichment ofa plot of ground
thus handled to follow with Asparagus. My earliest celery-
bed then, six feet in width, receives extra preparation to
this end. This preparation consists in trenching thirty
inches deep, in burying much vegetable matter in the bot-
tom of the trench, and in blending plenty of old manure
near the surface. |
‘*'The Asparagus is planted in May when nearly a foot
high ; it is manured over each November, and in the third
spring, cutting commences, I plant only two rows in a
bed, twenty-seven inches apart, the plants about ten inches
distant in the row.
‘‘ One of the main features in my plan, to which I would
direct special attention, is the annual digging in of much
raw vegetable matter, with a trifling amount of manure in
the trenches or alleys. I have found by long experience,
that the Asparagus has the power of making a series of
annual roots laterally, provided encouragement be af-
forded to their development ; and the assurance of this fact
has formed the basis of my mode of alley cultivation. I
apply salt also most liberally ; my beds were salted about
three times during the growing season, and at least three
l PROCEEDINGS.
times during the next season: my maxim being little and
often. Beds intended to wear for several years, should rest
free from cutting every third or fourth year; and if Giant
Asparagus is desired for the next year, the plants should be
excited to reach at least seven feet in height in the present
season.
‘** Although we do not produce such enormous As
as some who make size alone a point, yet I may, I think,
venture to say that we produce as much of truly good
quality from a given quantity of land, as any garden in the
kingdom.”
Banksian Medal to Mr. Catleugh, Hans Place, Chelsea, for
Clerodendron splendens, well grown and flowered ; and To-
renia Asiatica, a small plant, but charmingly blogmed.
Certificates of Merit to Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter, for a
new Fuchsia from Peru, resembling corymbiflora in habit ;
but producing singly from the axils of the leaves long vio-
let-tinged, rosy pink apetalous flowers, green at the ends.
It was found by Mr. William Lobb about 300 miles from
Lima. To Mr. Ambrose, of Battersea, for a seedling fancy
Pelargonium, named “‘ Jenny Lind,” a very pretty variety
raised from Shepard’s “‘ Queen Victoria.” To Mr. Kendall,
gardener to W. H. P. Carew, Esq., M.P., of Antonie,
Cornwall, for six Madras Citrons; and to Mr. Mills, of
Gunnersbury, fur a Cantaloup Melon, weighing 5 lb. 5 oz.
NovELTIES FROM THE Socrety’s GarpEn. Mr. Fortune’s
Lysimachia candida; his Rhynchospermum jasminoides, a
handsome white-flowered greenhouse plant, Indigofera de-
eora, and Campanula nobilis, together with Cereus crenatus,
a white-flowered species rivalling in beauty the Night-
blowing Cereus, various Orchids, and other plants.
Booxs PRESENTED.
The Agricultural Magazine and Farmer's Journal for April and May. From the
Editor
The Quarterly Journal of the Geolozical Society, No. 10. From the Society.
The Prevention and Treatment of Disease in the Potato and other Coie By John
Parkin, M.D. From the Author.
The Botanical Register for June. From the Publishers.
Transactions of the Horticultural Society of Berlin, Vol. 18, Part 2. From the
Society.
June 19,1847. (GaRDEN Exutsrrion.)
Of this exhibition as a whole, words are wanted to speak of it
as it deserved. Not that any particular plants were to be re-
garded as superior to others which have been seen in the same
gardens, but because of the entire absence of bad cultivation.
_ It is doubtful whether the quickest eye could have detected a
PROCEEDINGS. li
specimen which would not have been looked upon as admirable
if shown twenty years ago. ‘The display of fruit also was good.
The weather was delicious; and the garden itself in the best
order, owing to previous rains, which had rendered the turf elastic,
and the trees unusually green. The number of visitors amounted
to 10,940, exclusive of exhibitors.
The Awarp was as follows :—
Certificate of Honour: 1. To Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs,
Lawrence, F.H.S., for a collection of thirty Stove and
Greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Mylam, gardener to S.
Rucker, Esq., jun., F.H.S., for twenty species of Exotic
Orchids.
Large Gold Medal: 1. To Mr. Frazer, of Leyton, Essex,
for a collection of thirty Stove and Greenhouse plants. 2.
To Mr. Rae, gardener to J. J. Blandy, Esq., F.H.S., for
twenty species of Exotic Orchids. 38. To Mr. Ingram,
gardener to Her Majesty, at Frogmore, for a miscellaneous
collection of Fruit.
Gold Knightian Medal: 1. 'To Mr. Hunt, gardener to Miss
Traill, of Hayes Place, Bromley, for a collection of thirty
Stove and Greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Green, gardener
to Sir Edmund Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for a collection of
fifteen Stove and Greenhouse plants. 3. To Mr. Donald,
gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, F..S., for twenty species of
Exotic Orchids. 4. To Mr. Williams, gardener to C. B.
Warner, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve species of the same. 5.
To Mr. Hunt, for fifteen varieties of Cape Heath. 6. To
Messrs. Fairbairn, of Clapham, for the same.
Gold Banksian Medal: 1. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to James
Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of fifteen Stove and
Greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. May, gardener to E. Good-
heart, Esq., of Langley Park, Beckenham, for a collection
of ten Stove and Greenhouse plants. 3. To Mr. John
Webster, gardener to Mrs. Huskisson, of Eartham, near
Petworth, Sussex, for six species of Exotic Orchids. 4. To
Messrs. Lane, of Great Berkhampstead, for twelve varieties
of Roses in pots. 5. To Mr. May, for fifteen varieties of
Cape Heath. 6. To Mr. Epps, of Maidstone, F.H.S., for
the same. 7. To E. Foster, Esq., of Clewer, Windsor, for
twelve new varieties of Pelargonium, in 8-inch pots. 8.
To Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for the
same. 9. To Mr. Parker, gardener to J. H. Oughton,
Esq., of Roehampton, for twelve varieties of Pelargonium,
in 1l-inch pots. 10. To Mr. Gaines, of Battersea, for the -
PROCEEDINGS,
same. 11. To Mr. Davis, of Oak Hill, East Barnet, for a
miscellaneous collection of Fruit.
Silver Gilt Medal: 1. To Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Costar,
Esq., of Streatham, for a collection of ten Stove and Green-
house plants. 2. To Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, for
twenty species of Exotic Orchids. 3. To Mr. George
Kyles, gardener to Sir George Larpent, Bart., F.H.S., for
six species of the same. 4. To Mr. Terry, gardener to
Lady Giles Puller, Youngsbury, Herts, for twelve varieties
of Roses in pots. 5. To Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr.
Beck, F.H.S., for the same. 6. To Mr. Ayres, gardener
to J. Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for fifteen varieties of Cape Heath.
7. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter, for the same.
8. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart.,
F.H.S., for nine varieties of Cape Heath. 9. To Mr.
Frazer, of Leyton, for the same. 10. To Mr. Green,
for a collection of Tall Cacti, in flower. 11. To Mr.
Cock, F.H.S., for twelve new varieties of Pelargonium,
in 8-inch pots. 12. To Mr. Gaines, of Battersea, for the
same. 13. To Mr. W. Golding, gardener to Thomas
Turner, Esq., of Hampstead, for twelve varieties of Pelar-
gonium, in 11-inch pots. 14. To Mr. Stanly, gardener to
H. Berens, Esq., F.H.S., for six distinct species of Pelar-
gonium, exhibiting superior cultivation. 15. To Mr.
Green, for Ixora coccinea. 16. To Mr. Catleugh, of
Chelsea, for Stephanotus floribundus. 17. To Mr. Brewin,
gardener to R. Gunter, Esq., F.H.S., for Grapes. 18. To
Mr. Toy, gardener to Colonel Challoner, F.H.S., for the
same. 19, To Mr. Barnes, gardener to T. C. Whitmore,
Esq., for the same. 20. To Mr. Busby, gardener to S.
Crawley, Esq., F.H.S., for the same. 21. To Mr. Davis,
of Oak Hill, East Barnet, for the same. 22. To Mr.
Ingram, gardener to Her Majesty, at Frogmore, for a
Queen Pine Apple, weight 5 lb. 2 oz.
Certificate of Excellence: 1. To Messrs. Paul and Son, of
Cheshunt, for twelve varieties of Roses in pots. 2. To Mr.
Francis, of Hertford, for the same. 3. To Mr. Jack, gar-
dener to R. G. Loraine, Esq., of Wallington, for nine va-
rieties of Cape Heath. 4. To Mr. Pamplin, of Waltham-
stow, for thesame. 5. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E.
Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for a collection of Greenhouse
Azaleas, in six varieties. 6. To Mr. J. Robinson, gar-
dener to J. Simpson, Esq., for twelve varieties of Pelar-
gonium, in 8-inch pots. 7. To Mr. Whiting, gardener to
H. T. Hope, Esq., F.H.S., for six distinct species of Pelar-
gonium, exhibiting superior cultivation. 8. ‘To Mr. George
Kyles, gardener to Sir George Larpent, Bart., F.H.S., for
PROCEEDINGS. liii
Stephanotus floribundus. 9. To Messrs. Henderson, of Pine
Apple Place, for Hindsia longiflora alba. 10. To Messrs.
Veitch and Son, of Exeter, for Tropeolum speciosum. 11.
To Mr. Frost, gardener to Lady Grenville, F.H.S., for
Grapes. 12. To Mr. Wortley, gardener to J. F. Mau-
bert, Esq., F.H.S., for the same. 13. To Mr. Brewin,
gardener to R. Gunter, Esq., F.H.S., for three Queen
Pine Apples. 14. To Mr. Bruce, gardener to Boyd Miller,
Esq., of Collier’s Wood, Mitcham, fora collection of ten
Stove and Greenhouse plants. 15. To Mr. Carson, gar-
dener to W. F. G. Farmer, Esq., F.H.S., for the same.
Large Silver Medal: 1. To Mr. Malyon, gardener to T.
Brandram, Esq., of Lee Grove House, Blackheath, for a
collection of ten Stove and Greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr.
Jack, gardener to R. G. Loraine, Esq., for the same. 3.
To Mr. Stanly, gardener to H. Berens, Esq., F.H.S., for
the same. 4. To Mr. Plant, gardener to J. H. Schréder,
Esq., of Stratford Green, for six species of Exotic Orchids.
5. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F. G. Farmer, Esq.,
I’.H.S., for the same. 6. To Messrs. Lane, of Great Berk-
hampstead, for a collection of cut Roses, in fifty varieties.
7. To Mr. Bruce, gardener to Boyd Miller, Esq., of Col-
lier’s Wood, Mitcham, for nine varieties of Cape Heath.
8. To Mr. Pawley, of Bromley, for the same. 9. To Mr.
Gaines, of Battersea, for six fancy Pelargoniums. 10. To
Messrs. Henderson, of Pine-Apple Place, for six Calceo-
larias, in 11-inch pots. 11. To Mr. Bray, for a Pelargo-
nium, ‘ Queen Victoria.” 12. To Messrs. Veitch and Son,
of Exeter, for Impatiens latifolia. 13. To the same, for a
species of Dendrobium from Java. 14. To Mr. Dolby,
gardener to Lord Grosvenor, for Grapes. 15. To Mr.
Mitchell, gardener to E. Lawford, Esq., for the same. 16.
To Mr. Mitchell, of Brighton, for the same. 17. To Mr.
Bray, gardener to E. Lousada, Esq., of Peak House, Devon,
for two Queen Pine Apples.
Silver Knightian Medal: 1. To Mr. Jack, gardener to R. G.
Loraine, Esq., for six species of Exotic Orchids. 2. To
Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for the same.
3. To Messrs. Paul and Son, of Cheshunt, for a collection
of cut Roses, in fifty varieties. 4. To Mr. Francis, of
Hertford, for the same. 5. To Mr. Blake, gardener to R.
Hanbury, Esq., F.H.S., for the same, in twenty-five varie-
ties. 6. To Messrs. Lane, for a collection of Yellow Roses,
in six varieties. 7. To Mr. Coysh, gardener to R. Hudson,
Esq., of Clapham Common, for twelve varieties of Pelargo-
nium, in 8-inch pots. 8. To Mr. T. Wiggins, gardener to
liv
PROCEEDINGS.
S. Sanders, Esq., of London Road, Staines, for the same, in
11-inch pots. 9. To Mr. Ambrose, of Battersea, for six fancy
Pelargoniums. 10. To Mr. Gaines, of Battersea, for six
Calceolarias, in 11-inch pots. 11. To Mr. Turner, of
Chalvey, for twenty-four varieties of Pink. 12. To Mr.
Malyon, gardener to T. Brandram, Esq., for a specimen
Cape Heath. 13. To Messrs. Fairbairn, of Clapham, for
the same. 14. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, for Gloxinia
Fyfiana. 15. To Mr. Mylam, gardener to S. Rucker, Esq.,
jun., F.H.S., for the best-named collection, one error in 48
names, beautifully written. 16. To Mr. Elphinston, gar-
dener to the Right Hon. The Speaker, for a Queen Pine
Apple. 17. ‘To Mr. Mason, gardener to Sir John Kenna-
way, Bart., of Escott, near Honiton, for Pine Apples. 18.
To Mr. Elphinston, for a Providence Pine Apple. 19.
To Mr. Fleming, gardener to his Grace the Duke of Suth-
erland, F.H.S., at Trentham, for Peaches and Nectarines.
20. To Mr. Davis, of Oak Hill, East Barnet, for the same.
21. To Mr. Bruce, gardener to Boyd Miller, Esq., of
Collier’s Wood, Mitcham, for a Melon.
Silver Banksian Medal: 1.'To Mr. Hunt, gardener to Miss
Traill, for six species of Exotic Orchids. 2. To Mr.
Mitchell, of Piltdown Nursery, Uckfield, Sussex, for a col-
lection of cut Roses, in fifty varieties. 3. To Mr. Laing,
of Twickenham, for the same. 4. To Mr. Terry, gardener
to Lady Giles Puller, for the same, in twenty-five varieties.
5. To Mr. Ellis, of Woolwich, for twenty-four varieties of
Pink. 6. To Messrs. Norman, of the same place, for the
same. 7. To Mr. George Wiltshire, gardener to J. Rey-
nell, Esq., of East Sheen, for a collection of Achimenes.
8. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to J. Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for
a specimen Cape Heath. 9. To Mr. Donald, gardener to
Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for Pavetta borbonica, not in
flower. 10. To Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Costar, Esq.,
for twenty species of Hardy Ferns. 11. To Messrs. Veitch
and Son, for Vesalia floribunda. 12. To the same, for a
new species of Hoya. 13. To Messrs. Rollisson, for a new
species of Odontoglossum. 14. To Mr. Dobson, gardener
to Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for a seedling Pelargonium, ‘‘ Favo-
nius.” 15. To Mr. Epps, F.H.S., for the second-best
named collection; no error in fifteen names; beautifully
written. 16. To Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence,
F.H.S., for the third-best named collection; no error in
thirty—some writing inferior, 17. To Mr. Challis, gar-
dener to Miss Irving, of Egham, for Grapes. 18. To Mr.
Tillery, gardener to his Grace the Duke of Portland, for
PROCEEDINGS. lv
Peaches and Nectarines. 19. To Mr. Turnbull, gardener
to his Grace the Duke of Marlborough, for the same. 20.
To Mr. Ewing, gardener to O. F. Meyrick, Esq., F.H.S.,
for Cherries. 21. To Mr. Cowdery, gardener to Miss
Copland, of Sudbury Lodge, for a Melon. 22. To Mr.
Staines, for twelve new varieties of Pelargonium, in 8-inch
pots.
Certificate of Merit: 1. To Alexander Rowland, Esq.,
F.—S., for a collection of cut Roses, in twenty-five varie-
ties. 2. To Mr. Terry, gardener to Lady Giles Puller, fora
collection of Yellow Roses, in six varieties. 3. To Mr.
Francis, for the same. 4. To Mr. John Holliday, of Wool-
wich, for twenty-four varieties of Pink. 5. To Mr. Hen-
brey, of Croydon, for the same. 6. To Mr. G. Wiltshire,
for a miscellaneous collection of Plants. 7. To Messrs.
Veitch and Son, for a species of Hydrangea, near H. japo-
nica. 8. To the same, for Cyrtoceras multiflora. 9. To
Mr. Hoyle, of Guernsey, for a seedling Pelargonium of
1846, “ Superlative.” 10. To the same, for the same, 1847,
*¢Crusader.” 11. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, for the
same, 1846, ‘‘ Topping’s Brilliant.” 12. To Mr. Ambrose,
for a fancy Pelargonium, “Jenny Lind.” 13. To Mr.
E. G. Henderson, of Wellington Road, St. John’s Wood,
for the same, ‘* Madame Grisi.” 14. To Mr. Holmes, of
Sudbury, Derbyshire, for a seedling Calceolaria, ‘‘ Tricolor
superba.” 15. To the same, for the same, ‘‘ Holmesii.”
16. To Mr. Willmer, of Sunbury, for a seedling Pink,
“Laura.” 17. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to J. Cook, Esq.,
F.H.S., for the fourth-best named collection; one error in
fifteen plants—extremely well written. 18. To Mr. Eyles,
gardener to Sir E. Kerrison, Bart., F.H.S., for Peaches and
Nectarines. 19. To Mr. Jones, gardener to E. B. Har-
topp, Esq., of Dalby Hall, near Melton Mowbray, for
Keens’ seedling Strawberries. 20. To Mr. Ann, gardener
to o>) fr. Vivian, *Tsq.5° FES., for’ Pies.” 210 Fo Mr.
Carson, gardener to W. F. G. Farmer, Esq., F.H.S., for
Melons. 22. To Mr. Munro, gardener to H. H. Oddie,
Ksq., of Colney Hatch, for a Melon. 23. To Mr. Toy,
gardener to Colonel Challoner, F.H.S., for the same. 24.
To Mr. Gadd, of Betchworth Castle, for six Cantaloup
Melons.
*,* A prize in Pelargoniums, of 7/., offered by Pu1io for the best six
Seedlings, not less than two years old, not sent out, in pots of not
less than six inches, and of any raiser, having the most novel and
distinct colours, and of first-rate quality, was awarded to Mr. Beck
of Isleworth.
lvi PROCEEDINGS.
July 6, 1847. (ReGENT STREET.)
Exections. The Earl Spencer; Robert Blayney, Esq., 20, Re-
gent Street, and Evesham, Worcestershire ; Adolphus Fre-
derick Slade, Esq., Kemnal House, Chislehurst, Kent ;
John Smith, Esq., Reform Club, and Welton Garth, Hull ;
and Arthur Vardon, Esq., Hanger Lane, Stamford Hill,
Awarps. Knightian Medal to Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney,
for various Orchids, more especially Ornithidium miniatum,
Oncidium Lanceanum, and its larger variety; Calanthe
Masuca, and Laczena bicolor.
NovELTIES FROM THE SocrETY’s GARDEN. Angelonia angus-
tifolia sent by Mr. Hartweg from Mexico, a dwarf kind,
with beautiful violet blossoms ; Aquilegia Skinneri, a Gua-
temala species, remarkable for its green and red flowers, as
well as for the country whence it comes; Mr. Fortune’s
Anemone-flowered Rose, a species nearly related to the
Musk Rose; Calystegia pubescens; and a collection of
Cape Pelargoniums, consisting of bicolor, gibbosum, alter-
nans, ardens, fulgidum, lateripes, bipinnatum, and quinque-
vulnera.
After the Meeting, the Society resolved itself into a Spe-
cial General Meeting for the purpose of electing a new
Member of Council, when R. H. Solly, Esq., was declared
to be elected in the room of F. G. Cox, Esq., deceased.
Books PRESENTED.
The Botanical Register for July. From the Publishers.
The Journal of the Royal Geographical Society, Vol. 17, Part 1. From the Society.
Representation of a Gourd (weighing 196 lbs., 7 feet 3 inches in circumference).
From J. F. Leathes, &c.
The Athenzum for June. From the Editor.
July 17, 1847. (GARDEN EXHIBITION.)
On this occasion the day, although ushered in with a tempest,
proved enjoyable in the afternoon, and 6827 visitors, exclusive
of exhibitors, found their way to the garden. The exhibition
of plants, considering the season, was much above the average,
and the gaiety of the scene increased by the music, the effect
of which was improved by some new arrangements, and by
the large area over which the movements of the bands extended ;
the beautiful grounds at Chiswick House, through the liberality
of the noble President, being thrown open to the visitors. As
regards fruit, it was scanty ; and, although some of it was good,
upon the whole this department of the exhibition did little
honour to English gardening. No miscellaneous collections
were exhibited, although for such the Society had offered three
PROCEEDINGS. lvii
gold medals,—a remarkable circumstance to have occurred in
July, and after so much hot weather favourable for ripening
fruit.
The AWARD was as follows :—
Certificate of Honour: 1.'To Mr. Frazer, of Leyton, Essex, for
a collection of thirty Stove and Greenhouse plants. 2. To
Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for twenty
species of Exotic Orchids.
Large Gold Medal: 1. To Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs.
Lawrence, F.H.S., for a collection of thirty Stove and
Greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Mylam, gardener to S.
Rucker, Esq., jun., F.H.S., for twenty species of Exotic
Orchids.
Gold Knightian Medal: 1. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to James
Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of thirty Stove and
Greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E.
Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for a collection of fifteen Stove
and Greenhouse plants. 3. To Messrs. Rollisson, of Toot-
ing, for twenty species of Exotic Orchids. 4. To Mr.
Williams, gardener to C. B. Warner, Esq., F.H.S., for
twelve species of Exotic Orchids. 5. To Mr. May, gar-
dener to E. Goodheart, Esq., of Langley Park, Beckenham,
for fifteen varieties of Cape Heath. 6. To Messrs. Veitch
and Son, of Exeter, for the same.
Gold Banksian Medal: 1. 'To Mr. Malyon, gardener to Tho-
mas Brandram, Esq., of Lee Grove, Blackheath, for a
collection of fifteen Stove and Greenhouse plants. 2. To
Mr. Bruce, gardener to Boyd Miller, Esq., of Collier’s
Wood, Mitcham, for a collection of ten Stove and Green- _
house plants. 38. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F. G.
Farmer, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve species of Exotic Orchids.
4. To Mr. Plant, gardener to J. H. Schréder, Esq., of
Stratford Green, Essex, for six species of the same. 5. To
Mr. Terry, gardener to Lady Giles Puller, for twelve
varieties of Roses, in pots. 6. To Mr. Francis, of Hert-
ford, for the same. 7. To Messrs. Fairbairn, of Clapham,
for fifteen varieties of Cape Heath. 8. To Mr. Ayres,
gardener to J. Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for twelve varieties of
the same. 9. To Mr. Stains, of Middlesex Place, New
Road, for twelve varieties of Pelargonium, in 11-inch pots.
10. To Mr. Catleugh, of Chelsea, for the same.
Large Silver-Gilt Medal: 1. To Mr. Catleugh, of Chelsea,
for a collection of ten Stove and Greenhouse plants. 2.
To Mr. Redding, gardener to Mrs. Marryat, of Wimbledon,
for twelve species of Exotic Orchids. 8. To Mr. Dobson,
lviii
PROCEEDINGS.
gardener to Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for six species of the same.
4. To Mr. Slowe, gardener to W. R. Baker, Esq., F.H.S.,
for twelve varieties of Roses in pots. 5. To Messrs. Lane,
of Great Berkhampstead, for the same. 6. To Mr. Epps,
F.H.S., for fifteen varieties of Cape Heath. 7. To Mr.
Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for
twelve varieties of the same. 8. ‘To Mr. Bruce, gardener
to Boyd Miller, Esq., for nine varieties of the same. 9.
To Mr. Pamplin, of Walthamstow, for the same. 10. To
Mr. Robinson, gardener to J. Simpson, Esq., of Thames
Bank, Pimlico, for twelve new varieties of Pelargonium, in
8-inch pots. 11. To Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck,
F.H.S., for the same. 12. To Mr. Green, gardener to
Sir E. Antrobus, Bart., F.H.S., for Tall Cacti, in flower.
13. To Mr. Wood, gardener to J. G. Seager, Esq., of
Poole, Dorsetshire, for Erica metulzeflora bicolor. 14. To
Mr. Frazer, of Leyton, for Astelma eximium. 15. To
Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter, for Medinilla speciosa.
16. To Mr. Barnes, gardener to T. C. Whitmore, Esq.,
for Black Hamburgh Grapes. 17. To Mr. Hamp, gar-
dener to James Thorne, Esq., of Mawbey House, South
Lambeth, for Muscat of Alexandria Grapes.
Certificate of Excellence: 1. 'To Mr. Taylor, gardener to J.
Costar, Esq., of Streatham, for a collection of ten Stove
and Greenhouse plants. 2. To Messrs. Paul and Son, of
Cheshunt, for twelve varieties of Roses, in pots. 3. To
Mr. Donald, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for nine
varieties of Cape Heath. 4. To Mr. Frazer, of Leyton,
Essex, for the same. 5. 'To Mr. Catleugh, of Chelsea, for —
twelve new varieties of Pelargonium, in 8-inch pots. 6.
To Mr. Glendinning, F.H.S., for a collection of Statices.
7. To Messrs. Veitch and Co., of Exeter, for Portlandia
grandiflora. 8. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F. G.
Farmer, Esq., F.H.S., for Allamanda cathartica. 9. To
Messrs. Veitch, for a new species of Oncidium, from Brazil.
10. To Mr. Tilyard, gardener to his Grace the Duke of
Buckingham, for Muscat Grapes. 11. To Mr. Frost,
gardener to Lady Grenville, F.H.S., for the same.
Large Silver Medal: 1. To Mr. Eyles, gardener to Sir
George Larpent, Bart., F.H.S., for six species of Exotic
Orchids. 2. To Mr. Jack, gardener to R. G. Loraine,
Esq., of Wallington, for the same. 3. To Mr. Wiltshire,
gardener to J. G. Reynell, Esq., of East Sheen, for six
species of Achimenes. 4. To Messrs. Lane, of Great
Berkhampstead, for a collection of Roses, in fifty varieties.
5. To Mr. Jack, for nine varieties of Cape Heaths. 6. To
PROCEEDINGS. lix
Mr. Pawley, of the White Hart Hotel, Bromley, for the
same. 7. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus,
Bart., F.H.S., for Erica ampullacea. 8. To Messrs. Fair-
bairn, of Clapham, for Erica jasminiflora alba. 9. To Mr.
Stanly, gardener to H. Berens, Esq., F.H.S., for six species
of Pelargonium. 10. To Mr. John Edwards, of Holloway,
for twenty-four varieties of Carnations. 11. To Mr. Ward,
of Woolwich, for the same. 12. To Mr. George Edmonds,
of the Wandsworth Road, for twenty-four varieties of Pic-
cotees. 13. To Messrs. Norman, of Woolwich, for the
same. 14. To Mr. Catleugh, of Chelsea, for a collection
of Statices. 15. To Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antro-
bus, Bart., F.H.S., for a specimen of Lisianthus Rus-
sellianus. 16. To Mr. Frazer, of Leyton, Essex, for
Crinum amabile. 17. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of
Exeter, for Dendrobium Kuhlii. 18. To Mr. Brewin, gar-
dener to Robert Gunter, Esq., F.H.S., for Muscat Grapes.
19. To Mr. Solomons, of Peckham Rye, for Black Hamburgh
Grapes. 20. To Mr. Gibbs, gardener to Baron Dimsdale,
for two Queen Pine Apples. 21. To Mr. Turnbull, gar-
dener to his Grace the Duke of Marlborough, F.H.S., for a
Providence Pine Apple. 22. To Mr. Davis, gardener to
Lord Boston, F.H.S., for a Cayenne épineux Pine Apple.
Silver Knightian Medal: 1. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W.
F. G. Farmer, Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of ten Stove
and Greenhouse plants. 2. To Messrs. Paul and Son, for
a collection of Roses, in fifty varieties. 3. To Mr. Terry,
gardener to Lady Giles Puller, for the same, in twenty-five
varieties. 4. To Messrs. Lane, for a collection of Yellow
Roses, in six varieties. 5. To Mr. Bennett, gardener to J.
Smith, Esq., of Dulwich, for six Caleeolarias, in 11-inch
pots. 6. To Mr. Ellis, of Woolwich, for twenty-four varie-
ties of' Carnations. 7. To Messrs. Norman, of the same
place, for the same. 8. To Mr. Edwards, of Holloway, for
twenty-four varieties of Piccotees. 9. To Mr. Turner, of
Chalvey, near Windsor, for the same. 10. To Mr. W.
Gregory, F.H.S., for twelve new Hardy Evergreens, in
pots. 11. To Mr. Williams, gardener to C. B. Warner,
Ksq., F.H.S., for twenty Exotic Ferns. 12. To Mr. Tay-
lor, gardener to J. Coster, Esq., of Streatham, for twenty
species of Hardy Ferns. 13. To Mr. Ayres, gardener to
J. Cook, Esq., F.H.S., for Erica ferruginea.'’+:- 14. To Mr.
Frazer, for Erica eximia. 15. To Messrs. Veitch and Son,
for Ixora javanica. 16. To Mr. W. Gregory, F.H.S., for
a collection of Conifers. 17. To Mr. Ayres, for the best-
named collection of Plants—one error in thirty names. 18.
VOL. Il,
Ix
PROCEEDINGS.
To Mr. Kemp, gardener to Mrs, Grillion, East Acton, for
Muscat of Alexandria Grapes. 19. To Mr. Wright, gar-
dener to the Hon. Mrs. Rushout, for Grapes, in pots. 20.
To Mr. Mitchell, of Kemp Town, Brighton, for Black
Hamburgh Grapes. 21. To Mr. Taylor, gardener to J.
Coster, Esq., of Streatham, for Black Hamburgh Grapes.
22. To Mr. Elphinstone, gardener to the Right Hon. The
Speaker, for Moscow and Ripley Queen Pines. 23. To
Mr. Reid, gardener to Mrs. Clark, Noblethorp, Barnsley,
for Moscow Queen Pines. 24. To Mr. Errington, gar-
dener to Sir P. Egerton, Bart., F.H.S., for Peaches. 25.
To Mr. Ingram, gardener to Her Majesty, at Frogmore,
for Apricots. 26. To Mr. Whiting, gardener to H. T.
Hope, Esq., F.H.S., for Melons. 27. To Mr, Knott, gar-
dener to Rev. C. Pritchard, F.H.S., for a collection of
Achimenes (shown contrary to regulations).
Silver Banksian Medal: 1. To Mr. Stanly, gardener to H.
Berens, Esq., F.H.S., for a collection of ten Stove and
Greenhouse plants. 2. To Mr. Francis, of Hertford, for a
collection of Roses, in fifty varieties. 3. To Mr. Cobbett,
of Horsell, near Woking, Surrey, for the same. 4. To
Mr. Turner, of Chalvey, near Windsor, for twenty-four
varieties of Carnations. 5. To Mr. Ellis, of Woolwich, for
twenty-four varieties of Piccotees. 6. To Mr. Keynes, of
Salisbury, for the same. 7. To Mr. Slowe, gardener to W.
R. Baker, Esq., F.H.S., for Erica eximia. 8. To Mr.
Malyon, gardener to T. Brandram, Esq., of Blackheath,
for Erica Aitoniana. 9. To Mr. Wood, gardener to J. G.
G. Seager, Esq., Poole, Dorsetshire, for Erica eximia. 10.
To Mr. Jack, gardener to R, G. Loraine, Esq., of Walling-
ton, for Cyrtoceras reflexum. 11. To Mr. Donald, gar-
dener to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for Pistia stratiotes. 12.
To Mr. Eyles, gardener to Sir George Larpent, Bart.,
F.H.S., for a new species of Plumbago from China. 13.
To Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck, F.H.S., for a seed-
ling Pelargonium of 1846, ‘‘Honora.” 14. To Mr.
Mylam, gardener to S. Rucker, Esq., F.H.S., for the
second best-named collection of Plants—one unnamed in
twenty-six. 15. To Mr. Chapman, of South Lambeth, for
Black Hamburgh Grapes. 16. To Mr. Umpleby, gardener
to H. Benyon, Esq., for Black Hamburgh Grapes. 17.
To Mr. Sinclair, gardener to C. J. Hambro, Esq., Brans-
bury House, Willesden, for the same. 18. To Mr. Ald-
borough, gardener to S. Gurney, Esq., for the same. 19.
To Mr. Ogle, gardener to the Earl of Abergavenny, for
three Queen Pine Apples. 20. To Mr. Mason, gardener
PROCEEDINGS. lxi
to Sir J. Kennaway, Bart., F.H.S., for a Queen Pine Apple.
21. To Mr. Thomson, gardener to Mrs. Byng, Wrotham
Park, Barnet, for Peaches. 22. To Mr. Snow, gardener
to the Earl de Grey, F.H.S., for the same. 238. To Mr.
Wright, gardener to the Hon. Mrs. Rushout, for the same.
24. To Mr. Parker, gardener to J. H. Oughton, Esq.,
Roehampton, for Peaches and Nectarines. 25. To Mr.
Whiting, gardener to H. T. Hope, Esq., F.H.S., for Tar-
tarian Cherries. 26. To Mr. Lydiard, Batheaston, Bath,
for Strawberries and Currants. 27. To Mr. Foster, gar-
dener to Mr. Stains, 41, Carlisle Street, Portman Market,
for Old Scarlet-fleshed Melon. 28. To Mr. Balls, gar-
dener to H. Rogers, Esq., for Emperor Green-fleshed
Melon. 29. To Mr. Slowe, gardener to W. R. Baker,
Esq., F.H.S., for Green-fleshed Melons. 30. To the
same, for a collection of Roses, in twenty-five varieties.
Certificate of Merit: 1. To Mr. Reynolds, for six varieties of
Fuchsia. 2. To Mr. Keynes, of Salisbury, for twenty-four
varieties of Carnations. 3. To Mr. Turner, of Chalvey,
near Windsor, for a seedling Piccotee, “Amy.” 4. To
Mr. Fairbrother, of Kemp Town, Brighton, for a seedling
Fuchsia, ‘¢ Jenny Lind.” 5. To Mr. Carson, gardener to W.
¥. G. Farmer, Esq., F.H.S., for Laplacea semiserrata. 6.
To Mr. Epps, F.H.S., for the third-best named collection
of plants—one error in fifteen names. 7. To Mr. Mason,
gardener to Sir John Kennaway, Bart., F.H.S., for Necta-
rines. 8. To Mr. Turnbull, gardener to his Grace the
Duke of Marlborough, F’.H.S., for Peaches and Nectarines.
9. To Mr. M‘Laurin, gardener at Renishaw Hall, for
Peaches. 10. To Mr. Cornwell, of Barnet, for Raspber-
ries. 11. To Mr. Deane, gardener to J. W. H. Powell,
Esq., of Shepherd’s Bush, for Bigarreau Cherries. 12. To
Mr. Mason, for the same. 13. To Mr. Snow, gardener to
the Earl de Grey, F.H.S., for Elton Cherries. 14. To
Mr. Kemp, gardener to Mrs. Grillion, of East Acton, for
Bigarreau and Black Eagle Cherries.
*,* A noble collection of Palms having been exhibited by Messrs. Lod-
diges, the Judges, not having the power to award Gold Medals,
recommended to the Council that a Gold Knightian Medal be
presented to Messrs. Loddiges.
August 3, 1847. (RecENnT STREET.)
Exections. George Thomas Braine, Esq., 11, Great Cumber-
land Place, Hyde Park ; and Edward Lloyd, Kisq., of Aston
near Oswestry, Salop.
f2
lxii PROCEEDINGS.
Awarps. Knightian Medal: To Mr. Carton, gardener to
his Grace the Duke of Northumberland, at Syon, for a
plant of Litchi in fruit—believed to be the first ripened in
England ; and for a branch bearing two perfect fruit of
the common Nutmeg, which is perhaps the first time this
spice-tree has fruited in Europe. Mr. Carton stated that
this Nutmeg-plant was sent by Dr. Wallich from the Cal-
cutta Botanic Garden to Syon in 1835, and the Litchi in
1838; that in August last the male and female Nutmeg
trees were in flower for the first time, and that the plants
had been grown in Norwood loam without any mixture.
‘The Litchi,” he added, “flowered in February, and the
fruit was set in rather a cool peach-house, and afterwards
removed to the hothouse.” ‘The Nutmegs were about as
large as good-sized figs ; when they become ripe the outside
covering is burst into two halves, and displays to view a
reddish purple body something like a plum, within which
the true Nutmegs are enclosed. The reddish coloured
portion, after a certain preparation, becomes the Mace of
the shops. It was stated that a larger variety of Nutmeg
was in fruit at Syon. To Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting,
for a nice collection of Orchids containing various Cat-
tleyas, a good Calanthe Masuca, a large mass of Miltonia
spectabilis, a Houlletia from Brazil, not distinct from
Brockelhurstiana, several Oncidia, Aérides quinquevulnera,
and other plaats. To Mr. Mason, gardener to Sir John
Kennaway, Bart., of Escot, Devon, for four Queen Pine
Apples, weighing respectively 6 lbs. 11 oz., 5 lbs. 11 oz.,
5 lbs. 5 oz., and 4 lbs. 80z. The heaviest, although some-
what ill formed at the base and scarcely ripe, was a very
remarkable specimen of good Pine culture, as its weight
will show. The others Were well formed and ripe.
Banksian Medal: To Mr. Plant, gardener to J. H. Schréder,
Esq., F.H.S., for Oncidium Lanceanum, a nice Cattleya
citrina, and Miltonia spectabilis. To Mr. Donald, gardener
to Mrs. Lawrence, F.H.S., for Cyrtoceras reflexum, Vinca
rosea, Angreecum caudatum, Aérides quinquevulnera, and
other plants. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, of Exeter, for
Pleroma elegans, a handsome cool greenhouse Melastomad,
with small shining deep-green leaves and large round
violet blossoms, which were stated to remain long in beauty
—a property seldom possessed by this class of plants. To
Mr. Fleming, gardener to his Grace the Duke of Suther-
land, at Trentham, for a Providence Pine Apple, large and
handsome, weighing 8 lbs. 12 oz.
Certificate of Merit: To Mr. Stephen Hooker, of Brenchley,
PROCEEDINGS, Ixiii
F.H.S., for a most beautiful Gladiolus, named Brenchley-
ensis. It was stated to be a hybrid between Psittacinus and
Floribundus ; but exhibited a striking improvement on both
parents, the flowers being large and of a brilliant scarlet.
To Mr. Turner, of Chalvey, for fine boxes of Carnations
and Piccotees. To Messrs. Veitch and Son, for an erect-
growing Leschenaultia, named Splendens. To Mr. Cat-
leugh, of Chelsea, for a very large Erica ampullacea, at least
5 feet high and 4 feet through, and covered with bloom.
To Mr. Northcote, gardener to Miss Wigram, of Wan-
stead, Essex, for six plants of Lisianthus Russellianus,
skilfully grown and well flowered. To Mr. Fleming, gar-
dener to his Grace the Duke of Sutherland, at Trentham,
for two Melons, hybrids, the result of a cross between the
Hoosainee and Ispahan, and also a sweet Ispahan Melon.
To Mr. Ingram, gardener to the Marquess of Salisbury,
F.H.S., for a Melon weighing 214 lbs. Mr. Ingram stated
that the variety generally exceeded 20 Ibs. ; that it had been
originally brought by the Marquess from France, and had
been cultivated for several years at Hatfield. ‘‘ On its first
introduction,” he added, ‘‘ its flavour was found to be supe-
rior, but it appears to have degenerated under the cloudy
skies of this country, for late examples have not been found
particularly excellent.” On being cut it proved to be a
tender green-fleshed kind, but wanting in saccharine matter.
To Mr. Brewin, gardener to R. Gunter, Esq., F.H.S., for
an Enville Pine Apple weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz. To Mr.
Hewitt, gardener to J. Purdey, Esq., of Bayswater, for a
Providence Pine Apple grown ina pot, and only 15 months
old, weighing 7 lbs. 60z. Also to the same, for a dish of
Black Hamburgh Grapes, fair well-coloured bunches, being
part of a second crop, from vines only two years old, and
of which the following is some account:—The vines,
though planted but little more than two years, give to the
house all the appearance of a well-established vinery, and
have borne in both years heavy crops. In the first year in
which they were planted they grew 37 feet in length, the
wood very strong and short-jointed, and as autumn ap-
proached became well ripened. In the winter pruning,
which is on Roberts’s plan, except that the intermediate
buds are allowed to push before they are rubbed off, the
rods were cut back to the tops of the rafters, which are
about 20 feet in length, and thus the house not only became
completely furnished the first season, but ripened off a good
crop. ‘The border, which is 49 feet long and 22 feet wide,
is heated by hot water and covered with glass, a circum-
lxiv
PROCEEDINGS.
stance to which the extraordinary luxuriance of the vines is
no doubt in a great measure due. The heating is effected
by hot water in six rows of 4-inch pipes, which traverse a
hollow chamber, closed in with flags, which form the bottom
of the border. Drain-tiles are laid thickly on the flags, and
the interstices between the tiles are filled with rough mate-
rial, over which are placed turves so as to secure perfect
drainage. On this is laid the soil, about 18 inches deep,
consisting of light loam, liberally mixed with broken bones
and leaf-mould, and kept very loose and porous—an excel-
lent condition in a vine border. Small pipes communi-
cating with the drainage are passed through the soil, by
means of which the bottom of the border can be kept damp
when desirable; and when surface heat is wanted, it can be
obtained ‘through pipes of a larger bore communicating
between the chamber and the surface. As to the glass
covering, it is a span-roofed house 9 feet high in the centre
and filled with vines, which are ripening a succession crop.
The partition between the glass erection over the border
and the vinery is so constructed that every alternate vine in
the vinery can be taken out into the cool house over the
border, to be afterwards introduced for succession, or a vine
in fruit can be moved without injury to the outside of the
vinery if desirable.
Miscellaneous Subjects of Exhibition: Two specimens of Ser-
pent Cucumber from Syon House—a description of fruit
cultivated only for ornament: they are not eatable when
ripe. When young they have been boiled and used as
pickles and in curries; but the propriety of using them
even then is questionable, for they are in reality poisonous,
a quality indicated indeed by their unpleasant smell. From
Mr. Jackson, of Kingston, an Achimenes introduced from
Central America by Mr. Skinner, which, though different,
had much general resemblance to A. coccinea or rather
rosea; but with deeper coloured flowers than those of the
latter ; and finally from J. Luscombe, Esq., of Combe Royal,
Kingsbridge, was a cut specimen of Bignonia Cherere, a
magnificent conservatory climber, not grown as extensively
as it deserves ; for it produces its long gay-coloured trumpet-
shaped flowers in abundance during the whole summer, and,
if allowed, will cover a large amount of surface. Along
with it were also cut specimens of the following half-hardy
shrubs, which have for several years been growing in the
open air in the pleasure-grounds at Combe Royal, viz. :—
Poinciana Gilliesii; Veronica speciosa and decussata ;
Statice Dicksoni; Acacia dealbata, verticillata (broad-
PROCEEDINGS. lxv
leaved variety), and dolabriformis ; a Metrosideros ; Euca-
lyptus montana; Grevillea sulphurea and rosmarinifolia ;
Tasmania aromatica; Ozothamnus multiflorus; Correa rufa;
Hydrangea japonica ; Viburnum odoratissimum ; Edwardsia
microphylla; Azalea indica phcenicea; and Rhododendron
arboreum, cinnhamomeum, and Rollissonii. These were exhi-
bited as examples of the mildness of the climate of Devon-
shire, having all proved hardy there, except perhaps Acacia
dolabriformis, which was stated to have received some slight
protection in very severe weather.
NOVELTIES FROM THE SocieTy’s GARDEN. Mr. Fortune’s
Spathoglottis (S. Fortuni), a pretty and very useful species
on account of the long time it keeps in flower ; and Dolichos
Catjang, a bean, whose pods are said to attain the length of
4 feet, and which is called in the East Indies the Whip
Bean. It is used in the hotter parts of the East as a sub-
stitute for kidney beans.
Booxs PRESENTED.
an of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. Vol. 8, Part1l. From the
ociety.
Botanical Register for August. From the Publishers.
The Athenzum for July. From the Editor.
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