THE

(agricolt

JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTURE,

COTTAGE GARDENER,

CO UNTIDY aElSTTLEM^lSr.

A JOUENAL OP HORTICULTUEE, liURAL AND DOMESTIC ECONOMY, BOTANY AND

NATURAL HISTORY.

CONDUCTED BY

GEOEGE W. JOHNSON, F.R.H.S. and EGBERT HOGG, LL.D., E.L.S.

THE FKDIT AND KITCHEN GARDENS, by Mr. J.
Robson, Gardener to The Ladies CornwalUs, Linton
Park; and Mr. T. "Weaver, Gardener to the Warden of
"Winchester College.

THE FLOWER GARDEN, by Mr. D. Beaton, late Gardener
to Sir W. Middlcton, Bart., Shrubland Park.

STOVE AND FLORISTS' FLOWERS, by Mr. T. Appleby,
late of Victoria Nursery, UxbriUge.

THE GREENHOUSE AND WINDOW GARDEN, by Mr.
R. Fish, Gardener to Colonel Sowerby, Putteridge Buiy,
near Luton.

FLORISTS' FLOWERS and FLORICULTURE, by the
Kev. H. H. Dombrain.

ALLOTMENT AND GARDENING CALENDAR, by Mr.
Keane.

POULTRY-KEEPING, by Mr. J. Daily, Ker. W.W. Wing-
field, E. Hewitt, Epq., and other well-known contributors.

BEE-KEEPING, by H. Tuylor, Esq. ; T. W. Woodbury,
Esq., "A Devonshire Bee-keeper;" " B & W. ; " and
Mr. S. B. Fox.

HOUSEHOLD ARTS, by the Authoress of " My Flowers,"
and others.

VOL,TJ]ME I., NE'W SERIES.

VOL. XXVL, OLD SEEIES,

LONDON:
PUBLISHED EOE THE PEOPEIETOES, 162, ELEET STREET.

r

-7^(|l»>SJ>-^• ■'^' '

TO OUR EEADEHS.

Our indefatigable critical friend, Miss Penelope Pomeroy, wrote to us thus from Cackleton

Hall :—

"What benefit am I to derive from the dnty being taken off paper? — I mean as a purchaser of your
Journal, The Cottage Gaedenke — for, as I lold you, I shall never call it anything else. Do you mean
to take off a penny, as the Times has done nobly ?'.'

To which we replied —

" Madam,

" We do not intend to take off a penny, nor even the smallest fraction of a penny. The removal
of the Paper Duty is equal to about one farthing on each Number of our Journal ; and as the price of
paper has risen, we have no intention to reduce our price to twopence three-farthings, and incur even
the loss of the recent rise in the cost of the paper on which it is printed.

" We added eight pages to our previous twenty-four in anticipation of the repeal of the Paper Excise,
and we have made arrangements to secure a superior paper, and additional and varied artistical illustrations.
We purpose to retain our price ; and whenever our readers consider that we do not render an equitable
return for that smallest silver coin of the realm, the time will have arrived for our exit."

This reply was not satisfactory to Miss Penelope, and she rejoins —

"Just as I expected — ^just as it always is! The duty was taken off leather, and I still pay the same
16s. for my walking-boots to Mr. Leathersole, of Penzance. I should like to know what your other readers
will say to your goings on."

We are quite content to go before that Grand Jury ; and we wiU anticipate as their return
this extract from a letter written by a Clergyman, who, we think, will be accepted as their
foreman : —

" We do not require the lowest possible priced paper, but we do want the best that can be had for

threepence."

We bo^j to that return, and we pledge ourselves to satisfy its requirement.

INDEX.

Abdomen', hen ■with enlaeoed,
HO

Abies, Douglasi at Kcw, 140; of the

Romans, 473
Abrus precatorius, 105
Abutilon insigne, 363
Acacias, stinkinpand sweet, 129
Acclimatation, the Society of Paris,

150
Achimenes, p=ns for, 15; culture,

164; after flowering, 486
Africa, productions of Eastern, 190,

210
Agathipa ccnlestis variegata, 358
Aperatums, wintering old, 505
Ailanthus silkwnrm, 472
Air admittinar, 124
AlysBum variegated, 386, 486
America, natural phenomena in, 499
Ajnerican blight, 144, 360,380,406;

not removed by frost, 320
Amomum Clusii, 215
Anemones done growing, 427
Anigozanthus Manglesi, 476
Annuals, hardy and half-hardy,

mowing, 15; hardy, for exhibition,

30 ; half-hardy in Waltonian-case,

30; hardy, sowing, 48; for bed-
ding, 172 ; to stand the winter,

368
Antpnnaria margaritacea as a

bedder, 493
Ants, expelling, 30 ; on Rose trees,

244; destroying, 285, 307
Aphis on wall trees, 486
Apiarian Notes, No. XII., 349
Apis centuncularis, 82
Apple, Ashmead's Kernel, 27 ; trees,

pinching shoots of dwarf, 498
Apples, as food, 3G1 ; in Oregon,

401
Aquilegia caryopUylloides, 264
Arabia, variegated, propagating, 15,

39, 426
Araucaria imbricata injured by the

winter, treatment of, 58 ; branches

dying, 440
Archway, plants for an underground

265
Arissema prsecox, 501
Aristolochia picta, 180
Arnebia Griffithii, 501
Amott's stove, 159
Asarum virginicum, 205, 244
Aspect for crops, 426
Asphodel, bog, 380
Auricula lovers, a treat for, 56
Auricula, autumn management of,

376
Auriculas of 1861, 174
Australia, a fruit-producing country,

341
Ayrshire Apiarian Society and Mr.

Taylor, 288
Azalea culture, 86
Azaleas in greenhouses, 314

Balaninvs BttAssica:, 140

Balanus balanoides and cambricum,
482

Bantam, laying two eggs, 270 ;
characteristics of a Sebilght, 328

Bantams, hatching Game, 18 ; with
egg-system inflamed, 31 ; dying
suddenly, 110; Black, points in,
110; unable to crow, 150; with
wry tails, 388

Bark, medicinal, which Cinchona
produces the best? 21

Barkeria melanocaulon, ICO

Barnacles, 482

Basella cordifolia, 86

Basil, forcing, 62

Basket, wrong, returned from poul-
try shows, 245

Bath and West of England Poultry
Show, 207

Beans, dwarf kidney and scarlet,
224

Bedding plants, planting out, 134;
for spring, 173, 183

Bedding-out arrangements, 162

Bedding system v. mixed herbaceous
borders, 377

Beds under trees, 493 ; best of the
season, 497

Bee— hives and theirappurtenanees,
dome-shaped straw, 52 ; flat-
topped straw, 53 ; early harvest-
ing of pollen, 53 ; duration of
queen's life, 53; dimensions of
bar-hives, 53 ; robbers, 53 ; the
leaf-cutter, 82; food, 269. 289;
hive, Phelps' patent, 269; the
honey, 289; hives, protection and
upward ventilation of, 289 ; over-
stocking and wintering, 290;
management in Ayrshire, 310 ;
parasite, 350; swarms, artificial,
371 ; swarming, in North Lanca-
shire, 389 ; swarming extraordi-
nai-y, 370

Bee-keeper— a singular blind one,
18 ; Osford!*hire, how I became
an, 72,186,411. 431

Bee-keeping, in Devon, 33; begin-
ning, 390

Bees and bee-hives, exhibition of,
391

Bee-stings, 370

Bees — not working, plundering
hives, &c., 17; deserting hives,
18; drone-breeding queen, rob-
bers, exchange of queens, trans-
ferring, 33 ; hives and appurte-
nances, 34, 88 ; age of stocks, 34 ;
wooden-topped straw hives,
sloped-tonped, depriving , Stew-
arton octagon, square wooden,
73; Ligurians in Scotland, 88, 248,
288, 431 ; stocking an observa-
tory-hive, 92; dying, in barn,
hives, 108; feeders, 109; store
honey in hot countries, 109; hive-
board?, shades, pedestals, 128 ;
water-troughs, 129; wintering
in Canada, 129 ; bottle feeding,
129 ; in the Himalayas, 148 ; bar-
hive and "Woodbury comb-bar,
148; Ligurian queen's adventure,
148, 186 ; uniting Ligurian queen
to, 167, 410, 452 ; hives and appur-
tenances, entrances, covers, comb-
supports, houses, 168; exposure,
169; early swarm, right to follow
them, 170; comb-bar hives, 185;
substituting queens, 186 ; hive-
entrance, 187 ; does the queen
govern? 209; cheap hives for;
by post, 210; robbers to defeat,
229; Ligurian, 230, 371; cheap
hives, not swarming, 230; cause
of a queen's death, 246; first
swarms, 247 ; management in
America, 247 ; drones before
swarming, 250 ; time queen takes
coming to maturity, 289; cause of
the death of a queen, 290; su-
periority of Ligurians, 290 ; and
those who have written about
them, 309 ; removing from an
old hive, 310; sky 310,371,389;
parasite on, 323; swarming of
1861, uniting swarms, feeding,
Woodbury-hive, 331 ; death of
queen in a duel, 332 ; to pacify,
350 ; and the season of 1861, 351 ;
superiority of, 372 ; mentioned by
Virgil, 37*2; in conservatory, 372 ;
transferring swarms of, 372; in
sugar refineries, 389 ; mortality
among, 389 ; artificial swarms,
389, 390, 410; Woodbury bar-
hives, uniting swarms, 410 ; bottle
feeder, 411 ; taking honey from
stupified ; production of drone
eg^gs ; apiary of " B. & W." in
1861,451, 509; young, expelled;
in sugar refineries ; in France,
471; io ohservatory-hives ; early
feeding needed ; straining honey,
472; watering, smoking, Ligurian,
does a virgin queen breed drones ?

491 ; young expelled from hives,
508; superiority of Ligurian, 508;
exhibition in France, 509

Begonia, Rex in borders, 126; phyl-
lomaniaca, 215 ; glandulosa, 279

Begonias in summer, 183

Beloperone violacea, 140

Belt before a house, 125

Beurr<; de Mortefontaine Pear, 13

Beverley Poultry Show, 165

Bilbergia bivittata, 501

Bird, teaching tunes to, 36

" Birds' eggs and nests,'* 147

Birds, scaring, 105; arriv;il of, 170 ;
damage done by; Cullingford's
trap for, 511

Birmingham poultry prize list, 227

Birmingham Cuttle and Poultry
Show, 268

Black beetles, to kill, 246

Blackcap, 331

Blackpool Poultry Show, 287

Blacks in fowls, 18

Blechnum spieant, new and rare
varieties of, 359, 423 ; imbricatum,
381; crassicaule, 381 ; projectum,
381 ; r.imo-depauperatun>, 381 ;
c.iudatum, 381 ; heterophyllum,
381; tridactylon, 381; sinuatum,
381

Blight, American, 274

Bloomsbury Flower Show, 105, 259

Bogbeun, 330

Boiler, size required, 426

Borage, 98

Border, open, heated, 277 ; plants
for north, 446

Botany, book on, 307

Bouga'invillrca speciosa, 79

Bouqut t critised, 483

'•Bouquet, The Illustrated,'* 115,
138, 401

Bouquets, arranging, 131, 151, 191,
240, 299, 313, 333 ; for May, 132 ;
shapes, 172 ; of Roses, 1 73 ; mount-
ing and mending flowers for,
211; Passion - Flower and Rose
design, 212

Bouquets and vases, arrangingflow-
ersfor, 251,271, 355,375

Box-edging, moving, 105

Brains as a manure, 241

Bramble Finch, 127

Braula cccca, 350

Bret ton-West, Poultry Show. 489

British plants, ornamental, 380

Broccoli, winter standing, 23; pro-
tecting in winter, 24 ; wintering,
436 * *

Broom as
327

Erunsvigia Josephinte culture, 416

Brussels Sprouts culture, 425

Bunting, corn or common, 288 :
Cirl, 391

Butler, Charles, 309

Butter, strong smelling, to cure,
190 ; to keep sweet, 250

Butterwort, 380

Cabbage, manukb for, 401 ; cul-

TURK, 437
Cactus, fruit of, 308

Cadluck, 244. 327

Caladium bicolor, 279; var. Ver-
schafifelti, 381

Caladiums, wintering, 459

Calceolaria, seedlings, planting out
herbaceous, 206 ; seed, sowing
herbaceous, 505

Calceolarias for bedding, manage-
ment, 237

Californian orcharding, 47

Calla ethiopica, to flower at Christ-
mas, 214

Calne Poultry Show, 347

Camellia, culture, 86 ; leaves blotch-
ed, 163; leaves decayed, 264;
house, 364

Campanula fragilis culture, 487

Campanumoea campanuiata, 476

a remedy for dropsy,

Canaries' feet diseased, 17, 54

Canaries, breeding, 70, 74; with
di^eased feet, 70; wild, 412; red
mite in, 432 ; stock of and food for
young, 511

Canary and British Finches, 34 91
127, 209, 228, 288, 330, 391, 4I2!
429 ' » »

Canary, breeding, 127; continually
moulting, 170; time of incubation,
170 ; not rearing her young, 332

Capsicums, forcing, 62

Carnations, list of and spring cul-
ture. 8; at Christmas, 257; de-
stroyed by worms, 386 ; list of and
autumn culture, 456

Carrot, storing, 163 ; maggot, 285

Carrots, sowing, 9; forcing, 62 :
blighted, 308 '

Casks, tainted, 54

Caterpillars, destroying, 182 ; with
white hellebore, 253

Cattleya elegans, 100

Cauliflower plants, management of,

[ Cayenne pepper making, 432, 391
I Codrus deodara in the Himalavas.
I 141 ^ '

Celery, forcing, 62 ; plants, manage-
mentof, 117 ; planting, 436; earth-
ing, 447; watering, 485
Centaurea candiditsima, propagat-
ing, 433 "» 1- f e

Cerasiium tomentosura as an edgine.
505 **

Cerinthe retorta, 381
Chaffinch, 71, 91

Charcoal stove in greenhouse, 31
Charring, how to do well, 117
Cherry water, 336
Cherry, Belle d'Orleans, 483
Cherries, Duke, 302
Chester Poultry Show, 467
Chesterfield Poultry Show, 166
Chicken shows, 244
Chickens, early, for London market,
68; dying in the shell, 110; age
for fatting, HO; management
of early, 164 ; age of for ex-
hibition, 266 ; sale for, 308; how
to mark, 328 : plucking each other.
432
Chicory, forcing, 62
Chrysanthemum blooming early,

364
Chrysanthemums, growing for cut
flowers, 276 ; early-flowering, 378
Chysis aurea Lemminghei, 381
Cinchona plants, recent searches
after, 20; large number of seed-
lings at Kew, 21
Cineraria maritima, cuttings and
seedlings, 67, 162; sowing, 125,
505 ; propagating, 505
Cissus discolor, 342; in festoons,

415; requires stove heat,457
Cistus vaginatus, 40
Clay soil, improving, 205
Clematis not blooming, 365
Clianthus, Dampieri, 160; magni-

flcus, 346, 387
Climbers, for a N.E. trellis, 76 ; for
conservator? arches, 86 ; in con-
servatory, 368 ; for cold green-
house, 387 ; for conservatory,
417
Coalbrookdale Poultry Show, 245
Cochin-china chickens, character-
istics of, 250
Cochin-Chinas, judging, 329
Cock, with diseased eyes, 270 ;

curing of pugnacity, 507
Cockatoos, management of, 128
Cockroaches, to kill, 246
Cocks rearing chickens 348
Cocoa-nut fibre, 105
Colour in flowers, to develope, 354
Coltsfoot, to destroy, 406
Comb-bar, the Woodbury, 269, 349,

Combs, mode of supporting fallen.

Tl

INDEX.

Composite plants, fertilisation of,
233

Conifer?, which to plant and which
to reject, 157 ; checking growth
of, 2-2fi

Conseivatorr, ti'ccs for back wall,
G7

Convolvnlu-i maurii.tnicus, 40, 120,
401

CoveopT'is. Drummondi, 133 ; tinc-
toria in beds, 4SC

Cotton cake, 412

Crab, the King, 502

Crabs, 437; stalk-eved and hermit,
437

Craspedia Ilicbea?, 501

Crassulas ertngreneil, 308

Creasote, 170

Crinoline, and its consequences. 509

Crocus bulbs decaying and their
culture, 42

Crocuses, arrangement, 9; removing
in spring, 133

Crooked breasts in fowls, 412

Crops swollen in fowls, 110

Crops, the, 342

Crrss-breeding, flowers, laws of, So ;
rule in, 91; of plants, phenomena
and laws of, 112; in plants, 151;
Sweet Peas, IGO; among birds
Toluntarr, 432

Crnciferac.'have they a central ter-
minal flower? 41S

Crustacea, 437

Crystal Palace, School of Art, &c.,
99 ; Flowc-rShow, 137, 153; florists'
flowers at, 155; Rose Show, 221,
27S, 297 ; beading out at, 252,
275, 480; Poultry Show, 347, 427,
448, 4t^9 ; autumn show of flowers,
&c., 453 ; notes at the, 476

Cuckoos' arriv;il, 147

Cucumaiia f::siformis, hyalina and
fucicola, 2S1

Cucumber, plants not perfecting
fruit, 47 ; house, moisture in air
of, 40; forcincr and culture, 96;
culture, 141 ;~ houses, 177, 439;
disease, 284 ; gingrone, 307 ; for
exhibition, 308 ; plants for early
forcing. 4G5 ; forcing, 435

Cucumbcri=, managing, 14; diseased,
126; hot-water tanks for, 253;
shedding fruit, 2fi4 ; in pots at [
Chiswick, 379; in January, to ob- '
tain. 406 [

Cultivation as a fertilising agent, i
421

Culverkeys, 257 I

Currant tree cuttings, 327 !

Currant trees, pinching the shoots !
of, 282

Cuttings, bottom heat for. 16; of
flowers in autumn, 425; layering,
433 ; distance from glass, 441

CyanophvUura magnificum, 36S

Cyanotis'vittata, 303

Cyclamen seedlings, 501

Cyclamens, in boxes, 15: after
flowering, 49

Cypripedium, Lowi, 100; calceolus
culture. 231

Cypripediums Atsmori and gutta-
tum, 402

"Dahlia, thk LVHnsn," 497; a

BLACK, 503

Daisies, subduing, 244

Dandelion as a sanatirc. 4G

Parent, Ashing in the river, 392

Datura arborea, 307, 386

Dendrobium, linguoiforme, 140:
Hillii, 381

Desfontanesia spinosa culture, 49

Dessert, Mr. March'o prize arrange-
ment of, 321

Devizes Poultry Show, 490

Dial of flowers, 218, 234

Dianthus seedlings, cross-bred, 277

Dianthuses, Foil for, 427

Diarrhoea in fowls. 16

Dibble, double, 224

Dielytra epectabilis, stopping, 125 ;
propagating, 206 ; after flowering,
426

Dimorphotheca graminifolia, 215

Dines Mr. W., presentation to, 276

Dinnur-tible designs, 418

Dipladenia atro-purpurea, 45

Disa grandiflora, management, 514 ;
culture of, 295 ; at home, 415

Dorking, chickens at exhibitions,
51; with festered feet, 54; pro-
perties of the, 372 ; pullet, pre-
cocious. 400 ; cock's spure, and
mark on pullet's neck, 507

Dorkings, too large to exhibit, 32 ;

characteristics of, 87: rules for

selecting, 206 ; swollen -footed,

210 ; with yellow legs, 409
Poronicum austriacum, 115
DottrcU, the, 127, 170
Double flowers, producing, 210 ;

seeds from, 406
Doves, food for Barbary, IS
Dractcna bicolor, 140
Draught, what causes a, 161
Drifiipld Poultry Show. 51
Drill for small seeds, 215
Drone eggs laid by a young queen,

3)0
Drones' egss, production of, 389
Drones, dirt'erence between Ligurian

and common, 350
Drosera spathuluta, 40
Duck, death of a Muscovy. 310;

eggs with thin shells, 92
Ducks, characteristic of .\ylesbury,

36 ; Call, time of incuba'cion, 36 ;

black East Indian, feeding, 409
Ducklings, food for, 507
Duranta Ellisii, 307
Dust, showers of at sea, 249

Earwigs, TRAPPisn, 466
Kchiurus vulgaris, 422
Edging plant, 205
Edging materials for beds, 478
Efrg-beater, Monroe's patent, 74
Eggs, treatment during incuba-
tion, 16; imported, 210; un;>ro-
ductive, 227 ; three-yolked, 229;
vreight of, 452
" Elm Grange," 460
Entomological Society's Meeting, 28,

102, 181, 259, 323, 464
Essex Agricultural Association's

Poultry Show, 266
Euphorbia jacquiniiEflura, G
Enphorbiaceous trees, beetles on,

ISl
Exhibition, dressing fowls for, 423
Esperimcntal Garden sold. 156
Eyes of poultry diseased, 270

Fairchild lecture, 159

Fallen combs, to support, 392

Farfugium grande, what preys on,
476

Fauna, meaning of, 105

Feeding poultry, results of improper,
451

Fern case, plants for, 105 ; h.uise,
316

Fernerv, forming out of an aqua-
rium", 206

Ferns for small case, 126 ; at Men-
tone, 84 ; under glass, 260; list of,
318 ; observations on, 292 ; fur
table decoration, 427

Ficus repcns, 7

Fie: culture, acriditv of its iuices,

243 ; treps killed bv Jrost. 466
Filters, Dalkhe's. 229; Lavater's

portable, and China, 230
Fish, gold and silver, diseased, 50,

90 ; film on eyes of, 147, 150
Flora of Roman Classics, 473
"Floral Magazine," 116, 482
Floriculture, a refined taste in, 93
•* Florist, The," 503
Florists' flowers, what they are, 38 :

cross-breeding, 56 ; more select

new varieties desirable, HI
Flower garden, centre bed, 0 ; geo-
metric. 40 ; diamond geometric

beds, 41
Flower-gatherers, 362
Flower market, new, 157
Flower shows in towns for the

working classes. 75
Flowers, Japanese mode of reviving,

54 ; arranging in vases, &c., 131 ;

how to arrange, 151 ; to transmit

by post, 346
Flue of pit, management of, 440;

heating changing to hot-water

heating, 459
Flues heating by, 159
Food, curiosities in its supply, 327
Forcing, 61, 90, 177
Forking borders, 15
Foreign climates and plants, 203
Fowls for table use, 50; and their

breeds, 265; lameness in, 369;

flesh tasting offensively, 507 ;

cross-breds for table, 512
Frames, enemies to our, 298
"Fruit Garden, The Miniature," 156
Fruit tree cuttings, 104 ; gathering,

244 ; gatherers, 36^ ; room, con-
structmg, 322 ; trees, diseased, 386

Fruits, forcing in the olden time,

28 ; action of frost on, 28
Fuchsia sport, 323; with yellow

leaves, 486; new, 80 ; with single

stem, 183 ; synonymous, 336, 360;

choice, 361 ; new select, 4C6;

cuttings of, 406 ; wintering in a

window, 503
Fumigating with tobacco adjoining

a dwelling, 47

Game fowl, colour of, 328

Game fowls, tasselled, 18 ; plumage
of, 18; a plpa for, 489; Capt.
Hornby's, 505 ; dubbing, 507, 512

Gamekeeper, reminiscences of, 368,
337,407, 428, 469,490

Gapes in chickens, 130
i Gardeners, education of young, 55

Gardeners' annual festival at Paris,
I 460

Gardeners' Roval Benevolent Insti-
tution, 258, 342

Gas, heating by, 144

Gazania splendens, pi-opagafing, 16 ;
in pots, 205 ; cuttings, 426

Gazani;i8, fertilising, 273 ; cross-
breeding, 353

Geese, worms in eyes of, 468, 508

Geranium leaves, spotted, 125 ; va-
riegated, 205 ; injured, 205

Geranium, Flower of the Day, sport
from, 403 ; Alma, white sport in,
426; cuttings, 427

Geraniums— Mangles', 105; soil for
bedding, 105 ; Larkfield Rival and
Virgiueuro, 215 ; in m,isses, 405 ;
chapter on bedding, 435; sum-
mer propagation of, 43G; pink,
466; tricolou red-zoned, 480; tri-
coloured, 494 ; wintering in cold
conservatory, 499 ; in window, 503

Ghost of an impression, 92

Gishurst Compound, reducing smell
of, 43

Gladioli, for small garden and pots,
30; seedlings in Canada, 126;
parents of some, 453

Gladioluses after blooming, 486

Glass, for Cucumber-house, 31;
broken by frost, 39 ; substitute
for, 49; uniting broken, 150;
pointing for shade, 163 ; for horti-
cu^ral purposes. 171 ; house for
many purposes, 201 ; for orchard-
houses, 339

Glebe land culture, 406

Gloxinia leaves, propagating bv,
183

Goats, management of, 54 ; keeping,
90, 92

Goldfinch, 34; mules, 36

Gold fish, 270 ; cure for film on, 209 ;
in tank, 432; becoming black, 452

Gomphia olivceformis, 3S1

Gocle Poultry Show. 409

Gooseberry caterpillars, 301, 378 ;
killing, i26, 323

Gooseberries, sent out in Lancashire,
99; destroying insects on, 204;
green fly on, 205

Grafting, new mode of, 361 ; clay
and wax, 399

Grafting-wax, 63

Grape— Prince Albert, 99 ; Vine,
culture of the, 276; pruning and
training, 277; BIr. Mearns' system
of culture, 277; Buckland Sweet-
water, 302 ; Muscat Hamburgh,
302; Chasselas Vibert, 861; cul-
ture in pots, 365 ; Passe Muscat(?),
441 ; Cbampion Hamburgh, 501 ;
St. Laurent Muscat, 50!

Grapes, Bowood Muscat, 28;Gros
Maroc, Gros Colman, and Muscat
TroviJren, 47 ; effects of drainage
on, 47 ; aiding to set, 104 ; scalded,
105; thinning, 124; Sweetwater,
Royal Muscadine, and Esperione,
126 ; shanked and spotted, 144 ;
shanking, 206; spotted, 241; not
colouring, 235 ; Champion, Syrian,
New Black, 483

Grass of Parnassus. 380

Gravel, weeds on, 244

Greenhouse, evergreens for back
wall, 07, 116; heating. 144 ; erect-
ing a small, 144; heating and
arranging a small, 163; building
a lean-to, 206; furnace altered to
the Kiddean system, 264 ; heating
a small, 459 ; furnishing a, 483

Greenhouse and forcing-house com-
bined, heating, 500^

Grubs in soil, 163

Guava culture, 164

Guinea fowls, wild. 249
Gurle, Leonard, 342
Gustivia pterocarpa, 40
Gypsum for deodorising, 448

Halifax Pigeon Show, 467

Hamburgh cock's tail, 512

Hampton Court Gardens, 493

Haras, curing, 36, 146, 149

Hatching in a stove, 18

Heating, a chapter on, 158

Hedge, evergreen for a terrace, 125

Hedges, management of evergreen,
43

Hellebore powder for caterpillars,
205

Henderson & Co.'s Nursery, Pine
Apple Place, 5

Hen with straddling gait, 51; dying
whilst laying, 54; broody without
laying, 127; house floor, 130;
laying with difficulty, 308

Hens, laying from perch, 18 ; not
laying, 18; eating eggs, 33; with
straddling gait, 33; sitting, 87;
with wens, 92 ; broody, to cure,
250 ; eggs of moulting, 369

Henslow. death of Professor, 138

"Henwife, The," 16

Herbaceous plants, 173 ; list of, 274

Hertfordshire Nurseries, 11

Himalayas, and their productions,
121; vegetable products of, 141,
222

Hippeastrum reticulatum, 7

Hippocrepifl comosa, 205

Hive, new bar, 147 ; the Woodbury,
351

Hives and their appurtenances, 17 ;
supers rerstts ekes, 18 ; moveable,
frame, adapter, collateral, 89 ; ob-
servatory. 90 ; feeders for, 109 ;
attaching window to straw, 110 ;
Langstroth's frame, 319; wooden,
370; dimensions of, 372

Holly killed by frost, 31

Hollyhock, history of. 457

Homes, healthy, for animals, 510

Honeysuckle for house front, 486

Honeysuckles on east and south
walls contrasted, 441

Hop-kilns, 153

Hops, hotbed of spent, 49, 105

Horseradish culture, 42

Horticultural Society, Uoyal, Floral
and Fruit Committees, 46, 215,395 ;
Floral Committer, 79, 135, 316, 338,
445: anniversary, 102; Garden
at Kensington,' 119, 373, 49G ;
Fruit Committee, 134. 481 ; open-
ing of the, 192 ; Pilko's Prizes,
and Florists' Flowers, at, 197;
openintr Show, 212; Ferns at
Show, 232; Fine Arts Committee
of. 211 ; Rose Show, 293, 317 ;
subscription to, 368

Hotbeds without manure, 499

Hot-water tanks for Melons and
Cucumbers, 253

Hoya Shepherd!, 501

Humea elegans, culture, 427

Hyacinths, exhibition of unforced, 5 ;
after growing in water, 49

Iceland, flamts cultivated is,

310
Ice-house ventilation, 7
Inclined plane, the, 378
Incubators, 392

Indianrubber hose, mending, 125
Ingram's new Grape, 13
Insects, destroying, 242
Ipomcea hederailolia, 6
Ivy, bushes, dwarf, 15; pruning,

68; cutting, 126; leaves become

brown, 440

Japan, kew plants of, 10, 82, 230
Japanese gardening, 224
Job's Tears, 163

Keiohlet Popltry Show, 468
Kew, gardens, 76, 413; sunk gar-
den, 434
Kiddean mode of beating, 99. 200,
205; why preferable to Pohn.use
heating, 161
Kidney Beans, forcing, ei
Kilmarnock Pansy Society, 60
Kitchen-garden crops of 1861, 496
Knife-handles, fastening, 492

Lablab, 437
Lapageria rosea, 260
Lardizabala bitcrnata, 260
Laurels killed by frost, 31

INDEX.

Laurustinuses killed by the winter,

60
Lavender cotton as an edging, 133
Lawn, to decorate, 368
Lawng, watering in dry -weather,

448
Leaf mould substitute for, 183
Leaves, variegation in, 334
Leeds Flower Show, 25
Leeks, 485; towing, 9
Leg-weakness in jioultry, 88
Lemon seeds sprouting ia fruit,

480
Lemons at Mentone, 84
Lepanthes calodictyon, 279
Lepas anatifcra, 432
Leptodactylon californicum, 386
Leachenaultia formosa, fertilising,

151
Lettuce, sowing, 14
Lettuces, 326; for winter, 447
Lilies, white, to manage, 406
Lilium giganteum offsets, 15
Lilium lancifoUum culture, 164, 244,

315; done flowering, 499
Lime water, to make, 67
Lindenia rivalis, 279
Lint, manufacture of, 249
Linton Park, planU injured there by

the winter, 53 ; Dutch Tlower

Garden, 101
Liquid manures, 126
Lisianlhus princeps, 363
Loams, various, 139
Lobelia speciosa, spring sowmg,

426 ; sowing, 466
Lobelias, crossing, 354; sport in,

364
Loosestrife, purple, 380
Lycium afrum, 322
Lyda inanita, 83
Lythrum salicaria, 330

Maoachile centunculaeis, 82

Magnolia granditlora, 308, 346

Magnolias injured by frost, 320

Magpie's nightly visits, 248

Male, enduring influence of, 87

Malortica simplex, 140

Malt wine, 92

Manchester and Liverpool Poultry
Show, 245,488

Mandevilla suaveolens cuttings, 4S6

Mangold Wurtzel culture, 117

Manure, preparing, 117 ; foraflowcr
garden, 125 ; liquid, 284

Manures, portable, 346; chemical,
505

March Trefoil, 380

Market-Gardener, The Little, 8, 117,
436, 457

Martynia fragrans seedlings, 68

Mauve and magenta, how obtained, 3

Mealy bug, destroying, 314

Mechanics and mathematics applijsd
to gardening, 291, 336, 361, 373,
403

Medicago intertexta, 486

Meligethes a?neus, 141

Melon growing, hints on, 80 ; train-
ing, 104; growing with Cucum-
bers, 104; cuUuie, 124; plants,
damping, 143 ; Moscatello, 279 ;
leaves turning yellow, 281; cul-
ture, epitome of, 426; house, 439

Melons, in pots, culiure of, 179 ; de-
caying at the collar, 1S3 ; young,
turning yellow, 206; hot water
tanks for, 253 ; training, 273 ; out
of doors, 273

Menyanthes trifoliata, 380

Meteorological apparatus, 220

Microsetia centifoliella, 83

jNIildew on the Vine, 338

Mimulus, Musk, culture, 30

Mirabelle Plum, early, 13

Mistletoe, hardy on oak, 109; Ameri-
can, 225

Mitraria coccinea, 260

Morphology, 311 ; in "White Clover,
406

Moth, The clothes, 36

Mowing machine, Green*s, 301, 341,
368, 379 ; how to sharpen, 200 ;
sharpening, 279

Musa Cavendishii culture, 164

Mushroom -bed for produce in
summer, 865 making spawn for,
306

Mushroom-beds, 124, 447 ; in sum-
mer, 224

Mutisia family, culture, 394

Mya matgaritifera, 382

Myadce, 382

Myrtle, repotting an old, 86 ; as an
edging, 203

Name, oun additional, 1

Narcissus, 6

Narthecium ossifragura, 380

Nectarine, blooms, colour and size,

19; leaves curling, 126; Stanwick,

361
Nematus trimaculatus, 303
Nice, climate and plants, 42, 84

OCHNUS UnUN^IEX s, 421

(Enothera, taraxicifolia and macro-
carpa, 86 ; macrocarpa, 346

Oiled silk for enclosing specimens,
420

Oilskin for packing flowers, 327

Oncidium cosy mbepho rum, 45 ; has-
matochilum, 100

Onion, seed, sprouting, 181 ; mag-
got, 285, 296

Onions, sowing, 9

Orach, Purple, 16, 126

Orange trees, 387

Orange in an Orange, 480

Orchard-house, 19, 285, 322 ; trees,
133 ; management, 202 ; trees,
pyramids, and bushes, 217 ; erect-
ing an, 338; ventilating, 395;
heating, ventilating, and stocking,
439; roof ventilation, and red
spider, 461; fruits, 498; culture,
500

Orchard-houses, self-ventilating, 38 ;
of hen-shed, 49

"Orchard-houses, a few hints on,"
400

Orchard, planting first, 63

Orchids, sale of, 156 ; hardy, 259 ;
native, 339

Osage Orange, 496

Osprey, 146

Ouvirandra fenestralis culture, 503

Oyster cultivation ou the French
coast, 81

Pampas GnAss, 322

Pansies, keeping slugs from, 105 ;
\UX of superior, 23:* ; variegated,
244

Pansy— the magpie, 173

Parasol Fir, 10

Paritiuni elatum, 140

Piirnassia palustris, 380

Parrot, fond of bathing, 108 ; tribe,
water for, 146 ; eating ita feathers,
150

Parrots, water for, 36 ; deprived of
water, 70; management of, 128,
185, 208 ; sickness in, 130

Parsley, dying, 426 ; in winter, 466

Parsnips, sowing, 9

Pa3ture,eonverting into a garden,427

Patterns, transferring, 54

Pavement, preventing grass on, 417

Peach — blossoms, colour and size,
19; trees under Vines, 61; blos-
soms unfertile, 67 ; fumigating, in
blossom, 67 ; blossom falling in
orchard-house, 105 ; on walls, 108 ;
culture, soil, 119 ; leaves and
fruit diseased, 144 ; leaves blis-
tered, 163 ; tree shoots gangren-
ing, 183 ; trees too luxuriant,
265 ; wall, glazing a, 417 ; trees,
removing &rge. 441 ; from a
Nectarine, 501 ; in houses, 504

Peaches, on a wall at Christma?, 13;
diseased, 226 ; in orchard-house,
379.

Pear— leaves partially decayed, 67 ;
tree shoots, pinching, 98 ; leaves
destroyed by a wee^'il, 104; ti'ain-
ing 105 ; tree, unfruitful, 125 ;
fly, 281 ; trees, pinching shoots of
dwai-f, 498

Pearl Mussel, 382

Pears not keeping, 30

Peas — sowing late, 9 ; planted out,
48 ; report ou, grown at Cbiswick,
28, 62, 116, 138, 219, 236, 282;
destroyed by insects, 86

Peat, soil, plants for wet, 163; as a
fuel, 408

Pelargoniums, growing specimen, 2;
soil and potting, 3 ; flowei'ing
prematurely, 16 ; for bedding,
report on, 21 ; growing specimens
of, training, pruning, &c., 22 ;
young, after flowering, 183 ;
regular flowers in, 253 ; in green-
houses, 314

Peloric flowers, 211

Pentstemon spectabilis, 3S1

PerUla nankinensis, two kinds of,494

Petunia cuttings, 427

Petunias, 235

Pha'eenopsis amobilis, 343

Pheasants, silver, laying, 31
Philesiabuxifolia cultm-e, 15
Phloxes, cuttings of, 406 ; propa-
gating, 461
Pholap. 382
Pieea Veitchi, 32

Picotees, list of and spring manage-
ment, 8; from cuttings, 49; list
of, and autumn culture, 456
Pig, how to cut up, 149; antiquity

of the, 392
Pigs, management of, 188

Pigeon, judging, 52; judging at
Sunderland, 107 ; roiten-feathered,
140 ; with two heads, 147 ; house,
352

Pigeon's nest of iron nails, 90

Pigeon's nests, 164

Pigeons, cod-liver oil for, 09; lump
in throat of young, 74; Turn-
crowned, 107 ; Turbits crested,
130; laying, but not sitting, 270;
Barbs with turned crowns, 329 ;
" Any other Variety " and
Tumbler classes, 507

Pinguicula vulgaris, 380

Pine Apple culture, 118

Pipe, size of supply, 486

Pipes, rise in hot water, 15 ; stop-
ping leaks in hot-water, 401 ; for
hot water, size of conjiections, 416

Pit— converting into a gi'eenhouse,
16 ; for propagating, 206 ; altering
a flued to the Kiddean system,
345; for general purposes, 356;
construction of, 386; heating, 387 ;
changing a lean-to into a span-
roofed, 419; for general pui-poses,
419 ; heating a small, 443 ; for
propagating, 448 ; for propagating
failing, 477

Plants, names of, 270; in-door, 279;
which have stood last winter in
Gloucestershire, 282

Plum, trees, training on wall, 61 ;
grafting and budding, 163; suckers
of greengage, 264 ; for south wall,
448

Plums, dropping, 93 ; B-ivers* carlv,
484

Poisoned fowls, 208

Pollen, effects of different kinds of,
280 ; divers results from, 311, 312,
318 ; action of, 360

Pollens, which prevails. 232

Polmaise system of healing, 200

Polyanthus, crossing, 94 ; white,
139; blue, 285

Pomological gleanings, 47, 03, 180,
361

Ponthieva maculata, 180

Post, sending cuttings by, 285

Potash, restoring to soil, 31

Potato— planting, 8; early, 9; cul-
ture, 24; stems frosted, 134;
steins fi ostcd, effects of, 173 ; cul-
ture in Yorkthire, frosted stems,
and rauirain, 231; disease, 302,
342, 370, 437 ; Ash-leaved Kidney,
hardiness of, 357 ; disease, avoid-
ing the, 397 ; new species, 401

Potatoes, earlhing-up, 206 ; when
ripe, 387 ; early, in Cornwall, 457

Pot herbs, storing, 447

Potted plants, roots escaping, tlo
they disqualify ? 480

Potting, how to manage, 144

Poultry— prospects, 31; keeping
profitablv, 51, 70, 87, 1C6, 146,
265, 286i 347, 4C8; for confined
space, 69; dying suddenly, 74;
prices in Loudon, 87, 105, 1S5;
let them rise when they please,
126; colds in, 130; sending to
London, 145; naming breeders of
at shows, 146 ; thinning out, 184 ;
sickness among, 28S; medicine,
329; effects of seaeons on, 346;
houses, floors of, 347, 472; for
profit, 352

Poultry fanciers, grumblings of,
285

Poultry shows, mortalitv at, 505

Prescot Poultry Show, 328

Priapulus caudatus, 422

Pulley, the, 361

QtJAiLS, Califobnian, latino, 31

Rabbit — Silver Gket, Ejciie, on
Chinchilla, 35 ; the Chinese,
Polish, Kussian, Himalayan, 69 ;
Andalusian, Ram, or Bulldog,
108; enclosure, 130; the Dutch.
169 ; do ciossbreds revert to grev ?
170; hutches, 430, 472

Rabbits, feeding young, 110; Chin-
chilla, 110; fur of Angora, 190;
cross with hare, 230 ; house for,
329 ; pot herbs for, 330 ; fighting,
352 ; Chinchilla, 412 ; floor of
hutch, 412; courts, 489; losing
their fur, 492

Raisins, EnglLih, 13, 28

Rape seedlings for Canaries, &c., 210

Raspberry-jam tree, 129

Raspberries, training, 346

Razor Shell, 382

Redleaf and its gardening, 4, 26, 64

Red spider, 420 ; preventing, 461 ;
destroying, 464, 499

Reed Bunting, 4i2

Restrepia Lansbergii, 279

Rhododendron Falconeri, 98 : soil
for bed, 105

Rhododendrons javanicum and jas-
miniflorum culture, 49 ; Sikkim,
how to cultivate, 77 ; soil for, 320

Rhubjrb svrap, 109 ; transplanting,
316 ; wiiie, 269, 332, 392, 512

Ribbon-border for the many, 56; of
Geraniums, 95; arrangement, 144

Richardia ethiopica to flower al
Christmas, 214

Rimmel's perfume vaporiser, 130

Ring Doves, food for, 392

Rio de Janeiro," neighbourhood of,
324

Root-pruning, when to do, 205

Rose, insect ravagers of the, 82, 140 ;
cuttings of monthly, 86 ; leaves
mildewed, 285 ; cuttmgs, 307 ; best
for pillars, 427 ; garden, design
for a, 4G1 ; leaves blotched, 466

Roses, effect of the winter on, 12 ;
Mauetti stock for, 12 ; pruning
standards, 15 ; and the winter, 28 ;
for south wall, 30; a raid among
new, 95 ; treatment of frosted,
105; boxes foreshibiting cut, 205 ;
tea-scented Aurora, 206; in green-
houses, 314; cuttings of, 327;
mildew on, 327,379; preserving
petals of. 327 ; unibrellu training,
406 ; which is the queen of! 416 ;
cutting off decayed, 441 ; sweet-
scented for pots, 406 ; in festoons,
&c., killed by frost, 478 ; budding,
501

Rosewood, 86 ; the tree producing
it, 117

Rosfcndale Poultry Exhibition,
388

Roup, pills for, 150; avoiding, 451 ;
in Spanish fowls, 372; poultry
affected with, 409

Rudgea raacrocepbala, 173

Rust in the Grape, 338

Salading, FonciKG, 96

Sally Luuns, making, 54

Salmon, the, 352

Sand-hopper, 502

Sands, fixing, 150

*' Save-all, Tne Family," 460

Savoury dish. 472

Savoys, planting, 117

Saxilraga oppositifolia, propagat-
ing, 16

Scale, on Cotoneaster, 163 ; on wall
trees, 486

Sciadopiiys verticillata, 10

Scrophularia nodosa variegata, 420

Sea Acorn, 432

Sea-coast planting, 458

Sea-weed iis a lining for dwellings,
110

Seashore, what to look for on, 281,
382, 421, 437, 481, 502

Season, phenomena of, 118

Seedlings, keeping bii-ds from, 49

Seeds, shading aiter sowing, 86;
of last season, 325

Sewing machines, 74

Sewage as a manure, 316

Shades ou rollers, 426

Shading a conservatory or green-
house, 380

Shanking iu the Grape, 337

Sheffield Poultry Show, 369. 388;
mortality of poultry at, 406, 428,
450, 467, 487, 505

Shelters for fruit blossom, 68

Shelves, breadth of, 437

Shrimp, 502

Shrivelling in the Grape, 333

Silkworm, the new Ailanthus, 429,
512

Singapore Agri-Horticultural So-
ciety, 503

Ske;etonis.ing, £03

Sky bees, 351, 352

INDEX.

Slugs and grubs, destroying, 124

Snow Bunting, 429

Soils, our cuUivnted, 139; red loam,
black Band, gravelly, and light-
colourert eand, 218

Solanum, ciipsicastrum variegated,
377; Fendleri, 401

Soldiers, gardens for our, 322

Solenensis 382

Sorghum, culture of, 223, 238

Spanish fowls, bl-ick rot in, 32 ; hens
dying, 110 ; management, 190;
cock broody, 308

Sparkenhne Poultry Show, 506

Sparrow, albino, 16G; the :\Iountain,
209; common house, 228

Sparrows, 391 ; damage they do to
corn crops, 248 ; (hedge), habits
described, 248; a plea for, 431;
and other animal friends of gar-
deners, 470

Spergula pilifera, 206 : on a bank,
427

Spigelia sp'endens, 501

Spirasa dccumbens, 180

Spironema fn.grans, 308

Spot in the Grape, 338

Stable fittings, jIO

Stag beetle, fiS

Starlings, scarcity of, 54: scarcity
and abundance of, 91 : decrease
of, 127

Statice imbricata, cuttings of, 100

Stenogafter concinna, 215

Stephanopbyeum Bailiiti, 78

Steward vorstis gardener, 253

Stings of bees and wasps, 392

•' St. James's IMngazine," 3

Stocks for various fruits, 505

Stokesia cyanea, 133

Stone, uniting broken, 150

Strawberry, plants for early forcing,
25; plants after forcing, 48;
forcing old plants, 49; Frogmore
late Pine, G3; Culverwcll's Sans-
pareil, 63; after forcing, 66; lime
■water for, 67 ; blooms blind, 81 ;
keeping slues from, 85 ; estimate
of sorts for forcing, 85 ; blind
blooms in, !16; plants, manage-
ment of, 162: Oscar, 344, 361;
culture in pots, 404; plants for
forcing, 465

Strawberries, for forcing 105; in
pots not blooming, 144; ea,rly in
France, 180; forced, watering,
204; under glass, 242; large, 261 ;
mowing the leaves off, 368

Streptocarpui Saundersii, 215

Sunbeam, The grave of the, 36

Sunderland Poultry Show, 32

Sunflowers, 485

Swallows' arrival, 147

Swarm, following, 351

Swarming season of 1861, 350;

caution, 351
Swai-ms artificial, 347 ; uniting, 350
Swett Williams not blooming, 359,

406
Svnnx nudus, papillosus, and Bcrn-
'hardus, 422

Table decoration, Mr, March's
design for, 445

Tallow, vegetable, 190

Tank, healing by hot water, 4C4

Taunton Poultry Show, 51, 209,267

Tea tree, 322

Thermometer, new ground, US

Thermometrical observations, 219

Thorne Poultry Show, 267

Thuinpsis dolabrata, 280

Thymus serpyllum hirsutum for a
rockery, 115

Thyone papillosa, 421

Tillandsia recurvifolia, 140

Timber for garden structures, 460,
484, 498

Toes, contracted, in fowls, 92

Tomatoes, queries about, S05

Tomtits, catching, 54

Torry Hill, 178

Transplanting, season for, 320

Trees loose in the ground, 341 ; in-
jured in an orchard-house, 380

Tritoma uvaria granditlora, 265

Tropjeolum Beckerianum, 45 ; cut-
tings, 426

Tropseolums, new mode of training,
78 ; bed of, 86

Truffles, culture of, 44, 63, 81

Tulips, moving them after blooming,
86

Tumour on fowls' breast, 32 ; in
hen's crop, 110

Turkey djing rapidly, 170; char-
coal for, 245; food for young, 507

Turnip sowing, 404 ; spring, 103

Turnips, sowing early, 117

Vallota poRPunPA, 307

Variation of flowers, cause of, 211 ;

in plants, 418
Variegation in the leaves of plants,

304, 334 ; of plants, 312 ; in plants,

382
Variegated plants, 196, 203
Vase, a few flowers for, 413
Vases, arranging flowers in, 151, 191,

240, 313, 393; design for, 192, 241
Vegetable, a new, 13
Vegetable Marrow, Custard, 360
Vegetable Marrow and its cookerv,

404
Vegetable Marrows, 183, 485 [320
Vegetables, rules for supplying,

Verbena-bed, number of plants re-
quired for, 31 ; Sweet-scented,
cuttings of, 40G ; seed, sowing,
486

Verbenas, for bedding, 125; droop-
ing, 244; wintering old, 505

Vermin in gardens, 448

Veronica Andersoni, 387

Victoria regia, 442 ; culture, 443

Vinca rosea, culture of, 1)39

\ine culture, soil and borders, 44 ;
propagation, 60; by eyrs, Gl ; not
fruitful, 67 ; Canon Hall Muscat in
a greenhouse, 98 ; why shoots are
stopped, 104 ; culture, planting,
training on wall, 136; leaves and
bunches decaying, 144 ; beetles on,
144 ; culture on walls, 176 ; shoots,
stopping, 183; bunches ulcerated,
183; grafting, 213 ; pruning, spur
t'. rod, 216; greenhouse culture,
215; stove culture of, 235; late-
rals, treatment of, 265 ; culture
of the, 296 ; in pots, culture of,
317 ; modes of training, 320 ;
leaves diseased, 327 ; culture of,
in early vineries, 337 ; in the
eummer vinery, 337 ; winter treat-
ment of, 337 ; diseases of, 337 ;
culture of the, 358 ; coiling
gyftem of growing the, 358 ;
transplanting and lifting, 358 j
mildpw, 368; grafting and in-
arching, 399; raising from seed,
399

Vineries, ground, 180

Vinery and Cucumber-house com-
bined, 78; temperature of, 85

Vinery, evergreens for back wall of,
116; management, 202 ; and con-
servatory heating, 458

Vines, interfering with windows,
31 : training brittl? shoots, 42;
leaves warted, 49 : Vines failing,
86; refusing to break, 114; fruit-
ful at ends of shoots 126; manu-
ring, 163; leaves and stalks decay-
ing, 163 ; on walls, neglected,
205; in tan, 20G;mi)dew on, 206;
in pots atChiswick, 343; diseased,
346; for an early vinery, 381 ; in
pots, 386 ; injured by burning sul-
phur, 438; in pots breaking pre-
maturely, 478; unfruitful, 483;
in pots, the prize for, at Worksop,
500 ; leaves blistered, 504

Vinegar, home-made, 74

Vineyards and Vine disease at the
Cape of Good Hope. 237, 340,
564, 400 ; mildew there, 401

Violets, Neapolitan, growing for
■winter and spring flowering, 23

Vriesia speciosa, 301

Walks, concrete, 104, 125, 163;
keeping in order, 143

Wall, plants for a low north, 446;
trees for profit, 4S6

Wallflowers, foreknowing colour of
seedling, 426

Walls, fruit for east and west, 426

Waltonian Case, 67 ; plants lor, 68 ;
heating, 125

Warts, curing, 190

AVasp. cure for sting, 432

Wasps, 367; plague of, 412; and
hornets serviceable, 492; destroy-
ing, 465, 512; nests, todestri'y,472

Watering, bedding plants, 205 ;
a garden, 244 ; and mulching, 447

Water Lilies, 346

Waterproof varnish, 36

Wedge, its uses, 403

Weeds, killing, 182

Week, work for. 14, 29, 47, 66, 84,
103, 123, 142, 161, 181, 203, 225.

241, 262, 283, 305, 325, 344, 366,
384, 403, 424, 446, 4G4, 484, 504 ;
doings of the last, 14, 29, 48, 66,
85, 103,124, 142. 1G2, 182, 204, 225,

242, 263, 283, 305, 325, 344, 366,
385.404, 424, 447, 465,484

Weigelia rosea, cutting back, 15
Wellingtonia gigantea branches de-
caying, 427
Wheat, when in it fertilised, 257;
fertilisation of, 272 ; time of fer-
tilising, 311. 315
Wheel and axle, 336
Wild flowers, British, 15
" Wild Flowersof Great Britain," 98
Wine, Rhubarb. 372
Winter, its effect on plants at Kew,
37 ; on plants in England, 58, 80,
99, 123, 135, 156, 23.1, 243, 256,
298, 339,458; plants to flower in,
307
Winter flowers in rooms, how to

prow, 495
Wolverhampton Poultry Show, 506
Wonpo-Wongo Pigeons, 470
Woodhall, a glimpse of, 78, 114
Woodlice, destroying, 49
"Wnrnis, to destroy, 406. 436
Wreath, design for, 152. 272
Wreaths of flowers, 45, 100, 180

Xtlophaga, 382

Yellow-tailed Moth Catebpjl-

LAES, 140
Yellowhammer. 330
Yew hedge, moving, 125
Yew hedges, manajrement of, 43
Young, Arthur, and his "Farmer's

Calendar," 39

Zamia Skinkeui, 40

WOODCUTS.

PAOE.

Ahutilon insigne 363

Aristolochia picta 180

Ashmead'g Kernel Apple 27

Calaninus brassica; 140

Bar-hive 148

Barkeria melanocaulon 100

Barnacles 482

Bee Feeders 109, 332

Bee-hive Covers 1(;8

Bee-hive, Phelps* 269

Bee-hive St;iud 73

Bee Parasite 350

Beurr*- Lef(>vre Pear 13

Brick Edging 478

Cattleya elegans 100

Chinese Rabbit 69

Cissus discolor 342

Clianthus Uampieri 160

Collateral-hive 89

Convolvulus nmuritaiiicus 120

Cucumber-house , 177

CuUingford's Bird-trap 511

Cypripedium Lowi 100

„ Atsmori 402

t» guttatura 402

Dalkhc's Filter 229

Dipladenia atro-purpurea 45

Double Dibble 224

Dutch Rabbit 169

Ecbiurus vulgaris 422

Egg-beaicr, Patent 74

Euproctis auriflua 140

Fernery under GIub? 261

PAOE.

Flower-basket and Pattern 300

Flower-basket 375

Geometric Flower Gardens 40

Hermit Crab, &c 438

Himalayas, View in , 121

,. Maps of 122

Hive-boards )2S

Hive-entrance Slide 187

Honey-comb Support 371

Inclined Plane, the 378

Lapageria rosea 260

Lardizabala biternata 260

Leaf-culter Bee 83

Lever, the 292

Linton Park Dutch Garden 101

Lisianthus princeps 363

Lydainanitu 83

March's Table Decoration !!!!!!'!!.'."!.! 821

Meligethes feneus 141

Mitraria coccinea 260

Mowing Machme Sharpener .......'....,......... 201

Oncidium cosymbepborum 45

,, hiematochiluin 100

Pelargonium Pruning 22

,, Specimen 2

Phaltenopsis amabilis 343

Pholas, or Borer,., 382

PiL-ca Veitchi '......'.......[. '. 82

Ponthicva maculnta 180

Portable Filter 230

Priapulus caudatus 422

Pulley, the 362

Rabbit-hutch 423

MOB.

Redleaf, Views at 4, 2C, 64

Rimmel's Perfume Vaporiser 130

Rose Garden 463

Sand-Hopper 502

Sciadopitys verticillata 10

Sea Acorn 482

Sea Cucumbers 281

Seed Drill 21S

Silver Grey Rabbit 86

Solen ensis 382

Spircea decumbens 180

Stable Fittings 510

Statice imbricata 100

Straw-hive Window HO

Syrinx nudns 422

Thermometer, Ground 118

Thermometrical Apparatus 220

Thuiopsis dolobrata 280

Tropaeolum Deckerianum 4S

Variegated Leavef, Dissected 383

Vase for Dinner-table 240

Victoria regia 442

Vine-border, Heated 236

,, Section 44

Vine Eye 61

„ Grafting 399

., Pruning 277

„ Training 136, 17G

Vriesia speciosa 301

Wedge, the 403

Wheel and Axle 336

Woodbury Comb-bar 148, 351

„ Comb-burs 185

April 2, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

Day

APRIL 2-8, isei.

WXATHBa NKAB LONUON IN 18G0.

Sun

Sun

Moon
Rises

Moon's

Clock
after

Day of

01 of

Rain in
Inches.

M'nthl Week.

Barometer.

Thermom.

Wind.

Rises.

Sets.

and Sets

Age.

Sun.

Tear.

deu. deg.

m. h.

m. h.

m. h.

m. s.

2

Tu

Easter Tuesday.

29.203-20.059

46-33

S.W.

•22

35 af 5

32af 6

21 2

(

3 35

92

3

W

Gentianella.

29.605-29.456

55-26

S.W.

•10

33 5

34 6

54 2

23

3 17

93

4

Th

Star of Bethlehem.

29.729—29.676

56-37

E.

30 5

36 6

17 3

24

3 0

94

5

F

Siberian Squill.

29.816-29.694

56-39

N.E.

•01

28 5

38 6

37 3

25

2 42

95

6

S

Soldanella.

29.828-29.738

60-30

N.E.

26 5

39 6

53 3

26

2 25

96

7

Soft

1st, or Low Sunday. Prince

29.864—29.824

63-36

S.W.

24 5

41 6

7 4

27

2 7

97

8

M

Alyssum saxatile. [Lbop. e. 1853.

29.807-29.436

57—35

S.W.

•01

22 5

42 6

20 4

23

1 50

98

Meteobologt of the Week — At Chiswick, from observations during the last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest I

temperatures of these days are 56° and 36° respectively. The greatest heat, 79% occurred on the 7th, in 1859 ; and the lowest col(

, 16'',

on the 2nd in 1838. During the period 137 days were fine, and on 101 rain fell.

OUB ADDITIONAL NAME.

iYES to the right— Noes to the left,"
' said v,e, as we looked over the cor-
respondence we had invited relative
to our proposed alteration of title.
When we came to the end of our
division there could be no room
•for doubt, and we closed the
counting of votes with " The Ayes
have it."

Let it not be concluded, how-
ever, that those letters were few,
or merely records of the writers' affirm-
ative or negative opinion. Some were
neutral and imparted the rough truth —
" the title is of but little importance to
us your readers ;" some availed themselves of the
•opportunity to say what they required and what they
took no interest in; and those who wished us, as one
e.xpresses it, " to be as ye be," argued strongly and
earnestly.

One said, " People won't know you in a fine silk and
satin dress. Stick to the corduroy and good Yorkshire
broadcloth."

A second wrote, " I once tried to assist a man, as I
thought, in extending his business ; but I soon found
■all the money went for a new front, and in a few months a
smash came."

A third declared, " Tlie time-hallowed name of The
Cottage Gardener is, I may say, ' familiar as house-
hold words' in many a nook and corner of old England.
'Why, then, change it ? Why not preserve the unity of
our future volumes ?"

A fifth urged that " The present title is not quite so
great a misnomer as at first sight appears. In addition to
cottages ' where poor men lie,' are there not ' cottages of
gentility ?' Besides, make what change you will, your
periodical will be called ' The Cottage Gardener' in
spite of .you, by buyers and vendors, till the end of the
chapter — and may that he long distant."

A sixth argued — but we must publish our old supporter's
letter entire :^

" The pure and simple title of ' Cottage Gabdeker,' or as
many called you, ' t/ie Cottager,' was of itself very attractive.
MTien you added the title of ' Coimtry Gentleman' I did not
■think it an improvement of yom' nomenclature. But there,
perhaps, was a sufficient reason, becau.se you then entered upon
pursuits and amusements which appertain to the ' Country
<xentleman ;' and I think that the majority of your supportei's
will agree that your present appropriate title will embrace all
that can be collected in Horticulture, Floriodtm-e, Agriculture,
and, I may say, Omniculture, to say nothing of the ' Chronicles '
of the Poultry Kings.

" I for one hope that you will not alter your pleasant name,
although, by-the-by, you have just arrived at your twenty-fifth
period — a time of life when ladies do begin to get vmcommonly
No. 1. — Vol. I., New Series.

fidgetty about changing their names. I tru.st, however, that you
are too well and happily domiciled to be influenced like some of
them ; and I hope you will not take it amiss if I heartily wish
that you may retain unaltered your present attractive and
homely name until you have doubled or trebled your present
age, growing stouter ' typically ' as you advance in years. I
have little doubt that since your first appearance many a cottage
gardener has. by his industry, perseverance, and yovu' aid, become
a country gentleman ; but of this I am certain — that you have
taught many a country gentleman the pleasure and advantage of
being a cottage gardener."— W. W.

Now, strange as it may seem, these remonstrant and
kindly expressed letters reconcile us to the addition to our
title, for they do not foreshadow a single evil that will
follow upon the change. "We can assure our friends that
we do not intend to dress in future " in silk and satin,"
and we shall stick as heretofore "to the corduroy and
good Yorkshire broadcloth." Moreover; we are not
" spending money" upon " a new front," nor do we
think the a.ddition to our old front will induce " a
smash;"' neither shall we he grieved by being called
"The Cottage Gardener in spite of us," nor do we
fear ceasing being " familiar as household words :" indeed
every letter shons that we are associated with the "blithe
blink" of their writers' " ain firesides," and that's a
guarantee to our remaining there " to the end of the
chapter." As to the " unity of future volumes" with
their predecessors, we have made arrangements for that;
and if we are " fidgetty," like ladies of " twenty-five,"
to " change our name," it is only because we have a
good match in prospect and the preceding approval of
our friends.

The chief difficulty has been to select from the matches
proposed. One old friend, writing fi'om Cheltenham —
that town of connubialities — placed before us no less than
fifteen which he considered eligible, and vex-y mature de-
liberation only induced us to accept the name under which
we this day appear.

"But what is the real inducement to the change ?" asks
a lady ; and this letter embraces our reply — it is from one
of long experience in the literary ■world.

" I am greatly pleased to see that you are following the right
policy — namely, increasing the size of your Journal as it prospers,
and thus giving the public a share in its success : this will
induce still further good feeling among its subscribers. I have
long felt how entirely it has outstripped its original cognomen ;
and it is not conducive to your own mtere.st to call it ' The
Cottage Gardener.' when, in truth, it circulates more largely
than any other jom'ual among professional gardeners .and the
gentry who delight in gardening. And let me appeal to your
self- esteem by observing that when quoted from, there is not
much dignity in your appended name." — J. S.

Now, we have not a single additional reason to add to
those stated by our friend; and having thus made our
public confession, we will at once conclude with this moni-
tion by a high authority, " Be not given to change, but
never hesitate from changing if the purpose be honest, and
the object truth."

No. 653.— Vol. XXVI. Old Series.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 2, ISM,

GROWING SPECIMEN PELARGONIUMS.

The above woodcut is a representation of a specimen
Pelargonium tbat was exhibited and presented to Her
Majesty the Queen.

This picture will give our readers an idea how such a
plant can be grown ; and I think they will all agree that
it was as good and as perfect a specimen as could be
wished for. The method by which such a plant can be
produced may not be so well known ; but by tolerable
care and earnest perseverance through all the stages and
points of cultnre, any one possessing a good greenhouse,
and a cold pit or frame, may grow one or more equally
fine.

In order that any amateur or gardener having the
means and the laudable ambition to try to produce such
a specimen may succeed, I will state the results of my
experience ; and the first advice I would give them is that
they lay this down as a law, like that of the Modes and
Persians, to be unaltei-ed or undcviated from — Never let
the leaves of plants intended for specimens touch the leaves
of neighbouring plants.

As they grow larger they must have more space, and
that space will not be wasted ; for one shapely, well-
grown, and freely-bloomed plant wUl give more pleasure
to the spectator with good taste than half a dozen drawn
plants ; though, as far as space is concerned, they may
produce equally as many blossoms.

Another primary rule of almost equal importance is
so to place the plants that every leaf shall have an equal
share of light. It is well known that light is necessary
to keep the leaves healthy and of an equally deep green
colour. To manage this with the greatest case, a span-
roofed house running east and west is the best form.
In such a house the greatest number of leaves receive
their share of sunlight. In a lean-to house, the plants,
in order that the leaves may all enjoy the same advan-

tage, must necessarily be turned round frequently, which,
under ordinary circumstances, is a considerable trouble.
This trouble might be in great measure avoided by
placing each plant in a feeder with holes in it to let
out the water ; and the feeder and pot set upon a round,
flat piece of wood set on a pivot, like the top of a music-
stool. If this piece of wood had notches made on its
edge, a long and strong stick with a flat, sharp end, could
be inserted in one of the notches, and by pushing side-
ways the plant would, of course, move round. By this
simple and cheap contrivance, a man would be able in a
few minutes to turn round the plants in a good-sized house,
thus sa^'ing a large amount of time ; and he would also
avoid any danger of breaking the leaves or branches with
his arms — a danger that often occurs when the plants have
to be turned round in the ordinary way.

Equally important for the health of plants is that each
should have its due supply of fresh air on all favourable
occasions. Fresh air is as necessary for plants as for
animals. Where too great a number of plants are
crowded into a house, they will be injured in health just
like human beings. The gas they emit should be
expelled from the house, and fresh pure air admitted for
the plants- to inspire ; due regard being paid that the
admitted air is not too cold, being warmed as it enters
by passing over a heated surface, such as a flue or hot-
water pipes.

Soil. — Every cultivator who has had any experience
and exercises his thinking powers, soon finds out that
different plants require different soils. Pelargoniums
require a strong soil — that is, good sound loam, such as
will grow Melons. The top spit of a pasture will answer
well. Let it be carted home and laid up in a long ridge
so as to expose as large a surface to the air as possible.
Keep it clear of wee(£, and let it be turned over two or

AprU 2, 1861. ]

JOURITAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

three times. To two parts of this loam add one part of
two-year-old cowdung, well turned over frequently. Old
hotbed dung treated similarly will do nearly but not
quite as well. Then add about one part of river sand
and bits of charcoal mixed. Let all these ingredients be
kept in separate heaps till wanted for potting, then mix
them in the above proportions and use them moderately
dry. This compost should be used to grow and bloom
the plants in. For the winter season use a small quantity
of leaf mould instead of the dung. Fresh soil is always
to be preferred, for old soil is apt to become cloddy and
sour.

Procuring the Plants. — The best time to procure young
plants is in April. Plants struck early the previous season
are the best to commence with to lay a foundation for speci-
mens. Choose such as are dwarf— that is, with a centre or
main stem about two inches high, and branching from it
three shoots as near each other as possible. If, however,
the plant is stout and with leaves nearly down to the pot,
then one or two shoots would do ; but, then, these mast be
stopped in close to obtain three shoots of equal strength to
form the frame of the future specimen.

Supposing the plants have to be procured from a respect-
able nurserjnnan at a distance — some one that grows speci-
mens himself — ^you might safely leave the choice of the
plants to liim, only acquaint him in your order-letter with
the purpose for which you require the plants. In 60-sized
pots is the best size to commence with.

When the plants arrive place them in your greenhouse
for a week or ten days to recover from the journey. In
the meantime prepare your soil and mix it thoroughly, but
do not sift it. Any rough pieces you may meet vrith lay
on one side, they will be useful to put upon the drainage.
Place this compost in a warm place to become aired and
moderately dry previously to using. Look out also the
proper-sized pots for this first shift. Large 48's, if the
plants are strong and healthy, will be the suitable size.
Have ready also a quantity of broken pots for drainage.
If oyster-shells can be had they angviner well to place over
the hole at the bottom of the pot.

Potting.- — Pelargoniums grown for specimens require
potting twice in the year ; the first potting being in the
spi'ing, and the second in the autumn. It is with the
spring potting that we must first have to do.

All being ready, bring the young plants to the potting-
bench, fix upon one to begin with, and put the drainage
in a suitable-sized pot for it. Place first either a large
crock or an oyster-shell over the hole ; then lay a few
largish crocks upon that, and then some smaller ones
above them — the whole to occupy about three-fourths of
an inch. Place a thin layer of moss upon the drainage,
and upon that either a sprinkling of soot or charcoal dust.
After that place a thin layer of the rougher parts of the
compost, and finally a layer of soil. Then tm-n the plant
out of the pot, pick out from it the old drainage, and
loosen part of the roots, spreading them out over the new
soil as much as possible. Then see that the collar of the
roots is just below the rim of the pot, and fill in around
the ball with the fresh soil, pressing it down gently
as it is put in. When the pot is full give it a smart
stroke or two upon the bench to settle the soil, level
it neatly, leaving it about half an inch below the rim of
the pot.

That finishes the potting of one; and when all are
finished similarly, then give a good watering with tepid
water and replace the plants in the greenhouse, bearing
in mind my first warning— to give them plenty of space ;
also place them as near to the glass as may be convenient
to give them proper attention in watering.

For a month or five weeks, whilst new roots are
running into the fresh soil they will not need a large
supply of water ; but when the roots reach the sides of
the pots, and the leaves and shoots are advancing in
growth, then water will be required in abundance. They
should never be allowed to flag. After a hot sunny

day let the plants, in addition to water at the roots, have-
a gentle dewing with the syringe : exercise discretion,
however, in this point. No drops of water should be on
the leaves the morning following : therefore the syringing
should be used to the extent only that the water may
be evaporated by the time the sun rises. T. Applebt.

{To be coTiiinued.)

MAUVE AND MAGENTA.'

The beauty of these colours has often been dwelt upon, and

now we have a most interesting treatise on their preparation fi-om

the pen of Mr. Robert Himt, so well-kno^vn for his researches

concerning the nature and properties of light." -i. ,

"Apiece of wood and a lump of coal," observes Mr. Hunt,

' have no particular resemblance to each other, but they belong to
the same family — they are very near relations. The coal we liurn,
and which is dug from a thousand feet below the present surface of
the earth, with most laborious toil and under circumstances of
peculiar hazard to the miner, wa.s once a forest gi-owiug in 1ut;u-
liant beauty, in the splendoiu- of a tropical sun. MjTiads of
ages have elapsed, mountains have been worn down, and their
debris strewn over the buried forests. Hundreds of yards in
thickness of sandstone and shale have to be pierced ere we reach
our buried treasure, more valuable far than the "hoarded gold"
of the enchanter Merlyn. In the deeps and in the darkness of
these rock fomiations chemical changes have gone on, result-

ng in the production of that coal which gives to our country
her commercial supremacy, and to our ladies — Mauve and
Magenta."

Whilst converting that coal into gas for the purposes of illu-
mination we all know that a most pungeutly-smelling tar is pro-
dxiced ; but, offensive as it is, " the chemist's magic art'' " has-
f straeted from it several essences remarkable for their fragrance ;
and from the same black tar— to touch which w.as to be defiled —
by a process of transmutation, the chemist has evoked a col'iur
which has carried joy to the hearts of the Cardinals of Rome, and
administered pleasure to the fashion-rulers of oui- own and other
lands."

From the tar a blue colouring matter i\ as first obtained, to
which he name of Anitine has been given, because Anil is the
name of a plant yielding ludigo. Aniline combines with sul-
phuric acid (oil of vitriol), taking the form of crystals which
become red by exposure to the air: " and here is developed the
secret of its producing the exquisite reds and piu-ples of which
we write."

' Mr. Perkins was the discoverer of the original Mauve. IXa
was a student of Dr. Hoffmann's, and employed liy that chemist

o .-,ssist him in his investigations of the products from coal.
The preparation of Aniline w.is described by Dr. Hoffmann, aud
he first showed that its presence could be detected by the violet
colour it gave when treated with chlorine. This was the key to
everything that has since been done, and it is not a little curious
to see how the changes have been rung by the chemistson osidisino-
agents. A few examples will suffice : — °

Salt of Aniline, with Bichromsle of P.itash ... Mauve ond Perkins' Purple
Ditto Biohloride of Jleicury... ^frjnn/a. and other l!eds

Ditto Bibrornide 01 Tm Fiicdsitcim. Sec.

Ditto Nitric Acid Jzitl-inr, ,^o!farina &c

Ditto Arsenic Acid jii-d.s and Purples. ' ' -

Ditto Peroxide of Lead Jinsfiti'-. -r

Ditto Wnaganese Salts Pinlt, Red, mi Purple SoU

fai-iua, &c.

This list might be considerably extended if there were any
reason for so doing. Our purpose is answered if we have suffi-
ciently explained the sources from which are now procm-ed this
class of charming colours, before which the boasted Tyrian or
'mperial purple must pale. The colour obtained from the shell-
fish does not appear to have been a permanent colom- ; thouo-h
costly, it was evanescent. The Mauve aud Magenta are perma-
nent colours. Light does not bleach them ; the weaker acids
do not stain them ; the colour is dependent on the oxidation
of the base of it, whereas, in nearly all other colours, the action
of oxygen is to destroy the col jur."

• This essay, entitled " Mauve and Magenta," is puhllshed'in tlip S'
■James's Magazine, the first Namber of wliioh hai appeared tliis month'
when we knew that the editorship of this periodical n-as entrusted to Mr<'
Hall we expected that it would b.- characterised b\ a just appreoiaiion of tlte
beautiful, and a mingling of information with amusement. We are not
disappointed, for it i« one of the b?st of the monthlies.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ AprU 2, 1861.

EEDLEAF AND ITS GARDENING.— No. 1.

As it is imiTersally admitted that a bright day enhances the
pleasTire of all out-door gatherings, so does a fine neighbour-
hood improve the effect of well-directed skill towards embellish-
ing a particular spot. As an instance of this, whoever has
looked down from the Crystal Palace on the beautiful terrace
below, without at the same time casting their eyes over the
picturesque landscape by which that gai'deu is surrounded?
These natural advantages are so obvious, that we often look
with pity on a good residence and grounds improperly placed
for benefiting by the natural beauties by which it is surrounded.
This defect, however, in no way affects the position chosen for
the mansion and grounds of the place now imder notice ; for
nothing possibly could be more judicious, even in a neighbour-
Jiood abounding in good positions.

The mansion and grounds of Redleaf, the seat of W. Wells,
Esq., is on one of those eminences which form so pleasing a
feature in the landscape of the south-western part of Kent. The
ground is sufficiently unduUting to be pleasing to the eye, with-
out being too abrupt and precipitous to impede cultivation.
Oak timber of the best description is sufficiently grown to give
a clothed character to the district, without at the same time con-
cealing the cultivated portion. The soil being a sort of yellow
sandy loam, evidently impregnated more or less with irony
matter, and resting on a sort of sandstone, which in some places
crops out to the surface. But there are some stiff clays ; and on
the grounds at Redleaf, a natural slope facing the west consists
of tolerable peat, or what in every sense answers as a sub-
stitute for it, so far as the welfare of the Rhododendrons and
other things is concerned.

The mansion is a modern brick building, to which considerable
. additions have been recently made by its spirited owner. The
-approach is from the north-east, the principal fronts being on
the east, south, and west sides.

The situation being elevated, the ground iaclines rapidly to the
west, and more gently and with some variation to the south, the
east side being more level. The gardens and dressed grounds
extend mostly to the south, south-east, and south-west of the
mansion. The west side more quickly blends in with the park,
which runs as a valley for some distance between the beautifully
timbered ridges which flank it on either side. This valley
extends for many miles, the view from this point being very
interesting ; the ridge forming the right flank presents many
portions of its rocky surface to the eye, and the judicious mixture
of deciduous and evergreen trees gives it a pleasing effect. The
natural sloping gi-oimd uniting this ridge with that on which
the mansion stands contains the natural peat alluded to, and is
planted with Rhododendi'ous of good kinds, which seem so well
at home that they ripen seed and sow themselves, plants of %'ariou3
sizes appearing amongst the Fern and other herbage, for this is
not dressed ground. Some excellent specimens of Crj'ptomeria
japonica and Picea cephalonica were growing amongst these
Rhododendrons in luxuriant health, and some others of the Pinus
tribe had been introduced with good effect, and with every
prospect of their doing well.

In the foregoing outline of the natural features it will be seen
that the most of the dressed ground is to the south of the
mansion, and to the south-east and south-west of it ; and
although the whole, in farming phrase, may be said to lie within
a compact ring fence, yet each department is separated from its
neighbom' by a sort of natural ban-ier, by which, on looking
over the place, the visitor comes suddenly on some feature he
had no reason to expect. These natural boundaries, or what, by
a judicious assistance of art, seem to be natural divisions, often
consisted of a projecting mass of natural rockwork, to which au
excellent mode of appending other stones and tasteful planting
gave an idea that Nature had done the whole. In another

Fig. 1.— Redleaf— The EngUsU Garden.

place an irregular mass of Hollies forms an impenetrable screen
between two objects, both in themselves good, yet advisable to
conceal from each other. At the same time care has been taken
not to allow these bairiers to interfere with the good view of
distant scenery that every now and then claims attention ; for
be it observed, that with the exception of a Dutch flower garden
and conservatory attached, the whole of the other portions of
the groundspresent that easy uatiu-al style which ignores straight
lines, perfect levels, and geometric figures.
|j The cngi-avings taken of dUlcrent views of the groimds, which

we shall place before our readers, in many instances fall short
of conveying a just conception of this remmkable place, and the
taste and skill by which it has amved at its present condition ;
but they may, nevertheless, be acceptable as conveying some
idea of the beauties of the grounds.

Fig. 1 is a view of what for distinction we may call the
" English Garden," which consists of a large space of nearly a
circular shape. The view being from the west presents a mass
of natural rock on the left, or north side, -nith a fine Magnolia
conspicua in the centre, and an equally fi»« Cryi^tomeria

April 2, 1861, ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE i%ND COTTAGE GARDENER.

japonics, and other plants equally good. The whole of this
space is well-kept turf with a walk surrounding it. On the
outer side of this walk, on the south side, is a border of Roses
backed by choice shrubs; and a series of oval-shaped beds (not
ehown in the figure) form a sort of chain on the grass on the
inner side. The walk ascends to the top of the rocky eminence
on the north side, and enters a summer-house (as shown in the
engraving), the exterior of which presents some of the features
of a Swiss cottage. Internally it is fitted up by the floors and
walls being inlaid with woods of different kinds arranged in
geometric patterns, but no varnish or French polish to destroy
the character for natm-al simplicity which it is intended to
convey, the roof being shingles. An inner compartment contains
some fine specimens of porcelain and other rarities.

The position of the summer-house — on a ledge of rock over-

looking a garden containing some excellent specimens of Arau-
carias,! Rhododendrons, with some Camellias and A2aleaa on the
api roach to it — is beautiful in the extreme, as it is not crowded.
The rock itself is in some places clothed with dwarf-growing
Rliododendrons, with a little Ivy and other things, but in no
instance crowded nor yet showing the equally objectionable
feature of having been cut to keep it in bounds. Sufficient of the
roi k is shown to produce a pleasing effect, which is in some
def ree increased by a noble Oak tree shown in the foreground,
and I have no doubt but in summer the beds will be rich with
the choicest bedding plants ; but at all times the scenery is
atti active, and, secluded as it appears to be from the outward
woild, it is easy to picture the conjectures a playful imagination
ui.iy biing up to second objects in themselves approaching so
nf ar the ideal of perfection.

Fig, 2. — Rbdleaf — View fi-oin the drawing-room window.

The above is a west view from the mansion, which has, in
some measure, been explained before. The valley, which near
the mansion does not exceed a quarter of a mile in width,
widens out in the distance, the extreme view being, I believe,
upwards of twenty miles.

The rooky ridge on the north side near the house presents
among other very noble trees some fine Oaks mingled witli
Scotch" Firs, and now and then a Cedar of Lebanon jutting out
in a manner that promises at some future day to rival the Oak
in its proportions.

The grounds immediately in front of the mansion at thi.s .side
present no particular object, but shelving down to the p,ark
seem to unite with it ; the fence being in most places concealed

( To be eon

by the inequalities of the groimd, a piece of water in one place
forming the boimdary.

The park, wisely, is not encumbered by trees in this direction,
the ridges at right .and left constituting sufficient shelter ; but on
the northern slope against a mass of rock, a rifle-butt stood out
conspicuously, showing that even in this " happy valley" the
laudable desire of uniting, in case of need, to defend our common
country against all invaders is not forgotten, and, assuredly, no
object can be more praiseworthy.

The natural hill or slope to the north of the house contains
tlie peat earth before alluded to ; and being planted with choice
things, with occasional common ones as niu'ses, will at some
future time be an important feature. — ,T. Robson.
tinved.)

EXHIBITION OF UNFOECED HYACINTHS.

MESSRS. AETHCB HENDERSON AND CO., rl> E APPLE PLACE^N'URSERT, EDGWARE ROAD.

Yesterday, and during the last days of March, the good
people of London had access to the first public exhibition of
unforced Hyacinths on record. Miss Biirdett Coutts and
Madame Van der Hoop were hardly in their carriages from the
Messrs. Cutbush's brilliant entertainment up at Highgate, when
I heard of their resolve to meet some of their best admirers
among the fashionables of the West End, at Pine Apple Place,
on the following week, on free-and-easy terms, without forcing
and without restraint. It is quite true that I was already
" engaged" for a very different party on the south side of the
Thames, as you wUl probably hear next week, and rejoice ; but
I could not resist the temptation of going to see the present
fashion, the prevailing colours, and the style of getting up a
soiree of Hyacinths, without forcing any one to it or for it.
Nothing sweeter or more gay was ever seen in London before,
»nd certainly nothing more chai-ming. But believe me not, go
»nd see for yoiu-self.

This was my nursery for dressing and decorations when I first
took to the fashions, and to ladies' colours and fancies. If you
go you will find there every dress, and all the styles of dre.ss,
which I chronicled from the assembly at Highgate, are perfectly
true to the letter and to the last shade of colom-. You will
also find on the south front of the exhibition-room and on the
farthest half of it from the entrance, a complete assortment of

bedding Hyacinths, not in ribbon setting as at Highgate, but
flanked -with the best and gayest early Txilips. On the same
fi ont, and cross-cornered fashion, you will find that brilli.ant
sameness of dress peculiar solely to that sweet chss of bulbous
flowers called Polyanthus Narcissus — one of the most beautiful
and melancholy of all our classic names for flowers, and just a^
tnie as Ovid has made it melancholy.

The exhibition is held in the L.apageria-house, the Lapa-
geria rosea covering the whole extent of the farthest end of the
house to the extent of 20 feet in width, 9 feet in height, and
runs .along the rafters on both sides of the span roof to the
extent of 15 feet more by the time it is in bloom. Over and
alove all that liberty a sucker-like shoot darts up here and
tlere from the crown of the roots in early May, and runs its
c( urse to the extent of 20 feet by the end of Avigust, and then
blooms on like the free br.anchy growth of the head itself tiU the
ti:rn of the new yeai- — the most splendid object in cultivation,
and the coldest greenhouse is fit for such another display of
hanging Lilies in bells and v.-reaths of the richest crimson,
softened dovm with tints of gold, .and of vermilion in pudibtmdtis
si ading. There is a large sl.ate platform down the centre of
this house, and others of the like material along both sides of it,
with an ample passage all round ; and the whole is filled with
Hyacinths, Tulips, and Narcissuses alone, barring a thick, close

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUKB AND COTTAftE OABDENEH.

[ April 2, 1881.

edging of Mubk Mimulus all round the middle platform ; anl
a line cf upright " greens" along its centre to the extent of 4m
feet or so— consisting of Araucarias, as excelsa, Cookii, and th.-
Brazilian forms of them ; Callitris australis, the best of all
" fm-nishiug " evergreens, as no amount of bad usage, in con-
fused passages upstab-s or down, seems to harm it in the least —
and what is more gi-aceful out on the lawn in summer than a
well-grown specimen of the graceful CaUitria • Also Dacridium
c«;«-£SsmM«, with its drooping branches as if they were made
of the Scotch Lycopodium selaginoides, and stuck on stems of
L. selago itself— the latter the best remedy for all Temiin which
infest evei-y variety and race of dogs, as I can testify from lon^
experience : all these worked artistically from a centre plant of
Araucaria excelsa, and all plunged in green moss.

All the double Hyacinths are said by this firm to do best in
pots, boxes, or the open ground, " whereas the single varieties,
when properly treated, rarely faUed to reward the cultivator
with fine spikes of flowers : therefore we recommend smg'e
Hyacinths for glasses, vases, China bowls, and for early flower-
ing." And for all these purposes they give sound practical in-
structions and selected Usts in their bulb catalogue, from which
I have just quoted.

And now to the gi-and Show itself — and I will begin with
DoiMe Med, Base,- a.i\A Pink. Comtesse de la Coste is a first-
rate deep rose. Duke of Welliiigtou the same,, with a lighter
red. Groot Voorst, which I forced nearly forty years, is yet
without a rival among double blushes. Anotiier bedding beauty,
and one of the best forcers — Regina Victoria,, which you will
find at the farthest end of the south stage, as I can now see it,
is unrivalled as a waxy Peach blossom of the finest shape ; an 1
"Waterloo is still as good as when I first knew it — a dark rosy
red, and cheajj to bed by the score.

Double Whites.— Urnne as I said of them the previous week,
■with the addition of Triumph, Blandina, and Prince of Waterlo .
— two very telling sorts, and very good for bedding.

Double Blue, Fmpli, and t'uicilain (or very light caste o."
blue). — Old Laurens Coster, again only beaten in true blues by
Sir Colin Campbell ; but Eembraudt (shaded mauve) and Vau
Speyk are both up with Sir Colin. The rest of this section as at
Highgate.

Single Bed. — L'Ami du Cceur is one of the oldest and best
forcers in this class, and, I sliould think, a first-rate bedder, and
is one of the cheapest. I shall never stoop to that vulgar mis-
take of prefeiTing a new plant o^- a new colour to an old one
equally good, aud perhaps better, by being cheap enough for
all conscience.". Lut I have a dread of honid foreign names,
aud here is the very worst of them for one of the best o:
the forcing red Hyaointh.s— Diebitch Sabalskanski. Madame
Hudson is al.so a very fine liglit pink of great beauty. Amy,
Florence Nightingale, aud Mrs. Beecher Stow are still my own
three greatest favom-ites in tlus class. Apellius, Cavaiguac,
Circe, Liua, Robert Steigcr, and Schiller are all as good, or very
nearly so.

tinffle While. — A gentleman of our Floral Committee put it
to me at our last meetmg thus : — " Which do you consider the
best white Hyacinth C " Madame Van der Hoop," I said at
once. "Well," he said, "you ai-e not far out — perhaps you
are quite right ;" but he considered Grand Vaiuqueur always as
the very best. Now, if the two were before us for the first
time aud as new kinds, I would move to vote for a first-class dr-
tificate for Madame S'an der Hoop ; and if I carried it by a
majority, and he moved for the credit for Grand Vainquem-,
I would second him — tli.at would be equivalent to saying they
are both best. Dolly Varden, a blush ; Elfrida, another blush ;
Gigantea, another the same ; Grande Vidette, clear white ;
Orondates, the qleai est white; aud Victoria regina, fine waxy
white, are all first-r»i,e flowers in this ilaas. Of single Lilacs with
mauve tints — Dandy aud Unique are the best.

Sinijle Blue, Piuple, aud Porcelain.— Enricus is still the best
forcer in this beautiful group, Argus, Baron von Humboldt,
and Baron von Tuyll the next best. Charles Dickens is veiy
fine,. and so is.Couroinie de Cellc. Jlimosa is superior to the
old I'Ami du Cocur, which is one of the best blues for forcing
and flower gardens; and the Porcelain Sceptre and General
Havelock, tlie next to Mimosa, both being first-rate.

Of CnocusES— David liizzio, Prince Albert, and Ne Plus
Ultra were the best purpUs. Queeu Victoria the best white,
and Majesleuse the best in Sir Walter Scott's stniio, but not
much larger than Sir Walter this time.

Naucissuses— Superbi.ssima was the best yellow pale perianth,
and deep yellow cup; Queen of Yellows next best, aud bot.'i

superior to our old favourite Soliel d'Or. Gloriosa and Queen
Victoria the two best whites with yellow cups, and both superior
to the old Bazelman major, which held the sway so long.
Maximus, or Yellow Trumpet, is a splendid thing to force and
to make large beds of (it is not of the Polyanthus race) ; and
Ajax bicolor, major, minor, and minimus or pusOlus, are edg-
ing plants for spring beds which I have used for years, and found
there the true pusillus, which I had been long looking out for. I
still want Narcissus papyriferus with six to eight flowers on a
spike — one of the earheat, aud wotdd pass for a Polyanthus
Narcissus. A gentleman told me last year that Mr. Stephen
Bro(vn, of Sudbury, Sufiblk, sells it, and I ordered Mr. Hender-
son to procure it for me. How strange that such a beautiful
flower should be so little known, and so much neglected ! Mr.
Arthur Henderson had Cummingia trimaculata, with which I
was familiar in 1823 and 1824 as a Conanthera, and every other
bulb you could mention from that day to this, all as cheap as
Potatoes, and yet country gardens are starved out of them from
sheer ignorance of the existence of such things ; while Stinging
Nettles are run after if there is a variegated spot on a leaf of
them !

Then the summer of 1859 had put the spell off the Russian
and German Ivy plant Ipomcea hedercefolia, and it flowered out
of doors against a south wall — a pale lilac Convolvulus-looking
flower, just as Plumier painted it. ^^Tien Mr. Masson travelled
in Russia and the north of Etu*ope, aud WTote his notes six or
seven years back, he said the nobles in Rus.sia had backgrounds of
Ivy to all their drawing-room decorations of flowers in the dead
of winter; but nobody in London could understand how they
managed their Ivy, and, being then out of humour with the
Russians, they did not care much about the loss of their way
of growing the Ivy. But when I was last at the Clapton Nursery
I met' a nurseryman there from the north of Prussia, aud we
rode m the same 'bus, and there I got at the secret. He said
the Ivy was never so used in as far as he travelled on his yearly
rounds in Russia. But there, and with them in Germany, the
Ipomsea hedersefolia had been time out of mind trained in
narrow boxes for in-door decorations in winter ; and by mixing it
with flowers, and backing flowers with it, nothing in its way
could possibly excel it. No matter how hot, or how dry was
the air of their living-rooms, the " German Ivy," as he called it,
was sure to be at home there, or elsewhere away from the frost ;
train it up inside their double-glazed windows, or over their
mantlepieces, or against the walls anyhow, no huit or harm, or
insect ever went near it. " But you in this happy England,"
he concluded, " have no difficulty in greens ; for everything
keeps green with you, and you have no need of them." But
you heard last week of the Highland welcome which this same
German I\'y has met with in New York, where our Ivy has no
chance against the frost ; and may we not after all have a
leaf out of their books ?

What would you say to a Etiphoriia jacquiniceflora trained to a
trellis which had been previously Ivied all over as thick as the
ruins of the monastery of Monkbams, to stand in the front
drawing-room against one of the paper panels, and to last there
for six weeks in splendid bloom in the dead of winter ? Or how
would it look iu lieu of muslin curtains across the bottom of the
window in your office, or rather in place of the everlasting net-
work blinds you are so safely screened behind ? Would not a
thick screen of Ivy leaves, trained from a handsome box below
the siU, do for blinds ? and might they not also begot up higher
to serve for ctu-tains at the same time, and put you in mind of
the country in the midst of London ?

But what mo.st struck me in the Pine Apple Place Nursery
was the high style of culture given to all the plants, no matter
where placed ; the specimen stove plants in a house at the upper
end of the nursery, and the house for the greenhouse specimen
plants, together with the show-house, as you enter the gate, are the
three best evidences of good cultivation and arrangement I ever
saw so early as this in (he season ; and 1 should say that in about
six weeks the New Holland house alone would be worth a
jotu'ney to London to see it in bloom. But that would be the least
part of my object, as 1 had so often seen all the best of them in
bloom; it" is the style, the potting, the outlines of the plants,,
their cUfierent sizes, their health, and the absence of all traces of
insects that woidd amaze me, after knowing all that could have
been done during the lifetime of the father of the young mea
who now attend to them, and the whole collection is on the self-
same footing.

The Ficua repens — a very different plant from the repens so
called, against the back wall of the specimen stove, sticks to it

April 2, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTtTRE AND COTTAGE GAEDEOTIE.

like Ivy, and Iiangs out from it as regularly as the ears in harvest,
j ust like Sweet Bay leaves — ^is the finest screen for a back waU I ever
saw. Here everything good and handsome is gro-;\-n as a specimen,
just as if it were for the Show. Medinilla magaifica in full bloom —
and if the Messrs. Veitch had never introduced another plant,
they might be proud of their success through this plant alone.
Euphorbia jacquinicefloras, lots of, in bloom. Gordonia javanica,
an excellent forcing Tea plant in full bloom. Ardisia undulata,
plants by the hundreds, and the white or yeUow-berried kind of
it grafted just as freely, and all for decorating the dinner-tables
in London with their hoUy-Hke berries. One grower near
London grows one thousand Ardisia undulata each year for the
London market. Hippeastrtim reticulatum, which I feared was
dead and gone " lang syne," was there sure as certain, and not so
high-priced as one might think, considering it is the best and
the scarcest of all our ancient families. We ha 1 a rumpu.? with
some one in our early days about the reticulata of this very plant,
he saying the reticulation, or the network -Ute veins, were in the
leaves ; and we the contrary — that the net was on the flower,
which is of a light crimson colovu-, ■with a white star round the
eye, and a broad white longitudinal band down the centre of
each leaf, and a large pot of it would make a better varieg.ited
specimen for exhibition than many that have been tried. The
white variegated Agapanthus is getting a lift here to huixy it on
in growth, being a very slow goer, but a beautiful thing when
of a large leafy size.

Begonias all of the best sections, and the crosses from Mar-
shallii by Rex, have a fleece of snow-like spots all over the leaves
on both sides of the milky way — the zone or sonata of our
"Proceedings." I was very much gratified to hear Mr. Hen-
derson say that the report of this class by Mr. Moore, and the
selection by the Floral Committee, were both most excellent and
trustworthy ; but we owe it all to the high style in which Mr.
Eyle.s and his men got them up for examination ; and equally so
to hear the Baron Rothschild in his garden, near Paris, had
large edgings of both Rex and Marshallii last season, and that
they were the most exotic sight on the whole continent.

The greenhouse specimen-house is full of all the be.st leading
plants recently potted and making rapid growth — really a sight of
itself. A large specimen of Brachysema longifolia is a perfect
mass of scarlet pea-blossoms, and is one of the few plants of
that style which seta its flower-buds in the autumn, and may
be slightly forced to come in in January, or any time in the
spring. Pultensea subumbeUata in fuU bloom ; Loddigesia belli-
difolia the same; Acacia rotundifolia, very slender and drooping,
is a fit subject for hanging-baskets, and such are in great demand ;
Aphelexis, of sorts, bursting their rich, shining, crimson flower-
buds, for "everlastings;" Epacris ceriflora, a white, early-
flowering species, the hardiest and most useful of the family, as
it may be forced very gently to come in any time in printer, and
all of them may be forced the same way from November; Acacia
Drummondi, in whole dozens, and all bloom as free as Crocuses,
but never seed unless the plant is half-starved, and not fit to be
seen ; Platytobium parviflorum, one mass of yellow and brown
blossoms. In another house were a lot of Araucaria Cookii re-
cently sent over by Mr. Moore, of the colonial botanic garden at
Sydney. When I first knew Mr. Moore he was a little fellow in
the seed-shop at Pine Apple Place, and getting no more shillings
a-week than he now gets hrmdreds a-year, and richly deserves
them for his services in the good cause. This house was full
of rare useful things, from the Arabis variegata, in hundreds,
for edgings to Blandfordia nobilis — one of the finest Austrahan
bulb-iike plants. Anopterus glandulosus with its long upright
spikes of Arbutus-like blossoms, which come early in spring ;
Dyckia rariflora, a scarlet representative of the American Aloe,
which would do for an age in a No . 4S pot, and bloom evei-y
year of its life; Nerines, Peutlandias, Trilliums, Camassias,
Coburgias, Alstromerias, Cladanthus, Phsedranassa, Zephyran-
thes, Gloriosas, Griffinias, Hjemanthi, Cypellas, Calochortus,
Cyrtanthus, Ismenes, Lycoris, Habranthus, EigideUas, Tritelejas,
Bomareas, Bravoa, MUla biflora at last, Brodiaeas, with Caladiums,
Crinums, Amai-ylUses. Cypripediums, Eucharis, Vallota and many
others ; and all with more or less kinds of species and varieties
of the first order of merit ; but they are not bedding plants, and
therefore not sought after, but by a few knowing customers who
deUght in having some of all the best flowers of the creation.

In a large three-spanned-roofed house were the Gloxinias all
showing for bloom to meet the early demand of the London
season. Great quantities of the Indian Fig, Ficus elasticus —
the aristocratic London plant for the front drawing-rooms; aU
the finer Cannas, of which bicolor and iridiflora — the former for

its leaves, the other for its splendid flowers — are the most
deserving; Hibbeclinium aurantiacum, a weedy-looking plant,
with the richest of all yellow shades of colour ; the Vitellmum, or
yolk-of-egg colour, and even the true Magenta colour — the only
plant we yet know which produces the true Magenta, and that
is the colour of the flower-stalks of the American Poke, or
Phytolaca decandra — a very old shrubbery plant, which every
one who raises seedlings ought to grow to compare his seedlings
with in the autumn, as Magenta is now the great want of the
day.

The old stove is brimful of Ferns and fineries, of which
Platycerium grande is the most out-of-the-way; but I shaU.
have a new start -with it shortly — a far better way of doing it
than at present. In the old Orchid-house is a large planted-out
climber, which few have yet done half so well or even know of.
It is Clerodendron speciosissimum, the fellow to splendens, but
requires a very different treatment ; but I should get what I
often require if I were to enlarge on it at the tail of a story like
this. SougainviUea speotabiiis, the highest mauve ; Dracaenas
by the scores for dinner-tables ; Caladiums by the dozens. But
who can bide all this ? Let me, however, say of a recent cut
from Paris, that Dracaena conjesta is there seen in all their best
shops and houses, as the Acacia lophantha is seen down at
Canterbury, the Indian Fig in London, or the Aaron's Beard ia
country cottages — a universal favourite, and graceful-looking
Pampas-Grass-like leaves. Also Wellingtonias out in bushel
baskets 2 feet across, to be planted baskets and all, and no hurt
or cramping to the roots. I think we owe this most excellent
plan to Mr. Rivers, who, with M. Naudin, calls " geothermal ''
earth lieat, while the ti-ue meaniug of the word is just what we
aU want — and that is eai-th warmiTi. D. Beaton,

ICE-HOUSE VENTILATION.

HiiviNG observed the remai-ks upon ice-houses in The Cot-
tage Gardexee of March 19th, "A Subscriber" would feel
much obliged by having some information u])on the best means
of ventilating an ice-house, which is constructed thus : — The well
is sunk about 5 feet, surrounded by two brick walls with a
space between them. That part of the outer wall above the
surface, about 5 feet, is surrounded by a bank of clay. The well
is about 10 feet across. The roof is very steep, and has about a
yard thickness of straw upon it. The ice is broken up smaU,
and piled up into a cone. The ice is placed upon small pieces
of wood, so that there may be a cavity underneath : at the
bottom there is a trap-drain, to avoid having a current of air
from below. The well is lined with straw, so that the moisture
may run down the straws to the drain. There are thi'ee doors
facing the north. The spaces between them are filled up by
sand. No air can enter. Could anything be done now that the
ice is in ? It would be a great convenience if any method could
be advised so as to avoid removing the sand every time the ice
is wanted — and last year there was considerable waste. — E. T.

[The sand and straw are the causes of the loss of ice. If iron
hurdles which would keep out cats and dogs were where the
doors now are, and all the sand were removed, and a smaD open-
ing were made in the highest part of the dome of the roof, with
a cap supported a little above the opening to prevent the rain
from getting in, a current of air would pass from the outer
door (and no second door is at all necessary) thi-ough the
passage and out of the top of the dome. Then there should be
6 inches of very loose straw put on the top of the ice to keep
the current from the surface — not between the ice and the
brickwork, which is a wrong idea altogether, and has melted ten
times more ice than ever it could save. Every inch of the
straw is soon fuU of confined air damped to the point of satu-
ration, and that is what melts the ice. The longer and the drier
the passage is, the faster the vapour is carried off from the
ice. Dry air in rapid motion has a thirsting power of sucking
up damp, and damp warmed by confined air into vapour is
always, and in all places, more destructive to ice than the blast
of a furnace. That we have ourselves proved over and over
again ; and we have cured one of the largest and worst ice-
houses in the kingdom by the same means as we now propose to
you. For ten years previously the family derived no more use
of the ice in that ice-house than the keeping of things which
would not keep so well in the larder. We heard of the airing
plan having been adopted by acme clever scientific architect, who

8.

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ AprU 2, 1861.

built a famous ice-house for a large family above ground. The
gentleman for whom that house was built told us the story, and
the reasons of the man of science, and that led to our own ideas
and practice of some years being cast into the current ; and some
other fixed notions of the age might well be spared to go the
same way, but none more so than the old notions for keeping
ice. Ice-houses should never have been built under ground at
p.U, that is just their ruin ; and if they could be built on cradles
j'.bove groimd, like corn-stacks, and then sufficiently covered
with non-conductors, that would give the least waste of all.
Ice-stacks built on " flats," made in the face of a steep bank
facing the north, is the next safest plan, and is the most
practicable now ; but a stack of ice at the bottom of any high
ground is in the next worst position to a well of ice in the
bosom of the earth. — D. Beaton.]

THE SPRING MANAGEMENT OF CARNATIONS
AND PICOTEES.

Ms. Beaton is quite right in saying that the Royal Horti-
cxUtural Society, since the formation on a broad and liberal basis
of the Floral Committee, now, for the first time in its history,
has the advantage of real practical florists ; and I quite agree
with him that great profit may be derived from the mutual
intercourse of such and gardeners in general. Our own pages
show how much thi.s interest is increased, and that one kind of
fancy encourages another. I know it has been the fashion with
some (I am not sure that I do not recollect S(ime sly tilts of
D. B. himself) to decry the rage of florists for shape and smooth
edge, and the other points of a florist's fancy ; but let two
flowers be placed toncther, one indifierent in a florist's qualities,
the other up to the mai'k, and I am quite sure it will be at once
seen that shape, &c., have a good deal to say to beauty. Look,
friend, at Mrs. X., with a figure somewhat like a sack tied in
the middle — is she as good an object to feast one's eyes upon as
Mrs. C, with her alight ladylike figure, even though her rival
may have plenty of colour both on her face and in her attire ?
And so form, I say, iu the first instance, then colour afterwards.
This much by way of preface to a few remarks on the spring
culture of a flower, which owes no little of its beauty to the
zeal and discriminating taste of those hybridisers who have said
we must have form — who have set before themselves an ideal,
and have worked up to that until little is left now to be desired
in that respect. It has obtained size and thickness of petal,
smoothness of edge, circularity of outline and depth of bloom ;
but, of course, after much toil and continued weeding of inferior
varieties from the list. The last season was as unfavovirable to
them as it was to everything else. Great difficulty was expe-
rienced in getting the layers to root ; and Mr. Turner, the
largest grower of them iu the south of England, has hardly sent
out any, I believe, until the spring, allowing them to root better
befoi'e doing so : consequently those who wish to begin growing
this very sweet and beautiful flower, can have no better time for
adding to their collection a few favourites than the present.

Let me suppose that these have been procured (I shall add
a list of a few good ones in each class), and that an amateur
wishes to commence their growth. Having thus caught your
hare, the next thing is to see to the cooking thereof. The most
certain method is to gi-ow in jiots, for wireworm and other
abominations are likely to destroy your rising hopes if grown in
a bed. Pots about 9 inches across are the best. Unfortunately,
I have learned by bitter experience that larger-sized ones are a
nuisance in every way, and do not grow the plants as well;
the only advantage they possess being that they offer a broader
space to layer in. The pots ouglit to be quite half filled with
coarse drainage, and then a little moss placed on top of that.
The compost should now be put in. This ought to consist of
good sound yellow loam, well-rotted frame manure, and leaf
mould in about equ,al parts, with a little road gi-it to keep it
open. Let every handful ■ if the compost be passed under yotir
hand and eye, and carefully look for the foul form of a nasty
yellow grub, called a wireworm, which has a disagreeable habit
o! getting into the centre pith of the plant, eating out all its
heart, and then decamping in quest of another. Immolate him
w'lthout mercy ou the shrine of Flora if you catch him. This
being done, fill in your pot nearly full with compost, and then
prepare to put in your pl.ants, a pair in each pot. If these have
been kept in single pots all the winter they will turn o\it all the

better, as the lees the roots are disturbed the sooner they wilE
lay hold of their new quarters. Now fill in with compost, give
the pots a good shake, and then water either with a fine rose
or a syringe. They may then be placed for a week or two in.
some sheltered position until they become established, and after
that removed to some open place. The centre of the walk I
find to be as good a place as they can be iu. When the flower-
stem commences to run up they should be tied to stakes — one
iu the centre of the pot will be sufficient. Weeds must be
carefully taken out, and, if the weather be dry, watering be
attended to ; and as the summer advances, I hope to say some-
thing more with regard to their management for blooming.

They have been divided into various classes. Carnations into
scarlet bizarres, crimson bizarres, pink and purple bizarres,
purple flakes, rose flakes, scarlet flakes ; and Picotees into red,
purple, and rose-edged ones. By-the-by, I have noticed some
(to those unacquainted with them) most misleading advertise-
ments of seeds under each of these different heads, as if they
were to be had distinct — whereas one pod of seed is just as-
likely as not to produce every one of the kinds named, so it
really only answers the purpose of selling a dozen packets of
seeds instead of one. I have also remarked seeds of Pelargoniums
advertised with the names of the flowers the seed has been
saved from. But unless these have been carefully crossed,,
their having one parent good is very little use, and no guarantee
whatever in any case that the seedling will j>artake of the
parents' character.

I now give a list of some really good kind-s, and such as are
of good constitution ; my object being to encourage beginners,
and not to set them to grow varieties which baffle even old
cultivators.

CARNATIONS.

Scarlet Bizarres,
Captain Thompson (Puxley)
Mr. Ainsworth (Holland)
Oliver t^oldsmiih (Turner)
William Pitt (Puxley)

Pink and Purple Bizarres,
Falconbridge (May)
Lady of the Lake (Hale)
Sarah Payne (Puxley)
fahakespeare (Puxley)

Crimson Bizarres.
Chancellor (Puxley)
Orestes (Puxley)
Premier (Puxley)
Sir George Brown (Puxley)

Seuritt Flak s.
Defiance (Puxley)
Mars (Puxley)
SirH. Havelock (Puxley)
Sportsman (Heddcrley)

Purple Flakes.
Ascendant (May)
Earl StamtOrd (Elliott)
Mayor of Oldham (Hepworth)
Squire Trow (Jackson)

Rose Flakes.
Aglaia (AEay)
King John (May)
Poor Tom (May)
Nympli (Puxley)

Jted-rdged.
Ada Mary (Smith)
Cedo Nulli (Headley)
Dr. Pittnian (Turner)
Sametta (Smith)
Mrs. Norman (Norman)
NePlus Ultra (Headley)
Penelope (Turner)

Ptirple-edged.
Amy Robsart (Dodwell)
Bessie (Turner)
Eliza (Payne)

PICOTEES.

PiirpU-edged.
John Linton (Headley)
Rival Purple (Headley)
National (Holland)
Lord Nelson (Norman)

Rose and Scarlet'edijt d.
Alice (Hoyle)
Crystal (Smith)
Lady Greville (Turner)
liev. A. Matthews (Hollar.dJ
Mrs. Barnard (Barnard)
Venus (Headley)

THE LITTLE MARKET-GARDENER ;

OR,

HCW TO CDLTIVATE AN ACRE OF LAND WHEN PROFIT IS
THE CHIEF AIM, AND SHOWING HOW A FAMILY MAV BE
SDPPOKTED, AND SOMETHING PUT BY FOR A RAINY D.tY.

POTATOES.

As soon as March comes in it is time to plant the second
early Potatots. The best sorts that I know of arc, wluit we
call in Shropshire, Knapsacks, Early Flourballs, Sportsmen,
and Liverpool Merchants, Having purchased about fourteea
pecks of the best sorts you can procure, mark out fourteen
rods of the land that you have double dug, and jilaut the
Potatoes 2 feet from row to row and about 8 inches or 9
inches from set to set in the row. You may phint them how
you like — with spade, fork, or dibble, so that you do not
plant them too deep. About 4 inches is deep enough for this
time of year, and 1 believe this to be as good a time .is any ;
and I have planted them at all times from October to July.
In 1856 I obtained seventy-two bags to the acre from Potatoes

April 2, 1861. ]

JOIJRIsAL OF aOETiCULTURE AUD COTTAaE GARDENEB.

planted the 22nd of June. Do not plant large el-U, or whole
Potatoes, unless they are rei-y small. If you can get tlieni, small-
sized Potatoes that will weigh about IJ oz. each are the best,
cut tlu-ough the middle, minding to cut through the crown. If
you hare large Potatoes do not let the sets have more than one
good eye each, there being nothing worse for the Potato produce
than too much haulm. I intend writing a very long chapter
upon Potato growing when I am not quite so busy. I will then
teU you how I grew thirty-one pecks to the rod in 1859, and
eighteen pecks to the rod upon the same land in 1860, some of
tlie Potatoes weighing IJ lb. each. I placed thirty Potatoes in
ray window that weighed 25 lbs., and that same land has had
Potatoes on every year for twenty years.

LATE TEAS.
Any time in March, or the first week in April, mark out two
rods of land, not too close to hedges, and dig about one ton of
good manure into it. If you put them in with the spade, as I
advised for the early Peas, let the rows bo about 2 icet aparl,
and do not sow them too thick in the rows. I put mine in with a
dibbling-iron, the same as is used for dibbling horse Beans, and
they do better in that way than any way I have ever seen. I make
tlie rows about 14 inches apart, and the holes about 3 inches or
i inches from each other, and about 2 inches or 3 inches deep,
and drop the Peas one in each hole. The best sorts that I have
grown are tlie Bellamy's JEarly Oreen Marrow, the Champion
of England, and the Victoria Marrow.

PARSNIPS.
Tliese should be sown as soon as possible in March. Let the
land be double dug, the same as advised for Potatoes, not too
close to trees or hedges : and if you have a good tank for the
soapsuds and such sorts of slops, pour a good bucketful or two
into the bottom of every trench. Mark out the land, about one
rod, into four-feet-wide beds, and sow fom* rows upon each
bed. Make the rows with the back of a rake just deep enough
to cover the seeds, and sow a row of Radishes between each two
rows and np each outside.

CARROTS.
Can'ots may also be sown in March, if the land is not too stiff
or wet ; if it is they would be better sown about the middle or
latter end of April, and then dig a good dressing of charred
rubbish into the land, and mind to sow the seed as soon as the
land is dug. If it is light or sandy land it does not matter how
soon in March you sow them. Mark out one rod of land in the
jniddle of the garden and awaj' from trees ; dig it deej) and
well, and if you put a good dressing of soot and dig it in, so much
the better. Mark it out into threc-feet-six-inches-wide beds,
and sow the one half with Early Horn and the other half with
any large sort you like best. I always find the Altringham to
sell best. Sow five rows of Early Horn upon each bed ; but foui-
rows will be thick enough for the large sorts, and you may sow
a row of Radishes between each two rows of the laige ones, but
not between the Early Horn.

ONIONS AND LEEKS.
Early in March mark out six rods and a half of land almost
anywhere, so that it is not too much shaded. Put a good dress-
ing of manm-e upon half a rod that is the farthest from the outside
for the Leeks ; dig it in deep and well, mark the ground out into
thi'ee-feet-six-iuches-wide beds, and sow the Leeks broadcast, and
not loo thick. Then dig the other six rods. Then take about
three tons of very rotten manure (after you liave marked it out
into three-feet-six-inches-wide beds, and trod them down pretty
firmly), and spread upon the beds regularly and evenly. Beat
it down with the back of the spade ; then sprinkle it over about
half an inch, or 1 inch, tliick with soil out of (he walks. Mark
out five rows upon each bed, and sow about 1 oz. of Onion seed
to every 10 yards length of bed.

BROCCOLI, SAVOY, BORECOLE, AND CABBAGE PLANTS.
About the middle of March mark out tlnee rods of your best
warm borders to grow plants for sale— such as Bi-occoli, Bore-
cole, Savoys, and Cabbages ; dig it over, and sow tlie seeds as
you go on, not too thickly. If the land is very poor, give it a
good dressing of charred rubbish.

EARLY POTATOES.
About tlio last week in March will be time to plant your
Walnut-leaved Kidney Potatoes. Plant them with the spade

about 18 inches fi-om row to row, and about 7 inches or 8 inches
from each other m the row, laying them carefully in the trench
with their sprouts upwards, and mind not to break the sprouts
off. All that are not nicely sprouted should be put on one side,
and planted by themselves, to grow seed for another year. —
Thos. Jones,

{To he continued.)

THE CENTRE BED OF A FLOWER GARDEN.

The garden is about 110 feet by 60 feet, and enclosed on the
east and south by a wall covered with Magnolias, &c. ; on th»
north by a range of hothouse, consei-vatory and vinery ; on the
west by a waE with arches, through which the rosery and park
beyond are seen. There are about forty-eight beds of various
forms converging towards the centre, and advice is wanted as to
whether the centre bed should be formed of three tiers, what
is the best to form the outside of each tier, and how they should
be planted to give the best effect thi-ough the summer ? The bed
may be 10 feet across each way. Or would a wooden or wire
stand of lower and upper baskets be recommended in preference ?
— Rosa.

[The centre bed of so large a flower garden as yours, where
forty-eiglit beds converge to the middle bed, must not be raised
in two or three steps as you contemplate, but be as nearly flat as
possible, say a ten-feet-in-diameter bed, to be raised 6 inches in
the centre. Neither must it be planted with scarlet or yellow
flowers, nor strong pink-coloured nor purple flowers, nor have
any kind of standard plants in it ; and the reason is that a tall
raised centre, or a centre of very strong colours, would arrest the
eye, or attract it too much to the prejudice of all tht- off-side beds
viewed from any point all round it. The best way to plant your
centre bed is, either to fill it with mixed flowers' of all colours
and edge it with variegated Alyssum, or with some variegated
plant ; or to plant it with one, two, or three kinds of variegated
Geraniums in separate roimds, and to edge them with the dark
blue LobeUa speciosa.]

AERANGEMENT OF CROCUSES.

JLiNT of your readers besides myself will thank Mr. Beaton
I for his remarks on the Crocus. I have several .beds dond
somewhat in the manner described, but I shall now be able
to improve them. For instance : I had used in some cases tho
Clotli of Gold yellow, not being aware it was so much earlier
than others. By the time the others are in their prime tliis
! is going off, and the effect is much impaired. Now that I know
the bulbs can be moved without harm immediately after flower-
ing, I shall alter this.

Nolhmg in the whole world of gardening delights me mora
than the pot culture of the early bulbs for in-door decoration,
For a mere novice I think I am tolerably successful ; but I have
a difliculty. The Crocus bulbs always rot away after producing
four or five little bulbs. The Tulips and Narcissi divide theni^
selves into three or four, and neither these nor Crocuses will
flower next year. Does this arise from bad management ? Can
it be obviated ? I was surprised to learn there was a larger and
finer Crocus than &r Walter Scott; but I shall look forward
to a trial of Majestense next year. I had upwards of nine dozen
blossoms from five bulbs of the large yellows in one pot. Is not
this an unusual number ? It was a blaze of beauty. — H. A.

[Of course, in planting hues or beds of mixed Crocuses, all
the kinds should be in bloom at the same time. Wo cannot give
an opinion as to the cause of the bulbs decaying until we know
the nature of your soil and the mode of culture.]

I US. very much dissatisfied with the manner in which
my gardener has planted the Crocuses, and I have seen with
gi-eat dehght a chapter on the " Arrangement of Crocuses ;"
but when I came to study it, it seems to roe so confused that
I can make nothing of it. You will be confeiTing a great boon
on a great many of your readers if you would just give us a
few intelligible hints. Mr. Beaton is generally sufliciently intel-
ligible, but this seems to liave been written in a hurry. — A
SOBSCEIBER AND AbJIIEEE.

, [Begin with the A, B, c of planting Crocuses, and let A stand
for white and all shades of white, B for yellow, and c for purple,

10

JOURNAL OF HORTICT-LTURK AXn COTTAGE GAEDBNER.

Apvil 2, 18f.l.

and plant thorn tlms— A, B, A, c, A— B, A, c, A— B, A, c, A. Tliat
is how to plant Queen Yiotoiia (a), Dutch large Yellow (b),
und Prince Albert (c). There is a white on each side of the
yellow and on each eide of the purple, and that rule is to apply [
to any number of shades cf all the Crocuses.

Sir Walter Suolt is a white, with streaks in it : therefore call
it Al, and plant it, like A Queen Victoria, at regiJar distances. 1

Majesteuse is a white, with more streaks than Al, caU it A3,
and plant it also at equal distances, as on each side of yellow and
on each side of purple. \

Marie d'Eeosse is a white, with most streaks, call it A3, and
plant it at equal distances in your row. If you hare a large j
yellow and a small yellow, mark the latter b1 ; and if you have :

three ov foursluides of purple call them all c'?. The best of them is
plain C, second best Cl, third best C2, fourth best c3. See that
all the fom' are at equal distances apart, each with a white on
each side of it. Then, if your row is a mile long, you have
double the number of whites in it, no kind is in two patches
together, and every individual kind stands at regular distances
along the line]

Parisian Mode of Roasting Apples. — Select the largest
Apples ; scoop out the core without cutting qiute through ; fill
the hollow with butter and fine soft sugar ; let tliem roast in a
slow oven, and serve up with the svrup.

NEW PLANTS

SciADOPITiS VEIiTICIlL.

Fob nearly three hundred years the empire of Japan was till
lately closed against all European nations except the Dutch, and
it is consequently through them or their em))loyi'o3 that any
information has jiitherto boon acquired respecting llii-- rcRiail;-
able country, its
people, and pi-oducts.
Had that communi-
cation been free and
general, our know-
ledgewould havebecn
much more exten-
sive; and we might,
through a people
60 enterprising and
intelligent as the
Dutch, have become
possessed of as com-
plete a history of
Ja)jan as of any other
region of the world.
But even the Dutch
enjoyed only a limit-
ed intercom'se, thsir
trading being con-
fined exclusively to
the harbour of Na-
gasaki. In consider-
ation of this per-
mission to trade witli
the Japanese, the
Dutch were com-
pelled to send an
embassy annually to
the Imperial Court
at Yeddo ; and it is
to the scientific men
wlio accompanied
tliis embassy, tliat
we arc indebted for
what little knowledge
we have of the plants
and natuial products
of the empire. Those
who have written on
the subject have ge-
nerally been employ-
ed as physicians to
the putcli embassy.
Ivicmpl'er, a native of
Westphalia, arrived
at Nagasaki in that
capacity in Septem-
ber, 1690, and, after
residing two years,
left in November,
1692. Thunberg, a Swede, pupil, and subsoqucully successor to
the gi-eat Linnspus, «as aho attached as physician to one of these
embaeeics, and arrived at Kngasidci in 1775. To him wo are
indebted for a pretty exttnsi> e knowlcdce of the plants of Japan ; :
but biyond dried specimms of llie plants he dcsciibes in hi.'
Plora Joponica," neither he nor Krcuipfcr contributed anj-

SLciot ami Ycung Pouc of Pciadoijiljs vcilU-
spKCinu'iis Hui home

FEOM JAPAN.

iTA — TriE Pahasol Fill.

thing to the living collections in Kiiropeau gardens. Dr. Siebold,
ako a physician, who has resided several years in Japan, has
hitherto been the only European who has introduced living
p'ants of Japan into EuiOfC; among \Oiuh some species of

Liliums and of Olo
luatis arc familiar ex-
amples.

The circumscribed
limits to which the
residence of all these
men was confined,
operatedagainst their
acquiring a more ex-
tensive knowledge of
the country and its
productions ; and
lience it is that some
of the grandest of
t lie trees and shrubs
of Japan remained
unknown except by
reputation. It has
therefore, been re-
Ecrved to the enter-
prise of Mr. John
Gould Veitch (son of
Mr. J. Yeitch, of the
Exotic Nursery, Chel-
sea), a gentleman
young in years, but
mature in knowledge
and experience of
plants, to erjoy the
well - merited repu-
tation of being the
liist to intioduce
some of the finest
trees of that remark-
iible country. To en-
able liini to do this,
Mr. J. G. Yeitch has
possL-sc'cd advantages
whicli no previous
(ravellcrs ever had.
Arriving in the
coui:try after the
opening of several
ports, and under the
mo.st inllucntial pa-
ti'oniige, and attached
as he was, as bo-
tanist, to the consu-
lar establishment at
Yeddo, he occupied a
position of which he
was not flow to take evtry advantage, and as such he had the
privilege to penetrate into the e( untry and make excursions
which Bcro denied to all other Europeans except to such ,us
were atlacl!c<l to the establishuieiit. It was tlius that he was
liermitted to join in the pilgiimoge to Mount Fusi Y'ama, a
privilege in whiih no European ever before participated.

i'lala, iiiituriil ^izo. (^riiiin bv Mr. Filth ft
y.y Mr. J. O. Neiti'h.

April2, 1R61.] JOURNAL OF HORTICUMITRT: AXB COTTAaE GARDENER.

11

Kaerapfef and TImnborg were content to look upon it at a dis-
tance, and to listen with unsatiated curiosity to the legends
which are associated with it, and the rapturous terms in which
the natives describe it, which are to the efl'cct, as Keempfer says,
that " poets can-
not find words, nor
painters sli ill and
colours, sufficient to
represent this moun-
tain as they think
it deserves." Mr.
Veitch, however, as-
cended to its sum-
mit, and, profiting
by the opportunity,
possessed himself of
the botanical riches
by which lie was
surrounded in lii'S
route.

Among the dis-
coveries made by
Mr. J. Cr. Veitch,
the subject we this
day illustrate is one
of peculiar interest,
and is described by
him as "the finest
tree in Japan." It
is Sciadopitys verti-
cillata, the Parasol
Fir of Japan, and is
found as far north
as Hakodudi, whero
the thermometer is
often below zero ;
and there cannot,
therefore, be a
doubt, but tliat it
will prove perfectly
hardy, and capable
of withstanding the
frosts of our severest
winters.

The tree attains
theheightoflSOfeet
to 180 feet, and is
of an erect pyra-
midal growth with
straight, wide-
epreadmg branches,
and thickly - set
shoots, retaining its
foliage to theground.
Tlie leaves are from
2 inches to 4 inclics
long, and two lines
broad, arranged j,j
whorls of thirty cr

forty, and of a yeliowisli-groen colour, forming on the eKtrcniitv
ol Ihe slioots a parasol of leaves 5 inches or 6 inches in diiinidL..".
As tliese parasoli remain from tliree to four years green, there
are always from tjirec to four of Ih.em at intervals of an annual

Cor.ea of Sciaduititvs vciliciU.ita, natural si;^c. drjiv.-n liv Mr. Fitch, from specimens sent home
hv Jlr. J. G. Veitch.

shoot on eaeli branch. From the figures so skilfully drawn by
our artist, Mr. Fitch, an opinion will be formed of the size and
shape of the cones. The flowers of the tree are dioecious, and
appear at the beginning of summer, and the females preserve

their cones till the
spring following.
These, from the spe-
cimens sent home,
appear to be pro-
duced in clusters,
and are not unhke
those of Piuus
cembra. Each scale
bears on its supe-
rior surface seven
seeds, which are of
an elliptical shape,
and are bordered
with a membranous
wing.

The Parasol Fir
is one of the most
beautiful Conifers
of Japan, and one
of the most rare. It
is found extensively
in the eastern parts
of Nippon, on
Mount K6jasan, in
the province of Kii.
Mr. J. G. Yeitch
discovered it after
his return from
Fusi Tama, in the
middle of Septem-
ber, 1860, growing
in the neighbom--
hood of Kanagawa,
and the seeds ar-
rived in England
on the 27th of No-
vember following ;
this being the first
introduction of Sci-
adopitys verticiUata
into tliis country.

The tree is called
by the Japanese
Koja maki, and by
(he Chuiese Kvi
xjo, the latter sigui-
tying Golden Pine,
irom Ihe yellow-
ish-green colour
of the leaves. The
scientific name of
the genus was es-
lablislied by Zuo-
carini, and is de-
rival from the Greet sJd„s, a p.ira.sol, m\A pi^"^ * ^'"^ ^^^^> tlw
leaves being arranged, as we have already state"' i" 'he loroi of
a parasol on tlie extremities of tlie shoots. It i^ o'"' intention
to continue notices of tliese new introductions. — "■•

HEKTFOED

ME. E. P,

The cross lines by rail taking up so nmch limp, I stayed at
Hertford for the night after leaving Sawbridgeworth, and" called
on our old friend Sir. Francis in the morning. Tlio first appear-
ance between these two famed nurseries presented plenty of the
ideas of contrast and comjjarifon. At Sawbridgeworth new glass
houses have been so much in vogue, that a person wlio knew the
place ten years ago would scarcely vecognise it now. At Hert-
ford, with the exception of a small vinery, the hoiisi-s are much
the same as they were twenty years ago. At Sawbridgeworth
yoii are struck with great rouges of glass, the wood scarojly seen
owing to the large squares of glass used, almost all biiiig

I^UESEEIES.

FEAXCI5.

20 inches by 12 inches. At Hertford you meet with what, ere
long, will only be mementos of the past — houses formed with
.•sliding sashes, heavy rafters, and the sash-bars thick between
them, and supplied witli glass of all sizes, and triangidar and
other shapes, reminding one of times when glass was a serious
consideration. And yet a very slight survey was suiEcient to
show, that good workmanlike results are much more dependant
on the genius of the workman than on the finest tools or tho
most perfect machinery. Without, perhaps, clearly intending
it from the first, the bent of circumstances is leading Mr. Francis
gradually to act more and more on the division-of-labour principle ;

12

JOURNAL OF HORTICrLTUEE AND COTTAGE GAllDENER.

[ April 2, 1861.

and tliis, no doubt, has rendered hiiu more careless of building
glass houses, and more bent on extending his grounds from a
few acres, wliich I recollect them to have been, to a fair-sized
farm which they are now threatening to become.

I found one house next the street, or road, well supplied with
iorced bulbs, Chinese Primulas iu fine varieties and looking very
gay and nice, independently of the little bits of glass in the front
eashes. Another lean-to hoiise was appropriated to Camelhas
opening their buds. Another was filled with Azaleas in fine
specimen plants— from those in large pots and huge size, to beau-
tiful compact little specimens in eight-inch pots or so, and
splendidly set with buds, the points being all hard, which is
more than can be said of Azaleas generally this season.

What surprised me most of all were tlie fine Rose plants in
pots that have been so much admired at metropolitan exhibi-
tions, just beginning to break their buds on the 8th of February,
squeezed tUcTchj together in one of ilie.ie dark lean-to Jiouses.
More room would, ere long, have to be found for them by remov-
ing some to another similar-sized house ; but at the thinnest, the
plants even when in bloom must staud thickly together, and
work must be done in these old-fashioned, but clean, tidy houses
heated with old flues— the half of wliich work, if wanted from
some of onr modern gardeners witli all the appliances of fine
liglit houses, and all the improvements in licating by hot
water, would lead them to indulge in no end of complaints and
grumbling. It is all very well in large estabhshments to have
a place for everything and everything in its place, and allow no
other thing to be in that place ; but tliat would not suit the
purpose of the generality of our readers, who wish for great
variety even in their small houses. I can well believe them,
therefore, when they tell me, that wlien visitinc gardens they
pick up more usefid hints from small well-kept ones than they
generally do from princely establishments. Not hut things may
bo managed as economically in the latter as the fonner, or even
more so ; but there is not, in general, the same conflict going on
with little difliculties and the want of room, and, therefore, the
same amount of sym)iathetie interest is not felt. A gentleman
once summed up the qualifications he wanted in a gardener by
saying, "In a word he must have given up, or be willing to discard, |
the word ' impossible.' I hear it so often that I am heartily |
sick of it. I should even be satisfied with ' I'll ti-y ;' but the j
prophets of impossibility have such a knack in proving their !
prophesies correct and true, that I will have none of them." I
trust these fine Roses iu pots will have as many admirers in the j
coming season as they have had in years past; but we must I
also see the little lean-to houses from which they come, would '
we be learners in the "impossible" philosophy. After all it is I
only the exempliQcntion of the old [n-overb, "A good workman '
never stands still for (he want of a tool;" in other words, men '
of great practical intelligence, instead of being controlled by
circumstances, make even these cu'cumstances, however awkward
and obstinate, bend in subservience to their will.

On my last day visit to this nursery years ago, there was a
fine collection of bedding plants, which was not such a common
afiiiir at that time as it is now. This is still made a prominent
feature, though, perhaps, not to the same extent. Some small
houses were filled with Calceolarias with names unknown to me.
Verbenas in small pots just potted off, and which I should have
liked to have had the pleasure of topping seveial times before
May; and lots of fine little plants in small pots of Scarlet
Geraniums, which would get large 60's or small 48's as soon
as room could be made. Amongst other things I noticed some
fine large store-pots of Petunias needing potting, and more par-
ticularly the Shrubland Rose — in my opinion as yet unsurpassed
by any so-called improvements up'on it. A number of om-
readers are slow to understand that a plant at (id. or Is. may
be nnich cheaper than one at 3d. The Geraniums, &c., after
such potting and attention must be fine plants before May ; but
I presume it will bo of little use going or sending to Hertford
for any, as one of the men told me that their bedding stuff was
Boon all cleared out, and that Ihey could easily sell ten times as
much if they had it.

A few years ago I di'ovc through Hertford and the suburbs on
a fine autumn dny, and could not help noticing (he pretty eft'ect
produced by bedding plants, ahkc on the lawn of the villa and
the garden of the cottage. Some cottage homes were rendered
very jiicturesque by having even the roofs covered witli Vines,
or with a great variety of the Vegetable Marrow and Gourd
family, used young as a vegetable, and when full grown for pies
and puddings ; and then how gay the windows and the borders

looked with flowers ! Instinctively we feel iu such circumstances
that there is a kinship in the love of the beautiful. Many of these
industrious residents of the cottage homes of old England, raised
above poverty on the one hand, and having no desn-e to enter
the costly regions of an assumed unsatisfactory gentility on
the other, would freely purchase for the gratification of the eyo
a few dozen of showy plants, could they get them in theu- own
neighbourhood free 'from all uncertainty as to carriage and
package charges, and, what is more important, the plants fresh
and uninjured from such packuig and jouniey. If what is now
grown does pay — and we presume it does, or the practice
would not have'been continued so many years— and if the supply
falls so short of the demand, I trust that our friend will increase
his means and room for ministering to this gratification, so that
lus neighbours may have flower-beds iu their little gardens, or,
at least, flower-boxes in their windows, as well as China and Tea
Roses against the walls of their houses.

It is not alone at Hertford, in this district, that the demand
exceeds the supply. However, no man is to be blamed for loving
that bridge the Isest that enables him with most comfort and
safety to cross the stream. The open-air nursery has long
been the principal thing with Mr. Francis. There is more variety
(ban at Sawbridgeworth, but there is something in common,
as respects the division-of-labour principle ; but whilst Saw-
bridgewortli may be described as a manufactory of fruit trees
and Roses, Hertford Nurseries may be chiefly considered a manu-
factory of Roses and fruit trees.

Fortunately a gi'cat many Roses, and trees, and shnibs had
been sold in the autumn, aiid the very moviug woidd save them
gi-eatly from the frost. The severe Christmas weather, however,
had left its traces everywhere. The home ground lying low and
close to a sluggish stream, I w.<is surprised to find Peaches and
Apricots comparatively little injured. A fine plot of Aucuba
japonica was perfectly black, and the wood seemed killed to its
Ijase. Alaternuses,Plullyrea3, audeven evergreen Oaks were greatly
injured, and most of them rendered unsaleable for the season.
Cupressus funebris seemed killed outright, C. Lambertiana ditto,
and many others more or less injured. A fine quarter of common
Laurels "seemed killed to the bottom. Mr. Francis sent out a
gi'cat many the preceding year, fortunately ; and these, from
what I have seen of them,' are all right, partly owing to the
moving. Araucarias in many cases had their points burned red
and drooping, whilst others were green ; showing that in similar
circumstances different trees of the same kind have different
degi-ees of hardiness, either from the seeds being brought from
different positions as to heat and cold, or from other causes as
yet unexplained ; and what grieved me more, perhaps, was a
quarter of nice plants of Pinus insignis, either killed outright, or
so injured as to spoil the sale for a year or two.

Though a great many standard Roses had stood the test, yet
many of those budded last season had the bud destroyed ; and
great quantities of the tenderest were either killed or so injured
as to be imfit to be sent out this season. The Teas and tender
Roses budded low on the Manetti stock were much injured, as
far as could be judged on the 8th of Februai7 ; but Bom-bons,
Perpetuals, and Hybrids seemed comparatively safe and sound,
partly owing to being budded so low, and also to a light skifl'
of snow on the ground. Had such a frost been expected, and
a little earth put round the buds, most likely even the tenderest
Teas would have escaped uninjured.

The distinctive feature of the place, however, is the promi-
nence given to the Manetti stock, which Mr. Francis seems to
have so thoroughly mastered, tliat, though many complaints have
come iu my way of Roses on this stock, I am not aware of a
single complaint even from every variety of soil in the ease of
Roses supplied by him. He candidly states that it will never do
for standards, as the stock will ultimately get so hard as to stai-vc
or throw out the bud ; neither has he any faith in grafting on
that stock for similar and other reasons ; nor yet does he con-
sider budding on dwarf stocks of any use, unless the bud is
inserted close to the ground, so as to be partly covered or wholly
covered when transjjlantcd. Then the shoots of the favourite
Rose win grow with a vigour unknown when placed on any
other stock, or any Roses on their own roots. A regular sys-
tematic course is followed from the making of the cutting to its
being biulded and after-treatment. In a liouse combining the
properties of a greenhouse and working-shed, nice and comfort-
able from a flue, a number of men before breakfast were dressing
the cuttings of the previous year, removing all the roots and
shoots up tbeii' stems, leaving only the lower ring of roots at the

AprU 2, 1861. ]

JOURSTAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

13

bottom, and some buds at the top, to sustain free growth ; and
after breakfast these nice cleaned plants would be planted again
in rows, and be budded as soon as the buds were ripe. Some
fifty thousand of these cuttings were planted last setison, and all
would go through this treatment. I saw men going away after
breakfast, carrying great bundles of fresh cuttings all of one
length — about a foot, as near as I could guess from a distance —
as part of the eighty thousand, or one hundred thousand that
were intended to bo planted this season. The foreman, who has
been in the place something like a lifetime, might well say that
though fifty thousand even was soon said, it was no joke to get
even that number through one's hands. There are other
minuti^ on which, no doubt, some of the success of the system
depends. To a benevolent man there is no slight recom-
mendation ill the fact, that in carrying it out the workmen need
hardly ever in the cold mouths of the year have a wet coat, or be
frosted out when food and fuel are most needed. A great part
of the work in dressing the rooted cuttings and making fresh
ones is done in inclement weather in winter, and favourable
time selected for planting them.

The shrubs, as a whole, escaped the frost well, with the excep-
tion of those indicated ; and the fruit trees, standards and
dwarfs, were young and healthy. On the whole, the two hours
spent only whetted my desire, if possible, to have a peep at these
nurseries when all was a-growing and a-blowing. — R. Fisu.

BRITISH FRUITS & POMOLOCICAL CLEANINGS.

BuEBEE LeFEVHE.
Synonyme — i3c?(9-)-e de Mortefontaiiie .
This is not at all a new Pear, for it has been in cultivation for
several years; but it is one of which very little is kuomi,
although it is to be found in almost all respectable uurseriea.
When we consider the immense number of varieties of Pears
that are now cultivated, it is not to be wondered at th.at some
which are of first-rate quality should escape notice in large
collections, until, by some fortunate circumstance, attention is
called to them. Such is the case with Beurrci Lefuvi-e, of which
I first took especial notice in 1859. In that year I found it to
be one of the most delicious and refreshing-juiced Pear.s — not
with melting or buttery flesh, but with that crisp, tender, water-
ice consistency, which, though of a difi'ereut character from the
other, is in its way equally estimable.

Skill greenish-yellow on the shaded side, and very much
covered with a crust of brown-olive russet. On the side next
the sun the whole surface has a brownish-orange tinge showing
through the thin russet coating, very much covered with larga
grey specks ; in some parts there are broken streaks of red.

Eye very large and open, with long, spreading leaf-like seg-
ments, set in a pretty deep, uneven basin.

Stalk an inch long, fleshy at the base, and obliquely set on
the surface of the fruit.

Flesh white, rather coarse-grained, half-melting, crisp, short,,
and very juicy ; rather gritty at the core.

Juice very sweet and richly flavoured; with a strong and
peculiar aroma, which is very agreeable.

A delicious Pear, ripe in the middle of October. It was raised
by Messrs. Lefevre, nurserymen, of Mortefontaine, near Paris,
from whom I received it eighteen years ago. — H.

The fruit is inodorous, l;u-ge, and somewhat oval.

Peaches on a Wall at Christmas, Decembtr 18th, 1860. —
On going into my neighbour's garden to-day I saw what was to me
a rare sight — a Peach tree trained to his wall covered with fine
fruit of a rich golden yellow, with their sunny sides of a deep
crimson, and its leaves perfectly green. Some garden-lights were
placed against the wall ; they had been there only a week. The
fruit were soft and ripe, but perfectly flavourless. The variety
is American, and called Poole's Late Yellow. In 1858 its fruit
ripened in the middle of November, and were then of excellent
flavour. The peculiarity of this late Peach, and also of the Sal-
•\Nay, is its retaining its leaves fresh and green long after other
kinds of Peaches have shed theirs, and thus bringing to maturity
its late crop of fruit. — T. R.

TuK Early Mirabelle Plum. — This verj' pretty little Plum
is ne.arly as early as the Jamie Hative, ripening about the third
week in July. It is round, of a bright golden yellow, spotted
with red ; parts freely from its very small stone, and is rich,
siigiuy, and excellent. It is more dwarf and slender in its habit
tlian the Mirabelle Petite, and will, doubtless, form a very pretty
bush for the orchard-house, in which it will probably ripen in
July, though the berries were not larger than peas.

iNc.itAJi's New Grape. — Dm-ing a call we recently made at
the nursery of Mr. Standish, of Bagshot, we saw a Vine-pit
planted entirely with this new variety, where it is now being
forced ; and we were pleased to see that it gives great promise
of being not only a very prolific and early sort, but that some of
the bunches are already upwards of a foot in length and well
shouldered.

English Raisins. — Some time towards the end of last Sep-
tember I received some Grapes packed in bran from a corre-
spondent, who wished me to give him their names. There were
two bunches — one of the ^Vhite Frontignan, the other Royal
Muscadine. A few Grapes were taken from each bunch to
ascertain their names ; the rest were replaced in the box and
covered with the bran, which had apparently been sifted, as it
was very coarse and free from particles of meal. The box was
closed, and placed on a shelf in my library near the chimney..
A good fire was kept in the room all the autumn and winter up
to the present time, the box quite forgotten. To-day (March
2Sth), it was by chance opened, and the Grapes found to be
perfectly sound, but like green Raisins and most delicious ; the
Frontignan flavour quite apparent in one sort, and the Musca-
dine flavour in the other. This is really a pleasant discovery ;
fur how agreeable it will be to have our Grapes, or rather these
home-grown Raisins, at Christmas, without the trouble of pre-
serving them on the Vines, which, as we all know, requires
much care and attention. It seems to me, that in a good Grape
season, when Grapes on our walls are plentiful, we have nothing
to do but to dry a quantity of bran, sift it thoroughly, and then
place our Grapes in it in closed boxes, placing them in a dry
warm cupboard or on a shelf near the chimney. Grapes from
our vineries may, of course, be preserved in the same maimer;
but such large juicy sorts as the Black Hamburgh will, pro-
bably, require looking to if the experiment is tried with them.
At any rate, the experiment is simple and inexpensive. In
proposing bunches of Grapes to be preserved in bran, it occurs
to me that the berries should be thinned, so as not to touch
each other; the bran will then enclose each berry, and the
gradual drying will preserve them effectually. — R.

A New Vegetable. — There has lately been exhibited
at several meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society a new
vegetable which promises to become a permanent institution

u

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 2, 1861.

among kitchen-garden crops. It is a Cabbage in the form of
Brussels Sprouts. The stem is about a foot high, bearing on its
summit a good-size-hearted Cabbage of the ordinai-y character ;
but the stem is covered with small Cabbages about the size of a
small dessert Apple, and these when cooked form an excellent
dish, partaking of the flavour of a nice summer Cabbage, and
without the strong Savoy flavour which distinguishes the
Brussels Sprouts. The merit of producing this variety is due
to Mr. "Wm. Melville, Dalmeny Park Gardens, neai- Edinbiu-gh,
and a very good name by which to dietinguish it would be to
call it Dalmeny Sprottts.

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Asparagus, the beds should be spring-dressed immediately, if
not yet done. Beans, earth up the advancing crops when the
ground is moist. Beet, sow Green and White, for the stalks.
Borecole, sow the main crop. Broccoli, sow a small quantity of
all the principal sorts. Brussels Sprouts, sow for the main
crop. Cabbage, if any of the autumn-planted ones are running
to seed pull them up, and replace them with some from the
autumn-sown bed. Cauliflowers, get the plants raised under glass
hardened off, and pay every attention to those imder hand-
glasses to get them in as early as pos.sible ; for the destruction of
the Broccoli will render them most valuable this season. Celery,
sow seed for the late crops ; those pricked out in frames to have
plenty of air, to prevent elongation, and to be well supplied with
water, in fine, dry weather. Cucumbers, earth up as they require
it. Keep up a brisk heat in the bed, but beware of overheating
it. As long as it is necessary to keep strong linings, a tempera-
ture-stick should be kept under each hill of plants. Lettuce, a
few of the earliest may be tied up on a dry day ; tie them as
near the top as possible, to prevent the wet getting to the heart.
Radishes, thin out advancing crops, and sow the Turnip-rooted
kinds. Sea-hde, sow seed. If a new plantation is to be made
it should be done without delay. The destruction of weeds and
insects is now a matter of importance. All root weeds to be dug
up ; the Box-edgiuga to be clipped, if not done in the autumn ;
and the walks kept clean.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Continue to prune Roses. Roll walks, and fill up blanks
in the flower-borders and artificial rockwork. Sow Auricida,
Polyanthus, Ranunculus, and Pansy seed. Pot Carnations and
Picotees in their blooming'pots, placing oyster-shells on the
surface of the soil to prevent too rapid evaporation. Plant out
Hollyhocks : tiiese have a splendid effect when arranged with
the tallest behind, and where contr.ast of colour has been care-
fully studied. Look over the beds planted with bidbs, and
where necessarj' stir the surface soil, so as to give it a clean, neat,
fresh appearance. If any alterations and planting still remain
unfinished it should be completed without delay, as planting
after this time is apt to suffer very severely in dry weather.
Stir the surface soil of the seedling Pansies in beds, and ;;ive
them a dressing of manure. Turn walks, and fresh coat with
giuvel. Plant Box-edgings. Sow haidy annuals of all sorts.
Prune and tie all evergreen climbers, and roll and mow the lawn.

FRUIT CARD UN.
Disbud Peach and Apricot trees. It is best to go over the
trees occasionally, removing a small portion each time.

STOVE.

Attend to the culture of each particular plant, and go on pi-o-
pagating, potting, and shifting. Encourage giowth by syringing
with clear water all over the leaves and every part of the house,
filling it vnth. vapour. Admit air in all favourable opportimities,
but close up early to secure solar heat. "When the blossoms of
Euphorbia jacquinia;flora fade, the plant to be cut down, and kept
comparatively diy until it breaks ; then to bo repotted and encou-
raged to grow. If an increase of stock is required, now is the time
to set about it. Young plants of Allamanda, Clerodendrons,
Torenias, and many other things, if encouraged with a brisk
bottom heat and other favoui-able circum6tance.s, will form nice-
aized specimens in a few months.

GREENDOttSE AND CONSERTATORT.
Look verj' carefully to the watering at this critical season.
Receutly-potted plants to be kept close and syringed fre-
quently, so as to maintain a rather humid atmosphere, and

apply water very sparingly until the growth of the plant indicates
that it has taken to the fiesh soil. Get a portion of the Epacrises
into a gentle heat as soon as they have sufficiently recruited
their energies after blooming. Proceed as vigorously as possible
with the repotting of such of the hardwooded plants as require
it, so as to afford them every chance to make a vigorous growth.
See that Pelargoniums, Cinerai-ias, and Calceolarias are allowed
plenty of sp.ace, and that they are sufficiently supplied with water
and kept perfectly clear of insects.

FORCING-PIT.

This department wUl soon be unnecessary, so far as the forcing
of flowers is concerned, but it will become usefid to give en-
coui'agement to some of the free-growing stove plants, which
now require plenty of room. Some of the plants may also be
removed from the dung-frames to this pit to make room for
Balsams, Cockscombs, Amaranths, and such other plants that
are intended for the summer and autumn decoration of the
greenhouse and conservatory.

FITS AND FRAMES.

Sow German and Ten-weeks Stocks in a cold frame, or in one
that will soon cool down, and some Gei-man Asters on a sKght
heat. Verbenas, Salvias, &c. may stUl be propagated for the
flower-beds and borders. The bedding plants to have all the
air that can be safely given to gradually harden them off for
turning out. W. Keake.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

The work was chiefly of a routine character — digging, ti'ench-
ing, and piJverising the soil — when the weather would permit.
Planted out more Ash-leaved and round Early Frame Potatoes.
Finished planting out Peas and Broad Beans from boxes, pro-
tecting both with a few twigs of laurels, and staking the former
as the work proceeded to prevent the ground being trampled on.
Sowed various Lettuce seeds, as Carter's Giant Cos, Paris Cos,
Blackseeded Brown Cos, and Neapolitan, and Hardy Hammer-
smith Cabbage, only a few seeds of each, as the gi-eat secret of a
thorough good supply is the sowing often. Sowed also Cauli-
flower, and for the main first crop of winter Greens, as Scotch
Cabbaging Kale, Brussels Sprotits, Savoys, Broccoli, of which,
with the exception of Snow's Early White, we grow little, the
crops being so uncertain of late; Cottagers' Kale, Melville's
Garnishing, which we susi^ect to be much the same as "Variegated
Kale, which either in its white or red appearance looka well on
the table; also, a few Coleworts for early supply. Tiiese are
sown quite early enough; but a second sowing will be made in
a few weeks. Some calendars seem written more' for the south
of France than England as a whole. Pricked out Cabbages,
Cauliflower, and Lettuces in an earth-pit, that were sown broad-
cast in a Potato-bed, to be jjrotected with a few branches.
Watered Potatoes in pots, now fit for use ; also. Potatoes ia
beds, and Kidney Beans in ])its, giving the latter •maniu'e water
to prevent them exhausting themselves in bearing. Sowed more
in boxes for transplanting. Watered Cucumbers also- with warm
water. The small jilants in the frame heated by leaves and
dung, though a fortnight 'oehind those in the hot-water pit
when planted, are now at least a week before them, if not a fort-
night : fruit swelling and setting nicely. Both are healthy and
luxuriant, never having shown a fly, &c., and I hope ^\^il not
vex us as they did last ye.ar ; for with every attention I 'could
barely get enough to meet the demand, which 1 felt all the more,
as u.sually even fi'om a small space we used to have more than
abundance. I mention the .above fact about the Cucumbers to
show that dung and leaves are not to be despised; and then
what valuable heaps they become aftei-wards ! I fully beiieve
that a good supply secured, these beds will produce as fine crops
as any hot-water apparatu.^, when growing is not commenced
extra eaily. When Melons are gi-owu in pots, we prefer hot
water, and the plants to be on a trellis — the best place of /all for
first-rate fruit as to quaUty.

Nailed, when the weather was fine, and finishing , pruning.
Watered Vines in houses, also Peaches ditto. Made . up a bed
for three-light box, of the litter that came fi-om Celery-beds and
a few hot leaves, now in nice condition, for Melons. Potted off
a few young Vines from buds just beginning to root, placing
them singly in small pots. Prefer placing eaeh bud with an inch
of wood on each side in a small pot at once, but had no small
pots to spare at the time. Planted out three lights more Cucum-
bers, two strong plants to a light.

April 2, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

15

Sowed more Tender and Half-hardy Annuals, and, among
tbe latter, Ten-week Stocks, Zinnias, and Ciiina and German
Asters, placing them in a mild beat. They are quite early
enough, but they must stand a little rough treatment after they
are fairly up. The 1st of April is generally a very fair time for
sowing, if planting out does not take place until the 20th or the
end of May. Zinnias being scarcely safe until the beginning
of June, and before planting out, all should be pricked out from
the seed-pan, and have nice roots before moving. In sowing,
we fill either pots or boxes half full with rough material,
generally riddlings from beneath thepotting-bench, then 2 inches
of sandy loam, and then a little fine sandy loam, on which the
seeds are sown, and some finer stUl with a little peat earth and
silver sand for covering. The covering depends on the size of
the seeds. For large seeds, such as the finer Liipins, from one-
eighth to one-quarter of an inch. For such seeds as Cockscombs
and the Perilla nankinensis, about one-twentieth of an inch.
For such very small seeds as Calceolaria, Lobelia speciosa,
and Portulaoas, the slightest sprinkling, and that generally of
diy silver sand. For all small seeds the surface is first made
smooth with a board, and the same smoothing is resorted to
after the slight covering. Our rule is never to cover deeper than
the thickness of the seeds. Deep covering gives many an honest
seedsman a bad name. Another matter of importance is, for all
such seeds placed in pots, &c., especially small seeds, to keep them
shaded before the seedlings begin to appear. Those we sowed the
other week and so treated are beginning to show, such as Braohy-
come, Perilla, &c., and these must have light and comparative'
coolness ere long to keep them from damping. The shading is
accomplished by an old newspaper, or anything of that kind,
being placed over the pots. We generally leave them about a
week under the paper before watering, as the seeds imbibe
moisture fi'om the soil ; and then when watering, instead of using
a rose of any kind, I prefer flooding all the surface with water, by
pouring the water against the sides of the pot, in a crock, or
oyster-shell held in the hand. I do not give any theory, but I
kiiow in practice, that a pot thick mth tiny seedliigs will neither
damp nor shank when so flooded, or sailed, all over in any-
thing the same proportion as they will do when watered from a
rose, however fine. The great remedies, however, against loss
from these causes, is pricking out either singly or in patches, and
giving more air.

Continued planting out Calceolarias in earth-pits covered by
calico, and commenced doing so with Scarlet Geraniums, merely
forking the bed which seems rather wet, and making little
trenches for the plants 6 inches apart, and placing sandy leaf
mould immediately roimd the roots. These at planting time
generally lift well. Pelargoniums, Camellias, Azaleas, &c.,
wanted more water, owing to a few sunny days. After a few
d\dl days the sun, when powerful, tries the soft succulent leaves
of Cinerarias and things of that kind ; and when not dry, anything
like flagging will be guarded against best by syringing the shelves
and stages, keeping the plants on damp moss, and even sprink-
ling the underside of the leaves. — R. F.

TO ADVERTISERS.

We have to apologise to many of our friends w/iose advrrtisemenis are
Miavoiilablif excluded jrom tiiis day's publication. We request that
tliose u-lio are cleairous of taking advantage of the puhUcitu which our
pages nforcl, leill send ihelr advrrtiseiifnts as early in the week as
possible, that the necessary arrangnmnts may be made for their
■insertion.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

* * * We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental -vsTiters of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Coimtry Gentleman." By so doing they are
subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All com-
munications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the ''Journal of Horticidiurej §c.,'* 162, Fleet
Street, London, B.C.

Kames of British AVild Plowehs [8. Devon).— No. 1, Luzula cam-
pestris, or field Wood-Rush. No. 2, Mercurialis perennis, or Dog's
Mercury, a female plant. You will see by au adveriisement that we pur-
pose publishing on the 1st of May the Hrst Kumber of the cheapest illus-
trated work: on Brilish Wild Flowers ever offered to the public. We can
safely say that the drawings are faiihfulportiaita and beautifully coloured.
We shall be particularly obliged by any one sending us good fresh speci-
mens of rare British plants.

Seeblikg Cineraria (J. Loose). — A good, stout-petaled flower, but
there are many like it. It -would not pay to send out.

Risk iw Hot-water Pipes (A Very Old Subscrihtr).-~lt -will be no
detriment whatever the rise of IH inches in a length of 60 feet of the flow-
pipe, and the same amount of fall in the return-pipe. Of course you will
have the flow-pipe proceed Irom near the top of the boiler, and the return-
pipe join it near the bottom. One four-inch pipe at the back, and one at
the front, will be ample for early forcing of Cucumbers.

Forking Borders {^ La-f?/).— This is far better than digging them with
a spade, as it injures less the roots of shrubs. Indeed, the fork has nearly
superseded that old emblem of the gardener's occupation —the spade. A
four-pronged fork for stifi" soil*, and a five-pronged fork for sandy soils,
work them quite as thoroughly as the spade, and with the expenditure of
much less strength from the workman.

QoERiES (Xottinghamensis) .—It would occupy space uselessly to put in
queries which are sufficiently indicated by their answers, or such queries as
are only interesting to the inquirer. All others we do insert.

Planting a Circular EosBRy{^/. M. P.).— We cannot relax from our
rule, so many times repeatpd by us— we cannot plant strange places for
any one. Our correspondents jnust tell us how they intend to plant,
naming the plants, and specifying the spots on a plan where they propose
to put them— we are then willing and ready to point out where the plan is
wrong.

Growing Achimenes f The Doctor). —Tans are better than crinoline-pots
to grow Achimenes in when one has abundance of plants of them; aud for
a very small qnantity of any scarce kind No. 48-pots are the best to start
them in, then to give them a shift if they need it.

Kamk op Hyacinth (PecJiham Subscribe^'). — It is almost impossible to
tell from a single pip, but it is probably Comte de la Coste or Begina
Victoria.

Philesia btjxifolia— Lilidm gigantedm (An Old Subscribe').— ThQ
Philesia ought to be hardy at Colchester; but it is a good pot plant, and
might be with the Chinese Azaleas till it blooms or is of a flowering age.
It requires peat in the soil and much moisture. The offsets on ihe gigantic
Lily do it no harm, and are no indications of its going to flower. The
first notice of flowering int an upheaving in the centre, like that of the
scarlet Lobelias or Campanula pyramidalia, and will go on exactly in that
manner. Some of oura have such an appearance already in the centre of
the pots.

Cyclajiens in Boxes (//. iJ.).— Different varieties of Cyclamen peraicum
weie rr.eant only for one box, and if Mr. Beaton advised otherwibe he made
a mistake.

Dwarf IvT Bushes (C. P.). — You were quite explicit at first; we only
imagined no one was so extravajjant in these things as ^ve have been, for
we have been wishing for many years to pos6c?s an Ivy bush — upright as
white currant bushes, and nearly of the same shape and sizo; and it is a
comfort to know at last that the idea is not unique. AVe have struck
cuttings of the urborescent Ivy, or the flowering shoots, which are the same
thing, and we had theui with their entire leaves on for half a dozen years ;
but ihcy never got bigger all the while, and tbe first growth they made,
away they went with shoots longer than ever and with lohed leaves. But
now that you have struck the flint at the proper mcment, there is a way of
doing it, and of having quite a forest of round-headed Ivy trees, with
trunks and branches, eniire leaves, flowers for the bees, of which they are
passionately fond lato in the autumn, and berries for all the thrush tribe
in winter. I-ct the Ivy trees be as one row of Mr. Rivers* miniature-
orchard, and lei the whole row be lifted and transplanted every other year ;
and iftliatrow does not produce twice as much fiuit as his trees, let it be
oftener transplanted till it does. Now is just the time to begin making Ivy
trcv's. Procure some stout flowering branches from a ruin, or from near the
bottom of the Ivy half strangling a tree, fi.x on a part of the branch as near
the bottom as you can, to give you the more length of trunk after it is
rooted ; then, to cause it to root, cut ofi" a ring of two inches in width of
the bark, all but about the width of the fourth of an loch, and leave that
narrow slip of bark to carry on the circulation ; then get some sheets of
gutta percha paper, or parchment, and form each of them into the shape
in which grocers make their soft sugar parcels— the pointed end tie tightly
a little bebw the ringed part, aud le: the open part of \ our paper be 9 inches
or 10 inches wide, and deep enough to hold as much good, rich, sandy loam
as would fill a No. ?4-pot, pack the soil tightly round the ringed part, but
not very tight above it, water it well and keep it well watered till next
October, when it will be as full of roots as possible; and then cut it off from
the old tree, and plant it carefully in a sheltered place, and see it is well
staked. A layer of moss on the top of the soil in the gutta percha paper,
and a little of the moss all round the wound in the bark will hasten the
process of rooting. If the stem of Ivy is as thick as some we know, one
would need half a bushel of mould, and two years to root it properly.

Phopagatino Variegated Araeis (Idem). — The variegated Ai-abis par-
takes of a wide-spread principle among plants just coming into bloom,
as it naturally does early in the spring. Plants under that principle do
not readily root Irora cuttings freely on the eve of blooming, so that it is
necessary to excite them to grow out of " flowering wood " ere the cuttings
are made. In May it roots out of doors under a hand-glass freely, and
so on till September. The old plants may be slipped to pieces in October,
and every bit with or without a root grows. In January it should
have three weeks' forcing before cuttings are made of it. But it deserves
all the care aud attention of the whole gardening strength of the Brilish
Islands. If it stamis the influence of the sea-breeze under exposure,
this is the best variegated plant for the whole of the Hebridean archi-
pelago.

Cutting back Weigeiia rosea (R.).—Let it bloom, and cut it back
afterwards; unless you are willing to cut it now, and sacrifice the flowers
for this season, in order to get a more bushy plant well furnished from the
bottom, and of a superior shape. This would be preferable.

Pruning Standard Roses (Idem).— -All the very stronjr Roses are the
better to-be pruned thus late in the season, because, ere this time, their
upper shoots are bouncing away in full growth. By cutting oiFthe upper
half now, and a little more from the smaller shoots, so much of their pride,
or over -strength, is got rid of, and the steady, sober, and self-ripened eyes
below wiU come with less speed and more bloom, and make better wood
for next pruning. It is now too late in the spring to remove Standard
Roses, but of course they can be removed with a sacrifice until the end of
April.

16

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ AprU2, 1863,

Felasgoniums Flowering Pkematubely (Inquirer)— You either cut
down your Pelargoniums which you need for a June show at least six
■weeks too soon last summer, or else you have kept them too warm since
la6t October. Now, if you have a memorandum of the week and day on
which you cut them, eay three creeks of an ordinary summer will be
equivalent to sis weeks of such weather as we had in the cutting-down
season of lf60 : therefore, cut them back this season just three weeks
later than you did in 1860, if you mean them for the same show. Then
turn to the journal of your temperature in the Geranium-house since last
September, and see how much the average of each week of temperature
inside differs from the weekly average out of doors, for daily averages
are of very small practical use. Then, if you have made any monthly
memorandum on the looks and progress of the plants, that also will assist
you in calculating your work for the future. Then make a monthly
mean of your house temperature, and of the natural; also a mean of both
temperatures for the four months succeeding October, and you will find
thein-door temperature a good deal more than it need have been. This
will give you a safe guide for next winter, which, if you follow, will enable
you to beat every competitor who works on the hap-hazard plan. Mean-
time you must not stop such Pelargoniums, you must keep in a very dry
place, and as cold as the season, without frost. We have seen many speci-
men plants put into deep cold frames this last March for next June shows.
The cold frame was on purpose for retarding : a row of posts 5 feet out of
the ground at back, another in front 3 feet or so, wall plates and rafters,
and all the sides of boards made to hinge up and down, so as to cause the
plants to be nearly as cold as if they were in the open air, and merely
covered with glass. In very hot or sunny days they put mats over the
plass. So you see you are not the only one who is out in his reckoning by
this winter.

Pt'bple Orach (/rffmonrf J. S".)— We stated that the Purple Orach is
purple, or do you doubt our meaning, or prefer the nthra of botany,
which may cover every morsel of led purple? Itis not red, but is the
finest purple, and would be inimitable purple if the leaves were of that
satin texture which you see in Cissus, and such plants, i^,--: •

Propagating Saxifraga oppositifolia {Idcvt). — The best way to
propagate the Saxifraga oppositifolia is to divide it into little bits like
Lemon Thyme, and to plant the pieces a little deeper than the plant was
set.

Botanical Terms (A Beginner). — Yqm. will find a copious glossary well
illustrated with cuts in Dr. Lindley's Elements of Botany. "We do not know
of abetter.

CoNVERTiKG A PiT TO A Greenhodse {T. Wallace). — As the roof is
fixed, you must have means for getting into the pit; and the comfort
altogether would be increased if you had a door at the end, and a narrow
path— say 15 inches or 18 inches wide— close to the front wall of the pit. Of
course you could not then have a stage extending from the new front wall,
until passing over the flue; but with that stage over where we conceive
your pathway should be, we do not see how you are to get at your plants
with a fixed roof. We think, by allowing your flue to remain as it is,
and the front wall of the old pit as it is , you will have plenty of heat ; only,
if your pit is filled above the flue with leaves, dung or tan, you would
require to make a few holes in the front wall opposite the flue — say four,
a foot or so sqoare, furnished with a sliding board to let heat out into the
atmosphere of the pit. If the top of the flue is left exposed, that will not
be needed. These little matters stcurtd, we think you may calculate on
doing all you propose well.

Gazania splendens (Idem). — As far as is known at present, it can only
be depended upon to come true from cuttings.

Various (A. B.). — Spring cuttings of bedding plants should have a bottom
heat of 80°, and a top heat by day of C6^ or /O"^, with 10° less at night, and
free ventilation. Not knowing how you have treated Eugenia TJgni, we
cannot tell why it sheds its blossom-buds. It may have been kept too
cold, or something may he wrong at the roots. Ihe knife must not be
applied to either Heaths or Epacrises until after they have bloomed.

POUITRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.
POULTRY SHOWS.

May 2l8t, 22nd, and 23rd. Chesterfield and Scahbdale. Hon, -Sec,

afr. Titos. P. Wood, jun., Boythorpe House, near Chesterfield. Entries

close May 1st.
Uat 22nd and 23rd. Beveblev. IIov. 5ec., H. Adams. Entries close

May 4th.
June 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th. Bath and West of England. Steward^

S. Pitman, Esq. Entries close May 1st.
JtiNE 19th, 20th, and 2lst. Coallbookdale. Secs.^ J. B. Chune, and

Henry Boycroft, Coalbrookdale.
JvNK 23th. Deufield. <S'fc.,Mr. R. Davison. Entries close June 22nd.
Jl-nk 28th and 29lh. TArNTON. Sec ^ Mr. Charles Ballance. Entries

close June 14th,
July 2nd and 3rd. Blackpooi,. Sec, "Mr. E. Fowler, jun.
December 2nd. 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingh.^m. Sec, M. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November Ist.

N.'B.'-'Secretaries u-'Ullohligc vs hy sending early copies of their lists.

[diarehcea in fowls.

I HATE a Spanish cock, which has a frothy discharge at the
eyes and a Bort of cough upon him. In the midst of his crow-
ing he is generally interrupted by a sneeze or cough. On
examining his throat I noticed a yellow-looking substance, which
should not be there. My fowls generally are too much relaxed
in their bowels, amounting at times to diarrhoea.

I feed on barley and wheat mixed, and barleymeal once a-day.
My space is certainly limited, and is in the town confined within
fom- walls ; but I have a small gra-ss run — say 20 yards square,

and I give greens and Swedish turnips regularly, and keep my
places very clean, and well supplied with fine gravel and water.
— A New Subscriber.

[Swedes very frequently cause diarrhoea in fowls, and they
are not necessary where fowls have as good a grass run as yours.
When any additional green food is required, you will find lettuce
better than any other. Cabbage is not so good. You must purge
your Spanish cock freely with castor oil, giving a table-spoonful
every other day. If the fimgus in the throat is small, touch it
with caustic. If it is large, bathe it with vinegar and cold water
by means of a large soft-topped fe.ather. We would advise you
to feed only on meal for a time.]

THE HENWIFE.'

" I THINK," says the authoress in her introduction, " I am
entitled, without egregious vanity, to deem my experience worthy
of some claim to attention, as, during the last four years, I have
gained upwardsof three hundred prizes in Scotland and England,
and personally superintended the management of forty separate
yards, in which have annually been hatched more than one
thousand chickens.

' ' I began to breed poultry for .amusement only, then for exhi-
bition, and lastly, w.as glad to take the trouble to make it pay,
and do not like mj' poiiltry-yard less because it is not a loss."

Now, this is just the person to write a book upon poultry
management; and we assure our readers that we have read the
200 pages forming Mrs. llair's volume, and that they are un-
mistakeable evidencethat she is not only possessed of the requisite
knowledge, but that she knows how to impai-t it explicitly and
pleasingly. Houses and yards, food, general treatment, hatching,
chicken-reai-ing, exhibiting, diseases, fattening, description of
various breeds, and a balance-sheet, are the various heads under
which Mrs. Blair arranges the knowledge .she has to impart.
y^e will give but one extract as an example of the sound infor-
mation the work contains, and it is on a point too little attended
to by poidtry rearers :—

' ' The necessity of damping eggs was not .at all under.stood by
the old school, and yet it must be done if success in hatching is
desired. Many complaints are made of eggs not hatching though
there h.ave been birds in each. This is entirely caused by the
neglect of this precaution. Unless moistened, the inner mem-
brane of the egg becomes so hard and dry, that the poor little
chick cannot break through, and so perishes miserably. Before
dying, its cry, like that of Stem's Starling, probably has been,
' I can't get out, I can't get out.' Has slavery a more bitter
draught than this ?

" When a hen steals her nest in a hedge or clump of evergreens,
she sits on the damp ground. She goes in search of food early in
the day before the dew is off the grass, and returns to her nest
with satiu-ated feathers. To this fact is to be attributed the com-
paratively successful hatching of the eggs of this wild bird. To
follow this as closely as possible, put a thick fresh-cut turf in the
nest you are about to prepare for the reception of the sitting hen.
Sprinkle a little sulphur over this, and spread over it straw in
summer, hay in winter. I shall suppose that you have eggs
ready for sitting. They should be thirteen in number, or at most
fifteen, if set dining w.arm weather. In wiuter, nine eggs are
sufficient for the very largest hen.

"Before hazarding your (it may be) valuable eggs, be certain
that the hen is really broody. You may give her one or two
worthless eggs as a tritil; or, if you are anxious not to lose time,
divide your sitting between two or more hens, and if one proves
truant at the end of a few days, give all to another.

"By sitting several hens .it the s<ame time, you have the great
advant.ige of being able to put all the chickens, as soon as they
are hatched, under one, and of adding new comers to her flock.
Eggs sometimes h.atch irregularly, and unless some such system
were established, the earliest-hatched chickens would die of
starvation before the whole were brought out.

"I strongly deprecate the custom of removing cliickens from
the nest, and keeping them in ba.skets before the fire. There is
no warmth so suited for them as that of the hen's body.

"After removing the empty shells from the nest, leave the
little creatures with their mother undisturbed for twelve hoiirs.
AVlien that time h.as elapsed, you may offer them food and water.

• T/ie Mentii/e, her own Experience in her own Poullry-yard. By Mrs.
Fergusson Blair. Edinburgh : T. C. Jack. London ; Hamilton, Adaiina,
and Co., and Office of" Journal of HoilicuUnre," Sec, 162, Fleet-street.

AprU 2, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

17

" If the egg has been chipped for some houra, and the chick
does not make its appearance, a slight assistance may be given
by enlarging the fracture with scissors, cutting up towards the
large end of the egg — never down, or the loss of blood may prove
fatal. When the chicken at last makes its way out, do not in-
terfere with it, or attempt to feed it. Animal heat alone can
.restore it. If it survives the night, it may be considered safe.
Weakness has caused the delay, and this has, probably, arisen
tfrom insufficient warmth."

The balance-sheet shows a profit of £24 7s. in the twelve
•months between February, i860, and February, 1861 ; but we
do not observe any allowance made for the cost of exhibiting.
Does Mrs. Blair find that the prizes gained cover that cost ? If
not, the loss should be on the debit side ; for if she had not ac-
quired a name by exhibiting, she would not have sold poultry by
auction for £148 15s. 6d., a sum appearing on the credit side.

The woodcuts are excellent, and the drawing of the coloured
illustrations is for the most part good, except of that terrible
exaggeration the Cochiu-China hen ; but let no one accept the
colouring as correct.

CANARIES' FEET DISEASED.

Mt Canaries have been affected in the covirse of Februai-y and
this month with an epidemic inflammation in the feet and legs.
Can you or any of your correspondents give me any information
■on the following points? 1, Whether the disease is known?
2, If known, what has been found to be the most safe and
effectual treatment ? 3, If not known, what is the probable
cause in this instance ? 4, What would probably be the best
treatment ?

The symptoms are at the commencement restlessness, and
ruffling, sitting on one leg, &c., reddening of the whole limb,
and swelling, but chiefly at the joints, soon perceptibly follows ;
and then the usual moping till amendment begins. Hitherto, no
bird has died, but one or two are now sickening, and the cases
seem likely to be severe. The food of the birds has been canary,
rape, and a small proportion of hempseed, with groundsel till
the affection began. After that, egg instead of groundsel, and
a little saff'ron in the water. The birds were accustomed to take
their bath in their cage, and it was thought that a chill was
given by the damp sand adhering to their feet. Since the first
appearance of the disease they have taken their bath outside
their cage, as they have a daUy flight about the room ; but stUl
the birds sicken. — R. S. V.

P.S. — I noticed a very large wasp here on the 5th inst. (March).
Is not this unusually early ? — R. S. V.

[I only know of two causes of diseased feet — one ai'ises from
dirt, and may be cured by the bath and cleanliness ; and the
other is caused by wool or the fine threads of silk or such sub-
stances becoming entangled about their feet and cutting down to
the bone, where they are not easily seen or removed. These
threads must be piclied out, .and the feet anointed with oil, and
they win soon heal. — B. P. B.]

BEES NOT WORKING— BEES PLUNDERING
THEIR NEIGHBOURS.

An Old Subscriber is very anxious about a hive of bees in a
straw hive. It is strong, fuU of bees, and well fed since Septem-
ber. All the Avinter it was kept with another hive on a wooden
bee-stand, exposed to the east, but not sheltered in front. Both
hives were working well but began to fight, and the straw hive
was moved a few feet fi-om the stand containing the other hive,
and since the hive was moved the bees have not come out to
work. They are 'alive but seem lazy. Could the queen have
died? Do bees generaUy become quarrelsome when together?

[Endeavour to rouse your sluggish bees into activity by giviiag
food on fine days. Use the bottle as recommended by Mr.
Woodbury, in page 42 of our last volume, if there is an aperture
in the top of the hive. Should there be no apertiire, or the bees
refuse to appropriate the proffered food, inject a little with a
syringe into the hive itself, through a hole formed by thrusting
the pointed end of a thick -wire between the stww bands near
the top. If this fails to set the bees to work, and little or no
pollen is collected, we should fear the queen is dead, a misfortune
for ■ffbich wg knpiY pf bo renjeclj- at thig season. A bee-house

9 feet long would contain three colonies without much danger
from their close proximity ; but all shovJd be ranged on one
shelf. Bees are less apt to quarrel when the stocks are at a
distance from each other, but want of space generally prevents
their being widely separated. The strong are always apt to prey
upon the weak in an unpropitious season like the present. The
entrance of the hive that was attacked should have been con-
tracted as soon as fighting commenced, so as to admit the passage
of only one bee at a time ; and if this failed to put an end to the
conflict, the bees should have been removed to a distance of not
less than a mile and a half. As soon as fine weather had set
both colonies vigorously to work, the transported hive might be
restored to its place without risk of arenetialof the disturbance.]

BEE-HIVES AND THEIR APPURTENANCES.

Any one commencing bee-keeping must be struck at the
great contrariety that exists between writers on this subject,
both as regards the material and form of hives and their system
of management.

After perusiog one author, and resolving to adopt the system
so strenuously advocated, the novice is sadly perplexed, on taking
up perhaps the very next work that may chance to fall in his
way, to find that system controverted, and its opposite as
strongly recommended ; and after wading through, it may be, the
greater part of the bee literature of om- country, is landed in a
perfect maze of bewilderment. Arriving at this stage, it must
act as a soothing opiate to his perturbed feelings to open
" Miner's American Bee-keeper's Manual," and there find, con-
demned in toto, the whole authors of the old world from the
illustrious Huber downwards ; the hives of his own fellow
countrymen having a scant justice meted out to the:n, being
described with such Yankeeisms as "take ins," "humbugs,"
&c., and following his reasoning that the bee remains the same
through every age and country : consequently " every bee-hive
in the United States should be of a certain size and shape,"
that after many years of close application he has made the grand
discovery which is given forth as " Miner's Patent Equilateral
Hive," so far as his readers are favoured with its description
being neither more nor less than a twelve-inch-cube box. Our
author is much " too cute" to give further details — these ai'e only
to be had on remitting him a couple of dollars. One almost
fancies the delighted novice about "to transmit the requisite sum
to obtain this ne plus ultra, when in comes No. 611 of your
valuable Journal. A ghance at the contents shows the very thing
he longs for — an article on " Bee-domiciles," the writer o£
which, without even once mentioning the great equilateral prin-
ciple, after describing the hives of his own apiary, wishes to
disabuse the apiarian mind, of what ? — ths fallaoj'' that one hive
can be superior to another ! or to quote literally his own words,
" That by no particular invention, contrivance, or theory, bees
can be forced, as it were, to augment then- sweets." This reasoning
being subsequently compUmented in your columns by no less an
authority than " An Old Apiakian,' it is no wonder though
the poor novice should be driven, as a last resort, to the purchase
of some of those pretty expensive toys disposed of by parties as
bee-hives, who surely know little of the subject, and into which
the practical bee-keeper would never think of hiving a swarm.

That Miner may have found his equilateral-hive of a size suit-
able to the requirements of average swarms in the United States
is possible enough ; but it is simply absurd to argue that this size
should be adopted in every case, be the swarm great or small.
A small swarm hived in a roomy box must necessarily retain
within it a greater number of workers to raise the temperature
for comb-building, and, therefore, can spare fewer to go abroad
foraging ; this must materially affect their store at the end of
the season, and contrast unfavourably with hives of smaller
dimensions. As to large swarms, he admits having received com-
munications from parties supi)lied, inquiring what they are to do
with swarms his hives cannot contain. His advice in such cases
is that the appearance of swarms at hiving time is fallacious ; to
place an inch block below each comer of the hive, and at the
approach of the first cool weather they will draw within. Indeed,
our author seems to consider those monster swarms which
occasionally darken our apiaries, not as happy windfalls, but as
monsters in the worst sense of the term ; and goes on reasoning
that swarms should consist of a certain number and no more;
th at " bees in a hive are exactly in a similar position to a body
0 f njegfeaiQ^ ju a ^•orkghop; that tbey ajHsl; have a gertaia

IS

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 2, 1861.

room to labour in ; and that all tbeir labours are deranged by
an excels of labourers !" Common sense, one would think,
would naturally suggest to Mr. Miner, as a wise master trades-
man, the propriety of extencUug his premises so as to afford hi.s
numerous and busy hands fair elbow room ; but then farewell
to the infallible size, and aU the fine reasomng of this most
amusingly egotistical of aU bee- writers.

To take up the other extreme, or the auy-sort-of-hive doctrine,
the veriest tyro in bee-keepiug kuowa that the mere possession
of the best description of hive is not sufficient of itself to insure
succesis • that he must people it with a strong colony, occupy a
fair locality, and have some knowledge of management, before
such can be looked for. 'WTiat I hold is, other things being
equal, there exists as wide a difference between some hives and
their management contrasted with others, to accomplish tor the
pr.-iotical bee-keeper his main end in view— viz., sending the finest
honey first to market, as there would between one of otir modern
clippers and a blufl' bowed old Dutchman in fetching home from
China the first of the season's teas.

Who has not looked mth pity on the congregated mass of
bees clu.rtering idly round the entrance of many a cottager s hive,
it may be for weeks, at the very best part of the short honey
season, while depriving-hives in its immediate neighbourhood
may be rapicUy storing up th« finest honey ? I was once assured
bv a respectable party, on whose veracity I could rely, of his
having, whUe the day was at the longest and the white clover m
full hloom, weighed a set of his Stewarton-boxes containing a
powerful colony in the morning early, and again at dusk, and
found they had increased their gross weight by the almost incre-
dible amount of i>k lbs. in the smgle day. Or, take^ an lUu.stra-
tion from my own experience. Some years ago, being desirous
to test the cottager's with a more improved system side by side,
I hived early in June a good prime swarm in a common straw
hive ; on the day foUowing, another of nearly the same weight
in a wooden hive, fitted with bars and slides and other improve-
ments ; they were of like cubic contents, and placed a few feet
apart. The season being propitious, they wrought very dili-
gently for the first four weeks, and yomig bees appeared much
about the same thne. They then both began to slacken their
ardour, and block up the entrance, threatening swarming. To
obviate this, I placed an eke below the straw hive— the plan
pursued by cottagers, and on the wooden hive a super, drawing
each end slide only ; this had the desired ■ effect in both cases,
with this difierence, that the inmates of the box went on with
renewed vigom- to the end of the season, the other in a very
leisurely manner. The straw hive I could have sold for £1 to
our* pari.sh honey dealer to run down its contents. From the
bos I took a super of beautiful comb entirely free from poUen
or brood, weighing 20 lbs. nett ; for this I could have realised 25.
per lb (had I felt disposed to part with it), or £2, having my
stock-hive to boot, which was worth to me another pound, as
it stood over without a particle of feeding, and threw a s^yarm
the following season nearly 1 lb. heavier than its more richly
stored competitor, only one day later, or exactly a year and a
day after each had been established respectively. Surely here
wa.^ an " augmentation of sweets" not ascribable to any fortui-
tous circumstances, but solely to the hive ; the management
being up to the time of the threatened swarmimg much on a par
in every respect.

The shortcoming in the one case is as obvious as the success
in the other. The straw hive being wrought full of combs, and
those stored with honey and brood, the inmates were compelled
to lie irlle and hang out. The eke prevented swarming by a
timely supply of fresh air, and a little employment in extending
their combs. This might add somewhat to the breeding space,
but then storing was over with the exception of a little honey,
as the queen's breeding relaxed towai-ds the end of the season.

In the box-hive, on the contrary, the addition was afforded
where most required ; the detachment told off to take possession
of the super at once eased the pressure on the stock ; the honey
gatherers plied all their energies to carry home to this cool
receptacle the nectar abounding ; the nurses busied themselves
pulling the discoloured covers off their older preserves hard by,

• This singular old man (who, by the wajr, is almost as fond a lover of
"bees as was the great Huher himself), working fearlessly among them
and very rarely stung, although labouring under the same inlirmity.
When in his prime he dealt in cattle, purchasing horses and cows guided
solely as to age, size, and defects, by the same wonderful delicacy of touch
that distinguishes his estimating the small though more irascible stock-
being then as now, lotnUvhliml. As a climax to ihe whole, m hiri later
years he wai more than suspected of systematically tampering with the
game laws.

treating the youngsters to liberal supplies, keeping them at the
same time in blissful ignorance of the nice white-covered sweets
laid fast in the store closet up stairs (as thrifty housewives wei-e
then acting on the principle in larger domiciles) ; this gave an
always-increasing area for fresh brood : hence the larger swarm
from this hive the following season. Bees require no compulsion
to augment their sweets ; it is their delectation, the object of
their lives — in short, their ruling passion. What they too often
lack is but the opportunity. To the careful observer, it wotjld
appear the more they have to do -the more they will do, with
plenty of store room at command. Let but the golden moment
arrive, be it a copious honey-dew or a change to the clover or the
heath, how their energies are set on fire ! with what a hurry-
scurry do they pour forth ! tvith what a-too-bu.sy-to-speak-to-
you air they rush past — woe be to the luckless wight wdio ,at such
a time gets in their way ! how earnestly they toil — he must be
an early riser who gets the start of tliem ! and late in the gloam-
ing, with what a done-up look do the last amvals throw them-
selves on the landing-board and draw a long breath, before
hurrying in past the wary sentinels.

Having already encroached far upon your valuable space, I
must reserve till the next Number a detailed description of some
of the " Bee-Hives and Appurtenances " having a jilace in the
apiary of — A Renpeewshibe Bee-keeper.

(To he contimied.)

OUR LETTER BOX.

Hen Latino fbom Perch (H. I. J.).— It your Brahma pullet will get
upon the perch and deposit her eggs from thence, have your perch or
perches made moveable, and take them away during the daytime. We
will inquire about the cap forlop-eared Rabbits.

Hens not Latino {An Old Subscriber, Duhltii). — Fifty heni ought to
give you more than nine e^gs daily uow. The foud (one stone of potatoes
and half a stone of steeped wheat daily) is more than enoui^h for them,
especially as they have a good run. Vour hens, we think, must he old, or,
if young, the eggs are taken either by themselves or oihermarauders.

Hatching Game Bantams. — (A Tico->iears* fSuhscrlitrr). — You had
better not have a brood until the end of fliay. oreaily in June. The chickens
are tender. Turtle Doves, and, indeed, ail the Columbaria:, or Pigeon
tribe, are good table birds.

Hatching in a Stove (Inquirer). — You must keep the eggs at a steady
temperature uf about 104*. We should have them on a turf in a box,
sprinkle them once daily with water, and covered with wool — a piece of
sheep's skin, wool downwards. After all ynur trouble, j'ou probably w ill
not succeed ; and if you do succeed in hatching them, then comes the
redoubled trouble of rearing. Far better would it be to iiuvchase a feiT old
Cochin-China hens — they wiUsJt well, and are capital mothers. Yourother
query is answered in another column. No wonder that your DorUng
cockerel, kept in a pen and fed on wheat, loses his feathers.

Blacks in Fowls (A Constant Subscriber, M'ioan). — Your fowls must
be well treated with castor oil. a table-spoonful every other day. They
should he fed twice every day with bread steeped in strong ale. When
this f.iils to relieve, it is often necessary to bleed a little from the comb,
and it should be done so that it shall not disfigure. So long as action is
kept up by purgatives, any sort of stimulant may be beneficially given.

Tasselled Game Fowls (TT. P. Copper). — There always has been a
dislike to tasselled Game as compared with others. Formerly there were
the tasselled and lark-crested. There are still some old fanciers who
admire them when they see them, but, as a rule, they are not favourites.
Mr. Baily treats of exhibition fowls and their Jireatment.

Tlumage of Game Fowls (Gamester). — You can only cluinge the colour
of your birds by introducing stock possessing the qualities you lack. If,
therefore, the fault is, that the colour does not exist, buy a cock where it
is fully developed, and put him to your hens. If it exists, hut lacks
brilliancy, it is a question of cleanliness and condition. Feed well on
ground nata and a lew peas, and see that their roosting.places are kept
clean. If the white you mention is a sort of fluff at the root of the
feathers, and no part of the feathers themselves, it is immutcrial ; but if it
is any part of the feather it is a disqualification. We hold that the red or
copper saddle is quite correct in Duckwiugs, but not a r<^d hackle. The
last is a defect, and coupled with the fact that the hens are more libe
Black Reds than Duckwings, we should say they were cross-bred, and that
some of the former blood was in them. We have hardly yet had Qame
Bantam hens quite perfect iu colour as "Duckwings; there Is still tome
little latitude allowed to them, but none to the cocks.

Food pon Hareart Doves (Coo). — WhcLit, barley, and hempseed; the
latter sparingly. If sick, withhold the hemp, give bread and milk, and add
any powerful bitter to the water. We were unable to obtain this information
in time for last week.

BER8DKsEnTlKGTHEiRHlVE8(E.F.).— Bees sometimes leave their hives
when in danger of starvation. Instead of waiting a sure death by famine,
they appcor to sally forth in the forlorn hope of bettering their desperate
condition. Liberal feeding last autumn would probably have saved all, or
nearly all, your stocks, and may even now be necessary to preserve the
two that still survive. Our correspondent has lost twenty-eight of thirty
stocks.

April 9, 1861. ]

JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTtTRE AND COTTAaE GARDENER.

19

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day
of

M'nth

9
10
11
12
IS
14
15

Day

of

Week.

Tn
W
Th

F

S

SOH

M

APRIL 9-15, 18G1.

Orobus vernus.

Trollius europieus.

Columbines.

TriUiums.

Cortusa Matthioli.

2 Sdn. af. Eas. Pes. Beathice

Dentaria bulbifera. [b. 1857.

Weatheb NBAS London in 1860.

Barometer.

Tbermom.

Wind.

deg. deg.

29.603-29.557

48-38

W.

29.971-29.665

50—20

N.W.

30.145—30.096

48-32

N.W.

30.089-30.049

48-25

s.w.

30.039—29.923

49-25

N.E.

30-150-30.122

49-31

N.E.

30.217-30.153

55-39

N.E.

Inches.

•02
•01
•01

Snn

Snn

Rises.

Sets.

m. h.

m. b.

19af5

44af 6

17 5

46 6

15 5

47 6

13 5

49 6

10 5

51 6

8 5

52 6

6 5

S4 6

Moon

Clock

Rises

Moon's

before

and Sets

■

Age.

Sun.

m. b.

m. e.

35 4

29

1 34

sets

•

1 17

39 a 8

1

1 1

48 9

2

0 45

63 10

3

0 29

51 11

4

0 14

morn.

5

Oaf. 1

Day of

Tear.

99
100
101
102
103
104
105

Meteoeoiogt of the Week.— .it Chiswiok, from observations during tbe last tbirty-tour years, tbc average highest and 'o^^^^'
temperatures of these days are 55.8° and 35.7° respectively. The greatest heat, 73', occurred on the 14tb, in 1852; and the lowest cold, 22",
on tbe 13tb in 1853. During tbe period 122 days were fine, and on 116 rain fell.

MY OECHAED-HOUSE.

HAT spring-like and
charming weather on
this Good Friday morning ! How de-
lightful the temperature of my orchard-
house ! How thickly my Apricots have
set their fruit ! and how beautiful are the Peach
and Nectarine trees, all in full bloom ! The ther-
mometer hanging in the shale in the centre of the
Louse marks 68°, which is most enjoyable to my
feelings, for I always reckon that a temperature ranging
from 65° to 72° is perfect, when accompanied by fresh air
which, is now gently breathing against my face.

My house is span-roofed and 14 feet wide, with glass
on each side and at the ends, so that it is remarkably
light. I never remember to have enjoyed my orchard-
house walkings and doings as I have done this season ;
for ever since the severe frost left us in January, its
climate has been so dry, so calm, and so agreeably warm
after an hour's sunshine, that I have always felt loath to
leave it.

I have been very fortunate in my management, and it
may be interesting to some of your readers unlearned in
orchard-house culture to know how I have operated on
my trees. Early in November I had them all top-dressed,
gave each tree a gallon of water, placed all the pots
close together, and covered their surfaces with refuse
hay 1 foot thick. On that terrible Christmas morning
I went into my house with a comfortable feeling, for I
felt assured that my trees were safe. To my surprise I
found the thermometer inside registering 26° of frost,
outside 2° below zero. Every shoot was frozen hard. I
almost feared the blossom-buds would be injured by suchi
excessive cold, particularly as the shoots were not so
hard and ripe after the cool, cloudy summer. As soon as
the frost left, or rather about the end of January, I had
all the trees syringed with the Gishurst Compound, as it
had just come from the manufacturer, and, as my man
said, " smelt powerful bad." I dissolved six ounces to the
gallon of water, and had them syringed with it till every
shoot was dripping. I allowed them to remain two or
three hours to get partially dry, and then had them
thoroughly syringed with pure water, which, to a certain
extent, removed the unpleasant smell : (but Mr. Wilson,
the inventor of the Gishurst Compound, must tell us of
some agreeable disinfector, for its stench is marvellous).
Well, I presume my syringing killed not only the brown
aphis, which is often so active in winter on the young
shoots of Peach trees, but also its eggs ; for whereas last
year after a frost in December, 1859, nearly as severe as
the memorable frost of last Christmas, my trees were
more or less infested all the spring by this pest, I cannot
now discover one ; and they (the trees) are perfect beau-
ties— bushes of promise, for I grow them in the bush
form in thirteen-inch pots, and pinched in their young
shoots all last summer.

In a small way I am a collector of varieties of Peaches
and Nectarines, and have some fifty or sixty sorts. I
No. 2. — Vol. I., Nbw Series.

wish I could impart to your readers the pleasure I derive
from not only their fruit, but in studying the infinite
diversities of their leaves and flowers. No two are exactly
alike ; and when the eye is to a certain extent educated,
the slight yet well-marked variations are charming, and
fill the mind with that gentle, happy feeling of admiration
so conducive to its health, so soothing to the unquiet
spirit, so calculated to fill the heart with thanks for this
foretaste of the glories of spring.

Among Peach and Nectarine trees, some give flowers
large and almost gorgeous in the colouring ; some only
those that are bright in colour, yet with petals com-
paratively small ; and others again flowers so small and
inconspicuous as scarcely to attract notice. I have
amused myself with looking over my trees and taking
notes of their blossoms. It has been with me a slight
labour of love ; to your readers the reading of such notes
may, perhaps, be real labour ; but they may pass it over,
or you may not thinK them worthy of the laljours of the
press. But here they are : —

Peaches iciih large, brigM-coloured flowers.

1. Pucelle de Maliues. 7. Early York.

2. Early Savoy.

3. Pi'incc53 Marie. 9.

4. Barrington. 10.

5. Shanghai. 11.

6. Acton Scot. 12.
These are all most beautiful, particularly Nos. 5, 6,

8, 11, and 12, which when in full bloom are glorious
objects.

Peaches with large pale flowers.

1. Noblesse. 4. Red Nutmeg.

2. Newington. 5. Malta.

3. Early Anne. 6. Madeleine de Courson.
No. 6 is the Eoyal George of France, being cultivated

there to the same extent as the Eoyal George is in
England, and reckoned one of their first-rate kinds.

Peaches wiUi small pinJc flowers.

Abeo.
Pavie dePompone.
Cooledge's Favouvite.
Gro3«e Mignonne.
Early Grrosse Mignonne.

12. Angers Large Purple.

13. Oeorge IV.

14. Belle de Doue.

15. Monstreuse de Dou^.

16. Belle de la Croix.

17. Salway.

18. Vineuse.

19. Violette Hatite (English
Gralande) .

20. Boudin.

21. Ci-awford's Early.

1. Gregory's Late.

2. Early Tillotsou.

3. Bellegarde (French Ga-

lande) .

4. Royal George.

5. Small Mignonne.

6. Late Admirable.

7. Catherine.

8. Chancellor.

9. Desse Tardive.

10. Walbuvton Admirable.

11. Royal Charlotte.

Nos. 3, 11, 17, 18, and 19, have flowers of a very deep
pink, and are very conspicuous and pretty. Many of the
others in this list have very small, inconspicuous petals,
some of them tipped with green ; but no two are alike.
Nectarines with large bright flowers.

1. Newington. 4. Rivers' Orange.

2. Early Newington. 5. Hardwicke.

3. Pitmaston Orange. 6. Stanwick.

Nos. 3 and 4 are the most showy and beautiful of all,
No. 654.— Vol,. XXVI., Old Sbbies.

20

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 9, 1861.

their flovrera of the lar<;e8t size, and of tliat bright rose
colour always so agreeable.

Nectarines with large pale flowers.

1. Bowden. 3. White.

2. Roman. 4. Fairchild's Early.

Nectarines with small pink flotcers.

1. Murry. 5. Oldaker's Black.

2. Late Melting. 6. Balgowan.

3. Elruge. 7. Due du Tellier's.

4. Imperatrice. 8. Dcvrntou.

These, like the small-flowered Peaclies, are very diverse
in the size and colour of their petals, but Nos. 3, 6, and 8
are very bright and pretty.

When one considers that all this beauty is to be
followed by fruit equally or more beautiful, it need not
excite surprise that my love for orchard-house culture
increases annually. Plums, Cherries, Apples, and Pears
all have blossoms more or less varied ; and when I have
built separate houses for these fruits, which I hope one
day to be able to do, I may give you a few more notes.
I have felt much regret to see my friends, the bees, so
■weak and so chary in their visits. In most seasons there
is one continuous hum ; but not so this year. My bee-
keeping neighbour, " Old Jack," tells me that his are
nearly all dead : those are, or were, in common hives with
the usual straw caps. — Amicus.

EECENT SEAECHES FOE TEUE CINCHONA
PLANTS.

Beins desirous of seeing the decoration of the hothouses for
the million at Kew, and the effects of the trost on the vast variety
of out-of-door plants there, I called about the middle of March.

As I got the length of the long succulent-house Sii- William
Hooker and Mr. Smith, the Ciu'ator, met me, both improving in
appearance as they advance in years. And I am again indebted
to their good natures for an op|3ortunity of seeing evei'y move
in the place, accompanied by the heads of the separate depart-
ments to explain everytliing I wanted to know about.

The Orcliid-houses, the new Cincliona-house, and some other
places are now kept private, as the constant jarring of doors the
year rownd is most prejudicial to that high style of cultivation
in which all the rest of the house plants at Kew are seen. After
taking particular notes of all the plants they force for decorating
the show-house, of all the climbers, and all the plants which
come naturally in flower in March — but above all, after select-
ing my own clioice of kinds from tlieir vast collection of Acacias
kept, purposely to save room, in the smallest pots tliey will
thrive in — I had more tow than I could spin in one week, and
I thought of proceeding no further than the Acacias, and going
a second time; but ray guide, a good-humoured-looking man,
invited me to see their newest house on account of the new way
of lieating it for bottom heat.

It is a very long liouse, in two divisions, and marked " private."
I recollect seeing it in progress last autumn, and could see tliere
was somelhing extra to be tried, on account of the quantity of
piping and the ways they wei'e laid, and sure enough there was.
I only wish you could have seen the writer on stepping into that
house.

WeU, the sight upset all my plans, and my ilowers must now
give way to doctor's stuff— to the highest department of the
operative chemist, and for the use and profit of all others who
feel the pulse of hfe.

I now recollect that when I was at Kew in the autumn there
was a rumour amonir the young gardeners about a friend of
mine, which I was sorry to hear, to the effect that he, my friend,
liad proceeded on false premises, and become embroiled with
the Indian Government in London.

They, the Indian Government, resolved to strive to obtain the
trees which produce the tonic barks of commerce ; they wanted
Bark trees — the trees which produce Jesuits' Bark, or Peruvian
Bark — of which tliey make Quinine and other doctor's stuff.

These trees occupy thirty or thirty-two parallels of latitude in
Peru, and to the north of it as far as Loxa. They range high
up in the mountains far from tlie coast, and the same kind differs
so much at different elevations, as our wall ivy does from flower-

ing ivy with its plain leaves, so that botanists who had to name
them from dried specimens made a great confusion of species,
which confusion is not yet got rid of.

Well, a collector from this country, to find out the best kinds
of Bark trees, must not trust to his botany so m\ich as to the
practical experience of the barkers out there, who make a living
by felling the trees, and harvesting the bark, and getting it to
the coast — processes which last, more or less, from April to
November. The CouncU of the Royal Horticultural Society,
since they lost Mr. Douglas, held the opinion that a collector for
South America would need to speak in the foreign tongues to
get on at all, and woxild never trust any of us gardeners with
such a mission to these regions. Now, this was the very leaf
out of our books without our leave, which brought my friend,
and the fi-iends of India to the midst of the jangle. They sent
out a foreigner who could talk about Cascaril'las and Cortexes of
all shades of colours, and all the rest of it. His name was
ominous, too, being Markham. Mark eveiy turn of the way
from his office in London to Calisaya, the southern limits of
Cinchonas — for that is the book name for these Bark trees ; and
one of the best kinds of Bark trees is named Calisaya, after the
place where it is found. Mr. Markham was allowed a practical
gardener, Mr. Weir, to carry his bag, and set his tent, if he had
one. He was not long in tilling his cases, and in bringing them
over to Southampton, on their way to India by the Red Sea,
green as Chives. Here my friend got scent of them, and he told
the rest of us that Mr. Markham's trees were done as they do
the bacon in Ireland, first killed and then cured ; killed by a
vertical sun in getting over the mountain passes to the coast,
and cured with the salt mud of the nearest estuary, and if he
had stopped there no harm could have come of it, for truth only
was told us.

I once had a similar case. A number of boxes of Mexican flne-
leaved plants were lying packed in Vera Cruz, under the French
blockade, 1838, for two years and five months altogether, yet
some of the plants were as green as grass ; and a good judge of
such things, Mr. Tait, of Sloane Street Nursery, reported them
safe and sound, although they must have been dead over two
years, and I was not surprised to hear that Mr. Markham was
deceived in his collection. If he had, therefore, been silent till
he reached India with them, he might have put the blame on the
scorching heat over the Red Sea. But he did not remain silent,
and my friend fell into a grievous error, and accused the India
House people of squandering the public money in this expedition,
without knowing the other side of the question — namely, with-
out knowing that Mr. Markham had two strings to his bow,
that he did not value his cargo of trees so much as the seeds
of the same kind, which he ordered Mr. Pritchett, who is
acquainted in the craft out there, to gather and send after him
to Kew as soon as possible. This Mr. Pritchett found no diffi-
culty in doing, and a large assortment of seeds of the various
and best kinds of Cinchonas reached Kew on last Lord Mayor's
day ; and if all the seedlings of Cinchonas which I could not
number at Kew, were sold now at five farthings a-piece, the
proceeds would cover the cost of the Markham expedition, and
leave something on hand for the relief fimd for the famine in
India .

Forthwith the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society
advertised for a plant collector who could talk in the Spanish
tongue, or in tlie language of Portugal, or both, and odds were
soon staked on both sides of the race for Cinchonas.

The advertisements did not take, however, but they opened
the eyes of Sir Charles Wood and his India Board to the perils
of their progress for procuring tonics for the Emperor of China
and Ills people ; and a second expedition, on the tnie English
model, was soon on its way to the Cinchona country.

The practical gardener who was known to possess the most
needful qualities for a traveller for plants in foreign parts was
sought out and soon found. We have such gardeners by the
dozen in London itself Tlie authorities at Kew were entrusted
to make the selection, and they fixed on Mr. Cross, one of their
own recent pupils. You will certainly smile when I tell you of
the qualities on which Mr. Cross's fitness was founded — that
he was canny enough to know the value of the practical appli-
cation of pluck on the instant. This quality Mr. Cross was
presumed fairly to possess, as the lineal descendant of the very
man who saved the life of Bailie Nicol Jarvie, the Glasgow
magistrate, by cutting off the tails of his coat, from which the
worthy functionary was dangling over a precipice from the
boughs of a thorny tree in the pass above Aberfoil. I have

April 9, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

21

eeen that application of pluci more than onoe on the right-hand
side of the pass from Prince's Street to Holyrood, in Edinburgh,
hut I never could understand how it was done. Mr. Cross did
understand it, however, and that will immortalise hi8 name as
the most successful collector of plants on record.

Mr. Cross left with letters of introduction to Mr. Spence, an
English gentleman who has been out there for many years, and
whose name is well Imown among naturalists in this country.
After consulting with Mr. Spence, he engaged a man Friday,
and set off to the hilla, cleared a piece of ground for an experi-
mental garden up in the forest, had a rumpus with a party of
Tolunteers behind a stockade made on purpose to impede his
mission through jealousy of trade secrets, which throw difficulties
in the way of travellers, such as persons unacquainted with the
Bark trade can hardly conceive. However, Mr. Cross and his
man Friday surrounded them Aberfoil fashion, made friends of
them, and they fashed him no more.

But the manner in which he botauised for the best species of
Cinchonas is the beat chapter in the whole expedition. Friday
could dig, rake, pick off stones, and root-weed, and manage to
water plants by this time if he had them ; but that was the
difficulty. There was no end of plants, but a great number of
them are useless, except for the piu-pose of adulteration. The
practice is to fell the trees, and cut as low as the crown of the
roots, the very bottom yielding the best bark. This causes suckers
and suckering-stools all over the forests that are frequented
by bark strippers, who go singly or in gangs according to their
numbers, and there is a major domo to receive the daily supply
of bark from so many gangs, and see to the proper drying of it.
The major domo knows tlie real value and the foreign quotations
for the bark of every species which grows witliia the limits of
his boundaries. His botany beats oure, small as pulvis' quin-
quina, and his first-born daughter knows more than he — knows
that his own men cheat him sometimes with inferior kinds of
bark, more easUy got at than the very best, which is more often
on the liighest and moat inaccessible places in tlie ravines and
mountain sides — knows also they must not come it so in her
department.

Now, besides the damsel being fair, and setting aside the
luxury of playing the gallant in the wilderness, a leaf out of the
book of the daughter of the major domo would be of more
value to Mr. Cross at that moment than all the writings on the
Cinchonas from the days of La Condamine to those of Weddel,
the first and all but the last, who wrote upon the subject. So
Mr. Cross made up to the damsel and proved the fact (which
had no need of proof, however), that the language of Nature,
fresh from the heart and soft from the eye, beats all your foreign
tongues to cloves and ribbons ; and Mr. Cross had no want
from that time of best Bark stools to select from — that you may
depend upon.

Friday, too, took up the spirit of the thing, being kindly
treated by massa and missa alike. The experimental garden
was soon full, and the watering incessant. So many of the
suckers came up aa Irish cuttings are described — full of roots
and flakes of soil, and so many without roots, but with recent
wounds and the disposition to root induced by the felling of the
tree, were fit subjects for experimental work. They did root,
and between the two sets of cuttings there were enough.

Mr. Cross, howeveir, hke Mi'. Markham, looked after the seeds
of the proper kinds, sent them to Kew, and Kew sent some of
them to all the foreign stations with which exchanges are made,
and which had the right climate for them. The rest went to
BweU the seedlings which I could not number in the new Cin-
ehona-house at Kew.

At the end of ten months Mr. Cross was back to Kew with
six hundred plants fresh as when they left the Experimental at
Huanuco. They were in fifteen cases, and from 9 inches to
2 feet long — such young stuff as most nurseries might be proud
of sending out. They were all unpacked, aired, and tended for
ten days or a fortnight; then repacked, and he was off with
them down the Red Sea to India, by the time of my visit, and
I could not help regretting that any friend of mind, or anybody
connected with the reminiscences of Chiswick, should have
founded a cause for ill will on these, the most complete, and the
most likely to pay of all the trials of the kind that have been
made in my days.

My reading on Ciuchonas furnishes me no later dates than
1957, and yet I found a new species named at Kew, at least new
to me and my books, in the "Materia Medica" (fourth edition,
1857), by Professor Pereira. The books and memoirs without

end that have been written about Cinchonas, are condensed into
the smallest space, and that is the best digest of them that I
have seen. But this new accession of living species, and the
fresh specimens at Kew fr-om the aforesaid expeditions, will soon
put the, question on a new footing. Depend upon it, before ten
years are over your head the Cinchonas will be good trade
plants in the London nurseries, and will be ever and constantly
in demand for exportation, and no one can say now but the
basin of the Mediterranean may not compete yet with India for
Quinine Bark.

It is only in hiUy countries that the Bark comes to perfection.
Poppig, one of the best authorities ou the subject, relates that
many speculating merchants have been ruined in Peru by
purchases of lowland Bark. The best Bark is found, accoi-ding
to Friday's friends, on mountain-tops, and ou single trees
growing in the coldest and most exposed elevations. The same
kinds of trees gi-ow low in the mountain-vallies, and in some
parts low nearer the coast ; but the bark from such situations is
of no value except for adulteration. The kinds or species of
Cinchonas from which such quantities of seeds were sent to Kew
are Cinchona Condaminea, C. calisaya, C. nitida, and two vnrieties
of micrantha — all well-known old species for producing the best
Barks of commerce, and a new one called succi-rubra, and of
tins alone there are thirty or forty thousand plants pricked off!
The seed-bed was made as for sowing Rhododendrons, to be
sown broadcast along the front of the storehouse and over the
hot-water-pipe ; and it was 17 yards long, the whole length
was sown broadcast, and the seedlings came up thick as grass.
There is no end to them, and succi-rubra is believed to be the
best of them all ; but Condaminea, micrantha, and calisaya were
said from the first to have been the best. Condaminea is that
which furnishes the pale Bark of EngUsh commerce ; and
Humboldt says this is the fine Uritucinga Bark originally seen
by La Condamine, after whom it is named. Micrantha is the
favourite Bark of the people of the country, who call it Oasca-
rilla fina, or the finest Bark. Nitida has the disadvantage of
one name to two kinds of plants ; but the nitida brought to
Kew is the lancifolia of De Candolle, who makes nitida, offici-
nalis, lanceolata, glabra, and angustifolia all synonymes of
lancifolia. It furnishes the orange-colom-cd Bark, and, next to
Condaminea, is reckoned the best of all the species. Calisaya is
said to be the source of the true royal yellow Bark, the China
regis vera of English commerce. What may be the value or
virtue of succi-rubra I never heard. But the whole subject is
being recast just now; and a splendid folio work on these
Cinchonas is in the press, under the moat practical hands — one
of the first firms in Loudon for grinding the Bai'ks, and the
ablest heads in botany, who can now obtain fresh specimens of
all the kinds if they need them almost by return of post.

D. Beaton.

EEPOET ON SCABLET AND OTHEE
BEDDING PELAEGONIUMS,

GROWN AT CHISWICK DT 1860.

My Thomas Mooee, F.L.S., F.B.H.S., Secretary to t%e Flora
Committee.

The season of 1860 having proved unfavourable to these
plants, it has been determined to renew the trial of them in the
present season, and, as far as it can be done, to prove them also
under pot culture. The brief particulars noted concerning
them, and which embody the opinion pronounced by the Com-
mittee, though influenced to some extent by an exceptional
season, may, nevertheless, be worth recording. They are to be
understood as applying to the varieties as grown in the open
ah', aud in many cases are derived from single plants.

The following is a summary of the varieties which the Com-
mittee adjudged to be the most desirable for cultivation : —

Series I. — PlAIN-LEATED SCABLET PELAEaONIFMa.

§ 1. Flowers scarlet .- — Frogmore Improved, and Punch.
Defiance and Wellington Hero, in addition, were commended
for pot culture and for training up conservatoi-y pillars.

§ 3. Flowers cerise : — Beaute de Meldoise, Lady Middleton,
Le Titien.

§ 3. Flowers rose-pinh : — Christina, Rose Queen.

§ 4. Flowers white : — The only variety of this colour was
considered inferior.

Series IT. — HoKSESnOE-LEATEB ScABLET PELAESOIfltrMS.
§ 1. Flowers scarlet: — Baron Hugel, Captivation, Lihput,

22

JOTJBNAL OF HORTICTJLTFBE AND COITAGE GARDENEE.

[ AprU 9, 1861.

Martin Gireau, Queen of England, Scarlet Perfection. Bishop-
stowe, Conway's Eojalist, and New Globe were selected as good
secondary sorts ; while Amazon, British Flag, Compactum, and
Eichmond Gem were commended for pot culture or pillars.

§ 2. Flowers cerise : — Francois Chardine, Mons. Martin,
Eubens, and Sheen Eival ; and for pot culture, Paul Labbe.

§ 3. Flowers salmon or JJesh-coloiir : — Prince Louise of Hesse ;
and for pot culture, Aurora and Blackbeath Beauty.

§ 4. Flowers rose-pink : — None of the varieties in this group
were considered of first-rate character.

§ 5. Floivers blush with pink centre : — Henri de Beaudot.

§ 6. Floivers white : — Madame Vaucher, and Nirea iioribimda.

Series III. — Nosegay PELAEGOifinrs.
These all have zonate leaves. The best sorts were Crystal
Palace, Imperial Crimson, Pink Nosegay, and Bed Nosegay.
Of good secondary sorts, of larger growth, there were : —
Bishopstowe Nosegay, Purple Nosegay, and Salmon Nosegay.

Series IV. — Itt-leated Pelabgonhtms.
These were all considered to be usefid bedding plants for
various purposes.

Series V. — ^VaEIEGATED-LEAVED PELABGONItrirS.

§ 1. Leaves golden-edged .— Golden Chain and Lady Cotten-
ham were pronounced to be usefid varieties.

§ 2. Leaves silver or cream-edged : — Of the scarlet-flowered
sorts : Annie, Ahna, Bijou, Burning Bush, Coimtess of War-
wick, Jidia, Perfection, ScintUlatum ; and for pot cidture,
Picturatum. Of those with cerise scarlet or rosy-tinted blossoms :
Flower of the Day and Flower of Spring, both first-class sorts.
Besides the foregoing, Lilac Variegated and St. Clair, both with
pink flowers, were considered usefid varieties of secondary rank.

The varieties having the whitest-edged foliage were : — Alma,
Bijou, Jane, Mrs. Lenox, Mountain of Light, Mountain of
Snow, and Perfection.

Series VI. — Htbbid Bedding Pelargoniums.
The varieties of this group did not succeed as bedding plants
in 1860. — (^Proceedings of the JBot/al HorticuHural Society.)

GROWING SPECIMEN PELARGONIUMS.

(Continued from page 3.)

Training. — The plants, after being potted and properly treated
by gentle waterings and syringing after a warm sunny day, will
grow rapidly and strongly. Such being the case, the training to
form a specimen should be commenced forthwith. The safest
plan is to place slender sticks, painted green, one to each branch,
and so to place them that the shoots may be drawn down-
wards, and at equal distances from each other. Strong shoots
should be more depressed than weak ones in order that the
strength of each should be equahsed. If, notn-ithstanding this
bending-out of the perpendicular, any shoot should stiU retain
more strength than the rest, then nip out the uppermost bud of
it alone — that will check it effectually.

Some varieties break close to the soil without any stopping,
whilst others are very shy at branching out naturally. Such
should be topped at the earhest stage of growth, in order to fill
up the intended form. If the shoots grow too rapidly it is a
sign that they have too much heat, too little air, and too much
water. These must all be regulated according to the strength
of the plant.

Some recommend having a centre shoot tied to a stick and
side-branches from that central shoot. For a pyramidal form
this is a good method j but to form a nice compact specimen like
the one figured, no central shoot should be trained at all. The
centre is sure to be filled up with shoots from the main branches.,
The weaker side shoots should be trained and drawn in, as it
were, to form the centre of the bush. They are sure to be strong
enough eventually.

Some also recommend a wire to be fixed round the pot, and
matting used to tie down the shoots. This is a neat way, but there
is danger in drawing do^^■n the shoots. I have seen a promising
specimen spoiled by one or more of the shoots so tied down
•lipping off at the junction with the main branches. Sticks are
certainly the safest and best trainers, for they can be lowered
gradually so as to prevent the shoots having too sudden a strain
upon them. Besides all this, plants trained with sticks may be
more easily repotted than if trained with any material fixed to
the pot in which they are growing at the time they need more

pot-room. All young specimens should have their blossom-buds
nipped off the first season,

SuMMBB Tbbatstent. — As soou as the greenhouse becomes
too warm for these plants, they should be set out of doors on a
bed of coal ashes, and a shelter contrived for them to keep off
the heavy rains. Eather less water should be given and the
syringe hung up in the tool-house so far as these specimens are
concerned — in fact, they do not need it now at all. The grand
point to aim at is to get the wood well ripened. It should by the
end of July be hard, firm, and woody, and of a dark shining brown
colour. The leaves should begin to turn yellow, and the older
ones drop off — in fact, it is the autumn with the Pelargonium.
As soon as this state of rest is attained, then set the plants out of
doors fully exposed to the sun, and in a short time they will be
ready for the operation of

Pefning. — This is an important point requiring considerable
thought and judgment. They shoidd be pruned at two or
three seasons. For blooming early get the plants into the proper
condition of ripeness early in August, prune a second lot a
month later, and the last the first week in October. As soon as
the plants are ready, cut them in according to their strength,
and the form you intend them to take the following season.
Weak plants should be cut in pretty close to one bud, stronger
may have three buds, and very strong ones four or five buds
each, and let each shoot when cut be at equal distances from the

Fig. 3.— One-year-old Pelargonium, pruned in autumn, and five shoots
left to branch out the following year.

Fig. 4.— Two-year-old Pelargonium, pruned in autumn, and fifteen shoots
left to branch out the following year. '

adjoining ones. When pruned remove the plants into a frame
set on bricks, so as to admit air amongst the pots. Keep
the glass on day and night ; but shade from hot sun, and
give no water till fresh shoots have made their appearance,
and the leaves have attained a Uttle size. Then give a little
water just to moisten the soil. They are then ready for the
autumnal potting. It is sufficient to say that this potting ig
done as advised above for the spring potting, with this
difference — that the plants are put into less instead of larger
pots, the object being now to induce a large crop of blooms
rather than larger plants. To get them into less pots it will be
necessary to lessen the balls : hence they should be potted when
the soil is rather dry, because then it is the more easily got away

April 9, 1861. ]

JOUENAL OF HORTICTJLTTJKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

23

from amongst the root3. Pick out all the old drainage, and
prune in the roota also. Then when the ball is lessened, the
drainage removed, and the roots pruned in, the plant can be
easily got into a lesser pot. The soil to be used now should be
pure loam and sand with a small addition of leaf mould. This
will grow the plants well through the winter, and keep the
leaves healthy enough. Eeplace them in the frame, and give
but little water till the roots have spread into the fresh soil.

Wintee.Teeatmekt. — Towards the middle of October the
plants should be brought out of the frame or pit and placed in
the greenhouse. Here keep them growing slowly, and let the
atmosphere be dry and not heated above 45° by day, and 40° by
night. jBe careful that no drip falls upon the leaves either by
day or night. This slow-growing cool treatment will keep the
plants stiff, bushy, and healthy, ready in the spring to start with
vigour in growth, and set with bloom abundantly. Towards the
middle of January, those intended to bloom in May should
be repotted into their blooming-pots. In the next month repot
such as are to bloom in June ; and a month afterwards the
remainder to bloom in July. Use the richer compost for these
spring-shifts. As the growth proceeds, attend to the thinning-
out the shoots where they are too thick, and place sticks to
train the shoots that are left into one proper form. Early
attention to these points will save a large amount of trouble
afterwards. When buds are fairly visible, then give for every
third watering weak liquid manure, increasing the strength as
the leaves and blossoms advance in growth.

Theatjient when in Bloom. — It is scarcely necessary to
say, when the flowers are open shade them from the sun, but
some may not think of it. By shading, the blooms are protected
and the season lengthened ; without shading, it would be
almost impossible to get out a blaze of bloom such as was seen
on the specimen as shown in our woodcut. By attending to the
above points of culture, and with persevering attention in
keeping down insects, any grower with moderate means may
produce, if not quite as fine, yet nearly as fine, a specimen as we
have drawn their attention to. T. Appleby.

NEAPOLITAN" VIOLETS EOR WINTER OE
SPRING FLOWERING.

Take off cuttings as soon as the plants have done flowering
in May, and plant the cuttings under hand-glasses in light
garden soU at the foot of a south wall. Water and shade them.
When they have struck root take off the glasses.

The first week in August prepare a bed the size of the frame
intended to place over them. Put, first, a layer of broken pots
or brick rubbish 9 inches deep ; on this put 4 feet of leaf mould,
1 foot of free loam, 1 foot of thoroughly decayed manure, half a
barrowful of clear sand, the same quantity of bone dust well
mixed together. The plants should not be more than 15 inches
from the glass.

Trim off all the runners from the plants before planting them
in the bed. Keep the light off the frame during the autumn,
except when veiy wet and cold. Place a layer of dry litter
round the frame to prevent frost injuring the plants. When
they begin to bloom never give air. Pots of plants put in any
convenient place not above 65° will do very well, and a succes-
sion may be had from October to April. — J. B.

BROCCOLI, AND WHAT LAST WINTER
TAUGHT ABOUT ITS VARIETIES.

As the season is at hand for sowuig this all-important vege"
table, it would be well to take a retrospect of the past season
as contrasted with former ones, in order to arrive at a just
conclusion which kinds it would be most proper to cultivate ;
for the past winter has disclosed many things we previously had
but little idea of encoimtering again, and possibly many young
cultivators never experienced the like before. Such a season
may recm- again : therefore it would be well to consider how far
its evils in destroying so large a portion of our winter and spring
supply of this vegetable can be avoided, and a better prospect
opened out for a more efficient quantity in future.

In taking this line, it is advisable to look more particularly
into the merits of the distinct kinds now generally cultivated,
and from amongst them select those most hkely to meet the
requirements of a family in winters like the past, as well as in

seasons of less severity, like those of the three or four preceding
ones. In doing this we need not go into the early history of
this vegetable, which, doubtless, is enveloped in the mysteries of
ages when horticultm-al records were less known than at present.
Suffice it to say that Broecoh, as well as the Cabbage, Cauli-
flower, and other plants, are supposed to have all a common
origin, but that their present difference and the regularity with
which each kind produces its like from seed have been acquired
by a long series of careful cultivation ; and the different pro-
perties they present have in hke manner been preserved to them by
the same assiduity — but it is also certain that some of the proper-
ties of the original have been lost by this careful improvement.
The finest Broccoli is far from being such a hardy plant as its
progenitor, neither is it so hardy as some kinds less fine. The
improvement here made is like that of the highest-bred animals
— it is obtained at a sacrifice of constitution ; and however
much this may be attempted to be modified by intermediate
means, still the improved breed is more tender than the original ;
and in Broccoli the most delicate in flavour are those most
affected by the frost, and consequently they ought not to be
planted in situations where a severe winter may be expected.
But as there are several varieties more likely to do good service
in such a place, it wo\ild be well to take a view of them and
explain the merits of each ; beginning with the one wliich in
mild seasons is very serviceable, and noticing a few of such
sections as it is advisable here to divide them into.

The Cape Broccoli. — The White variety of this differs but
little from the Cauliflower in its inabihty to withstand frost.
The Pink and Pui'ple are a little hardier, but neither of them
are to be depended upon after the thermometer falls below 24°.
A single night at that degree, or even a httle less, may not
entirely destroy them, and if mdd weather follows they may
overcome it and keep on growing ; but the Cape is not a variety
to be depended on in cold bleak districts. It, however, has its
merits. As an autumn variety it is unrivalled, and, being of
more quick gi'owth than most of the others, need not be sown
so early. 1 have seen some that were sown at the end of June
do very well, and even some of a week later than that have
done so ; but the middle of June, or from that to the 20th,
is as late sowing as is generally advisable. One or two sowings
before that time will have given an earlier supply, the seed
being sown in the usual way cai-e being taken to keep birds
away ; and if the weather be very hot and dry, a slight shading
and watering will be beneficial.

The Walcheren Sroccoli.—Some years ago an eminent gar-
dener, well known as a successful exhibitor at the metropolitan
shows, affirmed that he could supply his employer's table eveiy
day in the year fi'om this Broccoli alone ; but as the two or three
winters we had at that time were mUd, it is questionable, and had
he lived tUl 1861, there would have been a long blank, probably
as I do not hear of any one saving any plants of this variety the
present season. Nevertheless, in general it is a useful Broccoli,
hardier than the Cape ; and in moderate weather it gi-ows more
than most kinds do, and thereby affords a succession. In habit it
difters widely from the Cape, the leaves being not so upright and
more undulating — in some cases almost amounting to a fringe.
Wlien advancing into growth, however, some of these leaves
turn in and protect the head a little from the frost. But this
shelter is not enough at all times : it is, therefore, better to
put a handful of dry straw or hay into the centre of each, in
the event of a severe frosty night ; or, what is stUl better, if
the plant coidd be taken up and planted somewhere under
cover, but not in the dark. Where there is accommodation for
this, a supply is much easier kept up ; but as this is not always
the case, the homely makeshift above alluded to may be of
service. Appearances in the garden at this inclement season
being of less moment than appearances at table, it may be done
to all kinds of Broccoli so far advanced as to take harm from
the cold weather following. The sowing of this variety must be
a little earlier than for the Cape. The early part of June is a
favourable time ; and once before that and once after may keep
up a succession. Closely related to this variety are several, as
Snoic's Improved, and a winter Broccoli ; but the characteristics
of the Walcheren are a short stalk well clothed with leaves, and
these of rather a robust description. The longer-legged kinds,
though good in their way, are more liable to injury from the
cold and frosts of winter.

The ffardi/ Winter Broccoli. — Under this head I purpose to
include varieties widely differing from each other in every par-
ticular excepting in their capabilities of withstanding cold ; but

24

JOURNAL OF HOBXICrLTXJEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENBE.

[ April 9, 186L

as this qualification is an important one, we may safely regard
this section as of much value. And if necessary they might
be divided into subdivisions if these multiphed classes be re-
quired ; but for present purposes two or three types only wiU
be given. The first of these being the Purple Sprouting Broc-
coli, which appears to be a sort of hybrid between an ordinary
Purple Broccoli and some of the Greens, or Kales ; for the small
sprouting heads are more or less intermixed with leaves, giving
it some of the features of some of the many-headed kinds of
Greens — these leaves, however, acting as a great preservation
to the head in excluding frost. A good variety of Sprouting
Broccoli ought, therefore, always to be cultivated to some
extent, proportioned to the situation and other circumstances of
the place — most abimdantly when the situation is a bleak cold
one, and vice versa when it is the contrary ; for it is not so
much admired at table as a delicate White Broccoli, but is
admissible when other kinds are not forthcoming. Next to this
is a variety called Protecting Broccoli witli some one's name
appended. These are generally of medium height in the stalk ;
and being furnished with a profusion of leaves, the inner ones
form a protection to the advancing head by concealing it more
than other varieties generally do. The most common colour is
a cream or brimstone for the head ; but a good pink or pale
purple is sometimes had with this quaUty. It is, however, not
so hardy as the Sprouting, but is more esteemed at table, and
ought always to be grown more or less. It is needless here
mentioning varieties, as those most in fashion at the present
day may be echpsed by others next year. Another section of
winter Broccoh is one that has fallen much into disrepute
of late years — the old Purple varieties — the heads never very
large, being more rounded and even-pointed than flat, the leaves
curly, and the plants tall. It is now some years since I saw
a really good variety of this : the attention of cultivators being
directed to the growth of the 'White and Cream varieties, this
usefiil hardy one has been neglected. Some thirty years ago
I remember that North's Purple was one of the most useful
kinds grown, and having seen it survive winters that killed
the White kinds, I should be pleased to hear of some one
presenting us with a really good hardy Purple Broccoh again.
The Pink class is rarely so hardy, those that I have seen pre-
senting much the character of the Cape and kindred varieties.
All the winter ones ought to be sown by the end of April or
beginning of May. In late places they cannot be sown too
early ; in more favoiu-ed spots May will be soon enough.

The Large Varieties of Spring Broccoli. — There is no lack of
names to this class ; and broad hints have at times been given
that several high-sounding names are often given to the contents
of one bag of seed. The Portsmouth, Mammoth, Southampton,
and Brimstone may all and each be taken as examples of the
class I allude to ; noble, finely formed heads of great size
coming into use at the end of April, or earlier if the spring he
favourable, and all noted for the closeness and symmetry of their
growth. But there wiU be few of these in the present season
in the majority of places, as, the plant being taU, receives Uttle
protection from the snows of winter unless they be deep ; and
if much injured by the winter, the head is proportionally smaller,
and very often the whole plant is entirely killed ; but when
the plants do live through the winter with little injury, the
noble-looking heads they present us with are justly admired.
They may be sown from the middle of April to the first week in
May ; but as much depends on the after-treatment they receive,
a week or more are either lost or made up by their after-
cultivation.

The Late Varieties of Broccoli. — Like the hardy winter sorts,
these are of various kinds, but generally dwarf. I have grown
a variety for some years called, I beheve, originally Botcles' Late
Sroecoli, but it has disappeared in the seed lists. Its character-
istics are a dwarf habit, wrinkled, and much undulating leaves,
and the head more Uke a half globe than flat ; but neither in
this nor yet in the size of the plant is it large, and may in con-
sequence be planted closer than may larger kinds. I believe the
Jf'ilcove to be much the same variety ; and, doubtless, there are
several others having these properties. It does not come into
use all at once, as Miller's JDwarf, the Bussian, and Danish, or
other varieties of that kind do ; but, like the kinds previously
enumerated, it comes in gradually, and, consequently, is more
useful. Its extreme lateness is also a good quahty, for we often
have it in use until a very few days prior to the first spring
Cauliflower is cut, sometimes not more than four days. It is
•Iso hardy, though not perliaps quite so much so as the Eussian,

Danish, and Miller's Dwarf; but as these all come into use in
one week, their utility in ministering to the wants of a family
is much diminished : nevertheless, they are the hardiest of all
our winter-standing Broccoh, and, being small, may be planted
closer than some kinds. Sow all the above as early in the season
as convenient. And though they are often planted amongst
growing crops during the summer months, yet let them be well
inured to the weather before vrinter sets in, and they ought to
have made considerable growth before then.

Geseeai. Kemaeks. — Protecting Broccoli in Winter. — Where
there is the convenience of a cold pit, with a covering of some
kind or other, a quantity of plants that are about forming their
heads may be lifted with balls of earth, and planted in this pit
tolerably thick. By this means a succession may be kept up in
the severe weather. But as every grower Jias not the convenience
of a cold pit, and structures of that kind may be occupied with
something else, it is better to adopt some other plan. A slight
covering with dry straw will keep o£F a severe frost, and is
easily accomplished ; and a good old-fashioned plan of partly
laying the plants on their sides tends to protect the crown very
much. The method is this — Supposing the rows to run north
and south, begin at the west row, and take a spit of earth out
from the coUar of each plant on the west side ; and having done
so, bend the plant gently to that side, and, taking a spit of earth
from each plant on the second row, lay it on those that are
bent down ; and the same course being followed by the third
and succeeding rows, the whole plot will have the appearance
of plants laid down in a slanting direction, and, being all point-
ing westward, they do not receive the morning sun direct on
their crowns. Certainly the tall varieties of Broccoh keep better
this way than when standing upright ; and though they eventually
bend and turn upwards, the hard weather is usually gone by
that time.

Conditions Ifecessary to Enable Them to Stand the Winter. —
Plants that have been encumbered by peas, scarlet runncar
beans, or other high crops, which are only removed on the eve
of severe weather, have but a poor chance to withstand it.
iS^either are they in a good condition when their growth, owing
to the mild weather and richness of the ground, is prolonged to
the period when severe frosts set in. This latter evil was one
of the causes of the severe losses everywhere complained of in the
past winter ; but it is also wrong to allow peas and other crops
to draw Broccoh up into a sickly growth, and perhaps expose
them suddenly at a time when shelter is more needed. Another
thing ought also to be mentioned here — a piece of rich ground
is not the best place to insure a healthy and hardy growth
capable of standing much cold, although, in general, such
soils will produce the best Broccoh; but dry, poor soils have a
tendency to harden the tissue of the plant s, and they being more
in a condition which we call " ripened," are more capable of
bearing the cold of winter.— J. EoBSOIt.

POTATO CULTUEE.

A EECENT writer, in an article on Potato disease, wisely pro-
poses planting in double rows on ridges as more convenient for
covering and laying down the haulms, which he contends is a
preventive in a great measure of disease. This of course (if extra
space is given between the double rows), gives better opportunity
for raising sufficient mould for that purpose. This he affirms
prevents the fungus, &c., which first appears on the blades,
from descending to the roots and tubers. Although I am
sceptical of this being a specific remedy, allow me to add, in
confirmation of the utility of planting on ridges with wide
intervals, that I have for several years succeeded well with early
kinds by planting in double rows between my celery-trenches,
after the trenches had been prepared. At the last operation of
forming the trenches, when the celery is about to be planted,
the haulms are pressed down with the spare mould on each row
toward the trenches. The tops thus hang down on the side*
of the ridges attracting the inngus, &c., from the haulms, and
draining excessive moisture from the roots into the celery-
trenches, where it is absolutely always much needed.

I strongly recommend the practice in garden compartments,
as it interferes but little with the celery crop, and secures an
early and sound crop of Potatoes, where but little else is
commonly grown. The mould where the Potatoes grow is not
required for the celery till the Potatoes are cleared off. The
first and second earUea may thus both be cultivated with advan-

April 9, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AlTD COTTAOB GARBENEE.

25

tage : No. 1, such as Ash-leaves and iVames, growing between the
first plantations of celery j and No. 2, such as Flukes and Flour-
balls, &c., between the second or later plantations. Where
celery is not required in quantity, I recommend that after the
ground has been well prepared in the common way on the flat,
by manuring and deep digging, to form it into ridges 4 feet wide,
and thereon to plant double rows of Potatoes to be treated in a
similar way as I recommend for those between the celery. In the
centre of three-feet intervals, I would reserve one-foot-and-a-half
spaces for double rows of successional crops of Peas, and Scarlet
Eunner Beans, to be sown in May and June. Where Broccoli,
Cabbages, Savoys, Cottager's Kale, Green Kale, Thousand-heads,
&c., are required, let the ground be formed into complete
seven-feet ridges, still adhering to double rows of Potatoes
on the top or centre, with the farrows, or lowest parts, reserved
for double rows of the Cabbageworts ; to be planted in June or
July, right and left of the said furrows, to be moiolded up during
autumn with the mould from the Potato-plots, as a preventive
or protection from excessive wet and frosts in winter. Thus six-
feet spaces will be allotted (and it will be found not too much),
from one outside Potato-row to the next, or three-feet spaces from
the Potatoes to the Peas, Beans, Cabbageworts, &c., changing the
furrows in winter to where the Potatoes grew in summer.

By reversing or alternating the crops next season, no one kind
of crop would be grown on the same ground as it grew upon
the year before. In field culture aU the practices of digging
may be substituted, and with equal advantage, by deep ploughing,
whether it is for Potatoes or other crops with the same wide
spaces, either late planted, or fallowed (if foul) for similar crops
the next summer, at the will of the cultivator. — A Hakdt,
Maldon, Essex.

LEEDS SPELNG FLOEAL EXHIBITION.

An exhibition of early spring flowers, such as Hyacinths,
Tulips, Narcissi, Cinerarias, &c., is rather a novel idea. A
decidedly successful one for the first time took place on Wednes-
day, the 20th of March last, in the magniBcent Town Hall, at
Leeds in Yorkshire, originated by Mr. T, D. Appleby, the
indefatigable and enterprising manager of the floral and horti-
cultural fetes in that emporium of the woollen trade. Though
the day was unfavourable, the company in the aftemooti was
numerous and fashionable ; and in the evening the large room
was crowded, showing the spring flowers are equally, if not more,
attractive than those of summer.

Nurserymen, gentlemen's gardeners, and amateurs vied with
each other, and certainly the display did them great credit. The
flowers were all, with a few exceptions, in pots, and aiTanged on
a platform down the centre of the room, the Hyacinths and
Tuhps filling one side completely. A bank of those lovely spring
flowers nearly 100 feet long, was a truly beautiful sight. The
odour from the Hyacinths perfumad the air, filling that large
Hall with theu- agreeable scent. On the other side the Narcissi
and Cinerarias, and some splendid dishes of cut flowers, chiefly
Camellias and Azaleas, pliiced in dishes in wet sand, were almost
equally efi'ective. On a long table m front of the orchestra
there were placed the collections of Azaleas, Camellias, and
miscellaneous plants, all in good bloom.

In single specimens the most remarkable were a most beautiful
new Caladium, in the way of C argyrites, but much handsomer
and larger foliage than that little gem. This came from Mr.
Franklin, gardener to J. Gt. Marshall, Esq., of Headingly Hall,
the successful raiser of Begonia Marshallii ; also, a grand specimen
of a tree Mignonette, the giant variety grown as a standard, with
a stem 3 feet high, and a head covered with large spikes of its
fragrant blossoms IJ foot high, and as much tlirough ; also, an
Indian Azalea, exhibited by Mr. Dymont, gardener to W. G.
Joy, Esq., of Headingly, was 10 feet, a perfect pyramid of white
blossoms. The collection of Azaleas exhibited by Mr. E. Thomp-
son, were well grown and splendidly bloomed. As much cannot
be said for the Camellias, accounted for by the gardeners as
owing to the wet autumn and severe winter having caused most
of the buds to fall ofl' generally throughout the district. Music
added her charms to the enjoyment of the visitors; Spencer's
well-known operatic band being in attendance. The extending
the hour of closing the Exhibition till ten o'clock, gave many of
the tradesmen and warehousemen an opportunitv of visiting the
Exhibition, though, no doubt, some little inconvenience to the
exhibitors, especially those that came from a distance, was
occasioned thereby. The Hall when Hghted up with gas showed

ofl' the flowers to a much better advantage than the dull, wet day
did. The greatest and most successful exhibitor of Hyacinths
Tolips, Narcissi, and Cinerarias, was Mr. W. Dean, formerly
manager for Mr. C. Turner, of Slough, but now established as a
nurseryman on his own account at Shipley, near Bradford, in the
same county. He deservedly obtained the first prize for twenty-
four Hyacinths ; and as many of our readers may be desirous to
know what kinds do well in pots, we noted down a few of what
were considered the best.

In Double Reds, the best was Lord Wellington, not high in
colour, but with large bells and a good spike. Princess Eoyal,
fine red, with deeper stripes ; very large bells and spike. Single
Reds, Eobert Steiger, deep crimson bells ; large and good spike.
Madam Hodson, pale pink ; a fine spike, and large bells. Norma,
flesh colour ; very excellent both in spike and bells. Belle
Quiriue, also flesh colour, but deeper striped with carmine ; fine
spike, and large bells. Double Blues, Glory of Albion, light
bluish-purple ; long, close spike, and bells very large ; a tine
variety. Prince Frederick, striped bluish-lilac — a novel and
beautiful colour ; a good variety. La Fontaine, light porcelain
blue ; good dense spike, large bells, and fiuie in quality. Laurens
Coster, shaded purple and blue ; large, fine spike ; one of the
best varieties. Blocksberg, pale lilac striped with blue ; an old,
good variety. Single Blue, Argus, indigo blue, with distinct
white centre ; a new and very striking variety. Baron von
Tuyll, dark porcelain blue ; large bells, and very fine spike ;
one of the best. Couronne de Celle, porcelain blue ; extra large
bells, and long spike ; a beautiful, good variety. Grand Lilas,
delicate azure blue ; large bells, and very large spike ; excellent.
Lord Eaglan, shaded porcelain blue, darker than Charles
Dickens ; good bell, and large spike. Prince Albert, rich, glossy,
blackish-purple ; good bell, and very large spike ; the most
striking Hyacinth exhibited. Single White, Elfrida, blush
white ; large well-shaped bells, and a good spike. Madame de
Stael, the purest white ; with good bell, and fine spike. Madame
Tan der Hoop, pm-e white ; fine bell, and extra long fine spike.
Voltaire, blush white ; very large bells, and good spike.

Tulips were in great force. In .Scarlets nothing could be
better gi-own or more splendid than the variety of Tan Thol
named Termilion Brilliant, a splentHd high-coloured kind which
everybody ought to grow. It ia excellent either for forcing in
pots or for the border.

Tlie Karcissi were not very numcrows, but very wieU bloomed.
Loxiis le Grand is a rather new kind, and is a pure white. The
old Grand Monarque was in good feather, and keeps its place as
a fine easily-forced variety.

The collections of Cinerarias were well-grown dwarf plants,
and exceedingly well liloomed'. The best came from Mr. Dymont.
In this class of early flowers Mr. Dean submitted several new
seedlings, and the Judges unanimously selected the following as
bemg new and quite distinct from any now in cultivation : —

Crimson Gem, a self of a deep rich crimson colour, finely
formed, the petals broad and firm, and the disk rather large, and
of a dark colour.

Kate Appleby, a nearly white self, with a dark disk ; the petals
vei'y broad, and the least imaginable tipped with pink ; a delicate,
desirable variety.

Mrs. Appleby, white ground, broadly margined with crimson ;
fine form, quite flat and cu-oular ; good habit.

Mrs. George Edwards, white ground, broadly margined with
purplish-crimson ; dark disk ; form good, and habit dwarf and
compact.

Lady Fairbairn, white ground, delicately margined withscai'let;
the best of its class ; form perfect ; habit good.

From the fact that an early spring show in a provincial town
for tlie first time being successful, it may be fairly assumed that
the next at tlie same season will be still more appreciated ;
exhibitors will be better prepared. At this lime of the year a
good display of forced flowers is highly attractive, and in addi-
tion this is the riglit time to have a spltndid exhibition of that
noble flower the Camellia.

Steawbeeey Plaxts pok Eablt Foecikg. — The general
practice of preparing Strawberry plants for early forcing, is to
secure the earliest runners of the current year, and transfer
them to their fruiting-pots as soon as possible. I may safely say
this practice requires a great deal of attention and good treat-
ment to obtain strong well-matured plants before the winter of
same year. The practice I have followed successfully for two years

26

JOUENAI; OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ AprU 9, 1861.

is to peg down a sufficient quantity of runners any time in June.
Wlien sufficiently rooted lift them and transplant them in
nursery-rows on a piece of ground in good condition, baring
a south aspect preferred (with me), there to remain all
winter and next spring, until the end of May or beginning of
June. Lift them with moderate balls, and plant them in six or
eight-inch pots, according to strength of plants, in good rich
soil; then plunge the pots up to the rim in coal ashes or sawdust
in a sheltered situation exposed to the sun, paying attention to

watering the plants. They may safely remain until the approach
of winter, when they should have the protection of a glass frame
or other convenience, from whence they may be taken to the
forcing quarters as occasion requires. The plants will be greatly
benefited by giving them a surface dressing of rich loam early
in November. By this treatment the plants will give satisfaction.
Not having seen or heard of this method being practised, I
thought it might be worth the notice of some of your numerous
readers. — (X., in Scottish Gardener.)

EEDLEAF AND ITS GAEDENING,— No. 2.

Fig. 3.— Kedleaf— View o! the Eock Garden from the bottom of the Lawn.

The two engravings given at pages 4 and 5 being the Enghsh
garden and the view to the westward of the mansion, we now
come to another portion of the grounds, and one, perhaps, the
most lovely of any. — the Waterfall Eock Garden, which com-
prises an extensive space ; its northern side formed by an irre-
gular face of natural rock, while masses of rock are scattered
about in various directions — not little pigmy imitations of rock-
work composed of small stones forming artificial-shaped mounds,
but large blocks which, individually, might almost be measured
by the cubic yard. Groups of these masses present themselves
at various points, generally one side of them being concealed by
some choice tree or shrub, but enough of the stone is seen to
give it the character it is known by, and it would be difficult to
conceive a more happy effect than this garden has when seen in
bright sunshine. 1 believe the whole of the stonework is arti-
ficial, and yet it shows all the features of having been there
from time immemorial. Large stones, partly jutting out of the
soil in some places, in others rising to considerable heights, with
Heaths, dwarf Rhododendrons, Pinus Clanbrasihensis, and
other shrubs amongst them ; and a mass of Jimipcrus repcns I
noticed as being upwards of 25 feet in diameter, and might
have been 50 feet, but was obliged to be cut. The beautiful

carpety appearance this has, with its soft elastic shoots over-
lying each other, offering a good example to our manufactiu-ers
in the making of plush and similar draperies ; and two Pinus
Clanbrasihenscs appeared to be 7 feet through and 5 feet high.
Thuja Doniana promises to become a pretty aud useful Conifer,
and is quite hardy. Several Heaths appear to bear cutting as
well as Box does in a general way.

A flight of rustic stone steps ascended an eminence in this
garden, and a walk of the same material perhaps showed more
the assistance it had received from art than anything else, and
was the only thing I could find fault with, and, perhaps, in
this I might be ivi'ong. Some noble specimens of Conifera;
skirted this garden, and linked it with the more ordinary
grounds to the south. I had only an opportunity of ascer-
taining the dunensions of a few of these trees, but I hope Mr.
Cox, tlic intelligent gardener there, will give us more particulars
about them.

Amongst other trees I noticed Abies morinda, 87 feet high ;
Pinus ponderosa, 50 feet, a fine tapering tree, more inolined
to go upwards than it generally does ; Abies Menzeisi, 32 feet,
very fine ; Pinus radiata, in the way of P. insignis, but of a
stm more deep green, 12 feet, and very promising; Pinus

April 9, 1861. ]

JOTIRNAI- OF HORTICtTLTURE AND COTTAGE aAEDENEB.

27

muricata ; Libocedrus ehilensis, 7 feet ; both the Cephalotaius
Fortunei, male and female, which in foliage and general ap-
pearance are much more distinct than many varieties to which
distinct specific names are given ; some fine Irish Yews and

other trees ; and what give a greater contrast to the whole than
any other Pinxis were two beautiful specimens of a decidaous
Cypress called Clypto-strobus sinensis. Outside of aU these were
some good Oaks on the sloping part of the bank facing the west .

Fig. 4.— Redleaf— View up tlie Lawn.

Engraving No. 4 presents a view of that portion of the
lawn nearest the mansion, and pointing to it. A corner of the
house is seeu. The grounds here are more open, but not more
BO than is prudent, considering the good tilings by which the
house is surrounded. Close, well-kept turf, not cut up into tiny
flower-beds, nor yet too much intersected with walks, forms the

principal feature. The inclination of the ground to the west and
south is allowed to take that form in the more easy and natural
way. Some fine shrubs and trees breaking the outline in the
westerly direction, while the high trees behind the English
garden form a good background to the right, the whole being in
excellent keeping. — J. KoBSON.

(_To be continued.)

BRITISH FRUITS «c POMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS.

Ashmead's Kernel Apple.
Synontme — Dr. Ashmead's Kernel.
We have received from Messrs. J. C. "Wheeler & Son, of
Gloucester, a basket of the fruit of this most excellent dessert
Apple. It is a sort not generally known, as its cultivation is
confined more particularly to the west of England, where it was
raised ; and it is with the view of giving it the greatest publicity,
that we extract fi-om Dr. Hogg's " British Pomology" the figure
and description of this truly valuable variety, which is now just
coming into use, and will continue at its best up till May and
June, if properly preserved.

" Fruit below medium size ; round and flattened, but some-
times considerably elongated ; the general character, however,
is shown in the accompanying figure.

" Skin light greenish-yellow, covered with yellowish-brown
russet, and a tinge of brown next the sun.

" .Bye small and partially open, placed in a moderately deep
basin.

" Stalk short, inserted in a round and deep cavity.

" Flesh yellowish, firm, crisp, juicy, sugary, rich, and highly
aromatic.

" A dessert Apple of the very first quality, possessing all the
richness of the Nonpareil, but with a more sugary juice. It
comes into use in November, but is in greatest perfection from
Christmas till May.

" The tree is very hardy, an excellent bearer, and will succeed
in situations unfavourable to the Nonpareil, to which its leaves
and shoots bear such a similarity, as to justify Mr. Lindley in
believing it to be a seedling variety.

" This dehghtfal Apple was raised at Gloucester, about the
beginning of the last century, by Dr. Ashmead, an eminent
physician of that city. The original tree existed within the
last few years in what had originally been Dr. Ashmead's garden,
but was destroyed in consequence of the groimd being required
for building. It stood on the spot now occupied by Clarence
Street. It is diflicult to ascertain the exact period when it was
raised ; but the late Mr. Hignell, an eminent orchardist at
Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire, informed me, that the first
time he ever saw the fruit of Ashmead's Kernel, was from a tree
in the nursery of Mr. Wheeler, of Gloucester, in the year 1796,
and that the tree in question had been worked from the original,
and was at that time upwards of thirty years old. From this it
may be inferred that the original tree had attained some
celebrity by the middle of last century. The Ashmead's Kernel
has long been a favourite Apple in the gardens of West
Gloucestershire, but it does not seem to have been known in
other parts of the country. Like the Bibston Pippin, it seems

JOUBlTAL or HORTICrLTUBE AITD COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ April 9, 1861.

to bare remained long in obscnrily, before its value was gene-
rally appreciated : it is not eren enumerated in the catalogue
of tbe exten?ive collection which was cultirated by JGHer and
Sweet, of Bristol, in 1790. I find it was cultivated in the
Brompton Park Nursery in 17S0, at which time it was received
firom Mr. \\ heeler, nurseryman, of Gloucester, who was author
of "The Botanist's and Gardeners Dictionary," published in
1763, and grandfather of Sir. J. Cheslin '^heeler, the present
proprietor of the nursery, to whom I am indebted for specimens
of the fruit, and much valuable information connected with the
varieties cultivated in that district." — H.

English EAisrKS. — In corroboration of what was said by
" E." in last week's JorRiTAX op HoETicinrrKE I have read in I
an American gardening journal an account of a long discussion
about preserving Grapes. They seem to do so largely in
America, and from what they say, by gathering them late in
October, I suppose they use their thick-skinned sorts, Isabella
and Catawba, &c., and place the bunches in single layers in
paper boxes, holding about 5 lbs. Some people keep them in a
dry room, and then place them in a di-y airy cellar for the
winter. One person said that he kept his Grapes till April, and
others said till February and March — no bran with them, as
recommended by " B." In their diry dimate the cellar would
do, but not here, I think. A dry, warm room must be omr place.
At anj rate, reading the above has convinced me that by the
simple plan euggesfed by "R." any family in a Grape-season
may have them on their table all winter, and those with vineries
need not have the trouble and expense of keeping them on the
Tines.— T.

Ffitnti FoBCnro rx the Oides Tiste. — Bradlev says, writing
in 1722, "Mr. John Millet (of North End, Fulham), whom I
have so often mentioned on account of ripe Cherries in Fehmary,
was the eliief if not the only gardener in England for bringing
his fruit out of season to good ripeness and perfecrion. I have
eateu in February Duke Cherries so ripe that they were almost
black, and, in my opinion, were as well tasted as any of the
eummer growth, which depended on his just management of
them, in applying a due heat at proper times."

BowooD MrsCAT Grape. — This Grape was raised from seed
by Mr. Johu Spencer, of Bowood, and is distinguished from
Muscat of Alexandria, of which it is a seminal form, by the
plant being '■ery much later in starting into growth, and in
setting its fruit more freely than that variety. This peculiarity
in vegetating late is not, however, maintained during the whole
period of growth, for the fruit is ripe equally as early as that of
the Muscat of Alexandria, from which it is generally acknow-
ledged to be distinct. AH that has been said about this variety
being identical with another sort called " Passe Muscat " must
to some extent be imaginary. Passe Muscat being merely a
synonyme of Muscat of Alexandria, and regarded as such by all
pomologists both in this country and on the continent for the
last hundi-ed and fifty years. I'here can be no doubt but that
Bowood Muscat has its own individuality, however similar it
may be to any other variety.

Action- op Fbost on the QrAiirr op Feuits. — A Con-
necticut friend states that Pears, which usually have an astrin-
gent property, are rendered of the highest exeeUence by a slight
exposure to white frost. The Tjcar of Winkfield he particularly
refers to as being rendered a first-class fruit by this process. We
have a neighbour who has a very large Vicar ; and it has been a
carious subject for speculation with us for some years past, why
the fruit on some portions of the tree should be very superior,
and on others so absolutely worthless ; and we think it quite
probable that the hint above noted affords the real reason. The
after-treatment of fruit is of quite as much importance as
obtaining good kinds, and the note of our friend is worthy of
more extended observation. It is well known how fivst acts in
removing the astringency of the Persimmon ; and it is just as
likely to have the same effect on the Pear. Many of our second-
rate Pears would be really delicious but for a shght puckering
flavour. If frost will aid in removing this objection, what a
valuable fruit Louise Bonne of Jersey, for instance, would be !
Of course, caution w'Jl be needed, as too much frost would induce
decay.— (Garrfewe;-'* Monihlg).

[This being an extract from an American journal, the remark
upon Louise Bonne of Jersey is not applicable to that fruit grown
in this country. — Eds. J. of H.]

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S ilEETmG.

The Meeting of this Society, held on the 4th March, under
the presidency of J. W. Douglas, Esq., was fully attended. The
display of new and interesting insects taken during the preceding
year, notwithstanding its inclement nature, and the near approach
of the ensuing collecting season, was remarkable, proving as it
does the unabated ardour with which the science, or rather,
perhaps, the collecting of specimens is pursued.

Dr. Enaggs stated, that having forwarded specimens of the
Moth (to which he had appUed the name of Xonagria Bondii),
to M. Guenee, the great authority for the nomenclature ef
European Moths, it had been pronounced a distinct and unde-
scribed species.

Mr. Stainton exhibited a new British Moth belonging to the
same family, Noctuidte — viz., the Xylina conformis, of Ti-eitschke,
which had been taken on Ivy blossoms, near Cardiff, in October
last.

Dr. Wallace exhibited specimens of a Moth belonging to the
genus Lasiocampa, reared from the caterpUlar taken in the Isle
of Wight, which closely resembled the supposed species from
the north of England, named L. callunse, by Dr. Palmer ; also,
some fine dark varieties of Hemerophila abruptaria and its pupa
case found near London,

Mr. Mitford exhibited a curioss hybrid Moth reared between
Biston pilosaria and hispidaria ; aHo a fine variety of B. prodre-
maria, and a series of six species of Moths belonging to the
curious genus Fumea (commonly called chimney sweepers from
their small size and black colour), which he had reared from the
caterpillars, which inhabit moveable cases, taken at Hampstead,
one of which appeared to be undescribed.

Sir. G R. Waterhouse continued his critical observations on
the species of minute British Coleoptera, on which he has been
for many years engaged. He exhibited a fine specimen of Ano-
bium denticolle, taken in the neighbourhood of London, and
read descriptions of new and rare species of the genera Scymnus,
Clambus, and Bryaxis.

A paper was read by Mr. Eirby on the geographical distri-
bution of the beautiful Moths forming the family Zygsenidse.
The majority of these insects are natives of the warmer regions
of the earth.

A monograph on the genus Pronophila, belonging to the family
of Butterflies, Hipparchiidee, by Mr. Hewisson, was read. The
species are natives of equatorial America, and bear a close
resemblance to our meadow-brown Butterflies.

A paper containing descriptions of new species of Aculeate
Hymenoptera, taken at Panama, by Mr, Stretch, was also read
by Mr. F. Smith.

EosES AND THE Seveee Winteb. — The sensible suggestiMi

in a recent number of The Cottage Gakdeneb that the sad

destruction of Eoses through the late frost should lead to their

cultivation upon their own roots is singularly confirmed in my

own case. 'Whilst Lamarque, Safrano, et hoc genus omne have

j been swept away, a dehcate Tea-scented Eose, which I usually

I remove for the winter to the greenhouse, has stood the severe

I frost out of doors, and though it has died back within a few

inches of the ground it is making good shoots ; it grows from

its own roots. — BErTONiEi.'Sis.

EEPOET ON THE GARDEN PEAS,

Gbown at Chiswick DrEisG 1860.

By Eobebt Hogg, LL.D., F.E.H.S., Secretary to the Fruit

Committee.

22. November Prolific Kutting & Sons.

The plant is 2 feet high, with dark green foliage. The stem
is rather robust, generally simple, but occasionally branched,
and bears from twelve to sixteen pods. The pods are generally
in pairs, rather short, and contain from four to six Peas in each.
Eipe seed white, medium-sized, smooth, and compressed.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 16th ; slatted June
28th ; and the pods ready to be gathered July 11th.

This somewhat resembles in growth the Boyai Dwarf^ but is
very inferior to that variety j and, in fact, is not worth growing
for any purpose.

23. Egg NOBLB, COOPEB, & BotTOK.

This is a very old variety, and long known by the name of

AprU 9,1861.]

JOTJBIJAL OF HOKTICtrLTURB AND COTTAGE GAEDEmER.

29

Black-eyed Susan .from the seed having a black hilum or eye.
The plant is o '& strong and robust branching habit of growth,
and from 7 to 8 feet high. It produces about eighteen pods,
which are almost always in pairs, and these contain about seven
good-sized Peas, which are large and oval Like a horse Bean.
Bipe seed white, large, egg-shaped, and with a black hilum.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 2Uth ; slatted July
18th ; and the pods were ready to be gathered July 12th.

This, though an abundant bearer, is quite a worthless variety,
and it would be difficult to say for what object it is cultivated.
The Peas have a very thick skin, and a coarse bean-like flavour,
and when cooked are generally of a dusky brown colour.

24. Victoria Marrow Noble, Coopee, & Boltoit.

Stn. Qihli Defiance Gibes & Co.

This is also known by the names of Waterloo Marrov!, Giant
Marrow, Wellington, Uoyal Victoria, and Tall Marrow.

The plant is of a strong and vigorous habit of growth, having
a simple stem from 6 to 7 feet high. The pods are produced
near the top of the stem, sometimes single, sometimes in pairs in
about equal proportion, and contain from five to seven very large
Peas. Eipe seed white, large, uneven, and roundish.

Sown February 19th; bloomed June 18th; slatted June
26th ; and fit for use July 13th.

25. Priacess Royal Tpeiteb.

The plant is 3 feet high, a strong and vigorous grower, with
dark green foliage. The stem is generally simple, but occa-
aionally branched, bearing from ten to twelve pods, which are
usually in pairs. The pods are large, and have an attractive
appearance, but they fill slowly and indifferently : so much so
that when opened they average only from three to six large
Peas in each. Kipe seed large, round, uneven, and white.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 12th ; slatted June
26th ; ready for use July 20th.

This variety seemed to have suffered from the cold summer,
the pods having a chilled and starved appearance ; and it is,
therefore, not improbable but that in a warm season it may
prove a useful and prohflc late Marrow.

III. GEEEN MAEEOW PEAS.
Ripe seed of a mixed white and olive colour, either small,
round, and pitted, or large, irregular, and uneven. Foliage dark
green and blotched. Pods dark bluish-green, very glaucous.

26. Prizetaker Noble, Coopee, & Bolton.

Stn. Prizetaker Green Marrow Sutton & Sons.

Rising Sun TttBNEE.

Leicester Defiance Beck & Co.

The plant is 4i feet to 5 feet high, of a vigorous habit of
growth. The stem is sometimes simple and sometimes branched,
and produces from twelve to eighteen pods. The pods are in
pairs, very rarely single, and of a deep bluish-green colour,
covered with a thick and distinct bloom; they contain six to
seven large Peas in each, which are of a dark bluish-green.
The ripe seed is small, roimd, and of a mixed white and green
colour.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed Jane 5th ; slatted Jime 20th ;
ready for use July 6th.

This is a very excellent Pea, and an abundant bearer ; but I
eannot perceive any great difference between it and Bellamy's
Early Green Marrow, which I grew in a collection for the
purpose of comparison in 1853, and a very excellent form of
which was grown by Messrs. Noble, Cooper, & Bolton, under
the name of Noble's Early Green Marrow. In that year the
latter was sown as late as the 5th of April ; bloomed on the 15th
of June ; slatted on the 21st ; and on the 8th of July the crop
was ready for use.

27. Early Green Marrow Noble, Coopeb, & Bolion.
Stn. Dwarf Green Jfarrow... Hcest & M'Mullen.

This bears considerable resemblance to the preceding, with
the exception of having a smaller pod, and being about five
days later in coming into use. It also grows about 7 feet liigh,
and is in every respect an inferior variety to it.
(Zb be continued.)

TEADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Catalogue No. IX. — Stove and Greenhouse Plants, hy Peter
Lawson S( Son, Edinburgh, London, and Hull. — This is in
Messrs. Lawsons' usual 4to form, closely printed, and extending

over thirty-eight pages. It is arranged into— 1, Greenhouse
Plants ; 2, Ferns ; and 3, Stove Plants, or plants cxiltivated
under glass with heat. The first is divided into — 1, Plants
cultivated under glass in winter, and out-doors in summer;
2, Selection of greenhouse climbing plants ; 3, Epacris ; 4, Cape
Heaths ; 5, Indian and Chinese Azaleas ; 6, Camellia japonica.
The second division is arranged in — 1, Greenhouse and Stove
Ferns; 2, Hardy Exotic Ferns; and 3, Hardy British Ferns.
The Stove Plants are divided into — 1, Selection of Stove Plants ; _
and 2, Stove Climbing Plants. We needly hardly say this
catalogue is an excellent one.

List of Plants of the Fir suitable for the climate of Great
Britain, cultivated at St. John's, by Richard Smith, Nurseryman
and Seed Merchant, Worcester. — In this catalogue we have
before us a book prepared with great skill and pains, which
serves the purpose not only of a priced catalogue, but a reference
for useful information on every subject which it contains. It
extends over seventy-six pages, and is in the 4to form. The
collection of Conifers it records is an extensive and a valuable one.

A Descriptive Catalogue of Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Sfc,
gromnfor sale by William Holmes, Well Street, Hackney, N.E.,
contains the names of everything worth having, and good
descriptions of them. We have also before us Mr. Holmes'
Catalogue of Garden, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, of which
the same may be said.

Catalogue of Agricultural, Kitchen-garden and Flmoer Seeds,
sold by Fdward Taylor, Malton, is a copious catalogue and well
got up.

Descriptive Catalogue of Seeds for the Farm, the Kitchen
Garden, and the Flower Garden, hy John A. Bruce, Hamilton,
Canada West. — This is a meritorious production, a worthy scion
of a noble family, which might raise a blush on the cheek of its
elder brethren. Some of our provincial and metropolitan houses,
too, might take a lesson from their Canadian cousin.

WOEK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GAEDEN.

As the season for applying manure in a hquid state to kitchen-
garden crops is approaoliing, it is advisable to provide a tank, a
barrel, or any other sort of receptacle in the dungyard, or frame-
ground, for receiving all the drainings of hotbeds, heaps of ferment-
ing dung, &c. Such liquid manure produces a most beneficial
effect on all crops when applied during their growing season. After
the late rains it will be advisable to pass a heavy roUer over the
gravel walks to set and bind them well for the season. Trench
up all spare ground, placing all green refuse at the bottom of
the trench. Take evei-y opportunity to destroy slugs which the
recent rains have brought out from their winter quarters in
abundance, an application (to be repeated), of quick lime on a
warm evening after a showery day, is a well-known remedy.
Basil, sow in pans or on a slight hotbed, and afterwards plant
it out. Beans, earth up the early crops, but before doing so lay
a little soot close to the stems ; timely earthing wUl also prevent
the wind damaging them. Broccoli, make a sowing of most of
the varieties. By sowing early there is time for a second sowing
in case of failure. Carrots, thin out those sown in frames, and
give them a Uberal supply of water when dry. Kidney Beans, a
sowing may be made on a warm, sheltered border where the soil
is favourable to early crops, and a sowing may be made in pots
for planting out as soon as all danger from frost is over. Lettuce,
loosen the soil about those planted in the open ground and save
them from slugs. Onions, sow the Silver- skinned on a poor,
dry piece of ground to produce picklers. Sea-kale, remove the
covering immediately it is done with. If there is any yet remain-
ing to be covered, let it be done before it grows much. Turnips,
thin out those in frames, and give them water when necessary.
Take every opportunity for eradicating weeds ; hand-weed where
practicable as it more effectually answers the purpose than hoeing
and raking where the soil is moist.

rLOWEE GABDEN.
Now is the time to come to some final arrangement as to the
colours for the beds and borders, that a calculation as nearly ai
possible may be made of the number of plants that will be
required for each bed and border. The Mimulus family may
soon be transplanted in fresh patches in moist soil and Bituation,
not forgetting that popular favourite the Musk, which should be
planted in large patches. See that Narcissi and FntiUarias are

so

JOUBNAL OF HOSTICULTTJBE XXD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 9, 1861.

staled and tied in good time. Proceed with the planting of
hardy climbers against walls, treUises, and Terandahs, selecting
some of the most showy species of Caprifolium, Clematis,
■Wistaria, Bignonia, with some of the strong-growing Js oisette,
evergreen, and Hrbrid climbing Eoses. Sow, if not already
done, patches of some of the most shcwy of the hardy annuals
in Tacant places that are usually to be found in the herbaceous
beds, and in the edges of clumps and borders in the shrubbery.
The following are suitable for the purpose — Double Poppies of
Tarious colours, African and French Marigolds, the new Sun-
flower, white and purple Candytufts, Clarkia, CoUinsia, Jfemo-
phila, not forgetting the old and general favourite, Mignonette.
If Carnations are at hand, by planting these in a group they
produce a bold and itriking efiect.

FBriT GAEDKN.
The bloom of the choice kinds of Pears against walls to have
gome protection when frost occurs. Top-dress Baspberries, and
let them be well staked.

8T0TE.

A succession of Achimenes intended to flower late in the
autumn to be placed in heat. Pans or broad shallow pots are
best for their general cultivation, and as they require an abund-
ant supply of water when in bloom, the drainage should be very
perfect to admit of it without stagnating the soil. Orchids will
require an increased humidity as the increasing power of the
enn will induce a more rapid evaporation ; an efficient shading
material to be in readiness for use when wanted. Proceed with
the potting when necessary, and the general regulation of the
plants. Shut up a solar heat, if possible, of 80° towards three or
four o'clock.

GBEBNHOrSK AND CONSEBVATOET.
Proceed with the staking and tying- out of plants requiring
such assistance. Turn each plant frequently round that it may
not become one-sided. Where hardy shrubs are annually forced
select the most suitable when removed from the conservatory,
and give them some kind of shelter to harden gradually theii-
foliage. From having been previously forced these will bloom
earlier than new stock of which a portion should each year be
potted to replace such as become useless for further work. Heaths,
Epacrises, and other hard-wooded plants to be potted as they
require it. The most suitable time is after they have done
blooming and have commenced a new growth, care to be taken
before potting that the whole ball is thoroughly moist, for if
potted in a dry state it wiU be impossible afterwards to moisten it
properly without saturating and souring the new soil. Look
well after the Azaleas for next year's blooming. TTse heat
liberally to get their growth forward, and if any shoots become
too luxuriant pinch the tops ofi". Select from the winter stock
some strong weU-shaped plants of Scarlet Geraniums, Fuchsias,
Petunias, &c., to form large specimens for vases, and for planting
out singly on the lawn or in other conspicuous situations. Give
them their final shift and stake the shoots well out.

PITS AKD FBAMES.
These will require daily attention : propagating, pricking off,
hardening off, &e., to be continued for three weeks or a month
longer, by which time a Lberal supply of stock should be pro-
vided for all necessary purposes. Attend to covering at night
when there is an appearance of frost ; to giving abundant sup-
phes of air during the day, and to watering in the morning.
The Chrysanthemums when well rooted to be potted off singly
into small pots ; when they have made fresh growth to be
stopped back to three eyes, which should be continued as they
progress in growth until the beginning of July, to produce fine,
dwarf, sturdy plants. Remove Scarlet Geraniums, Calceolarias,
Verbenas, Petunias, &c., to a cold fi^me that a hardy habit may
b© induced preparatory to being planted out. The Lihums now
in pits to receive a hberal supply of water, and to be neatly
staked. Give them a top dressing of turfy peat, sand, and
trell-decomposed cowdung. W. Keauk.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We request that no one wiU write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are
subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All com-
munications should therefore be addressed toleli/ to The
Editor* of the "Journal of BortieuUure, 4c.," 162, lUet
Street, London, E.C.

Initial Letters (Jiosa). — Ttiank you for year iugKestion. It is onr
intention to comnience each Nnmber with a pict^>rial initial letter, and wo
shall be glad to accept of and publish any pretty designs you or any other
of our readers may send us. Of course we shall' not engrave them unless
they are approved.

Hardy Annuals foe Exhibitios (.Jtlcnt incepto, ^c.). — There are not
so many as tirelTe Srst-dass annuals for competition. Nemophilas,
insignis and maciOata, six plants of each to choose from. Linam grandi-
floruni, commonly called rubrum, six plants to pick the best for the shov.
Lobelia erinus speciosa, the best pot plant of all the annuals, although not
strictly classed with annuals. Lobelia bicolor, rosea, or Llndleyana, a true
annual, and, like the last, one of the best pot plants among them. Tropjeo-
lum majns. Scarlet Gem, a little improvement on the common colotir of
Tom Thumb Tropccoltim. Viscaria oculata nana ; if you can get it
warranted true from a nest-door dealer, send not a distance for it : it is a
beauMful pot plant, with more and better purple than the originaL
Dianthus Heldewigii and laciniata, several plints of each in order to
choose from, there being great diversity of tints. Htmnemannia fumarise-
folia: some people recommend this for pots, and we mention it to say
it is the very worst of all the annuals ; it went out of cultivation in 1828,
when Eschscholtzia came in in its place, and it should never have been
revived again. Eucharidium grandiflorum and roseiim make pretty gay pot
plants. CoUinsia bicolor, much in the same style as the last. Gilia
tricolor, the same looks and value as the two last. These are all that we can
think at all tit for pots ; but no hardy annual is fit for pots, save to keep over
the winter and help to keep a greenhouse gay in the spring, and for doing
that none of this selection is good save the last two. — D. B.

A^■Ts nr a Hothouse {I:. 2).).— Sprinkling guano about their hatuts, and
watering with aromoniaral liquor from the gas works, will drive them away.
Repeat the application if the first is not effectual

Sowing Half-haedt ,\NNrALS nr a Waltosian-c.^se (A Siihscriber). —
Thev should be sown in pots, and all other seeds the same way for that way
of raising them. The length of time the seediings should remain in the case
no one can tell, as no two kinds are alike exactly on that point, and every
w eek from the 1st of March to the 10th of May makes another difference as
to the length of time the seedlings should remain in the case. All the
management required for a Waltonian-case is exactly the same as wotild be
needed in a Cucumber-bed, or a bed made for cuttings and seeds in the
spring, and nothing more or less, the only difference being in the mode of
getting bottom heat. Now when seedlings are in too hot a place, or are too
much confined, they "draw" or get spindly; to prevent which, ir.ovethemto
a cooler place. As the heat for warming the air of all Waltonian-cases
mtist come from the bottom of the case, the bottom part must never be
covered with mould to plant in.

CiNEEABiA [Boicman). — Your Cineraria has not sufficient character about
it The flower is not large enough, and there is nothing new in the
colour.

Sfoet feok Flowee of the Dat {D. C).— Keep the one plant two or
three years to see if it will sport farther; at present it is not worth
increasing.

Roses foe a Sottih Wall (Idem''.— "We have very great objections to
having Roses on the south or south-west sides of dwelling-houses. Sncfa
places are by far too dr>- and too hot for Roses, and the consequence soon Is,
all kinds of insects and all sorts of nasty remedies to get rid of them. The
summer of 1S60 was the best summer for Roses in the memory- of man — very
cool and very moist it was, and that the best Roses like. But how is a Rose
against a sooth wall in a midland county to get a ver>' cool and a very moist
climate ? or how is it to be kept free from insects and from liquid manure?
By drawing drill*, as for peas, along a border for Roses in trout of the
parlour window, and by filling these drills the instant, though the strongest
liquid is applied, there is no fear from the fumes. If Roses against the south
wall of a house had ;i dose hke that once in ten days, from the middle of May
to the end of August, and no more the year round, there would belittlj to do
against insects than what the garden engine filled from the pond could
accomplish, and with such strong-growing Roses as the following there
would be the least risk and trouble : — Jules Margottin, Lord Raglan,
-tugustc Mie, Baronne Prevost, Alexandrine Bactmetotf, Gi'nfral Jacque-
minot, which are among the very best of the very free-growing Roses ; and
if they were on their owe roots, or if worked very low on the Dog Rose, or
on properly pi-epared stocks of Manetti, they would do second be&t on very
strong land on the Dog Rose, or on very poor land if it suited Manetti —
not otherwise. But after all is said, all strong Hybrid Perpetu:ils are never
so free from insects as when they are once w-ell established on their own
free-wilUng root*, and we woflld no; plant worked Roses agaiust a house
for any consideration.

Hdsk MnroLcs (J. F.).— The Musk Mlmulns comes fi-om seeds exactly
like the little blue Lobelias, and they, the seeiHings, do best by the same
treatment as is given to these blue Lobelias till they are planted out In
May. Musk Mimulns will also sow itself in the open ground and come np
thick as grass; it will also do to be sown thin as .Mignonette where it is to
grow. It is not the frost that always kills it. We knon a large bed of il
which stood the frost of 1838, and 1841, and every frost since to this day without
a particle of shelter, but we ourselves lost it repeatedly out of doors when
they was little frost Some people are not aware that Muak Mimulua
grows four times faster and stronger in peat than in any kind of loam.
We once thought we lost a bed of large half-gtlinea plants of the Ghent Azalea
by this very Mimulus. Both came into fashion between 1828 and 1833. and
it was in the latter season that we had to send mowers to clear off the Mask
in large green hay -like bimdles.

Gladiou foe a Skall Garden, and fob Pots ^An Old Friend). — Any
will grow in the open garden, and therefore regulate your choice by their
colour and price. No one kind is better than another for pots, and the
" roots " which are now worth 75. Cd. a-piece. are not one whit more gay at
two yards' distance than Brenchlevensis, which should t>e among thecheapest :
therefore Gladiolus in pots, or Gladiolus in beds, is only a question of the
puree. Every one of them is just as well suited for pots as any one yoa
could choose, and every one of them is just as well suited for a bed as any
other. Kindi and newness make all the difference in price.

Peaks hot Keepixg {Idem).— Ail the varietiej you mention and many
others have decayed prematurely in the past winter and spring now passing.
There i» scarcely a Pear to be had in Covent Ganien Market

AprU 9, 1861. ]

JOTTfiXAL 01^ HOBTICTLTIJIIE AXD COTTAGE GABDEITEB.

31

Vc-Es IsTEEFEfiDfG WITH Sashes. ( ^).— KotMiig Tould inducc U3 to

mb off the buds from the Vine-rods merely to enable the aaahet to open. It !
would be sacrificing too much of the crop. We shonld adopt means to pnt |
the stem^ oat of the way of the sashes, or have these to open in some way
not to Interfere with the Vines. We cannot make any more particnlar \
snggestion, as we do not know how the sashes open. i

Restoeisg Potash to Son, (X. D. W.). — There can be no great diflBculty \
in restoring cheaply to a soil the potash taken from it by a crop of Potatoes, \
Bnm the hanlm, and sow its ashes over the ground. That will return ,
the potash it derived from the soiL The tubers do not contain more than
half a pound per cent, of potash ; so that if you have 25 tons of them from an ,
acre, you need only sow over that acre 2^ cwt. of potash, which would be no i
great expense. Xo apology needed to ilr. Jones. We are glad that you \
think his information is usefuL l

Laubels and HotLT Killed bt the Wisteb {S. W.).—Cat them close j
to the ground now. Prune your weakly HoUles as soon as you see their first
young leaves this month or early in May. The p>Tamidal Hollies which
have shed their leaves are probably killed, but leave them, and plant some
climber, as Felicity Perpetuelle Rose, to cover their branches.

DwA£7 Carkatios {L. T. .P) .—'^q have seen seedling Carnations of
various heights, but never any so dvarf as you mention (3 inches). As yon
do not say whether the habit is healthy, thongh dwazf, (for it may be the
result of disease), or what the character of the flower is, it is impossible
to say whether it would be of any value or not, eren as an ornamental
flower.

Glass foe CucxncEEE-HOrsE {J. Srrington). — We should use rough
plate glass lor the roof, and clear glass for the side and ends. That at
235. per 100 feet would do very wc-lL

BcDDCtO (Gemmatos). — If yon buy our Xo. 20, yoa mil find at page 22-5
full directions and illustrative drawings.

Chabcoal Stove ra Gbee^house {A Consfant Beader). — Unless the
stove has a chimney to carry off the fumes (carbonic acid gas) arising from
the burning charcoal, it will be under any circumstances liable to injure
the plants ; and if you shut up the greenhouse with a chimneylesa stove,
bnming-charcoal in it, the plants will be for the most part destroyed.

NuvBBR OP Plants foe a Verbena-bed (Jack of all Trader). — A
Verbena-bed 24 feet long and 5 feet wide, will need about twelve dozen of the
Tery best plants you can buy, or, say five rows and thirty plants in a row,
or about 9 inches apart every way. Look over the Verbena-beds and the
kinds we reported and criticised for the last two or three years, choose the
kinds of Verbenas, and send us a plan of the way you have proposed to
plant them. Send the plan to us and we shall have pleasiire in pointing
out to you if there are any faults in it, and how best to mend them ; also,
perhaps, suggest an entire alteration which would improve your own idea
altogether — not oar own idea, for we never give it that way.

Xa3£E3 of PtASTS (Jf. F.).— You are quite unreasonable in sending
twenty plants for names at one time, and we must make it a rule to
decline to receive more than five or six from any one correspondent at a
time in future. Nos. 1 to 7. and Xa 14. are garden varieties of Epacris. which
we cannot attempt to name ; 8, Leschenaultia formosa; 9, Gnidia pinii'olia ;
10, Eriostemon myoporoides: 15, Epacri? grandiflora ; 18, Pittosporum
Tobira; 20, Acacia cynomm. {A Constant Header). — It is Phlomis
fimticosa, or Jerusalem Sage.

POTTLTBY, BEE, and HOTTSEHOU) CHEONICLE.

POULTRY SHOWS.

Mat 2lst, 22nd, and 23rd. Chesterfield a>-d Scahsdale. Son. See.,

Mr. Thos. P. Wood, jun., Boyihorpe House, near Chesterfield. Entries

close May 1st.
Mat 22nd and 23rd. Beterlet. Mon, Sec, H. Adams. Entries close

Mav 4th.
JmrE*4th, 5th, 6tli, and 7th. Bath and West of Enslajtd. Stetcard,

S. Pitman, Esq. Entries close May 1st.
June 19th, 20th, and 21st. Coalbbookdale. Sees., J. B. Chune, and

Henry Boycroft, Coalbrookdale.
Jdne 28th. Driffield. Sec.^ Mr. R. Davison. Entries close June 22nd.
June 28th and 29th. Tacnton. Sec, Mr. Charles Ballance. Entries

close June 14th.
JvLT 2nd and 3rd. Blackpool, See., Mr. E. Fowler, jun,
September 3rd. Pocklington (Yorkshire;. Sec, Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close August 26th.
December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingsam. Sec, M. J, B, Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November Ist.

N.B. — Secretaries *.ciU oblige us by sending early copies of their lists,

CTJEEENT EYENTS.

OlTR Silver Pheasants laid the first egg Tuesday, March 36tk.
One has laid every other day, always between half-past five and
six in the evening. TV^e have been anxious to give all the infor-
mation we can to the correspondents who have asked for it, and
believing they will have put their birds in some such places as
we have described, we will advise them to look well after the
eggs. The hens wiU not always lay iu the same place, but for
an hour or two before laying they will be seen to hollow out
places in the gravel, removing all the large stones. They should
be watched then, as the cocks especially are guilty of chipping
and eating the eggs. They sometimes leave off laying for a few
days and begin again, and if the eggs are taken away they lay
two sittings in the season, the second after a short interval. As
in all other cases, the fresher the eggs are when put under the
hen the better it is, for we have strong belief that has an influence

on the produce ; but if a trusty hen cannot be found at the time,

the eggs are not spoiled by being kept a fortnight or three weeks.

The proof of this is, that a Partridge will lay nineteen, or a

Pheasant seventeen. This will occupy three weeks or more, and,

of course, some of the eggs must have been laid the full lime,

they, nevertheless, hatch aU. There are rare instances of a

Grolden or Silver hen hatching and rearing poults, but it ia

seldom the case. A middle-sized hen, a half-bred Game, is the

, best for the Silver eggs, she will cover fifteen ; but for Golden,

\ a Bantam is better, as they are smaller and their shells are not

I so hard.

Califomian Quails are laying. These are very beautifal birds,
bold, cheerful, and familiar. They are free layers. The eggs
should be put under a Bantam, and there is no better place
, wherein to rear the young than an empty cucumber-frame, the
young do well in it. It is essential to supply these birds freely
with green food at this time of the year, they cannot do without
it, and the hens often die for lack of it.

Common tame Pheasants will soon be laying ; some few eg^

I may be laid afready, but that is not what we mean by laying, as

they will not make a nest. We remind all to make a partial

covering over a slight hollow which must be filled with sand or

dust. They will drop their eggs in it, and there will be no

I danger of their being starred or spoiled. The bough of a fir

i tree, or a bavin, will supply all the shelter that is necessary.

During a rapid poultry tour of three or four days at Easter,

we have seen some of our best breeding-places, and some of our

best birds. "We find everywhere there is a dearth of broody

i hens, and, consequently, we saw but few very young chickens.

We saw many that were hatched in the early part of January ;

but we think we never saw so few February chickens in our lives.

The birds had not laid during the hard frost of the early part of

the year, and they suffered so much fi^m the severity of the

winter, that it took the first fortnight of the milder weather to

recover themselves. Many yards that will swarm in a week

have nothing to show at present save a few very early birds.

We fancy our summer shows will bring some very good and
early chickens, but they will be few in numbers compared with
later-hatched ones. Wherever we went we heard the same, that
"the oldest inhabitant" never recollected a winter during which
birds suffered so much. We have seen a great many Spanish
and Cochin cocks which we should fear would be disqualified
I from the extraordinary appearance of their combs. Some have
] lost the front, some the back, and some have lost the middle,
whUe in places all have lost their toes. Thank goodness, we
can speak of it as past, and if the present mild weather lasts we
may look for rapid growth in the chickens, that wiH now come
out daily by hundreds. We must, however, warn our readers
not to be tempted to let their hens with chickens run at liberty
because there is a Uttle sunshine. Still choose sheltered spots ;
let the hen be under her rip day and night, and feed generously.
If the wind shift to the east, see that your broods are not
exposed to it, and imder any circumstances do not spare the
bread and ale. The chickens should have it three or four times
per day.

BANTAMS WITH INFLAMED OVAEY AND
EGG-PASSAGE.

I HATE some white Gtame Bantams, three of which seem per-
fectly healthy, except on the day they lay, and then they have a
very sickly look about the head and scarcely can move. They
then refuse food, but drink as much water as they can get ; and
if I put my hand under the crop and incHne the head a little
downwards, about half a gill of water will run out of their
mouths : they continue so till they lay. The eggs have thick
skins on and no shells ; after laying them they generally pass s
good deal of lime mixed with blood, and seem iu great piun.
They have the range of large fields, and have a warm, clean, and
good roost. I have got seven white hens and two cocks i tl"«e
of the hens lay these eggs, three have not began to lay at all yet,
and one lays good eggs. I have some Brown Ked Bantams as well,
but they have not begun to lav yet. I have a good lot of Game
fowls and Oinammon Cochins that lay very weU indeed ; their
chief food is Indian com, and occasionally, a httle barley,—
Thojus 3.M>CLars.

[Tour Bantams are suffering from inflammation of their
ovaries and egg-passages, occasioned probably by over-feeding.
Indian corn ia very fattening, and excess of fat ia the source of a

32

JODENAL OP HORTICULTFEB AND COTTAGE GAXDENEE.

[ AprU 9, 1861.

majority of the disorders which afflict hens. Giye the Bantam
hens a dessert-spoonful of castor oil, and repeat it each third day
until they cease laying ehelless eggs, and Toiding bloody excre-
ments. Do not feed them with any Indian corn ; substitute
oats for the barley, give Teiy little even of them ; but feed
chiefly on soft food, and but little of that. Your other Bantams
may be treated in the same way ; they do not lay, probably,
because over-fat.]

BLACK EOT IN SPANISH FOWLS.

I HATE been obliged to kOl many of my Spanish fowls on
account of a disease which comes in the comb, making it turn
purple ; their feet also swell, they become very lame, and their
toes rot off. Wliat is this disease, the cause, and the cure P
— A CONSIAOT Readee.

[Spanish fowls are different from others with respect to their
diseases. They are not subject to roup, nor do they catch it
from contact with the most virulent cases. By way of compen-
sation they have what is called the "black rot" among old
breeders. This affects them in many ways, but always with
general wasting, black combs, and swollen legs and feet. The
treatment is free — almost constant purging with castor oil, and
equally liberal use of stimulants, such as old strong ale, wine,
and even diluted spirits. Taken in the early stage this seldom
fiiEs to cure, but it is a long process and only worth following
with a valuable bird.]

I Bantams (Any other variety).— First, J. Crosland. Second, J. Boylcs,
Northallerton. Commended, E. Hudson.

SwEEFSTAHEs FOE Game Cocks. — First, H. M. Juliau. Second, I. G.
Park, Whitehaven. Third, H. F. Dodds. Commended, R. Tate.

Sweepstakes for Game Bantam Cocks. — First and Second, R. Jloon,
Wavertree. Third, G. Allen, Sunderland. (The class commended.)

Ducks (Avlesbury).— First, T. W. Hill. Second, S. Bum. Highly
Commended, R. Tate ; R. Abbs ; J. \V. Somner.

Ducks (Rouen).— Prize, R. Tate. (No second.)

PiBEOKB.— Almond TmiMci-s.—ieiTat, C. Vaux, Sunderland. Second,
E. A. Hargrove, Handssvorth, Birmingham. Other variety of Tumblers. —
First, C. Vaux. Second, J. Crawford, Sunderland. Carriers.— First and
Second, J. Bhorthose, Newcastle. Barbs. — First, J. Vaux, Durham.
Second, H. Beldon, Bradford. Pouters or Croppers.— Tiist, T. Coundon,
Sunderland. Second, J. Morrel, Sunderland. JVh)»/)c(«s.— First, T.
Coundon. Second, J. Vaux. Fanlails.— First, T. Ellringtou, Wood-
mansey, near Beverley. Second, F. Key, Beverlev. Jacolms.— First, T.
Ellrington. Second, G. Proctor, juu., Durham. iVuns.- Fiist and
Second, J. W. Edge, Ashton New Town, Birmingham. Turbils.—FirBt,
J. W. La-wson, Beverley. Second, E. A. Hargrove. Owls. — First, J. Bell,
Newcastle. Second, J. Vaux. Any other distinct breed.— First, C. Vaux.
Second, J. W. Edge.

Rabbits. — Lop ears. — First, E. Brooke, jun., Huddersfield. Second,
J. Stokoe. Houghton-le-Spring. Any variety.— First, D. Hume, Vl''est
Hartlepool (Himalaya). Second, Mr. G. Walker, St. Helen's, Auckland.

SUNDERLAND POULTRY SHOW.

{From a Correspondent.)

The county of Durham has just added another show to the
list of exhibitions. That at Darlington has, by progressive
improvement, attained the position of a first-class exhibition,
and the one just held at Sunderland has made a good com-
mencement. Monday and Tuesday, the 1st and 2nd inst.,
were the days selected for the Show — an arrangement which
perhaps injuriously affected the number of entries, from the
necessity of sending off the birds of distant exhibitors on the
previous Satm-day, and thus occasioning a longer absence than
many exhibitors would hke at this season of the year. Not-
withstanding, in nearly all the classes the different varieties of
fowls were well represented, and in the prize hst appended to
tb's report will be found names which are generally associated
with first-class birds. It may be a satisfaction to exhibitors to
be informed that their birds were liberally fed, and carefully
attended to dm-ing the time of the Exhibition.

The Judges were — for Poultry, Mr. J. H. Smith, Skelton
Grange, near York ; and for Pigeons and Rabbits, Mr. Kirton,
Simderland. The following is a list of the awards : —

Spanish.- First, E. Brown, Sheffield. Second, J. S. Nicholson, Sander-
land. Highly Commended, F. Simpson, West Boldon.

Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).— First, H. M. Julian, Beverley.
Second, R. Tate, DrifHcld.

Gahe (Any other variety). — First, G. W. Langdale, Leckonfleld Park.
Second, R. Tate. Commended, A. J. Dodds, Halifax ; T. Cleminson,
Darlington,

Dorkings (Coloured). — First, S. Burn, "Whitby. Second, F. Key,
Beverley. Highly Commended, T. W. Hill, Heywood, near Manchester ;
J. Graham, Newcastle; S. Burn.

Dorkings (AVhite). — First, S. Burn. Second, T. Younger, Monkwear-
mouth.

Cochin China (Buff and Cinnamon). — First, H. Bates, Edgbaston, near
Birmingham. Second, W. Dawson, Mirfleld. Highly Commended, Mrs.
Agiionby, Wigton Hall.

Cochin-China (Any other variety).— First, T. Stretch, Bootle, near
Liverpool. Second, Mrs. Aglionby. Highly Commended, W. Copple,
Eccleston, near Pret^cot; W. Dawson.

Hambcuohs (Golden-pencilled).- First, S. Smith, Halifax. SeeoBd,
R. Tulip, Monkwearmouth. Highly Con.mended, H. Beldon, Bradford.
Commended, .1, shorthose, Newcastle.

Hauburghs (Silver-pencilled), — First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second,
H. Beldon.

Habburohs (Golden-spangled). — First, T. Thompson, "Wideopen, North-
nmbertand. Second, R. Tate. Highly Commended, J. Dixon ; W.
Charlton, Newcastle.
Hauburghs (Silver-spangled).— First, J. Dixon. Second, H. Beldon.
Polish (Black).— First, J. Dixon. Second, T. Leonard, Fulwell.
Commended, Messrs. Johnson and Brown.

Polish (Golden^. — First, F. Hardy, Bradford. Second, J. Dixon.
Commended, C. Vaux, Sunderland.
Polish (Silver).— First, F. Haidy. Second, T. Dixon.
Amy Other Distinct Breed.— First, J. Dixon. Second, S. Spraggon ,
Monkwearmoth. Commended, J. Crosland; R.Tate; W. Dawson.

Bantams (Game).— First, J. Shorthose. Second, J. Crosland, Wake-
field. Commended, H. Ellis.

Bantams (Gold and Silver-laced).- First and Second, T. AV. Hill,
JIauciiester. Commended H. MarihaU, Durluim.

DORKINGS TOO LARGE TO EXHIBIT.

In my own opinion Dorkings cannot be too large for exhibi-
tion, provided they are well matched for colour, size, shape and
form. Now, for rearuig fowls for table you do not require large,
boney-framed fowls. The young fowls when twelve or fourteen
weeks old, if from the produce of these giants, at that age in the
summer ought to be fit for the table, but instead of being fit for
table there is nothing but frame and bone ; but if bred from
fair average-sized fowls there would be something far better than
a mere frame. Chickens will not carry flesh when young if bred
from this large-framed sort. There is a sort commonly known
by the name of the Dunghill, in Sussex, which is more prolific
for breeding and rearing for table. These fowls I believe to be
a cross between the Dorking and the Dunghill, the latter being
used in common as a name.

I believe a remark was made in The Cottage Gardener some
few weeks back, that Dorkings could not be too large for table.
This I most decidedly believe to be wrong. As I have been a
breeder of these giants for exhibition (occasionally), for years,
and also fowls for table, I can speak from my own experience. No
Dorkings, I am sure, will ever get too fat by running in a farm-
yard and moderately fed ; but when they are kept and fatted for
the occasion, as prize pigs are for the Christmas Shows, I am not
surprised to hear the remark, that Mr. Douglas gets his Dorkings
too fat, which causes them to have a very sleepy appearance;
Poultry may be kept up in good condition without excessive
feeding. It is very rare you see now-a-days a pen of prize
Dorking chickens purchased at large Shows — viz., at Birming-
ham and the Crystal Palace, where there are great contests for
the championship, which, when they arrive at adult age turn
out anything like what the purchaser anticipated at the time of
purchase. They are forced so when young, that when they
arrive at the age of matiu'ity they are quite worn out, and
become useless to any one wishing to breed good stock.

However, Can Dorkings be too large to exhibit ? is the question,
and I quite agree with the Editors, that Dorkings cannot be too
large ; but I do not agree in opinion that the giants of Dorkings
are so well for the table when young as the above-mentioned
sort. I believe mere weight is a very bad thing to try to obtain
in Dorkings, and a good, healthy, fair-conditioned bird is by far
more valuable for breeding from than an excessively fat one, the
chickens from which are generally of a weakly nature. — Oni
WHO HAS NCI LOST SIGHT OP A DOBKING EOWX.

TUMOUR ON A FOWL'S BREAST.

What is to be done for a Dorking cock which has a kind of
tutoour just on the point of the breast-bone in fi-ont ? He is a
fine bird of last year. The tumour is about the size of a florini
flat, and much inflamed. There is a crust upon it, which, when
picked off in pieces, leaves a raw place under it. He is much
reduced in weight, and appears inclined to go roupy from weak-
ness.—E. C.

[The origin of the tumour, probably, has been that the bird
has flown down from a height, and, falling on the point of the
breast, the skin has been broken, and the introduction of dirt
and gravel at the time or afterwards has caused the irritation.

An incision should be made in the skin with a very sharp

April 9, 1861. ]

JOURNAi OF HOETTCULTtTBE Aitt) db1T?AGfE GARDENER.

Sf

knife, the tumour entirely remoyed, especially any little parts
adhering to the bone. The wound should be weU washed with
cold water, and then sewed up. In sewing, the edges of the
skin only must be brought together. If it is attempted to sew
it up tight, it causes such discomfort that the bird will not allow
it to heal.]

HENS EATING EGGS-SWANS HATCHING.

My poultry-woman informed me just now that some beautiful
Grey Dorkings have been detected, when other hens haye left
their nests, deliberately walking up to them and eating the eggs.
Is there any remedy short of death for such disgraceful conduct ?
I hope there is, as the hens cost me a " mint " of money.

In reply to " J. T.," I beg to inform him that four years ago a
pair of cygnets were given to me. Last spring the female
produced seven eggs, and hatched them all. One cygnet was
devoured, its head only being found, one perished from too early
an immersion in the water, and five grew to be strong, fine birds.
No extra precautions were taken beyond a quantity of straw
laid by the water which the two Swans made into a nest, if such
it might be called. When hatched the young birds were fed on
barleymeal; but soon learned to cat like their parents — namely,
barley soaked in water. It was amusing to see the mother with
her progeny on her back. Up to a very recent period, when
the young ones were taken away, the old male Swan was
extremely pugnacious, and I, for one, should not have liked to
have thwarted him. — E. B,

[We have found the best way of saving eggs from the
unnatiu'al pi'opensities of hens is to place composition ones in
the neat and about their haunts. They pick at these till their
beaks are sore, and they give it up at last in despair. It is also
Worth while to watch the hens to nest,, and, as soon as they have
laid, to frighten them from their nest, and to take the egg. If
this is done two or three times they will give up the practice.
The sham eggs are not expensive, and are very durable. They
can be had at Mr. Baily's.]

HEN WITH STE ADDLING GAIT.

Will, you explain the cause of a Cochin hen not a year old
commencing to walk with a straddling gait ; her toes turned m
as if cramped ; her tail rather on one side ; and the yolk of her
eggs with white opaque marks or spots in it ? — A Beginneb.

[The straddling gait is caused by difficulty in laying. She
must be watched, and when she begins her eccentric walk, a
tail or wing- feather must be taken, and, being dipped to satui-a-
tion in castor oil, it must be introduced in the egg-passage until
it meets the egg, which will then be laid without difficulty. It
will only be necessary to do this twice, and a dose of a table-
spoonful of castor oil will put all to rights. We suspect you
feed too liberally, and that the heu is too fat.]

BEE-KEEPING IN DEVON.— No. XVII.

AN EXOEPTIOlf TO AN OLD KULE — A THOEO0GH OTEEHAITI. —
INTEKTIEWS WITH KOTALTy — A DKONE-BBEEDING QUEEN —

EETAEDED IMPKEGNATION, OK TKUE PAETHENOOENESIS (?)

EOBBEE EEES —A COMMUNITr OP TEAITOBS AND THEIE
DI3TKESSED SOVEEEIGN — AN EXCHANGE OP QITEBNS — lEANS-
PEEEING A STOOE — ABTICE TO APIAEIANS.
" Eaelt drones, early swarms," is an old and generally a true
adage ; but as all rules have their exceptions, I have recently
proved that this one is not exempt from the common lot. On
the 7th inst. (March), I was surprised at seeing drones issuing
from one of my stocks ; and having caught a couple by way of
assuring myself that there was " no mistake " in the matter,
reluctantly came to the conclusion that this colony must have a
queen capable of breeding drones only. This is the first instance
of the kind which has come under my own observation, as con-
firming what Huber and others have stated with regard to the
effects of retarded impregnation, or possibly illustrating Siebold's
doctrine of true parthenogenesis in the honey bee.

This discovery having aroused suspicions as to the state of
my other stocks, I devoted the remainder of that day and a
part of the next to a general examination of my eleven hives.
With the exception of one box in which some of the combs
were worked irregulai'ly (but in which I could see brood), every

comb was taken oilt and carefully examined, mouldy ones were
exchanged ; and, in one instance, in which comb-building had
taken place during the winter, a couple of full combs were sub-
stituted for empty ones. AH the floor-boards were cleaned and
dried ; whilst in many cases, where internal moisture was present,
the bees were transferred from damp to dry boxes. During this
thorough overhaul, personal interviews were sought and obtained
with aU the sovereigns of the different communities, and 1 had
the satisfaction of finding all apparently in good health and
capable of fulfilling their royal functions. In one hive only was
there no brood — No II. — a weak stock in which many bees had
died during the winter ; but even this one had a fine Ligurian
queen, whose distended abdomen very plainly indicated that
with more genial weather there would be no lack of eggs.

The examination of No. XI., from which drones had issued,
proved my suspicions to be correct. There was a good deal of
brood, all in workers' cells, but showing by their extreme length
and convex coverings that none but drones would be forthcoming.
The queen herself was a very dark Digurian, and the only pecu-
liarity in her shape was about the abdomen, which was long, and
although not quite so slender as that of a virgin, by no means
so much distended as in the perfect mother bee. Her appear-
ance was, however, perfectly symmetrical, and without the least
sign of that distortion of the abdomen described by Huber, who
says that in retarded impregnation " the extremity remains
slender, while the first two rings next the thorax are uncommonly
enlarged." Whether hers was a case of retarded impregnation
or of true parthenogenesis I am unable to decide. She was bred
very late in the season when but few drones were left, and I gave
her sufficient driven bees to make tip a stock, on the chance of
her turning out all right.

A week afterwards — namely, on the 14th March, I found that
my weak stock No. II. had suddenly become extraordinarily
active, a constant stream of bees pouring in and out of ita
narrow entrance. Although to a casual observer it might have
appeared the strongest stock in the apiary, the real state of the
case was at once apparent to an experienced eye — the hive was
being plundered in the most systematic manner by a band of
robbers ! Never before had I seen a colony of bees, however
weak, turn traitors to their queen, but in this instance the fact
was undoubted ; and although the entrance to the hive was so
contracted as to be easily defended, no disposition was' evinced
to protect their home, but all appeai-ed to have basely deserted
without fighting, and were probably aiding the pirates in the
transport of their booty.

On opening the liive I found all except the unfortunate queen
busily engaged in rilling its treasures. She indeed, with hunied
steps and shrunken abdomen, traversed the mangled combs in the
direst extremity of distress, being entirely disregarded by the
marauding workers which appeared intent only upon pOlage.*
Bo time was now to be lost, and the hive was at once shut up
and conveyed to a dark cellar until the next day. By this time
the imprisoned marauders appeared to have made theh- peace
with the outraged sovereign and seemed quietly waiting for
" something to turn up."

But what was to be done? The imprisoned bees were much
too few to form even a moderate stock ; and if the hive were
restored to its place in the apiary a renewal of the attack was
certain. Up to this time I had entertained the notion of pre-
serving the drone-breeding queen in No. XI. with the view of
securing myself against a repetition of the catastrophe of last
summer, when a premature massacre deprived me of nearly all
my Italian drones in the month of June. Finding, however,
that her progeny were, like herself, so very dark as scarcely to be
distinguished from the common species, I determined upon her.
deposition, and the substitution of the forlorn monarch of No. H.

The capture and destruction of the quasi-sovereign having
been effected, a piece of perforated zinc was substituted for the
crown-board of the hive, upon which was placed the box con-
taining the remaining bees, combs, and queen of the plundered
stock. After being in this position twenty-four hours the

• The consummation of a catastrophe of this kind has heen thus gra-
phically described hv a writer in one of our quarterly reviews :— " Bees, like
men, have their different dispositions, so that even their loyalty will
sometimes fail them. An instance not long ago came to our knowledge,
which probably few bee-keepers will credit. It is that of a hive which,
having early exhausted its store, was found on bemg examined one
morning to be utterly deserted. The comb was empty, and the only
svmptom of life was the poor queen herself ' unfriended, me ancholy, slow,'
crawling over the honeyless cells, a sad spectacle of the fall of bee-great-
ness. Marius among the ruins of Carthage, Napoleon at Fontainebleau,
was nothing to this !"

84

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE GAllDENBR.

[ AprU 9, 1861.

perforated divider was withdrawn, and a complete union effected.
Some sharp fighting then took place, and from two hundred to
three hundred were soon killed. After the commotion had sub-
sided I carefully examined the dead, and finding no queen
amongst them came to the concluaion that she had escaped.
Ungenial weather prevented my verifying this conjecture until
the expiration of a week, when I had the satisfaction of finding
that she was not only fuUy installed and receiving all the
honours due to her state and dignity, but that she had proved
herself capable of fulfilling the duties of her exalted position by
laying some hundreds of eggs.

As No. II. was a seven-bar box, I readily consoled myself for
my misfortune, and was by no means sorry to have it emptied.
As all my colonies, with one exception (No. IV.), were now in
shallow eight-bar hives, I determined to make an effort to rid
myself of the annoyance of having different-sized hives in the
apiary. Accordingly I set to W9rk, cut all the combs off the
bars of No. lY., and succeeding by paring down and a httle con-
trivance in fitting them into a similar box to those in which
my other stocks are located.

Whilst on this subject I may venture upon a piece of advice
to my brother apiarians. It is, never to have but one size for
stock-boxes, and to take especial care that every bar fits every
hive in the apiary. — A Detonshiee Bee-keepbk.

BEE-HIVES AND THEIR APPURTENANCES.

(Continued from page 18.)

In your last Number I placed in contrast two as a sample of
the many conflicting opinions put forth by authors as to bee-
hives and their management ; to bring under review all the
opposuig theories would require folio volumes instead of a corner
Of your Journal. I will, therefore, in the present paper confine
myself to throwing out a few practical hints, drawn from my
own experience, as to the most suitable " Bee-hives and their
Appurtenances" for the due preservation of our interesting
favourites, and affording them a fair opportunity of augmenting
their sweets.

The more humane system of bee-management being now
generally adopted, with the exception of some of the stiff-necked
cottager race— a well-regulated apiary, consisting of a combi-
nation of both the depriving and swarming systems, the latter
acting as handmaid to the former.

The finest description of honeycomb, realising generally double
the price of the run contents of common straw hives imder
the old brimstone plan, therefore the principal aim of the
apiculturist becomes the accumulation of tlie greatest possible
quantity of this article free from pollen and brood in separate
compartments of the hive, leaving as nearly as possible what
will sustain the inmates of the stock, tiU the return of another
season. To accomplish this various expedients have been
resorted to.

Amongst f;he foremost come doubled first swarms. The
honey-season in oirr variable climate being usually so exceedingly
short-lived, superior completed boxes and glasses are only attain-
able by this means, unless the locality be so favoured as to pro-
duce very early swarms. The more powerful the colony, whils
ike staple supply of the district lasts, the greater will be the
tuecess ; and the more expeditiously the work is got up, the
purer and more valuable it becomes.

_ Another expedient is substituting end communications to supers,
in lieu of central communications, in every description of hive
employed. To this I previously alluded in some remarks on
Stewarton-hives, inserted in No. 610 of your first series ; and its
importance may justify a repetition of some of the arguments in
its favour here. The seat of breeding is the centre, where the
heat 19 chiefly concentrated : consequently, on opening a central
aperture the temperature is reduced where it is of the first
importance to be kept up ; and the rank lieated vapour is worse
than wasted by being dissipated through the super, discolouring
the purity of the comb. Besides, the queen usually perambulating
the central combs, is much more likely to find her way up
into the super through a central opening, where, depositing her
eggs, the comb's destruction is completed. Also, by using side
openings, the two classes of bees are more naturally kept together,
the honey gatherers of the end combs having free access with their
loads up into the super, without being obliged to push their way
*'l'"°"g'' tlie crowd of nurses and pollen collectors of the centre
Although the advantages of such an arrangement are so obvious'

and always are acted on in Ayrshire, yet I have never found it
noticed in any work, not even in the admirable " Bee-keeper's
Manual " of Mr. Taylor. Should that gentleman, before pub-
hshing his seventh edition, indulge in a tour through the above
county, making the acquaintance of some of the leading members
of the Ayrshire Apiarian Society, he would be astonished at
the results effected by a good hive and skilful management in
rather a late district, and would find an enthusiastic practical
acquaintance with the honey bee that would afford him materials
to place the seventh edition of his standard work as far in
advance of the sixth as this is of the first.

I can corroborate what this author states at page 194 (fifth
edition), quoting from Golding as to the desirableness of
exchanging or procuring swarms from a distance occasionally, and
as to the diligence of the new arrivals, but am not sure if the
benefit ends here. I am led to think an infusion of a little
fresh blood into the apiary may be of as much benefit as into the
cattle or poultry-yards ; having known instances of cottagers'
stocks in first-rate localities, isolated for miles from others, gra-
dually and unaccountably dwindling away, till they became totally
extinct. A new stock procured, flourishes remarkably for a time,
and again in a few years as mysteriously and gradually dies out.

Should your valued correspondent " A Devonshiee Bee-
keepeb" be as successful in spreading the Ligurians next season,
as your many apiarian readers heartUy wish, we may by-and-by
hear the result of a greater cross.

My practice is not to retain a depriving hive longer than the
second season ; a flagging of energy I have usually observed in
the third — besides, the purity of the super is apt to get contami-
nated by the continuous traffic over the dark comb below. Still,
an old hive may sometimes be re-invigorated to work wonders
by a second swarm being added — the youthful monarch possibly
in that case supplanting her aged rival ; still, I prefer the surer
mode, taking what honey the hives contain before it gets stale,
and starting afresh.

This rule does not hold good with regard to swarming-hives ;
under favourable circumstances old stocks may throw swarms,
and prosper for many years, though I by no means approve of
the course. Observing recently in a small farmer's garden a
straw hive of very venerable aspect, the lower band nearly gone,
I had the curiosity to inquire its age of his better half, whose pin
money the hives represented. After a little mental calculation
she recollected s)ie had quarrelled with the grocer at the village,
the " Great Exhibition year," when it would appear she had
purchased his pro indiviso half, the hive having been held
amicably on joint account of both proprietors for some four
years previously : here then, was a fourteen years' estabUshment.
On asking why she had kept it so long, and if she had noticed
anytliing odd about the bees, her reply was " she was sweert *
to put it down, it had been sae lucky, casting twice every
year ;" but she thought the bees had " gotten unco sma." f She
was not a little tickled at hearing the latter peculiarity explained.
By judicious management, disposing always of her first swarms
at good prices, thus getting quit of old queens and bringing
round her second, and stocks with a little spring feeding, this
shrewd old dame swelled up the aforesaid pin money, so as to
incite the jealousy of her neighbours. One, in particular, deter-
mined to outstrip her by following exactly the opposite course,
thereby thinking to have earlier swarms and greater success; but
what with small returns for her light hives, old queens dying,
her heavy hives attracting pilferers, and various causes, she
never succeeded — confirmatory of what Mr. Fox so well said
as to this, under " Bee-feeding " in No 636, which from ray
own observation I can heartily endorse. — A Bekfbewshibe
Bee-keeper {To be continued.)

THE CANARY AND THE BRITISH FINCHES.
THE GOLDFINCH.
The hybrid produce of the Goldfinch and Canary are said to
be capable of breeding again. Buffon and Bechstein both
mention it as an accomplished fact. M. Hei-vieux states
a casein point. "The young ones that come of these mixed
birds, often breed others the next year contrary to the opinion
of him that has writ the contrary ; and this second mongrel
race are so beautiful that they cannot be too high rated.
Such are those I saw last year in this city (Paris), which were
sold for 500 livres— that is", the mongrel cock and hen and three

* Reluctant.

+ Very little.

April 9, 1861. ]

JOUENAL OF HORTICTJLTURE AUTD COTTA&E GAEDENEB.

of their young ones. Nature bad never produced anything so
beautiful in mongrel birds, I will not here describe the variety
of colours they were adorned with. I think the mentioning of
the price is sufficient for every one to guess at their beauty."

A gentleman on whose information I can rely, informed me that
a barber where he used to go to be shaved, at Cromer, had a pair
of Goldfinch Mides that bred again, and that he saw the old
ones and their young several times.

I have myself endeavoured to breed from Mules, but without
success. I had a cock Goldfinch paired with a hen Goldfinch
Mule ; they built in a room and laid, but a mouse got in and
destroyed the nest and eggs. I had a Goldfinch Mule cock
paired with a hen Canary, and though she sat, the eggs proved
clear. At another time I had two hen Goldfinch Mules that
paired and laid with a cock Canary, but their nests were also
disturbed. I noticed what Bechstein observes — that the eggs
laid by the Mules are at iu'st small, no larger than peas, but
increase in size afterwards. From all my experience I have no
doubt but that Goldfinch Mules will occasionally breed, but I
believe it is of a very rare occurrence.

If the Goldfinch is paired with a turned-crowned Canary,
many of the Mules will be crested, which is regarded by some
fanciers as an additional advantage.

At the Crystal Palace Show, 1858, Mr. Nicholson exhibited a

cinnamon-coloured Goldfinch Mule. In 1859, Mr. H. Wardle
showed a clear Mealy and also a clear Jonque Goldfinch Mule.

Not only with the Canary does the Goldfinch breed freely,
but also with other small birds. Within a very few years
Hybrids between the cock Goldfinch and a nestling hen Bull-
finch have been exhibited at the Crystal Palace and other bird
shows. These are very peculiar, but handsome Mides, of a rich
dark plumage, partaking of the character of both parents about
equally mixed. To breed them it is necessary that the hen
Bullfinch should be very tame, reared from the nest, and while
young brought up with Goldfinches ; but even then it is rarely
that they will make a good nest, and still more seldom that they
will hatch and rear their own young in a breeding-cage. When,
it is found that they have paired, and that the hen is about to
lay, it is advisable to cover the bottom of the cage with sawdust,
or some such material, to catch the eggs if she drops them, and
then hatch aud rear them under Canaries.

The Goldfinch has also bred with the Greenfinch. One such
Hybrid was shown at the Crystal Palace in 1858, and two in
1859. They were more of a greenish shade of colour, taking
more after the Greenfinch, but bearing unmistakeable marks of
the Goldfinch.

A Hybrid between the Goldfinch and Grey Linnet has also
been exliibited. — B. P. Bbent.

THE EABBIT (Lepus cuniculus) : ITS HISTORY, VAEIETIES, Am) MANAGEMENT.

SILTEB GEET OE EICHE EABBIT.

This species, also known by the name of Chinchilla Silver
Grey, is so called from the skin resembling that animal, and for
which this Kabbit's skin is sold as a substitute. The name
Chinchilla also serves to show the distinction between this
variety and the Wild Sdver Grey or Silver Sprig. It is in
general more developed in form than either the wild cr domestic
Kabbit. Its fur is dark, and is in part of a silvery grey and part
slate colour, appTroaching more or less to a blackish-bro'wn. The
hairs of the fur that are short and soft are of a mouse colour, or
pale slate, or bluish ; some, the long, firm hairs, are blackish, or
a dark slate, and the other long hairs are white, so that the
mixtui'e of white, slate, and black varies on dilferent parts of
the body. The head and ears are nearly all black with a few
white hairs. These white hairs are more numerous on the neck,
shoulders, and back ; but on all the lower parts, such as the
chest or belly, the number of white hairs is greater than those
of a blue or black colour.

This Rabbit is bred for its flesh, and still more for its fur, but
unfortunately it degenerates in cold climates. 'J here its fur
becomes of an iron grey colour instead of remaining silvery, and
its skin is reduced in value to only 5d. instead of from Is. 8rf.
to 2s. 6d. :_;:rrr:

M. Gerard states that itMs in Siam, a kingdom of Indo-China,
that this race is found in all its purity. It is bred there chiefly

for its fur, which is much valued by the northern inhabitants.
Its strong, robust constitution renders the breeding of it easy
and it there prospers without degenerating. It is tended by the
Siamese about the same as a tame Rabbit.

In climates where the temperature alters its qualities, it
requires particular care, if you wish to profit by its skin.
Warmth must be secured to it which the winter denies it. The
uniform temperature of burrows that suit the wild Rabbit, is
equally suitable to tame Rabbits. To procure for them this
temperature one should make round their burrows a terrace of
sandy earth of about a yard or a yard and a half high, retained
from sliding down by a wall perforated with boles on a level
with the ground. The Rabbits establish themselves in the bank
through the holes, and remain there in all seasons. In winter
they only come out to feed. The darker and warmer the burrows,
the finer, more sdky, longer, and more lustrous will be the fur.

Still, there will be sometimes among them a few females
whose fur will be spotted with white. The fur of the males is
generally of a finer quaUty. To obtain from this species a finer
fur, castration of the males is in use, which operation should be
performed when the animals are about three months old. It not
only improves their fur, but increases their size, and renders a
quarrelsome animal quite docile, so that these emasculated
animals can be kept together in large quantities.

JOUBNAX OP HOBTICULTTIBE AND COTTAGE GAEDE3<rEE.

[ April 9, 1861.

The darier shades are the most prized by the furriers at the
present time, and with which they make muffa more par-
tieidarly; but much depends upon fashion, with wliich the
warrener must not be iafluenced, but must endeavour to hare
his stock of a medium colour, neither very light nor very
dark.

In consequence of the increased demand for the skins of this
species, several new warrens have been formed in the south of
France, and these Rabbits are in great demand on the Continent
at the present time. — K. S. S.

(To ie co)Uinued.)

VARIETIES.

CtOTHES-MoTn, a name common to a number of species of
small moths of the genus Tinea, tlie larvie or caterpillars of
which are extremely destructive to woollen clothes, furs, stuffed
quadrupeds and birds, &c. Tinea destructor is one of the most
annoying of these insect pests. It is of a satiny buif colom-,
the wings deflexed when at rest. The larva is about a quarter
of an inch long, with only a few hairs, white, with a slate-
coloured line down the back, an ochreous head, and sixteen
legs. T. tapezana has the upper wings black at the base, the
rest of the whig white. T. sarcitella is another very common
species, of a silky grey colour ; the head, thorax, and base of
the superior wings white ; the wings folded flat on the back
when at rest. The larva is covered with scattered hairs. Tliese
moths are most abundant in the warmer seasons of the year,
but their larva; carry on their destructive operations even during
winter. Guided by instinct, the female moth lays lier eggs
where the larvas may find then- appropriate food, consisting of
substances indigestible to almost every other creature ; and the
larvae being furnished with minute but strong and sharp jaws,
not only begin to eat as soon as they are hatched, but to cut the
fibres of the substances on which tliey feed into little bits, and
to unite them by means of a glutinous silk of theu- own pro-
ducing, so as to form for themselves cases, lined internally with
silk ; and in these they constantly abide, adding to them at the
anterior end as their own increase of size requires, and also
widening them, by slittmg them down the middle, and mending
them with additional materials. All this may be beautifully
observed by transferring the same moth-larva to different pieces
of flannel in succession, of different colours. The larva of Tinea
tapezana works its way through woollen stuffs in an arched
gallery, carrying its little case with it. T, pellionella makes
sinular tunnels in furs. T. granelta is destructive to books as
well as to grain. Tlie best means of preventin.^ the ravages of
moths are perfect cleanliuefts, frequent inspection of articles, and
their exposure to liglit and air. Spirit of turpentine is used for
killing them ; the vapour arising from a sponge dipped in this
liquid is futal to such as it sutHciently reaches ; they are also
killed by tlie heat of a brisk fire or of an oven. — (Chambers'
Mncyclopadia.)

iNDiAHtJBBEK WATEBrEOOF Vaexish. — I have used a solution
of Indiarubber and turpentine for about twenty years as a
waterproof varnish for my boots and shoes. I make the appli-
cation before blacking is put on, or else remove the blacking by
water. Wheu the leather is moist, I take the solution of India-
rubber and apply it with a rag, taking care to rub it in ; then I
put the boot in a moderately warui place until the whole is
absorbed. The process is repeated twice, or until the pores of
the leather are filled, when the surplus is wiped off In a few
days afterwards blackmg may be put on, and the leather will
polish well. By this method of treating my boots, I make them
not only nalcrtight but, also much more durable, and the
leather is always kept soft and pliable. I treat every new pair
of boots in the manner described, and effect a considerable annual
saving thereby.

Cueing Hams.— At a late fair of the Maryland State Agricul-
tural Society, the first preiniuni was awarded to haais cured as
follows: — "To 150 lbs. of ham, take IV lb. saltpetre, four
quarts of fine salt, with molasses enough to make it a paste ; rub
well on the flesh side ; let it lie four weeks ; make a pickle
strong enough to bear an egg, let the hams lie in it four weeks ;
then hang and smoke. Two days before removiiii; from the
smoke-house, paint with black pepper and strong cider vinegar,
after which bag them. — (Scientific American.)

The Sunbeam's Geate. — >'othing in this vast creation is ever

lost. Individuals may be losers through carelessness, but to the
world at large no created substance can be lost. One combination
of tilings is often changed into another, but no ingredient is
ever utterly destroyed, for at this moment the created universe
does not contain one particle of matter more, nor one particle
less, than belonged to it that day it came fresh from the creating
band of Him who made all tilings very good. Never did a sun-
beam shine in vain, and therefore no sunbeam that ever streaked
this world with light could be finally lost. Yet the sunbeam,
lovely as it is, had its grave, and there sometimes for unnum-
bered ages it has slept in undistui'bed repose. What is coal
but latent sunbeams, which need only to be ignited to start out
again into active life ? The sun, when many thousand years
younger than he is now, cast forth his radiant beams on the
surface of the world, and noble trees of Ferns and other acrogens
started at his bidding into vigorous life ; tlity lived, died, and
underwent changes which made them coal — yes, coal I and the
old sun he did it all. These sunbeams have long been buried
in the form of coal ; and though by ignition then- resurrection-
life is but a dim shadow of their early brightness, they are yet
sunbeams. We have nothing but sunlight in summer or in
winter, think or talk as we may. The fire on our hearths, the
gas in our tubes, the oil in our lamps, and the candles on our
tables, are all the products of the sunbeam. We kindle them,
and in the very act raise the sunbeam from its grave, and send
it forth to run perchance a long cycle of changes ere again it
rests in such a place as that we have dragged it from.

OUR LETTER BOX.

■ Game Bantam Cock not Paid fok {E. Fisher).— 5ae the purchaser in
the County Court. You have no other remedy. We have repeatedly
■warned our readers not to deliver poultry without prepayment to stranger
purchasers.

Bantam Prizes at Chestekfikld {R. Sfiincs).—'T\ie Managing Com-
mittee of a Poultry Show must regulate their prizes by the entries usually
made in the cliisses. The gieatest number of Bantam entries usually are
in the Game Bantam class, and the exhibitors in that may fairly expect,
that as that class ei riches the iSociety's treasury more than the White and
Black Bantam classes, so it ought to have higher awards. We suppose
this consideration influenced the Chesterfield Committee, but we do not
know.

Characteristics of Aylesbury Ducks (C. S. J.).— To be winners they
must be heavy, but the weight must be the result of large size and not of
feeding. The head should be large, the bill very pale flesh colour or
French white, long and broad ; free from black spots or yellow or orange
shade. The body long and broad between the shoulders. Entire colour
pure white.

Call Dccks, Length of Incubation. — Having bred "Call Ducks" for
some few years, I can assure Mr. B. P. Brent that their eggs are quite as
long in incubation as those of other Ducks' — a fact I have proved in setting
their eggs with those of other varieties. — T. Harvey D. BATLEr, Jcfacell
Uonsey Biggleswade.

Water for Parrots {A Lady, A. Z.). — We regret to hear that any one so
totally without knowledge of the subject ventured to advise you to keep your
Parrot entirely without water! Well mightit '"cease from talking," and well
might it "beat itself against the cage when it saw water! " The bird must
have sutTered excessively Always let it have a constant supply of water
tor d'inking, and daily when let out place a soup-plate filled wiih water on
the floor. The Parrot will differ from birds of the same kind we have
known if it does not soon indulge in a bath. It is the best prevei five of a
Parrot eating it^ own featlers. It should have very little hempseed. The
canary seed and bread sopped in water form a much better diet. Of fruits the
Parrot usually prefe the cherry.

Goldfinch Mules {An Old Friend). — If you put two hen Canaries to
one Goldtinch in the same cage, as you propose, the hens should fii-st be put
together to become acquainted, or (hey will quarre). You will have seen
my remarks on Mule breeding in The Cottage Gardener for March 26th,
which will more fully answer your inquiries. The same will apply to
Linnet Mule breeding — B. P. Brent.

Teaching a Bird Tunes [Susanna). — It is best to tench birds one tune
at a time, but much depends on the capacity of the individual bird as to
whether he will learn even one tune perfectly, or if he can master more
than one. I am not aware that Chaftinches have been taught tunes, but
they sometimes learn other birds' songs as well as varieties of their own. —
B. f. b.

LONDON MARKETS.— Apeii. 8.

POULTRY.

There is still a very small supply of poultry, and were it not the trade
is unusually dull, prices would be higher than common.

Each-

-a. d. i.d.

Each-

-j.d.

t.

d

Large Fowls

6 0 „ G 6

Gainea Fowls

3 6 ,

i

0

Smaller Fowls

4 C „ 5 6

Hares

0 0 ,

U

u

Chickens

3 6 „ 4 0

Babbits

1 * I

, 1

&

Goslings

8 G „ 9 0

Wild ditto....

.08,

• 0

»

Ducklings

6 0 „ 6 0

Pigeons

0 8 ,

. u

9

Apra 16, 1861. ]

JOXIRNAL OF HOETICXTLTXJEE AND COTTAaE (JAEDENER.

37

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day
of

Day
of

APKIL 16-22, 18G1.

Wzatheb KEAB Ix)HDOS IB 1860.

San

Sun

Moon

Clock
after

Day of

Rain in
Inches.

Rises ' Moon's

M'nth

Week.

Barometer.

Thermom.

Wind.

Rises.

Sets.

and Sets' Age.

Sun.

Tear.

deg. deg.

m. h.

m. h.

m. h.

m. 6.

16

Td

Mandragora oSicinalis.

30.279-30.179

60-32

N.E.

—

4af5

66af 6

41 0

6

0 15

106

17

W

Cardaraine amara.

30.229-30.093

66—34

N.E.

—

2 5

57 6

20 1

7

0 30

107

18

Th

Atragene austriaca.

30.082-30.037 60—32

N.

—

0 5

59 6

53 1

})

0 44

108

19

F

Arhutus alpina.

80.064-29.993

44-32

N.

•01

IV

VII

18 2

9

0 57

109

20

S

Sun's declin. 11''37'n.

29.884—29.772

49-25

N.

—

56 4

2 7

38 2

10

1 10

110

21

SUH

3 Sunday afteb Easter.

30-729-29.695

50-21

N.

■07

S3 4

4 7

57 2 ' It

1 23

111

22

M

Andromeda.

29.794-29.721

49-25

W.

•02

51 4

6 7

16 3 12

1 35

112

Meteoec

tLOGT OP THE Weeit. — At Chiswick, from observations during the last thirty-four vears, the average highest and lowest

temperatures of these days are 53.2' and 3G.4' respectively. The greatest heat, 77", occurred

on the 19th, in 1354; and the lowest cold,

20",

on the 16ih

in 1847. During the period 142 days were fine, and on 96 rain feU.

EFFECTS OF LAST WINTEE UPON PLANTS

IN VAKIOtrS PARTS OF ENGLAND.

j/ HE winter whichbas just passed
over us, though an exceptional
one, was such as returns at
intervals, and he will do
most wisely as a gardener who
learns thoi'oughly the warnings
and lessons which it imparts.

We have several communica-
tions upon the subject, and will
commence publishing them by
placing before our readers to-day
the effects that have been observed
at the Kew Botanic Garden,
This claims priority, not merely by
its official position, but because
there are cultivated together a
greater number of specimens and
species in each genus than can be
met with anywhere else in the
British Islands.

PLANTS THAT HAVE BEEN INJURED BY THE WINTEE OF '
1860 AND 1861 AT KEW, BEGINNING WITH THOSE ON
THE OPEN LAWNS AND SHRUBBERIES.

Pinus insignis, some much injured, and others killed.

Pinus muricata, much browned.

Pinus halepensis, all killed.

Pinus australis, much browned.

The rest of the Pinuses quite green, and in their usual
forwardness.

Quercus ilsx. All that the varieties of the evergreen
Oak indicate is an earlier shedding of their leaves than
usual.

Quercus suber, most of the young wood of last year
killed.

Quercus glabra, killed, but is alive against a wall.

Cupressus torulosus, much browned, and some appear
to be killed. This kind at Surbiton, with Mr. Eoss, is
hardly browned.

Cupressus Uhdeana, suffered to the same extent as
torulosus.

Cupressus semperviren3,the older plants much browned;
but this Cypress is nowhere seen healthy or vigorous
on the light lands in the valley of the Thames. The
finest plants of it in the country are on the chalk. Dozens
of the most healthy-looking at Shrubland Park are re-
ported by Mr. Taylor as quite killed.

Juniperus repens, only one plant dead fiom some other
cause.

Magnolia grandiflora, all its varieties have lost most of
their leaves, and the young wood of last year appears
to be killed.

Veronica lavendulacea, killed.

Laurus nobilis (the Sweet Bay), suffered much, many
being kiUed to the ground. One of the largest specimens

No. 3. — ^VoL. I., New Sbeies.

on the lawn in front of the succulent-house, and much
exposed, was killed to the ground in 1823, again in 1838,
and a third time in a subsequent year, has only been
browned this winter.

Phillyrea rhamnus (the common PhUlyrea), many have
lost all their leaves and the ends of the young wood ;
others have escaped with a little browning. Only
browned in Surbiton.

Arbutus unedo, many in the low, wet parts of the garden
seemed killed ; in other parts they all look as green as
usual. Some are browned at Surbiton.

Cistus ladaniferus (the Gum Cistus), all killed, and the
same at Surbiton.

Buddlea globosa, killed to the ground. It is strange
that in the very north of Scotland this plant is seldom
hurt by frost.

Tasmannia aromatica, a smooth evergreen, killed.

Torreya taxifolia, one plant dead ; but probably from
recent removal.

Maytenus chilensis, a rhamnus-looking evergreen,
killed ; but safe against a wall.

Euonymus japonicus and variegatus, killed to the
ground, and much, hurt against a wall. Some cuttings
of it struck last summer in pots, and left to their fate,
are not the least hurt. Four fine plants of the green
japonicus, cramped in small pots for two years in the
Experimental Garden, and plunged under an east wall,
have not had a leaf browned ; but all over the place
every other plant of both kinds is killed.

Cerasus laurocerasus (the common Laurel), green as
usual, except where the wind nipped the young shoots
round some corners, as it always does when charged with
the smoke from the factory chimnies of Brentford, which
in general is more injurious to evergreens at Kew than
the frost.

Ligustrum lucidum, much hurt, but not so much so as
at Surbiton. In the Experimental were several very
large plants of it which are all killed to the ground.

Araucaria imbricata, all the strong plants— and they
might be numbered by the score — are as dark green as
those on the highlands of Chili, but a few of the young
plants are touched at the end of the shoots— probably as
much by the smoke from Brentford as by the frost.

Ehododendrons— all the kinds from Sikkim that have
been planted out in the happy valley beyond Mount
Pleasant in the pleasure-ground are quite safe ; but they
were sub teqmine fagi—or, in other words, under the
shelter of tlie large Spanish Chestnuts, the fagi of the
Mantuan bard. But the scarlet hybrids of the first and
second generations from the great Nepaul arboretum have
suffered considerably, and some of them have lost parts
of their branches. All other hybrid Ehododendrons are
as safe as ponticum.

Kniphofia uvaria— the name at Kew for Tritomauvana,
glaucescens of other folks— has suffered severely, and
some must have been quite killed at Kew. Two-year-
old suckers of it in the Messrs. Jacksons' Nursery at
Kingston have not been quite killed to the ground in an
open exposed part of the nursery. In the Experimental,
No. 655.— Vot. XXTI., Old Series.

38

JOUENAIi OF HORXICULTtTEJE AND COTTAaE GAEDENEB.

[ AprU 16, 1861.

on the grass and sliglitly mulclied, not the least hurt ;
and in my private garden they began sprouting early in
March, and by the 1st of April made six-inch leaves.

Gynerium avgenteum (the Pampas Grass), all killed to
the groTind, and most of the plants -were supposed to be
killed, root and branch ; but some are beginning to
sprout.

PLANTS AGAINST WALLS.

Euonymus Hamiltonianus, killed.

Cerasus ilicifolia, much hurt.

Benthamia fragifera, looks seriously hurt, if not killed.

Cistus formosus, killed.

Ceanothus azureus, very much hurt, but not killed to
the ground.

Ceanothus paplllosus, the same.

Eugenia TJgni, killed.

Eugenia apiculata, only much hurt.

Escallonia macrantha, killed ; ditto, E. montevidensis.

Arctostaphylos tomentosa, slightly browned.

Cneorum tricoccum, much hurt.

Rosa braeteata (Macartney Eose), quite killed, and the
only Eose killed at Kew.

Colletia cruciata, alias Bictonensis, killed outright.

Eabiana inbricata, killed.

•Jasminum nudiflorum, much browned. Against my
house it has been in bloom from October to March,
except during the frost, the flowers only being killed.

Naudina domestica, killed. I have known it killed in
the north of Scotland by 15° of frost.

Solanum jasminoides, killed only to the ground.

Myrtus communis (the common broad-leaved Myrtle),
many of the branches killed ; the same in Kingston,
under one fold of mat. At the Experimental a plant
15 feet high in a sheltered recess, and with one fold of
frigi domo, is quite safe.

Plagianthus sidioides, killed to the ground.

D. Bi:AT0N.

by the pane of glass next below them. Our Strawberry plants
were quite free from the attack of any insect, and involved no
more trouble than those in the open bed adjoining. — Fimrc-
EATEB.

SELF-VENTILATING OECHAED-HOUSES.

EvEETBODT kuows the construction of Davy's safety lamp for
coal inineg, the wick being surrounded by a wire gauze, of which
the interstices, whilst freely admittinp; the oxygen needful for
combustion, are so minute and cooling as to prevent the tlame
from communicating through them with any firedamp there may
be in the atmosphere of the mine. "What think you of a safety
liouse on a similar principle for the protection of tender fruit-
blossoms, and the ripening of such fruits as do not usually
reach perfection in our climate ?

Two aummers ago we had a severe liail storm, breaking, more
or less, about one-half of the panes in the lights of our
Strawberry-frame. In the following spring the plants were
covered as usual, but without repairing the damage to the lights,
which were allowed to remain unmoved till the fruit was nearly
ripe. Ventilation was left to look after itself, and as the rain
fell it found its way through the broken panes to the plants
beneatli. The fruit ripened a full fortnight before that in the
open ground.

It has occurred to us since, that a modification of the Davy
lamp principle might be applied with advantage in the con-
struction of orchard-houses. These erections, interesting and
elegant in their results, will never give a profitable return to the
labour bestowed luitil the everlasting attention to ventilation and
syringing is superseded. "Wliat we want, but which we shall
never altogether get, is an orchard-house in which, with only the
same attention as is called for in out-door culture, we shall have
nearly the result of a more southern cUmale. Now, suppose the
glazing cf the roof and sides ot an orchard-house so arranged as
that between every pane there should be a space large enoxigh to
admit free ventilation and the ingress of the rain as it fails, at
the same time retaining the summer heat, and excluding the
March and April frosts. It may be a matter of lengthened
erj>eriment whether these spaces shoxtld be an inch or one-eighth
of an inch wide, and whether they should occur at intervals of
3 inches or 30 inches, but that they will accomplish a portion
at least of what is needed wo have little doubt. It may be a
question also whether the spaces should be open, or overlapped

ELOEISTS" FLOWEES.

Definitions are avowedly diflScult things. "We have only to
try our hand at one — let it be the very simplest — and we
shall soon find that we shall probably be as far wide of the
mark as he wh» ici defining a man could only get beyond " a
two-legged animal without feathers :" and though I have a
tolerable idea of what florists' flowers are, yet I should find it
amazingly difficult to give a general definition that would meet
all and exclude other flowers which might claim the honour.
In an authority to which, I suppose, all the readers of this
Journal feel bound to bow — the Cottage Gardeners' Dictionary,
they are defined as "those which, by their beauty and fragrance,
power to produce permanent varieties, and facility of cultivation,
are so largely in demand as to render them specially worthy of
cultivation as an article of commerce." Yery well. Now come
to the test : — Is the Auricula so easy of cultivation as to be
specially worthy of cultivation ? There are not a dozen growers
for sale in the kingdom. Would a florist allow the AnagaUis or
Tuberose to be florists' flowers, even thougli enumerated in the
list appended to the close of the same article ? Is the Hydrangea
a florist's flower ? "Would any one call the Rhododendron one ?
Yet these fulfil the above conditions, and are classed as such in
the notice to which I allude. And on what principle is the
Hollyhock excluded from the list ? it surely has taken a high
position as one. There are some, however, about which there
is no doubt. Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Pansies,
Pelargoniums, Tulips, Boses, Pinks are universally acknowledged
as such, and I wish to say something in their behoof; for really
the rage for bedchug out seems to push them very much mto the
background.

Any one who has watched the progress of any one particular
flower in its advancement towards perfection, must have been
struck with the wonderful power that carefid hybridising has in
not only producing new varieties, but in completely altering the
character of the flower. I have, e. g., before me a plate pub-
lished in the Horticultural Society's " Transactions " many
years ago of Chrysanthemums then esteemed, and one published
in this month's " Florist," and it woidd be impossible to sup-
pose a greater difference between flowers even of totally distinct
species ; while, on the other hand, there seems to be a point
which, when it is attained, improvement seems well nigh
impossible. I know one ardent admirer of Pelargoniums who
gave up in disgust ordering new varieties, because, he said,
there was so little improvement or change from year to year.

Again, take Cinerarias. In a particular line of colour it seems
impossible to exceed the beauty of some of the varieties grown.
A sort named Perfection, let out by Mr. Turner, of Slough,
two years ago, seems to me still worthy of its name ; in shape,
colour, size, and growth one could desire nothing better. On
the other hand. Auriculas and Tulips seem capable of great
improvement even now. In the former, it is remarkable how few
really perfect flowers to an educated eye there are ; wlule in the
latter, the manner in which English raised varieties a>-e beating
out of the field the old Dutch ones is very remarkable ; and
one eminent amateur, Mr. Richard Headley, of Stapleford, has
challenged all the Tulip growers in the kingdom to show his
Adonis, a new flower, against any other Tulip.

When, however, a flower has by hybridising reached the
desu-ed point, I by no means say that it will not reward the
raiser to continue it; for so sportive are these flowers, that he
can never tell what new strain he may hit upon. Time a few
years ago my friend and neighbour, Mr. Banks, of Shalden, the
most successful raiser of Fuchsias in the kingdom, raised a
flower, of which he said, " I know it will be very hard to beat ;"
and perhaps in its particular style it is still untouched. But
he went on ; and anj' one who saw the immense crinoline
corollas in those that received certificates at the Floral Com-
mittee last year, will surely be unwilling to say that he has
gained nothing by his perseverance. A new strain has been
entered on, which may yet produce something more wonderful
than any that have gone before. Look again at Pelargoniums.
Some years ago there was but one class ; then Fancies came on
the stage, and, though very badly shaped at first, yet the care
of the liyisridiser has made them now perfectly beautiful in form

AprU 16, 1861. ]

JOtTRNAL OP HORTICtlLTTJRE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE.

39

and delicate in colouring. A sport in what was called the
florists' class came with a spot in the lower petals. It was
immediately caught at, and now we have a distinct class of
spotted Pelargoniums.

Our lively neighbours over the water, fond of and originators
of everything bizarre, have latterly been introducing some novel
colours into their flowers. At present the shapes are bad ; but
Fi'ench varieties form a distinct class, and before long we may
hope for as good form in them as in the other classes. This
is an instance within our own memory of what has been done
and what yet may be done in any department of florists' flowers.

There is one point at which, I think, all raisers of seedlings
ought to aim, and iu which much may yet be done — and that is,
getting plants of good habit, for the delicacy of many kinds has
prevented amateurs from venturing on them. "What a glorious
thing to get such an Am-icula as Booth's Freedom with the
habit of John Bright — and surely this is to be done. In Car-
nations the same advance may be made. Every grower of them
knows that in Kose Elakes there is nothing to beat Flora's
Garland ; but she is coy, hard to please, and hence has kept
up her price beyond many not one quarter as old as she is.
Mr. Headley, of Stapleford, has recently raised a seedling, which
obtained a first.class certificate from the Floral Committee last
season, and which is figured in Mr. Moore's "Floral Maga-
zine " this month, called Rose of Castille — apparently as good
a flower as Garland, and said to be of vigorous habit. If so,
though Mr. Headley has been a seedling raiser for so many
years, he will even now have added something new.

Again, in Pinks. The raiser against whom none can venture
to appear is Dr. Maclean, of Colchester. He might have thought
two or three years ago, " I can never beat those I have raised."
Well, independently of those which appear for the first time
this year, I saw in his garden what will be, I am sure, a favourite
— a yellow Pink — at least, a very decided primrose colour when
first opened, and in the bud quite yellow. Who can tell
whether this may not lead ofif into a fresh strain altogether of
this sweet florists' flower ?

These are encouragements which, in the present state of
gardening, florists need. What can be to those who have time
a more pleasant occupation than raising seedlings ? One must
fall in with the fashion ; but what more wearying than this
eternal round of rods and yellows ? The same beds, the same
flowers year after year, and then only looking at a plant as it
may do for bedding — as I heard a lady cry out at Bougaiuvillea
splendens, " Wliat a charming contrast it will make for a bed !"
I know it is urged against them that then' bloom is so short —
that you can never rely on more than three weeks or a month.
Well, as Lord Palmerston said to Mr. BowcliiTe about the
hundred honest men, I think that is a very good length of time.
You may begin your year with Pansies and Auriculas, have
them in perfection from the middle of April to the middle of
May ; then Tulips take their place for three weeks or a month ;
then your Pink-bed comes into full bloom ; it is hardly past its
best when Carnations and Picotees come in all their grand
beauty, to be immediately succeeded by Dahlias and Holly-
hocks, and these again by Chrysanthemums, lasting until the
dark and dreaiy month of November ; and thus the florist is
never without his collection to look over and take care of, and
he delighted with. This he may still do, and yet have his
garden somewhat in the fashion.

There is an objection sometimes made that they are aU so
much alike, but I take small account of that. Of course, to
those who have no eye for them, they are. A hundred Etruscan
vases would just be the same ; yet the connoisseur will point
out to you variations in each well deserving of minute attention.
Let me, then, put in a plea against the prevailing tendency to
run them down. Let me urge real lovers of gardening to be no
way deterred from trying to add fresh beauties to our lists ; and
let me assure them, as one who has long known them, that
every year adds fresh novelties, and gives hopes of stiU further
progress. — D.

Vabeegated Aeabis. — As a correspondent inquires about
this plant, I may say, in addition to what I recorded in a former
article in its favour, that it is as hardy as a wild daisy, the past
■winter not having tinged a leaf of it. The plant is now (April
5th), in full flower, or nearly so ; and though some people object
to its blooming, I always allow it to fairly expand all its florets
before cutting them off— as, by cutting them early, the plsjjt

makes an efi'ort to 'Send up inore flower-stems, and thereby
weakens itself. Cuttings or slips strike freely all through the
summer months ; but the easiest way is to put in a quantity at
the same time that Calceolaria cuttings are put iu, which is
from the middle to the end of October. I have several hundreds
that were so put in last autumn in rows in a cold pit, with some
wooden shutters to cover them during the severe weather, and
almost every cutting in now a plant. It is certainly the most
compact plant we have for low work ; and as an edging for beds
on grass has the advantage of looking well all the winter by being
left there, which is not the case with Cerastium tomentosum.
Variegated Balm (or Mint), or Cineraria maritima. But it is
also usefid to improve the appearance of naked beds in winter,
when grown anywhere in reserve to plant out in patches in the
autumn when the other plants are removed, as it can be planted
with a good ball at any time. Even when in fiUl flower it reoeives
httle or no mjury. — J. EoBSON.

2SrEW BOOKS.

Ajrthtje Yotjno's Faemee's Calekdae.* — Of this work
of Mr. Morton we need hardly say it is done carefully and
well, and that we cordially commend it to our agricidtural
readers as a well-executed book for practical reference. -Sut
why ciU it Arthur Young's Calendar? Young has been in
his grave more than forty years, and he published this work
half a century previously. It is true that Young is well
entitled to the grateful remembrance of every Enghsh farmer,
for lie was one of the great benefactors of the science, when
Coke, and Francis Duke of Bedford, and Davy, and a few
other enlightened patriots were laying tliat foundation on which
science and practice have since raised so noble a superstructure;
but the progress of knowledge has rendered the larger portion
of their labours obsolete ; and the works of Arthur Young are
certainly not an exception to that conclusion, and no one knows
the fact better than Mr. Morton, who has so well re-written the
work. Like his editor. Young was not only a popular author,
but a practical farmer. Born in the year when Jetlu'O Tull died,
he seemed to inherit all the genius and indomitable perseverance
of the author of the horsehoe husbandry. His characteristics
were great zeal, enterprise, and energy, with a copious flow of
plain and intelligible language, which the meanest capacity co\ild
readily comprehend ; and although he possessed few claims to
be ranked as a scientific farmer, yet he succeeded by his labours
in exciting a general love of agriculture in the upper classes of
his countrymen, which has, since his day.never materially subsided.

A memoir of this extraordinary man was published soon after
his death by Dr. Paris, his friend and medical attendant, who
well described him as having filled a large sjiace iu the public
eye for a long series of years, but whose name and talents com-
manded still greater notice and respect in foreign countries than
in his own. That he reflected lustre on the age and the country
in which he lived can be hardly denied. Of what other philo-
sopher can it he said that at one lime he entertained under his
humble roof pupils of seven different nations, each of whom had
been sent to him for instructions in agriculture by his respective
government? " I was lately informed by his daughter," added
Dr. Paris, " that the late Duke of Bedford breakfasted at Arthur
Young's farm, at Bradfield, on one of the mornings of a New-
market race meeting, and was met by pupils from Kussia, France,
America, Naples, Poland, Sicily, and Portugal." His numerous
works are distinguished by vivacity of thouglit, quickness of
imagination, bias to calculation, and fondness for poUtical specu-
lation ; and had they been less successlul, posterity might,
perhaps, have regarded these traits of genius as fatal defects, and
as pregnant soiu-ces of fallacy and disappointment.

GLASS OF OECHAED-HOUSE BEOKEN BY
PEOST.

I HATE the charge of an orchard-house, in the glazing of
which there is some serious mistake, for during the winter seven
dozen panes of glass were broken in it. The lenglh of the house
is 80 feet; breadth, 18 feet 6 inches, glazed with 24oz. glass
20 inches wide by 12 inches in depth, the rafters 6 inches deep

• Arthur Young^s Farmer^s CaJendar. Twenty-first edition, re-
written and extended, by J. C. Morton, London: EoutleSge, "Wstne, &
Kouttedge. 1861. ■ .- .-

40

JOURNAL OF HOBTICtJLTtrEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

[ April 16, 1861.

by 2 inches in width. They are not grooved, but a small slip
of wood is nailed down the centre of each rafter, 1 inch wide by
tliree-eighths of an inch deep : consequently, when the glass is
properly bedded, it is nearly ievel with the top of the slip, on
■wliieh is fixed with screws a water-board, on removing which I
always find the slip very wet. The laps of the glass are from
1 inch to 1^ inch. On eacli side of the house is fixed a
small metal store on the side border, 9 inches by 10 inches ;
the chimney-pipe goes directly outside, being only 18 inches
long. I should be obliged by your kindness in pointing out the
defects of the house, and whether these two stoves would have
prevented the breakage of glass if properly kept going. I may
remark, that last year, when properly attended to, I noticed
12° in the centre of the house. — Alpha.

[All the data you have given to us do not thoroughly
account for the breakage of the glass. The rafters are strong
and substantial enougli. The depth of the slip we would prefer
for such heavy glass to be from one-half of an inch to three-
quarters of an inch, or even seven-eighths as you propose ; but
the shallowness would not cause the breakage. We do not
understand about the water-board fixed above the slip. We
have just done a house with half- inch slips on the centre of the
rafter, and used 16-oz glass. The half-inch shp is quite deep
enough for that ; but as said above, for your weight of glass we
would prefer one-eighth or one-fourth more. No water-board
would then be wanted. We presume that the breakage is owing
chieBy to two causes : first, glazing too tight, so as not to leave
room for expansion and contraction ; and secondly, if the laps
are from 1 inch to 1^ inch wide, they would hold so much
moisture between them, that a severe frost would be apt to make
them fly by the ice expanding. A lap of from one-quarter of
an inch to three-eighths of an inch would be an improvement.
We do not think stoves have much influence one way or the other.
We can form no idea of where they are by your description. Do
you mean that the stove altogether is only 9 inches by 10 inches,
or that that is the size of the firebox merely ? It is bad economy
taking the pipe directly out of the house. Two iron stoves in
such a house, properly managed, ought to prevent a severe frost
penetrating. See what Mr. Fish has done with a fair-sized stove,
and .what he has said about them, and Mr. Rivers' brick stoves
in recent Numbers. For such a house the stoves should be
placed within 10 feet or 15 feet of each end, and not on the
sides opposite each other. The more pipe in the house, the more
heat would be given off, but the pipe must not go above 2 yards
or 3 yards in a horizontal position. We would prefer an
upright shaft, then going through the roof.]

Fig. 1.

NEW AND EARE PLANTS.

GuSTAyiA PTEBOCABPA ( Wiiiged-fniited Gustavia).
Nat. Ord., Myrtaceee— Barringtoniea?. Zinn., Monadelphia
Polyandria. An evergreen stove tree, native of the banks of the
river Mana in French Guiana. Flowers white and fragrant.—
(Bot. Mag., t. 5239.)

Dboseba spathtoata (Spathulate Sundew).
Nat. Or<?., DroseracesB. ijjm., PentandriaTri-(Penta)-gynia.
"A lovely species," imported accidentally in the soil "of a
Wardian case from south-eastern Australia! Requires a warm
greenhouse. Leaves rosulate, and flowers purple. — (Ibid., t. 5240.)
CI3TUS TAOINATUS (Sheathed-leaved dstus).
Nat. Ord., Cistacese; Linn., Polyandria Monogynia. It has
been called also C. candidissimus and ochreatus. Native of
Teneriffe. Cultivated inir79,butunta recently lost to ciUtivators.
This is far more beautiful than many newer plants. Blooms in
June. Flowers large and rose-coloured.— (iiirf , t. 5241.)
Zamia Skinnbei (Mr. Skinner's Zamia).
Nat. Ord., Cycadacese. Zinn., Dicecia. Native of Isthmus
of Panama. A stove Cycad about 5 feet high. — (Ibid., t. 5242.)
CoifTOLT0ir3 MAUEiTANicus (Mauritanian Bindweed).
Nat. Ord., Convolvulacea;. ii»»., Pentaudria Monogynia.
Native of North Africa, near Constantine. Flowers blue ;
bloomed last October in the open air, in Mr. W. Thompson's
garden at Ipswich.— (/ii<i., t. 5243.)

GEOMETRIC FLOWER GARDEN.
Will you be kind enough to inform me if the enclosed
•rrangement of colour in half my garden is suitable ? I am

April 16, 1861. ]

JOUENAI, OF HORTICtTLTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

41

quite at a loss how to arrange the diamond-beds, or whether the
border should be all one colour— say Flower of the Day. —
A YouKG Beginnee.

[Here is the one-half of a geometric flower garden laid out in
groups, with cross walks between them. Each group is com-
plete in itself, and planted cross-cornerways, in such a manner
as no critic can find fault with. It is an excellent plan for
many situations, and for very limited places near large towns,
where rents are high, and gardens are more in name than in
length or breadth.

Suppose this figure occupied the centre of the grounds to a
house rented at £150 a-year, a walk down on each side of it,
then a border on the right of one and the left of the other, and
then the boundaiy walls, there would be no more economical
way of doing it than this, or something on this model or style.
There is not a particle of grass in the whole. But a city man,
whether he be rich or poor, carries the same notions of tuif into
the country which we of the country feel when we see the blact-
birds with green turf in the bottom of their cage in London —
we seem to think the birds could not live in town without it.
But nobody seems to think or know that so much grass in such
confined spots is the reason why ten doctors assist the pulse

where one might be sufficient if there was no grass inside the
garden at all. My own garden is the most open in all Suibiton,
yet there is not a blade of grass in it to retain damp, and never
shall be as long as I live. That, and not allowing standard
trees to choke up the free circulation of the pure air from the
Surrey hills, is the very reason that all grades of the inhabitants
visit me in my den, except the -doctors, and they never come
near me, because they have never a moment to spare from
visiting other people.

I never counted how many scores or hundreds of such
gardens could be made out of one statute acre of laud, and
every one of them with two rows of tall trees down the whole
way ; then so many evergreens ; then the breadth of a pair of
sheets in grass down the middle, which is too damp to walk or
stand on for ten hours out of the twelve the year round ; but
children and the female branches of families cannot resist the
temptation of getting on the grass, "it is so enticing," "so
nice," or "so like the country." All that is quite true, yet it
is also the shortest road to catch colds, and they lead to worse
results. The planting of such figures need not necessarily be
cross-cornered, as it is here, but that gives the opportunity of a
change of planting a second time. — D. Beatoit.]

DIAMOND GEOMETEIC PANEL FLOWER-BEDS!;

Hbee, from "A TouKG Beginnee," is the first instance of
the diamond geometric panel being placed before the British
gardener in black and white, as far as we know. Whether as a
single figure in front of the drawing-room window, and between
it and the public road, or as a sunk panel on grass, or as one of
a pair in any suitable position, it is one of the simplest to plant,
and may be made most telling in effect by a judicious planter of
aU the designs that could be got into the same compass.

The requirements of this design demand imperatively that the
two centre figures,

1 and 2, be planted Fio,

exactlyalikeiu colour,
and with the same
kinds of plants. The
framework of our
1 and 2 is represented
by the figure 9 ; it
may be all of gold and
silver in colour. A
band of Cerastium
tomentosum on one
side — the side of the
inner walk, another
band double the width
ofthe Cerastium on the
outer side of Stachys
lanata, and a row of
specimen plants of the
Golden Chain along
the centre, just touch-
ing when they are
planted; then if there
is more space left be-
tween the gold and
silver than is desu-a-
ble, insert dark blue
or light blue, with a
thin line of Lobelia
speciosa or Lobelia
ramosoides on each
side of the Golden Chain. I saw your demand for Stachys
anticipated at Pme Apple Place Nursery, and I have no doubt
but most of the nurseries have been thinking of what you would
be at. The worst of it is the price of such large Golden
Chains.

Let us therefore try it again. One side Cerastium, the other
variegated Alyssum, or Mangles' Variegated Geranium trained
down, whichever of the two is cheapest or is in stock, with a
Tynan purple along the centre— the good old Orach or the
Atriplex hortensis rubra of the seed hsts ; but that is neither
rubra, iubescens, nor rubicunda, but pure and simple purple.
But put in PeriUa instead, it will need lees looking after ; and if
it is two shades darker, that amounts to as many degrees in

contrast. If we should all live till next year we might muster
up enough of Arabis vnriegata to go all round and round, wliich
is half a Golden Chain of itself, and that too on the outside
then to relieve the middle, nothing is so gopd as Baron Huge],
and Lobelia speciosa on each side of it.

The two diamonds may be anything you like, so they be both
the same- What I should put in would be Crystal Palace
Scarlet Geranium, edged with the variegated Alyssum ; but
Flower of the Day and Lobelia speciosa would be just as good,

and yellow Calceo -
9. larias without an edg-

ing equally good.
Then if Baron Huge!
took the place of
Orach or PeriUa in
the frame, I would
centre the Flower of
the Day with one of
them, or the Calceo-
larias with a yellow
brownish kind of the
same. The opposite
beds, 3 and 4, must,
of coiu'se, be blue or
purple, no matter
wliich ; but nothing
lilacy must go there
on account of what
is in 9, which em-
braces two sides of
3 and 4. The corner
beds must be planted
crossways, if this
figure follows imme-
diately after the last,
on the grass or gravel
terrace — as 5 and 8
the same ; plant 6
and 7 ditto. If the
figure, or any like it,
is seen from the windows from one end, they should not stand
crossways ; but the two nearest the eye to be yellow Calceolarias,
and the furthest end pair Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium. —
D. Beaton.

MooEE'a " FiOEAi- Magazine " for April contains plates of
1, varieties of Clarkia pulcheUa ; of 2, Pelargoniums ; 3, a very
artistically executed plate of Celosia cristata (aurea), the yellow
branching Cockscomb, which is now likely to be again culti-
vated ; and 4, Carnations Eose of Castille, rose flake, and Pre-
eminent, purple flake. We do not think that the former is at
all flattered, it being a much fuller flower than represonted in
the figure.

42

JOURNAL OF HOETICTJLTUEE AND COTTAGE aARDENEB.

[ April 16, 1861.

TEAmiNG THE BEITTLE YOUNG SHOOTS
OF VINES.

Would Mr. Fish in his papers, " Doings of the Last Weet,"
or any other kind friend, inform Clumsy, how they manage
to tie out the young shoots of tlieii- Vines ? It invariably
happens lo him, that as soon as he touches one of them to bring
it down to the wires that it comes out of the socket, and makes
him stamp his feet and bite his lip in rexation, and bitterly
bewail his extraordinary clumsiness.

The other day I thought these Tines wanted tying, " Just as
the twig is bent," ic. First shoot got all right. Good ! Well
done Clumsy ! Bravo ! The very next — got hold of it as softly
and delicately as possible, put the mat round it, pull a httle.
Hem, no need to pull any more, it di'opped out. You may guess
what a wry face 1 pidled. I gave over, put mat and knife in
my pocket and walked away. 1 begin to think tliat I have the
worst luck in the world, and that I am, indeed — Clujist.

[^Clnmsy, indeed ! I do not believe a word about these thumb
fingers as yet ; but congratulate you on the crisp, healthy
condition of your Vines, though that is no reason why you
should break oft' their nice fruitful side-shoots in attempting to
tie them regularly. Patience in such matters is a great jewel,
and the shoot tliat will not come low enough at once, will come
down after a time, when just a shght hasp is put on it to keep it
from the glass. In such a case as yours, however, it would be
best to lower the main stems of your Vines — say 3 inches or
4 inches, by syringing them to yoiu- rod or wire, instead of tying
them to it, and this will bring all your shoots low enough to
avoid any Ukehhood of breaking off when regulating them. I
recommended this plan to some fi-iends ; but it was almost too
good for them, for it made them so careless that they never tied
out their side shoots at all, but allowed tliem to pop their
noses up to the glass, and the weight of the fruit brought them
gradually to the horizontal. This, however, was slovenly, if not
" clumsy."— P.]

GEOWING HOESEBADISH.

Theee are many w6ys of growing Horseradish — we write in
answer to " An Oid Subsckibee." It is always best when
from one to three years old; for if the root is much older it
becomes woody and hard, instead of succulent and juicy.

Now is a good time for planting it. It grows best in rich
sandy loam, but is not very particiJar as to the soil.

The ground should be trenched at least from 18 inches to 24
inches deep. If poor, give a good coating of manure, and dig that
into tlie loitom of the trench, but do not let it mix with the upper
jiart of the soil, as that would encourage side rootlets. The ground
being trenched and levelled, mark it out m rows 18 inches
apart, and then make holes in the rows 12 inches apart, and
15 inches deep, and in these drop tliree-inch pieces of the crowns
of old Horseradish plants, with the green part uppermost, or
three-inch pieces of any part of the roots, with the top end
uppermost. We have found them do equally well.

Then fill up the holes with a mixture of sandy loam and fine
coal ashes.

Many of these will yield fine roots the first winter, but they
should stand until the second, and not longer than the third
winter.

To h*Te Horseradish fine, a small piece of ground should be
planted every year.

Though we have mentioned thi-ee inches as the size for plants,
the smallest bit will grow, and many in taking up merely leave a
piece in the bottom of the trench to insure successions. — R. Fish.

NICE, ITS CLIMATE AND PLANTS.
No. 3.

Nice, Apeil 1, 1861.— The past month of March is stated
by residents to have been quite of an exceptional character. The
mornings and evenings have usually been calm, with strong
winds in the daytime. This year, however, winds have pre-
vailed occasionally in the night as well as the day, sometimes
rising in the evening and subsiding before morning. From the
25th of February to the 24th of March the weather was magnifi-
cent, only one shower of rain during that period, and nearly a
cloudless sky, the wind generally from we»t, north-west and north.
On the 25th the wind changed to the east, and since then a

good deal of refreshing rain (which was much wanted), has
fallen. The temperature of the month has ranged from 42° at
night to 62° in the daytime, the night average being 52°, and
that of the day 58i° in the shade.

One great advantage of this place is the dryness of the atmo-
sphere during the winter months, and it is rather remarkable that
the summer months shoidd be more humid than those of winter.
According to scientific observations published for the last year,
it appears that the highest hygrometric mean (taken by Saussure's
hygrometer) was in the month of July 63°, and the lowest in the
month of February 54°, the average for the year being 59°. The
maximum 70° during heavy rain in December, and the minimum
37^ on the 5th of March, occasioned by a strong mistral wind
then blowing. A similar account, if it could be fm-nished by
any of your correspondents as to parts of England, would be
very interesting by way of comparison.

Our ordinary English summer Swallows have now made
their appearance here in considerable numbers, and also the
Martens. Handsome Swallow-tailed Butterflies, Bed Admirals,
orange and sulphur-coloured, with several others are becoming
numerous. Grape-vine shoots are in many places 6 inches long,
and showing the bunches ; Figs are out in leaf, with yoimg figs on
the branches.

During the month the following wild flowers have come into
blossom : —

March 4. Antirrhinum nieaecnse, large yeUow.

„ 6. Lithospermum purpureo-cceruleum, splendid blue.
„ 12. Allium ueapolitanum (fine white-headed Garlic).

Symphitum officinale and tuberosum.
,, 16. Polygala nica>ensis, fine blue.

Iris pseudacoruB (yellow Flag).

Chelidonium majus.

Coriaria myrtifolia.
„ 23. Ornithogalum nmbellatum (Star of Bethlehem).

Hyoscyamus albus (Henbane).

Cistus albidus (showy large Pink).

Muscari racemosum and M. comosum.

Leucojum tricophyllum (Snowflake).
,, 28. Amelanchier viUgaris, on the hills.

In the gardens and hedges are the China and other Roses, very
fully coming into flower, and in most places looking very
healthy, free from insects. Pear trees and Cherries were in full
flower on the 19th, also Quinces and Elder on the 24th. A large
white Spira;a (grandiflora) is very showy in the public garden j
also Lilacs and tree Pieonies, Honeysuckles, and Banksian Boses.
V/istaria consequana (or Glycine sinensis), is in blossom on walls
and standards. Asparagus is now quite common in the markets,
also Green Peas and new Potatoes.

The Tomato is much more used in cookery in Italy than in
England, and it is gi'own in considerable quantity for the pur-
pose. The young plants are raised with but slight covering in
the open air, and, having been transplanted once, are now nearly
ready for setting out in their final quarters.

Oranges are fully ripe and sweet. The general crop has been
gathered ; but there are many yet left upon the trees, which are
now showing blossom for this year's crop. In the course of the
present month an Orange flower fair is held in the town. The
iicwers are quite an article of commei'ce, and are sold by weight
(like hops in England), to the distillers for perfumery, as are
also the double Violets, so extensively grown in this neighbour-
hood.— E. CoriAKD.

DECAY OF CEOCUS BULBS, AND THEIE
PEOPEE CULTUEE.

Finding that you require to know the nature of the soil, and
the mode of culture adopted by me, before you can express an
opinion as to the cause of the decay of the parent Crocus bulbs
after flowering in pots, I beg to say, that I employ ordinary
garden soil mixed with about one-third leaf mould and »
portion of silver sand. I drain the pots well, and surround the
bulbs with silver sand alone. The pots are kept in a dark cellar
for a month after planting, and are then removed to a green-
house without heat, where the bulbs always flower abundantly.
I leave them in the pots until the leaves are quite decayed, and
on removing them, always find the original bulbs rotten, and
four or five small ones formed.

On removing Narcissus bulbs, treated precisely in the same

April 16, ISftl. ]

JOTJBNAIi OF HORTICULTURE XSHJ) COTIAaE GARDENER.

43

way, I find each bulb divided into three or four small ones,
wluch do not flower the next year. — H. A,

[Now the matter with your Crocuses is as plain to us as if we
had all your bulbs before us. The best soil to pot Crocuses in
is the top part of the best piece of ground in the kitchen garden,
where it was heavily dunged the year before. No leaf mould,
no peat, and no sand for potted Crocuses on any account
whatever. It is good to put sand and mixture of soils with
bulbs of all sorts in the open ground, and with most of them in
pots ; but the Crocus, and a score of other kinds of bulbs, are
more easily grown under hard treatment, with nothing but
good drainage, and a good top soil from a good kitchen garden.
That soil has been often and well dunged, and dug, and aired,
and mixed, and the excess of dung, or the rankness of it, has
been naturally dealt with by the crops on it : therefore, the
first four top inches of a piece of good kitchen garden soil are
more safe for bulbs, whether they be forced or not, than any
compost. The leaf mould and sand in your compost in pots for
Crocuses made the soil so very open that in March and April
it would need to be watered four times a-day whenever the
sun shone ; but probably you did not always water even once
a-day, and you did right, for too much watering soil that is too
open only allows the water to wash all tlie goodness out of the
little balls, unless something good was in the water occasionally.
You took more — much more, from your Crocus bulbs than you
gave them, and the next year they needed a good fallow, a rest in
good soil, and not crowded. The great secret in forcing
Crocuses early is to have them in the pots between the first and
fifth days of September ; if they are potted after the 15tli of
September, they should not be forced early, or else they should
be thrown away when the flowers are over aa not good enough to
nurse.

All forced Crocxises should be set in the open air as soon as
the flowers are over, and in one week after that be planted out
at once, and not with the halls entire^ which is most hurtful
to all bulbs so treated. Break every ball of all sorts of
Crocuses into three parts at least ; plant the roots just as deep
as they were in the pots, and no more. Never disturb a forced
Crocus, or any forced bulb under the sun, until it has had one
season's growth out of the pots, and two seasons if possible ;
but Hyacinths require three seasons even in good hands.

A Crocus bulb, a Tulip bulb, and a Gladiolus bulb, and many
others, never flower but once ; then they die, and their oSsprmg
succeed them in off'set bulbs. That was the natural cause of your
finding dead bulbs in your mould.]

MANAGEMENT OF YEW AND OTHEK
EVEE&REEN HEDGES.

I lAST year planted a good many Yews, intended ultimately
to form a protection against the north wind. They are fine
healthy plants, averaging about 5 feet high, very thick and
bushy down to the ground, their bases being, perliaps, 6 feet
in diameter. Now I do not care about this extreme thickness
at bottom, but want to encourage them as speedily as possible
to increase in height and thickness at top. Shall I do any
good by cutting away a quantity of these lower lateral shoots ?
Several of the plants have no decided leader, but may almost be
described as bunches of suckers. Shall I increase the vigour
and tendency to upward growth of the main stems by cutting
out the minor ones ? — L. H.

[Your Yew hedge is just 4 feet too much through at the
bottom. The best Yew hedge that we have seen was at Boyton,
on the other side of Salisbury. It waa 35 feet high, and not
nearly so much through at the bottom as yours is at 5 feet.
There is a natural law about cutting in the boughs of all kinds
of evergreens, which can never be departed from in a single
instance without doing more or less harm in the long run. It
is this — that the lowest boushs all round the bottom of a tree or
bush be left longer than those above them, if only the fraction
of an inch, and the rule holds good from the bottom boughs to
the topmost ones, even of a WelKngtonia. The reason for the
rule is this : — If the boughs or branches in any part of the tree
or bush are allowed to get longer than those below them, the
longest will throw off the drops when it rains, and shade those
below from the sun ; and when the sun and rain are kept
from aa evergreen bough it soon languishes, and dies by
inches. That is the only reason why Laurels and Fict^rgeSKW^

all the rest of them, get naked below. People allow the top
branches to spread over the bottom ones. Now, any one who
understands that law, and acts on it, can never go wrong in
managing a Yew hedge, or a Holly hedge, or a Portugal Lam-el
out on the lawn, or a Cedar of Lebanon, or a Juniper, or a
Cypress, or any other such plants. The more leaders there are
in a Yew hedge, or a Holly hedge, or a Thorn or Barberry
hedge, or any hedge whatever, the better, provided that none of
the leaders are allowed to get much stronger than the rest,
which is secured by stopping, in the summer, any of the leaders
which are much stronger than the rest.

About the young hedge of Yews which is 6 feet through at
the bottom, cut off 18 inches of every one of the bottom boughs
on both sides, and the hedge will then be only 3 feet through,
and that is quite enough for a fifteen-feet-liigh hedge. Cut the
next boughs a httle shorter than the first, the third cut a little
shorter than the second, and so on to the top, which at the
height of 5 feet should not be more than 6 inches or 8 inches
through, if so much, but that depends , on the positions of the
leaders. Now is the best time for this cutting. At the end of
July, regulate both sides again by cutting back such shoots as
get over your rule. For the next ten years the bottom should
not be allowed to get much wider than the 3 feet. Meantime,
Yews would take just as much dung and liquid manure as a bed
of celery, and would pay for it much better, by growing three
times faster than without that help, which is the only assist-
ance that can be given. Yew trees planted singly will do
all the better by having the first foot or 18 inches next the
ground freed from branches, in order to let in a circulation of air ;
and all the leaders, except the strongest or best central one,
should be stop'ped, and after that bo kept in constant subjection.
But the rule about having the bottom boughs the longest has
not a single exception in the wjiole vegetable kingdom of ever-
greens. At the lieight of your trees, if they are single, leave
4 feet across the bottom, and allow only 2 inches more to extend
yearly till the trees are 10 feet liigh ; then 6 inches annually for
the next six years ; after that they will need very httle to be
done to them. But to get them up quick, ply then well with
liquid manure of moderate strength. We planted five hundred
miserable little Yews in 1855, in, or rather over, a solid bed of
very good rotten dung, just as for a row of celei-y. They are
now finer than your plants, and shine againi but they have had
hogsheads of liquid manure.]

EEMOVING THE DISAGREEABLE SMELL
FROM GISHURST COMPOUND.

The writer of the interesting ax'ticle on orchard-houses in your
paper of the yth calls on the inventor of Gishurst Compoimd
for " some agreeable disinfector " to neutralise its smell. Will
you allow me to inform him that by making his solution forty-
eight hours before use he will find that the gi-eatcr part of the
smell has passed ofl'? As to what remains, I fear it must be
put up with. It is due to the combination of sulphur, to which
Gishurst owes much of its efficacy.

Last year a fine pot Plum tree was given me as being incurably
attacked by mussel! scale. I dosed it over and over again with
Gishurst lather worked up by a sliaving-brush. The tree has
now a fair sliow of bloom, and its former owner considers it
cured ; but though it is many months since the medicine was
given, owing to its being used fresh some smell still hangs to the
bark. — Geosge WiLSOjf.

CULTURE OF THE GRAPE VINE.

I HATE been a grower of Grapes both as under and head-
gardener for nearly forty years, and the culture of this fruit has
always been a favourite pursuit with me. I may venture to add,
too, that I have generally been a successful tirape grower. In
the following instructions, however, I have not been guided
solely by my own experience, but have gathered up information
from most of the best Vine cultivators in the kingdom. As a
traveller for many years in the nursery and seed business, I had,
whilst performing a traveller's duties, the opportunity of calling
at most of the best gardens and seeing the management of the
Vine under the most celebrated gardeners, who, I can bear
testimony, were always ready to give me any information I might
laak, for, as. tp thp why wd whjerefore. of tj^jr xfCSkeJiiQg ip. cgrteir

44

JOURNAL OP HORTICTJLTUEE AND COTTAaE &ARDENEB.

[ April 16, 1861.

methods of cultixre, iu order to obtain such fine fruit as I saw
before me. I was also equally as anxious to find out the causes
of any failures I met with, whether with regard to missing
crops, shanking, spot, deficient colom-ing, or any other defect
the Vines displayed. All these good and bad points of culture
I have treasured up, and intend to lay before the reader ; and if
he pays attention to my statement on the subject, I think that
he will be enabled thereby to so manage his Vines as to bring
to perfection good fruit and ayoid the failures too many haye
met with.

The Vine is an accommodating plant, easily grown, and very
soon bears fruit. In this country it is grown against walls
without any protection ; in orchard-houses now so fashionable
and so useful ; in greenhouses over flowering plants ; in stoves
over flowering plants and Pines ; and, in what is by far the best
mode, in houses especially erected for Vine culture, and hence
named vineries. It is also grown to some extent to fruit in
pots. On all these modes I intend to give my experience, adding
the names of suitable kinds for each situation.

Soil. — Without that is right, all the other adjuncts wiU be
useless, however perfect they may be. Whoever, then, intends to
cultivate the Vine should procure, a year beforehand, a sufiicient
quantity of the top spit of a meadow or pasture, choosing one
the soil of which is neither light nor heavy. Bring away the
turf and soil together, and lay it in a long ridge near to where
it win be wanted. To every six loads of this maiden earth add
one load of half-rotted stable-dung. Put this dimg in thin
layers amongst the soil equidistant throughout. To these add
in the same proportion, half a cartload of old lime rabbisli,
bits of bricks, and such like ; also, a good sprinkhng of broken
bones — say a quarter of a cartload to the other seven and a half
loads of soil, dimg, and bricklayers' rubbish. Lay the heaps so
that the sun will have free access to every side, and in order to
cfiect that the heap should run from east to west. Let the heap
lay for thi-ee or four months, and then commence at one end
and turn it over, thoroughly mixing the whole of the ingredients
of the compost. Do not, however, chop it very fine, but leave
it in lumps throughout, so that the air can penetrate into the
centre of the heap as much as possible. As a matter of course,
no weeds must be allowed to grow on the compost during the
twelve months. Tm-n it over again in four months, and that
turning wiU be sufficient till the Vine-border is ready to be formed.

Whether the Vines are grown in the open air on walls, or in
houses, such a compost must be prepared for them.

DBArKiNG THE BoHDER. — It is of no consequence whether
the situation of the border is low or high, it must be drained.
Stagnant water is injurious to the roots of any fruit trees, but
more especially to the roots of the Vine. In low, level lands,
the drainage should certainly be more perfect — that is, there
should he a. certain and sure outlet for the superfluous water,
and the stratum of stones or brick ends should be thicker.

Let the bottom of the border be above the main drain, and
sloping up to the wall. It should be either concreted or rammed
down very hard. The drain to carry ofi" the water should be
bricked at the sides and covered with stoutish flags, so that, in
case of any stoppage from silt or tree roots, it could be opened
and cleaned out whenever it required it.

Tliis drain having been made properly, and the bottom of
the border made hard, then lay on the rubble evenly all over the
border. In high dry lands this layer need not be more than
6 inches or 8 inches thick ; but in low situations, even if the
border of earth is raised above the level, the drainage ought
to be at least 1 foot thick. If the Vines are planted in a border
inside the house, that border should be drained also. Level the
drainage and run a roller over it. Then, to prevent the finer
parts of the soil falling into or being washed into the drainage,
cover it over with thin turf, the grassy side downwards. All
this being completed, the next operation will be wheeling in the
soil. Lay substantial planks to wheel on, and fill it up at the
far end to the required thickness, and so on till it is completed.
There has been considerable difference of opinion amongst
writers as to the depth of the Vine-border. Some recommend
as much as 4 feet, others 3 feet, and some 2 feet. Deep borders
are certainly very objectionable, because the deep stratum is
often so cold and so far out of reach of sun heat. Perhaps if
iot-water pipes were run across the border for the purpose of
warming it, then a deep border might be useful. However, to
be on the safe side I judge the border should be 2i feet deep.
It is the depth I have always made them, and every good grower
that I know recommends that depth. The soil being all wheeled

in, the border is then completed. It should at first be 6 inchee
above the level intended, to allow for settling.

SECTION OP VINE-BORDEE,

The accompanying section shows the drain to carry off the
water, the rubble to keep the soil Cry and the soil above it.

Width of the Boeder. — For Vines growing against waUa
in the open air 10 feet or 12 feet will be sufficiently wide.

For Vineries, Stoves, and Greenhouses. — The nde in general
should be, that the border should be the same width as the
rafters are long. Some good cultivators have adopted the
practice of making the border a few feet wide the first year, and
adding to it year after year nntU the Vines have reached the top
of the house. Where appearance is of no consequence, such a
plan may be advisable and worth a trial ; but as most excellent
Grapes have been grown where the border has been completed
at once, that plan as a general rule may be regarded as at least
equal to the other, and certainly for finish and complete neat
appearance far superior ; and, besides that, more main drains
would be required which would be a needless expense.

There is a Vine-border in the garden at Heath Bank, Chcadle,
near Manchester, across which are built brick walls, dividing it
into as many sections as there are Vines in the houses. The
reason assigned for this was, that each Vine could not encroach
upon its neighbour's pasture ; and also if by any chance a
Vine failed, or it was thought desirable to plant some superior or
newer kind, the soil could be all taken out of each division, and
fi-esh put in without chsturbiiig those left to grow. I have seen
the Vines in that place, and they were very healthy and produced
large crops of good fruit, but I never heard that one of them had
been removed or had failed : therefore, the usefulness of this some-
what expensive border for the purposes for which it was divided
into long brick pits has not been proved. Yet it may be worthy of
a trial, especially in conjunction with a heated chamber to warm
the border of Vines for forcing early. T. Appleby,

{To he continued.)

Teuffles. — Do any of the readers know if this singular
production can be cultivated, and in what way? Kot having
had any experience in it myself, I am anxious to learn if it can
be transplanted with any prospect of success. Growing deeply
in the ground and amongst the roots of trees, it may assuredly
succeed if planted in a similar place ; but really little seems to
be known about this fungus, except, perhaps, in the loeaUty
wherever it is grown. But if some one who has noticed its
habits will favour us with his observations or experience, it is
possible it might be introduced to other neighbourhoods similarly
situated and possessing like advantages, and the obscurity or
mystery which hangs over this singular article be removed.
Any one favouring the readers of The Jotjenal of Hoeti-
cultuee with a communication throwing light on the matter,
will confer a benefit on them generally, and especially on — An
Old Subscbiber.

[We shall be much obliged by information on this subject. —
Eds. J. H.]

April 16, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTOE A^D COTTAGffl aARDEKER.

45

SIX WEEATHS OF FLOWEES.

WEEATH THE FIEST.

" What fashion will you wear the garland of ? "

SHAESFERr.

Wl

1

f.S^

I'EIX, the first shall be of various purple and

blue flowers, for sympathising with our Queen — it is

a season of mourning.
Let there be Titopa:on7Si Deckeelamum from

the conservatory, with its downy twining stem,

peltate, sinuate, ovate leaves, and its flowers of

mingled blue, scarlet, and green.

Let us dwell upon this a little longer. The spur

of the flower is scarlet tipped with green, and the

five short, wedge-shaped petals are intensely blue.

The stems, like those of the Ivy, emit rootlets. It

may be grown out of doors in summer, being cul-
tivated in a pot, and trained like other small

species of the genus. Its roots are fibrous, and it

may be propagated either by seed or cuttings — at

least, BO says ^'an Houtte ; and he further records

that it is a native of Venezuela, whence it waa

introduced to the Botanic Garden at Berlin, about

the year 184-9.

As we have been asked " Why Liuneeus applied
the title Tropseolum to this genus ? " we may as well answer here, that when that great
classifier of all things natural took upon himself to apply brief names to all the vegetable
world, he must often have been sorely perplexed lor an appropriate designation.
Nor was this genus an exception. He had before him only two species — the large and
the small Indian Ci-ess, popularly called Nasturtiums ; and he fancied, we suppose, in
the flowers he saw a resemblance to the helmet, and in the peltate leaves to the
shields, of which the Greeks constructed their trophies. We must rub up our
classic lore to explain that the Trophaion, or Trophy, of the Greeks, was a pile of arms
and armour erected by them on the spot where iheir enemies' flight commenced, tropkh
being literallj' a turning about. At all events, Linnseus called these plants Tropaeolums,
or little Tropliies, and we cannot but think he might have found a more appropriate
name if he had called to mind what our old herbalist, Parkinson, wrote about them.
" Some doe reckon this plant among the Clematides or Convolvuli, the Clamberers or
Bindweedes, but it hath no claspers, neither doth it wind itselfe. Monardus and othera
call it Flo» sanguineus (Bloody flower), of the red spots in the flowers, as also
Nasturtium indicum, by which name it is now generally called, and we, thereafter, in
English Indian Cresses, yet it may be called from the forme of the flowers only Yelloio
Larkes-Jieeles^

We must pass on to the next flower in our wreath, and it is Dipladenia atko-
PTjBPtTEEA, a beautiful climbing or twining plant for hothouse culture, introduced from
Brazil in 18-11 by the Messrs. Yeitch. It is slender in stem, with dark, shining,
evergreen, pointed-elliptical leaves, and flowers of a deep elaretty purple colour. The
tube of each flower is about 2 inches long expanding couically into a wide throat, and a
widely-spreading limb fuUy 1^ inch across. When first expanded they are agreeably
fragrant. Mingled with the flowers of Stephanotis floribunda, and Echites sub-erecta,
the Savannah Flower, Sir Joseph Paxton suggests that they would form beautiful
wreathing for the trellis-work and piUare and rafters of the stove. It reaches to a

height of 10 feet and even more. Sir Joseph has stated that it may be grown either in a large pot, or in a compartment of the
stove-border, in a mixtuie of sandy loam and heath mould, well drained, and only moderately supplied with water. The stems
being weak require pruning in winter, and the side shoots may be improved by stopping during their growth. Two or three years
elapse before the plant acquires the ornamental character it really possesses. It then begins to blossom early in July, and produces a
profusion of flowers from the axils of the leaves throughout the summer. It is easily propagated by cuttings of the young wood.

Dipladenia is a genus formed by M. Alphonse De Candolle from various species separated from the old Linnsean genus Echites.
He named the genus in allusion to two tubercles or glands produced at the base of the ovary, from diplos, double, and aden, a
gland.

The third flower in tliis wreath is Oncidhtm costmbephoeum, one of the prettiest of Orchids, with its petals and sepals
brightly rosy, spotted with purple, and tipped with yellow ; the lip is cinnamon, and the tubercles at its base purple and yellow.

3

46

JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAQE aAEDENEB.

[ April 16, 1861.

It is on these characteristic tubercles that Swartz founded the
name of the genus, Onkidion, a protuberance. The specific name,
literally " the tassel-bearer," alludes to the form of inflorescence,
and is derived from io«y»iJ<M, a tassel, andjpAora, the act of bearing.
The native country of this species is not known. It was
introduced to the Belgian gardens about 18-18. It flowers in
August.

EOYAL HOETICULTUBAL SOCIETY.

FiOKAX Committee. — The season must be BtUl telling on
the exertions of growers ; for although there was a pretty dis-
play, yet not so much as one might have expected at this
Meeting. A collection of stove and greenhouse plants was,
however, forwarded in good condition by Mr. Teitch, of Chelsea ;
and a small one of Auriculas by Mr. Turner, of Slough. For
each of these a Special Certificate was awarded. The former
contained well-grown and fully bloomed plants of Azalea indica,
Queeu Victoria, Duke of Devonshire, Princess Mary of Cam-
bridge, Delicatissima (a fine white, blotched and spotted with
crimson), Elegantissima, Bicolor, Eoi Leopold (a fine thing
both in colour and shape), Iveryana albo-cincta and Madame
de Bothschild, Ardisia creuulata and Erica hyemahs. The stand
of Auriculas consisted of Souter's Waterloo (green edge, a very
ch'cular flower), Conqueror of Europe (grey edge, large and
fine), Martin's Jlr. Sturroek (crimson sell), Hogg's Waterloo
(rough and coarse), Dickson's Matilda (green edge, fine truss,
and of beautiful colour), Taylor's Glory (fine white edge),
Masters' Myfiekl (pretty blue self) Traill's General Niel (good,
green edge), Lightbody's Meteor Flag (good, blue self), Dick-
son's Duke of Wellington (too full of colour), and Maclean's
Unique (fine, bold grey edge).

Amongst the objects sent in for the decision of the Committee
was Campylobotrys refulgens, a beautifully ornamental-foliaged
plant from Chiako, in Mexico, sent in by Mr. BuU, of King's
Boad, Chelsea : for this a First-class Certificate was awarded. The
same gentleman sent Citharoxylum niveuni, or the Silver Balm,
also from Mexico; but the Committee did not consider it to
be Bufliciently developed for its merits to be judged at the
present Meeting. From Mr. Turner, of Slough, came Auriculas
Volunteer and North Star, which have before been rewarded by
the Committee, and were considered to have sustained their
character. Also Eifleman, too coarse, and Negress, too rough,
to be of any value, and a fine grey edge; the Bev. George Jeans,
somewhat of the Conqueror of Europe strain, but very excellent
and deserving of the label of Commendation it received ; also
Cinerarias Eeynolds Hole (coarse), and Miss Eyles (very
pretty and free- flowering) . A First-class Certificate was awarded
to Mr. Kinghorn for his Azalea Kinghorni, of great substance
of petal and fine form, though somewhat dull of colour. Epaci'is
rosea, from the same gentleman, was not considered good.

Messrs. F. & A. Smith, of Dulwich, received labels of Com-
mendation for two free- flowering, early-forcing Geraniums— one
a warm orange rose, called floribundum ; the other a good white
snowdrop. As these will evidently force well, they will be
very valuable for market purposes and decoration. Messrs.
Parker & Williams, of HoUoway, sent a pretty free-flowering
Statice, called propinqua. It was too similar to one named
profusa to be considered worthy of Commendation, and it was
suggested that they should be compared together. Mr. Salter,
of Hammersmith, sent in some variegated plants — Symphytum
officinale, the common Comfrey, and S. tuberosum, the tuberous
Comfrey. For this a label of Commendation was awarded ; as
there was also for Veronica chamcedrys, the common Germander
Speedwell with variegated foliage — likely to be useful as a rock
plant and for edginga. Messrs. Veitch & Son also received a
label of Commendation for Epacris Vesta, white with pink tips,
a pretty and free-growing variety. Some ornamental-foliaged
plants, contributed from the Society's gardens, tended to make
a nice display in the room. — D.

Ebwit Com-mittee.— a Meeting of this Committee was held
on the 9th inst., C. Wentworth Dilke, Esq., V.P., in the chair.
A basket of very excellent Black Hamburgh Grapes, highly
coloured, and well covered with bloom, vras exhibited by Messi-s.
Spary & Campbell, Queen's Graperies, Brighton, and a Certi-
ficate of Commendation was awarded to the exhibition. Messrs.
Wheeler & Son, of Gloucester, sent a dish of Ashmead's Kernel,
a delicious little dessert Apple at this late season, and the sort
was greatly admired ; a full description and figure of this variety
were given in om- last week's Number. Mr. Eivers brought a

dish of Mela Carla — a delicious Apple of Italian origin — which
requires a wall, or the shelter of an orchard-house in this country,
to bring it to perfection. The specimens were very fine, but
rather over-kept, as they had begun to get mealy ; but they had
the fine peculiar flavour and aroma that characterise that variety.
Mr. Cole, gardener to Mrs. Silver, Abbey Boad, St. John's
Wood, exhibited a nice collection of Apples, which was awarded
a Certificate of Commendation for the excellent manner in which
they had been kept. Among them were Kerry Pippin and
Bibston Pippin ; both, however, without flavour, but well kept.
A dish of very excellent Elruge and Pitmaston Orange (mis-
named Hunt's Tawny), Nectarine was received from Mr. Gar-
diner, Eatington Park, near Stratford-on-Avon. Their flavour
was excellent, and as they exliibited great skill in having been
produced at so early a period, a Certificate of Commendation
was awarded to them. Mr. Cant, of Colchester, exhibited excel-
lent specimens of Blenheim Pippin, and a sort called Spice
Apple, which was imcertain in flavour, and was requested to be
sent again another season. F. J. Graham, Esq., of Cranford,
brought specimens of Bedfont Pippin, an excellent late dessert
Apple raised at Bedfont, but this season it is not equal in flavour
to what it usually is. Mr. Graham read an interesting paper
upon an insect which infests the fruit of the Pear, and which
is supposed to be liitherto undescribed. Provisionally, Mr.
Graham called it Musca Pyri, as it belongs to the tribe MuscidsD.
The thanks of the Meeting were given to Mr. Graham, and the
paper ordered to be pubUshed in the " Proceedings."

DANDELION AS A SANATIVE.

In consequence of Mr. Hardy's suggestions last year in your
valuable paper respecting the use of the Dandelion as a salad,
having acted on his benevolent advice, I can say that it is
the best alterative diet used ; but I find that late in the summer
the plant is not sufficiently crisp to be easily masticated. Will
he, or some other kind contributor of yours, be so good as to
give some instruction, so that its texture may be made more
agreeable during summer and autumn ? I would prefer having
vaj medicinecliest in my own garden ; and I beheve the value
of the Dandelion requires only to be more generally known to
be extensively used as a substitute for other salads. — J. L.

[Your correspondent " J. L." justly complains of the toughness
of the Dandelion leaves for mastication in summer and autumn.
In fact, they are not so sufficiently crisp then as could be vrished
for — especially for aged persons who have lost their teeth —
except they are bleached as lettuces, endives, chicory, &c. In
summer they shotdd be in a shady compartment of the garden ;
but if they are frequently cut off, young tender sprouts will
soon re-appear — it may be, several times in a season. They
are acknowledged by most people to be more agreeable to the
palate (not so bitter) chopped fine, and mixed with iottuces ;
and I for one relish them best with vinegar and sugar with only
plain bread (not new).

To bleach them, however, which renders them more tender,
various plans may be devised and propounded by other corre-
spondents, which will assist the inquirers of your valuable Journal.
My own directions are to take the roots up in autumn, or even
in spring, and place them in a dry and dark cellar; or the
gardener may place them in a spare darkened corner of his tool-
house, or greenhouse, covering them shghtly with leaves, dry
mould, or coal ashes. They will thus bleach nicely and be
crisp, and will be accessible at all times, even in winter, when
the leaves cannot be obtained abroad. The coarse leaves which
I recommend to be frequently cut ofl!' need not be wasted ; for
either they or the roots, separately, or both together, may be
roasted in a small oven, and these, if powdered or broken small,
will make an eacellent and agreeable beverage as a substitute for
coffee ; and still better if mixed with it instead of chicory.

In short, use Dandelion how we will, it will be found an
excellent restorative for cases of liver complaints, lowness of
spii-its, indigestion, and many other disorders following in train
from a torpid liver. That it restores the appetite and braces the
nerves, I ray humble self can give ample testimony. A gentleman
friend of mine assures me that his sister makes excellent "beer,"
sparkling and nourishing, with the decoction of roasted Dande-
lions. Finally, I can speak positively to the good effects from
them, and have many testimonials of their good medicinal pro-
perties, both from the leaves as a saJ tia decoction of the
roots, or of either.

AprU 16, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICTTLTURE AND COTTAaS GARDENER.

47

Note, as a ealad it should be eaten only with plain wholesome
stale bread, and not with bread and butter, or greasy meats — ■
these tilings only indulge the appetite. MoreOTer, strong drinks
also counteract the medicinal properties of Dandelion, if not of
all other food in no small degree. Pure water which has been
boiled is all that is really necessary to' be drunk (barring
medicines properly administered in small and frequent doses)
for the sustenance of man, and to invigorate his strength, and
prolong his life, — A. Habdy, Seed Grower, ^c, Maldon, Eisex.^

FUMIGATING- WITH TOBACCO-SMOKE

A GEEENHOtrSE COMMUNICATING WITH PAELOUES.

" r. G-. H." would be much obliged by the Editors infoi-ming
him how effectually to smoke a gi-eenhouse infested with green
fly. The greenhouse is 30 feet by 9 feet, a lean-to, and two
sitting-rooms opening into it.

" E. Q-. H." is very anxious to know how to keep the smoke
from entering the rooms. He has nailed up carpets and sheets
without effect ; and last night he nailed up against the doors
(double doors of plate glass), wet blankets, but these did not
keep the smoke out. He uses a portable stove and a pound of
Coventry tobacco paper. This the gardener blows with a pair
of bellows. It takes him five minutes, and the greenhouse
is then full of smoke ; but also, unfortunately, in ten minutes
after the sitting-rooms adjoining are redolent of tobacco-smoke,
and, worst, of all, the fly is not killed in the morning. The
plants are too numerous to move if he had another house to
smoke them in, which he has not ; and this smoke entering the
house is an insuperable objection to a greenhouse again being
attached to the house, if it cannot be prevented entering it.

[In such a place we would prefer the best shag tobacco — say
six ounces at One time, and repeat the dose three nights after-
wards ; but we can offer no practicable suggestion, under present
circumstances, how the smell of the smoke can be excluded
from the rooms. In all such cases the plants, whenever one or
two are infested, should be moved out. If you have a spare
room, or a close shed about the place, we would undertake to
clear the plants out of such a house in no great time and smoke
them there ; but the great thing is to prevent a general smoking
by taking a plant out as soon as a fly is seen on it, and, having
a rough box knocked up which you can keep for smoking
purposes, smoke that plant at once. This is by far the most
economical plan. Our box is about 4 feet in height, 5 feet long,
and 4 feet wide, with a hipped roof, and we have moveable
shelves in it for small plants. We either burn the tobacco in it
in a flower-pot, or insei't the tube of the fumigator through a hole in
the door. We have two or three squares of glass laid in on the
top, that we may see how the smoke goes on without opening
the door. With a little contrivance any old box, packing-box,
&o., might be turned into such a smoking-house, and all smell
in the eitting-room avoided. A small pinch of tobacco will do
in such a place. If the plants are not extra large, the whole
from such a hoxise might soon be smoked in tm-ns. Any small
close shed or room would just answer as well, only the larger
the place the more the tobacco needed. The great tiling in
smoking is to prevent the smoke reaching the plants in a hot
state. If you still object to the smell of tobacco smoke, try
killing the green fly by syringing with Gishurst Compound.
This has a disagreeable smell, but you will see to-day how the
manufacturer of the Compound says that smell may be removed.]

CUCUMBEE PLANTS NOT PEEFECTING
THEIE FEUIT.

Wiui you obhge " J. B." by informing him why Cucumbers
will not swell off? The fruit shows at every joint and grows to
the length of 5 inches or 6 inches, and then goes off. He keeps
them to a regular heat of 70° by night and 80° by sunshine.
•' J. B." has grown Cucumbera for fifteen years, and never saw
the like before. No plants can look more healthy.

[Let your temperature fall to 65° at night, or even a few
degrees colder by leaving an- on, and keep the plants rather thin
of leavte and shoots. More eftp then will be thrown into the
fruit. See, also, that the bottom heat is not too strong — not
flbOve.SS". We hope the above will help you, but some of the
best gardeners could not get Cucumbers to swell last year, as
Mr.^Suh has stated.]

POMOLOCICAL CLEANINGS.

Geos Maeoc Geape. — This is likely to prove a valuable new
purple Grape. Its berries are oval and very large; bunches
shouldered and very large. Its habit is most vigorous, with
large woolly leaves. It ripens with the Black Hamburgh in a
house without fire heat, and will hang a long time on the Vine,
or be kept with great ease in bran, so as to form English Raisins
(as mentioned by our correspondent "E."), as its skin is tliicker
than the Black Hamburgh. Its flavour is remarkably rich.

Geos Colman Geape.— ^This is a round purple Grape with
very large berries and bunches. Its leaves are large, and its
habit coarse and most vigorous ; skin thick and flavour inferior.
It is, however, a very showy Grape, and hke all thick-skinned
Grapes it will hang a long time on the Vine.

Muscat Teoteeen Geape. — A variety of the White Fron-
tignan with very large berries and bunches. Though the flavour
is less rich, it promises to be a very desirable sort.

Eepect op Deainage on Geapes.— I have always noticed
that liere in Missouri wherever the Grape succeeds, it is upon land
that has thorough natural drainage ; and if any part of the vine-
yard is in a spot so situated as not to have good drainage, the
Grapes wfll generally rot while the balance of the vineyard is
perfectly sound. We can also see the same thing exemplified
by noting the results of different years, and I think this has
been one of the best to prove my opinions to be correct ; for
wliile in ordinary seasons more or less Grapes are affected by
the rot, this year they have been totally exempt therefrom, and
the reason is evidently the unusual dryness of the season and
but very httle dew having fallen after the 1st of June. —
[American Gardener^s Monthly)

Okchabding in Caxipoenia. — In 1858 we sold 480,000 lbs.
of fnut, mostly Peaches and Nectarines. Our nett profits were
about 50,000 'dols. In 1859 we sold as follows :— Peaches,
841,300 lbs. ; Nectarines, 121,000 lbs. ; Apricots, 25,000 lbs. ;
Grapes, 25,000 lbs. ; Apples, 15,000 lbs. ; Pears, 5000 lbs. ;
Quinces, 2500 lbs. ; Plums, 1000 lbs. ; Cherries, 200 lbs. ; Figs,
474 lbs.— total, 1,046,475 lbs. The fruit netted about 8 cents
per lb., 79,000 dols. ; gross 100,000 dols. This year (1860) we
have sold about 2000 lbs. of Chen'ies, at 60 cents per pound ;
2000 lbs. of Plums, at 60 cents per lb. ; 40,000 lbs. of Apricots, at
20 cents per lb. ; 300O lbs. of Apples, at 25 cents per lb. We
have yet to pick 10,000 lbs. of Apricots, 100,000 lbs. of Apples,
10,000 lbs. of Plums, 800,000 lbs. of Peaches, 100,000 lbs. of
Nectarines, 30,000 lbs. of Grapes, 80O lbs. of Figs, 3000 lbs. of
Quinces, and 6000 lbs. of Pears — total to pick, 1,057,000 lbs. :
picked 47,000 lbs. ; total, 1,104,000 lbs. This orchard contains
about 40,000 trees. — (G. G. Beiqgs in Oaliforma Farmer.)

WOEK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

As soon as the seed-leaves of Cabbages, Cauliflowers, &o.
appear above ground sprinkle soot or wood ashes over them for
the purpose of preventing the attacks of slugs, &c. It should
be frequently repeated untQ the plants are 1 inch or 3 inches
high. Seet, sow a full crop of the Red towards the end of the
week. Capsicums, repot the plants of the larger varieties intended
for turnuig out next month. Cardoons, the seed may now be
sown in trenches where the plants are to remain; the trenches
to be 4 feet apart, and a few seeds dropped in at intervals of
18 inches or 20 inches. Cucumlers, keep the shoots regulated,
as on this particular their fruitfulness will in a great measure
depend. Muihrooms, in making beds to produce through the
summer a portion of loam should be mixed with the dung :
this trill give greater solidity to the bed, which will in conse-
quence produce more fleshy Mushrooms. Marigold, sow, where
it is required for kitchen purposes. Nasitirtiums, sow some seed
in any out-of-the-way place where the plants can do no injury
by their rapid growth. They will be useful for pickling. Peas,
continue to earth up, and stake them. After staking, the ground
to be forked up between the rows, and where Spinach intervenes
it will also be benefited by the operation. Rhubarb, sow seed.
Turnips, make another sowing, to succeed those sown in the
middle of last month.

iFLOWEE G-ABDfiN.

Thin out eaHy-sown annuals in open borders, leaving from
four to six plants in each patch. The scythe will now be re-
quired upon the lawn once a-foitnight. See that the directions

48

JOUKNAX OF HOBXICULIUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

[ April 16, 1861,

in (he late Calendars are brought to a close as speedily as pos-
sible ; for a busy season is fast approaching for the performance
of other operations which should not by any means be interfered
with by wort which ought to have been finished a month ago.
Sometimes the action of the wind on the flower-stems of Tulips
will cause a carity in the soil immediately around them, such to
be carefully filled up, and the surface of the bed to be kept free
from cracks and weeds. Propagate Pansies from slips and cut-
tings. Make another sowing of Sweet Peas, to keep up a
succession of bloom. Climbing annuals — such as the Canary
Creeper, CoutoItuIus major, Cobcea scandens, Eccremocarpus,
Maurandyas, Lophospermum, &c., to be sown in pots two or
three seeds in each, and when strong enough to be planted to
cover trellises, rustic work, &c. Some of these req^uired to bo
sown early as previously directed.

FEUIT GAEDEN.
Kemove all the foreright shoots from Apricot trees, also a
portion of the side shoots ; but endeavour to distinguish those
that are likely to form short fruit-bearing spurs as being the
best to retain. Early and frequent attention to be given to the
disbudding of fruit trees ; for, if neglected, there is a probability
of being under the necessity of taking ofi" more shoots at one
time than is proper, by which such a check is given to the flow
of the sap as to cause the fruit to stop swelling, and eventually
to droji off. Disbudding is the art of preventing the develop-
ment of useless buds at the expense of those that should be
preserved ; it must be more advantageous to check an unneces-
sary shoot at an early stage than to wait until it has exhausted
the tree of a portion of its sap, and then to be removed at the
period of its full development.

STOVE.

The plants here are now progressing fast, and will require
attention in shading during bright sunburst, and gradually
increasing the humidity of the house to keep pace with the
increase of solar heat and light. If creepers are trained under
the rafters a little management in regulating them will save much
trouble with the external shading, and add much to the internal
appearance of the house. See that Thunbergias and other such
pretty climbing plants have plenty of pot room, and trellises
applied.

GEEENHOUSE AND CONSEEVATOEY.

Camellias that are now freely growing to be supplied with an
increase of heat and moisture, and to be slightly shaded in
bright weather with thin canvass or netting. Stop in good
time any strong young shoots of Orange trees. Pelargoniums
to be staked and tied out. Give to the plants set with bloom-
buds a little clear liquid manure occasionally, with a liberal
share of growing room on every side. The young stock to be
shifted forwards as they may require for a succession. Plants
that have been growing for some weeks, particularly young ones,
will now require to be stopped, more or less, in order to make
them bushy. No sticks to be used to give form to a plant that
can be managed by pruning and stopping.

FOECING-HOCSE.
Another successional sowing of Amaranthuses, Balsams, Cocks-
combs, &c., to be made, and those previously potted to be
encouraged to make a vigorous and sturdy growth.

PITS AND FBAHES.
As the planting-out season approaches take every opportunity
of hardening off the entire stock, that the change to complete
exposure may be gradual. Attention to be paid to the timely
stopping of straggling growth in order to have bushy plants.
Turf or temporary boarded pits covered with double mats are
very useful at this season of the year. 'W'. Keanb.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

Sowed Parsley in a well-au-ed border, in rows 15 nches
apart, and covered with light soil. Sowed Spinach between
rows of Peas. Peas planted out are doing well. Those first
sown in the open air are doing only so and so, which caused me
to sow some, even of the Marrows, in boxes, and plant them
out when 2 inches high or so, which are looking well. In such
cold, wet springs, it is a point gained to get the ground extra
IT"^^ '• f ""^ though the transplanting takes extra time, I believe
the produce is earlier and better, and seed is saved. Thinned

Turnips and Lettuces sown under protection, and made the first
sowing of Turnips in tlie open air. Prom this time until the
last autumn-sowing of Turnips, we sow Turnips and Kadishes
always together, making the shallow rows 1 foot apart, and sow-
ing Turnips in one row and Radishes in the next. The Turnip-
rows are, therefore, 2 feet apart, and the Radishes are either
used or pulled out of the way by the time the Turnips need all
the room. Sometimes our chief of the kitchen will be content,
in early spring, with white Turnip Radishes instead of early
white Turnips, which is a great advantage, as for different
piu'poses the difference can scarcely be detected, and Radishes
may be easily had several weeks before Turnips. A nice little
Turnip in May I always consider to be worth 6(7. Turned, chopped,
and dug gi-ound in readiness for Carrot seed. Planted Garlic
and jEschallotsj late enough. Pricked out young Lettuce, and
put pots that had grown Potatoes, now emptied, over Sea-Jcale
in the open air, and placed a little litter over them to exclude
the light. The heads covered a fortnight ago, are now coming
nicely. Removed old sashes from earth-pits over Potatoes,
Geraniums, and so forth, and substituted some Nottingham net-
ting, as it will not be used for the walls this year, unfortunately.
Removed Strawberry plants when done fruiting from the dif-
ferent houses, and took them altogether from the Vine-pits, as
the watering tended to make the pits too damp, as the fruit of
the Vines was setting. Strawberries on the whole have produced
most abundantly — better than I expected from the size of the
plants, fully proving that, provided the buds are fairly ripened,
the mere size of the plants is of less consequence. For many
years I used to have for the main crop one plant in what is
called a 32, or a six-inch or seven-inch pot ; but this season,
owing to the smallncss of the plants, I used two for that size,
and I should almost be inclined to do so again as they have done
so well. On the other hand, there are still some left of Keens'
Seedling, single plants, in 48-pots, which I like for early work,
which have been and still are great pictures. With these I
generally succeed well. I have friends who succeed better than
I have ever done with Prince of Wales, British Queen, &c.
Were a tradesman sure of the market, a fine sum of money might
be made from Strawberries at from Is. to 2s. per ounce. It is
a good thing for gardeners when their employers patronise
Covent Garden at this season of the year. If they never do so,
they are very likely to use a basket of Strawberries in March
with as little consideration as to how their gardener provides
for them, as if they were supplied with a similar dish at the end
of June. It would often tend, too, to put a stop to the cuckoo
cry, "Oh! I get nothing from my garden in comparison to the
outlay." Thinned the Sweetwaters in Vine-pits, removed plants
from first vinery, thinned out Fuchsias, &c., in the second, and
placed in the shade beneath the Vines Achimenes fresh potted.

For want of room placed these in six-inch pots for the present.
They always do best when sprung in boxes or pans previously,
for then you can single out plants of similar size, or, if anything,
the highest and strongest for the centre, and using six or eight
plants for such a sizecl pot, and potting again if deemed advisable.
Oesnera zebrina treat in tl;e same way. Shade and keeping the
foliage dry are the chief elements for securing fine foliage ; and
the shade of Vines is just the thing for it, as after the Vines
show flower it is rarely they ever see the syringe afterwards.
The large Fuchsias have been moved to the late vinery, and
placed on the ground near the back, with shelves of Strawberries,
&c., above them. To prevent any check to the forward Fuchsias,
less air is given at the back of the house, and this also helps to
bring on the Strawberries ; whilst by admitting plenty of air in
front, the Vines that are tied longitudinally there will bo kept
cool, and so will the Pelargoniums on shelves and platform,
before being moved to the conservatory. Gloxinias repotted
and growing were placed in vinery under shade of the Vines.
Camellias and Azaleas need more water on fine days ; and Pelar-
goniums, &c., must be guarded against green fly by smoking. A
few were affected before being noticed. Moved lots of seedling
annuals in pots into a colder place under glass, that they may
be kept stubby before being thinned into patches ; also Tomatoes,
Camellias, &c., to be treated in the same way. And among the
flowering annuals such climbers as Cobcea scandens, which must
be potted singly; various Convolvulus, and Tropffiolum pele-
grinum, and others, and Castor Oil plants, chiefly for fine foliage,
I sow few annuals out of doors at once, unless short-hved ones
in patches, as Collinsia bicolor, the prettiest Godetias and
QEnothcras, &c., and of all modes of sowing these and annuals in
general in the open ground, in patches, I prefer placing a garden*

April 16, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICtrLTTTKE AND COTTAaE aARDENER.

49

pot oyer the patch until the seedlings are up, and removing
the pot first partially and then altogether during the day, and
then covering up at night for a time until the weather can be
depended on. When I sow rows out of doors, it is chiefly low-
growing things, as Sapounria calabrica, Venus' Loolsing-glass,
Venus' Navelwort, Silene pendula. Sweet Alyssum, Mignonette,
Virginia Stock, &o. These will come thick enough, and be kept
on with a little pruning ; but for all taller things intended for
beds or ribbon-lines, such as Prince's Feather, Chrysanthemums,
Marigolds, &c., and even beds of sucli things as Saponaria, I
prefer sowing in rows under protection, and then lifting and
planting in patches. The extra labour is more than repaid by
the extra satisfaction of regular lines and even beds.- It was
partly for this purpose that we moved the old sashca ft'om the
earth-pit of Potatoes ; but chiefly for planting out Verbenas
that we wish to forward in strength. A bed is made on the
ground with about 9 inches of dung and leaves, about 6 inches
of warm leaves go on the top of that, then 3 inches of rotten
leaf mould, and then 2 inches or 3 inches of compost of
sandy loam and leaf mould. A pole or young tree of spruce or
larch, which we keep from year to year for such a purpose is laid
on back and front, and on thesu the sashes are laid, and in a few
days the bed below is in fine order for anything, as to pricking
out, planting or sowing. We generally use an earth-pit for the
purpose, and run a breadth of calico along. Plants lifted from
such a bed in patches hardly ever feel the moving, and there
they stand until you want them, and go into the ground just
when in the best position for them. This and similar earth-
beds will be sown or planted next week, and but for such simple
contrivances we should never know where to put seedlings.
Were it not for the want of heating material, I should apply the
same modes to many things besides flowers and the eai-liest
vegetables. It is of little use standing sucking our thumbs in
the corners of our mouths like babies, or, sage like, tickling the
inquisitive-bump behind the ear with one finger or even with
two, if nothing came forth from such operations. Thousands of
pots of seedling flowers are lost, because they neither get air
enough, nor are watered properly, nor by timely pricking out
are prevented " in the struggle for life " killing each other.
Thousands of packets of seeds are sown every year in the flower-
borders, and only a small per centage rewards the cultivator,
and loud and deep are the complaints against the rogues of seeds-
men, who sent out the very best samples, but could not manage
to guarantee against the mismanagement and carelessness of the
cultivator in sowing at improper times at imsuitable depths, in
cold unaired soil, and who take no pains to prevent slugs,
snails, and other vermin dealing off every vestige of seedlings as
soon as they reached the surface. Try this month with all
small and rather tender seeds, such a bed as I have mentioned,
sowing in rows — say 5 inches apart, and tell me at the end of the
season if the plan is not worth the cost of this Journal for a
twelvemonth. — R. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

»*# We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to Tlie
lEditors of the "Journal of Sortimlture, Sj-c." 162, Fleet
Street, London, JE.C.

Hyacinths Grown in Water {F. M.). — No treatment will induce these
to bloom again next year. Planted in good rich soil, and protected in
winter, they will bloom again, though not strongly, in the spring of 1863.

Substitute for Glass [S, W. 5.).— Use tiffany, and dress it with the
following composition :— Old pale linseed oil, 3 pints ; sugar of lead
(acetate of lead), 1 oz. ; white resin, 4 ozs. Grind the acetate with a little
of the oil, then add the rest and the resin. Incorporate thoroughly in a
large iron pot over a gentle fire ; and, with a large brush, apply hot to a
fine tiffany stretched loosely previously, by means of tacks, upon the
frame. On the following day it is fit for use, and may be either done over
a second time, or tacked on tightly to remain. The quantity made accord-
ing to this receipe will be sufficient for about 100 square feet of tiffany.

Paxton's Cheap Glass House (iS., HaU/ax).—Tiie maimer advertises in
our columns to-day.

Back Numbers, &c. {A Gardener^ Laverstoke). — You can have the Parts
and Indices, as well as cheap covers for the volumes. You had better
write to our office stating precisely what you require, and giving your full
direction,

KiDDEAN System of Heating (Adele). — Your way of reconciling the
conflict between the Kiddean and Polmaise systems, by closing the
ventilator over the front of the fireplace, and getting the draught from
the ventilators on each side of the flreplai;e near the bpttom, is well worth

knowing. ' It is too late, now, to attempt what you propose for Mr. Kid.l ;
besides, he is gone to Scotland to arrange and lay out flower gardens for
the M archioness of Breadalbane at Taymouth Castle, and may be absent
for some time yet.

Moisture in the Air of a Cucumber-house (^» Essex Amafeur).r—
If your four-inch pipes are closed properly at the joints the evapomtion that
comes from them would not damp a midge's wing. Your reasoning
proceeds entirely on wrong data. In its natural habitat, in the hottest
weather, the Cucumber grows in an atmosphere abundantly supplied with
moisture. You grow the Cucumber in enclosed air, and at a season when our
atmosphere is cold and most devoid of moisture. The heat from your pipes
increases the evil, as the hottest andmoistest air will ever have a tendency
to rise and escape, and the cold and dry air to enter to supply its place.
We can imagine, and have seen cases, where the leaves of the Cucumbers
curled and shrivelled, because the dry air absorbed all moisture out of
them. To remedy tLis, the walls are kept moist, the soil is kept moist —
moister than otherwise would be needed — and syringing is resorted to;
but the simplest nnii most effectual means is to place evaporating-pans
on the pipes, which will give out moisture in proportion to the heat. There
are several papers on this subjectin late volumes from Mr. Fish and others.
Hotbed of Spent Hops {R, Tozcr).— Throw the Hops into a heap to
draw oft the extra moisture, and to cause the rank heat to pass away. If
the weather be windy, cover the heap with a little sti-aw or a m^t. In a
week or so, the Hops will be fit for use, and from 15 inches to 18 inches
deep will be enough for what you require at this season. Add a few
inches more, however, if you have them, because in very cold weather you
may need the heat, and in fine weather you can give more air, and if
necessary lift the pots, if you sow in pots, and set them almost on the
surface instead of plunging them.

Converting a Hen-house into an Orchard-house [A Subscriber). —
We cannot answer you as we would wish without data. We know nothing
of the height of your house, the width, or the height of wire you propose
having in front. The having a flue takes your house out of orchard-
houses, and makes it a hot or forcing-house. With wire sides, the heat
from a flue would be like pouring water in at a bunghole and leaving the
tap open. If there were not much of it it might be covered as vou suggest,
but would not glass be cheapest in a few years? We can judge that the
proposal for ventilating will do, though it would be better made of glass
in small frames ; that the brick floor will do all well enough, and keep your
roots from getting down ; the earth should not touch the flue if you wish
to get all the heat frim it, and the trees must stand free of each other
whatever the size. You had better have a Peach against the wall instead
of a Green Gage; the latter will do better in a pot, so as to be exposed
in autumn.

Seed prom Penang — Desfontanesia spinosa (JH. X. M.). — We cannot
be sure about your seedling, but think it may be a Menispermum, the seed
of which is a drupe-like berry, rather larger than Indian corn, and the
ovule inside is of a horseshoe or moon-like appearance, and hence the
name moon seed. Most of them are hardy creepers, running over sticks
and fences quickly ; but as vours came from Penang it may probably be
planifolium, and, therefore, 'will require either a stove or warm greenhouse.
It is hardly worth the space it will occupy, but we cannot determine satis-
factorily. Let the Desfontanesia spinosa grow on in the greenhouse in
summer, and give less water and as much sun as possible in autumn, and
keep it rather dry in winter. If you send two postage stamps and your
direction to our office we may be able to supply the Index .

Warted Vine Leaves (Grape Fine).— The warted appearance on the
under side of your Vine leaves is produced chiefly by too much moisture in
the air of the house, and too much damp and cold at the roots. The
remedies are obvious, but the warted appearance will hardly be removed
this season bv any treatment you may adopt. Increase the warmth of the
border at once, but do not reduce the moisture in the air of the house too
suddenly. Lessen it gradually.

PicoTEES from Cuttings— Strawberry Fobcino (A Cottatjer) .—YoM
can grow your Picotees from cuttings if you can get healthy cutlings from
such plants, and thev would bloom next year. We should be disposed to
take the plants up and plant thorn carefully in fresh sandy lo im, aidsee
what that would do. If not experienced in striking cuttings, we tear you
might lose plants and cuttings too. You will find in recent volumes, and
even late Numbers, much on Strawberry forcing by Mr. Fish and others. It
would hardly be worth while giving you an outline now, which might
have to he repeated in July and August again. Success with early Straw-
berries in pots depends chiefly on having the pots crammed with roots
before placing them in heat. That is not essential now. You can easily
now pick out plants that are showing flower-buna. Raise these with
balls that you can squeeze into pots, or plant at once in a slight holbed. If
you pot for the vinery, the plants would do better if the pots were plunged
in a slight hotbed for a fortnight, with air on— say half an inch back and
front, This would encourage the roots to grow, whilst the buds were kept
cool, and when placed in the house the flowers would be stronger in con-
sequence. They will do without that trouble, however, now, but better
with it.

Keepino Birds FROM Cabbage Seedlings, &c. ( JT. JV. ^.).— The soot
and the sawdust, &c., sprinkled over the bed will only palliate the evil.
Running white worsted strings along the bed, fastened to sticks a foot or
more above it, and pieces of tin, glass, bits of looking-glass tied to the
string— if the former, two together, so as to ring when moved by the
wind— will do as well ; but notking answers so well as a piece of net,
fastened at the edges of the bed, and supported on forked sticks in the
middle a foot high, to prevent the birds reaching through. They get used
to every scarin:? contrivance in time, and >Bill even get their way below
the net if not secured. Old fishing-net is so cheap, that after all, in the
long run, it is'best as respects simplicity and economy.

Culture of Rhododendrons javanicum and jasminiflorum, and
Cyclamens [A New Subscriber).— Kee^ the Rhododendrons in a cool
greenhouse until they have finished making their wood; then place in a
nice sunny spot out of doors, and give plenty of water during the summer
and autumn, but not so much as to excite the flower-bud to grow
prematurely. When the Cyclamens have done flowering, lessen vvater
until the leaves decay, and then if the pots are set in a moist, shady place,
they will need no watering until giowth commences again. , ,, .

Destroying Woodlice (5. Lewis) -Lay a httle dry hay down in their
haunts. Provide yourself with a smaU flne-rosed watering-pot, filled with

50

JOXIBNAL OF HOKTICXTLTimE AOT) COTTAGE GAllDENEB. [ AprU 16, 1861.

■irtter BMrtv boilin?. More the hay qoictly vnth ono hand, and scald the
gentlemen with the other. Take sotne small pots, put a bit of boiled
potato or raw carrot in the bottom, and place some dry hay or irossover it,
half fil'iinp the trot. Go over all these the first thing in the morning, and
Itunbie the myriads most likely inside into boiling water. Persevere and
yoo will conquer. Let alone and ihey will conquer yoB.

Fl.owxE-<iARt<K>- Vjjky {A Fe«nff Gardiner), — You have done your part
to the very letter : showed the position of the dwelling-house, the
greenhouse, the leading walk, the Americans and evergreens, with the
independent beds on one side of it, and the principal flower garden on
the other, the beds all numbered, and a list of plants showing what you
intend for each bed. If you had put an arrow to show the south and north
yon would be entitled to a first-class certificate. Bed 6 is no; planted, but
yon intend it, of course, to be the same as 2. No 1, the centre bed, is on a
wrong principle, that was comn^on in the last generation, when it was not
uncommon to see a flower garden with the centre bed in scarlet or vellow.
Pnt the plants intended for 1 into 8 and 4, then, with Commander-in-Chief
in 11 and 14. your forces will be in position. Four or five plants of Perilla
in the centre of 1, with three rows of Flower of the Day. or the like of it,
round Peri'la, and a row all round of Lobelia specio.sa, would make the
best centre bed in England for such a flower garden as yours. 9 and 3 should
he exactly alike — say Calceolaria ; and 5, 5 the opposite pair the same —
P*y Tropjeolum elegans ; or else cross-comerwavs. 9 and 5 to match, and
3 and 5 the match pair. Either way will relesse the .\frican Mirigold for
you. The way to do the African Marigold is to sow it «n the 1st of May,
to keep it out of sight, and transplant it twice— at the end of >faT, aiid
again towards the end of June. Wh*n 18, the Delphinium formosum bed
i£ over, early in August cut it down, and plant the .African Mariet)ld there,
and some China Asters round it at the same time. Tou should have some
hardy variegated low plant all round the big circle of Roses. Everv large
Rose-bed on grass, and awav from other beds, should have a cheerful
edging jjlant to it. If it is very large, a band of Variegated Mint would
suit best. If It IS S feet or 10 feet across, Stachvs lanata is the best ; and
11 only 6 feet across, Cerastium would suit better ; but an edging there
Ehonld be. > -c- o

TAHiors (A iV'eir StibKriier).— The Dielvtra will do best planted out in
smnmer, raised and potted !n autumn, and kept in a cold pit in winter,
wnen it will force into a flower whenever vou give it a heat above oO=.
The Deutria, as soon as it has done flowering, should be well pruned to
encourage making young wood : and if that is" well ripened it wiU bloom
aU the length when subjected to a mild heat. It matters not whether
you plant out and repot, or repot. We prefer the latter, and not having
the pot too large for the plant. The Hvdrangea treat in the same wav ;
planted out, or m a pot, everv well-ripened bud made on the shoots this
season will produce a flower-head next year.

■VABlotrs ,i»?Bir«T.— Purple Orach is the same as the red. We will
inqurre about the nurseryman's adrtress which von inquire for, perhaps he
wiU advertise it neit week. Ton have kept vonr Ten-week Stoeks either
too much m the dark, with too little air, or with too mnch heat; or vou

".. 1,""^'"*^"™ '" *" '''*'^ particulars. Sow the Asters in pans and
avrad all the errors we hare specifled. You mar sow Asters and PhloT
Drummondi at once in beds nnder hand-lights; but the latter would be
better in gentle heat. The names in partntheses after those of the Carna-
bonp, are the names of the florists who raised them. The plants can be
obtained of any respectablo florist. It is too late for planting the tubers
of Anemone and Ranunculus to bloom at the usual time.

Gold a.vd Sfltek Fish.— "J. B." writes as follows :— ■' I harea tank (brick
and cementl. in my garden holrlisg apwaids of one thousand g^illons of
water. There are very many gold and silver hsh. Water from the Thames is
supplied them almost daily. Within the last six weeks I have discovered
many of them with a whitish slimy substance adhering to them, ev«i
COTering the eyes. Most of such fish so affected, excepting the largest,
died. Can you inform me of the cause and a remedv ! There is gravel at
the bottom, and Water Lilies growing." We shall be obliged by anv of
OUT readers sending us how to cure and prevent this parasitical affection.

^AT Ch.*eco.>l {K. B.:.— There is a manufactory of it somewhere ne»r
Lcsdon. Inquire of the London Manure Company. The Pomoloeical
Society Is defunct,

LAtrKrsTi.vrsus KiLLtrn bt tbi Wixtkr (JT. IT. /.).— Leave them uncut
down, as you say that there are some green shoots. If anv vegetate this
spring, then cut away all the dead portions. A curious exemplification of
the Laurel being harrier than the Laumstinns is now to be seen in the
Westboume Road, Bay-water. Thev were there planted altematelv, and
every one of the Laumstinuses is killed, whilst everv one of the Laurels is
gmo and shooting rigorously. Tour other question is answered in •' Our
Letter Box."

CiNEEAEU Seedlisss ( ).— Xo. 2 may be a showy border flower, but

we cannot be sure of that unless we knew the form and habit of the plant.
The others are ordinary pips of no superiority.

#T^*?^* '/* S»»*T.»«-l.— The larva is that of the common Dragon Fly
(LibeUtila depressa;. The shells are Philine aperta. and the small white
KbiSar^ W '^"^ ''""^ '"'' "' *° Echinus, probablv of the genus

I NoviMEEE 6th and 7th. Rotai HoBxicvLnrRii. Society. (Fruit and
Chrysanthemums). Garden Superintendent^ G. Eyles.

I N'OVEVBEIt 12th and 13th. SiOKI NeWISBTOX CHETSAHTBESreK SOCIITT.

I See.. W. T. Howe.

SovEMBEE 14th and 15th. Cetstai. Paiace. (Chrysanthemum Show).
I Sec, W. Houghton.

j K.B. — Seerefftries of Societies intending to advertise in our columns iciti
oblige us bt/ sending an earig intimation of their ezhibiliun days.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

Mat 18th. Cetstai. Palace. (Phmls, Cot Flowers, and Fruit). See..

W. Houghton.
JirKE Jth and 6ih. Eotal Hoeiiccltueal Eociett. (Plants and Fruit).

Garden Superintendent. 0. Eyles.
Jrni 19th and 20th. Beigbtox a>-d StssEx FLOTicrLTTiLU. aks Hosn-

CTLTCEAL SoCTETT. Sec. E. Carpenter.
JrLT 6th. Cetstal Palace. (Rose Show), Sec, W. Honghtoo.
'^i^ '*'•'■ RovAL HoETlccLTCEAL SociETT. (Rosc Show). Oarien

Superintendent, G. Evles.
Settejieee 4th and 5lh. Cetctal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of
_ other descriptions, and Fruiti. Sec., W. Houghton.
B»jnjBEE 11th. RoTAL HoEiiccLTEEAL SociiTT. (DahUas and other

Cut Flowers). Garden Superintendent, C. S.ylts.

j POUITRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.
I POULTRY SHOWS.

Mat 21st, 22iid, and 23rd. CHESTKErtELn and Scaesdale. Mon. Sec,

Mr. Thos. P. Wood, jun., Bovthorpe House, near Chesterfield. Entries
' close May 1st.

I Mat 22nd and 23rd. Beveklet. Bon. Sec, H. Adams. Entri« close
1 May 4th.
JtrsE 4th, 5th, and f th . Bate and West of Exolanb. Steu-ard,

S. Pitman. Esq. Entries close Mav 4th.
1 Jt^!iE 19th, 20tb, and 2l5t. Coaleeookdale. Sees., J. B. Chone, and
1 Henry Boycroft, Coalbrookdale.

) Juke 2Sth. DRiFFirLn. Sec, Mr. R, Davison. Entries close June 22nd.
I JtrxE 28th and 29th. Tacsios. Sec, Mr. Charles Ballance. Entries

close June 1 4 th.
JiTLT 2nd and 3rd. Blackpool. Sec, Mr. E. Fowler, on.
i AtTGosT 26th, 27th, 2Sth, and 29th. Cetstal Palace SujnrEE Show.

Sec, W. Houghton.
September 3rd. PocKLrKoiox (Yorkshire). See., Mr. Thomas Grant.
I Entries close August 26th.
I Decehbes 3nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, Biesuxghajc. Sec, M. J, B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close Kovember 1st.
i Decexbes llth, 12th, 13th, and 14th, Cbtstal Palace Wisiee Sbow.
I Sec , W. Houghton.

N.B. — Secretaries viU oblige us by sending early copies of their lists,
i

' "FOE OIIE KITCHENS "WE ElILL THE FOWL
: OF SEASOX"

I Shakspfre.

We have seldom had any communication that has giTcn us
more pleasure than that received from One irho has Twt lost

i siglit of a Dorl-inp foicl. It is written by one who thoroughly
understands the subject, and in that proper spirit of kindness
which provokes the interchange of knowledge, and contributes
to that sort of brotherhood in the pursuit, which has made many
say they have formed ralnable friendships while following their
hobby.

Fowls are like htiman beings, and those that will attain to the
lai^est size wUl be loose and long-membered. If .iU the food is
expended in length, there will be nothing left for breadth ; and
though in a man there may be such growth of muscle as will
prove that he is not outgrowing liis strength, still there will be
no deposit of fat. This is equally true of fowls, they will not
put on fat till they have done growing. The birds known in
England as " spring chickens " and in France as " poulets i la
reine" are a peculiar breed, familiar only to those who have to
do with them in the way of trade. It is next to impossible to
describe them, as they have no marked characteristics. Some
have four claws, some have five. They have no fixed colotir ;
no peculiar comb. There is nothing to make them fancy birds ;
nothing to distingiiish them from wha? would be indeed, named
after appearances, Dunghills, or shabby little fowls. But if
early maturity is to be taken into account, and if those that
make food in the shortest rime are to be the peers, we are not
sure that these little Dunghills would not be premier fowb. These
are the small breed : they begin to fatten six or seven weeks

, after they are hatched, and at twelve weeks they are complete in

1 shape and form, and thoroughly fattened. At the time we now
write such arc making from &s. to 10*. the couple. Hie stock
birds are squat, square, and small. Age hardens them, but does
not make them larger ; and if, as it often happens, it is neces-

j eary to kill two or three of the old hens, and they are sent with
young chickens — probably their own progeny — it is ridiculous to
see the strong family likeness, and the small increase in size

I consequent on old age. It is valuable as affording proof of their
purity as a breed.

People do not usually know, and they will hardly beliere, the

I many thousands of pounds annually sent from London for this

1 breed only. Tliey are, however, only fit for those who look for
flavour and quality, and with whom poultry is an adjunct to,
but does not form, a dinner. For this cause they would not be
saleable in any other market than London. In the country

I and in ordinary houses where " a couple of fowls " either fonn

I the dinner, or at any rate contribute the most important part

! of the first course, these chickens would be riewed with contempt,

, and then recourse must be bad to the Dorking.

' Dorkings are the birds that vill sell in a country town on

April 16, 1861. ]

JOTTBNiX OF HOBTICtJliTTJRE A]SD COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

§1

account of their eize, but they may be too fat ; and then, like
prize beef at Christmas, while they are admired as showing their
capabilities in that way, and while wonder is expressed at the veins
of fat intersecting the scanty lean, the fact rather renders them
unsaleable than otherwise. It is impossible to fatten a Dorting
ehicten, if by that term we mean such a one as we have described
at the beginning ; but a good, large, fleshy, and moderately-fat
bird, such as wiU sell in any market, must come from the
Dorking.

It is easy after " Potage k la reine," " Saumon sau(je Hol-
landoise," and so on, to look with loathing on a good, large
wing ; but if you have been throwing a fly over the "Winchester
or Andover wliite water all the day, and sharing the usual fate
of the gentleman at table — have the leg at dinner — you will say
the Dorkiug cannot be too large, and you will rejoice you are
not in Sussex where the small and delicate chickens prevail.

A friend of Gin's says the Dorking is a curate's fowl, while the
chicken should frequent fat rectories. If a referee be wanted to
decide, we recommend the author of " Barchester Towers " to
officiate.

The late Sidney Smith said " Barndoor fowls for Dissenters,
but for the Thirty-nine-times-articled clerk of the Church of
England the Pheasant, the Pheasant, and nothing but the
Pheasant." We paraphrase the sentence, and we say, for the
man who has an " embarras de plats," the chicken ; but for the
man who has been with the Cheshire, the Quom, or Mr. Garth's,
or who has flogged the river aU day, we say the Dorking, and, in
familiar parlance, we say, " The bigger the better."

We wiU return to this subject.

DOEKING CHICKENS AT EXHIBITIONS.

The opinions given by your correspondent, One who has not
lost sight of a DorTcing foiol, are quite at variance with practice.
His words are — " It is very rare you see now-a-days a pen of
prize Dorking chickens purchased at large Shows — viz., at
Birmingham and the Crystal Palace, where there are great con-
tests for the championship, which, when they arrive at adult age
tm-n out anything like what the purchaser anticipated at the
time of purchase."

It must be from a want of knowledge in 'ihe management, if
you do not see the first-prize pen from either of the above Showsi
in the prize list wherever exhibited, if in health and not too fat.

Can your correspondent produce any one who has bought a
first-prize pen of young Dorkings at either of the above Shows
dm-ing these last five years, that has been so unfortunate as he
would lead purcha-sers to believe ?

I, for one, have at present three first-prize pens of chickens
from the Palace, and very seldom show without gaining a prize.

Again, your con-espondent says, " I can speak from my own
experience. No Dorkings, I am sure, will ever get too fat by
running in a farmyard and moderately fed." Now, on the
contrary, I have had them get too fat running in I he farmyard
and not fed at aU.

How different om- experience ! I have also had them become
too fat for the judges when running in the centre of a very
extensive park, by feeding night and morning only.

My Dorkings are all running in farmyards or woods, and are
fed twice a-day, and are in good laying condition, and not put
up to fat, yet they weigh from 9 lbs. to 13 lbs. and most of them
have taken first or second prizes, either at the Crystal Palace or
at the Birmingham Shows.

I should by all means advise intending exhibitors to purchase
prize fowls at either of those Shows. If they can show them in
good condition they will soou repay themselves. The Dorking
is a fowl you can improve untU three years old : therefore, if you
see a pen of young Dorkings to pleaseyou, buy. — Zows Douglas.

PEOFITABLE POULTET KEEPING.

In your Xumber for April 2nd, at page 16, you favoured
your readers with some interesting extracts from, and some just
but friendly criticisms on, Mrs. Fergusson Blaii-'s work, "The
Hen wife."

I have long kept hens for the purposes of profit only ; and the
point to which I would call the attention of vour numerous
readers is, the very small profit balance for the large ntimber of
" more than one thousand chickens annually liatched ;" which

profit would be reduced to a certain loss, had the expenses of
exhibiting, as you suggest, been placed on the debit side.

The county in which I resided (Shropshire), on my first essay
in poultry-keeping, eggs were worth \s. only per score in
the laying season ; and fat fowls were considered dear at 4».
the couple, the more usual prices being from 2s. 6d. to 3s. I
have purchased fat young Ducks at 2s. 6rf. the couple, when,
as the local phrase hath it, the vendor had "overstood the
market."

But to return to the more immediate subject. As before
observed, I had kept hens with profit, even at the prices given
above, when I removed into Hertfordshire, and there became
acquainted with the system of poultry-keeping on a large scale ;
and in which the balance is on the right side of the account, to
the tunc of some — not tens, nor even hundreds, but — tbossmds
of pounds in the aggregate.

This insight decided my course. I commenced at once,
though on a very moderate scale ; and I will give, with your
permission, the results I attained.

My accounts begin but imperfectly ; but when fairly at work,
a daily journal was kept — not a chicken nor an egg being dis-
posed of without an entry of the price obtained ; and when for
home consumption, entered at cost price. On the other hand,
all grain, meal, bran, and the several et ceteras for poultry
feeding, were duly placed on the debit side ; and at the year's
end, a moderate charge was made for management, rent, and
interest, thus putting to the proof whether or not poultry -keeping
is profitable.

And I can safely aver it is, and that to a great extent ; the
fact being established, profit is only a matter of degree. The
want of capital alone prevents me turning my knowledge and
practice to good account.

I well remember a writer, in one of the early volumes of
TiTE Cottage Gaemn-eb, stating that " a hen was as profitable
as a sheep." I agree with this assertion. I can give data proving

that the nett profit of poultry keeping is . Well, wait until

the next Number, good reader ; and then, with the permission
of the worthy Editors, you shall know all. — Leightos.
{To he continued.)

APPEOACHING POULTET SHOWS.

Tatjntos axd Sostebset PorLiBy Show. — This Society at
their next show, offer thirteen pieces of plate and three sflrer
medals, the former value £2 2». each ; and also money prizes
between £50 and £60. The highest entry-fee is is. The Com-
mittee have a good subscription list, and everything promises
well for a most successful exhibition. There are Sweepstakes
(entries Is. each) for Single Cocks of Spanish, Dorking, Cochin-
China, Malay, Game, Hamburghs, Poland, and Game Bantam.
Charles Ballance, Esq., is the Secretary ; and we take this oppor-
tunity of saying that such secretaryship is always " honorary,"
except in the case of such extensive Exhibitions as Birmingham
and the Crystal Palace.

Deiffield. — This is held in combination with a floral and
horticultural exhibition ; the prizes vary from 20«. to os., and
the entry is only Is. per pen. " Pigeons and Babbits must be
shown in the eihibitor's own cages or boxes."

HEN WITH STEADDLING GAIT.

Tha>'KS for your advice upon the hen with straddling gait,
but it came too late. She died yesterday. We saw she was worse,
but did not expect her to die, as she pecked about as usual ; but
she had during the week made a noise like coughing, and the
last day lost her voice entirely ; she tried to cackle, but there
was hardly the least sound : she breathed heavily, and seemed to
be more "stupid and giddy, if going backwards with head to
the ground as if to avoid something before her eyes is a symptom
of giddiness. Upon opening her there was fat similar to that of a
Goose, and a little on the gizzard, but on every other part she
was thin, the breastbone piercing through the skin. There was
a number of yolks, and one in the egg-bag which she would have
laid the next "day ; but the heart andflungs were not larger than
a Bantam's, and the liver seemed large and dark ; a great deal
of inflammation was all round the covering of the bowels.

She never seemed to have any difficulty in laying, neTer
remaining very long on the nest. She commenced her ailments
two months back, with loss of power in the legs and great

82

JOITRNAL OP HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

[ April 16, 1861.

nervous or conyulsiTe action. She has had repeated doses of
oil ; but she never seemed right, and always had that straddling
gait after she regained the power of her legs. With regard to
feeding, I have followed closely the rules given in your valuable
papei — feeding with ground oats, mid-day meals ; bailey and
scraps for third meal. As to quantity, I must plead ignorance
as to whether I over-do it. Will you say if it is over-feeding, as
I have the sister Cochin, both being great pets ? I should so
regret losing the other, although she is nine months old and
never yet laid an egg.

[We should say from the symptoms you have described, the
hen died from over-feeding, but it, probably, took place long
since. When there is as much fat as you describe, laying is
always a matter of difficulty, and that would cause the awkward
gait. We advise you to give the other three doses of a table-
spoonful of castor oil at one day's interval, and to feed sparingly.
The proper quantity may be easily known, if you feed only so
long as the birds will run after a small piece of food. If it is
given so long as they will pick, or if they have food by them,
they are over-fed. Feed less, your fowls will be better, and will
lay better.]

PIGEON JUDGING.

Some time ago a suggestion appeared in The Cottage Gae-
DENEE, relative to the points to form a basis for the judgment of
Pigeons at the various exhibitions, and you were good enough
to oifer to place a space in your columns at the disposal of
fanciers, for " comparing notes" on the subject. Encouraged
and patronised as the Pigeon fancy has nowbecouie, the importance
of some standard by which the value of the different varieties
should be ascertained, and by which amateurs should be guided,
is self-evijent ; for even at some of our largest exhibitions— such
as Halifax, Birmingham, Crystal Palace, Preston, &c., it is not
unfrequent to find it stated that in some classes the decisions
at previous exhibitions were reversed. Certainly a margin must
be left for individual fancy ; and doubtless beyond some small
peculiarity the awards are generally correct and impartial. Such
is not the case, however, at some of our minor shows, and birds
which have " figm-ed conspicuously" at the largest exhibitions,
are often unnoticed at the smaller shows.

The outlay inciured in obtaining the services of an able
judge is seldom great, and in many cases merely travelling
expenses are charged. But that such a person should be chosen
from a distance, and unacquainted with the neighbourhood, is
too apparent to require comment.

As it too frequently happens in notices of poultry and Pigeon
exhibitions, the latter are merely referred to as " forming an
interesting collection," with your permission, therefore, I will
make a few remarks on the Sunderland Poultry and Pigeon
Show, premising that my name did not appear in the catalogue.
Chancing, however, to be in tlie neighbourhood, I looked in at
the Exhibition, and made a few notes on the various classes,
which may possibly be usefiU in future to exhibitors at a
distance.

The entries for " Almond Tumblers," and " Tumblers, any
other variety," were not large ; the first prize in each being
given to good birds ; the second in the latter falling to a pair of
"Long-faced" common Yellows, valued by the owner, and
unclaimed, at 15^., the class containing two respective pens of
Short-faced Mottles, Black and Yellow.

Carriers numbered seven entries, the first prize being awarded
to a pair of fair Duns ; a pen of Blacks, not on very good terms
with each other, taking second; two pens being commended, one
of which contained ttie best hen in the whole class, but associated
with a sliglitly inferior cock.

Barbs had also seven entries, the first and second prizes being
given to very inferior-crested Blacks. Two pairs of plain-headed
birds, sliort in beak, and broad in head, with much superior eye,
were passed over, one pen only being commended.

Powters only had four pens, and were not of especial merit ;
Blues taking the first honours, and Blacks second.

Trumpeters had four entries, the first prize bemg allotted to a
pen of light Mottles, not much accustomed to each other's
society, and anything but loveable ; Whites, out of condition,
gaining second.

The Fantail class was a good one, but the birds showed
indilTerently.

Jacobins mustered in great force, there being ten pens. The
prizes were awarded to large coarse birds (Yellows), particidarly

the second-prize pen. The former were, however, in good
feather. A pen of small and fine Beds were commended.

In Nuns, both prizes were given to black-headed, good birds.

The first prize in Turbits was gained by a pair of average
Blues, a pair of Black-dappled being second.

Owls were an inferior class. A pen of crested Blues, without
the shghtest pretensions to points of head, beak, or eye, taking
first ; the second being awarded to a much better pen of Silvers.
Two pens, Wliite and Silver, respectively should have changed
places with the successful birds, the first prize pair being un-
questionably the worst in the class — in fact, not Owls at all.
The remaining class, "Any other distinct breed," contained
eleven entries ; a pair of inferior White Barbs (crested), obtaining
first, notwithstanding the Barb class, and Blue Magpies second ;
a pen of handsome Swallows, and a pen of fair Silver Bunts, not
being considered worthy of a commendation. — A Fancieb.

[We depart from our rule of refraining from criticising the
decisions at shows, because the preceding emanates from a
good authority, is written in good spirit, and because the com-
mittees of poulti-y shows are not so careful in selecting the
judge of Pigeons as they are the judge of poultry. This is a
great mistake, and unless a different course is adopted Pigeons
had better be omitted from the competing classes. — Eds. J. H.]

BEE-HIVES AND THEIIl APPURTENANCES.

(^Continued from page 34.)

SwAKMiNG-HiTES. — Being of opinion that, both as regards
shape and material, there is no receptacle into which bees can
be introduced, and more healthfully preserved with less care
than

Dome-shaped Straw Hites, therefore these still retain a
place in my apiary, with the imdermen'ioned improvements, as
stocks to swarm. At the same time it is well that every hive,
before being used, should be so fitted as to act in emergency the
part of a depriving-hive ; as it sometimes happens that the hive
so destmed will fairly exhaust one's patience, although blocked
out at the entrance, determinedly clinging to theoldtibodc; while
it may chance at the very time, another we had hoped great
things from as a depriver will show, despite every effort to
prevent, as strong a predilection to be off. To save time, it
therefore becomes good poUcy to let each follow the bent of its
inclination.

Success in bee-keeping depends, in a measure, upon being guided
somewhat by the habits and instincts of the insects. I never,
therefore, liked the principle of returning swarms, particularly
seconds ; far better to hive them at once as they come off,
strengthening the parent hives at the end of the season with the
inmates of the condemned stocks, right and left, as recommended
by Gelieu. The returning but leads to a fresh exodus on the
first opportunity, causing endless trouble to the apiarian, and
keeps the stock in a continual hubbub.

I place my seconds, one in an under-sized straw hive, if early
and strong — if later, two or three or even more together in a
larger hive ; these, stimulated with a little spring feeding, and
possessing a young queen, make capital swarmers.

The district and bulk of swarms must somewhat regulate the
size of hive. 1-1 inches inside are the width of mine — a dome-
sliaped, about 9 inches in depth to the eaves. The standard I
have adopted is about 1300 cubic inches, or say, in other words,
such a size as a box 12 inches square by 9 inches deep. I have
wrought successfully this size with end openings, and have never
yet found brood in a super — of course I mean single prime swarms
of the season, destined to swarm the succeeding year.

It is a poor season indeed that a fair swarm does not yield
something, and generally keep itself through till the next. Sliould
need be, however, a Uttle feeding is supphed in the beginning of
March.

A simple mode by which the size of round-topped and other
odd-shaped hives may at once be contrasted with the standard,
is to fill a box of the desired dimensions with clean grain, and
empty it into the other.

The bands of common straw hives are generally about three-
quarters of an inch wide ; they can be very beneficially increased
to 1 inch or li inch. I have often heard cottagers remark, that
somehow their thick skeps were always lucky. 'Jhey should
all be wrought with cane, and attached at bottom with the same
material to a good hard wood hoop, through holes bored with a hot
iron to prevent splitting : this adds greatly to their durability.

April]6, 1861. ]

JOUETfAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE aABDENEE.

63

Boys' playing-hoop8 answer the purpose rery well — those of ash
— cost a copper or two, at any toy-warehouse, are to be had of all
sizes, and ready for use. A nicer mode, although more expensive,
is to cut, with a saw out of three-eighth-inch dressed board,
two flat circular rings of a breadth corresponding with the
thickness of the straw, lay one above the other with the grain
of the wood reversed, carefully glue and sprig together, and attach
to the under band of hive with screws ; as much of the lower ring
to be cut out in front as is required for an entrance, the upper
with the straw affording shelter to the bees about it. My straw
hives have a small window behind placed in an aperture cut
4i inches by 3^ inches^of course, the bands taken out must
be of the full thickness ; a bit of dressed board of similar thick-
ness as the straw is made to fit tightly into the space ; a piece
31 inches by 2i inches cut out, leaving a frame of half an inch
all round ; a rabbit of a quarter of an inch is sunk to receive
the pane, which can be retained in its place with putty or four
little quarter-inch slips of wood sprigged. An odd end of a slide
(bar-and-slide hive-tops), one edge run off and sprigged on with
the rabbit side iuwards, is available to work a small shutter of
quarter-inch wood, 4i inches by 3^ inches, with a fine rabbit cut
in it to match the other. The entrance is 5 inches by three-
eightlis of an inch cut through the hoop, contractable at pleasure,
as will be afterwards explained under " entrances."

Fiat-topped Steaw Hives are 14 inches wide by 9 inches
deep, wrought on hoop-window and entrance as above, are fitted
as cleprivers by cutting out each top-end band of straw, the space
filled up by dividing a bar (bar-and-slide hive) into two, and
securing it to the straw back and front ; into the grooves in the
bar, a half-inch or five-eighth-inch slide is wrought. The bees by
this means are admitted by both ends into the octagon super, if
such be used ; if bell-glasses, one can be placed over each opening.
Any inequality in the straw of the top of the hive where the super
rests can be made up by tacking a little slip of wood round the
box. I omitted to state above that a similar mode for an
entrance to the super can be resorted to in dome-shaped hives,
with this difference— that the super rests on a board screwed on
the top of tile hive, the bees being admitted into it by the ends
as before ; the communication between the ends of the hive and
the fop-board effected by two thin pieces of wood secured, half-
an-inch apart, with end pieces, and passing through slits cut to
receive them in the top-board. These uprights are kept from
slipping into the hive, or too far through the board, by little
pieces nailed round acting as flanges; the top-board and these
end pieces only remain on the hive when required for supering. —
A Renfkewshiee Bee-keeper.

(To be continued.)

EARLY HARVESTING OF POLLEN.

I HAVE observed that in some of the communications lately
inserted that your apiarian correspondents in England appear
surprised at the statements made by your Eenfrewshire cor-
respondent, of his bees having been seen carrying pollen on the
27th of January last.

As I feel a great interest in all the movements of these indus-
trious insects, I have frequently noted down in my pocket-book
remarkable observations of their swarming, and early or late
industry, &c. ; and upon reading those articles upon the apiary
abore referred to, I was induced to look over my pocket-book,
where I find it noted, January 2Sth, l.'^Gl, " Bees seen working
upon snowdrops in the open air; and again February 1st, working
and carrying pollen upon crocuses, snowdrops, and Jasmuium
nudifloruni in front of my house, which is brick, arid facing tlie
soutli." On looking back at former dates I see they were first
seen on flowers on February lOlh, 1856 ; and on the previous
year (185.5), which had a severe winter and very late spring, they
were first seen on flowers April 17th — an amazing contrast, cer-
tainly to tlie present season. I see I have it also inserted as
b'ling unusually late. Bees working and carrying pollen "freely"
on NovcGiber 14th, 1859.

These extracts may prove interesting to some of the bee-
keepers in the south " if you consider them worthy of insertion."
I may also remark that this place is in the east corner of Moray-
shire, and is upw;u'ds of 200 miles north of Henfrew. The
remarkably warm and soft south-west wind, which we had here
of above a fortnight's duration towards the latter end of last
January, and beginning of February, gave a stimulus to vege-
tation, wliiuli a week's frost in February failed to check ; and

everything was nearly as forward on the first week in Marcli
as it was in 1859, when everything was so early, and which was
preceded by so mild a winter. The lowest night temperature
on the 27th and 28th of January last was 47° and 48° respec-
tively.— JoHK "Websteb, Gordon Castle.

B.S. — I had almost omitted to remark that there are but few
deaths in our apiaries in this quarter, and although weak, the
bees are carrying pollen freely at this date (April 5th).

DURATION OF QUEEN BEE'S LIFE.

INTBODUCINa A LIGUBIAN QUEEN INTO A HIVE OF
COMMON BEES.

On looking over what I am quoted as having written in reply
to yom' correspondent " H." at page 375 of your last volume, I
find an error, whether of my own or your compositor I cannot
say ; but if mine I must apologise to " H." for having written so
carelessly. The error (obvious enough to every bee-master), is
contained iu the following words: — "The queen in our corre-
spondent's hive (which hive is a swarm of 1859), will last two
years longer in a vigorous condition." If, instead of "will," "H."
will read " may," the error will be corrected ; but it must be
added that if " H." does not know the age of the queen, she may
also be drawing very near the close of her natural lite. I certainly
understood that your correspondent's hive was not itself a swarm
of 1859, but that it had given out a swarm in that year, in
which case the full term of the queen's lite would not expire till
1863 — i. «., assuming that queens live four years.

Permit me to suggest a method of introducing Ligurian
queens into established stocks, which I intend to adopt myself
this season. I have three queens, known to be olci, at the head of
very rapidly increasing stocks ; these I intend to compel to swarm
artificially as early as possible, if I can procure the Liguriuns to
take their place. Each artificial swarm will be made to take
the place of the old hive, which will thus be denuded of all its
full-grown bees. The next day, or, better still, in the quiet of
the same evening, I shall introduce the Ligurians. The young
bees, I take it, will offer little or no opposition. To succeed the
Ligurians must, of course, be in full laying trim, and impreg-
nated by the males of then- own species beforehand. In this
case they would very likely swarm tliemselves in June ; but
their offspring (queens), would very likely be hybrids, as there
would be, most probably, a good deal of drone-brood in their
usurped dominions. This, however, might be carefully cut
away at the time the swarm was artificially made. — B. & W.

WHAT ARE THE TRUE DIMENSIONS FOR
COMB-BAR HIVES AND BOXES?

Since replying to the inquiry of a " JSoKTH-LAXCASniBE
Bee-keepee" on this subject, I have been indebted to the
kindness of a friend for the possession of a copy of the EcT.
L. L. Langstrotli's work on "The Hive and Honey Bee." As
it is to this gentleman that American bee-keepers owe the intro-
duction of bar-and-frame hives, in the use of which he has had
great practical experience, due weight should certainly be given
to his opinion. On examination I find that he names 14J inches
as the proper width to accommodate ten bars. Although this
is much closer than I should have ventured upon without such
high authority, I have given the subject my most earnest
attention ; and having for various reasons arrived at the con-
clusion tliat Mr. Langstroth is correct, I am now alte?ing al
my stock-boxes of 13 inches square from eight to nine bars,
increasing at the same time their depth from 7 inches to 8 inches
and allowing suflicient space above the bars to give free passag
to the bees,

I do not urge a " Noeth-Lakcashiee Bee-k;eepee " to
follow my example, because it is as yet quite an experiment, and
may turn out an unsuccessful one, although I cannot confess to
any misgivings on the subject. In due time I shall have pleasure
in communicating the result to the readers of The Joubnai of
Hoeticitltuee. — A Detonshiee Bee-keepeb.

Bee Eobbees — Teeatment. — When robbing bees attack _a
weak colony having a fertile queen, it is advisable to remove it
from its stand to a dark chamber or cellar. Set an empty hive
in its place, strew therein a handful or two of the stems and
leaves of wormwood, and rub the front of the hive and the bottom

54,

JOTTENAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

[ April 16, 18G1.

board therewith. The assailants will soon forsake the spot and
the colony may be replaced on its stand on the evening ot the
following day.— (^mencoB Bee Journal.)

CANAEIES' FEET DISEASED.

In answer to " B. S. Y.," I beg to say that one of my best
bu-ds -was afaicted very much in the same way. The leg from the
toes to the first joint up began to swell on one foot. I took the
bird out and carefully examined the foot, but could find no trace
of hair, or anything round it, although 1 used a powerful magni-
fying glass. I bathed it in warm water, and hkewise gave it a
drop or two of sweet spirits of nitre in its water, and plenty of
groats to eat. In two days after the upper part turned black
and aU the scales feU off. I again took the magnifying glass, but
could find nothing to indicate the cause. With frequent bathing
in warm water the disease went off in about a fortnight.

I think if more frequent communications on these subjects
could be obtained, a vast amount of useful information would be
brought forth in your paper, both interesting and useful to bird
breeders. — Wm. Young.

[Our columns are open to all correspondence upon such
subjects. — Eds. J. H.]

CATCHING TOMTITS.

A"Kenfeewshike Bee-keepee" writes that his bees were
annoyed by the large black-headed Tomtit (Parus magnus),
during the "late winter. I have always found these birds more
destructive in NoTcmber, December, January, and February
only, in seasons moderately cold; as, during extremely severe
weather, tlie bird cannot entice bees to the entrance, which
ought, in fact, always to be stopped with wood or tin in such
weather.

The Tomtit prefers the straw hive much more than the wooden
box for his predatory habits ; but I have recorded in Vol. VII.
or VIII. of The Cottage Gardeneb my mode of destroymg
what they call in Hampshire the great "bee killer." Take one
of the inexpensive common mouse-traps, price id., and bait it
with suet or a bit of bacon fat, and place it on the lop of a hive
or box. My straw hives are covered with earthen pans, and
these coverings do to place the trap on. In the course of a
month sixteen of these impudent birds were caught in this
spring-trap, and not one Robin. I quite agree with your cor-
respondent that the placing of poison is a cruel plan, as the
innocent too often suffer for the guilty. The great Tomtit is as
fond of suet as many aldermen are said to be of turtle ; and the
bird is fond of looking into little holes and comers, pulling out
straws, &c., for the insects concealed there.

During the summer when grubs and caterpillars are plentifiil,
I have never found these birds at all troublesome except in
attacking my green peas.— 11. W. Newman, Cheltenham.

Scarcity op Stablings. — I should be glad to know from
your correspondents in various parts of the country whether
they have noticed this spring an extraordinary scarcity of
Starhiigs. In this neighbourhood I have not seen one, although
the church and rectory for many years have been the favourite
resort of humlrcds of these birds. Are we to conclude that they
were all killed by the severity of the winter, or that, from lack of
food, they migrated to less inclement latitudes ? If we take the
former alternative, they must be a more tender bird than is
generally supposed ; if the latter, how is it that not a single pair
should have returned to their old haunts ? — E. M., Oaiusworth,
Cheshire.

VARIETIES.

To Clean Tainted Bahkels. — Tlie best method for cleaning
tainted barrels is to put one peck of charcoal and one teacup of
potash into each barrel, fill I hem up with boiling water, cover
tight, and let them stand until cold.

How TO Teansfeb Patterns. — Transfer paper is certainly
the most easy and convenimt method; if it cannot be purchased,
it can always be made in a few minutes in the following manner: — ■
Take a sheet of thin writing paper, and with a piece of wadding
or flannel rub it all over with a little sweet oil, carefully removing
any superfluity on the surface of the paper ; then rub on to this
oiled paper a little colour, either light or dark, according to the

colour of the material on which the work is to be executed — if
a dark cloth, for instance, a little chrome yellow is the best j if
a light drab or any pale colour, a little common blue makes the
lines perfectly visible. This colour must also be well rubbed
into the paper, so that none shall be left on the surface. When
the paper is thus prepared, place it on the material and lay over
it the pattern to be transferred, and with an ivory knitting-
needle or a stiletto, trace the outline of the pattern, which will
be found to be transferred to the material with perfect distinct-
ness, if properly managed. — (^Peterson's Magazine.)

Sally Lcnn. — I am tempted to send my recipe for this most
delicious tea bread, which, once eaten at your table, will cause
your friends to rejoice when asked to come again. Take a stone
pot, pour in one pint bowl of sweet milk, half a teacup of bakers'
or other yeast, one-quarter of a pound of melted butter, a little
salt, and three beaten eggs. Mix in about three pint bowls of
flour ; let it stand several hours, or until quite light ; then put
it into Turk-heads or other tin pans, in which Sally should again
rise up before being shoved into the oven, to be " brought out "
and presented to your friends as the beauty and belle of the
evening. — {American Country Gentletnan.)

How the Japanese Ebvite Flowebs. — Another little
practice I would mention here for the benefit of those who love
to decorate their rooms with flowers. After a bouquet is drooping
beyond all remedies of fresh water, the Japanese can bring it
back to all its first glory by a very simple and seemingly most
destructive operation. I had received some days ago, a delight-
ful bunch of flowers from a Japanese acquaintance ; they con-
tinued to live in all their beauty for nea-ly two weeks when at
last they faded. Just as I was about to have them thrown
away, the same gentleman (Japanese gentleman) came to see
me. I showed him the faded flowers, and told him that, though
lasting a long time, they had now become useless. " Oh, no,"
said he, " only put the stem ends into the fire, and they will be
as good as before." I was incredulous. So he took them him-
self and held the ends of the stems into the fire until they were
completely charred. This was in the morning; at evening they
were again looking fresh and vigorous, and have continued so
for another week. What may be the true agent in this reviving
process I am unable to determine fully : whether it be the
heat driving once more through every leaflet and vein, or
whether it be the bountiful supply of carbon furnished by the
charring. I am inclined, however, to the latter cause, as the
full effect was not produced until some eight hours afterwards j
and as it seems that, if the heat was the principal agent, it
must have been sooner followed by visible changes. — {New
York Herald.)

OUE LETTER BOX.

Hkns Dying 'whilst Latino {K. M. I.). — Tlie cause is told in one o
your own sentences — *' -when opened they are very fat." This and their
appearing "dull and heavy," demonstrates that they are fed too well.
Give them each a table-spoonful of castor oil, no biirley. and no " bits
from the kitchen." Give them a little soft food at nipht, and nothing
more all the summer, as they have *' a good run, and access to water and
grass."

Dorking with Festerkd Foot (A Const n7it Subscriber).— The featetiiig
of the foot is probably the remains of the frostbites. Very many birds lost
part of their toes down to the first joint. Remove the cockerel from the yard
if it has a hard surface, and place him on grass. Alter yourfefdinp. Barley
is never good food if fowls are confined to it. It is worse than usual this
year, owing to the bad quality. Get some oats, and have them ground
very fine without taking away any part. Let this be slaked with water,
and feed with it. Your fowl's will then get well. You need not be uneasy
about the diarihoia.

Lop-KAiiEU Rabbits (i. J?. .R.).— Refer to the lists of prizetakers, and
write to them or what you need. You will sec a drawing of a firet-class
Lop, and all the points desired, detailed in our No. 648. first series.

Managpment of Goats {3/. J'«7z*?craW).— If written by the party you
mention, the information is not the result of his own experience, we
shall be very much obliged by any one who has successfuJly kept Goats for
the sake o f their milk, favouring us with particulars of their management
the kind of Goat they kept, lood, &c.

LONDON MAHKETS.— April 15.
POULTRY.

There is still a real dearth of poultry. It is likely to continae for some
time, as the high prices will cause senders to prefer a present large price
to a larger in perspective.

Each — s. d. a. d.

LargeFowls 6 0 ,, 6 6

Smaller Fowls 5 0 ,, 5 6

Chickens 4 0 „ 4 6

Goslings 8 0 „ 9 0

Ducklings 5 0 „ 5 6

£ach— 5, d. «. d

Guinea ^Towls 4 0 „ 4 6

Hares 0 0 ,, 0 0

Rabbits 1 4 „ 1 6

Wild ditto „ 0 9 „ 0 10

Pigeons 0 10 » 1 0

AprU 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

55

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

Day

of ' of i

M'nth Week.

23

T, 1

24

W '

25

Th

26

F

27

S ,

28

Sum ;

29

M 1

WlAtHBR XKAa tONDOH IS 1860.

APRIL 23^29, 1861.

Ktaodora canadensis. i

Pyrus puraila.

St. Mark. Pes. Alick born,

Bulbocodium vernum. [1843.

Cl!iTtoni.-i virf^nica.

4 Sunday aftkr Kaster. ,

Pulmonaria ofliciaalis.

Barometer. iThermom.

39.740-29.623
29.746—29.689
29.991—29.872
30.150-30.099
30.223—30.219
30.269—30.244
30.309—30.250

deg. dej.
52—32
40—36
65-37
55-31
51-23
57—24
63—31

! Rain in
Inches.

Sun
Kises.

S.W.

N.E.
N.E.
N.E.
N.E.
N E,
S.W.

— ■±o

— 41

— 1 39

— 37

m. h.

49af 4
47 4
4
4
4
4
4

Sob

Sets. 1

m. li. )

7af7 ]

9 7 1

11 7

12 7

14 7

16 7

17 7

Moon

Ri8?s Moon's
and Sets Age.

Clock
after
Sun.

Day of j
Year.

ni. h.
34 3
lises
48 a 8
a 10
20 11
morn.
14 0

13
O
15
16
17
18
19

113
114
115

lis

1)7
118
K9

Metkoroi,og-j of the Week.— At Chiawiok, from observations during the last thirty-four years, the average hifjiiest and '"■^^■''
temperatures of these days are 53.8' and 36.8' respectively. The greatest heat, 81', occurred on the 2Sth, in 1840 ; and the lowest cold, 2J ,
on the 22nd in 1859. Dming the period 133 days were fine, and on 105 rain fell.

THE EDUCATION OF TOIJNG GARDENERS

I HE amount of education neces-
sary for a younp; gardener pre-
Tious to his undertaking a
responsible situation, has been
for some time occupj'ing the
attention of one or two of your
contemporaries. But the amount
of good that is lilcely to accrue from
their various opinions on the above
subject I am not at present in a
position to surmise ; but it is very
liliely to end as it began — namely,
in nothing — as I am afraid some
of them are recommending an
education which they themselves
are not possessed of, and, moreover,
far beyond the reach of the ma-
joritj' of young gardeners — and if
they were possessed of it they
would seldom, if ever, require it
for any practical purpose.

The follosving are some of the
branches of education which I think
we young gardeners ought to be
possessed of — viz., land surveying,
wood and timber measuring, mason's and bricklayer's
work, carpenter's and joiner's work, plasterer's work,
glazier's work, book -keeping, and practical geometry. A
gardener who superintends a place of any pretensions
requires one or other of the above almost dailj' ; and
they are no more than what any young gardener may
teach hirtiself,and practise during the long winterevenings,
which will be turning leisure momenta to a profitable
account, and will be of infinite value to him, if ho is
spared to undertake a responsible situation, which he

! knowledge of his profession, without which it would be
: utterly impossible to give an employer any degree of
satisfaction. On the contrary, it would cause an em-
ployer to remonstrate with him on the small success
attending h:s labour, which too often ends in a separa-
j tion — a procedure which is not verj' satisfactory to an
! employer any more than it is to the employed.

Having thus far glanced at some of the most essential
branches of education necessary for a young gardener
who is about to undertake a responsible situation, I will,
with your permission, make a few remarks on the class of
estabiishraents out of which a good gardener is likely to
be obtained.

A good many noblemen and gentlemen are of opinion,
when in want of a gardener, that the best place to apply
for one is at a first-class establisliment. For so doing they
are in a great measure justified ; because, if a young
gardener has held a responsible position in one of these
establishments for two or three years, and during that
time has given his superintendent every satisfaction, he
also is a likely person to give satisfaction to an employer,
as the majority of head-gardeners in first-class establish-
ments are men whose practical abilities are in unison with
the places which they hold : consequently the instructions
which they would impart to such a young man relating
to his various duties, would be based on such sound
principles and long experience that the young gardener
would become in a great measure a stranger to failures.

Nevertheless, there are others that are rather pre-
judiced against taking a gardener out of a first-class
establishment ; and they are not void of areasonfor being
so, as they are aware that many of the superintendents
of the above places require premiums from young pro-
fessionals for merely allowing them to work on the
establishment, giving them a promise to assist them into
a more rcinunerativc situation. A young man's pro-
fessional abilities are sometimes a secondary consideration

would be very unsuitable for if he were not possessed of with these wholesale dealers in gardeners, and the more

such knowledge. But a gardener may be well initiated in demand they have for men to fill responsible situations,

history, be a good politician, can talk French and Latin, the faster can they pocket the premiums,

be a good mathematician, geometrician, geographer, gram- Employers are also aware that the greater part of the

marian, botanist, &c., yet be possessed oif a very indifferent majority of these young men's time is employed in one

knowledge of his profession. It is a true remark that particular department, consequently they must be very
Mr. Beaton recently made in The Cottage G.i.rdenek — , often in ignorance of what is going on in many of the

namely, " All the learning, and all the education in the
world, will not avail a man who wants a practical know-
ledge of what he takes in hand to do ; and as there is no
way by which a man's practice can be tested before he
sets to work, all the tests of efficiency by education may
turn out in empty bushels."

A gardener possessed of a first-class education would be
but a poor compensation to an employer if he were com-
pelled to use and treat his friends to inferior or worthless
fruits, or when visiting the garden to be continually
meeting with sickly or unhealthy plants and other un-
sightly objects, which can only be attributed to the want
of practical experience and good judgment on the part of
the gardener : therefore, I insist that a young gar-
dener's first ambition ought to be to gain, a good practical
• No. 4. — Vol. I., New Seeies.

other departments : therefore, unless these young men
are pretty familiar with the various branches of their
profession previously to their entering into one of the
above establishments at all, their chances are few to
become familiar with them after. Nevertheless, out, of
one of the above establishments a gentleman may obtain a
first-class gardener, as a good many of these young men
are well initiated into their profession previous to their
entering into the far-famed place at all— their object in
going there being merely to facilitate their getting a
better situation.

I must also beg leave to make a few remarks on the

gardeners employed in second-class places. A great

many of these men are as good practical gardeners as

their more fortunate brethren. It is even necessary that

No. 656.— Vol. XXVI., Old Sbeies.

56

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Apra 23, 1861.

they should be the better gardeners of the two, as there
may be some of their employers who are very partial to
their garden, yet from circumstances are unable to expend
the amount they could wish either towards improve-
ments or keeping them in proper order : therefore, it is
necessary that their gardeners should be of first-class
abilities, that they know the value of labour, time, and
money, that they know what improvements really are,
and the beat and cheapest modes of accomplishing them.
A gardener in a first-class place, when effecting a supposed
improvement, if it fall short of the desired effect may
pull it all to pieces, it being no matter what expense it
may have occasioned, and he may try again on a different
plan.

How many gardeners are there in second-class places
that could practise the above and give their employers
satisfaction? Such a gardener, also, to some extent
finds it necessary to study the various tastes of the men
whom he may have under his charge. As he finds that
some are more partial to, and can accomplish some kinds of
work with greater alacrity than others, therefore, he tries,
as far as practicable, to let each man have his favourite
work, for by so doing he can have it better done and
more of it, without showing in his manner the least
appearance of tyranny — and when he has to correct a
man, it is with as much deference as the circumstances of
the case will admit — his words are few, but they are to
the purpose. In short, he avoids everything that would
tend unnecessarily to wound the feelings of the anxious-
to-do-well workman.

Such men are not only respected by the working men,
but they are as highly respected by their employer, who
in time looks upon his gardener almost as one of his
own family.

I am sorry there are exceptions to the preceding
remark. The gardener is not always appreciated accord-
ing to his value, or as a trustworthy anxious servant
ought to be ; but when he has spent the noontide of his
days in a master's service, that master invents some
lame excuse to part with him, in order to avoid pi'oviding
him with the means to assist him to a crust of bread, or
to smooth the pillow of an old but honest servant. I
hope such employers are few, and I hope there are
fewer old gardeners depending upon the charity of such
employers. — An Undee-Gaedenee, Sudhury Mall.

Ah, well! our hobbies are, I suppose, all equally absurd to
those not interested in tbem, and equally valuable to oiurselves ;
only let us not ride them to death, which, by-the-by, some may
say I am now doing. To vindicate myself, I will just say what
a Horist wiD see if he follows my advice : — A large frame, con-
taining a first-rate coUection of Auriculas in full bloom, con-
sisting of all classes and of a large number of varieties, both
new and old, in the fullest vigour, perfect health, and full
bloom. Of course, to many ejes they will seem too stiff and
regular to have any real beauty in them — very curious, doubtless,
but by no means handsome. Now I say they are unique —
that there is nothing in the whole range of floriculture Uke them.
Here is one— a truss of brilliant blue or light purple. Here
is another of deep crimson Here another of maroon. Here
one, the edge of which is a brilliant green, with a deep rim of
intense black inside a pure white circle, and a yellow eje^— a
quadricolour, in fact. Here, again, one with a soft grey edge
and a splendid violet band, and yet another while-bordered.
Then, again, look at the foliage. While some are of a brilliant
green, here is another with leaves as white as if the good house-
wife had dredged them all over with flour; while another has
a beautiful thin line of white running round a green leaf, like
the silver braiding on a uniform, another has a white line up
the middle of the leaf: and therefore I say, both in foliage and
bloom they are quite unique.

There is, too, here a fair field open for the hybridiser ; for the
accessions of late years have just shown that, while here and
there a few flowers of sm'passing exceUeuce have been raised,
they Iiave been so few as to show that more care must be
exercised : and let it be weU known that, amongst florists, he
will be considered A 1 who raises a fh-st-rate Auricula.

Amongst the new kinds which I saw in bloom were —Smith's
Richard Cobdeu and Lord John Russell, Spaldry's Metropolitan,
Smith's Lady Sale, Charles' Mary, Headley's George Light body,
Richmond's North Star and Volunteer, Turner's Kev. George
Jeans, and Chapman's Maria. While amongst older varieties
were remarked as very fine — Taylor's Glory, Drew's Lady Jane
Grey, Spaldry's Blackbird, Netlierwood's Othello, Maclean's
Unique, Smith's Waterloo, Waterhouse's Conqueror of Europe,
and PoppleweU's Conqueror.

Nor were Auriculas the only things worth seeing. Cinerarias
also were very fine. A good race of self-coloured varieties has
\ been raised. Brilliant has been exceeded by Duke of Cambridge
! and Adam Bede; while a seedling of last year, though some-
what coarse, is likely to prove valuable as a flower of Brilliant
colour — the Rev. Reynolds Hole. Miss Eyies is a most free-
flowering variety — white, with a brilliant border of carmine.
These two, with Maid of Astolat, are decided acquisitions, bril-
liancy of colom- being joined with excellency of habit. — D., Deal,

A TREAT FOR AURICULA LOVERS.

"Still harping on my daughter?" E'en so may friend
Othello say. And why not? Is she not charming, *'all my
fancy painted her — lovely and divine?" I advised, soine time
ago, any one who wanted a treat in flowers to run down and see
the Slough Auriculas; and not being willing to advise wliat I
do not practise, I took a recent opportunity of being m London
to make the trip myself; and having undergone the operation,
I can most conscientiously recommend any whose eye is at all
educated for such matters to follow my example. It may be
this will fall under tlie notice of some reader who heaves a sigh
at the recollection of what he formerly dirt in that line and now
has abandoned. I say to you, my friend, Go down. The virus
will probably take, and you will again find yourself numbered
amongst the honourable fraternity. Or some one who, rather
sick of nothing but bedding out, desires to cultivate some
florists' flow^'r. To you I would say, None so worthy of your
care as this. " Pooh, pooli ! " I hear some say, " tViat's all very
fine — that's what every one says." Then Lady Jemima calls
all her acquaiutunces to admire the beauty of Fidele — a nasty,
wheezy, fat porpoise of a spaniel. While Tom Rattler bids you
observe the beauty of his superlatively ugly" Skye terrier. Dr.
Dryasdust bids you run off to Kent and admire the sublime
grandeur of Kiehborougli Castle — and you only see a dry,
crumbling wall. Mr. Sirloin bids you mark the beauties of that
heifer he is about to slaughter, discom-ses severally of its points,
and tells you how perfect she is — you see only an obese round-
baiTelled-shaped brute, tl.e best part of which will go to the
cook's tub and the tallowchandler's vat.

CROSS-BREEDING FLORISTS' FLOWERS-A

RIBBON-BORDER FOR THE MANY.
If I were disposed to write on bedding plants as against
florists' flowers, and if my race and kindred had been of the
Mac Ian Mhor kith and clan, I could not have coveted a more
competent rival in the lists than "D.,"the writer on Florists'
Flowers in The Jouhnal of Hokticultuee. To aspire to
break a lance with a better-mounted knight, or with a cavalier
of less fresh fame than he who lusts for fortune in a fray, is
neither prudeTit nor peculiar in Our day : therefore, if I came out
of the fray second best, all they could say about it could only
amount to a want of prudence or a desire for notoriety — two
things bad enough in themselves, which I could afford to turn to
good account in an encounter between beds and circles, between
substance, shape, and colour, or between a "D." on one leg, and
a " D." with a " B." to banter with. But just now we are too
busy to entertain such notions ; and all I want to say is tliis, that
if the florists do really hybridise their breeders as "D." says in
last week's impression, I can spare them the one-half and the
most difficult part of then* labour entirely by one stroke of this
pen. With two exceptions — the Fuchsia and Pelargonium, there
is not a single or double florists' flower on record which needs
hybridising at all, or which will prodvice a better seedling from
all the knowledge of the cross-breeder. And even more than
that — hybridising can only spoil some few kinds of florists'
flowers from the moment the kind is improved as to be worthy
the attention of a florist. Not a word of this is on hearsay, I
have proved every word of what I assert.

April 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTITRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

57

But this law in crossing flowers goes very far beyond the
province of the florist, and of the flower-beds. One party who
took up one side of Mr. Darwin's ideas on the origin of species,
are quite as much at fault as he who believes he has efiected a
cross because he went through the process of introducing strange
pollen to the pistils of all his seedlings for a quarter of a century.
I am not quite certain that the Hollyhock might not be relied
upon for giving one-half of the merit of seedlings to the efiect
of crossing ; and I know that to balance that, one-half of the
merit of seedling Fuchsias is not due to cross-fertilisation. I
was the first man, and, I believe, the only individual who ever
crossed all the wild Fuchsias, &c. Thirty years since I proved
the origin of several Mexican species of Fuchsias, and recorded
the facts ; and although I have not crossed a Fuchsia for the last
twenty-five years, I am perfectly cognisant of how the law of
crossing affects them.

One might tliink — and a florist who only crossed florists'
flowers would never find out the difference— that a law would
apply equally to all famiUes of plants. That is far from being
the case, however. But, to understand that, know that under
cxUtivatiou every plant that is crossed is at the same moment
under the influence of two sets of laws, and may be under many
more.

The first law is, that the organs of reproduction be ripe or
ready for the process of crossing. The second law is, the degree
in which both the parents arc different from their natural law of
growth in a wild state. There is no plant in cultivation in the
exact state it enjoys in its wild nature. It is either so much
better off or so much the worse ; and the degree of so much better
or so much worse, is the second law I mean.

Then follow the laws of how these degrees are brought about ;
and here is where nothing that we yet know of can guide a man
save actual experience, for the law acts very differently on two
genera which are exactly under the same process of culture ; so
that your experience on one of them is not, or at least may not,
be of the smallest use to you in your dealings with the second.

All oxu* real English florists' flowers ore improved only by an
improved system of culture. The Dahlia, the Pelargonium, and
the Pansy are far more improved by the highest cultivation than
the Clove tribe, as Pinks, Picotees, and Carnations. Their degrees
are different, and the foreign pollen is not of the slightest
benefit or the smallest injury to any one of them.

On the other hand, your very highest degree of superior
cultivation goes entirely for nothing in crossing Eoses, or in
raising seedlings of them without crossing : therefore, they must
be under a third law, and I know at least seven more laws, making
ten distinct laws, which affect crossed flowers in one way or
another. But if I induce a new flower to cross, I cannot tell,
and no one can tell me, whicli of these ten laws governs it most,
or if even one of them affects it at all.

When a man tells me ho has taken to crossing his flowers
from reading the ways of cross-breeding in TnE JOTJE>fAL of
HOBTICULTTTEE, and he finds now he can do anything, I com-
pliment him of course ; but I am at the same time well aware
that our Journal is not yet of sufRcient age to have taught him
any such thing. At the end of a dozen years of extensive
crossing, a man at least can only be sucking his thumb on the
subject. I, who have sucked both thumbs on it since 1S18, am
obliged to own how very little I really do know of the laws by
which vegetables are governed for good or ill in cross-breeding.
But I know quite well that florists will raise as many good
seedlings without foreign pollen as with it, with the said Hmi-
tations. Let them only try and tell the result. Then, but not
till then, shall I be able to show them just as clearly and with
much less writing, where they and their humble servant mistake
means for ends and ends for means. We are both of us so far
in the wrong.

But, bless me, what I was going to say was, that I saw more
spring flowers this spring than I have seen for the last ten years
put together, and that among them was Ranunculus amplexi-
caulis, of which I had known a gay bed in March, 1823, 1824,
and 1825 at Altyre, near Forres. It came in before the white
Arabis prtecox, alias alpina, and lasted longer and was as white ;
but the bed was not just so telling as the one of Arabis, because
there was more room between the flowers to see the green leaves.

In those bygone years we began the year with Snowdrops,
Crocuses, Ranunculus amplexicaulis, and Arabis prsecox, as
"D." says the florists now do with Pansies and Auriculas ; but
ours at that time ended with the Naked and Painted Ladies —
the autumnal Crocuses.

Pansies were not thought of then, and double Dahlias were
not so common nor one-half so gay as the single ones. Auri-
culas were then at their prime, and Polyanthuses — I mean both
as florists' flowers — were just beginning to decline in favour.
Pinks and Carnations were as hotly cultivated as at this day ;
and we had a yearly supply of Picotee seeds from Naples, and
beds and borders of seedlings of all the florists' flowers of the
day that would surprise some of the great growers of the present
day. The father of the present Duchess of Sutherland, before
he was married, was a welcome visitor at Altyre ; for he, too,
was fond of florists' flowers, and first taught the baronet who
now enjoys the place to know and like them for their own sake.

But in my capacity of a paid advocate on the other side, I
have been often requested to propose a kind of John-Anderson-
my-jo-John sort of ribbon-border for the million — one that a
duchess might go to Court in ; and, at the same time, one that
the old woman who opens the lodge gate might set up as her
own ensign of decorative principles, without seeming to appear
to her betters to bo aiming at the frivolities of fashion. I have
stedfastly held to the opinion, however, that, in order to improve
the taste of our people, the best plan to pursue is to give un-
bounded scope to all degrees of taste among them, to induce them
to open their minds confidentially as to their own ideas of any
particular taste in planting, and then, without making a parade
of their lack of knowledge of the principle on which they acted,
to show them how to square it with the principles of the present
fashion. That, I om convinctd, is the true way to act when
you have to do with all degrees of ideas of taste. Make no
efforts to change a taste or to make a convert in taste.

Nevertheless, I cannot foresee any great harm that could
come of a John-Anderson-niy-jo-John ribbon-border, only that I
would not be supposed to msi^t on it. Here it is, therefore, and
I do assure you 1 like it myself.

The length is to be the whole run of a border, either straight
on or bended gracefully into curves ; all you will have to do
wiU be to plant every part of each row at the same distance from
the edge of the border. This season the first row must be of
Cerastium iomentpsum, planted in a single row, 4 inches fi'om
the side, and 4 inches plant from plant — the smaller the bits
the better, and allow 4 more inches on the off side to spread, or
8 inches when the plants are at full run. From the middle to
the end of April is the best time to do this ; and if there is a
close row of Crocus leaves in your way, plant two rows of
Cerastium 6 inches plant from plant, one row in front, and one
immediately behind the Crocuses. When there is a chance, put
in bits of Cerastium between the patches of Crocus ; give them
a good watering, and repeat it till the first rain comes ; and as
soon as the Cerastium begins to spread, train it so as to fiU the
first 8 inches. Kcxt year the Arabis Darieffafa will be the front.

The next row makes a marked contrast being a deep dark blue
Lobelia speciosa from seeds. Sprinkle the Lobelia seeds very
thinly over a shallow box filled with liglit mould ; damp a piece
of flannel, and stretch it like a bladder over the box, keeping
the flannel damp and warm, till you see the seed sprouting.
You know all the rest without ray John-Andersoning it. Ten
inches you are to allow for the Lobelia ; but to get it to cover
soon, plant in two rows zig zag, and no more than 6 inches apart.

The third row is to be the softest of all, and all of Stachya
lanata, which is as hardy as the daisies on the lawn, and spreads
much faster than they, creeping along and rooting as it goes.
Every little morsel of it taken up in April has roots to it j the
smaller shoots to be planted only 4 inches apart, others at
6 inches, and some large pieces as much as 9 inches or 10 inches.
This is to cover exactly 15 inches across, and must be set in two
rows to get it to cover as soon as possible ; but this is such a
strong-growing plant, that if might be transplanted thus in
January, February, or March just as well as in April.

Every row of a John-Anderson-my-jo-John ribbon must be
replanted every spring. But the old woman at the lodge says
that a light blue that would beat all the blue Lobelias in the
world, and bloom long after they were gone, is the worthy
Viola calcarata—the most running, the most hanging- down,
and the most flowery of all the Violet tribe. To be done
exactly like cerastium or stachys, and to be allowed 1 foot to
spread over ; then it blooms from May to October in Ught soil,
and carpets the ground. The coldest, the most dreary and most
bleak spot in this island is a little to the south-east of Peterhead
in Aberdeenshire, close on the sea ; and I shall guarantee that
none of these first three hues of a ribbon would have lost a leaf
there last winter. The Cerastium and Viola would bloom there

S8

JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 23, 1861.

also ill contrast ; but Stacliys lanata must uot be allowed to
bloom in rows.

The next row must be FerUla nankhiensis — from seeds, of
course, to cover 15 inches more or less, to be planted slantingly
along the row, in order to half training it. But some of you
must give the seedlings to the woman at the lodge. And if
you hare the love of glare in you, stretch down the next
row full of Calceolaria integrijolia floribunda, stout old plants ;
but if you prefer form to colour, and contrast to substance,
as florists do, down with the Calceolarias to the lodge, and up
with a magnificent silver band of Antennaria margaritacea,
and make it 18 inches wide and about tlie same in height. You
will find it mentioned in my chronicles of last season from
Hampton Court, and in almost all the cottage gardens from
here to Inverness. The shoot.s from tlie stools of last year are
now white as snow, rising 2 inclies to 3 inches above the surface
of the border. You are to take these and their Uke, year by
year, at this time of the season, with 2 inches of root-stem to
each, and no more or less. You are to plant them, also, at
6 inches, or 8 inches, or 9 inches apart, according to your stock
or their strength ; and to make sure of my jo-John, you ought
to plant three rows of them to cover tlie space of 18 inches at once.
The flowers are like golden cups set in silver saucers ; and if the
leaves were green the flowers would tell as much as those of
Calceolarias. But my plan does not require flowers at all :
they may, however, want a i-ow of hidden sticks, and a string
in front of them, to keep them upright ; but if they are not
flowered they will scarcely need it.

The fifth row is to be of two of the oldest plants of all from
fleeds, hardy and self-sown if you like. Tlie one is purjyle
Orach, the other Persicaria, plant for plant along the row ; or,
what would be better still, one row of each, tlie Persicaria being
a foot or 15 inches behind tlie purple Orach, which is called in
nurserymen's catalogues Atriplex hortensis rubra. The old
Persicaria, as it was designated forty years back, is now called
Polyr/oinim orientale. Tournefort first discovered this good old
annual in a prince's garden at Titlis, beyond where the siege
of Ears was held out against by some of our people, when the
rest of our Crimean heroes were in tlie midst of the fray; and
to this day it is the prince of all llie liardy annuals, for both
it, and the Orach, and the rest of the plants on this border, are
as hardy as the common crocus.

But behind these, and as like cottage flowers as any, three
rows in close succession of old-fashioned SollyhocJcs will
finish the first "ribbon-border for the many" without a pane
of glass if you do as I said. But the best work on making
ribbon-borders, and the one which prouij-^ted me to compote
with the author, is the bedding-plant catalogue of Mr. Scott,
of the Jlerriott Nur.'ieries, of whir.-h, as you will see in the
last JoUEKAL OF HouTicFLTUKE, one blue post stamp will
procure a copy. Besides, the catalogue is the best arranged for
young beginners of all that I have yet seen. D. Beaiox.

This answer applies to every member of the family of Conifers ;
for if one of every species and variety of Conifer were to lose the
leader and the tops of all its branches, nothing more could be
done to advantage them so much as attention to these simple
rules, and every one of them would renew the leader if tlius
taken in time. We shall be obUged by a brief account of the
losses among your shrubs and Roses — merely a statement of the
loss, the different degrees of loss, the soil, situation, and part of
the country.]

TREATMENT OF ABAUCAEIA IMBEICATA
INJUEED BY THE WINTEE.

I HATE an Ai'uucaria imbricata about 17 feet high, healthy
and strong, and uninjured prior to the frost in December last.
That frost killed all the branches for 4 inches or 5 inches from
their ends, and the wind lias blown twenty or thirty of the dead
parts ofl'. Should I do anything to the tree, or what course
would you advise me to adopt ? I see no a'teration in the
appearance of the tree except the dead parts. The leader is
browTicd, but I do not know whether it is killed. — J. G.

[Yours is a most important question at this moment. It is
now just the time to cut back all Araucaria brandies whose tops
have been more or less killed by the frost. Cut below the frozen
part ; and if there is a dark brown ring seen on tlie cut end you
must cut lower till no dark brown ring is seen, because the dark
brown is the form of death in Araucarias, and death is often
much deeper or lower down than one might think from the
looks of the bark and leaves over it. The leader to be served as
side branches, and the best-placed or more vertical bud on the
stump must be trained to renew the leader, and encouraged to
do so by discouraging all those shoots that might aspire to the
leadership. If more than three buds start on a side branch after
it is cut, reduce them to three, the three best placed to run out
that branch, one straight a-hcad, and one on each side of it.

EFFECTS OF LAST WINTEE UPON PLANTS

IN TABIOUS PAETS OF ENGLAND.

{Continued from page 38.)

LINTON PARK.

As your columns, ui common with those of all similar pnb'iea-
tions, have of late recorded the destruction the past winter has
caused amongst shrubs, trees, and, in fact, throughout the whole
vegetable kingdom, and as the icy king seems to have visited the
whole kingdom with more or less intensity according to circum-
stances, but in all cases more severely than on the average of
years, it is not surprising that we hear of much injury done.
This was, doubtless, much mcreased by the condition most plants
were in at the commencement of the cold season. A dull, wet,
sunless summer had delayed the growth of everything until late
in the autumn ; and the latter being comparatively mild until
an unusually severe frost set suddenly in, and everything being
charged with the juices of the growing season, it need not be
wondered at their suffering so much. Even those trees and
shrubs which had ceased growing, had done so rather by tlie
chills of autumn paralysing their growth than by having ripened
their tissue, and the soft succulent condition they were in
rendered them an easy prey to king Frost. Many of the plants
now complained of as being killed by the wiuter were not in a .
condition at its commencement to resist its influence. But we
may learn a useful lesson from those which have survived ; and
by a comparison of the relative positions of plants of the same
kind, which in one instance have been killed, and in another
have lived almost unscathed, we may ascertain the condition
most likely to conduce to a plant's liavdiliood ; for if a Lau-
rustinus be killed down to the ground in one place, and
scarcely injured in another but a short distance off, we are
justified in supposing other plants would have been acted on
in like manner if placed in similar positions. And as some
districts have been visited with more severity than others, and
the injury or destruction has varied accordingly, we hope to
have the various reports duly chronicled in The Journal of
HoETicuiTrnE. For instance, a lady writing from near Bir-
mingham uiforms me her Roses are completely killed, and
scarcely an evergreen of any kind is left, a similar complaint
from the south of Y'orkshire, and even in Cornwall the winter
has been felt to an unusual degree for that county. But as we
may hope to hear from all these places, I will content myself with
reporting the injuries we have sustained here (Kent), and also
mention (hose things that have escaped with little or no damage.

In the Cr.*t place, I may mention that, in common with every
other district, we had a dull, wet, cold summer, and the autumn,
though cold, was accompanied with less frost than is usual at
this season ; biit some frosty mornings about the end of October
injured the Geraniums and other tender things on the flowej--beds
which the rains had so previously bleached and disfigured to a
hopeless degree, that the bidk of tliem were at once cleared away
— in fact, it was fairly time, in accordance with the custom of
former years. But some few were left ; and two beds of Mangles'
Variegated remained entire in an exposed place in front of my
cottage, and, strange to say, these beds looked absolutely better
on the 17tli of December than at any previous lime during the
season. They recovered from the October frosts, and, the next
six weeks being mild, they grew on and recovered (heuiselves ;
but a sudden and severe frost set in on that night, and con-
tinued unabated for upwards of a month. Now «hen we con-
sider the mildness of the season preceding the frost, and the
gro-wing condition many plants were in at that time, we may
easily account for the sudden and disastrous check they received.
Some shrubby plinits which had stood some winters with us
before were making a pcrcejitiblc growth the last few days before
this fro.st set in. Had this frost been preceded by a period
of dry, cold, windy weather or slight frosts gradually clieckiug
and hardening vegetation, the destruction would have been much

April 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAIy OP HOETICULTUfiE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

m

less. As it was, many plants in a growing state had their
juices sealed up the fir=t night ivith their death-warrant ; others
imperfectly ripened suffered less in degree, still they were hurt ;
and as the last tew winters had been tolerably mild, many
plants had been left out of doors not usually met with there,
and these, of course, have suffered most, as wUl be shown by
the following Kst, to which a few notes on each are appended.

Acacia verticillata. — A fine plant of this, growing against a
west wall, flowered beautifully every spring for some years, and
in the autumn was thickly set with buds again, but the frost has
entirely killed it. A few laurel boughs stuck agamst it were all
the protection it ever received, and it had the same the past
season, but to no avail — it is completely killed. A plant of
A. armata, after lingering on a year or two, was killed the winter
before ; but the one mentioned above was in robust health up
to the time of severe weather setting in.

Abelia vnijlora. — A small plant of this has stood against a
south wall with veiy little damage, and with no other protection
than a few laurel boughs stuck against it during the severe
weather.

Azalea iiulica. — One or two plants in sheltered positions
against a wall very little hurt ; but some plants in an open bed
are killed to the ground. They were, however, not in good order
in autixmn.

Serieris Darwinii. — This is certainly one of the most hardy
plants we have, and richly deserves a place on every wall. It
does not seem to have taken the least harm during the past
winter, and at the present time (20th of Marcli) is loaded with
flower-buds which in due time will- show themselves. B. For-
tunii.—l have never been able to make much of this. A shabby
foliage and slow growth are a poor compensation for the few
flowers which it produces. B. japonica. — A small plant of this
does not seem to have suffered in the least from the whiter.
Its position, however, is not well chosen, as its foUago suffered
even from the little sun wc had last year. B. Bealii is much
like it in appearance and habit.

Camellia. — A large plant of this on the lawn was loaded with
flower-buds in the autumn, but they were nil killed witli the
frost, and have all fallen off, and it has shed move leaves than
I should have liked to have seen ; but those that remain and
the wood-buds are all right, proving the plant to be as hardy
as the majority of evergreens.

Ceanothus papillosus. — Killed to the ground without the
slightest hopes of recovery. A fine plant, lind endured several
winters, and bloomed profusely in the early summer ; but it is
lost now. C. pallidits, diiH^ricaius^ or deiifaitis, for I have
heard it called by all these names. — It has a bright-shining
green leaf, grows rapidly, and flowers sparingly. Some plants
in exposed places are killed, and even against a south wall one
or two arc all killed but the thick main stem, but two plants in
a more favoured spot are but little hurt. C. azureux. — This is
perfectly hardy, only the tip ends of some of the shoots with
some of the foliage are hurt, the main plant promising to become
as ornameutal at the proper time as before. This fine variety
flowered twice in the hot summer of 185S and 1859, once in
the early part of June, and again in September

Coronilla glanca. — Killed to the ground and below the surface
in all but one or two very favoured spots.

Cofoneaster Simmondsii. — This broad-leaved vai-iety has stood
well against a bleak north wall. It promises to be a useful
addition to this class of plants.

Chinese Prii'et. — A large plant of this, which for some years
flowered abundantly in August and September, did not open its
blossoms in time to become fully expanded before winter set in,
and they are there now. The tree has taken no harm, but it is not
likely that there will be any bloom the ensumg summer.

Cliantlius puniceit^s. — A handsome plant of this, growing
against a south wall, was in the very worst possible condition to
resist frost. Tor the first fortnight in December its shoots were
stUl advancing, and covered with ilower-buds, some of which
were expanded. Such a state of things gave little hope.^ of its
enduring the long-continued frost, even when covered up with a
double mat ; and the result is that it is killed down to within a
few inches of the ground, and there is great uncertainty of its
growing again. I regard this and the Acacia as the most serious
losses we have had in this way. Another plant of the same kind
suffered in like manner.

Colletia Bictoneiisis. — This singular-looking plant being re-
moved about a year ago did not prosper well last year, and I
fear it is killed. It was quite unprotected.

Cupressus funelris. — One plant in a low situation a little
hurt, another in higher and drier ground unhurt in the least.
C. Lambertiana is as dense and green as it was in October, and
is a fine object.

Cistus ladanifera. — Quite hardy, not injured.

CorTc Tree. — A fine specimen of this is much injured in the
foliage, but we hope not seriously hurt in any other way.

Desfontainia spinosa. — Quite hardy, not the least hm-t by the
frost, but it is of slow growth, and has not flowered out of doors
here yet.

JSscallonia inacrantka has its leaves browned much where
standing as an open staudaa-d, but against a wall it has not
taken much harm. Escallonia Monte-vidensis has lost more
foliage than usual, and the tip ends of the shoots are aU killed,
but the plant has not taken any vital harm.

Eugenia Uffiii, and £. apiculaia. — The first-named is cer-
tainly the most hardy, as the latter has lost a large limb or
two, the foliage remaining being unhurt.

Euonymus japonicus. — These as open bushes are aU more or
less killed, and some I fear will hardly grow again.

Fahiana i'mftncaia.— Beautiful as the flowers of this plant are,
it will never take a first place as a covering to a wall, the sickly-
looking hue of the foliage being sadly against it ; but it has stood
the winter not amiss, though not seathiess, and a small plant of
it is killed.

Forsi/thia viridissima. — Quite hardy, but the tips cut with the
frost. There are, however, little signs of its blooming this season.

Garrya ellipiica. — The leaves a little blotched, but the plant
not seriously injured. Its graceful- looking catkins were leas
plentifid the past winter than heretofore, owing to the unfavour-
able summer no doubt.

Oriselinea littoralis. — Quite hardy, bnt rather a slow-growing
shrub J and as it strikes freely from cuttings, I dare say, when Mr.
Appleby can induce any of om- floral friends to try the effects of
evergreens tor display nistcad of tlic ordinary bedding-out flowers,
this will come in very handy. A pale green foliage, very thickly
set on shoots that promise to bear cutting well. It will, no doubt,
be a favourite in that way.

Uildi-angea. — Most of these lost the greater part of last year's
growth by the wood not being ripened, and leaves still on when
winter set in.

Illicium Jloridaniim. — Also of slow growth, but quite hardy.
It has not showed flower yet. Agaiust a wall it stands the
winter well.

Jasminum. — These arc quit* liardy ; and the J. nudiflorum is
now flowering instead of at Christmas.

Zaunis aromativa seems hardy but makes no progress. If it
would only grow freely it woidd be a handsome shrub.

Lonicera Jle.vuosa, or Evcr^^rcen Houeysuckle, has lost more
foliage than usual ; but is alive at tlie base of each shoot, the
tips being killed.

Magnolia grandijlora and M. FxmoutTti, very much cut and
have lust ueaily all iheir leaves. Some plants growing against
a south wall had several uncxpanded blossoms when the severe
weather set in at the middle of December ; but, of course, they
have been all killed, and the plants, by losing so nmch of the tips
of the shoots, will be crippled for the whole of the year, that we
can hardly expect bloom m any quantity for two years.

Myrile. — Much injured, but not vitally. The foliage nearly
all gone ; but, by being spurred in, the plants will do Very well
again.

Pampas Grahs. — Some plants quite killed, others nearly so;
and the flowers of 1861 will assuredly bo late, nriless the season
be a very favourable one indeed,

Bhygelius capensis. — Standing against au east wall this plant
has suffered less than many, and promises to be a useful
auxiliary to our list of half-hardy, half-shrubby, aaid half-herb-
aceous flowering plants.

Pomegyanaie. — Wc have only a very small plant of this and
recently planted, which seems to have suflered to a hopeless
degree ; but this is no guide to the plant's hardihood or con-
trariwise.

Fermttga mticrcrmta specio.ia. — A jiretty small-leaved shrub,
quite hardy and untouched by the frost. This seems as hardy
as the common Bos.

i?o«e.— This extensive family may be dismissed without going
into names, further than that all the Tea kinds are killed ; but
hardy China and Hybrid Perpetuals are alive. The China, how-
ever, are in most cases cut down to the ground, but are growing
again. A Banksinn or two against open pillars are either killed

60

JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAaE GARDENER.

[ April 23, 1861.

outright or so far injured as to be xiseless ; but our loss amongst
the Roses here is trifling, compared with what is reported else-
where of the Hybrid Perpetuals, these being unhurt, and some
of the Teas on standards in dry situations have escaped.

Stavntonia latifoUa much cut but not killed, although grow-
ing against a south wall.

Veronicas of the New Zealand species, as Andersoni, Sieboldi,
Lindleyana, and others, in most cases killed enthcly. Some
against walls in faroured places may perhaps shoot up again
from the bottoms or from the old stems that show a little life in
them.

Weigela rosea. — This appears quite hardy, and is shooting
as freely as evei- from aU but the extreme tips of last year's
wood, but it is not Ukely to bloom so freely as in former years.

yuccas. — These interesting plants have suffered in a certain
degree, their leaves being broken, aud the plants altogether seem
much injured in appearance.

The above list represents the damage we have sustained in the
class of hardy and half-liardy shrubs, as all our Bays, Laurus-
tinuses, .Auciibas, and others have escaped any important injury
except in some cases where Laurustmuses had formed part of a
chpped hedge, and the late shoots of last year are killed, and one
or two other plants hare suflered in like manner wliere so
situated. The Pinuses have, in most cases, escaped. None of
the Deodars are in the least hurt. Araucaria braziUensis or
Cunninghamii looks badly, but it has always done so at this
season, and a fine plant of Wellingtonia is browned a little on
the east side where the morning sun first caught it. Cupressus
Lambertiana is as green as a Holly, and all the other Pinuses
seem untouched by the cold.

Amongst plants of humble growth everything not established
as hardy has been killed. The hardy Yerbena pulchella and its
variegated compeer are both destroyed, as is also the Linum
flavum ; and what few Calceolarias were left out have all
perished. This is, doubtless, owing to the small quantity of
snow we had — merely suflieient to colour the ground ; but the
severity of the frost told in cold pits as well. The Calceolaria
amplexioauUs cuttings in a pit with a wooden shutter over
tliem mostly all perished, while the more woody varieties of
Calceolaria scarcely received a check, or at most lost very few
plants ; and the variegated Arabis growing in the same place
is equally unhurt. I may also observe that the outside plants
of tliis most useful dwarf edging plant seem as hardy as a
Primrose, not being in the least injured by the weather ; but
some plants have succumbed to the cold. Yery few Catchflys
are alive, and old plants of Cheiranthus MarshaUi are, in maiiy
instances, dead. Stocks are also entirely killed, and many
Wallflowers are sufferers also ; and I have no doubt but a
close examination will reveal other losses in this way.

In the kitchen garden Broccoli are very scarce ; almost all the
tall plants are entirely killed, but some dwarf kinds are left.
Winter Spinach is all but gone ; aud Parsley, which usually
survives any amount of cold, has died away in a great measure
at the root. Caidiflower plants where not well secm-ed have
suffered sadly. Cabbage plants are better ; and though Greens
of the various kinds have been scarce, still the plants have not
been so completely killed as has been the case m some places.
Turnips we have none, but their absence is not entirely owing
to the weather, as our supply is generally from another source,
pSweet Herbs have perished almost wholesale. Thyme, Savory,
and Mint seem all gone, and Sage very much cut. Some other
losses may, perhaps, be added to these, but the list is already
extensive enough ; and though no one wishes for so severe a
winter again, it has not been half so bad as the summer which
preceded it. On the contrary, the frost has certainly improved
the land for tillage purposes, and with a favourable season we
may hope to have a more pleasing report to make another time.
J. ROBSON.

KiLMABNOCK Panst SOCIETY.— On the 12th inst. the West
of Scotland Pansy Society held their first Meeting. The business
was, for the most part, of a preliminary nature. A few good
flowers were exhibited, the best of which was General Neil
(Smith's), a first-rate yellow ground flower, which can hardly be
beaten in the beginning and end of the season. The Society
will hold fortnightly competitions throughout the season ; but
the most important part of the Society's operations was the
appointment of ten of its members (five a quorum), to adjudi-
cate on the merits of any new varieties that may be forwarded
by members or others. From the well-known abilities of that

Committee, and the ordeal all flowers that are submitted must
undergo, it will be impossible for anything not in advance of
existing varieties being recommended or awarded a certificate
of merit. This branch of the Society has been attached with
the view of checking the practice of sending out worthless
varieties, which has latterly become far too common an occur-
rence. Single blooms may be recommended as such ; but three
blooms must be submitted at once or in succession to obtain a
certificate of merit. The West of Scotland has long been
characterised as a great Pansy-growing district ; and many of
the leading varieties owe their existence to the growers of that
beautiful flower in this locality ; and were other districts to
adopt a similar course, that would materially assist the West of
Scotland Society in their laudable endeavours to further improve
the Pansy.

CULTUEE OF THE GEAPE VINE.

{Continued from page 44.)

The borders should be made and finished as early in the
autumn as possible, that the soil may be settled down to its
proper level before planting time. Some authors recommend
planting after the Amines have made their spring shoots in boxes,
baskets, or pots. I have tried that plan, but I found that
the roots could not be so well spread out in the soil without
injuring some of the newly-made ones. I, therefore, greatly
prefer the planting just before the buds begin to swell : in that
state the soil can be shaken out of the baU, and roots disen-
tangled without injury, and spread out in a proper manner in
every direction. On this point, however, I shall write more
particularly under the head " planting."

PKOCFBlNa THE PLANTS. — If the cultivator intends to pur-
chase his young Yines from a nursery, he ought to go to the
nursery early in the autumn, and choose the plants himself,
marking them on the spot at once. Well-grown one-year-old
plants raised from eyes are the very best for the purpose. If
they are older the roots are so coiled round the sides of the pots
that they cannot be uncoiled without some being broken,
cracked, or bruised. Nurserymen now grow one-year-old Yines
quite strong enough for planting permanently. The Yines
should be sent to the purchaser as soon as their leaves are
fallen — not later certainly than the end of October.

As soon as they arrive they should be unpacked carefully, so
as not to crack any of the shoots. Let them then be pruned to
such a length as may be required. If they have to be brought
through a hole in the front sill of the house, then prune them so
as to leave from four to five eyes within the house ; but if they
are to be planted inside, then cut them down to three eyes.
When all are pruned then plunge the pots either in leaves, old
tan, or ashes, against a south wall, where they may remain tiU
the planting season. If the Yines are intended for the open
wall they may be planted out at once, protected with litter over
the roots. By being pruned in autumn there is no danger of
bleeding, which they are hable to do if pruned just before they
are planted.

Fropagation. — Some gardeners raise their own Yines, but
unless they have plenty of space or a house especially well
adapted for the purpose, I consider there is no saving in
rearing theu- Yines at home. Better have them from a respect-
able nurseryman — one, of course, that can be depended upon to
send them true to name. However, as my essay would hardly
be complete without a brief notice on propagating the Yine, I
had better give the right way to do it. The Yine is almost as
easy to strike as a willow. It may be propagated by layers, by
lengths of two or three-year-wood, by a small piece of two-year-
old and two or three buds above, and by single eyes of the last
year's growth.

Layering is, or ought to be, quite discarded; for when a layer
is cut off from the parent stool, it receives such a check that it
requires two or three years (even with the best management),
before it recovers the separation.

Old Shoots also require considerable care to make them push
roots sufficient to support a strong young shoot. The two-year-
old wood cut off a few inches below the point where the young
wood of the same year has pushed from makes good cuttings, and
with little care makes good plants the following year. I have
grown good Yines by this plan fit to plant out the following
year. The only objection is, that a stump always remains at the
base of the Yine, which is liable to decay sooner on that account.

April 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

61

I now come to single eyes. These approach the nearest to
seedlings, and for permanency form the very best plants. In saving
wood for buds to raise young Tines, avoid coarse strong shoots ;
choose rather such as are round and of a medium strength, with
as little pith as possible, and also choose the cuttings from Vines
that have been forced early — not only because the wood is sure to
be well ripened, but also the buds in the natural course of the
season will be more easily excited to start early. Also prefer
the buds that are nearest to the preceding year's wood, taking
care, liowever, that each bud is plump and sound. Take off tlie
shoots intended to.be propagated as soon as convenient, label
each bundle con'ectly, and lay them in by tlie heels on a shady
border. Towards the middle of December place some soil, com-
posed of fresh good loam, leaf mould, and very rotten dung, in
equal parts, in a warm shed to ch'y. Have ready a sufficient
number of pots 3^ inches wide. Tlien about New Year's Day
bring the cuttings inside, and cut (hem into short lengths, one
bud to each length. One inch in length will be sufficient. The
part behind the bud is then reduced in thickness, and cut o£f in
a slanting direction towards the ends, and the part under the
bud horizontal. The cutting will then have tliis appearance —

' TEAINING PLUM TREES— PEACH TEEES
UNDER VINES.
I HATE your book " Fruit Gardening for the Many," and I
find it very useful ; but with regard to pruning the Plum trees
(especially trained trees), I do not quite understand the mode
adopted. Is it laying in all the side shoots (except breast
shoots, &c.), without any shortening? and if so, how are the
second year's shoots to be obtained, as there generaUy is but
j one wood-bud at the end of the shoots, and that would cause
nakedness ? Should the shoots be spurred in ?

Can Peaches be grown to advantage in a house covered with
Vines ? — J. G., Chelmsford.

[The side shoots of Plums should be laid m, choosing those of
medium strength, and cutting away the redundant ones if very
strong or very weak. These shoidd be far enough apart to permit
of light acting freely ou them. In general these side shoots should
all be shortened less or more. This causes every bud on a young
shoot to break, and most likely these will furnish little spTirs
wliich will bear for years. If they do not form a spur naturally,
but grow on into breastwood shoots, these should be stopped
when 3 inches or 4- inches long, and stopping continued a little
to i\rrest mere rampant growth, to let the sun to the base-buds,
and to cause such concentration of organised sap there as to
make them assume the character of fruit-buds.

The Peaches cannot be grown to advantage in a vinery, if the
main stems of the Vines arc closer than from 4 feet to 6 feet
apart. The latter distance would be the best.]

Fill the pots nearly up to the bi-ira, and with a small dibble
insert one bud or eye in each pot quite overhead. To prevent
mistakes do all one kind first, and place a label or number to
that lot before commencing with the next variety. This method
of putting the eyes at the first in separate pots is much better
than placing a number in a shallow pan, or wide-mouthed pot,
because in repotting not a single root need to be injured. When
all are potted and securely labelled, then place the pots in a
propagating-house on a platform covered with sand. Under
the platform there should be hot-water pipes, and there should
be a sufficient extent of pipes to get up a heat of 70°. At
first, however, a temperature of 50° will be sufficient, and raise
5° every week till the maximum is reached. During all this time
8 moist atmosphere should be kept up in order to cause the
eyes to swell and break kindly. In a montli or six weeks every
bud will be breaking through the soil and forming i-oots down-
wards. Keep the soil regularly moist, but not wet, for too much
water would cause some to damp off. As the leaves begin to
expand more water may be given.

Examine a pot or two occasionally by turning out the ball
carefully, and as soon as the roots reach the sides of the pots
generally, then place a lot more of the compost in a warm place
to air it. Cold soil at this stage would chill the young roots and
check their growth. As soon as it is sufficiently aired, then
begin to repot the young Vines, being always carefiU. to keep
them from draughts of cold air. I prefer, if possible, to repot
them in the propagating-house itself.

Shift them into six-inch pots, giving plenty of drainage. Tliese
pots will carry them on growing till the middle of May, when
a second repotting may be given them, placing them in eight-
inch or nine-inch pots. They will now require more room and
plenty of air, and hberal supplies of water, and liquid manure.
Place a tall stick to eacli Vine, and look sharp after red spiders
and destroy them. After a sunny day use the syringe freely,
which will keep down insects and encourage growth.

In these pots they may be allowed to finish their growth — I
mean such as are intended for planting out. They should make
shoots in them 8 feet or 10 feet long, and as thick as a pen-
holder.

If it is desu-ed to fruit a few in pots, then give such another
repotting in Juue into fourteen-inch pots, using more loam in the
compost to give solidity to the wood. Vines for this purpose
should be stopped when 10 feet long, and should have more light
and space to each. I shall, however, give a more full description
on this part of the subject under the head "pot culture."

By starting the eyes into growth so early as described above,
the cultivator will have the advantage of getting his Vines into
strong growth early, and thus be enabled to obtain good plants
with well-ripened wood before the summer is over.

{To be continued.) T. Appibbt.

FORCING.

KIDNEX BEANS.

A LATE crop of these may be obtained in autumn by sowing in
a cold pit in August, and covering with glass at the end of
September. A later autumn crop may be obtained by sowing in
pots in September, and placing tliem where artificial heat may
be given them by the middle of October. Fair spring crops
may be grown in dung-beds after the middle or end of March.
Seeds sown in heat on the 1st of April, plants hardened ofi", and
turned out into a cold pit under glass, will produce freely from
the end of May. Seeds sown in small pots, three in a 60-pot
a fortnight later, may be turned out by the second week in May
for the first out-door crop, receiving only the protection of a
green branch on planting. All through the winter it is next to
lost labour to attempt growing them without the assistance of
fu-e heat in some shape or other. From November to January
they need about ten weeks from sowing the seeds to gathering
the pods. From January to May from eight to seven and six
weeks. In the winter mduths I prefer growing in six or seven-
inch pots, placing four or five seeds in a pot after it was three-
pans filled with sandy loam and leaf moidd. The soil must
neither be heavy nor rich at tliis dark season. I have mentioned
BO many seeds in a pot, but I seldom sow where they are to
grow at once. Economy in space is secm-ed by sowing rather
tliickly in a moveable box, and transplanting wlien the first leaf
shows' above the seed-leaves. The plants are thus rendered more
sturdy and more fruitful. At this season we stop none, which
tends to promote earliness. Such plants when growing freely
are earthed up vrith liglit soil a little richer, to within half an
inch of the rim of the pot. As we get into January and February,
we use larger pots, from 8 inches to 12 inches in diameter, much
stronger and richer soil, and about four plants to a pot ; and
after that season we nip out the terminal bud when a joint is
made above the seed-leaves. These pots will do admirably in
any sunny spare part of a house, where the night temperature
ranges fi-om 55° to 60°, with from 60° to 70° during the day,
and a rise of from 5° to 10° more in bright sunshine.

The plants are hable to the attacks of the thrips. The best pre-
ventives are plenty of manure waterings, and frequent syringings
with clear soot water, at a temperature of about 80°. The thrips,
however, even then may appear at times, and, therefore, it is
best to gi'ow them, when convenient, in a pit or house by
themselves. Then, too, a bottom heat of about 80° may be
given, in which they greatly delight.

A few lights will yield a long daily supply, and if cleared of
old shoots, and no Beans allowed to get old, and fresh top
dressings and manure waterings given, there is hardly a limit to
the time they will bear. I have frequently had the same plants
in bearing from January to June; but I woxild not adviae auch

6a

JOUENAIi OP HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDEUEE.

[ April 23, 18G1.

a plan as being anything extra economical. Notliing is more
improTed by forcing, the Beans if young enough eat so crisp.

Of kinds I prefer the Newiugton Wonder, chiefly when to
be cooked whole. Of all others I prefer in-doors and out of
doors, the China Dwarf, called also Eobin's Egg. The Eulmer's
Forcing, the Sion House Forcing, and the Cream-coloured
Dwarf, are also very good. I have also grown heary crops of
the White Dutch Eunner in pots, by nipping in the shoots.
They thus became little balls of pods and flowers.

BASH
■when wanted green in winter should be sown in September, and
tept in a liothouse aD the winter. When a good quantity is
wanted gi-een and for drying in s\unmer, sow in a hotbed in
April, prick out the seedlings, and plant out in a warm border
at the end of May. If the season is cold place a spare sash over
the plants for a few weeks.

CAPSICUMS
in the shape of Chillies, and other kinds of rarious shapes, sizes,
and colours, are much liked by some families, both when ripe
and green. The great proportion do best treated as tender
annuals. Sow in light, sandy soil, and leaf mould, about the
middle of March, and place in a hotbed. When 2 inches high
prick out lialf a dozen round the sides of a four-inch pot. In a
fortnight, or three weeks, give each of these a similar-sized pot,
and repot as necessary until each plant has a six-inch or eight-
inch pot ; and for ripe fruit keep these pots under glass in any
forcing-house ini^il the autumn; and for green fruit, instead of
giving such Inrge pots, tiu'u out the plants ni front of a wall or
hothouse in the middle of June. Green fly is apt to attack them.
The smoke of a few of the Capsicum pods burned or a puff of
tobacco will settle the insects.

The best for forcing arc the small, short French and the
Early Horn, and a little of the Early Horn Scarlet. Young
Carrots may be obtained through most of the winter by sowing
these sorts in beds in Atigust, and giving protection when
needed ; but even at tlie best they are much harder and woodier
than nice young plants raised in a moderate hotbed. I have
found little is gained by making the bed before Christmas.
Even then a bed for a frame should be from 2i feet to 3 feet in
height, if one part diing and two parts leaves ; soil 6 inches
deep, and light and sandy, rather flat, and within 6 inches of
the glass. Make the surface smooth. Sow Carrot seeds rather
thickly, either in rows 3 inches apart or broadcast, and a
sprinkling of Eadi.^hcs to draw early ; beat slightly down, and
cover with a sprinkling of dry sandy soil. The heat should be
fi'om 50° to 55° after the Carrots are up. X^nless very thick, I
thin but little ; for as soon as the Carrots are a quarter of an
inch in diameter they will do for soups, and the larger may be
left to grow big enough for dishes. A great number may thus
be drawn out of a two-light box. Of course, if you wish each
Carrot left to be a fair size before any are used, then you must

. thm out so as to leave them 3 inches or so apart ; but that I
consider great waste. Air should be given earlj' at all favourable
times, but when quick returns arc wanted, too much should not
be given, nor left too long on. If the bed is allo\Yed to get cold
the Carrots will be little more crisp than if grown in the open
air. If Eadislies are thus sown on the bed they must not

-remain too long, or they will starve and shade tlie Carrots.
Whilst young,, any watering should be done with water not
below 60° to 70°.

OK.SBT.

This may be considered forced when small, fresh, white heads
are wanted for soups in June, and good heads for tlie table in
July and August. For the first the seed should be sown in
a hotbed by the Ist of January, the plants be pricked oft'
and by the midiiio of April be planted out on a mild hotbed
6 inches apart ; be encouraged to grow quick by shutting in sun
heat, and giving a little shade in bright sun, and eartliing up
with dry leaf mould as they grow. The same plan may be per-
sued for the first crop at the end of July, only (he plants should
be moved to the trenches in the middle of May, and a little
shade given on very bright days, and a little protection on cold
nights. If properly attended to in watering there is no danger
of this early Celery bolting, or throwing up the flower-stalk, if
the earthing up docs not take place more than a month before
the heads are wanted. The Dwarf AVhite is the best for this

purpose. For main crops March and April are soon enough
to sow.

CUICOKY.
Young leaves of this are sometimes obtained in winter by
sowing thickly in pots in a hothouse, and cutting the plants
over as we do Mustard and Cress. A nice blanched salad is
obtained from roots either stored or taken up as wanted in
winter, the produce of seeds sown in rows 15 inches apart in
May. These packed with their heads uppermost in earth in
pots or boxes wUl furnish a good produce in any dark place
where the beat ranges from 40° to 50°. When much above
the latter, the leaves get thin and flaccid. AVhen no dark place
is accessible, fill a pot or box, and put another of the same size
over it, clapping some moss or clay putty between the pots, and
stopping up the hole to exclude light. Dandelions make a good
substitute. I have been glad to dig them up in severe winters.

E. Fish.
{To he continued.)

EEPOET ON THE GAEDEN PEAS,

Geowk at CniswiciL dukino 1860.

J3y EoBEET Hogg, LL.D., F.R.H.S., Secretary to the Fi-uit

Committee.

( Continued from page 29.)

28. Matcliless Marrow Koele, Coopee, & Bolton.

Syk. Mitforcl Man-Oil} Lawson & SoN.

StraiUett Marmo FLiNAOAN & Son.

Plant 5 feet to 6 feet high, of strong and robust habit of
growth. The stem is always simple, and bears from twelve to
sixteen pods. The pods are generally in pairs, rarely single,
and contain from six to seven very large Peas. The ripe seed is
large, uneven, variously and irregularly shaped, and of a white
and olive colour mixed.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 13th ; slatted June 28th ;
ready for use July 15th.

This is a great bearer, and produces large, plump, well-filled
pods, which come into use foiu- or five days after the Early
Green Marrow, and ten days after Prizetaker; but it is a
tender variety, and during the past season did not fill well, nor
were the pods freely developed.

29. Garbutt's Amazon Fiana&an&Son-

SY't!. Beiii/er s Earli/ Frolific Green Marrow NFTTlNGct Sons.

Plant a strong robust grower 5 feet to 6 feet high, having a
simple stem, which produces not more than sii pods. The pods
are either single or in pairs, and contain six large Peas in each.
Eipe seed white and olive mixed, large, uneven, variously and
UTegularly shaped.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 19th ; slatted June 29th j
fit for use July 20th.

This is very much in the way of Matcliless Marrow, bill comes
into use five or six days later. It is also much less productive,
and the pods, which are few, flu indilferently, so that it is not a
desirable variety. Is it not the old Tall Green Marrow ?

30. Sutton's Berkshire Hero Sutton & Sons.

This is a much taller and stronger grower than the preceding,

and five or six days later in all its stages. The plant is 7 feet
high, and produces eight or ten large pods, which contain from
six to seven very large Peas. Tlie ripe seed is larger than that
of the preceding and of Matchless Marrow, uneven, variously
and irregularly shaped, and of white and.olive colour mixed.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 25th; slatted July 3rd}
and ready for use July 25th.

IT. PBUSSIAN PEAS.
Eipo seed small, almost round, smooth ; skin thin, blue.
Foliage dark green, blotched.

31. Groom's Superb Lawson cit Son.

Syn. £ltie Spanish Dwarf; Blue Fan.

The plant grows from 18 inches to 2 feet high, and has a
simple stem, bearing from eight to ten pods. The pods are
single or in pairs, in about equal proportion, and contain six
to seven Peas in each. The ripe seed is small, round, and pale
blue.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 16th ; slatted June 25 j
fit for use July 14th.

This is now almost entirely out of cultivation, being surpassed

April 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

63

by several other varieties of superior merit. It is really not
worth perpetuating.

32. Woodford Marrow Nobie, Coopisb, & Boiton.

Plant of a strong and robust habit of growth, having very
dark bluish-green blotched foliage, and a stem 3^ feet high,
which is sometimes simple, but generally branched at about half
its height from the ground. The pods number about eleven on
a plant, and are produced singly or in pairs ; when ready to
gather they are rather flattened, but as they become ripe they
assume a roundish shape. They contain on an average eight Peas
in each, and these are of a very dark olive gi'cen colour, rather
thick in the akin, and vei'y closely packed, so much so as to be
quite flattened where they come in contact. The ripe seed is
very dark blue.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 14.th ; slatted June 26th;
and flt for use July 14th.

On account of its fine dark green pod this is an excellent Pea
to grow for market ; but it is one that requires to be very care-
fully selected when grown for seed, as it has a great tendency to
degenerate back to the Blue Prussian, from which it has evidently
been raised.

33. Batt's Wonder Batt, Rtttlet, & Silveeiock.

The plant is of a strong and sturdy habit, with a thick stem
21 feet high, generally simple, but sometimes branching, and
having large dark green foliage. The pods are produced in
pairs, on an average of from twelve to eighteen on each (jlant ;
they are curved like those of the Scimitar, and contain from nine
to eleven good-sized Peas. The ripe seed is small, dai-k bluish-
green, of the colour of that of the Woodford Marrow.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June ICth ; slatted June 28th ;
and ready for use July 16th.

In the trial of 1859 this was found to withstand the dry
weather hotter than any other variety i hut in 1860 it suffered
from the coldness of the season, and the potla filled irregularly.
It is a very excellent and productive kind, as much so as tlie
Scimitar, and the pods and Peas are of tlie same dark dull bluish-
green colour as tliose of the Woodford Marrow.

34. Blue PrUSSiS'Il NoutE, OooPEE, & Bolton,

Plant not robust or strong in its luibit, having a stern 3 feet

high, wliich is soinetiiues branching, and with dark green blotched
foliage. Tlie pods are generally in pairs, from twelve to sixteen
on each plant, and contain about seven closely packed Peae.
The ripe seed is blue, ernall, and almost smootU.

Sown February 19th ( bloomed June 16th; slatted June 28th ;
and ready for use July 16th.

This is a very old and popular variety, much used for extensive
cultui-e in fields and market gardens on account of its great
fertility — a character which it maintains supeiior to any of the
other blue Peas, moat, and indeed all, of which during the past
season have exhibited much lees hardy constitutions.

V, IMPEWAL PiSAS.
, Ripe seed large and irregular in shape ; skin thick, blue.
Foliage large, dark green, and blotched.

35. Fairljeard's Surprise ISobib, Coopee, & Boi-ton.

The plant is a free but not robust grower, and always with a
simple stem, which is about 5 feet high. The foliage is bright
and not dark green, like the otlier varieties of this class. Tlie
pods are generallj' single, but sometimes in pairs, and are from
eight to ten on a plant ; they contain from seven to eight good-
sized Peas. The ripe seed is somewhat oval, of a pale blue
•colour.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 7th ; slatted June 20th ;
and fit for use July 9th.

This and Fairbcard's Champion of England were originally
taken from the same pod, the former having a round and the
latter a wrinkled seed. It is the earliest of all the round blue
Peas, and very superior in every respect to the following, which
comes into use two or three days later.

36. Harrison's Glory Noble, Coopee, & Bolton.

The only distinction between this and Hai-rison's Pefection is

the blue-coloured seed, that of the latter being white : they differ
in no other respect, being of the same height, equally produc-
tive of pods, which always fill very badly, and both come into
use at the same time.

(To he continued.)

POMOLOCICAL CLEANINGS.

Q-EAPTING Wax. — Take 27 ozs. of common yellow rosin, melt
it gradually so as not to drive off the turpentine. When reduced
to the consistence of a syrup, add 10 ozs. of alcohol, shake them
thoroughly together, and pour the mixture at once into a well-
stopped bottle. When the graft is inserted and tied in its place
with a strand of matting in the usual way, cover the surface of
the whole with this varnish with a small painter's brush. Such
varnish may be used in any weather, and is neither affected by
heat, cold, nor wet,

FiEST Plakt Toue Oechaed.— He who puts off planting
an orchard till a more convenient season than the first "planting
season," is like him who waited on the bank of a river for all
the waters to pass off, reasoning that a stream running so
rapidly must soon run dry. So some people imagine that next
year they will have more time to set an orchard, not counting that
another year usually brings along with it an increasing amount
of cares. Many a man has gi-own grey with just such resolves as
" I will plant another year ;" and to-day is farther than ever
from doing it. Plant trees first, and cultivate tliera, and in a
few years yom- orchard is soon producing abundant crops, while
your dilatory neighbours arc "just going to plant." You can
build a house in a year, but not a full-grown orchard. The best
interests of many a one are often delayed, hoping to have a more
" convenient season." I know of many such cases. I wish I
knew of less. Under the pi'csent system, the west is supplied
from abroad at a great expi-nse, when we ought to supply our-
sevles and others with all needed fruit. One hundred apple
trees of good fruit, under good cultivation wid be worth one
thousand dollars wlien they are ten years old. — (D. C. S. in
The IPrairie JTariner.)

Steawbeekt Fuoomoee Late Pine. — Fruit very large, conical
and eockscomb-shapcd ; broad and flattened at the stalk, where
it is glossy like the old Pine. The seeds are numerous, not
deeply imbedded. Skin glossy, bright red, becoming dark red,
and almost black when very ripe. Flesh tender and very juicy,
red throughout, richly flavoiu-ed, and with a good deal of the
Pine aroma when well ripened. This is a late variety and a most
abundant bearer. The frnit is produced in very large clusters,
and comes on in succession, generally oue-lialf of them being
unripe. The scapes are very strong, stout, .and branclied twice
and thrice compound. This very late and valuable variety was
raised by Mr. Ingram, of Frogmore.

Steawbebby Odl\-bewell's Sanspaeeil. — Fruit medium-
sized, long, gonieal, uneven, and furrowed in its outline. Seeds
not deeply imbedded. Skin o very dark red, becoming almost
black when it ripens. Flesh very firm and solid, red throughout,
and very riclily flavoured. This is a capital bearer, and an
excellent Igts Tsriety.

CULTIVATION OF TEUFFLES.

In answer to your " Olo Subscbibek's " question respecting
" Truflles " in your Number of the 16th inst., I beg to state that
tUirty-flrs years sgo, when at school at Ramsbury, in AVDtshire,
I several times accompanied a " Truffle liunter " in his search.
My object was rather to observe the instinct of his dog than the
niture an4 habits of the funj^us ; but some accidental knoAvledge
was obtained. The Truffle was found at the roots of the trees in
huge Fir plantations, the property of Sir Francis B urdett, covering
the sides of the hills which flank the vale of the Kennet in
that part. The fungus was generally found from 6 inches to
12 inches under the surface, sometimes deeper. The sub-
stratum of these hills is chalk, the staple loam, and shallow in
general; but in the plantationsof many years' growth an artificial
staple had formed of a light covering mould from the deciduous
leaves to a depth considerably greater than that of the soil on
the unplanted sides of the lulls. In this the fungus was found,
generally, I think, on the outskivt of the j)lantations. A knot
of them was usually found together, and the " Trviflle hunter "
left a root or two for further propagation. There can be no
doubt that it would increase by transplantation to a suitable
soil, but I never tried it.

Loudon in his " Fneyclopfedia of Gardening," third edition,
1825, makes the following extract from the "Edinburgh
Encyclop£edia," No. 4348— " Culture" of the TruQle. "No
attempt," Neill observes, "it is believed hag hitherto beep
made to cultivate Truffles ; but of the practicability of the

64

JOUENAL OP HORXICTILTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ April 23, 1861.

thing there seems no reason to doubt. In their habits of growth,
indeed, they differ essentially from the Mushroom, but it is cer-
tainly possible to accommodate the soil and other circumstances
to the peculiar nature of the fungus. It has been said that the
tubercles on the surface of Truilles are analogous to the eyes or
buds of potatoes, and that they haTe been propagated like
potatoes by means of cuts furnished 'with tubercles. It may,
howeTer, be suspected that the pieces thus planted contained

ripe seeds. Truffles, we may add, seem to delight in a mixture
of clay and .«and ; and a moderate degree of bottom heat, such as
is afforded by a spent hotbed, might probably forward their
Tegotation."

Perhaps some others of your readers may give information as
to the habits of Truffles in parts of France and in the German
forests, where they are found, I behere, in large quantities. —
Heebebt EAKBOLrH, Tilburt/ Souse, Bruion.

EEDLEAF AND ITS GARDENING.— No. 3.

\Concl«ded from page 27.)

Fig. 5.— Eedleaf— The Feriicrj-.

In continuing the rcmavks on Kedleaf, we now come to a
portion of the grounds which until very recently was but little
regarded as a portion of a well-arranged garden — i.e., "the
Fernery." Our present engraving. No. 5, only gives an im-
perfect idea of it, though coi-rect enough at the point taken ;
but Ferns, taken collectively, present less to make a picture than
do most plants, though individually, perhaps, they are second
to none for their beauty and graceful appearance. Suffice it,
however, to say that this fernery consists of a sloping bank, with
large stones jutting out covered with moss, and amongst them
is an excellent collection of liardy Ferns. The bank which
composes this fernery forms also a boundary between this aud
another portion of the grounds. A covered walk curves past
this fernery— the covering tending to shade some of tlic plants

nearest the base of the bank. A botanist, or one well versed in
British plants, would here find materials for an hour's close and
ardent inspection, as all the kinds seem in excellent health.

Engraving No. 6 is a view of the grounds in continuation of
the Eoek Garden to the south ; tlie dressed ground running to
a considerable distance in that direction, and eventually opening
into the park, winch is also bounded by a piece of water or lake.
This vista is open from the mansion, and all tall-growing trees
have been kept away from this line ; but flanking it on both
sides are some fine specimens of Conifers, both in the dressed
grounds, and also planted singly in the park with suitable fences
around each. Amongst others in that way I noticed Pice»
cephalonica, a fine tree ; P. Douglasii, nearly 60 feet high, but,
being in a very exposed place, was browned a little by the

April 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICtriiTUEE AND COTTAGE aARDENEB.

65

fi'oet or wind ; Pinus montezeuma, a fine silvei'y grey species ;
Abies Brunoniana was, however, too tenderto endure a winter like
the past ; several specimens of Picea "Webbians, and some seed-
lings from the larger trees of it, seemed to be hardier than the
parent ; Pinus ponderosa, in the character of a timber tree ; and
in a sheltered portion of the grounds was Cupressus majestica, a
fine tree ; Juniperus- sinensis pretty, and some Cedrus deodara,
36 feet high, others 48 feet, but nothing shows a greater diver-
sity in habit than this tree. A fine Wellingtonia planted in the
park, 12 feet high was associated with a singular adventure that
befel it when it was fii'st planted out. A little boy (who, no

doubt, in after life may have an eye for the beautiful), took, a
fancy to this tree as a pretty plant for a pot, pulled it up, took
it home, and had it a week or two in a garret window, until Mr.
Cox, hearing of it, recovered and replanted it, but, of course, not
without the loss of what he considers a season's growth — some
two or three feet. Nevertheless, it is now a fine, promising
plant.

Independent of the features above given, there is a Dutch
Garden on the strictly formal style, so characteristic of that
school. Shut in on most sides by high boundary shrubs, it has
a billiard-room on cue side, and on another side, not joining bu t

Fig. G.— Eedleaf— Vipw from the Rock Garden down the Lawn.

at right angles to it, a conservatory. The latter, however,
scarcely deserves that name as it is now applied, for its.front lias
more the appearance of a cottage with a thatched roof, the side
front only being glass glazed in lead-casement fashion. Fine
flowering plants are not kept here, but it was well filled with
plants of good foliage. Amongst which were two fine plants of
Ai-aucaria excelsa, Rhododendron Falconerii, with a large foliage ;
Cupressus calitriformis, C. Goveniana, with its clouds of pollen ;
Desfontainia spinosa, a fine plant, which flowers beautifully at the
proper time ; lUicium floridum, and other things, all seemed in
good health, notwithstanding the dark roof they were living
under. The garden in front of this house was composed of
square, or rather diamond-shaped beds divided by walks of
brick with edgings of the same. These beds were in most cases
planted with early spring flowers, to be followed by bedding
plants. Several edgings were of Dog's-tooth Violets ; some had
Tulips, others Crocuses, and a Silene compacta seemed also a
favourite. The outer border of this garden has herbaceous plants,
of which there was a fine collection, while choice Rhododen-
drons and other things formed the backgroxmd ; and not the
least interesting object was a fine Camellia pteoniseflora, 10 feet
high, and another of the old double-striped, both of which had
been out of doors for something like an ordinary lifetime. After
a fine summer they bloom beautifully, but this season buds
were scarce. Arauoaria Cunninghamii was not so much at home,
but many of the Indian and Sikkim Rhododendrons were in
robust health, and some Indian Azaleas were also equally good.
Some high trees might, however, be of some service to them as
shade on the south, as well as on other sides.

The irregularities of the ground are rather inconvenient to the
kitchen garden, which inclines rather steeply to the south-west ;
it however appears to be very productive. A range of pits
heated by a cannon boiler was hard at work, and, of course, full
of things wanted now and hereafter. This compartment, how-

ever, was shut off from the kitchen garden, as also was another
enclosure which contained two plant-houses well filled with
everything that is gay and useful at the present season. These
houses are about 100 feet long and rather lofty, with a short
north light ; tlie back wall being covered its whole length with
what I considered the most remarkable object in the place,
being enth-ely covered from bottom to top, and also the greater
part of the north hght, with Camellias in robust health, and in
the early part of Slarch in full bloom. This splendid wall
contained hundreds of well-expanded blooms all out at onetime,
with thousands more to come ; and so healthy and growing were
the plants, that Mr. Cox says he has at times been obliged to
cut wood out of them enough to make faggots. Certainly
nothing could look better than most of them did ; even C. reti-
culata was flowering as freely and in as good health as the other
kinds are often seen elsewhere. A fine striped kind, called
in compliment to the former spirited occupier of this place
Wellsiana, was a mass of bloom. Others kinds were scarcely
less so, and the whole looked handsome. A narrow border at
their base was planted with Ferns, the remainder of the house
being occupied with a stage and flowering plants ; amongst which
were several Rhododendrons of the Sikkim breed, R. ciliatnm
being about as free a bloomer as any. Cinerarias, Azaleas, bulbs,
Cytisuses, and the other plants usual at this season, were also
in abundance, and some plants of the Solanum capsicastrum
were showy with yellow berries ; but the Camellias were the
great attraction, and a wall 14 feet high and 100 feet long
covered with this lovely flower is an object we do not meet
with every day, and of itself deserves going a long way to see.
I confess I was as much struck with it as viith any of the other
features of this fine plafle, all parts of which seemed in excellent
order, and reflected great credit on Mr. Cox, whose courtesy in
pointing out particular objects, and genera] kindness in afford-
ing every information, it is only right here to acknowledge ; and

66

JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GAllDENEE.

[ April 23, 1861.

I h«TO no doubt but with spirited owners like its preTious nnd
prtsent one, and the assiduous care of a oulturist like Mr. Cox,
E«dleaf will continue to occupy that prominent position in
gardening nrattera which it did in the early Numbers of Loudon's
"Gardener's Magazine ;" and to the lorer of artificial scenery,
carefully worked into the form that Natui-e often puts upon it,
Eedleaf will always be an attractive place. — J. Eobson.

WOEE FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Keep the hoe at work amongst all early crops. Asparagus,
plant the young plants in beds that hare been deeply trenched
and well mamu'ed. The roots to be lifted carefully with a strong
fork, and, after planting, a good siipply of water to be given to
settle the soil about them. Beet, sow a full crop, if not already
done. Caulijloicers, raise the hand-glasses, and loosen the soil
between the plants; after wliieh give them a good soaking with
manure water. Celerii, continue to prick out young plants.
To be always kept well supplied with water, rapid and con-
tinual growtli being a most essential point in its cultivation if
it be required large. Ciicumbert, the young plants intended for
the ridges to be stopped, and repotted if they require it. Sprinkle
the plants in the frame early in the afternoon, and close them ;
water more Uberally round the sides of tlie frame where the heat
of the day dries the soil. Dwarf Kidney Beans, sow on a wann
border. Gherkins, sow. Serhs, transplant Camomile, Mint for
distilling, and other lierbs where a large supply is warited.
Lettuce, repeat the sowings of all sorts. Thin out and trans-
plant those advancing as occasion may require. Potatoes, hoe
between the early crops as soon as they ai'e above ground.
Where circumstances have hitherto prevented the getting in of
the main crop it should be done at the earliest opportunity.
Scarlet Ritnners, sow in a warm situation, Sea-Jcale, keep tlie
crowns weU soiled over for late cutting. Turnips, sow a good
breadth.

FIOWEB OABDEN.

If evergreen shoots must be planted take care to preserve
every fibre. To be taken np with large balls of earth, and the
holes to be dug larger than the balls will fit into : a good soak-
ing of water to be given, and to be firmly staked, to prevent the
injiu*ious efiects of wind waving. Finish, if not already done,
the pruning of those summer Eoses that were left unpruned for
the jiurpose of retarding their bloom. If green fly appears it
can be eflFectually removed by syringing them with weak tobacco-
water, and the Eose caterpillar by picking them off with the
hand. Make a sowing of perennial flower-seeds ix\ the reserve
garden.

FEUIT GABDEN.
Look to blossom protection on the walls. On the first
appearance of green tly on the Peach and Nectarine trees
syringe them with tobacco-water two or three evenings suc-
cessively ; if done properly it will stop their destructive progress
for the season. The mining grub, so destructive to the Apricot
and Plum, may be detected : when the leaves are folded up
they are easily crushed between the finger and thumb. If
strong plants of the Elton Strawberry are lifted now, and planted
behind a north wall, they will produce a crop in August and
September, and will ke;p up a euceession along with the Alpines
to the latest period. Where ViHCs have shot sufiiciently to
distinKuish the fruit-bearing shoots let all superfluous ones be
immediately removed. Examine grafts frequently, removing on
every occasion the wild shoots.

STOVE.
The plants here are now in vigorous growth, nnd, therefore,
they must be assisted by a lively bottom heat, a brisk-growing
temperature, with plenty of moisture and air, and weak manure
water to such plants as require it. The Iioras now expanding
their bloom-buds to be set close to the glass where they can
have plenty of air to colour the blooms properly. Start a fresh
lot of Gesneras, Gloxinias, and Achimenes.

GBEEN HOUSE AND CON8BEVAT0BT.
Look well to the plants in the borders of the conservatory,
and if dry, give them a good soaking of weak liquid manure
that will percolate through tha whole mass of soil. The plants
ija these siructui'es to be carefully examined in the forenoons of
bright days to sec that none of them are sullering for want of
WBter i for with bright sunshine, accompanied with drying

winds, they are very apt to flag for want of water, more especially
any specimens that may be rather potbound. Ventilation to be
80 given as to avoid, while parching winds prevail, allowing
currents to blow through the houses. Forward Calceolarias and
Cinerarias, and keep them clear of insects. Water Camellias
freely with weak liquid manure, but do not let the water hang
about their roots. Keep the shifted ones close and warm.
Heaths and New Holland plants to have an abundance of air,
and to be watered very carefully. Shift Pelargoniums wanted
to flower in autumn, and propagate desirable sorts. Keep all
climbers, whether in pots or otherwise, regularly trained.

PITS AND FBAMES.
Continue to pot off' rooted cuttings as soon as they are in a
fit state for the purpose. The most forward portion of the
stock to be removed to a cold pit. See that they do not suffer
for want of shading and water during bright sunshine. Attend
to the stopping of the shoots to induce a robust bushy growth.
Shut up early in the afternoon, having previously on sunny
afternoons given the plants and the walls of the pit a good
syringing with soft water. Cover up close at night, and un-
cover cjrly in the morning, giving plenty of air during fine
davs. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

Digged, turned, and pulverised garden ground, flower-beds,
and borders, being glad to turn down the surface dry and warm,
and bring up the oold and wet to the inQuence of sun and air.
Sowed mora garden Beans, Peas, Can-ots, and a little Beet for
earlv supply, preferring to sow again in a fortnight or three
weeks, so that little may be tempted to run to seed, which it is
apt to do when sown early as often recommended ; a run root
being hard and stringy instead of crifp, juicy, and sweet.
Pricked off Tomatoes and Capsicums; planted last of Potatoes.
Watered with warm water some fresh-planted young fruit trees,
and transplanted old ones, and threw a little water with the
syringe over their heads in warm, sunny days. Hoed the ground
slightly among Strawberries ; removed the rough of any litter
between (he rows ; lifted some young plants that had been
planted 4 inches or 5 inches apart on a border in September,
and potted them to get assistance under glass for a last in-door
crop, and plunged the pots in a bed of leaves just slightly warm ;
but with no covering of any kind. This will secure the pots
being crammed with roofs before they are placed in a cool house.
Eemoved plants gathered from, and planted at once in a border,
in rows 2 feet apart and 15 inches from plant to plant. Placed
more pots of British Queen and Prince of Wales in the liouses,
and fresh ai-ranged, tied up the fruit, and thinned the clusters of
those there, to be forwarded or retarded as occasion demands.
1 have no glass frame at liberty, but at this season would have
made a slight hotbed of leaves, and from the middle to the cud
of the month would have filled it with young plants taken off
the border as above referred to, placing them fii'mly in stiffish
garden soil, about 9 inches or 12 inches apart. Such a plan
does very well at this season, but it would entail disappointment
if tried in the early spring months. For early forcing the pots
should be filled with roots in September, and receive all the sun
possible afterwards. In sunny seasons we have also had Straw-
berries three weeks earlier than in the open air, by placing a
frame over them, and covering the gi'Oiuid between the plants
with tiles and slates, and shutting up pretty early in the after-
noon. To prevent red spider the back of the frame or even a
portion of the slates may be daubed with sulphur and water
paint. Top-dressed Cucumber-roots in pit with a little very,
rotten, well-aired leaf mould; the plants producing plentifiUly
and now overtaking and passing these in the dung-bed frame,
but from wliich we, nevertheless, obtained our earliest fruit.
Pegged out and tied up Melon plants. Tliinncd Grapes, keeping
the scissors clean, and regulated and tied in shoots of Peach-
house. Trees on open wall, protected with old sashes last
winter, seem all right, have hardly a Peach bloom elsewhere, and
trees gone very much. Have placed an orchard-house almost
finished over the trees in bloom, and filled the front with maiden
and older trees of Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Plums, Cherries,
Gooseberries, and Currants in pots, and expect a gi'eat amount
of pleasure as well as fruit in another year. The state of the
trees on the wall that had merely the protection of old sashes,
contrasted with the wrecks and ruins elsewhere, assures me
plainly what glass alone fairly managed can accomplish. Even

April 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICtTLTTIRE AN3> COTTAaE GABDENEE.

67

a little heat; in extreme cases need liot be such a great affair as
some mate it. The hot-water tradesmen, with all their good
quaUties, have done much to frighten amateurs with their huge
"boilers, huge expense, and a lot of pretended secrets about the
wort, which inteUigent men do not like.

In the conservatory, took a number of Azaleas finished bloom-
ing into a glass-fronted verandah, wiiere they could be kept
close, shaded when necessary, and sprinkled overhead to encourage
fresh growth. Filled up the empty space with bedding plants in
boxes needing a little help. Moved Camellias done flowering fo
the vinery to give them a help to make their young wood. Moved
Pelargoniums and Cinerarias to supply their place, arranging the
house afresh, plaoing flowering plants chiefly on the north side,
and all growing plants to the south, and the Pelargoniums, &c.,
being moved from the late vinery. The Fuchsias from the other
early houses were placed there, and after standing a few days
the larger were shifted into 12-inch and 14-inch pots, and tlie
younger ones will get a little more pot room as time will allow.
The Vines in the late-house must be tied up ere long, as, though
the shoots are kept at the front of the house, and all possible air
given there, and the Yines never syringed, the buds are now
breaking and from 1 inch to 2 inches in length. The earth -pits
are now the safety-valve for getting room. Lobelias, Verbenas,
and Ageratums fiaditig theu' way there — some planted in lumps
of spring-struck cuttings ; some singly according to kinds and
room, but all thick so that they will not hurt each other before
planting time. The Calceolarias, &c., under the calico are
looking even better than a few imder glass. Most of our stock
of Verbenas were planted out in the shght hotbed spoken of the
other week, and are looking nicely, and will, no doubt, lift nicely.
Sowed also such annuals broadcast, under protection for a time,
as Love-hes-bleeding, Prince's Feather, Chrysanthemum tricolor.
Convolvulus minor. Such a plan enables us to plant when the
ground is warm and well-aired, and the plants, if moved in little
patches, hardly ever feel the moving ; and last year such things
as Prince's Feather, when sown at once in the borders, hardly
ever got above a few inches in height, eveii when it did grow
instead of making a massive row from 3 feet to 4 feet in height.
— B. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*^* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Counti'y Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to Th£
Editors of the '■'■Journal of Horticultwe, S^c." 163, Fleet
Street, Jjondotij IE. C.

Flower-garden Plans {JHovice, Dublin). — Every week we have to
repeat that we never plant plans for any one ; we only criticise the
planting proposed by our correspondenls. No planting; will make your
series of parallelog:ram-beds look well. The ndvcrtlsemcnts may all he
cut away from our Numbers. The binder knows how to manage it.
(B. iS. A.). — The firat part of our reply to the precedm°r applies to you.
\Ve cannot plant for you. The weeds and earth of your garden thrown
into your cesspool will absorb the liquid, and if you add a little sulphate
of lime (gypsum or plaster of Paris), that will fix the ammonia. Burnt
clay, of course, would be better Ibaa common earth, but burnt clay, you
say, you cannot procure.

Peah Leaves Partially Decayed (D, B. B.). — Either the buds were
injured by the winter's severe frost, or the roots are rather defective from
some cause- If the first be the origin of the evil, it will extend no further.
If it extends further — that is, if move le*ves become decayed — lift the tree
carefully out of the pot, remove some of the old soil from about the roots
without disturbing them, add a little fresh soil, give g:ood drainage, and
repot. "We have not lost sight of the price list^ but there are difljoulties
in the way of obtaining reliable information.

Peach Blossom Falling in Orchard-house (J. JB. (7.). — We think it
very probable that the exposure of the pots to the intense frost, which you
say they had to endure unsheltered, may have so injured the roots as to
deprive the tree of the means of supplying the sap required for the
blossoms. The frost may even bave injured the blossom-buds. If the
red spider has robbed the trees of the sap they should have stored up for
next year's development, the blossoms always fall unproductive.

Our Illustrations (IF. JI.).—Vfe are quite aware that these would
look even better than they do if we could aflbrd to print on better
paper, and we shall do so if the paper makers allow lis to benefit by the
reduction of the paper duty. It is quite ti-ue that to use a better paper
would cost about 's. Gd. per 500 copies ; hut if twenty times that number
are required weekly, and as there are fifty -two weeks in the year, that
would amount to rather more than you suggest.

Botany (/. Fors/er).— Polyandria is the ninth order in the class
Monoecia. There are only ten orders in it altogether.

Fumigating Peach Trees (JRcv. C. D.). — They may be fumigated with
tobacco smoke without injury though in bloom. You had belter write to
Messrs. Baker, Pheasantries, Beaufort Street, King's Road, Chelsea, for
ioformation about the Bretonne cows. They import them.

Variegated Plants {Jerry).— AM that you eminierate are very good,
and most of them superior to those we recommended ; but in our answers
to correspondents there are considerations founded on statements in their
letters which prevent those who do not see their statements being entitled
to form a judgment upon our answers.

Cineraria maritima Cuttings and Seedlings, &c. { W. W.',.—ln answer
to repeated inquiries, Mr. Fish, at page 362, Vol. XXV., of The Cottage
Gaedener, gave in his opinion the best mode of propagating the above
from cuttings, and if a better mode can be found for that purpose he will
be glad to hear of it. It is no part of his duty to inquire who possesses _a
stock of this or of anything else, but merely to do his best to meet their
wants as these wants are made kno-wn. He prefers plants so raised for
edgings or lines, but he has no objection to make against seedlings. If
these can be had 2 inches or 3 inches high before the middle of May, and
the points are picked out with the point of a sharp penknife. Ihey will
make nice edging plants. Few plants are easier managed, ;md few
grow more vigorously out of doors after the middle or end of June. After
this season, therefore, our correspondent may please himself whether he
keeps a stock from cuttings or from seeds. 'Unless in a rough piece of
ground, we consider that the flower-stalks, and flowers too, add little
beauty to the plant. For edgings or rows we consider them altogether out
of place, and, therefore, we nip ofl all that appear ; but we will find no
fault if our correspondent prefers the flower-stems even to the foliage.
We see no reason why th** Petunia Countess of EUesmere should not
succeed in any garden in Yorkshire. If raised from seed, it i= just
possible that there may be many shades of colour. Some varieties of
Petunia come very trne, and others do not. Other things being equal,
seedlings are moie hardy nnd continuous in gi'owing and flowering than
plants raised from cuttings. We have had many a good hunch of Grapes
under circumstances similar to yours. Instead of a crop next season, less
than half a crop would be advisable, if the lengthened well-doing of the
Vines is to be considered.

Lime WATEa tor Strawberry Plants C-S. /. ^.).— This application for
the destruction of slugs, &c., which lodge about the plants should be ole&r.
Like all other lime water for gardening purposes, it is niade by putting a
peck of lime freshly slaked into fony gallons of water, stirring it well, and
letting it remain until quite clear, which will be in about half an hour.
Use the clear liquor. Ten gallons will be enough for watering your single
row 60 yards long,

Variovs (JVorrt).— We do not know a white Heliotrope. The strong-
growing Triomphc de Liege, has a large light lilac flower, but it cimnot be
called white. The hardier Honeysuckles, Clematises, and climbing Roses,
will do admirably in your iron verandah facing south-west. The Lemon
and Citron will grow slowly on the back wall of a conservatory, but
neither will bloom or fruit 'unless they get a gnbd portion of sun ; and
this they could not have if your CnmelUas shade the wall.

Flower-garden Plan {Q. E. D.).—\ basket-bed in the centre of your
pretty flower garden, in front of your house, would be most objectionable ;
but a dial on a highly finished pedestal set on a deep bold plinth would
be in harmony with that style of flower garden. Then youi Verbenas in
Q, R, S. T. You are quite right about M, N, O, P, but no edgings there.
n and I are for edpings, and a row in the centre of each of Perilla to
where they measure 6 feet across; then two rows of Perilla 18 inches
apart up to the end of each ; and any other plants will agree with Penlla
if you bave a good variegated edging. C C, and C F, must be bright
scarlet; G. D, and E, bright yellow; K and L light colours, as lilac
Nierembergia or a clear white; A, A, and B, ought to have broad white
edgings ; the rest as you say. W must be your ribbon-border with three
rows only. Cerastium nest the walk, blue Lobelia f-pcciosa next row, and
your best variegated Geranium at the back ; but if you are short of them,
any plain-leaved dwarf scarlet bind will do for a shift. Dwarf D.ahlias
might occupy 10 feet of the broadest ends of H and I, and do better than
so much Perilla, and with a row o; Scarlet Geraniums round the Dahlias,
with an edging in front. It is a pretty plan aUogethei", and should not
have Stocks and Asters till thev are nearly coming into bloom. All your
beds beyond M, N, O, P, might have permanent edgings of hardy plants,
the width to be according to the size of the beds; and all such in all
places ought to be taken up yearly in April and reset— that looks well,
and is a groat economy of pot plants and adds to their eifect. But let us
hear at the end of the "season how it all looks, and what people said about
it, and what changes you or your friends propo&e for another year: we
like such gossip.

Vines not Fruitful {T. T. T.).— By merely stating that your Black
Hamburgh bears well, whilst the Sweetwater and ihe Muscadine on
either side of it do not bear well, you give us too few data to enable
us to form an opinion as to the cause. Are the Vines weak 1 Then
a dressing of supcrphosph.itc of lime and rich manure waterings might
effect a remedy. Are the Vines making veiy strong rampant wood?
Then, perhaps, the roots are too deep ; and all the aun and air and extra
heat must be given in the autumn to ripen and hai'den the wood. Could
you manage to let a good gardener see them ?

Evergreen for Back wall of GnEENnovsr. {A Manchester Suhscriher).
— We should decidedly prefer the Magnolia fuscata to an Arbutu«. A box
18 inches square and as much deep would grow a good-sized plant. We
have seen the Acacia armata covering such a wall with fine effect. It is
always green, and in spring its flowers clothe it with a dazzling gold
colour, but it is liable to red spider if not well supplied with atmospheric
moisture.

British Wild Flowers Cff. W- Hfiy, nntZ o^/ttfrs).— The work will be
completed with the least possible delay ; but as many of the rarer species
are difficult to obtain, we cannot at present give a decided answer. Every
drawing will be from living specimens.

Heated Glass Case {B. It., Liverpool).— Yomts is not a Waltonian
Case, and the gentleman at New York whose interesting letter you had
read lately in these pages, will now he able to tell the tm mtn of New
Y..rk, that those of Liverpool are just as ignorant of Us construction
as they are. He, the said gentleman, spent £15 trying to get up a
Waltonian Case in New York from the very same drawings in Mr. Shirley
Hibberd's book, and failed as you have done. L st of all, and last May,
he ordered a Waltonian without the cape from Mr. West, and all the
advice we can give you, is to go and do liUewise. — D. B.

Ybllow Poltamthuses.— Ifr, Beaton requests us acknowledge the safe
arrival of these.

JOXJBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AUD COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ April 23, 1861.

Sheltebs {An Old JFelhcisher), — Haythom's small-mesbed hexagonal
nettiiig, and Shaw's tiffany, are the most eifective shelters we have tried
for protecting the blossom of wall fniit.

Stag Beitli (£■. F Zee).— It is called by entomologists Zucanus

cerrus. During the day they live in hollow trees or other decayed wood,
taking flight at dusk. The females are sluggish, and not so numerous as
the males, who fight for their possession. The larva is found in the
trunks of decayed willows and oaks, and remains untransformed for
several years— Rosel says six years. It is believed to be the Cossus, eaten
as a delicacy by the Romans. When the larva is full grown, it forms a
cocoon of the wood-dust which it has gnawed down -with its powerful
mandibles. It remains some time in the pupa state, but its life as a
perfect insect is brief.

Tabiegated Fern [D. i.).— It is only Aspleni-.im adiantum nigrum.
The marking is caused by insects, and, of course, will not be permanent.

Pla.vting Flower-bebs [A Cotutanl Subscriber).— We see nothing to
alter in youTj)eds or system, except that a principle is broken by the wav
yon put the lerbenas in beds 2 and 3. That is not their position by rule
of right; towards the centre, where 4, 5, and 6 stand, is the place for
Verbenas ; 4 with Calceolarias ; and o, C, with Sc irlet Geraniums, would
ruin an acre for effect, being in the very centre. Whether vou can depend
on Gazania for beds, depends on what part of the world voiir garden is in.
What Rose to put on a wall with south aspect, depends on where the
south aspect is ; but as there are only two or three yellow Roses for a
wall anywhere, try Cloth of Gold, and Isabella Grcv.

SEEntixGS OF M.vKTTXiA FRAGEAxs (O.).— These, just up, require the
treatment of seedling mignonette in pots with respect to water— that is,
to be sparing of it. They require the very same treatment as seedling
balsams with respect to air and heat, and that amounts to abundance of air
and very little heat. And as to soil, young Martvnia plants require
exactly the same kind of soil, and the same sized pot,'as vou would give
to a little cutting of Tom Thumb just rooted and being divided from the
root — and that means small pots and anv odds and ends you can scrape
together round the potling-bench.

Pkuning Ivt (J. S.).— Never "clip," but cut the shoots in with the knife,
unless you intend to remove all the leaves and young shoots. The latter
is a good pl.in, for although the stems look mise'rably bare for some time,
yet the foliage speedily recovers them closely and brightly. Whether you
prune or clip, now is the best time.

Seehilvg CiNEnAHiAS (Queeiiy).— They are only suitable for borders.
They are not novel or superior either in colour or form.

PlANTS, &c., roE Waltoxiax Case (Cairoorf).— To heat a miniature
greenhouse, such as you describe, you would require a small copper
boiler and two inch-pipes. The water to be heated with at least three jets
of gas; but you must so place the jels of gas that no effluvia from it enters
your greenhouse. The plants that you name will answer tout purpose,
excepting the French Marigold and the Brachvcome. Instead of them,
procure Calendrinia umbellata, Fenzlia diantho'idis. Sabbatia campes'ris,
and Spraguea umbellata. The Primulas will not flower till next spring,
and the Cyclamens will be three years before they flower. The piece of a
plant you sent is, we believe, some species of creeping Phlox ; but, from
such a small dried bit, it is almost impossible to be certain what it is.
\S1ien it flowers send a branch with blooms upon it, in a small box, packed
first in tissue paper, and then surrounded with damp, not wet, moss, and
we can then tell you its name.

Names of Feexs (A. M. J!.).—^, Gvmnogramma chrysophvUa appa-
rently ; 2, G. peruviana ; Callipteris prolifera ; 4, Asplenium' prwmor-
snm; 5, A. Fabianum ; G, apparently a stunted form of A. contiguum;
t , Lastriea, probably decomposita, but the specimen is too fragmentarv :
8, Adiantum cuneatum ; 9, Lastra^a globella.

Names or Plants c5. M. X., Cambencell).—! and 2, Heaths without
flowers ; 1, appears to be Erica vestita ; 3, Epacris imprcssa, or some
garden variety of it ; 4, a garden variety of Correa, apparentlv C. bicolor ;
5, Coronilla glauca. Tou may cut down the Epacris after flowering, but it
IS hardly to be recommended with the other three. Cannot you bend the
stems downwards, and so induce young shoots from below ?

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

*'£!' l?*- Cetstal Palace. [Plants, Cut Flowers, and Fruit). Sec.

W. Houghton. ' '

JrsE 5th and 6ih. Rotal HoKTicuLTt;BAL Society. (Plants and Fruit)

Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
JcxE 19th and 20th. Bbightos and Sussex Floricllixeal and Hoeti-

CCLTCEAL Society. Sec, E. Carpenter.
JrLT 6th. Cetsial Palace. (Rose Show). Sec, W. Houghton.
JELT 10th. RovAL HoETicTLTCBAL SociETT. (Rose Show). Garden

Superintendent, G. Eyles.
September 4th and sih. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit). See., W. Houghton.
SXPTEMBEE 11th. Royal Hoeticdltcral Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers). Garden Superintendent, G.^y\ei.
Septembee 18th and 19th. Beighton axo Sussex. Sec, E. Caepbnteh.
November 6th and ,th. Rotal Hoetictltveal Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums). Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles
NovEMBEE 12th and 13th. Stoke Newington Cheysanthemi ju- Society.

bee, « . T. Howe.
November 14th and 15th. Cetstal Palace.

Sec, W. Houghton.
'S.^.— Secretaries of Societies intending to adtertiie in our columns Kill

oblige us by sending an early intimation of their exhibition days.

(Chrysanthemum Show).

POULTBY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.
POULTRY SHOWS.

May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. Chesterfield and Scaesdale. Bon. Sec,
Mr. rbos. P. Wood, jun., Boythorpc House, near Chesterfield. Entries
close May 1st.

*'Ma^^4th'"'*^''^^" ^*'^^"''- Son. Sec, -a. Mumt. Entries close

^''^p1t'^'.-"'i »°'^,«"'- ^"B AND West or Enoland. Stetcard,
!>. Pitman, Esq. Entries close May 4th.

JcNE 19th, 20th, and 2lst. Coalbeookdale. Sees., J. B. Chune, and

Henry Bovcroft, Coalbrookdale.
Jene 2l5t. Essex. Sec, W. R. Emson, Slough House, Halstead, Essex.
June 28th. Driffield. Sec, Mr. R. Davison. Entries close June 22nd.
June 28th and 29th. Tadnton. Sec, Mr. Charles Ballance. Entries

close June Hth.
July 3rd, 4th, and 5ih. Blackpool and West Lancashire. Sec, Mr. E.

Fowler, jun., Market Street, Blackpool. Entries close June 30th.
August 26th, 27th. 28th, and 29th. Crystal Palace Summeb Show.

Sec, W. Houghton.
September 3rd. Pocklington (Yorkshire). Sec, Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close .\ugust 26th.
December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Bikminghax. See., Mr. J. B. Lytball,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December 11th, 12th, 13th, and Hth. Crystal Palace Winter Show.

Sec , W. Houghton.

N.B. — Secretaries tcill oblige us by sending early copies of their lists,

EAELT CHICKENS FOE THE LONDON
MAEKET.
It may be, wlien last week we spake of the almost incredible
sums sent into Sussex for the small chickens of which we were
writing, that some of our readers thouglit of a common American
saving, " If I were a Duck, I would locate at that same puddle
mrself." The science of profitable poultiy-keeping will never
be practised or understood till the supply of the early London
market enters into the calculation.

Xow, au extraordinary value must be caused by scarcity, and
that again will be the result of a failure of the breed, or the
anticipaiion of a natural season. The fatted chickens may be
put under the last head, and the profitable period will be from
the 1st of April to the 1st of June.

The first requirement is, they must be young, and by that
term we do not mean comparatively young. That is a very
elastic term in a poultry -yard some persist in calling all pullets
that are under the year old, after which they fall into the
position of hens. Pullets are very valuable in the market ; but
they must be pullets indeed — those that have never laid.

To speak plainer, we will say pullets fatted for sale in March
and April should be hatched in ^"ovember or December. Much
will depend on the season and the weather ; a fowl is older at
the end of four hot months than it is after five if they have been
cold, and ten days' warm weather at the end of four or five
months will turn the pullet to the hen; she is then worthless
for the table. A popular error is that there is some great secret
in preparing fowls for the market, and tliat none but the initiated
can do so profitably. There cannot be a greater mistake ; all
that is necessary is to fast them before killing, to pick them
clean, and to send them up fresh. There was difficulty formerly
in doing so. Xo dependanco could be placed in coaches, as they
were full at times, and the cost of carriage was very heary ;
ordinary road waggons were too slow ; but now there is no place
that is not in communication with a rail, even if it be not on
the line.

Touiig poultry will pay if sent to the London market. We
are quite prepared to hear some say they have tried it and have
been disappointed ; but we are sure they did not follow strictly
our advice given in The Cottage Gabdekeb. There is always
a good sale in April and M.iy, and we might add the end of
March. In those months thera is more or less partial dearth
of young poultry, while the demand is always large. There is
no doubt of a sale at remunerating prices. It has been some-
times objected that those we quote every week ai-e imaginary,
■ and that none can ever realise them. We canasstire our readers
j we do not quote those that are made by the choicest qualities ;
but, seeing such are bred, fed, killed, and packed by those whose
livelihood it is to send them, and who hare had many years'
i experience, we should not think it fair to do so.

Within these four weeks many thousands of fowls have made

I from 12s. to 14s. the couple. These are in every respect perfect.

I To realise this price they must be sent in the most saleable

I form. We cannot expect amateurs who have only a few dozens

I in the year to compete with those who have as many every day ;

but if we can induce them to send up a few chickens, we shall

teach them a profitable mode of disposing of surplus or faulty

stock, and we shall help to increase the supply which is at

present totally inadequate to the demand. We do not advise

them to send after May ; the market is then better suppUed,

the weather is hot, and we will not always promise them a sale ;

but now, and during the next month, there is always a demand.

They need not be very fat j there is no occasion to cram, but it

is well to shut them up for a week or ten days, and to feed them

well on ground oats mixed with milk three or four times per

April 23, 1861. ]

JOUBIfAL OF HORTICULTURE AJTD COTTAaE GARDENER.

6d

day, giving each time only as much as they will eat clean. They
must be fed early in the morning, and all this involves but little
trouble or expense. The chickens - must be good-sized ; and
many ivho have tried to sell in London and have failed may
attribute it to the fact, they sent them too small. They should
weigh at least 2i lbs. each, and if more so much the better. We
are very anxious this should be tried, because, anomalous as it
may appear, ihe supply of poultry at the Leadenhall Market
has decreased since it has been more generally kept than it was
formerly. To pack them they should be put in a basket, the
layers being divided with sti£f straw. The chickens should be
tight, spare space being filled with the straw, because if they have
room to shake about they lose the stiffness, wliich is the proof
of their being recently killed — a valuable thing to the purchaser ;
and they also lose shape and colour— both good properties.

POULTSY FOB A CONFINED SPACE.

I HATE a piece of enclosed ground, 12 feet wide and 20 feet
long, as well as a piece of grass 12 feet wide and 8 feet long, for
a poultry run. The poultry-house is 3 feet 4 inches wide,
10 feet long, and 7 feet at the back and 9 feet at the front high,
situate in a side entrance. There is a tunnel from the house to
the run underneath the gai-den door, so as not to interfere with
ingi-ess or egress of the inmates of the house. Will you inform
me how many fowls I shall be enabled to keep without over-
crowding ? — T. H.

[You would have helped us to answer your question if you
had told us what breed of fowls you keep. If Cochins, Spanish,
or Bralunas, you may easily keep two cocks and eight hens
without overstocking. The number is not regulated so much
by the size of the bu-d as by its aptitude or otherwise for living
in a small space. Next to these would be Spangled Hamburghs,

or Game ; but the latter are apt to be very quarrelsome when shut
up. If, however, you do not care to keep so many birds, you
may have in such a place as you describe a cock and six hens iu
very great comfort, and consequently in very good condition.]

COD LIVEE OIL AS A EEMEDY FOE
PIGEON DECLINE.

Hattng seen in a recent Number of TttE Cottage Gae-
DEITEE a letter from " Columbaelan," requesting you to give a
longer account of Pigeons at the different shows, I hope, as a
constant subscriber, I may add my voice to his. There are, I
have no doubt, several who take your pubhcation chiefiy for
what they can hear on that subject ; and it would be a great
assistance to young fanciers if you could induce some of your
correspondents to write weekly for that purpose.

I do not know whether any of your readers have tried the
effect of cod liver oil on Pigeons that are " going light," or
wasting away from consumption or other causes. As I had
never heard of its being used, I determined to try it, and cer-
tainly it exceeded my most sanguine expectations. During last
autumn I liad eleven bu-ds ill from that disease ; and several of
them so bad that they could neither fly nor eat, and, consequently,
were as thin as it was possible to be ; but I only lost one, and
that was too far gone when I began the oil. I mix it with
barleymeal and wheat flour, and give as much as I can get down
three or four times a-day, and can safely say that if used in time,
very few birds will be lost.

I also noticed a letter from Mr. Brent on turned-crowned
Pigeons, and cannot understand why he does not include
Turbits, as fanciers look upon the crown almost as a property,
and it certainly makes the head appear much shorter than if it
were -without the crown. — W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe, Newark.

THE EABBIT (Lepus ctTNicuLrs) : ITS HISTOET, VAEIETIES, AND MANAGEMENT.

{Continued from page 36.)

IHE CHINESE EABBIT.

This very handsome and interesting species is also known
under the names of Polish Rabbit, Russian Warren Babbit, and
more generally as the Himalayan ; but how they derive this
name I am at a loss to know, although they are spoken of by Mr.
WooH in the " Proceedings of the Zoological Society " as the
Himalayan ; also in the Zoological Gardens they are labelled
Himalayan or Black-nosed Rabbit.

M. Didieux speaks of them as natives of China, carried into
Russia by the nobles to augment the number of fm- animals
which constitute the chief revenue of many of their lands. From
Russia this variety passed into Poland, and from thence into
Germany, from whence it waa imported into France.

They have red eyes, like the Angora Rabbits. Their Air is
whiter, finer, and more lustrous than the common white Rabbit;
and the extremities— that is, the nose, ears, feet, and tail are blacK
or a rich brown ; the darker this colouring is the more pertecc
they are considered, but they do not arrive at this perfection
till about six months old. When young the extremities are ot a
light mouse colour. , _ .„ j

This race is very hardy, and often used to people warrens and
open burrows. It is bred principally for 'ts fur, which is very
valuable, and is sold from 1*. U. each to 2s. 6i It is the best
imitation of ermine, for which the Russian nobles often sold il.
It is now called " mock ermine."

70

JOTJBNAL OF HOBTICTJLTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ April 23, 1861.

Tliis Eabbit is now yery largely cultiTated on the Continent.
It is useful and interesting for the amateur to breed, being very
pretty, liardv, and prolific, tlie skins valuable, and the body
large enough to be useful for th3 table. — R, S. S.
(2*0 be continued.)

PEOFITABLE POULTRY KEEPING.-No. 2.

{Continued from page 51.)

Mt first attempt at poultry-keeping on system was com-
menced with hens of every and of no breed. I got them as I
could, from the common banidoor fowl to the stately Spanish
and aristocratic Game. But even this had its advantages,
enabhng mo to form a just estimate of their peculiar good
qualities, and to discard the comparatiTely worthless. For all
purposes, however, I prefer the Dorking, and the speckled of
that breed for choice, whether for the table or their eggs. With
me they answered best, and were in more general demand by
the poultry dealers.

But the subject of liens and their breeds is of too great im-
portance to be cursorily glanced at. A future communication
must be devoted to this part of our subject.

In discharge of the promise made in my last, I now give the
readers of the " Poultry Chronicle " the results of poultry-
keeping for profit.

The following account is drawn by striking the average of
three years for 100 hens, having a run of about two acres of
grass land, and about a quarter of an acre of yard.

Dr.

£XF£ND1TUSE.

To food 31

To rent, management, loss,

and interest 16 12

By proiit— Balance 45 7

s. a.

16 0

£93 15 0

Cf. Receipts.

£ s. d.
By return from 100 hens,
at 18i-. 9<?.a head 93 15 0

£93 15 0

Or about 90 per cent.

Now, supposing the stock kept to reach the number of 500
hens, if the poultry keeper's wife charged her own services at
£52 a-year, and those of a strong active girl at £30, including
her maintenance — £82 per annum, it will be seen how handsome
a return would even then be derived from this branch of rural
economy.

And now for an analysis of the items of the above account.
I will premise that the above profits can readily be extended, if
fattening fowls were the chief aim. For instance: If my reader
will refer to the Cr. side, he will find that I give the return of
each hen at 18s. 9rf. Thus, a hen will lay on an average

120eggsat \d 10*. Of/.

Besides hatching a brood, of which she will

rear, on an average, 7 chickens, at 1«. Zd.... 8 9

18 9
I found the expense of rearing chickens up to the age of from
ten to twelve weeks' did not much exceed Irf. per head per week,
and having a good grass run. Hence, if a couple of cliickens
cost \s. 8d. to rear for sale, and then brought 2s. 6d., the profit
would be 50 per cent. ; but if they were kept until they were
five months old, costing 2s., they were then worth i», Gd. or 5s.
each, thus giving the extraordinary profit of 125 or 150 per cent.
To obtain these prices, however, it is but right to say, that
the young poidtry must be ready for market when game is out
of season, and just at Christmas ; for though game comes in in
August, it is not until the Partridge falls that the potdtry
keeper finds the demand lessen and prices drop.

And this is well, even as "all is well" wliich is ordered by
our Divine Father. The tired hens need rest, and it is the
season Nature enjoins for them, for they have done their work
well and patiently j and if their master will continue to feed
them abtuidantly, and not neglect them during their time of
non-productiveness, they will yield him a golden harvest at
Christmas. I know no prettier sight than a hen with her young
brood, and does not our Saviour himself use them as a simile
towards the close of His holy hfo? — Leiohton.
{To be continued.)

PAREOTa DEPRIVED OP WATER.

lU your Joui'nal I am much siuT^rised at your reply to the
lady correspondent, "A. Z," at the ignorance of hw adviger to

keep her Parrot without wat<>r. The general belief is that water
is injurious to them, and I know it is in my neighbourhood,
where several are kept ; and with regard to myself, I have had
one for more than ten years, and have never given it any water,
and it is very healthy. I have even otTered it water but it will
not take it. We feed it simply with soaked bread, with the
water moderately squeezed out of it, and hempsced. — W. T.

[It may be that Parrots, fed upon soaked bread, "withth«
water only moderately squeezed out of it," may find enough
moisture to preserve them from thirst ; but. we are quite sure
that no Parrot or Cockatoo ought to be kept without a tin of
water attached to his cage to drink from if he required. Moreover,
we are equally sure that the opportunity of taking a daily bath
should be offered him. In a state of nature those birds have
such opportunities, and no animal is judiciously managed that
has not a supjily of everything as nearly resembling as possible
the supply afl'orded by Kature in the animal's native place. The
best speeimens of the Parrot and Cockatoo we have known
were well supplied with water, both for drinking and bathing.]

BREEDING CANARIES.

A FEW weeks back I put three Canaries up for breeding, two
hens to one cock. Last Thursday or Friday one of the hens
began to build, and finished her nest by Monday morning. On
Tuesday I was rather surprised to find she had fiUed up the
nest with cotton wool. I gave her more building materials, as I
thought she might, perhaps, build again on the to^i of the old
nest. She began on Wednesday, and made it about three
quarters of an inch deep, and has not made it any larger at
present (Friday night). Do you think there is any ehnnce of
then- breeding? and wliat was the reason of her filling up the
nest ? The otlier hen has not begun to build— ui fact, the
cock drives her about the cage, and she drives the other hen.
What am I to do in case like this ? The cage is 31^ inches wide,
20 inches broad, and 37 inches in height. I suppose that is
large enougli for tliree birds. The cock does not sing. He has
never been mated before, but the hen has. — T. M. N.

[In placing two hens with a coek it is always advisable to put
them together first, and let them become well acquainted before
they are put up to breed with the coek. As the two hens now
quarrel it will be safest to part them, although the cage would
otherwise have been large enough. The nest which is built too
full in the middle may have part pulled out, and the remiinder
made smooth by means of a heated iron ball or stone ; the eggs
can then be replaced, and all extra bidlding material removed
from the cage.— B. P. B.]

CANARIES' PEET DISEASED.

Allow me to offer some advice to " E. S. V., " page 17, on
the subject of a diseased Canary's feet.

If the perches, floors, and even the wirework of the cage itself
are not kept well scraped, and scrubbed with scalding water and
soap, they are Uable to become infested with a minute inllanima-
tion— causing insects so small as almost to defy a ma^nifving
power. These titillating animalcules form preserves, especially
on uncleaned perches, in neighbourhood with the bird's feet and
legs ; and they eventually disperse themselves in myr-iads over
the body of the poor percher, which may then be compared,
parasitically, to those attacks on the human frame, the mere
mention ot wliich is sufficient to cause blessings on the Duke of
Argyle, and to make us take every preventive caution to defend
our feathered favourites from its ravages. For this purpose
scrape over the convex siu-faces of the perches every morning,
as well as the floor-board when it is withdrawn from tlic cage,
to release the debris, previous to the board beuig fresli sanded.
Before it is returned insert the scraper, and clean away any
residuum from off the bottom of the cage, well working the
implement over its surface ; when any living thing there will
be made to feel very uncomfortable, and consequently emigrate.

About every six weeks during the summer, and twice or so
dnring the winter, fasten down the windows, turn the birds out
into a room, lock the door and put the key in your pocket ; and
take the cages and perches, and cause them to be well senibbed
— wirework and all — with soap and seuldiug wafer, and when
they are dry, return the birds into them; or, rather, they will
go in of themselves if they are kept williout food lialf-an-houi'
or 80 beforehand.

April 23, 1861. ]

JOTJBNAL OF HOETICULTrKB AKD COTTi-GE GABDESEE.

ia

Eechev sugar, sweet cake, hemp, rape, and moss seeds. Adhere
to canary seed, plantain, and minute crusts of bread, now and
then, as cereal food ; groundsel, duckweed, shepherd's purse,
or water cress, as nerer-failiog supplies of green food ; and
apples, pears, and strawberries, in season, as pomological diets.
■Wlien thebirds are monlting, give modicumsof chopped boiled egg.

Give the birds to drink pure fresh water erery morning, and ,
a wired-over cold-water bath, hooked on opposite the meanwhile-
opened door of the cage, frequently, eren during the coldest
weather.

" Dick," a Canary, we have had in vigorous health during
eight years, takes good care to remind us of remissnesses on
our part anent the bath by imaginary dippuigs and plungings,
shakings and bawlings ; and when the glass is down below zero,
his amphibious propensities are sufficient to make one shudder.

Do not keep the birds too hot during winter, though below 50'
or 45° the temperature should not go ; also give plenty of light
and air. We, for a long time, bred Canaries in quantities, and
have kept tliem all our lives, and never found any difficulty in
warding otf disease, and preserving them in health under the
above dietary tables and attendance to cleanliness.

Our " Dick " is a great traveller, and makes himself most
popular on the road. I remember once, in particular, at the
Durston station, where we were kept waiting an unconscionable
time for a train to take us on to Plymouth, " Dick " was placed
in his travelling cage upon the apex of a heap of luggage, and
his powerful song attracted every traveller to the spot. It was
as good as broiled bones for supper, on board ship ; every one
soon became chatty friends, and ennui knew us not. Even the
porters could not withstand the fascination ; and it was really
relishing to see the big fellows— on whom an ichthyosaurus
might, one would liave fancied, only have been able to make
an impression — powerfully attracted to the spot, to enjoy the
twitterings of "Dick." — TtpwABDS AiTD Onwabds.

THE

CANAET AKD THE BRITISH FINCHES
(^Continued from page 35.)

9.— THE CHAFFINCH (Fringilla Caelebs).
German, Der Bucbflnk. French, Le Piu(jon.

Tbe common Finch or Chaffinch, known also by the names of
Twink, Shelly, C'hafl'y, Boldie, and Beech Finch, and in Scotland
as Shilfa, has been surnamed Fringilla Ccetebs, or Bachelor,
because of the separation of the sexes in winter in those
countries where they migrate. Tlie females usually leave first,
and return last ; which, however, is also the case with some
other migratory birds in this country. I believe the migi'ations
of the Chaffinch are only partial, most of them remain with us
the whole winter.

In plumage the males are certainly handsome birds, though the
colours are somewhat softened and subdued. The head is dark
bluish-grey, the back brown, the wings black, the base of iho
secondary wing-feathers and the ends of the larger covert-feathers
being white, and thus forming bars on the wings; the breast is a
dull pinkish-red, the belly inclining to white, the rump greenish,
the tail dark, having white marks on the inner webs of some of
the outer fealhersi The plumage of the females is much duller,
the head, breast, aud upper parts being of a greyish-olive brown ;
the hen is also rather smaller than the cock.

The voung ones all resemble the mother ; but the males may
be distinguished by the blacker colour of the wings, aud their
having clearer and more white; nor do they attain the full
colour of the male till after the second moult. In autumn the
beak of the cock is pale, but, as the spring advances, it changes
to a deep blue shade ; nor is his general plumage so bright in
autumn and early mnter as it is in spring, when winter and time
have worn off the duller edges of the feathers, and he appears in
his nuptial dress.

The Chaffinch breeds early. The nest is placed in the fork of a
tree or bush, frequently in a fruit tree, and is a very neat and
beautiful construction — smooth and rounded in the form of a
ball, depressed at the top, firmly felted together with webs and
wool, covered externally with moss and lichen, and often so
much resembling the bough on which it is situated, as to be
•discerned with difficulty. Inwardly it is lined with thistle down,
hair and a few feathers ; the eggs, from three to six in number,
are of a dull dirty white, spotted and streaked with coffee brown.
Incubation lasts about a fortnight.

The food of the Chaffinch consists principally of insects, as
caterpillars, grubs, moths, earwigs, &c., on which they rear their
young ; and in the destruction of which they do an immense
amount of good, and therefore should he protected as much as
possible. In winter, when their natural food is scarce, they are
driven by hunger to feed on seeds ; these they gather from the
ground, and not from the plant as most other birds occasionally
do. In hard weather they may be seen searching the horse-dimg
along the road for undigested grain, or collected in the farmyard
in search of hay seeds, or scattered com ; and considering the
great good they do all the summer, they weU deserve a trifle in
winter.

The Chaffinch rarely eats green food ; but in spring, when,
insects are scarce, they sometimes annoy the gardener by
pulling up his young radishes, or cabbage and caulillower plants,
and eating off the white parts of the root, occasionally also
attacking the early peas in the same manner : it is, therefore,
necessary to protect these from their depredations by means of
nets, or strings of feathers, and not to kill the poor hungry birds
that, all the summer through, are so active ui destroying those
insects which, if unchecked, would devour our fruit and convert
our gardens into wildernesses. The Chaffinch is one of the few
birds that eat that destructive insect the gooseberry caterpillar.

Young Chaffinchei, if intended to be reared by hand, should
be taken early from the nest, as soon as the tail-feathers begin
to show, or tiiey will soon 6y, and then they are sullen and do
not open their mouths readily to be fed. They should be fed
on a paste made of sopped bread, hard boiled egg, and maw
seed, or the bread may be soaked with niiUc ; but it must never
be given in the least sour. As the old birds rear theu- young
exclusively on insects, pmoipally on caterpillars, it is obvious
that in artificial feeding some such food as egg or milk nmst be
used to insure their well-being. Eapeseed is, in my opinion,
de««dedly injurious. Xiunbers of young Chaffinches raised on it
die at the first moult ; and I have noticed my old birds rejected
that seed while anything else was to be had. The old birds may
in confinement be fed on canary seed, oats, (shelled oats are
best), bread, and occasionally, but sparingly, a little hempseed
by way of treat ; or during the moult a few mealworms, ants'
eggs, or earwigs, will be relished and often found beneficial.

Of all our native Finches the Chaffinch is the most delightful
songster. His short, but sharp, clear, thriUing note is the harbinger
of spring- His joyous lay always brings to my mind the blossoni
of the sweet-scented hawthorn, the busy hum of the bee, the
opening of the buds and early flowers, when Nature in all her
freshness is awakening from the dreary sleep of winter, and when
the fruit trees and orchards are clothed in snowy bloom, and the
white jwtals are being scattered in showers by the gentle breezes.
Who then but must'admire the Chaffinch when, perched on a
spray, he gives utterance to his pent-up love in a joyous burst
every few seconds, jerked forth with an energy which tells of his
sincerity — his loud call /ici*t, <icini-; or with erected crest and
waving'tail, he utters his plaintive purring note, cTiurr^e, to his
mate, who is perhaps busy forming their nest, and his still
louder and angry warning pink, pink, if he fears his brood will
be discovered ? The song of the Chafilnch is composed of three
cadences, delivered with that earnestness wliich is so attractive
to the ear of the fancier ; and on which account it is so highly
prized, not onlv in this country, but also on the Continent. The
terminal notes or last cadence is that which attracts most notice,
and as it varies in different individuals, it usually gives the name
to the song and value to the bird. llr. Hipkins, who so well
describes the song of our birds, observes, " The English fanciers
have several strains of birds thus denominated in former times,
the chocwevdo, the whitfado, the kissmedear, &c. ; but the
chocweydo "is considered the best song, one of the best Umbs
hems, ching, eking, ching, ull, ull, nil, choemeydo; the last note
the oftener repeated the better, technically termed " heavy m the
mouth." This applies to all the notes, the principal difference
bemg the termination or finish of each strain ; the birds vary the
notes in each limb, but terminate with whitfado, kissmedear or
chocwevdo, according to the sti-ain to which they belong. He
also remarks, " The EngUsh fanciers wiU sometimes travel twen^
miles to peg a bird, and I have seen go 3d blmd pegging burds
sold fi-om £2 to £3 each." _ . ^, , ,,

It is a curious fact weU authenticated by fanciers that the
birds which sing the chocwevdo, or chuckwider son" best are
cau»ht in Essex, therefore called the sweet-song Essex Chaffinch,
wh3e the other strains are caught in the adjommg count4es, and
other parts of England.— B. P. Bbbnt.

ra

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTIA&E GARDENER.

[ April 23, 1861.

BEE-HIVES AND THEIR APPUETENANCES.

(^Continued from page 53.)

WoODEH-TOPPED Stbaw Hives are favourites, and used
principally for any early prime swarm set aside as a swarmer,
aflFording superior facility for removing the siu-plus store com-
pared to the dome-shaped, which are more used for seconds and
Jate prime swarms not expected to yield anytliing the first season.
These are cylindrical in form, the straw bands began on hoops,
are 14 inches wide and 7 inches deep. Round the topmost band of
straw one or two outer or second bands are continued, which serve
as a rest for a flat circular ring of inch-wood — inner circumference
14 inches, outer 18 inches ; on this is placed the usual IJ^-inch
bars with elides secured with three-quarter-inch brass screws,
therefore moveable at pleasure ; this top is fastened to the
hive by stout screws inserted through the under side of the outer
straw bands. Any inequality between the straw and wood has
to be made up with putty or Portland cement : little crevices
about the windows in the same manner. In case the latter should
start from its place, I usually slip a little cord over the top and
bottom of it, which, lying between the straw bands, is not much
noticeable.

SiopEB Wooden-topped Sieaw Hives, I have latterly
adopted as an improvement on the last, taking the hint from my
roof bees, which always select a part with a good bevel. Tliey are in
every respect similar to the above, with the exception of the straw \
bauds being kept tliinner in front, thickest behind, and gradually
tapered on each side between the maximum and minimum, the one
9 inches and the other 7 inches, including the hoop. I think the '
bees thrive fully better, and come through tlie winter in finer
condition in this hive, ventilation being doubtless promoted by
the bevel. Little slips of wood tacked on prevent the super from
sliding.

Dephiti::(J-HiteS. — For depriving-hives, the most suitable
material is wood. The shape, is unquestionably the nearest
approach to a sphere — an octagon. This and double swarms
were two points on which tliat good old bee-keeper Thorley
was perfectly sound, writing nearly 12U years ago : therefore tlie

Stewarton" Octagon-Hives have a jirominent place in my [
apiary, being, I feel confident, the cheapest and best ready-made
hives for practical bee-keeping to be had. I order mine direct from
Stewarton, where I find, from the demand, they can be purchased
in quantity, with better workmanship, at a price nearly one-third
less than local tradesmen will undertake to supply them at.
To those of your readers who liave them, they require no descrip-
tion ; to those who do not yet possess them, my advice is.
Obtain them as soon as possible, and they will by-and-by
speak for themselves. Should these lines catch the eye of any
of their makers, I would suggest the propriety of sending along
with each set concise printed instructions as to their management.
I am led to make the remark from observing, in a recent
Number, a querist asking if they were wrought collaterally, and
also meetmg a clerical friend who complained of his want of
success. The first question elicited the cause — How were they
peopled and protected ? A first swarm, no cover to be sure,
that would quite spoil their appearance. Expect honey fi-om a
single swarm, in a set of Stewarton-boxes ihe first season — half-
inch wood unprotected ! Why, the only wonder was, that,
despite all the attractions of such a terrestrial paradise as the
manse garden, they had not at once made a precipitate flight
back to the old-established stock fi'om whicli they had seceded.
Such of your readers as occasionally indulge in amateur hive-
making would find the advantage of ordering along with their
boxes a supply of bars and slides, forming the tops of these
hives, long lengths preferable — say 7 feet for the former, 7i feet
for the latter. Bars IJ inch for stocks, and \\ inch for supers.
They can be easily cut into any length, and fitted, instead of the
clumsy adapters and crown-boards, to all the old hives of the
apiary when again to be used, or the new ones about to he
constructed. Odd ends of slides, the upper edge run oS with
a plane, are very useful to work shutters, moveable entrances,
&c., in. I like to procure at the same time several additional
octagon honey-boxes, both the fourteen-iuch for these, and the
twelve-inch size ; they make cheap and tasteful suiJers for all
the other flat-topped hives.

The beauty of the Stewarton-supers, that so attracted the
lingering admiration of " Upwards and Onwabds" when in
Glasgow, was not, as he supposed, indebted to the dark-coloured
product of the heather then in bloom, which, on the contrary,
would have quite spoiled their surpassing purity. They ai'e

generally to market before it comes into flower. His surprise
at the superiority of the octagons surely carried him too far
when he awards the palm as a bee country to our poor bleat
Scotland, over the rich pastures and flowery meadows of his own
England. The contents of these supers are drawn chiefly from one
little plant — the white clover. The light sandy soil of a large
portion of Ayrshire is favourable to its natural production, even
were the farmers so neglectful of their own interests as not to sow
it liberally when laying down their pastm-e. The bee-keepers
reap their share of the benefit by the painstaking and skilful
manipulation of double prime swarms in a good hive while it
remains in bloom ; indeed, in many instances, moving them
inland bit by bit, as the flower fades, to later localities, till the
supers are completed; and then, and not till tlien, as a reward
for their industry, are transported to the moors to rifle the
purple heather of its dark juice for their own benefit during the
winter. Such, having little local value, being sought after prin-
cipally by the tourist. Thyme honey is only to be had in
quantity in some districts on the border.

Squake Wooden Hives retain a place with me for two
reasons only — the first, that to the amateur dovetailing four
boards neatly together is much less of a puzzle than eight;
secondly, they afiord space for a larger window for observation.
The bulk of these hives is 14 inches square within, by 7 inches
deep, to work with the large-sized octagon supers. They are
fitted with eight bars, six of them \\ incli wide, the remaining
two IJ inch, are placed one at each end. These every bee-keeper
knows are devoted exclusively to honey, and are, therefore, better
than the broad size. I have also tried, and still have, nine bars
IJ inch wide in some fourteen-inch straw hives, keeping them
closer at the centre, so as to leave as wide end-openings as
possible. The bars are notched out at each end the breadth of the
back and front, so as to allow the sHdes to work flush thereon,
project barely an inch behind (the corners nipped off for appear-
ance' sake). The object of this is to assist raising the bars when
t!ie three-quarter-inch screws by which they arc fixed have
been drawn. They are constructed of well-seasoned yellow pine
front and back inch-dressed, ends three-quarter. The inner
sides, unless very clean, had better first be dressed, and then
run over with a toothing plane. Should that implement not be
at hand, a good substitute is a bit of perforated zinc, the cut edge
drawn along with the grain of the wood till it be well roughened :
this materially assists the ascent of the heavy-laden forager.
One window of thiclc glass 11 inches by 4^ inches placed behind,
when bedded in the putty to prevent its starting, fix with four
small sprigs ; the putty above the glass then laid on. The
shutters of wood 12 inches by 5i inches dressed to a quarter of
an inch thick ; a check in the front edge top and bottom to
work in pieces reversed slides as ah-eady described for straw
hives. If I used a second window it would be in front, although
more in the way there, it is of use by throwing the light through
the hive at first, and showing the commencement of breeding in
the spring : whereas an end window is nothing but a useless
disfigurement to some hives, exposing to view only the end-
sealed honeycomb. I have also wi'ought with considerable
success, a size 13 inches between the ends, 12 inches front to
back, and 9 inches deep, fitted with eight bars IJ- inch wide, in
every other respect same as the above, with a proportionately
large window and shutter, both fitted with end-handles for lifting,
4^ inches long by 1 inch deep, and three-quarters out, and
entrances moveable, as will afterwards be described, 5 inches by
three-eighths of an inch. 'Ihese, as well as all my hives, are, of
course, duly protected from the weather, when standing singly
outside, by a good fresh straw thatch or some other cover. —
A RENFBEWSniBE Bee-keepeb.

{To be continued.)

HOW I BECAME AN OXFOEDSHIBE

BEE-KEEPER.

Some eleven years ago, a kind neighboiu-, when flitting from
these parts, presented us with a hive of bees, and where to place
them I could not tell, for from the only corner where I could
domicile the insects I had grubbed up the protective end of an
old yew hedge, anticipating the erection there of an orchard-
house ; but owing to the umbrage taken by a neighbour, and a
flaw which the lawyers found against the rector felling two oak
trees to repair his house upon his own ground, which had been
the custom far beyond the memory of the oldest inhabitant, an

AprE 23, 1861. ]

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTA&E &ABDENEE.

73

injunction in Chancery caused the timber to lay and rot, my
orchard-house to remain " the baseless fabric of a vieion," and
to cost the rector between £200 and £300.

Now, having lived with the rector nearly all my life, it grieved
me much to think that I should so unwittingly have been the
cause of his losing so much money ; but where to place the
bees, that was the question. It was of no use to stand still
and call upon Jupiter for assistance so I at once ran up a
wattle-work fence, 7 feet high, on the site of the removed hedge,
to be annually strengthened by driving in stout poles, planted
Irish ivy against it, and, behold, from that time an evergreen
shelter was established. Had I erected an orchard-house there,
later experience has proved that it must many a time have stood
the risk of being blown away ; or, at least been partly destroyed
over and over again by tiles and chimney-pots.

" Wliy, Brotherton, I told you to place the hive in the cloth,
or otherwise rest it upon a piece of board the full size of its
bottom." " Ah ! I didn't use the cloth, for I thought that
piece of board would do very well at this time o' night."
" Thought ! I suppose you calculated on the bees remaining as
dormant and glued to their bed as you would be yourself? But
look ! it is not so, you have scattered them along the road, and
numbers are crawling about you. There now, quick march !
pray go and bring the stand as quickly as possible."

Poor old Brotherton ! that was easier said than done. He has
in Ms time been fighting for his country in diiferent parts of the
world, and is awarded a small pension, with one of his legs
from the hip downwards twisted, and fixed at nearly right
angles with the other, so that neither his pace nor the rough
journey to the bees was much to be wondered at.

It was at Michaelmas time the hive thus arrived to us,
considerably weakened by the distribution of the bees. The
remainder lived through the winter, and became strong and
populous during the next season, witliout ofifering to swarm.
In the following year they threw a strong swarm and a cast,
and three common stock-hives remained our bee capital. I was
quite a novice, and did not understand supering, and as to
destroying the poor bees for the sake of taking tbeir honey, I
could not do it ; I had become attached to them, and they had
become attached to me, and my attention was becoming excited
by Mr. Payne's wi-itings in The Cottage Gaedenbr. Withal,
the hives, after the manner of the old-fashioned common hives,
did not behave through the next winter satisfactorily. The queen
died in the swarm first hived, and the bees forsook it and the
honey ; and the cast put into the other hive kept me continually
dancing attendance with an elder-wood trough feeder. The
original hive remained strong and healthy, and from the
quantity of dead bees and fighting observed in February, I
became aware afterwards that all the bees that could do so had
joined it from the queenless hive.

In fact, I was getting quite bewildered, and I determined in
future to adopt Mr. Payne's cottage-hive system. He was
vn-itten to, and kindly sent me a supply of his 'flat-topped hives,
supers, and a bee dress, and I set to work with fresh vigour.
My original hive threw me a swarm only the third year, and the
cast stock gave a late swarm, so I had now established two new
hives, and four in all. The early swarm in the new hive worked
us some honey, and I cut a hole also in the top of the origmal
hive, which gave a full super — great events !

Two years more passed, and I had established a rank and file
of the Suffolk hives, and notwithstanding tlie supering, they
would swarm; and in the winter time I found that deaths,
reverses, continual attendance, and anxieties attached to tliem,
even till ray state of mind was becoming worse than my first.

Then followed experiments hopeful and hopeless ; the jokes of
my friends, and the metal (in two senses of the word) I was
put upon, served to urge me on considerably, and to fill a
lumber-room with I do not know wliat of bee apparatus, a
description of which, and all that it led to, it would be useless
to cumber these pages with. One plan, however, began to
decide for me its superiority and I have that original hive now
in a flourishing condition, after doing duty for six years. I
exhibited a glass, and a straw super of honey worked from it
placed on a new representative-hive pro forma), at the Oxford
Horticultural Show, on the 23rd of June, 1857. It was mentioned
in No. 458 of The Cottaqe Gakdenee. Certainly it gained
its full share of attention, and when I was absent irom its
presence I placed Brotherton conspicuous, to answer what
questions he could, and he told me a Frenchman was eager to
purchase the whole thing as it stood " at any price ; " but it was

not for sale : my object entirely was for the poorer sort to see i t
and to take the hint ; and you know from letters I have sent
for your perusal occasionally, the judgment expressed on the
quality of my honey, and the glass mentioned above was
pronounced, at Messrs. Fortnum and Mason's, one of the best
samples that ever entered their establishment. I also gained
credit there for my plan of packing honey for carriage. So
having already been "smiled upon," and, furthermore, con-
sidering six years' trial a sufficient recommendation, I wiU
describe the plan as being most applicable to myself, in the
hopes that it may also prove beneficial to others.

The aspect of my apiary is very good — south-east, and
gaining the early morning sun, and from the situation of soma
beech trees, it becomes shaded during the sunshine of summer hy
twelve o'clock, and remains so during the afternoon through the
agency of the wattle-worlc fence. The passages in italics must
be taken into consideration by all apiarists in embryo, and allow
me to add, they are well worthy of acceptation to all bee-
keepers whatever. The fence adjoins a corner of the house.
My nearest hive is 8 feet distant from the latter (the garden
front upon which my esperione vines are trained), and all the hives
are placed in a line, 4 feet from each other, measuring from each
pedestal, and 5 feet from the fence ; this interval, and that
flanking the house, are gravel walks. The ground in front of the
hives is occupied as flower-border, and that beyond is culti-
vated garden. All operations are performed at the backs of the
hives, and no person's walk, or shrubs and vegetables are allowed
to grow so high within a certain distance as to interfere with the
starting-point of flight, or return of the bees, and nothing
immediately beneath and around the hives is allowed to grow ;
but the SOU there is freqiiently stirred during summer and
winter time with a Dutch hoe, for the disturbation of ants, &c.,
and to keep the soil dry and warm. A few loads of "log
wood," stout limbs from barked oak trees, are annually
purchased here to be sawn and riven up to heat the oven. Out

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2.

1. Pedestal, 6 inches diameter, 3 feet
lo"S.

2. Block-board, 1 foot 6 inches diameter,
2 inches thick, with three screw holes.

of six-inch diameter stems cuUed
from these I form my pedestals,
taking care to choose a limb with
a branch grown out at its side thus
(see drawing), and to saw it off at
the fork slightly slanting, through
the centre of the bulge A A, where
a broader and tougher surface can
be got to screw on the block-board
(see drawing). This I form out of a
piece of gnarled ash, 2 inches thick,
and 1 foot 6 inches in diameter. It
is screwed firmly on to the top of
the pedestal, its lip pointing away
in the direction that the branch
took, with three three-and-a-half-
inch-long screws placed triangular-
ways, 3inches apart, and having their
heads sunk into sockets in the
block half-an-inch deep, so that in case of after-warpings a plane
may be worked over its surface to keep it perfectly level. The
pedestals thus formed measure 3 feet 3 inches in length ; the
least split in them is well puttied up, and they are painted a
dark ivy green colour, excepting the surface and the parts that
are to become inserted in the ground — 1 foot 6 inches deep at
least. The soil that is dug from the holes to admit them, I take
care to return it all again by degrees, and well ram it around

74

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTuaE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ ApiU 23, 18G1.

the stoclfS with not too large a rammer, for no post was ever
properly secured in a hurry ; and unless all the soil is returned
that was taken out, I would not willingly hang my gate or place
my bee-hive uponit.— UpvrAiirs and Uswabds.
(To be continued.)

VARIETfES.

MoSEOE'S Patest Egg-beater. — We know of no minor
inyentiou more really useful than
this. Eyei'y cook knows the time,
i'6'^ and the arm-aeliiiig, and disappoint-

L' « ment attending upon the beating

or whisking of eggs, &o. Sow, all
this is prevented by Mr. Monroe's
invention. It fixes to a table or
jfjaa dresser, and by turning the handle

fjM of tlie machine, a rapid and double
iltuft agitation is given to any batter

or liquid mixture on which it is
employed ; and iu a few minutes
works them to a degree of light-
ness, very far surpassing that which
can be produced by the ordinary hand-whisk.

Sewijig Machines. — The introduction of the sewing machine
has established a new era in themanufactureof all articles requiring
the use of the needle. The rapidity with which the invention
has been perfected and apiilied to general use, is the most re-
markable fact in the moclern appliances of machinery. The
structure of the machine has been so finely adjusted, that now
every species of sewing can be performed with the utmost
accuracy and neatness.

Six years ago, there were but 2500 machines in the country,
■whilst at the present time there are in operation nearly 100,000.
The following statement gives the progress made m this depart-
ment of manufacture from the year 1853 to 1859 : —

In 1853 — Sewing machines made ' 2,500

1854 „ „ „ 5,000

1855 ,, „ „ 3,600

1856 „ „ 7,400

1857 „ „ 12,785

1858 „ „ „ 17,659

1859 „ „ „ 48,000

Total during 7 years 96,944

The manufacture of sewing machines is becoming an important
branch of industry. One firm alone (Messrs. Wheeler and
Wilson), employ upwards of 400 hands, with a monthly pay
roll of 40,000 dols. ; their works covering an area of nearly
four acres in extent, arid giving employment to a capital of
400,000 dols. Estimating their average seUing price at 85 dols.
(their value ranging from 50 dols. to 150 dols.), we have
8,240,340 dols. as the total amount for machines sold during
the last seven years, one-half of the sales having been transacted
within the present year. To show the importance of the export
trade, we may take the following as a criterion of its extent.

Export of sewing machines from the jjort of New York for
the week ending December 12, 1859 : —

No. Value.

To Liverpool 3 375 dols.

To Glaseow cnscs 129 12,408

To Constantinople boxes 6 315

13,098

Wc subjoin a statement of the several purposes to which the

machine is applied, with the lime occupied in making each
article as compared with handwork.

By machine. By hand,

lira. Mins. Hrs. Mins.

Gentlemen's shirts , 15 13 31

i'rook coats 2 38 10 35

Satin vests 1 14 7 19

Linen vests 0 48 5 14

Cloth pants 0 51 5 10

Siniinitr pants 0 33 2 50

Silk dress 1 13 10 22

Merino dress 14 8 27

Calico dress 0 37 6 87

Ordinarily at the rato of a yard a minute.

In addition to these purposes, this invention is applied to
the mannfaeture of collars, cloaks, hats, caps, gloves, imibrellas,
boots and shoes, harness, upholstery, &e. On striking an
average from the above table, we find that the amount of work
done by the machine is in the ratio of 7 to 1 as compared with
handwork. EstiQiating the number of machines now at work

in this country at the safe computation of 90,000, and supposing
that of that number two-thirds, or (50,000, are in constant
operation, we shall have on amount of work performed equiva-
lent to the production of 360,000 hands ; or, to put the matter
in another light, it would appear (deducting 60,000 for those
employed on the machines) that the introduction of the sewing
machine has displaced 30,000 sewing hands. It is manifest, how-
ever, that the latter consequence has not been realised ; for it is a
fact that hand-sewing labotrr is now both as scarce and as dear
as it was seven years ago. The invention, therefore, has been
no detriment to the operative class ; but it has proved instru-
mental in developing the various branches of trade to which it
is applied, by a large saving both of time and cost in manufacture.
Its bearing on the health of a numerous class of our working
population is most beneficial ; the unhealthy posture, the
closely packed work-rooms, and the painfully close application
which belong to hand-sewing being exchanged for an easy and
pleasant employment. This is one of the many boons conferred
by the great amehorator of human-toil — -nuichinery. All honour
to tlie inventor of the sewing machine ! — {Nero York Herald.')

Home-made A'ineoae.— Every housekeeper with a yard or
garden, on which the sun shines the greater portion of the day in
summer, should make her own vinegar ; it is so good, so cheaply
made, and above all so pure and wholesome. Put li lb. of
brown sugar to 1 gallon of water ; boil it as long aa any scum
rises, wliich should be taken off as fast as it comes to the sur-
face. When milkwaiin, or, say, at a temperature of 60° or 65°,
dip a slice of toast in yeast, and put it in the liquid; which
should then be put into a pan, or tub, to work for one day, then
be put into a cask, which should be painted outside to keep it
from being injured by the weather. The cask should then be
placed on bricks to keep it from the ground, iu a sunny place ;
a piece of coarse muslin should be nailed over the bunghole, and
a tile placed on it to keep out the rain. If this simple brewing
is done in March or early in April, the vinegar is fit for use in
October following. It is good for pickling and all family uses.

OUE LETTER BOX.

Fowls Dying [A Constant Reader).— Th^ bird sent was too decomposed
to be of flny service in forming: an opinion. The symptoms, " a swollen
crop, purple comb, and lingering- five hours," are those of poison ; but we
wis^h to si»c;ik guardedly, iis" poisoninK is too often held to include malice,
where;i8 there are many things that fowls may pick up, and which may
be fatal. A yard is sometimes depopulatedbycorn that has bemarsenically
dressed for sowinp being thrown tu the fowls ; or water is poisoned by the
remains of boot-top or copper cleansing being thrown down where the
fowls frequent. Remote the fowls from the spot, and purge them
thoroughly with castor oil, a table-spoonful every liay for three days. Feed
on ' atir.eal mixed with strong beer.

Book on Poultry (//. E. G. 5.).— The best coloured portraits of fowls
are in Johnson and ^Vinktield's " P.ailtry Book," a copy of which costs
about £1 ; it also contains abundance of practical matter. Mrs. Blair's
*' Hi nwife," is price ~s. Gd., and i« an excellent practical directory ; so is
Mr. Bi^ily's " Fowl," price 2.i. ; and ^o is oor own " Poultry Book for the
Many," price Cul. They may nit be had at our office, or be sent free by
post on the receipt of pcist.ige stamps to their respective values, and two
extra for the dearer books, one extia fur the last named for postage.

LvMP IN THE Throat or you^G PlaEo^s [Leghorn .^Hn?).— When the
lump of pus in the Pigeon's throat can be got at, remove it with a wooden
instruiiieat, aud touch the place with caustic. As to the cause, I suspect
it is often cauhcd by niicp wetting on the food. Drinking from metal
vessels has been also suppcsed to induce the disease. As a preventive I
would advise the Pigeons to have free access to salt and green food, —
B. P. Brent.

Bhkeding Canakies, Mules, &c. fX UegnJnr Subset ihcr).~-XoMv:i\\ 60
well to take the hen Canaiy from the cock, with which she fight!', or shut
her in the s^^all division of the cage till the cock has become master of the
place, and he will then, nio't likely, beat her into submission. It would be
a pitv to sepurate the Goldtinch aiid his mate that agree so well. I do not
think the loss of the toes will prevent the hen Canary breeding. See that
the perches are of good size and firm. Probably t-he will not lay till her
foot is well. A Linnet of the preceding year will breed very well with a
Canary; but it is grnerally considered that a two-year-old bird is belter
to breed from. — B. P. B.

Weasels (/. /*.).— Keep the chickens shut up in a place without holes
l.irge enough for a Weasel to enter. Set a steel rat-trap baited with a
piece of very fresh meat.

LOKDOJST MAEKETS.— Apbil 22.

POULTRY.

We shall have little to note in the way of change in this market till we
have warmer weather. The increase ismore in the trade than the supply.

Each — s. d. s.
6 0 to 6

d
6
6
0
6
6

Guinea Fowls

Hares

Rabbits

Each-

-s.d.
3 6 to

" I ;;
1 1 ;;

s.
4
0

1
0
0

d
0

Smaller Fow

Is 5 0 „ 5

3 6 „ 4

0

,<i

Goslings ...

7 0 „ 7

5 0 „ 5

Wild ditto

q

Ducklings...

Pigeons

9

April 30, 1861. ]

JOURNAI; OF HOETICTJLTTJEE AND COTTAaE aAEDENBB.

75

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

Day

of of

M'nth

Week.

30

Tu

1

W

2

Th

3

F

4

S

5

8UH

6

M

Weathbr nbab London ik 1S60.

APRIL 30-MAY 6, 18G1.

Barometer. jThermom.

Valeriana tripteris.
St. Phil. & Jas. Pk
Oxytropis montanus.
Epimedium alpinum.
Silene acaulis.
Rogation Sunday.
Ajuga Genevensis.

Authur b.
[1850.

30.394-30.331
30.324-30.125
30.093—30.042
30.156-30.133
30.202—30.06.3
30.111— 30.0S3
30.165-29.980

deg. deg
64-35
66-38
67-40
66-33
65-30
60-32
59-30

E.
N.E.

E.
N.E.

N.

E.

E.

Inches.

Snn

Rises.

Sun

Sets.

36af 4 19af 7

34

4

32

4

30

4

28

4 '

26

4

24

1 1

Moon '

Rises Moon's
and Seis Xg'^.

20 ml

(

22
23
24
25
26

Clock !

after [ Day of

Sun. Year.

56
4
11
IS
24
30
35

120
121
122
123
124
125
126

Meteorology of the Week. — .\t Chiswick, from observations during the last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 61.5° and 39.4=' respectively. The greatest heat, 8P, occurred on the 4th, in 1833; and the lowest cold, 20%
on the 2nd in 1855. During the period 143 days were fine, and on 95 rain fell.

FLOWEE SHOWS IN TOWNS FOE THE
WOEEING CLASSES.
^ ONG ago we began collecting examples of
. "gardening under difficulties;" and when
^we received, a few days since, a schedule of
prizes to he awarded to members of the
; working classes exclusively in the London
parish of Bloomsbury, we contemplated it
as an addition to our store for use at some
future period. At first it struck us it must
be a joke — some satire
upon our metropolitan
shows, and that 'Blooms-
bury ' was selected as
an apt name for such a
quiz.

Our readers, however,
will be no less surprised
than at first we were, to find that it is sober cai-nest.
There not only is to be such a Working-class Flower
Show in Bloomsbury next June, but there was one last
year, and a successful one, too. Let us, in the first
place, detail the entire prize list, and the rules which will
regulate the Exhibition. They are as follows : —

" BLOOMSBUET PLOWER SUOW.

"am ExmBixroK of plants bklokoixg to the wobking

CLASSES op the ABOVE PAMSH WILL BE HELD (D.V.), ON
WEDNESDAY, JUNE IOtD, 1861, IN TUE NATIONAL SCnOOL-
EOOSr, BUET STREET.

" The foUowing Prizes are offered for competition : —
" 1. Prizes for AduUs.
"1. Persons living in the Uttle Coram Street district— viz..
Little Coram Street, Abbey Place, Chapel Place, Eussell
Place, Coram Place, Marchmont Place, Tavistock Mews,
Colonnade, Little Guilford Street.

First Prize. Second Prize. Third Prize. Fourth Prize.
s. rf. 5. d. s. d. s, (1.

ForFucusiAS 7 6 5 0 2 6 1 0

For Geeanidjis... 7 6 5 0 2 6 1 0

ForANNU.u.s 7 6 5 0 2 6 1 0

" 2. Persons living in the Mews.

First Prize. Second Prize. Third Prize. Fourth Prize.
s. d. s. d, s. d. s. d.

For Fuchsias 7 6 5 0 2 6 1 0

For Geraniums... 7 6 5 0 2 6 1 0

For Annuals 7 6 5 0 2 6 I 0

" 3. Persons living elsewhere in the parish.

First Prize. Second Prize. Third Prize. Fourth Prize.
s. d. s, d. s. d. s, d.

For Fuchsias 7 6 5 0 2 6 1 0

For Geraniums... 7 6 5 0 2 6 1 0

For Annuals 7 6 5 0 2 6 1 0

" 2. Prizes for Children of WorJcing Classes livhig in the Parish.
" 1. Parochial, National, Sundav, and Infant Schools.
" (i.) Boys.

First Prize. Second Prize. Third Prize. Fourth Prize,
s. d. s. d. s. d, s. d.

For Fuchsias 5 0 3 6 2 6 1 0

For Gebaniums... 5 0 3 0 2 6 1 0

For Annuals 5 0 S 6 2 6 1 0

" (ii.) Girls.

First Prize. Second Prize. Third Prize. Fourth Prize.
s. d, 8. d, s. d. s. d.

For Fuchsias 5 0 3 6 2 6 1 0

For Gesaniums... 5 0 3 6 2 6 1 0

For Annuals 5 0 3 6 2 6 1 0

No. 5. — Vol. I., New Seeies.

" 2. Bagged Schools (Boys and Girls).

First Prize. Second Prize. Third Prize. Fourth Prize.
s. d, ». d. s. d. s. d.

For Fuchsias 5 0 2 6 1 0 1 0

For Geraniums... 5 0 2 6 1 0 1 0

For Annuals 5 0 2 6 1 0 1 0

" 3. Prizes for Domestic Servants.

First Piize. Second Prize. Third Prize. Fourth Prize.
s. d. s. d. s. d. .v. (/.

For ant Plants . 10 0 7 6 5 0 2 6

" The following ore the rules to be observed : —

"1. Exhibitors must bring their names and addresses, with
the name and numbc-r of the Plants they intend to exhibit, to
the Parochial Yestry, between the hours of 10 and 12, on any
morning of the week after April 22nd, and no person will be
allowed to compete who has not given in his name on or before
Saturday, May 4th.

" 2. The Plants so registered must remain in the parish, and
under the care of the Exhibitor, until the time of llie ExbiLition.

" 3. Different members of a family are eligible to compete for
the Prizes.

" 4. The Fourth Prize in each class will be given to Plants
not in bloom.

" 5. The Plants are to be brought to the Schoolroom on the
day of Exhibition, before 10 in the morning.

" 6. !No Gardener or Flower Dealer to be allowed to compete
for the Prizes.

" 7. Admission to Exhibitors free, to non-Exlubitors 6<f.
before 5 p.m., after that time \d.

"N.B. — Exhibitors are advised to procure Plants which may
be expected to be in bloom by the day of the Show.

"Walter H. Bosanquet, Esq., 5, Torrington Place, has
kindly consented to give further information to intendingv
Exhibitors, and is also willing to register Plants within the time
specified above, every evening after 7.

" EMILITJS BATLET, Hector."

This Schedule was accompanied by a letter, from
which, though marked "private," we shall venture to
publish some extracts.

" On the chance of your taking an interest in such a thing,
and of your deeming it worthy of favourable notice in your
widely-read Journal, I enclose a programme of an intended
Flower Show for tlie poor inhabitants of the parish of St.
George's, Bloomsbury. If jou do not consider it worthy of
favourable notice, I hope you will not condemn it. The same
kind of show was tried last year on a very small scale in the
same parish. The Kev. S. H. Parkes, one of the Curates, and a
most energetic man, started a flower show, or rather an exliif ition
of plants, confined to the inhabitants of one of the narrowest
and most thickly populated streets in the parish. The only
rule which had to be kept by exhibitors was that each must have
had his plant in his possession for three weeks. Any kind of
plant was allowed to be exhibited, and it was not necessary that
they should be in blossom. It was felt that at the first attempt
it would not do to be too strict.

"The result was entire success, and the number of plants
exhibited by no means hmited. The Russell Square gp.rdiiier
and an amateur acted as Judges on (he occasion, and awarded
the prizes, which were given away on the evening of the day of
exhibition, by Mr. Bayley, the Rector.

" One of "the great objects of the Show was to induce the
really poor to take on interest in plants, which may add so
much to the cheerfulness of their dwellings. Great difficulty was
No. 657.— Vol. XXVI., Old Sesies.

7G

JOFKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 30, 1861.

felt ill awardiug (lie prizes in coiisequeuce of the very large
variety of plants exhibilccl, some of wliicli were utterly uuQtted
to a London atmosphere. Wlien a repclitiou of the experiment
on a much larger scale was suggested this year, the difficulty
which had bfcn experienced was mentioned, and in consequence
the competition this year is limited to Geraniums, Fuchsias, and
Annual?. I feel that it is of no use encouraging tlie poor to
cultivate plants whicli cannot repay them for their trouble, and
which must cause them disappointment. By the rults you wdl
see that laeli Exhibitor must on the day of the Show have had
his plants in his possession ratlur less than seven wieks, and it
is trusted lliat the great object in view— viz., the finding out,
not who can buy the best plant, but who can take the best care
of a plant, v. ill be attained.

"At the same time the classes are so arranged that tlie inha-
bitants of the narrowest streets are not bruuglit into competition
with tliose who live in situations more favourable to the growth
of plan:s.

" I think that the cultivation of plants is a very great civiliser,
and I hope great good may come from the Show. I am in
hopes that you may think the scheme worthy of favourable
notice in an early Number.

"I may as well menlion that although the programme says
that only the fourth prize in each class will be given to plaiits
out of blossom, there will be many more given in realitv,
because the people in the classes for whom the Show is meant,
being \vitliout tlio means of procuring or laking care of many
plants, could not insure having any in bloom at tlie particular
time appointed for the Show, and much disappointment might
be caused. Intending Exhibitors, it is known, regardless of the
day fixed, would probably go and buy plants already in full
glory or nearly so."

Now, if ever a step was taken in a right directitin for
benefiting tlie worlcing classei), this is one. Nothiuf,' tends*
to raise a man, '.voman, or child above the temptations of
sensual pleasures so cITectually as a bright, cheerful,
decorated liomc ; and no home is so bright, cheerful, and
winuiugly decorated, as tliat where flowers are fostered.

We have traversed the length and breadtb of most
parts iif the Britisli islaneis, and wo record, as tlie result
of our obaervalions, lliat life is longest, and the working
classes are the most moral and ifell-fo-do where a fondness
for gardening prevails.

Tiiia result of our experience is not extracted from
rural districts only, for it is sustained by inquiries anionj;
the masters in the manufacturing districts. In Sheffield,
Birmingham, Manchester, Coventry, Spitalfields.and else-
where, those who cultivate florists' flowers, and those
who love to scarcli for wild flowers as members of tlie
manj' botanical clubs that arc so numerous among the
weaving operatives, include scarcely any but men who
are the most skilful and the most ciemplary.

We think in all towns, whether manufacturing or
commercial, the example set in BIcomsbury might be
followed most advantageously ; and in Bloomsbury we
tliiuk thej' might have exhibitions for other flowers than
those included in the present schedule — such flowers as
the Auricula, Polyanthus, Pink. Antirrhinum, Porapone
Ciirysauthemum, Cineraria, and Hyacinths, all of which
may be successfully cultivated in pots and in city
dwellings. Such shows would require to be held at
three seasons of the year; thus the interest and care
would be sustained throughout the twelvemonth. We
think, also, that every exhibitor should pay a very small
entrance-fee, to be carried to the funds of the exhibition.

One anecdote, and we liave done.

We knew a village blacksmith, sober, industrious,
and exemplary. Years passed, and we then found him
an idle, sottish, ragged vagabond. We inquired of bis
brotiier how this ruinous change was caused, and tlie
reply was tliis : — "When poor Fauny died, be married
ins present wife ; and slie never had home comfortable
for him. Fanny kept things tidy— loved flowers, and had
some for his bulton-liole on a Sunday — but she (his
present wife), is no good, always gossiping, and pulled up
poor Fanny's Geraniums. to sjiit,- him."

CLIMBERS FOE A TEELLIS ON A
NORTH-EAST ASPECT.
S. IF. would be miuh obliged by tlie name or names of the
handsomest and largest-ilowereel perennial Clematis, or other
showy climber suited for a trellis, with north-east aspect. It
must be peifeelly hardy, as the situ^ition is cold and exposed.
Soil fine je-Uow loam. Locality near Ipswieli. S. TJ'. recollects
many years ago seeing a splendid flower of the Clematis fimily
and bought it, being assured it was quite harely, but the first
winter killed it; but iJ. W. must say it was placed in the
immediate suburbs of London, where, from want of vigour,
plants do not bear cold so well. Now would this answer (if
you know the plant I lefer to), for a climber in my small green-
house where there is never a fire or any other coveriug but the
glass to keep out the frost?

[For such a position out of doors we would use Clematis
ccerulea, C. Hendersonii, C. flaiiimula, C. florid.i bicolor ; and
such Roses as ruga and nnilliflora, ;uid the haulier Noisettes.
For tlie house grow Clematis Sieboldii, cosruiea granditlora,
Lonieera japoiuca, and Passiflora eceiulea, covering the latter
with a mat or cloth in winter, as you use no fire heat.]

KEW GARDENS.

Of all the improvements in gardening for the las! thirty years,
none are so telling on tae eyes which have seen the work of other
days as the w^inter management of house plants, and the beauty
and freshness of the plants themselves at the period of general
potting in the spring. Kew is up to the higlie^'t mai k iu the
records of this progress, yet the houses are not half large enough
for the wintering of llie vast eolleelioii.

\Mien the new conservatories are finished and filled, ns they
will be before another winter, tlie gardeners at Kew may make
larger s]icciinens of their best plants ; but th"y eim haiellv make
j them look more healthy than tliey are at present. The winter
has hardly touched tliern, comparatively speaking. Tiie annued
deaths and casualties are not so heavy this sprin:^ Ar they have
been in former seasons, yet the numbers ot kinc!s of plants that
arc out there is not nearly matched in any establishment in the
British dominions, nor anything like it. The situation is not at
all favourable for holding out aijainst frost, the water being con-
stantly within a few inches of the surface in some parts of the
grounds, auel the whole surface not mueli above the level of the
tide. It is the poor, hungry sand, and the gravelly bottom
whieh save the exotic collections of Kew from severe seasons such
.as this last winter. Plants do not grow rank in such soil, and
they ripen and harden before the winter, and if they are hardy
anywhere it is in such soils.

I coiUd see nothing to sp?ak of among all their evergreens. No
Hhododendron is hurt, '.the Sikkim Rliododendrons out in the
lowest part of the grounds, but shaded and sheltered by some of
the finest timber trees on the establishment, are safe as ponti-
cums ; and visitors to Kew at present must needs be told that
the list of killed and wounded is made up by the writer from
official documents, for neither they Jior their informant could
make the discovery in going over the grounds.

But it was the spring deeoraiion in-doors that people from
the country wanted me so much to report for years pist ; to
whom I u.-ed to reply, "What can you expeet that way in a
botanic garden where nobody knows where to find room for the
next plant he pots ? Evein thing must be so crammed there tliat
flowers are out of the question altogether." Indei d, such was
my impression. I often wished myself to see their Aeacias in
flower; but then it occurred to me, that they may think I want
only to criticise a certain deficiency. But this spring I had a very
good excuse in the late frost, ami so I went and found every-
thing quite dilferent from whitt I expected. Bulbs of a 1 soi'ts
forced for show as for a private conservatory ; all sorts of
forcing Geraniums, from Alba multiflora to Blanchfleur and
Mrs. Johnson, which was new to me j JInsk, (.berry Pic, and
^'iole'.s, free as among country cottagers; lleaths, Epncriscs,
and Aeacias as coming natural ; magnificent Ferns, stove plants,
and foliaged fineries all on the exhibition style of look and
growth ; Orchids done on the Kingston model at last, and no soid
or body allowed now to go in and out in all weathers, wliich was
the ruin of many plants besides the Orchids.

It is all very well and very wise of the Government to get young
people down to Kew, and add to (he poctryof their eyes and under-

AprU 30, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

77

standings ; but it was neither wise nor well clone from the begin-
ning, to have allowed stove and other rare plants to be injured by
a constant flow of visitors in and out tlie whole winter, giving
an occasion to that enemy to have two strings to his crossbow.
All that is altered now, and "private" on one of these doors
does not mean you and I to have a j^rivate chat there, but tliat
the place must be kept private for the safety of most valuable
plants in winter and till their season's growth is done and
ripened, tlien you can see them and welcome — and they will soon
be worth seeing and something more. But my mission was
about flowers, and began in the Heath-house, where, alto, all
(lie best Epacrises were in bloom ; where Rhododendron javaui-
cura is now in full bloom, and many other fine things, from
Aphelexis to Cytisus, Correas, Pultena-as, and others, the host
of March decoration. The Heaths in bloom, and the easiest
Heaths for us and ours to have for Mai-ch blooming were mii-
(abilis, pubescens and pnbesceiis minoi", persoluta, andromadse-
tlora, flava, triumphans, perspicua nana, colorans, ureeolata,
seabriuseula, gracilis, viride (vestita sort), vcrnix, ovixta, ranien-
tacca, just going out; brunioides, lyeopodioides. Also, Boronias
of sorts, and microphylla in fine bloom; Polygalas, ditto; Choro-
zema varia, and others ; Daviesia umbellala ; Brachjsema latii'olia
and some others, and all i]i bloom giy as a show day.

No. 10, the grand show-house, and the best greenhouse in all
England, where none is better managed, or is more gay iu March
and April, if not the wlioleyear round I was wholly surprised,
as they say in Suffolk. All the best Hyacintlis, early Tulips,
and Narcissuses, which were recently before your eyes from
Highgate and Pine Apple Place Nurseries, huve been forced for
this house. Everything that has a sweet leaf to it ; all Geraniums
that will force, and ns many Cinerarias as would fill the tables
of the Floral Committee with be.auly, and their heads with
dismay, are got up early for this decoration, and thus a man
from London, with The Journal op Horticultuke in one
hand, and a guide-book for Kew iu the other, may enjoy more
flowers of an afternoon at this season of tlie year, than the Laird
of TuUivolen, or the Duchess of Kipplobringham herself can do
down in ihe provinces, to say nothiug of all the Cyclamens,
Primula dentii'ulata, the varieties of P. ohineusis, with Dielytras,
Doutzias, Uaphne ridjras, LUaes large as life, Saxifraga lignlato,
with rhubarb-like sized leaves ; Solanum capicastrum, in bushes
with berries golden as the ajjples of Hesperides j Rhododendron
formosum and eiliatuni, Farfugiums, Camellias, Roses, and
Mignonette. Then, in lesser numbers, were Arototis grandiflora,
blooming like a Gazania pavonia the year round — this is the
source of an endless race of Hybrid Perpetual bloomers for
in. doors and out ; Zieria maerophyila, also a perpetn.il bloomer
such as it is. Tlicn most splendid tree Ferns, and the finest
specimens of Glcirhenias anywhere, in tlie rudest health, and in
the largest tubs that must fall to their share. And then the
Acacias — a sight when they arc all in bloom, but this is only a
small selection of them. Acacia celastrifolia is one of the very
best with large leaves, the stem size of a walking-stick, heiglit
under 5 feet, pot No. 16, and v.'liat more could stamp it for the
smallest greenhouse? and some such considcr;ition runs through
the whole selection. Acacia pentadciia, after Drummondi ; Acacia
grandiflora, after grandis, suaveolens, Rieeana, Drummondi,
myi'tifoha, sulcata, paradoxa, grandis, pulehella, floribunda,
grandiHora elcgans, ovata, decipiens, pra;morsa, argyrophylla,
for its silvery, silky, shining leaves; marginata, after celastrifolia.
All these are as easy to keep as Puch.^ins, and bloom, or may be
bloomed, from the new year to April in a common greenhouse,
and be out of doora from May to October. Some of them as
standards, like standard Roses, wordd do admirably in thecisnire
of flower-beds along the side of walks, or where there was no
aim at composition-planting of beds.

The climbers in this large house are also well worth the
attention of those who may be in want of such high decoration.
They begin with the various Passion-Flowers and Tacsonias — as
Passiflora ccerulea, race-uosa, Neumanii, Goutierii after alata ;
Tacsonia moUissima and pinnatistipula. Teeoma jasmiuoides and
others ; Kennedya monopliylla, rubieunda, and several others of
that family ; Jasminumazorieum ; Biguoiiia eapreolata; Harden-
bergia of sorts, including digitata and ovata alba; Mimosa
marginata, or the old prostrata ; Bhyncospermtim jasminoides,
wliicli can also be forced to come into bloom any time in the
■winter ; Zichya villosa and others ; Lyousia straminea, looking
like a large-leaved Kennedya ; HolboUia latifolia, related to
Stauntonia; Physolabium Sterlingii, from New Hollsnd, and
looking like some Haidenbergia, are the principal kinds in that

house. And there is a fine-leaved climber in the lax'ge succulent-
house called Cissus quinatus, vvhieli is valued entirely for the
healthy looks of its large, green, shining leaves, and its free
healthy growth. Here is a Passion-Flower which blooms most
part of the year, and is called hybriila floribunda — a dark blue
flower. Hero, also, is Hardenbergia digitata in full bloom.

Here the succulents are as gorgeons as they are grote'rjne.
Litta;a gemminiflora is called Agave here. Two kinds of Dasy-
Urion glaucum and acrostichum are two moet beautiful plants
for setting out in summer on terrace gardens; also Agave, or
Littca striata, and gemminiflora both equally good. Gemmini-
flora flowered at Kew last year, and, four or" five years back, at
Claremont ; but the plants did not die, like some aloes do, after
flowering.

In a forcing-house for cuttings and for sni-q^Iying the show-
house, lots of Baron Huge! Geraniums were in bloom as free as
on a ribbon-border from the beginning of March. The Baron
is the best of all Scarlet Geraniums for vvinter woik; but
one, like Tom Thumb, and called Rlgby's Queen, is the best
spring Scarlet brought to Cuvent Garden after being forced.
The rafters were alive with Tropa;olum Lobbiauum — the best of
all the winter bloomers, especially if it receive a few more de-
gi'ces of heat than a common greenhouse. The plants were iu
No. 16-pots. Fuclisiiis for summer decoration ; also huge speci-
mens of the Unique Geranium — the best m-door plant of the
whole family in July, August, and Septemb. r. Here, abo, were
shelves of Brilliant varicgalcd Geranium in full bloom; Calceo-
laria violacea — a useful plnnt for spring use ; Cinerarias, fvalmias,
Heliotropes, and no end of Flower of the Day, and other bed-
ding beauties ; and a long, deep pit of twelve lights, just outside,
was full of variegated Geraniums of sorts, still in store-pots for
want of room.

My old favourite, Lapagcria rosea, in the cold, or cool Fern-
house, is now in a No. 1 or No. 2-pot, and growing and bloom-
ing as freely as ever. The Ferns make a forest in the rest of
the house. Next to the propagating department — and there
is a good day's work for bookmaking if one could spare tho
time — one thousand Stachya lanata for permanent bedding, all
just rooted ; Arabis vavicgata (he same ; Frosted Silver Plants;
Tropoeolums, Gazanias, and especially splcndens in nivrinds ;
besides the Verbenas, and all the old rerpiisites of tliiit turn and
style, with indications of a still higher strain.

What would you say to a hunilred yards of Centaurea caiidi-
dissima as the second row on a ribbon-border ? Or to a fuU-
lengih fourth line with a Fern variegated to vio with— wliat
shall I say ? — Brilliant in prime mood ? The candldisgima will do
certainly when one can afford a ten-pound note for the hundred
yards of it; but the variegated Fern is yet at so many half-"
guineas a-piece according to the size — tho smallest size for the
smallest piece of gold in circulation ; but (ho plnnt seeds as free
as poppies, and every seedling comes variegated, and will soon
be as cheap as Alma for the ribbon-borders. It is the old Pteris
crciica in a new dress from Java. Mr. Smith, who knows them
better than any man living, says cretica is found in all parts of
tho world where Ferns grow ; but this form of it U found
only in Java. It grows 15 inches high, is of a quick, spreading
liabit, and sturdy growth, makes (he finest exhibition plnnt of
all the variegated kinds, is in all the London nurseries, and Mr.
Linden is going to send it over for the ribbon-borders for the
summer months. I am to prove it, and let you know ; and the
Floral Committee had a basketful of it from Mr. Veiteli, and
one plant from Mr. Bull the same day ; and there is no mis-
take about it, for it took a first-rate prize, and no voice or word
" to the contrary."

CamelUa-house iu forcing for vrood and early buds for next
year. The Sikkim Rhododendon-house the same, but kept
much cooler and more moist than the Camellias. Here, then, is
an answer to "An Om Subschiber" or two, who have been
wishing to know how to do the Sikkims. The plants there are
glorious in their looks and luxuriance. They arc kept as cool as
camellias during the winter ; and in the spring, when they more
naturally into growth, they are very genlly encouraged to grow
freely in a moist atmosphere, and little sun, with a rise of a few
degrees of heat. The turning-point iu their management seems
just the same as that for the Nepnul great Rhododendron trees —
to see that all stimulus is avoided as soon as their growth is
finished, lest they start a second growth, and thus hinder them
from setting their flower-buds ; also to take speeinl notice that
the sun does not strike heavily on their new leaves till they are
quite ripe — or say to the end of September, or nearly so, When

78

JOTJENAL OF HORTICTJLTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

[ April 30, 1861.

the fi-ost is over tliey a^e turned out doors, and the pots are
half plunged in a sheltered piece of ground, which is shaded by
trees from tlie mid-day sun, or where the sun can reach them only
in tlie mornings and evenings, and their strong leathery leaves
are supposed to need a vast deal of moisture Irom some damp
mulcliiiig all over the ground among the pots, and round about
where they stand during the whole summer.

The buibous Tropseohims liad a new dodge for training their
slender threads on — thus : When the bulbs arc potted, a strong
stake is placed in Ihe centre of the pot, and firmed there with
copper wire — first across the top of the pot, and fastened to a
wire round the rim, and secondly by another run across the first
wire, tlie two forming an X in the centre, and fixing the stake
at the cross. The stake is gimlet-bored all the way up ; and
twigs of old birch brooms are stuck into the holes to form a
Christmas-tree-like support, or a dried spruce fir without leaves.
There is even a leading-like shoot out of the top hole on the
stake, and the whole is firm from the very fii-st. The diameter
at the surfiice of tlie pot is from 16 inches to 20 inches.

In the botanical propagating-house were the grandest sights. It
was there that Pteris cretica albo lineata was first proved from
seeds, that Cinchona Calisaya will root slowly from cuttings and
layers, that the largest Pea or Bean in the world is 5 inches in
diamet.T, that it opens in two parts like a scarlet runner, and that
three young sprouts for trees come from the same germ within it :
th.it is the size and shape of the seeds of Mora excelsa, the most
majestic ti'ce of Guiana, according to Sir K. Schomburgk, who
first discovered it, and says the timber is as good as that of our
best oak. Glasses for growing Perns and Pinellas under are
there on a new and economical plan — four large squares of
glass set in a strong frame as for the bottom of a hand-light,
and a moveable roof of two panes set at different angles like the
roof of a house, and two small pieces of glass for the gables.
The roof and gables come off like the top of a hand-light, but
the bottom never if it could be helped, so as not to let the
softest bruise or touch come nigli the great variety of Hyme-
nophyllnms and their alhes which deUglit in such quiet retii'e-
ment. But why not have tlie like and the same care for our
cuttings? They, too, or some of them, dislike popping off and
on of tumbler glasses, as much as film ferns anyhow.

In one of the tropical stoves was a fine plant of Meyenia erecta
in bloom, and there is a white-flowering kind of it at Kew ; Gar-
denia citriodora, a fine thing ; Ilowardia caracacensis, with brilliant
pinkish brads, as conspicuous that way as the white bracts of
Musenda frondosa itself; Framiscca maerantha, with very large
flowers and leaves ; Ixoras ; Gesneras, of which ciiinabarina is
the queen ; Thunbergia Harrisii, flowering free es gloxitiias,
and with the same shaped flower of a light blue colour — a
famous stove climber for winter-flowering either in large pots
or out in a free border ; Kisia glandulosa, a fine thing ; and
the old Plumbago rosea done to a T at last, and blooming from
Korember to March ; Linum tigrinum, blooming as freely the
whole winter; Clerodendron splendens ditto.

But one of the finest new winter bloomers is an Acanthad
from the unfortunate Barter who perished in the late Niger
expedition. This is called Stcphanophysmn Baikiei, after Capt.
Baikie the Commander. The flower is of the shape and colour
of Thyrsacantlius rutilans, only brighter, and the spikes of
blooms are upright. The plant also is of a good habit, and is
invaluable in large country collections. Another useful plant
of the same class is Dipteracanthus Kerhisli from Eio, with
more pink in it than in stephanophysum ; Allamanda neriifolia
in bloom as usual ; Callysandra hremocephala, a bottlc-brush-
looking flower of the Inga group ; Gleisomcria nitida ; and a
very curious little Aristolochia flavoites, with a bulbous-like
stem, producing a host of flowers all round the surface of the
pot ; the grand Brownea coccinea in full bloom, large heads of
drooping crimson scarlet flowers of vivid lustre. To make out
the circle of economies, they grow theh- own coffee, tea, and
tobacco.

In tlie first Orchid-house was a spotted or variegated some-
thing, like a little Mexican maxillaria, with round white dots
all over Ihe leaves. It was found by Mr. Boss, of Cinchona
celebrity, in the forests of Guaquil — the only one of the kind he
had seen among thousands of common Oncidiums, which made
the forest blaze as our commons do when the Gorse is in bloom.
The Indian Orchids are in the first house, and coming away
in grand style, with the stronger Oncidiums at the coldest end
coming into bloom freely as in that forest. The next is the
Victoria-house, in which victory is won already in fine-leaved and

variegated plants. The leaves of Cyanophyllum magnificum are
35 inches long and 16 inches across. Eucharis grandiflora, in
a No. 8-pot, with six or seven bloom-spikes — pitchers planted
out in peat-borders, and rambling over everything, and they get
them from seeds to pitcher from the first ; ^schynanthus of
sorts, hanging over the Lily-lake in beautiful ringlets ; and
Colocasia edulis variegata, the very best of all good things of
that stamp.

The last house I went through was the alpine Orchid-house,
or where the Mexican and other hardier kinds are kept. Here,
too, was a fine display of various flowers — as Begonias, Gesneras,
Bletias, Dendrobiums, Lycastes, Cypvipediums, Epidendrums,
and Gloriosa su|ierba, all in bloom. Gesnera cinnabarina, in
a long vista row in this house was the richest colour I ever set
my eye on ; and there was a climber on one of the rafters
which was new to me — a Littonia modesta, with the exact
habit of a twining bomarea, and the looks of a gloriosa, with
pale yellow drooping flowers. In another stove was a new way
of doing Platycerium grande. It was tied to a log which was
hollow in the centre, and through a hole the roots got inside,
the hollow being filled like a garden-pot, and the plant grew
amazingly, and preserved its barren leaves or fronds in the most
healthy state, which it never does in pots or any way where it
touches a damp surface. But the way to understand this is
to suppose a pair of new top boots to be filled with the right
compost for that Fern, to have holes at heel and toe for drainage,
to pin a young Platycerium against the top part of the boot
outside, and to make some slits over the calf of the boot to let in
the roots to the mould, to water from the top of the boot, and
let no water rest on the folds of the fronde Tiridi.

D. Beaton.

VjNEEYAND CUCUMBER-HOUSE COMBINED.
I HATE a vinery heated with hot water (foiu--ir.ch pipes flow
and return), and being very anxious to build a Cucumber-house —
say 12 feet long by 6 feet wide, could I not attach it to the
end of my vinery, and by taking olf the syphon and air-pipe put
another 6 feet of flow and return pipe on, so carry it through a
tank to be placed in the Cucumber-house underneath the bed
where the Cucumbers would be cultivated? By this plan I
should save the expense of a boiler, and only use one fire instead
of two. — B. Z. AEiisTEo; G.

[Unless your vinery is very large, a small boiler will do easily
all you propose ; but then the heat must all pass through the
vinery before reaching the Cucumber-house, so that you cannot
heat the latter without heating the former. Perhaps you do
not mind this, and will prefer heating them simultaneously.
You could also, in the case of early Cucumbers, have more heat
there than in the vinery by giving more air in the latter. We
should carry the pipes all the length of the Cucumber-house
with or without the tank. We find no fault with the latter,
only the expense. The pipes and plenty of them, according to
the season of the year, would give us all that we should require ;
but by all means have a tank if you prefer it as a hobby. If
you had your Cucumber-liouse on the other side you might
easily heat it independently of the vinery from the same boiler.]

A GLIMPSE OF WOODHALL.

This celebrated jilace, the country residence of Abel Smith,
Esq., is about four miles from Hertford. I visited it on the 8th
of February, the same day as that on which I called at the
Hertford Nurseries; and though it was a very unsuitable time
of the year to visit a fine garden and I took no notes, some
impressions and recollections may be worth recording.

However the traveller goes from Hertford to Woodhall, he
will pass through a varied, picturesque, and well-cultivated part
of the country. The park itself is very large, much varied in
outline, and well supplied, perhaps in places too densely supplied,
with timber. When trees for a large space stand thickly to-
gether, we are more impressed with the ideas connected with
the utility of a forest than with the more refined associations
connected with massive groups in a park comparatively open.
It is always, liowever, an easy matter to cut down and thus
admit, not only of diversified light and shade, but of great
variety in outline. Large breadths of Bracken Fern add to the
picturesque beauty.

The mansion, so far as I recollect, is more massive and com-

April 30, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUfiB AlfD COTTAGE GARDENEB

79

modious than ornamental in its arcliitecture. It stands on the
edge of an elevated platform, the carriage entrance being on the.
north-east side, -n-ith a small lawn in front of it. On this lawn
fine plants of Pinus insignis seemed quite killed ; Araucarias had
eufl'ered severely ; Deodars -were brown and white, but would
recover; and such plants as Cupressus funebris and Lambert-
iana, were killed outright. There was a pretty little thriving
plant of the Abies elegans, "with which I was unacquainted, quite
as hardy as the common spruce, and seeming to have a fine
habit of growth. Common Laurels and Portugal Laurels had
sufiered severely, and Laurustinuses were next to killed. A
slightly raised walk bounded this lawn ; and on one side at
least it passed through a rough shrubbery, where Mr. Beale
intended forming a rockery and fernery.

The wood in tiie part in front of this lawn had been thinned
with great propriety, so as to bring a number of fine Cedars
about forty years of age witliin view of the windows of the
house. Just as I stated some time ago in tlie case of Gorham-
bnry, a fine effect would be produced by an avenue of Deodars
between this lawn and the kitchen garden.

On what I may call the east side of the mansion is a flower
garden somewhat sunk, and, of course, in February having
little attraction, backed by a small conservatory, the front
facing that end of the mansion. Tlie roof was a perfect picture
of long yellow racemes of a fine glaucous-leaved variety of
Acacia pubescens. Tlie two beds were supplied with fine
plants of Camellias, Oranges, &c., grown in pots, but plunged
so as to conceal the pots, and enable the visitor to look down
■chiefly on the flowers instead of looking up to them. Some
line Acacias and creepers were growing against the pillars ; and
the front shelf was very gay with bulbs. Cinerarias, Epacrises,
&c. Nicely, however, as this conservatory looked, it seemed to
me to detract, even by its smallness, from the massive grandeur
of the mansion ; and having no direct connection with it, the
interest was to a great extent lessened, as ladies could get to it
only on fine days. No position could be more appropriate for a
conservatory worthy of the mansion and of the demesne ; and
by doing away with the flower garden, the new conservatory
could be connected with the mansion by a wide promenade all
covered with glass and with plants on each side. The conser-
vatory, as a whole, woidd then resemble the letter T, and if
deemed desirable a small artistic parterre miglit be placed on
each side of the long leg of the T. In these days of cheap glass,
such structures connected with a mansion must be a great
source alike of health and rational enjoyment. Those possessed
of the means might thus, to a great extent, enjoy a Torquay, a
Naples, or a Madeira, not far from their parlour fireplace.

Tlie fine panoramic views from the south-west side of the
mansion will, however, chiefly attract the attention of the visitor.
The ground for a great distance slopes somewhat gradually
through an open part to the river Beane, and then rises seemingly
more variedly as far as the eye can reach. The front of the
liouse has a wide grass terrace bounded by a gravel walk and a
terrace wall. The terrace at my visit had some clumps of low
.evergreens, &c., but it was to be entirely remodelled. Unless
when close to the lower windows, the height of the terrace wall
intercepted the view of the silver waters of the Ecane. That
wall was to be removed, that the eye of a person sitting in any
part of the lower rooms could take in the whole scene. In
front of that wall in part of the park a new geometrical flower
garden is to be formed, with fountains and other accompani-
ments, and then, lovely as the scene now is, it will be lovelier
stUl. I shall count on the pleasure of seeing it some June or
July.

Few can gaze on such a demesne of a hundred thousand acres
and say literally " It is miue ;" and yet every one permitted to
look upon such scenes, and possessing the large-heartedness that
prevents the intrusion of a spark of envy or discontent, may
make all that beauty his own, and realise as much pleasure in
contemplating it as the benevolent proprietor himself. I have
several times in these pages given utterance to these ideas,
though with little of the force and beauty presented in the
following extract from the last work of the great statesman and
writer of Hertfordshire, and which I commend to the attention
of all those especially who visit places and gardens that tliey
think much finer than their own.

" The grey cripple and the bright-haired child often paused
and gazed upon the demesnes and homes of owners whose lots
were east in such pleasant places. But there was no grudging
envy in their gaze, perhapa because their life was too remote

from such grand belongings, and, therefore, they could enjoy and
possess every banquet of the eye. For at least t.ie heauti/ of
what ice see is ours for the ■moment^ on the simple condition that
we do not covet the thing which (/ices to our eye that beauty.
As the measureless sty, and the unnumbered star?, are equally
granted to king and beggars, and in our wildest ambition we do
not sigh for a monopoly of the empyrean, or the fee simple
of the planets ; so the earth, too, with all its fenced gardens,
and embattled walls, all its landmarks of stern property and
churlish ownership, is ours too, by right of eye — ours to gaze
on the ftiir possessions with such delight as the eye can give,
grudging to the uuseeu owner his other, and, it may be, more
troubled rights, as little as we grudge an astral proprietor his
acres of light in Capricorn. Bonignent is the law which saith,
' Thou shall not covet.'' " — R. Fish.

{To be continued.)

EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Flohal Committee. — A Meeting of this Committee was held
on Tuesday last, Rev. Joshua Dix in the chaii-. The room was
liberally decorated with a profusion of fine plants and flowers.
Among the most conspicuous were a table filled with very fine
specimens of Indian Aizaloas, another %vith a splendid collection
of Auriculas and forced Roses, and a third with Pelargoniums
from Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, for which, he received three
Special Certificates and the thanks of the Committee. Messrs.
Cutbush, of Highgate, sent a very nice collection of Hyacinths in
pots, to which a Special Certificate was awarded ; and a letter
of thanks was voted to Mr. Young, West Hill House, Highgate,
for a collection of bedding Tulips in pots.

Mr. Turner, of Slough, sent a secdhng Scarlet Geranium
called Herald of Spring — a large flower with good truss, and of
a fine orange cerise colour, to which a First-class Certificate was
awarded. The same gentleman also sent Queen of Scarlets, a
dwarf variety, Fairholmsland, a rosy white and pretty, and
Prince of Hesse, a fine large flower of a salmon colour, shading
olf to the edges. These were more or less admii-ed and requested
to be seen again. Clara, a seedling Scarlet Geranium, of fine
shape, received a Label of Commendation. The leaf is finely
marked with a dark disk and a darker zone, yellowish-green
margin, with an orange zone when young, and with large, deep
crimson scarlet flowers.

Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, sent a hardy Heath with a white flower,
which was called Erica mediterranea alba, but which had no
resemblance to mediterranea in habit, being a dwarf dense plant
hko herbacea in its growth. Also Thrinax elegans, a pretty
little stove Palm whicli has been some years in cvdtivation, and
which is the Thrinax radiata of Loddiges and of Martius. Mr.
BuU also sent a collection of Variegated Begonias, and a box of
Agatha^a coelestis.

A box of flowers of BougainvUleca speciosa came from Mr.
Daniel, of Henley-on-Thames, and were certainly the admired
of all admirers. Dr. Linoley has shown that this is not, as was
formerly supposed, the Bougainvillaea spectabilis of Lamarck,
but a distinct species altogether, and which he has named
speciosa. Dried specimens of both species were exhibited by
Dr. Lindley, and the difference was at once apparent. A
Special Certificate was awarded. Messrs. Lee, of Hammersmith,
exhibited a lovely Fern called Lomaria cycadifolia, which pro-
duces a globular stem or stipes like a Cjcas. It was awarded a
Fu-st-elass Certificate, as were ako two otljcr beautiful Ferns —
Lomaria fluviatilis, and Polystichum vestitum, var. venustum.

Mr. W. Wilson Saunders, sent Prenantlies pinnata, and
Prenanthes arhoreus, the latter a pretty-lblinged plant, which
was awarded a Label of Commendation. The same gentleman
also sent a pretty, delicate-stemmed, rambling, small-leaved
species of Asparagus, and a pretty plant called Erodium guttatuni
with purple flower, and a dark spot at the bnse of each of the
petals. The latter received a Label of Commendation.

Mr. Veitch, of the Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, sent a free-
blooming, dwarf-growing Pulteusea, called Gilesii, and Erica
imperatrix, the latter a seedling of Mr. Storey's. From the
same nursery came a beautiful-foliaged new plant called Adelaster
albivenis, an acanthaceous-looking plant, related to Justicia,
with long, ovate-lanceolate velvety leaves, of a very dark green
tinged with purple, and with pure white veins. It was awarded
a Label of Commendation, but deserved a higher award.

Among other articles exhibited, we observed a large basketful

80

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK.

[ April 30, 1861.

of very fine Mushrooms grown by Mr. Young, gardener to
K. Biirday, Esq., AVest Hill House, Higligate, produced from
CutbusU'B Milltrack spawn.

EFFECTS OF LAST WINTER UPON PLANTS

IN VAIilOUS PARTS OF ENGLAND.
(^Coniinued from page 60.)

I HATE for many years remarked the effects of our ecTei-e
•winters, and hare seldom or never known them to extend with
a like result over the wliolo of England. One severe season lias
been remarkable for tilling the evergreens in the neighbourhood
of Loudon — the warm sheltered valley of the Tliames, and in
Sui'rey ; leaving unscathed those in tlie home connties to the
north and east of London. Another severe winter has passed
over-tlie^e districts with effects exactly the reverse. As a general
rule, the hills in Sussex and in the south of England rarely
liave their evergreens, injured by the frosts of midwinter ; hut
have sufi'ered, il at all, by the dry cold winds of March. The
Christmas frost of l.SGO seems to have been nearly equally severe
over a very large tract of country, including the northern,
eastern, north-western, and Ijonie counties nearly as far south
as the Thames valley, over which the frost does not seem to
have passi'd with eqmil severity ; for while at Chiswick the
lowest temperature was 7°, at only a few miles to the north-east,
as at Ware, it was — 4°.

The destruction of what we fondly hoped were acclimatised
coniferous trees and shrubs over this large district is enormous
— quite beyond all precedent ; for never in gardening annals
■were so many choice quasi hardy frees and shrubs (o be seen in
our gardens .iiul pLasurc-grounds as in the autumn of 1860.
In the norlh, at Darlington, in the nursery of Mr. Harrison,
Deodars and Araucarias arc all completely kdled down; and
all his Ttoses, even the stocks of tlic Dog Eose planted in
1859. willi live buds in them, are also killed. Common Hollies,
and Portugal Laurels even, are leafless and brown. It is also
reported that the large stocks of Araucarias and Deodars in the
Liverpool nurseries, more, perhaps, than in the whole kingdom,
are all killed. In the large district I have above alluded to, the
Cypress tribe seems to have suffered greatly. Largo and email
trees alike of Cuprcssus macrocarpa, 0. Goveniana, C. Knightii,
C. funebris, C. majcslica, C. scmpervirens with its varieties,
C torulosa, C. ITJideaua, C. Benlhamiana — in short, all but
C. Lawsoniana and C. nutkacnsis (Tluijopsis borealis), are
among the things that were and never more to be considereii
hardy— a term of late years so often misapplied to new trees
and shruhs. One cannot but lament this ; for Cupressus maero-
cLirpa, and two or three species besides, bid fair to he such per-
manent and beautil'ul evergreen and ever-pleasing ornaments to
our gardens.

lu great contrast to the Cyjircss family are the Arbor Titnfs
(Biotas and Thujas). The Chinese Arbor Vitffis (Biotas), have
borne the temperature of the eastern and home counties bravely ;
and that very pretty, small-leaved, bright green variety called
Biota compacia better, pcrhajis, tljan any other; for in the
species, and even with B. aurca, some browned shoots are to be
found. M'c iKcd not feel surprised at this, for the Chinese
Arbor Vit» is remarkable for its hardiness : witness its growing
60 freely about Paris (a death-dealing place to evergreens), more
particularly iu Pciro la Chaise, wliere tlicre are thousands of
trees of all size.?. Tliuja gigantea and T. Lobbii seem to have
stood the winter perfectly unscathed, and seem as if they would
partly compensate for the great losses we have sustained among
Cypresses, two only of which, if we make Thujopsis a Cypress,
are to be depended upon — viz., C. Lawsoniana and C. nutkacnsis.

Among the true Pine? it is much to be regretted that the
beautiful Pinus insignis is in most places quite killed, or so
injured as to cease to bo ornamental. All, or nearly all, of the
Mexican Pines so largely introdue( d of late seem totally destroyed.
The Silver Firs, as well as all the species and varieties ol the
Spruce Fir, seem in all situations entirely to have escaped injury,
which is n great comfort to the lover of coniferous trees, for
among them are the most bcanliful of trees. The Junijicrs,
with some few exceptions, seem to have stood the winter well.
Tile exceptions, so far as I have seen, are J. Bedl'ordiaua, J. gos-
eainthenia, and J. macrocarpa. Libocedros chilensis seems to
be totally destroyed. The Yews of all kinds appear scarcely to
have a leaf injured. Wellingtonia in most places has escaped
without injury. I liave, however, observed that in some exposed

situations a great number of its young shoots are brown and
dead, and are now falling off ; still, its leading shoots are safe,
so that but little disfigurement will take place.

One of the most remarkable effects of the late winter is the
destruction in the district I have mentioned of the evergreen
Oaks (Ilex). Nearly all the trees I have seen, wlicther old or
young, seem totally destroyed. At Hunsdou House, near Ware,
Herts, large trees upwards of a century old are killed ; their
branches and stems not slightly browned as they were last year,
but perfectly sear. The Lucombe Oaks are also, many of them,
too far gone to recover. Trees of the narrow-leaved sort, called
the new Lucombe Oak, seem to be quite dead, their stems and
branches as sear as those of the Ilex.

As to common Laurels, the pride of our gardens, Laurus-
tinuses. Bays, and a host of other evergreens, they are among
things of tlio ]3ast. I may, however, mention that at Epping,
lying very higli, and the soil a heavy retentive clay, the ever-
greens of all kinds are nearly uninjured. — QuEECtrs.

HINTS ON MELON GEOWING.

The past season of 18G0 to a goodly number of Melon growers
proved a perverse one, and it certainly told as much relative to
tills species of fruit, as about any other that was grown, driving
not a few to their wit's end.

The fruit's seemingly natural propensities to crack were a
regular poser to even some of our best growers, although brought
on in a great measure by themselves.

That it was an excessively trying season to every grower there
is not a doubt, and there are but very few that can remember
such a season before. It seemed a general complaint, for go where
you would amongst the gardening community one question was
sure to bo asked — " How are your Melons ? arc they cracked ?"
: nd I was told by several that tluir» erackid long before ripe.
Why was it ?

Various were the reasons assigned for their cracking ; but the
majority that I came in contact with attributed it to want of
sun. Was this the whole and solo cause of their cracking ?
No. Although it must be admitted that there was an unusually
limited munber of sunny days in comparison with tho corre-
sponding summer months of years upon years gone by, and,
naturally, if there is a deficiency of sun you are told there must
be a deficiency of power to abstract that excess of moisture the
plants were continually endeavouring to eject, or that ought to
evaporate from them. It might be justly termed a trial year for
Melon growers, and leaving only tlie one road open for those
that then failed, which is to try again.

But, generally speaking, the Melon plants that came under
my notice suffered more when about three-parts ripe or grown,
from excess of moisture at the roots and want ol suiEcicut air
than from want of sun. Excess of moisture at the roots is far
too often caused by inefficient drainage, which is of the most im-
perative necessity for the successful culture of this well-known
fruit. Inefiicient drainage also takes the command of the beds
entirely from any one's bands. Inefficient drainage is also in
direct opposition to obtaining that great desideratum, a rich
flavour, which is so required, and which they must have, or who-
ever is the grower will fall far short of ranking amongst the best
growers of his day.

Much more might be said on the evils that accrue from non-
efficient drainage of ihc plants. See the havoc the over-abundant
supply of sap causes at the setting and first swelling of the fruits,
for these swell to excess. Yet, eventually, the inefficient drainage
destroys a great portion of the principal fibrous rootlets or
thread-like feeders of Ihc roots of the plants, causing the fruits
to turn off one after anothei-, leaving in the end perhaps from
three to six inferior fruits in a two-light frame, instead of the
same number three times told, and those which remain are
scarcely worthy of the place generally allotted them when placed
on the dessert table.

There are many that are impi-cssed with the idea that the
Melon is of the most easy culture ; but that idea is erroneous, foi-^
of all the fruits that arc cultivated on this isle few require more
care and attention than this does, and few repay better than tliis
for the care and attention they receive.

Some will fail this year, and will continue to do eo, for are
they not planted in many instances (although not by all growers),
without considering for a moment the natural habits of the
plants ? In some cases they are grown far too luxuriantly to

Aijril 30, 1861. ]

JOUENAi OF HORIICULTUKE AND COIIAaE (JARDEKEK.

81

pvoduce many fruits ; wliilo in otlier instauces through mis-
management, they form a feast for the red spider arid other
insects before any of the fruit is ripened at all.

The most essential points to be borne in mind for good Melon
growing are these : —

First, the ira))erative necessity for thorough drainage for the
plants. Secondly, ihe greatest care and attention to giving them
constant and regular ventilation.

For tlie drainage, broken potsherds might be used rather
freely in a similar manner as for pot plants, to be mixed with
the compost for growing tliem in.

The eompost used here is a rich turfy loam chopped to about the
size of walnuts, with about one-third of old nnishroom-bed and
leaf mould combined. This the plants fruit most freely in. They
have never more than from 1 foot to 15 iuclies deep of this
compost to grow in, which I far prefer to a greater depth — that
is, on dung-beds. Here tliey are grown on them with the
gi-eatest success in a most simple manner, outweighiug all that
I have ever grown, either in a house or hot-wattr pits. —
A. J. Asn:,iAjf.

{To ie continued.)

CULTURE OF TRUFFLES.

Without being able to name either particular persons or
particidar places, where and by whom the experiment has
been tried, I thhik that certainly not less than seven or eight
different persons have, all of them, informed us they could
never succeed in raising the Truflle artificially, although every
pains was taken in procuring the soil from the very identical
spots where the Truffle is obtained in tolerable abundance — in
■those parts of Hampsliire about Clieriton and Alresford ; and
■we also know that in those particular spots where tliey have
been plentiful one yeai-, they may be scarce or altogether absent
in another or the following season. — T. Tayiob, Covent Garden.

In answer to your inquii'y about Truffles, I know that they
are in great request in some parts of France, but httle is known
about their propagation. Having the " Bon Jardinier," I
translate the follosving: — " TnUFFLES {Lycoperdon tuber), an
cxti'emely singular vegetable, having ueither stems, leaves, nor
roots ; consisting simply of a kind of dark or white tuber,
according to the variety, always hidden und'T ground. Nothing
is known of its propagation. They are found chiefly in the
autumn, especially at the roots of the oak. Their cultivation
has been tried, but without any real success." All I can say to
your "Old Subscriber" is that it is difficult to throw a light
on a matter or thing which delights to be in the dark. —
B. Pebsac, Exeter.

A coiiKEsrONDENT has obligingly forwarded us the following
cutting from a newspaper, but without either date or name : —
• " Next to wine and corn, I behove the crop of Truffles stands
highest in the estimation of Parisians ; and it is not siu'prisiug
tliat tubercles, which sometimes cost 16«. to 20s. a-pound, as
these did last year, should be regarded with great interest.
Fashion or taste fixes the value, and such prices give importance
to the commodity in a commercial point of view. These dainty
fungi are now coming to market, and are fetching 10 to 20 francs
the kilogramme, but it is expected that (he lower price will
reach 15 francs by Christmas. Perigord, Comtat, Provence,
and Dauphiny produce the finest Truffles. The demand for
them increases rapidly, and, in spite of the cultivation which
has been carried on to a great extent in some parts, the supply
is insufficient. An important discovery has, however, been
made. Africa, whence Pliny, Apicius, and LucuUus imported
Truffles at a great cost, produces in some part s large quantities
■of the black specimen of a delicate texture and dehcious aroma.
A largo house of business in the Dr6me, which has been engaged
in the trade for a century, has lately extended its operations to
Algeria, and a considerable quantity of new supplies has already
been received from the colony in question. A curious fact has
been brought to light by this adventure in search of seasoning.
In France Truffles are almost always found near oaks and
hornbeams, but in Africa they seem to prefer the neighbourhood
■of pines and cedars, and are often found far away from any tree
whatever. This seems to put an end to the theory of the
Truffle fly picking the roots of the trees, and thereby causing

the growth of the tubercle ; or, in the words of a correspondent,
this insect and his exploits are the fruit of imagination. If
this be true, it is very hard upon those who have been taught
to watch andcalcidate the effect of the seasons on this interesting
gastronomic purveyor. As an instance of the faith that is
placed in the tly theory, I may quote what was stated the other
day in the Perigord, not patS, but newspaper. A writer in the
journal which has such an appetising word in its title says : —
'AVhen the ground is very hard the flies cannot descend to the
roots of the trees ; but this season, as the months of July and
August were sufficiently moist, the crop of Truffles is likely to
be large.' If the insects are to be given up, the theory that a
wet July and August bring a good crop may still be maintained.
" The consumption of oysters here is immense. If m\y disease
should seize that interesting family, we shall certainly all be
cari'ied off; and scientific men are doing tReir best to increase
the danger, by converting the coasts of France, both in the
Channel or in the Mediterranean, into huge colonies of natives.
Messrs. Cloquet and Costc have supplied us of late with much
information relative to the propagation of these fishes, and the
latter gentleman has been fiu-nished with a steamer called the
Chamois, by the Emperor, for the purpose of picking them up
and planting them in the most advantageous manner. At
St. Marc, Cores du Nord, tlie success of the new beds has been
very great. Three hundred fascines were moored to the banks
in Juno 1S59, in order to afrord shelter to th.e young oysters ;
and three of these, being taken up Inst year, were fomid to con-
tain the enormous quantity of nearly 20,000, measuring from
1 inch to 2 inches in diameter. The fascines thus loaded were
exposed to public view at Binic and Portrieux for several days.
It is said that the be-ds in the bay ot St. Brieuc have obtained
such celebrity abroad that M. Van Bcneden of Louvain,
M. Eschrickt of Copenliagen, and many other foreign scientific
men, hare visited tiie place in order to study the system and
apply it in their own countries. The next step undertaken by
M. Coste was the plantation of oysters alove the low sea line,
in order, to quote liis words, to sec if they could not be gronm,
protected, and gathered witli tile same facility as the peaches in
our gardens. He published his views upon this subject in 1855,
and has since been busily employed in carrying theiu out. The
basin of Arcachon has been converted into a vast oyster park ;
112 capitalists and sailors .are associated in the business ; and
2(X) acres, which are covered by the sea at high water, are now
pi-oducing largo quantiiics of £»h. The Government, in order
to assist the undertaking, has established two model oyster
farms on the spot, where experiments are made in the necessary
operations of solving and gathering. The beds are arranged
with fascines, kept in their places by bricks, cement, and planks
in geometrical order, and each part is literally covered with
oysters of every ago, from the mere infant to the bearded old
grandfather. A single tile has been found to support a thousand
shells, and M. Coste exhibited some very rcmaikable specimens
the other day at the meeting of the Academy of Sciences.
AVithin two years parks extending along the coast for about four
leagues hare been formed in the Isle of Re, op|iosite Rochelle.
Fifteen hundred of these are now in full activity, and
2000 more are being planted. The oysters ore said to
average 600 to the square metic; and as there are G30,000
metres under cultivation, the crop is now somewhere about
378,000,000, and is valued at about seven millions of francs.
It appears that all the seed oysters have not been obtained from
the ocean, for aliout 500,005 were taken by the Chamois last
year on the English coast ; these were deposited at Thau and
Toidon."

KEENS' SEEDLING STRAWBERRY BLOOMS
GOING BLIND.

At the beginning of August last year I replanted a small
piece of ground with Strawberries (Keens' Seedling). The
runners were the very first from the old plants, and laid into
pots, and I was particularly careful to take them from plants
which had borne fruit. 'J he ground was well mulched with
stable-dung before gathering Ihe previous crop, and the young
plants were well dressed with fowls'-dung laid between Iho
rows, which they seemed to luxuriate in. To my great vexation
they nearly all appear to be blind, and ai-e beginning to put
forth runners. Can you inform me the reason why? I am
the more surprised, as on the same piece of land tliere are some
British Queens which were put iu rather later, and which are

82

JOITBNAL OP HOETICULTURB AITD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 30, 1861.

nearly all trussing up. Will the Keens' Seedling bear next year
if 1 let them remain? I am inehned to think they will not,
although some of my neiglibours say tliey will. — C. H. C.

[We never mi t witli such a ease of Keens' Seedling. With-
out any selection whatever, we hardly ever have a barren plant.
We can ascribe it to nothing but the extra care and the extra
manuring you have given them, which have kept the plants in

vigorous luxuriance when they ought to be ripening their buds.
The late planting seems to iiave done this for tlie Queens in
spite of you. We should leave the Keens' alone, and if you
remove the runners, and give all the sunlight to the plants
possible, we liave no doubt you will have a wonderful crop next
year. Under your treatment the wet and dull autumn was
much against you.]

NEW PLANTS FEOM JAPAN.
PiCEA Veitcbi — Teitch' Silver Fir.

shoots are hairy. The cones are from 2^ inches
to 2J inches long, and about 1 inch in dia-
meter and are like those of a small silver fir.

AmonS the many new tilings sent liome by Mr. John G.
Veitch there are several Conifers, some of which have been
hitherto undescribed, and, in fact, unknown until discovered
by him in his journics to the interior of Japan. Of these the
subject of our present illustration is one which Dr. Liudley has
dedicated in honour of the discoverer under the name of Abies
Veitehi. Mr. Veitch met with it in his ascent of Mount Fusi
Yania, where it attains the height of 120 feet to 140 feet. He

describes it as being intermediate between Picea nobilis and j three pieces of leaf so exactly circular, that a pair of compasses
P. JSordmanniana, and it will doubtless prove a valuable acqui- \ could not define their margin with more truth ; and coinciding
Bition to our already excellent collections of Conifers. j so precisely with the walls of the cell, as to te retained in their

1 he leaves are from half an inch to an inch long, glaucous situation merely by the nicety of their adaptation. Afler this
beneath, and all turned to one side on the shoots, and the | covering is fitted in, there remains still a concavity which receives

INSECT EAVAGEES OF THE

EOSE.— No. 1.
The gardener has about twelve insect ma-
rauders from whose inroads he has to protect
his Eoses. Those which attack tlie flowers are
most fatal to his decorative intentions, hut those
which attack the leaves are not slightly dis-
figuring and injurious. AA'o will commence
with three of these.

The Leaf-cutter Bee (Apis ceiiiuncularis
of Linnfcus andKirby. Mofiacliile ceittinicularis
of Latreille.) Every cultivator of the Rose
must have noticed scmicircilar cuts made in
the edge of its leaves with as much accuracy as
if done by a mathematical instrument. These
segmental cuts are the work ol the Leaf-cutter
Bee and made by its mandibles. Messrs. Kirby
and Spence have described the proceeding as
follows : —

"The mother bee first excavates a cylin-
drical hole 8 inches or 10 inches long, in a
horizontal direction, eithir in the ground or
in the trunk of a rotten willow tree, or occa-
sionally in other decaying wood. Lnlreille
says the nest is also made in the earth. This
cavity she fills with six or sei en cells wlioUy
composed of portions of leaf, of the shape of u
thimble, the convex end of one closely fitting
into the open end of another. Iler first pro-
cess is to form the exterior coating, wliich is
composed of three or four pieces of larger di-
mensions than the rest, and of an oval form.
The second coating is formed of portions of
equal size, narrow ct one end but grail ually
widening towards the other, where llie width
equals half the length. One side of these
pieces is the serrate margin of the leaf from
which it was taken, which, as the pieces are
made to lap one over the other, is kept on the
outside, and that which has been cut within.
The little animal now forms a third coating pf
similar materials, the middle of which, as the
most skilful workman would do in similar
circumstances, she places over the margins of
those that form the first tube, thus covering
and strengthening the junctures. Repeating the same process,
she gives a fourth and sometimes a fifth coaling to her nest,
taking care, at the closed end or narrow extremity of the cell,
to bend the leaves so as to form a convex termination. Having
thus finished a cell, her next business is to fill it to within half
a line of the orifice, with a rose-coloured conserve composed of
honey and pollen, usually collected from the flowers of thistles ;
and then having deposited her egg, she closes the orifice with

April 30, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDBNEB.

83

the convex end of the succeeding cell ; and in this manner the
indefatigable Utile animal proceeds until she has completed the
six or seven cells which compose her cylinder.

" The process -which one of these bees employs in cutting the
pieces of leaf that compose Iier nest is worthy of attention.
Ifotliiug can be more expeditious : she is not longer about it
than we should be with a pair of scissors. After hovering for
some moments over a Rose busli, as if to reconnoitre the ground,
the bee alights upon the leaf which she has selected, usually
taking her station upon its edge so that the margin passes
between her legs. With her strong mandibles she cuts without
intermission in a curve line so as to detach a triangular portion.
When this hangs by the last fibre, lest its weight should carry
her to the ground, she balances her little wings for flight, and
the Tery moment it parts from the leaf flies off with it in triumph ;
the detached portion remaining bent between her legs in a
direction perpendicular to her body. Thus without rule or
compasses do these diminutive creatures mete out the materials
of their work into portions of an ellipse, into ovals or circles,
accurately accommodating the dimensions of the several pieces
of each figure to each other. What other architect could carry
impressed upon t!-.e tablet of his memory the entire idea of the
edifice which he lias to erect, and, destitute of square or plumb-
line, cut out his materials in their esact dimensions without
making a single mistake ? Yet this is what our little bee
invariably does. So far are human art and reason excelled by
the teaching of the Almighty."

Fig. 1.

This bee lives alone, belonging to the group of solitaries. The
body is about half an inch long. The female, which is the leaf-
cutter, is black, covered with ashy-coloured hairs ; jaws or
mandibles large, terminating in four teeth ; antennae black,
rather longer than the head ; wings slightly transparent, dark
tipped, veins black ; legs hairy, spurs dull red, pollen brushes of
hind legs golden ; abdomen heart-shaped. The male's body
thickly covered with yellow hair ; antenna; longer than head ;
jaws two-toothed ; dense yellow beard between the antenna; ;
fore thighs dirty yellow at the outward tip ; abdomen rather
oval, extremity inllexed, obsoletely toothed.

MiCROSETiA CENTiroLiELlA. — The leaf marked f i'O- the
preceding drawing shows the mining of the larvse of a most
minute motli bearing the name we have prefixed. The moth
is only one-sixth of an inch across when its wings are expanded.

It is a most brilliant little creature, the body being golden
with a purple gloss at the end, and the head red and wooUy.
The larvse or grubs are orange-coloured, without legs, hatched
from eggs deposited in the substance of the leaf during the
spring. When ready to form cocoons they eat their way out
of the leafy labyrinth they have formed, pass down the stem
to the earth, and remain there until the time arrives for them to
arise in the moth form.

Ltda inanita. — For all the information we possess relative
to this insect we are indebted to Mr. Westwood's notes in a
work no longer pubhshed — "The Gardeners' Magazine of
Botany." " Eor many years past we have regularly observed
this insect in our garden at Hammersmith, in the last week
in May and the first in June. It is constantly seen flying over,
or settling upon, the leaves of the Rose, and its extremely
glossy yellow wings, together with the rapidity of its movements
render it quite a conspicuous object. All hough, however, we
have so repeatedly seen the insect, we have never yet been able
to find a single male, all the individuals which we have observed
and captured having been females. This sex measures five-
twelfths of an inch in length, and the expansion of its fore-
wings measures seven-eighths of an inch. The head and eyes
are black ; the front of the face, a heart-shaped spot between the
antennse, and a curved spot behind each eye, pale yellow. The
jaws, palpi, and antennse are also pale yellow, the extremity of
the jaws being black, and the tips of the antennse rather brownish.
The thorax is black above, witli the collar pale yellow on each

Fig. 2.

side. The abdomen is black, with the* second, third, fourth,
fifth, and terminal segments of a rich orange yellow. The legs
are pale yellow, and the wings very glossy, and of a yellow
tinge, with dark veins. Fig. 1. e represents the female of the
natural size, and the woodcut {fig. 2), shows it magnified.

"The male, which is extremely rare (and for an opportunity
of figuring which we are indebted to James Francis Stephens,
Esq.,) is smaller than its partner, measurmg only one-third of
on inch in length, and five-eighths of an inch in the expansion
of its wings, it differs also in being considerably darker in its
colours; the antenna; being brown, except the two basal joints ;
the abdomen is black, the fourth and fifth segments being
variegated with yellow, of which colour there are also spots
at the sides of the preceding and following segments ; the
head is black beneath, with the sides pale yellow, the body

Fig. 3.

(including the whole of the abdomen), is pale yellow beneath,
with the hind part of the mesosternum, and the greater part of

the metasternum, black. The ^^&\^'^:^ ,l"\^ ]\f. b!
yeUow tinge of the female. The woodcut {fig. 3), shows th«

M

JOTTRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

[ April 30, 1861.

male magnified in the eame proportion as the female. We
believe that no figure has hitherto been published of ihe male.

"At a later period of the year — namely, in the month of
July aijd beginning of August, we met with a curious object on
the same Eose trees which we are able at once to recognise as
the larva of this Sawfly and its moveable case. Fiff. 1, d, in the
preceding cut, represents this larva with its head and the anterior
segments of the body protruded out of the ease, b, the wider
part of which is formed of portions of the leaf upon which the
l»rva is feeding, and which it has not yet actually detached from
the leaf. Fig. c indicates the narrower part of the case formed
of portions of other leaves; ^/7. rt showing the opposite leaflet
almost entirely stripped to its midrib ; one portion having
been consumed, and another portion employed in the con-
struction of the narrower part of the case.

" The proceedings of this larva in the mauufactiu'e cf its case
are full of interest ; it will be observed, for iustonfe, that the
instinct of" the insect teaches it lo arrange the narrow strips of
the Rose leaf, of which the case is formed, in a spiral direction,
that being the only method in which greater length can be
given to the case, in order to keep pace with the increased size
of the insect ; the spire is kept in its position by means of silken
threads, which the larva weaves from its mouth, and by which it
attaches the mouth of the case to the leaf when it lias finally
detached the strip. As the soft skin of the larva requires a
covering for a defence, so the insect, on the slightest alarm,
withdraws into the mcuth of the case, otherwise when it desii-es
to feed it protrudes the front of the body for about a quarter of
an inch out of the mouth of the case, and then gnaws the Rose
leaf at its ease; the pair of legs at the end of its body enabling
it to keep firm footing within. Now, it will be sein that the
length to which the body is protruded is just the width of the
strip of the leaf of which (he case is made, and so it is that,
commencing at one end of a leaf, it cuts away the strip, fastening
it by degrees with silken threads to its house. Huber has given
a vtry full account of the proceedings of a species with precisely
similar habits, found upon the nut, a translation of which
appeared in the 'Annals of Natural History' a few yeai-s ago.
The curious reader will, in this memoir, notice not only the
-detad of the proceedings themselves, but the intensely inquiring
mind of the author, whilst bis name is a guarantee for the
correctness of his obserTations."

rOBEIGN CLIMATES AND PLANTS.
No. 4.
Hatixg now left Nice for a rather more extended tour, it will
be necessary somewhat to alttr the heading of these lettera.
Most of the English and other winter visitors leave Nice on the
return of the warm weather of spring, ihe power of the sun
becomes so great that country excursions begin to get too hot in
the middle of the day ; and, consequently, large numbers take
their departure during April, and the early part of May ; so that
by the end of that month it is almost deserted, except by those
to whom sea bathing is an object. The Flower Show which I
mentioned in a former letter as being ahout to be held at Nice,
duly took place, and caused considerable interest, being the first
thing of the kind there. Under these circumstances, of course,
the perfection of London, shows could not be expected; it was,
however, very creditable as a beginning. One tiling was rather
against it: as it was set on foot by way of commemorating the
anniversary of the annexation to France, and as all parties are
not in favour of that movement, some did not cordially unite
in promoting the matter. Anew seedling Rhododendron was
exhibited, white spotted with Uack, very pretty, to which the
name of " Nice Framjais" w»8 given. One immense bouquet
was shown, the centre of which ijas white Camellias, in the form
of a star; it was more than 6 feet in diameter. It may,
perhaps, help our national pride a little, to say that our coun-
tryman, Mr. E. Stuart (whoml have before mentioned) took the
prizes ofl'eied for three new Cunellias, Collection of cut Roses
(very fine), collection of Cinerarias, and for ten varieties of
Stocks, which were much admired. As a rule. Camellias do not
succeed well in this climate, it being too dry for them ; they do
much better in the open air on the banks of the lake of Como,
where the atmosphere is moister, and there they attain a large
size. As being different to the proceedings of shows in England
generally, I may state that on the day following the close of
the Exhibition, a public meeting (by annoimcement) was held,

at which a large number of persons were assembled, when the
chief government officer, the Prefect of the Maritime Alps
(M. Gavini), presided; and after a very laudatory speech, the
prizes were distributed to the successful competitors.

The increased warmth of the atmosphere has, of coitrse, con-
siderably changed the appearance of the coimtry. The numerous
Plane trees are nearly in full leaf, so are also the Figs and Vines.
The Horse Chestnuts and Hawthorn (it can hardly be called
May here, as it blossoms in April), were in flower on the 2nd
instant ; Iris germanica (our large blue Flag), wild, and Apple
trees, on the 6tli ; Judas trees and Lilacs are finely in blossom ;
and the Alpine Strawberries have, for the last fortnight, been
sold in the market at Nice.

At the close of our meetings for the studj- of wild flowers, to
which I before alluded, it was found that at the eight meetings
upwards of 120 diflerent kinds hadbeenesaminedaud discussed.
Some of the dried collections were quite ornamental, as well as
useful for future reference.

The drive from Nice to this place (Mentone), along the cele-
brated Cornice road, said to be one of the finest in Europe, is
very splendid. The bright, green, fresh foliage of the Figs,
Cherries, and other fruit trees contrasts well with the dusky
dark appearance of the Olives standing out from the bare rocks.
Near Turbia it attains an elevation of about 1800 feet, the
aneroid barometer sinking upwards of 2 inches, and rising
again on descending to Mentone on the sea level.

Almost the first thing which strikes a stranger entering the
town is the constant stream of women Lemon-carriers, that fruit
being very abundant and fine — just the ojjposite to Nice, where
Oranges arc principally grown. The Lemons are carried in the
hot sun by women, barefooted, in open baskets, containing about
500 each, on their heads ; they are of a great weight, being
balanced by the overhanging ends of the cloths on which
they are laid. It has very much the appearance of temale
slavery. The fruit is taken down to the ships for exportation to
England, America, and other places; the price is from Id. to
lid. a-dozen. The Mesembryanthemum edulc, or Hottentot
Fig, flourishes upon the rocky banks; its magnificent pink
blossoms expanded in the sim messuring 3 inches across.
Gazania splcndens is very fine iu the g.irdens, and the size of
the Stocks of various colours is enormous : in Ihe evening the
air is quite scented with their perfume.

The rare Ferns found in this district are tlie elegant Cheilanthes
odora, Asplenium Petrareha?, Gymnogramma leptophylla (very
pretty and graceful, being annual iu its habit), and the Asple-
nium Fontauum or Halleri. The two former are difficult of cul-
tivation in England, but here they grow freely. I may mention
that when at Nice I discovered another habitat of Pteris cretica
in a damp volley, where the breath was visible as iu a frosty day ;
it there attained the height of 3 feet. — E. Coplahd.

ZEPHTEANTHES PEATENSIS.

I HAVE a lovely bidb in bloom, which I purchased as Zephy-
ranthes pratensis, but I cau find no such jiame in any book to
which I have access. Can you tell me anything about it ? It
is a bright vermilion red, with a grc:-n base to the flower, the
stem bearing three flowers — unlike any Zephyrauthes I have
seen, the flower being generally solitary in that class. It rises
about 18 inches high, the leaves narrow and strap-shaped, not
erect. It is a beautiful thing, and I should like to know if that
is its true name. It is not in Loudon's " Hort. Brit." nor in
the supplement. — A. E.

[No Zephyranlhes has been named pratensis as for as we
1 know ; and if it had, your bulb coidd not be it, for by your
description it is altogether out of the difficidt group by which
Zephyrauthes is surrounded. A Zephyranthes with more than
one flower on a stalk was never seen ; and if it were, it would
break down the most and best definition of the fauiily. Your
bulb seems to be a Phycella, or soaicthing that way. The
" Wild Flow ers of Great Britain " w dl be published "just a«
they come to hand."]

WOEK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.
Asparagus, when cutting, allow the weak shoots to remain.
Scans, make a sowing of Longpods and Windsors. When the
early crops show bloom pinch off the tops. Caulijlowtrs, fork

April 30, 1861. ]

OrOURjS'AL OF nORTICTJLTXJE.i: AND COTTAGE aARDENEB.

85

up the soil surrounding them, and afterwards gire them a good
soaliing of water, to be repeated frequently during dry weather.
Cucumbers, prepare trenches for hand-glasses 2^ feet wide and
1 foot below the surface, and then fill with prepared dung, leaves,
and short grass 6 inches abore the surface. Light, rich mould to
be placed henenlli the glasses, and the rest of the dung to be
covered with the soil tba* came out of the trench. Midive, sow
a little of the Wliite Curled for an early crop. Lettuce, give a
few of the earliest plants a good supply of water to bring them
forward. Some of the Cos to be tied up to form heads. Mush-
rooms, if they should be required during the summer, make a
bed now ; they will keep longer in bearing, and tlie crop will be
sounder and better during the hot summer months if a good
portion of cowdung and loam is mixed with the droppings when
making the bed. Water old beds when dry. Tomatoes, see
that Ihey are getting properly hardened off to be transferred to
spare palings or open parts of the garden walls towards tlie
middle of the montli. Embrace every opportunity of destroying
weeds and insects. Clear away all Cabbage and Broccoli stumps
as soon as done with.

FLOWER GARDEN.
Old plants of Chrysanthemums planted at the foot of a wall in
good rich soil will cover a wall 6 feet or 8 feet high by the autumn,
and if properly trained will flower beautifully in the dull montlis
of November and December. Many of the herbaceous plants
will now require a little attention in staking eacli branch sepa-
rately. Attend to the young growth of climbers before they get
crowded, and remove any strong branches that arc not likely
to produce flowers.

FRUIT GARDEN.

Continue to disbud wall-fruit trees a little at a time and often
till there will not be a superfluous shoot left on at the end of
the summer : this, with shallow, well-drained border.^, is tlie
grand secret of the successful culture of these trees. Look out
for curled leaves, and d.estroy the grub. Thin Apricots, if set
too thickly. Stir the surface of the earth among Strawberry
plants, and if in a dry state give it a liberal sujiply of water.
Have ready a well-prepared piece of ground for planting out as
they are brought from the forcing structures all the pots of
forced Strawberries ; they will produce strong runners for (he
next year's forcing, and the crops next year from those left in tlie
ground are generally far superior to the crops grown in the
usual way.

STOVE.

Very little fire heat will now be sufficient if the practice of
shutting up early in the afternoon is adopted. Attend to train-
ing the shoots of twiners as they advance in growth; also,
attend to the stopping and training of otlier plants, and afford
the free growing ones plenty of pot room. Proceed with the
potting of Orchids as they require it. Do not allow the plants
on blocks or in baskets to suffer for want of water ; for when
the soil in baskets is allowed to get thoroughly dry, the water is
apt to run off. Persevere in keeping down insects.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.
Camellias now making their growth requu-e large portions of
water daily, if the pots are thoroughly drained. Watch care-
fully the progress of climbers, see that they are frequently trained,
as they soon get out of order. Hybrid Indian Rhododendrons
and Oiinese Azaleas will now be in great beauty, and every
precaution should be taken to preserve tlie blooms from damp
and drip. Supply them liberal^ with water at the roots, as,
during tlieir blooming season, they require large quantities.
Many Heaths and hardwooded plants will now be in bloom, or
approaching that state, and, therefore, will require careful atten-
tion in watering, and abundance of air, bearing in mind the
injurious effects produced by currents. Plants out of bloom
to be placed where they can enjoy a rest for a short time, as
otherwise they generally break weakly when the new growth
commences.

PITa AND FRAMES.
Pot off all recently-propagated plants, and see that you have
•Ti sufficient stock of everything to plant your beds properly, if
not, get in some more cuttings without delay, which will do well
to fill up gaps in the summer. The long-continued easterly and
north-easterly winds with frosts render the management of bedding
stock rather difficult this season ; for it is still dangerous to
risk even the hardier kinds from under the protection of glass.
All that can safely be done, until the weathex* changes, for

hardening the stock preparatory to its being planted out is to
give as much air as the weather will permit without injuring the
plants, and to place Calceolarias and the stronger Verbenas in
turf-pits, where they can bo protected at night, and sheltered
from the drying winds. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST "WEEK.

Kept turning over the unoccupied ground in the kitchen
garden, turning over the beds in flower garden to pulverise the-
heavy soil, and getting the heated soil down and the cold soil up.
Staked all the Poas that were up and any length, as the ground
was nice and dry, and forking the ground slightly among and
close to the rows to encourage active gi'owth. Sowed succession
crops of Peas and garden Beans, and the first sowing of Kidney
Beans and Scarlet Runners out in the open ground. Sowed also
French Beans in boxes, to plant out under a little protection.
Sowed also a succession of Turnips, and Scarlet and Turnip-
rooted Radishes ; and of Turnips, now preferring chiefly the
American Red-top, for its white colour, and delightful, crisp,
sweet flavour. 'Ihcre are several fine yellow Turnips as the
Maltese, but there is not one cook in a hundred that will cook
them. Watered newly planted trees and shrubs, and Currants,
Gooseberries, and young plants of Strawberries, and those turned
out of pots in which they had been forced. Hoed the surface
between the rows, but not deep, so as to cut up any small seed-
weeds, and chiefly to make a loose surface to prevent the ground
cracking in the dry, cold weather. Strawberry plants showing
very well, and will have a dressing of lim3 with a little soot, if it
can be spared, between the rows, to kill or set a-flitting the whole
tribe of snails or slugs before the fruit begins to swell, and thus
prevent, if possible, the annoyance when picking an extra fine
dish to find that many of the best fruits have had a hole pierced
in their sides before you gathered them. Disbudded Peaches
and Nectarines, and watered those in pots as required. Tied
out and thiiinecl out aU the extra shoots in seconel vinery, and
removed extra laterals in first vinei'y, and nearly finished tiiinning
fruit, and when that is done, will allow more laterals to remain
to increase root action, and remove and thin gradually as the
fruit approaches perfection. As the fruit is now swelling in tlie
small Vine-pits and the early house, the night temperature
averages 60°, the day temperature from 70" to 75° without
iiiueli sun, and with sun and air early given rising from 75° to
85°, and 90°. In the second vinery where Muscats and others
are coming into bloom, we like the night temperature to range
from 65*-' to 70°, but are content even with G0°, if we get a good
rise from sun heat during the day. The Muscats generally set
well. The house is kept in a medium state as respects atmospheric
moisture, and in a very warm day has the floor and stages
sprinkled whilst the Vines are in bloom. Extra dryness and
extra moisture in the atmosphere are equally prejudicial at that
period. In the late vinery, tied up last week, went, over it and
thinned out a number of extra shoots, and marked those with a
piece of matting attached to them that were intended to be fresh
leaders and rods for another year. Keep this house just begin-
ning to show fruit at about 50° at night, und plenty of air during
the day, as it is coming quite as early as we wish. Filled all the
underpart chiefly with Fuchsias, fresh shifted into large pots,
and the front, back, and suspended shelves near the glass with
Strawberry plants. This house being the only vinery now in
which they will do any good except at the front of the house, as
even if the fruit should swell, it will neither have fine colour nor
good flavour without the direct action of light. The great
dependence here is on Keens' Seedling, but Prince of Wales
(Ingram's), is showing and setting well ; British Queen is also
showing well but later ; and much the same may be said of Sir
Harry, the chief merits of which, in-doors, I always consider to-
consist rather in the size of the individual fruits than the-
quantity that can be gathered from a plant, or a row of plants.
It also sustains carriage better than Keens', and so do the-
Priuce of Wales, Queen, and others. But for a regular continuous
daily supply, to be sent at once from the garden to the table,
none I have yet met with is so useful when grown in-doors as
Keens'. Took up a number of small plants of Keens' that had
been pricked out thickly in a border in autumn, and potted
those showing strongly and plunged them in a bed of leaves out
of doors, in case tliey should be needed before the out-door
supply should come in. Such plants are very useful at this
sepson for filling a pit, or frame, with or without the assistance

86

JOUEKAL OF HORXICTJLTtrSE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE.

[ April 30, 1861.

of a little artificial heat. Eegulated Cucumber and Melon
plaule, and iu the case of the latter disbudded all incipient shoots
not wanted, prefeiTing to have no fruit shown until the plants
had obtained strerigth to set and swell the young fruit when it
did show. Of this more next week if I can think about it.
Cleaned and swept Musliroom beds, aud gathered large ones to
prerent the beds being exhausted. Put up a bed consisting
chiefly of old stubble and tree leares, in a shed out of doors all
open in front, making tlie bed about 15 inclies deep, and treading
it firmly just to secure a little mild heat, and using the above
because I could find no better, and knew it would answer my
purpose. On that spread about 2 inclies of short straw and
fresh horse-droppings, aud beat or trod firm. When that bed
heats and begins to cool moderately to 80° or 90'-', the spawn
will be inserted almost on the surface, and be covered with
1 inch of similar droppings, and as soon as practicable be earthed
down and covered sliglitly with dry hay. In such a place we
generally have a fine supply iu the hot summer months, when
the Mushrooms in houses are apt to become thin and eaten by
maggots. The open side of the shed faces the west, but trees
intercept the sun's rays, and to keep it out more eSectuaUy and
prevent too great a sweep of air, wattled or thin-strawed hurdles
are placed along the sides in front. Thinned out and regulated
the shoots in the Fig-house, generally showing plenty of fruit.
Here I may note, my "White Marseilles is showing few fruit,
while one of the small plants obtained from ilr. Eirers is showing
firuit at each joint, thus proving so far that there must be two
varieties of that fine Fig. The trees being planted in stiffish
Boil, above a layer of brickbats, aud with openings to let out
extra water, gave tlie trees a good watering with water from the
farmyard drainage, adding other water to prevent it being too
strong. Continued to put in cuttings of Verbenas for the last
time, and to turn out those struck, generally in lumps or small
potfuls, in soil below calico protection, aud to prick off seedling
Petunias, Cineraria marituna. Lobelias, Calceolarias, Chilies,
Tomatoes, and other things too numerous to mention, using
large pots or boxes for thj pui-pose, filling the pits half full of
any roiigh material and just havmg some fine soil within 1 inch
or 2 inches of the surface. Sowed Balsams for the first time, as it
is useless to sow if you cannot find room to grow. It will be time
enough to sow in the first week in May, for plants intended to
be placed in rich soil in the flower garden. — E. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

%* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of tlie "Journal of Morticiilture, t^c," 162, Fleet
Street, London, E.C.

TBANspLANTrsG TULirs AFTER Bloomixg.— (£.).— Tlie 1st of May will be
too late and too early to remove Tulips ; the later in May they are removed
the better. But there is no risk in moving them any day ; the effect of
moving them too early will be smaller bulls for another year.

Nzw Lakce Bed (Z).)— Your new large bed of bad wet soil, for which no
■preparation can be made this season for planting it, might puzzle a lord ; but
a lady would soon turn it to good account, it only as a refuge for the
destitute. But another " D." and a " B." would probably make it the best-
telling bed in the garden after the following manner:— Line it off in shallow
drills 2 feet apart, and drop seeds of Tropseolum msjus .it 2 feet asunder in
the drills ; or without drills, put them in at the same distances, like planting
winter beans. 'When the plants covered the surface, he would also, probably,
pnt a row of stout pieces from the tops of pea-stakes all round the bed at a
yard from the sides; these would stand 3 feet apart, and be just 2 feet
only above the surface. Another row of such stakes, bat a vard above the
sniface, he would place along the centre of the bed, in such a way as wotild
make every stake in the centre row stand midwav between each two in the
first row all round. The shoots would soon run 'up and cover these stakes
completely, and festoon themselves on the natural system. He might assist
them to run up, it is tnie, also incline them to the artificial system of
festooning, but that is not here or there ; and you might take another turn
and hit on a wtole collection of the seeds of all the new Tropxolums, and do
them on that plan, and perhaps make an edging of Tom Thumb TropKolom
all round, putting in the seeds 10 inches from the sides, and 10 inches seed
from seed, if the set ds were all to be depended en for sprouting. No plants
pay better in the worst soil than the Tropteolums, provided always the worst
soil is fresh, and has been recently dug, trenched, or knocked about.

Basella coe1)ifoi.ia (0. /-.).— There must be some mistake about the
plant you received from Philadelphia, as Basella cordifolia is an annual
which needs to be reared like ridge cucumbers ; the leaves onlv are of any
use, being a kind of bad Spinach not worth growing in Eiigland. The
French have used it as orach.

Rosewood {A. H. 11'.).— It Is the wood of Physocalymma JUirihunda—A
tree abont SO feet high, found in the province of Goyai, Braia

New Fuchsias iF. M.). — "i'Dur list of twenty-nine kinds of new Fuchsias
contains only such kinds as have not yet been proved by public competition;
none ot them, therefoie. could with justice be recommended before another,
and no one could do so but at random. Selections can only be safely made
after publicjudgment has passed. We recommend all new seedlings which are
promising as new plants, not as selections. There is a wide dilferencc
between recommendint: new plants and recommending a selection of new or
old plants, which oupht to be well understood by tlie public, to save the
purse ,ind the cicdit of editors. Crinolme is the only one out of your list
that we have yet decided upon as first-rate.

Potato Onions (/<7Hornw;«5).— These should be divided before being
planted.

Vines Failing (i!ir().— The leaves falling and shoots dying intimate
that there is a failure at the roots. "U'ant of dniinage, or bad subsoil, or
some other circumstance depriving the Vine of a supply of sap, is the cause
of the mischief; but no one can tell without an examination of the roots.

CLnothera takasicifolia and macrocahpa (If". C. Tt'.).~The two
CEnothcras ought to blnom from February-sown seeds after the middle or
end of July ; but much depends im the kind of summer and the nursing of
the seedlings before turning them out.

Flower-gaudkn Plan (Sector).— Your planting is very good and
choice, save the edging to CTzania splendens, which trails like a Verbena,
and no edging could be safely kept round it, except, perhaps, an edging of
Gaziinia rigens, -which is a stiff, upright plant, with the same kind of flower.

EMFLOY.MENT AT CRYSTAL Palace ( (?. 4' ^A- — ^'c do not kuow that
more gardeners are required there, and none would be employed without
unexceptionable testimonials.

Stumps of Trees on Lawns [A Xorice).— Scarlet Geraniums encircled
by Nummularia look well ; but. not knowing the size of the stumps, nor
their situation, near or far from the house, we cannot advise you. send a
ground plan, and what you propose planting, and we will tell you what we
think.

Cuttings of Monthly Roses {J. V.), — These root well managed just
like verbena cuttings in the spring and autumn, but take" longer time to
root. An old Myrtle is an enormous rooter aiio needs great room ; but at
this season almost all the bull might be shaken off, and one-lhii d of the
tops of the loots be then cut off. Give strong fresh loamy soil, and in
July and August it requires abundance of water.

Azalea and Camellia CcLrrRE (A. F. 71-.).- Y'ou would see lately in
"Doings for the Week" much that would suit yuur purpose. Azaleas
and Camellias may be treated much the same. As soon as finished
blooming, and all the old flowers removed, it is well to try and stimulate
fresh growth by extra heat and moisture, so as to get the fiower-buds
formed early. When the end of the young shoots become hard, they may
stand anywhere in the open air, provided they are put in doors before suf-
fering from cold. This assistance now is all the forcing the Citmellias will
well stand ; but the Azalea-buds being properly set and matured, you may
bring them into bloom in winter aud spring, just as you like to apply the
hei-t. Perhaps ere long Mr. Fish may meet your wishes by fuller direc-
tions, though they chictiy be repetitions of previous papers on suck subjects.

Climbers for Conservatory Arches {H. B.). — It is no easy matter to
manage evergreen climbers to cover arched ways, under glass, when they
must be grown in pot* or hoses. Tecoma jasminoides is the best we
know, as you care more fur a fine green than for flowers ; and Ithynco-
spermumjasminoidesis about as good a plant as the other and blooms freely.
Put them in the largest boxes you can manage, w ith strong loamy soil, and
a perfect drainage, as in suminer you will have to water often. When
three flower-beds, or thirty, or three hundred, are seen from one end in a
line, there need not be a match pair in the whole, and a bed of Tropa^olum
elegans must never have an edging of anything ; it would kill the edging
plants. The rest of your proposals are very excellent.

Hardy Orchids and Ferns (A. C. 71'. P.).— The information has l)ecn
printed in our columns, and a separate work on the subject by Mr.
Appleby, will be published at our office in a few days.

Shading Annual Seeds Sown, &c. {An Oid Siilscviber), — All annual
seeds should be shaded under glass until the seedlings are up ; it saves
wateiing and they come quicker. Sowing on a border in patches, and a
pot turned over each patch, is a good plan. After the seedlings appear,
shading does more harm than good, except in the middle of hot days.
We never mix manures with them. No watering is necessary to Crocuses,
Irises, early Tulips, or bedded Hyacinths, after the leaves begin to turn
yellow at "the bottom. The best plain-leaved Scarlet Geranium for
iiedding, is the Crystal Palace; and of the horset^hoe-leaved, Baron Hugel.
Punch IB kept dwarf and level in growth, by merely making late autumn
cuttings of it.

Name of Orchid {A. Z.).— It could not be told from such a fragment.
There is no novelty in your treatment of the Nympha-a; and speculation
about the Cucumber would be waste of time and space.

Names of Insects {J. 3/.). — The insects which have devoured your
rows of Peas are the striped Weevil, Sitona lincata. Strew soot thickly
along the rows, having pieviously watered them. Pulverised unslaked
lime spread half an inch thick upon the ground has also been suggested as
a remedy.- W.

Names of Plants fS. Devon). — No. 1, Alliaria officinalis, commonly called
Sauce Alone and Jack by the Hedj;e ; No. 2. Stellaria holostca, the Greater
Stitchwort. (riri/su/c).— Your Fern is Blechnuui spicant, rar. imbricatum
(ii. F. ,S.).— Ihe'lcaves are like those of Hoya carnosa.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

Mat 18th. Crystal Palace. (Plants, Cut Flowers, and Fruit). Stc,

W. Houghton.
June 5th and Gih. Royal Horticultural Society. (Plants and Fniit).

Garden Svperhttendenf, G. Kylcs.
JONE 12th and 13th. York. Sec, J. Wilson.
June 19th and "iOth. Brighton and Sussex Flobicultural and Horti-

ccltdral Society. Sec, E. Carpenter.
July 6th. Crystal Palace. (Rose Show). Src, W. Houghton.
JuLT 10th. KoVAL Horticultural Society. (Rose Show). Garden

Superintendent, G. Eyles.

AprU 30, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICU RE AND OOTTAaE GARDENER.

87

September 4tli and oth. Cktstai. Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit). 5m., W. Houghton.
SjrrEMDER 11th. EOTAL HORTicuLTfBAL SOCIETY. (Duhlns and other

Cut Flowers). Garden Superintenchnt, G. Eyles.
September 18th and 19th. Brighton- asd Sussex. Sm., E. Carpenter.
November 6th and 7th. Koyal Horticcltvral Societt. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums). Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newingto.s- CnRTSASTHEMUx Society.

Sec, W. T. Howe. , , .. ,

November 14lh and 15th. Crystal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show).

Sec, W. Houghton.
TUM.—Secrelarics lyf Societies intendinir to aihertisc in our columns will

oblige us hy sending an carhj intimutiou of their ezhihition days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

■ POULTRY SHOWS.

May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. Chesteetield and Scarsdai.e. Son. Sec,

Jlr. Xhos. P. Wood, jun., Boythorpe House, near Chesterfield. Entries

close May 1st.
May 22nd and 23rd. Beyeelet. Han. Sec, H. Adams. Entries close

May 4lh.
JrKE 4th, 5lh, and 6th. Bath and West of Enoiand. Steioard,

S. Pitman, Esq. Entries close May 4th.
June 19th, 20th, and 2lst. Coalbeookdale. Sees., J. B. Chune, .and

Henry Bovcroft, Coalbrookdale.
June 25lh. 'Essex. Sec, W. R. Emsou, Slough House, Halstead, Fssex.
June 28th. Driffield. Sec, Mr. K. Davison. Entries close June 22nd.
June 28th and 29th. Tau:;ion. Sec, Mr. Charles Ballance. Entries

close June 14th.
July 3r(l, 4th, and 5th. Blackpool and West Lancashire. Sec, Mr. E.

Fowler, jun.. Market Street, Blackpool. Entries close June 30th.
August 2(ith, 27th, 28th, and 29th. CttTSTAL Palace Summer Show.

Sec, W, Houghton.
September 3rd. Pocklington (Yorkshire). Sec, Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close August 26th.
September 24th. BRiDGNORxn. Sec, U, Taylor, Bridgnorth.
December 2ud, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birminguam. St'c, Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close Xovember 1st.
December llth, 12th, 13tb, and 14th. Crystal Palace Winter Show.

Sec , W. Houghton.

a.Ti.— Secretaries will oblige us by sending early copies of their lists.

PEICES OE POULTRY IN LONDON.

The deavHi of poultry in Leadeuhall Market still continues,
and with the dearth the high prices. The supply at this season
of the year is as important to those who deal in it as cotton is
to Lancashire, and to Manchester in partieulav. It is the same
with both parties. So long as the supply is regular, prices toler-
ably easy, and things smooth, it is hardly worth asking whence
the goods come ; but when there is tlie pros))ect of losing the
article on which the trade depends, there is eager inquiry ior a
new market, or for a substitute; and vows are made, that for
the future they will not expose themselves and their trade to the
chance of suspension, nor to the fluctuations of one market.

MVe will leave cotton to fight its own battles, but we must
continue our remarks and instructions on market and its supply.
Since we last wrote the quantify sent to market has diminished
rather than otherwise : as a natural consequence prices have been
more than maintained. We have always fancied that unusually
high prices in a public market are like the fiery cross of former
days in Scotland — the message is li.jard and understood by all
whom it concerns, and the summons is attended to.

In Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, the electric telegraph works
from Lcadenhall Market to the different towns on market days ;
and those two hale, hearty men who are squab blinsr, almost
fighting, over that basket of fowls, are roused to theu- state of
excitement by the news sent from London of that morning's
market, and an increase of pr'ce. Perhaps our readers liave no
idea of a poultry market at this season of the year when it is
scarce. There is none cntu-ely devoted to fowls and chickens ;
but as the cottagers and small farmers go with other produce, so
they take their poultry ; and the higglers who collect, attend for
the purpose of buying it.

When the demand for fowls is as great as it is now, you will
find the first people at market will be two or three men who
will arrive in skeleton carts filled with crates for live fowls.
When they have put up then- horses they walk uneasily about
the market place, watching those roads by which fowls mostly
arrive. If a well-known face is seen, one who has the reputation
of feeding good ones is seen, or if a crate is seen at the back of
a cart, all three start at once at a run ; each wants a promise of
the refusal of the lot — that is, the offer of them at a certain price.
We do not believe those who talk of " picking up " things, or,
to speak plainly, those who do not buy bargains, but who are
continually trying to persuade the world that their superior
knowledge has enabled them to buy things at a price far below

their real value. Cm- experience is, that as a rule, sellers know
quite as much as buyers, and that it is next to impossible to bay
5s. worth of anything with 2*. 6d. The owner of the fowls is
aware of their value, and refuses to commit himself in any way.
He will pitch his wares in the market. He does so, and often a
higgler will take each end of the crate, and thus without handling
they will bid against each other till one or the other gives up,
and the fortunate purchaser has cari-ied his point at a price
that renders profit impossible. The first time this happens, it
acts like the " fiery cross." Far and near it is spread that such
a one made such a price of his fowls ; every one who attends
that market becomes the " colporteur" of the news, and many
a chicken is crammed that day for the first time in consequence.
It also acts as a summons, every fowl that is nearly ready for
killing is taken at once to market and finds an easy sale at a
large price. But there are times like the present, wlien those
who are habitual senders cannot supply a sufficient quantity,
and then there should be help from the class we wish to interest
in it. We wish amateurs to be providers ; we wish ladies and
gentlemen to take trouble with marketable poultry as they do
with honey, fruit, or cattle. No man, whatever his position,
hesitates to sell surplus fruit ; a nobleman will have an annual
sale of fat stock, why may not a lady in the country sell some
spring chickens ? Too many imagine that it is useless to under-
take it unless they can send dozens at a time. They would soon
see their mistake if they attended the markets. The higgler who
collects two dozen does so very often from five or six different
people. They bring that which they have— one four, another
three, and so on, and these often take back the figures we quote,
and which are sometimes called in question.
(To be continued.)

ENDUEING INFLUENCE OF THE MALE—
CHAEACTERISTICS OF DOEEINGS.

SupposiNa a Spanish cock escapes for half an hour or so with
a Dorking hen, how many eggs are laid before the cross shows
itself? and does it affect one egg or the whole set ?

How may I distinguish a coloured Dorking cock from a Silver
Grey Dorking cock ? — A New Subsceibeb.

[If the Doi'kiug hen has been running without a cock, then
the probability, but not the certainty, is that the eggs she will
lay are all spoiled. If she has been running with a Dorking
cock previously, we do not think the accident will have any
result.

A Silver Grey Dorking cock must have a black breast and tail,
wMte hackle and saddle, and must not have any red or chestnut
feathers. An ordinary Dorking has no colour, and may indulge
in any vagaries as to tint or hue of feather, but he must have
white legs.]

PROFITABLE POULTEY KEEPING.-No. 3.

(Continued from page 70.)

Much has been said and written relative to the soil on which
hens and their chickens best thrive. There can be no question
that sand or gravel is to be preferred ; but let none despair
should their lot be cast on a stiff clay, for it was on such that
the results given in my last were obtained.

And now for the hfe of a chicken from the nest to the sales-
man. This I will endeavour to exemplify by a few smiple rules,
which will require the exercise of common sense only to bring
matters to a successful issue.

Keeping of Eggs joe Siitiug. — Eggs intended to be used
for sitting should never be laid on their sides, but retained in an
upright position, with the narrow end downwards. This is
readily managed by putting a few inches of moss into a shallow
box, and placing the eggs therein.

Sitting the Hens. — In spring and summer put the "magic
number," thirteen eggs, under the hens ; but in autumn and
winter do not exceed nine or ten ; and care must be taken that
the eggs are all of one day's laying if possible. More depends
upon attention to this than may at first sight appear. It b
well to sit more than one hen on the same day, should you be
so fortunate as to have more than one hen broody. Tltis sim-
plifies after-management, by making one hen nurse two hatches ;
and allows the others to recover strength and come into laying
again sooner. If possible, sit on the ground ; but should the

88

JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ April 30, 1861.

Len have chosen her nest do not disturb her, unless the situation
be manifestlv clisadrantageous, and place a large turf under her.
Hatching Time. — If attention was given at sitting time to
use none but eggs of an equal age, the chicks will, as a rule,
break tlie shell within a few hours of each other. New laid eggs
will be hatched under the twenty-one days ; fresh eggs (those
laid three days or a week before sitting), will take the entire
time ; and stale (though not unprofitable eggs), I have known
take from twenty-two to twenty-four days. Chicks from the
latter, are generiUy not so lively and do scarcely so well ; but I
have rarely noticed any difference between those from new laid,
and those from fresh eggs as to their after-thriving, each coming
as early to profit as the other. It is a most reprehensible
practice to remove the chickens from the nest as they
are hatched ; it irritates the parent bird, and I think it is
positively essential to the well-being of the young ones to be left
vrith the hen, I cannot lay too great stress on this point, for it
is the fruitful source of disappointment and loss. When all
are fi-ee from tlie shell, entice the hen off the nest by throwing
down some food, and then remove the shells. Po not afterwards
disturb her for twelve hours or so. She knows when her young
are strong enough to move about, so leave this to her. —
Lbighton.

(To be contlnncct .)

LEG-WEAKNESS IN A COCKEEEL.

I nWE a Dorking cockerel eleven months old which cannot
ttand to eat its food. Its legs tremble very much when stand-
ing, and the claws are now getting drawn backward. It has
been in the same state since being a chicken. I attribute the
whole to entire weakness. The bird eats greedily, and appears
in every other shape quite healthy — the comb being red, and
stands erect. I fear his walk lias not been good, being short of
food, and under-walked with other cocks. ^E. P. B.

[It may be that the bird has been badly walked, and that
would account for the weakness ; but if that were the only cause,
better feeding would remedy it. AVc should bo disposed to
attribute it more to a b.ad flooring of the roostiug-house. Stones,
brieks, and boards would all cause paralysis. If this be the
reason, the cock is in the same slate as a man, who, having slept
in a damp bed, recovers his health, but" lost's the use of liis limbs.
Whether this be tlie cause or not, a bird of his weight (10 lbs.)
is worth saving at the cost of some trouble. Peed him frequently
a little at a time on stale bread soaked in strong beer; give
him boiled rgg chopped fine, and if that does not succeed, give
him some raw beef.]

this county (Berwickshire) ; as I am decidedly within the mark
when I say, that fully two-thirds of the bees have died through-
out the county : in several instances, only one is alive otit of a
stock of eight or ten. — J. S."

LTGUEIAN EEES IN SCOTLAND.

I HAVE just received the following letter from a correspondent,
to whom I sent the only Ligurian queen which L was able to
part with last season. I have a<?ain eommeneed rearing Ligurian
queens, and have e\tTy hope of being enabled to supply all who
apply to me with as many as they may require. — A Devonshire
Bee-keepeh.

"Now that the rigours of a more than ordinarily severe
winter and also somewhat mitoward spring may be considered
over, I may now be able to give you a pretty correct idea of the
state of my Lignrian-hive, which I got from you last senson.
I have every reason to be salisfied with its present appearance.
They are a strong hive and breeding rapidly for this season of
the year, and working very vigorously whenever the weather
will admit of their being out. I sec that they are generally at
work an hoiir earlier in the morning than the olliers, which
will be an advantage in the honey-gathering season ; and,
indeed, in every respect tliey seem perfectly adapted for our
northern Scotch climate. Tliey have been breeding young bees
since tlic beginning of March, but, of coiu'se, now producing
them in a greater ratio. I have been feeding with Glasgow
pcameal for fully a fortnight, but have withheld it as soon as
the blossom has got out on the berry bushes, &e.

"It has fared better with my apiary than with most of my
neighbours, as my stock appear all in working order, with the
exception of one which has lost its queen, which I hope to be
able to replace if the weather proves favourable. However, I
may mcniion that I shall not be greatly disappointed if I shotild
fail in ihis case, as they are not very strong of bees.

" This winter has proved very disastroxis on bees throughout

BEE-HIVES AND THEIR APPUETENANCES.

(Coniinued from pnge 72.)

MoTEABLE Fhame-fives are only different as regards the
frames. The mode of fit ting may be worth mentioning. I carry
the notch on the bar in as far back and front as to allow the
top of the end pieces to be sprigged thereon (which saves clamps).
They are held together below by a narrow slip of wood, or, a*
good, a stout wire. Having the bottoms of the frames as broad
as the bars impedes the ventilation of the hive.

Adaptee-hite System. — A common fault of many depriving-
hives is a Jixed Ireedino space, possibly too large at the outset,
and too small afterwards. Take for example the absurdity of
Nutt in his coUateral-hives, devoting a space of only 1 foot square
by 9 inches deep, as his pavilion of Nature for a non-stnarming
colony, expected to fill two end-boxes of pure comb of similar
dimensions. No ventilation could possibly keep a prolific queen
from either breeding in the end-boxes, or swarming in disgust.
He must have made but a sliglit acquaintance with bees who
has not observed their contrariness, if I may use the word, the
diversities in the breeding powers of queens, the unequal size
of swarms, the variablene-s of our seasons and climate no doubt
materially affecting the whole. The great desideratum, then, to
the practical bee-keeper is, the possession of a hive at a moderate-
outlay, that in his experienced hands can be adapted to meet the
peculiarities of every case and season. This leads me to narrate
some observations how storing of honey in the siiper may be
promoted, and the breeding of ihe queen encouraged by a change
of system I have latterly adopted, which, for want of a better
terni, may he .styled " adapting." From the experience I have had
of strong colonies wrought on the st"rifying plan, I have noticed
in some of my Stewartou-hives — for instance, when the breeding-
boxes had attained a height of 1 8 inches or 2 feet, a disinclination
in the tired honey gatherers to elbow their way up such an
altitude to the super, and rather avail themselves of the handy
vacated brood-cells in, sny, an upper breeding-box, thereby un-
necessarily protracting the completion of the super. This
temptation is also enhanced by the predilection of the queen to
take up her quarters in the box containing the greatest quantity
of brood, to the partial neglect of the others, besides a genei-al
shyness to pass from box to box. Take, for instance, a set of
three breeding-boxes. At the end of the season, in addition to
the super, the upper will be found filled with scaled honey, a fair
supply with the queen, and the bulk of the bees in the centre, and
little but empty combs with some bees in the lower. No doubt
a partial deprivation might be made from tlie upper box, still
as the comb had been bred in, it would only bo valuable as
run honey. To obviate these evils I have devised a means
which, so far as I have acted on it, has given me satisfaction.
Suppose a good prime swarm hived in any of the boxes already
described (the octagon is preferable), and after a few days another
in a box of like dimensions, placed under the first the evening of
swarming. All the slides drawn and an amicable jimction effected,
admission being given at the same time to the super by drawing
each cnd-slido oidy of upper box. Tlie following morning the
lower box to he withdrawn (by which time the bees will, in all
probability, have ascended to the super), and in lieu ot it sub-
stitute an eke one-half the depth of the box, having windows of
similar length, and one-half the depth, handles and entrance the
same, with four little buttons or bars to prevent displacement.
Across and flush with the top of the eke, place a half-ineh-
square support to the combs sunk iulo a half-inch cut in each
end to receive it. The box-entrance will, of course, be closed,
the bees passing out tlirongh the eke. The bee-keeper to use his
discretion in supplying another eke so soon as the exigencies of
the case imperatively demand, and so on to the end of the season.
Should beth swarms be large, and particularly if the first has
liad a week or more start, filling the box a considerable way with
comb, it may be safer to prevent brood in the super, placing two
ekes at first in lieu of the second box, or better, one eke the
full depth of the box. A good deal must be left to the judgment
of the apiarian in handling the hive to meet various peculiarities
as already hinted at. The advantages of this system are as
follows : — When a colony is nadired in the usual way, a large

April 30, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORnCULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

89

addition is at once made to the space, lai-ger, perhaps (unless
the weather be all the more favourable), than their immediate
wants demand. Bees generally show a hesitancy in commencing
in a new compartment (s.iinotimes ratlicr swnrm than do so),
except the weather be hot and Ihe hive unusually crowded.
When once possession has been taken, a number of the gatherers
are called off work to cluster together so as to raise the necessary
heat for comb-building. By the systc.n I have adopted, the
additional space is supplied more gradually and less perceptibly
to the bees, -the comb-builders carry on their work continuously
down, more in keeping with tlieir habits, and the order of
oj^erations tliereby suffers no change. The hive is thiis divided
into two compartments only, a breeding and a storing, the queen
having unrestricted range over a much larger area of comb, will
have the eifect of stimulating her breeding powers, and the space
occupied by brood will be gradually extended downwards as
the combs are lengthened. So soon as young bees leave their
cells slie is at hand to re-o& upy with fggs. The honey gatherers
are less templed witli vacant cells to stop short of tlie super,
where a greater deposit of honey in pure comb more rapidly
stored, is the result. The body or breeding space being thus
appropriated m a great degree (o its intended use, and the bulk
of the store removed in supers, tlie liive will not attain an undue
altitude as with storifying-boxes. Tiie saving in employing ekes
instead of boxes is apparent. By severing the comb with a
strong thread or a corali-knife, the hive can be reduced at any
eke, a spare one placed below to keep the comb off the board,
the separated portions made available for another colony, by
simply serewing'on a board above ; a partial deprivation could
also he made from the top box in the same manner, should the
weiglit justify the proceeding, or bo made useful in any way almost
as easily as storifying-boxes, the comb remaining secmvly
attached to the cross supports.

CoiLiTEiiii.-uiVJSS. — kSuppose we invert a common straw or
any hive, where do we invariably find tlio honey stored?
Tlie merest novice is at or.ce propaj'ed to answer — The upper
portion of all, and tbe end combs exclusively, are defotedio this
pui'pose. Additional storing spaco is, tlierefore, appropriately
given above by supcring, us in tlie storil'ying, and at the sides, as
in the collateral system. The nearest ap|)roach (o a complete
hive, strictly copying tlie procedure of the bees, is one combining
in a measure bolli, such as I am about to drseribe, offering equal
facilities for either. Again, What proportion should the space
set aside for brood be.'ir to that for store, taking the natural
procedure of the bee as our criterion ? Not, certainly, Nutt's of
one of brood to two of store (exclusive of bell-glasses) ; the reverse
would be much nearer the truth : henco the disappointment by
swarming, queens breeding in end-boxes, as previously men-
tioned, and the blasted expeetaiions of the possessors of his liives
regarding the great harvesting prospects held out by tliat author,
■with, I am afraid, tbe too great partiality of parental fondness.
Whether it be that our cold, variable, northern climate is less
suited, causing the bees more readily to abandon the end-boxes
than in the more genial south, I never yet mot a Scotch bee-
keeper who spoke favourably of the system.

Some years ago I constructed coUaleral-hivcs, saw and
endeavoured to remedy their defects ; but never yet tested them
so fully, or pitted them against the storifiers. Under similar cir-
cumstances, to pass a decided judgment, I will describe for the
benefit of such of your readers as have a fondness for the system
•what I have done in the way of improvement, and should they
think of adopting iny hive with the advantage of a superior
climate, it will afford me pleasure to hear of their success in these
pages. Adopting Nutt's as tlie basis, which consisted of three

boxel, a central or pavilion as he styled it, 1 foot square, by

9 inches deep, communicating with two end-boxes ol^ like
dimensions, by a half-inch way at bottom, and another perpen-
dicular one carried up the centre of each end with dividing-tina
and other lesser details. The main defect of this liive is a diffi-
culty to induce the bees to commence operations in the side
boxes, as they will often swarm in preference. My first expedient
was to close the central entrance, and open the one in the side-
box, thus forcing them to pass through it, affording at the same
time a fair opportunity of inspecting the "shop to let." This
if resorted to in time, and the weather unfavourable for swarming,
may have tiie desired effect ; but should they have previously
determined to go, no amount of coaxing will force them to
remain.

I then met this defect by Ihe original notion and effectual
plan of fitting sliding ends to all the boxes, thereby saving the
dividing-tin?, &c., proceeding as follows ; — Suppose the pavilion
crowded, I carefully draw out the end of the central and side-
box, thereby throwing both into one ; it is at once looked on by
the bees as but an ante-drawing-room after all, and they extend
themselves into it, and commence work on the guide-combed
bars. ATheu once fairly established therein and comb appearing,
I as carefully slide in the ends to within half an inch of Ihe
front, this serves in lieu of Nutt's ceiitrjl half-inch- way, and I
think a decided improvement, for this reason : — Any one looking
through a back window must have notic d the partiality of the
bees on entering, to turn up on and run along the inner front of
the hive. The two boxes being placed exactly parallel, they
without obstruction pass along from tlie front of the one to the
other. Whereas by Nutt's mode they were obliged to go rouijd
to Ihe cnntral-cnd opening ; part of the heat would also escape
through this opening into the ends ; by the other a greater
quantity of pure air will seek its way from the entrance to the
sides, and the breeding central portion be kept more compact.

The first set of collaterals I constructed were of Nutt's pro-
portions. Finding the side-boxes too large to be fully completed,
I halved their depth, substituting two boxes 4^ inches instead of
one 9 inches deep for each side, with the further improvement
of six li-inch bars on the side, and seven 1 J-ineh on the central-
box. I was thereby enabled on finding the latter too small to
nadir with one of the side and super with the other, working the
remaining pair collaterally. Being fully convinced subsequently
of the disproportionate smallness of Nutt's central-box, I have
increased the size to 15^ inches between the ends, and 14 inches
back to front, both inside measure, retaining the nine-inch depth ;
the top formed of eight bars (six narrow and two broad) ;
window of proportional depth and entrance, all as previously
described for the square wooden hives. The way I manage the
sliding end is so simple that any amateur can easily apply it,
and construct from the full description a set for himself. Wlieu
the front and back boards (15.^- inches by 9 inches), are all
neatly dressed and squared, the ends made particularly smooth
with the hand-plane, an entrance and space cut for the window-
glass, take two bars (bar-and-slidc hive), 16 inches long, notch
out 1 inch from the under side of each end as if intended to lay
on tlie top, place the two boards on a flat, smooth surface, and after
fitting a shde into the lower groove of each bar attach the bars

10 the back and front as iow down as will allow the slide to work
easily. This forms my half-inch-way at bottom. W^hen the
bars have been firmly screwed the boards will stand exactly
l-l inches apart, the top bars can then "re placed and screwed to
keep all firm. Prepare the sliding end of one-quarter-inch
dressed, a check top and bottom front edge, the latter working
into the upper groove-end bar, the former in a bit of reversed slide
sprigged on above. There is a slip of wood nailed on the front
end to prevent the end sliding too far, and a little narrow button
of wood on the inside top to prevent it slipping inwards. It
projects an inch behind for a catch to draw by, and is roughened
ou the inner side as before mentioned. The wood dressed so
thin must be well seasoned to prevent warping. To further
guard against this, I generally fix with small screws when the
end-boxes are not in use. The inner ends of the side-boxes are lo
match, and precisely similar, their outer ends of three-quarter
stuff nailed fixtures, of course. They should not exceed (what-
ever less), 10 inches from end to end, this aDows room for five
IV-inch bars, they can either be of a similar depth or in pairs.
Should they be anything neatly constructed when the ends are
drawn, the inside of the roof, centre, and side will be exactly on
a like without obstruction, save the little checkia^-button already
mentioned, and the nearer the end-bar in the one the other

90

JOURNAL OP HORTICTJLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Api il 30, 1861.

the better. A full-sized Stewarton-super can be placed on the
top of tlie central, admitting through each end-opening only.

On the shelf where this hive st.inds, there is cut out below
the centre of each end-box, a portion 9 inches by 5J inches,
lengthways. These pieces work downwards with a pair of
small brass hinges, kept up when at rest with a button bolt
fitted on below ; over this space perforated zinc is nailed.
When the heat of the weather or the state of the hive calls for
ventilation, it is afforded by means of these little falling trap-
doors. A similar piece — say 10 inches by Sa inches, placed the
other way, under the central-box, with a knob behind pulls out
as a drawer to admit the earthenware feeding-trough 9 inches
by 5J inches.

I never foimd ventilation easily effectible or useful, except
helow; any benefit that way from tubes as in bell-glasses is
chimerical, the first act of the bees being to stop up the per-
forations ; not 80 below. In some of my roof-hives I have
found brood extend to nearly the edge of the zinc, all above and
forward from it entirely free.

The advantages of my collateral-hive as now explained, must
be apparent, from the facility with which the bees can be admitted
into the side-boxes and supers simultaneously. The apiarian
has a good opportunity of testing their partiality for either mode
at one and the same time, the whole being so much in keeping
with their habits, their energies are fully tasked, rewarding
during a favourable season, with an abundant honey harvest.
I do hope more than one of your southern apiarian readers may
people this hive with a couple of prime swarms in the coming
season, and report progress.

Obseetatoht-hites. — It having been proved that bees work
equally well in light as in darkness, the smoothness, closeness,
and coldness of the glass unfit it for taking the place of wood
for general use ; and their susceptibility of being influenced by
all the variations of light, must, of course, cause an increased con-
sumption of store, and is prejudicial to their accustomed dor-
mancy. Still a single observatory may be allowable as a curiosity
placed in a staircase window — for instance, fronting the back
or gable of a house. In such a situation, from the constant stir
of busy life within, it is an object which never fails to attract
attention long after the beauties of the most graceful piece of
statuary palls upon the sight. I have one exactly such as I
have described, for my central collateral-hive, with this difference,
that there are placed in front two large thick panes of glass, 13
inches by ' inches, the inner sunk flush with the frame, the
outer in a rabbit, leaving a half-inch space between, the same in
back. Finding it close, to promote ventilation, in room of the
slides, slips of fine India matting tacked to the under side of a
portion of the slide to draw by wire is introduced — this
answered nicely — a six-inch thermometer is behind. This hive
stood exposed to the full light all the winter, in a staircase
window, north aspect. At the commencement of the long frost,
on bringing the top covering over the front, they set up such a
roar of displeasure at being deprived of their accustomed light,
that I withdrew it. The thermometer indicated 25° of frost on
the morning of the 24th December (as previously reported) ; yet,
notwithstanding, the bees came through in good order.

Having already dilated on bee-hives with a diffuseness suffi-
cient to lay the foundation of a new bee manual, or subject the
writer to the siispicion of harbouring a latent wish to be assumed
as inventive partner in Messrs. Neighbour & Son's High Holborn
concern, I must reserve tUl a future Number some remarks on
what may be termed their appurtenances. — A EENFBEWsniEE
Bee-keepee.

(To he continued.)

Ieon Pigeok's Nest. — At the meeting of the Sheffield Literary
and Philosophical Society, on April 9th, Mr. Stirling Howard
exhibited some horseshoe nails as a sample of two gallons, by
measure, of the materials which a number of Pigeons had
carried from a blacksmith's shop, and used to make their nests.
The facts, as communicated by Mr. E. S. Howard, of Woodside,
are briefly these : — " Over one end of the blacksmith's shop is a
rude loft, in which are a number of boxes, the domiciles of the
Pigeons. The nails, which were taken from canvass bags and
other receptacles, are of the ordinary horseshoe kind, of various
sizes, some new, others old and crooked. They were, however,
laid with some regard to comfort, inasmuch as the points were
not allowed to project upwards, but without the admixture of
softer materials. This is the more singular, as there is abundance

of straw, shavings, &c., in the neighbourhood. On these ' iron
beds' the birds had laid their eggs, which werejust ready for
hatching when the discovery was made of the use to which the
nails were applied. The nails when removed filled a watering-
can holding about two gallons, one of the nests containing more
than a stone weight. Tlie eggs were destroyed. The Pigeons
are of the ordinary kind, but some of them have a cross between
the ' Carriers.' "

MILCH GOAT.

Feed them as you would a cow or sheep ; milk them at
regular times, and strip them dry. They will eat almost any
kind of food. Mine was a common Irish Goat, cost 21s., and
gave three pints of milk at a meal. Tie them up while milking,
and milk from behind the leg. They are subject to lice : a little
oil rubbed on the back is all that is required to remove the
vermin. — W. S.

GOLD AND SILVER FISH DISEASED.

I THINK " J. B." will find no remedy for the slime upon gold
and silver fish, but that of catching them and wiping them
carefully (so as not to injure the scales) with a dry, clean, soft
cloth. I have found this an excellent remedy when mine have
been similarly affected. — George M. Buhion', Soutktoicn, Yar-
mouth.

"The fishes with hard skins have, however, one advantage
over the soft-skinned fishes, to a greater or less degree— they are
not so much troubled with parasitic animals adhering on them.
To sickly fish do these parasites principally adhere, just as the
bill-stickers in London select -a tumble-down house, or else
premises in Chancery, to stick their paper parasites, in the shape
of advertisements, upon. At Teddington Lock I cauglit one day,
this year, three barbel. I observed that the bellies of these fish
were covered with little, round red spots, as though tlicy had
been pricked with a needle. I could not understand what these
spots were till I caught the third barbel ; on to its belly was
still adhering a little leech-like beast, tliat curled himself into
a ball when touched, like a woodlouse. With some difficidty I
got him off the barbel's belly, and in the place where he had
been sucking was one of these little round red spots. The mys-
tery was thus fully cleared up : this parasite had an amazingly
sharp pair of nippers, wherewith to pierce and hold on to the
barbel's thick skin.

" When fishing at the weir, at Thorney Broad fishery, near
West Drayton, in the month of May, a gentleman who was
angling above me cried out, 'Look out, there is a great fish
coming down the weir ! ' and sure enough there was a fish
coming down in the rapid stream, tail foremost as fast as it could.
I just managed to catch him with the landing-net, and found
that he was a large roach, weigliing If lb. The poor fish had
been wounded in the back, probably by a punt-pole, and was in
a bad way. It was quite covered with tlie same kind of parasites
that I found on the dead polling bait, so that these little creatures
perform in the water the same oflice that the flies, by means of
the maggots, do on land : they devour the offensive animal
matter which would otherwise poUute all around.

" The gold fish in the round pond at Hampton Court are also
much troubled with a parasitic fungus, which grows upon them ;
but I never had an opportunity of examining one out of the
water.

" Mr. Hall tells me that his fish are much troubled with this
fungus. Occasionally they are attacked with a disease of the eye,
causing it to bulge out like a small bladder, and sometimes the
scales to stand np. The most fatal complaint they have is a sort
of ulceration, which takes place on the body on which this vege-
tation occurs, and shortly covers the fish ; after which very few
recover. This is, doubtless, a vegetable fungus. Near Ham-
mersmith there are several floodgates communicating with the
Thames, round which the roach and dace collect ; these fish are
covered with this parasitic fungus. It ultimately causes the
death of many of them, as it becomes adherent to the gill sub-
stance, and prevents their breathing."

In answer to "J. B." I send you the above extract, from
" Buckland's Curiosities of Natural History." I cannot send a
personal remedy ; but I surmise the Thames water to bo at the

I

April 30, 1861. ]

JOXJENAL OF HORTICULTTTBE ASD COTTAGE &ARDENEE.

91

bottom of the mischief. I myself have observed the diseased state
of the fish iu the tank at Hampton Court Gardens, which mxist
nearly resemble "J. B.'s;" and just possibly it may be supplied
■with the Thames water also, in which, were I a fish, it would be
difficult for me to maintain a healthy state of existence. It
would be well if "J. B." could supply his tant from some other
source. — Upwaeds and Okwabds.

THE CANAEY AND THE BRITISH PINCHES.

THE CHAFFINCH.

{Continued from page 71.)

The French and Belgians are great fanciers of the Chafiinch,
and highly prize its song. They keep them in small wooden
cages, haying only wire at one end, where it is slightly bowed to
contain the water. The birds, after being caught, and as soon
as meated off, are deprived of the sight of one eye, and when
accustomed to find their food and water the sight of the other is
also destroyed by means of a heated needle. These poor blind
captives being less easily frightened sing very much; but I
abhor the cruelty, and detest the sight of these miserable-looking
prisoners in their little dark cells.

The old birds when taken are often very shy, and do not sing
the first season. Kesthngs when reared by hand are vei-y
familiar, and may be taught any of the approved strains ; they
also vary their song more, but, to my fancy, are less bold and
original in execution than old-caught birds. The best Cliaflinch 1
ever remember hearing was one I had at St. Pierre les Calais in
1844, and which was captured in rather a strange manner. A
pair had commenced building in an apple tree near the house,
and while the servants were at dinner the pair flew into Ihe
kitchen — one alighting on the nursemaid's head and the other
in her soup, when she grasped one in each hand, and brought
them to me. I placed them in a cage, but the cock did not sing
that season, and in the autumn I let the hen fly. The next
year the coek was kept in a room with many other birds, but I
did not notice his singing. The third spring, however, he broke
forth in the most delightful roUing melody I ever heard in the
way of bird music. He had a large cage to himself, and he
continued in full song all the spring and summer ; he would
repeat and vary his song several times in succession without
stopping, pealing forth his lay in a full clear tone. At the end
of the first Umb he woidd drop his voice into a murmuring warble,
and then again pour forth his song with redoubled energy. .

I hare reared several nestlings that proved fine singers, and
added snatches of other birds' songs to theirs ; but none sang
so bold and clear as the old Calais bird.

Dr. J. M. Bechstein, the German writer on birds, who was
liimself a great fancier, has described twelve songs of the Chaf-
finch as noticed by fanciers in that country. So great is the
fashion for these birds among the Thiu-ingian cutlers, that they
will sometimes subsist for a fortnight on bread and water in
order to purchase a good song bird ; and examples have been
known of persons going from Euhl to the Hartz mountains to
catch a good songster, as well as of a cow having been given for
a fli-st-rate singer : hence the German proverb, " The Chafiinch
is worth a cow."

The favourite song is termed thebridegi-oom's song and runs —
*■ Flnlc^jink^Jinlc^finlc^ Jiorst duj wlUst du^ init dem, JBraidigam
zierem." In Saxony, particularly in Erzgebh-ge and Vogtland,
the " Eeitztig " cavalier's song is preferred.

The wine song, or ^^ Fritz, f^i^z, f^i^z, iviht an viit zum
TVeingehn^^ is also a great favourite in Euhl. Several others, as
the goodyear and the double song are mentioned, but the above
are, I trust, sufficient to illustrate the German reading of Chaf-
finches' songs. In conclusion of this matter, I wiU make one
more extract. "When a bird only sings one of these songs so
is he the more prized, the slower, more distinctly, and deeper
his singing ; and still more admired if at the end of each song the
bird calls ' Pink,' which the amateurs designate the amen."

Pied and even white Chaffinches have been recorded as being
met with, but very rarely.

M. Hervieux mentions them as one of the birds that will breed
with the Canary. Dr. Bechstein says, "It is an acknowledged
fact, that they will breed with the Canary, and that they have
paired with the Groenfiuch and Tellowhammer." I myself had
a Chaffiueh raised Irom the nest that paired with a hen Canary.
The coiirtship was a very rough one, the cock often dashing after
his mate, catching her by the crown of the head and holding

her thus suspended. The hen, however, unfortunately proved
barren, and I could not prevail on the Chaffinch to take another
mate. A Chaffinch is recorded to have lived in confinement
twenty-four years.

In summer and autumn the young branchers and old birds
are caught in clap-nets when on flight. In winter, when they
draw near to the houses, or congregate in the farmyards, I have
caught them in small wooden traps made like a box of old
weather-stained board, baited with seeds buried in the earth
level with the ground, and set Uke boys do the common brick
traps. The Chaffinch is a jealous bird, and in spring each male
takes a beat which he claims as his hunting-ground, and drives
all others off. This habit has been taken advantage of by bird
fanciers to capture the cock when in song at the commencement
of the breeding season ; to efi'ect which it is necessary to be pro-
vided with a song bird as a decoy. These birds are moulted off
early like the Linnet, in stop-boxes. A glazed- frame in which,
two or more Chaffinches are enclosed, each in a sepai-ate back
cage, and thus kept for a time in an equitable temperature, and
fed or rather fattened on an extra allowance of hempseed, the
moulting is advanced and the birds come earlier into song than
they otherwise would. The trapper is also provided with a
stufl"ed Chaffinch so arranged that by means of sharpened wire it
can he stuck against a tree ; and in the same way a twig besmeared
with birdlime is stuck above the stuff'ed bird or " stale," the call
bird being placed below, the operator hearing a bird whose song
pleases him, arranges his decoy in a convenient place and retires
a short distance. The birds begin to sing against each other, and
the wild male enraged at the presumption of the call bird for
singing in his domain, and mistaking the stale for the intruder,
dashes down at it and becomes entangled by the limed twig. A
somewhat similar arrangement is practised by the German
fanciers, a forked stick attached to the back or tail of a live bird
which is placed near the wild songster, and he dashing down to
attack and drive him off is detained by the birdlime, or a braced
bird is pegged beneath the tree, and limed twigs are so arranged
round it as to capture the wild one when he charges the decoy.
— B. P. Bbe>-t.

( To be continued.)

SCAECITY OF STABLINGS.

YoUB correspondent complains of the small number of these
birds seen in Cheshire. I have made the same observation in
Gloucestershire, which I attribute partly to the excess of cold in
December and January last ; and also to the number of juvenile
sportsmen and idle men, with guns in their hands, during the
whole of the frost. Hot only are the Starlings scarce, but the
poor Thrushes and Blackbirds also are reduced to less than
half their usual numbers ; and we lose a great portion of the
beautiful notes of the two latter — which (next to the Nightin-
gale), charm us during seven or eight months in the year. Such
a slaughter of singing birds I do not remember since the year
1838, a frost which lasted more than six weeks. — H. W. K".

ABUNDANCE OF STAELINGS.

In the neighbourhood of Wickham Market, Suffolk, I have
seen them in very large flocks this month, and there are plenty
about the farm buUdiugs and pollard trees. — W. S.

Here (Claughton, near Birkenhead), they have seemed more
numerous than usual all the winter ; and up to the present time.
I suppose the severe weather caused them to seek the neighbour-
hood of houses for food and shelter, as they were scarcely ever
absent during the winter from the projecting roof of a tall house
near me, and now in mild weather they seem to have less shy-
ness, and come nearer the door or the windows looking on to the
lawn than usual — in fact, comport themselves with much the
same boldness as the common house span-ow. — E. Q.

DUEING the late severe winter I missed the flocks of Starlings
that were wont to disport themselves in former winters, like
small clouds bufFetted by the winds, over the trees in Blenheim
Park ; but, most likely, ere your con-espondent, " E. M." reads
this, the usual number of happy couples will have arrived at the
church, and to domicUe themselves in their asual haunts in

92

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aAKDENEE.

[ April 30, 1861.

Gawswortli — at least it is the case here (Woodstock), within this
last week or two ; and wherever tliey may have b'eeiij they appear
in uncommonly good case, chattering, wliistling, and smacking
their bills, as much as to say, "Isn't this life and this fine
weatlier really enjoyable, my spouse ? " What beautiful-phnnaged
bii'ds tlic males are ! But the fraternity of them are dirty fellows
in the immediate vicinity, wlien tliey were allowed to build in
the root of one's house. I take care to get the masons to stop all
holes in the roof ; but then there are plenty of trees with cavities
in theni — too many I am sorry to say for the sun shining on to
this garden — to accommodate their impudences. — UrwAEES
AND On'^vaeds.

Stablings are very plentiful in this part of the country
(CiirdifT), they were also here in very large numbers during the
whole of the severe weather we had last winter. I intend rearing
some of those beautiful birds this season. Will you kindly
inform me if you publish, or know of any book that is published,
which could give me some useful information as to how the
young birds should be treated ? — W. J.

With regard fo the scarcity of the Starling, I beg leave to
Bay that I have found it just the reverse. 1 have not seen so
many about here for several years as I Iiave noticed this spring.
They fly about in large flocks and build in precisely the same
places as before. I have sliot a good many, and find them in
good condition and feather. — Gr. C. Whitwell, Kendal.

VARIETIES.

The G-host of an Isiteession. — If a wafer be laid on a
surface of polished metal, which is then breathed upon, and if,
when the moisture of the breath has evaportited, the wafer be
shaken .oif, we shall find that the whole polished surface is not
as it was before, although our senses can detect no difference ;
for if we breathe upon it, the surface will be moist everywhere,
except on the spot previously sheltered by tlie wafer. Again
and again we breathe, and the moisture evaporates, but still the
spectral wafer re-appears. This experiment succeeils alter a
lapse of many months, if the metal be carefully put aside where
the surface cannot be disturbed. If a sheet of paper on which
a key has been hiid be exposed for some minutes to the sunshine,
and then in-tantaneously viewed in the dark, the key being re-
moved, a fading spectre of the key will be visible. Let this paper
be put aside tor many months wliere nothing can disturb it, and
then in the darktiess be laid on a plate of hot metal, the spectre
of the key will again appear. In the case of bodies more hiujhly
phosphorescent than paper, the spectres i.f many difi'erent ohjects
which may be l*(id on in succession, will, on warming, emerge in
their proper order.

Malt Wine. — Notwithstanding the introduction of Cape
wine, and the still more recently increased importation of those
from France, home-mide wines have kept pace with these imports;
and as their manufacture becomes better known, there is no
doubt but. their qualities will be improved, and tlie prejudice
which cundetntis home-made wines without deigning to submit
them to a trial is fast wearing away. Combined with that, the
manufacture of these things is becoming better known ; and,
doubtless, when they become still more so, and when they
assume the proportion of some of our breweries and every point
in the making and fermentation be as well known as that of our
national beverage, we may reasonably hope to compete with the
foreigner in producing an article of greater purity than his, and,
though diH'erent in flavour, still equally agreeable, and when
the palate becomes used to them, they will be immcasureobly
more wholesome. But it will likely be some years yet ere any
extensive alteration in the mode of making these wines be brought
about, the amateur, wlioee means are not, perliaps, equal to
his hospit«lity, will, doubtless, be glad to learn a way wherebv
he can treat his friends to a glass of wine bright, agreeable, and
strong, and at less than one-fbin*th of the expense of tlie foreign
article. I purpose, therefore, to give a few recipes of the mode by
which I have been successful in making wine ; and I have
ascertained from a friend still more noted for the contents of his
cellar, some little points on tlie mamigemeut of his wines, nhicli
I have his authority to impart. Commencing, therefore, with

one of the cheapest and best of home-made wines, I will detail
the process by which it is made. At a time when the brewing
is going on (for malt wine can only be made then), take 10
gallons of sweetwort, 10 gallons of beer that has been boiled
with the hops, and has cooled and received some yeast, and 10
gallons of soft water ; boil this water and the sweetwort with
45 lbs. of loaf sugar ; and when it is nearly cool, mix it with
the tunned beer, and let it statid eighteen hours in a tub;
afterwards put it into a cask, and let it work ^bout four days,
filling the cask up with liquor that has not been in it before —
not the yeasty portion that works out, which would prolong the
fermentation — a thing much to be avoided ; and as soon as it is
about settled bung it down, giving it vent now and then by a
vent-peg. 'J'he cask ought to be a fresh-emptied spirit cask, or a
wine one will do. After it has stood a fortnight or so, put in
10 lbs. or 12 lbs. of raisins, and biuig it down tight, only occa-
sionally looking to the vi'nt-peg. At the end of twelve nionths
it will, if all be right, very much resemble sherry, and wotild be
muck improved if bottled oif then ; but we generally allow the
bulk of ours to remain in the cask, and it improves much in
three or four years. If it be loo sweet, keeping will correct
that, and the sweeter it is the longer it will keep. Observe, no
spirit is' added, neither does it want any — it is quite strong
enough without any brandy ; and as there is no aeiduotis fruit
used in the making of it, the sliarpness which fruits ofien give to
wines is avoided. Some little judgment is required in propor-
tioning the timned beer; for il this be untistially heavily ho)>ped,
less of it must do; at the same time wholly sweetwort is also
faulty. A smaller quantity than the above can easily be made,
for as it is plentifully charged with fermenting matter from the
tunned beer, it is sure to work, and a small quantity sooner
becomes ready for use ; but it is, perhaps, not qxiite so good, as,
in fact, few wines made in small quantities can hardly expect to
be so good as when more is made at a time. But wlien we can
equal the foreigner in the extent of oiu' operations, and also know
the various points conducing to excellence, we may look forward
to equalling him in the article produced. — An Old Scbscribeb

OUE LETTER BOX.

Duck's Eggs with Thin shklts (A Constant Reader), — The shell of
the Duck's etjg is the result of faulty secretions, and we kiit^w nol whut
medicine to a-ivi^e for a Duck, because in our cxpfriments on them wc have
tried culunicl in doses from one grain to a teacupful wiihoui uny effect.
We know that on some wsiteis the Ducks lay eggs with thinni-r sh'Us
than on others, and we know if they are very fut it is unfavour.ible to
la)'ing. We know not how you have been fcedins ; but we advise ^ou to
le.ive th'' bird rull liberty, and to feed her oii notliinj: but whole oats. The
egg is oniy unfit for bitting because tht shell would not bear it.

Hens with Wkns on the Crop (Constant Sitbsrribfrs). — Your bens are
very much diseased, but judging from ynur dc>'crii)tion they need not be
killeo. They are suffering, probably, from fever, n?id drinU immoderately;
this causes the crop to hang down, and we fancy thi.-; is the wen yuu
mention. Give cantor oil, every day a tablesponnful, feed on sta.e bread
soaked in milk, allow only a little water four times a-day, and as toon as
thev have drunk take it away. W. ahrays advise that diseased fowls
should be separated from any others. If they really have wens, an
operation will be neces.-ary.

Dorking Cock with Contracted Toe {Subscriher from the First). —
The cock's toe bent under the foot is a very bad case, but not incurable^
nnles,> under one eircumstance, which we will describe. If the thigh of
the I isca>ed toe U wasting, and less than the other, and if the knee swills,
there is nn hope, and it will be a charity to kill the biril. If s'->ch is not the
Case, give him castor oil every oihtr day, feed him on oatmeal and bread
and milk, and be careful that he never treads on anything hut grass, hay,
struw, or dry gravel or earth— no stones, bricks, or wood.

Stocking an OnsEHVATonY-HivE tS J. JF., Preston). — A second swarm
should he hived in a common straw skep and knocked out on a sheet
imnudi.itely in froiit of the uni'?onib-hive in the evening of the dty on
whifh it is-ued. The observatory-hive having been slightly elcvat» d from
its floor-board, a stream of bees should be directed towards it by means of
a twig or featber. After all, the process is frequently very troublrsome,
and for this reason we avoid it altogether, by fitting our unicomb hive wiih
moveable barp, which we place in a box, and having hived a swarm
therein, and set it on the spot intended for the uniconib-hive, leave il
undisturbed during three or lour days, by which time good-sized combs
are u-ually formed. Choosing the middle of a fine day, we lift out the bars
with iheailbf ring combs and bees, anange them in the observatory-hive,
and the job is complete. Glasses should be put on as scon as the s^tock-
hive is pretty full of bees. The hitter end of April is about the riyht time.
Better give room loo early than too late.

GoAT-KRKPiNo [B. ir.).— You will see a short communication upon this
subjt-ct in our columns to-diy, but wc hope to have more detailed intiir-
mation on ihe subject, and shall be obliged by any one sending us the
results of bis experience. We believe one obstacle in the way of Goat-
keeping is tlie need of keeepinj a buck Goat as well as milch Goats. If
Eever.il pcisi>iis kept Goats iu one vicinity, the fragrant genilcm.ai in
question might be joint-stock.

May 7, 1861. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE aARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

93

Day

of

M'nth

Day

ot

Week.

To
W
Th
F
S
Sun
M

MAT 7—13, 1861.

Weatser near London in 1860.

Evinus alpinus.
Lamium rugosam.
Ascension. Holt Thtjksdat.
Fumariii Buvcliellii,
Orobus tuberosus.
Sunday after Ascension.
Sweet WoodrofF.

29.856—29.566
29.028-29.498
29.806—29.565
29.823—29.506
29.7-17—29.700
29.730-29-611
29.795-29.690

depr. cleg.
63-46
64-46
06-27
64-50
06-48
66—49
67-37

Wind.

E.
S.W.

s.w.

S.W.

s.w.
s.
w.

Inches.

•02
•01
•03
■11
•12
1-14
•03

Kises.

h.
23af 4

Sun
Sets.

m. ll.
30af 7
32 7

39

Moon

Rises

Moon's

and Sets

Age.

m. h.

67 2

27

14 3

23

sets

•

44 a 8

1

45 9

2

37 10

3

20 11

4

Clocli
after
Sun,

Day of
Year.

127
128
129
130
131
132
133

Meteorology of the Week.— At Chiswioli, from observations during the last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 62' and 40= respectively. The greatest heat, 81", occurred on the 6th, in 1830; and the lowest cold, 21 ,
on tlic 8th in 1855. Dui'ing the period 146. days were fine, and on 92 rain fell.

EEFINED TASTE IJST ELORICULTUEE.

FTENER than once lately
the question has been put to
me — Do you consider that the education
of a taste for any particular flower adds
to your pleasure ? and were you to strike
the balance between the pain that you
experience when a flower does not come
up to your idea of what it ought to be,
and the enjoyment that you have when
the reverse is the ease, which would preponderate ?
The answer to this opens a wide field of inquiry.
It has a sreat deal to do with the philosophy of
human life — the relative value of earthly and spiritual
things, and the present condition of our race. If the
object of such a question be to depreciate the cultivation
of taste, the education of the eye or ear, then " I will have
none of it;" for, carried out to its legitimate conclusion,
it would make the savage state the beau ideal of human
life, and as eiFectually " snufi'out " civilisation as the Pope
would do. For, take the very commonest subjects — the
mere speaking of our language : One who has passed
through what is called a liberal education is most griev-
ously racked with torture when he hears unfortunate letter
H sacrificed, and people talking about " heggs," " 'osses,"
" 'am," &c. Are we to say, therefore, that the pain he
thus suffers would be at all to be compared to the enjoy-
ment which he can alone appreciate when he hears, in
clear, mellifluous, and classical language, our good English
tongue well spoken. See a number of persons on Easter
Monday going through the National Gallery, or the
rooms where the Sheepshanks and other Collections are
contained at Kensington. They think them pretty ; and
any of an amusing kind — some little scene of domestic
byplay — is sure to have a crowd around it, who are
admiring, not the artistic manner in which it is executed,
but the naturalness of the scene. Follow that other
quiet-looking individual — he will soon exhaust your
patience if you are not yourself a connoisseur. See how
he lingers over one picture, how vacantly he gazes on it,
what brightness fills his eyes as he looks at each point.
Ask him, if you will, what it is that so engages his
attention — it is, perhaps, some clever management of
light and shade, the delicate manner in which a sunbeam
thi-ows its light upon the floor, on the airiness of some
fleecy clouds in the distant sky. What if he does come
across an inferior production now and then and writlies
under it, surely he never for a moment balances that
with the thorough enjoyment he has experienced an
hour before. And without much trenching on what is
my own peculiar sphere, may I not ask. Is it not so in
the far higher and more important concerns of religion?
There can be no doubt that he who ia really and sincerely
engaged in the Christian warfare does feel more acutely
the power and acting of sin than he who is merely con-
tented with a cold and lifeless profession. But will the
true Christian, with every feeling so finely strung, that
No. 6.— Vol. I.J New SEEiEg.

all discord jars his frame, say for a moment that he would
forego the true and abiding peace which he enjoys
because of that ? Oh, no !

But I have wandered, perhaps, overwide from my sub-
ject ; for, as I said, it enters largely into the whole
philosophy of our being, and to deny the advantages of
a refined taste would be to second the vagaries of that
southern writer of whom Dr. Mackey speaks in his " Life
and Liberty in America," who wrote elaborately to prove
that not only was slavery not wrong, but that it was the
happiest condition of man, as all his wants were provided
for without anxiety on his part.

But there is not only the enjoyment of looking at
these things with a refined eye oneself, but there is also
that equally great one— looking over thera with brother
craftsmen, who appreciate their properties as much as
yourself I have, let us say, a fine frame of Pansies in
full bloom. Neighbours hear of it, and wish to see it.
By all means ! One feels a little pride on being able to
point out some fine-looking and well-grown flowers, and
hearing the exclamation,' " How pretty!" " What a
size!" But make way, ladies and gentlemen; here is
one, who, not far olT, has another collection. We sit
down on the edge of the frame ; we talk — some would
say wildly — long over each individual flower; speak of
large eyes, rounded and smooth edges, depth and intensity
of colour : — time flies rapidly on, and we really wonder
it has taken so long. Nay, what may seem stranger
still — I have sat with friends on the edge of an Auricula-
frame for hours, -when not a pip was to be seen, quietly
enjoying a talk about their properties, handling the gems
of' the collection, and speculating on the probable appear-
ance in the next spring ; and a quiet, peaceful enjoyment
it was — it is needless to say utterly incompatible with
an uneducated taste.

My object in writing thus is not merely to answer an
objection which may be sometimes made to the pursuit
of floriculture strictly so called, but at the same time to
urge the positive side of tlie question. The advantage of
cultivating some one particular class of florists' flowers —
Pinks, Pansies, Auriculas, Carnations, Dahlias, whatever
it may be — I am sure would afibrd to many who have
tried it great pleasure. The facilities for obtaining col-
lections are now great. Florists are not the churls they
used to be — they are ready to take and give, to exchange
their surplus stock ; and the difiusion of information on
every subject of the kind leaves no room for ignorance,
which must needs be wilful if it exist at all. Amidst
the cares, business, and turmoils of life we all need
something at times to turn to ; and even where the
pleasures of a garden— which, as Lord Bacon says (Essay
xlvi.) "is the greatest of human pleasures, and is the
greatest refreshment to the spirit of man, without which
buildings and palaces arc but gross handiworks" — cannot
from circumstances or position be entertained, there may
yet be the management of a little frame filled with some
favourite flower, whose care and culture at all times will
aflford the greatest enjoyment. I am not in the position
of the fox who lost' his caudal appendage and recom-
No. 658.— Toi. XXVI., Old Sehieb.

94

JOIJKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

[ May 7, 1861.

meoded Lis friends to get rid of tlieirs, but rather of one
who, haviug for many years served an apprenticeship to
the craft, can confidently recommend it as the source of
much true enjoyment both to myself and others.— D.,
Deal.

THE EXPEEIitfENTAL GAEDEN.

POLTANTHrS CnoSSING — EULE IN CEOSS-BEEEDING — KEW
EIBBOX-BORDEE OF GEBANimS.

The owner of the Experimental is no u:ore. The place is
adTertised for sale, but tlie executors alloweil such plants as
were not yet in the hands of the jjublic to be removed to my
private garden, and no contributor will be tlie loser by the
uiournful event but myself It ^vas in anticipation of tliis
change that I announced, some time since, that I could not
receive any more seedlings to prove. However, as eveiy book
and periodical which tieats on gardenin?, every nnrseiy and
garden which keeps the subject alive before a willing public,
and every exhibition, meeting, and committee wliich awards
prizes for merit in oiu- line, helps to keep up trade, to make a
demand for gardeners, and to increase the innocent enjoyments
of gardening pursuits, it is not good to let down one of such
books or periodicals, nor one of euch uirrserics and gardens, nor
one show, nor one. opporto.nity of keeping the wheels and tbe
wheel within the wlieel in active motion: tlicrefore, I shall in future
devote my private garden on the principle tliat every little
helps. What I sec and hear I sbnll say ; and what I shall tliink
without seeing or hearing, I shall suggest to the end of the
chapter.

Well, my " Good Gracious " has, this sprinji, more than ever
proved that no kind of Polyanthus is so telling in our new
arrangement of spring flowers as a yellow Polyanthus. No
matter whose strain it may be so it is vellow, it is more valuable
now than any, or all, that I have heard of or read about, from
the days of Gilbert and his father-in-law to the present. My
"Good Gracious" was not my strain, it only came by chance
as did all Polyanthuses that ever I knew ; but it is by far the
strongest and the best bloomer I have ever seen, and the easiest
to raise a good stock from, and to keep the plants after you onco
have them.

I have not the slightest merit in producinjit, nor any interest
in the sale of it, buti I am bound to s.iy it is far superior to any
other kind of yellow Polyaiithus for ribbon-lines ; and in a few
years, when it will have rest Irom excessive propagation, it will
have the same run as the Shrnbland tfoso Petunia and Punch
Geranium, and in all probability it will see them both out.
Eemember, the name was suggested to my friends at the Welling-
ton Boad Nurseiy from the exclamation, " Good gracious ! where
did you gtt such a Polyanthus as that ?" but no one has since,
or could smce then, have seen such a stalk and such a truss.
The plant has been so forced and so cut about that it has not
had sulTicient root- rest to show its chaiacler.

I kept four plants of it in 1851', and in 18G0 I made one
hundred plants from them on the system of propagation I wrote
about, and now one of them with four haves only has thrown up
& nearly " Good Gracious" truss. 1 shall never cease talking
about it tUl it is as common as Punch.

But I have an entirely new and independent strain of most
beautiful kinds of yellow Polyanthuses from the gentleman who
surprised me so much last year by his saving, these or this
yellow strain came true from seeds and could be crossed. One
of his strain is nearly white with a large yellow cje, one is light
lilac all over, one is hose-in-hose and each hose as yellow as the
flower, one a bro»nish-ycllow, and one red and yellow after the
fashion of Ghent Azaleas, one is as good a yellow as " Good
Gracious" itself; but the breed seems much more dwarf than
mine, though the plants were grown in strong, adhesive, black
loam, while my garden is so light that I can push down a walking
stick a yard deep in it as easily as into a cask filled with dry
Beigate sand.

I recollect a very large dark blue Pansy which Mr. Barnet
had hi the Experimental Garden in Edinburgh, and which would
come as true Irom seeds as a v.ild violet. Mr. Barnet is in the
Bcgent's Park Botanic, and may, probably, be able to tell the
origin of that sj)ecies of Pansy, for an accidental kind it certainly
was. Kow, if any one knows another Pansy that comes always
true from seeds, the two could be crossed, and tlieir progeny
.wotild be genuine cross-bred plants. Tbe same phenomenon

might occur in Primula, in Dianthus, and ill all the genera which
yielded to the operations of the florist anterior to tlie discovery
of the influence of the farina of old authors, orthepoUen of our
times. But they are very rare exceptions indeed, and supposing
any or all of these yellow Polyanthuses came quhe true from
seeds, my " Good Gracious " will not be worth a straw to cross
them with. It is a negative, as it were, and I suppose them to
be a positive, and I am old enough to know that it needs two
positives to give birth to one true cross-bred plant. If eitlier of
the parents jports, it only follows a law of Nature ; and the fact
of man's assumption in crossing them is not sufficient to cancel
a natural law, although the fact of one of the parents being a
posilive, or always coming true from seeds, may influence so
many of the seedlings — an event concerning which I have no
experience, and, probably, no one can tell me, because philoso-
phical expel inicnts do not pay in gardening in these days as
they did in the early days of ICuiglit, Ned, and Loudon.

At this pomt I have a notice of a white Polyanthus in
Norfolk, which I shall be very glad to receive, or any other
peculiar seedling of Polyanthus that is likely to come true from
seed, or to be influenced. in its seedlings by a diflerent soil and
culture. Perhaps we may vet meet with exceptions to the
theory of crossing florists' flowers in all the families except those
in the Composite order. If there are two kinds of Polyanthuses
in the world which will come true from seeds, they must give a
true cross-bred crop. Pansies the same, and so witli all tbe
rest of them. But if we can improve spring flowers by the
exceptions to a weighty law, we shall do well and learn some-
thing to the bargain.

Here, again, I have been called out of my sanctum to xmpack
another basket containing seven kinds of yellow Polyanthuses,
two of them being difl'erent from those I received the previous
week, and a yellow Primrose with a large orange eye. I should
like to know liow stands this form of the wild Primrose over the
country. I think his majesty of the cross-breeders had some
seedlings like it a few years since. The rectory garden and the
garden to the National Schools at Surbiton are now one blaze of
Primula bloom, all seedlings from my " Good Gracious "
Polyanthus, and as good a strain of kinds as you could find in
the three kingdoms; yet when the mother was in flower there
was not another Polyanthus in bloom within one mile and a, half
of it.

I have one more selected kind I raised from a packet of the
first seeds wliich Mr. Smith, of Harwich, advertisect. I sowed a
packet of every collection of Polyanthus seeds whic'u were adver-
tised since 1852, and there was very little dilference in the seed-
lings, only that the whole of them, without an exception that I
can think of, were good border flowers.

But what I was going to remark about the one I selected for
a future parent is, tliat it is quite as sportive as the "Good
Gracious " kind. Out of sixty seedlings from it not one is just
like itself; but they are all nearly as good. These two, there-
fore— my yellow and the rich brown from the Harwich packet —
are two negatives, or two sporting characters. Now, as I have
just said, i'o you think if I wore to cross these two best kinds
' in my garden I could induce two blacks to make one white, or
j two negatives to make one posilive? Not a bit of it. The
' autumn of 1835 brought to a close a long list of experiments
began in 1829 on jjurjioae to decide tliat point, both for flowers
and fruit trees. Good practical physiologists suggested the
experiments, and I had to conduct them ; but the gentleman
who owned the garden died the year after, and hardly any account
I was ever given of that experimental garden. But the then Lord
Chancellor (Lord Coltenliam), and his father-in-law, W. Wing-
field, Esq., a Master in Chancery, with the assistance of J. Bid-
I dulph, Esq., of the firm of bankers near Charing Cross, enabled
' me to keep the collection of plants from passing under a common
sale, where everything else was sold. Much of the collection
was got together by contributions, and for the credit of the craft
it was a sore point to let them under the hammer. Mr.
Knight, of the Kxotic Nursery, valued the collection, and I
! undertook to have it sold by private couiraet. I did so, and
got more money than the valuation. The Messrs. Dickson, of
j Chester, were my best customers in out-of-the-way plants.

That experiment was successful ; but all the crossing experi-
ments were entirely for searching out the secrets of Nature — not
one of them had the least pretcDsion to " improve" a flower. I
do not know if ih: Knight was convinced or converted to the plan
of testing his own theory of improving fruits, but the arguments
about two blacks making one white were used freely against

May 7, 1S61. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AXB COTTA&E GARDENER.

95

his doctrine ; they were also multipbed at his own suggestion.
The conchision ai'i-ived at was that miij tii-'o species^ Grinds, or
varieties whicTi did not reproduce themselves true from seed^
could not act on each other ly the process of crossing so as to
change their nature, and thai no reliance whatever could he
placed on ohtaining a true cross-ired plant between them. So
that, in fact, if the Green Gage and the Golden Drop Plum do
not come perfectly true from pure seeds, crossing the two could
not he considered as producing an intermediate seedling. Apples,
Pears, Peaches, and all of them, were catalogued in that category ;
and I would ask after another quarter of a century's practice if
the fact can he shown to be really so or not ; for I am far
from being certain about any one thing respecting the crossing
of plants.

I may be wrong when I say that no one has yet suggested the
true way of improying any one of oin- common fruits ; but I
said so a quarter of a century back, and have received no answer
yet ; and if I lire till the florist proTe the doctrine of two blacks
being able to make one white, I fear my memory will fail me
in counting back to the years of our "Good Gracious" things.
But if I were a young gardener now, and knowing such questions
to be vet questionable, do you tliink that I could noodle
away my tiaie as some do at the present day ?

But if no more baskets of plants come in to disturb the rest of
this letter, I can tell of a nice ribbon-border I dreamed about tlie
other night. It seemed as if it were a show day at Chiswiek,
that we were in tlie large conservatory, that some one tapped me
on the shoulder from hcliind, that she was a fine-looking figure,
on the right side of the censors; that she had the ar'Tant^.ge
over our conversation, and twitted me on the length of time it
took to make a Berlin-wool-shaded border out of seedling
Geranivims. " Yes, madame," said I, " hut did you hear of that
ribbon-border I made ? " and it (the ribbon) struck me all at
once ; and I thought madame was going to strike me too with
her parasol for very pleasure at tlie idea of the arrangement — I
stumbled back a little, and was wide awake.

That ribbon began in front with a elof c row of the variegated
Arahis set at -!■ inches from the edge of the border, and measured
nearly 6 inches across. The second row was 9 inches or 10
inches across, and took two rows of the Crimson minimum— the
last seedling I sent out. This is one of the best telHng of all the
very small Geraniums. Xou would not know the flowers from
those of Imperial Crimson ; but tlie plant is not quite one-half
so big as Imperial. Por a front row it lias no rival, and it is as
easily pi'opagated and kept as Imperial Crimson — thirty plants of
it may be wintered in one No. 32-pot, without amitfoi'any kind.

The tliird row was of the Golden Chain throughout, medium-
sized plants, and occupying 10 inches across. The fourth row
was my Victoria Rose Geranium ; but as I cancelled that sort in
favour of Mr. Ivinghorn's Christina, you must take the latter
which is all but the very same. I had these last two running side
by side in 18G0, and no two Geraniums can be more contrasting
than the Golden Chain and Christina, nor than U olden Chain and
Ci'imson minimum, for I saw the two together in 1859, which
was about hot enough for both. As to the contrast between the
variegated Arahis and Crimson minimum, I cannot dream that
any one can make objections on that score. The fifth row comes
more in combination than in contrast to Cliristina, it was of my
Carmine Nosegay — the best bedding Geranium I ever originated ;
it is of a shade between lake and carmine, which no rain or
sunshine can impair. It is just the next high.cst size after
Christina, and between Christina and Tom Thumb. The sixth
rov/ was the strongest contrast on the border — a dark purple or
atro-sanguinea colour ; it was StsUatum, or the stelhite Nosegay
— a new style of flower, half way between a Nosegay and a Tom
Thumb flower. The seventh row was Punch, one-year-olJ
plants, and not trained down : up to the back loaves of Punch
you might run a straight edge along the wliole border to touch
the tops of all the plants in tlie slope, although the border was a
dead level. The eighth row was of old plants of the Cottage
Maid horseshoe Geranium, the only horseshoe kind they plant
now, largely, at the Crystal Palace. But I sliould, r.iysel'',
prefer a globe-flowered Geranium at the bsek of Punch ; for the
Globe form of truss is just as good a contrast to the flat truss of
Punch and most other Scarlets, as the Nosegay style of flower
is on the other side ; and without making strong contrasts in
real good colours, a ribbon, is not one half so telling as a plain
sash, or a border all of Punch, Tom Thumb, or Crystal Palace
Scarlet.

Last season I saw a new Globe Geranium from Mrs. Conway,

of Earl's Court, Old Brompton, which is, probably, the one
which is now named Princess of Prussia in the Wellington
Road Nursery ; and if so, Mrs. Conway's seedhng would be my
Globs, and my last row on a wide-awake border ; but in the
dream the old Compactum, and two-yeai'-old plants of it, was
the plant.

Now, that certainly was a showy ribbon, and all of the Tery
best Geraniums, with only au edging plant, as it were, for a bed
for the front row. There were two more rows at the back ; but;
from what the lady said when she missed the hit with the parasol,
I shall never tell them or say a word about them.

D. Beaiok.

A EAID AMO]S"GST THE NEW EOSES. '

Eaelt days for this ! Wliy not " bide a wee," when more
fitting opportunities will be given, when the summer or
autumnal bloom will be more in character, and when we can
judge more correctly of what they are ? My answer is, I see every
day advertisements anent them; hear inquiries — "Are they as
good as they are said to be?" "Is it safe to get them so
early?" and many other questions of a similar character ; and
so, having had an opportunity of seeing some of the brood, I
hope a few observations, made under what are, of course,
indifferent circumstances, may not be unacceptable.

I say indiiferent circumstances, for they must be so. The
plants are removed in October or November, and as soon as
possible every available bit is used for grafting. This is, of
course, done in a very strong though moist heat. In a fortnight
or three weeks the graft is pusliing along. Away it goes with
railroad speed ; you may ahnost see it grow — it has not time to
stop for anything. In a couple of months it has run iiji a foot, or
a foot and a half Now comes the cruel propagator. " Wo want
Roses on their own roots," he says, " that's the cry now. Sir,
these must go :" and so oft' come their heads. "But we want
to sec what they are." Very well, leave a few for blooming ;
and under such disadvantageous circumstances we must take
our few notes. " The grain of salt is meted," and b,v-and-by
wo may have quite to modify our o;>inion of them, llowever,
they ai-e worth, I think, this much — that if a Rose shows well
in such a position we may reasonably anticipate that it will
improve, while we cannot positively condemn anything that may
not look well now.

As the autumn of 1839 introduced several light-coloured
Roses, so tliat of ISGO brought before us an unusually large
number of high-coloured flowers. Some of these I have seen,
and one I so,"; characterised by some growers as the best of
the season — I mean Beine des Violnttes. Of this I feel
confident, tliat that is very, very far from its trno position ;
and unless it alters very much in the future it will not, I
believe, be found "anywliere" in a year or two. No doubt its
habit is vigorous, and on its opening day it is pretty ; but its
beauty is of the most short-lived character. It immediately in
twenty-four hours assumes a dingy, slaty appearance, gets
lighter and Hghter, until it perishes. Now, we found fault with
Geant because he does something of the sort, but he is twice as
long-lived.

As far as I have been able to judge, the best dark Rose
is General Washington (there would be no wonder if lie
grew faint at seeing the fratricidal contest in the once United
States). It is of a splendid shape, rich in colour, and very full,
without being too much so. Its habit is good, and I shall be
much disappointed if it be not Al. The charge of want of
fulness cannot be made against Madame Furtado, figured in
the May number of the "Florist" wilh Mr. Andrews' usual
accuracy. The only qnsstion to my mind is, whether it will not
be too full. The centre is filled with a large number of smaller
petals, and there is a La Reine aspect about th? flower, which
makes me doubtful as to its opening well in the open air ; but
it is a beauteous Rose, and wo ihay hope v.-ell of it. On the
other hand, Ahdel Kader is approaching more to General
Jacqueminot, of wliicli it is probably a seedling ; very brilii.int
in colour, and large in petals. Of its future I am also hopeful as
a valuable and useful Rose. The gem of pot Roses is unquestion-
ably a seedling of Trouillard — Comte de Falloux, one of the
Geant race (I was wrong in questioning this, I think), but most
abundant in flowering, never showing a shoot without a bloom,
or two, or three. Brilliant in colour, and deliciously fragrant,
forcing well, and growing well at all times of the year. Jean

96

JOTJENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENEB.

[ May 1, 1861.

Bart promises to be a decided acquisition, being one cf the rei'y
dark Roses, of the Empereur de JNIaroc style, but vigorous in
habit, holding a fine head of bloom, and showing well on tlie
plant. Then, for hardiness, there is probably no Rose wliicli
will better (or so well) deserve the character than Madame
Standish ; not novil in colour, pink or rose satinee, but of very
fine foliage and good form. Where others Lave perished around
it in thousands, it has been comparatively untouched. It will
doubtless make a fine pillar or trellis Bose. Then, amongst
Teas, La Boule d'Or seems as if it were likely to be what it is
said to be. Margottin does not usually say more than a
flower deserves ; and although I have as yet seen it only in bud,
it promises well. Its habit is good, and the colour excellent :
the yellowest of all Tea Roses.

If an amateur have the means of putting them into a warmish
place for a while, aud gradually hardening off, there cau be no
danger in getting Roses now ; but on no account ought they to
be subjected to cold, which will infallibly produce mildew. If
had now, aud carefidly managed, they will afibrd buds in July
for budding, aud this should determine persons who can to get
them now; moreover, the tops will now make good cuttings,
and if no time be lost they will root rapidly enough. And such
has been the havoc, that every one will be anxious to make as
much way as possible in filling up vacancies. — D., Deal.

FOECING.
{Continued from page 62.)
GiBDEN CHESS, WHIIE MDSTAIiD, AKD EAPE.
These are grown in many places all the year round for their
seed leaves to be used as salading. On board ship they aie
generally grown in very shallow boxes of earth, or on "thick
coarse woollen cloths. To have it regularly, the seed should be
sown every five or six days, and be placed in heat, from 50° to
G.5°, from the middle of October to the end of March. From
April it can be grown oiit of doors, first with the protection of a
hand-light, and then fully exposed, using a mat or a piece of
calico merely to lay over the seeds before they are fairly up, when
it should be removed in order that the tiny leaves may become
green. As soil, nothing is better than old tan or decayed leaf
mould mixed with sand. Shallow boxes are best in most
l>eople's estimation, though I prefer small pots about 4 inches
in diameter, as the produce is easier cut ; and as you cut two or
three pots you canjust remove the surface soil or fill afresh and
sow again, which always gives a nice, regular succession.
\7helher, however, grown in pots or boxes, I ]irefer the surface
soil to be made rather smooth, the seed sown thickly over it, so
as to touch each other, and then gently pressed on the surface
and watered, but no covering of soil or sand put over them,
b\it covered with a piece of cloth or paper until they are growing.
By this meins the seedlings rise clean, and require but httle
\vashing in comparison with what they need when sand or light
soil is thrown over them. The Golden Cress is more yellow in
colour than tile common. The Normandy Cress is very hardv,
and where heat cannot be given should be used by those who
like it. Sow in September aud October for winter' and spring,
and in April and May for summer iise.

CUCFMBEE.
This, iu northern latitudes, has received more or less forcing
since the days of the Romans. In fine summers it is never more
at home than out of doors in the south of England. Even at
Sandy, in Bedfordshire, vast quantities are sown in the open
ground in April and May, and the plants arc thinned out like a
crop of carrots or turnips, and allowed to occupy the ground.
Ill fine seasons the produce is immense. In stuli seasons as
ISGO, lliis crop was next to a failure. Even those privileged
withhand-lightsand large glasses were not much more fortunate.
Tliese may be considered the means for furnishing Cucumbers to
the working men in the late summer and autumn months. To
obtain them in spring and early summer as well, hotbeds have
to be resorted to. To get tliem all the winter, and all the
year through, such beds aiul brick-pits heated by linings used
to be resorted to, developing much skill and attention ou the
part of tlie gardener. For winter and very early spring su]iply it
is now common to have heat supplied by hot water, or flues, or
some means more certain and regular than dung linings, though,
as stated above, great things have been done with dung aud
leaves alone.

There is a good old custom existing, where there is a large
garden possessing every convenience for raising young Cucum-
bers, of giving a few plants in March or April to their neigh-
bours who have only their two-hght box aud a small dung-bed.
Keen amateurs, however, in general prefer sowing and raising
their own plants. To save repetition, I woidd refer them
to page 89 of the last volume, for the modes of preparing
most fermenting materials, and at page 106 for the simple
forms of frames and pits that will be most suitable — the first
for general purposes, and the second for early or winter work.
For the latter purpose we strongly advise a close wall ; or, if
there are pigeon-holes in the wall opposite the chamber either
open or filled with rough stones, the floor above it, whether of
slate, stone, or fine gravel, ought to be so close, or the soil kept
so close to the sides of the pit, that no rank steam can find its
way into the atmosphere of the pit. All such pits for wipter
and sjjriug work should be heated by dung that has been only
slightly fermented beforehand, so as to obtain all the lioat that it
can give. Economy will also bo secured by straw hurdles or
hurdles wattled with evergreen branches being set round the
linings. For winter and very early spring work the plants will
do better on a trellis fixed li inches or 15 iuches from the glass
than when the bines are lying oa the ground. Early plants when
so grown on a trellis we would prefer also to have in large pots
instead of in a bed, as then there might be a chance in severe
weather of increasing the bottom heat by putting sweet hot tan,
or sweet hot leaves inside, and even elevating the pots a little
without disturbing the plants. Such plants should be trained
to a single stem before rearhing the trellis, and then be stopped
and trained iu the usual manner.

Now for the minutite as respects dung-beds.
Temperature. — However secured, it must be sweet, and
suflieient to yield from 75" to 85" bottom heat, and an average
of from 65° to 70° top heat, with a rise of 10° or 15° from sun-
shine. Long fancy kinds generally require a temperature
averaging 75° to swell them long and regularly. That mentioned
above wdl be high enough for such serviceable kinds as Cut-
hill's Black Spined, Ayres' Prolific, and the imjirovements on
the Kenyon, as the Telegraph, aud Cox's Volunteer, which are
wonderfid bearers ; for sueli kinds as the smooth-skinned
Renyon, or Sion House, the most sure of all for winter supply,
a toji temperature ranging from 60° to 70° will be quite suflieient.
The above will also give an idea of kinds. Fancy sorts of great
length generally require much hect, and are not so prolific as
shorter, hardier kinds. Were I a cucumber-eater, I should
prefer them crisp, young, and from 9 inches to 12 inches long.

Size of Fermentiriff-leds. — This will depend on the season.
If made in December, we would have them 5 feet high at the
back, and 4 feet high in front. In January, 4J- feet, and 3i feet
respectively. In February, a little less. In March, 3 feet at
back, and 2 feet 3 inches in front, and so on. For all beds,
and especially early ones, we prefer them to be made as shown
in ff/. 2, page 106, of our last volume.

Time and Method of Sowing, — The first will depend on when
the C'ucumbers are wanted — say thi'oe months after being sown
in December, ten weeks in January, two months in February,
and so on. Before sowing, the bed should also be sweet. A
small one-light box is oflen used for this purpose, but where
there are other things wanting a little heat, a two-light box is
the most economical. Use light rich soil for sowing in. It is
generally advisable to sow in a six-inch pot, filling the pot about
three-quarters full of drainage and soil, and then thiidy covering
the seeds, aud placing a square of glass across the pot, and a
piece of stone on the top of it, to keep all chance of mice away.
If the bottom heat is more than mentioned, merely set the pot
a Utile /«, or on the surface of the bed. Use soil rather dry
than moist, as a certain amount of moisture will be absorbed
from the bed. If the seed is new, you may give a sprinkling o£
water iu three days or so. If old, it is better to give none, or
very little, until a few days mo) e. When the plants arc fairly
up, water as needed, and sprinkle a little sandy peat and leaf
mould amongst them. When they Iiave made two or three rough
leaves, pot them singly into four-inch pots, and water and shade
until they are growing freely. When I wished to gain time, I
put a good firm seed into a small 60- pot, and put several of them
into a small hand-light in the bed, sinking the light a little to
prevent vermin getting at them. These, when transferred to a
larger pot, hardly ever feel the moving, and grow more vigorously,
aud require less care as to shading. If not quite certain about the
heat of the bed, or the due warmth of the soil, we place each

Mixy 7, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAG-E GARDENER.

97

plant iuto a six-incla pot, and that kept near the back of the
bed is sure to be hot enough, plunged, lialf-planged, or merely
set on the hid, according to tlie heat ; as too much heat at
bottom is as enervating as too little is retarding. Both extremes
produce a sickly habit, and invite the attacks of insects.

Soil. — Whether for seedlings, or plants to be turned out in
the bed, the soil should not be much bAow 80° in temperature,
■\Te would ralher have it at first 5° more. If 4 inches or
5 inches are spread over the bed, that could be collected into
ridges, or liiUs in the centre of each light. From 12 inches to
15 inclies deep will do for Cucumbers. So much nourishment
escapes from tlie dung that for early work the soil should be light
rather than very rich ; for early work in beds, and winter work
iu pits, nothing auswers better than three parts of heath soil,
and one of leaf n.ould, one of fibry loam, and one of silver sand.
For places heated by hot water, we would in winter have equal
parts of heath soil and fine aired leaf mould, with a little silver
sand. As tlie spring advances we use any light soil, as equal
• parts of sandy loam, and leaf mould ; and as summer comes any
good garden soil. In May we have used equal portions of
stiffish loam and rotten dung, with line effect ; but we should
never dream of sucli a mixture in February.

Planting out. — When the heat is sweet, known by the con-
densed drops on the glass being as clear as dew, and the soil is
warm enough, the plants may be turned out of their pots, eitlier
tlu'ce plants in a hill of soil, some 15 inches high and 18 inches
through, or in a ridge in the centre of the bod, only a few inches
nearer the back than the front, and in that the plants may be
put out separately, and at equal distances apart, three plants to
a light. In planting after Api'il we would have one plant to a
light in preference to more ; but in Jaimary and February we
prefer three, beoause we thus get so many fruit earlier. Besides
the ridge of soil in the centre, and a httlo over the surface of the
dung, it is also advisable to have a ridge of soil close to the sides
of the frame ; so that when the plants grow freely, and the roots
protrude through the central ridge or hills, a little heated soil
from the sides may be added to them.

Training. — The young plants should Iiave the points nipped
out when they show the third rough leaf, a secondary shoot
will show from the axU of each leaf. If three plants arc put iu
a light, only two of these secondary shoots should be kept to
each plant, one to be trained and pegged down to the back, and
the other to the front ; all others shoidd be picked out with the
point of a knife. If fewer plants are used, more secondary
shoots should bo taken from each. These secondary shoots or
bines we w-oukl allow to grow from 15 inches to 18 inclies before
stopping, if good continuous bearing is desired. If early frnit is
the main consideration, we would stop these shoots wh.en 6 inches
long, merely nipping out the terminal bud. In either case the
side or tertiary shoots -fi'om these main secondary ones Avill
most likely show fruit at the first joint, or the second, and must
be stopped by nipping out the point there, or the joint above
Wlien the plants arc j oung and vigorous, every fresh joint made
must have the shoot stojjped at the next joint, and this with
removing old leaves, and giving room to younger ones, constitutes
the chief amount of training and pruning the plants will require.
When the plants show signs of exhaustion, the allowing several
shoots to grow 18 inches or 21. inches, or even more, will renew
its strength, and the older shoots may be removed; and the
younger shoots being stopxJed, wiU give plenty of bearing side
shoots as before.

Watering. — The water should always bo as hot as the soil,
never below 80° for early work. For all early work clear soft
water is best. As the sun acquires power, and the days lengthen
in April and May, weak manure waterings will be an advantage.
Young plants in dung-beds will noed little water at first, as in
dull weather there is apt to be an excess of moisture. Even
then they must not be allowed to become too dry. But in
giving a little beware of saturating the soil farther than the
roots extend. On a bright day the plants might be slightly
dewed from a syringe early iu an afternoon, and the boards of
the frame at back damped, especially if banked up as shown in
section 3, page 107 of our last volume. This will cause a fine
dew to be deposited on the leaves during the night. Towards
summer the leaves may be syringed all over during an afternoon,
but that would give too much damp in January or February.

Ventilation,— 'in the early months of the year little can be
given, and yet maintain the necessary heat. That little, however,
should not be neglected, as all enclosed atmospheres with plants
in them, and especially in cloudy weather, become impure. If

the heat will permit, a little air should be left on the back of the
frames at night, though only the sixteenth part of an inch,
and one-eighth would be better still, even if a piece of muslin
were stretched along the opening. Means must be taken,
however, to prevent the steam from the luimgs entering at that
opening. In early spring the uncovering of the beds wiU lower
the temperature, and, therefore, an hour before uncovering, the
air might be all taken away, and a little given afterwards as soon
as the sun began to operate on the frame. Much success
depends on early air-giving. If very sunny a little more will
require to be added as the sun gains power. If kept close too
long before air is given, giving much at once is often very
injurious. For instance, in a frosty day, the sun is briglit and
raises the bed shortly that has no air on to S0° or 95° — sufficient
in such circumstances to scald the plants ; and if enough of air is
given to sink the bed shortly to 80°, a burning, cold, dry ail-
completes the mischief the scalding had begun. Suppose the'
covering had been removed at 8.3U in the middle of March, and
the thermometer was then at "0°, and the sun was bright, a very
little air given when it reached 75° might prevent it reaching
above 80° altogether; and if it rose a little higher a little more
might be admitted and reduced after noon, and taken away
altogether early in the afternoon. By giving a httle thus early,
too, there is no occasion to run to the bed every time the sun
enters or emerges from a cloud. Acting on this principle, we
have known amateurs very successful who never could look at or
do anything to their frames from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They became
shrewd giiessers of what the day would be, and never left home
without leaving a little air on. When more is necessary at an
early season, the sash.es then, and always, should be tilted or
raised up at the back, never slid down, and a piece of woollen net
or cotton muslin might bo stretched across the opening. The
shutting iu of the sun's rays early in the afternoon is of im-
portance, even if you give a little air after covering up for the
night.

Protection by covering for early crops will be needed, less or
more, from November to the middle and end of June. Russian
bast mats are generally used, and thicknesses must be given from
one to four in proportion to the weather. They aic littery,
dirty, and expensive at best. Asphalt or wooden covers are far
superior. A waterproof cloth or canvass, with woolly matter
inside, is very good. In severe frost-^, a jnece of calico largo
enough to cover all the glass, a little dry hay sprinkled over it,
and a waterproof cloth over all, would suit many amateurs, and
be nice and cleanly. In severe weather the covering should be
on early in the afternoon, and be oil' by nine or tm in the
morning. In extra severe weather it may stay on for a day, but
in gener.°.l the plants should have light every day, though even
lor a shoit time. As the days lengthen the covering should not
be on so as to intercept any direct sunlight. When fire heat
can be given, it is easy to raise the tomperattu-e a little before
uncovering.

Increasing Heat. — This, in such circumstances, can only be
done by means of linings ; or if the plants are in pots, even^ in
dung-pits, forking up, and adding a Uttle sweet fermenting
material to the inside among the pots. It is advisable not to
let the heat inside become too low before the linings are turned,
or fresh additions made to them. It is also best to do the front
at one time, and the back at another. The bottom heat mast
also be ascertained by means of a ground thermometer, or by a
trial stick put in the bed ; for a Uttle practice will enable you to
tell at once near the temperature, by feeling with the hand a
stick an inch in diameter that has been thrust firmly into the soil.
If the bottom heat is deficient, then the lining must be turned
to its base, and some fresh material used. But in most cases in
a period of dull weather the top heat will languish, when there is
quite enough at the roots of the plants, and in this case the
turning and the addition must not go lower than the surface of
the soil inside. With beds made as in fig. 2, page 106 of our
last volume, and well banked up round the frame, we have had
Cucumbers growing from January to September, and the lining
was never turned to the bottom, because the bottom heat was
always high enough. In such turning of linings care is always
required, by pressing the soil close to the sides of a box, to pre-
vent any rank steam entering. Of course, in a close- walled pit
this care is little required. I have forgotten to add, that in
covering this also must be looked to— the covering must not hang
over the linings in front if any impure steam arises from them,
as thus it might be sucked in between the laps of glass, &c.
Inattention to this has ruined many plants.

98

jooejSTAL of hobticultuee and cottage gaedenee.

[ Maj 7, 1861.

Cleanliness. — The back of a frame and of a pit should be
Trashed with hme and sulplmi-, and the glass should be kept
scrupulously clean inside and outside. In frames and )iits, too,
it ia a good thing to have other lights of a similar size at an
early period, so that clean dry ones might take the place of
dirty damp ones, by exchanging for a time. This exchange
migiit be made quickly in weather when to attempt to clean the
inside of the glass might be ruinous to the plants.

Shading. — If the plants are planted from 12 inches to 15 inches
from the glass, and au' is early given in the morning, shading will
be little wanted, and the less the better. The times when it will be
chiefly recjuired for such tender things as young Cucumber plants
at an early season, are when a very bright clay comes after a
period of dull weather. 'I'he plants are then rather enervated,
and unfit to meet the demands at once made upon them, in the
way of persph-ation, and the assimilation of carbon. Wafer
may not be at all necessary, and yet they may show signs of
flagging and distress; a slight sprinkling or dewing of the foliage
and the sides of the frame with water may arrest the evil.
Sprinkling even the outside glass from the syringe may serve
the purpose by breaking the force of the sun's rays ; but if that
■will not do, an evergreen branch or tliiii bunting must be resorted
to, but never longer than it is required. Some people shade
from the sun in the forenoon, and let it continue on in the after-
noon, loug after the sun is beclouded ; no wonder that such
plants have to cry out for shading. Unless after such extremes,
with air on, and the leaves fur enough from the glass, shading
should only bo thought of as a necessary evil. E. Fisn.

(To le confinued.)

CANON HALL MUSCAT VINE IN A
GEEENHOUSE.

PITCHING VEXU TEEE STTOOTS ON A 1VALL — GOLDEN
DliOP PLUMS FALLING.

I HATE a very vigoron.i Canon Hall Muscat Vine growing
in a greenhoitse, whi<-h shows fine bunches, but never sets well,
only a few of the berrii-s coming to perfection. If I were to
give it more heat while in bloom would it do to keep it cooler
afterwards ?

Would it answer on a wall well filled with Pe.ir trees to keep
them constantly pinched in, as the long shoots are a great eye-
sore ?

Our Golden Drop Plums after setting their fruit very well,
scarcely ever bring half a crop to perfection ; dropping off when
quite small. Can you suggest tlie I'casou ? The borders are of
a deep, strong, cold soil, in Worcestershire. — An Old Subsceiber.

[Try and keep back your Canon Hall Muscat as long as
possible. In a greenhouse it sliould not be in bloom until well
on in June. At that time it should not bo lower in temperature
than from 65° to 70° at night, and you may allow it to decline
after it has set and begins to swell. See what is said about
Muscats in "Doings of the Week." For a greenhouse where a
high temperature is not required, a Canon Hall is a very un-
suitable Grape ; but by the above means you may ripen it late
in autumn, more especially if all the greenhouse plants, properly
so culled, are removed by the middle of June, and plants requiring
more heat introduced. The sun will give great heat after tliat.

You may pinch the points of most of your Pear shoots when
four or live inches long ; but it wordd bo good policy to leave a
ntnnber of shoots, and if un.-ightlv break them half in two and
fasten them to the braneh.cs. In strong-growing trees, if all the
shoots are jiinched in at once, tlicre is a danger of starting into
wood-growth what would otherwise have been fruit-buds.

The roots of your Golden Drop are most likely too deep ;
either raise them or remove a portion of the surface soil.
Probably after all, Nature docs what tlic gardener will hardly do
— thin in time and thin enough — as such trees when they bear
a very heavy crop one year, are apt to take a year's rest by way
of revenge, and telling us how they ought to be treated.]

Ehododendeon Faicon'i:m, which has the most handsome
foliage of all the vari.tios I am acquainted with, has now a
magnificent truss of bloom consisting of twelve blossoms, each
about 2 inches in diimetcr, of good substance, and of a delicate,
creamy white, with a 8lii;htly streaked jjurple throat. The
foliage is a little damaged, caused by my subjecting tha plant
lust season to sudden and severe changes of temperatru-e, with

the object of blooming it.-
UaU, Solihull.

-John Sietens, Gardener, Malvern

THE WILD FLO"\VEES OF GEEAT BRITAIN.*

The first Number of this serial is now published, and we have
no hesitation in saying that its four plates with accompanying
descriptions are the cheapest coloured illustrations of British
wild flowers ever offered to the public. We may add that the
drawing of the plants shows an appreciation of their natural
habits superior to any that had before been employed upon our
native plants. The colouring, all done in water colours and by
hand, is also perfectly accurate.

The Number contains Borage {Bomi)o officinalis) ; Yellow
Meadow Vetchling {LaiJiyrus pratensis) ; Mar.sh AYonndwort
{Siachys pahtstris) ; and Creeping Cinquefoil {Poientilla repfans).
The work is so printed that tlie purchaser can arrange tb.e plants
according to any system he prefers, and to enable tliis to be done,
indexes alphabetical .and systematical (Linna^an and Natural),
will be given with each volume. It is intended to give, as cir-
cumstances may justify, two or more drawings of species of the
same genus on some of tlie plates. We cxiract the following
as a specimen of the contents : —

"boeago officin.Ilis. Linn.

" Common Borate.

" Nat. ord., Boraginacea;. Linn, arr., Pentaudria Monogynia.

"Essential Chaeacieii. — Limb of the corolla flat, much
longer than the tube ; mouth with a double row of valves, the
innermost awl-shapcd, bearuig the stamens.
_ " SrNONT:viES. — Borrago officinalis. Shop Barrage, Gray's
Arrangement, ii., p. 350 ; Bronwerth, Tafod yr gcli, Welsh.

' " Description. — .Boot tapering, mucilaginous, as well as the
herbage, which is clothed all over with very sharp bristles.
Stem erect, with spreading branches \\ to 2 feet higli, round,
spreading, leafy, and covered with rigid hairs. Leaves alternate,
ovate or oblong, wavy, and more or less toothed ; the lower ones
broadest, stalked, and eared at the base ; upper ones stalklees.
Flowers numerous, on long foot-stalks, in terminal drooping
bunches, very beautiful. Corolla .an inch broad, of a most bril-
liant blue, pink in the bud. Stamens very prominent ; valves
and authors prominent, blackish. Seeds wrinkled and warty, of
a light shining browu.

" Time op Flowering, &c. — The plant is a biennial, and
flowers all through the summer, commencing about the end of
May and beginning of June.

" Habitat. — It is found on waste ground, among rubbish,
generally on soils charged with nitrogenous matters. It is frequent
in most counties, and is generally beheved not to be indigenous,
but at some period to have escaped from eultivation.

" Yaeiett. — Tliere ia a variety with wliito flowers found on
entering Sandwich from the Deal side."

history and uses.

" No such a term as Borage occurs in the writings of the
classic authors, and the origin of the name is very doubtful.
Lyte, in his translation of Dodocn's Herbal, published in 1573,
says, ' The auncient fathers called it in Greek Bovglosson ; in
Latin Lingiia bubula, Lihanium, or Lingua bovis, that is to say,
Langue de boiuf, ov vachc ; in English Oxe tongue, flic apothe-
caries name it Borago, and accordingly it is called in Italian
Borragine, in Si)anish Borraja and Borrajencs, in BngUsh
Borage, in Freuch Bourroche, in High Dutch Bm-retscli, and in
base Almaigno, Bernrigic or Bornagie. ' Now all these European
names are evidently derived from one original, yet no one has yet
detected it — at least we do not seem satisfied with the derivation
from Ajjuleius Platonicus. In IhismostearlyofHeibals, written
in the fourth century, and the printed copies of which are among
the rarest of books, he states tlio Bouglosson of the Creeks was
called at Lucca, ' Currago, quodcordisaffectibusmcdetur.' Now
Corrago is a very good name both in sound and sinse, because
the lierb was then' believed to strengthen the heart (cor); but
why, against all precedent, change the first letter into B? making
the name nonsensical. Even the name in Apulcius is uncertain ;
for in an edition without a date printed at Basil, and containing
the works of Soranus, Oribasius, Pliny, and L. Appulcius

• Tha Wild Flowers oj Oi-cat Britain. Illustrated by colouicd dr-iwings
of all tlio sperics, by Cbirlottc Goiicr, and botaiiically iiiul popularly
dffcribed with copious mticcs of thtir historv and iises bv Bobcrt Hojig,
LL.U., F.lt.II.S., and George W. Johnson, F.R.H.S., Editors of The
Journal or Houticultuue, &c. London : Office of the Jouenal op
Horticulture xvd Cottaoe GARi>ENER,

May 7, 1S61. ]

JOURSAt OF HOETICULTUEE AiSTD COTTA&E OARDEKER.

Madaureusis ' De Hevbarum Virtutibus,' we find, cap. 41, of the
last-named, is ' Nomina et Yirtutes Buglossse.' He there says,
in enumerating the names by which it was called in Greece,
Egypt and elsewhere ' Lucani Carroga,' and in the margin is
another reading, ' Lacones Corrago.^

"We think the most probable deriTation of the name Borage
is from that made use of by Myroepsus, who wrote in the four-
teenth century. He describes the plant under the title of
JPourakeon, evidently derived from Fared, unhappy, and aieo, to
cure, alluding to its supposed medicinal qualities. The change
of the P to C in proper names was very common, and then
SmiraJceon is the Greek derivative.

" However, whatever msy have been the origin of the name,
-there is no doubt that om' forefathers attributed to this plant
-great invigorating powers. Their directions for its use in
medicine are a tissue of superstition and symbolical nonsense —
■'three thyrses of seed' to be given in the tertian ague, and 'four
ihyrses' in a quartan !

" It was one of their four cordial flowers ; and Parkinson
affirms in his ' Herbal ' that ' the leaves, flowers and seede, all of
them, or any of them, ace very cordiall, and helpe to expell pen-
Bivenesse and melancholic, that ariseth without manifest cause,
whereof came the saying —

* " Ego Borrago gaudia semper ago,"
.which has been freely translated into'—
* *'I Borage,
Give courage.'

" If tliis plant ever possessed the power of vanquishing ' Blue
Devils' and placing 'L' Allegro' triumphantly in tlicir place, it is
another sym|itoiu t)iat the jjowers of this world are tleparting.
At all events Borage is no longer used in pharmacy ; and ihough
its use still lingers in the preparation of cool-tankards, and the
beverages well known at Cambridge as ccpas and cider-cup, yet
we suspect that the hilarity to wliich (hey give birth is attribut-
able to the liquor rather than to tlic Borage leaves.

Its yoimg slioots, which have a slight cucumber flavom-, are
sometimes an ingredient in salads, and sometimes are boiled hke
-spinach. The caterpillar of tlio G.inima Moth (Nociua (Plusia)
gamma) feeds upon the leaves. Its flowers atlbrd abundiince of
honey to bees, and hence it deserves to be cultivated near
apiaries."

KIDDEAN MODE OF HEATING.
I HAVE applied the Eiddean plan of heating to a small
greenhouse I have jus't built, and I am much pleased with the
economy and completeness of it. Perhaps some lew particulars
may be of interest to those of your readers who, with myself,
have a great liking for flowers, but small means for gratifying
their taste. My garden is one of the regular Loudon slijis —
80 feet long 'oy 16 fi;et broad, with a north aspect, and worse
still, without sun for three wint.ir months. At the bottom of
this I have put up a span-rool'ctl house 20 feet long by 16 feet
wide, using the side and end v/alU of the garden for tiie walls of
my house. Then came the question. How was I to heat it? I
could not very well have my stokehole in my neighbour's gai'den,
and one in the front of the house would have been very unsightly,
besides taking up valuable space. So I decided on having my
furnace inside the house ; of course you will say. Wrong decidedly.
I know that, but I liad to do the best I could under the circum-
stances; so in the north--.Test corner I buUt up a glass partition
5 feet by -1 feet, taking care to get it as air-tight as possible, so
that no smoke or dust can get into the house. Here I have my
stokehole, and I fancy I shall be much more comlbrtable when
I light my fire on a suowy night with everything nice and dry,
than if I had to get into a v.'et well of a liole outside, though
that would be the orthodox fashion. Ivly furnace is 2 feet long,
10 inches broad, and 1 foot deep. I built it witl) fireclay,
which, by the vray, was a horrid ttickey job. The top of the
furnace is an iron plate three quarters of an inch thick, well
bedded in fireclay, so as to make all tight. I used this because
I found I could not manage so small an arch with bricks. A
amaU flue tukes the smoke out of the house by the nearest way.
The au'-chamber is 6 inches from the sides of the furnace, and,
perhaps, 9 inches at the top, which is a piece of fliigstone. The
openings for cold air in the stoke hole are 6 inches square, and
in so small a house as mine I dispense with flues for the hot air,
•and have instead two openings of 6 inches square at the further
-corners of the top of the eham'oer — i. e,, just in the greenhouse.
I find the hot air rushing in two copious streams into the house

withiu fifteen minutes of lighting the fire. On Saturday the
27th ult., when it was raining and snowing, I raised the tem-
perature from 42° to 63° at the end of the house fnithest from
the air-holes within the hour, and this with two or thi-ee
shovelfuls of ashes from the dust-heap with a briglit coke or coal
fire, I eonld have got 10° or 15° more. I found the air as it
leaves the hot chamber was about 112°, but a yard above it the
thermometer only gave 72°, showing how rapidly the heat must
be diffused. By pouring water into the chamber I got a delightful
moist heat, and to crown all, six hours after the fh-e was out I
still found warm, not hot, air issuing froci the chamber. I
think by this plan I shall be able to set my great enemy — damp,
at defiance. Of com-se, when the fire is alight the door of the
stokehole shed is closed, the cold air for the furnace coming in
through a window in the side. Can I have Xrans without hurt
to my plants if I only let them be on one side of the house, and
let none of the branches como beyond the apex? I find my
house altogether will cost me under £5, but then I have done
everything myself. If any of your readers v.-ould like to know
how I went about it, I shall be happy to give fuller details. I
have had so many wrinkles and helps from The Cotta&E
Gaedeneb, that it is only fair I should do what little I can to
help others who have not been quite so long dabblers in
gardening as— W. A.

POMOLOCICAL GLEANINGS.

Peince Albeut Gkapk. — Do any of our readers know the
Prince Albi-rt Grape ? It is vei-y like Barbarossa, and by some
considered synonymous with it; but there is some reason for
believing them distinct, the Prince Albert being said to be three
weeks or a month earlier tlian Barbarossa. Wc shall be thankful
for any information on the point.

How Seedlisg Gooseberhies iHB Sent ottt in IJA?\CAsniEE.
— When a sec.'diing Gooseberry has proved worthy of being let
out, which is generally when it is four or five years old from the
seed, the owner cuts all the wood from the seedling trees, and
with the young plants, dividi'S it into twenty-ona lots. He
then gets twenty-one subscribers, who take it at 10s. Qd. per lot.
The old stool is sold by auction to the highest bidder, in some
cases fetching £4 or £5. The seedling plant of Catherine was
sold !br £6, and JN'apoleon le Grand, £3 t>s. In some instances
a lot would not woi,,'h 1 oz., and this causes them to bo scarce
for some years after being let out.

EFFECTS OF LAST WIKTEll ON PLANTS IN"

ENGLAND.

(.Coiiiiutisdfrom jiage 80.)
I AM in the c ntral part of Somerset ; soil a rich loam. A
Magnolia fei'ruginea as a stimdard, escaped'with only its extremi-
ties cut, whilst Lnurustinns close by is apparently killed. I
!iou3ed ray Tea Roses all but four, one of'v.-hich is Madame
V.'illinras, and which were (1,-eply covered in snow. The four
that remained out are doing remarkably well, all on their own
roots ; whilst of hardy Pcrpetualj cm the Dog Rose I have lost
more than 200, some of them four yoars old. "^ For the future I
intend having all on their own roots. — J. A. P.

CttTsiAi Palace School of Aet, Science, and Litekatubb.
— The Committee of Directors lately arrived at au important
decision in nsijcct of the admission-fee to the important and
interesting courses of seienlillc Icetures wliich have lately been
given by Dr. Dresser and Dr. Lankester in the private l-cture
theatre of this school. TJie fee has been wisely reduced to a
minimum ; and with the lun-ivalled educational facilities possessed
in the eolleclioas of the Palace, when used by such talei>ted men
as those whose names appear on the announcements, these
lectures will become not only an important adjunct to the
various classes, but a recognised element in public education.
For the remainder of the term, whieli closes here in July,
Dr. Dresser is announced to give a summer coin-se of Botany,
the lectures to be illustrated from the great collections of growing
plants belonging to the Company as well as from the 'J'echno-
logical Museum. He is also to instruct in the dissection of
flowers, and to give demonstrations on the commons round
London. Such advantages as these ai-e not possessed, we believe,
in any other botanical school in the kingdom. The fee for the
course is to be only 10s. 6d.

100

JOUENAI; OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

[ May 7, 1861.

SIX WEEATHS OF PLOWEES

■SVEEATH THE SECOND.

■What fashion ■will you ■wear the garland of?

SHAKSPEttE.

It shall begin ivith Statice ijibeicata,
a native of Tcncriffe, floivering during our
summer months, but requiring to be grown
in a greenhouse. It was introduced by
Mr. Webb in the year 1819, but ivas lost
by our cultivators, and ■was re-introduced
by the same gentleman, who suji])licd it to
one of the French nurserymen about the
year 1848 ; for ■n'e know that it was bloom-
ing at Paris in 184y, and ■was then con-
sidered "perhaps the finest Sea Lavender
in cultivation." The leaves have their lower
parts cut into pinnatifid oblique lobes, the
upper end being one large, entire lobe.
The flower-stem rises from 18 inches to
Si inches high, having its head corymbose
and corymbosely branched. The flowers are
numerous; calyx cup-shaped, crenatcd, per-
sistent, and of a rich blue colour ; petals
small, fugitive, and cream coloured.

It may be propagated by divisions of the
young plants, and by cuttings of the side branches. These cuttings must be
tluis prepared : — Malse an incision sloping vipwards about halfway through the
stem of the branch, and keep the incision open by inserting in it a small wedge
of wood. In about a fortnight the wound will have cicatrised, and then if a
little damp moss is tied over it roots will strike into the moss lUniost immediately,
and then in two or three weeks the rooted cutting may be separated from the
parent plant, and potted. The same mode is required for cuttings of Statice
arborea and some others.

Next in our wreath let there be Cattleta ELEOANS — a splendid stove Orchid,
but, perhaps, only a variation of C. superha. It was introduced from St. Cathe-
rines, Brazil, by Messrs. Backhoiise, of the York Nursery, in 1852. It has
club-shaped stems, ovate-laneeolate leaves, and a short raceme of large flowers.
The sepals and petals are coloured bright, rosy pink ; the three-lobed lip,
furrowed and undulated, has its two outer lobes pale pink, but the centre lobe
is large, and dark, rich purple.

Third in our wreath shall be another Orchid, but of more graceful form —
Baekekia melakocaulon. It was introduced from Mexico into Belgium about
the year 1818. The stem is straight ; leaves ovate-lancfolate, distychous, and
the flowers in a gracefully drooping raceme. The sepals are linear-lanceolate ;
the petals narrow-oval, and the lip two-lobed ; the ■whole are partly rosy-lilac
and pai'tly purple. It flowers during the summer months.

Fourthly, let us have another Orchid, OKCiDiuir n.SMATOCHlLFM, but with
very ditferently coloui'ed flowers. It is one of the most beautiful and graceful
of its very graceful genus. It is bulbless ; leaves oblong, flat, thick, sharp-
pointed, and very regularly and thickly spotted ■with brown. The sepals and
petals have a warm greenish-yellow tint, strongly blotelied with rich chestnut-
brown ; whilst the lip is of the richest o imson, softening at the base into a bright
rose colour. The crest, by which it maybe distinguished from otlier Oncids, is like the letter W, having behind a flatfish spaee,^
and in front a well-defined projection, with a small tooth on each side. It flowers in September and October. It is a native of
New Grenada, whence it was imported by Messrs. Loddlges in 1847. ,,,.„ ,,-r,Tj.

Lastly, and it must again be an Orchid, though of very diiforcnt form and habit— CrpEiPEDluir Lowi, or Mr. Low s Lady s
Slipper." It is found growing on trees in the thick jungles of Borneo, whence it was obtained in 184G by Messrs. Low, of the
Clapton Nursery. The flowers open at the close of summer and early in the autumn. Tlie sepals are ovate, downy externally,
green, with a. purplish tinge at the base. Tlio petals are long, spathulate, curving, greenish-jeUow, blotched -with purple and violet
purple ; margins hairy ; lip pouch-shaped, purplish-green, shining.

May 7, 1861. ]

JOXTRNAI, OF HORTICULTURE AOT) COTTA&B GARDENER,

lOl

->s

DUTCH PLOWEE. GAEDEN AT LINTON PAEK.

Wheeetee a national name is giren to any particular object,
it is supijosed the object represents a something for which that
country is famous: therefore, in using the term Dutch flower
garden, we may reasonably infer that the stiil', formal featm-es
it usually presents were those in common use in that country
when the style was introduced into England. Whether this be
EG or not, certain it is that by conventional usage a geometric
garden, consisting of simple lines and figures fittuig into each
other and occupying a given space, is generally called a Dutch
garden ; but if, in addition to these formal figures, sculpture,
vases and long-continued lines of walks, embellished more or
less with symmetrical planting, and a large breadth of grass, be
introduced, the term Italian garden is then used, with, perhaps,
less claim to that country for its origin than the other has. But
it is not necessary here to find fault with these arrangements,
and it is also hopeless to determine in aU cases to which name
certain geometric gardens belong, the greater number of gardens
present so much of the mixed or transition style in their
composition.

Kevertheless, we now and then meet with instances where
each class is fairly represented, and the one before "us affords,
perhaps, as good an example of the pure Dutch style of (lower
gardening as is usually met with. A shght inspection of it will
show that the straight lines forming the beds are drawn in three
directions only — which is a base line, one at an angle of 45° to it,
and one at right angles. These thi-ee simple lines when fairly
carried out give much greater variety than is generally supposed,
and tlie number and sliapes of flower-beds
may be infinitely increased where there is g

space to do it by only using tliess simple
lines ; and to those not well versed in
mathematics it is only proper to say that
many mechanical works are done on that
principle, and sooie time ago an engraving
of a dwelling-house near Ediubui'gli ap-
peared in the Jitdlder paper in which these
three lines and two more intermediate ones
were brought into play with good eflect.
And assuredly gardening gives as much
scope for variety as building ; for with all
the examples of ancient and modern art
around them architectural inventions have
made little or no advance, wliile a great stride is made in gardening
matters, and the easy natural style, us it is generally called here,
in a great measure superseded the formal features of the one to
which the present engraving belongs. Still a Dutch garden has
its advantages, as a vast floral display can be brougiit into view
at one place, and assuming the edgings to be correctly drawn,
the appearance is pleasing even in winter. And in large places
■where variety is wanted, an insulated plot laid out iu tliis style
is often as interesting as any other feature in the grounds; but
a description of the one now before us wiU convey my views on
this matter better than a mass of generalities, I lierewith give it.

The garden here shown is considerably elevated, nevertheless
the conservatory at the north side of it is higher still. An open
work balustrading of a fanciful pattern surrounds it on all sides,
except where it joins the conservatory, and a flight of steps, as
shown, leads from it to the terrace below, and at some distance
beyond are other flights of steps at certain distances from each
otlier— the whole pointing to an extensive range of country of
many miles. The garden is composed of a series of beds of the
form shown all edged with Box, and the walks are covered with
while shells, which give a pleasing appearance to it in winter.
These walks are a trifle under 3 feet wide — the size of the space
determining this — and from this the size of the beds wiU beeasfly
guessed at. All are planted with bedding things in the usual
way, and in spring we generally contrive to have some ot the
bei's occupied with good spring-flowering plants, of which
Alyssum saxatile is by far the best we have, the variegated
Ai abis, Cheiranthus Marshallii, and some other things are also
used ; but no reasonable amount of planting can prevent the
raw earth from being the most prominent article dunug the dull
winter months, so that it is to the agreeable shape and contrast
with the green edging and white walk which constitute the
appearance, but as a featm-e dilTeriug from the rest it is generally
admired.

The eight small squares marked A are cubes of Box clipped
to the proper shape, wliich is about 33 inches high, by the

I

102

JOtTEXAIi OF HOETICULTTJEE AlfD COTTAGE GABDENER.

[ May 7, 1861.

game in width and thickness, and in winter these form promi-
nent object?, and by tlie strictness of then- forms are quits
in character with the place they are in. It is right to say that
the east, north, and west sides of this garden are backed hy
evergreens, excepting where the conserratory interTcncs. A
eloping bank and steps unite it to the ground below. A sun-
dial as shown is in the centre of the walk in the garden, and the
conservatory itself, though having a glass roof, has a front more
resembling that of a Grecian dwelling with a parapet, &c., tlian
that of a modern plant-house. All this I believe to be in perfect
harmony with existing objects. Perhaps some one will say.
More diversity of shapes might be given to the beds ; to those
I willingly leave the task of contriving such, and hope they will
give the readers of The Joubnal OF HoBTicuLTUEE the benefit
of then- inventions. At the same time, to those who hare an
aversion to acute angles, I may say that il was with a view to
have a rigid example of the Dutch style of gardening that this
set of figures was introduced. A more harmonious whole might
easily have been had by curves and scrolhvoik, but as this
belongs to another style it was thought advisable to exclude it
entirely from the present example of a Dutch garden.

J. ROBSOK.

EOTAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY.

The Anniversary Meeting of this Society was held at the
new HaD, South Kensington, on Wedesday last, the Earl of
Ducie in the chair. A large number of Fellows was present,
air cog whom were the Lord Bishop of ^Tinchester, Earl Grey,
Lord Llanover, Sir Jolm Boileau, Right Hon. T. F. Kennedy,
Colonel Higijins, H. T. Hope, Esq., &c.

The Report was read by Mr. Andrew Murray, Assistant
Secretary. It commenced by accounting for the great delay
which has taken place in tlie progress of tlie works in the
Garden at South Kensington, m hich is attributed to the long
winter and the subsequent strike of building workmen ; but
makes no reference to the time which was lost from June last
year to the lime when the fi'ost set in, and during which period
the building of the arcades and conservatory might have been
gi-eatly advanced. It then proceeds to state a few of the details
about the sinking of an artesian well for the supply of the
fountains, the erection of the memorial of the Great Exhibition
of 1851, which has been placed at the disposal of the Society,
and the ornamentation of the arcades by tazzas, vases, statues,
and other objects of ornament.

The number of Fellows who hare joined the Society during
the last two years has been greater tiiun in any siuidar period
since the Society was instituted, these being 937, while during
the two most prosperous years of the Society — viz., 1820 and
1821, the number was 025. Through this the funds of the
Society have been largely recruited by their subscriptions and
life payments, amountnig to £13,300.

The general account representing the state of the Society before
the recent alterations lias worked its nay into a satisfactory slate.
The new charter, which has been some time in preparation, is
expected to pass the Great Seal in a few days.

" The Flower and Fruit Committees have, under the superin-
tendence of their respective Secretaries, Mr. Moore and IJr. Hogg,
carried on their investigations in a most satisfactory manner,
as is shown by their reports in the Society's 'Proceedings.'
The Council liave reason to know that these reports are regarded
as valuable sources of reference by the gardening community.
The Council, however, think that the time has now come when
the publication of something of a more important character
may be tried, and they are taking preliminary steps with this
▼iew,"

Ai-rangements have been made for sending a collector to an
interesting district in Brazil, and also with a collector already in
South Africa, to collect and transmit seeds and plants to this
country.

The spacious Council-room not only furnishes the Fellows
with a suitable place of meeting, as well as accommodation for
their minor shows and competitions, but removes any difliculty
as to a hall fur the delivery of lectures, and for the reading of
papers on scientific subjects, should sucli be resolved on. The
Council l'e<.\ it their duty to express tlieir gratitude to Her
ilajesty the Queen, and his Royal Highness the Prince Consort,
President of the Society. It is only those who, like the Council,
have had the privilege of seeing the time and thought bestowed
by his Royal Highness upon the pious of the Garden in ail their

details, who can appreciate the extent of that interest and tha
advantage the Society has derived from it.

Earl Geet moved the adoption of the report, which he con-
sidered highly satisfactory in every particular.

Sii' J. BoiLEAC, Bart., seconded the motion, which was adopted
without discussion or a dissentient voice.

Upon the question of the election of the Duke of Rutland,
Mr. John Fleming, and Mr. Robert Cooper, as members of the
Council in the place of three members recommended to be
removed,

Mr. H. G. BOHN objected to the principle upon which the names
had been selected. How did the meeting know that tlie Duke
of Rutland and the other gentlemen would accept the office, even
if they were elected ? He thought there was already too much
of the horticultural representation in the Council, and that the
jn-ivate gardeners should be better represented. He (Mr. Eohn)
was a member of a great many societies ; but there was none to
which he gave so much attention, or felt so much interest in, as
this. He had done much for the Society by succeeding in keeping
Chiswick Gardens in possession of tlie Fellows, and he hoped
they would never consent to part with it. He therefore offered
liimself as a member of the Council, and he promised, if elected,
to devote as much attention to horticulture as he had hitherto
devoted to the question of the paper duties. (A laugh.)
Although he had not received much assistance in his attempt to
save Chiswick, the members now felt the great necessity for
keeping it in their own hands.

Several other Fellows addressed the Meeting. The ballot
having been taken, the scrutineers reported that, by an imanimous
vote of seventy-one Fellows present, H.R.H. the Prince Consort
had been re-elected President; W. Wilson Saunders, Esq.,
Treasurer; Professor Lindley, Secretary ; and Mr. Jonathan
Clark, Air. Edward Rosher, and Mr. George Paul, Auditors for
the ensuing year ; and that to supply the vacancies in the
Council caused by the retirement of Hcnrj' Pownall, Esq.,
Robert Wrinch, Esq., and Mr. Charles Edmonds, there were
for the Duke of Rutland, sixty votes; for Mr. John Fleming,
Cleveden, Maidenhead, sixty-one votes ; for Mr. Robert Cooper,
152, Fleet Street, fifty-nine votes ; for Mr. Heniy Bolin, ten
votes. The Chairman thereupon declared the three former, who
had been recommended by the Council for election, to be the
new mcnibtrs of Council for tlic ensnirig year.

The Chaiemak then announced tliat Mr. Kelk had undertaken
to complete the great conservatory by the 5th of June, to allow
the first flower show to take place in it on that day. To look at
the building the present moment that would seem impossible,
but he believed Mr. Kelk would keep his word. (Hear, hear.)
He also announced certain arrangements for tlie season, and
mentioned that Her Majesty would not be able to open the Garden
on the 5th of June, as promised, but that the Prince Consort
and other members of the Royal Family would be present on
the occasion.

Thanks were then voted to the Council and the Chairman, and
the proceedings closed.

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING.

The April meeting of the Entomological Society was held on
the 1st of Api'il, the chair being taken by the President, J. W.
Douglas, Esq.

Tlie curious connection between Ants and certain other insects
which take up their abode in their nests, was again illustrated
by the discovery, by Mr. F. Smith, of a specimen of Mjrme-
donia funesta, a small sjiccies of Kovc Beetle, in the nest of
Formica fuligmosa, the pitchy Ant, near Erith. The same gentle-
man also exhibited specimens of a small Beetle, Silvanus frumen-
tarius, which had infested a jor of preserved fruit of the Licbi,
received from China. The species in question is often found dead
in sugar.

Mr. Stainton exhibited the larvs; of two sprcies of Moths
belonging to the beautiful genus Adela, found upon the oak ;
also, the larvas of a species of JS'cuiatois, feeding upon the green
leaves of Ballota nigra.

Dr. Kiuiggs brought forward the medical case of a child, ten
years old, which had discharged a larva of some kind of Moth
w'ith sixteen legs, during a fit of sneezing.

Mr. MacLachlun announced the capture of Stcnophylax con-
centricus, a species of Caddice Flies (Trichoptera), new to
Britain.

May 7, 1861. ]

JOTJENAI; OF HOBTICTJLTXJEB AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

103

Mr. G. B. Waterhouse read a notice of several species of
Monotoma, a genus of small Beetles which live in damp wood.

Mr. Francis Walker exliibited a large case of Hemipterous
insects which he liad received from North America.

woes: fos the week.

EITCHES GAEDEN.
As the cleanliness of fclie garden for some time will depend
upon the destruction of seedhng weeds at this season, it is
advisable to keep the lioe in frequent use in dry weather.
Sasil, if it has been forwarded in pots or boxes may be trans-
planted on a rich border towards the end of the week. Carrots,
hand-weed the beds or hoe between the row.=, as also the beds or
rows of Onions, as soon ns the weeds can be got liold of If the
first main crops have failed, sow seed of flie Early Horn imme-
diately. Cucumhers, tlio early planted will now have filled the
frames, and be in full bearing, such would be benefited by a
good soaking of m.anure water in a clear state, particidarly when
the soil, which should always be so, is of a light and open texture.
The liquid manure wiien applied to be of the same temperature
as the bed, and care to bo taken when watering not to wet the
leaves. If the fruit is requu'ed to grow very largo, select the
best-formed female flowers near the main stem, the rest to be
tliinned off. When seed of any choice sort is desired, it is safest
to impregnate the flowers at this season, as it is less liable to get
crossed with other sorts than when left later. Potatoes, water
those in frames during dry weather. Hoe and stir the soil
between the rows of the early out-door crops. Peas, stop tliem
as tliey begin to bloom, and sow for a succession. Parsley, thin
thejearly sowing as soon as it is up. Select some old plants that
are very cm-ly-leaved for seed. Mlmharh, cut down the blossom-
shoots, as they exhaust the stool very much. S^nnach, thin the
crop as early as possible after it i? uj) ; if this is neglected it
runs to seed in a very short time. AVhere any main crops have
failed no time should be lost in gftting in more seed ; if the soil
is moderately moistened by rain, so much the better, but it
should not be, wnitcd for, because the seed, if sown when the
ground is dry and warm, the first shower wiU be of more
service than if sown after it.

PLOWEK GARDEN.

Preparations should now be made for bedding out. If the
beds have not been pro|ierly prepared as formerly directed let
them be so Avithout delay. Keep grass lawns neatly cut ; roll
and sweep walks ; weed Box, Thrift, and other edgings in moist
weather. Put neat sticks to the Pinks, and thiii the shoots
according to the strength of the plant. Self-sown annuals — the
Mimulus family, the Forgct-mo-uot, Pausies, and other such
useful little things — may be transferred with balls to fill up blanks.
See that runners of the Neapolitan Tiolcts are provided for the
next winter.

FEUIT GARDEN.

Continue to disbud Peaches and Nectarines. Pinch off the
foreright shoots of Apricots, leaving a leaf or two at the base ;
these will sometimes cause fiow^er-buds to develope themselves.
Thin out, if not already done, the suckers of ilaspberries to
about three of the strongest ; to be staked out thinly, and well
mulched with maniu'c.

STOVE.

Attend to the shifting of specimen plants. A brisk tempera-
ture with atmospheric moisture to be kept xip during the day,
with a decline of many degrees at night — say 75° day, 60° niglit.
Now is a good time to commence with a stock of Begonias for
next season's display. Tlic following are a few showy and easily
grown kinds . — Cinnabarina, nitida, discolor, manicata, ramen-
tacea, and Blartiana. As tlicy go out of bloom to be allowed a
short rest in a rather dry house, when they may be partially dis-
rooted, and repotted, pruning in any straggling shoots. Keep
them close, and syringe frequently, when they will soon com-
mence growing. An abundance of light, and a fail' share of pot
room are necessary to insure fine plants. Let them be kept a
good distance apart that the fine foliage of some of the sjieeies
may hare full room to expand.

GEEENHOUSE AND CON8EKVAT0ET.

Many plants will now bo growing fast, and, therefore, will

requu-e liberal shifts. The Pelargoniums that are now showing

bloom,if notof a gross habit, and the Azaleas and Camellias making

their wood, may be supplied occasionally with a little weak and

clear manure water. To keep up a gay appeai'ance tlu-ough the
latter part of summer and autumn it is advisable to provide a
stock of Pelargoniums, Verbenas, Calceolarias, Heliotropes,
Fuchsias, &c., to be shifted forward as they may require it, and
to be kept by themselves as a reserve for that purpose. Look
over every plant two or three times a-week, to be turned round,
stopped, and supplied with pot room and water as may be
required. Take the opportunity of an early hour in the morn-
ing to give a good washing with the syringe, except the plants in
bloom, the house will then become airy and enjoyable by the
forenoon. Frequently clean over the borders, and remove
decayed bloom and leaves as they occm% that the house may
present at all times a neat and fresh appearance. Cut down
and place in a cold frame the choicest Cinerarias for suckers,
and put in a stock of Chrysanthemum cuttings for an autumn
display. The early-flowering plants of Primula sinensis now
exhausted to be removed to a cold pit or frame. Asters, Stocks,,
and ether annuals might be pricked out on beds under mate
supported by hoops previously to transplanting to the open,
ground. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEE!.

So'WED a few Lettuce seeds for succession. Sowed Onioit
seed for drawing young for salads to come in after the thinnings
of the main crop. Planted out Lettuces on north banks to
succeed those at the foot of walls, as these again will succeed
those between the rows of Potatoes protected. Protected the
first crop of Turnijjs out of doors with old hurdles and branches
drawn through them, as the slightest frost when the plants are
in a young state has a tendency to make them bolt into
seed-stalk, instead of forming good bidbs ; thinned out tho
earliest under protection, and sown early ; white Turnip-rooted
Eadishes having several times to stand instead of sweet young
Tm'nips. Thinned early Carrot-bed a little, doing well for soups ;
tho first sown out of doors just beginning to appear. Baised.
the hand-glasses over Carditiower plants, and gave the forwardest
a good earthing up and a free watering with manure water, to
cause the heads just beginning to come to show well and compact.
Watered those planted out of doors. Watered also Cabbages,
to hasten the cabbaging process and prevent them, if possible,
bolting up to seed-stalks, owing to the severe check tbey ex-
perienced in winter. Notwithstanding this care, owing to this
bolting even in small plants, the Cabbage quarter will not be so
uniform as usual. Threw a little soot and lime over the young
seedlings of all kinds of Greens, Lettuces, &c. ; and watered with
soot and Ume water all the transplanted Peas, alike to assist
them in gi-owth and set grubs and snails a flitting. Used for
these purposes water ranging not below 70°; ground, notwith-
standing the sunny days, still very cold, owing to the clear, cold
nights. Potatoes out of doors scarcely beginning to show.
Those in pots and about fit for use, removed under the shade of
spruce trees pretty open towards the bottom, so as to admit tho
south sun, and yet keep off perpendicular frosts. Sowed Cucum-
bers, Gherkins, and Vegetable Marrows, preferring to plant thtm
out when young, instead of getting stunted and knocked about
in pots, before room can be had for them, and trained and primed
Cucumbers in beai-ing, and banked up the linings close to fl'.e
top of the box of those in frames, so that the box might be
heated and give out its heat into the atmosphere of tie box,,
instead of greatly exciting or increasing the bottom lieat, whicli
when too strong is apt to make the shoots spindly, diseased, and
insect-covered. In such circumstances sprinilmg the sides of tho
box generally gives enough of atmospheric moisture, and pro-
vided the top temperature is thus high enough, a very little air
may be left on at the back all night, which keeps the enclosed
atmosphere sweet, and gives no encouragement to insects to como
to sturdy plants when established. Constant stopping and
removing very old leaves in succession, to give place to newer
ones not so thick but the sun may shine freely upon them, are,
with sweet, light, rich soil, the great secret of Cucumber growing
at this season.

On Saturday, the S7th ult., the hail, sleet, and snow came
down in earnest. The ground became so covered that we might
have taken it to be Christmas time. As the wind was north-
east and the thermometer within a degree or so of freezing after
mid-day, it was thought that precaution would be the best
policy, and, therefore. Cherries, Pears, Plums, Gooseberries, and
Cm'rants were roughly covered with laurel prunings and spruce
branches. In the evening the weather was milder ; but before

lOi

JOrK>-AL OF HOKXICrLTTKE ±SD COTIAOE GABD£SEB.

[ May 7, 1S61.

midnight the stars appeared, ind br five o'doct on Sandav
morning the groimfl iras white and cri»p. Little damage,
however, ha~ been done, but I am told that in many places the
Currants in bloom and the Gooseberries hare almost all dropped
firom the trees. Watered small trees in pots, in orchard-house
nearly finished ; took out exhausted Strawberry-pots and intro-
duced fresh ones, finding room now rery scarce. Drew a drv
baud OTer the Muscats in bloom in second house when the
sun showed. Those who are afraid they cannot draw their
hand lightly enough should shake the bunch and slightly use
a rery soft camel-hair brush. I prefer the dry hand to every-
thing else in thus assisting to set Grapes freely. Of course, the
pollen dust is thus easily carried from bvmch to bmich, and a
rery few minutes will suffice to go over a small house. If a
bunch should not set well after this, there is no room for self-
upbraiding. Many, however, do n>t set well, and there b no
end of grumbling, becsuse on some sorts of fine Grapes there is
only a berry here and there, when " canna be fashed," might
often be given as the true reason of the mourned deficiency —
often but not always, because frequently the parts of fructifica-
tion are so weak and imperfect that no dusting or shaking will
be of any benefit. If a fine-looking Peach- blossom has no
female organ in its centre, no care employed can ever get a fruit
from such a flower. Eegulated and disbudded Melons in pits
and frames : and here 1 am reminded that I promised to say
something about the training, pruning, and fruiting of Melons,
at least the plan I would always adopt when the work can be
overtaken.

I do not know if there is anything original in the plan, but
this I do know, that I never saw it practised nor mentioned in
print before I commended it in some serial many years ago ; and
now I begin to think the plan must be a good one, as many con- I
temporary writers reconamend the same or a similar system. '
One of our old friends whose writings adorned these pages,
might have muttered something about 'p'oughing with another
man's lieifer," and never acknowledging the obligation: but,
prOTided a good plan is adopted, it is but little consequence as
to who was the originator. This plan, then, combining simpUcity
and utility, is based chiefly on two facts. First, the Melon
plant sometimes shows fruit on the secondary shoots, but more
generally en the tertiary shoots, and, therefore, generally these
third shoots should be depended on. The second fact is, that
though you early obtain these tertiary shoots and fruit upon
them, yet if there is not strength enough in the stems of the
plant, these fruit will either not set or refuse to swell, and nhen
you nip them off and wait for the next joint to show, you are
apt to get your frame or bed filled with a mass of smaU twigs,
and fruit later if got regtUarly at all, whilst the plant is apt to
gangrene and canker from such frequent pinchings and loppings
to keep the branchlets anything lite in botmds.

Kow, to apply these two facts, we will take a supposed case.
That case may be varied at pleasure, just in proportion as you fil
a ligiit with one plant, or with two or more ; but the plan under-
stood, the mode of applying it will be similar, whether you take
one, two, four, or six secondary shoots from a plant. Our sup-
posed case will be, that you take two secondary shoots from a
plant. As soon, therefore, as the Melon plant has made three or
four leaves or so, you nip out its point. This in a short time
will cause a shoot to come from the axil of each leaf. These will
be the secondary shoots. As soon as we can see them, we pick
oat according to our supposed case, all these incipient shoots
except two. using the point of a budding-knife or penknife for
the purpose. The plant we suppose is put out in the centre of
a bed covered by a frame or otherwise ; one of these secondary
shoots as it grows is trained to the back and another to the front,
or, if it please the pracritioner better, a httle advantage is gained
by training both shoots of that plant to the back, and both shoots
of the next plant to the front. However that may be, fact
geoond new comes in for our guidance. As the shoot grows
every large leaf formed at every joint is carefully kept, but every
young shoot forming at its axil is nipped out with the penknife
again, so that these secondary shoots shall be clear of side or
tertiary shoots for from 15 inches to 18 inches from the main
primary stem of the plant. After that the secondary shoot is
allowed to grow without any side pinching ; and when it reaches
within 6 inches or so of the sides of the frame, back and front,
an inch or so is nipped off its point — at any rate manage it so
that when stopped there will be six or seven joints at the ends of
the secondary shoots, irom which the young tertiary shoots in
Uie axils of the leaves have not been extracted. After the points

of the secondary shoots are stopped, these tertiary shoots irill
grow with great rapidity, and most of them will show fruit at
the first joint, and then being nipped at the joint above the fruit
there will generally be strength enough in the plant to set tliem
swelling kiudly at once. A great deal of cutting is thus pre-
vented. Of course, it b of importance to get as many blossoms
to open about the same time as b desirable, so as to insure their
simultaneous settmg, and thb is much promoted by nipping off
an inch or so of the end of the secondary shoots, and tlie tertiaiy
shoots which come behind that will be more equal in strength
and flower nearly at the same time. By this plan the fruit will
be chiefly congregated near the back and the front ; but ihey
may be moved a little towards the centre if deemed a.lvisable.
Of course, even by this plan in some shy kinds tertiary shoots
will not always be fruitfiil and set their fruit, and we must stop
and try fresh shoots ; buf in general better crops and more
regular ones are secured than by the plan of early stopping and
getting the place filled with shoots and twigs before a IVuit can
be induced to set.

In pits when grown on treUises, or when so grown from pots,
we prefer taking the first primary shoot to the height of the
trelUs, stopping there, selecting the secondary shoots, and treating
the same as above. When we used to grow largely in pots, we
used to stop the plants when young, select one shoot, train it to
a stick or a suspended line, and disbud the side shoots until we
thought; we had got strength of stem enoBgh — say when it was
from 2 feet to 3 feet long; and then, stopping the point as above,
allowed the tertiary shoots from the axis of the leaves, perhaps
seven or eight in number, to grow, almost every on,' of which
would show fruit.

Flower plants much the same as last week. — E. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
*^* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writei^ of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Coimtry Gentl-jman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications ahoiild therefore be addressed coMi/ to The
Editors of tie "Journal of HoriicuUure, ifc," 162, Fleet
Street, Londoa, E.C.

FCAJt Leaves Destsoted bt as Insect [A Subscriber).— Yowt young
Chaomontcl Pear tree leat-es hare t;e;n eaten away by thit ue=trurtirc
Weevil 0:iorhyncns snlcntos. Lay a cloth under the tree dnrine tl;e -lay, and
then visit it a: midnight when the Weevils are at work. Shake tlie trei?. and
the insects wiii fall on the cloth is if de^d. Catch them an^ kill thtm. — W.

SlopPDtG Vdte-shcois [A Subscriber . — Tiie effect pi:; - - froiu

stopping a Vine-shoot is to retain a greater amount ot ;... :i of

Grapes upon it than the bunch woold have received if :- i eca

allowed to be consumed in increasing the lencth and size i> • ■■_ - It is

necessary to leave one or two joints 6<?//f>nrf the bancli ; bit,..:?-- : ■■^\ iats
are furnished with leaves, ani these leaves are absolut-ly -• : y fjr

digesting the sap before ic proceeds to the benies for the:. t .md

ripeniug — in fact, the sap would not rise to th2 bunch in - :itit3r

if there were no leaves iJeyond it. This was esp'ained in .: the

'• Science of Gardening " published in our first series, and wliiti: :» Li! ;:, pear
as a volume ere long.

Geass-like Weed on Laws 'E. R., an 01 i Subscriber) —It is.wethinki
the Luzula pilosa, or Hjiry Woodrush, and your lawn must bt? in llu' case
too much shaded; but if it isit/rw/rt (ampejfrij, or Field Wooiiruah, wtiich
only grows in very open places, still the only remedy is to spud it ouL It >oar
lawn is over-shaded, rendering it more open to the simshine would des'jroy
the Luzula pilosa.

JLeloss axd CcctniEEES {J. A. P.'.— T^csc cannot be gro^m to per-
fection in the same pit or house : Cucumbers require so much more ii>oi.sfaTe
both at the root and in the air. Yon had better have a giazea dii'i;ion
dividing the pit or house into two parts, growing t!.e Melons at the hottest
end. The fniits will come to maturity witb<mt impregnaii'm ; but, of courae^
tney will be seedless.

CoscaiTE Walks (A. P. 5.).— The thickness of the layer hs nmltingto
do witli the proponioni c f the mixture. Whether it be one of cKalk to ten
or to twenty of stones, it may be" put on 3 inches thick. The lo^ layer of
lime and gravel may be composed of equal proportions. Ttie tigh-h of aa
inch of gravel for the surfacing should have no stones in it, and la best sifted
on through a sieve. It is merely fur colotiring.

VAKiors (.^'. N.). — Votu' cesspool refuse mixed with earth and as>ies may

be put on to the soil for any crop iininedtately after niixuig. Ihe s*-') :er the

better. Syringe yotirBUck CurTar.t buihes with Gisitural Comp* ttnil to kill

th3 aphides. Vou may put manure on yonr Vine-bor.Iers now ihonitli the

Vines are in bloom, but do not dig so as to disturb tite roits in a: y way.

What ■■minute insects" are they which Gishurst Compound, ii.b-cco,

sulphur, and aphis pastilles all fail in destrojing? If you mean the white

a.-ari, or mites in the soil, they do no harm— they live up-iti dcctiying

vegetable matters.

I Geowixc FEtni-TSEE CtTTTisGs VS. Waiee {Dcconshirc Ticnr .—Tie

' plan of rooting soft-wooded cuttings in water is not at all adapted for fruU-

1 tree cuttings, nor is it nearly so good or so easily managed as thB common

1 way for any hard-wooded cuttings.

May 7, 18G1. ]

JOrE>'AX OF HOETICULTXJSE ASD COTTAGE GAEDEXEB.

105

PtiSTs FOE Fees Case (2. C.)— 'Why not grow Feins, as no plants
sncceed better under a glass and kept in a shaded part of the rcom. Athynora
filix-temina ror. crUpnm, Adiantiim capillos-Veneris, Blechnnm spicant,
Ceterach offldnartun, Hymenophyllora tunhrldgense. and Crsloptens fragUis
are suitable and vers- beautifoL 'Fauna" is a term ascd by natnraliststo
indnde all tht animals native of any parti. ular coontry or district. Ihe
"British Fauna" i= composed of all the animals wild natives of Great
Britain. The name is derived from Faon (Fannns) a teathen deity supposed
to preside over wild animals. A cheap yet good woik on the eggs and nests
of British birds is advertised in onr last Number. It is published by Messrs.
Koutledge.

Bloojisbcet Floweb Show.— ^e should no; have inserted the foUowicg
if it were not to show that the Committee welcome, even beyond its ment,
anv little aid tliat can be afforded them, and therefore to encourage others
toVi5s!>t them:— "Though vou are entitled to our best thanks tor the very
prominent and fevonrable notice of our Rower Show contained in your last
Number, I must say I do not think it was fair on yourselves to omit men-
tioning vour handsome present of twelve copies of •' Window Gardening for
the Jtany" to be distributed as prizes. I trust you will remedy this
omission, as it will show that vou give more substantial marks of yonr favour
than a tavanrable "article," and that yon are as much in earnest in the
nromotion of the good cau^ as ourselves. The books yon have so kindly
placed at mv disposal wia I am sure, be more highly prized than the highest
monev prizes in our schedule.— Waltze H. Bosasqcet, o, Torrtnglon
Place."

New Peaes iJ. r.^.— We have not seen any of the Pears yon mention-
viz., Epine d'Etmier, Sucrde du Cornice, Anna Audusson. Lieutenant Poiterin
and Graslin —in your list ; nor have we heard of them having fruited in this
countiT. Should vou be fortunate enough to have fruit this season weshoold
be glad to see them. The past season was a most untavoniable one for
judging of the qualities of fruits.

Peach Blossoms Faillvc is OECHAED-eorsE (J ITiVf* Amateur .—
It was late enough to move the trees in December, and something might be
o^-ingto the dull wet autumn in not perfecting the bloom-buds, and Mr.
Fish savs many of his blossoms were defective on this account : but in vour
case there can be no doubt that want of air at the back was qtiite sufficient
to ace unt for vour loss. Without such air in the hot days dunug the lart
fortnight or three weeks wc are not surpilsed at the blooms being burned up
and drooping. Yon will never succeed with that back wall without ventilaiion
at least at the ridge. We presume yonr vinerj- ia ventilated where the
blosso'i'S did not falL

Peak Teees, <fcc (B. IT.).— Ton may bud as yoa propose : or, if any
side shoots appear, lay them in bv the sides ot the older ones, or tie them on
it, and shorten them so as to give plent .• of spurs. When branches are too
luxuriant or are not fmitful, such young shoots trained downwards, especially
after root-prun=Dg, generaUy answer. The Gishnr^t Compound and pickmg
may help you, but dusting with white he.lebore powder would be better
to destroy caterpillars.

ScAEisG BiEDS FKOM CerjEEiES {ITrs. Dorking).— A. cherr>--clapper would
be nteful for a time. There are clever labonreis in most villaces that make
them. The birds get used to them, however. The gun will frighUn them
onlv tor a time, unless those von kUl. Bits of glass, and especially ot lookmg-
glass. suspended on strings, wiU frighten them for a longer tune. But there
is no perfi-ct remedy that we know of eiccpt clow netting.

Heatev-o a Small Task (J Conttant r.tader).~-lo heat a tank only 10
feet long, 3 feet wide, and 4 inches deep, a very small conical or letort
boUer, or such a boiler as that described Utely by Jlr. AUen. would answer
your purpose. Indeed, so would any small boUer— such as a small washboose
one, more especially if it had a close top.

Mascles- GEKAS^^n^ (7). Brown).— V^e have often said that Mangles-
Variegated Geranium and its prototype would not cross with aay other
Geranium :n cnltivation-at least not in onr c imate. We believe the
botanical name of Mangles is Pelargonium hetcroganum. The way to grow
it and the like of it is to plant it in the richest compost out of doori, and in
a climnte like that of Algiers, and to sow successions or generations of seU
seeds of it till some of the seedlings begin to "run' or vary nattunliy.
That "as the way all the old English florists' flowers were obtained and
improved before crossing w-as known as a practice.

BaoDonEsnEos-EED (J. A. P.).- The top spit of the ground that is
"covered with Heaths, Ferns, and low shrub,, " is the right kind of peat for
Rhododendron-beds made in strong clay : but your old Rhododendrons wiU
do litle g'lod in anv kind of peat after being poisoned fonr years with swamp
bog or the kind of peat which is cut for fneL Peat is a Gaelic word, and
means a brick cut out of moist mossy ground, and is dried m the sun like
bricks of dav : after that it is made into stacks and thatched, and the black
bricks are the winter fuel of many people. That kind of peat earth is rank
poison to many plants, and is the natural soil for as many more.

Soil foe Beddisc GEEASitms {Aurea Floribunda).—Tbe proper soil for
all bed iing Geraniums in Scotland is that kind of fresh. Ught, friable soU
which produces the best malting barley for making whiskey. The next
best soil is that which produces the cailiest cabbages : and the third best is a
good holding soil, which would i.nxluce German or Scotch greens, only not
to be rich lest the Scarlets should run up like the " Castocks in jtrathbogie-"
Th.it soil best for the barley is the best for bedding Calceolarias and all the
Lobelias.

CocoA-KTTT FiBEE f.E. C. Jl-.— It is tiie loose, dusty fibres separated from
the h'isks of the cocoa nuts in preparing those husks for making matting, it
It mav be had gratnitouslv at the mauufactorv- at Kingston-on-Thames, but
it must be gone for, and no trouble of any kind given to the manufacturers.

Roses Desikoted by Feosi— Clmeixg Roses [J. F. J.).— Do not root
np the frosted climbing Roses, but cm them to the surface of the ground,
and probablv the roots will thro» np three plants to one of the old ones.
We puiicd up a dead-down plant of the variegated Euonymus japonicus the
other day— a kind that has been frosted everywhere to the grouiid. bat the
root-stem was as fresh as ever, and Mould have made a very strong plan: this
summer. The best Rose climbers for you are Fe'liciti perpo'tuelle. Princess
Maria and Kaga, or dse the Dundee Rambler. And (or a temporary climber
none is so easv as any of the new race of Tropjeolum from seeds.

Keepisg Slugs fkom P.issies (An Old Sutscnifr).- Water round the
plants with lime water, and sprinkle afterwards on the surface a Uttle soot,
or wood ashes. Do tliis every weekwhilstthe plants are in bloom.

RmBos-EOEDEE [F. A. C). — Choose the plant* yon would have for yonr

' ribbon-border, and tell ns what yon have chosen, and we wiQ give an opinion

upon the choice made. Ac. We never plant garden, bed, orbarder (orany one,

and bare said s- repeatedly. Tour plant is Ammyrsine buxifoiia, which

makes a nice edging in a pea:-bed or American planr-bcirder-

MonsG Box-EDGDfG if. C-V.;.— If you are very c-areful that the roots
are not injured in taking it up; if you plant injmeiiatcly witiiout the roots
being even slightly dried ; and when replanting wash tlie so. I th roughly in
and about them, you may move the edging now, but it should, have been
done long s nee.

Hotbed of Spext Hops (X B. P.;.— They answer very well. If yon
reftr to page 49 of the present volume you will find directions for making
such a hotbed. The decayed remains of' the bed are a good manure, much
like leaf mould.

Passies J. T.) .—We sent them to a judge, and here is his answer :—
"The Pansies sent are utterly worth". ess-'

Geapes Scalded v'''- B.]. — Syringing the stages, pipes, it, producedan
excess of moisture in the air of your viner>-, and this -"itU strong sunshine
at the time, caused what is termed " Scalding." Free ventilation and less
moisture are needed.

Steiweeeeies foe Fo-CI>-g (F. JJ.'.- Ton will find the following
excellent sorts for forcing :— Cuthias Black Prince, Ingram's Prince -\ithnT,
Keens' Seedling. CulvTrwells Sanspareil, Sir Charles Napier, British Queen,
I Ajax. Ingram's Prince of Wak-s.
I Books 'E. Tucker .—We know nothing about thos; yon mention.

Names of Plasis (Sthscrihcr, Braited'.-'So. 1. ifcacia- hybrids: 2,
Niphobolns lingua, a common greenhouse Fern. ( IT. B — Tonr Fern is
Stmthiopteris geimanica. a European but not a British species. It is not
ni commonlv in coltivation. [A Toung Bolanut .—\l is Luznla campestris,
or Field Woodmsh. (C. S.l.— The whi:e flower is Dentzia gracUi^ The
' seeds are of Abms precatorins. Its roots a perfect substitute ff.r liquorice,
' and Roman CathoUcs make rosaries of the scarlet seeds : hence the Epeaflc

1 name— from precor. to supplicate. (iT. A" , Torry Bill).— Your Ordad

is rymhidium aloifoli'im. It is figured in the " Botanical Migazme ta

far back a* 1797. nnler the name of Epidcndram al ides. (Bcr. X- M.

I Jrans:.— It is not a Daphne but Pi^os/iof-Km (olira. It came from China

I in one of the East India Company's ships in 1804, and ttey sent il to the

I Kew Gardens.

! FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

i Mat 18th. Cetstal Palace. .Plants. Cnt Rowers, and Frnit). Ste.

W. Houghton. * _ ,«, * J w :*\

JrsE 5th and 6th. Kotal HonncrLTTKAL Societt. (Plants and Print).
i Garden Superintendent. G. Eyles.
Ju.v-E 12ih and 13th. Toek. Sec. J. 'Wilson.
June 19ih and 20th. Bbighto.v asb SrssEi Floeicc luteal asd Hobti-

CCLTCE-U. Societt. Sec. E. Carpenter.

JcsE 2.5th. P.OMFOKD. (Phints, Flowers, and Fnut.; Sec, St. beorge

Griggs, Ron, foul. ^ „ „ , ^

JcLTCth. Cetstal Palace. (Rose Show). 5f<-., "W. Houghton.

JCLT 10th. KOVAL HOEIICl-LTCEAL SOCIETT. (ROSe ShOW). CrOrOM

Superintendent, G. Eyles. «^ . — , _ r

eEPTEMBFE 4th and 5th. Cetstal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of
Other descriptions, and Fmiti. Sec., W. Houghton.

SEPTEHBEE llth. ROTAL HOETICVLTTEAL SOCIETT. (DaWlSS SEd Otiei

Cut Flowers^. Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
Septembie 18th and 19th. Bkightox and Scssei. Sec, E. Ci^ester.
NovEKEEE 6th and 7lh. Rotal HoETicvLTrEAL SoctrrT. (Fruit and

Chrvsanthemnms). Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.

Sovembee 12th and 13ih. Stoke Xewisgtos CnETSAXTHEifin.- Socrenr.

Sec. W. T. Howe. ,^ . -v i

NovzMEEE 14ih and lath. Cetstal Palace. (Chrysanthemnm show).

Sec. W. Houffhton. , .„

X B —Secretaries of Sixieties intending to adrertise in our columm icUl
' 'oh'liffe us by sending an ear'n inlimatior, of their ezh,h,tv,n da-j,.

POTJLTRT, BEE, and HOTTSEHOLD CHEONICLE.

POULTRY SHOWS.

Mat 21st, 2Snd, and 23rd. CHEsrxDriELD and Sc-iesdale. ^"O.- *«;•
Mr. Thos. P. Wood, Jan., Eophorpe House, near Chesterfield. Entries

Mat 22nd^Ld'23rd. Beteblkt. Eim. Sec, H. Adams. Entries doae

Jr^E'4t?'5tll. and fth. Bath avd "West of England. Stemird,

s Pitman, Esq Entries close May 4th. .„ . . , i-^i.

JrN^19th. THolsE. &c.. Mr. Joseph Richardson. Entr,e.cio^ June 12*.

JivE 19th, 20th, and 2l5l. Coalbrookdale. Sees., J. B. Chune, and

Jr^l-^-J^h'^^lSS.'^icT^'I.^.Emson, Slongh House. HaUt^Fs^
JusE'iSth Deiffifld. ^c, Mr. B. Davison. Entries clo^e June :^d.
JrNE'28fh andSJ^ Taln-^o,!. Sec, Mr. Cha.les Bal'umcc. Entnes

JcLTlrd!4th,*L"d 5;h. Blackpool and West Lasosdike. See., Mr. E.

Fowler, jun.. Market Street, BUckpcol. Entries clos*- June Mth
Atgc ST 26lh, 27th, 2Sth, and iStli. Cetstal Palace bcMMEE snow.

Si^r^^rEE'^sTd''' P«KLtsoTos (Torkshire). Sec, Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close August 26t!l. „ „ , « -j „„„i,

SEprE«EF3 24th. Beiognoeth. ■S"^-. K- Taylor. Bndgnonh.
Decembee 2nd, 3rd, 4:h, and ith. Biemisgh.oi. Sec, >.r. J. B. Lyunau,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st. ^,.,.,„ <;„„_■

Dec^meee nth, 12th, 13th, and 14lh. Cetstal Palace Wi-vtee Show.

Sec , W. Houghton.

PEICES OF POULTRY rs' LOXDOX.

(Continued from page 87.)
It 13 with poultrT as with everrtliing eUe and it mar be
caUed a truism if we set tLat the scarcity of the article causes

106

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

[ May 7, 1861.

its gi-eat value. It is so ; but the recoUection of the fact prevents
discouroiremtnt, and when it is found and known that the great
consumption of the London season is snpph'ed by. the small
contributions of a large number of breeders and an'atcuis,it may
afford consolation to some Alnaschar -n-ho finds the golden
dream of scores of chickens reduced to five or sii. They will
be -n-orth more than three times their numbiir tliree months later,
and will make a pleasing item on the right sidi of the account-
book.

The nearer we approach to the natural season, the less trouble
there is in rearing poultry ; as a certain consequence the price
becomes less. That time is drawing nigli, and with its arrival
the interest in such papers as this wiU decrease. This will
probably be the last, and we wiU therefore repeat two or three
capital rides to observe in the supply of the London market
during the spring.

The fowla must be young, and there should not be a mixture
of nges in strong contrast. It matters not that of fourteen
chickens three, should be four months, while the others were
three months old, but there should be no juvenile old lady in
the shape of a "tardillon" of last year's mixed up with the
chickens of this. Not only is her iniJuenee bad on her younger
associates, but fattening to an old fowl is like painting to an old
woman— it may give an appearance of youth, but tliat is all ; it
docs not make a fowl tender. Kext, as in the affairs of men, so
in poultry, there is a tide which must be taken at the turn to
lead to fortune.

There is a period of scarcity of which advantage must be
taken, and large prices will be the reward ; but one day too late,
is too late. The day there are more fowls in the market than
are wanted, large prices are over. Let us take a case in point
showing the importance of a few hours, and the alteration it
makes in the value of perishable goods. The season for Grouse
begins on the 12th August, and many who will not eat a bird
out of season, must and will have them on their tables on that
day. Any young Grouse killed on the morning of the 12th, and
sent up by express on that day, will make 12*. or 13s. per brace.
They will niake little less on the mornirig of the 13th ; but after
that day a fall of is. or even Gs. per brace is common, because
there is time for the arrival of birds from all parts. The tide is
turned.

If, then, you have chickens now tolerably fat, and of the size,
or nearly of the size, of tliose we mentioned in a former paper,
we say. Send them at once to market. Like Friar Bacon's
brazen head, we say, " Time is." If you wait till they are a
little fatter, or a little larger, or if you have an idea they will be
dearer, wc fear we shall have to say, "Time was."

If you will profit hereafter by this homily, which we read to
you every year, we will insure if your chickens come at the right
season so will the price. "Time'wiU be."

PEOFITABLE POULTEY KEEPING.— No. 4.

{Continued from page 87.)

Aftfe-makagemext. — When the hen comes off of her own
accord, you may know all is right with the chicks. At once
confine the hen under a coop (or hutch), and allow the chicks
but a limited run for the first fortniglit, especially guarding them
from contact with wet grass — they cannot, in fact, be kept too
dry. Thus care should be taken that the water-pans arc shallow.
Many things are recommended as the best food for young chicks,
but I never found anything atixicer so well as cnimhs of stale
home-made bread; and as to the different nostrums propounded,
I notice them only to condemn them in iota. The hen should be
well fed on grain, meal, and steamed potatoes, and grass and
leaves from garden vegetables daily. It is a good rule to remove
the coop a few feet every day or two, so that the lien may have
a fresh and dry soil, and she should have a moderate quantity
of sand or light mould placed under her coop in which to bathe.
In a month or so give the hen her liberty, feed her cliiekcns
with her, and they will tlirive right well ancl merrily. I found,
however, that those chicks did best where tlie hen, after Iiaving
her liberty during the day, at niglit was put under a coopi, she
then nestled her young instead of flying on to the perch.

Management op Cuickeks when Discaedeb by the Hen.
— In about eight or nine weeks, according to the season of the
year, the hen will forsake her brood. Now part the stronger
chickens from the weaker, and hasten on by generous (bod for
sale. Much might be written on the all-important point of

feeding ; but I shall give that course which answered well with
me. I fed four times a-day — oftener if I saw occasion, or the
weather demanded it. On this point no rule can he laid down,
it must be left to the judgment.

1st meal. — Tallow greaves and dry barley.

2nd ditto. — Steamed potatoes, mixed with steeped oats, rice,
or crushed Indian com or meal.

3rd ditto. — Barley, tail wheat, and tallow greaves.

4th ditto. — Dry grain.

And twice a-week mashed bran.

I took care that on no two consecutive days did I feed exactly
alike, for every animal thrives on variation of food. Besides the
stated feeding times, all the remnants from the table and the
kitchen, such as crumbs, meat, bones, and vegetables, were
thrown down to them. In the winter and early spring months
bullock's liver and other cheap animal offal sliould be boiled for
both hens and chickens ; put the broth therefrom when cool
into their drinking-pans, and chop up the meat, mixing it with
their grain, or givmg it alone.

"And is this all?" my uninitiated reader may ask. " Yea,
truly all, the whole secret,"

I shall now siippose ray chickens three months old.

" ^Vcll, my friend," I say to the poidtry dealer who calls,
"what will you give me for tliis lot ?"

" Well, chickens is down, they ain't worth ne'er so much as
they was last week."

"All, is that so? Now, though yoii are called a higgler,!
don't like haggling ; so, at a word, what is your offer ? "

" Master, 1 can't be buyer and seller too."

" Well, my price is Ss. the couple for the smaller chickens, and
3s. Gd. for the larger."

" Then I shan't get no profit by 'em."

"They are worth it, and I do not /eel disposed to take less."

" Then it's no deal."

And off goes the higgler. But wait a wee. He well knows
they are worth the money, and in half an hour or so returns,
pays you the sum asked with the air of a man who has done
you. ties the chickens in couples, places them in his basket and
departs.

And now, reader, what has been my profit ?

Over 60 per cent, assuredly ; and if these said chicks had been
less than Pigeons eai-ly ill March, I could have had 2s. Gd. each,
and my profit would then have considerably exceeded 100 per cent.

" And not bad interest either," say you.

Next week I shall hope to show you how to do more than
this. — LEIGnTON.

{To he continued.)

I HAVE read with mxich attention the interesting articles in
the two last Numbers of your Journal on the subject of
" Profitable Poultry Keeping 5 " and although fully impressed
with the conviction that fowls may, with projier care, be made as
remunerative as other stock, still 1 cannot allow "LElonTOn's"
balance sheet to pass unchallenged. Statements to the ell'eet that
about 90 per cent. pi-oCt is to be realised by poultry keeping,
and that a nett return of £15 7s. is to be calculated upon from
every 100 hens kept ad injiiiitttin, wiU, I am confident, cause
only disappointment, and do more harm than good. Many
fascinated, no doubt, in the first instance by such a favourable
Dr. and Or. account, might afterwards give up the pursuit in
diseust when they found their calculations at fault, and how
little dependance was to be placed on the dicta of those who put
themselves fomard as authorities in such matters.

It would have been more satisfactory had the amounts
charged for " rent, management, loss, and interest," been carried
out separately, as it is quite impossible to arrive at any conclu-
sion as to the amount of interest that has been charged on the
original outlay. This may appear to many a matter of small
import ; but when wc consider how short is the natural term of
life alloitcd to the domestic fowl, and tliat, in addition to the
chances of death from disease and accidental causes, tliey cease
to be remunerative, and, indeed, become (as far as profit is con-
cerned) virtually dead, at the end of their third or, at the most,
their fourth year, wo should debit ourselves with a y*ry heavy
amount in the shnpe of interest. Any one embarking capital in
some perishable article, which he knows will at the end of three
or four years be almost valueless, would expect to reeeivc interest
at the rate of 35 or 40 per cent., otherwise ho would be sadly
out of ps)'.'set by bis investment.

May 7, 1861. ]

JOUKNAL OF HOBXICPLTU-fiE AJSTD COTTAGE GAUDENER.

107

With these remarks, putting on one side entirely the subject
of interest, I will explain wliy I consider " Lei&htox " far too
6au5;uine, and how his style of book-keeping would mislead and
disappoint the unwary.

lu the first place, then, it does not appear how the original
stock was obtained. We read that it consisted of " every and
no breed, from the common barndoor to the stately Spanish
and aristocratic Gasie." Now, 100 nice young hens of this
description, together with twelve or fourteen good cocks, would,
by the tune they were safely roosted in "Leighton's" poultry-
house, have cost a good round sum ! I appx-ehend be Vi'ould
choose young birds about a year old, the cocks, perhaps, a trifle
more advanced in yeai'S, many authorities (Mr. John Bailey
amongst others) deprecating the principle of breeding from
chickens — that is, birds all of the same year. The whole of this
lot would, therefore, have to he swept off, and entirely replaced
by young birds, after they had been in " Leiodtox's " possession
two or three years, by which time the hens would have passed
their third and the cocks then- fourth year. At this age they
would sell for, comparatively speaking, a mere trifle, being as
egg-producers unprofitable, and for the table both dry and
tough.

Mow, "Leighton" states, that "each hen will rear on an
average seven chickens;" but if he sends every individual
chicken to market, as appears by the credit side of his balance
sheet, he makes no allowances for " death vacancies," nor for
replacing the old birds, as from age they become uni'cmunerativc,
and not worth keeping.

We soe that the Spanish formed part of the stock, and there
were, no doubt, many others of what are commonly termed
" everlasting layers." Many liens woidd, therefore, be compelled
to sit twice, and liatch broods during inclement weather, causing
the average reared and actually sold to fall below seven. I will
not comment on the prices obtained for chickens, but I imagine
they have to ba sent to market some distance — perhaps to
London !

Again, '■■ Leighios' " states, that " a hen will lay on an
average 120 eggs ; but if he parts with them all, from whence
does lie derive the 1300 necessary to complete the requisite
number of sittings? and from what source the half dozen or
60 required for the young chicks in their early days ?

If " Leighton " can obtain Id. for each egg taken all the
year round as a wholesale vendor ho is, indied, very lucky ; but
does lie receive that price from a local dealer, who, having to
sell again, I should not think could be so liberal in his ofl'ers ?
or are the eggs consigned to some Loudon tradesman as " new
laid?" In the latter ease a very considerable daily expense
would be incurred for carriage.

And now to conclude my remarks witli the article of food,
which is cliarged at £31 IGs. "Leighton" reckons on sending
700 chickens to market, and he says " the expense of rearing
chickens up to the age of from ten to twelve weeks did cot
muc/i exceed Id. per head per week." Now, of course, a great
many more than 700 would be hatched in the first instance,
living some of them many weeks, and, therefore, costing many a
penny ; but giving " Leighton" the benefit of evei-y doubt, we
will discard from our minds all but tJie 700 chickin.t, which at
ten weeks old are sent to market. How much have they cost
in food according to "Leighton's" own statement? Why,
reckoning them at Id. per head per week, £29 "is. Ad. ! within a
few shiHuigs of tlie amount charged for food. This is, be it
ireinemberetl, at Irf. per head ; but we arc told that although
not much, still that the expense did exceed tlie weekly Xd. : the
extra sliilhrigs are, no doubt, therefore, this trifling excess.
Now, will "Leightox" say on what the 100 hens and the
twelvi? or fourteen cocks existed during the year?— did they live
entirely on "tlie good grass run?" At all events, they do not
appear ever to have been fed ; and yet I do not myself know
Iiow to make a hen lay 120 eggs and hatch a brood rearing
seven cliickens upon nothing but air and a good grass run.

I have, I fear, already trespassed sadly upon your valuable
spacs; but such "loose" statements, if allowed to go fortli
imexplained or uncontradicted, would do but little in bringing
forward the profitableness of poultry keeping, but tend rather
to damage the good cause, and make those who may now be
receiving a very fair return for the trouble and outlay annoyed
and discontented. In conclusion, then, I will briefly recapitulate
the reasons for my taking exception to " Leiqiiton's " method
of furnishing a Dr. and Cr. account.

1st. Ko charge is made for the purchase of original stock.

2nd. No allowance is made for filling up vacancies fi'om own
rearing, and ultimately replacing the old birds.

3rd. No eggs ai-e deducted from each hen's produce for sitting,
nor for the few x-equisite for the young brood.

4th. No charge whatever is made for chickens or eggs being
taken to market.

5th. No charge whatever is made for the sustenance of the
original stock.

I trust this will be found of sufficient value to justify your
giving it a place in your next Number, in douig which I know
jou will oblige all interested, and — E. C. C.

PIGEON JUDGING AT SUNDEELAND.

XotJ woidd oblige by allowing a small space to answer the
"Fasoier" as regards the Pigeon judging at the Sunderland
Poultry Show, or rather to give Pigeon exhibitors some idea of
the cause why the Judge was chosen in the town.

In the first place, the Society is composed of twenty-three
members, twenty-two of which are poultry fanciers, and know
little or nothing about Pigeons ; and we are sorry to say the
Pigeon fanciers of this town have not supported the Society
either by subscribing or giving information, and not one of the
members has been in any way connected .with a poultry or Pigeon
society before.

" F'axcieb " has not given one word to encourage the members
to carry on the Society, or amend any mist.ake. The reason
why a "Sunderland gentleman was chosen for Judge was — we
applied to one at Ne^vcastle who was recommended, but he
declined. I believe " Fancier " was also recommended, but the
Secretary had mislaid the letter and had not his address, or else
we tliinic he might have been chosen in preference to one in the
town. Tlierc were so few entries until the last day from a
distance, and having so little time on hand, Mr. Kirton was
recommended as a suitable Judge, he liaving been both Pigeon
and poultry fancier for many years. I believe he gave his judg-
ment to tlie best of liis abilily-^hc was known to very few of the
Society personally. Should the Society go on, I liope Pigeon
cshibitors will send tlieir entries sooner. The Society will take
every pains to prevent any complaint in future.

Five-eighths of the members are only working men who have
subscribed a considerable sum independently of a great deal of
labour, and are considerably deficient ; and unless the neighbour-
ing gentry lend us help, many of the members will be incon-
venienced in making up the deficieticy.

If there had been a surplus it was intended to be reserved for
the next Show. No member would have derived any benefit
except the pleasure of getting it up.

I think it would look better if " Fancier" and others woidd
help societies in their commencement, instead 'of endeavouring
to knock them down. There may have been other deficiencies,
being tlie first Show, but I hope" they will be looked over, and
we shall bo better able to place the right men in the right place
next time. — Fuoii the Coiimitteb.

[This letter is sufficiently explanatoi-y, and we only regi-et
learning from it that there is any chance of the members of the
Society being losers by the Exhibition. In such a town as
Sunderland this ough't not to occur; and we hope that the
gentry and tradesmen will subscribe at once, not only to meet
deficiencies, but to enable the Society to continue its exhibitions.
Such Shows are not encouragements to a useless fiiney, but
promote the production of superior poidtry and eggs. Enormous
quantities of these are imported annually, and more would have
been required from abroad if the improvement and mcreased
fancy for poultry keeping had not been promoted by such exhi-
bitio"n3. We re"commend the Committee to canvas the town and
its neighbourhood for subscriptions.]

TUENED-CEOWN PIGEONS.
In the Joitk-ai, oe HoKTicuLTriiE of April 23rd, Mr. Oates
says he cannot understand why I do not include the Tiirbit
aiuong Turned-crown Pigeons. In explanation, I beg to mform
him I consider the Turned-crown as a recent nmovation, and a
departure from the true form of that variety (m confirmation
of which, I refer him to all the older writers on Pigeons) nor
can I regard it as any improvement. Fanciers have not paid
much attention to th8"pecuHar form of head of the Tiirbit, and

108

JOUENAL OF HOETICULTTTEE AND COTTAGE aARDENEE.

[ May 7, 1861.

its ti-ne shape has, therefore, been much neglected. The head
should be broad, nngular, and flattened ; the orbicular ridges
much raised, and the eyes prominent. The best example I can
offer is the Iiead of a frog. The short beak, the gullet or deiv-
lap, and the frill on the breast, are the chief properties of the
breed, colour or feather being the finishing stoke ; and I think
the turned-crown spoils the appearance of the head just as it
would do in a Tumbler or Carrier. — B. P. Beent.

PAEEOT DELIGHTING- IN BATHING.

I HAVE had a Parrot nearly fifteen years which, I ran assure
you, enjoys a shower-bath most intensely. The servant places
her on the pink and turns the tap gently. Polly spreads her
wings and turns herself in all directions for the grateful shower,
and if the water ceases she wiU flutter and make a noise until it
flows again. She is a large, green, yellow, and red bird, and
very merry. Another and smaller bird will often follow Polly's
example, but not with the same gusto the old one eridently fee'le.
— E. H. D.

THE EABBIT (Lepus ctjnictjltjs) :

ITS HISTOET, VARIETIES, AND MANAGEME^^'.
{Continued from page 10. )

THE AKDAIUSIAX EABBIT.

This, the largest species known, is a native of Spain. It is
bred in Paris under tlie name of "Earn Rabbit," because its
head is large, and its forehead round, its ears large and hanging
like those of the Half-lop ; its throat also is large and forms a
dewlap. Its fur is of a russet grey colour, and is smooth and
lustrous when it is well cared for and in good health ; but when
neglected or sickly, it becomes curly and like wool.

M. Didieux states that this Babbit will attain an enormous
weight, even so much as from 16 lbs. to 20 lbs., and that it is
the most robust race known.

The breeding of this Eabbit is receiving much attention in
Paris and its suburbs, and the finest specimens fetch enormous
prices. M. Millet states that he has seen 130 francs paid for a
single female Ram Eabbit, and that M. Gerard, his coadjutor,
paid not long ago 160 francs for a pair. Those who have this
breed are so tenacious of keeping it to them.selves, that it is
extremely difficult to procure fine specimens without paymg
very high prices.

The breeding of this Babbit is deserving of special attention,
it being a wonderful producer of flesh, rendering it the most pro-
fitable species that can bo bred for food. At eight or ten weeks
old it ought to weigh as much as the common tame Rabbit at
eight or nine mouths, thereby saving the expense of six months'
keep, and the time and trouble in tending it ; besides, the flesh
is more tender, juicy, and delicate in appearance.

There is another large variety which is very similar in appear-
ance to the Andiilusian, and known in Paris as the EorENKAis
or Bflldoo, because they have a square head like the dogs
whose name they bear. Th.cir weight is often as much as 14 lbs.
In colour they are usually a light fawn, but sometimes a light
grey. Their ears are long and upright, but are often Half-lop.
Many of these Babbits arc imported and sold here as Fata-
gonians. I think it not at all unlikely that this is a cross of
the Patagonian, although it differs in appearance.

The real Patagonian Rabbit has remarkably short ears and a
large round head, which when young, and seen at a distance,
gives it the appearance of a cat. X do not think there are many
pm-c bred ones in this country which, considering their size, is
to be regretted.

The next on my list of large Rabbits is the Belgian Hare-
coloured Balbit, large quantities of which are imported, known
and sold as French Hare-rabbits ; but they are not hybrids as
the name implies. They attain a large size, but are said not to
be so fruitful as many other varieties ; their ears are large, the
head smaller than in either of the before-mentioned varieties, and
in colour they are very similar to a Hare. — E. S. S.
(To he continued.)

HEN CANARY NESTING BUT NOT LAYING.

I PNPOETUJTATELT lost a Goldfinch last autumn, which for
two years had mated with a hen Canary. I procured a cock of
her own kind, wishing to breed Canaries. She has built her
nest, and constantly sits in it, but without laying ; and having
a young mule bird, one of her own, and hearing them frequently
answering one another though they cannot see one another, I wish
to know whether that would have any effect and interfere with
her laying and breeding.— E. M. A. L.

[I do not think it necessary to remove the mule, as the hen
Canary's hearing him can hardly be the cause of her not laying.
More probably it is the unfavourable weather, and that she will
build again, and then lay, unless she is too old, or proves barren
from some other cause. — B. P. B.]

BEES DYING— HIVES IN A BAEN— PEACH
CEOP ON OPEN WALLS.

The " Old Sfsschiber " who wrote some time ago about a
bee--hive in which the bees were inactive regrets to say they all
died a few days after. The hive had a large quantity of good
honey in it. When the combs were taken out there were not
more than about sixty bees clinging to the combs; all were
dead, but not decomposed. They were at this time a fort-
night dead, and the only odd appearance about them was,
that a few had under the rings of iheir body an appearance of a
pure white substance. It did not look like mould. The combs
at the lower part of the hive looked thick, and as if damp had
affected them. Could it be th.it the hive perished from damp?

Would it be a good or bad plan to pl'ce hives in a large airy
barn, having a hole made in the wall where the bees would have
egress and ingress towards the south ? The wall is 2 feet
thick. Would it be bad for the bees to have to creep so far
before gaining access to their hive?

Is the peach crop on open walls generally defective this year,
from the last wet summer not permitting wood to ripen ?

Some geraniums late cut down, and not yet repotted, look
badly. Would it be advisable to keep them in the open air for
autumn bloom when potted ?

[The cause of the loss of your hive appears to have been the
death of its queen. How far it may have been injured by damp
we cannot determine without ocular inspection. The peculiar
appearance on the abdominal rings of the bees themselves
probably arose from a fungoid growth.

We have known bees do well in a house in spite of the
disadvantage of having to traverse a thick waU before reaching
then' habitation.

The peach crop on open walls is generally defective, and
probably from the cause you mention.

We cannot give an opinion about the geraniums, not knowing
cither their names or age.]

Bath and West oe England PouLxnT Snow. — We are
informed tliat entries will be received until the 13th inst., after
■which none can be received.

BEE-HIVES AND THEIE APPUETENANCES.

(Continued from 'jjage 90.)

Adjustek-hite. — Your apiarian readers, the novices parti-
cularly, must feel grateful to "A Devonshire Yicae" for so
ably pointing out the defects of the rather Irish drpriving-hivo,
a description of which had crept into your columns, and intro-
ducing Mr. Fox's vastly superior device. At a first glance, in
addition to the fixed breeding space,, the peep through the back
window in the sketch shows rather many openings for the
escape of the heat and the queen into the super, easily remediable
by ekes in the one case and slips of wood in the other. Mr.
Fox is also too good an apiarian not to know that either for hia
own use or the market one completed box honeycomb, and a
secOHfJ partially filled (useful for feeding or a fresh start), is much
more valuable than a larger box uncompleted. However, to
counterbalance this we have his exceedingly ingenious mode of
lowering the top to facilitate a start, and by judicious raising
to tempt to an accumulation of store in the super, more certainly
obtainable than by any other mode I have yet seen tried. With
this passing remark I will now describe the appurtenances of
the apiary, taking up first

Bek Feeders. — All metals, from their coldness, are objection-
able for bee feeders — none more so than zinc, from the deleterious
powder that collects upon its surface, rendering it an injurious

May 7, 1861. ]

JOUENAL OP HOETICtJIiTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

109

agent to supply food in a liquid state to either bee or beast ; for
this reason I employ it as little as possible about the apiary. I
also dislike a close-fitting lid upon the metal. Bees when fed
get excited ; their respiration is increased, the vapour condens-
ing on the glass damps both them and their comb. Wood would
do were it not for its liabiUty to split if cut out the solid, and
leak at the seams if jointed : J, therefore, employ troughs of
earthenware made for the purpose, and roughened inside. They
are 9 inches long, 5J inches broad, and 1^- inch deep, all outside
measurement, sold by Mr. John Grant, 23, Howard Street,
Glasgow. The Uoat is of thin oak
veneers ; the holes bored with a
hot iron into any fanciful pattern.
The troughs I fit (loosely for wash-
iDg-out sake) iuto box feeders— the
one {fig. 7) is used for flat top
bar-hiTes, is fully 9 inches long by
6J inches broad inside, is 4 inches
high at top, sloped to 2^ inches at
bottom. There are half-inch blanks
in the bottom on either side of the
trough through which the bees as-
cend wlien the slides on the top of
the hive are drawn. It is worthy
of notice that this breadth fits
equally the one-and-a-half and the
one-and-one-eighth bars. The other '^'

(Jig. 6) is fully 9 inches long by 7 inches broad, 4i inches high
at back and 3 inches in front,
has IJ-inch-square slip of wood
nailed inside at tlie back, through
which a sloping cut inwards and
upwards is made to correspond
with the entrance in the hire.
The feeder is placed charged on
the landing-board ; a tap or two
causes the guard to run up into
it ; a sip, and he is off with the
news, when a general rush takes
place. This feeder is used pi'in-
cipall.v for round-topped hives,
and is equally easily adapted to straw hives of circular shape by a
little addition being added. Take a bit of three-quarter-inch wood,
1 inch longer than the entrance in the hive. Cut a corresponding
entrance in the wood, scoop out the bick part to fit the straw
bands, and (hen sprig it on to the feeder. This prevents the
escape of a single bee. It is better to be wrapped about with
flannel, or some warm stufi', should the evening be frosty. The
feeding is seen through the glass pane in the lid of both. The
bevels in the box and the openings fitted with zinc are mtended
for ventilation. The lids are raised with small brass hinges, and
kept closed with little " hooks and eyes." Should the weather
be mild (bees never ought to be fed during cold, except in
desperate case.^i, then the last mode to be mentioned is most
suitable), I liave always found a strong colony absorb a larger
quantity of food in less time, and, I think, with more pleasure
to themselves, by being allowed to cluster from the combs upon
the vessel (placed as close thereto below as possible) containing
the food, than by any way I have tried, which also saves the
few lives g.'uerally sacrificed by feeding in a separate vessel.
Any poor fellow getting bedaubed, crawls into the cluster and
is licked and warmed. I have, therefore, in all my hive-boards
{ate fig. 11 next week) ; a space cut working like a solid drawer,
of sufficient dimensions (10 inches by h\ inches) to allow the
feeding-trough to be slipped in its place below and within the
hive without necessitating its being lifted. Should the combs
not be wrought down then- full length, then the trough must be
raised on a block of wood close to them. I give my largest
supplies by this simple mode.

The bottle plan, so kindly introduced to your readers by " A
Devonshire Bee-keeper," was known and practised in that
centre of bee-Iearuing, Ayrshire, long before M. Hermann wrote.
It is rather a slow process ; I prefer giving a larger quantity
by any of the previously-mentioned modes in the evening, and
find it gone iu the morning, which does not interfere with the
day's work, nor attract robbers. It does, however, afford a
supply to a weak colony without much excitement. I use for
the purpose a clear conical soda-water bottle, on which the
thatch rests nicely. My flat-topped hives have an inch-and-
quarter hole cut with a brace and bit between the two central

bars, into which I place the neck of the bottle. They get cluster-
ing round it, and it is all the sooner emptied. The " Queeist "
afraid of the two or three bees clinging to the net is unworthy
of the name of bee-keeper. The wooden block recommended by
your correspondent is useful in addition, and keeps it all the
more steady, particxdarly should the hive be flat-topped, and
covered with thatch. The piincipal benefit of this plan, however,
is for spring feeding. Some hives the apiarian may be anxious to
stimulate wiU stoutly refuse to take the food by any other
mode than the bottle — perhaps averse to move off the brood.
As constant dropping will wear out the stone, so will it the
stubbornness of our wee favourites. Tlie food gets on their coata
and comb ; then- cleanliness necessitates its being licked up, and
perhaps their inborn thriftiness of character has something to
do with it, too, which I never knew to be exceeded, were it not in
one solitary instance — that of a farmer's wife, not a htmdred
miles from where I write, who, finding a large rat drowned in
her cream, seized it by the tail and drew it out ; but grudging
the rich coating on its fur, actually licked the loathsome brute
thai nothing might be lost I — A Eenfbewshiee Bee-keepeb.
(To he continued.)

BEES DO STOEE HONEY IN HOT CLIMATES.

TnE editor of the apiarian department of one of your contem-
]ioraries has for the last two weeks been advocating the notion,
that in warm climates bees will cease to provide against " a winter
that never comes ! " Barhadoes is one of the localities especially
referred to. Now, turn back a few weeks (I have not the papers
to refer to), and you will find the JVest Indies specially named
as the source whence oiu- supply of b.onoy is derived, and the rise
in price of "AVest India honey," consequent on the faiku'e of
the home supply, is particularly stated ! If bees will not store
honey in warm climates, West Indian honey would be altogether
unknown, instead of being the cheapest and most plentiful in
the market. — Apictjltueist.

[There is no doubt of the fact that bees do store honey in
tropical climates. Mr. Krapf and other travellers in the
interior of Africa mention honey as being there a common
article of food.]

Stkange Habit op Bees in Peeit. — Mr. Sandison, son of
the Rev. Mr. Sandison of this place, sends the following interest-
ing fact in Natural History from Arcquiperu, Peru : — " A few
years ago, a German got out a few hives of bees — an insect
formerly unknown here. The first year he obtained a pjlentiful
supply of honey ; but year by year it decreased, until now the
animals will hardly collect any. And why ? Our climate is so
equable that flowers can be had a'l the year rouud, and the
sagacious animals having discovered this fact, have evidently
lost the instinct of hoarding honey for a winter that never
comes. — {Brechin Advertiser.)

VARIETIES.

TnE Mistletoe. — At a late meeting of the Botanical Society
of Edinburgh, a paper was read by Mr. M'Nab, on " The Efl'ecta
of the late Frost on Trees and Shrubs," and among others we
find an interesting fact, relative to the Mistletoe — viz., that
where growing on apple stocks or on the branches of Mespilus
canadensis, it was greatly cut up and injured, but where growing
on the oak or white thorn it came through unscathed, and ia
now quite green and healthy.

[May not this superior hardihood of the oak-sustained Mistle-
toe account for the especial veneration it received from the
Druids? In that age of forested and undrained England, its
climate was much more severe than now, and the Mistletoe we
may conclude, consequently, was h-equently destroyed on other
trees than the oak. If on this tree it was uniformly uninjured,
the Druids would at once consider it as under some especial
Providence.]

Rhttbahb Strup. — The aperient qualities of green Rhubarb,
and its couduciveness to health being now so well known, its
usefulness does not admit of doubt ; but allow me to remark
that it is best used in the form of syrup, eaten with plain bread,
as are all cooked fruits, and not with pastry, especially by
invalid persons who have bilious constitutions. Pastry is like
itrong drinks — it only serves to indulge the appetite rather than

110

JOrBNAL OF HORTICULTXJEE AND COTTAGE' GAKBENEK.

[ May 7, ISol.

to impart to it any real good, causing secretions in the stomach
beyond Ibeii' natnral order. To make Eliuharb syrup is simply
to cut into small pieces, simmer it over a slow fire one liour,
with a Tcrv little water (or it mny be baked in a jar) ; then strain
it, and add sugar to the palate. Wlien it is young it is like
apples — unnecessary to be peeled. If sweetened with the best
sugar (loaf is best), it wiD, if preserved aii--tie;ht, and set in a cool
place, keep good for many mouths." — A. Hardy, Seed Grower,
J£aldon, Sssex.

Seaweed as a LiiciKa for Dwellings. — M. E. Lagout, has
presented a report to the Paris Academy of Sciences on the
employment of seaweed, applied in layers against the tlun walls
of habitations, to prevent sudden variations in and excess of
temperature. The marine alga?, such as scawrack, may be
termed a seawooly which has thig advantage over ordinnry wool —
that it does not harbour insects, and xnidergoes no change by
dryness or humidity, provided it be not exposed to the solar
rays; in that case it undergoes a complete transformation;
from being brown and flexible, it becomes wliite and almost
rigid. In the dark, on the contrary, it is unchangeable, iinfcr-
mentable, imputrescent, unintlammable, and unattackable by
insects. At first it has the object'on of being hygrometric, but
a sint^le wasliing in fresh water removes the salt, and then its
properties become so beneficial, that a celebrated architect has
styled it the " flannel of health for habitations." ■ It has been
applied successfully between the tiles and ceiling of a railway
station ; also in a portable house intended for the use of ofEcers
at the Camp of Chalons; also double panels, the intermediate
space being filled with seaweed, have been prepared for the
coiistmction of temporary barracks at the isle of Retmion. T)ie
Consulting Committee of Pubhc Health, the Societv of Civil
Engineers, the Council for Civic Structures, &c., have expressed
their approval of the judicious employment of the marine alga?,
and state that the popidarisation of this process will be of
great service in dwellings, esx^ccially in those of the hximbler
class, as it renders them both more agreeable and salubrious.
It can be obtained for about 20^. the ton, which quantity is
sufficient for upwards of a hundi'ed square yards of roofing. —
{London Revieiv,)

OUR LETTER BOX.

Ttjmoue ts Hen's Cbop C-^- -A. P.).— If there is a wen or (umonr, nn
operation will be needed. See what was sa'ld last week upon a case nearly
similar. If the lien is three years old she liad better be killed, for she will
be a bad layer in winter when eggs are dearest.

GnouND Oats (/. J/.).— There is no particular mill used for grinding oata
for converting them into poultry food. The meal of the oats should resemble
that of the barley, so well Known as pigs' food.

Bantams dying Suddenlt (C. P.).—\\q have carefully dissected the
Silver iiantam, and find that she died of stoppage, which had apparently
been some time coming on. The crop was in its natural state, and contained
corn, soft meat, and grass. The giz/ara was u'.nisually full ot stones; and
not only the giz/.ard but the intestines, up to Ihn place where the stoppa-e
occurred. ThiKuas caused by *:ivellini; and ulceration, which allowed the
passage only of the sniallcbt possible amount of fluid, just enough to colour
the feathers, and induce Ihe belief the passai;e was open.

Deaths of Spanish Hens (/. TriVc).— "We believe " Jlother" died of old
age, as everything about her seemed worn out. and her food liad ceased to
nourish her lor a hmg time. We never saw a fowl with decay so strongly
marked upon her. Not so " Little Mother." Slie had been in perfect health
until lately, and now died only from the accident of having an imperfecrly
formed t^gg slfj^pcd hi the ovary, causing great ii.flammation, of which she
died. She was exotedingly fat, and, judging from it, we should think yon
raight diminish the quantity of food given with advantage.

Game Cock Shot {Game CocJc) .—Ihere is co doubt that you can recover
damages fi om the person who shot your fov-l, if you can prove vlio did the
deed. The amount of the damages would be conirolled by circumstances,
such as notice of the bird being a previous trespasser, &c.

Hen with Enlarged Abdomen [re7ifndacti/?us).—Yo\n- hen with
abdomen touching the ground, and laying soft eggs, is suffering from
extreme fat, or from ruptiu'e. If she had not laid we should not liesitate to
say, Kill herat once; but the egg, although a soft one, gives hope. Youmust
continue giving her castor oil, and feed her verv sparinyly till the swelling
has decreased and she lays perfect eggs. If a wttk will not accomplish it
wc can give you little hope. She should be at liberty, but not where there
is food to be had.

Chickens Dung in the Shell {TT. C. O , Kendal). — This, happening
when tie eggs have been sat upon for about a fortn ght, and being a prevail-
ing complaint, suggests that the cold casteily winds which have prevailed
lor some weeks have chilled the egg.s. Siniukling tlie eggs with tepid water,
and keeping the nests more enclosed and warmer would prevent this
mortality probably,

Vahious iX. A'.).— Ton do not state whether the swelling of the Dorking
pullefs crop is hard and solid, or whether apparently full of liquid. If the
Joi-mer, as she apiiears otherwise to be in health, we "advise vou to keep her
till she has done laying, then kill her ; but if the latter, an 'it is caused by
intcnial fever, and consequent excessive drinking, it is only necessai-y to use
castor oil freely as a purgative, and to allow only a littlc'water four times
per day. She must not have water always by lie'r. Jilack £atitai)is should

be very small, have bright red combs, double ones are preferred, and perfectly
white deaf cars The cock should have long sickle-feathers or streamers in
his tail; both cock and hens should be close-feathered, and they need not
drop tl eir wings like SebrJghts. Under ordinary circumstances chickens
may be put up to fatten at sixteen to eighteen weeks old, but in order to
have a sliaru of the i-resent unusual demand, we would put tbem up afc
twelve and kijl as soon as possible.

Gbet and 'White Guinea Fowls.— J. 3f. E. requires a cock bird of this
variety, and would be obliged by being informed where and at what price
she can obtain one.

Various {A. B. C.).— Your Canary will be well after its moult. Do not
give it either hemp, raye, or linseed. You will derive the infonnation you need
about the Wcochury Comb Bar from an advertisement in our last Number,
and in our No. 652, Old Series.

Ham to Preserve.—^ Constant Subscriber will be very much obliged by
information how to keep hams free from Ihe maggots Icnov/n as "Jumpers,"
Many others of our readei's will be equally glad of such infonnation.

Feeding Young TIabbits (Henry Freest o?ie).— To obtain long-eared
Rabbits they should be kept at about" 60° with ventilation. At three ueeks
old you will find they comn;ence eating, and should have soft food, such as
fine middlings scalded with hot water and mixed to a stifl'mash, also a tew
grey peas eoalied in water till they sprtjut, a handfuU about once a-day.
The does with young ones suckling should have as much succulent vegetation
as they can eat— uuch as dandelion, thistles, marshmallows, wild parsley,
and the refuse of any salads: but do not give too much at one time, ov they
waste it. WeD-bved Rabhils seldom require a cap, but at times some of the
best-bred will require them. Many fanciers think stitching better There
will appear a drawing of a cap, and from which you v.-ill be better able to
make from than by a description.

CntNcniLLA Kadb!ts (/. C. U, C).— Ta reply to your queries respecting
the Chinchilla Rabbit. A doe Rabbit is fit to breed at the ageoCsix months.
In thtir wild state they breed at five months. Their skins, to be of the
greatest value, sliould be taken off in winter, and in coh^iir are supposed to
be in perfection at seven t-) nine months. To answer your other -luestion as
to the weight is difficult. Some strains are much larger than others. "We
have two does, each of which weighs 9 lbs.: but from 5 lbs. to 7 lbs. is the
gener;il weight of full-gi-own specimens.

Attaching Bars and Fixing Windows in Straw Hives (0. P.).— The
simplest and most economical mode I have tried of attarhing bars to straw
hives, either tiquare or circular, is to have the two top-bands wrought double
—that is, two outer bands being continued round the upper ones on which
to rest and fix the bars. A further improvement I found to be forming a
frame of four iiieccs five-eightlis wood, equal in length to tlie extemal
dimensions of the hive, and in breadth to the double biinds, joined at the
corners by cutting half the thickness from the upper sides ot the end-pieces
and under of the others. On this frame range the bars at the required dis-
tances, and retain in their places with short brass screws. For round hives the
frame or ring is cut out of the solid, ai.d must taerefore, to prevent splitting,
be at least 2 inches broad, and the thickness increased to i\n inch or two
half-inch rings joined with the grain of the wood reversed (seepage 72).
Instead of placing over the bars a thick clumsy crown-board, which, besides
impeding the ventilation, on ils removal disturbs the whole colony, exposing
the opciator to an imited attack, have the sides of the bars groiived. and the
spaces between filled witJi slides working therein. The removal ot a bar is
easily effected without risk by placing over it and its slides a slip of glass.
On the slides being drawn the apiarian satisfies himself as to thcstraightness
of the comb. A few puffs of smoke both sides cause the bees to abandon it,
and a spare bar or
comb-frame takes
its place. These
frames are fastened
to the hives with
'ong screws intro-
duced through the
under side of outer
bands. On their
withdrawal the
frame, with the en-
tire contents of the
hive, can be trans-
feiTcd to a fresh
hive. To effect this,
or for the transfer-
ence of single bars

of either honey or brood to strengthen weak colonies^ the bee-keeper must
foresee the great advantage of working a uniform size. Window s nre easily
introduced by cutting out a portion straw bands, and fitting rightly in the
space a frame containing glass and a shutter. To prevent its starting, a thin
card can be tacked on it above and below, and slipped round bet ween the
bands and tied at the sides. (See Cut.) Sqmrc Livts possess thetidv^iutages
of space for a. larger window and bars of equal lengih, but &■ e 'ar interior to
the circular or octagon form lur concentrating the heat — a matter of con-
siderable importance for the production of early brood. —A Rkni'uewsuike
Bee-keep F-R.

Erratum.— .A.t page 72 read the sentence, "They are fitted with eight
bars, six of them IJ-inch wide. The remaining two 1^ are placd ime at
each end. These, every bee-keeper knows Rre devoted exclusively to honey,
and arc therefore better ihe broad size, instead of ' than ' the broad size."

r

^=£l^

LONDON MARKETS.— Mat 6.
POULTRY.

■With, the exception of ducklings, wi h.ive no change to note.
case, an exorbitant price has killed the deniand. Judging
previous years, we think we may say the present prices will
much longer.

In their

from all
not last

Each — 3.

Large Fowls 6

Smaller Fowls 4

Chickens 3

Goslings 7

Ducklings 3

d.

0 to

Each— 5.

Guinea Fowls 4

Pigeons 0

Hares 0

Rabbits 1

Wild ditto 0

Slay 1-1, 1861. ]

JOUHNAL OF HOBTICtJLTTJRE AND COlTAG-E GAEDENEB.

Ill

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

of
M'nth

14
IS
16
17
18
19

fiay

Weathbr near London in 1S60.

MAY 1-4-20, 1861.

Td

W
Th

F

S
Son

M

Cypripedinm aoaule.
Isopymm thalictrum.
Leontice thalictrum.
Arum tenuifolium.
Arenavia verna.
Whit Sunday.
Whit Monday.

29.851—29.762
29-8-lS— 29.80!)
29 901—29.775
29.609 -29.522
29.440- 29.330
29.9-17-29.683
30.212—30.075

Thertnom.

Wind.

deis. icg.

65-40

S.W.

68-37

S.W.

02-45

S.W.

62-38

S.W.

60-39

S.

70-35

S.W.

74-39

is.E.

Raiti in
Inches.

Sun
Kises.

Sun

Sets.

•05
•14
■09
•35
•14

m. h.
Ilaf4

10 4

8 i '

7 4 :

6 4

4 4

13 4:

41 nf 7

42 7
44 7

43 7

47 7

48 !
60 5

MOt» I

Hises I Moon*s
and Sets Age.

m. h.
54 H
morn.
20 0 '

42

9

10
ll

ClooU

after
Sun.

Day of

Year.

3 53

3 53

3 52

3 51

3 49

3 47

3 44

i 134
{ 133
136
1»7
1.18
139
140

Meteorology of the Week.— .At Chiswick, from observations during the la.at thirty-four years, the average highest and loweat
temperatures of these days are 04.8' and 42' respectively. The greatest heat, 86', occurred on the 17th in 1833; and the lowest cold, 23",
on the 15th in 1850. During the period 143 days were fine, and oil 93 rain fell.

'LET THE WINE BE HARE, THOUGH SCANT
IN QUANTITY."

N the CornJiill Maga-
zine for this mouth
there is a piece of
poetry entitled ■■ Sold ;'
and I might perhaps
have headed my paper
thus, for it has to do
with aprocess to which
— using that word iu
vulgar parlance — I have more
or less submitted to iu common
with most amateurs for many a
long year. For I wish now to
speak of a series of annual at-
tacks, iu which raisers of and sellers of flowers are the
victimisers, aud the amateur florists the victims ; and
as I see symptoms that the latter much-enduring race
are at last "kicking in the traces," I may, I hope, with-
out offending any one, say frankly what I believe to be
the general feeling of florists on the points to which I
allude, and suggest how much better policy it would be
to adopt a different course.

Any one who takes the trouble to read the advertise-
ments in any of the leading floricultural journals will
find that, every autumn, there come out a series of
flaming announcements of some of the most wonderful
novelties that ever wei-e seen ; and as spring catalogues
begin to bud, a fresh crop of these startling introductions
makes its appeai-ance. Pelargoniums, Cinerarias, Fuchsias,
Dahlias, Pinks, Hollyhocks, Verbenas, Roses, Chrysan-
themums, annuals, and other flowers of a similar class,
are the su'bjects of these high-sounding praises. We
read the descriptions— nothing can be more precise ; and
amateurs, according to their means, invest their flori-
cultural capital in them. They do not come out by twos
or threes— no ! there must be eight or nine Fuchsias.
a dozen Verbenas, and so on. Flowers are there which
have passed through the ordeal of a close scrutiny, and
others that have never been through any ordeal at all,
save the afiectionate not-too-severe criticisms of their
tender parent. Well, they are taken home. Oh, how
carefully watched and tended ! As blooming time comes
on great is the interest they excite. Will they equal
what is said of them ? One begins to open — well, it
don't look much. We see, however, it cost its 5s., or
lOof., or 15s., or even a guinea; so we are unwilling to
acknowledge its deficiencies and to confess to our dis-
comfiture : — it is only a first bloom, the next may be
better. Alas ! it is worse : and out of the dozen that we
have received, perhaps three or four may be retained,
but no more, and we inwardly confess ourselves — shall
I say it ? — " sold."

I have now been a florist for twenty-five years ; and if

I were to put together all the series of hot and cold fits

to which I have been subjected, I am sure it would

equal Dr. Livingstone and his African fevers. Such a

No. 7. — Vol. I., New Sebiks.

state of things is not creditable or pleasant. But I
believe that the fault does not lie altogether on one side.
There is an insatiable curiosity on the part of growers
for something new, and it is hardly in human nature to
resist the temptation of satisfying it; while there is the
almost pardonable weakness iu raisers of believing that
their own flowers must be the best. Their e^'e has been
accustomed to a peculiar strain, aad they do not think
a-jything out of that can be equal to theirs; and hence
the offence is committed.

Is there no remedy ? It seems as if the public begins
to think that there is, and that they are determined to
try it. The demands that a flower should satisfy the
requirements of the Floral Committee are becoming more
urgent ; and growers and raisers of flowers will, I hope,
soon see the advisability of submitting their productions
to its decision. It is by no means sparing in its certifi-
cates and labels where there is any merit ; and I think,
that if a flower is really worth sending out, it will receive
either the one or the other from that Committee. It is so
constituted, too, that, unless on some rare occasion,
justice is pretty sure of being done. Let, then, the
amateur hesitate before he purchases anything that has
not obtained its sanction.

It may be said to this that many raisers live at a great
distance from London, and that others would hardly be
able to risk the expense of sending a bloom of a florist's
flower so far. Buo surely the communication throughout
the country is so cheap and rapid, that when we find
one grower sending up from Edinburgh a box of Pansies
to the Botanic Society's Show, this will hai-dly be a
sufficient excuse.

By-the-by, I see the Scottish Pansy Society has very
wisely adopted a sort of Floral Committee of its own, to
which all flowers are to be subjected, and I believe
nothing is to be sent out that has not passed that ordeal;
and as Scotland is now one of our chief places of supply
for novelties, this step cannot but be desirable for both
the raiser aud the grower. I say the raiser, for I happen
to know in one case that the price of a set of flowers
has this j'ear won just half as much again to the firm
which is sending them out, on the ground that their
having obtained first-class certificates at the Floral Com-
mittee had enhanced their value : and desirab'e for the
growers, for it insures to them that their money will not
be thrown away.

There is, however, a practice of freighting the vessel
which contains three or four good varieties with as many
more that are utterly worthless, the good qualities of
the former being regarded as something that is to make
up for the defects of the latter. This is a positive injury
to the amateur, who is cramped, perhaps, for room, and
who gives up some of that for things he will have after-
wards to throw away. I see that one of the leading
London firms is advertising a great reduction iii the
price of novelties — almost, in many instances, to one-half.
I believe they would have acted much more wisely if
they had kept to the former price and reduced the
number to be sent out.

No. 659.— Vox. XiVI., Oin Sbeies.

112

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

[ May 14, 1861.

As the taste for horticulture is spreading, we may
expect that those who devote themselves to raising seed-
lings will increase in number : and consequently the evil,
if not checked, will increase. We should think it very
hard to be obliged to put up with two or three bad eggs
because the dozen had to be made up ; and why should
we put up with a like absurdity in flowers P It all arises
from greediness. The grower is greedy, for he wants
to have ever so many new things each year ; the sender-
out is greedy, for it is very tempting to be able to get
double or treble the price for a plant because it is new.

I say nothing of the raiser, because he oftentimes knows
but little about the matter, and is only the unconscious
victim in the hands of the person \^ho takes these little
matters off his hands. We must, then, agitate for a
reform. Great changes have taken place. The time for
letting out Pelargoniums at five guineas has long since
gone by. Even the guinea and a half has fallen to a
guinea. But, as I have said, the reform we want is not
80 mvich in the price of the flowers as in their number ;
and the nurseryman who will set his face against the
present system will indeed be a public benefactor.. — D.,
Deal.

PHENOMENA IN THE CEOSS-BBEEDING OF

PLANTS.

[Having received the following letter from Mr. Darwin we
forwarded it to Mr. Beaton, and now publish it with his reply.

** Will Mr. Be;iton, who has made such a multitude of most interesting
observations on the propagation of pliints, have the kindness to state
whether varieties of the same species of Composite plants frequently cross
each other by insect agency or other means ? For instance, will any of
the Cinerarias, if kept apart from other varieties, breed true ? but if
standing near other varieties, "will they generally, or almost certainly,
produce a much greater diversity of coloured seedlings !

"I saw an allusion by Mr. Beaton to this subject in The Cottage
Gaudener of last year with respect to Zinnias; and from this allusion I
infer that Zinnia sports much when kept separate.

*' As I am begging for information on the n.^tu^al crossing of plants, I
will likewise ventuie to inquire whether the great raisers of Holl\ hocks
find it necessary to keep each v,ii iety fnr separate from the rlhers for
raising seed. The late famous hoi ticulturist, the Hon. and Kev. W. Her-
bert, when I visited him at SpufTorlh m;<ny years ago, remarked that he
was n..uch surprised (consideiing the stiucture of the flower and the
relative periods of maturity of the pollen and stigaia) how true some sorts
of Hollyhocks bred, even when growing close to other varieties. I have
found this to he the case with some of the varieties, and cannot understand
how it is possible. Mr. Beaton might, if he pleased, write an article, very
valuable to physiological botanists and of some practical utility, on the
n.atural crossing of varieties. He mioht indicate in which genera crossing
most commonly occurred, and in which it seldom or never occurred For
instance, 1 have observed Sweet Peas during several years and believe
that they never cross ; and it is not easy to make an artificial cross, though
I succeeded at last, but got no good in a horticultural point of view. —
Charles Darwin, I)ou-/iy Bromhy, A'cn/.'*]

I am not aware that any two species of Composite plants
under cultivation have ever been crossed by man, or through
the agency of insects. Mr. Penny, who first broke down
Cineraria erucula iit the Messrs. Young's nursery at Epsom,
said he got it to cross vrith another spreies, I think, from
Teneriffe. It is more in accordance with tlie experience of cross-
breeders, however, that superior ciiltiyation induced the dis-
position to vary, as in the Dahlia. The Swan River Daisy,
Braohycome iberidifolia, is the last instance we have of this in
the garden ; while Zinnia is the last variable Composite plant-
that has been turned into double flowers, so called. This last
change is said to have been effected iu India ; and if it is really
so, the elfect may be ascribed to climate more than to high
cultivation. We know the Port Natal Gladiolus (natalensis or
psittacinus) could not bo crossed here, or on the Continent,
with any of the old Cape species or their seedlings ; but in
Australia, at Sydney, the cross was easily effected — Gandavensis
being the first seedling of that cross ; but as soon as that cross
got into the hands of European cultivators they experienced no
jnore difficulty in pushing- on their crosses in the strain of
natalensis. These are three reecnt instances of the undoubted
influence of cultivation and climate over genuine wild species.
Eor the first seven or eight years of high cultivation tlie .Swan
River Daisy kept to ifs original colours — blue and white, then
varied into lilac and purple and minor shades. When a flower
or species thus varies from the effects of cultivation or climate,
the variation is also variable in degree. Some of the varieties
reproduce tliemselves quite true from seed from the first ; others,

oil the contrary, take some years before the colour or habit is
" fixed," as gardeners say when a variable plant comes true from
seeds after sporting for some years ; and some never get fiiied,
or have not done so yet, and Zinnia is an instance of it. In all
these instances some people attribute the changes to cross-
fertilisation ; they have been crossing their flowers, and they
have seen results, and account for them that way, deceiving
themselves. But those who have studied and experimented on
the efiects of cross-breeding, as against the results of the efifects
of climate and cultivation, have long since arrived at the con-
clusion that crossing has no power on fixing any two plants
which naturally sport — that is to say, on fixing a seedling from
their union combining so much of tlie qualities of each of the
parents as is generally the case when two permanent kinds or
species, which always reproduce themselves or their like, ara
united. That conclusion strikes at the root of the fallacy which
obtains iu respect to the best means of improving all our do-
mestic fruits ; and yet crossing is an element of great value in
improving flowers and fruit, which seems a contradiction, but
is explained thus : — Some seedlings from plants that have been
crossed for a generation come quite true fi'om seeds, some half
true, and some on which no reliance whatever can be placed, or,
in our language, they always sport from seed. On those which
this sport-crossing has no efl'ect — such, however, as come half
true and half sport-crossing — there is a chance of an intermediate
condition, and those merest varieties which come true from seeds
crossing is just as eflrectual with them as with two genuine wild
species. One would tliink, therefore, there were no natural
limits or difference between a species and a permanent variety —
that is, one which comes true from seed, like the large-flowering
variety of the Mignonelte. In practice there is no landmark what-
ever between such a variety and a wild species. The garden
Cinerarias are sporting plants as much as the Dahlia, yet among
a thousand seedlings of each, one may turn up which will come
half true from seeds, and when one finds such a seedling m any
of the sporting families of common plants he keeps it for a
breeder, even if it were the worsf.looking in a large batch of
seedlings. The way with Cinerarias more than with most plants
is this — by a careful selection of kinds under high cultivation
one gets a superior strain, as we say, or superior flowers, which,
althnugli they will not come true from seed, will produce more
good seedlings, or less bad ones, than an inferior strain : there-
fore, if a good flower or good strain of Cineraria is exposed to
the pollen or influence of a bad strain, the good breed is imme-
diately deteriorated in the sporting offspring. I am not aware
that any of the garden Cinerarias come true from seeds, or if
any of them could now be crossed with the nearest wild species.
The only Composite flower on which I ever spent time is
Dahlia scapigera, the pretty little lilac dwarf Dahlia with small
shining foliage, and I think I can venture to assert that in our
climate it is impossible to cross it with any of the garden
Dahlias. It is just the same among Primulas: notwithstanding
the freedom with which Auriculas and Polyanthuses will sport
among themselves, you cannot drive a seedling from all their
races by the pollen of their nearest kindreds. When Primula
Paliimri and sinensis, which were introduced the same year
(1816) came into general cultivation, I was initiated into the
mystery of crossing flowers, and these two were of the number
which raised the hopes of the cross-breeders, particularly
Palinuri, which, to a common observer, is nothing beyond a
huge Auricula ; but none of the wild species of Primula would
touch each oflier or the garden varieties. Then you see no end
of sport seedlings in the Dahlia and iu the Primula, in two
distinct species of Primula and two botanical species of Dahlia j
and yet the rest of their families obstinately liold aloof from
each otiier, and from tlie sports of their respective kinds.

The old Hollyhocks, or some of them, were fixed varieties; but
whether they were so fixed from the first, or induced to fix by
a long course of culture by propagation of the "roots we do not
know, but the fact is well known that some of the old kinds
would come true from seeds. A long course of one uniform
culture renders some plants barren aUogcfher, as Crocuses, and
a long period of years intervenes between tlie birth of some
seedlings and their coming to the age of puberty — to the age of
producing seeds, although they may have flowered from the
second or third year from the seed. Ribes sanguineum flowered
six or seven years before it began to seed ; and Dr. Herbert
records an instance in which a certain seedling bulb flowered
fourteen years before it pi-oduced pollen or would seed.

" The relative pei-iods of maturity of tlie pollen and stigma,"

May 14, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE ASD COXXAaE GARDENER.

113

seems to have been a wise law from the heginniug for
the preservation of the kinds of plants ui their generations, for
there is not a flower in a thousand that is fertilised by its own
immediate pollen. The pollen is in advance of the stigma in
the great mass of ilowers, and the pollen from another flower on
the same or neighbouring stalk is the fertiliser. And here another
wise law is in operation : When the stigma is ripe it is exposed
to the influence of the pollen of all the plants of its own kind
which may be growing near it; and the law is, that the pollen
of the flower, or of the plant which is the strongest or best
developed, takes the lead in fertilising the stigma, and at the
game time is able to neutralise any effects that may have been
produced by an inferior pollen, or pollen from a weaker flower
or sickly or stunted plant — a thing which can be proved any
day in the summer by dusting the stigma with its own and
sundry pollen, when one kind of pollen only will take effect.
And that proves two things in addition to the proof that the best
pollen takes the lead — proves superfcetation to be impossible, and
also proves that the ideas of physiologists are not according to
Nature as to tlie progress of the pollen to the ovary. They say
the pollen passes through tubes of extreme tenuity to the ovules.
If that were so, and more than one stigma supplied the necessary
passage, more than one kind of pollen might find access to the
ovules, and more kinds than enough would fertilise the embryo
seeds, and superfcetation would necessarily result.

In the instance mentioned by Mr. Darwin of Sweet Peas
never crossing, they belong to a class of flowers every one of
which must, of necessity, be fertilised by its own pollen in the
great majority of instances. The carina, or keel, or lower petal
in pea-shaped flowers is, in reality, two petals joined at the edges.
The joining is the keel, the ends of these two petals lap over or
fold into each other, forming the imaginary bow of the boat ;
the stamens and the pistil are compressed within the folds forming
the bow, and fertilisation is effected in the dark, and the stigma
is perfectly safe from the intrusion of foreign pollen : therefore,
no garden Pea can be naturally crossed more than a Sweet Pea,
unless, indeed, a strong bee with other ))ollen on his legs has
been struggling to get at the nectar in the stern of the boat.
Some of the varieties of the garden Pea may be crosses resulting
from a struggle of that kind, but the great majority of them are
the results of the sporting tendencies of the plant itself. This
is the true cryptogama of Nature, of which, however, there are
many more perfect instances. The great bulk of the order of
Bellworts, or Campanulas, are real ciyptogams, their fertilisation
is effected in the dark before the flower expands ; but the Wheat
miglit be said to be the most complete cryptogam of all the
common plants. No kind of Wheat has ever been natm-ally
crossed and never can be. When the Royal Agricultural Society
talk about tlie Wheat being in blossom, they are just one mouth
behind Nature, But what they and the bulk of the country
people take for the flowering of the Wheat, is one of the most
beautiful contrivances in Nature as means to an end, a departure
from th3 law of Nature, as it wei'e, to preserve food for man. The
Wheat is in full flower, and the seed is fertilised while the ear
is yet in the folds of the sheath before the Wheat is in ear. At
that period the anthers might be said to be sessile, or to have
hardly any length of stamens under them; but as soon as the
pollen is shed, the husk of the anther might rot in such close
confinement and endanger the safety of tl;e staff of life now
having just received vitaUty. To prevent famine for lack of
Wheat, however, Nature alters her common process in this matter.
As soon as the anther is emptied of the pollen the stamen
begins to grow and to push up the husk of the anther away fi-om
the embryo seed ; and by the time the ear is seen the husk is
■well nigh out of the scales which enclose the seed, but stops not
there nor tiU the hnsk is dangling from a while thread far off
from the entrance to the seed-case, and when all dangers are thus
provided against, the farmer congratulates himself if the weather
is propitious for his Wheat is in blossom !

I do not know an instance " of the natural crossing of
varieties." My own experience of variable plants was given last
week, and I do not exactly comprehend what is meant by natural
varieties, for all the so-called varieties in cultivation have been
artificially obtained either by a change of cultivation, or by
crossing with poUen such kinds or species as would sport from
seeds under ciitivation. These kinds I coll variable plants, then-
own progeny being constantly variable in aspect, and just as
variable when the pollen of another flower is applied to them.
It is a difficult thing for a gardener to see or comprehend the
meaning of what botanists call varieties, or natural varieties of

plants, because there is no limit, or sign, or any other indication
in their outward aspect to distinguish them from the oldest
species on record, and there is nothing in the botanical structure
of even a variable seedling to distinguish it from a genuine
species. Professor Henslow proved that point long since in
his comparative anatomy of a cross-bred Foxglove, or some such
plant. I do not know of one plant that is a cross between any
two plants in a wild state. I do not know that any one has
obtained a true cross in any of the pea-flower plants — papilio-
naceous plants, nor yet any reliable cross among all plants of the
Composite order. I know one thing on which many, if not
most gardeners, put a great stress or value in knowing — that is,
the conditions under which plants that are fit subjects for
garden decoration are found in their natm'al habitats ; but that
knowledge is of little practical value, or may prove to be
a hindrance to the proper cultivation of particular plants for
some time, and yet might be the means of suggesting why and how
plants may be, or have been, induced to cross in a wild state, or
liave sported into variations without crossing. That one thing
needful is proved to be of so little value by the well-known fact
that very many garden plants, or their immediate ancestors, did
not, and do not at the present day, occupy those regions in the
wOdemess which were best suited to their natures. Their
positions or habitats, as we say, are more often the result of
necessity, not of choice. A plant that would thrive and be
luxurious on the sea coast, on the plains, or in valleys in beds of
alluvium, or in the shelter of high ridges, or precipitous rocks,
can find no foot room in such luxury from the natural com-
petition of more powerful neighbours, as was the case not many
ages since among ourselves in the midst of civilised life ; and
from this competition the weaker plants must always go where
they can vegetate and live a quiet life without rank or luxury
— in the highways and byways of the savage wilderness, and in
time they become the alpine and sub-alpine species of that part
of the world from sheer necessity. They may even become
sterile from a long course of the starving principle. But now
recover one of them from impending fate, give it to a florist or
a fancy gardener who is above the vulgar prejudice, in his belief
that all plants in a wild state must, of necessity, occupy the
places best suited for their natures, and he will soon tell a
different version of how the matter really stanJs, and might have
stood in the wilds, if the plant could get admission to those
parts for which its constitution was formed to enjoy. The plant
is found to be a luxuriant grower, not at all like a mountain
plant, or a rock plant, or ridge or the bare-places-of-the-earth-
kind-of-looking plant one might expect from the description of
its habitat. After a round of cultivation has brought it to that
point from which it fell, from the competition in foreign parts,
it begins to seed ; and if it, or any of its seedlings sport for joy,
why, a new race is born into the world, as has been the case at
every revolution of the order of things since the world began to
be clothed as it is now ; or if it comes true from seeds, another
flower of the same kind which have been already civilised, as it
were, may cross with it or by it, and a generation of gentry is
forthwith on the stage of the florists, or of that of the com-
petition tent. But suppose the wild plant had found a place
suited to its nature in the struggle with stronger plants, and that
it inherited the property of sporting or of crossing with another,
may we not believe that a new plant, or new race of plants might
thus result by such natural means, as by the artificial process of
the home cultivator? Thatisas far as the experience of gardeners
and cross-breeders can account for natural crossing in a wild state.
The artificial crossing of pea-shaped flowers is easy enough.
All that the operator has to do is to split open the bottom part
of the keel-petal or united petals with the point of a pin : that
relieves the stamens, which may then be extracted, and tho pistil
is free also to receive foreign pollen. Mr. Knight made an
experiment for getting early Potatoes to seed by planting them
on a ridge, and when the plants were ready to bloom he washed
away the soil of the ridge to prevent them making young tubers,
and so force the whole strength of the plants or roots into the
stems and foliage to see if that would forcj them to seed.
Another form of that experiment is applicable to all bulbs and
tubers which form roots on the flowering-stems, as the Japan
Lilies and others do. Pot such bulbs or tubers with the neck
of the bulbs just at the surface, and when the stem is an inch or
two put an empty pot over it, introducing the stem through the
hole at the bottom of the pot, then earth up the stem, and when
it roots and fills the upper pot ^separate from the bulbs, then
cross it. D. Beaton.

114

JODBNAL OF HORHCUI^TFili; AND gOITAOE ft^-KIJJiSEB,

[ M»y 1-1, ISei,

VINES EEFUSIKG TO BREAK.
I HAVE in my late house of Vines tbrse Vine3 that I cannot
get to break, cxcBpt at the bottom of tach stem. Wlien I
entered on mj present siluation in J uly tliey liacl been under
tlie care of a labourer, and had liecu seourged, and bore little fruif.
AVhen the pruning season ai'rived, which was on the spurring
sjsteni, I cleaned nil the old bark ofl', and washed them in a
misture of soft soap, sulphur, and cowdung— a mixture always
used at Trcniham for all the fruit trees. My early house, which
1 liavo treated tlie same, has a noble crop of unit on. I may
also add t!iet the roots arc outside, and have been coreved with
lioi'se-lillei> to the deplh of 14 inches all the winter. When I
took the litter ofi', about the middle vi tlie month, I found the
border net, but the roota are good.— ^H. H., Lancashire. ■

[If the tops of your Vines will not break now we should judge
tl'.at Ihey mi.ist be dead, and we should judge that they have
been killed by exposing Ihein to frost after peeling their bark
off, or tlmt in washing them you used the paint in too warm
a state. You give us too few data from which to judge;
but as they ore breaking from the bottom, either cause would
produce the result. Are there no marks of mice or rats gnawing
the stems above the place whence tlie young shoots are now
coming? If the upper portions of the rods are dead, you can-
not do better than replace them by some of the young shoots
from theu" base.J

A GLIMPSE OF WOODHALL.

{Coiiclvded from page 79.)

The kitchen garden is large and beaut ifiiUj' situated, well
sheltered, and the walls extra well snpj^lied with fine fruitful
trees. Beyond the walls shrubs and trees had sufVered rather
more than in this exposed ])lace ; but inside there was a gi-eat
difTerence- Apricots seemed scarcely touche'd, and well stoi'ed
with prominent frnit-buds, whilst ours had shrivelled up or
dropped, though the wood-buds remained. Peaches, too, on a wall
were a picture, for its fine trees seenied little injured; and though
on cutting some shoots the heart was rather brown, Sir. Beale
thought they would manage to grow and bear their crop. A
Pear-wall, the shoots trained horizontally, some years before had
the spurs thinned and gradually removed, and young wood tieil
dowriwards over tlie main branches, and these were bristling
with flawer-buds, though Pear-blossom is extra thin in many
places thii season.

I noticed an underground spacioi:s chamber for all root crops
where there is no danger of frost cntoviug. A cominodicus
stair leads to the entrance, but light is obtained and tlie rools
putt m through tv trap-door on the ground level. Potatoes,
Carrots, Beets, &c.,, v.ere in excellent condition. Mr. Beale
praised very highly the Pine Apple Beet for its rich colour and
ext^'a saccharine properties. The Jlushroom-house was on the
old prmciple of Oldacre, with wooden shelves, and the lower
beds next tlic ^'round were seldom used, as the sl)elf-bed.s were
more thoroughly under command, and plenty wcie obtained
from them by successions. Sonic bushels might have been
gatliored that day. I notieed no peculiarity except that the
surface of the beds was ratliev loose, but Mr. Beale stated they
were not so ilrra as lie generally had them.

Tlie whole forcing department was nest to perfection. A long
pit of yoinig Pines lieatcd entirely by fermenting material within,
such as tan, and duu'^' linings without, looked very well, having
btjon carried through the very severe weather witliout suffering
in the lejist. Tlio jilaiits inside were all nice and dry, not
wrapped in moisture and cob! vapour, as they frequently are iu
pits heated by dung at that season. This was much 0T,-ing to
the closeness of the brick walls. They had originally been
pig^con-holed, but Mr. Bcals had the holes filled up, and now with
the dung banted up to the top of the walls, the enclosed atmo-
sph^e was dried as well as heated, and air oould bo given more
freely iu favourable weather. The fact bore out what lias several
times been stated about heating by dung.

A little above this is a long range of span-i-oofed houses or
pits in three divisions, but wliieli can be all heated at once, or
one or two only, beginvijug with the end next the boiler. If not
all new it has been remodelled by flir. Beale. The side walls are
from 3 feet to 4 feet, witlt ventilators iu thoni for side air. Ih
one sid.-' the sloping roof each alternate light is made to slide ;
auda? the lights are heavy, a stout iron pin with a chain attached

! goes throijgh them into th» wall-plate to keep them secure when
close or open. A few inches at top are found sufficient lor all
early crops. The height to the ridge is 8 feet, width of house
about 11 feet. A pathway down the middle divides it into two
: beds. There are two pipes on each side for top lie.it, one next
] the outside wall, and one above the wall of the path, both on
the same level ; and one running bock under f ho bed, witli a Utile
fermenting material, gives enough of bottcui beat for cucumbers,
melons, &c. A pecidiai-ity is- a stout wooden shelf immediately
above the pipes next tlie passage, and which in srnh a jiositiou,
iudei^endently of the non-com) net ing properties of wood, becomes
nicely warm and furnishes a good phitform for a few ornar
mental plan.ts. On the 8th of February the boards were mostly
filled with cutting-pots of Verbenas, &e., doing nicely. Cuoivn-
bers were put out in some of the beds, and tlicre were some fii)e
Orange plants cnining into bloom for the conservatory.

Higher up still on the sloping ground were ;i, range of Pine-
houses. These had originally been veiy wide pits, covered
with huge sashes some \Q feet or more in length — a Hue benefit
to move np and down for air, and to take off when anything
required to be done ! The sashes arc retained, hut the back wall
has been removed, except what was wanted for a curb for the
Pine-pit, and the house luis been widened so as to permit of a
wide pathivay beliind, covered with a short-hipped glass roof, by
which air is easily given. The middle division has been converted
into a stove for plants, with massive elate pbtforms, as more
Pines were grown than were wanted. The Pine plants were
strong and stubby ; some swelling, some showing, and many
presenting that look that tells the gardener that they would
yield their fruit in regular succession. The smooth Cayenne
seemed a great favourite, and the plants were very fine. I find
several gardeners are becoming greatly in love with this kind. -4-
good judge told me lately thnt the fruit had an aroma of its
own. Il is ctrtainly more pleasant to work among than the
hard prickly gentry.

On the brow of the slope stands a splendid range of vineric",
some 16 feet or 18 feet wide, and lofty in proportion, the ro«f
coining low down in front. These houses are heavy, with
immense sashes in the old-fashioned way ; but the Vines were
pictures. 'Jhe later vineries had the flcore covered with bedding
pliiiils. One house or more was filled with Scarlet Geraniums
in small pots, soon to have a shift into a larger. Each pot had
a largo cutting put into it in autumn — a good plan where such
room can be afforded. Vhcn Mr. Beale has the new flower
garden iu full working order, most likely he will have to
economise room, too, in winter.

The early vinery was a fine sight. The bunches were within
a few days of flowering on the Sth of February, The Vinos had
been spur-pruned, and I did not notice a shoot without its
bunch. Tlie crop, tlierefore, would not only be fine, but reguhtr
and equal, and the Vines were in the best possible condition.
As far as I recollect, the Vines aie planted inside, but the roots
go out into a wide border, with a fine slope to the soutli.
How then was the border treated ? Much iu the way reeom-.
mended by Mr. BaUey in a late volume. Early in autumn
some rich dung is phiced on the border, that the virtue may b^
washed in by the late summer an:l autumn rains. Early In
autumn — at least before the ground loses heat by radiation —
a good layer of fern is thrown over the border. Later somo
long litter is added, and hurdles thatched with straw are placed
next the front wall of the house, and in front of them the
border is rongli-thatehed, so that much of the rains of winter la
thrown off. Tlie mode of covering will not throw much heat
into the soil, but it prevents the lieataecuniulatcfi in the summer
escaping at all freely, so that the roots will bo in a comfortable
position, and ready to meet the demands of the expanding leaves
and swelling bunches. One peculiarity of Mr. Beale' .> system,
and one worthy of being noted, is — in his ea.rly house he vever
move.t the coveyiiiff tni/il the Grapes are coloured, if not mostly
cut. Then the border gets its fresh dressing, as alluded ^
above.

Another peculiarity (or neai-ly so, for I noted the same thing
in a short description of the Poles, the residence of Robert
JIanbury, Esq.), is — that the heating-pipes are on the same
level. In these vineries there are five four-inch pipes somewhat
regularly distributed over the width of llic floor from the path-
way 10 the outside front wall. That is the number in this fine
oarly vinery at any rale. Four of these pipes are flows, and
one is a return. So for as the hand could judge, all were as near
the same temperature as possible. 'VVhen les^ beali i? wanted,

May 14, IBSl. ]

JOirHNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

115

than sucli a number of pipes would give off, the application of
ia valve shuts off the circulation from two pipes, and confines it
to two flows and one return. The pipes from the pavt where
they communicate with the boiler, or main flow, rise slightly,
perhaps 2 inches or 3 inches to the farther end, and an open air-
pipe there prevents all accumxilation of air. The boiler is
suppHed ft'om a cistern near it in the back shed. The attendant
on the fires has to see that the cistern is always supplied with
■water. At the highest end of the pipes a very small tap is
fixed, by turning of which as he goes through the houses, Mr.
Beale may know in an instant if (he boiler and pipes are
properly supplied, as, if there is water in the cistern above the
boiler, the water will issue from the small tap. A very handy
check is thus ah.yays ready. Mr. Beale has done almost the
wliole of the heating himself; and after the usual packing at the
heads of the joints, lie fills them entirely with Portland cement,
and so far as sound joints can tell, it would seem that nothing
cduld answer better.

A very great advantage connected with this garden is, that from
a reservoir of water on an elevated mound, and by means of
pipes along the walks, and strong plug-taps at suitable intervals,
and a fair amount of hose, aU tlie wall trees can be washed, and
the growing crops watered, with but little labour. The water-
barrow must, tlicretbre, enjoy soniotlung like » snug sinecure.

Mr. Beale's comfortable liouse — the main living-rooms being
half a story above ground — stands at the north side of the
garden, a small flovver garden in front separating it from these
vineries and thcil' range of back slieds. In tliese sliefls are the
rooms for the young men — the floor somewhat siuik below the
ground level outside — almost the only tiling at Woodhall
suggesting an improvement, as independently of the sunk
floor, hardly a direct beam of sun can enter windows facing
tha north — an objectionable feature, whatever other advantages
these rooms may and do possess. In these rooms Sir Joseph
Paxton lived, and there, too, is the very bed on which he slept
when a young man, and wielding the shovel and poker in
attending to the furnaces of these houses.

"Very simple things often show us what chahgeable, incon-
sistent creatures we are. I had the pleasm-o in crossing the
park to the kitchen garden with Mr. Beale to meet the youthful
proprietor of this fine demesne, and could not help wishing
that son and sons to come might be as -distinguished as their
sires for those sterling cpialities and unobtrusive benevolence
that have made the Abel Smiths an institution of the county.
Anon I began to wish, that when the period came when those
noble commoners should be enrolled among the peers of
England, the popular Well-known name might still be retained,
as in the case of Lord Herbert of Lea, and that if lords thei-e
were to be, it might be Lord Abel Smith of Woodhall. Eve
long we eVeu began to doubt whether such added dignity might
be the best of all compliments, and if we could not sing we could
have ehorxTsed the independent spirit-breathing lyric of Burns —
'■A man's a man for a' that."

" The rank is but the guinea's stamp,
. Tlie man 's tlie gowd for a' tliat ;
A prince can niulce a belted knigbt,
A mnrqiiis, duke, and a' tliat ;
Bat an honest nr.m's aboou llis might,
Guid laiih, be mauna fa' that."

But, heigho, the sight of that humble bed on which the great
gardener had rested his weai-y limbs and his working brain,
associated '.vith what he has now become, led us at once, if not
to worship rank and title, at least to fvel g.atefid to the Sovereign
Lady, who, in knighting the gardener conferred not Only an
honour upon him, bnt on every one of \\s tlie humblest in tlie
blue-aproned fraternity; adding, too, another proof, if proof weVc
necessary, that in tliis favoured land of ours real genius com-
bined with tcue merit will ultimately meet with duo acknowledg-
ment ; and that even the humblest in station may aspire, if s'.ich
be the bent of their ambition, to be enroled in the ranks of the
aristocracy of title, as well as the aristocracy of intellect, or the
nobler aristocracy still of true gi-eatness, because associated and
identified with practical goodness.

That bed, too, might well furnish practical lessons to many of
the young gardeners of the day. Mitch has lately appeared in
gardening serials respecting their interests, their education, the
means to be adopted for securing ultimate success — much that,
if prudently followed, could not fail to elevate, improve, and
make better men as well as better girdeners — much, however,
having a decided tendency to give them false notions of their

social position — much to puff up with co.isequence, as if already
they had the right to clioose what they would do, and more
fitted to direct and to order than cheerfully and with alacritv
to obey — much leading them to found baseless expectations of
what head gardeners and other friends could, would, or should
do for them, instead of depending on their own self-denial, their
own self-culture, inflexible integrity, and unremitting, unswerving
attention to duty. Prom all I have heard of Sir Joseph Paxtou
when at AVoodhall and elsewhere, no doubt can remain that to
such self-culture, self-denial, unwearied industry, and unremitting
attention to carry out the directions and instructions of his
superiors as a great principle of duty, ho was indebted for secur-
ing the approval of those for whom he laboured, and ultimately
became fitted to be chosen as the gardener, and, what is more
important, as disproving all the fallacies about mere good luck —
fitted to continue the gardener of the Palace of the Peak, and
to render its gardening events in horticultural history ; fitted to
be the designer of the splendid C'l'y stal Palace ; fitted to be listened
to with marked attention as a senator iu the legislative ,.hall3 of
the nation ; fitted, perhaps, most of all to sustain worthily the
greatness achieved — greatness, I believe, even less seen in the
social distinction obtained, as in the simple well-known fact,
that he has never tiu'ned an averted eye from an old acquaintance
however hiunble, nor shown any diminished regard for all'that
concerns the best interests of his old brethren of the spade and
the hoe. Vrould humble men aspire to obtain and sustain, even
a very comparative respectability in position, similar means must
be used, a similar pathway must be trodden. All other depend-
ences will ultimately end in disappointtaenfr. E. Eisn.

COMMON PLANTS.

The Dandclion-hke plant, Dorouicuiu austriacnm, has flowered
well with inc this spring ; but the situation where it flowers and
thrives best is a rich alluvial loam. Some plants, nearly twenty
years old, growing on the bank of a river flower well, and grow
to a large sixe from the river to the top of a hill, 600 feet above
the level of the sea. The plants in the gardens gradually grow
less in size, seldom flower well, and rarely live more than two
years ; yet iu sheltered corners some good plants may be found
whioli flower well.

Those readers of TuE Jouekal of IXokticultche and
CoTT.iOE Gakdexek who find it ditfieult to grow Saxifraga
oppositifolia will find it more easy to grow Thymus serpylliiui
hirsntum — a variety of oiu' common wUd Thyme, and like the
Saxifi'aga " a bonny lufty kind o' plant wi' a wee purple kind o'
llower." It is a plant tliat is easy to grow in the rockery and mixed
border. This winter, in places where the Saxifraga 0))positifolia
has died awaj-, the Thymus has survived, and kept its downy
leaf very well. 1 have a plant, one of the healthiest I ever had,
and it has had no care bestowed upon it ; the situation in
which it is grown is cold and bleak, yet it promises to flower
abundantly. The flowers of tliis Thymus are not so large or as
good a colour as S. oppositilblia, still it is a plant worthy of a
place iu the rockery and mixed border.

I am well pleased to learn that the Editors of The Joubnai.
OP lIOBTicULlUEE AKD -CoTTA&E Gaedenee are wl-itiug a wofk
on tlie wild flowers of Great Britain. Such a work written in a
popular form has long been needed, and may be of Use to the
lovers of our English Flora. If not already contemplated, let
me suggest the pi-oj I'iety of their -writing an Englisli index-^
from the want ot an index of local names many of our county
Eloras have been thrown aside and forgotten. That the present
work may have an extensive Sale and stir up a desire to be better
acquthiK'd with oiil- wild flowers is the sincere desire of — EtJstic
EOBIN.

TsS lLLtrsTHA*lSB BottquSt. — In the last ffumber of the
"Illustrated Bouquet'* thel-e is a magnificent double plate of
Aloeasia mctallica, the most beautiful o! all the fine-leaved plants
in cultivation. Another fine plate of two varieties of Lilium
speciosum, or of those commonly called Japan Lilies and Lilium
lancifolium, under which the whole family of Lilies is described
in sections, and their proper treatment explained ; to which is
added the monograph of all the ornamental bulbous and tuberous-
rooted plants, which we have already noticed. The reason
which induces us to notice this part of the " Illustrated Bouquet"
more particularly at this time, however, is the coloured double
plate, which exhibits at one bird's eye view the wliolc of the

116

JOTTRNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 14., 1861.

glass structures, walks, views, and furniture, so to speak, of the
establishment of Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son's, in which
may now be seen the finest collection of spring-flowering bulbs
in full bloom — a circumstance which, we believe, induced Her
Majesty and suite to take several drives down the 'Wellington
Boad this time last year.

EEPOET ON THE GAEDEN PEAS,

Geowu at Chiswick bitbing 1860.

By BoBEET HoGa, LL.D., F.B.H.S., Secretary to the Fruit

Committee.

{Continued from page 63.)

37. Burbidge's Eclipse ...Noble, Coopee, & Boiton.

Syn : Stubbs" Dwarf.

The plant is a dwarf but robust grower, from 18 inches to
2 feet. high. The foliage is dark green, slightly blotched. The
stem is always simple, and produces from ten to twelve pods,
which are generally in pairs, rarely single. They contain from
five to six Peas, which are of good size, and closely packed. The
ripe seed is large, uneven, oval, and of a blue colour.

Sown February 191 h; bloomed June 13th; slatted June
25th ; and fit for use July 13th.

This is the dwarfest of all the blue Peas, and is an excellent
bearer.

38. Flack's Imperial Noble, Coopee, k Bolton.

Stn : FlacVs Victory ; Flack's Tlctoria.

This variety, introduced about ten or twelve years ago as an
improvement on Bedman's Imperial, appears now to rejjre-
sent the varieties formerly known as Blue Imperial, and Bed-
man's Imperial, and deservedly so, for it is the only one of the
name reaUy worlh growing when true, and it requii'es careful
selection to keep it so, from its tendency to degenerate into Blue
Prassi.in. The plant is of a robust habit of growth, with a stem
which is always branching, and generally about 3 feet high, pro-
ducing dark green blotched foliage. The pods are from twelve
to eighteen on a plant, generally in pairs, but frequently single,
and contain from six to eight very large Peas, which are of au
ovate shape, about half an inch long and seven-twentieths broad.
The ripe seed is large, irregularly oval, and dark blue.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 13th ; slatted June
26th ; and fit for use July 11th.

39. Banksian Marrow. -Feaser, Richaedson, & Goad.

This is evidently a form of the Scimitar, but with a less curved
pod, and partaking a good deal of the character of an Imperial.
The plant grows to the same height as both of these, and the
pods come into use also at the same time. Though a good sort
it is not materially distinct, and does not possess any superior
merit.

40. Blue Scimitar Noble, Coopee, & Bolton.

Stn ; Blue Sabre; Scimitar.

The plant is a strong, robust grower 2J feet to 3 feet high,
generally with a simple stem, but sometimes branching, and
having dark green blotched foliage. The stem bears from twelve
to eighteen pods, which are also of a dark green colour, and
very much curved and flattened. They are produced generally
in pairs, and contain on an average nine to ten Peas in each. The
ripe seed is irregularly oval and dark blue.

Sown February 19th; bloomed Jime 16th; slatted June
28th ; and ready for use July 16th.

This is an old variety, and now very much grown by farmers
and market-gardeners as a field crop, for the supply of the
markets of large towns, the fine large dark green pods always
commanding a ready sale. It is very prolific, and is without
doubt one of the best varieties for culture on a large scale ; but
it is one which is very liable to degenerate, and demands very
careful attention to preserve a pure stock.

TI. WHITE KKIGHT's PEA3.
Ripe seed white, compressed and wrinkled. Foliage most
frequently dark green and much blotched ; but occasionally light
green, sliglitly or not at all blotched.

41- Fairbeard's Nonpareil- -.Noblf, Coopee, & Boiton.
The plant is of a free but not vigorous growth, resembling the

Early Frames both in habit and in foliage, the latter being light
green and not blotched. The stems are branching, SJ- feet to
4 feet high, and producing twelve to fourteen very full and plump
pods, which are generally in paii's, and contain six to eight
very closely packed Peas. The ripe seed is small, white, and
wrinkled.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 14th ; slatted June
25th ; and fit for use July 6th.

This is an early and very productive Pea, and comes into use
at the same time as the Early Frames and the Early Eingwood.
The Peas, however, are small, and as a wrinkled variety it is now
surpassed by Advancer, which is earlier, and produces larger
pods and Peas.

{To be continued.)

BLIND BXOOMS OF EiEENS' SEEDLING.

In answer to "C. H. C," I can tell him for his satisfaction
that a few years ago I was precisely similarly circumstanced
with regard to the blooming of my Keens'. I had administered
powerful manures, aud I felt sure I had overdone it. The
plants showed remarkable vigour, and for their colour, and
growth, were considered wonderful. I allowed them to remain,
occasionally forking amongst them, and giving a liberal supply
of water in June. The following year I had the pleasure of
seeing the same vigoiu' and colour, accompanied by large clusters
of bloom, which foi-med and ripened into beautiful fruit. I
would say to " C. H. C," Do not despair ; if all goes on well
you will be amply repaid next year.. — W. P. D.

EVEEGEEENS FOE BACK WALL OF A
VINERY OE GEEENHOUSE.

M.ANT inquiries have been sent you from time to time as to
the most suitable plant for the back wall of a greenhouse or
vinery : therefore, I imagine my case to be that of many others.
At one time of the year the back wall of my greenhouse or vinery
(it serves me for both purposes) is shaded entirely, and is there-
fore imsuited to the growth of ornamental climbers, such aa
Passiflora Buonaparteana or Mandevilla suaveolens. Each of
these plants I have tried in its turn, and each has been most
reluctantly discarded, on account of their not matimrg their
growth, and a tendency to red spider, which I found it impos-
sible to keep under while my Grapes were in bloom ; and the
syringe was consequently laid aside. For twelve months past
I have gro^^•n a fine plant of Heliotrope, and it has suc-
ceeded tolerably well. I am afraid, however, of my old
enemy, the red spider, during the ensuing summer, as I be-
lieve that the last season was favourable to my purpose, and I
escaped in consequence.

I shall be obliged by your stating if, in your opinion, I should
succeed better with Magnolia fuscata. My house, measuring
20 feet by 10 feet, faces to the south, is about a mile from the
sea, and being on a chalky subsoil is consequently very hot in
the summer season. — Bkighton.

[We do not think the Magnolia will do in your case. If the
back wall has any light at all through the Vines, CameUias would
do well and flower well all the winter, when the Vines were bare.
If the shade, however, is dense in summer, and you merely want
a green wall, then we would recommend a plant of either — or
one of each — of the Cissus antarctica, and the Cissus capensis ;
either would soon cover the space ; two would do it sooner.
There is a conservatoiy at Gorhambury, the south roof is glass,
a large hipped roof facing the north is plastered inside ; and
one of these plants as far as we recollect, covers the back wall
with a mantle of green. When established, it may be out pretty
well as freely as ivy.]

The Floeai Magazine for May contains plates of three
annuals — Celosia cristnta, or the crimson-feathered Cockscomb,
the tricolourcd branching Larkspur, and striped Vteony-
flowered; and a plate of Verbenas, one of which — Grand
Eastern, looks almost like its great namesake amongst a party
of smaller steamers. It is a noble-looking flower, though
deficient in brightness of colour.

May 14, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE G-AKDENEB.

117

THE LITTLE MAEKET-GARDENEE ;

OE,

HOW TO CULTIVATE AN ACEE OF LAND WHEN PEOEIT IS
THE CHIEF AIM, AND SHOWING HOW A FAMILY MAT BE
SUPPOBTED AND SOMETHING PITT BY FOB A BAINT DAT.

{Continued from page 9-)
When you have p'anted your early Potatoes, and done all
that I have recommended in former papers, you will have very
little to do upon your one acre of land until the Cauliflowers
and Savoy plants are ready for planting out. You will find you
have now five rods of land unplanted — two for early Cauli-
flowers, and two for Savoys, and one for

EAKLT TURNIPS.
Towards the latter end of April will be quite time enough for
sowing one rod of early Turnips. Do not sow them under
hedges, bushes, or frees ; do not put any manure under them
unless the land is very poor, and if it is a very small sprinkling
of guano may be put on and dug in ; about 5 lbs. to the rod will
be quite enough. Do not be careful about trampling upon the j
land after it is dug, for it cannot be trampled too hard, so that ,
you have a liltle loose soil upon the top for the seeds to vegetate j
in. I sow mine in rows about 1 foot apart, and I do not care if j
the seeds are not covered at all. The best sort that I have
grown for market is the Snowball.

CELERY PLANTS.
Mind and look well to the Celery plants. Do not let them
remain too long in the pots or pans to be drawn up weakly. If
you think they will want pricking out before the Radishes are
ready to draw, give them plenty of air, and get them by degrees
from under the glass. As soon as the Badishes are off the land
dig it over, and put one ton of good rotten manure on in the
same way as I advised for Onions. Mark the plot out into beds,
and prick out the Celery plants about 6 inches from row to
row, and about 4 inches from each other in the row.

EARLY CAULIFLOWERS.
As soon as your Cauliflower plants are ready to prick out
mark out two rods of land ; have one ton of good rotten stable
manure dug into that fpace deep and well. Do not use pig
manure, for if you do you will have grubs kill all your plants.
Guano would be the best for them if your land is in pretty good
heart — in fact, it would be best for the Cauliflowers if the land
was poor, only the land will not be so good for the next crop.
When it is well dug form it into beds 3 feet 10 inches wide, and
the walks between them about 1 foot wide. Then, 5i inches
from each outside, plant your beat plauts 20 inches from plant
to plant, and one row up the middle. They will then stand
20 inches apart every way. Tou may then prick out a double row
of plants to draw for sale between each of tho two rows that are
to stand for flowering, thus — '...■...■...■.."
but mind that the plauts for sale ■.""'.'■■*.'''.
do not remain there too long ; if .•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•
they are not sold pull them up, • ....

and plant them somewhere else. Earth up those that are to
remain as soon as you take the others away, and they will want
little else doing to them until they are fit to cut for market.

SAVOYS.

There is no better way to grow Savoys for market than the
way I have advised for Cauliflowers, only you must have your
beds wider, so that the rows will be 21 inches from each other,
and you must insert the plants that are to remain 2 feet from
each other in the rows ; they will then be nearly 2 feet apart
every way.

MANGOLD WURTZEL.

Towards the latter end of April you should sow 2ozs. or
3 ozs. of Mangold seed (the Yellow Globe I thuik the most
useful) on any bit of spare land to raise some plants for planting
out as soon as the Cabbages are off the land.

I have grown very good Mangolds in this way. If the land is
clean, dig it over deeply and well ; but if it is not very clean, fork
it over, and get all the weeds clean out of it, and plant the
Mangolds 171 inches from row to row, and 20 inches from each
other in the rows ; and if it is a dry time, give them a good
soaking of water as soon as planted, and keep them well stirred
between until the tops cover the land.

MANURE.
The making of manure is one of the principal things belong-

ing to market-gardening : therefore, do not let anything lie
about that vrill make manure. Let all cabbage, broccoh, and
cauliflower leaves, carrot tops, rhubarb leaves, pea haulm, and
bean stalks, turnip tops, and all sorts of green things that have
no seed upon them be brought, and tin-own into the pig-
sty ; and all sorts of weeds, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower
stalks, and hedge brushings be put together to be charred ; and
see that you take care of every tub of soapsuds, drainage from
the pigsty, contents of the slop-bucket, and everything in the
shape of liquid manure, and you may give the Raspberries and
Rhubarb a good soaking with such a mixture once a-week from
the 1st of May to the 1st of August ; and you may give the Straw-
berries a good soaking or two whilst they are in bloom, and you
may pour it between the rows of Cauliflowers, Cabbages, Red
Cabbages, and Savoys ; Celery, too, is very fond of a good soak-
ing with it now and tben.

As soon as the summer is over make a large heap of poor soil,
and pour such liquids on it, turning it over now and then, and
you will find this soil of more benefit to the land than any
manure you can buy.

CHARRING.

I do not think there is anything better to put upon land, be
it whatever sort of land it may, than charred rubbish. If gentle-
men did but know the worth of it, and if men co\dd be found
that knew how to char the rubbish, thousands would be em-
ployed, and no labour would pay better.

Like everything else, it is vei-y easy to do when you know how ;
but I have never yet seen the man at work at it that did know
how. That it can be done, and done well, is quite certain; for I
never saw a heap of vegetable rubbish in my life that I could not
char, and I have oftentimes thought that if I were to do nothing
but go about to teach people the art of charring I should do
more good for my country than thousands who have died for it.

I will show you my way as well as I can upon paper ; but a
person must see it done to know how to do it well, and he must
also have much practice before he is sure of success ; for if the
refuse is charred too much, I do not consider it good for anythiag,
and if it is not charred enough, it is very little better than if it had
not been charred at all ; but of the two it is much better under
than over done.

Never try to char in a round heap, for in that shape the middle is
sure to be charred too much before the outside is charred at all.

In the first place, build up four outside walls in the form of
a range of cucumber-pits, not more than 3 feet wide and about
18 inches high, but as long as you have rubbish enough to make
it 3 feet high. Let a good fire of coal be hghted whilst you are
building up the walls ; place a large shovelful of the coal so
lighted in the bottom of your pit, about every 2 feet along the
middle; then some of your best Ijurning stuff, and mind that
you never let it blaze, and to prevent this, if it is fast-burning
stuff, sprinkle a little soil upon it now and then, and if it is very
slow-burning stuff sprinkle a little of the coal upon it now and
then ; keep placing rubbish upon it until it is about 3 feet high,
and when it is burned through to the top begin at the one end
and turn it all over whilst it is still burning, placing all the
outside that is not charred in the middle. If you do it cleverly
a better heap of stviff was never put on a garden. — Thos. Jones.
(To he continued.)

EOSEWOOD.

We are much obhged for the following correction : —
"In looking tlu-ough the April part of your JouENAl OF
HoETicaiTUBE I observed a mistake which I think ought to be
corrected.

"At page 86, in answer to a correspondent, you say that
Rosewood 'is the wood oi Physocalymma floribvnda ;^ and on
referring to Dr. Hogg's ' Vegetable Kingdom' I find a similar
statement, taken, I presimie, from Don's Dictionary. If, how-
ever, you refer to ' Kew Miscellany,' v., page 269, you will see
that Mr. Bentham, upon the authority of Dr. Allemao, of Rio
Janeiro, attributes the Rosewood of commerce to an unde-
termined species of the genus Machcerium, and accounts for
Don's mistake by saying that it arose from a mistranslation of
the word Rosenholz, which I find on reference to a German
dictionai-y means red wood, and alludes to the red or rose colour
'of the wood of Physocalymma, and not to its odour. Mr. Ben-
tham further adds that the German Rosenholz is the same as
the ' Tulip-wood ' of English cabinetmakers.

lis

JOUBNAX OF HOBTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 14-, 1861.

" Errors like that of Don are so frequently repeated and
difficult of correction when once mndo, that I trust you will
excuse my calling your attention to the answer in question. —
Alex. Siiith, Kew."

PINE-APPLE CULTURE.

A SFAV years ago in The Cottage GiEDENEK you drew
attention, in an interesting ft^ries of articles, to the Hamiltonian
system of growing Pines. That system must have long ere this
heen well prored by the great Pine growers of the coimtry. As
I am now starting a new house witli pits to be heated by hot
water, I should be glad of your advice as to whether it is ex-
pedient to grow Pines wholly, or in part, on tb.e plan which Mr.
Hamilton adopted.

I would ask, therefore. How are Pines now grown at Tren-
tliani, Chatswortb, and other places, where once the Hamiltonian
system was tried ? If so, and you approve of it, how am I to
proceed when I obtain suckers ?

Tan is expensive with us, I should therefore lite to discard
the use of it. "VYill my two liot-water pipes (4 inches) with
3 inches of rubble cov.red witli loose slates and then 20 inches
of soil, do in a pit 5 feet wide for growing the Pines or for
plunging the pots ? — Pijje ApriE.

[So far as known to us, no new experiments on Pine- Apple
culture will interfere with the general and particular directions
to which our correspondent refers. We are unable personally
to state the plan generally adopted at Chatsworth and Trentham
now, perhaps some eori'espondent will supply our deficiency
until we have an opportunity of personal observation. AYhen
Tve saw these places a number of years ago only a very small
portion were gi'own on the Hamiltonian system. At Trentham,
so far as we recollect, we never saw such stilf, short, hard-
leaved, bushy, dwarf plants, and producing for their size such
fine first-rate fruit. These results v,c attributed to tlie plants
being near the glass, receiving abundance of top and bottom
lieat, plenty of air, plenty of atmospheric moisture when neces-
sary, and to being planted out in a bed of fine frcsli sod soil,
partly charred and mixed with charcoal before being used. We
noticed. little of the pure Hamiltonian system. The plants were
turned out when good-sized rooted suckers. When the fruit
was cut one or two suckers were allowed to remain on the stool,
and encouraged to grow freely by water and heat, and when
well grown the sucker with its roots was removed and potted
and plunged, and as that got full of roots it was brouglit to
replace the stools removed, fresli soil being plsced all round it.
Nothing could answer belter than the plan of Mr. Fleming's
when I saw it. I think lie had a few on the Hamiltonian
system — that is, the stools left with one, two, or more suckers,
and the soil put round them, and the suckers yielding fruit in
turn, and more suckers selected as the fruit were cut. A con-
stant and regular supply of bottom heat is next to indispen-
sable to success with this system. When we tiicd it a little we
found that it had all the merits the enthusiastic projector
claimed for it, the chief of which we consider to be the getting
abundance of fruit at but little trouble in comparison of the pot-
Buccession system. To obtain fruit in regular succession, and
to have them thoroughly under command, I would advise all
beginners to begin with the pot plan, and then if they like, to
turn out strong plants in a bed of soil, so that they may be
freely rooting in it before they begin to show fruit. We would
turn out only when, as in your case, you can have bottom teat
to a nicely. Whatever may be the reason, many of our best
growei-e, though saying nothing against the Hamiltonian systcaa,
when they have to nuet the regular wants of a family, are
felling buck more on the pot system entirely, or, at least, are
turning out the plants after they have been grown in pots to a
good size before they arc turned out. A saving of room is thus
eifected, as the plants when young wdl not requue half the
space. When rough, fi'ury, half-charred loum is used, even
young plants will move with lino balls; but, in general, it is
safest to have them in pots, and if pots rather undersized for
the suckers are used, we think they root quicker .than when
planted iu a bed of wanu soil.

Mr. Ruffet, of Brockett Hall, Mr. Dawson, of Panshanger,
and Mr. Beale, of Woodhall, so far as wc recollect, gi-ow chiefly
in pots ; but wo arc sure that either of these men would turn out
first-rate fruit from cither planting out ultimately, or planting
out at once.

As affording better means of moving, stirring the soil, and the
plunging meclium, we would advise all beginners to begin with
pots, unless they are such experienced waterers that they could
put a tiny Cape Heath a few inches high in an eight-inch pot
and grow it into a fine specimen. Even when so grown it is an
advantage to leave the suckers on the old stool as long as con-
venient. These will dispose of the three first questions until
we have time to go more into the subject, and see more around
us ; as from the idea that the ilavour of the fruit spoilt the flavour
of the wine, we have grown none of late yeai's.

The best sorts to grow for size we consider to be the White
Providence, the Sugarloaf, and Enville. For size and flavom-
and early fruiting we prefer the Ripley Queen for spring and
summer and autumn, and the Black Jamaica for winter, and
the Smooth Antigua for any time, and a few others for variety.

The suckers promised you in autumn, if strong, 15 inches
long, potted in six pots in rough loam and a little leaf mould
in September, plunged into a bottom heat of 90°, will make
nice-rooted plants before the new year, or thereabouts. The
forwardest of these placed into nine-inch pots in February
grown on will be fit to go into twelve-inch or fourtecn-inch pots
in June, and if encouraged will come in early in the season of
1863, the smaller and weaker ones coming in in the summer
and autumn. Everything depends on the size and the condition
of the sucker. We have taken strong plant suckers from a stool
in September, potted them with a ball, and started them into
fruit in March or April. Unless the suckers you receive have
come no great distance and are not extra large iu size and with
roots attached to them, what you receive in September or
October, 1861, could hardly be expected to ripen fiue fruit
before the spring and summer of 1863.

For reasons given we would prefer potting such, and if tan is
not to be had, there might be a foot or 15 inches of tree-leaves.
Both are usefid to the plants from the decomposition of carbon
they throw into the atmosphere of the house. This is increased
by sprinkling the phmging medium when dry with liquid
manure without watering the plants if they do not require it.

The two pipes will give heat enough for bottom heat for a
five-foot bed. Openings, stich as drain-pipes, should be left,
so that at times you can pour manure water down among your
rubble, and thus nourish with rich vapour the lower roots of
the plants, when it might be undesirable, as in cold, dvdl
weatlier, to wet the soil much in which the plants are growing,
whether in pots or planted. The rougher, more fibry, and open
the material used for growing the plants, though closely pressed,
the more freely may clear manure waterings bo given in the
growuig and swelling seasons. — R. Fish.]

Geottkd Theemometeh. — Wo liave had sub-
mitted for our inspection what appears to be
an instrument of great usefulness to the gardener.
It is a Ground Thermometer, invented and made
by Ml-. Casella, of Hatton Garden, who has
already introduced several cheap and useful philo-
sophical apparatuses for gardening purposes. The
annexed figure furnishes a good representation of
this iustrument, which consists of a piece of stout
asli wood hollowed out in the centre, into which
a thermometer is introduced. From the upper
part of this piece of wood a champfer is cut
on which the graduated scale is fiscfl, and tho
lower end is shod with a tip of thick brass.
The purposes to whicVi this instrument is ap-
plicable are various. It serves the ordinary pur-
poses of a thermometer; but its 6|H'cial use is
to test the temperature of the soil by thrusting
it as deep as possible into the earth ; to ascertain
the terapci'ataire of the bottom heat of duog,
bark, or hot-water beds ; and it is also used
as a dibber for planting or pricking out of small
plants. It appears to us to be a very liandy
instrument, and the price being 4s. 6d., it is
within the reach of those who follow gardening
either as a pleasure or a pi-ofession.
Phenomena op the Season. — What a severe frost wo had
here (Woodstock) last night (May 8tli). I took care to be
before the sun with my Asparagus this morning, by cutting every
head and casting them into cold water to thaw, which it did

May 11, 18G1. ]

JOURIfAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE O-ARDENER.

119

without detriment to them. My neighboiurs' Potatoes are all "laid
flat ;" so I gain a point there, as^my own, on my system, do not
appear above ground for a week to come. Seven shoots only of
my Esperiones are injured by the frost. My Vines are breaking
very well and promising ; but I long to behold the iinish of tliis
" Black-thorn winter." The drones appeared in my apiary to-
day, which is with me ten days earlier than usual. — Upwabds
AND OUWABDS.

THE EOYAL HOSTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S
GAEDEN AT KENSINGTON GOEE.

The Society's new Garden at ICensington Gore is fast assum-
ing form. The turfing is all but Cnislied, and the last plantings
are some noble-looking specimens of Araucaria imbricata,
brought all the way from Exeter, with large balls tied and sewed
up in strong mats. The large trees were bandaged up the
trunks as high as to the branches with bands of hay or straw,
and in dry weather they syringe the whole plant, bandage and
all — an excellent plan — from early in April to the turn of the
night after Midsummer.

The strike among the masons has hindered the completion of
the canals and water-basins, but they are going on witli them fast
now. They put in concrete as for the foundation of a fortress,
a foot deep, or nearly so, all orer the bottom. It is then easy to
build brickv.'oi'k in cement oyer the sides of the large bed of
concrete, and to finish sides and bottom in cement. That beats
all clay puddling in cheapness, in duration, and in efficiency.

I only wish the Londoners, great and small, could see that also
as the cheapest way to make garden walks. My way of making
walks is merely concreting 3 inches dee]) willi chalk instead of
lime, and with lime where ehnlk is not ; then before the 3 inclics
of couci'etc are set, and after being well rolled, just to corear the
surface with the eighth of an inch of tlie finest-sifted gravel, to
roll immediately, and in three days they are as hard as the
bottom of their canals and just, as durable. A garden wnifc
6 feet wide and one mile long could be "weeded for twelvemonths
under 1.9. the mile. I made the calculation in the garden at
Shrubland Park, where, if the gravel were reduced to the width
of 6 feet there would be six miles of walks, and for some years
the walks there cost only 5.j. per annum to weed them. —
D. Beaton.

CULTURE OF THE PEACH— No. 1.

Soil-. — I propose in this and a few followingoommunication3,to
offer some remarks on Peai^h culture, and the probable cause of
success or failure in the ddfl'erent localities in which it is grown ;
and, as the subject is one of great importance to the gardening
world, I will on the present occasion confine myself more espe-
cially to one of tlie conditions on which I base its well or ill
doing — namely, the soil in which it is planted ; and at a futui'e
opportuoity will enter into the other features connected with it,
as a tree more indebted to the cultivator for his assistance than
any other that is capable of withstanding otu" English winters.

As I have had several inquii'ies about the condition of the
trees, and the crop of fruit the^ past season, I may so far depart
from the intention I set out with of leaving that subject for
another time, ps to say that the crop was as abundant as in
the generality of years, but the Savour was indifferent. In giving
a description of the crops of wall fruit — which in the general
acceptation of the term includes Peaches, Nectarines, and
Aprieots — it is common to refer to the general characteristics of
the district for such fruits doing well or otherwise. Now, unfor-
tunately, I camiot say tlie Poach and Nectarine are at home on
the soils generally met with here (Linton) ; on the contrary, I
have generally maintained that the Peach likes a soil and situa-
tion diametrically opposite to the one we often see it grown
in. A Peach under very careful management may grow, and
even seem to prosper in dry, chalky, or limestone soil ; but
its well-being is more due to the careful cultivation it receives,
and the pains taken to guard it against the evils its situation
entails upon it ; but the time at length comes when some
disease inlierent in that soil will no longer be kept down, and,
despite the able and energetic management of the cultivator,
the tree perishes all at once, or is so much disfigured and injured
by the attack it has received that it is no longer a useful tree.
Generally some, other agent than the soil it grows in receives the
blame of this, and I do not by any means infer but that some-
times other causes will occasion the evils complained q£,: but I

certainly do think that an attack of insects, or of mildew, is rather
the consequence of disease than the cause of it, and I regard the
condition of the plant at the time it is attacked as of the most
vital importance to know ere we decide on condemning the enemy
that does not do the most harm. That soils have niuch to do
with the welfare of all plants and fruits is well known, and that
the Peach may be made to grow in a soil at variance with what
it hkes is also true ; but it cannot be made to grow so well in
that soil, and consequently, cannot be in a position to endure
the evils it is beset with in a climate so different from its native
one. ^ Some plants whose natural habitats are dry walls or other
dry situations may be made to grow in swamps ; but they do
not grow so well in the latter place, and the same may be" said
of the Peach : consequently, we may infer that the Peach, too,
has its favourite material to grow in, and die question is. Where
is its locality and by what means are we to know it?

In entering on this subject it is hardly necessary to travel out
of Great Britain, only so far as is necessary to refer to its doing
so well in the centra! and southern Slates of the North American
Union. In like manner we ai-o told it is at home in Australia,
and, I believe, is scattered freely over the western and part of
the centre of the great Asiatic Continent, and this region we are
told is the native hame of tlie Pcacli. But it is not necessary to
trace it to its origin. Its cultivation in America may also be
passed by ; but as it is said to thrive so well in Australia, it is
worth while taking a glance at the condition of the soil and
other features there, to sec in what way we may expect to copy
it here. In some ©f those extensive tracts of land which consist
of q, thin black criist, rather tlian a fine mellow soil adapted to
haabamdry, the Peach is said to thrive and do well, even wli^re
many native trees and shrubs cease to do so : conaequevWVy, we
must look for something either in the soil or climate, or both, to
cause it to do so. The climate we cannot well imitate oat of
doors, and we still hope to hear of the Peach being successfully
grown there : we must, therefore, endeavour to show how it is
likely the soil we have may be made more congenial to it bv as
simple an addition to its component parts as well can be given ;
and as has been shown, the dep'Ji of soil is not always a critericn
of its douig well at or near the antipodes, we mustlook to other
conditions as well, and take a peep at the state of the water that
drains from such a soil, and where we find it what is locally
termed brackish and unfit to drink, a tolerable hint is thrown
out what we may expect from a soil the chemical composition of
which differs so widely from the one we are so much accustomed
to plant the Peach tree in.

Tlie readers of The JouBifAL 07 HoHTlcn.TnEE will, perhaps,
remember, that about three years ago I called attention to the
excellent state the Peach trees were in at Knowsley, the princely
seat of the JCarl of Derby ; and as that place is only some six or
seven miles from the west coast, and from where the westerly
gales frequently drive the salt spray so detrimental to so many
things, but which I believe to be beneficial to the Peach, we may
from this conclude that salt is a necessary ingredient in the soil
which produces the Peach ; and as I have also seen the Peach
thrive remarkably well near the eaot coast, in a soil apparently
widely different from the one at Knowsley and Lathom House,
which I have more particidarly described, I cannot but think
that the sahne particles which pervade the atmosphere have
exercised some influence on the soil, and that both united are
suited to the wants of the Peach. It is true that excellent Peach
trees may be met with at great distances from the coast — in fact,
in the interior^ of the kingdom ; but salt is also found at other
places than the seashore, and may not the soil in tlie neighbour-
hood be more or less impregnated with this article so as to
become suitable to the growth of the fi-uit we now call attention
to ? and as all soils are not alike constituted, it is reasonable to
suppose that the one which contains a greater proportion of salt
than is generally met with, is the one most suited to the growth
of this useful and yet somewhat capricious tree.

In the twentieth volume of The Cottaoe Gakdenee, page 71,
a correspondent informs us that in the plains surrounding
Buenos Ayres the Peach thrives with extraordinary vigour, in a
soil that seems almost encrusted with salt after the heavy rains have
subsided ; and at page 58 of the same volume another correspon-
dent speaks of the value of this much despised article as tending
to improve the Peach; and as, has been before alluded to, the
vigorous condition it is met with in Australia where the water
is so bad, we may conclude that the salt pervading the district
has much to do with its fertility as well as spoiling the waters ;
i»nd, having arrived at tliat conclusion, it is not diiScult to reduce

120

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTTJRE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ May 14, 1861.

this theory to practice, for the article we have to deal with enters
more easily into the composition of naost things than almost any
kind of manurial suhstanee we know of; and we hope to hear of
its being more extensively used as a renovator to trees falling
into decay, or in preserving those that are healthy from going
wrong.

In making the above comments on the Peach, I am well
aware I am offering an opinion at variance with that of some
eminent Peach growers. Oiir late talented writer on these matters,
Mr. Errington, was of a different opinion, and thought the well-
being of the Peach trees along the western coast line was owing
to the greater amount of moisture the air is loaded with there than
more eastward ; and some writers attribute early or late frosts
as the source of all their misfortunes with the Peach. Certain

it is that these circumstances have something to do in the matter,
nevertheless I feel inclined to think the radical evil lies in the
absence of that agent I have been advising the use of. And though
many other untoward circumstances may be urged, and much
useful knowledge obtained by the parties advocating different
theories, or it may be practical results, coming forward and
stating them in The Jouenal op HoEiicriTUEE ; and if I am
wrong I will fi-antly admit it ; if otherwise, I trust those who-
have the means of giving this useful ingreclient a fair trial on
such soils as they are forced to plant their Peach trees in, will
come forward and state the result ; and at another time I will
endeavour to explain what may be done to make soils which at
present are antagonistic to the well-being of the Peach better
adapted to its growth. J. EoBSON.

CONVOLVULUS MAUEITANICUS.

This pretty Uttle half-shrubby Convolvulus is a native of
the interior of northern Africa, where it was discovered by
M. Sejoui'ne, and first described by M. Boissier in his " Plantes
d'Eepague."

The plant is of a trailing habit of growth, with long fihform
flexuose stems, which are not branched, and entirely covered in
every part with very minute soft white hairs. The leaves are

ovate, or roundish-ovate, an inch and a half long. The flowers
are an incli to an inch and a quarter across, with a purplish-
blue limb, and a white centre and tube. They are produced one
to three together on long slender footstalks from the axils of
every leaf; and these, coupled with
the traiUng habit of the plant, give
it a graceful and ornamental appear-
ance when grown in suspended pots
or baskets.

During winter Convolvulus mau-
ritanicuB requu'os the protection of
a pit or greenhouse. In spring, if
cut back, it throws out a profusion
of its long trailing shoots, and as
the season advances it may be turned
out as a bedding plant, or intro-
duced into vases or on rockwork,
where it keeps up a succession of
bloom aU through the season.

For growing in pots or suspended
baskets and vases it is admirably
adapted, its fine slender trailing
habit being so appHcable to that
style of decoration.

Our figure was taken from a plant
grown in tlieniu-aery of Messrs. E. Gr.
Henderson & Son, of Wellington
Boad, St. John's Wood, from whose
Cataloguewe extract the following : —
" A highly ornamental and droop-
ing lialf-shrubby plant, of a neat,
well-branched, and slender habit,
with roundish-oblong leaves, and a
profusion of very elegant light blue
blossoms upwards of an inch in
width, forming an admirable plant
for suspended basket or vases ; also
an unique and efieclive bedding
plant, or carpet-like belt, for sur-
rounding flov\er-beds, and a charm-
ing object for rockwork and flower-
garden baskets. Its gracefully pro-
cumbent growth is seen to great
advantage when planted on the top
of small mounds, by which its pictu-
resque porcelain-blue blossoms are
conspicuously beautiful. The plants
require protection in a greenhouse
or pit, and in the early spring season
it should be cut back, and as its
dense growth breaks at every joint,
it blooms profusely from the corre-
sponding shoots at each axil and side
branch : by thus obtaining a free and
luxuriant growth, it will prove a
charming plant for almost every de-
sirable position in flower gardens
and conservatories where favourably exposed to light. Its free
and long-continued bloom wUl prove its value m adding to the
desirable variety of plants for the purposes above named.

May 14, 1861. ]

JOTJENAL OF HOETICULTTJKE XSD COTTAGE GARDENER.

121

THE TWO GEEAT PEAKS OF THE BrSDEBPOOCU AND
TAILET OF THE JUMNA.

THE HIMALAYAS AND THEIR PEODUCTIONS

No imagination, howevei' fertile, can realise the snowy range
of the Himalayas, and no pen can poiirtray adeqaately tlie
grand massings of rocks, and forests, and snow-clothed pin
Dacles towering tlirongh the clouds, spread over hundreds of
miles in this chain of the loftiest mountains of onr world. The
best description we have met with is by one who unites ni his own person
the rarely-combined qualitications of the sportsman and the autlioi, and he thus
tells of his fii'st look from Landour, upon these raarrellous clevationb

" It was, indeed, well worthy of the burst of admiration winch bioVe from my
lips as, before sunrise next mo)-ning, we rounded the shouMer of the hill and
stood on the north side of the Landour ridge, and I saw for the first time, rising
before me in all its majestic sublimity, the long unbroken line of snowy mountains.
To have as extensive a view as possible, we ascended to the top of a little hill from
which both the snowy range and the plains were visible. No words can do justice
to what was now before us, One-half the horizon was bounded by an unbroken
wall of snow, surmounted by fantastic peaks of every concL-ivable form, rising
clear and high above the vast wave like wooded ranges that stretched before us
to its base. Directly in our front it appeared to be about forty miles off, the
outline clearly and sharply defined against the sky, and the smooth rock, in places
too perpendicular for the snow to lie, plainly visible. Receding into distance on
cither hand it was more indistinct, particularly to the west, "where a dim shadowy
vapour blended snow and sky tog 'ther. From some of the highest peaks hght
clouds seemed to rise, drifting slowly away in the direction of the whid, but
disappearing soon after leaving the peak from which they rose. This is a common
phenomenon, and I then imagined it was a vapour drawn from the snow by the
action of the atmosphere, but I afterwards found its origin to be this : The sitdw
in some places becomes frozen into particles as fine as dust, and is then whirled into the air
by the first gust of wind, at a distance appearing like a light cloud. I had pictured to myself
ranges rising one above another till the last was topped with snow, but the intervening ranges
seemed nearly all of the same height as the one on which we stood, while, enthroned in its own
lonely grandeur, the snowy one rose majestically as if from the summit of the most distant. The
scene may not liave the awfully grand appearance that some present, when one has penetrated
into the recesses of the snowy mountains themselves, and standing at their feet gazes on the va;t
spectre-like masses rising directly overhead ; but there is something so striking in its calm and
stiU repose when seen from this distance, that the first view of the snowy range from the Landoiu"
ridge will impress many minds with more lasting feelings of admiration than closer views. As
the sun rose the whole lost much of its vivid clearness, a shroud-like vapour gradually stealing
over the scene, so that in many places the before sharp outline of the snowy peaks against the sky, could no longer be traced.
Turning our faces the other way, the valley of the Dhoon lay at our feet, encircled by the low range of wooded hills, the dark
aspect of which was broken here and there by bright yellow spots, the sites of landslips, which sparkled like beds of gold in the
sunlight. The valley appeared nearly all in a state of nature, either dense forest or grass jungle^the reclaimed portion round the
town of Diyrah, on each side of the road from Rajpore, and here and there round isolated villages, looked small indeed in
comparison with the whole. The rich green tint of the spring crops of corn in the cultivated parts was at this distance very
striking, and contrasted well with the brown sombre hue of the grass jungle, and the dark shades o.^ the forest. Beyond the hiUs
that enclosed the valley the plains of India stretched far out into the distance, the horizon so remote that the division of earth and

\

13a

JOTTBJS-AL OF HORTICULTUUE AJN'D COTTAGE G-AEDENEB.

[ May 14, 1861.

slty could nowhere be distinctly made out. Two silver threads
meandering through the maze showed the courses of the Ganges
and Jumna, and soiall silver specks llie lakes and swamps. Who
could gaze on such a scene, tlie ideal of subUmity on one hand
and of calm and repose on the other, and not exclaim, ' What a
glorious creation! '" — (A Siivimer Ramhle in the Himalayas.)

Those Tflio have visited Mont Blanc may deceive themselves
into the belief that they can form a mental estimate of the
Himalayas, but sucli a comparison is vain, that comparative
pigmy reaches little higher than to the girdle of those giants of
Hindostan. It rises to an elevation of 15,732 feet, whilst they
exceed 28,000 feet !

We are almost successfully tempted to wander far and wide,
as well as liigh, among those glorious mountains, but those
regions of the range characterised by the Conifers and the Rho-
dodendrons are our more fitting theme. These, too, «ill be the
most interesting to our readers, and to aid them iu compre-
hending those regions we give the followi)ig extract and maps
from a communication to the late Baron Voa Humboldt £rom
Dr. J. D. Hooker. •

Dr. Hooker started from Darjceling at the foot of the range,
and thus proceeds with his narrative : —

" I packed up my things and set out on my road, which ran
westward, through deep defiles (3000 feet above the sea) and
leading up a very high cross chain running out from Singalelah,
ascends to a heiglit of 11,000 feet. Thus I mac'o mj way to the
Tambur river, in the vatloy of which runs the eastern highway
leading from Ham (or Ham ?) to Walloong, on the Thibetian
border. Beaching this river, at an elevation of only 2500 feet
above the sea, I ascended it, making my way as well as I could
through a tropical vegetation, which reaches to constantly snow-
covered spurs of the Kanehain. On the 25th of November I
arrived at the boundary of Rice-cultivation and Hindooism, and
the commencement of a temperate zone, and of the Bhothia
people. The change fsora buflilo and ficei to b««f and wheat

"The village of Walloong lies about 11,000 feet above the sea.
The pass, situated a day and a half's march on the further side,
is about twelve miles W.N.W. from the Kanehain peaks, and
twenty-five from the latter. We reached the summit in two
days, with much toil, for the ground at 12,000 feet was deeply
covered with October snow, which at 13,000 feet does not melt
until the following March. The summit of the pass is 16,700
feet high, but still three days' march distant from the plain of
Thibet, which is here cut off by two mighty chains, branches of
the Kanehain, which, of less elevation tlian my poi:it of view,
stretch in a northward direction toward the plain. Mountains
and valleys were now covered deeply with snow.

"TheUuiit of the eternal snow, at this point, is, as nearly as
I could determine, 14,500 feet above the sea ; and, judging from
what I saw aftenvards, I believe this is near the truth, altliough
it is impossible to speak with exactness — by the bounding of the
snow which had fallen in October.

" This is not tlie most eastern of the passes leading to Thibet,
and, thereforcvHot the nearest point to Kanehain attainable in
eastern Nepal. I resolved to visit, on my return to Walloong,
the valley lying eastward of this, where a higher but seldomer-
uscil pass led to Thibet. Descending the Tambur, I penetrated,
iu a north-east direction, into the Tangnia valley, which expands
into a broad, treeless ravine, wholly filled up with lake-beds.
These beds are bounded bj enormous rocky dams, which have
been hurled across the valley when it was all under water. To
express it briefly, while the 'Jhibet Plsia lias, accumulated its
drift- deposits (1000 feet thick, by actual measurement, in western
Thibet) the waters, which stood at a height of 15,000 feet in the
Yangma valley, have left parallel roads or banks, on the flanks
of this valley, which are as fine as tliosc of Glen Roy, in Scotland.
Lateral ravines have washed out masses of rock into the valley,
which have been piled up into mountains, and perfectly bridged
it over, so that, on the subsidence of the waters, they formed
dams. The terraces are perfectly parallel on the two sides of the

mw/mwtii

fi Darjiling.

h SingiileUh Range.

c Nepal.

d PliuluU.

c Tambur.

/ Walloong.

ff VVallancbooa Pass.

A Yangma,

i Kanglachem.
Ji KaneUain, Kinchin.
/ Lnclien Pass.
tn Lachoon Pass.

The bread blacli line indicates perpetual snow.

was sudden. Ascending still higher, through stupendous
mountain defiles, toward Walloong, tlie second transition from
beef to bison (the Yak, the progenitor of which, is the mide-
ecribed wild bison of the Ihibetian plains) was more gradual.

"Walloong is the Cie-Himalayan commercial depot of the
Bhothias. Here I was received with mistrust, and obstacles of
all kinds were opposed to my design of going towards the passes,
whicli were the more effective that the season was far advanced,
and they withheld provisions from me. Luckily I had still a
dozen Bhotan men with me, a parcel of scamps who would
frighten any one, and who, by insulting, abusing the authorities,
and threatening to break open the warehouses, placed me in a
coBdition to start for l.^ie passes after a halt of two days.

n Chnmalari.
0 Turner.
p Thibet.
g Machoo.

r Teesta.
5 Bhot-hain.
t Plains of India.
tt Perpetual Snow.

valley, above the lake-beds ; they ascend like steps, along the
steep declivities, and are everywhere strewed with vast blocl^s of
rock. In the side valleys, one sees now only small patches of
glacier ice, which have deposited drift and A'bris, just in thfl
same manner as the vast beds twenty yards long, have beep
deposited by the greater ice.

" I have here sketched a plan of the valley, and shown, that
these bridges across the valley, a m He long, one SCO- feet high,
and all composed of masses of rock, heaped up too irregulai'ly
to allow of a vegetation extending to them, are a real effott of
mountain ice, which has been flooded out from the side valleys.Ji

" Those astonishing records of the power of glacier ice admit
of no other explanation ; and many particulars so vividly remiA4.

May 14, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICCXTUaE AKD COTTAaE GAEDENEK.

123

me of the shores of the Aiitai-otic Ocean, that I cannot have any
doubt of (he con-ectness of

my conclusions.

" The Tillage of Yaogma,
at the fork of tlie terraced
valley, lies above the limit of
shrubby plants, and stands on
the Hanks of a level ten-ace
of drift and rocks, rising
300 feet above the bottom
of the valley, and two miles
long. The village is 13,700
feet above tlie sea (according
to the reading of two baro-
meters, and the determi-
nation of the boiling-point)
at which height Wheat, Peas,
and Radishes were cultivated,
the harvest falling in the
month of September.

" From hence I turned in
the north-western direction,
toward the Kanglach Pass,
which leads to Thibet ;
but, on account of the deep
snow, had great difficulty to
attain the height of 16,000
feet. Three dry lake-beds in
this valley (eight in aU),
Were of exactly the same
origin as those below the
village. The uppermost, at
16,000 feet was quite filled
with snow, and surrounded
by glacier mountains."

We must postpone our
extracts relative to the
plants of the Himalaya until
a future Number.

,/

r

a Yangma River.

h Boulder" Deposits.

e Lofty Terraces.

d Mountains.

e Village and Terrace.

/ Tevracps on Flanks of Valley.

g Glacier Valley.

h Lake-bed.

EFFECTS OF LAST WINTER ON PLANTS IN
ENGLAND.

{^ConUnued from page 99.)

TflE following notice of the present state of the Coniferro and
shrubs here, will servo to show the devastation which has taken
place. The situation of the grounds is exposed. The soil is of
an adhesive, argillaceous natui-e.

Armicaria imhricata. — Very much cut; the primary shoots
arn all killed back.

Cedrus deodara. — Very tQUCh injured ; and in many instances
they have lost the whole of their leaves, and the young wood of
last year killed.

Cupressus funehris,'kiAeA; C. Goveniana, 'kiHeA ; C. Kniglitiana,
browned ; C. macroearpa, killed ; C. McNaliana, killed ; C. sem-
penirens, aU but ; C. tondosa, killed ; C. XJhdeana^ killed.

X^tzroya paiagonica. — Eilled.

^ttus apulcensis, killed ; P. Benthamiana, browned ; P. Ge-
rardiana, killed ; F. insignis, killed ; P. Llavecina, kUled ;
P. macToearpa, much injured ; P. mo7iiezenma, much browned ;
i*. Sabiiiiana, killed.

Sequoia sempervirens. — Very much browned.

Libocedrus chilensis. — Killed.

Thuja gigantea and W ellingtonia are perfectly green.

Arbutus jinedo tcaA procera are all killed.

Aucubajaponica. — Much injured, but breaking back.

Ceanothus papillosus. — Killed.

Cerasus lami-o-cerasus (Common Laurel). — All killed down to
the old wood, and have lost the whole of tlieir leaves.

Cerasus lusitanica (Portugal Laurel). — Is in some instances
but slightly injured, whereas in others it has lost most of its
lettves.

Cis'tus ladanifencs.-^AH. killed.

Cotoneaster mierophglla. — Killed down to the ground.

Escallonia macrantlia. — Killed to the ground.

JSuongmus JaponicKS and variegata. — Killed.

Fahiana imbricata.—Oa a south wall, killed down.

■ForsgtUa viridissima. — Slightly iujm-ed.

Gmrya elUpfica. — Killed partly down.

Hex. — Several of the varieties have sufifered, and in some
instances are losing their leaves.

Laurus nobilis (Bay). — Killed down to the ground.

Ligustrum japonicuin. — Killed.

Magnolia grandifiora, — Q-rown against a south wall very
much cut.

PhiJlyrea rhammis, P. angusiifolia, and P. laiifolia. ' — VeSy
much injured, several bemg quite killed.

Photinia serrulata. — Killed.

Qicerctts ilex. — Several of the varieties are slightly injured, the
young twigs being killed back.

RTiammts alaternus are quite killed.

TTlex europcBiis jlore-pleno and stricta, — Killed.

Yticca. — Some of the varieties are injured.

Fritoma uvai'ia. — Quite killed.

Ggnerimn argenteuin are all killed.

Jasminitvii Heevesii. — Killed down to the ground.

Poses have suffered severely. Budded Roses, and Roses on
all stocks are mostly killed. Climbers upon walls where not
protected are all cut, but are springing from the root. Gloire
de Dijon is the only Rose in its class that has defied the
weather.

I may mention that Hybrid Perpetuals upon their own roots
are now springing very strongly, and I expect a good autumn
bloom from them.

I would suggest the advisableness of planting many more of
the Roses upon their own roots than is usually done. I well
recollect Mr. Beaton years ago suggesting the advantage of
planting Hvbrid Perpetual Roses on then- own roots, and I
hope he will give us his present opinion on that subject, being
convinced that such will be duly appreciated. — GtEOKge West-
laud, Kingston Sail, Notts.

WOEK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN 6AKDEN.
Thin out all advancing crops as soon as they are fit ; if not
attended to in good time the plants are dra-mi up weakly, and
never produce a satisfactory crop. Broccoli, prick out the
plants, as also Cabbages, as soon as they are fit to handle ; to be
watered after transplanting, and shaded from the mid-day sun
for a time. When 'thus treated the plants are always better
than when left to grow in the seed-bed till wanted for final
planting. Celery, attend to in its various stages ; do not let
it suffer for want of water ; if the surface of the soil gets hard
and caked, stir it up. Cticumbers, the ridge lately recommended
will now be in a fit state to receive the plants. Plant them out
without delay, and shade the hand-lights for a few days. DwUtf
Kidney Beaits, plant out those that were sown in pots or boss's
on a warm border. Sow a succession crop, as also Scarlet
Snniiers, and Saricot Beans where they are esteemed. LeeTc\
make a sowing, to plant out lor winter use. Lettuce, prick out
a few about once a-week. Potatoes, earth up those that have
just made their appearance above ground. Tomatoes, plant out
in light soil under a south wall ; also Cliilies, Capsicums, imd
Basil. Sow seeds of Vegetable Harrow, and Cucumbers for
succession and for Gherkins.

FLOWER GARDEN.

As all apprehensions of danger from sharp frosts may now
be considered over, the planting out of half-hardy plants for
the summer and autumn decoration of the flower garden Way
now be proceeded with, and carried on as vigorously as circum-
stances will permit. If previous instructions have been followed
the plants will now be so inured to the weather that even a fe#
slight frosts, if they should occur, will do them no harm. When
planting the beds the principal object should be to produce a
sti'iking effect by employing plants only of a decided colour,
principally red, blue, and yellow, using white for separating the
different divisions. The system is very effective where the
colours are well contrasted, particularly when viewed from ^a
distance, and where the beds are not numerous, and where there
is some breadth of grass or gravel to neutralise. Where mol%
variety ia considered pleasing, there is no want of colour te
effect any desired object. This is accomplished by using a decided
colour in the centre of the bed, and surrounding it with an
edging of a contrast colour. See that all edgings hitherto
neglected are put in order for the summer ; do not edge beyond
the original boundary, and keep the walks filled with graved
Let the roller be passed frequently along the edges in order to

124

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAllDENER.

[ May 14, 1861.

level them to the wnlk ; this takes away the harshness of the
outline. Auriculas should now be placed on a north border, the
seed -n-ill ripen yery well there if (he pots are well drained and
placed on a layer of ashes to prevent the ingress of worms, tliey
will take no harm from exposure. Polyanthuses require more
shading than the Auricula, else they are very liable to tlie attacks
of red spider. Do not delay putting down the sticks to the
Carnations and Picotees, tie up Pinks, and plant out Dahlias
that have been properly hardened oiF.

FlitJIT GAEDEN.
Water all trees that have been planted tliis season, and give
them an extra mulching of dung. See that neither the red
spider nor green fly get ahead on wall trees, nor the caterpillar
on Gooseberry bushes. Where Gooseberries are much esteemed
for dessert, thin the fruit on some of the choicest sorts, to be
watered occasionally with Hquid manure aud to be protected
with nets from birds.

STOVE.
As the plants increase in size allow them plenty of room,
especially plants with large foliage. It will be necessary to use
the syringe frequently to keep down insects, assisted by fumi-
gation where thrips are likely to get established. The white and
brown scale can be kept under by carefully hand-washing the
infested plants with a strong lather of brown soap and water,
soft brushes, or pieces of sponge, are the best instruments to be
used for the purpose that no injury may be done to the leaves.
Achimenes to be placed where more air can be given, to be staked
out neatly as the shoots advance. Gloxinias require a partially
shaded situation and moist heat ; and Gesneras similar treat-
ment with the addition of more light.

GBEEKHOrSE AND CON8EEVAT0KT.
A good number of plants — such as Epacrises, Diosmas, and
many other New Holland plants, Myrtles and other things that
have done flowering may be removed to any other convenient
place, and being cutback and repotted, will, if properly attended
to, make fine plants by the autumn. IVIake a sowing of Chinese
Primrose and Cinerarias for spring dtcoration. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

Continued turning all available ground in the kitchen and
flower garden. We are still keeping the latter as much as
possible rough and in ridges, to expose a greater surface to the
atmosphere. Independently of these turnings the ground is
yet very cold, and offers no hope of us being able to turn out
bedding plants for a fortnight or three weeks to come. Watered
early Peas with lieated weak soot water with a little Ume in it,
sLke to supply moisture and heat, and keep the gi-ubs at a
distance. Never saw so many as this season ; but thanks to
liming, cateliing and trapping, they are now comparatively harm-
less. A few brewer's grains laid in little heaps, or a broccoli
leaf rubbed \i ith fat on the lower side, are rare things for attract-
ing the slimy fraternity, and once luxuriating in fat, or getting
drunk on the grains, they may be quicklv picked up with the
help of a lanthom the last thing at night. Watered the Cabbage
and Cauliflower plants a second time with warmed manure water,
as the first had given them such a start as fairly to dispose of
more bolting for the season ; pulled the earth with a hoe to the
stems, alike to keep moisture and the heat from the water in,
technically earthed them up, but left a hollow along the row to
hold more water if necessary, instead of drawing up the ridge to
a pomt to throw off water as nicely as a sijan-rooled house, or a
well-feathered duck's wing. Sowed more Peas in succession.
Spawned the Mushroom-bed when surface about 80°— the bed
mentioned the other week as consisting chiefly of stubble and
tree leaves. Put 2 inches of droppings all over, aud a thin layer
of sheep-droppings picked off the feeding-ground ; and as the
heat is mild, will earth up to-morrow. Of course, I should have
preferred nice droppings from a stable filled with horses fed for
riding and hunKng ; Ijut if a man now-a-days cannot get what
he wishes, he must learn to be content with getting what he can.
Fine Mushroom-beds are made from wcU-fcrmented dung, sweet
as for a hotbed ; but that, too, just now, is out of my reach, with
the dung of four horses to supply all my multitudinous wants.

Kept thinning Grapes at all convenient opportunities, night
and morning and dull days, it being next to manslaughter to
keep a poor hard-working fellow at such work with the sun
beating upon him and almost making his brains to melt. The

people who insist on such work being done at such times are
rightly served when the berries are discoloured or rusted, and all
sorts of ways, through sweaty hands, greasy hair, and scissors
that under such circumstances will not be kept clean. Such a
practice, like nailing on a north wall with tlie ground covered
with snow and the frost not much above zero, we hope to see
numbered with the things that were, so that the rising generation
may escape the aches and pains and general debility that now
too often overtake the gardener when he ought to be just in his
prime.

" Good gardening consists in attention to trifles," was a fa-
vourite dictum of one of our old masters. We never pass a season
without finding it too true. A favourite rule of our own is, if,
from economy, air cannot be left in forcing-houses and pits all
night, give a little early in the morning at the highest point in
the house or pit, even if from the cold becoming more intense
it should require to be taken away ere long. The theory of the
tiring is, that the enclosed air of the night is changed, and if the
sun should come out strong, the smallest opening — say half an
inch or less in a nine-feet house, will prevent the heat and vapour
so accumulating as to scald the plants. We had three lights in
a pit of as pretty Melon plants as the eye ever rested on, trained
to wire at a suitable distance from the glass, and air being for-
gotten too long on a sunny morning many leaves were scalded,
and many are a little spotted as if you had pom'ed boiling water
in squirts ; and now, though they will get over it, instead of being
first in, as they would undoubtedly have been, they will be beat
by a succession crop in a dung-frame. Our active assistant
would not beheve that any harm was done, because the leaves
showed little signs for two or three days ; but the first notch of
air given told us clearly what would be the case. The evil under
such circumstances might have been lessened, if instead of giving
air at all the place had been closely shaded, and the walls, &c.,
inside moistened, and air only given when the hoiise had got
much cooled. When houses are thus left too long without air,
and in cold, sunny weather in spring, the plants run a double
risk — first of being parboiled by hot vapour, and tlien burned
by a rush of dry, cold air when they are thus weakened. If
a small opening at every sash had been given an hour before,
even a quarter of an inch, the heated vapour would have so
escaped, and the plants been so dry in consequence, that if the
sun witli the air on had raised the temperature to 90° or 100°
there would have been no harm done.

I said so much last week on the training of the Melon to
prevent much pruning, that I said little or nothing about the
setting and perfecting of the fruit. I am not sure now what I
exactly did say, and, therefore, if tliere is a line of repetition I
hope to be forgiven. As soon as the tertiary shoots push from
the axils of the leaves at the ends of the secondary slioots from
which the buds have not been removed, and show fruit at its
first or second joint, they must be stopped either at the fruit
or the joint above it. I prefer the latter. If they do not show
fruit at the first or second joint, stop, that they may throw out
fresh shoots. If, however, there are six or sfeven of these side
or tertiary shoots at the point of each of these main secondary
shoots or bines, tliey will generally show enough of fruit without
this stopping again. The groat thing is to get the right number
on each shoot or plant to show and set at once. J'his when we
desired to have four fruit on each plant, and found we were
likely to have only one, if that was a large-fruited kind, wl;en-
ever that one began to swell it would so take all the running
that others would have no chance. It is best, thcrefoi'e, to pull
or cut oS" that one, so that a fresh start may be made by getting
all the requisite number of flowers in bloom at a time. This
secured, the setting is almost a matter of certainty, owing to the
strength in the plantr before the blooms are allowed to show at
all. Two things more, liowever, are essential. First, there must
be enough moisture at the roots to secure a healthy vegetation,
and yet the surface of the bed must be dry to secure a dry
atmosphere, to secure a free setting. Experienced hands, there-
fore, try to give as much water before the blossom opens as will
keep the plants healthy until the young fruit are swelling,
givifig no water n'Jaht the plants are in bloom. If there is any
difficulty in this, it is a good plan to have two small drain-tiles —
say 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter, and 1 foot long, set up in
the soil of each light, the top end covered with a lid. Through
these water may he poured to keep up moisture below, even
when the surface of the bed is dry. If the surface of the bed is
thus dry, the blossoms may be fertilised in the usual manner,
[ and they will generally soon begin to swell. It requires a good

May 14., 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTTJRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

12S

portion of water to swell a Melon nicely ; but core should be
taken not to giro much in dull weather, and none at all a3 the
fruit approaches perfection, or it is likely to be deficient in
flavour, and also liable to erack and rot. If the soil should be
too dry to meet the demands of the plant and fi-uit, it should be
watered below by such means as the above, whilst the surface
soil is comparatively dry.

Moved out Strawberries when gathered from ; and some hardly
•worth house room from what remained on them, were placed in
a warm place to afford some pickings of small ones. Placed in
a number of those potted the other week. Prince of Wales and
others swelling nicely, and Q.ueens setting freely in the sunny
weather. Never had the plants so small in autumn, and yet
there has been nothing to complain about as to the crops. Like
a correspondent's case the other week, I begin to believe it is
possible to have these in pots too strong, I can well believe his
ease, as an amateur invited me to look at his garden, and chiefly
his large Strawberry-bed the other day, which he said looked so
green and nice — and so it was if the leaves were the useful part,
Uke the Cabbages, for there was scarcely a single truss of bloom.
I would not have risked a threepenny- piece on all the Straw-
beiTies, though there ought to have been some bushels. From
what I learned, I believe high feeding and the severe frost com-
bined did the mischief.

Greenhouse and bedding plants much the same as the last
week or two. — R. ¥.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*4t* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the " Journal of HorUaulture, Sj-o." 162, Fleet
Street, London, JS.C.

StENDiNa Indianrcbbek ITose (.Kate).— To stop the holes In the hose,
dissolve Indianrubber in naphtha until this beconiPS .as thiclc as cream, and
then, when the hose is quite drj', insert the cement between the lips of the
wounds and press them together. Do not use the hose until the cement has
dried. The buds between the sashes outtht not to be rubbed off, nor do we
see any impossibility in the way of moving the Vine stems a few inches
inwards from the front of the orchard-house, so as to allow the windows to
be opened quite enough for ventilation, although they do turn on. pivots.
However, on such difficulties, they are the best judges who can see them
with their own eyes.

Appkenticeship to Ndrsehymen (ff. <?. .?.)-— Tlie premiums req'iired
vary so much that we should mislead you by quoting any. Advertise,
stating what ycu require for your son, and judge for yourself from the
answers you receive. The cheapest are not always the most preferable.
There is no work published exclusively on hybridising.

Dkainikg-tools (A Siiiscriber).— Write to two or three of the implement
makers who advertise in our columns. Tell them what you require, and ask
them to send you prices.

Belt before a House iFranciscea). — Your bill has been read three
times after being carefully considered upstairs by a select committee, who
altered that clause only which defines the belt of trees as " a monument of
your ov.n and your husband's love of horticulture," to that of your love for
one another. The old Yew-hedge 15 feet high, bare at bottom and flourish-
ing above, is not to be removed till the second week in September. Mean-
time, however, a trench 2 feet wide and as deep as the roots, is to be cut on
each side of the hedge, and at 3 feet from the stems, and all the roots are to
be cut to within that distance. The best of the soil, and some fresh soil or
road drift to be added, is to be returned into the trenches for young mots to
form there; and .all the old boughs of the Yews, and the young ones that are
longer than 2 feet from the stems, .are to be cut to that distance along the
bottom of the hedge, and those at the top to IS inches, regulating the cuts
so as to make a regular slope all the way to the top. Roots, tops, cuts, and
digging out and filling in to be done and finished in proper garden-like style
as soon as hands can do them this present May. After that the whole space
for the belt is to be trenched 2 feet deep, mixing the top and bottom soil as
much as possible, and carting some fresh soil from somewhere— no matter
how heavy or how light it happens to be, so there be a dozen loads of it to
spread over the trenched surface, and to have the sun and rains of summer
to mellow it, and render the top part the best for planting with in September.
In that month the hedge is to be transplanted, and set at 3 feet from the
. boundary wall, and nearly as close together as the plants stand now, or as
near to that as the roots will allow of in planting. Each tree is to be watered
most abundantly as it is being fliled in, in order to wash the soil into every
opening between the roots, and between tltt bottom of the halls and the
subsoil. The reason why Scotch Firs do not look well in your neighbourhood
is the bad way they have thereabouts of not sufficiently preparing the soil
tor them. But under the treatment we have directed for the Yews they will
be as sure as Scotch all over the borders ; and more sure if you choose the
trees now, and see they are not mu'h higher than the boundary wall, or
6 feet. A row of tliem, or they one-half and Finns maritima the other half,
alternately, must come In front of the Yew-hedge; and 6 feet from it, and in
front of them, variegated Hollies, Portugal Laurels, and some flowering
shrubs— as Lilac, Guelder Rose, two or three Honeysuckles tied to stakes,
Ribes sanguineum, with what you please m smaller things in front, only
have plenty of evergreen Berberis aquifolium. We willsendthelndexwhen
you favour us with your direction.

Flower-garden Plan (A Jfew Reader).— Your plan and the planting do
you m Qch credit. But there is one mistake in the midst of it. The large
mixed circle complete^ spoils the etfect of one of the best plans we have
seen this season. Get up some moonlight night, turf that entirely over, and
say nothing about it.

Waltoniah Cae {An Old SiiSscrftcr).— We are not sure how mucll
water is needed for the circulation in the Waltonian Case, and Mr. West is
now out 01 our rounds to see him. But we recollect the quantity is very
small indeed in proportion to the size, and tliat is the whole secret of the
success of the contrivance. Three pints and a half is one-half more water
than we should think nee s=arv with a lamp burning and keeping the water
constantly up to near the b iling-point. If both ends of your Cose are not
heated there must be something wrnng inside the Case— perhaps a bit of rag
or cork has got into some of the channels. The inside of a Waltonian Case
is nearly as intricate as the inside of a Geneva watch, and no one could make
the least approach to making one from all the drawings which have been
made of it No one but the maker can put to rights any derancement in the
working part of the Waltonian Case. AU that we know is that Mr. VUsi
made every one of the tin cases in which the heating circulation 's made
from the first, and that the stock in hand has not yet been equal to tna
demand 'or it In the winter of 1S59 and 1860 some of the men were up
most nights, and yet in February and March every post brought complaints
of delays in supplying the article-that is a fact that is known to a score of
the people of Surbiton. All last SUj and June they were incessant m their
endeavours to prepare a full stock for this spring's propagaion, and your
Case could not only not belong to the fli-st edition as you surm.se, but it
could not even be of the sixth edition.- D. Beaton.

llANtTRr FE A Flower Garden {A S>ihseriicr).-Vov use by ■'a.iaijr
where no labour can be had tor using stable manure, and where there is no
tank for liquid manure -by which we presume you mean house sewage-
fhcre are Zfertilisers better than guano and superphosphate of 1™-. ^vlncli
can be had at our office in tin canisters, with directions how to employ them.

Flower-bfds {A Cheshire Suhscriler).-lt the ^■.■iniojs or front view 0
this gaTden is opposite 4 or 3 the planting is very good, but ,f the front view
ison?osite2 oro theie is the objection of the cold colours b"ng 'i f™"'
instead of being the farthest from' the eye. Some indication of the house or
of the front vieiv should accompany every garden plan.

Flowee-gabdes- Plans (R. F. S.).-You have done this very difBcu:t
trarden^emarkably well this season. The Humcas will give it an air of
^raceftilelwince planted in that style, and we should think any one looking
over it from bC-ond the moat must be struck with the whole an-angement.
? 1 U rT-The planting is good, but the principle of composition p anting
s dc's^reyed in the centre bed. The plants in that centre bed ought to be m
he end Verbena-beds, and the white Verbenas in the centre, with Purple
Ktarverbena round them, which would give a better contrast than the
crimson, but the crimson will do.

P«in Tuff UNrHDITFL-L-EvERGBEEN HEDGE FOR TERRACE (II.).— The

bloon^ and spray which you have sent tell why your Pear-tree blossoms never
set thouirh they appear in profusion. The blossom only partially developed,
anVthe ? rav J„ve?ed with lichen, proclaim weakness in tbe tree, arising
fiom poverty in the soil. Remove at once carefully all the top soil down to
the fl?st roots from within a circle of six-feet radius from the tree's stem.
Replace that soil with some fresh rich loam, and during the drought of
Simmer mulch over the roots and water abundantly Brush over the stem
and main branches with a creamy liquid made of fresh-slaked lime, soot, and
w^e? We would never plant a Holly-hedge as an accompaniment to a
reSace of any pretensions, but we should employ Yew or Box-and which-
ever we used to he kept as close as the best Brussels carpet in-doors. If
therels much li%t stonework about the terrace. Yew is the best to go wi h
t- ?f not Box is as cheap and as good as Yew, and yon c :npl.ant either with
foir feet-hfgh P ants and any other height up to 10 feet or 12 feet accordmg
to the o ice ym. will incur. Tlie distance between the plants-be hey HoUy,
Yew Box or Privet-will he according to the sizes of the plants entirely,
from 9 nc'hes to 4 feet apart.. All hedges ought to consist of only one ro-w,
and that row in the middle of the bed prepared for the pants That bed is
ana '"'"^ ™" ' ', "i ,, „, hedges Any one can plant, and a child can
™te?"but.Shout a through g^od bed o^f deeply |rred or trenched soU.
no hed^e wor h a place on a terrace can be raised The time to plant a Yew-
SJdge of large plaits is early in September ; if the plants are under 5 feet
The last of AugSst and the first day of September are equally good and the
twenHeth to the twenty-fifth day the best to plant good-sized Holly. But if
rte^round -was quite ready, and the plants near, the first week In June is
about as good a season to plknt well-rooted Hollies under 6 feet as any m the
whole yelr The plan's should have 3 feet clear from he turf. Hdl.cs look
best if riiev are carefully cut with a knife instead of shearing them. From
3 our fnqSies W-. would%trongly advise you to give up aU ideas of a Holly-
hedge and take Yew ins'ead. . , .

T F AVES OF So vELEi GESANirais Spotted (Satojita. -We have never before
sera this disease of yellow minute spots in Scarlet Geraniums It looks as if
Irom Ihe attacks of some scaly insect. But after planting out the .lants w H
™ow out of it ; tt°en by taking healthy cuttings and letting the old plants die
Sut, the disease will be easUy got rid o£

Vebben-as FOR BEDDtNG-ClNEEAluA SOWING (JnjMirCT-) .-The "best '
verbena of any colour depends entirely on the way it is to be ised. The
best white for you is Mrs. Holford, the best scarlet for your pui-pose is Robin-
Ln'sD flance,\°nd the best purple Verbena for everyone '^ P^'Tl^^^^'^g •
Cinerarias for early spring flowering should be sown this ^^eek, agam in
June, and towards the end of July.

Stopping Dielyteas (Wem).— These must not be stopped to n"''^ 'J®
phants dwarf and bushy. What could be tbe use o' "aving such a comrnou
border plant otherwise than as it is? Most people ^f"™' J«' ^' ' "i^l
enough for the only purpose it is intended f"V-'°>*^™lv ?e^s £-ace J less

ifiwi&;-Blt1fr.k^^rdUp^^top^rh^2^^

graceful to the dumpty. .,,,.,,,.„

CONCRETE WALKS U.P .) -First [-f Sd^ii^n^ltf (o^n^cWl^
L'?L't'ft^^e^sr3?ncheY"eett5liVriseof 2inchesin the centre: there-
fore in the centre the layer will be 6 inches deep.

lis

JOTJBNAL OF HOUTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May U, 1861.

■CnrMKo ivi (A Suhctihet; Ireland).— Vi'e prefer doing this in Marcli or
April, beciuse then the green ^oots soon cover over all the knife or scissor
marbs. If done e-irlier, the Ivy presents a dead appearance until the yoiinu
twigs come, and if not done in autumn or winter a sharp frost is apt to
injure it, titlierwise Ivy may he cut at anv time. But keeping looks in view,
vre prefer from the middle to the end of April.

Vines FntlxriL at Points of Shoots (7Jfjn).— Tou must not think of
cutting bad; the shoots which have no blossom to one eye now— that would
make matters much worse. If the spur system is to he continued, that must
be done in the eHturan or winter pruning. But meanwhile these shoots
should be allowed to crow until they are 18 inches lonft, and then be stopped,
and kept stopped as they grow in summer; and if thick all laterals may he
picked out oi tliem, e."icept two or three at the joints near their junclion
with the Oku r stem. Tliat will help to give them strength and more organised
matter for next season. If these side shoots arc trained crosswise from rafter
to rafter in ; tcad of up the rafter, they will receive more light and he rendered
more fruitful, but then they will give mo'c shade to fhe plants below.
Jou cannot have it both ways. If the Vines are very strong and not
frnilfuHhc roots might he raised, or a young shoot ne.ar the; base left to
gl-ow without stopping for 7 feet or 8 feet. As it grows the side shoots should
be shortened to a bud or two, not to check the Vine ; but as the young shoot
gains strength, remov e them altogether as tar as the young shoot extends.
This young shoot s ould have all the laterals left, hut stopped at the Bi-st
joint, and slopped at another joint as they grow afterwards, until the wood
begins to ripen, when they should be gradnallv removed. The following
year this young shoot would mount to the top of the house, and the lower
, end wiuld bear. The following year the old stem might be removed.

Nectabinb Leaves Ctii;LiNG (Xec/aritie.—Stic^i leaves are apt to be
produced on gross inblter shoots. ai;d the remedy is to stop such shoots early,
so that the strength may he diiected into two or more shoots instead of one
shoot. Such appeni-ances are also produced in cold wet seasons, the sap
collecting in undue amount, owing to the deficiency of heat to carry otT the
redundant water by perspiration. This often ei!ds in the leaves blistering.
Such leaves are best removed, as .sotmd healthy ones often come in their
place. When, as in your case, the malady seems corstitiition:d. we should
conclude tlie cause to be the roots growing in a soil too deep, too moist, and
too rich. If the trees were lifted carefully, or at least the greater portion of
the roots raised in October, and placed within 0 inches of the surface in poor
light soil, and mulched with lifter to keep the heat in the ground, wehelieve
year trees would be healthy nc.\t season.

Caterpillar op GoosEBEitnr Satv-flt (,11. C. X.).— Dust them, by means
of a drcdging-box, with fresh powder of white heUebore.

Liquid MiNuaES (Itjnoramus). — For flowers, one bucket of the urino from
your cow-house to six or seven buckets of water would be none too wealc
Salt may be sprinkled in a solid state over Asparagus-beds once a-month,
during its period of growth, from .\pril to October. One pound to a square
rod \\<KM he enough applied thus fl-equcntlv. Bone manure in powder,
may be put in the drills with the seed or round the roots, i his powder will
not dis'Olve in water-, but snperphosphate of lime p epared from bones will.
The latter may be Ireed about one ounce to each bucket of water. When
you have finished cutting Sea-kale leave the plants entirely uncovered.

Greenhouse foi: Bedding Plants (TTioni). — The site, aspect South,
Ihough shaded after noon, will do well enough for the piii-pose. Of course
you mean to exclude tiie frost.

CuccMEEas DiSEASFD (ff. C. IT.).— The bits Of leaves were SO dried th.-.t We
«»n scarcely make out what is the matter with them, but conclude it to be the
spot, and we are sorry to say it; lor, once set in, the only remedy we know
of is burning the v, hole, deai ing out the whole soil, wjshing all the frames
With Hilphvir and lime, and bcginningafrcsh. The following will palliate the
evil, and may ultimately produce a cure, as it has done with us once or twice,
but the trouble is great and the result not certain. Wash the fiames or
\ralls with sulphur and lime, remove a.s much of the surface soil as the roots
will permit of, cut off the worst leaves and stems, give extra heat in tlie
Wfty oi linings — not to make the bottom heat too high, but to raise the atmo-
spheric temperature as noted in "Doings of the Week." bo as to permit
of free ventilation doring the dav and a little at night. Fresh healthy
growth may thus he expected; and every bit showing signs of disease mus't
be removed. Sour saturated soil will bring if on in Cucumbers. _It happens
rarer with Meloas, a stagnant atmosphere delights the disease.

Gkapes (ir. JT. B>.',i7<'!).— There is a great difference between the White
Sweetwater and the Koyal Muscad'ne. In flic former the bunch is very
loose, and contains a great many sn;all. undeveloped, and abortive henies
among an equal proportion of round, thin, semi-transparent-skinned ones,
and the bunch is short, and oblong In the Roy,al Muscadine the btmches
are long and tapering, and the bcnies are all equally and well developed.
There is a variety of opinions about the Ksperione Grape, and we are not in
a position to say much about it. It is not impos^ible that it may prove to
be the FranUenthal, which, though sometimes called by the same name,
5b quite distinct from the Black Hamburgh. The sort vou are gi-owing for
Esperioue seems from your description to be Black i'tince. Tour Black
Hamburghs will not be too heavily cropped with seventeen bun-rhes on
them. Let there be only one bunch on a lateral, and thin the bunches well.
Ybu will find that wlien we have made the purchase of the index compulsory.
We have always charged til. for the Number in which it was issued ; but as
thel'e is an Immense incrcisc in the number of the subscribcl-s to the new
fotm of TSE Cottage GAnuENEtt, we did not think it fair that they «hou)d
have to pay for a title of whidi they did not possess the volume, wc 6hall
be pleased to have your experience of orchai'd-housc culture.

Advice f?l'w«fiVM6- .— We always have had, end ahva>B shall have, infor-
Wlation for all dashes of gardeners: and when we say at), the ans^v-er is given
to you who require us to be exclusively fer one class. Any iofonuation jou
may specially need will be most readily given.

Gladioli Seedlikg-s— Bulb-pots ( F. JI. Waits, Ifoixittotk, tanada
TTf*/).— Plant them out in the border as soon as the Spring with yon is quite
confirmed. Harden them oft' by degrees for the removal. Take r.p the bulbs
as soon as the foliage has died do^n in autumn. You may forward them a
little under glass in spring preparatory to planting out, though in England
we should not do so. Perhaps keeping them in puts of earth, merely
texcluding frost, would be the better plan even in Canada, turning the whole
ball out into the border when spring ttrrives. Draining.^ipes 4 inches
diameter will do very well as a rongh substitute for bulb-pots. Your other
questions are answered in another page.

Begonia Rex in Boedees— Pdiiple Oeacii (ff. £.).— Begonia Rex, an i

all the strong-growing variegated Begonias, will grow as freely as Tom Thumb

Geranium out in the opei. air in most of the shellered gardens south of

, London, and very likely all over the kingdom ; bnt none of them must be

i plunged in pots. Turn them out of the pots with the ball entire, bnt

I previously well moistened. The same treatment must he adopted with

! Farfhgium grande, which may be planted out as early as the Dahlias, but

i the Begonias not till the weather is settled and is wai-m in Jnne, and then,

i the older and stronger the plants are tlie belter they will succeed. The

Purple Orach grows from S feet lo 4 feet high in good rich soil, but does best

trained down, and to be constantly stopped and kept from flowering.

SsiALi. Feen Case [E. C'.).— We should have Cystopleris fragilis only, with
Hymenophyllum tunbridgense round it ; and we should have the Hymeno-
phyllum round the Adiantum capillus-Veneris which you have in the oUier
shade. The taller Ferns require the more dwarf to cover the soil beucath
them.

Ve^-etarleSoil For, Peach Trees {A Sul!icrihP7-).~Th\s, formed of weed t
and other i-efuso, will do very well to mix witli your poor, sandy soil for a
Peach- border; but you should add some loam or clay, and keep the surface
mulched. Sec what Mr. Eobson says to-day about the soil for Peach trees.

KiDDEAN System of Heating. — IF. A. will obUge us by fidler details of
his mode, and if with illustrative plan or plans the better. We have a letter
for him if he will send us his address.

Name of Plant (T. I"), — Your plant is Pedicularis sylvatioa.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 186t.

Mat ISth. Crystal Palace. (Plants, Cut Flowers, and Fruit.) See.,

W. Houghton.
Ji-NE 5th and 6th. Royal Horticcltoeal Society, {Plants and Fruit.)

Gnnicn Stipcrhilcudent, 0. Kvlcs.
June 12th and 13th. Tonii. 5rt., J. Wilson.

.Tune 19lh and 20th. Brighto.n and Sussro: Floriccltural and Horti-
cultural Society. Sec, E. Carpenter.
June 2oth. Komfobd. (Plants, Flowers, and Fruit.) Sec.y Mr. George

Griggs, Romford-
JuLY 6th. Crystal Palace. (Rose Show.) See., W. Houghton.
July 10th. Royal Horticultural SocirrrY". (Rose Show.) Garden

Supej'hiteiidt^nl, G. Eyles.
September 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other dc.^criptions, and Fmit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
September 11th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Saperinlendenf, G. Eyles.
Septembi;r ISth and 19th. Brighton and Sussex. See., E. Carpenter.
Novembei; Gth and 7lh. Royal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Stiperintendent, G. Eyles.
November I2lh and 13th. Stoke Newington CHRVSANTHEMua; Socieiy.

See., W. T. Howe.
November 14lh and 15th. CitYStAL Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec., W. Houghton.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.
POULTRY SHOWS.

May 2Ut, 22n(l, aud 23rd. Cuestekfjelu and ScARsnAi/E. Hon. Sec.^
• Mr. Thos. P. ^Vood, juD., Boytliorpe Hou^e, near Chesterfield. Entries

clope May 1st.
May 22nd and 23rd. Beverley. Son. Sec.j H. Adams. EDtries cloee

May 4th.
June 4th, 5th. and Pth. Bath and "West or England. Sfcrrard^

S. Pitman. Esq. Entries clo?c May 4th.
June 19th. Thokne. Sec, Mv. Joseph Uichcrdsou. Entriesclosc June 12th.
JiNE 19th, 20th, and 2ist. Coalbkookbale. Sees., i. B. Chune, and.

Henry Boycrort, Coalbrookdale.
June 25th. Essfx. Sec, W. R. Erason, Slough House, Holstead, Essex.
JuNnSSth. DuiFFiELu. Scc, Mr. R. Davi'^on. Entries close June 22nd.
JrNE 28th and 29th. Taustow. Sec, Mr. Charles Bailauce. Eniries

close June 11th.
July 3rd, 4th, and 5:li. EL.\cKrooL and West Lancashire. iSVc, Mi-. E.

Fowler, inn.. Mnrket Street. Blackpool. Entries close June 30ih.
ArotJST 2tith, 27th. 28th, and 2ythi CRYsa-AL Palace Sum.mi-:ii Snow.

Sec.f W. Houghton.
September 3rd. rocKi.iKGxoN (Yorkshire). Src, Kr. Thomas Grant.

Entries cIorc Aupust 26th.
Skptesiber 24th. Buidgnorth. Sei\y R. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
December 2nd, 3i-d, 4th, and 5lh. Btrminguam. Sec, Mr. J. &. LyfchflU,

14, Temple Street. Entriee elow November l9t.
December llth, I2th, 18th, and 14ih. CRVStal Pala-c* Wiktbr Sbow.

Sec , W. Houghton.

LET FOWLS RISE WHEN THEY PLEASE.

It is not necessary th»t tlie great expenses iiidulged in by some
poultry amatctii's should be incurred. With poidtry, as witSi
animals of a higher order, tl)e things r.eccssarj/ are not much.

Exce])t to find their eggs, if they »ie wanderers, fowls do not
now want as much looking after Us they do in the winter. They
may be allowed to roost about wliere they v.'ill — iu shrubs 6v
trees, or cart-houses, under sheds, and on th^; raft m-b of empty
barns : they will be (he better (or it. The nights get shorter and
warmer, the earth brings forth food, and they are cafly I'isefs.
It is ahnost literally with then (hat " the early bird |;icks up
the worm." There is much food on the grass in the cool of tlfe
morning when it is damp with dew, which disappears as (he su*i
gets up. For this reason those who keep their fowls fastened

M»j 11, iSGl. ]

jaUJEtJSAI; OF HOETICITLTURE AlfP QQTTASB ftASDENEE.

127

into tlieir houses at night hare mucli to answer for, becaase it is
esgontifll they sliould be at liberty the first thing in the morning.
" Well," says one, " so they are ; gardener lets them out every
moming before six." Granted, but in June and July they
■want to be prowhng at half-past three. Nat\ireis a good manager.
Fowls following her dictates exert themseWes during the freshr.
ness of the morning ; the heat of tlie mid-day is for a long siesta.

Except a well-to-do pig that gi-unts out its satisfaction at
having a bellyful and nothing to do, we tnow no animal that
shows more enjoyment than a healthy fowl during the middle
hours of a summer's day. It chooses a dry bank, well and
thoroughly exposed to the sun, and the dustier the better. If it
be a hen, she looks for a small hollow ; she lies on her side and
sets to work increasing and deepening the hole ; when slie has
partly bm-ied herself she opens her feathers, she covers herself
with dust, and then composes herself, lulled by tlie heat. It
would be iTseless for her to prowl about, the earth is dry and
parched; but wlien the evening approaches she wiU be out
again. Fowls have this desire to dnst and bask in common witli
Game. Pheasants and Partridges do it, and in the middle of
the day there is little hope of finding any of them except in
sunny places. They feed at daybreak and in the evening.

We have been led to this, because it can no longer be necessary
to keep fowls closely shut up, and because it is not only economical
that they should find the greater part of their food, but it is also
very beneficial to them to do so. It is with \]vm as with our-
selves— the liotiei' the weather the less we are inclined to eat, and
the more we long for something of a refreshing nature. They find
their fruits and salads in wandering about. The hen may be
allowed her liberty with her cliickens by day in wann and diy
weather, but it is better she should be shut up at night, because,
otherwise, she is very apt to drag her chickens about in the cold
morning dew, among high grass and weeds, where they perish.
While roaming dviring the day, it is with chickens as with adults
—they not only find part of their own food, but that part which
is best for them.

HEN BEOODY WITHOUT LAYING.

I TIAVE a small Bantam hen that about a mcnlh ago showed
a desh-e to sit. She had four Dorking cjgs given her, and is now
the proud mother of two cliickens (having turned the other eggs
out of the nest). The only remarkable thing is, that the hen has
not laid since 1859. She is about four years old.^I. H. T.

[We are always very glad to hear of such things as that you
recount. 'We had some years ago an old East Indian hen which
would sit all the year round — in fact, whenever eggs were put
under her. She laid seldom^ but she did lay sometimes. Are you
sure the Bantam has not laid and eaten hi r eggs ? We have been
surprised to see the short time in which a hen Avill devour that
she has just laid, and also the cleanly operation she makes of it.
We have watched, and ran to the nest, to find no trace of one.]

CANAllY BKEEDING-.

L.13T year I purchased a hen rather late in the season, placing
he* with a coek in a roomy breeding-cage. Almost immediately
she built her nest, afterwards sitting almost continuously. Much
to my surprise no eggs were laid. After a week or ten days I
placed several Bullfinch's eggs under her. She sat them the
due time (without laying). Unfortunately they proved addled,
though it was not her fault. After this I destroyed the nest
and prevented lier making another. This year she hns built her
neat quite a fortnight ago, sitting very irregularly, but no eggs
are produced. — A Vexed One.

[Take away the hen Canary's nest, wait a week ov so and then
let her build again, when, perhaps, she will lay ; if not, you may
give her some eggs of any of the Finches to rear, after which
she will build again and lay, unless she is really barren. Barren
hejis are, however, often useful as nurses, as they may frequently
be, induced to sit at any time, which is sometimes a great cofl-
veuieuce. — B. P. B.]

T?E EoTTEELX. — AVe saw the first of this eccentric summer
bird on the last day of April. JSpioures will hail their arrival.
We shall be glad of any information respecting thesei mo»fc
iuiiei'estipj birds.

THE CANA,EY AND THE BEITISg EINCHES.,

{Continued from page 71.)

10.— THE BEAMBLEFINCH (Fringilla MonUfrinffina.)

German, Bergfink or Tanucnfink,

French, Pintjon d'Ardenne, or Pincjon Boyal.

The Bramblefinch, known also by the names of Brambling,
Mouutainfinch, Beechfinch, and Firfinch,, is a winter visitant to
this country. Like the Siskin, it is very irregular in its visits.

In siae and shape they much resemble the ChalEnch, but are
slightly stouter, and stand rather higher on the legs.

In plumage they are very handsome bi«ls. The beak is
pointed and yellowish in colour, with a brown tip ; in Bumme*
it changes to a bluish shade. The irides are brown, and the feet
flesh-coloured. i

In the male the head is a bright black, with bluish and puvpl©
reflections ; the sides of tho brc-vst, lesser wing-eorevts, and
under wing- feathers, orange buff; the feathers of the back hav©
broad, russet brown edges ; the quill-feathors of the wings a»d
tail are black ; the primr-.ry whig- feathers have a httle, and tl>o
secondaries much white at the base, which form a white mark
on the wings, and give the bird a very dappled appearance wijn
it flies. The larger wiug-coverts are black, with orange tips ;
tho rump and under tail-coverts, white. In autumn tfter the
moult, the plumage is much duller on account of the feathers,
particularly of the head being edged or bordered wjtli brown ;
but, during the winter, these ends arc worn off, and by the
spring the bird assumes his liandsomost, or summer dress. The
female is much duller in plumage ; the feathers of the head and
back are fringed with wide edges of brown, which give a much
quieter tone to her whole plumage, and by which she h easilj
distinguished.

They breed iu the north of Europe, and I have not heard Oi
their iiest having been found in this country. Bochstein says,
" They make their nests on the thick firs and pines, of the moss
that gVows on those trees, and line it with hair ; the hen lays
five yellowish-spotted eggs, and the young ones are reai-ed on
insects." Their food consists of insects like that of the Chaf-
finches, and of the seeds of firs and pines, and th?y are very partial
to becchmast ; they also frequent the stubbles and eat other seeds.
Mr. Scales, an agriculturist of Beocham, in the county of Nor-
folk, considers Ihem of groat service to his land, as they devoured
in great abundance the seeds of the knot grass (Polygonum
aviculare).

Although very handsome birds and easily tamed, their song
is but poor, and fliey are considered quarrelsome in an aviary
with other birds, but I have kept them iu a room with many
other birds without any such inconvenience. Their food may
consist of canary seed, oats, millet, and occasionally a few insects,
as mealworms, earwigs, &c.

Bechstein remark", that if they have much hempseed they
frequently become blind, and the head swells and causes death ;
he also s'tates that they are easily trained to fly out and in at
tlic window, and if allowed to roam in tho room, will eat anything
that comes to table.

Their call, yacA; yacJc, quark, is very loud ; and I have found
them very restless "at night in the migratory season, when they
would often start from their perch, uttering a supjiressed scream,
and beat their heads against the top of the cage, causing a panic
among the birds in the neighbouring cages.

On the Continent, pied, and even white specimons, have
occasionally been met with.

I have endeavoured to breed from them with the Canary, but
without success. Bechstein however, informs us that the hen
Bramblefinch and cock Chaffinch produce very handsome
Mules.^B. P. Bbent.

{To he confinned-)

Dkceease or Stablings and otheeBieds. — In the northern
part of Hampshire, I have noticed a great falling off in these
birds. I have a field of about four acres in front of my house
which is a great resort for them, and notorious for the large
flocks that frequent it. We have all noticed their diseppearanee
since (ha frost. Blackbirds, Tlirushes, and Bnllfinc-lies, are
also scarce in the gai-den. I believe SpaiTows are like flies, the
more you kill the more you have. WiU some of your readers
tell us when first they heard (jhe Nightingale and Cuckoo ?-t-
H. R.

128

JOURNAL OF HOETICtlLTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

[ May 14, 1861.

TEEATMENT OF PABEOTS AND COCKATOOS.

Having kept and attentively observed the habits of Parrots
and Cockatoos for many years, I cannot forbear noticing and
lamenting the privations that unhappy family of birds must
endure at the hands of " W. T." and his friends. No doubt
they can exist on " sopped bread and hempseed ;" so, too, can
•' W. T." on boiled mutton and bread ; but both would be
infinitely benefited by a change of diet. " W. T." would find
his boiled mutton very wearisome after a month's experience.

Amongst my feathered pets is Coco (a grey Parrot) which was
given me from the nest in Africa, looking at the time very like
an exaggerated powder-pufi". I have had him now many years,
and his beauty and intelligence are remarkable. I ascribe his
perfect health and brilliant plumage to the great vai-iety of food
allowed him ; of course, the staple is sopped bread, but we give
him fruit of all sorts — nuts and walnuts, of which he is particu-
larly fond, well-picked bones, vegetables — in fact I deny him
nothing but salt and fat ; water erery day, which he calls for
when thirsty under the name of "milk," and never ceases reiter-
ating, " Miss EUen, milk, poor Coco, Miss Ellen milk," till
attended to.

I think if " W. T." could see Coco's delight in bathing he
would give his own bird a similar treat immediately. Coco goes
through the most absurd antics of joy, dances round and round
the basin (of tepid water) dips his head in, opens his mouth, and
dabbles his tongue in the water, puts his head down quite close
to the water, telling it in a confidential tone some of the eighty-
BCTen sentences he has acquired, and finally goes through a
prodigious splashing.

While on the subject of Parrots, I may mention a remedy
given me by a dealer in them, for plucking out then- feathers : it
is to sprinkle the birds gently (so as not to frighten them) with
a weak solution of alum in water ; it soothes the irritation of
skin which caiises the habit, and also renders the taste of the
feathers unpleasant to the bird. — E. V.

BEE-HIVES AND THEIE APPUETENANCES.

(^Continued from page 109.)
HrVE-BOABDS. — Mine are of yellow pine, IJ inch thick,
of the form seen in sketch (fgs. 10 and 11), the square formed

Fig. 10.

rig. 11.

16 inches, the round 18 inches in diameter. The unusual form
of landing-board I devised for two reasons, to save the many
tired foragers who might otherwise miss a narrow board and fall
a prey to the lurking toad, and also to assist in keeping the
thick thatch snug. It is always better to be well bevelled from
the entrance to the front, to run o2' the moisture, and many a
life may be saved on a wet, mild day, or a dewy morning, by
its being stripped down in addition, into little channels with a
fine gouge. The bees getting on their backs are by this means
enabled to right themselves. The exact dimensions of the
landing-board are 8i inches in length at the centre from the
square, 10^ inches point to point, IJ inch of a sweep at centre
from a straight line between the points, and at the centre 6 inches
wide. A portion 10 inches by 5J inches is cut out, if done
neatly with a very fine saw, it may serve afterwards to work as a
solid drawer, if not another bit is easily made to fit. A little
brass knob is behind to drawitoutby. A half-inch board 16 inches

square nailed on below across the grain of wood, serves the
double purpose of preventing warping and a bottom to rest
the feeding-trough upon. The outer edge of this half-inch board
to be bevelled off for appearance' sake. This will be found auseftil
mems of supplying food as
already mentioned. The nar-
row thin strip of wood at the
top of the drawer as seen in
the sketch, is to prevent dead
be_"s or any refuse falling in
when using the drawer, and
so hinder its shutting close.
On the bottom is nailed four
pieces 1 inch square, mitred at
the corners, leaving a central
square of 9 inches as a frame
to fit on a similar-sized piece
nailed on the top of the pedes-
tal. A pair of two-inch iron
buttons or bars on the back
part of the frame and one in
front, serve to keep it in its
place on the pedestal. The
hive can be readily weighed
without risk as often as the
bee-keeper has a mind, by
turning back the buttons,
running in the sliding door,
whenever the inmates are
housed ; and by means of the
little iron hooks at the corners
of the board, the hive "s
elevated as seen in sketch
(fig. 5), the weight noted,
the hive replaced, and the
entrance opened without the
bees ever being aware that
tliere has " Been a chiel
among them taking nots."

Shades. — To ward off the
prejudicial effects of the
winter's sun during a fall of
snow or otherwise, on the
thickness of the front of the
landing-board drive a litlle
bolt with a circular eye, a
stout wire bent at one end to
fix info it, and after running
straight out for a foot or so,
turned u^) perpendicularly.
On this a square of wood
rounded at the toji with two
little eye bolts behind works
up and down and about, so to throw the front of the hive
into the shade. Small holes in this upright will admit a sprig
to fit in any position, of course to be removed in spring.

Pedestals. — The authorities all rightly agree that these
should be single, but only specify two materials, wood and iron,
for their construction. The first, though the best oak charred and
tarred, decays near the surface, and its downcome is only a
question of time, the tragical consequeuces of which any apiarian
can anticipate. The iron is liable to rust, and must be kept
painted, and is, above all, too expensive for general use. I, there-
fore, devised for my own apiary a pedestal free from all these dis-
advantages. What I employ for the purpose are, glazed fireclay
faucet pipes : they are strong, most durable, not affected by damp,
being always glitteringly clean, require no paint, and, of course,
do not rust, are too smooth for a mouse's foot, and, to crown all,
so economical as to justify their universal adoption, the three-inch
size costing 8<1., and the four-inch 9(7., in single pipes. They
make such capital pedestals as entitle them to a place in the
"Bee-keeper's Manual," or "honourable mention" by any
apiarian society. I adapt them as follows : — Suppose we take
the four-uich size, dress a circular bung 4 inches in diameter by
1 foot long (less length might do), of thoroughly seasoned wood :
before fitting it tightly into the upper end of the pipe give
it a good coating with white lead, dress the top smoothly with a
hand-plane, prepare a board 55 inches broad, having a thickness
of three-eighths of an inch behind, dressed to a sharp edge in
front, cut out a circle 5^ inches in diameter, and nail on the

May 14, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICTTLTUaE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

129

top of the bung, this gives the bevel for the hive-board. On the
top of this fix with extra stout nails a nine -inch square of wood
inch-dressed, on which tbe floor- board is attached with buttons
as ah-eady mentioned. When nailing it is safer to place a i isce
of wood up through the post to the ground to prevent its dis-
placement. The three-inch size has a lighter appearance and is
30mches long. Thefour-inchI thinkpreferable, being 38 inches
long, and the faucet end on this size sunk into the ground helps
to steady the pipe {see fig. 5). A hole is to be opened to receive
it, the earth put in gradually and well firmed as you proceed fixes
it immoveably, leaving 20 inches or so above the surface.

Wateb Troughs are useful particularly in spring. Mine are
of hewn stone 16 inches by 7i inches outside, by 2 inches deep,
leaving a rim 1 inch sunk into the earth, 1 inch above the surface.
I used to place pebbles in the water, but observing bees greedily
drinking at a ditch one day, not directly from the water, but
through the medium of the moss upon the stones, took the hint
and filled my troughs with nice specimens. By filhng the trough
every morning with water the moss grows and has a pretty
appearance. Should blackbirds abound it is better preserved
by a bit of net. A ready cheap substitute are the little oval
troughs of fireclay used for fowls' drink, they are 16 inches by
7 inches, and cost Is. — A Renfrevtshiee Bee-keepeb.
{To he continued.)

WINTERING BEES IN CANADA WEST.

" April 10th bees went abroad for the first time and returned
with pollen. 11th found hepaticas in bloom in the woods. This
is my beginning, or rather second attempt. The first was on
January 15th. I went for a hive, there was an icicle inside, but the
bees were all alive and very active, and I placed the hive on a cloth
at once and drove home. This box was quite water-tiglit. After
a few days we had a thaw, followed by a severe frost ; and shortly
after all my bees were dead. There were plenty of comb and honey ;
box and all could not have weighed less than 30 lbs. or 40 lbs.
Those now at work are in a box with three holes in the top, one
half way up, besides the entrance-hole, and was one of some
fourteen or fifteen boxes quite exposed ; there is one or two in
the apiary with knot-holes, and a fractured hole as it were dented
out, and had been so for some years ; over the top Iiole a small
inverted box, not sealed down, and no cover overhead, or next to
none, being so high that any rain or drift must find them out ;
though, perhaps, the top box would prevent any getting in at
the top.

In another apiary, April 12th, the bee-keeper had buried or
rather pitted two hives, and gave the following account : — Those
exposed had consumed on the average 18 lbs. during the winter,
those pitted 6 lbs. His method was as follows : — on the surface
of the soil he placed some clean straw, on this a board on which
to put his hives, building a roof over of boards, and closing the
gable ends in the same way ; then put on 10 inches of soil, but
no moss or other packing between the boards and the hive?. He
intends to follow this plan with all late or badly-provided
awarms. I am aware this is no new method ; but from the poor
account of bees in England, fancied they could devise some plan
there to keep them at a low temperature, and sufliciently dry." —
F. H. Waits, Woodstock, Canada West.

[We have recently inspected a hive, the inhabitants of which
perished during the winter (which even here has been no bad
imitation of a Canadian one) under probably similar circum-
stances to those narrated by our correspondent. The hive was
made of wood \\ inch thick throughout, and sheltered from
the weather by a loose covering of sheet zinc ; it was perfectly
air-tight, and contained fully 10 lbs. of sealed honey in good cou-
43ition, so that starvation was out of the question. The bees
were found clustered together between the combs, and were
saturated with moisture. As North American winters are some-
what unusual in England, we must refer to American apiarians
for an explanation, which is given by Mr. Langstroth as fol-
lows : — " In March, 1856, I lost some of my best colonies under
the following circumstances : the winter had been intensely cold,
and the hives having no upward ventilation were filled with
frost, and in some instances the ice on their glass sides was
nearly a quarter of au inch thick. A few days of mild weather,
in which the frost began to thaw, were followed by a tempera-
ture below zero, accompanied by fiu'ious winds j and in many
of the hives the bees, which were still wet from the thaw, were
frozen together in an almost solid mass."

Mr. Q.uinby explains the formation of icicles in a bee-hive ia
the following manner : — " If we examine the interior of a hive
containing a medium-sized swarm on the first severely cold
morning, except in the immediate vicinity of the bees we shall
find the combs and sides of the hive covered with a white frost.
In the middle of the day, or as soon as the temperature is
shghtly raised, this begins to melt, first next to the bees, then at
the sides. A succession of cold nights will prevent the evapora-
tion of this moisture ; and this process of freezing and thawing,
at the end of a week or two wiU form icicles, sometimes as large
as a man's finger, attached to the combs and the sides of the
hives."

" Upward ventilation " by means of orifices in or near the
top of the hive is Mr. Langstroth's remedy ; and this accounts
for the fact which appears to puzzle our correspondent — viz.,
that hives ventilated by means of " knot-holes," &c, escaped the
calamity which befel his own " water-tight " box.

Mr. Quiuby winters his bees by inverting the hives in a dark
room, whilst Mi\ Langstroth gives fuU particulars of a German
mode of wintering bees in what he calls a " bee-clamp," which
is almost identical with the one described by our correspondent.
Either of these methods may probably be followed with advantage
during the severe winters of Canada and other northern countries,
but will seldom be found necessary in our own more genial
climate. See " To Correspondents" for answers to other queries.]

BOTTLE-FEEDING FOE BEES.

Having given fully 2 cwt. of food to my bees during last
autumn by means of the bottle, I cannot concur in " A Een-
FEEWSHIEE Bee- KEEPER'S " statement as to its being " a slow
process." I used pint bottles with mouths of the size of a
shilling, and found that every stock would appropriate two
bottlefuls in twenty-four hours. If tliis rate of progress be not
quick enough for our go-a-head Northern friends, I would
suggest the use of Lazenby's wide-mouthed pickle-bottles, and
feeding through a two-inch aperture. These bottles hold about
a pint, and a strong colony would probably enipty one in three
or four hours, so that half-a-dozen pounds a-day might readily
be administered to each hive.

Whilst on this subject, I may point out an error into which
many others besides jour correspondent have fallen with respect
to the "constart dropping" of food from au inverted bottle.
This supposed fact is wholly imaginary, as may readily be proved
by experiment. Even pure water in a wide-mouthed pickle-
bottle tied down with a piece of cap-net, will remain perfectly
suspended without a drop falling after being placed in au inverted
position.— A Devonshire Bee-keepeb.

VARIETIES.

THE RASPBEERY JAM TEEE;

OE STINKING- ACACIA (OP CENTBAL AND ■WESTERN AUSTRAXIA)
AND THE GITII WATTLE, OB FRAGRANT ACACIA OF SOUTH
AUSTRALIA.

In my journey into Central Australia (starting from Adelaide),
I noticed a species of Acacia growing in the dry, stony beds of
some of the creeks (lat. 31" south and long. 141° east), the
blossom of which yielded such a putrescent odoiu* that it has
received the name of the "stinking Acacia."

The leaves yielded no sensible smell when fresh, but having
cut down a few small branches, and placed them in the shade,
I noticed that in forty -eight hours they gave out a strong, un-
pleasant odovir, something like rotten cabbage. I had some
branches in my tent, in which the temperature varied from 100°
to 110° Fahr., and as at the samo time the air was intensely dry
it would appear that the odour is not easily eliminated.

A singular contrast was, however, exhibited m the wood,
which, instead of partaking of the unpleasant smell of the
blossoms or the leaves, was agreeably fragrant.

On my return to the settlements I found that this species of
Acacia, though unknown in South Australia, Melbourne, or New
South Wales, was known in Western Austi-alia as the " R.isp-
berry Jam Acacia," from some supposed resemblance in the
fragrance of the wood to the odour of tliat well-known preserve.
The wood has obtained the colonial name of " Raspberry Jam
Wood," and the specimens from the Swan were very superior in
fragrance to tliose from Central Australia. It is of a dai-k colour,
very similar in appearance to Rosewood, very heavy and sunk in

ISO

JOtJRXAL OF HOEncrLTURE A^'D COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Mi.T 14, 18«1.

wetter like a stone, and so hard yshea dry as to turn tlic edge of ' shall be used, and this Vessel is placed over a vrnter*bath, the

■ eaw or chisel.

The n<5cur is, i>rohabl,T, due to the presence of a saiall portion
of oil, as is Hie cise with sandal wood, only not so recherche, '
and it remains yet to he seen if it can be turned to profitable
aocciint by the perfumer. Let us suppose that essential oil of {
" Ba^pber^y Jam "^"ood," cr some other extract coul.i be ob- i
tained, it would not be a particiJarly pleasant perfume : but that I
doee not milltale against it, for the same may be said of musk, '
ambergris, and many others when pure. '

The contrast between the odour of the blossom c.f the Rasp-
berry .Jam Acacia and the blossom of the weil-knoAvn Givoa
TFattle (Acacia decurrens), is very remarkable. The former is
sickly and about as fragrant as au old cabbage stump ; the latter j
is most agreeable and delicious^ycs, it is most sweet. Many of ,
the valleys to the Soutli of Adelaide every year as the season of i
blossoming returns, are redjient witli the exquisite fragrance. |
Tliis fragrance is, however, entirely in tiie blossoms, for the wood
and leaves ai'e scentless. I

The Wattle or fragrant Acacia has been desti'oyed in nearly '
all the seitled districts for the sake of the bark, lliat it might
"be profitably cultivated is beyond a d -ubt. 1st, It yields gall
berries of great ut ility in many branches of commerce. 2nd, A
most valuable perfume. 3rd, A gum simUar to gum arable.
4th, The bark is much valued by the tanner. 5th, It might be
cultivated on land which also could be used for pasturage.
6th, The se«d mi^ht be turned to some account. The seed is in
pods similar to peas. Cockatoos are very fond of them. I
liotieed fiocks of the beautiful rose-breasted cockatoos fee4iug
off tlw seed? of the Raspberry Jam Acacia in Central Anstraha,
and the whit? co^'katoos in Sonth Australia used to come in
great numbers as regnlar as the season, and gorge themselves
*ith the seeds of the Gum Wattle. I used to vary niy dinner,
■which, from there being no fresh meat to be had, was chiefly of
salt pork, with a roast of these fellows ; but I cannot say much
in their favour, even with the recommendation of an Austmlian
appetite.

The gum of the Fragrant Acacia is used as an ai-tiele of food
by the aborigines. I have used it myself, and advised its use by
others wl:en hard pressed, and found it eilremely nutritious. It
requires some httle cooking and bolting to get it down ; for
otherwise yon may get as hungry while eating as if eating
walnuts. The natives would eat 2 lbs. to 3 lbs. at a sitting.

The gnm is the most valuable product, considered as an article
of commeree. Some that I sent to England as a speculation
realised £60 per ton, and a portion £63 per ton. The bark
tealised £15 per ton. My agent, however, advised me that
those prices could not be maintained. As the gnm is foor times
the value of the bark, and is yielded annually, wliile the bark can
only be obtained once (for the tree dies), it reminds one of tbe
fable of killing the goose. A party of men and bots out " bark-
ing " would di^troy a bdt of Wattles a mile in length iu a week,
and they make no distinction as to whether they are growing
OD Crown or purchased land, so long as the owner is not located
on it.

Tlie gtjn is used by manufacturers to give an apparent thick-
ness and superior quaUiy to their goods ; also by confectioners
and many others. A wholesale stayn>ak''r told me that it cost
him £150 per annum for gum arable (which, after all, is chiefly
obtained from Africa) merely to thicken and finish ladies' stays.
The Australian savage eats the gum fresh and pure. Young

steam from which, passing through a curved tube in the perfume
vessel over it, distributes the perfume in vapour from the top of

the urn, and it is then diffused throughout the apartment. We
have used this apparatus, and can speak from experience of the
simplicity of its action, and of the dehghtfulness of its operation.
We can imagine how refreshing in any apartment, whether it
be a ball-room, or a chambtr of sickness, would be the pungent
fragrance of Rimmel's vinegar, emitted by the Perfume Tapour-
iser. It is not only a useful article, but an ornamental one,
and might well find a place in any room of any residence.

EvEifTs OF THE Seasos. — We saw a young Woodcock, half
grown, on Thursday last. We hear of young Blackbirds, and
the Rooks are very strong. — B.

OUE LETTER BOX.

Colds is Potltbt 'J. 6. P.). — We recomnaend yon to ti« Bticmlaiits
freely. There wUl always be Tioleiit colds while we Lave easterly winds bjr
day, and hard fros'3 every night and momins Acting on the old principle
that prevention is better rhnn cure, we art- carefol at these seasons to hare
tbe boftorrts of beer, and drain>ngs of wineclasses carefnllr saved in order to
eoftk therein all the crumbs and cmsts. Tne^e, uith a little addition, enable
OS to give a good stimuIatiDg meal twice every daj to those that seem most
to reqtiire it.

Gapes ns CmcKEys (A Cti'^hire Sufifccrxher) .—"^tt easily applied remedy
is known. We have often reco mm ended a little sweet oil to be injected
upon the worms by means of a hinall syringe. The disease generally occurs
in fowls of weakly consf^itnTiona, iind as a pfeventivp, chalybeates are effective.
A sn^ail quantity of green vitribl (snlptste of ifon) dissolved in tbeir water
is beneficiaL

GoLDEK-EPANGLEU HaItbuboh Eggs (F SJ). — The efg ahells being " rery

„ „ , (-.1 thin." is the canst, of their being broken, atd, then, nn wonder the hena

England consumes it a varnwh or polish on his gingerbread and partially eat them. It is the way to tea^-h thtm to do so. We stispect your

■''"—-■ ' bens are t<K» wel! fi-d. Give ihem a dessert -spoon fol of castor oil, less

stiiTQiatine food, and kss f«)Od of any kind; also, have some limy mbbkh
thrown down wlicre they can have access to it freely.

TcKBiTs WITH Crests (tf. W'i/i/-A'/r«^).— Yon mast hare overlooked the
reply to Mr Oare^ in last week's JotntNxL of HoKTicin.TC«E. I prefer the
head of a Turbit withcmt either turn crown or point, as 1 consider it detracts

buns. — Lori3 PiESSE, Calcutta.

BncMEL'g PEBFrjtE VAPorEiSEB. — There are many con-
triTancea in use for fumigating and perfuming private aj^artments,
iick-chambers, and public meeting-rooms; and many of them

are not onlj iti some instances offensive, but positively injurious. • ^ ^ ,. ^ ,^..t. . - .t, u.,

Tk«-, ;« ««..^«Tlr - -.^ A 1 * i_ ^ "j«i i/«o fr<nii tfcep2tBliarff>nT. oftheheat. By a reference to all the older wnrKs on

ajere IS generaUy a coarseness and crudeness in the compoMtion | Pi^eons. it wi:i be found tha* o. mention is made of the turn crown by the

writers^ and their plates show them smmifh-headed. 1 fancy the crest has
been introdr.ced by the Hermans, who add it to the Barb, Fantail. Powter,
Tambler, and eveti the Carrier ; but 8Ti<:h addition is not in accordance with
oar notions of puhty ol breed. — B. P. Bbent.

Grey Parrot Sick {Caroline). —Change its food. Omit bempaeed and
bones ; contin'ie ibe sopped bread ; give it nuts : and let it have water and
a tepid bath djily if it will accept it voluntarily. Some water slightly warme'l
IB a 800p plate is sufficient.

Rabbits {A y^u- Sultcriier) .— If yoa bny «or Ko. 648, yon will ftnd how
to make an enclusore; and in tlie whole of onr last volame there is informa-
tion desirable for you to pos-ess &.■■ to tlieir manaperaent. Any kind will
thrive in such an enclosure, w-you must be guided by whether yon require
them for their flesh or the r fur. Ihc best of flooring tor a hen-hoose is
gravel rammed hard, ai d c vered 3 inches deep with sand. Bricks are
the worst of flooring for a htn-i.oose.

of all perfumes emanating from direct combustion, and hence
the burning of pastilles, resins, and woods, is accompanied
in manj cases -with a heavy, dull fragrance, which is both
oppressive and disagreeable to many. In the apparatus before
us, and of which we furnish the annexed representation, there
is no such ohjection. Mr. Bimmel, the eminent perfumer,
has here invented an appliance which most effectually charges
the atmosphere of the largest apartment with any perfume that
may be required, and in such a way as to be at once agreeable
and refreshing. The apparatus consisti* of a bronzed uru raised
on a tripod stand, and with a spiri* lamp beneath it. In the
inside is a vessel containing the perfume which it is intended

May 21, 1361. ] JOURNAL OP HOaTICTJLTURE A>ID COTTAGE GABDENEE.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

131

1 Day ' Day !

of i ol
iM'nthiWeek.

Weathbk 3;eak Londos in 1860.

MAT 21— 27, 1861.

Barometer. :Tlieiinom.

I

31
22
23
24
25
26
27

To

W
Th

F

S
Son

M

Whit Tofsdat.

Ember Wehk.

Sun's decliil. 20= S8' x.

QcEEs Victoria bor>', IS19.

PaiNCKss Hrlbsa born, 1S46.

Trinitt S0nd\t.

Ki^G OF Hanotbe born, 1819.

303:2
SO.SoS
SOO;
29^;

-30.2oS
-30.034
-29.820
-29.932

29953—29.609
29.406-29.336
29.751—29.657

deg. dej.
75—38
74— 3S
75—47
75—40
67 — 80
06— iO
62—45

Wind.

ruin in
Inches.

E.
S.W.

s.w.

S.W.

s.w.
s.w.
x.w.

Snn
Rises.

m. h.
2af 4
1 4

•03
•30

Son

Sets.

m. h.
51af 7
52 7

54 7

55 7

56 7

58 7

59 7

Hoon

Rises Moon's

and Sets .4ge.

Clock
after
Sun.

Day of
Year.

m. h.
56 1

19 2
48 2

rises

OalO

47 10

20 11

12
13
14

o

16
17

IS

im.
I 3

3 32

3 27

3 32

3 16
3

141
143

143
144
145
146
147

MBTFOKOtosT oy THB Week.-.W Chiswick, frcm observations dnring the last thiity^nr ye»rf, the ayerase higl
temperatures of these days are 07' and 44-.3^ respectively. The ereatest heat, 82% occnned on the 26th m I8a3 , and the
on the 25th in 1839. Dnring the period 139 days were fine, and on 99 rain fell.

hest and lowest
loT est cold, 29%

AREANGING FLOWEES i:^- BOUQUETS AND

VASES.

Make yonr home beautiful —bring to it flowers

Plant them art^und you to bud and to bloom ;
Let thera srive life to your loneliest hours.

Let tliem brinfr lislit to enliven your gloom .
31ake your ot-n tror/rf— one th.it never has sorrowed — I

Of music, aitd sunshine, and glad summer ir,
A home tcorhl, whose forehead care never has fnrrowed. !

And whose cheek of bright beauty shall ever be tair.

Make your home beautiful— gather the Roses I

That hoard up the suujhine with exquisite art ; I

Perchance they may p'-ur. as yonr darkest day closes.

That soft summer sunshine down into your heart ; 1

If you can do so— oh! make it an Eden '

6t beauty and gladness — remember 'tis wise; I

'Twill teach yon to long for that home yon arc needing,

That heaven of beauty beyond tlie blue skies !

Make your home beautiful— snre 'tis a doty —

Call up yonr little ones — teach thera to walk
Hand in hand with the .voudering Aogel of Beauty—

Encourage their spirits with Nature to talk.
Gather ihem round you. and let tliera be learning

Lessons that drop'trom the delicate wings
Of the bird and the butterfly — ever returning

To Him who has made all these beautifnl things.

IN'TEODFCTOBT CHAPTER.

E were reading the other dav
of the wide-spread beauty of
this trrand old earth, the
wonders of the starry skies,
the courses of the winds and
the science of the fleetincf
clouds. There lies the ocean
with its forest growth of
sea-weeds, its wondTfuI
streams and currents, and its
deep blue waves . And there
are, again, the strange old
relies of ages past, wonder-
ful and strange to look upon
and to read about — the de-
licate thin shells, broken by a touch, and yet preserved
in stony dress to unveil to us now the life of those far-off
years.

Thinking of all these things, and of all the living
wonders and living beauties that surround us in the
world we live in, one pauses, and the thoughts arise —
What did such beauty come for ? Surely such gifts
must bring some duties ? Is Beauty truly a shadow, a
trace of the great Creator who alone is perfect Beauty ?
Are we, poor little crawling insects of a day, intended
here to learn to know the better and the more to love
the shadow of that Beauty, which, when our wings have
at last come to us, the remaining eternity will per-
chance be spent in worshipping and loving P

But by what little tiny ways we have to learn these
beautiful great lessons ! It would seem ridicalous if it
were not bo true. But as it is, one's mind goes on quite
naturally to think how a little more of this abundant
beauty could best be brought into our English homes :
for surely anything is a blessing by which we may make
ISo. 8. — Yoi.. I., New Seeles.

them brighter. How is it, one wonders, that England
beyond all other lands should so abound in gardens ?
Elower-grown walls and bowery green trees, waving
Lilacs and Laburnum tresses, tasselled Larches and ever-
green shrubs, throwing such a pleasant shade about her
country homes.

Perhaps it just is that flowers are such homely things,
that English hearts are sure to love them, and English
homes to have them : and indeed I dare say that their
pure sweet ministerings, the memories they recall, and
the thoughts they bring, do help in no small degree to
make homes what they are.

But flowers are such joyous things. We want them
jQore — much more. We want them to come and bring
their sweet fresh brishtness with them into many more
rooms, even in crowded towns, for peace and gladness
are so much wanted there ; and though both joy and
sorrow lead to heaven, joy is yet surely the sweetest
path to go by.

And so it was that I began to think how strange it
was that there should be everywhere so much beauty
scattered all around us, and yet that often in the
very heart of home we should so little find that beauty
and that brightness which lovely flowers may give : in
the sitting-room, for instance, or the boudoir, or the
librarv, or — it's no use my trying to follow out where
"ihe'den" may be; everybody knows which is their
own home's pleasant room ; and I put it to their con-
science. Has it many flowers ? and are those flowers
artistically arranged?

"Yes,-" says some one, "the girls do it very well.
Flowers alwavs do look nice, yon know. Besides, I
don't believe there is much arranging. 1 never see them
look nicer than just slipped into the basket as they first
come in.''

I wonder how many have noticed this to be a fact?
The flowei-s are actually more artistic in their rough
effect than they are afterwards when three of the young
ladies have worked for an hour at arranging them in
their vases.

I think it is, that in the basket they are roughly
grouped in masses as they are gathered. In the vases
quantities are mi.'ced up — different and inharmonious
colours, and mutually dulling shades thrown all together,
making a sadly broken aiid even dingy whole.

At any ratej it is quite clear that while French bouquets

and German wreaths are so very charming — while there

is not a toilette without its appropriate flower parure,

' so very far lovelier than jewels for the young — while

there is no family fet€ in Germany without its graceful

door wreaths and its garlanded picture frames and coronals

I of flowers— while in Eussia the custom of flower-decked

I tables has reigned till at la-^t it has taken the very

1 English " mahogany " by storm— all this time what

in-door floral fashion have the English set ?

I know their gardens are lovely and their homes loaded
with the sweetest flowers; but I really hope it is not
with them as with those people who are so fond of dogs
hi their proper places.

No. 660. — Toi. X-V\ 1., Old Series.

133

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAliDEHEE.

[ May 21, 1861.

So now the Editors of this Journal, having for a long
time taught the world what to grow and how to set about
it, intend also to give a lesson on how to manage and
arrange what has been fairly grown.

The same rules apply to most things. The " diner
Eusse" is, perhaps, just now most interesting — a pain-
ful subject too, considering its e.Kpeuse and its fragile
material, so very frail and fleeting.

But, what a delusion it is to fancy that so many flowers
are wanted ! A. good many are, of course, on a good-
sized table ; but I wonder how many flowers in each
group are used which actually malte more flowers needful
instead of themselves assisting to fill up!

This sounds very odd and strange I dare say; but it
really is a fact, that the fewer colours and the fewer
shades there are, the fewer are tlie flowers which will fill
the vase.

And then, again, in mixed flowers such very common
little things come in, for it is an expensive mistake to
fancy so many flowers and such grand kinds are wanted.
For the hair, too, and for the dress, how well I remember
those charming simple little gracieuses wreaths — Ivy, or
evergreen Rose leaves, or Myrtle, and beautiful dark
or silvered foliaae, a few Snowdrops, or some drooping
Deutzia — that little flower like a delicate white Eibes,
a fevi pale blue Harebells, single Hepaticas, Sciilas, or
bells of waxen Hyacinths, Pansies again, and Eoses,
Azaleas amongst the fairest, and the exquisite Chinese
Honeysuckle, and little sprays of Lilac.

I need not, however, say any more, for this is only the
introduction, and if I fairly begin I shall never stop.

Yet, before proceeding to more precise directions and
particulars, I must illustrate what I have been saying by

A BOUQl'ET DESIGN FOE MAT.

It may seem premature to give a design before one has
yet hardly begun to explain the plan of working. But
one can easily choose a very simple specimen, and this
one I think most persons could manage well. I saw one
day a very lovely design ; it was entirely formed of
Violets — double white and purple, made up with a few
green leaves arranged in the outer circle.

This is certainly rather sombre, but still I may de-
scribe it, because by substituting brighter flowers for the
white and purple Violets it may easily be made gay.

Whatever flowers are used should be, however, umall.
Hvacinth bells, for instance, mounted singly on stalks of
wire, would do very nicely. Hepaticas and white Violets
would answer beautifully, and so would double Peach
and double Cherry blossoms : these being, perhaps, the
very best of all.

It is necessary to be very exact about the shape and
flatness. To effect this a tin funnel without a tube — or
a card formed into such a shape — is very useful. A stiiF
bushy piece of green should be placed in the centre of
the circle, the top being as flat as possible, so as to be
just level with the lip of the funnel, and the stalk being
long and firm.

Other pieces of green should now be arranged round
this, keeping them very flat, and binding each one down
to the first by a long piece of strong white wool. Tlie
leavps of sweet-scented Geranium, Myrtle, Lily of the
Valley, and Scarlet Geranium especially, do excellently
for filling up this space, just as if one was making a
.common green nosegay.

If small round flowers are to be used entirely, the
foliage should be also of the smallest and neatest kind.

Having filled the frame with green, the flowers which
have been till the last moment kept in water in the dark
should be mounted on stalks, vihich need not be very
stiff if wire is used in mounting, only it is necessary to
he carcrnl that it does not cut through the flower-stems.

For the actual design that niiich comes from the out-
side into a point at tlie centre looks very well. I think
si.'C points are, perhaps, the best. Six wedges — that is to

say, pointing towards the middle, which looks extremely
well filled by a fine Camellia or Azalea ; but if it is not
the same flower as that which composes the bouquet
generally, it must be a perfect match in colour, and being
alone it should bo in itself a good and well-shaped flower.
In this place a white Eose would do well.

The lines must be very exactly kept, and then when
the flowers are all arranged, and tightly bound together,
the whole should have a frill of white Deutzia, or Lilies
of the Valley with Fern leaves or some other pretty and
not too fragile foliage.

A bouquet so made will keep fresh for along time, espe-
cially if it is protected from cold and draughts of air. — E.
{To le continned.)

SPEING FLOWEES AND BEDDING PLANTS.

When I asserted, very recently, that the best spring Oower for
bee's, rounds or ribbons, among all the races of the Primrose family
is the Yellow Polyanthus " Good Gracious," I ought to have
said as I meant, only the best yellow kind ; for there is another
Polyanthus that must come before it, not in merit, perhaps, but
in right of the principle of edging beds of strong colours with
neutral colour of the greatest force, as with white or whitish
variegated-leaved plants, or low kinds with white flowers. We
all know these take the first tiu-n round a bed, or along tlie front
of a ribbon line, and no one disputes tlie priority, even if he does
not admit the necessity for it. A strong yellow flower, on the
other hand, is objected to for front work by the great patrons of
tlie present planting system : therefore it is that tliis Polyanthus
will nev( r reach the first place on a spring ribbon, for there is a
white Polyanthus equally good, if not better, to come first ;
as I do not expect to be able to get a real scarlet Polyantluis or
Primrose quite free from spots, the second place, or row, and
must of necessity reserve for it to cut the white from the yellow
Polyanthus. None of the three have clean clear colours. The eye
of the first two is much alike ; therefore, whatever the eye of the
third or scarlet is to be, tliat kind must taketlie middle distance ;
and so " Good Gracious" is to be third on the list after all. Even
supposing the three were of equal merit, I cannot push my seed-
ling farther than the third best place in this class of flowers.

In truth, till I had seen eleven other kinds of yellow Polyan-
thus and one kind of yellow Primrose, I could not say exactly
in which row to place the yellow. I have all these now in my
own garden, thanks to the donors. I passed my word that Punch
Geranium and Shrubland Rose Petunia would be out of cultiva-
tion before " Good Gracious" Polyanthus, and I took no merit
for raising it, as I distinetly said ; and knowing that self praise
is no recommendation, when I praise myself, or my doings and
snyingj, or my way of thinking, I do so for the good of my
readers. My reward is, the more readers I make : therefore I
study to please and instruct the greatest numbers. But when I
differ from a reader in matters of taste, as between two or more
kinds of plants, or more ways than one of disposing of them, I
never hold an argument on taste, nor enter upon logic to prove
wlio !■* right and who is wrong about fashions and fancy plants;
and that is an answer to a gentleman who writes about me and
prefers a Cowslip to the best yellow Poly»nthus.

Dr. Herbert in the "Journal of the Horticultural Society," left
us on record (Vol. 1817, page 96), that he considered " the
natural forms of Fuchsia virgata, gracilis, glohosa, and discolor
so su|)crior to the mixed shapes produced by gardeners, tliat he
had been unwilling to deteriorate them by intermixture. He
was the best cross-breeder that England yet produced. The
best cross-breeder from among the Scottish people is Isaac Ander-
son Henry, Esq., ofEdinburgh, or near it; and he says, this same
niontli o( May, th&t "he was never so much in love with varie-
gated foliajTC as to fcek to promote or preserve it much in any
thing." But the fashion of this world will not slop to ask what
an English or Scotch cross-breeder ma// fliink of (his or that
s/j/le of plants or if a wilding is preferable to a cross, or a cross
to a natural sport ; and I am sorry to confess that I, too, go too
nnich after the fashion of this world in fancy dress, and dressing,
bnth ill-doors and out, up-stairs and down. I always persuade
the rising generation of gardeners to avoid strife and n^rangling
as inucli as possible, and to live in good will and good fellowship
viith all their kind and its varieties, and iti my turn I endeavour,
as iuu"h as in me lies, to set them the example.

May 21, 1861.]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

133

Prom this day it is quite safe to remove all kinds of spring
Crocuses out of tlie flower-borders, and to put them iu tliinly
by the heels, as we say, in a place of reserve, there to remain to
the middle or end of August, when they ought to be taken up
and sorted, and to be replanted, according to their sizes, in a
thin bed with a hard bottom, where they are safe enough to
Christmas, or until the borders are again ready for them. But
the rule which holds good for standing Crocuses will not do for
Crocuses that are transplanted when in leaf. Such as are thus
removed early to make room for summer things will lose their
leaves sooner than those not disturbed ; but this early losing
of the leaf is not to be taken as a sign to give up watering them
altogether. And here is where a great many people have been
wrong altogether, for I proved the fact by direct experiments
two years back, and forgot to say so this time last year. If the
roots and tubers of a transplanted Crocus, which loses the leaves
earlier thin usutil, are allowed to get dry as soon as others that
were not transplanted^ that is more against them than the trans-
planting. The reason of tliat seems to be this : The removal
gives a certain check to all plants, least to bulbs, the early fall
of the leaf being the eifeot of the check. Most plants and all
bulbs can carry on the process that was not quite finished by
the leaves for certain periods after the leaves are gone, provided
they a"e placed in a suitable condition to carry out the pro-
cess— that is, that they are not allowed to get quite dry nor very
wet for some weeks after all traces of the leaves are lost. Every
bulb that blooms from February to the middle of May is under
this law and rule, or may be brought under it with all safety,
provided the ground is not swamped by too much watering, nor
yet allowed to get dry for the first month after transplanting.
The best place, therefore, for such things to be removed to
would bo a deep, light, well-drained border on which the sun
does not shine but in the mornings and evenings; or if it did not
shine upon it, that would be preferable to one exposed to the direct
influence of the sun.

There is a little silvery and very small-leaved plant which I
mentioned last autumn from Kew, which, I am now fully per-
suaded, will moke one of the most useful edging or first line in
a ribbon. I had a handful of cuttings of it late in September,
put them under a common hand-glass all through the winter
without any more covering ; and they have all freely rooted, and
last week I had them transplanted 3 inches apart on the back
of a narrow border on wliich I have all the yellow and white
Polyanthuses, and where the sun does not touch till the after-
noon. T can see quite plainly that a gardener might keep the
same plants for six or seven years before they were too large
for that pui'pose, and that 2 inches or 3 inches apart would be
sufficient room for them the first season from cuttings, and an
inch or a little more would be all the extra room they would
need yearly till tlicy were 6 inches across the head and 4 inches
or 5 inches high, if they were cut two or three times during the
growing season, just as box-edging is clipped, only that it might
be done with the knife. It is the very old Lavender Cotton
plant, the Saidolina chamcecyparissus, which, if it were taken up
at the end of October, and planted in any sheltered place
every year would soon be able to resist the hardest frost in our
climate. It should be in the nursery lists of bedding plants for
next year.

Another platit, which I mentioned once or twice, is SloTcesia
cyanea, a very strong herbaceous plant of the Composite order,
to bloom in the centre of a bed of China Asters all through
the autumn. It is yet in the wild or raw state ; but assuredly
will sooner or later run into double flowers, and then you shall
have a race of blue dahlia-like plants at last. It may require the
same indulgence as the chrysanthemum to get it to seed ; but
even should it require to go to Jersey, or Naples, or Algiers, or
to Natal, or Sydney to get it to produce double and sportive
seedlings, I would not give up the chance it offers to the cross-
breeding florist, because, like the d^ihlia, it would be everybody's
plant, and once it is domesticated it would probably increase
much like (he chrysanthemum. I would also have all the new
and old Pyrethrums, and seed them also, and see what industry
and perseverance could work out of them. What all Composite
flowers seem to require to break them into double flowers and
into various shades of colour is very high cultivation for a
succession of seasons, and using fresh seedlings every year,
but still keeping two or three of the originals until ycu have
them at command, like bulbs which make new sets of roots
annually ; and the way to do that is to remove them twice
a-year iiAo fresh and highly-manured earth, first in October and

then in April iu each yeai", and cutting back every one of their
roots to the size of a nice handy ball. This you will call the
bulb, and by causing fresh roots so near home, and so often in
such stimulating pasture, if the nature of the change is not
beyond the art of man, you, or some one you may know some-
where abroad, will be sure to succeed.

In 1850 or 1851 an amateur in one of the eastern counties
sent me a cut bloom of a large blue double Cineraria which he
said he meant to send up to the fashion office, and which, I
think, will be in the volume of The Cottage Gaedeneb for the
time ; but ten years are a long time to get into fashion. The
other day I saw a second double Cineraria, of which you will
hear with this. Why, then, should not all the Cinerarias — if,
indeed, they be not raiher Seuecios — be double. We have had
a good run of single ones, and unless something more is done to
them, they, too, must go into the same lists as herbaceous Cal-
ceolarias— that is, they will be a most useful fashion for private
use, like the dressing-gown and slippers ; but who would go to
a show in that fashion ?

I have thought long since that one might get a run of most
useful beiiding flowers out of Coreopsis Drmnmondi. I have
seen it repeateilly half-double, and with two rows and three
rows of florets fuU as the outside ones, and it needed not bat
so much more extra stimulus to throw up every bottom of
the florets which foi-ra the disk or centre part of daisy-like
flowers, as fully developed as the two or three rings round
the outside. Strange it is, that no Composite flower has yet
been seen on the crntrifugal- force sjstem — that is to say,
offering to turn double from the centre of the disk instead of
following the lead of the ray florets. Depend upon it that comes
not of chance; and if ever you discover the law which governs
the finishing up of the florets of Composite flowers from the
circumlerence instead of from the centre of gravity, or by the
centrifugal force, you will never have a bull's eye Bower in your
garden, nor want a large balance at your bankers. Of coarse
you are aware that in all the rest of the flowers the leader goes
from the very centre, whether it goes upwards or sideways. Just
think of that and how you could alter it.

D. Beaton.

ORCHAED-HOUSE TEEES.

I HAVE recently received the enclosed interesting letter about
orchard-house trees, which, as I have permission from the writer,
you may think worthy of insertion in your columns. — T. B.

" My orchard-house trees were never in such health and
vigour as tiny are now. I shall have a fine crop of Peaches,
Nectarines, and Plums; but although I could have more than
a hundred each on several of my trees, I do not expect that the
average will equal that of last year, when it exceeded fifty all
round. But the great attraction for visitors to my orchard-
house is the rich, beautiful foliage with which almost every
branch is clothed, I may suy from the graft to the summit, and
the preparation that they are making for next year's crop. I
manage them nearly all on the spur system, rarely letting up a
new branch from below, and in this nay I am less crowded;
besides the vigour of the tree is not expended in producing too
much wood.

" Last year I was more disposed to the pyramidal form, and
although I have been successful with that mode of culture, and
have at present half a dozen pyramidal pictures I shall not
abandon the 'bush,' which 1 have found to be useful and pro-
ductive. Where there is but the one straight stem the sap
rushes up with too much force to the top, and causes a number
of strong shoots there, while on the lower part of the tree they
are weaker and less abundant. But I have arrested this effect to
some extent hy the use of what I coll the tourniquet, which
consists of lead wire wound tightly roxind the stem at distances
of about a foot each.

" A propos o( pyramids, you are quite right in saying that the
term is wrong, and that we shoulfl call them cylinders. In a
little French work, from which I have obiained a good deal of
information, by Bulret et Thouin, this method is called ' taille
en chandelle,' and which, while it is admitted to have certain
advantages, is termed assez disgracieuse. I have not any pyra-
midal Plum trees, but I moan to cultivate Plums in that way
next year.

" Do you remember a Peach that you sent out some years ago
as the 'Early York,' and for which you apologised to your

131

JOUBNAl or HORXICULXUEE AND COIIAGE GARDENER.

[ May 21, 1861.

clients, stating that you liad been imposed on by getting from
America two consignments of the Early York, one of which
turned out to be (said you) a worthless late Peach, and you
then offered to send, gratis, the true Early York to all those
who had got the spurious one? I got the spurious one, but I
am far from thinking it worthless. It forms the most beautiful
of orchard-house trees. The blossom is dilTerent from that of
:ill other Peaches, exquisitely cupped, a cliarraiug -o'.our, lasts
double the time of other blossom, and ercry one produces a fruit.
Last season this small tree had about two huudreil Peaches,
which I thinned down to one hu'idred, and even that was far
too many. Yet they looked so pretty I could not bring myself
to remove more. They ripened in November, and although not
rich nor very sweet, they were pleasant end refreshing j the best
of them were used with a little sugar, and the small ones made
into a pie. I cut down the two largest branches of this tree last
autumn, and those that remained are now full of young fruit,
and making excellent spurs for next year.

"You sent a true Early York in the batch of seven which
you presented to me some time ago, and I found it to fuliil all
the promises you made. It bore forty-two fine fruit last year.

"A great deal of the success of the orchard-house depends on
getting the sorts adapted for that mode of culture. For instance,
those that make short joints nnd are pi'olific, such as the Grosse
Jlignonue, and Galande Peaches, Elruge, A'iohtte Haiive, Down-
ton, and othevNectarines; but theNoblessc, George IV., and trees
of that class, are too long in'the joints and of straggling growth.
My best tree for this year is a Downton Nectarine on which
there are a hundred fruit well set, and most of them larger than a
hazel nut. Tlie tree is in a tub and not much more tban 3 feet
high. I shall also have a grand crop on my potted trees of
Green Gage, Orleans, Coe's, Jeffersons, Gutlirie's l.ate Green,
Mirabelle, and a large purple Plum tlie size of a duck's egg,
name unknon-n, and an excellent one for preserving and a very
showy fruit. Tlie only idle Plum tree ui my orchard-house is a
Purple Gage, which I do not think will have more than a dozen.

" Outside, some of the Pears are almost idle, but some of
them promise very well. My four trees of Oansel's Bergamot
double worked are all loaded. I find this sort when double
worked to be perfectly hariiy and a never-failing beaver, and I
liave one of them now as an open espalier.

" Beurre Bretonneau is very hardy and bears freely, but the
fruit does not soften. Duche.=5c d'Orle^ns does not bear at all,
ditto TJrbaniste ; and those I mean to expel or cut down and
work them with a bolter sort. I had no idea until this year
that Cherries made such interesting trees in the orchard-house. '
Tliey are beautiful when in bloom and when the fruit hr.s
coloured ; the slender branches of one of my pyramids, a large-
leaved tree, I thiiik Belle Magmfique, bend down so gracefully
and the foliage is so fresh and healthy, tliat it looks quite
charming, and I can now understand, what I did not before,
why Tou wished to have a CheiTv-houso. — Joseph Meadows,
Wexford."

PLANTING OTJT BEDDING PLANTS— EFFECTS
OF POTATO-STEMS BEING FEOSTED.

It may reasonably be expected by this time that the winter
is over, and we may be able to make a fair estimate of our avail-
able strength in the bedding-stuH' line. The fine weather of
April was highly favourable to the hardeninn oif of tlie young
stock, and, doubtless, those tliot are situated Uke myself, with a
limited stock of pots and boxes, hare felt an irresistible tempta-
tion to put some of it into their summer quarters. Aud finding
the barometer moving downwards a little yesterday morning,
and the wind shift to S.E.S., I reckoned upon a' favourable
change of weatiier ; and as I was cramping other things for the
want of boxes — and to save time, trouble, and room, I bos every-
thing I can, and make boxes out of everything that fulls in my
way — I at once put cut a good batdi of Scarlet Geramunis,
yellow Calceolarias, purple and white Petunia, with tlie follow-
ing annua's in small bundles between the plants, taken up with
a flat trowel and the roots undisturbe<l and some of tliem
show ing bloom CoUinsia alba and bieolor, Limnaiithes Douglasi,
Nemopliila insignia aud grandiflora, and Teuus' Loukmg-glass.
I reckon tlmt at the latest a fortnight's fine weallier mU bring
them into fiJl bloom and fill up the beds, and should the «euther
prove bright aud sunny they will shade the roots ol the otlier
plants till they get fairly estabhshed

But to-day (May 8th), has thrown a gloom over yesterday's
work. Snow fell from about half-))ast four in the morning till
mid-day, and at one time more than an inch deep on the ground,
and the probability is, a frost to-night ; but having secured them
as well as I can with yew and fir branches, I trust a slight frost
will not ii jure them: Hitherto having been very fortunate with
them, not having lost a score out of more than six hundred cuttings
of Calceolarias, sorted kinds, aud kept in a Cucumber-frame
tliroughout the winter. Ail the cuttings of Geraniums, with the
variegated and others, kept in pots during the summer have
been kept with scarcely any loss, kept in a home-made cupboard-
kind of place with a glass front with a flue a Uttle above the
floor ; but the old Scarlet Geraniums although taken up before
the frost touched them have neaily all died in the same place, it
being the only place I could keep them secure froi5i frost.

I should be glad if a few of the readers of The JorB>-£L or
HoRiicuLTUKE would assist me a little in trying to prove the
efTecte of frost on the Potato. Some few years ago I had a row
at the end of a bed up much earlier than the rest, and, in con-
sequence, were cut down to the ground with the frost, and their
being a different kind to those in the bed, made me remark more
particularly the effect at lifting time, and I rather unexpectedly
found them equal to the others. Since then I have yearly tried
the same experiment with the same result, and in the year 1859,
on the 1st of April, there were 12' of frost. I then had a Peach-
border several inches high, but were entirely cut off. They
recovered thut and were again cut off, one portion the size of a
Russian mat I covered and were not frosted at all. Yet, at
lifting, I could not discover the least difference whatever — they
were as early and equal iu quantity and in quality. Now, there
win be numerous opportunities of trying the experiment thia
spring, ana by putting a few sticks to those that have been
frosted and making a memorandum to that elTcct so as to bear
it in mind at lifting time, the thing cfin easily be settled by
giving the result in The Jovrnal of HoimccLTUEE. Most
gardeuei*8 not having pits for their earliest crop can bear testi-
mony to the trouble of covering up their earliest Potatoes till
after the fear of frost, and at a time, too, when there is so much
otlier work to do ; so that if that portion of labour can be saved It
will be worth the trouble in proving. — The Doctoe's Boy.

EOYAL HOETICULTUBAL SOCIETY.
Mat Urn.

Feuit Committee. — H. G. Bohn, Esq., in the chair. A
letter was read from Mr. Spencer, of Bowood, recommending a
Local Committee for the county of Wilts, which was approved,
and JIi-. Silencer appointed Chairman and Convener. A paper
on the physical condition, and geological structure of the county
of Oxford was received from Mr. Bailey, of Nuneham, Chairman
of the Oxfordshire Local Committee, and read before the Com-
mittee, and the thanks of the Meeting were given to Mr. Bailey.

The prizes offered by C. Weutworth DUke, Esq., and W.
Wilson Saunders, Esq., were then taken into consideration, and
one of those offered by Mr. Dilke, of the amount of £5, wa»
unanimously awarded to the seedling Pine Apple rsased by Mr.
Oates, gardener to Lord Leigh, Stoneleigh Abbey, Kenilworth.
That offered by Mr. Saunders, of the amount of £5, stood over
for consideration at next Meeting, when Ingram's Hardy Prolific
Muscat Grape is expected to be ixhibited in better condition
than it was shown diir'ng the past season. The remaining prise
of £5, offered by Mr. Ddke, was not awarded, but carried forward
to next year.

The seedling Strawberry Eclipse exhibited last year by Mr.
Wilhs Reeve, of Canewdon, near Rochford, was again brought
forward, and fully maintained the reputation it acquired laet
year, when it was considered a valuable forcing Strawberry,
possessing a high Pine flavour ; it was awarded a First-class Certi-
ficate. Tliree seedling Strawberries, raised by C»pt. TreroB
Clarke, were brouf'-* from the Society's garden at Chiswick,
one of them a black rariety with a deep blood-coloured fleeh, and
another of a pale scarlet colour ; but neither of them was consi-
dered desirable as new varieties. A collection of six serfs of
forced Strawberries were sent from the garden by Mr. Eyles,
which showed that the earliest forcing variety is May Queen, and
the second earliest is Black Prince ; but BUck Prince is the most
highly flavomed, and decidedly the preferable variety. All the
others, including Keens' Seedling, which was flat and vapid, and
iiichard II. and Highland Mary, which were ▼ei^' aeid, were

May 21, 1861. ]

JOUfiNAL OF HOETICtJLTUaE AND COTTAGE (JARDENEK

133

inrerior ia flarour to Black Prince, and all ivere inferior to
Eclipse.

Mr. Robertson, of Liuside, near Paisley, oflfered a prize at this
!Meeting of £2 for the best, and £1 for the second best three pots
of Wizard of the Xorth Strawbsrrr. There was only one exliibi-
tion, and the iirst prize was accordingly awarded to the exhibitor,
Mr. Cunningham, gardener to the Lord Bishop of London,
Fulham Palace. It was the opinion of the Committee that
^Vizard of the Sorth as exhibited is not a desirable rariety for
forcing, being small, inferior in flavour, and very acid. Mr.
Cunningham exhibited a seedling Strawberry, called Courteen
Hall Seedling, which had no particular merit to recommend it.
A dish of Tery large Oranges was reeeired from Sir Travell
Phillips, and the sort proved to be the Pernambuco Orange.

Oalville Blanche Apple grown in the orchard-house at Chis-
wiok, proved of very fine quality, and with very tender flesh, as
did also Baddow Pippin, but it was too much shrivelled. Mr.
Gardiner, of Lower Eatinglon Park, Stratford-on-Avon sent a
very nice collection of well-kept .i.pple5, which received a Certifi-
cate of Commendation. Captain Trevor Clarke exhibited a col-
lection of the dried seeds of Kidney Beans.

Floral Commiiiee. — The approach of the exhibition season,
and the consequent demands on the time of all who at-e the
usual contributors to these reuniors, made the supply of flowers
for adjudication exceedingly scant. The great Crystal Palaee
Show on Saturday, to be foUoned by the Royal Botanic on
Wednesday the 2l9t, tax pretty well the enargies of the growers;
basides, any who have any novelties to bring forward will rather
keep them for either of those days, when they will be seen by
a much larger number of persons. And that is a point wluch
enters somewhat restrictively into the minds of those on whom
necessarily the commei-cial value of a plant must hold a lai-ge
place; and this will «Ter, I believe, be found to weigh down
even the stamp of the Floral Committee. Perhaps when the new
gardens become really thrown open to the public, and these petite
flower shows become the " correct thing " to he present at, it
may be diflerent, but at present the paucity of visitors is an obstacle
to growers. There were, however, a few interesting subjects.

Mr. Kendall, of Stoke Newington, sent in a number of very
dwarf small-flowered Cinsi-arias of various shades of colour, and
a small double one of the same character. As florists' flowers
these were utterly worthless, and therefore rigid florists will
scout them ; but though pretty strong in that way myself, there
seemed to be good reason why the double one should receive
the award that it did — a Label of Commendation. It is true,
as was observed, that it was very like a double Senecio, but then
one does not get a double Grouiidscl at this time of the year ;
and although florists' varieties of Cinerarias may be shown as
dwarf, yet that is only by the dint of very severe training and
infinite trouble, whereas this was shown in its natural state.
Something of the same kind may he said with regard to some
Pansies exliibited by Messrs. Dowuie, Laird & Laing, of Edin-
burgh (from wlienee the box came) and Stanstead Park, Forest
Hill. There were very Cue blooms of some of the best variolies
out ; and along with them two, rather ilimsy and a little roiigh.
but very remai'kable in appearance — one a white with an immense
eye, and the other a reddish-erimson, very much after the French
style but better shaped : both very attractive, and perhajjs the
forerunners of an entirely new strain. As a florist I sliould, of
course, condemn them ; as a lover of flowers, I should look
hopefully at them. A Complimentary Ticket was awarded.

From Messrs. Veitch & Son came a basket of Mrs. Ponsonby
Moore — a free-blooming decorative Geranium (figured in the
" Floral Magazine ") very pretty, aad possiWy a good bedding
one, though this remains to be proved. For this a Label of
Commendation was awarded. The same gentlemen also exhi-
bited a basket of Petunia inimitabilis flore pl?no — a very striking
variety, something in the way of Madame Henri Jacotot, white,
with broad bands of mauve colour. It is said to be a conti-
nental vai-iety. A First-class Cert:fieate was awarded to it, as,
independently of its colour, it was an excellent grower, and for
pot culture very desirable. Also a very beautiful Australian
Pimelea, most justly named Elegans. It is one of the smell-
growing varieties of tlie genus, and is like a beautifully white
transparent ball with orange points all over ; this appearance
being caused by the pollen on the anthers. For this a First-
class Certificate was awarded. Messrs. Veitch & Sou also
exhibited some seedhng plants (with dried specimens of the
foliage) of species of the new Coniferse, which were sent home by
Mr. J. G. Veitch £ioni Japan, including Retinospora pisifera,

obtusa, itc. The thanks of the Committse w#re awarded for

these.

From Mesirs. Lee, of Hammersmith, came Arundo cou-
spicua — somewhat Uke the Pampas Grass, but not so fine ; the
Kew Zealand Grass (Sisyrinchium vej-sicolor), and Lauropus
Gardner!. These, witli some Azaleas from the .Society's garden,
formed the only features worth noticing.

GE>TiKAL Meexikcj.— A Generid Meeting was held on the
same day at 3 o'clock, Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Winchester,
V.P., in the Chair, when a large number of ladies and gentlemen
were elected Fellows ; among whom were Biaht Hon. Lord
Chesham, Lord Rokebv, Ladv Rokebv, Earl of Cawdor, Lady
Elizabeth Stucley, Lieut.-Col". T. F. Blois, Sir. C. Lindsay, SiV
Henry Rawlinsou, Earl of Lanesboroush, Frank Crossley, Esq.,
M.P., &c. ...

A ballot took place for plants to be distributed.

The Council have appointed a Fine Arts Committee for the
decorations of the Gardens, South Kensington, with statuary,
vases, &c. It consists of His Royal Highness the Prince
Consort, Earl Somers, Earl Ducie, Lord Taunton, Sir Coutts
Lvndsay, Mr. Wentworth Dilke, Mr. Henry T. Hope, Profassor
Westmacott, end Mr. Sydney Smirke. The Committee met at
the Gardens on Monday and Friday last. His Royal Highness
in the chair.

Among the prizes to be competed for at the forthcoming
grand exhibition of flowers and fruits, June 5th and 6th, on the
occasion of the opening of the Gardens, South Kensington, wc
notice four prizes of £10, £5, £3, and £2, given by one of their
Vice Presidents for the best three groups of fruit and flowers
an-anged "for the riecorition of the dinner table." The prizes
are open to all comers, and the articles may be exhibited in
basket*, vases, &c., of any material ; beauty in the arrangemetif
being the test of merit. Ladies are specially invited to compete,
and the Council have appointed the following ladies to act as
jurors: — The Countess of Shelbcurne, the Countess of Ducie,
Mrs. Holford, Lady Marian Alford, and Lady Middlclon.

These are, we believe, the first prizes of the kind given at the
Society's Shows, and we anticipate a good deal of interest from
the combination of the designs of tlie numerous comnetitors.

EFFECTS OF LAST WI^'TEK OX PLAIsTS I^-
ENGLAND.

^Continued from page 123.)

The columns of the various gardening publications are, week
by week, re-echoing the devastations of tlie past winter. It may,
therefore, interest many to know that in the extreme south-west
of England such casualties liave not occurred. Instead of
detailing the individual trees or shrubs that have been either
injured or died, it will he suflicient to say that Araucaria
brasiliaua has stood wholly unprotected in Mount's Bay, and
that it has not sufl'cred in the slightest degree. Terbenas and
slirubby Calceolarias that were bedded out in some instances
have survived ; and Camellias, Magnolias, and the tenderer Rho-
dodendrons exhibit no sign of iujuiy from frost, although the
violence of the gale in Fibruary has, in some exposed situations,
damaged the foliage ; but from this, like the laurels and bays that
were similarly circumstanced, they are rapidlf recovering.

The early Potatoes are already coming in from ScDiy and
some sheltered places on the cliiTs between Penzance and the
Land's End. On the low girmmds, a vei-y heavy dew on the
night of Saturday, the 1th of May, followed by severe hoar-
frost in the morning, has cut down sevcralaeres ; but the general
crop looks w«!l. Since the 7th of April rain has fallen, but on
one day (Apiil 30lh) and then cwly for about forty minutes.
The ground therefore requires moisture ; but when it comes it
will doubtless develope tlie Potato disease, of wliich signs have
already showed themselves.

The late Broccoli planted in July and August last are growing
vigorously, hut show no signs of flowering, although their
season is now almost gone by. There are many acres in this
neighbom-hood where this is the case.

'Ihe seeds of Onions, Carrots, and Lettuces came up very few
and far between; but tliis is more attributable to the wet seaiOi
of 1860 than to the present diyness.— W., near Penzance.

Perhaps the plants tliat look now pa-fectlv uninjured may be

136

JODBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER.

[ Maj 21, 1861.

set down as hardy, and the enclosed list may interest you. My
place is fourteen miles west of Dublin, and 300 feet above the
sea level, on a cold, stiff soil, and stiff gravelly subsoil on lime-
stone. Every tree in my list, except those to wliieh notes are
appended, is flourishing, 8 id not the least injured by the frost
which for a long time last winter varied from 12° to 20° Fahr.
Laurustinus has been much injured; Roses cut down, but mostly
shooting from their roots (even including Adam) ; Hollyhocks
almost all killed. The list of Pines may, perhaps, serve as a
guide to those planting in calcareous soils where the Spruce and
Larch do not generally succeed. Pinus insignis is by far the
most rapid grower, and most beautiful here ; next nobilis and
Nordmanniana.

TKEES PLAKTED ELEVEN TEiES.
Pinus insignis, 26 feet high, spread of branches 15 feet, girth
at 2 feet from ground 4 feet. P. insignis, 27 feet high, girlh at

2 feet from ground, 3 feet. P. strobus, 24 feet high, girth at 2
feet from ground, 2 feet 6 inches. P. excelsa, 18 feet. P. mon-
ticola, 12 feet. P. Pallasiana, 16i feet. P. rigida, 15 feet.

Pieea cephalonica, 15 feet. P. nobilis, 15 feet.

Cedrus deodara, 21 feet.

Taxodium sempervirens, 20 feet, girth at 2 feet from ground,

3 feet.

Cupressus thurifera, 20 feet.
Araucaria inibricata, 15 feet.

TBESa PLANTED FROM TEN TO FOUE TEARS AGO.

Cupressus Lawsoniana and McNabiana ; Thuia Lobbii and
gigantca ; Thuiopsis borealis ; Cryptomeria Lobbii ; Welliiig-
tonia gigantea ; Abies morinda ; Picea Nordmanniana ; Libo-
cedrus chilensis.

SHEUBS.

Desfontainia spinosa (alive, but not floui-ishing) ; Weigela
rosea and amabilis ; Berberis Darwinii ; Philesia buxifoha ;
Eurybia alpina ; Griselinia Itttoralis ; Myrtus apiculata (injured
not kUled) ; Escallonia maerantlia ; Spirsea, var. ; Hibiscus
syviacus. — Chaeles W. Hamilton, Hamwood, Dunbot/ne.

CULTURE OF THE GBAPE VINE.

{^Continued from page 61.)

Planting. — The cultivator having procured liis Tines either
from a nursery or by propagating them himself till they are fit to
plant, the next operation will be the important one of planting.
For walls the best season is autumn, only the border sliould be
covered with short litter to keep out the frost. Tlie planting
of Vines in a greenhouse or stove should be deferred till March,
but evon then the Vines ought to be planted before the buds
begin to swell.

The mode of planting for out-door culture will be somewhat
different to that for in-door culture. The roots should be more
spread out right and left, because each Vine will eventually
cover more space — that is, there will be more space between
each Vino. In the sketch of tlie Tine-border, at page 41, the
roots are shown running across the border— the right plan, because
each A'ine only has tlie breadth of each light for its pasture ;
but on a wall in the open air eacli Vine trainerl, as I shall show
presently, will have a space of 18 feet broad for its roots to
ramble in : hence the roots should be spread laterally as shown
by this sketch {fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

In planting choose a dry day and turn out the ball entire, and
pick out from among the roots all tlie soil. Then carofiilly
uncoil and disentangle the roots, and remove a thin stratum of the
soil sufficient in length and breadth to contain them. Then spread
them out at equal distances, and cover them with a compost of
loam and leaf mould in a rather dry state 2 inches thick. Some
authors recommend decayed tan to cover the roots with ; but 1

do not recommend that substance to come near the roots, for
when it is very rotten it has a soapy, muddy appearance, and
often in that state it is poisonous to the young fibres. AVhen
all are planted fork over such parts of the border as may have
been soddened by treading upon, and cover the border with
some warm stable-dung sufficient to give out a milkwarm tem-
perature. To be quite perfect the border, after the Vines are
planted, should be protected from heavy rains, either with
tarpauling or shutters just raised above the dung resting upon
a long piece of wood next the houses, and on a similar piece on
the side of the border next the walk. Where the Vines are
planted inside, this covering may be dispensed with the first
year ; but when the roots have pushed through outside, then
this shelter ought to be applied as soon as the wood is ripe.

So far my remarks are general, and apply to all Tines excepting
such as are grown in pots or in an orchard-house. It is time
now to enter into the various ways by which the Vines are
grown, commencing with

TINES IN THE OPEN AIR ON WALLS.

In the south of England we often see the walls of cottages and
even better-class houses covered with a Vine, which in favourable
seasons ripens very nice fruit, or, at least, would do if better
managed. Every bunch the Vine shows is allowed to grow and
not a berry is thinned out, and too often not a summer's shoot
is shortened — and the training, why, it is just haphazard. With
such management it is no wonder that the fruit is not so good
as it might be if better attended to. If a Vine is planted against
a house, the main stem shoiJd be trained straight up, and side
shoots taken from it to cover the spaces between the windows.
Young wood should be laid in annually and brought close to
the wall to ripen it, and no more should be allowed than is
necessary to produce fruit. All laterals should be stopped at
the first joint, and cut away as the wood ripens. Regular
attention to this stopping and training, and allowing no more
than one bunch to each shoot, and as soon as the berries are as
large as peas to thin out at least half of them, would give the
fruit a chance to swell larger and ripen better.

It is, however, to the culture of the Grape Vines on a garden
wall facing the south, that I now wish to
draw the attention of the cultivator. The
management, after the border is properly made
and theVinc plnnted, consists chiefly in pruning
and training. The best mode of training is,
first to obtain two shoots from the two buds
left on when the Vine was planted. Let them
be trained upright at 2 feet apart {fig- 2).
Then in the autumn bring those two shoots
down, and train them horizontally at about
half a yard from the ground (fig- 3). Pinch
out all the buds excepting three on each side
of the maiu stem. Let these six shoots be
trained perpendicularly close to the wall {fig. 4). If all has gone
on well those shoots will run up to the top of the wall that year.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 3.
During the summer stop a'l the laterals at the first joint, and stop
each leading shoot when it has reached to the top of the wall. See
that the shreds are not too tight, or they will strangle the shoots.
If the summer is dry give the border a good soaking of water

once a-fortnight. The distance from shoot to shoot should be
21 feet. If they are closer the wood will not ripen so well, and
if wider there would be a loss of space. By the end of Septem-
ber or middle of October the leaves should be turning yellow
and the wood brown. As soon as the first frost has brought off
all the leaves, then proceed to prune the Vines. My mode of

May 21, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTA&E &ARDENER.

IS?

pruning the Vine on walls, whether in or out of doors, is the
alternate long-rod system. By this plan a regular supply of
good fruit-bearing wood is secured, and, besides that, the method
is simpliciiy itself, and is regular and neat in appearance. In
the autumn the Vines will have two shoots to bear fruit, and
these should be pruned to nearly the top of the wall. Two
others will be cut down to a bud close to the main horizontal
stems. These will send up shoots to be trained between the
fruit-bearers, whilst the two end shoots should be trained down
in the same line as the horizontal ones.

In the third summer the last year's horizontally-trained shoots
should have all the buds rubbed off excepting two on each.
These two should be 21 feet apart and trained to the wall should
reach the top of it tiiat year. This year's growth will cover the
space of wall each Tine should fill — that is, there will be foiu-
fruit-bearing upright shoots, and four shoots to bear fruit the

Fig. 5.

following year (fig. 5). In the autumn those that have borne fruit
should he cut down, and the others left nearly their whole length
to bear fruit.

Should the trees when four or five years old show anything
like weak growth, then remove a portion of the surface soil, and
add a sufficient quantity of fresh compost to renew and sustain
their strength. Occasional waterings with liquid manure will
greatly assist their growtli, and will help to swell off the fruit.
'The finest fruit will always be near the top of the wall, but 1
have had very good bunches and berries about halfway down.

The following are good kinds to grow agaiup.t a wall in the
open air: — Early Black July, Esperione (black), Royal Mus-
cadine (white), White Butch Sweetwater, Black Hamburgh,
and Verdelho (groen). T. AprLEnr.

(To be continued.)

CKYSTAL PALACE FLOWER SHOW.

The first Flower Show of the season was held at the Crystal
Piilace on Saturday last, and although we missed some of the
great exhibitors who usually contribute towards the effect of these
floral gatherings, there was, nevertheless, a very excellent display.
The close proximity of the grand opening at Kensington Gore
has caused many of the large exhibitors to keep tlieir plants
back for that occasion, and hence the dearth so apparent of those
floral mammoths which we were accustomed to see on those
occasions.

We must reserve till next week our critical observations on
the Exhibition, merely remai-king that the Roses in pots of
Messrs. Lane, were as usual very fine, as were those also of
Mr. William Paul, of Walthnm Cross. The Pelargoniums and
Cinerarias of Mr. C. Turner, also formed a prominent feature ;
and among the Fruit, we remarked tlie fine exhibitions of Mr.
Hill, of Eeele Hall, of Mr. Henderson, of Trentham, and of Mr.
Stewart, of Chatsworth, from the midlands, who seemed to have
the best of the great stakes. All we can do at present is simply
to append the prize list, leaving our observations till next week.

TwE.sTY Stovk and GREENnousi: Plants (in flower). — First and
Second, Mr. B. Peed, gurdeuer to T. Tredwell, Esq., St. John's Lodge,
liOwer Norwood.

Twelve Stove and Greenhouse Plants (in flower). — First, Mi*. John
Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrohus, Bart., Lower Cheam. Second, Mr.
K. Baxenditie, gardener to W. A. Smallpiece, Esq., Millmead House,
Guildlord. Third, Mr. William Culbush, Nursery, Barnet.

Eight Stove and Greenhouse Plants (in flower).- First, Mr. H.
Chilman, garrlerer to Mrs. Smith, Ashstead House, Ashstead. Second,
Mr. Wm. Kaile, gardener to the Right Hon. Earl Lovelace, East Horslev
Towers, Kipley. Third, Mr. Thomas Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq.',
Streatham. Fourth, Mr. James Tegg, gardener to Baron Hambro, Roe-
hflmpton. Extra Prize, Mr. Osman Rhodes. Nursery, Sydenham Park.

Six Stove and Greenhouse Plants (in flower). — First, Mr. Thomas
Page, gardener to 'W^ Leaf, Esq., Streatham. Second, Mr. Charles Smith,
gardener to Arthur Henderson, Esq., Norwood. Third. Mr. Willianr
Kaile, gardener to the Right Hon. Earl Lovelace, Ripley. Fourth, Mr. H.
Chilman, gardener to Mrs. Smith, Ashstead. Fourth, Mr. John Green,
gardener to Sir E. Antrohus, Bart., Lower Cheam, Extra Prize, Mr. R.

Baxendine, gardener to W, A. Smallpiece, Esq., Millmead House, Guild-
ford.

Twelve Fink-foliaged and Variegated Plants.— First, Mr. Charles
Hutt, gardener to Miss Burdett Coutts, HiKhgate. Second and Third, Mr.
G. Young, gardener to \V. H. Stone, Esq., Dulwich Hill. Fourth, Mr.
G. H. Bunney, Stratford. Fourth, Mr. J. Smith, gardener to Coles Child,
Esq , Bromley.

Sixteen Orchids (of Exotic Species, in flower). — First, Mr. ilobert
Stone, gardener to J. Day, Esq., Tottenham. Second, Mr. B. Peed, gar-
dener to T. Tredwell, Esq.. St. John's Lodge, Lower Norwood.

Ten Orchids (of Exotic Spec-es. in flower). — First, Mr. Edward
McMoreland, 29, Adelaide Road, Haverstock Hill. Second, Mr. Robert
Slone, gardener to J. Day, Esq., Tottenham. Third, Mr. Thomas Page,
gardener to W. Leaf, Esq., Park Hill, Streathim. Fourth, Mr. S.
WooUey, Cheshunt, Herts.

Six Orchids (of Exotic Species, in flower). — First, Mr. Charles Penny,
gardener to H. H. Gibbs, Esq., St. Dunstan, Regent's Park. Second, M"r.
G. H. Bunney, Stratford. Third, Mr. Edward McMoreland, 29, Adelaide
Road, Haverstock Hill. Fourth, Mr. Robert Stone, gardener to J. Day,
Esq., Tottenham.

Ten Greenhouse Azaleas. — First, Mr. CharlesTurner, Royal Nurseries,
Slough. Second, Mr. John Green, gardener to Sir Edmund Antrohus,
Bart., Lower Norwood. Third, Mr. S. M. C.irson, gardener to J. C. Sim,
Esq., Nonsuch Park, Cheam. Extra Prize, Mr. Thomas Page, gardener
to W. Leaf. Esq., Streatham. Extra Prize, Messrs. James Ivery & Sons,
Dorking and Reigate.

Six Greenhouse Azaleas. — First, Mr. Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries,
Slough. Second, Mr. Thomas Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq.. Streatham.
Third, Messrs. James Ivery A Suns, Dorking Third, Mr. Charles Penny,
gardener to U. H. Gibbs, Esq.. St. Dunstans, Regent's Park. Fourth, Mr. B.
Peed, gardener to T. Tredwell, Est., Lower N-rwood. Extra Prize, Mr.
Cliarles Smith, gardener to Arthur Anderson, Esq , Norwood.

Eight Greenhouse Azaleas (New kinds.)— First, Messrs. James Ivery
& Sons, Dorkinff, Second, Mr. Cliarles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough.
Tliird, Messrs. James Ivery & Sons, Dorking.

EiGUT C.U'i'. Heaths.— Second, Mr. B. Peed, gardener to T. Tredwell, Esq.,
Lower Norwood. Third, Mr. O. Rliodcs, Nursery, Sydenham Park. Fourth,
Mr. Thomas Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq., Streatham. Fourth, Mr. H.
Chilman, gardener to Mrs. Smith, Ashtead.

Six Tall Cacti (species or varieties of, in flower, large plants). —
Firit, Mr. John Green, gardener, to Sir Edmund Antrohus, Bart., Lower
Cheam. Second, Mr. Wm. Yonng, gardener to R. Barclay, Esq., West
Hill, Ilighgale. Tliird, Mr. A. G. Ashman, gardener to C. W. Major, Esq.,
Burntwood Grange, Wandsworth Common.

Ten Roses [in pots, distinct kinds). — First, Messrs. Lane & Son, Great
Berkhampstcid. Second, Mr. Wm. Paul, Waltham Cross. Tbird, Messrs.
Paul & Son, Cheshunt

Six Roses (in pots not exceeding 8 inches in diameter). — First, Mr. Wm.
Paul, Waltham Cros".. Second, Mr. Charles Turner, Royal Nursery,
Slough. Tbird, Messrs. Paul & Sons, Cheshunt. Fourth, Messrs. Lane
and sons. Great BerUhampstead. Extra Prize, Mr. Wm. Kaile, gardener
to Rt. Hon. Earl Lovelace, Ripley, Surrey.

Te.-* PEr.ARG0Niu.Ms (distinct Varieties, in pots, not exceeding 8 inches
in diameter).— First, Mr. Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough. Second,
Messrs. J. Dobson & Sons, Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth.

Eight Fancy Pelargoniums (distinct varieiics, in pots, not exceeding
8 inches in diameter; — Fir.st, Mr. Ch.irles Turner, Slough. Second, Messrs.
J. Dobson & Sons, Isleworth

Single Specimens or Newly-introduced,^ Extremely Rare, or
Beautiful Plants, in or out of Flower, Hardy or Exotic. — First, Mr.
S. B. Williams, Nur;>cry, Holloway. Second, Mr. W, Bull, King's Road,
Chelsea. Tbird. Mr. G.'Rogerson, 'gardener to Capt. Jefferys, R N. Foot's
Cray. Third, Mr. G. II. Bunney, Stratford. Three equal Fourth Prizes,
Mr.'W. Bull, King's Road, Chelsea,

Six Plants of Cixkrarias (in pots, not exceeding 11 inches in di.imeter).
-First, Mr. Charles Turner, Sluugh. Second, Messrs. J. Dobson & Sons,
Isleworth. Third, Mr. James Burley, Nursery, Limpsfleld, Surrey.
Fourlh, Mr. W. Lovesey, gardener to J. J. Fry, Esq., Baston Hayes,
Bromley.

Miscellaneous.— Prize, Mr. G. IT. Bunney, Stratford. Prize, Mr. Wm.
Paul, W.iltham Cross. Third, Mr. James Hurley, Limpsfleld. Fourth, Mr.
H. Lavey, g.irdener to E. A. DeGrave, Esq., Feteham, Sui rey. Fourth, Mr.
William Bull, King's Road, Chelsea. Fourth, Messrs. F. & A. Smith,
Dulwich. Exlr.i Prize, Mr. Charles Turner, Slough ; Mr. John Porter,
Paraion Nursery, Brixton Hill. Highly Commended, Messrs. F. & A.
Smith, Dulwich. '

COT FLOWERS.

Twenty-four Tolifs (dissimilar).— First. Mr. Charles Turner, S ough.
Second, Mr. B. IL Betteridge. Milton Hill, near Steventon, Berks. Third,
Mr. Nathaniel Norman, 98, Crescent Road. Plnmstead. Fourth, Mr. James
Batten, Brook Street, Clapton.

TwENTr-FOUR Pansies. -First and Second, Mr. J. James, gardener to
W. F. Watson, Esq, Isleworth. Third, Mr. Edward Shenton, Hendon Park
Nurseries.

FRUIT.

Class A.— Pine Apple (single frait of any kind).— First, Mr. Andrew
Stewart, Chatsworth. Second, ,'\Ir. Thomas Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq.,
Park Hill, Streatham. Third, equal, Mr. George Cameron, Goodwood
Gardens, Sussex ; Mr James Drewett, gardener to Mrs Cubitt, Denbies,
Dorking, Fourth, Mr. T. Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq, Park HiU,
Streatham, Extra, Mr. Walter Davies, Starch Green, Middlesex.

Class B,— Grapes (Black, single dish).— First, Mr. William Hill, gardener
to Ralph Sneyd, Esq, Kcelc Hall, Staffordshire. Second, Mr. Archibald
Henderson, Trentham, Staffer shi-e. Third, Mr. George Wortley, gardener
to Admiral the Hon. P. Carv, Norwood.

Class C— Grapes (Whiteisingle dish).-First, Mr. Charles Powell, gardener
to Dr. S. Newingt(m, Ticchurst, Sussex. Second, Mr. John Embevy, gardener
to A, Moss, Esq,, Chadwell Heath, Essex. 'I bird, equal, Mr. F, W. Durrant,
gardener to the Hon. Col. Duv-.ejmbe, Wareslcy Park. St. Neot s, Hunts: Mr.
T. Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq, Park Hill, Streatham, I'ourth, Mr.
Henrj- Baker, gardener to J Harrison, Esq.. Belgrave, Leicestershire.
Extra Prize, Mr. Thomas Bailey, gardener to T. T. Drake, Esq., Shardeloes,
Amersliani, Bucks, ,, , , r.

Class D.—GRAPES.-First, Mr. William Hill, gardener to Ralph Sneyd,
Esq., Keelc HaU, Staffordshire. Second, Mr. H. Baker, gardener to J. Har-

188

JOVRNAL OF HOBTICULTTJBE AND COTTA&E »ARDENER.

[ May 21, 1861.

rison, Esq., Beljrrare, Leicestc-rfhire. Third, Jfr. Moiitcomery Henderson,
Cole Orton Hall. Asltby de-la-Zouch. Leicestershire. Fourtli, Mr. Tliomas
Frosi, gardener to E. L. retti, Esq., Preston Hail, Aylesfoid, Kent. Extra
Trizc, Mv Alexander MtKen»ie, Bristol Nurseries; Messrs. Spary &
Campbell, Queen's Graperies. Brighton.

Cla.ss E.— Peaches, (sinjrle dish of one kind only.)— First, Mr. Archibald
Hendei'on, Trentham, Staffordshire. Second. 31r. Monteomcry Henderson,
Cole Orton Hall, Ashby.de-la-Zoueh. Tliird, Mr. Ihomas Dawson, gardener
to Viscount Palmeiston, Broadlands, Romsey, Hants.

Class F.— Nectaeises, (sinple di-h of one kind only.)— First and Second,
Ml-. Archibald Hender.son, Trentham, Staffordshire.

Class G.— JlELOss, I green- fleshed, single frnit.)-First. ,Vr. .lames Taplin,
gardener to Lord Hatherton, Teddesley Park, Stafford. Sec nd, Mr. Thomas
Frost, gardener to E. L. Belts, Esq., Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, Third,
Sir. James Enstone, gardener to Sir J. Duckworth, Bart. Wear House,
Exeter.

Class M. — Melons, (scarlet-floshed, single fniit.) — First, Mr. James
Enstone, gardener to Sir J. Duckworth, Bart., Wear Ilonse, Exeter. Second
M,-. Thomas Flos', gai-dener to E. UEctts, Esq., Preston Hall A^lesford'

Class J.— CnEKiiiER (Single dish,)_First, .Mr. Archibald Henderson'
Trentham, Staffordshire. Second, Mr. Arcliibald Henderson, Trentham Staf'
fordshire. Third, Messrs. Thomas Jackson & Sons, Royal Gai dens, Hampton,

Class IC- SiRAWBEiiKiES, (single dish in fifties )— First, Mr. R Smith
Richmond Road, Twickenham. Second, Mr. Thomas Bailcv, gardener to
T T.Drake, Esq , Shardeloes, Aniersham, Bucks. Third, Mr. Joseph Gillham
Mogden Lane, Islew-orlh. '

Class L.-STKAi"EEi!niES, (three kinds, twenty-five of each).— Fir.?* Mr
R. Smith, Richmond Road, Twickenham. Second, Mr. Charles Turi:cr'
Koj'al Kursery, Slongh.

ClassM.— Ste.v-b-berries (in pots, six plants).— First, Mr. W Kaile gar-
dener to the Righ: Hon. E,,rl Lovelace, Riplev. Second, Jlr C Smith
eaidener to A. Andeisnn, Esq., Norwood. Tliird, Jlr. Willis lieevc, Apton
Hall, Canewdon, Itoch'ord.

Tr5'°r .^'■-^"■'ci!i.' AMions.-Pnzc, Mi'. F. W. Durrant, gardener to the
Hon. CoL Buncombe, Waresly Park, St. Neofs, Hunts.

DEATH OF PKOFESSOR HENSLOW.

We regret to liave to anuounre the death of the Eev. John
Pterens Hen.<ilow, Professor of BotaiiT in the University of Cam-
bridge, who died on the IGth iust., at Hitcliam, Suffolk," of which
place he was reel or since 1837.

The late Professor ivas born at Rochester in 179fi, being the
eldest son of J. P. Hen.^low, Esq., by his wife Frances, daughter
of Thomas Stevens, E.sq. Having imbibed the elements of
education at Roche><ler School, he was sent to .St. John's College,
Cambridge, ^rherc he gi-aduated in 1818, as 16th wrangler. In
1821 he took the degree of M.A., h-iving previi-usly taken holy
orders. j. ,• j

On the death of Dr. Edward Daniel Clarke in 1822, Mr.
Hcnslow was elccicd his successor in the Professorship of
Mineralogy. Tlie majority of the members of the Senate, how-
erer, voted for tl.e Rev. Tliomas Jcphson, of St. John's CoUce ;
but the heads of colleges refused to admit him to the olEoe,''on
the ground iluit he had not been duly iiominafed by them. Mr.
Jcphson's adherents thereupon applied to the Court of King's
Bench for a mandamus, but the case was not proceeded with, in
consequence f,f J[r. Jephson having, pendente lite, been indicted
for a crime haud infer Christianas nnminandum. The question
was not finally decided before Mr. Henslow had ceased to hold
the professorsliip.

In 1825 he succeeded the Rev. Thomas Marlyn in the Pro-
fessorship of Botany, which he continued to hold to the time of i
his death.

The Government presented him, in 1837, to the rich reotorv '
of Hitcliam, in Suffolk. This benefice is worth £117y pe'r i
annum, hosldcs a residence. Professor Heiislovv's scientiDc I
attainments were \ery great, nor were his antiquarian acquire- '
ments by any moans inconsiderable.

His pvincipal v.orks are:— "A aeologieal Descrintion of
Anglese.-:, " The Principles of Descriptive anrl Phys'iological
Botimy, '-Le Bouquet des Souvenirs," "Report on the
Diseases of W heat," " Account of Roman Antiquities found at
Kougham, "Dictionary of Botanical Terms," "Flora of
Suffolk" (conjointly with E. Skepper) ; besides numerous
papers in seiflntific periodicals.

, By his wife Harriet, daughter of the Rev. George Jcnyns, of
Bottisliam Hail, Cambridgeshire, he has left issue a son, the
Rev. Leonard Ramsay Henslow, born in 1831 ; and, we believe,
other children.

presents Rhododendron aureum niagniflorum, one of the best of
the large jellow Rhododendrons, under which " is an enumera-
tion of the most commendable kinds of that race of Rhododen-
drons for general cultivation," and the way to obtain them b-v
means of cross-fertilisation. The next plate represents a full-
sized view of Princess of Prussia, a "Horseshoe Pelargonium."
This is the second and the beat kind of Globe Scarlet Geranium
that lias yet appeared worthy of the name of Compactum — a
brilhant scarlet shaded with orange and crimsoii. tender this
riclily illustrated bedder we have selections from Zonale or Horse-
shoe-leaved Geraniums, from the Compactum section of Horse-
shoe, fi'om the plain-leaved or Inquinans section of Scarlet
Geraniums, and from the "Nosegay section or varieties from
Fothergiliii," of Sweet's. On the next plate is the new Hybrid
Perpetual or Mule Pink, Diantlius hjbridus multillorus — the
best flo-n-er-garden plant that has yet appeared inDianthus; we
have seen it growing in a pot and there is no mistake about it. It
is very bushy or stocky at the bottom, and has a profuse head of
branched flower-stems (not scapes, wliieh are the flower-stalks
only of bulbous plants), and it blooms continuously from June
to November, unless it is stopped by a severe frost. The best
single Mule Pink, and the double form of it, which was raised by
Captain Trevor Clarke, stood with us last winter witliout getting
the top of a leaf browned. All this breed seem as liardj as the
mountain Pink. The next plate represents an extraordinary
yellow, large-leaved bedding Geranium, called Cloth of Gold,
which is said to be of a fine, "free, dwarf, bushy habit ;" " also,
specially marked by its exceedingly dense-leaved habit through-
out the sunimer and winter." Tollowiuglhis are given selections
of variegated Geraniums for all the various purposes they are
useful for. The last plate is of three of Mr. Banks' best
Fuchsias, black, blue, and white, or the nearest tints to them.
Black Prince, Prince Leopold, and the White Imdy, all rellexed
and as large as crinoline can stretch them. Then are given lists
and selections of Fuchsias new and old and for various purposes..
This is one of the most useful parts of this valuable work.

The iLLUSTiiiTED Bor(jirET.— This, the Twentieth Part, or
quftrtei'ly i-sue. is very rich in selections of kinds of plants for
the flower garden, and equally so in illustrations of the choicest
new floiver-garden plants of the sections of Pelargoniums, or
Geraniums, Fuchsias, and Dianthus. The first plate, 46, ro-

KEPOKT ON THE GARDEN PEAS,

Ghq-wn at Chis'wick dtoino 1860.

By Robert Hogg, LL.D., F.B.H.S., Secretary to tTie Fruit

Committee.

{Continued from page 116.)

42. Monsieur Soyer TruNEn.

, The plant is not a strong grower, and produces a simple stem
2 feet to 2i feet high, bearing from ten to twelve pods, which
are single and double in about equal proportions. Foliage deep
green, and much blotched. This season the pods filled very
unequally, and rarely contained more than four or five perfect
Peas ; all the others being abortive or imperfectly dcreloped.
Ripe seed white and wrinkled.

Sown February 19th; bloomed May 29th; slatted June 16th ;
and ready for use July 10th.

This is decidedly a tender variety and ill-suited for such a season
as the past ; but it has all the character of an e^ellent sort,
being very productive of pods, and the earliest of all the dwarf"
white Wrinkled Peas. In a warmer season it would doubtless
proTe a desirable second early in the Wrinkled class, to come in
after Advancer. It was raised by Dr. Maclean, of Colchester.

43. Tall WMte Mammoth.

Syn: FI^^"f'^'^I"'P^rialX^ ^^^^ & Son.
JVoifolk Marrow. J

Green's Suberb NoDLE, CooPEB, <fe BotTofr.

Ward's Incomparahle .Noble, Coopeb, & BoiTON.

Oxford Tom ', Suttox & Soxs.

Cotton's Leviathan HmisT & M'MuuEN.

Champion of Scotland .liAvrsOTi & Sou".
This 18 a strong and vigorous grower, 6 feet to 7 feet high, and
when planted thinly produces three or four lateral branches,
whicli are almost as long and productive as the main stem. The
foliage is very much blotched. The pods arc from twelve tO'
twenty-four on a plant, and are generally in pairs, of a bright
green colour, containing on an average seven very large Peas,
which are over half an inch in diameter. Tlie ripe seed is white
and wrinkled.

Sown February 19th; bloomed June IGth; slatted June-
23th ; and ready for use Jidy 11th.

This is a very vahiabic Pea, producing an abundance of very
largo well-filled pods. The plant continues growing, blooming^

Maj 21,1861.] JOXJBNAL OP HOBTIOULTTJBEi ^.H^ qOTTAQhE (JABpiPIfEIS.

139

and podJing, and it is not unusual in mild seasons to find it
supplying an excellent dish of green Peas as late as Christmas.

44. Maclean's Prolific :ttonek.

The plant is a free and rather vigorous grower, 2i feet to
3 feet high, and with dark green foUage, which is very much
blotched. The stem is simple and produces nine to twelve pods,
whicK are generally in pairs, and were this season very unequaUy
filled. They mostly contained from five to six well-developed
Peas, all the otiiers being either abortive or only partly grown.
The ripe seed is white and wrinkled.

Sown February 19th; bloomed June 15th; slatted June
26th ; and ready for use July 15tli.

It will be seen that althougli this bloomed four days earlier
than Tall White Mammoth, and was slatted two days earlier, it
•was not fit for use till the day after that variety was ready for
gathering. In aU probability" liad the season been wanner this
wouldhaveproveditself an earlier and much more productive sort.

45. Alliance Noble, Cooper, & BoLioir.

StK : JEugeiil^. . , , i

Plant with a free habit of growth, having a succulent stem,
and ratlier light green blotched fohage. The stem is snuple,
3 feet high, and produces from twelve to sixteen pods, which are
.renerally in pairs, and are produced at every joint. 'Ihey arc
not well filled, and contain only five to six good-sized Peas m
each. The ripe seed is white and wrinkled.

Sown February lOlli ; bloomed May 29th ; slatted June
16th ; and fit for use July 16th. , , , ■,

This differs from Climax, only in having the ripe seed white.
When first introduced it was' a valuable acquisition as being a
tolerably early dwarf white Wrinkled Pea, but it is now for sur-
passed in every way by several of Dr. Maclean's new varieties.

46. British Queen Noble, Cooper, &Bolton.

o „ .„.,... r'.-pTEK & Co.

•SYN; Carters yictonu,

Great Britain NoBLE, CoOPER, (feBoLTON.

Thome's Roi/al Britain Hukst & M'Mullen.
■Sollisson's Victoria ...NuTTiNG & Sons

•Shanlei/ Marrow Fi!ASEE,KlcnABDSON&QOAD.

This is a free and robust grower, 6 feet to 7 feet high. Tlio
stem is generally single, but also sooiotimes branched when tlic
seed has b-eii sown thin, and then it is furnished with two or three
'laterals which are tiio same heiglit as the main stem. The pods
are generally single, but occasionally in pairs, and are to the
number of tjiirteen to eighteen on a plant ; they contain five to
seven very lar^'e Peas, some of which are more than half an inch
in diameter. Tlie ripe seed is white and wrinkled.

Sown February 19th; bloomed June 20th; slatted June
• 30th ; and fit to bo gathered July 16th.

Britisli Queen is now an established variety, and justly
esteemed as one of the best and most productive of the Tall
Wrinkled Marrows. On a well-branched plant I have counted
as many as thii'ty-one pods of all kinds, including those full grown
and those just Ibrmed ; and in a mild autumn it is not unusual
for it to continue growing, blooming, and podding as late as
Christmas. I do not sea any material difference between this
and Tall AVhite Mammoth, with the exception that the latter is
two days earlier; the plants are exactly similar in habit, and
-are equally productive.

pin-eyed Polyanthuses— the best eye to cross of all other eyes.
Those which are not pin-eyed must have the tliroat of the
flower cut open with some sharp instrument, to get at the pin-
head and to dnst it with the pollen.— D. Beaton.

WHITE POLYANTHUS.

Theofg-h the kindness of a rev. gentleman in Norfolk I now
possess the finest white Polyanthus in tlie world, and the most
flowery Polyanthus I ever saw ; it is at the same time the
sweetest-scented kind that eVer passed through my hand. When
I opened the basket the room was soon filled with its delicious
scent.

One expense, however, brings on another ; and what I princi-
pally write this for is to make an ardent and very strong appeal
to the kindness of all the kind people of the three kingdoms to
hunt ma out and to send to me, at my own expense, the most
decidedly scarlet, or the nearest to scarlet, of all the Polyanthuses
in cultivation. If I succeed in this effort, I have a notion that
I shall be able so to dispose of the cream of the flock as to
be able to put a "G-ood Gracious" spring-bed within the reach
■of all our people, and to bring up the Polyanthus to that point
■of public favour which it obtained when Lisbon was neariy
•swallowed up by the earthquake. It often appeai-ed etrauge to
•me the earth never quaked under the florists f&r ddspisihg

OUE. CULTIVATED SOILS.

Theeb is certainly nothing in the wliole gardening world
that bears a more indefinite meaning than the word "loam."
In many districts a first-class plantsman woidd apply that term
to the most usel'ul article he puts on the potting-biiiich ; wliile in
this neighbonrhood (Siaplehurst), the best bricks are made from
what is locally termed " loam," and farmers and fruit-growers
generally cover their grafting operations with the .same material.

Now, it is needless offering any opinion as to which of the
parties mentioned abovs are right, for both will claim to be so,
although it is evident there is a wide difference in the inuterials
to which they both aoply one name : the only practicable way
must be to qualifv the'term by calling one kind " an open friable
loam," and the other a "stiff ekyey loam;" for, bo it remem-
bered, Kentish men makes a difi'erenca between loain and clay,
although, as I have just said, they make the best bricks of the
former, its superior "properties being its not shrinking so much
in the fire, and retaining a better sliap3 when t;iken out ; and lor
grafting it has the same good property of not cracking so muwi

as clay does. . l c l -i.

Now, these qualifications indicate a certam amount ol tenacity,
but not exactly of that plastic description which a tough clay
possesses. But as the making of bricks, drain tile?, and the
like need not be entered into here any furtlier than to explain
the term " loam " as used in some placf s, wo nuiy next see m
what sense it is generally used in gardening mattfi-s, premising
in the first case that it will be best to quality .t,l>" '-
I T..-.. o« to make the ineanin-' "-' ' , -~ -"srm in such a

.._^ ^ "J -'"erstpod hy aU. In this I may

I say that I am only taking up a subject left; unfinished by our
late talented and respected icUow- writer to this Journal, Mr.
Errington, whose last article, it will bo remembered, was on
"Soils, Earths, And Loam," and apparently only commenced
■with when Nature gave way.

Light Hazely Loam:. — This term is far fi-dm being so
expressive as could be wished, for its constituent parts may
differ as wide almost as the antipodcii; but it is generally made
use of to denote a loam mingled more or less with gravel, the
colour being pale, and the substratum porous; but the quantity
of sand in such a loam is not suriicient to entitle it to the term
of a sandy loam or sandy soil. Many of the valleys in Hi-rtford-
slura possess a soil of this description, the hills being of chalk
overlaid with a thin crust of rather a stiffish white loam, or soil
differing in many respects from this. In a general way a light
hazel loam produces good Wheat and Barle.y, and grass land
adapted for sheep, butnotfor cattle ; if not too much surcharged
with water. Oik and Beech trees thrive in it ; and most garden
vegetables of the grosser-feeding kinds do well m it, excepting
Celery and Asparagus. But so much depends on the substratum
that it is difficult to form a correct judgment upon it ; for if this
be of a hungry or, perhaps, pernicious character, and the soil
shallow, its lertility must be only of a secontlary kind: tliis,
however, is widely different where it rests on a bed of a con-
I trary description.

I A White Chalky Loam. — This is the (Seating so many ot our
1 chalk hills have — some of them thickly covered also with stones
of a Ginty character. Such a soil is not adapted for many garden
products. Early Pess, however, stand the winter well in it,
and its being distasteful to slugs, seedlhig plants are raised with
more certainty of success than in somo other soils. But it is
almost death to Khododendrons, Calceolarias, and such plants
as like a soil more or less impregnated with iron. But I believe
many plants often grown in our greenhouses in a soil the reverse
to this would do wfU in it— I iijean the pea-flowering plants
from New Holland and elsewhere. Witness the Saintfoin,
Clover, Furze, Broom, Trefoil, and other plants olten found
wild on this soil, and compare these with the Polygala, Pimeleas,
Coronilla, and other things, and see if there is not a great
resemblance. I believe I am also right in saying that on a soil
of this description plants will stand the winter best ; but, on
the other hand, they suffer sadly in a dry summer, and rege-
tables require both liquid and solid food in an extravagant
degree to bring them to perfection. Filberts seerh to do better
here than any other fruit, yet it is not exactly the one this

m

JOURNAL OF HORTICtTLTtTRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 21, 1861.

capricious shrub requires ; but as many trees, as well as herbs,
have the knack of accommodating theraselvps to circumstances,
we often see that good cuUiyation accomplishes good results
even on a chalk hill. — J. Robsok.

(To be continued.)

NEW AND UAEE PLANTS.

Belopeeone tiolacea (Violet-coloured BeJoperone) .

Nat. Ord., Acunthaceis. ii«M., Diandria Monogynia. Native
of New (Grenada. Bears exposure in borders during summer and
autumn on the Continent. Flowers purple. — {Bot, Magazine,
t. 5244)

Paeitittm EiATUM {Lofty Paritium).

Nat. Ord., Malvacea;. Zinn., Monadelphia Polyandria. This,
which has also been called a Hibiscus, produces the Cuba Bast,
so well known to gardeners. " It is a noble tree (50 to 60 feet
high) with ample, cordate-rotundatc leaves and large flowers,
both in bud and when expanded of a bright brick-red colour."
It is native of Jamaica and Cuba. Its wood is much valued by
cabinetmakers, being in colour a dark-variegated green, often
called "green ebony." The negroes make superior ropes of the
bark, and a mucilage that has been employed advantageously in
dysentery, is obtained by boiling water from the young shoots
and leaves. The inner bark also yields that beautiful network
fibre known as " Cuba Bast."— (Ibid., t. 5245.)

TiLLANDSiA eecuevifolia (Recurved-Ieavcd Tillandsia).
Nat. Ord., Bromeliacete. Linn., Hexandria Monogynia. Sent
to Kew Gardens from Panama, by W. D. Christie, Esq. Flowers
white, with rose-coloured bracts. — (Hid., t. 5246.)

Malobtica simplex (Simple-leaved Malortica).

•», . "■ ' ^"'maceie. Zinn., Moncecia Hex-Dodecaudria.

iVfft. ura., ^_- !,,„_-■- -J at Kew in February of the

Native of Costa Rica. Floweic^. -- ^-^c ^ ^ ^__ j ^^^., ,

present year. It is a skncVl', graceiui, uwan iu.ni.— (^...^m..,
t. 5247.)

DEACa:NA BICOLOE (Broad-leaved tico-coloured Bracama).

Nat. Ord., Asparagineoe. Zinn., Hexandria Monogynia.
Native of Fernando Po. Flowered at Kew in February of the
present year. It is a stove plant 1 foot high. Flowers white,
bracteoles bright purple. — (Ibid., t. 5248.)

Dendeobhjm LirrGTTaiPOEME (Tonffue-leaved De,idrolium)._

Nat. Ord., Orchidaceic. Zinn., Gynandi-ia Monandria. Native
of Port Jackson and Moreton Bay. Not at all showy. Flowers
ivory-white, expanding here in winter in an ordinary greeuliouse.
" Leaves very ciu-ious, thick, fleshy, and almost resemhling
pseudo-bulbs!" It grows well on a piece of wood.— (liirf.,
t. 5249.)

ABIES DOUGLASI.

On the 2nd inst., a flagstafl' of unrivalled height and symmetry,
made of the Douglas Pine (Abies Douglasi), from Vancouver
Island, was erected on a rising ground in the arboretum of
Kew. It is the gift of Mr. j:dward Stamp, a gentleman
largely concerned, m connection with Messrs. Bilbe & Co., of
Nelson Dock, Rotherliitlie, in the timber trade of British
Columbia. It is only justice to Mr. Stamp and Mr. Bilbe to
state that this is the second spar which they have presented.
The first measured 118 feet long, 14 inches in diameter at the
base, and 4 inches across at the summit. It was the largest pole
adapted for a flagstaff that had ever been known in Europe,
and it was sent as a specimen of the tree in question, smoothed
and made ready for elevation, through the liberality of Mr.
Bilbe. Unfortunately it sustained two accidents. On its way
up the river it was cut in halves by a steamer, but taken back
by Mr. Bilbe and repaired at his yard ; and again, in the act of
being erected, a rope gave way and it fell and broke into six
pieces. On this disaster being eoniraunicated to Mr. Stamp, he
promised, on his return to Columbia, to replace the loss with a
spar of at least equal size and beauty ; and in April of this year
another was deposited by the same gentleman, free of all charges,
in the Royal Gardens.' It is of the same kind of Pine, but
41 feet longer-nnmely, 159 feet— and its diameter is 22 inches
at the base, tapering legularlv to 8 inches at the summit. There
are two hundred and fifty concentric rings, or layers of wood,
indicating as many years of growth ; its weight is three tons,
and it contains 157 "square feet of timber. To rig and elevate

his noble object the aid of the Admiralty was sought, and t

was immediately granted by the noble Duke who is at the head
of that department of Government. His Grace gave instructions
to Mr. John Isaac, the head mastmaker at Woolwich, and a
sufficient complement of sailors and riggers, and the difficult
task has been accomphshed without the smallest accident.
Many persons came to witness the interesting operation of
raising so lofty a pole. The site is on ground about 15 feet
above the level of the park, and at a suitable distance from the
new " winter garden " now in course of construction. A cut
was made tiirough the side of the hill to its centre, into which
the butt end of the spar was placed horizontally, and then, by
means of a skilful arrangement of ropes, some being attached to
sheers and others to several adjacent trees, this prodigious spar
was hoisted in a few hours to a perfectly upright position, when
it was found to be so absolutely straight that a plumb-line cut
precisely through the centre of the butt end and the cap at the
top. Flag-halliards and cross-trees had already been fitted ;
and a star, with reflecting facets and points, was affixed to the
vane-slafl'. Being enual in height to the well-known Pagoda at
Kew, this flagstaff may be seen, far and wide, and, if less con-
spicuous, it is far more graceful. The main object in erecting
tliis noble spar is to illustrate the size, unrivalled beauty, and
utility for naval purposes of the tree which produces it. The
Douglas Pine abounds in all parts of British Columbia, including
Vancouver Island, and has been known for many years in our
parks and museums. A smsU-gi owing tree may be seen close
to the entrance of the Royal Gardens at some distance, however,
from the flagstaff, which is in the arboretum or pleasure ground.
The latter, as is generally known, is open to the public from tlie
1st of May to the 31st of October, and the Botanic Gardens,
with which it communicates, continue open through the year,
Christmas-day alone excepted,^ (K'OTej.)

INSECT EAVAGEES OF THE EOSE.— No. 2.

(Continued from page 84.)

We now come to the consideration of the insects which have
been noticed injuring tlie flower of the Rose.

Balaninus Beassice. — The petals of the Rose are often fo
be observed pierced by many very small holes. These are the

work of the very minute Wee-
vil, of which we anmx a draw-
ing magnified, as well as of the
life size. It is of the same
genus as the Nut Weevil (B.
nticmn), the larva or maggot
of which feeds upon the
^^^ kernel. This little Weevil

■3^ <'^^B^^^-^ \ with a palate more delicate

"v' \ llSi^vJ V feeis upon the Rose petals,
although it more usually preys
upon various parts of the
Willow and garden pot herbs.
It is no more than from one-
seventh to one-sixth of an
inch in length, including the
long, slender proboscis, at the
end of which are its little mischievous jaws. Its colour is black,
with a slight ashy down on the upper surface ; the scutellum, or
little triangular piece placed between the bases of the elytra or
upper wings is white, and so are the breast and under side The
proboscis is slightly furrowed longitudinally at tlie base, and fiom
it near the tip proceed the antenn.-e, the basal jonit of which
is pitehy red and the remainder blackish, and minutrly haired.
The prothorax or shield of the upper surface of the shoulders
is thickly and minutely punctured. The elytra has rows of
indented dots with minute ashy scales in a double row between
the dots. The legs are black ; the thighs clavate or club-
shaped, with a small, pointed spine beneath. Sometimes the
antenna are entirely black, and in other specimens entirely red.— •
(Wedwood.) They feed on the petals at night, and we know ot
no remedy but spreading a white cloth beneath each bush,
shaking it, and crushing the marauders that fall uiion it.

Etjpboctis aueielua ( YeUow-iail Moll,).— rhis caterpiUar
feeds upon the petals of Roses, although more usuaUy upon the
leaves of the Oak, Elm, Pear, and Black Thorn. It is black,
with two red lines running along the back, interrupted on the
fourth or filth segments by a small hunch or tubercle. On the

Fig. i.

May 21, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HOKTIOXJLTURB AND COTTAGE aARDENBB.

141

ninth or tenth segments the red lines form two wax-like spots.
A row of spots formed of short tufts of white hairs passes along

Fig. 5.

eaph side of the caterpillar, and beneath these rows a longi-
tudinal red stripe.

The Moth appears at the close of July, and is a very common
species. ]t varies from 14 inch to IJ inch across the fore
wings when these are expanded. Ihese, as well as the body

Fig. 6.
and hind wings are pure white. The end of the body and the
branches of the antennse are yellow. The male differs from the
female in having the under side of his fore wings brown, and a
small dusky spot near the hind angle on the upper side ; but
this spot appears also slightly sometimes on the female, as is
shown in the annexed engraving. The female also has a large
tuft of yellow, wool-like hairs, which furnish a coating for the
eggs as they are deposited. — (Westwood.) This is not the
Yellow-tailed Moth described by KoUar.

Meligethes jEmsus {Brassy Meligethes). — The two pre-
ceding species feed on the petals of the flowers of the Rose when
fully expanded. The little insects now before us {fig. 5, Jc,
natural size, one represented flying ; and
highly magnified in the woodcut, J?^. V)
frequents the Rose for the sake of its
pollen, which we have observed it in the
act of biting off with its small horny
jaws, and devouring.

It measures a little more than one-
twelfth of an inch in length, and has the
upper surface of the body of a shining
dark green colour, thickly covei-ed with
minute impressed dots, those on the
elytra being rather larger than those of
the head and thorax, the parts of the
mouth are pitchy. The antenniE are black, the base slightly
tinged with a pitchy hue, the prothorax and elytra have the

lateral margins slightly recurved. The legs are short and broad,
the fore legs reddish, with the tibise outwardly serrated, the
four hind legs black. It is a very common species, and delights
to fly in the hottest sunshine in the months of June and July
amongst flowers. — {Westwood.)

Fig. 7.

VEGETABLE PRODUCTS OP THE HIMALAYAS.

{Continued from page 123.)

OuB next ground was up a lateral valley called Rhudagira, the
stream from which joins the G-anges about two miles below the
temple, on the left bank near Wilson's bridge. Por about five
miles the lower part on both sides was thickly wooded with
Birch, some of the trees having had the bark stripped off to sell
to the pilgrims by the villagers and the hill-men, who are
engaged as porters by those who can afford that luxury in their
pilgrimage. On some of the young trees the inner layers of
bark are so fine as to resemble silk paper in textm'e, and in the
higher hills it is very generally used as a substitute for writing-
paper. Birch bark is one of the articles of hill produce exported
into the plains, where, amongst other purposes, it is used in the
manufactm-e of hookah snakrs. On some trees there are upwards
of twenty layers of bark, and when the trunk is free from knots
it is taken off in one piece, which is sometimes 9 feet or 10 feet
long and 3 feet wide, but in general the pieces do not average
more than 3 feet by 1 foot or 2 feet. The inner bark of all
adheres to the trunk, so that, though the outer is taken off com-
pletely round, the tree does not die, but for many years the
bark is not renewed so as to be worth again taking off.

To about 11,000 feet or 12,000 feet, which is near the extreme
limits of forest trees, the hills are everywhere well wooded,
particularly on the northern and western slopes, which are
almost evei-ywhere clothed with forest of some kind. Tlie
opposite, the south and east, are more partially so, these sides of
a liill being sometimes on the lower ranges nearly destitute of
trees altogether. Commencing at the foot of the lower hills, we
first find trees similar to those in the plains, and the forest here
is only remarkable for the gigantic creepers. The common Pine
then makes its appearance and is the principal tree, many hills
in the lower ranges being clothed solely with it. The conunon
Oak begins at about 4000 feet, and the Rhododendron the same.
Between 7000 feet and 8000 feet the common Oak gives place to
the Khursoo, and at this elevation the trees of the colder European
climates also appear : CJiestuut, Sycamore, Box, Yew, Filbert,
and others; besides the Bye and Morenda Pines, the pride of
the Himalayan forests. The Cedar grows at almost all elevations;
you find occasional groves as low as 3000 feet, but the great
Cedar forests are not common at a lower elevation \\vn 6000 feet.
At 9000 feet Birch becomes prevalent, and a little higher, with
the exception of dwarf Rhododendron, monopolises the forest.
Above these come Juniper and a kind of WUlow, with some
other shrub-like bushes, till at 13,000 feet arboreous vegetation
entirely ceases, and grasses, herbs, and mosses only are met with
from thence to the snow.

The Cedar {Cedrus deodara) grows at almost any elevation
and on any kind of ground ; small groves or single trees being
met within the most widely different locahties ; in the low warm
valleys and near the everlasting snow. Its favourite habitat is
between 6000 feet and 9000 feet, and here only extensive forests
of it are found. It seems to thrive best in a di'y, rocky soil, and
it is wonderful to see the places where some trees take root. In
the perpendicular face of a smooth granite rock is a little
crevice ; into this a seed hi some manner finds its way, vegetates,
and becomes a large tree, flourishing perhaps for centuries where
to appearance there is not a particle of soil, deriving sustenance
probably from the rock itself. The Cedar grows to a great size,
some having been measured with trunks upwards of 30 feet in
eii-cumference a yard from the ground. When in forest most
shoot upwards in long, tapering, straight trunks, with rather
short branches, and having the cone-like form of most Pines ;
but when scattered singly they often stretch out long massive
arms, the ramifications of which being all horizontal, each with
its foliage forms a surface almost as level as a table. The highest
Cedars attain to a height of 100 feet. The wood is everywhere
in the greatest esteem for building purposes, as it is easily
worked, almost imperishable, and splits easily into planks— an
indispensable requisite in a country where saws are unknown.*

• Since writing the above, I have found that the wood of the Cedar
I Cedrus deodara) growing in the lower hills is much inferior to that near
the snow, the latter being far more durable and of much finer gram.

m

JOURNAL OF gORTIOULTFBB ^0 CQia'AePE eABBENEK.

[ Ma.y ?i, la&l.

The bridges over tlae Jbeluin in Caslimere, whiuh arc constjHicted
of this wood, arc a fair critei-ion of its lasting qualities. Some
portions are always uflder water, some only so half the year, and
the rest always exposed to the atmosphere. These bridges have
been standing (or nearly a century, and are standing stiUj though
so construetcd that a few rotten timbers must of necessity cause
the downfall of the whole. When subjected to the process by
which tar is extracted from other Pine^ Cedar wood yields a
much thinner liquid, of a dark red colour, and very strong
smell, known as Cedar oil. It is used by the Puharics as a
remedy for the itch and other diseases of tbe skin, and all
ecrofulous diseases in cattle. The length of time this tree
requires to arrive at even » tolerable size unfits it for uiti'oduetion
into other countiies except as nn ornament. — (4 Summer JR(fmble
in the Himalayas.)

(To he continued^

TEADE LISTS EECEIVED.

Spring Svpplemeni to Carter ^- Co.'s Gardeners' and Farmers'
Vade Mecum. — Like a lady's postscript to her letter, this snpple-
ment is almost as bulky and as important as that to which it
professes to be an addendum. It is oi the same size as the Yade
Mecum, and extends over fifty-six pages. It consists entirely
of Bedding Plants, Fuchsias, Dahlias, Gri-eenhouse, Stove, Her-
baceous, and, in fact, all sorts of plants, and capital collections of
them.

The Spring List of Soft-wooded, Bedding and other Plants,
li) E. G. Benderson Sf Son, Wellington Eoad, St. John's Wood.
— An admirable catalogue, as all Messrs. Hendersons' are, and
containing a fund of mfoimatiou about what are usually called
soft-wooded plants. It contains some good woodcuts, among
which are two good new things, Epigynium leucobotrys and
Convolvulus nianritanicue.

WORK POE THE WEEE.

KITCHEN GAEDEN.
Stie the surface of the sod where the late rains have hardened
it. Prick out all sorts of advancing seedlings that they may get
stocky and strong before their final planting. Above all things,
look after the slugs, which are viry numerous this season ;
sprinkle the crop that tliey are most likely to attack with fresh
slaked lime and soot mixed, and lay traps for them — such as
rhubarb or cabbage leaves, slates, pieces of board, &e., and turn
them over daily, «hcn numbers will be foiuid on the sides next
the ground, and can tlien bo destroyed. The Broccoli season
being now nearly over, the stumps shoidd he all cleared away
and the gi-ound dug, or if intended for Cclery-trenehes these
may be prepared without digging the whole of the ground.
Keep all the saladiiig crops well watered in dry weather, or they
lose mucli of their crispness. Beans, as soon as the pods begin
to form at the lower part of the stem top the plants, which will
greatly forward the cropping of them. Carrots, sow Early
Horn, to draw young during the summer. Canlifloxoer, the
early crop to be liberally supplied with water ; manure water to
be given if very large heads are required. Cucumbers, peg them
down as they advance in growth under the hand-glasses; water
to be given, when they require it, in the morning, and then
only when it is likely to be succeeded by a fine day. Farsley,
sow seed, and thin out tlie plants of the early sowing to 6 inches
ap&rt. Beas, at the time of sowing during dry weather water
the drills after they are drawn, and before the seed is sown.
Savoys, prick out some of the earliest sowuig. Shade with mats,
if bright weather, for a few days until the plants take fresh root-
hold. Scvtcli-kale, the same as Savoys. Spinadt-, thin out the
early crops, and sow again for succession.

PtOWEE GAEDEN.

It is advisable to fork up the borders after heavy battering rains.
The Pajonies, Phloxes, Delphiniums, and other tall herbaceous
plants to be properly staked. Thin out annuals. Remove all
decayed leaves and flower-stems. Plant out on rich soil a
good supply of Stocks and Asters for the autumn, and soiv a
succession ef annuals for filling up vacancies that may occur.
With the wind due north, and a fair jircspcet of a sharp frost
any time, there is no great encouragement to commence bedding
out in good earnest. It m to be hoped, however, that we shall
have experienced a favourable change before the appearance of

(his notice, aijd that tlie planting of all properly prepared stodf
may he carried on under fnvourable auspices. To begiu wijli
Calceolarias, Verbenas, Scarlet Geraniums, and leaving Helio-
tropes, .Agerarums, and such things that are more susceptible of
injury from frost, to tbe end of the week. A few spruce fir or
other evergreen branches stuck in amongst the plants after
bedding would be of service in protecting tlicm from the drying
efiTects of bright sunshine, and fiom any slight frcsts that may
occur. Verbena and other straggling plants that are liable to
injury by being blown about by the wind to be pegged down
immediately after planting out, and a good watering to be given
early in the morning to settle the soil about the roots.

FEUIT GAEDEN.
Continue to nail in the young shoots of all kinds of fruit
trees ns they become sufliciently advanced, and kci-p the finger
and thumb at work amongst superfluous ones. Give the Straw-
berry-beds a sliglit forking over, and have some available material
at bund for lavi'-g a^out them when the f.-i;:? ia swelling, to
prevent it getting splashed with mrr : straiglii wheat sira" \Z
often used, as are also spent hops. Eemove some of the watery
shoots from Gooseberry and Currant bCisl.es.

STOVE.

Pay attention to the various young stock infended for bloom-
ing through tlie autumn and winter. The Euphorbia jacquinice-
llora looks gay if planted three in a pot. 'Jhe Gesnrra elongata,
the Begonias, some of the Justicias, and the Geissomerias, &c.,
are woi thy of careful culture fur tbe same purpose. The plants
th;vt are now growing freely will require atteniion in stopping,
training, &c. ; give them plenty of pot room, and all the sun-
shine that they will bear without scorching. T!:e cieepera to be
looked over frequently to prevent their growth g.tting into
confusion. Syringe, and shut up early in the alternouns of
bright days, and be as sparing as poisible in the use of artificial
heat.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSEEVATOUT.

The Indian Azahas that have bei'n some time growing to be
kept in heat until tlwy have set their buds, when they maybe
removed to the open air to ripen the wood. Look well to the
plants for summer and autumn decoration, and do not allow
them to susliiiu a check tor want of pot room or carelessness in
watering. As the New Holland plants go out of bloom pick ofi"
the seed-pods, and cut the shoots back to form a compact plant ;
to be phucd in an airy part of the greenhouse, and when tho
buds have faiily started, to be shifted, if they require it, into a
larger pot, and tiien kept close for a fortnight to encourage a
free root action. Shade Pelargoniums in flower, and shift and
stop such as are wanted to flower late. AVatch closely for
inseels, especially green fly aftd red spider, aud act against them
directly they are detected. AV. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

The weather continuing dry, sowed more Beet and Early
Horn Carrot for sucecssion. Lettuces, Caiilifidwor, Peas, and
Beans for ditto. Gave the final earthing up and spreading out
to Cauliflowers that had been winteicd under gla8^e9, and now
forivard and coming in. Sowed Spinoeh, Turnips, and Eadishes
for succession ; replanted and propagiled liardy herbs; watered
with soot water, about 70° in teurpeiature, tlic earliest "ut-door
Peas. Potted off, five in a twelve-inch pot. Dwarf Kidney Beans
sown in boxes, to be grown under protection; also, potted a
quantity, three in a Ibur-inch pot, to be trMisplanted aftcrw ards and
be protected a httlc at first ; those sown out of doors owing to
the dryness not \ ct vegetating. Sowed also Scarlet ii unners, and
planted some thick in a resei-ve-bed to make sure of filling vacan-
cies, or to serve for additional rows. Cleaned and gathered from
Kidney Beans under glass, and gave them plenty of manure
watering*, which is milking old plants hear ns v. ell us new ones
would. I'rumd and thinned .shoots in Cueuinhcr-bed», and cut
fruit before getting too large or old, the oljcet being to have fruit
crisp^eating, and not hard polieemen's staves. L^sed the Dutch
hoe freely among all growing crops — as Spinach, Asparagus, Sea-
kale, Artichokes, and more especially among young Onions,
Parsnips, Carrots, ku. Hero the old proverb "A stitch in time
saves nine," is well proved. A imm will go over a great piece of
ground wlien the seed weeds in myriaels can just be teen by
looking carefully along the ground ; but it is a difl'erent matter
when they got 3 inches or 4 inches high, or even higher thah

May 21, 1861. ]

JOTJBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

14.§'

that. Tlien the cleaning is, indeed, a disheartening work, and
tells of false economy or bad management either in master or
servant. The surface stirring is also of benefit in preventing the
ground cracking, and lets tlie rain when it comes percolate nicely
through tlie soil, instead of iHinnlng off or bolting down tlie
crackfi. Thanks' to the timely watering we shall have a good
crop of Cabbages after all, though the quarter will not be so
even as usual, wliicli will have one advantage that the crop will
come in more in succession, than even if the quarter looked
better. Planted out Cauliflower and Cabbage, spring-raised
under glas3, for succession, and pricked out under hand-glasses
in a border a few Cauliflowers from the open-ground sowing, to
bring them a little earlier.

Kan the Dutch hoe through the rows and beds of StrawbeiTies
to settle all the seed weeds, and strewed a little powdery quick-
lime among them, expecting rain to come soon to wash its caustic
qualities into the rich surface soil, and give many a woi-m and
slug their quietus. So that at gathering time wl>cn the fruit is
covered with nets we shall not be annoyed with sc'eing the best
fruit crawled over, bitten, or hid with weeds, when it would
hardly be safe to send active boys to pull them out without a
trustworthy captain over them, to see they kept " whistling" all
the time. Watered frees fresh planted, and syringed them twice
a-day in (he dry, sunny, cold weatht-r, that kept drawing their
juices from every pore. Removed evergreen branches from part of
G-ooseberrios that seem now large enough to be safe. Currants
as yet seem safe owing to the evergrctn branches, but many
places are but shades of what they were. Syringed with sulphur
and soot water Peaches and other trees a little troubled with
insects. Tried Gishurst for the first time on a few trees
in pots, using it very weak, as much as a walnut to four gallons
of water, and fomid that the insects did not at all relish it, whilst
the plants were not at all injured. When people will put half a
pound of 8onp, half a pound of sulphur, and half a pound of
tobacco, all well boiled together into five gallons of water, and
then speak confidently of its efficacy in destroying insects, I
verily believe them, but should have no great desire to possess
the tender plants fi'om which the insects were removed. It is
preferable to use weaker doses even if they should be repeated.
I shoxild consider an ounce of each for such purposes moi-d than
sufficient. Stopped and fertilised Melons, watered Strawberries
in houses, adding a few more as room could be had, as when
once used steadily to them employers do not like any stop or
gap between tho earliest ones in houses, and the earliest out of
doors. Watered Vines in pits now swelling freely ; watered
Eigs to prevent dropping ; Peaches to assist swelling. Picked
out a few smnll berries, and large ones too where too thick, in
the earliest Vines, few laterals now appearing, all the strength
going into the fruit ; but what (ew appear allowed to remain to
increase root action. Thinned evening and morning in the
second house, and during the rains of Saturday all day, and tied
out the late -house now showing bunches, removing redundant
shoots, average tetn]ierature of late house from 50" to 5&°, but
will gradually raise it to G0° and 65°.

In the pleaBiu'e ground having some time ogo mowed the lawn
near the house, and a good swarth all round the sides of the
walk, to prevent daisies or other beauties, but not desii'able on
walks, shedding their seed on the gravel. Owing to tho dry
weather let the mowing chiefly alone, and kept turning and
breaking the soil in borders and flower-beds, and getting them all
nicely edged ready for planting time, though they will, probably,
get a turning a time or two before then. Lined out all the sides
of the gravel walks that there should be no curves out and curves
in to offend the eye in walking along them during the summer.
Nothing is more distasteful to me than a deep raw earth-edge to
a gravel walk. The earth a week or two after the lining should
not be seen, and will not be if the turf is not more than from
1 inoh to 2 inches above tho gi-avel. This lining out with the
line and cutting with the edging-iron, I consider indispensable
every spring, as then the garden shears can manage all the
edgings of the walks nicely all the summer afterwards ; and the
picking up the cut grass, and switching with a soft, moist broom,
is more easily done when there is a firm, straight edge to fall
back upon even though that edge be not seen unless you look for
it. What may have to be removed, as little as possible, from the
outside of the cutting-iron, is either moved with a draw-hoe
first, or more generally taken up with a sharp spade, holding it
obliquely to the edging and placed at once in a barrow, for we
allow no heaps to b^^ made to waste time in cleaning up their
bottoms. Any weeds on the walk are picked up at the same

time, all black and greasy places where rain or snow had lodged'
or where trees had shaded, is scraped with a draw-hoe as thinly
as possible, so as to leave all clean, and thrown at once into the
barrow, and then the walks are hard brushed with a rougli
broom, and when opportunity offers a sprinkling of fine gravel
is thrown along each side where fresb cut, and a rolling given,
which insures better walks with less trouble than digging and
trenching them every year. I should have premised that tlie
grass sides of the walks are well rolled before cutting, and as
rolling the walks has a tendency to raise the grass at the sides by
abutting against them, in rolling the grass the roller is allowed
to hang 2 inches or 3 inches towards the gravel, which thus tends
to keep the gi'ass at the sides level and also firm to the edging-
tool. And what comes of all these paring» and sweepings ?
Thrown away, of course. Oh, no. This season there is a much
larger beap of dead rose and shrub tops, prunings, &c., than
usual at this time ; these will be covered with these turf edgiugs,
sweepings, vegetable stems, old used earth, and fire being set to
the whole, we shall in ten days have a good heap of charrecl
rubbish and burned earth in a nice warm state, just in prime
order to mix with a little leaf mould and permit of a small hand-
ful of such mixture being given to bedding plants when turned
out, so as to give them a good start at first.

These bedding plants are now the very hotheraiion. Never
did gardeners make such a scourge for lashing themselves withal.
Go where you will you find that they must be had, and that,
too, most generaDy entirely as articles of superfluity, without
any separate means being set apart for them. Room, therefore,
is ever and anon the cry, and to find room many begin to tiu-n
out in such haste as to have reason to repent at leisure. It is-
best to harden well off by degrees,, and many things such as
Calceolarias now require little protection ; but the very fact of a
sheltered place and standing thick together enables them to
stand more cold than they would do when turned out singly in a
bed or border a foot or more apart, and as yet unacquainted
with their new habitat. A bed of Calceolarias thickly planted
stood well on Thursday and Friday, the 9lh and 10th, when we
had from 3° to 5° of fi'ost, with a few spruce branches stuck
among them. Pricked out Perillas in celery-beds, and turned
out many other things as Lobelias and Geraniums, protecting
with an old sash or a mat, and exjjosing fully during the day.,
Potted Castor Oil plants and Daturas, and gave them a little heat.
Sowed Balsams, moved Bracbycome, Chrysanthemum Burridgea-
num. Lobelia speciosa, Convolvulus, Tropscoluras, &c., out of
slight heat into slight protection, but kept a sharp look out lest
such a Christmas air as the evening of the 10th did not interfere
with them.

Syringed Azaleas and kept them close that had done flowering,
hybrid tree Rhododendrons ditto. Moved Fuchsias to conserva-
tory, kept Cinerarias and Calceolarias cool and moist. Gave
plenty of air to Pelargoniums to insure the foliage being dry
before the sun shone much on them. Gave manure water to
those knotting for bloom. Shitted succession plants, gave larger
pots to different kinds of Scarlets and pink Geraniums, &c.,
intended to bloom iti-dooi-s in autumn. Selected younger plants
for potting to succeed them, and will do the same witli tho
variegated kinds ere long. Shifted, also, Fuchsias, Begonias,
and many soft-wooded plants requiring luat, and took care as
much as possible to make sun heat serve the purpose needed by
early shutting up, instead of burning coke or fuel when the sun
could manage most of tho work. Saturday, the 11th, the rain
came in torrents, and potting, cutting tallies, making bushy
branchy stakes for flower-beds out of larch and spruce prunings,,
were the order of the day. In exjjosed windy places these twiggy
bits of branches are far better lor flower-beds than any amount
of straight stick-s, the twigs holding the plants firm.— -R. P.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*.jf* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the " Journal of Sortiaalture, S[e." 162, Fleet
Street, London, E.C.
Melon Plants Djimpiko Off (it/.).— It is very likely there is some para-

sitlc»l fungus in the soil. If you do not grow in a pot rf move the soil from

the part and add fresh. Bnt, after all, these maladies will happen do what!

we will.

144-

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTtIKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 21, 1861.

Insect ok OitCHARD-nousE Trees {J. F.).—lt is the American Blight
Aphis lanigera, and probably came to you on the trees. Remove them from
the liouse, or the insects will migrafe to others unattacked. Scrub tlie spots
where the woolly matter appears with spirit of turpentine, but do not let it
touc'i the leaves. The trees should not be returned to the orchard-house
until all appearance of the insects is removed.

Grape Vine Leaves Df.catisg (<?. F. J>.)-— These and the young
bunches sh;inking, as well as the vigorous shoots gangrening, are evidence
that the roots do not supply sap sufficiently fast to sustain the rapid growth
now going on. Syringe less and only at night ; give air freely by night as
well as by day. The roots being outside are too cold, mulch over the roots
at night, hut uncover during sunny days. The Camellia leaves aie stained
bi'own like others we have seen where the roots have been sometimes too
dry, and at other times too wet, whilst the leaves were constantly exposed
to bright sunshine. The roots have been injured by that or some other
accident.

Diseased Leaves and Fruit of Peaches (Four Years* Subscriber). —
Fumigation will have no effect on such Peaches. They are sufFering from
canker, and from not having enough of sun to ripen the young wood tlie
previous season. Under such circumstances the less syringing you give
them the better. The fniit is approachirg the stoning period, and the
diseased and imperfect juices are unable to supply them with necessary
nourishment. We can hold out no great hope even for next year, if the
Peach trees continue much sliaded during the summer. If put in a house by
themselves we would prefer shading a little in very hot days instead of
syring'ng them much, when the leaves (all oflF so easily. The Pelargoniums
will do better in the cool house than in the hotter and more shady one.
Most likely they would do better in a pit, or on a stand with a protection of
calico or mu>lin over them or around them if there is no greenhouse The
Figs will ripen und'iT the circumstauces, but they will be deficient in flavour,
and everv year afterwards, with such shade from Vines, there will be less
and less of fniit, owing to the leaves not getting enough of sun, and the soft
state of the young wood. They will do best in the house with most light, but
you must give no very sudden change of temperature, or it may cause the
fruit to drop ; it there is only from 3° to 5^, or so, it will not Imrt them. The
leaves of your Begonia are chiefly injured by your syringing and the sun
shining upon them when wet. Avoid the syringing, and if you can raise the
temperature to 60=, the fresh leaves will come nice and well coloured. Even
under the best culture some of the lower leaves will begin to be a little
blotched when vei-y old, for all evergreen plants are so far deciduous; but
your case gives unmistakeable signs of the sun striking on a moist surface,
and under a low temperature. These plants will do bttter under the shade
of your Vines, and where the leaves shall have no moisture except wliat they
condense from the atmosphere in which they grow Your Gishurst Com-
pound could do theui no good whatever, but at 2 ozs. to the gallon might do
them much harm. We detect not the slightest appearance of insect or
mildew, and we have no faith in any medicine that will cure all diseases,
all Ills, and all mismanagement.

Mklon {H. Hehjer).—Yf(t do not know and cannot hear of such a variety
as the Mosratello, The writer in "All the Year Round " maybe right in
saying it is a red-fleshed Persian '-superior to anjthing of the kind
in Juiciness and perfume," but we do not think it has been cultivated in
England.

Heating a Gkeenhoose— Cdccmber Ccltore (.4 Novice n-ho Wishes to
£xcel).~'\Xe do not think there is much the matter. AVe would have pre-
ferred the flue to run along the front of the greenhouse as well: but
that would interfere with the heat in the forcing-house, if you grew
Cucumbers early. We hardly think tliat at the distance from the flue
which the --latcs will be, there will be great danger of burning the roots;
but it would be as well to have 3 indies or 4 inclies of open rubble, cinder
ashes, gravel, &e., over the slates, and then with a small round drain tile or
tube of .iny sort from 1 inch to 2 inches in lUameler, one end resting on the
rubble and the other above the bed, you could not only supply moisture
beneath the plants, but by means of p'ugs in your tubes admit heated
vapour into the atmosphere of your house at will. We allude to this because
you do not mention any mode of giving atmospheric moisture except by a
copper over the funiace at one end. If your flue is only open under the
pathway, we think you will hardly have enough of direct atmospheric heat,
and as you have a chamber we would have a sliding board a foot long and
9 inches wide in the centre of each side to let out the heated aii- when
necessary. That, also, could be moistened by pouring water in the chamber,
but not on the flue, or by evaporating-basins, or tiles i-n the flue. The heat
you can prevent going up the chimney by having a damper close to the end
of the flue in the chimney, but you must never have it quite shut. The
back pit wlien not wanted for cuttings or low-growing stove plants might
also be used for Cucumbers. We presume you train on a trellis, the best mode
for such a place, and then the front pit will grow plants enough to cover all
the roof. You must just risk the consequence if you grow Kidney Beans
or anything else. If well syringed and kept healtliy there is liitlemoie
danger than from other plants, but the more plants you put in your house as
main crops, the less will you excel in individual things. You might have
filled your chamber with loose bricks and stones, and concreted the surface,
and thus saved yourself all the bother with suppnits and slates ; but as the
slates are there it would be a pity to make any alteration. All the variet eg
of the true Sion House Cucumber are short: 12 inches are a good size. Crosses
with it, and smooth-skinned like it— such as Telegraph and Cox's Volunteer
are long— say from 16 inches to 24 inches. The pointi^dness may be owing
to dryness at the slates and want of vigour, and the one can be remedied by
niasing holes and watering, so as to be sure of reaching the bottom, and the
other by manure waterings and rich surface dressings, as rotten leaf mould.
Under your cucumstances we think it would be waste to turn your copper
into a boiler with hot-water pipes. If you had merely taken a short flue
through the forcing-house, and built a brick stove in the house, with a small
boiler as th:it used by Mr. Rivers, and lately described and figured by Mr.
Fish, you might have heated both houses more satisfactorily; but there is
nothing toprevent you doing so with theflue. For such forcing as Cucum-
bers, however, we would have preferred half of the flue next the fire, at
least, being of brick on bed, instead of brick on edge. See what has been
lately said and still to be said on Cucumber culture.

Hogg's Fruit Manual (A. B.). — There will not be a second edition for
some time. It is impossible to aay when. Your warning about sending
fowls to London has given rise to a conimunication in our " Poultry
Chronicle."

Small Greenhouse (Flora , Ki?i(;sdown).~~V^(i have given all such

information as you wish as to keepingplants even to repletion ; but we would
be glad to oblige you if you give us more data as to the space you can
appropriate for such a purpose, ani the at tendings of the spot as to walls, &c.
In our "Greenhouses for the Many" ara full directions. You would see
also in a late Number, page 99, how a correspcmdent built a small house and
put his stokehole inside, but then that house would take up half your space
of ground. Is there any means of putting a little pit close to the house, so
that you might borrow a little Iseat from the kitchen fireplace? Where
enjoying the house is the object, ynu ought to have a place that you can
walk in, and be able to examine and do everything for your plants under
cover. For such a small garden a well-lighted s,>are room would hold a
great many plants; and with a fireplace in it, and a damper or register
grate, shutting down the register at night within a quarter of an inch or so,
a great many plants could be kept more safely, and with less trouble than in
a pit. AVe last season advised a correspondent to turn a lumber, merely
slated, garret into a greenhouse, by placing strong tiles of glass instead of
slates on the roof, and using a small iron stove in the centre of the place in
cold weather in winter. Before the winter comes we will do what we can
for you when you give us more details, for after all we can only help those
that are resolved to help themselves. When you write again do not leave
anytliing out as if we should be able to recollect what you now tell us. You
need not despair as yet as to the annuals, though in such a colvl spring most
of them would have done as well if not sown until the middle of April. We
did not sow one until the fud of the month. Your Gilia or Collinsia we
presume have come. There are few Daturas that will come welt thus early.
They should be kept in a frame until they are up. You may pot off singly
your Dia7if?ius laciniatus in small three-indt pots, using sandy loam and leaf
mouh! ; and by the time the pots are filled with roots you may either turn
them out in a row or in a small bed from 12 inches to 15 inches apart in
similar well-aired soil, or you may transfer them to six-inch pots and bloom
them in a window or balcony. If your annuals were sown in rows or in
beds, in case there should be any breaks, if you have any seed left you
might sow thickly in a bed in a warm place, and protect at niglit with a mat
or a piece of calico. These could be lifted in little patches and used to fill up
openings. See "Doings of the Week " for the new series.

Vegetable Matter for Paper Making {S. W.). — We submitted the
ConfeiTSe to a papermaker, and this is his reply: — "This matter has no
strength, consequently is useless for making paper. Yoa will find if it is
well shaken it will go entirely to dust."

Strawberry Plants in Pots not Blooming i^f.A.).—'Vhe repotting
should have been done directly, and so as not to disturb the balls. The
accident however, though it might have interfered a little with the fruiting,
would not have prevented the flower-buda showing if they had been there.
We think you either encouraged the plants to grow too long in the autumn
so that no flower-buds were formed, or they were so weakly as to be injured
by the severe frost. We would plant them out, and most likely you will
get a great crop next season even if they showed a few in the autumn.
We have forced Admiral Dundas but little, but it would do for an orchard-
house though we should not like it for early forcing. The Carolina superba
we have never tried in pots.

Aspect for Greenhouse — Heating a Pit (J. Danvers). — See answer to
"A Novice who Wishes t i Kxcel." If conflned to a flue you had better
have that go round two sides and one end of the house, a path in the middle
of 3 feet, and a bed on each side above the flue, with a chamber beneath: or
the space filled with hollow stones and finer at the top to receive the pits for
cuttings, &c. In either case it would be well to have openings fur tup heat.
For Azalea forcing the flues would be sufficient without beds.

Gbai'es and Vine Shoots Shanked {M. A. Jlf.).— The reply we have given
to others to-day applies to your case. The above-ground parts are made to
grow faster than the roots can supply sap for their development.

Potting— Heating BY Gas (Nil VcsperanOum). — There is no such seeming
mystery in potting. As a general rule, whatever the composition of the
compost, fine, or rough and open, plants will grow most freely when not
very hard potted; but they will bloom and fruit best when the soil is
squeezed together as firmly as possible. When the sun causes the earth to
shrink from the sides of the pot, s'ir the soil there tn fill up the cracks,
squeeze it down and add a little more at the sides, that the water may be
thrown mor^ to the centre. In extreme cases of dryness at the centre, and
when the pots are large, set them overhead in a tub of water until no air
bubbles come and a few minutes more ; that will insure all the roots and
soil being thoroughly wetted. For full directions on the-e matters, procure
our " Window Gardening for the Many," price 9J. We are in possession of
no such tables as to the comparative cost of heating small places by tjas or
stove. We would publish memoranda on the subject if given, though we do
not attach much importance to them. We have not had great experience
with gas ourselves, but knowing how easily it can be applied in many
circumstances in towns, two friends obtained for us memoranda on the
subject which we mislaid and never used, for the rtsnlts were as wide as the
poles asunder. On a little bantering cross-examination, it turned out that
though bovh had used gas, and a small iron stove, the one made the stove
beat the gas to nothing, and the other made the gas thoroughly victorious
over the stove! We should he glad to receive broad data on this or any
other subject as to heating, but afier much practice and experience we have
come to the conclusion that there is more in the manner of using the means
than in the means used. One man will do wonders with an upright tabular
boiler, a second is all for retorts, a third for cannons, a fourth for conicalB, a
fifth, sixth, and on to the dozen with the old saddle-back.

Muscat Grapes Spotted (ri/(s}.— This is always a symptom that the
above-ground parts of the Vine are growing taster tlian the roots supply the
sap required by such rapid development. Give more air and less moisture
in the house, and keep the roots warmer and well supplied with tepid water.
It may be that the mots have descended too deep, but of this we can give no
opinion, but only draw your attention to the subject.

Beetles on Pot Vines.— I was at Hatfield House the other day, and in a
house of pot Vines I noticed a bunch of wadding tird round the stems. This
was to prevent so far the ravages of a beetle, in stripping and holing the
leaves. I enclose two.— R. F.

[The beetles sent are the destructive weevils Otioriiynchus vastator. They
must be sought for after dusk with a light The wadding would be of no
sei-vice except at the spot which was covered by it, unless it were daubed
over with birdlime,— W.]

May 21, 1861. ]

JOOENAL OF HOBTIC0LTUEE AND COXTAaE aAEDENER.

145

ElBBON-BOKBEK (F. A. C).— The Verbena will be too high in fvont of the
blue Lobelia, and yoa may reveiso them. Tlie styles of growth of the
Verbena and Saponaria must then be the contrast. The rest are right, but
Mr. Beaton s.>iys he never sent out a white Nosegay, and that the only white
Geranium he raised that was gno," for anything, is the one called Hende; sonii,
and that there is no other white Geranium tliat is yet proved to be fit fjr
■■ flower-beds. Eight inches is a fair size for a white band of vanegatcd
Alyssnm, 10 inches for the blue Lobelia, 14 inches for the scarlet Verbena,
18 inciies for the Saponaria, 1 foot or 14 inches for the Calceolarjii, frum
1 foot to 18 inches for Tom Thumb according to the size of the plants, and
IS in-^hes for the Heliotrope. But on a wide border these measures miffht
each be doubled, and the arranscmer.t would look better; there would then
be double lines and double the number of plants even at the smallest spaces as
above. The Lobelias and Saponaria seedlincs should be in two rows to get
the spaces filled up all the quirkci'. There should be no empty ground
between ribbon-rows after the plants grow freely, and no one plant must be
allowed to run into the ne.'ct row as mo>t Verbenas will do unless they are
TOnstantly looked after and trained within their boundary. Give any white
Geranium 15 inches room only.

ViEions (An Old SiAscriher) —Horseradish culture is given at page 42 of
our No. 3. None of the bn-ds or animals you mention will hybridise together
under ordinary circumstances.

Names of Plants (S. Devon). — No. 1. Antliriscus sylvestris. No. 2-
Euphorbia amygdaloides. (Han-icK — Smilacina bifoiia, called also ma'an-
themum. (A. b. Cole). — Yonr plant is Linaria cymhnlnriu, or Ivy-leaved
Snapdragon. Vou can be admitted a Ftllow of' the lioyal Horticultural
Society. The lowest annual payment is two guineas. If you write to '*T(ie
Secretary, Royal Horticultural "Society's OtKce, Kensington Gore,*' at once,
you may be elected before the end of the month.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

June 5th and 6th. Royal Horticultural Society, (Plants and Fruit.)

Qardcii Superintendent, G. Eyies.
June 12th and 13th. York. Sec, J. Wilson.

June 19th and 20th. Brighton and Sussex Floriclltural and Horti-
cultural SociKTY. Sec, E. Carpenter,
June 25th. Romford. {Plants, Flowers, a^ad Fmit.) Sec, Mr. George

Griggs, Ronjfoid-
July 6th. Crystal Palace. (Rose Show.) Sec, W. Houghton.
JuLT 10th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Rose Show.) Garden

Superintendent, G. Eyles.
September 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
Sbptembfr 11th. Royal Horticultural SocTety. {Dahli:is and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
Septembkr 18ih and 19th. Brigrton and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpenter.
NoYEMBER Gth and 7th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13;h. Stoke Newington Chrysanthemum Society.

Sec, \V. T. Howe.
November 14th and 15th. Crystal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec, \V. Houghton.
T^.^.— -Secretaries of Sucielies intendinrj to adrcrtt'ie ih our columns will

ohliye us by sending an early intimation of their exhibition days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHKONICLE.

POULTRY SHOWS.

May 2lst, 22nd, and 23rd. Chesterfield and Scarbdai.e. Hon. Sec,

Mr. Thos. P. Wood, jun., Boythorpo House, near ChcsterHeld. Entries

close May 1st.
May 22nd and 23rd. Bsyerley, Hon. Sec, H. Adams. Entries close

May 4th.
June 4th, 5lh, and 6th. Bath and West op England, Steward,

S. Pitman. Esq. Entries close May 4th.
June 19th. Thorne. Sec, Mr. Joseph Richardson. Entries close June 12th.
June 19th, 20th, and 2lst. Coalbrookdale. Sees., J. IJ. Chune, and

Henry Boycroft, Coalbrookdale.
June 25lh. Essex. Sec, "W. R. Erason, Slough House, Halstead, Essex.
June 28th. Driffield. Sec, Mr. R. Davison. Entries close June 22nd.
June 28th and 29th. Taunton. Sec.y Mr, Charles Ballance. Entries

close June 14th.
July 3rd, 4th, and 5ih. Blackpool and "West Lancashire. Sec, Mr. E.

Fowler, jun.. Market Street, Blackpool. Entries close June 30th.
August 26ih, 27th, 23th, and 29th. Crystal Palace Summer Snow.

Sec, W. Houghton.
September 3rd. Pocklington (Yorkshire). Sec, Kr> Thomas Grant.

Entries close August 26th.
September 24th. Bridgnorth. Sec, R. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
Decembbh 2nd, Si'd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. Sec, Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December 11th, 12th, 13tb, and 14th. Crystal Palace "Winter Show

Sec , \V. Houghton.

SENDING POULTRY TO THE LONDON
MARKET.

We did not enter upon tlie vexata questio of sending poultry
to market till we liad well weighed all the objections and diffi-
culties. Xlieir name is Legion. We encounter them erery year
at this season, after we have been trying to induce people to
supply the need of London from the abundance of their yards ;
but we fancy we are very guarded. Two years since we explained
the vocation and style of business of the "higgler," and we then
said, speaking of the London market, that they were essential to its

supply ; and endeavouring to meet any objection that might be
raised, we said, " wherefer there are good fowls to be had, there
will be found buyers for them, and as soon as there is a supply,
there will be a demand." We have since said, that those who have
but a few fowls every year cannot expect to be as successful, or
to make as good prices, as those who live entirely by collecting
and fattening fowls, and supplying the Loudon market with
them. Fancying few have ever had more, or as much to do,
with poultry in every shape as ourselves, and knowing that it
may be matJe more than an inexpensive pursuit, we "harp upon
it" every year. We have always sought to render any disap-
pointment impossible. To use Cobbett's words, "We have not
only tried to make ourselves understood, but we have tried to
make it impossible you should misunderstand us,"

Markets for provisions are not as well understood in England,
nor are they as much frequented as in France. With the exception
of ladies who may go to buy a few flowers, or perhaps an idle man
who may like to buy a piece of fish, markets are used only by
those who trade in the wares that are exposed, and the reason is
plain : they are the best judges of the article, and when a man
becomes known as a buyer, he will find a middle man to be the
most advantageous salesman to him. A market is for the
convenience and benefit of the seller. There is fluctuation in
everything, and however unimportant a week may be to a pig of
iron or a bale of cotton, it is all essential to a side of beef or a
hamper of fowls. The buyers in a market comprise all who deal
in the article. Some buy only the best, others are content
with mediocrity, while the last ckss buys anything and clears up
every lot. Tliese again come from different parts, and by these
means they form the certain demand there is for every quality in
a market. Where producer and consumer form " a league and
covenant" to extinguish, discourage, and do away with the ini-
quitous middle men (like a family we knew where the members
determined to eschew alum, potatoes, and baker's iniquities, and
to have home-made bread ; and where we used to see the funniest
flat loaves, so close inside, that we thought, tUl we were corrected,
they were American dampers. We were told the bread wouldn't
rise, and when one day it was necessary to go out and buy a loaf,
the children asked why they did not always have cakk), one
contracts to supply, the other to consume.

Now, let us suppose such an arrangement. The steward of
a club, the manager of an hotel, or the head of a largo family,
undertakes to receive weekly or daily a supply of fowls from
an amateur— eight, ten, twelve, or twenty couples per week.
Tne producer is ready, and, let it be remembered, when
fowls are fat, tliey must be killed, there is no such thing
as keeping them in perfecliou. Well, there comes a note from
the steward of the club, there is a threatened dissolution, all
the members are off to the country ; the manager of the hotel
writes the house is empty ; there is a death in the large family,
there will be no company for some time, and, therefore, no
demand for poultry. Or about the end of March producer
having five or six weeks' consumption of winter fowls in process
of preparation, is informed he must send no more of them, all
the demand being for spring chickens — things he will not have for
six weeks. On the other hand, imagine a royal marriage,
christening, or some national fete, the opening of the Universal
Exhibition, or some such thing. Purveyor receives notice, the
demand is doubled, and he is obliged either to confess his
inability to supply it, or he has recourse to the nearest market to
eke out his supply. This is where we want to come— all these
markets are feeders to the great market in London. From one
person there is neither certainty of supply or demand, nor, were
it required, can there be uniform quality. A market affords
supply to one, it is an outlet to another. For instance, suppose
a contract between parties such as we have described : the con-
sumer is not to receive discoloured, broken, black, or yellow-
legged fowls, nor must they exceed a certain size. There may
be many such in a lot : they must go to market, and they ■will
there find purchasers. It is supposed, and it is generally true,
that those who regularly attend a market are thoroughly and
practically acquainted with its usual contents. They not only
know the buyers of the dilferent qualities, but they know how to
select and arrange the necessary lots. The higgler attends the
market, or goes his round, and, having m.de his purchases, he
then sorts or lots his fowls according to then- merits. Of forty-
eight he makes four dozens, all differing not only in quality, hut
also in the price they will make, as much, probably, as thirty or
forty per cent, between the first and last lots. He has bought
twelve chickens of A. B. It is more than likely that they,

146

JOURNAL OF HOBTICITLTXJKE MUD COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ May 21, 1861.

altlioufi;h of the same ago and treated alike, will contribute to
each of the dozens. In a local market the best alone would not
realise their London value, private consumption will not clear all
up, but sorted and properly arranged all will be sold in London.

The higgler not only has his knowledge of their quality, but
he is also well acquainted with the form and times in which tliey
are most saleable. It is his interest, almost his lirelibood, to
.study these things, and they have their influence in enabling
liim to give more than those who lack his knowledge.

As we are not disposed to retract one word that we have written,
we will sum up and leave the verdict for our jury. We have a
. feeling of impunity in doing so, as the law requires unanimity,
and our jury is composed of thousands of readers. Our advice
always has been- to amateurs to feed and breed for the London
market, but we also wish them to supply by means of the higglers.

It is with selling poultry as witli almost everything else, there
is a beaten track, and money can be made only by following.
" What can the king do that has not been done before ? " There
was a time when these complaints came from Lincolnshire,
Wiltshire around Salisbury, Berkshire, the northern parts of
Hampshire, and Essex. They have ceased, and all these places
are now supplied with higglers. Ask, Eeigate, Horsham,
Westerham, Croydon, Wokingham, Salisbury, and a hundred
other places. Ask Boston, Louth, Spalding, and Bury St.
Edmunds, what have been the prices of young poultry during
the last three months, all given by higglers, whether the regular
demand has not created a regular supply satisfactorv to all
parties, and, consequently, a just one. An injm-ed "party is
never satisfied.

Geese will never find the same certain market as fowls, if
produced early. The expensive, and, consequently, profitable
- (owls are all eaten by the aristocracy, but Geese are not fashion-
able with them. The consumption of Geese in the spring as
green Geese, and at Michaelmas as a national dinner, has
diminished to less than a tenth of what it was, whilst in revenge
the numbers eaten at Christmas would not be credited.

NAMING THE BEEEDEES OF EXHIBITED
FOWLS.

* I SHOULD like, through your columns, if you think the sug-

gestion worthy of a place in them, to propose to the managers
(if poultry shows, and espeeiHlly to those of the leading ones, that
exhibitors, besides dejcribing tlie breed, age, Ac, of their speci-
mens, should also be requested to state, if possible, the breeder
of them. It is done in the case of all other stock at agricultural
meetings. It would, I think, encourage tlie sale of birds, as
breeders would then retain considerable interest in the success
of their birds even after they had passed into other hands ; and
it would afford reliable information as to where the truest and
purest blood is obtainable.

If the Birmingham Council and the indefatigable Secretary of
the Crystal Palace Show would introduce this new feature Into
their entry certificates I think it would add lo the interests of the
shows, and be of benefit to amateurs. — G. H.

PEOFITABLE POULTRY KEEPING.— No. 5.

{Continued from paffe 106.)

To those who may feci inclined to try their hand at poultry
keeping I would say, " Take care of your old birds." By these
I do not mean hens of some three or four years, but those which
may be falling off in productivene.'ss, or that may have been
disabled by accident but not vitally injured ; for from these will
be obtained the larger profits of their undertakin».

Put such at once up to feed, placing them in pens, or in any
confined corners where tliey can be kept warm and dry, and
feed liberally; and if the "cramming system" be I'esorted to,
they will be fit to send to market as capon. A fowl of some
eighteen or twenty months old, healthy, hut worth little to sell
— say Is. 6rf., may, by extra feeding and good management,
quickly be made worth 5.s-. or 6*.

It is unnecessary to advert to the description of bird held to
make the best capon ; but, whichever it may be, breed and
manage as now stated.

Beat equal portions of wheat and barleymeal, and occasionally
Indian corn meid, into a stifi' paste with steamed potatoes.
When the bird has eaten to repletion and leaves its trough, take

it firmly b>it gently under the left arm, with the left hand open
the beak, and with the right place divers and simdry boluses of
the same food at the root of the tongue, and the bird will
continue to feed for some time longer. Use judgment, and you
will soon know when to stay. Now endeavour to induce sleep
by placing the head xinder the wing; and, givins the bird a few
gentle waves or rocking motion in the air, place it on the perch,
and darken the pen by any convenient means (nothing belter
than an old sack). This course of feeding must be resorted to
often during the day, and the fowl must be kept well supplied
with drink ; and this should, if passible, be milk. Broth will
do, but milk is to be preferred, both for fatting and for the
colour of the flesh.

Should this plan be followed out on birds of from five to nine
months old they will fatten more quickly, but the price obtained
will not be much in advance of that for the older birds. —
Leiohton.

P.S.— A few words as to tlie communication from " B. C. C."
The balance sheet I will give in extenso when this series of
papers is concluded, and I do not fear to meet the various
objections urged by this writer. I will now take exception only
to the conclusion of the first paragraph. I disolaim having put
myself forward as an "authority." In my humble papers I
have simply given the results of my own ex perience.

PIGEON-EOTTEN FEATHERED.

Cast you oblige me with a remedy for a Pigeon that has lost »
great many featliers ? and those she has left hang very loose, and
come off on the least touch. Last summer she was almo.^t naked,
but kept in good condition, and went on breeding as usual. She
is an Almond, and a valuable bird. I was recommended lo give
her a cold bath every morning, but the first almost killed her;
and if she wanted a cold batli she would take it herself, as there
is always water for them to do so. — L. A.

[Your Pigeon is what the fancy call rotten-feathered. I do
not know of any cure, but fatness will most likely increase the
disease. I would advise a less stimulating diet and the frequent
use of the cold bath.— B. P. B.]

WATEE FOE THE PABEOT TEIBE—
PEESEEVING HAMS.

Hatotg seen several articles in your Joxirnal lately on Parrots,
I fancy I may add a little weight to "E. H. D.'s" testimony
in yoiu- last Number, by stating that I have had a Parroquet
(which I presume to have simdar habits to the Parrot) for
twenty-three years, and it has invariably been indulged in a eoup-
plate of water for a bath, its cage door almost always open for it
to come out, and having also a large saucer of water inside its
cage. I might add that its food has been hempsecd in one tin,
and sopped bread in another, with a bit of everything that it
sees any one eating (which it is sure to ask for in its way). Fruit
of every sort it is very fond of, particularly oranges.

To Preserve Mams. — In reply to " A Constant Sbbscribee"
(Journal of 7th May), also, I would suggest his putting them
into malt dust or "cums," taking care they arc well covered,
but this is no use if the enemy has deposited his eggs before, and
great care ought to be taken that the hams do not lie about before
going to be smoked, as also after they are sent to the smoking-
kiln. The malt dust ought to be fresh, and from high-dried
malt if possible. All placed in a box or tub in a dry place and
kept off the floor a few inches, covered also on the top. — Obitkb

DICTUM.

I TSED to apply a mixture of one stone and a half of common-
salt, half a stone of coarse brown sugar, half a pound of saltpetre,
and, perhaps, as much black pepper, about two stones in all, to
fifteen or sixteen stones of pork, turning the hams and rubbing
ithem afterwards, and then smoking them with sawdust of fir
wood. I have been quite as successful with a friend's receipt,
which makes the salt one-half bay, and one -half common, adding
treacle instead of sugar, and applying it at the end of a fortnight,
turning and rubbing the hams twice a-week during that fort-
night, and also for a fortnight after, and wasliing them with luke-
warm water before hanging up to dry. This receipt contained
also saltpetre and pepper, but no smoking, which is a matter of

May 21, 1361. ]

JOUBNAL OF HORXICULTURB AND COa:TAe^E GAB.DBNEK.

W

taste. Kubbing is a great matter, and turning each time. Tbe
winter months are, of com-se, the proper season for curing, as
there is less risk. — A. S.

NEW BOOK.

BiEDs' Egss and Nests.* — We deprecate without any reserve
the confinement of our native biids in cages and aviaries, for we
look upon it as needless and indefensible cruelty, and we fully
sympathise witli the kind-hearted sanguine-temperamented
gentleman who, regardless of consequences, and defiant of oppo-
sition, seized upon every Lark's cage tliat came within liia reacli
and liberated the bird it confined ! But we have not such
repugnance to tlic taking of birds' eggs. It dops not cause the
parents much vexation — it is not cruel, like robbing them of thei''
young— or, at all events, the vexation is very transient, for we
have known a pair of Sparrows whose nest was taken on Monday,
at woVk energetically constructing another on Tuesday morning.
Besides, it is necessary to cheek the excessive production of
birds as of all other animals, and tbe most humane way of doing
so is by depriving them of their nests and eggs.

Nor need this minor branch of fowling be mere wanton de-
struction. Every one bas a taste for collecting something, and
we bave seen this taste for collecting the eggs and nests of" bii-ds
result in one of the most interesting of museums, and in a deep
knowledge of birds and their habits acquired by then' collector
and arianger.

The nests of each family of birds, the Falcons, the Owls, the
Finches, tbe Crows, &c., were grouped together; e^ich nest was
in a glass case, and in accordance with tbe place where it was
found, whether in the branch of a tree, in the ground berbnge,
or elsewhere, copied exactly from Nature. Each nest con-
tained its appropriate eggs. Each case was numbered, and
the collector's MS. catalogue under the corresponding number
told where and in what month it was found, wiih notes relative
to the parents' habits which the collector had observed. In each
case, also, was a label containing the scientific and popular names
of the bu'd of which the nidificatiou was there.

The little volume before us is a very cheap and very .trust-
worthy aid to any young person wishing to commence such a
collection. It contains descriptions of the eggs of all British
birds, whether constant denizens or migratory, and drawings of
about 120 of them, the place where their neets are built, tlieir
form and other brief partictdars.

One extract wiU at once enable our readers t* appreciate the
contents of the work : —

" OsPEEX {Paiidlon h<r!iaifBg).

" The Osprey or Fishing Hawk, or Mullet Efawk, or Eagle
Fislier,t builds its nest sometimes on a tree, s04i>eWwie8 on some
part oi^ an ancient and deserted building — always on dw highest
part, a turret or chimney for instance— and soni«ti«M>s e*i » rock
or precipitous scar. But a very favourite atirl almost charao-
tciMstic site — speaking of the bird only as a British bird— is on
some lone insular rock in a wild mounlain loch in Scotland. I
extract a very striking description from 'St. John's Tour in
Sutherland :' — ' The nest was placed in a most curious situation.
About 150 yards from the shore there rose from the deep water
a solitary rock, about 10 feet high, shaped like a broken sugar-
loaf or truncated cone. On the summit of this was the nest, a
pile of sticks of very great depth, evidently the accumulation of
many breeding seasons, as the Osprey returns year aftei' year to
the same nest. How this heap of sticks withstood the winter gales
without being blown at once into the water puzzled me. * * *
The female Osprey allowed our boat to approach with 200 yards
or so, and then leaving her nest sailed onwards with a circling
flight till she joined her mate bigli above us.

"'Having reached the rock, and with some difficulty ascended
to the nest, our disappointment may be imagined when wo found
it empty. From the old bird having remained on so long, we
had made siu'e of finding eggs in it. The nest itself, however,
was interesting to me, perched as it was on the very summit of
the rock, and composed of large sticks,} every one of which
must have been a heavy hurden for a Istrd of the size of the
Osprey.

• British Birds' I^tffJS and A^esfs, popularly described by tbe Rev. J. C.
Atkinson. Illustrated by W. s. Coleman. London : Routiedge & Co.

T A translation of tbe Gaelic name of tbe bird.

i Some of the sticks, or rather branches, employed, are said to be
1^ inefa in diameter.

" ' In the centre' of the pile of sticks waa a cup-shaped hollow
the size of boy's cap, liued with moss and dead grass, and ap-
parently quite ready to receive eggs' 'In another nest,' says
the same author, elsewhere, ' we found two beautiful eggs, of a
roundish shape : the colour white, with numerous spots and
marks of a fine, rich, red brown.'

"The Osprey is met with from time to time in almost all
parts of the kingdom, but more especially along the east coast,;
but it is known to breed nowhere in England now."

WHITE FILM ON GOLD AND SILVEH EISH.

Havikg seen an inquiry in The Joubnai. of Hoetictjltttbe,
No. 3, by " A. B.," asking for information about Gold and
Silver Fish. He details tli£ir diseased appearance, and asks
for a remedy. As I have a great many, and ihey were afi'ected
in the same way for tlie last three or four years. Th« first
tivo years I lost a considerable numbi'r, and I puzzled over
the subject a good deal. I found on catching the diseased ones,
ar.d putting them into a basin of clean water, and allowing them
to stand on the hob of my fireplace, that tliey soon recovered.

But this did not stop the disease in the pond, which soon
attacked others. I bethought me that it might be possible that
the fi'ogs had something to do with it, either by licking the
fish, or the fish eating tlie frog-spawn, as the disease always
begins at the time tlie frogs go into the water to »pawn, so the
last two years I had the pond emptied, and the fish caught, and
put into a watering-pot until the pond was thoroughly cleaned
out, all the frogs being caught, and committed to a hole filled
wiih quicklime. After this the fish were returned to the pond,
and the disease disappeared.

This spring I had one fi.sh diseased. We set to work and
emptied the pond, and destroyed the frogs, and had no more
diseased this season.

Three years ago, when I called at Hampton Court Gardens,
I saw all the fisli in the most miserable condition, and at the
time the pond was full of frog-sp.awn and frogs. I think if yotir
correspondent will try the expulsion of the frogs he will save his
fish. — John Scott, Merriott, Somerset.

Ltisxrs Natubje.— -A Pigeon was hatched recently in the
eolleetion of J. Kuckleaf, Esq., Grove End Boad, Lisson Grore,
having two beads and necks rising from just above the crop.

NiffHTiNOALE— Cuckoo— Swallows. — In compliance with
"H. R.'s " request in your last Number to be informed of the
first appearance of the Nightingale and Cuckoo, I have much
pleasure in telUng, that the first was heard by me so late (not
until the latter end of last mouth) that I took no note of the
time; but the second, the Cucioo, I heard in the neighbourliood
of Beading on the 4th of April, and the first Swallows were seen
by me at Eeigate on the 11th of April.— E., MedliUl.

BEES IN THE HIMALAYAS.

!ES are pretty generally domesticated in the middle and
;r hills, but are rarely seen in the lower valleys. If a little

Bees

higher h...., .. -

care and management was bestowed on them they would be
very plentiful, "and might be a source of considerable profit.
The domesticated bee in the villages of Gurwhal, and the wild
one in the forests, is one and the same insect, and swarms often
come from the forest into the houses, and leave the houses for
the forest. Those that may be called domesticated are kept in
the walls of the houses or outbuildings ; but no trouble is taken
with them, the young swarms even being left to go where they
like, and the oiily time a Puharie ever troubles himself about
his bees or their hives is when he takes the honey. In building
a house, or any substantial outbuilding, small oblong apertures
are left at intervals in the walls, generally of the lower story,
about 12 inches by 9 inches. An oblong piece of board, with a
small triangular hole in the centre, secured in the wall while
building, closes the aperture outwardly; and a similar board
without any hole, and made so as to be removed a,t pleasure,
serves a similar purpose inside. Six or eight of such hives is the
usual number made in a moderate-sized house. Sometimes a
portion of the hollow trunk of a small tree, if a piece can be
found adapted to the purpose, is made into a hive by closing
each end with circular pieces of board, and buUding it mto the

flB

JOTJRNAIi OF HOETICULTURE AUTD COTTAGE OARDENEE.

[ May 21, 1861.

wall. All is now left to chance for swarms of bees to take up
their abode in the hives. They may all get occupied, or only
two or three, or perhaps none. To take the honey the board
which closes the hive inside is taken off, and a piece of ignited
dry cowdung is held inside, and soon fills it with smoke. The
bees hurry .lut and the combs are separated from the roof of the
hive wiih a knife, and drop into a dish held beneath to receive
them, scarcely a single bee being killed. The board is then put
in its place, and, as soon as the hive is free from smoke, the bees,
which have been during the time clustering to the wall outside,
re-enter it. The hives are taken twice a-year, in May or June,
and September or October, but are sometimes opened to take
out a small quantity in the interval. The honey taken in spring
is very dark-coloured, rank, and of a disagreeable tlavour, while
that taken in autumn is white and of excellent quality. In the
forest the bees make their hives in hollow trees, and sometimes
in the cleft of a rock, and a great many of these wild hives are
found and taken by the villagers. — {A Summer Ramble in the
Himalayas.)

NEW BAR-HIVE.

I HATE been favoured with the following sketch and de-
scription of a bar-hive which has been in successful operation
during the ls?t four years, and which especially commends itself
to the attention of such amateur hivemakers who find that nails
will not answer for bar-boxes, whilst dovetailing may possibly be
beyond their skill.

The concluding note replies to such queries as suggested
themselves to — A Detonshiee Bee-keepek.

Size. — Inside measure 12^ inches by 12i inches.

Back, front, and sides. — One-inch stuff; window back and
front.

Top. — Three-quarter-inch mahogany 14^ inches by 14^ inches.

Sars. — Three-eighihs-of-an-inch mahogany, in two pieces,
fastened together with two brass screws well greased, the top
piece 14i inches by nine-sixteenths of an inch, and the bottom
or comb-bar 12^ inches by seven-eighths of an inch.

The two sides will be 14^ inches wide ; the back and front
12J inches wide, and in depth three-eighths of an inch less than
the sides.

Glazed with two panes of glass about one-eighth of an inch
thick, 12i inches wide at top, and 12^ inches at bottom, depth
three-eightlis of an inch less than the back and front of hive,
pushed into grooves in the sides of the hive. The extra quarter
inch in width prevents their falling through when the hive is
moved before the bees have fastened them.

Openings for working-glasses and supers are in the top of the
hive at the sides, as I find this arrangement interf<.res less with
the honey storing and breeding than openings in the centre ;
the two outside bars have the top cut away dowu to the comb-
bar.

'"J.^ ,^^UM.:>,-j/- -P^

Slides. — Space for zinc slides cut out of the top of the hive.

In removing bars in warm weather a knife is seldom required,
as the unilormly smooth surface presented by the glass back and
front will generally allow the comb to slide up the glass upon
gentle force behig exei ted ; but should it be necessary to use the
knife, the two brass screws in the top of the bar will easily draw,

and the top can then he pushed either backwards or forwards
sufficiently to allow the knife to be inserted, the screws then
replaced and the comb removed with facility.

In reply to your queries, which I will take in the order that
you make them, I have to say —

1st. That the moisture does condense on the glass at back and
front, but if the hive be set on a gentle slant it runs to the floor-
board and quickly out at front.

2nd. As respects protection, I have to acknowledge with
shame that I deserve a very different fate from what I have
experienced this winter, for I was too lazy to set up a covering
which a storm in the autumn upset, and, consequently, niy hives
have been exposed all the winter, and yet I liave not lost any of
my stocks.

3rd. I cannot say that expansion of the woodwork does not
take place in the winter; but if so, the summer sets all right
again, and I have never suffered any inconvenience from this
cause.

4th. The bees do softietimes cement the top-bars, but they
are easily divided with a knife.

5th. If you will refer to the description forwarded to you, I
think I have there stated that the glass sides (one-eighth of an
inch thick) are carried up to within three-eighths of an inch
(the depth of the bars) of the top of the back and front, thus
leaving a glass ledge for the bars to rest upon should the screws
be withdrawn. — E. H. B.

THE ■\VOODBUEY COMB-BAR.

In page 389 of our last volume we inserted a communication
from " A Devonshire Bee-keeper," describing this improve-
ment on the ordinary comb-bar. To those who cannot obtain
guide-comb for starting swarms in bar-hives it will prove very
acceptable, whilst as an adjunct to guide-combs, it is also
valuable in producing greater regularity in the construction of
combs than is usually attaiuable.

The following illustrations show how the " Woodbury Comb-
bar" has been adapted by Messrs. Gr. Neighbour & Sons to
Taylor's amateur bar-hive : —

Fig. 2.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 1 is a representation of the stock-box and floor-board with the
crown-hoard elevated to show the bars in their places, and the slides and
window shutters withdrawn. . . „ .

Fig 2 is the improved comb-bar in perspccUve, whilst Fig. 3 represents
a tranver.'!e section of it.

Fig. 4 shows the hive with hor.ey-box and roof complete.

We can recommend these hives as being moderate in price,
and well adapted for the use either of the amateur or the
scientific apiarian, whilst the well-known character of Messrs.
Neighbour & Sons, is a sufficient guarantee of good materials
and workmanship.

ADVENTURES OF A LIGUBIAN QUEEN.

The following interesting letter from your esteemed corre-
spondent "B. & W. ' details the adventures of the first Italian
queen bee which I have succeeded in raising this spring. I am
sure all the apiarian readers of the JotTRNAL OF Horticultube

May 21, 1861. ]

JOITENAL OF HOBTICTJLTXJBE AND COTTAGE 0ABDENEE.

149

■will anxiously await the sequel to the " AdventureB of a Ligurian
Queen." — A Devonshiee Bee-keepee.

" May 13, 1S61.

"Mt deak Sie, — Your letter of Friday announcing the
departure of the Itahan queen toolc me greatly by surprise on
Saturday morning. It was a miserable day throughout, Tery
stormy and wet and cold — in fact, here it was blowing a hurri-
cane, which strewed my garden with the leaves and branches of

trees, &c. However, I sent off a man on foot six miles to H

after his dinner, and in the meanwhile I myself successfully
effected the formation of an artificial swai-m in my bee-house
without any trouble out of my strongest stoct. It was very full
of bees, all of which were at home, and in a veiy impassive state.
You will understand that I drove the bees from their upturned
box into an empty one of the same size placed over tliem. A
faiv-sized swarm ascended after the queen in five minutes, leaving
a large population still behind. I never knew bees so quiet;
only one attempted to sting, which I accidentally squeezed with
my glove. The door of the bee-house being open, the few bees
that rose found their way, I hope, to their old home ultimately,
tdtlio\igh the storm without was scarcely resistible by a bee on
tile wing. All was over, and the two hives in their respective
places by three p.m. The old hive is in its old place, the other
one (the swarm) close by on the same shelf, but shut up, as I
was anxious to be certain I had got the queen with them. I
can at any time close the communication between any of my
hives and the open air by simply sliding them, board and all, a,
little to the right or left of the aperture through which they
descend into the sunlight.

" It was not till five o'cloct that my man returned from H

with the little casket containing the Italians. On substituting a
piece of glass for the unscrewed lid the travellers were discovered
hanging in a state of chilled repose from the bit of network
which contained tlie food with which you had supplied them.
You have adopted an excellent plan for their travelling com-
fortably and safely. The queen was the liveliest of them, and
an uiimistakeable Italian ; but I thought her small* — smaller in
proportion than her subjects, which certainly appear larger than
our English bees.

" Acting on Hnber's experience, I thought it advisable to wait
twentv-four hours before attempting to give the new queen to
the hive which had lost its own. It was accordingly about three
o'clock, P.M., the foUowmg day (yesterday) when I introduced
her to her new subjects. Everything had been got ready before-
hand, so that when the time came I had nothing to do but to
withdi'aw a zinc slide from the hole at the top of the hive. For
I had placed the little casket close to this hole, resting on one
of its sides, and open to the hole. Over all was placed an empty
box with glass windows, through which I could watch all that
was going on.

" I should mention that I had previously drenched the
Italians with richly-sugared water (bee food), and poured a
quantity of tliis over the top of the hive, so as to divert the
attention of the English bees, and prepare them to receive the
new comers kindly. Everytliing at first succeeded as I could
have wisMed. No irritation was visible on either side. The
bees fraternised amicably as the Italians gradually roused from
their state of torpor and became warmed by the genial air from
the hi\ e below, some of them even descended into the hive. All
this, however, took up some time, till, getting impatient to see
how the young queen would be received, 1 stirred them up with
a bit ol taried string let down through an aperture in the top of
the covering-box. This caused her Italian majesty to d'sengage
her.-ell from lier own people, upon which she was immediately
laid hold of by one or two English bees, and dragged down into
the hive in spite of all resistance on her part ; for she was iu fuU
strength apparently, and managed to get away fi-om them once
at least. And now all was changed. The hitherto peaceable
hive was throwii into utter confusion— so much so that I doubt
if the bees liad yet discovered the loss of their old queen. That
they were aware of it now there could be no doubt, as they
shortly set u|) that joyful hum with which you are familiar,
after a frantic rush of the bees all over their combs. This hum
leads me to liop« th;it the Italian queen may have been ulti-
mately set at liberty and enthroned ; but I know nothing of her
fate. As to her former subje-ts a general massacre of them
took place immediately after their queen had been seized, and
their de.id bodies continued to be dragged out of the hive for

_ * Stie is really a fine young queen. All queen tees inerfiase very con-
siilcrably in ^izc after Ihcy begin to lay eggs.— A Devossiuke Bee-kekpkk.

an hour or two afterwards. It must have been half-paat three
o'clock, P.M., when the queen was carried down, but the hive
continued in a highly disturbed state all the evening ; as was
still the case when I inspected it at nine o'clock for the last
time. Tliis morning, however, all was tranquil, and the bees
have been busily at work carrying in poUen in large quantities,
just as if nothing had happened. It only remains for me to
wait patiently till I can catch sight of the queen, or see some
of the future progeny of the hive.

" I should mention that this hive had several drones in a high
state of vigour yesterday ; but the bees of aU my other hives
have got rid generally of their drones this cold week. — Yours
truly, B. & W."

HOW TO CURE AND PRESERVE HAMS.

In answer to "A Constant Sttbsceibee" relative to the
preserving of hams and keeping the "jumpers " from them, I will,
with your permission, go before and beyond the question — 6rst
by giving directions for cutting up my pig and then salting him.

For good bacon, and in defiance of the vermin, I have suc-
cessfully adopted the method during twenty -seven years. It
is a Shropshire plan, generally performed in the surrounding
country about Ludlow, and it is one I intend to use to the end
of my chapter. Should I require a good seconder to the advice
I am about to give, I would appeal to Mr. Beaton, as one not
likely to have let slip an opportunity of making himself acquainted
with so important a subject when he lived in the neighbourhood
and cut down old apple trees there, which I did myself on the
other side of the Thame about the same time ; though, instead
of consigning me to where they would him, the " old women "
convened in an opposite and Don Giovanni sense of the word —
to drive nie out of the country altogether!

But to my pig. Place him on a bench with his back down-
wards, and, taking as a guide the sticking-place, cut its head
off, plying the knife just behind the ears where there is a joint.
Then turn the pig on its belly ; and with a line chalked and
strained, form a straight mark centrally along the backbone the
whole length of the pig, ar.d, following the mark with the knife,
cut down to the bone. Then turn the pig again on its back,
and cut through what little flesh there is on each side the
backbone, to facilitate the operation of cutting it out, which is
partly or wholly done witli a cleaver by separating the ribs
on each side. Detach one side or flitch, and lay the side with
the backbone on the bench, and remove the backbone. Com-
mence cutting shallow over the shoulder to remove the sparcribs
and lean meat adhering, remembering 1o leave a very thin
portion of lean upon the fat of the flitch. Cut the ham from
the flitch in a decided and rounding manner, and saw off a
small piece of the bone that protrudes from its centre. Cut off
the " whip," — a thin piece of fat and rind from the neck in
continuation along the belly of the flitch, to give it a neat
appearance; odds and ends of which, wherever from, if fat, to
become melted with the lard. Cut the feet off a little below the
knee-joints, and trim off what appears uneven upon the ham
and shoulder. Cleaver the backbone into three or four leuEths,
and operate on the other flitch as before. Now take the head.
Cut from the centre of the jaws, guiding the knife just below
and to the back of the ears, to facilitate the separation of the
cheeks from the jowls, which is completed with the cleaver,
cutting the whole of the upper part of the head from the lower
part. Extract the tongue with the knife, and with the back
of the cleaver crack through the lower jaw 4 inches from its
extremity, flea it up with a knife, and cast that part of the
detached bone to the dogs. Cut the snout away entirely just
under the eyes with the edge of the cleaver. Then cleaver
through the head midway between the ears ; take out the brains,
put them in a basin of water, and cleaver the bones aw>iy under
the ears, to the degree that the finger may be intruded beneath
the sockets to force out the eyes preparatory to their extraction ;
and, as a finale, cut off the ears, and trim from them extraneous
matter, hairs, &c , and allow the feet to un<lergo the same
operation. Eeep a cloth or two at hand, and allow all the
evolutions to be conducted in a clean and orderly manner.

And now specially for "Constant Subsceujee's " question.
Suppose two hams weighing 34- lbs. Lean them on end, hocks
uppermost, as soon as the pig is cut up, for three or four hours
or so to drain the blood from them. Then with a cloth press
firmly from the rind obliquely up the face of each ham, and
what blood is perceived to ooze from two veins situated, one

!«»•

JOTTRNAl OF HORTICTJIiTURE AyD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Stay 21, 1861.

qirite and fhe other nearly centrally, -wipe away with a cloth.
Continue pressing so long as blood continues to appear, ntid
take particular notice where the reins are situated. Xow turn
the lianis on to their faces, and, with a hard dried lump of salt,
rob their rinds for twenty minutes ; turn them then, and place
them on the station, whether of wood or stone (stone is best)
which should slope slightly to allow the brine to run freely
away as the salt li<}uifies. Then preis with the fingers a little
ground black pepper into the openings of the veins, and
around the central bones ; also presB some well in at the hocks
where the feft were cut off: this prevents the weevil — a small
black fly which ajipe.irs about March — using these places as its
egg-depositories, to become colonics of maggots to penetrate
and spoil the hmis, but they cannot become life in pepper.

Having previously mixed and dried before the fire 2 ozs. of
saltpetre, and abouf4'ozs. of taoist sugar, with a few pinches of
pepper, divide it into two parts, and spread it on the face of
each ham most bountifully on the thickest part ; rub it in
slightly with the fingers, reserving a pinch for the end of the
hock. Now lay on the salt (which has been previously rolled ,
and dried by the fire) half an inch thick over tlie hams, even to I
the hocks, at which places press in as much as possible. Smooth i
all over with the palms of the hands, and leave them in a work- !
manlike manner. Attend to them every other dav ; and on [
those parts from which the salt has disappeared add more, and i
so on for the space of a fortnight. The exact proportion of
salt to advise is difficult to arrive at, as this depends so much i
upon the weather, which i( it happen to be frosty, the salt
remains in its unliquifiod state so much longer ; but as a rule,
in which one cannot err, cover the bacon entirely, and as it
wastes still add more salt. The larger the hams are, in pro-
portion, so much longer time will they take iu the process of
salting. If they are a third heavier than those specified, a week
longer will be required. If double the weight, about six weeks :
though, in either case, tliey will require resalting but once
entirely, dividing the time in each case as a medium to do this.
And now supposing our limited fortnight to have expired, clear
off the old salt from our 341b. hams, and " dab " tli m with a
dry cloth till they appear tolerably dry, at the same time wiping
beneath the place whereon they rested ; after which, with plain
salt only, allow them to undergo the operation as at first.
Attend to them another fortnight, and then another clearing-
and-dabbing operation, with the addition of a little flour
dredging for appearar^ce' sake ; which done, form a coarse piece
of brown paper bagwise over the end of each hock, and noose it
around with a stout (jiece of curd, which will form a loop to
allow each ham to become suspended from hooks on a beam near
the ceiling of the kitchen during their drying process, and so itr
from the fire and heat that they may not become rusty in
consequence. The thermometer on our beam now as I write
is at 60° ; 75° it arrives at occasionally, but beyond thut, as
a permanency, is too hot. At the latter end of May I shift my
bacon into a spare north garret, suspended on hooks where tlie
temperature ranges ahout 60°.

In a period of tinee weeks or a month, or otherwise, so soon
as the hams appear quite dry, and the saltpetre gli>tens upon
them, envelope them in calico bags or something of that sort,
and lie the bags tightly around the loop-suspendcrs as a pre-
ventive for dust and a caution against the flv, upon whose
account take off the bags every month or six weeks and examine
for fear of an intruder, as they are very insinuating, and great
epicures, always pre'ciTiiig the hams (o the sl.oulders or the
flitches, though in default of the former attacking the latter:
therefore, allovr the eye to rest on thera also. As soon as the
bags are put on the hams will do to cook, but that is bad
management, they are bttter and mellower for six or nine
months' keeping. I have kept flitches cen for two years, and
»t that period of lime the bacon was excellent.

The process of Bulling a whole pig is similar to the above, with
this exccplion— not quite so much of the sug»r-a:id-saltpetre
mixture is required for the flitches, and on the fat part a mere
fractional jiart will require to be sprinkled. Where the fliiches
lap over the shoulder-liocks introduce as much salt os possible at
those plaies, otherwise tliey are apt to taint there. Lay the
flitches as flat as may be, oue on the lop of each other, a shoulder
at eai'h extremity. 'J he cheeks, faces, tongue, feel, backbones,
&c., introduce between llie flitches towards levelling their courses,
after having rubbed them with salt; and should there not be
room on your salting-stone or board, I do my sailing in un old
beer-cooler, from which I catch the hrinc and toss it into the

liquid-manure tank. Place the hams on the top of the flitches.

The spr.rcribs may be salted or not, proportionally as they are
required for consumption. On resalling place uppermost the
flitch which was Iving below. — Upwaeds and Oxwabds.

VARIETIES.

Fixing SnirriNO Sisns. — In cerlain places on the seacoast,
where the usual means employed for fixing tlie shifting sands,
or dunes, have failed, such as plantmgthe maritime Pine, certain
kinds of Grass, Acacias, &c., it has been found that the AUmdlins
is perfectly successful, even in tlie most arid places. A land-
owner near Odessa, has for the last sixteen years planted a
considerable extent of sui'face with this fast-sprcadmg tree, and
an almost impenetrable forest exists, where formerly was only a
drcarv, ban*eii wasie. — {London Stvifw.)

To Unitk Stone akd Glass. — M.Bru, curator of the museum
at Karbonne, has discovered tlia^ silicate of potash possesses, in
the highest degree, the property of uniting surfaces of stone,
glass, and pottery. It is applied with a brush to the surfaces
which it is desired to bring into contact, and in a few days
acquires a great solidity. It appears that the same material can also
be successfuUy used in jouiery, and for all the purposes to which
common glue is applied. This discoviry, which promises to be
of considerable importance, was announced by IvI. Bru to M.
Figuler, the editor of Z'Annales Scieniijlque et IndvstrielU, in
the volume for the present year.

The Society op AccLniATixiON is more busy than ever. At
its late meeting the contribution of a new silk-spinning worm,
by Madame Drouyn de I'Huys, was hailed with great applause.
The worm can be reared and fed in the coldest climate, and
although the silk spun is of a coarse quality, its strength and
durability are pronounced marvellous. Madame de Montcssuc
ako received the hearty thanks and congratulations cf the
Assembly for her donation of two Sugar Maples from Canada,
with a memoir of iier own experience on the cultivation and
perfection of that tree in France. This lady has successfully
established the possibility of producing sugar from the Maple
in our climate, with a little more labour than exacted by the
production of resin from the Pine trees in the Landes. The
superiority of tlie ilaple sugar over that extracted from the
Beetroot was ably demonstrated by M. Puibusque, who sug-
gested the experiment of acclimatising being made at once on
the northern slopes of the Pyrenees and Alps, particularly in
the coldest parts of Savoy, of Auvergne, and the Cevcnues.
The first plantations are forihniih to be made in the Talleys of
I Barcdonette, Brian9on, and Cliamounix.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Gret and White GinsEA Fowl {J. if. .E.).— We liavo a letter for you,

1 at have irislftid ynar address.

Rantam T'n-akle to Cnow (.1 Co"^'nrtt Suhscriher). — We fhall not be
surprised to find tliat tlie fine -wca'her has rendered advice nnncce«.sary. We
should ctve castor oil every otlier 'lay, and feed j-parir-ely on prionnd food
niUed Willi ^vatcr until his voice returned. There is intelTial fever. If he iB
artitieiiiny siipiOied with trem feod let it be lettuce.

PILL.S FOR HOCP. - At 1 ace 72 ttt' 5(r«. Fersusson lUair's work, pills to Cure
roup, it Is SHid three cr^ins of eaUmic! and one grain of antlm-ny. What
sort of antimonv does this me-in ? JHnle^' powder, laitar emetic, or what?
It is certainly tetTv.i^ue tfl be acted upon. — A Si-bscbiber

[We consider that tartar emetic is the pi-eparation of antimony intended. —
Eds.]

I'ABROT Kating us Fkathers t AV AvTie't/). — Do not pivelhc bird hemp-
seed or hones. Keep it tipnn sopped bread, nuts, and any fniit it will eat.
Let it have a constant s'lpply -'f water to drink, .ind a b»th in a soup-plate of
water daily. It it does no- take the bath voluntaiily, give it a shower-bath
tiiroti£:h the fine rose of a waterinjt-ptit.

GiUD Fish j »'. If. .V.) - The "bite film on the eyes of Gold Fi»h seems
of a funcoid-eharacter. The cause is not known. Cani-ot you obtain river
water lor them? See what another correspondent says on the subject
to-day.

LONDON MARKETS.— Mat 20.
POTJLTEY.

The grlorions sun that ba- rfjoic d all things has not been without his
influen-etii'Oii the market. In tht dread th;it ehiekenswill jrrow ''while
you look atibem '* and that the %ie;-ther will lower prices, n,an> h.-ive been
^-nxious to Ket their shi.re of a dear m irket, and the consequence has been
a decline in the value ol ■ mall ehicKe.is.

Each— ». d. ». rf 1 Each— ». d. $. i.

Larpe Fowls 6 0 to 6 C Guinea Fowls 0 0 to 0 0

Smaller Fowls 5 0 „ 5 G Leverets 3 0 ., 3 6

Chickens 2 6 „ 3 0 Pigeons 0 8 ,, 0 9

Ducklings 2 6 „ 3 0 Babbits 1 4 „ 1 -

Geese 7 0 „ 7 0 | Wild 0 8„ 0 "

May 28, 1881. ]

JOTJBNAL OF HORXICTTI-TtrRE AND COTXAaS aARDENEE.

151

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day
. of
M'nth

Bay
of

Week.

To
W
Th

P

S

Sum

M

MAT 23-JUNE 3, 1861.

Rosa precox. &c.
Colutea Pocookii.
Narcissi.
OEnotheras.
Spiderwort.

1 SU.NDAT AFTER ThINITY.

Geraniums.

WKATHEa NEAE LONDON IN I860.

Barometer; Ttermom. Wind. f^^^^^_

29.888—29.502
30.005-29.953
29.906—29.827
29.783-29.5.53
29.676—29.559
29.480-29.160
29.486-29.330

der;. deg.
63-35
63-36
6-JI-40
58-44
65-43
64-46
61-15

N.W.
W.

N.W.

S.
S.W.
S.E.
S.W.

Sun
lii&eG.

Sun

Sets.

in. h. m. h.
54 af 3 Till

•07
■08

•87
.01

Moon

Clock

Rises

Moon*s

after

and SeLs

Age.

Son.

m. t.

m. B.

44 11

19

3 2

moi-n.

20

2 55

3 0

21

2 47

19 0

(

2 33

34 4

■ 23

2 30

48 0

24

2 21

3 1

25

2 11

Day of
Year.

148
149

150
151
152
1.53
154

Metboroi.oot op the Week. — .\t Chiswick, from observations ilurins? the -last thirty-four years, the averagre highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 67.8° and 44,9=" respectively. The greatest heat, 85^, occurred on the 2nd in 1834; and the lowest cold, 32"',
on tlie 31st in 1S57. During the period 141 days were fine, and on 90 rain fell.

CROSS-BREEDING IN PLANTS.

FERTILISATION OF LBSCHENAULTIA FOEMOSA.

UCH obliged am I
to Mr. Beaton for
his very interest-
ing answer to my
question. When
Mr. Beaton says
he does "not know
of an instance of
the natural cross-
ing of varieties,"
I presume he in-
tends to confine
his remark to the
plants of theflower
garden ; for every
one knows how
largely the varie-
ties of theCabbage
cross, as is likewise
the case (as I know from careful trial) with Radishes
and Onions. It was this fact which led me to suppose
that varieties of flower-garden plants would naturally
cross.

I can quite understand, after reading Mr. Beaton's
remarks, that it would be very difficult, perhaps impos-
sible, to detect such natural crossing from the degree to
which most of these varieties vary. I should, however,
think tliat those who raise for sale seeds of distinct
varieties of the Hollyhock, Stocks, &c., must know
whether it is indispensable to keep the parent plants
apart.

I will not trouble Mr. Beaton again if he will have the
kindness to procure for me answers on one or two points
quoted in his paper (June 26, 1860) from the " king of
British cross-breeders " — namely, whetlier I understand
rightly that the white Anemone apennina seeding in a
mass with the blue (Anemone apennina ?) produced many
pale shades P For this seems to be a case of two varieties
naturally crossing, though I want to know the fact
for another reason— namely, because Anemone does not
secrete nectar; and secondly, whether Mathiola incana
and glabra, which the writer speaks of as " crossing
freely," were artifieially crossed.

Mr. Beaton's statement (July 24, 1860) that if the
pollen of five kinds of Geranium (I presume what
botanists call varieties, and not what are called species,
are here referred to) are placed on the Stigma of a flower,
one kind alone takes the lead and produces an efi'eet,
seems to me a most curious observation. It is, I fear,
unreasonable to ask for a few precise cases on this head ;
for, as I gather from Mr. Beaton, it must be difficult to
know whe Jier one or more kinds have produced an effect,
owing (.0 the great variability of crossed varieties.

I have been delighted to observe how strongly Mr.
Beaton insists that " not a flower in a thousand is ferti-
lised by its own immediate pollen." This is a subject
No. 9.— Vo I., New Series.

which I have attended to for the last twenty years.
From my experiments on a small scale I would not
venture to put the case nearly as strongly as Mr. Beaton
does ; but on the other hand, some of the plants which
Mr. Beaton advances as self-fertilisers seem, as far as
I can trust my own observations, doubtful. I will give
one instance, as it might possibly induce some one to
try the experiment. £esc/(ena!(Zija/br»!osa! has apparently
the most efi'ectual contrivance to prevent the stigma of
one flower ever receiving a grain of pollen from another
flower ; for the pollen is shed in the early bud, and is
there shut up round the stigma within a cup or indusium.
But some observation led me to suspect that nevertheless
insect agency here comes into play ; for I found by
holding a camel-hair pencil parallel to the pistil, and
moving it as if it were a bee going to suck the nectar,
the straggling hairs of the brush opened the lip of the
indusium, entered it, stirred up the pollen, and brought
out some grains. I did this to five flowers and marked
them. These five flowers all set pods ; whereas only two
other pods set on the whole plant, though covered with
innumerable flowers. The seeds in these pods were bad,
or else I had not skill to make thera germinate. I
became so strongly convinced that insects would be
found concerned in the fertilisation of these flowers, that
I wrote to Mr. James Drunimond, at Swan River in
Australia, and asked liim to watch the flowers of plants
of this order ; and he soon wrote to me that he had
seen a bee cleverly opening the indusium and extracting
pollen; and a bee with its mandibles thus covered with
pollen would very likely efl'ect a cross between one
individual and another of the same species. I have been
told that this pretty plant, the Leschenaultia formosa,
never sets seed in this country. I wish some skilful
cultivator would rout up the pollen within the indusium
in the manner described, and see whether he could not
thus get seeds. — Chables Dakwin, Doion, Ilromley, Kent.

ARRANGING FLOWERS IN BOUQUETS AND
VASES.

{^Continued from page 132.)
HOW TO AKE.VNGE FLOWERS.

Many books have at diff'erent times been written about
plants and flowers, abounding in directions how to grow
tliem, while there seems scarcely to be an instance of
even a paragraph advising how to arrange them. It is a
very difficult thing, indeed, to spoil the appearance of
flowers, or to make them look ugly ; but certainly a great
manj of those into whose hands they fall give them
every possible chance of obtaining such an undesired
distinction. And while one would have fancied that the
mere lovs of flowers would have brought with it taste for
grouping them, w hat is more rare than to see them really
artistically put together?

When I say " artistically," my readers must be kind
enough to understand that I speak of that triumph of
No. 661.— ToL. XXVI., Old SErais.

152

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTTKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ May 28, 1861.

ai't in which no art is visible, when everything is easy
and unconstrained because perfectly suited to its place.

There are a great many things to be considered in
the art of arranging flowers; I have the profoundest
respect for such finished corabinations as now and then
appear, but I am very far from claiming such success
myself. All that I pretend is, that I know a good many
little ins and outs as to the mechanical part, and we all
know that good rules for combining colour apply to one
thing as well as to another.

Moreover, the Germans and Eussians very far surpass
the English generally in their floral decorations ; and
having some time ago made acquaintance with a little
German Comtesse far from the Vaterland, with its flower-
decked salons and graceful pretty fancies, she and I
found an endless source of mutual interest in our love
of plants and flowers, whilst all belonging to them was so
important to us both, that she taught me almost as
readily as I learnt all that she could tell of those pretty
and useful works.

In the art of wreath and bouquet-making, we have in
the first place to make a judicious choice of the most
appropriate flowers and leaves which, whether for vase
or dress adornment, must be chosen with due regard to
the place they are to fill.

After the choice of flowers and their colours we have
to determine how best to gather them, and how to mount
them ; how to prevent their fading or falling prema-
turely from their stalks ; how to make a foundation in a
way to secure all these results the better; and, lastly —
I was very much tempted to write leastly — comes the
mere actual placing of the flowers themselves.

There is a gODd deal to be said on all of these points ;
and as, in great measure, the same preparatory cares are
necessary both for wreaths and bouquets, I have to
request that the grounding may be deemed not un-
wovtliy of a little pains and time.

First. Let us consider what flowers may be chosen
judiciously. Now, it is a notorious fact, that at least
half of the young ladies who wear bouquets — unless the
intervention of some provident French milliner saves
them from the danger — wear such flowers ashy no means
suit their dresses, and that they arrange vases with quite
as little adaptation to the colours and things around.
It is. of course, exceedingly desirable the flowers should
be of the same colour as the ribbons and the dress they
are to be worn with, or for a table that they should be
aomcwhat suited to the general decoration ; but although
that they should be suited is quite unexceptionable and
altoujether correct, we find the fact of their being of the
same colour is by no means the likeliest course to adopt
for reaching that happy result. Very few flowers will
perfectly match with colours of human dye ; and where
they do not inatcli, the human workmanship is very apt
indeed, if contrasted with them, to show itself inferior.

These remarks, however, are only en passant. The
business before us is to make what are in themselves
good bouquets ; and eveu so I must ask my readers if
they can much improve on simple cerise or scarlet
flowcis ni'h green and white relief; or pale sky blue
and wliite, interspersed with little knots of pink ; if any
pink that it may liave to go with, can indeed be e.xactly
matched in shade. With pale blue, again, a still paler
pink is a very charming contra-t, and one Hhich har-
TOonises far better than any blue would do, though in
tliis case little tufts of blue come in most pleasingly
amidst the pink and white.

Pink ansners best with mauve, perhaps, though prim-
rose is not quite out of the question. Primroses some-
times will niisner well n itii a pattern traced upon their
ground, of I lie deep violet-coloured Pansies, or of large
double purjile Violets.

Lastly. With black coslumcs I consider the great
secret of preparing a fitting bouq\iet is to have the cliief
part of the flowers viry dark, and a. few bright little

leaves and tendrils, or veins and edgings, just to catch
a light and brighten up the whole. Light flowers look
very poor on a dark background ; while dark flowers
are distinctly seen, and seem to acquire only a richer
shade.

Having said so much of colour, I fear I shall at once
convey a shock to the feelings of some of my readers by
saying, that with these conditions as to colour, and a
reasonable degree of judgment as to choosing prettily
formed fresh flowers, I am so utterly lost to all respect
for grand aristocratic hothouse plants, as to recommend.
the most sovereign indifference as to " what tne flowers
are," or " what they cost ;" maintaining, on the contrary,
that where a common every-day flower will answer equally
the desired result, it is quite indefensible to pass it over
merely because it is within reach of all. And, besides,
how much more talent there must be in making a beauti-
ful bouquet out of a few common flowers, depending for
their recherclie appearance on the good taste which dic-
tates their grouping.

One of the very best white flowers I know for this
purpose is the common white Lilac ; the large pyramidal
cluster being cut into small pieces, and each piece mounted
with wire on a slender piece of stick. White Violets,
again ; white Hyacinths, the bells mounted also two or
three together. I am told that white Alyssum is not to
be de.-^pised, and white Verbenas and Geraniums are
always on the list.

The Lilac is a useful flower to bear in mind, as it
forces easily and well ; and Chinese Primroses are amongst
the best of winter flowers if duly brushed over with gum
water underneath each flower. The pretty little Deutzia
gracilis. Snowdrops, Azaleas, and many kinds of white
Koses are also of the essential snowy white ; and so is
the exquisite little scented Clematis, which is amongst
the very best of edgings ; but common white Jasmine
rarely looks well, or lasts long to wear. Stephanotis no
one would doubt about adopting for a bouquet ; and the
same remark applies to the sweet white Cape Jasmines
and Gardenias. White Myrtle blossom is often to be
found in its prettiest half-open stage ; and Orange blos-
soms, which are, however, not for common use.

The double blossoms of many shrubs, as of the Cherry,
the garden Wood Anemone, and the wild Sweet Wood-
ruffe ; Primroses also when they can be procured quite
wliite, and double white Hepaticas ; with many others
which will occur to every one.

I say much about white flowers first, because they are
always wanted, and it is, in fact, rare to get on satis-
factorily without them in any bouquet arrangement ;
otherwise it will be sufficient in designs to mention
special flowers, and to go on chiefl}' with the mechanical
part of our pleasant work.

WBEATH DESIGN.

Wreaths of mixed flowers are diflicult to manage. A
delicate eye for colour, and the lightest of hands for
combining the flowers are required to prevent their
turning out clumsy garlands.

The easiest to make are those of one flower, and they
are much the prettiest. At this very instant one is ftir-
nished by my memory as so pretty that I cannot resist
describing it instead of the mx^cd. jardiniere.

It was of Thorn blossom, scarlet and white. The white
May or Hawthorn looks so exquisitely fair and pearly,
and both kinds continue long uufaded. The little shoots
of small-leaved Myrtle, or single leaves of some rather
pale-colonred evergreen, are best for the foundation.
AYhen the May blossoms have been gathered with the
morning de» upon them they should be put in water in
a shady place, not in great branches, but the little heads,
3 inches long or so, cut off" and put in water separately.

We should never handle flowers much, the lightest
touch is etilficient to bruise and bend them.

Two long branches of Periwinkle form the vory best of

May 28, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

153

stems. The leaves are evergreen, and tlie stems are
moist and green. I liave heard that taking out a little
of the pith and through the slit-up bark laying the May
flower stalks therein, answers well for keeping the flowers
all the fresher. However that is, a few little bunches of
the half-open Hawthorn, and here and there a single
spray of scarlet or of crimson, do look very lovely
mounted on the bine. The green foundation stems
should be tied together with a piece of green Berlin
wool, beginning always at the upper end and working
towards the root end. The first tiny piece of May being
laid upon the stem, the wool should be wound on down it,
and after three or four rounds a slipnot should be firmly
drawn to render the flower steady.

Next should come a little spray of green ; tiny bits of
Larch, look very pretty ; and then, again, more May,
and double or triple groups with one or two of the bright
little scarlet clusters.

The flowers should not be arranged too closely, but
bound on at short intervals brokea by the smaller buds
and green, and at the centre or sides where a degree of
fuUness and of massiveness is required, the flowers should
be arranged in small knots before they are mounted on
the stem itself.

Each side would require about three knots of flowers,
and they should be arranged either with perfect exactness
as to colour and place, or without any attempt at all at
evenness.

Many persons are in the habit of winding a very
narrow green ribbon evenly down the stem, folding it
frequently in a slope to induce it to lie smooth.

Por the head, or for hanging, German-like, on a picture-
frame, the wreath is often made most easily by becinning
at each end and working towards the centre. When a
high coronal is to fill the centre its knots of flowers seive
to unite the two sides, and where the centre is sma'l
the join is best at the commencement of the side groups.

I hope my readers will not try to add any other
flowers. But if a few Fern leaves should be put in, I
think they would greatly add to the air of lightness. — E.
(To le continued.)

CEYSTAL PALACE FLOWER AND FEUIT
SHOW.— Mat 18.

AxL the plants were better arranged for e6Fcct this time than
they have yet been at the Crystal Palace. There were no plants
set up in the centre of the great transept to intercept the view
fi'om end to end. The old kinds of Azaleas, which were very
finely bloomed and very numerous, were placed iu tlie four
corners of the transept, and tlie newer kinds in collections
followed along one side of the south nave, where also were the
Cinerarias, Calceolarias, and mixed collections of new and old
plants ; and opposite to tliese stood the Roses and Pelargoniums,
both very well done. The fruit stood along the centre of one
end of the transept, opposite the grand orchestra, and on each
side of that part were the variegated and fine-leaved plants ;
while the only two iirst-class collections of twenty Stove and
Greenhouse Plants wliich competed stood across the end, and
right opposite the great organ, the end under the orchestra
and organ being tastefully evergreened with the cream of the
Palace plants— such as Orange and Bay standards, Rhododen-
drons and smaller plants with finer foliage. At Burns' festival
this part was highly decorated in the same style, but not so
effective as on this occasion.

The Orchids occupied nearly the whole north side of the nave
beyond the orchestra, and on the opposite side were placed the
minor collections of stove and greenhouse plants. And the
florists' cut flowers were placed in tlie extreme centre next the
stove or tropical end ; so that from the screen of the kings and
queens at the head of the crystal fountain basin an uninter-
rupted view was obtained down to the Tulips at the extreme
end. Any one who can distinguish a perspective from a bird's
eye view could tell that by placing a group of plants in the
centre of this Tista, as we have seen done on former occa>iou6,
the one-half of the view is lost, and, in effect, the one-half only

of the Exhibition tells on the eye. That, then, is a practical
illustration of the optical delusion caused by placing a mass of
scarlet, or yellow, or crimson in the centre of a flower garden.

The blooms were not so many nor so early aa they have been
every May since I first went on the circuit in 1837 ; and the
fine-leaved plants never looked so dull since 1838, when I
first put up a whole tent full of odds and oddities of the
kind at Chiswick Gardens. The florists beat the gardeners out
and out at this Show — their Azaleas, Roses, Geraniums, and
Cinerarias were indeed wonderful ; but I could not get near
their Pansies and cut flowers, for they were crowded round the
"whole day. But havingjust received a large basket of the best
Belgian j?ausies I hope to be able iu the autumn to set up a
ribhon-border of them for next spring.

The prize list in the last Number of The Joueital of Hosti-
CULTUEE saves me names and numbers, and the rage for florists'
flowers comes in aid of my tale iu the person of the best judge
of them in the three kingdoms, who had free access to them
before they were so crowded round.

There was no competiiion for the coUeclions of Stove and
Greenhouse plants, and Mr. Peed was the winner of the first
and second prizes for them. He had the best grown and the
largest specimen of Impatiens Jerdonia? that has yet been seen —
it might be 2 feet by 2 feet ; one Txora salicifolia ; one Lepto-
dactjlon californica, a bedding-out plant well done in specimen;
a fine Tetratheca ericifolia ; and the usual amount of the genera
Aphelexis, Epacris, Pimelea, Eriosteraon, Heath, and Azalea.
And in his second-prize score were these also, and, in addition,
Genetyllis Hookeriaua, alias fuchsioides, Hypocalymma robusta,
and Acrophyllum venosum, with others, and a nice plant of
Adenandra speciosa. Mr. Petd received £10 for exhibiting
these forty plants.

Next came collections in twelve Stove and Grccnhotise Plants,
and among these were the best-grown plants at the Exhibition :
one, Tetratheca ericifolia, 5 feet, or nearly so, across, was the
finest specimen which Mr. Green ever exhibited, and he was the
only gardener there who spelt Hedaroma properly — a name
which seems to puzzle all other exhibitors of it. Such false
spelling is shameful ; the blame, however, ought to rest on the
old Horticultural Society, and on the Regent's Park people, who
actually taught gardeners to despise the spelling of the names
of plants unless they were paid to do so by a prize, instead of
being disqualified from winning a prize for wrong spelling.

Mr. Green's next best were numerous — as Allamanda grandi-
flora, Franciscea calycina, Pimelea Hendersonii, Rhododendron
formosum {very fine), Aphelexis, Eriostemon, Poly gala ; and his
Hedaroma, or Genetyllis Hookeriana, alius fuchsioides, was
called macrostegia. Is that a second abas? or are there two
species which one cannot tell from sight ?

Mr. Baxendine followed with the next best twelve, beginnuig
with two Heaths, two Polygalas, two Azaleas, or rather three
Azaleas, Criterion and Iveryana having been ingeniously worked
on one stock, and both made an excellent plant ; then A))helexie,
Adenandra, Epacris, Rhinchospermum josminoides, and a very
large thin pliint of Boronia Drummondi.

Mr. W. Cutbush, nurseryman, Barnet, was next up to the
mark. He had the two Hedaromas, tulipifera and fuchsioides ;
two handsome Polygalas, Boronia tetrandra, a fine Adenandra,
and a finer Erica, Tictoria regina. Azalea criterion, the very
useful Epacris laevigata.

Mr. Clulmau followed at the top of the Eight-Plant Collections.
His very best was a fine Acrophyllum venosum, the best of the
kind there ; Boronia Drummondi, two Aphelexcs, Erica Caveu-
dishii, Franciscea confcrtiflora, and Polygala. Mr. Kaile was
second, a fine Stephanotis, Rhj chospermum, Franciscea, Viuca,
Epacris, and Aphelexis. Mr. Page had the third best lot of
eights, of which Dracocephalum graoile was different from the
above ; and Mr. Tegg had a fourth prize in this class, he had
two plants difl'erent from tlie above — Oxylobium Pultensea and
Kennedya inophylla.

The next class was of sixes ; and here Mr. Page was first with
Boronia Drummondi, Hedaroma tu'.ipifera, a fine specimen ;
Erica suaveolens, also a fine plant; Azalea, and a repetition.
Mr. Smith was second; Rhinchospermum jasniinoides, and
Chorozema microphylla being his best. Mr. Kaile was third
with a good Euphorbia splendens, Stephanotis, Erica Caveu-
dishii, Aphelexis, Azalea. Mr. Green next; his two rarest plants
were Daviesia umbeUata and Azalea extranii. And Mr. Baxen-
dine had an extra prize, Adenandra and Erica Beaumontiana
being his two best. Mr. ChUman was paired with Mr. Green in

loi

JOT7BKAL OF HOETICtTLTTTRE AST) COTTAGE &AEDENEE.

[ May 28, 1861.

a fourth prize for sizes, Chorozema Lawi-enciana and Allamanda
neriii'olia bein"; different.

T!ie next class comprised variegated and fine-leared plants.
Here MissBnrdettCoutts' gardener, Mr. Hutt, was first with huge
specimens — a pair of great tree Ferns, Agathsea and Dicksonia,
Moi'Stera pertusum, labelled Pliilodeudron per^wium, "with a
■w'rong natural order prefixed. How is that ? Croton, Maranta
zebrina, Sanseviera zelaniea. Dumb Cane, and others of that
stamp. Mr. Young had the next two prizes witli similar plants,
and a splendid Cyano|)hyllum hard upon 5 feet in lieight ; Theo-
phrasta iniperialis, and Aralia Sieboldi. Mr. Bunney, nursery-
man, Stratford, was next with a Diek-ionia ; a Panrlanus javanicus
varie^ntus, Pavetttt japonica, and Eopala Jongliii, differing from
the rest as above.

There were several other collections of the same stnd, includ-
ing Begonia?, wliich, by the way, do not improve by size.
Yucca, Justicia, Crotons, C.iladiums, Dracsenas, Farfugiums,
Ropalas, Cissus, Aralia, and such like in abundance.

Next in order of the scliedule were the Orcliids, a magnificent
bank of very fine-grown plants, and a few very poor indeed. In
the comparison of elegant — more elegant, and elegant — there were
four kinds in array — Dcndrobium Paxtoni, and three kinds of
Odontoglossurn niveum, perhaps, the most elegant, and there
"were two varieties of it. The other two were Odontoglossum
pulchellum and citrosmum. But let us begin at tlie top of tlie
ladder, where Mr. Stone showed sixteen plants of surpassing
merit -n cultivation — DendrobinmDevonianum,D.macrophyllum,
with four very long spikes loaded with bloom, and loading the
air with druggist-rhubarb smell ; Lseli^i purpurata, with four
blooms ; jErides virens ; Saccolobium retnsuni; Caltleya Mossise;
Odontoglossum Piseatorii, and niveum ; Epidendrum bicornutum,
a very fine Oncidium ampliatum major, and so on.

Mr. Peed was second with sixteen more moderate, of which
Oalanthe masuca and Plialjenopsis were the two best and most
diflering. Next class in tens ; and here Mr. Milford, and Mr.
McMoreland his employer, flood fixed in the first prize. Here
was the best-flowered Ltelia purpurea I have yet seen, it had
three spikes and eleven or twelve llowers fully expanded —the
finest plant at the Exhibition. The Fox's-brush brides, or
Fieldingii, was also very fine, and more of it here and there
stamp it as one of the very best ; Plialsenopsis grandiflora, two
varieties of tlie varied Yanda suavis, Cattlt-ya ainetli\ stina and
Mossia;, and Oncidium ampliatnm major, thepoorman's Orchid,
the easiest to do of all the Oncids, and the best-paying one
whrn done. This same plant will last out the June shows, and
likely enough some of the July ones.

Mr. Stone next, with Odontoglossum gloriosum, a variety of
niveum ; ditto citrosmum, a love of a thing ; and PhaWnopsis
grandiflora, Cypripediuni Lowii, with two flowers, .brides
Warneri and Fit-ldingii, Saccolabium guttatum, Cattleya Aek-
landia; with one bloom, and Mossitc, with Uropedium Lindeni,
vi-hieh, if tliere be an Orchid from beyond the flood this must
he it, for it is

'* The queerest sliape that e"er I eaw,
For tient a wame it had ava."

Mr. Page was third with Cattleya Skinneri and Mossia?, Fox's-
brush JLrides, Phalamopsis grandiflora and amabilis, Yanda
insionis, suavis, and tricolor. Mr. AYooUey was next in tens
with two Dendrobium nobile and Paxtoni ; Cyrtochilum filipes,
iErides cris|jum, Yanda suavis were the best.

Tn the class for six Orchids, Mr. Penny was first with Lfelia
pvnimrea, with three flowers ; Plmlccnopsis grandiliora, with
three long brandling spikes ; amabilis, with one spike ; and
Cypripedmm barbatum supcrbum as the best. Mr. Bunney
next with a fox's-brush of beauty, a Phala-nopsis grandiflora,
with three fine spikes again, and an amabilis with one spike,
a Saccolabium retnsum, and Yandas of the breed of suavis.
Mr. McMoreland tliird, with Cypripediuni hirsutissimum, the
shop-rhubarb-smeUing Dendrobium, also nobile, Yanda, and
Cypripediuni, all in self-vcniilating pots. And Mr. Cliilman
was extra in the last of the sixes ; and his difference was a Cym-
bidum chloranthimi, another queer thing as green as groudy.
Mr. Stone and Mr. Smilli also had extras in sixes. Mr. Stone
had the only La'lia cinnabarina there, two elegant Odonto-
glossums, and.EridesLindleyana. Mr.Smith, thebeautifulOdon-
toglossum pulehellum, Maxillaria aromatica, Acineta Barkeri as
his best. In tall Cacti Mr. Green is always first fiddle, Mr.
\ oung was second, and Mr. Ashman tliird. The plants were not
right out in bloom, and Mr. Young had the only " novelty," the
name of a light red seedling, apparently from crcnata.

AzAi/BAS. — Here was the first battle of the day, the rest
being, in comparison, a volunteer review. Mr. Turner, of
Slough, knocked the gardenei-s all over their barrows, Mr.
Ivery came up from Dorking on purpose to do battle in earnest;
and after assisting Mr. Turner to turn the right and left wings
of the Trojans, they fell foul of each other about the newest
fashion in Azaleas. There never were better Azaleas, surely
never so many of them before on a field day. Mr. Turner had
the first prize in the class for ten Greenhouse Azaleas, begin-
ning with Extranii, as his higlie-it colour, then Mnrrayana, prses-
tantissima, variegata, Perryana, and Glory of Sunning HUl— a
double dull red kind. Mr. Green, at his old north-east comer,
was second with the yellow sinensis, Stanleyana, Perryana,
prsestantissima. Sir Charles Napier, semi-duplex maculata, and
alba magna as his best. Mr. Carson followed opposite with
the yellow in the centre, with Exquisita on one side, and
Lateritia, a contrast, on the other side of his centre ; then
Iveryana and Murrayana to match in contrast again on
opposite side of his key plant ; then Criterion, Bianea, ApoUo,
Carnea, and Double Red, all remarkably well placed for effect.
Mr. Peed an extra.

In the next class for sixes, Mr. Turner took the lead again

with nice smaller plants. Mr. Page followed also with nice

sizeable plants, of which coronata was the liveliest colour. Mr.

I Ivery and Mr. Penny being equal in the next run. Mr. Ivery

had the best selection — namely, Eosea elegans, a very bright

■ flower, Kubra plena, Delieata, Iveryana, and Criterion.

The next class turned the tables, and Mr. Ivery was upper-

I most with eight new kinds — Yariegata superba. Admiration,

! Eosea alba (fine), Distinction, Flower of the Day, Lord Eaglan,

I Etoile de Gand, Eosy Cii'cle, Due de Nassau, and Standard of

Perfection. Mr. Turner second, with crispiflorn, a telling sort ;

I Gem and Perffction, two exquisites ; Petuniseflora, a fine rosy

' kind with a violet tinge all over it ; Empress Kugenie, and

I Iveryana, or one like it. And Mr. Ivery appears again with

another eight — Eubens, variegata, superba again, Criterion,

Stanleyana, Gem, and, indeed, the gem of all that were there —

Duchesse de Nassau and Beauty of Europe.

In Heaths, Mr. Nobody-was first. Mr. Peed second, with
j Beauraontia depressa, a large ventricosa coccinea minor, the
best Heath there, and five others. Mr. Rhodes tliird — albertus
and ventricosa mognifica being his two best plants. Mr. Chilman
fourth, and albertus with ventricosa coccinea minor again were
his best.

In the class for extremely Bare or Beaulifid Plants, Mr.
Williams had the best of it with a new Lfelia, in the style of
La;lia purpurea. Mr. Bull liad those new plants which he
exhibited this spring before the Floral Commiitee, and some
others— as the fine single form of Petunia Inimitable, Gymno-
gramma pulchella rainosa, and several other novelties. M.
Yerschafielt also sent over a (olleetion of three or four kinds of
variegated Begonias quite different from the usual forms. The
Slessrs. Lee sent their new very pretty small Fern — Polyslichum
vestitum, a gem of a thing. A fine specimen plant of their
true Cordyline indivisa and Sisyrinchium, and oihers, which
have been noticed in the reports of the Floral Committee. Mr.
Bunney had a prize for six nice kinds of Ana;c'tochilu8. Also
Mr. Lavey for Ferns. The Messrs. Smith of Dulwich, for
Gloxinias, and Mr. Young for a misccUaneoua eolleclion, in
which were Begonias, Caladiunis, and the only plant there of
the Alocasia metalliea. There were several othei* odds and ends;
and Mr. Porter, Brixton Hill sent three kinds of yellow Poly-
anthus for spring borders. They were among the collections
of yellow PolyHntlius which I lately received. I called that
morning on the best and oldest grower of yellow Polyanthns
known to me. He had them first from the Youngs, of Epsom
Nursery, has been at them these thirty years, grows them re-
markably healtJiy in pots, and stages them like Auriculas, got
nearly a white one this season, but never knew any of them
come true from seeds. I fear to give his name lest his villa,
his conservatoi-y, and greenhouses, should be pulled down about
hia ears by idle people, who woidd press to see the man in the
moon, if ever he got into print about flowers and experiuieots,
half the world being perfectly daft on that one point.

Fruit. — There was a keen competition among the fruit
growers, and the bulk of the fruit was most excellent, particu-
larly the Pines and Grapes. Peaches, Nectarines, and Cherries,
and the Melons, were much smaller and far better flavoured
than I ever before knew tlieni at the Crystal Palace. The dish
of British Queen Strawberiy from Mr. Smith, of Twickenham,

Hay 28, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICTJLTTIRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

15S

was the finest, sample of successful forcing ever exhibited any-
where. The Violette Hative Nectarines, and the black Cherries
frora Mr. Henderson, of Trentliam Gardens, were also the finest-
coloured fruit I erer saw at a May show ; and the run for the
best black Gropes between Mr. Henderson aforesaid and Mr.
HU!, of Keele Hall, was worth a Derby day. The largest and
the heaviest Pine — a noble Rothschild variety — from Mr. Stewart,
Chatsworth, was indeed a surprising fi-uit. A strong man and
a good judge lifted it for me, and he put the weight down as
from 8 lbs. to 9 lbs. — it might be more. The n«t best Pines
were of the smooth-lpaved Havannah breed, with crowns as
small as the comb of a Bantam cock. The best-flavoured Melon
was the smallest fruit there of the Trentham Hybrid. It might
be 1^ lb., was as yellow as an orange, and of the shape of a
lemon : it was the finest-flavoured Melon I ever tasted. My
teeth watei-ed to taste another very small green-fleshed Melon
of the true old Egyptian model ; but as I was only ouce on the
Fi'uit ComMiittec, and did not yet learn how to judge two
Melons at the same time without eometiiing to wash down the
flavour of the first, I withstood the temptation.

There was one brace of Cucumbers which some one marked
for seedling, and which some one else mistook for a Prizefighter,
and sent it to the Show in a mistake, and some of the gardeners
were mucli tickled at the idea of the thing. But as the prize
list tells its own tale, I need not go over the same ground
again. D. Beaton.

THE FLOEISTS FLOWERS AT THE CRYSTAL
PALACE.

Nothing strikes one more forcibly, I think, at the early shows
than the manner in which skill and knowledge of the habits of
plants completely seem to defy all elemental dilBeulties. One
heard all sorts of surmises and prophecies, that Pelargoniums
would liare no colour, and Tidips could not possibly be correct,
yet when the day came it seemed as if, instead of one of the
most unpropitious seasons on record, we had liad the most
favourable one possible. Another thing was forcibly impressed
on my mind — viz., the truth of the observations I made on the
arbitrary distinctions of florists' flowers. Mr. Beaton naturally
took the Azaleas under his wiug, and I the Pelargoniums, and
wherefore one could hardly say. The former has had quite as
much cai-e bestowed upon it — has been improved, lias endless
varieties, and yet one dies not quite recognise it as a florist's
flower, while the latter is at once admitted as such. It needed
no witch to at once pick out the first-prize collection in Pelar-
goniums, only two of which were exhibited in each class. Mr.
Turner's are so unmistakeably a-head, that though Messrs.
Dobson & Son made a very hard push, yet there was an immense
distance between the two collections. Mr. Turner's sorts (10)
were — Mr. Manioch^ a spotted variety ; Rose Celestial^ bright
pink ; DesdemoiKi, fine white, with deep blotch on top petals ;
Moseum, very bright ; Admirahle, something in the way of old
Carlos ; Quillanme Sevcri/ns, a French variety, not perfect in
shape, light lilac purple with da-k mulberrv blotch, under petals
spotted with same colour, very attractive for its contrast ; Fairest
of the Fair,vevy white ; Governor General, an old but favourite
variety, deep rose tinted with orange ; and Prince of Wales, a
very warm rose colour, with dark maroon top petals. Messrs.
Dobson & Sou had Admiralle ; Sanspareil, still, I believe, the
prettiest of all the spotted sorts ; Sosalie, pretty ; Fairest of
the Fair ; Evghie Duval, a French variety, light purple with
d^rk blotch; Rose Celestial; Una, fine white; ffymmetri/ ;
Aurelia ; and Fair Fllen, a good clear white. In eight Fancies,
Mr. Turner was again fi ret, with fine plants of Modeslum ;
Madame Mougi^re; Lady Crxven i Cloth of Silver ; Circle, yery
dark and fit^e ; Queen of the Valley; ^f/cwi^, very dark and a
splendid plant ; and last, but not least. Celestial, a magnificent
plant in full flower and excellently colouroJ. Messrs. Dobson
and Son took second prize with Madame Rougiere, Captivation,
Negro (very dark). Evening Star, Madame Van de Wet/er,
Attraction, and Bridesmaid.

■ Cinerarias, which did not look particularly well, were con-
tributed in four collections. The first prize for six varieties was
allotted to Mr. Turner for BelUssima, a light blue, with rather
pointed petal ; Alarm, dark and good self; Slough Rival, pretty
but harri in the footstalk, and not filling np the head of bloom
well; Perfection; Lidgard's BriUiant, a fine blue edge; and
Queen Victoria, dark crimson border, very good. Messrs.

Dobson & Son were second with Duchess of Sutherland, £nl-
liant (fine self), Perfection, Mrs. Hoyle, Masterpiece, and Mrs.
Marnoclc. Mr. Burley, nurseryman, of Limpsfield, took third
with Miss Godfrey, Perfecta, Beauty, Wonderful, Perfection,
and Mrs. Dix. The fourth was awarded to W. J. Fry, Esq.,
Baston Hayes, Bromley.

The queen of flowers was well represented, and as usual
attracted a large number of visitors. Their delicious fragrance,
as well as their fi'eshness and beauty tending to draw large
houses. For ten Roses in pots, the first prize was awarded to
Messrs. Lane & Son, Great Berkhampstead, for immense plants.
oi Triomphe de Paris, H.P. ; Coup d'Bele, H.B., a splendid
plant ; Leon des Combats, H.P. ; Oloire de Dijon, Tea ; Baronne
Prevost H.P. ; Comtesse Mole, H.B., large but rough and
coarse; Chenedole, H.B. ; Paul Perras, H.B. ; Souvenir d'tm
Ami, Tea ; and Jules Margottin, H.P., a beauteous plant. Mr.
William Paul, of TVidtham Cross, was second with Louis
Odier, H.P. ; Souvenir de la Malmaison, B. ; Souvenir dhm
Ami, Tea ; Baronne Prevost, H.P. ; Chenedole, H.B. ; Viscom-
tease des Cases, Tea, very yellow ; Paul Perras, H.B. ; Paul
Ricaut, H B., very bright ; Jules Margottin, H.P. ; and a
gnmti \>\ant oi Madame de St Joxeph,'i'ea. Messrs. Paul & Son,
third, with Aubernon ; Charles Lawson, H.B., very beautiful ;
Narcisse, T. ; Baronne Prevost, H.P. ; Souvenir de la Mal-
maison, B. ; Jules Margottin, H.P. ; Geant des Batailles, H.P ;
Nephetos, Tea, very while ; and Paul Perras, H.B.

For six Roses in eight-inch pots, to mj- mind a much more
attractive class, Mr. W. Paul was first with Victor Verdier,ayeij
largo, rich, rose-coloured flower ; Empereur de Maroc, very dark,
of which an admirable drawing by Andrews appeared in Paul's
" Rose Annual for 1860-61 ; " Madame Boll, very large, but in
my opinion too rough and coarse; Lalia, a very pretty large-
petalled flower in the style of Louise Peronny ; Madame
Damaizin, a fine and deep-coloured Tea ; and Triomphe de
Paris. Mr. Turner, of Slough, was second, with Mathurin
Reynier, Madame de Camhaceres, Caroline de Sansal, Jules
Margottin, Paul Perras, and Duchess of Sutherland. There
was a deficiency of colour in this lot ; one or two high-coloured
flowers would have given more variety to Messrs. Paul and
Son Ihu-d, and Messrs. Lane & Son fourth.

A nice collection of cut Roses came from 3Ir. W. Paul, amongst
1 which were fine blooms oi Eugene Appert, H.P., a vei-y fine
high-coloured flower ; Madame IVilliam, a new Tea ; Baton
Gonclla, B., a large crimson-coloured flower, very good ; Mott.ere,
a mottled rose-coloured Tea, something like Bougere ; Empereur
de Maroc, H.P. ; Cardinal Patrizzi, H.P., both very dark ;
Triomphe de Lyon, H.P., one of the new Eoses of last season, a
fine high-coloured flower ; Buffon, H.P., a dark scarlet, also
new ; and some fine blooms of President, which is really a grand
Tea-scented Rose.

A group of six shrubby Calceolarias, exhibited by Mr. Burley,
nurseryman, Limpsficld, Surrey, deservedly attracted great
attention. They were quite b«-hes, covered with bloom, and
in size and colouring approached very near the herbaceous kinds.
They were well grown, and reflected great credit on their raisei',
for they were all seedlings of his own. They were — Lord
Raglan, a fine reddish-scarlet, distinctly marked with crimson;
Emperor, another large crimson-spotted variety; Primrose Per-
fection, clear yellow ; Lord Derby, orange spotted with red ;
Victor Emmanuel, scarlet spotted ; General Bavelock, rich
maroon. He also sliowed cut blooms of angustifolia globosa, a
dwarf yellow kind for bedding.

In Cut Flowers, besides Roses above mentioned, were shown
Trdips and Pansies. Of the former four pans of twenty-foxir.
varieties, and of the latter eight or nine of the same number.
The Tuhp is not everybody's flower, it involves a great deal of
trouble, is gaudy, and has no perfume ; but I think few persons
could have seen the pan of Mr. Turner's which took the first prize
without admiring them. It is the fashion with some to run
down florists, to speak of their conventionalities, &c. ; but it
w as very strikingly seen in the diiTerence between the first prize
and even the second how correct those rides are, and how even
they approve themselves to the imeducated eye. Mr. Turners
flowers were— Royal Sovereign ; Rosa Blanca ; Fleurde Marie ;
Aglaia; Lady Bildair ; Caliph, es..,e-s..; Sir Colin Campbell,
distinct and clear feather; Duchess of Cambridge, ex., ex.; Mary
Seadleg, fine shape ; Sarah Headley, a fine feathered rose ;
King; George Gleuny ; Laurence's Friend; Rose Celestial;
Dr. .ffornw, beautiful clear yellow with slight feather ; Seedliny
645, a flamed and feathered Byblcemen ; Rutley's Queen ;

156

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 28, 1861.

Evchantress, a bright scarlet feather ; Duchets of Svtherland ;
Jfi/Hxon's Gem of Gems, a fine feather; and Seedling C 29.
Mr. Betteridge was Beeond. Amongst his flowers were fine
blooms of Everard, beautiful shape ; George Hayward, a fine
feathered bizarre of good shape ; Salvafor Rosa ; Strong's King ;
Seedling Ifo. 2, featliered Byblcsmen. Mr. Nathaniel Norman,
of Woolwich, was third j and Mr. James Batten, of Clapton,
fourth.

In Pansies the two best boxes were contributed by Mr.
James, gardener to J. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth ; but the
Judges had a considerable debate as to whether there were not
too many dark selfs. This is an evil that requires correction. As
a rule they are more easily grown ; and the consequence is, that if
an order is sent for twenty-four Pansies you are pretty sure to
get nearly lialf dark selfs. Mr. James' flowers were — Nepatilese
Chief; Colonel Wgndliam; Mev. H. S. jDomSrnJM, good dark ;
Frances Zon; a beautiful clear yellow ground ; Father Gavazzi;
Maid of Bat/i, Sne vih\ta; Alexander McNah ; Eugenie; Miss
Bill; Ladylurn Beav.ty ; Alice; Duchess of Wellington ; Mrs.
Laird, fine white ground ; Canary, good yellow ; Duchess of
Hamilton; General Young; See. J. Dix, a good dark self;
Njimph ; Jeannie's Sival ; Miss Walker, a little rough ; Saturn;
and Mr. T. Graham. Edward Shenton, Esq., was third ; and
Messrs. Dobson & Sons fourth.

It was too early in the season for seedling flowers. The only
noticeable one was a new bedding Geranium, for which an extra
prize was awarded. It was the same one which had received a
first-class certificate from the Floral Conmiittee, and is called
Prince of Hesse, anA vi!i% raised by Mr. Ingram, of the Royal
Gardens, Frogmore. It is of the ro-iy salmon class, somewhat
after the style of Kingsbury Pet, a profuse bloomer, with dark
horseshoe foliage and is likely to be an acquisition. — I)., Deal.

NEW BOOK.

The Miniatfbe Frtjit Gaeden.*— In this, the tenth edition
of Mr. Rivers' excellent work on the garden ciJture of fruit
trees (for that is what it in reality is) we have an evidence that
the cultivation of fruit trees is still in the ascendant, and that the
old-fashioned practice of planting tall widespreafUng orchard
trees in gardens is rapidly on the wane. Among the additions
and improvements in this over former editions we observe
corrected lists of the selected varieties, particularly among the
Plums, into which several fine and valuable sorts are introduced.
Another important feature is the ground vinert/, an improved
form of the curate's vinery of former editions. In speaking of
these Mr. Rivers says : —

"In gardens where these glazed riilgc-roofs ore not wanted for Vines
01- fruit-tree culture, they will be found most useful. They may be placed
on any warm border on the surfuce of the soil ; and early Pe'as, French
Beans, and many other early vegetables requiring rrotecU'on from spring
frosts, be grown under thera wi h advantage. For the cultivation of early
.Strawberries they are invaluable, as they not only hasten the ripening
period, but protect the fruit from heavy summer ^hnwe^soflen soinjurious
to tb? crop, and also from birds. Strawberry pl^nt.R to be cultivated in
ground vinery So. 1 should be planted early in autumn in narrow beds of
two or three rows, the plants close together in the rows, so as to take full
advantage of the glass-covered space. If in two rows, thev should be
9 inches apart ; if in three rows, 6 inches apart. The latter distance will
probably crowd the plants too much; but as the beds should be made
every season on a fresh piece of rich soil, as much fruit as can possibly be
grown in such a limite.i space must be the aim of the cultivator. In all
cases they, the glazed ridge-roofs, should be placed on bricks, with spaces
between them. Ventilation is then secured; and even Cuulifiower-plants
in winter will do well without the constant attention to •' ginng air," so
necessary in the old garden-frame culture. In gardens that are con-
fined and very warm, it may be necessary to have the ends not quite
closed up, but a small opening left at the top. just under the ridge, to let
out the heated air. My vineries stand in a very exposed place, and do not
require it."

TnE E.xrEHiMEKTAi, Gaedex is Sold.— Mr. Nightingale, of
Kingston, sold this garden, the house, and twenty-three acres of
land, at the auction mart in London, on the 16th of May, for
£15,500. The alterations which were commenced in 1853,
consequent on the move for an experimental garden, did not cost
altogether over £500, but were acknowledged by good judges in
the family to have doubled the value of the estate as early as
1858, and I have no doubt myself that a thousand stich places
might be met with within an hour of our great cities which
require a fresh turn over, and would well pay for it. — D. Beaton.

* ?T>^3Iiniatiire Fruit Garden, or the Culture of Pyramidal and Bush
^uit Tr,es, nith InslrucHona for Root-pruning, ic, &r. By Tliomns
Rioert. Tcnlli Edition. London : Longmans.

EFFECTS OF LAST WINTER ON PLANTS IN
ENGLAND.

(Contimied from page 136.)

I VENTUKE to send you an account of the ravages made by
the trost of last winter amongst my evergreens, &e.

Taxodium sempervirens. — Dead.

Deodaras, 12 feet high.— Dead.

WeUingtonia, 6 feet high. — Dead.

Younger plants have lost 1 foot of their leaders.

Evergreen Oaks, 60 years old. — All dead.

Deodara robusta, — Dead.

Thuja anrea. — Dead.

Pampas Grass. — Dead.

Magnolia on south wall. — Dead.

Araucaria imbricata. — Nearly killed.

Cryptomeria japonica. — Dead.

Thuja gigaritea. — Much cut.

Auouba japonica. — Dead; generally speaking, even the roots.

Hollies. — AH leafless, many dead. Eight on the lawn measur-
ing :— 1. 2 feet 3 inches. 2. 4 feet 11 inches. 3. 5 feet 3 inches.
4. 2 feet 7 inches. 5. 4 feet 1 inches. 6. 4 feet. 7. 4 feet
10 inches. 8. 4 feet — I am afraid will lose all their lower
branches.

The Cedrus atlantica and the Cedar of Lebanon have lost all
their foliage, but are now breaking.

Rhododendrons. — Very much browned, and in many instances
dead.

Yews and Box. — Ditto.

Privet. — Many hedges totally destroyed, others have lost plants
here and there.

Ivy. — Leafless and in many instances dead.

Pinus insignis, Fitzroya patagonica, and Libocedriis chilensis.
—Dead.

Even the common Elder is dead to the roots in many places ;
and ill taking down some young Oaks I found several dead at
the top. The two worst had 21 feet out of 60 feet, and 27 feet
out of 58 feet dead. These trees were marked in the winter ;
so, doubtless, I shall find many more in a similar way when
they are examined later in the year. At present it is quite im-
possible to say which Ook is alive. There is scarcely one that
has not lost all the ends of its branches, so that they all look
truly wretched. As for Laurels, I consider them a thing of the
past. — W. B., Stradsett Hall, Downham Market, Norfolk.

We are on a considerable elevation bordering on the south
coast. The frost here was very intense, and has acted with
unusual severity on many things. Common Laurels, Portugal
Laurels, and Laurustinuses of many years standing, and con-
sidered able to bear any amount of frost, have been seriously
injured, while some things of whose capability of standing a
severe frost we have always been doubtlul, remain untouched.
These include Aucuba japonica. Arbor Yities, Thujas, Bays, &o.
' The damage to newly-planted shrubs has been very serious.
Relative to Roses we have a sad tale to tell. Not one of the
Tea-scented kinds remains, and the Hybrid Perpetuals are but
little better. Some of the more hardy sorts remain only to
remind us that their time, too, with us is short indeed.

On some wall trees newly planted just prior to the frost I
had bestowed an unusual amount of care, but to no purpose.
Its eifects on them have been sad in the extreme : many of their
shoots were so injured I was compelled to cut them close in.
Where that was the case I cut the whole of them close back.

I believe the whole county of Sussex has felt the frost's effects
equally severely, our neighbouring nurseries included. Of young
fast-growing stock many thousands have, ere this, been com-
mitted to the flames, and valuable stock too. So direly has it
visited one niirsery of about sixty acres, that although in the
beginning of last December I sl'.ould have had little difficulty in
getting a good cartload of good stout young Bays, yet, on paying
another visit in the month of March, not one plant could be
found untouched by frost. — James C. Clarke, Wakehurst.

Sale op OrchiiiS. — At the sale of Dr. Butler's excellent
collection of Orchids, at Woolwich, on the 15th inst., Mr.
Stevens, the auctioneer, realised for them very high prices. There
were three hundred lots, and the gross amountof the sale was up-
wards of £1500. The following are some of the chief prices given
and the names of the buyers: — .brides erispum (Wilkinson),

May 28, 1861.]

JOIJKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

157

£9 ; Sacoolabium Blumei mnjus (Warner), £14 10s. ; Saccola-
bium guttatum (Veitcli), £52. Two other specimens of the
same sold respectively to Mr. Bassett and Mr. Day for £32 and
£36. Saccolabium ampiiUaoeum (Day), £21 ; Vanda teres
(Turner), £16 10s. ; iErides Liiidleyana (Binns), £15 ; Anguloa
Clowesii (Wilkinson), £13 ; Phaleenopsis amabilis (Day), £14;
CypripediuinIiir8utissimum(Baokliou9e), £6 15s. ; Tanda insignis
(MoMorland), £15 ; Cattleya Mossias aurantiaca (McMorland),
£18 ; iErides Schreedeiii (Williams), £21 ; Saccolabium gutta-
tum giganteum (Day), £46 ; Saccolabium prcemorsum recurvum
(Veitcli), £23; Sacoolabium curTifolium (Day), £36, &o.

CONIFEROUS TEEES AND SHRUBS:

WHICH TO EEJTECT AND WHICH TO PLANT.
Peom the experience gained in the winters of 1859 and 1860
we haye now some guide as to the kinds of Coniferous trees and
shrubs that should not be planted in the northern, midland, and
eastern districts of England, where permanent beauty in trees and
shrubs is desired, I will first give a list of those to" be rejected.

1. Araucaria imbricata.— On dry hills this may be planted ;
but in low moist valleys it cannot be depended upon. The
other species of this fine genus are all notoriously tender, and
only fit for house culture. This is, however, no reason why they
should not be cultivated ; for, in the course of time, large houses,
like orchard -houses without artificial heat, will be erected in
which groves of the tender and half-hardy Conifers will be culti-
vated. As places of re.-ort in autumn, winter, and spring, such
houses would be full of interest.

2. Our next family of tender Conifers is— Arthrofaxus, all the
species.

3. Callitris.

4. Cunninghamia sinensis, alias Araucaria lanceolata.

5. Cnpressus (the Cypresses). — These, with the exception of
C. Lawsoniana and C. nutkaensis, alias Thujopsis borealis, liave
all given way in the above districts, with the exception of some
places favoured by soil and site.

6. Pitzrova patagonica.

7. Libocedrus chilensis and Doniana.

8. Saxe-Gothea conspicua.

9. Sequoia sempervirens.

10. All the Mexican Pines, and also Pijius insignis, P. radiata,
P. brutia, P. halepensis, P. pinea, P. australis, alias V. palustris,
'and P. macrocarpa.

I do not mention the well-known tender species, such as
P. longifolia and P. sinensis. The list of Mexican Pines is a
long one : I refer your readers to Gordon's " Pinetum," in which
a gi-eat number are described, most of tliem remarkable for tlie
great beauty of their foliage, and quite worthy of being planted
in a large and lofty Coniferous-tree-house.

11. The species of Podocarpus are nearly all quite tender.
Tlie only one that is hardy and which seems likely to form a
small yew-hke tree is P. japonica, known pretty well as Taxus
japonica ; P. andina, and P. nubigena, said to be hardy, grow
very slowly, and have not survived the past winter.

The Coniferous trees and shrubs that may be planted with
safety in the districts I have mentioned are the following : — I
have given a few exceptions in some genera, which I think quite
necessary, as they have proved quite the reverse of hardy— a term
so often misapplied.

All the species and varieties of Abies or Spruce Firs, except

A. morinda, which is so often injured by spring frosts. The
Chinese or Eastern Arbor Vitses (Biotas) have proved remark •
ably hardy in dry, hilly places in the above districts, except

B, meldensis, which is a worthless plant, and B. freneloides.
The Cedars atlantica and libani may be reckoned perfectly

hardy ; but C. deodara and all its varieties have snfTercd to a
great extent the past winter, many large trees and nearly all
young trees having been totally killed ; still it is such a beautiful
tree while young that we must not cease to plant it. The White
Cedars (Chama;eyparis), have stood unscathed, except C. thuri-
fera, which need not again be planted.

The Cryptomerias although browned by the winter are not
killed. They are in most places ugly trees, and grow badly in
chalky soils. The irony loams of the Sussex hills seem to suit
them well ; but they require the fierce sun of Japan to give them
full vigour. I fear we shall never see any of them approachin"
the altitude of those grand forests of Japan which we read of in
old Thunberg and more modern authorities.

The Junipers are among the hardiest of Conifers, a few among
them are graceful ornamental trees and shi-ubs. The following
kindsmust no longer be reckoned hardy : — JuniperusBedfordiana,
J. gossainthainea, J. macrocarpa, J. oxycedrus, and J. phcenicea.

The Silver Firs (Piceas), are among the hardiest and most
noble of our Conifers ; nearly all of the species may be planted
with safety. I must, however, except P. pindrow and P. Web-
biana, which are almost invariably injured by spring frosts.
P. cephalonica is nearly equally liable to injury from the same
cause ; P. religiosa alias Abies religiose, is quite tender.

The pretty little Retinosporas are perfectly hardy, all hough
they turn to a reddish-brown in winter, as if they suffered from
frost. R. ericoides is well known as Cnpressus ericoides.

Of the numerous varieties of Yew (I am inclined to believe
there is but one speciVs in cultivation— viz,, tlie common Yew),
not one is in the least tender. Some of these are more curious
than ornamental, such are — Taxus adprcssa, T. canadensis,
T. Devastoni (a Weeping Y"ew), T. Jacksoni (another Weeping
Yew). The Yellow-berried Yew, and T. baccata horizonlalis.
The variegated Yews which form such glowing pictures at
Elverton are, in the eastern counties, in most places very ugly,
their rich golden colour turning into a dirty white, as if the
plants were dieeased. This occurs not only in light soils, but
in those that are deep, tenacious, and rich. All the species of
Cephalotaxus so yew-like in their appearance, are perfectly hardy
and bid fair to be very ornamental evergreen shrubs.

The western or American Arbor YUte (Thujas) are now a
fine group of Conifers— one of the finest. AU are perfectly
hardy, and two species bid fair to rival Wellingtonia in interest.
These fine trees are T. gigantea, which, unlike our old brown
species, retains its bright green colour all through (he winter ;
and T. Lobbii or T. Menziesii — not so gigantic in its growth as
the preceding, but a beautiful evergreen tree. Its foliage is of
a darker green than T. gigantea, and much like (hat of Cnpressus
Lawsoniana.

The family of Thujopsis, or Thuiopsis, so nearly related to the
western Arbor Vitals as not to be distinguished from them by
a casual observer, is now reduced to one solitary member — •
T. dolabrata, a Japan tree of great beauty, and likely to grow-
pretty well in this country, not appearing to require the forcing
climate that some Japanese trees and shrubs look for. Tlie
popular tree now well known as Thujopsis borealis has been
looked at by botanists, who seem always to possess a forty-horse
steam power of vision, and found to be a Cypress. It will
remain a Cypress till some clever man with a sixty-horse power
of sight finds that it is neither a Cypress nor a Thujopsis,

Among Coniferous trees and shrubs that may be planted in
all soils and sites, with not only safety but with a certain
prospect of gratification in seeing it grow well in our summer
weather, whether hot and dry or cool and cloudy, and looking
fresh and green all winter even in severe weather, is the Mam-
moth tree — our Wellingtonia, the Washingtonia of the Americans.
Our great great grandchildren may live to sec it attain a lieight
of 150 feet or 200 feet in this country ; and middle-aged
gardeners may, perhaps, regret that they cannot keep possession
of their tenements of clay till that time. For my part I am
quite satisfied with the tree as it is ; for while young and
feathered to the ground with its graceful radiating branches it
is most beautiful. As it increases in age it will doubtless lose
its lower tiers of branches and become mop-headed, like the
figures given of the large trees which still exist in California.
I have, therefore, no wish to see it past its beauty; and all old
planters will, I (rust, go with me.

I have in the above rough sketch endeavoured to show what
Coniferous trees and shrubs ve ought to reject and what to
plant in the colder parts of England. Much more remains to be
done. Some educated nurseryman or gardener with a thorough
practical knowledge must one day give the public more informa-
tion on this subject. A catalogue entitled, " Conifers Suitable to
the Climate of Great Britain," is far too vague. We require — Ist,
a list of the interesting yet tender species and varieties that can
only be planted in the soft, mild climate of (he west of England,
the south of Ireland, and in Jersey and Guernsey ; 2nd, a list
of such as may be planted in the districts I have named at the
head of (his paper, describing the soils and geological formations
in which and on which they grow most vigorously. — Senes.

Floweb Makkbt. — A new flower market is just opened in the
noble curvilinear-roofed Floral Hall, adjoining Covent Garden

158

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGB aAllDENER.

[ May 28, 1861.

Theatre. Messrs. Milne, of Wandsworth ; Mr. Standish, of
Bagshot; and Mr. Fergusson, of Stowe, liave collections of
plants there, vaiying in prices from 6rf. to many shillings, all in
pots. Messrs. Npgretti and Zambra liave a stand of horticultural
implements. There are various stands for the sale of garden-pots,
Tases, and baskets ; and Mrs. Stothard has a stall for her beau-
tiful artificial flowers made of paper.

A CHAPTEE ON HEATING.

HOP-KILNS, HOT WATEE, IlITES, AND rOLMAISE.

It is not surprising that after an nnnsnally severe frost the
subject of \v ating garden structures should occupy a consider-
able share of atlention in gardening periodicals ; for any imper-
fection in the existing means is sure to he noticed as well as the
more successful modes. And every one will admit the winter
just passed to have been a trying one, and any scheme tliat has
satisfactorily passed such an crdcal may be justly regarded as a
meritorious one ; and it is possible we may have several new
schemes for hothouse heating oiTeied to us with the vrari-ant
that they have stood the test of the past winter — and this is no
mean qualification to found tlieir claim npon.

I am far from certain tliat our very bes't modes are not exceed-
ingly ■wasteful, not even exempting the best-conti-ived hot-water
apparatus, or tlie recently-revived system of heating by hot air,
called again into notice by Mr. Beaton and Mr. Kidd, which,
doubtless, is a great improvement on previously existing means of
heating in that way ; but which is, doubtless, far short of what
one day will he effected by the united exertions of those who
may give the consumption of fuel and the heat it emits their
close attention. In saying this much I by no means deprecate
many of the useful plans now adopted ; but I do not think any
of tliem give all their warmth to the objects requiring it.

Some years ago 1 was much struck with a remark in a philo-
sophical work of high standing, which was this : " Tlie ascent
of Mont Blanc was a laboi-ious undertaking for an ablebodied
man for two days, yet the combustion of 2 lbs. of coal ought to
place him on the summit." This astounding assertion might
have been questioned had it been made by a less eminent autho-
rity than Sir J. Herschel, for it was in one of his works that I
read it ; and although I do not remember his entei'ing into any
particulars of the natural or artificial power.^^just then compared,
I have no doubt but the infiuence — the burning of this coal —
exercised as much force over the exiertial air as was equiva-
lent to the raising of a human body the many thousand feet
spoken of.

Now, this may appear to have little relationshii^ with hot-
house healing ; but it may have, if the waste of coal be so great
as the aulhor quoted makes it to be. What improvements may
not yet be expected ? But let us turn to other subjects bearing
still more directly on the matter.

The economy of heat has for many years been a source of
study with those who have had the warming of buildings, for
which fire he»t, in some shape or other, is required ; as, for
instance, maltings, hop-kilns, laundiie-', workshops, churchis,
and public rooms, and the various classes of garden structures,
which, for distinction, we may call hothouses. To this list
others may be added ; but enough Iiave been enumerated to
prove tliat attention has been directi-d this way.

Of the first-named of these (mailings) I have but little know-
ledge ; neither is fire so much an accessory as in the hop-kilu.
The due administi-ation of heat being an important matter; and
as several modes liave been adopted, one of which so closely
resembles that which has so recently attracted attention as a
modification of Polmaise, that I make no .apology for saying a
few words on the hop-drying system as practised in this neigh-
bourhood, where that article furms the most important of all
crops, and its preparation for use is, of course, an equally impor-
tant consideration.

I believe that our important crops are all perfected, or, I
should say, harvested, in the open air, except in very bad
seasons. But this is not the case with the hop ; for, gathered
in October, tlie sun at this period, even in the finest of all seasons,
is not sufficient to dry up the superfluous moisture by which the
article is charged, and it is more often wet than dry at that
time: consequenlly fire heat has to be resorted to. And though
there are many modes of ai)plying it, there is but little diflerence
in the kilns, which are generally circular brick buildings, of an
inside diameter of from 10 feet to 18 feet, the sides being from

12 feet to 18 feet high, with a long conical roof, and an opening
from 2 feet to 3 feet in diameter at the top. This is protected from
rain by a cowl which turns with the wind. I mny add that the
floor on which the green and wefhops are laid is 2 feet or 3 feet
below the eaves, and from 9 feet to 1 5 feet or more from the
ground. The hop-drying floor is constructed of rafters laid
about 2 inches apart, and over them a hair cloth is fixed. The
timber used is usually poplar, which is the best to resist
fire, and the hair cloth is also less liable to accident that way
than anything else, and at the same time admitting the heat to
pass freely through it and amongst the hops lying on it.

Now, from the under side ot this floor to the ground level
there is often a clear space of from 9 feet to 15 feet, and which
has to be heated for the purpose of drying the green and damp
load above, whieh is often laid on nearly a ibot thick, and
must be dried in ten or eleven hours ; two such loadings being
always dried every twenty-lour hours, a rapid fire heat is there-
fore required. One of the modes adopted having so strong a
resemblance to Polmaise, I cannot do otherwise than describe it.
At the bottom of one side of the kiln in question a fireholo ia
made, and a fireplace, similar to one that might be underneath a
saddle boiler, is placed ; but instead of the boiler a large cast-
iron box like a trough is turned upside down over the fire, a
square opening at the side opposite to the fire being made in one
side of this box to allow the smoke entering a flue ; and there
is often a piece cut away in the front side of this box that is
over the fire to allow room to feed the fire. Ihe flue from this
fire goes round the kUn, but does not join the outside wall, and
the flue is sometimes raised on pillars also, so that all sides of it
may communicate heat to the space requiring it, a chimney
eventually carrying it out at some place where it unites with
other buildings. Dampers in the flue regulate the draught, and
openings in the outside wall with sliding shutters in front of
them regulate the admission of external air, and the fire, being as
described, inside the room requiring heating, we have as near as
possible the mode of heating described and discussed with such a
diversity of opinions in the gardening press about a dozen or more
years ago as Polmaise ; only in the case here mentioned the air
to be heated is drawn from the open atmosphere, and is not
worked in the rotary motion which haiflcd so many of the
advocates for Polmaise.

Now, the flues in this hop-kiln were generally made of the
best material, and when once got into working order were kept
actively at work for the season, and appear to be constructed
on a principle likely to economise heat, yet, it was found
not to be so, and this class of hop-kilns is now almost obsolete;
and although, as I have before said, it embraces almost all the
points of Polmaise, it is more than fifty years since it was
generally discarded. How long it is since it was introduced I
leave for others to determine. Suffice it to say that its only
claim to notice now is its adaptability to all kinds of fuel, which
is not the case with the modes of heating now more generally in
use, which, though hardly applicable to the general purposes of
hothouse heating, may nevertheless be described here.

Instead of the covered-in fire before alluded to, an open one
on bars and a little brickwork is fixed in the centre of the kiln ;
and immediately over this, but perhaps 6 feet from it, and
3 feet or 4 feet from the diying-iloor, is suspended in chains a
piece of plate-iron 4 feet or 5 feet square, and, being hung
flatways, prevents the direct heat of the fire scorching the centre
of the drying-floor immediately over it. This fire, however, is
composed of charcoal, coke, and Welsh coal ; and being open
as stated, its action is vei-y powerful on the floor above ; and it
is required so to be, as the thermometer is often kept at 130 .
The wonder a stranger evinces is that the timbers composing
the floor do not ignite; but poplar will bear a great deal of
baking, and hair cloth still more so : nevertheless, fires do
occasionally occur. It is right also to add that outside openings
admit air to fires of this class also ; and a recent patentee has
surrounded his fire with pipes, one end opening into the fire,
and the other to the open air — the pipes, of course, inclining
from the fire outwards. Others, instead of having the iron
plate hung as described above as a safeguard, have a number of
cast-iron pipes crossing each other just over the fire, so that the
fire heats tbe ends that are over it ; and the air rushing out is
also heated and carried upwards, its place being supplied by the
air entering at the other end, which is outside. Many other
modifications of these plans are in use, which might be profitably
studied by those having the heating of hothouses in view— not
that the open charcoal and coke fire here spoken of is eligible

May 28, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAaB GARDENEE.

159

for plants generally ; but the heating here given to air, and the
other principle on which its working depends, offer many hints
to those inclined to turn them to account.

The above digression is given with a view to show that heating
by warm air has been practised many years in some form or
other ; and some churches and public buildings are, I believe,
heated on that principle ; but by far the greatest number of
workshops and buildings of a small kind are heated by an
Aimott's stove, modified more or leas to suit the circumstances
of the place, and I must confess that no description of heating
that I am acquainted with gives off so much warmtli in pro-
portion to the fuel used as a well-constructed Arnott's stove.
An ordinary laundry stove I conceive to be of this class, and
nothing can so quickly raise tlie temperature of a room as this
does ; and if some skilful hand could divest it of that unpleasant
vaporous smell, it might be worked usefully in heating our garden
structures.

It is not my purpose to enter into the nature of the gases
generated by a stove of this kind ; but every gardener knows,
by a single whiff, that it is unsuited to plant cultivation. To
chemists we therefore say. Purify it, and you will confer a boon
alike on the vegetable and animal creation. And those who
live long enough may possibly see this done. And when this
has been faiily set into working condition, I have no doubt but
we shall be several stages nearer that summit of perfection which
has been aimed at in so many things ; for I cannot bring
myself to tlie belief that heat communicated to one object, and
that object having to impart it to a second one, and this in turn to
a tliu'd, and so on until it reach the object wanting it— much
of it is not lost. We all know the mors garments we liave
on when the weather is cold the less likely is the cold to reach
us : and heat that lias to be trdnsnlitted tin'ough several inches
of brickwork, and then to travel some distance along a flue,
withdrawing portions of its heat all tlie way as it travels, cannot
emerge from its orifice in Other than a much wasted condition.

In mtiking tlie above observations I by no means intend to
disparage the many useful heating apparatuses now in use at
various pla'ies. What I want to see is, a material brought into
practical use that will withstand fire heat, and not give olf those
mipleasant vapours which an iron stove invariably does; for be
it remembered, tlie materiil ouglit not to be tliicker than the
iron plates of the Arnott's stove. If we could accomplish this, I
think much, if not all, of tlie waste heat bestowed on tlie fire)>laces,
flue, and chambers, would act directly on the hothouse; for the
whole apparatus, if prepared in a neat and tasteful form, might
be inside. An ojieniug to fted it 'with fuel and clean out the ashes
might be made from the outside ; but this ought to be closed as
far as possible against external air. I have often pictured to my
mind a heating apparatus of this kind, but am unable to suggest
a material to make it of Iron, as stated above, is object ionnble,
and brick is too thick. I should tliink a fireplace or stove
formed of the material of which crucibles are made would be
sure to stand heat well, as they are often heated to a white heat,
and I have heard a manufacturer of cement articles assert, that
cemented goods when well made will also stand an equal amount
of heat. How far these two substances will not oci'a.-;ion those
sulphurous or obnoxious gases wliieli an iron stove is unable to
avoid, I am unable to say. But the object is worth trjing for,
for with all our boasted skill it must be confessed we have made
fewer improvements in heating garden structures than has been
made in the construction of living-room stoves, kitchen ranges,
and the like for the last thirty years, for I could point out a
church that was heated by hot water in 1830, that has not been
excelled yet, I believe, by anything of the kind since inlrofluced.
True, this useful agent has been brought into more general use,
and made to ascend and descend where it was never expected to
do ; but it is an expensive affair, and now and then, like every-
thing else, breaks down at the most unfortunate time for every-
thing and everybody concerned.

A writer in The Cottage GTaedeitee, at page 258, Vol. XXV.,
(Mr. CuUerne) expresses his unwillingness to advocate the Pol-
maise system because I had opposed. I am exceedingly sorry at
this, for I byno means assume myopiuionto be infallible, and lam
equally pleased to find my views opposed by others, as well as
confirmed by them, especially when a good .sound reason is put
forth for doing so, or, what is stiU bett«r, a good bundle of facts.
I think the most I said or intended to say against Polmaise was,
that it was wasteful in fuel and liable to go wrong ; but where
it did work well, no mode of heating that I am acquainted with
can equal it. A particular friend of mine had a spare pit heated

in this way ; and as he was an enthusiast in that mode of heating,
he used to point to the waving foliage of the plants when the
house was closed as a proof of the circulation of air going on,
and has told me he could cook an egg at one of the hot-air
openings 30 feet or more from the fire, and certainly nothing
could look better than the plants by which it was filled, for it
was used for forcing. But I believe he had one or two sad
misfortunes with it, and at all times it was extravagant in fuel,
so large a portion of the heat escaping up the chimney. It is for
this reason, and the consequent uncertainty of iron plates stand-
ing the fire, but cracking and filling the house with smoke,
that I have advised the inexperienced to have nothing to do with
it. Biu'ied beneath a mass of brickwork it may, doubtless, be
safe, but its heatmg powers must of necessity be much diminished
unless urged on by extravagant firing.

Curable coadjutor, Mr. Fish, has very judiciously put before us
boilers of various kinds, and alluded to their working qualities, and
the many other points connected with hot-water heating, as well
as that by flues ; and there is one point in the latter mode which
I wish to add to what he has said on this matter. It has always
been my opinion that when a heat of only 40° or 45° is wanted,
an expensive heating apparatus ought to be avoided, and to this
end a good plain flue is often available. We have two span-
roofed plant-houses here, each 36 feet long, intended for ordinary
greenhouse and New Holland plants ; these are heated by flues
travelling round each house in the usual way, and ascending a
chimney just over the fireplace. The two houses being in one
length, the two fireplaces are just behind the w.ill at the parti-
tion ; a front shelf about 3 feet broad, and a path about the same
width traverse the entire length, the rest of the house being
stage and platform. There is nothing particular in the heating,
only that the flue which pusses uiiderufalh the front shelf, and
also that part which passes under the stage, is composed of
cement pipes, 12 inches in diameter inside, and about an inch
or rather more thick in substance ; the ends being brickwork,
more for the conveniences of cleauing out at any time than
anything else. These cement pipes arc made in lengths of 30
inches or 3 feet, and have joints filling into each other, and I can
certify to their answering every purpose that can be wanted of
them. The cost for Roman cemented ones being Is. 2d. per
foot, and for Portland, 1.9. \0d., but either kind answers well.
The flue rises and falls at the doorways where it crosses the path-
way ; but the rise and descent are both gradual, and not abrupt ;
they heat very well, and with less trouble than any hot-
water apparatus we have. Observe, I do not mean to say that
flues of tliis description ought to supersede hot water for regu-
lar and continued forcing ; but for greenhouses, or structiu-es
requiring little more than the frost kept out, a flue is a much
cheaper apparatus than hot water. All that is necessary to insure
its action is to get the fireplace set low enough, and to have a few
feet of upri(;ht chimney to end with, and let ail the turns be easy
bends ; and when the flue must descend let the top do so as well
as the other parts of the Hue, for I believe the smoko trav'ete along
at the top, and ought not to meet with such an obstructioh as a
piece of perpendicular brickwork. Or anylhi.ig that way; and
although all descriptions of brickwork give off nnpleasaiil; exhala-
tions when fii'st the fire is used, after being some tiiVie idle, this
may in a great measure be guarded against by making the fire in
the daytime, and opening the ventilators. iStill, with even this
drawback, I cannot bring myself to the belief that it is inferior
to some of the toy kinds of iiot water apparatuses, which are said
to burn little fuel, and require little attention, but which are
also very liable to very great uncertainties. A good useful
hot-water apparatus of some size is another thing ; but to
make a fire in a place not larger than a man's hat, and expect
that to keep burning many hours, is at variance with all my
notions of utility. But I must conclude with again requesting
our scientific friends in the fire-stove line to come forward and
give us a helping hand ; for so long as we waste so much heat on
brickwork not wanting it, and in other ways allowing it to go
up the chimney, so long is our heating-apparatus imperfect, and
the sooner they are improved the better ; for it must be con-
fessed, nothing in the garden line, has made so little progress for
thirty years or more. J. BOBSOir.

The Faiechild Flowee Seemon. — Tlie " Flower Sermon"
was preached, as usual, on Whit- I'uesdary evening, at St. James'
Church, Aldgate, by the Rev. W. M. Whittemore, rector. The
gaily-dressed young poople, with their bouquets of flowers, made

160

JOURNAL OP HOKTICTJLTUKE AND COTTAGE aARDENEB.

[ May 28, 1861

the old church look quite nttractive. The preacher's text was
Psahn ciii. 15, and hi3 topic " Wild Flowers." From these he
drew various lessons of tlie Divine goodness ; of the wonderful
variety observable in tlie works of God ; of the striking difference
between tlie natural and the gracious states of the lieart of man ;
and of the fading character of all earthly iiopes. The Sunday
Bible Classes, which are held at tliis church on Sunday after-
noons, are open to all young ladies and gentlemen who are
desirous to attend. — {City Press.) I

Ceossbreedikg Sweet Peas. — I perceive Mr. Beaton, in
The Jouenal of HoETicuLTnEE, May 14-, says he does not
know of any one who has obtained a true cross in any of the
Pea-flowering plants. I do not know if the following will in-
terest him. About the year 1836 I crossed the Painted Lady
and Purple or Puce Sweet Peas. I obtained very few seeds,
and tliese the next season produced grizzled and striped blooms,
being a mixture of the two colours. I do not know if Mr. Beaton
will consider this a true cross. — B. P. Bbknt.

CLIANTHUS DAMPIERI.
Nat. ord-, Papilionaoea;. Linn, Diadelphia Decandria.

I Having had several applications for information concerning
I not only the cultivation but merits of this plant, our best reply
to the latter class of inquirers will be the publication of the
annexed engraving, with a few explanatory notes.

There is no doubt that this plant was discovered as long ago
as the year 1699 by Captain Dampier, the circumnavigator. He
found it growing in the dry, sandy soil of one of the islands

called Dampier's Archipelago, on the coast of New Holland, and
a small specimen of tliat very plant is still preserved, without
leaves, in the Sherardian Museum, at Oxford. The late Mr. Allan
Cunningham, so well-known as the botanical explorer of Australia,
bestowed on this plant its commemorative name ; he says, "This
species, observed sparingly by myself in the voyage of Captain
P. P. King, K.N., in 1818, I have dedicated to that very cele-
brated navigator, its discoverer. In May, 1818, it was found in
flower, and only with fruit in a very young state." — (Sort, Soc.
Trans., 2nd Series, i. 523.)

Mr. Cunningham met with it, afterwards, in the western
interior of New South Wales, on the eastern shore of Regent's
Lake on the river Lachlan ; and by Mr. Eyre and Captain Sturt,
it was found on the Gowler Bange, and Barrier Bauge, near the
Darling, about 500 feet above the river.

It has had many syuonymes, as Clianthus Oxleyi, a
mere variety ; Donia speciosa, and Kennedya spcciosa. Mr.
Woodward, in " Dampier's Voyage," called it Colutea Novse-
Hollandiae.

Althoiigh so long known, and admired by botanists, it was
not introduced among our obtainable plants until 1850, and we
are indebted for it to Messrs. Veitch & Sons. Its splendid-
growing blossoms were first seen in this country in their green-
house during the March of that year, and being exhibited before
the Horticultural Society received the well-merited testimonial'
of its Silver Medal.

It is a stout, decumbent, herbaceous perennial, of a pale
aspect, covered with long hairs. The leaves are pinnate, five-
paired, with a terminal odd one ; leaflets oblong, slightly obo-
vate, mostly opposite ; stipules two, coarsely toothed or slashed.
The angular flower-stalks proceed from the axils of the leaves,
bearing a kind of umbel of four or five most brilliant flowers.
The calyx is tubular, shaggy, with five acuminate lobes, and
acute re-entering angles. The standard is ovate-oblong, acumi-
nate, bright scarlet, with a deep purple stain at the base, which
is convex and shining ; the keel is acuminate, and, like the wings,
bright scarlet.

Excellent coloured drawings of this flower are in " Paxton's
Flower Garden," i., pi. 10, and in the "Botanical Magaiioe,"
t. 5051.

May 28, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETICTJLTTJRE AND COTTAaE GABDENEE.

161

WHAT CAUSES A DEAUGHT?

THE EEASON THE KIDDEAN IS PKEFEBABLE TO THE
POLIIAISE SYSTEM OF HEATING.

Is there one person in ten who knows why there is a draught
in a flue, and why raising the chimney increases the draught ?
I think not. And as I want to have a say about the Polmaise
and Kiddean systems of heating, will you let me clear the way a
little before I commence my discourse ?

Let us suppose that we have a glass tube shaped like the
letter (J ; tliat each leg is 6 inches long, and each aperture
1 square inch in area, and that the one leg is filleni with water
weighing (let us say) 2^ ozs., and tlie other with a like bulk of
oil weighing (we assume) IJ oz. Of course, one-half the oil will
be driven out unless pressure is applied to restrain it; and if we
put a valve on the oil aperture, that valve must be loaded with
a weight of 1 oz., in order to prevent the oil from flowing.

Let us now imagine the bulk of water and of oil doubled by
increasing the diameter of the tubes, then the pressure at the oil
aperture will be 2 ozs. ; but as the area of the aperture will be
doubled also, the pressure will still be 1 oz. to tlie square inch.
If, however, we double the bulk of water and oil by doubling
the height of the tubes, still keeping the area of each aperture at
1 square inch, then the pressure at the oil orifice will be 2 ozs.
to the square inch, and the oil, if it escapes, will escape with
double the velocity which it would have done in either the first
or second case above mentioned. Here, then, we have the first
metliod of increasing the force of the outward current — viz.,
increasing the height of the differing columns.

Now, suppose that we retain the tubes at their original height
of 6 inches, and for the oil weighing (by hypothesis) li oz., sub-
stitute a like bulk of ether weighing (by hypothesis) half an oimce
only, then — although the height of the column remains the
same — the ether will flow out with a force of 2 ozs. to the square
inch. Here, then, is the second way of increasing the force of
the outward current — viz., increasing the diflerence between the
weights of the two columns, their height remaining unchanged.

Let us apply our example : — The water represents the column
of cold air outside a flue, the oil the lighter warm air within it.
And if we make that warm air into Jiot air, we shall produce an
effect like tiint which followed when we changed the oil for ether.

Now, in Polmaise, the column of air between the heating sur-
face and the point of exit is so short that in order to get a circu-
lation of any considerable velocity we must resort to the secood
of the before-mentioned methods — namely, intense rarefaction of
the air in the chamber, and this more especially if there is any
adverse pressure to be overcome.

This intense rarefaction cannot be obtained without intense
combu^tion in the furnace, and this intense combustion cannot
be maintained without a great waste of heated air up the furnace
chimney : therefore, the obtaining a circulation by means of undue
rarefaction gives rise to the following evils : — 1, Waste of fuel.

2, " Burning the air" by the excessively hot surface required.

3, Splitting the furnace and cracking the iron, from extreme
expansion and contraction. These are, I think, the usual ob-
jettions to Polmaise. Now, the Kiddean system obtains a cir-
culation through the hot-air chamber by the first method which
I liave pointed out— viz., increasing the height of the column of
warm air, and so gets rid of the three evils which arise from ptir-
Buing the second method, while all the good points of Polmaise
are retained.

Had I to apply the Kiddean system on a level I should have an
opening from the lowest point of my greenhouse into the bottom
of the hot-air chambers, and the place for the escape of the hot air
should be high up in the house ; but I would not have a cold-air
drain or hot-air flue, except so much of the latter as would be
needful to give me the height of column I might require. The
hot air is sure to find its way to the top of the house ; why, then,
not deliver it there where the loss of heat takes place ? I would
trust to the cold-air current to diffuse the heat through the
house ; for the au:-chamber being at the lowest point of the
house the coldest air for the time being would collect there, and
so soon as that rushed in to be warmed, some not quite so cold
would take its place, and so on. Of course I would have an
opening from the air chamber to the outer air, so that I could
ventilate at pleasure.

I firmly believe that a large house might be heated without
flues, or drains, or any of the apparatus which our friends the
hot-water folk will have it cost as much as pipes. — E. H.,
JBromsgrove.

"WOEK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Trench up every spare piece of ground for the first plantation
of winter stuff. The ground to be trenched 2 feet deep, and a good
coat of manure to be dug in, when it will be ready for planting
with Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, &c. The Broccoli to be planted
2 feet apart each way. If fine heads are desired, a ring of hot
lime to be placed around each plant of the Cabbage family to
protect it from slugs. Asparagus, give the beds good soakings of
liquid manure from the melon-ground cesspool, or from horse-
droppings. Keep the siu-face of the beds free from weeds, and well
pulverised by frequently hoeing between the rows. Where the
supply from the established beds is abundant the weakest shoots
may now be allowed to grow. Cardoons, sow a late fuU crop.
Plant out the early crop ; if they were sown in a seed-bed choose
a rich piece of ground for the purpose. It will not be advisable
to plant largely of the first crop, as it soon runs to seed. Cauli-
^o!oer«, liberal applications of liquid manure to be given to them.
Celery, plant some of the most forward into trenches. Keep
it well watered in dry weather. Continue to prick out from tlM
seed-beds for late crops. CucawiSers, keep up the bottom heat
of the principal beds if fine long fruit is desired. Dwarf Kidney
Beans, earth up those that have been planted out, and sow
again. JSndice, make another small sowing. Lettuce, make a
sowing of different sorts for successions. Potatoes, hoe between
the rows, to loosen the earth and destroy weeds. Sea-kale, thin
out the heads so as not to allow them to crowd each other, and
water once or twice during the growing season with a weak
solution of salt and water— viz., 2 ozs. of salt to a gallon of
water. Turnips, make a good sowing for early autumn use.
Thin out the advancing crops. Vegetahle Marrow, plant out on
a rich piece of ground where there is plenty of room for it to
grow.

TLOWEE GARDEN.

The directions given last week are still applicable to operations
going on here. Heliotropes, Ageratums, and tender annuals
may now be planted out with safety. As soon as the beds are
all filled and finished off, plant out into the flower-borders some
of the odds and ends which were left reserving a few to
receive high cultivation in order to fill up blanks either in the
houses, beds, or borders. Attend to the sticking of Carnations
and Pinks as they grow, it will greatly enhence their appearance
when in bloom. Plant out Dahlias, mulching and watering the
soil liberally in dry weather. Masses of American shrubs under
or near large trees would be benefited by a top dressing of half
rotten leaves or old tan, with a liberal supply of water in hot
weather, to keep them cool, and to compensate in some measure
for the exhaustion occasioned by the roots of the trees.

FBtriT GARDEN.
Keep an eye on the Gooseberry caterpillar, and let blooming
Strawberries be well supphed with water. Where black fly has
attacked Cherry and other wall trees give them thorough good
washings with the engine : pure water to be used for the first
time, which will partially destroy them. A good washing of
soapsuds and clear water to be applied by the same means, and
on the following day another good washing to be given with
clean water. The same practice to be persevered in until the
pest is entirely removed.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSEBVATOBT.
When the cold pits and frames are cleared of the bedding
stock they will be the most suitable places during the summer
for the growth of many things for the autumn and winter decora-
tion of the conservatory. It is not advisable to continue the
stopping of the stronger shoots of Epacrises after they have
attained a fair blooming size as it eventually leads to the pro-
duction only of weak, small shoots which cannot bring many
flowers. When the plants are allowed to form moderately-strong
shoots the flowers, from being produced at almost every leaf,
grow in long spikes, and are then finer and more vigorous than
under the opposite circumstances when the plants are continually
topped, so that the shoots become small and weak. As the
habit of these plants is to prjduce long shoots, they must be
annuaUy pruned into form, and even beyond this any luxuriant
shoot that appears may he turned to account by the practice of
stopping. The present is a good time to sow a supply of Chinese
Primroses for the winter. Get them potted off early, and keep
them shifted and growing in a cool frame where they can have
plenty of air and some protection from heavy rains. TJse a

*^B

JOTJENAX OF HORTICtrLTCEE AITD COTTAGE aAEDENER.

[ Jftay 28, 1861.

light, rich, loamy compost ; a cool temperature, with plenty of '
air, gires a high colour to the blooms. Eepot Melocacti,
Echinocacti, Mammiilorias, <tc., if necessary using good loam '
intermixed -nith charcoal broken to the size of nuts. Place
them in a hotbed vrbere the heat is gentle; give them a moderate
share of fresh air, and a supply of clear, weak manure water
once a-week. This treatment to be continued for a couple of
months, when they may be removed to a greenhouse to ripen
their wood, and afterwards to be set in a hot, dry place out of
doors for a few weeks before housing. Pinch off the decaying
blossoms of hi brid Ehododendrons, give them liquid manure,
and, it" wanted for early work, give them a warm place to force
them slightly into wood. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.
Weathee hot and scorching during the day, cold at night ;
nevertheless the ground is getting waimi. Continued routine of
work much the same as last week. Kepotted Begonias, Glox-
inias, Achimenes, and brought the latter from under the dense
shade of Tines into a later house, where they have a liitle
more light : cannot yet give them a better position. All plants
in pots required a great deal of watering. Noticed for the first
time a little red spider on two or three Strawberry plants on
a lofty shelf in the vinery ; whipped them out at one?, and will
get forward ones from such places near the apes of the roof
into a garden-frame as soon as possible, as that will give lieat
enough for forward ones if the weatlier keeps sunny. Have
tried Sir Harry for forcing, we think, for the last time — the
fruit, though large, being few in quantity. Ingram's Prince of
Wales has done well ; and Queens, of which I have gathered
none, are swelling nicely. These two last and Keens' will be
our main croppers next year, with a few of Black Prince for
early ones. Strawberries out of doors have had the Dutch hoe
run through the rows to prevent the stiff ground cracking ; and
in some instances have been stirred with a steel fork an inch
deep or so, but not more. A gentleman told me the other day
he had his all dug between, because he saw it recommended in
some gardening book ! ! Oh, the poor roots ! From the time
of planiing until they are dug down we should think it next to
sacrilege to admit a spade among Strawberries. A few flowers
have been blackened, but at present the bloom is extra in
strength and profusion. The plants have already had a soaking
tjf manure water, comfortably warm, and would rather like
another dose, and niu.^t have it if the rain does not come soon
in good earnest. Litter from the stable has had the dun<; shaken
out of it pretty well, to be saved for Muslirooms ; and the litter
will be placed between the Strawberry-rows as soon as the
ground has been well watered naturally or artificially. This litter
will be washed cltan before the Strawbei'ries are ripe ; but
those extra fastidious should use a little cltan well-thrashed
etraw at once. Many use short grass from the lawns, and
almost anything is better than allowing the fruit to lie on the
ground; but in wet seasons the grass is apt to be imbedded
into the fruit, and in all seasons you are sure to have a rare ciop
of daisies and otlier weeds. All our trials of slates, tiles, &c.,
led us to the conclusion that the advantages they rendered were
too problematical to recommend them ior general use. In a
small place, however, they certainly promote cleanliness, and in
bright weather the fruit ripens sooner ; but in very hot weather
it is apt to be somelhiug like parboiled. Any contrivance,
however, is better than letting the fruit lie on the ground.
Where litter is inconvenient, httle sticks, the diameter of the
little finger and 18 incbts long, stuck along each side of the
rows 4 feet apart, and a small siring run along from one to the
other all round will keep the fruilstalks nicely up, and the plan
looks very neat and the fruit veiy inviting. But perhaps it
may be only a fancy of mine, but certainly I have thought that
Strawberries, whether in pots, in houses, or in tlie open air,
did not have such a good chance of swelling freely and to a
large size as when the fruitstalk was allowed to hang down.
The very weight of the fruit would thus bring more juioea to
sustain ilsell by the strain thus g ven.

Everything else, however, this last week has had to give way
to preparations for bedding out in the flower garden. We
aeldom do much until the 20th. However, on the IBih we put
a row of Salvia fulgens round some large beds of Hollyhocks
and Pillar Boses, the Roses being all cut to the ground and
many gone eltogetlier. A band of Coreopsis bi«olor nana was

placed round the Salvias, to be followed by Asters, there being
a baud of Musk next the otitside. On Monday the 20th we
commenced in earnest, chiefly with Calceolarias and Scarlet ,
Geraniums. We pot no Calceolarias in general, nor Ageratums,
and very few Scarlet Geraniums. Some of the latter did not
lift so well as usual, owing to the material in which they were
planted being too deep and light ; but they will only flag a
little for a few days, and most of them are staridhig as well as if
they had come out of pots. And most things so planted, we
are convinced, do better afterwards than plants from pots,
unless there are the time and the care taken to break the balls
and disentangle the roots, which would be a serious aflair when
thousands must be quickly disposed of. The bedding-cut plan
in intermediate beds, to grow and harden before final planting
out, has another advantage — a greater number can be carried
or wheeled to the ground in boxes or sieves, and then there
are no pots to bring back. Some of the tenderer variegated
Geraniums do not do so well when thus planted out and lifted ;
and in tlieii' case we find it best to pot singly in small pots,
encourage growth until the pots are pretty well filled with roots,
and then turn them out into intermediate-beds into rough soil
and leaf mould, and to be protected as long as they need it.
If the bottom ground is hard, these will do all the better.
This saves almost all watering previously to planting, and the
plants are nicely furnished with roots, which strike into the
ground at once. Of course, growers for sale must, to a great
extent, use pots.

As I find it impossible to do much in the way of changing
the soil, I generally as much as possible change the cropping
every year. This was easier to do in the old bedding system
where great breadths were made of one colour ; but it requires
more trouble and consideration, since stripes, and dots, and
crosses have become also a part of the fashion. 'J hanks to
an esteemed coadjutor, I have hardly a thing to tell. If I
have a regret at all, it is that in saying so much of the bedding,
&o., he picked out so few faults. The sunk garden, which is
not at rll in unison with his artistic taste, remains as it was ;
but planted differently, and with slight bands ronnd the beds,
which will tend to make the grass paths look wider. Its very
simpUcity makes it, perhaps, easier planted than a more artistic
design, such as I have no doubt our friend would soon place in
such a good position for seeing the colours of the whole plot
all at once. The designs of all the other borders are also
altered. Whether improved or not is another question ; but I
fear that telling about all the little outs and ins about them
would hardly be in unison with this gossipping article, though
we can think of little else at present-

The weather being so uncertain, and some of the plants in-
tend-d for groups being rather small, we have been forced to
leave many designs unfinished, and even to pot some things,
and give them a fortnight or three weeks' nursing. This is
much better than riMjning risks, though I find my handy
labourers do not like it so well. The work seems to go on
with more zest when they see it all and finish as they go ;
and when it is necessai-y to leave out tenderer plants the
whole matter should be fully explained, as every man works
better when he sees the object and design of his working. A
bit of a rogue once told me that the hardest work and the greatest
punishment he ever received was being compelled to curi-y stones
from one heap to another and back again, to serve no object
whatever, but to keep him on the trot. The treadmill was
nothing to it if the mill was made to serve any purpose of
utility. The same principle applies to all labour. It is better
done, more cheerfully and zealously performed, when the worker
sees the object of his work.

Among the things for which we must wait a week or two are
Perilla nankiuensis and Cineraria maritima seedlings. The
PeriUa may be strong enough by the end of the week, but the
j Cineraria will require the best part of a fortnight, being just
potted singly in 60- pots fi-om boxes, in which they were pricked
' out thickly from the seed-pan. I still like cuttings best, but
the last winter killed most of the plants, though they had stood
well previously out of doors until I wanted them ; and there-
fore, fearing the cuttings would be deficient in quantity for
spring propagation, I sent for a sixpenny packet of seed ; and I
think in a fortnight I shall have some five hundred nice little
compact seedlings, 3 inches to 5 inches high, in fine order for
turning out. The cuttings are already planted. A correspondent
who lately made inquiries about these seedlings may, therefore, be
confident of their answering ; still I like cuttings by far the best.

May 28, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

163

One peculiarity I must just mention. Ereiy plant has a little
compost put round its rootSj formed of equal parts of rough
leaf mould roughly riddled through an inch sieve, sandy fresh
loam, riddlings from the potting-bench, and the burnt earth and
charred rubbish spoken of last week. This all mixed together
is just nice as to dryness and nice and warm to put round the
tender roots, and no check is felt from coming at once in contact
with the cold ground. A friend who was pleased with the
half-burned, half-charred heap thought plants could not have
too much of a good thing, and used it too hot and too much
by itself, and then wondered the plants did not get on nicely.
He forgot that it was possible to surfeit plants, just as a man may
eat too much beef or take too much wine.

One word more. In very sunny weather it is useful to shade
the tenderer plants, that show the moving most, witli a few
small evergreen branches, such as la\u'el or any twig of deciduous
trees if in leaf. If not securely put in the ground, however,
the sweeping of these by winds will do much liarm ; and
besides, there is the trouble of getting them, their vmsightlincss
stuck over the place, and the botlier of clearing tiiem off again,
and sweeping and picking up the leaves tint drop from them.
Unless in extreme cases and where a little protection may be
needed, as in the case of Heliotropes turned out earlier, I find
that the same object may be gained by sending a boy to syringe
the tops several times during the day. Mere watering at the
roots after being done sufficiently, will not by repetition, when
not wanted, affect the flagging of the foliage ; but the syringing
will. When a large space has to be done a man takes a garden-
engine, and by regulati?ig the discharge into a mist, like dew
more than anything else, the leaves are moistened and the
ground partially, so that a humid atmosphere is kept around
them and prevents them perspiring too freely. Thus used, a
potful of water will do more good than a dozen applied either
by spout, or rose, from a pail ; and as for liking the work,
there seems a sort of mesmeric attraction between all kinds of
squirts and boys pretty well of all ages and sizes. — R. F.

AppKOACHiNa Floweb Shows. — We would draw attention
to the very liberal prizes offered by the Belfast Botanic and Horti-
cultural Company. We hear that it is hkely to be a very superior
exhibition. The Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland hold
their meeting at Belfast during the same week. AVe are very
pleased to find that at Liverpool and other large towns, induced
by the example of Bloomsbury, shows strictly confined to pi mts
grown in streets and alleys are being announced. On the 30th
of July there is also a Flower and Allotment-holders' Show at
Kingscliffe, in the grounds of Archdeacon H. K. Bonney. The
exhibitors are such as do not keep a gardener, eottagi^rs, and
children, all judiciously classed. Of all these we should like to
have the reports.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*4j* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Grentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the "Journal of Sortioiilture^ 4'^'>" 162, Fleet
Street^ London^ F.C.

Plants for Wet Feat Soil {A Siibscrihcr). — Unless you mean such plants
to be of no use or ornament, but only as bofanical rarities, the pi^at earth
from the fens of England, or the bogs of Ireland, or the moss hags of Scot-
land, will be of no use to you except as dressings to very liglit or very heavy
land. Drosera votunrUfolia, Pinguicnia \'ulgaris. Eviophoaim polys*^achyon.
or Scottish Pampas Grass, and the Rnbus articns, the wild Raspberry of
Scotland, and the Pcottish Cloudberry, the best native fi'uit of all the High-
landjj, are the only plants out of scores which gr-ow on bogs and boggy peat
that we could recommeml for cultivation \ but there are very few gardeners
■ffho could grow and fruit these plants for you anywhere.

Manuring Vines (J. iSkSscHSct-).— If your Vines are vigorous, and, a3 you
say, they are swelling off their fruit well, they will probably need little
assistance by manure. If the Vines are rather weakly ynu may give tliem
some liquid manue made of the pigeon's dung you mention. Take care to
keep the roots well supplied with rooisture, and warm by covering at night if
cold, wet weather occurs, as tliey are planted OQtside.

Job's Tears (H". 2L). — The bead-like, flattened, opal-coated seed which
you enclose, resembles a falling tear, and is produced by a plant known as
*' Job's Tears " as long since as the time of Gerarde, who in 1596, cultivated
it in his ^-arden in Holborn, under that i.ame. It is a ^^pecies of grass called
by botanists Coix lachryma^ and you will find a drawing and description of
it in the '-Botanical Magazine," t. 2479. You must treat it like a tender
annual, but may plant it out in a warm sheltered border in June.

Pltjm Grafting [ T. C.).— Early in March ie the best time, or at such time
as the swelling of the buds shows that the sap is in motion. The modes are
precisely the same as for the Apple or Pear. Why not propagate by budding,
which may be done in July and August? Your question abnut bees is
answered in a communication from " A Devonshire Bee-keeper."

Flower garden Plan {J. C. C. J,).—Xon have made a vei-y good dis-
position of the plants in all the parts of your flower garden, which is a lady's
fan, with a run of the 1 ite Duchess of Bedford's Chain on each side of it, and
an excellent adaptation of double ring-beds over the top of the fan for
Humeas -a nice fancy pattern. The edging to 7 is superfluous, and unless
there was room for a broad band of it— say 9 inches or 10 inches wide— it
would not be in character. 3, 3, would be better without an edging, and
yellow is out of all charao'^er to edge a white bed with. In 5, 5, let Pink
Pet, which is a fifth or siyth-rate bedder, be discarded, and let the edging of
Tropaeolum el^'gans run all over the bed, and you will never repent It, and
watch that Gazania splendens does not run over and annihilate your beauti-
ful white edging to it. Rigens is the only pi mt we would ever use to edge
Gazania splendens with, and both open in the sun, and shut up their flowers
in dull weather. We have them now both in bloom together, and the first
sight of them paid for all the bother we had to keep them true.

Making Concrete Walks (/, R.). — No drains are laid under a concrete

walk — and to have drains und^r any walks, unless in c'ose-glazed pipes, ia &

ivrong idea though still clung to. There is not one thoroughly good garden

walk that I know of within fiftv miles of London, and they are all too

expensive. In large kitchen gardens, wliere deep drainage Is required, the

bottom of the walks is the best place to carry the pipes through, but then

the pipes will be a yard at the least below the walk, and the damp from the

drain will never affect the bed of gravel. The gravel is, therefore, as safe

from damp as the ioists under the drawing-rnom floor, as the gravel of all

walks ought to be in such a climate as ours. Anybody who has ever assisted

bricklayers or masons to put in concrete under foundations can he trusted

to make concrete walks, and even he consulted on making then. A solid

bottom is all the preparation required before putting in the concrete. I had

1 such abundance of chalk that I often u-sed it one-half, and one-half rough

j stones and gravel, for a bottom, and in twelve hours it was fit to wheel on.

Then I had it slightly watered to receive a last coat of fine gravel for a

I surface. That coat was of mixed best gravel and finest powdery chalk— say

I one-third challc. and the layer half an inch in thickness. But lime is better,

j and in many places much cheaper.— D. Beaton.

I Casiellia. Leaves Blotchkd (.1 Cheshire SHhscriher).—T\\QS& blotches
are usually caused by strong bunshine falling on the leaves in a close, con-
fined air. There is no doubt tliat Camellias which have been somewhat
neglected, by having their roots at one time too dry and at another time too
wet, are most liable to this disfigurement. The roots by such vicissitudes
are deprived of the power of supplying the requisite amount ot sap.

Stalks of Vine Lpaves and Grapes Decaying (C X.).— They are

affected exactly the same as those sent to us by " G. F. D.," and " M. A. M."
See what we said in repl\ to them last week, page 144. That the roots of
your Vine are too cold is rendered certain by what you state relative to their
being outside, and the soil and subsoil being clayey.

Various [A Suhscribcr).~Vov general purposes no Cucumber is better
than the Sion ILiuse. Store Carrots in sand, having previously cut off a
slice of the top of the roots so that they cannot sprout. It is iinpt'ssible to
answer so va-ue a question as " which is the best Melon ? " Do you mean
for early or late production, green-fieshed, or red-flcshed? We never recom-
mend trarlesmen. The Cottage Oardeners" Diciionanj may be had free by
post for sixty-four postage stamps previously sent.

Scale Insect on Cotoneastek (Ei/don Rectory). — The Cotoneaster is
miserably infest^ed with a species of Coccus or Scale, the females of which are
now nearly full grown, and will shortly give birth to myriads of young. The
only plan which we can suggest at this period of the year is to loosen the
bran^'hes and rub them along their back sides where the insects occur with a
hard nail or toothbrush dipped in a creamy mixture of soft soap, flowers of
sulphur, and water.

Flower-garden Pl.vs (iflr/x).— Three very pretty rustic raised baskefc-
like circles, with the top of each filled with Flower of the Day and Verbena
Andr6 mixed, malting the beds look as if planted with snme reddish-purple
variegated Geran.ums. The next step-beds trom these tops tilled with two
rows of Tom Tlmnib, and edged with Purple King Verbena; and at the
bottom a row of Calceolaria flovibunda, an 1 outside it a row of Lobelia
speciosa. 'Ihis idea is goo^t, t'le manner of planting is better, and a white
Verbena where Purple Iving is, and a variegated something where Lobelia
speciosa is proposed, would make it one of the best of that style that we have
seen. Purple King between liglit scarlet and shining yellow would only look
dull, and dark blu^ Lobelia is, or would be. overwhelmed by a light yellow.

Grubs in Soil ( (9 /-((Me/i.—Tiy watering with lime water. Thoroughly
soak the ground with it. It will not injure the seedlings. A peck of fresh
lime to thirty gallons of water is the right proportion.

Peach Leaves Blistered {A Stcbscriber^ BalJinn). — We do not know a
Peach named the Scarlet Admirable. However, whatever Peach it mav be,
the leaves are blistered. This is a disease the cause of which is obscure, but
we believe that it arises frnm the young wood being imperfectly ripened the
previous year. This renders the shoots peculiarly liable to injury fi-om
spring fros.s and sudden vicissitudes of teniperatm-e, which always are liable
to injure the foliage. Why the other Peach trees are not similarly ir\jured
is inexplicable, unless we knew whether they ai'e planted more shallow, or
as less vigorous growers.

Painting Glass to Afford Shade (>4. D.).— Take a quart of jelly siie,
halfa pint of water, a dram-gla-^s or half a quartera of turpentine, the same
of linseed oil, and about as much whiting as a walnut nicely powdered, and
put it all in a kettle over the the fire until it is near boiling, stining it well.
Then wlien pretty hot. take it to the glass and draw it thinly and quickly
over it with a brush. If you have a dry brush and follow atter, daubmg with
the point of the brush quickly, it will look neat, like rough ground glass.

Heating and Arranging a Small Greenhouse (JN'orfce).— We have no
faith in the safety of any stove without a chimney. See what a correspond-
enl says about his stove enclosed in a corner of the greenhouse. A smaU
double iron stove— that is, with the fire-box not touehmg the sides, and a.
flat top for a vessel of water t-ught to heat your house sufficiently. See what
Mr. Robson savs to-day about Arnott's stoves. If you prefer hot water,
a small brick stove with a boiler like that of Mr. Rivers' on the top of it, or

164

JOURNAL OF HORTICUITUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

[ May 28, 1861.

a boiler like that descritted by Mr. Allen, would suit you; but we are con-
vinced tlie best would be an iron ttove, if yon did not want much heat, and
the small funnel conld go through a square of glass in the roof. The house
will hold moi o smsill plants by having a stage like steps, and individually they
will have more room and light, just becau-e your diagonal line is longer
than the base. A flat table or slielf would be best for the front. No creeper
would look moTe handsome than Passiflora c(Erulea. You could grow Cucum-
bers over the roof without fire Iieat alter June, more especially if you obtained
a good strong plant from a neiglibour, but we would not advise such a pro-
ceeding if you value the plants on the stages beneath. A Vine would be every
way better, and need no fire at night, when your plants did not need any,
whilst it would not be so exposed to insects, nor be so troublesome to manage
as the Cucumber. If anxious for Cucumbers, you can, however, manage
them in sucli a place, and it you shut up the house pretty early in the after-
noon, you may have splendid fruit hanging down from the end of June to
the end of September. You would see much on Cucumbers in late Numbers.

Growing Achimenes and Liliuh lancifolium (.7. £. IT.).— The Achi-
nienes will begin to come now. it kept dampish, and will do very well in
the greenhouse during the summer. As soon as the tubers push a few inches
— say two — put them, four or six, in a six-inch pot, using sandy soil and leaf
niould, and well-drained pots. Keep them at first in a close shaded part of
the house. The Lilium lancifolium should be kept nearly dry in winter,
after the stems die down ; be watered as soon as the bulbs begin to move, and
fresh dressed with rich compost. If the pots could be kept on the floor of a
cellar, or any other damp place in winter, they would need no watering.

CoLTORE OF THE GuAVA AND MusA Cavendishii ( Clcricm).— The Guava is
very accommodating, but of tile tliree places mentioned, the vinery, wliere
the heat do's not fall below 40° to i5° in winter, woiild be the best, thougli it
would fruit well in a Peach-hou-jC if the plant was kept warm enough in
winter. It delights in rough light loam ; and a good-sized plant can be
grown in a large pot, or box. If the pot is small for the plant, frequent top-
dressings and rich manure waterings should be given in summer. It will
stand a little shade, but the more sliade in summer and autumn the less fruit
next year. In winter it needs little water: but It must not be parched. The
Musa Cavendishii can be fruited in the smallest space, when a well-rooted
sucker is planted in a bed, heated below at pleasure, with hot water, and
plenty of light and heat and air are given. We recollect no other mode.
Planted in a pot, much the same results would be obtained if the conditions
as to light, Ac, are supplied.

Names of Plants (ll'ilfred].—!, Luzula campestris; 2, Luzula pilosa.
(/. IF. 5.).— 01 No. 1. your specimen is too impei-fect for defenninati jn, the
solitary flower sent being entirely without ovary. It looks as if it were an
Irid, and is, perhaps, ."^ome species of Sisyrinchium ; 2, is Saxifi-aga sar-
mentosa. (A Stihscriber).— !^ Paehvsandra procumbers; 2, Iberis semper-
virens ; 3, Phlox subulata ; 4, Aubrietia purpurea : 5, Daphne cneoram.

September 3rd. Pocklington (Yorkshire). Sec, Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close August 26th.
September 24th. Bridonobth. Sec, R. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. &c., Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Crystal Palace Winter Show.

Sec , W. Houghton.

N.B. — Secretaries will oblige us by sending early cftpies of their lists.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

JttNE 5th and 6ih. Rotal Horticultural Society. (Plants and Fruit.)
Garden Superintendent, G. Eylcs.

June 5th. Portsea Island. Sec.. H. HoUingsworth, Southsea.

June II th. Royal Oxfordshire Horticoltfral Society. {Plants and
Flowers.) See.. W. R. Hobbs.

Jdne 12th and 1.3th. York. Sec., J. Wilson.

June 19th and 20th. Brighton and Sussex Floricultural and Horti-
cultural Society. Sec. E. Carpenter,

Jose 25th. Romford. (Plants, Flowers, and Fmit.) Sec, Mr. Alfred
Cooper, Ron. ford.

July 3rd. Portsea Island. .Sec, H. HoUingsworth, Southsea.

July 6th. Crystal Palace. (Rose Show.) Sec, W. Houghton.

July 10th. Roval Horticultural Society. (Rose Show.) Oardm
Superintendent, G. Eyles.

JlTLT 18th. TOWCF.STER FlOKAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Sec.

T. B. Rodhouse, Towcester.
JcLYlSih. Prescot. 5fc., J. Beesley.
August 9ih. Uelfast Royal Botanic and Horticdltoral Society.

(Plants. Fruits, and Vegetables.) Sec, George A. Cari-uthers.
August 14th. Portsea Island. Sec, H. HoUingsworth, Southsea;
September 4th imd 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
September Ilth. Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
September 18lh and 19th. Brighton and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpenter.
November Cth and 7th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chry.santhemums.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newinoton Chrysanthemum Society.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
NovEMBr.R 14th and 15th. Crystal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec, W. Hnuffhton.
^•\'--S''^'''f<"''^s of Societies inlendina to aditertise in our columns will

obltge us by sending an early intimation of their exhibition days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

POULTRY SHOWS.

June 4th, 51 h, and 6th. Bath and West of England. Steward,

S. Pitman. Esq Entries close May 4th.
June 19th. Thorne. Sec. Mr. Joseph Richardson. Entries close June I2lh.
June 19th, 20th, and 2l8t. Coaldrookdalk. Sees., 3. B. Chune, and

Henry Boycroft, Coalbrookdale.
June 25th. Essex. Sec, W. R. Emson, Slough Hou.se, Halste&d, Essex.
JuHEjSth. Driffield. 5ec., Mr. R. Davison. Entries close June 22nd.
June 28th and 29th. Taunton. Sec, Mr. Charles Ballance. Entries

close June 1 4th.
July 3rd, 4th, and 5'h. Blackpool and West Lancashire. Sec, Mr. E.

Fowler, jun.. Mirket Street, Blackpool. Entries close June 30th.
JULY I81I1. Prescot. Sec, J. Beesley.
August 26th, 27rh, 28th, and 29th. Crystal Palace Summer Show.

Sec, W. Houghton.

MANAGEMENT OE EARLY CHICKENS.

Easterly winds cutting round corners, penetrating the beat

flannels, insinuating tliemselves into the most skill'ully-contriTed

wraps, suggesting as the first morning duty an inspection of the

registering thermometer, and a shudder as the fact was noted

i that, in the second weels in May, 1861, there were 5° of frost,

I sucli things have suggested only the causes wliy poultry was

dear and scarce. They have led to some little disquisition ;

j but even tliat had assumed a character of discontent, and would

{ have become ere long a record of disappointment.

j The sunshine has altered all these things ; and now — instead

of lookin:? at our chickens, and asking ourselves first, whether

they were large enonoli for market ; next, whether tliey would

make the tempting prices of which we read— we now wonder

whether they will grow enough to be summer winners. We

try to recollect instances of unusual, almost incredible, progress,

as our raan said, " When once they 'd started ;" and at last we

solace ourselves with the most unworthy comfort that we are as

well off as our neighbours. If that idea be excusable in any

instance it is in this, as it will be against more or less distant

neighbours competition will take place.

We advise breeders to do with their chickens as head-masters
of public schools are said to do with their scholars — to give all
their care to those that will make a return for it, and by their
attainments add to the reputation of the school and the renown
of the master ; while the others, less favoured by Nature, go
on the even tenor of their way, consigned to the c^rc of the
writing-master. " I am sorry, Sir," says the disappointed parent,
"but I do not think my son has made much progress since
Christmas." " Indeed ! Do you not think he writes a beauti"
fulhand?" Paterfamilias withdraws. Bnt Me Joy, the master
is never tired of showing him off — scholarships, honours at
College, and future pinnacles of greatness, all seem " looming
in the future" for him.

The same thing 13 true of chickens ; there are two distinct
sets. The first will make you, in all probability, a brilliant
return for any extra pains you may take — (he best run, the best
food, and Iho best attendance will be well bestowed, and pieces
of plate or money prizes may be looked for through them ; but
hand over class 2 to the writing-master, let them go to market,
or let them share with large asparagus, or early peas, the honour
of dining some particular friend, or a warm maiden aunt, or a
rich bachelor uncle — they will never make you a return in any
other way. But it will be said. All the chickens cannot take
prizes. Granted ; but they can all sell.

It will, of course, be necessary to make provision for more
than one exhibition ; but even for one, that will be held in June,
July, or August, it will be necessary to have several sets for
selection, or to guard against accidents. The man who boasts
he always hits the train to a nicety is sure to be too late on some
very important occasion; and the man who attempts to show
largely with a small stock will be sure to be disappointed when
it will vex him most. If one out of three carefiillT-selected fowls
should die, or go amiss, it will always happen tlie day of, or the
day before, tlicir departure for the great Show they were reserved
for. Keep, then, a plenteous stock, it will enable you to choose
easily ; and, above all, if it is your intention to show in classes
where feather is essential, be careful to choose birds that match.
There arc two reasons why the first weeding of the yard should
take place now — the first is, that the refuse will make more
money than they would if they were kept some weeks or months
longer ; and next, that by removing these there is more scope
for the picked birds. Wo will treat of these next week.

PiOEONs' Nests. — I have noticed a paragraph going the round
of the papers, and which recently appeared in these columns,
respecting the Sheffield Pigeons using horseshoe nails in forming
their nests where straw was to be obtained. I do not see any-
thing very remarkable in the fact, as Pigeons always prefer
sticks and twigs to hay or straw for nest-building when they are
readily procurable. I had a pair of Turtle Doves that picked

May 28, 1861. ]

JO0RNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER.

165.

up in tlie garden the fine wires that had been used for labelling
the dahlias, and lined their nest with them. I have also had
Pigeons form their nest of liedge-elippings so fiill of thorns that
the eggs would be sure to be broken or the young spiked. —
B. P. Beeut.

BEVERLEY and EAST EIDING of TOEKSHIRE
POULTRY EXHIBITION.

This Exliibition took place on the 22nd iiist., and the following
day. There were poultry amateurs who pre-supposedthe entries
this year would be somewhat limited, from the fact of its being
held simultaneously with other meetings of like character. We
aro enabled unequivocally to state, however, that the collection
of the present year even surpassed those that preceded it, proving
beyond cavil that the interest publicly felt in the breeding and
exhibition of choice poultry is not in any way decreased.
Beverley, no doubt, possesses various attractions that conduce to
the visits of eight-seers, independently of its annual Poullry
Shows ; but certain it is that numbers of individuals attending
it from year to year, make choice of that particular season, that
they may enjoy the privilege of viewing one of the most elabo-
rately built minsters in the kingdom, combined with some of
the most rural walks conceivable in the immediate outskirts,
together with a stroll through as clean and well-ordered a town
as we meet with in a lifetime, and that at one expense only.
Ei'om these causes the amount of admission-money is consider-
able ; wliilst the gentlemen composing the Committee are equally
notorious for their good management of the specimens confided
to their care and courteous conduct to all comers. With such
advantages it is not to be wondered at that the Beverley Show is
always a good one.

As customary, Spanish headed the prize list ; and although
Mr. Fowler, of Aylesbury, secured the first position, he was very
closely pressed by Dr. Pierson, of Bridlington, and Mr. Branfort,
of Sunderland. The quantity of first-rate Spanish hens exlii-
bited was remarkable ; but the class for Single Spanish Cocks
was very indifferent. Mr. Berwick, of Helmslej', was lucky
enough to obtain both the first and second prizes in the Grey
Dorking class, and gain the premium for the best Singh Cock
of this variety, with specimens of the highest merit. It is useless
to hope for a better show of Cochins than the one at Beverley,
and by refei-ring to the prize list it will be seen most of our
principal breeders were in competition. As in former years, how-
ever, the Game classes were the most complete of any throughout
the show-rooms ; the Black-breasted Reels, Brown Beds, Duck-
wings, and Black Game being all of the highest strains in the
kingdom, and shown iu the most perfect condition and plumage.
It is an invidious task to particularise when all the classes were
so unexceptionable ; but certainly the winners of the two silver
medals had to struggle for their success against heavy entries of
the very best birds we ever saw together. The Samhurghs were
both numerous and good. The JPolands, though limited as to
numbers, were also superior. The Malays, with the exception
of the prize pens, were imperfect. The Sullan Fowls, Brahmas,
and Silkies, in the extra class were unexceptionable. The class
" for any Farmyard Cross" drew together (as might be antici-
pated) one of the most singular medleys we ever met with ;
among them, however, were some extraordinarily useful fowls.
Gold and Silver-laced Bantams competed in the same class, and
we cannot help alluding, with pleasure, to the excellency of
ground colour in the first-prize Silvers, the pm-ity of which is
always diificult to attain, and has now for some years .back been
almost extinct. The classes for " pairs of hens" mustered well,
and formed one of the most interesting displays in the Exhibition.

The Turkeys and Ducks were very superior.

It was the general opinion of fanciers, that the pigeon classes
were far in advance of the collections brought together by the
Bevei-ley Committee on the thi'ee preceding occasions, although
always considered one of its leading features.

Most unfortunately, the weather at the commencement of the
Show was unfavourable ; but we are informed that after a few ]
hours there was a decided improvement.

The Judge appointed was Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Eden
Cottage, Sparkbrook, near Birmingham.

Spantsh.— First, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, T. T. Pierson, M.D.,
Bridlington Quay. Third, R. S. Branfort. Sunderland. Highly Commended,
T. T. Pierson, M.D. G. Hoyle, Hessle. Commended, T. T. Pierson, M.D.

DoBKiNGS.— First and Seconri, H. W. B. Berwick Hclrasley (Grey). Third,
W. Dalby, Syston Hall, Grantham. Highly Commended, T. Vf. Hill, Hey-

wood, Lancashire. G. C. Whitwell, Kendal. W. Watson, Bishop Burton,
Commendad, F. Key, Beverley. Kev. T. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleveland.

Cochis-Chisa (Bnfr, Lemon, and Cinnamon).— First, T. Stretch, Bootle"
Liverpool (Butn. Second. H. W. B Berwick, Helmsley (Huff.) Third,
H. Tomlinsnn, Balsall Heath Road, Birmingham (Buff). Highly Commended,
T. H. Barker, Hovinghara (Buff). E. Smith, Middleton. Manchester (Buff).
J. Cattell. Worcester Street, Biimingham (Buff). J. Mell, Hessle. Com-
mended, W. Dawson, Hopton Mii-fleld. J. K. Fowler, Aylesbuiy (Bnff).
G. S. Simpson, Hnnmanby.

CocHiN-rHiNA (any other variety). — First. W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfield
(White). Second. J. Shorthose, Newcastle (Partridge). Third, T. Stretch.
Liverpool (Partridge). Commended, G. C. Peters, Birmingham (White).
J. Bell, Thirsk (Partridge).

Game (Black-breasted and other Reds). — First and Second, H. Adams'
Eeveiley. Third, W. Dawson, Selly Oak, Birmingham ( Black Red). Highly
Commen<^ed, H. M. Julian, Beveriey. Capt. W. W. Hornby, Knowsley.
H. Adams. Beverley. Miss A. Stephenson, Beverley (Black Reds). W.
Raynor, Hunmanby "(Black Red). G. Pease, Darlington (Black Red). H, M.
Julian, Beveriey (Black Red).

Game (DuckA-ing and other Greys). --First. G. W. Langdale, Leckonfield.
Second, R. Tate, Driffield. Third, H. Adams, Beverley. Highly Commended,
H. Adanjs. W. Dawson, Selly Oak.

Game (any other variety). — First, W. Dawson, Selly Oak (Black). Second,
R. Tate, Driffield (Blue). Third, H. Adams. Beverley (Pied).

(The Silver Medal for the Pen in Classes 5, 6, 7, to Pen 61, Black-breasted
Reds.)

Hamburgh iGolden-pencilled).— First, W. Shipton, Moseley. Second, W.
Grey, 8-3. Northgate, Darlington. Highly Commended, R. Hemingway, Red
House Shelf, near Halifax. J. Robinson,' V;.le House, Garstang. J. Munn,
Hrath Hill, Stackstejd. Commended, W. B. Key, Epworth. J. Mnnn.

Hahbuegh 'Silver-pencilled). — First and Second, S. Shaw, Halifax. Highly
Commended, J. Robinson, Vale House, Garstanj. Commended, D. Barker,
Hull.

Hambcegh (Golden-spancledl.— First, H. W. B. Benvick, Helmsley.
Second, H. Caiter, Upperthong, Holmfirth. Highly Cfmmended, H. Adams
Beverley. A. Hudson, Ousecliff, York. J. Robinson, Vale House, Gai stang.
Hamburgh (Silver-spangled).— First, J. Robinson, Vale House, Garstang.
Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. Highly Commended, J. Dawson, Middleton,
Manchester. S. Shaw, Halifax,

Polish (Black with l\Tlite Crests).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second,
D. Parker, Hull. Highly Commended, J. Dixon. Commended, G. Pease,
Darlington.

Polish (any other variety).— First and Second, J. Dixon, Bradford (Gold
and Silver).
Malays.— First, C. Ballance, Taunton, Som ersetshii'e. Second, R. Tate,
I Driffield.

Ant other Pdre or Distinct Breed not Fbeviouslt Classed. — First,
W. Dawson, Hopton (Sultan Fowls). Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury
(Brahma Pootra). Highly Commended, H. Beldon, Bradford (Silkies).
Commended, R, Tate, DrifBcld (Brahma).

Ant FABsrrABD Cross.- First, Mrs. White, Theanie. Second,_B. Robson,
Arram. Third and Fourth, R. Tate, Driffield.

Bantams (Gold or Silver-laced).— t irst, S. Shaw, Halifax (Silver-laced).
Second, T. W. Hill, Heywood (Silver-laced). Highly Commended, T. W. Hill,
Heywood (Gold-laced). G. C. Peters, Birmingham (Gold-laced).

Bantams (Black or White).— First, J. W. George, Beeston Padge (Black).
Second, G. C. Peters, Birmingham (Booted White). Highly Commended,
D. Layboi-n, jun.. North Bar Street, Beverley (White).

Bantams (Game).— First, J. Shorthose, Newcastle. Second. R. Smithi
19, Regent Street, Hull. Highly Commended, C. Ballance, Taunton (Duck-
wing'. Capt. T. Percival, Whitby. Commended, H. Lyons, Beverley (Black
Reds).

Best Spanish Cock.— Priie, T. T Pierson, M.D., Bridlington Quay. Highly
Commended, R.Tate, Driffield. D. Barker, Hull. Commended, J. K. Fowler,
Aylesbury.

Best Dokking Ccck.— Prize, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley (Grey). Highly
Commended, M. Kiikby, DrifBeld. Commended, T. H. Barker, Hovingham,
Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleveland (Grey).

Best Coch in-China Cock.— Prize, R. Fielding, Middleton, Manchester
Commended, T. Boucher, 106, Bull Street, Birmingham.

Best Game Cock (Black-breasted and other Reds),-F.rst, W. Hall, Keld"
gate, Beverley (Brown lied). Second, H. Adams, Beverley. Highly Com-
mended, H. Adams, I'everiey. W. .\cklam, Etton Kennels (Black Red).
G. Weft, Etton 'Black Red). J. Hodgkinson, Hull (Brown lltd). H. Adams,
Beverley (Ero\s-n Red'. R. Hemingway, Shelf, near Halifax (Black Red),
Commcndeil, Miss Griffin, Cherry Burton (Brown Red). J. Lowther, Beverley.
Best Game Cock (Duckwing and other Greys).— First, H. Adams, Beverley
(Duckwing). Second, G. W. Langdale, Leckonfield (Duckwing). Highly
Commended, H. Adams, Beverley iDuokwing). Commended, R. Bfackbnm,
Goole (Duckwing).' H. Adams, Beverley (Duckwing).

Best Game Cock (any other variecy).— First, J. Woodhonse, Bempton
(Black). Second, R. Tate, Driffield (Bi assy-winged).

B ST Hamburgh Cock (Gold or Silver-pencilled).- First, H. Adams,
Beverley (Gold). Second, W. Cannan, Bradford (Silver).

Best Hamburgh Cock (Gold or Silver-spanglod'.— First.R. Tate, Driffield
(Gold). Second, W. Cannan, Bradford.

Best Cock (any Farmyard Cross).— First, R. Tate, Driffield. Second,
W. Milner, Dunswell.

Best Two Spanish Hens.— Prize, T. T. Pierson, M.D., Bridlington Qn^-'
Highly Commended, R. S. Branfort, Sunderiand. T. T. Pierson, M.D,
D. Barker, Hull.

Best Two Dorkin& Hens.— Prize, J. W. George, Beeston Padge (Coloured).
Highly Commended, W. E. Eastern, Hull (Dark Grey). H. W. B. Berwick,
Helmsley (Grey).
Besi Two Cocbcj-Chisa Hess.— Prize, J. Cattell, Birmingham. Highly

16G

JOURNAL OF HORTrCtrLTTJEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 28, 1861.

Commended, H. W. B. Bei-wick, Helmsley (Buff). Commended, J. Mell,
Hessle.

Best Two Game Hens.— Prize, H. Adaros, Beverley. Highly Commended,
J. Woodhousc, jun., Bempfon (Brown Reds). T. C. Trotler, Sntton. Hull.
H. Adams, Beverley. K. Tate, Driffield. J. Pinder, South Dalt^n (Brown
Eeds)

Best Gold or Silver-laced Baijtah Oock. — Prize, Master J. Crossland,
Jan., Wakefield (Silver). Commended, S. .Shaw, Halifax {Gold}.

Best Black or "VVhite Bantam vCock. — Pri/.p, D. layboum, jun.,
Beverley (White). Highly Commended, Miss Foster. Molescroft, Beverley
(White). Commended, E. Smith, Middleton (White).

Best Bantam C'^ck (any other variety).— Prize, W. G. Drewiy, Market
Plaee, Beverley (Black Red). Highly Commended, T. Rippon, BeveWey
(Black Red). J. Turner, Driffield (Black Red). W. W. Boulton, Beverley
(Black Red). S. Shaw, Halifax.

Best Gander and Goose. — First, R. Tate, DritBeld. Second, A. Toung,
Driffield. Highly Commended, R. Tate.

Best Cock and Hen Tdrkey.— First, J. Smith, Breeder's Hill, Lincoln-
shire. Second. R Tate, Driffield. Highly Commended, R. Tate. E.
Stephenson, Hull Bridge.

Gdjnea Fowls.— First., H. MirUin, Driffield. Second, S. Shaw, Halifax.
Commended, B. Tate, Driffield-

DrcKs (Aylesbury).— First, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, K. Tate,
Driftield.

Dociis (Rouen or Rhone). — First and Second, T. H. Barker, Hovingham,
I jDccKS (any other variety).— First, G. S. Sainsbury, Rowcle, Devizes (Black
Ea^t Indian!. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford (Grey Call). Thiid, Mrs. F.
Lawton, Thearne (Cross-bred). Highly Commended, Miss A. Straker,
Hornsea.

Sweepstakes for Game Cocks.- Silver Medal, Capt. W. W. Hornby,
Knowsley. Second and Fourth, H. Adams, Bevcrlev. Third, R. Tate, Drif-
field. Highly Commended, H. M. Julian, Beverley (Red). Capt. W. W.
Hornby.

Sweepstakes for Game Bantam Cocks. — First. R. Hawke&ley, South-
well. Second, R, Tate, Driffield. Third, J. Camm, Farnsfleld.

Special Prize.— A Silver Medel, value £1 Is., given by the Poultry
Fancif rs of Beverley, for the most perfect Pen of Poultry exhibited, was
awauled [Classes 5, 6, and 7 beint' excluded from competition by the rules of
the Sneiefy) to Capt. Hornby's Single Game Cock, the winner, also, of the
general sweepstakes.

PIGEONS.

Carriers (Black).— First, W. Wat-on, Toll Gavel, Beverley. Second,
J. Shoitliiise, Kewcislle. Third, G. Kobson, Saville Street, Hull.

Cabriers lany other variety).— First, G. Eobson, Hull (Dunn). Second,
Mrs. E. Ellrington, Wiodniansey (Dunn). Third. H. Yardley, Birmingham,
^ghly Commended, H. Yardley. Commended, W. Cooper, Beverley iWhite).

PowTERs or Cropi'ebs.— First, A. Cittlcv, York (Blnek). Second, S. Shaw,
Stainland. n< ar Halifax. Third, T. W. Lowton, Beverley (Red).

Almond Tumblers.— First, T. W. Lowson, Beverley. Second, T. Coun-
dron, Sunderland. Third, Mr. William Watson, Beverley.

Kite Tomblees.- First, J. W. Edge, Ashton New Town. Second, J.
Proelor. Keldgate, Beverley, Third, J. Bell, Beverley. Commended, U. Bell,
Riding Fields, Beverley.

TrjrB'ERs (any other v.iriety).— First. W. Statlers, Tickton. Second,
T. W. Edge, Ashton New Town. Third, Mrs. W. Watson, Beverley (Mottled.)
Highly Commended, H. Morris, Forest Hill, Kent.

Barbs.— First, Mrs. E. Ellrington, Wondmansey (Black). Second, D. Barker,
Hlnpston-on-Hull. Third, T. H. Craigie, Woodlands, Chigwell. Commended,
H. Yardley, Birmingham.

Jacobins. — First, Sliss L Turner, St. John Street, Beverley (Yellow).
Second, S Shaw, Halifax. Third, Mrs. E. Ellrington, Woodmansev (Yellow).
Highly Commended, T. W. Lowson, Beverley. Commended, H. MoiTis.
Forest Hill, Kent.

■Tbomphers.— First, H. Key, Beverley (White). Second, S. Shaw, Halifax.
Third, J. Shoithose, Newcastle. Highly Commended, J. Kev, Beverley.

Owls— tirst, H. Morris, Forest Hill, Kent. Second, T. G. Glenton,
Beveiley Road, Hull, Third, Master H. Key, Beverley. Highly Commended,
J. Bell. Beverley.

TCBBITS.— First, J. W. Lowson, Beverley. Second, S. Show, Halifax.
Tliird, H Morris, Forest Hill, Kent. Highly Commended, J. W. Lowson,
Beverley.

Faktails.- First. T. Ellrington, Woodmansey. Second, T. Page, Eastgiite,
Beverley. Third. T. Rippon, Beverley (White). Highly Commended, Miss
A. Key. Beverliy. T. Rippon, Beverley (White). R. Lowson, Beverley.
J, Y. Watson, Toll-gavel, Beverley (While).

_ANr OTBEK Varieit.— First, Miss L. Turr,er, St. John's Street, Beverley
(Spot-). Second, Master T. Key, Beveiley (Runts). Third, H. Morris,
Forest Hill Kent. Fuurih, S. Shaw, Halifax.

Special 1 kize.— a .Silver Medal, value JCI Is., given by the Pigeon
Fanciers of Beverley, for the most perfect pen of Pigeons exhibited, vas
awarded to pen 475 (Spots), exhibited by Miss L. Tuiner, St. John's Street,
Beverley.

CHESTEEFIELD POULTEY EXHIBITION.

Max 21st, 22nd, and 23ed.

It is now four years ])a9t since the institution of poultry
shows at Chesterfield j and the faet is a most pleasing one, that
the Meeting just closed, though inferior in the amount of num-
bers, VI as 90 good in quality that out of about 250 pens it was quite
impossible to point out a really bad one.

In ihe Spanish classes were some of the best birds ever ex-
hibited ; Mr. I'eebaj, of Preston, taking both the first and second
prizes, and Mr. Fowler, of Aylesbury, the third. Ihe severity

of last winter, the coldness of the past spring, and perchance,
too, the inroads of old age, begin to show perceptibly on the eon-
si itui ion of the first-prize cock inMr.Teebay's pen; hut even yet
he is one of the most marvellous specimens of Spanish fowls to
be met with ; and the younger cock in the second-prize pen
bids fair to be but slightly inferior after another moidt, with
careful management, as he will then have attained his prime. In
Grey Dorkhigs the Show was excellent ; and certainly it was an
unusual feat for chickens of this year, so early in the season, to
take precedence of matured birds. They well deserTcd it, as did
also a cockerel shown in the daes for Single Dorking Cocks. It
will be noticed Ihey were from the yard of the Eev. T. Baker,
of Old Warden, Southill, Beds. They are indisputably the best-
grown chickens we have seen this year, and, being entered at a
moderate price, will probably change ownership. In Cochins,
all the great guns of the day were in full play ; Messrs. Stretch,
Tomlinson, White, and Fowler taking positions in the order
named. It would be very difficult to speak too highly of the
Oame classes. As a general rule the Brown Eeds were in the
highest condition of any, and certainly the " Sweepstake Gam©
Cock" of that colour, belonging to Mr. Burgess, of Salop, will
prove himself a troublesome rival on future occasions if kept up
to the mark in which he is now exhibited. The Hamhurghs and
Polands were capital specimens ; but one of the chief features of
the Exhibition was the Game Santams. Mr. Harvey Duttou
Baylcy's Black-breasted Reds were perfection, and with ease
gave the go-by to competition. We cannot refrain from
noticing the fact that both at Chesterfield and at Beverley Shows,
though held simultaneously, the Eev. T. Baker, of Southill,
Beds, took the prizes for Single Dorkiug Cocks with "chicks" of
1861 — no mean acViievemeut of his poultry-wv.man, considering
they were exhibited against all ages. The Single Game Cook
belonging to Mr. Gilbert Moss, of Liverpool, drew crowds of
admirers ; he was deserving (he interest he created.

The competition in tlie Pigeon classes was remarkably seyere,
many of the Carriers were especially perfect.

The poultry was admirably arranged in a single tier, so that not
the slightest plea could be made as to disadvantages of position,
light, &.C. ; and the attention paid to the birds left nothing
undone to secure them from injury of every kind.

Chesterfield could certainly boast this year of a most incon-
gruous "extra class." In it could be seen a beautiful specimen
of a perfectly while Sparrow ; the eyes, as is usual in all Albinos,
being of a bright red ; the legs and feet being perfectly white.
Even if at liberty it could not have possessed better pluuange, and
its whiteness was equal to that of writing-paper. It appears it was
taken last spring from a nest in some ivy, containing another
white nestling, at that time only partially feathered, and n third
grey one. The old birds were of the natural feather of House
Sparrows, without any variation of colour about their plumage
in either of them. This makes tlie colour assumed by their off-
spring still more extraordinary. The Spai'row exhibited had been
taught to turn a horizontal wheel with its feet, and caused no
little amusement from the untiring dexterity with which it per-
sisted in its endless employment. Although so purely white,
it had been fed entirely on crumbs of bread and hempseed ;
whilst it is nsually considered that hempseed tends to produce
blackness of feather in all birds kept in confinement. Another
oddity was included in tMs medley lot, and it was laughable to
hear visitors inquiring of each other, " What's that?" " What
is it ?" " Well, I 've lirard of the Irish declaration of ' sucking
pig being the best of all poultry,' but this puts Paddy in the
shade." It was an extremely large Badger, chained to a leather
girth round its middle. The grizzly old gentleman lay con-
stantly, according to general Badger-fashion, with his hejd
turned under his body between his fore legs, as much as to say,
" I 'm brought hei'e by compulsion of others, but even now it's
my own fault if I 'm looked at." Talking Jackdaws, &c., caused
much mirth and hilarity to the Whitsuntide holiday visitors,
and filled up as mixed-medley an assemblage as ever wound up
the tail-end of a poultry exhibition.

Before concluding Ihe notes of this Show, we cannot do better
than mention a universal rule of the Chesterfield Committee that
tends very much to its popularity, and would be a great amend-
ment on the general usages at such meetings. Every exhibitor^
without exception, receives at the hands of Ihe Committee, not
only a free admission ticket, but a catalogue and prize list gratis ;
the two latter forwarded immediately the premiums are awarded.
Each one interested, therefore, gets the earliest intelligence of
hia eventual position as to success or disappointment.

May 28, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENBE.

167

Few places are so suitable for a poultry show as the Chester-
field Butter and Gmi Markets. A flight of steps leads from the
one to the other, and from tins point a complete bird's-eye view
of tlie whole is obtainable by every sight-seer.

Edward Hewitt, Esq., of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, near
Birmingham, otSciated as Judge.

Spanish.— First .nnd Second, R. Teebay, Fuhvnod, near Preston. Third,
J. K. Fowler, Preb'jndal Farm, Aylesbury. Hiffl'lv Commended, C. Brown,
Carver Srrect, Sheffield. Lord E. Hill, Norwood Park, Southwell, Notts.

DoiiKiNGS.— First, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Aylesburj'. Second,
Mrs. \V. ArUwriuht, Spondon House, Derby. Tliird, Rev. .J. G. A. Baker,
Old Warden, Suathill, Beds. Highly Commended, T. W. Hill, Heywood,
near Manchester.

CocniNs.— First, T. Stretch, Itarsh Lane, Bootle, near Liverpool. Second,
H. Toiiilinson. Balsall Heath Road, Birmingham. Third, E. White, Clarke
Street, l-roomliall Park, Sheffield. Highly Commended, J. K. Fowler,
Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury.

Gajie (Black or Brown Reds).— First, W. Jepsnn, Edensor, Bakewell.
Second, O. C. Whitwell, Kendal. Tliird, S. JIaish, Ridgway, near Clioster-
tl.ld. Highly Commended, B. Jarvis, Scaroliife Mill, near Jlan'^field. J.
Jackson, Fir'-eck, Chestei-field. J. Ljngard, Brimington. G. Boot, Chester-
field. 0. Hellcwell, Sheflield. Commended, G. Turner, Chest' rlield.

Gami- (Duckwing or any other Greys or Blues). — First, James Newton,
Chesterfield. Second, G. Hellewell, ShefiBeld.

Game (White or Piles).— First, G. Hellcwell, Sheffield. Second, J. Camm,
Farustield, Souihwell. 'ihird, J. Cowley, Barlow, near Cheatei'field.

IIA3IBURGHS (Gold-oencilicd). — First, T. Smith, Noithowram. Halifax,
Scccmd, W. Froggatt, 'Walliley, Sheffield. Third, R. R. Tulip, Monkivear-
mouth. Commended, AV. HaiTcy, Shetbeld,

ITambdrchs (Gold-spangled-. — First, XI. Carter, Hotmfirth. Second, H.
BeM-n, Bradford. Third, T. Bureh, Sheffield.

llAStBUP.Gns {Silver-pencilled). —First, W.Wood, Sheffield. Second, A.
Nicholson, Sheffield. Third, H. Beldon, Bradford. Highly Commended,
— Marshall, Nottingham.

Hamburghs fSilver-spangled).— First. H. Eeldon, Bradford. Second, J.
Diso,,, Brailford. Third, H. Carter, Holmflrlh. Highly Commended, R.
Teebay, Fulwcd. Preston. Commended, J. Camm, Farnsfield. A. Nuttall,
llanchester. T. GrifQths, Eckington.

Polands. — First and Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Third, Mrs. Robinson,
The Priory, Mansfield.

Asi OTHEU Variety.— First, R, Teebay, Preston. Second and Third,
J. H. Craigie, Essex. Highly Commended, R. White, Sheffield.

B.^NTAMS (Gold or Silver-laced).— First, T. H. D. Bayley, lekweU House,
Bigcles ado. Second. Miss G. Everett, Monmoutii. Highly Commended,
E. Yeardley, Sheffield. — Harvey, Sheffield. Commended, E. Yeardley,
Sheffield.

BA3TAMS (Gamol.— First, J. Camm, Farnsfield. Second, G. C. Whitwell,
Kendal. Third, W. Silvester, Slielfield. Highly Commended, J. Camm.
n. HawkBley, Southwell. T. Proccer, Settle. W. Silvester. Commended,
W. Harvey, Sheffield.

Bantams (Any other variety). — First, J.W.George, Beeston Padge,
Notts. SecOMd, E. Hutton, Pudsey. Highly Commended, T. H. D. Bayley,
Biggleswade.

DecKS (Any variety).- First, Lord E.Hill, Norwood Park, Southwell.
Second, Mrs. Seamons, Aylesbury. Highly Com-ncnded, J. W, Ucorge,
Notls. Commended. S. Lowe, Tapton, Chesterfield.

Single Game Cock (Black or Brown R.d).— First, G. W. Moss, Tlie Beach,
Aigburth, Liverpool. Second, T. Burgess, Salop. Third, D. Ashworth
Halifax. Highly Commended. II. Parker, Saloji. Commended, T. H. D.
Bayley. Biggleswade. J. Parton Nantwich. W. Rodgcrs, Sutfolk. G. Boot,
Chesterfield. J. iironfteld. ChesferfiLld.

MNGLE Game Cock (Any otlier colour). — First, J. ICidger, Newbnld,
Chesferfieid. J. Ewing. Tupton, ChesterfiL-ld. Third, J. Jacltson, Firbeck,
Chesterfield. Commended, S. Lowe, Newbold, Chesterfield.

SWEEPSTAKES FOR SINGLE COCKS.

Spanish Cock. — Prize. Lord E. Hill, Southwell, Notts.

Single DoEiaN'G Cocic— First, Rev. J. G. A. Baker, Southill, Beds.

Single Cocrin-China Cock. — First, T. Stretch, Bootle, Liverpool. Highly
Commended, J. Stayley, CoUingham, Newark. W. W. od, Sheffield.

Single Gold-pencilled Hamburgh Cock. — First, T. Procter. Settle.

fciiNGLB Game Bantam Cock. — First, T. H. D. Bayley, Biggleswade.
Highly CnnimeiKled, J. Camm, Farnsfield. R. Hawksley, Southwell. E.
Barlow, Sheffield. C. Aukland, Chesterfield. Commended, R. Moon, jun.,
Liverpool.

Single Bantam Cock (Gold or Silver-laeed).— First, T. H. D. Baylej-,
Bigfilesw de. Highly Commended, I. G. ParK, Moresby, near Whitehaven.

.•-ingle Game Cock (Any colour). — First, T. Burgess, jun., Salop. Highly
Commended, G. W. Moss, Livei-pool. W. Rodgers, Suffolk.

PIGEONS.

CfJrriers. — First, J. Wood, Nottinghao^ Second, C. Felton, Birmingham.
Highly Commended, J. Dakin, Shelfield. Taiiiblers.—V\\st, W. Taylor,
Sheffield. Second, J, Smith, Sheffield. Highly Commended, E. A. Hargrove,
Biraiingham. J, W.JEdge, Birmingham. SlwH-faced Tumblers. — First,
J W. Evige, Birmingham. Second. E. A. Hargrove. Commended, E. A.
Hargrove. ./a5</6f»s.— First, R. J. Wood, Nottingham. Second, E. Holland,
Grasshiil, Chesterfield. Powters.— First, H, Childs, Birmingham. Second,
W. Ta\lor, Sh ffield. J"«fi?ai7s.— First, J. W. Edge, Bimiingham. Second,
W. Taylor, Sheffield. Highly Commended, — Taylor. Avy other Vnriety.
— First, H, Childs Birmingham. Second, R. J. Wood. Nottingham. Highly
Commended, i:. Holland, GrasshiU. J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Commended,
E. A, Hargrove, Birmingham.

RABBITS.

Tor length of Sar. — First, E. Brookes, Huddcrfiold. Second, G. Jones,
Birmingharp. HighlyCommended, Mre. Rathbone. Hasland. Best coloured.
— Firs;, W. Hudson. Chesterfield. Second, G. Jones, Birmingham. For
greatest weight. — First. H. Rodgers, Brampton. Second, H. Simpson,
Brampton,

CANARIES, BRITISH BIRDS, &c.
Clear Teltoie Belgian. — Prize, H. Taylor, Chesterfield. Clear Siiff'
Belgian.— Vri%e, H. Taylor, Chesterfield. T'nriegated Belgian.— X'rize, W.
Phillips, Old Basford, Notts. Oolden-Sfiongted Xfeord.— Prize, H. Taylor,
Chesterfield. Goldfinch Mule.— Prize, W. Phillips, Old Basford, Notts.
Best Goldfinch.— Prize, H. Taylor, Chesterfield. Best Bullfinch.— Prize,
H. Taylor, Chesterfield.

LIGURIAN QUEENS:

DIRECTIONS FOE UNITING TO STOCKS OK SWAEMS.

In compliance with the request of several correspondents, I
have pleasure in repeating the instructions for placing Ligurian
queens at the head of stocks or swarms, with such additional
hints and modifications as have been suggested by a more extended
experience.

As soon as the small box containing a Ligurian queeu and her
attendants has been received, steps should be taken for removing
the common queen from the stock, or swarm, to which the
strangers are to be united.

Where bar-hives are in use the operation is sufficiently easy,
but should not be attempted without the protection afforded by
a bee-dress and thick pair of woollen gloves. Tlie services of an
assistant similarly accoutred will be found very useful, but are
not ab.'olutely indispensable.

The middle of a fine day is the best time for the operation,
which should be commenced by removing the stock a little either
to tlie right or left of its usual position, which must be occupied
by an empty hive, from which the crown-board and comb-bars
have been removed. The crown-board of the full hive should
then be slightly raised, and a little smoke having been pufFad
under it, must be shifted on one side sufficiently to expose a
single bar, which may be carefully withdrawn after the attach-
ments of the comb have been severed from the back and front
of the hive by a bent knife. Both sides of tlie comb must be
rigidly scrutinised, and any clusters of bees gently dispersed
with a feather, until it becomes evident that the queen is not
present, when it should be placed in the empty hive. The same
process must be repeated with each successive comb until the
queen is discovered and secured, when the bees may be either
allowed to remain in the hive to which they have been trans-
ferred, or replaced in their original domicile. Sometimes the
queen is not to be found on any of the combs, but may be
detected among the stragglers remaining in the hive. In prac-
tised hands her discovery may be reckoned on with tolerable
certainty during the first removal ; but if she succeed in escaping
detection, the process must be repeated imtil she is secured.

Driving is the best method to adopt with co"'mon hives or
boxes ; and the bees, having been expelled from their habitation,
may be knocked out on a cloth and searched over until the queen
is discovered.

Should the bee-keeper be unable to perform the operation of
driving, fumigation may be resorted to, and the queen secured
■whilst the bees are in a state of insensibility.

It is unnecessary to describe the mode in which either driving
or fumigation may be accomplished, as full directions for per-
fonnirg both these operations are to be found in nearly every
bee-book.

Presuming the "queen to have been removed, and the bees
restored to their original hive and position in the apiary, measures
must now be taken to introduce the Italian sovereign to her
future subjects. The first step will be, carefully to remove the
lid of the small box, replacing it with a slip of perforated zinc
without permitting the bees to escape. The whole must then be
inverted over an opening in the top of the hive containing the
queenless stock, where it should remain undisturbed until the next
day, when the perforated-zinc divider may be withdrawn, and the
union will be complete. The workers that accompany the alien
sovereign generally fall victims to the first fury of her future
subjects ; but if the bees are confined during the night by means
of perforated zinc, and the hive conveyed into a warm room in
the morning, and there kept until the bees are sufficiently
oppressed to fill themselves with honey, a junction may then
be effected without loss of life. Caution is, however, necessanr
not to continue the confinement too long. The small box itsdf
need not be removed till the third day, when the bees will be
found to have quitted it.

After the lapse of about thu-ty days,* young Ligurians may,

• Where bar-hives arc used, this period of suspense can be abridged to

three days, at the end of which time the result of the operation may be

ascertained by an examination of the combs and the interior of the hive «a

above described.

168

JOtrRNAL OF HORTICTOTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

[ May 28, 1861.

probably, be discovered taking tbeir first flight, and affording
unmistaVeable evidence of the consummation of a dynastic
revolution.— A Detonshibe Bbe-keepeb.

BEE-HIVES AND THEIR APPURTENANCES.

{Conclttiei from page 129.)
Entrances should always be cut in the hive, not in the board,
as has been recommended by some writers. I liave tried both,
and decidedly prefer the former. It is very unliandy to place
your hive temporarily on a small table, or any bit of board, and
find you have no outlet for the bees. All boards must have a
good bevel ; any fear of damp penetrating the entrance is more
imaginary than real. The blocks for contractins the entrance in
board are clumsy and apt to go astray. I much prefer the sim-
ple mode {fig. 9) of sprigging on above the entrance a slip of wood,

e

=e

T"

Fig. 9.
with a check or rabbit on the inner low edge— a small slide the
upper edge run off, sloping to tiie front, answers nicely ; a bit of
■wood with a corresponding check on outer upper edge, an inch
longer than the entrance, divided in the middle, makes a handy
door, conti-actable at pleasure to admit but a single bee at a time,
and a good defence to a weak hive against wasps. X prefer a good
long doorway, 5 inches by three-eighths of an inch, sliould be kept
fiilly open during the working season ; its length is a great
advantage, as every bee-keeper must have noticed ihe unaccount-
able bhnd-like groping of a bee on missing the door, often obliged
to rise upon the wing, get into the track and effect a second
landing befori- it be found.

CovEKS. — All hives not enjoying the shelter of a bee-house
must be protectid securely from the weather ; even these are
much better of being wrapped up with some woollen stuff, tor
the maturing of late, and the promoting of early brood, till the
return of summer heat renders it superfluous. Having expressed
lately, in Mo. 646,
the advantages of
fresh straw hackles
and Taylor's straw
cyUnder, and the be-
nefits of protection
generally, I would
only now, in addi-
tion, draw attention
to an octagon cover
for Stewarton-hives
—fig. 4, which has
on my recommenda-
tion been adopted by
Several Irieuds, who
report favourably of
it. It has certainly
a very nice appear-
ance when set up ;
it is 3 feet high to
the eaves, and 18
inches wide inside,
formed of incli-wood
thetopehapedoutof
the solid. 'Ihe three
back divisions work
on hinges in one
piece as a door, and
are secured with a
lock and key In
the central panel in
front is a large pane
of thick glass (seen
in sketch) Ihe corre-
sponding panel be-
hind, has perforated
zinc of similar di-
mensions for venti-
lation, as well as in
the floor-board, all
closing with hght
shutters. In great

heat the door may stand ajar ; should a loose bottom be laid
above the permanent one, and a strong iron hook fixed above,
the liive may be weighed within the cover. The cost is about £1.

Comb Supports. — I place within all my hives, except those
intended for experimental purposes, such as the moveable comb-
frames, a support of half-inch wood, fitted fi-om the oufside with
screws or iron pins and placed about tlie centre ; or in my colla-
teral-hives by upright liall-inch end-supports fitted to the ends of
the cross ones, and fixed in a notch cut in the outer side of each
end-bar, forming as it were a frame, the benefits of which have
been already detailed in No. 628, under the signature of " A
Young Bee-keepek." Any apiarian adopting this course wiU
find the advantage of it ; and were it more generally adopted,
notwithstanding what writers may say to the contrary, you would
be less troubled with querists in the truly pitiable i(ix of having
the contents of their hives in a mess on the floor-board.

Bee-houses — Where a large stock is kept, and particularly
should the locality be subjected to depredators, a bee-house is
desirable, I once knew a bee-keeper give in on finding his last
resort fail. He had for pedestals strong iron pillars, run with lead
into heavy stones sunk deep in the ground, his boards belted
securely thereon. A series of chains from Ihe ijUars encircled
his straw hives, fastening at their meeting at top with a stout
padlock. He was robbed as usual, notwithstanding all his pre-
cautions ; the bees appeared to have been first smoked, and the
hives then cut out in portions Uke the sections of an orange.

A good cool substantial house is useful, a light-wooded flimsy
affair decidedly bad for cither house or cover ; should t lie bee-keeper
not be able to afford the former, he is much better with single
pedestals than the latter. All houses must be closed up in front;
those open to the sun and closed behind, are not unlike in appear-
ance and Bupposable effects to placing hives in a bachelor's oven.
Wooden houses must be boarded with inch stuff; if to occupy a
central position in the garden, they look best if of an octagonal form.
A fluted column at each corner both improves their appearance
and is useful for preventing the wood " giving" at the comers
by fitting the ends into grooves cut in the pillars. Coolness may
be promoted by a half-inch lining inside, leaving a half inch or
three-quarters of an inch space betweeu the boaros, filled up with
sawdust, or some other non-conductor. The door, of course, to be
in the least noticeable side. The back may be saved by building in
front of the garden wall, or part of an outhouse — in that case it
had better be of the Ihree-sided form seen in^^. 1 — the different

Fig. 1.
exposures keep down a good deal of quarrelling among the bees,
than if they entered in a line ; it has, besides, less of a stiff wall-
like appciranec. An upright roof has a detached look ou such
a building, and is, therefore, better screened behind a castellated
parapet (as in the sketch) and sloped a little behind. If placed
to a wall the form is better as seen in_^^. 2. The door at A, if built

Fig. 2,
with a back, and a passagebehind the door, could be placed at B, and
the corners omitted, should that be considered preferable. If the
ladies of the establishment are haunted with a constant dread of
the disfiguring effects of stings, then the house may be placed at
the bottom of the break, nearest the wall, the walk in that case
passing behind it, where a ready access could be had into it
through the door at the back, and the hives inspected without risk.
There must be narrow windows at every entrance, sloped in-
wards at each side, so as to keep the hives as near the external
air as possible, on which their prosperity greatly depends. This

May 28, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTTTEE AND COTl'AaE GARDENEE.

169

window must be of tliin stuff, with a shutter, and hinged to work
outwards, hghted from above the window, of the form and raised
in the manner of a frame-sash. When a hive is to be disturbed
it eau be raised a little ; any bees making their escape Dy to tlie
light from the operator, and so gain their liberty. The shelves
should be so contrived that each portion below a hive be move-
able, for many reasons — such, for instance, as wlien the sliding
door {fig. 9) be run in the part, can be raised with the hive, and
weighed from the strong iron rod running along the length of
the house above the hives ; this, and tlie various details, too
numerous to mention, will occur to every bee-keeper for his
own convenience. The best house of this shape I have seen was
built of brick, plastered inside, with a good flagged or brick
floor, delightfully cool, and so clean that there was not shelter
for a moth, nor a spider's web to be seen.

Exposure. — The remarks in the "Bee-keeper's Manual"
are very sensible on this subject. Aj^iarians favourable to a
north aspect, of whicli I have had a little experience, should
satisfy themselves first that the spot selected be thoroughly dry
and airy. There a well-found liive enjoys a dormancy till
roused by the vernal influences, more in keeping with what is
experienced in Kussiau or Canadian climates, with a doubtless
economising of store. I hare remarked, and it is a singular
coincidence, noteworthy, and certainly favourable to the advo-
cates of such exposure, that although runaway swarms have
occupied in our roof different exposures, still within the last few
years since I have taken a greater interest in their liabits, I have
observed they have invariably selected the north ; the same pre-
dilection has been noticed at the neigbouring seat of an M.P.
Some of those old pavilion-roofs in our county exert a mesmeric
influence, extending for miles, quite unaccountably, and have
become a standing terror to many a cottage bee-keeper; the
worthy Baronet's last-named not among the least.

Having already exceeded all duo bounds, I have only to plead in
extenuation the reluctance one has when mounted on a hobby to
tighten therein; and after a trot in company with one of the cotta-
gers above alluded to, in confirmation of what I have set forth, will
then " pull up." On a hot summer day some years ago, as calm
and scorching as any eispectant bee-keeper could wish, there stood
a most enthusiastic member of the fraternity watching liis bees ;
nor was he disappointed, for the longed-for swarm rushed forth

and quietly clustered at the trysting place — a branch hard by ; a
noble first swarm it was. When about to place his glittering
fresh straw hive over his prize (instead of their immediately
beginning to *sceud facilitated with a cloth or a few leaves, our
only Scotch method of hiving) the pleased twinkle of his
practised eye suddenly changed on observing the black mass
heaving, and numbers rise upon the wing, showing unmistakeable
symptoms of being off; down went the hive. Our friend possessing
no small share of the indomitable "not-to-be-done" spirit of the
Scot, divested himself at once of his upper habiliments, prepar-
ing to give chase. Away went the bees, and away went'the bee-
master at their heels, little dreaming what lay before him. Suffice
it to say, they took hmi over the country in regular steeple-
chase fashion. The poor cottager soon saw what he had to expect ;
but, his blood being up, he would not give in, and followed helter
skelter as beat he could, through fields, hedges, and ditches
fording several burns and a small river, straining his visuai
organs all the while to keep the game in sight, till at last he
finally tracked them to earth in the aforesaid roof of the then Lord
of the Manor. Who should he encounter but the laird himself.
At first he could hardly comprehend what the stripped, gaspin?"
perspiring man would be at, pointing to his roof and demanding
the use of ladders for the recovery of his property. At length
perceiving the state of matters, he settled instanter on the spot
(what would have been to him a second nature to discuss) the
knotty point as to the rights of parties, by paying him hand-
somely for his baes and complimenting his pluck. They were
thus left in undisturbed possession of the spot they had so much
coveted.

The distance by the road is fully /oar miles ; but aa in the higher
parts of our Bounty these are but sorry specimens of engineering
genius, being much more noteworthy for the picturesque than
the straight, the bees' flight would be considerably less.

On laying down my pen for the present, I would remark, that
were your many apiarian readers more generally at the trouble of
availing themselves of your Journal to communicate their ideas,
the bee corner would seldom be vacant, information be diffused'
beginners taught, and even our great apiarian lights might stoop
to gather EOmething from such feeble scintillations, "although
couched in as limping sentences as those of — A Eenpbewshibh
BE£-K££F£B.

THE BABBIT (Leptjs cuNicuLrs) : ITS HISTORY, VAEIETIES, AND MANAGEMENT.

{Continued from page 108.)

THE DUTCH BABBIT.

This pretty and useful variety is known in France under the
name of ^'icard. M. Didieux states they are much liked in Old
Provence, on account cf their prohfic and hardy nature, and are
Tery largely bred there.

They are very useful as nurses to bring up the young ones of
fancy Rabbits, being such good milkers. It is astonisliing to see
one of these little creatures bring up fi.e and six young ones in
better condition than would be effected by another doe four times
her size.

No breeder of fancy Rabbits should be without does of this
breed. They are of all varieties of colour, both self and parti-
coloured; many of them liavea white coll«r round theneck, as shown
in the drawing. Thechief point of excellence in these little animals
is diminutive size ; and 1 have seen some extraordinarily small
specimens, not weighing more thun \\ lb. This small size ia
obtained by breeding in and in. I cannot see the utility of
reducing the size, but sneh is the freak of fancy. — E. S. S.
{To he continued.)

vm

.JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 28, 1861.

EARLY SWARM OF BEES— RIGHT OF
FOLLOWmG THEM.
During the latter part of last week ray bees began to destroy
drones, and on Thursday last, the 16th iust, sent out a very
strong swarm, which pitched on a currant bush aboiit 50 feet
from the hive. This was at 10 A.M., and about one hour after
thej were safely lodged in a new hive, and well shaded from the
sun, but at 1 p.m. they started off, and after some searching
I found they had pitched on a wall at the top of a house where
inlets had been made for air between the bricks, and where from
inquiry I learn that bees have been for twelve years at least.
The owner objects to have his premises disturbed, and I am
very desirous of knowing if I have any right to claim the swarm,
which at this early period of the season and the late destructive
winter has made of additional vaiue. — Obiter Dictum, Bridport.

[Blacketone, in his " Commentaries," says, " A swarm which
fly from and out of my hive are mine so long as I can keep them
in sight, and have power to pursue them ; and in thfse circum-
stances no one else is entitled to take them." Indeed, if the
rightful owner quickly j^ursues the swarm, and keeps them in
sight, and any one else should hive and keep them, it would be
a larceny. Wo believe that if the bees have been quickly
followed from the hive whence they swarmed, and have never
been lost eight of, their owner is entitled to follow them on to
another man's land and hive them. If the man on to wliose
land the bees strayed took possession of the swai'm, or prevented
the owner from doing so, we think the owner would have a legal
remedy against that man. Of this we are quite sure — 'no one
who is honest will prevent the owner of a strayed swarmfollowing
and recovering it.']

THE DOTTEELL.

I SEE by your paper of 14th inst., that you request any infor-
mation respecting the Dottrell. I know but little of them in a
y?ild state ; but a remarkable circumstance occurred within a few
miles of Birmingham, that, aa relating to this truly singular and
beautiful bird, will no doubt afford some considerable interest to
2^ portion of your subscribers. It appears some parties were
out at night " drawing for Skylarks," and unexpectedly secured
a Dottrell. On being handled, it repeatedly uttered a loud waihng
cry, that was immediately responded to by another bird of the
same description some twenty yards in advance of the persons
netting. Kunning on rapidly with the net, they secured this
likewise, and they proved to be male and female, neither of them
being injurrd at all by the capture. The next morning they
were purchased by a general dealer in live birds, named Bates, in
the Birmingham Market Hall, who called upon me to know
"what fhev were." He aUo wished to know "whether I thought
it possible to keep them alive and in health." I confess I then
had my doubts on the subject. The plan he adopted was, at (he
onset to feed them entirely on earth-worms, and after some
three or four days tliis diet was exchanged for shreds of raw
beef, from which again he gradually " mealed them off" on boiled
egg, bruised ht-mpaeed, and bread, the same as the ordinary cage-
food of Nightingales. They prospered well, became even improved
in condition, and pt-rfec'ly tamed, all in the short space of seven
or eight weeks. 'J he plumage of no wild bird could be better,
being glossy and as close-lynig as possible. The appearance of
the eye was pecidiarly mild and intelligent, and they quarlered
their cage with ihat methodical and gracelul step eo eharacter-
istie in all tlif family of waders. "Wlien they saw food preparing,
they came dose to the cage side, and indulgfd in a low plaintive
whistle. They would eat (reejy from the hand ; even from the
first they never aWe^npted to fly against the wires or escaj^e
observaiion, hut wexe vej^ observant of all that j'assed, and
occupied much time in preening their f»athers. After being
kept so long in this very confined space, tliey were, about two
weeks since, sold to a party in London. Their remarkable fami-
liarity, taking so Ireeiy lo food so unnatural, together with their
being captuied so early in the season as the first week in March,
has caused me to jot down these few particulars, as tancying
some otlvr individual might enjoy keeping so unusual a pair of
pets, if ehance tlirtw them in his way. — Edwakd Hewitt,
S^arkhrooJCj near Birmingham.

tho3e birds. I have noticed this year — Swallow, April 5th ;
Chiff Chaff, April 17th ; Cuckoo and White Throat, April 22nd ;
Nightingale, April 23rd ; Swift, May 13th ; Turtle Dove, May
14th. — B. P. Bbent, Dallhigton^ Sussex,

DO CEOSS-BBED BABBITS TEND TO A

GE,EY COLOUR?

Will " B. S. S.," who has had such great experience with
Rabbits, or any other person, have the kindness to sta^e whether,
when Rabbits of any kind, which generally breed true to colour,
are crossed with some other coloured kind, the offspring show
any tendency to revert to the grey colour of the common Enjjlish
Babbit ? There seems to me sufficient evidence that when two
differently-coloured and ti-ue breeds are crossed that there is
often a tendency to revert to the colour of the wild aboriginal
parent. I have seen striking instances of the rule wiih croS'*ed
Pigeons and poultry. — Chaklfs Daewin, Bown^ Bromlegy Kent.

[We shall be obliged by replies to this query from any one
experienced in Babbit-breeding. — Eds.]

VARIETIES.

Creasote, or Keeasote, is an artifical organic substance,
generally obtained from the products of the destructive disiilla-
tion of wood. It is procured ineideTitally as one of the comiti-
tuents of wood-tar, from which it is separated by a tedious
process. The principal supplies are obtained from Stockholm,
Ai'changel, and America. In the pure condition, creasote is a
colourless oily liquid, with high refractive powers ; but the com-
merrial specimens are genendly coloured yellow or light brown.
It boils at 398° Fahr. ; does not really inflame ; but when set
fire to, burns with a smoky flame. It has a hot burning taste,
and is very poisonous to plants and animals. It lias a great
power of coagulating albumen, and hence may be employed with
advantnge in ro'ithaehe ; a drop placed on the (xpo.-ied nerve
cojigulates the albuminous ti*-siip, and destroys its vitality and
sense of pain. The most important property possessed by
creasote, however, is its antiseptic or presei'vinj; power over
vegetable and animal organs and structures. Thus, ordinary
meat treated with only one-hundredth of its weight of creasote,
and exposed to the air, does not putrily, but becomes hard and
dry, and assumes the taste and odour of smoked meat. Again,
timber treated with creasote does not suffer from dry rot or other
disease; and thus creasote, in a crude form, is employed in ihe
preservation of wood. The crude pyroligneous acid of cr.mmerce,
which is often employed in the curing of hams, &c., owes purt,
at least, of its preserving pow. rs to the presence of n trace of
creasote, which leaves irs cha'aeteristic odour po well ki'Own as
obtained from the burning of wood for the smoking of hams,
&c. When iised medii-mal'y, creasote acts externally by des-
troyingrthe cuiiele ; internollv, in small doses of a drop or two,
it is S6«wiceahle in arre-tmg obstinate vomiting; whilst in large
doses itproduces nausea and s^evere vomiting, and, in many cases,
fatal reault««^ — (Chambers* Encgclopadia.)

Aeeiyal of Migeatobt Biees. — In reply to "H. R.'s"
inquiry, I send you an account of the time I first saw or heard

OUR LETTER BOX.

AVoRK o^- Pi6EOKS-(/, TTiVmof')-— "The Pigeon Booh," by Mr. Brent. You
may have i frei- tiy post from our office if you enclose twenty penny postage
atairps with yimr direction.

ToEKET Dying Rapiult {G. liay>. — "The sltin which enciiclps the h'^art
being coatert with a «hite subs uii'-e lilie chalk." tells ihe cau~e of ile ith.
That encirciinp skin is called Ihe perican'iiiin, and the bird dit-d <'f intljim-
niation of that skin. No'hing wou'J hnvf saved the bird. Puch dispase i«
oite;i occHsini'fd by exposuie to damp '^"'^ <^"tf'' Nothmjc is "re lilvcly to
produ--e it in Turkeys than tl eir roii>tinff at night in a told. d«mi' house.

CaNaBT CONtlNOALLY MOCLTI'^. - ./i Subs- Vtbcr 07id ConstdVt Itrftder

asks why a jelhnv cock Caiiaiy is always moulting. Sii'h a proceed rg I
regard as an etlbvt ni nature to get rid of an ovev-abundaiue of nntrirmmt
from the bird beii.g too well fed, Discr.itinuo tlie siifTron. linsi ed and ejrgs,
as well as rape or himpseed md all ?uch siimuliiting food. Fred on pood
canary seed and p;eniy of ebitkweid and Rroundsel, nith »n oeosinnal
small piece of bread, apple, lioiled canot, brocfoll, or potato, and allow the
bird frequent use ot the baih. S"it etimes hanping in a r- cm «hcre (Ths is
burnt wi'll cause the birds to be cniinually dropping 'heir ftathers. Avoid
draughts and excessive heat or coM, but Ihe airciinnot be too Iresh.- B. P. B.
Incubation of Canaky (7'fir I'l'hlii^s 3/on}.— The peiind <f incuhar on
in Canaries is thirtei-n d .ys, and 1 am not aware of any ins'!m<et'f riev uti n.
The e gs thai have been sat on 'or eighteen days mi.st b' bad, either fmm
lie dettctive incubaiion of tlie hen or fmm want of vigour in the cock.
When the eggs have been sat on t"r a itw days, it may leadily be seen if
they are gnod by holding tlicm in Jk- sun's raye, when they appear thick.
If Uuy luuk cU-ar they are bad.— B. P. B.

June 4, 1S61.]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAOE GARDENKK.

In

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

of

M'nth

4
3
6
7
8
9
10

Day

of

Week.

Tn
W
Th

F

S
Sds

JUNE 4-10, 1861.

WsATSas KSAR London ih 1860.

Thermom.

Larkspurs and Lupines.

Rhexia.

PjEonies,

Melissa grandiflora.

Mignonette.

2 .Sunday after Trinity.

Roses (moss).

29.703—29.629
29.804-29.740
29.767—29.730
29.765—29.740
29.832—29.786
29.748—29.493
29.731—29.63

43

deg,,
6S-
61—38
64-46
60-40
68-46
56-45
64-36

Wind.

S.W.
S.W.

W.
S.W.
S.W.

E.

W.

Kain in
Inches.

•07
•32
•08
•12
•C9
•26
.04

Sun
Kises.

Snn
Sets.

m. h. I
48 af 3
47 3 I
47,
46
46
1 46
45

n. h.
8af 8

9 8

10 8

11 8

12 8

12 8

13 8

Moon

Rises Moon's
and Sets Age,

m. h
19 1
39 1

4 2
36 2

sets
19 a 9
56 9

26
27
28
29
•
1
2

Clock
after
Snn.

Day of
Year.

155
156
157

158
159
ISO
161

Mbtkokology of the Week.— At Chiswick, from observations during (he last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 70» and 47' respectively. The gxeatest heat, 90", occurred on the 7th in 1846 : and the lowest cold. 33".
on the 5th in 1856. During the period 137 days were fine, and on 101 rain fell.

GLASS POE HOETICULTUEAL STEUCTUEES.

OETIGTJLTUEISTS mam-
tain a great difference of
opinion on the article
" glass " best adapted to
garden purposes. A few
years ago party opinion
vented itself very strongly
in favour of, or in condem-
nation of, tlie kinds then iu
use, or were introduced at
that time ; and although
the glass controversy has sub-
sided, there is a considerable dif-
ference of opinion still, respecting
the best kinds of glass for general
horticultural purposes .

The impulse given to hothouse building by the legis-
lature in abolishing the duty on glass, led to many
errors in its first operations — glass of an inferior de-
aeription finding its way into the market, was eagerly
bought up, and its defects discovered; an angry dispute
arose about its qualification, and a hasty condemnation
of the variety of glass used was the result. The matter
seems simple enough now.

Immediately on the repeal of the glass duty and excise ,
the sudden demand for good plain glass for window and
horticultural purposes wag greater than the home manu-
facturers could supply, and to add to this difficulty some
strikes amongst their own workmen limited the quantity
made and kept up the price. The result of this was an
extensive importation of Belgian glass of very inferior
quality, which was offered at such low prices as to tempt
many to erect glass houses who otherwise would not have
done so ; but the evil of this low-priced article mani-
festing itself in the burning, scorching, and disfiguring
of plants, a great outcry was raised against sheet glass ;
and an enterprising manufacturer at Sunderland in-
troduced a description of rough plate glass, which cer-
tainly was a great improvement on the wavy, lens-like,
Belgian glass. But whether this rough plate was better
than good British sheet glass is a question on which
some difference of opinion still exists.

It is certain the majority of glass structures are glazed
with sheet glass ; so that, unless there be some benefit
attached to rough plate unknown to the general public,
there is every reason to infer that the other kind is most
adapted to the general wants of the mass of exotic horti-
culturists.

The qualities needed in glass used for horticultural
purposes may be simply described as allowing of the
sun's rays passing through it, as little altered as possible
in their character, more especially in their direction. I
believe I am right in saying that the very best kind of
glass made alters the sun's heating powers in one way or
other and the most common kinds, presenting a wavy
surface, necessarily act as so many imperfect lenses,
diverting the sun's rays all to one point or line, to the
No. 10. — Vol. I. New Sebies.

injury or destruction of the plant against which they are
directed. Very common sheet glass has this defect, as
well as being more or less interspersed with specks or
scratches formed in the making. All these ought to be
guarded against, and plenty of sheet glass is free from it
so far as to be suitable for cultural purposes.

It was with a view to neutralise all effects from tie
collection of the sun's rays under glass, that the rough
plate variety was introduced. This presenting a finely
corded surface to that luminary, diverts its rays from a
direct line, which it would have in an ordinary way
when under good glass, to a diagonal direction right and
left of every cord or ridge on its surface, which is some-
thing like one hundred to the inch. I believe it does
this, and the glass being strong, it can be used in large
squares available to the fashionable glazing of the day.

To these good qualities of rough plate has been added
by some that no shading is required beneath it for plants
that are in bloom, or for cuttings striking ; but this
assertion cannot be borne out, for many who have been
induced to have it on this belief insist that it is really
hotter beneath it than under clear sheet glass. Be this
as it may, it is only fair to say that rough plate glass
possesses no merit which may not be had in sheet glass,
and is deficient in some of the points of great importance
in plant-house building. Foremost amongst these being
appearance, which is certainly on the side of sheet glass ;
the other looking so rough, obscure, and dirty, while
good sheet glass has a nearer approach to polished plate.

As all sheet glass is not alike, it is better to say a few
words to guide the inexperienced in the selection of the
kind best suited to his wants, the qualification " cheap-
ness," being also included, though not, perhaps, in the
same sense it is often present to him, for many low-
priced articles are very dear, and glass structures are
sometimes of that kind.

Assuming the purpose for which glass is to be used to
be a house or structure, either for plant-growing or fruit-
forcing, or any modification of either, or both combined,
I would certainly give the preference to sheet glass ; but
I would not by any means advise purchasing a cheap
common kind. On the contrary, I advise nothing thinner
than what is called 26 ozs. to the foot. Sheet glass to be
used for fixed liglits ; and if the squares be very large I
would have it still stronger. It is a great mistake to
glaze with thin, poor glass, for the expense of glazing,
painting, and woodwork, is all the same, whether the
glass be thick or not, and in an £. s. d. point of view, glass
generally costs less than either of these items, and for a
period of ten years thick glass will be the cheapest. I,
therefore, have no hesitation in advising the use of good
thick sheet glass in all cases where a permanent structure
is concerned. In doing this I by no means undervalue
rough plate, but as I regard sheet glass of the same
price so much better, I cannot bxit give the preference to
that kind.

We have several kinds of sheet glass in use here from
16 ozs. up to 26 ozs The last, however, being the best,
and much less breakage with it ; and as that is an impor-
No. 662.— Vol. XXVI., Old Semes.

17a

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJEB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 4, 1861.

tant item in expense, as well as an annoyance, its avoid-
ance ought not to be lost sight of in ordinary glass for
such purposes.

It is needless entering into any other feature of sheet
glass than its thickness, as the price generally determines
all the rest. Suffice to say, that the amateur ought not to
grumble at giving 6d. per foot for his glass ; and by doing
this he will save much during the next ten years, keeping
other points in view at the same time which will be
explained hereafter.

It is hardly necessary to allude to any other description
of glass than those ab^ve, as the old-fashioned crown
glass is fast falling into disuse, and few, if any, new
structures are glazed with it ; old ones, however, being
repaired as before, and the still older-fashioned under-
duty glass is still faster disappearing, wiih no chance, or,
I dare say, no wish for its resuscitation. There is another
kind of glass which I tliink might be advantageously
introduced — that is, slightly coloured glass. I never had
much experience with this but once. I had a small plant-
house glazed with sheet glass tinted green rather strongly,
and plants did remarkably well in it and kept a long
time in flower. Wo shading being wanted I did not
experience any inconvenience from it in the winter season,
and the appearance of things inside of it had a pleasing
effect. Hereafter we may possibly have show-houses for
plants coloured in this way, rather than resort to the
unsightly appendage of shading; and I for one would be
glad to see some of them so. not glazed with gay colovirs,
but some sober tint calculated to soften the sun's rays
falling on flowering plants, and hastening them on to
accomplish the purposes they are by Nature destined to
fulfil — that is, to flourish, flower, and perfect their seed.
In ornamental plant culture the object is to delay the
blooming period ; and if thi.s can be accomplished by a
neat-looking glass roof without the aid of shading, so
much the better But I have said enough on the subject
of glass, and will at a future time give a few remarks on
hothouse-building in general. — J. Kobson.

AEEANGING FLOWERS IN BOUQUETS AND

VASES.

{_ConUnued from page 153.)

CHAPTER ON SHAPES.

I BELIEVE I did intend that this chapter should be
about flowers themselves, and how to mount and wire
them, and put them all together, but I begin to think it
would be wrong to adhere to that plan.

All that is very nice to know, and very useful, but yet
not so utterly essential as the making of forms and shapes ;
and as I should be very sorry if the little designs should
not prove useful, I think it is better to begin at the right
end tLough it is the dullest of all dull subjects, aud to
write at once of how to manage shapes.

When shapes are provided, patterns are worked out
easily, and I fear it is nearly impossible to form them, at
least in variety, till these shapes are seen to.

They can be made in a variety of ways. Some have
frames of very fine green wire, like the old-fashioned
little violet-baskets, only smaller meshed, sO that a single
stick, or a stem stripped of all its leaves, passes through
each hole, all being bound together underneath the
frame.

Tliis is one of the easiest plans of all, the holes being, of
course, arranged in circles, and the flowers being care-
fully kept to a very even surface ; the effect is then
extremely good, and particularly lasting — at least, for
wearing. As commonly arranged it has only this dis-
advantage, that when tlie petals begiu to fall, or the
flowers to shrivel up, it is no longer ornamental, while
more solid masses look less objectionable.

For one or two days' use, however — as for a dinner-

table, or for carrying in the hand, nothing can do better'
It is exceedingly light to hold, and looks light also'
while it is at the same time very firm, and for economy
of flowers it is unsurpassed.

I proceed to give the receipt as precisely as in a
crocliet-book for making this, overcoming, I hope, its
usual reproach of bareness. Having fixed the required
size of the bouquet, when complete take a slight wire or
pierced frame two inches less in diameter than you
propose for the extreme edge of the solid bouquet— that
is to s«y, the extreme edge of the last connected row of
flowers. There may, of course, be a stray Fern leaf, or
even a fringe of Fern leaves, to come beyond the frame ;
but I do not count these, because they are not solid, and
must not therefore, be included in calculating the size.

It is not at all a disadvantage when, as is often the
case, the frame, though otherwise nearly flat, rises ap-
parently a little too abruptly in the middle, A large
flower is best for that place, and these are always better
when they can rest upon the solid foundation. I only
mention this now, however, as regarding the frame ; we
will talk of the flowers later.

The frame is made much more convenient by having a
stem, or rather two or four separate wires with a space
the size of a penholder between them, just like a parasol
handle; and though it must be a very ingenious young
lady to make the wire frame, the stems can be affixed
without any uncommon stretch of skill. Where young
ladies do try making their own frames, my very earnest
advice to them is to use silver wire. The quantity
wanted is not great, and the ruin of gloves that is
caused by other kinds would be likely to be vexatious.
Silver is also much more easily bent.

The circumference of the whole is, of course, three
times the diameter. So, if the frame is to be six inches, a
piece of wire nineteen inches long should be cut ; and then,
unless the flowers are meant to be used very small in-
deed, I think I may say the succeeding lengths should be
each an inch and a half shorter, till the last makes a circle
about the size of a sixpence. This allows for four rows
between the centre and the outside edge — six in all. But
as it is better to allow an inch at least for a beginner for
fastening the ends, the wire should be cut into lengths of
nineteen, sixteen, thirteen, ten, seven, and four inches.
Each of these pieces should be twisted or neatly hooked
together into circles of their respective sizes ; and then,
the centre one being formed, three wires should be
attached to it in the manner of parasol frames — going out
towards the edge, and dividing it into three parts as
equally as may he. These wires have to be each six inches
long ; another inch must, therefore, be allowed lor twisting.

Laying the concentric rings upon the table in their
proper order, the three frame wires are passed in and out
till they are firmly hooked upon the outer circle, the
others being secured in their places by a knot of netting-
silk. It is very easy afterwards by gentle bending to
give the desired curve to the upper surface; and two or
three long, strong wires, at least eight inches long, being
attached to the centre circle, the parasol frame will be
found to look quite complete, and it can at any time be
enlarged by another ring supported by two extra pieces
of the wire frame ; or the three already named may be
cut each an inch and a half longer than was required, so
as to turn up or down as wanted.

It H ould be better if the wire were cut in the lengths
required at the shop where it is bought, as in that case
it would be in perfectly straight pieces.

Some fancy repositories sell tliis sort of wire. It is
expensive at a jeweller's, and I have been toid by French
friend.-i that the French shops where rosaries are made
are the best and cheapest for it.

Where the frames are not intended for carrying in the
hand, but onlj' for vases or for dishes, the zinc "ire can
be used, which is very easily bent into shape. Of course,
square dishes or ovals can be filled by wire on the same

June 4, 1861.]

JOTJSNAI; OF HOBTICULTTJRE XST) COTTAaE GARDENEB.

173

principle ; and in squares it is, perhaps, better to arrange
them in a centre-circular bouquet with the corners filled
up, because, unless the wire frame is in the form of rings,
it is so difficult to prevent the effect from being liney.

The saving of flowers effected by this plan is something
marvellous.

In cases where very small flowers are used, a round
piece of green or black silk netting laid on outside the
frame and fastened over all round the edge answers every
purpose ; and where wire is really unattainable or not to
be managed easily, the frame can be made entirely of
such netting on a cane Of whalebone frame, this being so
far advantageous that it is exceedingly light and also
inexpensive.

These directions are very dry and uninteresting I
fear; still we must put up the scaffolding before we
can accomplish building, and our work hereafter will
be made very easy by arranging these things rightly
before we attempt to proceed further.

EOSE BOUQUET.

There ought to be now no difficulty in giving the first
June bouquet.

I have set my heart, in fact, on Roses ; the beautiful
white Banksia, and the pink little Rose de Meaux, and
then a fringe of Lilies of the Valley and pale Blue Bells,
Tvill surely finish off our bouquet in an artistic manner.

A small, stiff, central biinch of green, which one some-
times calls a faggot, is first prepared as usual ; three
of the pretty pink Roses are carefully sought out and
mounted in a spray, the heads being closely arranged
together, and then should come a few of the pure white
Lilies, with just two or three of their smallest leaves
peeping up as well, encircling the Roses ; and a wide even
circle two or three Roses deep. How prettily it sounds,
that measuring by Rose-buds ! The edge of the band,
keeping very even, succeeds the Lilies.

So far for the first circle. The second, after a frill or
edging again of the pretty Lilies, should be a mass of
Rose de Meaux. Sweet little Roses indeed they are
(and, oh, so charming for a dwarf Rose-hedge). They
should be closely set together, level at the top, and even
in their adjustment, and wider a little than the row
before.

Thirdly comes the border of double width, in which I
hardly caa tell how to arrange the flowers — all ways are
so pretty when the flowers are such as these I speak of.
I think I should mis them entirely, white and pink Roses,
Lilies, and Blue Bells all bsing joined in a mingled band.
And yet it would look so pretty with first white and
then pink, — each row divided with those perfectly lovely
Lilies, and the sky-blue Blue Bells also in a wide final
edging, and Fern and Lily leaves to finish off the whole.

Roses and Lilies ought to satisfy very fastidious tastes,
and the beautiful little early Scotch Roses may often lend
their white flowers to take the place of Banksias. — E.
{To he continued.')

SPRING FLOWERS, ANNUALS, AND

HERBACEOUS BEDDING PLANTS.

Who recoUeets the kind of bird which poor Barnaby Rudge
used to pet and prize so much in one of Mr. Dickens' tales ?
Tou reeoUect Barnaby Budge was a daft body, and the Floral
Committee were put in remenibranee of his whimsicalities this
spring by the exhibition of his namesake plant from the Wel-
lington fioad 'Sarserj—Sudgea maerocephala, or Rudge with
the large head. This plant had a wedding nosegay for a h.ead
■when we last saw it before us, on a thick flower-stalk, atout as that
of a "Good Gracious" polyanthus, with a polyanthus head of
orange-like flowers of ivory substance at the ends of all the
branches of a Magnolia-glauca-looking plant, and of the size of
a small gooseberry bush. This seemed to the Floral Committee
win be the ultimatum of that kind of Rudgea when it comes of age

in the hands of the specimen maker on the one-shift system ;
therefore, every family, from the Royal Family, who has a stove
to grow a Rudgea maerocephala and a family of daughters to
wed out into the world, ought to grow this Rudgea — (he only
plant, perhaps, whic-li produces, in one head of bloom, a perfect
wedding nosegay.

Next I will notice a Pansy, the best Pansy in this world for
contrast and for making converts to the family. I also will
foretell that seven gardeners our of every ten of them all over
the country would run after this Pansy, when I say it is the
very style and pattern of the two colours in Torenia asiatica.
Split up a Torenia flower in fancy Pansy shape, and you have
the Magpie Pansy. Stretch your ideas now to the extent of
one hundred yards running north and south — let that be the
first border line to your ribbon ; let it be 10 inches or 12 inches
wide, and as thick as it can grow. Let it be in full bloom, and
look on it from the south end about 11 A.si. or 1 p.m., and
imagine 10,000 magpie flowers looking ycu full in the face, and
full of flourishing impulse from the full depth of a fuUy pul-
verised border of good, light, rich compost, imUched over in
March or April with cocoa-nut-fibre sawdust in which Pansies
take more than delight to breed and multiply of then- own
accord, as I c£.n tell from the experience ■ndth the yellow
Pansy I had from Mr. Sims, of Foot's Cray, seven years back.
1859 was just warm enough for it, and 1860 just wet enough and no
more for it. All the frosts since 1853 were but enough to keep it
from gi'owing the year round, and when the gales knock it against
itself and other things' the fragments root as seedUngs, and
cover the borders with ready-made plants ; and all this from the
cocoa nut pulp, as the natives call it. This magpie flower is the
best of them for ribbon lines because it blooms on and on for
months and months, like that yellow one, and like the blue
Trentham one, of which I heard a great deal, but never saw it,
hut should judge from what I heard of it that the magpie would
be the first row, tlie yellow next, and the Trentham blue'the
third row of spring running ribbons ; then a row of the whitest
kind, to cut the three distinct contrasts in front from a full
collection of kinds, mixed alter your own fancy, behind the white
row. But for all that is good in flowers do not make a mixture
of kinds in connection with any system which attempts a con-
trast of colours in running lines without the bar of a white
between them, and nothing short of white will do to cut the
two systems from forming the groundwork of a fancy puzzle.

The newest idea of a flower-bed is this, and it is car-
ried out to the letter : A fancy-shaped bed, which Euclid
could not compass, is lined all round the edge with young
plants of Baron Hugel (not Baron de Hugel), and the rest of
the beds — which in no part is a yard from the Baron — is
planted with Purple Orach. The Orach plants were from 6
inches to 9 inches long, and were laid nearly flat on their sides
at planting out of pots. But that is not what brought up the
purple Orach after the Pansy, but another fancy wliich struck
me at the time, and which might escape my memoiy at the
proper moment without thus booking it. I have been calcu-
lating 800 miles of variegated edgings in the flower gardens of
England alone ; but if it be three times more, I want next year
between the middle and end of March to have as many miles of
Purple Orach plants pricked out just beyond the variegated
line or lines ; and where the variegated is to be over i inches
from the sides to have another row of Purple Orach pricked out
at 3 inches or 4 inches apart, just like pricking out young
cabbage plants from the seed-bed. The sowing to be done jtist
three weeks later than for early spring cabbage plants, which is
the simplest way to put it for gardeners. In that case you have
two rows of this rich pm'ple standing 6 inches or 8 inches opart,
and the space between these rows may be full of Crocuses at
the time of pricking out the purple; then, if Mint or Ceras-
tium is to be the edging, let each be from very young cuttings,
and be put in in two rows, and let the purples be 6 inches apart ;
but if the variegated edging is to be of Mangles' Geranium, or
any other variegated sort, let the purple hues stand 8 inches
apart; and all through Aprd, May, and to the end of June,
the Purple Orach is to be in contrast with the white edging,
and at the same time give the same effect as so many lines of
annuals used to give "at Shrubland Park, where every other row
all over that large garden was a row of some annual in the plant-
ing of 1851, when every bed in the garden was full of gay bloom
in the last week in June; which could not have been done
there at that period without the annuals. I never see a poor
miserable lot of bedding-out plants put out to nurse in the

174

JOUENAL OP HOETICTJLTUEE AND COTTA&E GAEDENEE.

[ Juue 4, 1861.

flower-beds by tlie end of May without wishing I had never
encouraged the bedding system, or said more pointedly the
benefit that might be derived from the true use of annuals — that
is, to use them by the ten thousand in aid of bedding-out
plants. I can see no reason under the sun why a flower garden
of any extent should have the lapse of one week without
flowers from the fii'st coming of tlie Crocus through the neces-
sary change to pot plants and planting out towards the end of
May, but the one substantial reason of expense of seeds, and of
looking after the seedlings in bad weather. Instead of despising
the annuals I would insist on gardeners learning how to manage
annuals properly, and unless they could get full sixty kinds of
them in bloom for me by the time tlie bedders were being put
out, to bloom whilst the bedders were getting their teeth, as it
were, I would show them how to do them.

Then, if I found the cost to be more than would suit me, I
would fall back on a set of oiu" best herbaceous plants, and take
a score of kinds of tlieni, or a couple of dozens, and I would
begin the spring with Eanunculus amplexicaulis, the earliest
white bedder help on the list. I said lately that this was grown
largely at the Pine Apple Place Nursery, by Mr. Arthur Hender-
son, on purpose for such work ; then the Arabis alpina, ahas
praecox, and alias alba, comes in at as early a period and lasts as
long, about six weeks. Alyssum saxatile, plain, and variegated,
and evergreen, follow on in April, and should be had in quantity.
Iberis Tenoreana, a sweet, early, May-flowering plant. Iberis
corifolia the same. The Delphiniums, as formosum, Henderson!,
magnificum and pulcbellum, or any others near them, are hand-
some and most \iscful helps. The new Dianthuses, and Capt.
Trevor Clai'ke's mule Pinks, single and double, are most useful,
showy, and easily transplanted at any period of their growth.
QDnothera prostrata and serotina, as well as taraxifolia and
macrocarpa, are all very lasting, but the last two will not bear
to be removed often or during tlie summer. Lychnis Haageana,
Siebpldi, Bungeana, coronata and fulgens, require only to be
kept young, or as biennials, to be most useful and very telling.
The old, pretty little Saponaria ocymoides, to be kept yorfng,
like a mountain pink, is one of the neatest front-edge plants we
have. In rich or damp soil, the Forget-nje-nots are all useful,
such, as Myosotis azurea grandiflora, montana and palustris, and
palustris alba, can be moved from place to place the whole
summer. Platycodon grandiflora is another, the most showy of
all the Campanulas. The little white Campanida pumila, if it
were divided every April, would bloom for nearly three months
from July, and occupy no more than 3 inches or 4 inches along
the edge of a bed or border. Campanula carpatica, blue and
white, treated in the same way, last out the whole of the flower-
ing season. In May no garden shoidd want a bed of Dode-
catheon gigantea, which would easily remove when the leaves
begin to fade, and rest till the turn of the new year. Phlox
vema is a triie bedder for Api'il and early May, and to be kept
young from runners or cuttings. Phlox procumbens equally
good for May ; large round patches of it are now only going out
of flower at Surbiton ; nivalis and subulata are nearly as good,
and the four are suited for the fi-ont of beds and borders, just as
Polyanthuses and Auriculas were a month earlier.

To represent the new class of Phloxes, none of the old is so
good as Ci-iterion, which is striped carnation-fashion, and lasts
in bloom a long time, rising from 2 feet to 3 feet high, according
to the soil it is grown in. Chelone barbata, and several kinds
of Pentstemons and Potentillas, make the very best border plants
either in masses of one kind, or in single patches. There is no
end to the new races of Phloxes and Paeonias, also the new
Pyrethrums, as cameum and roseum, Duchesse de Brabant in
the shade of Carmine Nosegay ; Prince Alfred, a purple crimson,
fine, and fulgidum, a blood red, besides others that I have not
yet seen. Anlirrhinums, again, remove perfectly easily from the
seedling state till they are in full bloom, and back again the
same season after th.ey are over, so that no room is lost to the
great work of the season — a perfect mass of bloom in all parts of
t'le ground.

Then there is no end to hardy variegated plants, and in the
spring most of them are as handsome in their variegation as
others arc for their flowering beauty. Besides, by the man of
quiet mood and perennial comfort, none of these need be at all
removed save once in two or three years ; but such as I have
indicated to be kept young need to be looked to about making
cuttings of them, or dividing them every year, or once in two
years at the farthest. But every gardener in the country could
add soroe more names to this general selection of herbaceous

plants, which last a long time in bloom and are not difl3cult to
manage ; and no greater compliment could any one of them
pay to the new rank and title of the good old and true Cottage
trAEDENEK than to add half a dozen kinds of equal merits with
those here indicated, and at the same time to say how they
should be done by ; for all my own experience goes to prove
that bare lists of plants do but puzzle and perplex any mortal
as to how to dre^s them, or keep them, or where to put them,
and how to make the most of them. But I made the following
up on several occasions I had been at Mr. Salter's, Versailles
Nursery, and if I keep it much longer I shall not say what may
happen.

I shall begin with the G-reek Valerian, Polemonium coaru-
leum variegatum — the very prettiest edging plant in this world,
where the light, deep, rich soil enables it to be as it has been
with me till I was foolish enough to lose it altogether through
sheer greediness in excessive propagation ; Veronica chamse-
drys, which will be in the bedding lists soon, as it had a first-
class certificate for a hardy edging plant for the milhon from
the Floral Committee — this will beat the hardy Alyssum varie-
gatum or its substitute ; many other Veronicas, Vincas, and
Verbenas with well-marked variegations ; Sedum acre, var.,
and Sedum telephium two sorts ; Saxifraga granulata, a gem
for rocks if not disturbed; tlu-ee and five-lobed Shamrock
for St. Patrick's patrimony as deep in rubrum as Orach is
in rubicuudum — dark pm'ple bands, in fact; Symphytum offi-
cinale, a gi-and thing, witli bands as in ribbon grass, but four
times broader ; Agrostis vulgaris and colorata, very nice ; and
Arundo phragmites with golden chains; Calystegia eepium, var.;
Comarum palustre ditto; LUy of the Valley as ribbon grass;
Solomon's Seal, or Convallaria, Polygonatum, and C. Sieboldi the
same, very handsome ; Festuca glauca, for verges to green drives
in plantations, and to carriage-roads where tliey run thi'ough
rough underwood in plantations and large s'lirubberies. Coming
from the London lodge, such verges never want cutting or weed-
ing. Many Funkias, Centaureas, Irises, Ground Ivies or Gle-
chomas, Lamiums, Rudbeckias, Melica and Mentha, A'eronicas
and Vincas, Sedums and Salvias, and indeed to the number of
250 kinds, and every one of them a variegated plant, quite a novel
sight of itself But tlie gentleman on Brixton Hill who gave me
the yellow Polyanthus, and who has a regular museum of rare
plants, showed me five or six plants of the Golden Variegated
Auouba japonica, which few people can do properly, but which
he does as regularly as the Flower of the Day, even to the bark
of the young wood — aU of a glowing golden yellow in immense
stripes, spots, and blotobes. D. Beaton.

THE AURICULA BLOOM OF 1861.

The idea entertained by a grower of these flowers — that frost
was good for them, would almost seem to be (however ridiculous
it appeared at first sight) correct. Never have we had a more
severe winter ; never have our noses been so cold or our coal
bills so heavy ; and yet, from all I see and hear, never was there
a finer bloom of these flowers than the present season has wit-
nessed. But we must not, therefore, conclude the above axiom
to bo true. " The post hoc and propter hoc are two very difl'erent
things." Cold frosty weather implies an absence of damp, and
this being the great foe to the Auricula, the season has favoured
it ; but had the weather been equally dry without frost and
snow, the advantage would have been equally great. From one
gi'ower indeed, and he one of no mean celebrity — Mr. Lightbody,
of Falkirk — I have received a very unfavourable report ; but as
he has himself, I grieve to say, been an invalid, it is very possible
that may have had something to do with his bloom, though he
attributes it in great measure to the fact that his trusses were
all heart blooms. That, by-the-by, opens out a very cui-ious
question, of which I can see no solution on any physiological
grounds. How comes it to pass, that if an Auricula throws up
a side bloom it is pretty sure to be in character ; but that ff
it be from the heart ol the flower— no matter what the edge
may be, green, grey, or white— it is just as likely to come in any
other class as the one it belongs to ? Again : I have had kinds
which one year have come all green- edged, the next year all
grey. Can Mr. Darwin, Mr. Beaton, or anybody enlighten me
on the first of these points ? The latter may be the efl'ect of
season, but the former occurs in all seasons.

There has not been for many years — not, I should think,
since the gatherings at the Horns" Tavern, Kennington, whw

June 4, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HOETICULTURE AND OOTTA&E GAKDENEE.

195

John Dieksou "'-! king of growers — so large a display of
Auriculas seen a London as at the April Show at the Boyal
Botanic Gardens. I was, I regret, unable to attend, but it
was a large step towards what I have long desired — a national
Auricula show. Mr. Turner sent a large collection ; and my
friend Mr. Jeans, of Alford, a basket of new varieties, besides
his lot for competition ; and I understand that many were the
admirers who crowded round them during the day. May we
not hope that some of those admirers may be turned into
growers, and thus the patrons of this beautiful spring flower
be increased in number? In the hope that such may be the
ease, and for the information of those who are growers, I append
some notes taken of both old and new flowers this season.

GEEEN-EDGED CLASS.

Booth's Freedom. — This most diSlcult flower to grow, as most
people find it, had with me only three pips, which were very
fine ; but my brother tells me that Dr. Plant, the famous grower
at Monkstown, near DubHn, exhibited it with nine or ten, and
each pip as large as a florin.

Dickson's Duke of "Wellington. — An old flower ; a great
favourite about London, but no way thought of in Laneashii-e —
too full of colour, and striking on a stage.

Dickson's Duke of Cambridge. — This has not done well with
me this year. The ground colour is very bright — a violet
purple, but the plant itself is not strong in constitution.

Dickson's Matilda. — Neilher did this bloom well with me this
season. These caprices are very odd. Last year it was excellent.
It has several faults (we florists are very particular, I fear)
amongst them that of not throwing up its footstalk sufficiently.

Leigh's Colonel Taylor. — An old, and, I think, over-rated
flower. Petal pointed, paste too thin, and stem not strong
enough.

Finlayson's John Bright. — In sturdiness and want of refine-
ment well named. A new flower of immensely vigorous habit.
Eye not colour enough, but as a stage flower cannot be dis-
pensed with.

Lightbody's Sir John Moore. — At one time I thought this
must go to the border ; but, with Jess mauve, it has been a
presentable flower, and I shall retain it.

Page's Champion. — One of the oldest and best of its class.
A deUcate-constitutioned plant, and very difficvilt to obtain. I
had one early and good bloom of it.

Oliver's Lovely Anne. — An old, easily grown, and useful
variety. Sometimes green and sometimes grey in its edge.

Campbell's Lord Palmerston. — A good variety. Somewhat
pale in the eye, but very flat. A good dull green.

Smith's Lycurgus. — A lion ! Edge green, with a good deep
ground colour. The eye yellow. Foliage large and considerably
serrated. Vigorous in habit, and sure, I think, to push aside
some of its older companions. Florists will see a very admh-able
portrait of it in the September Number of the " Floral Magazine."

Howard's Lord Nelson. — A good old variety. Faulty in some
points, but easily grown.

Clegg's Lady Blucher. — A pretty flower, though somewhat
pointed in petal. Ground colour a light purple. Edge apt to
get foxy.

Smith's Eichard Cobden. — Fine and vigorous growth. Edge
a good green. Large amount of ground colour. A noble stage
flower ; and, as it is so robust, it will find its place into most
collections.

Smith's Lord John Enssell. — Good lively flower. Clear in
the edge, a little too rough, and somewhat thrum-ejed.

GHET-EDOED CLASS.

Chapman's Maria. — A high-priced and exquisite flower. Its
colour is of the most intense violet ; and there is an an* of
singular refinement about the flower, which, despite the inde-
cision of its edge, places it in my mind at the top of the tree.

Chapman's Sophia. — Another very beautiful flower, but not
equal to its sister.

Cheetham's Lancashire Hero. — Perhaps in form the most
perfect of all Auriculas, though wanting in decision of edge.
Colour deep, eye good, pip flat, and altogether a model flower.

Fletcher's Ne Plus Ultra. — In size certainly deserves its name.
Pips as large as half-a-crown, are not uneven, but then it is
coarse. It is, however, a flower that is sure to attract, and I
do not find it all weakly in constitution.

Fletcher's Mary Ann. — A neat prudish-looking flower, qmte
the old maid of Auriculas ; but like many of that too-mueh-
despised claw, taost valuable. (I only wish the old bachelors

were half as unselfish.) A good exhibition flower, tho\igh it
does not make a large plant.

Lightbody's Eichard Headley. — A very late-flowering kind.
Foliage peculiarly beautiful ; pip not large, but good in shape.
So late, as I should tliink very difficult to get in for an exhibition.
My plants are in bloom now (May 28).

Maclean's Unique. — A fine, bold-looking flower. Its eye some-
what large ; but I do not know a more striking grey edge than
it is.

Waterhonse's Conqueror of Enrope.-^An old flower that I
took prizes with twenty yeai-s ago, and still a winning sort.
Constant, a good grower, and quick propagator.

Dickson's Lady Jane Grey. — Of this I had a very fine truss.
The petal is round, the edge good, the eye orange, habit excel-
lent, and lasts very long in bloom.

Headley's George Lightbody. — Alas ! my plant is gone. Mr.
Jeans says he had it very fine, although somewf.at defective in
ground colour.

Eev. George Jeans (Turner) . — A very neat flower in the way
of Sykes' Complete. Good eye, edge decided grey. Quite new,
and not let out yet.

Mr. Feasch (Chapman). — Cannot equal Mr. Chapman's othei^
two flowers ; but is very pretty in colour. The pip is laigej.
and the habit of the plant good.

WHITE-EDGED CLASS.

Tayloi-'s Glory. — Still unapproachable as a white edge. The
colour beautiful violet, paste thick, edge pure white ; truss
large; foliage very mealy. I have had some fine blooms this
season ; but have seen it with Dr. Plant with pips as large as a
florin !

Lightbody's Countess of Dunmore. — A good flower. Mealy
foliage ; ground colour deep chestnut ; orange tube. Fine
trusser, and good grower.

Hepworth's True Briton.— A good white edge, but has the
fault of rarely flattening. Colour dark plum ; foliage smooth
and green.

Popplewell's Conqi;eror. — A very old but very useful variety.
Edge too much approaching grey, very mealy and serrated foliage j
habit good, and an indispensable flower, whether for exliibition-
table, or stage.

Smith's Ne Plus Ultra, wrongly named, for Taylor's Glory
is a long way beyond it, still the flower is a good one.

Gaines' Model. — Too small even to be fit for on exhibition-
table. The pip is circrdar and flat, and it will be found pretty
for the stage.

TraUe's White Eival. — Coai-se in texture, -too much colour.
Perhaps another season may modify it.

SELF CLASSES.

To most non-connoisseurs this is the most attractive of the
four, the various sliades of colour, from the deepest maroon
approaching to black, to the liveliest light blue, render it emi-
nently attractive, and of late some valuable additions have been
made to it.

Netherwood's Othello. — The earliest-blooming of all Am'ieulas
with me. Colour a deep maroon ; tall in growtl), and apt when
fully blown to throw back its petals ; but a desirable flower.

Martin's Mrs. Sturrock.— I had some excellent blooms of
this variety. A dulhsh- crimson flower, very flat, with good
paste and eye. A sterling variety.

Lightbody's Meteor Flag. — A large and olear-coloured flower,
but I think beaten out of the fleld by some of the newer ones.

Eichmond's North Star. — A very beautiful light lively blue
flower, wl'U shaped, paste good, and eye pure yellow.

Faulkner's Hannibal. — A good deal has been said about this
flower the last two years. I saw it this year along with Squire
Munday. It certainly is the same, is rough, coarse, vigorous in
growth, and striking as a stage flower.

Spaldry's Blackbird.— One of the best selfs. Colour deep
purplish-brown, somewhat reflexes when fully open, and thi'ows
up its anthers too much, making it thi'um-eyed.

Volunteer (Turner). — Petals large, and a circular eye; too
light, and paste too thin. The foliage is good, and, doubtless,
it will be generally grown.

Spaldry's Metropolitan. — A very pretty flower in the style of
North Star, but not equal to it.

Eedman's Metropolitan. — A p-etly flower, which soon, how-
ever, fades its colour, an-d then looks as if it had been floured.
Very small foliage. In winter you would imagine the plant
woivid do nothing, but it throws up a fine truss.

176

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE aARDBNEB.

[ Jvino 4, 1861.

Chapman's Squire Smith. — I have grown this two seasons,
and unless it improve I shall not grow it after next year. It is
certainly better this year than it was last.

Such are some of my " hobservations " for this season ; and I
am more than ever convinced, that plain common sense and an
absence of quackery will enable any one to grow this charming
sirring flower. We poor florists have been so thrust aside by
whipper-snappers, like " Tom Thumbs," yellow Calceolarias,
variegated Mint ! and every thing that can be pressed into the
bedding line, that we must stand up for ourselves, or we shall be
overwhelmed. Let not lovers of flowers be afraid of trying their
hand, and may success attend them. — D., Deal.

CULTURE OF THE GBAPE VINE.

TINES IN THE OPEN AIE ON WALLS.
^Continued from page 137.)
In my last paper on this subject I described what I consider
13 the best and simplest mode of pruning and training the Viue
on walls. The alternate mode of training and pruning the Tine
may be varied to suit circumstances. The same principle is that
called horizontal training. A main stem is carried up to the top
of the wall, and side shoots at regular intervals are trained at
right angles from it (Jig. 6).

. Fig. C.

This plan answers admirably for Vines trained against the
walls of a dwelling-house, and also against a wall purposely set
apart for Vines. In the latter case the shoots may be trained
and pruned yearly just on my alternating principle — that is, one
shoot to bear fruit and another to produce wood alternate with
each other.

The next best mode is that called spur pruning, which some
cultivators perchance would like to try. It is almost as simple
as the other. Furnish the wall with upright or horizontal shoots,
and prune in annually the laterals (which should not be left too
numerous) to a single eye or bud. When these buds break they
should be all trained on the upper side of the branch (Jig. 7)
and not pointing upwards, but rather aslant so as to allow the
bunch to hang clear of the stem that bears the fruit.

Fig. 7

The summer treatment of Vines on walls consists in stopping
the fruit-bearing laterals one joint beyond the bunch, and stopping
also the side laterals at the first joint. Ihis stopping must be
persevered in all the summer. Each lateral that bears fruit

should be fastened to the wall in its early stage, in order that it
may not be broken off by the wind or its own weight. Then,
again, never allow more than one bunch to a shoot, and thin them
moderately, to allow the berries that are left room to swell.
Should the season prove a dry one, then give the border a good
watering once a-week, and every third time water with liquid
manure of a moderate strength. Syringe the Vines as soon as
the fruit is set to keep the leaves clear of dust. Do fliis in the
evening, then the leaves and fruit will get dry before the sun
has any power to injure. Cease syringing as soon as the Grapes
begin to colour. Of course, in dropping or rainy weather the
syringing will be dispensed with. Should mildew appear, directly
it is seen dust it with sulphur, which will check the disease if
taken in time. When the fruit is all gathered, then cut off all
supernumerary laterals and leaves, to allow the sun to reach the
wall and heat it, and thereby ripen the wood.

One very important point the cultivator of the Vine must
attend to, especially where the spur system of pruning is
followed, and that is to carefully preserve the leaf nearest to the
bottom of the yearling shoot. That
leaf has to mature the bud that is to
yield fruit the following season. If it is
destroyed either accidentally or other-
wise, it is ten to one if the shoot from
that bud will produce any fruit the
following season : hence that leaf should
be carefully and sedulously taken great
care of till it falls oS" maturely ripe.

Fig. 8 represents how a Vine should
be pruned on the spur system. In fom-
or five years the spur may become long
and unsightly, but at its base there is
always a knot of incipient buds, one
or more of which, when the Vine is
vigorous, will break. Such a bud should
be allowed to grow and encouraged to
acquu'e strength by hard stopping the
leading shoot on the spur. In the
autumn wlien the Vines are pruned the
old spur should be cut off, and the
young one made to take its place. By
careful attention the whole of the
spurs may be renewed and brought, as
it is called, nearer home. My friend
Mr. J. Meredith, of the Vineyard,
Garston, near Liverpool, prunes his
Vines still more severely. He cuts off
all the spurs annually, and states that
he very seldom fails having fruit from the incipient buds ; but
then hisA'^ines are so extraordinarily luxuriant and fruitful that
he can afford to (what I call) take liberties with them.

In wet, cold simi~er8, however, the wood may possibly not
get ripened to the full length of the yearling shoots to the top
of the wall, especially in situations considerably north of London.
In such a case (or indeed in every case for the Vine) I would
advise the wall to be flued and heated either by the old method
of common hot air, heated from a fire placed at the north side,
or by hot-water pipes carried within the flues in the wall to the
top, with returning pipes brought down again to the boiler.
The advantages of hot-water pipes are, that the top part of the
wall will be equally, or nearly so, as warm as the lowest range,
which in not so with walls heated with the smoke or hot air
in the ordinary flues. It is true the hot-water pipes arc more
expensive ; and the other method, if well managed, is not greatly
inferior, especially if the Kiddean system of heating the air so
strongly recommended by my friend Mr. Beaton be adopted.
In addition to this helping tlie Viue to ripen its wood by heating
the wall, the ripening of the fruit will be assisted also. In un-
favourable summers like that of 1860, if the cultivator has a few
spare lights of glass at hand, he might with advantage make use
of them by placing them agninst his Grape wall. Even covering
each, or part of the bunches of fruit with bell or small hand-
lights, would ripen the fruit better and sooner than if left fully
exposed.

In order to facilitate the growth and ripening of both the
wood and the fruit, early shelter from late spring frosts and cold
winds, the Grape wall should be covered with netting of some
kind. Much has been said in favour of tiffany ; but though it
has merits, yet, from its close texture, it excludes too much
light and air. Woollen netting also holds moisture too long,

Fig. S.

June 4, 1861. ]

.JOFRBTAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

177

and contracts and expands according to the state of the weather.
I have seen a kind of netting called Brittain's netting, that has
the least objectionable points of any in my opinion, and being
made of thi-ee-fold cotton it is strong and lasting. Howerer,
any of these kinds are suHiciently good for the purpose, and
used early in the season, will help to bring out the young shoots
earlier, and protect them fi-om cold. Remove these shelters
towards the end of May, they have done their due. In the
autumn, if it should be cold and wet, ihen replace the shelters,
for the double purpose of ripening the fruit and the wood.

The woodcuts also display how the side shoots or laterals
should be trained so as to give the bunches clear space to swing,
as it were, at their ease. In such an open position the sun will
heat the wall in their immediate neighbourhood, and thus
conduce to mature and ripen them better than if they were
hanging close to the stems in a thicket of leaves.

If the above points of culture are carefully attended to, I have
no doubt very fair Grapes in moderately favourable seasons will
be brought to perfection even on open walls. And let not the
cultivator of the Grape even in the north of England fear to try
it on the open wall. I know at least two examples of successful
culture in that way as far north as Yorkshire. One is at Temple
Newsan, near Leeds, the seat of H. Meyrick Ingram, Esq.,
under the successful management of his excellent gardener, Mr.
Taylor. The other is in the gardens at Swillington Hall, about
two miles from Temple Newsan, Sir John Lowther's place,
managed by Mr. Broome. Both are fine examples of successful
culture of the Yiue against walls in the open air. T. Appiebt.
{To ie continued.)

FOECING.

{Continued from page 98.)

CUCUMBEES.

When once the growing of Cucumbers in dung-beds is
mastered, there will be no difficulty in growing them with the
assistance of liot water or flues. When I could not grow them
early in a Pine-stove heated by flues, which used to give as many
as I wanted in pots and boxes, I was forced to try to get them
earlier in pits heated by hot water. These pits were deeply sunk
originally, and pigeon-holed in the walls for dung linings ; but
as my employer neither liked the littery appearance of the dung,
nor the idea of letting me have such a quantity of it, I obtained
hot water as a substitute. The pits being so deep, a part of the
bottom was filled in and rammed ; open rubble was placed round
the pipes for bottom heat, and these were covered with rough
and then fine gravel. The soil was placed above. For early
crops, however, nothing could be done without moving the
sashes, which led to digging out the path, and building a four-
inch wall there, so as to permit attending to the plants in all
weathers by a small door in the back wall. Below the pipes for
bottom heat, a layer of concrete is placed upon the rammed clay
and earth, which sets sufficiently firm to retain a little water
about the pipes and rubble when poured through a drain-pipe
which is introduced through the soil down to the concrete. The
only objection I have to such a pit is the small top room ; for,
though the space for earth is not 3 feet wide, that is generally
earth enough to keep up great luxuriance in the plants. The
front pipes for top heat, E, are just near enough the plants.

What I should much prefer for Cucumbers in a lean-to house,
would be a house hke^^. 40, 8 feet wide and 11 feet high at
back. I should have liked it better still 1 foot or 18 inches
wider, 1 foot higher, and hipped roof at back of 18 inches or so,
where air could be given, and aU the front roof fixed. I have
shown four pipes, one at front and one at back for top heat, and
two below the bed for bottom heat. I would have these pipes
on a level, the one at back and front flows, and the two beneath
the bed as returns. There is the same concrete below the beds,
and gravel on the top of the rubble, and means for pouring water
into the rabble when deemed necessary. A strong flue might go
through such a bed and return close to the back wall. The flue
might go and return beneath the bed; but then there would
need be openings in the pathway wall, or tubes through the bed
to let the heat up. It will be seen how easy it would be to have
either pipes or flue in a chamber, the earth being supported by a
floor of slate, of stone, or even of wood slabs, with the interstices
between them filled with pieces of brickbats and stones. Many
like that system best ; but I own I consider clinkers, brickbats.
See., with a fine surface, such as fine gravel, so as to get the earth

clean off, the cheapest, the easiest heated, and altogether the best
Fig. 41, is a section of a first-rate Cucumber-house, 12 feet wide,
inside measure, pathway 3 feet, side walls 3 feet, with moveable

Fig. 40.

glass sashes 2 feet, height to ridge 9 feet, ridge-board double,
with wooden ventilators hung between, and a double ridge-hoard
to prevent rain driving in, and yet allow air freely to pass. At

^^T\

Fig. 41.

Luton Park a house is now building on a similar plan, but at
least 3 feet higher, and the cowl itself sets close to the glass,
and is elevated in pieces by a lever. The top heat and bottom
heat are respectively under control. Fig. 42, is a much more

Fig. 42.

economical affair, and is, as far as I recollect, a section of a house
used very successfully by Mr. Bui-ton, of Hatfield House, both
for Cucumbers and Vines in pots. It is a span-roof with no
glass in the side walls, and two pipes on each side for top heat.
Warm manure sweet, 2 feet or so in thickness, is placed below
the BoU to help to warm it at first, and the plants are turned out
and answer remarkably well. The house faces north and south
or nearly so, and were growing only on the north side at the
beginning of May, and wore very fine indeed. Even in winter
I was assured they do well, as the foui- pipes keep not only the
atmosphere, but the soil warm enough. Our readers may easily
see how such a house may be varied as to its heating. For

178

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE ftARDENER.

[ June 4, 1861.

instance : the heating-pipes might be below the pathway, and
a drain-pipe would keep up a circulation in the house, and
the two pits might be filled with hot leaves and tan, and plants
be grown in large pots, and fresh tan added as needed, or a flue
might go under the pathway instead of pipes. In such a house
with a strong flue round one end and two sides, without any
pits at all, fine Cucumbers could be grown in boxes 18 inches
long, 18 inches deep, and 15 inches wide, set upon the top of
the flue with just a piece of tile at each corner to keep the bottom
of the boxes off the flue. On all spare spaces of the flue we
would have evaporating-pans to use when necessary. With a
flue half of it nearest the furnace brick on bed, and strong tiles
for covering, and the house not more than from 25 feet to 30 feet
long, and some 10 feet wide, I should desire no better means,
though hot water is much less liable to accidents. In heating
the soil taking care it is neither too hot, nor too dry, nor too
wet, &c. The same minutia; must be attended to as in dung-beds ;
but Cucumbers in a house are always more interesting, as the
fruit is always so much more handsome when seen suspended
from a rod or trellis. There being so many inquiries as to
different modes of growing Cucumbers will furnish a place for
these remarks. R. Fish.

EFFECTS OF POTATO STEMS BEING FEOSTED.

Ik answer to inquiries in your Journal of the 21st ult.
Though your correspondent, under the signature of "The
Doctoe's Boy," has come to the conclusion that where the
shoots have been repeatedly cut down by frost, as almost every
one must have found during this spring, the crop at lifting time
has not suffered, the difference will, I think, be perceived in the
size, but not the number of Potatoes under the stems. This
seems only reasonable to expect ; for the largest Potatoes are
lifted under a single stem, which has escaped frost : whereas,
after having been once, or oftener, cut back by frost, it is
invariably the case that numerous shoots are sent up, and the
nourishment required for their support tends naturally to dimi-
nish the size of the Potatoes as a crop. — Ashleap.

TOEEY HILL.

THE SEAT OF LOKD KINGSDOWN.

I HAD the good fortune a week or two since of having Mr.
Newman for a guide in a walk tlu'ongh the grounds and houses
of the above-named place, and who was very attentive and kind
in pointing out to me those objects most worthy of notice, and
from whom I gleaned the following particulars : —

Torry Hill is situated about a mile south-east of Milstead, in
Kent, on an eminence 500 feet above the sea level, and is ex-
posed to all the biting influences an inclement winter can bring; it
is within the postal district of Sittingboiu-ne, from which town it
lies five miles south. It was held, prior to the present possessor
pui'chasing it, by one of the Tyldcn family, a family of some note
in this county as early as Edward III. Tlic origin of its name
I have not been able to obtain with any certainty ; but it is
probable it is corrupted from " Tarry Hill," thus intimating that
the rambler is impxd&ively urged to tarry and admire the many
and varied beauties surrounding him. The scene which struck
the beholder when its name was given has not lost an iota of its
grandeur since : on the contrary, the improvements which have
been made in the immediate grounds affect materially objects in
the distance. Whether in the early summer morn, when a vapour
cloud floats between earth and sky, shutting from the view all
objects save the tops of the Sheppy Hills ; whether in the dewy
eve, when the declining sun throws its weakened but glaring rays
upon the swell of the far-off sea ; whether, when the noontide
heat gives even to the dull soil a glitter, painful for the eye to
rest long upon ; or, again, whether in the depth of the dreary
winter, when the feelings are dull and dormant as Nature itself
appears to be, it would be impossible for tlie beholder to gaze
from here without unbounded and just admiration.

The most striking object is the Sheppy Isle, which is exposed
from one extreme to the other. The Swale, it may be imagined, is
no small feature in the scene. I stand on the terrace. Facing
northward objects, between (he points of Boughton Hill and
Chatham, a distance of twenty-two miles, are easily pointed out.
There, directly opposite, is the Ferry of Emley, where James II.
narrowly escaped being taken when flying his kingdom, and
would have been roughly handled but for the timely aid of the

powerful Sir E. Hales. There is the seat of the Cromers, and there
that of the Hugessens. Yonder is Tong, foimded, it is affirmed,
by Hengist and Horsa. There is Teynham, too, of Saxon name,
and many other places of historical interest fall beneath the eye ;
and the whole expanse south of the Swale is composed of rich
and well-tended land, interspersed with considerable tracks of
woodland.

I now come to the house and grounds. At the time when
Lord Kingsdown (then T. Pemberton, Esq.,) took possession of
the estate, both house and grounds were small ; but they have
been gradually extended, and at the present time both are noble
in appearance and extent. The park contains 350 acres, and is
well wooded. Some extensive tracks of woodland are being
grubbed in and adjoining it for general improvements. The
house stands in the midst of grounds well laid out, and has lately
befn restored, being built of red brick and white stone. The
east front is approached by a carriage drive from the park, and
also from the high road south of the mansion. At the entrance
door is a noble portico, over which, immediately under the coping
and carved in stone, are the arms of his lordship. At the north-
east angle is an octagon tower, 80 feet high, the whole of
which is covered with Portland cement. Passing along the north
front we came to the conservatory — a square building with glazed
roof, and large lights in each front facing north and west re-
spectively. The angles are of solid masonry, corresponding with
the main building. At the south of the building are the ser-
vants' offices, which appear to be ample and very convenient.

Plants — Conservatory. — In speaking of the extremely fine
collection of )ilants, I begin with the conservatory. This building
is entered from the house from the drawing-room, and also from
the saloon; the latter being very lofty, and both most elegantly
decorated. On the left side of the conservatory from tlie saloon
entrance is erected a stage, which was very gay with Cinerarias,
intermixed with Tulips, of which the double Tournesol and the
scarlet Van Thcl were very conspicuous ; there were also Salvia
gesnerieefolia, Dielytra spectabilis, some Ti-opteolums trained to
larch fir tops, Epacrises, Coronillas, Genistas, Camellias, and
many others, tlie whole producing a charming effect. Standing
in pots in a border opposite were some Azaleas, and Roses, and
a 'i ropfeolum trained to the shape of a crown, and full in bloom.
In the bed stood a fine specimen of Stenocarpus Cuunuighami,
12 feet high, a size rarely met with in this country. On either side
from the drawing-room entrance were two magnificent Orange
trees looking in perfect health : near them was a noble plant of
Araucaria excelsa, but unfortunately it has lost its leader. Run-
ning up iron columns, and from which its flowers hung in grace-
ful clusters, was the old and (for conservatory) valuable climber,
Clianthus puniceus, there were many other climbers and scarlet
Geraniums trained up the columns; some of the Geraniums
were 14 feet high. In the borders Camellias were planted, which
were in bloom, and of varioxis colours, and some reaching a
height of 10 feet. High amongst them was a plant of Pitto-
sporum tobira, with a cream white flower, deliciously fragrant.

Lawns. — Leaving this building by the west front, large masses
of Azaleas and Rhododendrons were brought fully before us, and
many Coniferous shrubs and standard Rhododendrons ; amongst
which Picea Pindrow was looking very well. These beds of
shrubs are sheltered from the west by a belt of Firs, with some
fine large trees of Ash and Elm, giving the whole a forest appear-
ance. On the north front of the conservatory and mansion is a
terrace newly made, 290 feet long and 10 feet wide ; and below
this is a flower garden, laid out this spring, from the design of Mr.
Fox, the gardener. At the west end of this is a spreading Horse
Chestnut tree, whose under branches sweep the ground, the tree
taking the form on a gigantic ?cale of the bunches of blossom it
bears. Fronting this garden is a wall built on a level with the
surface, topped by balustrading, and this again ornamented with
vases. Moving to the east front we crossed the drives already
mentioned, and where stands a lengthened grove of lofty Scotch
Firs, at the end of which, near the park entrance to this lawn,
were several more large beds of Rhododendrons, the scarlets
breaking into bloom. The plants on this lawn were very fine, of
which I shall mention a specimen of Cedrus dcodara, 30 feet
high, Araucaria imbricata, and the Wellingtonia gigantea. This
last was 6 feet high, and 13 feet in circumference, was looking
rather brown, but showing evei'y sign of starting. Cupressus
torulosa, Pinus excelsa, and many other ornamental plants with
those I liave before named, appear to have stood the late winter
well, which is somewhat astonishing, situated as Torry Hill is,
and exposed to the cold north wuidf, and with a soil of clay full

J(ine4> 1^6^. ]

JOHEirAIi \0¥ aaRTICUL'TD'BE AND .GOTTAaE GAUDENER.

179

of fliat ; but it must be stated, that when planted Mr. Fox
took great pains in preparing the ground for their reception.
He had large holes made, and filled with a made soU, suitable
for them ; and their now flourishing condition amply repays
for the care at first taken.

Mouses. — Passing through a carved walk we came to a large
dome, 20 feet high, which '8*ands in the centre of a range of
houses 160 feet long. Under this dome is placed a larg* cistern,
the water from which forms the chief supply for boilers and
watering the houses ; in this, too, are kept a number of golden
and silver fish. Some pyramidal Fuchsias of gi-eat height stood
here, and were breaking into blossom from the bottom to the
top, and will, in a short time, have a pleasing effect. A mon-
ster Tom Thumb G-eranium was prominent ; in two years it has
made astonishing growth, being fully 10 feet in circumference.
■On the left was a vinery which appeared in a fair way of producing
an abundant crop. Arranged on shelves were many young
Fuchsias and Aaaleas, which had done blooming, and some large
plants of Lagerstrcemia indica, now generally little thought of.
Entering the house adjoining (whicw^ was once a conservatory,
but now converted into a vinery with a la<rge Pine-pit in the centre)
we found numbers of succession plants, which, in the wiilter,
■are removed to pits heated with duijg to give the Vines * rest.
The Vines will have been planted three years next June ; thfty are
planted inside the house, and are vei>y 'Vigorous, producing last
season canes 2| inches in circumference. In December they
were cut back, leaving six eyes to busak, which now have pushed
out shoots, very strong, showing two or three bunches oa
each lateral ; but it appears the gardeuer intends leaving only
one bunch on each, and from three to six on a Vine. The
leading shoot, which will not be stopped (or some time, has
.already, since March, attained the length of 10 feetjiind is 2 inches
round. All the laterals are stopped one joint above the buneh.
The Golden Hamburgh and Bowood Muscat were anioogst
the sorts grown. Kound the house were shelves filled witji
Strawberries in pots. My attention was taken by some standard
Geraniums (scarlet) 5 feet high, and trained to a circular head.
In front of these houses was a range of cold pits, containing
sevei-al thousands of bedding plants, intended for the garden
before named. At the back was what was termed a " cold
house," in which were many Heaths coming into bloom, and a
number of specimen Q-eranjums in very good condition, well set
for bloom, and not a spot or disfigured leaf about them ; there
were also some fine seedling Calceolarias, and many New Holland
plants. A glass-roofed potting-shed joined this, which was light
and conveniently fitted. Again entering the dome, and turning
to our right, jve entered a large Pine-stove, in which were Pines
in excellent condition ; some ripe, and others fast approaching
ripeness. On shelves close under the glass were some very large
Strawberries (Keens' seedling) ; also Dwarf Kidney Beans in abun-
dance. Further on we came to the Peach-house, where there
were trees trained up the back wall and roof. In the centre was
fixed a large slate bench, upon which were fruit trees in pots ;
the Peaches were looking remarkably healthy and covered with
fruit the size of walnuts. All the trees are managed on the spur
system, and some of them were old trees taken up and replanted
last February twelvemonth, but bore an excellent crop of fruit
last season, some weighing 11 ozs. Here, too, were seedling
Calceolarias on slate, near the front hglits. Slate is used in most
of the houses, and is found to answer well with all kinds of
plants. Leaving here, opposite was a stove with a dome in the
centre; on opening the door, directly facing us in a bed of soil,
was the Brugmausia suaveolens with its beautifully white blos-
soms. This magnificent plant originally stood in the conserva-
tory ; but as it did not do well there, it was moved to its present
situation, and has not only made a rapid growth, but flowers
profusely, having blossomed freely and continuously since last
November. lu the same bed stood tlie rarely-seen plant,
Slrelitzia regina, profuse in its beautiful purple and orange flower ;
there were also Thyrsaeanthus Schomburgkiana with its long
pendulous racemes of scarlet flowers, and a strong plant of Musa
Cavendishii. From the roof were suspended many Orchids, and
in bloom, one worthy of notice being the pretty Dendrobium
pulchellum in a mass of bloom. Under these were some fine
Ferns and Selaginellas ; and in other parts of the house were
■Cactuses and Gloxinias in bloom, and many of the Begonias — one
very pretty — Begonia Marshalliij there were also someCaladiums,
such as Chantinii and argyrites, and other fine-foliaged plants,
including Cissus, Dracaena, Marauta, Parfugium grande, &c.
At the end of this stove was a hollow wall, 200 feet long and 14

feet high, and covered with healthy-looking Peach and Nectarine
trees, but not having much blossom, which is the general com-
plaint this season. Crossing the road which leads to the back
of the mansion, we came to another wall, 100 feet long, and
covered with glass, on which, too, were Peach and Nectarine trees
with fruit well set. The trees appear to have greatly suffered
before being covered in, but there is every i^rospect of their
recovery. Some Fig trees were covered in the same way, and
showed well for fruit. At the back of this is a Mushroom-shed,
40 feet long, and heated by flues ; it affords a good supply, and
one bed at the time of my visit was very full.

In closing, I must say I was much gratified with everything
shown me, and which reflects great credit on Mr. Fox and Mr.
Newman. — F.

GEOWING MELONS IN" POTS.

This subject may be alluded to at greater length ere long, but
to meet the inquiries of a correspondent ("N, D."), we will
shortly state —

1. That Melons may be grown in a greenhouse from July to
October, and without any bottom or other artificial heat ; but
only well if they have the greenhouse either to themselves, or
have auch plants as nfeighbours as would stand a rather close,
moist beat when growing. If the house was kept airy enough
and cool euoijgh to keep Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, and things
of that sort in «it*irdy vigour, then Melons would have a
struggle to do sr-ell, ajid could ou'y be expected to fruit well in
a fine, sunny season. Othei-wise if a house can be closed earjy
in an afternoon, and only a little air given early in the miOrniajg,
but when tlie plants are growing freely not a vast deal giTien
<3uring the day, the Melon will grow under glass alone for the
time specified, and rather better in a pot than when planted
Ojjt, as its natural luxuriance will be moderated.

2. We have had nice fruit from eiglit-inch pots, extra «r«;ll
attended to with manure waterings, but, in general, we prefer
the pots to be fourteen or Glteeu inches. We then prefer a plant
tliat lias been stopped at the rough leaf, and one shoot selected
and tied to a little stick, and all the other buds nipped out.
We would shift this plant from a 60 and a 48-pot into a 32,
and then when getting full of roots transfer the plant at onsfs
to a fourteen or fifteeu-ineli pot, using rough, stiff moilM,
sometimes alone and sometimeis with a little leaf mould, aadtre
think the plants do as well witjj tiie rough soil alone. Tbie is
used neither wet nor dry, and squeezed lightly round the ball.
If the soil is so stiff as to liave a portioft of clay in it, »ai thua
might be apt to crack in a sunny day, ve used eiUier to put a
little moss ou the surface, or a little rough ]mi mould ott 4ecayed
dung, just to prevent the sun drawing the aswi from tlie isides of
the pot. When we were forced to use raHier liglit, sandy soQ,
we have mixed a little leaf mould itith it, and used it i-athcr
damp than otherwise, and boat it round tte balls a)id the sides
of the pot with a wooden pestle. I say use^ twoause for two
or three years I have had less i-oom for this t(mi of culture ;
but previously I have adopted it wherever tlier« was a sjjare
place in a house, sometimes training the plants to a stout stick,
sometimes setting them ou the floor of a house and training
them to a string fastened to the pot and the rafter above, and
sometimes to a trellis in a pit in the usual "way, and, however
done, have had less trouble in pruning and better fruit as respects
quality, because, so far as I am able to j udge, the check given to
mere luxuriance threw more of the sap of the plant into
the fruit. Well, being thus potted, watering was given with
some care, so as not to greatly saturate the soil with moisture
before the roots were taking possession of it. As the shoot
grew all the buds appearing at the axils of the leaves were
removed, until the plant was 2 feet or 3 feet in height, according
to the room that could be given it. The point of the plant was
then nipped out, leaving four or six joints below it from which
the buds were not removed. These soon throw out shoots,
generally showing fruit at the first or second joint, and the process
of stopping must be attended to as alluded to the other week.

From two to four fruit is a fair crop. We prefer the
plants to be trained upright or to a trellis, though we have had
good crops from pots, the pots being sunk in a bed, and the
plants trained over the surface in the usual way.

Guano will do the plants good, especially if not used
strong — say two ounces to a four-gallon pot ; and top dressings
of rotten dung too, will be useful — in fact, we prefer this rich
manure watering to incorporating anything rich with the soU,

180

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTXAQB GARDENER.

[ June 4, 1861.

or half-plurged, cr covered with mat or calico, &e., because too
mucli dryness then might be hurtful, and too much moisture
would he apt to militate against flavour. Except at I hat period
I would as soon have the pots stand exposed as not. Though

as there is less danger of cankering at the collar of the plant.

We found it also advisable to have a small mound round the

collar, and another small mound round the side of the pot ; the

latter not only tended to prevent the soil cracking there, but

the water being poured in a shallow trench between the sides of | thus recommending chiefly pure loom and manure waterings^

the pot and the collar of the plant, the latter was not easily instead of rich soil at once, we hope if our correspondent tries

wetted, and the moisture could not escape by the former without the pot culture, he will not use guano, or hen-dung, or even

wetting the earth in the pot thoroughly and regularly. As the | fresh deer-dung, so strong as to kill or irjure the plants. It is

fruits approach ripening, the pots would be better if plunged, I best and safest to use it weak and often. — B. P.

SIX WBEATHS OF ¥LOWEES.

■WBEATH THE THIRD.
" Wliat fasliion will yoa wear the garland of? "— Shakspkre.

FiEST bring Aeisto
LOCHIA PICTA, the pliant,
unbrittle stem of which
is a choice foundation for
any wreath or garland.
In plain English it is
" The Painted Birth-
wort," belonging to the
natural order Aristolo-
chiacete, or Birthworts,
and to Gynandria Hexan-
dria of the Linnsean
system. This is a very
handsome twining stove
plant. Stem round and
smooth ; leaves deeply
cordate, acute ; flowers
purple, and so tessel-
latcly marked with golden
lines as to merit the
specific name "pieta." The flowers proceed from the
axils of the leaves, their limbs are about 3 inches long,
terminating in a short, slender tail, and being deeply
cordate at the other extremity ; the mouth of the bent
and contracted tube is marked by a large, oblong, yellow,
blotch. It is a native of the Coraceas, from whence it was sent to
Berlin in 1847, by Dr. Karsten. M. Van Houtte states that it
requires all tlie heat and light we can command ; for in the plains
of which it is native, the unshaded day temperature is often 167° :
but the vicissitudes it endures are great, for at night, when the sky
^ is cloudless, the thermometer sinks to 59°. The roots, however, in a soil covered with
dead leaves, are not subjected to such variations of temperature, and the rain which
falls is warmer than the air at the time. Van Houtte noticed that the rain was
73i°, whilst the air was not quite 75°.

Next let us have SriB.EA decitmbens, a neat, pretty, hardy plant from the
mountains of the Frioul, in Illyria, ornamental for our borders, and well adapted
lo grow on rockwork. It belongs to the natural order Rosacea;, and to the
Linnfean class and order Icosandria Di-pentagynia. It has weak, trailing, tufted stems, rising about
a foot from the soil ; branches numerous, brown, and shining ; leaves obovate, or oval, long-stalked,
unequally serrated, entire near the base, green on tlie upper surface, but glaucous underneath. The
flowers are numerous, in little terminal corymbs, on tlie young shoots ; petals five, white, with a
rose-coloured eye, and sweet-scented. It blooms in May and June.
Lastly, for to-day, add Ponthieva MACrtATA, a curious terrestrial Orchid from Silla de Caraccas in the province of Merida, where
it is found at an elevation about 7000 leet above the sea. Although it grows in soil, yet it is also found upon the trunks of old
trees in the forests. In height it varies from 8 inches tol2 inches. The whole plant is clothed with glandular hairs. Two or three
leaves first appear above the surface, and from among them arises the flcwer-stem, or scape, terminating in a loose raceme of small
curiouslj -shaped and oddly-coloured floweis. The colour in one pait of the flower is light ashy grey, dotted wilh brownish-red,
and in another part yellowish, streaked with purplish-red. It blooms in February. A very good idea of the plant maybe
obtained from the colom-ed drawing of Ponthieva petiolata, in the " Botanical Register," ix. t. 760.

POMOLOCICAL

Eaelt Steawbebeies in Fbance.— On the 18th April I
gathered the first ripe Strawberries, May Queen, from the open ^
ground about 6 feel oifasouth wall. They were delicious. On |
the 21st, Princess Frederick William alongside of May Queen
commenced ripening; whilst Black Prince, also in the same
situation, will require a week yet before fit for use. Under glass
May Queen proved again to be a valuable variety for early |
forcing, and produced as usual a very abundant crop. Oscar I
was very good, and is, perhaps, the most solid and firm of all j
kinds. It will consequently bear carriage better than most sorts.
1 had six pots each of Highland Mary and Richard II., but,

CLEANINGS.

alas ! they were scarcely eatable, being exceedingly sour. They
might do in the room of Gherkins, and would in that case
require but little vinegar. Ingram's Prince Arthm- is very fine,
both as regards shape, colour, and flavour. CaroUna superba,
and Sir Harry, were, as usual, exceedingly fine. Two new kinds
of Mr. Nicholson's seedlings, called Orb and Garibaldi, are very
promising, and deserve to be extensively grown. Stewart and
Neilson's Prince Alfred is very large and handsome, but a little
woolly, though of nice flavour.— Fekdinand Uloede, Les
Sallons, near Moret sur Loire (France).

Ground Vinehies.— It has often been said " there is nothing

June,*, 1861. ]

JOTJRNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGTB aARDENER.

181

new under the sun," and our daily experience assures us of the
fact. Training the shoots of Vines along the ground, was
recommended by Vispre in his "Dissertation on the Growth of
the Vine," published in 1786, and was practised by him on a
small scale at Chelsea, where " the Grapes were considerably
larger than those of the same kind growing on a south wall and
well ripened." He also states that BeT. M. Le Broeq had
taken out a patent for training fruit trees in this manner.
Speechley snys, " Fruit trees of various forts have been so
trained at Welbeclc for fourteen years." Even the great Lord
Bacon suggested this method of growing Vines. He says, " In
some places these Vines are suffered to grow like herbs, spreading
upon the ground, and the Grapes of these Vines are very large."

SPROUTING ONIOK SEED.

"How is it you raise so large and nice Onions?" I asked of
an Iowa farmer, as I was sitting at the table with him, and
observing some on the table.

"Well," said he, "we sprout the seed with boiling water,
and then plant it early and in good ground."

"Sprout the seed in boiling water!" I exclaimed inquiringly.
"What do you mean, sir, by that? Wo'n't boiling water kill
the seed?"

" Not at all," he replied, " but it will sprout them in one
minute's time."

"It will ! It looks incredible!" I replied, with surprise.

" Well, you try it," lie replied, gi-inninglv, " when the time
comes to plant, and you'll find it just as I tell you."

And cure enough, when spring came, and my neighbour was
about planting his Onion seed, and being present, I said : —

"Jewell, last winter, there was a man told me in Iowa, that
to pour boiling water on black Onion seed would sprout it in
one minute. Suppose you try ?"

"Very well," said he. And taking the tea-kettle boiling fi-ora
the stove, he poured the water thus boiling on the seed, which he
had in a tea-saucer. Looking «t it for a moment, lie exclaimed,
" My conscience ! you have told rightly. Only look there ! "

I looked, and behold, the little sprouts, about as large as
horse hairs, were shooting out of the opened ends of the seed !
He did not retain the water on the seed above tliree seconds, and
in less thnn one lialf minute after it was poured off, the sprouts
were projecting from the seeds.

My Iowa friend assured me that this process would advance
the growth of tiie Onion from two to three weeks bevond the
ordinary method of planting without sprouting. Try it, gardeners
and farmers; much maybe gained by it. — (Correspondent in
Dollar Paper.)

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING.

The May Meeting of the Entomological Society was well
attended, the cliair being occupied by the President, J. W.
Douglas, Esq. The donations to the library consisted of the
recent publications of the Linnsean, Royal, Zoological, and other
Societies, and various periodical works, together with an in-
teresting memoir recently published by Miss Staveley, containing
an elaborate account of the microscopic structure of the appa-
ratus by which the two wings on each side of the body of
insects are kept together during flight, and which consists of a
series of minute hooks along the fore margin of the hinder part
of the wings.

Mr. Andrew Murray, the new Assistant Secretary of the
Royal Horticultural Society, was elected a member of the Society.

Mr. Slainton exhibited some leaves of the Birch, each con-
taining a minute mining Caterpillar, which had recently been
discovered to belong to the genus Micropteryx, a group of very
interesting minute Moths of rather doubtful position in the
system, whose economy had hitherto remained problematical.
They are entirely destitute of legs, with the body gradually
tapering to the tail ; and they have the peculiarity of ejecting
the excrement continuously, so that it forms when dry a thin
black thread within the burrow of the leaf He also exhibited
the larva of Antispila.

Mr. Samuel Stevens exhibited recent specimens of the very
rare Saperda oculata — a handsome Beetle formerly taken in the
Pens of Cambi'idgeshire, but which had been supposed to have
become extinot. Also, some rare Beetles of the families Ceto-
midffi and Paussidee from Africa and India.

Dr. Power exhibited specimens of a new British genus of
Hemiptera, being the Micropus sabuleti, belonging to the
family Lygseidse, taken at Mertou and Folkestone. Mr. Wol-
laston had also found it in Dorsetshire.

Dr. Wallace exhibited a specimen of the Indian DeatVs-
head Moth (Acherontia Lethe, Westw.), which had been taken
aUve by a lady at East Cowes.

Mr. Hayward exhibited Euryporus picipes, taken among dead
leaves at Sanderstead. And Mr. Machu various rare species of
small Moths of the genera Coleoptera and Gelechia.

Dr. Wallace congratulated the Meeting on the recent establish-
ment of a Professorship of Zoology, by the Rev. P. W. Hope,
at Oxford, and the nomination of Mr. Westwood thereto. He
felt convinced that in the hands of that gentleman the progress
of the science of entomology would not be neglected.

Professor Westwood explained the reason which had led to the
postponement of the course of entomological lectures which he
had announced — namely, the necessity for the removal of the Hope
Collections to the new museum recently completed at Oxford.

An interesting memoir by T. V. Wollaston Esq., was read on
the species of Coleoptera, which inhabit the Euphorbiaceous trees
in the Canary Islands and Madeira. He had been led to believe
that that portion of the vegetation of any place which was more
especially peculiar thereto, would be most probably productive
of the most characteristic of its insect inhabitants. He had
accordingly carefully examined the Euphorbise on the islands in
question, where they grow to the size of trees, and had found
that, although thiir leaves were comparatively free from the
attacks of insects, not fewer than forty-four different kinds of
Beetles attacked their stems, especially in a decaying state,
and that, too, often in perfect myriads. Of these forty-four
species, thirty-two exclusively confined their attacks on the
Euphorbise ; the other twelve were, however, occasionally met
with on other trees. In Madeira the Euphorbia had been
nearly destroyed by the inhabitants, so that he had only found
eight of these Euphorbian species in that island, which origi-
nally was almost covered with groves of that tree. It was,
therefore, evident that in this instance, from the careful manner
in which he had investigated the Coleopterous productions of
Madeira, the species of Beetles originally intended by Nature to
subsist on the Euphorbite had not been able to modify their
habits and transfer themselves to a fresh kind of food, but had
died out with the trees themselves. As might be expected,
amongst these Euphoi'bian Beetles were several new genera.

Mr. F. Walker communicated a paper entitled, " On the
Distribution of Insects in the Channel Islands of I860;" but it
consisted simply of an account of the topography of Jersey, with
a li9t of the species of Spiders found in that and the other islands.
Dr, Knaggs exhibited and explained a novel kind of breeding-
cage which he had invented for rearing insects. It consists of a
wide glass cylinder (the bottoms of glass shades cut off in the
glass warehouses), the bottom of which stands upon an un-
glazed plate, m the centre of which is a hole, through which the
stems of the food plants are to be stuck. The top of the cylinder
is to be covered with gauze.

woee: for the week.

KITCHEN OAEDEN.

Embrace the first opportunity afforded by the ground being
moist for thinning Onions, Carrots, Parsnips, Turnips, &c. Let
the hoe be run through the crops sown in drills, not merely
skimming the surface of the soil, but moving it 1 inch or 2
inches in depth. This, while it destroys the weeds, at the same
time pulverises the soil and checks rapid evaporation. Broccoli,
prick out any that is sufficiently advanced in growth. Sow a
full crop ot Cape and Grange's Early White. Cardoons, sow
a late full crop. Celery, plant some of the most forward into
trenches. Cabbage, sow a little seed for autumn produce, any
of the small sorts to be preferred for this sowing. CucumberSy
peg down the plants in the ridges as they advance in growth.
Onions, after thinning loosen the soil between the rows ; and if
the weather is dry give them a good watering. Feas, the last
sowing of Knight's Dwarf Marrow to be made, as it is longer in
coming into bearing than any other. Radishes, make another
sowing of the various sorts. Mint, make new plantations.
Draw the young suckers by hand ; top, and plant them 6 inches
apart. Scarlet Runners, stake, after drawing a little earth to
them with the hoe.

lfi*r

JOUBNAJj OF HOKTICULTUBE AND OOTIAGE GARDENEE.

[ June 4, 1861.

FLOWEK GAEDEN.
The bedded-out plants to be duly attended to witk water in
dry weather until they begin to make fresh growth ; but with
the present favourable weather and proper attention they will
soon coyer the beds, and wUl repay all the trouble and atten-
tion paid to them ; but if through inattention they are allowed
to get into an unhealthy state at present there will be some
difficulty and much loss of time in getting them into free
growth. Make a fuU sowing of Brompton Stocks and all
biennials for flower-garden purposes, and a successional sowing
of some of the most showy annuals for autumn blooming.
Gather seed of Auricula as eioon as the seed-Tessels appear
bpowu, and before they open. Continue to propagate Chi-y-
aanthemums by taking off the tops, and sticking them under a
hand-glass on a shady border. Cut back those intended for
specimens into pr<^er shapes ; if cut flowers are wanted, do not
take off the tops, how,e.Ter straggling tlie branches grow. Dahlias
planted out and making growth to have three or four stakes
round the centre to support the side branches as they grow.
Take off side shoots from l*ansies and from double Wallflowers,
and strike them under a hand-glass on a shady border. Holly-
hoicks to be staked, tied, and attended to as tliey advance in
grjjwth.

FETTIT GAEDEN.

When the Stra.wberries are set give them, if the ground is not
Viery rich, a good soaking of liquid manure. Still watch for
insects of aU kinds, and foUow up continually all disbudding
matters. Pick grubs off Apricots, Pears, and Plums ; they are
generally to be found in curled leaves, and the caterpillars of the
lackey moth in groups. Thin the shoots of the Raspbemes to
tvo or three of the strongest, if not already done.

8TOTE.
let rambling shoots have frequent stopping. Shift Clero-
dendrons, Erythrinas, Gloriosas, &c., and give liberal supplies
of weak manure water to plants in robust health. Stove plants
that have arrived at a certain and required development may be
removed to adorn the conservatory, and to prevent them break-
ing into unnecessary growth. Orchids will now require frequent
watermgs and syi'ingings, especially the iErides, Dendrobiums,
Phaleenopses, Saccolabiums, Vandas, and Sobralias. See that
the baskets containing Gongoras, Stanhopeas, Peristerias, &c.,
are well saturated when they are full of roots.

GHEENHOUSE AND CONSEEVATOET.
Do not delay any longer to place the young growing plants
of Heaths and other such hardwooded plants in a spare pit
where the lights can be readily removed, to take advantage of
dews or light showers, and the shading, which will sometimes be
necessary, can be easily removed ; the pots to be plunged about
half their depth in cinder aslies. Examine them frequently for
mildew, and apply sulphur the moment it ie perceived ; some of
the softwooded varieties of Heaths being very liable at this sea-
son to be attacked by that pest. Common and fancy Pelargo-
niums for late blooming will thrive well in a cold pit, where
they can be protected from heavy rains. Kalosanthes (Cras-
eulas) to be trained neatly, and watered with liqufd manure
occasionally. Train Fuchsias in the desired form, and pinch
back weak and straggling shoots. Rhododendron arboreum and
its varieties should be fully exposed to the sun under glass to
have perfect fohage and an abundance of flower-buds. Partial
shading is their ruin as regards their foliage and the forming of
their flower-bude.

FOECING-PIT.

This pit may now be profitably filled with plants requiring
the aid of additional warmth to bring them kindly into bloom ;
among these may be classed Cockscx>mbs, Balsams, Hydrangeas,
Gardenias, &c. The propagation of Pelargoniums may also be
carried on at the same time in this pit, as well as many kinds
of softwooded plants.

PITS AND FBAMES.
Shift and attend to such jilants as are intended to form speci-
mens ; sprinkle with water, and shut up closely late in the
afternoons of hot days. Put in cuttings of choice herbaceous
plants, iu order that they may be rooted before the pits or frames
■are again wanted for cuttings, to supply the flower garden next
year. Continue to repot tpnder annuals as soon as they fill
their pots with roots. W. Keakb,

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

SirLi no rain, though showers are heard of. Dug ground for
succession garden Beans, Dwarf Kidney Beans, and Peas,
drawing out the drills of the taller hollow, to permit of a good
watering without covering the seed much. A friend covered
some 8 inches deep two months ago, to save all earthing-up, and
succeeded certainly ; for there will be none to earth, the Peas
having already resolved themselves into their primitive elements.
Hoed the ground amongst Sea-kale, Artichokes, and Asparagus,
the latter gettuig overrun with the Convolvulus sepium (Devil's
Guts the men call it) the smallest bit of which will grow, but
which frequent cutting will kill by exhausting the roots. Jjast
season we had a piece of ground of which it took entu'e possession ;
and as it was small we let it alone to grow rank and luxuriant ;
cut it then with an old scythe ; cut it a second time ; and then,
cut it with the Dutch hoe every time a bit appeared ; and on
digging it this season, scarcely a bit of white root was to be
seen, though, previously, every spadeful of soil would be a mass
of white roots. I once tried another plan with a bad piece —
covered the ground with 15 inches of short grass from the lawn,
the heating of which did for them. It is one of the worst things
in a garden to eradicate ; Twitch and Dandelion are nothing to
it. Will cease cutting beds of Asparagus intended for forcing —
in fact, do not cut them much ; will give a Uttle salt as soon as
there is the appearance of rain. Sowed more Turnips and
Badishes in alternate rows, watering the seed in the rows with a
rose of a watering-pot before covering. In such dry weather do
so with all seeds iu the open ground. Dug over ground for
winter Greens, to be ready when rain comes. Cut off the flower-
tops of Brussels Sprouts and Scotch-kale, to afford, along with
Spinach, a few dishes of nice greens before the Cabbages are well
hearted, when all the stumps will be removed, and be burned, or
rather charred. Watered Cauliflowers to prevent them standing
still. Staked Peas, sowed Spinach between them, and thoroughly
cleaned and hoed Onions, Cai-rots, Parsnips, &c., waiting for rain
to enable us to thin them easily.

Kan the hoe again through Strawberry-beds, which are
crying out for a good rain to enable them to swell and set theii"
fruit nicely. Have long noticed that a fine shower when Straw-
berries are in full bloom seems to help the dispersion of the
pollen rather than otherwise, and hence frequently imitate it in
fine sunny days with plants when in a forcing-house. Covered a
border with sashes to hasten maturity. Keep thinning out of the
houses as room can be found for them in pits and fi'ames, though
having merely the protection of glass, as they vrill be better
flavoured than when in shady houses. Syringed, disbudded,
and destroyed insects on Apricots and Peaches, shortening or
removing strong shoots that would act as robbers to the rest,
and be of no use afterwards. On young trees shortened the
side shoots of Cherries, Plums, &c., by nipping off their point,
and allowing only the leader to gi-ow. Gave the first nipping to
dwarf Pears and Apple trees ; the latter showed well for bloom,
but were terribly injured by an army of Tomtits, that did great
destruction in a single day, clearing off some trees entirely of
their blossom-buds before they were noticed, and departed in a
few days after the poor compensation of leaving some scores of
their bodies behind them as the result of shooting and trapping.
Caterpillars arc more numerous than usual tliis season on Pears,
Clierries, &c., and it is a nice job for boys to pick and squeeze
them. On a few Gooseberry trees in an orchard-house the
caterpillar appeared, and still more on a few Currants, both of
which we wanted early for tarts ; but in the open air all seems
right as yet, but as a preventive will give all the bushes a good
scouring from the syringe of lime and soot water clear, made
by placing a bushel of soot and half a bushel of lime in a hogs-
head-baiTcl, and using it when it had cleared twenty-four hours
after being made. This will be acrid enough to make the cater-
pillars drop if there should be any, and the back of the spade
will soon settle them. Engined Morello Cherries just set and
Betting with a weak solution of Gishurst, the men liking it just
as bad as the strong solution of lime and sulphur and a little soft
soap, long used and several times described, and which they
deoiai-e it much resembles — at least, the smell is much the same.
The removing of the smell as spoken to the other week will be
an advantage, if the insects like it as bad in the sweet state, of
which I am as yet rather doubtful. Watered, stopped, and
regulated Melons, giving the ripening fruit plenty of air, and
keeping the surface of the soil dry. Watered Vines in pit for
(ibout the last time be&re the itmt will be cut. Thinned frait

June 4, 1861. ]

JOTJRKAT; OF HOMlGULTURE! AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

183

in second house, the last just coming into tloom, kept at from
63° to 68° at night, and -when fruit is set, especially Muscats, will
lower the temperature a little. Earlier houses are allowed to
hare the laterals pretty well untouched, to encourage root action
to swell off a very heavy crop, and as they approach maturity the
laterals will be thinned by degrees. Kept syringing the Peach-
house to keep down red spider, as that will soon have to stop as
the fruit is ripening. Gave plenty of water to Figs, and air early,
as dryness will be apt to make them drop, and a close moist
atmosphere with the sim strong on the house wiU be apt to
parboil them at the points, and then they will begin to deoay
and rot, instead of swelling freely and ripening kindly. Whether
planted out or in a pot, if well drained to prevent stagnant
water, it is next to impossible to over-water Figs when the fruit
is swelling freely. When at rest the roots should be dryish, not
dust dry. Even when swelling, stagnant water at the roots wUl
cause the fruit to drop. When pots, therefore, are set in saucers,
the water in the saucer should not long be above a quarter of
an inch deep, and then that will be considerably below the
drainage.

Amongst plants. Gloxinias, Caladiums, &o., have been shifted.
Azaleas, forward ones for want of a better place hare been
placed out of doors, with a Uttle Nottingham netting over
them. Ditto some large hybrid Rhododendrons. Oytisus, &c.,
have been placed in a similar place from the conservatory,
after being well syringed and slightly pruned. Pelargoniums
have been trained ; tied out when necessary. Cinerarias mostly
removed, and the places supplied with Fuchsias, scarlet
Geraniums, &c. Means will be taken ere long to grow on a
fresh stock for succession. Watered creepers planted out in
conservatory. Shifted Ferns and Aohimenes ; but was chiefly
engaged in bedding out, all of which work would have gone
on more smoothly could we have calculated on a little shower
now and then ; but the plants stand better than could be
expected — the annuals transplanted from a bed, as previously
noticed, showing no signs of flinching, and their straight lines
and even beds will be procured with more certamty than from
sowing, more especially when water is such a scarce commodity
that watering such seed-beds could not be thought of. We have
thus, among other things, planted out two large beds of each of
the two Coi'eopses — atro-sanguinea, and Drumlnondi, and we
have strong confidence that few of our best things will present a
better mass of continuous bloom, though any one that could give
a little trouble might have such beds at the expense for seed of
some six pennies, less or more. Another old-fashioned favourite
of ours, for beds or rings, is the yellow Hawkweed, which, so
treated, will genei'ally present a mass of light yellow from June
to November, aiid about a foot in height. The Saponaria
calabrica for low beds and belts, and the Chrysanthemum tricolor
and aureum, and the varieties Burridgeanum, make nice lasting
beds, 18 inches high, and so do the new varieties of Dianthus
laciniatus and Heddewigii, about a foot high ; but these should
be pricked out separately, and protected before final planting.
We have just used them as an edging for Phlox Drummondi,
their stiff habit will make a sort of fence for the Phlox. Beds of
the best varieties of the above Phlox will generally stand well
from seed sown in a little heat, pricked ofi"; and then, after being
grown and hardened off, planted out. The finest kinds raised
from cuttings are very apt to give way just about August. The
same thing sometimes takes place with Petunias raised from
cuttings, and they must be so raised to secui-e the same shade of
colour ; but seedlings seldom give way before the frost comes. —
R. F.

TEADE LISTS EECEIVED.

General Spring Catalogue for 1861, of William Cutlush and
Sons, Higligate. — This is a good catalogue of bedding things ;
besides which, we observe lists of Azaleas, Gloxinias, Perns,
Dahlias, Phloxes, Pelargoniums, &c.

A List of Select Plants by F. ^ A. Smitli, Park Road, Dul-
wich, S., 1861. — Au excellent catalogue of what is called soft-
wooded and bedding plants, for the extensive cultivation of
which Messrs. Smith are so well known.

Catalogue of Geraniums, Fuchsias, tf-c, S^ Eckvard Taylor,
Malton, YorTcshire, 1861. — A well-got-up and spirited catalogue
of Boftwooded plants, the contents of a country nursery, which
appears to keep pace with the times.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*^* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticultui'e, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the "Journal of Sorticnlture, ^c," 162, Fleet
Street, London, F.C.

Vauious {K. E T.). — Mr. Boberts has never written but one book on the
Vine, and we are unacquainted with bis present address. We believe he
lias retired from the gardening profession. Leave the shoots of the
\sparagus to seed, and cut them down when they begin to die off in the
autumn. The best substitute is leaf mould, which is, as you perhaps
know, decayed leaves, wood, and other vegetable matter. This mixed
with about one-fourth its bulk of sand, and a little turfy loam, will grow
Rhododendrons and Azaleas as well as peat ; but they will also do very
well in good sandy loam.

New Pea (Essex).— From what you say of your new Pea it must be a fine
vaviety ; but it is of no use attempting tu send it out unless you have secured
a reputation for it. Send half a pint of the seed at once to the Fruit and
Vegetable Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, addressed to-
Dr. Hogg, the Secretary, and it will be proved in the garden at Chiswick.
If it should turn out all you say about it, the Committee will no doubt give
it the character it; meiits.

ZicHTA Diseased (An Old S>liscribcr).—U is covered with a species of
scale (coccus). Treat it as we directed last week under the title of " Scale
Insect on Cotoneaster," page 163.

Names of Verbena asd Geraniohs (.Bfea.=oi').— The varieties are far-
too nnmerous and too nearly alike to enable names to be given from small
withered specimens.

Peach Shoots Gangreniso (Amijgdn(us). — It is not being trained to-
galvanised iron wire that causes the gangrene, for we know many trees so
trained that are not gangrened. We consider the roots have descended into
a wet subsoil; or, at all events, that there is something wrong abnut them.
Are the trees much overshadowed by Vines or other plants?

HERHACEons Plaxts (i?nsf i'ouj).— Sco what IS said to-day in "Doings of
Last Week," and by Mr. Beaton.

Pit for Fiower Fohciss (T. Dangers). — .\n eastern aspect will do,
though it is far from the best for the pui-pose.

Yat^iovs {A Subscriber, Braslcd).- You do not say what your Yucca is;
but whatever it is, the flowering will be hastened, if kept in a pot, by
giving it plenty of manure water in dry weather in summer, and keeping it
dryish in winter. Tlie steam of the dung-bed and want of air have injured
the Achimenes. If you keep them there, spread G inches of ashes over the
bed ; set the plants oti the bed, not in it, and leave a little air at the back of
the frame constantly night and day. The fresh leaves will be saved ; the
discoloured ones will never come cloar again. You may propagate your
Gloxinia leaves two ways. The leaves you can spare take off, tnd plant
them singly in sand round the sides of a small pot, as you would any other
cutting, and plunge in a sweet hotbi'd, or merely set them on a shelf in a
wai-m place whee thev will be sliaded a little. Ere long a good tuber will
form at the bottom of the stalk of the leaf. The otiier plan, though there
are others, is to take the leaf, cut it into pieces, and instrt the pieces like
cuttings, and shade a little as above. The tubers will be smaller.

Melon Plants Decatikg AT the Collar {A. 5.).— Caused by too much
moisture and a confined atmosphere. Y'our only chance is to scrape off the
rotten part at the collar, and sun-ound it with equal portions of lime and
charcoal--a handful for each— and put a piece of cloth over the heap to pre-
vent the water touching it, and give no water near the collar of the plant.

ViNERV (B. C. H.). — If we were in yonr case, we would plant new Vines
■outside, raising the border if possible with fresh material for a yard in width
at first, and keep thu old Vines in the house, to get some fruit for a year or
two, until the young ones came into bearing. We have no doubt that the
Vines have got too deep and exhausted. If they had been at all strong, we
would have raised and replanted them in October.

Broccoli (T. C).— Y'ouv Broccoli (weighing 4 lbs. and 32 inches round) is
very good indeed. Your remarks as to the waste of house sewage are too
true. Welosenotbingofthekind we can save. We have reason to learn
from Chinese and other orientals. We send thousands of miles for guano,
and allow pretty well as good at home to be lost, or to be made into som'eesof
pestilence and plague.

Yorrao Pelargoniums after Flowering {Oxford). — These are more
tender than large florists' Pelargoniums. They should not be dried so much, nor
pruned so close. They are better without any bottom beat. Fnine when pretty
well hardened, and when they begin to break reshitt into smaller pots, and
if the roots are right prune them but little. We think you had let them
become too dry, or put them into strong sun at once out of comparative shade

Stopping Vise Shoots [An Amatcvr).—\i your Vines are spur-pruned,
there was no harm in stopping all the shoots. If on the rod system, you
must select the strongest that has broken afresh, and train that, and keep
the others all stopped again.

FrcBSlAS with a Single Stem (Idem).—Ta have strong rods of Fuchsias,
you must commence with one shoot. Say, you have a nice bushy plant now;
well, next Christmas, or before, cut that plant down to the ground, or below
it, put it in a little heat, and save one shoot that comes ont of many. If
you strike a plant now, or later, tha^ must be kept to one stem at first- If
the plant throws out regularly, all well and good ; but if not, the leader
must be stopped, and a new leaJer chosen, so that the plant may be bushy
to the pot, as well as straight in stem.

Begonias (M. J".).— These new Begonias will do very well in a wattn
greenhouse in summer. They thrive in peat and loam, with a Uttle sadd.
To keep the colour well, the plants should have a little shade in summer.
In winter they like from 46° to So", and less water. They do not dislike a.
Uttle bottom heat, especially in spring, and will have larger leaves ia
consequence ; but they w iU do very well on the shelf of a stage.

Nioht-soil Compost (SA(#«W).— Nothing will answer better both as a
deodoriser and an assistant fertiliser than the charcoal dust you can obtain.

18i

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAllDENEE.

[ June 4, 1861.

GoosEBEKET CATERriiLAES (A Co7isfant Header). —Jnoav Number for
May 14th we mentioned dusting them with White iy=llebore powder.
CoTerinp over the soil with tan about the roots prevents the lan-te deacend-
inp into it.

Vine Bdnxhes Ulcerated (P.)-— Such appearances are generally the
result of d too moist, close atmosphere, and want of regular root action, but
is no doubt often the result of a want of ripening of the w od the previous
year When we have met with it, however, we have thought it to be caused
by damp and cold. The fruit crops in general are unsatisfactcrj' this
season.

Vegetable Marrows, &c ( W. Dixon).— Yonr Vegetable Man-ows will do
very well on long poles over an arch, over an arbour, or against a wall.
Train to the lieight, or nearly so, and if on a pole then stop, and stop the
side shoots at every other joint. If on an arbour, let them run with but
little stopping. We have had them on a single pole, the main shoot care-
fully fastened to it, and all the others shortened about 18 inches long; but
the fruit on them must be cut before they are over-heavy A six-inch pot
will do well for the plants you mention ; but they will become drawn in a
sitting-room, unless plenty of air is given. After the 1st of June they «ill
do better on the window-ledge out of doors.

Gekanicm Leaves {Sarniense).— Iheleaves of j-our seedlings tell that you
liave got into the strain of Baron Hugel and" Bishopstow scarlets; but
unle.'^s your superior climate assists you, you are so late in this tield as to
have little chance in the market against English breeders, who have been
working in the same strain these ten years past.

Planting Flower-beps [T. Jf.).— Plant the six ray-beds in three match
pairs; every tvo o(thtm opposite each other plant with the same kind of
plant, as two with yellow Calceolarias, two with some variegated Geranium,
and two with Tom Thumb, or soir.e dwaif scarlet Geranium ; but as you
gave no index to your ways of procuring the plants, the above is merely to
show the right way to plant such beds standing apart in a group round a
centre bed.

CupREssDS MACKOCARPA (/. 5.).— The discordant results of last winter's
influence over the Conifers is very reniarkable. On the chalk hills near
Winchester. Cupressus macrocai-pa is quite uninjured, whilst tha*- nf your
friend, near Worcester, " has been nearly destroyed." N« application to its
roots, except water in very dry weather, will be nf any use. In such dry
weather syringing the stem and branches might be useful. If it vegetates
let there l-e no praning away of the deadpans until late in the summer.

Names of Plants (D.).— Pyrus aria, the WhiiC Beam tree. {A. £)~
1, Weigelaamabilis; 2, Calycanthasfloridas; 3, Vibunium lantana ; 4 and 5
appear to be, the former a Cornuj, the latter a Ribes, probably C. sanguineus
and R. alpinum ; but there are no flowers. {Hibi^LUs).— The Fern is Ceteiacli
oflBcinaruni. The small red flower, though much crushed, seems to be Alonsoa
Warczewiczii. The other leaf is not recognisable. (5. I>€von).~~l, Fotentilla
tormentilla ; 2, Lysimachia nemorum.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

Juke 5th and 6vh. Botal Horticultural Society. (Plants and Fniit )
Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.

Ju.vE 3th. PoETSEA Island. See., H. Hollinftsworth, Southsea.

jDNEllth. RoTAL Oxfordshire Hokticultubal Society. (Plants and
Fiowevs.) See., W. H. Hobbs.

June 12th and 13th. York. ««., J. Wilson.

June 19lh and 20th. Briohto.v axd Sussex Floricultural and Horti-
cultural Society. Sec., E. Carpenter.

JcsE 2oth. Romford. (Plants, Flowers, asd Frait.) Sec, A. Cooper

July 3rd. Portsea Island. Sec., H. Hollingsworth, Southsea.
July 6th. Crystal Palace. (Ro«eShow.) Sec, W. Houghton
July 10th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Rose Show.) Garden
Superintendent, G. Eyles.

'"i^J^.t'^- Towcester Floral akd Horiicdlidkai, SociEir. Sec.

T. B. Rodhnuse. Towcester.
JtiLY ISih. Prescot. Sec, J. Bcesley.
Adgist 9ih. Belfast Royal Botanic and Horticdltdral Society.

(Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables.) Sec. George A, CaiTuthers
AUGUST 14th. Portsea Island. Sec, H. Hollingsworth, Southsea
SEPTE.MBER 2nd. Heckmondwike. (Floral, Horticultural, and Agri-

cultuial.) Sec, G. Kelley, Heckmondwikc.
Septembek 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
Sbptember 11th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Howers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eylc!
September 18th and 19th. Brighton and Sussex. Sec. E. Carpenter
>ovEMBER 6th and 7th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superintendent, G Eyles
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newington Chrysanthemum Society.

Sec, \V. T. Howe.

'^ S^rw" Hou^ht"on '"''■ ^"^^■'■'^ '"■"■''"• (Chrysanthemum Show.)
^■^^—^''"'•''•'■>^'''/ Societies intending to adrertise in our column! will
oDIige US bij sending an earhj intimation of their exhibition days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

POULTRY SHOWS.

June 4th, 51h and 6th. Bath and West or England. Steward.

S. Pitman. Esq. Entries close May 4th. uM^iuro,

June 19th. Thoene. Sec, Mr. Joseph Richardson. Entriesclose June 12th
June 19th, 20th, and 2l8t. Coalbrookdale. Sees., Mcsrs J. B Chune

and Henry Bovcroft, Coa'.brookdale.
J«NE25lh. Essex. Sec, Mr. W. R. Emson, Slough House, Halstead, Essex.
JUNE 28th. Driffield. «ec., Mr. R. Davison. Entries close June 22nd
June 28th and 29th. Taunton. Sec, Mr. Charles Ballance. Entries

close June 14th. ^-meo

July 3rd, 4th, and Sth. Blackpool and West Lancashibe. Sec. Mr E

towler.jun.. Market Street, Blackpool. Entries close June 30th.
JULY 18th. Prescot. Sec, Mr, J. Beesley.

<?''V^'5! ^"''- 2*">' "■"' -»"'• Crystal Palace Sommee Snow.
*ec., Mr. W. Houghton.

September 3rd. Pocklington (Torkshire.) Sec, Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close August 26th.
September 24th. Bridgnorth. Sec, R. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
December 2nd, 3id, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. Sec, Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Crystal Palace Winter Show.

Sec, Mr. W. Houghton.

THINNING-OUT POULTRY.

We left off at "exhibition fowls." Excellence, not to eay
perfection, will always be the exception in poultry as in every-
thing else. The Lord Rivers, wlio was so well tnown for his
love of greyhounds, and his almost nniform success at coursing
meetings, was one day asked the secret of it. He suid, " He
bred well, trained well, and hung well." We believe this to
be necessary wlierever there is to be great competition.

We have passed the breeding stages, and we now have a yard
full of promising chickens, rather an emharras de richesses — too
many to exhibit, too many to keep, far too good to kill, and
much too valuable to sell at market price. " What am I to
do?" says the owner. "I wist the JPouItrif Chronicle would
advise me." So it will, respected reader, and, it may be, fair
correspondent. We are not intending to tell you that there is a
place in X/ondon where they will make their weights in gold,
nor that there is a person somewhere who will buy any number
at any price ; we are simply bent on advising yon to ask the
advice of a friend or neighbour about your birds. It is astonish-
ing how easily i?iei/ will overcome all ^our difEcuUies.

We will go with you among your Spanish chickens. Your
arrangement is an admirable one, and having, as they have, a
cottage run, we do not wonder at their looking so well. Now
they are brought together, be good enough to show us your
best. You cannot. Well, then, we will show you your worst.
Kindly tell your lodge-keeper, or your labourer's wife, or whoever
has charge of them, to catch up any chicken we point out. Look
at that young Spanish cock, his comb is certainly not straight ;
now that scarcely perceptible twist will never be less, it may be
larger, it will become more objectionable, but it will never dis-
appear, and it will very likely bring the comb over with it.
Catch him up, and those three pullets you say you consider the
most promising. That you have been taught to look for long,
thin, skinny face?, and joi\ have it in them. So you have, but
they are result of weakness and ill liealth ; these have never
grown as they should. If thin skitmy faces arc to be considered
valuable in Spanish pullets — and they unquestionably are — they
must be allied with first rate condition, and the pullet that
looks "all skin and grief" must be as plump as a partridge
wlien handled. Look at those pullets, younger by some weeks,
their faces are not only skinny, but tliey are becoming white.
Bad comb cock again, take him away. Very seedy pullets,
take them away. This would be the bm-den of tlio song, and
although you probably might in some instances have cause for
remonstance, yet you would be surprised with what facility a
judge — witliout leaning, partiality, or favour — can divide and
condemn chickens from a run, where the owner could see only
perfection.

Having mentioned Spanish as the first, we will make a few
more remarks on that breed. There was last season a marked
increase in the number of amateurs of these beautiful birds, and
there was a large sale for them at very good prices. They were
also better in quality than they had been for some years. There
has been an unusual demand for eggs, and, among the many
chickens hatched, some will perplex their owners.

Those to whom poultry-keeping is a mere pastime, and with
whom the expense is unimportant, can of course do as they
like, and they may not care for our scribblings ; but to those
who wish to combine the fancy and the pocket, we say. Beware
of pets, and beware of fancies. (Let neither your wife nor
daughters go with you when you have hardened your heart,
and determined to destroy some. There is a very kind-hearted,
nice, blue-eyed girl who will not hear of the chickens she reared
being killed ; she is very mild, but she speaks with great firm-
ness when she says she will not eat them if they are. Her dark
sister says she hasn't patience witli papa, and he may rear his
early chickens himself next year. The wife and mother thinks
it is nnkind to tease the girls, and try their dispositions. The
smaller ones don't care for the big chickens ; but there are two
or three little dears — one with a broken wing, and another
with a crooked bill — that sliaU not be taken away ; and wheu
mischief says. Stop tiO they arc gone to bed, they declare they
will take the darlings up with them.)

June 4, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE G-ARDENER.

185

Do not be led away witli the notion that chickens will grow
out of faults ; they cannot do it. The curve in the comb of
the coct, the slight hump or twist in the back of the pullet,
the very triOing, almost imperceptible, bowing of one leg will
only increase as the birds grow older. As we are still dealing
with Spanish, let us say that as it is now admitted the cocks
must have upright combs, there will be no excuse for keeping
chickens that lack the qualily. A defect in the comb is
visible at ten weeks old in the cock chicken. It is impossible
to speak with as nauch certainty about the pullets ; but there
is no difficulty in selecting those that are very long in head,
body, legs, and face — the latter pale all over ; eschewing such
as are squat, round, and hen-like at an early age, such generally
have small, round, white faces that do not drop; and others
that have all below the eye perfectly white, while above it is
an angry red, such seldom become quite white. Excellence in
Spanish is in a great measure dependant on age, and, therefore,
you may almost always make a fresh selection of your birds
every month or six weeks. It is never safe to reject pullets
too young, as many a valuable hen has been in danger when a
pullet.

PROFITABLE POULTEY KEEPING.— No. 6.

{^Continued from page 146.)

Fowls and theie Beeeds. — Their name is not exactly legion,
but the pure-bred, and the numerous cross-bred, make up a
goodly number. I shall confine my observations to those with
which I had to do practically. My first lot were obtained as I
could (vide No. 2, page 70.) I had— 1, the Barndoor ; 2, the
Game ; 3, the Dorking, speckled and white ; 4, the Spanish ; 5,
the Everlasting Layer ; 6, the Cochin ; 7, the Poland ; and many
nondescripts.

This list must not be taken as placing the fowls in order of
merit. After the first season I weeded rather extensively. My
object being profit alone, I limited the stock to those breeds
which had proved the best layers, the best sitters and nurses,
and whose chicks were hardy and grew quickly.

When a late master of the Chapel Boyal heard that a
distinguished member of the musical profession had been
knighted, he is said to have observed, " I suppose it must be on
the score of his merit, not on the merit of hia score."

Now I have placed the following breeds both on the score of
their own individual merits, and on that of their progeny.

1. The Speckled DorMng.—Thii breed, taking it for all pur-
poses, I place first. The hens are good layers, good sitters, and
good nurses. Their chickens come quickly to profit, and are
preferred by the dealers for size, plumpness, and good colour.

2. The White Dorking. — These are inferior in some points
to the speckled, and superior in others. They lay scarcely so
freely, are not so good sitters, are equal as nurses. Their
chickens less hardy, but superior in colour,

3. The Everlasting Layer (Hamburghs). — This pretty and
useful breed I hold in hiuh favour. The hens will lay from 200
to 250 (I have known 270) eggs in the year. I had one small
hen, a silver-pencilled, which laid me 227 eggs in the twelve
months (actually, ten months and two weeks, giving within a
fraction five eggs a- week.) They were not large, but of excellent
flavour ; and the 227 eggs exceeded by over ten times the weight
of the bird. This breed will not sit. I need scarcely observe
that to keep up the breed, their eggs must be placed under other
hens. — Leighton.

(To be continued.)

MANAGEMENT OP PAEROTS.

Many persons have read with much interest the notes in your
Journal in reply to queries about Parrots. Then- owners
mean well by them, but the poor birds suffer from the popular
ignorance regarding them, and contradictory advice. The most
general error is not giving them water, on the supposition that
the birds do not find it in their own hot country, but get
moistm-e from fruits. This point you have already settled by a
note in your Journal, for which every thirsty Parrot should be
greatly obliged. Will you now have the goodness to give some
further information ?

What should the Parrot have in his cage to grind down his
bill on ? The smooth wires of his cage seem quite insufficient,
though he works much with them, and his perch-stick, which
is also smooth.

Is it from any preventible cause that the Parrot at times eata
his own excrement ? May the Parrot be exposed to the full
heat of the sun in his cage, when hung out for the air ? When
moulting the Parrot pulls out his feathers. Should anything be
given to him to allay the irritation he appears to feel ? — D. H.

[We insert this list of queries in the hope that those who
have kept Parrots successfully will favour us by stating fuUy
their mode of management. The thousands of Parrots in Great
Britain are for the most part totally mismanaged, and we hope
for the sake of those birds, and for their owners' .sakes, we shall
have many replies. — Eds.]

COMB-BAR HIVES.
Contemplating- the adoption of bar-hives for my apiary, I
want, in my own mind, to get rid of the solid crown-board as
recommended by "A Renfrewshire Bee-keepee ; " but I do
not like his substitute of grooves in the bars and slides. I am
afraid they must be very difficult to work on account of the
propolis which my bees use so lavishly wherever they find a
crevice.

I have schemed. the plan which I would now ask your judg-
ment on ; and which is, instead of one crown-board, a series of
long narrow boards, or rather bars. The sectional drawing will, I
think, make it clear. B Woodbury comb-bars. A Bars instead
of a crown-board, or of the slides before alluded to. The plan
shows a recess at c, in the under corner of each crown-bar,
making a groove when two bars adjoin of a quarter of an inch
square. I propose to have my comb-bars made wilh a ridge to
work in the groove thus formed by the junction of two crown-
bars ; but I think it will be best if, instead of the ridge filling
the groove, a space be left as o in the plan. My comb-bars will
tlius be kept in their places by the crown-bars without any need
of screws. Of course, it will be necessary to make the centres of
the two ridges of the comb-bars correspond, and to get the
crown-bars exactly li inch wide. Or what is the proper width
from centre to centre of the combs ?

I propose resting the ends of the comb-bars on a ledge within
the hive, cutting a piece off flat at the ends for this purpose,
represented by the doited line ; but the crown-bars I would
carry half an inch over the front and back. It would also be
necessary so to adjust them as to rest flush upon the comb-bars.
For Bupering, holes may be made in the crown-bars, or the
whole bar may be removed, and two pieces, leaving the middle
open, substituted. When resting in working order they would
need no fastening more than the propolis of the bees themselves;
and if fastening should be at any time needful, it may be accom-
plished by screwing one or two bars across, the sides of the boxes
being mada higher than the back and front, and level with the
crown-bars when in their place.

Now, I shall feel obliged if you will point out any flaws in my
plan. Will the crown-bars warp ? How thick must they be ?
Is it certain whether bees do better in wood boxes or straw
hives ? Is a " Renerewshirb Bee-keepee's" assertion that,
for concentrating the heat in the spring, there is no comparison
between an octagon or circular hive and a square hive, the
advantage being with the lormer— is this assertion true equally
for southern and northern counties ? or is there but little or no
perceptible difference in the prosperity of square and round
colonies in the south ? — A. B. C.

[Your plan is ingenious, but we fear rather too complex for
general adoption. The only inconvenience we have ever found
in the use of the ordinary crown-board, is completely removed
by allowing sufficient space for the bees to pass above the bars.
We now allow about If inch from centre to centre of each bar.
The Woodbury-bars are intended to rest in the same notches as
common ones, so that it is only necessary to remove half-an-inch

186

JOTJENAl OP HORTICULTURE AJTD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 4, 1861.

of the central rib at eaeli end. The proposed crown-bars will
not warp, and should be the same thickness as the sides of the
box. As far as our observation extends, bees appear to do
equally well in wooden as in straw hives. The assumed concen-
tration of heat in octagonal boxes is doubted by many. There
is certainly no perceptible difference in general between the
prosperity of bees in hives of eithe* shape.]

SEQUEL TO THE ADVENTtfEES OE A
LIGUEIAN QUEEN.

It is with much regret that I lay before the readers of The
JouENAi OF HOBTICTTLTUBE the following letter, which appears
to indicate a disastrous termination to the "Adventures of a
liigurian Queen." I say appears to indicate; for it is by no
means certain that the formation, or even the completion, of
queen cells, is proof positive of the sovereign's demise. — A
Detonshlre Bee-keepee.

"My dear Sir, — I hasten to inform you (May 23rd) which I
do with much regret, of the failure of my hopes in regard to
the first Italian queen, whose ** adventures " have been recorded
in the pages of The Jofenal of Hoeticultuee. The sequel
to those adventures is so far interesting (albeit in other respects
most unfortunate) as indicating that no positive rules can be
laid down as to how bees will act under given circumstances.
Either they must have killed the queen outright, or else have
stifled her to death, even after the discovery of the loss of their
own queen ; for they certainly did discover their loss on the
12th, as witness the "hum," of which I spoke in my former
letter. Ever since that day they have been perfectly tranquil, as
if all things were in a right state in their hive.

"All doubt as to the fate of the poor Italian queen was
removed this morning, when curiosity, ."md the desire to transfer
tile bees to a bar-box, led me to drive the whole population,
when I discovered four royal cells in close proximity to each
other ceiled in. The piece of comb in which are these cells
has been out out, and placed in » glass over the box which
contains the driven bees. The moment the hole communicating
with the box was opened, the bees rushed up in frantic joy, and
instantly took possession of the glass.

" I have also just examined the old stock from which I drove
the swarm last Friday, in preparation for the second Italian
queen, which arrived dead,* and saw two royal artifieial cells
ceiled in. The bees in this hive being rather few in numbers, I
have set the oldf box (driven this morning) over them. It
contained several hundreds, perhaps a thousand, drone and
worker cells, containing unhatched bees, besides a few fully-
developed bees that would not join the swarm. The box itself
weighed about 20 lbs., and contained a good deal of honey.

" Thus most unfortunately ends my first experiment with the
Ligurians. I must hope for better luck next time. I only wish
I had your queens at the head of my very strong stocks. So
far I have sufiored nothing by these experiments. The two
swarms have taken the place of the stocks which perished in the
winter ; and the old stocks are full of honey and young bees,
with a prospect of healthy young queene.^Bv & W."

ON THE SUBSTITUTION OF A STRANGER
EOE, A NATIVE QUEEN.

The too-probable failure of so good an apiarian as " B. &W.,"
in his attempt to substitute a Ligurian for a common queen, is
much to be regretted ; and a few words on the causes which
appear to have led to that failure, as well as the best means of
insuring future success, may not be without interest to apiarians.

I cannot learn from the letters of my esteemed correspondent
whether he at once placed the Italian queen in communication
with her future subjects, from which she should have been
separated only by a divider of perforated zinc for the first
twenty-four hours. X shall assume, therefore, that this very
necessary precaution was not omitted, and can come to no other
conclusion than that the unfortunate impatience which led to

* This is the first of my queens wliicli has died whilst travelling. Judging
from the fact that all her attendants survived, and that her own sting was
protruded, I have little doubt that she met her death fi'om a thrust (whether
accidental or wilful it is of course impossible fo determine) from one of her
subjects' weapons.— A DEvousiiniE Bee-keeper.

+ This " old box " has thus given me two good swarms within the fort-
night, which now stand side by side on the top shelf of my apiary.

the Ligurians being " stirred up with a bit of tarred string,'*

was the sole cause of failure.

Most bee-keepers are aware that bees manifest the greatest
anger, shown by an instant protrusion of their stings, on being
interfered with in this manner; and I can conceive no more
probable cause of a fatal quarrel than such an operation efiected
by the use of so obnoxious an instrument as tarred string.

Huber's experiments would lead any one to suppose that, after
bees had been without a queen for twenty-four hours, they would
at once accept any stranger sovereign that might be offered fo
them. Such, however, is not the case, and it would be extremely
hazardous to present a strange queen for their acceptance at
the expiration of twenty-four hours, when most probably a
number of queen cells would be in course of construction.

There are two periods when bees will generally welcome a
strange queen. One is after then- own efforts to raise a queen
have failed or have been frustrated, and the other is when the
stranger is presented to their notice during the confusion incident
upon the first discovery of the loss of their own sovereign. To
take advantage of the first-named period, it is necessary to
remove the native queen about ten days before presenting the
stranger. During this time the hive must be twice examined
and all queen cells extirpated. In practice, however, I have
found it impossible to make sure that no queen cell is overlooked ;
so that it is more than likely, after all this trouble has been taken,
that the new pretender to tlie throne may find her-'elf face to
face on her first introduction with a virgin princess, whose
superior activity would, most probably, at once determine the
contest in her own favour.

Dismissing, therefore, this mode of proceeding as being well
nigh impracticable, there remains only for us to take advantage
of the first moment of confusion produced by the discovery of
then' queen's loss, and this is what I have endeavoured to do in
the instructions for imiting Ligurian queens to stocks or
swarms, which were republished last week. I do not say that a
failure is impossible, even when these instructions are faithfully
carried out ; but this I can say, that no such failure has, as yet,
come to the knowledge of — A Detonshiee Bee-keepeb.

HOW I BECAME AN OXFORDSHIIIE
BBE-EEEPER.

(^Contlmtedfrom page 74.)

My bee-boards are fashioned like the block-boards, out of well-
seasoned gnarled ash, about 1 inch thick, being 19 inches in
diameter one way, and 2 feet — the alighting-lip side — another ;
lialf-an-inch is bevelled off around their upjjer edges, and the
alighting-lips are left 5 inches broad for a base, and tapering
off to three-inch rounded extremities. Tlie inch-thick boards will
allow of planing, in case of future warpings, as they must always
offer an even surface for the hives, and also lay close and level upon
the block-boards ; for, in the event of cavities there, so sure will
woodlice, earwigs, &c., congregate. I have some bee-boards
formed out of mahogany, they can be depended upon for neither
splitting nor warping ; and for those who can afford to launch
into the expense, doubtless they would prove less costly in the
long run. A board I have had in use frum the beginning, is
made out of three-quarter-inch deals, with two two-inch-broad
oak strips let in flush, and transwise across the bottom ; it has
never warped or given way in tlie least, and would last ten years
longer. Stone or any similar cold substance must be avoided for
this purpose. And now I am on the boards, I may as well pro-
claim my manner of cleaning them for the bees, in the spring
time of the year.

In order to prevent counter currents across thetti during the
winter, I never, if I can possibly help it, lift those hives from the
boards after September that I intend to keep as stock, in order
that the bees may thoroughly glue them to the boards with their
propolis before the cold weather arrives, for then tliey cannot
work this substance; and positively all mortar daubings must be
execrated. I do not perform the board-cleansing before the
middle of March, or even so early, unless the weatlier is mild
and warm ; and when these conditions favour, in the middle of a
sunshiny day, when the greatest number of the bees are awfty
at work, I proceed as follows : — With a clean spare board, a
pliant knife, a hard brush, a goose's wing, and a stout wicker-
worked bushel measure, 14 inches in diameter at top, and tapering:
outwards towards its bottom — this I place handy on the Walk^

June 4, 1861. ]

JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

1.87.

and then press the inward shank and knee of the right leg
against the edge of the board, and the back of the hive ; lean
over and grip the bee-board with the left, and the top front edge
of the hive with one's right hand, and with a strong and a long
pull, pull the hire over at once, and place it upside down upon
the measure^ examine its internal condition, and take quick
cognizance of what is perceived to be vrrong, in the shape of
combs becoming too thickened by age, weakness of inhabitants,
mould, moths, or any other adversity for future guidance ; then
slip over the clean board, meantime whisking out of the way
with the wing the bees, from off the edge of the hive to prevent
their being crushed ; put aside the dirty board from the stand,
examine the pedestal at tlie junction of the ground, and with a
few good tugs from right to left, make sure of its being suiEciently
sound to bear the bee-hive another year. That ascertained,
shift the liive suiEciently on to the edge of the measure, so as to
be able to insert the right palm and arm beneath it, whilst with
the left palm upon the board, press tightly, and with main
strength turn over the hive to its proper position ; set it on its
stand, and place the pan over it.

From what I have written about the latter protector and the
controversy it has caused, I trust my readers will not consider
my "pan" to represent the meagre dumpty affau- too often
seen placed ou the tops of hives. Mine are made llj inches
wide across the bottom, with sloping sides, 7i inches deep, and
measuring 2 feet for their top inside diameter; so that wlieu
reversed on the hives, which are 16 inches broad, there remains
a good conservatory air-medium between the pans and the
tops of hives, which I consider most important, and theu-
slope extends so far over that during the winter time, little more
than one-half the hive can be seen. I place the pans, moreover,
rather leaning, and their being provided with rims, the drip
water is made to east itself off at the side indents, where their
lips are formed; and unless it is very driving, no rain can reach
the hives, and no wet can lodge for long on tlie edges of tlie bee-
boards, or theu- alighting -lips, on account of the slight incline
which is made permanent at the sawing off the tops of the pedes-
tals in the first instance. The insides are glazed at their making,
and then' outsides I have painted the same colour as the under
sides of the stands, and these are the only parts of my bee
appendages I allow to undergo that operation. The cock-a-hoop
balance of the pans, surmounted with the old bits of sculpture
— as wind guarantees — have a nobby appearance I assure you.
Proceed now and scrape off the residuum from the removed bee-
board with the knife, and polish it off with the hard brush,
when it will serve as the clean one for the next hive, and so on ;
and, my word for it, it will do yom- very heart good to observe
the rejoicings of the bees for this, your provident care — it is a
regular romping fowl's game of prisoner's-base — tliey appear so
happy they do not know what to do. This year my anxiety for
inspection on account of the late severe winter, aud tliis, my con-
templated writing, induced me to take advantage of the 9th
inst. — the first warm day of the month — to perform the cleansing
operation ; and the remarkably dry and healthy exteriors and
interiors my hives presented were marvellous, I could have blown
away the waste lamina from the bee-boards with a pair of bellows.
Consecutively, as I turned up the hives, I found the bees con-
gregated centrally, intent upon their household arrangements,
and theh' combs were becomuig quite heavy with brood.

On the 20th inst. the weather was very cold and stormy, and
as I have 3 lbs. to 4.1bs. of honey left, I shall make it into food,
and give it to the bees ; not that they absolutely want food, but
it will assist our economy, and be of advantage to their brood,
for where there is a large famUy coming on nothing must be
allowed to be wasted. I explained at page 186, Vol. XXV., of
The Cottage Gabdenee, the method of feeding, and the size
the feeders are made so as to fit the winter entrances, for which
I have also another name — namely, ash-pit doors ; and now I
mention them, it opens an opportunity for me to explain them
away, and to send you a drawing.

I place a portion of cotton wadding at their backs previously
to tacking them on to the hives, to prevent the exit of the bees
l)etween them and the irregularities of the latter, for the insects
will insinuate themselves through a surprisingly small hole.
They are made of zinc, 4 inches by 2 inches, with a perforated
slide to slip over the bees' entrance early on sunshiny or thawing
mornings, when snow is lying upon the gi-ouud, for in default
of some such contrivance the bright light or warmth tempts out
the bees, and the snow lures them to destruction. I take
«9peeia,l care to .raise the slides again in the afternoon, as the

inmates have a great repugnance against being placed iti the
position of Sterne's starling; and although not one should be
seen at the closing of the slides, it is amusing to watch their
probosces soon after, working through the perforated holes, as
much as to say "We can't get out — we want more air !"

o
4.
o

o
4,

o

WINTER ESTRANGE TO BEE-HIVE.

1. Zinc plate, 4 inches by 2 inclies.

2. Bee entrance, 1^ inch" by tbr.^'e-eighths of an inch.

3. Slide, with five perforated holes opposing entrance.

4. Holes to admit tacks to secure plate to hive.

5. Frenchitied-looking tacks for the ahove purpose seven-eighths of an
inch long-.

Now, chiefly as well as for cottagers, I have it before my
mind's eye and knowledge, that many gardeners — good sort of
people — are requested to undertake the management of a few
hives, if not to produce honey for the nurseiy — and what is
more wholesome and palateablo for children, or the parlour
breakfast table ? at least, I beg pardon — for the housekeeper's
stores ; and whatever I may know, or think that I know, about
the principles of air in motion, it may tend, perhaps, to a quicker
comprehension of what I am about to say, if we go and sit
down on the steps in the stoke-shed, quietly discuss the matter,
and take the furnace and ash-pit door for our text. Now, as to
whether it is the Kil logic, Polmaise, or Kiddean system that
my bee-keeping hangs itself upon, no matter ; it is very much
like one of the three, which is not Polmaise, nor yet Killogie.
At any rate, I did not finally adopt the plan without many a
good think, or enter the list of apiarian advisers without well
considering the state of my armour either ; for most assuredly
we are quick to defend our workings, and our ways are endless,
though, I believe at heart we bear no ill will to each other — at
least, I know I do not. It is understood that bees possess the
power to generate heat, more or less, under favourable circum-
stances as they may need to require it (tlieir respiratory action
is nicely touched upon by " A Rexfeewsiiihe Bee-keepek" at
page 202, Vol. XXV., of The Cottage Gaedeneb), which that
furnace has not, neither could it much, however so well supplied
with fuel ; if we stuffed up the chimney-flue, albeit the ash-pit
door is left open ; and this is much upon the principle that bees
are too commonly allowed to sb'uggle and try to exist. Tou
and I could not sit here so comfortably outside the^brickwork,
much less inside, under those conditions. Then fancy a hive
swaddled up, every flue choked, the interior reeking with steam,
damp, cramped, its inmates faintly breathing, and doubtless they
would cry out if they could — "We do not live here, we only
linger; we are so cold! Do pray give us a circulation of iresh
air : we will soon warm it, and take care of ourselves ! Oh !
that we had been allowed to choose a hollow tree, or a com-
modious hole under the roof of a house ! "

On one of those bitter cold days last Christmas, my friend,
whilst holding converse about our bees, expressed himself some-
wliat dubious and inquiringly, I thought, concerning the lives of
his stocks ; so I took liim to my apiary, bid him kneel down in
the snow, and place his ear close to each hive and listen. The
combined sm'prise on his countenance I likened to those ever-
to-be-admired spirits of the waters around the fountain in the
tropics at the Crystal Palace ; or, if you do not happen to have
been fascinated by those nymphs, place a sea-shell to the ear of
a child for the first time, watch the mystery of its countenance,
and you will have little difficulty in arriving at my meaning. My
friend intimated that no time would be lost ere each hive of his
underwent the listening test ; and if, I answered, you hear
not the mellowed voice as of a distant waterfall, you may

MB

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 4, 1861.

depend upon it there is little life there. But you will observe
thatmv hives are 16 inches in diameter, 11 inches deep, straight-
sided, of common thickness— about an inch — with well-twisted
wattles, firmly bound togetlicr with the withs, and of straw
throughout, the summer or natural entrances being about 2
inches by three-quarters of an inch, quite flat on the top, having
central holes about 3 inches in diameter, over which are placed
thinnish ronmls of plaited straw, shghtly secured with wall nails,
though sufficiently fo as to prevent the egress of the bees. This
I call my air-flue ; but the bees would stop up a pipe of " X."
(page 358, Vol. XXV., of The Cottage Gahdekek), directly,
if it was allowed to come down into the hive, and we should then
have juice in plenty, and the wrong sort too. As to the turf
over, doubtless it is fis good a non-conductor of heat and cold as
peat. My hives are after tlie model of Mr. Payne's, but his
are 14 inches by 9 inches only, outside measure : therefore you
will perceive mine to be a good-sized oven, and the bars — viz.
the combs, reach from the top nearly to the bottom : I say
nearly, for that is an important particular.

If you adopt the hives that I recommend, you must also adopt
for each two pieces of hard- wood sticks, to run completely and
centrally throiigh at right angles, otherwise tlie bees from their
own natural instinct, will attach some of the lower parts of the
comb to the bee-board for support ; so that not only would
spring feeding become impeded, but in the event of summer
examinations and spring cleanings, when the hive is lifted, smash
must go the combs somewhere, and more or less of them remain
attached to the bee-board, which would cause a sad difiiculty,
and future cost of time and store for the bees to repair. I
have never found this to happen since the introduction of the
sticks. My first large hive, to which I have tjever appli.d them,
was sadly subject to those attachments iu its youth. When I
lived near the banks of the Tyne, I prai-tised fly-fishing, and
made my own rods; so happening to have it by me, I use
hickory and lance-wood for these cross purposes, worked into
lengths about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, taking the
precaution at their insertion to leave about an inch of euch pio-
truding outside the hive, to enable me to twist and pull
them out of the way with a pair of pincer-s previous to
cutting out the combs. I find it is customary for bees to
commence eating their stores at the extremities, and to retire
from t!ie combs inwards. Some years ago I first noticed this
peculiarity in a Nutt's pavilion-hive, which was intrusted to
my keeping by a lady for several months. I allowed the
bees to work in one of its collateral-boxes, and after the
honey-gathering season, they conducted themselves as mentioned
above; they had nearly consumed the honey in the collateral-
box, and retired into the central compartment for winter
quarters, when I was requested to send the apparatus, by rail,
into Hertfordshire, where it arrived safely with its sweets and
living cargo. Now when straw hives are made sufficiently
rooiry, and the bees are giving out central heat, what a cajiital
medium we provide for the warmed air to circulate between the
space there — the comparatively isolated-oven sides of the hive,
and the emptied combs — why, 1-inch space there is worth 3 inches
in thickness of any outside covering whatever. I ally two swarms,
two casts, and two colts — if I can get the latter for nothing
— together, to populate each hive (of which more anon) ; so you
see my furnace is a large one to produce heat, more or less
according to necessity ; and wlien, fiom the natural combustion
to the bees, the air becomes more sensibly warmed, it circulates
more fi-eely, and ascends through the aperture by the straw
plaiting above, provided a fresh supply is being introduced at the
ash-pit door below ; for it would be about as easy, I suppose, to
keep do"n rarefied air in motion as to stay ignited gunpowder.
In short, the fire in the centre —the bees — is fed by a portion of
the outer air from the entrance as it goes up splitten between
the combs, whilst side streams also go up in the surrounding
side chambers, thence to rush out at the aperture into the
conservatory to struggle round about and prevent stagnation
outside the hive, and then away from beneath the great pan
into the open air again, and tliere you have a description, and
the " only secret from first to last" that I know, anent the
preservative qualities of my hives; unless indeed it be the
significant fact, that the bees remain to me alive and well
through this and the last very severe winters, thus more than
successfully competing with other common systems.

On the 23rd of March I was obliged to take away the winter
entrances, by reason that they did not offer sufiicient room for
the exit and entry of the bees ; they were so busy about the

apricot, crocus, and Arabis mollis blossoms. The latter is the
best honey-producing plant that I know of from the middle
of March to nearly May. It is very hardy, and can be propa-
gated in any out-of-the-way corner for autumn transplanting
into beds and borders, to form a nice green surface during
the winter. It is most profuse with its clear white bloom, veiy
appropriate for the ribbon fashion, and very interesting for
those who like to study the varieties, and to hear the *'niur-
murings of innumerable bees." — Upwards and Onwabds.
(To be continued.)

MANAGEMENT OE PI(JS.

The fame of the little village of Brandeston, in Suffolk, rests,
we believe, solely and recently upon the very superior excellence
of the Pigs bred there by a very intelligent farmer of the name
of Steai'u. That his fame is well-merited appears from many
facts, but from none more decidedly than from his being re-
quested by his brother agriculturists to read them a lecture upon
tlie management of swine. This he did, as follows, at a meeting
of the Eramlingham Farmer's Club. It must not be supposed
that Mr. Steam's Pigs cameled by a string tied to their leg, or
covered over with a net in a dealer's cart. The pigs would scorn
such treatment. A short time before the hour for the discus-
sion there was a great commotion in the town. A procession of
cars tastefully trimmed with flags, evergreens, and flowers passed
through, the horses mounted by postillions in scarlet jackets and
blue caps with scarlet tassels. The procession was received with
cheers and much popular ovation. The occupants of these
triumphant carriages were Mr. Steam's Pigs, come to take their
part in the discussion : —

I hare had experience in management of Pigs a good many
y-^ars, as many in this room are aware. I exhibited a sow and
Pigs at the Framlingham Show as long back as 184-7, and gained
the prize ; they were then considered superior to anything that
had been seen in this neighbourhood, and many said I should
never produce another lot so good. But we keep progressing,
for at the Framlingham Show last year, I exceeded the former
veiy much in weight at the same age. The same remark was
then made again, but the two lots I showed at Birmingham and
Sraithfield were heavier still at the age; and now I suppose I
may make up my mind I have got to my furihest on that point,
as I have raised between 14 stone or 15 stone, 14 lbs.
to the stone, at the age of between five and six months, dead
weig'nt; and between 8 stone and 9 stone, 14 lbs. to the stone,
live weight, at between twelve and thirteen weeks old; and I
think I have now, in the breeding of that animal, arrived as
nearly at perfection as I could reasonably hope. But it is diffi-
cult to know where to stop, for even improvement has a limit, and
crossing wlien carried beyond a certain point will generally end
iu deterioration. I think, however, to cross occasionally as far
distant as possible is beneficial. To give an extended outline or
rie-cription of the original species, or of the various breeds and
innumerable crosses and varieties of Pigs, would occupy too
much time : therefore I shall just describe our own Suffolk Pig.
I find that the p:ofit or loss of the Pig rests on the quality of
the stock, and it must be kept in mind for what purpose the
animal is intended, whether for bacon or pork. If for bacon
flitches, vou must choose a large kind, sueli as Bsrkshire; but
if for pork, the small kind is most desirable, such as the Suffolk
or Leicester, which are very similar animals; and every judicious
breeder will have to take into consideration many circumstances
in choosing a breed of Pigs. The intent and purpose of breeding
is profit. To insure the greatest amount of profit, it would be
well to consider the position in life of the popnlation resident
near one's own locality ; his proximity to a good market, and a
kind and quality of meat necessary for its supply. There is a
Pig called the Improved Black Suffolk, which many prefer to
white, thinking they are more hardy ; but I have fairly tested
the thing of late (which I suppose most present have been eye-
witness to), and proved that the white will exceed the black as
far as early maturity is concerned, and of course early maturity-
is where the profit is gained ; and I find the better the quality
of breeJ, the more lucrative it becomes, much less food being
requu-ed.

Now for our White Suffolk breed. In choosing the sow and
boar the chief points are — a smaUish head, with short snout,
wide chaps, the ears rather small and thin, ends sharp, pendulous
and pointing a little forward, broad and deep chest, round ribs,

June 4, 1861. ]

JOTJENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

189

long in the body and short in the leg, the haunch or thigh
dropped almost to the hock, back broad, straight or slightly
curved, shoulders and hams thick, and the neck to rise well
beliind the ears, small bones in proportion to the flesh, the hair
to be long, thin, and silky, tail small and curled. Strict atten-
tion to these points in selection cannot fail of perpetuating good
stock. Here I must add my surprise how careless breeders are
in selecting the boar for their sows. If there happens to be a
good animal within a short distance, for the going to which
half-a-crown is charged, they will often send double the distance
to a thoroughly bad-bred ugly brute for the sake of the gain of
a shilling. Whilst this apparently paltry gain is so much looked
after, improvement is out of the question. As to the time for
breeding, the sow should be from ten to twelve months old, and
the boar from eight to twelve months. I, however, find that
very few people will keep them so long, but breed them much
earlier, wliich very often prevents their growing to the proper
size, or acquiring sufficient strength for breediiig. I think good-
sized sows are best for breeding, and more likely to have a good
number of Pigs. Great care should be taken not to have one
Tvitli less than twelve paps, for it is observed each Pi;; selects
a teat for itself, I consider twelve good Pigs to be sufficient for
any sow to bring up. The sow I exhibited at Framlingliam and
Canterbury last summer, has brought up fifty-one Pigs in four
litters, without losing one. As far as my experience goes, the
time of gestation averages about a hundred and thirteen days,
or sixteen weeks and one day. Two good litters in a year are all we
ou^ht to expect. When a sow is in pig, she ought to have
liberty and plenty of exercise. The boars kept for stock should
be confined in a shed with a roomy yard ; if allowed to roam
about, you are likely to get wrong in your breed.

In managing the sow at the time of furrowing, my practice is
as follows : — To have a man with her to attend her ; for it is
absurd to have all the trouble and expense of keeping a sow,
then, at the most particular time to leave her alone to take her
chance. In my idea, there is not sufficient attention paid to the
construction of piggeries ; I have seldom seen one which I did
not consider too small, except perhaps just for fat Pigs, which,
of course, do not so much signify, for the less a Pig put up for
fatting moves the better. But the farrowing pen ought to be
large, to allow the sow plenty of room, and likewise to admit of
rails being placed round the sides, so fixed as to prevent the sow
lying on the young ones. These rails should be made to shift
according to the sow, I think in lieight from 8 inches to 12 inches,
and extend out from the wall about 9 inches, having the supports
carried up sloping from the inside, instead of straight up from
the floor ; then when the sow lies down, there will be no likeli-
hood of her squeezing the Pigs, as there is plenty of space left
for them to pass between lier and the wall, for nine times out of
ten that is where the mischief is done, as sows invariably like to
lean against something when they lie down. I have recently had
a hundred Pigs, without losing one from being crut^hed. . Each
place ought to be, at least, from 8 feet to 10 feet square, and
the best floor, I consider, is asphalt — no damp or scent can
rise from that. I tried boards, bricks, and almost everything in
the way of floors. Most persons would say boards are best, but
I think I can convince you to the contrary. If you will consider,
for only one minute, tliey cannot be healthy ; (or if tlie boards
are placed close, of course the moisture will stand, and the boards
become saturated : and if a space is left, the refuse litter will go
between, so it will become one mass of putrid matter under-
neath, quite level with the floor, whatever the depth may be ;
for what passes through will absorb the urine, and is likely to
bring on many diseases. But I think, it is well, in the CDld
weather, to lay down a false Inttiee floor on the asphalt, so it
can be taken up once a-week, and everything swept from under.
For two or three weeks, when the Pigs are very young, I have
the beds attended to and fesh litter every morning, lor I find
the cleaner the place is keit the better the Pigs thrive. The
floor being washed once or twice a-week, everything runs off, and
the asphalt dries in a very short time. There is another great
advantage: it does not take more than two-thirds the straw it
requires for any other floor ; for the moisture appears to run
under the litter without wetting it so much, as it is laid a little
on the slope-; what is taken from the inside serves as litter for
the pounds outside, which ought to be paved m some way to
prevent the Pigs from rooting. By following this plan, the
manure is made very regular and good. A tank should be made
just outside, to receive the drainage from the pounds i the
building to be troughed to take off the rain water, to prevent the

manure being washed. Tlie pens ought to be so constructed as to
be closed up in cold weather, and well ventilated in warm.

At the time of farrowing I allow a very small quantity of litter
cut short, and have a hamper placed in the pen with a little
straw at the bottom, aud also an old blanket. I put a slip or
partition, about 2J feet high, across the pen to prevent the
sow getting to the hamper; as the Pigs come forth, put
them into it, and cover them up, until the sow had done far-
rowing, after which I put them to her and let them suck. When
done, put them back in a hamper, give the sow a little warm
mUk and bran ; and whilst she is eating this, have the bed
attended to, by removing all the wet straw, &c. Add a little
fresh Utter cut short ; then when the sow lies down, let the Pigs
go to her again. By pursuing this plan there is very little danger
of losing them, for I believe one-third are lost for the want of
proper attention, I always give the man sixpence per head for
all the Pigs he can bring up to a fortniglit old. I find this much
the cheapest plan, for then there is no fear but he will see to them
properly, and attend to them in the first instance, as well in the
night as the day.

How often do it-e hear people complain of the sow eating her
own young : therefore steps ought to be taken to prevent her
doing so ; for when once a sow does that, she is very little use
for breeding purposes. If you allow me, I will explain what I
have found to be the cause. In some litters the side teeth are
much longer and sharper than in others ; when this is the case,
and the Pigs begin to suck, they bite and scratch the paps, and
punish and irritate the sow to such a degree that it brings on in-
flammation, and the sow becomes mad with rage, she throws some
one way and some another. At hist she bites them, and if she
once draws blood, she will begin to eat them. Now, the way to
prevent this : — When the Pigs are a few hours old, I have them
taken away in a hamper, so the sow cannot hear them, and nip
those teeth out with a pan- of pincers, I should have lost a lot
of thirteen some time since if I had not pursued this plan, for
the sow was as near mad as possible, she threw the Pigs all over
the place, and I had great difficulty in taking them away, for she
would not allow any one to approach her. As soon as I had
drawn the teeth, end put the Pigs back, she was as kind to them
as po.asible, and perfectly docile.

I think about eight weeks old is a good time for weaning the
Pigs, and I like to have them operated upon a short time pre-
vious. As far as the feeding of my Pigs is concerned, it
appears the public know more about it than I do myself. Some
say I give them sugared milk ; some, when they think my back
is turned, put their hand into the troughs and taste the food,
and say they arc sure it is physic ; others have stolen some of
the food to have it analysed. Now I will try and explain how I
feed. I begin to feed the young Pigs at five or six days old, with
warm milk, mixed with a very little fine sharps, and a small
quantity of white maize, out of troughs like some I will show you
presently. For the first few weeks after being weaned, I have
the boy feed them very often, but give them a very little food at
a time, so they will clear the troughs out. In the winter I feed
all with warm food, but not in the summer. I give them a great
variety of meal, such as wheat, maize, barley, oats, and whatever
is most convenient to mix together. I just wet it with cold
water, and then scald it with boiling water, and sprinkle it with
salt ; between meals, I give them whole maize, and manaold
wurtzel or swedes cut small; and once or twice a-day a litile
coal, but not too much, as it will be likely to do them harm. I
allow them plenty of clean water, and there is one point I am
very particular about, not to give them any more food than they
will clear up at a time.

When Pigs are put up for fatting, it will be found very bene-
ficial to wash them, at least once a-week ; this is quickly done by
esperii'nced hands, and will amply repay any one for the trouble.
I also like to have them very often brushed. If you will only try
the experiment between this and the common mode of treatment,
you will be surprised at the difference. I have no doubt that
many will sar, "What a trouble !" But how can we succeed in
anything without trouble? I am certain the cottagers would
find their Pigs fatten a good deal faster if they would wash and
brush them, and feed tTiem with warm food, instead of giving
it to them all like ice. This would be a very easy thing, for most
can keep a kettle by the side of the fire all day ; they would find
themselves well paid for the little extra trouble it might be.

Store Pigs ought to have their liberty as far as convenient, such
as to range in large yards in winter, and the run of a piece of
pasture in the summer. They should also be fed two or three

190

JOTTENAL OP HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

[ June 4, 1861.

times a-day. Good- bred and well-fed store Pigs will always con-
sume the refuse from the farm and dairy, when a bad-bred one
will refuse. I have never known mine refuse anything in the way
of pig food yet that was offered them, not even the prize animals.
In my opinion the generality of pig-troughs are very badly
constructed, so as to waste a great deal of the food, and soil it,
by allowing the Pigs to get their fore feet in. I have tried a

freat many different sorts, and find those that I have brought
ere to-night to be the best kind I have seen, to prevent both
spoiling and soiling ; and they are called the light iron Norfolk
ti-oughs. They cannot be too flat according to the size of the
Pige to prevent their getting deformed. Their shape is very often
injured through not using a suitable trough. I have a great
many different sizes, and use them to suit the animal. And
now, gentlemen, if any of you would like to see my places and
animals at any time, I shall be happy to show them to you ; but
1 can't say I wish to see you all at one time. I have had as many
as sixty and seventy in a day, and that is rather too much of a
good thing. (Prolonged applause.)

Some extraordinary specimens of Mr. Steam's success in the
breeding and rearing of Pigs were then brought into the room,
engaged the attention of the meeting for more than half an hour.
The first animal produced was a breeding sow belonging to a
neighbour of Mr. Stearn, which was produced as a contrast to
his own. When this animal was placed side by side with one of
Mr. Stearn' s, the contrast produced a great deal of merriment ;
but we were informed by those competent to speak on the subject,
that the unhappy Pig which was produced as a foil on this occa-
sion was not an \mfair sample of the run of young breeding sows.
Its age was about nine months, as was also that of one of Mr.
Steam's placed beside it, the former weighed 4 stone, the latter
about 16 stone or 17 stone. Mr. Stearn also showed three white
Suffolk sows in pig, of remarkable weight and proportions. The
last specimen shown was a young boar from the Framlingham
and Canterbm-y prize sow. Mr. Stearn also showed one of the
light Norfolk troughs he uses, along the top of which he had
added a bar to prevent the Pigs from attempting to leap over,
in doing which he said they would often break their legs. He
also produced a specimen of the wedge-shaped lattice he uses,
which has the effect offending the sow from the wall when she
lies down, and so leaves room for the young to escape uncrushed.
These contrivances were simple and excellent, and served, no less
tlan the wonderful specimens of the Pig tribe which he exhibited,
to convey an idea of his great care, perseverance, and skill in the
work in wliich he takes so much dehght.

VARIETIES.

Tbgetable Tallow.— The Agricultural Bureau of the Patent
OtHce has received specimens of vegetable tallow known to
botanists as Myristica sehifera. It comes from a nut about the
size of a nutmeg, full of meat, which, being melted, becomes a
yellowish tallow, excellent for candles. The plant is a native of
Central and South America, and naturally attains a height of
10 feet or 12 feet ; it carries herbaceous flowers from July to
September, and makes so profuse a secretion of oily matter, that
this may be readily obtained fi'om it in the form of fat by
immersing it in boiling water. H. L. Clarke, Esq., XJ. S. Minister
at Guatemala, writes that he has no doubt that this article might
be collected and exported at considerable profit. It grows in
immense quantities in the southern departments, and in Verapaz.
It is susceptible of stich high purification as to resemble the
finest sperm, is solid, and quite as transparent. A sample of this
production, in the nut and in the tallow, is now among the
numerous collections at the Patent Office. The cultivation of it
from the seed will be tried at the Horticultural Garden. —
{Scienlijlc American.)

Pkoductions of Eastern Africa. — The necessaries of life
are cheap in Enai-ea ; for a piece of salt, worth not more than
a groat, you may buy from 60 lbs. to 70 lbs. of coffee berries ;
and at the same price three great pitchers of honey, or several
sacks of wheat, are procurable. Pieces of salt are however, rare.
Like the Abessinians, the Enareans drink beer and mead. The
coffee tree grows wild in the woods to the height of from 12 feet
to 14 feet, and its wood is used for fuel in the cold parts of the
Qountry ; and in Enarea there is said to be more coffee than in
Eaffa. What a pity that there shoidd be so much difficulty
m communicating with countries like these, from which so
valuable an article of commerce could be procured ! What

results would arise if the Gojob wei'e found to be navigable, or
if the river Sobat should conduct to these coffee countries !
And how much more important stUl would this be for the
extension of Christianity in Inner Africa! The traders from
Gondar carry to Enarea the following articles of commerce: —
pieces of salt, glass beads of various colours and sizes, coloured
stuffs, especially blue calico ; copper, knives, scissors, nails,
weapons, cooking-ware, black pepper, &c. ; and receive in
exchange coffee, civet, slaves, horses, and the skins of lions and
leopards, especially of the black leopard (Gessela). Civet is
dear, even in Enarea, as it is considered a good medicine for
the headache and other maladies, and is procured from the
civet cat, which is as large as a young dog. This cat lives in the
woods, where it is caught in traps, and is then kept in cages in
front of which a fire is burnt daily to make it perspire. It
has in its hinder parts a little sack or bladder in which, the
precious material collects, and this is emptied with a spoon
from time to time and put into a horn, which, with its valuable
contents is sold to the traders. The Galla horses are very
small, but beautiful in colour, and extremely swift, though
horse-shoes are unknown. The GaUas in the neighbourhood of
.Abessinia are tillers of the soil as well as breeders of cattle,
while their brethren under the equator are merely pastoral, and
lead a nomadic Hfe. Those of the equator, moreover, have no
horses, and are altogether far behind the others, presenting the
genuine type of the original Gallas, especially in their religious
notions. Where the Gallas foUow agriculture, the men plough,
sow, and reap, while the women look after the oxen, cows,
horses, sheep, and goats, and take care of the house and its
concerns. Rye, wheat, barley, and Indian corn, grow in such
great abundance in the Galla countries, that for a dollar you
may buy almost more barley or rye than a camel can manage to
carry. — {Krap/'s Travels in Hastern Africa.)

OITB LETTER BOX.

Warts (D. K. ^.).— AVe have cured bundrcds by touching the tops of
them with nitric acid. This turns them yellow. After two or three days
the stained part is easily scraped off. Then touch tliem again with the
nitric acid, and continue the treatment till the warts disappear. Do not
apply the nitric acid to any wart that is tender, or to one that haa recently
hied.

Management of SI'anish Fowls {Adelaide .B.)-— Spanish fowls do not
require different treatment from others, and we will, therefore, gladly give
you the information you require, by telling you that which we believe to be
fit and proper for all fowls. Tlie quantity of food given by hand must
always be regulated by that which is to be had naturally, and tht-re is a
very easy method of ascertaining the exact amount, which is, by feeding
only so long as the fowls show they want it. Take ground oats, slake thtm
with water, and when they have reached the consistence thai, they will
rerain the form giv' n to them, but break on falling, then throw small pieces,
size ot small nuts, on the ground. As long as the fowls run aUer and eat
these, continue to feed; when they cease to do so, leave off feeding. You
may be .satisfied they will eat as long as it is necessarj- for them. There is
not only health and condition, but there is great economy in this system All
yards are badly conducted where food is to be seen lying about— it is fatal to
health and profit. Ground food is better and more economical than whole
corn. The noise like a cough emitted by the hen is probably cau.sed by a
slight cold, or it may arise from something lodged in the throat Spanish
are not snbiect tn roup, and, therefore, this symptom has not the importance
it has in other breeds. If it continues, separate the bird from the others,
and use a stimulatmg diet, such as bread and beer, or wine. Buy "The
Poultry Book for the Many,'* published at our oflSce.

EtJTTER, Strong -ssrELLiNC [A Suhscribcr). — Washing butter in a water in
which a little chloride of pota-h has been dissolved, and then in water only,
will often remove the flavour arising from the cows eating weeds.

Fur of Angora Rabbits ( ). — A pure-bred Angora Rabbit should show

length of fur from the first, but they do not arrive at perfection till about
six or eight months old.

Weight OF Prize Doe {Orioti). — Tou had better communicate with Mr.
Ghavles Sellen, as we do not know the weight of the doe that took the
prize.

Bees bt Post. — Mr. Wm. Eaglesham, of Stewarton, will oblige by stating
if the Ligurian workers sent to him by Mr. Woodbury were alive when they
reached their destination.

LONDON MARKETS.— JtTNE 3.

POULTRY.

Wo are gradually getting into a better state of things; the supply is

increasing, and with it the trade assumes a healthier character,
supply wUl soon he equal to the demand.

The

Each-

-a. d. s. d

Each—*, d. s. d.

Large Fowla..

6 0 to 6 C

Guinea Fowla ■.... 0 0 to 0 0

Smiiller Fowls

4 0 „ 4 e

Leverets 3 0 ,, 4 0

Chickens

2 6 „ 3 0

Pigeons 0 7 „ 0 8

Ducklings

2 6 „ 3 0

Rabbits 1 4 „ 1 5

Goslings

5 6 „ 6 0

WUd 0 8 „ 0 9

June 11, 1861. ]

JOUEN'AL OF HOBTIGULTUBE AND COTIAaE GARDENER.

331

Day Day

of 1 of 1
M'nthWeck.!

JUNE 11—17, 1861.

11
12
13
14
15
16
17

Tu
W
Th
F

S

Su»
M

St. Bahnabas.
Buildlea globosa.
Phloxes.
Ononis.
Amsonia.

3 SnKT3A.Y AFTER TrINITT.

Thalicti-um.

WEEKLy CALENDAR.

"Weather sjear Londo.v in 18(J0.

« . m. TT'- ^ Rain in

Barometer. Thermom. ^md. j^ghes.

Sun
Rises.

Sun
Sets.

29.034-29.810
29.575-29.423
29:607—29.636
29.694—29.686
29.6S1— 29.622
29.640—29.579
29.577-29.512

, Aer. dej.

I 65—19
61-49
64-41
BJ-34
62-45
65—49
65-45

S.W.
S.W.
S.W.

w.

S.'W.
E.

N.

45 af .■! 14 af 8

45
44

■02
■07
•28
.54

44

3

44

3-

44

3

44

3

„ 14
3 15
16
16
17
17

Moon

Rises Moon's
md Sets Age.

25 11
42 11

Clock
after
Sua.

0 30'
0 17
0 5
Obf.8
0 21
q 34

Day of
Tear.

162
16S,
16t
165
16 S
167
163

Meteoroioot op the Week.— .4t Cfiiswick, from observations during the last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest
tcmrieratures of these days are 72.2= and 49' respectively. The greatest heat, 97% occurred on the 16tlli in 1858 ; and the lowest coli, .3»»i .
on the 15tli in 1350. During the period 140 days were fine, and on 98 rain fell.

AERANGING ELOWERS IN BOUQUETS AND

VASES.
(^Continued from page 172.) ,

MECHANICAL wouK (Continued).

' UENING again to our mecha-
nical descriptions for arranging
flowers, flatness, it must be re-
membered, is a great secret of
success, so tliat in a vase or
group the curve should really
be very slight indeed, and the
flowers carefully kept down to the
proper level. Having provided
the frame, the next thing is the
preparation of the flowers. If they
are for a dish or vase, and if this
dish or vase is opaque and can be
filled with wet sand, nothing else
answers anything like so well. If
water must be used, a few large
pieces of charcoal are very good
preservatives from its being dis-
agreeable, and this is far better
than charcoal dust — the latter
causing so much dirt and extra
trouble. The lumps may be em-
ployed for an indefinite length of
time, and can be washed whenever
needed without inconvenience.

If sand is used it should, between each using, be thrown
into a heap on a tray in the sunshine, to dry and sweeten,
and then it should be sifted.

The dish being filled with a heap of sand, fitting
under the frame — or a heap of sand would do quite well
■without a frame at all — the flowers will need no pre-
paration beyond that of cutting ofi" all the foliage up to
the point which is to be above the frame or sand, and
shortening, if necessary, parts of stalks which are too
long.

If the bouquet is for the hand the flowers will, many
of them, need mounting — that is to say fastening upon
longer stems, which is a separate branch of our little art,
and will be treated of separately another day. In this
case also, the leaves of all will require removing till
they are only left where they grow above the wire level.
The frame should now be filled up with green leaves, this
having the effect of preserving the flowers longer, and
of preventing bareness when they do drop off.

Scarlet Geranium leaves are amongst the very best ;
but all Geranium leaves are good for this purpose, unless
their scent should sometimes render them unpleasant.
The Eair Helen, and, I think, the common Oak-leaved
are very unpleasant to most people, having such a very
strong and unfresh smell. The Ivy-leaved Geraniums,
also, though at the first moment one hardly observes it,
quite spoil any bouquet by their sickliness when torn or
gathered. Of the Spice-scented Geraniums there is one
'So. 11. — Vol. I., TSsw Sekibs.

very small and cut-up-leaved kind with a delightful and
very delicate perfume like lemons, which is amongst
the most desirable. Myrtle is one of the best kinds
of foliage to put near the edge, as even the slight-
pressure from a touch so much brings out its fragrance.
Sweetbriar and sweet Verbena (or Lemou plant) both
so delightful, are apt to look disfiguringly untidy j
and they are, therefore, far the best placed just under-
neath ihe frame, where they are reduced to the com-
pulsory modesty of wasting unseen their sweetness,
though not, we hope, "upon the desert air." For myself,
I far prefer to any other a thick coating arranged in
regular rings of nice, crisp, velvety Geranium leaves, or
of other evergreens, and they are none the worse for
dipping and agitating under water, as then the foliage is-
apt to retain some moisture. Young green shoots of
other shrubs and plants are always bad, however, as their
flagging so soon gives a faded look to all.

Eor arranging the foliage a long white piece of Berlin
wool should be tied to the wire stick, and each separate
leaf, if too short to be bound to the centre stalk-wire,
should be caught in by that wool. The coat of network
formed by the crossing threads of wool causes no harm
at all, or rather is ijseful than otherwise as retaining:
moisture.

A little trouble and observation are necessary here, as
in everything else that is worth doing. Some leaves will
hardly ever fall from their own stems ; while others, like
Begonias, which are so very beautiful, are by no means
unapt to drop away entirely, much to the injury of the

i place they leave. I always, therefore, think it safest to

' fasten, for instance, the Begonia footstalks separately ;;
a small piece of the thiu green flowei'-wire, to be bought
at all wax-flower makers, answering well for keeping

, them all safe.

It is a vexed question whether flowers arrange better

\ when the arrangement is commenced from within or froni
without. I believe for dishes and vases there is no donbt
that beginning from the outside and working inwards is

I the best plan, laying a frill of leaves at the edge at first,
arranging first, as just described, all the leaves required
for the lining. But for flowers for carrying in the hand
I think the central commencement is best : it is almost
impossible otherwise to secure the stalks sufficiently
firmly to keep them in their places.

For these, therefore, beginning at the central flower
or green, it is better generally to carry the wool sepa-
rately round each separate flower as it is wound on,.
going straight round the bouquet ; and here a little knack
is wanted to turn it evenly round and to keep up the
proper level.

In mixed arrangements, of course, there is a constant
exercise of one's own taste, and of the correctness of
one's eye for colour; but I think there are few cases
where it is not safer to begin by excluding from the-
basket all the flowers which common sense assures u»
never, under any circumstances, can really harmonise.
When we are actually arranging we are not fair judges —
because a very lovely pink flower is so pretty ; and what
No. 663.— Vol, XXVI., Old Seeies-

192

JOURNAL OF HOETICTJLTTJRE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

[ June 11, 1861.

harm can it do to put in that charming Eose ? But
when the scarlets begin to gather thickly we sometimes
regret that we were not more difficult to be tempted,
lu that ease it still is possible to correct the mistake by
cutting the flower ofi" short, and forcing a mounted one
down on a piece of stick ; but still, as such tempting
flo;\ers are generally the prettiest, it is a pity, and we
wish they were once more back upon the tree.

I need not go on, howerer, writing of these arrange-
ments now, as those following apply also to them, and
we have to give such minute directions for them in the
designs so often. I will only add, therefore, that it is
always necessary to bear in miud what follows after as
well as what goes before in respect of colours.

For the vases, &c., when arranging the flowers in them,
it is very essential, if the flowers are large, that no two
flowers, or sprays of foliage, should be exactlj- over each
other's heads, so as to give the slightest appearance of
etreakiness or of formal line.=. A circle having been
formed all round the outer edge, whether of different
colours or of a single colour, the flowers or leaves should
be carefully arranged in the second row, so as to come
between each two rather than over any. The number,
therefore, of the first row should be uneven; and after-
wards, if the flowers are large, between every two others
may in some rows be sutHcient for placing the succeeding
flower; the length of each row, of course, shortening so
materially as it approaches towards the middle.

Drooping flowers have a very pretty effect, and they
will often serve to break the formality of lines like these.

No Fuchsia should, however, ever be used in bouquets
to be carried. The flowers drop so readily, and are so
invariably crushed if drooping; yet, if prevented from
hanging in their natural most graceful position, they look
most painfully out of place and keeping.

Heliotrope should rarely be used, because it turns
black so soon. Nemophila never, for its flowers, like the
Fuchsia, speedilj- tumble off.

Ciiiuese Honeysuckle is charming for breaking with
its foliage the formal rows. So is tibie pretty Eibbon and
Feather Grass. So are Ferns especially, and evergreen
Eose leaves also. Nor must I omit little sprays of
Clematis ; nor those of Asparagus, nor even the small
leaves of the common Carrot ! Few botanists even
recognise by their eye the foliage of these two kitchen-
garden plants when introduced in bouquets.

VASE DESIGN.

I will now give a few hints for vases of Verbenas,
which may be made verj' brilliant, though in this case it
should be a pattern device, the flowers themselves not
being of a very graceful outhne. Useful flowers they
a e, for from June to November any garden can be
well supplied with them. Heavy rains, indeed, do sadly
dash their brightness, but an awning or a fevr bell-
glasses can always preserve many blooms in beauty.

I think for Verbenas a rather stiff arrangement is
almost inevitable. They may be divided into points.
A white ground looks very well, with the encircling ]
points shaded from crimson into the very palest pink,
and then with a centre again all shaded down at the edge
t the very faintest blush.

Slime persons make points of varying shades, as if,
for ins'ance, there are sixteen, they would have the first
and ninth of the darkest possible tinge ; the second,
eighth, tenth, and sixteenth the next darkest; the third,
seventh, eleventh, and fifteenth the next; the fourth,
sixth, twelfth, and fourteenth the lightest except one ; and,
lasily, the fifth and the thirteenth the very ligli test possible.

The flowers are in all these filled as closely as possible
into the frame of card, and are eve.i mowed off — 1 cannot
find a better word — with a sharp knife or scissors up to
the exact edge thus indicated.

There may be a thin line all round of ^\hite, and a
very dark purple or very pale mauve ground, or there

may be a white ground only, intervening between the
inward-pointing edge and the centre similarly arranged
with the same number of points pointing exactly to, or in
between, the others.

The green for these Verbena vases is difficult to select.
I think that Geranium leaves do as well as any, and
sometimes, perhaps, an edging of Geranium foliage
coming a little way over the edge might have just under-
neath it a row of drooping Fuchsias, harmonising in
colour with the Verbenas, and at the same time giving
in some degree the grace of form they want.

In this case the lighter Fuchsias should correspond
with the darker points, and the darker Fuchsias with the
light Verbenas. The shades not being likely to exactly
match, this reversal is far preferable to having the con-
trast brought more prominently forward.

The Fuchsias and Verbenas that are to be used by
candlelight should always be previously tried in that
ligjit. Sometimes the white Fuchsias look so very dead,
and always doing so if there is the faintest tinge of green
about their petals, and the Verbenas sometimes appear
extraordinarily dull ; as the purple flowers look slaty or
nearly black, while the crimson flowers take a deeply
purple hue.

The pale mauve, too, varies much ; but when the exact
shade which retains its proper delicate appearance can
be found out, it is a very pretty and very soft-looking
ground to what may be made an extremely brilliant and
tasteful group. — -E.

{To he continued.)

THE OPENING OF THE
EOYAL HOBTICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S GAEDEN

AT SOUTH EESSINGTON.
Oy Wednesday last was exhibited one of those gi-and spectacles
wliieli this country alone can produce. It was an event in the
histm-y of gardening and of the Hortiou':tural Society, which will
be long remembered by those who witnessed it, and which will
form a red-letter day in every future gardenuig calendar. Her
Majesty, accompanied by the Prince Consort and the Princess
AUee, honoured the Garden with a private inspection early in the
day ; and among the early visitors we observed, after the doors
were opened. Queen Amehe, the Due and Duohesse de Nemours
and suite. All the Members of the Houses of Lords and Commons
received cards of invitation fi'om the Council ; and to judge from
the well-known faces one met at every turn, certainly three-
fourths mu?t liave availed themselves of this courtesy, and, as a
matter of course, the ladies of the Members of both Houses were
present also. Shortly after four o'clock. His Rojal Higlmcss the
Prince Consort, President of the Society, accompanied by His
Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Her Royal Highness the
Princess Alice, Her Royal Highness the Princess Helena, Her
Royal Highness the Princess Louisa, His Royal Highness the
Prince Arllmr, Her Royal Highness the Princess Mary, His
Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, His Royal Highness the
t ount de Flandres, His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Hesse.
On arriving at the grand entrance they were received by the
Vice-Prefidtnts and the Council, and the Royal Commissioners
of the Great Exhibition. In the great meeting-ball the Fruit and
Floral Committees were assembled along with the other Com-
mittees afterwards mentioned. About half-past four o'clock a pro-
cession was formed, and, leaving the great hall, marched the whole
length of the Garden to the centre entrance of tlie grand con-
servatory, the ground being kept by the 1st Middlesex Engineer
corps. On issuing from the great hall info the grounds, the
band played " God Save the Queen," and during this the Royal
party grouped themselves on the arcade steps, while a photograph
was taken of the whole party willi the utmost success. This
done, the procession moved forward in the following order : —

Foremen of hardeners.

Mr. William Dennis, >Ir. John Gubbins,

Mr. WiU:»m White, Mr. Jessie Eylcs, Mr. Arthur Blick.

Foremen of TJ'orks.

Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Bono (Dricklayeis), Mr. Cross, Mr. Forbes (Masons),

Mr. Muspratt (Cui-pentcr), llr. lindsley (Inm), Mr. Roilfora (Plasterer),

Mr. John Clark (NovicatorJ.

Mr. C. F. Hanison, O'cncrnl Superintendcnl,

June 11, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUE.E AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

103

clerks of the Works, Draftsmen, <^c.

Mr. Scotf, Mr. Townsend, Mr. Grover,

3Ir. Snell, Mr. LiddeU, 5fr. Wakeford, Mr. Godfrey Sj-kes,

Mr. Taylor.

Contractors.

Mr. Blanchard, Messrs. Forrest & Sons, Messrs. Minton.

Messrs. Easton & Amos, Mr. Weeks, Messrs. Austin & Seeley.

Assistant Secretary, Superintendent of Garden,

Mr. Andrew Murray, F.L.S. Mr. Ejles.

Auditors.
Mr. Jonathan Clark, Mr. Edward Kosher, Mr. George Paul.

Memhcrs of the Floral Committee.

Mr. Thomas itoore, F.L.S., Secretari/.

Mr. W.lliam Barnes, Mr. Donald Beaton, Mr. W. B. Booth, Dr. Bushell,

Mr. John Cook, Mr. J. Cutbush, thi Rev. H. H. Dombrain, Mr. John Fraser,

Mr. F.ichard Hcadley, Mr. A. Henderson. Mr. W. Holmes, the Rev. D. R. Hole,

Mr. James Ivery, Mr. J. Kevnes, Jtr. F. R. Kinghom, Mr. Charles Lee,

Mr. M. T. Msislers, Mr. Robert Parker, Mr. A. Pai-sons. Mr. William Paul,

Mr. John Salter, Dr. Sankey, Mr. Georee Saiith, Mr. J. Standisii,

Mr. Charles Tamer, Mr. Harry J. Veitch, Mr. K. Wanier.

Mr. James Bateman, Vice-Chairman. The Rev. J. DLi, Vice- Chairman.

Memhers of the Fruit Committee.

Mr. Robert Hogj, LL.D., F.L.S , Secretary.

Mr. H. Bailey, Mr. H. G. Bohn, .Mr. M. Bnsby, Hon. and Rev. F. Curzon,

Mr. D. Cunningham, 5Ir. F. Divncer, Mr. W. Hill, Mr. T. Ingram,

Mr. J. Jessop, Mr, S. Mart, Mr. H. Meyer?, Mr. W. Myatt,

Mr. John Xewton, Mr. Joseph Newton, Mr. W. J. Nutting, Mr. Robert Osbom,

Mr. John Peel, Mr. A, Scratton, .Mr. J. Spencer, Mr. C. W. Strickland,
Mr. Thomas Taylor, Mr. G. Tillyard, Mr. Robert Thompson, Mr. J. B. Whiling,
Mr. F. J. Graham, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Thomas Rivers, Vice-Chairman.

Memlers of the Implement Committee.

Sir Joseph Paxton, M.P. ; Mr. Edward Easton, Mr. B. T. Brandreth Gibbs,

Colonel Challoner.

Memhers of the Works Committee, ^c

Mr. John Kelk.

Mr. Sidnev Smirke, R. A. ; Mr. W. A. Nesf eld, Mr. H. A. Hunt,

Mr. Henry Cole, C B. ; Capt. Fowke, R.E. : Mr. R. Redgrave, R.A.

Members of the Fine Arts Committee.

Mr. Richard Westmacott, R..\., Sir Coutts Lindsay, Bart,,

Lord Llanover, Earl Somers, Earl Gifford.

Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition of IS61,

Mr. E. A. Bowrin^, Secretary.

Mr. H.Thring, Mr. Leonard Homer, P.G.S., Mr. T. Field Gibson,

Mr. T. Fairbaim, Mr. Cobden. 5I.P., Mr. Bidder, P.I.C.E., Mr. Bazley, M.P.,

Mr. T- Baring. M P., Sir R. I. Murchison,Si! C. Lyell, SirC. L. Eastlake.P.R.A.

Sir S. Morton Peto, M.P., Bart., Sir Alexander Spearman, Bart.

The Right Hon. Robert Lowe. M.P., the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M P.

The Rt. Hon. T. 5Iilner Gibson, 5I.P., the Rt. Hon. B. Disraeli, M.P.,

The Rt. Hon. W. F. Cowper, M.P., the Rt. Hon. Sir G. C. Lewis, M.P.,

Lord Taunton, Lord Overstone.

Viscount Palmerston. K G , M.P., the Earl of Derby, K.G.

The Marquis of Chandos, the Duke of Bucclench, K.G., Earl Granville, K.G,

Council of the Royal Horticultural Society,

Mr. John Lee, Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Wrench, Mr. James Veitch,

Mr. S. H. Godson, Mr. Henry T. Hope, Mr. John Clutton, Mr. J. F. Pownall,

Mr. Wilson Saunders, Hon, Treasurer, Dr. Lindley, Hon, Secretary,

Vice-Presidents of the Royal Horticultural Society,

Mr. J. J. Elandy, Mr. C. Wentworth Dilke, the Earl Ducie, the Lord Bishop

of Winchester.

H.R.H. the Prince Consort, the President of the Society.

H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.

H.R.H. the Princess Alice.
H.R.H. the Princess Helena,
H.R.H. the Pilncess Louisa.
H:R.H. the Prince Arthur.
H.R.H. the Duchess of Cambridge.
H.R.H. tlie Princess Mary.
H.RH. tho Duke of Cambridge.
H.R.H. the Count de Flandres.
H.R.H. Prince Louis of Hes.se.
Suite.
Police.
After the procession began to move, the bands of the Volunteer
Engineers struck up the " Coburg March," which was suc-
cessively taken up by the bands of the Life Guards in the upper
garden as the procession approached.

On the procession arriving in front of the great conservatory,
the Royal party took up their position on the landing of the
centre entrnnce, and Dr. Lindley, the Secretary of the Society,
read the following address : —

" May it please your Royal Highness, — Sir, we, the Council of
the Royal Horticultural Society, venture to congratulate your
Royal Highness upon I he important stage at which we have now
arrived in the progress of an undertaking originating with your
Royal Highness, and in which you have continued to take so
active an interest — an undertaking for the establishment at the
west end of this metropoUs of a noble GUrden, by the aid of
which, and of the Society's Gardens at Chiswick, not only the
art of horticulture may be eiTectually promoted, but an additional
means of enjoyment and recreation may be afforded to the dense
population of London.

" We deeply lament that recent domestic affliction should have
deprived us of the honour, for which we had been encouraged to

hope, of the presence of our gracious Queen at this inaugural
ceremony. But whilst we d.'eply feel the want of that presence
which would have added the greatest lustre to the day's pro-
ceedings, we are sensible of the many marks of Royal favour
which we have already received, and trust that these Gardens
may, when completed, prove not altogether unattractive to Her
Majesty.

" Horticulture, Sir, is the parent of agriculture. It determines
on a small scale the value of the principles on which an extended
cultivation of the soil depends. It is associated with our food,
our wealth, and many i>f our social enjoyments. Your Council
believe that tliis Society has already contributed largely to the
establishment of the sound principles on which cultivation is
founded. In the course of the last half century the Society has
unremittingly used its influence audits means to enlarge the skill
of the gardener and the taste of the comn. unity. It has had the
good fortune to see, during that long period, many ornamental
plants and evei-y race of fruits and esculents undergo great im-
provement ; and it is not too much to assert that its labours have
raised English gardeners to the highest rank.

"Founded in the year 1804, and incorporated in 1809, by
command of His Majesty George III., the Society, after languish-
ing for some years, sprang into active existence as soon as the
termination of the long war once more left men leisure to cul-
tivate the arts of peace. At that time horticulture had ceased
for many years in every pait of Europe to make sensible progress.
All that remained was an unintelligent routine. Up to the year
1816, the number of Fellows who joined the Society annually
rarely exceeded twenty. From that period, however, the
elections rapidly increased ; so that in 1821 they amounted to
328. In 1822, the Garden at Chiswick had been formed and
the power of the Society to do good began to be felt even in the
remote possessions of the Crown. Collectors of seeds and plants
for the Horticultural Society were heard of in the United States
and Canada, in India, on the banks of the Zambesi, and in the
distant regions of the Hudson's Bay Company. The result of
these operations was the introduction into England of by far the
larger part of the highly- prized occupants of modern gardens.

" In 1827 was held the first of those fetes, or, more properly,
exhibitions of horticultural produce, which for so many years
were among the most attractive events of a London season. At
first these meetings were attended with little success ; there now,
indeed, remains in the Chiswick Garden, the small iron tent
under which a few cultivators ventured in those days to display
their scanty stores. But liberal rewards produced competition;
gardeners soon saw that to be the gainer of a prize at Chiswick
was to stand at the head of their class ; knowledge was sought
for, and improved methods of cultivation were gradually dis-
covered.

" The changing habits of society, the competition of other
similar exhibitions in London itself, the power of locomotion to
more distant places of recreation by railway, combined with the
at-all-times-uncertain nature of our chmate, had in late years
materially diminished that attendance of visitors upon which the
income of the Society, and, consequently, its power of tncourag-
ing horticulture, depended. It was under these circumstances
that an opportunity of forming a garden in the immediate
vicinity of the metropolis was sought.

" Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851, of
whom your Royal Highness is also the President, having pur-
chased out of the surplus funds of that undertaking an estate at
Kensington Gore, it was felt that this locality off'ered unrivalled
facilities for the establishment of a new Grarden, and successful
negociations with the Commissioners enabled the Council, with
your Royal Highness's sanction, to lay, in July, 1859, the plans
before the general meeting of Fellows, which received their uns ni-
mous approval.

" An agreement has since been concluded by us with Her
Majesty's Commissioners for leasing a space of 22^ acres upon
a rent, the amount of which is contingent upon the income of
tlie Society ; part of the conditions being, that the Society should
expend on the Garden a sum of not less than £50,000, Her
Majesty's Commissioners binding themselves to enclose it with
arcades of an ornamental character, costing at least an equal
stim. Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to grant the
Society a new charter of incorporation under the name of the
' Royal Horticultural Society.' Our works have not arrived at the
state of completion which we bad hoped to have attained by this
time. Taking into consideration, however, the long-continued
wet of last summer, the unusual severity of the subsequent

am

JODENAL OF HOfiTICULTTJKE AND COITAGE GARDKNEE.

[ June 11, 180;l.

winter, and tlie disturbance in the building trade caused by the
unfortunate st'-ike of tliis spring, we cannot but congratulate
ourselves upon wliat lias already been achieved.

"The necessity of pressing fonvard the works will prevent the
<jliirden being as immediately accessible to the public as is here-
after proposed. Eut the Council felt thiit the admission of the
Fellows and their fritnds, who have so zealously come forward
an support of the undertaking, ought not to be longer delayed.
Tliey therefore resolved to liold exhibilions of flowers and fruit
sn tlie months of June, .July, September, and November of the
yrcsent year, to admit Fellows and their friends daily, and to
«iUow a certain number of the public to visit the G-nrden on
Saturdays. It is expected that before the ensuicg spring all the
essential ]iarls of the Garden will be completed. When that
time shall have arrived the public will be in possession of a
|)lace of resort in which not only may be displayed iu the
most advantageous way all that horticultural siill can accom-
plish, but whatever may most conduce to the improvement of
jnublic t«ste in sculpture and its sister arts.

"Since the period m lien your Eoyal Highness condescended,
ae IVesivient of the Society, to take an active part in its proceedings,
it- has enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity. At least 1500 new
■•ttembers have joined it ; so much confidence has been placed in
the measures of your Council as to have produced, by the issue of
debentures, the sum of £50,000 required to meet the Society's
engagements with her Majesty's Commissioners ; and the Garden
in which we are now assembled, itself, Sir, in many respect* the
cQspring of your own intelhgence, has sprung into existence.
When the trees shall aflbrd a grateful shade, and the water
■works in progress shall have been completed, the scene cannot
■fail to be one of great interest and beauty. Even now the noble
arcades, which are three quarters of a mile in length, will afford
amagreeable and sheltered promenade in all weather, and the
'iBautiful conservatory before us will be enjoyable in even the
iseverest season.

"Nor can we look upon the various works around ue without
acknowledging how much we owe to the dilferent gentlemen who
have contributed so much genius and skill as well as Taluable
time to their design and execution.

" In the name cf the Society we have the honour to represent,
'We therefore desire to express to your Eoyal Highness our earnest
hope and confident belief that the formation of this Garden
will show that it is not unworthy of the exalted patronage it
fcas received from Her Most Gracious Majesty and your Eoyal
Highness."

To this address the Prince Consort replied as follows : —

"I thank you for the address whicli you have just presented
^o >mc.

" While you liave expressed your deep regret ot being deprived,
.■<on this occasion, of the presence of the Queen, I am enabled and
■■<jmpowered to assure you, that her Majesty, on her part, also
einoerely regrets her inability to mark by her presence the
interest she takes iu yoiir proceedings, and her desire for your
auocefs.

"Von liave addressed me iu my double capacity of President
of your Society and also of the Eoyal Commissioners of 1851.
In either of these capacities, I cannot but be gratified by the
scene now before ne.

" Having shared to some extent in your labours and anxieties,
•1-am happy to be able to congratulate you on what has been
effected in so incredibly sliort a time, notwithstanding the dif-
ficulties to which you have alluded, and which appeared iit tiinos
almost to forbid hope of success.

'* Tliat, which last year was still a vague conception, is to-day
a reality ; and, I trust, will be accepted as a valuable attempt,
at teast, to reunite the science and art of gardening to the sister
arts of architectm-e, sculpture and painting.

" This union existed in the best periods of art, when the same
feeling pervaded and the same principles regulated tliem all ;
and if the misuse and misapplication of these principles in later
times have forced again upon us the simple study and imitation
of Na.tHre, individual arts have suffered by their disjimction, and
♦ he time seems now ai-rived when they may once more combine
witJiDut tho danger of being cramped by pedantic and arbitrary
i-tdes of taste.

" The Commissioners of 1851, whose mission is to encourage

the arts and sciences as applied to productive industry, gladly

^t!li»me your Society as one of the first of those bodies devoted

*o the promotion of special branches of these arts and sciences

>^4Jnt lias availed it»elf of the 'enlarged means of development

ofl'ered by the Commissioners on their estate. They are glad to
find in your present success, and in the generous support of the
public, the confirmation of their belief that, in securing space on
which, in unison with each other, and with a systematic inter-
change of mutual assistance, separate societies and departments
might attain to a degree of usefulness which their present con-
finement and isolation must materially lessen, the Commissioners
had correctly appreciated the great want of the day and the
requirements of the public, for whose benefit alone they should
work, and by whose assistance alone they can hope to prosper.

" We already see to the south, rising, as it were, by magic, the
commencement of a noble work, erilirelj the result of tlie volun-
tary efforts of that public; and this Garden, itself the oflepring
of the Great Exhibition of 1851, will hardly be completed ere
that Exhibition shall have been rivalled, and, I trust, even sur-
passed by the beauty and success of that which we hope next
year to witness.

" This Garden will then open an additional source of enjoyment
to the thousands who may he expected to crowd the new Crystal
Palace of Industry. Nay, we may hope that it will, at no distant
day, form the inner court of a vast quadrangle of public buildings,
rendered easily accessible by the broad roads which will surround
them^buildings where science and art may find space for develop-
ment, with that air and light which are, elsewhere, well nigh
banished from this overgrown metropolis.

" If the works before us are still incomplete, this must not be
attributed entirely to the short space of time allowed for their
execution, or to the exhaustion of the funds set apart for them.
It results also, in great measure, from a well-considered purpose
on the part of the Society and the Commissioners rather to
jirescnt the public with a framework, to be gradually filled up
as individual taste, controlled and harmonised by the general
superintendence of the authorities, might direct, than at once to
display a complete creation, which, however attractive for the
moment, would pall upon us and grow stale by habit.

" Unrivalled opportunities are here offered for the display of
woi-ks of art, and for the erection of monuments as tributes to
great men and public benefactors. The memorial of the Exhibi-
tion of 1851, the result of private subscriptions, will be the first
received in these grounds ; and, adorned with a statue of the
Queen, will soon rise in the centre of the Garden.

" May your efforts meet with public approbation! May that
approbation give you all the support required, not only further
to ornament these Gardens, but also to carry out, even on a larger
scale than during the last forty-eight years, the useful objects for
which you are incorporated I"

The addresses ever, the Bishop of London, attired in his robes,
advanced to offer up a prayer for the future success of the new
Gardens. His Lordship was attended by the Ven. Archdeacon
Sinclair, M.A., as Archdeacon of Middlesex and Vicar of Ken-
sington, and by the Rev. Andrew Eamsay Cam|)bell, M.A.,
Eector of Aston, yorkshh'C, as his attendant chaplain.

The prayer had been specially composed for the occasion by
the Bishop of London at the Eoyal request.

" ColUetfer the Day.

" O God, the strength of all them that put their trust in 1 hee,
mercifully accept our praj-ers ; and because, through the weakness
of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without Thee,
grant us tlie help of Thy grace, that in keeping of Thy com-
mandments we may please Thee both in will and deed ; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

" Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious
favour, and further us with Thy continual help ; that in all our
works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy
holy name, and finally by Thy mercy obtain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

" O Lord, show Thy mercy itpon us.

And grant v$ Tliy salvaiinn.
O Lord, save the Queen,

And merctfulhi hear vs when we call tipon Thee.
Endue Thy ministers with righteousness,

And mate Thy chosen people jotiful.
O Lord, save Thy people.

And bless Thine inheritance.
■Give peace in our time, O Lord,

Because there is ■none other thai fighteth for us, but orUy
Thov, O God.
O God, make clean our hearts -within us,

And taJre vot 'Thy Solg Spirit from vs.

June 11, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAG-E GARDENEB.

I9S

" O Lord, our Hearenly Father, who, when Tlioii madest man
at the first, didst place him in the Garden of Eden, his home in
the days of Iiis innocency, look down upon us, who, in the midst
of our sin and miseiy, would recall the thought of that pure and
happy estate from which we have long since fallen. We thank
Thee, O Lord, for the relics of Eden which Thou hast still left
to us. We thank Tliee that the weariness of our earthly
pilgrimage is cheered hy sights, and sounds, and odours — faint
images of a beauty not of this earth. We thank Tliee for the
seeing eye, and the hearing ear, and all the enjoyments of sense
and feeling. Teach us, O Lord, so to use all tlie relaxation Thou
hast provided for us in the midst of our business and our sorrows,
that, by the Holy Spirit's help, we may be growing &t to enter
into the beautiful abode which Thou hast prepared for Thy
redeemed, where sorrow is unknown, and the only business is to
glorify Thee. O Lord, purify our hearts by the enjoyment of
needful rest, and kindly Christian intercourse, and the soothing
contemplation of aU the charms which Thou haat giren to Nature
and to Art. Teach us to rise from the sight of present, and the
memory of past pure enjoyments, to bright hopes of the restora-
tion of all things in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Grant,
Lord, that this city in which we dwell may be purified from the
sins which deform it and their many pollutions. Guide us each
to take his part in helping those around us to live Christian
lives, that thus we, and all whom we can influence, may be
waiting and longing for that holy city, the new .Jerii^alem^ where
is the pure river of the water of life, and the tree of life, whose
leaves are for the healing of the nations ; where there shall be
no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall
be in it, and Thy servants shall see Thy face, and shall
reign with Thee for ever and ever ; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

" Our Puther which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in
Heaven. Give ns this day our daily bread. And forgive us
oiu' trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against xis.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For
Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and
ever. Amen.

" The peace of God which passeth all understanding, keep your
hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his
son Jesus Christ our Loi-d ; and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amougst you and
remain with you always. Amen."

His Royal Highness then advanced to the front of the conser-
vatory, and, taking ofThis hat, formally declared the Horticultural
Gardens opened, amid loud cheers.

The procession then moved forward in the same order to the
east end of the terrace, when tlie Prince went through the for-
mality of planting a Wellingtonia gigantea, given by Messrs.
Veitch & Son. It v/as a very fine young tree of eight years old,
about 7 feet high, and, for its size, with a very thick stem and
bark. The ceremony, if such it may be called, was soon com-
pleted, and the Royal party, after devoting half an hour to an
inspection of the Flower Show, and more especially to tlie collec-
tion of Orchids in the conservatory, partook of refreshments, and
quitted the grounds shortly after sis o'clock.

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Mary, liaving
begun their tour of observation before the cerenrony, were, as a
natural result, so tired when all was over, that they preferred to
depart by the nearest exit.

Before leaving the grounds all the Members of the Royal
Family inscribed their names on illuminated sheets of paper,
which were immediately framed and hung up for general inspec-
tion. We have the loyal satisfaction of saying tliat the little
Princesses write very prettily indeed, dotting their i's, crossing
theu't's, and looping their long letters with exemplary precision.
The names Ahee, Helena, Louisa appeared severally on three
blossoms of heartsease, all in a row ; Arthur, iu a determined
round hand, came by himself in a spacious blank.

THE EXHIBITION.

This will be a memorial day in the annals of gardening. From
the day Mr. Sabine took up the spade at Chiswick, to the plant-
ing: of that Wellingtonia on the 5th inst. by the Prince Consort,
immediately aiter he had opened the new Garden andi declared it
to be the inner court of a vast quadrangle of public buildings
where scisnoe and art may find space for development,, the

scienc3 of our craft found small space for developing the
energies of the practical mind of gardeners ; and . practically, we
had no leader for the last forty years, otherwise we might hare-
turned out more Paxtons, Mclntoshcs, Flemings, and Eyies, and
other heads of sections of the circle than we have done. Bat let
us be thankful, and hope that the next forty years will makeup
the difi'erence ; and that the heads of the ditt'ereut branehes. of
the cultivators of tlie science, and of the practical part of the
work before us, will unite their efforts, not only within the " vast
quadrangle," but extend them to the land's end on each side
of it, and to the limits of the great cu-ole whose products and
properties we are all interested in develojjing.

This commencement was on a magnificent scale, and every one
from (he highest to the most luimble who contributed to the
success of the opening scene, must have been well pleased ai tbe-
result. All the an-angemeuts were perfect as far as I could see~
and hear. Tliere never was such an enormous stock of plants
in one place before, and of such a description. In twenty-three
years after the first experiment was tried of showing plants fer
their own sake instead of for their flowerti, two-thirds of this Tast
gathering were of that very descrijition ; and some of those who
were the foremost to laugh at the daft experiment of 1838, were
laughing in my presence in these arcades at their own good Ivtck.
and success in crowning the rival to the florid fancy, and you
never saw another set of people more in harmony and move
pleased with each other than we were.

The most extraordinary circumstance, however, connected
with this step in the progress of our experiments, was a large
collection of most welcome plants that were sent from Japoi> by
Mr. Fortune expressly for this Exhibition. These Japan plants
arrived in England on the Friday before the exhibition-day,
and were in a fit and proper state for the exhibition tables — in
short, as good specimens of cultivation as ever I remember to
have seen exhibited by English gtrdeners in these very rareiOi-
very new plants. Indeed, I could name some plant* at the ■
Exliibition which came from within a short distance from t3je
Garden, that were not so creditable to the growers as tliose sent
over by Mr. Fortune were to the gardeners of Jajjan. These
Japanese seem to have the very same style of taste in plants as
ourselves, and also to have as good gardeners and as cai-efnl
propagators as we could turn out. Mr. Standish, of Bagshot,
exhibited these plants, and, of course, he will set to and pwi-
pagate and sell them as fast as possible.

Cyftno;jliyll;mi magnificum and Dion edule were the two mos
splendid plants tiiere. One plant of Acrophyllum Yenosum was •
the greatcsi triumph of gardening there in growing speciiiten
plants ; it was in a first-prize collection of nine plants x,y Mv
Chilman. The best single specimen there, or anywhere tise jn
Europe, I sliould think, was Mr. Warner's Liclia purpurea with
llih'ty-six full-blown flowers on it. It w as only the week pre-vious
that I was boasting of one at the Crystal Palace from Mr. Stone,
which had eleven blooms on ; and even at this grand ExhibitioD,
two of the best Luelia purpureas had each only eight flowiers^
The greatest success over the greatest difficulty in growing vei^
rare plants, was Mr. Leach's exhibition of the Disa graiidiflora
growing exactly like a luxuriant native along the edge of some
ditch where there were no commissioners for looking after the ■
drainage and sewerage.

In ray own favourite family of Ferns, Grleiclieaia is now the
most favoured at the Exhibition, and I think every species of it
was there ; and every one who showed Ferns had more or less of
the different Gleichenias.

The Fruit was most tempting, and the only part at the Exhibi-
tion that was not well arranged for. The fruit stand was an
oversight — it was a double stand, with one side, or one-half in-.
the shade, and facing the back wall of the arcade : of coarse,
one-half of the fruit could not be seen well. The Pines were'ss
good as usual. The Wliite Grapes not auite ripe enongh fon a
high-class dessert; the Black Grapes were never better seea^iu
this globe. The Buckland Sweetwater, for which I risked my
liberty three years back at the Crystal Palace, was by far th*
best White Grape there, and will be the gardeneis' best friendiin
White, as the Hamburgh has always been in Black. Ingramis
Hardy Prolific Black Muscat is decidedly of the Black Prince
section, and the very best of Grapes ; and the Treutham Blaek
is of the Hamburgli i-ace, and wore the best bloom of all the_
Black Grapes there. But I must put off the best part of the
fruit tale till I have more time and room, adding only this remark
on the grand new idea of giving prizes for dessert arrangenwBfc- —
that it turned out exactly as some of my patrons, from whoiwl..

196

JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 11, 1861.

earn all about flie fashions, colours, taste, fancy, and forget-me-
nots, predicted to me mouths back ; and I would be bound that
nine out ofevery ten gardeners who saw these desserts in competi-
f ion, did not understand even the meaning of the first-prize dessert.
Why should we not have the three degrees of comparison in the
dessert ? And, surely, people would need to know for whom
the dessert was intended before they could make a proper use
of the dishes, fruit baskets, and their own brains. IS'othing, at
least, would puzzle me so much as to be told to dish up eighteen
or twenty dishes of fruit for a parly, without having some idea
of whom the party consisted.

I began at the western arcades, and took the measure of the
Show in yard steps as nearly as possible. Tlie plant stages
were in three broad steps, covered with green baize, and set up
against tlie white of the back wall of the arcade, which was
most telling to Ferns and aU the fancy and iine-leaved plants

Lane &. Son, and many seedling novelties, among which a dwarf
dark purple Nasturtium-looking Tropteolum, in the style of
the Tom Thumbs, promised to be a first-rate and the first good
bedder of that race. Mr. Smith had his new beddino Calceo-
laria canariensis there as the best of that brood. The single
striped and double Petunias were very beautiful ; one single light
with red stripes, from Mr. Ferguson, ofStowe, was most striking,
as were tlie pot Pansies from Slessrs. Downie & Laird, and from
Mr. Bragg. Mr. Dean, of Shipley, Bradford, had two boards of
his Belgian Pansies, in cut blooms, very fine, and amongst them
Ills large, light Princess Alice, to which we gave a handsome lift
at the Floral Committee the week before.

Tlie Fruit double stand was 18 yards long. Three bunches of
the Bnckland Sweetwater weighed 6 lbs. 4 ozs., and three of
the Black Prince 8 lbs. 4 ozs., all from Mr. Hill, of Keele Hall.
Thirty-one or two Pine Apples, twenty pots of Grapes, and two

but the whit* of the back wall took oS" much of the glow of pairs of pot Grapes trained archways on the back wall, with
Pelargoniums and Rhododendrons : indeed, more so, as all the ' twentv-nine bunches of Black Grapes from Mr. Saunders,
light is from behind the head of the visitor. Cover that part of the I gardener to Sir H. Meux, were set otf that way better than
back wall with green baize and you spoil it much more. Too much j any I ever saw exhibited. Her young Grace of Sutherland
of one shade of green /or a (/round colour to green leaves of all j kept up the old charter in competing with Her Majesty with
degrees of green, will not stand the test of good effect out of ' a full collection of eight dishes of splendid fruit. Mr. Hender-
best flowers. Dark brown or dark oak colour I am told to a ; son came out again in the old Fleming style; and Mr. Ingram

certsiuty is the best to put behind flowering plants when the
pots stand on green cloth, or dark grey if the pots are on brown
boards or mother earth. In front of the plant stage a space of
12 feet wide in gravel makes up the rest under the cover of the
arcade.

The first 24 yards were of huge Ferns ; then two rows of Rho-
dodendrons, and 17 yards of Heaths ; then 6 yards of fine-leaved
plants, and 6'J bouncing steps of Pelargoniums, which brought
us on to the west end of the conservatory. Along the west end,
the front, and across the east end of the conservatory, is a narrow
shelf holding one row of large plants, or two rows of middlings,
and three rows of comfortable plants not small, nor large, nor
middling. One hundred and fifteen yards of that stage weredevoted
to plants, the rest to doorways and other ways. The whole of these
115 yards might be said to be filled with new plants, rare plants,
or fancy novelties of some degree. Here the Messrs. Veitch,
exhibited some of their rarest gems, and they were many and
most abundant. Mr. Standish, stood across the east end with
that collection of Japan rarities just mentioned, consisting of
from forty to fifty specimens. Then the two firms of Hendersons,
the Pine Apple and the Wellington lieros, with all the fancy of
their respective firms. Then Mr. Turner and Mr. Ivery with
new Azaleas. Then Milne, Arnott, & Co., with their new
Gloxinias, and three new rivals in the Messrs. Bull, Linden,
and VerschafTelt ; and, last of all, and biggest of all the rest, Mr.
Warner's " Good Gracious " Lcelia purpurata, and another ,
which he calls after Mr. Day, who first bloomed it, Lselia
purpurata Dayii. But I shall have them all in detail before I
end.

was worthy of his name, and to give Her Majesty the first
plaCi^. He had Black Hamburgh and Muscat Grapes,
Smooth Cayenne Pine — a fine fruit. Peaches and Nectarines,
British Queen and Prince Arthur Strawberries, May Duke
Cherries, and Beech wood Melon. Mr. Hendereoii mounted
Black Hamburgh and Black Trentham Grapes (the bloom on
the latter inimitable). Smooth Cayenne Pine, Peaches, Necta-
rines, Black Circassian Cherries, and two dishes of Melons — the
Trentham Hybrid Wiiile Flesh and the Trentham Hybrid
Green Flesh, both of exquisite flavour ; but I was round before
the Judges, and did not see the prizes of any of the fruit.

But I must give you some idea of the new plants from Japan,
and all along the front stage ; for about collections, if you read
over again the reports of the May shows for the last seven
years and suppose you are reading of this Sliow, you will not
be two plants behind the time you are reading. To begin at the
beginning I must take the north-east corner of the liouse, and
there were six huge pot-baskets with Aoectochili under great
glasses from Messrs. Veitcli, and by the side of them three small
plants of the purple Maple of Japan, Acer japonica ; and from
a large specimen of it from the Pine Apple Place Nursery, one
cou'd accept it as a rival to our purple Beech. Then three
Liboccdrus tetragona — the true source of the Alerse wood, of
wliich you heard so much from the Spanish contribution to the
first Crystal Palace in 1851. It is as upright as a dart, and of
a lively green, and seemingly a very fast grower. Three plants
of a new Silver Fir from Vancouver's Island; a very curious
little Thuja ; and three of a most curious Cryptomeria japonica

more like a Retinospora than a Cryptomeria, and an evergreen.

Along the back of the conservatory stood a large portion of | a bedding plant with little green about it, but the most beauti

the vast assemblage of variegated Begonias, the whole of the
Orchids, and of the specimen and collection of Roses, the new
ones being on the front stage, and all these took up 70 yards
of very wide stages, in three easy steps. Within the walk or
front passage of the conservatory was a double stand for all
the collections of stove and greenhouse plants, and for Azaleas,
some Begonias, and for two large collections of Ferns — that
of Mr. Williams, of the Paradise Nursery, being the best ever
exhibited. He ought to write a book on them, as the one he
wrote on Orchids, if only to tell how to pack and unpack for
ciliibitiou. Of these double stages there were 35 yards, leaving
a gravelled space 18 feet or 20 feet wide between "them and the
back stage along the very back. In the very centre was a lar^e
circular stand cutting the scene in two— a wrong principle. Right
and left of that circle — the last circumference of protection for
Roses — stood a single file of all sorts and degrees of Wardian
Cases, and miniature drawing-room greenhouses, stoves, and
ferneries. Then out of the house, and into the east arcade,
where the friut was, Mr. Noble's, of Bagshot, beautiful Rhododen-
drons ; then 89 yards of the largest and finest variegated and fine-
leaved jjlants in the world, under pot and tub culture, the like
was never before seen, 12 yards British Ferns, 6 yards tall Cacti,
6 ditto Melocacti, and other dwarfs of the prickly races, 4 yards
or 5 yards of Calceolarias, 6 yards of seedUng Pelargoniums, and
others on a double stage, 2 yards Amaryllids, 4 yards with Mr.
Williams' hardy variegated plants, and 6 yards of Mr. Salter's
ditto, 12 yards of cut Roses from Mr. William Paul and Messrs.

fully variegated plant, as like the variegated Periwinkle as you
can draw it, and all the time a new Euonymus. Get a stock of
this shrub, and all you will have to do to edge the ribbon after
the planting is finished is to put in a row of cuttings of this
very thing ; every one of them will root so, and while they are
doing that and for the rest of the season you have the very
best variegated edging I can think of. The same plants will
do half a dozen years, as the kind seems quite a dwarf. This,
and Mr. Bull's Agathsea or variegated Cineraria anielloides, and
Mr. Salter's Veronica chama>drys variegata are three "gems,
take my word for it. How most strange it seems to call
the dear old Cineraria amelloides, now termed variegated,
by its true name, while the wrong old name would alone sell
a'tliousand of it ere people can call to memory the new name —
Agathiea, and then not know if it is the fashionable pronun-
ciation ! How often have I asserted that it is the best of all
plants to keep in pot« in readiness to fill up in a hurry, as all
the soil can be shaken from the roots in the hottest day in July
or August, and one watering after planting it eo is sufiicient
to keep it unflagging.

After these stood the forty or fifty plants arrived from Japan on
the previous Friday. What a fortunate man Mr. Fortune has
been, that he can send from the ends of the earth plants fit for
present exhibition. The Parasol Pine took my eye first— that
is Sciadopitys verticillata ; a fine variegated Gordonia sp., a
variegated Eurya sp., a variegated Osmanthus angustifolius, like
a genteel foi-m "of a silvery holly. The dwarf variegated Bamboo

June 11, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICTJLTTJSE AND COTTAdE GARDENER.

197

in bunches, a new evergreen Berberis, several tinds of variegated
Camellias, a variegated Tea plant, Thea viridis, two or three
kinds of variegated Podocarpus, a variegated Daphne, ditto
Eleagnus, a green and a variegated Betinospora something,
variegated lUioium, golden Podocarpus, Thuiopsis dolabrata
variegata — the finest variegated plant of the creation — nothing
on earth can beat this for gemiferous looks ; Aucuba japonica
foBOiina to cross and get seeds from at last, and a beautiful
mate for the "Magnolia spottifolia" of Mr. Walter Dickson,
and ever so many more of the same selections of garden gems
wliich the Japanese value as much as we do our variegated
Geraniums and other softwooded plants.

Next to these stood three more plants from the Messrs.
Jackson, of Kingston — a fine-looking Quercus bambussefcha, a
long soft-leaved Buxus from Nepal, and Juniperus drupacea, a
strong upright grower. Then some extraordinary queer thing
growing in jointed flaps against a deal board, from Mr. Williams,
of the Paradise Nursery, said to be from Manilla.

Then a collection of thirty-two kinds of most rare and
ornamenral plants from the Messrs. Veitch, consisting of Selagi-
nella atro-viridis and Lobbi, also conferta and caulescens — as
much like fine Ferns as Lycopods ; Lycopodium phlegmana — a
tree Lycopod, Lomaria falcata — a miniature tree Fern, exquisite,
and Leptopteris superba — a filmy Fern under a glass cap ;
Sonerilas, Medullarium, Physurus, Sari'acenns of many sorts,
Campylobotrys, Gardenia radicans variegata — a Japanese of
course, Ouvirandra, the water-lace leaf of Madagascar, the
Australian Pitcher-plant, Cephalotus folieularis, wliicli stood
out several winters in Cornwall with the late Sir William
Molesworth, a Venus' fly-trap Dionsca — fine-looking and fine
to the touch, Maranta ornata, with long upright footstalks
to the handsome leaves, Caladium Veitchi, of the shine of
Alocasia, and the Adelaster albivenis lately befoie the Floral
Committee.

After these another collection from the same exotic growers —
say Selaginella WalMchi, a mimosa-leaf-like plant, a love of a
thing ; Caladiums, Pitcher plants, a fine Pteris argyrtea, and
cretica albo-lineata : Caladium Bellemeyi done to a T, also the
argyrites; Colocasia edulis variegata, a splendid thmg; and the
Alocasia metallica with eight leaves, colom'ed as it is in "The
Illustrated Bouquet," and not of that dark brown dusty out-of-
the-world looks you sometimes meet with where the plant is
starved with cold and wet.

Mr. Jackson followed xip from Kingston with Lonchitis
aurita, fine ; Colocasia antiquorum, variegated and very fine ;
Asplcnium filiz-fceinina, a most delicate frizzly Fern j and a
good Pteris cretica albo-hneata — the variegated Fern, which I
am just going to compete with my variegated Nosegay out of
doors.

Mr. Bull next, with a prickly-leaved Hippomane, like some
Brexia, of which a huge plant was in a distant collection ; Cam-
pylobotrys of sorts; Theophrastas ditto; a large Lomaria hetero-
morpha ; Araucaria Cunninghami, new to me, and seems a
robust thing ; young Pahns of sorts and other sorts of that
run ; and six plants of Arthrotaxus Donni ; and a fine lot of
Agathjea ccelestis, or the variegated Cineraria amclloides, getting
better and better as the season goes on. Mr. Bull oviglit to
make a fortune out of that one plant — the most useful plant and
the easiest to grow and to keep you can think of.

Then a fine lot of upright Gloxinias from the Messrs. Smith,
of Dulwich, and from Messrs. Milne, Arnott, & Co. ; then a
stumpy free Fern, Todea pellucida, from Mr. Standish ; then a
large collection from Mr. Henderson, of Pine Apple Place
Nursery, including the aforesaid large plant of Purple Maple,
Acer japonica, a beautiful variegated Yucca filamentosa, and
the bright silvery-leaved Acer negundo, and a variegated Coboea
scandens. Then assortments of the newest Poses, of which
Eveque de Nimes was very choice, and the next two, Madame
Bonnaire (H.P.) and Triomphe de Lyon (H.P.).

The collection from the Wellington Road Nursery succeeded ;
and hei-e were the very fancy Petunias, double and single, plain
and spotted, edged and striped, and of the liveliest shades of
colour. What really nice things there are now in this one family !
The very elegant basket plant. Convolvulus mauritanicus, with
the light blue of the finest campanula, a love of a plant, just a
lady's pem of a thing ; Caladiums in all their spots ; Begonias,
ditto; Chamfeeyparissphsevoidea, anew fine Conifer; Blandfordia
nobilis, in good bloom ; the Bellemeyi Caladium particularly
good ; Lady Emily Peel, the best of the Shrubland Rose breed of
Petunias ; Spheerostema marmorata, a fine climber ; AmarylUds

and several others of the improved seedlings of garden plants
then a huge plant of Orchis foliosa, with sixteen flower-spikes
from Mr. Williams aforesaid ; and a large Dendrobium nobile,
from Mr. Hedge, Norwich Road, Ips\vich, as you go out to
Shrubland Park. Then the grand monarch of all this grandeur —
the grand Lselia purpurea with thirty-six blooms on it, from Mr.
Warner, who is one of our Committee, and was as deep in the
procession as W is low in the alphabet, for we all went in for it,
dictionary fashion. By it was the variety called after Mr.
Day, who first bloomed it, and also a fine variety of Cattleya,
which he calls after Mr. Fairrie, of Liverpool, for his blooming
the kind for the first time. But at this point everybody I
ever knew seemed to meet and wished to have a chat, so I
may be wrong in Days and Fain-ies ; but I tlirew away my
book and ran out of the house, and I must find it before I go
further. D. Beaton.

MB. bilke's pniZES.
C. Wentworth Dilke, Esq , oSered prizes for the best designs"'
formed of combinations of flowers and fruits, for the decoration
of the dinner table. The competitions were very numerous, and
occupied a table, 100 feet long, in the western arcade. The
Judges were, the Countess of Ducie, the Countess of Shelburne,
and Mrs. Holford, assisted by Professor Westmacott. The designs
embraced every imaginable shape and form, from the tawdry
and unmeanmg groups you sometimes see at rural flower shows
to the elegant and costly epergnes of the metropohtan saloons.
Most were of silver and crystal, richly cut, chased, and set ;
some of parian, porcelain, or earthenware, and some entirely of
glass. Speaking generally, it was a most magnificent exhibition,^
and formed one of the most, if not the most, attractive feature of
the whole. As was to have been expected, the most simple and
elegant group was the most successful, and this was designed
and supplied by Mr. Thomas C. March, of the Lord Cham-
berlain's Office, St. James' Palace ; but the arrangement of the
flowers and the fruit was the work of his sisters, Mrs. Henry
Pickering and Miss March. The design consisted of a .large
crystal dish as a base, on which were placed three tall slender
stems, each bearing a flat dish on the top. These dishes were
ornamented with Maidenhair Fern, rings of Forget-me-not,
Lilies of the Valley, Lycopodiums creeping up the stems, Pan-
sies. Rose-buds, and small bunches of Grapes introduced here
and there. Tlie second prize was awarded to Lady Rokeby, the
third to Lady Caroline Kerrison, and the fourth to Messrs. Elking-
ton & Mason. Other exhibitions by Lady Emily Peel, Lady
Trowbridge, and Mrs. T. Jones were highly commended.

THE PLOBISTS' PL0WEB3.
LEATilTGt to others to describe the grand ceremonial of the
opening day, and the magnificent collection of stove and green-
house plants, the waving Ferns of New Zealand and Australia,
and the luscious fruits of all climes — relinquishing, with no small
degree of regret, the task of describing the wondrous novelties
sent home by Mr. Robert Fortune to Mr. Standish — yea, even
abandoning the pleasant work of dilating on the contributions
for Mr. Wentworth Dilke's prizes for ornaments for the now-
fashionable dinners a la Russe, I must keep in mind ne sutor
ultra crepidem, and, therefore, stick to my last;— namely, the
Florists' Flowers — the weakest point of the Exhibition without
doubt. Some months ago I alluded to the subject in The
Cottage Gaedenee, and said then the time was rather un-
favourable, and that the schedule did not offer many advantages
to the cultivators in that class. No prizDS were offered for
Pansies, Pinks, Calceolarias, or Verbenas ; and though of all,
save the second, stands were exhibited, yet there was not, of
course, the incentive that the offering of prizes for them would
have created. There was, moreover, the same miserable con-
fusion about seedling flowers that there always is, perplexing the
Judges, confusing the visitors, and, of course, dissatisfying the
exiiibitors ; yet withal my often-expressed opinion was confirmed
then as well as at other times— while the large collections of
stove and greenhouse were comparatively unnoticed, the groups
of visitors were concentrated around the Pelargoniums, Pansies,
Verbenas, Roses, and Fruit. In the former the same old faces
present themselves fr-om the same exhibitors, while in the florists'
class there is the charm of ever-increasing novelty.

198.

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ June 11, 1861..

The large Eoses in Pots occupied the centre of the great
conservatory, distributing their fragrance around. The first
prize (for fifteen ) 'na.' awarded to Messrs. Lane & Son, for Jules
Margottin (H.P.) ; Madame Plantier (H.C.) ; Comtesse Mole
(H.B.) ; Madame Damaizin (Tea) ; Louis Peronny (H.P.) ;
Paul Eieaut (H.B.) ; Le Leon des Combats (H.P.) ; Miss Clegg
(N.) ; Conp d'Hebe (H.B.), a beautiful plant; Chencdole
(H.B.) ; Blairii No. 2, very fine ; Juno (H.C.) ; Gloire de
Dijon (Tea), rather too full blown ; Elize Mercour (H.B.').

The second prize was obtained by Mr. AVni. Paul, with
Charles Duval ; Bongere ; Paul Perras ; Paul Eieaut ; Juno ;
Coup d'Hebe; La Seine; Augnste Mie; Volours Episcopal
(H.C.) 1 Cliarles Lawson (H.C), very fine ; Duchess of Suther-
land ; Dulie of Cambridge ; Comte Boubart, fine large Eose ;
Madame Willermoz, very large and fine.

The third prize to Mr. Francis, of Hertford.

Tile first prize for New Eoses in small pots was awarded to
Messrs. Paid & Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, for Leonie Moise
(H.P.), a miserably-shaped Eose, bright enough in opening,
and then slating cfl'; Madame Halphin (Tea), fine; Eveque de
Nimes (H.P.), a charmiug little rosette, though not deserving
the name of a new Rose; Eegnliis, a bad Tea ; Victor Verdier,
a fins Jules-Margottin style of Kose; Buffon (H.P.), a very
sweet colour at first, but very soon dying ofl'; President
(Tea), Tcry fine ; Admiral Nelson (H.P.), rosy crimson ;
Madame Boll (H.P.), very fine habit; Mademoiselle Bonuaire
(H.P.), sweetly pretty, nearly white ; Triouiphe d? Lyon (H.P.),
splendid dark Eose, but, like a good many of itp class, will
doubtless fade soon in hot snns.

The second prize was awarded to Mr. W. Paid, of Waltham
Cross, for Anna de Diesbach (H.P.), very large, almost like a
pseouy ; Victor Emmanuel, very fine Bourbon ; Belle de Eourg-
la-Eeine, a very beautiful rose-coloured flower; Anna Alexieff
(H.P.), rough ; Adolplie Boiissaiige (II P.), fine purplisli-
crimson ; Homer, fine Tea ; Oritlammc de St. Louis (II. P.).

I the only group exhibited being one by Mr. Charles Turner, with
Bertie, Mr. Marnoek, Conspicua, Osiris (very dark), GuiUaume
ScTcryns, Madame Furtado, Beadsman, Picnic, and Peacock.

Several promising Seedlings, of which I dare eay we shall see
more by-and-by, were contributed by Messrs. Turner, Beck, and
Dobson. Amongst those of the former were also some from
that eminent raiser, Mr. Hoyle, of Beading. By-the-by, it is no
shglit tribute to the excellence of his flowers, that, although
Mr. Foster, of Clewer, has. been an equally large raiser, yet in
his own group exhibited to-day all the flowers but two were
either Turner's or Hoyle's. There is sucli a muddle always in
the seedlings that one can with difiiculty see what are reaUy
exhibited. Turner's Diaphantus (racehorses and actresses seem
special favourites amongst raisers) is a beautiful soft rose, but
apt to burn at the end of the spot. Hoyle's Mrs. Hoyle, a fine
soft purple, with white throat ; Beck's Butterfly, a very dark
spot — the French varieties, in fact, are now assuming the shape
of the English fancy ; Beck's Peeress (a fine dark flower). Turner's
John Leach (a most beautifully-shaped sjiotted variety, and as
smooth as possible), Dobson's Mademoiselle Patti (a fancy
variety of lively colour), were amongst some of the moat
noticeable ; but on some future occasion, when it can be done
with k'ss hurry, I shall be able to speak more at iongth on Hiese
novelties.

Several stands of Paksies were exhibited, both in florists'
varieties and, in what will ultimately, 1 see, be a favourite class —
the Belgian or fancy varieties. I wish that those good people,
who talk about the conventionalities of florists, and say that
flowers are drawn more perfect than they really are, would
take the trouble to look at a good stand, such as that eshibited
by Messrs. Downie & Laird. I'here was one, Lady Lucy Dun-
das, which was as completely circular as if a crown piece had
been laid down and the outline of the flower cut to it. Having
mentioned this box I may say that it contained Seraph, Lord
Clyde, Imperial Prince, Countess of Eosslyn, Duchess of AVel-

dark but thhi ; Bufibn (H.P.). I have not entered into length- j lington, Eev. H. H. Dombrain, Mrs. Hope, Nepaulese Chief,

ened descriplions of tliese Eoses, as I have been blooming them
all under my own eye, and shall hope to give, as far as I can,
their characters, &c., in some future Number.

Cut Eoses were exhibited in considerable numbers, both
•from Jlessrs. Paul & Son and Mr. W. Paul. They were, of
course, from plants bloomed under protection, and consisted of
the usual eflective sorts for such a purpose, and did not present
anything worthy ot observation. Amongst amateurs, the first
prize for Ten Eoses in Pots was taken by Mr. Terry, gar-
dener to C. W. G. Puller, Esq., Youngsbury ; second, by Mr.
Eowland.

Tlie Pelaegoniums, as usual in June, were magnificent ; and
both amateurs and nurserymen siiowed to "^^hat a point good
cultivation and care will bring plants. 'Jlie contest in the
Amateurs' class of large Pelargoniums was an exceedingly close
one, there being some dilficulty in determining which weie the
most efl'ective. Mr. Nye, of Clewer, and Mr. Bailey, of Sliar-
deloes, running very closely, the former wiiniing the fii'st prize
by a neck. His plants were — Carlos, Fairest of the Fair, Sir
Colin Campbell, A'iola, Saracen, Empress Eugenie, Flora, Sans-
pareil, Eose Celestial. The second containeJ Gem of the West,
King of Scarlets, Saracen, Bianea (the frail one was the weak
point in the lot, and decided the race, not being so fully bloomed),
Spotted Gem, Eugene Duv.il, Mr. Marnoek, Sanspareil, Carlos.
Mr. Slirimpton, gardener to A. F. Doxat, Esq., Putney Heath,
was third ; and Mr. J. Weir, The Elms, Hampstead, fourth.

Amongst Nurserymen in tlie same class Mr. Charles Turner,
of Slough, was, as usual, first with Candixlatc, Sir Colin Camp-
bell, Nestor, Sanspareil, Desdemona, .Festus, Viola, Governor
General, Eose Celestial, Ariel, Prince o.'' Wales, and Fairest of
the Fair. Messrs. Dobson & Son were s?oond ; and Messrs.
Eraser & Son, of Lea Bridge Eoad, third.

In Fanct Pelaeqoniums, the first prize amongst Amateurs
was obtained by Mr. Bailey, of Shardeloes, with fine plants of
Lady of the Lake, Princess Eoyal, Formosissima, Attraction,
Acme, and Evenhig Star.

Amongst Nurserymen, Mr. Charles Turner held his well-
earned place wilh wonderful plants of Cloth of Silver, Acme,
Musjid, Celestial (a beautiful plant, completely covered with
bloom). Lady Craven, Eosabella, Captivation, Circle, and
Modestuni. Nothmg could exceed the cultivation of this group.

Messrs. Fraser, of Lea Bridge Bead, wera second witli a well-
grown group.

In >iine Spotted Varieties there was not any competition;

Una, C. W. E. Eamsay, Ladyburn Beauty, Eoyal Standard,
General Young, Miss Carnegie, Nymph, Cherub, Miss Talbot,
Lady Belhaven, Eev. Joshua Dix, Mary Lamb, Perfection,
Mrs. Laird, Heine Blanche, Mr. Graham, Mrs. Laing, Eev. J.
White, Dr. Stewart, Saturn, Midnight, Lady Lucy Dundas,
Yellow Beauty, Alexander McNab, Isa Craig, Jessie, Mrs.
Downie, arid Captain B. Stewart. Other boxes were contributed
by Messrs. Shenton and Bragg. Some of the fancy varieties
were very curious, and there was really an approach, both in
shape and substance, to many of the florists' kinds.

A fine stand of Veebenas was also eontribuled by Mr. Chas.
Turner, of Slough, to which fourtli prize was appended, con-
fusing everybody, as there were none others. It contained
Firefly (very bright scarlet), Bellona, Angelina, Elfrida, Minnie,
Garibaldi (said to be the best A'erbena out, but certainly, as shown
here, deficient as a trusser), Souvenir de A'letoire Modeste, Ad-
miral Dundas, Diadem, Miss Ivery, General Simpson, Mr.
Foster, Premier, A'enus, Comet, Eose Imperial, Matilde, Hankye,
Miss Dolby, Trovatore, Seedling Pink, Magiiificens, Prince
Frederick, and The Pride.

Amongst miscellaneous objects bearing on my peculiar line
were the hardy Ehododendrons exhibited by Messrs. Noble
and Mr. Standish, who each sent some promising seedlings;
one by the latter, called Climax, of a rich purplish-crimson,
spotted, wilh fine foliage, was very remarkable. Messrs. A'eitch
and Son also contributed a Mimulus, called cupreus, from
Chili, which they have proved to be perf<^ctly hardy. It is a
bright orange of very dwarf growth. Mr. Standish also exhibited
Azalea amoena hybrida, a small, neat, and hardy sort. Cal-
ceolarias, both shrubby and herbaceous were exhibited, but Mr.
Burley's fine plants were badly placed for seeing. There was
also a nice new bedding kind called Canary, and another already
noticed — angiistifolia globosa.

No one can have any idea what an amount of labour and
anxiety this Show must have occasioned to all concerned ; and,
notwithstanding all Mr. Eyles' well-known experience, this
must have taxed him to the uttermost ; and the manner in.
which he met the wishes of the exliibitors, his urbanity and
good temper, were beyond all praise. Doubtless anotlier year
will suggest some alterations. It seeme too bad to carp where
all was so well done ; but I do hope the florists will be more
encouraged next year at the first Show. In all else they are
liberally dealt with. A few prizes, even of small amount,,
distributed amongst then>) would dottbtless bring together a..

June 11, 1861. ]

JOUillS^AL OF HQETICTJLTURE AND COTTAGE GAaDENER.

193

large amouut of contributions. It showed some energy and
interest in growers that, despite of tlils, so many things were
.contributed. May their zeal meet its reward.— D., Deal.

THE PEIZE LIST.

FLOWEES.

IClass 1.— Fifteen Stove and Greenhouse Plants (Opon).- Fii-st, W.
"M^, pardener to J. Spnde, Esq., Rugeley. Second, "B. Peed, gardener io
J. Tredwell, Esq., Lower Norwood.

Class 2.— Twelve Stove and GEEENHonsE Plants (Nnrsevymen).—
WJTst, J. and J. Fi'aser, Lea Bridge noad. Second, W. Cutbu&li, jun., Bai-net.
Iliird, O. Hhodes, Sydenham.

Class 3.— Nine Stovp and Gkeenhoust! Plants (Amateurs).— Firit, H.
^Chilman. crardener to Mrs. Smith, Ashtead. Second, J. Green, gardener to
Sir E. Antrobus, Lower Clieam. Third, J. Baxindine, gardener to W. H.
Smallpiece, Esq., Guildford. Fourth, \V. Kaile, gardener to the Earl of Love-
lace,Ripley.

Class 4. — Six Stove atjd Gbexshouse Plants fAmateurs). — First, T.
^Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq., Streatham. Second, J. Tegg, gardener to
'Bai'on Hambro', !!■ ehampton. '

Class 5.— Twelve Fise-foliaged and Vabiegatkd Plants (NurFerymen).
—First, J. Veitch A Son, Exeter and Chelsea. Second, B. S. Williams, ITol-
iloway. Third, T. Jackson tfc Sou, Kingston. Fourth, J. & C. Lee, Hammer-
smith.

Class C. — Ten Fine-foliaged and Variegated Plants fAmateurs).—
First, H. Hamilton, gardener to T. Butt, Esq., Clielt«nham. Seooml, A. M.
Gunner, gardener to \X. F. WooUer, Esq., Kensington. Third, C. Hntt.
gardener to Jliss Burdett Coutts, Highgate. Fourth,' G. Ydung, gardener tu
W. H. Stone, Esq., Duhvich. Extra Prize, G. Nicholson, Bushy Grove,
IVatford.

Class 7. — Sis DnAC-TiNAs and Cordtlines (Open). — First, J. Yeitch and
^on, Exeter and Ci'clsea. Second, J. & C. Lee, Hammersmitli. Thiid. \V.
Bull, Chelsea. Fourth, G. Young,. gardener to \\\ H. Stone, Esq., Dulwich.

Class 8.— Twenty Orchids (Amateurs).— First, B. Stone, Tottenham.
"Second, B. Peed, gardener to J. Tredwell, Esq., Lower Norwood.

Class 9.— Sixteen Orchids (Nurserymen). —First, J. Viitch Sc Son,
Exeter and Chelsea. Second, S. 'Woolley, Gheshunt. Special Prize, 0.
Rhodes, Sydenham.

Class 10.— Ten Orchids (Amateurs).— First, G. Baker, gr.rdener to A.
Baasett, Esq., Stamford Hill. Second, F, Lorell, gardener to H. E. Gurney,
Esq., Nuttield. TlDrd, C. Penny, gardener to H. H. Gibbs, Esq., Regent's
Park. Fourth, E. Mc:\Iorland, gardener to J. Spode, Esq., Hampstead.

Class 11. — Orchids, Single Specimens (Open). — First, R. Warner, Esq.,
Broomfield. Second, B. S. Williams, lioUoway. Third, J. H. Hedge, Ipswich.

Class 12. —Nine Greenhouse Azalea-s (Amateurs).— First, T. Page, gar-
•dener to W. Leaf, Esq., Streatham. Second, S. M. Carson, Chenni. Thiid,
J. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Lower Cheani. Fourth, B. Peed,
gardener to T. Tredwell, Esq., Lower Norwood.

Class 13. — Nine Greeshodse Azaleas (Nurserymen). — First, C. Turner,
Slough. Second, J. <& J. Eraser, Lea Bridge Road.

Class 14.— Six Greexhouse Azaleas (Amateurs). — Prize, "W.'May, gaa"-
dener to J. Spode, Esq., Rugeley.

"Class 15.^NiNE Greenhouse Azaleas, New Kinds (Open).— Fir^tj C.
Turner, Royal Nursery, Slough. Second, Irery «fcSon, Nurserymen, Dorking.

Class 16. —Six Rhododendrons, Distinct (Open). — Firet, C. Noble, Sun-
ning Dale, Bagshot. Second, J. Standish, Bagshot, Surrey.

Class 17. — Rhododendrons, Sikkim and Ehotan (Open). — Prize, A. Hen-
derson & Co., Edgcware Road.

■Class 18. — Fifteen Roses in Pots, Distinct (Open). — First, H. Lane
and Son, Great Beikhanipstead, Herts. Second, W. Paul, Waltham Cross.
Third, E. Francis, Hertford.

Class 19. — Tex Roses in Pots, Distinct (Amateurs).— First, T. Terry,
gardener to C. W. Giles Puller, Esq., Youngsbury. Second, A. Rowland,
Lewisham, Kent,

Class 20. — Twelve New Roses, in Pots, two of kind admitted (Open).—
First, Paul & Son. Cheshunt. Second, W. Paul, Waltham Cross.

-Class 21.— Six Tall Cacte (Open).— First, J. Green, Cheam. Second, W.
Young, Highgate.

Cla's22.— Six Cape Heaths (Open).— First, B. "Peed, gartlener tu T.
Tredwell, Esq.. Lower Ncn-wood. Second, T. Jackson, &Son, Kingston, S.W.
Third, W. May, gardener to J. Spode, Esq., near ilugelcy. Fourth, R.
■Baxindine, gardener to W. H. Smallpiece, Esq.. Guildford. Extra Prize, T.
Page, garden-er to W. Leaf, Esq., Screatham.

Ciass 23.— Nine PELAROONiusts, Distinct (Amateurs).— Hrtt, W. Nye,
■gardener to E. Poster, Esq., Clewer. Second, T. Bailey, Amershau.. Third,
J. Shrlmpton, gardener to A. F. Doxat, Esq., Putoay Heath. Fourtn, J
Weir, Hampst-ead.

Class 24.— Twelve Pelargoniums, Distinct (Nurserymen).— First, C.
Turner, Uoyal Nurseries, Slougli. Second, Dobson A; Sons, Isleworth. Third,
J. & J. Fraser, Lea Bridge Road. Fourth, T. Windsor, Nurseryman, Hamp-
stead. Extra Prize, J. Burley, Limpsfield.

Glass 2j.— Six Fancy Pelargoxiums, Distinct (Amateurs).- First, T.
■.Bailey, Amersham. Second, J. Weir, Himipstead. Third, J. James, gardener
to F. W. Watson, Esq, Isleworth.

Class 20.- Nine Fancy Pelargoniu.m3, Distinct (Nurserymen).— First,
■■C.lurner, Royal Nurseries, Slough. Second, J. & J. Fraser, Lea Bridge
.Road. Third, Dobson &S0113, MeisDrtli. Fourth, T. Windsor, Hampstead.

Cla«s 27. — Nine Spottkd Pf lahgosiuss. Distinct (Open);— Prize, C.
Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough.

Gt»s 28. — Nine Variegated Begonias, Distinct (Open).— First, J. Veitch
-and. Son, Exeter and Chelsea. Second, W. Lakemau. Hendou. Tliird, A.
iHencTerson &Co., Edgeware Road. Fourth, B.5. Williams, 'HoUoway.

Class 20.— Six Tree Ferns. Duplicates admitted. (Open.)— First, J. Veitch
and Son. Exe'.er and Chelsea. Second. C. Hutt, gaiMener to iliss.Bui'dett
Coutts, Highgate. Tliird, J. Slandish, Bagshot.

Class 30.— Twelve Exotic Ferns (Amateurs).— First, J. Stone, Totten-
ham. Second, R. Baillie, Harrow Road. Third, H. Lav^', Fetchara, Surrey.
Fourth, S. M. Carson, Cheam.

Class 31.— Twelve Exotic Ferns (Nurserymen).- First, B. S. Williams
Ho'loway. Second, J. Veitcli & Son, Exeter and Chelsea. Third, R. Sim,
Foot's Cray. Fourth, Milne <fc Co., Wandsworth Road.

Class 32. — Six AN(ECToeniLus and Variegated-leaved Ofxiiids (Open).
— Prize, J. Veitch cfc Son, Exeter and Chelsea.

Class 33. — Three Tdbebods Tkopjeolums, trained. Distinct. (Open.) —
No competition.

Class 34.— New or Extbemelt Rare Plants in Flowf.r.— First, R.
Warner (Ljelia grandis) S.K. Second, J. Pilbean [Deiatlrobiuin sp.) S.U.
Second, J. Veitch & Stm (Stenegaster concinne) S.B. ScLond, Al. Linden,
Brussels (Camp- lobotrys pyraphyda) S.B. Third, E. & G. Henderson (Con-
volvulus mauritanicus) M. Third, J. Veitch & Son (Mimulus cupreus, 3L
and Calceolaria bcllidifoU;i, M.)

Class 35.— Hardy Ornamental Plants.— First. J. Standish (Sciadopitys
verticillata) 8 K. First, J. Veitch &. Son (Libocedrus tetragonus) S K.
Second, J. Standish (Retino^pora obtusa. S.B., and Thujopsis dolabrata, S.B.)
Second, J. Veitch &, Son (Acerpolyniorphura atro-puipureum) S.B. Third,
J. Veitch & Son (Thuja pygmsea, M., aud Cryptomeria sp., (Japan) M.)
Third, J. Jackson &, Son (Juniperus d-upacea) M. 'Ihird, J. Standish (Reti-
nospora obtusa, var., M., Podocarpus vaiiegatus, M., Aucuba japonica. M.,
and Bambusa variegata, M. Thiid, J. Veitch »fc Son (Ficea sp.) (Vancouver's
Islam!) M.

Class 36. — Wardian Cases Filled with Plants.— Fiist, J. Veitch and
Son, Exeter and Chelsea. Second, J. Standish, Bagshot, Third, R. Baillie,
gardener to W. C. Cai'bonell, Esq., Harrow Road.

Class 37. — Miscellaneous (for Plants not specially named .— First, J.
Veitch & Son, Exeter and Chelsea. First, Carl Picrsdort, Kensall New
Town. Second, J. Standish, Bagshot. Second, W. Paul, Waltham Cross.
Second, H. Lavey, gardener to E. A. de Grave, Esq.. Fctclium. Surrey.
Second, J. Standish, Bagshot. Second, J. Veitch tfc Sun, Exeter and Chelsea.
Four Seconds, M. Linden, Bmssels. Tliird, M. Linden. Bmssi^ls. 'Ihird,
B. S. Williams, HoUoway. Thiid, U. Baillie, gardener to W. C. Carboucll,
Esq., Han-ow Road. Fourth, J. Burley, Limpsheld, Surrey. Fourth, C.
Turner, Slough. Extra Prize, J. Sttindish, Bagshot; Paul .fc ton, Cheshun^;
Dobson &. Son, Isleworth ; Ivery & Son, Dorking ; c Leach, Clapham Park;
B. S. Williams, Holloway ; T. Baines, Cheshire.

FRUITS.

Class A.— Collection of Frdit (nine dishes of six distinct kinds).— First,
T. Ingram, Royal Gaidcus, Windsor. Second, A. Henderson, Trentham.

Chiss B.— Pine Apple (the best Queen;,— First, T. Bailey, Amersham.
Second, T, "ioung, gardener to C. Bailev, Esq. Third, R. Uuflfett, Brocket
Hall, Herts.

Class C— Pine Apple (the best Cayenne). —First, T. Page, Streatham.
Second, T. Ingram, Frogmore. Third, C. F. Harrison, Weybridge.

CtaFs D — Fine Apple (any variety, not (^ucen or Cayenne). — First, T.
Young, gardener to C. Bailey, Esq. Second, 11. Itiiflett^ Brocket Hall,
Herts. Third, T. Bailey, Amersham.

Class E.— Grapes, Black (Single dish).— First, W. Hill, Keele Hall, Staf-
ford. Second, C, Little, gardener to A. Darley, Esq., Slough ; J.
Fleming, Clevedon. 'ihird, J. Drewitt, gardener 10 Mrs. Cubitt, Dorking;
G. G. Wortley, gardener to the Hon. P. Carey, Norwood ; M. Henderson,
Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Extia Prize, H. Payne, Chelmsford; G. Tillyard, Stan-
more ; T. Frost, Aylestord.

Class F.— Gr vpes. White Muscat (Single dish). — First, H. Baker, Leicester.
Second, R. Rultetr, Brocket Hall, Herts. Third, J.Standiih, Bagshot. Fourth,
R. TurnbuU, Woodstock.

Cliiss G.— Grapes, White. not Muscat, (Single dish).— First, W. Hill, Keelc
Hall, Statford. Second, J. Allport, Nantwich. Third, F. W. Durran', St.
Neot's ; I .^ V--'. Leicester. Extra Prize, T. Bailey, AmershauL

Class H — Pr.ACHfc.3 ^Single dish).— First, A. Henderson, Trentham. Second,
A. Sanders, gardenur to Sir II. Meux, Theobold s ; J. Fleming. Clevedon.
Third, C. Little, gardener to A. Darley, Esq., Slough; F. AV. Durmut, St.
Neofs. Extra Prize, J. Peucocli, Luton; J. Cross, Aircsford.

Class I. — Nectarines (Single dish;. — Fiist, M. Rochford, Tottenham,
Second, J. Peacock, Luton. Second, A, Henderson, Trentham. Third, W.
Hill, Keele Hall, Statlbrd. Third, S. Evans, Nuneaton, Extra Prize, J.
t>ates, Stoneleigh Abbey; C. Little, gardener to A. Dai ley, Esq , Slough;
T. Rawbone, Stone, Statturd.

Ciass J.— Figs (Single dish).— First, J. Cross, Alresford. Second, S. Snow
Silsoe, Beds. Third, R. Kuffett, Brocket Hall, Herts.

Class K.— Cherries (Single disli).— First, A. Henderson, Trentham. Second
S. Evans, Nuneaton. Third, T. Jackson *Sc Son, Kingston.

Class L. — Strawberries (Three di.shes, distinct).— First, R. Smith, Twick-
c^l.'*m. Second, R. Turnbull, Blenheim. Third, F W. Park, Grovo Hal),
Notts, "rtra Prize, A. Ingram, gardener to J. J. Blandy, Esq., Reading.

Class M.— STR.A.WBERRIES (Single dish). — First, R. Smith, Twickenham
Second, T. Ingram, Frogmore. Third, F, W. Parli, Grove Hall, Notts.

Class N. — Strawberries in Pots (Six plants).— First, R. Smith, Twicken-
ham. Second, W. Kaile, gardener to Earl Lovelace, Ripley. Extra Prize,
T. Reid, Sydenham.

Class 0.— Melons, Green-fleshed.— First, J. Sleredith, Garston, near Liver
pool. Second, T. Frost, Preston Hall, Kunt. Third, Rev. T. Phillpot, Trliro,
Extra Prize, A. Sander:^, gaixlener toSirB. Meux, Ih^-obold's; W. MeLellau,
Barnet.

Class P.— Melons, Scarlet-fleshed.- First, T. Frost, Preston Hall, Kent.
Second, T. Kempster, gardener to Edward Greaves, Esq., Barford, Warwick,
Tliird, J. Meredith, Gavston, near Liverpool.

Class Q.— Vines In pots (Four Plants).— Fii-ct, A. Sanders, gnrdeher to Sir
A. Jleax, TheobelA's. Second, G. Masters, gardener to the Eavl of Maceles-

200

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 11, 1861.

field, Tetswoi-th. Third, J. Standish, Bagsbot; C. Hutt, gardener to Miss
Bardett Coutts, Highgate.

Class R.— Miscellaneous — Prize, J. Standisli, Bagshot (Grapes). Prize.
J. Standish [Ingram's Prolific Grape). Prize, J. Luscombe, Kingsbridge
{Oranges and Lemons). Prize, T. Lunt, Greenock (Apricots). Prize, H.
Payne, Chelmsford (Black Hamburt;h Grapes). Prize, J. Henderson,
Trentham {Trentham Black Grapes). Prize, W. Kaile. liipley (Muscat
Citronelle Grapes). Prize, R. Crawshay, Merthyr Tydvil (Bananas).

Special Prizes Offered bt C. W. Dilke, Esq., V.P.R.H.S.— First,
T. C. March, Lord Chamberlain's Office. Second, Lady Roktby, Montague
House. Third, Lady Caroline Kerrison, 140, Piccadilly. Fourth, Elkinglon
and Mason, 21 and 22, Regent Street. Highly Commended, Lady Tiow-
bridge, 8, Prince's Gate.

KIDDEAN MODE OF HEATING.

At page 99 of No. 6, a correspondent describes his application
of this mode of heating to a small greenhouse. In answer to
our request for further information he writes as follows : —

GROUND PLAN OJ GREENHOUSE.

1 1

31 13

<

A Stokehole. ^°' ^*

B Flagstone, forming the top of the aii*-chamber.

c Openings from the chamber for the hot air to enter the house.

D Flue and chimney.

GKOCND PLAN OF STOKEHOLE AND FURNACE. FRONT ELEVATION OF FDBNACE.

A

0
D

C

^.■•. .V . . '

C

B

^_

?^

C

d1

F
A

E 1

'

!e

^

c

[D

No. 2.

A Stokehole.

B Ash-pit.

c Air-chamber.

D Openings to udniit cold aiv into the
chamber. These might be tittecl
with sliding-doors, and so regu-
late the supply of hot air to the
greenhouse.

No. 3.

A Iron plate forming the top of the

B Fuinace door. [furnace.

c Ash-pit.

D Openings for the cold air to enter
tlie chamber.

E Showing how the hot-air chamber
suvroundsthe fuinace; the dotted
lines being the furnace sides.

" No. 1 is the house showing the partition. No. 2, the ground
plan of the furnace, air-chamber, &c., and No. 3 is the front
elevation of the furnace and chamber; Of course any one else
who appUed this sjttem of heating would have the fireplace
outside, and in a larger house it wotild be as well to have only a
small opening as at cl, in plan No. 1, and from c2, to carry a
flue of drain tiles to the other end of the house. The hot air
would then be more equally distributed. In a larger furnace
than mine both the top of that and of tlie chamber should be
arched, though, with a furnace of brick altogether, the heat
could not be got up so rapidly as an iron top would do it. I
hardly know what fuller details to give you. The only explana-
tion I ever had of the Kiddean system, was that in your
Number of the 29th of January. The whole affair seems so
simple, that I cannot make out how any one can well help under-
stauding it.

" What do you think of the following mode of striking cuttings ?
I have been most successful with it. Crock the pot quite one-

third full; put a large piece at the top of the crockery, so
as to prevent the earth getting amongst the drainage ; then
an inch or two of very rich leaf mould; lastly, a thick layer
of silver sand. Put the cuttings in the sand, and give a mode-
rate watering. Stand the pot in a saucer large enough to take a bell-
glass that will cover the pot, and leave 2 inches or 3 inches space
above the pot. Now pour an inch or so of water into the saucer,
and your cuttings will not want even looking at until all are
struck. The only precaution necessary is to see that the pot is
crocked above where the water in the saucer reaches. There is
no evaporation from the cuttings — they never flag, and, from
my esperience, I should say never njiss rooting. Mind, I am
not recommending this to those who can have frames and bottom
heat and all sorts of appliances, and who can be always looking
after their plants ; but to those who, like myself, have some-
times to leave their plants to take care of themselves for a day
or two; because, after the cuttings are once in, they require no
attention until they are fit to pot ofl'. — W. A."

[We have no doubt that the plan of the stove will answer
well, and are much obliged for the plans and descriptions sent,
which will, we doubt not, be useful to many. We begin to
doubt of the great economy for large houses, if drains, &c., must
be used for regulating the heat. For real economy in moderate-
sized places, nothing yet seems more economical than brick
stoves as used by Mr. Rivei-s, and lately described by Mr. Fish.
He does a great deal of work with them, without the necessity
of an air-chamber at all.

Your plan of propagating is good for softwooded plants ; but
we would do without the leaf mould above the drainage. Many
cuttings would get miffy on reaching it.]

POLMAISE SYSTEM OF HEATING.

YouB correspondent " E. H." says he believes that the usual
objections to Polmaise are — " 1. Waste of fuel. 2. Burning the
air by the excessively hot surface required. 3. Splitting the
furnace."

I have used Polmaise regularly for ten or twelve years, and
have experienced none of these bad eflects. My two stoves,
made of wrought iron, have never required any repairs, except
fresh firebricks, and are, I believe, as good as when they were
put up. The consumption of fuel is very small ; and as regards
" burning the air," I consider it very bad practice in Polmaise
to have a very hot surface.

But though I differ with your correspondent on these points,
I quite agree with him that long flues, or air-drains, are uimeces-
sary. In Polmaise nothing is needed but a drain close by the
stove going down to the bottom of the hot-air chamber, and
an outlet at the toji of the chamber to admit the hot air into
the house. — W. C.

HOW TO SHARPEN LAWN-MOWING

MACHINES.

I HAD occasion to visit Macclesfield a few days ago, and, as
usual, took a stroll into the beautiful public park there. The
intelligent curator, Mr. Middlebrook, received me very kindly, and
walked round with me. Every part of this People's Park was in
excellent order, and I was very glad to find the shrubs had not
suffered so much from the severity of the past winter as they
have done in many localities in the neighbourhood. This
exception may be accounted for by the fact of the soil being of a
poor, sandy nature on a gravelly subsoil, and the elevated table-
like character of the land. Common Laurels, indeed, with few
exceptions, were killed down to the ground, and also Laurus-
tinuses and Aucubas ; but Portugal Laurels were only a little
touched, and most of the Coniferous tribe had escaped. I was
particularly struck with the beauty and hardihood of the Pinus
ausfriaca, it being as green as possible, and not a leaf injured.
Even the young shoots had not suffered by the smart frost of
the night of the 12lh of May last. This beautiful tree is truly
desirable, and I find it thrives best of any of the tribe near large,
smoky towns. I can recommend it to every one about to plant.
The common Scotch Fir is certainly not so hardy as this species.
As a shelterer to tenderer kinds I know no tree equal to it.

The part of the park used as a bowling-green was almost as
smooth as a planed board, and in conversation with Mr. Middle-
brook, he expressed his surprise that none of the writers of The

June 11, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE MSI> COTTAGE GARDENER.

201

JoTTENAL or HoKTicuLTUBE had ever given instructions how to
sharpen mowing machines. I reph'ed that in my case at least,
not having written tlie instructions was because I did not know
how to sharpen tlie machines. No doubt, I remarked, many
gardeners would be glad to have instructions on that point ;
and if he would tell me how to do it I would write down liis
instructions and send them to tlie office. Forthwith he had a
machine brought out and showed me how he performed the
operation. I took down his remarks, and now copy them out
for the benefit of our readers.

Previously, however, to going into the subject, I would
remark that many a gardener has given up. the use of these
machines on account, of not knowing how to sharpen them.
" Give me my scythe again," he said, " I can sharpen it by
whetting ; but when this machine gets out of order I have to
send it to a machinist to sliarpen and put to rights, and even
then it is soon out of order again, so I think tlie scythe after all
is the best tool for lawn cuttiog." This I am sure is a great
mistake, and I trust I shall make the sharpening of this useful
instrument, the lawn-cutting macliine, as easy to manage aj
whetting a scythe.

To proceed, then. Place the machine handle under the lower
bar of a fixed hurdle or under a pair of stakes placed crosswise
thus X. When in that position the cutting parts will, of course,
be swung clear off the ground. Tiien take off the one wheel
from the side where there is a hole to receive a handle, fasten
that handle in, unscrew the top screws, and screw up the bottom
screws just enough to admit a flat piece of iron with a handle
made expressly for this purpose (see cut). Thrust this flat iron

The macliines vaiy in width, so the length must be tlie same as that of the
spiral knives. Thickness of the iron about the same as a halfpenny,
brought to an edge in front,

between the spiral knives and the flat knife below them. Apply
to it a mixture of superfine emery (no other kind will do) and
sweet oil ; then screw down the spu-al knives pretty tight to it,
and with the handle turn them the contrary way to that which
they turn when cutting the grass. Continue the turning until
an even sharp edge is produced on all the spii-al knives — an
operation that will not take more than five minutes unless the
knives are very much out of order. This sharpening should
be done frequently. Mr. Middlebrook said, supposing the machine
is used every day, it would need sharpening once a-week.

The use of the flat piece of iron is to preserve the lower flat
knife or blade which the sharpening process would soon wear
away.

Sometimes a stone, or, may be, more, get in between the knives
and cause an indentation, or, as machinists term it, a buckle, on
the flat knife. To remedy this, pack sufficient thick brown paper
under it, and screw it up till the indent or buckle is even with
the rest of the blade. This packing will keep it right till a fresh
stone gets in, but with care and constant roUing such misfortunes
will be avoided.

Such were the instructions my friend gave me. Let any
gardener that has mowing machines that require sharpening try
the plan. He may not succeed the first time, but let him try
again, and by perseverance he will succeed. It is difficult by
description to tell how to perform any operation. If I was to
describe, for instance, the operation of whetting the scythe, even
that, simple as it seems to an old hand, would require long
practice before the tyro would become an expert whetter. —
T. Appleby.

A GLASS HOUSE FOE MANY PUEPOSES.

I WANT to grow Cucumbers ; 1 want to preserve a few plants
in winter — principally bedding-out plants, and, if required, I
want to be able to raise a few seeds which require heat. I am
willing to do without the last if it is impracticable ; but I shoidd
like to combine the first two wants. I do not want to go to a
very great expense, nor would it be wise to do so even it I could
afford, as we schoolmasters are often "here to-day and gone

to-morrow ;" but I certainly do aspire to a flued pit or very
small house. Whatever it be, I should like it to contain about
100 square feet superficial. The situation it would occupy
backed by a Privet and Thorn-hedge. If the house was move-
able, and at the same time durable, I should prefer it. WiE
you kindly advise me as to which will be the better — a pit or
fi'ame, or a small house, the best means combined with cheapness
of heating it, the best plan of building it, and anything else you
may think it best for me to know ? — A Countby Schooxsiastek.

[We hardly know how to advise you to meet your various
wants, and more especially as the house must be small to contain
not more than 100 square feet. Instead of having a square
house, however, it would be better to have one 13 feet by 8 feet,
or 15 feet by 7 feet, or even 17i feet by 6 feet or 6i feet. We
would decidedly recommend a little house in preference to a pit or
frame, so far as feeling an interest in the necessary minutiae are
concerned. A small pit, say 3^^ feet high at back, and 2i feet
at front, and some 5^ feet wide, and 18 feet long, would be the
easiest managed perhaps, as you could cover in severe weather ;
but then you could not get among your plants nicely in such
weather. Again, a span-roofed house, or half-span would cost
less for walls than a lean-to ; but more for glass, and rather more
for heating. Then the heating is another bore : a small brick
or Amott's iron stove, of the simplest kind, would keep all bed-
ding plants safe with a little care ; but it could not be depended on
for Cucumbers at all early. Again, your combination of bedding
plants and Cucumbers must proceed on the understanding that
established plants of both must not be in the same house at the
same time ; so that you could not expect to obtain early Cucum-
bers, and yet keep a healthy stock of bedding plants in the
same place : a compromise, therefore, must be made. A little
fire heat is of importance for keeping all bedding plants over the
winter. A little extra heat would also be useful in raising
cuttings iu spring, as well as flower-seeds requiring heat ; but
these should be removed or hardened off before getting drawn
up weak. If, therefore, you had a shallow earth pit, afoot deep,
or rather the sides raised with earth 12 inches or 15 inches above
the ground level, and a turf placed along the top, and had it, say
4i feet to 5 feet wide, and from 12 feet to 15 feet long, there you
could place all the hardier bedding plants, after being well exposed
to air, about the end of March or the beginning of April, and
protect them with a piece of strong cahco, fastened at each end
to a wooden roller, to roll the calico on when removing the cloth.
Heat could then be given to suit Cucumbers, and to strike young
cuttings and raise seeds ; and the Cucumbers could be continued
until the middle of October, wlien they would be cleared out,
and the place cleaned ready for the bedding plants, which would
have been struck out of doors, as in the scarlet Geraniums, or
hand-lights, as the Verbena, or rooted at once in small pots when
growing in beds, as layers. If you will turn to page 177, you
will perceive three modes, in addition to plans of pits previously
given, by which you might carry out your plan, substituting a
Hue or other means for hot water.

Of these, all things considered. Jig. 40 would, perhaps, be
most suitable — say 6 feet from the hedge, 6 feet wide, 18 feet
long, 8i feet high at back, and 2 feet
9 inches in front. The pathway at back
would be 27 inches, the bed, stage, &c.,
in front, would be 3 feet 9 inches, and
three or four shelves could be fastened
from the back wall, and one or two sus-
pended from the roof, to be used in
winter, the door being at one end close
to the back wall. Now the furnace for
such a house might be at the back be-
tween the hedge and the wall ; but we
certainly should prefer having it inside
in imitation of the plan of a correspon-
dent the other week. After getting away
a couple of yards from the fire strong drain-tiles would do a^
well as anything for a flue, and they would give out enough o
heat. For such a house we are convinced that a brick stove
placed inside against the back wall would give heat enough in
winter, and with a large evaporating-dish on the top of it would
give heat enough for Cucumbers in summer j but it would not
be so nice for propagating and raising seeds, unless another vessel
was made to be suspended over the evaporating-basin, which would
answer well so far as its size went. Of course, a flue or hot water
in front would be a more tangible aflair. It would be as well to
agree with the landlord, to avoid all bother about foundations;

202

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAOE aAllDENEE.

[ Jimo 11, 1861.

but -ncre I resolved to gratify myself, and run no risks, I would
•iave as much as possible of the whole affair moveable to do
what I liked with it, or take it where I liked. But for tliis I
would hare a fixed roof with modei-ate-sized sash-bars ; but for
conTenicnee of moving, though much enhancing the price, I
would have the roof in four moveable sashes. We should thus
proceed, then, to be independent of everybody, and not even
make hardly a hole in the eartli. Por foundation we would
hstte eix blocks of wood 3 feet long and 5 inches square, and
these we would imbed in tlie earth. On these we would
ectem our sills, 4 inches, square ; and on them we would mor-
tice and pin with wooden pins the upright studs, to be
surmounted with a wall-plate in a similar way for receiving
rafters back and front. The back and front wall we would cover
■with inch-boards, either screwed separately or made into pieces
to take down more easily. Width might be allowed to have tlie
.inside straight if desirable, and the ontside of the studs or the
outside of the boards might be covered with asphalt, and the
pieces marked so as also to come off easily. A small iron stove
■in the centre of such a house with an evaporating-pan on the
tap of it, would keep all bedding plants with common care.
W^here more was wanted, we would have a small iron stove placed
a, yard from the end of the house inside, as low as could well be
made, and we would also take the earth out there 2 feet or so,
even though we must leave it as we found it. To give the stove
more room and keep it further from the wood, we would give
the stove a space of 6 feet, and put a division there, with a small
:door to feed it, and at the top of the stove we woidd have the
smallest of Mr. Eivers' boilers, and have two three-inch pipes
from it as flow, and one as return nearly on the same level. Any
ihing could be grown in such a house. Of coui'se, if the hole
could be made outside and the little fire f<?d from the outside all
the better; but then it would not be so handy in all weathers.
I think for many such little purposes a small moveable turnace
and boiler cast together would be yevj useful, and commend it
to Mr. Hughes, of Bishop Stortford, who made Mr. Eivers' small
boilers for his brick stoves. If the fireplace of an iron stove is
lined with brick, and the fireplace is 2 inches or 3 inches from
the iron sides, and the top was a vessel of water instead of mere
iron, a small fire and small coneern altogether would do for such
little places ; one great charm of which would then be, tliat no
'Stokeholes would require to be dug out, nor bricks buried in
■them, nor drains made to keep them dry, but furnace, boiler,
pipes, walls, glass, and altogether, might be packed in a good-
sized cart any day and set down where wanted.

I forgot to say that all tlie joints of the pipes from such a
boiler would do well if made with Portland cemiut, and a little
icharcoal heat put round them will cause the cement to crack,
•when it is desirable to take them to pieces. The sashes might
be made to move for air: but if the walls were of wood, we
should prefer a few shutters made to open or slide — say three,
.15 inches by 8 inches at the top of the back wall, and the same
number in the front. For flues, &c., full information was given
in late Numbers. If when you settle on the plan to bo followed
and we can fui-ther help you, we shall be glad. — K. F.]

OECHAED-HOUSE AND VINEET
MAJSTAGEMENT.
Seven years since, from reading Mr. Rivers' work on orchard-
houses, I decided on putting up one ; and thought the wisest
plan was to ]!ay Mr. Bivers a visit, and gain all the information
I could before commencing. Mr. Rivers kindly showed me
over his houses, and gave me all the information I required.
I then pioceeded on his plan, and built one 55 feet long by
12 feet wide, 8 (eet high at the back, 4 feet high in front, with glass
lights in front within 1 foot of the ground, hung on pivots, all
to open ; a wall at the back, against which 1 planted three
trees, and three in front on trellises in a half-circle, that the trees
in front might not shade those on the wall. Two were large
trees in a bearing state, and, being carefully removed, bore well
the first season. The ventilation is from a door at each end,
and three openings of 2 feet square at the top of the wall,
but from experience since I have found a narrow shutter of
8 inches wide, hung on hinges and raised by a small upright
lod of iron, with a hole punched near tlie bottom to put on
a mail driven in the wall, may be raised any height. Tliis
■shutter to be flsed on the top of the rafters, and the glass left
open 'as for as this covers, the shutter to lap over the glass

about 1 inch to prevent drip. This I have found the best
ventilation of any I have adopted. The house is never oppres-
sively hot, as I have found others with only front and end
ventilation. As my trees planted on trellis did not shade or fill
up all the house, I obtained some in pots.

The year following I built another house, SO feet in length by
12 feet in width, 10 feet in height at back and 4 feet in front,
but boarded at the back instead of having a brick wall. But I
do not approve of boarding so well as a wall ; as in the spring,
when the trees are in blossom, with a cold east wind and frosty
nights, your prospect of a crop may be destroyed by a severe
frost, which a good wall would effectually keep out. The trees in
this liouse are planted the same as the first— against the boards
at back and on a trellis in front, with a good many in pots where
room is to be found. The aspect of this house is south-west by
west, which I do not consider so good as south or south-east.
The soil is also too rich, and I have some difficulty in checking
over-Iuxuri.incy and getting them into a good bearing state.

Having given a statement of my houses, I will now proceed
to give an account of the produce. The first year a light crop
on the large trees. Every year since a full crop on most of
the trees, as they have come into a bearing state. On many
a much heavier crop than most experienced gardeners would
consider safe for the well-doing of the trees, some bearing
xipwards of one hundred, and fine fruit. Some Noblesse Peaches
weighed 11 ozs.

The pot trees have also borne good crops. Last year several
had five dozen on, .ind a beautiful sight they were — all fine
fruit ; and notwithstanding the heavy crop, the trees were, and
are now, very healthy and luxuriant, although confined to a
fifteen-inch pot and not allowed to root into the border. This
year the same trees have from four dozen to four dozen and a
half, as I considered them over-cropped last year. Our crop of
Peaches and Nectarines last year from the two houses must
have exceeded a thousand, and the prospect is equally good for
a similar crop this year.

I generally commencs thinning as soon as the fruits are
fairly set, as I think they are less likely to drop if properly
thinned early. On many trees I must have taken off nine-
tentlis. This crop on pot trees could, of course, only bo brought
to perfection by gre:it attention and care, watering frequently
with manure water, and a plentiful supply of water every day
in liot weather. I would recommend to any one building an
orchard-house to plant the trees in the border, and train on
trellis in front and on the wall at the back, as a much greater
quantity of fruit may be grown by this plan than from pot trees,
and at much less labour and attention. Some of my neighbours
have failed in gi'owing a crop of fruit from pot trees, and I think
from following Mr. Rivers' instructions rather too literally by
giving them no water from October to February, which I
find will cause the blossom-buds to break very weakly, and
the greater part drop off. Another error is turning the trees
out of the house in the autumn for the sake of other plants,
and leaving them exposed to frost. My trees are in fifteen-
inch pots, and never allowed to root into the border. The pots
are all plunged up to the rim. In the spring I give them a
pretty liberal supply of salt both over the pots and borders,
and, judging from the appearance of my trees, consider it very
beneficial. Sometimes I apply a little nitrate of soda, which is
a very great fertiliser, and causes the foliage to become very
dark and luxuriant.

My ViNEET. — Finding it impossible to grow Vines and
Peaches successfully in the same house, I soon after erected a
vineiT ■IS feet in length, 10 feet high at back and 4 feet in front,
13 feet in width, length of rafters 15 feet. Having made a
good border nearly 2^ feet deep, with good prepared soil of
loam, old mortar, a few ashes, and not an atom of real manm-e,
I proceeded to plant my Tines inside the house 1 foot from
the glass ; being eight Black Hamburghs — one and two-year-old
plants raised by myself, one Prolific Sweetwater, one Esperione
from Mr. Rivers, and three Royal Muscadine, planted 3 feet
6 inches apart, and trained to a single rod and spurred. The
Vines have flourished exceedingly well. Last year was the first
season of bearing ; and, from looking so well, induced me to go
to the expense of heating the house with hot water, wliich I
accomplished the early part of March, 18(10. I allowed from
nine to ten bunches on each Vine, thinning them severely.
Fire heat was only continued daring cold and wet Tveather.
The crop ripened well, and was pronounced by good judges to
be very fine. Some bunches weighed 3 lbs., and many 2i lbs.

June 11, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

203

The Vines are remarlsably strong and healthy this season, and
are now carrying from twelve to seventeen bunches each, and
promise to be heavier than last year. I fear this crop is too
heavy for such young "Vines ; but they are very luxuriant, and
the wood is now beginning to ripen. The Grapes will soon
begin to colour, and no indication of mildew. The first remark
my friends make on entei-ing the house is, " Well, what manure
do you use ?" " None at all," is my reply. I have not even
given them one can of liquid manure this year, as they are
sufficiently strong without.

I have merely to add that I have now planted Vines at the
back against the wall, which may be partially trained down the
rafters between those which come up, where room is found ;
as I fear they may not be very productive on the wall, fi'om
being shaded too much. — W. E. Butleb, Lee Court, Feiersfield.

POEEIGN CLIMATES AND PLANTS.
No. 5.

As this journal is more a record of the productions of the

eai'th than of its localities, any attempt at the description of the

magnificent scenery of the Corniche road from Nice to Genoa,

through which the writer has recently passed, would probably be

■ out of place ; a few cursory notes will therefore only be given.

The temperature had continued about the same as at Nice, the
average of the thermometer in the shade during the day being
61°, and in the night 55°. At MUau it became considerably
cooler ; but on the Lake of Como the temperature again increased ;
and passing onwards from thence by Lugano to Lago Maggiore,
great heat has been experienced — in fact, the sun has become too
powerful to allow of walking out comfortably in the middle of
the day. The thermometer has been at 80° in the shade in the
day, and upwards of 60° at night. There has been hardly any
rain for the last six weeks, but almost continual clear sunshine, so
that the country stands much in need of an early fall.

The Grape Vines appear to shoot vigorously, and the bunches
numerous ; but in many places there are appearances of the
ravages of the oidium in the past year, and sulphur is in course
of application. At Lugano the ordinary wine is very inferior,
and I was told the Grapes have not been good there during the
last ten years.

In the palace gardens of the Prince of Monaco I observed a
rather novel application of the Myrtle ; it was used for edging to
the iiower-borders, and kept cut in, as Box is with us. It had a
very neat appearance, although it seemed to be rather a degra-
dation of so nice a plant. The sides of the roads and hills are
quite gay with the profuse blossoms of the white Acacias, used
m many places for hedges, and on the railway embankments.
On the Lake of Como tlie Laburnum was in full flower, and quite
wild, presenting a luxuriant appearance on the rocks down to the
water's edge. It is also very abundant with the white Guelder
Rose (Viburnum opulus) on Mont Salvatoro at Lugano.

The CameUia trees (us they may be called) attain a large size
in the open air by the Lake of Como, especially in the gardens of
the villas Sommaviva and Melzi ; our greenhouse Azaleas also
there flourish without protection, and are very fine. Large
branches were cut and given by the gardener to visitors, as almost
a matter of course ; there are also fine trees of the Paulownia
imperialis covered with their beautiful purple gloxinia-like
blossoms.

The Banksian Roses, both white and yellow, grow in the
greatest profusion, and also the Chinese Laburnum (Wistaria
sinensis) running up to the tops of houses, and amongst the
brauches of the Cedar and other trees; they have been almost
one mass of blossom. In some places the, Banksian Roses are
shorn as our quick hedges in England, and still ilower all over.

For some time past the Alpine Strawberries and Cherries have
been placed on the tables for dessert. At Genoa, on the 3rd of
Mny, the garden Strawberries were in the market.

The wild flowers in the fields are in great beauty. One of the
most conspicuous is the Salvia pratensis or Meadow Ciavy, which
is most abundant, and attai.js a large size, with long spikes of
purple blossoms. Sometimes variegated white and purple,
Orchises as well as Serapias are very plentiful, and the Narcissus
poeticus near Lugano. At Milan six bunches of Lilies of the
Valley were sold in the streets for a penny. Solomon's Seal
(Convallaria multiflora) is frequently met with, and on Mont
Salvatore, near Lugano, I found the beautiful blue Gentians
aqaulis, also Dajjhne cneorum in cjiiaatity, with the Polygala

chamsebuxis, and a handsome variety (Iflae and yellow) of the
same.

The rarer Ferns which have been met with were Asplenium
Petrarohfe and Pteris cretica, at Nice ; the Asplenium fontanum
plentifully near Mentone, and sparingly at Nice ; also at Men-
tone, Cheilanthes odora, and Gymnogramma leptophylla ; at
Roquebrune a fine variety of Polypodium sen-atum (almost equal
to cambricum) and plenty of the G. odora. Adiantum capillns-
Veneris is met with almost everywhere. At Lugano, the Cya-
topteris fragihs, Polypodium dryopteris, P. phlegopteris, P. eal-
careum, Lastrsea oreopteris, L. fcemina and others ; and here
(Braveno) the Osmunda regalis grows very large. — E. Copland,
Bi'aveno, Lago Maggiore, %1th May.

Vaeiegated Piakts. — In my opinion the best collection of
hardy ornamental variegated pUnts that ever has been sent to
this country by one man, and at one time, has just arrived from
Japan, and are in the possession of Mr. John Standish, of the
Royal Nursery, Bagshot. They were procured by Mr. Robert
Fortune, the botanical collector. For making improvements in
landscape gardening, or planting for artistic eifect, they are a
valuable acquisition. I think that after the exhibition of the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Kensington Gore, this;
fine collection should be exhibited at the Floral Hall for two or
three days, the public generally- would then have an opportunity
of appreciating their beauty and novelty. No lover of horticulture
could but be delighted with the sight of so many rare and curious
specimens. A trip to Bagshot to see that collection only will
wcU repay for the journey. — Joseph Newton, Laiidsca,pe Qar-
deiier, 30, JSastbourne Terrace, Hyde Pm-k.

WOEK EOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.
The trenching of vacant ground to be carried on where
required ; and if manure is wanted on ground about to be
planted it is best to lay it on the top after it is trenched, and
then to fork it in. Keep aU advancing crops in a vigorous growing
state by timely applications of water in dry weather, and fre-
quent surface stirring. Asparagus, to maintain the strength of
the grass next year, no more of the produce should be cut ; late
and close cutting is one of the principal causes of weak grass.
Caulijioioers, the plants which are now forming then- heads to
be watered, and mulched with short litter ; this will cause them
to come close and compact. Celery, continue to plant suoces-
sional crops into trenches ; the plants to be taken up with as much
soil around the roots as possible, and on no account to shorten
the leaves ; a good soaking of water to be given immediately
after they are planted. Dwarf Kidney Beans, a few more to be
sown for succession. Endive, make a sowing for the main
autumn crop. Plant out a few of the early sowing. Herbs,
propagate by cuttings. The best time for cutting them for dry-
ing will be just as they are coming into flower. Lettuce, tie up
some for blanching, and make a sowing in drOls where they are
to remain. Feas, keep up the staking of succession crops, and
do not neglect to get in a good breadth of the latest du-ectly in
driUs soaked with water. No sowing after this can be relied on
to produce a crop. Potatoes, earth up the main crops after
rain ; keep the ground between the rows loose. Spinach, sow
a few rows for succession ; water the drills before sowing, and
aoain after covering them. Scarlet Runners, the earth to be
well loosened about them, a little drawn up to the sterns^ and
then staked at once. Continue the gradual thinning of Carrots
and Onions as they may be required for use ; but Parsnips, Red
Beet, Salsafy, and Seorzonera should always be thinned to the
proper distance at once.

FICWEB' GAEDEW.

Keep a watchful eye on the beds and borders, and where
blanks appear let them be filled up with some of the reserved
stock. Newly-laid turf to be watered, and if suffering strew
some light litter slightly over to break the sun's rays. Top the
gross shoots of Roses, and peg down others where reeesaary,
and use the garden-engine freely to disperse insects, and to feed'
the roots. Dahhas to be well watered during dry weather, and
earwigs to be trapped as soon as possible. Roses may be budded,
taking eyes from those trees which have been forced. The young
wood from the same trees put in as cuttings will strike freely;

204

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 11, 1861.

Put Pink pipings in light, rich soil on the north side of a wall
or fence. Carnations, Pieotees, and herbaceous plants, with
the taller-growing bedding plants, to be staked and tied up, to
preTent injury from high winds.

FKUIT GAUDEN.
The recent hot weatlier has brought out the insect tribe in
abundance, and they must be met with timely remedies. A
powerful garden-engine sliould be kept in frequent use amongst
the trees and bushes infested with aphides and honey-dew.
Continue to stop, regulate, and lay in shoots of vvall trees. Stop
Vines, and tie in tlie shoots. Employ sulphur on the appear-
ance or suspicion of mildew.

STOVE.
A little fire heat is necessary occasionally, in order to air
freely, and to be enabled to continue a humid, kindly interior
atmosphere, which will greatly encourage a stui-dy healthy
growth. Attention to be given in shading the plants from
a scorching sun ; to watering, syringing, and applying manure
water occasionally.

GBEENHOUSE AND CONSEKVATORT.
When Orange and Camellia trees are kept in-doors, give
abundance of air night and day ; wash them frequently with
the syringe, using clean water, and damp the paths and floors
often. Specimen and choice plants nearly done blooming to
have their faded blooms picked off, and to be well washed with
the syringe ; to be then placed in a cool, shady situation to
recover themselves before potting, which, as before advised,
ehould on no account take place until a fresh growth has com-
menced. Shading for the plants in bloom will be necessary,
unless the roofs are covered with creepers. Air to be admitted
freely by night in accordance with the description of plants
gi-own, and tlie paths and floor to be kept damp by throwing
water repeatedly over them to produce a linmid atmosphere in
the house. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

In the kitchen garden hoeing, forking, and moving ground,
and thinning Onions, Carrots, ic, were the principal work. '1 he
ground has as yet received only a sprinkle of rain on the surface,
so that thinning, &c., has been attended with less dispatch than
if the ground had been more moistened, and waiting later would
be apt to injure the crop left. Watered forward Cauliflower's
with manure water, and covered the ground with mowings from
the lawn thick enough to keep most of the moisture in the
ground j and if rain comes, what will pass through it after or
during heating a little will do no harm. Find this also a
capital plan for a quarter of early Cabbages in such a dry season
as this has been lately. Even bedding plants would say nothing
against it, if it were not for the look of the thing. Wide Celery-
beds that had been filled with bedding plants to harden off were
got cleared ready for the first Celery out of doors. Pricked out
more on borders for future transplanting. Have none, as yet,
requiring earthing up as a general crop, as some people seem
to have, from writings and inquiries made ; and if we had a little
rather forward for kitchen use, we should not think of earthing
up any other in the first week in June, unless we wanted bolted
heads, instead of nice, sweet, solid Celery. Stopped early Peas
to cause them to swell their pods more freely, having found the
Tom Thumb Peas in pots very useful and rather continuous
bearing, if the pods were gathered rather closely, and not allowed
to get old enough for stewing. Threw some dirty salt among
Sea-kale and Asparagus, merely enough to sliglitly cover the
ground. This not only assists the crops but is no bad thing for
checking weeds.

The rains, as yet, being merely the lick of a promise, have
been forced to give the most of the Strawberries a good soaking
with manure water, having previously surface-stirred the ground
to cut up germinating weeds and fill up all cracks, and then
covering the space with long litter. Strawberries in houses
frequently want water twice a-day, and most are now cleared
out under protection of glass. A small border has been covered
with old spare sashes. Twelve-inch pots are merely placed at
back and front, some 6 feet or 8 feet apart, a rail placed on
them, and the sashes lie on the rail back and front. A board
9 inches deep or so goes against the pots, back and front, which
in sunny weather gives enough of air and keeps in a good deal

of heat. In sunny weatlier this hastens the ripening ; in dull
weather it is pretty well labour thrown away. It is well to
fully expose if the weather is fine a day before gathering, in
order to communicate flavour. Everything betokens a fine
crop of Strawberries this season, and early runners for next
season's forcing.

We holloaed before being quite out of the wood in speaking
of the abundance of Gooseberries, Currants, and Plums last
week, and their freedom from insects ; for only a few days
past nnd some caterpillars began to appear on the former,
and fly on the latter. Some of the berries of Gooseberries were
encrusted with fly, the ends of the young shoots began to curl
up and hold hundreds in their folds ; and the leaves of the
Currants began to turn yellow in two or three places, and their
points to be simOarly affected as the Gooseberries. The first
thing done was, to nip off in a basket the mere points of the
Gooseberry shoots the most affected, and which of itself would
be an advantage, and any redundant young shoots not wanted,
and then wash bushes and trees well with lime and soot water.
This has pretty well cleared off the hosts of invaders. I notice
in a few places there are still some cacerpiliars left ; and these
must be looked for, shaken off and then destroyed, or the places
powdered with lime and soot. The first is the best plan ; for if
the lime and soot are caustic enough to kill the caterpillar as
well as make it drop, it is apt to affect the cuticle of the berry
so much as to prevent it swelling freely and ripening kindly.
Fly also appeared among Plums where the fruit was thickest,
but the drencliing has pretty well cured them ; and picking and
washing have nearly driven the caterpillars from Cherries and
Pear trees, which I never knew so numerous as this season, not-
withstanding the severity of the winter. Watered Figs again
with manure water, which are now swelling kindly and ripening :
must shorten and regulate shoots as soon as possible. Watered
Peaches, &c., in pots in orchard-house, and nipped the points of
the shoots, and tied, stopped, and nipped off a few leaves to
expose the fruit freely in Peach-house, now nearest the fire,
beginning to ripen, though no fire has been given in the warm
niglits of late. Thinned out a few laterals from the earlier
vineries, and tied down the shoots in the late house, as the young
bunches just setting and coming into bloom were getting against
the glass, there being so much to do at the end of May and the
first fortnight in June. Melons and Cucumbers stopped and
regulated, and watered as required ; and prepared for planting as
soon as possible strong plants of pickling Cucumbers, Vegetable
Marrows, and hope they will do better than last year. Strong
plants of Tomatoes in large pots, are also crying out to get into
their summer quarters. Where walls are scarce, a fence, a
sloping bank, or even a south border will grow them well, if the
plants are kept well thinned and stopped.

In the plant way the verandahs have been set out, and the
conservatory fresh arranged, removing the whole of the Cinerarias,
Primulas, Camellias, and earlier Azaleas, Geraniums, &c., and
supplying with Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Scarlet Geraniums, &c.
The forwardest Azaleas were placed in a yard with the pro-
tection a good height above them of tliin Nottingham netting ;
those just finished blooming were given one end of the con-
servatory to themselves, where they could be kept a little
closer and have the syringe pretty freely before they made
fresh growth and began to stop for flower-buds. Cytisus, &c.,
past their best, were placed in the open yard with the wall in
front of them, just to break the force of the sun's rays for a
little time, and far enough apart to permit of the syringe
freely among them j freedom from red spider being essential to
their healthy appearance and free flowering. Moved the last
of the Camellias in pots almost done blooming to the late
vhiery, where the fresh growth will receive a little encourage-
ment before the plants will go out of doors for the season.
Kept potting stove and greenhouse plants as needed, and com-
menced potting such common tilings as Perilla, and small
Geraniums, for summer and autumn decoration ; the chief work,
however, being getting forward with the bedding plants, and
keeping these all right, by syringing and watering, the labour
of which has been lessened since the 31st ult., by the weather
being more dull and threatening to give the soaking rain that
seems so loath to come. This ease from labour in watering
has the disadvantage of not causing the ground to get warm
so soon as in bright sunshine, and, for bedding plants especially,
where not one in a hundred comes from a pot, but is lifted
from an intermediate-bed and planted at once, a warm soil
is a great essential to quick and healthy growth. Even in

June 11, 1861.]

JOUBNAIi OF HOKTICULTITKE AND COTTAGE (JARDENEE.

205

hot days a little water will go a great way if jadiciously giren ;
for, provided the roots have enough, not a drop more should be
given, as the soil becomes cooled first by the water, and then
still more by the evaporation caused by it. In cases of impor-
tance, it is best to remove the dry surface soil, give the little
water needed, and in half an hour or less replace the dry
surface soil, to lessen evaporation and the cold produced by it.
When the soil about the roots is damp enough, and young
plants are slill disposed to flag, a little shading ov a sliglit
dewing of the foliage is far more useful than delugings of
waterings. In sprinkling, the little that falls on the hot surface
of the ground rises about the foliage ere long as warm vapour.
For maintaining regular unbroten beds, even in such cold stilF
soil as is here, and without scarcely any filling up after once
planting, I have just too little secrets, now secrets no more — the
above plan as to watering, and giving almost every plant a
little of the light warm compost relerred to the other week, even
thougli that should scarcely be half a handful or a quarter of
one. Raising the plants from beds, instead of planting from
pots with balls, ia also another help, though sometimes the
plants suffer more from hot weather at first. One item more
as respects Calceolarias is to get them out before they are too
forward. A friend told me he planted some hundreds the other
day from pots and in full bloom, making a fine bed at once. I
hope they may go on ; but there is the risk, if the ball was not
broken on the outside well, that they might cease to bloom, or
cease to tln-ive by the middle of the autumn.

In laying such stress upon limited waterings in the above
case, we wish beginners clearly to understand that it applies to
such cases alone, and not to waterings in general to fully-esta-
blished plants. In their case the general rule is, Water so as
thoroughly to moisten the earth about the roots, and water no
more until another thorough watering is needed. In such cases
mere frequent suiface sprinklings do more harm than good —
surface roots are merely encouraged to be burned up with a
powerful sun ; whilst, so long as the surface of the soil is moist,
the lower roots will have less chance of obtaining moisture from
beneath them until the surface becomes again comparatively dry.
Merely refreshing the foliage with a sprinkling is quite a- dif-
ferent thing, and is very refreshing in the evenings of hot
weatiier. After a slight shower, under such circumstances, even
though the surface of the ground is little touched, how fresh
everything looks ! This is very different from watering a bed
every day with the rose of a watering-pot : circumstances must,
therefore, be our guide ; and what I wish to impress is, the
different watering new-planted- out flower-beds should receive
contrasted with the delugins; we should give to a quarter of
strong Cauliflower plants. — R. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*#* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the "Journal of Sorticulture, <fc.," 162, Fleet
Street, London, IS.C.

KiDDEAN System (Stupid Fellow). — Tliis is not ripe yet for drawing. Tiie
original was a great vault made fireproof under the drawing-rooms, and
10 feet or 12 leet from tlic end ot the conservatory, thu hot-air passage
rising rapidly on the slope, and the structure cost over £200 of the public
money, perhaps twice as much ; but it all ended in smoke, the vault was full
of smoke every time tlie thing was set to work, and there it ended, and no
one could make it work. Mr. Kidd pulled the structure to pieces, and Mr.
Beaton explained hov/ he did it sufficiently lor those who understand such
things to be able to make a new one. Others had better not try it till the best
practical application of it is lound out, and Is proved by actual practice, then
we shall give a drawing of it. We publish to-day drawings of the mode in
which a correspondent has carried the Kiddean mode of heating into effect;
this may aid you.

Geranium Leaves (8armana).~~YonY variegated leaf Is very pretty indeed,
and comes very near the Queen's favourite, and the whole class of tricolor-
leaved Geraniums, one of the thi-ee colours being pink or crimson ; but it is
very difficult to transmit the markings by crossing. Your other leaf is,
we think, that of the type of Mangles' Variegated, and, if so, that kind will
not cross in England ; but give it all the chances you can, and let us hear
how you succeed with it in the climate of Guernsey.

Clav on a Clay Subsoil (B. H'.).— Yours is the worst of bad soils for
gardening. The most effectual way to improve it is to bum a full sjade's
depth of the surface, and dig in the ashes thus obtained with the spade's
depth of soil next below. This with the admixture ol bricklayer's limy
rubbish, coal ashes, and road scrapings, if from flints mixed with the soil,
will improve its staple, and, as it is well drained, ought to give you good
cropsL

Hint to 5Ir. Beaton {IgnoHs). — Hippocrepis comosa, neat habit, bright
colour, very fragrant Much obliged. The seed-pods are also most curious,
queer-looking, crooked horns. Please send us a pod or two when the seeds
are ripe. It is a pretty, dwarf yellow pea flower, and grows best on our
chalky downs.

Rare Edging Plant (JT. X. TT.).— The little plant which makes yon " a
very neat edging," is the oldest we know. AVe have not seen it since May,
18'?1. Mr. N. Kiven, now of Drumcondra, near Dublin, had it then in
Belladrura, above Inverness, and he had it in a damp, low situation, intensely
shaded by trees. He said it would grow only in that way. Pray tell us the
exact circumstances under which it has made the neat edging; for it is the
prettiest leaf of all the hardy decorative plants we know, and an edging
of it must look as if made all of Cyclamens. The old garden name cf the
plant was Virginian Asarabacca, and it is the Asarum virginir.uin. The
flower has no petals; but the calyx, which is in three parts, is thick and
leathery, of a dark purple colour, and is not seen on account of the leaves.
If you would kindly send a root or two of it, we will put it into the hands of
Mr. Beat.jn, who would put us, probably', in the way of having a very neat
edging of it.

Tri^atment of Neglected Vines on a Wall {G. S. 2f.). — "Without
seeing your Vines it is almost impossible to advise you what to do with them.
From what you say, we conclude that you can do nothing to the roots except
stirring the surface, and giving a good soaking of tepid liquid manure twice
or three times during this summer, and keeping the surface mulched. From
the fact tliat the Vines are unfruitful, we are led to think that there has been
too much wood left annually. Should that be the ca-^e, thin out now the
young shoots very severely, rutting off close to the old wood. Go over the
whole of the Vines, and just leave as many young shoots as will have room
to expand tlieir leaves; and leave portions of wall exposed to be warmed by
the sun. Let the shoots that are left be stopped at the fifth leaf, or tlere-
abouts ; and as ttc laterals break at the sides, stop them at the first joint.
Stop these again, and again during the summer, and keep each young
shoot close nailed to the wall; the object of this pruning, stopping, and
ti-aining close to the wall is, to fill the buds, and ripen the wood, without
which any Vine will be barren for ever. The Vine on the south-west
aspect should have the bricks taken away from tlie stem, a sufficient dis: ance
to allow the manure water to get down to the roots. Are you sure the
bordurs are dry at the bottom ? It is very likel) Mr. Appleby will shortly
give instructions how to treat old Vines where the owner wishes to preserve
t;iem ; but the operation of lilting them, making a fresh border, and re-
planting, is best done in the autumn, so you will have time enougli bel'ore
you. In the meantime, summer-prune yoar Vines, keep the shoots wide
apart, and get the wood well ripened as early as you can. If there are no
bunches shown already, you need not expect any this season.

Entomological Work ( W. Jones). — Kirby and Spence's "Introduction to
Entomology," is the best elementary work we know.

White Hellebore Powder (0. P.).— Dusting this over Gooseberry
bushes to destroy the caterpillars upon them, is not in the slightest degree
liliely to render the fruit poisonous. Washingthc fruit previi>usly to bottling
it would remove every particle of the powder. We have used the powder
many times. It should be recently prepared, for hellebore powder if old is
apt to lose its efficacy .

Boxes for Exhibiiino Cut P.oses {Rose).— As the petals of the adjoining
specimens should just touch, you had better cut a truss and give space
according to their size. The same test may be applied to determine the
depth, the length of the stalk does not require more than 6 inches. Have
oblong boxes, made with a moveable cover ; this cover or lid to have sides
to it deep enough to keep tlie lid clear from the Roses. The lower part of
the box should have a division-board resting upon a ledge of wood ; this
board should haveholcs in it wide enouch to admit tin or zinc buttles through
them, and these bottles should have a flat rim wider than tlie hole, for them
to rest upon the board, and so prevent them slipping through. 11 the bottles
fit pretty tight, so much the better; but as the bu.ird is moveable and can be
lilted out, should any of the bottles feel loose they may be wedged tight with
chips of wood from the under side. The lower part of the box should be deep
enough to allow the buttles to hang clear ol the bottom ; if this were not so
they would be pushed upwaids, and the Roses spoiled. The box being so
made and fitted with boltles placed at such distances as to allow the Roses
to be'pu'- in 'l^cm so as not to loach each other, let the whole have two or
three coats of paint, the last being a pleasing grass green. This ought to be
done time enough to allow the paint to become perfectly dry before the day of
exhibition.

Raisers of Flowers (C. Broivn).— Yon must excuse us for declining to
search for this information. If you refer to some old florist's catalogues you
will find the names of the raisers in parentheses

Name of Tree (C. S. J:.).— It is Pyrus aria, the White Beam Tree.
Nothing shuts out an unsightly object so soon as a trellis, and Ivy turned
out of pots, which are to be had at all large nurseries, and may be planted
now. We cannot name any trees, for we do not know either the soil or
situation, or county even where they are to grow.

Green Fly on Gooseberry Bushes (M. K. .;.).— Syringe them with
Gishurst Compound two ounces to the gallon of water, and repeat the
syrin''ing every second day until the insects do not reappear. All of the
mowing machines advertised in our columns are good. We cannot recom-
mend florists. Tan spread over Strawberry-beds will answer for keeping the
fruit unsplashed.

EociiETs (A. J.).— Merely the common Rockets to be obtained of any
nurseryman.

Root-prdning Frdit Trees (CTcrtcMs).— The best time is as soon in
autumn as the fruit on the trees is ripe. Cutting the roots then -say
October, will influence the trees the first season, less or more, "the trees
are in a state of icst it will not influence their frail fulness until the second
summer.

Geranium Leaves Injured (ir. B. S.).-We can think of no cause but
the leaves being damp when the sun has shone brightly ujion them Ihe
sponging is a ctpital thing in London, but in the case of Pelargoniums the
leaves should be dry before the sun reaches them. We hope the pots aie not
allowed to stand in saucers half full of water.

Gazania splendens in Pots (B.).-The Gazania is worthy of a place in
the greenhouse and the flower-bed likewise. It naturally trails, but to
prevent being hurt by winds, it would be as well to have a few pegs to keep

266

JOTTRKAL OF HORTTCTJLTTEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

[ June 11, 18G1.

it finn. TImt in the grecniiou=c should liave a snnny spot. It will pro-
pagate as easily, or rathei- more so, tJidn the Vcrbtna- If you had a spare
hand liclit in a shady corner, every bit put beneath it an inch or two in length
in sandy soil in summer, would soon root. Small pieces also root quickly in
heat in spring.

PiiorAG.ATTSG DiELTTRA sPECTABiLis {I<hm). — The Dltlytra is easily
increased three ways— first, when the pUnts are done blooming, cut up the
stallis intr- pieces and insert in a cool shady place under the protection of a
hand-light; second, when the shoots rise and ai^e about 2 inches to 3 inches
long in spring, they stril-ic very fast in a little heat; ajid thirdly, by dividing
the roots when at rest or just beginning to move, like a dahlia root.

Yabious {Jhiicracl).—V:e would not advise planting Vines in tan however
oM. It contains too much acid AVe suspect either that the Vine roots have
descended deeper than you suspect, or that the wood was impei-fectly
ripened last autumn. Lessen growths thi.s seasnn bv keeping the Vines
pretty free of laterals, and give a little extra fii e heat with plenty of air in
aiitumn in order to liarden the wood well before the leaves fall. Collect the
sn.3ils after you have laid down brewer's grains or leaves of C-abbnge or
letTuce smeared with tat, to entice them to congregate in heaps. Pot your
Camellias either as soon as Uiey make fresh giowth, or imn^ediately after
they are stopped lengthening, which you will know by the haidneas'of the
terminal bud. The best to suit your pui-pose as a climber we should judge
to be Coboea scaudens.

MiLDRW ON Vines (^/rnrf).— Although it still appearson your Vines, yet
it cannot progi-ess if you keep the Grapes and leaves dusted with flowers of
sulphar. We cannot advise more as to your Vines tlian painting your
heating medium with a creamy mixture of sulphur and lime ; but if a flue,
putting nnne on for three or four yards from the furnace, and even hot
■water should not be above 170° in the pipes, it you put on them the sulphur
mixture. With your copious watering, if you had not given so mucli air,
we should have attribut- d the seizure to too close and damp an atmosphere.
Ton must just continue the dusting, and giving plent>- of air and less
moisture in the aii* of the house.

Plastisg out Herbaceous Calci^olari v Seedusgs (Idem).— Yoi\ may
with propriety eet or plunge your Calceolaria plants in pots under a north
wall in sand or coal ashes as you propose ; but we would rather propose
makii.g a raised border of silver sand, peat, leaf mould, and loam, in equal
proportions, and turning out the plants in it. If health.- now and ktpt
heaMliy, they will fuinish you with plenty of sucker-like young plants in
the antnmn.

Grapes Shankisg— PnoPAGAXixG-riT (TT. A. i,).— Such effects on Vines
are produced by too heavy crops, and from the roots being too deep. Either
a dung-heated frame or a fined pit is best, accordingly as best managed.
A nice pit would be 3.^ feet high at back, and 2 feet 3 inches in front, and
a foot below the grot.nd level, and o.^ feet wide; walls 9 inches thick, heated
by a flue 9 inclies wide, and two bricks on edge tor the sides. We have
recently told everything about making flues, n>ing cement pipes, &c For
comfort and convenience we would recommend a span-roofed little house, or
even one facing the south, with a hipped-roof, so that you could do every-
thing under cover. Thus supposing you had a space 9 feet wide, you might
sink it a little under the ground level, or liave it on the surface level, which
would be Icasit trouble ; form two side walls 3,^ feet high, and a ridge-board
7 feet high, rafter sash-bars 2.^ inches by li inch would be strong enough,
15 inches apart to receive glass of that size, with either a double ridgc-
board, with ventilatoi's between them, or every other square in the ridge
made to open. Two side walls ins de would form your pathway 2 feet
6 inches wide, leaving rather more than 3 feet for a bed on eacli side. The
flue could enter at one side below the bed, go round the other to tlie
chimne> . a concrete or loose bed over the flue would enable you to do any-
thing with it as to heat or propagating, but such a flue in such a house if
20 feet long, ought to be biick-on-bed for a quarter of its length. The mode
of concreting or uing open rubble has frequently been told. In such a
house a few ventilators should be secured in the side vails.

Earthixg-up Potatoes (ff. £..).— This practice is objectionable because it
retards the ripening of tlie crop. If the earth is drawn up to the stems in a
high pyramid, as is usual, the letardation is a full fortnight, and is evidently
occasioned by the plant pushing foxth fresh root-growth into the soil tluis
raised about the stems. The earlier the crop of Potatoes ripens the more
likely is it to escape the murrain: therefore, the check thns occasioned
ought to be avoided. If your Potatoes are planted shallowly there would be
no objection to drawing an extra inch depth of soil up to the stems, so that
the tubers may not appear throngh the surface.

Fumigating Pi.AMTS.—i2o«e Garden writes to us as follows:— "■Sometime
ago, one of ycur con-espondents gave us his invention of a plan for smoking
plants in borders, and promised to infoim jour readers how to smoke standard
Roses, Now, although I have been looking very anxiously, week afttr week,
I have, not yet seen his promise fulfilled. Could you give us any plan, as my
Roses are now beginning to be terribly infested with the horrible green fly ?"
AVill uur correspondent send us his promised communication ?

Spergula PiLiFERAf^ Correspoti(lcnf).^'lt giows as well now as at the
first on the strongest clay land, and not better than ever it did on all light
lands. Mr. Carter has taken to the Spergula Xurserv, and now prefers the
saginnides for light soil, as the old iXottish crypto'gaoiist pointed out long
ago, and by seeds is the best way to raise it

Yo-uvG Melons Turning Yellow (P.).— This and their subsequent fallinff
oflF are probably occasioned by the roots being too wet and too cold.

Variois [Belpash Subscribe?').— Vou will have seen that we recommend
white hellebore powder for the gooseberiy caterpillars. Build an ice-hou«e
any time so as to be ready for tlie first ice that is formed nest winter. You
will find directions for constructing an ice-house in the Cottage Gardeners^
Diciiouary, and by Mr. Fish, in our No. 5S8, which you can have from our
office for Ad., fi-ee by post. Your bookseller is in fault ; eveiy copy required
can be had at our office before twelve o'clock on the day of publication. We
arc obliged by the ofl'er of translation, but we have it done already.

CoNVBRmtG AN AiiUAEiUM INTO A Febnert (Emma).~\t will require a
glazed top, and wo recommend it to be an eight>sided cupola to correspond
with the octagon fnnn of the aquarium. If made moveable it will bo very
effective for ventila'ion. Rockwork is a great iniprovcment to a rainiature
fernery. Messrs. Vcitch <fc Son had a magnificent example of one at the
Horticultural Society's fete on Wednesday last. JImiature ruins, which are
sold ready made in Covent Gai-den Market, are very effective.

Building a Lean-to Greenhouse (An Old Subscriber).— Sec whether
the directions in Vol XXIII. p. 347 will not suit you. By referring to that,
to Vol. XIII. p. 50, and to "Greenhouses for the Many," (wy carpenter

could construct the one you need.

Tea Rose Aurora (B. R C(iiit).~The blooms sent are very beautiful^
and the Rose is unknown to us. It seems al'ied to Cloth of Gold and the
Noisettes. Tlie colour a soft creamy yellow, very much that of the cream of
rich milk, the shape good, and the foliage equal to that of Gloire de Dijon.
If as you say, it is lost to the trade, it will be conferring a boon on Rose-
growers to let it out again ; and as the blooms sent are gathere'l from a
plant in the open air, its hardiness would still further enhance its value. The
small Apple was in excellent condition, and In our opinion is a very valuable
sort, as well for its first-rate quality for dessert use as for i's late keeping.

Names of Plants [J. L. 5".).— Your "plant, with scent like the onion,"
is the Ransoms. AJWim urtinvm. It is very common, and is detested by
cowkeepers: for if in pastures where their cows feed, it gives a garlic like
flavour to their milk.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

June nth. Rotal OxFonrsniRE Horticultural Society. (Plants and

Flowers.) Sec, W. R. Ilobbs.
June 12th and 13th. York. Sec, J. Wilson,
June 19lli and 20th. Eiughton anu Sussex Fi.oriculturai, and Horti-

coLTURAL Society. Sec. E. Carpenter.
JuyE 2.5th. RoMFOKD. (Plants, Flowers, and Fruit.) Sec, A. Cooper,

RomfortL
.luLY 3rd. PoRTSEA Island. Sec, H. Hollingsworth, Soutbsea.
July Gth. Crystal Palace. (Rose Show.) Sec, W. Houghton.
July 10th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Rose Show.) Garden

Siiperhitendeni, G. Eyles.
July 18th. Towcf.ster Floral and Horticultl-ral Society. Sec^

T. B. Rodlmuse, Towcestcr.
July i8th. Prescot. Sec, J. Beesley.
August 9ih. Belfast Royal Botanic and Horticultural Society.

(Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables.) Sec, George A. Carnithers.
August 14th. Portsea Island. Scc.,'U.. Hollingsworth, Southsca.
September 2nd. Heckhondwike. (Floral, Horticultural, and Agri-
cultural.) Sec, G. Kelley, Heekmondwikc.
Sf-ptember 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fiiiit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
Septe:mber 11th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Gardeji SuperintendnU^ G. Eyles.
Sfptembkr ISth and I9tb. Brighton and Sui^cx. Sec, E. Carprntek.
NovEMBPR 6th and 7th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Super iniendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and I3th. Stoke Newincton Chrtsanthemuk Soclety.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
Novembfr Itth and I5lh. Crystal P.^LACE. fChrysanthomnm Sho'n*.)

Sec, ^V. Houghton.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.
POULTRY SHOWS.

June 19th. Thorne. Sec, Jlr. Joseph Richardson. Entriesclosc June 12th.
Jlne I9tb, 20th, and 2lst. Coalbrookdale. Sees., Messrs J. B. Chune,

and Henry Boycroft, Coalbrookdale.
JuNE2.5lh. KssEx. Sec, Mr. W. R.Emson, Slough House, Halstead, Esses,.
JusESSth. Driffield. Sec, Mr. R. Davison. Entries close June 22nd.
June 28th and 29th. Taunton. Sec, Mr. Charles Ballanee. Entries

close June 17th.
July 3rd, 4th, and 5ih. Blackpool and West Lancashire. Sec, Mr. E.

Fowler, juo.. Market Street, Bhickpool. Entries close June 30th.
July ISib. Prescot. Sec, Mr, J. Bee&ley.
August 26th, 27 ih, 28th, and 29th. Crystal Palace Summer Snow.

Sec, Jlr. W. Houghton.
September 3rd. Pocklingtok (Yorkshire.) See., Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close Augu&t 26th.
September 24th. Bridgnorth. See., R, Taylor, BridgTiorth.
December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. Sec., Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November Ist.
December 11th, 12tb, 13th, and 14th. Crystal Palace Winter Snow.

Sec, Mr. W. Houghton.

N.B. — Secretaries will ohligit.ua by sending early copieiof their lists.

EULES FOE SELECTIING DOBKINGS.

Ir Tour breed he Dorkings, choose them -n-ith large limbs and
wide backs, ^\^len the chicken ia held with tlie left hand, place
the right flat on the back of it, resting on the liip bones, the
■width there will be a fair test of the size of the bird. A bird
wide there is generally good elsewhere ; wiiile, on the other
hand, it is impossible that a narrow-backed bird can either be
full in hand, or satisfactory in the scale. It may not be out
of place here to say, that although great weight is more than
desirable in this breed, yet that mere fact is not enougli to gain
prizes. Weight shoidd be the re»uU of size. The point Itas.
often been mooted, and it will no doubt be so again. It begaw
in the early days of Cochins, and caused the poor birds to be
fed on meat of every kind, to the detriment, if not the destruc-
tion, of their powers and usefulness as brecding-stocfc. Poulti-y
shows are not held for the exhibition of fat stock. Choos«
chickens with well-dereloped, but not remarkably large, fifth'
toes and claws, with white legs ; but it is not essential that thej
be of that dead milk-white that some would haye. Tou Jaatf

Jame 11, 1861. ]

JOTJENAL OF HOETICULTUEE ASS COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

207

go tlirough many of the best yards in tlie kingdom, and you ■n-ill
not £nd one fowl with a faultless white leg, as a sort of brown
or sepia tinge 13 common among them. If this covered the whole
leg it would unquestionably be a disqualification ; but it does
not, it only stains the edge of the scales that cover the leg.
The white leg is declared to be essential as distinguished from a
black, blue, willow, or yellow. It is very desu'able the breast
should be straight. In choosing cock chickens take those tliat
hare full-sized leg.^, large round heads, strong beaks, and full
eyes ; choose them lengtliy. Avoid anything like maturity in a
chicken from which you expect growth. It should be as loose
as a tall boy of fifteen.

Dorkings, save in the Silver Grey classes, are not tied to colom-;
but it is nevertheless quite as well to liave those that are pleasing
as those tiiat are offensive to the eye ; the best bird — that which
limits every quality — is only good enough to win, and, therefore,
«ven a very trifling defect, or tlie lack of some advantage pos-
sessed by a competing pen, may turn the scale.

Again, although it is not essentially necessary the hens or
pullets in a pen of Dorkings should be the exact counterpart of
each other, yet it is well they should be as much alike as possible.
We do not believe in yards where all the pullets are so much
alike you cannot tell one from tlie other ; that can only be
accomplished where they "breed well, and kill well." Our
experience tells us the white speckle will have its way. It comes
on the back of the Silver Grey pullet, and on the breast of the
cock ; the latter also often shows the white feather in his tail.
We sometimes buy the draft bu-ds of one of our most successful
Silver Grey breeders, and when we see the mixture of coloiu-
among them we always think of Brummel's valet, who being
•met on the staircase of an hotel with a supper-tray full of
scarcely-tumbled cravats, and being asked what they were, said,
" They are our failures." It is, then, advisable to keep colours
■that will help to successful exhibition. To accomplish this
desirable end, everything in the poultry-yard should be made
subservient to it, inasmuch as in the July arrangements the
December and January contests should be borne in mind — not
to make tbem anxieties, but to avoid the unavailing regret after-
wards ; the fttal, desolating " too late," when the pen cannot be
satisfactorily formed. " If I had saved those two pullets, or had
not killed that young cock, I could have done better."

While on the subject of Dorkings, we may as well advise any
one who may breed a very good pen of rose-combed chickens to
take care of them. There are yet people who doubt the purity
of them, but the same nail up carefully-concealed horseshoes in
different parts of their houses, and in solitary spots like to put
a running stream between themselves and an old woman.
In general breeding, do not discard a cock for white-spotted
breast, nor for white tail, nor for clouded or dark hackle and i
saddle. There is no colour, and, therefore, none are barred
except white and black. In these, as in other breeds where size ;
is important, the birds must be always well fed ; they must
never be allowed to fall off. A chicken that has gone back, and
recovered its ground, is, when convalescent, just where it was
when it fell ill. That which has gone on uninterruptedly is all
the time a-hoad. Scanty feeding is false economy ; overfeeding
is wicked waste. Both render success impossible. I

BATH & WEST OF ENGLAND AGEICULTIIIIAL
SOCIETY'S MEETING,

HELD AT TETJEo, coRNWAiL. — June 4th, 5tb, and 6tli.

The Bath and V.'est of England Agricultural Society have
now been for a number of years past notorious for the excellence
of the poultry comijeting at their annual exhibitions ; and
although the selection of a show ground so distantly situated as
Truro is from the yards of most of our principal breeders, had
a tendency to limit the numbers of entries, we have great
pleasoi'e in stating, that the quality of the specimens of every
variety of useful poultry exhibited, even surpassed all former
meetings of this Society. This marked improvement in the
utility of the poultry, was, indeed, the universaUj acknowledged
fact among all present.

Messrs. Martin, Lane, and Fowler, who obtained the prizes for
Black Spanish fowls in the consecutive positions in which we
have named them, never exhibited better specimens of careful
breeding.

The DorJcivg class comprised every variety of colour, which,
of course, gave but remote opportunity of success to the White

ones ; stiU it will be seen Mrs. Fookes, of Whitechurch, Bland-
ford, Dorset, held her position as third prize with a pen of as
good white ones as need be desired. The Marchioness of Win-
chester fau-ly ran away with fhe prize from her rivals in the
Grey Dorkings, with that well-known pen of dark ones, of late
so repeatedly successful. They elicited the warmest approval of
every visitor ; and her first-prize pen of chickens of 1861 were
but little, if any, less worthy of our especial mention. The
second prize in the Dorkings was carried off even under this
truly severe competition by a resident of Cornwall — viz., Mr.
Roberts, of Treval, near Torpoiut ; this gentleman's bh'ds were
I shown in first-rate condition.

! The Cochin classes were capital. In Buffs, Mr. Tomlinson, of
Birmingham, took first and third prizes, with two of his unu-
sually good pens, Mrs. Fookes' second-prize pen being a trio of
as well-plumaged birds as could be desired. Mr. Chase, of Bir-
i mingham, showed a pen of White Cochins in the most perfect
feather conceivable, and wrested the first premium from 83
goodly a competition of " Cochins of every colour, save Cin-
namon and Buffs," as we remember to have yet seen anywhere,
so far as the Partridge-coloured birds of Mr. Peploe Cartwright
were concerned ; but with these two exceptions the class, as a
whole, was a failure.

The Oame classes were well filled, and likewise superior ; Black"
breasted Keds, Brown Eeds, and Black Game being, hawever,
decidedly the most favoured.

In their class, Mr. Ballance, of Taunton, showed as good a pen
of coloured Malays as possible, and also a white cock in the
Single Cock class, both of which obtained first premiums.

The Hamhurghs, with the exception of Mr. Lane's Golden-
spangled, Mr. Slartin's Silver-pencilled, and Lady Julia Corn-
wallis's Silver-spangled, were unusually faulty throughont.

The best variety of Folunds exhibited, were the Black ones
with white crests.

The most prominent feature in the Extra Variety class was
the Wliite Spanish. This district seems especially famous for
this curious breed. Messrs. Eodbard and Fowler tried well for
the mastery in Spanish Chickens, Mr. Fowler taking precedence,
but well run by both the second and third-prize birds of Mr.
Eodbard. Each of these three pens, if then doing well, will
be formidable rivals at our winter meetings. Mr. Charles Fel-
ton's pen of Partridge-coloured Cochin Chickens were excellent,
and Mr. Archer's Black-breasted Eed Sweepstakes Game Cock was
an admirable specimen. Mr. Harvey Dutton Barley completely
silenced anything approaching competition in the Sweepstakes
Bantam Cock class, by entering his well-kno^-u Elack-breaeted
lied, the fellow to such a bird being, in truth, but scantily sown.

The Eev. G. S. Cruwys took tliree first prizes for three
descriptions of Bantams — viz., Sdver-laced, Gold-laced, and Black
ones, against a host of rivals — a triumph in these closely-contested
days to any poultry yard. The first-prize Bantams for "any
variety" were capital Duekwings ; they took this premium eren
though labouring under the no slight disadvantage of trareUing
from Glasgow to Truro to attain it.

To say Sirs. Seamons, of Aylesbury, won the Aylesbury Duck
prizes is, indeed, a Cuckoo's note, for her breed of these useful
stock are unsurpassable. Mr. Fowler's Eouens, and Mr. Sains-
bury's Buenos Ayrean Ducks, were cquaDy praiseworthy.

The Grey Geese and the Turkeys, also, belonging to the Mar-
chioness of Winchester, stood out " like giants" in their respectire
classes, and we ourselves heard many remarks of visitors expres-
sive of astonishment that such birds really were e:xisting.

Some peculiarly good White Ottinea Foiols were also much
coveted.

Although many of the Pigeons were shown in unusually good
trim, perhaps the most praiseworthy were the Ice ;birds and a
pen of Black Trumpeters ; these last were a marvel to the fancy.
The Eunts, too, were fii-st-rate ones.

Among the odds and ends, a paii' of exquisitely plumed Cor-
nish Choughs reigned supreme ; they were as tame as the most
domestic chickens, in the rudest of health, and, as stated in the
tent, were " everybody's favourites."

It will be seen they "were specially acknowledged by fhe Judges,
Dr. Cottle, of Cheltenham, and Mr. Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, Bir-
mingham. The poultry was well-looked to by the Council, and
prompt measures were adopted to secure quick transit on their
long return journey.

SPiSisH.— First, J. Martin, Mildenliam Mill, Claines, Worcester. Seaonil,
H. Laue, Bristol Third, J. K. Fowler, Ayk-sbury. Highly Commended,
fi, "Wrigbt, Holloway, London. Commanded, J. K. Fowler.

208

JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jmiell, 1861.

Dorking. — Fir3t, Marchioness of Winchester, Andover. Second, R. W.
Roberts, Cfirnwall. Third, Mrs. H. Fonkes, Dorset. Highly Commended,
E. Buiton, Cornwall ; J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury; C. H. Wakefield, Worcester-
shire. Commended, G. Chadwin, Salisbury; Lady J. CornwalUs, Kent.

Cochin-Chisa (Buff or Cinnamonl.— Firbt and Third, H. Tomlin^on, Bir-
mingham. Second, Mrs. H. Fookes, Dorset.

Cochtn-China (any colour except Buff).— First, R. Chase^ Birmingham.
Second, P. CarLwright, Shropshhe. (Third withheld.)

Gaue (White and Pile?, Blacks and Bra8>y-winjced}.— First, J. Fletcher,
Lancaster. Second, W. Dawson, Birmingham. Third, Rev. G. S. Cruwys,
Devon.

Game (Black-breasted and ether Reds).— First, J. Fletcher, Lancaster.
Second, S. Matthew, Sutfolk. Third, W. Rogers, Suffolk. Commended,
Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Devon,

Gake (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues). — First, S. Matthew,
Suffolk. Seiond, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Devon. Third, W. Dawson, Birming-
ham. Highly Commended, W. Long, Devizes.

Malay.— First, C. Ballance, Taunton. Second, G. F. Nicholls, Cheltenham-
Third, J. Rumsey, Hackney, Middlesex.

Hambukgh (Golden-pencilled).— First, The Marchioness of Winchester,
Andover. (Second and Third withheld.)

Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled).— First, J. Martin, Worcester. Second and
Third, T. Keable, Berks.

Hakburgh (Golden-spangled).— First, W. R. Lane, Birmingham. Third'
W. A. Elliott, Plymouth. [Second withheld.)

Hamburgh (Silver-spangled).— First, LaJy J. Cornwallis, Kent. (Second,
and Third withheld.)

PoLANDS (Black, with White Crests.)— First and Second, T. P. Edwai-ds*
Lyndhurst, Hants. Third, G. Ray, Lyndhurst, Hants. Commended, Miss
E. de Couicy Drevar, Dublin.

PoLANDS fGolden and Silver-spangled). — First and Second, E. Carlyoni
Cornwall. Third, E. Carbis, Cornwall.

Any Variety not Comprised in the Forementiosed Classes. — First,
Miss S. H. Northcote, Exeter (White Spanish). Second, J.Martin, Corn-
wall (Cuckoa Fowls). Third, The Marchioness of Winchester, Andover
(Brahmas). Highly Commended, E. Burton, Truro (Minorcas) ; J. K.
Fowler, Aylesbury (Brahmas) ; J. Davey, Cornwall (Silver Pheasants).
Commended, J. H. Craigie, Essex (Brahmas).

Spanish Chickens (Black or White). — First, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury.
Second and Third, J. R. Rodbard, Aldwick Court, Wrington, Bristol

Dorking Chickens. — First, The Marchioness of Winchester, Amport St.
Maiy's. (Second and Third, withheld.)

Game Chickens.— First and Second, withheld. Third, J. Fletc her, Stone-
clough, near Manchester.

Cochin Chickens. — First. C. Fulton. Erdington, Birmingham. Second
Mrs. H. Fookes, Whitechuich, Blandford, Dorset. Third, J. K. Fowler,
Aylesbury, Bucks. Commended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury.

SWEEPSTAKES.

Game.— First, E. Archer, Malvern. Second and Third, J. Fletcher, Stone-
clough, Manchester. Highly Commended, W. D. Braginton, Knjpp, Bideford,
Devon; J. R. Rodbard, Aldwick Court, Wrington, Somerset.

Dorking.— First, Mrs. N. Grenville, Butleigh Court, Glastonbury. Second,
G. Chadwin, Tollard Royal, Salisbury.

Malay.— Prize, C. Ballance, Taunton.

Game Bantam.— First, T. H. D. Bayly, Ickwell House, Biggleswade, Beds.
Secord, J. Camm, Farnsfield, Southwell, Nottingham.

Bantams (Gold-lactd).— First. Re". G. S. Cruwys, Cniwys Jlorchard Court,
Tiverton. Second, T. H. D, Bayley, Ickwell House, Biggleswade, Beds.
Third, E. Burton, Truro, Cornwall. Commended, Rev. G. F. Hodson, North
Petherton, Biidgwater.

Bantams (Silver-laced).— First, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Cruwys Morchard
Court, Tiverton. Second, T. H. T>. Bayley, Ickwell House, Biggleswade,
Beds. Third, Miss G. Everett, Gibraltar Cottage, Monmouth.

Bantams (White and Black).— First and Second, Rev. G. S. Cmwys,
Cruwys Morchard Court, Tiverton. Third, T. H. D. Bayley, Ickwell House,
Biggleswade. Highly Commended, J. Cattell, Mosely, Birmingham. Com-
mended, G. J. Dowrick, Truro.

Bantams (any other variety). — Fist, A. Campbell, Blythwood, Renfrew,
Scotland. Second, J. Camm, Farnstield, Southwell, Nottingham. Third,
E. Burton, Truro. Highly Commended, R. Liscambe, Tamer Brewery, Devon-
port. Commended, J. Mapplebeck, Moseley Road, Birmingham.

Ducks (Ayle.sbury).~Firbt and Second, Mrs. M. Seamons, Hartwell, Ayles-
bury. Tliird, E. Carlyon, St. Austell, Cornwall.

Ducks (East Indian}. — First and Third, G. S. Sainsburj-. Rowde, near
Devizes, Wilts. Second, Marchioness of Winchester, Amport St. Mary's.

Docks (Rouen).— First, J K. Fowler, Avlesbury, Bucks. Second, E. Burton,
Truro. (Third, withheld.)

Dl'Cks (any other variety). — First, T. H. D. Bayley, Ickwell House, Biggles-
wade, Beds. Second, E. Burton, Truro.

Gkese. — First and Second, Marchioness of Winchester, Amport St. Mary's.
Third, G. Williams, Scorrier, Cornwall. ,

TuKKEYS. — Fiist, Marchioness of Winchester, Amport St. Maiy's. Second
Miss J. Milward, Newton St. Loe, near Bath. Third, G. Williams, Sconiep
Cornwall. Highly Commended, E. Carlyon, St. Austell, Cornwall. Com-
mended, J. Chapman, Kelliserth, St. Ermc, Cornwall.

Guinea Fowls. — First, G. Williams, Scorrier, Cornwall. Second, H.
Adniey, Lympstone, Devon.

PIGEONS.

Carhiees.— First, F. G. Stevens, Axminster, Devon. Second, no com-
petition.

Almond Tdmbler.— First, F. G. Stevens, Axmlnster, Devon. Second,
Marchioness of Winchester, Amport St. Mary's.

Tumblers (rny other variety).— First, F. G. Stevens, Axmin.ter, Devon.
Secoi.d, withheld. Third, C. U. Venn, Truro.

Powters.— Firsts F. G. Stevens, Axminster, Devon. Second and Third,
J. Martin, Treweeke, Stithians, Cornwall.

RuKTs.— First, F. G. Stevens, Axmlnster, Devon. Second, E. Pigeon,
Lympsttone, Devon. Highly Commended, J. Davey, Camborne, Corawall.

Jacobins. — First and Second, F. G. Stevens, Axmicster, Devon.

Fantails — First, Miss J. Jlilward, Newton St. Lne, Bath. Second, F. G,
Stevens, Axmin«ter, Devon. Commended, Marchioness of Winchester,
Amport St. Mary's: J. Davey, Camborne, C'U-nwall.

Owls. First and Second. F. G. Stevens, Axmin-ter, Devon.

Tr.D.MPEiEKs.— First, \\ G. Stevens, Axminster. Devon. Second, J. Davey,
Cambonie, Cornwall. Commended. F. G. Stevens.

Barbs.— First, F. G. Stevens, Devon. Second, J. H. Craigie, Woodlands,
Chigwell, Essex.

Ti kbits. — First and Second, F. G. Stevens, Axminster, Devon.

Ndns. — Prizes withheld.

Dragoons.- First, F. G. Stevens, Axminster, Devon. Second, J. F. Brand*
Newton Abbot, Devon.

Archangels.- First and Second, F. G. Stevens, Axminster, Devon.

Any 01 her New or Distinct Variety. — First, F. G. Stevens, Axminster,
Devon (IcclaniO. Second, J. Davej', Canborne, Cornwall (Magpies).

Mr. J. Pearce, Ferris Town. Tnii'o, Cornwall, a collection of Rabbits.

Mr. Pearce's Black and White Buck and Doe are Highly Commended;
also, his peculiarly good Grey Doe.

The Coriii-h Choughs, Pen 311, could not compete in the general classes,
but on account of their rarity and most excellent condition they are highly
appreciated and commended by the Judges.

POISONED FOWLS.

" Mr fowls are poisoned !" These words were uttered by one
of my neiglibours when he found one of his fowls dead ; and no
doubt it was poisoned, for there was every s3-niptom of its liaving
eaten poijon, yet I liave no doubt he was wrong when he said,
" Some evil-disposed person has done it."

Housekeepers are too much in tlie habit of buying and using
packets of "vermin destroyer" to enable them to get rid of mice
and other vermin; and afterwards, if they find a dead mouse in any
of the rooms, away it goes to the ash-pit, or any other out-of-the-
way place ; in a few days it becomes putrid. The first fowl
which finds it tries to eat it, and often succeeds in doing so, and
then, in the course of a few hours, the fowl is dead.

A weaver who is a poultry -keeper, and has kept poultry for
more tlian thirty years, informs me that he has lost more fowls
during the last five years from the above cause than he has lost
during his lifetime from all other diseases. A youth, who pays
great attention to the wants of his Bantams, one day saw one of
them eating a poisoned mouse which had been thrown out of a
dwelling-house ; in a few hours afterwards he found the Bantam
dead. I liave seen a dead weasel retaining its hold of a dead
mouse, I took it by the tail and pulled, and it drew the mouse after
it. I felt desirous to know the cause of their deaths. On inquiry
I found that a packet of vermin destroyer had been used in a
neiglibouring cottage the day before ; and I liave no doubt but
that tlie mouse had eaten a portion of the poison, and had been
caught by the weasel as soon as the blood of the mouse had taken
up the poison, and both of them died. — R. S.

MANAGEMENT OF PARROTS.

In reply to your inquiries on this subject I send you the
result of my own experience, feeling glad of the opportunity of
contributing even in this trifling degree to your interesting
Journal.

Mine is a Parrot of the Australian breed, called a " Green
Leek," an elegant bird,* not large, and of a brilliant plumage.
It has been in my possession sixteen years.

Its usual food has been hempseed and dry bread, with freshwater
supplied every morning, at which time the cage is also carefully
cleansed. Occasionally an almond, nut, or raisin may be given
with advantage ; but no flesh meat. When moulting I give a
little Cayenne, or preserved ginger, or anything of a warm
nature.

The water-trough should be roomy, as the bird enjoys its bath,
especially in summer.

This Green Leek of mine has had within the period alluded
to (sixteen years) three or four fits ; to relieve wliich warmth is
necessary, and a little flannel, dipped in eau de Cologne, applied
to the body. I give my bird a swing, in which he greatly de-
lights, and when exposing his cage to the sun, I always take
care to protect it by a covering.— S. A.

Taunton and Somerset Poultrt Association. — Wo are
glad to hear that there is every promise of cstabhshing a first-
class and permanent show at Taunton, although the money
prizes are not high. The prize list in its extended classification
♦ This species do not rut) tlitir l>eaks against the wires of lUe cage.

June 11, 1861. ]

JOUSJN'AL OF HORTICULTTTBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

209

meets with general approbation. The entries are already very
numerous in every class. The great attraction is, undoubtedly,
the " thirteen pieces of plate," value JE2 2s. each, most of which
will be gained by the small entry-fee of 4s., and some of them
for only 2s. 6d. They consist of handsome vases, cake baskets,
fish slices and forks in cases, spoons and forks of all sizes,
salvers, &c. The entries will close positively on June 17th.

THE CANAET AND THE BRITISH FINCHES.

{^Continued from page 127.)

11. THE MOUNTAIN SPARROW {Fringilla montana).
German, Der Eeldsperling. -French, Le Friquet.

The Mountain Sparrow, known also as the Tree Sparrow,
although not so common as the House Sparrow, is nevertheless
often met with in many parts of England.

In plumage the Mountain Sparrow somewhat resembles a cock
of the common or House Sparrow ; it is, however, rather smaller,
and the male and female are so nearly alike as not to be distin-
guishable apart. By comparing them, the cofk has rather a
clearer ring round the neck. The top of the head in both sexes is
dark reddisli-brown ; the cheeks white with a black patch, and a
black spot under the beak ; the upper part of tlie body is red-
dish-brown with blackish marks in tlie feathers, like the House
Sparrow ; the quill-feathers of the wings and tail are nearly black,
the under parts of the body being dingy white. They are active,
restless Utile birds of social habits — rarely found in towns, but
prefer orchards. Their nest, which is built principally of hay, is
much like the common Sparrow's, and is usually placed in a
hollow tree, or in a hole in an old ruin or cleft of a rock. The
eggs, from five to seven in number, are light grey, with dark
grey and reddish marblings. They feed principally on insects.
Mr. Beehstein, in speaking of their usefulness, says, "Their flesh
tastes even better than the House Sparrow's ; and where a pair
take up their abode in an orchard, they should by no means be
driven away, on account of the exceeding great good they do,
particularly when they have young. Both parents fly all day
from tree to tree, and collect in spring from the buds and
flowers, and in summer from the leaves of the fruit trees, the
destructive caterpillars and insects." Though their food consists
chiefly of caterpillars, cockchafers, grasshoppers, and many otlier
insects, yet in autumn they will also take tithe of oats, barley
and wheat, as well as other seeds ; and in winter they will come
into the farmyards for hay seeds and scattered grain : still they
must be considered of greater benefit than harm.

Their song, if such it may be called, is not unpleasant ; it is
composed of a running string of chirps, somewhat in Sparrow
fashion, with some sprightly and pleasing intonations. Their call
also resembles the common Sparrow's, but shriller, and sounds
something like Iniocking two small pebbles together. Like the
Skylark and House Sparrow, they boih bathe in water, and dust
their feathers in sand. Beehstein speaks of Mules between them
and the Canary.

From the following account given by a correspondent, in
a contemporary, it would appear that these birds were migra-
tory in the northern parts of Europe. He writes, "A Nor-
wegian brig put into Penzance a few days since ; and among
other incidents of the voyage between England and Norway,
the master of the vessel mentioned that, midway between
the two countries, thousands of small Sparrows passed and
alighted on the ship, covering the deck, &e. ; the birds were
exhausted and soon died, and some half dozen were ke|it from
mere curiosity to show to friends. These were brought for my
inspection a day or two since by a person who begged them of
the captain to show me. The six specimens were all Passer
montanus, the Tree Sparrow, the Mouiitiin Sparrow, of Bewick.
— Edward H. Bodd, Penzance." — B. P. Bbent.

CURE EOR THE FILM ON GOLD FISH.

I PEECEITB that some of your readers have experienced a
difliculty iu respect to their Gold and Silver Fish, and, there-
fore, forward you the following detail, as I know the remedy ia'
both eifective and inexpensive : —

Some thirty years back, a friend of mine, who then lived some
three or four miles in tlie country, whilst I myself was at that time
lied to the town, entered into a sort of co-partnership. He pos-

sessed a good-sized pond, and I found Gold and Silver Fish to
stock it. As from a spring some little distance off it was supplied
with a constant accession of fresh water, we were very san-
guine of success with our pets, and for a year or so everything
progressed most favourably ; after that time, however, the Fish
were troubled with a disease exactly resembling the complaints
mentioned by your correspondents — a kind of mouldy -loc k ug film
came u pon them in patches, which gradually progressed to the gills,
and even extended itself over the eyes, causing partial blindness
and eventually certain death.

With all the ardour of youth, we tried every possible apphance
that friends suggested, but without any benefit whatever; and
found, to our great annoyance, that every attempt at cleaning
the fish by hand was only a brief addition to their sufferings,
and death occurred in a day or two afterwards. We tried
Perch in the same water, but they iu a week or two became
as infected as their more-brilliant-coloured companions. A
gamekeeper of a friend of mine suggested, " That the sides of
the pond were bricked, all the water was deep, and, the bottom
being muddy, the fish had no shallow scours to clean themselves
upon, and they would never be better till they had." A place
was cut out of the bank at his suggestion, some six yards square,
the water covering it perchance a foot deep ; the bottom, how-
ever, of this part was sharp grit, or drift sand, and small pebbles
taken expressly for the purpose from the turnpike road. It was
then summer time, and the fish of every kind at once com-
menced ''cleaning themselves" by rubbing sideways over the
bottom with the greatest diligence, and quickly recovered ; nor
did the disease again present itself. For many years afterwards
they both grew and bred freely, until the pond was eventually
filled up for building purposes. — Edwaed Hbwitt, Sparhhrooi,
Birmingham.

DOES THE QUEEN BEE GOVERN THE

COLONY?*

The sovereignty of the queen bee has been long held to be the
very model of a beneficent despotism, founded upon the highest
principles of filial love and parental affection. For the first time,
we believe, since the honey-bee attracted the notice of scientific
observers, an enthusiastic apiarian has ventured to contravene
the received opinion on this point, and actually to push matters
to the republican extreme, of declaring the so-called queen " to
be a creature of the colony, and subject to their power and
control from the time the egg is deposited from which she is reared
up to the perfect queen, and from that time to the day of her
death." Most npiarians are aware of the stimulating influence
of a good honey season on the breeding powers of the queen bee ;
but Mr. Harbison believes that "this matter is regulated entirely
by the common worker bees, by the quantity or quality of food
they give lier ; or, in other words, she is an instrument which
they u?e as they see fit, to supply them with eggs, from which to
replenish the hive with young workers."

Some writers on bees go so far as to imagine that nothing is
done in or about the hive unless by orders emanating from the
sovereign herself To such Mr. Harbison replies, that when a
queen is removed from a colony no disorganisation ensues ; but
thiit after a careful search for the lost one, the duties of the hive
ore carried on with the same order and precision as if a queen
were present. " Now," he asks, " if the queen rules a colony and
direcis its movenients, laying out all the plans, &c., as most
writers would liave us believe, where is the directing or governing
power in the absence of the queen ?"

We have ouri'clves recently witnessed an instance in which
the workers summarily made away with their common mother.
An artificial swarm appeared to take a dislike to the hive in
which it had been placed and quitted it the next day. After
rising in the air, they returned to the obnoxious hive without
clustering, and shortly afterwards the queen (a very fertile
Ligurian, with defective wings) was discovered on the ground in
front of the hive. When placd on the alightmg-board she was
allowed to enter without opposition ; but was found the next
niorjiing lying deid on the same spot whence she had been picked
up the itay previous. Supposing, therelore, the queen bee to be
an absolute sovereign, her despotism, like that of the Czar of
all the HussiaS; appears liable to be tempered by assassinatiou.f

• Bees and Bee-lcrepin:t. By W. C. Harbison. NewTovk: Saxton & Co.

+ .Since the above was written the artificial swarm has thrown off a swarm
unflei' a youngquee I. It is. theretore, more than probable tliat the queen
regnant fvU in combat with this young princess, instead of being put to death
by the workers as at first supposed.

21*

JOURNAL OF HORTICXJLTUSE AND COTTAGE GARBENEE.

[ June 11, 1861.

Mr. Harbison also assei-ts that '■ no eggs are deposited by the
queen' in queen cells," argiitng that the liatrcd manifested br a
queen regnant towards all enibrro princesses proves "'Tery con-
clusively that the queen of a colony does not desire any other
queen raifed in her domains for any purpose, and, consequently,
does not deposit any eggs in the royal cells." His theory is tliat
eggs are removed by the workers from common cells, and placed
by them in the royal cradles. Without indorsing this opinion
to its full extent, we may remark that we have known queen
cells established on more than one occasion by bees in the
absence of their queen, and tenanted by an egg which must have
been brouglit from some other part of the hive, since we have
been well assured that tliere was previously no egg on the spot
where the cell was formed, or even in its immediate neighbour-
ht)0d. — A DETONSniRE BKE'KEErEB.

VARIETIES.

Peodtjctioks op Eastern Aehica. — The climate of most of
these countries is remarkably beautifid and healthy, the average
temperature being 56° Fahr. — the highest 70°, and the lowest 46°.
The Gallas occupy vast and noble plains, which are verdant almost
all the year roiuid, and aflord nourishment to immense herds of
cattle. Their houses or huts are round and cone-shaped, covered
with roofs of grass, and mostly inclosed by a low stone wall for
security against sudden attack. The villages or hamlets are for
the most part in groves or woods, on heights, or on the sides of
mountains and rivers. The land is rich in springs and brooks,
well supplied by the tropical rains, which last for three months,
besides which there is a second short rainy season. AVooded
mountains and hills also abound, which serve for places of
refuge to the inhabitants in time of war ; and the tall Juniper
is among the most remarkable of the trees which adorn tiiese
forests. The Gallas have priests, called Lubas, as distinguished
from the Kalijap, wlio are their magicians, exorcists, and
medicine men. As in tlie case of most heathens, so with these
people, a tree has an important place in their religious cere-
monies. Under the shadow of the Woda sacrifices and prayers
are offered up ; a higher spirit even is supposed to dwell within
it, on which account the Woda is esteemed holy, and no one
dare fell or harm it without losing his life. Of the greatest
sanctity is the tree Worka (Finis sj/camonis), Woda Nabi, by
the river Hawash, where the Gallas every year offer up a great
sacrifice, and pray to their highest deity, Waka, sacrificing
oxen and sheep to him, and drinking plenty of beer, and
smoking tobacco. In their prayers, which have no fixed
formula, they say, " O W^ak, give \is children, tobacco, com,
cows, oxen, and sheep ! Preserve us fi'om sickness, and help
us to slay our enemies who make war upon us, the Sidama
(Christians), and the Islama (Mohammedans) ! O Wak, take
us to thee ! lead us into the garden : lead us not to Setani, and
not into the fii-e!" On tliis occasion, the Lubas, or priests,
augur from the entrails of goats whether victoi-y or defeat is to
accompany the Gallas in the coming year. From Magombani I
had to continue the ascent a league and a half, until I reached
the village Jibana. The road was very steep and rough, and
led through woods of .Sumach, the Copal tree, which reached a
height of from 60 feet to 70f>"et, with Ihin and small leaves, and
a white bark. I saw many trees with incisions in thom made
by the natives, that the sa|i might flow to the ground and
crystalise by mixing with the earth, and the Mohammedans
make yearly a great deal of money by this valuable varnish,
which is sent to India and Europe. There are few wild beasts
in these woods, but tl:ey abound with beautiful birds. 'Jhere
are said to be elephants in tlic Galla land, in the neighbourhood
of Emberria ; but in tlie Wanika territories there are no
longer any of tliese animals to be found, as they recede more
and more into the large forests, and to the rivers of the interior,
owing to their being so much molested since European com-
merce with Zanzibar has produced so great a demand for ivory.
If it be true that yearlv about six thousand elephants' tusks are
brought to the Suahili coast, it can easily be imderstood how
quickly these animals diminish, and why they recede ever
further into the interior of Africa. — {Krapf's Travels iii Easfern
Africa.)

PBODnciNO DoFBLE Flowtsks.— JThe Germans, it is known,
are very successful in growing seed of Asters, Stocks, and
Balsams, that produce very double and beautiful flowers. This
is done by gi'owing the plants crowded in pots, in a very poor

soil, until the blossom-buds are fonning, when they are liberally
watered every day with rich liquid manure. The effect is a few
fine seeds that will produce perfectly double flowers, instead of
a great many poor seeds. Mr. .James Eadie, in an essay reail
before the Progressive Gardeners' Society of Philadelphia,
alluded to the fact in the following terms : — "Much depend*
upon the state of growth of the parent plants ; if they are
growing very luxuriantly previous to setting tlieir seeds, the
seedlings will prove strong growers ; but if, on the contrary, the
plants are weak, and when setting, and while maturing seed,
are stimulated into a strong and vigorous growth, the fruit will
be larger, and the tendency to produce double flowers very
much increased. This is a fact well known to the German
florists, who are proverbial for producing double Balsams,
Asters, and Stockgilly flowers. It also explains the reason why
the Dahlia and Hollyhock flowers remained so long single,
although the plants were as strong growers then as now, and
why their seedlings are so certain to degenerate, no matter how
strong the plants are, unless every means are taken to stimulate
them while setting and maturing seed. It may also explain
why Tulips and Pansies are so generally produeed single at this
day, as any stimulus given to them while in flower causes the
colours to run and intermix, thus spoiling their beauty in the
eyes of critics, for any tendency to double flowers in these
plants is accompanied by defective colouring. The best raiser
of the Stockgilly tliat I ever knew, used to grow his plants in
very small pots and poor soil, imtil the blossom-buds began to
form ; he then planted them out in a bed of rich soil, and
supplied them liberally with manure water xmfil the seeds were
ripe, and from seeds so produced he had always a large pro-
portion of plants that had double flowers, and the )i1aiits of a
fine dwarf habit, which would not be the case «heu the stimulus
was applied during all the period of growth." — {Prairie Farmer.}

Eggs. — The large number of 6.3,554,610 eggs were brought
into this country in the four months ending April 30, 1861,
being an increase of upwards of thirteen millions over the
corresponding period in 1860.

OUR LETTEB, BOX.

Dorking Chickens at Chestkhfield. — "I ^as much gi-atified by the
flatterincTemarks on my Dorkinp chk-kens exhibited at Chesterfield, but I
cannot claim the honour frivtn me in your paper of taking prizes at Beverley,
as I did not exhibit tlierp this year. I think ilr. Berwick was there the
successful exhibitor."— J. G. A. Baker.

Dorking Cock with Swollen Foot (J. i.).—Tf there is not a thorn or
piece of class in the foo^, it is probably bruised by flyintr down from a high
perch. If the laltcr is the cause do not let the bird roost on a pi rch higher
than a foot from the ground, and lake care that he docs not at anv other
t'me bring a heiivy pressure (in the foot by flyiner over paling*. &c. We
should contine h'm to an outhouse with th^ floor covered with sand, and to a
grass-covered run. If a thom or other sharp article is lodged in the foot
this will not heal until that inticlf is rerroved by means of a sharp penknife.
Continue the bathiiig with hot waler, and keep the bird chiefly on soft food.

Rape Seedlings (.7. //.). — The green leaves of these raised from seed of
■what is popularly C'llied " Rird Turnip" or "Summer Ilapc," arc very
good green food for Canaries, Linnets, and similar birds.

Bee-hives (ynrk-thirr) — We know of no place now where Mr. Payne's
cottagers' hives and others can be obtained cheaply. If we wisher!, as yon
do, to introduce them among " our villagers," we should buy one ot Messra.
Neighbour & Son, and with that as a pattern any country luve-niakor could
constmct them.

Bees by Post.— The five Ligtivian workers kindly sent by Mr. Woodbury
were dead wlu-n they i-eached nic. On attemptmg to rcsuscitae thera, one
made a la'-t slight nicivement. Probiibly the appearance of the parcel had
excited the cuiinsity of somr; post-office official, as both ends of the small
pill-box containing the travellers were driven in.— William Eaclesham,
6teirarton.

LONDON MARKETS.— JrNK liX

POTTLTRT.
The slipply goes on increasing, and the demand i? good, iraking- trade
fur more pleasant tlian it w-is. There is not, p;rllaps, so mucli poultry as
usual ; but after the positive dearth we have had, the present supply seems
very great.

Each—.*. '?. .*. rf.

Guinea Fowls 0 n to 0 l>

LevrrctB 0 0 „ 0 (I

Pigeons 0 8 „ 0 9

Babbits 1 4 „ 1 5

Wild 0 8 ,, 0 9

Each-
Large Fowls

Smaller Fowls

~s.

3

2

3
.i

rf.
0 to

0 ;;

B ,.

s.
6
4
3
3

(1
0

n

lUicklings

Goslings

G

0

June 18, 1861. ]

joumsriL OP hobticxjlttjbe akd cottage gaedener.

211

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day 1 GDay 1

of : of ,

M'nth AVeek.l

! 1

18

To

19

■w

30

Th

21

F

22

8

23

Su.-j

24

M

JU^^E lS-21, 18G1.

Weather near London in 1860.

Gladioli.

Lilies.

Queen Victoria Accession.

Qdeen Victoria Proclaimed.

Sun's declin. 23°27'n.

4 Sunday after Trinity.

29.788-29.745
29.760— 2j. "57
29.027—29.603
29.830-29.556
29.901-29.906
29.998—29.874

Miusu3i.wEa Day. Nat. In. Bat. 29.947—29.876

Tliermom.

"Wind.

; de?. deg.

! 71-89

N.-W.

65-51

E.

68—47

s.w.

71-48

s.w.

69—50

s.w.

71—49

s.w.

73-50

w.

Sun
Rises.

! l\Ioon Clock

Sun ' Rises Moon's before Day of
Sets, and Sets Age. j Sun. Tear.

ta. m. b.

— 44 af 3 i 17 at 8 I 20

•34
•12
•19
■C4
•08
.11

44
44
45
45
45
45

3

IS

8 1

3

IS

S 1

3

18

8

3

19

8

3

19

S

3

19

8

47

20 1
7 2
vises

10 a 9

45 9

11
12
13
O

15
16

0 46

0 59

1 12
1 25
1 "3

1 51

2 4

169
170

an

172
173
174
176

SIeteorologt of the Week. — At Chiswick, from observations during tlie last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 72.5' and 49.3' respectively. The greatest heat, 93', occurred on the 22ad in 1846 ; and the lowest cold, SO-*,
on the 20th in 1855. During the period 130 davs were fine, and on 108 rain fell.

CAFSE OF THE VAEIATION OF FLOWERS.

OF Deal, states, and, apparently!
he is corroborated by Mr-
Liglitljody, that when Auri-
culas throw up side blooms
these keep pretty true to their
character; but that when they
throw up a heart bloom — that
is, from the axis of the plant,
the flower, no matter what
be the colour of its edging, " is
as likely to come in any other
class as in the one it belongs to." This
seems to be an extremely curious ob-
servation. It shows that some little light could be thrown
on the laws of variation, if the many acute observers who
read The Jourkal of Hoeticulture would contribute
their knowledge on such points. I wish "D." would
have the kindness to give a few more details, such as out
of 80 many heart blooms so many lost their character,
and so many kept true ; giving also the proportion in the
side blooms which kept true.

As I am appealed to, I will make a few observations on
this subject; but I have no doubt others could throw
more light on the question. Professor Moquin-Tandon
asserts, that with irregular flowers, as Snapdragons, the
terminal flower in the axis of the plant is more apt to
become regular, or peloric as botanists say, than the other
flowers. I once found a Laburnum tree with the terminal
flower on each raceme nearly I'egular, having lost its pea-
blossom Structure. With many Pelargoniums (I have
one at present in my greenhouse, but I know not its
name), the central flower in each truss every year comes
regular, loses the two dark patches of colour on the two
upper petals, and, what is very curious, loses the nectary,
which may be seen in all the other flowers cohering to
the flower-stalk. In the common Carrot the central floret
in the umbel is dark purple and very difflerent from Lhe
others ; and I find that this central little flower is ex-
tremely variable. Are there not other cases of species
which habitually have the central flower difierent from
the others? It must, however, be confessed, that Mr.
Masters, a high authority on such subjects, disputes that
peloric flowers are apt to be central ; but it seems to me
extremely improbable that the several recorded cases
should be due to chance, and all these i'acts seem to hang
together and to indicate that in the flower nearest the
axis there is a tendency to differ from the others, or to be
variable, or to revert to a hypothetical regular form —
that is, as I should look at it, to revert to the structure
of a remote ancestor. The curious case of the Auricula
apparently falls into this same group of facts.

'I hope that some of youi- correspondents will state
whether in the case of single buds sporting, as has so
often occurred with Pelargoniums, it has been observed
that such sports occur more frequently on one part of the
plant than on another. I suppose it is not so, or it would
have been noted. Having alluded to the central flower
No. 12. — Vot. I., New Series.

in certain Pelargoniums which have lost the two dark
patches of colour and the nectary, I would venture to
ask some skilful observer to try whether this flower could
be made by artificial fertilisation and by pulling off some
of the adjoining flowers to yield seed. The stigma should
be fertilised with pollen from, if possible, a peloric flower
on another plant ; and access of other pollen should, of
course, be prevented. Peloiic flowers have generally been
found quite sterile ; but Willdenow got seeds from a
peloric Snapdragon, and the peculiarity was inherited :
hence it is possible, though not probable, that a new
strain of quite symmetrically -flowered Pelai-goniums
might be thus raised. Experiments are tedious and very
often fail ; but it would be well worth while for any man
endowed with plenty of patience to collect seed from the
central floret and from the other florets on the same truss
of any ordinary Pelargonium, and sow them separately
and see which varied most. Of course, all the flowers
should be fertilised by the same pollen and subsequently
protected from insects.

The same law which causes the heart bloom on an indi-
vidual Auricula not to keep so true as a side bloom, might
cause the seedlings of the central flower of a Pelargonium
or other plant to vary more than the seedlings from the
other and exterior flowers. TJiis would be a secret worth
discovering and revealing. — Charles Darwin, Down,
Bromley, Kent.

AEEANGING FLOAYERS IN BOUQUETS AND
TASES.

(Continued from page 192.)

JIOTJNTINa AXD MENDING.

Another useful though mechanical operation is that
of mounting and mending flowers. Every one knows
how often a beautiful flower-head falls from its stem,
and how often we are forced to refrain froni gathering
one bright blossom, because on the same stalk are others
not yet out which we cannot sacrifice.

The mounting prevents this difficulty : for a flower
with less than half an inch of footstalk does quite as well
for a bouquet as any other could do, taking it in its
freshest state, either newly gathered or preserved in
a dark cupboard (the cupboard must, however, be per-
fectly fresh and airy) and then pressing the smallest
piece of well-soaked cotton wool around its stem. A
little piece of wire wound upon it keeps the wool closely
fastened on, and at the same time fixes the flower in
its proper place. The cotton requires soaking and pres-
sing together in the water for some time to become
tlioroughly saturated, unless a morsel for ea( h. flower is
moistened separately. A fresh green Myrtle leaf does
very nicely for rolling over the little piece of wool.

Many persons, including most of the French florists,
have the habit of binding their flowers on little pieces of-
stick — common square bits of deal, for instance ; and
these are well adapted to the purpose, being so perfectly
hard and light.

No. 664.— YoL. XXYI., Old Series.

212

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE aABDENEK.

[ June 18, 1861.

But special flowers bare still tLeir little peculiarities.
A Rose, we will suppose, has snapped from the stem
just underneath the cup. To bind the wire above the
cup would be likely to cause the petals to be too much
compressed or cut. It is better to take it round the
calyx just where it is sufficiently compressible to give a
secure hold; even carrying one sharp end of the wire
through a needle-pierced hole rather than risking damag-
ing the flower more, and then proceeding with it as I said
before.

A white Camellia, again, is injured by the smallest
touch of moisture on its petals, as it causes on them a
yelloiv stain, quite destroying the fairness of that pure
white flower. It needs very great care in its prepara-
tion, and does most beautifully then.

The best way is, before touching the flower, to moisten
thoroughly a piece, the size of half a crown, of white
cotton wool (using for pink flowers pink wool in pre-
ference). This should be laid on a larger piece nearly
the size of the flower itself, which should then be most
gently raised, two ends of a loop of wire having first
been passed through the centre of the wool. Often,
especially for an inexperienced hand, a piece of Berlin
wool does better than the wire, as a too-tight pull would
be likely to do less damage. An experienced flower-
mounter would, however, in a moment, raise the enlarged
loop to touch the lower petals evenly all round ; cause
it to slip between the leaflets, or points of the thickish
calyx and the flower itself ; tighten it almost imper-
ceptibly, 3'et enough to retain its hold ; and then, rapidly
reversing the flower, or raising the wool to it, she would
pass the wire through the wetted wool, bringing it down
upon a support formed by a spray of Camellia leaves
or a branch of stumpy foliage of some evergreen kind ;
or binding it down upon the piece of deal I spoke of,
and arranging the wool to rest on the green foundation
through which the stem formed passes.

Some persons use melted isinglass rather freely to
cause the petals of the flower to adhere to the wool ; and
where the Camellia is to be worn in the dress or hair,
this practice cannot be too strongly advocated. Besides
the security as to keeping the flower moi.'t, it insures
some petals remaining on the wool, even supposing that
the rest should fall.

In a beautiful crown of Camellias I remember being
used in the adornment of a beautifully wreathed door-
way, the flowers were arranged something in this manner.
They were required to last for several days in tiie place
they filled, and at the end of the third day they were
still in perfect beauty. The blaze of light then caused
these leaves to drop ; but the wool underneath retained
the appearance of the flowers still, as it would do always
when the petals thus clung to it. The effect was so good
that I had the curiosity to take very considerable trouble
to ascertain the name of the maker of that crown, and
to find out by divers experiments the process that had
been used, which many times since has stood me in
useful stead.

Clearness is a great benefit in any gum you use.
Isinglass is so good from being so stiff' and yet so un-
sticky, while quite free from anj' yellow tinge.

Then, for mounting Geraniums, Azaleas, and so on,
the heads are, properly speaking, cut ofi" with an inch or
so of stalk, a drop of gum given inside to fix the flower,
and then tlie usual process is performed of rolling in wool
and wiring.

Sometimes, however, there are single blossoms sepa-
rated from the cluster to be grouped together. Attach-
ing a short wire to the stalk of each, ill may be duly
twisted together and provided with the usual wool ; and
thus one often gets a few stray bunches of very well-
looking flowers.

Lilies do most capitally treated like Camellias as to
the bed of well-wetted wool on which they should repose ;
but little clustering flowers should always be fixed on

sprays of foliage similar to their own in growth ; and
they are, therefore, rather adapted for surrounding and
softening the edge of the more solid circles, or for the
circle of waving green and flowers that surrounds the
whole.

The rule of affixing to each flower its own appropriate
foliage is one that greatly deserves to be remembered
well ; each flower seeming to have some peculiar shade
and shape of leaf which, beyond all others, suits it.

PASSION-FLOWEE AND BOSE DESIGN.

I will give a plan this week for another drawing-
room dish of flowers — one which might well appear on
a dinner table also.

The flowers of the pale blue Passion-Flower, and of the
very palest pink Rose that happens to be procurable,
are those I want to recommend to-day.

The Roses are all the better if they are not very
double. They should be nearly full blown, and will,
therefore, require changing probably two or three times
over before the beautiful, cool-looking, and sweetly
scented blue flowers will begin to manifest any signs of
withering.

The flowers being all very pale, I do not think that
any deep green with them looks well. I prefer to any a
pale colour just about the same depth as that of the
flowers themselves — about what, in works shaded in
sixes, would be called the third shade. Tiiey are, how-
ever, the only flowers I recollect just now which also
look really beautiful when arranged together without
any leaves at all. I believe, in reality, the pale soft tints
do not require any great contrast to set them ofi", it
being rather their own harmony on which they depend
for beauty.

The loveliest way I ever saw them done was in a large
raised crystal dish filled with water, and standing on
a table ; between the flowers was the clear cool water,
looking so fresh, with the flowers seeming almost to float
upon it.

The Passion-Flowers alone are very lovely ; but if
mixed with the Roses a double row of the latter all round
the dish, fringed with a wreath of Fern leaves, and a
group gathered loosely in the centre of the pale blue
flowers, quite unmixed with any other colour, has a par-
ticularly delicate effect : the odour, too, is delightful.
"When they are to be really mingled I think green should
be more made use of. Acacia leaves do well for the pur-
pose, having the desirable very pale and yellowish-green
tint.

In this case I should say that a ray-formed design
was best ; laying first the thick fringe of pale Acacia
leaves all round the edge, then placing the Roses, and
lastly putting in the Passion-Flowers to fill up the wedge-
shaped spaces left.

This would be very beautiful, but not nearly equal,
I think, to the loosely arranged group with its wide Rose-
border. Some designers would even place a common
tumbler in the middle of the dish ; and after arranging
the latter with its Rose wreath and a single band round
the foot of the glass of Passion-Flowers, they would
group together in the central tumbler a knot of drooping
flowers ; thus raising them n little that they may show
the better their exquisite shape and colour while drooping
over ; the glass remaining hidden. — E.
{To he continued.')

OPENING OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY'S GARDEN.

{Continued from page 197.)

I lEFT off at Mr. Warner's Lselia purpurea or purpuvnta ;

and there were only the small collections from the Continent,

by Linden and TerschafTelt, to finish the front stages of new

and rare sights. But having got hold of the buttonhole of

June 18, 1861. ]

JOUKNAL OF HOBTICTJLTURE A2SD COTTAGffi aARDENER.

213

Mr. Hill, of Keele Hall, our best Grape grower, aud extracted
Bome of his secrets, I shall tell of them first.

He agreed with me that all our best seedlings from the
Dahlia up to the best Muscat Grape are so run upon in their
properties by close propagation, that no mortal can bring
them up to the starting-post for the first two or three years
after they are "let out," much less have the chance of winning
a prize witli any one of tliem, save in some very rare instances
And he instanced his own Buckland Sweetwater Grape ia
corroboration of his theory of the chances and fate of new
seedlings.

Wlien I asted him how he managed to grow the bunches
and berries to such enormous sizes, seeing that Mr. Ivei-y had
but just sent it into the market, as it were, he told me the
whole secret : his house of Black Hamburghs, or his plants of
them, rather, are now in their prime mood, from eight to ten
years of age, and as soon as he obtained the Buckland Sweet-
water he grafted it on that plant of the Black Hamburgh that
never yet failed him in competition, and " the result is before

you."

"But how and when did he graft?" In March, 1860, he
grafted a shoot of the previous year's growth wit/i. one bud and
two inches of wood. First, he cut off the top part of the yearly
shoot of the Black Hamburgh to a very firm-ripened part near
the bottom, then split down the stump in the centre just
through the pith part ; the bud of the Buckland with the
2 inches of wood had 1 inch below the bud and 1 incli above
it ; the inch below the bud he made in the form of a wedge, and
put the wedge "home" in the cut of tlie stock, so that the bud
itself sat, as it were, on the top of the stump — a carpenter
could perform the operation, aud any gardener could clay the
graft, and moss it too, aud keep the moss between damp and
wet till the eye was a shoot of 1 foot in length— then he would
undo the clay, loosen the bandage, and tie again very loosely,
and put some fresh moss over it, and keep it so to the end of
August ; bul , of course, there would be no need to keep the
moss and loose bandage on so long ; only in an experiment with
a very new or very rare Grape one often goes beyond security
to make doubly sure. Mr. Hill grafted last spring twelve-
months, and this June took a prize for it at the grandest
Exhibition that ever was seen — just eighteen months after put-
ting in the graft. And he told me he would serve Ingram's
Prolific Muscat, the Trentham Black, and all new Grapes in
future just as he did Ivery's Buokland Sweetwater.

I tasted Ingram's Prolific Muscat since, and tasted no other
Grape that day before it, so that the flavour of one could not
deceive me in another, aud I can now say of it as I did of
the Buckland Sweetwater, and with equal confidence in the
result.

At present Mr. Hill is certain we have no better Tine for a
stock to graft on than the Black Hamburgh ; but he thinks it
very probable that some of the American Grapes which are more
hardy will ultimately be found superior for amateurs and most
gardeners to graft on. Until such time as these wild American
Vines are tamed to graft upon, take short two-joint cuttings of
Miller's Burgundy Grape, and, my word for it, you will have a
much hardier stock than the Hamburgh and a better one for
ninety-nine growers out of a hundred. Plant lot« of such cut-
tings round the walls or palings about the garden from October
to February, and if you should never want them no harm will
be done. Then six or seven little gardeners might club together,
and buy one thumping good plant of any new Grape the very
first season, divide the buds at the end of March, and each
graft his share of the buds on his own Tine-stocks, and
perhaps some of them take a prize for Grapes before persons
in their condition of life could even think of buying the plant
to try.

There is little fear but the fruit stages in future will be placed
against the back waU of the arcades ; then as many of the pot
Vines as possible ought to be trained against the back wall as
Sir H. Meux's gardener did four of his pot Vines that day.
I heard a great deal since about the effect of these Vines so
trained.

Now we take up the thread of the front stages in M. Linden's
small contribution, consisting of Dichorisandra albo-marginata,
a littli different from the leaf of thyrsiflora ; Echites argyrsea,
a pretty-leaved climber ; and some nice little Ferns. Over them
was hanging down in fine bloom the smallest-stemmed and one
of the most graceful Indian Dendrobes — namely, D. Falconeri,
but by whom it would be difficult to say.

M. Verschaffelt followed with a Coleus, named after himself ;
but I would seriously urge on him not to have plants so named
for the EngUsh market, as we cannot pronounce that kind of
foreign botany like the Russians and Cossacks. Dianthus the
same unpronounceable name ; a Campylobotrys, with a tenfold
objectionable aud impronounceable name. If we do not set our
faces firm as brass against this style of continental invasion with
hard names we must have an extension of pages to take them
in. There were, also. Begonias and Caladiuuis, but these are
now too much overdone, as Ferns have been lately ; but there
is plenty of room for grand selections in Ferns, and in most
plants of great families without hunting out every spot and
speck on the rib of a leaf to the third and fourth degrees for the
sake of a difference.

Botanical rarities are out of place at exhibitions, collections

the same. A careful selection is the grand secret, and should be

the aim of all who want to make an impression on the public

mind ; and here is a selection of Begonias by the Messrs. Veitch,

j thf only ones of which I took the names. They were in rows

I across three steps or stages, tlircc in a row, and this is how they

' were staged — Marshallii, Ifebulosa, and Queen Victoria, one

row ; President, Vanden Hecke, Duchesse de Brabant, and

! Eekhautei, next ; Count Alfred de Limmingi, Princess Char-

[ lotte, and Isis. In front of tliese stood a lot of seedling Begonias

; down on the path, no one being there, probably, to look after

them. Lady CuUum was marked on one, so it must have been

from Stiffolk, perhaps from Mr. Fish, her ladyship's gardener;

but I could see no more names.

Orchids followed, but were not much different from those
seen lately at the Crystal Palace. Mr. Stone was first again,
and had different. ^Erides Lindleyana, Cattleya Wagneri, a
fine Cymbidium eburneum (a fine thing). iErides Larpentse and
his Cattlcja Aucklandia; had four blooms on, the largest number
I ever saw on one plant open all at the same time, and a little
plant of Barkeria spectabilis.

Next lot of twenty plants had nothing striking ; but in the
next class of sixteen plants Messrs. Veitch came out strong, and
in their peculiarly good style of growth. Oncidium Lanceanum,
grown as I never saw it exhibited, just up on a dry, branching
block. The Phalsenopses in this lot were the most splendid ever
seen ; but they were all extra. Mr. "Woolly followed with Den-
drobium Farmeri, fimbriatum, and densiflorura, as his best. Mr.
Rhodes next with one open butterfly bloom (Oncidium papilio),
and the pretty Dendrobium Devonianum.

The collections of stove and greenhouse plants I never saw
placed with better effect, and they never looked so well in any
other way I had seen them. As to the kinds and names, one
could tell them without ever seeiug the show at all, as they are
always the same names over again ; but some of the plants were
extra there, as the Ixora salicifolia, in Mr. May's first-prize
collection ; also his two red Pimeleas, mii-abilis and Hendersoni,
two very much alike, and too difficult to grow for many to try. I
said of Mr. Chilman's Acrophyllum, that it was the best speci-
men of high gardening at the Show in the style of specimen
plants.

The Azaleas did not tell nearly so well there as at the Crystal
Palace. They were too crowded for one thing, but the plants
were, many of them, the same. The great battle of the day
between monster specimen makers lay between the Messrs.
Veitch and Mr. Williama, of the Paradise Nursery, in their
specimen Ferns ; and here the Messrs. Veitch were most hand-
somely aud very completely beaten for the first time in my notes.
Mr. Williams' Ferns (and he had all the Gleichenias) measured
from 4 feet by 4 feet to 8 feet by 8 feet, that being the extent
of his Gleichenia microphylla, and he had them in two-feet
or three-feet-square boxes, enough for four men to lift on a
truck.

A fine specimen plant of Rhododendron Maddeni, from Mr.
Jackson, deserves special notice, in full bloom, and growing as
close as a ponticum. In the race for the best new Azaleas since
1856, Mr. Turner took the first prize, and Mr. Ivery again was
the only one to compete with him. The quantity of bloom in
the former seemed to sway the Judges more than the sorts ;
but here they are. Mr. Ivery had Etoile de Gand, Harlequin,
Model, Baron de Vriere, Empress Eugenie, Flower of the Day,
aud Baron de Pret, variegata superba and Kmghorni. Mr.
Turner's were— General Williams, Model, Duke of Cambridge,
Prince Jerom?, Standard of Perfection, Queen Victoria, Magnet,
Miltoui, and General Havelock. These comprise the very
cream of the new Azaleas.

31^

JOTXSyAL OF HOUTICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE aiRDBNER.

[ June 13, 1861.;

In the west arcades Messrs. Teiteh had tlie best six kinds of
Pracffinag, and the Messrs. Lee next. Both had the fine new
Dracxna indivisa. Here, also, the Heaths liad the best pull.
Mr. Peed, who was first, had fine plants of such Heaths as
dopi-essa, Massonii, esiniia superba, mirahilis, Beaumoutiana,
and oblata. Mr. Jackson next, with Bergiana, Humeana,
dcpressa, Cavendishii, and rentricosa superba ; and here, too,
Mr. Standish stood second in Rliodcdendrons, Mr. Noble Ijeing
firit in them at the east-end arcades.

Here, hkewise, were two collections of immense Ferns,
Gleiohenia mierophjlla again being the very best of thera all
in Mr. BaiUie's collection, which stood second best, while Mr.
Stone was at the top.

At the extreme east stood two large pans of Disa grandijlora
from the top of Table Mountain behind Cape town, from Mr.
Leach, the greatest effort of prize gardening of all that were at
this Show. !Xo one in Britain liaving jfet succeeded in growing
this plant to j)erfection, except Mr. Leach hiniseU", and lie says
it is- as easy as any other plant when the right treatment is given
— s!iy a mountain plant from a bog quite as hardy as any of tlie
old Cape Geraniums. He had it out of doors under a hand-
light all last autumn, and no jilauts were ever more healthy or
fi-ee-looVing in their growth. I have jiatronised this plant from
the first to test the skill and patience of our craft ; and now I am
happy to be able to record that all the difficulties have been
entirely got rid of, and tiiat a score of healthy plants of it will
soon be ready for twenty of our prize-taking gardeners to begin
■with, and that Mr. Leach very kindly offers them to any of our
enterprising dealers on condition that the proceeds of their sale
may be given to the funds of the Gardeners' Benevolent Institu-
tion, ami surely there will be no lack of gardeners' friends to
undertake the benevolent task. The plants will be ready in a
few weeks, and application meantime may be made to C. Leach,
Esq., Claphain Park.

Another scarce plant was a Sarracenia flava with twenty-two
leaves, and each leaf ending in a pitcher, from Mr. Barnes,
gardener to W. S. !Nichols, Esq., Bowden, Cheshire, a fine-done
thing certainly; and I see the dwarf dark pnrple ^S'arsturtinm I
menlioTied last week as likely to be a good or best bedderof that
raee of Tropteoliims, was from an old Suffolk man — Mr. Coates,
now of Bi-ixton. Good luck to him for this contribution to our
be<Jder3.

Mr. Turner had here oiher bedders, Herald of Spring, a
large, light. Scarlet Geranium ; also. Rose Celestial (S»nky), in
the caste of Eubens, and very promising, and his new Prince of
Hesse, the best of the Kmgsbm-y Pet family. Among tall Cacti
were four good seedlings from Mr. Hobinson, gardener to
B. Benyon, Esq., Beading, or near it, of which Gloriosa flori-
bnnda was the best ; Aurora borealis and Hoylei next, and all
with the exquisite Hush of speciosissimus conspicuous upon them,
the plants being like Ackermani.

And now for the 89 yards of variegated and fine-leaved plants
in one bank — the finest sight that ever was seen of such subjects ;
bnt I was all along here in advance of the Judg.s, and at that point
the French ex-Eoyal Family came there ; and as far as I could
make out from their gestures we were one on the merits of the
great varied bank, however we may have differed from the Judges,
who must have scrutinised the collections more than visitors
and fly birds who tell tales and send theTU to the ends of the
earth. Oddly enough the fop plants were at the bottom of
this bank— twelve splendid stretchers frcm the Messrs. Veitch.
Here they and Mr. 'WilHams were again face to face in fierce
combat; and as the champions ol the ilay they began with San-
seviera zelanica, 5 feet across ; a splendid Theophrasta im-
perinlis ; Pandanus javanicus vai-iegatu», 15 feet through or
more, if the leaves were held up and stretched ; Bromelia
sceptra, the fiercest looking, if not the father of all tlie Pine
Apples; Cycas revoluta and other huge Palms ; and a Cyano-
pliyllum magnifieiun, with three branchy tops, and up to 8 leet
or t) feet or more.

To these Mr. Williams opposed Dion edulc, 12 feet across,
the most perfect specimen ever staged, and, probably, the most
useful to those Mexicans w ho live on the fruit of it ; >'epen-
tlics Itpvis, very large ; Aralia Sicboldi and Cyonophjlhim
niagnificum, over 10 feet in height.

Between the combatants stood Mr. Cutbush, of Highgate,
with his peaceful dozen, of which Murattia cicuta-folia was the
beet. Then follows Mr. Sims, of Foot's Cray, Kent, with
twelve magnificent Ferns in huge tubs, and here again the
lovely Gleichenias were in the first rank of merit ; also, an

immense Dickeonia antarctica and Cibotium Schrcederi, Cyathea
dealbata and elegaus, and Dicksonia culcata. He must have a
Crystal Palace to keej) such plants. Then Messrs. Milne ct Co.,
whose best variegated were Caladivim argyrites and Begonia
Marshallii. The Messrs. Lee followed with a fine Alocasia,
Cyanophyllum, Platycerium grande, their fine Cordylines,
variegated Yuccas, Caladiums, Eopalas, and a gigantic Liljv
but only to be seen. Then Mr. Hedge, nurseryman, Norwich,
the best of whose doren was a Cissus and the variegated Pan-
dan us. Mr. Jackson came in herewith very large and most
splendid specimens, as Aspidistra hirida, the best lurid in
England ; a Dion not quite so big as Mr. Williams' ; the rare-to-
be-secn Heliconia metallica ; Monstera deliciosa, much more cut
and slashed on the edges than Monstera pertusum, alias Philo-
dendron pertusum, alias per.s!!tum, Caladium seguinum, very
large: Phcenix humili?, Livislouia Borbonica and Corypha aus^
trails, three Palms which are wintered yearly in a house with
Camellias, Azaleas, Dicksonia antarctica, and a fine Croton
variegatum. 3fr. Gunner, gardener to W. F. Woolly, Esq.,
Kensington, next, with a seven-feet or eight-feet-stemraed tree
Fern, Dicksonia antarctica, and Bopala corcovadensis as his
biggest.

Then tens began with Mr. Robinson, wlio had a Cyanophyllum,
with four branches at the top, and, by the way, when Cyano-
phyllum begins to branch, or is allowed to do so, the second
name is gone — the magnificum is out of it then, A clean, clear
stem of from' 7 feet to 10 feet, and all the leaves as perfect and
as clean and fresh-looking as the last leaf, is the only condition
in which Cyanophyllum can be classed as a magnificent toy ; and
I was pleased to find the Judges, wlio pressed hard on my heels
here, were of the same opinion.

The next ten from Cheltenham. Mr. H.imilton, gardener to

F. P. W. Butt, Esq., an immense screw Pine, Pandanus utile,
and a most beautiful-leaved Cupania filicifolia, were his dons,
most diiferent. The next ten from Miss Burdett Coutt»'
garden much the same as at the CiTstal Palace. Next, Mr.
Nicholson, gardener to S. Majoribanks, Esq., small, but well-
grown stuff, of which Caladium argyrites and Pteris argyrjea
ware the best or prettiest. Here Sir. Bowman, gardener to

G. Hooker, Esq., in his collection of ten took the shine out of
the nurserymen and all other gardeners with the most perfect
specimen of Cyanophyllum magnificum that is under cultivation
under the sun. Such a plant was never seen before ; it stood
10 feet or 12 feet in height, and the lowest le.if falling over the
pot was as fresh as the top one. Mr. BoT\Tnan and his em-
ployer will excuse me for saying liow wrong it is to label the
names for a public exliibition on fancy cards.

Mr. Young, gardener to Mr. Barclay, of Highgate, was next f
and Canna discolor was different from the above ; and Mr.
George Young, gardener to W. H. Stone, Esq., Dulwich,
followed. His two Theophrastas, iinperialis and macrophylla,
and Araha Sieboldi and reticulata, were his best and most
different.

Mr. Paget, gardener to J. S. Craigie, Esq., Chigwell, Essex, had
oneplantdifl'erent from all the rest — Hipponiane longifolia, 10 feet
or 12 feet high, with rough long leaves like those of the Loquat,
and spined like a HoUy, and a drop of its juice might kill the
strongest man in Essex, these Hippomanes being deadly poison.
among Spargeworts. D. Bhatoit.

How TO Fiowm Caila EinroprcA et CnniSTMiS. — Bring
your plants to rest in midsummer, by exjwsing them to the full
sun in a place where they are sheltered fi-om rain. Do not
water them. Midole or end of August take them out of pots ;
clean the rootstock from all decayed matter and from young
accretions ; repot in good, fertile soil, rather heavy, but pai-t
sandy ; water and expose them to the sun in the open air;
Water freely till the season compels you to house them. Take
some to the warm house ; put them in a sunny place very neat
the glass and they will remain compact. Getting stalky spoils
their beauty. The more they get isolated in the summer, nay,
the more they get wasted, the sooner will tliey flower in tlie
warm house. Now take other planta which you housed in the
greenhouse to the warm house, and you get a constant snccession
of flowering plants. Carry back to the greenhouse those which
have flowered, and they will flower again at the general period
of vegetation in the spring ; often they will even flower a third
time. The sun not only elicits plenty cf flowers, but is a most

June 18, 1861.]

JOTJENAI, OF HOBTICULTUHE AKD COTTAGE GAB.DENEE.

215

necessary agent in opening them. That accounts for stillborn
flowers in sunless places. — (W. SchoekbobNj in Seutsckes
Magazin.)

HOTAL HOETICfULTTJEAL SOCIETY.

JrsE lllH.

ElOEAl/ COJDIITTEE. — Probably the fact of this being only
the day prerious to the great June Show of the Koyal Botanic
Society militated against the production of many noTcltieB. But
whether it were the cause or not, the fact remains the same ;
for, save the remarkable collection seat home by Mr. E. Fortune,
there was, comparatirely speaking, notliing sbown.

Mt. Veiteh, of Chelsea, sent two Fuchsias with white corollas
—one of somewhat elegant and free habit, called elegane flore
•pleno, the corolla being double or semi-double ; the other
elegans alba ; but neither of them was considered deserring of
mention. Also a Tery brilUaut-coloured spotted Pelargonium,
called Topping's Lady Ohurston ; the colour deep orange scarlet
with intense black spot. It seemed as if from one of the French
Tarieties crossed with something of the old Victory srt>rmn ; and,
although defective in shape, it received a Label of Commen-
dation as a useful decorative plant.

Mr. B. R. Cant, of Colchester, sent some blooms of a mag-
nificent Tea Eose, which he stated he had under the name of
Aurora, but which had been lost to the public, and which he
proposed sending out again. The Committee entertained a
Tery high opinion of it, but wished to compare it with another
Eose of the same class, which it was supposed to resemble,
before deciding on it. It was, therefore, reserved for next
Meeting.

Mr. W. Paul, of Waltham Cross, sent a seedling Rose raised
from Jules Margottin, of good properties and vigorous habit, of
a bright rosy crimson shade of colour, good shape, cupped,
and of good substance of petal. He proposed to call it Beauty
of Waltham Cross. For this a First-class Certificate was
awarded.

Mr. Melville, of Dalmeny Park, sent Jfemophila discoidalis
and two Tropceolums ; but they were not considered deserving
of notice. There were also some seedling Pelargoniums from
Bodmin and Pansies from somewhere else, of which we can only
charitably hope the senders had seen nothing of the advance in
either flower for the last twelve or fourteen years.

Mr. Standish, of Bagshot, contributed the collection of Ja-
panese plants, sent home by Mr. Fortune, and several of which
had already received the Medal of tlie Society. Those thus
rewarded did not come under th.e notice of the Committee. Of
the remainder, Podocarpus microphyllus foliis variegatis, received
a Label of Commendation.

A First-class Certificate was awarded to a very pretty
Holly-like shrub of very dwarf habit, Osmanthus aquifolius
nanus foliis variegatis. A variegated variety of Illicium flori-
danum, received a Label of Commendation ; and a First-class
Certificate was given to a higlily ornamental species of Eurya,
broad-leaved, the young leaves of which were beautifully marked
with gold and red stripes. These were all fuUy described by
Mr. Beaton, in the report of the Horticultural Society's opening
Show, where they were exhibited, so that it is needless further
to allude to them ; and with some Gloxinias fi-om the Society's
Gardens, comprised all the subjects exhibited. — D., Deal.

FflinT Committee. — A Meeting of this Committee was held
on Tuesday, June 11th, Mr. Ciiarles Edmonds in the chair.

Ml'. Standish, of Bagshot, exhibited three large and handsome
bunches of lugiam's Hardy Prolific Muscat Grape ; they were
well shouldered, and the berries were of good size, of a deep
black colour, and with a fine thick bloom ; the flavour also was
exoellent. From the fine condition of the fruit, and the high
opinion that was expressed at former Meetings upon the merits
of this variety, the Committee awarded to it the special prize of
£3, placed at the disposal of the Conunittee by llr. AY. Wilson
Saunders. Mr. Standish also exhibited very fine bunches of
white Frontignan Grapes, and foiu' handsome Tines in jjots, the
latter of which were awarded a Certificate of Commendation.

Ilie Prince Consort, President of the Society, sent a dish of
very fine fruit of the Mango ; these were lasrge, oval, and some-
what flattened on the sides, the iesh was ihici, very jujoy, and
richly flavoured.

iFrancis Darwin, Esq., of Eii'khill Hall, neapOttlfff, presented
a collection of forty-nine sorts of Kidney Beans, coUeeted in
Madeira, all of which have been sown in the Garden.

AEE LAEKFIELD ETVAL AND VIEGINEUII
THE SAME VAEIETIES?
Ik the autumn of 1858 or the spring of 1859 a JTr. Davies
sent out a new seedling forcing Geranium called " Larkfidd'
Eival." Allow me to call your attention to the two Geraniums
here sent. A friend of mine, of much greater experience and
longer practice, assures me that be has known Tirgineum for near
twenty years. Well, wheie is the diflerenee? It is too bad.
Florists should not " diddle " us like this. I know we aie
almost prepared to swallow anything ; but — "burnt bairns fear
the fire" — we shall get suspicious, and then will come a day of
retribution. — Nathak H. Pownall, Gardener to Wm. Sandag,
lEsq., Solme Fierrepont^ Nottingham,

[The specimens sent were certainly identical in truss, petal,
and leaf.— Eds. J. H.]

NEW AND EAEE PLANTS.

Amohuii Cirsil (Clusiiis'e, or Golden-Jloioered Grain of

Paradise).
Nat. Ord., Zinziberacete. Linii., Monandria Monogyuia.
Jf ative of the west coast of Africa, Fernando Po, &c. It blossoms
in December. Flowers bright yellow. — i^Bot. Magazine, t. 5230).

SlEEPloCABPrs Saun-deesii {Mr. Saunders' Streptocarptts).
Nat. Or(Z., Cyrtandracea^. ii«n., DiandriaMonogynia. Native
of Katil. "May, perhajis, bear the temperature of a warm
greenhouse in summer. Its great charms are its size, the rich
purple ix>se colour of the under side of the foliage, and the
delicate greyish-blue of the numerous flowers, three plants in
one pot producing at one time one hundred and twenty-five." It
commences blooming in April. — {Ibid., t. 5251.)

DniOEPHOTHECA OEAJiisiFOLiA {Grass-Ieaved Diinorp7iot?ieca).
Nat. Ord., CompositcD. Linn., Stngenesia Po'yganiia-neces-
earia. It has also been called Calendula gramiuifolia, Arototjs
tenuifolia, and Bellis afriouua, being " The Afiican Daisy " of
our forefathers. It was brought to Holland from the Cape as
long since as 1698 j and we quite agree with Dr. Martjn, who
said fifty years ago, " Though it has been long in the Einglish
gardens, yet it is not so commonly seen there as it deserves,
there being few plants which continue so long in flower." It
begins blooming in April, and continues to do so, though not
so abundantly, imtil late in autumn. The flowers withinside
are white, with a purple centre, and a coppery purple outside.
Tlioy are of the size of the common Marigold. It may be raised
both from seeds and cuttings. Sir W. Hooker says, "It might
make a good summer bedding plant if the stems were pegged
dowu." — {Ibid., t. 5252.)

SiEKOGASTEtt CONCOXA {Neat Stenoffaster).
Nat. Ord., Cyrtandracere. Linn., Didynamia .ijigiospermia.
"This pretty little plant flowered in Messrs. Veiteh & Son's
Nursery at Chelsea, in April last, but it is not known from
what country it came, nor by wliom it was imported." Flowers
white, tinted with pale lilac. — {Hid , t. 5253.)

Begoxia rHTELOiiANiACA {Proliferous-stemmed Begonia).

It has, with the same specific name, been included in the
genus Knessbeekia. Nat. Ord., Begoniacese. Linn., Monoecia
Polyandria. Its native country is not known. Its flowers are
very pale pink, but neither they nor the leaves arc particularly
conspicuous. Its " extraordinary peculiarity is, that it produces
from the stem, branches and petioles, innumerable leaflets,
which, on being detached and placed on moist soU, produce
roots and become plants." — {Ibid., t. 5254.)

Seed-Deixl. — A very simple,
and at the same time a very ex-
p?ditious and effective mode oi
planting small seeds, is to put
them in a wine-bottle, with a
quill inserted in the oork, as
shown in the cut. If the seeds
are extremely small, and it is
necessary to sow them thinly,
mix tlie seed n-ith dry sand
before it is put in the bottle.

216

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AJSD COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ June 18, 1861.

SPUR versus LONG-ROD SYSTEM OF VINE
PRUNING.

Is it true that larger and much finer bunches of Grapes can
be obtained by pruning the Vine on the long-rod system than
on the spur system? and is not the long-rod system of pruning
much more simple than the spur, and have not the Vines a
much neater appearance? Also, can as great a number of
bunches be grown on a Vine by the long-rod system as on the
spur system ? How many feet long will a rod grow in one
season, being pruned on the long-rod system? Does a Vine
require more nutriment when pruned on the long-rod system,
on account of its having to support a growing rod as well as a
crop of fruit, or not ? And why, if the long-rod system produces
larger bunches, is the spur system of pruning more generally
adopted ? On wliich system of prunhig are those large bunches
of prize Grapes one sees in Covent Garden produced ?

Which gives the finest fruit and the largest quantity— a tree
grown as a pyramid or as a bush in an orchard-house, of course
both being in the same size pots ?

Can hot air be introduced both under the borders and above,
at the same time, into a house heated by the Kiddean system ?
And can a great amount of heat be introduced into a house by
the Kiddean system ? — Hespeetjs.

[We do not think there is anything at aU satisfactorily esta-
blished as to the superiority of the long-rod system in producing
larger bunches than Ihe spur system, if quantity and quality are
taken into consideration ; nor do we think such a fact is likely
to be easily established — inasmuch as a fruitful healthy Vine
can only can'y and ripen to perfection bunches in proportion to
the space occupied by the roots in the ground, and the foliage
in the atmosphere of the house fully exposed to light. Every
well-ripened bud will (hen produce fruit, whether that bud be
on a short spur or on a long rod. This fact lies at the foun-
dation of rightly pruning many climbers and creepers as well as
Vines. If the wood is not well-ripened the previous season,
prune how you will, the flowers and fruit will not come. If
the plant is growing extra vigorously. End the roots are getting
beyond much atmospheric influence, there wiU be an advantage
of the long-rod system, inasmuch as one shoot in summer would
be able to get its leaves more fully exposed to the sun than
leaves from a multitude of shoots, and consequently the wood
would be harder and the buds more matured than when the
same thing had to be done with a number of shoots : hence, in
such circumstances, Vines will bear well on the long-rod system,
when, without considerable care in pruning in summer and
disbudding, they would not yield so well on the spur system.
One reason is, that on the rod, when well exposed and allowed
a fair amount of room — after a (ew small buds near the base,
which will generally be barren in the following year, the other
buds in the axils of the leaves will be pretty regular as to
plumpness ; and aU these, or what is deemed necessary, will be
retained ; for when practising that mode we used to thin out
fully the half of the buds in the winter pruning, leaving them
regularly on the shoot ; whilst, by cutting close back to a single
or to two buds on the spur system, the largest and best-swelled
buds are all cut away. When the roots, however, are all right,
in a healthy Vine this is of little consequence, as the whole
plant is so well matured and so stored with fruitful juices, that
it is next to impossible to prune wrong. Even in a healthy
Vine, and the roots near enough the surface to make it fruitful,
we consider that very large bunches can only be obtained by
leaving few of them ; and on the whole, our experience and
observation would lead us to give the preference for this purpose
to long-rod instead of spurs, and thinning out the buds well
before starting into growth. Here, however, in the way of
caution, we must just notice another supposed fact in the way
of observation— and that is, that though bunches on long rods
generally show stronger at first than those on spurs, the latter
generally swell and round off better at last. This may be owing
to the sap flowing more freely in the young shoot in spring, and
also to the larger surface of the old stem in spur pruning,
which, though a little more languid in spring, supplies a larger
surface for the young shoots to draw upon in autumn. This,
however, may be deemed anything but orthodox ; though in
many instances we have noticed the fact, that though the long-
rod shows the best, the spur mode often matures the best ; but
in practice as respects bunches, there is but little to draw
between them. If there had, our best gardeners would not
nave given such countenance to the spur system.

Instead of agreeing with our correspondent as to the simpli-
city and neatness of the rod system, we would undoubtedly
ascribe these advantages to the spur mode, unless in some very-
small house or pit, or on a wall not more than 4 feet or 5 feet in
height. In such circumstances, treating the Vine as we do a
Raspberry stool, would, in many cases, be. best — leaving one
bearing-shoot, selecting a cane for summer growth and removing
all others, and cutting out the bearing-shoot of this year as soon
as the fruit was gathered, and giving all the room and light
possible for the shoot of the following year. Once establish a
Vine on the spur system, and what can be simpler ? The shoots
are supplied on each side from the spurs. Laterals are duly
regulated merely to promote root action, and removed when
maturing, and not growing, is the object ; and in the autumn
and winter the shoots are cut back to a bud, to furnish the
bearing-shoot for the succeeding season. When the main
stem gets too old, or some of the spm-s begin to fail, it is
easy to renew it by training up a young shoot from the bot-
tom ; and, as it grows, the laterals on the bearing-spurs may
be mostly renewed, which will give more room to the young
shoot, and the free growth of this shoot will keep up a
brisk root action. A similar mode must be adopted in a re-
gular rod system ; but then it is not so simple as mere spur
pruning. The rod this season, with its side-bearing shoots, must
be attended to ; a young shoot from the base must be selected
for next year, and as it grows its laterals must be stopped, all the
laterals in the side fruit-bearing shoots must be removed, and
even barren side shoots, as the young main shoot for next year
reaches them. There will bo the care required, that the point of
this young shoot shall not be injured ; for, if so, the upper part,
though it breaks again, will be weaker than the lower ; and if all
this is guarded against, and a nice shoot some 15 feet or 20 feet
in length is procured and well ripened in the autumn, and left
to take all the growth next year, the fruiting-shoot of thia
year being removed as soon as the fruit is gathered — there is
then tlie care and trouble to get this shoot to break its buds
regularly all its length, which, if in a house, and especially if
forced early, it will not, if left alone, be inclined to do naturally,
but the highest buds will have a tendency to break first and take
the lead ; so that, to make sure, the shoots should be laid
horizontally, or perhaps twisted a little to make the breakmg
regular. Out of doors, as in a late house, these precautions
would not be so necessary ; but all these little securities for
regular breaking and attention in traming are eo many drawbacks
from simplicity and neatness.

These things attended to, however, we do not think there is a
pin to choose upon between the two systems, as to the num-
ber of bunches that may be grown, or as to the nutriment the
plants will require. When either is duly carried out, there is
not much difference in the long run as to the amount of foliage
the Vines carry. In spur pruning, room must be found for
laterals at first. In the long-rod the laterals on the bearing side
shoots may be gi'adually renewed, as the young stem for next
year takes the running.

The shade given, however, will be rather more on the rod
system than in spur pruning ; and the latter is, therefore, best
fitted for a greenhouse vinery, in which so many of our friends
contrive to grow many plants and yet get good Grapes in
autumn.

In a vigorous, healthy Vine there is hardly any bounds to the
length a Vine shoot will grow in the season. We have bad them
grow from the bottom to the top of the house, and extend along
the hack wall to a distance of 40 feet or 50 feet in all ; but such
a length is anything but desirable. From 12 feet to 20 feet
ought to be considered the longest length for a well-ripened
matured shoot in one year; and, if extra strong, it is better to
encourage side laterals at first instead of greater lengths, these
laterals being removed gradually as the wood begins to ripen.
When the length of a rafter exceeds 20 feet it will, in general,
be better to have two rods in the length of the house ; and, in
this case, the shoot would be cut out every two years instead
of every year.

We have known splendid fruit grown on the young shoots
that adorned exhibition tables, and Covent Garden likewise ; but
we have also known so many fine bunches produced on spurs
that we cannot answer our correspondent's question satisfactorily;
perhaps some one now more intimate with Covent Garden will
supply our deficiency. Mean while, let us observe that if splendid
bunches above all things are desired, care must be taken to have
few of them. The large-bunch system will not suit when a bunch

June 18, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAG-E GARDENER.

217

or two a-day are wanted for the table, and but little space to
grow them in.

PYRAMIDS versus BUSHES IN OECHAHD-EOITSE.
The question as to quantity and quality of trees grown on
these modes in an orchard-house, and in similar sized pots, is
hardly a fair one, unless space was also taken into consideration.
Trees in the same sized pots may be equally fruitful, though the
plants in one pot be double the size of the other ; and, to be
equally profitable, should carry nearly double the quantity of
fruit. Trees may be so nipped in as to bear from the pot to the
top, rising up almost as straight and round as a gun-barrel, and
scarcely wider at any part than the diameter of the pot. More
of such plants can stand and receiye light and sun on all sides,
in the same space, than pyramids with a wide base and tapering
upwards to the point, and more of the latter can be accommo-
dated than flat-headed wide bushes. All the modes will yield
good fruit in proportion to the sun and ah- they receiye. In
proportion to the mere size of the pot, without taking space
into consideration, we would place the bush first as to quantity ;
the wide-based pyramid second j and the tall, upright, narrow
pyramid third. But taking space and quality as the first con-
siderations, we would place the upright pyramid first; the
wide-based pyramid second, but first for beauty and neatness;
and for all these united, the bush form third.

KIBDEAN HEATING.
We presume it will be as easy to heat the space under the
border as above it by the Kiddean or any other system, provided
the source of heat is placed sufEciently low that in either case
the heat will be able to ascend. In heating from a chamber, it
would be as well to have separate openings for the bottom and
top heat. Whatever your mode of heating — furnace, flue, hot-
air chamber, or hot water — there will be no difliculty if the
«ource of heat is lower than the place to be heated. — R. Fish.]

CULTUEE OF THE GEAPE VINE.

(Continued from page 177.)

CULTIVATION IN A GREENHOUSE.

The kinds best adapted for a greenhouse are Black Hamburgh,
Lady Down's, a Grape that keeps well. West's St. Peter's, Royal
Muscadine, Golden Hamburgh, and Dutch Sweetwater. More
kinds might be tried, but the above are good croppers and sure
to answer.

PiANTiNa. — The best season is March, just before the buds
break.

Peuninq. — The best mode of pruning for a greenhouse is
undoubtedly the spur system ; and for this reason, that the
foliage is less in quantity, and, therefore, does not shade so much
the plants that are in the house than when the single-rod system
is adopted.

The Pruning in Summer consists in stopping the laterals at
the thu'd or fourth joint, and, when the side eyes burst, to stop
these again and again throughout the growing season. Every
fruit-bearing shoot should be stopped at the second joint above
the bunch. When the fruit begins to colour, the first-made
laterals should be cut clean off, in order to give more light to
the leaves and fruit.

Autumn Pruning. — The Vines in autumn may be half-pruned
by cutting oif all the laterals in order to ripen the wood and fill
the buds witli fruit-bearing sap. As the leaves turn yeUow they
should be removed.

Winter Pruning. — This may be done in any of the winter
months after the fruit is all gathered and the leaves all fallen
off. At that season the greenhouse plants wlU all be housed. I
always found it more convenient to prune the Vines by loosening
them from the rafters in succession, bringing each one down into
the walk or path, commencing at one end, it is no matter which,
pruning each side shoot to one eye as directed before, and when
that Vine was pruned, clearing away the loose bark and applying a
paint made of water thickened with sulphur and clay. Use a
softish brush and see that every part is covered with the sulphur.
This mixture is a great preventive, if not a cure, for, mildew, and
destroys scale and red spider. Then tie the Vines down to the
front in a bundle. In that position they may remain till the
buds begin to break. By being thus trained horizontally at the
lowest part, and consequently the coolest part of the house,

every bud will be in an equal temperature, and will aU receive an
equal amount of stimulating sap : hence the lower part of the
rafter will be as well furnished with fruit as the highest, and the
berries will swell almost equally as fine as those on the higher part
of the house.

Spring Management. — I have often allowed them to remain in
this horizontal position till I could stop the laterals, but when I
did so I was obliged to be very careful of the young shoots, for in
their young state they are easily slipped off at the base. There
is, however, a great convenience in doing this work when the
Vines are so handy and easily examined. As soon as one Vine
was operated upon — that is, the superfluous shoots rubbed off, the
fruit-bearing spurs stopped, and, if long enough, tied slightly to
the main stem — that Vine was tied up to its proper rafter, and
the next taken in hand, and the same operations gone through
till every Vine was done. It requires at least two persons to
do this ; one to hold the Vine, and the other (the more
experienced hand, of course) to thin out the shoots and stop
those that are left. In lofty greenhouses crowded with plants,
this spring dressing when the Vines are tied up to the rafters
before it is done is a very difficult and troublesome affair. I
therefore recommend the leaving them tied down to the front
till they have made such a growth as will enable the cultivator
to give them their first dressing so conveniently. With moderate
care he will accomplish this safely, and certainly better and more
correctly.

Summer Management. — This consists in regularly stopping the
laterals and keeping them tied in neatly to the wires. Speaking
of wires reminds me that I have not yet described them. There
should be three — one in the centre to tie the main stem to, and
one on each side of it to tie the laterals to. Each wu-e should
be about 9 inches from the glass, and 6 inches from wire to
wire. To keep them in position, there should be strong iron
pins, sharp at one end, or made with a screw, and an eye at the
other end, the wires run through those eyes, and they keep the
wires in their proper place. If the wire is pretty strong, the pins
will do if placed 6 feet apart. Thus trained, when the Vines are
in full bearing all their length, the bunches hang in two straight
rows, and are very ornamental. The laterals should not be
trained at right angles, but rather slanting upwards. If the
Vines are very fruitful I would never allow more than one
bunch to a shoot. The spurs should be as nearly as possible a
foot apart, and at equal distances. When the Vines are in bloom,
the air of the house should be moderately dry. In general, the
air should be more moist during the night than duiing the day.
Alternate moisture and dryness will cause the anther coverings to
contract and expand, and eventually to crack and open when the
pollen is ripe and ready to be shed upon the stigma. If all this
has gone on properly, the berries will set freely and will soon
begin to swell. Then is the time to commence thinning them — an
operation that must not be neglected. Thin freely, and you will
have larger berries, but handle the berries that are left as little
as possible. Most of the kinds proper for a greenhouse have
bunches with large shoulders. The bunch will be more sym-
metrical, and each berry will ripen more equally if those
shoulders are tied up and spread out equally on each side.
Some use pronged sticks for this purpose, but I judge that soft
matting is the better article, and, besides that, the branches
of the bunch can be spread out more equally. While the
thinning is going on examine the laterals and ties, and top
the one and adjust the other.

Sgringing. — During summer, before the Grapes begin to
colour, give them a good syringing once or twice a-weet,
especially after a hot, sunny day.

Air, of course, will be given veiy freely in the early stages
of growth, because of the plants ; but as soon as the green-
house plants are removed out of doors towards the end of May
or beginning of June, less air will do for the Vines. The
stage of the greenhouse will then be filled with plants, such as
Balsams, Cockscombs, &c., that will bear a higher temperature.
In general, the rule should be to give air as soon as the
thermometer indicates 65°, the maximum heat at noon should
never exceed 70°. In cold, damp weather, a httle artificial heat
from the flues or hot-water pipes will be of great service.

When the Grapes are fully ripe, they will be attacked by
wasps and other fruit-eating insects. The best remedy is to
cover the air-giving openings with fine netting or canvass.
Even a door of canvass will be of service to keep out those
intruders. As the Grapes in a greenhouse will hang a long
time (I have had them good till Christmas) the an- in the

m

JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AlTD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 18, 1861.

hoHse slioTild be tcpt as dry as is consistent with the health of
the plants. No dead matters should be allowed in the house
at all, such as yellow decaying leares, or moss, or an_ything that
will keep damp. Tlie floort, should be kept dry and clean, and
abundance of air given f'uring every dry day. Fortunately, all
these precautions are equally as necessary for the health of
the plants, as for keeping the Grapes from moulding and
rotting on the Vines.

I hare not mentioned the border for Tines in a greenhouse.
TJie reader will remember what I said on Vine-bordei-s, how
they should be drained and made, but he might inquire. Will
the border require corering to protect the roots? If it is
properly drained, the only coTering it will need is one that will
keep off the heavy rains during autumn and winter. As the
Vines in a greenhouse are not forced, but break naturally with
the heat of the spring sun, which heat is applied also to the
roots simultaneously, there is no necessity to heat the soil
arti6eially. It is early-forced Vines that require this, in order
that root aclion may be going on at the same time that the
top action is set in motion by internal heat. On that point,
liowever, I shall have much to say when I come to the stove
and vinery cultm-e of the Grape. T. Applebt.

{To be continued.)

OUE CULTIVATED SOILS.

{Continued from 2>affe 140.)

Red Loamy Soil. — The coloiu- of a soil has really less to do
with its fertility than is generally supposed, for it often happens
that the colouring matter exercises little or no influence over it :
consequently we may conclude that a good soil, like a good
horse, cannot have a wrong colour. Certainly a dark-coloured
soil absorbs more of the sun's rays, and becomes sooner heated
than a light one, and in some districts a reddish-coloured soil
is regarded the best ; but this must not be confounded with the
red clays found in some districts, which are amongst the most
obstinate and least productive soils we have to deal with ; neither
ought we to include t)ie red sandy soils in this class, which are
more or less common in the north-v;estcrn counties. One of the
roost agi-eeable working soils I ever had to deal with was of this
description ; but they are proverbially "hungry soils " — i.e., re-
quiring manure very often, the porous character of the subsoil
allowing even-lhing to percolate through. A red loam is stifler
than this, and is said to produce excellent A'Mieat and other
grain ; but as I am not much acquainted with it, I cannot say
much of its suitability for garden purposes.

Black Sanbt Soil. — There are some very rich soils of this
description in various places ; but most commonly in those level
tracts of land bordering rivers, or some extensive plain, arc of
this character. The northern part of Cheshire and adjoining
part of Lancashire is all of this deep, rich, black, open sod, pro-
ducing the best oftr.rf, and Potatoes. Carrots, Mangold Wurtzel,
and other roots are grown in it to great perfection, and, in fact,
such a soil seems aviiihible for almost evei'ytliing. In the garden
way Celery of the best description is grown ; and the Peach,
Grape, and Pine thrive to a degree not known in any other soil.
A similar soil to this borders the Thames for a eonsidernble way
upwards ; but it is not to be confounded with the black peaty
soils of the few districts which contain scarcely a stone, and
which are of so dead a level as hardly to allow of any drainage.
Neither is this soil like the mai*sh soils of some of our coasts,
which contain within themselves abundance of saUne matters.
Tlie dark sandy soil alluded to partakes more of (he character of
a friable loam, easily breaking in pieces, yet containing sufficient
unctuous matter within itself to retain moisture. The subsoil is
often, but not always, sand, or a sort of sandy clay. Fruit
trees — as Pears, Plums, Gooseberries, and Currant* thrive re-
markably well on it, and most of the gross-feeding vegetables
are also at home here. As a soil to work it is pleasant and
agreeable, and the teeth of the rake pass so smoothly through
it, that the workman often sighs after it again when he removes
to a soil of an opposite description.

Det Ghavellt ok Stony Soix.— There are a great Tariety
of these — some tolerably fertile, others hungry and ungrateful.
So mneh depends on the subsoil and situation that no general
rule can be laid down bearing on this ; but in general a shallow
gravelly soil wiih a shnilar bottom is unproductive, the sub-
stratum being often composed of matei'ials of a pernicious
character, while some of the fltony soils are as much the other

way, trees and shrubs and many cultivated crops tlu-iving
remarkably well on them ; so much depends on the character of
the substratum. When this contains nothing hurtful to vegeta-
tion, hedges grow luxuriantly, and Chei-ry trees, Filberts, and
sweet Chestnuts thrive, and many shrubs stand the winter well
on such soils. But in hot, dry summers vegetation suffers much,
excepting deeply-rooted trees, and even they are stunted when
the subsoil is of a pernicious or impenetrable kind. Yew trees,
with now and then Junipers, and perhaps Heath, abound, and
Beech trees, Scotch Fir and Birch indicate a soil far from being
a friendly one to the husbandman. Much, however, depends
on the district ; if in the west of England where they liave much
rain, vegetation will prosper better on sudi soils than in a drier
locality ; but at the best it is only a soriy soil.

LiGHT-coLorKED Sandy Soil. — The valleys bordering many
rivers and streams consist of tliis kind of soil, vrhich is, doubt-
less, the accumulation of sandy matter washed down from the
hills on each side, or deposited there by floods. This forms an
excellent garden soil, produces most things in perfection, and
corn and other products ripen tolerably early, and in good con-
dition on it ; and as it is generally porous enough to permit the
water to drain off, so also it is deep enough to allow of a deep
tillage to enable the roots of all descriptions of plants to
penetrate below the reach of hot, dry summers, such soils are
always favourites, and productive. On the other hand, low
situations between hills suffer most from spring and autumn
f Ofts; but even with that drawback they are early, compared
with the rising grounds on both sides. Of course, oare must be
taken that they are not surcharged with water. A marsh by
the side of a river is a widely different thing from the soil just
described. — J. Eobson.

DIAL OF FLOWEES.

I snALL feel very much obliged if you can give me any in-
formation concerning the flowers that open at every succeeding
hour of the day, thereby forming a complete " Dial of Flowers."
For instance : The Hibiscus opens at twelve at noon, and (he
Marvel of Peru at four A.M. — A Subscklbee and Ajiateue oe
Flowees.

[We shall be obliged by any one who has made observations
upon the diurnal opening of flowers commrmicating to us the
results of those observations. The following is extracted from
the " Lexicon" of the Rev. P. Keith : —

" Of many plants it is not enough merely to say that they
open tl'.eu' flowers in the mornhig, and shut them again in the
evening. They have fised and appointed periods of opening
and of shutting; some earlier in the day, and some later, but
always at the same hour for the same species ; and this succession
of periods Linna?us, in his love of metapbor, denominated the
Horologium Florse. Flowers requiring but a slight application
of stimulus open early in the morning ; while others requiring
more open somewhat later. Some do not open till noon, or till
an hour later still ; and some, whose extreme delicacy cannot
bear the action of light at all, open only at night.

" According to Linnteus, the following plants open and shut
their flowers as follows {Phil. Sot. 273) :—

Tragopogon luteum . . opens at 3 a.m. and shuts at 9 a.m.

Crepis tpctonim ..... 4

Sonchus Irevis . . . . g , 5

Sonchus repens 6

Lactuca saliva

Hieracium Pilosctla

Calendula arvensis . .

Mesenibryantliemum neapolitanum

Ornithogiiluni utnbi-llauun (Dec.) .

Most Mescmbyvyantlicmuius

Scilla pomfTidiana ....

Silcrie noctiflora 6

Cereus prandifiorn,^ . . . . 7 or S

Convolvulus purpureus . , , 9 or 10

■" The above flowers are said to be equinoctial, bceansc thev
open at a certain fixed hour of the day, and shut at another, sma
so on, for many days in succession, with a few exceptions ; (hough'
we do not after nil see the propriety of the term. But some
flowers open only to expand and to fall in the course of one day,
or at least to open no more, such ae those of Cistus and Linvun,
and such are jaid to be ephemeral.

" Is light the sole cause of the above phenomena, or is it
attributable partly to heat ? De CandoUe regards it as being
attributable to the action of light solely. He observed tliat
flowers opened at the same hour, whetjier hi the «pen air or in*

4

10

5

„

11

6

„

12

7

„

10

6

„

2 ■s.u

9

,,

3

10

,,

3

U

,,

3

12

3 T.M.

June 18, 1661. ]

JHDITBNAL OF HQETICULTUEE ASD COTTAaE GAUDBIOLK.

219'.

Iiothouse. He placed certain flowera under water, and' they
opened at the same hours as when hi' the open air. — {Phi/s. Veg.
ii. 486.) Yet it has been ascertained that the iiowers of plants
which are removed from a warmer to ai colder climate, expand at
a later hour in the latter than in the former. Thus a flower that
opens at six o'clock in the morning at Senegal will not open in
Eranoe or in England till eight or nine, nor in Sweden tiU ten.
A flower that opens at ten o'clock at Senegal will not open in
France or in England till noon, or later, and in Sweden not at
all ; and a flbwer that does not open at Senegal till noon or later,
will' not open at all in France or in England. This seems as if
heat, or the want of it, were also instrumental in tlie opening or
shutting of flowers ; though the opening of such as blow only in
dhe night cannot be attributed either tolight or to heat. — {Famill.
des Plant, i. 104. 1773.)

" But the opening and shutting of some flowers depends not
BOimuoh'Ou the action of the stimulus of light as on the existing
stste of the atmosphere, and hence their opening and shutting
betokens change. If the Siberian Sowthistle shuts at niglit the
ensuing day will be fiae ; if it opens it will be cloudy and rainy.
If the African Marigold continues shut after seven o'clock in the
morning, rain is near at hand ; and if Convolvuliis arvensia, or
Anagallis arvensis, is even already open, it will shut uponi the
approach of rain — the last of which, froui its peculiar suscep-
tibility, has obtained the name of the'Poor Man's Weather-glass."]

REPORT ON THE GARDEN" PEASi

G-EOWX AT CniSWICK DURING 1860.

By EoBERi HoGo, LL.D., F.R.H.S., Secretary to the Fruit; Committee.

{Continued from page 139.)

47. Lyan's Wrinkled Marrow NtriTiNo & Som.

The plant is a robust grower; 3 fcet high, and with dark green
and much blotched foliage. The stem is simple, producing from
twelve to fourteen pods, which are in pairs, and contain from
six to eight Peas in each. The ripe seed is white, wrinltledj, and
with a black hilum, like the Egg Pesi

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 28th ; slattBEUulj'Stli ;
and ready for use July 22nd.

This is a very hardy vai-iety, and as such is grown rather exten-
sively in the neighboui'liDod of some of the manufacturing, towns
in the north ; but it is not a desirable sort.

48. Knight's Dwarf WMte-i^oBLE, Coopee, & Boeton.

T?he plant is a strong grower, 2i feet to 3 feet high. The
stem is much branched, and the foliage deep green and mucli
blotched. The pods are produced in pairs, and are from twelve
to sixteen on a plant, containing six to seven large Peas in each.
The ripe seed is white and wrinkled.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed July 1st ; slatted July 9th ;
and. fit to gather July 24th.

49. Knight's Tall White-.N'oiJLE, Coopeb, & Bolton.

This is a sti'ong and robust grower, 6 feet to 7 feet high. Tlie
stem is much branched, and keeps on growing and producing
pods till late in the season. The foliage is dark green and much
blotched. The pods are produced in pairs to tlie number of
twelve to eighteen on a plant, and they contain from seven, to
eight Peas in each, which are very closely compressed. The ripe
seed is white and wrinkled.

Sown Febraary l9th ; bloomed July 1st ; slatted July 9th ;
and fit for gathering July 24th.

VU. GKEBN MAEEOW KNIGHt'S PEA3.

Ripe seea mixed white and olive. Foliage dark green and
blotched. Pods dark dull green, very glaucous.

BO. Ne Plus Ultra Noble, Coopee, & Bolton.

Syn : Jeges' Coni^ueror Ntttting & Sons.

Pagiw's Conqueror ...Hoest & M'Mullen.

This is of a strong and robust habit of growth, 6 feet to 7 feet
high, and with a branching stem and dark green blotched foliage.
The pods are from twelve to eighteen on each plant, mostly in
pairs,, and contain seven very large Peas, which are of a dark,
dull green colour, liie those of the (Jreeu MaiTOws. The ripe
seed is mixed white and olive.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 16th ; slatted June
aSth ; and fit for gatlieriug July 10th.,

This is one of the best Peas in cultivation, being an abundant
bearer, as early as the Early G-reen Marrow, and having dark-
cobured pods and Peas similar to those of that variety.

51. General Wyndham IS'oble, Coopee, & Bolton.

Stn : BuoMei/'s Gen. Wyndliam'B.VB.ST & M^Mtolhn.'

The plant is of a robust habit, 6 feet to 7 feet high, and fre-
quently branched. The foliage is dark gi-een and blotched.
I'he pods are either single or in pairs, and number from ten to
fourteen on eacli plant. They contain eight very large Peas,
which are of the deep dull green colour of the Early Green
Marrow. The ripe seed is white and olive mixed.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 23rd ; slatted July 2nd;
and, fit for use July 20th.

This is a valuable acquisition, and lias evidently, been raised'
from Ne Plus Ultra ; but it is a much more robust grower and
produces much larger pods. The plant continues growing,
blooming, and podding till very late in the season, and when this'
is in tlie full vigour of growth, K"e Plus Ultra is ripening ofT.^
The Peas when cooked are of a fine, bright, green colour, and'
unlike those of any other variety.

THERMOMETRICAL OBSERVATIONS.

The fatal consequences arising from last whiter to plants
previously considered hardy, and the discordancy of those con-
sequences, have aroused the gardener's attention to the im?
portanee of thermometrioal observations. Seeking for an ex-
planation of but one fact among those consequences justifies
that aroused attention, and that fact is this : Cupressus macro-
carpa was killed by last winter's frosts in the neighbourhood of
Worcester, whilst it is quite uninjured on the brow of a chalk
hill near Winchester. "Wliy was this ? AVhat were the relative
atmospheric and underground temperatures of the two places ?
Wliat and when were the most violent transit ions of temperature ?

To these queries we can obtain no reply. No reliable ther-
mometrioal observations wore made; yet it is obvious that ti'uth-
ful replies to tiiose queries woidd afford information most im-
portant for the gardener to possess.

If such replies could liave been obtained, we incline to believe
it would have been found that, all hough the atmospheric tern--
peratures on the Winchester hill were lower than those at
Worcester, yet that the soil tomperature never descended so low
at Winchester as at Worcester. Such variations have many
controlling causes, for, as observed by Dr. Thomson, the tem-
perature is altered by an almost infinite number of circumstances ;;
thus, altitude, latitude, longitude, horary and seasonal periods,,
the presence of aqueous meteovs, winds, and the physical re-
lations of the locality ; even the aspect of the horizon, whether'
it is rugged or unbroken by lolty eminences, the chemical
nature and colour of the soil, influence the result. Su'ojpot,
however, to numerous fluctuations, we nevertheless observe that
there are two stated periods of the day when the temperature
reaches a maximum and minimum. Tlie warmest period isi
generally from two to three hours after the sun has passed the
meridian, the diiference depending upon season ; the coldest is
nearly an hour before sunrise. A mean may be conveniently
obtained by recording the oscillations of the thermometei; at.
suitable intervals, and thus the toils of hourly observation dis-
pensed with. Thus the sum of the indications at 6 a.m., 2 and
10 P.M., or, as suggested by Schouw, at 7 a.m., noon, and 10
P.M., divided by 3, will give a near approximation to the diurnal
temperature. From observations made by Professor Dewey in
North America, it would appear that the result obtained at the
homonymous hours of 10 a.m. and 10 P.M. afforded an approxi-
mation of 5-lOOths of a degree to the true mean diurual tem-
perature. Though the maximum temperature occurs some time
after the sun has culminated, we find that proximity to coasts
accelerates the epoch; and in tropical regions the sea-breeze
still farther modifies the result. The same has been found on
mountain tops ; nor is it at all remarkable : for, let it be observed,
that in the plain, not only is the atmosphere warmed by direct
solar rays, but by those radiated from the ground ; upon the
mountain top there will be a greater absorption of caloric and
less radiation, more heat being abstracted by conduction there
than below, where the temperature of the earth is higher and
more equally diffused. The temperature, tlien, upon those lofty
spots will depend chiefly upon the sun's direct calorific action);
and as those rays are most powerful which pierce the thinnest
atmosphere — i.e., when the- sun is on the meridian, the hottest
period of the day will be at, or very soon after, culmination.—
{Elements oj Meteorology).

To obtain accurate comparative observations and records of

220

JOUBXAL OF HOETICLLTUKE Xm) COTXAGE GAEDENEE.

[ June 18, 1861,

t"ie maxima and miniiria temperatvrres daily, requires not onlr
that the thermometers should be accurately and similarly gradu-
ated, but that they should be similarly exposed and similarly
protected in every respect.

Mr. E. J. Lowe published some years since, ia the " Gar-
deners' llagazine of Botany," the following Judicious directions i
npon this subject : —

" Thermometers for comparison
should all be placed at a certain height
from the ground ; they should all face
the north (except those which are re-
quired to register the maximum tem-
perature in the sunshine, which should
face the south) ; they should not be
influenced by radiated heat, by currents,
by reflected heat, such as is commu-
nicated from an opposite wall, by ah-
sorption of heat from the wall or wood-
work to which the thermometer is
attached ; and, in short, they should be
sittiated where there is a free passage
of air.

"With regard to the height that a
thermometer is placed above the ground,
it is ascertained that an inch occasion-
ally mates a difference of a few degrees.
Thermometers placed at various heights
do not vary much from each other in
cloudy weather ; but, with a cloudless
sky the difierence is very great ; as
an illusfration we shall quote an ex-
ample—viz., March 13th, 1845, 9h.
10m. p.m., a thermometer on the grass
had fallen to 4.5^, 2 feet above the grass
it stood 15°, and 7 feet above the grass
at 18.5°. Here is a diff"erence of 10^%
or three times as much between the
temperature of the grass and 2 feet
above it : and between the grass and
f feet, of 14°, or four times as much.

"With respect to the
aspect of thermometers, we
shall give an instance
which occurred at the same
time as the last observation.
A thermometer placed 14 fee*
above the ground, with a
south-east aspect was 15°,
with a north aspect 17=, with
a north-east aspect
18°, and with a south-
west aspect 19°.

" It cannot be ex-
pected that thermo-
meters, placed as they

we shall describe is so arranged that it may be placed in any
eligible situation ; it commands a true north and south aspect ;
the instruments can be read off" with the greatest facihty,
and they will be at a known distance from the ground ; the
instruments on the south face will have the meridian eun,
and those on the north face will be always in the shade. The
instrument is not costly, and were this stand universally
^^^^^^ adopted, observations, whether re-
corded here or at the antipodes, could
be compared with each other with far
less chance of error than has hitherto
been the case.

"Fig. 1 is a view of the stand. It is
composed of white deal boards, and
can be constructed by any carpenter.
It consists of an oblong trunk T,
12 inches by 8 inches outside measure,
to the opposite sides of which trunk are
nailed boards, b h, at the distance of
three quarters of an incl', and pro-
jecting about 6 inches from the trunk
towards the north. Outside of these
are nailed other thin boards, c c, full
half an incli distant, and projecting about
4 inches beyond the last -mentioned
boards, also towards the north. These
sides being thus multiple, pnvent the
sun from heating the interior of the
stand, where the thermometers are
placed. The top, or pent-board, P, is
made double, and the boards are placed
fully three quarters of an inch distant
from each other, and come so forward
as to overhang by a full incli. The
legs, I. L, of the stand are merely the
continuation of the sides of the trunk.
The board, or feet, F r, are loaded or
fixed to the ground to sustain the force
of the wind. The interior, T, is black-
ened to prevent strong reflections of
light.

" Fig. 4 is a ground plan,
or bird's-eye view of the
machine. The sides and wood-
wort generally are of three-
quarter-inch white deal. The
distance or space between the
sides of the trunk, T (Jig. 1),
and the board, or itner bide
(Jig. 4), is three
quarters of ac inch;
and, the distance from
that board to the
outer side (Jig. 4), is
full half an inch. The

generally are, mav be depended upon, some &cing the north.others
the south ; some the north-east, others the north-west ; some
3 feet to 5 feet above the ground, others 10 feet to 20 feet ; some
sheltered by a high wall, others by low palings ; some touching
a wall, others distant from it ; and some in the angle of a high
building (cool as a cellar), and others exposed to the rays of the
gun at one or other hour during the day.

" 'The LawBon Meteorological Thermometer Stand,' which

narrow boards (Jig. 4), are to be nailed, with studs intenreniDg-,
to the middle board or side, and are for the purpose of preventing
the sun from shining between the tnmk and the sides of the
stand, when near the meridian. The sides are fixed one upon
another at the required distances (viz., three quarters of an inch
and half an inch), by numerous wooden studs, partially shown
at^#. 1 and 2, about three quarters of an inch diameter, and
the screws passed through the sides and studs, fixing the whole

I

June 18, 1861. ]

JOTJRNAIi OP HOETICULTUKE A2!D COTTAGE GAEDEKEB.

221

flrmlj- together. The whole 13 to be painted white, except the
trunk T, which should be blact.

" Fiff. 2 is the riew of the north side of the stand. If o. 1 is
an index thermometer to give the greatest cold of the night.
The thermometer inclines, the ball end being the lowest, in order
that the index, by being assisted by gravity, will move more
easily. Xo. 2 is an index thermometer to show the greatest
heat of the day ; for the same reasons it is also placed on an

2i feet, li foot, and 9 inches. These tubes should have in each
a thermometer such aa is represented at page 118 of our present
volume, but with the shank lengthened so aa to correspond with
the depth of the tube in which it is placed. These tubes should
be covered over by a hand-light glazed only on the top to
exclude rain from entering the tubes, but entirely open at the
sides to admit freely the admission of the air. The thermometers
should be well packed into the tubes with cotton to exclude the
atmospheric temperature.

The importance of ascertaining for a cer-
tainty that the soil is of a temperature cor-
rectly relative to that of the air above it
is demonstrated by the fact, that natoxally
its average temperature is always higher than
that of the air. In other words, the roots
on the average are kept warmer than the
branches.

From observations made at Chiswick
during six years (1838—1847) Mr. Robert

Fig. 4.

incline, the ball end being the highest. Ifo. 4 are a pair of ther-
mometers called the wet and dry ball thermometers, to show the
power of the air to evaporate water. T" is a vase or cistern of
water for the wet ball thermometer ; it is placed on the outside
of the thermometer, to which a cotton wick is to be attached to
connect it with the water, and at about the same elevation as the
ball of the thermometer, in order that the evaporation from the
vessel of water may not influence the thermometer on the other
side, which is to be the dry ball thermometer ; for, in some
careful experiments which I made with a vessel placed
beneath the balls, it was found that the dry ball was lowered
from 0.2° to 0.3°, which, though apparently a small error, ia a
serious amount in the main difference between the readings of
the dry and wet ball thermometers.

*' Fiff. 3 is the view of the soulh side of the stand. Xo. 3 is an
index mercurial thermometer, with a black ball to give the
greatest solar heat. E is a rain guage on Glaisher's construction ;
and B is a measure into which rain is to be poured for measrire-
ment."

For ascertaining the temperature of the soil at ra-ioua depths
we recommend three tin tubes to be sunk in it in a place fully ex-
posed to the sun, but far from a wall or other shelter ; each tube
to be about 2 inches in diameter, and of the respective depths of

Thompson gives the following epitome of
results : —

" The hottest year as regards the tem-
perature of the earth, 1846, afforded a mean
temperature of 52° 32' at 1 foot deep ; and 52° S3' at 2 feet
deep. In the coldest year, 1845, the mean temperature at

1 foot deep was 48° 95' ; and at 2 feet deep 49° 44'. The
respective differences of the two thermometers in these hottest
and coldest years were 3° 37' at 1 foot deep, and 3° 41' at

2 feet. The "mean temperature of the air was 51° 45' in 1846,
and 47° 92' in 1845 ; the difference being 3° 53'.

" On the average of the six years the earth is coldest in
February, and warmest in July. The mean temperature of
the air is also highest in July, but it is lowest in January.
Throughout the months the gradations of temperature are not
uniform. The monthly progression is as follows : —
" Temperature increases.
Feb. Mu. April. Ma^.

1 foot deep (Lowest) 310 5-01 7-32

2 feet deep tLowest; 2-25 4-47 6-39
Air 0^2 4-39 5-20 7-04

Ang.

1 foot deep 112

2 feet ceep 042
Air 2-24

0^2 4-
" Temperature decreases.
Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec

Jane. July.

7*5 1 3-5

6-77 3 00

8-01 1-99

4-03
2-91
4-84

5-97
5-30
5-93

oo9
5-60

6-04
5-20
729

1-62

1-95
010

1-07
1-4-5

POMOLOGICAL CLEANINGS.

EAELT SrEAWBEEETES Df THE NOBTH. — In yOUT JOIIENAI

OP HOEnOCLTCBE, of June 4th, I observe with great interest
an article on ea'ly Strawberries, from Ferdinand Gloede, Esq.,
of Sablons, France, " the king of Strawberry growers," stating
that he had the May Queen ripe on the 18th of April ; and I,
living in the north of England, in the county of Durham, close
to I'arm, Yorkshire, may be permitted to say that 1 had the
May Queen ripe on the 4th of June. Had it not been for the
terrible frosts of the 10th and llih of May which killed the first
blooms, I should have had it ripe about the middle or latter end

of May. The line is five years old and is covered with fruit.
It is growing near a Privet hedge, and is sheltered a little from
the north. Out of a stock of more than two hundred varieties I
cannot find one that will be ripe for at least a week to come.
The weather has been verv bleak for the last week with cold east
winds and rain.— WuilAM Jas. Kicholsos, Fggleseliffe, near
Xarm, Tcriskire.

Cbtstai Paiace Eose Show. — The schedule of prizes and
the rules are now issued, and are very Uberal. The classes
embrace amateurs and growers for sale; Eoses in pots, new

2ir

JOTJENAL OS HORTICULT0KE ASD. COTTAOB G-AUDENEB.

[ June 18, 1861.

and cut flowers. Altogether £150' are given in prizes,
being a larger amount than- has ever before been offered for
Hoses only ; nr.d this year a greater rnciUty is oiferecl to eshi-
yitors in ihe first rour classes. One good truss of all good Roses
is now substituted' for the three trasses- of former shows. In-
tending exhibitors must give notice to Mr. W. Houghton, Secre-
tary to the Rose Show, on or before Saturday, the 39tli of Jime,
and receive from him the printed form in. which the entries are
made, so as to leave no room for mistakes or confusion on the
morning of the Show; and to prevent a serious mistake which
we noticed last year on the part of several exhibitors, all trusses
must show their natural leaves growing on the stalk. Other Rose
leaves, if they are stuck in under the flowers, will disqualify the
exhibitor from taking a prize ; and no exhibitor can take more
than one prire in each cl&ss. The rules and the whole arrange-
ments for the G^reat Hose Show appear to ua sound, and in prin-
ciple judicious in their application.

VEGETABLE PEODUCTS OF THE HIMALAYAS.

iConUnued from page 142.)

The Morenda Pine is, I believe, peculiar to the Himalayas,
and grows in the middle and higher regions, from an elevation of
6000 feet to near the limits of forest. In the great Oak forests
of the middle ranges it occurs at intervals, sometimes singly,
sometimes in clusters, and its very dark foliage, and spire-like
top towering above the other forest trees, render it a conspicuous
object. On some of the hills nearer tlie snow, where Pine is tlie
prevailing wood, it almost mono]5olises the forest. The Morenda
is a large and very handsome tree, the trunk perfectly sti-aight^
often upwards of 20 feet in circumference at the base, and some-
time» reaching a height of between 150 feet to 200 feet. The
branches^ which in a large tree commence about 20 feet from the
ground, are very short, in some cases not extendmg mora than
a few feet from the trunk, and very regular all the way up, which
adds to the apparent height of the tree. The wood is of little
use except for in-door work, as, when exposed to the atmosphere,
it. soon decays..

The Eye is generally found growing with the Morenda ; but
is not nearly so plentiful, and never forms a forest of itself.
Seldom, indeed,, are a. dozen trees seen together without some of
tlie latter or the Cheel amongst them. It is in all respects a
more tender tree, and entirely ceases upwards of 1000 feet lower
down. In size it is nearly equal, and is, perhaps, still more
ornamental. Ilie branches ai-e slender and drooping, and the
foliage partakes of the same ch.iracter. The wood is of much
thfl same quality as that of the Morenda.

The Kolin, or common Pine,, grows only on the lower hills,
ceasing altogether at a little above 6000 feet. Forests of it extend
over a. great portion of the lower ranges, where it and common
Oak are the principal trees. The Kolin forests are always very
open, tlie trees some distance apart, and it is rarely or never any
undejwood grows beneath them. In many places Spear-grass
alone covers the ground for miles where these trees form the
forest. The Kolin has little ornamental about it. It is often a
large in'egular tree for a Pine, with wide-spreading and crooked
branches growing far apart. The wood is a common coarse deal,
only fit for in-door purposes, and, probably, would not repay the
•cost of cutting and transporting to tlie plains, even where the
rivers are available ; but as it yields excellent bar these forests may
yet be turned to some advantage in a commercial point of view.

These are all the cone-bearing Pines in this part of the
Himalayas. The Leure is a kind of Cypress, the berries and
leaves of which are similar to the long slender species in our
lilnglish gardens and pleasure grounds, but here it gi'ows into a
ti-ee nearly as large as the Morenda or Eye. It is very rare, and
found only in a few places in the middle regions. The wood is
hard and extremely heavy, but do^s not appear to be very durable.
A pecidiair quality, the very reverse of all Pine is, that it is very
tttfficultto bum; so much so that it is impossible to make a good
fire- of it alone. Another Cypress, a much smaller tree, is found
■when we approach the dry atmospliere of Thibet, the wood of
■which has a fragrant smell and is often used to bum ae incense.
The Yew is scattered through all the forests between 7000 feet
and 9000 feet ; though itself often a tolerable sized tree, it is so
overtopped by the gigantic Oaks and Pines as to have almost
the character of underwood. Its wood is valued as much as
Cedar, and supposed to be still more dm'able,

'ilhfx first Oak met with is the Baty, which I hare named

common, to distinguish it from the two others. It begins' aV
sbout 3500 feet, and almost ceases at SOOO. The Oak forests of
the lower ranges are composed almost exclusively of this species,
as well as the lower part of those further in the interior. There-
is nothing remarkable about the tree ; it is in appearance somo
thing like the English Oak, but seldom attains to any extra-
ordinary size. The wood is coarse and rarely used except for
firewood. Burning well while green, it is the principal wood
consumed in the houses at the different sanatariums. The
three Himalayan Oaks are all evergreens.

The next in order is the Moura, a large and handsome tree.
The branches are rather slender and very numerous, and the
leaves small and of a particularly briglit hue. It grows sparingly
near the summits of the lower ranges amongst the common
Oaks, becoming more common in the great forests of the interior,
but is nowhere so numerous as to give a decided character to
any part. It seems to prefer sheltered nooks and hollows, and
a rich damp soiL Its range is from 5000 feet to nearly 8000 feetj
It attains to a great size, the trunks of some being 20 feet in circum-
ference. The wood is excellent, uniting in itself the best qualities
of English Oak and Ash, the hardness and durability of the foi'mer
with the toughness and flexibility of the latter. The leaves of
both this and the common Oak are eaten with avidity by sheep
and goat«. In winter, when the grass is so dried up as to afford
little nourishment, the shepherds ascend the trees, lopping oflT all
the small branches, which as they fall are soon stripped of their
leaves by the hungry flock underneath. Large bundles are also
taken home regularly every evening for them to eat during the
night. Of the two trees the Moura is considered the moat
nourishing, and in some districts each family has one or more
trees planted near the village, which furnish a ready supply for
a few days after severe snow, when it could not be otherwise
obtained witliout a great deal more exposure to the inclement
weather. These, being stripped of their small branches aimoat
every year, grow as compact as a clipped Box tree, and, being,
often of enormous size, are the most magnificent trees of thai kind
one can conceive.

Tlie Khurso is an Oak confined to the higher hills. It isfiiat,
met with at an elevation of about 7000 feet, and extends (to.
nearly 11,000 feetl In the great Oak forests of the interioB tfle;
lower portions consist of the two former, which gradually gat
mixed with Khurso, till this becomes the sole occupant of the
higher. In appearance it somewhat resembles the common Oak,,
but has some peculiar chai'acteristics. The leaves, particularly
in young trees, are very prickly, as much so as Holly, and the.
acorns are about tliree times the size of those of the other Oaks^
The trunk is generally very straight, and for 40 feet or 50 feet
scarcely decreases at all in thickness. The branches are short,,
so that the trees grow very close together. An acre of grounds
in any Khurso forest would yield more than treble the quantity
of timber the same area in any other Oak one would. Thft
wood, though inferior to the Moura, is of a very fair quality..
Though found on all faces, the Khuiso prefers the southern ani
eastern slopes,, as the Morenda aud Rye Pines do tlie northern,
and western. It is not unusual to find the forest on one side of
a ridge all Khurso, while on the other it is composed chiefly of
the two Pines.

The Horse Chestnut grows to an immense size. It is generally
found in groves of ilrom fifty to a hundred trees, in the Oak and.
Morenda Pine forests of the interior, where the ground is rather
damp and not very steep. These Chestnut groves, surrounded
closely by the other forest trees, have rarely any growing amongst
them, appropriating, the entire space to their own species; aud
it is but seldom a Chestnut tree is found growing alone amongst,
other kinds. The Sycamore and Pilbert grow scattered at
random in similar locahties in the higher forests. The former
attains to a great size, and several majestic individuals are some-
times found growing by themselves in an open glade, or some
grassy flat borderuig a large stream, and giving quite a park-like
appearance to the spot. The round knobby excrescences on the
trunk of the Sycamore are cut out, and form a considerable
article of eiport with Thibet, where they are made into, drinking-,
cups something the shape of a teasaucer with a turned rim. Ihey
take a beautiful polish, and the wood is very pretty, being
mottled something hke Bird's-eye Maple. Roughly turned into,
something of the required shape, they sell in Thibet at from fouu
to eight for a rupee ; but one is occasionally found which itself
fetches from ten to twenty rupees. These are called jal; onesj.
I but to a stranger they do not appear to differ in the sUghtestl
! degree from the others. Even the men who collect them in tha

June 18, 1861. ]

JOURIirJJ:; OF HORTICTILTtJRE AND COTTAaE G-AEBEISIER.

■288

IbreBt can see do difference ; and when they Bre so fortunate M
to find one, which they know by the bark all falling off on
giving it a slight tap, they keep it apart from the rest, or mark
it in some particular manner, as the only means of knowing it
again. The Tartars, they say, can distinguish them at once.
The alleged reason of their great value is, on this side the hUls,
that any poisonous liquid poured into'the cup is at once detected ;
what the real one may be it is impossible even to conjecture, and,
their ideas being so much at variance with our own, perhaps "no
One but an inhabitant of the celestial empire coidd appreciate
it. These jat cups are but rarely met with. A man may cut a
thousand from the trees and not find one ; but he always gives
every knob the gentle tap by which they are discovered before
commencing to cut it out. In Hue's " Travels through Tartary,"
he mentions going into a cup shop at Lhassa, and, on asking for
a cup, being shown one of these jat ones, whicli was carefully
taken out of sevei'al wrappers of silk paper, and being astounded
at the price asked for it. I cannot remember whether he was
told what there was peculiar in it or not, but it seems to show
that the Tartars, at least, do see something.

Apricots grow only in the orchards, and most abundantly in
(he higher regions. The fruit is small and often very sjttr, the
effect, probably, of the trees never'being pruned ; but some are of
really tolerable flavour. Being cultivated merely for the oil,
quantity, not quality, is what the Puharie looks for. When ripe
the fruit is collected in large heaps, and covered with gi-een grass
and buslies till completely rotten, when the mass is taken in
baskets to a spout or fall of water, which soon carries away the
P^lpy l^ortion and leaves only the stones. These are put by to
have the kernels extracted at convenience. So fond of spirituous
liquor as they are in the higher hills, and regularly distilling it
from grain, it is wonderful the Puharies have not discovered
that a spirit might be obtained fi-om the fruit, and thus the
pulpy portion, now entirely wasted, made of use as well as the
stones. When they take it to wash, it appears to be in a state
of fermentation just ready for the still. The pounded cake,
after the oil has been exti-neted, is kept for various piirposes.
It is considered a good thing to eat when crossing high passes
where the air is very rarefied, and, when old, is an excellent
remedy for certain urinaiy diseases. Though perfectly innoxious
to the human system, it is a deadly poison to the canine race.
A small quantity of the best and ripest fruit is dried in the sun,
and some when partially dry is pounded and made into small
cakes seasoned with salt and pepper. These cakes are also con-
sidered a good remedy or preventive for the sickness and head-
ache invariably expected when crossing very high passes. The
other fruit trees of these hills are Mangoes, Peaches, Nectarines,
Pomegranates, Limes, Wild Cherries, Figs, Mulberries, Medlars,
and a few otiiers peculiar to the Himalayas. These and many
other forest trees not described, being in no way remarkable, it
would be uninteresting to notice them in detail.

Of the underwood, the only thing worthy of particular notice
is the Kingall, a kind of hollow Bamboo cane, which grows
throughout the middle regions. There are several varitios, dif-
fering but slightly in appearance, each having particular localities
determined by elevation. All are used for basket-making, and
tlie best, which grows in the great Oak and Moreuda Pine
forests of the interior, forms an article of export to the plains,
where it is used to make hookah pipes. The cane is cut into
pieces about 4 feet long, and carried in bundles to tlie marts at
the foot of the hills. A man will cari'y 500 pieces, for which he
gets from 2s. to 3s.' — no very handsome remuneration for the
trouble of cutting, drying, and carrying them five or six long
days' marches on his back. The Eiugall, when most luxuriant,
grows in clusters, the largest canes being from 3 inches to
6 inches in circumference, and from 20 feet to 30 feet long.
When dead and perfectly dry they bum well, and are used for
torches where Pine wood is not procurable. The Ringall is well
worth introducing into our English woods, where, the climate
being very similar to that of its native region, it would doubtless
be easdy naturalised. It would not interfere viith the forest
trees, and would be of gi'eat value. Nothing can be better
adapted to^ basket-making in aU its branches ; it makes hand-
some walking-canes, and can be used in the same manner as
molacoa-cane, for making mats, &o.

Above the forest, where the Mis are high enough, comes.a
region of herbaceous vegetation, extending from about 12,W0
feet ito 14,000 feet, from whence the liills on the Indian side are
clothed with perpetual snow. This region, from the first general
fall of snow, which sometimes occurs as early as October, is

covered with it till May, and is not entirely free till near the end
of June. In its short summer it is clothed with rich and luxuriant
herbage, which springs up as soon as the snow disappears. Th&
grass in a few weeks is in many places 2 feet or 3 feet high, and
a great variety of flowering plants deck every slope with a
thousand colours. The Cowslips particularly are very i-ich, of
all colours, from the brightest yellow to a dark purple, and are
much larger and finer flowers than any ot the kind in an English
garden. This region foi-ms the summer pasture ground tff the
flocks possessed by the moiintaineers ; the shepherds being eai-e-
ful to avoid those places where the poisonous Aconite gi-owB in
profusion. On the Indian side of the great Himalayan chain
there is little or no space between the limit of vegetation anS
that of perpetual snow ; they join together without any appear-
ance of that entirely ban-en strip of bare gi-ound which on the
Thibetian side divides the two. A gi-eat deal of controversy has
arisen in trying to decide at what elevation to fix the limit of
pei'petual snow ; but in ti-uth no limit can be fixed, as it varies
and is entirely determined by the climate. Where the hills are
fully exposed to the influence of the rainy season, as is the case
in the greater portion of Ourwhal, it is lowest, and may be fixed
generally at 14,500 feet. Where the hiUs are less exposed ij>
the rains, the climate becomes drier and the limit of pei-petual
snow highei', till, as in Thibet, entirely beyond their influence,
and with a cold but remarkably dry climate, it is not less than
20,000 feet ; com growing at 14,000 feet, and the pasture grounds
for cattle being often between 16,000 feet and 17,000 feet. H
we search for immediate causes, the principal one may be tha!t
on the Indian side, the sun throughout the summer is generally
obscured by clouds and has little influence ; while on the
Thibetian, a sky rarely obscured by even a passing cloud leaves
the hills exposed to its full power. When speaking of the limit
of snow, it must be borne in mind that this is always calculated
on exposed hill-sides, as in ravines and sheltered places it
remains all the year round much lower. In such situations beds
of snow are oft^-n seen at the close of summer at 12,000 feet;,
and many of tflie large glaciers are not more than 11,000 feet. —
{A Summer Harnhle in ihe Himalayas^

CULTmiE OF SOEGHFM,

AND THE MANUFACTtTEE OF STB.TIP AND BUGiAE IHEEEFEOM.

Hating watched with growing interest the experiments in-
stituted both by myself and others on the Chinese Sugar-Cane;
believing that soon, the North- West at least, will supply its own
demand for syrup and sugar ; and, knowing that the current
year will witness a vast increase in the amount of ground planted
with Sorghum ; I feel justified in adding my mite to the general
fund of information. When first introduced to this country the
most extravagant anticipations were indulged in by the growers
thereof. To read some of the accoimts in the various Patenft-
office reports, one would be led to suppose that all that was
necessary to be done rn order to make sugar was to boil to ft
certain thickness (after clarification) and then empty into tubs
or vats and the work was finished. In a day or so the mass
would be crystalised. 'Sad experience has taught us better. Birt
while we must moderate our anticipaltions somewhat, at any rate
for the present, let us by no moans heoome discom-aged. The
sugar is there ! We must learn, and we are learnhig, to get it
ovit. It is present in quantities amply sufficient to render the
eiiltivation and manufacture oi Sorghum profitable. The advice
given below is founded on experiments carried on by myself, and
when failure has occnrred I shall faithfully state it, that the
observer may take warning therefi'om. With this len^gthy
premise I will give what I believe to be the best meHiod of
cultivating the cane.

First Seleetion of Soil. — This important point has heen-ahnost
wholly overlooked. It has generally been supposed that the
larger the stalk the greater the yield of saccharine matter, and, of
coiu-se, the richest, deepest mould has been selected for ?tB
growth. This is a great mistak-e. I will illustrate by a little
experiment of my own. Part of my cane grew on a southern
slope of very moderate richness, and part on a bottom the Tery
reverse in fertility. The stalks in the latter position were of
much larger growth than those in the former, yet the first pro-
duced more syrup per acre of « superior quality. Besides, I
found no difficulty in pivjcnring its granulation, vthile the latter
would not oi-y stalise. The soil of the slope was a reddish-hrotm,
slightly intermixed with sand. The 'cane bsonght to my mill

224

JOURNAL OF HORTICITlTtJRE AND COTTA&E GAEDENEE.

[ June 18, 1861.

from the borders of the prairie and from timber land invariably
excelled in quaHty that grown in the deep, rich soil of the centre
of the prairie. I will enter into no learned disquisition on the
chemical properties of the said soils. I am writing for the in-
telligent farmer, not for chemists. Plain, simple facts, couched
in plain, simple language, are what we need.

It is unnecessary, one would suppose, to remark that the
ground should be put in perfect tilth to receive the seed, had not
ocular demonstration afforded abundant proof to the contrary.
The plant when young is quite feeble in growth, and amply
repays any extra care exercised in preparation for planting. As
regards manure, the present richness of the soil should be the
guide taken in connection with the facts stated above concerning
the overgrowth of stalk.

Time of Flanfing.— The experience of the past year has proved
that the seed can safely be sown a week or ten days earlier than
corn ; and as the manufacturing season is so short, every day
we can add to it is precious. Some planted by a neighbour on
the 25th of March was the best cane in the prairie. A mild
frost seems to inflict no injury. My own was planted on the
16th of April, and was ready to work up by the 21st of August.
(I am writing from Montgomery county, near the centre of the
State.) The seed, being slow to germinate, should be sprouted
before sowing, in the same manner as corn. A week can be
gained thus. As there is a period embracing from four to six
days, in which the cane is in a greater degree of perfection for
manufacturing, I would strongly urge sowing in such succession
as wiU insure its being worked up during that period. The cul-
tivator will, of course, take into consideration his facilities for
working up, in regulating their succession. I regard this as one
of the most important points in the whole business. The syrup
made at such period, will, if properly managed, be of a beautiful
transparent colour, entirely free from any foreign taste or smell ;
besides, this is the only time that crystals can be produced with
any certainty. I liave no doubt that the occasionally-successful
attempts at granulation which have occurred from year to year
have resulted from accidental manufacture within this period. I
refer, of course, to experiments in the hands of farmers, not of
chemists, who can make sugar from a worn-out hickory shirt.
This period commences when the seed is fully in the " dough,"
and lasts until it is nearly, not quite, ripe. If this statement con-
flicts with the commonly received opinion, all I can say is. Try it !
Such is my experience. When the first frost comes, all this cane
which remains should be cut and carefully protected from the
weather, by being placed under a shed, or covered over with
straw, so that neither the sun nor wind can act upon it. By
covering so as to prevent freezing, good second-rate syrup (but
not sugar) can be made until the Ist of December, and thus
lengthen the manufacturing season a whole month. It will not
do to carelessly throw the stalks in a pile in the open air, as has
been too commonly practised heretofore. When I first com-
menced the business I was told that I could cord it up around
the yard, and it would keep good for a month or six weeks.
It is a grave error ; most have doubtless found it so by this
time.

Manner of Tlaniinff.—Jhe seed should be sown in drUls 3 feet
apart, and seed enough sown in the drills to insure one plant
every 12 inches. Thinner than (his I regard not only as a
waste of land, but as rendering the stalks liable to too great a
growth, which I have before stated to be an injury. Shallow
sowing (from 1 inch to IJ inch) insures speedy germination
more certainly. Cultivate carefully with the hoe and cultivator.
I saw an article which stated that breaking the roots with a deep
ploughing just as the seed commenced to turn greatly increases
the amount of saccharine matter. I have not tried it.

Stripping and Topping.— T:\ie cane should be stripped at least
one week before using. This course certainly does enrich the
cane, and also renders it easy to save the blades for fodder, which
should be bound and shocked between the rows. The stripping
can be performed either with the two hands encased in buckskin
gloves or by means of a wooden knife about five feet long as
recommended by Mr. Cook. Our experience led us to prefer the
hands, as we could strip a stalk, and sometimes two or three, at a
single stroke, and retain the leaves ready to bind, saving thereby
considerable labour.

The cane should not be topped until ready for cutting. If
this is performed sooner the formation of sugar is immediately
checked, by the efforts of the cane to replace the lost heads or
panicles. Some which I topped at the time of stripping (ten
days before cutting) yielded juice which contained only 12 per

cent, syrup, while that from cane untopped until the day of
using yielded 18 and 20 per cent. Neither would the latter
granulate. It can best be topped by hauling to the mill, and,
laying the heads evenly, cut them off' with a hatchet.

Time of Cutting. — Do not cut until the very day of using, if
it can possibly be avoided. From the day it is cut it com-
mences to deteriorate. This is a fixed fact. A change in the
chemical constituents immediately begins, which soon di-stroya
the granulating power, and, if the weather happens to be warm,
brings on acetous fermentation. This many have learned to
their cost.

Most Favourable Terioi for Manufacture. — This commences,
as I have before stated, when the seed is fully in the " dough,"
and continues until it is nearly ripe, 'ihe past season has
afforded abundant proof that this is the fact. Cane having
been planted quite early (compared with former years) most of
it in this region was fully ripe a month before frost ; and as the
facilities for manufacturing were very few, a large quantity
necessarily stood in the field uncut imtil wanted at the mill. An
acid, seemingly identical with tartaric acid, commenced forming
as soon as it became thoroughly ripe, which requires the use of
neutralising agents, thereby injucmg both colour and taste.
That made in the above-mentioned period required nothing of
the sort.

If, however, the manufacture is so delayed by breakage of
machinery or any other cause, that the cane sours after being
cut, the acidity can be thoroughly neutralised by using sufiicieni;
alkali. The sourer the juice the more alkali. The colour is in-
jured thereby, but that is comparatively a matter of small
moment. I found that in some very acid juice a tablespoonful
of strong soda was required for a gallon of syrup. For a few
days there was a decided smell of the alkali, but it presently
passed away and the syrup proved to be quite a good article^
and a portion of it has grained in the barrel.
{To he continued.)

Dibbles. — We annex a drawing of
a dibble much used in France. It
makes two holes at the same time, and
prevents the necessity of stretching
the garden-line so often when planting
in rows ; the line need only be changed
at every second row.

VARIETIES.

Japanese Gabdening. — We have recently had an oppor-
tunity of comparing the horticulture of Japan with that of this
country. A gentleman residing in Teddo — the London of the
eastern world — has sent home some of the best specimens he
could procure of the much-prized plants used in the decoration
of the dwelhngs of the higher classes of Japanese society. We
find the principle upon which the horticulturist of that country
works as different as possible to that which actuates the British
gardener — as widely do they differ from each other as the islands
in which they originated. The great aim of the Japanese gar-
dener is to make a little, dwarfed, and stunted tree look as old,
as gnarled, and twisted as possible ; he strives to make the plant
of a foot or two in height rival in this respect the monarch of
the forest, whose moss-covered stem has braved the storms of a
hundred winters, but which has, nevertheless, suffered from the
effects of a thousand accidents. In one case, a little Coniferous
tree — some species of Pinus which, in this condition, it is impos-
sible to identify — has had its roots crammed into a little porce-
lain flower-pot; its stem has then been bent backwards and
forwards in a zigzag way, and tied in a hundred places with
narrow strips of bark (the produce probably of some kind of
Daphne). The Japanese are very skilful in the art of grafting,
as is shown by several of these plants. In one example an old
Podocarpus stem has been cut off' horizontally, and three or four
scions of an oval-leaved species introduced ; as these shoots
grew, they were trained downwards, for the double purpose of
hiding the stem, and at the same time checking the luxuriajiceof
the plant. The dark green glossy leaves of this specimen are on
several of the shoots striped with white.

June 18, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAaS GARDENEB.

225

Ambeican Mistletoe. — Tliis is a parasitic plant which
grows on hard-wood trees that have rough bark, in some
sections of the country, particularly in the lower part of the
Talley of the Ohio, and along the Mississippi. The Oak and
Elm seem to furnish the best support to it. Its leaves remain
green through the winter, which gives a striking effect in
contrast with the bare branches of the trees on which it grows ;
but it seems to injure the trees. We have noticed that the
branches of those on which the parasite has been growing for
the longest time, and in the greatest abundance, have become
gnarled, and apparently unthrifty; their decay, in some instances,
being hastened from this cause. The Ohio Cultivator, in reply
to a correspondent who asks if the Mistletoe would not improve
the appearance of certain trees in winter, says — "The seeds are
deposited by birds upon the trees where they alight, growing in
form and size much like a corn basket inverted, with a single
short stem like that of a toadstool, only that it is of firm wood.
If the seeds could be obtained from far-enough south to insure
germination, we suppose they could be sprouted in a manurial
preparation, and set to grow upon the rough bark of trees in
damp situations. To our eye, the American Mistletoe has no
more picturesque beauty than a big squirrel's nest in a tree top."
This plant is of a diiferent species from the European Mistletoe,
and we quite agree with our contemporary that it adds no
beauty to the trees on which it grows. — {Boston Cultivator.)

[Can any of our readers inform us what is the botanical name
of this parasite ? — Eds.]

woek: foe the week.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

The planting out of Broccoh, "Winter Q-reens, Kales, Cauli-
flowers, and Cabbages, to be carried on at every favourable
opportunity, so that every vacant phice may be soon filled up.
Asparagus, now is a good time to apply salt to the beds, about
1 lb. to a square yard. Stimulants applied now will enable the
roots to lay up a good store of organised matter for another season ;
and, therefore, in addition to salt, occasional applications of liquid
manure to be given, the beneficial effects of which will be per-
ceptible in the autumn and more especially in the spring, by
increasing the size and productiveness. Beans (Broad), make
another sowing, but previously to doing so soak the seed in water
and water the drills. Pinch offthe tops of those that are forming
their pods. Celery, the trenches for the main crops to be pre-
pared ; if the trenches are made between the rows of Peas, the
shade from the Peas will be beneficial to it in its early stage, and
the Peas will be done bearing and can be removed by the time
they are likely to be injurious. Dioarf Kidney Beans, make a
good sowing for the autumn, and water the drills previously to
planting them. Feas, sow some of the quick-bearing sorts for
autumn use ; steep the seed and water the drills as advised for
Beans. Continue to stick the advancing crops. Madishes, make
a sowing for succession ; if the gi-ound is dry water it immediately
after sowing, and shade it by mats or other means to prevent
evaporation. Scarlet Runners, a sowing may yet be made to
come in late iu the autumn. Stick the advancing crops. Toma-
toes, keep them well thinned out and nailed to the wall or fence.
Turnips, if the weather is dry it will be necessary to water the
late sowings, and every time after doing so to sprinkle them with
any kind of dust to prevent the ravages of the fly.

rtOWEE GAEDEN.
Attend to tying up herbaceous plants that are tall or showing
flower, such as the Eoekets, Pseonies, Delphiniums, Lychnis, &o.,
in order to prevent them from being injured bythe wind. Pro-
pagate choice Boses, Pinks, Pansies, and Double Kockets ; and
mow grass lawns often during this growing weather. An
acquaintance with the difierent species of bulbs will direct the
cultivator how he should treat them, some species, for instance,
form new bulbs by the side of the old ones, and iu course of
time become crowded and weak and cease to bloom. Others
form the new bulbs under the old ones, and at last get so deep
as to produce similar eifects. Others again form their new
bulbs over the old ones, and become elevated above the surface
of the ground and are destroyed by the hoe or the frost. AU
those that require taking up, such as Ranunculuses, Hyacinths,
Tulips, &c., should be taken up and housed till autumn.

FEUIT GAEDEN.
Strawberries will require liberal applications of water if the

ground is dry. Thin out the young shoots of Raspberries. Pinch
out the tops of the young shoots of Eigs. The young wood of
wall trees to be frequently nailed in. Remove all suckers from
Filberts as they appear, examine the young fruit and look after
caterpillars as they are making sad havoc in some places.

STOVE.
Besides the daily routine of watering, shading, giving air, and
an occasional shift to some more promising specimen, there is
little else to be remarked on just now. The climbing plants to
be attended to, see that they are properly trained either to stakes
or trellises, some of them may require stopping to throw out
more shoots. The beauty of these plants depends in a great
measure upon the training they receive during the season in which
rapid growth is going on. Regulate Orchids so that those requir-
ing most humidity or air may occupy those positions most suit-
able to them. Avoid watering those that are not in active growth.
Some of the free-growing kinds will be benefited by increased
pot room, and those on blocks of wood and in wire baskets may
have a little additional moss placed over the roots. When vigorous
growth is going on never allow the young and succulent roots
to perish for want of moisture.

GEEENHOTJSE AND CONSEEVATOET.
Keep the greenhouse plants moist by frequent syringings,
turn the plants round from time to time that they may not get
one-sided and allow them to have plenty of room on all sides.
A lot of the best Scarlet Geraniums to be selected for blooming
next winter. These to be grown rapidly and to be frequently
stopped, towards autumn they will become rather pot-bound,
they must not, however, be shifted, but merely hardened in a
very exposed situation until the end of September, in order to
get them sturdy and short-jointed ; by such means they will
become objects of great interest all the ensuing winter. Cut
down Pelargoniums after blooming and put in the shoots for
cuttings. By pinching off the blossom-buds of the young Pelar-
goniums a late bloom can be secured. The Perpetual and Bour-
bon Roses which have been forced, place in a cool situation
for the purpose of repressing further activity. After a season
of rest the soil to be shaken from them and all decayed roots
removed, after which they should be potted in fresh soil, removed
to the protection of a cold pit and there plunged. W. Keane.

DOINGS OE THE LAST WEEK.

" LoNG-LOOEED-FOB come at last." The frequent drizzles of
rain that refreshed the foliage, but did little more than lay the
dust, came down in more earnest on the 8th, and on Sunday
night and Monday morning so copiously as to refresh the earth,
giving good hopes for a hay crop, and just the very thing for ail
fresh-planted flowers and vegetables in the garden. So gently,
too, did the rain fall, that there was plenty of time for one
shower thoroughly to soak in before another came. We were
from home a few hours on Monday morning, and we never
recollect seeing a stronger confirmation of the importance of
shading or of sprinkling the foliage in sudden extremes from
dull weather to sunshine. The sun shone out for a short time
after breakfast on Monday ; and though the plants were quite
damp enough at the roots, yet almost everything in the houses
began to flag more or less. Notwithstanding the fine rains of
the night saturating the roots of Cabbages and Cauliflowers,
even the large leaves of these common vegetables began to hang
their heads and droop as if greatly distressed. Even the extra
waterings from the heavens could not secure them from feeling
the eifects of such a sudden transition from a week of dull
weather to a few hours of not very bright sunshine. When the
sun again was clouded the plants quickly recovered, and would
be abler to stand a second bright sunshine when it came. More
watering at the roots in such a case would have been worse than
labour lost. But for a syringing, or a little shade, many a tender
leaf might have been scorched up or shrivelled.

The rain was just the thing for the winter Greens turned out,
and a great temptation to turn out everything for which room
could be had. We find from a small kitchen garden, which to
keep things square must be pretty well always full, that we
shall not have room for half we want until early Potatoes and
Peas are removed ; and in order that the plants may not be
drawn and yet be growing, it is a good plan to dig a bit ot
ground shallowly, mix rotten leaf mould or decayed dung for

226

JOITRKAL OF HOETICPXTUEE AND COrTAGE GAEDEKEB.

[ June 18, 1861.

2 iDcheB or 3 inches on the f urface, and then prici out the plants ]

3 inches or 4 inches apart. Here tbey Tfill make nice, sturdy
■plant*, and, if desirable, ivill lift with « ball when their future
home is made ready for them. Mowed doivn the winter
Spinach, intending to dig it down and plant the space with
early Coleworts, and Cabbages, giving them about a foot from
each other. Finished thinning Carrots, Parsnips, Onions, and
the earliest Beets. Sowed the last of the Marrowfat Peas for the
season, as the Ke Plus Ultra, Jeje's Conqueror, Teitch's Per-
fection, Harrison's Perfection, &c., and staked up all the pre-
Tious sowings that were high enough. The old nurserymen used
•to tell gardeners " to sow thick and thin quick," hut if seed is
good, nothing more surely defeats its purpose than sowing large-
growing Peas thickly ; but this season the advice even as respects
them would have been suitable, for never did Pea« come up weaker
(of the better sorts) and so few of them too. 1 have reason to be
glad that a few home-saved seeds, though anything but a good
sample, came up well and vigorous, whilst some kinds that came
from the most respectable seedsmen, and fine samples too, rotted
in the ground. Much of the seed I fear was too old, though
most likely thoroughly unknown to the tradesmen. Great con •
plaints have been made of Scarlet Svmters, and we find that in
our own case, the seed rotted in the ground considerably, though
covered not more than an inch. One of our neighbours had a
fine lot of seed two years old, and even that came thick as could
be, and he had the satisfaction of helping others not so well off.

Great complaints have also been made of bad seed in Dwarf
Kidney Beans ; but here they never canie wp more regularly and
better, though I never knew them lie so long in the ground before
moving; and I have no doubt that some of the failures were
owing to early sowing, placing the seed rather deep, and the
extra cold, wet condition of the earth until of late. WiU
sow directly the last lot for the season out of doors. Have
turned out under the protection of calico and glass merely, a
nice lot just beginning to swell, others showing bloom, and
another succession to them to come in before the first crop out
of doors, and when the first of these protected crops are fit to
gather, will clear out the remainder fi-om pits, &c., that have
borne well all the season, and would continue till the end of it,
if we could spare them the space. Sowed also Spinach, Turnips,
Badishes, Lettuces, Cauliflowers, Onions, &c., for succession.

Having been rather disappointed last season in ridge Cucum-
bers and Vegetable Marrows, turned out strong plants in a bed
formed with mowings of grass, long dung, half decomposed dung,
&c., all well mixed together, and put up for fully a yard in heiglir
so as to yield a gentle continuous bottom heat, putting over
that 1 foot of rotten leaves, and then 1 foot of soil, and turning
out strong plants at once and laying them down, putting a hand-
light over the collars of the plants in some cases, and a spare
sash in others, and a rail back and front until they are growing
freely. In fine seasons such care is not necessary ; hut the last
cold autumn should give \i6 a note of caution. Put some dung
together and a few droppings on the top, for a Mnslirocmi-led
in an open thatched shed, similar to what we did a few weeks
ago, as such a place is more suitable in sun;mer than any Mush-
room-house, unless it be sunk beneath the ground level, or be in
a cellar or something of that Irind. This enables us to clear out
the Mushroom-house ; and thus to a great extent, by means of
washing with hot water and smoking with sulphur, to get rid of
all Eowhugs and other insects before commencing again in autumn.
Those interested in rough Mushroom-beds may look back for
the Number in which I spoke of making a bed with stubble,
long dung, and a few droppings on the top. I was rather sur-
prised it cooled down so nicely and so gently, and enabled us to
spawn it so soon. After spawning, a little horse-droppirgs and
a few sheep-droppings — say li inch in all, were spread on the
surface and beat down ; and as this just made a very gentle heat,
after a couple of days or so, the soil, 2 inches or a little more
was put on well kneaded, watered, and smoothed on the surface.
All still kept right, and as the trial stick showed rather lees than
more heat than was necessary, a slight covering of hay was
thrown over it. Tins seemed just to make all right, but in four
or five days after a close, muggy night, the bed got excessively
hot, and all covering was at once removed, when it soon cooled.
Since then it has taken iipon itself to beat suddenly and cool
suddenly three or four times, which is rather uncommon for
these beds, and I can account for it on no other consideration
than the dressing of the sheep-dung on the surface being rather
thick, and, perhaps, the bottom of the bed being so loose as,
independently of our close covering of the top, the air might

gain entrance and ever and anon produce fresh fermen-
tation.

We have examined the bed, end on the whole find the spaiTO
working pretty well and promising a fair crop, but after a few hours
more continuance of the same heat, which we found it attain in less
than twenty-four hours, and we would have not given a farthing
for the produce of the bed. Even after spawning and earthing,
Mushroom-beds require watching, and this is the lesson the above
circumstance is designed to teach. We have no doubt that
more failures arise from heats than colds. If the bed is rather
cold, a covering on the surface will retain heat into it, and, when
the spawn is working, that will make heat of itself. The bottom
heat for a Mushroom-bed should average about 80°, seldom
above it. The atmospheric heat should average 55°. When
close, firm Mushrooms are desirable, a few degrees less are better
than a few more; in no case should it exceed 60°. Those who
take notes, will find the Mushroom does best out of doors in the
fields, when the temperatxu'e approaches these conditions. In
antmnn the soil is warm, and the night air is cool.

After trying many plans in summer, such as inserting the
spawn in beds of Cucumbers, Vegetable Marrows, &c., I have
come to the conclusion that, next to a place under ground, a
shady shed, or an open space tinder the thick shade of trees,
and yet where means can be taken to throw oif the rains, and
heavy drops that come from them, is best at that time for
securing Mushrooms in good fleshy condition. The shed I
have I thatched with straw on purpose, the wall is at the
back, and the front is open or partly shut with thin strawed
hurdles. Without a shed I would use small ridges in summer,
say dung well prepared, 2\ feet wide at base, and 2 feet to the
ridge, spawned on each side, covered with 2 inches of soil and a
slight sprinkHng of hay, kept a little moist in hot dry weather.
A foot or two above this, we should like a waterproofed covering
of some kind of boards or of canvass, painted outside white.
The covering is another security against heat and the falls of
heavy rains, and yet the air circulates freely under all. In close
Mushronm-houses in summer, the maggottyand thin appearance
of the Mushrooms is owing to excessive heat, the want of air, or
the giving that air in rushing cm-rents. At such times they seem
to dislike draughts as much as the tendei'eat-reared lady. — B. P.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*»* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-

mCEtal writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage

Gai-dener, and Coimtry Gentleman." By so doing they

are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All

communications should therefore he addressed solely to The

JTditors of the " Journal of SoriicuUure, 4'c.," 162, Fleat

Street, London, H.C.

Diseased Peacbep {A Young Gardener). — Your cracked, dry-gangrened

Peach intimates tjiat there is a deficient supply of sap to the tree which bore

it ; and as there are many on the shitic tree simihn-ly attacket?, it is evident

that there is something wrong at the roots. These have descended into an

nngenial soii, cr the soil of tlie border in the house in which they grow is too

poor or too riry. In the latter case liquid maniu-e and mulching would betbe

beet applications.

Checking Co^'TrERo^s Plants [B. W.). — Tliis, effected by lifting them
annually in autumn, will not prejudice their future gi'OWth if not contlniied
above four ctr five yeai's. Six feet bigh is siitRcient^for the wire-netting used
for confining poultiy, provided you do not put a bar of auy kind along the
top of ir, poultry seeing the bar would try to iiy up to roost upon it. You
cannot keep young standard Apple and other fruit trees within dwarf bounds,
by pincliing and stopping them.

Imdefinite QuEsTlOTt {A Young Beginner). — Yonr qaestion is too wide
and indefinite lor us to answer you- '"-What fruit and flowers, plants and
creepers would grow at Tipton, in Lancashire?" And what is "Cadiuck?**
But all grasses and weeds, with no seed on them, ai'e good manure.

Yakious (O. S. a.).— The Phlox t-crna should be struck directly; but to
get fine plants in pots we would lift and repot the older plants, and keep
I hem in a shady place for a time. They will flower vei-y early in spring, if
nurcly kept nnder glass. Shift the Ci(pripeiiiujii spectahile as it beginfi to
gi-ow, give a little cowdung and sandy loam to the peat, and weak manure
water as long as it keeps growing. We would not shake all the soil from the
roots of Cerasus japQnicus nor IJeutzia gracilis, but rather keep all that will
adliere to them ; and, foi' such a pui-pose, we would prefer potting in October
to potting at Christmas. At the latter time we should expect many of the
bu'Js of Cerasus. and Deutaiatoo, to drop, even if the soil -was not shaken
away as you propose.

Seedling Aqcilegiab oe Columbines {Mr. JJotrson).— Your Aquilegias
arc the finest we have yet seen in that family; two of them partake of the
colour of Sliinneri with a mixture of yellow ; another paij- look as if glauda-
losa or alpine blood was in them, with the wbhc turned to a bcautifiU prim-
lose tint. There are two shades of purple, edged with yellow, and there is a
double deep yellow witli light purple .spurs, and alight single yellow with
iriac spurs; all arc large, and the deeper red one after Skinneri with the

J\mo 18, 18611. ]

JOTrB:^AL OF HOBTICUI/IXJRE AND COTXAOE GARDENER.

222

hriglit yellow edges, is the richest in combination of colom-. They are most
beautiful border flowers certainly.

Heating Small Gbeexhodse (.i. T.).— The " slow combustion" apparatus
you speali of is vei-y etScient, but for so small a place we should use an
Amotfs store. Bees live through the winter in wooden hives in Scotland,
vary much further north than you reside. At the same time, there is no
doubt that straw hives are warmer than wooden hives.

Names of Plasts (/. H. TFilso::).^!, llanettia glabra; 4, Cattleya
Harrisonifc; 8, Bletia hyacinthina; 9, Potlios violacca. Tlie rest are
obscure weedy Orchids unknown to us. (J?. B., CTps^n-).— Petasites vulgarlsi
It flowers ii- spring before the leaves appear, and is veo' fragrant.
(It. Pippin^.— 1, Bunium fldxuosum ; 2, Veronica Beccabunga ; 3, Veronica
polita; 4, Chajrophyllum sylvestre. (IF. H. CooAc).—!, Lychnis diurna;
2, Veronica officinalis ; 3, Allium msinum. (if. J".).— Duranta Elllsia
yariegata, a stove shrub as far as can bo judged from leaves only. (J/aori). —
It is some Ca' yophyllaceous plant certainly, and apiarently some species of
Silene or Dlanthus, and, therefore, an accidental weed if Fern seed was really
sown. No doubt it is an outdoor plant. (O. S. A.). — 1, Anthericum
UliBstrum ; 2, Cantua buxitolia ; 3, Tlialictrmn aquilegifefohum. i/urij

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

JmjE 19th and 20th. Bkicbtou asd Susses FEOnicclTunAi and Hohti-

cuxTUEAl, SociETT. Scc, E. Carpenter.
Jose 2iith. Romfokd. (Plants, Flowers, and Frnit.) Sec.y A. Cooper,

Romford.
Jolt 3rd. Pohtsea Island. Sec, H. Hollmgsworth, Southsea.
jTiLyeth. Crystal Palace. (Rose Show.) 5ec., 'W.Houghton.
JuLT 10th. UoYAL HonTicuLTLRAL SOCIETY. (RosB Show.) Garden

Superhiteiiffejit, G. Eyles.
July 18th. Towcester Floral asd HoKTicrLTtJEAL Society. Sec.

T. B. Rodliouse, Towcester.
July ISth. Prescot. Sec.^ 3. Beesley.
AuGr-ST 91 h. Belfast Kotal Botanic and HonTrccLTUR.AL Society.

(Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables.) -Sec, George .V. Cairuthers.
AiUgcst 14th. PoRTSEA Island. .St^c, H. HoUingsworth, Southsea.
SEPTEiiBER 2nd. Heckmond-wike. (Floral, Horticultural, and Agri-

cultuial.) Sec, G. Kelley, Heckmondwike.
SfePTEMBEB 4th and 5th. "Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
SEtPTEMBER 11th. Royal Horticolteral Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
Septesiber ISth and 19th. Brighton and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpenter.
November. 6lh and 7th.. Royal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and ISth. Stoke Newington Chrysantilemuj.- Society.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
NOTBMEER I4th and 15th. Crystal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec, W. Houghton.
N.B. — Secretaries nf Societies intejidini/ to advertise in our columns wilt

obii(/e us hij sending an eariij intimation of their exhibition days.

P(mLTIlY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

POULTRY SHOWS.

Juke lOtli. Thorne. 5ec., Mv. Joseph Richardgon. Entriesclosc June 12th.
JuifH 19th, 20th, and 2lst Coalbhookdale. Sees., Messrs, J. B. Chune,

and Henry Boycroft, Coalbrookdale.
JuNE25th. Es^Ex. Scc.f Hr.W.R. EmsoD, Slough House, Halstead, Essex.
June 28th. Driffield. See., Mr. R. Davison. Entries close June 22ud..
June 28th and 29th. Taunton. Sec, Mr. Charles Bailance. Entries

close June 17th,
JuL^H Sud, -ith, and 5ih.. Blackpool and "West Lancasdibe. Sec.y Mr. E.

Fowler, jun., Market Street, Blackpool. Entries close June 30th.
July 18th. Pri;scoi'. Sisc, Ml-, J. Beesley.
August 2Glh, 27th, 28th, and 29th. Crystal Palace Summer Ssotv.

Sec, Mr. W. Houghton.
September 3rcl. Pockltngton (Yorkshire.) Sec.^ Mr. Thomaa Grant.

Entries close August 26th.
September 2-tth. Bridgnorth. See., R. Taylor, Bridgnorth;.
Dbcembkr 2nd, 3i'd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. Sec.. Mr. J, B, Lytball,,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December 11th, 12tb, 13th, and 14th. Crtstal Palace Winter Show.

Sec.y Kr.. W. Houghton.

N'.B. — Secretaries ivilt oblige us by senditiff, early copies of their lists.

BIEMmGHAM POULTET PEIZE LIST roa 1861.

Time certainly goes fester than it used to do. It was only
the othei- day, we, in common with many friends, were in
Bingley Hall, rejoicing and wondering somewhat at the crowds
of distinguished company that testified by their presence, and
by their contempt of unfavourable weather, the undiminished
interest tliey feel in our farourite piu'suit ; and now the prize list
for December, 1861, is put into our hands, we plead guilty to
a desire to speak well of the Bh-mingham and Midland Counties
Slow. It has a great claim on the sympathy of eyery one : it is
successful, and it can point to years of past gloij as the earnest
of what it will do again, and as tlie assm-ance that ererything
contained in that long red-lettered prize list will be properly
carried out. Tlie Dorkings make eight claaaes, and here Mr.

Martin Billing liberally offers a piece of plate,, value fi-ve guineaa,
for the best pen in any class. Mr. Henry Wade for adult
CochiQs ; Mr. James Cattell for chickens ; and Mr. Q-reensUl for
Game, follow the good example.

There are ninety-five tempting classes with prizes as thick, a:
"leaves in Tallembrosa," courting the best attention of amateurs.
Tliere is a class for Pheasants, one for Ornamental Water Fowl^
and one for young G-eese. These are great improvements, and
they are in keeping with the progress of our times. A quaker-
like devotion, to staid colours seems to have been on the wane
ever since the decoration of the Crystal Palace in 1851, by Owen
Jones. People took a liking to* colour; and just as mauves,
cerises, and magentas have displaced the doves, drabs, browns,
and slates in our ladies' dresses, so utility is sought in poultry,
combined, if possible, withbeauty of plumage. Ornamental Dueka
and Pheasants will discourse eloquently on this subject by theii!
presence ; and there was a time when the Turkey, Guinea Fowl,
and Pheasant were as much novelties as many a bh-d will be at
Bingley Hall.

The Pigeon classes have been strengthened, and they needed
it much. A first prize of £3 has been added to each. This will,
we hope, increase the eutrics of these beautiful birds.

The greatest change of all remains to be noticed. It has off-en
been a diflieult.y, and in many instances an insurmountable one, _
to get three perfect hens for a pen ; those who have not tried have
little idea of tlie task, because ordinary fowls are not at home
at Bingley Hall, and many have thought to demand three hens
or pullets was to restrict the Show to the large yards. In this
as in every other point where the public taste should be con-
sulted, the Committee and Council of the Bu-niiugham Show
meet the wishes of their friaids, and it is announced that at the
next Exhibition each pen will be composed of two instead of
three hens or pullets. This is a great boon, and we trust it will
be appreciated by every amateur in the United Kingdom.

The period that must elapse between this notice and the Show
itself, will allow us time and space for more than one reeurrencff
to it ; but our feeling iii favom- of our first poultry love ia aQ
strong, and the claims its managers have on the public are ao
well founded, we never delay after receipt of the prize list to
bring it before the public, to raise our voice iu its favour, and to
bespeak all the support it deserves, so well.

EG&S irNPRODFCTIVE.

If February of thia year I brought a Brahma cock and three
hens, which are first-class bu-ds. I have had six sittmgs at dif-
ferent periods, the last of which was due this day ; the whole
batch have proved rotten. Cau you point out the cause? — A

SUBSCBIBEK.

[It ia almost impossible to tell you what may be the cause of
your failure, and we were never more disposed to collect and
pubhsh the curiosities of poultry than, we are now. We have
in our time, met with unaccountable vagaries ia other animals.
An excellent friend of ours breeds horses largely ; till within tha
hwt three years, there ha-d not been a colt bred on the fai-m for
half a century— all wore fillies. Webreed the Silver Grey Bab-
bits; among manv does there is one that always has one or mora
Himalayan young in the litter. This has happened four- timeftj
piievious to that, during two years she never had any. Gu
speaking of this to other breeders we find the same thing haa:
; happened to them. We will now speak of our Cochin esperienca
of thia year : Our eaily stock waa about fifty hens and twelve
cocks, they were divided into several walks of one cock and fbut
hens ; but as all were considei-ed equally good,th«y were shifted
at times. Our first eggs came off in the eaj.ly part of January.—
five chickens oiit of eighteen, eggs ; we were very dissatisfied,, wa
made some alterafcions- and ti-ied again — worae resull — none
hatched at all. We bought fresh cocks, we altered the pens, in
some we increased, in others we dboreaaed the proportion of hens
to cocks, still the same i-esiilt ; in fact, we have tried everything
we know, and the average of our Cochin eggs has not been one
chicken in ten eggs. A; the same- yard are four other breeds, all
of which have hatched wonderfully well, far better than ueu^
whole sittings came off day after day. We are not discouraged,
we intend to sit our hens again in July, and we. advise you to do
the some. Having bled every plan, scheme, and change that w«
know of without success, we have only to tell you that naked and
unsatisfactoiY truth, and to lament you should be aahadiy off aa
ourselves.]

228

JOURNAX OF HORTICTJLTTJEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ June 18, 1861.

THE CANAEY AND THE BRITISH FINCHES.

(^Continued from page 209.)

12.— THE COMMON OR HOUSE SPARROW {Fringilla

domestica.)
French, lie Moineau. German, Der House Sperling, or Spatz.

The common or House Sparrow is a bird so common and
generally spread over Europe, that it is at least known to every
one ; yet its habits hare been but partially investigated.

On a closer examination the plumage of the male will be
found much prettier than is generally thought. The head is
dark, the top being as if powdered with grey ; a reddish-brown
mark behind the eyes ; the cheeks ash-grey ; a spot beneath
the bill, black ; and a larger spot on the front of the neck,
in which the feathers are black with grey edges ; but as
spring advances these grey borders are much worn off, and the
black bib appears larger ; the back of the neck dark grey ; the
back reddish-brown with longitudinal black spots ; the wing
covert-feathers are reddish-brown, one row having white edges
that form a white bar on the wing ; the quill-feathers of wings
and tail are dark dull brown ; the under parts of the body greyish-
white.

The female is much less diyersified in colour, the upper parts
being of a dull greyish-brown, the under parts dirty white ; a
lighter stripe enlivens the face, and some black spots the back.

The young in their first plumage closely resemble the hen j
but the young cocks may be recognised by examining the feathers
on the throat, in which the down at their base will be found
dark, and their backs are rather more reddish.

Varieties in colour are not uncommon, of which may be
named white, buff, light grey, slaty, and black ; also pied
specimens are sometimes met with. I once took from a nest
a beautiful white Sparrow, all the feathers of which had a narrow
yellowish border. I reared it by hand, but unfortunately it died
in the moult, all the new feathers were quite white ; so that if it
had lived it would have been perfectly white.

The nest is usually built under the eaves of a house, in any
hole in the walls, in thick ivy or a hollow tree, and not uufre-
quently high up in the fork of a tree. It is formed of hay, fine roots,
dried weeds, and such materials, and Uned with feathers, hair,
wool, and pieces of cloth j it is of large size, domed over, and in
ehape of an egg, with a hole at the small end. The eggs, from
four to six iu number sometimes, but rarely more, are very
Tarious in shade, mostly white, more or less spotted and streaked
with grey ; but I have sometimes found them only shghtly
spotted with reddish-brown. Incubation lasts a fortnight, and
both parents feed the young almost exclusively on insects. If
brought up by hand they may be reared on bread and milk, or
bread and eggs, and they then become very tame. Bechstein
says, " they will breed in confinement, and also with the Tree
Sparrow, and hen Canary." I liave, however, never succeeded
in breeding mules from them, as they are so exceedingly rough
in their courtship. Wlio has not heard an Irish row among the
Sparrows at pairing time, when a dozen or so may be seen
pecking, fighting, and chirping over one hen ? Such a proceeding
would drive all idea of love out of a timid hen Canary. The
Sparrow, like the Lark, both bathes in water and rolls in eand
or dust.

The song of the Sparrow, if such indeed it can be called,
is composed of a succession of sharp broken chirps, devoid of
any melody — a sort of excited Sparrow language, which sounds
like chow chow chitter a chow, chee chow chow. Some writers
assert that the Sparrow, if taken young, can be taught to sing.
I have tried but without success, and I suspect that it is the
Hedge Sparrow or Hedge Accenter which they meant : as Bech-
stein says, the Sparrow is quite incapable of learning to sing ;
but that they may be taught to fly in and out of the window,
and to come when called. It is also recorded that " a clergyman
in Paris had two Sparrows, father and son, which were able to
repeat the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh commandments ; it
produced a highly comic effect. When in their quarrels over
their food, one of them would gravely admonish the other, Tu ne
voleras pas (Thou shalt not steal)."

The Sparrow is in food omnivorous, in habit bold and sly. It
is to be found alike in all parts of the country, wherever the lone
cot is built or the fields cultivated, as well as in the largest and
most densely populated towns. In such places lie feeds on any
scraps or refuse he may find, whether of grain, meat, bread, or
Tegetables. He will take his bath in a puddle, and dry his

feathers among the smoking chimneys fill his coat becomes as
black and dirty as a chimney sweep or a mud lark ; and it is sur-
prising how he can escape his numerous persecutors, and evade
the grasp of boy, or claw of cat — his two most deadly enemies,
who are so numerous and ever on the watch for him ; yet he
appears equally numerous in the town as in the country, though
from his dirty begrimed appearance he would scarcely be recog-
nised as the same being as his spruce country cousin of the farm.

Much has been written about the injury done by Sparrows,
and much also has been advanced in their favour. It is un-
doubtedly true that in some places and times they do consider-
able mischief, but the injury they do is apparent, and has been
much exaggerated ; whereas the good they perform is not so
manifest, and has not unfrequently besn quite overlooked. It
has been my wish while writing these chapters, to call attention
to the habits of our small birds ; and without denying any injury
they may inflict, also endeavour to show something of the good
they perform in the economy of nature, and thus I hope to prove
that they are more useful than hurtful. It was the custom, not
many years back, for farmers to institute among themselves
clubs for the destruction of Sparrows, and each member had to
produce so many Sparrows' heads at each meeting, or pay a fine ;
but as these men are yearly becoming more enlightened, such
practices are falling into disuse.

Bechstein remarks, " It has been reckoned that each Sparrow,
taking the year through, destroys of corn and field crops the
worth of one gulden, and that in a district of three hundred
villages, six millions of Sparrows were to be found : conse-
quently this multitude would destroy six million gulders' worth
yearly." But he further remarks, " That this reckoning is falla-
cious any unprejudiced observer may perceive without my
assistance ; then by way of example, I can certainly keep six Spar-
rows in a room fed on nothing but corn the whole year for one
gulden ; and where, iu all the world, would six million Spar-
rows be found in only three hundred villages ? That must,
indeed, be a land of Sparrows !" "On the other hand on the
above reckoning their usefulness would be excessive. Reaumer
has noticed that eacli Sparrow that has young ones, with a cater-
pillar or the larvas of some beetle in its bill, flies to his nest twenty
times in an hour — both male and female do this : consequently
the pair destroy 40 larvsB of insects during the hour, or in a day
of twelve hours 480, and in two weeks (about the time they
would take to rear their young) 6720 : therefore, in a district of
three hundred villages, of six millions of Sparrows, it followa
that in one breeding time 20,160,000,000 of caterpillars would be
destroyed ; they breed, however, two and three times a-year, and
then eat nothing but destructive insects."

It will readily be admitted that these calculations are over-
drawn ; nevertheless, they will show that there are two sides to
the question. 'J he Sparrow, unfortunately, has got a bad name,
for he does do some mischief, and causes some annoyance ; for
instance, in the spring of the year he will fly into some su-
burban garden, and take his morning salad off young radishes or
cabbage plants, and tender peas he will not despise ; and failing
these he will nibble the crocus or polyanthus blooms, or take
his dust bath in the neatly raked flower-border, which are all
very annoying. But he is a shy gentleman and may be easily
scared from such dainties, while during the summer he will do a
great amount of good by killing caterpillars, beetles, cockchafers,
and other destructive insects. In the orchard he is exceedingly
useful, like the Chaffinch, in clearing the buds, blossoms, and
leaves of the fruit trees from caterpillars, that would soon cause
such havoc as to destroy all chance of fruit. Mr. Bechstein cites
a case in point. He says, " I know an estate that lies by itself,
and where, on account of their mischief, they were exterminated.
What took place? The owner never got any fruit, while the trees in
other neighbourhoods bore well. The reason was that the cater-
pillars were not disturbed by the Sparrows. Through misfortune
the man became wise, and introduced the Sparrows again."

It is just so with the agriculturist. The Sparrows during
harvest frequent the corn fields in flocks, and empty ears proclaim
they eat corn ; the fact is seen, the damage is exaggerated, no
account or notice is ever taken of the number of insects they
hare killed through the spring and summer, not one thought is
ever bestowed as to how much corn those insects would have
prevented growing if the birds had not eaten them. Such
knowledge was hid and not thought of, yet those insects would
have caused the loss of a hundredlbld what the birds could effect
during autumn. Are they not, then, to have small wages in the
autumn and winter for their assistance during spring and

June 18, 1861. ]

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

22»

aummer ? I remember the account of a large landed proprietor,
in East Kent, who laid and won a large bet that he would till
all the Sparrows in his parish by a given time ; but though he
won his bet he lost move by his crops that year.

The anecdote of the Baltic corn merchants and the Sparrows
is also known to many, how, considering the great injury sup-
posed to be done to them by the Sparrows, they by means of
rewards and otherwise exterminated them, when the weevils and
other corn-destroying insects increased so rapidly that they lost
more than by the Sparrows, and were glad to send to other
places to procure Sparrows to turn out. Some people say they
must be kept within due bounds. That is quite correct ; but there
are bounds they cannot pass — Nature has set those bounds. When
they have destroyed all the insects they will die, or fly off to
where other food can be found ; for it must be remembered that
it is only in harvest time they can find corn enough to live on.
If, therefore, they have killed all the insects, they could not live
during that time when no corn was to be got. I think it must
be admitted that the good they do more than counterbalances
the worth of the corn they eat, or any other injury or annoyance
they may cause. I much regret to see the wanton destruction
of eggs and young birds by boys ; of birds, too, that come to this
country only in summer, to keep in check the myriads of des-
tructive insects, and that never take any grain. Such birds never
possibly could be too plentiful ; and were it not for our small
birds, the insects would soon convert our beautiful little England
into a waste : as it is, many of our crops suffer severely from the
attacks of destructive insects, which would be much lessened if
the birds were more numerous. I fear it is often the fact that
man in his thoughtlessness ou noticing some slight injury des-
troys those things that are working for his good.

But, to return to the Sparrow. It is a common practice in some
parts to hang up earthen bottles with large mouths made on
purpose for the Sparrows to build in, and of which they readily
avail themselves ; they are, also, sad tyrants to the poor Martens,
which often find their nest pre-occupied by them when they
return ; or they will at times expel the Martens from their newly-
constructed residence. The Martens gather their friends to assist
them against the intruders, but the Sparrows are too determined
and pugnacious for their weuk beaks, and the Sparrow generally
remains the triumphant conqueror. I have, however, read two
or three independent accounts of the Martens having plastered
the Sparrow in, and so doomed him to be starved to death. The
Sparrow is so shy and wary that he is not easily caught, and he
soon becomes up to traps, however temptingly they may be baited.

The most common trap is that composed of four bricks, or
three bricks and a tile, the tile being so supported with tlu'ee
sticks that it will fall down when the bird hops upon the strod.
These traps sometimes succeed in taking a few young birds, or
now and then an old one may be caught off its guard ; but tlie
Robin, Hedge Sparrow, and Tomtit are more fi-equently the
victims. Another form of trap is the basket — a round wcker
construction made of unpeeled osiers, with flat top and a funnel-
shaped entrance in the middle, through which tlie birds can drop
in but cannot fly out ; if a bird is put in as a decoy, and t! e
trap well baited and placed in a good situation, they are said to
catch a great many. Another manner of taking Sparrows is by
batfolding : this is done with a net attached to two long light
poles, which are loosely fastened together at the top, and being
bent in the form of an arch ; thus the net can be spread over ivy,
hay or corn stacks, and such places as tlie Sparrows retire to
roost in. The Sparrows being then driven out, they i\y into the
net ; the poles are then folded together, so that tlie birds are
caught as if it were in a bag. Bojs are very fond of this spoit,
and in winter evenings they sometimes eateh a great number,
which are converted into Sparrow puddings. — B. P. Beent.

Thkee-tolked Eoa. — A Dorking hen belonging to a gentle-
man in Calne recently laid an egg which weighed over 4^ ozs.,
and was 6j inches round and 8i inches lengthways, and had
three yolks — one small. — Alfeed Heath, Calne.

Bee RobbehS. — The American See Journal says: "When
robbing bees attack a weak colony having a fertile queen, it is
advisable to remove it from its stand to a d^rk chamber or cellar.
Set an empty hive in ils place, slrtw tlierein a handful or two of
the stems and leaves of wormwood, and rub the front of the hive

and the bottom board therewith. The assailants will soon for-
sake the spot, and the colony may be replaced on its stand ou the
evening of the following day."

PILTEES.

Daikse'S SiiiCATED Caebon' Filtees. — Mr. Dalkhe, a
German chemist, has recently taken out a patent for improve-
ment in the material and construction of filters as applied to
the purification of water and other liquids. The material that
he employs is a combination of animal charcoal with silica and
other ingredients. This composition, when in a soft and plastic
state, is capable of being manufactured into any desired form,
which is rendered permanent and fixed by heating. By the
addition to the mixture of a varying portion of organic or
destructible matter, which is consumed when the filter is heated,
any required amount of porosity can be given to the material,
which can be thus fitted for various purposes ; and, what is of
extreme importance in a practical point of view, the degree of
porosity can be rendered perfectly uniform throughout the
whole filter, so that the occurrence of any coarse or open part
through which the water runs comparatively unpurified is
perfectly prevented.

This capability of varying the degree of porosity, and con-
sequently of the filtering power in the medium employed, has
been most ingeniously applied by Mr. Dalkhe to effect an
important improvement in the construction of his filters; an
improvement which renders them more rapid and more permanent
in action, prevents their clogging, enables a finer and conse-
quently more effective filtering medium to be employed, and,
above all, renders them in reality what most other filters have
been in name merely — absolutely self-cleansing.

Tlie mode in which these desirable advantages have been
obtained will, perhaps, be best illustrated by a reference to the
following engraving, which shows the filter as applied to drinking
fountains, manufacturing purposes, &c. The apparatus which
is shown in section, consists of an external case, formed of metal,
or other suitable material ; this is formed in two parts, a, a, a, a,

and i, 5, 5, h, which are capable of being fastened together by
nuts and screws, as shown at I, i. The water to be fiUci*ed
enters by the pipe^, passes first tlivough the coarser filtering
medium A, then through the finer filter B, and fimdly flows off
pure through the exit-pipe C. It will be observed that all the
coarser impurities of the water, those which would very speedily
dog any filter fine enough to be really efficient, are arrested by A,
and consequently do not interrere with the action of E. T]!e;e
impurities accumulate in the cavity K, from whence they may
be readily removed from time to lime as maybe requisite, by
allowing the water to pass into the filter through ir. This is
instantly done by turning tlie three-way cock H ; at the same
time closing the exit-tap c, and unscrewing the top D. '\'S lirn
tills is done the water entering the upper cavity will be forced in
the reverse direction, through the coarser filtering medium A,
and will carry off, tlirough the orifice D, all the slime and

230

JOTJRITAL OF HORTICULTURE JOTO -COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 18, 1861.

impurities whicli that filter lias been the means of an-esting. It
is ecarcelT requisite to state that this revei-sal of the taps docs
not occupy more than a few seconds of time, so that without
any trouble the filter can be cleansed as often as may be
requisite,

Tliis combination of two filtering media is applied in the same
effective manner, and with the same facility of cleaning, to the
construction of tlie small portable syphon fountains, which are
adapted for liouseliold use wheresmall quautiticE of filtered water
only are required.

Harrng spoken of the mechanical construction of these filters,
it is desirable to notice their chemical effect. Tliis we are
enabled readily to do, inasmuch as the report of one of the
most eminent of the analytical chemists of the present day has
been placed in our hands. As this report was made privately to
one ot the government offices prior to the adoption of the filter
in that department of the public service, we are not at liberty to
state the name of the authority we quote.

" I have examined Mr. Dalkhe's filter, and I am able to send
you a very favourable report of it. In the first place it possesses
the mechanical qualities of a good filter — that is to say, it filters
quickly eind efficiently. It is also a chemical filter. Thus it
removes some of the dissolved saline matter, principally bicar-
bonate ot lime, whereby the water is rendered softer ; it also
removes some of the organic matter, including all the colouring
matter.

"A pallon of clean Thames Ditton water, supplied by the
Lambeth Water Company, had, before being filtered, a distinct,
though pale, greenith-brown colour. By filtration it became
perfectly colourless. I enclose the evaporated residue of a gallon
of the unfiitered water supplied to my house by the Lambeth
Company, and also the evaporated residue of a gallon of the
same water after filtration through Dalkhe's filler. You will
see that the colouring matter has been completely removed by
filtration. The results of the analyses were as follows : —

with a glass mouthpiece, is attached. On placing the filter in
the most turbid and clayey water and sucking through the tubes
a stream of purified fluid flows into the mouth. The advantage

of this contrivance to travellers and tourists neffd not be insisted
on ; a really efficient filter, not quite IJ inch in its longest
measurement, is thus provided. This arrangement is the inven-
tion of Mr. Lavater, and has been secured to him by letters
patent.

Two-GAIXON Plus "VThite China Fixtek. — This is a very

No. 1.— Unfiitered.

Saline matter 18-92

Organic matter 0*94

19-86

-Filtered.

13-60

052

14-12

I

14 degrees..

" The filter has the property of removing dissolved lead from
water. Thus a gallon o( distilled water, to whiuh a grain of
neutral nitrate of lead had been added, became black when
touched with sulphuretted hydrogen, but alter the water had
been passed through Dalkhe's filter not a trace of lead could be
detected in it. Again, some clean metallic lead was digested m
distilled water, whereby the water acquired a decided plumbic
contamination, but after filtration not a trace of the metal could
be recognised in it.

"Although I cannot speak to the permanent action of the
filter, I have no reason to think its efficiency will be impaired
save by prolonged use."

These experiments, we may state, were made -with an ordinary
domestic filter, in wliich no amount of pressure could be applied
save that of the mere gravity of the water resting on the filtering
medium. For manufacturing purposes, where such an apparatus
as that figured in our engraving can be employed, and where
the pressure of a column of water can be obtained by supplying
the filter from a tall tube, a much finer medium can be used,
and consequently the purifying effect vastly increased.

The value of this invention has been acknowledged by several
scientific autliorities. In consequence of the reports of Drs.
Letheby and Edwin Lankester in its favour, it has been adopted
by the Drinking Fountain Association, and has been in active
use for the last six mouths in several of their fountains, having
met with entire approval, as being captiMc of standing the severe
test of affording a constant supply for that space of time without
clogging or deterioration in use.

It is evident that the patent silicated carbon can be applied to
every variety of filter. It has already been manufactured in a
form apphcable to the ordinary domestic house filter, capable of
purifying from five to twelve gallons daily, and to the small
portable syphon filters.

The apparatus figured in our cut can be applied to the supply-
pipe on any cistern, or placed in the service-pipe of a house,
with the least possible derangement of the fittings.

Latatek's Fohtabls Filieb. — In this modification a small
block of the silicated carbon is enclosed in an Indianrubber
covering, to which a tube, about 18 inches in length, furnished

elegant article, manufactured expressly for Messrs. Maw & Son,
Aldersgate Street, who are the sole wholesale agents for its sale.

OTIE LETTER BOX.

Kebrt Cows.— a correspondent, " A. S. B.," -wishes to know a breeder or
importer of Kerry Cows, fi*om wliom he coul I obtain one, or more.

LiGiRiAX Bees (T. JT.. Jiof her ham). ~-7hc Italians require larger lilvee,
as ttieir queens ere more prolific thun those of the black boo. They will make
use of combs built by the latter, and a partly-filled hive is always a great
assistance. Keep them apart from the common species.

Cheap Bee-hite3. —In reply to a correspondent from Torkf^h^'re, we beg
to inform him that we find that Mt-ssis. Neighbonr & Son, of 149, Regent
Street, supply Payne's Cottage-hives at 2a. 6rf. each.

Bees sot Swarming [J. T('.. Darlington). — Yon have no remedy bat
patience, as we know of no means of expediting natural swaiois. ^Vddjng
more bees might have soire effect, it no quarrel took place. We do not think
you would succeed in catchirg the queen by placing a small hive on the top.
Questions on bee management canntit be replied to privately.

Habe-kabeits {U. Ji.}. — We believe that no cross between the two has
ever been effected. Certainly, no well-authenticated instance has been
quoted.

LONDON MAS KETS.— .June 17.

POULTRY.

Still a good supply, and quite nn average demand. The season of 1361
will hnve been a profitable one for those who were foitunate enough to
have poultry for sale.

Each — A.

Large Fowls i

Smaller Fowls 3

Chickens 2

Ducklings S

Goslings 5

d. «. rf 1 Each— s. d. t. d.

0 to 4 6 I Guinea Fowls n 0 to 0 0

0 „ 3 6 LeTOCts 0 0 „ 0 0

3 „ 2 0 Pigeons 0 8 „ 0 9

0 „ 3 £ I Babbits 1 3 „ I 4

0 „ 5 C , WUd 0 8 „ 0 9

June 25, 1861. ] ■ JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE Q-AEDENER.

Weekly fcAuer^oAR,

231

Diiy

of

M'nth

25
2G
27
28
29
30
1

Day

of

Week.

JUNE 25-JULY 1, 1S61.

W
Tn

S

Son

M

Weather vejlh London in 1860.

Rilenes. 29.81.5— 29. G91

ConTOlvUluses. 29.0(11—29.812

Andrometlas. j 29.883-29,695

Queen A^lcroiilA C0R0N.\TinN, 29.759—29.703

St. Petee. [183S. 29.834—29.790

5 Sunday after Trinity. 30.193—30.081

AchiUeas.

30.271

-30.209

de?. de?,
67-48
68-36
63-48
67-45
67—42
63—38
74-47

S.W.
S.W.
S.W.
S.W.
W.
N.
N.W.

■56
•01

•04
•18

Sun
Rises.

m. h.
46ar3
40 3

19af 8
19 8
19 8
19 8
IS 8
18 8
vni

Moon

Rises

;ind Sets

m. b.

6 10

25 10

39 10

5* 10

9 11

24 11

Moon's
Age.

17
18
19
20
21

c

23

Clock [

before i Day of
Sun. Teai-.

176
177
1?8
179
180
181
182

Metboroeogy op tue "Week. — .\t Chiswick, from observations dtivinj:: tlie last tbivty-four years, tlie average bighest and lowest
tcmperat.iirea of these days are 73.3' and 50.4' respectively. Tbe erciitcst heat, 93', occurred ou the 27th in 1846 ; and the lowest cold, 36',
on the 29th in 1839. During the period 135 days were fine, and on 93 rain fell.

CULTUEE OP CyPEIPEDIUM CALCEOLFS.

^-^ OETUNATELY

Buccessful in
flowering and
increasingtliis
rare British
plant for seve-
ral years, I
venture to de-
' tail the treat-

ment which I have adopted.
Hearing that its habitat was
on the skirts of woods, I
thought it probable that it would in
winter be snugly covered with leaves
if left to the management of Dame
Nature. I accordingly covered my
plants in late autumn with a hatful of
leaves, and, to -prevent Mr. ^oius
from disturbing them, I put a small
quantity of pebbles on them to keep
them there. In the spring, about
the beginning of April, I found upon-
removing a few leaves that the plant
was spritting, or showing shoots. I
took away, therefore, the pebbles,
and allowed the wind to take away
the leaves ; and then very carefully
removed about 3 inches deep of the
soil round the plant, and replaced it
witli peaty soil and leaf mould.

I have been rewarded by a splendid
show of not less than twenty-five
blooms open at once, and a manifest
increase in the size of the plant. A
friend who saw it lately, told me that
he once saw a large bank of this plant growing wild,
where it had the advantage of a quantity of fallen leaves,
and also the crumbling lime shale of a cliff which over-
hung it ; so I am thinking of adding limestone ohippings
to my mixture next spring.

I believe that many of our most beautiful British
flowers might be successfully cultivated if their natural
requirements were attended to. For instance, the
Orchises can only be grown in a sod of grass — they want
it for protection. If exposed to the bare soil of a neat
bed they soon perish ; and the same occurs to Primula
farinosa and many others of the "Wild Flowers of
Britain."— W. X. W.

THE CULTUEE of POTATOES in YOEKSHIEE.

EESULTS OF THEIE STEMS BEING FROSTED — CAUSE
OF THE MURRAIN.

In The Jotjenai, of Hoetioultuee for May 21st, your
correspondent, " The Doctoe's Box," asks for 'assistance in
trying to prove the effects of frost upon the Potato. I propose
No. 13, — Voi;. I., New Series.

at present to offer a few facts and observations ahoufc thaf;
esculent. In Yorlcsliiro the early Polatoes are placed to sprout
in boxes 3 feet by 2 feet, and about 3 inches in deptli, about the
middle of February. The Potatoes are set in the boxes with
the eyes upwards, and only one layer in a box. In the eornei'
of each box a pieue of wood 1 incli square and 6 inches long is
nailed to allow of the boxes being placed one upon another.
Thej are then piled tier above tier in the kitchen (tlie best
place) or anywhere from which frost is excluded. I liave found
the heat of these places to range from 45° to 60°, but generally
50° is the mean.

when the Potatoes have sprouts from half an moh to three
quarters of an inch long they are hardened a little in an out-
house.

Planting takes place chiefly from the 20th of March to the
loth of April, in rows 22 inches apart, and the sets 9 inches
asunder in the rows. The rows are made generally by hand,
but sometimes with the plough 8 inches deep, and receive from
fifteen to twenty tons of well-rotted manure (horse or stable
manure is preferred) and 2 cwt. of Peruvian guano per acre.
The soil, in most cases, is light loam on sand^ aud sometimes
sand and gravel. The sets are covered witli the soil about
6 inches deep, and towards the latter end of April they are
slightly raked over. This breaks the clods, destroys some
myriads of seedling Ghickweed, Groundsel, and otlier weeds.
The hoe is plied freely to loosen the soil and to keep tliem
clean, otherwise the crop would be indifferent. Finally thev
are earthed up when from -i inches to 6 inches liigh with a hoe
similar in shape to a spade of playiug-cards ; this leaves the rows
wide aud the furrows narrow, thus preventing green-ended
Potatoes, which are unwholesome aud unmarketable, except for
pigs, &c.

Treated in this way they are full-sized from the 20th of June
to the middle of July, according to the seasons, and are then
sold. Turnips take their place, sometimes Swedes transplanted,
but generally Eed Globe and Bullocks. An acre of early
Potatoes is worth £40 on an average, but I have known them
sold for £20, and once £75 was realised for an acre (statute)
and twenty-five tons of Skiviug's Swedes after them the same
season. This acre has grown earl^ Potatoes ever since I can
remember (at least twenty j'ears), and it is Potatoes yet.

Formerly two crops of Potatoes were had from the same
ground in one season, one for sale, aud one for seed. The larger
Potatoes were planted for the first crop, and the smaller ones
for seed. In both cases they were sprouted before planting.
But in 1848 the second crop was a complete failure from the
effects of disease, and that plan is now abandoned.

I forgot to say that 4 cwt. of salt are thrown on the land per
acre, and ploughed in previously to sowing the Turnips, which is
found to prevent the maggot from attacking them.

The sort grown is the Ash-leaved Kidney Potato ; and during
the season, wliich lasts a month or six weeks, about one hundred
tons leave the York Station daily for Newoastle-on-Tyne and
other places.

During the last fifteen years early Potatoes -Were cut off to
the ground by the frost six times, with an average temperature
of 21° or 11° of frost; three times severely injuied by a mean
temperature of 24°, or 8° of frost; and twice slightly injured
with the thermometer at 27°, or 5° of frost.

AVhen cut off to the ground half the value of the crop proved

at taking-up time to be lost, from the fact that frozen stems

send up three or four for each one cut off, and the renewed

stems are considerably weaker : consequently the produce is

No. 665.— Vol. XXVI., Old Series. ' '

232

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTtJEE AND COTTAGE GAllDENEE.

[ June 25, 1861.

Fkbns at the Eotal Hoeticul'tubai. Society's Exhibi-
tion.— Will Mr. Beaton allow me to point out tliat he has,
inadvertently, in the continuation in your No. 12 of his reportr
of the Eoyai Horticultural Society's Show, made my Gleichenias
appear to belong to Mr. Williams' group ? four of mine being
in boxes, 3 feet square, which require, and had, four men as
he has stated, to remove them to and from the truck. I
had six kinds of Gleichenia, and three of these quite new.
Messrs. Williams and Veitch, four kinds each. The G. micro-
phjUa described was probably my G. heei^tophylla, which is so
large that it formed, next the wall of the arcade, the centre
plant of my group, which, by the way, had collectively scarcely
half the space asked for and really required. Mr. Beaton's
mistake \¥as probably the result of the difficulty of comparison

small in size, or what the Yorkshire men call "chats," being
not worth half so much as the other or Saleable Potatoes.

This is not always the case, for very much depends on what
strength they have attained previously to their being cut ofT.
If only just up — say an inch, the produce is not so much lessened;
but if cut off when the stems are 4 inches or 5 inches higli, the
pro luce does not pay tillage, seed, and manure ; if not cut off to
the ground they shoot out or branch above the soil, and the crop
is slightly less, but ten days or a fortnight later.

I am speaking here of field culture ; but I have grown Pota-
toes in gardens on different soUs, and in various ways, and have
obtained varied results ; but I will only say now, that I have
not found any material difference between those grown in a
garden and those in a field, excepting that field-grown Potatoes
are finer in quality, less liiible to disease, and more wholesome
and nutritious than garden Potatoes frequently are. I believe
the Potato to be too highly fed, thereby causing the root to impel
more crude sap into the leaves than can be properly act«d upon
by the air, or be digested ; and, of course, the leaves, or digestive
organs, send down that which forms the tubers ; and this I
believe to be the cause of the Potato disease — namely, a deficiency
of digesting power, in proportion to the food taken in by the
roots.

A diseased Potato is deficient in starch, and that deficiency is
capable of producing the disease ; for until some peculiarity (not
belonging to the plant naturally) becomes developed, no fungus
acts upon it.

Dryness produces Thrips and Red spider ; too njuch heat and
too little air aids Aphis ; an unhealtliy root action brings on
Mildew on Vines, &c. ; too much moisture (particularly if the
jiir he cool) causes decomposition ; and there the moiJd fungus
fixes its tent — we call it damp, but it is really the effect produced
bi decomposition. And may I not ask, Is the Potato disease not
to be traced to something similar ? I think the " ayes " have it.

If we place eight Potatoes in pots in the open ground, 6 inches
below the surface, the Potatoes in them, and other eight the
same (to be treated differently) we shall find that they will grow
but little until the temperature of the earth attains 45° ; and we
find that tliey do not appear above ground until the air has a
mean temperature of 50° : does this not tell us when to plant ?
Following them up we shall find that they have made their
growth (as far as regards size of haulm) by the middle of July,
wiien our temperature is at its climax ; and after that a ripening
process is undergone — by far the highest point that belongs to
successful horticulture, and, to all intents and purposes, much
more important than the commencement and formation of the
visible growths. We have sixteen pots, and as many Potatoes
in active growth the beginning of July. Take eight and leave
eight, place the eight you take away in a frame, plunge them
in the bed 6° warmer than those in the open ground, or in a
bottom heat of 70° to 75°, and ripen them off with that tem-
perature, letting the temperature of the air inside the frame
range during the day from 65° to 85°, giving but little water
after they have been in the frame six weeks, and we shall find
flowers. Potato apples (a rarity now), and in August sound
healthy tubers. Air must be given them during the day, and
the lights entirely removed at night, placing them on at seven
o'clock in the morning and faking them off at sunset. This
plan has proved to be correct thrice. I need not say those
which are left outside will be diseased. All I know is, they will
fare the same as others do that grow in the garden.

I hope to return to the subject again when leisure permits. —
GEOEftE Abbey, Gardener to C. Hailstone, Esq., Morton Hall,
J3radford, Yorkshire.

of plants placed, as mine were, more than a hundred yards from
the other three nurserymen-competitors' collections, and which
were close together in the conservatory ; two of them being side
by side. — Robebt Sim, Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E.

CEOSS-BREEDING PLANTS.

The bustle consequent on the May meetings has prevented
me from giving sooner more explicit answers to Mr. Darwin on
the subject of crossing.

I did not comprehend his meaning about the natural crossing
of varieties, which is familiar to the farmer as to the gardener.
I put the cart before the horse, and understood natural varieties
crossing among themselves, instead of artificial varieties crossing
naturally. Artificial varieties in the flower garden will cross
naturally with as much freedom and with the same results as in
the farm Turnips or the garden Cabbages. And there is an
error at that point in the reasoning of some of our best scientific
writers on plants. They say the effeet of such natural crossing
of varieties is a reversion to one of the original types ; but I know
of no instance in which that theory is sustained by the result,
and I endeavoured for some years to force Calceolarias, and
Fuchsias, and some other kinds back to their originals with the
same unvarying consequence.

As far as I can see, I cannot believe that reversion will take
place under cultivation. I know that " improvement," as we
call it, among flower garden races has its origin in cultivation
and not in crossing j and as a consequence I take reversion, if it
is possible, to be the eft'ect of want of cultivation. At all events,
I am perfectly clear that all our skill could not now make one
Calceolaria plantaginea from all the sorts under cultivation.

The real effect of the natural crossing of artificial varieties is
exactly the same as we know to be the case in every instance in
which we apply pollen — the pollen of the strongest, or coarsest,
as some would say, takes the lead. There are, indeed, very few
men who ever dream of the pollen of one individual flower
being of two distinct natures, and capable of originating two
distinct races of plants from one and the same application on
two mothers, but it is so most certainly. But let me be under-
stood. A is a breeder from which I want seedhngs, and B is
the father 1 wish for. Now, X shall take two As and one flower
of B ; out of the qualities of the pollen of one flower of B I
shall produce two distinct races. I have done it a score of times,
and I told the secret and showed the way of manipulation to
Dr. Hogg, three years since, in my own garden ; but I hope he
will not say exactly what that way is till we see if we cannot, by
some such means, raise the spirit of gardeners from common-
place things to the higher pursuits of cultivation by cross-
breeding, the spirit of the age being all but dead on that one
subject.

" How do you know the strongest plant influences the pro-
geny ? " I may be asked, and if I have nothing to prove the fact,
I may be told the thing is a mere fancy. But the breeders of
animals, from the canary to the racehorse, can give you the ups
and downs of the crossing of their respective races without the
samples to prove what they advance. *

I had hoped his majesty of the cross-breeders would himself
have answered Mr. Darwin about the Anemone apennina and tlie
Mathiola incana and glabra. He is a reader of this work ; and
if I petition his majesty, who may have been from home on
" drill husbandry," he, or his gardener, may see it without my
writing a private letter.

There is a prescription for proving in two months the assertion
about one kind of pollen taking the lead of four other kinds on
the stigma of a Geranium. The leaf invariably goes after that
of the pollen parent in the Scarlet races of Geraniums. Cross
Tom Thumb with a Horseshoe kind and the seedlings are all
horseshoed in the leaf. Cross the deepest-marked Horseshoe
kind with the pollen of Tom Thumb, and all the seedlings are
plain-leaved. But to be perfect, the two kinds should be forced
into flower before others of their kind had opened their flower.=,
for fear of admixture. Now, knowing that feature may be relied
on, lake Baron Hugel, the easiest to cross of all the flower-
garden kinds, as it never has an anther of pollen, nor refuses to
breed freely with every other kind of the same race. Put the
pollen of Tom Thumb on four of the five divisions of the style,
and the pollen of the Cottage Maid, or any other equally eoar.ie
Horseshoe kind on the fifth division, and your seedlings will be
all horseshoe-leaved. That proves one side of the question.

June 25, 1861. ]

JOURNAL or HOETICULTDBE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER.

233

In two months the seeds will be ripe, and up in the third, or
rough leaf, showing the characteristic of the strongest or coarsest
parent. But mark the four divisions with one or four kinds of
the Horseshoe race called Minimums, and use Tom Thumbs on
the fiftli, and all the seedlings will be plain-leaved.

That is the simplest way I can suggest, and the surest is with
the single Hibiscus rosa sinensis ; but it takes five years of the
best cultivation to get all the seedlings to bloom, and some of
mine did not offer to do so before the seventh year. Ten years
are a short period in the experience of a cross-breeder of any race.
"When Mr. Darwin says (page 211), that " experiments are
tedious and very often fail," I hope he did not mean the appli-
cation to gardeners, for of all men gardeners have most need of
the proof by experiments. It has been by the easy method of
pinning one's faith to the sleeve of some pi-iest or prophet, that
the spirit of inquii-y has been brought down so low on the
gardener's scale that electricity itself seems now not able to
move one of Iiis muscles out of routine and hand-to-mouth
• knowledge, be he never so wrong.

From what Mr. Darwin says of his experience of flowers fer-
tilised by their own pollen shows how very differently botanists
and gardeners look at the same flower. Has he, or any other
botanist, remarked how flowers in the composite order are pro-
vided with the means of self-fertilisation ? and yet were it not for
the proximity of the florets there would be most chances against
fertility. Botanists do admit the alliance between our httle blue
Lobelias and their Dandelions, though almost grudgingly. But
a cross-breeder sees no difference between a scarlet Lobelia
(L. fulgens, say) and a Chrysanthemum— at least, I do not find
any difference between them for my part of the examination.
Now, if all the composite flowers had their florets scattered up
and down on a lortg stalk, instead of being crowded into one
head, and bound round with a hygrometric belt, to which most
syhgenesious involucres may be likened, the chances are that
few seeds could be obtained from them.

There are hard upon ten thousand species of composite plants,
and by a rough estimate the florets of such flowers may be put
down at fifty to each flower ; then if we take but one flower of
every species of composite, and reckon every one of its fifty
florets a complete flower of itself, as it is in respect to the
process of the cfoss-breeder, we shall have half a million of
flowers in one order, in which provision is made that none of
the flowers can fertilise itself : therefore, when I said that not
a flower in a thousand is fertiliied by its own pollen, it was only
as a drop in the ocean as compared with nature. I said I had
very little knowledge of crossing composite flowers ; but from
what I saw as an insuperable difficulty against crossing them, I
concluded that in that order the parts for crossing are all laid
down on one principle, however widely that principle might
vary in different sections of the order — and the principle is, that
no floret is fertilised, or is intended to be fertilised, by its own
pollen. But to make this clear to the amateur and young gar-
dener, for whom all our writings are more especially intended,
let me explain the proc;s3 for fertilising a composite flower.

The flower of a common Daisy on the lawn is a congregation
of flowers on one common head, and I have assumed this con-
gregation to be fifty in number. On a large scale the flowers in
the centre of the Daisy might be likened to Polyanthus flowers.
If they were all cut just below the pineye, the pretty parts gone,
nothing is left but the bare tubes ; and if these tubes were now
sealed over, and the thread on which, the pinhead rests is just
inside the sealed tube, the style or thread is just like the finger
of a child in a glove, but the thing is more complicated. Bear
in mind that the finger of the child represents the style or
female part, and know also that the top joint of the glove is
lined with an extremely thin lining, and that on the inner
surface of this lining stand the anthers with the pollen or male
part. The top of the finger, then, stands under two covers — the
glove finger and the lining, and the pollen is round the top of
the lining. Now, the style (finger) grows up and splits the
lining first ; then the finger of the glove gives way, and the point
of the style is out in open air at last ; and if there was a pinhead
on the point, the style of all composites at that stage would look
just like the little head in the centre of a pineye Polyanthus.
But the way the pollen gets up to fertihse the top is one of the
greater characteristics of this great order ; and strange to say,
no botanist that ever I read explained how the crossing or ferti-
lising is effected.

The way is very curious. There is a raspy surface, or a gummy
surface, or a feathery-like surface, round the top of the style,

and for half an inch, more or less, according to the kind, under
the point ; and when the point is forcing its way through up
through the lining and splits it, the pollen is scraped off the
lining by the raspy sm-face of the upper part of the style, or by
the feathery surface, or the pollen slicks on the gummy surface
and is carried up right into the open day. A casual observer
might think the pollen is then doing its own work. Not
at all, the process is yet more curious. The pollen is then
only exposed to the open air, which seems essential to its acting
properly. Most of the flowers which I have examined were
some common garden plants, and they held the pollen airing for
twenty-four hours, some more, and some less, and no more than
two rows of florets all round the outside of the centre pushed up
the styles the first day. At the end of the twenty-four hours
the stigma or point splits into two parts, and they roll back like
as two of the five divisions of a Geranium style. How is the
pollen, then, to get to the upper surface of these two divisions
or horns ? It never gets there at all, and unless other fingers
or styles were to push up near the first set with their pollen, the
first set could not be fertilised, as their own pollen could not
reach the spread of the horns. It is the pollen of the second set
of risers which fertilises the horns of the first set. Two or three
florets in the centre, or very near it, are the last to rise, and as
their own pollen cannot reach them, and there are no more to
help on the good work, these few florets are always barren of
seeds ; or, if there is a semblance of seeds, there is no life in
them.

There is no end to the shapes which the horns of the style
assume in composites — some are as in the Pink and Carnation,
some like barbed shafts, some like a pair of tongues, and so
forth ; but in all composite flowers the style splits into two parts
when it is ripe for the pollen, and every style in all the endless
form of composites carries up the pollen with it, and airs it
before that style is ripe for the final process ; and if there were
no insects or wind to disperse or disturb the pollen, its own
pollen could never fertilise one floret out of all the compo-
site order. The lining round which the anthers stand, or
rather the pollen, is called the syngenesious membrane, the
membrane being the edges of the anthers cohering, and the
word is equivalent to Hymenocallis.

When I mentioned last winter that we should get all the
Gazanias into one border, and give them orchard-house pro-
tection in order to be able to cross tliem, I intended, as I have
just done, to explain the nature and the extreme diSiculty of
crossing any composite flower, and I am not aware that a single
instance of any one having really gone through the process is
on record. AVhen I said 1 knew no difference between a Dande-
lion flower and the flower of a Lobelia in the ways of crossing,
you can see now what I meant, which was merely a single floret ;
the anthers of all the Lobelias cohere into a united membrane,
or lining in the tube, of the flower (the floret), and the style has
to pierce through that membrane and disperse the pollen, just as
in the floret of a composite, only that oftener than not the fringe
which encircles the stigma of Lobelia keeps some of the pollen
in readiness for the style, and there is little fear of its reaching
the right part at the proper moment.

All the best garden scarlet and crimson Lobelias resist every
effort at breeding after the second, or, at most, the third generation.
I never could answer the question, Is air essential to the proper
acting of the pollen? Most of the Campanulas are fertilised
without airing the pollen ; and it would seem from Mr. Darwin's
experiment with Leschenaultia, which is highly interesting, that
the pollen of that family may be aired before it fertilises, if not
it must bo aired before it is fit for use. But there are two obstacles
to that view of the case. If it must be aired, it has to remain
in the cup, or indusium, for three weeks or more after being
otherwise ripe and shed before it can get to the air, which seems
too much roundabout for a process of Nature— Nature's plans
being always more simple than that in detail ; and secondly,
when insects disturb the pollen, as Mr. Drummond told of, its
fertihty seems gone altogether, for we never had a supposed
natural cross from the locality of the family. A cross-breeder
would expect more wildings from this one family of two species
than fi-om the largest family of Australian plants. A breeder
would call all the purple and yellow kinds one species only, and
the blue the other. Then yellow and blue in one family, and
that family having never yet branched off into endless forms, is
only one more difficulty among the thousand which already
beset the path of the cross-breeder.

I can answer Mr. Darwin's question about the " self" coloured

234

JOURNAL OF HOETIOULTUBE AND COTTA&E GAEDEKEB.

[ Jiuic 25, ISGl.

Pelargoniums. I crossed a score of such flowers, and found no
difference in the seedlings. Mr. Catleugh told me he tried them
for seven years running, and never obtained a, " break ;" but
I did not notice in what part of the truss a single " sell" appeared.
The more usual way is for a whole truss or a whole plant to
have all the trusses at one time all of one colour. I onee had
one flower of a genuine wild species of Cape Pelargonium — a
most hideous-looking flower, in a truss of one of the gi'eenhouse
bedderp, I think Touchstone or King Rufus,

Of course, I do not mean to make a secret of how two races of
Pelargoniums could be made out of the pollen of one flower;
but I sliall give time for young gardeners to exercise theii' wits
in trying to account for such a thing or how to do it. But the
first, and the last, and the centre flower of Pelargoniums, come
all alike under the like circumstances ; and if you cut oflT the
stalk and a whole truss when you see the seeds have been fer-
tilised, and are able to ripen them under a glass case, as I have
clone repeatedly, you will find no dilference in the seedlings from
auother trusa on the some plant which has been fertihsed by the
same pollen. D. Beaton.

PANSIES.

Bepore entering on the subject of Pansies, 1 should like to
tiiank Mr. Darwin for his notice of my remark about the incon-
stancy of the heart blooms of Auriculas, and also for the lesson
he quietly reads one as to "want of accuracy in observatioji.
Whatever may be one's opinion as to the theory with which
his name is identified (and I for one humbly beg to difler iu
foto ccelo from his conclusions), there can be no question as to
the manner iu which he has so industriously collected his facts,
and to the spirit of close and accurate observation which he
is inculcating on all lovers of nature. I have never kept any
register such as he indicates ; but next spring, if my life is
spared, will do so. U hough there is this to be borne in mind,
that where, as is sometimes the case, a plant throws up two
trusses, I invariably pinch otf the centre one from the very
peculiarity; and in scarce sorts must still do so, as I cannot
forego the sight of the bloom : and 1 believe got both artist and
myself into a scrape by sending Mr. Andrews a heart bloom of
Chapman's Waiia — a very scarce and valuable sort, which he
copied accurately enough, but which was, though in its own
class, quite out of character.

And now as to Pansies. The hot seasons of 1S5S and 1859
had so completely spoiled one's interest in these flowers, having
proved so intal to tl-.cm here in the south, that I had given up
their growth ; but was induced this seaFon again to try them,
and am truly surprised to find how great the advance bus been
in the last three or four year?. Very few of the flower's of four
years ago remain in the lists now; and they are succeeded by
others, which leave but little lor the hybrjdiser to attempt and
meet all those requirements which the "conventionalities" of
florists demand. The class of Belgian or Fancy Pansies seem to
me to ofl'er the best field now for the hybridiser. They have
great peculiarity of marking, and although defective in form,
yet are vastly improved since their first introduction ; and I
h:ive little doubt but that, by a careful crossing with some of
our best English sorts, some very desirable novelties will be
idtiniately obtained. I have heard people say that with these
dense eyes you will never get substance. This I do not agree
with, and I saw one or two varieties at the late exhibition wliich
seemed to uic to indicate a rapid march thitherwards. And bo
it known that to our Scotch brethren we are indebted for by far
the' larger portion of the vahiable additions of late years. They
ore in many points ahead of us. As raisers of Auriculas,
Eanunculuscs, and Pansies they have fairly beaten the south-
erners, and tliis with all the disadvantages of climate ; for so
great is the diiferencc, that the great annual contest of tlie
Scottish Pansy Society will not bo held until the 22rid instant,
when not a bloom in these southern counties will be wortli
looking at. It is a contest to which all lovers of Pansies wUl
look with some interest, as none but firat-class ilowers will
receive the highest awards. Ilaving been present at most
of the exhibitions where they have been shown in London this
season, I have taken notes of such as, compared with those I
have grown myself, seem to my judgment really good and
valufiblo flowers, and would add that there seems to be an
advance not only in the flowers themselves, but in the vigour
and constitution of the plimtg — an object most desirable to
attain in all classes of florists' flowers.

I was standing by the Judges at the Ci'ystal Fa^SQe Show, and
appealed to when they were hesitating as to the propriety of dis-
qualifying two stands on account of the very large quantity of
dark selfs that they contained, many of which it required a very
discriminating eye to detect the difference in. I have described
underneath a few of those whicli seem to me to be most desirable.

1. AJexander McJf ab (Downie, Laird, & Laing). — An exquisite
flower of first-rate properties, smooth tcxtiu'e, and circular in
outUne. It was awarded in June, 18G0, at the Scottish Pansy
Society's Exhibition the prize as the best flower of any sort. It
is a dark self, beautifully shaded.

2. Cream of the Valley (Hooper).— A very boautifid white,
slightly yellowish, dense eye.

3. Eclat (Downie, Laird, & Laing). — A dark self, slightly
shaded. Of good form and substance.

4. Miss Carnegie (Downie, Laird, &Laing).- — A beautiful glossy
black self, not so large as some, but a most valuable show flower.

5. Mr. J. Graham (Crombie). — A beautiful dark plum,
curiously shaded with what one may almost call a rosy tint.

6. Kev. Joshua Dix (Downie, Laird, & Laing). — Dark plum,
and shaded with lighter tint. An extra fine flower.

7. Maid of Bath (Hooper), — The best white out. Very smooth
and clean, with a peculiar soft eye, which makes it very striking
m a stand,

8. Yellow Model (Hooper). — An oldish flower, but very good.
I have not noticed so much advance in this class as in others.

9. Bev. H. H. Dombrain (Downie, Laird, &, Laing). — Jlodesty
forbids! It is really a self, not at all shaded, of large size, and
good sub&tanoe.

rj^LLOW GnOUNDS.

10. Aurita (Downie, Laird, & Laing). — Beep, rich, golden
yellow ground ; the shield somewhat large, the eye large and
distinct. An extra fine flower.

11. C. W. R.. Kamsay (McFarhine).— Bich gold ground ; shield
jomewhat small ; bright bronzy purple belt. A Sno flower.

12. Francis Low (Downie, Laird, & Laing). — One of the very
smoothest flowers out. Colom' deep yellow; shield large; belting
light maroon. Very fine.

13. General Young (Pollock).— Deep golden yellow ground,
large shield, light purplish belt. An extra fine flower.

14. Prince Charlie (Dowue, Laird, &. Laing). — Bright yellow;
eye large and striking. A bold-looking flower of a first-j'ate
properties.

15. Mrs. Downie (Downie, Laird, & Laing).— It would be an
ungracious thing to call a flower of second-rate qualities after
one's wife ; and this is certainly fii-st-rate. Deep, rich gold,
large shield, bronzv- purple belt, and good solid eye.

16. Mr. R. Miisson (Downie, Laird, & Laing). — Yellow
grovmil, small shield, purple belt.

17. Roland (Stenhouse). — Y'ellow ground, bolted with light
purple.

IS. Saturn. — Y^ellow ground ; purple belt. A very fine
flower.

WHITE GEOrNDS.

li). Duchess of Hamilton (Downie, Laird, & Lsing). — White
ground, with rich purple belt. A fine bold-looking flower.

20. Isa Craig (Downie, Laird, & Laing). — White ground,
slightly sulphury at, first, but bleaching while ; deep blue belt.
Uf good substance and form.

21. Lady Lucy Duudas (Downie, Laird, & Laing). — ^This is
the flower of which I ventured to say it approached as nmx
perfection as possible. Shield small, but clear white ; deep
maroon belt. An extra fine show flower.

22. Mrs. Laird (Downie, Laird, & Laing). — White ground,
with a broad belt, of shining maroon colour ; good eye, and very
smooth.

23. Seraph (Dodson & Co.).— ^A bold, fine-looking flower.
Good white ground, dark ]iurplc belt, and good blotch, ex.

24. Duchess of Kent. — White not very clear. Rather creamy,
very large. Comes iu very cai-ly ; not quite so stout as many,
but an excellent flower.

There are many others, doubtless nearly if not quite as good
as these, but these seemed to strike my fancy ; and I hardly
think that people will be led much astray by them.— D., Deal.

Dial or Flowees. — In addition to the hst, we published last
week there are the following mentioned by Mr. Forster, in his
" Enoyclopttdia of Natural Phenomena :" — " Tlie syngencsious

Junfe 25, 1861. ]

JOUBNAL OP HORTICULITJIIE AND COTTAGE aARDENER,

23S

plants exhibit the most regular diui-nal periods ; the Apargia
autumnalis, for example, opens its floTrei's at seTen, and shuts
them at three ; the A. hispida opens at four, and shuts (it
three ; the Hypocliteris i-adicata also closes at three j the
Hieraoium pilosella at half-past two ; the Tragopogon powifolius,
and T. pratcnsis close exactly at noon."

THE EFFECTS OF LAST WINTEE UPON
PLANTS IN ENGLAND.

(Continued from jiage 156.)

The following is from the Rev. Edward Simons, Ovinglon,
near Watton, Norfolk : —

Aucubajaponica.— Killed to the ground.

Eerria japouici. — Killed to the ground.

Ephedra distachya. — Killed to the ground'; a part Sfiems to
be altogether tilled. E. raouostachya unhurt ; being, I beliere,
a native of Siberia, it must hare felt at home — it was covered
witli snow.

Common Laurel. — AVith one or two trifling exceptions killed
almost, to the gromid.

Bay. — Killed to the ground.

Arbutus Unedo. — Killed to tlie ground ; shooting -weBkly.

Broad-leaved Phillyrea. — Killed.

Broad-loaved Alaternus. — Killed.

Erioa mediterranea. — Killed.

Cotoueaster rigidus seems to be killed, except, pethaps, where
covered with snow.

TJlex europfeus. — Apparently killed.

Yucca gloriosa. — Killed to the gi'ound, though the leaves
were bound together and the stems hay-banded ; some suckers
seem to be springing from the roots. Y. filamentosa apparently
killed.

Buxus baleariea. — Killed, except a few of the lower boughs,
which were inlaid ; these were covered with snow, and may
perhaps live.

Pasonia Moutan. —Killed to the ground, a few weak shoots
springing from the bottom.

CorouUIa emerus. — Killed.

Walnut. — The wood of last year, and, I think, of some pre-
ceding years, in some instances tilled ; shooting from the old
wood — even from wood, perhaps, more than twenty years old.

Catalpa syringEcfolia, and 1'ulip 'J'ree (Leriodendron tulipi-
fei'um), seem to be in the same predicament with the Walnut.
The Tulip Tree seems to have suffered more severely than either
of the other two trees.

Laurustinus. — Killed to the ground ; shooting weakly from
the bottom.

Jasmine (.Jasminum officinale), trained against a N.N. W. wall,
almost killed. Some of the old wood seems to be alive, and it is
making ti few shoots.

Ti-nmpet Honeysuckle. — Killed to the ground ; shooting from
bottoai.

Quince more than forty years old, most of the branches, even
of the very old branches, seem to be quite kiUed ; a very few of
the upper boughs are making wood and blossoming.

Common Cypress (Cupressus sempervix-ens), about forty years
old, apparently killed. The bark when raised with a "knife
seems to simw some signs of life, but I fear there is little doubt
that the tree will die, if it is not already dead.

Hollies, common gi-een, not variegated, all (about twelve),
with, perhaps, one exception, more or less injured. Some have
lost all their leaves ; some a ureat part of their leaves ; whole
branches of some seem to be killed, and I am afraid that in more
than one instance the whole tree is killed, at least to the ground.

Irish Ivy. — Killed in most instances very far back, but on
being cut back it has shot from the old wood. In other instances
it seems to be killed, at least to tlve ground.

Common Ivy. — Whole branches apparently killed.

Ruscus aouleatus. — Almost all the leaves' and stalks killed.
The buds cf the present year are appearing above ground.

Ruscus racemosus. — In the same predicament.

Daphne luureola. — Very much cut.

Daphne pontioa. — Not much hurt.

Common Broom (Spartium scoparium), -much cut ; in some
instances apparently quite killed.

Many of the Oaks, especially iii one part of the parish, seem
to be as much hurt as the Walnut — ^that is to say, tlie Wood of
the last yeai', and perhaps, in some instances, oldie* W»cid, -is

killed J but shoots are breaking from the old wood, which is net
killed.

The ground in this neighbourhood was covered with snow to
the depth of more than 9 inches, so that tho herbaceous plants
which were in the open ground and the kitchen-garden crop
have not suffered much. The Broccoli being laid down, suffered
very httle injury ; but the Savoys, Brussels Sprouts, and Scotch
Kale, not being laid down, were very much hurt. The Walcheren
CauhQower (Broccoli ? ) and WMte Cape Broccoli pricked out
in nursery-beds were killed, tliough protected with mats, and
well covered with snow. Some of the Fiirple Cape Broccoli
escaped serious injury. Spinach, Lettuces, Parsley, sweet herbs,
including Sage, have taken but little harm, and in this respect
alone we seem to have had the advantage of Mr. Robson.

This part of the country is fiat, or, rather, slightly undulated ;
it is not bleak, there being still a good many trees in the hedges,
though but few large ones. My garden is well sheltered. I think
this place may be about 150 feet above the level of the sea ; this
is, however, only a rough guess, and it is, I suppose, about
twenty-five miles in a straight line from the nearest sea.

On the morning of the 25th of December last the index of
my self-registering thermometer stood at — S" (or 35° below freez-
ing), but as it was hung against a N.N.W. wall 5 feet 6 inches
from the ground, sheltered by eaves 12 feet above the thermo-
meter, and projecting more than a foot, we may fairly conclnda
that had the thermometer been placed upon the grass in an open
situation it Avould have indicated a lower tempcratm-e. This
place is rather more than a degree, perhaps 1° 10' north of
London. '

I ought to have said that the Portugal Laurels have not
suffered more than the Hollies, nor, indeed, so much.

Privets. — Many totally destroyed, others much cut.

Magnolias, on south wall. — Dead.

Evergreen Oaks, of sixty years of age, completely browned,
and just beginning to slioot.

Araucaria imbricata. — Dead.

Cedrus deodara leaders. — Dead and otherw-isc much injured.

Common Laurel. — Many killed to tho ground.

Portugal Laurel. — Ditto.

Auouba japonica. — Ditto.

Hollies. — Many killed, others much injured, and the growth
of last year destroyed.

Box, Yew, Rhododendrons, Arbor Vitaj. — Uninjured ; but no
bloom has come to maturity on the Rhododendrons.

Many standard Roses dead, even the stocks being destroyed.

Tho situation is high above Derby and the Derwent. — A
Constant Readeb.

CULTUEE OF THE GRAPE VINE.

(Cuntinueil from page 218.)

VINES IN THE STOVE.
The Grape may be grown exceedingly well i]i conjunction
with Pine Apples, and what are generally termed stove plants.
In such houses the heat is generally high, and, consequently,
the tenderer kinds of Grapes may with advantage be cidtivated.
The sorts, then, that I would grow in a stove are Muscat of
Alexandi'ia, Canon Hall Muscat, Golden Hamburgh, Charles-
worth's Tokay, Dutch Sweetwater, and Bowood Muscat. These
are light-coloured Grapes. In dark-coloured I would plant
Muscat Hamburgh, Black Hamburgh, Lombai-dy, Black
Damascus, Lady Down's, and Black Barbarossa. The white,
grizzled, and black Frontignans are excellent Grapes, and where
the stove or stoves are large woi\ld be an acquisition. West's
St. Peter's is a good late kind, but is more suitable for a vinery.
In places where there is no vinery e<peeiaDy devoted for an early
crop it would be desirable to plant a few Vines that would
ripen earlier than the above kinds. These would consist of
Royal Muscadine, and Early Black July. By this arrange-
ment Grapes may be had in the stove from June to the end of
the year. The late kinds. Black Barbarossa, and Lady Down's
would keep the latest. There are two points in the culture Df
the Vine in a stove that are somewhat difficult to overconie.
The first is the application of heat to the roots so as to obtain
root action simultaneously with top progress; and the otlier the
necessary rest after the fruit and wood. are iipenSfl-. Bf 'k little

236

JOUKNAL OF HOETICIJLTUEK AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 25, 1861.

skilful management both these difficulties may be successfully
obviated.

Supposing that the stove to grow Pines, or plants, has to be
put up, and expense no object, then contrive the building so
that there shall bo a narrow border inside between the hot-water
pipes and the outer wall. This outer wall to be so built that
there shall be arched openings opposite every Vine, and to make
more sm-e let the outer border itself be placed upon an open
chamber, that chamber to be filled with air warmed with hot-
water pipes with shallow open troughs fixed on them. At the
time of commencing to force the Tines these pipes should be
gently heated and the troughs filled with water ; the chamber
under the roots would then be filled with a moist, agreeable
temperature, which would excite the roots into growth simul-
taneously with the buds ; and to make doubly sure, the open
border should be protected from frost, snow, and heavy rains
by a waterproof covering of either boards or oiled canvass nailed
to frames. This sort of shelter is much superior and neater
than a heap of littery dung or even dried leaves, for these
materials soon become cold and wet, and, consequently, un-
genial, ifnot injurious to the roots. The accompanying section
will explain the mode much more plainly than mere description.

No. 1. — Section of Vine-border with border inside and a heated chamber
under the border outside.

O 5

o

o

/

a Heated chamber.

h Pipes in the same with troughs on them.

c Outer border.

d Inner border.

e Front wall.

/ Inside wall of iti.side border.

17 Walk and pipes to heat the house.

h Wall of pit for Pines or plants.

i Shelter for border outside.

k Main drain.

I Drain to carry off the water from the covering.

The water on the pipes inside the heated chamber might be
easily supplied by a small lead pipe connected with them from
the inside of the house, and pierced with a hole opposite each
trough." ~""^"

SectionNo. 2 explains this part.

', No. 2.— Section showing the mode of filling the troughs in the heated
chamber under the Vine-border of a stove.

a a a a Large pipes.

* Small lead pipe with a ho;e drilled opposite each trough.
c c c c Troughs.

It is evident when all these parts are in working-order the
air inside the chamber will bo warm and moist, and as heat
rises the border above will be gently heated also. The roof of
the chamber should be formed with flags resting on bricks, and
the pipes might be conveniently placed between each row of
bricks. The hot-water pipes in the chamber can be supplied
and lieatedby being connected with the boiler that heats the pipes
inside the house.

The second difficulty — namely, the giving the Vines the
proper rest and at the same time keeping up a proper tem-
perature for Pines and stove plants, is more easily overcome
than the first — that of inducing root action early in the spring.
There are two ways of accomplishing this : the best is the having
a double front — that is, a range of frames set upright on the

front wall (e, section 1), and a second range to rest upon the
inner wall (y, section 1). Now, when the Pines are growing
the inner range is taken away and may be made useful for other
purposes during the summer. After the fruit is all gathered
and the wood thoroughly ripened, then the Vines should be
taken down from the rafters, pruned, and laid down close to the
outer range of frames, and when completed the inner range
should be fixed up and made air-tight. The Vines are then, as
it were, in a long box, which may be kept as cool as you like by
opening the front lights every day and night also in mild
weather. Tlie house, of course, will be heated as usual for its
permanent occupants.

The second mode is managed thus : The front lights are made
moveable, and when the Vines are pruned, they are laid down
close to the glass as in the first manner ; but then the lights are
removed and brought inside, set up on the inner wall and made
air-tight by placing a shelf on the top of them, that shelf being
so broad as to reach to the bottom of the roof lights. This
plan answers very well, but not quite so well as the first. On
the shelf, any low-growing plants may be placed, thus giving
more room to the rest. I have placed on it dwarf Lycopodiums,
Achimenes, and Gloxinias when at rest, and many other similar
things that required a medium heat.

Planting. — The best time to plant Vines in a stove is when
the temperature of that house is the lowest. That takes (jlaee
generally in winter : therefore I recommend the planting to be
done any time in February, the earlier part of the month will
be best. The object aimed at is a gradual starting into growth.
There is nothing gained by over-forcing young Vines as soon as
they are planted ; indeed, if the double-front-system is adopted
at first (and I know no reason why it should not) the young Amines
might be planted as early as New Year's-day, and the roots
gradually induced to grow whilst the shoots are cool. The
.*ame method of spreading out the roots in a fan-like fashion
should be adopted as much as possible. I could never endure
the plans of putting Vines in baskets or old long boxes, and
starting them into growth before planting finally out. The roots
in such cases must, more or less, be cramped tnd cabined, and
consequently cannot spread out evenly throughout the border.
Besides, in such cases, there is always some danger of breaking
stems or bruising leaves.

Pruning. — On this head I need only say that the best mode
is the spur system, the same as I described for greenhouse Vines.

The Summer Treatment consists in the usual stopping of
laterals, setting the shy sorts, such as Canon Hall Muscat,
Black Damascus, and Muscats of sorts with the pollen of more
free-setting sorts. The Black Hamburgh, for instance, has
abundance of pollen, and as it is a free bearer there are gene-
rally a few bunches to spare for this purpose. The flowers of
these shy setters, should be examined previously to applying
the pollen, and care taken that the lids that cover the stigmas
are fallen ; for if they are still adherent, applyiiig the pollen
will be useless. A little care at the proper time on this point
will almost be certain to catise plenty of berries tu set, even on
the shiest kinds. — T. Appi.kby.

{To he continued.')

EEPOET ON THE GAEDEN PEAS,

Gbown at Chiswick bueing 1860.

By Robert Hoog, LL.D., F.R.H.S., Si'cretary to the Fruit Committee,
{Continued from page 219.)

VIII. GKEEN KNIOni'S PEAS.

Ripe seed green and wrinkled. Foliage dark green and much
blotched.

52. Advancer Tceneb.

The plant is a free grower, of robust habit, and about 2 feet
high, with dark green and blotched foliage. The stem is rather
succulent and sometimes branching, producing twelve to eighteen
pods, which are generally in pairs and contain eight very large
Peas, which are closely compressed. The ripe seed is green and
wrinkled.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed May 30th ; slatted June 8th ;
and ready to gather July 3rd.

This is one of the most valuable acquisitions that has been
obtained of late years. It is in fact a green Wrinkled Marrow,
as early as Early Emperor, It is remarkably productive, the

June 25, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICTJLl'UfiE AND COTTA0E GARDENER.

237

poda fill well, even in such a bad season as the laat, and when
cooked the Peas are most delicious. It was raised by Dr.
Maclean, of Colchester.

53. Migpaoa Tubnee.

The plant ia very dwarf, about 15 inches or 18 inches high,
with dark green and blotched foliage. The pods are produced
in pairs at almost every joint, and are from ten to twelve on a
plant. They contain from six to seven Peas in each. The ripe
seed is green and wrinkled.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed May 28th ; slatted June 12th ;
and ready to gather June 3rd.

This is a very abundant bearer ; but the pods are small, and
the Peas soon become too old for use. It ia remarkably early,
coming in at the same time, or rather before. Early Emperor.
It seems well adapted for forcing, and will be the first Wrinkled
Marrow Pea that could be employed for that purpose.

54. Champion of England James Veitch, Jun.

The plant is of a strong and luxuriant habit of growth, with
a stem from 6 feet to 7 feet high, which is generally simj^le, but
occasionally branched, and having light gi-een foliage which is
scarcely blotched. The pods are from twelve to eighteen on a
plant, and are generally single, but frequently in pairs, and
contain seven to nine very large Peas cloaely compressed. Ripe
seed pale green and wrinkled.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June 6th ; slatted June 23rd ;
and ready to gather July 10th.

This valuable Pea is now too well known to require any com-
mendatory remarks. It and Fairbeard's Surprise originated in
the same pod, the latter being a round and the Champion of
England a wrinkled-seeded variety. When sown both varieties
preserved their distinctive characters.
55. Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth ...Noble, Cooper, & Bolton.

The plant is of a stout and robust habit, with a succulent stem
2i feet to 3 feet high, which is sometimes branching. The
foliage is dark green and blotched. The pods are produced in
pairs, and are from twelve to sixteen on a plant. They contain
seven large closely compressed Peas. The ripe seed is green and
wrinkled.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed May 28th ; slatted June 13th ;
and fit for use July 10th.

This is an excellent Dwarf Green Marrow, an improvement on
Dwarf Green Knight's, than which it has a much larger pod,
and is about a fortnight earlier. It is an abundant bearer, and
aeems of a hardier constitution than others of the same race.

56. Epicurean Tueseh.

The plant is a free grower, with a succulent stem 2 feet high,
and dark green and blotched foliage. The stem is occasionally
branched, and produces from twelve to sixteen pods, which are
genei'ally in pairs, and contain seven Peas, of which about five
come to maturity. The ripe seed is green and wrinkled.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed May 30th ; slatted June
13th ; and fit for use July 12th.

This is a tender variety, and seemed to suffer from the past
cold season, for it filled slowly and unequally, and the generality
of the pods were much distorted. Although it bloomed on the
same day as Advancer, it took nine days longer than that variety
to fully develope its pods. This was raised by Dr. Maclean.

57. Sea Green Tuekeb.

The habit of this variety ia similar to that of Advancer and
Epicurean, but the foliage is of a light green colour ; except in
this respect, it does not differ materially from Epicurean, and it
comes into use at the same time. It is another of Dr. Maclean's
seedlings, but may readily be dispensed with.

58. Climax Noble, Cooper, & Bolton.

Stn: Fairhead's lExcelsior... Svttoh & Sons.

The plant is of strong and robust habit, 3 feet to 3i feet high,
unbranched. Foliage rather light green and blotched. The pods,
which are from thirteen to nineteen on a plant, generally in pairs,
fill very badly, rarely containing more than four or six fully
developed Peas, the others being abortive. Ripe seed green and
wrinkled.

Sown February 19th j bloomed May 26th ; slatted June 13th ;
ready for use July 12th.

This produces a great many pods, but they are badly filled.
When first introduced it was considered useful on account of its
earliness ; but now it is not worth growing.

59. Essex Rival Tuenee.

This also in its habit of growth bears considerable reaemblanee
to Advancer and Epicurean, but is more hardy than the latter.
It is ten days later than Advancer, and a day or two later than
Epicurean, and ia a superior variety to Climax, which ripens at
the same time. As a dwarf second early Green Wrinkled Pea
it is an acquisition, and ought to be retained in cultivation. It
ia one of Dr. Maclean's seedlings.

60. Lord Raglan Noble, Coopee, & Bolton.

Plant with a robust habit of growth, 3 feet high, and not

branching. Foliage dark green and blotched. The pods are
produced in pairs, from twelve to sixteen on a plant, and contain
from five to seven Peas in each. The ripe seed is green and
wrinkled.

Sown February 19th ; bloomed June lOth ; slatted June 21st ;
and ready to gather July 12th.

This is of the same race as Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth and
Veitch's Perfection, but it is later by two or three days than the
fomier, and three or four days earlier than the latter. It does
not fill so well as either of these varieties.
{To he continued.)

the cape of good hope vinetaeds
aind the vine disease.

{Official Seport.)

In pursuance of instructions we left Cape Town on the 2nd
of December on a tour of inspection of the vineyards affected
with the prevalent disease, Oidium Tuckeri, and to afford to the
fai'mera and ofhera interested every information on the Vine
disease, its progress and effect on the vintage and health of the
Vines unless checked by the known remedy, and to urge the
immediate application of flowers of sulphur as the remedy which
had been effectual iu Europe to secure a vintage from diseased
Vines.

Monday, 3rd. — Examined some of the small vineyards about
Paavl ; found the disease quite general in a more or less advanced
state, according to the dryness of the soil or exposure of tho
Vines. The Steen Grape in all places most severely attacked.
The Lachryma; Chriati is also severely attacked, and the disease
very fully developed on that variety. Sulphiu- as a cure, and its
apijlication very well understood here. It has been applied in
several places with good effect. Dusting with dry lime, fumiga-
tion by burning sulphur, wood, rags, &c., under the plants have
also been tried, and were being tried, but without any apparent
success. Pointed out that none of these things had ever been
found really beneficial, and that it was better to adopt the
remedy recommended by the Commission, and which had been
found successful elsewhere and in other countries. The vine-
yards on the upper side of the village have the disease in a more
advanced state than on the lower side, indicating that the disease
attacked first the higher and more exposed vineyards. The
vineyards on the lower side of the village slope more or less
abruptly from the houses to tho river. The disease appears
generally on the higher ports of the slope, while on the lower
grounds it occurs here and there only upon a plant. The same
features occurred last year, the disease being almost confined to
the high grounds. It will be seen by peruaal of what follows
that the impression is general amongst the Vine growers that
the disease first occurs on the Grapes on the high, dry ground
of the vineyard. All the Vines affected with disease laat year
are most virulently attacked this year. Mr. Proctor, M.L.A.,
tried a solution we recommended last year. The Vines experi-
mented on, Mr. Proctor thinks, are less affected this year than
the others not operated on close by.

At 8 A.M. left the Paarl for Great Drakenstein, intending to
return to the Paarl on Wednesday, the 5th, for the pui-pose of
attending a meeting of the district Agricultural Society, called to
take into consideration the state of the vineyards, and the cure
of the disease affecting the Vines. Keeping towards the left m
ascending the valley, the place of Mr. P. Vos was first viaited,
a fai-m containing about 50.000 Vines. Several kinds grown,
but mostly Green Grape. The disease general, but most mtense
on the Lachrymaj Christi. A few plants diseased last year. No
remedy applied as yet. Recommended the immediate application
of sulphur, and exhibited the methods of applying it with the
sulphurators. Soil of a loose sandy natm-e. Situation open and
well ventilated. It would be both tedious and useless to de-

m

JOTJENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 25, 1861.

scribe all the places irisijectecl : tht-refore, those only which may
be considered exceptional in circumstances will be described in
this report. The preceding and first following places may be
taken as tyiies of the others, or the conditions we fonnd them
in. Many of those whose places we visited were quite intelligent
on the disease and its cure, and the various experiments that
liare been tried. Others were ignorant of the existence of the
disease in their vineyards even till pointed out to them.

Messrs. Puprees, about 130,000 Tines. Steen Grape slightly
affected with the disease. None last year. The A'ines in this
place look very vigorous. Reccmmended the jemedy, &e.

Mr. Tan der Spuy's, about 40,000 Tines. Disease appearing
in the Green Grape, but not general. Tines look healthy. Mi'.
Tan der Spuy represents he could not use any remedy, were his
Tines ever so bad, for want of hands to apply it. Kecommended
the remedy, and exhibited the apparatus and mode of applying
the sulphur, however.

Mr. Daniel Marais, about 60,000 Tines, mostly Steen and
Green Grape. Xiie disease quite general on the Steen Grape ; a
few plants were affected last year, but no remedy applied.
Experiments have been made this year by burning roll sulphur
imder the slicots, but without any success, except m destroying
some of the foliage. Mr. Marais is to proceed at once to apply
the proper remedy. Soil sandy, with api^arently plenty of
moisture. Situation low, and sheltered with trees.

Mr. D. Behr's, containing 150,000 Tines. Disease pretty
general throughout the vineyard; most severe on the Steen
Grape growing on the drier parts. No remedy applied as yet.
Kecommended the immediate appUcation of sulphur. Soil and
situation very similar to Mr. D. Marais' place.

Mr. G. S.' Marnis, Watergate, about 100,000 Tines, nearly
all Steen and Green Grape. Disease general; most severe on
the Steen. ITumigntion with roll sulphur has been tried, but
without any appai'eut success. Described the proper remedy
and its application. Soil sandy.

Called at the |dace of Mr. D. Beyers (to whom we had a
letter of introduction). Did not find him at home. Was
informed by two young men we met that disease of any kind
did not exist there. This is a fine estate. We regret not having
seen the vineyard, where, we were afterwards assured, the disease
does exist.

Mr. W. Haupt, M.L.A., about 150,000 Tines. Examined
the whole of the vineyaids, and found the disease general on all
kinds of ground, but most intense and most fully developed on
the St(eri Grape growing on the high dry ground. No remedy
applied as yet, lut a quantity of sulphur has just arrived, and
two of the sulpliurators we brought frcm town are left for com-
mencing to-morrow. Found his Excellency the Governor and
suite here, e» roiile to the frontier. His Excellency expressed
much anxiety regarding the spread of the disease, and hoped the
fai-mers would, witliout delay, proceed to use effectively the
i-emedy recommended, as the only one fovind effectual in Europe
in saving the vintage.

This is a fine, well-tiDibered estate, with some magnificent
Oaks surrounding the mansion. The orchards and the orangeries
are extensive ; but the Peach, Apricot, and Nectarine crop here
is an entire fnilure this season, as is the case in almost every
place visited since leaving Cape 'J'own. (There seems to be a
general impression that the Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, and Apple
trees are affected with the same disease as the Tine ; such is not
the case, however. We may make a few observations on this
h.'ad at the end of our report.)

Mr. A. de Tillicrs, Silvei-mine, where we were to remain over-
night. This is a fine estate, occupying an elevated site but pro-
tected from violent winds by trees and rising ground. The soil
is of a moi-e retentive nature than that of any farm visited during
the day. In apiicaraueo and constituents it much resembles the
soils in some of the higher Constantia vineyards, especially a
large tract of laud behind the mansion newly broken up and
intended for the Pontac Grape Tine after a grain crop, 100,000
Vines. The disease has made its appearance shghtly on most of
the Tines, except the Haonepoot. No remedy apphed as yet,
but a quantity of flowers of sulphur has been procured, and
the sulphuring commences to-morrow. The energy and in-
telligence of the proprietor is a guarantee that the work will be
effectually done. No disease last year. Left one of our sul-
phurators here. The Peach and Apricot crop here, as elsewhwe,
is a failure.

Decemher 4. — Left the hospitable residence of Mr. de Tillicrs
and proceeded to the place of Messrs. Russouw & Ketief, Neuwe-

dorp. 100,000 Tines. Disease general here on ail sorts grown,
most intense on the Green Grape, 10,000 Tines have already
been sulphured, for which 50 lbs. of sulphur have been used.
Tarious modes of applying the sulphur have been tried, includ-
ing the eulphurator recommended by the Commission, which
Mr. Relief complains gets clogged up with the sulphur when the
Tines are wet. As might be expected, much variety of opinion
exists regarding the propriety of watering the Tines previous to
applying the sidphur. It may be found necessary in practice ;
but in no way can the water combine in action with sulphur on
the disease. We will make a few observations on this head at
the end of our report. Disease was rather prevalent in this
vineyard last year, and a considerable portion of the crop was
lost by " rust." The crop this year is abundant, and the Tines
well aired ; indeed, we are assured, the wmd blows with gi-eafc
violence from the prevailing quarter. The proprietors are to
proceed vigorously with the application of sulphur. Here is the
largest Oak we have seen in South Africa ; at 2 feet from the
ground it cannot measure less than 13 feet in diameter, with
limbs and head in proportion. Several others have been cut
down in the neighbourhood ; the stump of one remaining about
20 inches above the surface, measures three (3) good paces across,
or about 11 feet in diameter.

Mr. Lodewyk Brink, Hustenvrede, about 90,000 Tines. This
is a very fertile place, and in good years produces 180 leaguers
of wine.* The disease was found to have attacked the Grapes
about three weeks ago. On some of the sorts sulphur has been
vigoi'cusly applied, and with good effect. Ihe Frontignac,.
which the proprietor assured us were much alliected fourteen
days ago, are now quite free from mildew. Twenty thousand
Tines of all kinds have been suli^hurcd, and 150 lbs. of sulphur
used. Disease attacked this vineyard last year, and the pro-
prietor reaped nothing from a mixed lot of 15,000 MuscadeU,
Haanepoots, and Lachrymte Chrislis. The damp part of the
vineyard was the least affected last year, the same feature occurs
this. The Steen is the most severely attacked and has the
disease most fully developed. Mr. Brink is under the im-
pression that irrigation is beneficial in arresting the spread of the
disease, but he is prepared to proceed vigorously with the appli-
cation of sulphur.

The adjoining farms of Messrs, G, do Wet and Hugo, of
about 80,000 Tines each, are both affected with the scourge.
Sulphur is being applied ; already about 20,000 plants have
been sulphured with the apparatus recommended by the Com-
mission. In both of these vineyards the higher and driest
parts were first affected, and the disease is most intense there
now.

(To he continued.)

CULTUEE OF SORGHUM,

AND THE 3IAUUFACIUEE OP SYEUP AKD EUGAT. TnEBEFBOM.

(Coniinued from page 324.)

Mode of ManufucUire. — Believing that iu the vast majority of
eases, the manufacture of Sorghum syrup and sugar will bo
carried on in small establishments, I sliall more particularly
describe the process suitable for such. The first consideration-
is a good mill I shall not speak of the wooden mill, as such
are rapidly growing out of date, and will soon be numbered
amongst the things of " bygone days." A good substantial
one-horse iron mill will grind in twelve hoiu'S enough juice to '
make forty or fifty gallons of syrup. Taking this for a stand-
point, the operator can be guided in his purchase by the cou-
tcinplatcd extent of his estabhshment. So far as I can learn.
Hedges' miU is the most reliable mill in the market at i)resent,
though others may exist of equal merit.

The mills put up by Douglas Brothers, of Ohio, have many
of them proved failures. My own broke " all to smash" before-
I had run it a month, and I was obliged to borrow a neigh-
bour's (of a different make) to finish up. KoUers, shafts, boX'
ing, all went. An examination of the iron by competent judges
resulted in pronouncing it completely worthless. It might have
happened accidentally that the whole mill should have been
composed of such stuff. More or less fault has been found by
all who have used them in this county.

I do not wish to injure the sale of this mill, but such mis-
fortunes are exceedingly vexatious, and cause the unhappy
owners much loss, occurring as tliey do when every day is pre~
• A leaguer, a Ciagalcse meosnre, containing 150 gallon;.

Juae 25, 1861, ]

JOTJEJSrAL OF HOETICtTLTURE AND COTTAGE G-ARDENER.

23a

oiou3, and a foundry many miles away. Doubtless there will
be reliable mills put up in our own State during the coming sea-
son amply sufficient to supply all wants in tliat line.

The miU should be placed, if possible, a little higher than the
boilers, in order that the juice may be conveyed thither in a
spent, thereby saving much labour.

Method of TSvaporating, Clarift/inij Agents. — Of all the boilers
yet in use, I unhesitatingly prefer Cook's evaporator. I do not
believe that quite so beautiful an article of syrup can be made
with it as with the common pan and kettle ; yet as I bought
"mine last fall wlien the cane was dead ripe, and going down
liill, I cannot vouch with much certainty as to that. This much
I do know (and " what I know I Jcnow, I know ") that an
article can be made with it, which sold here faster than it could
be manufactured at 50 cents per gallon, wholesale, and pro-
nounced by all who used it fully equal to golden syrup ; and
even after the cane was badly frost-bitten the syrup outsold the
best plantation molasses. But still my premium syrup (I took
the first in our county, and ditto in Macoupin county, over
fourteen competitors) was made in a twenty-gallon u'on kettle
on the old plan. I don't desire any better. 1 also made my
■sugar in the same utsusil. The chief advantages of the evapo-
rator are two — viz., first, the rapidity with which evaporation
is carried on. Forty gallons of syrup are easily made per day
with W o. 2, if good, dry wood is used. Wood .should be provided
this winter by all who contemplate using that machine next
fall. ■ Secondly, the removal of any necessity for using clarifying
^agents ; the heat and skimmer Completely clarify the juice.
This machine is liable to one objection — it requires considerable
■bMI to use it successfully. Of five within my knowledge but one
was run according to the design of the inventor. Three were
used by plugging up the outlet for the escape of the syrup, and
boiling as in common sheet-iron pans ; a fourth rcquiv«d two
men to skim and one to stand at the last channel, ladle in hand,
to keep the syrup in continual motion so as to prevent burning ;
the fifth (belonging to your humble servant) seemed likely to
meet the same fate-for a day or two, but finally succeeded in
managing it, so that one l:aud could bring sap, flre up, a)id skim,
with perfect ease. The directions seem to us Egyptians quite
obscure. One experienced hand can show a tyro more in tiventy
minutes than he can learn by himself in a weak, or oveu a month.
I would strongly advise any who intend bu.ving to secure the
instruction of some one who has successfully used the machine.
The number of evaporators may be increased os the size of the
•crusher demands.

If ijans are used, make them of galvanised sheet-jvou, fleom
y feet to 10 feet long. Turn up the sides and ends of the sheets
about 2 inches, and finish by nailing them to a solid plank
10 inches high, so as to form an oblong water-tight box with
iron bottom. As many as you wish may be set in furnaces, the
horizontal flues of which should meet in one perpendicular
■chimney. I hardly need state that the whole syrup-boiling
appai-atus shoidd be enclosed so as to bo protected tVom the
weather. Even the wind alone retards greatly the evaporation.
The juice should be clarified in these, and afterwards boilod
down until nearly done, when it should be removed, and the
operation slowly finished in a cast-iron kettle. Not that I
think cast-iron ones preferable to any other metal. A silver one
■would doubtless be better ; but as such would be considered
somewhat extravagant, I presume we must be content for a
while with the humbler metal. The reason I prefer to finish in a
kettle is tliis : AVIien the syrup is completely done, it can be
ladled out without the risk of scorching, which is so imminent
in using the thin, fiat pan.

Clarifying Agents. — Of these there are several. Limewfaler
made from fresh lime is about as good as any. Our finest syrup
was cleared with some refuse saleratus ■which had been thrown ■
away by a merchant here as worthless. It did not injure the
■colour in the least. Carbonate of soda answers very well, but
colours the syrup somewhat. Suga? of lead is a splendid clarifier
but its poisonous qualities render it unsafe to use. The best
purifiers, however, as remarked before, are rapid boiling and the
skimmer. And it is by bringing these two agents into easy ]3lay
■that Cook's Evaporator stands pre-eminent. Whatever clarifit-rs
are used their apphcation should be continued until almost the
last moment of boiling. I found that a small quantity from
time to time thrown in even after the syrup began to thicken
would throw up a white wax. I would like to remark, that
perfect cleanhness is no injury in any stage of the operation.

Manufacture of Sugar. — NotwitlMt»i»di»g the glorious antici-

pations indulged m by the comiaunity in respect to this branch
of the business, but few have succeeded in secm-ing crystalisation.
And those who did succeed, seemed to have done so more by acci-
dent than by the apphcation of any rule or principle. Mr.' Cook
states that he made 400 pounds during the fall of 1859 and in-
tended to make a ton the next season. Whether said ton has
forthcome I do not know. Does anybody ? Whatever he has
done, the ■vast majority have utterly failed in their attempts. Yet
the sugar is there, and can't we get it out ? Let me give my ex-
perience, and some of the causes which I believe produce these
failures.

1st. Too little attention has been paid to the period in which
the juice is in its greatest perfection ; this lasts but about four or
five days, from the time tiie seed is fully in the dough until it is
nearly ripe, as I have before stated. The time may extend until
the full maturity of the seed, but such has not been niy expe-
rience.

2nd. Cutting the cane too long before using. To insure grauu-
lation it shoidd be made up the very day it is cut. Moreover,
the juice should be boiled down as soon as expressed. In the
south they do not allow twenty minutes to elapse, if they can
help it, until the cane is in the boiling-pans.

3rd. Using too much of the upper part of stalk. At least four
joints should be rejected, as the saccharine matter is quite feeble,
and there seems to bo an acid existing, which, if allowed to
mingle with the juice of the lower portiou, destroys the power of
crystalisation.

The specimens made by myself were manipulated with reference
to all tliese points, and granulation followed every attempt. The
experiments were necessarily conducted on a small scale, as I did
not wish to incur any risk by branching out untU satisfied of
meeting with uninterrupted success. I am so well convinced by
the residts, that I sliall j-)repare a sugar-room the coming season
for more extended operations. The syrup when intended for
graining should be boiled down until it reaches a temperatm-e of
328° or 230° Fahr. Steam makes an e.'icellent thermometer.
When it escapes in little puffs as in boiling mush, the syrup is
ready for cooling, which should be done imuiediately by pouring
it into shallow pans, and stii-ring it until it cools somewhat. It
should not lie more than IHnch or 2 inches deep. If it is a
siicfiossful boil it will begin to grain in a day or two. After a
week it must be drained, which is done most easily by hanging it
up in very porous bags, made of loose cotton cloth.

It is refined just as maple sugar, or that from the south is
treated. Believing we had better catch the fish before we
eat them, I ^lall not consume your time and patience by entering
into thst department of the business at prestnt. When wo suo-
cesafuUy produce the raw sugar, there will be plenty of time to
discuss this question.

Projiiif. — These vary from 50 dols. minus per acre, to
lOJ dpls, plus, just as the business is managed. One large mill
in 411 adjoining county broke up its- owners ; twenty-five acres
of oane remnined uncut in their field, and the quality of syrup
WS3 so poor that they could not sell it until it was refined.
While others on a sa.all scale realised quite a per cent, on the
outlay and labour. The result of my own was aboiit thus : —
When the mill ran steadily without breaking, the nett profits
■were 8,00 dols. per day of ten hours. But as I have before
mentioned, it was exceedingly poor, so that by constant delay
and having hired help wliose wages were running uii, working ox-
idle, I realised niucli less than I ouaht. I shall look out for
such things hereafter, and have a mill on which I can depend.
I pftid 115 dols. for Cook's Evaporator, and a Douglas mill,
including the freight (evaporator 47,56 dols. including freight,
mill 68 dols. including ditto), you can easily calculate the profits
on the investment had there been no lime lost. TJie season
ought to commence on the 1st of September at least, and continue
for two montlis, or even longer if the cane is properly taken
care of.

I do not think, however, that large expenditures wiU pay so
well. We do not know enough about the business as yet to
render it safe to invest to any great amount. StiU I most;
sincerely hope that all such may prove successful another year,,
and that the enterprise manifested by their proprietors may not.
go unrewarded. That we can supply our own State with syrup,
and sugar too, I have no doubt whatever. All we need is more
experience. Should I discover any improvement in the business,
no matter how small, I will be sure to add the discovery to the
stock of knowledge which the community now possess.

I woidd remark here, although not in its proper place, that

240

JOTJKNAL OF HOETICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 25, 1861.

mv horses, coirs, and liogs have all tbis winter had access to the
pile of bagasse, and they eat it greedily. My milch cow will not
touch hay or Hungarian grass, and she is in as good order as it
is possible for a milch cow to be. My horses require Tery little
fodder, and even the pigs chew away with commendable zeal. —
E. F- Kewbeebt, Montgomery Co., Ills. — {Prairie Farmer.)

AiSTUAxiAU Chess. — It can be most strongly recommended
as an improrement on the old-fashioned kind, and it fast must
supersede it, being superior in appearance and flavour, and
possessing also the great advantage of bearing many cuttings
without growing coarse. Mine in an orchard-house has already
been cut four or five times.— W. X. W.

AEEANGING PLOWEES IN BOUQUETS AND VASES.

{Continued from page 212.)

TASES FOK THE DINNEE TABLE.

The moutli of the vase should be covered with a wire
frame, or filled with wet sand as usual. If the vase is
Parian the latter mode is very far the best, and the sand
can be smoothed down with a spoon.

The flowers just now will be, perhaps. Verbenas or
small crimson Eoses, white Syringa, or some clear white
substitute, pale blue Hyacinths, or Nemophila, and a
profusion of green as usual. White Geraniums look
very pretty ; and so
do long trailing
sprays of the Ivy-
leaved Geranium
drooping from the
vase.

Geant des Batailles
Eose matches e.x-
tremely well with
the small crimson
Eose, and is larger
and more solid for
the central flower.
As a general rule,
the centre and the
edge should repeat
each other. One or
three Eoses look well
iu the centre, and
Eose leaves round
them, and Eoses
again all round the
edge, arranged some-
what in the form of
a Shamrock, have a
good efl'ect; or a
fleur-de-lis is exces-
sively pretty as the
device for both.

To manage this
device, it is a good
plan, having drawn
the pattern on a card,
to cut it sharply over
with a penknife, so
as to take out the
pattern, making the
card itself carefully
the size and shape
of the section of the
circle you intend the
fleur-de-lis to fill.
For instance, if you
wish for six fleurs-
de-lis, or for eight,
make it a sixth or an

eighth of the whole ; and then, placing the card on the
sand, make the flowers destined to form the pattern
exactly fit into its shape.

It is so much a work of touch and hand which is the
better plan— to form a ground work, occupying the places
for patterns with the cut-out card flowers, or to put in
first the pattern of flowers and afterwards to do the

ground. I incline much to leaving spaces only, arranging
first the ground.

A scarlet Geranium ground is very pretty, with white
Geranium for filling in the patterns. A scarlet Cactus
is then magnificent a little raised up for the centre
flower ; but the crimson Eoses on a white ground, done
in the fleur-de-lis or in threefold Shamrocks, are also very
lovely and light up well. Scarlet Anemones,

again, and double
^ ^ crimson Tulips, re-

,.^^: present Eoses last-

ingly and eflfectivcly.
With scarlet, yellow
cannot possibly be
used ; but some white
drooping flower; Cle-
matis, for instance,
must droop upon the
edge. With crimson
we may try if the
palest Primrose is al-
lowable ; blue would
be better, but Labur-
num is so tempting.
There should be
little green visible
except just at the
edge.

My readers un-
derstand, of course,
that when I name
many varying flow-
ers, often belong-
ing to difierent sea-
sons quite, I do so
merely that they
may, out of the nu-
merous kinds there
are, find some that
will be likely at all
times to suit them.

Now, various-co-
loured Eoses are
amongst the loveliest
of flowers for June
vases ; but a month
earlier Hyacinths, or
even double Tulips,
might look very
beautiful ; and later.
Verbenas and Chry-
santhemums are very
pretty.

Carnations and
Pinks are beautiful and very lasting flowers. I have seen
exquisite pale rose-coloured Carnations blossoming '" ^^^
vember— in fact, almost continuously from July to Feb-
ruary, and they are sweet-scented and keep perfectly un-
faded. Their only fault is the headache their scent
occasions to some people.
Anemones are very lovely for a dinner table. They

June 25, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJRB XSD COTTAGE GARDEinER.

241

blaze ojit in tlie brilliant light and really become a most
striking spectacle. They must be allowed the benefit of
full light tor full half an hour before they are required to
be in their expanded beauty. The bright scarlet, pale blue
and pink, and blue shaded into white, are very lovely; and
they should hare, if possible, a soft, mossy kind of foliage.
Ferns or Lycopodiums do with them well, their own leaves
being far too rough in general, looking like a very untidy
kind of Parsley.

Camellias are always beautiful beyond almost all other
flowers, for any of the arrangements which require a
certain massiveness and grandeur. The colours arranged
in massive rings or points, look far better than when
they are broken into patterns of a more fanciful descrip-
tion— indeed, that arrangement sometimes is rather re-
sorted to in order to render choice, things that would in
themselves be passed by unnoticed.

The accompanying illustration has a charming effect,
from the blossoms that droop so gracefully.

The flowers that compose it are chiefly Orchids ; but
with Cyclamens and Passion-Flowers, and many pretty
flowers of the bulb class, much the same effect of waxen
blossoms and delicate light sprays of beautiful starry
flowers may easily be produced.

VASE DESIGNS FOE A DINNER TABLE IN JUNE.

I have already given, I think, such very exact details
as to frame work, mounting, making-up, &c., that now I
shall simply name the flowers and describe the designs
for a dinner-table set of vases. I shall give a whole set ;
but any one requiring merely two or three can very easily
select some to suit the purpose and the flowers that can
be employed. I will suppose that there are three large
and twelve small vases to be filled with flowers, all Eoses
of varying kinds.

The centre Geant des Batailles, and white Moss or some
other pure white Rose, long sprays of small, white-
clustered Roses, and others of the lovely crimson Psestum
Rose, or some other of a like briary kind hanging over
mingling with the white.

Pretty healthy foliage is far more important for this
than flowers. Slill some beautiful clusters might well be
wired on stalks possessing better foliage than their own
might be. Many of the very small briar Roses are so ex-
quisitely lovely, that even the Wild Rose sprays would
be far from out of place.

Por the centi-e vase a pointed design, or a thick band
of crimson and white alternately, would be very well, or
a simply-mingled bouquet, with, in the former case, little
foliage ; in the latter, much. The two other centre vases
should be in similar colours, and of a corresponding
design, all points, all circles, or all grouped ; but if crim-
son is the ruling colour in the centre piece, white should
be so with them — or the reverse, if otherwise.

The side vases need not match in any way, though all
should contain either white or crimson as one of their
colours. Crimson delicately shaded into pink would be
very beautiful, placed alternately with white shaded into
rose. The various flowers must be chosen, however, with
great precision, as so many, especially of the year-or-two-
old Roses, have so heavy a tinge of bluish lilac.

In the centre of each side there might be a vase of the
palest Tea Roses, arranged lightly amidst their foliage as
for a drawing-room vase, and relieved by a border of the
very palest pink. Of course, the vases down each side of
the table must match ; if the different centre is therefore
used, the number of pairs of side vases must be uneven.
Five pair, seven, or nine, being used according to the
size of the table, and to the number of the party to be
assembled at it. — E.

(To he contiaued.)

I was standing near looking at a crop I had there, when a
neighbouring farmer came up. We had one or two loose
farmers in our neighbourhood ; one of them, in fact, came from
Woodbury [laughter] ; but this is not the man I am speaking
of. He came up and said to me: — 'That is a bootiful crop!
How did he get it, sir?' I replied, 'Brains.' [Laughter.]
'What! manure the field wi' brains?' [More laughter.] 'Yes.'
[Renewed laughter.] He replied, "Goodness, yer honor, where
did you get lun ? ' " [Roars of laughter.]

EOYAl HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The Fine Arts Committee of this Society met in the Council-
room at South Kensington on Saturday afternoon, the 15th inst..
His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, President, in the chair.
There were also present the Lord Llanover ; Sir Coutts Lindsay,
Bart. ; Mr. Henry Hope ; Mr. Wentworth Dilke ; Mr. Sidney '
Smirke, R.A. ; and Mr. R. Westmacott, R.A.

'J'he object of the Meeting was to mate a communication to
the sculptors of the country. The following is a list of the
sculptors and gentlemen connected with that department of the
Fine Arts who had been invited by the Committee to attend,
almost the whole of whom were present — Tiz.,Messi's.Baily, R.A.;
Foley.R.A.; MacDoweU, R.A. ; Marshall, R.A. ; Weekes.A.R.A.;
Baron Marochetti, A.R.A. ; Adams, Bacon, Behnes, Bell, J. Da-
vis, E. Davis, Durham, Earle, Edwardes, Hancock, Jones, Lough,
Leigchild, Miller, Munro, Nieol, Noble, Physiok, Papworth,
Stephens, Theed, Thomas, Thornycroft, Thrupp, J. Westmacott,
Woodington, and Woolmer.

An ordinary general Meeting for the election of Fellows was
also held as above on Tuesday last, S. H. Godson, Esq., in the
chair, when 145 new Fellows were balloted for and duly elected,
including Lady Alvanley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord
Amehus Beauclero, Viscount Chelsea, Viscountess Combermere,
Lady Cremorne, Earl of Damley, Earl de Grey, Earl of Long-
ford, Duke of Marlborough, Lady Otway, Lord George Quin,
Viscountess Strangford, Earl of Besborough, Lady Cliiehester,
Lord Craven, Lady Charlotte Denison, Lady Londesborough,
Lady Magnay, Lord Methuen, Lady Louisa Mills, the Bishop of
Oxford, Lady Price, Viscount Somerton, Lady Stii-ling, and
Lady WhorncUffe.

A Speciai Manttee, not Patented. — At the Woodbury
ploughing match, Mr. John Daw told the following anecdote : —
" Having drained a field where nothing had ever grown before,

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GABDEN.

Advantage to be taken of the first good shower of rain to
plant out the main crops of Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Savoys,
&o., until then they had better remain where they are. Recently
transplanted plants to be kept constantly watered, and the
ground about them to be occasionally stirred. Broccoli, as soon
as the weather will permit plant out the main spring crops.
Carrots, a little more seed may be sown to produce a later crop
for drawing young. Loosen the earth between the main crops
where it is baked down hard. Cauliflowers, some of the late
sowing to be planted as soon as the weather will permit, or if
the planting of them can be no longer postponed, they should
be kept watered until they make fresh roots. Celery, no culinary
vegetable demands larger supplies of water at this season than
Celery, the first crops run in a short time if not well supplied
with it, and the later ones are very much checked if allowed to
go without it ; the earth to be loosened about the plants when-
ever it appears crusted. Cucumbers, the plants on the ridges
will be greatly benefited by being mulched with short grass or
litter of any kind, to be previously watered; water whenever they
may require it to be given in the morning. Mushrooms, this is
now a good time to make spawn for winter and spring use.
Small Salading, keep up a succession by repeated sowings in the
open ground in a shady spot. Spinach, it is necessary to sow
every fortnight let the weather be what it may, as it so soon
runs to seed. Keep it watered during dry weather. Tomatoes,
keep the shoots thinned, trained, and well supplied with water,
or but very little fruit can be expected.

FLOWEE GABDEN.

Attend to the staking of plants m due time. Cut off' the
tops of Musk used as edgings to prevent it growing wild. Thin
some of the young buds of the free-flowering Perpetual Roses, it
will cause them to keep longer in bloom. Pinch off' gross shoots
on fancy sorts when a few eyes long. Take up the bulbs o

JOUENAl OF HOETIdTLTUBE AM;D COTTAGE GAEDENER.

[ June 25, 1861.

Tulips, dicing them in an aii-y place. Do not remove any oflsefs
as it is best to allow tbem to I'emain attached to the parent bulb
till a^l are drj. Attend carefuUj to the Dahhas as they grow,
and do not neglect tying up the main shoot to a stake, as it is
qasUy blown down and tlie plant ruined for the season. They
would also be greatly benefited by a good raulcliing of rotten
dung during very hot and dry weather. Do not allow the Salvia
patens to come up with a centre stem, by pinching it off close to
the bottom half a dozen shoots will sprmg up, wliich is better
than thick planting. By treating Hollyhocks in a similar
manner, a grent number of late-flowering shoots will be pro-
duced. Do not mow grass lawns too frequently if the weather
.continues hot, but ply the daisy-rake during the heat of the day.

FEUIT GARDEN.
It is adrisable to begin the selection and potting of Straw-
berry riumers for next year's forcing : as soon as they show a
.■disposition to root peg them in small pots nearly filled with
rich loamy soil. To destroy American blight which is very
prevalent tliis season on Apple trees, use a hard brush to be
■well worked into the crevices, and all other parts affected. The
laterals of Peach and Nectarine trees to be stopped above the
second joint. Advantage to be taken of moist weather to
remove the clay from grafts where tlie growth of tha scion
recjxiires the matting to be loosened.

STOVE.
Give liberal syringings and keep up a constant kindly
humidity by pouring an abundance of water about tlie floors,
walls, &e. Continue to repot all such plants as are being pre-
pared for late autumn and winter blooming. Keep up a stock
of Gesnera zebrina in various stages of growth, and place
another batch of tubers in a pa-a, Also attend to the culture
of Euphorbia fulgens, whicli is or.e of the most useful of wiuter-
floweriiig plants.

GEEEiCHOrSE AXD CONSEKVATOEr.

The Clerodendrons, Gardenias, Ixoras, Pergularias, .Stepha-
notises, Jasminnins, Plumbagos, ic, when highly cultivated
begin at this season to interfere rather too much with their
weaker neighbours. To correct such an unseemly state it is
advisable to remove them to the conservatory, where they will
be shghtly retarded, and where they will retain their blooms
longer, and produce them of a deeper colour. Be provident in
providing a succession of Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Heliotropes, I
Balsams, Cockscombs, Lilies, and other such flowering plants [
to maintain a display througliout the summer and autumn.
Kew Holland plants, such as Pimeleas, Polygalas, &e., may now
require more pot room, the soil to consist of equal portions of
fibrous loam and heath soil, with an atldition of charcoal, giitty
sand, and rubbly stones. If good heath soil cannot be easily
procured make use of leaf mould with the loam. To secure i
thorough di-aiiiagemake use of a good portion of charcoal on the
top of the broken potslierdj, then place a portion of the roughest j
soil on (he drainage, and then filling up carefully around the I
sides, and pressing all together pretty firmly when "potting them,
then to stand them for a time in a shady situation in a cold pit,
or in some place where they do not get sunburnt. The com-
pactness and shape of each plant to be regulated by stopping or
pinching back the growing-shoots in due season.

PITS AND FRAMES.

All latc-sli'uck cuttings, if not wanted for turning out, to be
potted oir for stove plants, or for filling beds in the autumn.
Continue to shift any plants that require it. W. Keake.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.
So far as I recollect, I omitted all reference to the fi'uit
garden, though it has been rather a busy time with that depart-
ment. Up to ihis day (the mth) I liave not gathered a Sfraw
beriy out of doors, though they are swelling nicely ; yet, as
far north as Edinburgh and Dundee they have been able to pick
more than a fortnight ago, showing that the position of a place
has oftentimes nove to do with its temperat\ire than the mere
latitude or even elevation. The Strawberry-border covered with ,
loose sashes has afforded a little nice gathering, and will yield I
a profu-ion of fine fruit; the earliness being owmg to the i
powerful sun of the last week, for in dull weather 1 liava long
proved that mere gUss covering forwards hardly any at this
season. A plentiful and regular supply for eight or ten days |

has been chiefly derived from jouug plants taken up and jiotted
about six weeks ago, and plunged in a slight bottom heat under
glass, and plenty of air given. These, though many in four-
inch pots, have borne profusely, and fine fruit, chiefly Keens'.
None are left in the houses but a few Queens in the Peach-
house, and all will be cleared out in a few days as soon as we
can gather freely from out of doors.

Fnless where plenty of air and light can be given it is useless
to keep them in a house much after May. Some gentlemen
have complained that their Strawberries are good in Aprd, but
after the first or second week in May they become mere mouth-
fuls of water. In many eases, though they look incredulous,
the reason is perfectly oljvious. Many of these early Strawberries
are grown in vineries with the roof of the house pretty well
covered with Vines. The Strawberries being set in when the
house gets artificial heat, the first crop will come in when as yet
the Tine leaves are rather small, and this will be still better pro-
duced if the Strawberries are gently started in a bed before they
are placed in the house. But in the case of the succeeding crops
the house gets much more shaded ; and though when set the
Strawberries swell pretty well, it need excite no surprise that the
flavoiu- should be so deficient. In such cases either the roof of
the house must be less covered with the main crop, or a pit or
a small house must be set apart for Strawberries where they can
have the treatment they require. Even then flavour depends
greatly on the weather, though something may be done by
having the plants ratber cool and rather dry for some hours
before gathering. I have long found that if pretty well swelled
the flavour will be deficient, even if the plants are taken to a
cooler, open position. Sometime ago, to make room in the houses,
and also to moke amends for the shade wliich I could not help
giving to Strawberry plants in pots, a good niunber were re-
moved whei-e they could have just a little heat in frames. The
berries that were ripening even with the additional sun given to
them, I cotdd not send to table — they seemed such soft, tasteless
things. The plants having fruit half swelled, or a little more,
did admirably, .and were very firm and well-flavoured. I just
mention this, as there are proprietors of little glass houses who
have no idea but that various crops may be grown one beneath
the other, and good, well-flavoured crops too, though each of
these needs aU the sun that can be obtained for them, instead of
being shaded thickly by each other. We have, no doubt, faults
and omissions and commissions enough to answer for ; but
in such cases, when flavourless Strawberries are grumbled
about, it is not so much the gardener as the accommodation
that is at fault.

Those who intend forcing early had better be on the look out
for runners. We prefer placing them, with a little stone to
keep them down, on the surface of a small 60-pot filled with
light soil ; but where a frame and a slight bottom heat can be
given them, I often cut them oft" at once as soon as the runner is
formed, leaving a couple of inches from where tise roots show
next the old plant, which two inches or so do nicely for fastening
the runner, with the incipient roots just beneath the surface m
rich light soil. These, kept closeish and shaded in sunshine,
soon m.ike littje balls of roots if .assisted with frequent skiiTs
from the syringe, and a two-light box will hold a great number.,
I do not say this is the best plan, but altogether it is the most
economical in a dry sunnner. Of course the plants must be
potted before they are allowed to draw each other ; but the
potting will be a future consideration. I havejust examined the
border covered with sashes, and find I may now turn every
lilant out of the houses without any fear of want of fruit.
Watered the main crops well j and, to prevent the water speedily
evaporating, shook up the litter between the rows gently with
the point of a fork.

Insects. — Insects baye natlier unexpectedly come in shoal*.
The lima and soot water settled the fly on the Currants and
Gooseberries, which are loaded with fruit ; but that, and picking,,
and shaknig the bushes, with a cloth beneath to receive the
fulling enemy, have not quite cleared the bushes of caterpillar.
Wo go round one day and cannot find one ; go round again in a
day or two, and find a twig or two with the leaves of the Goose-
berry disappearing ; and there is nothing for it but the old
remedy of picking, shaking, and syringing — unless, in such
rather solitary instances, carefully taking off the twigs and burn-
ing branch and cotei-pillars together. When the bushes are left
pretty thick at pruning-tinie this last is not a bad plan ; and
where bu-ds as well as caterpillars are apt to be troublesome, it
is a good move to prune and thin little until the crop is secured.

^une 25, 1861. ]

JOFBNAli OF aORTICTJLTTJEE A^T) COTTAGE GARDENER.

24S

A row of bushes on the north side of a \rall -vre generally treat in
this manner, giving them what little pruning they receive chiefly
about this season, and scarcely ever touching them in winter or
spring. Hellebore powder, and dry lime, and soot, will very
much incommode the caterpillar if they do not till them out-
right : but I do not like to apply any such remedy at this
season, as, whatever of these powders adheres to the berry, is
apt to make it swell unkindly, and eat hard if not grittj. A
good look out, picking, or shaking on a cloth, which prevents
them getting on the ground, and the use of the syringe or
garden engine, using soot-lime water in a clear sherry-looking
liquor (made by putting a bushel of soot and a quarter a bushel
of lime into a hogshead of w ater and allowing it to stand twentj"-
fom- hours) are the best remedies at this period, and must be
resorted to if fine fruit are wanted, as Gooseben-ies from bushes
with deficient foliage are Uttle betta- than bits of the wood of
tbe tree.

Watered Raspberries as well as Strawberries at the roots ; as
iu very diy weather and the surface soil dry, the berries do
liot swell so nicely, and are far less juicy and harder thsn is
desu'able. If too mucii.wet is given, or too much raiu comes as
ripeness approaches, the fruit will be too surcharged with watery
juices. Both extremes should therefore be avoided. The firmer
ft Raspberry or a Strawberry is, provided it is full-swelled and
high-colom-ed, the more highly flavoured will it be : it is, there-
fore, advisable to gatlicr a few dishes in advance if rain is
apprehended. Black Currants will also require wateving unless
■wo have it from the heavens. Manure water, if not too Strong,
will be eagerly relished.

Cherry trees, mostly having good crops, have, at length, after
looking very clean, been attacked, especially at the points, with
the black aphis, and have been syringed and dipped accordingly.
If taken in time, any of the applications will be useful, and
keep the enemy in check until he chooses to leave the field.
Soot and lime water, with a little sulphur in it, dissolved, is
our favourite liquor. Dusting the points of the shoots with
snufi", nay, even with dry dust, we have found iiseful ; and
dipping tlie shoots in strong solutions of Gishurst, tobacco
water, soft soap, and, what is as good as any, size water, will
generaDy settle all those thoroughly embedded in them ; but
these remedies are only useful when apphed to a shoot as soon
as a fly or two are seen upon it, and then the various solutions
(■we have used clay paint in addition) will do no liarm. But
stop until the leaves are encrusted with the black enemy, and
then, whatever your application, and whether it kills insects or
not, it is next to an impossibility to make these leaves live and
be healthy for the season afterwards. Their destruction is
pretty well already secured, and all the applications you can give
them are next to labour, and time, and money, thro\vn away.

The " stitch in time " is the thing. It is, therefore, a great
misfortune when this enemy attacks young trees and is allowed
to get ahead, for lengthening of shoots is pittty well arrested for
the season. When the fly first makes its appearance, the trees
should be well syringed, then be gone over with the knife and
thumb, and all points of shoots not wanted, or coming fi'om
spurs, and any very bad leaves, at once nipped oil" and placed in
a basket to be burned. If the leading-shoots have merely a fly
here and there, squeezing them quickly between the fingers and
washing again to remove all remains of them, will often be all
that is necessary ; but if the point of the leading-shoot is
plastered with them, the mere squeezing would be no use, for if
the heart blood was not already extracted, the poisonous remains
would be equally ruinous to iiealth, and mere dip|Mng to kill
what was alive would not restore after such a visitation. The
leaves thus extra bad are not often numerous at first, and
■the best plan is to remove them, or at least cut them off,
leaving only a little bit above the leafstalk, but to retain the
growing point untouched ; and then, when well washed, or even
dipped in a weak solution tff glue water or other medium, the
shoot wiU grow on healthUy, and, by the elid of the season, you
will hardly know ■where the insect-covered leaves were removed.

Watered some of these trees ■with heavy crops alike to assist
growth and swell the fruit. Few things are more annoying
than to find one of these insects ou the trees by the time the
fruit is approaching maturity ; for if there is a finer Cherry
than another, the fiy will generally be found bedded gluttonously
on its stalk.

Whilst these lookings-over are going on, a sharp look out
must be had for leaves joined or twisted together, so as to
be devoured by caterpillafs more frequent this Season ihtta

usual. The same i^mafls apply to Plums, only the green Sy
that assails them is more easily managed. A good stroke from
the engine with soot-lime water generoUy settles them, if looked
to in time ; but if the reproductive powers have had full swing,
you inay destroy several races and find there is no want of
frrth ones to come. Such waiting to give the reproductive
powers full play, is like a man waiting to cut up a fine plant of
Groundsel until it cari-ies a head whiter than a Cauliflo'wer, and
then giving it a dig with his spud and chuckling, " Well I have-
done fof you," to find in a few ■weeks that he will have hundreds-
or thousands instead of one to deal with.

Watered newly-planted frees, of all kinds. Gave water to
young Peach trees against wall and iu orchard-houses, arid
watered the ground in the latter to keep the air a little cboL
Pruned and tied trees in early Peach-house, and cut some
leaves in two, or removed them, to expose the ripening fruit
more fully to sun and an-, leaving the latter on night and day
in such hot weather. Gathered Melons as they ripened freely ;
thinned out extra shoots ; stopped and set fruit on young
plants, giving thera plenty of water, and keeping the older
ripening plants rather dry, and giving' what little was
necessary below. Shaded them a little (or the first time to-
lessen watering, both as a means of abfidging labom-, and
economising water, which begins to be scarce, though we
saved a good deal in the late rain. Watered Figs, but not
extravagantly ; for if too dry they do not swell freely, and if
too damp they are apt to be deficient ia flavour and crack
prematurely. Thinned out extra shoots, and stopped those
intended for autumn fruiting ; and, the day being hot, got pretty
well punished with blistered hands, as the result of the acrid
juice getting over them. Threw away some plants of Loasa
directly afterwards ; for, if even the milky juice of Figs could do
such athing in a hot day, I feared the Loasa might do something
worse to some one else carelessly touching o» training it.
Watered Vines, where needing it. Keep air on night and day iu
the early houses, from which we ore gathering ; "(vill soon do so
in the next ; and would do so in nU, did these warm nights con-
tinue, or were we nearer to a coal heap. The fruit in the late
house needs thinning ; and as they will be there some time, the
bunches will be thinned more, and left more compact than in the
earlier houses. Smoked with tobacco the early house for a little
appearance of thrips. I generally have had.traces of it every year
since I filled the lower part of the liouse with Azaleas some yeaJs
ago, to force them into growth. Unknown to me there must
have been a few thrips in the Azaleas. I do not much like
putting the Azaleas into a vinery since if it can be avoided.

The earbest of these houses we are gradually emptying of
plants ; the others have Begonias, Ferns, &c., in prominent posi-
tions, ft few Camellias, Achimenes, &o., which are being shifted.
Potted Pelargoniums for autumn. Salvias, Globe Aramanths,
Fxiehsias, and many little things. Tied and trained Fuchsias, &c.,
and finished planting Dahlias, afVer having fixed stakes for them.
j Tied and fastened Pinks, Carnations, &c., for which nothing is
! better than a stout wu-e twisted loose, corkscrew fashion ; the
stems are placed in the volutes, and are kept there, and need n(t
tying.

In the flower-beds, the chief work has been to loosen the

surface with a fork and hoe, in order to keep the moisture iu

. and prevent the heat drying up the roots. Little watering has

been given, unless to beds that were finally finished off with

\ plants not large enough at first. The surface from this continual

moving looks very dry, but the plants are growing pretty well,

and most of them look as if they would fill their spaces. The

i ground is now getting nice and Tvarm, and there is plenty of

i moisture far down beneath. When the soil becoircs a little

j warmer, we shall resort to means to keep it both moist and coel

without much assistance from the water-pail. We have beeu forced

! to cut down some fine specimens of Arbutus and Laurusfinus

close to the groimd, from which most are breaking, though I

expected they would have done so 3 feet or 4 feet from the

ground. Singular enough, some fine plants of Sweet Bay, and

even more exposed, are all sound, though the points are all

browned and a few bits dead, with a little nipping oft' the points

they will all be green by the end of the summer. The dying to

the ground of the large Laurustinus will leavesome large patchesto i

turf over, which must be done ere long whether raiu comes or not-

There is only one effectual mode of turfing in hot, dry weather

in summer that ever I have found— viz., take the turf up fair for

thickness, and soak it for an hour in a tub of water before lavitife

it down, and also sprinkhng the gi-ound before doing so. If the

244

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

[ June 25, 1861,

seams crack fill up with riddled earth and shade a few days with
a hurdle or a few leafy branches. Unless burning hot the latter
will not be needed.

The grass, though short on the principal part of the lawn
where the flower-beds are most numerous, began to spangle with
Daisies ; but what from the much moving on the ground, even
though rolled two days before, was little inclined to yield easily
to the scythe. In fact, from these reasons, and the hot, dry
weather, even though there was a fair deposition of dew, the
man declared that they might as well try to cut cotton wadding,
and I found it quite true. The space got over was a mere
bagatelle in comparison of the usual performance. We began
to be a little timid, too, that if we shaved it in too close we might
have the grass brown on our hands in such continuous heat ;
and, therefore, the daisy-knife was used instead of the scythe,
and thougli it has been done a week it looks nice and green now,
and, unless in a dewy morning, hardly a bit too long. One man,
with one of these knives, will clear more ground of these Daisies
than some half dozen or as many more could accomplish with
the vaunted daisy-rakes. The knives are double-edged, about
2 mches broad, 18 inches long, and flat on the lower side,
furnished with a small handle like a crane-necked hoe, and that
festened into a neat, stout pole, some 12 feet or 15 feet long.
The wielder of this simi^le instrument clears right and left of
him, with a large, semi-circular sweep, and, if the sun is hot, an
hour will settle all appearance of the Daisies. — R. P.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*«* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottao-e
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to Ttie
Sditors of the "Journal of Hortimlture, S(c.," 162, Fleet
Street, London, B.C.

Specimens OF Wild Flowebs,— 2r. A. 1). is tlianlied very warmly for his
specimens. They amved in excellent condition between the layers of short
grass, and were fonvarded immediately to Miss Gower. We take this
opportunil,y of saying that specimens of the roors and root-leaves should he
sent with the flouers.

Gathering Apples and Peaes ( TertMJ.-It is impossible to state specific
times lor doing this, tlie seasons varying so much in their ripening power.
These fruits are ready for gathering, when, by lifting them gently to an
angle rather above the horizontal, the stalk parts freely from the spray
bearing it. .- f /

WOBK ON Trees [Kor>iicensis].—T:\xe best, giving botanical descriptions
as well as general inrormation, is London's " Arboietum Britannicum."

Geai-es Spotted [N, S. rr.).-Both the Muscat and Black Hamburgh
wh;M?,t,?7T7 severely affected by the spot, as gardeners call the gangrene
which thus attacks Ihe berries. The roots, most probably, are growing in a
temperature much colder than they ought, but whether from the sSbsoil
«IT^Z »"?. ''"y^. o'- other cause, we cannot say. If the roots are too
deep remove the suitace soil down to them, replace it bv richer soil to the
depth of about S inches ; mulch at night, but remove th'e mulching during
the day. ^\ ater with tepid liquid manure once a-week in dry weather.
quUeScient"'^ Address [W. Q. C'.).-"Messra D. & L., Edinburgh," is

Weeds on Gravel ( 7rf<.rfj).-The remedy you allude to is the refuse
from chemical works where ether is manufactured. Watering with strong
brine in dry weather, and sprinkling salt thickly on the gravel afterwards
occasionally, will keep under the weeds.

Ants on Kose Trees (Ada W.).- We do not think they eat the flower-
buds and certainly not untU the buds had been wounded by some grub or
beetle. However, you may prevent their approaching the trees, and benefit
these at the same time, by sprinkling a little guano on the surface of the
ped, and in a circle round each tree. We believe the ants ascend tie trees
in search of green flies and exuded sap.

i^Jti^'o-^S,'"!"" ''■"'*'^ ^^- ^^- -E-). -Yours is the best of all the ways of
P»,rw fhr„Ih'",r" 'I™- ^ '"'"">' ""*" "■"'l SO"": l«"es of a variegated
fllmiestunw.™'.'""^. *;:'"""='', '""""^ f"'" "f »'lskin,the thinnest and
fn^^S- . ?„!,, ^^ '^J'"^ f """^ gathered. The kind is very pretty
o r„i' XJl KoWen hue, and your regret that the flower is not dark pui-ple
to show the hai-mony of contrast, tell, you arc none of the lords of the creation,
dm,ht ,^LiH '• '■°'' T'" ""■-■ °""'^ " ecnuine "florist." Mr. Beaton, no
doubt, would jump at your offer of a cutting. Send it in an oilskin fold, and,
11 the post does not smash it, we wiU see it safe to Surbiton.

Auriculas and PoLVANTarsEs from Seed {An Old Subscriber).— i<o
Jr-olyantlius or Auricula that ever wc knew comes true from seed, but you
should change your seeds and sow every three or four years. For such
common flowers any seed-shop is as good as any other.

Watering a Garden {A Subscriber].-U is a very good plan to water
all over a garden, late in the evening of hot summer days, with a rose and
pipe, whether the wet gets down to the roots or not. Established flowering
plants root deep enough not to want much water at the roots, and newly-
planted-out plants if once well watered, to settle the mould about the roots,
ought to do Miththat style of rose watering. Of course plants that were

^In.. .V? '^''' '''"s *'" ^^^ ^y '"'^hes whether you water them bv the
nana or the rose.

Pansies (Annie), — It is not unusual to have different coloured flowers on
the same plant. You may be certain of the same effect by putting plants
with different but harmonising coloured flowers together In one pot.

Cadidck.— You ask, page at 226, what this is. It is a local name for the
Charlock, Sinnpis arvensis.

Koses {South Hnnts).— The G^ant des Batailles is of the deepest scarlet
and crimson. Jules Margottin is a very large Rose, of a bright rose colour
verging on light crimson ; in shape and size like the old Cabbage Rose. It
is one of the finest Roses known.

AsAEDM viRGlNicoM (IT, X H'.).— The last half of September is a good
time to divide and transplant it. Mr. Beaton accepts your offer with many
thanks.

CoLTDRE OF LiLiuM LANciFOLiuM ( OneripAoru)).— Lilium laocifolium not
only does not degenerate in this country, but it has rapidly Improved, and
so most of the Lilies do in England under good gardeners. Under pot culture
the difficulty is to know how to hurt it all, except by growing it by fits and
starts, as you seem to have done, and you may just as well throw them in
the fire at once. You are only one out of many most excellent cultivators
who failed and were foiled in their bulb culture. Wc can assure you that
some of the best gardeners have been in the same fix as you are. andthey lost
or killed five hundred kinds of bulbs, eveiy one of which was just as easy to
grow as tliese Japan Lilies, which require much less attendance than Fluke
Potatoes, and, probibly, the severity of last winter did not kill them in the
open beds in the Crystal Palace. We are quite serious in our advice about
throwing badly deranged bulls away, as by far the cheapest method ; for it
is a most difficult and very tedious process to reinvigorate them when once
they are gone like your Lilies.

Verbenas Drooping {}l.).—Yo\ir Verbenas were drooping their heads for
want of water at the roots and nothinr more. If you planted them out in
their halls, and the balls entire, or nearly as they left the pots, or if any one
had done so for you, the beds might have been watered twice a-day, and yet
the Verbenas in that bed might be dying by inches for want of water. At
all events, your Verbenas wanted nothing but water, and the only cause of
their drooping was the want of it under a hot sun.

Names of Plants {C. H.). — Tour Fern is Polystichum aculeatum, tar-
lobatum. (H. B, .ff.).— Clematis ccerulea.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

Jdne 2.5th. Romford. (Plants, Flowers, and Fniit.) Sec, A. Cooper,

Romford.
July 3rd. Portsea Island. Sec., H. Hollingsworth, Southsea.
July 6th. Crystal Palace. (Rose Show.) 5cc., W. Houghton.
July lOtb. UovAL Horticultural Society. (Rose Show.) Garden

Superintendent , G. Eyles.
July 18th. Towcester Floral and Horticultural Society. Sec,

T. B. Rodhouse, Towcester.
July 18th. Puescot. Sec, J. Beesley.
August 9th. Belfast Royal Botanic and Horticultural Society.

(Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables.) Sec, George A. CaiTuthers.
August 14th. Portsea Island. 5po., H. HoUingsworth, Southsea.
September 2nd. Heckmondwike. (Floral, Horticultural, and Agri-
cultural.) Sec, G. Kelley, Heckmondwike.
September 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
September 11th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
September 18th and I9th. Brighton and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpenter.
November 6th and 7th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newington Chrysanthemum Society,

Sec, W. T. Howe.
November 14th and 15th. Crystal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec, W. Houghton.
N.B. — Secretaries of Societies ijitending to adcertise in our columns will

oblige us by sending an early intimation of their exhibition days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

POULTRY SHOWS.

June 25th. Essex. 5(7c., Mr. "W. R. Emson, Slough House, Halstead, Essex.
June 28th. Driffield. Sec.^ Mr. R. Davison. Entries close June 22nd.
June 28th and 29th. Taunton. (Sec, Mr. Charles Ballance. Entries

close June 17th.
July 3rd, 4th, and 5ih. Blackpool and West Lancashire. Sec.^ Mr. E.

Fowler, jun., Market Street, Blackpool. Entries close June 30thi
July 18th. Piiescot. 5ec., Mr, J. Beesley.
August 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th. Crystal Palace Summer Sbow*

Sec, Mr. \V. Houghton.
September 3rd. Pocklington (Yorkshire.) Sec^ Mr. Thomas Grant

Entries close August 26th.
September 11th and 12th. Manchester and Liverpool. Sec, Mr. T. B.

Ryder, 2, Elliott Street, Clayton Square, Liverpool, Hon. Local. Sec,

Mr. S. H. Hyde.
September 24th. Bridgnorth. Sec, R. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
November 22nd, 28th, and 29th. Dahhngton. Sec, Mr, J. Hodgson.

Entries close Novemher Uth-
December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. Sec, Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close Novemher 1st.
December Uth, 12th, 13th, and Uth. Crystal Palace Winter Show.

Sec.f Mr. W. Houghton.

N.B. — Secretaries will oblige ua by sending early copies of their lists.

CHICKEN SHOWS.

Each season brings its topic. In hard weather we expatiate
on the expedients for neutralising the effect of frost ; we sympa-
thise with our fowls during the cutting east winds ; we try to

June 25, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

245

lead our readers along, showing the poultry pursuit is a very
Pactolus when there is no prominent topic ; and now that
chickens grow while they are looked at, and prospectuses of
summer shows reach us by every post, we are disposed to lire
our past triumph over again, to see with our mind's eye that
pen of chickens, especially the cock. At the same time we admit
the satisfaction of the mental excursion is not diminished by the
fact this pen earned £8 nett, provided us with a silver cup,
and at last were claimed at £10. Honestly speaking, we believe
we have as good now, and the way in which they have grown of
late, is, as Sam Slick says, " a caution."

Some of our readers will, perhaps, bear us out, but we have
never seen chickens grow as they have done during the last
three weeks. Our man says " they eot still and growed." We
have forgotten the cold weather, the bad weather, the dry
weather, the bad hatching, the annual difficulty (for there is
some new difficulty every year), and we certainly look on our
stock with pride and expectation. We think we shaU be winners.
We ask ourselves where we shall begin, for wo are aware there
is only one real test, and that is to put our yard against another
in presence of acknowledged judges. One place is too distant ;
another does not offer difficulty enough in the way of com-
petition ; and at last we fix on the Crystal Palace. This is
become one of our great and acknowledged shows, and those
who are successful there may look without fear to any other
place. The first large chicken show is not without importance.
It brings those together that will meet again, and it adds to or
diminishes the prestige of a yard. Very often the prize list at
the Crystal Palace shadows forth Birmingham. The owner of
the first-prize chicken pen stands in front of it, " hears the
stormy music," and " hails iu his heart the triumph yet to
come " — Birmingham, Liverpool, and Preston.

The Crystal Palace is especially adapted for a chicken show.
They have space, air, and light, all three essentials for young
poultry. The direction of this great undertaking has admitted
the poultry shows are a source of considerable profit, they are
anxious to please amateurs, and we hope they will be liberally
met by them. It is time entries were made.

one set had a pint of pulverised charcoal daily, while the others
had none. They were all killed on the same day, when it was
found that those which received the charcoal averaged each IJ lb.
more than the others, and their flesh was more tender and pleasant.
[This is not improbable, for it is quite certain that Pigs thrive
better if they have a few pieces of coal, or cinders of coal, given
them occasionally while fattening. — Eds.]

RETURNING POULTRY FROM SHOWS.

At a large poultry show lately held there were some mistakes
in baskets sent with fowls for exhibition. On their return, old,
broken, low, square baskets, not high enough for the fowls to
stand upright, were substituted for new, round, high, strong ones
with canvass covers. I think it would be more to the credit of
managers of shows to see that the right baskets were returned to
the right place, though I am aware of the arduous duties at those
times ; but the labels only required turning, and then there are
both names and No. of pen upon it. Also, I think, railway
companies ought to be a little more punctual with the fowls
returning from shows. Mine were five days on the road from
Truro. It was as much as I could possibly do to bring them
round ; they could not stand for some time after their return. I
was obliged to use stimulants, and it will take another fortnight
to bring them round properly. — Y. Z.

[This annoying mistake occurs too often, and might be easily
avoided by the exhibitor always writing his direction on the
reverse of the card or parchment which gives the direction to
the exhibition. It would then only have to be turned, and
would at once announce the ownership. As for the railway delays
we wish, when any fatal injury is caused by them, that the owner
of the fowls would sue the railway company. — Eds.]

Manchestee and LiVEErooL AaEicuLTiTBAL Society's
PouLTEY Show. — This is to be almost exclusively for chickens
of the present year. The prizes being augmented 'oy those]]of
the Ashton Local Committee are now very tempting — ranging
from £4 down to 10s., and embracing all descriptions of poultiy.
We have no doubt particulars will be advertised when the
arrangements are completed.

Chaecoal foe Ttjekbys. — A correspondent of the Southern
Mural Magazine says that he has made successful experiments
in feeding Turkeys with charcoal. He took eight of these fowls
and put four in each of two separate pens, and fed them alike,
with meal, boiled potatoes, and oats, with the exception that

COALBROOKDALE POULTRY EXHIBITION".

The second annual Poultry Show of this Society took place
in a field belonging to Mr. Chune, of Coalbrookdale, on Wed-
nesday, Thursday, and Friday last. The poultry was exhibited
under a very large tent, supplied by Mr. Goodby, of Shrewsbury ;
and the internal decorations of flags and evergreens were profuse,
wliilst bouquets of flowers of immense size met the eye on every
side. The whole arrangements were very good, and proved that
the acting officials, Messrs. Boycott and Chune, had well pro-
vided against every emergency. It is gratifying such careful
attention had been paid by these gentlemen, for the weather,
unfortunately, proved most stormy and unfavourable. During
Thursday it rained incessantly ; but, from the forethought we
have just alluded to, neither the poultry exhibited, nor the
empty baskets in which they had travelled to the Show, were
wetted in the least, the empty packages being at once carefully
covered up with large tar sheets from the anticipation of bad
weather. We can scarcely speak too approvingly of this pre-
caution, as we well remember various instances that have come
to our knowledge, of exhibition poultry being irrecoverably injured
by their return journey in wet baskets. It is well here to just
■ drop the hint to poultry committees, that, in case of hampers
getting wet during an exhibition and fresh litter not being at
hand, it is infinitely the best pohcy to empty the baskets in toto,
before repacking the birds, than sending the fowls homewards,
exposed to cold and damp, without the possibility of exercise
of any kind. We again say, there is not a doubt that scores of
valuable pens of fowls have been entirely lost to then: owners by
neglect in this particular, and, therefore, the present example of
the Coalbrookdale Committee cannot be too generally followed.

In the Spanish class Mr. Teebay, of Preston, took both the
prizes. It seems the present hot weather quite improves the
health of liis well-known old cock bird, it is very rarely indeed
he has been shown in so perfect condition. This gentleman's
younger bird, in the second-prize pen, has likewise much in-
creased in value during the last few weeks. The pair of hens in
Mr. Fowler's pen were capital; indeed, one of them was, perhaps,
the best hen of this variety in the show tent.

The Grey Dorldnq class was not so good, as a whole, as that
of last season, barring the two winning pens. A trio of first-
rate chickens in this class seemed sadly aB'ected by confinement,
and, consequently, the sure test of handhng was greatly to their
disadvantage.

In the class for Black, White, or Pile Game fowls, the first-
prize Pile Game Cock was unusually good, and many of the
black ones were beyond mediocrity. Among the Black and
Brown Reds, the two prize birds, one of each colour, could
scarcely be excelled, and the Brown hen, in the first-prize pen,
was one of the very best we have ever met with. A local exhi-
bitor, Mr. Dyas, of Madely, has reason for self-congratulation on
success in so severe a competition. In Duckwings, Mr. Chune
took first prize with the identical cock that stood Al in last
year's prize list ; he has also taken a hke position at Beverley,
the Crystal Palace and Prescot Exhibitions.

Mr. Stretch, of Liverpool, secured, as customary of late, both
the first prizes iu Bufi' and also Partridge- coloured CocUrtS, with
birds of first-rate excellence ; and the White Cochins of Mr.
Robert Chase, of Birmingham, also called forth the approval of
almost every visitor.

The Hamburgh classes were not well filled as to numbers, and,
except the winning pens, were in anything but good plumage.
It was the subject of general remark, "How early poultry has
commenced moulting this season!" whilst last year they retamed
their feathers to as unusually late a period.

The Polands, all varieties competing, were as good as any we
have seen for years past; the hens of the White-crested through-
out the whole class could not be bettered, there being none save
first-rate ones— a most unusual feature at poultry meetings.

Among the remaining poultry, the Sultan fowls, the Srahma*
and Game Bantams, were by far the most meritorious of any.

246

JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTTjRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 25, 1861.

We may also mention tliat Mr. Sainsbury, of Devizes, exhi-
bited some peculiarly good Buenos Ayrean Dttcks.

The Tiffeons were the most excellent collection we have seen
for many years past, but, unfortunately, a portion of the rery
best of them did not arrive at Coalbrookdale until many hours
after the awards had been duly returned and printed. From
what cause this delay in delivery arose we cannot tell ; but are
happy to infonn our readers, that by next year the railway
communication to Coalbrookdale, from every part of the kingdom,
will (as by special contract) be completed, which will, most
probably, wonderfully increase the numbers of pens that will
then be entered, nor less so the number of visitors.

Blythe, of Birmingham, provided the pens, and likewise
undertook the general feeding of the poultiy. He appeared to
give satisfaction by his attention to his duties.

During the whole time the Show remained open, the Committee
were incessant in tlieir attendance, and everything consequently
went forward most satisfactorily. Great amusement and jocu-
larity arose from some foot and hurdle races that took place in
another part of the field contiguous to the tents — amusements
carried on without intermission until nightfall, amid roars of
laughter arising from the mishaps occasioned by leaping at full
speed.

Spanish. — First anrl Second, R. Teeta-y, Fullwood, near Preston. Highly
Commended. J. K. Fowler, Ayleabnry. Commended, W. Sw.inn, Lozells,
near Eiruiingliani. ^

DoKKiNHs.— First, W. Copple, Ecclestpn, Prescot. . Second, H. W. B.
Eei-wick, Helinsley, Yorkshire, II iglily Commended, Rev. A. G. A. Baker,

, Ola "Warden, i5if gleswade.

Game (AVhite and Piles. Black and Brassy-winced), — First. G. W. ilnss,
the Beach, Aichnrth, Liverpool. Second. J. Rogers, King's Korton, Bir-
mingham, flighl.- Commended, C. W. Dyas, Madeley, Salop. Commended,
T. Burgess, jun., Burley Dam, Whitchurch.

Game (B'ack-breasted and other Ueds).— First, G. W. Moss, the Beach.
Aigburth, Liverpool. Second, C. V\'. Dyas, Sladeley, Salop. Highly Com-
mended. G. "VV. Moss: "W. Dawson, Selly Oak, near Birmingham; S. T.
Smith, Lincoln Hill, Irnnbridge. Commended, G. "Wycherley, Wellington ;
J. R. Rogers, Honiton, Devon.

Game (Duckvr-inira and other Greys).' — P'irst. Col. W. Blackbm-n, Lea-
mington. Second, \V. Dawson, Selly Oak, Iiirmingham. Highly Commended,
Miss L. Egremont, Wroxeter Vicarage, Salop. Commended, J. R. Rogers,
Honiton, Devon.

Hamecrghs (Gold or Silver-pencilled).— First, G. Blythe. Birtningham.
Second. J. Dison, Bradford, Yorkshire. Commended, R. Baggins, High
Street, Birmingham.

HAjmcEGBS (Gold or Silver-spangled). — First, H. W. B. Berwick, Helms-
ley, Yorkshire, Second, J. Dixon, Bradford, Yorkshire. Hichly Com-
mended. H. Cai-ter, Uppeithong, Holmfirth ; AY. R. Lane, Bristol Road,
Birmingham.

Game Basta3IS.— First. G. C. Wliitwell, Kendal. Second. R. lloon, Sand-
ford Lodge. Wavertree. Highly Commended, H. Ellis, Northallerton, York-
shire ; T. Jobson, Farnsfield, Kottiugham.

Bantams (any other variety) .—First, T. H. D. Bayly, Ickwell House,
Biggleswade. Second, R. Duggins, High Street, iBirmingham. Highly
Commended, J. Rogers. King's Norton, Birmingham. Commended, J.
Dixon, Bradford, Yorkshire.
Ducks (AVhite Aylesbury). — First and Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury.
Ducks (any other variety). — First, G. S. Sainsbury, Rowde, Devizes-
Second, J. K. Fowler, .\ylesbiuy.

CocHtN-CBiNA (Grouse or Partridge-coloured). — First, T. Stretch, Miirsh
Lane, Bootle, Liverpool. Second, Miss V. W. Musgrove, Aughton, Liver-
pool. Highly Commended, P. Cartwright, Oswestry; T. Stretch; E. Tad-
man, Ash Grove, 'Whitchureh.

Cochis-China (Black or White).— Firfet, R. Chase, Moseley, Birmingham.
Second, W. Dawson Hopton, Mil-field, Yorkshire. Highly Commended, G.
Lamb, Compton, Wolverhampton. Commended, H. Yardley, Market Hall,
Birmingham.

CocHiK-CniNA (Cinnamon or Buff). — First, T. Stretch, Bootle, Liverpool.
Second, Miss V. W. Musgrove, Aughton, Liverpool. Ilighlv Commended,
C. Felton, Erdington, near Birmingham ; AV. Bridget-, Salt.ley, near Bir-
mingliam. Commended, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley, Yorkshire.

PcLAKos (any variety). — First, J, Heath, Kantwich, Cheshire. Second,
T. P. Edwards, Lyndliuist, Bants. Highly Commended, J. Dixon, Bradford,
Yoi-kshire.

Ant otbeh Vakiett.— First, R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston. Second, W.
Dawson, Hopton, Mirficld. Yorkshire. Highly Commended, R. Teebay;
W. R. Lane, Bristol Road, Bii-minghara. Commended, J H. Cragie, Wood-
lands, Chigwell, Essex.

Game Cock S>\'Eepstakes.— First, J. B. Gliune; Coalbrookdale. Second
and Fomtli, G. W. Moss, the Beach, Aigburth, Livei-pcol. Third, H. Parker,
Wellington, Salop.

Game Bantam Cock Sweepstakes.— First, T. H. D. Bayly, Ickwell House,
Biggleswade. Second, Miss V. W. Musgrdve, Aughton, Liverpool.

Pigeons. — First, B. Child, jun., Sheibourne Road, Birmingham. Second,
J. H. C!ragie, Woodlands, Cliigwcll, Essex. Third, H. Morris, Silverdale
Lodge, Forest Hill, Kent. Highly Commended, J. >\'. Lowson, Beverley.

Cocais-CiiiXA Cocks.— Prize, T. Stretch, Bootle, Liverpool. Highly
Cirtnmended, E. TUdman, Ash Grove, Whitchurch ; G. Lamb, Compton,
Woivevhampton ; J. Can-, Ilaford, Swansea.
Doi:iaNGS. — Prize, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley, Yorkshire. Hii^lily Com-

mended. E. Tudman. Wliitehuvch, Salop. Commended, Rev. A. dt. A.
Baker, Old Warden, Biggleswade.

Pencilled Hamburgh Cocks.— Xo entry.

Spangled HAMEL-RGn Cooks.— Ko entry.

Spanish Cocks.— Prize, R. Teebay, Fulwood, ne.« Preston,

Game Cock Sweepstake.^. — Fiize, J. R. Rogers, Honiton, Devon.
Highly Commended, G. W. Mos^ the Beach, Aigburth, Liverpool, Com-
mended, A. B. Dyas, JIadeley, Salop.

Cottagers' Poultrt.— Prize, T. Davis, Coalbrookdale. Prize, J. Thomas,
Coalmoor, Salop,

Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Eden Cottage, Spaikbrook, near
Birmingham, officiated as the Judge of poultry.

CAUSE OF THE DEATH OF A QUEEN BEE.

I PoawAED the enclosed, a proof, I fear, of the perils attending
the aspirants to regal powers, as well as of the vicissitudes to
which a hive may be exposed as long as the succession to the
throne remains imdecided.

I must briefly state the cu'cumstances of the hjve. It threw
its second swarm on the afternoon of the 7th May. The swarm
was hived, and on the morning of the 8tb two dead queens
were cast out of the parent hive. The swarm was returned that
nioi-ning ; the queen not being captui-ed, of course entered with
her bees. The weather was diUI, and all remained quiet till
evening, when there was considerable excitement about the
entrance, near which the returned bees appeared to be congre-
gated, there being but few at the window behind.

The 9th was dull and showery, and all quiet till 6 P.M., a
gleam of sun caused a rush for a short time. On the morning
of the 10th the enclosed queen was found cast out, the cause of
her death but too apparent, and involving consequences which I
fear may be fatal to the hive; you will observe the deadly
weapon remains transfixed in the heart. It may have somewhat
shrivelled befoi'e reaching you> but might become more apparent
if well moistened.

The question to be solved is, wliether hei' rival had phinged
the sting so deep as to render her unable to abstract it, and thus
sealing her own doom with that of her antagonist, or is it possible
that a worker may have done the deed of vengeance? The
latter supposition is, to my mind, improbable. The observations
I have made on the combats of the young queens have accorded
with the theory of Huber, that though the workers may interfere
so far as violently to restrain the movements of the combatants,
even to the point of mutilating them, they do not employ the
sting.

Perhaps by the aid of a microscope you could determine
whether the sting is that of a worker or a queen. The sting of
the queen is said to be shorter than the workers' and more
curved. Unfortunately, I am an mvahd, writing now from my
sick couch, or I could re idily assure myself of the safety of one
queen if she has escaped, by observing the hive at the time she
would be leaving it for her flights ; as it is, I must trust to less
experienced eyes for bringing coii'ect reports. Should another
dead queen be cast out, it would be interesting to examine if the
sthig had been lost. If on bringing out a dead queen the bees
are greatly excited, I shall infer that the hive has become queen-
less. Such an oeciu'rence did once take place in the apiary of —

In'ST5STIOATOK.

[We have submitted the doubly-fatal sting to Mr. Frederick
Smith, of the British Museum, who has examined it through a
microscope, and he states that it exactly corresponds with one
he has extracted from a queen bee. Workers will stiug a strange
queen, but not, we believe, one hatched in their own hive. We
should think it highly advisable to supply the colony with a
royal cell which may readily be taken from any stock that shows
symptoms of swarming, and which should be inserted as high
lip and as near the centre of the hive as possible.]

To Kill Black Beetles, ok Cockboaches. — Mix cquiil
quantities of red lead and Indian meal, or wheat flour, with
molasses, making it about the consistency of paste. It is known
to be a certain exterminator. A friend who was troubled
with thousands upon thousands of them, rid his house of them
in a few nights by this mixture. Put it upon iron plates,
and set it where the vermin are thickest, and they will soon
help themselves without further invitation. Be carefid not to
have any article of food near where you set the niistm'e.^-
{Albant/ Country Oentleman.)

June 25, 1361. ]

JOTJRiSfAL OF HQBTICULTPIIE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

247

FIRST SWARMS THIS SEASON.

I HEEEWITH eend you the dates of tlie earliest swai-ms in this
district (Ulverston). " 'llie first was on May 27tU; and I had
myself one on the 9th, one on the 10th, and one on the 11th
inst., and tliey were general from the 12th to the 14th.

The first swarm in 1860 was on the 12th of May, and they
became rery general about the 20th, the sanseyear.

We liave had a very dry cold seaso", and tliis, with the very
bad effee'.s that last season had upon our stocks in this district,
cause them to he some tliree weeks later.

Thanks to the " Detonshibe Bee-eieepeh " for his instruc-
tions about the bar-hire; but I must inform him, through yoxi,
that I did not alter the size to the dimensions he gave at a later
date, as between the time of my writing and getting the answer,
I had the opportunity of measuring a great many hiTcs of comb
that the bees had placed of theu- o^Jn accord, ^ud they were all
li incli from centre to centre.

In one of my rambles, about twenty-four miles north of here,
I found, oil inquiry, tliat fully three-fourths of the bees had
perished during last winter. In Great Langdale alone they lost
fifty hives. — A Noktu Laxcashire Bee-keepek.

P.S. — Since I wrote the abore (June 14th) I see my swarm
of the 9tli has some combs 5 jnch^s down, and upon the bars.

THE HONEY BEE.
Br P. H. MixEii.

*' In spite of pride,
■ In errinp reason's spito,
One trutli is clear —
Tlie works of Goil are right."

A beliee in this principle might have led to a solution of our
difficulties ; but we have disregarded the copy given by Divinity,
leaned upon our own understanding, and sought out evil in-
Tentions. If our popular writers are to be believed, the instincts
of the bee ai-e nTong. They say upward ventUation is necessary
in winter ; but the bees have an aversion to openings above
them. Tliey have an iniconquerable propensity to jiass by the
best hives invented, and fly away, in the words of one of our
best authorities, "to a rotten tree — a miserable home in the
■woods." Wliat a pity wlien the morning stars sang togetlirr
these men were not there to have given a little of their sapient
counsel, and had the instincts of the bee fitted to accord with
the wisdom of tliis enlightened age. But seriously, can we
suppose the bee, a native of the forest, out of the reach and
knowledge of man, to have been eiiflering since the creation for
want of a hole mado above him in the fall and closed in the
spring, and a little water fed on a sponge occasionally, &c. Is
it not a presumptuous accusation against that Being whoso
wisdom is incomprehensible, aiid whose loving-kindness is over
all His works ? I read all tlie books, and am very grateful for
the information obtained ; but. when I follow the will-o'the-
wisps of human understanding in their departures from Nature,
I find every step deeper mire. They ai'e continually changing —
they disagree with each other and with themselves in theu-
different editions. Every month brings forth some evil invention
that flaunts its little day, and exposes an exploded humbug.
Amid the darkness, I look for the true inspiration to the book of
Nature, self-consistent and unchangeable, and to instinct, the
Toiee of Deity. Let us examine the native home of tlie bee. It
is conical — a few bees in tlie narrow top generate suflicient heat.
A small swarm will do as much proportionately as a larger one;
as they increase m number, and can advantageously occupy a
broader space, the width increases. If by unfavourable seasons
they are reduced to extremities, their last stores are in this
narrow point, with every possible facility for recovery. If water
should ever condense above them, it follows down the sides
instead of dropping upon them. It is narrow, enabling the bees
to occupy the whole breadth commanding all their stores, with
a short line of defence against enemies. It is deep, giving space
with none of its disadvantages. The bees keep below the entrance
in warm weather, where they ocpupy all their oombs, avoiding
li^at and tlic labours of ventilation, rising as cold. weather ap-
proaches above the entrance, where a summer heat is maintained.
It is round, presenting almost one-third less internal surface to
cariiy off heat in proportion to the space enclosed, than a square
hive. Tile side combs are narrow ; the bees assume a globular
form in cold weather corresponding with the internal surface.
There is no necessity of passages through the combs, as there

are no broad combs and cold corners to cut off small divisions
and rnaVe a ^' sabbath-day's journey" to and from the entrance,
which is on the side, not at the bottom — the coldest place —
where it; cannot be guarded by the bees, and may be choked
with ease with ice, and make it difficult to expel foul air ; nor at
the top, to let oS the heat and let in the storm. It is enclosed
ou the outside with bark — a non-conductor, and lined on the
inside with decayed wood — a non-conductor and absorbent. It
is solid — does not wharp, shrink, or crack ; it stands singly,
allowing a free circulation of air, enabling the bee to know at all
times whether it may safely fly. The surrounding forest breaks
the force of the wind, moderating the temperature. In spring
they get sunshine, in summer the shade.

" AVtien -niiitiy winds are howling
O'er prairies blealt and bare,
Tliere's snmmer in their eosy homes,
Transport and plenty there."

But our bees are not in a normal condition. We have arti-
ficial requirements and artificial difficulties which need artificial
remedies. We have many good writers, and I see no occasion
to traverse the whole ground, when there is no essential dif-
ference, as I have nothing new to offer, or do not feel competent
to speak ; but if I can add something to the general stock of
knowledge, or throw hght on some disputed point, it will be a
Uttle retui-n for favours received from those who have had more
capacity, leisure, and means to investigate this subject.

Bee-hofses, unless to keep out thieves, ore worse than useless ;
facing the north, too cold in spring j to the east, they are called
out too early, and coining home late are chilled by the shade,
and lost ; facing the south, too warm in the hottest part of the
d^y J if to the west, they are called out too late, unable to
rel^urn— they create local heat, by reflections, deceiving the bees.
They comeout, knowing nothing of the blast that is sweeping
round the corners, gathering force by obstruction, till chilled in
its icy embrace.

Stakds. — O'jr artificial bivca flve hard to keep warm and
require an artificial position. I formerly set them up from
12 inches to 18 inches, for convenience in examining ; but found
by experience those set on the ground, facing the south, most
out of the way of wind, swarmed earliest, and weak swarms
could be brought through that would perish if set up. Separate
stands are best, but I throw down a board, levelling it with
pieces of wood not more than 2 inches in thickness, setting hives
about 3 feet (more is better) apart ; a naiTOw board on top in
spring, and a broad one or two narrow ones in summer. The
new swarms I face to the north in the shade of trees. Never let
the sun shine on a new hive in liot weatlier, the comb softens
and they run out of the hive and stop work. If the bees miss
the alighting-board they should have the means to crawl up.
Keep away spider webs and grass from the fronts of the hives ;
on the sides and back they are some protection fpom wind and
sun in hot weather.

Hives. — If they are broad in proportion to their height, the
heat generated spreads horizontally ; the larger the more diffi-
cult to maintain heat to develnpe the brood, and the longer in
getting possession. A small swarm will begin iu the warmest
upper corner, and, needing this for brood, put their store on the
side. As this part is too cold for breeding, to eooaomise they
are apt to build store cells of a large size : hence the great
number of drones bred in flat hives. As cold approaches they
cluster where they began to breed ; frost covers their stores and
they perish. Hives that are narrow and tall may be larger. As
the'heat rises they need no dividing-board, the space below does
not deprive them of the heat they aenerate, and they only have
to warm the part they occupy. In a narrow top the space is
so small a very few bees can begin to advantage. It will be
filled with worker cells, lengthened as they are vacated by brood
for storing honey, till they approach within the thickness of a
bee. They increase rapidly, soon taking possession of the whole
of their stores. As the increase is all from a single queen, the.
only need is to keep her warm and to develope the brood. The
hive that wiU bring her safely through the winter with the least
bees to consume food, and the least food in proportion to then-
number is the most profitable, and this -will be the hive easiest
warmed. I have dwelt on this point because it is important and
our best authorities are leading us astray.

The size of a hive shoidd be limited to the productive capa^
city of the queen during a fair portion of the season, with space
for stores, depending on climate and location. My experience
is in favour of about 1800 cubic inches.

248

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ June 25, 1861.

Aftee-swaems. — There, again, the instincts of the bee are
right with some exceptions, for unfavourable climates and
seasons ; and if allowed to seek a home in the woods, they gene-
rally succeed, but in flat-topped hives in competition with other
bees they need doubling. I want the hive, at least one, half full
when cool. If the old hive swarms freely, the young queen
finds room for a numerous brood, the few bees being occupied
in feeding ; she keeps possession till the hire is populous, and
there being no comb to build, they easily lay in additional
stores. The bees will be stronger and more numerous than if
the hive had been pre-occupied with older bees and honey to
the partial exclusion of brood, for they do not work in the caps
without a fair supply below. For the same reasons, fii'st swarms
make better stock-hives than the second.

To KEEP Bees apaet requu-es some tact. My bees extend
eight or ten rods east and west. Part of the hives should have
the benefit of the morning sun to bring t'.ie heat up to the
fiwarming-point a little earlier. The middle of the day is some-
times too warm. They come out at seven or eight o'clock or wait
till afternoou, but generally their point is about eleven o'clock,
most of the seasons wUl be within an hour. I had eight in
twenty minutes one day, another eighteen, fifteen of them in an
hour and a half. If bad weather keeps them back, or a wai-m
showery day occurs, look for a rush. Swarming begins here
about the middle of June. I used last summer three swarm-
catchers a little different from those described by Quinby, in-
Tented by Mr. Loucks, of Herkimer, York State. Two feet
stand perpendicular, the other two projecting like a ladder,
bottom slipping each side of the hive, covered down to the cross
piece above the upper entrance and to the other sides with
musquito bar ; they are kept setting before the bees, need no
bracing or tying, are first-rate to secure swarms which attempt
to leave ; after being pinned must be put over after-swarms
early to secure the queen. Any bees escaping will generally
light on the outside. — (Prairie Farmer.)
{To be continued.)

LIGUEIAN BEES IN SCOTLAND.

The following paragraph is copied from the Berwick Adver-
tiser. By way of correction, I may perhaps be permitted to hint
that Exeter is in the west of England, and that the so-called
Ligurian bee is, in reality, a native of the Alps. Mr. Swan is the
gentleman whose letters upon the subject have been more than
once submitted to the readers of The Cottage G-aedenee by
"A Devonshiee Bee-keefee :" —

"DtTNSE.— Inteoduction of 'Ligueian Bees.' — We doubt
not but it will be interesting to our bee-keeping readers to know
that the Italian or Ligurian bee has been successfully introduced
into this neighbourhood ; this being a distinct variety of honey
bee from those already in this country, being distinctly marked
■with red orange-coloured strijies round the body, and said to be
a very superior honey gatherer. It may be mentioned that tliey
were brought from Italy, about two years ago, by an enter-
prising gentleman m the south of England ; and Mr. Swan, of
Dunse, procured a hive from himlast summer (it being the only hive
of this sort yet in Scotland) which has now swarmed twice, the
first on the 4th of June, and also a very large second swarm on
the 12th inst. ; so that there is every prospect of their being
perfectly adapted to our Scotch climate, notwithstanding their
having been brought from a warmer country."

" It's only Little Maggie Knocking at the Doge." —
A Sulscriler informs the Editors that a Magpie, on Friday night
last, commenced pecking at the windows of the mansion-house;
and though constantly frightened away, lias continued pecking
at the glass in an angry manner up to the present date ; it generally
commences at two o'clock in the morning. Perhaps some of your
readers may be able to say whether any omen attaches to this, or
if they ever heard of a similar instance before.

[The Magpie is, probably, one that has been reared by hand,
and having wandered from his home throws himself upon your
hospilahty. Why not admit the wanderer ? The superstitious
in your own "green isle" would tell you to turn thrice round —
at least, so we conclude from the following, given by Brand in
his " Popular .Antiquities :" — " Magot-pieis the original name of
the bird ; magot being the familiar appellation given to pies, as
■we say Robin to a Redbreast, Tom to a Titmouse, Philip to a

Sparrow, &c. The modem mag is the abbreviation of the
ancient magot, a word which we had from the French. See Halli-
well, p. 536. In the Supplement to Johnson and Steevens'
Shakespeare, 8vo. Lond. 1780, ii. 706, it is said that the Magpie
is called, in the west, to this hour, a magatipie, and the import
of the augury is determined by the number of the birds that are
seen together : " One for sorrow ; two for mirth ; three for a
wedding ; foiu- for death." Mr. Park, in a note in his copy of
Bourne and Brand's Popular Antiquities, p. 8S, says that this
regulation of the Magpie omens is found also in Lincolnshire.
He adds that the prognostic of sorrow is thought to be averted
by turning thrice round."]

THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY SPAEROWS TO
THE GKOWING CEOPS.

Whatetee may be said to the contrary, practical farmers
and those connected with the cultivation of land are well con-
vinced that there is nothing more destructive of the growing
crops than the House and Hedge-row Sparrows. At a certain
season of the year, when the arable fields of happy England are
assuming their golden and luxuriant embellishment, myriads of
these feathery depredators may be observed in every field,
plucking the golden berry from the ear, and even destroying ten
times the quantity they consume ; indeed Mr. M'Culloch states
that to estimate the quantity of wheat destroyed by Sparrows at
only two pints per acre in England and Wales, will render
apparent a loss of 16,080 quarters of wheat. This does not
take into account the injury occasioned by the same cause
to the rye, oats, barley, peas, and various sorts of seeds, both
in the fields and gardens. We are glad to find, however, by
our advertising columns, that an important invention has come
into use, by which these destructive and rapacious gourmands
may be destroyed, when ruralising throughout the lengthened
hours of a summer's day in such destructive and injurious
practices. " Barber's Poisoned Wheat " is the invention referred
to, and, from the testimonials which the preparer has received
from farmers of great experience, we have every reason to be-
lieve the remedy he has supplied will materially diminish the
cause of so much complaint. — {Counly Chronicle and Surretf
Herald.)

[We insert the above on the equitable consideration that both
sides should be heard ; but we must observe, as being beyond all
dispute, that the Hedge Sparrow cannot eat wheat cr other
grain. It is a soft-billed bird, and lives on insects and very
small seeds. To save them from being associated with " that
pert thief, the City Sparrow," we will give a sketch of the Hedge
Accentor" copied from Nature by that good sketeher of her
doings, the late Mr. MacG-illivray :—

" Come here, station yourself at the window, and observe the
little brownish-grey birds that are moving about under the shade
of that Laurocerasus. What can they he looking for there, in the
middle of winter, when surely very few insects are to be found ?
Yet they shuffle along, with short steps, with a half-hopping
and half-walking movement, in a sort of crouching posture,
looking intently on the ground, and every now and then pick up
some small article, apparently too minute for us to perceive it
were we quite close to it. Quietly, peaceably, and industriously
they search among the tiny protuberances of the soil, gently
raising and shaking their wings as they proceed. A person passes
within a few yards of them, and yet they merely move a httle way
off, or quietly hop into the bush, where they frisk about among
the branches. A pert Robin drops in among them, and they dis-
perse, not liking so troublesome a companion, but they show no
fear of the Sparrows that have perched beside them, nor of the
Thrush that stands on one of tlie branches. They sometimes
pick up the small crumbs that are scattered near the door ; but
familiar and gentle as tliey are, they never enter the house, in
most severe weather, or under any enticement.

" At all seasons these birds are seen in the gardens, and by
the hedges, near houses ; but during winter and spring they are
much more numerous there, for those which in summer pre-
ferred remote places, then approach the habitations of man,
although some still keep aloof. Hawthorn hedges are their
favourite haunts, and on the ground along their bases they
search for small seeds and insects, frequently making short
pedestrian excursions into the fields on the one hand, or the
footpath on the other. They flit about among the bushes with
great liveliness, often running along the ground, and seldom

June 25, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE XSD COTTAGE GARDENER.

249

perching on tlie upper branches. Owing to the dulneas of
their colouring, and the celerity with which they take shelter,
they are not very readily perceired ; but they can scarcely bo
called shy under any circumstances, and they often allow a
person to approach within a few yards, or even feet, without
showing any apprehension. Even in winter they are not at
all gregarious, for you seldom find more than two or three to-
getlier, and it is very rare to see two Hying in the same direc-
tion. Their flights are generally very short, and without un-
dulation. ;

"After the middle of spring, they are less frequently seen
about houses ; and at all seasons they are to be found in hedges
and among bushes, seldom appearing in open ground or upon
trees. In fine weather they sing even in winter, nor is there
any season of the year at wliieh they are entirely mute ; but
from the middle of spring to the end of May especially, they
are heard chanting their short, clear, pleasantly modulated,
but not remarkably mellow song, generally when perched on
a twig, but sometimes on the ground or a wall. During the
breeding-season, the shake of their wings increases to a shuffle
or kind of flutter, which they execute at short intervals ; and
this habit can hardly fail to be observed by the most incurious.
Their ordinary cry is a slight cheep. They are not by any
means quarrelsome, either among themselves, or with other
small birds, and they seem to pair in the quietest possible
manner.

"In dry sunny weather in summer I have watched them basking
on the road near a hedge. They would stand quite motionless,
their legs much bent, their tail touching the ground, their wings
spread a little, and their plumage all ruflled ; and thus they
remain a long time, seeming to enjoy the heat exceedingly, and
suflering a person to approach very near them, before they fly
ofi". At all seasons, but especially in winter, I have found their
stomach to contain small seeds of various kinds, and frequently
those of grasses ; but they also feed on insects, pupse, and larvse.
They use a great quantity of minute fragments of quartz and
other hard minerals, which are seldom met with in the gizzards
of the Sylvife ; so that with respect to feeding they resemble the
Larks and Thrushes.

" They nestle from the middle of March to the beginning of
May, choosing very frequently a hedge, or a holly bush, but
often contenting themselves with any low and moderately thick
shrub ; and as the nest is often completed before the leaves
have made much progress, it is very liable to be destroyed by
boys. It is bulky, from 4J inches to 5 inches in diameter ex-
ternally, its interior 2i inches across, and nearly 2 inches deep.
One before me is composed externally of a few hawthorn twigs,
a great quantity of dry grass, and then a thick layer of moss.
The lining is a quarter of an inch thick, and composed of hair of
different kinds, with a considerable quantity of wool. Another
is lined with horse and cow hair, intermixed with a large quan-
tity of the fur of the hare. The eggs, five or six in number,
are of a fine greenish-blue colour, and have an oval rather
pointed form, with a glossy surface ; their longitudinal diameter
varying from nine to ten-twelfths, the transverse from six and
a half to seven-twelfths. There are generally two broods in the
season.

" Mr. Neville Wood remarks that ' none of our smaller British
birds (the Eield Thrush excepted) will build in a tree or bush
which already contains a nest, whether th«t nest be deserted or
not." I have seen, however, in a honeysuckle bower three nests
of small birds — namely, the Thrush, the Green Linnet, and the
Hedge Chanter ; and Sparrows sometimes build among Rooks'
nests. That successful observer of the habits of birds has given
a very detailed and most accurate account of those of the present
species, which I therefore beg leave to recommend to notice ;
but from which I must refrain from making extracts, being
anxious to relate as little as possible of the observations of
others.

" The bird is liable to a singular disease, consisting of tuber-
cular and apparently carcinomatous excrescences upon the eye-
lids and about the base of the bill. I have several times shot
individuals thus affected, but am unable to say whether the
complaint ever proves fatal. Indeed it is very seldom that one
falls in with small birds that have died, from whatever cause,
and the reason probably is that they are soon picked up by
rapacious quadrupeds and birds.

"The Hedge Chanter is resident throughout the year, and
generally distributed. Even in the bare islands of the north of
Scotland, where there are no hedges, and scarcely a shrub i feet

high, it is here and there met with in the vicinity of houses,
where it builds in holes of walls, wood piles, and similar places.
Being extremely hardy, it does not perform partial migrations,
but remains in its native district, merely drawing nearer to the
habitations of man in winter, and occasionally tending to enliven
the dull season by its pleasant song. It seems from the following
note of my friend Mr. Weir, that it also claims a place among
the nocturnal songsters. ' In a holly hedge about 30 yards
from my bedroom window, when I resided at Lauriston, near
Edinburgh, I have again and again heard the male, about eleven
o'clock, in the darkest evenings of autumn and winter, and even
when it was cold and frosty, go through his usual notes. At the
regularity of time when he poured them forth, I have often been
astonished.' Possibly this regularity have depended upon that
of my friend, who, in retiring to bed, may have sent a blaze of
light through his window upon the hedge.

" ' The Hedge Chauter,' says Mr. Hepburn, ' commences
singing about the 20th of February. I have seen its nest and
eggs by the beginning of April. Often two broods are raised in
the season. I have often seen it sitting on the very top of a
tree about 25 feet high, singing its sweet notes eight or nine
times in succession ; but during cold windy weather, it seldom
repeats it so often. The female sits eleven days.' "]

VARIETIES.

Cape de Yekd Isii>'DS. — Near Fuentes we saw a large flock
of Guinea Fowl— probably fifty or sixty in number. They were
extremely wary, and could not be approached. They avoided us,
like Partri?!ges on a rainy day in September, running with their
heads cocked up ; and if pursued they readily took to wing.
Generally the atmosphere is ha^y ; and this is caused by the
falling of impalpably fine dust, which was found to have slightly
injured the astronomical instruments. The morning before we
anchored at Porto Praya, I collected a little packet of this
brown-coloured fine dust, which appeared to have been filtered
from the wind by the pauze of the vane at the mast-head. Mr.
Lyell has also given me four packets of dust which fell on a
vessel a few hundred miles nortliward of these islands. Professor
Ehreuberg finds that this dust consists in great part of infusoria
with siliceous shields, and of the siliceous tissue of plants. In
five little packets which I sent him, he has ascertained no less
than sixty-seven diSerent organic forms ! The infusoria, with
the exception of two marine species, are all inhabitants of fresh-
water. I have found no less than fifteen different accounts of
dust having fallen on vessels when far out in the Atlantic. From
the direction of the wind whenever it has fallen, and from its
having always fallen during those months when the harmattan
is known to raise clouds of dust high into the atmosphere, we
may feel sure that it all comes from Africa. It is, however, a
very singular fact, that, although Professor Ehreuberg knows
many species ol infusoria peculiar to Africa, he finds none of
these in the dust which I sent him. On the other hand, he finds
in it two species which hitherto he knows as living only in South
America. The dust falls in such quan.ities as to dirty every-
thing on board, and to hurt people's eyes ; vessels even have run
on shore owing to the obscurity of the atmosphere. It has often
fallen on ships when several hundred, and even more than a
thousand, miles from the coast of Africa, and at points sixteen
hundred miles distant in a north and south direction. In some ■
dust which was collected on a vessel three hundred miles from
the land, I was much surprised to find particles of stone, above
the thousandth of an inch square, mixed with finer matter. After
this fact one need not be surprised at the diffusion of the far
lighter and smaller sporules of cryptogamic plants. — {Darwin's
Journal during the Voyage of the " Beagle.")

Lint was formerly prepared from old linen rags by a process
which I shall presently describe. The machine-made Unt now
generally used invariably contains a portion of cotton ; and the
variety known as cotton-lint— the term is an etymological con-
tradiction— is formed exclusively of this fibre. Flax, which
consists of woody fibre, is procured from the inner bark of the
stalk of Linum usitatissimum by the process of steeping and
stripping oif the bark. Under the microscope the fibres are
readily distinguished from cotton, being round and attenuated
to a point at each end. Cotton is composed of the hairs sur-
rounding the seeds of various species of Gossypium. These hairs
when dry exhibit under the microscope a peculiar twisted

250

JOTJKNAL OF HORTICULXUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ Jime 25, 1861.

appearance. The quality of cotton depends on the length,
strength, and firmness of the tissue, or, as it is called, the staple.
For the preparation of lint, long-stapled cotton at about lOd.
the pound is required. Flax lint is more cooling to a wound
than that made from cotton, as it conducts heat more readily.
For the same reason a linen shirt is cooler than a calico one.
Flax lint has other points of superiority ; it is much softer in
fibre than the cotton fabric, and its absorbing power is greater.
For many purposes, however, cotton-lint may be profitably sub-
stituted for the more costly product. Although it is not liked
by the surgical profession, most pharmacists use it in unim-
portant cast's. For wrapping round dental instruments and
similar purposes, it is nowise inferior to the best flax lint. Lint
made from linen rags is now seldom seen, though many eminent
practitioners prefer it to that made by steam-worked machinery.
Six years ago the sci'aped-linen lint was in general use, and a sad
outcry was raised against the patent fabric which had then been
but recently introduced. The wholesale lint manufacturer of
that day looked to the Jews for a supply of linen rags applicable
to his purposes. For these rags he generally paid an exorbitant
price. To prepare them for the operative lint maker, who was
invariably a female, tlie seams had to be cut out, and the ragged
and threadbare portions removed. The average loss in weight
from this operation amounted to nearly twelve per cent, upon
ordinary rags, and to about half that on old sheeting and hnen
of an analogous descri]5tioii. The rags were then washed
thoroughly clean, and cut to the width of the linting machine.
Before describing the process of linting, I must call attention to
the peculiar structure of the article which it produced. If the
reader will take a piece of the old-fashioned lint in his hand, he
will find, on endeavom'ing to pull it to pieces, that he can do so
with the utmost ease in one direction, but not in another. On
examining it in a strong light we will see the reason of this.
All the threads which run in one direction are but very slightly
frayed or scraped, and remain nearly as strong as when they
came from the loom ; but the threads which run crosswise are
reduced to hairs of infinitessimal thinness — though none are cut
through — the rest of their substance being raised into a soft
" flufi'," which constitutes the lint. The process by vthich this
result was attained has been thus described by a writer in
" Chambers' Journal," to whom we are indebted for several of
the preceding lacts : — " On visiting the lint-maker at her work,
we find h;r seated in a lofty attic of a dingy house in a back
street not far from the bank of the Thames, where the river runs
towards Limehouse. In order to get at her apartment, we
have to pass through a series of hanging gardens of damp rags,
for the most part lees than a foot square in size, and which,
having been washed clean, are hung out to dry upon the stair-
case and landing, the weather being 'mizzly' out of doors.
From such a manifold demonstration, we conclude tliat the lint-
maker we have come to visit, by introduction of a friend who
employs her, if she works for the middleman, works also on her
own account, and cultivates a connection. On entering the
room we find hrr seated in front of the linting machine, a rude
and primitive instrument, about the size of the stool of a
banker's clerk, and not a whit more ingenious m its construc-
tion. The affair is just the shabbiest of all shabby contrivances
for bringing the edge of a sharp blade, about 15 inches in
widtb, to bear upon a little platform beneath. There is a kinti
of treadle worked by the foot, which assists the hands of the
manipulator in using the knife. Upon the flat surface of the
little platform is stretched the rag, or that portion of it \;nder-
going the operation which has to be lintcd. A simple contri-
vance keeps the rag partially strained. As the knife hangs in
its frame over the cloth, its edge is parallel with one line of the
threads, and, of coiu-se, perpendicidar to the other line. Several
of these machines are at work in the room, and the blades are
rising and falling with a dull, thumping, scraping sound con-
tinually. As the blade descends, it cannot much injure the
threads ^^'hose course is parallel with itself, for obvious reasons ;
but it would, being very sharp, cut through the others were it
allowed to descend with sufficient force. The force of the
descent, however, is regidated by the dexterity of the worker,
so that it shall only partly sever the cross-threads ; and, at
every fall, while the knife is down, and its edge embedded in the
portly severed threads, the blade is forcibly shifted in th« direc-
tion of those threads for a certain small space. It is this hori-
zontal shifting of the sharp and heavy blade of the knife upon
the strained rag while it is half cut through, which, by disin-
tegrating those threads that cross the blade at a right angle,

and raising nine-tenths or more of their entire substance into a
soft woolly pile, produces the lint. It is worthy of remark, that
the threads which, Ijing horizontally with the knife, escape
serious injury by the process, render an important service by
preventing the disintegrated pile from being detached from
the surface of the rag by the violent passage of the blade." The
preparation of Unt by steam power has been made the subject
of several patents since the above description was written. A
suitable fabric is now woven expressly for the lint manufucturer
iu lengths of one hundred yards. This forms tlTe raw material,
and takes the place of linen rags. Having been imperfectly
bleached, it is sent to the lint maker, who completes the bleaching,
and extracts impurities consisting chiefly of lime and the
bleaching agents left in the texture. The eloth is then stoved
and wound on rollers ready for the linting process. In the
best machines, the pile or nap is raised upon the cloth by
knives making upwards of 500 strokes a-minute. The motion
of these knives or scrapers is rotary in some machines and vertical
in others. The latter motion is stated to be practically the bestj
as the knives moving vertically beat and soften the cloth upon
which they raise the pile. A good machine will produce about
eighteen jards or 2 lbs. of lint per hour. Tlie fabric after
leaving the machine is passed through the calender and ineclia-
nically divided into pounds. It is then rolled and labelled ready
for use. — (^Chemist and Druggist.)

To Keep Buiiee Sweet. — A correspondent of the, ^jnec/ea»
Agriculturist gives the following directions for preserving butter
in good condition for any length of time. In May or June,
when butter is plenty, work it thoroughly two or three times,
and add at the last working about one grain of saltpetre and a
tea-spoonful of pulverised loaf sugar to each pound of butter.
Pack it tightly in stone jars to within 2 inches of the top, and
fill the remaining space with strong brine. Cover the jars tightly,
and bury them in the cellar bottom, where the butter will keep
unluu't for a Ioeh time.

OUR LETTEE BOX.

Various [A 5H55f;-ifccr).— Most of the methods said to be effectual In
ciirinff a hen of lier disposition to sit are simply i-idiculous — foi* instance, that
of ducking tlieni night and nioraing. We have an out-pen on pui-pose; there
is no nest or semblance of one, nor any corner wheie one can be made. It
is p'aiu. hard gravel. All tliose that are broody and are not intended to sit,
are put in here, where there are generally several more and a cock. They
shew a great deal ot indignation for a day or two, and then accept the
iiituation. Laily's ronp and condition pills are to be had at 113, Mount
Street, Grosvenor Square. The "sound unmusical to poultry ears"' you
mention, is the result of cold, and in some breeds "would be the certain pre-
cursor of roup if neglected. Nothing of the sort Is to be dreadtd in Spanish;
they are not subject to it. In all breeds at this season of the year, such
symptoms may be arrested by the use of stimulants for a dai or two; shung
ale is both harmless and ettectual. It is given most easily by soaking bread
in It.

Characteristics of Cochin-China Chickens (I'. Z.). — A good specimen
of a Cochin-China chicken should be whole-coloured, but the colour may bo
buftor lemon according to fancy. The same may be said of the legs ; but by
far the most attractive colour in chickens, is a bright but not a pale yellow.
Choose them with stiaight combs, and bodies as deep as possible. Chi<ken8
fourteen weeks old have done well if they weigh 4 lbs. eacli One pound per
month is a large average. To avoid mistakes, we repeat either butl, cinna-
mon or lemon, are good colouis, but the pen nmst be made up entirely of
one or the other.

Drones befoee Swahms.— Ligvrian Stocks {B. S. Prc$tojt).—V/e never
knew of a stock 01 bees swarming wiihout a previous Issue of drones, ftnd
imagine yours will prove no exception to the rule. We Ijelieve you may
obtain a Ligurian stock ot T W. Wtjodbury, Esq., Mount Radford, l^xcter,
for five guiiKiib. Uuy a Dorking cock to run with your various hens, it you
wish for good table chickens.

LONDON MAKKETS.— June 24.
POULTRY.

AVc have little change to note. The supply and demand are now so
nicely balanced, that good fresh poultiy meets a ready sale at fair prices,
and the market is cleared out every day.

s. d Each— «. rf. s. <l.

5 6 Guinea Fowls 0 0 to 0 0

3 6 Leverets 0 0 „ 0 0

Each — s.

Larpc Fowls 5

.Smaller Fowls 3

Chickens 2

Ducklings 2

Goslings .'... 5

rf.

(I to
0 ..
3 ..
C ..
u „

Guinea Fowls

Leverets

Pigeons

Rabbits

Wild

0 8 ,
,14,
, 0 S ,

July 2, 1S61. ]

JOTJENA-L OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

251

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

1

Day ! Bay

of 1 ot

JULY 2-8, 1861.

We.ITHEK HE.IK LOXDOS i.v 1860.

Sun

Sun

Moon '

Rises Moon's

1
ClocU
before Day ot

-»^r-„,i Rain in
^'"■1- 'Inches.

M'nth Week.

Barometer. Thcrniom.

Rises.

Sets. land Sets Age.

Sun. Year.

■''"' ":'' ' i Aeg. dej.

m. h.

m. h.i m. h.

m. s. i

2

Td

Arenilrias. \ 30.329-30.315 1 74 -62

N.W. —

oOaf 3

18 af 8 i morn.

34

3 41 j 183

s

w

Scdums. 1 30.343-30.193 ' 75-44

N.W. —

5') 3

17 8 5 0

25

3 52 1 184

4

Ta

Linarias. 30 204— 30.0a6 75-37

N.W. —

51 3

17 8 34 0

26

4 3 ] 185

s

F

Lysiniadlias. i 30.241-30.081 ; 77-48
Epilobiums. ; 30.109-30.113 i 09-39

N.W. —

52 3

16 8 11 1

27

4 13 ! 186

6

S

N.E. —

53 3

16 8 59 1

28

4 24 187

7

Sum

6 SuNDiT AriEElKINlTY. , 30.269— 30.104 i 69—36

N.E. —

54 3

15 8 0 3

29

8

M

Cinerarias. i 30.214-30.110 | 71-49

N.E. —

55 3

15 8 1 sets

«

4 43 189

Meteorologt of thk Week — ^At Chie-wiok, from observations durin» tlio last thirty-four

yoara, the average highest and lowest j

temperatures of these days are 75.1=' and 51.5' respectively. The ureatest heat, 97', occurred on the 5th in 1S52 ; and the lowest oold, av, |

on

he 4th

in 1855. During the period 130 days were fine, and on 101 rain

fell.

1

AEEANGING PLOWEES IN BOUQUETS AND

VASES.

(^Continued from fage 241.)

rLOli.lL PAVEMENTS.

.^ HEEE is a very beautiful
fashion of floral decoration, j
and chiefly, I think, in Italy
— originatina;, I suppoi3e, in
the gorgeous-coloured mo-
saics and the prevalence of
glowing colours of that sunny ■
land.

Q^hey form on great occasions
there a sort of floral pavement,
marking out distinctly the pattei'ii
en the ground, and then filling it
in ■with a perfect mass of many-
coloured petals. Hose leaves
white and red. Camellias and
Violets, Lilacs, Syringas, red
Poppies, blue Corn-flowers, and
Carnations, all contributing their
gay and scented petals.

Now, there is often in England
room to adopt this very pretty
mode. Sometimes I have seen
little conservatories shut oflf from a landing, and not
intended to be walked in — and bow beautiful these pave-
ments would look in them !

In Italj' their chief use is for grand church pageants,
to adorn the pavement of the church, all shining, as it
already is in many instances, vvith its marble flooring;
and at village feasts, and for gay v, eddinga in little
country places, I think this would be in England a new
element of easily acquired beauty.

I doubt if Her Majesty has ever yet been greeted in
lier English welcomes by so fair a carpet ; for though
her people are ever ready to lay at her feet all tlieir
fairest flowers, they have liardly devised the means of
rendering them into such an artistic pattern.

What a carpet would the Rose, the Thistle, and the
Shamrock make sketched out upon the pavement, and
filled in with their own bright colours on a ground of
white. Eor the Thistle, perhaps, it would be difiicult to
find Thistle flowers ; but I think the common Clover
blossom or Verbena petals would match it with exactness.
I shall endeavour to give an illustration for accomplishing
this design, as it is one I think that many maj' like to
know.

The Lily is again a most lovely pattern ; and how
many others are there not besides ! The anchor of hope
is an English device enough ; and there are even tawny
flowers to form the British lion ; while the union jack, I
think, would seldom come amiss ; and the white cross
banner of St. George would be always welcomed.

I cannot at all understand how such, a decoration Las
rjmained so long unwired.

No. 1-i. — Yoi. I., New Sebies.

The flowers here, again, have to be of distinct colours
to fill up each its appointed place in the general work ;
but still it is very possible, if one flower is not quite of
the required shade, to give it a little e.ttra brightness or
darkness, by mixing with its petals those of a flower
possessing more of the i-equired attribute.

Many flowers answer beautifully to be used in this
way. White and purple Violets, Snowdrops, Crocuses,
White Alyssum and Blue Belts, Lilac white and purple,
Laburnum, Guelder Boses, Pyrus japonica, blossoms of
many fruit trees in their wild or double state, pink, and
white, and crimson Eoses, Geraniums and Verbenas, the
autumn saffron Crocus, also, witli Dahlias and Carnations.
There are few country places that cannot furnish at most
seasons some sort of bright-toned carpets.

In winter even, when there is nothing else, there arc
always berries to be laid in close-grained musses along
the edge of the green moss carpet. Variegated leaves,
loo, and light and dark green foliage, render even in the
time when flowers are fewest some not iinimportant
substitutes.

Snowberries, too, not exactly to be walked on, for they
crush so easily ; while many kinds of winter Kale are
exceedingly pretty in their frinsy foliage ; and there is
a little scarlet-lined cup-shaped fungus (Peziza), growing
chiefly on the broken wood of damp and shady hedges,
or near to some dingly brookside, which looks very pretty
half hidden amongst the moss.

It; is to be found from November to March or April ;
and where it can be met with is such a pretty substitute
for flowers which it quite matches in its brilliant colour.
They should be gathered sick and all ; and the stick
has to be covered with moss, and be kept in a state of
moisture.

In summer, before putting down the flowers it is well
to sprinkle the stones well over ; and if it is hot weather,
they should be seen to be thoroughly cooled during some
hours before.

If there is to be any sand for the foundation, it ought
to be rendered wet ; and moss, if it is used, should be
likewise sprinkled.

Where the pavement is to be in a aunny spot it is
often well to make it on a frame of black or dark-coloured
canvass, or on a piece of oilcloth, to be afterwards carried
to the spot on aboard or hand-barrow, and gently slipped
into its proper place.

In the hot summer -weather, when so many flowers
will not retain their petals, there are many advantages
in adopting a plan like this ; and if it is inconvenient to
carry the flower-carpet from any short distance off to
its destined place, or if the spot where it is to he is
constantly being walked over, and cannot be given up_ to
the workers' hands, it is possible to arrange the design
close by on a flat-spread piece of carpet or of oilcloth,
and afterwards to draw it gently into its proper place.

The flowers, especially if tb^-y are not arranged on an
under bed of mess, are generally better for being very
thickly strewed— at least half an inch in thickness.

Some people think it well to arrange the pattern, or
No. 666.— Vol. XXYI., Old Seeies,

252

JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

[ July 2, 1861.

form the words or initials if in tliat style, of different
coloured stuffs, sewed carefully together into the proper
shapes for the colours to cover.

For initials, mottoes, &c., whether alone or encircling
a device, gold-coloured flowers, such as Laburnums,
Buttercups, or double-flowered Gorse, look exceedingly
well. But for a floral pavement so many flowers are so
well adapted, that in most cases anything that abounds
in the particular place or season can easily be employed.

DESIGN FOn FLOEAL PAVEMENT.

I hardly know what design to adopt for describing the
floral pavement. A mere tile pattern done on a large
scale in brilliant colours is really beautiful.

A tesselated pavement may be made a perfect glow of
colour all in the fairest harmony ; and then, again, coats
of arms and mottoes, with coronets or crests, are amongst
the most eflective of all the varied subjects. — E.
{To be continued.)

BEDDING-OUT AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE

IN 1861.

Tms is tlie first time the first commissioner for planting iiere,
Mr. Gordon, his had the oppovtunity of planting the whole
garden entirely by plants which were propagated iindei' his own
dhec'tions. We can, therefore, hold hini responsible for the whole
execution, and he is entitled to all the praise due to the
performance.

The first thing to tell is what he did not do. There is no
Perilla or Pui'jjlc Orach to be seen yet in any part of the grounds,
and there is uo bed of Variegated -ilyssum and Variegated Gera-
nium in tlie whole garden. The two together make the very
worst combining for a good eye. On a dull day one can look at
it easily ; but in the sun it is more harsh on the eye than the
bagpipes in a close entrance are on the drum of the ear ; the only
comfort is that half the world are not troubled with eyes of that
kind of looks.

Another feature of this season is the strict admission of plant-
ing in pairs, instead of in pigs-with-one-ear way ; and a fourth
point is to have all rlie beds which lie in long continuous lines
planted on the contrast ribbon style. Even the "slopes" on the
Rose Mount, just above the Roses, are now done " all alike all
round;" and that is, after all, the most telling way. But let
us begin at the beginning, just opposite the railway entrance,
and go the left to get all round ihe Rose Mount. By that
means we get on with the sun, which is always the best way of
seeing the effect of flowei-s.

The angle-bed there is now very gay wilh Delphinium fornr.o-
6Um, trained down between the Scarlet Geranuims which will
occupy the bed as the formosum goes olT. This is, thei'efore, a
practical illustration and the best telling illustration that can non-
lie made of how useful annnals would be in the same way. These
formosum Larkspurs are lure used exactly as if they were fine
largo blue annuals, with this difference — that tliey save the roots
of them evety year instead of the seeds like annuals. As soon
as the Delphiniums are over they will be cut down close to the
ground, taken up and divided at the roots, and planted out in
the reserve garden for another year, all in one day. One ordi-
nary plant of this Delphinium at this root-parting will make
four better plants for next year, or six as good as some of the
mother plants had been at that ago. Any lime from the autumn
to Ihe end of February will do to return the i-enewed plants of
formosum to the same or similar flower-beds, and you have
only to plant them in rows, so that Scarlet Geraniums can be
regularly planted between tlicm at llic proper time. This is the
best way for this fine Larkspur of all the ways that have been
yet fried, so please dinna forget it at the proper time. Of course
you will take up yom* formosums wherever they are when their
bloom is over this summer to be in readiness for the thing as it
should be about a bee Larkspur.

Opposite that blue and white and scarlet combination-bed lies
a roui.d bed of Tropa'olum Trioinjilie de Iliris — the lemon
yellow with dark spots, e.lged with A'ariegaled Alyssuni. The
next circle to the left, and right opposite tlie steps out from the
tuinstiU s at the entrance, I want particularly to draw your atten-
tion to this bed : it is Sidonia, one of ihe ribbon or diademalinn
race, and the lightest of it, and as showy a beddcr as ever any |

lady designed ; but there is one secret about it which might spoil a
bed. The plants north of London ought to be two years old,
and to he planted just thick enough to cover the bed the first
day. For the rest of the season it does nothing hut bloom.
This bed has a purple edging of Verbena. The next bed is a
circle also, and is of Tropa>olum elegans, edged with Mangles'
Variegated. The next is a corner bed, and is one of those
charming FothergiUii beds which attract the attention of ladies
so much that all kinds and sorts of jN'osegays are eagerly sort
after for this very Mount as you will see presently. The red
variety of FothergiUii is there also, making two of the oldest
bedders in the race, and two which Lady Granville had planted
out at Dropmore when the first bedding system began in England,
as you will see in Loudon's list of bedding out there in 1821 —
1827, or rather in Mr. Bailey's list published by Loudon in the
" Gardener's Magazine." The two first bedding kinds of Gera-
niums are, I herefore, still the two most in demand — the purple,
alias pink Nosegay, and the red ditto (called rose at the Crystal
Palace). This splendid corner bed is edged wilh blue Lobelias,
and is planted as thick as it will be seen in some places at the
end of August. All the beds are much closer planted there than
is usual, and most of the plants were in bloom then, the 20tli
of June.

From this corner bed we turn up the walk to the Roses, and
there are two beds on one side, and one bed only on the opposite
side, owing to Ihe different lengths of the curves of this walk.
The one bed on the off side from the FothergiUii is to be the
gem of this season. A strange coincident to an old gardener
that gem will be. The first list of bedding plants that ever was
l^rinted and published in England appeared in 1828 ; the two
Fothergilliis were in it, as just said, and in that very year the
veriest Verbena was made known in England ; the second kind,
or third at least, was Verbena pulchella, a little creeping plant
with purple flowers, which soon sported into white pulchella in
Ross-shire first, and next in the south of France into stripes of
purple and white, and that sport is the Imperatrice Eugenie.
Well, the original Verbena Melindris and the last improvement of
the second oldest ^'erbena are combined or mixed for this very
gem. I often said I never saw a belter bedding A'erbena than
Melindris, and I have often been pulled over the coals for saying
so ; but if there will be a better Verbena-bed in the three king-
doms this season than that gem-bed, I shall freely undertake to
eat back my words for my next supper. The two beds ojjposite
this gem-bed are this — one of a fine Variegated Geranium like, if
not. Alma mixed with Imperatrice Eugenie edged with blue
Verbena; the oihcrs with King Eufus, or one like it, with two
rows of Baron Hugel for edging.

Then, on the circumferential walk are two beds, one of Gazania
splendens and Cineraria maritima, and one of Pink superb and
Verbena pulchella ; and the next corner bed ; another splendid
blue, white, and scarlet bed of the said Delphinium edged with
blue Lobelia, a most telling bed. Then a clumii of shrubs round to
the north, and another corner bed which is of Calceolaria integri-
folia floribimda, with one row of Ciystal Palace Scarlet Geranium
all round, and an edging of Cerastium. There are Ivi'O circles
opposite this corner bed, and two pairs of beds up the side walk
to the Roses, the two pairs planted in match pairs thus — one of
Verbena venosa, purple, edged with C'uphea ignca alias strigulosa,
the other a streaky purple Petunia, with two rows of Nicrem-
bergia gracilis round it. The other pair in two Nosegays, Mrs.
Vernon in one, with two rows of Variegated Geranium round it ;
the other crimson minimum Nosegay, a fine thing ; and two
rows of Variegated Geraniums like the other, two good match
pairs. The two beds opposite the corner bed are this — one of
blue Salvia, trained down, with Mangles' round it ; the other of
Bijou Variegated Geranium, mixed with Imperatrice Eugenie
Verbena. And there are three more circles on to the next
corner bed, one of Fuchsia Sir Cohn Campbell, edged with
F. globosa ; one Robinson's Defiance, edged with blue Lobelia ;
the third, white Petunia, edged wilh Blue Bonnet Verbena. The
corner bed next, and is of blue Salvia, trained down, and edged
with Tropfeolum Standbrdianum or scarlet-flowering elegans.
Above this arc two other match pair of beds, the first pair with
Sidonia and two rows of Brilliant round it, and opposite the old
Diadematum, nearest match for Sidonia, with two j'ows of Baron
Hugel round, a good match. The other pair, one side of Admiral,
edged with Cerastium, the opposite Purple King Verbena, edged
with Variegated Alyssum.

From this to next walk is a long nra with six circular beds at
regular distances. The first circle is Calceolaria amplexicaulis,

July 2, 1861.]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER.

253

edged with Nierembergia gracilis : the second, with Attraction,
one of the very best bedding dwarf Scarlet Geraniums and nearly
plain-leaved, edged with white Verbena ; the third, Blue Bonnet
Verbena, edged with two rows of Evening Star, ditto ; the fourtli,
all of crimson China Rose, and stood last winter safe ; the iifth
is all of Brilliant Variegated Geranium, edged with the Variegated
Mint ; and the sixth, facing twelve o'clock at noon, all of
Gazania splendens, in one perfect mass of the finest yellow ever
seen in a flower-bed.

There must be, at the least, twenty beds of Gazania splendens
at the Ci'ystal Palace this season. It alternates witli TropEeolum
elegans in the circles along the whole line of the bottom part of
the grand terrace ; so if anybody, or sets of bodies, ever praised
up this bedder sky high, he or they need not give up the puppet
yet awhile. But on to the southernmost side walk up tlie Rose
Mount, and the next is a corner bed and a contrast, and Ignes-
cens superba and Rubens all round it, with an edging of Mangles'.
The dark and the crimson of Igiiescens bring out tlie tint of
Rubens better than any way I have seen it. Indeed, before I
came up to the bed I booked Rubens as Paul Labhc, the best
of the Rubens breed. There is a circle opposite that corner
bed, and two match pairs on the side walk above it ; the opposite
bed is a nice seedling streaked purple Petunia of their own
raising, edged with Nierembergia. Mrs. Vernon and Attraction
make the first pair, with Blue Bonnet round the former, and
Purple King round Attraction. The upper pair are Bijou,
Variegated Geranium, and St. Clare, ditto ; the first mixed with
tlie original Verbena pulchella, the other with pulchella in the
form of Imperatrice Eugenie. Four circles to the next side walk
beginning with Verbena venosa, mixed with Heliotropium corym-
bosum, the best to bed of all the Cherry-pies, being of a dwarf
stock growth and a great bloomer ; the second bed, Brilliant,
edged with lUac Ivy-leaf Geranium ; the tliird, with Dandy and
blue Lobelia, plant for plant, all over the bed, of which we often
spoke as we ought ; the fourth bed, Tropffiolum elegans all by
itself. Then a corner bed to the side walk. This is one of the
great-gun beds. Cottage Maid, the best Horseshoe large-growing
of all the Scarlet Geraniums ; Flower of the ]3ay all rour.d it,
and Purple King for a deep edge. Opposite that great-gun of a
bed are two circles, and above it two match pairs ; opposite is a
bed of Sir Colin Campbell Fuchsia with globosa round it, and
Triomphe de Hyris with Alyssum all round it. Purjile King
and Admiral Duudas again make the top match pair, and both
have White Verbena edging, and below them a match of Rubens,
one; and Miss Vernon, one; with Harkaway round Rubens,
and Pet Superb round Miss ; and as this is the first time you
could i.ave heard of this Miss, know it was a guess Nosegay by
somebody to Mr. Eyles two years back, and if you would like to
know the properties of this flower, just ask for Miss Vernon
on the south-west side of the Rose Mount and judge between us.
Pet Superb ia their name for then- best kind of Lucia rosea.
Three more circles bring us to the corner bed from which we
started. One is Attraction, edged with Mangles' ; one is Calceo-
laria amplexicaulis, edged with Brilliant var. Geranium ; and the
last circle is of blue branching Larkspur, which, if it does not last
out the season, will be pulled up and the bed will be filled with a
second crop. The last bed is the same as the first on this list,
and is of Punch with the Delphinium formosum, as it is with
Cottage Maid on the other side and just as fine ; and opposite to
it is the oldest Geranium in the garden, the dark red variety of
FothergUlii, often erroneously called crimson, it is edged with
Verbena venosa. On that, the last or the first side walk up the
Mount are two sets of two-and-two beds, the upper set being
a match gem, and the middle two not a match pair, one being
Gazania splendens, and the other Princess Alice Geranium, which
is a Lucia rosea kind, and the gems matched you must go and
see. Small plants of Lady Plymouth or graveolens foliis varie-
galis of book botany, and Verbena Melindris, plant for plant, all
over the bed ; and let us hear how you like the match pair — the
most perfect match ifi the garden, because both are made with
the same plants, which is the end of the tether in matching pairs,
and the end of my tale on the slopes of the Rose Mount, where
any mortal who wants notions may pick them up as he goes
along, and if he takes the Journal with him he cannot miss one.

I said that the slope above the Roses was the same all round
the Mount, and perhaps the idea will express the meaning of the
landscape-gardeners' terms " unity of expression." Although I
never could quite comprehend unity of expression, this round-
and-round-about way of planting seems to me to be the image
of what is intended by the odd terms " unity of expression."

The unity of planting all round is on this wise : — Two rows of
Trenthom Rose Geranium on the top of the slope, two rows of
Calceolaria intei;rifolia floribunda next, two rows Crystal Palace
Scarlet Geranium follow, two rows Purple King succeed, two
rows of I'ropueolum elegans finish all but the edging, wliich is of
Mangles' Variegated Geranium. If you look at it again you
wiU see it is the ribbon for that order of the Garter which ties
above the calf of the leg and below the cap of the knee, or the
summit of the Rose Mount, to which we now ascend. Here
are the six sunk-panelled beds in three match pairs all round
the top within the arcades. The narrow border between the
arcades and these beds is this year aU in Musk Mimulus, except
about a yard on each side of the six entrances, which yards are

' all in Mignonette. Of the sunk-panelled beds, two have the
centres in Ageratum, with two rows of Ignescens euperba and

I two rows of Alyssum round each. The next pair have Calceo-

j laria floribunda for centres, then Crystal Palace Scarlet all round,
and all ending in Mangles'. The last pair have Calceolaiia
amplexicaulis for centre, Cerise Unique all round, and Cerastiun?
outside. And the four circles for the ends of the four guy ropes
to the flagstaff are all alike — that is to say, Humeas in the centre,

! then a ring of Cottage Maid, another of Miss Vernon, a third
of Flower of the Day, the fourth Baron Hugel, and the outside
blue Lobelia.

The Roses were in fine bloom, and neither they nor the climbers
round the arcades suffered anything from the frost. The Rose

I Queen of the Prairies was thought to be rather tender, but it
lost not a bud on one of the arclies on the north side and on
the outer side of the arch, where you may see it when you go to
see all this bedding — for go we all must very shortly if we wish
to keep pace with the fashion in fancies ; for here they would
rather go on tight ropes than stop progress in most things, and
in our things most particularly. Kew, Hampton Court, and
South Kensington will have to look to all then' buttons and
their beds, else they too, in three, will have a tight go of it up or
down somewhere. D. Beatou.

{To he co?itltitied.)

K.EGULAE FLOWERS IN PELAEGONIUMS.

Me. Darwin's communication (page 211) has induced me to
examine my Pelargoniums. I find regular flowers on the
following plants : — Etna, Richard Benyon, Mr. White, Miss
Foster, Wonderful, Conqueror, Leviathan, Roseleaf, Symmetry,
and Napoleon the Third. In every case such flowers are central.
On one plant of Etna six of seven trusses have the central
flower regular.

It may be worthy of remark that I cannot find one regular
flower on some seven or eight plants of Gem of the West, Vestal,
and Fairest of the Fair. These are all white kinds. Napoleon
the Third in one case, has a truss bearing one pip only, and that
is regular. — P.

STEWAED versus GAEDENEB.

HOT-WATER TANKS FOR MELON AND CUCUMBER CULTrEE.

Theee is constant contention between my gardener and
steward about the stable-manure. The latter claims it for his
Turnips ; the former says he cannot do withovit it for his Melons
and Cucumbers. To put an end to this perpetual discord I am
willing to have hot-water conduits (described hereafter) through
my Melon and Cucumber-beds. By such means a good moist
heat will be secured at very little trouble or expense. The
conduits will be of brick lined with cement, covered over with
3 feet Bangor slates, on which the earth will be placed. The
circuit of heated water wiU be formed by a division, also of
brick and cement, running up the centre.

A neighbour of mine has tried this hot-water system, and bo
far as heat is concerned it works admirably ; but then his
Cucumbers and Melons have failed — they have run into vine
and formed no fruit. Is this from faulty management of the
young plants ? or is it a defect inherent in this system of grow-
ing Cucumbers and Melons? Much has been written on such
subjects on which one cannot rely. Have you seen good crops
of Melons and Cucumbers grown without the use of stable
manure or tan ? If so, is it by di-y or moist heat beneath the
beds?-N.

[We are no enemies — quite the reverse, to the division-of
labour principle, so far as the general advantage is concerned.

2S4.

JOUIINAL OF HOETICULIURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

[ July 2, 1S61.

A mail who has oiio class of duties to attend to will, other tl.ings
being equal, ))erfcrm tlieee duties better than if he had screral
dietiuct forms of duty to thiuk about. We do not by any
means say thst the mnn who does one thing ciily will be equally
intelligfiil, or have a mind equally expanded, wilh ihe man
whose duties are niultiforra and he strives lo do them uU vrell ;
but the employer cf the nian appointed to one clasii of oper&ticns
and Ihe community in general will gain, bceause, other things
being equal, lie will be a more expert «orknicu than his neigh-
bour whose attention is distracted by diircring and oonllicting
claims. The man who works at tailoring and shcemaUing
alternately could hardly hope lo eoinpele with an equally clever
and industrious neighbour who restricted his skdl cither to the
thimble or the last: hence, in all large places — except when,
from )eenlinr reasons, it is desiratle to have oidy one head
cultivator and general manager ovit of doors — it is desirable that
the office ot gardener and bailiU' should be held by difTerent
persons. In enialler places it is often more desirable, n.ore
economical, and ntore ple.isant to all parties, as preventing all
the jarring and discord alluded to by ".N".," that these distinct
offices shouid be held by one and the same person.

For instance, every faithful servant will desire to make the
most of what is comniilled to his core; and there should be a
clear understanding b'lv.een employer and em| Injed, not only
as to what is expected, but as to the means by which these
expcclaiions aie to be ivalised. All this should be clearly
understood, without one servant being left lo the tender mercy
or the caprice of his fellow sirvant. Almost naturally the builifT
and the gardener look at the great question of manure fiom
differei'.t points of view : and it the master settles not what each
is to have there will be sure to be collision — not but that nork
might be made to J^uit both, and on unprtjurlieed person would
see and say so. They, unfortunately, see little but rivalry —
frequently honourably, and also very frequently dishonourably,
conducted.

Thus you go into a farmyard in winter or spring, and you
find the cattle and pigs can hardly move among he slowly
fermenting material, which would just be the thing f_>r Potato-
beds, Asparagus-beds, early Cucumbers and Melons. Without
such help Ihe gardener finds he cannot obtain what his employe! s
want ; and they taking it tasi'y, leave the gardener and the
bailiff to settle matters just as tlicy best can — or, as in many
cases, though thrv d' light in fine juicy vegi tables, grudge every
forkful of manure that goes to the garden as much as the most
narrow-minded bail'ff would. Turnips, and Mangold, and top-
dressing of pasture, &e., a>c Ihe only use he can see that the
muck shoidd be applied to. No gardener worthy of Ihe name
will long conduct such an eslablishment, when manure and the
substilules for man.ure are withheld, and yet llieir results ex-
pected to be obtained: and hence the expense that many
gardens cost, and the little comfort or pleasure derived from that
cost.

The gardcntr may in all honesty propose to work the dung
either in linings or otherwise, so as to get the fierce heal out of
it, and yet leave it not too much exhausted for the Turnijj crop.
The baildf gives a knowing whistle, which says quite plainly
either, " I wish you may get it !" or, " Much good ihe Turnips
would get with what came out of your clutches sgain!" He
has a shrewd ticlion that a part of it would most Ukcly be rotted
down and used for Cauliflowers and Celery. But if that were
the case with a portion, that is no rease^n why it should be the
case with the bulk ; cr why the heat given ofi' in the ysrd, or in
the heaps of the yard, should be cf no other benefit ti.au irjurii'g
the lungs of every breathing animal in the yaid, bestial or
human. This is just how the matter will be if these two wortliy
men — and equally worthy both may be — unlese there is a clear
undcrslat-.ding on the subjcet, and that is honestly oiihered to;
for I have known cases where the g.irdener was to have so many
loads of fcnnenling n aterial wluii it suited him n^ost, and if he
did no( mind he would find these lo;ids dwindle down, get more
beautifully less, n!;til a common labourer could put the load in a
wbeellarrow, and easily wheel it too.

Now, in dtfiuilt of other means of heatiiig in small, moderate-
sieed places, one manager would make the dung do the most
work in brth dip:iitminls. What was used for beds of Cuo»m>
bers could ne.t well be taken from under them, unlesb the beds
were snppottcd on strong fremes ; but all that was used for
forcing Asparagus, Sea-kale, Mushrooms, eaily Potatoes, &e,,
during the winter, and wb.at was used as linings, especially
agairitt close lri<k pits, could be removed and leplaccd by fresh

b.efore the linings, &c., were more reduced than the manure left
in the yard, and which had done uo service whilst it lay there
whatever. Whenever the dung thus used for linings became
decomposed enough for suiting tl e Turnip plant, before it was
time to sow it, it could be removed, trodden firm, and covered
with earth to keep in its best properties ; and heaps thus formed
would, I have no doubt, generally beat the manure taken at once
from the yard.

iSotwithstiii.ding all Ihe advantages of hot water, I have r.o
doubt that the manure of many farmyards might be made to
serve purposes of utility and economy as well as luxury, before
it was taken away to the Turnip crop, Ac. I In-vve often
wondered how farmers and farmers' wives fond of early veget-
able productions, did not have a range of pits or frames iu the
best aspect of the farmyard, and raised tuUieienily high to be
above the reiicU of the caitle. Almost ai.ything could be thus
grown, if ihete were plenty of fermenting litter lo place beneath
them and around them. In June little heat woidd be required,
and such heaps would just he as cosily cbi ted from as aheap
thrown up in the yard by labourers on purpose. To make such
use of the heat given off by fermenting manure either in the
farmyard or elsewhere, in Ihe side slips of the garden, the manure
must bo under the control of one person, whether he goes by
the nan:c of farmer or gardener matters not-

Without such arrangements, the plan piroposed by our corre-
spondent of putting an end to all discord by healing with hot
wottr is the best. One hint here, however. The hot water
alone, without any other understanding as to manure, will not
prevent hot tempers or hot discords. The young farmer who
attended a course of chemical Jecturea was asked what he had
liarncd, and he replied, " He now knew that dung made barley
g'ow," but he never doubted that biforc. Some gentlemen
when they heat some pits with hot water, begin to look upon
every load of dung for the gardener as an abomination. " What
did I go to such expense for, if still you must be collecting dung,
leaves, and all sorts of rubbish ? " 1 hey know what dung will
do to Turnips and Barley, but they want to escape from Ihe
conclusion that it is just as essential to Cabbages and Celery, and
that without a fair portion of manure these and many things
besides will be hard and bony, instead of juicy and succulent. I
am well aware of what aeration and pulverisation will i\o. I
know that excess of manure will make vegelablcs rank and any-
thing but sweet ; but decomposing vegetable matter at least,
and a little animal matter, too, must be obtained, if good veget-
ables are to be had continuously from ground heavily ci'opped,
and which can hardly have a week's rest, summer or winter. So
much is this feeling getting abroad, and so difEcidt is it to get
dung, that many gardeners almost regret thcu" fine ranges of
pits heated by hot water. The old hotbeds always furnished a
supply just of Ihe very thing that suited Ihe crops best.

Willi these random hints I bare not a fault to Gnd with the
plan i^roposed of heating such pits with tanks of hot water, or
conduits as (hey are termed. So far as economy is considered
I think that hot-water pipes would be cheaper than the brick
tank, surrounded with brickbats and clinkers as previously
staled lately. Jlr. Eraser, of Luton IIoo, has just so furnished
a iTuige of houses, and ho says he now considers the plan tar
pleadable lo a chamber. He has both top and bottcm heat at
will. Xevcrthclcss, I have no doubt that the briek-cementcd
eouduils covered with slate will answer well. If the slate is put
cii close, however, there will be uo moist heat from them ; and
Cucumbers, ai;d ifelons too, wlien growing delight in a rather
moist aimosphcrc, th.ough the latter nmst be ripened hi a i-atlier
dry one. Our correspondent says nothing of top heat. EilliC!'
part of Ihe slate should be exposed, or openings left for the heat
to rise at once into the atmosphere. This could be done with
drain-tiles set upright, wilh plugs lo be opened or closed at
pleasure, or a space of 2 inehts niight be left all round between
the soil and Ihe walk If Ihe slale were covered with 3 inches
or 4 inches of clinkers, surmounted b) gravel just beneath the
soil, when a moist heat was wanted at bottom and top all that
would be necessary would be to pour some water through these
openings. When the moislurc was wonted fur Ihe boltoni alone,
as in ripening Melons, these openings could be closed. A lank
of about 1 inches deep would do : all above that, and especially
5 inches, is labour and exi)en6e thrown away.

Nothing answers better than dung and tan for Cucumbers and
Melons whtre thcte ore abundant, capable of being got when
wanted, oud where labour is abundant, and unremitting atten-
tion can alw.ays be given. With hot water the care required is

July 2, 1861. ]

JOURjSrAIj OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

255

less, the labom- less, mucli less, and a great advantage every
way whei-e fuel U not extra expensive. AVithout something like
undue partiality I could hardly say where I have seen fine crops
witliout any assistance fi'om tan or Btablo-mnnurc. The difli-
cully ivould be to mention where I had liiiovrn them fail under
general care and attention. The case alluded to ivoald most
likely have shown the same symptoms under hotbed culture.
It is possible to liare too much of such a good thing as extra
luxuriance: a little less heat and less moisture, and more
pinching and stopping, might palliate the evil, and make
them frui'ful. With common care you need not fear siich
a result.— E. Fisn.]

EOTAL HOETICULTTJRAL SOCIETY.

June 23ed.
Floral Comjiittee.— There was not so mneh brought
forward at this Meeting as one might have supposed there -would
have been. An interesting discussion took place on a point
whicli, as it concerns the general interest of horticulture, may be
alluded to here. It had been felt that the Committee was placed
in a false position, inasmuch as, being (he recogni3?d tribunal
for .judging novelties, it found itself on the davs of the great
exhibition piit aside, and probably its decisions reversed, by the
Judges appointed on thoje days, who, doubtless, would act
according as their experience and hiowlcdge dictated, but who
as distinct from the Committee could not, of course, act in unison
with them. A memorial was therefore unanimously adopted,
praying the Council that six members should be selected by the
Committee, three for new plants, and three for florists' flowers,
who should h' nominated as the J'udges for those things on the
days of the great exhibitions, and that any plant or flower which
had obtained a Certificate or Label of Comn>endation from the
Floral Committee, might have such aw.trd appended to it if
shown on those days, but would not again be noticed. This, if
acceded to, of which we do not entertain any doubt, will, we
think, meet all requirements, pre-erve the independence of the
Committee, uphold it as the recognised authority of the Horti-
cultural Society on such matters, and satisfy the introducers or
raisers of novelties.

Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich, exhibited Nemophila atomaria
maculata; also throe varieties of Rhodanthe, called atro-sanguinea,
maculata, and maculata alba. Ths former T,'a3 obtained among
the limestone rocks in the neighbourhood of Champion Bay,
Western Australia. ICaoulata in appearance is a robust form of
Manglesi, which was di.iCovered by Capt. Mangles, at Swan
River. For this a First-class Certificate was awarded. The white
variety, wdiic-h jjromises to he exceedingly pretty, received a Label
of Commendatiou ; but all, owing to the w.^tness of the day and
the consequent absence of sunlight, did not displav their charms
to 60 much advantage as they would have done had the day
been brighter.

Mr. Cant, of Colchester, again sent blooms of the magnificent
Tea Rose exhibited at last Committee meeting. AVhile acknow-
ledging its undoubted merits, it was felt that with so doubtful
a parentage it would bo hardly wise for the Committee to take
its merits into consideration. Tliat it was not Aurora is very
clear ; and hence Mr. Cant will introduce it to the Rose-growing
■world, we believe, under the name of "I'Enfant I'rouve," for it
is in truth a foundling.

From Mr. Bragg, of Slough, came a box of Pinks, among
which a red one received a First-class &'rtiGcate. Its name is
Lady Rokeby. He also sent a Heliotrope named odoratissimum,
but though richly deserving the name, it was not considered of
sufficient merit to warrant an award. Also, a box of Hunt's
Sweet Williams, some of which were very pretty. This fine old
English flower merits a wide cuUivation.

Mr. Turner, of Slough, sent three Pinks —Dr. Maclean, Deli-
cata (seedlings of his own), and Jessie, a seedling of the Rev.
G-eo. Jeans, of Alford's, raising. To the second of these, a light-
coloured flower of very fine properties, a First-class Certificate
was awarded.

Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing sent three Phloxes.
Mr. Bull, a collection of plants, containing Petunias, and other
novelties. Amongst these were Cokus Tersehaffelti, Cupania
Pindaiba, an elegantly pinnated shrub fi-ora the Brazils, and
Coboea scandens, variegated, for all of which Labrfs of Com-
raendation were awarded.

A large, double-flowered Fuchsia of excellent properties,
exhibited by Mr. G. Smith, culled Mammoth, received a First-
cla^s Certificate, as did also Dracsena fcrren variegata, from the
Society's gardens.

Two summer Phloxes from Jlessrs. Downie & Co., one white,
named Reine Blanche, and anotlier, Lydin, a French white, with
purple eye, were Commended.

A collection of Aohimenes and decorative plants was also for-
warded from the gardens of the Society at Chiswiek.

And now before concluding this notice, I would desire to refer
to a point of some interest to Rose exhibitors, and that is, the

SIZE OF THE BOXES IJf WHICH KOSES OUGHT 10 BE SHOWN.^

Mr. Eyles is naturally anxious to have all his arrangements as
complete as possible, and he finds a very great diversity of
opinion and practice on this point, which occasions somewhat of
inconvenience when the day an-ives. He is not desii-ous of
coming to any decision himself upon the point ; but as the size
of Dahlia-boxes has been fixed, he thinks it desirable that Rose
growers should adopt one uniform size also. He, therefore,
invites' all Rose exhibitors to meet on the day of the grand Rose
Show, .luly 10th, and discuss the matter amongst themselves,
and we are sure that a desire so kindly intended will meet with
the co-operation of all those per.-onally interested in it. Should
any be unable to attend, Mr. Eyles will be very glad if they will
be kind enough to express to him their views on the subject.
There is another point which I think may very fairly be dis-
cussed eithei' then or at some other time — the shov\ing of three
trusses of bloom instead of one. If the object to be gained by
an exhibition is that of displaying the flower.s to the best ad-
vantage, I am rather inclined to think that this will be better
cfTected by one truss than by crowding three together; and none
but very largo growers for sale (and not even they this year)
can exhibit three hundred bunches of Roses. One hundred
blooms would, I believe, be more efl'cctive, and enable a larger
number to compete. — D., Deal.

Ow the morning of the 24th ult., (he Gardens of this Society
at South Kensington were visited by Her Majesty, who some
time ago intimated her intention of honouring the inauguration
of the Society by planting a tree with her own hands. The day
originally fixed for (he ceremony was the 5th of June, but Her
Slajesty was unable to attend on that day ; and though a tree,
as we detailed at the time, was then planted by the Prince Con-
sort, Her Majesty did not relinquish her intention, but visited
the Gardens for the purpose on the 24th. She was att^Mided by
H.B.H. the Prince Consort and Princess Helena, Count de
Flaudres, Lady Bruce, &c., and arrived a little before ten
o'clock. She was received at the entrance by the fdlowing
m^mbei-s of th'? Council : — The Earl of Ducie, the B'shop of
Winchester, Mr. C. Wentwo: th Dilke, Dr. Lindlcy, Mr. John
Glutton, Uv. J. Lee, Mr. H. T. Hope, Mr. H. Pownall,
Mr. James Tcitch, and Mr. Wrench. Mr. Blnndy, one of
the Vice-Presidents; Mr. Wilson Saunders, Treasurer ; and Mr.
Godson, one of the members of the Council, were unavoidably
absent.

In passing through the council-room Hor Majesty paused (o
examine some statues placed there ; from thence she passed up
the long eastern arcade, and then crossed to the north-western
comer, exactly opposite to the spot where His Royal Highness
the Prince Consort planted the tree on the former occasion. A
beautiful Wellingtonia, presented by Messrs, James Veitch and
Sons, was ready placed here. A handsome spade was handed to
Her Majesty by Mr. Dilke, and she proceeded to shovel in several
spadefuls of earth, much to the interest and delight of the small
circle surrounding the spot. She then looked roimd, apparently
with some hesitation as to whom she should hand the spade ;
and after a moment's consideration, with a gracious smile,
presented it to Mr. James Yeitch, jon.

The party then proceeded to the conservatory, where Her
Majesty seemed much pleased with the elegance and proportions
of the building. Hor Majesty here honoured Lady Ducie with
an interview, having observed her ladyship among the company
present, continued some time in conversation with her, and took
special notice of Lord Moreton, a fine boy about eight years of
age, her ladyship's eldest son.

On leaving the conservatory, the Royal party proceeded down
the centre walk, and entered the grounds where the new Great

256

JOURNAL OF HORTICULIUEE AST) COTTAGE GARDEKEK.

[ JiUy 2, 1861.

Exhibition building is in course of erection. After a short time
spent here, during which Captain Fowke and Mr. Cole, the
architects of that building, gave explanations, she returned to
the Gardens, from wheni.-e she took her departure.

In consequence of Her Majesty's mourning the visit was
strictly private, there appearing not to be more than 100 persons
present.

After Her Majesty's departure. His Royal Highness the Prince
Consort remained a considerable time in conference with sereral
members of tlie Council upon the various works still in progress.

EFFECTS OF LAST WmTER UPO^^ PLANTS

IJf ENGLAND.

(^Continued from page 235.)

LANCASHIKK AXD CHKSHIBE.
I HATE read with great interest the papers that have appeared
ii; The JorsxAL or HoETicuLTrBE on the above subject. The
record is a melancholy one, but not useless, because it teaches
us gardeners useful lessons to guide us hereafter in providing
means to shelter oiu- favourite trees, shrubs, and flowers, and
also vegetables from a recurrence of such a visitation. It will
also serve as a guide what to select to plant in peculiar locahties
and soils— kinds that wiU, from recorded experience, be able to
live through the roughest weather and most severe frosts.
Lamenting as all lovers of the garden must do, the great losses
that have occurred in what was expected to be quite hardv in this
country in regard to late introductions, it is some consolation to
find that even our native trees and shrubs — such as the Oak
and our favourite Holly, have been more or less, accordin" to
locality, injured by the last severe visitation of hard weather
that has just passed by. ;

Every writer on this subject agrees that the weather of last \
year had a peculiar effect upon vegetation, inasmuch as the
■winter found even, comparatively speaking, the hardiest slu-ubs,
&c., in as bad a state as possible, to withstand and live tlirouoh
the exceedingly hard frost that followed. Sunless days and
continued wet weather through the auttmin months kept them
growing late and prevented them from consolidating wood, or, |
as we term, ripening that wood : hence the spiral vessels were
distended with watei-y juices or sap, and the extreme hard frost !
froze that crude sap so much th*t it burst the fine tissues and
caused mortification, and in too many cases death ensued. This \
state I find was more severe in low-lying localities in rich soils,
than in high grounds and poorer soil. In such low situations
the beautiful Araucaria imbricata has quite perished in the north
of England ; but on hiUs and sandy soils close adjoining roanv
have escaped uninjured, and are now pusliing forth fresh shoots
vigorously. There is eomfoit in that, for I and most of my
fellow gardeners will lejoice that this truly ornamental tree ,
need not be banished from our plantations. |

I have for several months been taking notes on the state of
the trees, shrubs, &c., in various gardens in this neighbourhood,
observing whenever I could the kind cf soU, and the loL'alitv as
to elevation of each place, I now proceed to add my n.ites of
information to those of others that have preceded me ; and I
trust many others of our readers will go and do likewise, and
give the result of their observation. I should very much like to
know, for instance, how the noble Araucaria imbricata at Lady
Grenville's seat near Maidenhead, has stood the ordeal. It is, I
beheve, the finest specimen in Great Britain, and truly sorry
I shoidd be to hear that it has been injured in the least. I
expect it has stood well, for it grows on rather higli ground and
poorish moor soil.

The first place I visited after the winter had departed was
Eurnage Hall, the seat of S. Watts, Esq., about four miles from
Manchester. The place stands on rather flat ground, but
sheltered by trees from the north ; the soil is strong loam, sub-
soil clay. Here I found nearly all the standard Roses killed, a
very few were alive but not very promising. Araucarias killed
also, excepting some low branches that had been covered with
snow. Deodars leafless, and the ends of the shoots killed ; like
tlie Araucarias, all the shoots that had been covered with snow
had escaped, and even the leaves were as green as ever.
Aucubas, cut down to the ground. Common Laurels, ditto.
Portugal Laurels, ditto. Many striped Hollies had lost their
leaves, but would recover. Sbododendrous unmjiured, excepting

the scarlet varieties. Peach trees on the open walls had all the
young shoots destroyed. In the kitchen garden all low-growing
vegetables — such as Cabbages, Lettuces, &c., having been covered
with snow looked fresh and green : but Brussels Sprouts and late
Broccolis were killed. One piece, however, of a dwarf Broccoli
escaped by the stems having been earthed up quite to the heart
of the plants. This method I admired much from the fact that
it was successful. It is worthy of imitation.

S. Shorrocks, Esq., Ashton Lodge, Ashton Mersey, Cheshire,
five miles from Manchester. Though situated on a gentle
eminence and a dry, light soU, yet the season has been severe in
its effects here, especially to the Rose tribe, of which there had
been a very good and large collection. The dwarfs, however,
whether on their own roots or on the Manetti stocks, were
generally alive, as were also the following staudards : — Jules
Margottin, Lord Raglan, Enfant du Mont Carmel, General
Simpson, Prince Leon, Auguste Mio, and the Briar Harrisonii,
which I find quite hardy everywhere. This is a very brief list of
quite hardy kinds as standards. The rest of the standards were
'< all dead. Hollies all lost their leaves. Portugal Laurels (com-
I mon and Aucubas), all killed to the ground. Pinus excelsa, safe.
I Araucarias, browned. Deodars, leaves killed, but the main
j stems alive. Pinus austriaca, as green as a leek, it is hardier

apparently than the common Scotch Fir.
I The Peach trees here have suffered also, their yoimg shoots
being killed, and even the young shoots of standard Pears have
\ received considerable damage. Fruit, indeed, throughout the
■ whole district will be scarce this season. At this place I observed
that the Tines have been injured also by the winter, the wood
i being in such an immature state.

From there I wended my way to Sale Bank, the seat of S.
Roebuck, Esq. This place is situated on a flat district of several
miles wide, the soil is chiefly a kind of sandy bog on a wet
gravelly bottom. Though the whole extent has been thoroughly
i drained, yet from low-character trees and shrubs that are not
quite hardy, are liable to sufler from severe winters. I was not,
however, prepared to see such an utter destruction as I witnessed
there. It is now rather more than twenty years since we had so
hard a frost as we had this last year; but even then the ever-
greens did not sufi'er to nearly such an extent, because the sum-
mer previous had been more favourable, and, consequently, the
young shoots were better ripened.

At Sale Bank fine trees of Araucaria imbricata, from 15 feet
to 20 feet, are now quite dead ; Portugal Laurels, immense
bushes, in a similar condition, but will push again from the
bottom; Juniperus recurva quite dead; several lofty Crypto-
mevia japonica, 20 feet high, much browned, but may recover ;
Cedrus deodara in as sad a state ; Cedrus Libani browned ; Roses,
standard, all killed, with the exception of Austrian Briar, Har-
risonii ; seedling varieties of scarlet Rhododendrons quite killed.
The following alive and as fresh as possible: — Irish Tew,
Pinus excelsa, Pinus austriaca, fine trees ; Rhododendrons of the
Catawba breed are quite safe, indeed better in health and foliage
than the common hardy ponticum and varieties.

Abney Hall, Sir J. Watts' seat, near Cheadle in Cheshire,
seven miles from Manchester. This place stands on a gentle
eminence, and is pretty well sheltered from the north. The soil
rather strong, but well diained, yet, notwithstanding that, the
Araucarias are nearly all dead ; they had been splendid speci-
mens, but cannot possibly recover. The Deodars are recovering,
some better than others, showing that seedling individuals of the
same plant are more hardy, then such ought to be propagated
from ; Wellingtonia gigantea a little injured, but nothing to
signify. I do tliink this beautiful tree will bear our severest
winters.

Pinus insignia, P. eembra, P. excelsa, and P. austriaca uninjured ;
Irish Tews, uninjured; Juniperus virginiana alba, also safe;
Abies Cephaloniea, much browned. Here is an avenue of this
beautiful upright-growing tree, and very nice it looks after such
a hard frost. The common Laurel bank which was such a fine
feature here is cut down to the ground, and also all the creeping
Roses trained to the walls and arbours are dead down to the
ground, whilst other Roses on their own roots are pusliing
strong. The young shoots on Peach and Xectarine trees all
killed ; Mr. Smith has had them cut out, and fresh shoots have
started from the old wood. Rhododendrons unscathed, but the
late frosts in May have injured the young shoots ; there is little
bloom on them hereabouts generally this year. The hardy
Ghent Azaleas have sufl'ered from the same frosts,
latton Park, the Bight Hon. Lord Egerton's. This noble

July 2, 1861.]

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AJfD COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

257

place has the extensive ground on undulating surfaces, and the
soil sandy peat in many parts. In front of the house, some
years ago, an arenue of Araucarias was planted with a row of
Deodars behind them ; some of the Araucarias are alive and
pushing young shoots, whilst others are much injured and wiU
never make handsome trees ; the Deodars also are injured, but
may recover. In the pinetum Abies Douglasi is safe, also
A. pinsapo and cephalonica ; Fitzroya patagonica is quife dead ;
Picea nobilis is quite safe, not a leaf browned ; also Pinus cembra,
excelsa, neglecta, ponderosa, Lambertiana, Sabiniana are all right.
Taxodium sempervirens slightly injured ; standard Roses all
killed. In more common things, such as Laurels, Hollies, Tews,
&c., this place has not suffered so much as others. — T. Appieet.
(To he continued.')

CULVEJRKETS.
Caic you inform mc what particular wild flower is that which
is mentioned in Walton's " Angler," under the name of Culver-
key ? It is classed with Cowslips, Ladysmocks, and other sp'ing
flowers ; and in a song by John Davors quoted in " The Com-
plete Angler" it is called "azure Culverkey," thus denoting its

colour. — JOHX J. LiGHTPOOT.

[It is a curious fact that the word Cuherfrei/s occurs nowhere
else, that we are aware of, except in Walton's " Complete
Angler," and in John Davors' song, which is there quoted.

The latter poet writes thus —

" Purple Narcissus like tbe moming rays.
Pale Gander-crass and azure Culverkeys."

Now the Gander Grass is, without much doubt, identified as
the Stander Grass or Satyrium, and it is worth remarking that
in Dutch this plant is called KuUekenskruyd ; which, though so
vei-y different, yet is the nearest name of a plant to Culverkeys
that we know.

In another passage, Walton says, ''Looking down the meadows
I could see a girl cropping Culverkeys and Cowshps to make
garlands."

From these two passages we gather that the Culverkey was
azure, or blue flowered, bloomed at the same time as the Cow-
slip, and grew in meadows. We may conclude that it had long
stalks, or it would not have served for garland making. Now,
tlie wild Hyacinth, or Harebell, (Hyacinthus nonscriptus)
agrees with these ehai-acteristics ; but no authority we know
ever called it the Culverkey. Can any of our readers inform us
of its being so called in any portion of the British islands, or of
any other flower that is so called ?

It has been suggested that the Columbine is the flower meant
by Davors and Walton, because culver is the old Saxon name
for a dove, and is a synonyme of columba, from which the
name Columbine is derived ; but none of our old herbalists
apply the name of Calverkeys to it. The only one of them who
appi-oaches to such an application is Lyte who, in his translation
of Dodoen's " Herbal," published in 1578, says, " It is called iu
English Columbine, of the shape and proportion of the leaves of
the floures, whiclj do seeme to expresse the figure of a Dove or
Culver." But the Columbine does not grow in meadows, nor is
it found wild so commonly or so abundantly as to be a garland
flower. The best guide would be the discovery of some locality
where the name of Culverkeys, or a name like it, is still applied
to a flower. — Eds.]

WHEN IS WHEAT FEKTILISED?

"When the Royal Agricultural Society talk about the Wheat
being in blossom they are just one month behind Nature.

" The Wlieat is in full flower, and the seed is fertilised while
the ear is yet in the folds of the sheatli, before the Wheat is in
ear."— (Jn iTr. Beaton's reply to Mr. Darwin's letter.)

I IMAGINE that Mr. Beaton's dictum on the subject of the
Wheat blossom has by this time raised many a laugh at his
expense. To my surprise no one has yet contradicted it in your
Journal ; and no doubt many of your readers, in their innocence,
have been for some time past comforting their neighbours, the
farmers, with the information which they have from such an
unquestionable authority, that when their Wheat has come into
ear its blossom is safe, and has been so for a month previously.

Mr. Beaton is entirely in error. When the Royal Agricultural

Society talk of the Wheat being in blossom, they are not just
one month behind Nature ; and the Wheat is not in full flower,
and the seed is not fertilised whUe the ear is yet in the folds of
the sheath before the Wheat is iu ear.

When the ear is rising out of the slieath the whole of the
anthers are green and immature. When it is completely clear
of the sheath the blossoming process commences at the upper
part of the ear, and the mode in which this takes place is
probably as follows : — The husk opens for a brief interval, pro-
bably for a few minutes only, when the anthers are mature :
they then rise on their stamens, split and distribute their pollen,
and the husk closing again immediately leaves them hanging
outside.

The process of blossoming and fertilisation commences, as I
say, at the upper part of the ear, when it has risen clear of the
sheath, and gradually extends downwards, so that a fertilised
com may commonly be seen on the ear with its immediate
neighbours unfertilised, their anthers being quite green and
nearly sessile, and the ear will have grown upwards to its full
height before the blossoming is quite completed.

The farmer may yet " congratillate himself" with some reason,
" if the weather is propitious," for he knows when his Wheat
is in blossom better, apparently, than Mr. Beaton. — H. C. K.,
JBectori/, Sereford.

[This is just what I deserve. But here is room for the spirit o
inquiry at last, and let us hear of no disciples of this or that writer
or thinker, but let all gardeners, at least, try and learn for them-
selves. And there is another chance. There is a tremendous
mistake somewhere in my last letter on crossing in answer to
Mr. Darwin, and I shall give a hydromctric belt to any youug
gardeuer who will point out that error, and let us hear of it
before the end of next August. — D. Beato".]

CAENATIONS AT CHEISTIMAS.

TnEEE would be great dilBeulty in getting coumion Carnations
to bloom in December and January in a greenhouse. But if
you [our correspondent " Aix Ajn'xiktt "], obtain what is called
the Perpetual Carnations and Picotees which are being advertised
at times in our columns, you will have no diflSculty in the matter,
if the heat of your greenhouse at that period averages from 50°
to 55° at night.

Proceed thus : — If you have not such plants, obtain two or
three dozen from a nurseryman. The plants will generally be
small, and you would have had a better chance if you had
obtained them in April. However, better late than never. These
will generally be in small pots called 60' s, and most likely showing
a bloom. Cut all blooming-shoots off, and after gently disentan-
gling the roots repot into six-inch pots, using hglit, rich, sandy
loam, and place in a shady position until the roots begin to work
freely. A few of these stronger plants may be placed in 16-pots
or 2i-pots, and potted very firmly. If that can be done before
September all appearance of flowering-shoots until then should
be stopped. These plants thus stopped and potted will generally
throw up flower-shoots in October, which will bloom in the
greenhouse in November and onwards.

We have done Anne Boleyn Pink and others on the same
system, and the plants bloomed better than when forced.
" The above is the best method, perhaps, with a beginner. If
you had a little practice this is the plan we would suggest for
next season, with the full confidence that you will succeed beyond
your expectations. Get by layers, or cuttings, young plants
potted m small pots before October. House them iu a dry, cold
pit or a cool greenhouse in winter. In March or April nip out
the terminal bud of the young plant, to arrest anything like
flowering. This will incite the bads iu the axils of the leaves to
shoot, and you will soon have a bushy little plant instead of one
with a singie shoot. Choose an open piece of ground, and dig
and aerate it well. Make up a compost of lumpy fibry loam, a
little leaf mould, and very rotten dung, and in April turn out
the young plants with a "good shovelful of rich sweet compost
round each ball of roots, the roots previously having been a little
disentangled and the new soil pressed firmly about the roots.
Such plants should stand in rows 30 inches apart, and 18 inches,
or, at least, 15 inches from each other in the row. These plants
must be kept clean, and well watered as wanted during the
summer. They wiU evince little disposition to bloom ; but if
any spires of flower-stalks show before the middle of August they

253

JOURNAL OF irORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER.

[ July 2, 18(51.

should be nipped out. The busliy plants will begin to show
signs of tlirowiiig up 8ower-sta'.ks by the end of August or the
beginning of September. Shortly after this they .should be cai'e-
fiiUy taken up and repotted, using pots in proportion to the size
of the plants and the ball of the roots you can obtain. Such tiny
plants in April -will frequently, so managed, require a twelve-inch
orfourteeu-inch pot in September; but some may be small enough
to go into a six-inch or seTen-iuch pot. The best way for lifting
the plants is to insert a light steel fork all round, and then lift it
with one fork on ertch of the opposite sides. The barrow of
earth and the pots should all be close to the plants, eo that the
ball of earth and roots may not be shaken morelhan is absolutely
necessary before it gets into the pot. The pot should be no
larger than just to hold the baU and roots, with a little rich, light
loam to fill up all the vacancies firmly, and a fresh surfaeing
over all, and that too made pretty firm. A little stake or two
may now be necessary to steady the shoots. For ultimate
fastening nothing i< neater than twisted wire stakes, the stems
are kept secure in tlic volutes without any tying. After being
potted give a good watering, and keep the plants from the mid-
day sini until all danger from flagging is over. When the roots
have recovered themselves expose the jjots fully, and get them
under glass by the middle of October. All through the winter
and spring sueli plants will be in bloom, if the temperature is
not very low and (he v.'eather is not moie than ordinarily des-
titute of sunshine.

AVe followed the above plan with great success with Perpetual
Carnations and Pieotees for some years, until their room was
taken by something else ; but we will have another trial of them,
perhaps next year, if we get suitable plants. We also foimd that
if plants were obtained from cuttings early in summer, potted,
stopped, and kept in four-inch pots in winter, and were without
any further stopfiing turned out in flower-beds in April, that
tliey produced dense masses of bloom until frost came. We
began to tire even of such beauties ; but " All Anxiety's "
inquiries have brought back a portion of our old love for them,
and we even think of a place where wc imagine such a bed would
have looked beautiful. R. Fish.

GAEDENEES' EOYAL BENEVOLENT
INSTITUTION.

On Wednesday last the eighteenth annual festival of the
Gardeners' Eoyal Benevolent Institution was celebrated at the
London Tavern, when a large assembly of its friends and sup-
porters sat down to dinner, under the presidency of the Eev.
J. M. Bellew. Among the company we observed Sir Arthur
BuUer, M.P., Mr. E. M. Ward, R.a"., Mr. Benjamin Webster,
J. E. C. Koch, Esq., Mr. E. Yates, General Ramsay, Captain
Lees, Mr. Abel Chapman, Mr. Robert A'S'reneh the Treasm-er, &c.

The room was, as usual, magnificently decorated with plants
and flowers, and the tables were tastcfidly furnished with
bouquets. Behind the Chairman was a splendid bank of Gera-
niums sent by Mr. Charles Turner, of Slouah.

The usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been disposed of,

Tlie Chairm-m proposed as the toast of the evening, "Success
to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution." He said th it
Oliver Goldsmith, in one of his most delightful essays, had said
that Englishmen were of that peculiar character that they could
do nothing without eating [laughter]. If n church was to be
built, or on hospital to be founded, they must eat upon it, and
thereby the object they had in hand prospered. There could be
no doubt that they (Englishmen) were an eating-people ; and,
despite all that had been written (S.G.O.) to the contrarv, it was
hard to suppose that when one had eaten his own dinner he
should not iVel inclined to help to a hearty meal those who had
not had that blessing [hear, hear]. It was the opinion of some
persons that a tea party would do just as well, and that they
could obtain the flow of benevolence from a decoction of an article
purchased at No. 1, St. Paid's Churchyard [great laughter].
But in his mind the teapot was associated with scandal, while,
on the contrary, there was an old proverb, in which he fully
agreed, "In vino Veritas — he would read " cliarilas" [hear,
hear, and cheers]. When they had themselves eaten a good
dinner (hey fi'lt like the Chinese Emperor, who, after a sitnilar
enjoyment, gave leave to the whole world to dine ; or like the
civic dignitary, who, after he had feasted upon his turtle, re-
tunied home, and said, "If any person lias a little bill to be
done, now is the time" [great" laughter.] In anticipation of

the present occasion, he had been studying the philosophy of
public dinners, and trying by the aid of the " Coruhill " and
"Temple Bar" Magazines, to discover the connection between
gastronomy and the ethics of charity, and he had come to the
conclusion that jtost prandial benevolence arose out of a pity for
those who had not eaten their dinner [hear, hear]. They knew
that, by the laws of gravitation, they as full buckets would pom*
the empty buckets to the sm-face [hear, hear, and laughter]. It
was for those empty buckets he now appealed to them [heai-,
hear]. They themselves were the full buckets. lie was happy
to find that he had not to come before them with a lengthened
visage, deploring a healthy debt, and there he was stumped out
of a very good piece of oratory. He had not that luck. He would
ask them to look at his friend, Mr. Wrench, the Treasurer, and
see how imrnffled and how benign was his countenance, and
then to look upon the satisfied countenance of the Secretary, and
they would find that both mother and child were doing well
[laughter]. They could all recollect their younger days, when
they came home for the holidays with a good report, and when
after dinner they were admitted to the dessert and received the-
avuncular patronage of a sovereign slipped into their hands, and
the pat upon the hack, with the injunction to go on and prosper.
The G-ardeners' Institution was the young boy come home for
the holidays, and the company was the avuncular relative who
would pat it on th.e back, slip the sovereign into its hand, and say,
"Well done, you gardener boys, go on and prosper." In 1S38,,
the Institution was first established, but a; first it did not do
very well ; hut in 1812 — they, as gardeners are always fond of
doing — they turned over a new leaf, and Iiad now £5,100 in-
vested in the Three per Cents. Tli'y last year spent £1,117,
and had at their bankers the nice little bxilbous root of £442
[hear, hear], which would be invested in stock, which was, he
believed, the favourite flower of the Institution. They had had
fifty-one pensioners — viz., thirty-one males and twenty females,
and tliey would soon add seven others. It was on behalf of
thrse honest and sober men he appealed to them, for sobriety
and honesty were the great social characteristics of those who
were employed in horticultural piu'suits, as might be gathered
from a reference to the list of their pensioners, the youngest of
whom was sixty-two ; and there was one who was nearly four
score and ten, and all of them were fit objects for any man's
charity. Shakespeare made the gravedigger in Hamlet say,
that most ancient gentlemen were gardeners and gravcdiggers ;
but he would let the gravcdiggers drop. Gardening, certainly,
took them back to Paradise, and it still afforded them all that
delighted either eye or the body, and now —

" From yon blue heavens above us bent,

Tlie grand old pardener or liis wife,

Smile at the cluim of long descent."

And in the contemplation of horticultural beauties, we realise
something of the glory when the Creator placed him in Paradise,
and said, " All is very good." He left the object of the charity
in their hands, assuring them that God loved those men who
gave freely.

A subscription of upwards of £300 was the response to this
appeal.

The musical arrangements were under the direction of Mr.
Henry, assisted by Miss Cole, Mr. Fielding, Mr. George
Ford, &c.

DESTEOYING CATEEPILLAES AVITH WHITE
HELLEBOEE POWDEE.

While reading a very interesting article in your Number of
June 25th, I noticed a sort of recommendation of the use of
Hellebore to destroy caterpillars on Gooseberry bushes. A short
time back a similar recommendation appeared in another
gardening periodical, when it struck me that the poison of
Hellebore was too active a one to be safely used. I mentioned
my doubts to a chemical friend, who said, " Yes, the active
principle of Hellebore, verotrin, is of the same class as strychnine.
I quite agree witli you, the remedy is very far from safe."

When devising Gishurst Compound, I took for granted that
only agents might be used having the power to destroy insect life,
without being in any shape poisonous to man. If the great
gardening authorities will sanction the application of such
poisons as Hellebore, preparations to get rid of insects will
require but little skill to compound them. — Geobge Wimon,
Belmont, Vauxhall.

[It is quite true that the poisonous principle in VThite Helle-

July 2, 1861. ] -

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

259

bore so dcstnictive of caterpillar life, is of the same class to
whieh the poisonous principle of the nux Tomica belongs, and
that if either of those poisonous principles, veratrin and strych-
nine, were swallowed pure and in suiEcient quantily, they would
be fatal to human life. But there is no danger in dusting the
leaves of a Gooseberry bush witli either the powder of While
Hellebore or of uux romica. Neither tlie leaves nor the fruit
absorb it, and if the -wind and rain do not remove every particle,
the garden syringe effects a clearance immediately. — Ed3.
J. OF H.]

BLOOMSBURY FLOWEE SHOW.

{Communicated^

FxowEE Shows for poor people are no strange thing in the
counirij, where every cottager has his slip of garden, and every
garden has plenty of sunshine and fresh air ; but it might well
be doubted whether the crowded garrets and narrow window-
sills of our London allei/s could be turned into nurseries for
flowers. The expcrimenr, however, has been tried in St. George's,
Bloomsbury, and with almost unexpected success.

Last year there v/as a Show confined to tlie inhabitants of one
of the more highly favoured and better visited of the poorer
districts of the jjarish : this year the Exhibition was extended to
the whole parish, and was held on Wednesday, the 19th, in the
National Sclioolroora. But there can be little doubt that if tlie
Show is repeated next year a wider scene of operations will be
needed, which may, perhaps, be found in one of the many squares
in the parish.

The exliihitors had been divided into several classes, according
to the districts in which they lived, so that the inhabitants of
the smaller courts might not have to compete with those whose
airier neighbourhood and better means gave them an overwlielm-
ing advantage in the contest. All the classes were well repre-
sented, both in number and the quality of their plants, with the
exception of the " Mewses," which sent but a small contribution.
The favoured district above referred to showed the good efleots
of Inst year's experience, and appeared to give great satisfaction
to the speakers in the evening. But the most beautiful class
was tliat devoted to the " domestic servants," some of whose
plants would have done credit to any greenhouse.

At seven o'clock, when the prizes were given away bj' the
Rector, the schoolroom was crowded to excess with members of
all ages and classes ; and at this time the gentleman who acted
as Judge was literally besieged by applicants, all commending to
his notice specimens exhibited by themselves or some special
protege, which " he must have passed over by mistake ;" and if
some of the fair l.idies present were rather eager than judicious
in expressing theh- dissent, it was delightful, except, perhaps, to
the Judge, to see that they had not attended for t,hc purpose of
bestowing an apathetic patronage, but because they took a reail
interest in the business of the day.

The winner of the first prize in every class received a book on
" Window Gardening for the Many," of which several copies
had been sent as a j^resent by the Editors of The JouknaJj of
HoETieuLTiTKE. This gift exactly supplied the only want that
was felt. The exhibitors had sliown that they had the will to
<;ultivate flowers in their humble dwellings ; but in some in-
stances it was plain that they required advice to teach them the
way. These little books were not only an addition to the attrac-
tions of this year, but, probably, a great assistance towards the
success of the next.

[We are well pleased to find that our veiy small donation was
30 appreciated, but slill more pleased to find that flower-culture
under the gi-eatest difficulties — much smoke, little sunshine, and
less fresh air — is clung to so earnestly and successfully in the
alleys and streets of Bloomsbmy — plants in tea-pots even in
Drury Laue courts evince that such a clinging to the love of
flowers pervades evcir darker localities, and we hope other asso-
ciations, following the example of Bloomsbnry, will cherish that
love. It is one of the best agents in strengthening the day-side
of our nature, and in diminishing the power of its night-side.

We hope that the next Bloomsbury Exhibition may be held
in Russell Square, under a marquee upon its grass. The denizens
in that Square need not fear that any injury would be inflicted
upon the trees or flowers growing within their palisaded en-
closure ; for the authorities at Kew and the Crystal Palace will
boar testimony in addition to our own that no such outrages are
perpetrated in their gardens, notwithstanding the unrestrained
adiai^sion to them of the working classes,— Eds. J. of H.]

HAUDY ORCHIDS.

In The Cottage GiSDEyER for September 23, 1860, Mr.
Appleby gave an excellent list of Hardy Orchids. Could he
take the trouble of improving the list by stating wiiich of them
are worth growing for their beauty, and which are only botanical
curiosities ? And could ho further say where they coidd be
procured ? I gro;v a few, and should like to add to theu: num-
ber, but cannot find any nurseryman who grows above two or
three. My list contains Ophrys aranifera, Epipactis palustris,
Cypripediam s]3ectabile, G. album, Ophrys apifera. Orchis macu-
lata and pyramidalis, Cypripedium pubescens, and calceolus, all
perfectly hardy and beautiful. The Cypripediums have been in
especial beauty this year.

I fancy many of the greenhouse Orchids might be treated as
hardy, and would experiment upon them, if they were not so
eipensive. — H. N. E.

[In addition to the species you already possess you should try
and get the following : — Aceras anthropophora; Ophrys fucifei'a,
O. muscifera ; Cypripedium acaule, C. arietinnm, C. guttatum
C. ventricosum ; Neoltia spiralis, N. nidus-avis, N. cernua ;
Habenaria albida, H. albiflora ; Orchis ciliata, 0. mascula,
O. fasca, O. palustris, O. saccata, O. undnlnta, 0. latifolia,
O. morio, O. militari*, O. ustulata ; Epipactis latifolius; Gymua-
deuia conopsea; Spiranthes 03stiTaIis, S. autumnnlis ; Goodyera
repens. These .are all beautiful, not merely botanical curiosities as
yon express it, though we think the whole of Mr. Appleby's list
in the "Orchid Manual," just published at our office, worthy of
cultivation. Yom- qui-ry as to where they can be proctired is
answered also in the same work. Any nurserymen possessing
any hardy species should advertise them. There are a fen-
species inthe Regents' Park Botanical Gardens ; also at Kew,
and some in the Botanic Gardens at Ghisnevin, near Dublin,
and in the Botanic Gardens at Belfast ; but whether any of
these gardens have any duplicates to spare we do not know.
Some of the hardy (Cypripediums are in M. Van Houtte's nur-
sery at Ghent, in Flanders. AVe are glad to find any of our
readers are taking an mtercst in, and cultivating these singular
and beautiful plants.]

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING.

The Jirae meeting of the Entomological Suciety was held on
the 3rd inst., the President occupying the chiiir.

Mr. Bond exhibittd on behalf o'f Iho Rev. Joseph Greene, two
British species of Pug Moths, Eupithecia tripimctata and E. tri-
signata, not hitherto recorded as natives of this country, and two
remarkably large niale specimens of Eunomos ilhuiaria, the early
Thorn Sloth, taken at New Rath Bridge, in the county of
Wicklow.

General Sir J. B. Hetirscy (recently returned from India,
where ho has served his country in the most gallant manner for
more than half a ceiitury, and where he has enUvened his
military duty with the cultivation of the sister sciences of botany
and euloraoiopy) exhibited some beautiful dravi-iugs of the trans-
formations of Indian Lepidoptera, executed from nature by the
members of his family.

Mr. Solomons exhibited some rare and inleresting British
Coleoptera, including a line example of Myrmedonia Haworthii,
one of the Rove Beetles, found in Penge Wood, Sydenham.
Also, Staphylinus latibricola, and S. fulvipes, from Folkestone.^

Mr. Frederick Smith exhibited a living individual of Aspi-
domorpha sanctte crucis, a most splendid Indian species of
Shield Beetle (Casslda), lately received by the Bi'itish Museum,
and the only one of several which reached this country alive, the
brilliant metallic colours vanishing soon afier death. General
Hearsey observed that he had noticed this beautiful insect in
plenty in the island of Salsette.

The President exhibited on behalf of Mr. C. Fenn, a singular
male (?) example of the Emperor Moth (Saturnia Carpiui), the
wings of which on one side of the body presented the coloration
of the female of that species.

Mr. G. R. Waterhouse exhibited a series of specimens bo-
longing to a small species of Weevil, of the genus Centorhynohus,
allied to C. sulcicoUis Gyllenhal hitherto confounded with that
species, fiom which, however, Mr. Waterhouse pointed out the
distinctions, and read a technical description of it under its
name of C. inornatus.

The Secretary read a paper by T. T. WoUaston, Esq., on the
Ptinidse of the Canary Islands.

260

JOUENAL OF EORTICXJLTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

[ July 2, 1861.

SIX WEEATHS OF FLOWEES.

■WKEATS THE rOUKTH.
' What fashion will you wear the gavland of?' — SnAKSPrHE.

Why, first we will have that
most lovely of climbers, Lapageeia
EOSEA. It was considered very
diifieult to cultivate imtil Mr.
Beaton publislied tlie mode of
treatment in our 23rd volume. It
belongs to the natural order Smi-
lacaecEe, and to Hexandria Mono-
gynia of Linna?us. It is a native of Chili, and was sent to Messrs. Yeitch, by their
collector, Mr. Lobb. It requires the protection of a greenhouse, though Mr. Lobb
thinks it would endure a full exposure to ihe climate of Cornwall. He says, " If you
look at (he geographical position of Lapageria rosea, Luzuriaga radicans, and
CaUixene polyphylla, it may be assumed that all from the elevated parts of the main-
land are hardy, and, I think, that those from the 4ow groimds will only require
sheltered situations. The climate of Chiloe is much like that of Cornwall; it rains
almost incessantly in the winter months, but it is never so cold in winter aa it is in
England. Frost often occurs, but is of short duration. Summer, also, is wet and
cold, the thermometer seldom rising above 65°. i am inclined to think that, if any-
thing be required, it wUl be sheltered situations for those from the low grounds near
the sea." The flowers are dark rose-coloured, spotted with white. There is also a
white-flowered variety. Both are portraifed in the Botanical Magazine, tt. 4447 and
4891.

Next let us select Laedizabala biteenata. This, also, is a climber, and from
the same region, Chili, but so far south as Concepeion. It was, therefore, expected to
be liardy, and experience has demonstrated that this conclusion was correct. It
endured the winter of 1849 — 50, without any protection but the shelter of a wall,
both at Exeter and Kew. It wp.s sent to Messrs. Veitch by G-. T. Davy, Esq,, who,
writing of it observed, " When I first saw it I was so much struck with the singularly
daik (purple) colour of the flowers, and the beauty of the (dark green biternate)
foliage, that I gave instructions to have a root sent to me at Valparaiso. The fruit is
sold in the Chilian markets." It flowered in December 1849, at Messrs. Veitch's.
It is a rapid grower and does not object to shade. It belongs to the natural order
Lardizabalacese, and to Dicecia Hexandria of Linueeus.

Lastly add Mitbaeia coccinea, belonging to the natural order Gesneracea?, and to
Didynamia Angioepermia of Linnaeus. It was introduced by Messrs. Veitch, from
San Carlos de Chiloe, being sent to them by Mr. Lobb, and bloomed with them in
tlie May of 1849. There is a good coloured drawing of it in " Paxton's Magazine of
Botany," vol. xv. It is a handsome low shrub, with slender, obscurely tetragonous
branches, and small opposite, rarely ternate, leaves, of an acute-ovate form, crenate-
serrate, and of a delicate green colour. The flowers are axillary, and grow on long
drooping pedicels ; they are tubtilar, the tube constricted at the base, curved, and
ventricose above, a little contracted at the mouth, and dividing into an obscurely two-
lipped limb of five obtuse spreading segments ; the colour is a bright light scarlet.

FEENS UNDKE GLASS.
In these days when "Crystal Palaces" and "Winter Gardens" are the
ornaments of towns, or are the appendages to a nobleman's garden establishment,
with what pride do those who possess them boast of having brought the climate of
Madeira to their house door, by the air of which they hope to arrest the disease
that has taken possession of the pulmonary organs. When we pass through the
doorway we find ourselves in a beautiful garden resplendent with the temperate
zone's vegetable inhabitants ; we there behold the Camellias from China, Lilies
from Japan, Acacias from New Holland, Heaths from the Cape of Good Hope,
Palms from Northern Africa, Ehododendrons and Azaleas from the New World
(America), and Roses from the far-famed gardens of Damascus.

A magnificent sight is this congress of plants in the winter months, and a
pleasant promenade during inclement weather ; but enter one of these glass houses in
summer, and you then find them oppressive, and the efl-ccts of the temperature anything but tracing and healtlrful. Moreover
after we have taken a view of the gardens that frequently are attached to such residences and after be>ng ''™/; ;\/^^
survey of the brilliant hues of the flower parterre, instinctively look out for a cool and re&eshmg contrast. Where shall we

July 2, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAaE aARDENER.

261

6]idone? Perhaps there may be a walk and seats beneath the
shade of the Elms and Limes ; or, perhaps, there is a summer-
house and grotto on the margin of some artificial or natural
lake, with the Water Lily and the swan upon its surface ; then
may be felt the secret conTiction, " This is the place for me."

Having taken this retrospect of that whicli has been or is,
let us lake a prospectiTe view of that which might be (in
fact is already in a few places), of a house where those who
delight to see the graceful, the yerdant, and the varied forma of
Nature.

The house that we intend to describe affording this gratifi-
cation is of the following dimensions : — Length, 100 feet ;
breadth, 25 feet ; and estimated cost, £250. It may be con-
structed as follows : — First dig out for footings of walls until
a solid foundation is reached ; and should any difficulty be found
in obtaining a solid bottom, throw in concrete composed of one-
eighth slaked limed, three-eigliths good sharp sand, and one-
half coarse gravel or broken stone rubbish.

Build the walls of good-faced bricks, a brick and a half thick.

or of stone, whichever can be obtained the cheapest. Six feet
above the ground level lay a layer of flagstones 8 inches wider
than the thickness of the walls. The above said flagstones to be
3 inches thick, to face even with the exterior, but to project
8 inches into the interior of the house at both ends and both
sides (the door excepted), on which two hot-water pipes — i.e., a
flow and return, are to be fixed hereafter. Build another foot
more wall upon the flagstones, which raises the wails to rather
more than 7 feet, the height desired.

The ground plan given is merely to point out to those who
have not seen anything of the kind, or have not the eye to draw
from certain given details any correct idea of the effect intended
to be produced by the carrying out of the description.

It is presumed that the site for the house is situated so as to
be low enough for the water that supplies the fountain, &o., to
be conveyed in iron pipes without having to make a reservoir
especially for the purpose. The reservoir should not be less
than 10 feet above the ground-level of the house. The details of
the plan are as follows : —

'Ws

[S

-v>$:^^9^

'v,

a Fountain {i.e. jet qu.ivtcr incll diameter, or less, according to the^supply

of water).
b Well of wacer— that is, fed by filtration from the top of same,
c Waterfall, height of the same about 6 feet, one-inch-bore sur ply-pipe,

or less.
d Cistern that receives the water from the waterfall r.
e Open drain formed of stones, with the joints cemented 1 foot wide (stone

ridge coping stones are, with the joints cemented, capital materials

for tlie purpose).
/ Cave, with stone seat.
(7 ff Subterraneous passage.
h Dropping well.
/ Wtalk, sunk here about 2 feet below its ordinary level, not making any

steps, but allowing the flagstones to slope irregularly.

We will now proceed with the construction of the rockwork.
The material throughout should consist of massive fragments of
freestone rock that have been exposed to the weather for a con-
siderable length of time, and, if possible, out of a wood, or where
the sun's rays have been but faint. We prefer such from ex-
perience, of which we have had a little. Old, shaded stones are
frequently covered with mosses when they are brought from tlie
woods, &c., and on some that we got about a year ago out of the
woods in this locality, are thousands of seedling Ferns, of no
less than eight species, besides thirty species of Moss and
Lichens galore, that impart an appearance of age to some rock-
work here, which stones from the rock could not have had for
some years.

We deprecate wood (tree stumps, &c.), for rockwork under
glass, although some people say they are first-rate materials for
the purpose, but we have not found them to be such. They
may be very well where a collection of fungi is desired, or to
suit the fancy of those who hke to do a thing one day and to
alter it the next. Wood rots, and the stones that are above or
on it fall, and the work has to be done over again at a time
when the plants are about their best. Moreover, the plants do
not thrive on them as they wiU do without them, wliich no
doubt is owing to the venomous threads of the various fungi
that harbour there, destroying their roots — the very mouth and
existence of all plants, terrestrial or epiphytes.

Commence the formation of the rock at the ends, so that it
will be completed at the door. About two hundred tons of
rock will be requu-ed. They can be brought on carts or waggons
to the door, thence on a small truck to the place required, and
finally placed in postion by the aid of a three-legs and blocks.

k Ditto to about 3 feet.
/ Ditto to about 4 feet.
in jn Steps leading to h, where there may be placed a rustic iron chair.
Tile most attractive view of the house when completed will be from
this point.
71 Place tor seat and platform from which to view the house.
0 Doorway 5 feet wide.
p Drain that conveys the waste water.
q Water-pipe that supplies tlie a b c h.
r Point of entrance of the hot-water pipe.

The figures 1. 2, 3. <fec., shoiv the height of the rockwork in feet where the
figm'e is fixed, that height being reckoned from the path, whether the
same be level or sunk.

The stones should be laid firm, by no means otherwise. Back
stones are a good material for that purpose ; soil lowers too much
unless rammed down, which it should not. The soil used under
the stones should be of a porous nature. Fix every stone firm,
and lay them so as to leave some good-sized openings for soil
(some large and some small), and fix the water-pipes as the work
proceeds, laying them in such a position as to be examined in
case of an accident, and so go on until the whole of the rock-
work is completed.

The flagstones should be laid so soon as the rock is completed,
and the waterwoi-ks shoidd be tried to see that they work satis-
factorily. The flagstones should be undressed, and if one side
be rougher and uglier than the other we would lay that side
uppermost. We would fix the heating apparatus next. A
boiler would be wanted, a twenty-four-inch wrought iron
Monro's cannon boiler will shoot out ample boiling water into
the 500 leet of four-inch pipe we would attach to it. This done,
we certainly would try it to see that it worked well, of wliich we
have no doubt. The roof should now be put on. The rafters
should be 15 feet long, V inches by 3 inches in thickness (that is
one sort), but we would have another 15 feet long, 4 inches by
2i inches. Both these should be ploughed three quarters of
an inch deep by half an inch wide for the glass to rest on, on
one of the narrow surfaces, which side, of course, would be
placed upwards. The ridge-tree should be 8 inches by 2J inches,
and should be grooved its entire length for the glass to fit into,
for we would use no cappings. The wall-plates 12 inches by
2i inches in thickness ; and we would have a groove in these on
the under side, half an inch from the outside edge, to prevent
from following the wood the water from the roof that should

2m

^OUBNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AJSD OOTTAaE GARDENES.

[ Jul.v 2, 1861.

fall into the spouts : if not grooved, the watei- follows the wall-
plates and runs down the walls. The wall-plates sliould project
exteriorly li inch. The south end should be eashcd for glass,
the other end should be walled up of brick or si one. At both
ends let there be a Tentilator -1 feet by 3 feet fixed as near the
top as possible, one of glass, the other of wood, and have them
to work on a swivel.

There should be double the quantity of rafters of the smaller
size to what there is of the other or larger kind. All the wood
to be sound, well-seasoned red deal, dressed, and have a nest
moulding on the under side of the raftei's and ridge-tree. All
(he timber employed should have two good coats of lead pauit
before fixing. This done, ccmmenoe fixing tlie roof. Fix a
Beven-inoli rafter first, then two four-inch rafters, then a seven, and
so on to the other end, placing them IS inches asunder, jointing
them Bt top, and letting them into the wall-plates at bottom to
the depth of half an inch. At top they shoidd enter the ridge-
tree not less than three quarters of an inch. Lay all the JDints
in white lead paint and fasten them well, using screws for that
purpose. Four cross-tie beams of inch-wrought iron wUl be
required to prevent the roof (wall plates) from jutting out at the
foot, each 25 feet long, four screw holes at each end, let them
into the wall plates and screw them fast, one at each end, the
other about 33 feet apart. The rafters should also have half-
inch iron rods from large rafter to ditto, with a screw-hole
opposite the centre of each small rafter. Fix these half way up
the rafters and screw them fast, that will ke?p the several rafters
in theu' proper line, a point of some consequence to the glazier.
Glaze throughout with Hartley's one-cighth-of-an-inch rough
plate ghiss, the squares 1 foot 6 inches wide by 2 feet long,
nailing tliem in witli inch copper nails, and put tying the laps, which
need not be more than a quarter of an inch. Give two coats of
white lead paint inside and outside, and then a coat of varnish, i
Our architect work is now at an end, and we are right glad, for we do
not feel altogether at home. Perhaps we shall be there presently.

Soil wherein Ferns are to be grown sliould be of a porous
nature, and that is not liable to become adhesive by frequent
and copious supplies of water. One-half turfy peat sirch as
Orchid growers irsc, and that which is a light colour, with pieces
of decayed moss, and rather sandy, is the best ; one-fourth
turfy loam, and that which is called yellow or hazel loam is to
be preferred ; one-eighth pieces of greetstono broken to about
the size of a Walnut ; one-eighth silver sand ; incorporate the
above well together, chopping the peat with the spade, but do
not pass any of the compost through a riddle. In the above
compost they thrive amaziuf^ly. They are not benefited by the
application of manure, or manure water of any description ; and
to some species it is so detrimental as to cause death. This
applies chiefly to the lesser and fine-iooted kinds. The compost
should be worked into the hollows and crevices of the rockv/ork
with a pointed piece of wood or some such like implement.
Plants of the small-growing sorts should be planted where the
soiUs shallow, and the opeirings between the stones the least.
Those that have creeping stems, such as Davallias, &c., may be
planted where their roots will have the chance of creeping on air
overhanging rock : in such a position they are beautiful in the
extreme. But as we shall give a list of such kinds as are suited
for a greenhouse temperature hei*eafter, in order to save space
we will not deal with that subject at present, except that some
Ferns look considerably more to advantage when viewed in
certain positions than when they are planted indiscriminately.
If the plants liave been grown in pots, which they generally are,
they may be planted at any season of the year; if not, they
should not be disturbed wlien growing, but ratlrer wait until
they are at rest (not growing). March and April are the best
months, but we have planted them at all times of the year
without any failures of any consequence. The roof must be
shaded. Tiffany (Sliaw's) No. 3 is what most people use, and
it answers the purpose admirably. It should be sewed together
and nailed on with small tacks (nails) driven through a piece
of leather or list about the size of a shilling. It should remain
on permanently, and will last three years.

Waterixg. — Some people imagine that Ferns are aquatics ; at
allevenis, they get Keuer.iUy too much of that they are fond of —
viz., a moist atmosphere, suiHcient water at the root as to prevent
the fronds from flagging, and, when growing, an abundance of it
— tliat is, when they arc in wani of water, give them a good drink,
and not deal out to them half-allowances. Cold, dry currents of
au' ai-e to be avoided, for it dries them up like cut grass under a
July's sun. At all times the stones (rock) should be kept moist ;

and during the hotter summer months a light sprinkling overheftd
from the syringe every day at even is very beneficial.

TEMPjiiiATDEE, &c. — Although we have a healing apparatus
it should not be used for any other purpose than that of keeping
the temperature from falling below 35", and to expel damp
during the dark, foggy days of November, December, &o. In
such weather both veiitilators should be opened (unless the fog
be, intense they mubt then 'oe closed), and a gentle circulation
of air caused by the heat from hot-water pipes. A piece of
woollen nettiug fastened over the opening of each ventilator, so
fine as to prevent any great movement of the fronds by the
ingress of cold or dry air, and yet wide enough (meshes), to
admit air to pass freely is essential if not indispensable. The
venlilators can be taken out andreplaccd only dtu'ing dense fogs,
or when the temperalur-e exterioily is 32°. In summer one
might imagine oin selves in a fair way of being roasted, in a large
house having only two openings to let out heat, and these not
large in proportion — it is a dream oidy. We have a shaded
roof and a moist atmosphere, two admirable cooliirg agencies ;
with them the interior will never be more than 5° above the
external air, and on vei-y hot days when the tempei'ature outside
ranges from 80° to 90°, inside it will rarely attai;i 75°, and rare
intend 80°; nevertheless, the plants thrive so well as lo astonish
their brethren that man pampers in a pot or pots, and makes
them compass two or three years' growth in a single season by
the application of heat at a vei'y, very wrong time, and at too
high a point on the scale of degrees.

IxsECTC. — The green fly (aphis), is easily kUlcd by tobacco
smoke, but care shoidd be taken not to use very strong tobacco
paper, or it may injure the young growths ; ratlier smoke on
two successive evenings slightly than risk the plants by an over-
dose. Tlirips, to de.-troy it, well sponge the infested fronds, and
if very much infested tutiioly remove the fronds and fumigate
frequently but cautiously with tobacco until one insect cannot
be found. Brown scale is, perhaps, the most troublesome of all
insects in a collection of Feins ; remove it by hand while it is
young and light coloured. It shoidd not be permitted to become
brown and hard, for it is then only a cover for thousands of
microscopic young ones. If burst in that state they fall on
plants near them, and the would-be-destruetion is a direct
augmentation. Should any plant be hopelessly infested with it,
remove all the worst parts, and if the case be desperate remove
them all, examining the crown or crowns Avhere lliey have an
abundance of harbour among the scales, remove them by hand,
and always have an eye to them. Mealy bug is occasionally
found, remove them in a similar way. Woodlice, a few toads
kept in the house will soon set them to rest. Snails and slugs,
catch them at night by the aid of a lantern. The plants
should be clean when planted. If, however, we found any
insects of any kind, we would not admit them into a collection
of dean plants until they were thoroughly cleaned and perfectly
free of all disease. AVo know a fernery that was formerly kept
at stove temperature, but there were only six stove Ferns in the
lot of 600 plani s ; at that time were thrips, mealy bug, aphis, and
red spider by the ten thousand. Gishurst compound was used
(ralhcr tried), ou six plants, the plants were dipped in a solution
8 ozs. to the gallon, overhead for three minutes, in six hours
the fronds were black, and, but to cut the thing short, they were
killed. The temporalurc w.is lowered from Si' by day to -15° in
the course of a fortnight —not all at once, but by a few degrees
each day; the house was kept moist (almost to saturation), smoked
with tobacco paper every other night for three weeks, and the
hand was used to the scale and bug. At the end of a month the
plants were clean : they, however, were carefully watched for thci
reappearance of the scale and bug, and were found destroyed.
There has not been any of Iheec insecis in the house since, two
years ago, except the green fly, and (hat has required a dose of
tobacco only twice. Soft soap ehonld be used but litile and with
caution, and we ha^•o not found any composition that does not
injure the fronds, no malter how weak the solulion. — Geobqe
Abbes', Gardener to E. Saihtone, Escp, Horion Hall, Bradford.
(To he conlinued .)

WOEK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN OABDBN.
The frequent showers that we have had of late have been very
favourable for garden operations. Every yard of ground that
can be spared to be prepared and planted with winter vegetables.

July 2, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAOE aARDENEE.

263

Immediately a crop is done with either remove it or dig it in.
Sprinkle the ground -with quicklime to destroy slugs, but move
abundantly when tlie refuse of the crop is dug in. Before
earthing up crops in dry weather give tliem a good soaking with
water. Beans, a few Mazagans may yet be put in, which will
produce late in the season if the weather prove favourable.
Broccoli, Cape and Grange's Cauliflower may now be planted
where the early Peas were growing and liave been removed.
The main crops of the other sorts to be planted out as early as
possible. If tlie weather is dry they will reouire an abundant
supply of water. Cabbage, sow a little more seed immediately,
if the sowing recommended last month has failed. Cli-erml,
make another sowing for a succession. Cucumbers, put in a
few cuttings or sow a little seed to have a few plants to plant
out for a succession till Christmas. Pay every attention to those
in frames, they require a liberal supply of water tr.ic6 a-week,
and to be sprinkled overhead every afternoon. Endive, con-
tinue to plant out a few at a time to kpep up a succession.
Another sowing to be made. Dwarf Kidney Beans, the last
principal sowino; to be made ; earth np the advancing crops ;
those swelling tlioir pods will be greatly benefited by a good
watering. FarsUi/, make a sowing to get strong plants before
winter. Feas, a few more may be sown which will come into
bearing if the autumn is favourable; earth up and stick the
advancing crops, and water those that are in bearing if the
weather is very dry. Vegetable Marrotcs, tliese will require a
very liberal supply of water during the continuance of dry
weather; stop the main shoots to produce laterals.

TLOWEE GABDEN.
Plants growing in baskets and vases to have a stirring on the
surface before it is entirely covered with foliag?, likewise a layer
of moss to be put on to save watering, by cliecking escessivo
evaporation. Flower-beds to be carefully looked over, the
ground loosened, weeds removed, and the various plants care-'
fully pegged down or tied up. IJulbs to be taken up and stored
away until the autumn, and their places to be occupied with
plants from the reserve stock. Russian Violets may be separated
and fi^esh plantations made. Attend to the Dahlias, watering
them with weak liquid manure, and insert stakes to which the
laterals can be tied when suiUciently long. When the grass of
the Ranunculuses turns yellow take up the roots, do not wait
till the whole collection is ready or else those which have arrived
at maturity will again have begun to grow, which will most
likely cause their destruction. Portugal Laurels, Cypresses,
Arbor Vitses, Bays, Yews, and tree Box, arc in some places
used to embellish Italic and geometric flower gardens, and ter-
races, and when cut into architectural figures are fine accom-
paniments of the above style of gardening. To cut them into
tlie figures they are to assume, in many cases wires will be
necessary to keep the branches in their proper place at first,
when afterwards the knife and shears will suffice to keep them in
proper forms. They should, however, be clipped-in two or three
times during the season to attain correctly the required outline.
Tery interesting examples are to be seen under the manipulation
of Mr. Tombs, gardener to Major-General Fox, Kensington.
Give plants infested with the green fly a liberal washing with
the engine or syringe them with tobacco water. Mildew some-
times becomes troublesome after this season. It may, however,
be kept in check by applying sulphur to the parts ofliected the
moment it makes its appearance, first watering them th'it the
sulphur should stick. Continue to propagate Pinks, Piootces,
and Pansies. Clip Box edging in cloudy weather. Roll and
mow lawns, and follow up assiduously the extirpation of weeds.

FRUIT GAEDEN.
Look over espalier Apple, Pear, and Cherry trees frequently,
and continue the system of shortening and stopping the shoots,
and the removal of superfluous wood. Let the shoots of Peaches,
Apricots, Plums, and Pears be laid in at once to the walls.
Proceed with the layering of Sti'awberries for forcing, and let
them be kept watered. Fruit trees in general may now be
budded.

STOVE.
Give abundance of air and use every endeavour to keep the
house saturated with moisture. Look well to the plants which
are growing for winter blooming, and also to Achimenes,
Gloxinias, Gesneras, &c., a good stock of which will be found
useful in the autumn. A slight shade will be necessary for
tender plants in active growth for a few hours during bright
sunshine, but it should be xised as sparingly as is consistent with

the perfect safety of the foliage. If previous directions have
been attended to there will be but little to do to the Orchids
here besides attending to the ordinary routine of affording them
a thoroughly moist atmosphere, repotting any specimen that
may require it, and sponging the foliage, as may be necessary, to
keep it perfectly clean.

GEEENHOTSE AND COXSEBTATOET.
The border in the conservatory to be examined, and if neces-
sai'y give it a thorough soaking of weak liquid manure. Give a
liberal supply of ah- at this season, both night and day, and
keep the house as neat and clean as possible. Chiysanthemums-
to be duly potted and attended to, to be supplied liberally with
manure water, and to bo sprinkled overhead every evening.
See that Azaleas arc clear of thrips. Forward Chinese Primroses
for winter blooming. See that the Lilacs, Deutzias, and Roses
forced the preceding season are plunged and top dressed. A
few pots of Mignonette sown now and kept under a north wall
will be found useful in the autumn. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

The fine genial rains have come at last, worth more than a
hxmdred artificial waterings, and oh I everything has grown as
a consequence of the rains falling so gently, and yet somewhat
heavily, on gi'ound previously so well heated. "Were we sure of
such warm weather as we lately had returning, and continuing,
we might try many tropical plants out of doors, both fruit and
flowers, with good hopes of success, though, in such a season as
the last, they would but pine and die.

Turned out as many succession Cauliflowers, Colewort Cab-
bages, Brussels Sprouts, Scotch Cabbnging-kale, Asparagus-kale,
Tariogated-kale, Cottagor's-kale, and Melville's Garnishing-kale,
for the first time, and, as yet, see no difference between it and
Cottager's-kole, and, much as the latter is praised, consider
it far behind the Scotch Dwarf Cabbaging-kale for general
purposes; the latter permitting of as early and regular cutting,
and remaining close and compact in its heads or sprouts after
the others were a mass of flower. Have frequently had this
Scotch-kale good up to the end of June ; no small matter if
Cabbages happen to be late. Some of these we planted between
the rows of Potatoes after earthing the Potatoes up ; but others,
and most of thcBroccoli, have been planted out some 4 inches apart
in a bed which we use for bedding flower plants, there to stand
until early Potatoes and early Peas ore removed. Eai-ly Cauli-
flowers inbeds under hnnd-glasses were earthed-up by digging a
trench between the beds 15 inches wide, and 18 inches deep,
and rotten drmg being placed in the bottom and forked over.
Strong plants of Celery were put there a foot apart, and what is
still left of the Cauliflower leaves just throws a flickering shade
over the Celery, wliich it is very partial to mitil growing freely.
These few rows between the Cauliflower are generally all we
grow in rows. The bulk of the plants arc put into beds 4 feet
wide, and 4 feet between, dug out about 9 iuclies, and Peas, &c.,
sown on the top of the ridges, so that they shall be gathered and
gone before the Celery needs earlliing-up, about which we are
never in a hurry. These beds when supplied with manure are
but little beneath the general level before the ridges were thrown
up. If these ridges run north and south — in fact, in any other
direction but east and west, the shade will be of advantage to
the Celery, and save some waterings which otherwise they would
require. "Of course a little care must be taken in gathering the
Peas that the Celery is not injured or trampled on, but that
must not be grudged where groimd must be made the most of.
The Peas being sovrn in January or February, the beds are used
for early Potntoes with protection, or early Lettuce, and mostly
for bedding flower plants to be hardened oflf under protection at
night, and, as these are got rid of, three rows of Celery >re trans-
ferred to each bed. If the beds were sunk deeper than stated, there
would be danger of the plants rotting in the winter and spring.

Sowed a few Eclipse, Knight's Dwarf Marrow Pea, and a few
Bishop's Dwarf Pea. Will sow the last of the latter in a fort-
night, just in chance for getting a few late ones if the end of
October should be fine. Gathered Teitch's Perfection last year
until the day before the severe fi-ost in November. Thmned
Turnips, Radishes, sowed more, and also succession of Lettuces,
Endive, Onions, &c., for salads, and a bed of Chicory for winter
and spring use. On this, the 26th, there are signs of the rain
clearing off ; and will run the hoe througli all growing crops as
soon as the ground is hard enough to prevent patching with the

26t

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER.

[ July 2, 1861.

feet, as it is amazing liow a -week of dripping weather has brought
to light weeds unseen before.

Continued looking after the fruit trees much the same as last
week. Nailed the points of Cherries, and netted them to keep
the birds from eating the crop. Thinned out the shoots of
Currant bushes, as we needed them for hair-pin-like pegs for the
flower garden. Fastened those and Gooseberries that the wind
was swaying, owing to the too-heavy crops. Pulled all the
weeds visible in Strawberry quarters preparatory to netting
them, as few things look more slovenly than seeing some big
weed growing through the meshes of the net, as if you had
placed the net as a tiaiuing-fcame for it to luxuriate on. Turned
out, as time could be got and ground be at liberty, the Straw-
berries forced in pots, giving them 2 feet one way, and 15 inches
or 18 inches the other. The first turned out are now beginning
to show flower, which will come in after such late kinds as
Elton and Eleanor, and be succeeded by later plantings. Inde-
pendently of thus gaining a second crop from the earliest planted
in autumn, there is no means I have tried for getting such a
heavy crop the following season. The produce is immense, but
the first season after planting gives you the cream. Such plants
should not stand above two years. We generally turn the
plant out of the pot, and plant it crocks and all, merely running
our fingers over and in the sides of the ball to give free egress to
the roots, and packing the soil firmly against it and watering
well. The sooner these plants are turned out the better they will
yield the following year ; if they stand long, kicking about either
in their pots or out of them before being planted, they will
not greatly exceed those young plants turned out in autumn in
the usual way.

As winds have come with the rains, not only Cucumbers, as
alluded to last week, but Dahlias, Sunflowers, Hollyhocks, and
almost everything in exposed places wanted looking to. Early
Tulips and Ranunciduses also needed raising and drying gradu-
ally in a shady place. Staking and pegging hare been partly
interrupted, not merely because the rains were too heavy for the
men, but in all cases wiiere the feet were required to go on the
bed, the trampling would do more harm on the wet soil than
the tying would do good. This did not apply in cases where
the operator could reach the centre of the bed without putting
a foot on it, or only one foot supported on a piece of wood
6 inches wide and 15 inches or 18 inches long : hence the im-
portance of beds not more than 4 feet or 5 feet wide, so far as
being easily managed in all weathers, and without foot trampling.
Beds that cannot be so reached, and constitute prominent
features, we never allow to be trampled on, even in dry weather,
but insist on the use of these little boards, so that the soil shall
be uniform in porosity. In large beds where coarse things are
grown a dry day is chosen, and the boards dispensed with.
Besides this tying the fork and the hoe are the only implements
used, with a broom to switch the sides when done. We hate
the sight of a rake in all such cases, and gave sad umbrage to
some of the neat-keeping, nicely-dressed-bed people who rake
and rake at their beds to make them look neat, instead of using
means to conceal the earth quickly with leaves and flowers. We
have seen such scratched and continuously-raked beds as hard
as a stone nearly, and yet people wondered the plants got less
instead of larger. For the mass of flower-beds we use twigs of
spruce or larch, or what we can get for support. They do not
look extra beautiful at first, but the growing plant conceals them
ere long, and yet the twigs prevent it being moved or broken by
the winds. Our pegs for Verbenas, Petunias, &c., especially
the outsides of them, are made chiefly of young shoots of currants, ;
or any other tree that can be got ; a bundle being held in the 1
hand and the leaves stripped off— young Laurel shoots taken off
in winter and laid in a heap, are capital for the purpose, as all the |
leaves will drop as soon as touched. Whatever the material, the
man holds a small bundle of such shoots in his left hand, and with
the knife in his right hand, and singling out a shoot he breaks it
over the knife in lengths to suit his purpose— 6 inches for small
things and 8 inches or 12 inches for stronger things. Then sup-
pose you take one of these little sticks, say 6 inches in length,
bring the two ends together, so as to crack it in the middle,
leaving the bark and a little of the wood on the lower side, and
you have a wooden hair-pin. Place the two ends in the ground,
over the shoot, and the peg is put to its use; all these operations
go on at once. The lad breaks the shoot over the knife, cracks
it in the middle, and gets the ends in the ground, and another and
another follow, getting in his dozen almost as soon as some
people could sing out Jack Robinson. — K. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*»* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doi>ig they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed soleli/ to The
Mditors of the "Journal of Sorticxilture, ^-c," 162, Fleet
Street, London, JS.C.

Lawson's Mf-teobological TiiEnjioMEiER Stand.— We shall ha obliged
by being inloimed where this can be obtained, and what wonUl be the
expense, including thermometers and rain-guage. This information is
required by several correspondents ;n consequence of our notice and drawing
of it at p. -^20.

Variegated Pansy (Jl iW. JF.).— Received with n-.any thanks.
Altering a Greenhouse Furnace to the Kipdkan System (??. TT.). —
There is no objection to the proposal of a chamber except the additional
expense. With a quick, good drawing-flue, however, you will be disappointed
if you expect great heat in your chamber. It is quite possible to ride any
idea until it expires and those wlio have already flues or hot water doing
well, but must try every new or merely old but resusci'ated idea, will often
find that they spend their nio^ey for less than an idea. However, your
chamber will at least be a harmless affair, but the heat obtaim-d from it, in
extent, will be in proportion to the bed draught of the flue, or the care taken
to prevent the combustion by a general use of the damper. Where economy
of fuel is the first consideration, we would have a flue, loi^g or shoit, fiom the
furnace, to absorb much of tlie heat that now goes up the chimney. This is
one reason why when there is no such flue, heating various houses f-om one
boiler, is clieaper than heating each house with a separate boiler, just
because the heat escaping from one chimney is le^s than that escaping from
half a dozen. We have, however, several times followed your propose'l plan
with boilers, by placing a chamber over and round them, especially over
them. Before we did so, we ofteu found that the shed In which the firrplace
and boiler were placed, were much warmer than the house heated by the
pipes from the boiler. The chamber intercepted this heat, .ind with two
openings in it, the one near the bottom for cold air, and the other near the
top for hot air, we obtained a stream of liot air pouring into the house in
proportion to the strength of the fire used, and the care with which the
damper was applied. If 20 feet or 30 feet of a flue had run from the furnace
before getting to the chimney, we would not have expected so much from heat
from the chamber. I once outwitted myself with a small hou-e about your
size heated with a small flue below the ground. To s ve all the heat, as I
supposed, in making the stokehole outside the wall, I so contrived to have
ihe furnace door considerably inside the wall— say a foot; the bars, <fcc.,
therefore, wei'e ii,side, below the floor of the house, but f r 3 feet or so above
the furnace the floo" never gets warm, so that what I expected would be the
hottest is in reality the coldest part. This would not have signified if the
flue had not been a short one, as the heat was carried along ; but fiom that
very fact I lose 3 feet or 4 feet of heat-radiating space, which I couM have
had by having the furnace-bars closer to the outside, instead of inside the
house. This simple circumstance will show our correspondent that few
economical plans will combine every advantage. W'e suspect the furnace is
too low, but we can hardly judge, as you do not tell us how high your flue is
above the floor in the greenhouse. To draw well, the furaace-bars of your
flue should be from 15 inches to 24 inches btlow tlie bottom of the fine, and
if the corners of the flue are rounded instead of rctangular, the draught will
be all the better. We consider the ventilation is sufficient if the doer stands
open in summer. It not, you should have two (.'penings in Iront for air, or
even three, which, if smaller, will be better than one sash in the middle. — F.

Camellia Leaves Decayed {A Subscriber) . — The brown spots and edges
of the leaves are caused by the defective action of the roots Proi a'dy they
have been sometimes too wet aud too cold, and at other times ioo drj-.

Strawberries {E.). — Elton Pines averaging 1 oz. in weight are very fine;
but this season of heat and sliowers has produced everywiiere and of eveiy
variety, a finer and more abundant crop than has occurred for some years.
Seed from your Elton Pines will not, for certain, produce finer varieties than
more moderately-sized berries. Would not our " Fiuit Manual for the
Many " suit you ?

Aquilegia caryophtlloides Seed (D. Zntirie), — It seems from you''
staement that the seed was defective. Yet the seedsmen may not l:ave been
to blame— they are dependant on the seed growers ; and even these may not
be in fault, for last year was ov.e of the worst ever known for seed-ripening.
Mr. Rawson is a private gentlemen, and we have no authority to give hi.s
address. Jurinea is a Composite plant, and so is that of which you enclose a
leaf and immature head : but from such specimens we cannot undertake to
say it is a Jurinea. " The Wild Flowers of Gre.at Britain " will be completed
in about sixty Nu^iibers.

Cucdmbers Shedding their Fruit ( ). — Examine the earth ; if weti

stir up and refrain watering for a time. If tlry below give a good watering,
and keep the Vines thin. AVash the wood of the frame with flowers of
sulphur and lime. These may be eftcctual, but, if prudent, you will prepare
another bed, and use light, fresh, well aerated soil. We have had the same
evil ourselves and could not cure it, though we kept it in bounds. It is one
of those diseases which, when it comes, nonplusses the best doctors, vntil
soil, &e, is all fresli. Soumess in the soil we consider the predisposing
cause. You might have your Heliotrope with Ageratum, but we can say
little, as we know nothing of the colour of your Petunias or Verbenas, A
variegated Geranium-bed might look well. Very likely l.ove-lies-bleeding,
or Chrysanthemum tricolor, or Visearia oeulata, or Coreopsis tinctoria,
or Dnimmondi, would do; but we cannot say what would suit you in the
circumstances.

Green Gage Suckers (A ^Hftscnier). — Bare the stem of tho tree care-
fully, and cut off these suckers either with a starp knife, or a sharp mallet
and chisel, and daub over the parts cut with white lead.

Conservatory Roofed with Hartley's Patent Glass {A Subscriber)'
—Do not put up any blinds or shades until you find that Ihey are necessary
If the light and heat require moderating at all. which depends muL-h upon
your aspect and situation, we would much prefer the painting the itiside of
the glass with strongly-sized water, in which a little whiting was mixed,
and a little stone blue added, jus*, to give the mixture a slight azure tone.

July 2, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

Pbach Tkees too LuxuitiANT {X.M. G.).—\Xe do not quite undevstand
your case. AVe presume >ou meant to say this summer instead of last. We
presume that your wood was imperfectly ripened last autumn, and ihat and
the Jrost together, either at the top or the roots, or both comhined. injured
the fruit-buds. That mi^ht be done and the wood-buds break with great
luxuriance, and then the vipour would be increased from thtre beintt no
fruit to moderate its strength. In thinning, the weaker and middle-sized
shoots should have been retained, and the other strong ones taken away or
shortened. In shortening a strong ^hoot early, three, four, or five, nice
sizeable shoots could be obtained from it, according as there is room. These
middle-sized shoots, hardly ever thicker than a quill when strongest, are
easiest to harden and ripen. If such thinning does not check luxuriance
sufficiently, you ought to examine the roots, and either shorten or raise
them in August ; doing so just so inucli as to check growth, but not to make
the shoots flag much. Tiiis will enable the sun to have more power on
them. Tou may pot all the Ipomfeas named, in light sandy loam and leaf
mould, and keep close in a cold pit by the middle of July. They will do
admirably in the conservatory.

Tkeatment of Vine Laterals (T. K. Z.}.— If the fniit is swelling kindl^
thin the laterals, but do not remove them all, unless the main foliage is extr*
large. "When the fruit is ripe and almost finished colouring, you may
remove the most of them to give more light to the house, to enable the air to
circulate more freely round the bunches, and to concentrate the powers of
the plant more in ripening the wood. The reason for removing gradually
has often been given of late. If removed all at once you would check
growth, and the fruit would not swell so well. If your plant of Kennedya
is very luxuriant, pmne it pretty well back and thin out shoots. If not so,
prune but little, provided there is room for the shoots lelt to have plenty of
sun and air. If pruned, you must keep the plant close for a time to expedite
growth, and then, by exposure to sun and air, you must ripen that ynung wood
before autumn. If less pnming is necessary, care in ripening the wood will
be required.

Cultivating Tritoua Uvaria Grandiflora iSIha).—The best way to
raise Tritoma uvarta is irom stiong side-suckers from tlie old plant in the
spring. The next best way is to get it from seeds sown at tlie beginning of
March, in a warm, not a hot, bed, and to plant out the seedlings in the same
ball by the end ot June fov that summer only; then in the autumn to take
up hall, roots, and all, and keep them half dry all winter safe from frost;
then to divide them out next spring and plant them out separate, and, alter
that, leave them out in winter with some mulching over them that will save
them fiom frost. Tliat is just how our seedlings and dividings have been
done, and our stock altogether looks extremely weU.

Plants for an Underground Archway (A Subscriber).— That rock-
arch was not made to have proper climbers nin over it. At the back of the
foundation of a rockery or rock-arch, there ought to have been a mound of
earth, and, as the " dry '■ stones were being laid, proper soil joining to that
mound should have been filled in just as mortar is in buildings all the way to
the top of the arch; the mound, also, should have been also as high as
possible; then, by planting any little climber in the ioints between the
stones in any part of the arch, the roots would soon reach to the mound and
take hold of it. As it is. Ivy is the only plant e.Kcept climbing Roses, or
both together, are the only things to which you can trust, but iliere must
be earth to plant them in as near the arch as pos.sible, and then train all over
it as the plants grow.

Names of Acnuiv.n-ES (J. ITolah). — U is impossible to name vavielies of
florists' flowers fro n small cut .specimens. Tie only course is to compare it
with growing-plants in some ne'ghbouring nurseiy. There are many pui-ple-
flowered sorts having a close general resemblance to yours.

Front Windows of Yinekt (X J'. Z.).— So far as we can make out
we would have the front 6 teet or 6^ feet in height; the half of that, or
a* much more as you like, should be glass. Every oihei sash should be
made to open, or every one would be better. If all are fixed, ventilators
should be placed in the wall, and if the heating-apparatus was cppo&ite these
ventilators it would be better still. The back of such a house should be from
H feet to 13 feet or more. Tlie pit inside then may be 2 fget 9 inches or
3 feet deep.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

July 3rd. Portsea Island. Sec, H. Hollingsworth, Southsea.

July 6th. Crystal Palace. (Rose Show.) Sec^ "W. Houghton.

July 10th. Royal HonTicuLTURAL Society. (Rose Show.} Garde?i

Super int en de7it, G. Eyles.
July ISth. Towcester Floral and Horticultural Society. Sei..

T. B. Rodhnuse, Towcester.
July ISih. Prescot. Sec.^ J. Eeesley.
August 9ih. Belfast Royal Botanic and Horticultural Society.

(Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables.J Sec, George A. Carnithers.
August 14th. Portsea Island. ^Sfcr., H. Hollingsworth, t^outhsea.
September 2nd. Heckmondwike. (Floral, Horticultural, and Agri-

cultuial.) Sec,^ G. Kelley, Heckmondwike.
September 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec.^ W. Houghton.
Sbptember 11th, Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Siiperiniendeni^ G. Eyles.
September 18th and 19th. Brighton and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpenter.
November 6th and 7th. Eotal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superittfendejit, G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newington Chrysanthemum Society.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
November 14th and 15th. Crystal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)
Sec, W. Houghton.

September 3rd. Pocklikgton (Yorkshire.) Sec.f Mr. Thomas Grant-
Entries close August 26th.
September Uth and 12th. Manchester and Liverpool. Sec, Mr. T. B.

Ryder, 2, Elliott Street, Clayton Square, Liverpool. Son. Local. Sec.y

Mr. S. H. Hyde.
September 24th. Bridonorth. Sec, Mr. R. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
November 22nd, 28ih, and 29lh. Darlington. Sec, Mr. J. Hodg-son.

Entries close November 11th.
December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. Sec^ Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Crystal Palace "Winter Show.

Sec, Mr. W. Houghton.

N.B. — Secretaries will oblige us by sending early copies of their lists.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.
POULTRY SHOWS.

July 3rd, 4th, and Sih, Blackpool and West Lancashire. 5ec., Mr. E.

Fowler, jun., Market Street, Blackpool. Entries close June 30th.
July 18th. Prescot. Sec.f Mr. J. Beesley,
AoGt/sT 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th. Ceystal Palace SojisrEa Show.

Sec, Mr. W. Houghton.

PROFITABLE POULTRY KEEPING.— No. 7.

{^Coniinued from page W&^
FOWXS AND THEIK BREEDS — (Confitmed) .
In my last were given — 1, the speckled Dorking ; 2, tlie white
Dorking ; 3, the Hamburgh (Everlasting Layer).
I now continue the list with

4. T/ie Game. —Ihis is a noble breed, and, for flavour of flesh
and ricliness of egg, is worthy to stand at the head of the list.
For profit they are scarcely desirable, though the prices obtained
both for their eggs and chickens are in advance of every other
kind ; not to tliat extent, however, as to compensate for the various
drawbacks incident to the breed. In the first place they are
pugnacious from the shell, so much so, that you can scarcely
reckon to rear one-lialf the number hatched, putting one side
cases of accident and sickness. They require an extensive nm ;
are ratlier aristocratic in their diet, evincing a decided predileo-
tion for dry grain to any other food. A friend of mine has a
yard of Game fowl only, and after some twenty years' experience,
assures me that he is well content if he has four chickens fully
reared from each hatcli.

5. The Cochin. — This breed will do well on a limited run,
and I am disposed to class them as Al for a winter layer. I
found that not only the pure breed, but any which had a strain
of the blood, even to the distance of a generation or two, were
the best cold-weather layers. The eggs are small, both in
comparison witli those of other fowls and the size of the bird
itself. It is but a mytli that they lay daily; though I well
remember when the furor for the bird was at its height, the most
ridiculous statements were eagerly received, even to the extent
of their laying twice daily. It is undeniable that they do lay
well, but ior the table the breed is not desu-able, size alone
excepted. Tlie flesh is comparatively inferior, and the colour
decidedly bad. Persons keeping fowls in towns, sliould, never-
theless, prefer the Cochin ; and it is an excellent poor man's
bird. This breed sits true, and the hens are fair nurses. When
feeding and scratching for her young she is apt to be careless,
throwing her chickens about more than other fowls generally do.

6. The Spanish.— A. stately, handsome breed. Sliy layers,
indifferent sitters, and bad nurses. Eggs large, and rather good
flavoured than rich. Troublesome to rear. Flesh inferior to
the Game and Dorking. Certainly not a profitable bird.

The above list might be greatly extended ; but, inasmuch as
the object of these papers has been to endeavour to point out
how to keep poultry with profit, I shall confine it to the six
breeds named. To those disposed to " try their luck," I should
advise a further limitation, and urge them to confine their stoct
to jVos. 1, 3, and 5. These three will keep their owners well
supphed with both eggs and chickens, Should then- object be
eggs chiefly, the greater proportion of the stock should be No. 3
(Hamburglis) ; if chickens, then the majority of birds should be
No. 1 (Speckled Dorking).

I thus bring to a conclusion my papers, in so far as general
management and a description of those fowls best calculated
for the breeder and the salesmen are concerned. I may possibly
find a few more words in elucidation of a few points, which, for
convenience, I shall bring into one view.

And now kind reader, farewell. If in these papers on Profitable
Poultry Keeping I hare been able to impart some little know-
ledge, or give some little pleasure, I am well content, and shall
feel repaid for my labour— assuredly a labour of love— for in
all that pertains to a country hfe, am I an enthusiast. In
common with thousands I love the country for its own sake, and
its labours for the labours' sake, and its simple pleasures hold far
above those of an almost artificial stale of existence in crowded
cities ; and of the many employments which a country life
presents, would I specially commend poultry keeping, both for
the pleasure it gives and its certain profits.

266

JOURNAL OF HOETICTJLTTJRE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

C July 2, 1861.

Let me, liowever, be clearly understood, that to obtain the latter
result in full, the undertaking must be cari'iedon m the country;
yet sutBciently near to a large population to insure a ready sale
and good ])rices. To see fowls penned up in a wretched yard
(yclept a garden in a large city), damp, ill-veutilated and dark,
and yet expect profit even if liberally fed, is too absurd ; and
tho?e who try with merely such appliances must expect nothing
but disappointment — not that I expect poultry to do on "only
graFs and air; " yet I shall be near proving that grass and air
only, in so far as the owners of hens are concerned, will some-
times do wonders. But I must not anticipate.

I am called upon to vindicate my statenjents, and this I hope
to do in the ensuing Nxunber. — Lkighton.

AGE OF CHICKENS FOK EXHIBITING.

Ik your remarks on last years' Crystal Palace Summer Show,
you say some of the chickens were much too yoimg to have any
chance of a prize. What do you think the youngest age at
which I'orking chickens would stand a fair chance?

Does (he ligbt or dark colour, or the regularity of the markings
of plumage in Grey Dorking fowls, weigh at all in the opinion of
Judges, other things being equal ?

Are fowls sent as fat as possible, or do they stand as good a
chance taken up from a good rim where they are well fed ?

I have a valuable Dorking cock with the balls of his feet very
much Bwelli-d, and one festered from roosting where there is a
boarded floor. I hare given him better quarters. Can I apply
anything to reduce the swelling?

Last year I had a Spanish cock which considerately acted as
dry nurse in the case of a brood that was early forsaken by its
mother. I have seen him nestle the brood under him exactly as
the hen, and not only so, but he continually uttered the broody
cluck or call similar to the hen, but with a masculine hoarseness
quite difftrent from the ordinary call of the cock. He regularly
took them out to pasture, and, indeed, was more than a mother
to them. I shall be glad to hear if any of your correspondents
have met with similar cases. — Sb>TiX Gallfs.

[It is difiicult to assign any age likely to be successful in
competition, or to name that which, of necessity, defers hope
till a future time. One fowl, thanks to breed, to care, and to
judicious feeding, will be larger at twelve weeks than another at
fom-teen, and, while there is always a feeling of satisfaction, and
very oficn an award of high commendation, where success is
only marred hy youth, there is always bitterness and disappoint-
ment when it is found that chickens no older than many left at
home as having no chance owing to youth have been successful.
Much again must depend on seasons and weather. In a favour-
able season you may expect forward chickens, while, if the
weather lias been adverse, it is almost certain they will be small
and backward. We arc, then, in some difficulty how to answer
the qurry of our " Sekex Gallus," as to " the youngest age
at which we think Dorking chickens woiJd stand a fair chance."
We think it has been a bad season this year, and wc therefore
advise our readers to feed well, to make the most of the time
between this and the show, and to exhibit if they are sixteen,
eighteen, or twenty weeks old at the time of showing.

Neither light nor dark colour, nor the regidarity of markings,
are important points in Dorkings ; but, where everything else is
equal, then, if in one pen two pullets differed in markings, while
in another they were perfect, wc imagine that would tm-n the
scale in favour of the latter. Dorkings are not feather fowls,
excepting in the Silver Grey classes.

In our opinion, fowls lose chances of success by being very
fat, as a poultry show is not a show of fat stock, and, what
is required for success is hard condition of plumage and body.
This can oi:ly be obtained in Dorkings by fowls that ai-e running
about, with good food, and plenty of exercise. They will be
full of meat and muscle.

The only Ih ng you can do is to poultice the swelled foot of
your Dorking cock, and, if necessary, to open it. He must then
be kept for some time on soft grass, and the wound must be
covered that no dirt get in to it. It is a shame, if it is not wicked,
to put fowls on any flooring but earth.

We have no such instance in our experience as that of your
Spanish cock acting as dry nurse and mother. In Italy nearly
all the chickens are reared by capons. We have seen one in
this country maternally attending to a brood, and broken-hearted
when they were taken away. Tlic hybrid between the fowl and

common Pheasant shows a sort of difference of sex by sire and
appearance, although, in fact, it is a disputed point whether any
dillerence exists (we do not believe it does) ; lot that be as
it may, the apparent m.ale of this breed is never so happy as
whtn sitting on eggs ; we have observed it lumdreds of times,
and have seen the bird watch the ben off the nest, and settle
down on the egg with all the delight in (he world. It is a Tcry
curious fact, but the destruction of one sex in a bird woidd seem
to confer to a certain extent the propensities of the other. Thus
the strange bird killed in coverts, and called a heu-cock Pheasant,
is a hen indeed, with n rupture c f the ovary which unfits her for
laying. If this bird be dissected, the entire inside will be found
saturated with yolk of egg, or something exactly resembling it
in colour and substance ; she then partially takes the plumage
of the cook : thus the capon loses the plumage and habits of the
cock. The damaged pullet, even in common fowls, takes par-
tiiilly the plumage of the cock, her comb and gills grow, her
tail turns over, hackle and saddle appear and lengthen, and she

Cl'OWS.

We hove wandered a long way in our gossiping ; to conclude,
we would add we do not advise you to breed from this chicken-
rearing cock.]

THE ESSEX AGEICULTUKAL ASSOCIATION'S
POULTRY SHOW.

The meeting of this Society, held on Tuesday last, was, in
spite of very bad weather, eminently snecessful. The depart-
ment which especially belongs to us had a great advaniago over
the others, from the fact of its being held under cover of a good
marquee. It had also another advantage— thiit of being under
the able direelion of Mr. W. A. Warwick, of Colchester, who is
an iiidefiUigable steward, and of good experience. Like many
other county associations, the Essex is only hound by the limits
of its county, and this year it settled at Romford. The spot
chosen for the Show was happily selected — it was in the park of
Mr. Mcintosh, where good solid trees of many years age gave
a welcome shelter to man and beast, not from a scorching sun,
but fiom a driving and ceaseless rain.

The first and most important class was that of Dorkinga.
Ilieee purely fiirnier's birds arc receiving in Essex the attention
they deserve. Fifteen pens, all of which were good. The first
prize was taken by Mr. Philip IMason, of Brighthngsea, with a
pen of birds that arc worthy of larger shows. The second prize
(ell to the same gentleman, and the third went to Mr. Henry
Lingwood, of Needham Market — a name well known to exhibitors
of White Dorkings. Nine good birds represented the Dorking
Cocks of Essex, and here again Mr. Mason was victorious. In
the class for White Dorkings Mr. Lingwood took the prize, as
did Mr. Craigie for Spanish.

The Game were great favourites. In the class for Piles, the
first prize was taken by Mr. Peltitt with an unusually good pen,
the second was taken by the same gentleman, and the third went
to Worcester to Mr. Corbctt. For the Black and Brown Reds
there was keen competition, and the first prize was taken by Mr.
Matthew, of Stowmarkct — a name well known as a breeder
throughout the eastern counties, the second went to Mr. Pettitt,
and the third to Mr. T. Hill, jun. 'i'lie Duckwings are favourites,
and were well represented. Mr. Matthew again won first, Mr.
Gosling, of Bedford, second, and Sir T. B. Lcmiard, Bart.,
took third.

In the Si,iff!e Cod- class, the Rev. T. L. Fellowes had a Tcry
hard task to beat Mr. Matthew, but the bird of the latter was
out of condition.

Mr. Fellowes was also successful in Golden-pencilled Sam-
hurghs ; Mrs. Pattison, of Maldon, taking second. The same gen-
tleman won for Silver-prneilled and Golden-spangled Hamburghs.
Mr. J. Cook, of Colchester, was successful with Silver-spangled
Hamburghs ; Mrs. Pattison taking second, beating Mr. Fellowes.

In the class for " any other variety," Mr. Craigie for Ban-
tams,' Mr. Edwards with Polands, and Mr. Postans for Duck-
wing Bantams, carried off the honours.

Miss Julia Milward won the prize for the best pen of TurJceys,
with three birds that were well worthy of the cfistinrtion. Sir
T. B. Lennard, Bart., stood first for a very fine cock Turkey of
great weight, beating Miss Crawsliay and Mr. 'J'uck.

Mr. Craigie took the prize for a pen of Chinese Geese; and
Mrs. Seamons, of Aylesbury, carried off both the prizes for
Ducks,

July 2, L861. ]

JOUKNAL OF HOIITIC0LTUBE AND COTTAGE aARUBjS'ER.

207

In the class for " nny other variety " of Ducks, Mr. Saunders
Salnsbury stood first with a pen of yery good Buenos Ajrean;
while for " extra stoclc," Mr. Boghursfc was highly commended
for a pair Brent Gfcse.

The Show, on the whole, was highly successful, and the bu-ds
exhibited far above the average.

DORKiNcs (C(tlnnred). — First and Second, P. ^fiison, Bvightlingsea Hall,
Essex. Third, H. Lint^wood, Needham Jlarkct, Sulf"lk. Higlily Commended,
J, Frosty Pai'liani, Uoodbridge, Suffolk ; G. Gvigijs, Komford, Esses. Com-
mended, D. Jackson, Chadwell Place.

Dorking Cocic (any colour).— Prize, P. Slason, Ei'ightlinftsea Hall, Essex.
Hiphiy Commendeil, 11. Lingwood, Needham JIarket, Sufiolk. Commended,
P. Mason, Brif^htling^ea Hall, Es^ex.

Dorkings (VVhite). — Prize, H. Lingwood, Needham Market., Suffolk.

Sp.iNlsil.— First and Second, J. H. Craigie, Woodlands, Chigwell, Essex.

Game (White and riles'.— First and Second, E. Pettitt, Chappel, Essex.

Game (Blicl-:-hrea-ted and other Reds).— First, S. Matlhow, Slowrr^arket,
Suffolk. Second, E. Pettit, Chappel. Third, T. Hill, jun., Brentwood, Essex.

Game (DnckwinK).— First, S. Matthew, Stowmarket. Second, IT. W.
Gostling. jun.. Oakley, Bedford. Third. SirT. Barrett-Lennard, Bart., Eelhus.
Highly Commeniled, P. Mason, Erightlingsca Hall.

Game Cock (any colour).— Prize, Rev. T. L. Fellowes, Beighton Rectoiy.
Highly Commended, S. Matihcw, Stowmarket ; Mrs. Patlisson, Maldon.

Hamhubgh (Gold-pencilled).— First, Rev. T. L. Fellowes, Beighton Rectory.
Second, Miss M. Read, Stradbroke, Suffolk. Commended, Mrs. Pattison,
Maldon.

HAMDnnGiii Silver-penciRed).— First, Rev. T. L. Fellowes, Beighton Rectory.
Second, no award.

Hajibdiigh (Golden-spaDgled).— Prize, Rev. T. L. Fellowes, Beigliton
Rectory.

HAHBoncn (Silvei'-spanglcd). — First, J. Cooke, Maitland Cottage, Col-
chester. Second, .Mrs. Pattison, ^laldon. Commendvd, Rev. T. L. Fellowes.

Any othku Breed.— Prize, T. P. Edwards, Lyndlmrat, Hampshire (White-
crested Black Poland). Prize, R. D. Postans, Brentwood, Essex (Duckwing
OameB.intam). Prize, J. H. Ciaigio, Woodlands. Chigwell (Brahimi l*ootra,.
Highly Commended, Rev. T. L. Fellowes: .T. U. Craigie.

TanKETS (Black).— Prize, Miss J. Milwai'd, Newton St. Loe, Bath,
Somerset.

TtJRKEY Cock (any colour).— Prize, SirT. Barrett Lennard, Bart., Bellius
;Garahridgeshire).

Geese iGrey).— Prize, J. H. Craigie, Woodlands, ChigwcU (Chinese).

Docks (Aylesbury). -First and -"Second, Mrs. M. Seamons, H trtwcU, Aylcs-
Ijury, Bucks, Commended, W. P. Boguurst, Fi-ating Abbey.

Ducks (any other breed).— Prize, G. S. Sainsbury, Rowde, Devizes, Wilts
(East Indian).

ExTUA Stock.— Commended, W. P. Bo^hurst, Fraling Abbey (Black
<jloose and Gander).

The Judges wero— The Kev. Morton Sliaiv and Mr. John

Baily.

THORNE POULTRY SHOW. i

On Wednesday, the 19th ult., a grand Cattle, Implement, and ;
Poultry Show, was held at Thome, which turned out most
successfully, the weather being fine, and the number of .spectators ,
being upwards of 5000. The poidiry is always the most numerous
class at this Show, and we this year find that there wore more
entries than on previous occasions, tliere being no less than 213, ;
though many failed to send their specimens. The number of |
•empty pens interspersed amongst thoie that were occtipied, in |
consequence of this, gave to the Sliovv a somewhat meagre
appearance, whicli in reality was far from being the case. Many
beautiful birds were exhibited in the ■\ariou3 classes, and much
admiration was elicited by the clean, bright plumage, which
neai-ly every bii-d presented. A very chaste and elegant silver ,
cup, by Moss & Myers, of Sheffield, weighing 145 ozs., and valued :
at £6 10s., was offei'ed as a special prize in Class 48 for the best i
pen of G-ame fowls of any brerd, and foil to the lot of Mr. G. '
MelliweU, of Walkley, near Sheffield, who exhibited some remark- j
.ably splendid birds. Tiie cup bore the following inscription : — • ,
THOE^"E AGRIOlJITtJUAI AKD Pori.TItT A3S0CIATI0K.
SPECIAL PEIZE AWARDED TO
Ml!. GEO. UEILIWEll, WALKLEY, SnEPFIELD,

FOR THE BEST PEX OP GA3rE FOWLS. {

JUNE 19, 1861. ;

There were forty-nine entries for Pigeons, and thirteen for 1
Kabbits, both being good classes. TTie following ia the list of j
awards ; — i

SrAsisn.- First, E. Brown, Sheffield. Second, T. P. AVood, Chesterfield.
Highly Commended, W. D iwson, Mirfiehl. Commended, R. Tate, Drillield.

Cochix-Chi.va. — irst, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfield. Second, J. Staley,
North Col iiigham, Newark. Highly Commended, D. Barker, Hull. Com-
mended, T. Sykes, Armyn.

Dorkings.— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, Miss M. A. Sledruore,
Epivorth.

Game (White and Piles).— First, H. Adams, Beverley. Second, W. Hopkin-
son, Worksop. Highly Commended, G. Helliwell, Walkley, Sheffield.

Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).— First, W. Johnson, Worksop.
Second, H Adams, Heverley. Highly Commended, H. JI. Julian, Beverley;
■G. Helliwell, Sheffield. Commended, J. Mowbray, Finningley.

GAiiE (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues). — Fii-st, H. Adams, Beveiley,

Second, J. Hepworth, Bearswood Green. Highly Commended, J. Taylor,
Osberton.

Game (any brePd).— Sdver Cup, G. Helliwell, Walkley, Sheffield. Second,
H. Adams, Bvverley. Highly Commended, E. Bentley, Hatfield Moors ;
W. Johnson, Worksop; H. M. Julian, Beverlev ; T. Bottomley. Halifax. Com-
mended, J. Fletchei-, Stoneclnugh, MancViester : H Adams, Beverley.

PoLAt:i» (any variety). — First and Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Highly
Commended. D. Barker, Hull.

Hamburgh (Silver-^pangled) —First, J. Dixon Bradford, Second, R. Tate,
Di-iflieid. Highly Commended, W^ Cannon, Bradford.

Hawbukgh (Golden-ppangled\— First, W. Cannon, Bradford. Second,
J Dixon, Bradford. Highly Commended, J. Wright, Gjole ; A. Hudson,
Ouseclitr, York, rommended, R. Tate, DrifHeld.

Hambcbgk (Silver-pencilled). — First, W. Wood, WalMey, Sheffield.
Second, E. Barrow, North Cave. Highly Commended, J. Dixon, Bradtoul.

HA>muKeH (Golden-pencilled). — First, E. Brown, Shetileld. Second, J.
Dixon, Bradford. Commended, G. Smith, Goole ; C. Wittan, Kawcliffe ;
S. Smith, Noi-thowram. Halifax.

Akt FAEMrABD Ceoss.— Fnst, P.. Tate, Driffield. Second, F. Marshall,
Osbe^'ton.

Eaxtams (Gold and Silver-laced).— First, F. Wragg, Sheffield. Second,
J Dixon, Bradford.

BaNiAMS (Black, White, and nny coloured).— First, J Dixon, Bradford.
Second, i:. Tate, Driffield. Highly Commended, J. Gawan, Beverley.

Axr Beeed ot Cuoss —First, H. Adams, Beveiley. Second, G Helliwell,
Walkle-. , Shetfield. Highly Commended. W Johnson, Worksop ; P. Cianidje,
Crowle; T. Sanderson She'lieUl ; W. Wood, Walkley. ShelflelJ.

Ant Breed ou Ckoss.— First, W. is. Key, Epwortli. Second, G. Helliwell,
ShefBeld, Highly Commended, R. Tate, Driffield; H. Adams, Beverley;
AV. B. Key, Epw .rth.

Guinea Fowls.— First, H. Morkin, Driffield. Second, R. Ta'.e, Driffield.
Highly Commended, J. Hepworth, Bearswnod Green.

E.\TRA STOCK.

TuEKETS.— First, J. Dixon, BradforiU Second. E. Tate, Driffield.

Geese.— First, Jlrs. Applryard, Thorne. Second, R. Tale, Driltield.

Gibs. - First, Mrs. tonghorne, Armyn. Second, T. Johnson, Hatfield.
Highly Commended. T. Johnson. Comrnenled, J. Bl.;ker, Moorends.

Ducks (any breed).— First, B. Tate, Driffield. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford.

Ducks (Aylesbui'y).— First, U. Tale, Dritlield, Second, — lleaton, Arm-
thorpe.

RABBFIS.

Buck and Doe- First, B. Henson, Thorne. Second, — Addy, Epworth.

Buck.— Prize, O. Moolev, Crowle.

Doe.— First, R. Firtli, Tliovne. Second, G. Jones, Birmingham. Highly
Commended, W. R. HinchslifT, Moorends.

Doe (for weight;.- Piize, G. Jones, Birmingham.

PIGEONS.

Caekieks. — Prize, Ft. Yardlev, Bii-mingham.

Ckoppi-bs.- Krst, E. Broivn, Sheffield. Second, Messrs. Sharp & Robson,
Brotherton.

Tusini.v.ns.— First, R. Gravil, Thome. Second, D. B irker, Itull. Highly
Commended, J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Commended, R. Gravil, Ttonie.

Jacubin.s.— Fii-sf, T. Eh iniitem, Woodmansey. Second, E. Brown, ShefBeld.

Nuns.— Fir.-t and Second. J. W. Edge, Birmingham.

Trumpeters.— First, F. Key, Beverley. Se:onrt, J. W. Edge Birmingham.

Tbrbits.- Fii-st. F. Key, Beverley. Second, E. Brown, Sheffield.

Fantails. — First, T. Elrington, Woodmansey. Second, J. W. Edge,
Birmingham.

Owls.— F. Key, Bevevlej-. Second, H. Ravenhill, Dcncaster.

ERTRA STOCK— PIGEONS.
Owls.— Commended, J. W. Edge, Binningham.

TAUNTOiir POULTRY EXHIBITION.
JtriJE 28Tn and 29th.

That portion of our readers who are poultrj' fanciers will be
glad to find that the annual Exhibitions at Taunton, which have
been discontinued since 1S55, are at length renewed under the
most favourable auspices, the Exhibition just concluded proving
itself a most satisfactory one. "Under the able gitidanee of Mi-.
Charles Ballance, everything connected with the Show itself was
carried out most efficiently ; and we are equally pleased to
record the fact that the weather, although for many days past
changeable in the extreme, prove(i highly favourable to the com-
fort of visitors during the two days the Show remained open.

The Exhibition was held (by special permission from the
Horse Guards) in the Taunton Barrack-yard ; vei-y roomy pens
being erected expressly for the occasion, so constructed that even
had rain unfortunately fallen the poultry could not by any
possibihty have suffered in any way.

The decorations were well conceived, and profuse. _ Erom the
entrance-gates of the Ban-ack-yard to the very admission-door of
the Show an avenue of firs, each one from some 15 feet to 20 feet
high, sprang up as though by magic in the space of a few hours
only, the trees forming the same being cut from a neighbour-
ing plantation ; and when the arrangements were completed, ap-
pearing to all but practised eyes as though they had attained
their present maturity on the vei-y spot they then occupied. K"or
was the additional beauty of flowers wanting ; many of the
bouquets would havejustly claimed especialnoticeeven at a meeting
exclusively appertaining to floriculture. A very superior drum
and fife band, stationed some distance from the poultry, much

268

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 2, 1861.

enliTened the scene, whilst flags and banners gave their help to
the general attractions.

On entering the Show itself, it became at once evident that
whilst the external adornment of the Exhibition, as just stated,
had been so efficiently carried out, the comfort of the poultry
had not been for a moment lost sight of; in fact, the barley,
peas, and vetches tliat were used for feeding were as good as
could possibly be procured, and we doubt not tliat many pens of
fowls will actually return to their owners in improved condition
to that in which they left them. We make mention of this circum-
stance, in favourable contrast to the sordid views of some com-
mittees we have met with, who seemed to regard tlie good
quality of the corn provided as being but little, if anyway, im-
portant. This notion in management, however, is midoubtedly
a very mistaken one, as those fowls most highly fed at liome, feel
still the most severely of any the temporary privations ever
consequent on bad provender during a poultry meeting, and we
trust that some committees of poultry shows" will henceforward
adopt the more liberal plan we have just hinted as pursued at
Taunton ; whilst we feel equally assiu-ed that exliibitors generally
will indicate their personal approval by their greater increase iii
the amount of entries.

Another peculiarity of the Taunton arrangements was very
satisfactory in reference to the plate prizes, and offers a suggestion
to any iudividuals who conduct such exhibitions. Although the
diversity of articles was such as to suit the taste or requirements
of almost any of the prizetakers, a profusion of articles — such
as flower-vases, salvers, table-lbrks and spoons, claret-jugs, card-
baskets, pianoforte-candlesticks, sugar-basons, cream-jugs, &c.,
being placed for selection, under glass in the centre of the Show,
arrangements had been expressly entered into with the various
tradesmen who provided the plate, that any winner shoiild be
allowed, if desirable, to select whatever article in their various
stocks at home he thought fit of the same value, in lieu of those
first profiered. How many, we submit, of our principal " silver
cup " winners of the present day would joyfully embrace a like
opport unity.

Our remarks from want of space respecting the poultry itself
must be few and general. The whole were unusually good, and
no doubt the useful varieties mustered the most strongly. It
will be seen, too, that ladies took no insignificant portions of the
plate prizes. To Mrs. Henry Fookes were allotted the plate for
both Turkeys and also Cochins. To Mrs. Seamons, of Aylesbury,
likewise a couple of plate premiums for Oeese and Aylesbury
i)«cfo— for such Ducks by-the-by, as a lady facetiously observed,
as might readily be mistaken for Geese on ordinary tables. Mr.
Rodbard's Spanish C/tic/cens, and Lady Julia Cornwallis'
Dorkings were peculiarly good. The whole of the Game classes
were excellent, the Malays and the Polands being unuMially so.

It is, indeed, rarely so capital a collection of Pigeons is got
togetlier ; they were one of the most admired features of the
Show, and scarcely a prize could be named that was not sub-
jected to very severe competition. In conclusion, we congratulate
the promoters on the success of this Meeting, and hope from its
now being so ably carried out its permanency is secured.

Mr. Jldward Hewitt, of Birmingham, ofliciated as Judge.

Sfauish.— Plate, G. Ray, Minestead, Lj ndliurst. Second, W. E. Elliot,
riymouth. Third, A. Heatli, Calne, Wilts.

DoRKfNG (Coloured). -Plate, Major W. S. Cooke, Stoke St. Mary. Second,
Lady J. Cornwallis, Staplehurbt. Third, G. Chadwin, Salisbury.

DoEKiNG (White!.— Plate, Mrs. n. Fookes, Whitechuich, Blandford. Second,
and Third, Eev. G. F. Hodson, North Petlierton, near Bridgewater.

Cochin-Chisa (Cinnamon and Buff).- Plate, Mrs. H. Fookes, Blandford.
third, R. Everett, Monmouth. (Second withheld).

Cocbis-Chika (Grouse and Partridge-fealhercd).— First, J. Bolton, Wynn
Street Birmingham. Second, Mrs. H. Fookes, Blandford.

Cochin-China (White and Black).— First, G. O. Whitwell, Kendal. Third,
E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Devon. (Second withheld.)

Malay (Coloured).— Plate, C. Ballanoc, Taunton. Second, J. J. Fox,
Deviies. Third, G. F. Nicholls, the Moors, Clieltcnliam.

Malay (White and Black).— Prize, C. Ballance, Taunton.

Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).— Plate, S Dupe, Evercreech, Bath.
Second, Rev. G. S. Gruwys, Tiverton. Third, W. T. Everett, Aoliby-de-la-
Zouch. Highly Commended, Rev. G. S. Cruwys; Mrs. W. A. Sandford,
Nynchead Court; J.Scarlett, Taunton. Commended, J. H. Braikenridge,
Bristol ; H. Ball, Taunton.

Game (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).— First, Rev. G. S. Cruwys,
Tiverton. Second, S. Dnpe, Batli. Third, W. Lonr, Devizes.

Game (White, Black, and Piles).- First and Second, Rev. G. S. Cruwys
Cruwys Morchard, Tiverton.

Hamboeoh (Gold-pencilled).— Prize, W. R. Elliott, Plymouth.

HiMBCEGB (Gold-spangled).— Prize, W. R. Elliott, Plymouth.

Hambdeoh (Silver-pencilled).— Plate and Second, T. Keablc, Berks. Third.
Miss H. M. King, Walford, near Taunton.

Hasibdegh (Silver-spangled).— First and Third, Mrs. Pcttat, Overton.
Second, Lady J. Corn w allis, Staplehurst,

Poland (Black with white crests).— First, G. S. Fox, Somerset. Third,
G. Ray, Lyndliurst. (Second withheld.)

Poland (Golden and Silver).— Plate, H. Child, jun., Birmingham. Second'

F. Hardy, Yorkshire. Third, Mrs. Pettat, Overton. Highly Commended,
Mrs. Pettat.

Pea Fowl (Pheasants and Gallince).— First, S. Pitman, Taunton. Second-
H. Adney, Lympstone, Devon.

AnV OTHfiE VaEIETV not COMPRISED IN THE BeFORE-MENTIONED CLASSES.

— First, S Pitman, Taunton (White .'Spanish). Second, Miss 8. H. Northcote,
Extter (While Spanish). Third, J. H. Craigie, Essex (Bruhma).

Spanish (Chicken).— First and Silver Medal and Second, J. R. Rodbard'
Bristol. Highly Commended, W. K. Elliott, Plymouth.

DoHKiNO (Chicken).— First, L-idy J. Cornwallis, Staplehurst. Second'
Major W. S. Cook, Stoke St. Mary.

CocHi.v-CniNA (Chicken'.— First, Miss A. Willcox, Bristol. Second, Mrs-
Herbert, Powick. near Worcester. Highly Commended, R. Everett, Mon-
mouth ; 5Irs. H. Fookes, Blandford ; Mrs. Herbert ; J. R. Rodbard, Bristol.

Malay (Chicken). — First and Second, C. Ballance, Taunton.

Game (Chicken). — First, J. R. Rodbard, Bristol. Second, W. Long. Brow-
Cottage, Devizes. Highly Commended, J. R. Rodbard.

Hambdrgh (Spangled, Chicken). — Prize, W. R. Elliott, Plymouth.

SWEEPSTAKES.
Spanish (Cocks).— Prize, J. Carr, Hatod, Swansea.
Dorking (Cocks). — First, Rev. F. M. King, "Watford, Tannton. Second'

G. Chadwin, Salisbury. Highly Commended, Mrs. Pettat, Overton.
Cochin-Ciuna (Cocks).— Prize, Mrs Herbert, Worcester. Highly Cora"

mended, J. Carr, Hafod, Swansea.
Malay (Cocks).— Prize, C. Ballance, Mount Terrace, Taunton.
Game (Cocks). — Prize, J. R. Rodbard, Bristol.

HAMBur.GH Cocks (Pencilled). — Prize, T. Keable, Lambourne, Bucks.
Hamburgh Cocks (Spangled). — Prize, Lady J. Cornwallis, Staplehurst.
Game Bantam (Cocks).— Prize, G. Chadwin, Tollard Royal, Salisbury.

Bantajis (Gnld-laced).— F.rst, Rev. G. S. Crliwys, Tiverton. Second, Rev
G. F. Hodson, North Petherton, near Biidgewater.

Bantams (Sdvcr-laced). — First and Silver Medal, Rev. G. S. Cruwys,
Tiveiton. Second, Miss G. Everett, Monmouth.

Bantams (Whitci.— first. Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Tiverton, Second, -Mrs.
^V. A. Siinford. Nynehiad Court.

Bantams '.Black) —Prize, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Tiverton.

Bantajis (Black or Brown Red Game).— Plate, Mrs. E. Everett, Monmouth.
Second, J. G. Price, Wellington, Somerset.

Bantams (Duckwing Game). — Plate, J. Camni, Southwell. Second, Mrs.
Chadwin Salisbury. Highly Commended, Jlrs. Pettat, Overton ; C. Ballance,
Taunton.

Turkeys.- Plate, Mrs. H. Fookes, BKindford. Second, Miss J. Milward,
Bath. Third, Miss E Everett, Monmouth.

Geese.— Plate, Mrs. Seamons, Bucks. Second, Mrs. H, Fookes, Blandford.
Third, E. Pigeon, Devon.

Decks (Aylesbury).— Plate and Second, Mi-s. Seamons, Aylesbury, Bucks.
Third, E. Carlyon, St. Austell.

Docks (Rouen).- F rst, J. H. Braikenridge, Chew Magna, near BristoL
Second, Mrs. H. Fooke.^ Whitechurch, Blandford. Third, W'. R. Elliott,
Plymouth. Highly Commended, J. H. Braikenridge.

DnCKS (Black East-Indian).-- Plate and Third, C. Ballance, Taunton.
Second, G. S. Sainsbury, Rowde, Devizes. Highly Commended, G. S. Salis-
bury; C. Ballance. Commended, Rev. J. White, Bruton, Somerset.

PIGEONS.

Carriers.- First, F. G. Steevens, Asminster. Second, Major Hassard,
Hailsea. near Portsmouth. Highly Commended, Major Hansard.

TuMBLBRS.— First, H. Adney, Lympstone, Devon. Second, T. W. Lowson,
Lairjiate, Beverley. Highly Commended, F G. Steevens, Axminatcr ; T. W.
Lowson, Laiigate, Beverley. Commended, S. W. Norman, Oakley, near
London.

Owls.— First, F. G. Steevens, Axminster. Second, W. Squire, Hanwell,
Middlesex. Highly Commended, F. Key, High Gate, Beverley; T. W. Low-
son, Lairgate, Beverley; J. G. Price, Wellington, Somerset.

Nuns.— First, J. B. Edge, Aston New Town, Biraiinghara. Second, F. G.
Steevens, Axminster.

TUEBITS.— First, T. W. Lowson, Lairgate, Beverley. Second, F. G.
Steevens, Axminster. Highly Commended, Major W. S. Cook, Stoke St.
Marv.

Jacobins.— Urst, F. G. Steevens, Axminster. (Second, withheld.)

Fantails.- First, Major W. S. Cook, Stoke St. Mary. Second, F". G.
Steevens, Axminster. Second, J. B. Edge, Aston New Town, Biimingham.

Trumpeters.- First, F. G. Steevens, Axminster. Second, F. Key, High
Gate, Beverley. Highly Commended, Miss Elliott, Osborne House, Taunton.

Powtkrs.— '•"irst, F. G. Steevens, Axminster. Second, T. W. Lowson,
Lairgate, Beverley.

Barb,-.- First, F. G. Steevens, Axminster. Second, no competition.

Rckts. -First, F. Key, High Gate, Beveiley Second, F. G. Steevens,
Axminster. Highly Commended, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Devon.

Dragoons.— Fiist, J. B. Edge, Aston New Town, Birmingham. Second,
S. Summeihayes, Taunton. Highly Commended, E. Pigeon, Lympstone,
Devon; T. F. Brand. Newton Abbott; W. Squire, Hanwell, Middlesex.

Archangels.- First, F. G. Steevens, Axminster. Second, Miss J. Milward,
Newton St. Loe, Bath.

Any other Variety.- First, F. G. Steevens, .\xminster (Iceland). Second,
S. Summerhayes, T.>unton (Porcelain). Highly Commended, Miss Elliot,
Osborne House, Taunton (Porcelain).

iMr Steevens, of Axminster, took the Silver Medal for the most first prizes
in Pigecns.

TuE BiBMiNGHAM Cattlb AND PouLTEY SHOW. — A meeting
of the Coimcil was held on May 30, C. M. Caldeoott, Esq., in

July 2, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

tlie chair, wheu the prize lisla and regulations for the thirteenth
annual Exhibition, to be held on the 2nd, 3rd, 4tli, and 5th of
December next, were agreed upon, and will be issued imme-
diately. The new lists will, we think, be satisfactory to exhi-
bitors and to the members of the Society generally, some ju-
dicious changes having been made, and particularly in the poultry
department. The special prizes this year are also more numerous
than in any previous list, and cannot fail to insure a spirited
competition. Since the last Show the members of the Poultry
Committee have undertaken a complete revision of the poultry
prize lists, and the changes recommended by these gentlemen
were unanimously adopted by their colleagues in the Council.
The total amount offered in prizes has been increased, while
there are numerous changes in the mode of its distribution, and
such as appear well calculated to increase the attractions of the
Show. In future also, the principal classes will comprise pens
of a cock and two hens or pullets, instead of a cock and three
hens or pullets — an alteration which will, no doubt, be satis-
factory both to exhibitors and purchasers.

PHELPS' PATENT BEE-HIVE.
c

The above cut, with the accompanying description, is furnished
us by our correspondent "H. B. G."

J?ig. A represents one of E. W. Phelps' bee-liives, patented
November 9ih, 1858. a represents a passage for the bees. It
can be made larger or smaller by use of a piece of board or
block. Some are made 12J inches wide, 121 inches higli, and
16 inches long, inside measure, and filled with ten frames, D, E.
I prefer the case 14 inches square, with nine frames to winter
in, as it is taller.

B represents ths cover raised to show the frames D D D, and
honey-boxes, C. b represents a ventilator, ii';]^. D. represents a
honey-frame, and is placed in eacli end of the hive, c c c
represent the outside fi-ame, f f f little frames inside.

The following are some of the advantages claimed over other
fiume-hives : —

1st. The hive can be made any desirable height, and the
comb not warp or break in handling.

2nd. Late swarms many times fill their hives part full, not
sufBcient to winter them. In this case the empty frame can be
taken out (which will be the lower one) and a full one put in
its place, filling the hive full of comb, honey, and bees.

3rd. Many times there are from 5 lbs. to 20 lbs. of honey
remaining in the hives in the spring. In this case it can be
removed in good shape for use or market without disturbing the
brood.

4th. Many times there is too much drone-comb in the hive,
the frame containing such can be placed at the top of the frame,
and when filled with honey be removed, saving the comb ; also
preventing the rearing of too many drones.

269

5th. To facilitate early breeding the brood-comb can be raised
at the top, as in cut E, letter g, wliile the bees are hovering on
the comb below or making new, preventing the chilly air from
destroying the brood.

6th. If bees are wintered in a proper bee-house, they many
times do not empty comb enough to raise brood in. In this
case remove the best pieces, and the bees will fill them with
brood-comb.

7tli. The bees will leave a winter's passage at the bottom of
the top frame, which is necessary in large sheets. Many using
the single frame even go to the trouble of taking each frame out
and cutting it through.

8th. In case of the loss of a queen, the frame or section
cont^iiiing the queen cell or eggs can be removed, without
cutting or marring the rest of tlie comb.

9th. Should the moth destroy a part of the sheet the portions
can be removed, the balance not disturbed, not even with the
knife.

10th. The bottom is not made fast. All the filth can be
removed that gathers there without distiu-biug the bees or
frames. — {Praii-ie farmer.)

[The above is an Amei-ican's ingenious mode of evading
Langstroth's Patent.]

THE "WOODBURY COMB-BAR.

Ox the 15th of June I hived a fine natural swarm of Li^urian
bees in a frame-hive, fitted with the improved comb-bars, but
entirely destitute of guide-comb. Nine days later I examined
the combs, and found the foundations laid with the utmost
exactness, upon the centre of each bar. I need hardly say that
this proof of the complete success of the new comb-bar was
highly satisfactory to — A TJevonshere Bbe-keepee.

BEE POOD.

Much has been written on the subject of a substitute for the
natural food of bees, and, in particular, ingenuity was often
taxed during the last disastrous autumn and early spring, to
place within their reach the means of sustaining hfe and health.
At the close of the working-season there is, doubtless, nothing so
good as honey; but even this was not everywhere obtainable,
and is often expensive. A fjiend of mine in a southern
county was in this dilenmia, when his attention was dii'ected to
an unusual activity amongst his bees, and found that it arose in
consequence of tlie presence, in an adjoining grocer's yard, of an
open cask of molosses, or treacle, which the invaders were appro-
priating to their own use with much avidity. The hint was not
thrown away, and a mixture was soon concocted of treacle, fla-
voured with a fourth or fifth part of honey diluted with water,
and a little dash of rum, boiled together, I believe, for a short
lime. AA'ith this cheap compound, the bees were healthily sus-
tained through a trying season, and swarmed earlier than usual.
Indeed, the instances were rare of any stocks remaining in
existence in the neighbourhood. I have heard objections, real
and imaginary, raised against the use of treacle ; but I submit
these remarks for the consideration of bee-keepers. — An Old
Apiabian.

RHUBARB WINE.

Seein-g that the makers of this wine put themselves to a deal
of unnecessary trouble, I determined last season to give a hint
on the way I do it if I was spared till another season, and it is
simply this :— Instead of pounding and thumping with a mallet,
or any other instrument, if the Rhubarb is clean I do nothing
more than cut the leaf off, then the part that is underground ;
then cut it into any convenient length, say cut the stick in two,
if the vessel you are going to put it in will take it that length ;
then slit it down in slices, say as thick as the number of The
Cottage Gap.denee, or take hold of one end of the whole stick
and shave it ofi' in shavings as though you were shelving a deal
stick to make spills, only thicker, and, of course the breadth of
the stick of Rhubarb. I let it stand nine days in the water;
then I take up the Rhubarb with my two hands, give it a squeeze
as I pull each lot out. I have a coarse cloth over another vessel,
I place the Rhubarb on that to drain. When it has run most of
the juice out I take up tlie cloth and give it a twist or two, and

S^Q

JOUKSAJu OF HORIICDLTUEE AKD COIIAGE OARDEiSEK.

[ July 2, 1861.

a few good sqiieezcs and tlie work is done. Now, without any
pounding or using a press, jou will hare all the virtue out of
the Rhubarb, and the wine will fine much sooner and better
than with all that extra tiouble, and I am sure quite as strong,
if not stronger. I do not say anything about any of the other
processes of the making of the wine, as that is, perhaps, better
understood than 1 understand it myself; but I may say this, I
put no brandy or other spirits in my wine — notliing but sugar
and a little ginger, and a leniO)i or two. I merely write to try
to save some of my fellow subscribers from some ol their labour;
but I do not expcet all will fa)l in with ray way at once, becau.se
I have a good proof that people are not easily turned out of their
old way ; for although I beat all my neighbours in my wine, and
they acknowledge mine the best, still 1 hare not pounded it out of
them to leave oit" pounding the Rhubarb .yet, or to leave off put-
ting brandy in it; they 'say it is impossible to get the strength
out of it without pounding and pressing. But let them do it my
way, and then pound and press after, and see how much strength
they will get out. If you think this, or any part of it worth a
pla'ce in The Journal op-JIoKTicrLTunE, well ; if not, cast it
awav. — WoRCESTEii.

VARIETIES.

Names op Plants.— Some of our readers have at times ex-
perienced diiTiciilty in mastering and retaining the seemingly
crabbed names em])loTed by botanists to designate plants, and it
may truly be asserted that some of them aie, indeed, rough,
uncouth, and harsher than our

"Northern wliisllinfr, gnintinK Kattcral, j

Which we "re oljlij^cd to liiss and spit and sputter all."

Such names as Schleichcria, Zauelmeria, Eschscholtzia, Scheuch- I
zeria, &e., in my humble opinion, should not have been adopted.
Not that they are difficult to retain in the memoiy, but b'-cause
they arc liarsh and do not conform to the genius of the Greek
and Latin languages, from which scientific terms are generally
derived. Moreover, a name shoidd convey a meaning having
some bearing upon the subject, descriptive of its qualities, thus
becoming an aid to the memory, and readily reeilled by associa-
tion. Exception may be made in favour of naming in honour of
those who have advanced the science of botany by explorations,
sjjecial study, &o ; but in this case those oidy who have dis-
tinguished themselves should be thus cominemorated, and harsh,
uncouth names rejected. Linuicus adopted this custom, and
honoured several of his patrons and pupils afrer this fashion.
Tims the Celsia was named after Celsius, one of liis earliest
benefactors. 'Ihc Kalraia, abounding in our woods, and so well
known in English gardens, but n stranger to cur own, comme-
morated his friendship for Professor Kalm, his pupil and fellow
labourer, and wlio lust presented this beautiful plant to his
teacher. Linnteus well observes in his "Crilira Botanica,"
concerning this practice of bestowing celebrated names upon
genera ol plants, that a " proper connection should be observed
between the habits and appearance of the plant and the name
from which it has its derivation." The Andromeda, a beautiful
little gem, much resembling the Ueath of England, and belong-
ing to tlie order Ericaceie, and one of Ibc best representatives of
the Heath in America, may he cited in iUuslratiou. The buds
are of a b!ood-red hue before they expand, but when fully blown
the corolla is of a fl^sh colour. During his Lapland tour,
Linnteus found this plant in abundance adorning the marshy
ground with its cleliealc blossoms ; and as he adiniitd its bfau-
ties, his imaginative mind was struck by a fancied resemblance
between the appearance and circumstances o.f this plant and
the story of Andromeda as related by the Greek poets. " A
maiden of extiuisitc beauty chained to a i-ock amid I lie sea, and
exposed to monsters and venomous serpents. This lovely little
flower," he said, "is her vegetable prototype. Scarcely any
painter could so happily imitate the beauty of a fine female com-
plexion, still less could any artificial colour upon the face bear
comparison with this lovely bloom. I lind it always fixed upon
some turfy hillock amid the swamps, and its routs bathed by
their waters. In these marshy and solitary places toads and
venomous reptiles abound. And just as in ihe case of Andi*o-
med'i, Perseus comes to deliver licr from her dangers by chasing
away her foes; so dues the summer, like another Perseus, arrive,
and, drying up the waters that inundate the pl,.nt, chase away
nil her aquatic enemies, and then she canies her head (the
capsule), which before had drooped pensively, erect, and displa} s

her beaullts to the sun." Pleased with the idea, he chose fur
this flower, which is the type of a new genus in the system he
was arranging, the. name Andromeda. Other illustrations of the
application of this canon of Linnieus may be found in the
tjcheuchzeria, a grassy alpine plant, named from the two Scheuch-
zers, oue of whom excelled in the knowledge of alpine planU,
and the other in that of grasses. Also, in tlie Hernandia, an
American plant, named after Hernandez, a naturalist sent cut to
Mexico by Philip II., of Spain, and said to have been given to
the plant, which has large leaves and small Howers, in allusion
to the great opportunities ali'ordedto the naUiralist and the little
use he made of them. Antl, again, the Bulfonia received its
name in honour of the celebrated CVunt de Buffon, wliilc one of
its species was c.iUed the Slender-leaved Bulfonia, by Linnteus,
on account of the slender pretensions to botanical science which
that naturalist possessed! Linnjeus selected, as an emblem oi
himself, the Linniea borealis (so named by Gronovius), which he
describes as "a little northern plant, flowering early, depressed,
abject, and long overlooked ; and then traces a resemblance
between this flower and his own car!y lot. Like it, unfolding in
a remote northern region, ivifhout the gifts of fortune or the
means of cultivating his natural powers, he was long unknown
and overlooked. Indigent and obscure, he pursued in secret his
scientific researches, exploring the recesses of Nature, tracking
her footsteps to her remotest retreats. Mountain and glen,
forest and moor, alike yielded up their treasures to the ardent
inquirer, who came forlli, after a season, enriched by the spoils
lie had collected, and which, arranged in a new and beauteous
order, he presented to the surprise and delight of kindred minds
in every region. Then, indeed, his resemblance to the humble
flower of his choice ceased, and men of science in every civilised
country pressed forward to avail themselves of his discoveries
and share in his pursuits, and the clouds that had gathered
around his youth were dissipated, while for the last forty years
of his life he saw hiinielf surrounded by the honours and emolu-
ments his country and his king had bestowed upon him, and
enjoyed the chosen dtjights of his heart amid a host of pupils
who honourtd and loved him as their friend, the instructor
and then benefactor. --(L. , //acWo/j^eW, in American Gardener's
MontUi/.)

OUE LETTER BOX.

Eantam Layiko two Kggs {Verittis .— \t is quite certain that C^chin-
Cliinn hens occnsiiiiially lay two ejjga in one day: tlievefoic, wc know of no
reason why a Bantam hen ahoulcl n«it do the same— tlieicforc, your man,
probably, i* correct.

White Spanish Fawi.K (/««/0M').—We totally differ from you when you
say that these ought to have white faces. The red face looks fiir better con-
t' astiiic; with iheir phimapo. Thf y are callcil White Spanish, but they more
pniptrly should be cuIIlmI White Jlimuras.

Spanish cock with Di.=ea5ED Ktes { if. IT. J/.).— Give him castor oil. a
table-spoon ul at a time, ai.d rt-pcated as i ft en as it fveomsi.tcessar at intervals
of twenty-four hours. Rnb the discoloured spots with cinnpounil sulphur
ointnicn*. Ynu do not s::y whetaer lie appt:ai.s to suffer in he-tltb, nor
whetlier the chising of the eye is the result of bwelUug: of the white face, or
its gr;idual and healthy increaso.

PiGEON-s Layinq but NOT SiTTiKo. — *' C. B. W." doGS not state how many
Pifieous liuve laid tliu twelve gkks I'C sptalis of, nor docs he give us any clue
(0 gue^s tlie cause. Ai-c the Pij^eous properly paired? or are lh«:re some odd
hen.^? When Biiort of cocks, two hens will, rot unfreqiiently, pair, build,
ami lay two egRS each ; if this were c-'ntiniiet) three times it would amount
to th.edn/.cn ccgs In that, case, tlic obvious remedy would bo to provide
two cocks for these unlutppy hens.— li. r. B.

liABBiTS (/. K)— Put ting Ihe doc to the buck, will not prevent hcv suckling
her >f-unf; ones.

Gold Fish t/Jt/J/oHs).— Draw off the water almost entirely every day by
means of a s.vphon. A piece ot Indian-mbher tube makes the best of syphons
lor emptying a cl:is.s globe, it is so fiesible and n ana^cabla Kiver water
should be employed. We keep a few aquatic plants in our aquarium, anU
give the fish a very few suuiil pieces of vermH-elli daily, 'f hetc sliould be
some clean pebbles and sand at the bottom ot the globe for the fi^h to sconv
against.

LONDON MAEKETS.-JuLY 1.

POULTRY.

Wc reniiiin nuich as wc ■were last weelc. Tlie supply is good, but nil
large, and the ileniand is quite equal to ibe average of late j-cuis. "Wc may
soon look for a falling off in trade, and this wiii affect our relurns.

Each — 5. rf. s, d \ Each— a. rf. s. tl.

Large Fowls 5 0 to 3 6 ' Guinea Fowls 0 0 to 0 0

Smaller Fowls 3 C „ 4 0 Ltvirels 2 G„ 3 0

Chickens 2 S „ 2 C I Pipeons 0 7 ,, 0 8

Duckliugs 2 6 „ » 0 I Kabliils I 4 ,, 1 8

Geese 5 6 „ 6 0 | Wild 0 7„ 0 «

July 9, 1861. ]

JOTTBl^AL OF HORXICTJLTUEE AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

sri

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

Day

ef of 1

M'nth Weck.i

1

9

To

10

W

H

Th

12

F

13

s i

14

Bdjt

15

M

WlBAirBSR N£m LONDO:? ts I860.

JULY 9-15, 18G1.

San

Sun

Moon

Rises Moon*s

Thermom., "Wind, ^^jj^^ Kses. | Sets, (and Sets Age.

Helianthns.

Campanulas.

Veronieas.

Anchu^a.

Centiiurea.

7 SCJDAT AFTER TaiNlTY.

Pentstemons.

30.141-29 993
30.(129-29.951
29.9S5-29.!I30
29.972-29.883
29.90!— 29.7SS
29.800—29.768
29.840-29.791

dei7. de^.
70 -43
6.>— 49
73—44
74-41
75-50
75-48
71-47

E.

E.

E.

E.
K.E.
S.W. 1

s.w.

m. h.
a6af 3

57 3

58 3

59 3

m. h.
14af8 I

13 8

13 8

13 8

11' 8

10 8

9 3

m. h.
53 a 8
13 9

32 9

49 9
7 10

26 10

50 10

3
4
5
6

Clock .

before Day of
Sun. Tear. 1

52
1
9
17
25
31
38

190
191
192
198
194
195
196

MKTKoanLnGT OF TUE Week.— .4.t Chis-wick, from observations durin* the last thirty-four years, the averag* hig-best and lowest
temperatures of the^e days are 75.2^ and 51.2^ respectively. The greatest heat, 93', occurred on the 14th in 1847 ; and the lowest cold, 37", I
on the 9th in 1S56. During the period 141 days wei-e fine, and on 90 rain fell. |

AEKANGING PLOWEES IN BOUQUETS AND

VASES.

(Continued from page 252.)

WEEATHS, &C., FOE DECOEATIONS.

HEBE are sometimes great diffi-
culties in making the wreaths
■vrliich are now so often used for
Christmas decorations. They are
often made in ways that take up
a great length of time ; whilst
in all these arrangements most
frequently the simplest sort
and quickest done are often
the most graceful.

I Some take strips of calico and sow the
foliage on to them; others prepare long
stiff cords, and bind it down upon them ;
and a third party, who, I think, do best, take a succession
of small green branches, and bind them continuously to-
gether without any other support than that afforded by
the overlapping stems.

In proceeding thus, the first piece of green used for
commencing the wreath should have a longish stem, and
all the pieces should have a few inches left of bare stem
for binding over.

All the pieces should be trimmed into a proper size
for the thickness of the wreath. For twining round
pillars the wreaths can hardly be made too large ; and
when there is not material sufficient to make them really
handsome (and they do take an enormous quantity), I
think it looks much better to have one immense drooping
wreath of Ivy and spreading Fir placed round the top or
capital of each pillar, the entwining of the shaft mean-
while being left quite unattempted.

A very pretty way of decorating any large massive
piece of stonework — a font, for instance, if in a church,
or a statue, or a doorway, or for deeply-cut niches, as
for a window-frame, is to take a few flat fan-shaped
branches ; and without any attempt at fastening, to lay
them down in the manner of a wreath round the base of
the pedestal, or in the angle of the recess, or along the
front of a sculptured niche. In arranging the decora-
tions of a hall or gallery filled with statuary, this would
be found a most rapid and effective plan.

For all these purposes variegated foliage is not generally
much to be recommended ; and when it is used it should
never be mixed with any of a darker kind. The only way
in which I think it looks really well is in a massive wreath
hung in the strongest light ; and in a place where it
■will either produce a harmonious effect of colour, or
where it trill be near enough to the eye to be distinctly
recognised as whnt it really is. It should never be used
on a background of green, whether light or dark — unless,
indeed, the foliage is veiy nearly white. Even then,
h.owever, dark green is very cold and heavy for it to rest
against.

No. 15. — Vol. T., N"ew Seeies.

From some effects of colour I have observed lately
out of doors. I fancy that a dark bluish-purple would be
a rather good contrast ; but this does not sound very
natural, and I cannot answer for its success in practice.

For the large green wreaths I should recommend the
use of a great quantity of Fir branches. Some Box
might be used, but I should keep it all for the smaller
wreaths where these are required also; then Portugal
Laurel does pretty well. Ivy the best of all, and common
Laurel tolerably. Holly looks very bright and glossy,
but it must have no berries ; and Laurustinus would be
very useful sometimes if it were not for its too numerous
flowers, which in a very large-scale wreath are not
admissible.

For picture-frames and looking-glasses nothing looks
more beautiful than a wreath of Arbutus adorned with
its scarlet berries ; Laurustinus and Suowberries being
thickly intermixed, and the whole crowned by a little
bouquet of the various mingled greens. Fern leaves ^re
most useful for such central bouquets ; and on a larger
scale in some cases, as in harvest time, a triumphal arch
crowned with handfuls of ears of corn, arranged one up
and one down, and tied together loosely in the middle,
is very appropriate and very prettj'. I always wonder
very much that in the apple counties the beautiful bright
red fruit is not more made use of for open-air decorations.
I never once remember seeing it, and yet how very
beautiful the glowing crimson fruit looks clustering
amongst the leaves.

In the apple counties I know it used to be " not the
thing " to have apples brought to table ; but this rule,
I think, is being properly broken through now that prize
fruit is thought so much of; so perhaps in this case also
it will become more sought for — there may be a chance
of some of the bright colouring which those peculiarly
bright-faced little crab-like Apples would lend to an arch
in autumn.

For very small wreaths for following the lines in deli-
cately carved woodwork, or for the tracery of an open
device in wire, the little pieces of Bos are the very best
of any, where, as is usually the case in England, a suffi-
ciency of Myrtle is not to be obtained. These little
sprays are far better when of a naturally compact and
branchy shape. They cannot be, indeed, too neat, and
can scarcely be too short ; as the shorter each piece is,
the closer and neater generally is the wreath itself.

In all these arrangements we are supposing no flowers
to be used, the green alone forming the ornament.

When, however, flowers are added I have found it io
answer best to put them in after the wreaths are
' fastened in their places. Often it is easy to slip in the
stalks; otherwise, when mounted on wood or wire, it
will pierce the mass of foliage, and at other times a little
wire may be necessary to attacit the flowers easily. The
flon-ers should be carefully made to follow in the fall of
their foliage the direction of the leaves, although it
seems useless to strive against the one great objection to
making them up together — that of the time the wreaths
take making, and the rough treatment which they hate
Ko. 667.— YoL. XXYI., Oid Sebies.

VTi

JODHNAX OF UOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

[ Jidy 9, 1861.

to suffer. The flowers being unattached, can very easily [
be removed and replaced if they fade too quickly, and I [
am to say how long I have known the green itself eon- '
tinue to look well, fully extending over all the season of
the Christmas gaieties.

DBSIGS FOE WBEATH.

I can hardly decide what would do best for this design.
I think that a cipher surrounded with a wreath perhaps
is the best, as it includes both green and coloured work.

Say, then, that the device is to be a cipher or a motto
on a shield surrounded by a wreath.

The letters should first be traced upon the stiff piece
' of canvass stretched on a hoop. Card would do, but
canvass is far better. The very simplest-shaped old
English letters are the best to use ; and after they are
drawn in outline upon the canvass a strong solution of
gum should be laid all over it, omitting with great
exactness the spaces of these said letters. The whole
ground should then be closely covered with Snowberries
or some other white berry, or with white everlastings, '
or, in fact, with anything in the vegetable world that
can be made look really white and pretty while retaining i
a flat surface. If flowers are used, the gum will perhaps I
be exchanged for the use of needle and thread. I

Or, if the letters can he provided for in flowers, the
ground may be all of Holly berries, which, though I
name it last, I the most advise ; but Christmas time is
a difiicult one to provide for, and I want this device to
serve for use then as well as in the summer time, when
scarlet and white Verbenas are waiting to fill the
canvass.

The ground being prepared, the letters have to be
filled up very closely and fully ; and it is sometimes
eyen well with a pair of scissors to clip off any leaf or
petal vrhich creeps beyond its bounds. Scarlet looks
well for the letters, but nothing better than golden words
on white.

For the frame a prettily shaped piece of green should
be laid either way in the hand, and bound together
across with some feathery pieces rising from between.
The wreath should then go on each way ; and I may
here mention that acorns and Oak leaves in autumn, and
Laurel leaves at other seasons, make a beautiful frame-
wreath even quite alone, especially when the scene and
-the devices are of a warlike kind. Otherwise a beautiful |
spray of Arbutus and Snowberry, with Laurustinus at j
the top and a sort of knot of the same underneath the |
frame, would best combine the two separate lengths ;
each drooping downwards if of a creeping kind of foliage, j
or pointing upwards if of the Laurel class, and being
juade tolerabl}' even as to their size. — E.
{To be continued.)

FEETILISATION OF WHEAT— THE
HYDKOMETEIC BELT.
When I said that the explanation of the process of natural

fertilisation of the Wheat plant by " H. C. K., Kectory,

Jlerefordshire," was just what I deserved, I did not mean to
acknowledge that I, or any one, deserved to be laughed at, as he
eurmised, for an error in the explanutiou of a natural fact, and I
am quite siu-e that no one will laugh at him for falling into a
very great mistake. He, too, was hke the farmers, too late in
his examination of the crop of this year; and I shall hold him in
my gi'asp as firm as the basis of botany for the space of twelve
months, as the first of my pupils in tlie corn-trade crossing ; end
early in June next, if he will pay the expenses, I shall engage to
go down to the borders of Herefordshire — thai is, to the
Malvern Wells, and if I shall not be able to show him the pollen
of the Wheat, which, from his letter, I am quite sure lie has not
yet seen ; also, if I am not able to show him the anthers full of
pollen and split, and empty of all traces of pollen before they
start from their sessile position, why I shall defray our bill at
the " Wells " for a week, if he chooses.

How I make out from his letter that he was behind time is
thus accounted for. " When the ear is rising out of the sheath
the whole of the anthers are green and immature," and " when it
(the ear) is completely clear of the sheath the blossoming
process commences at the upper part of the ear." That is just
what I said was the Koyal Agricultural Society's shortcoming.
They were three weeks or a month behind Nature, and this rev.
gentleman is not one whit before them in his knowledge of the
natural crossing of tlie Wheat. It is curious to note that in
the Leschenaultia the anthers and stamens, after discharging the
pollen, dry up and wither in the centre of the flower when it is
yet in the condition of a very small flower-bud ; while in this
genus, or at least the anthers of the Wheat " are green and
immature," according to my first pupil, ten days after the pollen
is shed. I recollect it was in 1842 or 1843 that I first probed
Nature for this answer, and I fell into the very same kind of
error as " H. C. K." has most certainly committed. Yet there
were appearances for which I could not account so clearly as he
has done, for he concluded, without observing the fact, thut the
" husk opens for a brief interval, probably for a few minutes
only, when the anthers are mature." The appearances I allude
to tell me the husk never opens at all for that purpose. The
opening or the closing of the husk, supposing it did open and
shut every day for a month, has no more to do with the process,
or progress of the pollen than my pen has. The husk shields it
from the weather while it is yoimg, and my pen describes the
conditions and the mode under which the grain receives its
vitality inside the husk. "H. C. K." attempted to make out
these conditions and failed, as surely as ever a man failed in this
world in any one thing. And I reassert that the Koyal Agri-
cultural Society and the farmers are three weeks behind Nature
in their time ofthe flowering of Wheat, and I do hereby challenge
all the botanical professors in the country to prove that I am a
single shade wrong about the fertilising of the Wheat.

But the great error in my second letter in answer to Mr.
Darwin I put in conscientiously, and on purpose to see if there
is one man in ten thousand who pretend a great deal on such
things without ever looking at them. I mean this for us gar-
deners only. And, therefore, any one except a gardener who
will detect the eiTor will not be entitled to the prize, the hydro-
metric belt, on which I mean to throw some practical light, and
which botanists do not think scientific enough to study, and
tell us the reasons for the freaks of flowers in their eccentricities
before and afler and during their honeymoons. But the hydro-
metric belt has a wonderful deal more to do with them than most
men think of. Suppose a straight jacket to be hydiometric — that
is, be like a clothes-line, and "give and take" to the weather,
slacken down to a festoon in dry weather, and when it rains tighten
up to a straight line. And suppose one in a jacket of that sort,
and it to get wet, the consequences would b3 a lightness about
the chest very disagreeable. Now, the under covering of com-
posite flowers, as a Daisy, is like a tight jacket all round the
bottom, and is called an involucre ; the same thing as the calyx
in other flowers, or the "impalement" of old botanists. The
impalement is the best name for my purpose. Well, when a
composite flower shuts of an evening, as Gazania splendens
does, though not so much so as other Gazanias, it is not the
flower's fault, but the misfortune in being clothed in an impale-
ment, or a straight jacket, which g'ves and takes with the changes
of the weatlier, and always with the change from day to dewy
eve. It is not the flower of the Daisy of itself that shuts up,
it is merely pressed by the straight jacket, so much that it
must compress itself. Now, suppose one of the present fashion
of loose j ickets, wliich natural philosophy so much admires in
ladies' fashions, to be turned suddenly by the hydrostatic
principle to a straight jacket, and to be so tight round one as to
cause pain, how would you alter it on the instant, say to save
life — no buttons, no loops, or hooks and eyes, recollect, and the
lady is fainting ? The way I would do would be to get the point
of a penknife in under the edge of the jacket, and slash it up
gently to the armpits first, and then along the spine at the back,
and in front the same, and it would soon be as comfortable as
the present fashion of loose jackets. And if you will do the
same for a favourite composite flower — slash the jacket, the
involucre, and that flower will never shut again. My Gazania
splendens are open day and night,I slash their jackets, and they get
so loose and so comfortable-like that they pay me with their smiles
as well at dusk as at dawn of day, and any time between I may
choose to visit them. But it is expensive work, slashing five
hundred jackets every day in the week must lake up a good

July 9, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE ASD COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

273

deal of some one's time ; or even if there be but one bed of it
about a place, and that bed an ordinary size — say a circle 6 feet
in diameter, all filled ■with Gazonia splendene, and eighty flowers
opened the first day, how long would it tate a boy to slash all
their jackets for them ? and what is his day's pay ? Make out
that by figuring. And for the rest of the season say there are
from ten to fifteen fresh flowers open every morning and evening,
one of them to be slashed daily as they come, how much would it
come to from the middle of May to the second week in October ?
You make the calculation, and let us know the expense of keep-
ing such a bed with open flowers, dull or sunshine, all night as
well as in sunny weather, and it rests for me to guarantee the
good it will do, and that it will not fail ; also that a bed with
slashed involucre looks to my eye a finer sight than a plain bed.

But like great discoveries in cross-breeding, this was the
result of a procejs gone through for a very different purpose.
I had been foiled in attempts to pollenise the different species ;
the flowers closed in the afternoon, and the next relay of pistils
took up a fresh set of self pollen before the strange pollen could
take effect, and I was baffled, and hit on keeping the flowers
open from first to last in order to be able to arrest the natural
process, and give better scope for the artificial system ; and
behold just what you have been told. The treatment under
which these Gazanias were placed in order to get them to seed
is the same as that which I suggested last winter — that is, similar
to having the plants planted out on a very dry border, but kept
moist below for the roots, inside and close to the front of an
orchard-house where abundance of air was admitted day and
night. The way I keep it powdery dry on the surface is this.
When I water the border I give it a thorough good soaking
early in the day, and in the afternoon I scrape off a little of the
damp surface, and mulch it with an inch deep of dry-as-dust
cocoa-nut refuse, like unto brown sawdust, and two such water-
ings were suflicient during the month of June. The only way
to insure a cross in this kind of composite flower is to take the
first series of florets round the outsides of the disk or centre.
In Gazania, two rows of the outside florets come up the flrst
day — that is, the styles of the florets push up out of the tubes
carrying up the pollen with them, as all styles of all composites
do ; but the styles are not then ripe to receive the pollen, but on
the second day they are so, and then the top of the style is split
into two arms or horns, the real stigma. Well, the first morning
nothing is more easy than to blow off all the pollen from the
first risers, leaving the pistils bare as pins and as much pointed.
Early the next day, or that afternoon, some more styles push up,
also with pollen on their sides, below the srimmit, and these and
all the styles in the centre should be most carefully cut off lest
the pollen on them should dust on the horns of the first set.
These horns or stigmas are to be dusted by the pollen of
another kind, and the process is to take a whole flower when
its centre styles are fresh up, and touch the stigmas all round
with the styles of the strange flower, and the pollen will stick
to the stigmas in a way not to be blown off as at first.

Now, here is a pretty experiment by which one can learn more
than the value of the best seedhng ; and if I could enrol a certain
number of volunteers to engage it, I would engage myself to
give them practice, which requires just as much correctness
of eye as shooting at a bull's- eye 800 yards off. But recollect
in our damp climate South African composites must not be
allowed to close of an evening to mash the pollen with the dew —
split up their thick, scaly envelopes into four or six divisions
and then you are safe with them. A different process will be
necessary for ligulate florets in this order. This is merely the
best and surest way with Aster or Daisy-hke flowers which have
the centre in simple tubes, alias florets. D. Beaton'.

SHAEPENING MOWING MACHINES.

I WAS glad to see Mr. Appleby's observations on mowing
machines in your Journal lately, and it is to be hoped that they
may draw forth some more hints on the same subject from
persons as well qualified to give instructions as' himself. Not
that I think there is so much needed in the way of sharpening
the cutters of these machines as some appear to think, but that
few persons know how to use them in the most eflicient manner.

I myself have watched very many of these machines (by various
makers, by hand and horse power) at work, and I have rarely
found one that was doing its work as it ought to do, and as it
might do ; 60 perhaps it maybe of some service to amateurs and

others if I give some simple directions as to the management of
them.

When the machine is on the ground andready tocommeneework^

1. First see that the cutters are close down upon the fiat blade
underneath ; their being at too great a distance from it is the
most ordinary cause of the machine not doing its work properly;
they should be so close as to grate very sUghtly upon it, without
impeding their free motion ; they will then cut the grass clean,
instead of pugging it, and the labour will be all the less. The
screws which raise and lower the cutters are generally very
simple and easy to understand.

2. Next take care that the cutters are the proper height off'
the ground ; if they are set too high, the work will not be good ;
if too low, the action will be laborious. If Green's machine is
iised the chain will probably slip the cogs, which it ought never
to do ; his machine cannot be set too low, provided there is no
slip. With other machines the coi-rect height is easily ascer-
tained by trial.

3. Then oil all the bearings carefully, the axis of the cutt«r8
especially ; then of all the wheels and the roller, as well as that
part where the gear-rods hear on the axis of the roller. See that
all these working parts are clear of bits of grass, which are very
apt to insinuate themselves, and so create great friction.

N.B. — I have seen one of Samuelson's machines actually with-
out any means provided for oiling the asis of the cutters.

I need scarcely say, beware of stones ; I find, however, they
are comparatively harmless if the machine is worked rather
slowly.

If the grass is very long it may still be easily cut by raising
the cutter sufficiently. It it has been left uncut as much as ten
days, and is at all long, it -will be advisable to turn back, and go
over the same strip again, and so on, backwards and forwards.
But I find it to be far the best plan not to allow the gi-ass to go
more than a few days — say four or five, according to the weather ;
and then, by passing tlie machine once over it, the best effect ie
produced with a minimum of labour.

With regard to sharpening the cutters, I use one of Greene
make, so that I am able to speak only of that. I do not know
whether his steel is better than that of other makers, but
of this I can speak positively — that it will do its work most
perfectly for two years, with twelve hours a-week work, and I
believe would do it equally well for many more without sharpen-
ing at all. I have seen and used all the various machines at
dittercnt times, and I have come to the conclusion that Green's
has many advantages over all others — one prominent one is
its liglitness. An eighteen-inch by him, when in proper trim,
can be worked over any grass by one man with ease, if the
gi-ound is not very hilly ; whereas I have found a fourteen-inch
by other makers too heavy to he worked long by one man with-
out distress.

In conclusion, put a good machine into the hands of a working
gardener, and teach Imn thoroughly how to adjust it ; and, after
a week or two's work, I shall be much surprised if he wishes to
go back to his old scythe. I am in the habit of using my
machine (eighteen-inch) a good deal myself in all weathers for
the sake of the exercise, and I find that for two hours at a stretch
I can do single-hand the work of five or six men with the scythe
and besom. — II. C. K., Sedan/, Sereford.

TUAINING MELONS.

I HATE read with attention Mr. Fish's remarks on Melon
culture last month, and have followed his directions in the
training of my plants. I should be glad if he would enlighten
me on the following point : My fruit is now set nicely, how
must I proceed with the after-training of the plants ? I have
three secondary shoots to each, and some tertiary. I allow one
fruit to each secondary. All the eyes of the secondary shoots
are cut out except those which have given me four tertiary to
each. Now, must I let them grow as they please, or are they to
be allowed to spread no further ? - C. H.

[By what you state, if we understand aright, you have three
fruit to each plant. The tertiary shoots, therefore, on which
there is no fruit will be of no farther use at present than keeping
up a good, vigorous root action in the plant. These, therefore,
may be stopped as they grow by nipping out the points, or even
removing a small one," when room cannot be found for it. The
more good foliage there is exposed to the sun the better wiU the
fruit be. A great thicket of foliage is undesirable, because much

274,

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COlTAaE GAEDENEE,

[ Jvil.TiJ, ISGl.

of it must be sLadecl. If this stopping or thiuniug is clone every
day or ererv other duy, tJie plants will never need much at a
time, and the fruit will experience no check. These fruits as
they swell will lessen mere vigour of growth, and the stopping
throws more strength into the fruit. It will not he easy to set
any fruit on tliese laterals wi.ilst the fruit is swelling ; but if you
wish a second crop from the same plants, the young fruit 021
these laterals will set freely when the first fruit is ripe and
gathered. i<'or very fine fruit, however, it is often de.-irable
to plant again for succession ; for unless water is given from
beneath, it is not easy to retain iSne, vigorous, liealthy side
shoots, and high-flavoured fruit, too, though by the above mode
it mny be done and very successfully.]

LIST OF HEEBACEOUS PLANTS.

In answer to "A St7B=cribeii." Tliere is such an in^mcnse
number of good herbaceous perennials, that it is a difficult task
to select a few c-pedes for a garden, unless we knew the extent of
borders or beds that are to be furnished. A good collection of
hardy perennial border flowers judiciously planted and well
managed afterwards would be very interesting, and would furnish
flowers for nine months in the year. A good manual on their
culture with a catalogue is a desideratum. We hope some day
to publish one. In the meantime, iu answer to your query, the
following will perhaps suit your purpose, or you may select
from theai.

Aconitiim Antliora, 11 ft. Yellow.

July.

+ chinensis. 4 ft. Bine. Sept.

vennstuni. 3 (t. Blue. June.

Actsfl spicatit. ^ ft. Wtiite. May.

Adejiopuoitt ilentieulata. 1 it.

lilue. June.

+ nvrsupiflora. 2 ft. Blue. July.

t A"don;s vcrnalis. 1 ft. Yellow.

MiU'cli.
+ Ajugii pyvainiilalis. G in. Blue.

May.
t Alyssnm soxatUc. 1 fi. Yellow.
April.
Anchusa longirolia. 3 ft Blue.

July.
Anemone apennlna. C in. Bine.
ApiiL
japoni':a. 3 It IJosi*. Sept.
t pulsati la. !) in. Vinkt. May.
sylVestri?. C> in. "White. May.
Anthericumliliastium. 111-. Wliite.

Juno.
Aquilegia canadensis. 2ft. Orange.
June,
glaiidalosa. 1 ft. Blue and

white. June.
Skiiinerr. 1 tr. Red. May.
Arabis alpina. (> in. White. Apl.

Incida. 1 ft. Wliitc. June.
Asdopias amplcxlcaul's. 2 It. lied.
July.
"Douglasi. IJ fr. Itca. Oct.
r taberosa. 2 ft. Orange. August,
i- Aspcnilu odoiti'a. 1 ft. White.
May.
tinttoiia. 1 ft. Pink. July.
Aspfcodelus luteus. 3 f r. Yellow.
June.
f- ranto us. 2 ft. Wtiite. April,
tauricus. 3 ff. AVhite. June,
r Aati'V aniellas. 2 ft. Purple, -^.us.
cfincolor. 1 ff. Purple, Oct.
cU-Rans. 2 ft. Bl-i'. Sept.
^ (fi-andiHorns. 2 ft. Blue. Nov.
linifuliiis. '2 ft. White July,
inultmnrus. 3 !t. White. Sept.
novai-.in^liaj ruiji'u. fi ft. Rtedj

September,
penilalus., 2 ft. White. Sept.
pulcIiclUis. 1 f'. Purple. Juno.
I- 8i6iricn8. 2 ft. Bine. AuRust.
Aubiiettn deltoidea. ;Jin. Pui-ple.
ApriU
purpurea. 3 in. Purple. Apl.
Betonica grandiflora. 1 J fH Purple.
May.
seiolina. lift. Ked. Aug.
r Kpecio«a. l.jfeet. Purple. June.
BuptlialTiium salii^foMuni. 1\ ft.
YeJli>w, September.
r Caltlin p;ilustri.s hnm pleao. 1 ft.
Ycllo-A-. April.
Campsiiulii carimtiea. 1 tc. Blue
July.
^Ibi. 0 in. White. Juno.
cauca^i(■a. 1 ft. Purple. July.
r coranata. lUt. White. Julv,

» +

Canipurula erlomerata. Donhl^

white and bine. 2 ft. June-
grandis. 3 fr. PuipJe. Aug.
nilida. 1 ft. "White. July,
peisicifolia grandis. 3 ft. Bhie.
July,

p'eno. 3 ft. Blue. July.

Mlba. 3 ft. "White. July.
prnniJa. 6 in. BUu>. July.

alba. 6 in. White. July.

pyramidalis.
alba. 4 ft.

4 ft- Blue Aug.
White. Aug.

+ spceio^a. i' ft. Purple. May.
tracheloidcs flnre pleno. 3 i'r.

Purple. July,
unirifolia flore pleno. 2 ft.
Wbiti, Aufiust.
Ccntaurca macrocephala. 3 ft.
Yellow. July.
t mnntana alba. 2 ft. Wiiite.
July,
uniflora. 1 ft. Purple. Jnly.
Cc-ntranthna ruber. 2 it. CrimsDn.
June.

* + Chciranthus JIarshalli. 1^ ft.

Orange. 'May.

* t Cheitino barbata coccinea. 3 ft.

Scarlet. Julv.
Lvoni. 4 ft. Purple. Aug.
obli^uav 4 ft. Puri>le. Aug.

* ConvallavJa majaJis flore pleno.

Gin. White. April.
+ Coreopsis I^nceolala. 2ft Yellow,
August.
Coronilln varia. 1 ft, Pinti. Sept.

* Cyc amen coum. 0 in. Red. March.

* + europivtiin. 3 in. Lilac and

red. August.
+ hederjcfoliiun. 3 in. Purple.
April.

* vemum. 3 in. Purple. Apl.
t Dcliiliinium Barlowil. 2 it. Blue.

June;
chinensis. 3 ft. Blue. June,
t giiiDdifloram. 2it. Dark blue.
July,

* + frtvmosum, 3 ft. Blue. June.
+ Henderson!. 2 ft Liglit blue.

J fine.
■Whetlori. 5 ft. Dark blue.
Aneust.
Diauthus alpestris. 0 in. Red.
June.
" + deiloidce. 9 in. Flesh. June.
Ilendersoniaiius. 1 ft. Crimson.

July.

supeiUusL 2 ft. White. Ang:

Dictamnus albus. 2 ft. White.

July.

fi'axino'la. 3 ft. Purple. July.

t Diulytraforniosa. 1 ft. Pini;. Apl.

* t spectabilis 2 ft. Rose. May.
t Draba alpira. 2 in. Yellow. April.

Di-aoecephalum palmatuni. Ijft..
PuipJe. July,
sibiricam. 1 it. Blue, .\ugust.
Efrliiiiacea purpin c«; 4 ft. Kfld, !
.September. J

+ Epiuicdium alpinum. 9 in. Crim- I
son. May.

* + grandiflcnim. 1 ft. "White. Apr. [

* + violai-eum. 9 in. Violet, April. |

Funkia albo-marginata. I4 It.
Lilac. July,
subcordata. 1ft. White. Aug. [
-^ t Gttzania splendens. 9 in. Orange. 1
June.
Gontiana acauli?. 3 in. Blue. Slay. ,
^' alpina. 3 in. Blue. July.

+ oristata. I4 ft. Red. July. I
t piatensis flnre pleno. 2 ft,
Whita May. i

sanguinea. 1 ft, CiTmson.

July.
Wallieiiiana. 9 in. Striped.
July.
+ Geum coccioeura. 1 ft. Scarlet.

Anaust.
4 Uelianlhus mntifltmis flore pleno.
3 (t, Ytllow. August.

* + llelkborus nigcr. i) in. A\Tiite.

January.
olympicus. 1 ft. Purplish-
green. June,
Hemetocani3flava. 2 ft. Yellow.
Jvmo.
+ fulva flore pleno. 4 ft. Coppei'.
July.
Sieboldi. 2 ft. Pinlc Sept. ;

* + Hepatica triloba. All the varieties

6 hi. April.
^' Iberls sempei*vii'ens. 4 in. White. ;
April. !

t Iiisamccna. 1ft. Blue. May. |
irasrans, 1ft. Blue, white, and '
purple. June, ;

grammea. 1 ft. Striped. June.
Pallasii. 2 It. Blue. May.
r SuMana. 2 ft. Striped. April.
reiTMK 1 ft- Purple. Apnl.
Lathy ru3 latifolius. Climber.
P nk. August,
+ Lifftiiselegans. 4 ft. Pui-plc. Sept. i
odwatji. 3 ft. I'urple. Sept. j

* pumila. 1ft. Purple. Se: t.
squarrosa. 3 ft. Purple. Julj', ;

t spicata. G ft. Purple. Sept.
« Litmm flavum. 9 In. Ydlnw. July. '
t pyicnaieunr. 1ft. Blue. July,
t Lithospermura pui-puretuii cceru- '
Icnm. 1ft: i urple. nlay. ;

* + Lobelia erinus. various. 4 in. June. ,
+ ful^ens. 3 ft. Scarlet. July.

syi^liilitica. 2 ft. Blue. August.

* Lotus corniculatus pleniis. 4 in.

Yellow. June,
t Lupinus gnrndiflorus. 3 (t. Purple.
June.

* nootkatensis. l^tt. Light blue. , '

Mrv. " !

» l»l>T)liyllus. 2 fb. Blue and [

white. June.
+ Lvchnis chalccdonicus flore pleno.
3 ft. ScarU't. July.
LytliTum roseum superbum, 3^ft,

Rose. August.
Mellfsa grandirtora. 1ft, Pink.

July.
Melitta alpina. 9 in. Pink. May.
+ Mouarda didynia. lit. Scarlet.
July.
Myosoti8ft7orlea, 1ft. Blue. Aug,

* montaim. « in. Blue June.
paluairis 1ft. Blue. August. ;

<■ Oiuoihera Fr.izeri. 1ft. Yellow. [
June. ■•

T maciocarpa. 1 ft. Yellow. June,
taraxieifuliu. 6in, White. June.
t prostrata. (Jin. Yellow, June.
Ononis rotundifolia. 2 it. Pink. *
May. j

* Onoeinanionbana, 1 ft, Tellow. I

JIaicli. •

+ taui-lca. 1ft. Yellow. July,
Orobus coccincus. 1ft. Scarlet.
Apnl, '

Those marked thus * "svill do to
moderate-sized one, and for a lar
would not be too many.

I

Orobus niger. 2 ft. Diuk. June.

veiTius. 1 ft. Purp'e. March.

+ PiBonia. all the species. Various.

2 ft.. to 3 ft. May.
Pblo.K (dwarf species) frondoia.

G in. Rose. Mf.y.
+ Nchoni. 6 in. Rose. May.
+ procumbens. 4 in. Pink. June.
subnlafa. 4iu. Dark pink. May.
tetacea. 4in. Pink. April.
'+ (tall varieties'. Various. 2ft.
to 4 It. V;irieg.itety cclonred.
June to Stpteniber.
Phyteuma coraosa. G in. Blue,
June.
+ orbk'ulare. 1 ft. Violet. July.
Polenionium coeruleum, 2 It. Blue.
June,

variegatum. 2 it. Blue.
June,
t pulclierrimujn. 9 in. Blnc;Jiiljr.
Potentilla at ro-san guinea. 2 ft.
Purple. August.
+ Menziesi. 9 ft. Orange. July.
+ Popeana. 2ft. Crini.*jn. July.
+ Pri.nula acaulia. All the varieties.
G in. April,
decora. 3 in. Pink. ApriK
t longi'olia. 6 in. Red. AprlU
+ sibirica. 3 in. Red. May.
+ siklumeusis. 1 ft. 'i'ellow. May.
+ Pyrethrum album pleirum, 1 ft.
Whit-,-, June.
Banuncdus atonitifolius. 1 J ft;
Whie. May.
amplcslcauli:=, 6 in. "White,
Jime.
P.iKlberkia hirta, 2 ft. Yellow.
August,
Xouiiianida. l.J ft. Yellow.

Se])tcniber.
purpurea. 2 ft. Purple. Sept.
Saxifraga oppositifolia. 2 in.
I'urple March,
t Scdnm roscnni. Gin. Rose. June,
t Sieboldi. G in. Pink. August.
+ SileneniantimapleDo. Gin. White,
July,
quadridenlata. C in. White.

May,
Schattii. G in. Rod. June.
Spigcli.i marylandica. 1ft. Scarlet.
August.
+ SpiraeA japonicj, 1 ft. W^it*.

Mav.

T tvilobata. 2 ft. White. July,

i-ltHolia. 2 ft. Rose. August.

veniffta. 3 ft. Red. August".

+ Statice latifolia. 1 it. Blue, Jnine.

spatulata 1 ft. Pui-ple. July.

Stenuctis spccioia. 2 ft. Purple.

Jul>'.
Tagctes lucida. 1 ft. Orange.

July.
Thalietrum anemoides floic pleno.

3 ft. White. April,
aquilegifolium foi-mosuni. 3 ft.

Puiple. June.
+ Tritoma uvaria, 3 ft.. Orange*

September.
+ TroHius ehiaticiis. lit. YeUow*-
May.
europaeus. 1 ft. Orange. 5fay.
Vtrbascum jdicsntceum. 3 ft.
Purple. July.
triate'. 2 ft. Dark ytllow and
red. July.
Verbena venosa. 1 ft, Pui-ple.

Jnly.
Vercnica caueasica, Ift, Hose;
June.
multlfida. G in. IHue, June.
oriemalia. 3 in. Blue. J%ly.
t tauiica, G hi. Blue. June.
f Yiohi odorata. All the varietits.
June,
palmata. Gin. Yellow. June.
T pennsylvanica. C in. Yellow. June.

furnisli a suiaJl garden ; f »
'<;e garden the wliole selection
T. Appeebt.

AMERICAN BLIGHT.
Some Ap^e lixJes in mv neighbour's orchnrd have for many
years been notorious for being eoveivd with American blights.
On (lio 2l9f tdt., my neighbour pointed ont to me a tree
whicli n?ed to be the" most infested, and asked m« to ti-y and
find an npiiie an it I tried, bnt in vain^ — I eowld not find one ;
tho tree wM.pePfectly>-ftiee'fronx.tlieDK My ntsglii&our, who^ is a^

July 9, 1861. ]

JOiUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDEJfEB.

person to be relied on, assured rae that he had looked over the
Apple ti-eea in upwards of twenty gardens and all were fi-ee from
aphides. He is of opinion that the severe frost which took
place during Christmas week entirely destroyed them.

Has a similar occurrence happened elsewhere ? and if so, what
is considered to be tlie cause ? — S.

BEDDING-OUT AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE

IN 1861.

{Conchtded from page 253.)

The next place in order is the centre, round the great basin,
above the water temples, and up each s'de to the grand terra''e
itself: but let us take it from the top, where a Deodar stands on
each side in plain circles — that is, without anything but the
trees. Here, in a straight row on each side, are seven oblong
beds and seven circular beds ; each circle with a Humca in the
centre, Ageratum round it. Flower of the Day round that, then
a ring of Oystal Palace Searlet and an edge of blue Lobelias.
The seven beds are the same way on each side. The oblongs
are all as one on the ribbon race. The centre line all the way
down is of the purplish-pink Nosegay, or Folhorgillii— the
longest line of one kind of Nosegay in England, perhaps ; a row
of Cerise Unique on each side, the two making a combined band
of rich rosy pink ; then a contrast in a row of Purple King on
each side of the centre ; then TropaJolum elogane on cacli side,
and an edging of Sweet Alyssiim. Here Purple King, in con-
trast to what is on each side of it, cuts oft' the orange of elcgans
from the rose of the centre ; and the white Alyssu-n *dging all
round contrasts Gnely with the blue edging of the circles. Just
look to that when you are on the spot ; tliere is more in it than
appears on the surface. At the bottom of that run, and round
to llio Rhododendron-bsd next the walk, is one oblong bod 3G
feet long, and, of course, 12 feet in width, that being the pro-
portions in grand places. That large bed has its fellow on the
other side like the rest of them. They have four rows of Tro-
poeolum elegans in the centre, two rows of Purple King on each
side of elegans, and Mangles' for the outside. The curve round
the grand basin has three oblong beds, each 30 feet long, and
three circles 9 feet through. • The three oblongs have three rows
of Ageratum down the centre, two rows of Tropa>olum elegans
on each side, and a row of a variegated Geranium like Alma
all round. The middle circle of the three is a little different
from the one on each side of it — thus : Young plants of Cottage
Maid are in the centres of the three circles ; the middle circle
has Brilliant round Cottage Maid ; and the two end circles
Alma instead of Brilliant. All three arc in blue edging.

Now, from the grand central basin off to the right or left to
the grand terrace, and you see the Japan Lili;s among the
Azaleas and hardy Heaths, along with Pinks, Cloves, Picotees,
Aune Boleyn Pinks, Poppies, and Foxgl(»\'es in the distance,
with all sorts of Larkspurs, and some other showy plants behind
the Lilies from Japan ; and these Ldies are now clearly proved
to tie as hardy as the common white Lily of the lodge-gate
gardens of England, for not a fibre of their roots was touched
by that severe winter, and now they are rising stronger than in
former years, as all bulbs do while they are in progress to full
properties.

On the grand terrace the bottom rows of oblong beds are in
contrast ribbon rows of three colours, the Crystal Palace Scarlet
Geranium taking the two centre rows, then two rows of Christina
on each side of the centre, and two rows of Purple King on each
outside of Christina, and all the circles are alternately with
Garania splendens and Tropteolum elegans, and both edged
with Mower of the Day — a gi'and sight. The half circle of the
Aran-oarias in two divisions made by the main centre walk has
seven Arancarias and seven pedestal-beds in each division, and
each half a xefleet oil the other, with two Deodars on each side
of the central walk. All the Arancaria-beds and these Deodar-
beds are in blue Lobelias on the slope of the mound-beds for the
trees, with a line of Cerastium at the top and bottom of the slope,
leaving a clear space of about 18 inches level on the top for the
trees. The sevea pedestal-beds in one half of the half circle
will tell those in the other half, and here they are — the first
pedestal-bed beginning at the bottom of the centre walk between
the Deodars is thus planted : five rows of Cottage Maid, and
one outside of Flower of the Day ; the second is Igneseens
saperba, -witii 'Golden Chain oatside edging, and Fkwer Of the

Day inside ditto ; third bed Trontham Boss Geranium in five
rows edged with Lady Plymouth ; thtn turning round the
corner to the Arauearia run, the fourth pedestal-bed is five rows
of Cottage Maid edged with TropKoluni elegans; the firth with
five rows of Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium edged by Flower
of the Day; the sixth in five rows of Cottage Maid edged with
Tropaeoliim elegans again ; the seventh, Trenthnm Rose edged
with Flower of the Day ; eighth. Cottage Maid and elegans
again ; and the ninth and last, Crystal Palace Scarlet and Flower
of the Day. The opposite nine beds the same.

Then the upper half eii'cle opposite the Ar.vucarias, in two
halves, has seven oblong beds with three vases and three statues
between them. Then beginning at the bottom bed, west end,
we have a bed of purple Petunias in five rows, and a row of
Flower of the Day, and then blue Lobelia, close planting thus-
second bed Tropaiolum elegans c'ged with Golden Chain and
blue Lobelia, a row of each ; third bed, six rows of Calceolaria
integrifolia floribuiida, or C. '• florihunday," as they say, edged
with Flower of the Day and blue Lobc'lia in two lines ; fourth, oi-
middle or key-bed, Unique Geranium edged with Golden Chain
and blue Lobelia; fifth bed, to match the colour of third bed,
its match from the kev -bed, Triomphe de Hyris Troptoolum five
rows, Countess of Warwick round, and Lobelia outside ; sixth
to mstoh No. 2, five rows of Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium,
Golden Chain, and blue Lobelia, a row oi C;icli ; and seventh
bed, Shrubland Ko?c Petunia, with Countrfs of Warwick round
it, and blue Lobelia outside. Tlic corresponding seven beds
beyond the centre walk same as tho.=o, of course. But liow my
friend, fresh from Athol Brosc, could have been puzzled at this
simple arrangement is a mystery from beyond the hills.

Now, the cliain pattern on each side of the centre is even more
simple still. Three rows of Calceolaria floribuuda rim through
the centre of all the beds, two rows of Crystal Palace Searlet
Geranium on each side of tlie Calceolariu, and the edging oil
round with the narrov.' links between and comiccting the beds
are all in variegated Alyssum. Aristocratic enough, and artistic
to the last plant of them, sura enough. These two sunk panels
and the two end suirk ditto, have circular fiower-beds on the
lower side, and oblong beds of Bhododendrons between, two of
each opposite the end panels, and three of each opposite the
chains. Let us take the west end, and say a circle bed with
King Kufus and two rows of Flower of the Day round it ; tiae
second bed with Nosegay or Fothergillii, one row of Flower of
the Day round it, and one row of Sidonia outside ; the third
bed is 'I'ropaoohim elegans edged with blue Lobelia ; the fourth
with Calceolaria amplcsicaulis edged with Brilliant Geranium ;
and the fifth and last on that side of the centre of the terrace a
greenhouse Geranium of some floribunda cast, too lloristical for
a telling fort in a bed. Bedding Geraniums arc for bedding out,
florists' kinds to be exhibited in pots only, and pot luck never
comos of trying them the one for the other. Light Minimum
Geranium round that bed.

The first bed of this run on the east or north side of the centre
is with "improved" Nosegay Geranium, which is after the
crimson Minimum, two rows of Fair Helen round it, and edged
with light Minimum, but blush Minimum is the better name ;
the second is with Calceolaria amplexicaulis edged with Brillianti
Geranium ; third with 'i ropa>olura elegans edged with blue
Lobelias. The last two at the farthest end are like the first pair
on the west end. King Kufus in one, and Fothergillii Nosegay
in the other, and then the drop-beds on the slopes at both ends
of the terrace; there are eight in ninnbcr at eaclieud, and tliey
seem to drop or hang down from the eight points at the spring-
ing of so many arches. The arches are of variegated Hollies,
and there is one row of Geraniums nlong the arches and going
the drop-beds. Baron Hugel or Bishopslow Scarlet are the
best kinds for that one row, because they have tlic best marked
horseshoe leaf, and so contrast, that way, with the variegated
Holly ; but this season these kinds could not be had, or if they
could, other places were so much in want of them that they
could not be spared, and Mangles' Variegated was put instead of
them. Mangles' aud the variegated Hollies give the same effect
as the variegated Alyssum with Flower of the Day, but not quite
so bad. These two being both hard in their looks, so to speak,
while Flower of the Day is soft, as it were, and making a worse
singe for the eye willa the Alyssum.

The drop-beds tliemselves are as follows : — Calceolaria flori-
bunda in the centre, Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium round it,
and the festooned line of Mangles' from the arches coming
round the edges of all the drop-beds, which finishes my day's

27«

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 9, 1861.

work. But in the private propagating-ground, to which I hare
a ticket of leare, I saw a quantity of fine plants of the Tery
original variegnted Nosegay of wliieli Miller wrote as the first
Yai-iegated sport from seeds in England of that race ; and I would
be bound they are intended for a shot-silk bed at last, now that
they have such a stock of Verbena venosa to shot-silk with that
sort, tliough not the kiud exactly which made the original, but a
better kind. It is the greatest weed among aU Geraniums, and
yet will make one of the best-teUing beds in a garden, when
shot-silked with the purple renosa, in the hands of good trainers,
as those at the Crystal Palace certainly must be, else they would
never venture to risk so many beds of Tropffiolum elegans with
such slender edgings as the Golden Chain or the blue Lobelia,
while I am warning all my country cousins to beware of elegans,
and see it does not kill or run over any edging they can venture
on ; and so it will if they, these cousins, go out a-haymaking but
for one week, to say nothing of the harvest and the staff of life,
and how it is to be saved.

They are building (he broken wing for a grand orangery to be
kept at 50° all the winter, and no gas, or dancing and tumbling
to be allowed to fluce off their leaves ; but they say the frost of
last winter did the big Orange trees a world of good by getting
off the old leaves then thoroughly poisoned with the gas .and
night work ; at all events they look now in their renewed leaves
very different and very much better than ever they did in June,
on this side of the channel.

Fuchsias.— The beds of Fuchsias on the Rose Mount. At the
Crystal Palace is a new experiment to find out if any, or how
many, kinds of the new style of Fuchsias are suitable or not
adapted to the bedding system. Sir CoUn Campbell is the one
under experiment. Of course globosa will make a good edging
to any kind of Fuchsia, and so would microphjlla. Helio-
tropium corymbosum was there last year, and in the hot summer
of 1859, and is now proved to bo the best bedder of all the
Heliotropes that have been tried there. The common Helio-
trope takes a long while to start after planting out, and once it
is off it is a wilding. But about the Fuchsias, as long as I think
of it allow me to introduce you and two or three friends to
Smith's Mammoth ; you will see it advertised in our last Number
as having had a first-class certificate from the Floral Committee,
but I assure you there is no other Fuchsia like it. It is a
Mammoth of a double Fuchsia, and hangs just like the bell on
the neck of a ram, down the country, to let the ewe with the
crooked horn know which way to turn, as this bell of a double
Fuchsia will let a gardener know how to take a prize.

D. Beaton.

GEOWING CHEYSANTHEMUMS FOB CUT
FLO WEES.

I_ HAVE been growing my Chrysanthennims as Mr. Beaton
advised last December. I let them grow, and did not stop them
until their first bud appeared, then took it out. I have mine
planted thi-ce and four in eleven-inch pots. They have grown up
full a yard in height, and are very healthy, strong plants. I
have noticed many have thrown out a small blind bud from its
centre. After this the laterals have started and are now from
4 inches to 9 inches in lengtli. They are exposed to the sun all the
day till four o'clock. Should they be in a more sheltered place ?
Also, am I to pinch out the next bud of these lateral shoots ?
The only fear I liave is, that they wiU show bloom too early. —

A SUBSCKIBEB.

[There is not the smallest danger of your Chrysanthemums
coming into bloom one week before the usual time. All our art
failed to get them in before their usual time ; but some have
been kept back all the winter and till late in (he spring. You
ought to have Mr. Holmes' catalogue, which tells the proper
hud to bloom all kinds from. You are now in the second bud
with all those that have the laterals and the "small blind bud,"
wliich is the first bud. Thin the laterals well now — three laterals
will give very large blooms. But see in the same report what

Mr. Bird has been doing, and follow him and beat him too

that is, if you can.]

establishment. The occasion was to celebrate the presentation
of a handsome silver snutf-box to Mr. William Dines, general
Foreman of the Gardens under Mr. Eyles. The ceremony was
performed by Mr. John Gribben, in a neat and complimentavy
speech, and Mr. Dines thanked his friends in a feeling and
appropriate manner. The inscription on the box is as follows : —

PRESENTED TO

MB. WM. DINES,

BY THE GARDENhKS EMPLOYED

BY THE EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETr,

SOUTH KENSINGTON,

TO MARK THEIR ESTEEM FOR HIS UNIFORM

CIVILITY AS FOREMAN.

JUNE 25TB, 1861.

CULTFEE OF THE GEAPE VINE.

{Coiifi/inei! fj-om page 236.)

Pbeseniation.— On Tuesday evening, the 2oth of June, up-
wards of sixty of the gardeners employed under Mr. Eyles in the
Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society at Kensington, sat
down to an excellent dinner at the Camden Arms Tavern, pro-
vided gratuitously by Mr. Lawrence, the proprietor of the

ClTLTtrEE IN THE VINEEY.

Thehe is no doubt that the management of the Vine is the
most successful and most certain in houses built expressly for
the pui'pose, and kept especially in heat, air-giving, and general
culture for the production of that fine and delicious wholesome
fruit. To grow it to the greatest perfection and to furnish good
fruit all the year round, three houses are necessary, one for the
earliest crop, another for the summer crop, and the third for the
autumn and winter crop. In large establishments this division
is still further carried out, by having houses planted with some
kinds that require peculiar treatment — as for instance, one house
is filled entirely with the Muscat of Alexandria Grajje, or allied
kinds, because such sorts require a higher and drier temperature
when ripening than others ; and then, again, another house is
planted entirely with the West's St. Peter's Grape, and similar
sorts to ripen in the darker months of the year. A fine example
of the latter mode was a few years ago at Chatsworth, and may,
probably, be there yet. The finest example of a Muscat-house
that I have seen is at Penryn Castle, near Bangor, in North
Wales.

Both these examples are in lean-to houses, but there need be
no dispute that the best form for a vinery is the span-roof,
provided it is properly ventilated at the apex to let out the
superabundant heat that accumulates there. If the house is
intended to be forced early, I should then have the border
entirely inside ; but for a general crop, then in order to give
the Vines a large pasture I should recommend the walls to
be built on arches, and have additional borders on both sides.
The aspect of such a vinery should be east and west. It
will then have the benefit of sunlight from the morning to the
evening. These borders would be improved and made more
perfect if chambered and heated as described before. In other
respects as to the compost, draining and sheltering, I have
nothing to add to my fonner account of those matters.

For the early vinery I have stated that the border should be
entirely inside, because then the root action goes on simul-
taneously with the top action — a very important point, for
how can the sap flow freely from roots in a cold soil exposed to
all the severity of winter? It, howevei-, must be borne in mind,
that a border covered with glass has no chance of receiving
moisture from rains : hence that necessary element water must be
supplied from the watering-pot and right freely, so that it may
be wet quite through. Just at the time when the fruit is swelling
two or three waterings with liquid manure may be applied with
advantage, more especially after the borders have been occupied
with the Vines for three or more years. The mode by which I
made manure water for this purpose was as follows: — I had
large tubs kept for the purpose. I procured all the dung I
could get from the poultry-yard and pigeon-cote, and if that was
not sufficient I added to it a quantity of cowdung, collected clear
of straw. To this was added a lot of soot and a small quantity
of quicklime. With these enriching manures I filled my tubs
about a tbird-part full, and then filled up with hot water, stirring
the whole well together right down to the bottom of the tub.
As soon as it cooled down to a milkwarm temperature and the
heavier particles had settled to the bottom, it was applied to the
borders, when moderately dry, in that state. If it was judged
to be too strong, then that strength was reduced by adding
tepid water sufficient for the purpose. The lime and the soot
effectually killed any living insects that might be in the dung,
and the hot water destroyed their eggs. Should there be any
worms in the border or pots, this kind of compound liquid

July 9, 1861. ]

JOUENAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAaE aARDENEE.

277

manure killed them also. The borders inside the summer and
autumn rinedes should, in the growing season, have a plentiful
supply of water sufficient to thoroughly moisten the soil.

As the fruit and wood ripen the watering should be more
moderate, and be finally relinquished when maturity is accom-
plished. Then every part of the vineries should be kept as dry
as possible, both to prevent the G-rapes from moulding and the
leaves from decaying prematurely.

Beating. — Very good Grapes may be, and indeed are, grown
where the heat is furnished by common flues ; but there is
always danger of flues bursting by internal explosions of confined
j>ir, or any other cause : hence it is now universally allowed,
that there is no system of heating so safe and easy to manage as
that of circulating hot water in iron pipes connected with a
sufficiently large boUer and capacious fireplace. And let me in
this place warn the hothouse against false economy in those two
important points^namely, the size of the boiler and the extent
of piping. There can hardly be too much of the latter, for it
is easy to manage the fire so as to heat the water moderately ;
but it is not so easy to heat a large body of ail- to the right
temperature, if the boiler is small and the pipes short in extent
of size and number. Three or four pipes will give out more
heat from a given quantity of fuel than one or two filled with
water nearly to boiling-heat, besides being fifty times safer and
easier to manage i therefore, whatever you do, have plenty of
l)iping and a boiler large enough to heat the water moderately.

Another mistake in regard to the situation of the pipes — they
are too often placed close, or nearly close, to the soil of the
border. Though heat ascends, it also radiates, and that radiates
downwards dries up and parches the soil of which the border is
mad3. That is an evil wliich may be easily avoided by placing
the pipes upon stands a foot or more, as may be convenient,
from the ground. By so arranging the hot-water pipes, the
drying of the soil will be prevented.

Peunino akd Tkainiug. — In the vinery where everything is
subordinate to the Grape, various modes of pruning and training
may be adopted. In my opinion there are only two modes that
are really useful. The first is the spur system, wliich I have
already described in treating of the Vine in the greenhouse ; and
I must say, after nearly half a century's practice I consider this
mode the best, because by it no strength of the Vine is lost, and
besides that its simplicity, regidarity, and neatness, are great
recommendations.

The next best is that called the long-shoot system. I believe it
was first adopted by my late friend, Mr. Mearns, then gardener
at Shobden Court, in Herefordshire, and was described by him
in the fourth volume, page 246, of the " Horticultural Trans-
actions." The best way to describe this scientific mode is to
refer the reader to the figures above. Fig. 1 shows a young
Vine just planted and cut down to the bottom of the rafter at a,
and one shoot only allowed to grow and be trained to the rafter.
During that summer the Vine is allowed to grow if it will to the
top of the rafter and is then stopped. The laterals are also

stopped at the first joint, and kept stopped from time to time as
they break forth again. At the end of autumn, when the leaves
have all fallen and the plant is at rest, it is cut down to three or
four eyes, as shown in fig, 2 at b. The second year two shoots
are left to grow, and the strongest is stopped when it has reached
a foot or two beyond the middle of the rafter. The weaker is
stopped also, but nearer to the place it started from. In the
autumn following these two shoots are pruned as shown at
fig. 3, c and d. The leading and stronger shoot, c, is allowed
that year to bear a crop of fruit, and the weaker one, d, is
allowed to grow up by the side of c, and is stopped at a foot or
so beyond it. The reader will perceive that the shoot c is
bearing fruit that year, and the spur d is producing a shoot to
bear fruit in its place the year after. The shoot from the top of
e is allowed to run up to the top of the rafter and is thei-a
stopped. The laterals on the upper part of c are stopped at the
first joint, as also are those on the shoot d. The winter follow-
ing the Vine is pruned as shown in fig. 4. The shoot made
from the bearing-shoot e is cut off within a foot of the top of
the rafter at g, and shoot fi from the spur d is pruned to about
the end of the shoot that has borne fruit. All the spurs on e
are cut clean off close to the main stem. Each Vine, it is evident,
now has fruit-bearing shoots that will furnish bunches from the
bottom to the top of each rafter. The branch fi may be
trained close to the barren stem e, and the shoot that will
spring from its top may be a little diverged outwards, so as not
to interfere with the fruit-bearing shoot g. A spur at h is
left to produce a young shoot the next summer to replace y. In
the autumn of that year the centre shoot g is cut out entirely,
and the one / is brought into its place. Mg. 5 shows this —
the Vine is pruned at i, which has reached the top of the roof,
and at k, the shoot that grew from h (fig. 4), from I a young
shoot will spring to supply the place of / (_^^. 4). This com-
pletes (he circle, and the same metliod must be followed year
after year, always taking care that the rafters are furnished
from the bottom with one shoot bearing fruit halfway up, and
another fruitful branch from the centre of the rafter to bear
fruit to the top the same year, leaving a spur at the bottom to
produce a shoot to replace the whole eventually. This system
is very beautiful in practice though tedious to describe. By it
large bunches of excellent fruit may be produced, as, indeed, I
have proved, both by my own practice and that of others that I
have visited.

The vineries that are devoted entirely to the Muscat of
Alexandria, Canon Hall, and allied kinds, require to be kept
very dry when ripe or nearly so, in order to produce that high,
rich amber colour for which they are so justly admired: hence
there should not be a single plant allowed in them, for the
necessai'y watering of plants sends up a moisture that is in-
jurious to these Grapes. The best plan is either to cover the
entire internal floor with flags ; or, if that is inconvenient, let the
floor, by which I not only mean the walks but the borders also,
be covered with clean dry gravel.

By paying attention to these points, and keeping the Vines
clear of insects and mildew, tlie cultivator may produce as good
Grapes as ever were gro^vn. — T. Applebt.
(To be continued.)

CEOSS-BEED DIANTHUS SEEDLINGS.

HEATED OPEN BOEDER.

I HATE now in flower many seedlings from Dianthus Hed-
dewigii crossed by Sweet William. They have the appearance of
dwarf, stout Indian Pinks, but the blossom is exactly like that
of the male parent doubled or rather trebled in size. They vary
much in tint and quality. One alone of the lot has turned up a
trump, if I may use tlie expression. In colour it equals if not
surpasses the best Heddcwigii I ever saw, and is the nearest
approach to a perfect circular flower I have ever met with. The
limb is surrounded with the regularly-fringed edge of the Sweet
William parent. I will send you a cutting soon. [Many thanks,
a batch of the same cross was exhibited before the Floral Com-
mittee, but the flowers were too dark and dull.]

I have a heated border in the open air in full operation. The
plants have only been out about three weeks, but already show
unmistakeable signs of doing something before long. One portion
is reserved for Cape and other bulbs exclusively, and will have
arrangements for seasonal treatment. The only striking observ-
able effect at present is a most important one — to wit, that the

278

JOTJEISUL OP HORTICUMXJEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 9. 1861.

plants went on growing witliont receiving any check from plant-
ing tliera out. '1 liis wiU add, at least, several Tracks to their
diu'ation of growth, and will, I hope, enable late-blooming sorts
to flower before thw frosts come.

The expeiimcnts will not be confined to stove plants, as I
wish to note the beliavioiir of certain liardier plants under the
circimistances— such as the ripening of seed, &c.

1 am trying once more my hand on the Orape Vine. I have
now a healthy bunch of eiglit berries (Black Hamburgli crossed
with the Canon Hall Muscat). Every anther was abstracted
two days before their period of expansion, and the whole en-
closed in a bag of muslin, the pores of which were closed with
size. 1 have great confidence in the reality of the cross. I am
just now following up a course of most curious, and, in part,
new observations in cross-breeding; but as it is liiu'dly satisfactory
to any party concerned to publish unfluished investigations, I
have not as yet communicated with any one on the matter. —
K. T. C.

[Let U8 know the result. — Eds. J. of H.]

CRYSTAL PALACE ROSE SHOW.-Jult 6.

AVhatetee anticipations may have been indulged in as to
the character of this Show were amply bcrne out by the result.
On the one hand, it was believed that as two previous exhibitions
of tlie Notional Eose Show had been held there, the announce-
ment that they would hereafter take place in connection with the
Koyal Horticultural Society at Kensington Gore would not deter
exhibitors from contending for the very liberal prizrs offered by
the Crystal Pabice Company, and the entries were more nume-
rous than on any former occasion ; while, on the other hand, it
was believed that, owi^g to the character of the season, and the
immense losses amongst Kopc-growers, tliere nuisfc be a deficiency
in character ; and this, too, was abimdantly fulfilled. I never
recollect seeing such a thorough metamor|ihosis as some of the
ilowers cxlubitcd. Such wc'11-kno'.vn flowers as Genernl Jacque-
minot and Paul Kicaut would have been unrecognisable but for
the names attached; one bloom of the former was quite as much
mottled as any Triomphe d' Amiens could be. Baronne Prevost
was shown washy tnd ill-shaped. Duchess of Sutherland as
bad as any monthly China; and, generally speaking, the blooms
were far short of the standard — I say generally, for some of
them were truly grand. The Scnatcurs Vaisses and Generals
Jacqueminots in both Mr. Keynes' and Mr. Cranston's stands
were magnificent flowers ; and here and there one came across
flowers of surpa3?ing excellence, and probably, considering the
season, many will be ready to say it was far better than could
have been anticipated.

The new Roses were, as usual, the subjects of special interest ;
and again Mr. Standish, of Bagshot, and Messrs. Eraser, of Lea
Bridge, ran very hard for the first prize: the tables this year
were, liowever, turned, the former gentleman taking first, with
the following, some of which, marked thus *, are stiU in his
hands to be let out this autumn : — Madame Furtado (ex. ex.),
Abdcl Kadcr. John Standish, Princesse Clothilde, *Gregoire
Bordillon (a rich, lovely crimson), *Marguerite Appert (blush
white — like Caroline dc Sansnl in colom-, but not in shape, it
being a flatter Rose), Andre Desportes, Madam Standish, John
Waterer, Eugene Appert, Heine des Violettes (rubbish!), Made-
moiselle Bonnaire, *Comte de Falloux, 'Reynolds Hole (a beau-
tiful lively pink, very much the shade of colour of Catherine
Guillot, B. ; but very vigorous, holding its head well up), Louis
XIV. (ex. ex.), and Ophelia (Tea). In Messrs. Erasers' were
Madenioisellj Boi.naire, Madame Furtado, Prairie de Terre
Noire, Eui;cne A]5pcrt, Tiiomphe de Lyon, General Washington,
Bai-low, Victor Verdier, Louis XIV., Vainqueur de Solferino,
Belle de Bourg la Eeine, Parmentier and Reine des Violettes.

I was glad to find (I suppose we all are when we are right)
that my juHgment given in the earlier part of the season was not
far out^ Of !lie Roses of 1860, 1 think «e shall find tliat Sena-
tenr Vnisse, Victor Verdier, Madame Charles Crapelet, Madame
Boll, Louis XIV., and Mdlle. Bonnair.^the gems. And of 1861,
3\Iadame Furtado, General AVashington, and Comte de Falloux will
hold a high place; while Reine des Violettes, lauded by some as
the best Kose of the season, will find its appropriate place on
the dunghill, or a stock to bud on. More of these by-and-by.

Amongst Growers. In class 1 (ninety-six varieties), the first
prize wus taken by Mr. J. Mitchell, of Piltdown ; tile second by
Mr. J. Keynes — the hon. member for Salisbury ! the third by

Mr. W. Paul ; the 4th by Messrs. Paul & Son ; and the 5th by
Mr. Edward Hollamby, of Tunbridge Wells. Ninety-six names
is an awful task, and, generally speaking, the best flowers are to
be found in the smaller classes.

In class 2 (forty-eight varieties), Mr. Cranston was first ; Mr.
Keynes second ; Mr. E. Tiley, of Bath, third ; Mr. E. Hollamby
fourth; Mr. B. F. Cant, of Colchester, fifth. Mr. Cranston's
lot comprised SenateurVaisse (a sj-Jendid truss — in fact, G-eneral
Jacqueminot with twice as much stuff in it), Madame Charles
Crapelet (a beauteous light crimson Rose, large petal, and fine
shape), General Jacqueminot, Eugene Apjiert, Anna Alexiefl^
Souvenir de la Malmaison, (B ), Triomphe de Lyon, Gloire de
Dijon, Mdlle. Marie Dauvesse, Louis XIV. (a splendid Rose),
Virginal (beautiful pinky white), Souvenir de la Reine de
I'Angleterre, Caroline de Sansal, Alexandrine Bachmetofl", Eveque-
de Nimes (very fine), Victor Verdier, Princesse Mathilde, La
Sylphide (Tea), Lielia, Baronne Hallez (very fine), Francois-
Arago (very dark), Madame Therese Apjjert, Dr. Marx, Louis-
Odier, I'Enfant de Mont Carmel, Oderie Vital, Manory, Madame
Furtado, Eugene Appert (ex.), Alphonse Karr, Madame Vidot,
Lord Raglan, Louis Chaix (ex. ex.), Comtcsse de Chabrillant.
All those not otherwise marked are Hybrid Pcrpetuals.

In class 3 (twenty-four varieties), Mr. Keynes was first ; Mr.
Cranston second, Mr. Laing, of Twickenham, third, Mr. J.
Cattell, of Westerham, fourth ; and Mr. Edward Shcnton fifth.
Mr. Keynes' comprised Gloire de Vitry, Triomphe des Rennes
(a grand bloom), Madame Vigeron, Madame A'idot, Leon des
Combats, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Lord Raglan, Pius IX.,
Comte de Nnnteuil, General Jacqueminot, Madam Rivers, Victor
Verdier, Anna de Diesbach, Prince Leon, Franijois Premier, La
Ville de St. Denis, Jules Margottin, Paul Dujjrez, Senateur Vaisse
(a magnificent bloom), Due cVOrleans, and Pauline Lanzezen.

In class 4 (twelve varieties), Mr. Keynes again was first;
Mr. Cant second, Mr. Alfred Gosling" (?) third, Mr. John
Cattell fourth, Mr. Edward Shenton filth. Mr. Keynes'
flowers were Madame Hector Jacquin, Paul Duprez, Madama
Vidot, La Ville de St. Denis, Souvenir de la M alraaison, Madame
Vigeron (a fine Rose), Gloire de Vitry, General Jacqueminot,
Gloire dc Dijon, Leon des Combats, Comte de Nanteuil. Mr.
Cant's flowers were Charles Lawson, Madam Rivers, Pauline
Lanzczin, Gloire de Mosseuses, Triomphe de Paris, General
Jacqueminot, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Baronne Hallez, Colonel
de Rougemont, Old, and Mathuriii Regnier.

In class 5 (twenty-four varieties, three trusses of each), Mr.
Keynes was again first, Mr. Laing second, Messrs. Eraser
third, Mr. James Mitchell fourth, and Mr. John Cattell
fifth. Mr. Keynes' flowers were Wm. Grifliths, Leon des Com-
bats, Souvenir de Lcverson Gower, Virginal, A'ictor Verdier,
Gii'neral Castellaue, Pauline Lanzczin, Mathuriii Kegnier, Gloire
de Dijon, Comte de Nanteuil, Francois Premier, ^Madame Vidot,
Madam Rivers, Eveque de Nimes, General Jacqueminot, and
Madame Miellez.

Amongst Amateurs. In class 6 (thirty-six varieties), Mr.
Hedge, of Colchester, was first ; Mr. Keel, second ; Mr. Holling-
worth, third ; Mr. Evans, fourth ; Mr. Thorney croft, fifth ; and
extra, Mr. Rowland. Mr. Hedge's flowers were Gcant des
Batailles, La Fontaine, Auguste Mie, Shakspere, Wm. Grifliths,.
.lacques Lafette, Virginal, Duchess of Bnecleugh, Gloire de
Mosseuses, Prince Regent, Duchess of Suthei'land, La Ville de
St. Denis, Reine Victoria, Lord Raglan, Madame Knorr, Madame
Boll, Acidale, Coup d'Hebe, Bizarre Martre, General Jacque-
minot, Eugene Desgaches, Souvenir de la Reine de I'Angleterre,.
Juno, Charles Lawson, Oderie Vital, Letitia, Caroline de Sansal,
Princesse Hclfene, Leo the Tenth, Paul Eicaut, and Cynthia.

In class 7, Mr. Hedge first, Mr. W. Corp second, Mr. Thur-
land third, Mr. Mofi'alt foiu-th, Mr. W. Mercer fifth, and Messrs.
Walker, Evans, and Cooper, extra.

In Class 8 (eighteen varieties), Mr. John Dennis first, Mr.
Moffatt and Mr. Edge equal second, Mr. Evans third, Mr.
Moore fourth, and Mr. Trecn fifth. Mr. Dennis' stand con-
sisted of Madame de CambacJres, Melaine Oge, Coup d'Hob^,
Comtesse de Chabrillant, William Griffiths, William Jesse,
Alexandine Bachmetofl", Anna Alexiefl", Madame Hector Jacquiu,
Madame Knorr, Auguste Mie, Madame Portenere, Gloire de
Dijon, Souvenir de la Reine de I'Angleterre, Madam Rivers.

in class 9 (twelve varieties), Mr. Wm. Corp, of Salisbury,.
was first ; Mr. J. Varney second. Rev. Mr. Child tliu-d, Mr.
Vockins fourth, and Mr. Hedge fifth.

In Pot Roses, a nice collection was shown by Mr. Tiu-ner, ot
Slough, but, as a rule, it is much too late for them.

July 9, 1861.]

JOUENAL OF HORXICULTUKE AND COXIA&E aABDENEB.

279

Amongst Miscellaneous Objects were some fine Pinks, Carna-
tions, and Picotees, from Mr. Turner, of Slough; and some
Pansies and Pinks from Mr. Bragg of the same place. Perns
and other plants belonging to the Company were scattered up
and down, and many admirers crowded round the tables dm-ing
the day. — D., Deal.

GROWERS FOR SALE.

NlNETY-stx Vartetirs (One Truss of each). — First, J. Mitchell, Pilt-
■down Nurseries, Maresfield, Sussex. Second, J. Keynes, Salisbury. Tliird,
W.Paul, Cheshunt Nurseries, Waltliani Cross. Fourth, fliessrs. Paul and
Son, Old Cheshunt Nni-series, Cheshunt. Fifth, E. Hollamuy, Rose Nur-
series, Tunbridfje Wells.

Forty-eight Vaiheties (One Trass of each).— First, J. Cranston, King's
Acre Nurseries, near Hereford, Second, J. Keynes, Salisbury. Third,
E. Tiley, U, Abbev Churchyard, Bath. Fourth, E. Hollambv, Rose Nur-
series, Tunbridge Wells. Fifth, B. Cant, Colchester.

TwEN i-Y-Fou It V.^RiETiES (One Truss of each). — First, J. Keynes, Salis-
■bury. Second, J. Cranston, King:'s Acre Nurseries, near Hereford. Third,
R. Lainp:, the Nurseries. Twickenham. Fourtli, J, Cattell, Westerham,
Kent. Fifth, B. Cant, Colchester.

Twelve A'arieties (One Truss of each). — First, J. Keynes, Salis^iury.
Second, B. Cant, Colchester. Third, A. Gosling, Tower Nursery, Heath-
■fleld, Sussex. Fourth. J. Cattell, Westerham, Kent. Fifth, E. Shcnton,
Hendon Park, Nurseries, I-Iendon.

Twe:jty-foub Varieties (Throe Trusses of each), — First, J. Keynes,
Salisbury. Second, R. Laing, the Nurseries, Twickenham. Third, Me.ssrs.
-J. & J. Fraser, Lea Bridge lload Nurseries, Leyton. Fourth, .1. ftlitchell,
PiltdownNurseries,Maresfleld, Sussex. Fifth, j. Cattell, Westerham, Kent.

AMATEURS.

Thirty-six Varieties (One Truss of each).— First, J. T. Hedge, Reed
Hall, Colchester. Second, H. Keel, gardener to A. Lawrance, Esq., Bath.
Third, J. HolUngworth, Maidstone. Fouith, S. Evans, gardener to C. N.
Newdegate, Esq., ,M.P., Arbury, Nuneaton. Fifl;h, H. Thorneycroft, Floore,
near Weedon, Extra prize, A. Rowlan 1, Rosenthal, Lewisham.

Twenty-four Varieties (One Truss of each).- First, J. T. Hedffe, Reed
Hall, Colchester. Second, W. Corp, Milford, Salisbury. Third, W. F.
Thurland, New College, Oxford. Fourth, A. Moffatl, Easton Lodge,
Dunmow. Fifth, W. Mercer, Grove House, Hunton, near Staplehurst.
Extra prizes, T. Walker, 24, Jlerton Street, Oxford; S. Evans, gardener
'to C. N. Newdogate, E«q., M.P., Arbury, Nuneaton; Dr. Cooper, Slough.

Eighteen Varieties (OneTriws of each). — First, J. Dennis, gardener
to H. S. Hayward, Esq., Folkingtoa, Hurst Green Sussex. Sccoud J. T.
Hedge, Reed Hall, Colchester; A. Moffatt, Euston Lodge, Dunmow.
iJEqiml ) Third, S. Evans, gardener to C. N. Newdegate, Esq., iVI.P.,
Arbury, Nuneaton. Fourth, E. Moore, Horsell, Smiey. Fiftlii W. H.
Treen, Rugby.

Twelve Varieties, (One Trusa of ea«h.)— First, W. Corp, Milford,
Salisbury. Second, T. Variwy, gardener to W. Smith, Esq., Upper Nor-
wood. Third, Rev. — Child, LitUs Easton, Dunmow, Essex. Fourth,
W. Voekins, gardener to J. T. Noakes, Esq., ftr0.ekloy Hall, Lewisham.
Fifth, J. T. Hedge, Reed Hall,. Colchester.

OPEN TO ALL.

jVoti! Hoses o/ 1380 anil ISei .

Fott THE Bkst Collection (tMie Truss of each variety).— First, J,
Standish, Royal Nursery, Bagshot. Second, Eraser & Son, Lea Bridge-
road Narseties, Leyton.' Third, Paul & Sou, Old Cheshunt .Nurseries,
Cheshunt,

liosas in Pots.

Six Roses, Six, V41ieet£bs (In Pots not exceeding 13 inches in diameter).
—First and second withheld. Third, C. Turner, the Royal Nurseries,
Slough.

For thb Bj5st Collection of Roses (In Pots not exceeding 8 inches
in diameter).— Fir.rt, C. Turner, the Royal Nurseries, Slough.

IN-DOOE PLAJTTS.*

A o^BDEN wae the first i-esidenoe of man, and gardening his
fiisfcoceupation: He drew his first breath, and found his first
pleasures in the Garden of Eden, and those who now delight iu
th0 flowers and fruits which were its produce show that they are
not altogether decayed from the pure tastes which characterised
the first estate of our nature. It is a gratifying characteristic of
ou» couutrymen, and we glory in the fact that, from the Queen
who adorns ouv nation's throne, to the poorest tenant of the
miiaoest attio in St. Giles', a love of flowers and of their cul-
tivation prevails. We glory in the fact because it demonstrates
that a love of the beautiful and the pure pervades our people —
•is inherent in them ; and where that love predominates, though
there may be — nay, must be-=-many deviations, much error, much
Tice, and much sin, for these are incidents of our fallen nature,
yet that love, like the bias of the bowler's ball, has a constant
tendency to wind round to " the mark of our high calling."

We hail, therefore, the little volume before us, because it is a
good and faithful help to all who have that relic of Eden in
them — the love of flowers — yet who have not the knowledge
'how to cultivate them.

" My aim in writing this little book," says the authoress, " has
been to give such plain and practical directions for the culti-
vation of in-door plants as may enable any lady to choose and

* In~doof Plants^ andhotc to Qroio them for the Drawing-room, Balconij,
■and Greenlioitsc, containing Clear Instructions by which Ladies may
tam, at a smalt expense, a constant Supply of Flowers. By E. A. Maling.
•ondDu.: Sraith,Elder, * Co.

grow abundant flowers to adorn her house ; and I am the more ■
confident of the sufiieiency of tlie rules here laid down, because
tbey have been tested by myself during some years' practice in
I'eariug and keeping plants." Now, we happen to know that this
is strictly true. An acquaintance with the writer is a pleasure and
a benefit to us — for defective health imprisons her to her room ;
and it is a benefit to us, because it is an example to know, how,
passing aside all useless regret, she has admirably succeeded in
adorning her place of imprisonment. Picciola had but one
little plant in his cell, but in Miss Maling's are many of the
most beautiful, all nursed with untiring attention, and aU de-
monstrating that that attention is guided by skill. We remem-
ber reading long since, "Travels Round my Chamber," and no
unfitting companion to those essays would be a series by Miss
Maling, " Visits to my Eoom Plants." Had we permission we
would give a sketch, historical and biographical, of the tenants of
that room, the tenants of its aviary, aud its plant-cases, nor
would we drop our pen until we had said somewhat about the
presitler over their destinies.

It must at 'resent euflice for us to observe, that those plants
are unmistakeablc evidence of a knowledge of their cultivation
judiciously applied. In the volume before us that knowledge is
recorded. "I have described," says the authoress, "not only
what should be done, but also how to do it, knowing that the
simplest points of plant culture are often the worst attended to,
merely because it is supposed that every one knows how to do
that." This is no more than the trutli, and we recommend to
all ladies fond of flower-culture, " In-door-plants and How to
(irow Them," as one of the safest and most explicit of guides.

NEW AND EAEE PLANTS.

OAiADinii BICOLOB, var. Chantini {CAantia's Tioo- coloured
Caladium).

Nat. Oi-d., Arsc.^a;. Linn., Moncecia Monandria. This is
really a iAree-coloured-leaved Caladium, for the green disk of
the leaves is spotted with white, and the veins even on thi3 upper
surface deeply crimsoned. "Among the many splendid kinds
of variegated-leaved jilants, not one surpasses this in effective-
ness."— [Botanical Mugazine, t. 5235.)

BEaoNiA oi.ANDrLOSA {Glandular-leaved Tieyonid).
Nat. Ord., Begoniaceie. i/((»., Monoscia Polyandria. It has
also been called B. nigro-vcnia, and is probably identical with
B. multinervia. Flowers small and pale green ; leaves with
black-coloured veins on the upper surface. Xutive of Veraquas.
—{Ibid., t. 5256.)

Besteepia Lansbeegii {Lansherg' s Sesfrepia).
Nat. Ord., Orchidace[e. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. A
beautiful small Orchid, native of Guatemala. Flowers greenish-
yellow, spotted with brown. " Lateral sepals and pstals have
clavate, or club-shaped, tips, resembling the antenna) of some
insects." — {Ibid., t. 5257.)

LiNDENiA eitams {Riverside Lindenia).
Nat. Ord., Eubiacese. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. ^Native
of river sides in South Mexico and Guatemala. It is a hand-
Bonio evergreen shrub. Flowers creamy white, withlou» pinkish
tubes, blooming in May in the Eew stoves. — {Ibid., t. 5258.)

Lepanthes CALODiCTrox {Net-leaved Lepantlies).
Nat. Ord., Orchidacese. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. A very
singular and beautiful little plant. Leaves pale green, with
broad, brown, net-hke veins ; stem passing up through trumpet-
shaped scales; flowers yellow and crimson. — (JAirf., t. 5259.)

MOSCATELLO MELON— MELONS OUT OF
D00E8.

Can the author of the article on Melons, in Mr. Dickens'
"All the Year Round," be induced to tell us where to get the
seed of the variety he recommends (MoscateUo) ? He says it
was introduced into France from Italy. And will you further
oblige me by saying if you think a system of out-door ciUtivatiou,
with protection, for the centres of plants can be adopted in this
country ? Such is the plan the writer recommends for growing a
sort which he esteems one of the best in cultivation; and he
certainly seems to be speaking of growing it iu England. — H. H.

[We should think that if the editor of " AU the Ye^v JlqwiS "

280

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE (JARDENER.

[ Jvdy 9, 1861.

■was written to, an answer would be obtained. We, ourselves,
do not know the Moscatello Melon ; but after having in our day
grown myriads of kinds of Melons, we cannot say that we could
recommend any one sort so far above any other as some people do,
provided every one gets the kind he likes best ; for even in some
places the finest Scarlet-fleshed would not be looked at, and in
others the juicy Green-fleshed and White- fleshed would be tabooed.
A Melon this season may beat everything put against it, and the
ieeds from that Melon produce inferior fruit next year ; in fact,
flavour depends more on management than on kinds. Without
the flavour the Melon is just about as good as a Gourd, and
little better. We have tried many sorts against a wall, under

glass sashes merely, and with the centre of the plants protected
by a hand-light as the correspondent proposes, and we have been
successful, and unsuccessful, according to the season. We
should expect Melons by either of these modes, if all our summer
was like the hot days we have had this June. With a season like
the last, we would expect to get little better than green fruit.
In a fine season the hardier Green-fleshed and Cantaloup Melons
will do by the mode proposed ; in a cold, wet season they will
do little good. This is our impression from the experience of the
past, and with Melons, too, most likely, as great marvels for
hardiness as the Moscatello may be ; but, we own, we know
nothing of it, and may, therefore, be mistaken.]

NEW PLANTS PROM JAPAN.

THUI0P8IS DOLOBBATA.

AjrONa the new plants that have been received
from Japan there are few that will exceed in
beauty and interest Thuiopsis dolobrata, of which
we furnish a representation drawn by Mr. Fitch
from specimens sent home by Mr. John G. Teitch.
Attaining as it does the dimensions of a lofty
timber tree, and being now proved perfectly hardy
in this country, it will introduce a new feature
into the EngUsh landscape. It is of a pyramidal
habit of growth, with horizontally spreading
branches, wliich are drooping at the points, and
perfectly evergreen.

It grows in the moimtains of the island of
Nippon, and particularly in the chain of moun-
tains called Hakoue, where it in found on the
moist slopes of the hills. Its wood is very valu-
able for building pui-poses. The Japanese culti-
vate it in their gardens as an ornamental plant,
and form dwarf trees of it from 3 feet to 6 feet
high, which, to preserve of these dimensions,
Siebold says, are propagated by cuttings. There
is a variety with smaller leaves called by the Ja-
panese 2fezu,

A beautiful variegated variety of this noble tree
has just been received by Mr. Standish, of Bagshot,
from Mr. Fortune among a large collection of
other living plants sent home by that gentleman,
and which will be the most magnificent variegated
tree in cultivation.

EFFECTS

KINDS

OF DIFFERENT
OF POLLEN.
I HOPE that you will grant me a little space to
thank some of your correspondents and Mr.
Beaton for his interesting information how to test
the effects of different kinds of pollen on the divi-
sions of the same stigma of a Pelargonium, for my
special purpose of ascertaining whether one variefi/
is prepotent over another. I fear that the Scai-let
Pelargoniums include at least two wild forms,
which botanists would rank as distinct species. If
Mr. Beaton is at any time writing on these plants,
perhaps he would tell us what he knows about the
wild parent of the Horseshoe and other Scarlets.

I am very glad that " P." sent a list of his
Pelargoniums with the central flower regular;
for I was not aware how common the case was.
WiU " P." be 60 obliging as to observe and report whether any
of the regular central flowers set seed— that is, if the kinds
specified are such as ever produce seed ?

With respect to the fertilisation of AVheat : several years ago I
examined the flowers dav bv day, and came to the same con-
clusion as that which "H. C. K." expresses so forcibly. Mr.
Beaton apparently does not much venerate botanical authorities,
but he might easily quote a long list of great names to show
that Wheat is always fertilised in the bud ; what has misled so
many botanists I cannot imagine. But stranger assertions of
the same kind may be met with : for instance, that cruciferous
plants are generally fertilised before the flower opens

As lam

away from home I write without my notes ; but I remember
that the Chinese have the singular belief that certain varieties of
Wheat are always fertilised in the night-time. Col. Le Couteur,.
who attended so carefully to the varieties of Wheat, entertains
no doubt that the different varieties, when growing near each
other, cross. On the other hand, a full account has been
published of a large number of varieties, I think 150, which were
cultivated close together in some continental garden during
several years, and never crossed each other. This account
has much perplexed me ; and I have sometimes been tempted
to doubt whether any eye, however accurate, could have dis-
tinguished so many varieties, and that, perhaps, after all the

July 9, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTTRB AND COTTAaE &ARDENEB.

281

varieties did cross. Mr. Beaton might advance this case in
support of his belief that Wlieat is fertilised in the hud.

As Mr. Beaton alludes to some mistake which he has made,
might I venture to suggest to him to punish hioiself by telling
sooner than he intended by what means he can produce from
pollen of the same flower placed on the stigmas of the same
variety two different sets of seedlings ? That is a mystery which
it is tantalising to wait for. — Chables Daewin, Down, Bromley,
Kent.

THE PEAK FLY.

{Communicated to the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural
Society.)

Dexia nigripes 1 Walker ; Diptera, pi. 12, 11.

" I TEITST it will not be uninteresting to the Fruit Committee
if I call their attention to the history of a little fly which, without
attracting the notice of the gardener, frequently destroys his
crops of Pears, and probably Apples also ; and if to a knowledge
of the economy of the insect I can add a simple method by
which its destructive effects may in future be prevented, or at
leott reduced in extent, I shall not deem the time misspent.

"To Henry Webb, Esq., of Redstone Manor, Reigate, a
member of the late Pomologioal Society, I am indebted for
several specimens of CatiUao Pears which he sent me on the
25th of June, 1860, in which he had discovered several small
maggots, which caused the fruit to fall off even at that early
period. I at once placed them in a glass and covered them
over, and on opening it in February last X found two flies had
been produced, a male and female, which I will endeavour
briefly to describe.

" Tlie female is about three-eigj;iths of an inch long, appearing
to the naked eye of a pale grey colour, and in general formation
like a common house-fly ; but under a lens its distmctive
characters are at once perceptible. Head semi-orbicular, dingy
white, with a black velvety mark in front reaching down to the
antennae, and terminating at the back in form of a crescent;
antennse dark, set with short spines and slightly curved inwards;
eyes rich brown, oval, widely separated ; thorax ovate, angular
at the base, with five remarkable black spots, one on each
shoulder and three below, divided by a scarcely perceptible
suture ; several small black dots between the larger spots, out of
which stiff setce issue, the whole bearing a close resemblance to
ermine ; scutellum semi-ovate, centre white, with an angular
black spot on each side, ending in a point with a stiff seta;
abdomen four-jointed, dingy white, with three black spots on
each joint, the centre one angular ; wings dusky, long oval, with
five principal nervures and several transverse, as I have en-
deavoured to show in the accompanying sketch ; legs black.
Under a lens this is a very pretty fly, belonging to the family
muscidse, of which Mr. Curtis enumerates forty-nine species in
British entomology ; but in the absence of figures and descrip-
tion I cannot identify it with any of them. It appears, however,
to correspond with ' Dexia nigi-ipes,' figured by Walker, ' Dip-
tera,' pi. 12, fig. 11, although he describes the thorax as quadri-
maculata, yet shows five spots upon it exactly according with
my specimen. The male is smaDer, of a more common dingy
colour and not handsomely spotted. The maggots are very
similar to those of the blow-fly but smaller. At what time the
eggs wex-e deposited, or in what part, cannot be precisely stated,
but most likely when the Pear was in blossom, or vei-y soon after-
wards, as I have fi-equently discovered the larvte of Lepidoptera
in the blossoms of other trees, and bred them until they arrived
at the perfect state. I think it would be almost impossible to
destroy these mischievous larva; or the flies at this time ; but if
every gardener who is made aware of their destructive effects were
carefully to collect the fruits which they have caused to fall
abortive to the ground, and burn them, the species above de-
scribed might easily be kept under; and by adopting the same
plan througliout the season, many other equally injurious insects
might be almost extirpated, and thus tidiness and usefulness
would be seen linked hand in hand. — F. J. Geaham, Cranford,
April 9, 1861."

MELON LEAVES TUENING YELLO'W.
Will you inform me the reason why the leaves of my Melon
plants are constantly turning first yellow and then become
brown and crisp, and crumble to pieces ? I thought at first

that it was only the leaves which touched the glass of the frame,
but I find some of the under leaves affected in the same manner.
I shade with tiffany during very hot sunshine, and give plenty
of air day and night ; watering when the soil appears getting
too dry. — H.

[Leaving other causes out of view, such as dryness at the roots
when the surface is sulEoiently moist, and want of air when the
sun suddenly comes out bright, which exposes the plants alter-
nately to a steaming and a kiln-drying influence, such results
will frequently occur from sudden alternations in the weather,
from dense cloud to bright sunshine. The more the plants are
used to regular shading, the more will they suffer when that
regvdar shading is not given. Half an hour's neglect on a sunny
morning will produce the result complained about. The water-
ing, &c., may be all right ; a few dull days have enervated the
plants, and given the roots little to do. A brisk sun suddenly
comes, the leaves to hve must perspire freely, and as the activity
is not equally communicated to the roots, but they are aroused
more slowly, the leaves get scorched because they cannot he
sooner supplied with moisture to meet the demands of the sun.
A slight shading or a skiff from the syringe wiU often make and
keep all right. We are, however, in doubts as to this being the
cause in your case from your giving air night and day. Probably
the shading has been extra well attended to, and a little neglect,
nevertheless, exhibited at a time when the sun was very powerful.]

WHAT TO LOOK FOE ON THE SEASHOEE.

(Coniinued from Vol. XXr.,page 92.)

Long Sea Citcumbee (Cucumaria fusiformis). — This is a

small species, measuring only about an inch in length. It
is round, tapers a little towards each extremity j and short as
it is, is long in proportion to its thickness. The skin is of a
pinkish-white, and covered with feathered papillse. It has five
double alternate rows of suckers ; but they are not prominent.
It has ten short sub-triangular tentacles, white and feathered.

The Long Sea Cucumber is very sluggish in its temperament,
and not given to vary its form much. Many of the Holothurise,
indeed, are extremely apathetic ; whilst others are, on the con-
trary, wonderlully active and lively. This species is also dredged
in the Shetland seas.

The Glasst Sea CucnJlBEE {Cucumm-ia hyalina). — This)

also a native of the Shetland seas, is a very elegant and delicate
creature, being nearly transparent, and of an opal tint. It
is fusiform, or spindle-shaped, attenuated at either extremity.
It has two closely-set rows of suckers on each avenue. The
tentacles are large, stalked, and feathered at the extremities. Its
ordinary length is about 2J inches, although it is stated to reach
to a length of 6 inches.

The Tangle Sea CucrsiBEE {Cucumaria fucicola). — This
creature, again, is most commonly taken with a dredge off
the coast of Shetland, and is generally met with in seven-
fathoms water, where it adheres to the stems of marine plants
or to rocks. It is a sluggish species, and clings with wonderful
tenacity to whatever substance it attaches itself: this is effected.

288

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COIXAGE GARDENER.

[ July 9, 1861.

as usual, ty means of its suckers, which are very strong and
closely set in fire equidistant rows. Its sliu is quite smooth,
and its body, when at rest with its tentacles expanded, is mostly
of an ovate form, and measures about 3 inches in li^ngth. Ihe
tentacles themselves are short and somewhat club-shaped-

This creature, like the rest of the Sea Cucumbers, chooses a
locality where it can escape the light, the action of Mhioh seems
to be extremely painful to the whole tribe. — W.
{To be cottiinv.ed.)

PLANTS THAT HAVE STOOD DUKING LAST
WINTER IN GL0UCE3TERSHIKE.

ToTTB list of plants destroyed by the last winter must now be
almost complete, but only one correspondent has sent tou a
short list of things that have stood the winter. I send you,
therefore, a sliort list of shrubs and herbaceous plants and bulbs
that generally are supposed to require care iu the winter, but
which have survived in south Gloucestershire without any pro-
tection, though many of them are more or less injured. If any
of youi- readi-re can add to the list of herbaceous plants and
bulbs, I shall be much obliged. — H. N. E.

Daphoe hj-brida

japonica
Mandevilla snaveolens
ileliantlius major
Stanntonia lalifolia
Passitlora c(£rulea
Berberis Fortuni (E. fasdc

killed)
Scarlet Ti-umpcl Honeysuckle
Lardizatiila biternata
Bipnonia capreoiata
Aralia ^pinosa
Acacia julibrissln
fiosa Banksia Fortnni
Sikkini P.liododeDdron
Oxalis elegans
Libertia formosa

I Cypella Herberti
{ Macleaya cordata

Spigelia marylandica

Globularia nudicaulia {G, vulgaris
killed)

Clematis tubulosa

Tropceolum sptciosum.

Piumbagu capenjus

Iris periica

Francna appendlculata

Tritonia aui-ea

Triteleja nntflora

Erndium hymenoides

Clinum i-iparium

Lilium lancifolium

Cypripediumspectabile and calceolus

63. Knight's Dwarf Green- -Noble, Cooper, & BoiiTON.

Plant a free and healthy grower, with a branching stem 3 feet
high, and very dari green blotched foliage. The pods are pro-
duced generally in pairs, and are from ten to twelve on a plant,
containing seven good-sized Peas. Ripe seed green and wrinkled.

Sown Februarv 19tli ; bloomed June 22nd ; slatted July 2nd ;
and ready to gather July 28th.

This is the latest of all the varieties. On the 6th of August it
was in full bearing and quite green, while every other sort had
either ripened oft' or was fast approaching the condition of
ripeness.

Si/nopiical Arrangement of tlie Varieiies of Peas, and ihe Dates
on iMch tJiej/tvere ready for gathering.

I. Fa^uQs.

Dillistone's Early Juae 22nd.

Sangsfer's No. 1 — 29(li.

Early Emperor July Srtl.

3r-l.
3rd.
3lh.
6th.
71 h. _

7tll.

9th.

10th.

ICth.

ISth.

16th.

The C}"pnpedium9 have heen in remarkable beauty this year,
audi would suggest to your correspondent, *'W. X. W.," to
grow them in coeoa-nut refuse, he will find it excellent for all
the plants named by him in page 231 — Cypripediiim, Orchises,
and Primula farinosa.

EEPOET ON THE GAKDEN PEAS,

GeOWN at ChISWICK DtTEIXG 1860-

By Robert Hogg, LL-D., F.R.H.S., Secretary to the Fruit Committee.

{CoucUided from page 237.)

61. Veitck's Perfection James Veitch^Jun.

The plant is very robust in its habit, and produces a succu-
lent stem 3 feet high. Fohnge dark green, and only slightly
blotched. The pods are generally in pairs, of a large size, and
from ten to fourteen on a plant. They contain from seven to
eight very large Peas, which are closely compressed. The ripe
seed is large, green, and wrinkled.

Sown Febi nary 19th ; bloomed June 13th ; slatted June 26lh ;
and ready to gather July 16th.

This is an improved Ibrm of Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth, than
which it produces much larger pods, and comes into use about
six or eight days later. It is decidedly the finest Pea of its class,
and one deserving of general cultiyatiou. During the past
9«f»6on it suffered like many other varieties from the unusually
cold wet weathei*, and dropped many of its blooms ; but m the
previous sniiimcr it set every bloom, and matured a profusion of
its large weU-fiiled pods.

62. Tall Green Mammoth ..netting & Sons.

Sv>' : Competitor Chaelwooi> & CCiLMrN'S.

monarch ..Noble, Coopeb, & Bolton.

I^pps' Monarch HrKST & ll'MrLLEN.

Sirathmore Sero Carter & Co.

King qf t/ieMarroicg... 'SoBLEy COOPEB & Boxxox.
Jfaite'y King of tJie ) o„«.«...« a a

,, ^ '^ [ Sutton & Soss.

Marrows ^

Xlie plant is a strwig and vigorous grower, with a thick succu-
lent fteui G feet to 8 feet high, and branched. Foliage dark gi'een
and blotched. Tlie pods are produced in pairs, and are from
twelvo to sixteen on a plant. Eipe seed large, green, and wrinkled.

Sown February Ibth; bloomed June 13th; slatted July 1st;
and readj to gaUiw July 20th.

Danecroit Ilival

TomThuub

T6legrd|>h

Early Riiiewood ^..

Early Frame

Dickson's Favourite

Bishop's Long-podded ...

Auveigne

Shilling's Grotto

Royal Dwarf

Victoria Braucliing

II. Marrows.

Champion of Paris July 5lb.

Harrison's Perfection ... — 7tli.

Thurston's Reliance — 10th.

Queen of Dwarfs — 10th.

Noveirber Prolific — 11th-

Egff — 12th.

Victoria Mai row — 13th.

Danecrott Prolific ~ 20th,

Princess Royal — 20th.

III. Gkj.ex Marrows.

Prizetaker July Gth.

Early Green Marrow — lOiIi.

Matchless Marrow — 13th.

Garhutt's Amazon — 2oth.

Sutton's Berkshii-e Hero — 20th.

IV. PttUSSIANS.

Groom's Superb ., July 14th.

Woodford 5Iarrow — 14th.

Batt's AVorder. — iCth.

Bitie Prussian — icth.

The Varieties of Garden Feas^
ihey come into use, showing

Dillistone's Early June 22nd.

Sangster's No. 1 — a9;b.

Early Emperor

Danecroft Rival

Tom Thumb ,.

Advancer ,.-

MigTion

Telegraph

Cbanipiuu of Pajis
Early Kingwood ..

Prizetaker [■ July

Fairbeards Nonpareil,

Eaily Frame 1

Dickson's Favourite l July

HaiTison's Perfection...)
Bishop's Long-podded...)
Faiibwiid'a Surprise ...)

Auvergne

Thurstun's Reliance.....

Shilling's Grotto ,

Queen of Dwdrie ,

Early G)een MaiTOw ... y July 10th.

Mcnsit-ur Suyer

Hairs' Dwarf Man. moth
Champion of England...

Ne Plus Ultra

November Prolitic July lltb.

EgR 1

HaiTison's Gluiy > July 12th.

Epiuuiean )

July 3rd.

• } July

5th.

El

eth.

7th.

■- July 9th.

V. Imperials.

Fairbeard's SuiT>rise July 9th.

Harrison's Glory — 12th.

Barbidge's Eclipse — 13th.

FUck's Imperial — 1-lth.

Banksian JIarrow — 14th.

Scimitar — Hih.

VI. White Kkight's.

Fairbeard's N'onpareil ... July 6th.

Monsit^ur Soyer — 10th.

Tall While Mammoth ... — 14tli.

Maclean's Prolific — loth.

Alliance — Ititli.

liriti^h QueL-n — 16th.

Lvin's Wrinkled Man-ow — 22nd

Knight's Dwarf AVhite ... — 24th-

Knight's Tall White — 24th.

Vll. GREES M.VBEOW KlfIGHT'3.

Ne Plus Ultra July IDlh.

General WyncJham — 20th.

Vlll. Gbeeh Knight*s.

Advancer July 3rd.

Mignon — 3rd.

Champion of England ... — lOtb.

Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth — 10th.

Epicurean ■ — 12th.

SeaGreen — 12ih.

Lord Raglan — 12th.

Climax — loth.

Essex Rival — 13lh.

Veiich's Perfection — '6th.

T«ll Gieen Mammi.th ... — 20th.

Knight's Dwarf Green... — 28th.

arranged in ihe Order in which
their comparative Ejrliness.

. SeaGreen )

Climax > July 12111.

Lord Raglan )

I Royal Dwarf

I Victoria Manow ...

Matchless Marrow

Burbidge's Eclipse

' Essex Rival

I Woodtord llanow...

Groom's Sup<rb

Flack's Imperial \ July 14th.

Bankstan Manow

I Tall White Mammoth ...

Macleans Piolitic July 15th.

Victoria Brai.ching \

I Bait's Wonder |

Scimitar

, Alliance

British Queen

Vcitch's Perieetion .

Danecroft. I'lcdific...

i Princess Ruyal

; Garbutt's Amazon .

Gintral Wyndham .

Sutton's Berkshire Hero

Tall Green Mammoth ...

Lynn's Wrinkled Jlanow July 22nd.

Knight's Dwai-f White..) t,,iv oith

Knight's Tall White ]" ^^' ^^°-

Knight's Dwaii Green ...July 26th

July 13th.

. July 16th.

JalyfiOth.

PINCHING THE SHOOTS OF CUEKANT TEEES.
Will you inform a constant subscriber "G. H.," if the
practice of nipping off the shoots of Cin-rant trees previous to
tlie IVuit ripennig is a good one ? Also if the lateral shoots
which are sonietiriics produced are considered weakening to the
trees? In short), is it a practice you would recommend when
tiie tiees and fruit arc very much shaded by au abundance of
shoots ? I beUere I saw it recommended in one of the Kumbera
of The Coixaqz QAicDSJaijsjt, but cannot lay n^ hand cMii it ta

July 9, 1861.] JOtTEKAL OP HORTIOTTlTUaE XST) COTTAGE GABDENEB.

283

show a gardener who tells me I am ruining my tress by such
nipping.

[If we could get at it, we would nip every Currant tree as
you propose. The shoots that come so thiclc in the centre of
the tree we would shorten to 3 inches or -I inches, and we use
these young shoots for many purposes, such as cracking them in
the middle and using them as pegs for flower-buds. If done
early, say in the middle of June, some lateral shoots will start
from the poitifs of the shoots thus shortened, and these may
grow two or tln-ee joints and be nipped again. This wi!l swell
up the buds near the base, and make them more fruitful when
you cut back to two or thi-ee buds in winter. The stopping
should be confined to nipping the points merely of the main
leading-shoots in Jinie, in the ease of young bushes that you
wish to get larger, and such nipped shoots will often, nay
generally, show fruit their whole length next season. In the
case of old hushes as large already as are wanted, the shortening
of all shoots may be proceeded with as stated above for the
central shoots. These stoppings apply to bushes in vigorous
condition. In old bushes pretty well worn out, it is a good
plan to encourage young shoots from the bottom nnd otheirwise
well placed on the bushes, and mei-ely nip the points of them in
iTune and the beginning of July, and remove 'he old exhausted
branches as soon as the fruit has been gathered. Vt'e haT3 thus
several times renewed old bushes, and found them bear much
earlier and more plentifully than young bushes.]

TRADE LISTS E.ECEIVED.

James Veifc7i,jitii's., Plant Catalogue, Soi/al Exotic Xvrseri/,
Kln^fs Soad, Chelsea. — This is an admirable catalogue, and
contains a vast number of novelties in the way of siove and
greenhouse plants. We observe it is very rich in Ferns and
Orchids.

A General Descriptive Catalogue of Plants, Trees, Shrtths,
^•c, bi) Miln^ tj' C^i Wandsworth Soad, London. — An excellent
general catalogue of a select nurseiT stock.

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.
Articloies, when cutting the heads for use cut the stems close
to the roots. Clear the stools from decayed leaves, and loosen
the surface of the soil about them with the hoe. Broccoli, no
time should now be lost in getting out the varieties which come
in during the autumn. Cauliflowers, earth up those that were
put in the beginning of last montli ; plant more for coming into
use in the autumn. Celeri/, get out the main crops ; loosen the
soil about the early crops, and give it good supplies of water, if
there is not sufficient rain to keep the soil quite moist. Cucumbers,
keep the linings of the fi'ames made up so as to cause a gentle
warmth to circulate through the bed ; for, however warm the
weather may be, a mild bottom heat is ntoessary to procui-e
fine handsome fruit. Garlic and S/iallots, as soon as the tops
begin to wihcr pull up the roofs ; if favourable weather allow
them to remain on the ground for a day or two to dry, then to
tie them in bunches, to be hung in a dry airy shed or fruit-room.
Lettuce sow a little of the Paris, White and Bath Cos in drills
where the plants are to remain. Mushrooms, save and prepare
horse-droppings for beds, to produce through the autumn and
winter. Take c^re that newly-made spawn bricks are thoroughly
dry before being laid away. Spinach sow a few rows, to keep
up a succession ; thin the preceding crop, and keep it watered
in dry weather. Turnips, thin out the last sowing to a foot or
15 inches apart. And as the weather is now favourable, the
-main autumn crop may be sown.

FLOVTEE GAEDEN.
Ae the bedding plants are now beginning to make vigorous
growth, go over the beds fi-equently, and keep the youug shoots
of Terbenas, Petunias, Salvias, Calceolaria amplexicaulis, &c.,
nicely regulated and pegged down until the ground is fairly
covered, when the shoots may be allowed to grow more at
liberty. Continue to put in cuttings or pipings of Pinks ; they
root freely on a gentle bottom heat under hand-glasses, to be kept
shaded, or they wiU succeed on the north side of a wall or fence.
The cuttings to be merely pulled out of the old plants at the
second or third joint, and pressed between the finger and thumb
into light sandy soil, watered with a fine rose before and after

they are inserted; no ti'imming of the leaves or cutting to a
joint is required. Any one who is desirous to improve the race
of this beautiful and fragrant flower should attempt to do some-
thing in the way of cross-breeding. The most showy herbaceous
plants — such as Phloxes, Pentstemons, &e., will strike freely in
some light garden soil in any shady situation on the north side
of a wall or fence. Carnations and Picotees to be layered : this
is performed by cutting through the second or third joint, bring-
ing the knife about half an inch up the centre of the shoot,
making a tongue ; the small portion of stem beyond the joint is
cut back to it, and when pegged down in the soil, which should
be fine and light, they will soon emit roots.
STOVE.

Continue to keep up a moist, warm atmosphere to plants in
active "growth. Such of the Orchids as have made their growth
(known by the pseudo-bulbs having attained their full size) to
have less water, and to be gradually inured to a lower tempera-
ture and a greater degree of dryness. It should not, however,
be forgctten that this progression to a state of rest should be
slow and gradual. Destroy by every means beetles and other
pests to Orchid-houses.

GBEKNHOTTSE AND CONSEBVATOBT.

Pelargoniums when done blooming to be exposed in an op«n
situation to ripen the wood for a week or ten days, to be then
cut down, and cuttings made of their tops : the old plants to be
kept rather dry until they begin to break afresh, and the cuttings
to be inserted in any open, warm situation, where they will
strike root freelv without any bottom heat. A number of hard-
wooded plants "which were "cut back a few weeks ago will now
be making fresh gi-owth, any requiring to be shifted into larger
pots should have their roots well watered before potting. Before
potting, carefuUv loosen the outside roots ; after potting, the
plants to be kept close for a few days, and to be syringed over-
head daily. Bi-ugmansias and other very visorous-growing
plants to be frequently assisted with manure watCT, and as they
are liable to get infested with insects the svringe to be frequently
applied to keep them under before the plants get into bloom.
Cinerarias, whether seedlings or suckei-s, to have regular atten-
tion, and those intended for autumn work to be po'ted forward
without delav. "^- Kea^b.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

SuNSniXE and showers have been its characteristic — rare
weather for Turnips, but troublesome for the hay, reviving the
fresh-planted greens in the kitchen garden, and just suiting the
beds in the flower garden, many of which would take a shower
every day and thrive well with it, provided there were plenty of
glcains of sunshine between the showers. Except that he the
case, warm sunny summers, though rather dry, are the best for
the flower garden.

Kept planting out greens, Lettuces, Endive, and Cauliflowers
as opportunity offered. Celery, too, as ground could be got,
and watered what had been put out early, as the showers were too
t slight to do more than refresh the foliage. Hoed carefully for
i the last time among Carrots, Parsnips, Onions, and all crops
' generallv, finding it is the most economical plan to cut up weeds
before thev are an inch high if possible. Soaked the seeds of
Bishop's t)warf Pea and others for thirty hours in water, and
the most of them are coming nicely a few days after being sown,
while others from the same bag sown at once have come up
very badly. The seed was old in either case. With some old
seejs such a plan would be ruinous ; but the old-fashioned
practice as respects the Pea, of soaking the seeds some hours
before sowing, is worthy of more general adoption. All these
were showing the radicle' or young rootlet before being sown, and
' the Pea was swollen to a good size. Many showed no radicle at
j all, and some that did parted in two when touched, and thus
lost the cotyledons or nursing seed-leaves ; but the great pro-
portion are "now growing nicely, when those sown at once in the
usual way from the same bag have rotted so much in the ground,
that if left alone there would not have been half enough for a
j crop. In a dav or two— say the 4th or 5th of July,_ we shall
sow our last Peas for the season — such as Bishop's Long-
podded Dwarf, and, perhaps, a row of an earlier kind, just to
give a chance if the weather is fine at the end of October.

Regulated Melon plants, cut back and pruned where we wished
them°to produce a second crop. It is of less importance now
having strong shoots, as the roots are strong, and when well

28-t

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEK AND COTTAOE GABDENEB.

[ July 9, 1861.

watered will soon give vigour enough if insects are absent.
Stopped and set blossoms of succession crops and planted out
more, and prepared a dung-bed or two for frames for a late crop.
The heating matter consisted of Bearly equal portions of short
grass from the lawn, mixed with the long htter from the stable.
These moistened and heated eacli other. From 20 inches to
30 inches of this mixture were put together, fairly trod and beat,
and then 1 foot of leaves that had already doue service for early
Potatoes was put over them, and then the soil, and enough of
heat will be given to give a good start, and a little lining in '
autumn will keep up the heat that is wanted more than the sun
will give. It will be observed that the covering of leaves is the
great regulator.

Trained and stopped Cucumbers and Man-ows under hand-
lights and other lights soon to be taken from them. I feel con-
vinced now that many forms of Cucumber disease are owing to a
sour, though a fresh well-aerated soil. I did not like the soU at '
my command for general purposes, but just then could not well
manage to encroach on the sides of the highway, our favourite
reserve for a fresh supply. Cucumber plants growing in a com-
post, of which our general heap formed a part, were beginning to
show traces of the leaf curling as it did last year, and as we had
plenty they were pulled out. Three lights near them, grown in
son scraped chiefly in spring from a ridged-up piece of ground
in the kitchen garden, mixed with a little well-aerated leaf '
mould, have borne profusely and are in fine health. This general
heap was obtained from sods paired off a meadow and now nicely
decomposed and friable ; but the outsides besides grass have a
fail- proportion of Sorrel growing upon them. The superior
health of those grown chiefly in common kitchen-garden soil
13 another proof that such soil well aired will grow all common
plants well, whether in pots or out of them. The above heap
of decomposed turf chiefly seems to answer many things ex- I
tremely well, though it does not seem to suit Cucumbers.
Melons are much at home in it. Last season I never had
belter Melons. Cucumbers beside them were very inferior,
and similar soil constituted the groundwork of both, though [
that for Cucumbers was much lighter in texture. ]

Some one may ask, Why use such soil ? Why not get soil or
Uirves from upland pastures, not likelv to have acid enough to
foster such plants as Sorrel ? Ah ! wliy not indeed; except that
lime gardens out of ten must make the best of what they can
get, and not what they would wish to have ? I know some
hundreds of acres where the top sod is full of fibres as scarcely
to be torn asunder by the hand, and held to the nose is as
sweet as a nut, and to the eye is almost as pretty as a " nut-
brown maid," but I have never yet been able to coax a bit of it
into my possession. I must get to the roadsides again, even
though that gives almost the certainty of plenty o( weeds to pull
and pull again; and may occasion a confab with some road-
surveyor, who will at least pretend that he cannot see you are
domg him a favour in removing tliose accumulated mounds and
ridges at the sides, that make his well-metalled roads little better
than slushy ditches in wet weather.

fiemoved the covering of leaves, &c., from the Tine-borders.
Could not have done it sooner if we would, and would not have
wished to do it sooner if we could. Early covering and late
removing are the things wlien the roots are at all near the
surface. Will as soon as finished stir the surface soil, so as just
to break it, and water with manure water heated to 80° at least,
so that the border shall not be suddenly cooled ; and in a few
hours afterwards will throw a little dry soil over, alike to look
neat and to keep heat and moisture in. When the sun gets at
Its strength, so as to heat the border well, will mulch it slightly
with horse-droppings or sheepdung, and the warm rains that
may be expected will wasli in its virtues. In autumn we will
remove the most of the mulching before covering again. We
consider the exposing of the border in the hottest part of summer
an advantage so far as medium wood and extra fruitfulness are
concerned. When the roof of a house is pretty well covered
with Vines, those with roots in front outside will generally do
better than those planted inside against the back wall, because
the sunbeams act more directly on the soil. When the Tines
are thin on the roof— say from 4 feet to 6 feet apart, those
planted against a back wall wdl do admirably, as the sun will
pass through to the soil, and if the rods or main shoots are
trained down the rafter the wood will be extra short-jointed ;
but when the roof is thickly clothed with foliage, or there are
stages or tables in the house for plants, these will so far prevent
the sun even acting on the soil in which the Tines grow, and

they will not grow quite so well in consequence. Our old
gardeners knew what they were about when for general purposes,
though they planted the Tines inside, the roots were encouraged
to go outside, also in a border with a good slope from back to
front, so as to catch the rays of the sun. Fine wood, and fine
large bunches, may be obtained from plants with roots so deep
that the heat of the sun exerts little influence upon them; but
for the extreme of fertility, and the extreme of saccharine matter
in the fruit, we are prejudiced enough to believe that the roots
must be within the reach of the heat of the sun, and be prevented
getting too cold at all critical periods — that, in fact, instead of
being shaded, the sun should shine freely on the soil in which
they grow.

Watered Figs in house, giving air night and day, and a little
fire heat in a dull wet day to prevent anything like damping or
spotting. If kept too damp or too close, the end of the Fig will
begin to ripen, and then to decay, before the fruit as a whole is
fit for the table. This is one of those fruits tliat to have it in
perfection can scarcely be sent any distance. I like to see it
hang on the tree until it is cracking all over, and the rich juice
peeping out in amber globules. Good drainage, abundance of
water when swelling, and thorough ventilation when ripening, if
a small fire should be made to secure it, and due thinning and
stopping the shoots, are the conditions of success. The syringe
should only be used early in the afternoons of hot days, so that
the leaves are dry before night ; in fact, when many fruit are
ripening, it is best to lock up the syringe, and merely damp the
floor and ground a little when the day is very warm. A skilT
from the syringe is apt to make fruit ripening crack on the one
side before the other side is soft or ripe enough for use. With
moderate care the Fig is seldom troubled with any insects that
need washing ofif.

Thanks to strewing the ground as mentioned sometime ago
with soot and lime, we have scarcely noticed the vestige of the
presence of a slug in the Strawberry-beds ; and covering with
nets has kept the Blackbirds and Thrushes at bay, but that has
set them in revenge to pilfer the half-ripened Currants and
I Easpberries, and some means, as rattles and looking-glasses,
must be used to save them tUl we get more nets at liberty.
These nets are now got so reasonable, that there need be no
complaint among our enthusiastic amateurs, that it is no use
growing Strawberries, for the birds will take them all ; and then
they so love the birds and like to hear their notes on a morning
whilst they lie in bed in a half-dreamy, philosophising mood,
that they look upon killing them as little better than murder.
Well, the nets will keep the bulk, and just leave a few outsiders
to your friends the sweet birds, which rough people that have
110 poetry or romance in their composition, call by the ugly
; name of vermin ! Thanks, too, to a good watering with manure
water — the drainage of the farmyard, which I can get, though
the manure itself is a too gingerly subject to build hopes upon,
the Strawberries in quantity and size have scarcely been surpassed
before. A lady who was enjoying a plateful was next to horror-
j struck when informed that the fine mouthfuls were the conse-
quence of the dirty black water thrown over them. We presume
, her liege lord hit upon the manoeuvre in order that he might
I get the lion's share of the spoil. We hardly believe the guid
wife has been quite reconciled, though assured the black water
was given about the time the plants were in bloom, and that
the showers since then had not left a trace of it on the fine
fruit. Covered part with Nottingham netting to prolong then-
ripening. Watered Eltons and Eleanors on a north border
just swelling, which will come in late, and be suoceeded by
Black Prince and Keens' now showing bloom, turned out of
pots forced early. Watered Easpberries to swell the fruit well,
and syringed all trees against the walls to keep them clean.
Pruned and regulated Apricot trees, and shortened and removed
I the breastwood on Pear trees, &c., trying to keep down all
insects not destroyed.

In the flower garden have been very busy with pegging and
bush-sticking, as I can scarcely leave a plant without being
secured, and be safe from a high wind taking them up by the
roots, or at hast breaking all the brittle ones to pieces. This
occasions much extra labour, but then the plants are com-
paratively safe in all weathers ; and though these twigs are no
ornament at first, their seen utility at once gives them the beauty
of fitness, and ere long a trace of them will not be seen. Tied up
Hollyhocks, Dahlias, and other plants needing strong stakes.
Fresh regulated the conservatoiies, Ac, removing Pelargoniums
past their best or needing more picking off decaying flowers

July 9, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJEB AND COTTAaE aAEDENEB.

285

than they were worth. Also setting out first in the shade.
Azaleas that had bloomed late, replacing with more Pelargoniums,
large Fuchsias, &c., training the latter so as to be masses from
the pot upwards, and yet show not too much of stiff dressing.
A few Ferns and plants with fine foliage, as the Begonias, will
be placed on the lower shelf of the north side of the stage for
variety, and to dull a little the masses of bloom. Potted other
plants to come on in succession ; amongst others, Balsams, &c.,
to be grown in pots. We have been too scarce of plants this
season to plant any out of doors, though few things well treated
make more handsome bushes in the autumn. What we have
potted will come in for house decoration, and we well want
strong, bushy, rather dwarf plants. The plants did not get the
exact treatment they ought to have had — they stood too long
and rather thick in small 60-pot3. The strongest of these were
put at once into 24'3, a few into 16's, and the bulk into 32'3,
the soil being rich and not at all light. A couple of old frames
being at liberty, a slight hotbed was made for them, formed of
a foot of grass and straw litter, and another foot of half rotten
leaves about the litter and grass. This heated nicely and gently,
and the leaves kept down all steam. The pots were plunged in
these beds, and air left on back and front in case eveu a breath
of steam should come. The gentle bottom heat, and the air
are causing them to grow with great robustness and vigour, so
that in a few days more room must be given. The lower shoots
have been pegged over the mouths of the pots, and all flowers
will be removed for several weeks. — E. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*#* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Joiu-nal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of tie "Journal of SorticuUure, SjC," 162, Fleet
Street, London, JH.C.

Lkmon-Kidnft Potato. — " W. D." wishes to know the name and address
of the person who first introduced the Lemun-Kidney Potato.

Vine Leaves [J, S., SoUhtiU). — The appearance on your A'ine leaves is no
caused by insects, but merely indicates a vigorous constitution in the plants^

Cabrot Maggot {Z. A.). — The grub that infests your CaiTots is the.
Carrot Maggot. The best remedy is to well work the soil by trenching and
manuring, or to mis spirits of tar with sand till well saturated, and apply it
to the soil before digging, in the proportion of one gallon to 60 square yards.

Petunias and Blue Polyanthus [W. (?.).— Tour Petunia tlowers were
dried too much, and so stuck to the paper in which they were packed tha
we could not judge them properly, but it appears to be a gay, single flower,
with a white ground, and light blue or purple stripes like the one which
5Ir. Ferguson, of Stowe, exhibited at the opening of the new Horticultural
Society's garden. If it is of a good habit, there is no doubt but it will make
a fine bedder, and we think it highly worthy of being so used. If you had
put the tlowers singly, between folds of the thinnest oilskin, they would have
come quite fresh.

Sending Cuttings by Post {F. M. i^.).— Many thanks. The cuttings
came quite fresh in the oilskin folds. It seems evident that oilskin will
presei-ve flowers and tender cuttings better than any orher thing, and in a
small tin case Heath cuttings could be thus sent by post to any parts in the
three kingdoms.

Onion Maggot {Neiv Suhscribcr). — When "the white maggot with a
black head " is found in the bulbs of the growing Onion crop, and the leaves
yellow, we know of no reraed\'. The course we should pursue is to sprinkle
some gnano over the surface of the bed, the ammoniacal fumes from which
might prevent the parent fly of those maggots (Anthomya ceparum) con-
tinuing to deposit her eggs within the leaf-sheaths of the Onion, which she
does close to the ground, from May to September. A drawing of the fly, and
full particulars concerning its habits are ia T?ie Cottage Qardener's Dic-
tionary.

Roses JIildewed {A Suhscriher). — Your Roses are mildewed. Dust 1 hem
with flowers of sulphur, or syringe them with Gishurst Compound.

OncnABD-HOuSE (J, L. .B.). — Your shed with boarded sides 4 feet high, if
completed by having a span-roof, all of glass, and well ventihited, would do
very well for an orchard-house. There is no beneflt arising from a heated
house in raising early chickens. It weakens them too much. If you heat
your proposed "orchard-house" it ceases from being one, and becomes a
forcing-house, in which case the sides ought to be glazed ; for if you induce
growth in winter the great difQculty is to obtain light sutHcient to render
that growth vigorous.

Rose Leaves Mildewed (X. J.).— The yellow fungi in patches on the
under side of your Rosa leaves, are of the JJredo Rona'. Try the effect of
dusting them with flowers of sulphur, and give the roots a good soaking
with liquid manure twice a-weefc. Mulch over the roots to keep the soil
moist.

Grapes not Colouring (CAar?c« J?iiioards).— Give plenty of air, and if
the fi-uit is much shaded by the foliage, expose it more fiiUy to the influence
of the sun.

Gbeen Gage Leaves Blighted {F. C, Hants], — It is only an e.xcessive
development of the parenchymous plate of the leaf. A somewhat similar
distortion sometimes occurs In over-luxuriant Vines in the forcing-house.

In a more aggravated form, it is the "blistering" of the leaves of our
Peaches and Nectarines on walls.

Destroying Ants (IT. W. B.).— Scatter over their haunt at the foot of
the plant guano, or gas lime soaked in the ammoniacal liquor of the gas works.

Me. .AIarch's Design roR the Table ( W. TT.).— We have made arrange-
ments by which we shad be enabled shortly to publish a figure of Mr. March's
prize design for decorating the dinner table.

Names of Ferns {Atethca).—P^ red-stemmed variety of Athyrium filix-
fccmina ; or if with a creepingcaudex. -\thyrium asplenioides, var. angustum.
{Constant Sulscriher).—l, Adiantum macrophyllum ; 2, Nephrodinm moUe.

Names of Plants (P. F.).—l, Geranium colambinum; 2. Stachys sylva-
tica; 3, Spirtea nlmaria. (M. B.).— Your Fox-glove flower is not double-
that is, there is no multiplication of the corolla ; there is merely a deformity,
or a flower-bud, grooving out of the centre of another flower-bud. Your
three plants are Clematis integrlfolia. Campanula speciosa, aud Spiraea
japonica.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

July lOth. Royal Hoeticcltdeal Society. (Rose Show.) Garden

Superintendent, G. Eyles.
July 18th. Towcester Floeal and Horticultural Society. Sec.

T. B. Rodhouse, Towcester.
July 18th. Prescot. See., J. Bccsley.
August 9th. Belfast Royal Botanic and Horticultural Socrair.

(Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables.) Sec., George A. Carruthers.
August 14th. Poetsea Island. Sec, H. Hollingsworth, Southsca;
September 2nd. Heckmondwiee. (Floral, Horticultiural, and Agri-
cultural.) Sec, G. KcUev, Heckmondwikc.
September 4th and 5th. 'Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
September 11th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
September 18th and 19th. Brighton and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpenter.
November 6th and 7th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Sioke Newingion CHEYSAHTnEnuM Society.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
November I4th and 15th. Crystai Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec, W. Houghton.
H.'B.— Secretaries of Societies intending to advertise in our columns mil

ohiige us by sending an early intimation of their exhibition days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOTTSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

GRUMBLINGS OF POULTRY FANCIERS.

We receive many statements and counter-statements from
amateurs— some telling us of marvellous success, others com-
plaining of disappointments ; it is evident that the age of
credulity is not past. Thus, we have seen a letter from a lady,
enclosing seventy-two postage stamps, and requiring to be sup-
plied with four warranted Pheasant's eggs, which must bo
selected to produce a cock and three hens.

P.S.— Each egg to be from a difierent strain, as they are to
breed from next year, and she would not like to breed in-and-in.

Next, an amiable and right-minded man has made up hia
mind to keep a fen- fowls, and, being desirous of stocking, he
buys a couple of pullets, having previously made up his mind as
to the number of their produce both in eggs and chickens. One of
them is bent on becoming broody only a few days after receipt,
and after laying only a few eggs. He considers this a fair cause
of complaint, as the biri has not fulfilled the condition of a
profitable animal.

A thu-d complains that liis Spanish hens will not sit, and the
person of whom he bought them omitted to tell him eo. He
says he is determined to keep only one sort, and, therefore, asks
what, chance he has of a breed ?

When friends tell us of the drawbacks and tribulations of our
common pursuit, we often think of the Inca roasting beside his
prime minister, and saying, in answer to the complaints of the
latter, " And I, am I on a bed of roses ?

Have we not gone through every phase of the poultry pursuit,
and are we not more enthusiastic than ever ?

"Sisty," says Mrs. Caxton, for the "lame duck" was not,
as some people suppose, an exchange allusion to Caxton, senr. s,
bad speculation. By the way, did you ever notice there are
those who cannot see anything in an ordinary point of view.
Plots, counter-plots, and conspiracies spring up like mushrooms,
and when Thomas slily squeezes or pinches Ph«ebe as they pass
at the dining-room door, such an one will prove it had nothing
to do with any affection "him feels for her," but refers to
something that has been said or done while they were m the
room. When the last-mentioned domestic asks for an nicrease
of wages, the new-fashioned monthly holiday, or objects to
clean the dining-room grate, it is not the temporary uppishness
of a smart and not badly-disposed girl, but part of a monstrous
plot by the employed against the employers. The "lame duck
then, was the way in which the amateurship of Mr. Caxton
showed itself, and the love of poxUtry was hereditary. " Sisty,"

286

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENEB.

[ July 9, 18G1.

says Mrs. Caxton, " it is too had : we have neitlier eggs for tlie
kitchen nor n clncken for (he cliildren. I do not core for
myself, but a change is sbsohitely necessary for tliem, and tliey
tbe of mutton, mutton continuaily." Sisty good-humouredly
smiles, and after a mental ealculation says, *' Let me see.
There is that Spanish coel; chickeii, his comb falls a little; there
is a Dorking is rather humpbacked." Mrs. Caxlon takes these
as an instalment, but does not like her children to Imve deformed
things to eat. Then as to eggs. Cook says she has not enough
for use ; and as for one on the breakfast table, such a thing is
never seen. There was plenty of poultry and eggs till Mr.
Caxton took to exhibiting and ivon the prize at Birmingham,
and for her part she wished he had never begun. This is one
of the tribulations, and should be avoided by a proper snpply
for the establishment. It is not only politic, but it is profitable
very often, to lessen the numbers that are kept, and rather to
turn doubtful birds into a present though small good than to
allow them to encourage hopes that can never be realised.
Lopping combs will not rise, and crooked backs will not
straighten with age.

We have treated the subject lightly, but many will admit the
truth of the jiicture and the fidelity of the colouring. It would
not only save grumbling, but many a yard would be benefited
by the sacrifice of a few of its inhabitants to the " children's
dinner."

PEOFITABLE POULTRY KEEPING.— No. 8.

{Continued from jicige 226.)

In the Foultrij Chronicle for May 7, page 106, a correspondent
" E. C. C," calls in question my inferences generally, and takes
exception to various items of the balance- sheet given April
23rd, page 70. In redemption of my promise I now reproduce
that account, and with each item carvied out separately.

I would premise, that throughout the entire series of papers I
have been careful to advauoe nothing incapable of proof, and
that I have in fact understated my case ; thus possessing an
answer to the objector, and encouragement for the inqrirer.
Mere assertion, however, brings not conviction, so I proceed at
once to facts, and ask only "a fair stage and no favour" from
those interested in the subject.

That no point urged by " E. C. C." may be omitted, I will
take his objections seriatim. He states —

Ist. That I make no charge for purchase of original stock.

This misapprehension may arise from the comparatively small
amount charged against " Interest," &c. Certainly I was not
quite so verdant as to stock my yard from that of any London
dealer in fancy birds. I purchased chiefly at a country market
town, having a good supply at reasonable prices. Not one hen
was over two years old, and the greater number were the previous
year's birds. The roosters were two and three years old. The
cost was — birds, £13 Is. 6d. ; expenses, 8s. ; total, £13 15*. 6d.
Average price, 2s. ll^f?. (nearly) a-head. At five per cent, on
outlay, the item interest flill stand, 14s. 9i<f. (See account).

It will be convenient to take the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th objections
together.

2nd. That I make no allowance for filling up vacancies, and
ultimately replacing the old birds.

3rd. That no eggs .ire deducted for sitting, nor for the few
requisite for the brood.

5th. That no charge whatever is matje for the sustenance of
the original stock.

In the balance-sheet I gave 18s. Od. as the average return from
each hen ; being the amount of sales of eggs and chickens. And
while the pecnniai-y result is correct, it does not follow that
there are no variations in the facts themselves. No one supposes,
for instance, that each hen lays exactly 132 eggs, that 120 are
sold, that she sits on the remaining twelve, and rears exactly
seven chickens out of the twelve that may be hatched. (See
account.) The actual average return was (within a fraction too
small to bring forward), 22s. Id. per head a-year. (See account.)
Thus leaving an ample margin for replacing vacancies in breed-
ing slock, for eggs for sitting (for I gave none to any but very
early or very late hatches), and for food for original birds. Kgga
for sitting were charged at half the then selling price ; and the
chief sitting season being when eggs are cheapest, the cost per
sitting did not reach 7d. (See account.)

4th. That no charge whatever is made for chickens or eggs
being taken to market.

To have made any such charge in my case would have been

incorrect, ina»much as the dealers called upon nio several days in
the week. Thus for the five objections ; but there is one or
two more still to meet.

In pjige 107, sixth paragraph in first col., "If 'LliiGHTOu'
can obtain Id. for each egg taken all the year round .... he
is, indeed, very lucky."

Let the following speak for itself. It is not compiled from
my own experience alone, but from that of several poultry
keepers.

PRICKS OF EGGS IN AND NEAR LONDON FOR THE TWELVE 3J0NTHS.
id

December and jMnu^ry, '^iJ. for .six,
to about 2flth December ; from this
to the middle of J.inuary (accord-
ing as the winter mar be open or
cold), tji!., 2rf., ;ird 2^'/. each h,ss
been and agrain will be obtained for
new-laid efrgs. From the secoiul
week in. Jan. and into Feb., 1^(^. each
and 2^d. for two is the usuul price.

Feb^n.^^y to middle of March,

each, fifL for five, 7,1^. for six.
March (end of), April, May, and

June, 1(/. each, 6rf. for seven.
.July, Auffn.=t, and September, Id.

each, (id. for live.
October and November, Id. each ;

Gd. for lire, "if^d. tor six.

I have known Is. given for four eggs in Decjmber and January
This is an exceptional case, and I have, therefore, not quoted it
as a price.

In the seventh paragraph same page and column, " And now
to conclude my remarks with the article of food, wluch is charged
£31 IGs."

My published account being credited with the cash returns
fron\ each bird only, so was it debited only with the amount of
food piu-chased up to the last lot of chickens being sold. My
object was to show what might be done, and I confined my
remarks in the earlier papers to eggs and chickens alone. These,
however, as my later papers show, are not the chief items of
profit in poultry keeping. Much more may be made by fattening
fowls and capons. And besides these, there are still other profit-
able matt''rs — feathers and dung, and the garden crops which
the excellent manure obtained from the hen-house is mainly
instrumental in producing.

I will introduce the balance-sheet as given at page 70 of the
Foiiltiy Chronicle, for April 23rd, but with each it*m carried
out separately.

Dr. EXPESDITUBE.

Cr. Kkceipts.

£

s.

d.

£ s.

</.

To food (purchased)

To proportion of £ s. d.

31

IG

0

By (cash) returns from

100 hens, .it 18s. 9rf. a-

rent and rates 5 8 3

hcad*

93 15

(1

To loss, 10 per

«. i.

cent. on stock,

•Viz., 120 eggs at Id. 10 0

— i. r. 10 hens

7 chi rkens at

at 2s. each ... 1 0 0

Is. 8rf. 8 9

To interest (1 14 8

To management 0 9 0 16

12

0

18 9

By proat— Balance

45

7

0

i

•oduce here my accoun

£03 15

0

93 15

t in

n

I cannot do better than

int

ts

entirety.

Dr. ExrENDiTVnF.

Or. ItECEIPTS.

£

s.

d.

£ s.

(/.

To food (purchaped)

31

IG

0

By cash received for sales \

To proportion of rent and

"of eggs and ehiekcns (

93 15

0

taxes

5

8

3

under IS -n-eek^ sold i

To man.igenienl*

To eggs for sitting

0

2

9

10

0
0

from 100 hens '

7 10

By cash for 30 fat fowls, at
"5s. each

To loss on stock. 10 per \

0

cent.,— i.e., 10 hens at >

I

0

0

By ditto f.'r 9 Capon, at 8s.

3 12

n

2s. )

By SS pullets kept for \
breeding-stock, worlh J

To interest (live stock) ...

0

14

0

4 7

i>

To ditto (dead ditto)

0

3

G

2s. 6rf. each )

To repairs

0

10

0

By 1-1^ bushels (nearly) ^
onions, 10 bushels sold J

To digping and jireparing

2 0

0

onion-bed, 5s. ; seed, 2^..

0

7
10

0
0

at is )

0 11

To meal, iOa. ; bran, 10*. .

4J consumed— at 2s. 6r/.

To 20 bushels o: potatoes

By feathers 27A lbs., worlh

from own garden, at 2».

2

0

0

to use certainly

1 n

0

To valtic of dung

0

16

0

To broken food from house

0

0

0

To vegetables from garden

0

0

•0

To 2 acres grnsB run, and

air fid lib

0

55

0

11

0
3

By profit— Balance

£112 15 U

£112 15 9

It surely must have happened to "E. C. C," to have missed
a ben for a few weeks, and for her to return with a fine hatcli of
possibly fourteen to sixteen chickens, and did such hen cost
him anything the time she was away ? Decidedly not, and the

• The item "management" stands, asit should, on the debitsidc of the
account; but irasmuch as no money was paid out, the care of the poultry
devolving on members of mv family, I claim it as profiL Therefore,
£55 lis. 3d. added to £9 9s. e'quals £05 Os. 8d., or a neit profit of over
110 per cent.

July 9, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETIOULTUBE AWB COTXAG-j; (JARBENER.

2S^

nearer they are allowed to approach a state of nature in their
lives the better. Hundreds, nay thousands, of cottagers' hens
rear first-rate broods, and are never — I say it advisedly— are never
fed by their owners but in tho extreme cold weather. The hens
are their own pui'vejorsj and right well do they manage. —
LEiaHTON.

BLACKPOOL POULTfiY EXHIBITION.

This Show was held on tlie 3rd,4th, and 5th inst. Altliough
this was the first attempt at holding a poultry show at Blackpool,
the eifort has been a most successful one, so much so as to far
exceed the most sanguine anticipations of tlie Committee. 'J'he
only drawback being the annoyance arising from the negligence
of the railway company (a most blameable mistake too on their
part), in transmitting the pens to Lancaster instead of Black-
pool. This, of course, caused both great vexation and delay
in the penning of the birds, although by anxious dispatch on
the part of the working Committee, when the pens did eventually
arrive no absolute impediment to the admission of the public
took place, notwithstanding with a less energetic body of otHcinls
the consequence might have been the complete upset of all their
plans for future Meetings. Surely railway companies slmuld be
moi'e careful of avoiding such mistakes, where everything depends
entirely on strict regularity. In common justico to the Com-
mittee, we feel bound to say not a single bird was at all injured
by this unlooked-for mishap. All the poultry after being care-
fully fed and watered immediately on their arrival, were at once
well housed in tlieir travelling baskets until, at length, the show-
pens safely readied Blackpool. It was to ourselves somewhat
a matter of sui-prise, that at this unfavoui'ed season of the yiar
for show-fowls, combined with the fact that it was the first Black-
pool Meeting, so capital a collection of really first-rate poultry
could be got together.

The Spanish, Game, and Q-rey Dorking classes were unex-
ceptionable, certainly quite equal to any we have witnessed this
eeaeon. In tJie former the world-wide-known birds of Mr.
Teebay, of Preston, lield their own, though run uncomfortably
closely by the fowls of Mr. E. W. Boyle, that had been subjected
to a very boisterous voyage from Dublin, expressly to enter
the lists on this occasion. This hardship, as in the other
pens shown by this gentleman, told seriously to their disadvan-
tage. We also noticed many otlier pens tliat have travelled even
far longer distances to the Elaokpool Sliow, attributable, no doubt,
to the veiy liberal prizes of £3 lOs., £,\ 10s., and 10s., proffered as
prizes in the general classes. Such amounts must excite a strong
competition. In Gi-ey Dorkings the class W!)s of unusual ex-
cellence throughout ; and we are told the Judge himself admitted
so close was the competition, that half a dozen prizes could
have been easily awarded with as perfect justice, as the three
apportioned by the rules of the Society, to this single variety.
The Game classes were, like the)' generally are in the northern
counties, n«t only well filled, but with most extraordinary
specimens. It is a remarkable feature of tho Sliow, worthy of
especial mention, that though Black-breasted and Brown Reds
competed together in several classes, only tho latter colour
could be found among the prizetakers. The Brown Reds cer-
tainly wero far the most preferable as to condition, and fully
merited the position assigned them ; but we confess tho second-
prize sweepstake cock, a "squirrel-tailed" one, did not meet
our views, particularly where so capital specimens were numerous.
The CocMn classes were excellent. Mr. Stretch, of Liverpool,
taking precedence with his Buffs, and second prize with his
Partridge-coloured ones. The "White Cochins were also worthy
of especial mention, and seemed very attractive to the company,
as being a somewhat unusual breed in the neighbouring district.
The Samharg^is generally, and the JPoIands likewise, mustered
both numerously and of extraordinary merit. The Sebright
Bardams, witli the exception of Mr. Harvey Button Baylcy's
prize pens, vfere not good ; but the Game Bantams were
meritorious. The Malays, though but few in numbers, were
vei-y good. The Chiclcen class was composed of first-rate
specimens of both Q-rey Dorkings, Spanislr, Hamburghs, and
Game.

The Duels generally, were not so praiseworthy as usual.

In Geese Bnd Tarkei/s not a single pen was entered.

The Pigeons were but few, but many pens of verj- high
character were exhibited. We particularly noticed a jjatr of as
.good white Owls as we have seen for some years past.

We are infoi-med the Show was throughout well and fashion-

ably attended, and that its Committee, notwithstanding the
present liberal prizes offered, intend to increase then* premixims
in coming years. These gentlemen seemed determined to go
a-head as to then- future meetings, and most probably a large
increase of entries will be induced by the still more valuable
prizes and enlarged opportunities of success that will then be
offered. The following is tlie list of awards : —

SPANisir. —First anft Second, E. Teeliay, Fulwnod, Preston. Tlilrd, H Lane,
Birmlngliam. Highly Commendsct, K. W. Boyle, College Green Dublin ;
R. Teebay.

Dorkings Cany colour). — First, W. Copple, Eccleston, near Prescot.
Second, W. Hill, Heywood. near Manchester. Thiid, Capt. Hornby, Knowsley
Cottage, Prescot. HiRhly Commended, R. W. Boyle, College Green, Dublin;
J. P,obin.son. Vale House, Garstang, Lancashire; W, Copple; T. Smith, Jan.,
Ca:leton Villa, Halifas. Commendad, H. W. B. Bex'wick, Helmsley, York-
sliire.

CocHiN-CHiNi (Cinnamon or Buff, Brown or Partridge-feathered).— First
and Second, T Stretch, Bootle, near Liverpool. Third, Miss V. W. MUBgrove.
Aughton, near Orniskirlt. Highly Co;iimended, C. Felton, Erdington. Bir-
mingham; H. AV. B. Berwiclc, Helmsley, Yorkshire ; Wi-s V. W. Musgrove.

CocHlx-CniNA (While or Black).- First, R. Chase, Moseley Road, Birming-
ham. Second, \V. Dawson, Selly Oak, Birmingham. Tljhd, G. C. AVhitweU
Kendal, Westmoreland.

G.iME (Blaclt-breasted and otlier Reds).- First and Third, J. Fletcher,
StoneclnuEh, near Manchester. Second, Miss E. S. Mo.'-s, the Beach, Aigburth,
Livei-pool. HWily Commended, T. Waring, I'reston. Commenilod, T. Venn,
Coventry; J. S. Butler, Poulton-le-Fylde.

Gajie (any other variety).- ''irst, J. Fletcher, Stonedoueb. Second, Miss
E. S. Moss, the Beach, Aigburth, Lirerpool. Third, T. Wareiiig, Preston.
Commended, W. Dawson, Selly Oak, Birmingham.

Bantams (GameV— First. T. Wareing, Preston. Second, M. Turner,
Preston. Tliird, H. Shield, Northampton. Comniended, G. C. Whitnvell,
Kendal, Westmoreland

Bantams (Gold or Silver-' aced).— First, T. H. D. Bayley, Ickwell House,
Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Second, E. Fielding, Loid Stl'eet, Rochdale.
Higlilv Commended, T. W. Hill, Heywood, near Manchester. Commended,
T. W.'Hill.

Bantams (anv other variety).— First, withheld. Second, T. H. D. Bayleyi
Ickwell House, Biggleswade. Bedfordshire.

PoLANDS (any variety).— First and Third. J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford.
Second, H. Cliild, iun., Sherborne Road, Birmingham. Highly Commended,
C. J. Samuels, Victoria Park, Manchester.

HAMEUEons (Golden-pencilled).— First, J. Munn, Heath Hill, Stacksteads,
Manchester. Second, H. Cliild, jim., Sherborne Head, Birmingham. Third,
Messrs. Carter ij Valiant, Poulton-h--FyMe. Highly Commeiuled. R. Parkm-
son, Market Place, Poulton-le-Fylde. Commended, J. Smith, Sutton, near
Macclestield.

HAMnnRGHB (Silver pencilled).— First, J. Martin, Claines, Woroeslei-shire.
Second, J. Munn, Heath Hill, Stacksteads, Manchester. Third, W. H. Ken,
Elm Villa. Worcester.

llAMBURons (Goldcnspangled).- First, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley, York-
shire. Second, H. Carter, Upper Thong, near Hohnfirlh, Yoikshire. Third,
S. H. Hyde, Taunton Hall, Ashton-under-Lyne. Highly Commended, J.
Robinson. Vale House, Garstang, Lancashire; H. Beldon, Park Cottage,
Bradford; N. Marlor, Denton, near Manchester. Commended,. R. Tate,
DrifBcld.

Hambdrghs (Silver-spangled). —First, J. Robinson. Vale House, Garstang,
Lancashire. Second, J. Dixon, Noith Park, Bradford, Yorltshire. Third,
J Kay, Central Beach, Blackpool. Highly Commended, R. Teeba.y, Folwood,
Presti.n , 11. Carter, Upper Tlnmg, near Holmflrth, Yorkshire. Commended,
J. Fielding, Newchurch, Rossendale.

Malays (any variety).— First, C. Ballance, Taunton, Somerset. Seeond,
J. Dixon, Norlh Park, Bradford, Yorkshire.

Game CnicKENs.— Fi'st, J. Fletclier. Stoneclongh, near Manchester.
Second, J. S. Butler, Poulton-le-Fylde. Highl.v Commended, R. Parkinson,
Market Place, Poulton-le-Fvlde; T. Wilkinson, New Gate, Holmllrth. Com-
mended, Sliss E. S. Mos.?, the Beach, Aigburth, Liverpool.

CniciiENs (anv other breed).— First, Capt. W. Hornby, Knowsley Coltage,
Prescot. Second, J. R. Rodbard, Aldwick Court. Wrington. near Bristol.
Third J Harrison, Central Peach. Blackpool. Highly Commenned, Messrs.
Hull it Parkinson; J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbui'y; J. Muon,
Heath Hill, Stacksteads, Manchester.

Dveics (Aylesbury).— First, Second, and Third, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal
Farm, Aylesbury.

Ducks (Rouen).— First, withheld. Second, Mrs. J. Alston, Bispham.near
Fleetwood. Third, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury.

SWEEPSTAKES FOR SINGLE COCKS.

Game (any variety).— A Silver Cup, value £5, the gilt of the Society, and
a I bird of the Sweepstakes after deducting expenses.— First, J. Fletcher,
Stoniclough, near Manchester. Second, W. N. Grimshaw, Pendle Forest,
Burnley. Third, Miss E. S. Moss, the Beach, Aigburth, Liverpool. Highly
Commended; J. Fletcher ; Miss E. S. Moss; J. S. Butler, Poulton-le-Fylde.
Commended, A. Hampson, Boulton-le-Mocrs; Capt. W. Hornby, Knowsley
Cottage, Prescot.

SPANisn,— Prize, R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston.

DoBKiNO —Prize. H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley, YoTk-shire.

CtocHiN-CHiNA —Prize, C. Monro, Poulton-le.Fylde. Highly Commended,
,T. Harrison, Central Beach, Blackpool. Commended, Miss V. W. Musgrove,
Aiighton, near Ormskirk. ,„..,.(. ^^

Hamdukgh (Gold or Silv«r-penciHea).-Pnze, J. Smith, Sutton, near

Macclesfield. . « . ^ ,»r tt ,i t^ n ,

Hamuukgh (Gold or SUvev-spangled) — Pnae, C. W. Bull, Poultoa-le-

^B.iNTAM.i {any varie!y).-Piize, T. B. D. Bayfey. IfckweU Honse, Btggles-
wade, Bedfordshire.

288

JOUBNAI, OF HORTICULTTTRE AND COTTAGE 6ABDENER.

[ July 9, 1861.

Pigeons.— Carrier*.— First, H. Child, jun., Sherbonie Road, Binninghani.
Second, C. Felton, Erdington, Biiiningliam. Highly Commended, H. Yardley,
Market Hall, Birmingham; G. Goore, Aigburth, near Liverpool. Com-
mended, D. Thwaites, Rock Ferry. Tumblers (any variety),— First, H.
Child, jun., Sherborne Road, Bii-mingham, Second, J. Percival, Harbome,
near Birmingham. Higlilv Commended, H. Yardlej*, Market Hall, Bir-
mingham. Trumpeters. — First, F. Key, Beverley. Second, J. Percival,
Harbome, near Birmingham. Dragons. — I'irst, C J. Samuels, Victoria Park,
Mancliester. Second, H. Child, jun., Sherborne Road, Birmingham. Ou-ls.
—First, D. Thwaites, Rock Ferry. Second, H. Yardley, 30, Market Hall,
Birmingham. Higlily Commended, F. Key, Beverley. Jacobins —Prizes
withheld. Any other variety not before named. — First, T. Wareing, Preston.
Second, H. Child, jun., Sherborne Road, Biroiingham. Commended, R. W.
Boyle, Dublin.

For the Ttvo Smallest Bantam Hens in Good CoNniTioN. — Prize, R.
Tate, Driffield.

The Judges were Mr. Samuel Foulds, of Cliowbent, for all
the Game classes ; and Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Sparkbrook,
Bu-mingham, for every other remaining variety of poultry.

SICKNESS AMONGST POULTRY.

Wk hear of much illness among poultry, and often of an
inexplicable character. Whole yards of strong adult fowls are
taken in a night and seem blighted ; their combs shrivel, their
feathers become loose, and every semblance of condition disap-
pears. Nothing; saves them but the free use of stimulants.

Can any of our readers give us information, or help us in any
way ? Few die from the attack, but they are long in recovering
the effects of it.

THE CANAET AND THE BRITISH FINCHES

{^Coniinued from page 229.)

Thibd Oedee— SCATiJVGS (Embeeiz^e.)

1.— THE CORN OR COMMON BUNTING {Emleriza

miliaria) .
German, Der Grauammer. Frencli, Tie Proyer.

The Common, Grey, or Com Bunting, also known as Bunting
Lark, Bull Lark, and Greyhead, is the largest of our British
Buntings. It is generally distributed throogliout England, and
remains all the year ; it is as large, or a trifle larger, than the
Skylark, which bird it much resembles in colour, and with wliich
it is often caught and sold t to which circumstance Skakspeare
aUudes.

The beak is rather deep, somewhat conical in shape, and
flattened at the sides ; the upper mandible is rather slighter
than the lower, and darker in colour, and in the roof of the
mouth is a knob or projection, which is a distinctive mark of
the Bunting tribe. In plumage it is of a greyish-brown above,
and dingy whitish beneath ; the back is marked with dark brown
epots, and the breast is also spotted.

The nest is usually placed in grass near the ground, the eggs
resemble the Yellowhammers', but are rather larger. The young
leave the nest before they can well fly. They resemble the old
birds, but are a little lighter ; they may be easily reared on a
paste of bread, egg, and crushed hempseed.

Mr. H. Stephens, in his " Book of the Farm" says, " the Com
Bunting feeds wholly on corn." I am sorrj to see sucli an error
in natural history in an otherwise excellent and valuable work ;
on the contrary, the Bunting feeds almost entirely on insects, as
small beetles and their larva;, earwigs and caterpillars, &c., in
the destruction of which they must render much valuable as-
sistance to the cultivator of the soil ; and it is only in autumn or
winter, when unable to find their natural food, that they are
driven ^by hunger to eat grain, among which, grass seeds and
oats are their favourites. In confinement they may be fed on
canary seed, oats and millet, with, occasionally, a little hemp-
seed ; but, being deprived of their natural insect food, arc rather
tender. I never knew them to eat any green food in confine-
ment, but if a mealworm or earwig was put in theu- cage, they
devoured it with evident relish.

Knapp has accused this species of unroofing a rick of barley, by
drawing out the straws one by one in search of any grain that might
be left in the ears ; and further in placing these straws regularly
round the base of the stack. I do not doubt but that he might
have seen the Buntings searching about the stack for food, and
here and there a bird might pick up an ear and fly off with it,
the straw hanging do wn ; but to suppose that they could draw out
the straws, is giving the birds too much sense in the first place,
and also assigning to them too much strength — or else that the

stack was not properly thatched ; but to imagine that the birds
would place tlie straws regularly round the base of the rick, is, I
think, taxing our credulity too far. It reminds me of an ac-

i count which Mr. Stephens also quotes respecting Wood Pigeons
— namely, that they convert their wings into flails, and so thrash

' the grain before they eat it. Ought they not to carry it first to
the barn ? Now, probably, this accurate observer whom Mr. S.
honours by quoting, had seen some young Pigeons following
their parents and flapping their wings after them to be fed, as
is their habit. This acute observer, knowing more about flails
than Pigeons, actually mistook the Pigeons' wings for flails. His
next discovery will, very likely, be that the Pigeons in his neigh-
bourhood have started a hmited liability company to thrash the
farmers' corn, they to have the grain, and the fanner to get the
straw as his share ; indeed, birds are become so wise, and ob-
servers so credulous, that we need not be surprised at any
wonderful story in these advanced days.

But, to return to the Bunting; these birds are considered
very excellent eating, and are often mistaken and eaten for the
true Ortolan, being of the same tribe. They prefer the open
country to the wooded district, and frequent arable and pasture
land, where the cock bird may be seen perched on a bush, the
top of a thistle, dock, stone, or large clod, and singing his
sprightly, but harsh song, Tici-, fick, ferrickter ree-ee-ee-e-e,
whicli is frequently repeated at short intervals in a rather grating
key, which, Bechstein says, has caused them to be sometimes
called stocking-weavers in Germany. They quiver or shake their
wings as they fly, and during the pairing-time the cock often lets
his legs hang down in flying from one perch to another, similar
to the Butcher Bird.— B. P. Bbent.

{To he continued.)

AYRSHIRE APIARIAN SOCIETY AND

MR. TAYLOR.

Mt attention has been directed to an article in The Jofknal

or HoETicuiTUBE for April, signed "A Eekfeewshiee Bee-

KEEPEB," in which he says "that should Mr. Taylor, before

publishing another edition of his standard work, indulge in a

tour through this county, making the acquaintance of some of

I the leading members of the Ayrshire Apiarian Society," &c.

In the name of said Society, I beg leave to assure Mr. Taylor

that, should he visit Ayrshire, he will receive a hearty welcome,

and anything noteworthy in our system of management will be

' most willingly shown him. Our Show takes place in August

\ (the day is not yet fixed but I wiU send due notice to this

' Journal) when we shall be glad to see any apiarians interested

in seeing a sample of our work.

Our system is not general over the county of Ayr, but the
parishes of Mauchline, Kilmarnock, Kilmaurs, and Stewarton,
are the best to see the box system of raising honeycombs. —
James LrrNGHLAKD, Chairman, Ayrthire A.P.S., See Bank,
Kilmarnock.

LIGURIAN BEES IN SCOTLAND.

I AM glad to be able to give you a favourable supplement to
the paragraph which appeared in No. 13 of The Jouenai, of
Hoeticulttiee in reference to my Ligurian bees. It is there
stated that my hive had swarmed a first time on the 4th of
June, a second ou the 12th. It also swarmed a third time on the
19th. This third swarm was a very fine one, as it weighed 3 lbs.,
so that now I have four liives in fine working order, one of
which, through the kindness of the manager of this branch of
Messrs. Hogg and Wood's Nurseries, has been placed in the
nursery ground adjoining the station, where they may be seen
at work during the summer. I may state that I have another
young Ligurian queen at the head of another hive not yet
swarmed ; but I also expect a swarm off it in a short time if
the weather is favourable, which will be a further accession to
my stock.

I regretted to see "B. & W.'s" unsuccessful attempt to
introduce the Ligurian queens ; their failure, without doubt, was
attributable to their being irritated whilst they were in the act
of uniting, as I should have serious doubts if a hive would
receive a portion of their own bees after a few minutes' separation,
if returned to them in the same way, scented with anything
offensive, such as tar.

Could you oblige me by letting me know the time a queen

July 9, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAOE GARDENER.

239

takes to come to maturity, from the egg to her emerging from
the cell?— J. S., Dunse, N. B.

[A queen tee generally takes sixteen days to arrive at maturity
from the time the egg is laid. Climate, howeyer, is not without
influence. In California the period is shortened to fourteen
days; whilst in this country, towards the end of an unfavourable
season, we have known it protracted to nearly twenty days.]

BEE FOOD.

The communication from your esteemed correspondent, " An
Old Apiaeian," on the subject of a substitute for the natural food
of bees, which appeared in the last Number of The Jouenal or
HOKTICTJLTUEE, leads meto state my own experience on this subject.

The mixture I administer to my bees is simply lump sugar
and water, in the proportion of 6 lbs. of sugar to 4 lbs. of water,
boiled for a minute or two. This mixture costs about Z\d. per
lb., with sugar at Gd. ; or Zkd. per lb. if a darker quality, at h\d.,
be made use of.

Last autumn I gave my bees more than three hundred weight
■of syrup, made in the above manner, and I have no hesitation
in saying tliat they did quite as well as if fed upon honey. Having
repeatedly formed stocks in autumn by driving condemned bees,
and carried them safely through the winter upon syrup alone,
I can recommend it as an excellent substitute for honey in bee-
feeding, whilst it has this advantage over sugared ale, treacle,
and such like compounds, that it is a perfectly pure syrup which
win never become ofl'ensive, or injure the combs in which it is
stored. — A Detonshiee Bee-keeeeb.

THE HONEY BEE.

By F. H. Mi^ee.
{Concluded from page 248.)
A QUICK eye, instant decision, rapid action, intelligent as-
sistant, and some experience, are necessary in these cases. These
catchers are unnatural, and to be used only in emergencies. If
first swarms are four or five rods apart — they are not apt to
unite ; second swarms are more likely to mix. If a swarm is
nearly settled before another starts, they may be secured as
follows : — Make some light oblong boxes (as the cluster usually
takes this form) of thin stuff, joints IJ-inch apart ; convenient
handles at the bottom, and a piece of cloth fastened to one edge,
to cover the mouth. I sometimes hive five or six swarms from
a limb before they stop coming. If there is difference enough
in the starling to keep the queens apart, each with a majority of
her own bees, a little mixing makes no great difference. The
queens are anxious to keep with the swarm, and usually come
immediately to the cluster. If another swarm begins to alight,
shake them as completely as possible into the box ; throw
over the cloth, set aside and cover with a sheet. The few re-
maining bees attract the next swarm, which secure in the same
way. If two start at once near enough to be likely to come
together, put a catcher over one of them. Look occasionally to
see if your boxes all have queens; they may be set near each
other till this is ascertained. If any are missing divide the bees
between your lightest swarms, always remembering that first
swarms coming out with an old queen will not accept a young
one. Be very careful not to injure old queens in hiving ; better
lose six young ones than an old one — you have plenty to supply
their place. Never hive two first swarms together ; throw down
a sheer, set around the edges five or six boxes, and shake the
bees in the centre. As they spread out, draw back some of the
■boxes and shove up olhers, that each may get an equal amount
of bees. If you happen to see a queen go into one remove it a
little. If you succeed in getting them apart, divide the bees
between them. They may be attacked as they are strangers to
part of the bees. To avoid this danger, examine the cluster
with the feather end of a quill ; secure the queens and introduce
them to the bees in cages. When a queen is attacked pour
water on the little bunch of bees. A few lessons will cool their
combativeness ; they are not apt to attack unless the large
majority are strangers. When the rush is over, hive your bees
and set them on the stands — the sooner the better. If a first
swarm loses the queen, set a light swarm willi a fertile queen in
place of the old hive ; cover the old hive and those adjoining
with sheets. They will enter the new hive, and having lost their
hive as well as their queen in their alarm, they seem to forget her

or lose their combativeness, and accept the new queen. If they
could be made to accept an unimpregnated queen it would not
be desirable — Mr. Quinby's opinion to the contrary notwith-
standing. I disregard all human authority where it comes in
conflict with the infallibility of Nature.

First swarms are large, make comb rapidly, and if four or five
days should intervene before the queen was impregnated, and
two days more before she begins to lay, the hive might be nearly
filled with comb and honey, to the exclusion of brood. Most of
the old bees come out with the first swarm, and, dying rapidly,
render it less valuable. Give them the old queen, or a fertile
one — they construct workers' cells three times as fast as they
would be vacated in the old hive. She pre-occupies them with
brood to recruit the wasting numbers. Feeding this brood
employs the bees and prevents their occupying the comb with
honey to the exclusion of brood. The combs in the old hive are
partly filled vrith honey and pollen — the rest with eggs and
brood in all stages. The bees are young, and it will be three
weeks before the part occupied with brood is vacated ; some time
before this the queen will be fertile.

Peotechon. — A piece of green babinett to cover the face, so
fitted as to be thrown over the head when not needed, as all
obstructions injure the eye. A bee dress should have a smooth
surface. The loss of queens does not occur usually till there are
plenty of young ones in after-swarms and old hives.

For cages punch the pith out of a piece of Elder or Ash
4 inches long ; cut a slit in the side so narrow that a queen
cannot wedge her head in ; put a staple in each end of the tube,
which must be so small she cannot sting ' herself. Take a piece
of transparent horn, one end to receive the cage, and the other
cut square. Where there is more than one in the same swarm,
then they may be secured as they appear on the hghting-board,
by setting the horn over them ; take out the cage, put in another
and repeat, or with the feather end of a quill they may be found
after lighting, and taken by the wings. Where there is more
than one queen in the same swarm, they are allowed to kill each
other after hiving. Where difiercnt swarms are hived together,
each having a preference for their own queen, endeavour to
smother the stranger, if their own is present. If a part of the
bees belong to a first swarm, and have not a fertile queen, they
are apt to leave. If a swarm has lost the queen, introduce one
in the cage — the next day liberate her ; but I prefer in doubling
after-swarms to hive the surplus queen with a few of their own
bees, in a honey cap, till they are fertilised. During the alarm that
succeeds the loss of a queen, slip them in the chamber ; the risk
is then over. If you have no queen, set a swarm beside them,
raising each hive that the bees may communicate. They hope for a
visit from the queen, and continue work till you can fui-nish one.

tJpWAED Yentiiation is now adopted to keep the bees dry.
Can we keep an animal organisation — one-fifth of which is water,
and which breathes the air that condenses and distributes the
rains of summer and floods of spring, so dry it wo'n't freeze ? A
man walking in the open air is pretty well ventilated, but his
eye-lashes and whiskers may be loaded with ice. To keep the
frost out, keep the heat in ; a hole at the top lets it escape. The
vapour created by the functions of Ufe will condense, precipitate
and congeal in the presence of cold. Heat carries it off in an
imperceptible form. Give them plenty of air. The oxygen
maintains the vital fire, and when excluded the coldness of
death comes rapidly over them, even in summer. I have just
examined some forty hives near me ; five holes in the top of each
were secured with wire cloth. The bees had stopped nearly all
with propolis. Inch holes in the side were also covered^none
of these were stopped by the bees ; some had been closed «ith
paper — all had holes at the bottom. On examination every hive
which had no opening at top or side was dead, nine in number ;
those that had very little were partly dead. A hole at the bottom
does not vitahse the air in cold weather. Last winter the same
man closed the sides and bottoms of twelve hives standing in a
house made for winiering, leaving openings at the top. Eight
of the twelve died. Water is the great element of animal life.
They breathe water, drink water, are water, and when burned a
few ashes only remain. It is the imiversal solvent by which
food is fitted for the organisation— the purifjer which carries ofiF
the worn-out parts and maintains almost every function. In
very hot or very cold weather, when the air is the driest, and
we breathe less, we must drink more. The cold that confines
the bee provides for its necessities in the condensed vapour in
the lower parts of the hives, advancing or receding according to
the temperature. The summer shower does not injure the bees.

290

JOUENAL OP HOBTICtTLTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDEJfEB.

[ July 9, 1861.

It is only as a conductor in connection with the cold that
invades our unnatural liivea, that it is dangerons.

But I have run the Icnytli of my line, and liave not found the
bottom of the oooan. 1 suppose llie Creator understood the
relations and properties of matter, and am satisfied humbly to
copy the pattern.

OVEKSIOCKING. — There are within three miles of me about five
or six hundred swarnis, besides forest bees. My own, tlie largest
lot 200, and those nearest them, have not done as well as small
lots with less competition. Tf I had taken away my afier-
swarms instead of depending on Mr. Langstroth's statements,
it would have made a wide difference. I must divide this spring.
The difficulty of keeping swarms apart is sufficient reason to
limit an apiary to 100 stocks. Feeding is apt to create excite-
ment ; all the stocks are soon on tlie alert, some trying to steal
and some to defend. Weak swarnis, like poor cattle in the
spring, are vexatious and uncertain, but should not be allowed
to starve. I prefer feeding sealed honey either at night or in
the cellar. The 20th of l»st May, I had a number of swaims
desert their hives. Leaving brood. I had fed them carefully till
the apple and cherry blossoms were out, and supposed them safe.
A little frost and wind intervening caused the mishap. Alas for
the flowery days when —

Spring came lilie a laagliing girl.

All decked in glossy green,

Fit f >i- a bridal tour.

In f^arlanils blight and sheen.

The suTi, that jrlorious wooer,

Slione on the Maiden Queen,

Each bud bec.ime a flo-.ver,

Each flower a fruit was seen.

Bat now sIk- loiters monmfuUy,

Like some dL'Serted queen,

Stripped of the fjauze and drapery

That rustled in her train.

And where the wild deer bounde'i free.

Now cattle cra/.e the jiki-n.

Each rising tlower is nipped away,

Nature looks bald and tame.

If the winter of my years had notfrozt-n over the dancing streams
of hope, I would build an ark for my bees, and taking to the
Father of Waters, visit the gi'een slopes and flowery plains of tbe
North in summer, floating down to the sunny glades and orange
bowers of the South in winter. The short, liglit winter, the
early swarming, the long gathering season, the unbroken succes-
sion of flowers, the fresh range, with the practice of artificial
divisions in moveable comb-hives, would make it a lucrative
business, while the change of scene might ^atisfy a gipsy.

WrNTEEiNG. — All animal organisation? need exercise to quicken
the circulation, expel impurities, stimulate the appetite, and re-
new the body. Bees, tlierefore, when the air is warm need
liberty for action to expel their faeces ; they eat more, but are
better able to endure the vicissitudes of spring. They need pure
air ; the cellar, therefore, is not a good place, but above all tbey
need heat, and to me it is a choice of evils — heat is life and cold
is death. I live on a bleak hill on the nakel prairie, where the
wild winds revel with a western violence unknown in the forest.
Even in the cellar I am losing bees with cold in small divisions,
cut off from tlie duster by brood-comhs on the side and cold
corners; all their instincts at fault, in their unnatural home they
remain and perish. If the hive was round,- the side-combs
would be narrow and rounded to corr'^spond with the hive, and
the bee could come to the cluster wiihout going further into
the cold. I set them out once, usually in January. They
should not be put out unless the air is quite warm (the confine-
ment has made them feeble) and sirre to continue so two hours
at least. It is natural to suppose that disturbance by stimulating
appetite would be injurious in a confined state, but I have not
found any trouble on this score. — {Prairie larmer.)

CAUSE OF TEE DEATH OF A QUEEN BEE.

I AXSO forward you a resu't — a raution against what is sure to
happen when divided colonies (of bees) cjine to be united, a
great row and one dead aspirant. The nnlortunate of " Ikves-
tigatoe" was pierced to the heart; that is not the c.t8e with
my queen, as an abdominal injury is the cause of death, and
this, according to my observation, is the case nine times out of
ten. I have olten tried but without avail to find out how the
sad event ie brought about, whether by battle royal, or by
loyalty of subjects, though the trumpet notes of defiance issuing
from the queens on those occasions induce one to .suppose it is

the firmer; and in that case, as regards mundane affairs and
quarrelsome monarclis, it might stTve as a good example for
them when settling iheir little dift'erences, seeing that it would
save a vast s.icrifice of human and innocent life, and as in the
case of my bees the community would remain so much the
stronger, loyally so.

My last cast came off yesterday, the 27th ult. I united them
to a previous cast at 10 p.m., and when I placed the hive on its
stand this morning at 3 A.M. the usual fatal catastrophe lay
extended upon the cloth to be forwarded to you for scientific
observation at your will and pleasure. My bees have now con-
cluded their very good swarming season, for which result I have
been waiting in order to continue my papers "How I became
an Oxfordshire Bee-keeper." — XT. akb O.

SUPEEIOEITY OF LIGUEIAN BEES.

I HAVE refrained from offering an opinion on the merits of
Ligurian bees until I had given them such a trial as would put
their good qualities to a fair test. Having now had them at
work during two seasons, I can confidently pronounce them far
superior to the common bee.

I believe the secret of their superiority to consist in the
amazing fertility ot their queens, which greatly exceeds any-
thing I have ever experienced in the ordinaiy species ; in fact,
their fecundity appears almost without limit, and has necessitated
the employment of larger hives ih-in I have ever before used.

The following extract from The Boston Cultivator shows that
the opinions of American apiarians coincide in this respect with

those of — A I'ETONSHIEE BcE-KEErEH:^

" Dr. J. p. Kirtland, of Cleveland, Ohio, in a letter to S. E.
Parsons, Ksq., of Flushing, Long Island, gives the results of his
experience with Italian bee« as follows : —

" 1st. Their disposition to labour far excels that of the common
kind. From the earliest dawn of day to the arrival of evening,
they are invariably passing in and out of the hive, and rarely
suspend their work for winds, heat, or moderate showers, at
times when not a solitary individual of the common kind is to
be seen. Two hours each day their labours are extended beyond
the woi king-time of the last-named kind.

" 2nd. Power of endurance, and especially of resisting the
impression of cold, they possess in a marked degree. Since the
Buikwheat, Solidngoes, and Asters have flowered, the nights
have been remarkably cold in this viiinity. This low tempera-
ture has in a gieat measure suspended the efforts of the common
bees, and they have been eating their previously accumulated
stores. Not so with the Italians ; they have been steadily accu-
mulating h ney and bee-bread, and rapidly muhiplying their
numbers. Ihey seem to be peculiarly adapted to resist the
chilly atmo.-phere and high winds which predominate in autumn
on the shores of Lake Erie.

" 3rd. Prolificness they equally excel in. Both my full and lialf-
blooded stocks have become numerous and strong in numbers as
Well a« in stores at this late season of the year, when the common
kinds have ceased increasing and have become nearly passive.

"4th. Their individual strength is greater, and this is well
illusiiMtecl in llieir prompt mann-r of tossing to a great distance
any robber that chances to approach their hive.

" 5th. Their beauty of colouring and graceful foinns render
them an object of interest to every person of taste. My colonies
are daily watched and admired by many vi^iiors.

"6tli. Of their moral character I cannot speak favourably.
If robbing of weaker colonies is going on, these yellow jackets
art! sure to be on hand.

" So fur as my experience has gone with them, I find every
statement in r. gard to their superiority sustained. They will,
no doubt, prove a valuable acquisition to localities of high alti-
tude, and will be peculiarly adapted lo the climate of Washington
Territory, Oregon, and the mountainous regious of California."

OUR LETTER BOX.

OSE Hex FOK Two HocSF.3 (Adelaide B ).— Tour proposal to allow the
tcnan's of . ncli house to run into the farmyard for the half of eveiy day
alurn.telv, is a usual ami good airanKOment. In each hoiiso havincf a
separate e'lieiosurc, 50 feet by 12 feet, .^c^u might keep ten hens and two
cocks. I he house to supply you with chickens and e-gs should h- tenanted
bv ten Cochin Ci.ioa liens. Buff, or Partvi igc-colnurcd, and two Grey
Dorking eoeks: take awav five of tlie hens every summer, and supply their
place with five ejrly Cochin-China pnlle 8, noi the ci oss-breds Ir.jin your own
yard. You had hetlcr get rid of all the hens three years old, anil begin with
ten pullets.

Jnlj 16, 1861. ]

JOUENAL OF HOBTiCUIiTUBE AND COTXAGE GARDENER.

291

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day

of of

M'nth 'Week.

16
17
18
19
20
21
22

Tv
W

Th
F
S

Sum
M

JULY IG— 22, 18G1.

Sapouarias.

Oxalis.

Digitalis.

Antirrhinums.

Sun's deelin. 20° 39' n,

8 SUNDAT AFTER TbINITT.

Ldthyros.

Wbatheb

NEAR London in 1360.

Sun
Kises.

Sun

Sets.

Barom£ter.

Thermom.

■Wind.

Rain in
Inches.

dcg. deg.

m. h.

m. h.

29.910-29.816

65— W

E.

•14

3af4

8af8

29.862— 29.8H

75—45

S."W.

—

9 4

7 8

29.827-29.761

75—50

S.W.

•07

6 4

6 8

29.680-29.636

70-49

S.W.

•01

7 4

5 8

29.819-29.779

72—47

S.W.

•10

8 4

4 8

29.746—29.577

70—47

s.

•26

10 4

2 8

29.771-29.601

70-42

N.W.

•17

11 4

1 8

Moon '

Rises Moon's
and Sets Age.

m. h.
19 U
59 11 I
morn. I
52 0
58 1
14 3
rises

9

10
11
12
13
O

Clock

before

Day of

Son.

Tear.

m. B,

;

5 44

197 :

5 49

198

5 54

199

5 68

200

6 2

201

6 5

202

6 7

203

Meteokologt of the Week. — At Chiswick, from observations durin°: the last thirty-four years, the averag-e highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 74.7^ and 51.4' respectively. The greatest heat, OP, occurred on the 18th in 1859 ; and the lowest cold, 39\
on the 18th in 1851. During the period 118 days were fine, and on 113 rain fell. _

MECHANICS AND MATHEMATICS APPLIED
TO GAEDENING.

I PWAEDS of forty years are
now passed since Captain
Williamson — who, having
passed much of his life in
India, we will suppose
had become, like its
curries, of a temperament
rather warm, and like its
rajahs rather despotic — wrote
thus of agricultural mechan-
ism, and of those for whose
benefit it could be employed.
"Almost every implement in
use is put together by guess,
and without the smallest re-
ference to those principles
which should guide me-
chanics of every description.
As to the farmers themselves,
their ignorance in all that
relates to draught, resistance,
and friction, may safely be
put on a par with their own
obstinacy, and with that sullen
pride which characterises the
generality of our labourers.
TeU the farmer that his plough is badly formed, and he
wUl answer you, ' It suiis my couiitii/.' Tell the labourer
that it works ill, and he will answer, ' It's the fault of the
land.' "

Now, though since that was written the manufacture
of agricultural implements has very greatly improved,
and the possession of the scientific knowledge which
Captain Williamson laboured to impart characterises the
makers of the machines and implements exhibited annu-
ally at our various agricultural shows, yet we cannot
observe such a marked increase of knowledge among
those who employ those implements as would justify us
in believing that they are competent judges of their
comparative excellence. Every farmer knows, for in-
stance, when a plough works the land efieotively ; hut if
t^^o ploughs work the land equally eiFectlvely, we never
met with a farmer yet who could tell which did so with
the least expenditure of power, or, in other words, which
distressed the horses most.

The same observations apply to the manufacture of
gardening implements, and to those who use them. Those
implements are more various and more correctly formed
than in the days when Captain Williamson wrote ; but
■we do not observe that those who employ those imple-
ments understand more clearly than they did fifty years
since, the readiest modes of ascertaining which require
the least expenditure of labour.
No. 16. — YoL. I., jSTew Seeies.

As the gardener is generally deficient in a knowledge
of the laws of mechanics applicable to his art, so is he
too usually without that knowledge of mathematics
which would facilitate much of his practice. We once
saw this very markedly exemplified in the attempts to
cut out three oval beds upon a lawn, each being required
to vary accurately in its proportions relatively to the
others. The gardeners were fairly beaten, but the
schoolmaster of the village being applied to by the owner
of the garden, marked out the three beds without
hesitation or difiiculty.

We think we can give some information that may
serve to remove the deficient knowledge at which we
have glanced, not, however, intending to give a general
treatise either upon mechanics or mathematics, and we
will commence with a few notes upon

THE LEVEE.

It must be borne in mind that any inflexible bar or
rod placed on a prop, called the fulcrum, for the purpose
of raising a weight, is a lever. The handle of a wheel-
barrow is a lever, and the axle of the wheel is the
fulcrum. The ivehlit, or resistance, to be overcome
is the body of the barrow and whatever it may con-
tain, and the power by which that resistance is over-
come is the hand and bodily weight of the man. In
this instance the resistance is between the hand and
the fulcrum.

Pruning-shears, pincers, and sugar-nippers of all kinds
consist of two levers, the rivet being the fulcrum of each.
The fingers or hands are the power,, and the shoot
pruned, the nail drawn, and the sugar nipped, are the
resistances to be overcome. In these levers ihe fulcrum
is between the power and the resistance.

There are other forms and combinations of levers,
but the above are those with which the gardener is
chiefly concerned, and we will to them confine our
illustrations.

When two men are carrying potted plants upon a
handt)arrow between them, or when they bear on a
pole a tree for transplanting, they employ a lever on
the same principle as the wheelbarrow, each man
acts as the power in moving the weight, and each
man acts as the fulcrum to the other man ; the handles
of the handbarrow and the pole are the levers ; the
potted plants and tree are the weights or resistances
to be overcome, and they are between the power and
the fulcrum.

Now, the force to be obtained by a lever is greatly
increased by an increase of its length between the ful-
crum and the hand, Qr power applied, as well as by the
nearness of the weight or resistance to the fulcrum.
Thus: if 24 lbs. are placed in a wheelbarrow at 8 inches
from the axle of the wheel or fulcrum, and the handle of
the bairow is 4 feet long, measuring from the fulcrum,
then 4 lbs. placed at the extremity of the handle wiU
balance the 24 lbs. But, if the 24 lbs. are placed at
16 inches from the fulcrum, then 8 lbs. are required to
lfo..668.— ToL. XXVI., Old Sekies.

292

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

[ July 16, 1861.

be placed at tlie extremity of the handle to balance those
24 lbs. This is proved in the following manner : —

Fig. 1.

8 IN

A

F

o

w

T The fulcrum.

I. The lever, 4 feet longr.

w 241b.'!. weight suspended at 8 inches fi'oni fulcrum.

B 4 lbs. attached to end of the lever by a string passing over a puUey.

Therefore, in the case of using a pole or handbarrow, if
the potted plants or tree weighed 24 lbs., and were placed
at w, the man at f would bear 20 lbs. of that weight,
■whilst the man at B would only bear 4 lbs.

Captain AVillianison simplifies this by observing,
" When the weight is centrical, the burthen will press on
the two supporters equally ; but if it be removed towards
one of thera, he will find the pressure upon him to be
increased in an exact ratio. If the pole be 5 feet long,
and the weight is moved to within 2 feet of him, he will
sustain three-fifths of the weight, whilst his fellow bearer
will sustain only two-fifths of it : hence, men of unequal
strength may easily accommodate any weight, borne on
a pole, so as to bring their powers to a par."

The case of the pruning-shears may be best explained
by means of a diagram.

Fig. 2.

p !■ The lever or h:\n<Ucs, where the hand or power is applied,
f The rivet or fulcrum,
a The shoot to be cut, or resistance to be overcome.

As already stated, " the force to be obtained by a lever
is greatly increased by an increase of its length between
the fulcrum and tlie hand, or power, applied; as well as
by the nearuc.=s of the resistance to the fulcrum-." there-
fore, the greatest cutting-power is obtained by pressing
together the handles of the shears with the hand at p p,
as far as possible from the fulcrum,/, and by having the
shoot, or resistance, k, as near as possible to that fulcrum.

The following plain rule is applicable to all eases of
leverage :— Multiply llie loeigU or resisiance hy Us dis-
iancefrom the fulcrum ; then multiply the power hy its
distance from the fulcrum ; if the products are equal the
power ivill balance the weirjhl or resistance.

For example, as in the case of the wheelbarrow, if
24 lbs. be at 8 inches from the fulcrum, these multiplied
together are equal to 192 ; and the lever or handle being
48 inches from the fulcrum, this multiplied by the 4 lbs.
are also equal to 192.

(To he continued.)

CONCERNING SOME FERNS.

Ik the Kew collection Ptcris argyrea is labelled as a variety of
P. aspericaulis ? Is this so ? P. tricolor is pretty obviously a
variety of the old plant ; but argjrea far surpasses both in size
and hardiness, and the hairs on tlie upper surface of the midrib
are absent or inconspicuous. It is curious that at all events
the three variegated Ferns now in vogue are of one genus. A
beaulifully marked Fern, though not exactly variegated, is Gonio-

phlebium appendiculstum ; and if you place it against the light,
the young semi-transparent frond faintly suggests the effect of a

stained Gothic window. Well, yes! You must be of a

rather fanciful temperament to see it.

The rosy tints of some Ferns while growing are a nice relief to
the general hue of a fernery, and tliey suggest a contrast with
the habit of the denizens of the arboretum, where the red hue is
often the flush of decay. The Ferns more appropriately mount
a little gay colour on coming out into society, and then subside
into their ancestral uniform — it may be a cold or warm tint,
blueish, yellowish, or greyish ; but it must be green, trimmed, in
a few exceptional cases, with a little gold or silver. A peculiarly
dark species is the Platjloma rotundifolia, which was men-
tioned by you some time ago as a Fern that delighted in deep
shade. Of course you meant deeper shade than its congeners ;
but this seems to point to another opposition between Ferns
and flowering plants, which grow paler in darkness. Do Ferns
ever blanch ? or is their colour, like certain seaweeds, inde-
pendent of their share of sunshine ? As to the " golden "
species, a classical but non-botanic friend inquired, on reading
the label on ray Phlebodium aureuni, if that were the " gold
Fern." As the leaf happens to have a tint of green with less
than usual yellow in its composition, the title seems undeserved.
It was given, perhaps, in reference to the sori, which, however,
are not more golden than in many other species. One would
put up, though, with unexpressive, or even wrongly expressive,
names if they were a little handier to write or talk about ; and
above all if the set of people who, on the strength of a little
Greek and Latin learning, are supposed to be botanists, would
be content with making one pair of names for a plant. If they
would work out a single fact — one miinite atom of information
about the external requirements or internal organs of the most
insignificant species, " 't would be something," as Sterne says of
the old man's love for his ass ; but their perpetual divisions
and distinctions (all done in the dark, for nobody can deGne
a genus, or a species, or a variety), puzzle plain people's heads,
and make beautiful objects ridiculous by the absurd and ugly
names that we must speak of them by. Taking a precedent
from what was suggested in Parliament with reference to archi-
tects and public buildings, do you think it would improve our
nomenclature if we were to hang a botanist or so ? Of real
information about exotic Ferns we have litth enough. Except
that there are gradations of temperature, we give them pretty
nearly one kind of food and lodging ; although many of tliem,
if they could speak, would be found, like Mr. Stiggins, to have
some peculiar vanity. Sims' catalogue, which is a very handy
book for Fern growers, omits the localities of tlie exotic species,
because " it would not aid culture unless the elevation at which
the plant grows was given also." Tliis is so when only such
a vague notion can be given as " Brazil " or " North America,"
which may include equatorial and temperate regions, to say
noliiing of the set of climates belonging to a range of mountains ;
but wlien a small spot on the map can be given, sucluas Buenos
Ayres or Juan Fernandez, the locality would do much to
indicate the cultivation.

I see tlie Hortieulturals award a " commendation " to a new
Fern — Lomaria Fraseri. This, of course, is due to some special
properties of the new-comer ; a mere numerical addition to the
list of cultivated species would he only an encumbrance.

I see also that in the late shows the Gleichenias were a
prominent feature. Is this distinction gained by fashion, or
novelty, or costliness, or difficulty of culture? Surely (with
the exception of flabellata) their beauty is of a quaint, stiff,
skeleton-like character. I fancy a wire-worker would turn out
a very good imitation of some of them.

And finally, to come to a practical question. Some of my
Adiantums throw up fine promising young stems, wliich ri^e
well out of the soil, and look clear-complexioned and crisp as
usual ; a day or two after, the head of the new frond discolours,
drops of brownish liquor hang about it, it withers and drops.
My plants are, as I believe, well drained. What is their com-
plaint ? and, as cure is out of the question, liow is the disease
to be prevented ? — T.

[As to Pteris argjra;a and P. tricolor authorities differ. Our
own view is that tricolor is really a variety of aspericanlis (itselt
included by the " lumpers " in P. quadriaurita) ; while argynta
has nothing to do with it. The limitation of species is one of
the vexed questions of botanists. Some regard all the foregoing
as being included under quadriaurita, which is an extreme view.
They ail belong to one group, certainly, and are closely allied^

July 16, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICtJLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

293

no doubt ; but we cannot go so far as to regard tliem as one
species. We have never h'ied to blanch Ferns, but imagine
they would become white were light totally excluded. The
name " aureum " given by Linnaeus to the Polypodium, now
Phlebodium aureum, refers, there can be no doubt, to the very
large and massive clusters of golden spore-cases — much larger
and more conspicuous than in any other species then known.
You must remember that while nomenclature is fixed (that is
the rule) discovery is progressive, and the most golden of olden
Ferns may become equalled or surpassed by more recently dis-
covered plants ; but in such cases the name cannot be transferred.
That would increase tenfold your difficulty in mastering the
names.

Well, now, as to the hard names and the botanists. Those
who follow the science know that the governing principle is
necessai-y and sound ; some individuals overdo the matter, per-
haps, but this is a free age and a free country, and the study
devoted to the subject by those persons does not lead them to
think they commit any excess. Names are the mere alphabet of
science, enabling its votaries to hold communications with each
other. If (because you cannot do without them) jou use the
names botanists employ, you may have the English privilege of
grumbling if you please, but you must still use them, or invent
some others, which would probably be ten times worse, because
they woiUd be less definite.

Lomaria Fraseri has the special properties of being very dis-
tinct and really handsome, which are the grounds on which it
was commended.

We cannot agree with you about Gleichenias, which are
amongst the most elegant of Ferns — albeit, with a certain quaint-
ness. True, a wire-worker might imitate them, but then other
artists might equally imitate any other set of Ferns, so that this
is no disparagement.

We cannot tell what ails your Adiantums ; but if the soil is
in a healthy state we should think they have too much atmo-
speric humidity, and that in too stagti.mt a state. It may be,
however, that some specific disease has attacked them. — t]

EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

FIRST GKASD ROSE SHOW.— JULY 10th.

The great extent to which the culture of this favourite flower
— the very queen of all flowers — has been carried, has been
amply borne witness to by the result of the two rival exhibitions
at the Crystal Palace on the 6th, and this at Kensington Gore
to-day. I use the term "rival" in no invidious sense, certainly
not in that of opposition ; and rivalry, if fair and open, must
ever be a benefit. Although held within four days of one another,
each was a complete success. A bright day and the numerous
attractions of the place brought its 13,000 visitors to the Crystal
Palace ; while a day equally fair (breaking through the old
Chiswiek charter), gave its gay and most brilliant assemblage to
Eensington Gore. And then what a boon to exliibitors! — in
both places the prizes were liberal both in number and value,
the arrangements all that could be desired. And although an
unfavourable season with its wet and frost had driven several
able competitors from the field, still an immense number of
blooms was exhibited ; and if we succeed in repairing our losses,
and if Roses on their own roots are extensively grown, the
fairest aspirations of the " Geant " Secretary of the National
Rose Show will ere long be realised — the whole conservatory
at Eensington Gore flUed with the queen of flowers, and Her
Gracious Majesty coming to see her fragrant rival.

Having already given my idea of the Crystal Palace Show,
and knowing that "D. B." has been "taking notes," I shall
leave the general features of the Exhibition to him, and, as
florist mad, confine my notes to the Roses, viewed not so much
as a decorative flower as in its individual character — how far
they merit the approval of the florist, and come up to the con-
ventional (!) idea that he carries in his mind. Viewed as a
whole, one may say, X think, that the entries were more numerous
at the Crystal Palace, but the flowers were fresher at Eensing-
ton ; that the nurserymen's class was better represented at the
latter, and the amateurs' at the former ; and that a larger
proportion of newer flowers was to be found amongst the trees
on the lOtli than on the 6th.

It will be seen on reference to the prize list that the same
growers in a large number of cases exhibited at both Shows,
though their positions were in several instances reversed. The

new Roses, as usual, excited a good deal of attention, and several
boxes of them were shown.

Messrs. Fraser, of Lea Bridge Road, and Mr. B. F. Cant, of
Colchester, took equal first. The flowers were— from the former
gentleman, Abdel Kader, very dark , General Washington, a
fine weU-built flower ; Due de Cazes, dark ; Madame Furtado ;
Princesse Mathilde, a very fuU and fine flower. These are of
1861. Madame Pauline Yillot ; Madame Cherles C-apelet, a
lovely flower, again shown in great beauty, not very full ; Le
Senateur Yaisse, I spoke of this as a double General Jacque-
minot, but it is really a perpetual Paul Ricaut ; Yictor Terdier,
and Mademoiselle Eugenie Verdier ; Louis XJV., a very dark
and fine Rose. From Mr. Cant, La Eoule d'Or, Tea, a very
fine and deep-coloured flower, deeper than Triomphe des
Rennes, N. ; Eugene Appert ; Madame Charles Crapelet ; Victor
Verdier ; Rubens, Tea ; Gloire de Santenay, a very fine Rose ;
Louis XIV. ; Madame BoE ; Victor Emmanuel, B. ; Due de
Magenta, Tea ; BuSbn, and General Forey.

Mr. Standish was second (his flowers, though very fresh and
even newer in kinds, were small), with * Reynolds Hole, again
shown in good condition, a most lovely pink, and very clear and
bright ; * Marguerite Appert, blush white ; Eugene Appert ;
Madam Standish ; Triomphe d'Aniiens, crimson, very beautifully
striped and dashed with deeper crimson shade ; Andre Des-
portes ; Madame Furtado; *John Standish; *Gregoire Bour-
dillon, a very fine rich Rose ; * Corate de Falloux, good ; and
Heine des Violettes. Those marked thus * are in Mr. Standish's
hands.

Mr. Eeynes was third with Louis XTY., Madame Furtado,
Victor Verdier, Triomphe de Lyon (dark but dull), Vainqueur
de Solfarino, Senateur Vaisse, Mademoiselle Bonnaire, Eug&ne
Appert, Madame Eugenie Verdier, Madame Miellez, Madame
Pauhne Villot, and Triomphe d' Amiens. Thus Madame Fur-
tado, Senateur Vaisse, Eugene Appert, and others are evidently
holding their ground ; but I hope shortly to give more detailed
accounts of the new Roses when I have further opportunities of
testing them.

Amateurs exhibited in 48, 24, 18, and 12. Mr. Hedge, of
Colchester, taking double-first honours ; Mr. Corp, of Salisbury,
one ; and the Rev. Mr. Radclyife, so well known to Rose
growers by his wi'itings, another.

In 48's Ml'. Hedge was first. His flowers were — La Fontaine,
Bizarre Martre, Charles Duval, Madame de Cambaceres, Juno,
Jules Margottin, Mathurin Regnier, La Ville de St. Denis,
General Jacqueminot, Madame Vidot, Madame Stoltz, Due de
Trevise, Coup d'Hebe, Narcisse, Souvenir de Leveson Gower,
Leo X., Triomphe de Paris, Anna Alexiefi', Gloire de Dijon,
Baronne Prevost, Shakspere, Madame Knorr, Madam Hardy,
Comtesse de Chabrillant, Joan of Arc, Rubens, Oriflamme de
St. Louis, Paul Ricaut, Charles Lawson, Victor Verdier, Adolphe
Boussange, Princesse Helene, Adele Prevost, Baronne Hallez,
Vignerol, and Cynthce. Duplicates being allowed in this class,
several of the above flowers appeared twice over.

Miss Crawshay, of Caversham, was second, Mr. John Holling-
worth third, and J. Tritton, Esq., fourth.

In groups of 24, Mr. Corp took first prize with a fine stand con-
taining La Fontaine, Madame Enorr, Geant des Batailles, Gloire
de Dijon, Jules Margottin, Juno, Souvenir de Leveson Gower,
Auguste Mie, General Jacqueminot, Madame Miellez, Pauline
Lanzezeur, Victor Verdier, Maihurin Regnier, Gloire de Vitry,
Madame de Cambaceres, Boule de Nanteuil, AVilliam Jesse,
General Castellane, Madame Vidot, Prince Leon, La Volupt^,
and Lord Palmerston (ex.).

Mr. Hedge was second, Mr. Worthington and Viscount May-
nard equal third, and Mr. Mercer fourth.

In groups of 18, tlie first prize was awarded to the Hev.
W. F. Radclyfie, of Rushton, nearBlandford, Dorset, for Eugene
Appert, Paul Duprez (a fine bloom), Gloire de Dijon, Sir John
Franklin (an extra fine bloom), La VUle de St. Denis, Triomphe
des Rennes, Gloire de Santenay, Souvenir de la Reine de 1' Angle-
terre, Geant des Batailles, Louis XIV., Lord Raglan, Mrs.
Elliott, Comtesse de Chabrillant, WiUiam TeD, Solfaterre, Gene-
ral Jacqueminot, and Louis XIV.

Mr. Moore, of Woking, Surrey, second, Mr. Hedge third, and
Mr. Tritton fourth.

In groups of 12, Mr. Hedge and Mr. Corp were equal first.
The flowers in Mr. Hedge's box were Gloire de Vitry, Souvenir
de Leveson Gower, Juno, Pauline Lanzezeur, Victoria, Gloire
de Dijon, General Jacqueminot, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Eveque
de Nimes, Vignerol, Madap:e Knorr, and Lord Raglan.

294

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTTKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ July 16, 1861.

Mv. Heljav was second, Mr. Tritton thii'd, and Mr. Child, of
Little Eaton, fourth.

The contest amongst nurseiynicn was very sharp indeed ; and
after a very severe and close scrutiny on the part of the Judges,
ended in Hertfordshire being put out of the field, and the
honours being carried ofl' by more distant growers. Some of
the blooms in these stands wereyery fine considering the season ;
and some indeed would have been fine in any season, and would
have satisfied the most fastidious taste.

In 48 Tarieties Mr. Cranston, of Hereford, was first with
Mrs. Hivers, IJue d'Orleans, Lcelio, M. Jongncux, Senateur
Vaisse, General Washington, Anna Alexieff, M. Tigneron, Gloire
de Dijon, Madame Faleot, Madame Hector Jacquin, Mademoiselle
Bonnairc, Louis XIV., Eeine Mathilde, Leon des Combats,
]j0uie Odier, Anna de Dieshach, Aleiandiinc Bachmetoft", Sir
Joseph Paxton, Piairie de Teire Xoire, Conitesse de Chabrillant,
Souvenir de la Reine de I'Angleterre, Madame dc Cambaceres,
Oriilamme de St. Louis, Madame Knorr, Acidale, Prince Leon,
Princesse Mathilde, Charles Lawson, General Jacqueminot,
Madame Boll, Coquerelle, Souvenir de Montc-eau, Common Moss,
Marie Portcmir, Louis Chaix, Koine des Tiolettes, Duchess of
Norfolk, and Prince Imperial.

Mr. B. F. Cant, of Colchester, was second, and Sir. Keynes
third. Extra, Mr. Francis, Mr. HoUamby, Messrs. Paul & Son,
and C. Turner.

In the large claas of 96 varieties, Mr. Mitchell, of Piltdown
Nurseries, Sussex, was first ; Mr. Keynes, of Salisbuiy, second ;
and Mr. HoUamby, of Tunbridge Wells, third ; Messrs. Paul and
Son fourth ; and Mr. W. Paul extra.

In 24, three trusses of each, 5tr. Keynes was the winner, with
some very fine blooms of the following : — Victor Verdier,
Madame Vidot, Triomphe des Beaux Arts, Gloire de Dijon,
Madame Pauline Villot, .'Vima Alesiefl" Virginal, La Ville de St.
Denis, Lord Raglan, Ducljessede Cambaceres, Mathurin Bcgnier,
Eugene Appert, Souvenir de la Malmaison, General Jacque-
minot, Madame Miellez, Dr. Bretonneau, Triomphe do Paris,
Jules Margottin, Eveque de Klmes, Prince Leon, Comtesse de
Chabrillant, Madam Rivers, and Madame Knorr.

J. & J. Eraser were second; Mr. Cranston third; and Mr.
Laing, of Twickenham, fourth ; Mr. Caltell sixth ; and Mr.
Cant extra.

In 24 single blooms, Mr. J. Keynes, of Salisbury, was first, Mr.
Charles Turner of Slough, second. Mr. Keynes' collection com-
prised Boule de Nantcuil, Eveque do Nimes, Souvenir de Mal-
maison, La Fontaine, a large, Gnc, showy Rose ; Gloire de
Dijon, A'ictor Verdier, Jiino, Prince Leon, Mathurin Regnier,
Comtesse de Cliahrillant, Gloire de Vitry, Virginal, Madame
Hector Jacquin, Madame Vigeron, Jules Margottin, Madam
Rivers, Madame Knorr, Dr. Bretonneau, Alexandrine Bach-
metoff, and Queen of Denmark. Mr. Turner's collection, con-
tained Comtesse de Chabrillant, Lonis XIV., Anna Alexieff,
Virginal, Levescn Gower, Auguste Mie,' Leon des Combats,
Viscomtesse de Cazes, Baronne Prevost, Duke of Cambridge,
Senateur Vaisse, 'Victor Verdier, Pauline Lanzezeur, Madame
Domage, Jules Margottin, Gloire de Dijon, Duchess of Norfolk,
Comte de Paris, Eugene Appert, General Simpson, Mademoiselle
Therese Appert, General Jacqueminot, Pius IX., and Gloire de
Vitiy.

Moss Roses were shown in two collections by Messrs. Paul and
Son and Mr. HoUamby — the former was placed first, with a nice
collection of most of the kinds in cultivation.

It will be seen by referring to the lists thus given how very
large a proportion of the flowers shown are Hybrid Perpetuals.
This one was hardly prepared to expect. Death had been so
much more busy amongst them than amongst the summer Roses
that I thought the latter would come out more strongly. It
seems, however, tliat they ore, generally spcalui-,g, a doomed race.
Some few varieties will maintain their ground, but year by year
we seem to be getting more and more into the two classes of
H. P.'s and Teas. Bourbons are rarely shown, and so indeed
are Noisettes.

Amongst Miscellaneous Objects there were exiiibited collections
of fine-foliagcd and ornamental plants from Messrs. Lee, of
Hammersmith, and Messrs. 'Witch, of Chelsea and Exeter;
several very large boxes of cut Koses by Messrs. HoUamby,
Veiitch, Standisb, Mitcliell, and Eadclyffe ; Phloxes by Paul and
Son ; Verbenas, Pitotecs, and Carnations, by Mr. C. Turner, of
Slough. The Verheims were St. Margaret, a very old but useful
kind. Grand Eastern, very large, Bellona, Madame Herman
Steiger, Firefly, Lady Maddleton, Magnificent, Zanipa, Anglaise,

Princess Mary of Cambridge, Garibaldi, and Mary. The same
grower also exhibited well grown and excellently bloomed plants
of the following new Felargoniums : — Tr'idesceudant, Ariel,
Leviathan, Beadsman, Lord Clyde, Rembrandt, Norma, Bacchus,
and Mars.

Mr. Standish, of Bagshot, sent his unique collection of varie-
gated h.irdy plants from Japan ; and Mr. Leach some beautifully
bloomed plants of Disa grandiflora, of -nhich Mr. Beaton has
justly said so much. It is, without doubt, one of the finest
Orchideous plants grown ; and as it is a native of Table Mountain,
Cape of Good Hope, will belong to the hardy greenhouse.

Mr. Bull sent a collection of Petunias, single and double ; and
Messrs. Dobson &, Pearce had some tables an*anged with the
new glass vases for dinner decoration, after the style of Mr.
March's first-prize group. They were very elegant, and appeared
as if they would be reasonable in price.

On the whole the Council have cause to be amply satisfied
with their arrangements, and Mr. Eyles with the manner in
which his zeal in catering for the benefit of the gardening world,
as well as for the satisfaction of the public, has been rewarded ;
and, doubtless, another year will still further meet the wishes of
all parties. In the great world of London there is room enough
for all the societies and their exhibitions, and the greater the
number the greater the encouragement to both amateurs aad
nurserymen to carry out the cultivation of the various objects for
which prizes are oflered. — D., Deal.

Anotiiee grand Show and a great gathering of the noblesse of
tlie land to record in one week is a luxury which seldom falls to
one's lot in hot weather. If I had been with the fairies for the
last twenty years, or dreaming in fairyland during that period,
and had "just come to myself " on Her Majesty's last birthday,
and got into the midst of the crowd at South Kensington on
that afternoon, I think I could hardly make out the difference in
the company from the grand gatherings at Chiswick twenty
years back, save in tiie fashion in ladies' dresses. All the rest
seemed the same display over again — the same features, the
same free and easy movements, the same grouping of parties,
the same rush to the bands, the same indifierence to flower*
after four o'clock, and the same ways of cooling by icy linings
and self-ventilating garments.

On the other hand, or rather behind all this, you met another
series of stlf-same tliings^men who never incline but to conquer
with the same plants and cut flowers as were at the Crystal
Palace the Saturday before ; the same prizes, the same judges
to award them, the same numbers from twelves to eight times
twelve cut Roses, the same winners, the same losers, the
same boxes, the same moss and kinds of Roses ; and a few,
bnt very few, of the very specimens on which I have descanted
in another column. Louis XIV., Madame Furtado, and Sena-
teur Vaisse, were heel and toe with Gloire de Santenay, Madame
Charles Crnpelet, and Comte de Falloux ; while Triomphe
d' Amiens, Gregoire Bourdillon, a fac-siniile of Gcant desBatailles,
said to be double its size, and four times its strength of limb
andjoint,and which will be the ladies' favourite Rose ultimately —
Reynolds Hole, a real cherry- check Rose, but not a real triumph
or a trump for florists. No matter, that is the Rose, you can
mark it among fifty sorts at 500 yards distance. John Standish
is one of the best and strongest very late bloomers in the
autumn ; and Madam Standish was quite another lady from
what I said of her at the Ci7stal Palace. Blondin must have
made her loot pale there, no doubt ; but here in her clement she
was a bright rosy pink, and, what is better still, she can cVnnb a
pole, and go across a tight ropejust as well as Blondin did, and
keeps to her perpetuality all the while. General Washington is
a large Hose, and rather new in tint of colour. Comte de
Falloux is said to be the best pot-Rose grown. Alphonse do
Lamartine was the best-shaped Rose there, according to my eye,
and the nearest in looks to Comtesse de ChabrilUnt of aU the
Roses there, yet I never saw it recommended anywhere. It is a
bad grower ;'i3 that caused by the stock? Gloire de Rosamene
never did any good on a stock yet ; but none is more free on its
own roots. Just try Alphonse de Lamartine on its own roots
and let us know. My word for it there is no more lady-like Rose
in the catalogue. As shown at South Kensington it was a
perfect love of a Rose, and much more regular in the dress than
the Comtesse de Chabrillant. Madame Boll was more perfect
than on Saturday, and is up to a first-rater. Victor Verdier the
same way, and a fine, strong, pillar Rose. One-half the world

July 16, 1601. ]

JOUSNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

295

do not know yet about the goodness of Triomplie des Rennes,
which came out just after the war in the Crimea was over. It
is a beautiful pale yellow JToisette, which every one who wants
a thorough good climbing Rose ought to have. It must hold
the same place among Noisettes as Gloire de Dijon has obtained
and well deserves among the Tens. But we must not overlook
Celine Forestier, the newest yellow Noisette, a very fine thing.
Due de Magenta, a very fine light Tea Rose ; and Victor
Emmanuel, a most beautiful and very dark Bourbon Rose ; must i
have been named by some clever Frenchman as a pun on two
of the heros who cleared the finest valley in Europe for the
" unity of Italy," without, altogether, intending it at the time,
and you may explain the pun according to your own view of
that " unity of expression ;" but let me explain the first victory
of the hon. member for Salisbuiy within the " inner quadrangle,"
without prejudice to those of the quadrilateral of the Ticino, or
the Cornice de Seine et Marne, and the rest of the Bourbons.

The way Mr. Keynea arranged his Roses, beguining at the j
highest grade was — General Jacqueminot, Madame Pauline :
Villot (a first-olass, new, deep-coloured Rose), Lord Raglan, :
Leon des Combats, Triomplie des Beaux Arts, Duchess of j
Norfolk, Louis XIY., Ambroise Terschafielt, Stephanie Bcau-
haruais (a quadrangular (lower this time), Tj-iomphe de I'Expo-
sition, Louis Chalx, Geant des Batailles, Pio Nono, Glory of
France, Gloire de Lyons, Senateur Vaisse (his best in this
group), Petit Pierre, Empereur de Maroc, Oi-uament des Jardins,
General Washington (quite new), Paul Duprez (very fine),
Maiie Portimer, Ev&que do Kimes, Jules Margottiii, Cardinal ;
Patrizzi, FrniKjois Premier, Boule de Nanteuil, General Castellane I
(very fine colour), Eugene Appert, Dr. Bretonneau, Prince Leon ,
(extra fine), Gustave Govaux (peculiar), Victor Verdier and j
Gloire de Vitry (an immense size). I would plant all these just i
as they stand for one colour of various tints, and the following |
outside of them all round, supposing it were a circle — Madame j
Vigeron, Juno, Joan of Arc, Mathurin Regnier, Beautie de
Roygheim, Mdlle. Therese Appert (a splendid miss in a loose ;
dress), Virginal (very fine, but not the finest white H.P. ), Celine j
Forestier (you see this is diiferent planting from that in another i
column for variety), LoiusOdier, Monsieur deMontigny, Madame ;
Masson, La ViUe de St. Denis (large). La Fontane (a Camellia
tint), Reine des Fleurs, Devoniensis, Imperatrice Eugenie, this is
my favourite white H.P., but there is more pudibundus in the ,
centre than in that of Virginal ; Triomphe des Rennes (afore- ;
said, though not a match to Devoniensis on the off-side of virgin
purity, I must get it in as it was there), Alphonse de Lamartine j
(most charming colour, size, and shape), Comte de Nanteuil, !
Madame Phelip (a true carnea colour), Charles Duval, Alexan-
dine Bachmetotr (fine), Duchesse d'Orleans, Comte do Plater (all \
but white. What is it ?), Charles Lawson, Anna AlexielT, Louis
Peronuy (should have been Louis Paeony flowered) , Souvenir de
la Malmaison (not so fine as mine on its own roots). Queen of
Denmark, Lady Stuart, Lord Palmerston (very good). La Reine, i
Acidale, Madame Vidot, Madame Hector Jacquin (certainly out
of La Reine), Madame Knorr (large, flat, fat, and fleshy, but as
sweet as the old Cabbage Rose), and the beautiful and very lovely
Comtesse de Chabrillant, and it is best to stop at a great beauty j
like her Countesship.

That was a collection, and I have selections from Messrs.
Mitchell, HoUamby, Paul, Turner, Caltell, Cant, Eraser, Laing,
and Cranston, but they will keep.

There was a tie between the Messrs. Eraser and Mr. Cant for
new Roses, and both were best and had best prizes. All the
new Roses were very fresh-looking early in the day ; but the
conservatoiy must have been too hot, for all the Roses went in
the afternoon into the present fashion of loose flowiag robes,
which did not become them nearly so well as their morning
dresses. The best new Roses in Messrs. Eraser's were — Senateur j
Vaisse, Madame Furtado, General Washington, and Louis XIV., '
Abdel Kader, Prtncesse Mathilde, and Due de Cazes (three dark
kinds), and Mademoiselle Pauline Villot, a deep red, finely-
cupped Rose.

The best in Mr. Cant's collection were — Madame Crapelet,
Louis XIV., La Boule d'Or (a Tea), then Madame Boll,
General Foray, Victor Emmanuel (dork), and Due de Magenta
(a light Tea). Mr. Standish second, with his Reynolds Hole,
Andre Desporte, Madame Fui-tado, Marguerite Appert (after
Madam Rivers), John Staudiah (strong, large, dark), Comte de
Falloux (aforesaid and fiery red), Eugene Appert, Baron Gonella,
Gregoire Bourdillon (aforesaid also), i'riomphe d' Amiens, Madam
Standish (bright pinky blush), and Andre Desporte (as above).

With these we finish for the present to say that the largo
conservatory was " furnished " by such good wishers to the good
cause in which we are all engaged as the Messrs. Veiteh, Eraser,
Henderson, of Pine Apple Place, Turner, Bull, Smith, Gaines,
and Cranston.

C. Leach, Esq., King's Road, Clapham Park, sent three large
pan pots of liis glorious Disa grandiflora, the very finest
terrestrial Orchid in the world, and there is none in the air to
compare it with. Moreover it was in full perfection as it wcs
never seen before in Europe. But who can describe it? I
was most thoroughly beaten tliirty years back in all the attempts
I made at growing that plant. Sir Joseph Paxton could tell as
much, and several other heads equally sound were deftated in
the same struggle ; and no one could, or did, grow Disn grandi-
flora in England, till Mr. Leach spent large sums of money in
proving it at last to be of easier management than an herbaceous
Calceolaria or a seedling Cineraria.

It requires the very same kind of treatment ns we have always
advised for Tritonia aurea and which so few followed out.
Among all the bulbous-looking plants in cultivation, there are
no two of them so much alike in their constitution and iu their
very pcoiliar habit of dying down yearly but never going to rest.
Before the growth of this year dies back, that tor next year is up
and doing, and they both spawn very much at the roots ; both
are very thirsty plants, and both resent and sulk at the least
a'tempt at forcing them or submitting them to one extra degree
of heat more than is necessary to keep them from tlie frost.
When geothemial cultivation comes in fashion, Disa grandiflora
and Tritonia aurea will be seen in bog mai-siics out of doors
the year round, with a glass ease over them all the winter.

D. Beaio.v.

THE PRIZE LIST.

CLiss I.~96 Varieties, one tmss of each. (XurseiTnien.) — First, J.
5tit liijll, Piltilown Nurseries, Jt irosflclil. Sussex. Second. J. ICeyacs.
Siilisl)iin-. Third, E. HoUambv, Tnnbridffc We'ls. Fourth, Messrs. Paul and
Son, Old Cheshunt Nui-series, Herts. Extra, W. Paul, \V'»ltliam Cross.

OiASS II.— 48 Varieties, one trass of each. (Nnrseiymen.)— First, J.
Cranston, King's Acre Nurseries, near Hereford. Second, D. K. Cant, Col-
cliester. Third, J. Kcvncs. Salisbury. Fourth, n Lainj, Twicltenllam
Nurseries. S.W. Extra,' E. P. Francis, Tlcrtford ; E. Iloll.amby, Tiinbrldgo
Wells; >icssrs. Paul k Son, Old Cheshnnt Nurseries, Herts; C. Tanicr,
Royal Nurseries, Slouch.

Class III.— 24 Varieties, three trusses of each. (Xuvsorj'men.)— First
J. Keynes. Salisbury. Second, Messrs. J. A J. Frascr, Lea BridRe UoaJ,
Essex. Third, R. Lainff, Tn-iclienham .Nurseries, S.W. Fonrtli, J. Cattell,
Westerh.am, Kent. Extra, B R. Cant, Colchester.

Class IV.— 24 Varietic. one truss of each. (Nurserymen.)— First, J.
Keynes, Salisbury. Second, C. Turner, Royal Nurseries, Sloogh. Tlurd, J.
Cattell, Westevham. Foui tb, B R. Cant, Colchester.

Class V.— 4S Varieties, one truss of eaclt. (Amateurs,)— First, J. T.
Hedse, Reed Hall, Ci^lc'rester. Secnnd. 5[iss L. Crawihay. Caversbani Park,
Reading. Third. J. Hollinuworth, JIaidstone. Fourth, G. T. Bmsh, gardener
to J. Tritton, Esq., Norwood.

Class VI.— 24 Variet es, one truss of each (Amatenrii.) — First, W. Covp,
Jlilford, SaWsbiuy. Second, J. T. Iledffe, Reel H.all, Colchester. Third, A.
Sloffatt, gardener to Viscount Maynard, Dunraow, Essex. Extra, eqnnl
third, — Worthintrton, Carershani Prioiy, near Reading. Fourth, W.
ilercer, F.1-L1I.&, Grove House, Staplehurst.

Class VII.- 18 Varieties, one tniss of cacli (Amateurs.)— Fiift, Kev.
W. F. Radclvflfe, Kusbton Rectory, Blandlord. Second, E. Moove, Horsell,
near Woking, Surrey. Third, J. T. Hedge, Reed Hall, Colchester. Fourth,
G. T. Brush, gardener to J. Tritton, Esq., Norwood.

Class VIIl. — 12 varieties, one truss of each (Amateurs)- First, J. T.
Hedge, Eeed Hall, Colchester. Equal, W. Corp, Milfoi-d, Salisbury. Seeonrt,
Rev. H. Helyar. Peadomer, VeoviL Third, G. T. Brash, gardener to J.
Tritton, Esq., Norwood. Fi-.urth, Rev. Jlr. Child, Little Easton, Dunmow,
Essex. Equal, E. Moore, Horsell, near Woking, Surrey.

Class X.— 50 Roses, 12 Varieties, in 8-inch pots. (Open.)— Second, C.
Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough.

Class XIL— 12 ijew Roses of 1S60-1 (single tmssesl, distinct. (Open.)—
First, Messrs. J. and J, Frascr, Ntirserymen, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton.
Equal, B. R. Cant, Nurseryman, Colchester. Second, J. St.andish, Royal
Nurseries, Slouch. Third, John Kcynos, Nui-sen-raan, Salisbui-y.

Class XIII —Collection of SIoss Roses, single trusses. (.Open.)- Fii-st,
Messrs. Paul * Son, Old Cheshunt Nurseries, Herts. Second, E. Hol-
lamby, Nursei'ym^n, Tunbridge Wells.

Class XV^I.—MiacoUaneous.— Extra, J. Veiteh & Son, Exeter and Chelsea ;
J. Mitchell, PiltJown Nursery, Mareslield, Sussex ; J. Standish, Royal Nm-
sei-ies, Bagshot ; E. Hollaniby, Nurseryman, Tunbridge Wells. Plants of
Disa grandiflora wer« again exhibited in fine condition by J. Leach, Esq.,
King's Road, Clapham Park. Groups of miscellaneous stove and greenhouse
plants were also exhibited by Messrs. Veiteh ,t Son, Kojal Exotic Nursery,
Chelsea /the centre group of Ornamental Plants in Japan and China Vases) ;
J. Standish, Royal Nurseries, Bagshot [Stove and Greenhouse plants) ;
Messrs. Lee, Viiicyard Nurseries, Hammersmith (Stove and GreenbOQSe
plants) ; Messrs. -A. Henderson and Co., Pine Apple Place. Edgwai'e Road
(Stove and Greenhouse plantsl ; Jlessts. J. tfc J. Eraser, Nurserymen, Lea
Bridge Road (Stove and Greenhouse plants) ; W. Bull, F.R.H.S., King's Road,
Chelsea (Stove and Greenliouse plants) ; C- Turner, Royal Nurserj,

296

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 16, 1861.

Slough (groups of Geraniums and Fuchsias, and stands of "Verbenas and
Picotees) ; Thomas Gaines, Battersea (groups of Pelargoniums, »fec.) ; Messrs.
Dobson & Pe.irce, 19, St. James' Street (two sets of Dinner Table Decora-
tionsO

CULTURE OF THE GRAPE VINE.

{Continned from page 2Tl.)

CULTIVATION IN A GREENHOUSE.

The kinds best adapted for a greenhouse are Blact Hamburgh,
Lady Down's, a Grape that keeps well. West's St. Peter's, Royal
Muscadine, Black Prince, and Dutch Sweetwater. More kinds
might be tried, but the above are good croppers and sure
to answer.

PXiANTlNO.— The best season is March, just before the buds
break.

PRTTNIN&. — The best mode of pruning for a greenhouse is
undoubtedly the spur system ; and for this reason, that the
foliage is less in quantity, and, therefore, does not shade so much
the plants that are in the house than when the single-rod system
is adopted.

Tlie Pruning in Summer consists in stopping the laterals at
the third or fourth joint, and, when the side eyes burst, to stop
these again and again throughout the growing season. Every
fruit-bearing shoot should be stopped at the second joint above
the bunch. When the fruit begins to colour, the first-made
laterals should be cut clean off, in order to give more light to
the leaves and fruit.

Autumn Pruning. — The Vines in autumn may be half-pruned
by cutting off all tlie laterals in order to ripen the wood and fill
the buds with fruit-bearing sap. As the leaves turn yeUow they
should be removed.

Winter Pruning. — This may be done in any of the winter
months after the fruit is all gathered and the leaves all fallen
off. At that season the greenhouse plants will all be housed. I
always found it more convenient to prune the Vines by loosening
them from the rafters in succession, bringing each one down into
the walk or path, commencing at one end, it is no matter which,
pruning each side shoot to one eye as directed before, and when
that Vine was pruned, clearing away the loose bark and applying a
paint made of water thickened with sulphur and clay. Use a
softish brush and see that every part is covered with the sulphm-.
This mixture is a great preventive, if not a cure, for mildew, and
destroys scale and red spider. Then tie the Vines down to the
front in a bundle. In that position they may remain till the
buds begin to break. By being thus trained horizontally at the
lowest part, and consequently the coolest part of the house,
every bud will be in an equal temperature, and wiU all receive an
equal amount of stimulating sap : hence the lower part of the
rafter will be as well furnished with fruit as the highest, and the
berries will swell almost equally as fine as those on the higher part
of the house.

Spring Management. — I have often allowed them to remain in
this horizontal position till I could stop the laterals, but wlien I
did so I was obliged to be very careful of the young shoots, for in
their young state they are easily slipped off at the base. There
is, however, a great convenience in doing this work when the
Vines are so handy and easily examined. As soon as one Vine
was operated upon — that is, the superfluous shoots rubbed off, the
fruit-bearing spurs stopped, and, if long enough, tied slightly to
the main stem— that Vine was tied up to its proper rafler, and
the next taken in hand, and the same operations gone through
till every Vine was done. It requires at least two persons to
do this; one to hold the Vine, and the other (the more
experienced hand, of com-se) to thin out the shoots and stop
those that are left. In lofty greenhouses crowded with plants,
this spring dressing when the Vines are tied up to the rafters
before it is done is a very difficult and troublesome affair. I
therefore recommend the leaving them tied down to the front
till they have made such a growth as will enable the cultivator
to give them their first dressing so conveniently. With moderate
care he will accomplish this safely, and certainly better and more
correctly.

Summer Management. — This consists in regularly stopping the
laterals and keeping them tied in neatly to the wires. Speaking
of wires reminds me that I have not yet described them. There
should be three— one in the centre to tie the main stem to, and
one on each aide of it to tie the laterals to. Each wire should
be about 9 inches from the glass, and 6 inches from wire to

wire. To keep them in position, there should be strong iron
pins, sharp at one end, or made with a screw, and an eye at the
other end, the wires run through those eyes, and they keep the
wires in their proper place. If the wire is pretty strong, the pins
will do if placed 6 feet apart. Thus trained, when the Vines are
in full bearing all their length, the bunches hang in two straight
rows, and are very ornamental. The laterals should not be
trained at right angles, but rather slanting upwards. If the
Vines are very fruitful I would never allow more than one
bunch to a shoot. The spurs should be as nearly as possible a
foot apart, and at equal distances. When the Vines ore in bloom,
the air of the house should be moderately dry. In general, the
air should be more moist during the night than during the day.
Alternate moisture and dryness will cause the anther coverings to
contract and expand, and eventually to crack and open when the
pollen is ripe and ready to be shed upon the stigma. If all this
has gone on properly, the berries will set freely and will soon
begin to swell. Then is the time to commence thinning them — an
operation that must not be neglected. Thin freely, and you will
have larger berries, but handle the berries that are left as little
as possible. Most of the kinds proper for a greenhouse have
bunches with large shoulders. The bunch will be more sym-
metrical, and each berry will ripen more equally if those
shoulders are tied up and spread out equally on each side.
Some use pronged sticks for this purpose, but I judge that soft
matting is the better article, and, besides that, the branches
of the bunch can be spread out more equally. While the
thinning is going on examine the laterals and ties, and top
the one and adjust the other.

Syringing. — During summer, before the Grapes begin to
colour, give them a good syringing once or twice a- week,
especially after a hot, sunny day.

Air^ of course, will be given very freely in the early stages
of growth, because of the plants ; but as soon as the green-
house plants are removed out of doors towards the end of May
or beginning of June, less air will do for the Vines. The
stage of the greenhouse will then be tilled with plants, such as
Balsams, Cockscombs, &c., that will bear a higher temperature.
In general, the rule should be to give air as soon as the
thermometer indicates 65°, the maximum heat at noon should
never exceed 70°. In cold, damp weather, a little artificial heat
from the flues or hot- water pipes will be of great service.

When the Grapes are fully ripe, they will be attacked by
wasps and other fruit-eating insects. The best remedy is to
cover the air-giving openings with fine netting or canvass.
Even a door of canvass will be of service to keep out those
intruders. As the Grapes in a greenhouse will hang a long
time (I have had them good till Christmas) the air in the
house should be kept as dry as is consistent with the liealth of
the plants. No dead matters should be allowed in the house
at all, such as yellow decaying leaves, or moss, or anything that
will keep damp. The floors should be kept dry and clean, and
abundance of air given during every dry day. Fortunately, all
these precautions are equally as necessary for the health of
the plants, as for keeping the Grapes from moulding and
rotting on the Vines.

I have not mentioned the border for Vines in a greenhouse.
The reader will remember what I said on Vine-borders, how
they should be drained and made, but he might inquire. Will
the bolder require covering to protect the roots? If it is
properly drained, the only covering it will need is one that will
keep off the heavy rains during autumn and winter. As the
Vines in a greenhouse are not forced, but break naturally with
the heat of the spring sun, which beat is applied also to the
roots simultaneously, there is no necessity to heat the soil
artificially. It is early-forced Vines that require this, in order
that root action may be going on at the same time that the
top action is set in motion by internal lieat. On that point,
however, I shall have much to say when I come to the stove
and vinery culture of the Grape. T. Applebt.

ONION MAGGOT.

Having noticed your reply to " New Scbsceibeb," relative
to the Onion maggot, and that you know of no remedy. I beg
to infoi'm you that if your correspondent will water his Onions,
when about 4 inches to 5 inches high, with the common lant
(human urine), either fresh or old, it will entirely prevent the
grub. I have mine always done so, and am never troubled with

July 16, 1861.]

JOURNAL OF HORTICTTLTTJRE AND COTTA&E G-ARDENER.

297

these white grubs ; and I yenture to say your correspondent
will not be if he uses the same means. I give each bed two
waterings. I use the same for my Carrot crops with success. —
S. H. B.

THE EOSE

SHOW AT THE CEYSTAL
PALACE.

This was a grand Show indeed, and a grand company to see it.
The first five classes were for nurserymen, beginning with a
collection of ninety-six varieties, and five competitors entered
each with his eight dozens of gorgeous blooms. The second
class was for forty-eight kinds, and ten put in for the prizes.
The third class was for twenty-four kinds, and ten exhibitors
competed. The fourth class was for twelve kinds ; and the
fifth, twenty-four kinds, and three trusses of each, in both five
competitor^ entered— that is to say, thirty-five entries from
nurserymen alone, besides the class for new Roses, in which five
more entries were made. Private growers began in Class 6,
with thirty-six kinds, and there were nine competitors. Class 7,
for twenty-four, had no less than seventeen or eighteen entries.
Class 8, for eighteen kinds, had eleven entries. Class 9, a full
dozen kinds, and twenty-three entries, with two entries of Roses
in pots. Count up all those and add a long tableful of Roses,
not for competition, and the sum total will just tell how grand
the Show was.

Then there were Pansies, Pinks, Picotees, and Carnations, and
two large specimens of the Black-eyed GHory Pea of New Zealand
^Clianthus Dampieri) ; also, a low spreading fine-leaved new
Eern from Australia, Hypolepis distans, sent by Mr. Dean, the
great florist of Bradford, or near it at Shipley ; and also the grand
bell-double Euchsia Mammoth, from Mr. Smith, of the Hornsey
Road Nursery. He was a Fuchsia man from the beginning, and
that is his " Good Gracious " result at last.

The whole of the east nave or north end of the Crystal Palace
was filled with all these to the very portals of the canvass division
which holds the heat to the parts round the bronze fountains.
But at the north end of the cut Roses stood an assemblage of
prize silver cups and salts and other silvers, to tempt the lucky
winners to take the full value of their prizes in wrought silver,
and so get hold of family memorials to commemorate the success
of the present representatives of the family estates and titles.
Mr. Standish, the Messrs. Eraser, and Messrs. W. Paul & Son,
were first, second, and third, for new Roses ; and Mr. Mitchell
and Mr. Keynes were the other two who tried their luck in
novelties. Mr. Keynes was the only one who had the new yellow
Rose, Celine Eorestier ; and Mr. Mitchell had a very promising
new Rose, named after his better half, Mrs. Mitchell, it is a bold,
rosy pink flower of good substance. But florists are not to
follow me in my choice, I should soon get them into a scrape if
they did. Let them follow " D., of Deal," and my word for it
they will never go wrong themselves, or ever think of wronging
others.

Now, then, for the ladies and the flower gardens. Louis XIV.
was my favourite Rose of all the newest Roses there. But the
way I viewed them was just that way I should like to see them
planted. I began with the colours, and took so many of each
class out of all the collections all the way round. Of course, the
best as I thought, judging only from what was before me with
no reference to the habit of the plants, many of which I do not
know sufficiently yet to decide on the habit.

The darkest Rose there was Prince Noir, a loose flower ; and
the first of my group of colours consists of Roses that are darker
than General Jacqueminot, or all the best between the Prince
and the General. Eugene Appert was very rich. Mr. Standish
put it as one of the best bedders, and Mr. Cranston says " it will,
doubtless, makea fine pillar Rose." Princesse Mathilde next, a
bronzed dark purple and not very full, but is of stout substance.
Fran9ois Arago, a deep dark flower ; Empereur de Maroo, a fine
dark ; Triomphe des Beaux Arts, some flowers very fine and
some were loose in the centre; Cardinal Patrizzi, as dark as
usual ; La Muskowa (Qallica), a dark Gloire de Rosamene as one
might say, but the petals very strong — would it not make
a good mother in crossing ? The four following might be a
shade from the above — viz., Madame Masson, Lord Raglan,
Victor Trouillard, and Victoire de Magenta. Louis XIV. is one
shade deeper thau Eugfene Appert, but gets redder when going
off'. This will make mj group of darkest Roses.
The second group begins with my favourite General for which

I had to do battle, when some inclined it for a second-class Rose —
General Jacqueminot, the most universally exhibited of aU the
Roses. Senateur Vaisse and Oriflamme de St. Louis, two splendid
rivals to the General ; Gloire de Santenay and Madame Charles
Crapelet, another good pair, Madame being the reddest of the
two ; then Geant des Batailles, Buffon, Prince Leon, and
Duchess of Norfolk, which has much improved since I first saw
it ; Souvenir de Leveson Gower, a very large, fine Rose ; and
Paul Ricaut, all H.P. ; but the last finish the second group. ^

The third group begins with that unique-looking Rose Eveque
de Nimes — should not this have been Bishop of Nismes ? Alex-
andrine Bachmetoff', a large, flat, bright red ; Fran9ois Premier,
another flat, large, cherry-ripe-like Rose ; Baronne Hallez ;
General Simpson ; Comtesse de Chabrillant, a very good Rose,
but lighter with age ; Alphonse de Lamartine ; Madame Hector
Jacquin, looks as if a seedling from La Reine ; Madam Place, a
very double imbricating Rose, rising well in the centre ; Madame
Furtado, a splendid new Rose, deeper than La Reine, and going
off after Baronne Prevost ; Anna Alexiefl', a pretty creature ;
and VyiUiam Griffiths, the lightest of this group.

The next group begins with Souvenir de la Reine de I'Angle-
terre, Reine des Eleurs, Madame Vidot, Madam Rivers, and
Madam Standish might be out of one hip at the same cross •
(three great beauties and no mistake), Louis Peronny, General
Pellissier, Caroline de Sansal (a large bloom with a tumbled
centre). Duchess of Orleans (also very large), Naomi (more
rosy). Lady Stuart (the next after the three ladies in hght
costume), Mathurin Regnier and Auguste Mie, which was
rather loose this time ; and the next, the real, scarce, pure white
Roses. MadamePlantier was the best of them there. _ Acidale
was there, but so loose as to raise suspicion about its habits
after many years' service. Nephetos from the tea party ; Vir-
ginal, a promised blushing beauty; and the Malmaison and
Devoniensis were the pink of the whites. And the shine of
the yellows were in Cloth of Gold, Gloire de Dijon, Solfarino,
La Sylphide (a fine Tea), Triomphe des Rennes (perhaps the
largest of the Noisettes, a very large flat flower), and Viscomtesse
des Cases (as ragged as a gipsy, but what a fine colour !)
Celine Forestier is a flat flower of a more canary yellow than the
Viscomtesse des Cases.

What a beautiful plantation of Roses might be made if a row
was devoted to each of these groups. Although the sorts differ
slightly the difference is not so much, or at least would not
appear so much, in a bed as it is in reality ; and I have endea-
voured to put in the names just as I would plant them — but, of
course, that is of no value, and any other arrangement of each
group would be just as good. What I aim at is a radical change
in the way of planting Koses : many of them are murdered at
present for being planted just as if they were thrown down out
of the top windows of a house into the courtyard. But Dahlias
are nearly as badly planted for effect in most places.

But here are some splendid Roses culled out of some few of
the first and second-prize collections, beginning with Mr.
Mitchell's ninety-sis sorts— Madame Charles Crapelet, Abdel
Kader (very dark), Baronne Hallez, La Pactole, Prairie deTerre
Noire (a new H.P., a dark purple), Louis Chaix, La Reme,
Louis Gulino (very dark), Madame Schmidt, Mareehal de la
Brunerie (very large, and shot silk light Rose), Princs Leon,
Gloire de Santenay, Madam Rivers, Louis XIY., General Jac-
queminot, Louise de Savoie (a very iarge, light Tea Rose),
Victor Verdier, Triomphe des Beaux Arts and Victoire de
Magenta (two very much alike), Ti-iomphe des Bennes (a splen-
did, large, light, ysliow Noisette), Elize Sauvage (very fine),
Lord Palmerston (a regular Cherrycheek— a well-marked colour),
Lord Eaglan, Madame Furtado, Senateur Vaisse (fine), and
Mrs. Mitchell (a stout bright rosy pink) .

Mr. Keynes, of Salisbury, who only came out last year for the
first time in the race for Roses, and took almost every cup and
stirrup for which he ventured to run, was neck and neck, tliis
first Rose Show, with the winner of the " Darby," and only lost
by half a nose making a tie for ninety-sixes. Here are some of
his best— Anna de Diesbach, more like a large pmk Hollyhock
than one can tell ; Eveque de Nlmes (Mr. Keynes does this
briUiant and very peculiar-looking Rose better than any grower
there. The sort seems to be a good trial Rose to get at the
skill of the grower) ; Prince Noir, his darkest ; Abdel Kader
nearly as dark; Comtesse de ChabriUant; Boule de Han-
teuil, one of the best of the very old summer Roses ; William
Griffiths ; Paul Duprez, very dark red, a nice little plant on its
own roots, but too dwarf to do much good on a strong stock j

298

JOTJBNAL OP HORTICULTUBE AHD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 16, 1861.

Duchess of Orleans ; Madam Campbell, a pale Rose, Tariegated,
reined, and picoteed in a peculiar way, and then very hand-
some— but very often Madam Campbell is as plain as Peggy
Houden ; Senateur Taisse, one of the very best of the new
Roses, and the nearest to General Jacqueminot ; Francois Arago,
a splendid dark velvety Rose ; Madam Standish, uncommonly
well done j Stephanie Beauharuais, as flat on the face as Eveque
deKimcs; Franijois Premier; Madame Masson ; Madame Van
noutte, a large, iiill, rosy flower; Madame Philip, in the way of
Madame Vidot ; Alphonse Karr, a very fine rosy pink ; La Fon-
taine ; Ornament dcs Jardins ; Gloire de Vitry ; Mademoiselle
Therese Appert, a very large, fine light Rose; Lamarque; General
Simpson, very fine ; Reiue des Violettes, one of the new Roses,
and the nearest to a true violet colour ; Jules Margottin, very
fine.

The following are out of Mr. Cranston's collection of forty-
eight in four boxes ; they had a very effective look as they
stood : — Madame Boll, a very large conspicuous new Rose of
a_ rosy-peach colour, also a strong able grower; Senateur Vaisse;
A ictor Verdier, a splendid new Rose, after Jules Margottin, one
of tho best of the new, or for a pillar Rose ; Ltelia, a noble
flower, first exhibited by him at St, James' Hall, if I recollect
right, it is sometliing after La Reine. Mademoiselle Marie
Dauvesse, an exquisite new Rose of a pinky hue ; La Sylphide,
a fine blush yellow Tea ; Jlademoiselle Therese Appert ; Louis
XIY. ; Anna Alexieff, very large — a tree Pteony-like flower ;
Vii'ginal, a pure white H. P. with a blush centre; Triomphe de
I'Exposition, very large; Oderie Vital, a large pale Rose;
Madame Furtado, a fine deep Rose, a new one after La Reine ;
Louis Chaix, a very large, flat, deep red Rose ; Comtesse Cecile
de Chabrillant, a fine Rose ; Madame Charles Crapelet, fine,
bright rosy scarlet, one of the best new Roses ; Common Moss ;
Duchess of Norfolk ; Visoomtesse des Cases ; Baronne Prevost ;
and Jules Margottin.

Next to these were another splendid lot, which took the second
prize for Mr. Keynes. But we must go to the new Roses, and
begin with the winning-stands. Mr. Standish took the first
prize ; he had two boxes, in one the flowers were arranged florist
fashion, and in the second they wore as I would plant the
kinds — a row of each kind acro.ss the box, one row of Euqene
jlppert, consisting of four blooms ; one row of Reynolds Hole, a
bright cherry-cheek Rose ; one row of Comte de Falloux, a large
bright red ; one row of Madame Furtado, one of the best ; one
rpw of Madam Standish, done to a tee, of course (it was very
high in the centre, and opening in the way of Auguste Mio at
first) ; a row of four of Reine des Violettes ; one row of Gregoire
Boiu-dillon, a deep red ; Andre Desporte, bright red ; Marguerite
Appert, in the way of Madam Rivers, but more flat ; Louis XIV. ;
John Standish, in the colour of Geant des Batailles ; and
Mademoiselle Bonnaire.

The Messrs. Fraser were second for best new Roses, beginning
with the young lady Mademoiselle Bonnaire, as like Madam Rivers
as if she were her wedlock firstborn ; Gloire de Santenav, the
very next after, if not before. General Jacqueminot ; Eugene
Appert ; General Washington, a very large red ; Leonie Moise, a
marked improvement on Empereur Napoleon ; Victor Verdier,
a fine thing ; Triomphe d' Amiens, very near General Jacquemi-
not ; aild Barlow, a very dark Rose.

Among those in the Messrs. Paul's new kinds, I noted
Louis XIV. as the besii; then Souvenir de Montoeaux, a fine
Tclvety scarht ; Genrral \Va>I;i"gton ; Triom^ilie de Lyons, a
seedling from Prince Leon, and an imp.rovemcut en that velvety
scarlet ; President, a Tea Rose of a salmon lint ; Madame Boll,
large flat roy peach ; and Gloire de Santcnay, aforesaid.

From Mr. Mitchell's new kinds in conipstitiou I booltecl
these : — Gloire do Simtenay ; Senateur Vaisse ; Dominique
Davan, very dark ; Comtesse Louis de Hegorlay, very rich
velvety dark Ho.'o ; tho rest as aforesaid.

Mr. Keynes had Celine Forestior, which no one else had ;
Boiile (I'Or, a fine Tea ; Madame Miellez, large, and lilie Baronne
Prevost ; Senateur Vaisse, tlie bsst flower of it there ; Belle
Xilleoise, a fine purplish flower. As I was examining that
flower, I heard from the opposite side something about poUcu,
atamens, races, two kiuds out of one flower, and ever so much
about crossing, upon which I pricked up my eai-s to sec if I
eould catch something new or fresh, or something worth the
expense of beirig laughed nt, and I did. A great gun in the crossing
line was actually explaining to a tall, thin, gentlemanly Fellow of
the Royal Horticultural Society, how he could get two I'ftccs of
Rhododendroos out of one truss by the pollen from one flower.

Now, any one in the merry mood might lawfully laugh at my.
expense for having supposed that I knew a secret which is so
easy of proof, when scores might have known more about it than
I did. Mr. Standish is the man, and, singularly enough. Dr.
Hogg was again the repository of the grand secret.

D. Beatow.

ENEMIES TO OUR FRAMES.

"I WOTTLD not care to enter on my list of friends the man
who heedless treads upon a worm." Very good ; but Covrper
had not in view his Cucumbers and frames infested with wood-
lice, ants, &c., when he penned that kindly passage. For my
own part I tread xipon hundreds of woodlice, I mnj say, daily ;
and I should consider a man my friend if by so doing lie could
rid me of the vermin. Ah ! but that was a lucky thought thoso
last-year's Hcracleum giganteum stems cut into IJ-foot lengths,
with a piece of moss entered at one end and laid around the-
frame inside, to be vertically rapped on the ground every
morning, and the inmates — shades of " the divine Williams " —
allowed to escape if they can. (If I had the fraction of a farthing
given me for each that I had destroyed this season, I should be
tempted to wait upon my broker, when a maternal country
would request me to wait two or three hours for a receipt;
which time I should spend by taking the rail to Deptford, walk-
ing back through the market-gardens to the Commercial Dock
station, take a good look at the crops and the systems of culti-
vation, as well as the wonderful number of trains passing one on
all sides to and from our mighty metropoUs.) Let alone tho
ants which preyed upon every opening blossom, and would havo
to this day prevented one Cucumber swelling ofl*, hud I not
placed some bee food I had to spare in some saucers about tho
frame, which satisfied their rapacious maws, and became " death
in the pot" to myriads. As to the aphis tribe, some brown
jiaper soaked in saltpetre, then dried and cut into lengths about
2 inches wide, some tobacco spread thereon, rolled up cigar
fashion, and two or three of them placed in forked sticks stuck
into the mould in the frame, so as nearly to reach the glass.
Light the self-acting cigars and place on the lights ; cover up
with matting to keep in the smoke for two or three hours ; and
when taken off there will be discovered all dead corpses, and a
wipe or two of wetted sulphur against the back of the frame
prevents the red spider breathing. Thus wilful man will have
his way, and I have now a good show of fruit. My bed was
made 4 feet high for a two-light frame of the sweepings of
winter's leaves and debris mixed with the sticks and rubbish
from the wood-house, along with the March clippings of the Ivy
from our surrounding walls, and a very good and lasting heat
the hoinogenies give. I adopt a system of watering, which I
like very well, and it would prove applicable more so to Melon
growers. An old rose of a watering-pot, with its face pummelled
flat, and a water-funnel placed in that, can be moved about and
made to stand between the leaves on the surface of the soil, and
any amount of water or liquid manure become supplied to the
roots of the plants without the foliage being wetted at all. —

IJPWAEDS AND ONWAKDS.

PLANTS KILLED, INJURED, OR UNINJURED
BY THE LATE SEVERE WINTER.

UNINJURED.
Thuja occidentalis, T. gigantea, T. pyramidalis, T. plicata,
T. sibirica, T.Ci-aigiana, T. roljustum, T. caucasica, and T. macro-
earpa. Cuprcssus Lawsoni, C. thyoides, and C. tliNoides atro-
virons. Pinus cembra, P. excelsa, P. Jeffrcyi, P. L.-inibertiaua,
P. Scardsleyi, P. laricio, P. austriaea, P. pumila, P. Benthamiana,
and P. mcnticolor. Common Box. All the Yew tribe, except
the common, of which there are some cut. Juniperus Virginians
(true), J. sabina, J. tamariscifolla, J. prostrata, J. sabina varie-
gata, J. communis, J. succica, J. oblonga pendula, J. sinensis,
J. sinensis striota, J. glauca, J. excelsa, j. liibernica, J. hiber-
nica compacta, J. squamata, J. alpina, J. thurifera, J. sphscrica,
J. viride pendula, J. pumila, and J. frsgrans. Hetiuospora
cricoides. Aristolochia sipho. Ilex lauriloha. This is the only
Holly that has stood the winter here without being cut. Ber-
beris japonica, B. communis, B. aquifolia, B. glumacca, and
B. cmpetrifolia. Broom, pale and yellow Portugal. Cedrua
libani. Picea Fraseri, P. nobilie, P. amabilis, P. Nordmannisna,

July IG, 1861. ]

JOTJKNAL OP HORTICULTURE AIO) COTTAaE GAEDEIfEE.

299

P. piclita, and P. balsamea. Thujopsis boreale. Abies clan-
brasiliana, A. Menziesii, A. Douglaai, A. orientalis, and A. cana-
densis. Honeysuckles : pubescens (yellow), Yellow Trumpet,
Early Yellow, Early Dutch, and Late Dutch. Arbutus arctiea,
A. prostrata, A. sibirica, and A. Drummondi. Kalmias, sorts.
Andromedas, sorts, except A. speciosa and A. axillaris. Deutzia
gracilis. Skimmia japonica. Cunuinghamia lanceolata. Ledums,
sorts. Menziesia empetrioides. Ericas, except E. australis.
Genistas, sorts. Daphne oneorum, and D. neapolitana. Lilacs,
sorts. Spirffias, sorts, S. Lindleyana and S. bella. Weigela
rosea and W. amabilis. Most of the Rhododendrons.

SLiaHTlT INJUEED.
Wellingtonia gigantea. Cupressus tbyoides variegata. Abies
pinsapo and A. cephalonica. Ilex Hendersoni, I. ovatum, I. Don-
ningtoni, I. Poxi, I. Smithi, I. tortuosa, I. madeiriensis, and
I. heterophyllnm. Box, variegated tree. Box edging. Arbutus
mucronata. Prinos glaber. Berberis dulcis. Rhododendron
dauricum atro-virens. Cedi-us atlantica. Erica australis. Cryp-
tomeria Lobbi, C. Menziesia, C. polifolia, C. polifolia alba, C. glo-
bosa alba, C. nana, and C. pensylyanica. Pyrus japonica.

SEVEBEIiT INJUEED.
Ilex moustrosum, I. ferox, I. aquifolium (common), I. dahoon,
I. fructu-luteo, I. crispum, I. balearica, I. Shephnrdii, I. ciliatum,
J. ciliatum major, I. aquifolium pendula, and all the variegated
kinds. Aucuba japonica. Taxodium sempervirens and T. dis-
tichum. Cedrus deodara (some plants 10 feet to 12 feet high
killed). Cryptomeria japonica. Ligustrum japonicum, L. ne-
palense, L. Tulgare, L. vulgare sempervirens, and even the old
Privet hedges, thirty or forty years old, are killed to the ground.
Broom, white and yellow (common). Cytisus, several sorts.
Cotoneaster microphylla, C. uva-ursi, and C. acuminata. Tluija
sinensis, some killed. Laiu'ustinus. Daphne laureola. Juni-
perus reonrva. Garrya elliptica. Arbutus uuedo, and Arbutus
andrachne. Eibes speciosa and Escallonia maerantho, both
growing to a south wall, and both killed to the ground. Ala-
ternus. Berberis Beali. Araucaria imbricata, some killed. Pyra-
cantha. Tlraja aurea (some killed), T. compaota, T. sinensis
variegata, and T. tartarica. Glycine sinensis. Honeysuckle
Shepherdii and Scarlet Trumpet. Phillyrea, sorts, mostly killed.
Deutzia soabra. Scorpion Senna. Ivy, palmated, Irish, common,
and the variegated sorts. Juniperus phojnicia, J. dealbata, and
J. Smithiana, Abies Smithiana. Evergreen Oak and Luconibe's
Oak. Buddlea globosa. Double Whins. Spirtea Lindleyana
and S. bella. Cistus laurifolia and C. gum, some killed. Laurels,
Portugal and common, narrow-leaved and sickh-leaved. Wal-
nut. Old Oak trees. Old Apple and Pear trees, some killed.

TOTALLY KILLBD.

Ilex oornuta and I. latifolia. Cupressus Knightii, C. Uhdeana,
C. Goveniana, C. Correyana, C. Lambertiana, C. macrooarpa,
and C. funebris. Chinese Privet. Libocedrus cliilensis. Piuus
Craigtana, P. insignie, and P. radiata. Thiya neapolitana and
T. glauca. Juniperus Wallichiana, J. Gossainthanea, J. bermu-
dian.T, and J. Bedfordiana. Ivy Eegnseriana. Berberis Eortunei.
— James Smith, Barley Bale Nurseries, near Matlock.

AERANGING FLOWERS IN BOUQUETS AND

VASES.

{Coniinued from page '2,12.)

STANDING-UP BOUQUETS.

Theee is anotlier mode of aiTanging flowers of wliicli
we have not at present spoken, yet it is a very useful
and effective plan.

Any common flowers do very well in this way. Very
choice flowers, indeed, are rather wasted for such a pur-
pose, while a close mass of common flowers will, at a
little distance, answer extremely well.

For these great, flat, one-faced nosegays the usual way
13 to select, first, some large and flat green spray. Bos
does well, and so does Fir. It must be very stiff, and if
the ends are also pretty it is so much the better. Several
pieces of green can be bound together to make up the
arequired shape ; and if the side branches are very

straggling, they should be woven in and out till they
form a tolerably close mass.

Having arranged the background with a stem as long
as you intend to make the flower-stalks, a large solid
flower, or bunch of flowers, should be selected to form
the centre. If on a soft stalk it will require mounting ;
and then, being thrust straight through the middle of
the flat green branch, must be bent down at the back and
bound down to its stem.

Before I go any further, it will be well to mention that
these flowers must be mounted on green supple stems —
not, as for other forms, on short square bits of deal.
Green Hazel or Willow stems do well, but any green
stems answer equally, and the flowers should be bound
firmly on with a little of the common galvanised zinc
wire.

A white Dahlia is a most beautiful centre for a
bouquet of this kind, or a white one edged with pink ;
and the flowers can either shade off from it, or there
can be an exceedingly dark centre, wilh the flowers
gradually growing lighter as they approach the outer
edge.

Geraniums are very beautiful in this style, and so are
all the large transparent flowers — Azaleas, for instance,
and Lilies and Passion-Flowers. Passion-Flowers and
Geraniums, with Hoses in the centre, would be very
beautiful.

Fuchsias can very well indeed be iised for vases that
are filled in this way, both for drooping over the edge
and for the outer circnmfei'ence of tlie whole.

The very clear white kind with brilliant pink or scarlet
tube is the best sort to use ; and crimson sprays look
very well, arranged with these, around. Very clear
bright crimson it should be, however; and the corolla
should be of blue, not of a reddish-purple.

These Fuchsia sprays should be wired on to stems, no
matter how short they tliemselres may be ; and little
wet pieces of cotton or gutt« percha should surround
these stems and be carefully wired on.

Every flower-spraj'' contained in these nosegays must
be separatel}' passed through, the stem going through
from the front to the back, and being there bent down
and bound.

Many people, if the flowers with short stalks are
numerous, lay the whole contrivance down on its back
in shallow water, so that it gets well saturated without
any water touching the petals in the front. When taken
out of the water, the flowers are merely laid down for a
short time on a coarse piece of cloth to drain.

Repeating this process every night is a powerful means
of keeping the flowers fresh and vigorous. Another
most excellent plan for keeping flowers fresh is standing
them at night outside a window looking to the west, so
that they will not have the early morning sua. The
cool night air and the dew in summer always seem won-
derfully to revive them. This is, however, only en
passant.

The flowers to use must be regulate'd by the style of
the place that requires filling. For a large vase a good
way from the eye very large flowers may be freely used.
Dahlias for the centre and three or four more round ;
very large Roses, with Chrysanthemums or Carnations,
to form a great part of the mass. Scarlet Geraniums and
white flowers in this case are extremely useful in touches
of bright colour put in about the outer edge, and in
small masses elsewhere for light.

Verbenas do well : the kinds with a white eye, amongst
the reds, are far the brightest-looking.

The centre requires to be very closely packed with,
flowers, though from each flower showing its full surface
the quantity consumed is less than might have reason-
ably been expected.

Carnations come in remarkably well here, as do also
the great white Lilies. White Geraniums and Roses
though open to objection because of the petals falling.

300

JOUBNAl OF HORTICULTUEE AKD COTTA0E GARDENER.

[ July 16 1861,

can yet be easil}' cut short off, freshly-mounted flowers
being inserted in their place.

I always avoid placing at the top of a large and high
group like this, flowers that every one knows are very
low in growth. And climbing Eoses, Clematis, Honey-
suckle, and Jasmine generally give one flowers enough
for edging.

Tall sprays of blue Lupine do not look badly ; Colum-
bines and Snapdragons and Fox-gloves are pretty, and
pale blue Irises are delicately lovely.

When the bouquet is not to hare a solid-flower centre,
I think it is best to collect two or three flowers of the
most decided colour, to form there something that may
be a starting-point. Under all circumstances, however,
it is from the centre that we should work — not, at least,
the exact centre, but the centre of the front, just above
the hand, only allowing room for a drooping lower spray.

Many persons back the whole with a fresh spray of
foliage, something that has points of a pretty green ; and
this is so far good that it can be changed almost daily if
it should become faded.

A BASKET OF FLOWEBS.

lovely they are, the more their green frame shades them
the more they will be admired.

I know not what flowers to describe for this, it is such
an all-season composition.

It is low and wide and has a tall light handle, and
over the edges Ivy leaves are drooping.

The stem of Ivj' is twisted round the handle, and the
green leaves all round are so thickly placed as almost to
hide the basket itself entirely.

Being a group for all months we may take the first and
describe our January basket.

A cross-bar of green should run all through it both
ways, dividing it into four distinct compartments, the
green surrounding all forming a graceful frame.

If none of the divisions are filled with white there
may be a double line of it, or a line on one side, the green
all round making an edging. White Azaleas for this are
very beautiful, Snowdrops being certainly not less suit-
able. A corner full of wild Primroses arranged in leaves
(in real good country places one always knows of some
bank that even in January is not hopeless of sweet little
yellow buds) would be very pretty, and forced Violets
next to them ; or pink Hepaticas, and at cross corners
with the Violets some of the pretty Scillas, or a group of
pencilled Crocus.

Pink Hyacinths and sulphur-coloured Primroses, blue
Crocuses, and low dwarf Tulips make a pretty basket
too.

White Azaleas and Scarlet Geraniums, Violets, and
blue Hyacinths are also beautiful.

Also white Eoses, crimson Eoses, pink Eoses, and the
delicate buff Tea-scented kind with Lilies.

But, whatever the flowers may be, and no matter bow

In the floral paper of July 3rd there was accidentally
ir.sei'ted an unfinished paper. The writer had come to a
standstill in the difiiculty of choosing a suitable and
appropriate pattern, and then by an oversight the paper
went to press. It was, in fact, feared that the difiiculty
of even the slight amount of shading required in the
Eose-Shamrook-and-Thistle pattern would render it less
useful than others might prove to be.

We have, therefore, adopted the pattern of a frame
that was engraved in the " Art Journal." The letters
V. A. E. forming a monogram, and surmounted by a
crown. This will enable us to explain our meaning,
while the letters themselves are of the most popular.

In this pattern the band-like stems of the letters may
be made of any width proportioned to the whole size.
They should be entirely of gold colour ; or the shaded
side of each in gold colour and the other in white.
Gorse, Laburnum, Cowslips, Buttercups, and Broom are
all good flowers for it ; and for the white, Guelder Eoses,
May, Eose leaves. Verbenas, Violets, &c.

The ribbon bearing the motto should be blue or
crimson, with the letters gold-coloured. Geraniums, pink
May, red Eoses, or Stocks do well.

The royal crown which surmounts the monogram shovJd
be, of course, mainly of gold ; and thus generally the
tracery consists entirely of that colour, with a little
white, and crimson or blue according to the tint deter-
mined on for the ground ; for which Eoyal Blue (Lark-
spur, Blue Bells, Iris, Hyacinths, &c.), is much to be re-
commended, though crimson also would look extremely
well.

Whichever is the ground colour, the other will have to
fill the frame inside. And on the outer ground the colour
of the crown jewels must in a degree depend.

Pearls, represented by Snowberries, small white Eoses,
or Lilies of the Valley, or double Hawthorn, or white
Verbena would look very well in the circles ; or so would
rubies if the ground is blue, made of Scarlet Geraniums
or red berries, the berries answering best of all for this
innocent sort of " paste."

The squares, of course, are also for some bright-coloured
gem, emerald green, or ruby red, as may look the best.

The inside of the frame might be filled with a bouquet
of large gay flowers, on a white, crimson, or dark blue
ground. The edge is well finished by a simple Vandyke,
or a trellis pattern. — E.

(To he continued.)

July 16, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAQE GARDENEK.

301

GKEEN'S MOWING MACHINE.
Hating seen in your last week's paper a paragraph relative to
the sharpening of mowing machines, in reply I am glad to say I
hare entirely remedied the small dilEculties which the gardener in
using a mowing machine had to contend with. I willingly admit,
as you have stated, tliat when the machine is properly used it
will go some considerable length of time without sharpening ;
but I found that when required to be done it often not only took
the skill of an intelligent gardener to test, but in many cases that
of a mechanic. In consideration of this I have made the follow-
ing alterations : — The cylinder has a pinion on each end, and
the cutters being steel on both sides, by reversing the cylinder it
becomes self-sharpening. This I have found to act admirably,

and consider it to be the ne plus ultra of self-sharpening.
Further, I find that remark is made as to the slipping o£f of the
chain. In reply, I am happy to say this is entirely remedied
by means of a small flange which we have screwed on to each
wheel.

In proof of the above statement I beg to refer any gentleman
to the Koyal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Kensington, where
several of my machines are kept constantly at work; the Crystal
Palace Company, Sydenham; and also the Eoyal Botanic
Gardens, Regent's Park, where they may be also seen daily at
work.

In conclusion I beg to thank the author of your paragraph for
his admiration of Green's Lawn Mower. — Thomas Geeen.

VfilESIA SPECIOSA.

This is a most brilliant plant, for not only are its leaves
variegated with zebra-like stripes, but the crimson of tlie bracts
of its spikes is very bright and long-enduring.

The genus Vriesia belongs to the Natural Order Bromeliacese,
and to Hexandria Monogynia of Linnteus. It was named after
Dr. W. de Vriese, Professor of Botany at Amsterdam. It is
certainly a native of South America, and probably of the vicinity
of Rio Janeiro. It first bloomed in this country during the
spring of 1848, in the stove at Kew. It was first introduced
to Europe by M. Neumann, who sent it to the Jardin des
Plants, at Paris, under the name of Tillandsia splendens,
Coloured portraits of it are in the "Botanical Magazine,"
t. 4392, and in the " Gardener's Magazme of Botany" for 1850,
vol. i., 217.

Leaves radical, a span or more long, lorate oblong, canali-
culate, or almost semi-cylindrical, very concave at the base ; the
margin entire; the apex inflexed, blunt, but
tipped with a mucro ; colour dark green,
with black transverse bands. Scape arising
from the centre of the leaves, a foot and
a half long (including the spike), terete,
scaly, green, with black spots ; this is ter-
minated by a compact spike of lanceolate-
acuminate, complicate-compressed, cari-
nated, closely imbricated hracts, each in-
cluding a single white yZowec. Flowers longtr
than the bracts, cylindrical, curved, soon
withering. Cali/x of three oblong, scarious,
obtuse, erect sepals. Corolla of three linear-
spatulatc petals, with two scales within
at the base. Stamens six, rather longer
than the petals. Ovart/ almost, if not
quite, superior. Sti/le filiform, longer than
the stamens.

Though the flowers themselves are ephe-
meral, yet the plant continues for a long
time exceedingly ornamental ; the most
showy part — the spike of richly -coloured
bracts — being very enduring. Gradually
the bright scarlet of the lower bracts
becomes duller, and eventually greenish,
and at last this colour extends over the
whole spike.

GOOSEBEEEY-TEEE CATEEPILLAES.

Is there any known remedy for the pest now infesting this neigh-
bourhood, the Gooseberry caterpillar ? We have tried — 1, lime
water; 2, branches of Elder stuck in the bushes; 3, branches
of Whui or Gorse in the same manner ; 4, white hellebore, in
solution of water ; 5, soot ; 6, shaking the trees, and besmearing
the stems with train oil ; 7, dredging with fresh white hellebore ;
8, syringing with Gishurst Compound — many of which appli-
cations have been suggested in your pages, all to no purpose.
The discoverer of some efficient and certain cure would be a
notability of the age. — FiLUNaHAM,

[We never knew white hellebore powder, dredged upon the
bushes two or three times by means of a tin pepper-box, fail ia
clearing them from the caterpillar of the Gooseberry saw fly. It
is essential that the powder is fresh — that is, of the previous
year's growth and preparation. Hellebore powder that has been
long in a druggist's stock has lost most of its power. That fresh
powder diligently applied wEl destroy the present brood ; and
tanner's bark spread over the soil about three inches deep will
present the caterpillars descending into the earth They become
pupse in the tan, which may be removed and burnt. The fol-

SllSr

JOtTENAL OF HOETICULTTTEE AND COTTAGE GARDEKEE.

[ July 16, 1861.

lowi-ng is Mr. Curtis's account of tliis marauder, its parentage
and habits: —

" This insect was described in 1828 by a French author, Le
Pelletier de Saint Fargeau, under the name of Kematus trimacu-
latus ; and it is also called N. ribesii, Tentliredo grossularise,
and T. ventricosa ; but the first name has, I belieye, the right of
priority. The fly is of an ochreous colour; the antenna; are
:ihnost as long as the body, setaceous,^ brown above, and nine-
jointed, the two basal joints small ; the crown of the head, eyes,
three large united spots on the centre of the trunk, as well as a
large patch on the breast or sternum, are black ; the body is
orange, sometimes bright ; the wings, which expand two-tlurds
of an inch, are iridescent ; the reticiJated nerrures, the thickened
costal edge of the superior wings, terminated by callous spot,
called the stigma, are brown, as are also the tips of the hinder
shanks, and their tarsi or feet.

" The flies emerge unheeded from their tombs the beginning of
April, and the female soon deposits her eggs close to the sides of
the principal nervures on the under side of the leaves, which is
very remarkable, for aU the females of this extensive family are
furnished with an instrument called the saw, for the purpose of
cutting into the leaves and stalks, and introducing the eggs
between the cuticles, or under the bark. In about a week the
larvse hatch, and commence feeding on the leaf on which they
are stationed, and soon riddle them full of small holes ; thus
they go on feeding and changing their successive skins as they
increase in size, until they are three-fourths of an inch long,
"when they are seen scattered round the edges of a partly-de-
molished leaf, holding by their fore legs, with their tails turned
up, or lying on one side. At this time they are dull pale green ;
the first thoracic segment is deep ycUow, and the penultimate
of the same colour ; the head, feet, and tail are black, and each
segment is dotted with the same colour, some of them having
twenty-four spots ranged in rows down the back, those on the
sides being more irregular, and one near the base of each foot is
large ; every one of these black tubercles produces a hair : they
have six pectoral sharp, horny feet, with which they always hold
fast ; the fourth segment seemed to be destitute of feet, but the
six following were each furnished with a pair of fleshy legs which
assist them in walking, and there is a similar pair at the ex-
tremity of the last segment.

" 'J here seems to be a succession of broods, from the early
spring untQ October occasionally ; but (he greatest numbers are
congregated in May and the beginning of June, wlien, I under-
stand, they have caused £20 or £30 of damage in a market
garden near London in one season ; but in the neighbourhood
of Blandford, last year, the second attack upon the Gooseberry
bushes in July and August was, if possible, more devastating
than the first. Having defoliated a bush, leaving nothing of the
foliage excepting the footstalk, and sometimes n portion of the
main rib ; and, being arrived at maturity, they cast their skins
again, and then lose all their black spots, becoming of a uniform
pale green, with two little black dots on the hood, the spaces
behind it and towards the tail retaining the yellow tint. After
resting awhile, they descend into the earth, and spin a yellow-
brown cocoon, formed of sUk and gluten of so thick a texture
that it is impervious ; from these the summer broods of flies
come up in less than three weeks, but the autumnal ones remain
in them, curled up in the larva; state, untd the following spring,
when they change to pupee in tiroetoproduceflies, as the Currant
and Gooseberry-trees are coming into leaf"]

POMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS.

The Buckland Sweetwatee Gkape. — This very excellent,
hardy, and prolific variety has in one sense been wrongly named,
for it has no relation to the Sweetwater race, taking asthe type
the old Dutch Grape known so well under that name, and of
■which there are so many varieties all closely allied in habit ; for
without one exception they are nil more or less, according to
circnmstanccs, inclined to what the French Tine growers call
"couler." We have no word to answer to this as technically
applied ; for, as commonly used, it is to flow, and also, according
to Duficf, to blight. Our expression is "setting badly" — i, e.,
in many cases only one-third or one-fourth of the berries grow
to their full size, the otliers on the same bunch not swelling, but
remaining of the size of very small Peas. The Buckland Sweet-
water has not this fault, but sets as freely as a Black Hambiu-gh,
m this respect being like its near relative the Golden Hamburgh.

If its leaves and habit are looked info it wfll be found quite
different to the Sweetwater race, and a pure Hamburgh with
leaves more deeply cut than the common sort, and approaching
in that feature to the Riclimond Tilla Hamburgh, a variety not
of much worth. It is the bold robust habit, and freedom in
bearing and setting its fruit, that is so much to be admired in
the Buckland Grape, and that will make it when well known
supersede the Golden Hamburgh, which is a weak grower unless
under very high culture, and more slow in coming into bearing
than the Buckland. Some six, or seven, or more years since, the
late Monsieur Vibert, of Angers, raised a Grape from seed, which
has been named by his successor " General de la Marmora."
By a strange coincidence this is identical with the Buckland in
leaves, in its robust habit, and in its fruit. Monsieui' V., with
more judgment than our pomologists have shown, placed it
among Grapes " etrangcrs au chasselas " — i. e., not a Chasselas
Grape, under which name the French cultivators class all our
Sweetwater and Muscadine Grapies. I forget the origin of the
Buckland, but I thiuk it was given when the variety was first
exhibited at one of the meetings of the Pomological Society.

The Muscat Hambukgh Grape. — This has net been exhi-
bited this season. It is to be hoped that it will be, for many
growers complain that it produces small bunches, in-egular in
the size of their berries, and also irregular in ripening. The
bunches exhibited at one of the meetings of the Pomological
Society were superb, so that, probably, it may require some
pecuhar mode of culture. Some of your correspondents can
perliaps enlighten us on this head, and give some instructions
as to the proper mode of culture. One amateur planted cne
vinery entirely with this sort, but was so dissatisfied with the
produce, that in haste he rooted up all the Vines, and probah^y
repented at leisure.

The Duke Cdekeies. — There is, perhaps, no group of fruit
trees more interesting than the varieties of this class of Cherries.
Their habit is so peculiar, agieeable, and so well adapted to the
fruit garden ; for either as pyramids, bushes, or even standards,
they are always ornamental and fertile. I have this season had
all the leading varieties under very close observation, as they
liave been growing in a small orchard-house, 20 feet long and
14 feet wide, devoted to Cherries, in which they are planted out
in the borders and cultivated as pyramids. The first variety
that opened its numerous clusters of pearly flowers was the
Empress Eugenie, a variety recently introduced, and which was
raised from seed at Fonteuay aux Koses, near Paris. In about
eight or ten days after,ward8 our very old friend the May Duke
come into bloom, closely followed by the Archduke, Bo jal Duke,
Duchesse de PaUnau, a variety raised from seed by Dr. Breton-
neau, of Tours, a fine vigorous grower forming naturally a
pyi-amid ; and, lastly, Nouvelle Eovale, a new introduction from
France, and one of the latest of the group. The "Late Duke"
Cherry, a sad misnomer, has but little if any afliuity to the class.
In ripening, these varieties have succeeded each other nearly
as follows : — First, Empress Eugenie, and in about a week after'
wards the May Duke ; then followed the Archduke, Eoyal Duke,
Duchesse de Palluau ; and, lastly, Kouvelle Eoyale. AU the
above have the brisk, sub-acid flavour peculiar to our well-knowar
May Duke Cherry, and all are good ; but I have been particularly
struck with the earliness and prolific habit of Empress Eugenie,
and the large size and lateness of Kouvelle Eojale ; as far as can
be judged this fine variety will last all through JiJy till far iu
August. Its leaves are large, roundish, and of the richest dark
green. A Spanish Cherry very nearly allied to the Duke
Cherries is likely to be interestiu'g, its Spanish name translated is
" Love-Apple Cherry," because of a faint resemblance to the
fruit of the Tomato, in being divided by sutures into three
divisions ; in flavour it is like the Duke Cherries. ,

Query. — Why is the Tomato called " Love Apple ? ' Is it
because but few English people love it? — T. R.

THE POTATO DISEASE.
This murrain, bligtit, or disease, is said to have first appeored
in this country during the autumn of 1845 ; and to have been
first discovered in 1842 at the Isle of St. Helena, the exile home
of the great Napoleon. However, I humbly beg to be allowed
to state that there is not tlie least proof || its not being known
in England prior to 1845. On the other ISnd, there is evidence
in abundance to convince even the most sceptical that the Potato
is liable to (and has been) diseased like every other cultivated

July 16, 1861. ]

JOUBIfAL OF HOBTICTJLTTJEE AND COTTAGE GARDEJfEB.

303

plant more or less since its introcTuction into Ireland in 1586,
thouiih it was not until the year 1791 that any remarkable
destruction of the haulms or tubers by disease is recorded.

In 1791 we have the first notice of tlie " dry rot " in May,
and during the autumn of the same year " the wet rot " was very
prevalent. The wet rot was more or less ]3revalent during the
years 1791, 1797, 1801, 1807, 1814, 1815, 1825, and 1828. If
we look carefidly at the shove dates we shall perceive sotnediing
peculiarly interesting. In 1791 there were riots in Birmingham
and other places, partly owing to the want or scarcity of pro-
visions. This very year the dry rot prevailed amongst the
Potatoes. I tate this dry rot to be a rapid decomposition of
the tuber that has been diseased previously to planting, but
owing to its being kept in a dry place before planting did not
decay ; yet when placed in a moist soil the tuber rapidly de-
composed. I believe the spores of the fungus to have entered
the cellular tissue of the plant the previous season.

In or about 1791 commenced a series of years of scarcity, and
continued until 1818. A want of provisions stimulates llie pro-
ducers to increased and superior modes of cultivation. The wet
rot appears to be identical with our murrain. Tlie " Old Gar-
dener," to whom I am indebted for the dates of the prevalence
of the rot, describes the rot thiis : — " After harvest the Potato
fields emitted a peculiar smell, very nauseous, or so bad that it
sometimes caused me to have the English cholera, which I never
had at other times ; and when we took up the crop to store in
October nearly all of the Potatoes were rotten in the hollows of
the iield, wliile those grown on the higher parts of the land were
not so bad." Will any one point out the difierenco between
that rot and the more recent, for I must confess that I cannot
perceive any ? It ie evident, then, that the Potato was subject
to rot or disease at least seventy years ago. But as man'.iring
was not carried out as it was after 1810, the Potato remained,
"with few exceptions, in almost its original condition ; and, not
being subjected to repeated strorig doses of stimulating maruu-es,
was not so liable to disease as it is at the present day. All the
difference I perceive to be anywise worthy of notice is this — they
were rotten in the ground then, and so they would be now if
left in the ground until October or November. When I was a
lad (I am only in vigorous youth yet), Potatoes were seldom
planted before May for the main crops, and it was considered
quite soon enough to have them taken up so as to be stored awav
befoi'a November was out. We take them up in August now,
and use them (diseased tubers) to feed pigs, &c. ; and if we con-
sider in addition the drainage of our fields, we shall see at a
glance why they are not rotten now the same as formerly.

The Potato is very difficult to trace to its native habitat. Some
say it is Peru (near Lima), whilst Mexico is fixed ns the place
of its origin by others. Whether it conies from Peru or Mexico,
the days there are hot and tl'.e nights cold, or, in other words,
the range of temperature must be great. Moreover, there will
be a season of rapid growtli Rowing to the moisture), and another
corresponding period of dryness, when the juices of the plant
must be concentrated in the tubers from the parching heat.
Another diiference endured by the Potato is in the manuring.
There is double the quantity applied now, compared with
formerly, to a given quantity of surface. Tho consequence is,
that the produce is doubled ; hut, on the other hand, we lay the
foundation of disease by too strong manures applied at distant
intervals, and at a time when it is least required by the Potato.
WhyP Because the leaves are not able to digest the watery
and crude sap iKipelled into them from the roots stimulated by
excessive manuring— so excessive that the leaves cannot suffi-
ciently perform their functions, so that the sap descends the
stem in an undigested stale to the tubers, and the whole system
consists of deficiencies. Starch is the chief constituent of the
Potato (excepting water) ; but in a Potato infested with blight
the quantity is very small, frequently no more than 2.30 per
cent., while in a sound condition it contains, on an average, as
much as 15.72 per cent. (See Hogg's " Vegetable Kingdom.")

If we place a number of Potatoes — say twelve tlie beginning
of February, (when the temperature of the earth at 1 foot deep
may range from 35° to 40° ; 38° is the average of the first week
from twelve years, mean), planting them 4 inches below the
surface, we shall find they will not grow (sprout) until the
temperature of the earth attains 41°, and that they do not grow
rapidly until 45° is attained, which takes place the last week in
March generally. We may also observe that until the tem-
perature of the air at 4 feet becomes equal to the temperature of
the earth at 1 foot deep, the shoots will not appear from under

the soil, or not untU the temperature reaches 50° — the latter
part of AprU, or beginning of May in ordinary seasons, but
liable to exceptions, the 8th of May is the average of twelve
years of its being that temperature in this locality. Soon after
Midsummer the earth attains here a temperature of 61° as
the average, and 62° that of the air (mean). The mean maximum
being 78°, and mean minimum 46°, on an average. The average of
twelve years fixes the date of that period of comparative rest
belonging to the economy of Nature as the 8th of July here.
Greater part of the trees have made their growth for the season
by that time. The Kose tribe blooms and seeds, and Wheat
flowers and set-s. Some few exotics remain in a state of torpidity,
and the Potato is one of them.

Let me now be permitted to state some practical results. I
propose to choose a plot of ground 21 feet long and 10 feet wide,
in an open situation, divide it into seven equal parts, or so that
each part will be exactly 10 feet long and 3 feet wide when
divided. Dig the whole with a fork, and be sure the whole is
done alike. Provide seven labels, mimbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Place one in each of the parts. Manure No. 1 with one bushel
of ordinary dung, spread it equally over the surface, fork it in,
and do the same wav with the next fom-. No. 2, 2 lbs. common
salt. No. 3, 2 lbs. muriate of potash. No. 4, 2 lbs. sulphate of
ammonia. No. 5, two bushels of charred vegetable refuse.
No. 6, no manure of any kind. No. 7, to be planted in the
ordinary way, by making o row along the centre 6 inches deep,
putting two bushels of dung in the row, end then six sound
tubers (as far as the eye can guide), and cover them with
4 inclies of soil. Make a row along the centra of each rectangle
4 inches deep, placing therein at equal distances six Potatoes,
cover with sod, and hoe, earth up, and make notes on wlueh
grows the strongest, the quickest, &c., iu a book, for the memory
must not be trusted.

I planted the York Kegent (but that is immaterial), only let
it be some round kind, and by no means a seedling of less than
six years' growth. Let the Potatoes be of one sort and of ao
equal size, for partiality is useless in experiments. Something
more, and then the experiment will be in ordei-— Put six seed-
ling Potatoes in six nine-inch pots the second year of their
existence, plunged in the open ground, and to remain there
until further orders. AVe plant them all unsprouted on one day,
and that the 1st of April.

No. 7 appears above ground the first ; No. 4 will be second ;
and No. 2 the last.

No. 4 grows the stiffest, most erect, and branches close to
the ground, producing altogether a strong, sturdy, abundant,
haulm. No, 3 the same, excepting there is rather less haulm.
No. 1 much the same as No. 3, but if anything less haulm.
No. 5, strong, short, erect, branching near the ground.oolour
dai-k green, and every way the best top of the whole. No. 0, a
good, short, moderately "strong haulm. No. 2, long, strong,
abimdant, branches httle, and straggles on the ground, altogether
having more haulm than any of the above. No. 7, long drawn,
weak, pale green, somewhat branching, trails on the ground,
and producing more top than any of those mentioned. There are
more peculiarities worthy of notice, but the above is the pith.
The month of July is with us, and it may be the beginning of
August, perhaps, before the disease appears. However, when it
does come, which may easily be perceived by the brown spots
on tho leaves and haulm, fetch the six seedling Potatoes (which
will not be diseased), plunge them near No. 7 (for they will be
tlie worst attacked by the disease), so that the haulms of the
seedlings and those of No. 7 can be tied together. Tie tliem
with Cuba bast, and the result will be that the seedlings will
not be attacked by the fungus although in contact with the
diseased haulms of No. 7.

From the seedlings we learn that until some peculiarity be-
comes developed in the plant, no fungus acts upon them. No. 7
shows that strong, stimulating manures produce a fit state of the
plant for the fungus (Botiytis infestans), and if the last be per-
mitted to remain in the soil until October, and August or
September is wet, the rot will prevail exceedingly amongst the
tubers— in fact, they will be rotten. No. 2 escapes tlie disease
the longest ; No. 5 the next ; and No. 6, with the two last, will
suffer very little from the disease, if August and September be
sunnv and dry. Moisture is an essential for the development of
fungus, and should the hvgromoter show a mean humidity ef
less than 85° (Saturation=100), we shall not experience much
disease amongst Potatoes. No. 3 stands the disease w«ll ; No, 4>
not so well ; and No. 1 escapes with few injuries.

3(M'

JOTJBNAL OF HOBTICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ July 16, 1861.

Their productive returns may rant in the following order ;
— No. 1 produces 9 lbs ; No. 2, 12 lbs. ; No. 3, 14 lbs. 8 ozs. ;
No. 4, 13 lbs. 6 018. J No. 6, 14 lbs. 10 ozs ; No. 6, 9 lbs. 11 ozs. ;
No. 7, 15 lbs. 7 ozs. These are my results, but very much
depends on the nature of the soil and the season.

I will state how to work when the disease occurs. When the
fungus is first seen on No. 1 pull all the haulms up, placing the
foot so as to preTcnt the Potatoes being drawn up too. Cut the
tops off No. 2 close to the ground. In a fortnight afterwards
take both up, and we shall find the disease a little on No. 2'8
tubers, but none will be diseased in No. 1. Place No. I's tubers
in a box, in moist silver sand, and place it in a dry place where
the temperature ranges from 85° at first, to be gradually raised
to 120° during a fortnight ; no water must be given them, and
there must be holes in the box to let the steam out. Treated in
this way the tubers do not rot when stored ; and planted the
year following in land not Woh, only allowing them to have the
dew from above, they will not be diseased. No. 2 to be stored
away in the usual way, after having taken all the diseased tubers
from them, and some of the apparently sound tubers will be
diseased if examined in the spring, or should we plant them we
shall have the dry rot, the self and same as our fathers had.
On No. 3, Gishurst Compound in a solution of 4 ozs. to the
gallon of soft water destroys the fungus ; but unless the cause
he removed it is useless, for it re-appeared in a few days, and
continues to do so, so long as there is any sap in the haulm, all
the time the tubers were getting worse daily. I tried sulphur
on No. 4, quicklime on No. 5, and salt (a solution made of 1 oz.
of salt to the gallon of water) on No. 6. The two former were
in effects similar to those treated with Gishurst. But No. 6
showed no symptom of disease when taken up, and only eight
tubers went bad afterwards.

From the above and a few more notes (not given at present) I
draw the following conclusions : — Ist, That the fungus (Botrytis
infestans) is not the cause of the disease, but is its consequence.
2nd, The cause is a deficiency of digesting power in proportion
to the food taken up by the roots, that deficiency being brought
on by a long course of strong stimulating manures, which have
made the plant tender, as has been the case with Celery, Cah-
bages, &c. 3rd, That when a plant (particularly a tuberous
one) becomes tender under high cultivation, it requires more
heat and dryness to perfect the growth than one that is not only
on a poor soil, but even more than a plant that is moderately
fed. — Geoegk Abbet, Gardener to 2S. Sailstone, Ulsq., Horton
Sail, Bradford, Yorkshire.

VARIEGATION OF THE LEAVES OF PLANTS.

In one of your contemporaries is an article by " An Old
Showman," on a subject which is at the present time very
interesting, and it opens a field for discussion among our
" praoticals " and scientific men which may lead to results of
exceedingly useful character — I mean the variegation of plants.

The writer of the article chiefly alludes to " variegation in
Pelargoniums," and contends, with some appearance of truth,
that variegation is disease, and that view is to a certain extent
held by that great hybridist, J. Anderson, Esq., of Edinburgh.

" Ou) Showman " says, to quote his own words, " As to the
primary cause, I consider it to be water absorbed by the roots
while in a state of decomposition, [query, is it possible for
water to be in a state of decomposition ?] or some of its con-
stituent parts, and to be absorbed by healthy roots, and then
some chemical change takes place which affects the tissues ; but
of which change we have not at present a perfect knowledge."

Mr. Anderson says, "I could never regard it (variegation)
in any other light than as diseased," and then, in the next
paragraph, Mr. Anderson says that he generally holds " Old
Showman" to be correct as to the true cause or "primary
cause" — viz., "improper drainage, by which plants get saturated
with water and poor soil."

With deference to both, I contend that variegation is not
disease. "Old Showman" is correct without doubt that
" there are fixed laws which govern the cause as well as the
effect," but let us first find out the cause ; we know the effect
as seen in the beautiful marked Pelargoniums, Begonias, Ivy,
Hollies, Yews, &c. If it is disease caused by defective drainage
and poor soil, and not a chemical change from some other or
additional cause according to the regular course of nature, a
contrary or opposite course of treatment would bring that

variegated sport back again to its original colour ; but who ever
saw the Eibbon Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) run back per-
manently to its original plain green, grow it how you will and in
what soil you will ? Or, take the Auricula again. Who ever
saw that under any circumstances or treatment as to soil, &c.,
returning to a permanent green ?

" Old Showman " says, he has never been able to raise any
variegated plants of Pelargoniums from seed, but beheves Flower
of the Day was so raised ; but I have reasons to think that the
latter was not a seedling, but a sport, or, if he will have it so,
a " diseased " branch of a Scarlet Geranium which was growing
trained at the back of a nobleman's greenhouse a short distance
from Eichmond. This I do know, that Flower of the Day
seeds freely, and I once raised a batch from it and every seedling
was variegated, or diseased, from the seed-lobes.

But Mr. Anderson, I think, very clearly proves by one of his
experiments that it is not disease any more than the various
markings, or spot, or clouds, in a Pelargonium truss is a disease.
I will quote his remarks for ths benefit of your readers. "Some
eight or ten years ago I happened to be on a visit to some
relations in Perthshire, and calling at Altamont I was presented
by Lady Ballingal with a white-flowered species of the common
Scarlet Geranium, a thing I had never seen before, and from
which I hoped great things by crossing. I crossed it with Tom
Thumb, then and still a very fine kind, and my highest expecta-
tions were from that cross ; for I had inverted the cross, making
the scarlet species the seed-hearer. From the seeds sown of
these respective crosses, the product of the white-flowering
kind was utterly worthless ; they were tame, common-looking
things with pale washed scarlet flowers, all having common,
uniform green foliage. As I set little store by the inverted cross,
the seeds I had saved and sown were few. But what was my
surprise to find that most of the plants raised were less or more
variegated in their leaves, some with uniform marking, others
splashed with white colour, and as they got on some showing
pure white foliage in some of the shoots, which, however, never
advanced far.

" At a loss how tliis change of colour could arise, I therefore
repeated the experiment by again crossing Tom Thumb with the
same white-flowered plant ; the result was still more remarkable.
I had from twenty to thirty plants, scarce one of which did not
show the white variegation in a very striking degree. I lost the
greater part of this brood by a servant incautiously tlirowing
the pits (where they were) opened to be aired one severe
morning. That this cross of the white-flowered kind on Tom
Thumb certainly produced plants with variegated foliage I had
ample proof in the two experiments made in successive years."

The above remarks carry with them their own argument. If
it is disease — i.e., variegation, whether in Pelargonium or any-
thing else, how is this disease inoculated in the particular
cross^that is, by Tom Thumb being impregnated by a white-
flowering kind, and not diseased when the white-flowering kind is
impregnated with Tom Thumb ? Is there not something in the
works of Nature that man cannot reach? Truly, there are set
bounds in Nature which man cannot over.itep.

I well remember some twenty-five years since, that at the
residence of the late Bobert Clarke, Esq., Lower Tooting, it used
to be the system there to stand out, dxiring the summer months,
the plants from the greenhouse under the windows of the house.
Among other things was a large plant of Fuchsia micropbyUa,
which used to flower and seed freely there ; its round dark
beiTies, looking like currants, was itself an interesting object.
The seeds as they ripened would fall indiscriminately round
about where the plants stood, and seedlings used to come up by
scores. Among others, the gardener, Mr. Northwood, observed
one beautifully variegated, and of a more compact growth than
the rest round about j he carefully took it up and potted it, and
it grew there lor some years. It was of a dwarf compact habit
of growth, with a pale cream variegation, and would have made
our friend Mr. Beaton say, "Good gracious! Here's a mini-
mum Fuchsia for edgings !" but, unfortunately, it was killed by
over or careless watering.

Now, surely, that was not disease, or, if disease, when and
where was that disease engendered? Or take our variegated
Arabis or Koniga, whichever it may be called, cultivate it as you
will — soil, aspect, situation, temperature, indoors or out — canthst
be forced back to its primitive green? Or, take a batch of
seedling variegated Begonias and try them, will they succumb to
the efforts of man, in eradicating their disease (variegation) by
cultivation ? I do not contend that by frequent crossings by a

July 16, 1861. ]

JOUENAL OF HORTICULTTJRE AND COTTAGE OABDENEE.

305

plain-lnared kind we might not get rid of their beautiful mark-
ings ; but I mean solely by culture in different soil, &e.

Or, we may take another familiar example, and ask what is
the (primary) cause : is it the eifect of ^disease, of defective
drainage, poor or rich soil, or is it some chemical effect produced
by nature, and which is beyond the mental grasp of our great
vegetable physiologists, much as they have done to raise and
bring to light causes which have long laid comparatively ob-
scure? I allude to the Purple-leaved Beech. I think there is
as much ground for supposing that to be caused by disease, as
there is to suppose that tlie beautifuUy-variegated Turkey Oak
is caused primarily by disease ; and I hold that the cases of
variegation in plants, whether the Oak aUuded to, the variegated
Sycamore, or Elm, and the variegation of Pelargonium, or the
variegated Strawberry, are analogous.

Let us, tlien, try and find out the correct cause ere we jump
at conclusions, and call that disease which may not be a disease
at all. Is it not probable that the same cause produces the
effect in the variegation of plants and in the variation of the
Auricula alluded to by " D., of Deal," a week or two since ?
Will Mr. Beaton be kind enough, as well as many of your
learned and observant readers, to take up the matter and give
us their ideas on this subject ? There is an open and interesting
field for discussion'; and if we can find out the real cause we may
produce effects surprisingly surpassing all we at present have
for decorating our flower gardens and ornamental grounds.

I may return again to this subject, and at a future time give
my reasons for supposing variegation not to be disease, but in the
meantime should like to hear what others say on the subject. —
WiCKBKBOB.

WOEK FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Ply the fork frequently amongst the growing crops of Cauli-
flowers, Broccoli, and winter Greens, and continue to manure
and trench every piece of ground as it becomes vacant, and
plant it with such like articles for late crops. Callages, reserve
and get ready a patch of ground for the sowings to stand the
winter ; the soil to be of a light sandy nature, and not too rich,
as it encourages a luxuriant growth, which is apt to make them
tender. Celery, prepare trenches for the late crops, water the
growing crops, and stir the soil around them. Cucumlers,
keep up the heat from the linings to them and the Melons.
Although we have an average of solar heat this summer, it is
better to keep bottom and top heat regular. Cucumbers and
Melons delight in plenty of heat to keep them healthy and in
regular bearing. Give good soakings of manure water occasion-
ally, and shut up early on all fine days, sprinkling the sides of
the frames and sometimes overhead. Endive, plant out finally
the strongest from the early sowings, and sow also more for late
crops ; the small Green-curled is best. Herls, when in flower
to be cut and dried for winter use. Choose a dry day, and pull
or cut them just as the bloom begins to expand, and spread
them thinly in a dry shed, which is preferable to drying them in
the sun. When dr'y they can be tied in convenient bundles and
hung up in their winter quarters ; but a better plan is to strip off
the dry leaves and bottle them. Onions, pull up the winter crop
if ready, lay them in rows with the roots turned to the sun, and
frequently tui-n them ixntil the stalks are withered, when they
■will be fit for storing. As they are liable to decay if bruised,
they should be carefully handled ; let them be very dry when
stored, and spread out thin — not laid in heaps. Peas, the late-
sown to have attention paid to watering and staking. Potatoes
to be lifted as fast as they become ripe, and their places to be
filled with winter Greens. Shallots, if they are left in the ground
after they are ripe they are apt to mildew : they should therefore
be taken up as soon as the tops begin to decay.

TLOWEE GAEDEN.

The various Hoses to receive constant attention, such as good
staking, disbudding, stopping, top-dressing, or liquid-manuring
and budding. Fuchsias require much and regular waterings ;
and it would be well to apply short or neat mulchings, or
sphagnum moss, over their roots. Single specimens recently
planted in lawns to receive similar treatment. It is a very good
plan with the latter to cut out a definite circle of the turf, and
to cover the whole surface 2 inches thick with neat pebbles. This
will screen the roots and break the action of the water, which is
pt to proye injurious by puddling the surface.

TBUIT GAEDEN.
Toung Peach and Nectarine trees when making very vigorous
leaders to have the points of the bvancbes shortened, to be suc-
ceeded by other shoots less vigorous, but more fruitful. The
Currant bushes to have some of the extremities of the late
growths cut away, cutting a handful or two also from the in-
terior of the bush when gross. Layer the Strawberry runners
intended for pot culture, as well as those required for making
new plantations ; all spare runners to be cut away, and the
plants to be kept free from weeds. Thin and stop shoots of
Figs as soon as they have made a growth of about 6 inches.
Remove all useless growth from Yines.

GEEENHOtrSE AND CONSEBVATOET.
The season has now arrived when those hard-wooded speci-
mens which require a second shift this season should have it
without delay — at least, before the end of the month, so that the
pots may become well filled with roots before the autumn, to be
guided when shifting by the strength of the plants ; if they are
growing robustly give them a libei'al shift, but if not a smaller
one will suffice. Such stove plants as may have been removed
to the conservatory while in bloom, to be returned to a higher
temperat'are as soon as their beauty is over, that the young wood
may be ripened before the days get too short and dark for that
purpose. Also some of the stove plants that have been recently
brought into this house, wiU require attention to prevent their
being injured by damp during shady weather; and it wU],
probably, be necessary to use slight fires occasionally, for the
purpose of drying the atmosphere of the house. The propriety
of this will, however, greatly depend upon circumstances, for in
small ventilated houses damp will hardly be troublesome, whereas
in lofty houses, with but little ventilation, and the roofs over-
grown with climbers, it may be very troublesome. As at this
season there is no danger to be apprehended from cold, air
should be freely admitted on every favourable opportunity
using every care to keep the atmosphere of the house as dry as
possible, and keeping the plants clear of decaying flowers, &c.

W. Keanb.

DOINGS OE THE LAST WEEK.
Weathek much the same as before, but a splendid day on the
ninth ; and the sun acting on a moist, warm soil, seemed to
make Lettuces and Cauliflowers in the kitchen garden, and
Perillas, Pelargoniums, and Calceolarias in the flower garden,
grow by inches, if not as if the fabled wand of an enchanter had
been w'aved over them. Have had a very good supply of
Dickson's Favourite Pea, and find that after they are introduced,
the youngest of Frames, Sangster's, and his worship Daniel
O'Eourke, and ever so many more that we have a shrewd guess
are sent out from one and the same bag, wiU be of little use
except for gracing the servants' hall. Sent this day (the 10th), a
fine dish of Jeyes' Conqueror, supposed by some to be synony-
mous with Ne Plus Ultra, and after that wUl have to act rather
knowingly with even Dickson's Favourite, the one above being a
splendid Pea for colour and flavour, and a splendid bearer into
the bargain. The only objection against it for general adoption
being its height, as in a dripping season we have required steps
to gather it ; but then if close-gathered it is almost as continuous
a bearer as Scarlet Runners themselves. There is so little in
common with such splendid Peas and the whole race of early
ones, that the man who could introduce a Pea with such a flavour
and size and as early as our common early ones, would deserve
a statue from the public, and more than a handsome piece of
plate from the gastronomic epicures of the generation. Even
some of these wise men at the table are sometimes deceived. A
chief in these matters passed by a splendid dish of these Peas,
so young that they would scarce stand a touch of the fork, and
wondered how such large old Peas should be sent to a table
where so many knew what was what ; and how eloquent he was
about the flavour of the Peas he went to Covent Garden and
selected himself, getting the basket-woman who shelled them
there to riddle out for him all small soft ones ; and how next to
indignant he looked when the pea-grower courteously doubted
his being at all a proper judge in the matter— first, because
the sight and not the taste of the far superior Pea was all he
knew about it; and, secondly, because from Peas nddled m
Covent Garden, after coming there heated and packed in sacks,
he knew full well that everything like flavour was banished.
We know it is a common thing to twit the gardener in the

806

JOURTfAL OP HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 16, 18f.l.

country about the fine Pens obtained from Corent Garden, and
eo there may be, if carried there in their layers for a partieiilar
order; but I wUl allow every gardener in a small place, ■who is
dunned with the praises of what cannot at the moment be put
in comparifon, to use our authority for saying that the great
proportion of Peas obtained in Covent Garden are not fit to be
mentioned with those grown in their own gardens, if pulled or
gathered before they are too old. If Peas trayel a few miles in
bags or large hampers, that will of itself destroy the fine flavour.
Even when taken to the house at once from the garden, when
the tinest flavour is desired they should not be gathered long
before they are shelled and boiled. It is all very well to shell
Peas over night when quantities of older ones are required for
us servants ; but if such a practice is adopted with what goes
to the parlour next day, the gardener need not be surprised if
his best Peas ehoidd be destitute of flavour. For all the better
sorts of Peas we never allow the pods to be pulled so as to
injure the plant, and, perhaps, interfere with the roots; but the
stalk of the Pea is broken over the point of an open knife, and
this is done quicker than even by pulling, and no injury is done
to the plant. I lately saw a nice row of Peas witli fully a tliird
of the plants flagging and decaying, and the owner was just
sending a bundle of queries as to wliat could be the cause, or
causes, of such a misfortune. He promised to uao the knife in
future. Large, fiiie-podded Peas require more care in this respect
than small early ones. [We know amateurs who cut off every
pod with a pair of scissors, and we know the pea-plants continue
longer in bearing by such care. — Eds.]

Swept over the Mus7iroom-led made in the open shed, and
covered with a little straw loosely, having a covering of hay and
litter above, not so thickly but that the air will pass through it,
but tliickly enough to keep the extra heat and dry air out, and
maintain the surface of the led in an equable state as respects
heat and moisture. If litter, short, and at all damp, is allowed
to be close on the bed, the spawn is tempted to run into it,
instead of throwing up its Mushroom-heads. Earthed up and
slightly covered another bed. The first is doing pretty well,
but if the heat it had attained had been allowed to continue a
few hours longer, the spawn would have been destroyed. Now
is a good time to make spawn, as it may be expected to dry
rapidly. Much of it is trod and beat out on the floor of a shed,
and then cut up into pieces. The following is the plan we
generally adopt : — one part of cowdung rather stiff, and one part
horse-droppings, the fresher the better. These do admirably of
themselves. As the cowdung may not be stiff enough, we
generally add one-hnlf part of dry litter, cut into lengths about
i inch each, and half a part of road-sweepings. Whichever of
these materials, they are all beat np and mixed until the heap
resembles in consistence thick mortar. We then m.ake it into
bricks, having a wooden mould the size of a brick, made of two
fide pieces and two ends fastened together. The board on
which we work is kept wet — a pail of water stands beside us.
The mould is dipped into the water, and then placed on tlie
working-board, and is filled from the heap, leveUod on top after
being pressed, and turned out on boards so s to be easily
moved, and put under cover when the weather is wet. Two or
three days afterwards, whilst these dung-bricks are lying on
their broad sides, two holes are made into each by thrusting a
finger into them, or, more lady-Uke, using a round piece of wood
for the purpose. These are for placing bits of spawn in when
the bricks are dry enough. A piece of cowdung is drawn over
the piece of spawn, so as to be level with the rest of the brick,
and after the bricks are turned several times, so as to be dry
rather than wet, and which will bear handling well, they are
built openly into stacks, and a little fermenting litter placed
beneath and around them. These must be looked over as care-
fully as a Mushroom-bed ; for if too cold the spawn will not run
well, and if too hot, it will run too much and exhaust itself.
The spuwn-brick that is white all through, with threads not larger
than the finest hair, isjmt as it should be; 80° may be con-
sidered a good average when the spawn is thus running. When
a brick is done it sliould be removed, as if it remains it is apt to
be overdone, and in the same heap some will be ready a month
before others. Though generally made every year, it will keep
a long time in a cool, dry place. We have had fine crops from
spawn five years old. Yery tine spawn may be obtained from
most of the eminent London firms, but we have had bushels
sent to us no better for the purpose than just so many bushels
of dung; and, therefore, without at all interfering with the
trade in spawn, gardeners who are required to have Mushrooms

constantly, had as well make a little for themeelves, so as to bo
doubly sure.

Sowed more Lettuces, Turnips, Radishes, Endive, plain and
curled : of the former, Eraser's is the best and hardiest we have
met with, in common winters standing out without any pro-
tection. Sowed, also, the main crop of Cabbages for next sea-
son ; planted out Coleworts as room could be had for them ;
and watered Celery, Cauliflower, Peas, Globe Artichokes, &e.,
the latter coming in. If when the earliest are cut with merely
a couple of inches or so of stalk, other heads will come, and quite
as good, from the axils of the leaves left on the stem — at least,
they will very often do so. Thinned out ani regulated Toma-
toes, Cucumbers, Vegetable Marrows, &c. Thinned out Parsley-
beds, leaving the dwarfest and best curled, and knocked up
weeds wherever they presented themselves, and that is often and
frequently enough. No doubt it is all right ; but for the neces-
sity of labouring we should soon be poor, fidgetty, melancholy
beings.

In the fruit garden, merely repeated the operations of last
week, using the finger and thumb among young shoots, and the
syringe and engine on the foliage early in the afternoons of sunny
days. It goes against the grain when we connot praise new insect
destroyers, as many of our cotemporaries do. Gishurst Com-
poinid with us has been no better than good old-established
washes quite as easily made, cheaper, and less offensive. I find
no faidt with it, however, as it is useful to n certain extent, and
in the hands of other people most likely is more eflicacious than
with us ; but in some cases — as fly on Cheriy trees — we found
it would not kill the insects without killing the shoot as well;
i and that many other compositions will do as effectually. If I
had a prefcicnce I would sooner iise tobacco water made from
tobacco 1 01. to a quart or three pints, and as much size as woidd
make the mixture sl'ghtly sticky when a little was squeezed
between the two fingers. Another evil as respects the Gishurst
— and especially if, after dipping the points of Cherry shoots in a
strongish solution, the whole tree was syringed with a weak
solution, as wc might do with weak soap water, or lime water
&c. — was that the fruit as it ripened had a nasty taste, which
was only got rid of by heavy and frequent lashings from the
engine and syringe with clear soft water. The trees and fruit
were none the worse for that ; but if the weather had long con-
tinued wet and dull we should have expected the best kinds of
Cherries to crack from the washings, but the dry days at times
and the gleams of sunshine prevented all that, and even the
largest and finest fruit have scarcely a sign of cracking. This
matter of cracking is a sore point with some, and a certain gent.
may think he has caught me napping now, who tells me my
head should be cracked for speaking of Figs being cracked before
they were gathered, as that thoroughly unfitted them for car-
riage. If our critic's own head had been cracked just enough
to let the light of information in, he would have seen that last
week I spoke of Figs being gathered for immediate use, and not
for packing, which is quite a diflercnt affair. We do not find
fault with a good Orange that we may buy off a stall, tliough we-
suspect that Orange was rather green when gathered ; but good
as that Orange might be, we would not contrast it with its neigh-
bour which hung on its tree in Italy or Spain until it was at its
vei-y best.

ITnfortunate as this splitting or cracking of fruit undoubteclly
is, it is not always an unmitigated evil. For present use it often
presents the extreme of richness, as in the Fig, as stated last
week. A slight slit in the side of a large CheiTy is a hint its
fine pent-up juices should be used. In Melons, a few fissures
near the stalk, and these gemmed with rich, nectar-like globules,
are a sign that if thus taken the Melon will be delicious. In
general, however, as to kce])ing quality the cracking is a great
drawback, and hence Grapes that are given to crack are for little
xise, as they generally begin to decompose as soon as a crack is
formed. Of the causes of cracking in fruit we cannot say any-
thing precise to-day.

Tlic flower garden has received great alt*?ntion ; the beds have
been tied, pegged, topped, and regulated according to their re-
quirements. Calceolarias are in full feather, and Scarlet Gera-
niums and A'ariegated very fair for the time of the year. Holly-
hocks, in general, will bo late. Hedges of scarlet Salvia will be
early. 1 hcse latter, as well as the Hollyhocks and Dahlias, have
had n little manure water to help them on. Boundary rows of
Musk liare also been so treated, kecpifg the water off the
foliage. A bed similar to that described for Balsams the other
week has been made and covered with light, saudy soil for Fink

July 16, 1861. ]

JOCRIfAt OF HOKTICULTTJRE AND COIXAGE GABDENEE.

307

cuttings, to be inserted about one huTidred beneath a common-
sized "hand-light. The best mode for making -these cuttings,
best for despatch, best for the old plants, best etery -way, is to
catch each shoot on the plant near the base with the loft hand,
and about the second joint from the top with the right, then
give a sharp pull with the latter, and the cutting comes to you
clean out of the joint and socket ; and if your bed is loose you
may insert the cutting at once, by holding it between the thumb
and finger, and gently firming it. We prefer, however, firming
the sandy soil and making holes all over it, about 1 inch in
the rows, and the i-ows 2 inches from each other, using a very
small dil)ber like a lady's bodkin for the purpose. Tliis secures
tlie base of the cutting being uninjured by pressure. When the
space for a glass is filled, before putting it on we gently throw a
little fine sand over the cuttmgs, which fills up the holes nicely,
when a slight watering is given by means of a fine-rosed watering-
pot. Picotees and Carnations may be done tlie same way, but
they require more heat to root them nicely. The old plants are
much less injured than by cutting the young shoots ofl"; and if
pulled out as stated above early in July, the lower buds ou the
old plant will push freely and make nice shoots before winter,
which will bloom in great masses the following summer.

The frequent showers left no excuse for weeds on the walTcs,
nor yet for these walks being rough and uneven for the feet.
There is no such tiling hardly as getting a weed out of a walk
when dry and hard, but they come out easily when damp. A
few will appear whatever plan be adopted. We have no objection
to a little salt, applied in spring or early summer, but we do not
approve of using salt in autumn, as it has a tendency to make
the walks moist and soft in winter. For this purpose nothing
answers better than strewing the salt just as thick as to cover
the weedy spots in a sunny day, and especially if you can count
on two or three sunny days and dewy nights. Salt water, either
hot or cold, will do the work more quickly as to lime, but at
greater expense and labour. A switch from tlie broom after
such sliglit weeding and a roll, makes the walk as firm and
smooth as ever. Wlien several days are showery, it requires a
little weather-wisdom just to hit on rolling shortly after the last
shower, as, if done before, the rollmg would be labour lost so
far as the fine appearance of the walk is concerned. When
walks are very rough they should be rolled when tlie rain almost
stands upon them. It is always better to reduce the number of
walks, than to have them in a rough, slovenly state.

The lawn, too, has had its sluire of rolling, cutting with the
scythe and mowing machines. Some ask me how often a lawn
should be cut to look nice. In common seasons once in eight
days will keep it tolerable. To be very nice in dripping weather
in summer, four or five days will be long enough. There is
nothing about a garden more expensive than a well-kept lawn.
It is do, do, always do, and nothing but a lawn after all to show
for it, and yet some folks expect a place to be kept as cheaply as
another place, the kitchen garden and forcing, &c., being
similar ; whilst in the first case the lawn contains a dozen of
acres, and the other place not an acre nor the half of it. True,
the movning machines have lessened the expense of cutting, and
even those managed by men alone (22 inches wide), are a great
saving in labour, when contrasted with mowing and sweeping.
Improvements are also constantly being made, and, of course,
we welcome them, though the improvement is not always an
unmixed advantage. Thus, we got one of Mr. Green's silent
cutters, and really in comparison with all those on the wheel-and-
i-acket system, it is a luxury to those who have it working near
a mansion. But now I liave got myself into hot water about
Mr. Green's machine, for I had recommended it to a number,
who write to tell me I ought to have known better, as the chain
gets too long at one time, and too short at another. Well, I
fear there is enough in it to deserve Mr. Green's serious attention
with wear and expansion by heat. Our chain lengthened so
that it would not go into the cogs of the wheel, and, consequently,
had no influence in keeping the knives revolving regularly, and
the work was more ragged than a head of hair, steps and stairs,
as clipped by a beginner. To remedy this, we have taken out a
link some half a dozen times to shorten the chain, and, of course,
that requires not merely time but an exercise of patience when
you are busy. Yesterday, during the forenoon, the machine
worked well. In the afternoon it would not work at all. The
chain had lengthened about three-quarters of a link too mach,
and we knew that if we had wanted to knock a link olT, the
chain then would have been too tight, and much too tight the
next morning; and, therefore, recourse was had to a common

wheel- and-racket one of Samnelson's, which, notwithstanding
all the racket, did its wort admirably. The comparatively little
noise ovring to the chain instead of a toothed wheel, is the chief
distinctive feature in Mr. Green's cutter, for in other respects
the principle of all the makers is identical. I mention these
fiicts as to the chain lengthening to prevent several letters appear-
ing on the subject instead of one, and in hopes that some means
may be devised for removing tbis one disadvantage from wtat
otherwise is a desirable improvement. The noise of the common
ones is very objectionable near a mansion. — R. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*^* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
\Editors of the " Journal of Horticulture, Sfc," 162, Fleet
Street, London, E.C.

OcrcnitBF.r. Gangrene (A SitbscHbei'). — This ulceration of the fruit, like
the somewhat similar disease in the Potato tuber, has puzzled most
gardeners. We believe that it arises, like the spot in the Grape, and
1 other ulcerations in forced plants, from the roots not being kept sufficiently
warm to enable them to supply the sap required by the rapid development
of th':* fruit and leaves in a high, moist temperature. If the bottom heat
in a Cucumber-pit cannot be kept up, the tempera'ure and moisture in the
frame ought to be proportionately reduced; and whei-e these balancings of
I demand and supply ore attended to, we know that the fruit of tli: Cucumber
is never gangrened.

Book on Botany (Zi.irf/i).— -The best elementary book teaching the

Natural System, is Hcnfrey's " Rudiments of Botany ;" but do not deceive

I yourself so much as to expect that you can at once identify plants by

merely mastering the contents of an elementary work, .\fter you have

leanied from that upon what the orders, genern.'and species are founded,

then yoo require some work upon the genci-a of plants, and on the species

■ of plants, to enable you to identify them generally. If, however, you

i wish to confine the attention of your children to British plants, then Hen-

'. frey's hook which we have nained, and Hooker and .irnott's •' British

! Flora," would enable any one with the perseverance required to acquire a

knowledge of a science to identify all British plants. Impress upon your

I children that no knowledge worth acquiring can be attained without much

I thought and much application. The first steps arc always the most un-

I attractive, because they involve the lixing on the memory the meaning of

' strange terms.

1 DKSTuovrsG .\n-ts (L. Picknrd). — The same remedies as are recommended
at page 282 of our last Number, will do if scattered upon the surface of
the soil in your Cucumber-frame.

BnmsH Wild FiowEK {W. X. TT.).— ThcnameoryonrplantisErythrtea
centaurinm.

Rose Cuttings— Vallota prnpuuFA f.-l Suhscnher). — The best time to

put in Rose cuttings is the last half of March, where there is a moderate

hotbed to plunge them in, and three-inch little side shoots slipped off with a

heel, is the best sort of all Rose cuttings, and with the heel no cutting

needs to be cut at all. From jMidsummer to the end ol August is also the

best time for very different Rose cuttings— that is to say, cuttings with

heels, as in March, but to be put in the open gj-ound, not in pots, but under

; a hand-light, or even quite fi'ce in the open air as most gardeners can do

i them ; but learners cannot do them so cleverly as garileners, and many of

' them lose evety cutting for the flr^t trial or two. The end of October is

i the best time to pu: in cuttings of half-ripened shoots in the open air. and

' the w.iy to cut them is exactly the same as the cut under a joint for

Scarlet' Geraniums. Pink and Sweet William, Wallflowers and others,

come best from slips, so do Roses: and the slipping is the same in all

plants from the 0»k to the Pink, aud cuttings of all plants do best if they

are done as cuUings of Scarlet Gei-aniums. Vallota purpurea is like a

Laurel — never goes to rest by losing leaves like Curmnt bushes. It is

more like the good old-fashioned blue broad-leaved Iris, only that it is

very thirsty in hot weather. Keep it in a saucer of water out in the open

a.r.and it will yet bloom this season

Datura akborea and Dckanta Ellish (3L F.).— The young shoots
of the Datura must not be stopped, as the plant flowers at the ends of the
young wood. Tour plant will bloom in the autumn, and, after blooming,
all the young shoots shou'd be cut back just like a potted Pelargonium.
The same soirand the same treatment suit both the Pelargonium and all the
perennial D.ituras. Cuttings of Duranta Ellisii root very freely at this
season without bottom heat and in the spring, just like cuttings of Fuchsias.
The same soil as you would use to s'rike Fuchsia, Verbena, or Calceolaria
cuttings, will do for the cuttings of that Duranta; and old plants of it like
the ve'ry same kind of compost as a specimen Fuchsia for a show would
need.

London Flora (IT. it X).— There is no book that will enable yon "to
collect" the plants about London, hut there are plenty of bonks whloU
will enable you to identify them after you have collected them. If yon a™
master of the Linncean System, no book is better than Smith s English
Flora;" if you are master of the Natural System, then Hooker ana
Ai-Bott's " British Flora " will supply the information you need.

Plants to Flower in Winter in a Cool Greenhovsk ( W. S. Tt.Y
—Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocuses, Snowdrops, Violets, Chinese Primroses,
and Cyclamens must be allowed to rest in summer. Jl-gnonette sown in
July : Chrysanthemums for the early months ; Sweet-scented Geramoms,
Camellias, Epacrises, Cytisus Attleana, Coionilla glauca. Daphne mdica,
odora, and rubra.

Leaf ( W. X. IT.).— It is impossible to tell what genus the plant belongs
to, it is so similaPto the leaves of many genera.

308

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 16, 1861.

Cbassulas Gangresed (E. TT.).— a gangrene is the cavise of your
Craesulas dying- down at the bottom of the flowers and the top of the shoots*
Pure water from the syringe would not cause this gangrene, only, if too
much of it, causing the parts to damp off in the usual way. The roots,
probably, hare been kept too wet. But when Crassulas get' so forwaru as
yours were, they should not receive one drop of water over their heads
for the rest of the season, and if they never had a drop over them it would
be still better. Be very careful if you make cuttings from the diseased
plants that no gangrene is on them, for this kind of it is as infectious to
plants, as the scarlet fever is to mankind.

Strawberries.— A white paper box has reached us with Strawberries
smashed, and note with all the ink discharged by the acid juice.

Carrots Blighted (/. R. B.).—Vre prefer using no manure for Carrots
or Parsnips, unless it he dug deep into the ground. To aU sorts except the
early Horn Carrot, surface manuring has a tendency to make the roots
fork. We had a faded appearance to a slight extent, such as that you
mention, a year or two ago. We dusted the plants with soot and lime during
a dewy morning; washed them with a garden engine next day. and, for a
day or two afterwards, whisked the rows with a brick-broom, and saw no
more oi the pest. We can hold out no preventive, except deep-stirred
ground, and precautions in time.

Fruit of the Cactus (^4 Reader).— Some people are very fond of the
fruit of the Cactus, and others will not touch them because it is not com-
mon to do so. The fruit has a peculiar sweetish, ub-acid flavour. We
have seen dishes on table of the fruit of Cactus speciosa, speciosissima,
&c.; but, except in a few cases, they were untouched. Except for the hard
outside shell of Passiflora eduUs, the flavour of that and the Cactus is
something alike, both too luscious for any one to eat much of. The little
fruit of the Cape Gooseberry may also be put in the same category. At one
time it was much praised to us, and we were desired to grow some of it;
but we do not believe half a dozen of the fruit were ever used at table. The
Cactus fruit becomes of a purplish colour and soft when fit to eat. To grow
plants from seed, wash the fruit so as to separate the seeds from the bulb,
dry the latter on a sheet of paper, then sow in a pot of light sandy soil,
covering the seeds slightly, and put the pot in a hotbed if there is one
handy. If not, place a square of glass across the pot and keep it near the
fireplace until the seedlings appear, and then place inside of Ihe window,
raising the square of glass a little in sunny days.

Various (i?rc/or).— The index of three or four volumes of this work
would give you a clue to all that is useful to know of Cyanotis vittata. It
is grown for its leaves only, and best in a hanging-basket. It will grow
and root in anything, or kind of soil, that ever was used in pots, and it is a
stove plant by nature, hut a real drawing-room plant the whole summer,
and the best way is to renew it every spring. We have seen nine or ten
pots of it doing very comfortably out in the compost yard ; there they will
be till flowers get scarce in the autumn, when the Cyanotis plants will
take the place of cut flowers and keep it till they are done for towards the
end of January. The ladies give them too much water and too little heat,
and they die at the roots a long time before they are past use, and then
the tops do for cuttings. It is used strictly as an annual. Fortune's Rose
is like all the far east Roses. They require abundance of room and
exemption from the knife for the first "ten or twelve years, then, if the soil
is what ihey like, they will pay for their keep. Spironema fragrans is all
but a Clerouendron ; not a very desirable plant according to our very short
acquaintance with it.

Cucumber for Exhibition (A Constant Subscriber).— 'EXi'hQV the Man-
chester Improved or Carter's Champion. Any respectable London seeds-
men can supply the seed.

Names of Grasses [W. S).—\, Cynosurus cristatus ; 2, Anthoxanthum
odoratura ; 3 and 5, Agrostis vulgaris ; 4, Avena flavescens ; 6, Dactylis
glomerata.

Name of Plant (B^ Triv^or).— It is not Elymus geniculatus, but Triti-
cum junceum, or Sea Rushy Wheat Grass.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861,

July I8th. Towcester Floral and Horticultural Societt. 5ce.,

T. B. Rodhouse, Towcester.
July i8th. Prescot. Sec, J. Beesley.
AfGusT 9th. Belfast Royal Botanic and Horticultueal Society.

{Plants, Fraits, and Vegetables.) Sec, George A. CaiTuthers.
August Hth. Fortpea Island. -S«., H. HoUingsworth, Southsea.
August 28th. DEWssunv. Sec, Mr. Edward Forth.
September 2nd. Heckmondwike. (Floral, Horticultural, and Agri-
cultural.) Sec^ G. Kelley, Heckmondwike.
September 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
September 11th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
September 18th and 19th. Brighton and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpenter.
November 6th and 7th. Rotal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superintendent^ G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newington Chrysanthemum Society.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
November Hth and 15th. Crystal Palace. {Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec, W. Houghton.
"^.^.—Secretaries of Societies intending to advertise in our columns tcill

oblige us by sending an early intimation of their exhibition days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

WHAT TO DO WITH CHICKENS AT THIS

SEASON.

Nothing will benefit chickens (and by that term we mean

youiig fowle, as well as those that still require maternal care)

more than to be now put or driven out, as the case may be, on

to grass which has been recently mown and harvested. It

also afibrds an excellent place for hens with chickens. It is
fresh and wholesome for them ; and the change from the com-
parative confinement they have suffered wliile the grass has been
laid up for mowing, to the range they will now enjoy, cannot be
otherwise than beneficial.

As chickens are growing iuto adults, and as there are few-
greater plagues in a yard than a superabundance of cocks, we
venture to suggest to our readers the necessity of acting now.
Fowls still sell well in markets, and this is the season when
poultry is acceptable at every table. The young cocks are now
tender and juicy although large. If not killed they must he soon
shut up, and then they will leave off growing. There is always
a disinclination to kill, and it would be easily understood if there
were any way of selling them alive ; but at their age and at this
season there is not. The belief they are too good to kill is a
mischievous one ; and many a one in March has regretted, when
tugging at the sinewy leg of a cock of the previous April or May,
that they iiad not followed our oft-repeated advice, and eaten
them while they were tender.

" But such fonls," says our friend, " are too good for the
table." " What wiU you do with them ? " ask we. " That is
what you must tell us," is the answer.

We frankly tell you we cannot. There is not a sale for all
the cocks alive that are bred, not even if they were all food. No
one cares to be overdone with that ser — they are bad stock. Of
necessity some of our exhortations at this time of year must be
dry; they are almost statistical. Keep as many pullets as you
will, their eggs wiH pay for their food ; but give us your attention
for a moment while we try to back up our advice about the
cocks. Your old stock is perfect, and they are now going into
moult with every prospect of coming well out of it. Tour young
stock amounts to ninety-one pullets and thirty-three cocks. As
we said before, you declare the latter are all too good to kill —
that is, you think they ought to make more than killing price ;
and if they do that, why the purchasers may use them as they
please.

You wish to sell twenty-foiu- cocks for stock purposes, at not
less than 12s. each, producing £14 8«. We advise you to sell
them at 4s. each, producing £4 16s. Figures would tell against
us if you could sell, but you cannot. You will try. Let us
anticipate the result.

The older these young cocks get, the more troublesome they
will be. They ought to be shut up ; but where are they
to be put? Tliey are no longer afraid of the old bird, and
will certainly do him an injury, especially the forwardest bird.
He must be shut up. The only spare pen is devoted to him, and
it is soon tenanted by six or seven others which have the same
pugnacity of disposition towards their parent. For a time
they agree among themselves, but there is a day when all begin
fighting, and then wliat a spectacle of miserable creatures. But,
admit that they agree, still in February some must be sold. It
is always difEcult to find a sale for twenty-foiu' cocks ; but, admit
that four sell for 12s. each, and four for 10s., tlie rest are un-
saleable except at a very low price. They make 2s. Gd. each.
Now, these birds have been kept from August 1st to February
1st, twenty-four weeks. Each bird has consumed per week \\d.,
making a total of 3s. They have realised according to our
estimate, £6 8s. Deduct therefrom £3 12s. for keep, and it
leaves £2 16s. agauist £4 16s. if sold now. It is in favour of
our argument that there is always a sale for young poultry for
the table, and such are these surplus cocks now. The small
price at which we imagine the larger number of cocks has been
sold, is explained by the fact that they were become nuisances in
the yard, and were too old for the table — they could only be sold
at a sacrifice. There is no torment equ.al to too many cocks.
Bright, fresh, handsome birds are shut up till they become poor
and diseased j the favourites are allowed to run about till they
fight with and spoil each other ; and that which should have
been a pleasure becomes a bore. In poultry, as in everything
else, things are never so well managed or taken care of as when
there is only Just enough of them.

SPANISH COCK BROODING-HEN LAYING

WITH difficulty.

In your last week's Number I see a correspondent records the
case of a Spanish cock undertaking the care of a brood of
chickens. Two seasons since I had two broods of Spanish
chickens, and put them with one hen, but the cock undertook

July 16, 1861.]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

309

part of her duties— in fact, of tlie two, was most attentive to
them, scratching about for food, and calling them, and nest-
ling them under his wings ; and it was at times ludicrous to ob-
serve his anxious efforts to effectually cover more than he was able.
Ultimately I removed the hen and left him the entire charge.

Some few weeks since I purchased a Spanish hen, and
have not yet had an egg from her ; she frequently makes the
noise peculiar to hens when wanting to lay, and visits and sits
regularly in the nest-box— where there are eggs — for about a
quarter of an hour, but has never laid an egg yet ; she appears
quite well, and to the eye nothing seems amiss with her. You
will oblige by noticing what you think the best plan to adopt with
her. — F. R. Peideattx.

[The hen is, probably, too fat. Dip a quill feather in olive oil and
introduce it an inch, or rather more, into the rent. This will,
probably, enable her to lay at once ; and to provide against such
difficulty for the future give her a dessert-spoonful of castor oil,
repeating the dose after the lapse of a day, and feed her less
liberally.]

BEE* AND THOSE WHO HAVE WRITTEN

ABOUT THEM.

(Contimied from Vol. XXIV., page 63.)

CHARLES BUTLER.

We have now to tra'je out the scanty records remaining of a
man rarely remembered, but who was one of the best scholars,
one of the most original thinkers, and one of tlie most neglected
during that period of mental, religious, and political strife — our
Stuart era.

"Charles Butler," says Anthony Wood, "was born at one of
the Wj/comhs (Great Wycomh, I su|)pose) in Bucks, entered a
student into Magdalen Hall in the year 1579, took a degree in
Arts, and being made one of the Bible Clerks of Magdalen
College was translated thei-eunto. Soon after, proceeding in
that Faculty, he became master of the free school at Basingstoke
in BampsMre ; where continuing 7 years witli the enjoyment of
a cure of a little church called Skewres, was promoted to the
vioaridge of Lawrence- IVotton, three miles distant thence (a
poor preferment, God wot, for such a worthy scliolar), where
being settled, he wrote and published books which sliow him to
have been an ingenious man, and well skilled in various sorts of
learning." — {AthencB Oxoniensis) .

We have searched the records of parishes in and about Basing-
stoke, but with small success. The Vicar of Wootton, the Rev.
W. B. Wither, in a note obligingly communicated to us, says —
" In an old book in the parish chest I have discovered that
Charles Butler was riear here from 1601 to 1650, but can find
no i-ecord of his death, though I can of some of his children.
One was probably the churchwarden. In the catalogue of books
left to the Vicar of Wootton by Thos. Fenton I find this :—
' Syngeneia, sive de propinquitate Matrimonium inipediente
regula generalis; per C. Butler, e coll: Magd: Oxon et Vicar
de Wotton, Hants. 4to. — Oxon — 1635.' But I have never
seen the work." This work was reprinted at Frankfort in 1643,
in octavo, combined with Fr. Flovens " De nuptiis Consobrin-
arum prohibitio aut permissis."

He had previously published a work on Rhetoric, entitled,
" RhetoriciB libri duo, quorum prior de tropis et iiguris, posterior
de voce et gestu prsecepit." This he was induced to publish,
because a work on the subject had been circulated under his
name, but which he repudiated. His volume was published at
Oxford, probably in 1601, the preface being dated " Basingstoke,
5 Ides of Marnh 1600." It is dedicated to Sir T. Egerton,
Keeper of the Great Seal. The 4th edition appeared in 1618, an-
other was printed at London in 1635, and one at Leyden in 1642.

He also was the author of " Oratorise libii duo," of which
one edition is dated 1633, and another 1635.

His " English Grammar " was published in 1633, in which
he proposed the introduction of some new letters, and the
rejection of those superfluous in our spelling, whicli, he truth-
fully urged, should be more phonetic. Dr. Johnson, in the
Grammar prefixed to the folio edition of his Dictionai-y, gives an
account of Butler's Grammar, with a specimen of his ortho-
graphy, and observes that he " was a man who did not want an
understanding."

In 1636 appeared his "Principles of Music," of which Dr.
Burney says it was the only theoretical or didactic work on

music published during the reign of Charles the Ist, and that it
contains more knowledge in a small compass than any other of
the kind in our language. But, adds Dr. Bumey,the Saxon and
new characters he uses, in order to explode such letters as are
redundant or of uncertain powers, render this musical tract
somewhat difficult to peruse.

" He took," says Anthony Wood, " his last farewel of this
world on the 29th of Mai-ch in sixteen hundred forty and seven,
and in that of his age 88, or thereabouts (after he had been
vicar of Wotton St. Lawrence before mentioned 48 years), and
was buried in the chancel of the chm-eh there." — {Athence
Oxoniensis.) Neither in that chancel nor elsewhere, that we can
discover, does any sepulchral monument remain.

" It may be interesting to know," says Mr. Wither in the letter
from which we have quoted, " that two of the glebe fields here
bear these significant names, 'Waxhanger' and ' Honey -Field.'
Did Mr. Butler give them these names ?" We wish we had the
information which would enable us to respond to these queries.

We have left for our conclusion the volume which entitled
its author to a notice in our columns — namely,

" The Feminine Monarehie, or the Historic of Bees. Showing
their admirable nature and properties ; their generation and
colonies ; their government, loyaltie, art, industri, enemis,
wars, magnanimiti, &c. Together with the right ordering of
them from time to time, and the sweet arising thereof. Written
out of experience by Charles Butler, Magd." The first edition
was printed at Oxford in 1609, and we have seen other editions
dated respectively 1622 and 1634. Anthony Wood observes
that " it was translated into Latin [we have seen an edition
dated 1673] by SicA. Richardson, sometime of JSmanuel Coll :
in Cambridge, now, or lately, an inhabitant in the most pleasant
village of BrixwortJi in Northamptonshire. Lond. 1673. Oct.
In this Version he hath left out some of the ornamental and
emblematical part of the English copy, and hath, with the
Author's, scattered and intermixed his own observations on Bees,
and what of note he had either heard from men skilful in this
way, or had read in other books. But this last translation
being slow in the sale, there hath been a new title put to it, and
said therein to be printed at Oxon, 1682." — {Athena Oxoniensis.)

With the exception of one by Edmund Southcrne, which we
will epitomise hereafter, this is the first original work upon
bees and their management with which we are acquainted, for
we are not possessed of a copy of that to which Butler refers
in his preface. It was written, he says, by George Pietor, a
physician, the best of writers, and translated word for word
into English, by "T. H., of London." If this translation is
Thomas HiU's book on bees, then, certainly, it will not endure
comparison with Butler's " Feminine Monarchy."

The 1st chapter on the nature and properties of bees and
their queen, contains the first announcement which we liave met
with tliat the monarch of the hive is of the female sex. Aristotle,
he observes, and as many as followed him, called the bees'
governor Basileus or Rex, but " the males here bear no sway at
all, this being an Amazonian or feminine kingdom." He describes
the queen very fully and accurately.

In chapter 2 he gives particulars of the apiary, or " Bee
Garden and seats of Hives."

Chapter 3 is on "Hives and dressing them." "The best
strawn hives that I have seen are wrought by Thomas May, of
Sunning, about one mile from Reading, and by William Harper,
of Cudsden, about four miles from Oxford." He considered
that hives should hold " between five and seven gallons." They
were of the old cupola form.

Chapter 4, " Breeding of Bees and of the Drones " shows his
knowledge was as correct here as it was relative to the queen.
He states that the drones are males, but he thought, as do some
apiarians even now, that the working bees breed.

Chapter 5, " Swarming and Hiving," gives good practical
directions, but the fact of the queen " piping," or uttering a
psculiar shrill note premonitory of the departure of a colony,
led the musical author of tlie volume to compose "A Melissomelos,
or Bees' Madrigal." This, with the musical notes, occupies four
pages, and in it, the author affirms, " Musicians may see the
grounds of their art."

The 6th Chapter descants on the bees' "Work;" the 7th
on "Their Enemies;" the 8th on "Feeding;" the 9th on
" Removing Bees ;" and the lOlh on " Their fruit and proBt."

The preface of the edition before us is dated at Wotton, May
11th, 1623, and in it he expresses the prophetic conviction that
his book, after a while, like his work on Tropes and Figures,

310

JOtTRNAL OF HORTICTILrUaE AITO COTTAGE GARDENK?.

[ July IG, 1861.

would become well and farourably known. This was no utterance
of vanity, but the justified utterance of a man knowing that lie
was imparting truth, and that truth ultimately prevails.

The work is appropriately dedicated to the Queen of the
reigning Monarch, James the 1st, in an address purporting to be
from the Queen of Bees, "the most ancient and inviDcible
monarch of the earth."

EEMOVING BEES FEOM AN OLD HIVE.

In February last I came into possession of a stock of bees in a
very old hive. They seemed weak till the latter end of May, so
we fed them till near that time ; since then, and for the last
fortnight or more, they have seemed very strong both in bees
and also in honey, but there seems no signs of swarming ; and
the hive is such an old rotten aifaii- that I think it cannot last
another winter. If they had swarmed I intended to have put
the swarm in an improved cottage-hive, and also the cost in like
manner, joining the whole stock in September to the east; but
know not what to do as they do not swarm. I have another
hive full of combs of last year, in which the bees died in the
winter. Could they be transferred to that by any meana with
any chance of success ? — H. Nixox.

[Drive your bees at once into the improved hive, and put it in
the old stock's place, which latter should be shifted a couple of
feet either to the right or left. Repeat the process in three
weeks' time with tlie old hive, and add the bees to the newly-
formed community. By this means you will, probablv, secure a
good quantity of honey free from brood in the old hive, and a
strong colony in the new one. See also that they do not want
food during winter.]

SKY BEES.

About two years back, in some fields on the cliffs near Teign-
niouth, walking with the owner of the property, we heard the
sound as of a large swarm of bees. We looked through each
fence and examined all the trees, the sound appearing, wherever
we were, at about an equal distance from us. Could see notliing
of the kind. On application to a countryman who was thrashing
in a barn near, he stated that it was " sky bees," or bees which
were so high up as to be invisible, but yet might be heard ; that
they were only heard when dry weather miglit be expected.
The weather on this day was remarkably clear, and anything of
the kind could hove been seen at as long a distance as the sound
would reach. Can you explain? My friend the owner lias
heard them twice since, once about a month back, the weather
then remarkably clear. — G. C.

[We cannot positively explain the phenomenon described by
our correspondent. The sound may be produced by wind in
the fissures of the ohSi ; or it is by no means impossible that an
errant swarm may have taken up its abode in some rocky cavity,
in the same manner as is usual in warm climates, where an
enormous mmiber of bee colonies are said to flourish in the
caverns among the rocks ; but we rather incline to tlio opinion
that the sound is produced by the passage of the wind over the
dry stems of the grasses, and other herbage on the cliffs ; those
stems emitting sounds like tlie strings of an JEolian harp. A
similar sound, as if emitted by innumerable bees, is heard in hot,
dry weather on the downs near Winchester, but no bees are
there ; but there are millions of the wiry stems of the crested
dog's-tail grass, among which the breezes are passing, and to
which we have always attributed the sound.]

THE AYESHIRE BEE MANAGEMENT.

As an amateur in bee-keeping, I have had my attention called
to a series of papers in your Journal by " A RENPREWSniKE
Bee-keepeb," in which he eulogises the management of the
Ayrshire fraternity as to the construction of their apiaries and
other appurtenances. I therefore felt happy in a business call,
which led me, a few days ago, across the country to Cunning-
ham, the northern district of Ayrshii-e, while I 8niicipat.'d
ocular demonstration of the facts so graphically described by
your Renfi'ew correspondent. I was fortunate in an introduc-
tion to Mr. Brown and Mr. Fergusson, of Stewarton, by whom I
was favoured with such an exhibition of care, skill and taste, as
fully warranted me in endorsing the encomiums of our Renfrew
friend, which certainly have not been over but under-drawn.

In crossing the country I did not observe an inferiority of
pasture in any locality compared with that of the district of
Kilmarnock, kihnaurs, and Stewai-ton : I am, therefore, led to
the conclusion that the excellence of the supers exhibited in the
shop windows of Glasgow, as to purity of colour, absence ol
brood, and straightness of comb, will at" least stand a favourable
comparison vrith. any produced in the United Kingdom, and
must be atti-ibuted to skUful management on the part of the
keepers in the above district.

Being only in my novitiate I could not fully appreciate the
amount of experimental knowledge of the gentlemen referred to
above ; but I could understand the scientific ventiUtion of the
hives for the sake of temperature so requisite for piu-ity of
combs and honey. I could also admire the tidy filtration of
broken comb through coarser and finer woollen searces, drippinf
honey very unlike what I have often bought, aud which, ou
standing a few days, produced a consistent sediment in the
bottom of the vessel, while on the top floated an oily dark liquid,
not unlike kitchen slops.

I would recommend a jaunt to the Land of Burns on the part
of the Editor of " The Bee-keeper's Manual ;" and an afternoon
spent with tlie Stewarton bee-keepers will afford hin> a large
amount of information, which, if it does not serve 09 a corrective
to his former editions, will, at least, prove a subsidiary that wUl
warrant the sixth edition being stereotyped as a standard work
on the economy of bees. I guarantee him a generous and
courteous welcome from the Stewarton folks. — AVilmok.

VARIETIES.

Plants CriTrvATEri in Iceiand. — In a few gardens Potatoes,
Cabbages, and a few pot herbs are managed to be grown in small
quantities, but grain will not ripen in tlieir transient and un-
certain summer, and must all be brought from the European
continent. Even their grass crop is often destroyed by the
Polar ice, which in some years embelts the island, occasioning
such incessant rain that it is impossible to dry the hay. When
this happens famine follows, for on their cows and ewes they
principally depend for their sustenance during the long Arctic
winter. Dried cods' heads are their only reserve ; the bodies of
the fish they are obliged to barter for European commodities
— bread amongst the number, of which the masses, and only in
the parts adjacent to the trading stations, are able to afford more
than one meal a-week. The only approach to a corn crop cul-
tivated by tlie Icelanders, and that only in favoured localities,
is what they call Melur, which is Elt/mns arenaritis. Its seeds
are highly appreciated, and, besides being eaten raw, are made
into porridge and thin cakes not unlike a bannock. It is much
cultivated at the "^oot of Mount Kekla, and certainly seemed
like matter out of place, spruiging as it did fi-om the white
volcanic sand, on all sides surrounded by lavas and ashes, devoid
of the faintest traces of vegetation. Curious to know how it got
there, and observing that it always grew on the summit of little
sand cones, I asked my friend the farmer. He said it was planted
there on account of the warmth and shelter. This species of
grass has the appearance of Rye, for which some travtUers liave
mistaken it. The peasants gather it in August, but being seldom
ripe it requires to be dried before it can be used. — {Forbes'
Iceland.)

OUE LETTEE BOX.

Ear-lobes or BtACK-BRKASTED GAias (A Sc thinner). — They might to be
red.

De-ith of a Muscovy Duck (^I. 5. i) ).— The dock was so decomposed
we could arrive at no judgment about it. The little we could observe fruve
no clue to thp cause of death. Paralysis in ducks is sometimes caused by
the water they frequent. We advit-e you to keep them altOKelher out of
the water, shut them in a pig-stye, and supply them with ;i milU-pan
full of water. Keep them in confinement till they are thoiouj;hly strong.

LONDON MARKETS.-^JuLY 15.

POULTKY.
There is still but a moderate supply of poultry, if we eseept pmnH
chickens. Of these latter there are too many. Such is always the cuse ut
this season of the year.

Each-

-a.
4
3
2
3
0

(f.

6 to
0 »

o";:

0 „

t.

5
3
2
3
9

d
0
6
3
3
0

Each— ». rf. s. li.

Smaller Fowls

Chickens

Ducklings . . .

Leverets 0 0 „ 0 0

Pincons „...„.. 0 8 „ 0 9

Babbits „ 1 i „ I 5

Green Geese

■Wild 0 8 „ 0 9

July 23, 1861. ]

JOTTBJfAIi OF HORTICtJLTITBE AND COTTA&E O-ARDENER.

311

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Dav Day '
of of I JULY 23-29, 1861.

Weather

NEAR LONBOS IN 1860.

Sun

Sun

Moon

Rises Moon's

Clock
before

T„. , Rain in
^'°'^- ' Inches.

Day of

M'nthWeek.

Barometer.

Thermom.

Rises.

Sets.

and Sets Age.

Sim.

Teai-.

deg. deg.

m. h.

m. h.

m. h.

m. B.

23 Td ( Malva.

29.801—29.603

62-42

s.w.

•56

12af4

59af 7

28 a 8 15

e 9

204

U W Piinos.

29.854-29.525

64-39

N.W.

■01

14 4

58 8 1 45 3 16

6 11

206

25 Th St. James. Dochzss Cambeimge, 29.963—29.914

05-34

N.W.

—

15 4

57 8 ! 1 9 17

6 11

206

2S F 1 Cjtisus. [born, 1797. 29.969-29.818

66-42

N.W.

—

17 4

56 8 1 16 9 18

0 12

207

27 S Gleditschi.l. , 29 821—29.673

71-49

W.

—

18 4

54 8 30 9 19

6 11

208

28 1 Sun j 9 Sunday .AFTER Trinity. | 29.721— 29.694

74^3

w.

1-89

26 4

53 8 47 9 20

6-10

209

29 1 M i Cistus. 29.930-29.789

7S-51

N.

21 i

51 8 8 10 (

6 9

210

Meteorology of the Week.— At Chis-wick, from observations during the last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest

temperatures of these days are 74.7° and 51.9^ respectively.

The greatest heat, 92', occurred on the 2jth in 1844 ; and the lowest cole

,33%

on the 29lh in 1858. During the period 132 days were fine, and

on 99 rain fell.

FERTILISATION OP WHEAT. !

ANOTHER cross-breeder says that
botli of us, the Herefordshire
Rector, and the ■writer, are right
about the Wheat question, and also
both wrong, but declines giving
or allowing his name to be
given : therefore the question
stands yet on the last issue.
Wbat I undertook to prove is,
that the pollen is discharged
in the bottom of the husk before the
stamen lengthens ; and what the worthy
Rector affirms is, that the stamen pushes
up the anther, and the anther does not
discharge the pollen till the farmer can see it outside the
husk, if he looks for it. The man without the spirit of
his mother says the Rector is wrong in supposing the
pollen is not shed till the anthers are seen outside the
tusks, and that I am wrong in putting the time too early ;
but in my challenge I gave up that point for this reason,
that some varieties of Wheat might be like varieties of
many other plants I cross or look into for the sake of
crossing — that is, flower much earlier or much later than
others — a point of little practical use. He says out of
eleven kinds of Wheat with which he is acquainted, only
one comes so early as I (first) stated, and that in three
kinds the ears are 6 inches out of the sheath before the
pollen is ripe. And there is a second party who saw and
understood my " dissections," a lady, but she will not
consent to have a say in it : therefore, if it is agreeable
to the Rector, I should like to decide the question another
way — that is, get a dozen or fifteen kinds of the best
marked Wheat by next October, and two or three of the
best spring Wheat, including the Talavera, to be sown
next March, the lot to be grown in the rectory garden of
Surbiton, for I can calculate on getting a little space
there for a point of great interest. The examinations
and the result to be entrusted to any one, and to be
recorded in this Journal.

MOBPHOLOGY.

"It never rains but it pours," however, and this
harvest question was not ripe for the sickle when Mr.
Darwin touched the quick to the marrow, in his inquiry
after the fashions of the centrifugal flowers in a head or
truss. There is a greater harvest to be reaped out of
that question than any one of us is yet aware of, or even
dreamed about. And the last feather is said to break
the back of the beast. " Nickeeboe " laid on that
feather last week, page 305 ; and I must say more than
ever I intended to say, or else allow my back to snap
with the last feather. Well, I have seen two things since
Mr. Darwin put the question about the central flower,
and one of them has made a revolution in my own ideas
on a Jprsuch of my daily work — a branch in crossing.
And I shall make a clean breast of it to save the back.
I saw two flowers growing in one head, and they repre-
No. 17.— Vol, I., Neti; Sebies.

sented two good botanical genera. The origin of two
genera were in that head. The central flower repre-
sented the Geraniums of Europe, and the rest of the
flowers were of true Pelargoniums ; the first with regular
and the second with irregular flo-.vers (begging pardon of
the florists). The flower was the produce of his majesty
the king of cross-breeders, and Mr. Darwin may have
seen it before this. The other flower was in my own
garden, and it also represented two different botanical
genera, if not three. It was a deep variety of the dark-
leaved Shamrock Clover which I had from Mr. Salter
last year. The flowers are those of the white Clover, a
Pea flower ; but the axis of every head on my plants was
disturbed by some strong stimulus. The effect was various,
the axis or central flower rose up into a stalk carrying
flowers in three diff"erent ways, and in one instance the
flowers of two genera. One kind had three whorls of the
usual flowers, one above the other ; one had the flowers
panicle fashion ; one had the top whorl of four flowers
included within one common calj'x ; and one had the
extremity changed into regular flowers.

In order not to be laughed at for such vagaries, T
showed the panicle and common calyx sport to Mr.
Moore, Secretary to the Floricultural Uonimittee, and I'
sent the one with the regular flowers to Mr. Wraxwell
J. Ma-ters, a good botanist, who is now studying that
branch of the science, and would be glad to receive
specimens of morphology from any one. His address is
Bye Lane, Peckham, S.W. Just send him any out-of-
the-way thing you may see among flowers. What he
said of that Clover will not rise in judgment against me.
" It is of particular interest, inasmuch as the uppermost
central flower is quite regular, not papilionaceous at all."
Now, you take these two instances of this last month
of June, and consider them with the two instances now
before you, of two cross-breeders having been able to
determine that two races of plants can be had from one
head of bloom by the pollen of one father, and see
what you can bring it to. Mr. Standish had not the
faintest idea that I was aware of the vagaries of the
same pollen, when he had founded one branch of his
own practice on the knowledge of the fact ; and what
induced me to commit the secret to Dr. Hogg, three
years since, was the belief that I should only be laughed
at in those days for stating such a simple truth, as it was
new — for this world is so prone to the marvellous, that a
new idea, or a new fact has no relish with it unless it is
involved in some most tremendous complexity, and lest
I should die before men's ideas were ripe for receiving
the thing simply on its own merits. Mr. Standish some
years since published the foundation of his discovery in
the Journal of the Horticultural Society, without giving
the smallest idea of the fact of the pollen part of the
process with Rhododendrons. Without much practical
knowledge in the crossing of that race, I could then, and
much more now, back up every word he said from my
own practice in Pelargoniums. I forget the very words,
but his meaning was, that you could run the race by
crossing till the seedlings could not stand on their legs
No. 669.— Vol. XXVI., Old Sebies.

312

JOUKNAI; OF HOETICULTUEE AUD COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ July 23, 1861.

and could not be reai'ed. I can do the same tiling by
the same process with Surprise and Shrubland Scarlet
Geraniums, the two strongest kinds now in the race.
Well, the two are most extensive families, and they
branch off much in the same well-marked features as
Rhodora and Azalea in the Rhododendron genus ; and as
Erodium, Hoarea, Campylia, and the other like sections
of Pelargonium. But a great difference meets you on
the threshold between these two extensive families when
you come to cross them. All the sections, or the genera
of old authors, of the Rhododendron cross freely enough ;
but no one section of the Pelargonium will do so with
any other section except, perhaps, a few of the little
tuberous-rooted Hoareas, and yet with that great dif-
ference the same pi'inciple is common to each of them,
for the branching out of new races with distinctive habits.
Then the question is. Are these two families alone of all
the family of plants endowed with this principle? Surely
not : the principle in some way or other must pervade the
whole vegetable kingdom, and practice will have to dis-
cover this principle audits application in a great number
of genera before much good can be done with it by
speculating theorists, or scientific deductions.

TAEIEGATION OF PLANTS.

But the sharp end of the wedge is in, and we must drive
it home before we shall be masters of the mystery of the
variegation of plants. Very few indeed can now be con-
vinced by special arguments. I believe, and I have my own
long practice to back me, that disease has no more to do
witli variegation in plants than I have to do with the people
of St. Ives. But I believe also that we all know what it
is, and that we only differ in the meaning of the expression
"disease." If I went a-shooting, broke my leg, and the
limb mortified, did I or could I die by disease ? I am, per-
haps, the healthiest of all gardeners, yet might have died
of a disease according to one-half the world — and there
i-8 just the root of the question for want of better terms
to express it. Every condition of every plant, barring
accidents, must be traced to an equivalent in the blood, or
the sap as we say. Plants receive all kinds of variegation
through their sap. Every gardener knows a diseased
plant when he sees it, but no gardener has ever yet seen
one diseased plant turn variegated. I happen to know
the person who signed his name " An Old Showman,"
and also the very subject on which he worked ; and if I
did not know from my own experience the origin and the
cause of his plants turning variegated, I confess I should
be on the same journey with him. He is a man of great
practice with an original turn of mind, and the last man
On the turf whom one could call a fast man— in short, the
very kind ofperson to convince one even against his will ;
but the evidence of the senses is the same as the bare fact,
and tiie fact is, that variegation like the origin of races
begins first with the pollen. All the variegation in the
hand of " An Old Showman," had that origin, and his
manipulation of the plants goes no further than to
manifest the fact before its time. I have at this moment
the very reverse of his process revealing the very same
facts which he stated, and he can see it if he should
happen to come to this part of the country. And if he
comes to London, I invite him down to see more than
one hundred Pelargoniums which I brought under his
process on purpose to the verge of life. I caused nine-
tenths of their substance to become putrid, and exhorted
the tenth part to live and show me how he got his
variegation ; but as I was quite sure from the beginning,
not a single leaf did I turn from its usual way and colour.
And if he can get one of my one hundred plants to turn
variegated in one, two, or three years, by a second and a
third repetition of the same process, I shall give him a
Scotch gallon of whiskey forliis Christmas, for he, too, is
descendi-d of the legions of Montrose.

My belief is this : the variegation of a plant — of all
plants— appeared first in the seed-leaf before thei'e were

roots to get it, or what caused it, from the earth, or in some
one of the leaves which appeared immediately after the
seed-leaf, and while the tiny thing was yet dependant for
the chief part of its nourishment on the natural office of
the seed-leaf; the seed-leaves in the vegetable kingdom
being equivalent to the mammse or teats in the animal
kingdom. When the leaves of seedlings are once able to
act on the roots the seedling is fit to be weaned. You
can do away with the seed-leaves with little or no injury,
and once a seedling is weaned no art of man or woman
will ever get it to turn a single variegated leaf to the end
of time ; and if a seedling has had a variegated seed-leaf,
or another leaf that showed variation before it had been
weaned, and that plant has had two years' growth over
the space occupied by the variegated leaf or leaves, no
art of man is, or will be able ever to divest that plant of
the principle, if I may call it so, of variegation ; and after
the lapse of a year, or of a generation, that principle will
bi-eak out when the plant is under some certain conditions.
That is what you have to discover — the conditions under
which variegation, in a certain family, will surely appear
if it is inherent in any one of its iLembers from the
seedling state. But that condition may not suffice for a
member of the family nearest in alliance, or it may for
many families ; that part is the mystery.

Mr. Standish can cross any Rhododendron, including
the great Nepaul tree Rhododendrons, down or up to
the verge of variegation, and until there is not a par-
ticle of colour in the leaves, and no art of man can grow
the seedlings, yet every one of them is in perfect health
according to its own degree of existence. The tiny
midge is as healthy as the antelope. The seedling which
no one can grow is ju.st as healthy as the midge, or as
the antelope, according to its own rank in life.

INFLUENCE OF THE POLLEN IN THE SAME FLOWEB.

Variegation is a consequence of some condition of the
pollen, be it foreign or natural ; and the new discovery
about the origin of races is the surest witness we have,
that to enable plants to continue true and healthy, strong
and lasting in their generations. Nature has invested the
pollen with the power of keeping up the stock. The
strongest and the healthiest plant of a kind is able to
take the lead on the siigma over ten other plants that are
less likely to do credit to the family name I have
asserted that long enough, and liere is the proof out of
Baron Hugel seed-pods. I ctn bring you a plant, a seed-
ling, that will be twice as strong as the Baron, and out of
the same truss another seedling that will not be so strong
as he, nor like him in appearance ; and in another cross,
or in a third one, according to the strength of my chief
ancestor, I shall show you a plant which, probably, you
would not acknowledge to belong to the same section as
the Baron, and all from the pollen of one flower.

In the great bulk of the Scarlet or Horseshoe Gera-
niums there are but seven stamens, four long ones, one
of medium length, but which is often wanting, and two
almost sessile like the anthers of Wheat — that is, very
short indeed, and opening at the bottom face to face.
These two are they which reduce a whole family to
beggary ; first to dwarfs or Tom Thumbs, or better still,
to minimums, or the smallest of that kind consistent
with vigour sufficient to become a useful plant in cul-
tivation, and, lastly, to the brink of ruin, and drive that
race out of existence altogether, if there were not oilier
means provided to arrest the decline, or keep it from
manifesting itself at all in a state of Nature.

Now, it is wonderful how simple things are when once
we know them ; but it is more wonderfully simple liow I
find out that mystery. You recollect how I said my
seeds were sown and labelled ; it was by taking every pod
or beak from the truss of a Geranium just before the
seeds were quite ripe, and planting the pods rounil the
sides of pots, like one row of cuttings. If the poa was
full there would be five seedlings to every bunch of them

July 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE aAKDENER.

313

as tliey appeared. My number for Baron Hugel is fifteen,
and all seeds of the Baron have that number on the face
of the tally, and the number of the pollen kind is cut on
the edge of the same tally. TSow, as my experimental
geeds could never get mixed by this method, and, as often
happened, the tally with fifteen on the face, and eighteen
(Stella) on the edge, showed whole bunches of very stout
seedlings, and other bunches with very delicate ones, as
appeared to me. There is nothing in these things with-
out a cause, if we did but know it ; and I puzzled my
brains for two or three years before I discovered the real
cause, and I made some of the most foolish experiments
you ever heard of in the trials ; but as my system of
tallying cross seedlings cannot err, and knowing Nature
never does in these things, I must and at last did find
out the thing, and I hope it will be useful to you. To
me it is of more value, as confirming the possibility of
the strongest pollen taking the lead on the stigma.

D. Beaton.

ARRANGING FLOWERS IN BOUQUETS AND

VASES.
{Continued from 'page 300.)

COLOURS.

In one of my papers I remarked, that many people
when they are going to make up a bouquet will take a
great amount of pains and trouble to procure about fifty
sprays for it of all kinds of charming little flowers — new
kinds of Geraniums and grand new Fuchsias, sprays of
' Heath and Epacris, and many beautiful flowers besides ;
and then when the bouquet is finished, and has cost no
small amount either of money or time, it somehow
or other is not half so striking as we hoped it would
be — a great many flowers, very pretty flowers, but
"rather crowded somehow," and not exactly a match,
such as flowers should be, with the dress that they are
associated with.

Now, I have always been told that in both wreaths
and bouquets there should be some one distinct, bright
colour, and one generally white, in distinct contrast with
it. Sometimes a third colour comes in, too, most charm-
ingly ; but this may be or not, and, in fact, the green
foundation is in all oases there.

The first great rule then, is, I believe, whatever colour
you do adopt, to be most strict in the exclusion of all
but the one precise shade you choose. Supposing scarlet
and white are to be the colours, having chosen one
good scarlet, not the slightest variation can possibly be
allowed, not a single flower that does not match the
rest, not even a vestige of crimson, and not a shade of
pink. In a regularly-arranged shape, at any rate, it
would be most destructive, and in any shape each flower
put in not of the two ruling shades rather detracts from
than adds to the brilliancy of the whole. You can try
this by putting two or three purple flowers into a vase
of red and white. You will be surprised to find how
many more are wanted at once to " fill it."

For a scarlet and white bouquet this is how I should
proceed. Having procured a stiff, bushy piece of small-
leaved Myrtle, or, failing that, of the common Box or
Privet, I should fasten an end of strong white worsted
firmly to the stem, tying in any small stray shoots and
making it fairly firm together. In very many cases — if,
for instance, the centre flower is a Rose or a Cieranium —
it is well to dip the foundation in water and then just
shake it free from superfluous drops ; and besides this
precaution the flower.-) should always be gathered early
before the mid-day sun has shone upon them, for if then
put in water in a cool, dark cupboard, or under a dish-
cover in a cool place, they will last much longer than if
quite fresh gathered.

Taking a white Rose, or, perhaps, a branch of Azalea,

or a white Geranium, or a white Chrysanthemum, for
the centre flower, I should roll a very narrow strip of
thin leather, or of oilskin, or of something else water-
proof, neatly round the stem, just turning up the end at
last. For Azaleas a touch of gum water or dissolved
isinglass put underneath the flower where it joins its
outer cup, or calyx, is a great preservative ; and for
Geraniums I am told a drop let fall into the flower
preserves them beautifully.

I consider Roses the worst centre flowers, in a general
way, for they are so very apt to shed their petals, and I
do not know any means of preserving them by gum.
But three or four little bunches of common white Lilac
broken from the large bunch and fastened together rather
flatly with a short length of fine cap wire (green flower
wire is the very best) make a charming dead mass of
white, and this flower is so easily forced, too, in the
winter season. Next to this I think some drooping
white flowers the prettiest of all. White Heath or
Deutzia in the early summer season, only about three
sprays, and a few little bits of any light lively green.
These (flowers and green) having been wound on care-
fully with the long end of worsted, the next proceeding
would be to add a row of pink, or blue, or lilac, or scarlet,
or cerise, or whatever the colour is to be, either inter-
spersed with white, when the edges are wished to be
broken, or as a geometrical line, which should be most
exactly distinct and even.

The Poinsettia is a most beautiful hothouse plant for
winter bouquets, and the Begonia fuchsioides almost
more so, with its coral drops. Still, when the right idea
of colour is once secured, very many pretty effective
substitutes may be found. Scarlet berries even, in little
tiny groups, common Scarlet Geraniums, or the cerise
kinds, while scarlet single Anemones and dwarf red Van
Thol single Tulips are about the last flowers one would
expect to find useful for such a purpose, and are yet
amongst the most brilliant possible, and also the most
lasting of all our flowei'S.

But here I ought to caution any young lady who tries
these styles, that she ought just to pass a needle and
thread through any berries that she wears, or make them
really secure with gum or melted isinglass to a little
green silk ribbon underneath the stalk, because they are
not otherwise either safe or popular. The Tulips and
Anemones, I must also give her notice, will shut up in
the dark or during a coldish drive, and will open widely
again in the light and warmth.

The colours by candlebght are most beautiful. The
pink, and white, and pale blue Anemones are also
extremely pretty, and I cannot say too often how much
more a recherche air is given by artistic taste in the
choice of colours, than by a grand assortment of " fine
cut flowers " put together " anyhow."

The variegated foliage is sometimes very pretty in
bordering such bouquets. Begonia leaves especially
come in delightfully ; but where the whole foliage is
to be first arranged, keeping a flat head of leafage, the
foliage of the Scarlet and Unique Geraniums comes in
very well, while the stalk of each separate flower can
be thrust down through it. The green does show a good
deal with efi'ect, and a red and white border has an
extremely good appearance.

Three distinct rows— that is, centre,— first row, second
like the centre, and outside mixed, are generally enough,
with a pretty fringy edge of Fein or some nice droop-
ing leaves to finish ofi"the whole.

MIXED BOITQUET DESIGN.

I think in connection with the foregoing suggestions,
which refer rather to the arrangement of flowers when
we have but few appliances at hand, it will be well to
describe a mixed bouquet, in which we are chiefly
governed by the flowers we have. I am quite sure

314

JOtmifAL OF HORTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 23, 1861.

this is a frequently oecm-ring ease, for ■vrhick it will be
useful to provide ; though, of course, it is rather ne-
cessity than choice that causes us to have such naturally
ill-assorted Howers. Still I have seen them look really
well.

We will suppose that Tve have a basket of Scarlet
Geraniums, pink Eoses, dark crimson Verbenas, blue and
yellow flowers of some kinds, and white ones as well.
t-ome are, in such cases, in the habit of arranging all the
less brilliant colour.s, and then putting in here and there
a dash of scarlet, or of bright primrose colour, to enliven
all, gradually bringing the brightness up to the edge
— this is to say, increasing the amount of scarlet as it
approaches the edge— and this certainlj', in some cases,
has a decidedly good effect. And though the quantity of
flowers used is very great, they are generally of kinds
that are so very plentiful that the number signifies but
little.

Where a dense mass of flowers can be afforded, every
colour in the rainbow may, by a very tasteful arranger,
be brought in well. I have heard, for instance, a beau-
tiful "flower-dresser" (French), ask for two morsels of
bright yellow, and two or three little pieces of anything
that is blue, just because, as she said, she had none of
these amidst all her other flowers. She took good care,
however, to put at least ttco of each, the smallest dot of
colour even though it might be.

Once in a November when a sudden frost had late in
a beautiful October annihilated almost every flower
within reach of a verj' sudden demand, I saw one of the
best bouquets I remember arranged under difliculties
of so grave a kind. Scai-let Geraniums, a few white
Eoses, and a handful of the common China, were abso-
lutely all the flowei'3 that there were at command.
The centre then had one white Eose. I forget whether
or no there were four or five sprays of scarlet rather
below the Eose level, round it. I fancy that it was in
the arrangement I speak of that these appeared. Still,
their use must depend a little on their own rich deep
colour, and on the paleness of the pink Eoses near them.
After the centre came the pink Eoses, all gathered
together with very little green, and then the white Eoses
were grouped around at nearly regular intervals, filled up
with very fresh-coloured green, shading from light into
dark. Behind each Eose, too, there was a little foliage ;
and then came one close, dense mass of Scarlet Gera-
nium, finished by a border of its own velvety leaves.
Altogether it looked so pretty and the poverty of the
material was at the same time so evident, that I doubt
if any one young lady in the room that night did not
lament the want of knowledge which had prevented her
from rivalling that much-admired style.

There is a Geranium, but I grieve to say I know not its
name ; it is, however, in itself a bouquet, and it flowers
so charmingly all through the later autumn and the winter
season, that I know fen' plants that are more invaluable.
It ia a low-growing almost creeping kind, with very
soft, velvety, dark leaves, quite as dark often as those of
a jSIyrtle, cut into somewhat of an Oak-leaved shape,
only hardly so far divided, and jagged in some degree
around the outer edge. It is veined almost with black,
and the flowers growing on the shortest of footstalks
are of a deep rich crimson, veined with black, and very
small and close-growing. It is very old, I knew it as
much as fifteen years ago, and then we alwai's called
it " The Old Geranium ; " and it was continually in
those days worked on cloth, velvet leaves cut out
and laid upon it with a little gum, and crimson cloth
sewed with black floss silk for the beautiful little
flowers.

"• A bouquet, or vase frame, covered with the beautiful
drooping sprays of this peculiarly lovely plant, with
its short glowing crimson olossoms starting up amongst
the leaves is, indeed, most chai ming.- — E.
(2o he continued.)

DESTEOYING THE MEALY BUG ON
GAEDENIA FLOEIDA.

I BECEKTLT succeeded in cleansing a Gardenia fiorida from
that pest called mealy bug. It is a large plant, and has often
been subjected to tlie old system of cleaning by a sponge with a
little soit soap and water ; but the plant in question, let me be
ever sn careful, would Fometinirs have its slicots and leaves
disfigured in cleaning. I had a Cucumber-bed made up ; and as
it was becoming worm, and a two-light box was placed upon it,
an idea struik me that as the fumes of the ammonia arising
would kid plants if too strong, therefore it might kill insects as
well.

I made a large hole in the centre of the bed, and put two
bricks at the bottom for the pot to lie upon sitlewajs ; for,
although the frame was moderately deep, the plant was too
large to ftand upright. I placed the bricks, because I thought
that if the pot rested on tlie dung the roots might suiTer.

I put in the plant, closed the frame, and left it for an hour.
Upon then examining it the inseels were still alive. I thought
tlie fumes would either kill the insects or plant soon, so I left it
in for three hours ; I tlien took it out and examined it again —
not an insect was alive, but the plant seemed to have enjoyed the
process.

I then, with the garden engine, gave it a thoroughly good
washing.

It has often been remarked to me that a Gardenia, after it has
once become sickly, never recovers again j but it is not so with
the plant I mention, for since its immersion in the hot steam of
a Cucumber-bed, no plant could look better or be in better
health.

Other plants, if the foliage is not too tender or the plant too
delicate, might be subjected to the same treatment, which is no
trouble in comparison to the old system of cleaning plants with
the sponge and soap. If plants were thus treated about two or
three times in the year — that is, potted plants, we should not be so
annoyed with tlie appearance of the mealy hug. — J. Eastwood,
Gardener to E. Nathan, Esrj., Didsliiri/ Lodf/e, Manchester,

GEEENHOUSE CULTUEE OF PELAEGONIUMS,

SOSES, .IZALEAS, AND LILIUJI lANCIFOLIUU.

Last autumn twelvemonth I built a small lean-to greenhouse
heated by a flue (aspect south), and stocked it with some of
Turner's best Pelai'goniums and Azaleas, and a few Tea-scented
and other Roses from him and Paul in pots on their own roots,
Nothing could have been more heallhy than all these planta
were during the winter and spring of last year ; and up to June
or July, 1860, I had as fine a show of Pelargoniums as it was
possible to see in so small a space. The Roses also were most
healthy and vigorous, without a trace of blight or mildew.
Early in the autumn the Pelargoniums were cut back, and put
out in the shade till they had started a bit, and then repotted
and brought into the greenhouse, where they have remained till
the present time; but instead of being healthy bushy plants
this spring and now they have been leggy weak plants, and the
leaves liave presented an unhealthy ai^pearance, many of them
turning yellow and dropping off, and almost all more or less
tinged or spotted with yellow. Does not this arise from water-
ing them with tlie sun on the greenhouse, or too near the time
of the sun coining out ? and ought not the first shoots to have
been pinched back ? If so, when and how often to prevent
their presenting the weak leggy appearance they do ? I should
add, that during the winter they liardly appeared to grow at
all ; but when they did they grew very rapidly, and did not
commence blooming till near the 1st of June.

The Roses were repotted about the same time as the Pelar»
goniums, and stood all the winter on the flue, which runs along
the front and sides of the greenhouse between the stage and the
path ; and during tlie winter I repeatedly obseiwed how much
more healtliy they looked than the Pelargoniums and Azaleas;
but since they put; forth leaves and buds they have almost all been
more or less infested with mildew, which first appeared on the
G^ant des BataiUes struck here last summer, and then spread
to the Teas — as Goubault, Viscomtesse des Cases, Devoniensis,
&c. I have tried flowers of sulphur without effeot to stop this
pest for the last three months, but cannot get rid of it.

The Azaleas have never been repotted since I bought them
in March, 1860, from Turner, until about a fortnight ago, but

July 23,1861.]

JOURNAL OF HOEXICULTUXIE AND COTIAGE GAKDENEB.

315

tliey remained all the time in the greenhouse ; and though they
did not grow much or bloom so well this spring as last, I was
tolerably well satisfied with them until near the olose of their
blooming, when they began to wither in the foliuge. They haTe
been since repotted and put into a small briek pit on the
Cueumber-bed, but they loot worse instead of better. A mix-
ture of sand, chopped and rotted turves and cowdung, well
turned and slirred together, is what my man tells me has been
used for repotting ; and half a dozen roots of Lilium lauci-
folium, which were splendid last year, have all died this winter,
and 1 found the pots in one or two instances full of gi'ubs of
which I have no knowledge.

Will you also kindly inform me how the Cyclamen persicum,
and Vallota, and LiUum lancifolium, should be treated after
they have done blooming? — C.

[In the first place as respects the Pelargoniums, you do not
tell us what heat and air you gave them, as too much of the one
and too little of the other, would, of itself; make them leggy and
drawn up. We do not think there was anything wrong in the
plants growing so little in winter. Provided they are kept
healthy, the less they grow at that time the better. In fact, if
the florist kinds had leaves the size of half-a-crown, and healthy,
we would much prefer that size to having them as big as half-a-
crown, or larger. There may, however, have been something in
the pruning and cutting down. Before that is done, we prefer
the plants to be kept rather :^ry, and fully exposed to the sun,
and to be kept rather dry and in the sun before the buds break
and commence growing. Tbe fancy kinds will not stand so
much drying as the more succu!;'.'it florist kinds. In wet
seasons the plants should either be laid down, or protected in
some other way from heavy rains. The potting should take
place after the young shoots are showing ; and, in general, it is
best to place in a size less pot, and repot again eitheir before
winter or the beginning of spring.

The stopping of these shoots is a matter entirely of circum-
stances and the object contemplated. Many plants will break
BO regularly, and the shoots be so numerous, that there is no
necessity for stopping any — in fact, theie may be need ft r thinning
out some of the weaker shoots. These plants are best for
furnishing a regular early blooming, say in May. If, however,
it is desired to have a uniform blooming, and moderately early,
and two or three shoots come away much more strong than the
others, these should have the points nipped out early, that t'vo
or three shoots may come from them more uniform, and in
strength like the bulk. If the shoots come strong and thin,
stopping them all will furnish a plant better. AVlien a succession
of blooming is desired from plants rather siinilvr in size, a
somewhat regular stopping of the second lot will cause them to
bloom some six weeks later. Unless for these particular objects,
when the shoots come on a plant thick enough and uniform in
sti-ength, it is merely a waste of time and strength to stop the
shoots of such a plant. The mere stopping will not secure
bushiness of growth; that must depend on the plant having
plenty of light and air', and not too much heat, say ranging from
45° to 50° with fire heat, and a good rise with additional air
from bright sunshine. There may also bo something in wateiing.
Until the middle of April it is generally best to water in the
morning, say about ten o'clock. From the middle of May to
the end of September, it is generally best to water in the
evening, for reasons repeatedly given. At none of these waterings
should water be placed on the foliage. If from insects or other
causes it should be deemed necessary to syringe the foliage, that
syringing should be given so that the house should either be
shaded, or the foliage be dry before the sun strikes upon them.
I need not say that all condensed moisture during the night
should also be dissipated by giving air early, so that the leaves
aro dry before the sun shines on the foliage. Inattention to
these matters is a fruitful source of the leaves being spotted and
blotched under glass, and a deficiency of air is a chief cause of
legginees, especially when shading is also used.

I suspect your Roses looked too well in winter — unless you
kept them over the flue for the purpose of getting early flowers
from them, and in that case you could not expect them to
continue fine all the summer. For Roses to bloom well in May,
June, and July, they could not be kept too cool in winter if
they were safe from frost. The more they grew then the more
weak would the growth be, and thei'efore the more liable to
insects and mildew. We would take them out of the house,
and place them in a dry shady place, and persevere in dredging
the points with sulphur and syringing it off in a week or so.

The plants might then stand in an open place exposed to the
sun, and if the pots were half plunged all the better. If any
soft shoots appeared mildewed they might be nipped off at
once, and the heads be syringed with sulphur and soot water.
In the beginning of September Iresli pot, and in October part
prune at least, and keep the plants as cool and dry in winter as
would be compatible with safety ; and next season you may
reckon on fine plants, with good flowers and little or no mildew.

Tou did right in turning your Azaleas into a brick pit, if you
can syringe them there, and encourage free growth before the
bloom-buds set. We fear, however, from your description of
the leaves, either that the plants had got too dry from the water
escaping at the sides of the pot instead of penetrating the balls,
or that the leaves have become infested with thrips or some
similar insect. In either case the brick pit was the place to
bring them round, and a good smoking could easily be given if
insects were present. In such circumstances, however, we would
not have repotted the plants ; we would rather have top-dressed,
and used weak manure water to stimulate fresh healthy growth,
and when that was obtained we would have given larger pots if
necessary. Azaleas will bloom beautifidly in small pots ; and
when shifted, the roots on the outside of the balls should be
gently disengaged, thit they may enter at once in the new soil.
In a case of bad health it is often prudent to siiift a plant into
a much smaller pot, and into light sandy soil, after getting rid
of all the old soil possible without injuring the good roots. In
such a case a close moist atmosphere as your pit would yield
from syringing the wall, giving but little air and shading iVom
bright sunshine, would encourage active growth. Whether such
treatment applies to your plants we cannot assuredly say, though
we strongly suspect it ; but we have not a doubt that the
sooner you take tliem out of tlie sand, leaf mould and cowdung
in which you have placed them the better it will be for thein.
Fibry heath soil, and silver sand to lighten it, are the only
materials in which you can hopo to recover them. Nothing
but the grossest feeders coidd thrive in the strong food you
have given them ; and even they woidd shrink from it if troubled
with sickness or indigestion.

The Liliums generally keep well in a cellar. If the bulbs wore
not ripe, they might be killed from being exposed to the frost.
The grubs might be encouraged from too much richness in the
compost. A rather simple soil and plenty of manure waterings
when growing suit these bulbs best. When done flowering,
refrain giving water as soon as the leaves decay ; the soil, how-
ever, should not be quite dry. If the pots are placed on t3ie
floor of a shed or a cellar, and covered over with moss or any-
thing of that kind, they will be kept moist enough.

AVhen Cyclamens have done flowering, water as long as the
leaves keep green. When they decay, set the pots in a shady
place, where they will receive hardly any water, and yet not be
quite dry. As soon as growth commences, top dress or fresh
pot. The Vallota should be kept coolish in winter, but not dry,
though little water will be wanted. All things considered,
I consider that you and your helper have got on very well, and
you will do better as you get more experience. — R. F.]

THE FERTILISATION OP WHEAT.

Since I last wrote to you on the fertilisation of AVheat, I have
taken the trouble to examine the process more carefully : and I
am enabled to state positively that the husk opens at the critical
moment, and that the anthers then split (apparently with the
motion) on rising on their stamens — in fact, tliat the whole
process, exactly as I described it, including the closing of the
husk and the shutting out of the anthers, may be watched and
witnessed by any person who will bestow a little patience and
half an hour's examination. .

The anthers may actually be seen moving by starts from their
sessile position, and struggling upwards to free themselves ;
during this they burst, and the pollen may be seen darting out
like sparks from a rocket. When they have reached theu- full
height on the stamens they are seen to turn over, and the re-
maining poUen falls in a little shower outside the husk ; the husk
then commences closing, and the whole operation occupies no
more than five minutes.

I am thus enabled to say positively, though with all due
deference to so experienced and acute observer as Mr. Beaton,
that he is in error in supposing that the anthers have shed their
pollen while in the sheath ; and, by way of proof, I have sent to

316

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 23, 1861.

<he Editors a few ears of Wheat in a state to contirm my view of
the subject. They will iind, and Mr. Beaton may see with his
own eyes, fertilised and unfertilised grains in the same ear, long
after the ear has risen from the sheath.

I think, too, I am right in saying that the supposition of
the fertilisation in the dark, in a close envelope, is contrary
to the analogy of the whole vegetable world. If we look at
those plants so closely allied to the Wheat, the Triticum repens
and Lolium perenne — the process of fertilisation in their case
takes place, without a doubt, as I have described it in that of the
Wheat plant ; and, even in the case of submerged aquatic flowering
plants, such as the Utrieularias, and several Potamogetons, the
fertilisation does not take place under water, but the orgnns are
enabled to rise to the surface and expose themselves to the in-
iluences of the sun and air during the operation ; and these
influences, I believe, judging from analogy, to be necessary to
the fertilisation of every flowering plant.

Mr. Beaton, I see, supposes that I have never seen the pollen
of Wheat. On the contrary, before writing on the subject, I
placed the stigmas of several grains under one of Powell and
Lealand's most perfect microscopes, which I have been in the con-
stant habit of using for the last ten years and more. Where the
anthers were green and immature, no pollen was visible on the
stigmas ; and on the other hand, after they were protruded from
the husk the pollen was most plainly visible. The real size of
the pollen grains is, greatest diameter 00440 inch, smallest ditto
0 0380 inch. The diameter of the smut speres in Wheat is 008330
inch, or about half the size of the pollen.

The fertilised organs of the Mallow, seen by reflected light, are
the most beautiful of all this class of objects.

The mystery, however, remains — what takes place after the
deposition of the pollen ? How is the wonderful swelling of the
base of the stigraa effected which tinally becomes the grain ?
The fertilisation, strictly sjjeaking, does take place in the dark
after the closing of the husk ; but what is the manner of it ? Is
the pollen grain pierced by one of the little horns of the stigma,
or do these close round it as I have sometimes seen ? No doubt
the living germ passes in some way from the pollen grain into
the duct of the stigma, as the spermatozoon in the animal
creation passes into its own proper receptacle ; but what takes
place there, probably, no mortal man will ever know. — H. C. K.
Rectory, Hereford.

P.S. — From some cause or other the anthers are occasionally
fsund imprisoned in the husk, sometimes quite enclosed, some-
times nipped by the closing of the husk, while the grain inside
is found swelling.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Flokal Committee.— It is rather a " come down " from
reporting two grand Rose Shows within a few days of one
another to chronicle the proceedings of this minor body, par-
ticularly as the number of objects brought before it is by no
means what was anticipated. The propo.^al that the promenade
days and the committee days sliould be made to synchronise,
may, perhaps, make an improvement, as tlie objects shown will
be then seen by a larger immber of persons — one grand desi-
deratum with all introducers of novelties. Partiality in such a
body composed of so many elements is plainly impossible ; but
there is another evil which may creep in, and whicli is almost
indigenous to a largo Committee — viz., capriciousness ; at one
time giving awards with a liberal hand to things unworthy of it,
at another refusing it where justly due. One knows how in
other matters where we have to do with large numbers this
interferes with right judgment, and hence the need of a word of
caution. The value of the body is seen, not only from what it re-
wards with its favours, but also by its rejections ; and it is really
astonishing to see what rubbish, yes, downright rubbish, is sent
by infatuated raisers in the country, wlio must, indeed, have
very large eyes to make swans out of such geese.

A very fine Delphinium was exhibited by Mr. Wheeler, of War-
minster, to which the appropriate name of alopecuroldes, or " like
a foxtail," was given, for it was as close and thickly set as any
reynard's brush. The flowei-s being double, and the habit of
the plant dwarf, its very closeness seemed to me to take off from
the elegance of its appearance. For this a First-ulass Certificate
was awarded.

From Messrs. Downie & Laird came a new branching Inter-
mediate crimson Stock not better than some out ; and from

Mrs. Conway, Brompton, some varieties of bedding Gera-
niums, &c., much behindhand ; and from Mr. Wood, of Bedford
Nursery, Hampstead Road, some fancy Pelargoniums, which we
might have looked at fifteen years ago.

Mr. Dean, of Bradford, contributed a New Zealand Fern,
called Hypolepis distans, which will, from its creeping and
dumpy habit, be valuable as a pot variety, as it will trail over
and cover the sides of the basket or whatever it may be in. For
this a Label of Commendation was awarded.

Messrs. Carter & Co., of Holborn, exhibited some specimens
of a new double Clarkia, very distinct and beautiful, much
brighter in colour than any of the older varieties, a rich rosy
pink, and apparently quite constant in its double properties. A
figure of this will appear in the " Floral Magazine." For this a
First-class Certificate was awarded.

The same award was given to a very magnificent scarlet
Verbena, called Foxhunter, from Jolm MiUer, Esq., Upway,
near Dorchester, brighter in colour than any out, apparently
a good trusser, filling up well in the centre, and very large. I
measured one pip, IJ- inch across. Equal in size to Grand
Eastern, but, of course, with a brilliancy of colour it does not
possess.

From Mr. Bull came Pha'a?nopsis Schilleriana, an excellent
thing, but too small to be awarded anything as yet ; Cyano-
phjllum speciosum, not so good as the older variety ; Begonia
Xeramis ; Calceolaria Sparkle, &c.

Messrs. Veitch & Son sent a very pretty Calendrinia um-
bellata major, a rock plant from Chili. For this a Label of
Commendation was awarded ; as was also a very pretty Primula
from the snow line of the Andes, and, therefore, quite hardy.

Messrs. Charlwood & Cummins, of Covent Garden, sent a very
beautiful variety of Nemophila, called Discoidalis elegans, with
all the habit and appearance of its parent, but with the petals of
a rich mulberry edged with white. It was considered very
striking, and received a Label of Commendation. This will be
figured also in the " Floral Magazine."

Mr. G. Smith, of Hornsey Road, sent two new Verbenas —
" The Moor," very dark, and Fireball, which might have been
accepted had not Foxhunter been before it. He also exhibited
a very nice stand of blooms of various kinds, including Grand
Eastern, Garibaldi, Madam Zindier, &c. For this collection a
Special Certificate was awarded. He also sent a good plant of
his dwarf bedding Calceolaria " Canary."

Mr. Melville, of Dalmeny Park, sent several varieties of Tro-
pseolums and Sweet Williams. Some of the former were very
promising as to shape and substance, but more was required to
be seen of them before a judgment could be pronounced.

The Rev. George Jean?, of the Vicarage, Alford, sent a box
of seedling Pinks, wliich although pretty were not considered
equal to otliers which have been before the Committee. The
same gentleman sent also a very pretty Delphinium, said to be a
seedling from magnificens.

Some Achimenes and other plants were contributed from the
Society's Gardens ; and it was announced that the next meeting
would be held at Chiswick, to examine and compare the various
kinds of Verbenas, &c., sent to the Gardens. — D., Deal.

HOUSE SEWAGE— TRANSPLANTING
RHUBARB.

Last spring I piu-chased your pamphlet " Muck for the
Many," and have acted upon it, by making a tank and bringing
every description of drainage from the house into it, and putting
down a pump. I find it to be of great sei-vice to garden flow ers,
shrubs, and especially Roses ; but I am told here that I have
missed it in one point of vegetables, by applying it to Onions.
A while ago I had three beds of apparently very nice Onions
intermixed with Lettuce ; the latter have grown very well, but
not hearted very well, and the former are every one now full of
a grub, and, of course, gone. The gardeners here tell me that I
have brought the grub by my tank water. [Nonsense.] I doubt
it, and am more disposed to attribute it to too green manure in
the beds in spring. However, all my Onions are gone.

Secondly. My Rhubarb has come very weak this year. I fear
I have cut at it rather too hard (having a large family). Would
you recommend me to take it up and replant it ? If so, when ?
and would it do with shade ?

[Take it up, divide the roofs, leaving a bud on each piece, and
replant in November or March, giving it plenty of manure.]

July 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER.

317

The next seems tame the marvel. A gardener here tells me
that he has grafted a common Strawberry plant — say British
Q.ueen, on the common Dog Rose, and that it has grown and
fruited. I never heard of such a thing. Did you ?

£The fellow who told you so lias insulted you by asking you
to believe such a statement.]

Am I doing right in transplanting Carrots on my Onion-beds ?
— A SuBSCBiBER, Altrincham.

THE EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S
ROSE SHOW.

ADDITIONAI. NOTES.

Besides the Roses, wliicb of themselves made a grand display,
there were several fine groups of elegant-foliaged plants, con-
sisting of Palms, Ferns, Caladiums, Araucarias, Begonias, Anojc-
tochiii, and others, contributed by the leading London nursery-
men, including Messrs. Veitch & Son, Messrs. A. Henderson
and Co., Messrs. J. & C. Lee, Messrs. J. & J. Fraser, Mr.
Standish, and Mr. Bull. These occupied the central stand and
filled up the side table next the glass. Other ornamental plants,
which served to give relief to the long lines of Rose-boxes, came
in the shape of Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Petunias, &e., from Mr.
Turner, Mr. Gaines, Mr. Veitch, and Mr. Bull. One of the
finest subjects shown on this occasion consisted of three pans of
the rare Disa grandiflora, in exuberant health, one stem bearing
four large, perfect, and splendidly-coloured flowers. This came
from C. Leach, Esq., of Clapham Park. Some plants which had
been exhibited at the meeting of the Floral Committee on the
9th were again brought forward. Among the more attractive of
these were Mr. G. Smith's yellow shrubby Calceolaria cana-
riensis ; a very dwarf double-flowered perennial Larkspur from
Mr. G. Wheeler, of Warminster, remarkable for its densely
compact flower-spike ; and a pretty greenhouse Fern, suitable
for baskets, called Hypolepis distans, shown by Mr. W. Dean,
of Bradford. Mr. G. Smith had some very fine cut Verbenas ;
and cut Verbenas were also shown by Mr. Turner, who had
besides stands of Carnations and Picotees. Messrs. Paul and
Son showed some good summer Phloxes. There were three
magnificent clusters of Black Hamburgh Grapes from Mr.
Young, gardener to Viscount Burrington, and two well-fruited
pot Vines of Ingram's Hardy Prolific Muscat, from Mr. Standish.
John Ilawes, Esq., of Adelphi Terrace, sent a very handsome
group of anatomised leaves and seed-vessels ; and some charming
groups of imitation paper Roses were shown by Mr. Helbronner,
Regent Street. Finally, two sets of Mr. March's dinner-table
decorations, consisting on this occasion wholly of flowers. Ferns,
&c., were shown by Messrs. Dobson & Pearce, of St. James'
Street. These were improvements on the original, though of
the same design, and were accompanied by some very elegant
smaller glasses suitable for bouquets.

A very effective group of garden ornaments in Majolica ware,
consisting of seats, vases, pedestals, and flower-pots, &o., were
sent by Mr. Phillips, of 155, New Bond Street, all manufactured
by the Messrs. N ewton & Co.

A collection of meteorological instruments were sent by L. P.
CaseUa, 23, Hatton Garden.

Mr. Scoman, of Stoke Newington, brought specimens of his
garden shades, which were set up on the conservatory terrace.
This is a simple contrivance for effecting a shade for garden
seats or tables. They can be set up in a few minutes, and
from their gay colours are very interesting objects in garden
scenery.

CULTURE OF THE GRAPE VINE.

{Continued from page 296.)
Vines in Pots. — There are some advantages in cultivating
Vines in pots to bear fruit over the ordinary mode of planting
them out in borders ; and one is, that the pot Vines may be set
to rest earher and more completely by placing them behind a
north wall. When Vines in borders are forced early it is always
difficult to keep them at i-estin the autumn following, especially
if it should be a mild one. I have seen them break their best
buds in August or September, and show good bunches of fruit
at that untoward season, thus disappointing and tantalising the
cultivator; whereas those in pots placed in a cool situation
remained quiescent and could be pruned safely at the proper

time. Another advantage is, that those in pots can be brought
into the house in succession, and thus in one house the season
of fruit-bearing prolonged almost at pleasure. Vines in pots,
too, may be taken out of the house when the fruit is ripe, and
placed upon the table to be cut and eaten by the company. In
such a place they are objects of ornament, pleasing the eye as
well as the palate. I have mentioned previously how very easy
it is to grow Grapes, provided sufficient heat can be kept up.
In a bushel of earth a Vine may be planted, and with proper
management that Vine will produce several bunches of Grapes
in twelve months. Nay, more, a bud from a Vine may be
planted in a small pot in January, repotted and grown on, and
will ripen fruit in the next season almost as early as the culti-
vator may please. It is reaUy astonishing in how little soil the
Vine will grow and be productive. For instance, see the Vines
in the large conservatory at Chiswick. They have no elaborately
prepared border of large extent, but are grown in moderately
sized boxes, and yet produce good Grapes annually and plenty
of them. I remember visiting, many years ago, the celebrated
market garden at leleworth belonging to Mr. VVilmot. He, as
I may say, stuck in Vines anywhere under glass, and they grew
and broi;ght forth fruit abundantly. In narrow borders under
the footpath at the back of the Pine-pits, scarcely 4 feet wide,
he planted Vines which I have seen produce excellent fruit. In
taking up old Vines we very often find the roots running down
close to the wall, seeking food at home instead of wandering
away into the rich and scientifically prepared border for them.
Bearing these ideas in mind, let no one that has a few square
feet of glass despair of being able to grow Grapes.

To return to pot culture let me remark that the one use of
growing Vines in pots is to serve as a help to the border-planted
Vines. There arc many places where the owner may choose to
put up one vinery only, and in such a ease a few grown in pots
will be very useful to produce early Grapes.

If, however, the system of pot culture is practised largely,
then a house should be devoted to them entirely. At the vine-
yard at Garston, Mr. Meredith, perhaps, carries this system to a
gi-eater extent than any one else in England ; at least he does so
more that I have witnessed anywhere. Last March I called
there and saw one house filled entirely with pot Vines, the fruit
thinned, and fast approaching to maturity. They would be ripe
in April. The house was a long narrow one facing east and
west, and powerfully heated with hot water on Mr. Meredith's
own plan. Close to the wall on each side there is a long narrow
border formed, with a flag bottom and flags set on edge, about
18 inches deep. When empty this border looked something
like a long horse-trough, where half a regiment of cavalry horses
niiiiht feed or drink out of. The Vines having been grown in
14-inch pots the previous year, their wood ripened early, and the
Vines set to rest early also, they had been turned out of the
pots and planted in the bordersj and the spaces between them
filled with rich compost ; this was done early in the autumn,
and the forcing commenced very gently, the heat increased as
the growth went on. By plunging, as it were, the balls in this
fresh compost the Vines put forth fresh roots into it, and were
thereby enabled to swell and finish oft' the crop much better than
if they had been kept in the pots. It certainly, at that early
season, was one of the finest sights of successful early forcing
of the Vine I ever saw.

At Sion House, near Isleworth, the Duke of Northumber-
land's place, some years ago, I witnessed a successful growing
of Vines in pots oil a large scale. Mr. Iveson was head gar-
dener there then. There was a long range of wide pits in which
Pines had been cultivated. For some reason or other the growing
of Pines was dispensed with ; and, in order to make those pits
useful, Mr. Iveson grew a lot of young Vines in them, got them
very strong, and ripened early in the autumn ; then he turned
out of the pits, pruned them to a moderate length, and allowed
them a period of rest. After that he returned them into the pits,
placing the pots on bricks as near the front as he could for the
hot-water pipes, and commenced the usual routine of culture in
regard to heating, watering, stopping, thinning, &c., and a very
good crop of fruit he obtained.

I give these examples to show how easy it is to grow Vines m
pots, and to show, also, the various modes that good Grape
growers adopt in order to obtain fruit from them at unusual
seasons. Some of my readers may wish to know what kinds
are best to grow in pots. I would avoid strong growers that
produce large bunches, such, for instance, as the Syrian, or the
Barbarossa. The following are more suitable. Mack-coloured: —

318

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER.

[ JiUy 23, 1861.

Black Hamburgh (the best of any), Ingram's Prolific, E«rly
Black July, and a few Black Prince. White : — Royal Mus-
cadine, Dutch Sweetwater, Golden Hamburgh, and one or two
Muscat of Alexandria. I might multiply the mimber of kinds,
hut the above are good bearers, and, excepting the last, all free
setters. I recommend a few Muscats, because in pots the
quality is so excellent. I liave grown this kind in pots, and had
the berries of a rich deep yellow colour.

I have stated that a Vine may be propagated from an eye or
bud, and grown on by frequent repottings and applications of
liquid manure for one year, and will then be strong enough to
bear five or six bunches tlie following season. This higli culture,
howcTcr, requires so much judgment, carefulness, and extreme
.^ttention, that I would ratlier prefer recommending the young
beginner to either grow or procure a-year-old Vines, and train
them to bear fi-uit the following season. It is a safer and more
certain method. Supposing then, year-old Vines are selected to
grow for the purpose, let them be ripened and put to rest as
soon as possible, and six weeks previous to commencing growth
prune them down to two buds ; two are better tlian one for fear
of accidents. Then pot them in a rich compost of three parts
turfy loam, one part lumpy dung, a few pieces of charcoal, and
a liitle lime rubbish. Mix these all together, leaving them in as
rough a state as possible. Put them in large pots, rather deeper
than ordinary, and from 12 inches to 15 mches wide. Drain
well, and pnt some small bones and inch-square pieces of green
turf upon the drainage. Then set in the ball, nearly entire, and
uack the compost arotmd it till the pots are full. Press it down
firmly, and then it will leave sufficient space to hold water.
Commence to grow these pot Vines as early as convenient,
certainly not later than March, in order to obtain ripe wood
early in the season. Train them up to within a foot of the
glass, and when the shoots are 6 feet or 7 feet long, pinch off
the end to strengthen the lower leaves and buds. The upper-
most bud will break again, and let it be trained forward 3 feet
or 4 feet further, and then stop it again, and keep the end stopped
after that till the year's growth is perfected. The laterals must
be stopped at the first leaf, and kept slopped at every succeeding
leaf. When the wood begins to turn brown, cut .all the laterals
off pretty close to the main shoot. If required for a very esrly
crop, the pots shoi:]d be set out of doors behind a north wall in
July and pruned in September. Cut them down in proportion
to their strength, or according to the space they will be required
to fill, but never exceed 6 feet or 7 feet in length, however
strong the Vines may be.

Now, if you have the convenience, a little bottom heat of 70°
or 80° wiU be useful, but this bottom heat, though certainly
beneficial, is not absolutely necessary. The internal heat of the
house will answer nearly as well. "When the buds break and
bunches arc visible, stop each shoot close to the bimch, being
very careful not to injure the leaf opposite. The after-treatment
is similar to that I have described for Vines on the rafters in the
stove — the stopping the laterals, thinning the brmches, and
thinning the berries on each bmieh, keeping up a moist atmo-
sphere in the earlier part of the forcing, and a drier atmosphere
when the fruit begins to show colour, &c. There is one peculiarity
however, different in pot culture to border culture — and that is,
as no wood for the succeeding season is required, all the
strength of the Vine may be thrown into that year's crop of
fruit. By this it will be understood that I do not recommend
fruiting the Vines twice in the same pots. I would rather grow
more young Vines and prepare them lor bearing the next year
than attempting to get a second crop from those that have borne
fruit. I have tried them repeatedly, and so have others, but
the success was very partial indeed. — T. Appxebt.
(To he continned.)

YAEIATION IN SEEDS OF THE SAME PLANT.

To prove a lot of Orange Globe Mangold Wurtzel received
early in the season from tlie grower, I sowed twenty seeds or
seed-pods, and was surprised to see come from one pod three
plants, one of which was a bright red, the others true to their
kind. There could not have been any mistake, as the pod was
pushed through, and above the soil, by the united efforts of the
three plants, the points of whose leaves remained enclosed in the
pod for several days after the plants were up.

Now that the question of cross-breeding and hybridising has
become so important, I thought this fact might be interesting,

and I shall be glad to learn if stich instances are common.—
William Foster, jth., Stroud.

[It cannot be said in this instance that these three plants
came from the same pod or fruit, as in Mangold Wurtzel the
ovary is only one-celled and one-ovuled ; what therefore appears
to our correspondent as one "pod," was, in reality, three
distinct seed-nuts (speaking botanically) the product of three
separate flowers. We are much obliged to him, however, for his
communication, which records an interesting fact nevertheless,
and may serve as a lesson to those who often unreasonably
complain that seeds are mixed. — Eds. J. oj H.]

Feet high

... 6 to 10-

10

... 4

6

... 8

11

... 7

»

.. 8

»

... 8

1»

... 10

12

FEENS UNDES GLASS.

{Concluded from page 263.)

No plants are more easily grown than Ferns, but we have
found out also that thej are as readily killed — at least such has
been my eiperience.

The following list contains only those we have grown onraelves,
or have often seen growuigin a house such as wc have attempted
to describe : —

D, is for deciduous ; E, points out such as should be planted
high so that their roots can run on the rock stones ; 1 ft., &c.y
shows the lieight in feet the several plants attain when of
specimen size. All of them will thrive and do well in the house
described.

TEXE FEBNS.
Kativc country.
Alsophila auBtralis. New South Wales

excelsa. Norfolk Island

ladens. Brazil

Aniphicosmia (alsophila) capensis

Cibotium Schifdei. Mexico

Cyathea dealbata. New Zealand

medullaris. New Zealand

Dicksonia antarctica. Van Diemen's Land

Tree Ferns are found growing in very moist or boggy places,
and sometimes the places where they arc covered with water ;
the soil about them, therefore^ should never be allowed to become
dry, or a partial, and sometimes a total, lose of its fronds wiE
follow.

DWARF TEENS.
Acrophorus hispidns, f, (Microlepia novse-zealandise)

immersns, d. East Indies

pulcher, D (Leucosteffia chcerophylla). East Indies

Adiantum affine (CunningJianii). New Zealand and Norfolk I«Iand

cuneatum. Organ Sloiintains and St. Catherine's, Brazil

elhiopicum (assimile). Ne\v South "Wales, Tasmania, and New
Zealand

foimosum. New Soath Wales and New Zealand

fulvuni. New Zealand

hispiduluTi. New Zealand, Australia, Ceylon, and Mauritius ...
tenellum (pubescens?). Australia

pulveiulentum ? South America

reniforme. Madeira, Teneriffe

asarifolium. Mauritius

setulosum. New Zealand and Norfolk Island

Auemidictyon phyllitidts. Tropical America and East Indies
A&pleniiuT) Aitoni (umbrosura). Madeira

axillare. Madeira «

bifidum (foenicnlaceuni)

brachyptcron. Western Africa

bulbiferum. New Zealand

caudatum

comprcssura ffoccundnra). St Helena

dimidiqtiim (zamiajfoUum). Venezuela ...

dimorphum (divcrsifolium). New Zealand

dispersum. Tropical America

falcatum. New Zealand

flabellifolinm. Australia

flaccidura (odontites). New Zealand ... «

Heniionitis (palmatum). South Europe

Diullitidura

heterodon

lucidum. New Zealand ...

monantbemum. Madeira

prolifemm

nitidum

obtusatum. Tasmania

otites. Brazil

polymorphum

prteinorsum (fureatum). Madeira and Tropical America

laccratum. South Africa and India —

reclinatuni. St. Helena

rhizophylhim. Tropical America

serra. Tropica] America -

Java

New Zealand IJto 2
... 1 2
I

1

S

1

U

1

1

1*

a

4
3
3

i

4
3
»
1

:i

1
I

Veitchiaiuim (Belangeri).

Wapnerianum ?

Blechnum brazilicnsc. Brazil

corcovadenBC. BraaiL

cognaturn (austiale). Tropical AmerUa

Gimesii(Lomaria). Cliili

glandulosum. East Indies and Brazil

i s

1
t »

2
2

8 «

3 «

1

2

JuIfSS 186 JOUaa'AL OjP HOKTICULTCrEE AND OOTIAaE GARDENER.

319

Native country.

^"tS'?''^S'A™"=-' ■" ■■■ "• :

Calliptei-' fmalabanca). £ast Indies
Camp,C>^^f5^'-^J-«ea ... ... .

S-S^-^^lki^r^'^"'!! ::: ::; :

X.?,^Mvert indies

Cheilanth ™^^^^®" S'*'^'^^^^'" United States ...
Siberia ! Lalce Bailtal. and Altai Mountains

Feet liigli

2
... 2 to 3

... 4 5
li
1
1
2
2

... 4 1

gj^j^ndigera of some). Higti mountains of Mexico and

i

n

Feet higli
I

1

to 14
1

.'eru

fj.j,„, South Europe

frji' Mexico

jgjj7a (tenuis). East Indies and Ausferalia

ijijjjera. Mexico • ... 1

pj.,.1. Namaqua Land (South Africa) J

gpbilis (cliloi'ophj'lla). Brazil ... ... 3

(Tliis has drooping fronds, plant higlL)
Cheijiiest's should not have the fronds damped with the syrlnRC at
anv^e, and should be kept mode' ately dry at the roots during winter.
Th/onds musl- not he allowed to flag from excessive dryness; tliey
ra/ recover if that occurs. Plant near the glass,]

Cib(*ni Baroraetz. PhilUpine Islands 8

Dav>a tJ'Jllata, D, E. Nepal, Assam 2

inariensis, r. Canaries 1

issecta, e. JIalay Archipelago ^i

rtegans, e, China Java, Trop. Australia, Tahiti, & Madagascar I4

golida, e. Pacific Islands and Java ... 1

r)i:sonia culcita (Balantiura culcittE}. Madeira and Azores .. G 8

DipniochlEena luuulata (tnincutula). M^ilay Avchp., Trop. S. Amer. 3

Dijazium deciiasatum (lasiopteris) •■■ ^

Thwaitesii. Ceylon? ... ., 1

Dynaria dlversifolia, e. East ^^ dies 2

E^phoglossum conforme. S'^'^th Afnea 1

crassinerve ... ■•■ • ^i 2

<jeichenia circinalis -f^^^^J^"^ ^

dicarpa. Np- ao"*^ Wales ...2 3

dirhototr- We.=t Indies, &c. 5 G

iiabe''-'^^- New South Wales , ... 5

sp^mncte (glaucescens?) New Zealand 4

■Goniophlebium appendiculatum (scriptum). Mexico 1^

Catherini^e (glaucum) 1

latipes 2i

loriceum , 1

menisciifolium. Bi*azil 3 4

Goniopteris Fosteri 2

Grammitis (Leptog-ramma) rupestris. Ti'opical Ameiicu 2

totta (rutoefolia). Australia 2

Hymenophyllura crispatum. Tasmania |

demissum. New Zealand S

flabellatum. Tasmania f

rai'um. Tasmania 3

scrabrum. New Zealand ... i

tunbridgense. Madeira, S. Africa, Chili, Brazil, and Tasmania J
unilaterale (Wilsonii). Britain, ^Cape of Good Hope, Bourbon,

Tasmania and Chiloe... ' !j

[The " filmy Ferns" require very moist air. Plant them just within the
wells, cave, and waterfall on each side. Some sphagnum (white bog moss)
should be added to the soil where Ilymenophyllums are to be planted;
2 inches or 3 inches depth of soil is enough. Keep the stones about them
saturated with water by sprinkling them with a syringe two or more times
during the daj'. If grown in the open fernery they must be covered with
a bell-glass that has a small opening (hole) at top. Water will be required
abundanlly.]

Hypolepis amaurorachis. Australia. (Drooping fronds, plant high) ' 2

tenuifolia (repens and Dicksonioides). West Indies 3 4

Lastrcea acuminata 1^

augescens. Cuba ,. 3

canariensis 4

decomposita (Nephrodium). Australia 2

elongata ... 3 3

glabella. New Zealand 1

hispida. New Zealand 1

quinquangularis (pubescens). Jamaica .. 3

patens. Tropical America 1^

remissa. Ceylon 1^

serra 2

tenedcaulis (tricodea) 3

Litobrochia aiu'ita 5

denticulata. Brazil 1^

incisa (vespertilionis). Australia and New Zealand 4 6

leptophylla. Brazil 2

palniata (doi'yopteris) 1^

sagittajfolia (doryopteris). Brazil 1

l.omaria alpina. Tasmania, New Zealand, and Straits of Magellan... ^

heterophylla « ... 2 3

discolor. New Zealand 2

magellanica. Patagonia ... 3

(Said to foinu a trimk 4 feet high on the Organ Mooncains.)

nuda. Tasmania , , I

Patersoni. Tasui ania , 1

Lygodium haslatura (volubile) Climbing, n«t more than 2 ft.

japonicum. Japan Climbing

palmatum. North America Do. Bot more than 2 ft.

Bcandena Tiopical America Do.

venustum (polymorpbum) Climbing

Kephrodium molle. Tropics generally ... 3

corymbiferum , ^ 3 3

unitnni. Tropics 2

Nephrolepis exaltata, e, Ti'opical America .,, ... 3 5

pectinata. Tro]iical America S

tnberosa, e. East Indies ... « 2 4

Native country.

Nlphobalus lingua. E. China and Japan

pertu-^us. E. East Indies

rupestris, e. Australia

Nothochlopna canariensis (Mavanta;). South Europe oDd
Made ra

Eckloniana. South Africa

hypoleuciJ. Peru .;

lasvis. Mexico

lanuginosa. South Europe and Algeria

vestita. S nifchern United States, California, and Oregon

Onychium japonicum. Mountains of Japan

Phlebodium aureum. Tropical America

Platycerium alcicorne. East Indies and Australia

grande. Australia

(If the two last be planted on either side of the waterfall, or anywhere about

6 feet high, they are effective.)
Platyloma Brownii. Australia *

falcatum. Australia end New Zealand

rotuncii folium. New Zealand

Pleopeltis irioides (microsorium). Mauritius, E. Indies, and Australia 2

nuda (Drynaria Fortuni). China

pnstulata, E (drynaria). New Zealand

bquamulosa, e. Brazil

stigmaticii, e. Tropical America

Polypodium drepanum. Madeira

effuenm

pectinatum. Tropical Ameiiea

rugubsum. Australia and New Zealand

spectabile

Polystichum capense. South Afiica

coriaceum. Ea-st Indies

flexum. St. Juan de Fernandez

proliferum. New Zealan d

triangulum (mucronatum)

vestitum. New Zealand

Pteris arguta. Madeira S

crenata (chinensis). East Indies and Chma

flabellata South Africa 4

geraniifolia. East Indies and Polynesia

haatata South Africa '

niacrophylla (adiantioides). South Africa

longifolia. Tropics

repandnla (fclosma). Jamaica i

scaberula, e. New Zealand

semipinnata. East Indies %

serralata. East Indies

tremula. Australia and New Zealand

umbrosa S

Sitolobium davallioides, e. Port Jackson „. ...

rubiginosum, e. Brazil, Mexico, and Peni

Thamnoptcris nidus (Neottopteris nidus). Austi-alia and E. Indies

2

2

1*

2

3

1

i

i

2
1
4
4
.3

i
2

Todea barbara

pellucida. is'ew Zraland. (See Ilymenopliyllum)
Tricliomanes radicans. Ireland and Madeira

renifoiTue. New Zealand

venosum. Tasmania, New South Wales, and New Zealand
(See Hymenophyllum.)

Woodsia mollis. Mexico ...

Woodwavdia aspcra (Doodia). Australia

caudata (Doodia nipestris}. Australia

luuulata. New Zealand

media. Australia

radicimp. South Europe, North India, and California
Selaginella iLycopoilium).

etolonitera, S. Martensii, S. formosa, S. dichotoma, S. Galeottii(Sthottii),
S. uucinata ica?sia), S. densa, S. apns (apodum), S. fipothecia, S. brasiliensis,
S. obtusji, S. helvelica, S: denticulata, S. Burghallii, S. Willdenovii, S. cuspi-
data, S. cuspidata elongata (cordifolia).

(S. denticulata is the most useful of the above; it will grow anywhere

where there is moisture on the stones, *fee.)
— Geoeq-e Abbey, Gardener to E. Sailstone, Esq., Sortott Mall,
Sradford, YorksMre,

GAEDENING SUNDEIES.

I HATE a lean-to house standing endwise, N.W. by S.E.,
20 feet by 12 feet wide, which I intend keeping solely as a
vinery. I have planted, by the recommendation of a nursery-
man, three Black Hamburghs at the N.W. end, and three
Muscats of Alexandria at the S.E. end. Can I grow, or rather
ripen both sorts in the same house ? Will there be sufficient
room ? AE the Vines are planted within the house, which is to
be heated with Monro's cannon boiler.

What system of pruning am I to follow ? The Black Ham-
burghs were planted May, 1860 ; they have been cut back three
times — once at the nm-sery, then 1860, also 1861. Two of the
Vines now have single rods, 14 feet long, under the rafters ; the
third has two rods not quite so strong. Am I to allow them to
bear next year? I have stopped ail laterals, and the wood
appears to be well ripening.

Would you give me a few hints, or recommend me a book on
the pruning, &c., of the Vine, which a novice in gardening might;
understand ? I have been recommended a small book by
Sanders ; I do not know the publisher, or whether it would

320

JOUENiL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

, 1861.

do for me. The Muscats were planted this year and have not
done much.

Would the Pampas Grass do for the centre of a Rhododendron-
hed which is to be surrounded by rock stones ?

Mr. Paul, in his catalogue of Roses, describes Madame Vigneron
(H.P.) as "rose, laige and full." Mr. Rivers describes it, as
" silvery rosy lilac." I sent for it last year. The Rose I have
blooms profusely in clusters, rather small, very full, slightly
cupped, white, with a shade of blush ; leaf and habit do not
appear to be H.P. Have I the right Rose ?

Mr. Rivers recommends buds to be untied after twenty days.
Is not that early ? Last year many of my buds lived for six
weeks and two months, and then died before the frost set in.
Can you tell me where the fault was ?

I wish to make some alterations this winter, which will occasion
transplanting trees and shrubs. Will October do for removing
bush Apple trees and pyramidal Pear trees. They are good size
trees, and have been prepared by root-pruning last winter ; they
have been root-pruned three times in six years ? An Arbor
Vitae hedge, planted four years, now 8 feet high, I must move —
when would be the best month ? and what previous preparation
should I make ? Would exposing the roots for some little time
do good ?

I am going to make a Rhododendron-bed. The proper sandy
peat 1 cannot obtain, so I must collect together a compost
which shall act as a substitute. We f.re on a clay soil, sand is
rather difficult to obtain— would burnt clay to a good ash do
instead ? Should I get the sand, which would be from the sea-
shore, would the salt in it be objectionable to the Rhododendron
class t

How long does Gazania splendens remain in bloom ? — J. A. P.

[With six Vines. The stems, after allowing about 2 feet from
each end, will have a trifle more than 3 feet between each of the
rest, which will do if the house is kept for Vines only.

You may ripen Muscats and Hamburghs in the same house,
but it would be as well to have most heat at the end of the
house where the Hiimburghs were planted ; and if you did not
intend forcing early, it would be advisable to keep the Muscats
back by plenty of air, so that there would be a good deal of sun
heat before they came into bloom.

The Vines woxild be better if grown to a single rod instead of
two. The rods, now 14 feet long and strong, we would cut
down to 4 feet or 5 feet next winter or spring. Unless you have
been giving them fire heat, it is quite early enough to hare
removed aU the laterals. In your case we would prefer the spur
system of pruning. The wliole modes and rationale of pruning
on either spur or rod system have lately been detailed by Messrs.
Fish and Appleby. \Ve do not sec how it could be made
simpler, but if you tell us your particular doubts we would try.
Sanders' work on ihe Vine is very good, and so are many more.
The Muscats you should encourage to grow, and then keep the
house warm and dry to ripen the wood well in the autumn.
Do not take a crop oif even the strongest Vines at first ; be
satisfied with four or five moderate bunches ti-om each at most.
If the Muscats do well cut down to a foot or two, and take not
more than a bunch or two next season if tliey give it.

The Pampas Grass will do for the situation ; but why not
have a bed for the Rhododendrons, and give the Pampas a knoll
for itself

People often vary in the description of a Rose, we do not know
it— will some friend decide? But why not ask Mr. Kivers ?
That gentleman's practice as to unloosening buds is all right in
general circumstances. Some buds are longer in swelling than
others, and much depends on the time, the fitness of the stock,
&c. ; and simple though it seems, many persons never can bud
Buecessfully. Here, as in other matters, practice makes perfect-
ness. Though moderately succes.'ful, we should not expect to
rival a Rivers, nor a Paul, Francis, Lane, &e.

October will be a good month to move all the trees. If you
could begin early in the month, or by the end of September, we
should not trouble in giving the Arbor Vitfes any preparation
now, as they generally lift with (airish balls ; but if there is any
difficulty in digging well round them, so as to trace Ihe roots,
it would he a good plan to dig as far as you coxrld, and cut the
large roots, and replace the soil, or rather leave the space open
and cover on the top to keep out light and air ; hut in ordinary
cu-cumstances it is hardly worth the labour. If these trees need
any pruning, it ehouid be done now, and the young shoots will
be coming before lifting-time.

For Rhododendrons we would prefer exposing the clay, so as to

pulverise it, and then mix leaf mould with it at plV ^•^^e :
this will be better than burning it. Cover with a Lggsing
of rotten leaves. We have little hopes of Ihe sea sant^^jng.
If other sand cannot be had, burn part of clay. \

The Gazania blooms last longer or shorter accordi^, ^\^g
weather. See what Mr. Beaton says about the hydron.^g^t.
Splendens keeps open without this artificial process loij^^gn
some others, and some varieties of it will be open on anj,jj,g
when others are shut. Rather too many inquiries at on.

MAGNOLIAS INJUEED BY FEOST.

I SHALL be much obliged if you can advise me what Jo
with two Magnolias grand;flora ferruginea. They are fine p.,s,
about 30 years old, trained against the house and reachino
the second floor ; the soil gravelly, and aspect west. They vi,^
apparently, killed by the severe winter ; but, within the last tig
weeks, several small sprouts have appeared on the stems, frv
about 6 inches to 4 feet from tlie ground. Should the trees
cut in, and if so, how close to the sprouts ? Or is there an
thing else that could be done for them ?^M. H.

[These Magnolias, and scores like th( m, with the hundreds o
other kinds of trees which nearly perished by the frost, and an
showing signs of life in July, only a few feet above the collar o,'
the roots, should be cut down now at onje to the very last ring
or inch of their stems, or the collar, as we call the pan where the
roots run from downwards, and the steir. starts from upwards.
That is the plan to cut half-dead and three-f,rts-dead too ; but
if this collar part is dead itself there is no ci\t^ce, unless the
roots are alive and are of those which make suckers -.,. cuttings.
So cut your Magnolia down to the collar, and if you ge. sbooit
keep three of them only, and only one after the firft twelve
months. The other two are to have two strings to your bow; for if
two should die, as often happens in such cases after a few months'
sucking, why you have one still to go on with. When your one
or three shoots are 6 inches high mulch or "mould" over the
old stem or slump, and let the shoots be 4 inches deep in this
mulching and they will soon root into it, and that will enable
you and them to cover the wall again in " half lime," as the
young wood will be fed by the conquered old roots, and by
their own independent ones ; this has a range from Caithness to
Cornwall, and over 500 kinds of woody plants.]

AMERICAN BLIGHT.

In reply to your correspondent "S.," in The Jouenal of
HOKTICULTUEE of July 9th, respecting the last winter's frost
as to its effect upon the American blight, I beg to say llie pest
is as abundant as ever here, more especially upon my drooping
Larches. Heretofore 1 had written to difterent parties for
instructions as to a remedy ; but the result has invariably been
that no practicable method was known, that it was either too
expensive, or that its application woiud be fatal to the patient.
However, my patience, after trying very many prescriptions, gave
way as I found the evil rapidly increasing, and I cut down a
fine specimen of true drooping Larch 10 feet high, the branches
extending in a circle 24 feet in diameter. As I supplied plants
some years ago to many in the trade, to private parties, and also
some to the Continent, it would be interesting and gratifying to
hear that their trees are not thus infested. — Wm. GolsaLL,
Hereford I^ursery.

HEEBACEOUS PLANTS.

Me. Applbbt's list of herbaceous plants will be hailed as a
boon by all lovers of gardening in the present day. Now, if we
could only get him in a humour, at his leisure, to pen a few
articles on the subject of herbaceous gardening, he would confer
a great benefit on the million, who only want an able advocate
to set them going.

I can positively affirm that the only herbaceous garden I have
seen of late, worth looking at, was that of a village blacksmith, a
man living nearly one hundred miles from London. He could
sweep away the snow and pick a bunch of Russian Violets in
early spring, and a handful of good Chrysanthemums just before
the "winter frost. Not only so, but when the squire's gardener
was at a loss for flowers, this sensible fellow had plenty.

Gardeners ought not to be selfish, and nothing will persuade

July 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDBNER.

321

me they are so ; for with a love of (lowers, and the attention
they require, so we find the moral lore of the people is improved
in any villige where gardening is encouraged. Dnfortunately,
there are but a very few herbaceous nurserymen in the present
day ; and, though I have got together a little lot of hardy herba-
ceous things, yet they have been gathered from a variety of
source", several from the small gardens of villagers.

1 believe, in truth, we really require a retrograde movement
in gardening. Thu temptation to supply bedding stock by nur-
serytnen, in suburban localities, is too strong to be resisted :
few liave places in which to keep such things, and, therefore, the
stock has to be renewed eveiy summer.

For myself, I generally bed out a thousand or two plants

of my own, and, therefore, have no selfish motive in urging a
change ; I only pity those who keep no regular gardener, and
have no suoh conveniences. I pity, particularly, the steady
mechanic who delights in his garden, which is often the means
of keeping him from the beer-house, where he would waste his
substance and ruin himself, both soul and body. Nor is this all —
I liken flower gardening in t!ie present day to the man who gives
a great feast once in a year, and lives upon bread and cheese for
the remainder.

However, I cannot do better than leave this subject in the
hands of the Editors, who, I am convinced, will be considerate
enough not to forget the wants of the cottage gardener. —
R0STICUS.

MR. MAECH'S DESIGN FOE THE DECOEATION OF THE DINNEE TABLE.

At the great Exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society
which was held on tlie 5th of June last, Mr. C. Wentworth
Dilke, with the view of improving the taste for dinner-table
decoration, offered prizes for the best designs for the arrange-
ment of flowers and fruits combined. The first prize, as we
announced at the time, was awarded to Mr. March, of the Lord
Chamberlain's Office, St. James' Palace, and it is with pleasure

that we are now enabled to furnish our readers with a repre-
sentation of it. ' "~'
We are informed that Messrs. Dobson & Pearce, of St. James'
Street, have been entrusted by Mr. March to manufacture the
set, which can also be used separately as ornaments for sitting-
rooms in the country.

PAMPAS GEASS— BACHELOE'S BUTTON— DUEE OF AEGYLE'S TEA TEEE,

A PEIEKD has a large specimen of Pampas Grass, which for
the last two years has grown to a great height, and been
covered with spikes of blossom. Last winter it was nearly killed
by the frost, and it was cut down to within a foot of the ground
as far as it seemed dead. Since then the remainder has died

down, and at present resembles a large mass of closely com-
pressed deal shavings, the same colour and tiglitly curled up.
Meantime, round this mass (from 6 inches to 7 inches in dia-
meter) has sprung up fresh Grass, now some 2 feet long, and
one or two leaves have forced their way through the dead

33ft-

JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTrA<JE aABDENER.

[ July 23, 1861.

luasa. What should be done with reference to the latter to the
plut?

What is the botanical name of the old plant popularly called
Bachelor's Button ?

What is the botanical name of a sort of weeping free called
the Tea tree found in old gardens p In one neighbourhood a
Tery old farmhouse has the walls covered with it, and also it bangs
freely over an old wall, with long stems pendent (like a Weeping
Willow) the leaves very small, a dark blueish sort of green, the
leaves thick and very small, and a little purple just coming out.
I am no botanist, but it hangs something like a tree called the
Salt tree, Halimodendron argenteum, — Hebis.

[Nothing can be done to the Pampas better than to let it
alone and have its own way. When acres and miles of it get
burnt from the sun or from being set on fire in the Pampases
of Brazil, they do nothing to the old stools and most of them
recover.

The botanical name of the Bachelor's Button is Eannnculus
acris flore pleno, and the single kind is much like the "Butter-
cups," E. repene, and E. bulbosus.

Tea tree. Did you never hoar of the Duke's Tea tree? The
Duke of Argyle was so great a favourite with us Scotch gardeners
for his kindness to Jeannie Deans, and for getting pardon for
her sister from the Queen at Bichmond, that we sent him down
one of the first Tea plants, and with it the fastest chmber in
England. At the unpacking they changed the tallies, and the
chmber was jiut against a south wall, and the Tea plant in a
place where it soon perished. It was a long while before the
mistake was discovered, and when it was the plant was Lycium
afrum, or Duke of Argyle's Tea tree.]

FEUIT-EOOM.

Ir yoB or one of your correspondents will favour me in your
paper with a good plan of a Jruit-house for storing and keeping
Apples, Pears, &c., on the ground-floor, showing the mode of
heating, ventilatmg, and lighting, or sueli as be necessary, you
will greatly oblige. — A Constant Eeadek and Sxjbsceebee.

[Without we liad a plan of your room it would be little use
giving a plan for your fruit-room. The first essential when
perfectness is aimed at is, equability of temperature, as when fi-uit
require a higher tempentture to bring them to perfection, a few
can be removed and lieated as wanted. To secure this equality
of temperature, it is always an advantage to have the walU
hollow, as confined air is one of the worst conductors of heat.
We have seen a rotan made thus double by a casing of wood or
lath and plaster 8 inches or 4 inches from tlie brick wall.
What light is given should, if possible, be on the north side,
as the fruit wiU keep eound longer in the dark. Unless the
window goes up cloe* to tiie ceiling, and the top part is made to
move, it would be best not to depend on the window for venti-
lation, but small tUding veutilators should be inserted cloae to
the cciliijg and others nair tlie ground-floor level. The top
ventilators wiU be all that will require to be opened, unless for a
short time when the fruit is sweating much after being housed,
when both may be opened. When this sweating is over even
the top ventilators will only require to be open in fine days.

This would be the best plan with the ground-room of a com-
mon house, but when a fruit-room is to be built in a shed form,
the roof should face the north, the walls should be hollow, the
windows flush with the outside one, and shutters padded ready
to go against them inside in severe weather, and blinds to pull
down when necessary. The ceiling of the room should either be
double, with a foot between them, or a layer of straw 1 foot
thick should lie over the ceiling. Suppose the room was 15 feet
by 10 feet, there should be two or three openings in the ceiling
— say 9 inches by 6 niches, for ventilation, and these communi-
cating with lanterns in the roof with hipped boards to thi-ow
off the rain. The roof iteelf if slated should be close-boarded
beneath, and, independently of the double ceiling, or the layer of
straw to keep the temperature equal, the slates should be painted
or coloured white. But for vermin making holes, the best roof
would be reeds or wheat straw. By such means and close
shutting when cold weather comes, it would be rare indeed that
the frost would penetralc, and even then slightly covering the
fruit with clean straw, would generally be better than using a
store or heating-apparatus of any kind. If a email stove is used
the funnel should go through the roof, and a little air be given.
But in general the fruit will keep better without it. Those who

have not ti-ied it, would be surprised to find what a sharp frost a
doable wall would keep out, if the roof is also double. A few
winters ago some gentlemen got betting as to the cause why snow
some 4 inches thick lay on the eloping roof of a Mushroom-house,
ranging inside from 50° to 60°, whilst in the same range the snow
had fallen off the slates, wlien the highest heat in the sheds
beneath barely averaged Sff'. The Mushroom-house had a
boarded roof for the slates to rest on, the rafters beneath were
lathed and plastered in the same slope as the slat«9, and the
space between the boards and the laths was filled with clean,
dry straw, and all the heat we could give inside would scarcely
aflijct the slates outside ; and just on the same principle, however
hot the sun be outside on the slates, it will scarcely affect the
temperature inside, were the walls equally isolated. Such a
Mushroom-house with ventilation in the roof would form a first-
rate fruit-room. In arranging such a room no plan is better
than to have platforms from 2 feet to 3 feet wide all round, and
tier above tier — say three, four, or more, according to the height
of the room. These platforms are better when sparred — that is,
made of pieces of wood 1\ inch thick, and 2 inches to 2i inches
wide, with hali-inch spaces between instead of being solid all
through.

We have written on the supposition that there is to be one
fruit-storehouse, and that Apples and Pears that require more
heat to bring them to perfection may be brought as wanted
to the kitchen or the parlour, and receive the higher temperature
necessary to bring out then- flavour. Where these conditions
can be secured, there will be little or no need for any heating-
apj>ara<ns — in fact, under careless management it would do vast
more harm than good. In a thiu-walled room, placing the fruit
in boxes, or even covering with sweet straw or bay in severe
weather, but removing it at once when the weather clianged, and
never using it again, would be better than using much artificial
heat — in fact, where such conditions in a fruit-room as the above
cannot be obtained, we would much prefer a dry cellar, or any
other chamber underground, where the temperature ie kept
almost uniform. In such underground places firuit has kept
well with but little trouble.— E. F.]

POMOLOCICAL CLEANINGS.

Mt early Orleans Plums set in the orchard-house, and now
ripening out of doors^ as suggested in Mr. Kivers' book, are deli-
cious ; and the trees with their beautiful green foliage, and
now studded over with jnirple balls, have a most pleasing effect.
The culture of fruit trees in pots, under glass, must be become very
popular ; it really is, to use your own expreision, only in its
mfancy at present. Take, for instance, my Plum trees ; why
there is really more fruit on them than I have seen for years on
as many standard Phim trees in Ireland. I am not, however,
in favour of planting Peaches and Kectarines in the border, as it
mn«t be very ditficnlt to keep them under proper control ; but
if a man wished to have a very magnificent tree (perlinps you
might try it yourself; it would be worth while to build a hand-
some octagon-house, and then plant in the centre one tree, a
showy free-bearing sort, and train it with mathematical precision
in the pyramidal, and let it fill the house sltcogiher. — J. liL

Beeves' Eclipse Steawbeehy. — This is a new variety in-
troduced to the notice of the Fruit Committee of the Horti-
cultural Society last year. It was then considered a variety of
great merit for forcing, as it possesses what few other varieties do
when forced — a rich pine flavour. Prince Aithur also possesses
the same flavour when forced ; but Eclipse so far exceeds that
variety in size, it being generally of the largest. We have this
season seen it growing out of doors, and we have found it a very
abundant bearer, and one which may be safely relied upon for a
general crop.

GARDENS FOE OUE SOLDIERS.

The Constituiionnel publishes the following letter from the
Camp cf Chalons, showing the solicitude of the Emperor for the
improvement of tlie condition of the common soldier : —

" At the close of winter the Emperor gave orders that a vege-
table garden should be arranged behind the quarters of each
regiment of infantry and cavalry, by means of w liich the soldiers
might be supplied with additional comforts. For this pmpow
fourteen gardeners for each regiment, under the direction of »
sergeant and a corporal, were sent to the camp in the month of

July 23, 1861. ]

JOFEKAL OF HORIICTJLTTIRE AND COTTAGE GAEBEJirEB.

329

April last. EngineeM traced out these gardens behind each
tent or wooden hut. Each regiment was placed in possession
of its ground, and the men immediately began to cultivate it.
Wherever the spade was not strong enough to penetrate the
ground engineers came to their assistance. On the orders baring
been first given to the corps of Engineers they sowed a great
quantity of Cabbage seed, and the produce was distributed to
each regiment in the shape of several thousand feet of Cabbage
plants. Kadish, Onion, Lettuce, Carrot, and Turnip seeds were
sent from Paris to be distributed to each regiment. All these
vegetables now present a magnificent appearance, and will serve
this year to add to the soldiers' dinners. Erom 12,000 feet to
13,000 feet of Cabbage, and from 8000 feet to 9000 feet of Leeis
and Onions, are to be seen at this moment in the garden of each
regiment. There are, likewise, a large quantity of Kidney Beans,
which the soldiers may eat green. Next year, and the years
following, the quantity and quality of the vegetables will be still
better, inasmuch as the ground will have been better tilled and
better manured. The soldiers of each regiment exhibit great
amour propre in the cultivation of their gardens and in the
superiority of their produce. The soldiers, moreover, derive
great pleasure from walking through these gardens, which re-
mind them of their paternal home?. In a word, the Emperor's
idea is highly approved by the soldiers, and it is said to be the
Emperor's intention to carry it out on a much larger scale."

[We wish our Government would foUow the example thus set
by the Emperor of the French, and attach gardens, not only to
our camps, but to our barracks. The use of an increased amount
of vegetable food, besides the employment for leisure hours
afforded by such gardens, would promote both the physical and
moral health of the soldiers. — Eds. J. OP H.]

rUCHSIA SPORT— HARDY ORCHIDS.

In a Fuchsia that I have, I have just noticed a flower that;
has only three sepals, three petals, and only six stamens. Can
you tell me whether this is a common occurrence with flowers to
do this ?

Can you also name to me any nurseryman that sells hardy
Orchids ? as Mr. Appleby in his book doss not name any. —
Abthxte Cole.

[We are not aware that it is a common occuiTcnce for a
Fuchsia to assume the form you mention ; but in this instance
the rule is followed in regard to the structure of the flower —
petals equal in number to the sepals, and the stamens double
that number.

We cannot recommend nurserymen, but, as a rule, always
consult those who advertise in our columns. You can always
get anything you want from them. — Eds. J. OB H.]

EFFECTS OF HELLEBORE POWDER ON THE
GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLAR.

You may inform your correspondent that hellebore powder is
a certain cure for the Gooseberry caterpillar ; but it must be
used rightly and in time. It should be applied as soon as the
caterpillar is first perceived, and if the first application is not
effectual it should be repeated again and again. Many gardeners
neglect these two simple rules, and then they say that " helle-
bore powder does no good."

I was in a neighbourhood the other day where the Gooseberry
trees generally were almost eaten up by the caterpillar; one
garden I visited where scarcely a leaf remained. I asked the
gardener if he had tried hellebore. " Oh, yes," said he ; " but I
might as well have left it alone." But I found on inquiry that
he had not used it rightly. I then went to another garden not
far distant, where I found the Gooseberry trees without any sign
of caterpillar. The gardener told me that the plague was begm-
ning, but that as soon as ever he saw it he applied hellebore
powder, and that he repeated the dose. Here, where rightly
used and in time, hellebore powder was effectual ; and I have no
doubt at all that when so used it will never fail. — ExPEaitrs.

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING.
The July Meeting of the Entomological Society was very fuUy
attended, it having been understood that this would have been

the last meeting in their apartments in Bedford Eow. It
appears, however, that the arrangements which had been nearly
completed for the removal of the Society to fresh roonas in
Gerard Street had failed ; and that it was understood that some
alterations would be made in the present apartments to render
them more commodioxis, so as to obviate the necessity of
removal. The chair was occupied by George E. Waterhonae,
Esq., of the British Museum, Vice-President.

General Sir J. B. Hearsey (who, after more than filty years'
service of the most distinguished kind in India, has returned to
England), exhibited a case of beautiful insects collected by
himself in the neighbourhood of Darjeeling, including several
species hitherto unique in our English collections. And Mr.
Baly exhibited a fine series of Beetles belonging to the family
HispidiE, collected by Mr. Browning in China and the Philip-
pine Islands.

Mr. E. Smith exhibited a specimen of the very curious
parasite, allied to Hippobosca, which infests the hive bee, named
Braula coeca. It had not been previously observed in this
country, and the present specimen had been found upon an
indiridual of the Apis hgustica, which latter had, however,
been reared in this country. It had been taken by Mr. Wood-
bury near Exeter.

Specimens of Ammeecius brevis, a new British Beetle of the
family Aphodiidse, which had been taken in some profusion on
the sands at Southport near Liverpool, were distributed among
the members by the captor ; who also exhibited specimens of the
black variety of Tillus elongatus, which he thought might prove
to be a distinct species having white patches at the sides of the
elytra. It had been taken at Croydon.

Mr. MacLachlan exhibited specimens of both sexes of the
remarkable aquatic Moth, Acentropns niveus, recently taken at
Hampstead.

Mr. Desvignes read a paper containing descriptions of eleven
new British species of Ichneumonid£E belonging to the genus
Bassus.

Mr. Stevens exhibited a case of beautiful Lepidoptera collected
by Mr. Trimen at the Cape of Good Hope, and announced the
publication of a work on the Butterflies of South Africa by that
gentleman. Mr. Stevens also exhibited specimens of a new
British Weevil, Nedyus crux, taken by himself at Mickleham.

Mr. Stainton exhibited some Birch leaves from the neighbour-
hood of Scarborough infested by a remarkable mining larva,
which, after consuming the parenchyma of the leaf, cuts out a
circular case about one-tenth of an inch in diameter.

Captain Cox exhibited a number of drawings of the trans-
formations of Lepidojiterous insects, as well as the ravages of
a Dipterous larva on the middle shoots of Wheat plants ; which,
however, instead of being destroyed thereby, threw out a nimiber
of side shoots, so that the crop was not materially injured by
the attacks of the insect Professor Westwood stated that this
larva was doubtless the young state of Chlorops teemopus, or
Musca pumflionis, well known for the habits of its larvfc infest-
ing Wheat : and General Hearsey stated that it is the custom
for the native Indians on the Punjaub to mow off the first
shoots of then" corn crops in order to increase the growth of the
plants.

Mr. Stainton exhibited some galls found upon Silene nutans
produced by an insect. And Mr. Kobinson exhibited di-awings
of various exotic Coleoptera collected by Mr. WoUaston.

Captain Cox made some remarks on the great rarity of insects
this season, owing either to the cold of the last winter or the
extreme moisture of the last season. He also suggested the
advisability of planting certain species of wild plants in gardens,
in order to attract the different species of insects which frequent
them.

Mr. MacLachlan read some remarks, in which he contended
that the suggestion that many of the recently established species
of Lepidoptera, especially among the small species, were only
varieties resulting from a variation of food of the larva was
untenable, and that there was very great difficulty in deter-
mining the question owing to the minuteness of the individuals.
Professor Westwood having been appealed to as supporting the
contrary opinion, stated that he had hoped that he had endea-
voured'to guard himself from misapprehension in previous
observations upon this subject. He had indeed stated his opinion
that many of these so-called new species were merely varieties,
and he had in vain looked for any structural characters, either
in the larva or perfect insect, set forth in their descriptions to
warrant their establishment. A slight variation in the colour of

324

JOUKNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 23, 1861.

the larva, or a difference in the form of the burrow in the leaf
in wliich they reside, or in that of the case which they make and
carry about as their abode (on which many of theee species
mainly rested), were, he considered, aU due to the difference of
the plants on which the insects fed. He had, however, no
positive proof of such a fact, and therefore had never assertfd it
as such. But analogy bore out tins view ; and Mr. MacLachlan
had forgotten that the largest species of Butterflies and Moths —
namely, the giant Ornithopteri and the great Silli Moths of the
East, afforded instances of modiBcation of species, which ought
to have great weight in determining the question. He con-
sidered it certain that the Ailanthus Silk Moth, now cultivated
in France, was only a variety of tlie B. Cynthia, which had
become modified by its food; and General Hearsey stated that
it was well known that tlie Tussen and Arrindy Silkworms of
India produced very different kinds of silk when fed upon
different plants. Mr. Bates had also proved that variation in
species occurred in Butterflies in comparatively small geographi-
cal ranges, which Mr. Westwood considered might be due to
other eonsidei'ations, as it was well known that in Afi iea species
remained permanent over an exceedingly wide range. Experi-
ments were required to settle this question as regarded the
British Microlepidoptera. — W.

THE NEIGHBOUEHOOD OF EIO DE JANEIRO.

Aftee three days' travelling we arrived at Socego, the estate
of Seiih6r Manuel Figuireda, a relation of one of our party.
The house was simple, and, though like a barn in form, was well
suited to the climate. In the sitting-room gilded chairs and
sofas were oddly contrasted with the whitewashed walls, thatched
roof, and windows without glass. The house, together witli the
granaries, the stables, and workshops for the blacks, who had
been taught various trades, formed a rude kind of quadrangle ;
in the centre of which a large pile of coffee was diying. These
buildings stand on a little hill, overlooking the cultivated ground,
and surrounded on every side by a wall of dark green luxuriant
forest. The chief produce of this part of tlie country is coffee.
Each tree is supposed to yield annually, on an average, 2 lbs. ;
but some give as much as 8 lbs. Mandioca or cassarla is likewise
cultivated in great quantity. Every part of this plant is useful :
the leaves and stalks are eaten by the horses, and the roots are
ground into a pulp, whicli, when pressed dry and baked, form
the farinha, the principal article of sustenance in the Brazils. It
is a curious, though a well-known fact, that the juice of this most
nutritious plant, is highly poisonous. A few years ago a cow
died at this Fazenda, in consequence of having drunk some of it.
Senhor Fignireda told me that he had planted, the year before,
one bag of Feijao or Beans, and three of Rice ; the former of
which produced eighty, and the latter three hundred and twenty
fold. The pasturage supports a fine stock of cattle, and the
woods are so full of game, that a deer had been killed on each of
the three previous days, 'this profusion of food showed itself
at dinner, where, if the tables did not groan, the guests surely
did ; for each person is expected to eat of every dish. One day,
having, as I thought, nicely calculated so that, nothing should go
away untasted, to my utter dismay a roast turkey and pig ap-
peared in all their substantial reality. During the meals, it was
the employment of a man to drive out of the room sundry old
hounds, and dozens of little black children, which crawled in
together, at every opportunity. As long as the idea of slavery
could_ be banished, there was something exceedingly fascinating
in this simple and patriarchal stile of living: it was such a
perfect retirement and independence from the rest of the world.
As soon as any stranger is seen arriving, a large bell is set tolhng,
and generally some small cannon arc fired. The event is thus
announced to the rocks and woods, but to nothing else. One
morning I walked out an hour before davlight to admire the
solemn stillnei's of the scene; at last, the silence was broken bv
the morning hymn, raised on high by the whole body of the
blacks ; and in this manner their daily work is generally begun.
On such fazendas as these, I have no d^ubt, the slaves pass
happy and contented lives. On Saturday and Sunday they
work for themselves, and in this fertile climate the labour of
two days is sufEuient to support a man and his family for the
■whole week.

The greater number of trees, although so lofty, are not more
than 3 feet or 4 feet in circumference. There are, of course, a
few of much greater dimension. Senhdr Manuel was then

making a canoe 70 feet in length from a sohd trunk, which had
originally been 110 feet long, and of great thickness. The con-
trast of Palm trees, growiiig amidst the common branching
kinds, never fails to give the scene an intertropical character.
Here the woods were ornamented by the Cabbage Palm — one of
the most beautiful of its family. With a stem so narrow that it
might be clasped with the two hands, it waves its elegant head at
the height of 40 feet or 50 feet above the ground. Uhe woody
creepers themselves, covered by other creepers, were of great thick-
ness : some of which I measured were 2 feet in circumference.
Many of the older trees presented a very curious appearance from
the tresses of a Liana hanging from their boughs, and resembling
bundles of hay. If the eye was turned from the world of foliage
above to the ground beneath, it was attracted by the extreme
elegance of the leaves of the Ferns and Mimosse. The latter, in
some parts, covered the surface with a brushwood only a few
inches high. In walking across these thick beds of Mimosa, a
broad track was marked by the change of shade, produced by
the drooping of their sensitive petioles. It is easy to specify the
individual ohjects of admiration in these grand scenes ; but it is not
possible to give an adequate idea of the higher feelings of wonder,
astonishment, and devotion, which fill and elevate the mind.

After the hotter days, it was delicious to sit quietly in the
garden and watch the evening pass into night. Nature, in these
climes, chooses her vocalists from more humble performers than
in Europe. A small frog, of the genus Hyla, sits on a blade of
gra«?, about an inch above the surface of the water, and sends
forth a pleasing chirp ; when several are together they sing in
harmony on different notes. I had some difficulty in catching a
specimen of this frog. The genus Hyla has its toes terminated
by small suckers ; and I found this animal could crawl np a
pane of glass, when placed absolutely perpendicidar. Various
cif-adfe and crickets, at the same time, keep up a ceaseless shrill
cry, but which, softened by the distance, is not xmpleasant.
Every evening nfter dark this great concert commenced ; and
often have I sat listening to it, uiitU my attention has been drawn
away by some curious passing insect.

At these times the fireflies are seen flitting about fi-om hedge to
hedge. On a dark night the light can be seen at about 200 paces
distant. It is remarkable that in all the different kinds of glow-
worms, shining elaters, and various marine animals (such as the
Crustacea, merluste, nereidoe, a coralline of the genus Clytia, and
Pyrosoma), which I have observed, the light has been of a well-
marked green colour. All the fireflies, which I caught here,
belonged to the Lampvridfe (in which family the English glow-
worm is included), and the greater number of specimens were of
Lampyris occidenlalis. * I found that this insect emitted the
most brilliant flashes when irritated : in the intervals the ab-
dominal tings were obscured. The flash was almost co-instan-
taneous in the t«'o rings, but it v\-as just perceptible first in the
anto'ior one. The shining matter was fluid and very adhesive ;
little spots, where the skin had been torn, continued bright with
a slight scintillation, whilst the iminjured parts were obscured.
When the insect was decapitated the rings remained uninter-
, ruptcdiy bright, but not so brilliant as belbre ; local irritation
j with a needle always increased the vividness of the light. The
rings in one instance retained their luminous propeity nearly
twenty-four hours after the death of the insect. From these
facts it would appear probable, that the animal has only the
power of concealinff or extinguishing the light for short intervals,
! and that at other times the display is involuntary. On the
muddy and wet-gravel walks I found the larva? of this lampyris
in great numbers : they resembled in general form the female of
the English glowworm. Thjse larva; possessed but feeble
luminous powers ; very differently from their parents, on the
slightest touch they feigned death, and ceased to shine ; nor did
irritation excite any frch display. I kept several of them alive
for some time ; their tails are very singular organs, for they act
by a well-fitted contrivance as suckers or organs of attachment,
aiid likewise as reservoirs for saliva, or some such fluid. I re-
pcUedly fed them on raw meat, and I invariably observed, that
every liow and then the extremity of the tail was applied to the
mouth, and a drop of fluid exuded on the meat, which was then
in the act of being consumed. The tail, notwithstanding so
much practice, does not seem to bo able to find its way to the
mouth, at least the neck was always touched first, and appa-
rently as a gaide.— {Darwin's Journal during/ the Voyage of the
" Beagle")

* I am greatly indebted to Mr. Waterhouse f(ir his liindness in naming for
me tliis and macy other insects, and in Riving me much valuable assistance.

July 23, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICTJLTURE AND COTTAGE &ARDENEB.

325

WORK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.
The occurrence of genial showery sjeather will have brought
the recently trenched ground into good condition for planting
out the latest crops of Cauliflowers, Broccoh, and winter G-reens,
which should be proceeded with without delay. Asparagus, keep
the weeds down in the beds, for whicli purpose occasional sprink-
lings of salt are good, as they check the growth of weeds in their
infancy, and are of benefit to the plants. See that they are pro-
perly supported, as the crowns are sometimes seriously injured
by the stems being blown down. Calbage, make a sowing of
East Ham for early spring use, and the last sowing of Coleworts.
Capsicums, the plants to be kept watered during dry weather ;
if a little litter be laid around them they will not require it so
often. Carrots, thin the late-sown crops, and loosen the earth
between them where they hare been sown in drills. Celery, pay
strict attention to the early crop, let it be gone over with the
hand, and all the offsets taken off, and let it have a thorough
drenching with dung water, after which, on the following day,
gire it a slight earthing up to prevent evaporation. Cucumbers,
as the plants on the ridges spread, cover the soil with short
grass : this wiil keep the earth moist and the fruit clean. Divarf
Kidney Beans, a last sowing should now be made in a sheltered
situation. 'Ihe drills to be watered if the soil is very dry.
JEndive, transplant a few more, and make another sowing. To-
matoes, tlie shoots to be thinned, and those left to be kept closely
naiUd to the wall ; they should also be frequently watered and
mulched.

FLOWER GARDEN.
Attend to the wants of the growing plants by giving them
their proper supports and training at this season. The propa-
gation of stock lor another year will require immediate attention.
The cuttings of Pelargoniums for bedding purposes will, in
ordinary seasons, strike freely in beds of light garden soil in any
out-of-doors situation exposed to the sun ; but where there are
frames they should be preferred to protect the cuttings from
very heavy showers of rain. Herbaceous plants and hardy bulbs
now in full beauty to be kept in order by tying up loose growths
and keeping 'he ground free from weeds. Eanunculus roots to
be taken up forthwith, and dried in the shade; if allowed to
remain in the ground they generally strike fresli roots after the
first heavy rains. Plant out rooted Pink pipings on well-
prepared beds. Examine them occasionally to set them properly
if they are uprooted by worms. Dahlias will require an abun-
dance of water. Thin out the shoots if too thickly together.
Advantage to be taken of showery weather to prick out the
spring sowings of Wallflowers, Sweet Williams, Canterbury Bells,
and other such biennials into nursery-beds. Continue to pro-
pagate Antirrhinnms, Pentstemons, Phloxes, &c., by cuttings ;
they fake root readily under the shade of a north wall covered
with hand-lights.

FRUIT GARDEN.
Prepare the ground intended for new plantations of Straw-
berries by very deep trenching, and afterwards by a dressing of
half-decomposed manure, and fork it in. Old worn-out beds
had better be trenched up, and the crop changed. Keep the
runners well removed from the permanent beds. Applications
of liquid manure and soot will be beneficial at this season. Thin
out the shoots of Figs, and keep them well nailed in. Out-door
Grapes are late, and will require every attention in stopping and
training the shoots as open as possible to give them the benefit
of suu and air.

days give the plants a good sprinkling, and also where the
plants are standing. Pimelea spectabilis and other kinds which
have done blooming to have their br.mches liberally shortened
in, and to be set in a cool shady place to break, as also the
different kinds of Polygala. Aotus gracilis to be cut down close
to the pot, and Leschenaultias which are getting shabby to have
all their flowers and flower-buds removed, and to be placed in
a cool place to start again ; care to be taken that they are clear
of insects, and to sprinkle them overhead once or twice a-day in
warm weather. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

Stili enough of showers, and sun, and warmth, to give one
the hay fever, and, tantalising it is just when a piece is turned
over and a very little more sun would make it fit for carrying,
to see it deluged before one's eyes, and men and maidens forced
to scamper to the nearest place for shelter. But how the
Turnips do grow ! The dreaded fly has been almost a stranger
in this quarter this season, and from what little we have seen of
Wheat and other grains, there seems to be a fine promise of a
glorious harvest if the weather will only be propitious, and a
kind Providence will bless the husbandman's toil. Ah I the
blessing might oftener come, did we not in our self-sufiiciency
and pride so often forget onr dependance on that blessing.
Mangolds, notwithstanding all the grumblings about bad and
old seed will be better than was expected, and the ground will
not be lost with those that kept their eyes about them, even
when there was a partial failure, as there was plenty of time to
fill up with dibbled Swedes, Cow Cabbages, or even Savoys, and
the latter if perfected early, housed or pitted, dry, make no bad
food in winter either for two-footed man, or four-footed ox or

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.
Camellias, whenever the young wood appears getting ripe, may
be removed to the open air ; they thrive best in a situation
shaded from the midday sun, and sheltered from high winds ; to
be cai-eful to place them on a cinder or slate bottom, to prevent
worms frorei getting into the pots. Chinese Azaleas, if equally
forward in their growth and have formed their next year's tlower-
buds, may likewise be turned out ; but, unlike the Camellias,
they require full exposure to the sun and air, and to be placed
in an open situation that the wood may become thoroughly
ripened. It may, however, be necessary to place them for a
week or two in a partially-shaded situation to harden their
foliage sufficiently to bear the full force of the sun, as the sudden
change from a house to bright sunshine might cause the leaves
to turn brown. Cinerarias, whether seedlings or suckers, should
have regular attention ; those intended for winter work should
be potted forward without delay. On the evenings of hot, dry

There is hardly anything more perplexing than this question of
good seeds. In such seasons as the last, all that the most
honourable, conscientious seedsmen could do, was to do th3U'
i best ; and if some things did not come so well as others, what is
the use of railing at a class of honourable men instead of making
allowance for the season, or finding fault with ourselves ? Ever
since Adam ate the Apple, and then tried to throw tlie blame on
mother Eve, there has been growing and increasing amongst us
a most unmanly, degrading practice, of trying to throw the
responsibility of all failures on other shoulders than our own.
Perhaps from following so closely the occupation of the first
horticulturist, and thus from handling the soil becoming more
than others, " of the earth, earthy," may be the reason why,
as a class, and in advance of men of other arts, we have made
such proficiency in the sciences of grumbling and recrimination.
Only let us proceed a little farther, and the public will pay as
little attention to our complaints as was given to the howl of
the mendacious boy when the wolf actually did come. This
failing shows itself in myriads of forms, but the seed question is
its favourite field of action. What Atlas shoulders these seeds-
men must have to carry the huge weight of failures heaped upon
them, and thrive well under it all ! Rogues, no doubt, thereare
in all trades, and people, if they expect goods for next to nothing,
must expect to pay dear for their cheap articles ; but a man
who has a character to lose, is just as anxious to sell a good
article as the customer is to buy one. I do not set myself up as
a purist in these matters, no doubt I have my hoot of the dole-
fuls at times, but I do think it is more manly to find other
apologies for failures — nay, honourably to lay them on our own
backs at times, instead of indulging in this childish recrimination
on others.

I have personally seen little this season — so little that I might
have stood as a pattern housewife in the estimation of a cynical
critic, who considers that the mistress of a house should resemble
the snail, which goes no farther from home than she can carry
her shell-house on her back ; but even in the quietness of this
retreat what tales and mishaps have reached me of such shocking
seeds and such cheats of seedsmen I ! ! Well, I had a hoot
about one or two kinds of Peas, and repeated trials proved
that Ihe failure was not all my fault; but on the whole I have
never found seeds better than this season. Onions, Carrots,
Parsnips, Peas in general, French Beans in particular. Greens
and Jjettuces, coming up as thick if not thicker than usual. Of
ilower seeds I may say the same thing ; and as I know that
some folk who could not get a seed up had Iheir seeds from the
same firm, or from others equally determined to supply a first-
rate article, I could do no other than come to tlie conclusion

JOtJENAL OF HOETICXJLTTTBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ July 23, 1861.

tliat something was at fault besides the real character of the
seeds — in fact, my impression is that in a great majority of such
cases the seeds were either starved, buried, or eaten up by birds
and other vermin.

I may mention a few facts illustrative of the latter idea.
TIier>' are few seeds more hardy than Prince's Feather and Love-
lies-bleeding. All they require is a fine pulverised soil and veiy
shallow covering. For years we never had any trouble with
them but pulling out ten times more than what were left to
grow to a good size; and with all our new things hardly any-
thing makes more striking lines or rows. But at length the
birds took to them and no mistake. Branches and nets were
put over them, but still by hook and by ciook they would be at
them ; and once they got in they would clear out a row — more,
seemingly, for mischief than for any love of eating : and the care
required was so incessant just as the little things came through
the soil and even afterwards, that we have been forced to sow
such seeds under the protection of an old sash or a calico-frame,
and plant out what we want. This season also we sowed in the
very best style some lines roimd the outside of beds of Nemo-
phila, Saponaria, Sanritalia procumbens, <Src., and we got scarcely
a plant. Seeds from the same packet sown exactly iu the same
way, but under protection, so that neither slugs, nor snails, nor
birds could get at them, came thick enough, and were used to
make edgings where the sowing out of doors had failed. Some
three weeks ago we sowed with our own hands some Lettuces,
Endive, <tc., on a fruit-tree border, having no other patch of
ground at liberty. We have long learned that to sow such
things, or any of the Brassica tribe, and leave them uncovered
by net, &o., was just as wise a thing as waiting by the side of a
river until tlie waters had all passed by. A net was ordered to
be placed over the border. The man run it up both sides,
elevated it in the centre against the trees, and left a largo space
open there, just as much as telling the bii-ds they miglit enter
freely. Hardly a Lettuce has come. Endive has come mode-
I'ately, for don't the birds know the difference as well as we do ?
When the matter was pointed out the man said it could not be
the fault of the net not being rightly placed, for the seeds ncTer
came up, and therefore the seeds must have been bad ! We
should certainly have been surprised to get plants after the
birds had feasted on the seeds to their hearts' content. In
many such cases seedsmen are blamed every day, when the fault
ought to be placed against our own want of cai'cfnl watchful
attention.

Watered Cauliflowers, Peas, Beans, ic, with manure wf.ter to
make them large, crisp, and succulent, and to prolong the floivering
and bearing of the former. If close-gathered and but few pods
allowed to become large, many kinds are almost coqitinuons
bearers. In some of the larger Marrowfats, if a few pods get too
hard for use, they should be pulled off and laid in an airy place to
dry and mature for seed. By removing all such and manure
waterings, amateurs and cottagers with little room may almost
have continuous gathering fi-om all the larger Marrowfats, as
Jeyes' Conqueror, British Queen, Knight's Tall Man-ow, &c.

Watered also Lettuces rather more than half grown with
manure water, that they might not only heart well, but eat short
and crisp. Tliis they will hardly be if the groimd about the
roots is dry. To keep them longer and as moist as necessarv
with little trouble, we prefer growing them on the north side of
raised banks, and the north side of fences at the end of June
and during July and August. I was glad to find our prejudice
as respects Lettuce thoroughly dispelled. I found it was always
grumbled about if a Cabbage Lettuce was taken in for raw salad ;
but being a litile scarce of full-grown Cos, we got some fine
heads of Marseilles Cabbage used to eke out the quantity required,
and- tilt re has been no end of praises of the Lettuces. I have
tried the Marseilles myself, and find it very crisp and sweet,
though almost as large as a Cabbage, and I really think prefer-
able to Cabbage Lettuces much more run after, as Victoria,
Versailles, &c. ; they when mature being softer, and, perhaps, on
that account better for stewing. After all a good constant
supply of Lettuces, so delicious in warm weather, is onlv to be
obtained by frequent sowings — say making a sowing from May
to September, whenever the previous sowing gets above the
ground for an inch or so. Part of that allowed to stand where
sown, and part transplanted, give» a nice succession. A great
breadth of Lettuces, unless in some wonderfully large establish-
ment, is just a great breadth of waste. The great thing is just
to have enough to meet the demand, and little more and plenty
of succession coming on. A young fellow came to me very

wroth because he wa3 grumbled at for not hating a nice blanched,
crisp Lettuce for salad, though previously he had whole quarters
of Lettuce, four parts out of five of which were rendered useless
because they could not be used fast enough. He thoroughly
tired them with Lettuce, and then they complained when they
wauted them again. This young friuud will be wiser for the
future, or I will use my bet— a farthing's worth of treacle.

As the result of some experience, I would add two or three
golden rules to that of the late Walter Dickson, of Edinburgh,
which I have been assiu-ed was. Sow thick, tliiu quick, and keep
friends with the cook. This for the first ; the second would be,
Never let the cook or housekeeper know if you are scarce of any
one thing. Philosophers might make a volume on the subject ;
for me it is quite aufEcient, that whatever is scarce becomes from
that moment endowed with a peculiar charm, and is sure to be
asked for because it was scarce. I could fill a volume with
anecdotes confirmatory of this fact. The second rule is. Strive
to have plenty of everything; and the third and the most im-
portant is, Never let any part of the establishment be glutted and
tired of any one thing. "Sent this or that until they were
thoroughly tired of it," is not the mode to supply kitchen stuff,
fruit, or anything else. If you have extra abundance of any one
thing, it is better to give part to the garden labourers than to let
any part of theestabUshment get tired of it. Even the sei-vants'
hall should have its changes of yegetables when they are plentiful
in summer. The Cauliflower is king of flowers, according to
Dr. Johnson, but it would cease to be attractive when presented
day after day — the sight at last would become repulsive; but
with two or three changes between, how nice and pleasant it
would be.

No gardener, however high his position, ought to be above
looking after the vegetables that go to all parts of the establish-
ment. The person that supplies the house is very apt to take
the same things day after day if not jogged up a bit. Not long
ago a friend of ours, when his mind was labouring under a com-
plication of domestic trials and afflictions, found that his good
man Friday had taken nothing but Potatoes, though Cabbages,
Cauliflowers, Peas, Beans, Dwarf Kidney Beans, and Scarlet
Eunners were going to waste for want of gathering. Study, then,
to give variety, and never allow a good thing to become distaste-
ful by giving a surfeit of it.

We must pass the fi-uit garden with saying that the same
process of stopping and training was proceedecl with, and that
Melons swelling were elevated on bricks to keep them from the
moisture of the bed ; and later ones showing bloom were set,
and later ones still trained and pegged out.

Much time and trouble have been taken up with the flower-
beds. Many of our friends merely plant, and leave them to
themselves. I find all under ;ny care becomes unsatisfactory
unless there is careful training, pegging, and branching, and the
pilants are not only secured against wind, but groat attention is
paid to the relative heights iu groups and in single beds filled
with various things. Beds that receive nothing of this attention
may look tolerable from a distance, but whenever you come near
them you can see at once that they are destitute of all artistic
skill, and, therefore, so far unsatisfactory. The beds and groups,
it is true, should appear to be growing naturally, and yet design
and skill should be apparent, or we might be satisfied with groups
on the roadside, the hedgerow, and the wood glade, instead of
giving oiu-selves so much bother in the garden. Where suoh
attention cannot be given we would advise cxirtailing the number
of flower-beds, that more time may be giren to those left. I
would sooner see one bed well managed than a dozen showing
signs of slovenliness ; and I would wish it to be thoroughly
recognised as another golden rule — that the amateur or the cot-
tager that can show a single bed better than any one amongst
the hundreds at Shrublands or Trentham, just shows so mush
the more better taste and better gardening. This seems a h««l
matter to believe by some who hare very little places, and the
genius of envy seems to possess them when they see a fine large
place ; but it is the true point of contrast notwithstanding, and if
kept in view many would return from visiting gardens on good
terms wi'h themselves and everybody else, instead of letting it
be seen that they could not be superior to envying those who
had more wealth and more land than themselves.

A friend has thanked us for the hint of insisting on the work-
men having boards for their feet in regulating flower-beds, but
sajs his Box edging gets injured nevertheless, and if the edgings
are formed of grass paths the men destroy the symmetiy of the
edge by their heels and toes if the grass ia at all damp. To

July 23, ISOl. ]

JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COa?TAaE GAEDENKB.

327

remedy this we insist on having boards along the edging for the
feet to stand on, so that when, after tying, &c., the hoe ia used
along the bed to level it, no mark of toes or heels can be seen.
These miniitice serve to promote a general good effect, and where
there is so much to do it becomes painful to see work conducted
on the do and undo principle. — E. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*^* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing tbey
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the '^Journal of Horticulture, ^tf.," 162, Fleet
Street, London^ E.C,

Petdnia Blossoms (D. F.J.— The "oilskin" in Tvhieh you packed the
flowers «as an old skin oilei, and apparently from the head of a dnim~at
ail events, it was the averse thing we ever saw, and your flowers conld no^ be
made cut. The same post broiipht us fiesh specimens from the Belfast
Botanical Garden as an experiment proposed by ourselves to the worthy
Curator on the efficiency of oilskin packinir. Even in Belfast this skin ia
double the riffht thickness. The right soi't of botanical packing oilskin is :is
thin and filmy as the finest silver paper, and had it not been oiled you could
read mfinnscript thron^h it. It must be had from first-class chemists' shops
as we think. But the Belfast specimens are quite as fresh as when cut. The
vajfiegatcd Pe'iunia from Jersey was under initials.

Calceolailias- Vegetable Marrows (jJ/rti/it^/eV— You had better secure
seeds of your Calecolai ias, and sow next muntli. Jfeanwhile turn the plants
out of the pots into liirht sandy soil on a noi th border near to a wall or (ence,
and if alive at all they will push up j oung plants from the bottom, aT'd the
smallest rooted bit of these if grown on will fill a large flower-pot next
season. The old plants never do any good again— at least, rarely, We pre-
sume you are speaking of the large-flowered herbaceous kinds. Do you not
mean that your Marrows comewhitish-gre-n? That is how they oui^ht to be
when young and cookable. If you mean that they actually do come white
there must be something pai-ticular in the kind or in your treatment. Do
you shade or cover the fruit ?

What is *'Cadi,uck ?"~The common Hemlock is called in Cheshire
Kedlock, a provincialism. Perhaps this may be the plant meant by " A
TonxG Beginnkr."— K. In Kent and the southern counties the Charlock,
or Sinapis ai-vensis, is called Cadluck.

Books (C/arn). — The best rudimentary book on botany you can have is
"Henfrey's Uiidimcnts." The Cottage Gardeuer''s Dicfionart/ does cont&in
the botanical and English names of plants, and all gardening infonnation
you can possibly want.

Rose Cuttixos {D. K. B.). — It is quite immaterial whether you place the
cuttings in a nori.h<?ni or a westem aspect. The great obJQct is to avoid too
great exposure to ^iircct solar influence, and too great excitement. If you
make use of a western aspect you must just shade the more.

Exchange of Plants {IT. W. ^.).— We hardly know how this can be
managed. If we insert a list of plants wanted, and we als3 insert the rcplit-,
these will amount to advertisements. We would have no objection to insert
thera as sucli.

Cdltivatiok of the TRUFFLk {T?iorn\—We shall be much obliged. It
is rather an Interesting subject.

Broosi (Dt'opsi/).—n is the green tops that are used. Boilloz. of the
green tops in a pint of water down lo half a pint, and take two tLtble-apoon-
fuls every hour till it acts on the bowels.

Diseased Vine Leaves (./. .?., SotihuU).—'SVe have no clear recollection of
yoiu* former inquiry, but the leaves sent show that we were so far right.
Altliougli shaking the conclusions of you and your friends we are so far glad to
say that on neither of the three leaves is there a single trace of red snidtr. We
cannot wish you anything hardly better, in a gardening point of view, than
that you may alwjys remain as ignorant of tlie appearance of that dest-ructivc
rapacious little insect. The louver side of the leaf of No. 1 is much warted—
an appearance produced by various causes, but chiefly fiom a too confined
atmosphere, and a greater degree of richness at the roots than the leaves
are able to get rid of in dull weather. There is a small mark or two as if a
thrips had been nibhllng, but we are not sure if there had been one; but we
found not a single trace of a spider or its webs. No. 2 is equally covered
vith these fungoid warts, but not so forward. The sulphur has been used
judiciously, as the Vine leaves do not seem to have suifered thereby ; and
the reason wliy the fungoid warts have become more brown where most
■exposed to the fumes, is that sulphur and lime are great enemies of the whole
fungus family, or nearly so. Such leaves whether thus ac-ted on by sulphur
or not will not perform their functions so well as Vine leaves clear of all
such jncruatations; and tiiough in this respect we do not think the sulphur
will do great good, it will assuredly help to keep the red spider and mildew
at a distance, only you must take care the flue is scarcely ever above 160**
when the sulphur is on it. No. 3 shows symptoms that it, too, would be
aitacked with these wai'ts as it gets older, and the edges of the leaves show
signs of scalding from want of air being given early enough, or from being
very clo^e to the glass when the house was not only too hot but tco moist-
such as it would soon be on one of these bright mornings if the air was
delayed being given a little too long. The great remedy for waning is
promoting a reciprocal action between roots and leaves, and giving the latter
a healthy bracing atmosphere. If the roots are deep in wet, rich soil, the
leaves cannot perspire enough in dull weather, nor yet in fine weather if the
fltmosphere is too close, warm, and moist. If not satisfied you might send a
leaf or two again, as tliey were a little faded; but we assure you that tliey
contained no trace of spider or other insect, though in one spot there was
the appearance that a thrips had been trying for a mouthful.

Cuttings of Currant Trees {IT. E. T. S., Edenrfroee).— The time to
plant cuttings of Currant trees is in the spring. We do not think sawduit
wojJd be at all injurious to a pig to lie en it.

ViKE Leaves Browned (A Suhcriher, Palermo). — The leaves of your
Vines are scorched by the rays of the sun beinc collected into a focus b\' the
inequalities of the thickness of the glass, which form lenses and act in the
way exhibited.

Calceolarias DxtNG OFF (M. C. tr. ie.).— The subject was discussed most
fully in our pages last year ; and there you will find the results of theesperience
of many reliable men— such as Mr. Fish, ilr. Robson, and other practical
gardeners The premature decay ia influenced chiefly by the mode in which
they have been wintered. There is no remedy now but to fill up the blanks
from tfcc reserve-bed as they occur.

Plants to Flower in Winter (W. S. M.). — Your query is answered in
our last Number at page -307. Mildew on Roses can be kept away by
mulching over their roots and wattring two or three times a-\\eek with
liquid manui-e. As soon as mildew appears, dust the leaves with flowr-rs of
sulphur, and sjTinge after three or four days. If the mildew still appears,
repeat the process.

Preserving Rosi^ Petals.—/. M. wishes for directions how to preserve
the petals of the Rosa, so as to retain their odour fir a long time. The
only mode of preserving ihem that we know of, is by exposure to a warm
current nf air in a dry room, but not in the sunshine. This is the mode in
dicing them for pot poum. AVe shiU be obliged by information on the
subject.

WooDLicE {IT. (?.).— M'e know of no mode of poisoning them. AU that
we can recommend for destroying thera is in Ko. 3, page 49, of our present
Volume.

Names of Plants [J. ^.).— No, 1, Phalaris arundinacea variegata, the
Ribbon Grass or Gardener's Garter; 2, Lunaria biennis, or Honesty; 3, Spiraea
jiponica; 4. a Campanula of some sort, a very defective specimen ; 6, a bit
ofaGladi lus, ditto. {G. S. N.), — The plant which has come up among your
Eschsch..ltzia is Clark ia pulchella alba. {S. H. L).~-\, not known; 3, Erica
Bowieana; the unnumbered plant is Solanum pseudo-capsicum. {.Sf. Devon).
— 1, Malva raoKCliata ; 3, Agriinonia eupatorium ; 4, Teucrium scordonia; 5,
Hypericum dubiura ; 6, Epilobium parvifiorum.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

August 9fh. Belfast Royal Botanic and IT orti cultural Society.

(Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables.) Sec, George A. CaiTuthers.
August I4th. Pobtsea Island. Sec, XI. Hollingsworlh, Southsea;
August 28th. Dewsbuby. Sec, Mr. Edward Forth,
September 2nd. Heckmondwike. (Floral, Horticultural, and Ajri-

cultural.) Scc.t G. KcUey, Heckmondwike.
September 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other de>icriptions, and Fruit.) Sec.^ W. Houghton.
September 11th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eylee.
September 18th and 19th. Bkigbton and Sussex. Sec.^ E. Cahpkntee.
NovEMBKB 6th and 7lh. P.oyal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superintendent^ G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newikgton Chrysanthemtk Sociktt.

SeCy W. T. Howe.
November I4th and 15th. Crystal Palack. (Chrysanthemum Show.)

SeCy W. Houghton.
N.B. — Secretaries of Societiea intending to advertise in our columns vnll

oblige u$ hy sending an early intimation of their exhibit ioii days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

POULTRY, «tc., SHOWS.

August 1st. Eossemdale. Sec, Mr. "William Piatt, Waterfoot, near

Manchester.
August 1st. Goole. Hon. Sees., Mr. R. Blackburn, and Mr. C. Browning.
August 3rd, Sth, and 6th. Sheffield, jSec, Mr. Wm. Henry Dawson^

Sheffield. Entries cIofc July 25th.
August 3rd. Ayrshire Apiarian Society. Sec, Mr. John Laughland.
August 26th, 27th, 2Sth, and 29th. Crystal Palace Summer Snow.

Sec, Mr. W. Houghton. Entries close July 27th.
September 3rd. Pocklington {Yorkshire.} Sec^ Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close August 2Gth.
Septembfr llth and 12th. Manchf,ster and Liverpool. Sec. Mr. T. B.

Ryder, 2, Elliott Street, Clayton Square. Liverpool, Son. Local Sec,

Mr. S. H. Hyde. Entrie-^ close August 14th.
September 24th. Bridgnorth, Sec, Mr. R. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
Skptembek 26th. MiDDLETON. Sec, Mr. Thomas Mills.
November 22nd, 28th, and 29th. D.vrlington. Sec, Mr. J, Hodgson.

Entries close November 11th-
Decembeu 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. Sec, Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December llth, I2th, 13th, and 14th. Crystal Palace Wintee Show.

Sec, Mr. \V. Houghton.

N.B. — Secretaries will oblige us by sending early copies of their list$»

CURIOSITIES OF FOOD.

The season of 1860-61 -will long stand alone for the scarcity
and consequent deaniess of Game. Tastes may be acquired,
but after a time tbey almost become necessities ; and Tariety in
food is understood even as a part of the necessary knowledge
of the physician. It is a mistake to imagine that Pheasants,
Partridges, and Grouse interest only a few. From Sydney
Smith, who said, " If there were a pure pleasure in this world,
it was roasted Pheasant with bread sauce," down to the tall,
thin, sliabby man who haunts poulterers' shops late at night just
before they shut, and then with watering mouth and glistening
eyes, asks if there is a stale Pheasant or any other Game cheap,

flZ8

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 23, 1861.

he carea not how stale so it is within his small means — from one
to the other all like Game, and are interested in it. Delicate in
flavour, easy of digestion, and nutritious withal, it is a boon to
the invalid, or to those who lack appetite ; while a dinner party
in the winter is hardly furnished without it. It is a graceful
present among equals, and often affords the means of acknow-
ledging an obligation or a kindness where more expensive things
would fail.

In most things it is a truism that plenty produces waste, and
that waste brings first scarcity, then want. Although extreme
scarcity has in (his instance followed on abundance, such as had
never before been seen, yet one had nothing to do with the other.
A wet season did it all. We have often had to do with cheap
Partridges; but it was reserved for the year 1859 to show us
good, fresh, young birds selling at three for Is. in the market
at Cambridge, or to know on undoubted authority that thousands
were sold in Leadenhall for less than 2s. Gd. the dozen when the
weather was warm.

U'he reverse of the picture is not less extraordinary. 1860
showed us young Partridges selling at 4s. each. The failure of
the season was so complete that it was not an uncommon thing
in the markets to open a basket containing, according to invoice,
fifty Partridges, and to find it made up of forty-eight old and
two young. The scarcity was not confined to Partridges ;
Pheasants also failed, and on many manors the produce did not
amount to a young for an old bird.

As a curiosity in Game, it mav be safely asserted that twelve
Partridges could have been bought in 1859 with the money that
was necessary to buy one in 1860.

COLOUR OF GAME FOWL.

A New Suhscriber will be thankful for a little information
about Duckwing Game fowl. He has been breeding from birds
that ought to be good, if price will insure it. There is no doubt
felt about the cock, as he came from Baily, of Mount Stieet.
He has no white feathers except in the wings ; some of the
primaries, bethinks, are so blazed. Legs willow. The hen, about
whose produce there is a doubt, has a dark nutmeg back, light
chfstnut breast, stain of darker chestnut on wing, grey hackle,
and pale lemon yellow legs.

The pair have thrown chickens, in many instiinces, with legs as
white as any Dorking's, also flecked here and there with white
feathers — in short, with a strong tendency to run grey.

The cock is black-breasted, neck and saddle hackle pale un-
broken golden, showing, most probably, the remote Black-breasted
Red cross.

The eggs were sat on the 2nd and 3rd of May, and the hen
came into the writer's yard April 6th. Sinee that time there has
been no mistake as to her mate. She was not laying when she
eanie, and did not begin for something like ten days or a fort-
night after.

Are these chickens so suspicious that they ought to be con-
demned ? If thoroughly admissible in Duekwings, he would
prefer the white legs to a darker shade.

[Your chickens are far too young to destroy on account of
feather; according to date they can only be seven weeks old,
and their plumage may change much.

There is no fixed colour for the legs of a Game fowl, but they
should all he atijce ; and it is always a mistake to breed from
cock and hen of divers hues, unless f ir the sake of experiment.
Admitting, which from your description we should do, that the
hen is pure, we have little doubt she had consorted with some
other cock before she came to you. Experiments have proved
that impregnation will last six weeks — we believe longer — and,
although it is a vexed question, we have no doubt that one tread
fertilises the sitting of eggs. This would explain any deviation
from colour, and also the presence of white feathers. There are
many strains of white-legged Game; for instance, the Derby
Black Reds were so.]

clipping would produce the result. Is there any preparation
that could be mixed with paint to put a mark on feathers ?
Paint has been tried, but soon wears oif. Is there any way of
knowing hens of three or four years old, when wishing to clear
a yard of those too old to be profitable, and where the caretaker
has been changed ?

[Cutting the tails of your pullets had nothing whatever to do
with their laying badly. If the tails had been pulled out it
might have affected them, as it always causes more or less sickness
in fowls while they are growing. We have no hesitation in
saying it did not, and could not, influence them in any way to cut
them. We have found paint effectual in marking fowls and
Ducks, it will remain for months. It should be laid on thickly
in a narrow stripe over the wing. All the Ducks m Aylesbury
that run together are marked in this way. There is a very simple
and efl'ectual way of marking any fowls that require a distinguish-
ing mark. It is to sew a piece of cloth round the leg. It should
be nearly an inch long, that it may be easily seen. We have
fowls so marked that have been running two years. The cloth
is still quite fast, and the colour is plainly perceptible. We
mention the latter point because the colour of the cloth is
another method of distinguishing broods— red, blue, white, and
black may mark so many broods. Unless such means are adopted,
some hens "wear so well," and "carry their age" so easily, or
they have taken " such care of themselves," they mix with the
young and really where they are not known they pass muster.
Another metliod is adopted with Turkejs — they put stout wire
rings rountr their legs. Thus, one is marked on right, one on
left, one with two, another with three rings.]

MAEKING CHICKENS.

Could you inform An Old Subscriber if it in any way interferes
with the laying oi pullets to cut tlieir tails and wings ? Several
of mine had their tail-feathers cut this year, as a mark to know
them from older hens, in consequence of changing their care-
taker. They have not laid well, and I have been informed that

CFAEACTEES of a PUEE SEBEIGHT BANTAM.

Could you inform me in the next Number of your Journal
the means by which I (who am quite ignorant in that way) can
tell a pure Bantam fowl (Sir John Sebright), having, unfortu-
nately, lost the fowl I wished to replace, but want it of quite
pure breed ? — X. T. Z.

[A Bantam may be pure without possessing all the charac-
teristics of a first-rate bird. We will detail the principal points,
and also tell you what you must avoid in making a selection of a
Sebright Bantam. The comb must be firm on the head, straight,
with numerous points, and the pike behind turnmg upwards.
If either of these fail it is a grave fault. The bird must have
neither hackle nor saddle ; the feathers must be accurately and
evenly laced, showing a dark edging to each. If they are
spangled instead of laced, reject the bird ; the legs must be blue,
the wings drooping, and the tail of the cocks and hens alike.
There must be no sickle or streamer-feathers.]

PEE SCOT EXHIBITION OF POULTEY.

This Exhibition has now been established for some eight or
nine years past, and has always maintained a high ])Osition
among meetings devoted to the improvement of our domestic
poultry. Although the number of pens etitered on this occasion
fall somewhat short of those of foimer years, the Prescot Exhi-
bition just closed undoubtedly, as a whole, eclipced all preceding
ones as to the general excellency of the birds competing. Cer-
tainly if personal effort by Committee men to maintain superiority
is calculated to insure the success of a poultry show, the gentle-
men composing the Prescot board of management well deserve
the highest encomium ; for it is but rarely that everything
connected with such arrangements has been so carefully and so
efficiently carried out as in the case of the one now under con-
sideration, .-it a very early hour everything connected with the
show-tent was in the most complete order ; so that long prior
to the time appointed for public admission, both the comfort of
the visitors and also the poultry was equally provided for.

The entry of Spanish was peculiarly limited, Mr. Teebay, of
Preston, being the only exhibitor. This gentleman's pair of
first-rate pens securing the awards of both the first and second
prizes likewise. It is well here to mention, however, that by
the rules of the Prescot Committee, in all cases where both
prizes are awarded to a single individual without competition,
the second prize is retained to the funds of the Society ; and as
the like instance occurred in another class, it is perha|is most
satisfactory for exhibitors thus situated now to be apprised of
the reason why such premium will not be handed over to them.

July 23, 1861.]

JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE ffARDENER.

329

The Grey Dorkings were a capital class, but many of the adult
birds were rapidly falling into moult. In Cochins Mr. Stretch,
of Liverpool, obtained an easy precedence both in Buff and also
the Parlri^ge varieties ; nevertheless, these classes throughout
were very creditable ones. The entries for Hamhurghs were
Tery limited indeed, only six pens representing all the four
varieties ; these were mostly good. Mr. Dixon, of Bradford,
was the only exhibitor of Polish fowls : it is scarcely necessary
to say his specimens were excellent. The Game classes were,
perhaps, the best of any throughout the show-tent. It is some-
what singular that the Black Beds far outnumbered tlie Bi-own
Reds — a most unusual feature in such meetings during the
present season. They were exhibited, too, in a far superior
condition of plumage in comparison to the other varieties. One
class only was open for "chickens of every other variety,"
except Game. Here, Captain Hornby, of Prescot, took the lead
with a pen of such Grey Dorking chickens as have been but very
rarely shown so early in the season. The second prize Silver-
spangled Hamburgha, are also richly deserving of especial
mention ; they were from Mr. Dixon's yard. In Bantams, one
class only remained for every breed. The first prize fell to the
lot of Mr. Turner, of Preston, for a pen of excellent Brown Red
Game Bantams ; the second to the Silver-laced Bantams of Mr.
Harvey Dutton Bayley, of Biggleswade.

In Duds both the Rouen and Aylesbury breeds shone con-
spicuously. The latter prizes were swept away by Mrs. Searaons,
of Aylesbury ; the former, by a pen of the best-grown Rouen
ducklings we remember to have met with. The Grey Call Ducks,
and the Buenos Ayrean, were likewise first-rate.

The collection of Pigeons were undoubtedly the best ever yet
seen in Prescot ; they were exhibited in the most praiseworthy
feather, and contributed a very large proportion to the interest
of the Exhibition. Every prize in this portion of the Show was
well contested. The following is the list of awards : —

Spanish. — Firgt and Second, R. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston.

Dorkings. — First, W. Copple, Eccleston. Second, Capt. W. W. Hornby,
Knowaley Cottage, Prescot. Highly Commended, Capt. W. W. Hornby.
Commended, E. Sergeneson. Huyton.

Cociiin-China (Cinnamon or Buff). — First, T. Stretcb, Marsh Lane,
Bootle. Second, Miss V. W. Musgrore, "West Tower, Aughton. Highly
Commended, J. Cook, Eccleston.

Cocuin-China (Any other variety).— First, T. Stietch, Marsh Lane,
Bootle. Second, Miss V. W. Musgrove, West Tower, Aughton.

Hambcuous (Golden and Silver-spangled). — First and Second, J. Dixon,
North Park, Bradford, Highly Commended, W. C. Worrall, Kice House,
Knotty Ash.

Hamuurghs {Golden and Silver-pencilled). — First and Second, J. Dison,
North Park, Bradford. Highly Commended, W. C. Worrall, Rice House,
Knotty Ash.

POLANDS (Any variety). — First and Second, J. Dixon, North Park, Brad-
ford.

Game (Black -breasted and othe^ Keda). — First, B. W. Breiherton, jun.,
RainhiU. Second^Capt. W. W. Hornbj', Knowsley Cottaga, Prescot.

Game (Any other viriety).— First, A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Shropshire.
Second, G. W. Langd<ile, Leconfield Park, Beverley.

Game Chickens (.\ny varietyt. — First, Capt. \V. W. Hornby, Knowsley
Cottage, Pi escot. Second, Mrs. J. Holme, Knowsley. Highly Commended,
A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Shropshire ; Capt. W.W. Hornby ; j. Cook, Eccleston.

CaicKE.NS (Any variety except Game). — First, Capt. W. \V. Hornby,
Knowslev Cottage, Prescot. Second, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford.
Highly Commended, R. Tate, Driffield, Yorkshire.

Bantams (-Vny variety). — First, M. Turner, Preston. Second, T. H. D.
Bayley, Ickwell House, Biggleswade.

Ducks i Aylesbury). — First and Second, Mrs. M. Seamons, Hartwell,
Aylesbury.

D:-CKs (Rouen). — First, Mrs. J. Holme, Knowsley. Second, H. Worrall,
Spring Grove, West Derby. Highly Commended, Capt. W. W. Hornby,
Knowsley Cottage, Presco'.

Ducks (Any other varietyj. — First, J. Dixon, Bradford (Grey Call).
Second, G. S. Sainsbury, Devizes, Wilts (Black East Indian Ducks),
Highly Commended, G. S. Sainsbury (Black East Indian Ducks) ; F. W,
Earle, Edenhurst, Prescot.

Single Game Cock. —First, J. B. Chune, Coalbrookdale. Second, Capt.
W. W. Hornby, Knowsley Cottage, Prefect. Highly Commended, A. B.
Dyas, Madelev, Shropshire ; Capt. W. W. Hornby ; J. Berry, Prescot.

Game Bantam Cock. — Fiist, T. H. D. Bayley, Biggleswade. Second,
Miss V. W. Musgrove, West Tower, Aughton. Highly Commended, M.
Turner, Preston. Commended, JI. Turner ; R. Moon, jun., Wavertree,
Liverpool ; W. C. Hull, The Vicarage, Poulton-le-Fyldc.

PIGEONS.

Carriers.— First, D. Thwailes, Rock Ferry, Cheshire. Second, H.
Child, jun., Sherbourne Road, Birmingham. Commended, G. Robson, the
Brewery, Hull.

Balds.— First and Second, J. Sephton, Scotch Lane, Prescot, Highly
Commended, B. W. Brethertou, jun., Uamhill. Commended, J. W. Euge,
Aston N ?w Town, Birininghara.

Bearos. — First, J. W. Edge, Aston New Town, Birmingham. Second,
J.^Sephton, Prescot. Highly Commended, H. Yardley, 30, Market Hall,
Birmingham. *

Runts. — First, F. Key, Beverley, Yorkshire. Second, H. Child, jun.,
Sherbourne Road, Birniingiiam.

Cwus— First, D. Thwaites, Rock Ferry, Cheshire. Second, H. Yardley,
Birmingham. Commended, J. Beesley, Prescot.

Fantails.— First, H. Child, jun., Birmingham. Second. F. Key, Beverley
Yorkshire. Highly Commended, J. W. Edge, Birmingham.

Pouters or Croppers.— First, D. Thwaites, Rock Ferry, Cheshire.
Second, H. Child, jun., Birmingham. Highly Commended, D. Thwaites.

Dragons.- First, J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Second, H. Child, jun.,
Birmingham. Highly Commended, D. Thwaites, Rock Ferry, Cheshire.

Rough Legs.— First, B. W. Brethcrton, jun., Rainhill. Second, J.
Beesley, Prescot. Highly Commended, H. Yardley, Birmingham ; J.
Sephton, Prescot.

Any other New or Distinct Variety. — First, E. Sergeneson, Huyton.
Second, J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Highly Commended, E. Sergeneson,
Huyton ; H. Child, jun., Biriuingham ; F. Key, Beverley, Yorkshire,

Edward Hewitt, Esq., of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, near
Birmingham, officiated as the Judge.

ERRONEOUS JUDGMENTS OF POULTRY,

I QUITE agree with your correspondent " Baukeb," that the
Partridge Cochins are, "as a rule," very badly judged — in fact,
all Cochins are the same, and I think it is to be attributed to
the mistake of having only one judge to decide upon the merits
of a whole exhibition, which is generally the case. There are
many breeders of fancy fowls, who would, if solicited by the
secretaries, gladly render assistance to any society, and help to
judge their shows ; and I think if this plan were adopted better
judgments would be arrived at, exhibitors would be more
satisfied, and professional judges saved from a great deal of
blame. Will other amateurs kindly give their opinions on this
subject ?— CotmiBTMAN.

SICKNESS AMONG POULTRY.

I FEEQUENTLT used to have my poultry and Pigeons attacked
as your correspondent complains (July 9th), I have for some
time used a poultry restorative, prepared by Mr. Collier, chemist,
Erdington, near Birmingham, and have had my fowls, &c.,
greatly improved in health — in fact, I have scarcely any disease
since its introduction. Fowls are difficult to "doctor," there-
fore remember that prevention is not only better but much
easier than cure. I sliall try to persuade Mr. Collier to advertise
his restorative and roup application, which latter is most valuable
to poultry keepers. — Charles Felton, Erdington.

BARBS WITH TURNED CROWNS,

A Lady at Soiithsea has some good Barbs which she wishes
to exhibit. They have turned crowns. All other points being
equal, would this be a disqualification ? Most works on Pigeons
say they may have them.

[If the Barbs are othervrise good the turned crown will not
disqualify them from prizetaking ; but, if closely pressed in
competition, the crest spoiling the appearance of the head may
turn the scale against tlieni. Much, however, will depend on
the whim of the Judge.— B. P. B.]

THE RABBIT (Leptts cunicultts) :

ITS HISTORY, VARIETIES, AND MANAGEMENT.
{Continued from page 169.)

THE BABBIT-HOUSE.
The form of which varies according to circumstances and con-
venience. It is easy to judge that to breed Rabbits in this way
is more expensive than in the warren, because in that there ia
neither trouble, embarrassment, nor hand labour, and one leaves
to the animals the care of propagation and feeding ; instead of
which, Rabbits kept in huiches in a house take time and labour.
However, the profits that one gets indemnifies advantageously.
These little establishments are within reach of the greater number.
The home of the citizen or the habitation of the peasant is equally
propitious ; the rich as well as the poor will find amu-»ement and
augmentation of wealth, and private interest as well as public
demands that they should be more common than they are.
Whether you construct a regular abode for your Rabbits, or for
economy make use of an old outhouse or shed, the first condition
is that it be dry, airy, and exposed to the east or soutli ; the
second, that the house be constructed so that one can keep it
rery clean. As to the size, that will depend upon the convenience
which the situation offers, and upon the number of Rabbits the

ese

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJR'E AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ July 23, 1861.

breeder intends keeping. It would be ineonvenient that too
many Kabbits should live in the same place no matter how vast,
because under many circumstances a great number of animals
■vitiate the air, which would be dangerous for the establishment.
Let us suppose the spot chosen for the Rabbit-house is in a
poultry-yard or garden. Begin by digging out the foundation
about 5 inches or 6 inches, press in the earth and ram or tread
well down, so that it is smooth and even ; then put planks about
8 inches or 10 inches high all round the interior of the foundation,
first deciding which way you intend to have tlie fall to carry off
the water and urine when washed down — either have a channel at
the back, at one end, or in front, and you must regulate your
planks according. These are your guide in laying down the
cement floor even. Put a kind of cement of the consistence of
mortar, and spread it all over the place you have dug until it
rises as high as the planks.

(this cement should be made by mixing one part of lime,
three parts of clean gravel, and three parts of fine sand and
water, until the mixture is like fine mortar. It must be used as
soon as made while it is still boiling with the lime.)

It must be lightly trodden down when all is finished, so that
it be solid and firm everywhere, and the top well smoothed with
a piece of board used edgeways. The next day it will be as hard
as stone ; and to give it a more even and smooth appearance, you
can give it a thin coat of Boman ccQieut and fine sand, 'about
li inch in thickness, and through this it will be impossible for
their urine to filter, which is essential for the health of these
little animals. Tou can now build walls on this cement either
of bricks or stone, or, if for economy, you use boarding nailed
to upright posts, and in the spaces left it would be better to fill
these spaces with pieces of brick or tiles ; and to do this it would
be a good plan to nail up temporary boards to the post on the
inside, and fill up the space between the outside and inside boards
with small pieces of brick, tile, or rough stones, and pour down
the cement made with lime as before directed, with the exception
of being made thinner to allow it to flow more freely. In about
a day or two the inside temporary boards may be taken down,
and then give it a thin coat of Koman cement, which will pro-
duce a smooth surface like a wall, and may be liniewa.-hed. You
may carry this cement wall as high as you please, but it is not
necessary to carry it higher than 2 feet or 3 feet. The reason
I advise this is, that it is cheaper than brickwork, and it is
necessary to prevent the ingress of rats, weasles, and other
noxious animals, which, once located, would be difficult to get rid
of, and destroy all yom- hopes ajud labours by destroying the
litters.

In constructing the roof this will greatly depend upon cir-
cumstances— either a span roof, or if the house has a wall at the
back, then the roof may be a lean-to, and may be covered with
slates, tiles, or, what I have found the best, is a roof boarded
and then covered with asphalte, which must be well tarred and
8an:3ed. It is economical, warm in winter, and cool in summer,
which we cannot say for the slates or tiles. The front or sides,
if it has two, and the upper panels of the doors, can either be
glazed windows or open spaces covered with wire netting to
pre> ent the entrance of cats, &c., and wooden shutters placed so
as to close in cold weather. If glazed wmdows, they must be
constructed to open, as nothing is more essential than a free
current of air, and, therefore, it is necessary to cover the outside
of the windows with wire netting, to avoid cats, as before men-
tioned, getting through when the windows are open. As to the
heiglit of the house, you must be guided by your own judgment
and convenience, but be particular in constructing openings at
the top for ventilation, with flaps to close at pleasure.

If you would keep Rabbits in a place already built, the first
thing to do is to fill all the holes and crevices with pieces of
brick or tile, and with Roman cement stopping the whole
firmly, and then mixing one part of cement with two parts of
fine sand and water till it hns gained the consistency of cream ;
spread it on the paved or boarded floor to about IJ inch thick.
This operation should be done quickly and dexterously, for the
cement dries quickly and becomes a solid stone — through this
vermin cannot penetrate. The sides of the bnilding that have
been stopped and cleaned should be plastered or covered with
the same composition ; but it must be thicker than for the floor.
In a case where it might be found cheaper to use square tiles,
stones, or bricks for paving, it is necessary to see that all the
joints of the tiles or bricks be well filled with cement to avoid
the filtration of urine under the pavement, for it is a condition
•f health neeeesary for the prosperity of the Rabbits, for other-

wise the earth would be impregnated with urinous matters. A
fcetid and mortal odour produced by the evaporation of septic
gases would always be spread iu the house. Whatever might be
the cleanliness maintained above, it would ever be the hotbed of
perpetual diseases, and would soon discourage the breeder by the
losses it would make him suSer. I have dwelt rather lengthily
on the subject of cement paving, but my experience dictates the
necessity for these precautions ; and when breeders begin and
have no notion of the breeding of Babbits, they soon find out by
dint of losing the necessity for these precautions.

In addition to the Rabbit-house one should have a compart-
ment separated from the other Rabbits, which we will call the
hospital, for when Rabbits are sick the air they expire is
breathed by others, and produces infection which might have
been avoided if the sick Babbit had been removed. It may
happen that some may have a contagious disease, then all the
establishment will feel the efliects of it, and in a few days may be
empty ; and you would attribute to an epidemic, a disease that
might have been avoided if the Rabbits had been separated. —
R. S. S.

{To be continued.)

POT HERBS FOE EABBITS.

Will you inform me if pot herbs are good for Rabbits; and
if so, what are the best sort to cultivate, the manner in which they
are to be planted, where I can obtain them, aud the time of year
to have them sown ? — H. R. L.

[One of the best hei'bs you can grow for Rabbits is endive.
Sow it three times a-year to keep up a constant succession in
April, June, and August.]

THE CANARY AND THE BRITISH FINCHES.

iConiinued from page 288.)

2.— THE YELLOWHAMMEE (Emlerka citHnella).
French, Bruant. Qermati, Der Golda'mmer.

The Yellowhammeris the commonest of our English Buntings,
and is well known throughout the country by the appellations
ol Yellow Bunting, Yellowaiubird, Yellow Yite, and many other
provincial names referring to the yellow colour of its head.

The beak, of which the upper half is darker than the lower,
inclines to blueish while the bird is in song; in shape it resembles
the Bunting tribe, the upper mandible being slighter, and
having the peculiar knob in the palate or rooLof the mouth.
The plumage of the male is certainly attractive. The head and
throat are of a clear, bright, pale yellow ; but when newly moulted
the feathers are mostly edged with a brownish colour, so that at
first the beautiful yellow is only visible on the crown of the
head, a stripe across the eyes, and part of the throat ; but as
spring advances these brown edges wear ofl', and the head
appears nearly yellow, and the cocks are said to have more
yellow according to their age, young cocks of the first year not
having much more thtm old hens. The general pluniagc of the
body is an olive brown above, with a yellowish-grey beneath ;
having longitudinal black marks on the back, and some chestnut
brown shades on the rump and sides of the chest. Wing and
tail-feathers dark, the outer tail-feathers having long while spots
on the inner webs. The females are duller in colour, and show
scarcely any yellow, being altogether more of ft greyish shade.

They breed early in spring and again in June. The nest is
rather deep, built of dry grass aud lined with fine roots and
hair. It is generally placed on a bank, or in a lovi' hush or tuft
of grass, very near to or on the ground. The eggs, four or
five in number, are of a dirty pink colour, speckled with brown,
and streaked with black.

The young may be reared bj hand on sopped bread, egg, aud
crushetl hempseed, or bread and milk, with mawseed. When
full grown they will eat canary seed, oats, and hempseed, but
they arc rather delicate, because their natural food being insects,
they do not thrive well on seeds alone, and require a change, as
hard-boiled eggs, meat curds, ants' eggs, mealworms, &e,, especially
at moulting time. Much hempseed is very injurious. In a
wild state th.y feed almost entirely on insects, a« sninll beetles,
fli. s, moths and their larva, grubs, and caterpillars, and are,
consequently, very great friends to the farmers. In cold or
frosty weather, when they cannot obtain their natural food, they

July 2?, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETICUIiTURE AND COITAQ-E GARDEJSEE.

331

searcU Sae farmjards smd roads for hay seeds aad scattered
grain, of which oats are tlielr faroui-ites ; aud they well deserre
a few cars in the time of tlieir necessity, in retarn for the great
destruction of insects during the spring and sumiaer, to which
uaefiil occupation they agaia betaie themselTes as soon as
the snow is oflF the ground, and their natural food is to be
procured.

This bird has not been much ke]3t in confinement in this
country, but in France they are much more prized, and are
frequently kept for their song like the ChaiEnches in small cages,
and like them too, are sometimes blinded.

Perched on a bramble or the top of a hedge or bush, the cock
bird gives forth his sprightly lay, which has been likened to the
words. Dish, disTi, dish, o' green peas, the first three notes being
altered quick, dropping the Toice at green, and the last note is
prolonged and gradually dies away in spring ; before they come
in full song the last note is often omitted.

"In some parts of Scotland it is interpreted as signifying,
' Itiel deil deil take ye,' — that is, the cruel nestere, and for this
reason, probably, the Yellow Bunting is named the Devil's
Bird."

Beehetein says, " The children in Timringia imitate their song
in the following words, Wenn ich eine Sichel halt 1 wollt ich mit
schniet."

If reared from the nest they may be taught the notes of some
other birds.

I have tried to cross them with the Canary but without suc-
cess, as there does not appear any understanding or fellowship
between them, yet my lather informed me he had seen some
mules between a Yellowhammer and Canary; and 31. Hervicux
(1718) also mentions them as one of the birds that will breed
with the Canary, and remarks, " The mongrels from a Yellow-
hammer are a little blueish, and tlie cocks of them sing very ill,
especially when the sire is a Yellowhammer, and the dam a
Canary bird." Such mules, however, would, I think, be very
curious J but must be difficult to breed on account of the great
difference between the habits and manner of the parents — the
Canai'y being a Finch, aud feeding on seeds and green food, while
the Yellowhammer is a Bunting, and, though eating seeds, pre-
fers insects, and does not feed on green meat.

Bechstein mentions white and whole-coloured pale yellow
varieties,' and I have seen a wild bird with the quill-feathers of
wings and tail nearly white.

In the cage they should be allowed to bathe occasionally. In
winter when they come into the farmyards and villages, 1 have
laught them in small wooden traps sunk in the earth, and set
like tlie biiok and tile traps ; or they may be taken in the clap-
nets. Their call is chink chink, accompanied with a jerk of tlie
Bpread tail ; they also cry gip or zip. They are considered
excellent eating, and if ti;eated the same are said to be equal to
the far-famed Ortolan.— B. P. Beent.

(2b he continued.)

works for me sometimes had one hive, and from this he has
obtained ^five strong swarms — the first oa May the 3rd, the last
on July 7th. One out of the five I should, however, say was a
cast from the first swarm. Is not this something unusual ? — •
D., Deal.

THE BLACKCAP.

Your old subscriber "L.," inquires about this bird. It
breeds generally in gardens, but he would derive no benefit by
taking young ones from the nest, as they never have the pure
song, and lie would only reap disappointment for his trouble.
The best way would be to purchase one meated ofi' from a bird
dealer, and lie would tell him what kind of food he had given
him. The price would be ti-om 7s. to 10s. They require similar
food and treatment as the Nightingale. — Wm. Bbent, Battle,

SWAB.MING SEASON OF 1861.

" Amisais ut fama apibus movboque fameque." — Vikgil.

Many of the bee-keepers in this kingdom having shared tha
fate of the "pastor aristans," so pathetically described by
Virgil in his 4th Georgic, and lost their bees from disease and
famine in the year 1860, it may be satisfactory to them to know
that there is a probability of their losses being repaired thij
year, without having recourse to that expensive process of slaying
and exposing the carcases of bulls and heifers as recommended
to, aud adopted by, the aforesaid shepherd, as the following
statement of facts may serve to show.

Having lost all my bees (including a stock and swarm of
Ligurians) in the winter of 1860 and spring following, I pur-
chased a prime swarm, which came forth on the 16th of May, for
one guinea, and a second from the same stock for half-a-guinea.
These were placed in my vicarage garden, and, after speedily
filling the hive, the former lias sent forth two large swarms, oa
the 18th and 28th of June, both of which are thriving well, and
the former has ah'eady given me a small box of honey on the top
of its now stock-box.

This instance of one stock having become five I thought
remarkable, but I fi.nd, on inquiry that more of my neighbours'
bees have been even more prolific than mine ; two casts having
come to my knowledge in which one stock had become six,
three swarms having issued from the parent hive, and two from
the prime swarm ; and one of these instances of rapid increase
is the more remarkable, from the fact of the parent stock having
been kept fifteen years by its owner without being known to
send out a single swarm !

I shall be glad to learn from some of your correspondents, if
the swarming season of 1861 has been as remarkable in other
parts of the kingdom as in East Eent. — Sibeei-ox-ihb-'Wolb.

This bird usually breeds iu gardens, shrubberies, and coppice.
I shoidd think they may be caught in a niglitingale-trap, baited
with a nualworm, or be taken from the nest and reared by
hand. In either case they require meating off and feeding like
Nightingales.— B. P. B.

BEE SWAEMING.

In a year when bees are scarce the following facts aeem to me
(although I hove but little pretensions to being an apiarian)
worth recording. My uncle, living near Canterbury, had three
hives alive after the winter, from these he has had ten swarms.
But move remarkable still, tlie brother cf a labouring man who

UNITING SWARMS— FEEDING BEES—
WOODBUfir-HIVE.

Last year, in common with all bee-keepers, I found my stocks
very poor. I obtained no honey and had no swarms, and was
under the necessity of giving about 28 lbs. of syrup to make up
three stocks for the winter. In the spring I found two slocks in
square boxes, very weak, and the third in an old llat-top straw-
hive, so forward that it swarmed on the 20th of May. I felt I
hod not given sufiicient attention to Mr. Payne's warning, that
weak stocks are very troublesome and very expensive, and,
therefore, set two objects before me — namely, to renovate my
stocks and yet get some honey.

I will call the two boxes A and B, and the straw hive C. On
C's swarming I determined to unite it with the weakest box. A,
which was successfully accomplished at dusk by turning up A
(lifter wliifSng in a pufi'of smoke), sprinkUng it well with some
liquified honey ; then, with a smart rap, dislodging the swarm,
and instantly, but gently, placing A over it. Very little fighting
took place — perhaps two hundred bees were lost ; and I was
well pleased with the success of my operation. My hopes of
honey harvest from this strengthened hive have, however, been
partially blighted, for it sent out a prime swarm on the 2nd
of July ; my harvest from it, however, is about 10 lbs. pure
honey.

On the thirteenth day C gave a second swarm — a very fine one —
which was hived in a Payne's cottage-hive (D). This was put on
the old stump, and the stock removed a sliort distance. On the
17th of June, fifteen days after the issue of the cast D, and
when it had quite half filled the hive, C sent out a prime swarm.
Eemembering the success of my previous union, I determined to
try again : of course D was too young, and the combs too im-
perfect and tender to allow of inverting and sprinkling, and,
therefore, the swarm was united to it at sunset in the same way as
before, but without these precautions. The result was success-
ful so far as it njade D a strong stock, aud gives me hopes of a
capital honey harvest from it; but the sacrifice of bee life was
grievous. Throughout tlie next day fighting was kept up, and

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

^32

from what bees I swept up from before the hive, I must have
lost three pints by measure of dead bees. I have since taken a
email glass of honey from the old hive C ; and should the last
swarm of the 2nd of July fill their box, I intend a union with
C, which is eight years old in the autumn, by simply placing it
at ni"ht over the new box with a whiff of smoke into each hive,
and leaving it long enough for the brood to be liatched out, and
then treating it as a super— a mode of uniting I have several
times practised in autumn with entire success.

Fig. I.

[ July 23, 1861.

A Section of tin feeder.

B Section of inverted tumbler.

C Tube placed over opening in hive.

A succession of dull days followed the second swarm, D, which
necessitated feeding. My feeder I will describe :— I never could
manage doats to my satisfaction, and never mean to try them
again : I have tried several kinds. Bottle-feeding was not then
invented, and I tliink my plan, to those who have the ordinary
circular tin feeders, equal in many respects to the bottle. My
feeders are made of round cake-tins, with a circular two-inch
hole, and a tube soldered 1 inch high ; over this I invert a
tumbler, and fill the space with two or three rounds of perforated
zinc, and cover the whole with a dinner plate. My feeders hold
IJ lb. of syrup.

The wavy lines within the tube, and between the tube and
tumbler, represent coils of perforated zinc for the bees to cling
to. I have never met witli any description of such a contriv-
ance ; but it is a plan which I think to be preferred far before
a wooden float.

I, yesterday, knocked out a second swarm from a hive they
had occupied thirty hours. I found in beginning the foundation
of combs, they had followed the direction of the straw bands ;
one large piece of comb and a small bit were parallel, a second
large piece stood at an angle of 75° with relation to the former,
and a third foundation was laid at right angles.

I now beg to put a query or two. In uniting a swarm with
one previously housed, is it usual for much fighting to take
place? Was not the case I have given extraordinary in the
continuance of fighting through the whole of the next day ?
Would there have been less fighting had the union been delayed
tiU after dark ? It was made just about sunset.

In uniting stocks by simply superposing them in the autumn,
do you think I incur any risk of mui.h loss ? I have united
Bome half dozen pairs in that way without any.

I am glad to hear of the success of Mr. Woodbury's new bars,
as related in your Number of the 2nd instant. WiU von please
to inform me if they were adjusted at If inch. And what
dimensions does Mr. Woodbury recommend for bar-boxes for
black bees, and how many bars ? and what for Ligiirian ?

My district is a fair one. I should consider a harvest of
22 lbs. of honey per hive, with need to feed the stock with 5 lbs.
or 6 lbs. after the honey season, a fuU harvest, from my experience
of about ten years with from two to five stocks. — A. B. C, Tan-
hridge WelU.

[Your experiments in uniting bees coincide very nearly with
our own — perfect success generally, but some fighting at times ;
still we have never known the conflict continue during the next
day. Had the union been deferred till after dark, the same
result would, most probably have follo>ved. We have had little
experience in uniting stocks by what you term " superposing,"
and cannot therefore offer an opinion. We believe the grand
secret of success in all bee-unions is to take care that the in-
truders are well gorged with honey, in which state they are
welcome guests in any hive, and will generally be received as
such,

Mr. Woo'lbui'y's bar-hives fo' Ligurians arc 13 inches square
by 9 inches deep — nine bars; frame-hives \i\ inches square by
9 inches deep, allowing in each case a fraction more than IJ inch
from centre to centre. His bars are seven-eighths of an inch
wide, and three-eighths of an inch thick. He has no colonies of
black bees, but always used smaller hives when he kept tlum,

say 13 inches square by f inches or 7^ inches deep, and recom-
mends the same distance between the bars as above stated.

The following sketch, being ati exact representation of an in-
terior angle of one of Mr. Woodbury's hives with the bars re-
moved, shows the rabbet which allows the bees to pass above
the bars as well as the precise distance between each.]

Fig. 2.

EHUBAEB WINE.

" WoECESTEE," in your Number for July 2nd, has failed to
pound it out of his neighbours to leave off pounding the stalks
of Hhubarb, or to leave off putting brandy into their wine.
Neither their pounding, nor his own more gentle pressing and
squeezing, are in any degree necessary or advantageous.

In either case some of the pulpy matter may be separated
from the stalks and remain suspended in the liquor, rendering
the process of refining more tedious and lees perfect. The
notion of not obtaining the strength of the JKhubarb without
pounding or pressing it, is foundcil on the misconception that
the Rhubarb affords strength to the wine. The only use of the
Rhubarb is to impart flavour and supply ferment. All the
strength comes from the sugar, and the addition of brandy or
any other spirit must tend to prevent the decomposition which
subsequently takes place in the bottle, and to which the wine
owes its sparkling briskness ; and this addition of spirit might
easily be carried to the extent of rendering the wine permanently
flat, like port or claret.

Merely slicing, and steeping the stalks for four or five days, is
all that is necessary to obtain all that is of use in the Rhubarb.
A longer period of steeping has been found to induce mouldiness,
and more or less affect the flavour. Simply straining, without
pressure, should be resorted to. — W. W.

OUE LETTEE BOX.

Canary not Reaeixg hkr Yoi'NG (X.)- — I know of no effechial wav of
inducing a hen Canary to feed her young if the natural instinct fails. Give
her plenty of tempting food, as haid-lioil-jd egg, heinpseed, mawseed, stale
bun, duckweed, and groundsel, and drive her off lo feed occ;'si"nally.
Removing tlie cock will not be of any advantage unless he is i-pitefal or
quarrelsome wlien his removal may be adv sable. If a hen doe« not sit, tlie
eggs, if valuable, may be set under another Canary, or they may be placed
in the nest of a Linnet, Creenfin*h, or Goldfinch, c-nre bemg taken to put
them under at the time the wild birds are ready to sit The voung when
so hatched m.iy be taktn from th-.- nest like the young of those birds when
half-fledged and learud by hand on a paste of sopped biead, egg, and maw-
seed. I know nf no artificial way of hatchingthese ei gs, nur ot any success-
ful way of reariiig them by hand from the tirtt day of haiching.— B. P B,

Dkath of the Qdeen- Bee in a Duel.— The deat'i of the queen by the
sting of an adversary has not proved the cata-'ttroi he I appnh'.nded, and
which the post mortem examination at the British Museum tended to con-
firm. Tlie seque) of tlie history is this; though the hive wax assiduously
watclied no other deinnct queen was fount lo be brought out, neither was
there any unnatural excitement, and on the twenty-eighth day from the
death of the injured queen 1 found young b-es leaving ihe liivc. In further
confirmation that all was «ell, the persecution ot the drones commenced twro
da\ s later. 1 conclude that tlii'Ugh the swarm was received amit ablx in the
parent hire twcnly-one hours afrer it. had departed, that two familtes had
recognised a srpaiate dynasty, and hccf-me partisans ef their resi-ectivc sove-
reigns, and so became jusiihid in demolishing an adv.^rr-ary. Prottahly the
same result will be found in the hive of >our correspondent " U. A 0 " It is
by no means an easy matter to witness a royal duel, even in the best of
ot.scvvatory-hives, the uuico.i.b; but I have witnessed the fray between two
young queens taken irom a second swarm and phiccd under a ulass, and the
hand of a lady was on one occasion the battle field. Having cut two royal
CL-lls Irom a comb, both queens immediately emerged, and their flist impulse
was to seize each other, und the next i!l^lant one received the latal wound.—

iNVESTIGATur.

JtJy 30, 1861. ]

JQTTRNAL OF HOBTICtJLtUKE AJJB COTTAGE O-AEDENER.

333

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day I Day

of i of

M'ntli Week.

30
31
1
2
3
4
5

Td
W
Th
F

S

Stjk

M

JULY 30— AUGUST 5, 1861.

Spartiume.

Eschscholtzia.

Asclepias.

Baptisia austraUs.

Blue day Lily.

10 Sunday afteu Teinitt.

Perennial Sunflower.

Weau-her neab London in 1800.

Barometer. Thermom. Wind. fn^es!| ■''■^^^*'

deg. deir.
30.122-30.014 74-46
80.013-29.964 68-51
30.015-20.939 71—51

29.892—39.840 I 70-48

29.721—29.557 , 70— 4S
29.565-29.512
29.662—29.532

I ;:

38
69—50

N.
S.W.

w.

S.W.
S.W.

w.
w.

•02
•01
•04

•19

m. li.
22af 4
24 4

IV

27 4

28 4

30 4

31 4

Sun
Sets.

Moon

Rises Moon's
and Sets, Age.

m. h.

50af 7

48 7
VII

m. b.
33 10

7 11
49 a 11
morn.
45 0
52 1

5 3

24

26

27

Clock

before Day of
Sun. I Year.

211
212
213
214

215
216
217

Meteokologt of the Week.— At Chiswick, from observations during the last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 75.4° and 51.5' respectively. The greatest heat, 92', occurred on the 2nd in 1856 ; and the lowest cold, da ,
on the 30th in 1358. During the period 130 days -were fine, and on 108 rain fell.

AEEANGIJSTG FLOWEES IN BOUQUETS AND

VASES.

{Contimiedfrom page 314.)

DKAWING-BOOM-TABLE DISH AKD DESIGN.

ET me now give a desiga for a very
ornamental table ornament. Every one
knows and likes, I think, those diolies
of drawing-room flowers — masses on
which, the eye looks down as they stand
on some side table, or fill
a jardiniere. A large glass
or China dish is necessary
for this purpose, about two
inches deep, and without a
rim— that is, in form like
a gigantic saucer. This dish
should have a second edge, divided off parallel to the
other— I fear they are not to be bought ready made in
this shape, but I think that is a difficulty that might soon
be overcome, as glass Hyacinth dishes have been made,
which is a step in the desired direction. The chief diffi-
culty in filling these dishes is, to cover the edge perfectly,
and without making the flowers look heavy, to prevent
any gaps occurring when the leaves become disposed to
curl up and dry.

For many years we used a common soup-plate set
on an embroidered stand, with a thick edge of moss-
like wool, knitted, boiled, baked, let cool, aud uQtwisted,
and this looks less objectionable than might have been
supposed.

The next improvement was to have a tin circular dish
with the second edge that I just now mentioned, the
space between the inner and outer circles being filled
with very fine soil. Now, there would be no doubt -that
cocoa-nut refuse would be the right material with which
to fill it ; but, the latter being very light, and floating
considerably on water, should be covered, or slightly
mixed with a little sand. - One of the creeping Lycopo-
diums should then be planted all round the edge, so as to
grow quickly and thickly all over round it ; or, it is a
very good plan to have several of these rings made
separately from the dishes, and kept always growing, so
that one or another might be used at pleasure. Lycopo-
dium stoloniferum, and L. denticulatum are two of the
best to use ; and their green hue is very dark and
pleasant, though^ I fancy in the country many of our
own woodside mosses might be introduced with striking
results— they are so very beautiful. If nothing of this
sort is practicable, or ratlier if there is time to take the
necessary trouble, the most charming of all effects is pro-
duced by a little Gertnan wreath of very small neat
foliage, made up on a well-soaked roll of wool ; or, which
is far safer for the worker's fingers, thoroughly soaked
bodily after it is made up, and then thoroughly drained
on. a coarse soft cloth. AVith these precautions it will,
probably, be quite harmless on a table cover or stand ;

Ko. 18. — Vol.. I., New Series.

otherwise the plate and wreath can rest on a green-
covered piece of zinc, which should, in that case, be
edged occasionally with a fresh row of leaves— small Ivy
doing very well, and Camellia leaves being of all kinds
the most lasting.

By drying these leaves before using them, or similarly
preparing Fern or moss, this outer row might be easily
made permanent. The wreath is composed of very small
sprays of green little branchlets of Spruce Fir ; sprays of
Ivy and Alyrtle (which latter are among the most suit-
able) ; and little bits of Arbor Vitse or of Box and Lau-
rustinus.

Geranium leaves, though they are, strictly speaking,
evergreen, do not do well here ; the leaves requiring to
be of a more leathery texture, and of a dark green
colour. Very young shoots are also better avoided
generally, because of their liability to fade or droop
speedily.

The little sprays when chosen have to be carefully
deprived of all shrivelled or broken leaves, and a handful
being taken together they should be whisked to and
fro in a large bowl of water for some moments and after-
wards taken and laid on a dry cloth till their turn
comes for use.

The foundation " bines " having been selected (the
evergreen Chinese Honeysuckle answering well for this,
or a long spray of the Banksian Eose), the wreath has to
be proceeded with as we have before described, each
separate piece of green being bound upon the bine, and
arranged so as to make a prettily-managed contrast
amongst the foliage, as well as a well-shaped edging.
The under side may, of course, be flat, two or three
bines forming a sort of ribbon. The pieces have then
to form a tiny hedge entirely on the upper side, and they
can be put on in a little degree sideways, coming up
from the left hand as the artist works towards her-
self. The workers at these wreaths should wear gloves,
as the evergi'eens are so apt to wound and stain the
fingers.

Having made a length sufficient to extend all round,
winding on with some dark wool, and making here and
there a drawn or slip-knot, the top has to be bent into
its proper place at the end, and the whole requires then
to be firmly tied together. Laid on the table it should
fit very flatly to it, leaving the inner side nearly bare of
foliage, while feathering gracefully on the other side.
Some persons alter the plan of working by employing a
covered circle of zinc perforated with holes ready made
for the needle to pass through, and then they work
round and round, beginning with the outer edge, and
ending with a row of almost upright tiny branches. I
never managed this well myself, my thread would always
twist so round the leaves ; but I did not like sewing the
flowers or" their belongings, and one never does do well
that for which one feels a dislike. The little woven
wreaths, too, are so very pretty that it is provoking to
have to suggest any other kind; still some people cannot
weave them nicely, and they, perhaps, would succeed
better in sewing on to the zinc.

No. 670.— Vol. XXVI., Ou) SsBiEg.

331

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 30, 1861.

The wreath being thus disposed of or the circle of
growing Moss, the next thing to speak of is the arrange-
ment of the flowers. For general rules on this point we
must wait for another chapter ; but now, at any rate, I
may give one design for

THE DISH OP FLOWEBS.

This must be a July design, and splendid indeed are
the materials which then every cottage gardener has
ready at his hand.

The difficulty is which to select from amongst so many
flowers — the pink and white Eoses, the Stocks and Car-
nations, the Lilies and the Cactuses, the Geraniums and
Verbenas. It really is very diflicult to know which,
amongst so many, we had better decide on using. The
diiBeulty is not an unpleasant one, for there are so many
tastes which surely now can all be followed, and in the
many months we can generally find some flowers to
replace those when July no longer reigns paramount over
the summer's course.

Lilies and Roses could not be wrong, I think ; yet
Lilies and Geraniums are, perhaps, the better for us to
describe, as they are so easily substituted by many other
flowers ; or how magnificent Water Lilies would be in a
belt of Cactus. Lilies then, cut separately from their
stem, should be laid at the very edge, forming a circle
resting upon the dark green wreath around. A few lialf-
open Lily buds may be added also amongst the full-blown
flowers. Tliis, again, much depends on touch. If the
arranger can lightly arrange the Geranium foliage and
leaves, with here and there a Lily leaf, so as to look well
at once, the device can be carried up row by row most
beautifully; bright scarlet rose Gci-aniums filling up
between the wreath and central bouquet, and great white
Lilies.

If, however, the arranger is not pretty certain of
getting the right flower into the right place in a graceful
way, she had better make a green foundation with a
scarlet ground upon it, afterwards letting in the Lilies
into their proper places ; nor does this plan look by any
means ofl'ensive.

Whichever plan we adopt, the next proceeding is the
introduction of the central Lily group— four of five Lilies
gathered together resting on three or four large, cool-
looking leaves— leaves of water plants, such ts Caltha
palustris, answer well for this, as they convey the same
idea of freshness and coolness.

Few things look more rich than this group, and in
some cases even a common soup-plate bordered all round
■the edge with large, thick, green leaves might need no
wreath of any smaller green ; with Lilies, certainly, taste
dictates large size, and cool colours in the supports.

These dishes are very lasting, and it is an excellent
plan to fill them with water, in which " Condy's Patent
Disinfectant Fluid " has been mingled. It has a really
perceptible effect in cooling as well as purifying a close
or heated room, and preserves the water from becoming
the least unpleasant, while it has itself not the slightest
scent of any kind. Its colour, however, prevents its use
for transparent vases. — E.

(2o be coniimisd.)

VAEIEGATION IN THE LEAVES OF PLANTS.

If the liglitnings and storms of 1859 had splintered some aged
Oak on the skirt of a forest lo such a degree that the life or
vitalily in tlie roots could only act on the gnarly buttress-like
projjs around the bottom of tlie Inige trunk, if from them
startotl a coppice-stool-like profusion of young shoots, ami if one
of these slioots thus brouglit to liff, as it were, was noticed last
autumn and during the early part of tliis sunjmer to be varie-
gated, or have variegated leaves, and the influence of the present
Saint Swilbrn was just now last vanishing that variegation out
of f-i!;lit, and clothing that branch witli tbe type leaves of tbe
Englisb Oal — ' say, if all lliat bad happened in the time, as

very likely was the case somewhere, and you happened to be
aware of it, and to be infiised with the spirit of vegetable
physiology, there are two questions arising out of it which I
should like you to answer. The first is. Was it the lightning, or
the storm, or the age of the Oak, or the wet season of IStiO, or
the Potato disease, or one like it, that caused that branch to
become variegated? And will the influence of this weather
cause all tbe last year's variegated leaves to turn green, or merely
make green those that did and will follow ? One condition only
will be insisted on, in answering every branch of both questions,
and that condition is, that no opinion will be received as evi-
dence. If there is no fact within your knowledge to back an
opinion, or a guess, or a reasoning from analogy — for the three
are but tbe same thing in so many words — you are not to come
to tbe examination but as a listener.

" Well, Beaton, what have you got to say about the variegated
branch out of tbe shattered Oak." Got to say ! why I have said
my say already, and I caimot go beyond the book on it now.
But will you allow me to inquire what it is you want loknow about
it? " We want to know which of the causes which are severally
alleged affected the parts, and if you know it; we want also
your explanation of the manner or mode in which the affection
took place, and how to check it, or how to promote it." I think
I clearly know the cause of that branch being variegated, also
how the variegation was effected ; but about tbe *' ali'ection" I
know nothing, only that I could either check it or promote it,
now that it has manifested itself so strongly.

It may be now very hard upon 400 years back whfn that Oak
was in the acorn, and there are two ways in which the variega-
tion now in the branch might have been transmitted to tlie seedling
Oak. One way is through the influence, or through the want of
some influence in the pollen of the male parent ; and the second
way is through some accidental injury to the kernel of the
acorn. At this point there is no difference between the animal
and the vegetable kingdoms. We know that the idiosyncracies of
parents are transmitted in the blood to children to some gene-
rations, and we know also that certain alFcctions in the wet
nurse get into the blood of the infant, and never can get out of
it. In the same way, and in two v^ays only, can variegated haves
be made either through the pollen— and what comes that way
is the most permanent- — or through some injury or afl'ection m the
kernel of the seed, be it an acorn or a peppercorn. There is a
third way, but its effects are so ephemeral that science can get
little hold of it. Too much or too little indulgence is apt to
affect parts of highly cultivated plants, and one of the conse-
quences is some discolouring of the skin, that of the leaves
the most often ; and the leaf being of two skin thicknesses, the
affection in them must necessarily be more than skin deep.

The kernels of the nuts and filberts we crack and talk over
after dinner are the wet nurses of the young of those trees ;
they are the seed-leaves and lobes, and thesuckling feeds on them
for a while. If they are anyways affected from the usual way of
filberts and nuts, that afleclion will infect the seedlings just in
the same way as a want of pollen, or too much of pollen, or
pollen not in exactly the right strength would do. But for the
first twelve months of tbe life of that old Oak, a doctor might
very easily have prevented any of the shoots from ever coming
variegated, as this one has done after the tree stood 400 years
without doing it. But as I am not a doctor I must not say
how doctors do. Let me rather say what a ga rdener knows
to his cost. He knows that at the end of the second years
growth of a seedling, he has no further control over the affections
of his plants ; they must then take their course, which was the
noose at the end of my last tale. How the things which may affect
plants can be cliecked or promoted, or entirely eradicated out of
the system during the first eighteen or twenty months of a
plant's life, and how after the lapse of twenty-four months all
these remedials go to the region of the impossible, are two points
on which physiology has not yet shed its rays, as far as 1 hsve
heard tell. No doctor or gardener tried his trade on that seed-
ling Oak, and the principle of variegation was thus allowed to
take root without hope of cure ; and at the end of 400 jears an
accident gave scope lor the production of the miscalled disease.
The white in seed-leaves, or tlie wliite or variegated leaves which
come next after the seed-Ieares, I call a principle, merely for
distinction's sake. That principle has not the power during the
first twelve mouths to spread itself up, or down, or sideways.
If the seed-leaves and the next four or five leaves were now as
yellow as pure gold, and you were to cut cut their buds any
time tliis next winter, or to the end of next April, you would

July 30, 1861. ]

JOTJKNAl OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

335

effectually eradicate the yellow principle entirely, and no art
could get another yellow leaf from that part. Next May the
huds at the hottom of the yellow leaves either run into shoots or
move outwards from their first bed — their cradle. If into shoots,
these would be variegated with yellow and green leaves ; if only
out of the cradle without running into shoots, the buds can only
leave some of the principle behind them, and the thickness of
next summer's growth is inoculated with the principle, and you
may then cut out the buds as you please ; but all your cutting
will never get the principle out of the wood after it is once thus
inoculated ; and it may be hundreds of years before one of the
bottom variegated buds had a chance for running off into a
shoot, as the splitting down of the old Oak by the hghtning
gave the original buds on the seedling a chance to shoot, and
one of them having the variegated principle in it, came with
variegated leaves of course, as soon as it had the chance to go
that length. The same thing could have been done in various
ways. Some young showman might have caused the death
of the head of the old Oak, aod compelled the huge trunk to die
back by inches, till the buttress-like supports of the tops of the
main outside roots were reached — the collar of the tree, in fact,
where the principle of variegation was originally seated ; then
by allowing or by encouraging the roots to force the still
incipient buds to run out into branches, the one that had the
said principle in it would come variegated, and the " Showman "
might not be twitted for believing that his art caused the
variegation ; for as long as we allow the fallacy that variegation
is the effect of disease, it was but a natural conclusion that he
arrived at after all.

That the principle of variegation can be transmitted by
inoculation we all know, but the instances are so very few
on record that we may believe the thing to be a rare excep-
tion to a general rule, that it cannot be so transmitted. The
hud of a variegated Jasmine is the only instance I can call
to mind where the principle has been diffused over a whole
plant. If you once admit that by a certain chemical condition
of the fluids in a plant, or of tlie moistiu'e which the roots suck
from the ground, you can alter the original form or colour of
plants or parts of them, you must follow out the idea or principle
to its ultimatum ; and, if you do that, the stock on which a
variegated plant is worked must at last come within your rule
and become variegated also ; for, if you can, by manipulation,
alter the curve of a single leaf, your principle, be it from
chemistry or medication, must apply to every other part of the
plant as well. There is a way, however, in which I think
variegation might be got into a green branch, and it would not
be a bad experiment to try it. Suppose a variegated plant is
grafted, and the stock has a green sucker or shoot long enough
to be inarched into the variegated part, up among the variegated
leaves, not on a bare part of the variegated head, but where there
would be leaves behind as well as above the inarched part. If
the green shoot was not more than one year old, you could not
expect it to be able to take on the variegated form, because the
original buds on it are still in their first bed — their cradle say —
and they never alter, nor can be altered, in condition, as long as
they are in their first bed, for that seems a principle which per-
vades the whole vegetable kingdom ; but during the second
year's growtli such buds are removed the depth of that year's
growth from their original position, their points are out on the
surface of the bark, and theu' roots only, as it were, are in the first
bed. In figurative language, physiologists say that wood is made
from the roots of buds ; and I assume the buds to hold a commu-
toication or passage between their basis and their first beds, and
these roots have the same property as Dock roots. You may des-
troy a bud, but if it is out of its first bed, its roots will push and
make shoots just like Docks, and that is the reason why any princi-
ple that is originally inherited by one of these buds can never be
eradicated from the system after the end of the second year's
growth. Now, my idea is, that the green shoot to be inarched
into a variegated part should be rising three years old — that is,
the next spring after two season's growth, when the roots of the
buds are established and no more — say in operation, or ready
for operation, but in the youngest possible state in which they
can act at that stage, and not before it, certainly, and scarcely
much after that period. I think it is possible to induce or
inoculate variegation into a green branch. The roots should be
called cells rather ; but that, in popular writing, does not carry
the same force to the mind of the reader, who may not know
more of cells than he reads of in the police reports. When roots
are very young, like the first cells behind a bud, if they can take

on a change at all, that is the time when they are in the most
likely condition to do so.

If one could follow up this principle as far as it goes he
would be a philosopher about plants, and he could tell of where
a fixed star or a wandering comet could be seen, with the same
precision as they do about the stars. After the September of
the second year of a bud's age, and before the end of the ensuing
May, there is a new experiment for every week of the time, and
any one of the experiments that would succeed I am convinced
would make a fair fortune to a nurseryman. The so-called
purple Laburnum is merely the result of an accidental forni of
one of such experiments. No disease or decrepitude was the
parent of that sport so-called, and it is the first inhabited house
after we are ferried over the stream of crossing by means of the
pollen ; but it cannot stand alone in a fertile land of promise.

But I did not explain about the kernel of the acorn so cleai-ly
as I intended. It is quite possible that some disease, something
like the Potato disease, might affect the kernel without touching
the germ which sprouts and makes the Oak. .The kernel being as
the wet nurse to the seedling, would in that case very probably
communicate the disease to the first few leaves and buds, and
that is the only hypothesis on which T would admit disease to be
the parent of a variegated leaf. All the large nuts, beans, and
kernels with great substance, hold out the nursing to the young
seedling for a long period after the roots get to play on the
system, and if disease can be thus inoculated, and one of
these is in that state, one could imagine it possible that the juices
of a whole plant might be tinted that way, and that under certain
conditions of that it would throw off variegated sports — that is
possible but not proved. But about the common variegation of
our cultivated and even our wild plants, I have had one hundred
proofs in my own limited practice, that they are the effects of
certain conditions of the pollen, and that they cannot be imitated
by manual process ; that all of them can very easily be eradicated
from a seedling during the first year of its existence, but that
after the first impression or fruit-buds move outwards and leave
a trail behind them, nothing on earth will free the system of the
plant from that peculiarity. There is one thing about this
subject I should like to know, and that is. Does the variegation
in a seedling which is confined to one or two, or a few buds and
leaves without any shoots from them, increase or diminish in
intensity with the age of the plant, supposing the plant had gone
on for ten years before one of those tainted buds had an oppor-
tunity to get off in shoots ? Would the shoot be more variegated
if it came at the end of the ten years, than it would be at that
of the second or third year ? The variegated leaf, like all green
leaves, puts the whole of its strength to feed its own bud the first
year, and I have put my foot, unwittingly, in it, by saying so
against the best practice and the soundest philosophy of this
age ; but it is very easy to prove who is right, Nature or such
philosophy. Cut down an Oak, an Apple tree, a Vine, a Willow,
or a Bramble, and allow two shoots only to rise from each stump.
Let the two shoots be as nearly alike ai one's two little fingers,
and let them be kept on that balance for a whole growing season,
by elevating or depressing one of them as their growth may
suggest. Then begin to disleaf one of the shoots as soon as the
second leaf is unfolded, and never let one leaf, except the top
one, expand on that shoot the whole season, and let us hear in
October of the difference in size and weight of the two shoots.
Dr. Hogg knows or rather has heard of the story before now.

D. Beaton,

I Alt glad to see that endeavours are being made in the columns
of The Jouenal op Hobticultuke to explain the cause of
variegation in the leaves of plants ; and I agree with your coiTe-
spondent " Nickerbob " that the subject is well worthy of investi-
gation, and of great importance to all interested in the decoration
of the conservatory, flower garden, &c. But with all due deference
to such an authority as Mr. Anderson, I can hardly bring myself
to look upon variegation as disease ; nor do I believe with " Old
Showman " that defective drainage, or the roots absorbing water
in a state of decomposition (if this be possible), will ever produce
regular variegation. Although the former very frequently pro-
duces a bleached and sickly appearance, which may be mistaken
for variegation, although evidently entirely distinct from it.

One thing, however, must be admitted, which may go far to
support Mr. Anderson's views on the subject, and that is, that
variegation is, I believe, invariably accompanied with a consider-
able diminution in vigour of growth. Some -^ears since I raised

336

JODBSAL OK HOEIICDLTUEE JlND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

[ July 30, 1861.

from seed a Zonale, or Horseshoe Geranium, which, having its
centre pinched out when a few inches high, threw out three
stems, and each stem entirely distinct from each other — I mean
distinct varieties. One variety with green stems of very robust
growth, with very dark zone, and with large globular truss of
scarlet flowers ; another with white or coral stems, foliage of a
paler green, and of a more dwarf and spreading habit ; and the
tliird with silver-margined foUage, and a very clearly defined
crimson zone. In eacii instance the flowers were identical, only
largest in the green-stemmed variety and smallest in the variegated
one. The varieties may now be iound in many gardens under
the names of "Emperor of the French," "Empress of the
French, " and " Kainbow."

Now, this variation may have been caused by disease, but, if
so, it certainly assumed in this instance a very beautiful form ;
and I am rather iuoUned to say with " iSTiCKERBOR " that there
is in the workings of Nature that which man cannot yet account
for nor explain.

There seems to he an opinion that variegated plants are mostly,
if not alway.", obtained from sports, and not raised from seeds ;
but this is by no raeiins always the case, for I could point out
more than one variety of variegated Geraniums wliicli have been
variegated from the seed-leaves, and have never produced an
entirely green leaf. I have raised many Zonale Geraniums from
seed, but I have never known one yet to produce a variegated
sport, unless they had previously shown variegation — viz., white
or yellow markings in the seed-leaves.

Can any of your readers give any information concerning the
origin of the well-known variety called Golden Chain? For
many years I tried to improve upon tliis variety, and had almost
given the matter up in despair, but that at last I have been
rewarded with success the accompanying leaf and flower will
prove ; and the plant from which they were cut claims Golden
Chain as its remote ancestor of some eight or ten generations back.

I should certainly not have expected the result which Mr.
Anderson obtained by crossing the scarlet with the white-flowered
variely, but I have similar experiments on hand at present, and
may in time report to jou the result; and in the meantime, as
■the subject is certainly interesting to gardeners and men of
'Soience generally, I trust that it may be fully discussed in your
pages ; when fact* may be elicited and opinions given, which
may lead to important results. — G-.

[The leaf which " G." enclosed is nearly 4 inches aci'oss and
has a green centre, on the outside of which is a bright crimson
zone, wliich is darker where it i.< traversed by the green centre ;
and on the outside is a broad, bright, golden yellow band, which
also traverses the crimson zone inwards, and penetrates the
green centre, 'ihe flower is a deep, bright scarlet. Send us the
result of your experiments.

Your seedling is the next best of the crimson and yellow-
zoned leaves after Mrs. Pollock. For eight or nine months in
the year, the leaves of this section are as welcome and as gay for
the conservatoi*;^', as are the flowers of most other Geraniums ;
but for three or four months in the summer, there is none yft to
be depended on to keep quite true to tlie right tints. Your
plant is valuable, so take good care of it; but we have one just
like it.]

SYNONYMOUS FUCHSIAS.

I snOTTl/D be glad if, through the images of The Joubnai. or
HoRTiccLTUiiE we had a revision of the great number of Fuchsias
sent out to the public under diflerent names. I have been a
purohaser of about twenty of the newest, and what were sup-
posed to be the best ; but now they are come into flower 1 have
discovered out of the number the following sorte, which are alike
in habit of growth and flower : — Duchess of Lancaster, Fairest
of the Fair, both the tame ; Prince of Prussia, Eclat, both
-the same ; Guiding Star, Venus de Medicis, both the same ;
Lord Macaulay, Gienerol Williams, both the fame. Now, if my
purchase is to be reduced in this proportion, I think that you
•will agree with me that there is great necessity for revision in
the trade lists.' — jA5rES Rollins.

[You shoidd refer to tlie person who supplied them. — Eds.
•J. OP H.]

Cherky Water. — Everywhere in the TiortheiTi cantons fruit
trees are standing like forests ; and there is not only a brandy
>di»tillei-y in almost every commune, but also a cider mill. Pears

are pressed for their juioe, and Cherries crushed to make what
they call cherry water. We one day saw a decanter upon s
table filled with what we supposed to be water, as it was colour-
less, and we had never seen any stronger liquid without some
slight tinge of yellow, red or purple. Being thirsty, we thought
to help ourselves, and took a generous draught, which in an in-
stant had peiTaded every drop of blood in our veins. It was
cheiTy water, but it surely deserves a more significant appellation.
It is made by crushing fresh Cherries and pounding them, as the
juice is expressed from Grapes. They are then kept slightly
warm till fermentation takes place, which sometimes happens
the second, and often not till the fourth week. The tub remains
covered, and the pulp is stirred every two days. It can then
remain a long time without injury, or be immediately distilled
like brandy. So long as it runs clear, it is of the right taste
and consistency ; but when the liquid is thick, it is put back
with the pulp in the still. To prevent its taking fire before
it begins to boil, it is stirred violently. Like good wine it im-
proves with age. An imitation is sometimes made of Plums, but
can easily be detected by mixing it. with a few drops of water,
when it looks nnirky, and, if rubbed nj^on the hands, has a dif-
ferent flavour. — (T/ie Cottages of ihe Alps ; by a Lady.)

MECHANICS AND MATHEMATICS APPLIED
TO GARDENING.

{Continued from page 292.)

A^

ic^

Fig. 2.

Wheel and Axle.
This mechanical power, a wheel with an axle fixed in its centre,
litis been called " the perpetual lover," and justly, because half

the diameter of the wheel
^^' acts v/ifhout ceasing as the

long arm of a lever ; half
the diameter of the axle is
the short arm of the lever ;
and the centre of the axle is
the fulcrum.

We will take a grindstone
as our illustration. It is
really alevcr moveable round
an axis fixed to it ; for when
a lever is moveable upon an
axis and is capable of being
turned entirely roirad, it as-
sumes the character of a
spoke, or half-diameter, of
a wheel. This will be more
clearly understood hy Jig. 2 representing the grindstone endwise.
The two weights hanging in opposition to each, the one on the
outer edge, or peripliery, of the
grindstone, at G, and the other
weight on the outer edge of the
axle at A, act precisely in the same
way as if a lever was horizontal
from G to A, having C, the cenfre
of the axle, for its fulcrum. If from
C to A is 1 inch, and from C to G
12 inches, then to balance 2 lbs. at
G will require 24. lbs. at A.

In order to reduce the force shown
above to be required to turn a grind-
stone, a counter-lever, or crank, C,
Jig. 1 is attached to tlie axle. If the
crank be of exactly the same length
as from G to C, jig. 2, or, in other
words, if the crank be equal in length
to the semi-diameter of the grindstone, then the force required
for balancing the grindstone and the 2 lbs. suspended at G, will
only be 2 lbs , instead of 21 lbs., as were required without the
crank. If the crank be longer than the semi-diameter of the
grindstone, then less force than 2 lbs. will be required to balance
the 2 lbs. at G ; so, on the other hand if the crank be shorter
than from G to C, then more force than 2 lbs. will be required
for balancing the 2 lbs. at G.

Now, balancing that 2 lbs. at G is, in other words, turning
the grindstone; and we may observe that the adding of the
crank, or winch, does net alter the principle but only the

July 30, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTIJEB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

337

appearance, and if it could, be greatly increaaed in length the
force required for turning the grindstone would be as greatly
reduced, but the length of the crank is limited by the extent at
which it can be commodiously worked by a man, allowing hia
body to be bent so as to comply with the rotatory motion of th«
handle and to give to it sufficient force.

The 2 lbs. suspended at G represent, only in other terms,
the pressure of a tool while being sliarpened ; and the greater the
pressure, so, in other words, the greater are the number of
pounds suspended at G, and greater is the force required to be
applied to the counter-lever, or crank, C.

The pressure of the tool while sharpening is a powerful appli-
cation of friction ; friction also has to bo considered in connection
with the axle, but it will be the subject of a separate chapter,
(ro be continued.)

CULTUEE OF THE GKAPE VINE.

{Contmued from page 318.)

SuMMEB Treatment. — The JSarlfi Vinery. — When Grape
Vines have been forced early, so as to have the fruit ripe in May
or June, the wood, of course, is ripe early also ; and should tlie
summer following be above the average in temperature, there is
great danger that in August or September the buds may break
prematurely, and then the crop of fruit the following year will be
in a great measure destroyed. To prevent this misfortune the
cultivator may adopt either of the following methods. If the
glass is moveable he should take it off as soon as the last fruit is
cut, and expose the Vines to the full influence of the weathei-,
allowing the laterals and end shoots to grow without stopping
them; replacing the glass when the nights b,"come colder. Tliis
would spend, as it were, the growth, without causing the fruit-
bearing buds to break. The growths would naturally cease
when the days become shorter, and the nights longer and colder,
and thus a perfect rest woiUd be attained in timo before the
pruning season arrives. On the other hand, if the glass is fixed,
then the only plan is to give abundance of air night and dny,
and shade the house from the sun through tlie summer months
to keep the internal air as cool as possible. The shading should
be at a little distance from the glass to allow a circulation of air
between them, which would keep the glass cool.

The best kind of shade is either tiffany, or, what is better
because it is stronger, Brittain's netting— a kind of shading that
is not so well known or used as it deserves to be.

SuMMEB Treatment. — The Summer Vinery. — On this point
I need not dwell. The same treatment as to thinning the
bunches, stopping laterals, syringing, &c., as that I described
for Vines in a plant stove, suits them exactly. lu a vinery
however, there is this advantage, that when the fruit is ripe the
internal air can be kept drier, because no watering of plants in
pots will be needed, for the simple reason that there are no plants
to water. Aa in the case of the earliest vinery, tlu's second
house or houses should have plenty of air on all favourable days ;
but in wet, muggy weather, a little- artilicial heat will be useful
to dry up the damp that will arise from the internal border.
Where convenient, it is a good plan to cover the border with
clean slates. Should it be necessary to wash the floors for the
sake of cleanliness, it should be done early in the morning when
the day is likely to be fine, nnd the water should be mopped up
as dry as possible, in order that no damp may appear at night.
Damp is a great destroyer of ripe Grapes : hence it cannot be
too sedidously guarded against. When all the fruit is gathered,
then a strong syringing on some fine morning will do good,
inasmuch as it will clear the leaves o£ dust, and bring down any
red spider there may be on them. After that the Vines may
have a sort of half-pruning — that is, the lower laterals may be
cut off, which will let in more light and air to the real fruit-
bearing shoots.

The summer treatment of the late vinery is simple and easy ;
all that is required is the usual routine of stopping the laterals,
thinning the bunches, &c. As the autumn advances it will be
necessary to light the firea to raise the temperature to the proper
standard of heat.

HiJAT. — In all vineries the heat during summer should be,
during the day with sun, between 70° or 72° ; without sun,
65° to 70° will be sufficient. During the night it maybe allowed
to fall 5° or 7°. I by no means approve of a low night tem-
perature for the Vine during growth and maturation ; neither do
I think that a high day temperature is an advantage, but ii

quite the reverse, causing long joints, weak shoots, and abortive
buds.

Winter Treatment of the Vinery. — Brummy the Early. —
When very early Grapes are required, then the Vines should
be pruned the first week in October, and kept cool for at
least six weeks. The forcing then would commence about the
middle of November, previous to which the roots should be
looked to. If, as I recommend, the entire border for this honse
is inside and heated below, that border should have a good-
dressing of manure on the surface, and a good soaking of water,
and the heat applied underneath. This would cause a com-
mencement of root action and set the sap in motion. The fires
should be lighted then, and the forcing commence very gradually :
45° the first week, 50° the second, and 55° the third, and so
keep advancing the temperature till the maximum heat of 70° is
reached. By that time the buds will have broken strongly and
equally, and may be thinned by disbudding, so as to leave a
sufficient number for a fan- crop of fruit. A moistish atmosphere
should be kept up by syringing the j^ipes and the Vines in the
morning only. The nights are at that season long and often very
frosty, and, tlierefore, a rather drier interniil air is to be preferred
during the night. Every sunny day give air, being careful that
no cold blast rushes in over the tender young leaves. Aa soon
as ever the bunches are perceptible, stop the shoot at the joint
above the bunch. Keep the alioots tied in to the ralters^ but
not too closely. The best arrangement is to have three wires,
one for the stem, and one on each side to tie the fruit-bearing
laterals to. By this time the days will bo lengthening and the
Vines will eome into bloom. At that early season it will be
useful to help the setting by giving the wires a-^ smart shake now
and then, in order to disperse the pollen.

With these attentions daily attended to, all things else in
proper order, the3e Aminos will bear a fair crop, and will ripen
about the middle of April or beginning of. May.

Winter Tjieatment. — The Summer Vinery. — The winter
treatment of the Vino that has borne a summer crop of fruit
consists in gradually reducing the internal heat as soon as the
wood is ripe, half pruning them by cutting away the superfluous
laterals, and allowing the leaves to fall of their own accord.
They may then be pruned, and either tied up to tho rafters or
brought down to the front and tied in bimdles are recommended'
for Vines in a stove. The vinery may be made use of in winter
to shelter halthnrdy plants, or beddmg-out plants; to preserve
which a temperature a few degrees above the freezing-point
may be kept up without any injiny to the Vines, only take care
to remove them when the Vines require more heat. It is a
mistaken notion that the Vine nmst be subjected to several
degrees of frost in order to induce perfect rest. The winter of
1800-01 has been fatal to many Vines, to my certain kuowledge,
by being exposed to such severe weather.

The Vines in this second house may be started about the end
of February, and treated the same as to gentle foi'cing at first as
described above for the early vinery. Remember to clear the
stems of tho loose bark, ami dress them with a composition of
sulphur and clay to destroy insects and mildew.

Wi-NTEit Treatment. — The Late Vinery. — This house will
require heat through tho earlier part of winter to ripen the fruit,
and wood ; keep every part dry, and give air on all favourable
occasions. By the time the fruit is all gathered winter will be
nearly over, and then the Vines should be kept growing through
the spring months, and pruned and be put to rest early in the
summer, and that rest prolonged as long as possible. They will
start into gi-owth, and shoidd be grown on as slowly aa possible; in
order to cause them to come in ripe late in the autumn, and
continue in perfection througli the winter months. These three
successions will, if properly managed', giiie Grapes for the desBert
all the year round,

DISEASES.

Shakking. — This disease is a sort of ulcer or gangrene on tlio
footstalks of the bunches, causing that part to decay, and, conse-
quently rendering it useless. Tiie cause of this is, I believe, t>he
soil being too cold during the time of growth, the sap rises too
slow for the rapid growth in the warm vinery : hence, the Vine
being deficient in sap, some parts must suffer, and tho most tender
parts— the footstalks of the blossom show it first. If the roots
are examined when shanking appears, they will be found dis-
coloure-J and unhealthy. The remedy will be easily suggested —
let the soil bo warmed, and then the root action will bo secunodi;
and thus there will be congenial relative between the leaves and
roots.

338

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 30, 1861.

Shbitellino is when the berries do not swell equally alike.
Frequently the lower parts of the bunch will be totally lost, and
the berries remain stationary and become sour ; they then shrivel
up, and arc, of course, worthless. Like shanking, this disease
arises from the state of the border. The eflPectual remedy is to
lift the Vines, make a new border in the proper manner, and
replant the Vines, if not too old ; laying the roots in not deeper
than 9 inches from the surface, and warming the soil, eitlier by
a heated chamber underneath, or by a covering of old leaves and
littery dung, sheltering it at the same time from heavy cold
rains or snow by a canvass or covering of boards, or even thin
turf laid all over it closely.

The Spot. — This disease attacks the berries only, and is akin
to shanking. The Canon Hall Muscat is peculiarly liable to
this complaint. It is caused, no doubt, by partly the state of
the roots, and also by sudden changes of the temperature inside,
and also by the sun shining upon a drop of water on a berry
exposed to its influence. The remedy is obvious : put the roots
in aright temperature, watch the vicissitudes of the change of
the external atmosphere, and, in giving air, see that the cold air
does not rush through upon the fruit ; and, lastly, let the fruit
be shaded from the rajs of the sun, either by the natural shade
afforded by the leaves, or by a shading outside of netting.

Rust. — This is sometimes supposed to have been brought on
by handling the berries during the thinning process, or by the
operator's hair coming in contact with the berries; but, if
neither of these supposed causes have happened still the rust
appears, I believe it arises from a too high temperature given
whilst the fruit is small, causing a too rapid accumulation of sap,
which the skin cannot swell fast enough to receive : hence a
thickening of that part which renders it rough and rusty : hence
it is necessary always to force moderately. The old "proverb,
"Too much haste the less speed," applies to forcing fruits as
well as any other pursuit in life.

MixDEW. — Perhaps of all the diseases to which the Vine is
liable this is the most formidable. If examined by the micro-
scope it will be seen to be a form of small fungi or Mushroom
tribe, the roots of which penetrate the epidermis, sucking out, as
it were, the juices, and stopping the healthy respiration. This
disease is brought on by cold, damp weather, because that is
favourable to the growth of the fungi.

The flowers of sulphur are destructive to this parasite : hence
the application of that substance is the cure. I always apply it
as soon as I perceive the first appearance of the disease, and
always found it an eflectual ciu-e. — T. Appleby.
{To be continued.)

EOYAL HOETICULTTJKAL SOCIETY.
JULY 23bd.

Floral Committee.— This Meeting, as announced, was held
at the Chiswick Garden, as its object was not merely to decide
on the novelties that might be brought forward, but to examine
and decide about the vai-ious kinds of annuals and bedding
plants which had been sent there on trial. It was upwards of
twenty years since I had last been there, and then Chiswick was
notorious for exclusiveness, bad gardening, and jobbing : it was
the last place in England where any one would go to get
instruction on any one subject connected with horticulture.
Now, however, all this is changed ; and under Mr. Eyies' skilful
and careful management the experiments are carried out with
vigour and success. If any one, e. y., desires to know how
Vines and Cucimibers in pots can be done, let them go there
and ask to see the two pits which contain the collection, and I
venture to say they will open theii- eyes with astonishment.
The same applies to every department ; and with the increased
means at the Society's disposal, and with the able and efiicient
staflTit has now, we may confidently expect that Chiswick will
be looked up to as the source of much information to the
gardening world in general.

But few objects were presented for the approval of the Com-
mittee. The most attractive (to me, at least), being a box of
seedling Picotees from Mr. Charles Turner, Slough — a class of
flowers which the bedding-out mania has driven out of the field
nearly, but the love for which I yet hope to see revive. It
contained — Flower of the Day (Norman), a splendid, heavy-
edged scarlet flower, of great density of colour, pure white, and
without bars ; in colour something like Green's Queen, but of
a most excellent constitution, which, all growers know, could

never be laid to the charge of Queen. Rosy Circle (Payne), a
very exquisite, light-edged rose, raised by an enthusiastic florist,
who is waiter at the Star Hotel, Oxford. It is quite a novelty,
the edge being quite like a thin wire of rose, no bars, and belter
than Mrs. Barnard in her best state : this, also, is of vigorous
constitution. For both of these First-class Certificates were
justly awarded. The Hon. Mrs. S. Annesly (Rutland), a heavy-
edged red, but, like all of that class, too much colour at the
back of the petal, giving it a muddy look in the white. Mrs.
Hole (Tnmer), bright, light-edged red flower, somewhat in the
style of Eugenie, but purer in the white. This received a Label
of Commendation. Lady Elcho, a light-edged purple, very full
and large, a little irregular in the barring, but au attractive
flower; and Favourite (Norman), a light-edged purple, very
smooth and evenly marked, and of good substance. Altogether
a most excellent lot of seedlings.

Mr. Bull sent Coleus Verschafl'elti, Azalea Dunani, Maranta
orbifolia (a stove plant from Brazil), and again (!) Calceolaria
Sparkler.

Messrs. Smith, of Dulwich, contributed a most beautiful
collection of Balsams, some of which were marvellous for the
si?e of the blooms and their double character. For these a
Special Certificate was awarded.

Mr. G, Smith sent a dwarf bedding Geranium, Firefly, some-
what in the style of Scarlet Queen, with very well-defined horse-
shoe foliage, free-flowering, and likely to prove an acquisition.
For this a Label of Commendation was awarded.

Some seedling Amaranthus were sent by Messrs. Veitch & Son,
of Chelsea. They were of very various and striking colours;
and one of them with dark purple leaves received a Label of
Commendation. A Lobelia, which had been sent from Champion
Bay, West Australia, to the Society's gardens, was considered
pretty, having dark purple lobes ; but not good enough, owing
to its habit, for bedding purposes, nor sufficiently distinct to
merit any award. Nothing else of any moment was contributed.

The Committee tlien adjourned to the gardens to examine the
various objects to be submitted to it. "Hie labor, hie opus est."
Mr. Moore had with infinite care and patience prepared his
books. There were long rows of annuals. Stocks, and Phloxes ;
beds upon beds of bedding Geraniums, and Verbenas, and
Petunias. Every kind had been entered, and the Committee
with a deal of patience proceeded to their work.

As the result of the day's work will appear in the Society's
" Proceedings," it wiU not be quite the thing to give any detailed
report. Sufliee it to say that nearly all the annuals of last
season were condemned ; and unless the double Zinnias of
M. Vilmorin prove to be better (which I hear they will do)
than those at the gardens, the old single is not yet outdone.
The long border of Stocks, with the exception of three or foul
sorts, was considered very inferior; but of the Phloxes many
were pronounced of very superior quality : Mr. Punch, Liervallii,
Lord Byron, and others being very fine. A little progress was
made with Scarlet Geraniums, but it was considered that iu
another month the Committee would be better enabled to judge
on their merits ; and the ptiblic may rest assured that, what-
ever the decisions are, they are not come to without careful
thought and the opinions of competent judges being fully ex-
pressed on each sort. It is now quite time to weed out of the
many varieties a good many. We do not really want more than
five or six varieties of each sort. — D., Deal.

EEECTING AN ORCHAED-HOUSE.

I AM erecting a building which I shall not call an orchard-
house, as it is to be heated sufficiently to exclude frost, but in
which I expect to grow a few fruit trees in pots. The frame-
work, which is already up, is on Mr. Rivers' principle — rather
higher (a few inches only). Its dimensions are 60 feet by 24
feet ; span roof, divided into two in centre. I wish to keep the
frost out of both compartments, and to heat one of them to
warm greenhouse temperature. The ventilation is a shutter on
both sides 1 foot 3 inches from the ground, and 10 inches
aperture, and a ventilator along the ridge of roof, as much or as
little of which as is desirable can be opened at a time. The
house lies ends to N.N.W. and S.S.E., and is situated iu the
north-east of Ireland.

Under these circumstances I would be much obh'ged by your
answering the following queries, if convenient, in an early
Number of The JotTESAii o» HoBTlcriiUBB : — Ist, What

July 30, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE (JARDENEB.

339

description of glass would be the best consistently with the
greatest (possible under the circumstances) economy to use ?
and keeping in mind that the breadth between the rafters is
12^ inches, what length would you make the panes in the roof?
2nd, What quantity of hot-water piping of what diameter would
it require to keep all possibility of frost in command ? and what
additional quantity would it take to keep up heat enough in the
other compartment for plants requiring a warm greenhouse or
cool stove ? 3rd, What boiler do you recommend ? and do you
know anything of the cruciform boiler by Micklejohn, of Dal-
keith ?

I have seen several times in your paper a statement that
peat soil, such as is found in bogs in Ireland, is unfit for growing
Rhododendrons in. I have grown them in the soil (a small
sample of which I enclose) for twenty years, and my predecessor
for twenty more, with no addition but a little sand from the
shore of Lough Neagh ; and I challenge any one to show more
healthy and thriving plants, either of the common and new
hybrid kinds or of the Sikkim. I have a plant of campanulatum
in the open air, 12 feet high and 40 feet in circumference, which
is covered with flowers every spring. — E. S. D.

[For your house 2-1 feet wide your ventilating shutter of 10
inches is not enough. It should be at least 20 inches — 2 feet
would be better. One hot day, with an aperture on each side
of 10 inches only, would ruin all your trees. With a two-feet
shutter in each side you would not require roof ventilation,
which is expensive and troublesome.

The best glass would be 21 oz., the most economical in the
first instance 16 oz. ; but you will have more breakage from
frost and accidents with tlie latter. If your width between
rafters is 12 inches, you may have the glass in panes 20 inches
long.

You must have two rows of four-inch pipes in that portion
of the house devoted to orchard-house culture to ripen your
fruit early and well ; and four rows of four-inch pipes in that
part of your house devoted to greenhouse plants, to keep out,
as you say, " all possibility of frost."

We cannot recommend any person's boiler as advertised.
They are all good.]

CULTURE OF VINCA EOSEA.

When in Paris last autumn I saw a charming flower in some
of the shop windows, and having found out the name, I pro-
cured some seed from a florist. As I wanted to know something
of its treatment, I asked about it at Covent Garden, where it
seemed to be quite unknown. I sowed it last spring in a
hotbed. It came up very slowly, and has been in small pots for
the last two mouths ; and, though looking quite healthy, is only
a couple of inches high, and does not seem inclined to increase.
Can Mr. Beaton tell me what to do with it? It is called
Pervanche de Madagascar [This is Finca rosea. — R. H.], and
when in bloom is about 8 inches or 10 inches high ; the blossom
something like a Phlox, but some four times larger. I think of
putting it again in a hotbed, as its growth seems stationary.
It is so very pretty I wish I knew what to do with it. Could it
be a biennial, and not flower this season ? — Gowhan Hail.

[The name of your plant in Paris is not spelled Pervanche,
but Pervenche. In Rome it is called Pervinca, and in Madrid
just the same as in Rome. La Pervenche de Madagascar, or
La Pervinca ditto, is a favourite plant, and will be found in
great quantities in all the gardens in the world within the
Tropics, and in a narrow belt round the globe just outside the
Tropics ; and it is as well to know the name given it by
foreigners. In all British possessions, as well as in Britain, it is
called the Madagascar Periwinkle, or Vinca rosea. It is a stove
plant with us ; but if there was such a demand for it in Covent
Garden as is in aU the continental cities, our people could do it
in hotpits, such as for succession Pines. In every other respect
it requires exactly the very same kind of treatment as they give
to tViC best show Pelargoniums. It comes from cuttings quite
as easily as the Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium ; and the
cuttings of last February will be in the Paris flower-market ere
now and on to the end of September ; and it is worse than
paying through the nose to go to the extravagance of having it
from seeds. The best thing that you could do with your
seedlings, and the only thing that we would think of if they
were sent to us, would be to throw the pot, seedUngs and all,
right over the garden fence as far as we could pitch it. You

may spend ten years over them, and then not get a bloom worth
looking at. We never received a parcel of foreign seeds from
non-botanicals without a large share of the La Pervinca, or
Pervenche, as the case might be. We have cast away as useless
as much seeds of Tinea rosea as would plant the county of
Middlesex at a foot apart each way ; and the only real useful
advice we can oiFer on it to all our British readers is, to cast it
ofifas perfectly useless to them. One nicely-rooted plant, by the
end of March, can be bought here for twelve pence, and by giving
it bottom heat in a frame, and three shifts before the middle
of July, one could have a plant of it of double the size it is
generally seen in Paris. All our great country gardeners grow
lots and lots of it to be ready for the conservatories by the time
the London season is over, and it will stand in the drawing-
room, or up each side of the grand staircase, or on pedestals
along the corridor, as well, and better, than most Pelargoniums.
When it has done blooming it is allowed to get as dry as a
Geranium. In that state it is cut close, or half or three parta
close before winter, according to the stock of cuttings required
in Februai'y. The "stools" or these cut-down-plants are kept
half drv in the stove during winter, shaken out of the mould in
the spring, the roots cut back, and after being put in small pots
thej are plunged in bottom heat, and on with them swimmingly
till they show bloom, then show them off'.]

NATIVE OECHIDS.

These singular yet beautiful tenants of our woods and fieldsj
some of which are so rare that they often live and die unseen by
the eye of man, are rarely offered for sale by nurserymen,
as they are not profitable stock, not easily obtained, and,
when got, do not increase freely. They would be more common
in our gardens were it not that some kinds are so uncertain in
appearance that we cannot depend on their flowering two years
together : one year they may flower well, the next our care may
not be rewarded with a single flower. Seven years since, when
on a visit up Wharfedale, I collected a few varieties ; but owing
to my having to remove them during the growing season, I did
not succeed very well with the few I got, and the off'sets were so
small as not to be worth keeping. To the collector of English
Orchide;e, Wliarfedale is an interesting locality. In the upper
part of the dale in the woods near ArnclilTe and KettleweU,
grows the rare Cypripedium calceolus. It is sometimes, though
not so common as formerly, found near Settle. Many other
rare kinds may be found in crossing the wild and desolate moors
between the rivers Wharfe and Air. A month since I had the
rare pleasure of seeing a small collection of well-grown specimens,
owned by a reader of The Jotjknal of Hokticultuee, who,
if he reads this, may do good service by informing others how
he has so successfully grown his stock. There are few amateurs
who, if they were willing, could make a collection of native
Orchids owing to the kinds being scattered over so many counties.
Let those who wish to do so try the system of exchanges, and I
think they would be amply repaid for all their trouble. The
poet says —

'* Do something for each other,

Though small ihe help may he ;

There's comfort oft in little things

Far more than ^ve can see."
— RirsTic EoBUf.

[We, and our readers, would be glad to have a little more
information on this interesting subject. Will the reader of The
JoiJBNAi. OE HoKTicrLTTTHE, if he reads this, favour us with a,
few notes P — Ebs. J. or H.]

EFFECTS OF THE LAST WINTER IN
LEICESTERSHIRE.

AccoBDUfa to my promise in April last, I send you an
account of the effects of last winter on my shrubs.

My garden is in the north part of Leicestershire, about 300
feet above the level of the sea, on the eastern slope of some hilly
ground, part of Charnwood Forest. The aspect east by north,
nearly due east, and quite exposed. Twenty years ago it was a
stone quarry, and, consequently, the surface is uneven. It is
thoroughly drained. The soil is of a stony and rather sandy
character, but has been improved by manure, soil, and marl so as
to grow good garden crops. All shrubs grow well in it. In the
spring vegetation is about a week or ten days later than on the

3«)

JOTTENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE &ARBENER.

[ July 30, 1861.

ground below ; but the autumn continues from two to three
weeks longer, and generally my shrubs have almost escaped,
wlien those below hare been injured. A'^ery few of mine were
injured by tlie frost in October, 1S50.

N.B.— When I state "killed to the ground," it must be
understood that the plants are now growing.

Cotoneaster mierophylla, twenty years' growth, kept along the
ground for seventeen ynrds, and 3 feet high, killed to within
18 inches of tlie ground. C. acuminata, and C. affinis, 6 feet
high, killed to the ground. C. rotundifolia, 2 feet, ditto.
C. morginata, ten years' growth, rather injured. C. thymsefoha,
two years', on rock, ditto.

Berberis aquiloha, B. empetrifolia (on x-oek), B. glumacea,
and B. Darwini (on rock), several years' growth and all un-
injured. B. Fortunei, 2 feet, killed.

Ai-butus unedo rubra, twenty years' growth, killed to the
ground. A. mucronata and A. uvn-ursi (on rock), seven yeai's,
iminjured. A. andraehne and A. hybrida, 9 feet, killed.

Andromeda floribunda, 3 feet, uninjured. A. polifolia, 1 foot,
killed.

Gaulfheria shallon, 2 feet, uninjured.
Forsythia viridissijna, 6 feet, slightly injured.
Vaccinium myrtillus, and V. vitis idsea, several years' growth
and uninjured. '

Oxycoccus mnerocarpus, ditto.

Deutzia scabra, and D. staminea, 5 feet, and uninjured.
Cydonia japoiiica, C. japonica alba, and C. japonica atro-san-
gxiinea, 6 feet, against rock, and uninjured.

Caprifoiium Douglassi, C. sempervirens minus, and C. longi-
florum, 6 feet, and uninjured.

Pernettya angustifolia, P. mucronata, P. phillyretefolia, and
P. speeiosy, several years' growth and injured.

Genista triangularis, G. triquetra, G. saxatilis, G. radiate,
G. sagilalis, and ii. tinctoria florejileno, sere-like and on rock.
Alyssum saxalilis, and A. dcltoideum, sere-like and on rock.
Aubrietia purpurea, A. deltoidea, and A. Mooreana, sere-
like and on rock.

Helianthemum pulvtrulentuni, H. croceum, H. kermesinum
pleno, H. roseum semi-duplex, and H. venustuni, on rock, part
of each killed.

Cistus roseus, and C. formosus, 2 feet, on rock, killed.
Iberis sempervirens (6 inches), and I. saxatilia, on rock,
uninjured.

Spirsea aria:'folia, S. prunifolis. flore pleno, S. Bella, and
S. callosa, 4 feet, uninjured. S. Reevesiana flore pleno, 4 feet,
killed to the ground.

Jasminum chrysanthemum, uninjured. J. ochroleucum, 6
feet, against roek, killed to the ground. J. Reevesii, uninjured.
Phlox subulata, P. procumbens, and other Phloxes, uninjured.
Ceanothus denlatus, 6 feet, killed.
Limonia laureola, 1 foot, slightly injured.
Myrica gale, and M. cerifera latifolia, 1 foot, uninjured.
Skimmia jiiponica, 1 foot, uninjured.
Buddlea globosa, 6 feet, killed.

Magnolia tripetala, parts of last year's growth killed.
Morus nigi-a, parts of last year's growth killed.
Chimonanthus granditlorus, 2 feet, ditto.
Pfconia aiborea, 1 foot, killed to the ground.
\ ucca glorio?a, 2 feet, killed to the ground.
Laurus regalis, 9 inches, severely injured. — J. G,
{To ie coatimted.)

THE CAPE or GOOD HOPE VINEYAEDS
AISD THE VINE DISEASE.

{Official Heport.)

{Coniiiiued from page 238.)

PnoCEEDED to the place of Mr. Pelon, containing about 90,000
Tines. The disease pretty general here, but not very intensely
developed as vet. Last year the Pontao and Gicen Grape was
slightly affected with the mildew on the dry parts. The Vines
growing on the dry exposed places appear most aflected now.
Mr. Peton is well ncquainted with the proper remedy and mode
of applying it. Met Mr. D. Beyers here, at whoso place we
called yesterday. Ho assured mc lie bad found tho disease on
hi» Vines, and intended using the proper remedy whenever he
could procure sulphur and necessary apparatus, Ihfl fruit ci'Op

— Peaches and Apricots, is almost an entire failure on Mr.
Peton's farms.

The farm of Mr. Rowan adjoining, containing about 100,000
Vines, is likewise alTeeted with the disease. Pontac, Green
Grape, Stcen Grape, and Haanepoot, we found all aifccted ; the
disease in a more or less developed state. No remedy applied as
yet. Could not meet the proprietor. The crop of Pontacs in
this vineyard is the finest we have yet seen in the Di'akenstein
Valley.

The place of Mr. W. Ghislin. The disease has attacked tho
Vines on this farm, but not so generally and intensely as on
several of the adjoining farms. Ten days ago a few Vines were
dusted with pounded roll sulphur. Mr. Ghislin now sees
" considerable improvement and less mildew in these Vines."
The Vines generally have been topped very short to admit a
fi'ee current of air between the plants. Mr. Ghislin has a
notion, common with many farmers yet, that the practice checks
the progress of the disease. The crop on this farm is good ;
belter, indeed, than the average of farms inspected. The situation
of the vineyard is low, but has a free circidation of air ; indeed,
the wind blows with considerable violence here at times.

From Mr. Ghislin's to the Paarl, the disease exists more or
less in every vineyard. The proprietors are all aware of the
proper remedy, and express a determination to apply it whenever
they procure the materials.

Dicemher tth. — The object in returning to the Paarl was to
attend a meeting of the district Agricultural Society, held this
day, to take into consideration "The Vine Disease, and its
Cure." The real business done by the meeting is to appoint a
Commission within the division, to collect facts connected with
the disease now affecting the Vines, and to exhibit the way of
applying the remedy, and to urge its immediate adojition in
vineyards affected where the propietor appeared doubtful or
dilatory — in fact, just the object of our mission. A good deal
of discussion of a conversational character took place relative to
the origin of the disease, and of other cures besides flowers of
sulphur ; nothing definite, however, was arrived at on either
point.

His Excellency the Governor, wishing to place the means,
of cure within the reach of the farmers of this important
division, our instructions were to form a depot of sxdpihur,
where it could be procured by the farmers at the price paid in
Cape Town ; the Government, through the Vine Disease Com-
mission, paying the cost of carriage to the Paarl. This was
stated to the meeting. The paternal care of the Government
in thus offering to place the means of cure within reach of tho
farmers was properly acknowledged. Neither the meeting nor
the Agricultural Society, however, appear desirous of incurring
the responsibility of seeing tho sulphur distributed and paid for.,
No other course remains, therefore, than to ask the Honorary
Secretary of the parent Society to forward one instalment of the
sulphur to the Paarl, and to confide it to some one who will
take the trouble of distributing it, charging as much on the sul-
phur 88 will cover the expense of so doing. Rendered all tba
information to the meeting requested.

The place of Mr. J. C. Voight, Klein Drakcnstein, opposite
the Paarl, containing about 150,000 Vines, occupies an unvarying
flat. There is a free exposure, however, to currents of air from
all quarters. The drier parts of the vineyard are most affeeted
with the mildew. The proprietor thinks the presence of water
checks, if not cures the disease, and he is now irrigating a portion
of the vineyard at the roots of tho Vines. A great many Vines
have been sulphured here in the way recommended, with evident
success. Fumigation by burning roll sulphur under the planlSj,
sprinkling with unslacked lime, and some other experiments
have also been tried, but with no apparent result as yet. Tha
proprietor exhibited several bunches of Grapes which had been
sulphured some days, the berries on one side of which were-
much scorched by the sun. It was represented as the result of
using sulphur ; but this is manifestly an error — berries, and
often whole bunches, are found scorched in the same way after
" topping short" the Vines at this season. To apply the sulphur
readily and econoniicolly, the Vines are topped shorter than
would be done were the Vines unaffected with disease. The
sulphur lying on the berries may augment, but certainly does
not produce scorching. Mr. Voight appears to lead the way in
this neighbourhood in trying to arrest the disease, and in
making experiments. The crop of Gropes here is not an average
one.
Leaving the Paarl to proceed by way of Klapmuts to Stellea-

July 30, 1861. ]

JOTJElSrATi OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

341

boscli, we called at several farms on the route, in all of -wliicli,
except one, the disease was found to exist, but not so general
or so intense as at Drakenstein and the Paarl. The Grapes are
not so forward here as at either of the above places.

At Mr. Van der Byl's place, a farm containing about 200,000
Yines, the disease is just developing itself on Green, Pontao, and
Muscadel Grapes. At Mr. John ViUicrs' place and others where
the disease exists, the appearances are similar. ^Ve foimd no
place on this roixte where any remedy had been nsed or was
in use. Recommended the most vigilant attention to detect the
disease, and the immediate application of the known remedy.

Mr. P. Cfloete's, about 120,000 Vines, nearly all Green
Grape ; no appearance of disease as yet. The Vines look
Tigorous and liealthy, but the crop is very light indeed, and the
berries small and late. This is tlie first place visited where the
disease has not been met with. Examined what Mr. Cloete
calls his best and worst plantation, but, happily, found everything
in the most luxuriant health. The situation of this is low, and
can only be ventilated by currents of wind fi'om particular
quarters. The soil is stiff, and contains much clay. No disease
hero last year.

Arrived at Stellenboscb. The several places visited in this
neighbourhood were all found affected with the disease, the
Steeu Grape most intensely so. The remedy and its application
appeared to be well understood. Some experiments were being
made ivith lime, dry, and in a Uquid state. At Jonkers Hoek
the disease is prevalent. The proper remedy has been applied
at some places. We did not visit Mr. Groenewald's, where we
were informed the remedy was being applied with energy.

Mr. G. M. Villiers, near Stellenboscb, 100,000 Vines.
Disease discovered only a few days. Dry lime has been used as
a preventive.

Mr. J. P. G. Villiers, Schoonegezigt, 200,000 Vines. Average
quantity of wine made, 250 leaguers a-year. All kinds of Grapes
grown. Disease pretty general, but most intense on the Steen
Grape. Lime, in a dry state has been extensively used here, the
results are not apparent yet. Sulphur is expected hourly, and
its application will begin at once. The high grounds and dry
soils are most affected. Water, by irrigation, appears again as
an agent in arresting, apparently, the disease. 4000 Vines of
Steen, irrigated by a watercourse running through them are
quite sound ; Green Grape growing alongside, not irrigated, is
attacked with disease. These irrigated Steens are the only ones
in the vineyard, free, as yet, from disease. The crop of Grapes
here is the best seen during the tour, and the general keeping
and cultivation of the whole place is very good. The wines
made on this farm are superior, and far above the average
quality.

Mr! P. W. A. Haupt, 250,000 Vines. Disease general, but
not virulent. Sulphuring going on energetically. Method of
•pplying it as I'ecommended by the Commission. Situation not
so elevated generally as the preceding one, hut more open. Soil
similar. This is a fine vineyard, and in a good state of cultivation.

Mr. Eussouw, Blaauwklip, Moddergat, 120,000 Vines. La-
■chrymee Christi diseased. Steen se?erely — is about to apply the
sulphur remedy. A part of the vineyard has been irrigated with
such good effect, Mr. Russouw says, that as much as possible will
be similarly treated. Is determined to apply the sulphur as soon
as it can be procured.

Mr. Jan Sous, Weltevreden, Moddergat, 60,000 Vines, mostly
Steen and Green Grape. This i5 one of the two places where,
fortunately for the proprietors, no disease is to be found.
Having examined the place carefully we found no symptoms of
mUdew whatever. The Vines arc nearly all young: consequently
the soil between the rows and plants is somewhat more exposed
to the action of the sun's rays, and to atmospherical changes
generally, than old Vines planted at the traditional " 3 feet
apart." The vineyard is surrounded by rising grounds on nearly
all sides but one. The south-east winds blow through the
vineyard with considerable violence. It is well ventilated,
therefore. The soil is friable loam, subsoil stiff and clayey.
The peculiarities of the place are open space between the plants,
and consequent exposure of the soil to atmospherical influences ;
powerful winds blowing through the vineyard, and thorough
ventilation.

Mr. J. Marais, Klipheuvel, Moddergat, 115,000 Vines, mostly
Steen and Green Grape. Disease general, but most intense on
Steen Grape on the high ground, which were slightly affected
last year. No remedy applied as yet. Urged the immediate use
of sulphiu- and exliibited the apparatuses and how to use them.

The adjoining farms of Messrs. I/ouw, Malan, Hendi-ikse, and
others are all affected with the disease in a more or less advanced
state according to the earliness or lateness of crop. Lime in a
dry state is being used in this neighbom'hood for dusting the
Vines, but we could not learn in any quarter that improvement
had followed.

{To he continued.)

TEEES LOOSE IN THE'GEOUND.

Theee is on the lawn belonging to a house in which I am
interested a Red Cedar. It is a very ornamental tree but some-
what top-heavy, and has long had the branches on the south
side propped. The evil arises from the roots being very near
the surface, from which a great portion of them protrude, and
great fear is entertained that the tree may be blowu down.
Can anything be done more than propping? The trunk is
large, but has large branches commencing at a short distance
from the ground, so as to form a very favourite tree for children
to climb. I imagine the tree to be an old one, but only know it
since 1829 ; but it was in full vigour then, and has fallen off
since, the internal foliage having become thin. Would earthing
over the protruding roots do any good ? If any operation
depending on arboricultural knowledge would be of any use, to
whom could I apply ? — H. M., Herts.

[The only thing you can do to support the tree is to prop it
with three stout stakes placed triangular fashion, and cover the
roots about 6 inches with some fine sandy loam. This may
induce roots to be thrown out from the collar, which will in
time fix the tree in the soil.]

MOWING MACHINES.

I HAVE just had pointed ont to me in your valuable Jounial
of the 16th inst. a paragraph referring to lawn mowers, signed
"R. F." I shall esteem it a favour if you wUl be kind enough
to allow me to make a few remarks in reference to what your
correspondent says respecting Green's machine ; and in the first
instance would observe that he gives me credit for introducing
a lawn mower that is perfectly noiseless in working, which he
says is a great luxury to the old wheel-and-racket system, and
for this I thank him. I am sorry to hear that " R. F." has got
into hot water by recommending my machines, owing to the
contraction and expansion of the chains. I admit that the chains
with which the machines were fitted last season proved a failure,
in consequence of their stretching ; but I am glad to be able to
state, that I have totally remedied that evil by substituting a
chain made entirely of steel, and made much stronger than the
chains referred to by your correspondent, and which were only
made of iron.

I infer from the remarks made by " R. F." that he is not very
particularly acquainted with the machines I have supplied during
the present season, as I find his remarks ajiply onlv to those of
an older date. In conclusion, I woiJd kmdly ask " R. F." to
examine my present improved machine, and I have no doubt
that he will be ready to admit that the principle of self-sharpen-
ing, combined with its lightness of draught and general simplicity
of construction, constitutes it as particularly adapted to be placed
in the hands of the public, it having proved to be the most
durable and efficient lawn-mower extant. — TuoiTAS Geeen.

AusTEAHA AS A FEUiT-PHODUCisa CouKTET. — Perhaps there
is no more favoured land upon earth than Victoria for producing
in abundance and perfection a variety of the linest fruits,
whether they are considered as a mere luxiu-y, or as constituting
one of the necessaries of life, adapted to the wants of man in a
hot climate, or as likely to become one of the staple articles of
commercial export at no distant period. Nearly all the fi-uits
which can be cultivated in any of the temperate latitudes can
be produced there in the briefest space of time, and with the
most certain success. However sterile and unpromising the land
may appear, the simple act of breaking up the earth, and of
introducing drainage when needful, appears to act as magic on
the newly-planted ground, converting the barren-looking wilder-
ness into a fruitful garden. It is astonishing to observe how
very rapidly and how vigorously the trees grow when placed in
favourable situations, under good treatment. But horticulture

342

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 30, 186X

has to contend with tlie long parching droughts of the summer
months, experienced particularly in low open districts, and
occasionally with fierce burning winds. A hot wind, however,
seldom continues more than two or three days at a time, and is
almost certain to end in a good fall of rain, which Eoon rallies up
the exhausted powers of vegetation. Fruit realised this season
the following average prices : — Apples, Id. to Sd. per lb. ; Pears,
2d. to Is. ; Plums, 3d. to 6d. ; Cherries, 6d. to Is. and 1». 6rf. ;
Apricots, 6d. to Is. per dozen. This may suffice to show that
fruit is freely available for all classes, both for dessert and
cookery purposes ; and the community will no doubt eoon be
placed in a position to provide for the preservation of fruits on
an extensive scale. The reasons why, comparatively speaking,
little land is as yet devoted to this lucrative and pleasant branch
of industry may be sought in the low return for the capital
expended, so long as the price of labour and the outlay for garden
land continued so unusually high. An eastern aspect, having a
gentle declivity, is the most eligible for fruit gardens. It is in-
variably found that upon naturally sandy poor soils, fine fruitful
orchards can be established under good management, when the
choice loamy deep soils are not available. The deep alluvial
cool soils along the river banks are very suitable for all kinds of
stone fruit ; and rich, gravelly bottoms of the hill-sides for Apple,
Pear, Quince, Mulberry &e. None of the smaU English fruits,
such as Gooseberry, Currant, Raspberry, or Strawberi-y, succeed
well, except in cooler valleys or mountainous elevations, where
they always attain the highest perfection for qunUty and pro-
ductiveness.— Scottish Farmer.

regret that we cannot fiumish such a list. We can give one con.*
tribution towards it, however, for we see among the Cole MSB'
about to be sold by Messrs. Puttick and Simpson, the following
is one of the lots : — " St. James' Paek. Order for payment
(o Leonard Gurle, his Majesty's gardener, £200 for the keeping
of his Majesty's garden in St. James's Park, July 26, 1682." So
Leonard Qurle wac. gardener to Charles II.

THE CEOPS— THE POTATO DISEASE.

A TEW days back I had a great treat in going over some
portion and seeing over the whole of a splendidly-cultivated
tract of country of about 700 acres in extent, situated in a lovely
part of Surrey. The farm, for it is only one, is enclosed in a
ring fence, in shape an extended oval, running along the summits
of two ranges of hills of some elevation, stretching away chiefly
from east to west. The lower grounds are watered by a stream,
towards which the lands slope in a beautiful succession of ter-
races, and producing a series of coups d'ceil, each perfect, and tlie
whole of which can be viewed at a glance from one elevated spot
by the hospitable and spirited proprietor.

In a farm of this size the crops are seen in nearly every stage
of cultivation and development. The cereals are all good ; and
one field of winter Wheat of great extent is truly magnificent —
the same height, the same strength of straw and fulness of ear —
it is a lovely sight. The Barley, I think I may say, is nearer to
perfection than any to which my attention has been directed,
and the Oats good, though, perhaps, short in the straw. The
Beans, as elsewhere, a failure, though I am inclined to think not
to the same extent as in other localities. The Peas a heavy crop,
requiring weather to house them.

Of the root crops, the Turnips are all good. In one field, the
earliest I have yet seen, they have nearly covered the ridges, and
are butting most satisfactorily. Of the Mangolds, one field
decidedly first-rate, taking into consideration the almost general
comi)laints about this valuable root ; and in others good.

I would here observe, that Wheat of last year's growth is
being sold off this farm, which exceeds 65 lbs. weight to the bushel.

But how about the Potatoes? Truth compels me to say,
that while the crop is good, that fell-destroyer, " the disease,"
has undoubtedly attacked them. I write tliis in sorrow, not as
an alarmist. In one large plot, growing in maiden soil (the site
of a hedgerow of great age, and recently stocked up) lying liigh
and dry, and in soil which may be designated an excellent
sandy hazel loam, with gravelly subsoil, conditions than which
none can be better for the Potato, it is unmistakeably present.
The sorts are a Kidney, and the Regent; the former only
partially attacked, the latter all but denuded of foliage, and I
was informed that the Potato crops growing in the stiifer soils
on the farm, as yet exhibited no signs of the disease ; thus re-
versing the experience of former seasons.

I would observe that within the last few years the worthy and
spirited proprietor has added over thirty acres of cultivated land
to the estate, by the removal of old hedgerows and worthless
timber. — Leiguton.

CISSUS DISCOLOE.

The Cissus discolor is a plant of easy culture, and will be
found to grow well in equal parts of light turfy loam and peat,
adding a little leaf soil, with sufficient coarse, gritty sand to
keep the compost porous. Let it be well drained with large
crocks, covering them over with rough, turfy peat. Drainage
made with the crocks broken small, soon becomes choked up. It
is worse than useless for any plant after it has been removed
from a three-inch pot.

RorAL Gabdenees.— " A Sfbsceibee" has asked us for "a
I of the head-gardeners employed by our Kings," and we

This plant requires a high temperalure,*and must therefore be
placed in the hottest part of the stove or Orchid-house, and
shading must be rarticularly attended to on bright dajs. Tliis
latter is essentially requisite in order to produce that intensity of
colour which makes it so charming. Most plants require strong
solar light to bring out thtir colours to perfection ; but the one
under consideration is an exception, which is readily accounted
for by tracing the plant to its natural habitat, where the sun is
scarcely able to dart his fiery rays through the dense mass of
luxuriant vegetation by which it is surrounded, but who^se
burning heat, acting on the saturated moss-clad soil, eausesl^a

July 30, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJUB AND OOTTAaE GABDBNEB,

343

thick vapour to exhale, which is highly congenial to vegetable
life, but far otherwise to the botanical rambler, who may prolong
his stay among these unhealthy shades.

The plant is admirably adapted for training up a pillar, or on
the end walls, or divisions of the stove. If trained up the
rafters the young shoots must be allowed to hang down, or the
effect would be partially destroyed by the surface of the leaves
turning to the roof, instead of facing the observer's eye. It is
also equally suitable for pot culture, and in this case any trellis
may be used that taste may suggest ; probably one of upright

piUar-libe form will be found to be as sultsble for displaying its
varied tints as any that may be devised.

As the autumn approaches, the supply of water must be gradu-
ally diminished, and the plant kept rather dry from November
till February, allowing it only just sufficient water to keep the
roots healthy. This- partial rest will enable it to start into
growth with renewed vigour in the following spring, when the
former treatment may be resumed. It has not yet flowered, and
is at present only in the Tooting Nursery. — H. Booklet, in
" Garden Companion."

PHAL^NOPSIS AMABILIS (The Indian Moth Oechid).

Among all the many species
of stove Orchids there are few
that exceed in beauty and
elegance the Phalsenopsis
amabilis, which is now met
with in all good collections.
This beautiful plant is a
native of ManiEa, whence it
was first sent to this country
by Mr. Hugh Cuming, in
1837.

The curious form of the
flowers, the graceful way in
which tliey hang down from
below the leaves, their large
size, and the brilliant white-
ness of then* broad, leathery
petals, give this species a most
striking and uncommon ap-
pearance.

Dr. Blume met with it on
the wooded coast of Nusa
Eambanga. Eumph, who
first noticed it, speaks of its
growing in Amboyna, on short
thick trees, covered with

moss, up which, he says, it turns Hke a rope, and from which it hangs down in
entangled tufts. He mentions a variety whose petals are a deep rich purple on the
outside.

The Dutch colonists, in the Malayan Archipelago, call this plant the Vliegende
Duive ; the Malays themselves Angrec poeti besaar, Bombo terbang, Angrec colan,
and Wanlecu.

It belongs to that class of Orchidaceous plants which succeed best when fixed to
pieces of wood, along with a little turf or moss, and suspended from the root or
pillars of the stove. It grows very well in this manner in the Orchidaceous-house
at Tooting, which is kept saturated with moisture, and Scarcely ever receives any
air. The wood on which it is fixed should either be covered with rough bark, or
be in a decaying state, to enable the roots to fix themselves to it ; it may be a foot
or 18 inches in height, and 4 inches or 5 inches in diameter.

It has not, like most plants of allied genera, an apparent ascending stem, for the
leaves issue immediately from the same point as the roots. Its foliage is remarkably
handsome, being short, broad, thick, by no means spreading, and always in a most
healthy or luxuriant condition. The flowers are, nevertheless, its main attractions.
They are borne on a half-erect, half-pendent spike, and are for the most part of the
purest white, with an extremely singular labellum, the structure and markings of
which are in the highest degree pleasing.

It flowers at least seven or eight months during each year, as, if the flower-stems
are carefully severed just below where the lowest blossoms were produced, they will
speedily emit branches, from which other flowers are ultimately protruded.

The name was given by Bltune, and is derived from the Q-reek Phalaina a moth, and opsit resemblance, arising from the
supposed resemblance of the flowers to a species of moth.

THE VINES IN POTS AT CHISWICK.

Those who are interested in the cultivation of Vines in pots
should lose no time in making their way to the Gardens of the
Koyal Horticultural Society at Chiswick, where they will see such
an example of pot- Vine culture, as, perhaps, they never saw before.
In a long range of pits heated with hot water, may be seen sixty or
seventy healthy Vines laden with fruit, andgrowinginteu-inch pots.

They were raised from eyes in heat at the end of February,
1860, singly, in small 60-pots ; repotted from time to time when
required, and finally at the beginning of June they were removed

into fraiting-pots, of 10 inches diameter ; the soil consisted of
light loam, with one-third rotten dung added, and well drained.
The soil was frequently top-dressed with good rotten manure,
and manure water liberally suppUed.

On the 1st of March, 1861, the Vines were put into a common
brick pit, heated by hot water, and trained to a wire trelhs along
the roof. The Vines on an average have borne six good-sized
bunches each, and they have this season been regularly supplied
with liquid manure, and frequently top-dressed.

!t34

JOURNAL OF UORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jtily 30, 1861.

Some of the earlier rarieties were ripe by the Ist of July ; but
the later are not yet ripe.

Among others, the following varieties are cultivated: — Black
Hamburgh, Frankenthal, Dutch Hamburgh, Golden Hamburgh,
Muscat Hamburgh, Black Prince, Trentham Black, Lady Downe's,
Black St. Peter's, Muscat of Alexandria, Bowood Muscat, Chasselas
Musque, Eoyal Muscadine, Stillwai'd's Sweetwater, Foster' sWhite
Seedling, MuFcat St. Laurent, Muscat Ottonel, Muscat Citronelle,
Early White Malvasia, and numerous other varieties less generally
known.

We cannot but congratulate Mr. Eyles on his great success,
which is all the more meritorious when it is considered what the
extent and variety of his labours are.

OSCAE STBAWBEEEY.

What do the readers of The Journax op Hoeticitlttire
think of this Strawberry ? I am anxious for advice on this
point ; for on making inquiries respecting it, I find some recom-
mend it very highly, while others condemn it as being utterly
wortliless. Of course, most people have their favourites, and
" many men are of many minds ; " but still it is surprising to
me that there should be such diversity of opinion on this point.
I should like to know the general opinion respecting it, and as this
is the Strawberry-planting and potting season, an enlightenment
on the subject might be of service to others as well as myself

Is Carolina Superba a good one, and was it raised by the raiser
of Wizard of the North, which variety I believe is generally
discarded ? — Fbagaria.

[There can be no doubt about Oscar being a first-rate Straw-
berry. It has a firm, solid fli'sh, and a fine flavour. We have
had no experience of it for forcing. Carolina Superba was raised
by Mr. Kitley, of Bath, and is one of the finest Strawberries in
cultivation.]

WOUK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GAKDEK.

Persevere in getting out successions of Broccoli, Brussels
Sprouts, Savoys, &c. Cauli/lowe7's, the main crop for autumn
use to be immediately planted out on a rich piece of ground.
This vegetable, when planted out at this season, becomes very
useful after the Peas are over. Cucumbers, if they are required
through the winter, to be sown now, so as to have strong plants
by the beginning of September. Attend carefully to those in
frames, remove decayed leaves from the plants, and about twice
a-week, in warm weathei', give them a liberal supply of water.
Dwarf Kidney Seaws to be well soiled up to protect them from
the winds, and all pods, when fit, to be kept constantly gathered.
Serb-beds, where new ones are required they may be made, the
ground to be previously manured and dug ; slips of some sorts
and rooted plants of others to be planted in them. Lettuce,
thin and transplant a suflicient quantity for use ; keep them
watered during the continuance of dry weather. Melons, to
obtain high flavour it is necessary to accustom them to tlie open
sky whenever the weather will permit, especially during the
approach of the ripening period. A gentle amount of warmth
to be kept up in the linings. Farshy, let a sowing be made
immediately, if it was not done at the beginning of tlie
month. If any has been left for seed let it be gathered as
it ripens, or the best of it will be lost. Feas, earth up and
stick the advancing crops. Eadishes, the black and white
Spanish to be sown lor winter use ; also sow the common kinds
for successional crops. Spinacli, continue to keep up a succes-
sion : a larger space of ground may now be devoted to it, as it
will not so soon run to seed.

FIOWEB GARDEN.
The late-planted flower-beds to be looked over, and the plants
pegged down or staked x\p, as their habits may require or taste
direct. All decayed flower-stems and leaves to be removed; tlie
flower-borders to be thoroughly cleaned, and annuals that have
ceased to be gay to be pulled up to make room for some of the
reserve stock. The seed-pode of Pinks to be gathered as soon
as they are ripe, and to be dried in a shady place. Tulips may
now have the outside skins removed. Very small oS'sets will be
Bs well in the ground, and a bed of fine and suitable soil should
be prepared for their reception. Let the Carnations be layered,
and all Dahlias or other taU flowers to be well staked. The earlier

Roses done blooming to have their decayed blossoms removed.
The budding of this fin» family to be now expedited. Where the
bark rises badly some manure water should be applied, which
will cause the sap to rise more readily. Encourage the pro-
duction of autumn bloom in the Perpetuals by watering with
liquid manure and mulching the surface of the grovmd where
practicable. Climbers on walls to be attended to as they ad-
vance in growth, keeping the young shoots neatly laid in, &c.

STOVE.
Watch closely for insects in this house, and follow former
directions as to moisture and air. The plants which have done
blooming to be cut boldly in, and to be started gently to make
new growth. Attend closely to the winter-blooming plants,
taking care to get such growth well ripened to produce bloom.
Those Orchids suspended in baskets or on blocks of wood will
require a liberal supply of water at this period. All blocks will
need frequent but light syringings, and as much fire beat as will
allow of a gentle circulation of air.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATOET.
Shift on late Fuehsias, Scarlet and other Geraniums, and cut
back the principal stock, putting in the cuttings for a succession
stock of young healthy plants. Train and tie in neatly all
creepers, and apply clear manure water to those now about raid-
growth. A sufficient stock of Chrysanthemums may still be
obtained by cuttings or by layers. The pot Roses to have all
exhausted blossoms cut away, and those for winter blooming
to be examined as to whether they need shifting. The Teas are
admirably adapted for pot culture. Remove the faded floweiB
of Aphelexis and Helichrysums, cutting the flower-stems close
into the old wood; set them in a cool shady place when they
begin to grow ; any that require it to be repotted. When the
flowers of Kalosanthesare getting shabby do not spare the knife
on the blooming shoots, but cut them well in below the bloom-
ing brandies of next year, and by removing two or three tiers <rf
leaves at the top of each branch they will break a week or ten
days sooner than they otherwise would do. Plants in flower
should not be syringed, as it spoils their beauty.

PITS AND FEAMES.
Young stock to be exposed to the dews every fine night, and
in dull weather they may be exposed throughout the day also.
Sow Mignonette and a few showy annxials for decorating the
plant-houses during the autumn and winter. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

Planted out more Cauliflower, Coleworts, and Winter Greens
as ground could be got for them. Cleared away the remaini
of the Cauliflower that had been earthed up into ridges with
Celery between. Find that the Celery does not grow so fart
since the slight shade of the Cauliflower leaves were removed.
To prove to ourselves and some doubters the advantage that
Celery at an early period receives from a little shade, and thus
so far humouring its natural character, we placed over a bed
hurdles thinly wattled with old deciduous brandies, these hurdles
being supported on pots ; and the difference in height end
strength is quite observable, and it would have been more had
we had a more bright sunny summer. But for such means it
is next to impossible to get large Celery early. As the long, cool
nights of autumn come, it grows with a vigour which we cannot
obtain in early summer. However careful at planting time to
remove all appearance of sucker-shoots, these will want looking
after several times before earthing-up, as they detract from the
size and compactness of the main plant, and have to be cut
away before the plant is sent to table. With this exception-
watering when necessary, and tying-up each plant loosely as it
gets large, and after a good watering just throwing a dust of dry
soil over the bed to keep the watering in, we never do any-
thing in the way of earthiug-up early Celery until within a month
of the time we want it for use. We make an exception in favour
of a few heads wanted very early, or for these required merely
for soup and stewing. By these means we rarely have a run
head of early Celery. The reasons have been given once or twice,
and will only be repeated if required.

Cleared also the remains of the second piece of Catdiflower,
all early Cauliflower being extra fine this season, and got it dug
ready for winter Spinach— a rather close cropping with two keen
feeders in succession, but we could not help it. Gave manure
water to succession Cauliflowers and the earlies Savoys, Brussels

July 30, 1861. ]"

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTTTRE AND COTTAaE GARDENER,

Sprouts, and G-reens to get them strong and into early use.
Watered also with manure water late Peas — as Harrison's Per-
fection, Veitoh's Perfection, Ne Plus Ultra, and others, having
found that after all the showers the ground was getting dry
about the roots, and if that dryness continued with heavy crops
of flower and pods, we should expect mildew to come, and then
farewell to fine-flavoured, healthy, continuous gatherings. If this
watering should be much repeated, the surface of the soil,
especially near the crops, should be nicely forked over to let the
air in, and not so deep as to injure the roots. In such showery
weather without such stirring, the surface becomes like a pan,
and the rain is passed on past the main roots, or if the soil is
moistened all atmospheric influence is next to excluded.

Sowed some Dwarf Kidney Beans in a turf pit, which will
thus obtain protection late in autumn. Sowed also in pots
in the same place, so that if October should be wet and cold the
pots may be removed where additional heat can be given to them.
The first sowing in the open air is just coming in, and, therefore,
those planted out and which have given us plenty every day will
soon be removed as a little spider is appearing on them. The
second and third sowing out of doors are looking pretty well ;
but a leaf is appearing now and then to be diseased, just as if
strong maniure water had been poured on them, though we know
they have had nothing of the kind. A few sunny days would
remove all such blotched scalded appearance. If not thorougVily
assured to the contrary, I should have thouglit that the man
■when watering Peas, &c., had dropped some of the strong water
on the leaves of the young Beans. Last autumn some Dwarf
Kidney Beans died off from a similar disease.

In using manm-e water two things ought ever to be kept in
mind — never to use it too fresh or too strong even at the roots,
and to make sure it is weak when any is placed on the foliage,
designedly or not. We had a baiTel from the farmyard lately,
that we durst not have used safely even at the roots, until after
it was reduced by giving three parts of clean water to one part
from the barrel. Even at that strength it would have hurt all
foliage unless washed off directly by a heavy shower. These
few marks on tlie leaves of Dwarf Kidney Beans, and the curling
and fading of the leaves of Cucumbers out of doors, are the chief i
signs of disease I have noticed among vegetables as yet this season.

The continued wet weather has made us fearful of the Potatoes,
but as yet, I have seen little or nothing of disease. In raising
for use, it will be a good plan to take up every alternate row, so
that the one left will have more room and not be liable to be so
wet. I fear that short-topped kinds, as Ashleaf, &c., will come
off best if this drizzUng, warm weather contiimes. In some
cottage gardens I observe the tops are of a gigantic height, and
these will be the most apt to suffer, when planted so close as
they generally are. It is good policy to use such as early as
serviceable, and fill the ground again with Winter Greens or
late Turnips.

Pruned and regidated Tomatoes, and well watered Chilies
and Capsicums when not exposed fuUy to the weather. A few
of the latter are very useful to labouring men in wet weather.
A small pinch when ground down, however taken, gives a tone
to the stomach, and an increase to the circulation. Cayenne
pepper thus made is sure to be genuine, even though not so
nicely ground. Regulated and shortened Cucumbers and Vege-
table Marrows out of doors. Tbe latter want more sun to secure
abundant cutting of young fruit.

Looked over Vines to remove any decaying berry in earliest
bearing-house now. Removed most of the laterals from second
house, and a few from the late house, so as gently to check more
wood growth, but not to throw too much light at once on the
bunches, or arrest too quickly root action. The Peaeh-house
being now cleared of fruit, looked over it as to tying and thin-
ning. Gave it a. good syringing with lime-and-sulphur water,
and placed some sulphur on the pipes, so that by putting on a
fire in dull days and keeping the house close, a start may be
given to any spider that may remain. Will give much less air
now for a month, but wiU use what heat and light the sun wiU
give to harden and ripen the wood. Used a similar wash for
frees in cold-house, a slight trace of spider having shown itself
in several places. There was soot also in the wash so used.
Being rather a favourite one with us, we may as- well explain
how it is made. The clear soot water is made by placing half a
bu^el of soot and half as much lime into a hogshead of water,
and stirring all well together with a little water at first with an
old broom. This filled up wiU be clear with a yellowish tinge
next day. This is often used alone for syringing, but in general

with as much clear water added to it. When we expect or sea
spiders we add lime-and-sulphur water to it. I will repeat how
we make it. A pound of sulphur is placed in a kettle holding
about five quarts, and just as much water added at first as will
moisten it to paste. About IJ lb. of fresh sifted lime is done in
the same way, or a quart of the sulphur is taken and nearly
three pints of the lime. From four to five quarts of water are
now added, and the whole is boiled for ten minutes or so,
stirring carefully all the time. This is allowed to settle and
cool, and then is a very strong liquor indeed, which is best kept
for use in a stone bottle. A drachm glass or half a quartern of
this liquid will be strong enoxigh to put in a pail of water-
holding from three and a half to foiir gallons. We have used
this little this season, because we were bent on trying some other
things, and because we could not lay hands on quicklime just
when we wanted it. A few Plum trees were syringed this,
morning well for the fly, and I hardly perceive one left alive
and comfortable. The Uquid was the lime and soot water reierreet
to, with about half a quartern or small wineglass fidl of the
above Uquid added to every potful of three and a half gallons.
In extreme cases a little soft soap is added. It was also thrown
on some Gooseberry bushes, and made the caterpillars wriggle
and draw themselves up nicely.

I must own that these caterpillars have left their traces on the
bushes everywhere here, and as we thought we had finished all
traces of them by the 7th of the month, and had all hands
employed in the pleasure-grounds until the 10th, I was much
annoyed to find two or three rows with scarcely a leaf upon
them, though when examined on the 7th I had not perceived
the sign of a single caterpillar. I have never found the broods
so successive and continuous as this season. We have gone
carefully over bushes, and so far as we believed, by picking,,
shaking, and syringing, had not left one. I have gone over them
the day after, and had not detected one ; in a day or two more
have foimd myriads of little things about one-third grown or
less, and the work just to go over again. With such repeated
encounters any acrid substance that will either kill or cause the<
caterpillar to drop on a cloth is apt to injure the flavour and
the free swclhng of the fruit. The above wash does as much
harm to the vermin and as little injury to the fi-uit as any we
have tried. With all our care our late Goosebei-ries wiU be
inferior to what they used to be.

These caterpillars are extremely plentiful all round this neigh-
bourhood ; in many places scarcely a leaf is left. But I must
blame myself to a great extent for having so much trouble with
it here. We have hardly seen a vestige of it for many years,,
and that made us careless. Previously all the soil for 2 inches-
or 3 inches deep was cai-efuUy scraped from all round the Goose-
berry bushes, and drawn into a ridge between them, which thus
collected all the pupa; if there were any. This was either taken
away and burned, and fresh-burned earth placed beneath the
bushes, or it was trenched down deep in the centre between the
bushes, and fresh earth from the centre placed round (he stems
with a little Ume and soot thrown over all. In this latter case
the pupce were destroyed from being removed beyond atmo-
spheric influence. Last season we put such faith in the frost
that we neglected either of these precautions, which will entail
double diligence next season, after all the care of picking, shaking,
syringing, and dusting this summer, merely to prevent them
getting the mastery.

We were expecting to be very gay in the flower garden this
season. Even of Roses we have had more than we expected,
and some things, as Calceolarias, have done magnificently,
leaving nothing to desire. Scarlet Geraniums on the whole have,
been good ; but it is easy to see that if this dripping weather
and so little sun lasts much longer we will be apt to hare leaves
like Cabbages, and flowers few and far between. A few days'
sun would save all that, especially if a few of the larger leaves
are removed. All the stronger kmds of Scariet Geraniums will
rejoice in a fair amount of disleafing in such a season as this.
There is nothing amiss yet ; but sun or not sun for the next twa
or three weeks will be the turning point as to the continued
grandeur of the flower garden for this year. If the present,
fashion of plantuig continues, and were we assured tliat season*
like the last were to be general, it would be worse pohcy to:
seek out handsome foliage for beds— different coloured stones
or gravel, or even paint on a grand scale. Much might also be,
done by planting in pots to restrain growth ; but then m dry
seasons the labour in watering would be immense. We had:
Geraniums in pots last jeai in flower-heds that could be seem

346

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 30, 1861.

©ver 80 far off, so full of bloom were they. On a fine sunny
Season we should have expected those planted out to do best.
Hare had plenty of work tying and securing these windy days.
— R. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*#* ^6 request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By bo doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the ''Journal of Horticulture^ Sfc.,'' 162, Fleet
Street, London^ XC

Greenhouse {X. L., Chelsea). — The house of which you enclose a plan
will suit admirably for the purpose for which it is intended, and we have
not a suggestion to offer by way of alteration or improvement. We would
recommend the angle on the top of each side wall to be made to open
inwards on hinges ; and these will afford sufficient ventilation at the top,
provided you have, as you intend, ample opening in front. It matters
little what sort of Cucumber you have. Most of the seedsmen who adver-
tise in our columns have a choice sort which will suit you, and any of
them, along with Vegetable Marrow, would do well in the house. But
why grow Vegetable Marrow under glass ? Have you no useless corner
out of doors?

Vines Diseased {F. G. T.)— Tour Vines are attacked with red spider.
Place pans of water containing flowers of sulphur on your flues or pipes,
shut up the house close, and syringe the Vines frequently.

Mir.NOLiA GRASDiFLORA {Rcv. A. K. H.).—A.s you say the upper part of
the plant is breaking only partially and will never make a handsome
specimen, we would most assuredly counsel you to cut it down, and
encourage the strong shoots coming up from the stock. With these you
will be able to form the tree into any shape, or give it what direction you
most prefer; and in all probability you will have a handsomer plant than
you had before.

Water Lilies [A Subscriber).— 'Water Lilies have not a deleterious
effect on the water of a pond where cattle drink.

Altering Flued Pit to Kiddean System [James JioUins).— Your Qne
is very much like too many we know, they are all too narrow unless they
rose gradually along the front of the pits' and across the end, then run up
in a shaft at the first back corner, not go along the back wall at all ;
but when they do go along the back, and, like yours, are mostly on the
level, they never draw. We never recommend new plans of heating to
any one who is not a thorough master of all the old plans. That is our rule.
Kiddean and geothermal heating are good subjects for experiments to
such men as write in our pages; but there is, probably, not one in one
hundred of our readers who would not bum their fingers and their plants
long before they could learn how to do them as they should. For a pit
like yours, and for keeping plants from frost, nothing is so cheap or more
handy than six-inch glazed earthenware pipes, and a large fireplace. With
them and a faggot of wood you could get up sufBcient heat to meet a late-
at-evening frost in fifteen minutes. After that with a roomy fireplace to
hold a smouldering heap of sifted ashes, sifted coal and sawdust, with
hardly ;iny flame we have done the thing as well as with the best machinery,
and nothing can be cheaper or more safe or less liable to get out of order.
The only secret is a roomy furnace which would hum clay or any mortal

Fern-house (H. B.).— The arrangement you ate about to adopt for a
fernery will answer admirably, and the large Lime tree will only contribute
to the advantage of the plants. You will see the list you refer to in our
last week's Number. Pteris cretica variegata will do well in such a house.

(Enothera macrocahpa (M. J*.).— This is best when it is propagated
early in May, or when the young shoots of the season, or an old plant out
of doors, are 3 inches long, more or less. Slip them with a heel from the
old plant, and they will root almost anyhow, hut under a hand-glass out of
doors is the best way, because it is best for the young plants. But, of
course, old plants can be forced and cuttings made and rooted in a Pine-
stove, or in any other hothoupe way. Gazania splendens roots just like a
weed, and more easy than a Verbena. We never heard of such a thing as
Veronica gentioides variegata.

Clianthus MAGNiricus [M. J*.).— Is it possible that you are right about
this name? We have heard of the plant having been seen by some one in New
Zealand, but that was all. If it is true to the mime it will require exactly
the sanne treatment as any of the New Zealand Veronicas, only not quite so
much water in winter. If ycu do not know these Veronicas, just suppose
any good Fuchsia to be an evergreen, and treat your plant as you would
that Fuchsia. But send us specimens of it and of the Veronica you want
to know about, put them in in fold o! the finest oilskin in a letter, and we
shall soon put you on your legs with both of them, and, perhaps, some-
thing exti a to the bargain ; but tell us all you know of both to save bother.
Transmitting Flowers by Post.— As my method of sending cuttings by
post appears to have met with your approval, it may, perhaps, be useful to
state, that the substance I employ is gutta percha tissue, a thinner and
less expensive article than oilskin.— F. M. E.

Training Karpberries (A Fragaria7t).~Jf planted closely in rows
train them fan-form against an espalier rail, formedof posts and galvanised
iron wire. Only two wires are needed, one at 14 foot from the surface,
and the other at 4 feet. If the stools are wide apart, the best mode of
training is to tie the canes of each stool round a small hoop about I foot
tn diameter, and the hoop to be fastened firmly to a stake fixed in the
ground. The hoop to be about 1 foot from the top of the canes. No red
Raspberry is better than the Fastolff.

PortableMakvres (T. }T. X).— Both superphosphate of lime and guano
irill be useful to your Strawberriei. Apply the superphosphate now, and
the guano as soon as the flower-buds appear next spring. August and
early in September is the lime for striking the side-shoots of Pansies.
Caladiums require a rich loamy soil, good drainage, and plenty of water.
To equalise the production of Grapes on all parts of your Vines, bend down

the rods after pruning them in autumn, and keep them in a horizontal
position until they have broken in the spring.

Names of Plants ( TT. W. f.)— The plantcalled Chinese Weed, of which
you enclose the scraps, is Calystegiapubescens. ((?/as«crfn).— Your plant is
not a Campanula, but Gentiana pneumonanthe. ( W. W.. Ticehnrst). —Your
plant is some kind of Teucrium or Nepeta, hut it and the moss got so dry
that we could not examine it. Moss is one of the worst things in the
world to send flowers in. Cotton wadding is the next worst thing, blotting-
paper the third worst thing, and we forget the fourth and fifth. But a
very shallow tin case and a fold of the finest oilskin, will carry the finest
leaf or the most tender flower in England, to any part of Scotland or Ire-
land as fresh as larks, and just at the same expense as this broomstick and
mop-head style of common packing. The largest Strawberry worth growing
is Admiral Dundas. {A.). — No. 1, we cannot be certain about in the absence
of flowers, as there is another plant just like it in all ottier respects. If
the flowers are very small and white the name is right; 2, is Pelargonium
holosericeum, figured in Sweet's '* Geraniacefe," plate 75, and is the same
as Lindley's Campylia holosericea, and tricolor is the next section of the
genus, and the only one in that section. Tricolor is an intermediate link
between Lindley's Campylia and De CandoUe's Myn-hidiura. Campylia
holosericea is the proper name of your plant { TT. t. iff'.).— Tour plant is
Symphytum asperrimum. [Taffy). — No, 1, Stachys arvensis; 2, & white
variety of the same; 3, Medicago lupulina; 4, Filago germanica. (5.,
Devon), — Your Ferns are— No. 1, Asplenium trichoraanes; 2, Blechnum
boreale; 3, Polypodium vulgare.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

Atjgi'ST 9th. Belfast Rotal Botanic and Horticoltubal Society,
(Plants, Fruits, and Vegetable3.J Sec., George A. Carruthers.

AUGUST 14th. PoHTSEA IsLAND. <S'fc.,H. Hollingsworth, Southsea;

August 20th. Shepton Mallet. Hon. Sec, Mr. J. Brabner, Shepton
Mallet.

August 28th. Dewsburt. Sec, Edward Forth.

September 2nd. Heckmondwike. (Floral, Horticultural, and Agri-
cultural.) Sec, G. Kelley, Heckmondwike.

September 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of
other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.

Sbptember 11th. Royal Horticultural Societv. (Dahlias and other
Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.

September 18th and 19th. Brighton and Sussex. Sec.^ E. Carpentbb.

November 6th and 7th. Royal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and
Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.

November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newisgton Chrysanthemum Society.
Sec, W. T. Howe.

November 14th and 15th. Crystal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)
Sec, W. Houghton.

^.B.—Secretarics of Societies intending to advertise in our columns will
oblige us by sending an early intimation of their exhibition days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

POULTRY, «tc., SHOWS.

August 1st. Rossendale. Sec.^ Mr. 'William Piatt, Waterfoot, near

Manchester.
August 1st. Goole. ffoii. Sms., Mr. R. Blackburn, and Mr. C. Browning.
August 3rd, 5th, and 6th. Sheffield. Sec, Mr. Wm. Henij Dawson,

Sheffield. Entries close July 25th.
August 3rd. Atrshibe Apiarian Society. Sec, Mr. John Laughland.
August 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th. Ceystai. Palace Sdhmee Shot.

Sec, Mr. W. Houghton. Entries close July 27th.
September 3rd. Pocklington (Yorkshire.) Sec, Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close August 26th.
September 5th. Cheshire. Hon, Sec, Mr. George Chivas, Chester.

Entries close August 20th.
September nth and 12th. Manchester and Liverpool. (Sec, Mr. T. B.

Ryder, 2, Elliott Street, Clayton Square, Liverpool. Hon. Local Sec,

Mr. S. H. Hvde. Entries close August 14th.
September 24th. Bridgnorth. Sec, Mr. R. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
September 26th. Middleton. Sec, Mr. Thomas Mills.
October 8th, 9th, and 10th. Worcester. Sec, Mr. J. Holland, Chestnut

Walk. Entries close September 20th.
October 9th. Calne. Sees., Messrs. F. Baily and A. Heath. Entries

close September 17th.
NovEMBEB 22nd, 28th, and 29th. Dablington. Sec, Mr. J. Hodgson.

Entries close November 11th.
December 2nd, 3rd, 4tb, and Sth. Birminoham. Sec, Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December nth, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Crtstal Palace Winter Snow.

Sec, Mr. W. Houghton.

N.B. — Secretaries will ohlige us by sending early copies of their lists.

EFFECT OF SEASONS ON POULTRY.
We begin to fear we are hard to please in the weather. For
three years we had no rain, we thought of Coleridge's " Ancient
Mariner," " the very boards did slvrink," wo lamented the parched
state of the surface of the earth, the absence of animal life, and
the coneeqticnt lack of growth in our chickens. Last year we
mourned over the continual rain j there was no dust. The
chickens crawled about with draggled tails and wings j every
little hollow became a pond, and they died. The last three
weeks have reminded us of our past troubles ; and, as we think
prevention better than cure, we advise our friends to see that
their fowls are well provided with dust-baths. Little trouble is
necessary. In any sheltered place throw down some dust, and
the fowls will be there directly.

July 30, 1861. ]

JOtrJBNAL OF HOBTICTJLTUBE XSB COTTAaE GARDENER.

347

Those who are accustomed to watch the habits of birds in a
state of nature know the importance of it. During a wet season
Partridges and Pheasants seek beetling banks, hollows in the roots
of trees, and other places that are sheltered from wet. Here
you will find them always once in the day, and if they are gone
the prints and feathers they leave behind testify they have had
their daily indulgence.

CEYSTAL PALACE EXHIBITIOJST.

OuB first note should be to remind readers that the entries
for the Crystal Palace close this week. We are glad to be able
to say there is the promise of an unusually good show, especially
in some classes ; while there will be, in all probability, a greater
display of varieties of Pheasants, water fowls, and rare birds
than have been seen before at an exhibition. In these long
summer days the gardens, music, courts, pictures, and poultry
form irresistible attractions, and present the rare fact, that how-
ever numerous the members, or however varied the tastes of a
family, they may here indulge themselves.

Every one knows how difficult it is for seven people to go to
the same place, and find not only amusement but pleasure. It
may be accomplished here. One loves the crowing of cocks ;
another the orchestra so ably conducted by Mr. Manns ; one
will spend his time wandering in the courts or the Alhambra ;
a fourth will be lost in the contemplation of the antediluvian
animals ; a fifth (more shame to him) may be waiting to see
Blondin ; the sixth will be studying the arrangements of the
flowers ; and the seventli. Paterfamilias, will be satisfied in see-
ing the others happy, and now and then calculating " the tottal of
the whole" of the day's entertainment. All these varied enjoy-
ments will be open to the public on the 26th, 27th, 28th, and
29th of August.

The Crystal Palace should be among poultry shows what
Ascot was formerly among races — that meeting especially pa-
tronised and frequented by the ladies.

CALNE POULTRY SHOW.

We observe that through the eflbrts of some industrious per-
sons a Poultry Show is to be held at Calne on the 9th of
October, which promises to be a very attractive one, judging
from the patronage under which is is to be inaugurated. Calne
is six miles from a railway station ; but the Association have
arranged that the expense of conveying the birds to and from
Chippenham Station will be defrayed by the Committee ; and
the Great Western Bailway Company have kindly consented to
convey all unsold birds free on the return journey. Parchment
labels will be sent for the hampers. The Honorary Secretaries
are Messrs. Alfred Heath and P. Baily.

THE PLOOES OP POULTEY-HOUSES.

We receive many complaints from amateurs of the difficulty
of cleaning the floors of poultry-houses. One complains the
dirt cakes on the floor ; another that he has put on gravel till he
is tired of doing so, as his man sweeps it all out every morning ;
a third writes nervously about the accommodation for his
chickens now they are growing older and larger. He fears
disease from their roosting so closely, and some one has told
him if they roost out of doors they will get roupy.

We can easily answer the two first. The flooring of a poultry-
house should be of loose gravel, and quite loose to the depth of
an inch or two — nothing can then adhere to it ; and we answer
the second by saying that it is neither necessary nor right to
sweep the floor of a poultry-house. A long birch or heath
broom should be drawn lightly over the surface. It wiU remove
everything that offends, and the loss of gravel will be only the
particles that adhere together. We renew the surface of our
floors only twice in the year, although they are swept every
morning in the way we have described.

We advise our friend the clergyman, whose fowls frighten him
by their rapid growth, while the fowl-house remains the same, to
allow them to choose their own dormitories, and he will find they
will select laurels and fir trees, sheds and lean-to's, cart-houses
and barns. Let them do so, they wiE grow better, and be the
hardier for it. We have now above a hundred choice chickens
at one place, and they roost as they will. If the foi leaves us

alone they will do so throughout the winter. We have often
been amused to see Spanish that are called so delicate sitting on
a £r tree in the midst of a deluge of rain. They appear to con-
tract themselves to half their natural size, and thus to press their
plumage together till it presents as it were only one feather;
They droop from the neck to the tail, the head is under the
wing, and thus any amount of rain is shot off without possible
injury to the bird. There is no place where fowls cannot find a
roost, and if allowed to do so it is very seldom they will choose
an unwholesome one. There is no doubt that the more fowls
are scattered about the healthier they are.

PEOPITABLE POULTEY KEEPING.

Absence from home has prevented my receiving my Journal
as usual, but though late in the field, I trust you will allow me
space to say a few words upon " Leighton's " communication
of the 9th inst. The explanations it contains (if explanations
they can be called) do not clear up in the smallest degree the
heaviest clouds that envelope his balance-sheet. He published it
again more in detail, but otherwise unaltered, still showing a
" nett profit of 90 per cent.," and he furnishes a further account
which he gives " in its entirety " proving that " poultry-
keeping," if combined with market-gardening, will produce a
nett profit of over 110 per cent. I will not now, however, touch
on this, the subject imder discussion being whether a sum of
£45 7s. can be made yearly by the sale of eggs and chickens, the
produce of 100 hens, and whether this return is to be calculated
upon for every 100 hens kept ad infinitum.

Before,however,enteringinto detail3,Imustcall "Leighton's"
attention to what he has apparently lost sight of. In the article
that appeared in the Potiltry Chronicle for April 23rd he pro-
pounded certain theories (I call them " theories," because I do
not believe they are the results of practical experience), I dis-
puted the conclusions arrived at from those theories, and while
labouring to prove that "Leighton" was too sanguine in.
expecting to realise 90 per cent, on poultry keeping, I made no
counter-statements myself, but admitted all he put forth for the
sake of argument.

I make these remarks because I find that " Leighton " — for-
getting, no doubt, what he has previously written — grumbles
when I quote his own words, and rather smiles at any one being
foolish enough to " suppose " what he himself distinctly affirmed.

Eeferring to my 2nd, 3rd, and 5th objections, which he takes
together, he says, " JIo one supposes that each hen lays exactly
132 eggs, that 120 are sold, that she sits on the remaining
twelve, and reai-s exactly seven chickens out of the twelve that
may be hatched." I certainly did not suppose this, for my
information was so clear on the subject. In the Number in
question for 23rd April, page 70, "Leighton" writes, "Thus,
a hen will lay on an average 120 eggs, besides hatching a brood,
of which she will rear, on an average, seven chickens," which I
understand to mean, that 100 hens wiU rear 700 chickens, and
lay 12,000 eggs during the twelvemonth. " Leighton " now
increases the average number of eggs to 132 per hen, and laughs
at the idea of only rearing seven chickens out of the twelve that
may be hatched. Very likely he will smile at my new-fashioned
plan of placing always twelve eggs under a hen, and wonder
what could have put such an idea into my head. It will be now
seen that " Leighton " admits the hatching and ultimate
rearing of many more than the 700 chickens that are sold.
Here arises another difficulty on the article "Food," and I
must be allowed to quote a few lines from my letter in the
Poultry Chronicle of May 7th, page 107. I there said " ' Leigh-
ton ' reckons on sending 700 chickens to market, and he says,
'the expense of rearing chickens up to the age of ten or twelve
weeks did not much exceed Id. per head per week.' Now, of
course, a great many more than 700 would be hatched in the
first instance, living some of them many weeks, and, therefore,
costing many a penny ; but giving ' Leighton ' the benefit of
every doubt, we will discard from our minds all but the 700
chickens, which at ten weeks old are sent to market. How much
have they cost according to ' Leighton's ' own statement ?
Why, reckoning them at Id!, per head per week, £29 Zs. 4rf. !
within a few shillings of the amount charged for food. This is,
be it remembered, at Id. per head ; but we are told that although
not much, stiU that the expense did exceed the weekly \d.: tha
extra shillings are, no doubt, therefore, this trifling excess."
I now ask " Lkighion " therefore, upon what the cfaickenf.

m

JOURNAL OF HORTICITLTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ July 30, 1861.

hatched over and above the VOO mentioned, subsisted. One thing
is quite certain, that if " Leiohton's " statement is true that the
700 chickens cost a trifle over Id. per head per week to rear up
to ten weeks, that these unfortunate supernumeraries could liave
had nothing at all to eat. If, on the other hand, the 700 chickens
did not devour the whole of the amount charged for food — viz.,
£31 16s., why ever does " Leighton " say that they cost a
trifle over Id. per head per week ?

To turn now to my first objection ; I consider it unanswered.
No charge, no reasonable charge, has been made for the purchase
of the original stock.

"Leighton" tells us, "The cost was — birds, £13 7«. 6d.;
expenses, 8s. ; total, £13 15s. 6d, ; average price, 2*. ll^d.
(nearly) a-liead. At 5 per cent, on outlay the item interest will
stand "l4s. Sirf."

He stated he had 100 hens. Well ! here we unfortunately fall
oiit again. I do not make the interest on outlay — that is, on
£13 15.«. 6d., at 5 per cent., come to 1-is. Sid. Neither do I
make 100 birds at 2s. Hid. each, £13 7s. 6d. Even knocking
off the odd halfpenny I make it more money.

This I mention principally to show that "Leighton" is
capable of making mistakes in his book-keeping and calcuUtions,
the difference as far as amount goes being imworthy of mention.
Then he says — "The roosters were two and three years eld."
There were, no doubt, twelve oi' fourteen, perhaps more. What
did they cost? and where does that sum appear? They were
not purchased out of the £13 7s. Gd., for that, as I remarked
before, was not even sufiicieut to buy the hens at the price
" Leighton " himself said they cost. And now 1 must say a few-
words on the subject of interest, a topic on which " Leighton "
is evidently at sea, and I fear as a financier he will never make
Ilia fortune. A capitalist laying out money in building expects
nothing less than 7 per cent., because he knows that although
the erection whatever it may be will last a great length of time
(a couple of centuries perhaps), still that his security will
ultimately decay and fall to pieces.

Poultry are naturally short-lived, and, therefore, to talk of
5 per cent, upon such a security is most feeble.

Let me put a caseby way of illustration. Suppose " Leighton"
to have invested £1000 in a mine, sufficient ore is raised for
(say six years) to pay the shareholders 5 per cent. It is then
discovered that all the ore is exhausted, that nothing more is to
be got out of the mine, and the scliemo is abandoned. What
would be "Leighton's" position? Would he consider that
having received interest for six years at 5 per cent, (or in other
words £300) a sufficient return for having parted for ever with
his £1000 ? Would he not feel hke the man who had lost
Is. Gd. and found Is. ? But suppose instead of 5 per cent, the
ore raised during the six years had been sufficient to pay
25 per cent., how would "Leighton" have stood then ? Why
he would have received in tlio shape of interest £1500, and
would be no doubt willing to lose £1000 every six years on the
same terms. This is a parallel case to investing money in
poultry. The security ceases to be remunerative after three
years and vanishes, disappears, and dies a natural death after —
say three more.

I ask " Leighton " what would his stock of poultry be worth
(if in existence) six years after he purchased, the hens being at
that time one and two and the roosters two and three years old ?
I still consider " Lbighton " lucky in obtaining a penny for
every egg (on an average), having 12,000 to dispose of during
the year.

After he has parted with them, two profits have to be added —
the dealer who calls, and the butterman who subsequeutly retaile
them to the public.

I still repeat, " That no charge is made for the sustenance of
the original stock." "Leighton" having previously declnred
that the average yearly return to be depended on from each hen
was 18s. 'Jd., now states that " the actual average return was
within a fraction too small to bring forward, 22s. Id. per head
per year." (" Why did he not say so at first ?") " Thus leaving
an ample margin for replacing vacancies in breeding-stock, for
eggs for sitting (for I gave none to any but very early or very
late hatches), and for food for original birds."

Does " Leighton " mean to say that he put no eggs under
kens " except those that sat very early and very late," or that
he gave no eggs to the young chickens except early and late
broods? That the diflerence (if it existed at all) between
18». 9d. and 22». Id. is sufficient for all the contingencies men-
tioned I deny moet emphatically, and I feel confident of th«

support of all practical men. To underfeed stock of any kind
it is well known is " bad farming," and never answers. In rick-
yards during harvest time, and whilst threshing is going on,
poultry certainly require little or no feeding; but those are
exceptional cases, and " Leighton " does not possess such ad-
vantages. If fowls are not properly fed they stray in search of
food, and, in consequence, lay away from home, and when the
run is but of two acres the eggs are in all probability lost. It is
hut penny wise and pound foolish, to stint your birds and lose
their eggs; far better feed well and keep tliem near home. IXens
do occasionally steal a nest and return with a fine brood, but
they quite as often return with a very small one, and for my
own part I would rather have a hen hatch ten than sixteen
chickens. It is unsatisfactory to feed chickens and see them die
off one by one owing to the mother being unable to brood them
as they grow larger, the hen un(brtunately remaining the same
size. Besides, a hen although she steals a nest generally comes
home some time during the day to pick up what she can; but,,
perhaps, as " Leighion " never feeds his birds they know it is
no use returning to dine with Duke Humphry.

"Leighton" says, "Eggs for sitting were charged at half
the then selling price." Wbj was this ? If " Leighton "
could obtain, say Id. for an egg, and instead of selling it he put
it under a hen, he certainly should consider it cost him Id.

I hold that it is quite impossible for poultry to do well if
badly fed ; that it is absurd to sujipose that a hen will lay on an
average 132 eggs at the least, and hatch and rear more than
seven chickens each year, unless bountifully supplied with good
things, and that is of course doubly necessary when there is no
rick-yard but merely two acres of grass run.

I still consider " Leighton's" balance-sheet most incomplete,
and that he is even, accorduig to his own sliowing, far too
sanguine in his conclusions. He will observe that I have ell
along judged him out of bis own mouth. I do not deny his
premises — I forbare saving whether 13,200 is a large number of
eggs to be laid by fowls scarcely fed at all. I do not assert that
these same skinny fowls (and skinny they must be) are unlikely
to rear large broods ; neither do I call in question the prices
obtained ; I merely ask liim to furnish a cojnplete and proper
balance-sheet showing the truth of his statements, and if he can
really prove tliat a nett profit of 90 per cent, is to be realised
yearly from the sale of chickens and eggs the produce of 100-
hens'(I can at the same time explain satisfactorily how he fed
his original stock whilst they were doing such good service),
saying what he considers a reasonable charge for the main-
tenance of a full-grown bird (chickens up to ten weeks old cost-
ing a trifle over Id.) he will indeed prove himself " the right
man in the right place." — E. C. C.

COCKS EEAKING CHICKENS.

Mr attention was directed last evening by an old schoolfellow
to the contribution of "Senes Gallus," in your Number
issued on July the 2nd, 1861, but which I happened not to have
previously perused, from being at the seacoast at the time it
reached Sparkbrook.

Your replies to the queries of your correspondent, " Senei
Gallits," find a ready echo, in every respect, from my own ex-
perience, with the exception of the one referring to the cock
which voluntarily took upon itself the office of maternal fo3te»»
parent to a brood of chickens. Oh ! how time flies. It is
now more than thirty years since, though it looks but as ye8tei>
day, and I was then a no less ardent fancier of poultry than at
the present moment, that an individual who dealt in all kinds of
oddities in the live-stock-way, from leopards, monkeys, eagles^
badgers, down to fowls, rabbits, pigeons, and guinea pigs, well
known to almost every youth throughout the town, was sitting
outside his window in " the Bear Yard," Birmingham, awaiting
his multitudinous customers to buy, sell, or exchange.

To all readers resident within miles of the spot named, andr
whose years permit the retrospect, it will be at once perceived I
refer to a party named Eeuben Simmons, or as ha was more
generally known, by the soubriquet of " Old Reuben." His
trade extended for some thirty or forty miles round, but his
tenancy was an humble one, for which he paid about .i: 14 annually.
It consisted of an old house and the sole occupation of an ill-
conditioned yard (leading through from Bull Street to New
Street), but which at tlial time was but little used, except byr
(hi cuatomers o£ Simmons himself as dogs of all kinds chained

July ?0, 1861. ]

JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUSE AND COTTAGE GAEDESEK.

349

to the walls, and occasionally even monkeys, a bear, or an eagle
similarly constrained, jirevented the more timid from venturing
en the thoroughfare. Under the present town authorities his
occupation would, no doubt, at once be voted a nuisance ; and
itrange to tell, this small yard now densely covered with first-
class business premises, and dignified by the name of Union
Passage, produces to its fortunate proprietor at least £1200
a-year. But I "have (like yourdelf) wandered a long way in
'gossiping," still I feel certain numbers of your readers will
peruse this digression with interest.

In the before-named yard an old-fashioned, immensely booted,
"Bpeckled Bantam hen, which had oft-times raised a teeling of
covetousness in my mind, but which was " not for sale," tended
seven of her chickens about a week old. In ill-judged desire for
their protection she flew at a large bull dog of her owner's, and
before any help was at hand the dog had torn her piecemeal.
The cock, a bird of the same (now all but extinct) breed, at once
iook to the chickens temporarily, leaving all other of his female
ussoeiates, and exercising every hen-like solicitude for their
welfare, clucking or brooding them continually. At nighttime his
-assiduity was remarkable, and his pugnacity impetuous towards
any one wlio endeavoured to deprive him of his charge. After
these chickens were fully grown, a still more remarkable pecu-
liarity of this individual bird was, tliat although running freely
with hens, he would at any time desert time in foto, if young
chickens were given him, and he would rear them as tenderly as
those first mentioned, whatever their breed ; though youngsters
■of any growth — say, three weeks old, he as positively disregarded,
■nor did his aptitude for hen's duties develope itself until the
ifatal accident to his mate.

As to hybrids (the cross between Pheasants and fowls), I have
both purchased and bred maiiy, as I confess for years I had a
weakness for keeping these beautifuUy-plumaged and singular
anomaly of the feathered tribes. They were with me trouble-
some customers, always fighting, and rendering themselves in
-every possible way disagreeable and injurious to the well-doing
■of their poultry companions. But hybrids may diB'er in their
appetites, although you state " the apparent male of this breed
is never so happy as when sitting on eggs ; and we have observed
it a hundred times, and have seen the bird watch the lion off the
nest, and then settle down on the egg with all the deliglit in the
world." My " mules " were not by any means in even a single
instance so amiably inclined to domesticity. They, if possible,
it is true, invariably watched tite hen off the nest after Living ;
but in lieu of the attempted incubation, they instantly broke the
€ggshell intentionally, and as quickly in illustration of the words
of the old song —

" Tliey made a grcit gulp, and tbcy sw.allow'd it."

My only object in writing my individual experiences is, lest
any novice in poultry matters might to his after-annoyance
perplex himself with the morbid inclinations of hybrids, as in
years past I have done. — Edwaed Hewitt, Sjiarkbi'oofr, Bir-
mingham.

APIAEIAN NOTES.— No. XII.

Aetipicial Swakms. — I have teen very successful in this
jnode of increasiiig my stocks this season. The plan I have
adopted is pretty much that recommended and prefen-ed by
Langstroth, the clever American bee-master and author. To
go to the very commencement of the proceedings, I first removed
a suitable brood-comb from a hive with all the bees then about
it, satisfying myself that the queen was not on the comb ; this
was placed in a small box capable of holding four combs only,
and carried oif to another apiary ; or, at another lime, the bees
were all brushed oif the brood-comb into their own hive, the
small box with the comb was put on the stand of a second strong
hive, which was removed, when many of the bees were out, to
another part of the garden. This latter plan ensures a suflicient
number of bees, witliout any risk from fighting. Young queens
•are quickly raised, and this forms what is called by Langstroth
a nucleus. So soon as a few royal cells are sealed over, some of
them may be cut out carefully and secured in combs, for the
■purpose of making more nuclei ; these must be inspected from
*ime to time, and notes made of the dates when the youn"
-queens come out. When one commences to lay eggs, it will be
time to see about the artificial swarm. On a fine day invert a
.strong stock, which we will call A, and drive every bee into an
empty hive ; set this on the stand of the old stock. iSaving

captured the queen from the nucleus, either at once set her free
with a few of her subjects among the combs of the old hive, or
confine her for twenty-four hours in a small queen-box, made of
perforated zinc, fastened in some way among the combs. A second
strong stock, B, must now be removed from its place, and the
hive from which the bees have been expelled, with its combs full
of brood in every stage, and the young fertile queen is put in its
stead. The bees that come home enter this hive, the brood
hatches out, and, in a fortnight's time, this will be almost as
populous as before the operation. The swarm C is pretty sure
of doing well, having a great number of bees, with a fertile
queen in almost every respect the same as a natural swai-m. In
a fortnight after the stock A was driven, proceed the same with
respect to B, giving a young queen from another nucleus, and
placing B on the stand of another hive, D, and so on, as much
as you please. When the queens are removed from the nuclei,
as they have laid some eggs, other queens will be raised ; and it
may often be found useful to have a supply of such at hand, eren
if no more artificial swarms arcneeded.

Out of an apiary which has reached to the number of nineteen
stocks, I have this season had but four natural swarms ; and
those, being two fir,=ts and seconds from two stocks, were united
so as to moke two only of the number of stocks. All my other
swarms have been artificially formed ; and I may say with very
satisfactory results. It has frequently been but the work of a
few minutes to drive a strong hive, so as to force nearly every
bee into the empty one. A small bos being at hand (containing
a queen with a few bees) one side of which is made to slide
easily, is secured among the combs. A strong hive is removed
to a new stand, the driven hive taking its place. Being full of
brood in every stage, enough will be hatched out in the course
of a few days to make a pretty populous colony ; but it is
necessary that a good supply of adult bees be at once obtained,
for the purpose of covering and rearing the brood in the less
advanced state. This is best efircted in the manner I have
described. The advantagps of this system of increasing stocks
are, I think, very great, particularly to those apiarians situated as
I am. Being confined to business and my house in town during
the day, and having my bees chiefly in the country in three
apiaries many miles apart, I am enabled to choose my own time ;
and in the morning or ofternoon, generally about nine or four
o'clock, to force the swarms required from my strong hives,
which give me no further anxiety or trouble on the score of
swarming, requiring no watching or other attention during the
daytime. Langstroth gives many plans for the formation of
artificial swarms, but this, which I have endeavoured to describe,
appears to me this best and easiest.

Lakgsteoth's Feame-hites. — Having adopted this plan
somewhat extensively, I cannot let this opportunity pass by
without signifying my approval of it. Although late in May
before being fully resolved to adopt these boxes, I have now
seven of them well-established, either transferred from common
straw hives, or by artificial swarms. The facilities which are
afforded for the scientific management of bees — viz., tlie case
with which the frames holding the combs can be lifted out
and examined — the ease and certainty with which artificial
swarms may be made — the advantage of being able so readily to
give to a weak stock a full brood-comb from a stronger neigh-
bour—the fact thflt the bee-master can almost compel his queens
to an amount of breeding which would not be possible in the
ordinary domiciles — these and other desiderata combine to
render this system of bee-keeping almost as near perfection as
possible. These hives differ from other bar-hives chiefly in
having loose frames to contain the combs, instead of simple bars.
There is a space of «bout tliree-eighths of an inch at top,
bottom, and sides, which allows the '.bees rapid access to every
part, and facilitates the reraaval of frames.

The Woctobtjet CoMs-a43i. — I can fully ewdorse the good
opinion -wiuch the inventor entsntaiBB of this comb-bar. I
have adopted the principle in my Langstroth-boxes, and on
plain bars sf my ordii>ai-y biives ; rfso dn one instance where the
bees intrended for an observatoiy-^iive were first placed in a box
with bare 17 inches in length. The combs were worked beauti-
fully straight, and were shifted into the narrow space between
the two glass sides of the unicomb-hive, without the slightest
dilBcuhy. It would not have been the case if the common bars
had been used. Any bars can be easily altered, so as to form
these improved comb-bars. A shp of wood one-eighth of an
inch square is taoked to the centre of the under side of the bar,
the lower angular edges of which are rounded ■oS'. Mr. Wood-

s@o

JOUBNAL OP HOETICULTTJRE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

[ July 30, 1861.

bury runs a thin coating of melted wax on this little bead or
ridge ; but I find that a small piece of clean beeswax rubbed on
the roughened surface, answers equally well.

UuiTrNG OF SwAEMS. — It is difficult to say why this should
be found to answer so well at times, and why it should occa-
sionally be attended with sad loss of life. This season I hare
united several stocks and swarms, all successfully ; and have,
within a very few days, effected a union between the bees in two
of Langstroth's boxes, by separating the frames of one, and
shifting into the vacant spaces the combs from the other with
the bees that were on them, having first removed one of the
queens, and then knocking out the remainder of the bees among
the combs. There was r.o fighting. The operation was per-
formed at ten o'clock in the morning. Again, early in the
spring, I had two weak stocks — one a common straw-hive with
a queen but few bees ; the other a Stewarton-hive, with bees but
no queen. The combs in the straw hive being old and bltck, I
cut the hive in two about half way down through combs and
all ; and, having removed the lower of the two Stewarton-boxes,
the half straw hive was " superposed" on the octagon-box. The
bees, united without much fighting, soon increased in strength,
and have given me two fine swarms. In some instances, where
I joined bees last season, there was no fighting ; but in others
there were more bees slain or lost than were given to the colony,
thus entirely defeating the object in view.

SwABMiNG Season of 1861.— As a general rule, I do not
think hives have swarmed so profusely in our district as in many
other parts of the kingdom. What some of my own and Mr.
Woodbury's strongest hives might have done in that way, had
they been left to themselves, I cannot say. During the early
part of the summer, the honey season was unusually good ; but
for some weeks little has been done, owing to the very unsettled
weather which has prevailed. From one hive on the 3rd of
July I took a super with 45 lbs. nett weight of sealed honey ; a
little brood and unsealed honey making the weight at 50 lbs.
without the box. From another hive, a beautiful super of
about 23 lbs., and a swarm. From a third, a fine super of
about 25 lbs. will be taken. This hive has thrown oflf two fine
swarms, and seems full of bees at present. Other hives have
good supers yet to be taken off; but on the whole I do not
think this season, at least in our locality, can compare with that
of 1859.— S. Bevan Fox, Exeter.

THE BEE PAEASITE (BEArLA cceca).

On the 17th of June I found a little brown insect clinging to
the thorax of a Ligurian drone. As this was the first specimen
of the bee parasite which has come under my notice, I forwarded
both drone and parasite to Mr. F. Smith, at the British Museum,
asking him at the same time if it were identical with the parasite
of Apis meUifica. In reply he says, " I am greatly obliged to
you lor a sight of the bee parasite. I have never seen a speci-
men before ; I have only known it by a figure and description.
The insect is noticed and figured, as you probably know, in
Reaumur, torn, v., pi. 38, fig. 1 — 4. It is also figured in Ser-
mar'e 'Fauna Insectorum EuropsD.' It is the Braula coeca
Nitzsch described in Sermar's 'Magaz. d. Entom.' iii., p. 514.
I can find nothing in the specimen which you have sent dif-
ferent to the figure and description."

The following drawing and description of this curious insect
are also from the pencil and pen of Sir. F. Smith.

margin. The head with an oval cavity on each side in the place
of the eyes, in which the antennae are placed. The antennK
composed of two joints, the apical joint terminating in a stiff
plumose bristle. The thorax transverse. The abdomen convex,
pubescent, with a mixture of long, stiff hairs or bristles. The
legs pubescent.

Wildman, in his "Treatise on the Management of Bees,"
quotes from Madame Vicat as follows : —

" The hce which stick to the bees are not generally tliought to
be prejudicial to them, and this may be true when there are
but few of those vermin ; but when every bee in a hive has two,
or perhaps three lice upon it, as is often the case, we may beUeve
that the bees are greatly incommoded by them ; indeed, we may
be assured of it, by their using every means in their power,
though ineffectually, to get rid of them. M. de Reaumur declares
that he cannot think well of a hive in which the greatest number
of bees have lice on them.

" Madame Vicat had a hive near a chair in her garden, in
which she used to sit at work for hours. She one day saw many
bees endeavouring to rid themselves of these troublesome enemies,
and endeavoured, but to httle purpose, to assist them, by killing
the lice with her scissors. Recollecting that tobacco is a poison
to many insects, she immediately strewed a little Morocco
tobacco over some bees which had lice on them. The lice fell
off instantly as dead. In order to be assured that tobacco did
not hurt the bees, she confined some which were lousy under a
glass, placed on paper strewed with tobacco. After the bees
had passed several times over the tobacco, the lice fell off them
dead. She left the bees in the glass three hours, and at the end
of that time they appeared vigorous and well. She had bathed
some bees in water in order to rid them of the lice; but found
that, though many of them fell off, they recovered themselves
again as soon as the bees did. One of the lice jumped 2 inches
high, to get at a bee that she held in her hand."

Finding that mine was the first specimen of this parasite
captured in England, I have had some misgivings, lest in im-
porting Ligurian bees I had unwittingly been the means also
of importing a hitherto unknown enemy into this country. These
misgivings were, however, set at rest by " B. & W.," who, in the
course of an interesting apiarian conversation, informed me that
he had observed these little pests on his English bees some eight
or nine years ago. — A Devoxshiee Bee-keepeb.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIGURIAN AND
COMMON DRONES— PACIFYING BEES.

Will you say what difference there is in colour or appearance
between the Ligurian drone and the black bee drone ? as the only
difference I can discover is that the black bee drone is rather
longer than the Ligurian, both being bred in black bees* comb.

Would you also say how you get rid of the bees when
taking out the bars of a hive for examination ? as, although I
have a bee dress on, they stick to me, trying to sting ; and should
any one else come near, woe betide him, for they are at him, as a
man passing said, "like bull-dogs." — A. Y.

[The Ligurian drone has more gold colour on the abdominal
rings than the common drone.

You can avoid the annoyance you complain of by a few whiffs
of smoke from some vegetable substance before opening a hive.]

Fig. 1. The insect magnified. The letter I by its side is the
natural length. 2. An anterior leg magnified. 3. An antenna
magnified.

Insects apterou?, blind ; sex not known; of a chestnut-brown.
The legs stout and long. The apical joint of the tarsi broad,
widest at the apex, and furnished with stiff bristles along the

DRONE EGGS LAID BY A YOUNG QUEEN.

One of my young queens which was hatched on the 6th of
June, in a small artificial swarm, has surprised me by laying a
large number of drone eggs in worker-cells. At first I was
I inclined to think that she bred drones only, but on a more care-
ful examination I found she had laid a few (but only a few)
worker eggs scattered amongst those of drones, and giving to the
surface of the combs, when all were sealed over, a remarkably
irregular appearance. These few workers are now hatching out ;
and, as none of the drones have as yet made their appearance,
this circumstance shows that workers' eggs must have been de-
posited quite as early as those of drones, thereby negativing a
hypothesis which I had begun to entertain that drone eggs were
laid before impregnation had been effected, and were succeeded
by those of workers after the queen had been fertilised.* As far

• Mr. Langstroth relates an instance of this kind, in page 40 of hia vala.
able work.

July 80, 1861. ]

JOURKAL OP HOBTICULTTJUE AND COTTAGE aARDENEB.

851

as I can judge, this abnomial laying of drone eggs has now
ceased, and all appears to be proceeding in the usual manner.
I ihould add that her majesty is a well-developed Liguriau queen.
Can any of the apiarian readers of The Joitenal op Hoeti-
CTOTUKE suggest an explanation of this most unusual occurrence,
which I must confess has completely puzzled — A Devonshiee
Bbe-keepee?

THE WOODBTJP.Y COMB-BAE AJSTD HIVE.

Having now, as I consider, fully tested the new bar, I feel
warranted in pronouncing it to be a success. I have hived three
natural swarms in hives destitute of guide-comb, but furnished
with ribbed bars, and the result has been unexceptionable in
every instance. In reply to the inquiry of "A. B. C," I may
inform him that the bars were adjusted at a distance fractionally
exceeding 1 J inch.

In last week's impression, the printer has inverted the wood-
cut representing an interior angle of one of my hives, and by so
doing has rendered it perfectly unintelligible. It should stand
thus- -

It will be perceived that the bars (seven-eighths of an inch
wide) are rather more tlian half an inch distant from each
other, whilst they approach to within nearly three-eighths of an
inch of the sides of the box. I have not departed from the
dictum of authority in this respect without due consideration ;
but have arrived at the conclusion that every comb in a stock-
box should be of one uniform thickness, and tiiat it is a decided
disadvantage to allow thick side-combs. — A Devonshire Bee-

SEBPEE.

BEES AND THE SEASON OF 1861.

ilGUEIAN BEES AND SKY BEES — " GKEAT HUMMING IN
THE AIE " ON CERTAIN HOT, CALM DATS.

" Ye musical hounds of the fairy king.

Who hunt for the golden dew,
Who track for your game the creen coverts of spring,
Till the echoes that lurk in the flower-bells ring

With the peal of your eliiu crew !
** How joyous your life, if its pleasures ye knew,

Singing ever from bloom to bloom !
Ye wander the summer year's paradise through.
The souls of the flowers are the viands for you.

And the air that you breathe, perfume.'* — {Bcc Sovff.)

The bee season, as far as it has gone, has been a favourable
one; and has in part made up for the terrible losses "and
beggarly account of empty boxes " of the memorable and dis-
astrous year 1860.

One of your correspondents talks of the superiority of Ligurian
(or alpine bees) over the common black bee ; and a most ridi-
culous reason, among others, is said to be that the alpine bee
stands the cold belter. How is it that the English bee stands
the severity of a Canadian and a Kussian winter ? I grant tliat
the latter insect is a little too sensitive in showery weather, but
it is their nature ; the wild bees are also more or less so accordmg
to their nature in the same ratio.

The fancil'ul notion of the superiority of the alpine bee is
■similar to the rage about fifty years ago for tlie new breed of
merino sheep, which had iis day — whicli filled and emptied the
pockets of buyers and sellers for two or three years, and then
■died a natural death. Sucli I predict will be the case with this
new-fangled alpine bee in this climate.

Every living creature (man not excepted) is fitted for the

climate in which it was originally located by the all-wise Author
of its existence, and must, consequently flourish in that locality
to the end of time in which it was intended to remain. The
alpine bee may be a little more hardy than the insect which
inhabits the plains of Italy, France, or Switzerland ; but depend
upon it, the Ligurian is deficient in some other particulars —
most likely in its choice of pasture and so forth when out of its
own district. Tour American quotation stamps these bees as
great robbers, and fitted for " places of great altitude," &c.
— the high mountains of Wales and Scotland, probably.

Swarming, Caution. — A second swarm, or, as it is termed, a
" cast or cut," left one of my hives after heavy rain the last
week in June, and settled on an espalier Plum tree — an awkward
place for hiving, as it is difficult to brush them ofif without
endangering " a flight." It was a very dull showery morning,
the sun quite obscured. I placed the hive by props in such
a situation, gently touching the top of the bees, that in about
half an hour two-thirds of the bees went up to the crown of the
hive. I left them for an hour ; but in the meantime the sun
burst forth, as the clouds suddenly dispersed, and the wind was
quite lulled. On my return the bees had taken a second flight
and were lost, they being unable to stand the heat, which was
7S° Fahr. In one of my former letters (Vol. VII. of this work)
I particularly caution apiarians (tyros) to guard against this.
So much for preacliing and practice.

What a constant source of amusement are bees, and what a
theme for writers in your well-conducted publication! But
how the Editors have the patience and good nature to answer
all the remarks and questions I cannot conceive.

Following a Swarm. — Tour " BENrfiEWSHiRE Bee-keepeb"
gives a graphic description no less than four miles. In Vol. VII.
of The Cottage Gaedenee I mentioned a circumstance very
similar, hut the pursuit was not made. I happened to be near
Bridgewater, in Somersetshire, near the sea, when a farmer
showed me a small swarm of bees which had taken possession of
a weazel trap on his premises. The bees were busy at work in
this wooden trap ; and my informant told me that on scouring
the country he could hear of no bees being kept nearer than
four miles. The country over which these bees must have
passed was a flat open country without hedges, the fields separated
by wide ditches, or reens (rhines) as they are called in Glouces-
tershire and Somersetshire. On close examination of the trap I
eonld see both honey and brood-combs.

Sl-g Bees. — Your correspondent " G. C." has mentioned
" sky bees ;" these bees being only myriads of small gnats and
flies, mostly ephemeral, and some, I have no doubt, oiJy live
part of a day.

The sound of these insects can be heard always in the early
part of the summer, particularly in June, on a clear, very calm,
hot day, when the thermometer ranges from 68° to 80°. They
make an incessant hum, and fill the air for miles together. I
have been often astonished at walking several miles on such a
day as I have described, and still heard them, exactly like that
of a distant swarm of bees on the wing. Tour con'espondent
might have looked long enough, as the insects are scarcely visible
to the eye, except through a magnifying-glass ; and they are not
so distant as " G. C." imagines. It is only their infinite number
which causes them to be heard so loudly and distinctly. The
sound continues several hours in such a day as I have described,
and seems like the joyous song of praise to the great Author of
all insect life.

Since writing the above I have found a passage in that excellent
standard work, " White's History of Selbourne," which I quote
at full length :—

" There is a natural occurrence to be met with upon the
highest part of our down in hot summer days, which always
amuses me much without knowing the cause — and that is a loud
audible humming of bees in the air. Any person would suppose
that a lar^e swarm of bees was in motion. This noise was
heard last week on June the 2Slh."
" Itesounds the living surface ;
Nor undeliyhtful is the ceaseless hum
To him who muses. At noon.
Thick in yon stream of light, a thousand ways
Upward and downward, thwarted and convolved.
The quivering nations sport." — [ThoinpaoiVs Seasons.)

A note by the reviser and editor of the last edition of
" White's Selbourne " is as follows : —

" riiis sound does not proceed from bees, as our author
supposes, but from the common gnat (Culex pipiens). We par-
ticularly noticed this in August 1832, in a lane which leads

352

JOURNAX OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER.

[ July 30, 1861,

from the back of Warrington Crpscent to the Newhaven road.
This mighty congregation of gnats formed a lengthened column
of 200 yards. Their numbers we believe to have been greater
than there have been human beings on oui- globe from the
creation to the present time. — Ed."

I can add that this curious sound is universal at particular
times, and on those sultry and calm sunshiny davs, during the
short life of these insects in most localities throughout England.

To return to our own true English bees, I am rejoiced to say
that they have made good progress in honey-gathering up to
this diiy (a tempestuous wet day, 18th July) ; for one of my
swarms of the 11th June is 30 lbs. weight, exclusive of hive and
board. Except in the countries of heath, I fear the honey
season is nearly over. — H. W. Newmax, Hillsicle, Cheltenham.

SKY BEES.

A SHORT time since walking with ray wife in our garden, my
attention was suddenly drawn to a sound like that described by
your correspondent " Q-. C." And a neighbour having lost a
swarm of bees a short time before, I jumped somewhat hastily
to the conclusion that the missing bees were witli me. I com-
menced searching, and was surprised to find the sound following
but not the bees ; until, arriving at a more open part and
looking up, I discovered o^ number of tlies ilting very rapidly
backwards and forwards, and emitting a sound like that of
swarming bees. Will not this account for the noise heard by
" G. C." ?— J. C.

THE SALMON.

It used to be believed that the young salmon migrated to the
ocean when only three or four weeks old; in sliort, that within
so brief a period they were transformed into llie silvery stnolt,
which, within six weeks, returned to the river as a grilse,
weighing from 3 lbs. to 9 lbs. For the rectification of this in-
veterate mistake we are indebted to llie late Mr. Shaw, of Drum-
lanrig, forester to the Duke of Buccleuch. By a scries of ex-
periments, of undeniable accuracy, he demonstrated that the
little fish termed parr, and in England penk, fingerling, or
samlet, is the true fry of the salmon, and that not till it is
twelve months or even two years old, does it assume the smolt
aspect, and migrate to the ocean. At the end of either of these
periods the finger-like marks on t)ie sides of the parr begin to
be covered witli a second lamination under the first scales ; and
it has been ascertained that fry without this new lamination
show no desire to migrate, and that if placed iu salt water they
certainly die. But, arrived at the state of smolts, their desire to
migrate is so irresistible that they have been known to perish
by tlirowing themselves out of the pond in which they are con-
fined. A most singular anomaly is exhibited in the varyhig
period at wliich they become smolts and migrate. In the
breeding-ponds at Storinonifield, near Perth, this has been
observed constantly, and, singular though it be, it is not unpre-
cedented, for Mr. Shaw observed the same pecuHarily in the sea-
trout. About half the fry do not assume the silvery ccat of the
smolt until the end of the second year ; and thus while t'ley weigh
about half an ounce, and are still veritable parr, tliosc nbieh
migrated have returned from the ocean weighing, it may be,
considerably more than 5^ lbs. — the exact weijiht of the first
grilse known to have been one of the smolis liberated at Stor-
montfield, and honoured by being dHguerreotrped as the first-
fruit of a most important experiment in pisciculture.

The exodus of the smolts from the river is chieily from the
middle of April to the middle of May, though earlier shoals are
on their route in February and March. Mr. Shaw once had an
opportunity of observing' the rate at which they proceed seaward,
and found that it was about two miles an hour. Arrived at the
ocean, a fix weeks' sojourn amid the bounties provided for tbcm has
such ail effect upon their growth that the tiny smolt is converted
into the vigorous grilse, weighing from 5 lbs. to 8 lbs. Kext
season this weight will be doubled ; but how long this progres-
sion in size will continue we cannot guess, as the actual hinit>
of ttie salmon's age cannot be ascertained. If endowed with
anything like the longevity of the pike, salmon may rival
Mithueelah. Gesner relates that a pike was taken in Suabia
bearing an inscription which demonstrated it to bo 267 years
old. it is maintained by Mr. Boeciiis that the microscope shows
laminations on the scales of the salmon, denoting his age, just as

the rings on an oyster shell reveal the antiquity of that estimable
mollusc. As to the eti'ect of sea fare on adult salmon, the evi-
dence is quite satisfactory. The Duke of Athole marked a
spawned fish weighing 10 lbs. After an interval of tliirty-eight
days, during which it had performed its journey to and frOm the
sea, it was caught again of the weight of 21^ lbs !

It is when running up the rivers, at the rate of about three
miles an hour, that the history of the salmon terminates, by his
being circumvented by the wile of man plying the murderous
i net, or angling with the treacherous hook. Of the pleasures of
wandering along the banks of a fumous salmon river, and en-
gaging in a contest with a 20 lb. fish, fresh from the sea, the
late worthy Mr. Young declared that " it beats the Grecian
g.imes all to nonsense." We have witnessed the discomfiture of
a dear old Doctor m Divinity, well-known on the banks of the
Tay for learning as well as piscatorial skill. He had hooked a
heavy fish immediately above the Linn of Campsie. The fish,
after dashing up and down with uncontrollable vigour, and re-
peatedly trying to shake itself rid of Ihehook, by sprhiging some
6 feet out of the water, at last made a rush at the linn. The
contest was suddenly terminated by his floundering into deep
water, which forced him to swim for his life. Still grasping the
rod, he rose, puffing, to the surface; but prudence forbidding
a swim in pursuit over the linn, he threw it from, him, ran to a
boat as fast as a man so water-logged could manage, and in it
descended the roaring linn in quest of rod and fish. The rod
was recovered, minus the line and the salmon.

Better luck had Duncan Grant, a shoemaker, in the Tweed.
After a seven hours' fight with a huge fish, which at last took
refuge sulkily under a stone, Duncan was so exhausted as to
think of ending the struggle by breaking his tackle, when hope
revived as he put into practice this original expedient. Lay'ng
himself comfortably on the bank, with the line between his
teeth, he proceeded to refresh himself with a nap, coolly saying
to himself, " If he rugs when I am sleepin', I think I'll find him
noo," After a three hours' sleep, a furious tug awoke the in-
vigorated cobbler. Starting to his legs he followed the fish,
wliich was now rushing down the stream with jjrodigious speed.
Exactly twelve hours after hooking him, he cleiked out of the
water a magnificent fifty-foiu- pounder.

What a trying moment is that, when the cleik is about to
secure the prey ! Often have we seen unskilled hands miss the
fatal blow, and, in a second, the noble fish was free, and Pis-
cator speechless ! On such an occasion it is well to remember
Burton's saying, " If so be the angler catch no fish, yet has he a
wholesome walk to the brook, and pleasant shade by the sweet
silver streams," where, as Leigh Hunt has suiiff, the finny tribes
lead —

".\ cold, sweet, silver life, wrapped in round waves,
Quickened with touches of ti-iinsporting fear."

— (From " Good Words.")

OUE LETTER BOX.

Poultry for Profit (rr. JET. ^.).— Keep Piirtridfce-coloured Cochin-
China. and Speckled Dorking pullets in cquid numbers— none older than
one year— :ind one Dorking cock to c;icli hall-do/en pullets. By this
arrangement you will have a good supply of egjs at all seasons, and all
the chickens will be excellent for the table. Have the whole of the brick
floor of > our hen-house covered 3 inches deep with the coiil a'-hes.

PiGEON-HOiSE (A 5»i«-n6p?-).— Without further particulars I cannot
suggest any lensou why your white Dragcon Pigeon shivers and does not
lay. Neither do you siiy what kind of Pigion-house you require, or in
what position it is to he built. I can only say, let the norlhe'n and north-
eastern sides be close, either brick or wood, the whole space had better be
ro'ifed in to keep the house dry. Glass would be best, but state, tiles, or
even felt well taned and sanded would do. The south side mny be of wire
netting or laih-woik, wiih an entrance to let iheni out occasionally. As to
nei-t8 lor twenty Pigeons they fhould be arranged in ten pairs, shelves
I foot wide and 18 incheo one over the other. These shelve^ diviced into
three-feet compartments, having a nest at each end would he ihe ^iII'pltst,
or pens would be preferable. Mr. J. M. Eaton, ot 81, Upper Street,
Islington, has published a diagram of first-rate pcne, and in The CoTTAOii
Gaudener of February 19th, 1861, you will also find a very good plan for
pens or the internal arrangement of a' Pigeon-house. Red-colimred,
pigeons are bes-t bred from two reds, or one red may be paired with a
yellow, bhtck, or even blup, but the young are not likely to be so regularly
coloured. Other colours will sometimes breed reds if ihey are bred from
or biive been crossed with reds previously. I once haJ a pair of blue
Dragoons that occasionally threw reds. — B i*. Bkkxt.

Rabbits Fighting {./. (?.).— >;o place can be worse for Rabbits than a
pit 6 feet square. Such a small place is only of a size for one doe, and
nothing you can do will prevent their fighting if you put more than one
in. A pii is a \ery bad phice for Rabbit's because "of the impot-sibility of
either cleaning it out thoroughly, keeping it dry, or ventilating it. Tho
place is always full of impure air, causing di&case.

Errata.— FajiC 331, col. 2, line 9 from top, /or *' pastor aristans," read
** pastor Aristaus." Line 27, same column, /or " more»" read " some."

Augiist;6, JiSei. ]

.JOCBNAL OF HOaXICULrURE AND COTaTAGE aARDEJSEP.

'WtEKLV CALENDAR.

Day Day

of I 01 !
M'nth.Wcok.l

AUGUST 6-13, I8G1.

.Weather neau .I..ondon in 18G0.

Barometer. Thermom. Wind, i f^'^jj^'" Rises.

(5

7

8

D

,10

11

12

Tu
W
Th

F

S

M

PuiNCK Alfred born, 1S4^

Asters.

■Solida}?n.

Ci-reopsi.*.

Pruuclla peiinsylv.inica.

11 iSUNDAT AFTER TatNITY.

Lavutora arborea.

ye?, de^. i

29 471-29 S.i3 I fi7 v41 I - S.W.

29,789-29.758 I 68-40 W.

29 813-29 562 i 60-48 | S.

29.726-29.601 '65-39 1 N.W.

20 839-29.765 r4-47 S.W.

29.550—29.500 ! 76-49 W.

29.745 -29.fi33 I 65-49 W.

•36 I .

■72
■04
■03

35

.39
41
43

Sun

Set

m.

h.

38 af 7 1

37

35

33

31

29

.27

Moon '

Ki.sp.s Jlonn's
und Sets Age.

m. h.

pet.^
38 a 7 1
87 7 I

14 .8 :

34 8 '
55 8 '

»
1
2

.3
4
5
6

Clock 1

bpl

Die

Son.

1

m.

.».

5

36

5

29

5

22

5

14

5

5

4

56

4

46

Day of I
Year.

218
219
320
221
222
223
2>4

Mktkorologt of the Week.— .4t Chi.'swick, from observations durin? the la.st thirty-four veirs, the average liiBheBlanrt lowest
temperatures of the.'e days are 69.2» and 47= respectively. The srealest heat, 93', occurred on the 'lltb in 1835 ; and the lowest cold, 86',
on the 6th in 1833.- During the period 137 days were fine, and on 101 rain fell.

CEOSS-BEEEDING- GAZANIAS.

^ best thanlis are
due to some one I
forinaiiinf; knOM'n
at once, that the
plan of slittingtlie
invohic:e of Ga-
zania splcudens
did not keep liis
flowers open day
and nif;hl. I be-
Jii've many plants
o( llio eomposilo
order woidd seed
in this climaLe if
we could prevent '
them closing up
at even. Damp or
moisture shut up
with the iloi'ets
for so many hours, and the chill at night, prevent tlic
action of the jjoUen, or perish tlie young seed aa soon
as it receives the germ of life : therefore, a sure plan to ;
prevent this is of, much greater consequence than one
might think, if he only. looked at it in the light of a
handy tui'u to help on the gayness of a ilovrer-bed ; and
unless the failure was made known, the cure might not
so readily suggest itself at a future opportunity.

Besides, to auotlier class of readers there is a little
philosophy hid in the straight jacket. My llowers were
open daj' and niglit all through May and June ; hut my
plants were of a different mould, and my plan much more
so than falls to the lot of bedding plants. My plants
consisted of so many Gazania rigens, and so many of
spleudens. My object was to cross them. Tliey were two
years old last March when I turned them cut of their
pots, and towards the end of Maj' and many days in
June they were iu a temperature of from DO' to over 100°,
but during the nights they were very nearly as cool as if
they were in the open air. They were planted in a row
quite close to the inside front of a cold pit, the bed
being level with the front wall of the pit ; and when they
were in flower the glass-lights had to be tilted day and
night, for if the lights were let to rest on the front wall
the flowers would be crushed. The same thuig or treat-
ment was in the idea of giving them ii front-orchard-
house treatment, as was suggested last winter; and the
plan of submitting plants to an enormously high day
tetuperature, and to allosv them (o get so cool at night as i
barely to keep late spring frost from them, has been re- \
corded in the first or second volume of this work, from a
practice with some seeds and seedlings at Shrubland
Park.

It was a regular set plan -that was adopted with these |
Gazanias for a very particular purpose. T-lie plan is now
before you in a more perfect shape for future use ; and if
tver you should have to do with half-hardy plants that
No. 19. — Vol. I., New Seeies.

are very difficult to seed, or to receive foreign pollen, I
wotdd advise the same as against all the way.s that ever
I tried to get out of a fi.\-. It was only an after-thought
of mine to suggest that way for flower-beds ; but you see
some one has taken it up and failed, probably because
the strength of his plants, and the power of his stimu-
lant—his degree of heat, were so much less than with me .
But for having tried the thing, and for the bold-hand
front of telling me it was non-hygrometric. I just took
another turn and at the first flower discovered a more
easy way to keep these flowers open as long as the last
even in the coldest part of this island. Make only one
slit, and only half way down — that is to say, to the
bottom of the lowest circle of the scales of the in-
volucre ; then turn up the lower edge of that cut, and
gently tear off the upper half of the belt, by ba-
lancing the hand, just as if you were tearing a leaf
out of my book and wished to leave a straight edge,
or as, you would tear out a cheque from your cheque-
bcok; either way is easier than the dressmaker's way
of slashing jackets.

I am sorry to have to say that I have failed to cross,
or seed without crossing, an}' one of these flowers. I
rooted out the row in the pit, all but two plants, one ofa
kind, before I heard of the failure ; but I had a strong row
of two-year-old Gazania rigens across a border, and tlie
flowers yielded at once to that way of relieving them
from their belt pressure at even. Yet the ray fiorcts
curled the edges without closing.

My reason for leaving a plant of each kind inside the
pit will sound strange to some people, but strange stories
could be told of such things till you were tired to hear
them. Some gardeners say we have not half light
enough in our climate for exotic plants, hut my require-
ments assure me we have twice too much light for too
many of them. I can cross some exotics only when the
day and night ai-e about of equal length, as is natural for
them in a belt round the globe, in which belt the days
and nights never vary, and there is neither dawn nor
twilight. Our long days are too long by far for sucli
plants, for they never can receive their natural daily rest
so near the north pole r.s we inhabit. It is by taking
advantage of this natural state of things, and by forcing
plants so as to flower out of season, and in a more suit-
able climate to themselves, that I have been kept from
the throne, and from satisfying my ambition.

But I am in alliance with his majesty of cross-breeders.
I sit ill his councils ; lie has reviewed my forces, and
looked over my armoury. Ho knows his strength and
how best to use it ; and, moreover, he knows that he can
seed plants with ease, which I cannot seed by forcing
under m}' system ; but when the days and nights come
again to be of equal length I shall have another trial
with these two Olazanias, for that was the reason for
leaving them in the pit. Should I fail at the equinox I
shall move for leave to send two couples of my oldest
plants to his majesty aforesaid, with a request for him to
try the eflects of the vernal ec|uinoxe8 in pollenising
them ; but you are quite free to believe the moon and
No. fi71.— Vol. 7CXVI., Old SrEiES.

354

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTXTEE AlfD COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ August 6, 1861.

not bigger than a pin's head has been made to grow in
Pelargoniums to the size of a broad Windsor Bean ; and
all the pink, rose, scarlet, and white in that aristocratic
race have been grown from small and very insignificant
beginnings. In 1858 I was at the beginning of this
century with one shade in seedlings — only fifty-eight
years behind time. In 1859 I got as far as the battle of
Waterloo. Last year I advanced only about five or six
years ; but by the end of this season I expect to be well
on to 1840; and when I am "up to the times" I shall
fulfil prophecy and drown all the bedding Gerariums
that existed in 1855 in the bottom of the Thames. The
new order of seedlings will supplant most certainly ; and
although it is a most pleasant occupation, it is a most
wearisome one at the same time.

In my haste to gain time I have " run" many a good
breeder by crossing, so that the seedlings could not siand
on their legs — that is, that they were so reduced in con-
stitutional vigour as to be beyond the power of cultivation
to rear them. The phrase is not mine, at least not its
meaning. Dr. Herbert often alludes to the same thing.
The " run " is now by two ways — by pollen and by breed-
ing in-and-in. My baby anthers in Pelargoniums have
the very same effect on the next and succeeding genera-
tions, as Mr. Standish and all who have " worked " the
Ehododendrons since Mr. Smith, Lord Liverpool's gar-
dener, have proved in-and-in breeding to do in that race.
They ran them till the seedlings were past rearing. Now,
mark this difference : in Pelargonium breeding in-and-in
is the only power we have of improving the breed in
strength, in health, and in " properties ;" while in Rhodo-
dendron breeding in-and-in soon ruins a race, and unless
a fresh kind, a wild species, is got to infuse fresh vigour
into the in-and-in-got seedlings, their offsprings would
soon fail and could not be reared. But Mr. Standish is the
godfather of that race; and I do hereby call upon Mr. John
Standish, of Bagshot Nursery, to tell how it is possible
for any one to debilitate a strain of Ehododendrons so
that no one could rear the seedlings. No hemming or
hawing will do, we must have it chapter and verse — that
is to sa)', the origin and extinction of species of Rhodo-
dendrons. Some Rhododendron crces-seedlings are as
genuine species as any in the book.s, being quite distinct
in looks, and coining perfectly true from seeds if care is
taken of them when they are in bloom. But the fact is
this — books and botany, physiology and Nature, put
together as we do, are just three very different things,
which any thiee men may study and each find out things
which might never occur to the other two.

" If Mr. Beaton thus hints at new and curious facts, he
must not be surprised at being plagued with questions,"
so writes Mr. Darwin. Now, I take it that no writer in
this Journal can be so complimented by any of hi.s readers
than when he is questioned in order to get at the bottom
or the meaning of what he writes about. I do not object
myself even to be called over the coals, provided it is not
done in a carping spirit. But I did not volunteer to lay
myself out for such questioning ; I had no intention to
say anything about pollen, or this variegation in plants,
but what is well known or received as if it were well
known. As I have just said, Mr. Darwin is at the hottom
of it all. I could not answer his questions against my
convictions ; but the more questions he asks and the
more searching he puts them the better he will please his
humble servant. Even grumblers are as beans and bacon
to a public writer ; but questioning in a manly spirit and
for free inquiry, is like the hot rolls and butter to his
breakfast-cup, and he ought to aspire to please the hand
that feeds him. Having been fed thus far, I shall give a
rcsnme of the explanations in answers to Mr. Darwin.
The pollen of Lobelia fulgens, and the pollen of Lobelia
speciosa, together with the pollen of plants of two gene-
rations from their union failed to fertilise any one of the
seedlings of the third generation. I would recommend
to Mr. Darwin to apply the pollen of Lobelia speciosa —

the stars have more influence on crossing than such
periods.

CEOSSING LOBELIAS.

Mr. Darwin is at the bottom of all this. I should
never have thought of exposing myself to the risk of
being hauled over the coals so often were it not for his
questions, and from knowing there is no way so sure of
getting out of his grasp as by telling him of things in
our line just as they are. Respecting his request about
Lobelia fulgens, cardinalis, and speciosa, the only three tall
kinds which were in cultivation when I was engaged on
them. Two of them, but I forget which two, svere
completely sterile at the second cross — that is, all the
seedlings of the second generation were quite sterile ;
but the third would produce three generations of seed-
lings, and these seedlings resisted any farther advances
from the pollen of any of the parents, or of any of the
seedlings «hich I kept. I believe I had every variety
of tall Lobelia that is now in cultivation as early as 1835.
One of the best of them is St. Clair, and I had it in 1833.
It was lost in 1836, and appeared with some other
breeder many years afterwai'ds. I had one finely grown
specimen of it in a pot, which was 9 feet high, and the
flowering part of the spike was nearly 3 feet long. It
was measured by the present Mr. Low, of Clapton, and
one of the Messrs. Dickson, of Chester. On their travels
both happened to meet in that garden the same day.
Both had seen all my Lobelia seedlings ; and if either of
them has seen one seedling of that race different from
what he saw that day, these pages are open to receive
the record. But as his majesty succeeded in crossing
several other seedlingi which were absolutely sterile
under my system of growth, and I have been prosperous
with some seedlings which Dr. Herbert could not push
further, I am quite satisfied that cultivation has as much
influence ever the power of breeding as it has over the
improvenien t in the form and sub.<itance of florists' flowers.

I should be curious to know if the present St. Clair
Lobelia, or any of the finer seedlings of that race, are
barren now. Mr. Kinghorn is the last breeder whom
I know to have influence with Lobeliads, and he could
tell us their present standing sure enough. I recollect
that Lobelia speciosa, a blueish-purple tlower, was received
as a genuine wild kind at the time I went through the
course with them ; but in 1836 Dr. Herbert recorded, in
his " Amaryllidacefe," that it was certainly a garden
seedling, across between fulgens and syphilitica; but I
can well remember that that cross seedling would come
quite true and never vary from seeds thirty years back.
It is not so tall as fulgens ; but of all the Lobelias that
I have seen speciosa would be the best to work with
fulgens and its seedlings, to infuse that degree of the
purple tint with the crimson and scarlet which makes
the fashionable mauve colour in its highest or deepest
shade ; and I would advise cultivators to attempt the
true mauve colour in Lobelias on spikes that would vie
with those of Gladiolus itself

I have got the second degree of mauve, and the first
or best magenta in Nosegays this season ; but I have
overdone the seedlings, so that practically they are of no
value save as breeders. If I recollect "rightly, the St.
Clair Lobelia comes constantly in the second generation
from fulgens. Mr. Darwin's finest seedling from fulgens
will possibly, by the pollen of fulgens, produce the true
St. Clair. The question is, Can the breed be raised
higher or pushed beyond St. Clair? My experience says
No ; but the influence of cultivation through a course of
years supervenes, and will very likely subvert my testi-
mony. In two years more Mr. Darwin will be in a
position to prove the case from his own seedlings. 1
hope he will also get the blood of speciosa into his strain.

DEVELOPMENT OF COLOUR IN FLOWEES.

It is a curious saying to state that colour can be made
to grow, but the fact is certain. A black or brown spot

August 6, 1861. ]

JOTJENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENEE.

355

that is, the cross plant from the syphilitica, on the stigma
of his best scarlet seedling from fulgens, then to select
the best seedling of that cross with the pollen of speciosa,
the object in view being to produce the finest colour
which scarlet and purple can be made to yield — that is to
say, true mauve colour, if the tints are in the right pro-
portions. But if that mixture should be found to make the
seedlings too dark — too much purple, say, then apply the
pollen of fulgeus to the darker seedlings in order to lighten
the shade. Secondly, the treaties of alliance between
his majesty of cross-breeders and the writer do not
empower the latter to demand the former to do or say a
single thing to a third party, but he knows his majesty has
been always willing to tell of all his sayings and doings.
As to the case in point, the blue and white Anemones,
nothing is more common than for original blue flowers
to sport into white-flowering varieties without crossing.
Thirdly, in Pelargoniums and in Rhododendrons the
pollen of the shortest stamens has been proved to pro-
duce seedlings of more dwarf habit than the parents ;
and by applying the pollen from the shorter stamens to
the stigmas of the dwarf race, again and again, the seed-
lings at last will be so faint, for want of a better term,
that no art can grow them. But Mr. Standish is respect-
fully requested to state about Rhododendrons, and, lastly,
the more questions, the more luck. D. Beaton.

AEEANGING FLOWERS IN BOUQUETS AND

VASES.

{Continued from page 334.)

FOEMS AND PATTERNS.

The wedge-shaped patterns and the varied circles I
have already described, and once I mentioned the cut-out
pattern, such as a Fleur-de-lis, whilst another time it
was the pointed circle, and the equally pointed centre on
a paler or dark ground, of which we were considering.

The questions we have to take in hand now, are what
shapes and patterns are allowable and artistic ; and how,
when chosen, we may make such patterns.

The styles, of course, may be very different ; the size
of the flowers, and their colours, having much to do
with this.

In many cases, where exceedingly small flowers are
chosen, the pattern may be rather elaborate, and at the
same time most perfect in taste and execution. Have
any of my readers seen a wreath for a bouquet on an
entirely white ground ? White Lilac I must name once
more, for it is so useful a resource, or small white Roses ;
or, for the very best, the common English May blossom,
or wild sweet white Violets. On flowers like these every
tint of colour tells, and there was a beautiful Forget-me-
not, of which the readers of this Journal must have
read some months ago what Mr. Beaton said — how it
would force so capitally, and be such a useful winter
flower.

Now, a wreath of Forget-me-not arranged on a white
ground, would make a charming sentimental bouquet !
I think floral designs are very preferable for flowers, to
stiff", and straight-lined patterns.

A wreath of Rose-buds, or of Rose-buds and blue
Hyacinths, would look very pretty ; or a scroll pattern
in little dotty flowers. Nothing large and solid looks
half so appropriate as these designs for flowers.

Then, in this way we can vary the ground colour and
make the wreath quite different. A ground, for instance,
of very pale pink or delicate mauve Verbenas ; yellow
Banksian Roses, with a wreath on it (only by candle
light yellow is apt to look like a dingy white) of purple
Violets, of small purple Geraniums, or of the purple LUac.
All these grounds might in turn be used, and have
wreaths drawn on them respectively of pink, or blue, or
white, or, which is very pretty, wreaths in which the

thicker parts are marked in colour, while the edges are
shaded off" into a feathery white. Purple Lilac and
Lilies of the Valley are extremely pretty. On a white
Chinese Primrose ground, the scarlet Begonia again is
very pretty ; and sometimes these patterns look lovely
when the ground of the centre is of one flower, and the
outside of the wreath of quite a different sort.

I have seen flowers arranged in a succession of round
bunches, but I did not admire them, as they look very
stiff.

Stars, again, are sometimes freely scattered; but
except the self-shaped stars of Jasmine, and flowers
of that kind, I have little sympathy with astronomical
designs ; though Ursa major, or Orion, or the Pleiades,
might form, no doubt, a very instructive group for a
highly astronomical young lady to carry in her hand !

Sometimes a monogram forms a pretty pattern ; but
that would be rather for decorations, or for some large
vase.

The monogram should be cut out in card or zinc ; and
I think, perhaps, the easiest plan is to paste two cut-out
cards together, so as to form a very solid board, the in-
side of the cards being cut out all round, so as to make
them merely a stiff" kind of frame.

Having rendered the frame stiff by pasting, take a
piece of wire all round the shape, carefully binding it
over all the way you go. A varnish of sealingwax melted
in a little spirit of wine and applied very hot does most
excellently for preventing the paste from softening ; but
it needs extreme care not to let the composition by any
accident take fire. I have never ventured to use it hot
at all. When used cold, the varnish being thinner is
longer drying, and sometimes two or three coats may be
desirable.

As a general rule, black shows as little as anything on
wires, cards, &c., when used with flowers ; but I suppose
white sealingwax could be used, and the varnish would
answer better for use amidst white flowers than that
made of red or black.

These frames fastened firmly by wires carried down,
parasol-like, among the stalks, answer very well for
keeping the space open that is to be filled with some
peculiar colour.

Sometimes it is difiicult to keep the surface level if
different kinds of flowers are used in forming the ground,
and for the pattern on it. It is, however, essential to
have the surface level, and it can be kept so by care.
Of course, it is understood that great care must be taken
rightly to fill up any interstices in the monogram, or
pattern, through which it is supposed that the ground-
work shows.

WEEATH DESIGN ON A BOtTQUET.

AVith a white wreath the ground may be precisely of
those flowers which we can get most easily.

Snowdrops, Lilies of the Valley, or little sprays of
Heath or Deutzia will be our wreath; and pink Heath,
or mauve Verbenas, or scarlet Gei'aniums, or crimson
Roses, or Violets, or Chinese Primroses, may any one of
them be used as a ground.

The ground should be first begun, and supposing the
ground to be pale pink, and the wreath a green and
white one, it would answer very well to have one large
pure white flower in the centre with little branches of
surrounding green, or Lilies like the wreath, edging and
softening its clear cut edge.

If the ground is white, and the wreath is of scarlet, a
red Camellia with sprays of Heath to match, is a most
perfect centre.

The bouquet should be made up firmly just as usual,
till it comes to the wreath itself, then every flower should
be placed with the greatest care, filling up with white
or letting the colours of the wreath appear but little,
so that the due eff"ect is by some means wrought.

After the wreath there shou'd be a band of ground

356

JOCBKAL OK nORTICULTUBE AKD CO'ITAOE GAKDKNKK.

[ August G, 1861.

colour, wider considerably tlian llie wreatli itself; and
tlien, with the usual fringe of green and white, the outer
circle is perfectly finished ofl'. — E.

{To be continued.)

PIT FOK GENERAL PURPOSES.

I 'vviSH to CTPCt a pit with lieafin,' aptiiiratiis, in nliicli to
keep Peiimiap, Yfrbenas, Geraniums, CalcfoUrias, Cinerarla!=, &c.,
ilirougli the winter. I sliouM iecl nun'li obliijecl (or your
f'pitiion of the following plan snggpsted by a fi-ienH. Inside
measiirenif lit to be 11 iVtt hy 7 feet ; tile ground to be excaviited
'Ifeet or 5 fiet deep, and built up to wiihiii a foot of the level
of the ground witli nine-inch briekwoik, tlie remainder 4> inch
where the break occurs, leaving a ledge to be boarded across for
a f:ilse boitotn to be 3 feet or 4 feet above tlie flue; the fireplac;
to be ul tlie end and the Hue going all round the pit, terminating
with a cliimiier near the tirepliiee, a venlilaio' to be in the
baek wall. I thought of having three lights glazed with rough
plate; but my friend advises one light to be clear sheet glass, as
I might bring (lowers on to bioom sooner under that. My chief
tlesire is to grow window plants, with a few for bedding pur-
poses. I thought of otdy making use c-f the heating apparatus
when likely for a frosty night, and even through the day when
the thermometer stands near freezing-point. In orditiary winters

1 have kept my plants in a cold frame, liut the last two I have
hod them all killed. I wish to know if the dry heat of the flue
will be injurious, and if so how it can be remedied ; and whether
it would answer the purpose of striking cuttings, starting jilants
in' spring ns well as the common dung-bed. I may as well
state the aspect is south-west. I have estiuiated the cost about
£10. I sliou'd like, of course, to have one to answer every
purpose.

If not asking too much at once, may I trouble you for a list of
a few other plants I might grow successfully with such a pit ? —
A. B.C.

[As you are only one of many who are w-ishing for similar
information, a few random thoughts on your letter may not be
unaco. ptablc.

For all merely keeping of bedding plants, &c., through the
winter, a deep pit is not desirable, as the deeper it is, other
things being equal, the more likely will the plants be to suH'er
from damp. In making a pit from 4 feet to 5 feet b low the
ground level you would require to shik the stokehole 2 feet
more in order to heat the pit by a flue, if the flue stands on (he
floor of the pit, and this depth, unless in a dry place, would
either give you water to trouble you, or necessitate a consider-
able expense for draining to keep all dry. Besides, as we
presume tliat you mean to have a wall above ground — say
2i feet at back, and 1 foot in front, even on your plan of build-
ing, a considerable quantity of bricks will be swallowed up to
enclose a space that after all would only by 11 feet by 7 feet.

The plan you ]iropose is an excellent one under the circum-
stances, as fa~ as the temporary Uooring is concerned. We have
several times recommended a similar plan, even when the wall
was carried up solid, or hollow nniforuih*, by having a ledge of
bricks out an inch or so wide, to receive the 0oor of boards, and
in such a pit as yours we would have at least a couple of such
ledges, one within a foot of the front wall plale, and another

2 feet or 18 inches from it, so th.it when plants got rather tall
the boards could be whipped out and placed at the lower level,
which would give the plants all the more headroom. Even in
a common pit, with iho boarded floor rather open — say two-
inch spaces between the boards, such floors are a great advan-
tage for equalising temperature, and even moisture in the atmo-
sphere. Many things do not do well when set at once on the
sanded or cindered floor of a shallow pit or frame, and they are
very quickly heated and quickly cooled, the moisture within
being quickly thrown into vapour at onetime, or deposited in
mist and hoar frost at another, requiring, therefore, more care in
air-giving and protecting. But m such a jiit as you contem-
plate, the great body of air enclosed will be a security against
cither extreme so I'up, and the lighting of a fire when necessary will
keep that air more in motion than in a mere cold pit unhealed.
Unices in severe frost, liowevcr, plenty of air should accompany
the lighting of (he fire, or bedding plants will become weak and
drawn.

For mere bedditig plants and window plants of a moderate
jize, a pit about half the depth wou'd just be as useful, and you

wou'd not be so likely to encounter dainps frjm rains soaking
into the walls, or springing up into your stokehole and making
your flue and furnace damp. But lor general purposes, such a
deep pit would be the most useful, as you might grow largish
epeciinens in it in summer, or you might appropriate it lo grow-
ing Cucumbers and Melons in boxes above your flue. A nine-
inch flue would be large enough for such a place ; and it matters
little where it runs, though under general circumstances it might
be as well if it was a foot from the sides all round.

]f such a jiit could be changed into a little house — say 2 feet
or 3 feet wider, the expense would be no great deal moie, and
there would be no comparison in the amount of interest and
enjciynrent it would yield. You might then have a pathway in
the middle 2 feet wide, with a moveable sparred platform on
each fide made into pieces, so as to be easily moved, and a
narrow shelf or two over the pathway ; or even one over the plat-
forms for little things in winter, woidd enable you to hold more
things than you could do on the mere level fluor of a pit, and,
best of all, you could work amongst them and attenl to their
varied wants in wiuter — whilst in a commrn ]iit, with no means
of getting at the plants except by opening the fashes, (hey nin a
risk in continued bad weather of being cither frosted, jiarched,
soaked, or burned up. Even if compelled to have such a pit as
you propose, if the welfare of my plants and pleasure in attend-
ing to them were the chief considerations, I would have the back
flue a foot from the buck wall, I would have a small door in that
wall, make the tcp of the flue a path, have the platform only for
that width, and make up for that space by having two or three
shelves against the back wall.

I have writttn on (he supposition, (hat for some reason the
sloping glass roof should not be niu*:Ii above the ground level,
and that therefore there is something like a necesi-ity for sinking
into the ground in order to obtain depth and headroom sufficient.
The idea of economy as respects warmth is also, no doubt, worthy
of consideration; for though, when the ground gets cold out-
side of a sunk wall, the wall itself will b? constantly parting
with its own heat and the heat of the enclosed space, still as
frost Seldom penetrates above a foot or 18 inches, and as tlie
sunk wall even when not isolated is free from being much
inliuenced by sudden atmospheric changes, it will neiiher get
cooled nor heated in anything like the same jnoporlion as a
wall exposed fully to all the changes of our atmosphere. A
heated pit, with much of its wall freely exposed, loses heat fast
by radiation from the walls, and e-peciully in cold, windy
weather.

Nevertheless, except in particularly dry places, so great is my
dread of diffip in the case of all ])!ants merely requiring pro-
tection, or just enough of fire heat to keep frost out, that had I
such things to do now, I would uniformly build on the surface
of the ground instead of sinking beneath it ; and 1 would con-
crete the floor of the pit inside, to prevent so far moisture rising
from below, and in wintei- I would take care that not an extra
drop of water should be spilled. AVith the same amount of
height of wall, we would thus avoi^:! the trouble and expense of
removing the soil to the depth of from one to two yards, and
though the wall would be exposed, we would neutralise that
exposure so far by making a fourteen-inch hollow wall, instead
of a nine-inch solid one, wliich would take hardly any more
bricks, and would secure the inside bricks being kept more
warm and dry, at the extra expense of having a coping-board
4 in -hes wider. For keeping out frost, and keeping in heat,
we have proved that these hollow walls are a great economy.
Any good bricklayer knows how to tie such a wall together, for
we do not mean that two four-and-a-half-inch walls shall be
built with an open space all the way between tliein. ^^^len
pi-operly tied the wall will be nearly as strong aa a solid wall,
and vastly more suitable.

Under such an arrangement, if the surface ground is hardi
there would be no necessity for sinking down above a i'ew inches-
for a foiit^dation. If not solid enough, a concrete foundation
will be cheaper than bricks ; and if not to be uied directly, a
layer of tar on the surface of the concrete will prevent damp
rising in the wall. For such bedding and window ]ilant3 in a
pit 7 feet wide, we should consider 30 inches in (ront, and from
52 inches \o (JO inches at back, ample size enough; and if the
flue went close to the front and back wall, there would be ample
space for a floor boarding 9 inches or so above it. In such case
(he best plan of giving air would be by sashes. In fine weather
they could be olf allogether.- In inildish, muggy weather, they
should be tilted (raised) back and front, so that there may be s

Augusts, 1661.]

JOTJB.IfA;L OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE G-ARDESER.

357

thorough cii'RuIalion. Air slioulJ al«?ays be-given at the top
first, aud, unless in severe weather, fires should scarcely be
liglited without air being given.

.If following our advice, you would mite your pit into a 1 ousc,
9 feet or 10 feet wide. If that was built on the surface you
•would hare the pleasure of walking into your house on the level,
or even stepping up into i*", instead of descending into a pit,
some 2 yard* boiow the general lerel. Such a pit-liou^e might
be 3^ feet liigh in front, and TJ- feet to 8 feet liigh behind — for
a sloping roof — a path in the middle, a level platform in fr(>nt,
and a sloping stage of fioai three to four steps at the back for
setting d'.varf bushy plants on. The extr.i expense in width
might be saved in liaving a fixed roof, formed of rafter sash bars,
3 inches deep by IJ inch wide, and placed so as to receive
squares, 16 inches across and 12 indies deep. Threj openings
for Tcntiliitors could t'nen b3 lefc in tlie front wall, 18 inches by
9 inches, and so that the air would pass over the flue. Three
similar ones, but 1 foot deep, sliould be left near tlie ridije in the
hack ; and thus making and moving saf'ies would bo dispensed
with. Such an arrangement would combine a great amount of
utility with pleasure, and aflbrd nice recreation in cold days
when you could do nothing oulside. A nice ^pan-roofed liouss
might also be formed, with side walls 3 feet, and height at the
ridge 7 feet ; ventdators would have to be placjd tliere by some
of tlie modes frequently adverted to. Either of these modes will
be an improvement on the dee[dy samk pit, and will be just as
useful for other purposes in summer ; and even more so, because
you can get among your plants whutevor you gro^.

Ventilation has been referred to accordiug to the circum-
stances. You must not depumd on on-i ventilator in the back
wall. One would make a too rajiid draught in one pl^ce, and
the ends if tiie door were shut wouUl be in a state of rest. One
advantjigc of ventilritors in the front wall, as adverted to, over
mere lifting of the sashes there is tliat the fresli air will not
only be boated, but will be diffused beneath the plants as well as
above and among Ihem. Eor ventilators in the wall, a sliding
piece of wood will be as good as any, t]\ough a small frame with
a square of glass in it v'ould he better. In severe weather a
small bag of shavings or hay may be st titled hnhiud the ventilator ;
but that will only be required in severe wcither.

As to glass, we would Iiave nothing to do with rough plate, it
is so dismal in winter. Ui'e British or best foreign sheet, not
less than 16 ozs. to the foot. If 21 ozs. it will b:'. cheaper in
the end, tiiough we liaveliad few casualties wiili 16 ozs. If such
glass should be too bright in summer, the cheipist shade would
be glared gayze fixed in pieces inside tlio size of a light, by
means of a small ringat each coriier. If just psst dry when not
wanted it will last for many years, and cost scarcely anything at
£rst. If anxious to preserve bloom in summer, pieces might
also bo stretched over the ventilators which would keep fl,ies aud
bees out, and yet admit air freely if not too much glazed.

In ordinary seasons, as you do not wisti to force much, all the
jieat from the llue to keep out slight frosts will not dry the air
too much, if the floor is kept moderately damp ; but in a con-
tinued frost or when a sharpish lire was nei essary, it will hi
advisable to place veisols of water on the llue, unil even to
aprinkle the stages in sunny days when it would not bo necessary
to water the plants. In such frosty weather, if the sun is at all
powerful, be sure and give a little air early at the back in the
morning ; and if tlie air be cold and dry in the shade, rather let
the fire out in preference to giving a greit deal of air under such
circumstances. With a little given early, it will be warmed and
moistened before getting among the plants ; and if the house or
pit rises 10° or 15° more than usual, the plants wdl like it rather
than not, as sun heat with a little air on will never draw or
weaken plants like heat given without sun.

As to tlie comparative merits of growing and propagating
plants iniuch a pit or house, and doing so by means of a dung-
bed, that will depend greatly on the manajcment. Tliei-e is no
means for securing rapid and healthy growth when heat can
be safely applied like a sweet dung i bed ; but a little carelessness
as to the 8weotue6s of the dung, shading, or air giving, will soon
ruin all. In your pit with a little extra heat yon can easily
start your plants in spring ; but if for propagatiug purioosesyou
.wanted as much boat as 3oa^wo«ld- get from a dua^-bed, you
would have too muchfor such plants as Petunias, Verbenas, &c.

To -ujmbine both purposes you must make .arraugements
accordingly. Thus, suppose where your floe comes i from Ube
furnaceyou shut in a part or tlieiwhole of .the front, and smr-
rounded it^byolinkers and covered it with a thiniayerof ijou^i

gravel, and then with sand, &c., you would hive the means of
getting what bottom heat you wanted for your cuttings, provided
you could keep it there, and yet give enough of air to the other
plants. Forming a small bed thus over the flue and covering
wdth hand-lights woidd bj as simple a plan as any ; but if these
lights are to be bought it would be expensive. We might hit
on something simpler still. Suppose you wanted two or three
propajating-pits, each 3 feet 6 inches long, and 2 feet wide, above
your flue, we shall notice how to make one of these under dif-
ferent eircnmstanees. In the above case, where the flue is
surrounded with clinkers and covered with gravel and sand, we
would make a bottomless box, the back board baing 12 inches
deep, the front 8 inclies, the ends sloping accordingly. S.-t the
box on the sand and have as many squares of g'ass — say two, as
would go from back to front, a couple of tacks being placed for
each in front to prevent them sliding. Such gla^iS may be got in
such sizes from 2}d. per foot. They will be quite close enough
ndthout any glazing or anything of the kind ; aud when there is
too much condensed vapour on the under side, all you have to do
is to turn the upper side downwards. A jiiece of paper or a
piece of gauze will do for shading. The cuttings may be planted
out, or, better still, iiuerted in small pots and moved out as soon
as struck.

Another plan may just be mentioned. You have a ledge left
for your flooring — well, have a two-aml-a-half-inch wall or boards
on the inner side of the Hue of tile same heisht, place a brick,
&c., on the flue to bring it to the .«ame level, and o i th-'se set;
boxes formed of zinc or sheet iron, for the bottom, and such
bo:irds, as above, for sides. Place sand on the iron, after making
a fjw holes in it, to previ-nt too much moisture nccnmulatiug,
and shut up all openings at the end-* of tlie One enclosed, so that
the heat given off shall rise into the iron ins'ead of passing along
and getting into the atmosphere of the house, and in either c.ise
you will have a nice hotbed for cuttings, and be able to examine
them in all weathers. By the latter plan you may have the lUw
all exposed in winter, and your platfirm for plnnts in the. usual
way. In spring remove part of tliD plMfbrm next the furnace,
bring in one of these iron-botlonied boxes, and place it right,
and then furnish it with sand or tan for plunging pots in ; and
wdien you want more room take out another piece of your plant
platform, and so on. By such means you can keep heat at your
cuttings, and yet keep the rest of your plants cool enough by
giving plenty of air ; and if the general atmospliere from using
the flue is apt to get too dry, syringe the stages, damp the floor,
and keep vessels of water on the flue.

With such cire any plints may be grown in such a little
house, though our advice would be not to attempt too miny
kinds at fir.-t. In relation to the ph'.nts you mention we woiild
say. Keep the G-eraniums on boards, and at the end next the
furnace, giving air hi all suitalde weather. Verbenns may go
next, also on boards, and be carefuli>" watered, and smoked if a
green fly appears. Petunias next, aud m.!: so partiimlar as to the
boards being dry. Cinerarias next, and it standing on moss
kept dampish they will thrive all the better. I.J sunny days in
winter mi;;lit be syringed about two o'clock, so .^s to bo dry
befo-e ni«ht. Calceolarias should also stand damp and cooh
Give all the air possible to them, and if much fire is used s. irinkle
them on sunny davs. They dislike fire heat altogether if it t^^"l^
be avoided. — B. Fish.]

FKOST AND THE ASH-LEAVED EIDNET

POTATO.

I pruD that my Ash-leaved Kidneys care no more about the

frost than the frost cares about them. I planted them the first.

week in March— not wise for doing so, I admit, but it was a

convenient time'for me to do so, and the wratber being fine, I

embraced the opportunity of planting. \Vell, they came up

strong, not one missed untd the frost made its appearance, anU

after two or three hours' hot sun they seeiced all to disappear.

I thought it was all over with them, but they got over it much

sooner than I expected. They were re-estaMished again, and

j -tilled up the broken rows and s-howod their green tops; but,

alas ! not for long, the next slaughter was worse than the first. I

looked out of my bedroom window on that terrible morning,

I the 10 h of May T think it w. s. I saw the fields covered with a

j fine frost ; in a few minutes I was in my garden, and the first

I .thing that 'attracted my attention was a pail of water covered

TBtllvioe. I took.thetop of that ofl'in a piece. 'I' thought of thd

358

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEKEK.

[ August 6, 1861.

poor Asli-top3, and on looking at them tliey had disappeared
once more, nearly every top being gone ; but I am happy to
inform my fellow cottagers, tliat they came again and brought
their bottoms with them. I lifted on the 21th of July six roots

pot, leaving out the length of the last year's shoot. Tie this to
an upright stick, and then proceed with another branch, and so
on till all are coiled and tied to the sticks.

In places where leaves are collected in quantities form them
as an average of the crop. The six roots weighed Hi lbs. , into a bed, and plunge the coiled shoots in their pots amongst
Some of the Potatoes wei..hpd over hnlf a r,m,nH Tl,;= ;= „., I the leaves. The heat of the leaves wiU cause roots to be emitt°ed

the whole length of the branches or stems that are buried in
the pot. They may, indeed, be termed monster cuttings. The
young shoots being in a low temperature will remam quiet. By
thus obtaining roots first, the shoots will be ready to start with
vigour -whenever they are removed into a higher temperatiu-e.
Place the pots when convenient into a house, beginning first
with a temperature of about 45°, and very gently increase that
heat as the shoots begin to develope foliage ; afterwards treat
them the same as to moisture, stopping the laterals, thinning,
&c., as described before for Vmes in pots. If all has been
well and judiciously managed, tliese coiled Tine shoots will pro-
duce a fair crop of fruit the following year. If leaves to make
a gentle hotbed for to start the branches into rooting are not
at hand, the same effect may be attained by making a hotbed
of stable litter, with a good deep bed of spent tanners' bark
upon it. The only point to attend is not to make this dung-
bed too strong, the bottom heat should not exceed 80°.

Some of the Potatoes weighed over half a pound. This is an
average of my crop of about ten poles.

Brother cottagers, never fear the frost will spoil your Ash-
tops. This account is from an humble cottager's garden. I shall
be very happy to hear from any fellow cottagers how they fared
with their Ash-tops and the frost, or any remark that any
gentleman's gardener may please to make on this frost-bitten
crop. — A>' Humble Cottagee.

AGATH.EA CCELESTIS VAEIEGATA.

MrCH fuss having been made about this plant, a few remarks
may not be uninteresting.

It is by no means a new sport. I first saw it in the county
Am rim, Ireland, in 1848, and again near Dublin in 1850. It
was tried two years, and abandoned, as it was very liable to
return to its original green foliage.

It sported again near York, and came into the hands of a
nurseryman at that place, who sold it again to another nursery-
man in London.

It also sported about the same time near Leeds, and some of
the plants got to York

LIFTING OR TRANSPLANTING TINES.
It sometimes happens that Tinea from a defective border are
subject to shanking, shrivelling, mildew, and other grievous
calamities ; and yet the Vines are neither too old, nor, as far as

, , • „ .° . ^* the time of its bemg sold a good , c-aiammes ; ana yei me vmes are neituer too oia, nor, as lar as

deal of useless noise was made about its being in other hands, foliage and wood are concerned, unhealthy : hence it is thought
and several places were visited to cbtam the slock. In some to be a pity to cast them away-neither is there any necessity

By this

places they were successful, in others they were not,
means the Leeds sport was mixed with that of York.

Since then another sport has appeared in Ireland, which is
very superior to the one now in general culliration.

I am fully convinced that it is a plant that n ill not remaui long
in general use, as it is not to be depended on. On some soils it
soon loses its variegation ; on others it assumes a dingy, sickly
yellow, anything but pleasing.

From what I know of the Irish sport I believe it will be the
best of the lot ; the leaves are broader, and the variegation very
distinct, and it may prove useful for edging. — Ebor, Baniate
Ball. o 6 .

CULTURE OF THE GEAPE VINE.

{Continued from page ZZ^.)

THE COILING SYSTEM.

Some thirty years ago Mr. Mearns startled the Vine-growing
world by asserting that a long branch might be cut off a Vine,
inserted in a pot, and made to produce fruit the foUowing season
just the same as if it had remained on the parent stem. This
he proved might be done by what he called the " coiling system ;"
and he certainly did achieve that effect. I was then gardener to
Sir Robert Fr^^nkland, at Thirkleby Park, near Thirsk ; and being
always fop.d of experiments, and basing some branches of the
right soit to spare, I followed Mr. Mearns' insti-uctions, and in
a certain degree succeeded also. Though this plan soon fell into
oi>'"repute, partly, I fear, through the want of care on the part of
'.hose who tried it, yet I do think whoever has the means and
the chance to try it might do so. The necessary materials are
good, healthy, long shoots of the Tine, large pots to hold them,
and bottom heat to plunge the pots in whilst the tops of the
coils are in a cool atmosphere.

It often happens that Vines are from some cause or other
obliged to be cut down. Taking it for granted that such is the
case with one or more of our readers, and that he or they, instead
of throwing the branches or stems away, should like to try the
coil system, let him choose such as are flexible, with a good
yearling shoot at the end ; then prune off all the lower laterals,
but not too close, leaving the leading shoot from 2 feet to 5 feet
long in proportion to its strength. Then have ready as many
pots 15 inches in diameter as there are shoots for the experiment.
Drain well, covering the drainage with fresh-cut turf chopped in
inch-square pieces, and upon them a small quantity of a compost
ol half-decayed turf three parts, and one part of hotbed dung
well mixed, adding some pieces of charcoal and old lime rubble.
After that place the lower end of the shoot down to this layer
of soil, and begin to coil the shoot round the pot side, filling in
the soil as the coiling oroceeds, and coil away up to the top of the

■ssity

for so doing. They may ba taken up and transplanted as safely
as any other deciduous tree, provided due care is taken to
perform the operation carefully and at the right season of the
year. The great cbject of lifting old Vines is to renew the
border ; and as that necessarily implies that the roots must be
for a short time out of the soil, it is evident that the root action
will be totally suspended : hence the tree itself should be at rest
also. This, of course, can only be the case when the leaves are
all fallen. As soon as that has taken place the operation may
be commenced — it is the right time. Vet Vines may be lifted
and the border renewed even when the young wood is only
partially ripened. It has been done, and successfully too ; but
it required such an amount of care in shading, syringing, and
watering, that by far the best plan is to defer the work till both
roots and branches are in a state of rest, especially when it is
remembered that no balls of earth can be preserved to the long
rambling roots of a Vine.

The cultivator, then, having determined to transplant his
Vines, and at the same time to renew and improve the border,
let him, some time previous to commencing the operation,
procure and get ready all the necessary materials for the renewal
of the border. These materials consist in a sufficient quantity
of brick-ends, stones, &e., for drainage ; next, a large heap of
turfy soil taken from a pasture, mixed with about one-eighth of
good hotbed or farmyard dung, about the same quantity of
leaf mould, and a free proportion of rough lime rubbish, and
also a good sprinkUng of roughly broken bones. Let all these
materials for the soil of the border be thrown together and
turned over frequently, to thoroughly incorporate the whole
together. If the drains to carry off the superfluous water are
defective, have bricks and tiles, procured also in good time, so
that no delay may take pla e when the Vines are in a proper
state to be removed. That time having arrived, commence with
a suificient number of hands the operation. In order that the
roots may not be out of the earth too long, I would advise that
only three or four should be Ufted at once. Commence at one
end, beginning at the side of the border furthest from the wall
plate. Use three or five-grained forks only in reraovirg the
soil. Let it be wheeled away at once where it may be useful.
Watch carefully for the roots, and as soon as the smallest are
met with carefully disentangle them from the soil, tying them
up and putting them out of the way till the soil is removed.
A few small stakes, or even pronged branches, the two prongs
facing upwards, will be useful to preserve the roots : these
supports can be removed forwards as the work proceeds. When
that section of the border is all removed and the roots safely
preserved, I always had the bundles of roots wrapped in mats,
and the mats occasionally sprinkled, to keep the roots moist
and fresh. If this is neglected, and a drying wind or warm sun
allowed to act upon the roots, they would soon dry up and

August 6, 1861. ]

JOUEJfAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

359

shrivel, especially the best roots. The youngest, and conse- I
quently those that would stand, should start into growth first. i

Tile old soil being removed, and tlie Vine roots secured as
much as possible from harm, then lose no time in first of all
milking the open drains perfect, and then wheeling in the rubble
drainage. Of this useful and necessary material be liberal, es-
pecially if the situation is low and wet. That having been
wheeled in, levelled and rolled, then let it be covered with a thin
layer of turf, the gi'assy side downwards ; this will prevent the
finer parts of the compost falling in amongst and choking up the
drainage. That being completed, then begin to wheel in the
eompost, commencing close up to the walls of the liouse, and lay-
ing on a sufficient thickness at once ; by so doing there will be no
necessity for the barrow wheel, or even the feet of the men ever
to be put upon it — at least, untU that part of the border is, now
oper.iting upon, filled up again. One point must not be forgotten,
and that is, not to fill up the border to its full height— space
must be left for the roots. It, however, must be remembered,
also, that the soil will settle considerably ; and, therefore, due
allowance must be made for that settling. All these points having
been attended to, then the border is ready for the roots of the
Vines. Cncover them and spread them out regularly on the
surface of the soil, treading on it as little as you possibly can.
Finally, cover up the roots with the nicest part of your compost,
about from 3 indies to •! inches deep, and that finishes the
operation so far as that number of Vines is concerned.

There the cultivator might rest for that year, and allow that
portion of his vinery that he had removed to recover before
lifting any more of his Vines ; but if those unoperated upon are
unfruitful, or produce indifferent Grapes, it would be better to
have the whole renewed at once. However, I leave that to his
own judgment, because circumstances alter cases.

It is quite possible tliat some of the lifted Vines may not do
well : should tliat happen, then let young Vines be planted the
season following, and let them gradually replace the old ones.
Indeed, it is my opinion, borne out by practice, that whenever
a border is renewed and tlie old Vines transplanted in it,*young
Vines should invariably be planted also the same season. If the
old ones'do well it is easy enough to cut away the young ones j
but if the lifted Vines do not promise to come round agam, then
a year is saved by having young Vines planted at once ready to
lake their pla^e if necessary.

The after-management of lifted Vines is the same as for Vines
that have no need of transplantation, with the exception that
I would recommend a severer pruning tlie first year ; in some
instances the Vines might be shortened in considerably. This
liard pruning would help to balance the loss of roots, and thus
the roots retained, or, rather, preserved, would be able to send
up nourishment enough for the reduced branches. Then, again,
as the roots liave all been brought up near to the surface a
greater care is needful to protect them from severe frost ; and
another point shoidd be attended to, and that is, not to force
them into action too early in the year — in fact, they will start
more vigorously if not forced at all. Let the root action be
encouraged if you will by warmth to commence first, and the
top action may be safely and better left to the natural heat of
the spring sun. — T. Appleby.

(To lie continued.)

SWEET WILLIAMS NOT BLOOMING.

Cau you inform me of the cause of Sweet Williams not
flowering? Last year I saw plants from Hunt's seed advertised
in your publication. I obtained some, and tliis year they have
grown till each clump (I planted them in threes), covers a space
of from 1 foot to 18 inches, but not one has shown the least
sign of throwing up a flower-stem. I took oS" some of the offsets
of one or two and struck them, in the hope that that might
induce the main stems to spindle ; but no, and the plants are now
a picture of vigour, but still without any signs of flowering. I
am in just the same fix with Hydrangeas in a small greenhouse :
they grow in the most luxuriant style, and have done so for
three years, but never a bloom have I had from them there.
A large plant of Oleander serves me the same trick, forming its
buds but never expanding them.

My house is somewhat in the shade, and the plants do not get
more than three hours' sun in the day, though I grow and flower
well Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Gladiolus, Cinerarias, &c. The
«oil in the case of the Sweet Williams is the ordinary garden soil,

very light, bat enriched before planting with a spit of dung.
The Hydrangeas and Oleanders are both in sound loam, dung,
and a little leaf mould.— M. G. C.

[The summers are too short and your gardening is too good
for your locality. Where the sun shines so seldom in London
or near it. tliere are hundreds of plants which will never do
much good in the way of flowering. Send your Hydrangeas and
Oleanders to Covcnt Garden, and substitute Camellias for them.
Never plant a Gladiolus there, but Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Cine-
rarias, and herbaceous Calceolarias would be just at home in
your place, provided you shorten sail. You must not pride
yourself so much on the fine glossy looks of your plants ; less pot
room, less watering, poorer soil, and more drainage, are all you
want to beat anything and everything before you.]

GOOSEBESEY CATERPILLAES.

I HATE about three hundred Gooseberry and Currant trees,
the whole of which were infested with the above pest, and about
twelve trees completely stripped of their leaves before X dis-
covered it. I at once sent for some lime, pounded it into dust,
covered all the trees well with it, and especially the stems, and
in less than two hours I had the gratifieation of seeing them
drop in hundreds to the ground, and vainly again attempt to
ascend the stem, but the lime dust blinded them, and they
afterwards were found dead under the trees by thousands, and
I have not been troubled with them since ; and I have had the
finest crop of Gooseberries and Red Currants I have ever had.

The trees were also infested with green (ly, and the lime dust
completely did for these, and now my trees are as clean and
vigorous as they have ever been, and the crops the largest I
have ever had ; whereas, had I allowed these pests to have
their own way I should not have had a Gooseberry or Currant
fit to use, besides spoiling the trees.

All other remedies are worthless when compared with this ;
for it did not take an hour to throw the lime on them, and the
cost was not 6d. I consider it an invaluable remedy.

In the autumn I intend taking- the old soil from round each
tree and mixing new earth with Ume, so as to destroy any eggs
still remaining in the earth. 1 feel confident the lime has im-
proved the foliage of the trees wonderfully ; and after they were
all killed a good shower of rain washed all the lime off, thus
again improving the trees. — L.Hakjiek, Mat/field, Sale, Cheshire.

THE NEW AND EAEE VAEIETIES OF
BLKCHNUM SPICANT,

Found in the Neighbourhood of Todmordcn and some other Places.

t^Bend before the Todmordcn Botanical Socieh/, bij the President, Mr. \.

Stansfield.)

Whex a thing is common and obtrudes itself on our notice at
almost every step, we are too apt to nnder-estimate its real
merits, to overlook its beauties and peculiarities, and treat it
with neglect. This has been the case with the Blechnum spicant.
I confess that formerly I regarded it as one of the least beautiful
and least interesting of all the British Filices ; but, on examina-
tion it has risen greatly in my estimation, and to me it is now
invested with beauty and interest equal to that of any othei-
species. It was said of the celebrated M. Glauber, the chemist,
that " he made it his business carefully to examine what every-
one else threw away," and he found his account in it. So, if we
carefully examine things that are common and neglected, we
shall find our account in them, and be amply rewarded. We need
not go" to the Tropics nor the antipodes for novelties — they
abound in the common and neglected things around us, if we
only exercise our eyes and our limbs to discover them. All
nature is rich in variety and resources, and persevering industry
will always be rewarded.

During the summer and autumn of 1859, 1 and a few friends
have examined some hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of
plants of the common Blechnum spicant ; out of these we have
selected upwards of 200 forms, more or less abnormal. These
are now in our hardy fernery, and I shall watch their behaviour,
under cultivation, with intense interest. Many of them I hav
no doubt will revert to the normal form ; but others may depart
even more widely from it.

These varieties in many instances are but slight ; yet, to a
practised eye, they are readCy distinguished from one another.

360

JODBKAL OF HORtlCULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 6, 1861.

and from the common type of the speciee. Tliey consist not
merely in llie varied terminations, lenptli and breadtli of frond,
tliaoe ard arroiiuemeiit of pinna?, but also in the varied charjctfr
of ihe fruit, wliieh, instead of beii't; in eontinuous hues, is in
some cases broken up into rounil<d dots, and in others into
short lines or asplenioida! forms : while others, again, btar femi-
irutescent fronds, and tlies e last ore rather of common occurrence.

In addition to (he bcfoie-meiitioned varitties, we have suc-
ceeded in finding nbout twenty-two highly rare and interesting
forms, which ihere is every reason to believe will he jiermanent.
'Jhey have, in most instances, been submitted to Mr. iloore, of
Chelsea, author of ''Tl-e Handbook of Britifh Ferns," " Nature-
pr'nted Ferr.s," ttc, ^ho has (xamined and named thtm.

I will now envuntrate these varieties as nearl}- as I can in the
order in wiiich tliey were found, giving the locahties and a few
other ]iartieulars respecting gome of liie new forms.

In June, 185it, I accompanied my kind friend, Jlr. Holmes,
your treasurer, on a short totflui»al sojouin to that fertile field
of botanical reseaich, Noith Wales. We devotfd two days to
the iniestigalion of that portion of the Llaniwtt valley which is
nea ly opposite to the town. Our object was partly to ascertain
if another station for the AspL'niuni septentiionale could be
found adjacmt to that indicated by Mr. Newmen, in 185-1, all
tlie ftlauts of whicli are now eradii atei', and also to discover
what other rare planis inhabited ilie locality. It is almost need-
lees to state tlat we were unsuccessful in Ihuling another stat'on
for the Asplenium, but found out that there is auntherBome two
miles ntai'er to Bittys-y-cotd. We explored several of the
ranges of recks, aud met with many rare and intere^lihg Pha-
nerogamic and Cryploganiic plants. At the foot of the highest
range of rocks, not far from the load over the mountains to
Capel Curig, we came upon a most extraordinary and beautiful
form of the Blethnum spicaiit. At lirst I supposed i' to be a
very beautiful foim of the B. striitum ; but, on examination,
found it to differ cot siderably from that rard vaiitty. Mr.
Moore has since named it —

1. ELEcnNm COKCIXNTM. — It was fortunately in fruit at
the time, and a fine tufty plant. Fronds linear, \evy ntrrow,
from 6 inclies to 9 inchts loiig, and from one-eightli to one-
quarttr of an inch wide ; lobes nt arly round, heaiititully crenated
on the edges ; fettile fronds mncii longer than the bairen ones,
little more than a rechis, the lobes abbreualed into simple nodes,
blaring the eori. It is tew, extremely rare, quite unique, and
beautilul.

About twenty yards further on, we came upon another extra-
ordinary form —

2. BLEcnxrM l.incifolium. — Fronds lancifoim, somtwhat
less than the species, entire for about one-third iheir length;
fertile fionds still irore lanciform, and depauperated above and
below, and much shorter than in the species. Mr. Moore sajs
it seems as if Ihe plant was in cour.-e of formation. 'J his form
is well desciited in the folio ctpy of " Xatnre-printtd Ferns,"
to which I refir the curious for further inlbrmation. I have
since met with another fcrm of this plant, in Stanps-clough,
near Todmorden, somewhat more devtlopcd than the Welsh
form.

On our second day in Llanrwst ralley, we found two good
plants of the true

3. Bi.ECUNrM STiiiCTUM ; but, as this beautiful plant is well
described in the work before nferred to, I need not describe it
liere. I have since found ubout a dozen plant* of this rarity in
the vale of Todmorden, about 100 yards from Greenhurstliey.
A single plant of the Lomaiia stricia was fcuiid, a few years
ago, near Halifax, but was thouglit of so much value that it was
next to ini| ossible to get to see it. All the Fern growers were
quite in a I'erment respecting it. This plant, I believe, Iws since
been lost. It was certainly extraordinary luck to find a dozen
of this beautiful Fern all at once in the vale of Todmorden. It
is extremely rare.

4-. BLECiiNrsi STTBSEBEiiTrM — Th's rare and interesting
variety I found last summer, in C'alholesclough ; and a friend of
ours, Mr. ilonkman, fouiul it about thiee years ago, near Castle
Howard, in Yorkshiie. The two forms fhglitlv dififer from each
other. We have grown it since that time, and it proves to be a
permanent form. I am not aware that it lias yet been described.
It is more distinctly pinnate than any other variety I have yet
seen, noimal in size, pini.«e mostly very much ascending, and
seirate or eubserrate on the inferior, and frequently auricled on
the superior limb; fertile fronds, normal in size, with all the
pinnic beautifully serrated. It is new, extreme'y rare, and very

interesting. In fruited in our fernery last season, and wc have

now plants from spores, which I am watching with much anxiety.

(To be continued.)

AMEBICAN BLIGHT.

I ITATE a garden contaii-irg about fifty Apple trees which ten
years ago were infested with the blight. All the old remedies
had been tried without permanent effect. I asked myself the
question, "What is the object to be attained?" My common
stnse replied, " 'J otal anniliilation." Then, I said, "Destruction
is the thing," and a " hard scrubbing-brush the weapon." The
insects do not like the prccess, and have disappeared. If the
slightest blight is observed in the crevii-cs cf the gnarled bark, it
is immediately well scrubbed off. My gardener uses Ko. 3,
John Barsham's Patent, Kingston-upon-Thames, to be had at any
brushmakers. Witli perseverance 1 expect the Larches might
be cured in Mr. Godsall's nursery.— CojIMO' Si>"aE, Bif-
mhtgham.

SYJ^ONYMOUS FUCHSIAS.

James Koxuks surely does not for a moment suppose that
these Fuchsias, marked " both the same" are really alike; yet
the leading of his letter gives to me that idea. Either he has
been victimised by some nurseryman, or he has not a florist's
eye to note the diflerences in liabit, style, form, and colour
of the llowe-rs. Duchess of Lancaster, the Old Duchess as it
is familiarly called, is like none other. It is longer in the tube
than Fairest of tie Fair, longer in the footstalk, whiter and
longer in the sepals, the corollas a'e as different as possible.
Fairest of the Fair is the best formed ; but the Duchess for
colour — rosy violet it is called hy florists, the same colour as
Christine bedding Geranium, but a shade darker — infinitely a
more attractive t!oner, though the habit of growth of Fairest of
the Fair is better, shorter jointed wood. Fairest of the Fair
would be more attractive if the foliage was darker in colour,
it is a little too g'aucous. Prince of Prussia, James EoUins calls
it. I suppose he means Princess of Prussia (Smith), white
corolla. Well, between this and Eclat Ih.ere is a wide difference.
Eclat seems to have some of the old glohosa blood in it, short
■ind dumpy in the tube and furrowed, with stifler, better re-
flexed sepals, and a corolla more like Fascination, thick, waxy,
creamy. Princess of Prussia is marred by the streaks of red down
the corolla: certes, I think Countess of Burlington is before
it. Guiding Star and A'enus do Medici — ye powers! as much
difference as between — whom shall we say ? — Lady Macbeth
and Titania, or Ariel. Yi-nus is the most useful Fcchsia gi'own;
but Guiding Star, "you bonnie gem," you are past description,
except that Guiding Star is Venus purified from all dross — a
miniature perfection in every sense. I am eneroadiing upon
valuable space. Only two more. General Williams like
Lord Jfacauhiy ? Not a bit. Lord Macaulay is more after
British Sailor. General Williams has an extraordinarily lonj
peduncle or footstalk, too long for the proper elisplay of the
Hower : its proportions are long altogether — long tube, long but
well-re flexed sepals, and long rather than wide corolla, more like
a chin.ney-pot than an inverted bowl, whieh is the peculiar
cliaracteristic of Banks' Fuchsias. If James HolUns would
like to compare his with the proper kinds, and if he has not the
privilege of visiting a gentleman's or amateur's place where
ihese are groAvu, I will post iiim flowers and leaves of all Ihe
kinds he mentions, if he will let me know.

How about Potatoes ? We are putting Short's plan in opera-
tion. I will give you some notes when the result; is known. —
N. H. PowXALL, Holme Fierrepont, Nolthgliam.

THE ACTION OF THE POLLEN- CUSTAED
TEGETABLE MAllROW.

In some of your late Numbers a discussion has taken place
as to the means by which the pollen of plants fertilises the
ovules. I wiU not occupy your space with entering into this
subject, except to draw attention to Dr. Carpenter's work, called
"Tlie Microseofe." At page 467, and previous page, any
reader may find what is known on this subject ; and, as he
mentions at page 456, the pollen grains may be observed witli a
very moderate instrument to protrude their pollen tube?, as I
myself have seen.

.iuguat 6, 1861. ]

JBUBSAL OF HOBTICDBTUBS AXD COTIACTii GARDE. VEK.

3G1

May I request you to sugj^st a* reason for the following? — I
have growing on a dung-bed some Custard Vegetable MarrowSj
they look healthy, but will not throw out side shoot?, although
nipped back. All their eftorts are directed to making fruit,
whicli is so thick that I have to cut off large numbers, and the
others left will not come to perfection. On the same bed and
against the wall are growiTig Tomatoes, which are fruitnig well ;
and, also, two Cueumlier-plants which are running and fruitiug
as they ought. — C. B.

[Tlie reason why your Custard Tegetable Marrows do not run
is, becmise you have got what is called tlie " bush " variety,
which does not throw out long trailing shoots. It is quite ti-ue
to character.]

POWOLOGICAL GLEANINGS.

Stanttick Keciahine. — In this neighbonrhood many persons
complain ot the Stanwick Nectarine. It loses most of its fruit
in stoning, and what does not fali off generally cracks. It is
quite clear it is uniit for open wall culture, and equally so for a
cold orcliard-liouse. Having been disappointed two years in my
hopes of a good crop, the fruit falling when so large as to appear
quite safe, I thought this season it was worth trying if a higher
temperature woidd have a better effect on this variety. Having
two plants beautifully set with fruit, I left one in the orchard-
house, and placed the other in a hothouse where Cucumbers
were in fuU fruit. The house appeared too damp and hot for
a Necta-ine, but the Stanwiok was quite at home and has not
lost one fruit. The tree left in the cold house as usual lost all
its fruit, except three or four. I shall in future keep the
Stanwick with the other kinds of Peaches and Nectarines till
its fruit is set, and then treat it as a hothouse plant. — I. B.
Peaeson, Chilwell.

The Chasselas Yibeut Grape. — This sort obtained the first
prize at the Crystal Palace Show, May 18 of this year. The
Judges did not recognise its projjer name, but awarded the
-prize to it as a Sweetwater Grape. Its berries were very large
and of a pale amber ; flavour excellent. Dr. S. Ncwington, or
at least Sir. Powell, his gardener, was the recipient of the prize.
This variety of the Sweetwater Grape was raised hj the late
31. Vibert, of Angers, some ten or more years since, and no new
variety of this class is of greater excellence. Its ibliage is
deeply incised, very liairy on its under surface, and thick and
substantial, so as to be very striking. Chasselas Duhamel is its
twin brother, and was raised from the siime bateli of s^eds. It
differs but little from C. Vibert, and is equally good. — T. R.

OscAK Stbaweehet. ^Having grown Oscar and some dozen
other kinds of Strawberries this year under precisely the same
treatment, I can assure your correspondent that Oscar is a good,
healthy, though not a- A'cry strong grower, and is also a fine,
well-coloured Strawberry, but I do not think it is by any means
a high-flavoured fruit — indeed I think it is in this respect in-
ferior. I am informed^ however, by the gardener of a friend of
■mine, who had a few plants from my bed for (orcing, that it is a
first-rate variety for that purpose, as, indeed, I sli-uld have
imagined fi-oai its fine colour and solid flesh. Carolina superba
has grown veiy well with me, and is a handsome, very fine-
flavoured fruit, but it occasionally, like the British Queen, fails to
ripeu at the point. Notwithstanding this, however, it is so good
a Strawberry that I in'end to add largely to my stock of plants.
Sir Charles Napier, said to be tender, wintered here (one of the
coldest parts of Essex) well ; I did not lose a plant, and tlie
vigour and size of the plants exceed all the other kinds near
them. It is a bright scarier, fine-shaped Strawberry, but acid
and of an indifferent flavour. Filbert Pine, a very good-
flavoured fruit, and a most vigorous grower, has produced with
me an enormous crop, exceeding anything I ever saw. I con- _
aider this one of the best Strawberries (it is rather late) that I
have grown. Klton Pine, too, has done well, producing jjlenty of
fine, dark crimson, well-shaped frui^, but it is too acid. The
queen of Strawberries, I think, is Crimson Queen. I am very
much pleased with this most beautiful fruit. It is pretty early,
•a very heavy oropjier, and produces enormous dark crimson
berries red throughout, and continues in bearing a very long
time. The flavour is in my opinion little, if any, inferior
to British Queen; the only tb'awback is that the plants seem
rather tender, as mine certainly suffered from the late winter.
Rivers' Eliza is a wonderfully strong and robust variety,
•and the fruit is of an exoelleut flavour; but my plants being:

yearlings I cannot yet speak as to its cropping qaaliti.>9. Won-
derful is a very distinct-shaped and very fine-llavoured Straw-
berr y ; but I must wait for a year before I sp^ak of its pro-
ductiveness. I hare, too, Victoria, Prince of \Vab', Eleanor,
Sir Harry, and the older kinds — E^-ens' Seadling and Black
Prince. Eleanor I like, booau-e the fruit is so handsome; but-
I do not think the flavour is abjve the average. Sir Harry is
a pretty and distinct-shapid fruit, and I understand farces well ;,
but I think, take Keens' Seedling for all pnintsi, it will be a Ion'
time before it is superseded by any kind at present befora the
public. I have had an enormous crop oi these, and the flavour,
though not Al, is not. surpassed by many kinds. Black Prince
is tolerable when perfectly ripe, but I do not think it is wortli
growing, considering that it cjraes only a few days before much
better kinds. On the whole I think C irason Queen is the very
best variety for out-door purposes ; and I know it is the opinion of
a good practical man that lor forcing no Strawberries are supe-
rior, if equal, to Eeens' Seedling, Oscar, and Sir Harry — th*
first being also the best. Goliath under an east wall is the latest
Strawberry with me ; the flavour is inferior. I purpose addin"
some half-dozen kinds to my stock this autumn, upon which
and the kinds not yet fuUy proved I will, with your permission,
report at some future time should I have the opportunity. — P.

New Mode of Gkaptixo. — The French are practising a
new method of grafting. It can be performed at any season of
the year when sound, mature buds can be had, whether the sap
is in a flowing state or not. It is performed by removing a
small piece of bark and wood, leaving a smooth and l!.it surface,
to whicli a similar piece, containing the bud, wliich is to form
the future tree, is fitted, which is sealed over immediately with
collodion. Thii forms a strong, impervious cuticle, which se-
cures a free circulation of sap on the approaeh of warm weather,
and a perfect union of the parts.

Apples as Food. — There is scarcely an article of vegetable
food more widely useful and more universally loved than the
Ap]ile. AViiy every farmer in the nation has not an Apple
orcbard, where the tree will grow at all, is one of the mysteries.
Let every family lay in from two to ten or more barrels, and it
will be to them the most economical investment in the whole
range of culin iries. A raw, mellow App'e is digested in an hour
and a half; while boiled Cabbage requires five hours. The
most liealtliful dessert which can be placed on the table is a
bakel .Apple. If taken freely at breakfast, with coarse bread
and butter, without meat or flesli of any kind, it has.an admirable
ellect on the general system, often removing constipation, correct-
ing aciditie?, and cooling off febrile conditions more effectually
than the most approved medieines. If families could be induced
to substitute the Apple — sound, ripe and luscious — for the pies,
candies; and other sweetmeats with which their chililivn are too
often indiscreelly stuH'c-l, there wotild be a diminution in the
sum total ot doctors' bills in a single year suificient to lay in a
stoek of this delicious fruit for a whole season's use: — Dii. U'ali.

CHOICE FUCHSIAS.

The great sameness in the Fuchsias exhibited, during the
present season is verj' evident to me, if not to you and the
readers of your gardening organ — The JorKNAL of Hokti-
CPLIU-RE. We want greater variety. What say you to the
fallowing twelve? — Lord Macaulay, Fair Oriana, Marquis of
Bath, Madame Corneilesen, Count Cavour, Sehiller, Prince
of Orange, Princess Alice, La Crinoline, Flower of France,
Senator, Dr. Livingstone.

These I selected from seventy varieties gi'owing at Mr. Hen-
derson's Nursery, Pme Apple Place. Can there be any improve-
ment on ray selection ? — Detoniaka.

[The selection is admirable.]

MECHANICS A'ND MATHEMATICS APPLIED
TO GAKDENING.

(^Continued fro in page 3371)

The Pullet.

Tiris mechanical power is a solid wheel, called asMeve^ turning

on an axis passing through it and to which it is not fixed, but

the ends ot the axis are fast in a framewo^'k or hlocJc. There is

|a groove ia the entire circumference of tlie wheel for the purpos»

368

JOtTKNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 6, 1861.

of retaining a cord, by means of which the power acts upon the
weight, the moving of which has to be facilitated by means of
the pulley.

The readiness with which the wheel turns round its axis giTes
the rope passing over part of its circumference a leverage equal
to half the diameter of the wheel. It is true that there is an
equal leverage opposed to it on tlie side of the weight, but the
ease with which the wheel turns reduces greatly the friction
upon the wheel's circumference. It is in this reduction of the
friction that tlie value of the pulley consists. It also enables
men to apply their power at a great distance from the weight to
be overcome or moved. For example, men can stand on the
ground and hoist, by means of the pulley, a large basket of
plants to an elevation far out of their reach, as is done towards
the roof of many conservatories, and by which means they can
be readily lowered for the purpose of watering, and be raised
again when needed. Four pullies, three fixed and one moveable,
must be employed for this purpose, arranged in this form.

These four may serve as an illustration of what is usually
called " a system of pullies ;" adopted on account of the fact
that every "bend of the rope, if over a pulley, diminishes by
one-halt the pressure on the previous pulley of the weight to be
mead. If only the pullies a b were employed, and the basket
o>- weight, W, was 120 lbs., then the power to balance it at P
must be 60 lbs. If the pullies a, b, c were used, then the
balancing power at P would be 30 lbs. ; and when pullies
a, b, c, d are all used, the balancing power at P would be 15 lbs.

To effect this, it is indispensably necessary that one end of
the rope be attached to the block of the pulley b, and not to the
basket or weight, W. Otherwise, although each bend of the
rope would bear an equal strain, it must, from the absence of a
divided bearing, be everywhere subject to the pressure of 120 lbs. :
consequently it would require a power or resistance at P equal
to 120 lbs. to balance the basket or weight, and no advantage
would be gained by using more than one pulley.

In the above statement no allowance is made for the weight
of the pullies themselves, nor for the friction of the rope on the
pullies. In practice, however, it will be found nearly one-third
must be allowed for friction alone : therefore the power to raise
the weight must be at the least one-third greater than we have
stated — that is, to move the basket of 120 lbs. there must be
a power of 20 lbs. at P. All pullies, says Captain Williamson,
have considerable friction. Istly, because the diameters of their
axles bear a very considerable proportion to their own diameters
(therefore the larger in diameter the pulley and the smaller in
diameter the axle, consistent with the requisite strength, the
better). 2ndly, bf cause, owing to their usual narrowness and
to the great pressure to which they are subjected and whereby
they are speedily worn and loosened, their sides are apt to chafe
against the blocks. 3rdly, the rope passing upon their circum-
i'erenccB invariably possesses some stiffness, whereby the motion

varies iu its speed — an irregularity always injurious to the
machine, and diminishing considerably its force.

It seems scarcely necessary to observe, that exactly as much as
the rope is pulled in from rf to P is it shortened between a and b :
therefore it is easy to regulate the distance of the basket from
the roof of the conservatory.

If the rope passed over the pulley b only, and its end was
fastened to the basket, the power, as we have already observed,
to balance it must be equal to its weight — that is, 120 lbs., and
the one would descend as fast as the other ascended ; yet, with
such a pulley a man may raise himself to th^ top of the con-
servatory merely by his own weight. Suppose a rope is passed
over the pulley, and the man ties one end of it round his body
and takes the other end in his hands, he has the power of
throwing more of his weight on the end in his hands than is on
the end round his body : consequently as often and as long as
he does this his body rises from the ground.
(To be continued.)

FEUIT AND FLOWER GATHERERS.

Ant contrivance that facilitates the operations of gardening is
always acceptable. Among the novelties in this way we have
had Fruit and Flower Gatherers brought to our notice by Mr.
Riddle, of Clicapside, which will be found vei-y iiseful for the
purpose for which they are intended. To shake fruit from the
tree is to ruin it ; to run about seeking a ladder is often both
inconvenient and unsuccessful ; but with the fruit-gatherer in
your hand, of which the annexed jfi^'. 1 is a representation, you

Fie. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Fig. 4.

need never be at a loss. The gardener may walk about with
his gatherer in his hand as a gentleman walks over his field
with his spud, using it when occasion requires. The contrivance
is an excellent one. It consists of two disks of Indiarubber,
which is so elastic as not to press injuriously on the ripest
Peach. Communicating with these disks there is a wire, which
is let into the six-feet-long handle, and which is connected with
a pull at the end. By merely puUing this wire the disks are
made to close upon the fruit, and it is then easily separated
from the tree. Injiff. 2 we have another form of fruit-gatherer,
and which is more applicable to Grape-gathering — a fruit with
long stalks. It consists of a pair of scissors instead of disks.
These are worked in the same way as the disks, and cut the-
.fruit-stalk ; the fruit then falls into a small bag or net, which is
formed round a hoop or ring. Fig. 3 is a pruner, and is well
adapted for the summer pruning of pyramid fruit trees— indeed
we quite feel that such an instrument as this was wanted now
that pyramids are grown in every garden. It consists of a pair
of scissors, also mounted on a long rod, and worked by the same-
mechanism as the other implements. Fig. 4 is a flower-gatherer,
and is 60 contrived that it cuts and holds firmly the article it
cuts. For gathering flowers from tall shrubs, or from the
centre of borders on which it would be next to sacrilege to
tread, it is well adapted. The rod of this is of brass, and is a
very neat instrument. All the instruments are very useful to-
every gardener, but particularly to the amateur.

August 6, 1861. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER.

ABUTILON INSIGNE AND LISIANTHUS PEINCEPS.

363

Abutilon insigne.

Abutilon insigne, Planchon. (Handsome-flowered Abutilon).
—Nat. ord., MalvacefB, § Sidese.— A charming greenhouse
shrub of TJgorous growth, thriving in the open ground during
summer, and well adapted for a cool conservatory. The
young branches are clothed with dense down. Ihe leaves
are large, on long petioles, alternate, cordate, somewhat three-
lobed, and coarsely serrated, palmato-seven-nerved, with reti-
culated veins. The flowers are about 2 inches in diameter, and '
grow in axilliary racemes of three to seven flowers ; Ihe calyx
is campanulate, with triangular acute lobes ; the corolla consists I
of five obovate cuneate petals, crisped, and plicate with erose
margms ; they are of a hvely rose colour, with deeper coloured '
veins. From New Grenada : mountain regions. Introduced
to continental gardens by M. Linden, through his collectors
MM. Schlim and Funck. '

It has the advantage of bearing its lovely flowers when the I
plant is not more than 1 foot or 2 feet high, and these flowers
continue some time in perfection, appearing with us in
January. The ground-colour of the large petals is white, but
that is almost entirely obliterated by the rich carmine veining

2. Lisianthus princeps.

or reticulation, both without and within ; but brightest on the-
upper side.

Lisianthus pbinceps, Xsnrf^. (Prince of Lisianths.)— Nat.
ord., Gentianacese, § Gentianese. — A greenhouse shrub of great
beauty. It grows naturally compact, 3 feet or 3 feet high, with
dichotomous sub-four-angled branches, and is smooth in every
part. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate-oblong, acuminate,
with two pair of lateral nerves, and a very short footstalk. The
flowers grow at the tips of the branches in small sub-umbellate
clusters [singly from the axils of the leaves, Lindley']. They are

R64

JOUENAL OF HOHTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE aAREDNER.

[ August 6, 1801;

noddinp, with a tube 5 inches long, swollen out to 1 inch in
■width about half way up, again contracted at the throat, and
tenninating in a cup-shaped [spreading, Lmdleii~\ limb, broken
lip into tive ovate obtuse segments, "which are green except at
the base, which is orange-coloured, the tube being represented
as orange-red. From their size and colour they must be very
showy. From Colombia, mountains of Pamplona, at from
10,000 feet to 11,000 feet altitude. Introduced to continental
gardens by M. Linden, tliroiigh his collector, M. Schlim. Flowers
in ? M. Van floutte observes, that "a greenhouse is the most
suitable place for it. The plants may be grown in a free loamy
soil, the pots being well drained ; tor, in the early part of the
growing season, tliey must be freely supplied with water. ' They
are easily jn'opagafed by cuttings placed under a hand-glass in
the usual manner, and may also be raised freely from seeds sown
on the surface of the soil in pots or pans, and kept watered with
a fine rose ; as Ihey grow Ihey may be pricked singly into small
pots, and placed in a frame, or the shelf of a greenhouse."
Though I'econimended to be grown in a greenhouse, they require
complete protection from a low temperature in winter.

CHRYSANTHEMUM BLOOMING EARLY.

A FiiiEND of mine in this neighbourhood has had a plant of
■Chrysanthemum in ilower for the last month ; it is a large clear
yellow, and is, I think, "Annie Salter ;" but the tally has been lost.

On the 27th ultimo I saw a very fine bloom cut from the
plant, which latter is a small starved thing in a four-inch pot, in
■which it lias grown for the last two years, having been potted by
myself and given to my friend in Juliet 1859; since when it has
been quite neglected, and has stood, I believe, most, if not all,
the two years on a shelf in a small unheated greenhouse, princi-
pally used for protecting Tea Roses, and in this situation it has
flowered.

Is it not unusual to have a Chrysanthemum in flower so very
•early ?— E. C. [It is early;]

THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE VINEYAEDS

AND THE VINE DISEASE.

{Official Report.)

{Continued fi-om page 3 tl.)

Akeived at Somerset (West). The small vineyards about here
are all more or less affected. Lime in a dry state, whether from
its clicapness being easily procured, or other causes, appears a
favourite article for applying to the diseased Vines, but no one
is prepared to say it has been successful in removing or arresting
the progress of the disease. Sulphur as the proper euro is well
known. Advised its immediate use instead of " experimenting "
with the line.

Dccemher "ilk. — Proceeded to the farm of Mr. Henry Theu-
nissen. Field-cornet, 130,000 Vines. Disease ]ii'etty general,
attacking all kinds indiscriminately. The Sleen Grape at this
place is not so severely affected as in most otber vineyards.
Lacbryma- Cliristi crop entirely destroyed. Lime both in a dry
and liquid form applie;! ; no good results from the application.
Diseased last year. Mr. Theunissen begins on Monday to sul-
phur vigorously.

Mr. P. Myburg, Ilotfentots' Holland, about 160,000 Vines.
Disease general, quite rampant indeed on some of the Vines.
Steen, as in nearly all other places, suffers most intensely.
Disease prevalent here last year. No remedy applied then or
now, except dry lime, which is being applied very liberally. Took
leave to assure Mr. Myburg, jun., it was a waste of time and
means to dust the Vines with dry lime to remove or stop the
spread of the disease. A patch of Vines which were diseased
last year, are almost "ate up " this year, and their condition
can bo detected at a distance of 100 yards by the naked
eye. The soil is a good loam, the growth of the Vines luxuriant,
and the vineyard densely sheltered from all quarters. Of all the
places visited, we have seen none so well sheltered, and none
■where the disease is in so advanced and rampant a state.

Mr. D. Bnisine about li,000 Vines. Disease prevalent on the
Steen Grape, and a few of the other sorts grown. There is *
wide contrast between the state of the disease here and at the
preoedine place. This vineyard ia^ very densely sheltered also,
5jut UieVines generally are-clean and Jieaitliy; tlie Green Grapsj

in particular, appears to be swelling beyond that size and period
most liable to the attacks of the di-^ease. No disease last year.
No remedy, except a little dry lime as an experiment, ajiplied as
yet. Intends sulphuring, inimcdiatelv, those affected.

Mr. Theunissen, J.P., Hottentots' Holland, 200,000 Vines of
all sorts. Steen Grape diseased, but not severely. No remedy
applied, intends sulphuring. Soil stifl'. Situation nearly flat,
but open and well ventilated. Irrigation, Mr. Ihennissin be-
lieves, stops the progress of the disease — a belief shared both by
those who have tried, as well as by many who are about to try,
its effects.

Mr. Daniel Malan, Hottentots' Holland, 10,000 Vines.
Disease attacked Steen, Muscadel, and Green Gnipes ; the first-
named viiulently. No remedy applied as yet except irrigation,
which it is believed has stopped the spread of disease throughout
the vineyard, some parts of which we find qu le flooded with
water. All this water to Vines, swelling their fruit fast, will not
increase the quantity of saccharine matter in the berries, on
which the richness ot" wines depends.

Mr. J. D. Malan, Harmony, 80,000 Vines. Steen Grape
intensely atiected — fruit, leaves, and shoots. Pontac, Green
Grape, and others, more or less affected. Is using lime, dry;
recommended the imniediate use of flowers of sulphur.

Mr. Morkcl, son., 160,000 Vines. The disease exists here,
but not general, nor in an advanced st'ite. Steen, Currant,
Muscadel, and Green Grape are the sorts affected. No remedy
applied as yet. The sulphur cure is to be applied at once. Soil
a stiff loam ; situation much sheltered by trees and rising
ground.

Mr. Morkcl, jun., 100,000 Vinos, mostly Green Grape. The
Steen is most severely attacked. Lime and sulphur have both
been used here vigorously. Mr. Morkel is of opinion the Vines
sulphured show appearances of improvement, but the time
elapsed since the application has not been long enough to de-
termine. The proprietor is energetic and intelligent on all
matters connected with the cultivation of the Vine and the
disease now so prevalent, and will, tliere is no doubt, do justice
to all experiments he may make. The several farms we cannot
visit in this neighbourhood are ail afTected more or less with the
scourge, we are 'reliably informed. The proprietora are well
aware of the proper remedy, bnt are using, lime instead, which is
a great waste of means and time.

(To be continued^)

SPORT IN LOBELIAS.

I UAVE for several years cultivated a blue Lobelia which I
have used regularly for bedding, keeping it in the winter in my
greenhouse. This year I find, after planting a bed of it, that,
instead of the flowers being a bright blue as formerly, most of
the plants bear flowers of a dirty white colour, and wliich has
caused me to root them out. 1 am at a loss to account for the
change in the colour, and shall be glad to know if you can
explain the cause. — A Regulau Subsckibee.

[The blue Lobelia is tired of your soil, then it varies and runs
out, as we say. That is exactly the reason why yours have gone
so bad. Corn, Potatoes, Turnips, Peas, JJeans, and everything
we sow and reap, pet and ])recious, require their seeds or the soil
to be often changed for them to keep them up to the mark.
Fresh seeds will give true blue Lobelias ajain to a certainty, if
the seeds be true speciosa, the best blue kind.]

CAMELLIA-HOUSE.

A Constant Subscriber will be very much obliged fcr a little
advice upon the following matter.

It is my wish to erect a house for Camellias. It is not
required to be a large one, nor is it intended to incur great
expense. The object is to grow Camellias in the ground, but
not to exceed a certain height, no plant to be out of standing
reach. To be as concise as possible I will put the following
questions : — What is the best aspect ? M'hat is the best arrange-
ment for such a house, so that eacli plant shall be separate and
easily accessible ? Is there any objection to galvanised iron for
Camellias ? and is it any advantage to have the glass tinted
green ? Will a fixed roof (not, of course, without some opening)
but avoiding the old system of rafters, afford suflieiejit ventilation ?

[Any aspect nill suit a Camellia:; perhaps the north-east and.

Augusts 'G, 1861. ]

JOITEKAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

^65

north-west, jrad southreast and south-west, would be beet, but
any aspect will do.

To combine comfort, eflicienoy, and economy, a span-roofed
liouse would suit you best — say 12 feet wide, 6 feet in front on
both sides, half of that glass, and the ridge 9 feet. You might
then have a shelf all round 18 inches wide, which would be
8 feet, a pathway all round 2^ feet, whicli would be 5 feet ;
being a bed d' feet wide ii> the centre in which to plant the
Camellias, from which you could easily examine and gather
from either pathway, by placing not more than one foot on the
bed.

Galvanised iron will do very well ; but you will not heat a
fixed roof by having sash-bar rafters IG inches apart, 3 inches
by 1^ inch. We would not advocate tinted green glass — we do
not practically know enougli of it. By having a double ridge-
board you can have nine-inch ventilators between theni, and the
side-lights should be made to open — that will give air enough.]

CLEMATIS NOT BLOOMING.

I iiat:e a Clematis wliich has been planted seven years, and
makes considerable growth every year, but I liave never seen a
flower yet. Wliat can I do to it to make it flower ? It is
trained over an arch that spans the gravel walk running due
south, and fully exposed to the sun. — C. E. Lucas.

[There are three if not four sections of the genus Clematif;
and tlie plants or most of tliem in one section require a different
mode of treatment under such difficulties as youi'S, from those
in anotlier section : therefore, not knowing tlie kind, we cannot
say the right treatment for it ; but if it were ours, and it did not
flower the third or fourth season, wc would root it out entirely
and plant another. There is sometiiing radically wrong, for no
plants are more free to bloom than most of the Clematises.
Why not plant Clematis montana, whicli runs 20 feet to 30 feet
in one season when the roots are well establislied, and every
joint of it blooms white as snow in May, in wreaths 10 feet to
20 feet in lengtli, and no place in Great Britain or Ireland is
too hot or too cold for it ?]

.CULTUEE OF THE GBAPE IN POTS.

The art of growing and fruiting the Grape Vine in pots
forms .one of the most interesting, elegant, and profitable branches
of modern agriculture. When well understood, the culture of
the Vine in this way will bo found to be as simple and as easy
as in the border, and even better suited to the circumstances and
wants of numerous amateurs and gai'deners.

Anybody who has a small foi-cing-houso may produce the
best Grapes in pots in perfection, without the costly jn-eparations
of the vinery, and with very little trouble. If the Grape wlicn
fruited is an elegant object in the vinery, it is much more so in
the pot ; and, when managed with skill, the mass of splendid
fruit whicli a single cane less than 3 feet in height is capable
of producing, cannot fail to excite the admiration of every
beholder.

A great many persons who have small greenhouses would like
to raise Grapes ; to such pot culture offers peculiar advantages.
The work of growing the Vines c-an be easily and cheaply done
by themselves or their gardeners, and the plants got ready in
any number (as will be hereafter described) and brouglit for-
ward, say a dozen or two at a time, without interfering with the
other plants, and fruited as soon as in a pe-gular hothouse, and
in great abundance and perfection.

!For early forcing the pot Vine is exceedingly convenient. The
owner of a vinery may desire a few early Grapes, but it may be
impossible or undesirable to heat the border early in the season,
and go into general forcing. In such cases, with the control
easily exercised over the pot Vines, w-e may start them in the
hothouse in the month of March, and after the fruit is set ripen
in the cold vinery, and cut the fruit in June or July.

There is great economy of space in pot culture, which commends
it especially to persons who have hothouses of limited extent.
Eive hundred square feet of glass will ripen about 250 lbs. of
Cbapes in a coaimon house with border culture. In pots,
500 lbs., at least, may be obtained under the same surface of
glass, -and the period of ripening may be more easily hastened
or retarded; thus in a single house greatly extending the fruit
aeasop.

Grapes in pots jnay be for three or four months upon the
Vines after they are ripened, by removing the pots , to a cool,
dry, airy room— even in the parlour — thus presenting all the
merits of a beautiful house plant as an object of interest, as well
as a delicious source of gratification to the palate. West's St.
Peter's, Muscat, and several other late Grapes, ripened in pots
on the 1st of October, will keep on the Vines in a coo', dry, airy
room, till the 1st of February or March.

As an ornament to the dinner table, or for decorating a room
for evening parties, there is no production of the hothouse more
truly magnificent in all respects than a pot Vine fully and
properly developed, bearing six or seven bunches of the finest
Grapes as they may be grown by proper dwarf cultui'e, such a&
we shall describe in this work.

The early fruiting of dwarf pot Vines is another advantage
greatly in their favour, as compared with common Vines. Vines-
are so easily produced in pots, that it is a matter of little con-
sideration if TOn fruit them early, at the expense of the existeince
of tlie Vine, while in tlie border you would be more careful ta
create a strong cane before pemiitting it fo fruit. Vines may be
struck from the eye, and forced into perfect and abimdant fruiting
in eighteen months. Xou may strike Vines from tl:e eye in
March, and fruit them in pots the second season, moderately^
without serious injury to them.

Properly and moderately fruited, the pot Vine is not destroyed,
as many persons suppose, in one or two seasons, but may be
shifted from small to larger pofs, root-pruned, and again placed
in smaller pots, for years ; the proper nutriment for growing
wood and perfecting l^ruit may be added to the soil at each change
of pots, and given in solution while bearing. A much greater
variety of Grapes may be grown together in pots in the same
house tlian by the common method in borders. When the
roots of Vines run togetlier, it is well known that the strong-
growing sorts are apt to injure and drive out the weaker kinds — ■
as for instance, the strong-growing White INice, or Syrian,
planted in a border by the side of the Black Prince, or the
Dutch Swretwafer, will so seriously check the growth of the
latter, that perfect fruiting is almost impossible. With Vines in
pots no such accident can happen. Each plant is perfectly in-
dependent of every other, and they may be placed side by side
without injury.

It will be here understood that we are speaking of true and
exclusive pot and Vine culture — not that partial or mixed system
which permits the roots uf the Vine to extend from the pots into
a border.

In pot culture, Grapes, which it is impossible to ripen in the
border without cracking, may he produced in the utmost per-
fection. The Chasselas Musque is a Grape of this description.
The cracking is due to excess of moisture in the border, which
it is sometimes difficult to prevent. But in the pot we have
entire control over the moisture, and hence perfect Grapes can
be produced.

A question which almost every man will ask, in respect to pot
Vine culfurc, is tins: "Will it pay?" We answer, most un-
hesitatingly, it will. We know it will pay. \A'e grant that, pot
Vines require more care and attention than "\'ines in borders ;
but they niny be employed by many persons who have only
small hothouses, without interfering with other plants, and with-
out any great additional expense ; large crops of early Grapes
(and late ones too), may be obtained where none could otlierwie&
be grown ; and the return, for the space occupied and care re-
quired, in pecuniai-y profit and gratification, will be found highly"
satisfactory.

Growing foreign Grapes in hothouses is generally considered a
sort of rich man's luxury. The pot Vine may, on the contrary,
be called the poor man's hixury. The Grape in borders is .gene-
rally grown on a man's own estate The pot Vine may he-
called the tenant's Grape. In pots, tlie Grape may be grown in
any sort of hothouse, even in a three-light box, by the tenant of
the humblest cottage; and when he is suddenlv called upon, by
any circumstance, to remove, he may take his Vine with htm, at
any season of the year, and continue its culture at his pleasure.

'J hero are many persons who have much taste for horticultural
pursuits, and for the culture of Grapes in particular, not restricted
in means, who yet do not find it desirabb to erect permanent
gi-aperies ; to such, as well as the really poor man, the pot Vine
is a desirable acquisition. In city yards, where- a greenhouse-
only 10 feet square can be erected, there the Grape may be
grown and fruited in pots a^well as in the most costly.antJ
extensive structures.

366

JOtTKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAQE GARDENER.

[ August 6, 1861.

With these advantages of pot Vine culture before us, we think
we may safely say, tliat when the art of growing and fruiting the
Grape in this way becomes fully and generally known, it will be
exceedingly popular. It is an art which ladies may learn and
exercise under circumstances well suited to their tastes, and
even be made a source of profit as well as pleasure, by many
ladies who would not choose to engage in any common gainful
occupation. To the man of wealth who has extensive hothouses,
it will add to his Vines a convenient method of early forcing,
and an elegant novelty for the parlour or the cupper party ; and
to the person of more limited means it affords an opportunity to
enjoy the pleasure of growing the richest Grapes in the highest
perfection at small expense. — (^Boston Cultivator.)

WOEK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.
Vacant ground, or that which can be cleared of early crops,
may still be planted with winter stuff, first giving it a good
dressing of manure, and a good deep digging. Stir the surface
of the soil among growing crops ; this has a highly beneficial
efiect upon them. Broccoli, any that are now planted out, to
have their roots dipped in puddle, composed of soot, earth, and
water, and immediately after planting to be again watered. The
Cape and Grange's intended for use in the autumn, to be also
watered. Carrots, a few of the Early Horn may now be sown
to stand the winter, but another sowing should also be made
towards the latter part of the month. Celery, abundance of
water to be given to all the crops. Continue to plant out, taking
up the plants with as much soil about their roots as possible.
Endive, a large plantation to be made, for what is now planted
will constitute the great bulk of the a\itvnnn and midwinter
supply. Elevated beds 4 feet in width, and with a bold curva-
ture, to be made in an open and dry situation; such beds to be
a foot or more above the level of the ground, and to be made
very rich. These beds to be hooped over about the beginning
of November, that they may be readily covered with mats when
frosts set in. Lettuce, make a sowing of Cos and Cabbage for
late use. Onions, the ripening crop to be bent down by hand,
and, when pulled, the ground to be planted with Winter Greens.
Spinach, the crop for the winter's supply to be sown from the
7th to the 15th of the month, according to situation, and the
beds to be prepared as advised for Endive. Turnips, another
sowing may be made. If the weather is dry, water the ground
after the seed is sown, and cover with mats.

FLOWEE GARDEN.
As this is a favourable time for seeing the arrangement of the
colours in the beds and borders, and for noticing any defects to
be corrected another season, it is advisable for that purpose to
make apian of the garden, and to write the names of the plants
on the beds and borders according to the improved arrangement !
decided upon. Such a plan will be of great service in showing at
any time what quantity of each kind of plant has to be propagated,
and unless some method of this kind is adopted, it is very
probable to find at bedding-out time that there is a scarcity
of some things and too many of others ; whereas those who
have their plans to refer to, can tell at once the exact number
required of everything, and by such means save themselves from
the anxiety and confusion that too frequently occur at planting-
out time. Dahlias are growing very rapidly, and will require to
be gone over frequently to keep tlie side branches securely tied
in. Hollyhocks to be also securely tied to their stakes. Continue
to remove dead flowers from Roses, and give plenty of manure
water to the autumn-blooming varieties. Finish budding Rosea
if not already done, and also get border Carnations, Picotees,
and Cloves, layered without further loss of time. Attend to the
gathering and sowing of choice perennial and biennial seeds ;
these should be watched daily, and gathered as they ripen.

FRUIT GARDEN.
Dig down exhausted plantations of Strawberries, and get the
ground planted with winter stuff if you have not already planted
sufficient. Keep the shoots of Apricots, Plums, &c., securely
tacked to the wall, and afford the fruit as much exposure as
possible without injury to the leaves.

STOVE.
Such of the plants here as are intended for the decoration of
the conservatory in autumn and early winter to be carefully
looked over, shifting such as arelikely'to want more pot room

without delay, so as to get the pots well filled with roots before
their blooming season. It is also advisable to keep the shoots
tied out rather thinly, and to expose the plants to as much sun-
shine as they will bear without scorching their foliage to promote
stocky growth. Maintain a moist growing atmosphere, and use
the syringe freely upon any plant infested with green fly or red
spider. The growing season for Orchids is fast passing away :
therefore, encourage any backward plants with plenty of heat
and moisture while the weather will permit such stimulants to
be applied with safety.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.
The permanent occupants of the beds and borders to be
allowed plenty of space in order to secure well-ripened wood,
and, consequently, a more certain prospect of bloom. Gesnera
elongata, Crowea saligna, and some of the Corrseas will now
stand more heat and with a little forcing they may be brought
into bloom a month sooner. Look well to the late autumn-
flowering plants for these houses. Heliotropes, Sweet Briars,
Mignonette, Lemon-scented Verbenas (Aloysia), and Fairy
Roses, with the Bose-scented Pelargonium are always in request
for bouquets after the middle of October, or as soon as the early
frosts nip them out of doors. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE, LAST WEEK.

OUT OF DOORS.
After a tremendous lashing on Saturday, the 27tli, the
weather has gradually cleared up, though the wind is still south
and south-west. A couple of days with a fair amount of sun
have acted on the flower-beds like magic. Calceolarias drooping
to the earth are now lifting themselves, and showing no signs of
the disaster, and Scarlet Geraniums are opening their trusses
nicely, which refused to make a move for the best part of three
weeks. If fine weather continues, the harvest will not only be
glorious but flower gardens will be magniflcent. The continued
dripping weather has upset some of our calculations, and failures
ought to be noted as well as successes. I have two beds of
Coreopsis, or Calliopsis, I think called marmorata nana. I
have also four boundary lines of it round large beds, the lines
immediately behind being Salvia fulgens, which is now coming
nicely into bloom. I have previously used all the small-leaved
Coreopsis, just like the Coreopsis tinctoria — a splendid thing,
though common. Generally they are in fine feather in July ; but
this season these two large beds and these four borderings, though
full of bud for a mouth, refuse to open a flower. I gave away
some of the Coreopsis tinctoria atro-sanguinea when itwas opening
its blooms, and it, I am told, has done well. I never had mar-
morata or any other kind serve me so before. Even when sown
they generally flower early ; but these beds were all planted out,
and the soil is anything but rich, and not a single open blossom
have I had, while Calliopsis Drummondi, though not extra
dense in flower yet, has been very fair for a month past. I can
fancy nothing but the want of sunshine. I hope it will be fine
in August, but then so much time has been lost. Has any
reader or coadjutor found anything similar, or can he tell any
other reason ?

Our first and second Cauliflowers were extra fine ; but the
successions, owing to the want of sun, were getting very leafy,
and the flower was apt to separate instead of being compact and
firm. There was no necessity for folding a broken leaf over the
flower to keep it white and compact lately. Some of the plants
seemed inclined to twist in the centre, and give only the sem-
blance of a liead ; but now the sun seems to make all right, and
we may expect to get as good Cauliflower in autumn as in early
summer. Planted out a border for autumn use, and will plant
more in a week or so ; will then have a lot, over which pro-
tection may be thrown ; planting them rather thick — say
15 inches apart, in a turf pit. Planted out, also, more Lettuces
and Endive, and chiefly the former, as we find that so long as
good Lettuces can be got, the Endive is always at a discount.
Syringed some late Broad Beans wtU with sidphur and lime
water, as the black fly had begun to settle on them ; and young
Beans are as much a luxury in many establishments as young
Peas. Will be obliged to gather Dwarf Kidney Beans close, to
keep them in regular bearing. Our cottager friends should bear
in mind that one seed-pod arriving at perfection will distress the
plant more than ten nice crisp pods fit for the table. Allow not,
therefore, a single pod to remain except a few intended for seed,
and it will be aa well to leave a few plants for that purpose, and

August 6, 1861. ]

JOURNAL 0¥ HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

367

pick all the others close. Tlie more you gather the more you
will get until the frost comes. If the weather should be dry,
water with liquid manure not over strong. A visitor told
me the other day he had killed his Cauliflower by watering from
a cesspool. From what he stated he had given them an over-
dose : there ought to have been two parts of clear water to one
from the cesspool.

WASPS.
Owing to the severe frost in winter, and the deluging rains,
we hoped to see little of Mr. Wasp this season ; but within these
few days he has appeared in rather large foi'ce, and has con-
siderably injured some fine Downton and Elton and Circassian
Cherries, which have alforded us good gatherings for a month or
six weeks past, and which we expected would have lasted a week
or two more. On setting our eyes in motion we soon found out
some nests, one of which was in a rough heap of stones close to
the Fig-house, and the many members of the hive would soon
have made short work with the Figs. A fusee was therefore
made containing half an ounce of powder and an ounce of
.sulphur, placed in the hole, and when set fire to v/as covered
with a turf to keep the suffocating fumes in. Means will be
taken to catch those outside. Unlike bees, as wasps make no
honey, when once they find gofd feeding-ground there is less
yearning to return home ; but still I suppose the home-instinctive
influences are so strong tliat when nof gorged or fattened with
spoil, even they like to go back to their first domicile, and,
therefore, however a nest may be destroyed, whether by the
above mode of suffocation, or by digging it out after using
boiling water, means out to be taken to catch those that might
be absent on the wing, and felt the promptings of home sickness
inducing them to return. A good decoy is a bottle filled half
full with stale beer, sunk in the ground, so that the mouth of
the bottle is level with the surrace of the ground. The bottle is
sunk close to the place of the old nest. The wasps will freely
enter the smooth aperture, and when either their feet or their
wings get wetted they then become prisoners for life. It is ad-
visable by means of a stick to stir the contents once a-day, which
by submerging the wasps puts the poor things out of torture,
and a little wasting fruit may be added to the mixture to make it
the more tempting to the wasps still at liberty. For catching
on a large scale where no nest can be found, nothing, as a trap,
excels the double hand-light. One hand-light with one or two
small holes in the top is set on four bricks or pieces of wood at
the corners. Beneath it is placed a saucer filled with stale beer,
stale fruit, &c., sugar and water, &c. — anything that will tempt
the wasp epicures. Another hand-light, but sound and whole,
is placed on the top of the first. A frame of board may be set
on the first for the second hand-light to rest on, or the space
between the first and the base of the second may be stufled with
moss. Well, the wasp and the large blue fly and others not so
big, anxious to have a swill, get to the saucer and drink and eat
their fill ; but so natural is it for insects as well as men to wish
to rise in the world, that, instead of getting out by the lowly
access by which they came in, that when they can take no more
they mount up to the top of the glass, and finding an opening
there they pass through, bent on rising higher, and never finding
the little openings again they buzz and fly until they drop
exhausted on the moss or ledge that separates the two glasses.
Bushels of flies and wasps have thus been destroyed. It is,
however, a slow, torturing process, to which we never could
reconcile ourselves, did we believe the statement that "the
smallest insect that we tread upon feels a pang as great as when
a giant dies." By means of a little smoke, &c., we have soon
settled the vitaUty of the captives, but then we found the
Barnes left prevented others from getting into the snare ; and so
great is the influence of curiosity even in the fly and wasp world,
that we have often noticed that this trap is only thoroughly
successful after there are a good many captives buzzing and
flying about in the upper glass. Like a bird in a cage, they
become so many decoys in giving a tickle to the bump of in-
quisitiveness. Quicklime and tar are both good for filling the
holes of nests, but neither are equal to the squib and digging
out; but in all cases the bottle or the double hand-light should
be resorted to to eutice and snare the outsiders. Hornets are
also anything but uncommon this season. In vineries where
danger is feared, all the openings for air ought to be covered
with Nottingham-lace net or book-muslin. The latter, slightly
■discoloured so as to be unfit for lady purposes, may often be
purchased for keeping wasps and flies out at a mere nominal
price.

HOUSES.
The vineries and Peach-houses have been attended to as lately
described, the late vinery has been gone over, a few berries
nipped out where rather thick, and a considorable number of
laterals removed ; but not so many as to arrest a rapid root
action. Plants have been mostly removed &om houses ripening
their fruit. This is the only time in which we are able ever to
have a vinery free from bein? crammed with under crops, from
top to bottom, from Geraniums and bedding plants in winter,
Strawberries and Dwarf Kidney Beans, &c., in spring, and stove
plants, as Gloxinias, Begonias, Caladiums, &c., liking a little
shade, in summer. When dryness becomes necessary to the
keeping of the ripe fruit, we manage to clear the stages and
floors, continue to give a good amount of sun heat to early
Peach-house, and but little air, in order to ripen the wood well.
Sowed Cucumbers for a late crop, to be assisted with a little fire
heat. Gave plenty of sun-heat to ripening Melons, and daubed
the back of the pits and frames with sulphur paint, to keep
spiders at a distance. If such ripening fruit required a little
water, gave it beneath, either through a tube, or making a hole
on purpose ; flavour greatly depending on a dry atmosphere,
which can hardly be obtained if the surface of the bed is moist.
After sutmy days, a slight dewing may be given to the foliage,
which is a Very different affair from syringing them even with the
finest rose. Had we our way we would never have a rose point
to a syringe, we would have them all with the double jet, one to
draw the water in and the other for the water to be discharged
by. After a little practice, by putting your thumb or finger on
the discharging-jet, the water may be sent out with great force,
and in large drops, or as fine as to resemble a misty dew ; and
that will refresh the foliage of the Melons, and yet not damp the
soil. Such misty dewing is just the thing for many cuttings,
and can be done in the tiihe of the time that would be required
by means of a fine-rosed watering-pot.

The conservatory has had several movings as respects the
plants, the Pelargoniums of the first and succession crops going
off quickly, and more room has been given to Fuch.-ias and
Scarlet Geraniums, &o. Camellias well set have been placed in
an open shady place in the open air, and have been top-dressed
as required. Azaleas, protected with Nottingham netting, have
been left exposed, and the roots and surfacings examined.
Cytisuses have been fresh potted and well syringed. Daphnes
examined, repotted, and placed in a cold pit, that they might
grow and set their buds well for early blooming in winter.
Epacrises, &c., exposed to more air to harden the wood. Liliums
tied up before the stems became incurved, and top-dressed with
cowdung and loam. Balsams shifted into large pots and rich
soil for autumn-blooming. Mignonette sown in six-inch pots
for autumn-blooming. Greenhouse plants for early blooming
exposed to sun and air to harden and mature their wood.
Cinerarias potted for early blooming, giving shade at first, but
plenty of air back and front. Late Pelargoniums, gave more
room and air to encourage free blooming. Repotted Scarlet
Geraniums and Fuchsias to come in in the autumn, and gave
manure water freely to those thi.t were in full bloom. Roses,
budded and put in cuttings of Teas, Perpetuals, Chinas, &c., and
as the weather got clearer had a busy time in regulating and
securing flower-beds, which are quite a different thuig from what
they were at this time last week.

As there is now some chance of dry weather, and watering is
an object here, we have given beds where there was a chance of
getting at them their summer dressing or mulching. Xhis
consists of equal parts of old Mushroom-dung, leaf mould, and
burnt earth or rubbish, passed through an inch-sieve. In
common seasons this wotild have been done a month ago. A
slight dressing of this— say from a half inch to 1 inch deep,
is much relished by most things, as it keeps the moisture in and
the heat out, and, therefore, should not be applied until the
ground is warm enough. Nothing for these double purposes
relish it more than the Calceolaria, but they have grown so
strong that it was impossible to give it them this season, unless
in rare instances. Before applying this top-dressing the beds
are hoed and cleaned ; and under ordinary circumstances they
want httle attention afterwards, the covering or mulching acts
as such a good regulator. We prefer the mulching to any
amount of manure-giving to the beds. The latter is apt to make
the plants grow too strong, and to encourage growth instead of
blossoms ; but the mulching chiefly keeps heat and dryness out,
and, if rains come afterwards, the richness that is washed in
encourages surface rooting and free flowering quite as much as

368

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTFAGE aARDENER,

[ August 6, 1861-

free growth. I regret not being able to give this dressing sooner
to the Calceolarias, for now on account of their dense growtli it
is next to iuipos»ble, as nothing so delights in moisture -and

coolness.

MOWING AND MOWINa MACHINES.

If the weather keep dry vre will be able to give the scythe and
the mowing machine a holiday. Such seasons as this tell of the
expense of a lawn ; it is do, do, ever do, and no standing still.
I have just turned up page 341 come to hand, and notice what
Mr. Green says in reference to the statement on the 16th ult.,
and find it what I expected from such a machinist. To prevent
anything like mistake, however, Mr. Green will forgive me if I
state that I did not say his maclnne was "perfectly noiseless,"
but that the luxury consisted in its being noiseless in comparison
with others on the whoel-and-racket system. Secondly, after
taking out another link, and regulating the nuts at the axle, the
nnachme has since been working well, tliou^h several of the
semicircuiar pieces thnt form the link have broken off; and
thirdly, that Mr. Green is right in supposing that I have a
machine of last. year. The one used here is 22 inches wide, and
the number is 3821. I have read of the rim of the wheel being
made higher, which will be an improvemert. I have no doubt
that the strong steel chain will also be a great improvement. But
there is just one thing Mr. Green has forgotten to state, and that
is — how these new unstrctching chains can be made available
for (he machines sent out last year and previously. In these
days we cannot especta gentlenian to buy a new machine merely
to get an improved chain. I do not by any means pay that Mr.
Green should send me a eteel chain to make up for the personal
and friendly disappoint niewts, but I am sure he will pardon me
for hinting that he fhould give notice how, and on what terms,
the new chah.s can be made available for the old machine?, that
otherwise are as good as erer they were. Though the principle
is in all makers the same, I must add that the dividing of the
iron roller in two, and the front wooden roller in three paits, is
of great importance whenever it is necessary to cut on a sharp
curve. 1 do not see why these impi'oved chains should not fit
the old machines ; at any rate I do know gmtlemen will be shy
of improvements if a new machine must always be procured in
order to eccurc them. Will Mr. Green kindly direct his attention
to the subject, and thus lay us under another obligation ? — E. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*** We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the *' Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
■ are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and esj^ense. All
communications should therefore be addresaed^o^Wy to The
Editors of the ^^ Journal of Jlortwulture^ 4**^*»" l^^* JFieet
Street^ London, iE.C.

We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the
same sheet questions relating to Gardeumg and those on
Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered
promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate
commuuieaiion.^.

We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under
very special circumstances.

Annuals to Stand thf, 'VViNiEn [T, IT. X.).— AU theCIarkias, CoUinsias,
Giliiis, C:ind)tuft.s, Nemopbilas, liartonia aurea, Ei-ysimuni I^roifsUianuni,
Limnanthes Dou'ilassi, PLatystemcn californicus, VirKiiis" Stock, Corn-
flo'ners (Cyiiniis major and mnior), and Silene pendulii. These are the
surest to ttand over the winte'-. As ;iOU did not say your localitv we
cannot ^ay more, as these lists will ,be taken up by many in widely
different lucalir.cs.

Rkd Spileu OS VrNES [A J'ounfj Gardcnef).— You will find a reply in
our last week's answers to correspondents.

Lawn (U. L. If'.).— We can fee nothinp to alter onyonr lawn, except it
be the back row in your libbon. Here is a tow of Loce-iiee-bleeding in
front oi shiubs. Such a row oufrht to be accnmpouied with iis contrast —
Prince's l''L;iIher, even if the two must run in. one row, one of one, and
one of the other. With a little thinning of the leaves of both, ihcy make
the bept and cheapest back row we know. We would «ileo have oncpiir
of No. I beds in scarlet, euy eome very tlwarf Geranium, and the edpintf to
No. 3 we would have permau?nt with the vjiriegated Aiabis. which is tlie
best of all for very small beds, and the cheapest lo keep, as it requires no
cutting or trimming: in confined spaces like variegated Alyseum.

Crushed SEA-snKLLs. — "I shall feel obliged to you or any of your
readers, who can inform mc where 1 jcun procure crushed {^ea-feUells lov
laying on i? ^rdon walk?." — Rusticus.

CvANOPHTt-LDM .MAGNiFicuM {A Co$i&tant Suh»crihcr).—1\ii% \& a native
of Madiigascar. It requires a mixture of turfy pe^it and loam, one-fourth
of the latter, and pot^herds broken fine with charcoal and filver sand. It
requires a tcmpcrulwre of 75° to 8t°.

MAo^oLIA Gii*NDiFLonA f^osrtj. — Tou cannot do better than mulcb
apd water your Magnolia which is in a dry titualitn, and which you have-
just cut down.

Books [A Suhacriher for Seven Years). — Tou can»ot do belter tbanget
"Greenhou.«es for the Many," published at our otMce, and which can be
eeni by post for 7 stamps.

ConcoFsis AND A'ruBENA [C. B., i\*ertr?VA).— The seed of this Coreopsifl-
can be boufiht in the sbops. The Verbena is not better in colour than-
others already in cultivation.

STKAWEF.RRiEti [A licyuJar Suh»i'riher),—\Q\\v gardener has not done'
wrong in cutting off both leaves and runners from ynm- Strawberry plants
r.ftcr they have done fruiting. It is a practice that is followed by many
good gardenprs, who, when there is a large breadth of them, actually mow
the leaves off. The rationale of the process is ri^:htIy explained by your
giirdener, who seems to be a man who knows what he is about. There are
adverse opinions, however,on this practice ; but those who have followed it
have found that they succeed in having txcellent crops in consequence.

Giti-ENHorsE {A'. X.).— With the two openings at the ends and thoFC in
front, you will not require any other arrangement for vcntihuion. Oidinary
liquid manure will do very well for your Carnations and Gladioli, but do
not give it too strong. If you cannot get that, make a weak solution oC
Peruvian guano.

Vim: Shoots Dirfased (A-Suhscribcr, Duhlin). — Your Vine roots scent
to have got ii to had foil. ^ hat is the corditicn of your border, and what
sort of subsoil have you ?

Climdi;rs in CoNSEr.VATOHT (T. S. P.).— If your climbers were 3 feet
or 4 feet high, they might be planted out in larye pots, boxes, or even in
the bolder, below the tront or side shelve?, and the top taken through a
hole ou puipose, and truinrd up where icqnirtd. All the drp there would'
not harm thf ni. If this did not suit, a large pot on a box of similar ^ize
ccnld be placed on such, shelves or platform, in the same way as you have-
done the noith wall.

Vakiovs [^f., Cvpnr ^h/?"*)-— TIfpot your Cape bulbs into larpcr pot?,,
and give fresh soil if they have filled those they are in. ICepot also your
Chrysanthemums if they are potbound. They require very rich soil, at
lej,st one-fourth or it being rotten dung. The plant you enclose is Acer
campestre. The Lycopodium will not injure your Fern.

LiiTiXG Vines in a Torher [A Xtic 'Snhs<rib(r).-'^ee what Mr.
Appleby pays in ibis day's paper.

HoUTicm-TCRAi, Society [J/. iY. i7.).— To become a F( How of the Horti-
cultural Society jru nmst pay an enirance-fee of two guinea?, and an
annual subscription of two guineas ; cr you may compound for yom- sub-
scription by a payment of £20. This is the lowest subsciiption". There
is another, which is four guineas annually, or a (ompositicn of £40. The
former, which is the one you want, entitles you to attend :iU meeting's ami
exhibitions ; to participate to a certain extciit in the distribution of plants
and seeds; wnd enables you to give an order to introduce a friend tJ the
gardens of the Society.

Vj.nes DisKASKi) (yl Sulpcriber, Dublin'^. — Your Vinos are suffering from
an attack of mildew. 'J'he moment it showed itself you ought to have
applied flowers of sulphur; do po now, which will arrest the propress of
the disease if it does not cure it. You may safely take a feiv bunches from
the Vines r ext year. They appear to have done very wel'.

Names of Plams (TT". X. "'.).— If your plant is from the Cape, it is
Gnaphaliuni acuminatum. (B. Fie/der) — Your oilskin was twice too
thick, but the plants came pretty .'afe. It is the Horminum violaceum of
old authors, and Salvia horminum of the present day; the cottage name
being purple-topped Chuy. The red leaves at the" top are not called
leaves, but bracts. (M. }\'e.<it(oft).—'So. 1, Epipacis latifolia ; No. 2»
Pedum rupestrp. {H. P.}.— The plant, the seed of which is found m
Californian Wheatandfiour, is Melilotus ofiicinalis.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

AccvsT 9lh. Bklfast Royal Botakic and Hokiiccltcbal Eociext..

(Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables.) Si'c, George A. Carnitbers.
AUGUST 14th. I'ORTBEA IsLAKD. (Scr., H. Hollingfevs ortli, ^outhpo^,
AuQvsT 20th. SiiKP-iON Mallet. Son, Sec, Mr. J. Brabncr, Shepton

Mallet.
AcGusT 28th. Dewsbury. Sec, Edward Fcrtb.
September 2nd. HjccKMONiiWiKE. (Floral, UorticuUui'al, and Agri-

culLuial.) Si'c, G. Kellyy, Ueekmondwike.
September 4ih i>nd 5lh. Crystal Palace. {Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.
SiPTEMBER llth. HovAL UoKTict'LTURAL SOCIETY. (Duhlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
Septe-mber laili and 19th. IIrighton and Sussex. Sec, E. Cabpknter..
November 6th and 7tli. I'.otal Horticultural Pociety. (Fruit and

Chry.santhemums.) Garden Svprrin/enderi/, G. Eylcs.
November 12th and ISlh. Stoke Newington CunvsANXiiEMrs; Sooety.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
Novemekr I4th and 15th. Crystal Palace. {Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec, W. Houghton.
N.B. — Secretaries of Societies iiitendinp to adrertise in our cohtmns witl

oblige us by snnding an earhj intimation of their exhihi(io7i dcys.

POULTEY, BEE, and EOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

EEMINISCEKCES OF A GAMEKEEPEE.
"A CLOl'DT nigl)t " nmv he a. poacher's delight "at Ibcfeason
of tlie year," or the bright moon may be tlie beet aasistaut to the
keeper. People luay lie in bed or lounge in tiie ea^y cimir, :naid
thiiik of the wild exeite-aient of the thing, but under the jiioet
favourable cireumetance^ the former becomes an outcast, axaX
the latter too oft«n crippled wiili rheumatism. Sucli is jmty
case ; and while I am unable to do aniylliiog, I have felt pleasure
in putting on paper fome of the events of my past life. With
mo, as with most other people, reality has not kept pace .with'

August G, 1S61. 2

JOUESAL OF llOR'nGULTURK. AND CQHrAaa GARDENER'.

anticipatiou ; but I have llred long enough to know that our
pL'iisuivs mav be doubled if wa will keep our desires within
bouuds, and that one essential to peace and quietn^jss — and they
go far in ereating pleasure — is, to be prepared to find people
differing from oui'selves without thereby for'Teiting all claim to
our fiisndship or esteem. It will be readily understood that
much of my time has been spent witli sporting men, and I con-
fess I liaTS fallen into the common filling of the class — I have
looked wirli pity, almost with contempt, on those who cared
not for field sports. I am not about to moralise or to go deeply
into the subject, but I am going to tell the truth, and to make
my confession.

My first start in life was to beat for Rabbits when my young
master went out to shoot them during his holidays. 1 was fond
of it, and, tlierefore, didit well. I Toliinteared to clean the guns
and to manage the dogs, and thus little by litlle I became a sort
of servant rather than an odd b3y or young labourer. The lad
or young man who Ins once begun a sporting life will never
a'terwards inoke a good labourer. It is hird lo settle down to
turnip-hoeing after beating for Pheasants or marking Partridges.
The pursuits ive very different, and there is a freedom and
eseitement about one that the other entirely lacks. Many a good
labourer is spoiled by hAng unsettled once or twice )ier week
during the shooting season. It is not only pleasanter, but, where
several guns are out, it is often more prolitable than ordinary
work. I remained in this place for some yeara, and then left to
better myself.

I still tliiiik tlie time I spent there among the happiest of
my life, and it certainly realised my idea of sport far better
than anything has since. We had no preserves in the strict
sense of the word. My master's property was not a valuable
one so far as the rent-roll was concerned. It was in tha northern
part of Ilampsliire, and bounded on three sides by heaths and
commons ; some of them were enc'osed, some open. There
was no abundance of game, but enough for sport. I well
recollect tlie first y.^ar I went out with my young master. I
think I wa^ as anxious as he was, I could not sleep, and long
'before daylight I was noiselessly creeping down stairs. As I
passed my master's room tiie door opened, and I saw lie was
■dressed all but his boots j lie joined me, and at a quarter to four
on the 1st of Septeinber we were ready to start. It was our
first season. I knew every bird on the estate, where they were
hatched, where tliey fed, and where they tiok to when they
were disturbed. Tiiose who walk into a hundred acres of swedes
attended by two keepers, one with an extra gun, the other with
a retriever, and shoot tlieir seventy or eighty brace of birds in
five hours, liave little idea of the different sport it is in a heath
country where Partridges are scarce; and the ple:horic birds
that rise and settle in the same field are as unlike the sliarp
flyers we used to find as an overgrown Powter is to a sharp
Blue Rock. But these are different on the first day of shooting,
and they can be approached even on the stubbles.

I have never known much good done by beginning at day-
light ; I think it better for botii men and birds to liave tlieir
breakfasts first. This day w.is no exception, we found the birds
on their feed, and they left the fields for tlie heath. In the
•misty morning we could not mark them down. The mist
increased just before sunrise, and we had nothing to do but to
wait till he dispelled the fag. As we sat on a bank I had my
Alnaschar's dream. I was now appointed a sort of keeper, and
a regular attendant on my young master. Although scorching
weather, I had determined on wearing a velveteen jicket he had
given me, and I was besides laden with a game-bag, in which I
had put everything that I thought could by any possibility be
■yvanted. I did not feel the load then, and, sitting at a little
distance from my master, the dogs lying at my feet, one hand
resting on the nearest head, and the other pla>ing with a small
wdiip, I thought the calling of gamekeeper the most enviable
under the aun, and myself the most to be envied of the class.

EGGS OF MOULTING HENS.

Mr hens are all moulting, and yet they lay eggs, if I may so
>caU them ; they are shapeless, and but few have a yolk in them.
I want to know if you can give me a receipt ibr stopping their
laying? If I am not mistaken, Mr. Breut has one wluch he has
tried successfully. — C. D.

[The sort of egg you mention is a proof the hens are out of
<!Ondition ; but it is not uncommon when they are beginning to

moult. 1.0U do not state wiiether they have been long laying
such abortiojis as you describe, or whether they are not the
excepiionsi We presume (liey are recent and few. Oar pi'ac-
tice wiili poultry has always been to follow Nature as closely as
possible, and we have always paid the penalty of any deviation.
We, therefore, do not oti'er any suggestion to stop their laying, it
is sure to come of itself ; but we advise you to feed well on oat-
meal or ground oats, and if mixed with milk so much the better.
Let them hare a good grass run ; and if that be inconvenient^
give them full-grown lettuces to eat. To prevent a hen from
laying is much like forcing her to do so in result. It is the
beginning of disease, and must end in dropsy. Tliose who are
in the habit of dissecting fowls can point out the effeofc' of
unnatural treatment and expedients in the presence of large
bladders of clear water, and numbers of embryo eggs in a
diseased state.] •

LAMENESS IN FOWLS.

Could you oblige me, through the columns of T'le Poultry
Chronicle, what I could give or do lo my Cochin chickens
(Buff) ? They are nearly one and all lame; they go with one
leg before and one behind — in fact, all manner of ways but
straight. I feed well, giving good oatmeal mixed with beer or
milk twice a-day, and barley once a-day. They have a good
run, plenty of green food, the floor of the fowl-house good hard
gravel. I must tell you tliey have grown very largi', at least I
ought to say high on leg. 'I'hey were hatched in February, and
I fully thought some of them should have been prize'akers, but
owing to their lameness nuist be kept at home. I should feel
obliged if you could suggest any remedy. I have fed them on
oatmeal and boiled eggs for the past week, but I see no alteration
for the better. — J. Caku.

[The lameness you mention does not exist in reality. That
from which your fowls are sufi'ering is weakness caused in them,
as it often is in human beings, by overgrowth. T;:e only thing
you can do is to continue a generous diet — say ground oats
mixed with milk, and we advise you to keep them on the grass
as much as possible. They will grow out of it.]

SHEFFIELD POULTRY EXHIBITION.

This Society held its fifth Show on the 3rd, 5th, and 6th inst.
in Norfolk Park; Sheffield. The prizes competed for amounted
to £271, exclusive of three sweepstake classes. We will give
our report of the poultiy classes next week.

Judges for Pigeons were Mr. Tegetmeier, of London ; for
Onme Fowls, Mr. Challoner, of AVorksnp ; and for all other
liisses of poultry, Mr. Kdward Hewitt, of Scarkbrook, near
Birmingham.

'J he following is I ho list of awards : —

SpAXisa.— First, 11. Lane. Secont, E. Brown. Tlilnl and Fourth, R.
Tecliay. Commended, Liird E. IIill. M.l>. Chickens.— VK^t and Third, J. R.
ItodUiu'd. Seci)nd, Capt. Heaton. Highly Co n.iiended. J. K. fowier ; J. K,
llodbiird. ITcns—Y'w&t, R. Teebay. Second. J. K. Towler. Hifibly Com-
mended, J. Gailick; J. II. Ciaiicie; Capt. W. Hornby; C. Alkins; S. H.
Hyde. Sinijtc r«f^.— First, R Teebay. Second, J. W- George. Highly
Commended, J. Gailick ; i\larchioness of Winchester; J. Nunn.

PoiiKiNGS (Coloured).— First, Marchioness of '\Vinche:iH'r. Second. Lady
L Thynne. Third, Cnpt. W. Hornby. Fourth, C. H. Walicfield. Highly
Commended, Lady J. Covnwallis ; "Capt^ W. Hornby ; Lady L. Thynne.
Comirended, Miss Robinson. Chickens. — First, Rev. J. F. Newtin. Second,
.). Lewry. Third, W. Dolby, jun. Highly Commended, A. Potts; C. H.
Wakefield ; H. W.B. Berwick. Commended, Lady J. Cornwallts.

Dorking (White). — First, J. Robinson. Second, Rev. G. F. Hodson.

DonKisG (Any Colour). First, H. W. 11. Berwick. Second, "W. Dolby,
Jan. Hifihly Commended, Lady J. Cornwallis; G. Chadwin; Lady L.
Thynne. Single CocA;.— First, JIarchicness of Wiucliestei. Second. Mrs. E.
Herbert.

Game (White and Files). -First, H. Adams. Second. T. Youdan. Third,
G. W. Moss. Chickens. — v'irst, T. Youdon. Second, R. Hemingway.
Higlily Commended, W. Pashlcy ; W. Hopkinson.

Game ( Black-breasted and other Reds).— First, Capt. W. Hornby. Secondi
E.Archer. Tliird, G. W. Moss, Highly Commended, T. Owen ; W. Pashley,-
G. W. Moss. C'Aicien*.— First, R. Woods. Second, E. Archer. Highly
Commended, J. Keab:e; Capt. W. Hornby; J. Holme; G. W. Moss; A. B.
Dvas. Commended, T. Hallatt.

Game (B'acks and Bi-iissy-winced, e-xcept Greysl— First, W. Goraersall.
Second, T. Sanderson. Third, Mrs. Hall. Chickens.— Ymt, Messrs. Nohle
and Ineson. Second, T. Voudao. Highly Commendtd, J. Bcighton; T.
Burgess, jun. ; T. Hartley.

Gamb (Duc.kwings and other Greys and Blues).— First, S. Matthew.
Second; R. Swift. Third, J. Bradwell. Highly Commended, J. Newton-.
CT/fd-cns.- First, R. Chase. Second, T. Youdan. Highly Commended, W".
Bentley.

Game (Any Colour) .-First, Capt, W. Hornby. S<cond, R.Woods. Third,

370

JOtTENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 6, 1861.

G. W. 5Ios8. Highly Commended, W. Gomersall ; R. Swift; R. Baines.
Slnijle Coti.— Fii-st, O. \V. Moss. Second, T. Youdan. Tliird, R. Heming-
way. Fourth, S. .Matthew. Highly C immended, G. Kidger; J. Bradwell;
£. Archer; R. Woods; R.Swift; W. F. Dixon, junr. ; H. Adams.

Malays.— First, C. Ballance. Second, J. Dixon.

Cochin-China (Cinnamon and Buffj. — First and Second, T. Stretch.
Third, H. Tomlinson. Highly Commended, Miss V. W. Musgrove. Chickens. —
First, T. Stretch. Second, Miss V. W. Musgrove. Highly Commended,
Capt. Heaton ; E. Smith ; Mrs. A. Watkin. Commended, H. Tomlinson.

Cochin-China (Brown and Partridge-leathered.)— First and Second, T.
Stretch. Third, J. Bolton. Chickens, — First, Miss V. W .Musgrove. Second,
E. Tudaian. Highly Commended, W.S. Parker. Commended, J. K. Fowler;
H. I T. ir.'inson.

C .'■'-■mN-CniNA (White or Black.)— First, R. Chase. Second, W.Dawson.
'inU ', '.. K. Titterton. CTiViTOS.— First, C. R. Titterton. Second, R. Chase.
Hig; Ij f.jramended, A. E. Smith; W. Dawson.

Cochin China (Single Cock of any colour).— First, C. Moor. Second, T.
Stretch. Commended, M. L. Fearnside ; W. Dawson.

Bkahma Pootra (Light or Dark). — First and Second, R. Teebay. Third,
Rev. J. R. Blakibton. (7ii(ie'is.— First, J. H. Ciaicie. Second, Rev. J. R.
Blakiston. Highly Comtnended, J. K. Fowler. ^'ocA.— First, J. H. Craigie.
Second, Miss S. A. Harvey.

Hambdrgh (Golden-pencilled).— First, W. Froggatt. Second, S. Smith.
Third, I. R. Robinson. Commended, F. Har.ly. Chickens — V'nit, T. and C.
Parkinson. Second, Carter & Valiant. Highly Commended, J. Dixon ;
C. H. Wakefield.

Hambdrgh (Golden-spangled).— First, J. H. Hyde. Second, W. R. Lane.
Third, J. Dixon. Highly Commended, G. Brooke. Commended, Miss E.
Beldon. Cliitkeiis.—YwA. S. H. Hyde. Second, H. Carter. Highly Com-
mended, J. Dixon; M. H. Broadhead; G. Brooke.

Hamburgh (Gold or Silver-spangled).— .?(■«(;/« C-tck. — First, J. Dawson.
Second, H. W. B. Berwick. Commended, Mrs. Sharp.

Hambdrgh (Silver-pencilled), — First, W. Wood. Second, A. Nicholson.
Third, T Keable. Commended, J. Martin. Chickens.— Vnit, T. Barber.
Second, T. Keable. Highly Commended, J. Maitin ; H. Marshall.

Hambdrgh (Silver-spangled). — First, J. Dixon. Second, R. Teebay.
Third, H. Carter. Highly Commended, J. Firth. C'/iii7c«i.s.— First, J.
Robinson. Second, J. Dixon. Highly Commended, Miss E. Beldon ; H.
Carter ; Mrs. H. Sharp.

Hamburgh Cock (Gold or Silver-pencilled). — First, W. Holmshaw.
Second, J. Robinson. Highly Commended, J. Martin.

PoLANDS (Black, with White Ciests).— First, J. Dixon. Second, G. Ray.
Third, T. Battye.

PoLANDs (Gold or Silver). — First and Second, J. Dixon. Highly Com-
mended, R, W. Boyle.

Poland Cock (any colour). — First, J. Dixon. Second, withheld.

Redcaps.— First, J. Hollins. Second, Mrs. S. Harrop. Third, Mrs. R. Birks.

Any other Distinct Breed. -First, Lady L. Thynne. Second, Miss E.
Beldon. Third, W. Dawson.

Bantams (Gulden-laced).— Fiist, F. Wragg. Second, J. Dixim.

Bantams (Silver-laced). — First, E. Yeardley. Second, T. 11. D. Bayley.
Highly Commended, Miss S. A. Harvey.

Bantams (Black). — First and Second. J. W. George.

Bantams (While).— First, D. La born, junr. Second, T. IL D. Bayley.

Bantams (Game).— First, R. W. Boyle. Second, M. Turner. Third, J.
Camm. Highly Commended, J. Caniin. Single C'ocA-.- First, T. H. D.
Bayley. Second, J Camra. Highly Commended, R. Moon, junr.

Geese.— First, Mrs. E. Appleyard. Second, J. K. Fowler. Highly Com-
mended, J. Dix3n (Toulouse) ; Marchioness of Winchester (Grey Toulouse) ;
Marchioness of Winchester (White Eii'bden).

Docks (White Aylesbury). — First, Second and Tlilrd, J. K. Fowler.
Highly Commended, J. K. Fowler; J. Middlehurst, junr.

Ddcks (Rouen). — First, J. Holme. Second, Marchioness of Winchester.

Ddcks (Black East Indian).— First, C. Billance. Second, F. W. Earle.
Third, Re". J. R. Blakiston. Highly Commended, G. S. Sainsbury ; Rev.
J. R. Blakiston.

Ducks (Any other Variety). — First, J. Dixon (Grey Cill). Second and
Third, Mi,s S. Hellewell.

Turkeys.- First, J. Dixon. Second, Marchioness of Winchester (Cam-
bridge). Highly Commended, J. Smith (Cambridge). Commended, Capt.
W. Hornby.

SWIiEPSTAKES.

Game Cocks.— First, Capt. W. Hornby. Second, G. W. JIoss. Third, E.
Archer.

Game Cockerels.— First, Capt. W. Hornby. Second, J. Staley.
■ Game Bantam Cocks. — Miss V. W. Musgrove.

being very good ; and the pair of Red Jacobins of the same
exhibitor were more beautiful in colour than any we have seen
for some tiine. In Owh tliere were two pair of the very small
North African White variety shown. The first prize was awarded
to one of these pair, and tlie second to a very good pair of Blues.
In the " distinct variety" classes these was a good show. The
first prize was awarded to a good pair of Hyacinths, that were
absurdly entered as Bronze-wings, which is a name that should
be retained for the Australian species. But the most interesting
pen in the class was that whicli coutained a pair of the Australian
ground Pigeon, the Wongo Wongo of the colonists. It is to
be regretted tliat there are no prizes offered to distinct species,
for it 13 obvious that where prizes are only offered to a new or
distinct variety of the domestic Pigeon, the Cotumha iicia, a
Judge has no right to award them to any foreign Dove that is
a totally distinct species of animal. The pen is question was
the first we have ever seen exhibited at a Poultry Show, and it
would be interesting to know if they have ever bred in confiae-
ment. They were tlie property of Mr. A. G. Brooke, and were
highly commended by the Judge.

We were glad to see so good a Show of Pigeons at so late a
period of tlie year ; but the prize list being good and liberal
called forth numerous entries.

Carriers.- CocA-.- First. M. EaUe. Second, J. Pearson, jun. Third, 0.
Robson. Highly Commended, Mr. Yardlev. Commended, Mr. Deakin and
Mr. Wood. ^c!i.— First, G. Robson, . Second, H. Child, jun. Third,
R, J. Wood. Highly Commended, Mr. Deakin,

PowTEHs.— CotX-.-^First and Second, M. Rake. Third, J. Smith.
Highly Commended, Mr. Brown and J- Smith. Commended, Mr. De.ikin.
.ffe'i.- First and Third, M. Rake. Second, J. Smith.

Short-fackd Tu.yijLEns —First and Second, M. Rake. Commended,.
Marchioness of Winchester and H. Child.

Runts.— First, F. Key. second, H. Child, jun.

Fantails.— First, F. Key. Second, H. Child jun.
chionesa of Winchester.

Jacobins.— First, T. T. Parker. Second, H. Morris,
mended, W. H. Gates.

Trumpeters.— First, W. H. C. Gates. Second, .1. C. Brierley.
Commended, Mr. Key and Mr. Yardley. Commended, Mr. George.
■ BAhus,- First and Second, M. Rake. Highly Commended, Mr. Craigie.

Commended, T. T. Parker and Mr. Y'ardlev.
' Turbits.— First, T. T. Parker. Second, J. C. Brierley. Highly Com-
mended, Mr. Y'ardley. Commended, H. Morris and H. (ihild.

Owls.— First, H. Morris. Second, M. Rake. Highly Commended, SI.
Kake.

Any other New or Distinct Variety.— First, A. White (Hyacinths).
Second, F. W. Wilson (Frillbacks). Highly Commended, A. G. Brooke
(Australian Wongo W^ong j Pigeons). Commended, Mr. Boyds (.Magpies) ;
H. Morris.

BABBITS.

Length of Ears. — First, Messrs. Gust & Coleman. Second, J. Martin,,
jun.

Coloured Rabbit. — First, B. Gale. Second, G. .Tones.

For Weight.— First, H. Rodgers. Second, G. Mills.

Commended, Mar-
Highly Corn-
Highly

PIGEONS.

The Show of Pigeons amounted to nearly one hundred pens,
being a very much larger umnber than have ever been exhibited
at this Show previously. The character of the birds was also
much higher than in former years, the winners in most of the
classes being first-rate specimens of the respective breeds.

The Carriers and Pewters were shown singly. The first prize
for Carrier cocks was taken by Mr. Bake with a very fine black,
remarkable for its length of neck aud general carriage. There
were eleven entries, and the class, as a whole, was an exceedingly
good one. In Powters the competition, especially among the
cocks, was severe. Mr. Kake won the first prize witlr a very
long-limbed black cock that had never been exhibited previously ;
this bird taking the prize over his well-known blue cock that
has been so very successful. In Powter hens, Mr. Rake was
also the winner of the first prize; the second going to Mr.
J. Smith for a very young red lieu of great promise. In Short-
faced Tumblers^ the prizes were awarded to Almonds. In
Trumpeters, Mr. Oates won the first with a pair of Whites of
very unusual merit. [In Barbs the show was good ; and in
Turbits particularly severe, Mr. T. Pni-ker's first prize Blues

WOODEN HIVES-BEE STINGS.
Will some of your Scotch apiarians be so good as to say
what thickness the wood is of their wooden hives, and if they
keep them in a bee-liouse winter and summer ? and also how they
find them answer, if better than the common straw hive for the
North, as it seems to be the general opinion here (county of
Durham) that they do best in straw, and especially in winter. I
have a wooden-bar frame-hive, and a glass, four panes on each
side-hive, and find when the temperature is at all low there is a
condensation, and the liquid runs out, especially from the wooden
hive; and I sliould, tlierefore, like to hear from some of your
Scotch apiarians their opinions as to the best kind of hive.
Wasps are very plentiful this season, and I am told have des-
troyed two hives out of four or five sent to the moors. Woidd-
it not be as well for you to give Mr. Payne's remedy — turpentine
for destroying them, published in the useful little book " Bee-
keeping for the Many " published at your olEce ? Besides, it
would be of great use to farmers, as they sting the women in
reaping. By the by, wlien on the subject of stings, I have found
the best and quickest remedy for a sting is to rub it well with
fresh urine: this cures and prevents the swelling sooner than
anything that I know besides. I have found soda, &c., seems to
be often worse than the sting, and creates more swelling. — W. A.

Bee Swarming Extraohdinaey.— Mr. William Ashburner,
of Benthaws, near Penny Bridge, has a hive of bees which threw
out three swarms in three successive days, all of which have been
hived, and apparently are doing well. The days were the 13th,
14tii, and 15th inst. July has been very prolific for swarms of
bees, and bee-keepers own that it is rather late for swarms to be

Augusts, 1861,]

JOTJENAIi OF HORTICtTLTTJRE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

371

prosperous ; but, if we are blest with a month or two of dry
weather, there is no doubt but that honey will be most abundant
in autumn.

MODE OF SIJPPOETING FALLEN COMBS.

On the 6th instant, I dispatched a stock of Ligurian bees to
London, on its way to the North ; unfortunately, it was returned
to me three days afterwards by my esteemed correspondent in
the metropohs, with a note intimating that so many combs had
dropped during its transit, that he was afraid to forward it to
its destination.

Ou examination I found that four brood-combs had fallen
on the floor-board. Most probably the mischance occurred at
an early period ; for not only were the combs securely fixed in
the positions they occupied when down, but some square inches
of new comb had been attached to the bars, and filled with eggs
by the queen. A good deal of brood in various stages had been
destroyed in attaching the combs to the floor-board, and to each
other ; but not a dozen bees appeared to have been killed.

In order to enable the bees to refix the combs in their natural
position, I replaced them one by one, and kept each in firm con-
tact with its appropriate bar by supporting it on a strip of wood,
half an inch wide by a quarter of an inch thick, wliieh in its
turn was sustained by binding-wire passed over the bar at each
end, as represented in the following sketch.

The upper edges of the combs were also kept in place by a
couple of clips of this form O slipped over each bar near
the ends, and embracing j \ the sides of the comb. These
very useful little articles / i are easily formed out of a
strip of sheet zinc, or tin, about three-quarters of an inch wide,
and 4 inclies long.

The next morning I examined the hive and found the combs so
firmly refixed by the bees that I was able to remove all the sup-
ports, and trust them to their natural attachments.

This mode of support is applicable to large guide-combs
(which cannot easily be attached by melted wax) as well as
combs tliat have dropped by accident, and may, possibly, be of
as much service to others as it has been to — A Dbvonshibe
Bee-keepeb.

AETIFICIAL SWARMS.
It is not a pleasant task at any time to record one's failures.
I do so to prevent, if possible, my brother bee-keepers falling
into the same dilemma, as many, no doubt, think they can lead
the bees to almost do anything, particularly such a simple affair
as making arlifiuial swarms. If I recollect rightly, Huber says
that by abstracting eggs from one hive and placing them in
another with worker bees, a complete colony will ensue. Teget-
meier says with his boxes artificial swarms can be formed any
time when drones are numerous, by merely removing a bar of
brood-comb and placing it in an empty hive which is to be put
in the old one's place. They rear a queen from the young brood,
while both old and young hives will do well and prosper, or words
to that elfect, while he lauds artificial over natural swarms in no
small degree. (I think now it is on a par with Professor
Bolman's roasted potatoes as sets for the prevention of the
potato murrain.) But to proceed. From some cause or other one
of my straw hives in the winter last lost its queen, although the
workers were populous. Her death might have arisen from old
age, it being a first swarm of 1860. They bred drones, and
carried in at times small quantities of pollen; of course it was
necessary for the rearing of them, but their numbers gradually
■diminished until the 10th April last, when I cut out a piece of
comb, and fitted in a corresponding piece containing eggs from
its more fortunate neighbour. Singular enough, this queen-
rearing experiment failed, although ah t\,e eggs were hatched out.
Nothing daunted, I, on the 22nd May, supplied it with another
piece of comb, and now, July, I find that also a failure ; so 1

drove the few bees the hives contained, as robbers commenced
plundering the stores which weighed 14 lbs. nett. My having
a good supply of bar-hives, and drones being numerous on the
20th May, my established stocks in box bar-hives were very
strong ; so I took two bars of brood-comb from one, and placed
it carefully in an empty hive, and clean, empty combs on each
side to save the bees the labour of making more. I removed the
old stock, and put the new one in its place. It being a fine day
so many were out at work, I had a good swarm. They worked
well for a week or so but reared no queen, although every egg is
hatched out ; and I am inclined to doubt the hive now havinga queen
from which I abstracted brood to renovate the hive first mentioned,
for they since have really done nothing. For twenty years have I
been a bee-keeper, but these failures to me are worse than all
the bad seasons in that time put together. Naturally being
desirous of keeping pace with the spirit of the age, I adopted
bar-hives with the intention of preventing natural swarms de-
camping and increasing the honey-store ; but from my ignorance
of their habits, or my clumsy manipulation, I have to regret
more than losing a natural swarm or two during the season, as
I think that, had I not interfered, they would have done much
better.

Perhaps Mr. Woodbury, or some other experienced and kind
contributor, may be able to account for my failure ; and any
information on this subject will be pleasing to our fraternity in
general, and be gratefully received by— A Miudlesex Bee-

KEEPEH.

LIGURIAN BEES.

Yotr will like to know how it has fared with my Ligurians
since you paid me your visit. The royal larva, which came in
your hat, and which we placed in the glass over the stock, whose
queen with all her eggs and brood had been previously removed,
has been right carefully tended by the workers. The cell was
covered in on Thursday, and may, therefore, be expected to give
forth its occupant at the end of this week. It appears to be of
the ordinary size, and is jealously guarded.

On Thursday I turned out the Italian queen you sent me on
the nth, with all her subjects, from the box in which she was
at first located, giving them a larger bar-box full of honey and
brood of common bees. This I did, first with a view to strengthen
the population, and add to the space and riches of the stock;
secondly, as I found a quantity of Ligurian eggs and brood in
the box vacated by the Italian queen, I resolved to transler to
it the splendid population of the May artificial swarm, just over
the Ligurians in the bee-house, and make them rear a family of
hybrid queens, such as the royal larva will be which you brought
with you, should she issue from her cell a perfect insect. These
hybrid queens I shall supply as far as they go to my other stocks
after depriving them of their Englifh queens. The transfer was
easily effected, and their (magnificent) JJnglish queen destroyed ;
and they are, now, doubtless doing their best to replace their loss.
There were about 1000 Ligurian eggs, and quite young larvai in
the box given to them. Of course, I took away every particle of
the brood and eggs of their own queen. And, now, let nie say
how glad I shall be to receive another pure Ligurian as soon as
you can spare me one, and the finer the better. I ought to have
two pure bred and fertilised queens, so as to be able next year to
replace every English or hybrid queen in my apiary with the
Italian breed in its purity. — B. & W.

SKY BEES.

Hati>'G seen in your No. 16 an inquiry by " G. C." respect-
ing a sound in the air like the swarming of bees, I beg to say
that in July, 1852, my curiosity was raised by a humming in the
air as described by your correspondent. As a lover of Nature I
became desirous to know the cause ; T, therefore, inquired of
some labourers if they knew what the sound proceeded from.
One of them, more intelligent than the rest, informed me it was
caused by " midsummer hums," and was always heard in hot,
dry weather. I asked him how he knew that, and if he had
seen them. He replied. Yes, and that if I tossed a stone in the
air they would come down on it. I did so, and found it to be
correct ; but before the stone reached the earth they ascended
again with wondrous speed. Being still curious to become more
closely acquainted with them, I procured a small junk of wood,
which I smeared with Stockholm tar, hoping that some of them
might adhere to it, and thus become captives. It had the

372

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE 'AND eOTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 6, 1861.

desired effect. — it brouglit down tliree bronu flies, sometbiiig
like a bee, but niucU smaller. I cnrerully secured tliem in a pill-
box, intending to send Ibem to some proper person to be named,
but, imfortunately, lost them from luv pocket. I liave tried tlie
same exj eriment several times since, bnt have failed to bring
down a single insect, owing, as I suppose, to tlieir being Inghcr
in the air llian the stone or junk of wood eonld reach. 1 believe
them to be a small variety of Hovertly. I have seen since what
I consider to be 'the same insect, at early dawn of a hot, dry
summei-, in great ninnbers iiovering beneath trees and shnibs ;
but from their qiiiekncss have never been able to take one.

White, in his " Natm'al History of tjtlbourne," thus writes,
in 1780 :—

" Mumming in the Air. — There is a ur.tural occurrence to be
met with upon tlie highest parts of our downs in hot sunmier
days, .which always amuses me much, witliout giving me any
satisfaction with rcsi'ect to the cause of it; and that is a loud, ;
audible humming of bees in the air, though not one insect is to i
be seen. Tliis sotlnd is to be be'ird the whole comtnon through,
from ' Money Dells ' to Mr. White's avenue gate. Any one
would suppose that a large swarm of bees was in motion over-
head. Ihis noieo was heard last week, on the 28th of June."
— ^B. FiELDEE, Qardener, Alresford, JUants.

includes in itself every important point of bee excellence), as
they do in beauty of appearance. I have now the pleasure of in-
forming Col. Newman and the apiarian readers of The Jouhnal
OF HonTicrLTCXE, that, they are equally at liome in the mild
chniate and iVrtile vales of Devon, as in the more elevated legions
of the Alps' I can also assure the gallant Colonel that the Ligu-
rian bee is by no means deficient in its " choice of pasturage and
so forth when out of its own district." 'I he honey collected this
summer by this alien race being of the finest qu;dity and flavour.
Is it, after all, so very certain, that the common bee (Apis
mellifica) is indigenous in Great Biitain? and woidd not Col.
Newman's objeciions to the inlroduetion of Apis ligusttcn info
this country apply with at least equal force to our race-l'orses,
which sprung originally from Arab sires, as well as to our porkers
wliich o"e much of their fattening qualitiis to an admixture of
Chinese blood ? 'Ihe s.nme argument, if pushed to the extreme,
might proscribe the cultivation of foreign fruits and vegetables,
and once more reduce us to regard the ancient British acoin as
a staple article of food. — A Devonshire Bse-kbepeh.

DIMENSIONS OF HIVES—LIGUEIAN BEES

MENTIONED BY VIBGIL.
What shoukl be the inside diameter of a round straw hive,
the width of the comb-bars, and the space between the bars ?

All tliat has been said in favour of the Ligurian bee, was told
us by Tirgil two thousand years ago, and vet his yellow bee was
treated as a myth, fc'o much for naturalists.

[I consider 16 inches diameter by 9 inches deep, with eleven
bars, a good size for circular bar-hives for common bees ; and
17i inches diameter by 9 inelies deep, wiih twelve bars for Ligu-
rians. The bars seven-eighths of an inch wide, and equidistant
from each other. — A Devonsiiiee Bee-keepee.

The passage in Virgil alluded to by our correspondent is
probably this : —

Alter ciit niacuiis auro squalentibus .nrdcrs,
(Kam duo .'^unt genera} li'C nulior, insi^niset ore,
Et rmiiis clarus squamis : ille tiorridus alter
Desidia, latunique trahens inglorius alvum."

{Gtorg. ir., !. 91—94.)
Tb.\i*slation. — There are two kinds, the belter g'.ows with spots of
gold, has a more beautiful figure, and ^hin(.■=; with t,rinht .scales ; the other
is iilthy through sloth, and ingloriously drags a large body after him. j

TEANSEEBEING SWAEMS OF BEES— BEES
IN A CONSERVATORY.

W. H. B. would like to he informed if it be possible to transfer
a swarm of bees, hived about six weeks ago, from a common
straw hive to one of "Neighbour's Iniproved." Also, if bees
would be hkely to thrive during winter in a conservatory.

[The only w.ay of transferring the swarm at tliis time is by
driving. The driven bees in flic new hive should occupy the
place of the old slock, which must be shifted a couple effect on
one side. The operation may be repeated in three weeks' time,
and the expelled bees added to those first driven, whilst the,
stores of the diverted hive remain for the proprietor. Copious
feeding must be resorted to as soon as the bees are located in
their new habitation, and must be continued until its contents
reach 20 lbs. neit weight. 'Ihe above directions are given on
the supjiosition that the '* improved liive" is without comb-bars.
Should it, however, turn out to he a bardiive, combs and all may
be transferred ; antl if " W. H. II." wishes we v\ill give directions
for doing this iu a future Number.

We have never tried keeping bees durihg winter in a con-
servatory. Perhaps some of our correspondents may have done
so, and may favour us with the result of their experici ce.]

SUPERIORITY OF LIGURIAN BEES.

LiBUT.-Coi.. Nr.wjiAN will doubtless bo well pleased to find
that tiis predictions regarding the Ligurian or alpine bee are
completely falfifitd by experience.

I have already stated that these bees as far excel Hic Cohnmon
BpecicB in Ihe breeding powers of their queens (a quality *hiCh

RHUBARB WINE.

It is an old saying that " too many cooks spoil the broth,"
and I fear the same remark would apply to rhubarb wine,
about the making of which your correspondents ddfer so much,
that it would be a great boon to the tminiiiated if you
gave them one good receipt for making it. In the 21th Vol. of
TnE Cottage Gaiidenee, page 202, there is a long receipt for
it, in which the process of making is described very accurately ;
but in wliich there is one inconsistency. It says, " In a month
or six weeks afler cellaring it may be fined and dra^^n olV into a
clean cask, &c. The cask may be now finally stopped close, &c.,
and allowed io remain till March, when it should be bottled, &c."

Now, in Ihe notes at foot of the receipt is the following; —
"1840.— Made May 2bth, put in cask June 2nd, stopped Jime
16lh, cellared June 2;ird, raeked and fined August 3rd, Octobir
25th racked antl sulphured, bottled January 2olh, 184).

Now, in the receipt no mention is made of the second racking
which took place October 25tli. Could Mr. Levett, who gives
the receipt, kindly explain this?

Ho also directs the rhubarb-stalks to be bruised and pressed.
" WOKCESTEit," lin your Number of July 2nd, says Ihe stalks
need only be out into slices, and afterwards sqiieezeil ni a cloth ;
and " W'. W," in your Number of July 23rd, says, that pre-'sing
and squeezing are not either necessary or advantageous. Which
is right ?

If vou could give one good plain receipt for making rliubarb
wim', it .would be received with many tjianls by many of youv
readers, and by none m^re than myself

"What kind' of rhubaib is best for making the wine, or for
general purposes ? — B.

OUR LETTER BOX.

pRorr:TiTiES op a roRKiNO {Ntw Suhstriher\,—A straight breast is not
an essmtial point, but it is a veiy gre^t advantaec in a Duikin^ tow J, and,
evtiy cilitr qii:iliiy bting equul, it would luin xXif" scale ftfjainut a cmokfcl
one. Some held it In be an heieditaiy defect ; oilurs thai it is the rt-sult
of fast jjrowlh, cnn-C(incrit weakiio^s and piessute on a narrow [ ereli,
which his effect on the linne at an ape is-hcn it is merely a cartil:ige. We
incline to the Intier o( i:iion, and, thcrefuie, advise very low. wide perches
for giowini;-cliiclicns. 'Iliey shouM be G inches or 7 inches wide. It.is
always considereil that 1 Il>, per nionih is pnod increase and lesull for a
iJoTkint? cock ; it, theieft-re, yours weighs 5 lbs. at the end of four months,
yen mav be well faiistied.

Hour IN SpAMSH (J//y/jo).— The question of roup or no rt.up in Spanish,
will render a lorfjer not^e nfcc^s:lry ih;.n we t-hall be able to give thin
week. We will eontmt our-selve.-i witii f-iJtiintr our Uliif we are right, ami
will f-luirtlv uWer n.(ie at Ifisgih on the Fiiljid.

Ql'KKn JivK (An Amiiituy, Cvfor A viju, >>).—' ihe bee was ninth crufoed
bcfiiieit re.ichtd us, but is undml^tedlv a queen, i-robably a&upin:unicrary
one vunquihUod in battle by the reigning sovereign.

LOIS DON MAKKETS.— AuursT 5.
POITLTRY.

For Ihe rc:^t ft w weeks ponllrv will give wny to harvest, pnd the siipplr
will be veiy unall. It will. howVver, be quite equal to the deuuind, which
will fcc aliiiof-t nominal for bome time.

Eacb-

— «.
3
2
:l
2

. 5

d. a.

C to 4
n „ 3
i) „ 2
B „ 3
0 „ 5

d
0
0
0
0
6

Guinea Fowls

Eaoh-

-,i. rf.

0 (1
0 0

0 7

1 A
0 7

to 11

. "

, ,1
.. 0

a

0

Sniallcr Fowls

l>

»

Kahbits

Wild

n

Goslings ..'.

8

August 13, 1861. ]

JOURNiL OF HORTICULTURE AMD COTTAQE d-ABDENER.

373

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

Day

AUGUST 13-19, 18G1.

■Weather

KEAR I.O.V-DO.V IN 1860.

Sun

Sun

Moon
Ri.se.s

Moon's

Clock
before

Day of

of of

Rain in
Inches.

M'nth

Week.

Barometer.

Therm om.

Wind.

■ Rises.

Sets.

and Sets

Age.

Snn.

Tear.

dcff. de^.

m. h.

m. h.

m. fc.

m. s.

18

Tu

Gypsnphylla muralis.

29 747-29.6.3S

68 -50

s.w.

—

44 af 4

25 af 7

0 10

5

4 36

225

14

W

Sc.ibiosa.

29,6a6-29.fi3n

71-46

S.E.

■14

46 4

23 7

47 10

3

4 23

226

15

Th

Ambrosia.

29 680-29..5n4

67-63

S.

•ID

47 4

21 7

47 U

9

4 14

227

16

F

Steviii.

29.3.51-29.277

65 -4H

S.W.

■03

49 4

19 7

morn.

10

4 2

228

17

S

Duchess of Kent born, 1786.

29 543—29.41.1

67—45

s.w.

•04

50 4

17 7

58 0

11

3 49

229

IS

Snx

12 SONDAT AFTER ThINITY.

29.593-29.525

64-51

S.W.

■29

52 4

15 7

16 2

12

3 36

230

19

M

Zinnia.

29.786-29.755

66-55

s.w.

•06

S3 4

13 7

34 3

13

3 23

231

Metrorologt op the Week.— At Chifiwick. from observations during the

last th

rty-four years, the avera

?e highest and lowest

temperatures of these days are 73.6° and 51=

respectively. The ereatest heat, 92

, occurred on the 18th in 1842; and the lowest cold, 32',

on the 13tl» in 1839. During tlie period HO days were fine, and

on 98 rain fell.

THE NEW GARDEN AT SOUTH KENSINGTON.

lOLOUREL) plans of the Eoyal
Horticultural Society's new gar-
dens were prepared by Mr. Nes-
field in May, 18C0. The way Mr.
Nesfield proposed to plant the i
garden was indicated on that plan ;
but Mr. Nesfield's flower plant- i
ing has been entirely altered — ■
■whetber by himself, or by the
Council, or Garden Committee I
do not know, an.-^, therefore, I •
cannot put the saddle on the right
back. I do not know to whom '
the merit is due, or who is answer-
able for breaking through the laws
of composition planting. The best,
and perhaps the very worst, ex-
amples of composition planting in
this kingdom, or in any other,
are to be seen there, and both
examples lie side by side in the
very centre of the garden. The large circle of 90 feet
diameter iu front of the upper lake, which, laid out
most elaborately in the composition style, is the most
exquisitely beautiful piece of composition design for
flowers I have ever seen in book or lawn, and the plant-
ing of all the parts and the keeping are in the highest
style of the flower-gardener's art. Two beds, however,
out of the many in that composition, require to be altered
or lengthened out, rather by doing away with their spar
inner ends — or say that two out of the eight principal
beds require the figures in front of them to be done away
with, iu order to lengthen these two so as to match with
the six. Then apply the rule for judging composition
to any of the degrees round the great circle, and you will
not find a hair's breadth out of place, and a perfect har-
mony of contrast is obtained skilfully in two ways — first
with the spar accompaniments, and then with the kinds
of flowers which have been made use of. The combina-
tion is perfect — all the parts combine in making a perfect
whole, and that whole is harmonious throughout.

The rule for knowing all this, except the harmony, is
exceedingly simple, and is like the law that altereth not.
It is this : all the planting of beds in masses together, in
all the dilTerent ways, by all kinds of people with all sorts
of tastes, IS called composition planting. And no matter
Low intricate, or how round, or how square the outline
of the figure or figures may be, there is supposed to be
an axis running through the centre of them as a line
drawn through the earth from the south to the north
pole ; that line is called the axis of the composition. If
you find more room on one side of the axis than there is
on the other side, you lose the agreement in the parts, and
harmony is gone. If you find a spot or speck of colour
more on one side of the axis than on the other, there is
a hitch in the picture, and the harmony of effect is gone
sofar out of place. And if a composition design is perfect
No. 20. — Voii. I., New Sehie".

in the execution, it may be entirely npset by injudicious
planting. Too much of any one colour prevailing on one
side of the axis throws this kind of composition out of
balance, out of the harmony of contrast and of combina-
tion, the two divisions not combining in equal propor-
tions to make good pictures. Now, these are the rules
by which great ladies compose their own designs and
criticise those of othrrs — I mean such artists as those
ladies who were the Judges of the dessert competition
last June, and whose judgment went against the practice
of ninety-nine of us gardeners out of every hundred-
My remarks on this planting will be read by such judges
after or before they see it ; and I can no more lean to
favour or shy from fear than I can fly to the moon, with-
out damaging my credit in the eyes of such judges — that
is, what little truth I may have learned at their fair
hands I should throw away to save some one in the
Cour ells of the Society.

The next in advance of that grand circle is a match
pair of triangular spaces for flowers, one on each side of
the main walk. A border 6 feet wide goes all round
each of these triangular spaces, and that border is cut
into promenade-like beds as a frame to the composition
inside— to the picture, in fact. A circular bed and an
oblong bed alternately, as at the terrace of the Crystal
Palace, is called the promenade manner of laying out.
In this frame the circles have half a circle on each side
of them in white gravel (spar) for walks to get into the
interior, and the oblong beds are all planted as they
should be with the same kinds of plants : the eff'ect is
the richest and the most perfect I know of both in the
design and in the planting and keeping of the plants.
If tlie interior, or the picture within that frame, had been
all laid down in coloured gravel like the glacis, the
pictures would be as rich and as efi'ective as the frames ;
but an attempt has been made to combine flowers and
coloured gravels as one whole, as a composition, and the
effect is one of the worst that can be conceived ; tliere is
neither contrast, harmony, nor combination, therefore no
meaning. But as contrast is more arbitrary than har-
mony and combination, and as one man may call a con-
trast that which is only a different thing from the other,
I give it up in this instance, and say only a want of
harmony and combination.

The four glacis on the banks of the four canals are
most beautifully laid out in fancy tracery, which is all
filled in with coloured gravels or spar of different colours,
representing the emblematical ilowers for the four
divisions of the kingdom. The Hose of England being
the centre flower in each. The Irish Shamrock, the
Scotch Thistle, and the Welsh Leek, come in iu beauti-
ful flowing tracery, each in its own division or glacif.
But the Rose is not a Rose in colour or in design, and
there is no (lower like that Rose in the whole vegetable
kingdom. The thing has six petals and six divisions
to the calyx — that is two great artistical faults in one
flower. A Rose is meant, but no Jlose will be found
with that number of those parts, which is No. 1 fault.
Then, six-petalled flowers have usually no calyx at all.
No. 672.— Vol. XX'^T , Old Seeiks.

374

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 13, 1861.

If tlie School of Design at South Kensington allows this
violation of natural objects even in fancy wort, in paper-
hangings to wit, to be in harmony, we ought to have
the swan with two necks on the water below the glacis.
Mr. Waterton, one of our ablest critics in a zoological
branch of natural history, has been very hard upon
Du Chaillu for the way he had drawn liis account
of the gorilla, and here is a case in point for retaliation.
The Frenchman may combine with the Welsh, the Irish,
and the Scotch, and say they knew to their cost there
was a wrong leaf in the English Rose, but never could
discover which was which till now. Here ends the dis-
agreeable part of my discourse to the reader. The most
disagreeable to myself is this, that if I were to say of all
the rest of the planting, and tbe laying out, and the rest
of the garden what they really deserve to be said in
their praise, some might say that I only put that in as a
soap to Cerberus to let me out at the impassable gate.

THE GEEAT CUNTBAL BED.

Well, be it so, the tale must be told from the very
heart of the composition from the centre of the great
circle of 90 feet right through. That centre is a raised
circular bed in a vase-like frame standing on a circle of
grass, the grass may be 18 feet or 20 feet in diameter,
and the bed may be one-half of that measurement by
the eye. The centre of the bed is planted with Punch
Geranium ; the rest with Cottage Maid, the Crystal
Palace name for thai Horseshoe kind ; the edging is of
Phlox Drummondi, Variegated Alyssum, and Tropajolum
elegans, each kept to one-third share of the room. Work-
ing our way from the centre, we have a band of blue
slate spar, or slate broken to rough gravel all round the
grass ; then eight great circles in a ring all round, or j
wheels within a wheel. A beautifully-shaped main flower- !
bed occupies the major part of each of the eight circles,
every match or opposite pair of beds being of a different '
pattern from the three other pairs, and each match pair
of course is planted with the same kind of plants, j
Besides this main bed there are two small S-shaped beds
or pear-shaped ones in each of the eight circles, besides
corner and o2shoot-beds of coloured gravel to fill up the
measure of each circle, or eight main beds and sixteen
accompanj'ing ones. The small pair-beds are planted
with two kinds of plants only, alternately making a
.=econd arrangement in the same circles. One pair of
the main beds is planted with Gazania splendens ; second
pair with Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium ; third pair
with Purple King Verbena ; and the fourth with varie-
gated Geraniums. The pair of secondary-beds are thus
— one pair with Golden Chain Geranium and Lobelia
speci^sa ; the next with variegated Geraniums, and so
all round the circle. Batwing-shaped beds come outside
the circles to fill up the spaces left between each pair of
them. All these are in yellow Calceolarias all round,
the inner sides of them are edged with blue Lobelia, and
the outside with Cerastiura tomentosum, so kept that
nought can excel. Outside all this is a ring of Box-
edging, and then a path of their deep red brick, or Head-
ing bricks, pounded into gravel and the dust screened out.
Tlie outside of all this is a bold stone edging 3 inches or
4 inches deep on the inside, and the lawn level with it
outside, making the grand circle a panel-bed sunk 3 inches
or l inches. Low standard Eoscs go all round this circle
on the grass, the open spaces over the roots being laid
with pebbles. But we must have a drawing of that
grand circle is a specimen of the most complicated com-
position without a leaf or an inch out of joint. A speci-
men of elegant embroider)' with flowers and figures of
coloured gravel, and suitable walks of the same colours
running all rciind and in among them, the whole forming
6uch a gem as all England cannot match as far as I ever
heard. The frame of the two angular embroideries in
front of that circle are in scarlet, purple, and orange
edged with while. A band of Crvstal Palace Scarlet

Geranium along the centre of all the oblong-beds ; a band
of Purple King Verbena on each side and across each end.
with Calceolaria outside. The circles are in variegated
Geranium and blue Lobelia, and one of them at one
end is with Lady Plymouth and blue Lobelia, which is
particularly rich. A principle is violated again in
putting two or three of these circles in the frame down in
coloured spar.

THE 0VAL3.

In the original design there was a pig with one ear on
each side of the grand circle on a lower flight of the
terrace. On the lefthand side is a long oval of grass
with a pedestal and vase in the centre of the grass, and a
border of 6 feet wide all round the oval cut into flower-
beds, circle and oblong alternately, and on the righthand
side of the plan is a fellow to that grass oval, actually
an oblong square with the corners cut off. But in the
alteration of the plan they made the pair to match us
long ovals, round ^>hich are four oblong beds and four
circular beds planted in the first style of art and of
colouring — a very simple figure, but a most effective
one, in scarlet, yellow, and a light shade of purple ; the
four circles in Scarlet Geraniums, and the four oblongs
in yellow Calceolarias, and a band of Mrs. Vernon Nose-
gay running all round in the centre. The scarlet at each
end of the band of Mrs. Vernon brings out its tint nearly
as well as if the scarlet was all round it.

These ovals are 16 yards long, 12 yards wide, and
the circles of scarlet have white gravel on each side, as
walks to get into the centre oval of grass. These and
all their flower-composition compartments are bordered
on the outside with the deep red brick gravel, which
gives a great richness to every one of them. White
sand has been much used of late years for the same
purpose, and some will prefer it still ; but that being
matter of taste I have nothing to do with it, as there is
no accounting for taste, else the old woman would never
have kissed her cow.

THE FKIEZES.

The side flower masses are four in number, two on the
west, and two on the east side. They are marked on the
plan as long oblong figures, one on each side of the centre
cross walk. These parts are called the corridor terraces,
and the pattern plans are called friezes. The south-
west and north-west frieze are on the west side, of course.
The south-east and the north-east are opposite. Each of
these spaces is 103 feet long, and 22 feet wide, and each
is sunk 4 inches below the level of the lawn, and each is
bounded by the deep red brick gravel. Each is different
in the design and in the planting, and each part of every
one of them is in beautiful harmony or marked contrast
between the flowers and the coloured gravel, which is of
four tints — pure white, cream colour, light or grey blue
from pounded slate, and the deep red from pounded
bricks. Now, here are four degrees of taste displayed,
every one of which is just as good as the other, if you
can only think so ; but as no two ever yet quite agreed
in matters of taste, I will tell you my taste of the four
without prejudice to your better taste.

My favourite frieze piece is the south-east one, and
I shall tell why it is my choice, because the ground
colour is entirely in the coloured gravel, and that each of
the colours has a whole length of the space devoted to
itself, without that eternal frittering or mixing of tints at
angles and broadsides, such as you may possibly prefer
in one or other of the remaining three. Pure white
Derbyshire spar gravel occupies the whole length centre
of my favourite figure, cream colour comes in the whole
length on each side of the white, and the deep red is all
round. You will probably say ray taste allows too much
variegated plants on a pure white ground, as seen in that
fiieze, but I said nought about the plants in any of them
yet. and I shall begin at the farthest ofl" from my choice
— at the south-west frieze, which is extremely gay, the

August 13, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

gayest in the whole garden. This space is laid out in
six-feet- wide beds placed diagonally across the space, and
six successive beds planted exactly alike fill up the frieze,
with a small tviangle at each end corner to fill up what
the diagonal left there. Two rows of yellov^ Calceolarias,
and two rows of Scarlet Geraniums on each side of the
yellow and across each end of it, and 4 inches wide of
Cerastium, the whole kept to tlie exactness of Euclid,
make one bed, and there are six of them with coloured
gravel between them ; then a double line of Box to make
a four-inch-wide band divides the cream from the brick
red colour, and all is finished except both the end-beds,
which are of a peculiar make — say a circle with four
blunt wings to it, which will be near enough. These are
in scarlet, orange, and gold (flash as Meg Merrilees'
dress). Scarlet Geranium, Tropajolum elegans, and Golden
Chain. The nortli-west frieze is composed also of six
principal beds in cable-chain pattern. The cable is
folded, as it were, and both ends of the folds are cut ofi",
leaving our six beds across as aslant the space, with spar
beds where the cable is cut. A very pretty pattern to
imitate. The centre of the six beds is in Flower of the
Day, then Purple Eing on both sides, and Cerastium for
edging — very simple, but most effective. This is the
richest of the four spaces, as the last, the gayest. The
third frieze, the north-east one, is on this wise : — a centre
line of beds runs the length of the pattern, two kinds of
beds alternately, circular-beds and diamond-beds, with two
of tbe corners of the diamond cut short with the sweep of
the circle. Seven circles with variegated Geraniums and
Variegated Alyssum mixed, and as many diamonds with
Scarlet Geraniums. There is also a bed at each end of
this run nearly horseshoe fashion, these are in yellow
Calceolaria edged on the inner side with Cerastium, and
on the outside with blue Lobelia. On each side of the
pattern is a row of beds, a pair of them embracing each of
the centre circles in nearly a half-moon shape : these are
in yellow Calceolarias and are edged like the end-beds. At
a distance the row of scarlet diamond-beds in the centre
look like one long bed of scarlet, and the beds of yellow
on each side as a broad margin of yellow to the mass of
scarlet, and it is difficult to conceive a more telling
arrangement. The fourth and last frieze pattern, my
favou.ite on account of the disposition of the ground
colours in spar gravel, is thus planted : — the beds are in
three rowf as in the last pattern, in the centre are four
circles in Scarlet Geraniums and five circles with pro-
jecting n-ings to each in variegated Geraniums and Varie-
gated Alyssum mixed and edged with Purple King, with
a light blue, very small diamond of slate spar in the
centre of each of the circles ; but the spar there is no
improvement. Each of the scarlet beds has two beds of
yellow embracing it as in the last pattern, which are
edged in the same way.

The rest of the bedding over the garden is on the pro-
menade plan, match pairs on each side of a w alk, or one
row on one side of a walk as the shape of the ground
permits. Across the bottom of the centre terrace are sis
match pair of beds, three on each side of the terrace.
Those next the entrance are two match pairs of Miller's
Nosegay Geranium, with a pair of Compactum Geranium
between them. On the opposite or west side are two
match pairs of Punch Geranium, and a pair between
them as on the east side. Miller's Nosegay is the
oldest Geranium in the garden, it is the only one which
Miller describes, as Fothei-giili is the only one figured by
Sweet. Mrs. Vernon is the next or third kind of Nose-
gay in the order of time, and that is as far as the
Society have yet i-eached. Across tlie upper end of this
centre terrace are four beds of Bishopstowe Scarlet
Geranium edged with Mangles', called here Conway's
Eoyalist ; but JBoyalist was of quite a different strain,
I had it from Mr. Conway himself, so there was a
mistake in the name from Earl's Court, Old Brompton ;
besides, I judged or booked Eoyalist at a Chiswick

Show in a collection from Mr. Conway, and I am certain
of the name and the kind. Bishopstowe Scarlet is now
at Cuiswick from some one under the name Triomijlie de
Paris. To collect the synonymes of bedding Geraniums
woiild be ten times more useful to gardeners than de-
scribing them in detail. But Bishopstowe Scarlet docs
no good in the new garden, neither does Baron Hugel— -
two sorts which are prized in other gardens. Up on the
conservatory terrace are two rows of promenade-beds,
one row from each end of that house, the long oblong
bed at each end being of Lady Middleton, which is pre-
ferred there to Trentham Eose, because it does grow so
strong ; while at the Crystal Palace the Trentham Eose
is more in repute. Lady Middleton not being so strong
as their exposed position requires. And thus it is all
over the country, one kind suits best in one place, and
another kind in the next and third place. A corre-
spondent writing the other day said the Crystal Palace
Scarlet is far outstripped by Punch in his garden, and
Punch is all straw and no grain in many places. Nothing
short of actual trial on the spot will ever determine
which is, and which is not, a good bedding Geranium for
that or this garden.

I never yet saw flower gardening carried on in such
high order, or the plants and flowers looking more perfect
than at South Kensington, and there is no place that I
know of where a young gardener could learn so much as
there ; learn what to imitate and what to avoid I mean.
The whole is a gem for a town garden, and every one-
concerned may be proud of the way the groundwork
and the planting were executed. They have not lost a
leaf of the miles of Box-edgings and scrolls, and every
top has been nipped with the finger and thumb instead'
of the knife or shears, in order to keep the Box in
maiden trim till it pushes up side shoots to fill in the
patterns, and Green's sixteen-inch mowers are preferred
for cutting the grass, which, rough as it was a ie\r
months back, looks now smooth as carpets.

D. Beaton.

AEEANGING FLOWEES IN BOUQUETS AND

VASES.

(^Concluded Jrom page 356.)

BASKETS OF HANGING FLOWEKS.

Thebe seems to be at present a rage for hanging-
baskets, filled with growing plants, and these same baskets
may be also a very fair addition to our in-door display of
drooping Fuchsia-like cut flowers. The engraving here
given represents especially some of the beautiful flowers
of the Orchid tribe. But Begonias would look very
lovely hanging from the edge ; while Fuchsias, Lilies,
Lobelias, or Ferns would be in the centre, extremely-
light and prettj'.

The style of flowers should accord always with that of the
basket which contains them. In a heavy-looking basket

JOURNAL OF IIORTICULIUKE AND COTIAGE GAUDEKEB.

[ August 13, 1861.

liUougli a Loavy-looliinj; lasltet mny weisli very little),
ihcie sboiild alnays be some }iliint of size and solidity
aufBc'ieiit to justify to the eye its peemin;; weiclit ; while
in Jittle, siiuple, sieve-like basliels, of which 1 am very
fond, graceful wavini; fronds of Fern, drooping Begonia
sprays, light wreathing Iry, or arching branchlets of
Forget-me-not, are the most proper kinds. Achieving
the appearance of naturalness is a very great art in this.
The ]vy should seem to twine of its own wild nill;
while Forget-me-nots, for instance, would crop up and
bend over round the edge. A little creeping moss grow-
ing in the basket i,< a most useful jilan for grounding ;
and the smallest bottles hidden in it or in freshly gatherecl
moss preserve the recjuisite moisture round the tiower-
stems.

i-or those flowers, even, that hang underneath the
basket, a little care in choosing much-bent stalks will
make it an easy task to keep tlieni upright enough for
the water necessary not to be poured out. A loosely-
made ball of moss, soaked for some time as a ball in
water, and then very slightly squeezed just for a moment
to prevent the water dripping, is a very good plan for
kee|)ing the ilowers moist; but in summer, in an open
ba-iket, this would quickly dry. and require to be again
well wet all through. 'J he ••hedgehog" or porcupine
shapes made for Crocuses are not inappropriate for
putting in such a l)asket to hold the flowers.

Climbing l{oses lor baskets are remarkably lovely.
Geneially, » l;en we can have it, a natural spray is very
much better than anything artificial, such as different
flowers, even of the same kind groi:ped, and a wild
Bose branch, for instance, what can be more graceful
and more sweet ■• j

These baskets are often suspended by several wires, '
and a long Ivy wreath or creeping stem of Lycopodium
!s very pretty for twining about and conceaJing them,
^ome persons, aga n, form a little nest at the knot where
the wires all meet, placing in that nest gome plant
which grows with very little soil, and leaving it naturally i
to find its own way down. |

These baskets really can hardly but be pretty ; the
chief fear, as usual, is too much crowding their contents.
-Neither great variety nor great quantity should ever be
permitted ; for where or.e or two delicate light-leaved j
plants, and a little bright-coloured flower may look very ;
elegant, a close arramjement. on the contrary, has a I
very clumsy look, and entirely destroys the idea of a
basket with its little stock ol flowers growing withiu
i'8 own bounds.

BDSTGN FOB H.4X(5IXG-BASKET.

Sevpral fronds of Maiden Hair Fern, or Adiantum
cuneatuui, arranged as a plmt or crown in the verj'
middle, or of the 131echyana Brazilian Fern, look very
well in this place, w ith a close surfacing of Lycopodium
aspoda, or long tresses laid on lightly of one of the
creeping mosses, not attempting, however, to pack the
basket with any kind of leaves.

Two or three wild Harebells rising amidst the Fern, i
a long bine of Honeysuckle, or of the great w hite Bind- j
weed ; or a wreath of tne pale Passion-Flower, or of
white Jasmine, or of (Jlematis. Not one of these would '■
come amifis, or, rather, any one of them would be most
lovely.

Tno or three sprays underneath of similar kinds of,
flowers, as though the wreath that waved above or swept
around the edge had put out also a little tuft below.
The Harebells, however, and all bell-shaped flowers like
them, must always grow upright to let their bells hang
down.

Begonia fuchsioides is as good a plant as I know for
creeping out thiough the sides of the baskets, t^cduin
iiieboldi wvuld do well also— tolerably, at least— for, if
anything, it is rather large, and hardly enough of a

distinct bright colour. The more one colour is kept to
in these baskets the better, generally, is the eflcet pro-
duced.— E.

AUTTTMN MANAGEMENT OF THE AURICITLA.

As I promised in the earlier part of the year, when writing on
the spring management of thi? beautiful floristi-' flo«er, lo give
some direction.' some month'' later with regard to its cultu.e,
I now redeem my iiroiiiise; and if I slioiild seem to be need-
lessly precise in the dirccliona 1 give, let not any experienced
grower turn over the leaf in disjnst, bnt let him bear in mind
there was a time when he would have been right glad to have
them. Has he ever essayed the noble art of (Ooking p^ever
been with a party of brtchelors in a shooting-lodge on a grouse
mountain, when he has been unanimously dubbed tlie Ude or
; Francatelli of the party? — end lias he ever tried to conccct a
dish from some wcnderful cookery-book that one of the party
has brought witli liiiu ? 'J he dirtctions were, perhaps, to put a
little caveune in the savoury nitss of hare and grouse soup. It
comes to table^we can hsrdly call it that, rather the festive
board. lis fragrance perfumes the teut, and he congratulated

himself on the success. *' I say, D , you forgot the jtepper!"

one old stagfr, whose throat has been copjicred in Indian service,
calls out. "Pepper! — No, "What is your throat made of?
"Whv, he has burnt my tonjue nearly off!" In vain he appeals
to the book — a "little pepper." Ah! but tliat does not say
how much, and leaves vou a -very wide margin. The most
successful e'say I ever made, by-the-by, in this line was on a
return from the Eglinloii tournaiaent, when 1 was requested to
preside at tbe concoeiion of an Irish ttew in the vaclit coppers,
and when everythins was accurately weighed out. And now let
me concoct my disii here.

I have ventured il.is summer to keep my Auriculas in their
blooming-fames, and in the same position in which they were
all the spring — viz., facing the uoi'th, and I have found this to
answer admirably. 'J hey have been very carefully shaded, and
abundance of air given to them, and their watering well attended
to; and the result has more than answered my expectations —
the ]>lants have grown well, 1 have had fewer summer deaths
than usunl, and a preat deal of trouble has lieen saved. 1 have
always kept the frames open ni(iht and day, but not so open as
to admit rain upon them. The shade has been taken off at
night and in dull weather, but kept on at all other times. The
plants are easily looked over, and have been so every week, and
green lly brushed off them with a camel's-hair brusli ; and now
this we^'k I comuienced my annual task of repotting. " Com-
uicnee " may seem a grand word ; but to explain it 1 must say
tliat, having many duties connected with my parish to attend to,
I can only give an liour every n.crning to my garden, Ingthened
on Monday into three; so that only a few can be done each
day, and probably a week or more will elapse before my task is
completed.

Premising that, like Mrs. Glass, you have caught jour haro
Cand only ad'hng, that if you have not there is no better time
for catching it than the jireseni), I will now suppose that jou
are only anxious to drtss it. Tlie material in which it is to
appear must be the Grst consideration ; and as doctors, so do
cooks differ — Am-icuhi cooks as well as others discarding all the
horrible quackeries of old times, when Sangrados, Ualtliazars
arid others sent growers to make up as vile deeoctering as ever
the three witclies made iu their smoking chaldron. I will
mereiy s-iy that simplicity and common sen^e in this, as in
everyihing else, are lar before all the nostrums that cilhtr igno-
i-ance or over.anxiety has prescribed. There are, thtn, just two
formula; which I think are woith mentioning, diUVring only in
the amount of manure in each, lake, then, citlicr ol the fol-
lowing one measure (either bairowload or bucket, according to
the amount of your stock), of « ell-rotted cowdung not less
than eighteen months old, lialf a incasuie of good yellow maiden
loam about the same age, half a measure of good decomposed
leaf mould, and about one-twentieth of tlie whole of silver sand;
let this be tho'^oughly mixed together, run through a coarse
sieve, and kept in a dry place. 'J he other recijic is simply
increasing tlie amount of loam and leaf mould, making the
compost to contain equal parts of them and tlic manure. When
iluH siftcfl and mixed, it will, if light, look almost good enough
to eat, quite mellow, and tuch, as }ou would at once say,
anything ought to grow in it.

Take now your plant of Auricula, turn it out of its pot as

August 13, 1801. ]

JOUBNiX OF HOEXICULXURE AND COTTAGE aAKDENEB.

377

j-ou would do any pot plant, by holding it in your hand upside ■
down ; take off all the drainage, and llien shake off all, or nearly
all, the old stud". Some growers do not Ie:\ve a particle of the
old compost, but regularly shake it off; others say this is too
severe treatment, and, therefore, leave a little of it remaining.
Whaterer you do, there is one thing must be always attended to
— Auriculas liave a tap root, and there is a tendency in this to
become elongated, and also to rot. This is injurious to the other
roots, and affects the well-being of the plant altogether. It
should, therefore, if it have grown longer than 1 incli or IJinch,
be shortened, cutting it off with a sharp knife, and dressing
the wound with powdered charcoal, so as to prevent bleeding.
If your plant has grown much it will be necessary to put it into
a larger pot. Before doinj this trim off all dead leaves, take oiF
any offsets that are rooted, and brush off" all green tiy witli a
eamel's-liair pencil. 'Jhere is a difference of opinion as to the
size of pots. I think it is a mistake to overdo it, and consider for
the largest plants a six-inch is large enough ; others use seven-
inch and even eight-incli. The drainage ought to be perfect, no
flower being so easily affected by want of proper attention in
this respect as the Auricula. A good handful of broken pieces
of pots is not too much for the largest-sized plants. Let this be
put carefully in, and then a handful of the polting-compost.
The plant should then be taken in the left hand, the roots laid
regularly round so as to reacli all parts of the pot, and then,
holding the leaves together so as to prevent the rrould from
getting into the heart of the plant, fill in, pressing it tolerably
firmly down, and »hen done giving the pot a gentle tap on the
board so as to settle it all, and your task is done, Now water :
this should be done with a syringe, for as the mould is very
light and tolerably dry, the probability is, that you would, by
watering it in the ordinary way, either make holes in it or else
wash it over the side of the pot. In syringing be careful to
avoid wetting the heart of the plant, and, indeed, wet the leaves
as little as possible. Now return them to the fram", keeping
them very well shaded and tolerably close, but do not shut them
up altogether. They will require, as at all times, watchful
superintendence. I have no doubt many persons whose eyes
have been, and are, dazzled with the kaleidoscopic patterns
that make gardens now so resplendent, will say what a fuss and
bother about a fc<v pot plants. Surely if they require all this,
they are not worth it. " Chacati a son ffoiU" say 1, she was an
early love of mine, this pretty alpine maid, and, unlike many
early loves, she retains all the freshness of her youth. I have
coaxed and fondled her, and when she has rewarded me with
one of her sweetest smiles, " was I not happy ?" I cannot help
it if ray neighbour Jones does think the flaunting, gaudily
dressed Mrs. Jones is much more presentable than Brown's
neat and trim little partner. I know wliich I prefer, and certes
if I wanted to take one mycelf, should not ask Jones' advice
upon the point.

I have tried to introduce several of my friends to very near
relatives of ray own stock ; and if any of them is mindeil to
begin, I say now is the time, the demand for them is increasing,
and I quite expect that next spring such a collection of them
will be seen at the Botanic Society's Shows in the Regent's
Park, as lias not been brought together since the days when
John Dickson, of Acre Lane, reigned supreme as the metro-
politan Auricula grower; and if one may judge from the crowds
that gathered round them last spring, there will be few more
attractive things there. May I ask those who grow them if
they will kindly keep a record as to uncertainty of lieart blooms,
specifying the sorts and also in what points their deviation
from tlif ir normal condition has taken place ? As to sorts, I can
only refer to former Numbers of this Journal ; and 1 think if
those who are growers will look at a beautiful and most
truthful figure of Smith's Lycurgus, in the next " Floral Maga-
zine," they will acknowledge that we are in a fair way of adding
to our list some excc;lleut Idnds. — D., Deal.

but on the plant I have struck every leaf is margined with whit*
I think it will make a very good plant for decoration of the con-
servatory, as the contract of the red berries and variegated
foliage will be good. "What I wanted to know is, if it ii the
only one you have heard of, or whether it is coramOD. — A Frv.K-

YeaEs' SrSSCRIBEE.

VAEIEGATED SOLANUM CAPSICASTRUM.

lEKADwiih great interest what is beiug said on the variegation
of plants in The Joubnal of Hoiiticultcus weekly. I had a
batch of Solaimm capsicustrum, six of which I planted on my
Vine-border in the open air, and to my gredt surprise I found
a side shoot on one plant was variegated. I took it off, struck if,
and it is now gro'viug in a three-inoli pot. Theie are leaves on
the plant it was taken oS that are a little tinged with white.

THE BEDDING SYSTEM versus THE MIXED
HERBACEOUS BORDER.

I BKMKTE it will be diffic dttoeonvince the young 8oricultural
gardener — who, with trowel in hc.nd, is acsnstomed to turn out
some hundreds of Verbenas, Geraniums, and such like each day
during the second and third week in May— that the displav his
calling srts forth is second to that of the old-fashioned plodding
cultivator of the beginning of the present century for variety,
interest, and structural bi-auty. Yet it must be confessed that
it is so. The one produces a never-ending variety, beginning
with the very earliest spring, or even before any other tokens of
spring exist anywhere else than in the flower-border. The
Christmas Rose, Winter Aconite, Snowdrop, and other things
gladden us with their mnch-admired blooms, to be followed by
others still more interesting and numerous ; and the early,
central, and late summer months present an endless display of
beauty and variety to which our modern parterre is quite a
stranger ; and the latest autumn is enlivened by some or other
of tlie many species of plants m bloom, of which tho list? of
herbaceous plants presents so goodly a number.

Now, these qualifications on the part of a class of plants whose
servitude extends over so lengiheiied a period, ought to be justly
weighed against those whose ctiief merit consists in the great
display they make during the months of July, August, and
September. And in many instances a considerable part of July
is gone ere anything like a full display be made ; whie it must
be confessed that, with few exceptions, the positions they occupy
are very uninteresting the whole of the remainder of the year.

I am the more emboldened in making the above remarks by
the intelligent communication of a correspondent who signs
himself '* RirsTicrs," but whose views on these matters coincide
so much with my own that I cannot omit giving them verbat-im.
Addressing the Editors he says, '* I am otili^ed for the trouble
Toil have taken in going a litile into the subject of herbaceous
plants as adapted for small gardens ; an^l if you could from
time to time give us an article on their management, and advise
the public to alter their style of gardening (tho bedding system)
which has of late become so preralenr, and to instruct them
in the idea that glare is not elegance, particularly in small
gardens, I am convinced you might confer as great a benefit as
Mr. March has lately done by his graceful aiTangemenl of lloral
decorations for the dinner table at the last horticultural show at
Kensington. I do not say that the bedding system is not
suitable for extensive grounds, nor would it be advisable to
discard it when the building was suitable and the flower-beds
geometrically arranged ; but 1 would have no such style of
floral decoration in little bits of places, as I consider it preju-
dicial to good taste."

Now, diametrically opposed as our intelligent correspondent's
views are to those of many of the writers of floral works of the
present day, and the practice of others equally entitled to attention,,
there is noihing in tliem but I could fully and unconditionally
endorse. Small bits of grounds are not suited to the "bedding
system." A plot of turf cut up into bc(!s about the size of a.
pocket-handkerchief, with perhaps one about fi.e length and
width of a cottage stair carpet, to which the ttrm "ribbon-
border" is applied, is at best a sorrowful mimicking of what
a flower earden ought to be. Most plants, to look well,
ought to be allowed to grow and assume, in some degree, tfe
proportions they will do wlten under the favourable circum-
stances of good cultivation; but this can hardly be done when
cramped up into the hampering position assigned them in so
small a bed, and divided by so smail a strip of tuif from another
bed equally diminutive. Our correspondent's views are quite
correct. It is utterly absurd to give a park-hke character to a
plot of ground perhaps less than half an acre ; anil it is equally
so to expect clear dii-tuict lines of beauty in dots of co'ouring, in
which the shapes of'those nearest the observer are those or.ly
discernible, or, nt least, tliey are the only ones whose outline can.
be clearly traced: therefore, when the space is small, a good
boundaiy-belt, or border of liie most useful and ornamental

37S

JOTJRNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ August 13, 1861.

herbaceous plants, will in a general way be most telling ; and
assuming the centre to be turf^ one bed, a circle or oval, will in
a general wav be suflicient. This may perhaps be of the fashion-
able bedding plants of tlie day, although I am far from certain
that they are most ajipropriate ; and if tlie bed be 12 feet or
upwards in diameter, I should say dwarf evergreen shrubs willi
an edging of Pinks would be more ornamental. A few bedding
Geraniums and Calceolarias may be introduced amongst the
herbaceous plants of tlie outside border, or now and then patches
of the more sturdy annuals may aho be introduced there; but
let herbaceous plants be the paramount oliject of the front of it
at least. A shrubbery, or standard Roses, might Ibrm the back
if required. This, of course, will suggest itself to the cultivator,
who lias to consider several objects in the general effect.

After writing the above, circumstances prevented my finishing
the article ; and I see our worthy coadjutor, Mr. Appleby, has
given an excellent list of herbaceous plants to another inquirer
at page 274. To this list I have little to add; and as Mr.
Appleby may possibly refer to it again, the subject is in excellent
hands. But by way of comparing the effects produced by
herbaceous plants willi bedding ones, and also of removing the
idea that some of the so-called systems of massing and ribbon-
bordering, so common in tlie bedding way at the present time,
being of modern date, I may say that themost brilliant ribbon-
border I ever saw was one of Crocus, and this upwards of thirty
years ago. And although I have several ribbon-borders (planted
in the usual way with Geranium, Perilla, and other striking
plants), varying in width from 3 feet to upwards of 20 feet,
I have not a single row of any plant that equalled in grace and
beauty a hedge or line of Dielytra spectabilis, which bloomed in
great perfection in the spring ; and at the present time (July
24th), a row of Aconitum virginicum is almost equally beautiful,
though differing, of course, in habit and appearance from the
Dielytra ; and some dnaif edgings of Arabis variegata equal
that of anything in the greenhouse or bedding line, and have the
advantage of being perfectly hardy. Plants of Alyssum saxatile
also give a lively tint of golden yellow to the Qower-borders in
spring, and a host of other plants carry on the display till late
in autumn.

In saymg thus much in favour of hardy herbaceous plants,
I by no means deprecate many of the ornaments of the parterre ;
but what I find (ault with is the almost total neglect the former
has fallen into through the latter engrossing the whole of the
public attention. New Verbenas or Geraniums, differing the
least possible shade only from previous «ell-known varieties,
are eagerly sought after, and anything fresh that is adapted for
bedding meets with great patronage; while no one thinks it
worth while to seek after any new species of hardy ornamental i
herbaceous plants, and good old ones are getting fewer and
.fewer. That a change may take place in public opinion I have !
■every reason to believe when the present taste for glare is satiated
and a desire for change returns again ; and some old cultivators I
who now sigh over the days when Pinks, Carnations, and similar
plants were all the rage, may yet live to see their former pets
reinstated, and wiih them a host of new acquaintances which
an extended patronage would be sure to bring into the field.
Whether this takes place soon or late, it is certainly likely to
occur; and assistants like that of our worthy correspondent
■ " RusTlctis," by giving a just and eligible reason for saying
■what they do, will help to bring about so desirable a state of
things.— J. RoBSON.

tion of the common Foxglove by boiling it in water, and then
when it is cold syringe the trees when it rahis. This is the way
the Lancashire Gooseberry growers use it. — Jack Ketch.

MECHANICS AND MATHEMATICS APPLIED

TO GAKDENING.

{Continued from page 362.)

The Inclined Plane.
An inclined plane is a smooth surface sloping towards Iha
earth, of which the accompanying figure gives an example.

EAELY -FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

In reference to what " E. C." says, page 364, about the early
blooming of Clirysanlhemums, it may be slated that there is a
race of early-blooming sorts, to which it is possible the variety
referred to may belong. With me Scarlet Gem has been fully
in flower for the last month on old plants, and young late-
struck spring cuttings are very forward in bud. This is not
exceptional, as it is the permanent character of the variety, which
I have grown for several years. I recollect seeing a few years
since an early-flowering yellow, the name of which has been
forgotten, and this is, perhaps, the one your correspondent
refers to. It was certainly not Annie Salter. — Chbtsos.

GoosEBEBRY Catebpillar.— As several of vour coirespond-
ents are at a loss how to get rid of the Gooseberry caterpillar,
they will find the following an effectual cure:— Form a decoc-

In this a i is the inclined plane ; a c the height to be sur-
mounted ; and b e the base.

A very familiar example of the employment of the inclined
lilane, is the sledge employed by brewers' men to move a heavy
barrel of beer from the ground into the dray or waggon.
Another example occurs in the plank up which a gardener
wheels earth to the top of a high bank.

The quantity of power gained by the use of an inclined plane,
or slope, is always in exact proportion with the difference between
the perpendicular height {a c) and the length of the slope (a b).
In other words, the longer the slope in proportion to the height,
the greater the ease with which the weight can be pushed or
dragged to the top of the height. Thus, if from i to n be
20 feet, and the perpendicular height, a c, be 2 feet, the weight,
or wheelbarrow, «>, would be kept from passing downwards by a
weight of one-tenth of the weight of the wheelbarrow slung over
the pulley, p ; but if the heiglit, a c, be 3 feet, then the weight
over the pulley must be three-twent-eths of the weight, of the
wheelbarrow. In other words, if 20 lbs. were required in the
first instance, about 30 lbs. would be required in the second.

To state the rule in another form, the advantage gained
amounts exactly to the proportion between the perpendicular,
a c, and the inclined plane, a b. If the perpendicular measures
only one-tenth part of the inclined plane, the power necessary
to impel the weight up to the top, a, will be only one-tenth
more than would be required to impel it along a flat, or horizontal
plane (b c) ; but if the perpendicular be one-half that of the
inclined plane, half as much force must be employed as would
be required to impel the weight along a horizontal plane, as
from b to c. Thus, if the wheelbarrow, «', is laden with 200 lbs.
of earth, which the gardener could only just move freely on the
horizontal, b c, then, if he had to wheel the barrow from b to a,
and this incline was ten times as long as the height of a c, then
20 lbs. of the earth must be taken out to enable him to effect
the ascent ; but if from 4 to a were only twice the length of from
". to c, then 100 lbs. must be taken out of the barrow.

The importance of attending to the mechanical power of an
inclined plane, is well illustrated in the formation of roads for
hill-ascents. Where we write this we can look upon a road cut
by a gentleman up the face of a hill, totally regardless of the
imperious law of the inclined plane. The cost of that road was
great, but the incline is so steep, that very few carriage horses
are there who do not jib and refuse to face it. The owner of
the road is now constructing a road gently ascending round (he
hill, at a still further heavy outlay. He would have spared his
purse if he had attended to this wai'ning — "If two roads rise,
one at the rate of a foot in 15 feet, and another at the rate
of a foot in 20 feet, then the same power that would move a
given weight 15 feet on the one, would move that weight 20 feet
on the other in the same time; in other words, one-third of
power would be saved. In the construction of roads, therefore,
both speed and power are very often sacrificed to want of jiulg-
iiient or ignorance of these laws. A road, as every traveller

August 13, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOEriCULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

379

knows, ia often continued directly over a hill, when half the
power, with the increase of speed, on a level road around that
hill, would pass over the same distance in half the time."
{To he continued.')

THE OUCUMBEES IN POTS AT CHISWICE:.

Its a long pit at Chiswick there are 117 varieties of Cucumbers
growing and fruiting in pots, and producing fruit in the greatest
abundance. It is a sight worth looking at, and those who are
interested in the cultivation of the Cucumber would benefit by
liiwhig tliis successful mode of culture.

Mr. Kyles was determined that this season the experiment of
1 r jving this great collection should not be at the mercy of the
season's vicissitudes, and he accordingly arranged to have them
{^rjwn in this manner.

Tlie seed was sown on the 15th of May in a warm hotbed,
and the plants were potted off into 48'3. They were then shifted
into 24'8 ; and lastly, on the 11th of June, into then- fruiting-
pots, 16 inches in diameter.

The soil consisted chiefly of light loam, one-third rotten dung,
and some burnt earth. They were then placed in a common
brick pit, and trained to a wire trellis along the roof, each plant
being allowed a single stem to reach the top of the pit, which
was then stopped in order to produce side shoots, on which the
fruit were all borne simultaneously. They have been frequently
top-dressed with good rotten dung, and liberally supplied witli
manure water. The pit is heated by liot-water pipes, but they
have only been used to prevent damp in dull weather and on
cold nights.

When the Fruit Committee visited the collection last week
they highly complimented Mr. Eyles on his success, and at the
same time passed a vote of thanks to his excellent foreman
Mr. Barron.

THE POTATO DISEASE.

A LETTER has appeared in the Times from a Physician, in
which he wishes to prove that the above is caused by a want of
attention to a proper rotation of crops. This, no doubt, will
and does cause deterioration in most of our cultivated crops,
although not always, as proved by your correspondent, who lias
seen early Potatoes every year for twenty years on the same
plot. This want of rotation cannot be the cause of the blight
from which we all suffer ; and although I am not able to explain
scientifically how, I am quite persuaded the cause is in the at-
mosphere. For several years I have noted that towards the end
of July storms prevail, with strong lightning and heavy rain ;
the rain appears to me to be charged with electricity, and falls
with a scalding effect upon the Potatoes, leaving on the leaves
tliose small brown spots whicli speedily extend and destroy the
plant. " In the morning they are green and flourishing, in the
evening dried up and withered ;" this I have seen now for
several years, the storms at that season being followed by the
same effect.

I have always paid strict attention to the rotation of crops,
having Potatoes on the same ground once in four years. I have,
tins year, growing. Regents, Flukes, Fortyfold, and Ash-leaved
Potatoes, and on the 22nd of July nothing could look better or
more promising. I left home and returned again on the 26th ;
in the meantime the destroyer had been there. I was told by
those at home that a peculiar-looking fog or bhght appeared on
the Wednesday, and they wondered whether it was the Potato
blight ; they had not long to wait, for the next day the fostid
odour and the decaying tops were perceived, and now they are
rapidly going. There was no storm in our immediate neigh-
bourhood on that day, although prevalent in most other places.
We may prepare our ground, select our manure, and even bake
our seed, bxit while this pestilence walketh abroad, I fear very
little can be done to check, and nothing positively to arrest the
disease.

In the meantime, it may do good and give us data to go upon,
if your correspondents in different parts will let you know when
and under what circumstances the disease appears in their neigh-
bourhood.— N.

I PLANTED a few Regents some time in April on a piece of
ground which I made by levelling an old stream bank. On one
~-'irt of the groimd I had several barrows of an old granite

" burrow," as the miners call it. The granite, of course, was in a
gravelly state, and the earth was put on the top. Now, where
there is no granite the disease has carried off nearly all the
tubers ; but where the granite is the Potatoes are scarcely inferior
in size, though the earth with it is very scanty indeed, and there
is scarcely one diseased. They come out of the granite clean,
smooth-skinned, and not one in five diseased ; though the others,
the same kinds and treated exactly alike in all respects, except
the soil being different — viz., one part earth, and another part a
little earth but mostly granite, are nearly all gone.

I send tliis merely because it struck me at the time, and it may,
for anything I know, be worth a thought or two. — M. Anthony,
St. Iocs, Cornwall.

MILDEWED KOSES.

Some time ago it was stated that water a few degrees warmer
than usual had been found very beneficial for ordinary green-
house plants ; I therefore tried it for a time, but soon found the
leaves of the Rose trees affected with mildew. Sulphur was
used without success. I tried to think of everything that could
possibly have caused this plague, but failed to discover it, and,
being the first lime it had made its appearance, felt anxious to
trace it, to stop further mischief. The Rose trees were replanted,
and carefully watered by myself as usual, but all still failed.
Our greenhouse being badly ventilated, more air was given than
usual the first winter, as the mildness of tlie season allowed of
abundance ; and this it was hoped might be a cure, but proved
no relief. The following winter less air than usual was tried,
as it was suggested the plants had been chilled, and were suffer-
ing from it. This, however, made no difference : the evil con-
tinued. We now despaired of improvement till the house was
better ventilated (but this has not yet been done) ; till thinking
over the likelj' and unlikely things that could in any way affect
the health of the plants, it struck me the warmer water might by
degrees have weakened it, and by doing so had induced disease.
From this time I tried water as nearly cold as possible, and at
the end of some weeks found the leaves perfectly free from any
trace of the enemy, and they have remained so since. — Q.

POMOLOCICAL GLEANINGS.

Peaches in OEcnAiiD-iiousE. — I enclose you a photograph
of my new orchard-house, tiO feet by 30 feet, and wish you were
here to sec the fruit, which is now part of it ripe. Having
discarded Early Anne and the Nutmegs, I find Early Grosse
Mignonne and Early York the two earliest. They are beautiful
witli me now, and first-rate in quality. We gathered our first
ripe fruit the 1st of August : it was an early Grosse Mignonne
and a delicious fruit. I believe any one tasting Peaches here
would acknowledge they are better flavoured where no fire heat
has been used. When hearing the remarks of those who have
tasted our Peaches, and seen the gratified expression of their
countenances, I often think, Wlio would not have an orchard-
house? — I. R. Peahson, Chilwell.

[How do you find the ventilation in the centre of the house
in one of that width ?]

GEEEN'S MOWING- MACHINES.

I HATE pleasure in informing your correspondent " R. F.,"
that my newly-improved steel chains, named in my previous
letter, can be applied to the machines I supplied last season,
though I admit I should have a doubt about a single steel chain
standing, as the old wheel is not broad enough to admit of a
chain of sufficient strength. I am fully aware that the chains
proved a failure last season, but am anxious to oblige my patrons
by remedying the evil, and am willing to make a sacrifice in
doing so : therefore, I propose to make the following alterations
and improvements in any machines sent to me that were supplied
last season, for the sum of 15s. to 20s. according to size.

1st. I will take out the drum-shaft that carries the driving-
wheel, also \ he cylinder-shaft that goes through the cutters and
lengthen them, and I will put an extra wheel and pinion on each,
and two new steel chains.

2nd. I will regrind the cylinder and put the machine in proper
working order, and will warrant it to stand [any reasonable
amount of work.

3&0

JOURNAL OF nORTICULTrBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 13, 1861.

If " R. F." or any other party tliat req nirca tlie above
alterations will be kind enough to send their rcaehines to my
wotks at Leeds on or before the coming Cltristmss, tliey shall
be duly attended to ; but after that time I cannot guarantee, in
consequence of their interfering with other work. — Thomas
Green.

AMERICAN BLIGHT.

" Common Sense " ha^ favoured you with a receipt for the
destruction of American blight. Mx Apple trees were, the year
before last, perfectly irifested with it. I applied a scrubbing-
brush and the bliglit nearly disappeared. The following spring
it appeared in as full force as evtr. Not disheartened, I again
scrubbed n-.y trees with the brush. This year the blight has
almoct vanished.

I attribute this result partly to the tise of the brush, but
mainly to the extreme severity of last winter's cold. — G. D.,
Mirmingkam.

ORNAMENTAL BRITISH PLANTS.

MENTiNTHiis TR1F0I.IATA (Bogbean or Marsh Trefoil), is
a creeping plant of a glaucous hue, the stem and leaves being
somewhat ileshy. Leaves, as tiie name implies, in three. The
plant is only to be found in boggy swampy places, often in-
accessible to the pedestrian. It ilowers in July in the north
of England, where it is more generally found than it is more
southward. The flowers are of a delicate white, beautifully
tinged with red, presenting a fringed appearance of great
elegance, so much so tliat I know of very few plants more
deserving of notice. Being allied to the Gentian, it is a strong
bitter, and, I believe, has been used as a tonic with good results ;
and Hooker says has been used as a substitute for Hops. It is a
plant easily discerned, being of robust growth, and the foliage is
larger than that of Clover, but of a pale green almost approaching
to white. Its delicately formed Howers do not remain long in
beauty, and are only produced at a certain time, differing a little
in accordance with an early or late season, cenerally in the north
of England about a fortnight after tlie Wheat comes into ear.
In some swampy marshes it is veiy plenti'ul, but it is not so
common as many plants, and seems to delight in places of diffi-
cult access ; but to the sportsman who makes the study of
plants one of the objects of his taking to the moors, I would
advise his looking out for this interesting one. It is also found
Occasionally, thouiih certainly less common, on boggy ground
where cattle graze, but its bitter quality preserves it from their
touch.

ParNASSIA PAI.rSTEIS (Grass of Parnassus). — I do not know
"whether tlie classical name given to this plant is in any way
connected witli 'he district its name is derived from. Certain,
however, it is, that in point of beauty it would do honour to
any place. In England it is found in w( t, marshy places, often
strugsling for an existence among rough grasses, sedge, and other
lierbage, therebv indicating that it likes shade. It is a small,
low-growing plant, rarely exceeding G inches high even when in
Hower. Flowers large for so small a phmt, and of a creamy
white, the anthers giving it a neat and elegant appearance ; and,
altogether, the plant and flower is one of greal^^ beauty, and its
flowering is spread over a more extended period than that of
many. From July to October it is said to blooni, but August
may be regarded as the mott likely time to 6nd it ; and I should
think it mioht be introduced into the flower garden if a suitable
moist situation could be had for it with the necessary shade. In
such a place it woidd certainly repav the trouble and become as
interesting as the Forget-me-not, Anagallis, and other things of
British origin transferred there, and there is also a possibility
of cultivation improving it. See what has been done to the
Carnation, the origin of which is also said to be otlr island home ;
but to the adniinr of wild plants I would point out tliis as one
of great beauty, and in situations like those described it is pretty
plentiful.

NARTnECiUM ossiFRAQPM (Bog Asphodel). — A small Grass-
leaved-looking plant with a spike of yellow flowers. Pretty and
interesting, it is seldom more tlian 6 inches high. It is often
found on poor, wet ground, and, I believe, on elevated positions.
The whole plant, including tlie flower-stem, has a hairy or woollv
aspect, but the bright yellow spike of flowers, large for so small
a plant, gives it an ornamental appearance. I think it is more
frequent in the north of England than it is more soutlnvard, and,

unlike many marsh plants, it does not require that shade which
makes so tnany of them difficult to find. I should tliink it might
be irafiroved by cultivation ; and it is certainly rot very choice of
good ground, for I have seen larfjo patches of it growing on a
pernicious clay where nothing else seemed to ?ive. It flowers in
July and August.

PiNoniCULA VTJLGARis (Bul tcrwort). — Like the Grass of
Parnassus, Bogbean, and other pretty-flowering plants, this is
found in damp, waste places. It is of humhle growth, rarely
if ever so large as a Primrose; the leaves succulent and shining
witli glands something like the Ice-plant of gai'dens. The flowers
a bright blue, very conspicuous and beautiful, and by its compact
habit wouhi seem to repay cultivation. A larger variety, or,
perhaps, species, P. grandiflora, has been cullivatcd for orna-
mental purposes in Ireland, but I am not acquainted with it ;
but the ordinary one, P. vulgaris, is plentiful and often found
on very poor clayey ground basking in the full sun. Its leaves
are said to coagulate milk, hence the name ; but I am not aware
of the plant being used in any way. As an interesting British
plant of more than ordinary attraction, I certainly recommend
the lover of such things to look after it, and if he reduces it to
cultivation he will have added one of the brightest of blues to
our flower-beds. With a plant of the habit of the common
Daisy, more need not be said.

Lytheum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife). — A most hand-
some-flowering plant, growing by the sides of ditches and ponds,
presenting a dense spike of flowers from 6 inches and upwards,
long, on an upright stem from 2 feet to 5 feet, or 6 feet high, and
forming a very conspicuous object in many places, being visible
and easily discerned bj a railway passenger travelling express
speed. It has been introduced to gardens, but does not answer
vtry well. Where tlie gi'onnd is dry tiie cc'lour of the flowers is
a rosy purple. Flowers in July and August, and is pretty
generally spread over many counties. It is, perhaps, better
known than many of our other plants, being secnrl to very few
indeed in point of beauty; and, unlike many others, its beauty
is not hid from the eye of a general observer, but stands erect,
overtopping most things near it with its crowded head of rich-
coloured blossoms inviting a compliment rarely denied it. — J. R

TREES INJURED IN AN ORCHAED-HOUSE.

I HAVE a lean-to orchard-house 30 feel; by 13 feet, facing
nearly south. There are old Apricot trees against the wall.
Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums in pots on the north, and the
same planted in the border on the south. On Saturday, the
27th ult.,the trees were the picture of health and vigour. During
the day there was a heavy tliower of hail accompanied by
rattling thunder and forked lightning, and a tree was struck by
the electric fluid in the neighbourhood. About five o'clock in
the afternoon my gardener fumigated the house with 1 oz. of
tobacco burnt in a llower-pot, and then shut up the house till
seven o'clock next morning, when many of the trees presented
the appearance of a hot flame having passed over them. The
tops of the Apiicot trees on the wall were burnt up and died.
The Plum trees and those on the border suftVred most severely.
The leaves have mostly fallen from the damaged trees; but the
young shoots, with the exception of the top ones, are uninjured
and growing well. The gardener says he simply burned tobacco
without any admixture. I ex.tmined the flower-pot and found
no residuum but the ashes of the tobacco. He remained in the
house till the tobacco was consumed. The house is left open all
day, and merely the door closed at night. The trees neat the
east door suffered most. Could this be the efi'tct cf lightning or
of t obacco smoke, or can your experience assign any cause ? The
gardener, I believe, is quite trustworthy. — An Old Subsckibeb.

[It is just absolutely impossible that one or even four or six
ounces of tobacco could affect the air in a house 30 feet by 13 feet,
so as to kill the leaves and young shoots. Sulpluir in some form
or other must have been there.]

SHADING A CONSERVATORY OK
GREENHOUSE.

Tn I he next issue of your valuable Journal kindly answer the
following ([ueries : —

1st. What kind of blinds (both as regards mateiial and plan),
do yon recommend for a moderate-sized span roof conservatory ?
My gardener docs not like tiffany.

August 13, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOfiriCtrLTCHE AND COTrAGE GAEDENKK.

3S1

2nd. WJiat creepers will grow most quickly and look ino=t
ornamental? Of course it is lieated in winter. — CoKSTANr
Beadee.

[If your blind is to go outside on a roller, nothing is better
than strong slieeting, Imen, or calico. Tiffany 'will liardly hear
the strain of the roller, but answers well if placed on frauies and
moTed as wanted. Eor combining efficiency and economy,
nothing answers belter tlian thin book-mujlin or Nottingham
netting placed inside, either made to move like a common
window bhnd, or with a piece made for each light and fastened
top and bottom with rings, and in the middle too with rings if
the lights are long. Ttiis "will allow your creepers to grow
without shading. If of thin gauze, the fierceness of the sun
ifould be moderated, and yet the shade would uot be too much
in dull days, so tliat the blinds may remnin from April to
October. We use a lilrle size ourselves. Under suitable cir-
cumstances we own to a favour for these book-muslin blinds
fixed inside, and therefore independent of the weather. Very
thin bleached calico would answer well, though it would soon be
torn to strips out of doors.

The climbers that would suit you are Passiflora cccrulea,
•ceerulea racemosa ; Tocoma Cheririand jasniinoides ; Mandevilla
suaveolens ; Kennedya Marryattfe and nigricans, &c.]

NEW AND EAEE PLANTS.

Pentstehon spectaeixts {ShoH'f/ Penfslemon).

l^at. Ord.^ Scrophularia'.'effi. Linv..^ Didyna-iiia Angiospermia.

"A lovely Californian species." Flowers numerous, in a panicle,

on a stem nearly 2 feet high. Introduced by Messrs. Low, of

Clapton, where it flowered last May. — {Botanical Mag., t 5260.)

Dendeobium Hillii {Mr. Sill's Dendrolium) .
^at. Ord., Oi-chidacese. Linn.., Gynandria Monandria. Named
after Mr. Walter Hill, superintendent of the Botanic Garden at
Moretou Bay, who sent it to the Eew Gardens. Flowers white.
—{Ibid., t. 5261.)

GOMPHIA 0LIV.EF0KMI3 {OUve-friiited Oomplda).
Nat. Ord., Ochracete. Linn., Pentandria Monogyuia. It
has also been called G. decorans. Native of Brazil, nitroduced
by Messrs. Hendersons, Wellington Koad Nursery. " It pro-
duced its panicle of bright yellow flowers in the Eew stove
during May of \BQ,l."—{Ibid.', t. 5262.)

Caladium eicoloe, var. A^EESCHAFrELTir {TerscliaffeW s Two-
coloured Caladium).
Nat. Ord., Aroideoe. Linn., Moncecia Monandria. Sent to
Eew by M. Cliantin, of Paris. "Upon the deep green ground
of the blade of the leaf are numerous irreguUr blotches ol a rich
blood [almost carmine] colour, the largest of which are ocel-
lated — that is, have little eye-like spots of green in their centres."
—{Ibid., t. 5363.)

Ceeinthe eetoeta {Ciirved-Jlowered Cerinthe).
Nat. Ord., Bora^jinese. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. Hardy
herbaceous plant 18 inches high. Racemes of flowers terminal,
recurved; bracts large, blue; corollas yellow, tipped with reddish-
purple; "leaves glaucous green, spotted like those of a Pulmo-
naria. It4e a native of Caria, in tlie Peloponnesus, where it was
found by Sibthorp ; and in wooded places in Dalmatia, accord-
ing to Tiviani. Lovers of Jiardy plants will do well to rear this
in the open borders of their gardens. It is [best treated as an]
annual, may be increased by seeds, and should be planted in
tufts. Our plant was raised from seed sent to us by Mr.
Thompson, of Ipswich." — {Ibid., t. 5264.)

CuYSls AUEEA, Var. Lemuinghei {Lemming's Qolden-Jlowered
Chysiij .
Nat. Or<i., Orchidacese. iinn., Gynandria Monogynia. Named
in honour of Count Lemminghe. Instead of the flowers being
golden coloured they are nearly white or cream coloured, the
lip only being tinged with yellow ; purple or lilac blotches are
on the sepals and petals, and dark purple streaks and spots
inside the labellum. Sent to Kew fronx Hamburgh by Mr.
Schfller.— (iii'd., t. 5265.)

intended for sile, so you will, pi»rhaps, give me the nanies of the
freest bearers, best setters, and largest bunches? — Jack KETCn.
[Two Tictoria Hamburgh and one BLick Prince for black
varieties. The whites should be two Buckland Sweetwater and
one Royal Muscadine.]

VINES FOB. AN EAllLY VINERY.
Please to lot mc know the names of six of the best Grapes
for an early vinery. Tliey will be planted inside in a pit in the
centre of the house, three white and three black. The fruit is

THE NEW AND BARE VARIETIES OF
BLECHNU.M SPICANT,

Found in the Neiglibourhood of Todmorden and some other Places.
[Itead before the Todmorden Bn'miiral So/nety, by the President, Mr. A.

ST4NSFIELI>.)

{Continuedfrom page 360.)

5. BLECHirtrM imbeicatum.— This I found last autumn in
AValsden, near the top of Henshaw Wood, also in Staups valley.
But it was found nearly twelve mouths before by Wr. James
Horsfall, a little to the right of Walsden Church; and it is
somewhat remarkable tliat it was found about the same time
near Barnstaple, J levonshire, by our friend Mr. Jackson, formerly
of Guernsey. Mr. Jackson's plant is certainly idcniical with
that found by Mr. Horsfall, those found by nijself being slightly
different, and it is very probable they wiU prove another variety.
It fruited in our fernery last season, and we have Tiow plants
from spores in the protothal state ; we shall look after their
further development with intense interest. Fronds ovate,
G inches to 8 inches Iocs, lobes ovate, turgid, very much im-
bricated, so as to make the frond alincst appear double, as if the
frond was superimposed upon another; fertile frond also itn-
bricated, not much longer than the barren, having much the
appearance of a fertile frond of Lomaria nuda. Rare, constant,
and perfectly distinct.

6. Bleciinum CEASsrcArLE. — This was also found in AYalsden
by Mr. John Fielden ; and 1 have a^nin to notice the remarkable
coincidence, that it was also found about the same time near
Barnstaple by Mr. Jackson. In general resemblance it ap-
proaches the imbricalum, but is stUI distinct ; the lobes are not
quite so much imbricated, or so convex, as in that varietv, and
the whole plant has a snoolher and softer aspect. We" shall
look forward to the development of its fruiting Ironds with much
interest. New, and very rare.

7. Br.EcnNPM pbojectum. — This extremely curious variety
was gathered by Mr. James Horsfall in September last, between
the head of Loehloinond and Ben Lawers, in Scotland. Fronds
emaller than the common type, but thicker and more coriaceous ;
many of the lobes are abbreviated or altogether wanting, whilst
others are projected beyond the usual length in the most
heterodox manner. It was designated by the discoverer as the
ugliest Blechnum ho had ever seen. I have little doubt but its
irregularities will be permanent under cultivation ; and if eo, it
will prove a highly interesting variety, from the many freaks
it will play. It is new and extremely rare.

8. Blechntm EAMO-DEPAUPEE.iTusi. — This was also found
by Mr. James Horsfall, last September, on the Clova mountains,
in Scotland. Fronds about the length of the common type,
variously branched terminally, lobes much depauperated down-
wardly. New and very interesting.

9. BLECHKU.\t CAUBATUSi (Moore).— I gathered some good
plants of tliis very rare Fern in September last, by the side of an
old lane in Eastwood. Fronds from 6 inches to 8 inches long,
entire or caudate for about one-third the distance from the apex,
gradually enlarging in breadth to the middle of the frond, then
suddenly contracting downwards to about one- fourth of an inch
in breadth. Fronds thick and leathei-y. A new and very extra-
ordinary, unique, and rare variety.

10. BLECHNnm hetekopuyllum (Moore).— A solitary plant
of this variety was found last October by Mr. Thomas Sians-
field. Fronds exceedingly varied ; some "nearly normal, others
depauperated throughout, others agam have pinnfc projecting
beyond the margin, intermixed willi abbreviated and normal
ones. It is altogether an extraordinary and rare variety, and
quite permanent under cultivation.

11. BLECHNmi TEIDACTTLOX (Moorc). — This variety was
also found in October last by Mr. Simon ?<owell, in Tower-
clough, near Porlsnioulh. F'ronds siiorler than in the species,
more fleshy and coriaceous ; some of the fronds entire at the
ends, or slightly cordate, others divided into ihree-finTerlike
processes : licnce IriductU.jn. It is a new variety, and, should it
remain permanent, will be veiy interesting.

12. BtEcnNUM amuATUM '(Moore).— This is a tall-growing

382

JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTTJBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

[ August 13, ISGl.

Fern, with the pinnse mueh abbreviated in the lower half of the
I'rond ; 80 much, indeed, as to run into simple sinuosities. I
gathered it last season, in Staups-elougli.
{To be continued.)

WHAT TO LOOE FOR ON THE
l_CoHtinuedfrom page 282.)

SEASHOBE.

not be some peculiar property in this very liquor which may
assist the creature in its task of boring ? perhaps it may contain
some active principle which tends to soften the wood or stoue,
and so to facilitate the difficult process.

SoLEN EKSis (^Raxor Shell). — This is another burrowing species,

MOLLtJSC.

Xtlophaga, oe Wood-eaters. — These creatures are also
members of the Pholas tribe, and are so similar to the Teredines
both in tlieir form and habits, that a distinct and particular
description of them becomes unnecessary. They penetrate, in the
same manner as the Ship-worms, into the substance of timber
wliich has been for any length of time under salt water, forming
receptacles for their lodgment there; these receptacles have one
orifice only, and are altogether destitute of anything like a shelly
deposit. The only method which has been discovered of pro-
tecting ship-timber from the ravages of these destructive little
creatures, is by studding the surface with broad-headed iron
nails ; in a very short space of time the iron becomes oxidised
bv the action of the sea-water, and the wood is speedily and
thickly coated with rust, to which it would seem the Ship-worms
have an invincible antipathy.

Pholas, oe Borek.— This creature may be looked upon as
tlie type of the tribe, and is cer-
tainly one of the most singular
animals in the whole range of
marine zoology. The shell is
a bivalve, and contains a creature
of an ascidian conformation,
having a long tube, or rather
two tubes, or syphons, placed
close togetlier on the principle of
a double-barrelled gun. The Pholas
is not only found in submerged
wood, but in hard clay, chalk
rocks, lime, and sandstone. On
the south coast of England it is
very common, and its shells are
found in wonderful profusion.
If any piece of rock running well
out to sea be examined at low
water, it will be found perfo-
rated with lioles : these are caused
by the Pholas : but how so small,
and, to all appearance, power-
less a creature can effect this per-
foration is as wonderful as it is
up to the present time incompre-
hensible. The celebrated French
naturalist, Keaumer, was of opi-
nion that they work their way
into limestone and similar substances by the pei-petnal rotation
of their valves, which thus act like a rasp. But this is anything
but a satisfactory solution of ll>e mystery; for, in the firs
place, the shell is not hard enougli to act as a rasp, even if all
the shells of the species were furrowed, which is not the ease,
many being quite smooth ; and, in the second place, if the hole
were bored by the action of the shell, it would be uniform and
almost circular : whereas it is found to be perfectly conformable
to the shape of the diell. But by whatever process the boring is
efi-ected, it is generally admitted that the creature insmuates
itself into the substance in its young state, and increases the
cavity as it increases in size. In Normandy the Pholas is con-
sidered a great luxury, either dressed with herbs and bread-
crumbs, or pickled with vinegar. ,

We must not overlook one remarkable peculiarity of the
P/ioZos— namely, its phosphorescent property. It contains a
liquid which sl'iincs with extraordinary brilliancy m the dark,
and imparts a light to whatever it touches, it is even said to
illuminate the mouth of the party who eats it. It is llie
more remarkable, also, that, contrary to the nature of other
fish, which emit light only when approaching putrescence, the
Pholas, the fresher it is, so it is the more luminous; even
when dried, however, salt or fresh water will revive the light,
although spirit instantly extinguishes it. I hardly like to be
presumptuoui enough to hazard a conjecture ; but may there

having a long, straight, oral shell. It is found in large quantities
on most sandy shores, where it sometimes buries itself to a
depth of 18 inches or 20 inches, and generally near low-water
mark ; it is very frequently, however, much nearer the srrface,
that it may be able to project its tube from the sand. The hole
in which it dwells is perpendicular; ascent and descent bi'iug its
only modes of locomotion. It is at the ebbing of the lido that
it descends, rising again as it flows out. The retreat of the
Solen is easily distinguislied when the tide is out by a small
hole in the sand, and there are two or three methods of capturing
its tenant. If some salt be put into the hole, the iri-itation
causes the creature to ascend, and if the hunter be quick he may .
secure him ; hut, if it contrives to descend again, it would be
useless to repeat the attempt, for the cunning Mollusc has
retreated to the extremity of its burrow, and the salt would
never reach it. Sometimes they may be dug out of the
sand by spades; but the ordinary means adojjted by the fisher-
men who seek them for food or bait, is to plunge a thin, barbed
iron rod into the hole, when, if good aim be taken, the creature
is harpooned and dragged out ; but, if it be missed the flist
time, it is useless to try again, for, as in the case of the salt, the
Solen on being aware of the proximity of an enemy, burrows far
away out of reach of a second stroke. It would seem strange,
by the way, that salt should annoy a creature whose entire
existence is passed in a residence saturated with salt water, and
which must derive its nutriment from the impregnated clement.

Mtad.i: (Gapers). — This tribe is more widely distributed
than any other of our native Molluscs, there being no less than
fourteen British species, but it will not be necessary to indi-
vidualise each one of tliem. They have strong oblong shells,
gaping in some species at one extremity only, in others at both,
'iliey all of them bury themselves in the sand, at such a depth
only that their tubers can be conveniently protruded above the
surface. They are said to be very pahitable eating, and aro
sought for for that purpose on many parts of the coast.

One species, M)/a margarHifera (Pearl-bearing Mi/a), which
is vulgarly known as the Pearl JIussel, has been known to
yield pearls of very considerable value, and it is by no means
uncommon now to find pearls in these shells which will bring
from 20s. to 30*. each.— W.

{To be continued.)

VARIEGATION IN PLANTS.

As there has been a great deal said lately in our pages about
variegation in plants, we take the opportunity of publishing the
fol'owing views of Dr. Morren, Professor of Botany at Liege, on
the subject. They were published originally in " Dodontea, ou
Eecueil d' Observations de Botanique." Brussels.

When we see a form of variegation strictly confined to the
nerves of the leaf ; when we see the discoloured tissue abruptly
limited to the median nerve, we are led to infer that here there
exists an action which depends on the fibrous system. We are
confirmed in this opinion when we observe those beautifully re-
ticulated leaves, in which the whole fibrous network is white or
yellow, while the intervening spaces (interveuium) remains
green. But when the number of examples brought under con-
sideration becomes multiplied, the frequent examples of leaves
which are marginate, or bordered, or zoned, or discoidal, or fas-
ciated, or variegated at the ends, present facts which could
never be made to accord with this lupothesis. In ihe leaves
which are fasciated, and those wliiih are variegated at the end,
the nerves like the intcrvenium, are distinctly cut by a dis-
coloured part, and the transition is abrupt. It would, therefore,
seem impossible to admit that this phenomenon of variegation is
caused by any excess of air forced into the leaf by the pneuma-

August 13, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

383

toplioroiig vessels, when the root itself would, in too poor a soU,
Take up more air than sap. One miglit tliink so, as respects the
leaves described under the names of maculo-Tariegate, reticulate,
vittate, marbled, and half variegated ; but the marginate leaves
alone would overturn this theory.

The nature of our studies has naturally led us to submit the
whitened tissues to a microscopic inspection, for it has appeared
to us essential to examine first the difl'erences of tissue, which
might exist between the parts wliich are green and tliose whicli
are variegated, and then seek for tiie cause of this strange plieno-
menon. We cannot here review all the features of the anatomy
examined ; besides the constant similarity which they presented
leads us to think that the cause is the same under all circum-
stances. We, therefore, confine our remarks to Coruus mascula,
Euonymus japonicus, and Syringa vulgaris.

Cornus mascula ofTers nothing particular either in its superior
or inferior dermoidal system. Its malpighiaceous hairs present
the same aspect both on the variegated and tlie green parts. It
is not so with the diaohyma ; this presents an important modi-
fication iu its upper mesophyllar system, which has its inter-
cellular passages quite full of gas or air, while at the same time
the granules of chlorophyll become blanched. We do not say
that the air or gas is contained in lacunee or air-cells, for this

prisms
another.

Fig. 3.

!>

Euonyraus japonicus,
variegated; the cellular
tissue of tile superior me-
sophyll, seen from above.

of the superior mesophyll are detached from one
having air between them at their six angles (Jiff. 3),
so that the passages are free from that intercellular substance
which elsewhere binds the cellules
to one another. With this development
of air, or gas, or aeriform fluid, the
nature of which is unknown, is a cor-
responding whiteness of the interior
ehloropliyll. But we regard this pheno-
menon as of less importance than the
secretion of the air between the cellules.

We are placed in possession of another
fact not less important in the physiology
of variegated leaves, by the anatomy of
Syringa vulgaris (fy. 4). In this plant,
as with many others, there are several hues which constitute
that form of variegation which we have called marbled. Some
of these tints ore pale green ; others gi'eenish-yellow, here
pure jellow abounds, and there we have pale or clear yellow ;
at last there is a pure white, and a brown colour, which
indicates a carboniaation of tissue. Now, whence arise these
varied tints, proceeding from the green to the white, by nu-
merous intermediate shades ?

We have dissected such a portion (fig. 4),
and the anatomy will soon explain this pheno-
menon. The discoloration of the chlorophyll,
and the formation (secretion) of the air be-
tween the cellules, tbe emphysema* — since we
must here call the malady by its own name —
only offects the cellular tissue of the superior
mesophyll layer by layer. It follows that the
first layer diseased is the superior ; the second,
that which come^ below it; the third, that
further down, and so on. We may, therefore,
perceive why the pale green tint is only the
index of a slight superficial commencing
emphysema; why the greenish-yellow tint
indicates emphysema of several layers ; in
short, why the total discoloration is also only
the result of a general emphysema, which has
spread throughout the whole diachyma.
Fig. 4.

'OQD^pCDOOOOr

Cornus mascula, section of a variegated leaf:— (?, superior epidermis ; b, inferior epidermis ; r, d,
liairs ; e, layer of empliysematous diachyma, the seat of the variegation; /, the rest of the
green diachyma.

part of the diachyma has no proper air-cells (fiff. l,e.)
The small prismatic cellules are a little contracted
or drawn in, in order to admit of the air lodging in
tlie intercellular passages, which thus exist ineated
by an aeriform fluid, to the number of six around
each cellule. When the decoloration is complete,
the same phenomenon takes place in the inferior
mosophjUar system ifir/.l,/), which is naturally
pierced with air-cells answering to the pneumatic
compartments of the stomatic apparatus. Ordinarily,
one portion of the superior mesophyllar system is
aflectcd with this secretion of air, while the inferior is
still healthy.

The Euonymus japonicus is still more fitted to
prove that variegation has its cause in the presence
of air in the passages of the diachyma. The superior
and inferior dermoidal system, the inferior meso-
phyllar system with its cellules, and air cavities
remain the same, with this difference only, that the

globules of chlorophyll are green in the healthy leaf, gyringa vulgaris ; section of a variegated leaf of different tints; A, superior epidermis ;

and discolour- B, inteiior epidermis ; a, cells ot the first or upper empliysematous layer; b, cells of the-.

Fig, 2.— Euonymus j iponicus ; section
of a diseased, or variegated lea^

ed in the va- second do.
negated (fiff.2). The su-
perior mesophyllar system
i? alone changed. On one
side, in the healthy part
the cellular prisms (pris-
menchyma) firmly adhere
to one another by the
enehyma, or the intercel-
lular substance which ag-
glutinates all their par-
titions together. The re-
sult is, that here there are
no intercellular passages,
and, consequently, there
cannot be any air between
the cellules. On the other
side (Jig. 2) the cellular

c, cells of the third do. ; d, cellulej of the inferior mesophyll.

According to these views we must conclude that the double
cause, which in one part discolours the chlorophyll, and in
another encloses air in the intercellular passages, which nomi-
nally are not destined to retain it, acts from above downwards —
thai is to say, it commences in the mesophyllar system, which is
destined for the rejection of substances, and may be regarded as
exercising the function of secretion. We have examples in the
gum, resin, &c., which varnish the upper surface of leaves-
Moreover, it is this surface which receives most I'ght and least
humidity when the rain does not fall directly on it. These ob-
servations naturally lead the mind to seek, in the effect of res-
piration, the cause of the phenomenon of variegation, which, on.
a close examination, is found to be only an emphysema of the
cellular tissue.

M. Sageret, who made several very interesting experiments on

* A collection of air in the cellular tissues.

38i

JOUBNAL OF nORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 13, ISCi.

variegation,t aftribiites tliis plicnonienon fo several causes
thoxigli lie lias not sought to resolve the question by an aua-
toiiiical examinalion of the variegated parts — an essential point
in a ea.^e of pathology, in which it is of the first importance to
know the seat of the disease. According to this botanist, these
■cause? would appear to be as follows : —

1. "The seed being too old, imperfectly ripe, defective con-
formation, &c." — IItb it is not clearly slated how tliese con-
ditions should produce variegation ; the aiErmation is vague,
because it cspUins notliing.

2. "Variegation in tlie parent plants." — This fact is true ; we
have seen proofs of it in several gardens.

3. " Accident, or injury from insects." — Here we must remark
■that the diiference of colour in a le^f pierced by an insect, or
which is used as its nest, is not a true variegation. Uliis pheno-
menon is locil, and caused by a degeneracy or death of the
tissues, as in the growth of epiphytal cryptogams on the green
parts of the plants. Most frequently, tlie yellow lint wliich we
observe on Pear and Apple trees, &c., is only an indication of
the death of the tissue.

4. " Hybridation with a plant not variegated by the pollen of
one variegated." — Here we must understand illegitimate crossing
(impregnation taking place between two varieties of tlie same
species), and r.ot true liybridation (impregnation between two
diiferent species).

5. "Imperfect impregnation, in consequence of immaturily of
the poUcn;" — perhaps, more properly speaking, by the dif-
ference of coloration in tlie pollen, as has been obsei'ved in the
production of the strialicn of the corolla.

6. " Contagion inocnhited by the graft." — This result is placed
beyond all doubt by daily experience.

To these we shall add one or two others.

7. Growth of the plant on a warm, arid soil, impregnated
with air. Tlie facts c ted by M. Treviranus have been fully con-
firmed by what we have seen in crcry garden where there are
trees with variegated leaves.

8. Propagation in dry weather. The fact cited by Miller
belongs to this category of causes ; and M. Sageret liinisel! says,
that budding, layering, twisting, ringing, and lying, have pro-
duced variegation. We think these are secondary causes, and
that with them (here is a certain concomitant motion in the
respiration so active that it is followed by emphysema in the
secreting tissues. This last condition, which is fulfilled by
exposure in a warm, aerated aspect, and an arid soil has been
entirely neglected by observers. It could only be detected by
anatomical experiments on the plants, and but few have jjaid
attention to the dissection of tissues.

9. The destruction of important organs of nutrition, by animals
or other causes. The facts mentioned by Burgsdorf, uro to be
explained by excess of the respiration directed to the surviving
parts of the plant.

After this exposition of facts, it appears that : —

(a) Variegation may be regarded as a malady.

(b) That it has its source in the cellular tissue of the diachyma.

(c) That it attacks especially the superior mcsophyllar system,
and spreads by layers, always from above downwards, so as to
extend sometimes to the whole of tlie diachyma.

(d) That it results from emphysema without pulfiness (empJii/-
seme sftns honrsovflure) ; on the contrary, with contraction of
"the tissue usually filled witli elaborated sap.

(e) That this emphysema is confined to the intercellular
passages, the intercellular substance or cnchyma being x'eplaced
by air or gas, the nature of which is unknown.

(f) That this emphysema causts the discoloration of the
granules of chlorophyll contained in the cellules of the variegated
diachyma.

(^) That the variegation is always produced according to a
certain number of types, which are repeated tliroughout numerous
diiTerent orders and species ; and that all variegaled leaves may
be distii'guished by the following terms : — 1, margined ;
2, bordered ; 3, discoidal ; 4, zoned : 5, spotted ; 6, reticulated ;
7, striped ; 8, marbled ; fl, variegat'd by half; 10, variegated at
the point ; 11, fasciate; 12, entiicly dijcoioured.

(h) That this last phenomenon constitutes albinism or complete
whiteness in the leaf, and is never reproduced from seed ; so that
it ia an inrlividuiil malady.

(«) 'J hat the occasional causes of variegation are numerous,
and have their source in many assignable conditions.

+ Sur le Moven de faire naitre les vi?g^taux II feuUles panaclides. Hort.
Sjlg., 183G, p.'us.

ij) That variegation is closely connected with disturbed
vegetable resjiitation, and that consequently, it is to plants what
pulmonary emphysema is to animals: with the former, its seat
is in the leaves, which are the true lungs of ]ilnnts.

{k) That in this it is necessai-y to distinguish general emphy-
semas whieli affect the wliole plant from local variegations.

WOBK FOB THE "WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.
UroccoJiy where there has been any planted between the Peas,
the latter should be removed as soon as they are done with, the
ground should then be du£, and the intermediate spaces filled
up. CaidiflotverSy the plants which are now coniing in to be
litierally supplied willi watel* to cause them to fcirm close heads.
Chervil^ make a sowing for autumn use. JiJndh'e^ continue to
transplant as circumstances may require. Another sowing may
also be made. Lttlnce^ keep a succession sown and planted ; they
will now require a liberal supply of water to make them eat
crisp and fresh. Keep the ground between oU crops frequently
hoed, both to keep down wckIs and to retain moisture by pul-
verising the soil. Stick and carth-un the late crops of Peas and
Scarlet Runners, and cut any herbs that may yet remain out.

FtOVTER GARDEN.

The cuttings of choice Hollyhocks to be put in, as those
rooted about this time will make strong plants for next season.
Attend to the tying of them and Dahlias, and go over the masses
of Verbenas, &c., frequently for the jiurpose of regulating their
growth. Sow immediately Ten-week and Intermediate Stocks
for spring blooming.

FHUIT GARDEN.

Give attention to the preservation of wall fruit from birds and
insects. The bean-stalk earwig traps to he fieqncntly examined.
Haythom's hexagon netting can be employed with advantage to
protect Orecn Gage and other Plum', a precaution the more
necessary from the scarcity of fruit this season. Look carefully
over Peach and Nectarine tret's, and remove nails that press too
closely on the fruit or branches. In stopping and arranging the
wood let only os mujli as can conveniently be laid in be allowed
to remain with sufficient space for the influences of the sun and
air to accomplish the perfection of the fruit and the ripening of
the wood. Apples and Pears, both on walls and espaUers, to
have their second growth spurred in, and the leading shoots
nailed or tied in as they require it. The lateral growth of Vines
to be removed and the shoots spread out as openly as possible,
they will need all the influence of the sun to attain to maturity.
Tfie sooner the new beds of Strawberries are planted the better.
All stone fruit to be gathered as soon as ripe, as they seldom, if
ever, improve when lelt to get over-ri|ie, and they will keep a
day or two longer in a cool place than on the walls.

STOTE.
Continue to top up the late growth of Orchid*, and to keep
the plants at the warmest end of the house. Give air freely in
the early part of the day, and on very fine mornings syringe
occasionally the whole of the stock. A Utile fire heat to be kept
up in the day if only for the purpose of insuring a circulation of
air with a decrease of temperature during the night. Give every
encouragement to the hard-nooded spring-bloon.ing stove plants
to ripen the wood while there is sufficient sunshine for the pur-
pose, as the short, sunless, damp days and long nights are
approaching fast.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATOBT.
Chrysanthemums to receive their last shift, using fibrous
loam to produce a stift" habit, and to preserve their leaves;
liquid manure to be applied liberally when the llower-buds are
formed. Successions ol Brugmansias, Clerodendrons, Euphorbias,
Poinsett ias, &c., to receive a last shift to produce a fine display
in the conservatory. Cliiubei-s on ornamental trellises to be cut
back lor the purpose of producing a sucees-ion of blooms late in
the season. The winter-blooming plants of common character,
such as Cinerarias, Heliotropes, Koscs, ^'crbenas, &c., to be
potted on if they require it. Scarlet Garaniunis bloom best
when they are somewhat potbound. Look very carefully after
the Luculias, and keep tlicni clear of their great enemy, the
black tiirips, giving llicm (ilenty of water at the roots, and an
occasional supply of weak clear manure water to old plants that
may not be growing freely until they have made plenty of wood
to insure an abundance of bloom ; but manure water should not

August 13, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

385

be given to young specimens in rigorous health, as it is apt to
induce a too gross habit, in which state thev seldom or never
bloom freely. Attend to the Cinerarias for early blooming, with
shifting, &c., ns may be necessary, for if large specimens for
winter blooming are wanted they must not be allowed to sustain
a check after tliis time ; also, take off suckers as they can be
obtained, and pot them off for spring blooming.

PITS AND FRAMES.
The propagation of the stock for next season to be commenced
at once, so as to have a lot of strong, well-established plants
before winter, and without the necessity of keeping them fo
close and warm as to induce a Wtakly and watery habit of
growth. To be able to winter bedding stock safely with ordi-
nary care, it is necessary to put in the cuttings sufficiently early
in the autumn to allow of having them well established and fit
to be exposed to the open air for some time before they are
houied for the winter. W. Keaxe.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

OUT OP DOORS.

Planted out Lettuces, Cauliflowers, Fndives, &c. Moved off
early Peas, that the sticks might be obtained for late sowings,
putting the haulm in sheds to get the seed knocked out on a
wet day. Raised early Potatoes, there being just a symptom
here and there of disease, that the ground might come in for
Onions, Turnip«, &c. Took up Potatoes also, wliere Savoys
had been planted between the rows, to help the plants by the
forking, and give them the ground for themselves. The early
Ulm Savoy is a nice, compact, small kind, forming nice, firm
heads even now, when other kinds are nothing hirdly but a
mass of leaves as yet. The week of dry weather has been of
service to all crops. Dwarf Kidney Beans show signs that they
will need a good soaking to keep them in continuous bearing.
Sowed some in po's to be moved under protection as the weather
gets cold. Sowed also Spinach, of the pi'ickly and Flanders
kind ; also Onions, and a pinch of Cauliflower, to come early,
deferring the main sowing for the spring crop until the end of
the month. Forked slightly and watered freely with weak
manure water rows of Peas, and very freely beds of Celery, and
cleaned the plants of suckers, placing a dusting of dry soil over
the beds after being watered a few hours to keep the moisture
in. If the weather continues dry will throw mowings off the
lawn along the rows of Peas to keep them moist. Nipped or
clipped off pods eet ting too old for use, and placed them in a
house to dry. These, though old for the table, are hardly old
enough for seed if shelled at once, but they will mature them-
selves in the jiods. Watered Globe Artichokes to cause what
the frost left to bear more plentifully. Pruned and watered
Vegetable Marrows bearing plentifully. Have not met, but would
like to have, the bush Custard Marrow. Our Custard grows
witli rather too much luxuriance, ond, in fact, on the whole, is
more luxuriant than extra fruitful. Regulated and pinched
Cucumbers, and turned, or rather made a lining lo Cucumbers
and Melons in frames, taking care that the soil was so hard
pressed against the sides as to prevent any steam entering from
the mixture of dung and lawn mowings used.

Nipped the points of Pear and Apple shoots. Of fruit we have
a very scarce crop. Regulated and fastened shoots of Peaches
and Apricots ; netted Florence and Morello Cherries, Currants,
Gooseberries, &e. Syringed Plums and Cherries, especially the
latter on being cleared, with sulphur lime water. Watered a
few trees planted in spring, and which the sun seemed to be
distressing. Cvrb off Strawberry-runners laid in pots, to be
repotted shortly for forcing; and as soon as possible will clear
the Strawberrj-beds by removing all runners, and even some of
the smaller buds on stools above two years old. What is dug
down will come in for Broccoli, tliat is now standing thickly
pricked out in beds.

nOTJSES.

Looked over vineries, picking out any decayed, and also re-
moving a few scalded berriea from a late house, chiefly Muscats.
A few berries will be apt to be thus scalded, even with plenty of
air given early, if the glass is not without spots, and especially
it very bright sun succeeds a period of dull weather. Stringed
and watei-ed the early Peach-house, and top-dressed the stu-face
of pot fruit trees in the orchard-house, watering the ground also,
to keep the surface of the ground moist, and thus keep the house
cool. By-and-by we will let it get warm to promote heat and the

hardening of the wood. Just raised the pots to arrest tliegrowti
of any roots that might he protruding. Regulated Melons in
pits, thinning out extra shoots, and raising the fruit on inverted
saucers, and slightly sprinkling the foliage about half-past
three o'clock in the afternoon, and shutting up close for an hour,
and giving a little air at night if warm enough. The obove
applies to cases where the fruit is set. When just in bloom air
is kept on night and day, and the atmosphere kept in a dryish
state. If fruit swelling and ripening need moisture, that is given
to the roots by drain-tubes left on purpose, or by making, holes
for the wafer to get down by, without wetting the surface. A
slight dewing In a warm afternoon will do them good, if the air
is not taken away. If shut close the fruit will be apt to crack.
Figs bearing copiously have recently lequired a little extra care.
Those swelling freely are apt to decay or ripen faster than when
wanted if much water is given, and then, on the other hand, if
the plants get at all dry the second ond succession' crops are apt
to suffer. When there are rather more Figs than can be used
as fast as they ripen, it is a good plan to give plenty of air night
and day then, to keep the house cool, and when the glut is
nearly over to water well and give air still. This will bring on
the nexr forwardest, and the succession will not be injured. If
a few dull days come a little fire heat will bring them in very fast
after the wntering. But after all, when it is found that a good
surface watering would make the ripening fruit damp or
mouldy, and withholding it would starve too much the advan-
cing crop, it is a good plan to make holes for 'he watering as
mentioned above for Melons. Failing that, when after bright
weather, and a good watering in the usual way, dull weather for
several days has succeeded, we have found it a good plan to
strew the bed or floor with dry soil or dry old Mushroom-dung.
This leads me to say, that we have made our first bed in the-
Mushroom-house, about 6 mches or 7 inches deep, and have just
spawned it and beaten it down. The beds made in the thatched
open slied have done admirably. They will succeed very well in
the house after this, unless this and the following month be
extra warm indeed.

Plant-houses now require constant care in potting advancing
plants ; repotting or top-dressing Camellias, Azaleas, &c. ; re^
potting and giving rich surface-dressings to such ephemeral
plants as Balsams and tender annuals, which are very interesting
whilst they last. Almost all the crops of Pelargoniums are now
removed out of doors, but even the earliest are hardly dried and
ripened enough yet to be cut down, or rather pruned in. A
score or two of young ones have been nipped in and repotted for
autumn blooming. A lot of Scarlet Geraniums have been done
the same way. Kven these Scarlets in the conservaloiy now
can hordly be recognised os belonging to the same kinds as
those in beds out of doors, the trusses being so much larger and
the colours so much brighter. If we were certain of having such
dull dripping seasons as the last, and wanted to have Scarlet
Geraniums at their best on a grand scale, we must either plunge
them well established in pots, in beds, and either so plunge them
or plant them out under a canopy of glass, with plenty of air all
round, so that they could get all the heat and light the season-
could give us, and be completely under our control as respects
moisture. What little I have seen in this way leads me to imagine
the effect would be magnificent. We know some who think
and say there is nothing in flowers at all comparable to the glory
of the different Scarlet Geraniums well bloomed, and we hope
they will take the patent wo freely offer, and have a simple glass
covering full in the sun for their Scarlet Geraniums. I need-
not say how by a system of bordering, such a glass-covered
promenade of Geraniums might be made to combine what was
dazzling in gorgeousness.

Top-dressed Fuchsias with a little old Mushroom-dung, cow-
dung, and a little soot, to keep large plants in vigorous bloom
a month or so longer. There is nothing better for this purpose
than a little superphosphate of lime dusted over the pot, and a
little fresh soil put over it to conceal it. A quarter of an ounce-
might be placed on an eight-inch pot, and so on in proportion.
The virtues are washed into the soil very gradually, and no harm
will be done. I generolly nianage to get a bag in the twelve-
month ; but this season the manure merchant tent me guano
instead, which not only costs much more, but is a far more
gingery affair to handle if genuine, for the above amount
would be apt to cause the finest Fuchsia to drop all its leaves.
If used at all it is best used in the liquid form, and then 1 oz,
to four gallons is strong enough for anything.

Kept potting Calceolarias and the fine-leaved Begonias, and

386

JOURXAX OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 13. 1861.

propagating the latter by leaves and stripa of leares, as has been '
previously detailed, the whole leaf making the quickest and
strongest plant, but cutting the leaf into strips being the best
mode for quickly securing a number of plants. "VVhen mere
beauty of colour is the great thing, these fine-foliaged plants
Tiare much about them to recommend them even above the finest
flowering plants.

What has taken up the most time of the week, however, has
heen getlirg the pleasure-grounds and flower-beds all in trim
order, in expectation of a great general visiting party. Grass-
edgings round the beds were all to cut, plants to tie up, others
to peg down, others to secure by sorts of go-betweens, and a
"large lawn, all to be nice and yet neither too long nor so short,
•stumpy, and hard as to remind one of a cutting tiiat morning
or the day before. There was early cutting, therefore, by the
scythe in the morning, and machine cutting during the day. '
^Tost of it finished the best part of two days beforehand, so ;
ihat all should be green, short, and smooth, and not retain the
mark of scjthe, machine, or roller. Lawns in this state are as
Tuuch a luxury as the finest Turkey carpet, and I feel quite sure
lare more enjoyed than ever carpets could be. To see the grace-
ful elastic steps of many fairy nymphs on such a lawn, without
saying a word about iheir gentlemen companions, makes me
always sorry to see " Keep off the grass" written on large cards,
not only at places of general intercouri^e, but evea at places
where the numbers visiting never could do the grass any harm.
It is a poor, costly thing to keep a lawn to look at ; better lay it
down in wood or stone, and paint it the required verdure tint at
once. In pubhc places where the lawn is small, vast multitudes
might trample it too much, or wear it in lines and little pathways.
But in all ordinary places, and especially in gentlemen's grounds,
such notices should be broken up and pitched beneath the
heating-kettle. If thousands traverse the finest rolled walks,
if the walks do not become rough, they will at best be hard to
the feet, and convey no more pleasant impression than walking
on the highway, or the heated flagstones of our public streets.
There is to every denizen of our towns a rich luxury in planting
their feet fearlessly on a fine, elastic piece of short-cropped lawn.
"Vast numbers now and then on fine dry days, when most enjoy-
able, will almost be as good for it as a good rolling, and, therefore,
let them enjoy it to the full under such circumstances, without
these tempting and annoying notice-beards, as if English men and
English women could not do what was right without these ever-
lasting reminders, that they were only puppets in leading-strings.
Have commenced collecting soil from the sides of highways,
&c., to begin propagating plants for flower-beds for next season.
— R. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*»* AVe request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the *' Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed tolely to The
Editors of (he ''Journal of Horticulture, ^v.,'* 162, Fleet
Street, London, JE.C,
"We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the
same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on
Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered
promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate
communications.
We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under
very special circumstances.
Markets [M. Anihony).~\>,'i^ do not see any serrice there is arising
from publishing the market prices of fruits and vegetables, as It is im-
possible to obtain correct returns of the prices i-eturned to the grower?,
which is the information yon want. If we were to tell jou that Peaches
were fetching in Covent Garden lOj. to 15*. a-pound now, and upon that
tefiresentation you sent yours all the way from Cornwall expecting to get
the same return, yon would be disappointed. The best way for you, or
anybody else who has produce to sell, is to write to a salesman and ask
him what price he can return yon. The large price made of Potatoes in
t-ancashire to which you refer, was in one of those years when the disease
was so bad.

TiHES IS Pots {B. iT.).— The following you will 6nd the best for pot
cuhure : — Black Hamburgh, Royal Musc;idine, t^tilward's Sweetwater,
Bliick Prince, Chasselas Musque.Eurly White Malvasia. You can plant
-out your Strawberries after being forced.

*' A Little Market-Gardener " [M.). — The correspondent who furnishes
"the communications under ihis title is really ".\ Little Market-Gardener"
himself. As soon as this bu^y season of the year is over, we have no
reason for believiiig that he will not resume his communications.

Diseased Friit Trees ( TT. H. JT.). — Your soil is the worst imaginable
for fruit trees, and is literally at the root of all your troubles. First of
alt, your stations are far too shallow; 10 inches* to 12 inches below the
sorface is far loo little. They should not be less than 20 inches. Deepen
them, and fill them with fresh soil taken from a loamy pasture. What in
the world do you put peat and leaf niouM to fruit trees for ! Plant them
in good turfy loam and nothing else. You will find them all do well in it.
You may train your trees in every possible shape you can imrtgine, even
in the fanciful one jou sketch on your letter.

DniiNG Flowers [F. £., Kensington).— Afier you have dried the flowers
betwten sheets of paper, procure some sheets of cartridge-paper of the
size you require, and arrange your specimen or specimens, as the case
may be, on the sheet. Have ready a few strips of paper gummed at the
back, and fix these transversely across the stems, Ipuves, or flower-stalks
of your specimens, using as many as are necessary to secure the specimen
in its position. Some people gum the whole specimen on one side and
fis it entirely to the paper ; but tbis is an objectionable way, as it
effectually prevents the removal or re-arrangement of the specimens.

V.XKiEGATED Altsscm (H. 5.).— Ycs, it wiilkcepin a frame or hand-glass
like Calceolarias. We do not think the efflorescence on the pot a very
serious objection. Rub it off the same as you would green mould, or any
other dirt

Plants Wanted.— Can any of our subscril'ers inform us if the following
plants are yet in cultivation !— Primula sikkimensis, P. capitata, P. Sluartii,
and the scarlet Brazilian Pine Apple.

Carnations Destroyed bv Worms (ff, T.).— There is little doubt but
that your Carnations are destroyed by that pest the wireworm, the larva
of a species of beetle (EUitcr'i. The only remedies are frequently
digging the ground, and hand-picking ihera (being yellow they are easily
recognisedi and laying pieces of Carrot or Potato on the ground near the
p'ants. In a week or two we shall say something about Carnations in general.
CcTTiNGS OP LzPTOPACTTLON CAUFOBSicrw [Cnrolus]. — Thcse will root
as freely as Verbena cuttings if they are made at the proper time, or when
the " wood " is in the right state. Did you never hear that the comnwn
Hydrangea will not root from cuttings when the young wood is on to the
fl iwering state! If you feel the flower-bud just getting hard withju'.
being yet seen, that shoot would try your patience and your temper to cut
it among Cucumbers; but, and if thei-e was no sign or mcve for a flower,
the Hydrangea would root in seven days in smart heat Now there are
scores of plants of that mood, and your Leptodactylon is one of them.
Your cuttings were made of the flowe:ing-wood, and they would n«t
budffe. Why should they till they taught you a lesson you wiU never for-
get I See what we have said about markets and drying plants to two
other correspondents.

CoNSTRVCTioN OF PiT {A Subscriber). —T'lTsi of all, we mu&t in aU

friendliness tell •* A Subscriber" that our engagements are such that we

cannot refer to an old Number of 134S to understand the plan he refers to.

We can refer to nothing for which volume and page are not given to us.

AVe like to be fair and abovcboard, and therefore say at once we will not

do the work which our correspondents should ?ave us. All references,

therefore, to late volumes, &c.. will be disregarded by us unless chapter

and veise are given. Xow, as fair as we can do anything wuhout going

back to 1S43 we will do what we can to oblige you. First, then, before

, commencing operations, read an article **Pit for General Purposes,'* at

page 356. Second, for a narrow pit we prefer ventilating by the sashes ;

but for one 8 feet wide, it might Iw as well to have ventilators back and

I front. Third, for all forcing purpo es, and especially in lean-to houses,

, more ventilation will be needed at back than front. For bedding plants,

&c., it may be given freely at all places in suitable weather. Fourth, we

imagine you mean to have a narrow lean-to house instead of a pit ; if so,

you cannot d'» better than act on the directions given in the article referred

I to, page 356. Fifth, such a house would answer very well, but either a

short hipped roof at hack, or even a spanned roof with a walK in the middle

would be better ; but just in proportion to thesurfaceof glass thus exposed

1 would be the difficulty of keeping the place heated in cold weather. If

I the back wall is there all ready, we would use it and make a lean-to.

' Sixth, in a lean-to a small brick Arnott's stove placed, if inside, within

IS inches of the back wail, would be cheap and answer admirably. See

I Mr. Fish's account of them in last volume, about No. 635. A small iron

1 stove well managed would also suit such a little place. The fire for the

brick stove might do outside if desirable, but it is more economical to

i have it inside. Seventh, if you made a span-roof a small flue would be

better than a stove, hut you would require brick a yard from the furnace,

and the earthen pipes ought to be 6 inches or 7 inches at least instead of

4 inches. Eighth, the moveable wooden partition would enable you to

1 have one end hotter than the other, whether you used stove or flue. It

matters little where your flue is placed; but we would prefer it entering

I the end, along the front, and across the other end. You may make a ehelf

at front as cool as you like by air-giving. We fear we do not answer you

I so satisfactorily as we wish to do ; but if there is still any doubt just try

again, as we are anxious to oblige, and always glad to hear of the plan

determined on. {S. W. i:.)— If you look to our last ytar's volume, page

- 107, No. 634, and well examine ah article i our present volume, pages 356

I and 357, you will find everything to suit you. Fig. 3, page 10/ last volume.

would suit you best, healed entirely by dung on the outside; but if you

( liked it better 50U could have open flues across at B instead of the stone

j clinkers. In building, leave bricks out an inch or so, back and front,

I about the level of the line C, and that will do for a wooden platfcrm

I moveable at pleasure. For mere protecting in winter, and heat in spring

. and siummer, you will get nothing better combining the three essentials—

■ economy, simplicity, and utility. The aim in winter should be to protect

. the glass, but to throw littl? or no heat into the walls.

I D*TCEA abborra {JI. f.}.— The meaning of well ripening the wood, is

to give no more water all through September than will just keep the

leaves from drooping. That stops the growth or such plants early in

the autumn, and the force, or want of force in the root^, goes to ripen the

wood more thoroughly; but as all the young shoots of all old Daturas

are cut in as close as'the young wood of White and Red Currants, or as

Pelargoniums during the w'inter, there is no fear about the very bottom of

the shoots will be a* ripe as harvest time enough. It is the young wood

which will rise next year from the cut parts that will bloom, then see the

young shoo'.s are never stopped.

Ml'Shroom-beu in (;REENB0t-sE (A Neic Subscriber). ~Jn all probability
it would harbour insects, particularly woodlice. Our first volume is out
of print but complete sete of Tbb Cottage Gardkhkr may still be had.

August 13, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTtTBE A^D COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

387

Vehonica. AsDEEsoxr (Jf. F.\ — The name of your Veronica is not
Hendetsoni, but Andeisoni variegata, a good thinp, and the treatment for
an evergreen Fuchsia, if there was such, will suit it perfectly the yenr
round. Very g-nod loamy soil, as for best Pelargoniums, abundance of pot
ronm, and to be freely watered all the summer, and to be merely kept
mr)ist ihrough the winter, suits all these Xew Zealand Veronicas to a
nicetj'; and they would all grow faster and more bushy if they were
planted out of the pots in summer, to be taken up at the end of September,
and potted for the winter. Tuey also come from cuttings as fast and as
easily as Verbenas; and, with you at Limerick, a three-year-old plant of
any of them should stand an ordinary winter against a west wall with
2 inches of turf or coal ashes over the roots, and in severe frost two folds
of matting nailed over the head.

Clianthis magkificvs {M F.).—Jt seems only a stronger variety of
Clianthtis pnniceus, or Glory Pea of New Zealand, and the very same treat-
ment as the Veronicas will suit it exactly. We shall be able to strike both
of your cuttings. They came to London in your letter as fr.sh as they
were when you cut them off the plants at Limerick, and your packing-
materiiil is even more than the best and thinnest oil paper. Fray tell us
the name by which it is sold, as it is invaluable for enclosing flowers
cuttings, and even Uo>e-buds ready to work, in common letters by post,
from one pirt of the three kingdoms to any pUce the farthest remote in
any one of them. It is some tp>:lile fabric prepared with oil to imitate
oilskin, and under four folds of it we could read your letter quite easily.
Specimens of it should be sent to our gredt Exhibition next year.

Orange Trkes, &c. [Florfi].— It is very likely that both Oranges and
Camellias have suffered raort,* from cold and unhealthy soil than from
want of pot room. It would in such circumstances be well to examine
both now, and give fr?sh healthy soil, but do not give larue shifts. Very
possibly you may find that the roJts may require less room until they are
healthy and est «hlished. The heat of the conservatory will do very well,
as the RQn ig powerful just now; hut a little shading will be required on
sunny days. We know no hing of the size of your plants or the boxes in
wliich they are grown. Their treatment may ere long receive longer
details.

riEATtNG A Pit [A Reader). — We cannot recommend any particular
apparatus. Consult the advertisers whose names you will always find in
our pages, and they will give the information required.

CoxsKttVATOEY {8. JT.).— Thc proposed site wU suit admirably for whai
you propose, but very likely it may need a liitle shading on the afternoon
of bright days.

CLiMBERs'poa Cold Greenhouse {A Subscriber^ Cfte//e«Aam}.— Man-
de%ii;a suaveolens, Passifloras ccerulea ract?mosa, Ballotii, Colvilli, and
Rhyncospermum jisminoides. In a very recent Xumber C^o. 15. page 274)
wo publi»hed a long and descriptive list'of hardy herbaceous plants.

PoTATOKS (*?. B.).— Uncover the tubers and give one a rub in the hand
If the t-kin is firm on, then they are ready to t:»ke up ; but if it peels off
easily and yields to the rub they are unripe. Holly should be planted
about a foot or 15 inches apart, but that will depend on their bushiness.
They would not hurt from being two days out of the ground.

noRTicuLTi'RAL Socieit's Garden {L. L. 0.). — The garden at Ken-
sington is only open for the admission of Fellows, or to the friends of
Felluws, by a personal introduction. The public are admitted en pro-
menade days, which t.tke place on Wednesdays and Saturdays upon pay-
ment of half-a-crown. It would be well if »he Society had a standing ad-
vertisement to this effect in the gardening papers at this seaso"', so thut
persons like yourself coming to town could be informed on these matters.

Orchard-house Trees [Subscriber).— The reason why the Pears potted
'last spring and which bloomed profusely did not bear any fruit in the
orchard-house, while those plmted at the same time in the' open ground
did bear is this ; the protection of the orchard-house induced the flowers
to expand before the root action had sufficiently advanced, and when the
"flowers dropped there was not vigour enough md root action s'lfficient to
develope the fruit, which languished and fell. In the open ground the
root action and the blooming proceeded more gradually and more har-
moniou.^ly. and by the time the bloom had fallen there was sufficient
Aigour in the tree to sustain the young fruit. For the destruction of the
red spider syringe with Gishurst Compound, as you cannot very well shut
up and steam an orchard-house.

Vines (CTias. Rairs).—See what we have said to "Jack Ketch.**

Books (R. B. Po3tans).—\\e do not know where "Elphinstone on the
Tine " is published. Wc have never seen the book. If people do not
advertise or send us their books they cannot expect them to have any
publicity.

Xames of Plants (A. 5.1.— Tour Sedum is a Saxifrage near marginata.
but without the spike of white flowers the species is not within our ken.
Tour till and very pretty spiky flowers are those of a very old and very
scarce plant, Veronica glabr.i. ' The other plant is not determinable from
leaves. The oiled silver paper was nearly as good as oilskin, but strong oil-
skin is a very bad scratcher of flowers. '{Rustictta A, 5.).— Tour plant is
Solanum quereifolium, or one very near that species, and not a native of
New Zealand; but, being free and showy, is grown there and elsewhere till
it runs wild. >'o plant is easier managed. Treat it exactly I'ke a Scarlet
Geranium, and keep it from autumn-struck cuttings. [A Very Early
Subscriber).— The name of your plant is not known where you found it at
the Crystal Palace. It is from Loddiges' old stoves, and, "without seeing
its flowers, no one can tell what it is except being a greenhouse climber.

I XoTEMBER 6th and 7th. Rotal HoRTicrLTraAt, Soctett. (Fruit and
! Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superifitendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newingios Chetsasthemtk Soctett.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
N'ovEMBEE I4th and 15th. Crystal Palace. [Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec. J W. Houghton.
S.B.— Secretaries of Societies intending to adrertise in our columns will
oblige us by sending an early intimation of their exhibition days.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

August 14th. Portsea Island. Str., H. HoUingsworth, South?ea.

August 20th. Sheptox Mallet. Son, Sec, Mr. J. Brabner, Shepton
Slallet

August 28th. Dkwsburt. Sec, Edward Forth.

"Septembek 2nd. Heckmondwike. (Floral, Horticnlloralt and Agri-
cultural.) Sec, G. Kcllev, Heckmondwike.
^September 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of
other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton.

September 5th. Worksop. (Floral and HorticulturaL) Son. Sec, Mr.
Geo. Baxter. .

September 11th. Royal Horticultural Societt. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Siiperinlenclmt, G. Eyles.
'September 18lh and 19th. Brig htox and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpbxtee.

POTJLTEY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHEONICLE.

EEMOISCENCES OF A GAMEEEEPEE.

(^Continued from page 369.)
We waited thus till the mist cleared off, and then set about
beating for our birds.

Let mo describe the country. My master's property lay in
the valley, along the middle of which a small stream wandered,
and when I hare stood on ground liigh enough (a railway bant,
for instance) to watch its course, I hare wondered how anything
80 crooked could have been accomplished. The ground gradu-
ally rose from this stream to the common. The higher we got
the worse the land, till we approached the waste, when it be-
came positively bad, and, if let alone for a time, vindic<»ted its
originality bv throwing up a vigorous crop of heath. However
unthankful such land may be for farming, it makes a good game
country, especially when "farmed by the old school ; suffered to
remain in eight-acre fields, and surrounded with good double
IiCfiffe-rows. It was so at the time I speak of, and this, added to
the "mist, made it difficult to ascertain where the birds wore
gone. We, ho.vevcr, found them at last, and they went to the
heath.

In such a country as I have described birds disturbed for the
second time take to' the waste, and after a day or two it is aston-
ishins bow they learn to take advantage of everything that is in
their~favour. I am not going to describe the years I stayed in
tliis place, but mention these habits of the birds because they
partlv caused mo to leave it. After the first fortnight of Par-
tridge shooting, especially if the old cocks remain with the
covies, they skim far out, just clearing the tops of furzes, heatlis,
and stunted firs. It is essential, before the birds are driven out,
that the marker shall be on the heath to watch their settling,
and he should be practised at it, or, in aU probability, he will
not be within a quarter of a mile. These commons are full of
old roads and rides ; they settle here, and run till they come to
an open spot, when they take wing. The only hope of sport
after the first fortnight or three weeks is in driving them mto
I he heath or high furzes.

Although a common thing with me, I have often watched the

dogs with delight. Emerging from the fields, and following the

I direction of my hand, anxious enough to put on their best pace,

; they course along the common, but suddenly they stop as if

! paralysed. Thev hove arrived at the road where the bu-ds

I settled only a few minutes before. They stand like statues.

i The birds are running before them. Hold up. Die ; steady, old

' dog. He knows it, and dropping his erect position, he draws

himself along, his nostrUs expanded, his eyes almost protruding

from their sockets. Now and then he stops, and, lifting his

head, looks before him. His instinct tells him the prey is in

front. He stops ; he stands with his liead pomting to a patch

'■ of furze; he is immoveable. Surely a bird has stopped there;

i beat it. Whirr, whirr, go two young birds. Both fall. The

I dogs more gently again; stiU more gently. The birds miist he

close to them. There is an open space a hundred yards a-head,

they must cross that, or run into covert. They have reached

the' end of the road, and thev do not rise.

Then begins another trial of the dogs. Furzes are three

feet high, and where there are open spots the ground is covered

with shoots so sharp that it is as though it were carpel ted with

needle points. Xone but dogs brought up in such a country

will face them. I have seen high-couraged dogs from enclosed

t countries come upon one of these clearings where the furze had

i been cut or burned, and was shooting afresh, and fairly^ howl

I with pain while thev stood lifting up one foot after the other in

a vain endeavour to'find ease. Such confine themselves to the

■ green rides and tracks there are, and if called or whistled mto

the furze will take a long jump in and a long jump out again j

but they wiU not beat it. The practised dogs care not for it,

but stand the birds one by one, and the guns get a fau: shot at

each as it rises. • j j v *

In such a country it is not only the unpractised dogs, but

3S8

JOTTRNAi OF HORTICDLTXJEE AND COTTAGE GFABDENEE.

[ August 13, 1861.

the unaccustomed men feel what it is to walk througli furze
bushes, and the light trousers that are recommended for warm
Sept'.niber shooting form a poor protection. Many a one
when dressing for dinner after a day among them is frightened
at the sight of his knees and legs ; and while beating, spite of
the excitement, has wished that, hke " Mars, the God of War,"
in the good father's reision (vide Charles O'Malley), he had
*' Took to corderoyA"

SOSSENDALE POULTRY EXHIBITION.

This Exhibition was held in a 6eld at AVaterfoot. The
weather was yery fine during the day ; the arrangements all that
could be desired. The number of visitors was veiv great, more
than £100 being taken at the gates during the day. The ex-
cellence of the poultry, and the interest taken m th;m, was very
striking, the space in front of them being crowded by visitors
during the time the birds were in them.

The Judge of poultry was Mr. Richard Teebay, Fulwood,
near Preston.

Hamdckghs (Silyer-pencilled). — Ffrst, J. Dixon, North Tark, Fradford.
Second, E. Betdon, lurk CoKojie. Bradford. CA/cAtks.— First. J. Slunn,
Heath Hil!, Stueksteads. Second, J. Dixon. Ccmmetded, E. BeldoD ;
J. llunn.

HAjiBOiiGPS (GnMer-y.enciiled\— First, J. Jliinn, ITeath Hill, Stacksteads.
Second. J. Dison. North Paik, Bradford. Highly Commended, W. Kershaw,
Heywocd ; J. Ilobinson, Vale House, Garstans; S. Smith. Korthowraiji.
Commended, E. Eeldon, Park Cottage, Bradford. (A very good cla^s. )
C7iicA{7ts.— Yirst and Sec(;nd, J. Wunn. highly Commended, .J, Di,\on ;
Caitev & Valiant. I'ouItonleFylde; T. & C. Parkinson, Accrington ;
J. Mann. (An excellent class.)

HAyBL-RGHS iSilver.?pargled).— First. J. Dixon. Korth Park, Bradford.
Second, J Fielding, Newct.aich. Highly Commended, E. Collinge, Middle-
t- n ; .J. Dawson, Siting Vale, Middleton. C7iUJifns.— Fi\st and Socimd,
J. Fieldirg iPtillct.s tplenrlid). Hiehly Cemmerdcd, E. Btlcon, Park
C'-.tlacc, Pradlurd ; W. H. Sutclilfe, "Wandsworth; J. Dixon; J. Robinson,
A"a!e llov.&e, Garstarg. [A very good class.)

HAMi;riiGns (Golden-spangled).— First, J. Dixon, North Paik, Bradford.
Sec(.nd, N. Marlor, Denton. Commended, W. Kershaw, Heywood. Chkkena.
— First, N. Marlt r. Second, J. Di.'ion.

Hami^i'EChs (ai]y variety) — Prize, J. Fieldinp, Newchureh (Golden-
pencilltd pnllets ve'iy heau'tiful). Hii^lily Commended, H. Cunliffe, Oaken-
rod "Wood, Haslingden; W. Kershaw, Heywood ; J. Fielding.

GA3IE (any colour).— First and Second, W. & N. Grimshaw, Pendle Forest.
Buinlei'. C7(;VAe«.^.— First, H. iarkiusoa, Poul;on-le-Fylde. Second, J. S.
Butler, Poullon-le Fylde. Highly Commended, \V. & N. Grimsliaw. Com-
mended, J. Wilkinson, Earby, ^-kipton. Heni^ or Pu/hts.— ]*rize, "W. & N.
Grimshaw, Burnley. Hiphly Commended, W. ,fr N. Grimshaw, Burnley ;
R. Gorton, Tottington Hall ; Munn & Scholield, Rossendale.

CocHix-CmxA (any age or colour).— Prize, E. Smith. Jliddleton (BulT
Chickens). Highly Commended, J. Hanison, Blackpool; J. Itobii.son, Vale
House, Garstang. Commended, J. Munn, Heath Hill, Stacksteads.

Bantams (any variety).— Prije, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford (Black).
Highly Commended, S. Bircb, Blackpool.

AST OTHER Vakiett.— Piize, J. Dixon, Bradford (Polands, Black wi'h
"White Crests) Highly Commended, J. Kobinson, Garstang tGrey Dorkings

Game Cocks —First, A. Hampson, Bollon-le-Moors. Seci nd, D. Ashworfh,
Halifax. Highly Commended. S. Birth, Blackpool; R. Norris, Newchurch.
Commended, W. & N. Grin shaw, Buinley. (A very gocd class.)

Game Cockeeels.— First, W. <S N. Grimshaw, Buinley. Second, J. Heys.
Newchurch.

HAMBOf.GH Cock SwEErsxAKls.- Prize, J. Munn, Heath Hill, Slack-
steads (Golden-pencilled Cockerel'.

Ducics.— Prize, M. Seamons, Aylesbury (Aylcsbaiy, very large). Highly
Commended, J. Dixou, Bradford (Brown Call, beautiful).

TuBKETs.- Prize, J. Dixon, Bi'adford.

Geese (Toulouse).— Fir-st. M. Seamons, Avlesbui-y. Second, J. Dixou
Bradford. Highly Commended, a Baxter-, Elislack Hall, Skipton.

SHEFFIELD POULTEY EXHIBITION. i

There cannot be a doubt that the quality of the poultry ■
throughout this, the fiftlr meeting of the ShelBeld Society, was
far superior to any of the preceding exhibitions ; it is in fact a i
somevvliat rare occurrence to meet, at even our most establislied ■
poultry shows, with so general and keen a competition. A great
improvement on the regulations of last year was rigidly enforced
on the present occasion — viz., the exclusion of all strangers,
" under any pretence whatever," until the time an-ived that the
arbitrations were completed.

As customary, Spanish hraded the prize schedule, which was
in truth a liberal one. The rivalry in this variety was extreme,
and the specimens of this valued breed were many of them
almost faultless. Mr. Lane's pen, which took the" £5 prize,
contained a cock and two hens, the faces of which were proofs
how much care and management had been devoted to them ;

tliey were as delicate and unsullied in appearance as tlic finest
white kid glove. Mr. Brown's pen was a very close-running
second prize. But few greater proofs of the general excellence
of the class could be adduced than that {he pens of Mr. Teebay,
of Preston, hitlierto pre-eminent, were compelled at Sheffield to
submit to a third and fourth position. It did occur to us,
however, that these fowls were scarcely in the first-rate condition
Mr. Teebay's birds generally exhibit, although so continuously
in competition. The Spanisli classes for both Sens and Chickens
were equally praiseworthy ; but the Single Cock class for this
breed, strange to say, was far below our anticipations. The
Grey Dorking class proved one of the very best we ever witnessed,
every prize being richly deserved ; the Marchioness of AVin-
chester, Lady Louisa Thynne, Captain Hornby, and Mr. "Wake-
field taking position irr the order named. We regretted to find
the excellent pen belongin? to Mr. Berwick, of Helmsley, York-
shire, was thrown out entirely by the sudden death of the cock
bird a few hours before the time the Judges made their awards.
In Dorking Chickens, the Rev. J. F. Newton, stood quite ahead
of every rival, Sir. Lewry and Mr. Dolby trying hard for the
second premium. The classes for Cochins were all good ; itideed
the Chicken classes curried conviction that careful management
and breeding had produced an amount of general excellence
throughout the whole of them, that a few years gone by would
have been deemed quite unattainable. Pcrliaps one of the best
features of the Sheffield Show were tlie four classes of Ham-
hnrrjhs. Almost every pen would have stood well in the generality
of poultry meetings, and obtained a position on the prize list.
Nearly every lot was sent in first-rate condition ; two pens,
however, in these classes, numbered 251 and 262, each con-
tained a bird in a sadly sickly condition. The Poland classes
werj also better than customary, saving and except the Single
Cock class. The second prize was necessarily here withheld.
The class for " any variety " was well filled. The Silky Fowls
took pi'eccdence ; the Black Hamburghs, White Polands and
Sidtan Fowls were also worthy of especial mention. That local
favourite of the Sheffield district, the "Redcap" mustered
strongly, and seemed to attract much attention. The Bantam
classes were very superior to last season, the Game Bantams
particularly so ; though, strange to say, in the Single Cock
sweepstakes class only one entry was made.

Of Turkeys and Geese there was a first-rate display — indeed,
it is but rarely any Committee obtain so good an entry of first-
class birds.

Oi Dvcks, the Aylesburys and Rouens left little hopes for
future improvement ; and, uirdottbtedly, one cf the best classes
of Beunos Ayrean Ducks ever yet seen was that at Shefiield. It
is worthy of attention, too, that the amount of entries in tliis
particular class fairly outnumbered those of both the Aylesburys
and Rouens combined, and was only a single nitry behind all
three other varieties of Ducks put together. The competition
was necessarily very good — pei-ha)is a better class has nerer yet
been got together, and the successful ones hare, consequently,-
good reason to be proud of their laurels. Mr. Sainsbury's best
pen was thrown out of competition by the deatli of the drake
shortly after its arrival at the show-yard.

The Game classes were well filled with birds of undoubted
excellence ; but the season of the year prevented the high con-
dition of plumage for which these general public favourites are-
so remarkable ; nor can material improvement be now expected
xmtil after moulting-time has concluded.

There was a decided improvement in the arrangements for
protecting the poultry from the vicissitudes of the w-cather on the
part of the Managing Committee; for they were safe fi'om
sudden storms — an attention that exhibitors must alwa\s appre-
ciate, and we can add the general comforts cf the public had.
been as equally provided for.

The attendance of visitors throughout the time the Show
remained open, we are informed, was good.

BANTAMS WITH AVRY TAILS.

I HATE Gold-laced Bantams, twelve wetks old, with wry
tails. Can you tell me the reason, and if any cure? The old
fowls that were bred from are perfectly straight. — EoBEBT
Baines.

[As you say the parent birds are quite straight, we can
imagine no reason why the chickens should be otherwise. We-
mean that if the defect arose from malformation, there would be-

August 13, 18G1. ]

JOURNAL OF nOBTICTJLTTJRE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER.

389

no remedy ; if it is accidental, it will hs temporary. We have
eeeii it caused by packing in a low small basket, or hy roosting
close to a wall, so that the featliers were kept in a crooked posi-
tion all night. If you will fasten the tails upright for a short
time, they will remain in that position.]

BEE-SWAEMING IN NORTH LA.NCASHIEE.

I HKEEwiTH send you a short summary of events on the
swarming of bees in North Lancashire. The two stocks that
swarmed on th2 9tli and 11th of June gave me three each. One
I returned to its parent the same night; but the other, acting
upon that golden rule that "union is strength," bolted to the
two seconds that I had joined together, which I hope will make
a strong stock in one of Payne's improved cottage-hives. There
are 6ever;il that have thrown three, and in some cases the first
iiave thrown a virgin swarni.

The month of June was a very good one, both as regards
swarming and honey-gathering, but July has been very wet, and
left ns in a worse state than it found us ; some of the casts have
perished where no care is taken of them, which I am sorry to
say is too often the case in this neighbourhood, as the manage-
ment of bees is at a very low ebb. But should the present
month prove favourable, I expect to have a good harvest, as we
have taken them to the moors, three miles, upon a handbarrow —
no easy work, and to be home to breakfast by 8 o'clock in the
morning.

I must give you my little experience with the Woodbury
comb-bar. I have three hives, and the combs are all perfectly
straight upon the birs, and two more belonging to uiy com-
panions are in the same way. I must say tliat there was a little
guide-comb used, but in all cases the bars we.-e waxed. — A
NoETH Lancashire BEE-KEErEn.

ARTIFICIAL SWAIIMS.
I KOTicE the remarks of " A Middlesex Bee-keepee" in
your last week's Number, on his failure in attempting to raise
an artificial swarm. His experience is very similar to my own.
When I attempted to raise a swarm in the same manner, I put
a comb containing both eggs and brood into an empty box, and
then 'placed it in the middle of a fine day in the position pre-
viously occupied by a strong hive. The bees on returning from
the field entered the box, and though very irritable continued to
work until they had reared the brood. They then left theii-
habitation in a body, without having taken any measures for raising
a queen. I have, however, always found the foUowinj method
successful : — If a hire is sufficiently populous to send out a
swarm, I drive part of the bees with their queen into an empty
hive, and, returning the old hive to its usual stand, remove the
■driven bees with their queen to a short distance (twenty yards
or more) ; the presence of the queen will induce the bees to
remain in the empty box, and I have always found the bees iu
the old liive raise artificial queens to supply the loss of their old
one. This season a hive treated in this manner raised from
eleven to fourteen or sixteen queens; ten I had cither alive or
dead in my ow'n possession. The only difficulty seems to be to
insure a proper division of the bees, full two-tliirds should go
•witli the swarm. If I think a sufficient number have not gone
into the new hive, I place it on the old stand and remove the
old hive ; a sufficient number will thus be easily secured, and if
enough bees are left to attend to the brood in the stock, it will
soon be again populous. Bees in a uniconib-hive have always
raised one or more queens on removal of t'.;e old one. It seems
to me that the bees are so much discouraged if place! in a
strange box without a queen, that they have not sufficient
resolution to commence royal cells. I once removed the queen
from an artificial swarm only ten days after it had been ibrmed ;
but the bees, after an interval of about twenty-four hours,
commenced the construction of royal cells, and worked vigorously
and well afterwards. — J. E. B.

PBODUCTION OF DRONES' EGGS.

The very interesting account given in your Number of July
30ih, by "A Detojjsuiee Bee-keepek," of the production of
drone eggs by a young queen raises a hope that this obscure
point in the history of the bee may at length receive some eluci-
dation. Erom the want of accurate data and observation, the
subject has hitherto been one of theory rather than a matter of
fact, and I gladly contribute my small amount of practical
knowledge in assisting to remove the veil. May I be permitted
to refer to the " Honey Bee," by Dr. Bevan, page 44, where the
ease seems analogous, leaving one to regret the account had not
been more definite as to the precise age of the queen, the manner
in which the brood was ceiled, and the subsequent history of the
queen ? Possibly, by being retarded a day or two later than the
qneen of M. Feburier, this Ligurian queen may be not only
partially vitiated in her laying powers, but also affected by an
" impaired instinct," rendering her unable to exercise the wonder-
ful knowledge possessed by perfect queens, which enables them
to deposit the worker or drone egg in its respective cell. ,

My own observations point to the same result with a remark-
able development. A young queen in the observatory-hive did"
not commence laying till the nineteenth day of her age, not
having been fertilised till the seventeenth. The eggs were
deposited iu the worker-colls, and duly ceiled. On examining
the newly-hatched bees on the twenty-first day, I saw among
them an' exceedingly diminutive drone. Shortly after, I found
a second, the head and thorax being those of a perfectly-formed
drone, the lower part of the body appeared more tapering. Its
presence seemed displeasing to the workers, and they were
disposed to worry it. On returning to the hive in a few hours
both these little anomalies had disappeared. Next day, howeTer,
the large eyes of a drone again attracted me, and I at once
opened the window and secured my specimen. The upper part
of the body was that of a perfect drone, while the lower part as
closely resembled a worker. A few hours afterwards, while
fingering my specimen with the freedom which the unarmed
drone may warrant, I was surprised to receive a sting. I after-
wards forwarded it to Mr. Golding for examination, and he un-
fortunately lost it. The qneen laid worker-eggs the rest of the
season, which was then advanced, and to my regret the family
perished early the next spring. — B.

SKY BEES.

Accept my thanks, and present tlie same to your corre-
spondents, especially Colonel Newman, of Clieltenhaoi, for the
notice and information relJtive to "sky bees."

The gnats must be extremely small, and, as Col. Newman says,
invisible to the unassisted eye; for 1 looked in every direction,
the more so as at times one would appear to come nearer than
the others or rather louder, and am quite accustomed to the
swarms of visible ones, which are sometimes an annoyance in
my own garden. I believe Col. Newman's solution must be
the correct one. — G. C.

MoKTALiTT AMONG Beeb. — From the cold and wet weather
in July, which prevented bees from gathering as much honey as
to keep them alive, a large number oi hives have been foi;nd dead
throughout Sirathearn and Sirathallan. The mortality appears
to be greatest among the young swarms, which were entirely
■dependant on the weather for sustenance. — (Scotsman.)

Bees in Spgae Refineeies. — l]\o Snlomological Gazette oi
Stettin contains the following :— " The extensive meadows on the
banks of the Oder naturally induced many farmers to keep bees ;
but these wise insects seem" to prefer obtaining their honey with
as little labour as possible, and have for years past been in the
habit of frequenting sugar refineries at no great distance.
Under such favourable circumstances the yield of honey was
very great, and the farmers ean)e at last to keep ten or even
twenty times more hives than formerly. The sugar refiners,
however, after long finding the bees very troublesome, made l;he
discovery that they wcrj not only annoying, but rather expensive
visitors, and accordingly adopted means to destroy them. This
was efl"ecied by suddenly closing all the doors and shutters, and
then opening one small window, to which the bees immediately
flew and were killed in thousands by a jet of boiling water. The
dead bees were afterwards thrown into the boilers to extract the
supar they had appropriated. It has been estimated that as
manv as 11,000,000 have been thus destroyed m a year, and that
about 1200f. worth of sugar has been extracted from them. It
is a remarkable fact that the bees would never touch beetroot
sugar till refined, owing to the pungent smell of the plant, but
cane sugar was equally acceptable to them whether refined or
not.'

390

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 13, 1861.

BEGINNING BEE-KEEPING.

I HAVE lately taken to bee-keeping, but witli tlie exception of
a few praclical hints which I have picked up from jour valuable
jjaper I really know nothing of bees, tlie habits or management.
Now, I like to understand thoroughly any subject I itake in
hand, and should be glad of your advice as to tlie best means of
gaining such knowledge. I bought a Cist swarm of beea last
autumn, which 1 removed into my coach-house, and fed from a
bottle as you recommended. This hive sent out a prime swarm
(a very good one) on June the 11th, which took possession of
an old straw hive, full of old comb, in a cottage garden close by.
I removed them to my own garden tliat evening, oflering to pay
for I he skep, bad as it was. Next day I found this cottager had
put another empty hive on the same block, and a great part of
my bees went back there ; whetlier to remain or not I cannot
find out. He, the cottager, says that many of his bees — in fact,
nil that had svu'vived the winter, left him early in the spring and
joined my hive, and that is why the swarm came back to him.
My swarm does not seem to be doing much. There are a good
lot of bee?, but very few seem to work ; and when I turned
tliem up for inspection a few days ago, the comb, as far as I
coidd see, was empty and unsealed. The skep itself is so bad
it will hardly last the winter. Can I do anything with them ?
My old hive sent out a second swarm, or a flight, as it is called
in this neighbourhood, on June the 19th — eight days after the
first. Tiiese were hived in one of King's safety boxes, which I
bought in Cambridge, and seem to have done very well ; they
have just filled their own compartment with comb and honey,
though they have not yet begun in the spare drawers. The old
hive, too, seems very strong ; but tliey will not work in a pro-
pagating-glass which I put en the top under another straw hive.
Can you tell me why ? Doubtless it is through some fault of
mj own. — A. W. B.

[There is no royal road to the attainment of apiarian know-
ledge, whicli can only be attained by practical experience and by
readmg. Our advice is always available in any special difficulty.
Xlie old straw hive should have been removed to the spot it was
intended to occupy in your own garden as soon as the bees had
fairly taken possession of it, in which case none would have gone
back. The same course should always be pursued with swarms,
which should be put in their proper place as soon as the bees
are sett'ed, which will generally be in from ten minutes to a
quarter of an hour after hiving. The conduct of the cottager in
placing an empty hive on the block was perfectly unjustifiable ;
it doubtless weakened your swarm by mystifying the bees that
returned to if, and thus causing them to exhaust themselves in
the unavailing effort to discover their own hive on that spot,
whilst it could not have been of the slightest advantage to him-
self. It is just possible that the starving bees belonging to the
cottager may have fraternised with your well-provisioned colony;
but the exposure of a deserted hive full of comb would fully
account for your swarm taking possession of it, wilhout reference
to the fraternising story, which is, probably, a mere fabrication.
As the old skep is in so bad a state, you had better obtain
"Bee-keeping for the Many" (published at our office, price id.),
and follow the instructions given in pages 45 and 46, under the
head of "Driving." Your stock-hive having thrown off two
swarms is a more than sufficient reason for the bees refusing to
work in any kind of super.]

ARTIFICIAL SWAEMS.

I HATE long had it in contemplation to write an article on
artifleial swarming, but have delayed it from time to time, until
the appeal of " A Middlesex Bee-keepee " has come " to prick
the sides of my intent."

I will, therefore, begiu by endeavouring to account for his
failure?, although the particulars given are by no means sufficiently
I'splicit to enable me to feel at all certain that I can assign the
right cause in every instance.

In the first place, he says one of his straw hives lost its queen
last winter ; but, nevertheless, it bred drones, and carried in
small quantities of pollen. To account for this seeming anomaly,
three liyijotheses at once present themselves, all of which I
will briefly state, and leave " A Middlesex Bee-keepeh " to
select the one which he deems most in accordance with the facts
of the ease. First, then, he does not tell us how he verified the
supposed death of the queen. It is, therefore, just possible that

slie might have been alive, although with failing breeding-powers
when brood-comb was introduced. We are told by scientific
observers that an exhausted queen is sometimes capable of laying
only drone eggs ; and I have, myself, found a superannuated
queen with as small quantity of brood, and many pounds of
honey in a colony wliich had dwindled to 150 bees. Secondly,
the old queen may liave died, leaving esgs or j oiuig brood at a
time wlien no drones were in existence, and the young queen
raised by the bees remaining: therefore, unimpregnated, could
lay only drone eggs. Thirdly, fertile workers only may have
been raised after the death of the queen, and these likewise
would produce drones. Whichever be the right hypothesis, the
introduction of brood-comb would probably, in eitlier case, be
equally useless.*

With regard to the attempted artificial swarm, it should at
once he ascertained by a careful examination of every comb,
wliether either the old stock or swarm is really queenless. This
fact ascertained, the remedy at this season is easy. Any cottager
about to destroy a hive of bees will gladly give tliem to any one
who will drive them; and a slock, so driven, should with
its queen be added as soon as possible to the queenless colony. f
The cause of failure in this case would appear to be the non-
success of the bees in raising a queen. " A Middlesex Bee-
KEEPEE " appears to have given his artificial swarm every chance
of the success wliich it certainly deserved.

Premising, therefore, that uncertain as are the results of most
apiarian operations, there are few which arc so liable to failure-
(at any rate in this climate), as the rearing and successful im-
pregnation of young queens, I will now describe what I consider
the best and safest means of forming artificial swarms where the
apiarian has the advantage of bar-hives.

The middle of a fine day when tlie bees are in full work is
the best time for the operation, which may be effected as soon
as drones make their appearance in the spring. The strongest
colony in the apiary should be selected, and the combs carefully
examined in the manner described in page 167 of the present
volume of The Journal of Hobticultpke, until the queen is
discovered. The comb upon which her majesty is found must
then be placed in an empty hive J (if a few clean worker-conih&
be added, so much the better), and this new hive containing the
queea should at once occupy the place of the old stock, which
must be removed to a little distance. The returning bees will
n?ake up a swarm which, having their own queen and a brood-
comb to commence with, will probably do quite as well as if
they had issued naturally. Tlie place which the abstracted comb
occupied in the old hive should, if possible, be filled up by a
spare worker-comb, or if this cannot be done, the remaining
combs must be brought close together, so as to leave the vacancy
on one side. The reason for this is, that if the bees supply the
place of the missing comb before a young queen is hatched, they
are pretty sure to fabricate only drone-comb, which would be »
decided disadvantage near the centre of the hive, and had better
be removed even if made as a side-comb. One of the advantages
of bar-hives is, that they enable us to limit the production of
drones by removing superfluous drone-combs.

If other hives are to be operated on, it had better be done
eight or nine days after the first. By this time tlie bees in the
old stock will have formed perhaps twenty, or even thirty queen-
cells. Leaving two or three of these to insure the production of
a young queen, as many of the others m.>y be cut out as will
supply the hives now to be deprived of their queens, with a
couple of royal cells for each, and these will have the advantage,
of producing queens eight or nine days earlier than would other-
wise be the case; thus reducing the interregnum to about a
week or even less. If queen-cells are numerous, their introduction
may be etl'ected by simply exchanging a comb in each hive ; if
they have to be cut out, a tiiangular bit of comb with the apex,
downwards should be cut out with them, and inserted in a
similarly shaped hole cut in the centre of one of the combs of
the hive into which they are to be introduced. The greatest
care is necessary to avoid bruising royal embryos, and tho

♦ An instance has recently occurred in my own apinry. in ^vhicli the b^es-
of a small urtiticial swarm, Imving failed in their tirst attemiits ti» raise a
queen, would not arail themselves of a second opportunity when a brood-
comb was given theui. Keing afterwards furnished with a sealed royal cell
they at once firmly affixed it to their comb, and now appear likely to raise a
queen.

+ It both colonies arc queenless, the bees and queen from a toudcnined
hive should be added to each.

} This comb should be carefully examined in order to ascertain that no
royal cells are attached to it. If any be found, the queen should be trans-
ferred to another comb, and the royal embryos returned to the hive.

August 13, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER.

391

operation should be effected as rapidly as possible in the middle
of a warm day, as the slightest chill is likely to prove fatal. Eor
the same reason the centre of one of the middle-combs is a better
position for royal cells than allowing them to remain on the
edges of the comb, where they are usually placed by the bees. —
A Detonshikb Bee-keepeu.

ExHiBiTioir OF Bees and Bee-hites. — On the 20th inst.
will be opened in the Orangerie, at the Luxembourg, Paris, an
exhibition of bees and bee-hives, for competitors of all nations.

THE CANAET AND THE BEITISH FINCHES.

^Continued from page 331.)

3.— THE GIRL BUNTING (Embeeiza Ciblus).
German, Der Zaunammer. French, Le Zizi, or Bruant de Haye.

With this bird I am scarcely acquainted, it being the only
one of the small British hard-billed birds that I have not kept
in confinement ; but as the present series would be incomplete
without a notice of it, I need not apologise for quoting the
following description.

A correspondent, writing to a contemporary says, " That the
Bunting may be regarded as a very common bird in the neigh-
bourhood of Penzance ; but it is more a bird of the grove than
hedgerows, except where there are trees. In this particular
it differs from its closely allied relative, the common Yellow
Bunting, which is a complete hedgebush bird in its general
habits. We are indebted to our celebrated countryman, Colonel
Montague, for adding this bird to our list of British birds, and
pointing out its specific difference from the Yellowliammer.
He discovered it in the south of Devon, and it has since been
observed in the southern counties pretty generally distributed.
Erom its general resemblance to the Yellow Bunting, it was
probably overlooked until his zealous attention, as to points of
natural history, enabled him to detect its specific value. The
female is scarcely to be distinguished from the female of the
Yellow Bunting, except that there is less of a yellow tinge in the
plumage. The character of the nest, as to shape, locality, and
materials, is the same ; but the eggs may always be distinguished
by their rather smaller size, and by being marbled over with deep
brown markings, appearing almost black, instead of reddish-
crimson, which may be observed in the common species. I can
always detect the bird, when not visible amongst trees, by its
song. Every one knows, in the Yellowhammei*'s song, the final
note, resembling the word ' Twee,' a third in tone higher than
the introductory twitter. The Cirl Bunting's song never ends
in a protracted high note, but i(s little ditty, at a little distance,
very much resembles, from its greater rapidity, the trilling
passage of the Wood Wren — in fact, it might aptly be termed
Emberiz 1 sibilatrix. — E. H. R., Penzance."

The Rev. J. C. Atkinson, in his "British Birds' Eggs and
Nests," gives the Cirl Bunting also the names of " French
Yellowliammer," and "Black-throated Yellowhammer " — "a
bird," he says, "long overlooked by our native ornithologists,
and perhaps more frequently occurring than is even suspected ;
«till it is by no means a very common bii-d, though indentified
as occurring in most of the southern counties."

The description of nest and eggs is from the Rev. O. Mon'is'
work on "British Birds and Kggs :" — "The nest is placed in
furze or low bushes, and is usually made of dry stalks of grass,
and sometimes a little moss, and lined with fine roots or a few
hairs. The eggs are four or five in number, of a dull blueish-
■white, streDked and speckled with dark brown; They vary much
in colour."

Mr. J. 51. Bechstein, in his " Natural History of the Birds of
Germany," while writing of the Cirl Bunting, says, "The top of
the head and upper parts of the neck are olive green, with small
black streaks. A golden yellow stripe passes from the nostril
over the eye to the middle of the side of the neck. Another from
■under the corner of the beak ; obliquely through them a black
one, which, behind the yellow under eye stripe, passes down
and joins the black from the chin. The back and shoulder-
feathers are a fine light brown : on the back mixed with black
and greenish-jellow, and on the shoulder-feathers only, edged
witli yellowish-green ; the rump-feathers olive green, edged
"with faint longitudinal dark brown stripes. The lesaer covert

feathers on the wings olive green j the next row blackish, with
brownish-yellow borders ; the largest wing-coverts and the quill-
feathers grey black ; the covert- feathers and the secondary quill-
feather edged with brownish-red ; and the primary quill-feathers
having a narrow yellowish-green border. The slightly cloven
tail black ; the two outer feathers having a white wedge-shaped
spot, all edged with a narrow border of yellowish-green. The
throat black ; lower down golden yellow. The breast fine olive
green. On the sides near the belly light chestnut brown. The
rest of the under parts golden yellow.

" The female is readily distinguishable from the male by her
much lighter colour. The head and back of neck are olive green,
and more striped with black. The back and shoulders are lighter
rust brown, more spotted with black. The rump more streaked
with black. The tail more daik grey than black. The stripes
over and under the eyes of a paler yellow, a blackish line passing
across the eyes, and which joins the dark borders of the cheeks.
The upper part of the throat brownish, and occasionally spotted
with black. On the lower part of the neck a lighter yellow spot.
The breast light olive-coloured, with some small black streaks,
and reddish-brown longitudinal spots. The remainder of the
under parts pale yellow.

" The young are, before the first moult, on the upper part of
the body light brown mixed with black, and on the under parts
pale yellow, and black streaked on the breast. The older they
become the more they attain the olive-green shade."

Bechstein further remarks, " They are easily tamed. The call
of this Bunting may be recognised by the tone ' zi, zi, za, zirr,'
and his song, that has some resemblance to that of the Ytllow-
hammer's, though less melodious, by the syllables «i>, zis, i«, jor,
gor, gor.

" They feed in summer chiefly on cabbage caterpillars and
small black earth beetles."

" They breed," he says, " but once a-year. In the latter part
of July they may already be found in the fields with their
young, particularly in cabbage fields in the neighbourhood of
willow trees."

Bechstein considers it a bird of passage in Germany. In this
country they seem to stay all the year.

According to Mudie, " In winter the Cirl Buntings associate
with the Yellow Buntings, which they resemble in their manners
their notes, and partially also in their appearance, only they are
rather smaller. Their air is softer, and their colours are more
varied, and perhaps upon the whole finer. The voice, too, is not
so loud or harsh, and the chirp of the female is particularly
soft. It appears to be rather more on insectivorous bird than
the more common species."

The different sexes and the young of this species seem to have
been described by some naturalists as distinct kind?, owing,
probably, to the little that was known of them. — B. P. Bhent.
{lo he continued.)

SPARROWS.

I FOUND a vast deal has been said relative to Sparrows in
your Journal. All labour under very mistaken ideas with re-
gard to the usefulness of these birds, or flying mice, as my friend
Mr. Newman properly terms them.

Ihey do not consume caterpillars or insects. I have wit-
nessed that in numbers of instances, in my own premises : on the
contrary, they pick and eat every bud from fruit trees, and young
green food, peas, seeds, &c., as they come up. I have numbers of
Sparrows around my garden when a plum tree is covered with
lice and caterpillai's, likewise the cabbages and peas ; they have
ample opportunity of consuming them, but are entirely neglected.

Mice and Sparrows I never did yet hear or know of their
usefulness. I do not know of a single case where a farmer, or a
market-gardener, would wish to preserve such vermin ; on the
contrary, always did and always will employ some means for
their destruction, where they are very numerous.

I am desirous to argue upon facts and plain truths. Let the
person wlio can convince me that I am in error, and I will most
willingly submit. — X. Y:

VARIETIES.

MAinjFACTiTEE OF Cayenke Peppee — Anj consumer of this
article, who has no intention of poisoning himself, hud better
make it for his own use. Any of the species of Capsicum may

392

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 13, 1861.

be employed, Lut Capsicum frutcscens is ihe best. It is a half-
shrubby plant, iind will la*t for several years if kept in a sufneient
temperature. Capsicum annum, the common kind, is an annual,
and is reared from seed in spring in a hothouse, pit, cr hoi bed,
and mnj be grown in pots, set at this season in Ihe greenhouse.
None of them ripen tlieir fruit out of doors in Scotland. The
green pods of any of the species, when nearly full-grown, are
put into bcttles of "vinegar and corked up ; in tliat way they
form what is called hot or chili vinegar. AVhen the pods are
ripe they are dried in a moderately cool ovtn (not in the sun,- as
recommended in cookery books, as tl'at takes the colour out of
them). The seeds are carefully extracted (and they may be
used for making hot vinegar also) as soon ts the pods are dry
and crisp; they are pounded in a mortar, dried again and
pounded until they are reduced to the finest powder possible,
and, when sifted through a fine gauze sieve, bottled up fur use.
The addition of salt or flour, which is the first step towards
adulte' ation, is useless. Tc such an extent is adulteration carried,
that of twenly-eight samples examined by Dr. Hussall, and
published in the "Reports of the Analytical Sanitary Commission
of the Lancet" twenty-four were found to be adulterated, and
that most dangerously. Thirteen specimens contained red lead,
seven red ochre, and one sulphuret of mercury. Bed lead, itself
an active poi?on, and mahogany eawdust— tlie former to add
weight and the latter bulk — may be detected in most samples
purchased in the shops. The expressed juice of the fresh,
ripe pods, forms Ihe liquid cayenne which is usually imported
from the AVest Indies. Genuine cayenne pepper could not
be sold at five times the price it is, and even it is doubtful
if it can be got genuine from Apothecaries' Hall. When
genuine, it is ot an intense bright colour*, as fine in consibtence
as the finest flour, and feels equally soft to the touch.— (&oi<isA
Farmer^

Antiqoity of the Pig. — The Pig is the existing representa-
tive of a very ancient race of mammals which lived and died
upon this earlh long before there were Christians to devour, or
Jews to abhor, their flesh. The same species ofwUd boar ihat
was hunted by our forefathers was contemporary wilji the mam-
moth, cave-bear, and the long-haired rhinoceros. Some persons
imagine that geology deals only with fossil s'helis or fishes; but
there is a vast deal of interest attached to the geological history
of the predecessors and representatives of our domestic airimals.
We know that the wild ancestor of our domestic pig was in
existence before the separation of England from the Continent
of Europe ; and that the hunter, had huirters then lived, might
have chased tlie boar through forests thesite of wiiich is now occu-
pied by the waves of the EngHsh Cliannel. Mammoths, tigers,
and rliinoceroses perished, but the wild boar lived, and lives still
on the Continent of Europe, though extinct here. — (Old Bones ;
by the Eev. W. S. Simonds.)

muslin tied over, into bottlfs in which a lump of sugar has been
previously placed in each. In a twelvemonth this wine will be
quite equal to any foreign light kind. If when bottled the
bottles are laid down side by side, the wine when opened will be
sparkling like champagne : if placed upright the wine will be
i " still."

EHUBAEB WINE.

In your JorHNAL op HoRTicnLTUKE — which, by the way, I
wish every domesticated woman would rea't — I find an inquir*y
made for rhubarb wine. The recipe I herewith send will be
found an invaluable one. It has been tried by myself many
times. I thrnk a correspondent in a former Number of The
JO0HNAL OF HORTICCLTtJBE is wrong in staling that the rhubarb
should not be bruised ; and possibly he may be right too, if he
gathers the rhubarb before September. — E. Waeekn, of " The
Ladles' Treasury^

Ingredients for one gallon ; —6 lbs. of rhubarb stalks, 1 gallon
of water, 4 lbs. of loaf sugar, 1 lemon, a quarter of an ounce of
isinglass, not gelatine. In September, when the rliubarb is
woody, bruise, with a wooden mallet in a tub, 6 lbs. of stalks to
a perlect mash or pulp. Pour on this 1 gallon ol hard water.
Let it lie six days, stirring it up three times a-day. On the
sixth day strain the liquor thr'ough a coarse sieve, then again
through onolher strainer of doubled musliu. Now add 4 lbs.
of powdered loaf sugar and on** lemon, melufiing the peel, sliced
very thin. Stir altogether till the sugar be quite dissolved.
Let it remain in this state undisturbed for ten days. Then,
without disturbing the dregs, strain Ihe liquor olf through
doubbd niuclin, and place it in a two-gallon jar uncorked for
eight weeks, when fermentation will have ceased. Then dissolve
the isinglass in a tablespoorrful of boiling water, put it to the
liquor, and cork the jar down. In six months pour it gently
from the jar through a wine-funnel, or common funnel with

A COEKESPONDENT in last week's Number wishes for a good
receipt for rhubarb wine. As I make it every year, and it always
proves most excellent, and is most easily made, perhaps you
will kindly insert this receipt in your next Number.

Take 5 lbs. of rhubarb, cut as for tarts, then add to such
quantity 1 gallon of cold water ; place it in a tub or vessel, where
it may remain eight or nine days, taking cai'e to stir it well up
at least t« o or three times a-day ; then strain it off, and to every
gallon of liquor add 4 lbs. of loaf sugar, then juice of a lemon,
wiih part of the rind of Ihe same ; put it into the cask with a
httle isinglass dissolved. The cask must not be slopped down-
for a month, and you may bottle it in ten or twelve months.
— R. S. H.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Incubators for Hatching Chickens (Suhscriber). — Cantelo and Minaei
are those who=e names nre identified with artificial hatching in this
country. Anything will innke a hafchinpr-machine. The commonpst kitchen
oven p-Hrtly tilled with dry sand, aiitl kept at a proper lemperatme, will
unTailinfjIy h.itch eggs. It ciin be done with greater certainty where gas
can be made ut^e of. Hatching^ is too often to the amateur what marriage
is said to be to a man — then his troubles begin. He cannot make a
mother. An incubator is useful in hot weather as a means of pioviding
every hen with a Uir-je brood of chicken?, but the artificial mother is worse
than nothing. Incubators n*.iiy be useful in hatching' Game.

TooD FOR RiNO Doves ( A S'thscribe}\ Cheltenham). — Rape seed, wheat,
and occasionally a little hempseed.

Proposed Substitute for Frames (J. 7*., Tunhridge Wells'^. — ** A
vertical piece attached to the centre of the bar, renchinp near the bottom
of the hive, and carrying a short horizontal piece," might afford support
to the comb, but would not answer the same purpose as frames; the
primary advitiitage of which is, that thev prevent the combs being attached
to any part of the box, and thereby render their reui'ival and replacement
perfectly easy at all times. The additional support which they give to the
combs is quite a secnndary consiiieration. Anv diviniun of the combs in
the centie would interfere very injuriously with the breeding part of the
hive, and probably thwart the breedinR powers of the queen, hy inducing
her to lay eggs only on one side of the proposed upright.

Mode op Supporting Fallen Combs.— The printer having inverted
the woodcut illustrating the article on this subject which appeared last
week, I t-hould be glad to hare it re-inserted in its uatur.il position thus:—

X find that the engraver has al.=o omiited to continue the binding-wire
round the supporling slip of wood. This is, however, wn omiawon which
any one can readily supply, and ihe woodcut when properly plac-ed i»
intelligible enoMfjh. I ni;iy add that since the former articl; was written.
I have again hafl recourse to this mode of supporting fallen combs. »nd
have again fi und it answers most perfectly.— A Dlvosshirk Bhk-keepeu.

Fishing in the Darjent (F. <?.).— Parties living at liie "Lion," Far-
ningham, can tLsh iu the Darent, and there is p'enty of fish, but they want
catching.

Stings of Befs and AVasps.— Sweet oil imtantly applied is the best
remedy for stings of bees ur wasps. Glycerine is equally good. — E. W.

LONDON MARKETS.— AuuusT 12.
POULTET.

The market is very quiets oiid there is scarcely sufficient trade to ju^^tify
quotations. We may look ne.\t week for the acvent of Grouse to infuse a
little life,

a. d I E»ch— ». rf. f. d

4 0 Guinea Fowls 0 0 to 0 t>

.1 0 Levirets 0 0 „ 0 0

2 0 I Pigeons 0 8 „ 0 0

2 9 I Rabbits 1 3 „ 1 4

5 6 Wild 0 8 „ 0 9

Each-
Large Fowls

Smaller Fowls

Chickens

Ducks

—9.

3
2
1
2
5

6 to

I"
6 ,.

Geese

0 „

August 20, ISSl. ]

JOCRKiL OF HOaTICtTLTURE AND COTrAGE aARDENER

393

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day i

of I "f I

M'ntli Week.!

AUGUST 20-26, 1861.

20
21
22
23
24
2S
26

We^tbbb icEAK London in 1860.

Barometer. Thermom. "Wind.

I Rain in
Inches.

To
W
Th

V

S
Sum

M

Tagetes.

Sun's declin. 12° 53' .v.

Mirabilis.

IXosa mosehata, &e.

St. Rauthoi.omew.

13 scndav after trinity,

Pri.nce Consort born, 1S19.

29.7S9-29.77S
29.901-29.815
29 619-29 430
29.839-29.681
29. 774-29.-57 8
29.687—29.605
29.759-29.746

Ae.s.

de?.

68-

-50

69-

-50

65-

-42

65

-44

su-

-52 1

es

-48 ,

69—19

w.

■w.

s.w.

w.

8.W.
S.W.

w.

•36
■0!
•45
•24
•48
•20

San

Sun

Rises.

Sets.

m. h.

m. h.

55af4

11 af 7

1 57 4

9 7

53 4

7 7

1 v

5 7

1 5

3 7

' 3 5

1 7

1 5 5

VI

Moon

Hisps

Moon's

and Sets

Age.

m. t.

ri8e8

O

6 d 7

15

21 7

16

36 7

17

53 7

18

12 8

19

36 8

20

Clock

before

Sun.

Day of
Tear.

1 35

232
2S8
234
23S
2.36
237
23S

Meteorology of the Week. — At ChiBwick, from observations durinof tb** Ust thirty-fonr years, the average highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 72' and 50.4' respectively. The greatest heat, Sa', occurred on the 15th in 1859 ; and the lowest cold, 32 ,
on the 2l5t in 1850. During the period 137 days were fine, and on 101 rain fell.

FUENISHING VASES WHEN THE ELOWEES
ABE FEW.

EESONS wlio possess small gar- I
dens (and who having probably
nursed every plant affection-
ately, cannot bear to think of
depriving it of its beauty, even
to remove that gayness to the
drawing-room vases), may be
glad to hear how to gather
flowers with the smallest waste,
and how to arrange them to
make the greatest show.

The rules for this are very
simple, though a design for it is impossible, as so much
depends on the arranger's taste and lijihtness of touch in
placing the flowers ; so that even if I could accurately
describe the eflect of a well-arranged vase, it would
become stiff" from the mere restraint of copying.

My best advice in a case like this would be to take,
in the first place, abundance of green, if the nosegay is
to be of a solid style. In that case it does not much
matter what the green may be — Myrtle, Geranium,
Privet, Box or Laurustiuus, Carrot leaves, and even in
winter the curly Kale leaves. Asparagus, too, in summer,
is excessively pretty, and looks like a plant of Heath ;
and from the woods and hedgerows, if one is in tlie
country, innumerable green things can easily be brought
in, of which amongst the prettiest are green moss tresses.
Having an abundant foundation of green — the preen
itself being arranged as carefully for the effects of light
and dark as though it were the bouquet ; making it,
however, not in broken lights, but well massed together
— the next thing to be done is to see what flowers the
garden can afford us. As a general rule, all flowers of
thin texture, and most especially so those which combine
with it a rather pale and delicate colour, or which close
up quicKly, are not only sources of annoyance to the
garden-bed, but of no avail whatever to the drawing-room
vase. They are tempting to gather ; because they look at
first so pretty in one's hand, seen alone and closely, and
because one fancies they will not be very badly missed
considering they are small. But very much mistaken
are both of these ideas. They are missed a good deal if
gathered in any quantity, since generally they grow low,
and are filling up some corner, and certainly they do
not improve the bouquet ; for, being thin and wanting in
vividness of colour, if they do not shut up at once or
tumble off the stalk, they often are more apt to do harm
than good.

The larger flowers, of course, must be gathered with
grave consideration, and they must be gathered by some
one who has the vase in view and guesses generally at
how she wants to fill it. Let us suppose, for instance,
a garden to contain, as many gardens do, scarlet, pink,
and white bedding-out Geraniums, Verbenas, Carna-
tions, China Asters, Koses, and Calceolarias. Petunias
No. 21. — Vol. I., New^eeies

we will not speak of, as they seldom answer well for
gathering. Nemophila, Convolvulus, &l'., are too fragile
to be worth picking ; and out of the others also there is
an abundant choice.

The chief thing to avoid is gathering scarlet and pink
Geraniums, or scarlet and pink Verbenas. Pink and
dark rose colour do well in both together, but the pink
and scarlet in the same flowers are so much alike that
they want to be more or less so. and in looking at the
nosegay one unconsciou.^ly compares them.

A good-sized vase well filled with green for the solider
part and edges, would look very well with several white
or very light flowers put in in different places dotting
about the vase, then working to one side of the white,
but by no means at regular distances (at least, for a first
attempt, a.s in very mixed arrangements any degree of
form is difficult to do well). Perhaps, at the back or side
of one of the lighter flowers a piece of dark Verbena, a
Clove Carnation, a red Kose, or even two or three such
flowers cai-elessly grouped together, and generally the
better for being of the same kind. (I should mention
that I only name the light flowers to give myself a start-
ing-point from which I can describe.) Say that above a
cluster of crimson lioses one had two or three pieces of
white and pale pink Verbena sliyhtlj' verging towards
the liyht flower next door. Underneath, on the shady
side, if anywhere, the purple or mauve Verbena, lighted
up in its turn, when the time conies for lighting, which
is only at the very last, with a little piece of velvety
scarlet Geranium, and it is the more essential to choose a
deep full scarlet because of the purple being so dead that
a paler, thinner colour would look poor by its side.

These purple Verbenas must be only looked on as
shades ; a flower-glass will look no fuller for them,
though sometimes they will answer in filling up a shadow.
These dark flowers, however, should always be arranged
not to overshadow, but to be enlivened by, the lighter
flowers near.

The centre of the v?se will probably have a cluster of
Eoses, or a fine Geranium, which shows extremely well
if surrounded with four of its own good-size.d leaves If
Roses are used there, one or two little pieces of Scarlet
Geranium often prove effective for lighting up the
centre. A Water Lily is particularl}' beautiful when ic
can be had. So are Passion-Flowers well relieved with
scarlet or with crimson. But the very centre should be
always some grandish flower or a distinct light sort of
; group-light, not in colour so much as in arrangement.
Spikes of Mignonette do better in the middle than in
any other place. A good group of Carnations answers
beautifully, and sometimes one may make a merit of a
difference, just as at another time one tries to be all alike.
So five or six splendid Carnations of various stripes and
colours may look very striking.

When the general effect of the nearly finished vase is
that the edge is darker than the centre, a few little sprays
of yellow Calceolaria may be introduced with very great
advantage, and it will, better than any flower I know,
light up the vase without toning down as white does, or
No C73.— Vol , XXVt., Old Seeiks.

394

JOUBNAL or HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 20; 1861.

reddening the colour too mucli as scarlet does, when not
wanted for its oxvn sake. The yellow may have put in
against it a good-sized spray of the dark orange brown
sort of Calceolaria, which has often a very good effect,
and decides the yellow to be really gold colour. If the
centre should be the heaviest, it may probably require
the addition of a little red or pink or white to give it
liveliness, as well as a little yellow to give the required
light. Light and gay. in this instance, having a different
meaning, as may easily be seen by substituting Scarlet
Geranium for the bright yellow flower, when it will look
rather darker than it did before.

The lights must not be too numerous, nor too large,
nor too near the actual centi'c. I think for them it is
best to slip in the flower (the stalk smooth snd deprived
of leaves), and then to cut off with sharp scissors any too
many of the "Ladies Slippers."

China Asters, Stocks, and dull-coloured Verbenas
should never advance much into notice. Sometimes a
good China Aster may, but generally vases are better with
lighter-formed flowers in the more conspicuous places, and
when there is a choice, I think if there is much scarlet in
the vase the yellow-tinged light flowers do better than
those of a pinkish or bluish hue, which in their turn again
answer best where the chief tone is crimson. — E.

THE MUTISIA FAMILY.

This family was high up in the peerage of the flower garden
when I first came to London ; but I should like to know how
many gardeners of the present day, out of every thousand of
them who have not yet graduated in tl.e craft, who know what
a Mutieia is, or wliat it is like.

There is aometliing in the wind just now, which will bring a
notice of this family as a welcome visitor to every garden and
gardemr in tlie three kingdoms ; and as that something is cer-
tainly worth talking about, let us begin at the beginning, and
go back just for threescore years and ten.

Tlie Spaniards were then as high in the New World as ever
they were low in the old one, and Cavanilles was then their
great liotanist. Jlutis was a Spaniard out in South Amerii'a,
who had a botanical turn for flowers, and gathered many new
ones, which Cavanilles booked, just as we do ; and for Iiis doings
Mutis had the most curious family in Soutli America, apart from
OrchuJs, named after him by the very professor who, very likely,
lectured the first notions of botany into his head.

The first of tlie family whidi I recollect came into cultivation
here in England at the same time as Eccremocarpus scabra,
Lophospermum scandens, Rododiiton volubile, and Bignonia
Cheriri ; but the latter bloomed only for the first time then, and
not till then was proved to be a new half-hardy climber like
Muiisia, Eccremocarpus, Lophosjiermum, and Rodochiton. The
May following I saw 250,000 people in one field in Yorkshire
crying for tlic first Reform Bill, and I saw the day before or
after tliat gathering a second Mutisia wiih Mr. Cooper, at Went-
wortli House, the best bulb grower tlien in the county. This
was more curious still, " thistle blades wi' vine claspers at the
ends o' tliem," as a Scotchman would say. Yes, this, then a
new greenhouse climber, liud soft, spiny, thistle-like leaves, witli
a tendril at the top end of each leaf, by which tendril all the
Mutisiiis climb and find their own supports ; and they are so
very dillerent from all other climbers, in being composites with
such out-of-the-way leaves that Ihey were universal favourites
for a year or two thirty years back ; but they were so difficult
to propagate, and the people had not then g^ven up the mad
habit of over-heating every mortal iliing from a foreign country,
and with too much heat Mutitias sulked and would not bloom,
and soon they were doomed. But now that gardeners have
thrown the mad cap over the wall, they can bloom Disas in the
open air ; and tiie Messrs. Veitch exhibited a most splendid new
Mutisia at the last meeting of the Floral Committee, which is as
great a novelty in its way as the flowers of Di.^a giandiflora are
from every-day flowers. J'hey say it is perfedly hardy, and that
it stood 26° of frost last winter, or, in other words, the mercury
was dovvn to 6° on the thermometer wliere the plant was
probably down at Fxeter. 'Ill' fhiwers of thi^ hardy Mutisia
put you in mind of those of Gazania rigens, when the florets roll

back to their full stretch with the sun ; but the florets of this
Mutisia are half as wide again, and half as long again, and not
quite so sharp-pointed as in Gazania rigens, and, moreover, they
are of a yolk-of-egg-yellow, very near the tint called velutina.

Eccremocarpus and Mutisia on their first appearance in our
gardens made such slender and long-jointed growth that it was
very awkward to get handy cuttings from them, and the cuttings
were very difficult to manage then ; but propagation has made
great progress since 1830, and no one now wants cuttings of
Eccremocarpus of those days. But the Mutisias made no pro-
gress in a different way of growth .- therefore, the way to get the
best plants of them thirty years back, and the best cuttings, and
the most flowers, must, of necessity, be welcome news to country
gardeners, and to some others.

Like all others of the fast-running, soft-wooded, half-hardy,
and hardy climbers, the Mutisias do best in maiden compost, like
that in the flower-beds of the new grand garden at South Ken-
sington. There is nothing en the face of the earth, or under it,
in which gay flowers come out more fresh and beautiful than in
maiden soil. AU the manures and liquids in the world do not
give that gloss and freshness to flower-garden plants, and to such
climbers as this Mutisia, as newly-broke-up ground, or the top
spit of most commons when it is about half rotten. If I had
a grand conservatory for climbers inside and outside of it, I
would have the inside in four divisions, and the outside in six
divisions, and Mutisia would be in the sixth division. The
reason for the four divisions of borders inside the house and the
six divisions outside is this, that I would never allow my gar-
deners to let one of my best inside climbers be in one particle of
soil that was over four years old from the time it was fresh from
the common, and I would have every particle of the soil in one-
fourth of my border for climbers removed every year in April,
to be filled with nothing but fresh turfy soil without any manure
stronger than a little rough leaf mould.

The Mutisia latifolia and illicifolia, if I recollect rightly about
their names, would be in-doors, but in the coolest part of the
house, and where I could order the shoots to be trained out to
the open air from the end of May till the frost, as with Tac-
sonias. The outside borders, as they receive more and purer
air and rain water, I would not disturb oftener than once in
six years — one-sixth part of the borders to be renewed annually.
Mr. Veitch's grand new hardy composite chmber would be in
one of these divisions, full to the south or south-west. For the
first four years after planting, this and the other two Mutisias,
if they are still to be had, I would cut them down to very near
the surface of the grouud in April, early or late in the month,
according to the earliness or lateness of the spring ; and about
the middle of May I should expect to get my annual crop of
cuttings from the extra number of little shoots then pushing up
for the mastery. Unless this new one be very different from the
old ones — and it does not seem to me to be so— I am satisfied
that no gardener out of twenty will be able to increase it by
cuttings after the shoots attain a length of 6 inches or 9 inches :
therefore, be on the look out for the best time for striking it
and for the best sorts of cuttings, because this will be sure to be
a high-priced plant for some years to come ; not but what
the nurserymen will be able to strike it or root it all the year
round, for nothing seems to come amiss to first-rate nursery-
propagators now-a-days. The reason I mentioned Eccremo-
carpus and the other common climber as having been introduced
into cultivation at the same time as Mutisias, was in order to
show how easily Mutisias might have been flowered to this day
had they but received the same kind of out-of-door treatment
during the summer; and to be cut back yearly, as you well
know suits all our common softwooded climbers and all our
woody ones wliich bloom on the growth of the present season,
like Passion-Flowers and Clematises.

If I were young again, and with my present experience, I
would certainly beat all the fancy gardening in the country with
my climbers ; I would take more pains and pride in them than
in anything else about the garden, except Grapes ; but my Graprs
and my climbers would, indeed, be Grapes and climbers worth
going any distance to see. But you might like to know how
I should manage with my renewed borders for that class of
climbers. Do you think I would throw away the old plants,
and layer or get from cuttings a fresh lot of youngsters at tlie
end of every four years or six years ? Not a bit of it. At the
end of thirty years my Mutisias would bo as fresh as this new
one from the Exotic Nursery, King's Road, London. I would
get every root and fibre of them up safe as a bedding plant, and

August 20, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOBTICIJLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

395

I -H-ould prune the big roots, and see whether six-inch lengths
of them would not make better plants than the best cuttings,
and I might try to graft the ripe parts of last summer's wood
on the best pieces of these prunings of roots, and then experi-
ment on the three ways of getting my stock of plants — the root
cuttings against the old stool, and the grafted on the root plants
against the other two. It is very likely I should discover some
better plan than our common routine amcngst such a quantity
of experiments and kinds of plants ; for I would have at least
every hardy climber that was worth growing. I would allow
the existing generation to go tlie way of all the earth, but I
would teach the next that Nature designed climbers to be the
superlatives of the whole vegetable kingdom. After that the
world would assist Nature instead of warring against it, as they
do in this generation in the matter of climbers. Of course I
would have a geothermal border, but I would not heat the soil
for climbers as the Erenchman said.

The way I would do it would be to have the border for the
outside climbers mostly above the level of the rest of the garden.
I would not mind if the bottom was wet or dry, hard or soft ;
for I would prevent the roots getting there at all. I would have
the bottom a little on the slope, and I would thatch it with red
roofing-tiles in two courses — that is, instead of having ridge tiles
to cover the edges of the flat tiles as in roofing, I would have
all flat tiles with tumed-up edges. Then, after placing the first
two rows of them across one end of the border, 1 would place a
third row over the first two. The joint between the two lower
tiles would thus be under tlie centre of the upper course, and
that the whole way of the border ; and the spaces between the
edges of my upper course of tiles I would fill with rubble
stones. That would make a honeycomb-bottom for hot air or
steam, and with either a due proportion of ammoniacal gas ; then
20 inches deep of the maiden soil, and a sunk trench along the
whole bottom side of the border, and a foot lower than the
lowest course of tiles. That trench would include the drainage
from the border and the source of my geothermal requisites. The
tiles, or the iipper course of them, and the stones between them,
I would keej) at from 80° to 90° of heat from April to October,
and at 60° for the winter. Moist beat, recollect, all the time, and
to be charged with ammonia from May to September. 1 am satis-
fied the day is not distant when such borders will be fed with
volatile ammonia from below, instead of making muck pies of
them as sume people do both in the preparation and in the after
digging-in of manure.

But, as I was going to say about the old stools of these
climbers, why, except as to the lengths of some of the two-year-
old roots, you might understand it all by the usual practice with
pot Pelargoniums. They are overhauled once a-year : and why ?
My climbers only once in four years if they be inside a house,
and only once in six years if not. But mind me ! I never
would tie my hands to any one thing about plants and a garden.
If I saw anything wrong, or not just right enough to my Uking,
I would be into it and at the bottom of it the first year or
any year in the run. When such things aie done as I say, it is a
chance if one in a hundred ever requires anything extra being
done for it to the end of the stated period. But why remove
a climber just at the time it is at its best mood? might be a
natural question. Would it not be just as natural to ask why
Mr. Turner, and those who compete with him in softwooded
plants, renew the soil and the roots annually ; or why Mr. Elvers
casts out the dead roots of last summer's growth, if not to make
room for those of next spring and summer to luxuriate in
renewed earth p The truth is, the building and planting of
a conservatory to last for a lifetime belongs to the last gene-
ration. It will not do in these fast fancy days, and it is not
right it should. Everything must be kept young-like, fresh-
looking, full of free growth and sure bloom, clean as Pinks, and
sweet as Violets ; and if not so, better not be, or be but one-
quarter of the thing to be done. Accustom an Oak, or a
Geranium, or any plant between the two, to periodical removal,
and the roots will soon mass and keep near home; so that
moving one of such plants does not mean the old way of trans-
planting at all, but more hke shifting from one pot to another.
It is the fresh soil and the great vigour of the annual root under
this treatment which makes the grand display ; and it is the
running out of the goodness of old borders, bare roots and
feeders far away from reach of what to feed upon, which cause
hide-bound scaly barks, and curls, blisters, moulds, and vermin
in nine-tenths of the climbers of the fast-dying-oif generation.
When a free-growing climber like these Mutisias has nothing

to feed on, or next to nothing, the next move is that it will feed
on itself, if you can understand how that can be ; and it is
when a plant begins to feed on itself that it is most liable to
insects, and the rea=on for that is that it is then much more
palatable or exciting food for the vcmiu. It is a very curious
thing — a plant feeding on itself. When a plant is said to be
dying by inches, it is, as sure as I say it, feeding on itself,
and will not die outright as long as there is aught to supply the
last risuig of the leaf at night. Science tells you that the leaves
pump up the sap from the roots to fill all the pores of a plant and
to keep themselves in food which they digest. Then, when the
roots get but one-half or one-third of the necessary quantity of
feeding matter in the soil, the rest is made up by the leaves
consuming what ought to keep the wood in sap. Then the juices
in the leaves and young top shoots are sweet as honey to some
kind of insect or another, and it is sure to come. D. Beaton.

VENTILATING OUCHAED-HOUSES.

We built three houses, 60 feet by 20 feet, with ample gable
ventilation, but no ventilators in the roof, as it was thought to
be unnecessary. One of these, after being used (or forcing
Koses, was filled with Cucumbers trained under the roof. These
were a magnificent crop, but after a time the centre of the house
became infested with red spider, which no effort could keep
under. I also observed that another house, filled with Vines,
had not such weU-coloured fruit in the middle of the house ae
at each end. We, therefore, had ventilation made in the roof,
and one of oiu- men proposed the plan of opening them,
which consists of openings composed of two large panes wide;
the ventilator is opened by pulling the cord, and shuts by its
own weight when the cord is slackened. There are five of these
openings in the new ninety-feet-by-thirty-feet house, which, with
the two windows in each gable, have proved quite sufficient in
the hottest weather. As a proof more ventilation was required,
the Cucumbers, &c., are now good in all parts of the house. —
I. E. Peaesoit, Chilwell.

EOl'AL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY.

EnriT Committee. — A Meeting of the Eruit Committee was
held on Tuesday, tlic 13th inst., Mr. Edmonds in the chair.

A very fine cluster of cones of the Pinus pinaster was exhibited
by Thomas Broadwood, Esq., Holmbush, near Crawley.

A collection of Grapes was sent from the garden at Chiswick,
they were cut from the pot "Sines grown in a pit, to which we
called the attention of our readers a week or two ago. The col-
lection consisted of the following : — Early White Malvasia, which
has fruited this season for the first time for many years in the
garden, and afforded the opportunity for the Committee to dis-
cover that Burckhardt's Amber Clueter is identical with it.
Muscat Citronellc of Mr. Rivers also proved to be synonymous
with it ; but this is evidently a mistake. Smith's Sweet-
water has a bunch closely resembling the Koyal Muscadine, and
may ultimately prove to be the same ; it has a very rich flavour,
which was remarked upon by the Committee. StUlward's Sweet-
water, and Chasselas Vibert very closely resembled each other ;
both, unlike the old Sweetwater, having set remarkably well.
Chasselas Vibert is firmer in the flesh than the ether, and more
crackling ; but certainly inferior to it in flavour. Foster's White
Seedling is a large-bunched early White Grape, coming in as
early as the Sweetwater, and producing a fine large oval beiTy
of rich flavour : this the Committee pronounced to be an early
White Grape of the very first quality. Muscat Hamburgh was
well shown ; the bunch was of good size as well as the berries,
and the latter well-developed and rich in flavour. There was a
bunch of a White Grape, a plant of which had been received
from Mr. Whiting, under the name of Syrian (?) ; it was neither
Syrian nor White Nice, but bore a considerable resemblance to
the imported Grapes known as the Lisbon Grape : it had the
same thin skin adliering closely to the flesh, which is crackling,
and with a cool and rather pleasant flavour. Morisea Preta was
characterised as being "all skin and stone," it is a small Grape,
and of no merit. St. Laurent Muscat and Ottonel Muscat are
both smaR-bunched Grapes, afld with small round white berries
with a very marked Muscat flavour ; but they are so very small,
and when the fruit is quite ripe it tastes mealy. Their only
recommendation is their earliness, but that is not so mnch gre ( r

nyo

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURR AND COTTAGE GAEDSNER.

[ August 20, 1861.

ihau (list of Chasselas Musque to couipeusate for the great dif-
ft'rence in vain-'.

Mr. Wiliittm Tlionipsou, of Dalkeilh Palace Gardens, pent a
8-etlling Grape, 1 lie seed of wliiL-h was sown in tlie epritig of
j860, and uiien the fruit was cut the plant was but ^evente^'n
montlis old. "When stirtcd this lasl Sfiring the Vine was not
thicker Mian a strnw, and vet it bore six butu.-hes of Grapes —
rather hard work for one so Touug. The bun-'li exhibited wa!»,
iieverthelf?P, 9 inches long, it is slender, tapering, and not
bliOuldL-red, very well ?et, and with a stout footstalk ; the lieri'ies
are sintdl, round, white, with a thin bloom on the skin, nnd of a
ricli, and at the same time, piquant tlivour, with a sliglit trace
of t!ie Museat aronja. In the opinion of the Committee tliis will
prove a first-rate Grape, but it requires furtlier trial, and to be
grown stronger, as from being so young it cannot be expected
as yet to exinbit its full merits,

ilr. Co!i?tantine, gardener to C. Mills, Esq., of Hillingrlon
r'ourt, sent a new Wliite Grapf, which was introduced from
Bythinia in Asia Minor, and which is said to be the finest Grjipe
that conies to the Sultan's table. The bunch of this variety
was l)^ inches long, heavily shouldered, of a tapering shape, arid
very well set. Tlie berries are l^rge and oval, and tlie skin is
of a Hglit amber colour, thin, and adhering closely to the flesh.
The flebh is ra'her firm, juicy, rich, and highly ilavonrtd. This
deservedly received a Fir?t-class Certificate. When grown in
tite same hou*e with the Black Ilamburgii it comes in about a
-fortnight later.

Mr. Rivers, of Siiwhridgeworlh, ?ent a ?eedling Peaeli raised
from the Early Vork, and called the >-avly Victoria. The fmit
\^ of medium size, a week ea''lier than its par:;nt, which is one of
the earliest of Peaches, and the flavour was most delicious. Jt
was compared against Karly York, Petit Mignonne, and Karly
Anne, and far surpassed them all. As an orchard-house Peach
it was cons-idered o' firt*t-rate qJifllitv ; but the fruit being pro-
duced \inder glass the Committee decHntd to give any ojiinion
upon it as an out-door variety until it 1ms been ]>roved by being
cultivated against a wall in the open air. Mr. Rivera a'so s^nt
a seedling Nectarine r lised from Fairc'dld'^, which was exactly
similar to its parent, and showing how fixtd the character of
that variety i-^ ; a capital illustralum that varieties ?c/7i reproduce
themselves from seed, and remain true diu'ing many years.

Mr. Meyers, of Boston Lane, Brentford, •xhibiteil hpecimens
ofBemposta Apple, of whii-h there is now a large quantity in the
markets imported from Spain.

Mr. John Ne^^ton, gardener to F. G. Graham, Esq., Enfield
Chase, exhibited specimens of Irish Peach Apple.

Flohal CoMMiTTEK. — A tield day for the florists. Dahlias
and Hollyhocks in abundance, with Phloxes and Verbenas,
ought to have mide tliem happy ; and they were, in consequence,
m very high featlier, though (he p.ilm was clearly taken t)ut ol'
tlicir hands by a fiower tliat did not belong to tliem — ]llv/isia
decurrens, but more of this presently. Vet one could see how
much interest was felt in tlic long ro-v of" boxes, &e., which for
ihe first tune almost rnado the ri'om look like a small exhibition.
Unhappily everyhoHy is ou* of town, und it mould he considered
lije height of impropriety to a.Tknowledge havnig been at Ken-
sington iiillie month of August, a'ter tiie Parliament had broken
11 ), and the Queen gone out of town.

Mr. Turner, of Slough, sent a l-.rg^ inimber of seedling
Dahlias and other things. Amongst the former were— John
Spencer, dark critnson tlower ; lilondiiK a sectmd-rate ; Duchess
of I'Vellinfjion, a cupped flower, very pretty ; Ct/gnet.,6ee\} blush,
» very neot und quakcr-like looking tlower: for this a Label of
■Oommpndilion was awarded. lioh Hkllet/^ dark crimson Hower,
well filled in ihe eye, but somewhat coarse. This also received
a Label of Commendation. Fa'trtf^ yellow, too small ; (Tod,
edged flower, eye a little sunken, but will probably come up.
Tills also received a Label.

Mr. S'liTUiel Green, oT High Cro?s, exhibited Dahlia J'ariabUis,
wliich mi;'ht be useful as a decorative plant.

Comet was shown by Mr. Hopkins. This is of a dark brick-
duet cohnn-.

Mr. Cook, of Noltlrjgllill, sliowed Man/ Anne,& deep Fcarlot
flower of very rich colour, but njt considered of sufficient shape
to merit a reward.

Mr. Jveynes, of Salisbury, also showed a considerable n^imber
of blo'unr* of his o*n and Mr. DoWds' raising. Mo:«t noticeable
WHS Minnie Dwhls, which received a Label of Connnend.it'on,
Marie Cuuler, liellona, V Efuiley a fancy kind, white ground,
striped pretty jcguhirly with crimson bars. This received a

Label of Commendation. Ihere were aUo Mr:^. Crisp, a fancy
kind; Purple King; M^'.id of Balk; and Imperial Purpls.
Generally speaking. Dahlia flowers were small, and will most
probably he shown in better condition at the next Meeting.
From the gardens of the Archbishop of Armagh was sent a
variegated plant of Scrophularia nodosa (indigenous), w-hich
the f^ardener stated to be very effective for edi;ing, and being
perfectly hardy it required no care in tiie winter, 'ihe Com-
mittee did not consider it, hovvevrir, equal to other" variegated
plan's already in cultivation.

Mr. John Standish exhibited four pots of his seedling Ola-
dirdus, the Pev. Joshua D/x, whicli had already received a First-
clacs Certificate, and is unquestionablj a fine flower, of excellent
shape; Mosenherg^ which l.-^st year was awai'ded a Label of
Commendation, a crimson purple, of good form ; Mrs. Moore^ a
light fawn-coloured (lower; and Striata formo)iissimay well
deserving its name, being very beautifully arid regularly striped
with deep carndne. For this a Label of Commendation was
awtirded.

Mr. White, of VToodlands, Islewortli, sent a box of Zinuias
and some Petunias.

Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing, of Edinburgh, nndSranstead
Park Nurseries, Forest Hill, sent one of the finest boxes of seed-
ling HoHWiock blooms ever sliown. Their names were Lady
Dacre, George Keith, Mrs. Downie, Sianstead Kival, Lndg St.
Cliiir, and Pink Queen. Three of tliese were selected for award,
Staastead Rival, a truly grand satin rose fiower, well filled up
in the centre, of good substance, and great freshness. This
received a First-class Certificate, as did also anotiier, very little,
if anything, behind it— George Keith. Ihis was of a deep
criini^on colour, and very eii'ective. Lady St. Clair received a
Label of Commendation ; it was a delicate blush-coloured flower,
bvit large and good.

From Mr. Chater another collection wns exhibited, consisting
o{ Jofihua Clarke, a rnsy carmine flower, for wlueh a First-class
Certificate was awarded ; Augusta Bland, blush ; Standard
Bearer; Hon. Mrs. Gerald Wellesleg, rose; Invincible, con-
sidered to be too like Standard ; Imperial, dark crimson ; I'estal.
Agenora, Advancer, HoA-ea wagn'Jfora were also in the boxes;
but generally speaking, al hough line they did not seem to equal
th? former collection.

Another collection of inferior m-crit was stnt by Mr. Bragg, of
Slough ; and other by Mr. George Paul, of the old Cheshunt
Nurseries.

A h'brid Begonia was exhibited by Captain Trevor Clarke,
which looked as if it were a great improvement both in colour
and habit on cinnabarina ; but it was not considered in a fit
eonditinn tojuHgp of its merits.

Mr. Bull, of King's Road, Chelsea, pfnt tlireo Caladiume, of
verj inferior merit, and a hardy native Fern of grtat interest —
Athj/ritim filix-fcemina, var. FrixelUfp, and called po|iuhirly from
its appeoranee the "frizzled Fern,*' not as a free translation of
its Latin name — though, i-iTigu'arlv enough, it was discovered
Ky a Miss Frizel in the eount_v of Waterford, in Ireland. It
was jusOy awarded a First-clas? Certificate.

Messrs. Veitch k Son exiiihiied the plant already alluded to
88 the tiower of the jMeeting — Mntisia dervn-ens, a hardg climber
from the Andes ; tlic blooms (which seem numerously produced)
being of ft brilliunt orange, the petals reflexing somewliat in the
ntanner of a Tuik's-cap Lily. For this a Fu'st-cla«s Certificate
was awarded ; and ;'/' it should be easy of propagation, will no
doubt be a very popular flower ; but this I tliink is questionable.
They also sent Calceolaria species, very fragrant, with woolly
foUiige, white, with li^jht crimson spots, but not likely to be
valuable ; AmaraMhus sjyfcies, which Mr. V. considered might
be a Useful substitute for Perilla nankinensis, bemg biighler in
colour. Fuchsia Hugh Miller, a very large blush white flower,
not first-class as a florist's )iroduction, but considered useful as
a du'orstive plant — for tliis a Lahel of Commendation was
awarded ; also another, Milton^s Virgin Qufeii, not of equal
merit : Pelargonium Marie Thterrg ; and a ha'dy plant with
vellow flowers call^-d Bidens huinilis.

Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Co. sent a plant of Convolvulus
mauritanicus, a ur-eful basket plant, to which a Label of Com-
mendation had been given. Mr. Ilally, of Blnckhealii, sent
Pelarjionium Sun-^hine. Mr. Xinghorn, Lobelia Mars and
Purple Standard, the latter not fulfilling the expectalion formed
of it. Mr. Charles 'J'urner forwarded a box of Verbenas, for
which ft Special Certificate was awan'ed ; and a collection of
Pbloxes, among wliich Madame de Wettdcl, Julie Boussel^ and

August 20, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULIUEB AND COTTAGE GARDlSiiEB.

397

Lord Bi^roii were conspicuous. Mr. George Paul sent a box
of Gladiolus blooms, which were very pretty, but. served to
show how Tei'y superior in sbape and size Mr. Standisb's seed-
lings a:e.

It wiil thus be seen that the Meeting was an interesting one.
The day was brilliant, and templed one to take a walk through
the gardens, which are in great beauty ; but Mr. Beaton lias
discoursed so largely on them that I can have but little to add.
There were two grave faults to my mind in the two large shields.
One in the pattern — viz., that one side had far too many beds
to make it match with the other, and that the beds of Gazaiiia
were a failure, and I believe always will be. Half of the flowers
are closed, and this gives it a dingy appearance. The oblong
compartments with Scarlet Geranium in the centre, then a ribbon
of Piu^)jle King Verbena edged with Tropseolum were perfect.
Some beds with Phlox Eadowitski, the Purple Orach, and
Alyssum^Tariegatum intermixed were very beautiful. The gardens
altogether are now well worth seeing. — D., Deal.

EFFECTS OF THE LAST WINTER IN
LEICESTEESHIRE.

(^Continued from page 340.)

Thehb are some errors in my account or in the printing, as
" sere-like " i» repeated three times, and it should be " the like."
And all the Genistas, Aljssums, and Aubrietias are uninjured.

Iheris sempervirens was killed.

Wistaria sinensis, 12 feet, against rock uninjured, but it has
not flowered this year. W. sinensis alba, 9 inches, killed.
W. frutescens, 2 feet, killed to the ground.

Gari'va elliptica, 5 feet, uninjured.

Philadel[ihus vulgaris alba, 5 fe^t. P. (miscalled) sanguinea,
4 feet, uninjured.

Chamccrops excelsa, 6 inches, killed. This had a glass over,
but raised about 2 inches from the ground on the south side.

Bryanthus erectus, 3 inches, uninjured.

Weigela rosea and amabilis, 5 feet, uninjured.

Empetrum rubrum and nigrum, 4 inches, uninjured.

Kalniia latifolia and rubra, 2 feet. K. glauca, nana, and
angustifolia rosea, 1 foot, all uninjured.

Rhodora canadensis, 2 feet, injured.

Quercus suber, 6 feet, last year's growth killed. Q cerris,
20 feet. Q. rubra and pedunculata foliis rariegntis, 9 feet each,
Tininjured. Q. coceirera, 15 inches, killed nearly to the ground
Q. Eegiiops, 9 feet, last year's growth killed. (Removed). When

1 write this word 1 mean the plants were trnnsplantod last
November.

Hex aquifolium, T. albo-marginata and aureo-marginata, 18
feet each, lurinjured. I. aquifolium ferox, 6 feet, uninjured.
I. buleaiica, 6 feet, leader slightly injured.

Thuja occidentalis, 18 feet. T. Warreana, 4 feet, uninjured.
T. aiirea, 1 foot, injured on north side. T. Craigiana, T. gigantea,
and T. japonica, all 18 inches (removed); T. sinensis, 10 feet;
T. pendula, 3 feet, all uninjured. T. Lobbii, 2 feet, the greater
part killed. (Removed.)

Thujopsis borealis, 9 inches, uninjured. (Reimjved.)

Xiibocedrus chilensis, 5 feet, killed.

Cunninghamia sinensis, 5 feet, killed halfway down.

Cupressus Knightii, C. funebris, C. lo. ulosa and viridis, 5 feet,
killed. C. Gcveniana, 12 feet, and C. maiTOcarpa, 18 feet,
killed. C. Uhdeana, 9 feet, top of leader killed. C. Lawsonii,

2 feet, uninjured (removed). C. ericoides, 6 inches, uninjured.
Taxodium disticbum, 8 feet, uninjured. T. sempervu-ens, 8

feet, injured.

Cryptomei'ia Lobbii, 2 feet, slightly browned. C. japonica
nana, 9 inches, uninjured.

Wellingtonia gigantea, 3 feet, uninjured. (Removed.)

Abies orientalis, 1 foot; A. clanbraziliuna, 10 years' growth ;
A. Bouglassii, 2 feet; A. Khutrow, 6 leet (removed) ; A. nana,
8 inches ; A. pyramidalis, 9 inches ; A. canadensis, 6 feet ;
A. cilicia, 9 inches (removed), all uninjured. A. Brunouiana,
2 feet, killed. A. pinsapo, 6 feet (removed), injured.

Juniperus sinensis, 15 feet; J. suecica and hibernica, 3 feet;
J. hiberniea compressa, 9 inches ; J. recurva, 10 feet ; J. A'ir-
giniana, 20 feet; J. squamata, J. sabina prostrata and J. taina-
riscifolia, 12 years' growth, all uninjured. J. excelsa, 6 feet,
killed down to 2 feet from the groimd. J. tetragona, 12 years'
growth, and 3. thurifera, var. elegan-i, -9 feet, killed.

Picea baUamea and pectinata, 20 feet; P. amabilis, 5 feet;

P. nobilis, 6 inches (each removed) ; P. Nordcranniana and
Webbiana, 2 fett (each removed), all uninjured. .'""; "^

Pinus cenibra, 6 feet; P. nnna, 6 inches ; P. strobus, 12 feet;
P. pinaster, 30 feet ; P. exce'sa (removed), and auftriaca (re-
moved), 9 feet ; P. pyrenaiea, 3 feel (removed) ; P. Beuthamianr.,
Jefire'yii, pundlio, and maciocarpa, 2 feet ; P. mugho, 9 incline,
all removed and all uninjured. P. insignis, 20 feet, and P. Hart-
wegi, 5 feet (removed), killed. P. Llaveana, 3 feet, injured ;
and P. radiata, 1 foot (removed), much injured, leader killed.

Cedrus libani, africanus, end deodara, 20 feet each. C. libani
was not removed, but more leaves fell than was usual ; yet it
commenced growing as usual, and another plant of it (2 feet)
was removed and rminjured. C. africanus and the Deodara.
were uninjured ; but another plant of the latter, 18 feet high,
standing in the same piece of ground and not removed, lost
every leaf, the leader killed 18 niches down, and several of the
branches killed, and all more or less injured, but most on the
north side. Where not killed it is gelling feathered again.

Araucaria imbricata, 18 feet and very strong, witTi fourteen
tiers of branches, some above 5 feet long. It suffered most en
the north, and the end of every branih and lateral shoot was
killed, except the four top branches and the south one on the
tier below. I cut the dead parts back, and the seven top tiers
are sLooling at the ends — in tact, all that are alive are shooting
and going downwards. There are two branches alive on the
eighth tier, two on the ninth, one on the tenth, and one on ihe
elevenlh; all the others dead. The leader and top shoots,,
though green, look weakly. — J. G.

(ifo be continued.)

AVOIDING THE POTATO DISEASE.

One fine day during the month of August, 185-1, the writer
saw in a field of Wheat a Potato plant growing on the south
side of an old high hedge, and about 3 feet therefrom. On
the other side of the hedge was a Potato field of eleven acres
infested with the disease. Now, tlie plaitt in the Wheat field
had six stei?iB or haulms, and no disease anywhere about it
(for I probed the root and examined the tubers). I ask.ed
myself and others the question, " Why was this one plant not
diseased, while others only 6 feet distant were diseased and.
decomposing p

Every one seemed to think they could not per&ive any dif-
ference nor assign any reason for the difi'erence already (to me)
apparent. I, therefore, determined to find out something to
convince them that there was a very great diiference. But I
utterly failed to do that, and I have no doubt- that I shall not be
able 10 convince some of the "sons of toil" of a fact very
common and so frequently met with, that it is disregarded at
the present day. 'ilie fact is this ; There are certain bounds to
all cultivated plants beyond which it is impossible to carry them
by superior cultivation without producing disease and ultimately
death, of which I hope to give instances at some future time.

I found the Polatu in ihe Wheat field had been part of many"
more wh'ch had been left in the ground the year before ; for
Potatoes are considered a good till lor the succeeding Wheat crop.
The first diiference, therefore, was, the one was growing naturally,
Ihe others were cultivated ; 2nd, no manure was applied to tlte
first, the other had 12 Ions of farmyard dung and IJ- cwt.
of guano per acre; 3rd, the temperatin-e in the sun of one was
111° at times, on an avcage 9S°, mean liuinidiiy 7G^ (saturation
=1 100°), the olher m the sun (highest) 105°, mean 89°, humidify
84°; 4th, the haulms of ihe first were heahhy and decayed
naturally about the 27th of September, ihe other was dead on
the 9th of that uionlh ; 5th, out of fil'teen tubers none were
diseased. As for the others, above oue-third were diseased and
one-fourth were rotten.

In a garden belonging to a cottager within a mile of lh&
Bradford post-office is, or was, a Potato plant or plants that
has or have grown naturally lor nearly ibur year-s and last year
the produce was' a fine sample, prolific, and free from disease.
This year the plants promise well, free from disease, although
some not 3 yards away are diseased.

'Jhat manuring has much to do with the disease is evident. But
there are olher agencies to which disease niay be partly owing;
I allude to the gases present in the air at peculiar times, par-
ticularly ozone — a modification of oxygen as }et but little under-
stood, present in Ihe air in very small quantities at any time,a3
shown by Dr. Moffatt's ozonometer. That it influences Potatoes

398

JO0BNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 20, 1S61.

is evident from Potatoes growing best and the freest from disease
where it is most abundant. On the sea coast (particularly in
Oornwall as sliown by the tables of meteorology kept there),
the vicinity of rivers, as tlie Humber, &e. It is frequently not
perceptible in or near large towns. Where it is, however,
vegetation is early, rapid, and abundant, the locality healthy ;
but w liere absent for any length of time the reverse is the case.
Its presence is owing chiefly to atmospheric electricity.

Koiv, allow nie to endeavour to explain the remedies which I
hare repeatedly and carefully carried out on a small scale, leaving
it to others to try them on a larger scale if they think fit.

I endeavoured to find out the cause by ex])erinient, and re-
moved the effects of the epidemic by withdrawing or removing
the cause. To produce any lasting results it is necessary to raise
the Potato plants from seed, tliercby escaping the virulent in-
fluence of a contaminated set, and by careful (but not high)
cultivation in a garden for two years the tubers will be ready for
planting in tlie fields, where, instead of planting the set in or
on the manure, the land should be manured in the autumn;
the rows to be 3 feet apart instead of 2 feet, which allows the
sun and air to act between the rows, producing a shorter and
sturdier liaulm. Planting early (the last week of March or be-
ginning of April is tbe best time), not more than 4 inches deep,
but earthing up somewhat liigh, hoeing freely between the rows
to keep down weeds ; also, promoting by the same means in-
creased warmth of the soil by its absorbing the heat of the sun
more rapidly than is done by a hard, shaded, weedy surface.
Evaporation of water from the soil is also promoted to a greater
extent than usually takes place from a smooth or unstirred sur-
face soil. Grown in that manner I have evidence that the seed-
ling Potatoes will not be attacked by the disease, nor become
diseased when stored, for a period of eight years from the seed,
how much longer I know not ; but are not six years' crops
worth the trouble of raising from seed ?

As an evidence of the above facts I beg to refer the reader to
the Fluke Kidney, for after ten years of subjection to high culti-
vation it withstands the disease better than any other Potato,
and it was not diseased at the end of seven years' growth.

Another system answers nearly as well, and as it deals with
existing varieties I will detail "the plan somewhat minutely.
Plant none but sound tubers in rows, 4 inches deep, 3 feet apart,
and 1 foot 6 inches between plant and plant in the rows, in
land not very rich, and instead of manuring them at planting,
throw on 2 cwt. of salt per acre evenly over the surface, treating
the plants afterwards in every way as described for the seedlings,
never allowing so much as one weed to remain. The beginning
of November cover the rows, and, in fact, all the surface, with
3 inches or 4 inches of litter (straw or bracken, <S:c.), so as to
prevent the frost reaching the tubers. Allow them to remain in
the ground until March following, and then plant the sound
(there will be none else left) tubers.

!■ The land sliould be well drained. The after-treatment to be
the same in every way as for the si edlings. Unless the land be
rich no disease will prevail, but if it be rich the disease may
come or happen, and measures nnist then be taken to arrest its
progi-ess. I will state how to do that hereafter.

Here I would observe that the Potato should never be planted
after seeds (Clover, &c.), nor on newly-turned-up pastures. On
such land there is a larger growth of liaulm, a greater weight of
produce, and a corresponding larger amomit of epidemic.

The following manure will be found to produce good crops of
Potatoes : — Salt, 2 cwt. ; muriate of potasli, muriate of annnonia,
and phosphate of lime, of each 1 cwt. ; spread evenly over the
surface and ploughed in. This manure has the property of pro-
ducing a stout good haulm, and tbe plants retain their foliage
considerably longer than when ordinary fai-m or stable manure is
employed. With this manure Potatoes have been grown at the rate
of 18 tons per acre, and what was far more important, they were
free from disease, although grown on the same land for four' years.

Allow me to remark here, that the disease does not attack
crops grown on heavy land so early as those grown on lighter
•oil. The reason is this, clay land is colder than sandv, the
drainage of both being equalised, and the elevation being the
same in both, there will be a diflerence of the temperature at
1 foot deep in favour of sandy or light land of 3°. Consequently,
light soil is earlier, and owing to its being so produces a fit and
proper medium for the spores of the Potato fungus ten days
or a fortnight sooner than in heavy or elay land. For until a
proper state of the plant be attained the fungus does not act
upon the plant. (See page 302.)

Now, we will deal with remedies. It is presumed the disease
is destroying the haulms and descending to the tubers, and as
soon as the brown spots are perceived near the surface of the soil
on (he haulms it is high time to commence operations.

Take an old sc_i the and cut off all the haulm close to the
surface, and if the weather be dry tbe tubers must not be taken
up ; but if the season be rainy the sooner they are taken up the
better. Why ? Because the fungus has already entered the
celluUr tissue of the Potatoes, and the wetter the soil the sooner
the fungus matures or performs its work. We prefer taking the
tubers up at once without trusting to the weather. And it is a
point worth the consideration of practical men who value profit,
and the attention of consumers, which is the best way of ripen-
ing the " unripe tubers." Should they be kiln-dried or by some
means more approaching to a natural process ? I prefer the
latter, because kiln-dried Potatoes wither, owing to their parting
with a considerable jjortion of water, and they lose weight. A
peck were placed to dry or ripen in a stove at a temperature of
108°, weigliing previously 20 lbs., at the end of two weeks they
weighed 15 lbs. Moreover, what Englishman would purcliase
witliered and light Potatoes when he had " plump " ones oflTered
at a higher price even ?

The best plan to ripen or harden early Potatoes is to expose
them to the full influence of the sun on the soil in a dry place,
or, should the weather be cloudy and wet, under a shed or some
such building. This is a plan now generally adopted in the
early-producing localities of Yorkshire, and it answers the
purpose well. I well remember first seeing it tried in the year
1848, and an acre was planted with Potatoes and sold for £65
the Ist of July, 1849. This plan, however, will not do for late
sorts, exposed Potatoes turn green and are unwbolesome : there-
fore, we must adopt other means.

As the Potatoes are lifted they may be placed in a ridge-like
heap 6 feet wide at the base, and piled up to about 5 feet at the
perpendicular, and, of course, to any length, covering tliem with
straw 2 inches thick at the end of each day, and inserting a two-
inch drain-pipe 6 inches within the Potatoes at the top, at three-
feet intervals, and allowing the pipe ends to be open exteriorly as
well as interiorly. A few spadesful of soil should be placed on
the straw to prevent its being blown off by the wind. In a few
days a moist heat of from 85° to 100° will be generated, and the
steam passes out through the drain-pipes. In a month or six
weeks the Potatoes should be sorted, taking the small and
diseased ones out. They may then be stored away in the usual
way, and the small and diseased used for feeding purposes.

By the above plan the heat is produced spontaneously, but
whether by the decomposition of the liberated watery juices, or
some other process, I have not been able satisfactorily to deter-
mine; certainly not owing to the decomposition of the tubers
from disease. The Potatoes lose little weight, contain more starch,
are more wholesome and nutritious than when first taken up,
and tliey are not liable to become diseased afterwards — that is,
through the winter.

If we kiln-dry Potatoes as has been recommended by a
learned Russian Professor, we find they are not liable to become
diseased through the winter, and will keep a long time. But, we
find also, that Potatoes so treated become black after being
boiled when placed on the table. In fact, they arc no better
than Potatoes that have been salted late in the season to prevent
their losing weight owing to their sprouting, which salt
prevents. And if we look at the magnitude of the Potato ci-op
in tliis country, no less 750,COO acres, equal at the rate of twelve
tons per acre to 9,000,000 tons, where are we to find means for
drying that enormous quantity? — Geoboe Abdey, Gardener to
E. SaiUtone, JEsq., Horton Sail, Bradford, Yorks.

£!ULTURE OF THE GRAPE VINE.

(^Continued from page 359.)
Geafting. — The border of a vinery may have been properly
drained, heated, and made of the best soils, the Vines planted
and growing healthily and satisfactorily, and yet some kinds that
have been plunted may either not be true to name, or newer and
better kinds may be desirable. The owner, in order to save
time, may graft the superior sorts upon these healthy Vines.
Procure the scions, choosing well-ripened, short-jointed wood a
year old some time before the season arrives, and lay them
in by the heels in sand in a shady place, and have ready some
grafiing-wax or clay.

August 20, ISGl. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTQRE AND COITAGE OABDENER.

399

The t/rafling-wax is made of red or black sealingwax, mutton
fat, and white wax, in equal parts ; melt the fat and white wax
together, and tlien put in small pieces of the sealingwax, stirring
the mixture constantly till all is tliorouglily mised ; some then
add about an eiglith of honey to the mixture, which serves to
keep it longer. Whilst hot pour it into a glazed pot or tin, and
keep it slightly stirred till it cools ; it is then fit for use.

Orofling-clay is formed of some very strong loam of a
clayey cliaracter, add a little water and beat it with a mallet,
and knead it with the hands until it is soft and putty-like,
and of a uniform consistence. Then obtain some liorsedung,
di-y it slighlly, and then rub it through a half-inch meshed
riddle. Tlicn get some cowdung, just dropped, and mix the
three together in equal parts, knead them together thoroughly,
and add a little finel.i -chopped hay, also sifted : ',his prevents the
clay from cracking. Then put through a very fine sieve some
dry ashes, and keep them dry in an open vessel. AVhen the clay
is applied to the graft the hands should be dipped in the ashes,
and that will enable the workman to finish off the ball neatly and
close around the graft. It is immaterial whether the wax or the
clay is used, though I should prefer the former if it could be liad.

The right season for grafting the Vine is just vfhen its buds
are beginning to swell; the scions being kept at rest till that
time arrives.

The best mode is the common one, named whip or tongue-
grafting. The engraving {fig^ 1) illustrates this
mode — «, the scion ; i, the stock. Choose a well-
situated branch or lateral near the bottom of the
Vine ; cut off slanting the head at a part where
a scion can be fitted on best ; then cut a slice ofi"
upwards about IJ- inch long slanting inwards ;
then make an incision downwards about the
centre of the last-made cut, taking great care
that the knife does not slip through nor yet
injure the bark on each side ; then prepare the
scion. It should have one bud near the top,
and another near the bottom ; make a sloping
■cut downwards as near the same length as that
on the stock as possible, and in or near the
•centre of this make an upward cut which forms
the tongue; lay the knife down, and gently
thrust the tongue into the cut on the stock.
Every part of this operation must be done with
a knife as sharp as a razor, and every part
should fit neatly and jierfectly. One poiiit must
be particularly attended to, and that is, that
the bark of the scion and the bark of the stock
meet exactly together on each side if possible ;
but if the scion is smaller than the stock, then
the barks must meet on one side and at the
bottom. This being successfully accomplished,
then tie with matting the scion pretty firmly to
the stock, and then cover the whole of the cut parts with either
the gra'ting-wax or grafting-clay, excepling the
uppermost bud of the scion, which completes
the operation. If a little moss is tied gently
round the clay-ball, it will keep it moist and
preserve it from cracking. If the scion pushes
freely, and when it has made a few leaves, it will
be necessary to remove the wax or clay, and
untie the mat and tie it again more loosely to
allow the parts to swell in the natural way.
By thus grafting on a lateral the main stem of
the Vine may bear its crop of fruit ; but, in
order to strengtiien the shoot the scion is making,
all the other shoots on the main stem should
be kept closely shortened, and no more wood
and leaves allowed to grow than are necessary
to bring the crop of fruit to perfection : hence,
if any shoots are barren, let them be pruned
away entirely. In the autumn the main stem
should be out away down to the graft, and the
fresh kind trained up in iis place ; or, if the
scion has not grown strong, the lower half of
the laterals may be pruned off, and the upper
half left on to bear a few bunches the succeed-
ing year, previously to removing the main stem.
Another mode of grafting the Vine is one that
has been practised very successfully. When
the plant is in leaf, head down the stem to the

I

\

I SI

iiPl

Fig. 2.

point where it is to be grafted, and split the crown, inserthig
the scion cut into a wedge shape, on one side of the split, taking
care that the barks of the scion and the stock fit exactly (fig. 2).
Bind it round with a piece of matting, and cover with damp
moss or clay. If the stock is very thick, two scions may be
inserted, one on each side of the split.

iNAEcniNa. — This is a kind of grafting very suitable for the
Vine, and also very safe, for if it is properly done and at the
right season it cannot fad. As in the case of grafting above
described, the stock should be healthy both at tlie top arid at
the root. Some writers recommend strong-growing varieties,
such as the Syrian and White Nice, to be planted purposely to
be grafted or inarched with weaker-growing sorts, such as the
Frontignan, thinking thereby to improve and strengthen them.
I, however, never found that such stocks had any perceptible
effect. I would as soon graft or inarch upon a henlthy Fron-
tignan as on any other kind. To graft upon unhealthy Vines
thinking to obtain good G-rapcs from such grafts is simply
ridiculous.

Inarching is grafting by approach — that is, a branch or stem
of one kind is brought into contact and joined to a branch or
stem of another, each kind growing on its own roots at the time.
I have frequently observed in hedgerows and thick coppices,
branches that have been rubbed together by the wind till the
barks were worn awaj , afterwards united together and form as it
were branches of the two trees, which if cut off from the parents
of either would live and grow like adopted children.

Procure the new or superior kinds in pots, and, as in the case of
grafting with scions, let the stock be a little advanced in growth,
anil the one to inarch upon it not so f.^rward. Place the pot
securely, near enough to the stock, in a convenient position to
form a junction with it. Place the shoot of the one in the pot
close to the stock, and then pare off with a sharp knife a slice
from each of equal size, bring the two vpounds together as exactly
as possible, fitting bark to bark ; hold them firmly in that position,
and tie them together firmly, but not so tightly as to bruise the
bark of either. Then tie a littlo moss round the junction, and
moisten it every day with the syringe. Should the sun shine
strongly upon that particular point, it will be desirable and useful
to shade it either with >vhite paper or canvass for a week or two.
The sap in action on the growing stock will soon flow into the
branch united to it, and will cause the buds above the junction
to push quickly and vigorously. Keep the soil in the pot moist,
and rub off two or three buds below the junction. One or two
near the bottom may be allowed to grow, to draw up the sap ;
and thus, when the part above is firmly united to the stock, the
pot Vine may be cut off at the junction, and made use of, either
to be planted out, or grown to bear fruit in a larger pot.

Inarching on young wood of the present year's growth is often
practised — indeed, preferred by many ; but it i-equires greater
care, for the young wood is tender, and, consequently, more
liable to be broken than year-old wood. Choose, as before, a
young shoot near the bottom of the main stem, one that has
grown some length should be preferred, and inarch upon it
when it has acquired some solid wood, just when it is beginning
to change colour. The plant in the pot will also have grown
some length, and then place it in position, so as to be convenient
for inarching, fixing the pot securely so that it will not slip away ;
bring the two shoots together, and take a section from each of
the equal size ; then fit them closely and tie securely, but not so
tightly as in year-old wood. This young wood unites even more
quickly than older wood. Ihe junction will be complete in about
a month or six weeks ; whilst it is growing let all the bearing-
shoots be kept closely stopped, and any that are barren should be
pruned close off. Afterwards treat the Vine and its successor
the same as is directed for those inarched on year-old wood.
By either of those methods a vinery fiUed with inferior kinds
may be renewed with superior and newer kinds in a much shorter
time than by grubbing the old Vines up, and replanting with
year old Vines.

RAISING NEW KINDS.
The only way to raise new kinds is by seed, and in order to
multiply the chances of obtaining superior or improved varieties
to cross them. Large-berried Grapes are often mere water and
sugar, yet large berries ar« desirable : hence, in order to throw
a suijerior flavour into their progeny, the pollen from some
highly-flavoured variety should be employed as the fertiliser ;
and to make more sure, cut off aU the anthers just before
the pollen vessels burst, and then dust the stigmas with the

400

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTTTBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 20, 1861.

pollen from the full-flavoured Tariety. I have often wished to
get the fine flaTour of the Grizzly Frontignan thrown into the
Slack Hamburgh, anri, I hnve no doubt, it may be done by
tVrtilisirig with the pollen of Ihiit nch-flavoured variety the
Black Hamburjih itself.

Save the seed (mm well-ripened fruit, and Itt it be properly
dried and preserved till February ; eow tlien in pans in a rich,
sandy soil, and either plunge the pans in a brisk bottom heat, or
place them on a holbed in which Cucumbers are, or intended to
be, grown, lu a month or five wieks the seedlings will appear,
anri then they should be potted otf in small pots, to be repotted
every six weeks — in fact, treated just the sfiine as plants raised
from eyes. Xiain the young shoots upwards witliout stopping
for that year. In the autumn following cut them down to two
buds, and train up one shoot from tach ; if well managed, some
will bear fruit the third year, and all, certainly, the fourth.
Superior kinds m«y have a fair trial, but tasteless wild growers
may be at once thrown to the ruhbish-hiap. 'J here is consider-
able scope yet in raising newer kinds ; we require hardier sorts,
larger bunches, larger berries, freer setters, and better flavoui-ed
kinds than we possess at present. — T. .Appleby.
{To be continued,)

THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE VINEYAEDS

A]SD THE VINE DISEASE.

(Official Seporl.)

{Concluded from page 364p.)

Abetting at Eerste River on the everdng of the 7th inst., our
inspection of vineyards terminated. The Honorary Secretary of
the Vine D'sea'^e Commission having visited this place some time
before to recommend the use of sulphur for tlte Tines, and to
show the vaiioiis mcthcds of applying it and the apparatuses
used, an inspection on our part was not deemed necessary. The
vineyard of Mr. J. D. Tlionipson, M.L.A., was, however, visited,
and we found the work of suli^liuring going on vigorouslv, the
quantity applied liberal — watering the Vines previous to the
sulphur being applied. All the vineyards in this neighbourhood
arc more or less diseased. Sulphur is generally applied. The
locality a|)pears well ventilated by south-east winds.

Our notes taken during the lour are exliausled. We will con-
elude with a suniinary »nd a few general observations. During
the whole tour anci an inspection of upwards of fifty vineyards
in Great Drakenslein, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl, Xlapmuts, Slel-
lenbosch, and neiuhbourhocd, Moddergat, Somerset CO'tst), and
Hottentots' lloi'and only two vineyards were found hee iVom the
prevailing scourge — Mr. P. Cloete's, Klapnmts, and Mr. J. Rous,
■VVeltevri'den, Moddergat. The crop in both these places is late
and the b*rries small. Much vigilance should be exereisid as the
fruit progresses to cheek the disease by the inmiediate application
of sulphur, sliould it unhappily make its ajjpearance.

AVe may safely assume tiie disease is general throughout the
disliivts visited. Our own inspection, and the most reliable
information procurable regarding those vineyards v/e did not
visit, too well assure us ol the fact.

Sulphuring the Vines is only applied to a very limited extent,
and in neirly all eases verv iinperfeetly. Some distrust regard-
ing the eflicacy of sulphur we met with in some quarters, and it
is to be feared that distrust will not he removed by the want of
sucee-s where the remedy is improperly applied, either through
indillereuce, a false economy, or the want of means. Consider-
able experiments are being made at some placi s witli brimstone
fumigation, liuie in a dry and in a liquid form, burning weeds,
dusting with pounded charcoal, watering with a decoction or
tanners' birk, &e., kc. AM these thiiuis it was our duty to
condemn as useless expendilure of time and means, which might
be ]>rofitably employed applying the prorer remedy. AVe ex-
plained all those tilings had been tried in Europe without success,
by the most practical hands ami scientific minds. That some
of them will produc^e vigorous appearances in the plants acted
on, there is no gainsaying, for they are excellent manures: but
the vintage is not secured by the application to diseased A'^ines
of lime, charcoal, or guano-water.

AVith reCerence to brimstone fumigation, it will be found
equally suceesslid in destroying n ildew . n the A'ine. The
diflieulty is in its manaiienient ; and on a large scale, after the
difl5culty of applying it is surmounted, it will bo found far more

expensive than dusting with flowers of sulphur. In hothouse
cultivation, even where the atmosphere — temperature and
moisture — is wholly under command, it is difficult and dan-
gerous to apply. Sulphur begins to burn at a temperature of
302", but long before that is reached, at about 220°, it begins ta
fuse, melt, and give off volatile fumes, which is the active agent
in destrojirg the oidium— the difficulty is, even in an artificial
atmosphere wholly under command, to bring these fumes ia
direct contact with the diseased objects required to be acted upon.
In the open air this diflieulty is increased. In our mind there
is no question of its destroying mildew, but its application is
utterly impracticable to our vineyards.

Tlie disease was detected on the Grapes this s.^ason about fhe
same time as last season — the latter end of the month of October.
All fungi are rapid in development, some live only to die —
springing up, perfecting their organs of reproduction, and
perishing in a single nislit. Mildew fungus, however, takes a
little longer time, and exists on the Grapes before it is detected
by the naked eye.

The Vines first afi'ected this year are those which were diseased
last year, and on them tlie disease is now most virulent. This
is the course expected. The disease last year was allowed to
grow, and perfect its seeds in different places ; here and there
winds and ctlier causes have carried the seeds over the entire
province (we believe), and now that a favourable season has ar-
rived, and a proper matrix to deposit themselves in is presented,
their development is rapid, and they burst forth with all the
vigour of young life.

The disease first attacks the Vines on the highest sitvialions-
and driest soils in a vineyard; and, at the present time, is most
virulent on Amines in such situations. The berries, it will he-
observed, arc more liable to be attacked at a particular stage of
their existence than at others. Vines in early situations (elevated
and dry) first arrive at that particular stage when th.c berries
present the favourable medium for tlie development of the dis-
ease ; it follows that the disease, unchecked, is always in a more-
advanced and rampant state on these early Vines. The Steen
Grape, as grown in our vineyards, is the most severely attacked
of all others, and the development of the disease far more rapid
on the fruit, leaves, and branches than on any other. The
Steen Grape A^ine is a strong grower, and should never be planted
at less than fi feet apart. We find them only 3 feet and Sj feet ;
and from their strong growth thoroughly excluding the sun and'
air IVcm the soil, and preventing that reciprocity between roots
and leaves which secures the healthy action of tlie whole plant
and immunity from disease. On some farms visited, we found'
every other row of the Steen Grape had hi en thinned out, thus-
leaving the rows 6 feet apart, but the plants in the rows still
3 feet from each other. Wheie this had been done, the disease,.
allhough general, was less virulent than in those left at their
original distance. On young jilantations of S'.een, where the-
Vines have not yet excluded the action of sun and air on the
soil, di-case is found less intense.

AVe found from personal ins|iection that the Amines growing on
damp spots in vine\ards w-cU ventilated by (-urrcnts of air pass*
int; through, were not so generally affected with disease, nor was
the disease so virulent as on the Vines growing on high dry
situations. It must be remembered, however, that in such spots
the Grapes are late, and may not present the proper matrix fox*
the generation and developuicnt of disease.

Irrigation, wliere I'racticablc, has been much resorted to as a
means of checking and preventing the s]ircad of the disease-
Several farmers assert lliat since they t'Cgau to irrigate, the
disease has nc't advanced nor spread. That, of cour-^e, could not
be determined during our short stay at each farm. The popular
belief is, that an abundance of water to the roots rapidly in-
creases tlie size of the berries, and places them bc_\ond the stage
of danger.

Few people, not acquainted and conversant with vegetable'
life, and in jiarticular the cryptogamic division of it, c«n divest
themselves of the idea that moistuie, mildew, and mould are
inseparable. No fungi is an aquatic, or even sub-aqualic — no
one looks for Mushrooms in swamps, or in the damp furrows of'
a field. Moisture and a free circulation of air are fatal to most
(ungi. Mildew will form on leather or any other proper-
medium in tlie dryest room, where the circulation of the air is
sluggish, when a hygrometer would indicate notlung ; it will
form on convenient mediums in dry cellars or vaults with a slug-
gish circulation, and where n piece of old wood lifted and leb
fall would raise a cloud ol dust. In short, fungi will generate-

August 20, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOariCULTUKK AND COTrAGlS GAliDENER.

401

and develope itsslf v/hei'ever convenient mediums are found,
without extraordinary dampness in tlie earth or atmosphere.

In our experience of the management of artificial atraosplieres
we find mildews (oidiums and erysiphe, and otiiers) produced
rapidly on plants growing in soil that is allowed to become di-y,
while the atmosphere is cliargcd with the usual moisture. I'his
state of things produces want of genial action between tlie roots,
leaves, and fruit. Under such conditions niDdew makes its
appeai'ance, particularly if the temperature is lowered or raised.
Farmers in England know that if damp weatlier in July succeed
that which has been bright without the intervention of rain, tlie
Wlieats are in general mjured by rust — fungi ; and the fairaer
at tlie Cape is aware that dull, damp weather, succeeding our
usual bright sunshine without tlie intervention of sufficient rain
'to nnisten tlie soil, produces the rust or smut. A thorough
saturation of tli^; soU would produce reciproSity of action between
roots and leaves, or stem, and immunity from disease. Grardeners
an England can only produce autumn crops of Peas, &c., by
destroying the mildew attacking the plants by copious waterings
«nd thorough saturation of the soil. Mildew is destroyed on
wall Peaches in the same way a:id by a vigorous use of the
syringe.

Watering the foliage and other parts of the Tine before applying
'the flowers of sulphur is strongly advocated in some quarters,
but as tlie sulpliur is quite insoluble in water, it is cleai% water
cannot assist the action of the sulpliur on the disease. Without
it can bo shown the application of water is bcneticial in some
other way, we decidedly advise its discontinuance bL-fora dusting.
It is a waste of time at a critical moment when all hands should
'be applying the sulphur.

It will bj seen t)y those who have followijd us thus far, that
Tineyards densely shaded and sheltered by trees and rising
grounds, and where the Vines are a "thicket" from close planling
and luxuriant growth, are, in all cases, most sevei'ely olfected
with the scourge. The Steen Grape Vine is one of the strongest
and largest growers, growing, in lact, to occupy a space double
the size usually allotted to it. This Grape is tne ra'jst severely
affected with uisease ; it may naturally be more disposed to its

■ attacks, but the want of a free circulation of air amongst the
Vines, and the e.fclusiori of sun and air from acting on tlie soil
of the vineyard (rom the dense shade, must be ascribed much of
the extreme virulence with which the variety is attaekeil. The
Steen b^'ing an excellent wine Grape deserves a trial on another
system of cultivation before being diicarded by the wine fanner
as more liable to disease than others.

Where plantations of the Steen now exist, planted at the old
traditional distance of "three feet by three," let them Ite thinned

■ out to stand (3 feet apart, plant from plant. Prune late, so as
to allow a little bleeding, which would check any disposition to
luxuriant growth, produced by the larger feeding-space of the
roots. The horsehoe, or "scufller," would be suflijient for
digging and cleaning the ground, and more economical than
manual labour. 'J'reited in tliis way, the Steeri may be found
no more liable to the scourge than other varieties.

Generally, i he Grape Vine is planted far too close at the Cape ;
and no judgment whatever appears to be exercised in the allot-
■ment of space to size. We found, during our late tour, extensive
trasts recently planted with all soits of Grapes, all at the same
distances ; Pontacs, Frontignacs, and Muscadels, Green Grape,
Ereneli Grape (rfhite jN'ice), and .Steen Grape. The last tlirej
should, under all circumstances of sol, &c., have double the
space of tile first three. It appears to us that there is much
room for improvement in the selec ion of sites for vineyards, and
■in the mode of planting and general culiivation of the Vine at
the Cape, and at a future time we will take leave to lay our ideas
■on these points before the wine farmers.

The condition of the Peach, and the loss of crop this season,
is ascribed to the Oidiuiii Taikeri. This, however, is not the
■case. We were unable to detect niiliiew on any of the numerous
Peach trees examined. In cold elimites mildew is often present
with other diseases on the Peach, but it is a different species
from that attacking the Tine. The mildew of the Peacn is
O'idium erj/-ilphoides, long known in Europe. Pr.ictically, its
atticks on the Peach are .found more severe in dry springs than
in those that are genial and moist. The blistering anil curling
up of the leives, and the dropping oH' of the blossoms before
■setting, and conseqii-iiit L-iss of crop, is what we have now to do
with. It is p'oduced by the state of the weather and by a want
of rccipracity between the action of the roots and leaves when
A/he leaves are about half grown — the leaves drawing more on

the roots than they are adequate to supply. The su'lden war:n
weather we had during the latter end of August brought into
strong action the stem and young expanding leaves, while the
roots in the cold soil, not yet waimed by the gi-adual heat of
the sun's rays, were unable lo send into th^; leaves tliat supply
of sap so necijssary for their development — they began to curl
and blister in the way we find them. The leaves being in this
state, the proper elaboration and evaporation of th.; sap could
not go on ; the plant only opened its blossoms to shed them.
As tlie soil warmed, and the proper reciprocity began between
roots, leaves, and brandies, the blistered and curled leaves were
thrown oil', and the trees produced the tine healthy foliage we now
find them clothed with. The crop, however, is lost for this
season. Total Vines, 3,-110,000. — James McGibbon.

VARIETIES.

SoiANDJSi Fendleri. — In Western Texas and New Mexico a
new species of the Potato was discovered some years ago, whicL,
from Its being so closely allied to the common Potato, great
expectations were formed that it might resist diseise, and,
perhaps, supplant the common Potato. As we tielieve Mr.
Fendler, the distinguished botanical collector who discovered it,
and in whose honour it was named, is now engaged in connection
with the Botanical Garden of St. Louis, we call attention to the
matter, in the hope that he may be able to put some parties on
the track o) intr.jducing it for experiment.

Fektiliser pok CAiiBAOE. — iSuperpho-pliate of lime, espe-
cially when mixed with some rotten wood (not pine wood) and
worked into the ground, has a powerful etfect on Cabbages. —
(Cotton Planter.)

Apples is OuErrOX. — This is becoming a staple crop in Oregon.
Tile O. Farmer says one firm in Portlanti have been "for a long
time past brniiiing over one thousand bushels per day."

FAUFUOirM ORANDE has been found quite hardy on the
grounds o! liuvey & Co., Boston, Mass.

Jo .Stop Leakage in Hot-w.iter Pipes. — Get some iron
borings, or filing-*, and mix them witii vinegar, forming tt into a
salve ; whh this fill up the cracks where the leaking is, and if
the pipe has been previously dri.'d, and is kept dry until this has
become quite hard, it will never fail to elfectu illy slop the leakage,
and will stand f ;r a length of time. If an iron pipe should
burst, or there sliouhl be a liolc broken into it by aecident, a
piece of iron m.iy be securely fistened ovir it, by bedding it on,
in a salve made of iron borings and vinegar ; but ihe pipe
should not be used until it has become perfectly firm. — (American
Gardener's Monthly.)

THE ILLUSTRATED BOUQUET.

The twelfth part of this fashionable book of llowers— the part
for past .July — completes the second volume of the work ; a title
page and ample indices accompany the part just issued. Plate 17,
wiili which this part opons, is filled with tiic charming Convol-
vulus mauritaiiicus by Mrs. With'ers. Ihis is the best hanging-
basket plant ill cultivation in oar opinion. We liave seen a
perfectly developed specimen of it at the Wellingion Road
-Nursery, in the spring of last year, and it was shown at the
opening exhibition of Kensington Gore last June. It is a green-
house plant, requiring tlie same treatment as PetuniLis and Ver-
benas in-doors, and like tliem it lasts a long while out in beds,
or as edgings to those of considerable size. Tiie basket and the
natural liabit of the plant are so ha|ipily set o8' by Mrs. Withers
ill this plate, that it may be said to be one of the best efforts of
her untiring pencil. Under this lovely picture we have a selection
from all the hanging-basket plants in cultivation. The names
being arranged in four sections, according to the size and sub-
Stance the plants attain to under ordma'-y treatment — a most
valuable list to all amateurs and to many gardeners in the
country. Plate 18, a bird's-eie view of the VVelhngton Koad
Nursery. Plate 49, also by Mrs. Withers, repie--ents six kinds
of the best of the new breed of Tropoeolunis — tliat is, the cross
breed from Lobbiamim. Ihe colours are most arti^Lieaily and
harmoniously placed in this plate, which is a saitpler to ^tudent3
who may be studying the art ot designing coiiipusii ion flower
gardens. The next plate is occupied with Epig. iieum leucobotrys,
one of the prettiest gems in cultivation, lor wliich the Floral
Committee gave its highest award last autumn. It is a dwarf

402

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAaE GARDENEK.

[ August 20, 1861,

greenhouse shrub, with long, dense clusters of ivory white
berries, and each berry with a jet black ring near the end of it,
hanging down like fairy Grapes, if there ai-e such. To this
succeeds a plate of Pompone Dahlias, vulgarly called Tom
Thumbs and Liliputians. They stand exactly in the same
relation to the large florists' Dahlias, as the Pompones do to
the big Chi-ysantheniums. They are as varied, or soon will be,
aa the titles among the peerage of their race ; but six only, how-

ever, could be exhibited on one plate. Here, again. Miss Sowerby,
from whose pencil we have this and the last plate, has balanced
and contrasted the colours exceedingly well. And tlje last plate
is of one of the new hybrid race of Coral trees, called Erythrina
Belangerii. Mr. BedwcU was tlie first cross-breeder who broke
into the Coral trees some years since in Australia : since then,
continental breeders have been busy on them, and this Belangerii
is one of the best of their productions.

CYPEIPEDIUMS.

The generic name has now a classical derivation, from
Cypris, Venus, and podion, a shoe or slipper; but our early
herbalists dedicated the genus to the Tirgiu Mary, and we
find it in their pages under the title of " Calceolus Maria,
Our Ladies Shoo or Slipper," whQst the Germans devoted
it to her High Priest, and called it Papen scoeu, or Pope's
Shoe. In those days tjut one species was known, but modern
collectors, stimulated by the prevailing taste for Orchids,
have largely added to the number of known species. The
following are two of tlie hardy kinds, and were thus de-
scribed in the now-extinct " Gardeners' Magazine of Botany."

Cypeipedium Aismoei, Morren. Many-leaved Japan
Lady's Slipper (La Belg. Sort., i., t. 21).— Nat. Urd.
Orcl'iidacea", § Cypripediefe. Syn., C. calceolus, Thunlerg ;
Atsmori so of the Japanese. — A leafy-stemmed hardy peren-
nial, growing about a foot high, with acute, lance-shaped,
plailed, smooth leaves, and about two flowers, of which the
labellum is yellow, slipper-shaped, or calceiform, and the
sepals and petals rich purpUsh-brown, the petals with purple
hairs at the greenish-yellow base. It is allied to the true
C. calceolus, according to M. Morren, from which it differs
in having its leaves more lanceolate and glabrous, in the
bracts being much more narrowly lanceolate and pointed,
in the flovfers being altogether narrower and more meagre,
in the base of the petals being distinctly hairy, in the re-
markable naiTOwness of the sepals, in the less ventricose
pouch, cleft rather than toothed in front, in tlie lengthened
trowel-like form of the sterile stamens, and in the longer
filiform base of thelateral stamens. From Japan. Intro-
duced by Dr. Ton Siebold, in 1830, to Belgium. Flowers
in summer. Probably cultivated in the Botanic Gardens of
Ghent and Leydeu.

CvPKiPEDitJM GrTTiTTTM, Swartz. Spottcd-flowercd
Lady's Slipper [Flore
des SerreSjTi., t. 573).
Nat. Ord., Orchidaeefe,
§ Cypripediete. — A
beautilul little herb •
aceous perennial. It
has a short stem,
bearing a pair of ovate-
elliptic, amplexicaul,
plaited leaves, with
the margins and ribs
hairy. Tlie flowers,
one to each stem,
are white, beautifully
blotched with rose
purple. The sepals
and petals are shorter
tlian the lip, which is
subrotund, with a
plain surface. The
whole plant is luidcr
6 inches high, the
flowers measuring
about 2 inclies length-
w'ise. It grows in
boggy places in cold
countries, but appears
sh}' under cultivation.
From Siberia and
North America. In-
troduced originally in
1828. Flowers in
summer. M. Van
Houtte, of Ghent.

1. Cypripcdium .Ytsmorl.

2. Cypripedium Ev.Hatum.

August 20, 1861. ]

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

403

MECHANICS AND MATHEMATICS APPLIED

TO GAEDENING.

{Cont'nued from page yiQ.)

Thb Wedge.

The wedge may be described ag two inclined planes placed
base to base. Nails, tbe edge of an axe, needles, brad-awls, and
many cutting instruments are able to penetrate tbe substances
which they are required to pierce, by being of a wedge form.

We showed, in considering the inclined plane, that the more
gradual the slope — that is, the more acute its angle, the less force
was required to impel up it a weight, and precisely for the same
reason the more tapering — that is, tbe more acute tbe angle of a
wedge, the less force is required to make it penetrate. Supposing
the nail A is one-eighth of an inch in diameter at its widest

B

\-l'

part, and requires a force of 200 lbs. to drive it home, then the
nail B, being one-fourth of an inch in diameter, would require
400 lbs. to do tbe same. The wood and the lengths of the nails
being alite.

Even where the angle of the wedge and the force of each
blow are accurately known it is difEcult to calculate the power
of the wedge exactly. For example, in spliting either timber or
stone, the divided parts act as levers to pull those parts asunder,
and, consequently co-operate with the wedge in effecting the
division. Thus, if a log of timber 6 feet long is split by the
wedge through half its length, the other half is much more easily
split, because the two sections of the half divided act as levers,
and their assisting force progressively increases in proportion as
the cleft is extended by the wedge.

Mr. Ferguson correctly observes that the wedge is an im-
portant mechanical power, because it effects divisions which
could not be elfected by the lever, the wheel and axle, or the
pulley, for the force of the impelling blows makes the cohering
parts vibrate, and thus enables them to separate more easily ;
yet, we should scarcely have noticed it if we had not seen it em-
ployed very efBciently in levelling down a ridge of gravel so hard
and conglomerate that but for the assistance of a row of oaken
wedges the labour would have been tenfold.

In this instance a straight line was marked with the pickaxe
at about 2 feet from the brink of the surface of the rocky gravel
and along that line about twenty obtuse wedges were driven,
separating a mass about 40 feet long, and rendering it easily
precipitable into the hollow below which was required to be
filled up.

{To he continued.)

SPOET FKOM GEEANIUM FLOWEE OF THE

DAY.

"An Old Showman " in a contemporary publication recently
speaking on the variegation of geraniums says, " He ander-
stood Flower of the Day came variegated from a seedlmg, the
only variegated Geranium on record that did so to his know-
ledge." Last year my plants of this Geranium were sorry
scrubs, but I planted them during the summer, wet and cold as
it was. There were two or three of them threw up plain shoots
from the crown of the plants, which I, in a fit of curiosity, took
off and propagated. This year I have them planted out; the
habit of the sports is stronger than the parent, and the colour of
the flower is deeper. I enclose a truss and leaf. How does Mr.
Beaton's theory of the cause of variegation in plants being some
disturbance at the birtli of the seed stand affected by this ?
Does his argument cut both ways ? Is this not rather a corro-
boration of the views of "An Old Showman," that variegation
is caused by disease, and vice versa ? Is there such a Scarlet
Geranium as Queen's Perfection ? I enclose you a truss and

leaf of one I had under that name from Clumber Park last year.
— N. H. PowNAii, Holme Fierrepont, Nottingham.

[Flower of the Day was a variegated seedling raised by Mr.
Kmghorn, and it has been throwing up green sports every year
since it was let out. Miller, in his " Gardeners' Dictionary,"
recorded the first variegated Geranium from seeds — the crimson
variegated Geranium, of which there is now a bed full of it on
the Rose Mount at the Crystal Palace. Mr. Beaton says that
every plain Geranium which throws off a variegated sport, and
every variegated Geranium which makes plain sports like that
you sent, might have been recorded as variegated seedlings, if
people had known how to deal with the seedlings. Mr. Lenox
exhibited variegated seedlings, and plenty of them, at the old
Chiswick Shows many years ago. Mr. Beaton tells us he had
variegated Geranium seedlings every year, except two, since
1845, and now he says he has more of them than he knows what
to do with. But he assures ns that you have mistaken the views
of both tbe "Old Showman" and his own on this matter, and
that it would be of no practical use to discuss the question on
your issue. He adds that Mr. Knight, who was the founder of
the best part of our knowledge of these things, that a diseased
fruit tree, a cankered Apple tree say, could not be cured by
budding or grafting, and that seedlings from it would inherit the
disease. But if you take Flower of the Day as a diseased Gera-
nium, and Alma as one much more affected with the same
disease, and cross them, if the theory of this disease is sustain-
able, all your seedlings ought to inherit it, as seedlings always
do, when real disease is m the system of one or both of the
parents, as well in the animal as the vegetable kingdom ; but
your seedlmgs from those very diseased parents will be healthy.
How is that? But trusses of all Geraniums from first to last
never did, and never will, travel in letters or close boxes without
falling to pieces the moment the box or basket or letter is opened.
We could see nothing of your flowers but a confused jumble of
loose petals. The way to send Scarlet Geraniums is to cut a
long piece of the flower-stalk with the truss when the first flower
has opened, by planting the stalk in wet sand, the receiver will
see most of the flowers opening one after another ; but a truss of
open flowers will not remain entire over two miles by post.]

WOEK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GABDBN.
Srussels Sprouts^ continue to plant them out, as also Cape
Broccoli and Cauliflowers. Cabbage, make a sowing to staud
in the seed-bed through the winter; also a sowing of Red
Dutch for summer use. Cauliflowers ; — about the 2l8t of the
month is generally selected for sowing them, as also the Bath
Cos Lettuce to stand through the winter. The ground to be
not over-rich to prevent luxuriant growth ; to sow thick, and
to prick them out in time before they become lanky. Coleworts,
get out plants on rich ground. Cucumbers, the lights may be
drawn off those that are in frames during gentle showers of
rain, but not when the rain is so heavy as to be likely to injure the
leaves. Gather Gherkins for pickling. Dwaif Kidney Scans,
keep the crop closely gathered, for if allowed to remam until
they are too old for use, they discontinue to bear as they other-
wise would do. Onions, sow a good breadth. The Welsh is
hardy, and the Deptford will bear the winter well, but the Silver-
skinned is most invaluable as a winter crop. PuU up and house
those that have done growing. If the main crops have long
necks the tops may be broken down ; if not, there is no
advantage in doing so. Tomatoes, remove some of the leaves
which shade the fruit from the sun. Keep all the shoots stopped
when there is suflicient young fruit on the plants. As the rains
are very partial, it is necessarj in many localities to water seed-
beds and recently-transplanted crops. Keep the soil loose where
practicable. Give timely thinnings to the crops that require
them, and water afterwards if the soil is dry. Turnips, sow the
Dutch and Stone sorts on some spare plots of ground.

FLOWEE GAEDEN.
It will be necessary to go over the beds frequently, pegging
down where necessary, removing decayed flowers, and cutting
back such of the shoots as encroach upon the edgings of the beds.
During hot weather take care that newly-formed beds of Pinks
and Pansies do not suffer from drought. Finish the layering of
Carnations and Piootees. Pull out decayed petals from the
calices where seed-pods are forming, otherwise wet will lodge
and the seeds perish. The shoots of those trees infested with

404

JOtTEXAL OF UOBTICULTCRE AND COTTAGE GAIlDJSJSJiS.

[ August 20, 1861.

mildew, to be durted with sulplmr Tivum. Look over rock
plants, pruning back any that are overgrowing choice kind^, in
order to give tiiem euflicieut time to break again before autumn.
Peg donu a few shoots of Chrysanthemums for li_vering in
email pots; this is better done after the shouts have turned up
at their jjoints.

STOVE.
Continue former directions in this house as to heat and
moisture, and giving plenty of air. KnHeavour to get the Ixoras
and other sueh plants to make luxuriant shoots, which, if
properly ripened, are sure to produce fine heads ol bloom. Pay
attention to Begonias, Kuphorbias, and all such "winter-blooming
plants ; and, if not already out, a month's exposure in a sheltei'ed
corner in the open air will give fresh vigour to Luculias. Expose
such plants of Stephanotis as have completed their growth to
the full eun, both to get the wood properly ripened, and to get
them gi-adually to rest.

GKEENHOtJSE AND C0N8EBVAT0KT.
Look out for mildew on Boronia?, Gompholobiums, &e., and
vrhen visible to be dusted with sulphur. Pot 'J'roppeolurns of
all kinds, giving them a free, open soil, with plenty of sand and
drainage, to be placed in (he open air until the end of next
month. Some of the Indian Azaleas will now have set their
tiower-buds, and niaj be removed to the greenhouse. Stove
plants flowering in the conservatory will require attention to
prevent them from being injured by damp, especially Achiinenes
and Clerodendron,^, which should be gone over every day to
pick off decayed flowers, &c. Some of the shoots of the climbers
on the roof which have done blooming, to be thinned out to
prevent them from shading the house loo much, as after this
time permanent shade should he avoided. It is advisable after
this to be anticipating the approach of winter, and to use every
possible means to forward tlie growth of hardwooded plants in
order to get it somewhat firm and able to resist damp, &c., as
soon as possible. Pelargoniums which have been cut down and
hare commenced to grow, to be sliaken out of their pots and
repotted in others of smaller size. Give attention to Chinese
Primroses, and sow Mignonette lor blooming late in the sea-^on.
Pi'ick out and pot seedling Cuieiaiias lor early blooming. The
state of the drainage of Heaths and !New Holland plants to be
examined, more especially those plants that have been standing
out of doors. Boses, Lilacs, and other plants for forcing must
also be examined, and such as require it to be repotted ; plunging
the pots afterwards, and watering when necessary.

PITS AKD FRAMES.
Some of the first-struck cuttings will now be fit for potting
off. Plac-e them in a pit or fi'ame ; shade and keep them close
until they have established themselves in their pots, when they
should be set out in tlie open air to harden them o8' before
being housed foi- the winter. Continue to put in cuttings as
eoon as possible, more especially of the Flower of the Day, and
the best kinds of Pelart;oniums for bedding, to get good strong
plants before winter. Thin out the Mignonette sown some weeks
back. Look to Viole's, and keep the runners removed, and
ancourage them with manure water once a-week. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

KITCHKN GABBEN.
The weather continuing fine, ran the Dutch hoe among all
tushes mostly deprived of their fruit, to destroy weeds when seen
and to dry up the li'tle things almost imperceptible to the eye.
Hoed aUo among all growing crops of the various kinds of
Grtens, and forked up by the sides of the rows of Peas, and
Dwarf Kidney Beans, and Scarlet Runners, to allow air and
manure water to entei- freely. Watered all these, and Globe
Artichoki s, and Cnuliflowers, and Lettuces as far as our limited
supply would piTinit; making up the deficiency with surface
stirring, and mulching with short grass and litti-r to keep tlio
moisture in. Hardly anything could stand the heat and sun-
ehinc of the 12th and 13th without flagging. The roots could
not absorb moisture fust enough to luei-l. the great amount of
transpiration. 'Jook up Shallots and Garlic, and tied them in
bundio to be hung up in a shed. Took up, also, autumn-sown
Onions, and laid down the spring-sown ones by pressing the
head of a rake close to their necks along the rows. This will

cause the remainder of the strength of the i>lant to go into the
hulbs, and is necessary on another account, as the points of the
leaves are getting mildewed from the long-continued dull wet
weather. Sowed a piece of Early Horn Carrots for early winter
drawing, cooks liking them tor soups ; also Lettuci'S, Onions, &c.,
and a small piece of Turnips for early winter use. Of all Turnips
none is estet-med here like the American Kcd Top. It is excel-
lent when tjoiled, and wlien raw is belter tlian half the Melons
that are sent to table, if supplied witli plenty of water until the
day they were cut. Stopped and regulated Teqeia'jie Marrows
and Cucumbers ; the Custard has not done so vvell with us this
season. The common Marrow, on the othtr hand, has done
extra well, and really, when cooked young, not so large as two
hens' eggs put end to end — I do not think there is much difference
betwCv'U thtrm. A friend says that the size of a lien's egg is laj-ge
enough ; but if not the length of two eggs, the fruit ought to be
the length of one and a half, though tliey are very nice larger
than that. Perhaps I am scarcely a judge, as I just manage
generally to taste them once a-yeur. They are altogether too
rich an affair for me. Small Custards when tVom 2 inches to
2\ inclies across at the base make an excellent dish when cooked
whole, aud from three to six served together. AVIien of that
size they have scarcely any heart, and can be used with gravy
and sauce at once. The common Manows have hardly any
heart either when young ; but when tliey are 4 in-hes or 6 inches
long and from 1\ inch lo 2 inches in diameter, the following is
a receipt 1 once had from a first-rale cook, and I can guarantee
the turning out of a perfect delicacy to all whose stomachs
enable them to feed upon Marrow. " Cut tlie fruit wiih about
an inch of the slulk a llieriiig. Wash the exterior clean, and
place It in a saucepan of water close on the boilmg-poini; ; boil
slowly for Sfte-n minutes or more, according to size. When
the prongs of a fork enter the Iruit very easily it is soft enough
and done. A little practice will settle all that. But the fork
mu^t not be much used, as much of the deVicacij will consist
in preventing the water in which the fi'uit is boiled g'-tting in-
side. For this purpose the stalk is left long. AVhcn soft enough
place the Marrow on a plate, slit up longitudinally, remove all
the heart or seed purt, allow it to drain ; jilace the two halves
on a warm plate, and eat with the sauce most approved i>iy
For gardeners like myself noihing is better than a niji of sweet
butter, and salt and pepper to taste ; and simple though all be,
neither Jupiter nor Jmio, if such folk ever ate, would by any
means shrug thtir shoulders at it, unless from an excess of
pleasure. Pruned aud regulated Tomatoes, the first bunches
ripening nicely.

ERCIT-HOrSES.

We merely repeated here the work of last week ; and in the
open garden removed extra shoots and laterals trom Peach
trees. Apricots, Apples, Pears, and Plums. Gave the latter, the
fruit ot which were not changing, good lashings with sulphur
liine water to remove all trace of fly and insects, and the smell
helps to keep off flies and wasps, which threaten to be trouble-
some since tliese hot days, and which when they cannot get ripe
fruit will fasten on green. Gathered Morellos lor tarts, Ijottling,
and brandy, at least tlie forwardest of them.

STRAWEE liRIES.

Cannot yet get at the Strawberry quarters to clear away all
runners, though sadly wishing to do so. Commenced potting
the Strawberry plants layered in small pots, and those, which to
save time, were taken at once from the beds and pricked out in
rich soil below glass, where they were shaded for ten da_\3, afier-
wards had air, and then were fully exposed. There is little
differcr.ce in these plants, only those planted in the bed are a
little drawn from being placed lliickly together, and cjuld we
have got at them ought to have been potted eiglit days ago. Our
sorts are cliieliy a few Black Princ lor early work, and Keens'
Seedling and British Queen, with a few oi hers for variety, but
those will bo our standards. A number of Keens' will bo jiut in
four-inch pots, or what are called 48' s, for the earliest work.
The bulk will go in ^2'*, or six-inch pots. A good proportion of
them will be one plant to a pot ; but some of the weaker ones
we will put two plants in a pot. At one time I was all for one
plant in a pot, but considerable experience has loft me more in
doubt ; and last season, though all the planis did remarkably
well, i rather think that the pots with two plants in each
brought rather the heaviest late crops. For early work I prefer
one plant in a pot even if the pot should be smaller, as much

August 20, 1861. ]

JOTJRNAIj of HORTICULTtJEE AXD COTTAGE GARDENEB,

405

depends on having the main bud so well elevated as not to be
influenced by damp or injudicious watering. Tliis is not so easily
done wlien tvpo plants are put in a pot, as the plants must stand at
tlie sides opposite each otlier. With a single plant in a pot it
can be fixed well up in the centre, something in tlie way that
Heaths used to be potied in our young days. A good fresh lonm
witli a little rotten dung is the best compost to use ; but far
more than any sort of compost or manure is the mode of potting.
Loose potting will never give a good crop. If the man's fingers
are not strong enougli to squeeze the soil tightly, let him use a
piece of wood and ram the soil tight in the pots, keeping the
collar of the plant above the rim of the pot. I am no advocate
for larger pots, unless two-year-old plants are used, as they do
in many places in tlie noi'th. In suili cases tlie yield is generally
good, but the individual fruits are not generally so fine. I con-
sider the end of July better than the first and second week of
August for potting; but I have sometimes been disappointed in
very strong plants from early potting. Plants with well-ripened
buds and pots not only crammed firm with soil but one mass
of healthy roots, are of more importance than very strong
plants if these are not equally well ripened. In very early
potting the main bud is also apt to spht into two or three, and
the produce, therefore, is not generally so good as respects
quality, as when the plant has only one strong central bud. For
myself I should have liked to have potted the runners eight or
ton days earlier, and, therefore, I must hasten the perfecting and
maturing the plants, by giving them less pots to grow in, the
best and sunniest position, the richest nourishment until the
end of September, and every chance of ripening the buds by com-
parative dryness afterwards. In my opinion there are just two
secrets for securing early Strawberries under ordinary manage-
ment, The first is firm potting ; the second is ripening of the
plant. To secure the last the pots must not be too large, as that
gives an impetus to the growing and retards tlie maturing
process : hence, I have seen more fruit gathered from a dozen
plants in 48-pots, than from a similar number of 24-pot3.

PLAKT-HOUSES.

At the bottom of the page 383, the word "Calceolarias,"
ought to have been " Caladiums." I daresay in these busy
times some of us are a sad pest to the printers, llucli the
same work was continued in the plant-houses, potting, top
drsssing, re-arranginrr, regulating climbers, and keeping all neat
being the order of the day. Lantanas, the varieties of which
are very beautiful, tliough the scent is not enticing, struck in
sprinj, have reci-ived their final polling for autumn blooming,
and along with Browallias and Cassias, &c., will relieve the
masses of FuclKias and Balsams. Ericas and Epacrises should
be put under glass, so that they mav be defended from autumn
rains, and yet plenty of air given back and front. For this pur-
pose pits built above ground, as alUided to the other week, are
better than sunk pits, as air may be admitted by openings level
with tlie floor of the pit, as well as by tilting the sashes over the
tops of the plants. Where pits are not so constructed, garden
frames are more suilalile for all such plants that are at once
dwarf and compact enough to go beneath them. The frame
may be elevated a briuk or two at the corners, and then, with
the saslies also elevated back and front, there is a thorough
cireulation of air -. and the glass, by keeping oil' rains and heavy
dews, and yet allowing heat and light to penetrate freely, secures
the ripening of the wood and the setimg of the buds. Were
it not for. want of room, want of conveniences, and the desire
for novelty and change in little space. Camellias, Azaleas, and
many other things now summered out of doors, would be better
by glass protection at all times.

GEEANIUMS.

The finest masses of S>,'arlet Geraniums out of doors, at
least in quantities, I ever saw, were some four or five years
ago at the Crystal Palace, in tlie vases along the terraces. The
massive masonwork, and the vases themselves, as well as the
liuge building, were so light, that no colour would have told like
the scarlet. A slight fringe of blue drapery round the scarlet
might have softened the whole ; but I raay be in error. One
thing ought to be stated, that owing to the reflection of the
sun's rays from all such light-coloured substances, it is difficult
to induce small trailing plants to come over the edges of such
vases. Bs this as it may, the whole accouipaniments marked out
scarlet as the colour lor those vases.

The very Cnert mass cf scarlets I ever saw — finer than even in

the vases at the Crystal Palace— were in beds beneath the glass-
covered portico of a small country mansion. The back of the
portico, where not covered by plants, was a dark green ; the
narrow wired pilasters that seemed to support the front of the
roof, there being an iron column behind them, were also dark
green ; the curb ihat bounded the beds was, or was made, to
look like red sandstone, and a narrow walk surrounding it of
briglit red gravel. Now, looking at the Geraniums from a little
distance the effect was magnificent — the green gave rei^ose to the
eye. When you entered the verandah and looked down on the
mass of scarlet, it was no less dazzling ; but the charm was gone.
The eye was rather dazzled than delighted. The red glare of the
heated gravel left no soft spot of repose or of contrast for the
eye to rest upon, and the flowers were so dense as to show but
little of their own green foliage. A stone-coloured wall, and
especially a floor of light stone instead of red gravel, would have
left the Geraniums as much at home as the vases at Sydenham.-
A strip of white Nosegay (Hendersonii) round the scarlet, or a
band of white Ivy-leaved Geranium, or a mixture of white and
blue, such as Variegated Alyssum and blue Lobelia, would have
given repose to the eye and made the scarlet all the more-
dazzling and beautiful.

On the same principle, single, or even a pair of beds, if
entirely of one colour, however attractive the colour may be, will
seldom be satisfactory, unless the gra-'s or other surroundings
are peculiarly fitted to mellow down that colour. For want of
contrast and reposs ma'ny single beds, otherwise gay, cease to be
attractive and pleasing, though the reason why they are so is
often never suspected. Whether shaded or contrasted, two
colours under such circumstances will generally be more telling
than one.

If the present hot weather continues, however, we shall have no-
need of glass-covered ground to have Scarlet Geraniums in fine
condition. They are now fast coming up to the mark, though
not yet so fine as in some seasons. A little disleafing haa
enabled the sun to exert more power. Unless in the case of the-
tenderer variegated kinds. Scarlets fairly established out of
doors hardly ever require the assistance of the watering-pot ;
Golden Chain, Alma, &e., though dehghting in the sunshine,
are not so patient of drought, and will need watering ; Ivy-
leaved kinds, OS respects moisture, need intermediate treatment.
Removed some of the larger leaves of these, and stopped thfr
points to encourage free blooming. The terminal bud of the
strong Scarlets may also now be nipped out, as it will lake alt
the season to mature the buds now showing. The decayed
petals should also be nipped out of large trusses where there are
many blooms to open ; this, if possible, should bo done always
before wet is expected. The faded petals not only are dis-
figuring, but they discolour the sound petals remaining, and make
them dirty and miserable.

The weather that has proved so suitable to Geraniums has-
been trying to Calceolarias, however dense the ground be
covered. We have been obliged first to water individual plants,
and then to water them as we could generally. Every means
will be taken compatible with nea'.ness to keep the moisture in,
though there are signs we shall soon have moisture from the
heavens, and perhaps more than the husbandman may want
for the harvest. Nasturtiums, as Tom Thumb and other favourite
kinds, have wanted much leaf-picking to make them a mass of
bloom this season ; but this is required in most seasons where
masses of bloom are more desired than foliage. There is so
much succulence in the shoots, that, without interfering at all
with them, the flowers Tvill be benefited rather than otherwise
by removing three parts of the foliage, just leaving enough, to-
prevent a bald appearance.

'Jied and regulated Hollyhocks, Dahhas, &e., and just com-
menced the propagating of bedding plants by inserting cuttings
of cUmbing plants — as Maurandyas, Lophosperranms, Coboeas,
usingshort side shoots ofihe latter, and small sidepieces or points
of Tropseohim elegans, which has also required much disleafing
in our heavy ground this season. Will follow leisurely with Ver-
benas, Geraniums, &a, leaving the Calceolarias generally until:
October. Ttie plants of the florist Pelargoniums will soon be
pruned; they are not too hard as yet. Nothing is gained by
pruning them back whilst in a soft immature condition. If a
shower" comes now, we shall place them all on their sides, to
prevent the soil being wetted. The more the shoots resemble-
a piece of Oak before pruning the better will the plants do
ultimately, though they may break more languidly at first-
— R. F. ■

406

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 20» 1861.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. I

*^* We request that no one -will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they ,
are suhjectcd to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solelt/ to T7ie
Editors of the '' Journal of Horticulture, tj'c," 16*2, Fleet
Street^ London^ JE.C.

We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the
same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on
Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered
promittly and conveniently, but write them on separate
communication?.

We cannot reply privately to anj communication unless under
very special circumstances.

Morphology in Wuitk Cloveh.— " C. J.," of Bromley, has forwarded
me a specimen of common White Clover, in which the sepals of the calyx
are of a leafy character, and in which the pod is replaced by a stalked
leaf— a reduced copy of the ordinary leaflets of the plant. Such instances
are by no means uncommon ; but I am not the less g:ldd to receive speci-
mens on that account : and, hence. I must thank you for this renewed act
of kindnei^s, and must also beg you to insert ray thanks to " C. J.," in
The Journal or Horticultdre.— Maxwkll T. Masters.

Hunt's Sweet "Williaji not Blooming [L. F. F) —In the first place
recollect that three weeks* growth last summer did not advance the value
of one week's growth of ordinary seasons. Sweet Williams are very old-
fashioued flowers, which, if they are not treated in the old-fashioned style,
will never flower till the second season after being so late in the season of
Bowing. Next time, and for all time to come, let the Sweet Williams be
cultivated on this wise. They ** mu^t be sown at the beginninir of April
in a bed of li-rht earth, and in June they will be fit to transplant out, at
which time must be prepared some beds ready for them. They should be
planted 6 inches distance every way. In these beds thev may "remain till
Michaelmas, at which time they may be transplanted into the borders of
the pleasure garden. These will flower the next year in Juno, and perfect
their seeds in August, which you should save from th? best-coloured
flowers for a supply." That was written 100 years ago. Compare it with
your practice, and you will see clearly where the fault arose.

Select Fciciipias {F. J/.). —Your present collection of Fuchsias is a
good one. As you prefer dark well-cupped varieties, we can recommend
the following twelve as worthy of being added to your stock. ?n growing
them adopt the pyramidal style, that shows off the beauty of the flowers
to the bC'Jt advantage. The Fuchsia requires a lich light soil, and a liberal
treatment with water, and plenty of air during the summer months. In
early spring it requires rather more heat and moisture overhead than
most other greenhouse plants. If convenient, procure good plants as soon
as you ca", and commence preparing them for specimens early in the
spring. Bid Ben {Rollisson), gigantic flower; scarlet tube and petals;
corolla liirge, deep purple shaded with blue. Conqueror (Rollisson), large
blue corolla ; bright crimson sepals ; a large and very fine variety. Count
Carmtr (Banks), mauve corolla; crimson sepals; fine habit. Criterion
(Smith), tube and sepals very stout, coral red colour ; corolla violet
purple ; a fine kind. Elcgantisxima (Smith), tube and sepals rich scarlet
crimson; sepals brood and reflexing gracefully; corolla violet purple.
Forget-me-not (Banks), corolla rich blue striped with crimson; sepals
broad, bright carmine, and well reflexed. Lord Macaiilay (Banks), large
broad sepals of great length, and reflexes well ; corolla deep violet. Black
Prince (Banks), sepals dark carmine, broad and spreading; corolla intensely
dark, almost black. Pioneer (G. Smith), tube and sepals crimson ; corolla
very large, and of a light purple colour. Prince Leopold (Banks), flowers
large, with stout red sepals; corolla purple, expanding cup-like, U inch
across. Schiller (Banks), a long, drooping, elegant flower ; sepals white;
corolla rich deep purple, with a pure white blotch at the base of each
petal. Star of the Night (Banks), a noble flower; sepals broad and
recurved, glossy carmine colour; corolla IJinch across, of a fine violet
purple, finely cupped, the interior rajed with scarlet.

Obtaining Clcumbers in January ( T^''. 5.).— In a house heated by hot
water, we would sow in the first or second week of September, and again
towards the end of the month, but principiilly in the first week. We would
sow in Augiis-t for plants to bear in November, December, and onwards ; but
to commence bearing in January and onwards, the beginning of September
will be soon enough, and then the plants should be encouraged to get
strength until the first or second week in December. All fruit which
shows before that time had better be removed, and the strength of the
plants husbanded to bear onwards from January. Plants that bear all
through November and December, are apt to get weak and exhausted
about the new year, if the winter previously had been at all dark. If
seeds are sown, say at the end of October, and November and December
should be very dark, the plants will not be so well established and strong
as those sown earlier, and which have had the advantage of an autumn sun.
Umbrella Training of Bores (J. /". 5.).— Roses are not naturally
weeping tree-s like the Weeping Willow, Ash, Elm, &.c. : hence, when the
shoots arc tied down in a weeping position, the ends of the shoots will
turn upwards. You can only follow the method you have adopted—that
is, keep the shoots tied down as they elongate. When you prune them in
the autumn, leave the shoots nearly their full length, and next year you
will have a weeping tree.

Glebe 'Lavt* (A Subscribe7'),~0Ti\y under peculiar circumstances could
forty acres be rendered as remunerative as by letting them to a substantial
tenant at £2 per acre. If you persist in cultivating them, and grow farm
produce, we recommend you to follow the suggestions of Mr. Kobson, in
his " How to Farm Two Acres Profitably." You need only proportionately
increase the size of the plots demoted to the crop particularised. If you
choose to combine market gardening with your farming, consult what is
said by " A Little Market-Gaidener ;" but such works can only offL-r sug-
gestions ; situation, soil, and local circumstances are all influfntial, and
these must be allowed for by your own common sense. There is nothing
peculiarly suited to glebe land; nor is one crop more than another adapted
to a clerical cultiYator,

Coltsfoot (An Old Subscriber).— It is ii very difScuU weed to destroy.
Continually cutting it down and draining the soil are the only modes of
destroying it known. Diaining alone often vanquishes it in wet soils.

Peat (.1. Z*.)— The sample sent is only fit for fueL Peat or heath soil
for potting is chiefly composed of sharp siliceous sand and root fibres.

Seedling Apple iGarauay 4- Co.)— Your seedling Apple is a first-rate
oue, and will be very valuable on account of its fine appearance and great
carliness. Why, it is over-ripe now (August 16.)

Destroying Earth Worms (F.J/. Xi/sA-),— There is no better destructive
agent for earth worms than lime water. Procure some fresh-burnt
unslackcd lime, in sufficient quantity to make lime water enough to water
all your ground that is troubled with worms. Put the lime amongst water
in a large tub, let it eft'ervesce, and when settled and clear, skim oft' the
white scum on thesurface. and then dip in a watering-can withoutdisturb-
ing the lime at the bottom ; or, which is be'tcr, make a hole ju.«t above the
lime, and put in a tap and draw off the water. Apply it over the ground
with a fine-rosed watering-pot pretty liberally. The best time is cither
late in the evening, or very early in the morning. Should one application
not kill them all, repeat it the ' econd day after, and very few, if any, will
be left alive. You must not mind interrupting, as you term it, the proper
work of the worm in draining and ventilating the ground. Adopt other
means for this, such as fiequent stirring the surface, and draining.

American Blight.— With reference to the remarks of " Common Sense/'
in the Number of the 6tli inst. — viz., *'I expect the Larches might be
cured in Mr. Godsall's nursery, by u.^ing a hard si.rubbing-brush." Whatl
Upon the young and tender branches and foliage wh^re the American
blight so obstinately abound, employ a hard scrubbing-brush? Why,
*' Common Sense" might just as sensibly lecommend a hard scrubbing-
brush as a cure for the hunentable American blight now bidding fjir to
depopulate a portion of that beautiful country. As to the trunks and
larger branches of the Larches, these are kept quite free from the pest —
Wm. Gousall, Hereford.

White Lilies— Fuchsias— Sweet-scented Verbena- Phloxes iJI. F.).
—To do full justice to the old White Lily, the bulbs should betaken up
every year at the end or during the last week of August ; ibc offsets to be
taken from them, and the best bulbs planted the same day in the same or
some other place, and in the same or in a different soil— lor it matters
nothing whether the soil is rich or poor, dry or wet, fresh or worn out,
the White Lily is sure to do well in it and bloom most abundantly, if it is
yearly divested of its very numerous and exhausting family of little bulbs.
But the White Lily being an old-fashioned flower, no one does it justice,
but leave it for years to chance, or till the young begin to turn their parents
out of house and home. Do you happen to know where to find the
old White Lily with the purple stripes, as in Mr. Ferguson of Stowe^s
striped Petunia 1 Mr. Beaton wants a root or two of it by the end of this
month or very early in September, as all the tribe of Lilies begin to make
fresh roots early in September, after which time it is out of date to remove
any of them that is thought much of. The proper time to propagate
Fuchsias by cuttings is early in the spring and lute in the autumn, if one
has the convenience to keep the young things in good steady growth all
through the winter. The autumn-struck cuttings make the best plants for
competition next year. The spring is the onlytime to strike the sweet-
scented Verbena plant; and the autumn, or from now to Michaelmas, is a
very good time for cuttings of Phloxes in the open air under a hand-light.
French Marigold and some other Seeds ( TJ'. Carden). — Thei-e never
was a double Marigold, nor a double Aster either, nor yet a double Dahlia.
The heads of all these are full of florets, but not a single floret was ever
double and never will be. The flowers are only full, not doubled ; and, of
course, every floret will seed just as well as if it was on a stalk of its cwn
—that is to say, if the kind is at all a seeder. The more full the flower is,
the more likely the seeds from it ;ue to produce very full-flowering
seedlings. Half-double Balsams neVer ought to be propagated from. You
must prevent such flowers seeding, ani! procure a bet.cr strain. Seeds
from half-double Chrysanthemums are not worth sowing.

Peat Soil (X ^. P.).— Neither of the samples are peat or heath soil.
They are merely light loams with root fibres pervading them. Mixed
with leaf mould and flinty sand as you propose, it would, probably, be
good for Rhododendrons.

Chiswick Gardens (-5. A. 5.).— None but Fellows of the Society, or
friends of Fellows accompanying them are admitted. No payment for
admission is taken.

Marsh's Dessert Arrangement (■^''onc/cA). — The cost roust depend
upon the material, silver or plated. We do not know the price, a silver-
smith could give an approximate guess. Full particulars ought to be
advertised.

Names of Lobelias {C. i?.).— They cannot be decidedly named without
better specimens, showing the lower leaves. No. I, is probably Lobelia
erinus ; and Noa. 2 and 3, different forma of the common L. hicolor, usually
misnamed gracilis.

Names of Plants {Q. S. j!?.).-The white downy leaf is that of Populus
alba; the other fragment apparently belongs to some of the Gleditschias.
For a quick- growing screen, which seems your particular object, you
cannot do better than plant some of the broad-leaved Poplars, as P. bal-
samifera or P. nigra— the latter a very rapid grower. The Lime is, perhaps,
a more elegant tree; or there are the Sycamore, and the Hornbeam, if
preferred. If your space is limited, any of these would bear trimming up
to a convenient size and foruL Among evergreen trees, the most likely to
answer the above purpose would, perhaps, be the common Spruce Fir. —
{B. Pif/^er).— What vou now send is the purple-topped Clary, Salvia hor-
minum. What was sent before ? (P. M. K. ) .— It appears to be the Tritoma
Burchellii of inauy gardens, which is, perhaps, the original form of
T. uvaria; but your flowers are poor in colour (unless, indeed, it has all
been dischargpd in the transit^, and may be T. media. The best of the
Tritomas is the glaucous-leaved sort, now sometimes distinguished as
T. uvaria glaucescens. {R. vl.).— Yours is Eucomis punctata.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

August 20th. Shepton Mallet. Hon. Sec, Mr. J. Brabner, Shepton
MalleU

August 28th. Dewsburt. Sec, Edward Forth.

September 2nd. Heckmondwike. (Floral, Horticultural, and Agri-
cultural.) Sec, G. Kelley, Heckmondwike.

September 4th and 5th. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of
other descriptions, and Fruit.) Sec, W. Houghton,

August 20, 1861.] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAaE G-AKDENER.

407

SEPTF:\rBKr. 5tb. 'VVorksop. (Floral and TInrticultural.) Hon, Sec.,'Mii'

Gen. Bnxter.
SBPTKMnER 11th. Royal TToRTrcuLTURAL Society. {Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eylea.
Septemdicr 18th and 19tb. Brighton an-d Sussex, fi'er., E. Carpenter.
November 6th and 7th. Rotal HoRTictrLTUitAL Society. (Fruit and

ChiTsanthemuras.) Garden Superivtcndcnt^ G. Eyles.
NovEMBKR 12th and 13th. Stoke Newington Chrtsanthemi-s: Society.

Sec, \V. T. Howe.
November 14th and 15th. Crystal Palace. (C^rj-santhemum Show.)

Sec, W. Hnuffhton.
N.B.—Secrpfanes of Societies mtendlnq to adrertisc rn our columns wilt

ohltj/e us by sending an earhj iniimaiion of their exhibition days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

POULTRY, &c., SHOWS.

Attgust 21st. CoTTiNGnAJT. Sec, Joseph Brittain. Entries close August

Uth.
August 26th, 27th. 28th, and 29th. Crystal Palace Summer Show.

Sec, Mr. W. Houg^hton, Entries close July 27th.
September 3rd. Pocki.ington (Yorkshire.) Sec, Mr. Thomas Grant.

Entries close August 26th.
Septehper 5th. Cheshire, Hon. Sec, Mr. George Chivas, (Chester.

Enlrics close August 20th.
September 11th and 12th. Manchester and Livrrpool. Sec, Mr. T. B.

Ryder, 3, Elliott Street, Clayton Square. Liverpool. Hon. Local Sec,

Mr. S. H. Hyde. Entries close August Uth.
September 26th. Staffordshire (Wolverhampton). Sec, Mr. "W.

Tonikinson, High Street, Newcastle, Staffordshire. Entries close

August 24th.
September 24th. Bridonouth. Sec, Mr. K. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
September 26th. Middleton. Sec, Mr. Thomas Mills.
October 8th, 9th, and 10th. Worcester. Sec, Mr. J. Holland, Chestnut

Walk. Entries close September 20th.
October 23rd. Calne. Sees., Messrs. F. Baily and A. Heath. Entries

close September 24th.
November 22nd, 28th, and 29th. Daultngton. Sec, Mr. J. Hodgson.

Entries close November lUh.
December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. Sec, Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December 11th, 12th, 13th, and Uth. Crystal Palace Winter Show,

Sec, Mr. W. Houghton.

MOETALITY AMONG THE POULTRY AT THE
SHEFFIELD EXHIBITION.

It is too notorious in racing circles Ibat thsre ai'e a set of
villains who do not scruple to "physio" a horse against whose
success they are betting. They do not wish to deprive the
animal of life, but only so much to weaken him that he is " safe "
to lose. Sometimes, however, in their anxiety to make such
animal "safe," they have administered a dose loo strong, and
the animal has died. Many of our readers will remember the
case of the Eagle Colt. One Daniel Dawson administered the
too-potent dose, and the said Daniel Dawson was hanged for so
doing.

The days when men were deprived of life for such a crime are
passed ; but not one of our readers but will agree with us, that
the man who will administer poison to an animal to prevent its
winning in any contest, is but one step removed in moral black-
ness from Palmer who poisoned discursively those by whose
deaths he hoped to defraud insurance offices. It matters not
whether a horse or a chicken is poisoned for such a purpose.
The villainy is the same, the deed is detestable.

If, then, the mortality among the poultry at the late Sheflield
Exhibition was occasioned by poison purposely administered to
the birds, then whoever administered that poison is one of tlie
most base of mankind. How a previous generation estimated
such a crime, the fate of Daniel Dawson records ; and though
we are thankful that the period of death-slatutes is gone by, yet
there is no secondary punishment so severe that we would not
have it inflicted on such a culprit.

We ask, then. Were the deaths of the poultry at the late
Sheffield Exhibition occasioned by poison ? Can any one give
us information on the point? If sufficient evidence can be
afjbrded — be the criminal who he may — we pledge ourselves that
be shall be arraigned for the deed.

An anonymous writer under the signature of "Semm," weeks
before the Sheffield Show, published some ambiguous warnings
to poultry exhibitors. Who is " Selim," and on what grounds
did he consider himself justified in publishing such warnings ?
Can he afiTord any evidence ?

How did it happen that about ten or twelve pens had one bird
in each more or less unwell? How did it happen that one bird
was dead or dying in the following ? —

Pen 44. — Grey Dorkings (cock dead). They were Mr. Ber-
wick's, of Helmsley.

Pen 251. — Golden-pencilled Hamburghs (cock very ill). They
belonged to Mr. George Pallett, of Burgoyne Baths, WaUdey,
Sheffield.

Pen 262. — Golden-spangled Hamburghs (hen miserably ill).
The property of Mr. Hem-y Carter, of Upper Thong, Holmfirth.

Pen 387. — Buenos Ayrean Ducks (drake dead). Owner, Mr.
G. S. Sainsbui-y, Rowde, Devizes.

One pill could only be eaten by one bird, and it was only
necessary to destroy one bird in a pen to disqualify that pen.
The mortality was not occasioned by the weather. It was then
and had been previously cool and pleasant, nor was there any
approach to cold winds. It had rained a little the night before
the awards were made, but the pens (except about two or three),
were perfectly dry and comfortable, being well protected from
vicissitudes of chance storms. Moreover, the two or three
wetted pens did not contain a single specimen of the ailing birds.

There was a Dog Show held simultaneously, but it was ramoved
so far from the poultry that it was impossible altogether for
fright at the dogs to have done the injury. Indeed, the fowls
were all penned before any dog arrived on the ground. From
heat or excitement therefore, both most probable to bring on
apoplexy, the deaths did not arise.

Then, again, let it be remarked that the deaths were almost
exclusively in pens of first-rate birds — pens that but for the one
death in each would have been very likely to be winners.

Under tliese suspicious circumstances, and considering that
such remarkable mortalities — the one necessary and no more —
occurring at exhibitions must be fatal to poultry shows, we have
given the subject this prominent notice, and we will conclude
by again asking emphatically — Can any one give evidence that
the deaths among the poultry at the Sheffield Exhibition were
occasioned by poison purposely administered to them ?

REMINISCENCES OF A GAMEZEEPEK.

{Continued from page 388.)
But all the roads in these commons are not green rides : there
are the tracks made by waggons when drawing turf. Lest any
should be ignorant of turf, poor people living, perhaps, in the
Vale of Aylesbury or the fat parts of Lincolnshire, and knowing
nothing of heath, we will tell them, these commons furnish
the fuel of the poor. Certain men live by cutting turf, for a
trifle per thousand ; it is then exposed to the sun till dry ; then
heaped together in cocks ; then carted home and stacked in the
turf-house till the winter. In this country all the farmers draw
for the cottagers, and are paid for the labour by tlie ashes,
which are used for manure. The instrument \ised in cutting it
is a very stout steel spade, about 15 inches wide at the shoulders
where tlie handle is inserted ; these are rounded off, and it then
takes the form of a tongue ending in a point. The handle is
about 30 inches long, and terminates in a broad cross-piece
rounded at each end to form handles, but flattened in the middle
to enable the man to press against it without hurting himself.
Choosing a spot where the heath is not only long and thick
but stout, he puts the point of his cutter in the ground, then
taking hold of each end of the handle he presses against it with
all his strength, and cuts a turf or sod about 18 inches across
every way, and about an inch thick. It is turned earth upper-
most, to become dry by exposure to the sun and air. The earth
itself is peat, and being filled with the roots of the heath, it
becomes very inflammable.

Reader, if you have ever been wet and cold in a heath country
in November, and have sought a place where you could sit down
in the dry to eat what your stove afforded, and mayhap to smoke
just one pipe, and if you have come across a turf fire you know
the luxury ; if you have not, I will attempt to describe it.
"Well, dame, I have just dropped in for five minutes."
" Lor' a' massy, Mr. John, but I 'm glad to see ye. If I 'd
knowed ye were coming I'd a had a better fire; but there, a
matter o' turf will soon burn up."

The grey ashes lie in heaps on the hearth, and the genial
emanation from them tells there is more than dust there. The
good woman of the house chooses three or four turfs well covered
with heath ; she then rakes the ashes away from the back of the
fireplace; she places the thickest and heaviest turf there, the
others in front of it ; she rakes the braize up against the outer-
most, and gives one blow. In an instant the fire invades the
whole, and then the flames roav and spit, and the good turf
crackles, and chairs or settles are moved, for the heat increases ;

408

JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 20, 1867.

the oloeelj-buttoned coat is opened, and the turf fire justifies tlie J
character given of it by its friend?, tiiat none burns up eo rapidly 1
or coiniuunicateB so niuch lieat. It is bj no means transient : ,
long after the flame has disappeared there are lumps of fire
changing from white to jellow and pale red, as the outer flukes
fall off; and as they seem to lie and s-n-ell and enjoy the lieat,
they partly realise the idea of the Salamander. But if jou are
far from home, or if there is yet woik to be done for wljich day-
light is "wanted, it is t^angerous to encourage this mood. Often
haTe I indulged these reveries till I imagined all sorts of things
in the fire, and enjoyed the amusement till my dreams ceased to
be waking ones, and when I returned to reahty it was a long
•walk over a dreary common.

The question of commons is a vexed one ; while the right, of
turning out will always be valuable to the farmer, and the right
of fuel be still more so to the poor man, yet they always harbour
many bad characters, and give a plea for idleness. Fuel in such
a neigbbourliood as I am describing is the only thing in which
the poor man can indulge without the necessity of stint. Tlie
little bit of coal bought with diiEculty, with just enough burn-
ing to fill a very snjall screwed-up grate, and constantly going
out, will never bear comparison with the cheerful hearth. The
tired, wet man, who comes soaked from his labour, puts on the
three or four eods of turf, and is driven back in ten minutes by
the unbearable heat whicli is felt by all around him, will never
benefit by the little bit of dut-ty coal that is hidden from eveiy-
bodj's sight, and withdrawn from their feeling when he spreads
his broad palms in front of it. I believe if you were to poll
labourers they would sooner liave tea and a roa'ing turf fire
than a moderate meat meal in comparative cold. ATho that has
travelled through the country at night has not observed the air
of comfort and cheerfulness given by the leaping and quivering
reflection of the fires within the cottages, the only piece of indul-
gence they dare to allow themselves ? j

A large extent of waste land, however, tends to create a vaga-
bond population, and especially leads to sabbath-breaking.
I will endeavour to sketch two characters with whom I was
frequently in contact. Both were poachers, but were widely
different in their habits and manners. Ned Bond was a stout,
well-built man, rather above the middle height. Nature had
made him a sportsman, but he had net the energy to persevere
in an industrious course till he could afford to indulge his in-
clination ; nor did it suit his nature to seek to make 'hem the
means of his livelihood by hiring himself to those who could
afford to keep such men in furtherance of their own hobbies.
He would not go as keeper, or if" lie did he would not remain ;
his notions of enjoymerit led to the unlimited consumption of
beer when it came in the way, and then, as a natural conse-
quence, he became far too important to serve any one. He
never worked till he was too old to do anything, and then he
pretended to do day labour. He would hire himself to any
party to accom.pany them shooting; he would undertake to
break dogs — in fact, am thing tliat was like sporting, and unlike
■work. "When these failed he would poach; but this was, per-
haps, the most respectable thing he did. He did not fneak
about in dirt, but dressed well; with white hat, clean white
neckcloth, clean ehocs and gaiters, clean gun, and dog in good
condition, he sallied out iu pursuit of Pewits and Golden Plovers.
His besetting sin was he seldom told the truth.

Jack lomline was a slim, dirty, old man. His face resembled
a skull with skin stretched over it; his teeth were all gone,
and his lips sunk into his jaws. He was miserably thin, and
wretchedly clothed. Old worn-out corduroy trousers, and boots
that had long seen their best days covered liis legs and feet ;
the rest of his cottnme was concealed by u dirty smockfrock,
and the whol; was covered by a loose drab great coat that liad at
some time formed part of a livery outfit. He was ueuer known
to use a gun. He hunted wiih five dogs, and it was interesting
to see how admirably they were trained. However they might
be excited, no whimper would be heard. I have often seen
Tomline and hi-s dogs beating a gravel-pit overgrown with heath
and furze, and a favourite resort for hares. I have been w^atch-
ing him, and have seen him walk along at. a moderate pace
looking neither to tlie right nor the left, his dogs (ollowipg, and
all apparently wrapped in deep thought. I have taken my eje
off him for a minute and he was uo longer iu siglit ; but now
and then a dog would be seen to jump over a furze-bush or up
a bank. He would be seated, or squntted, or stooping. Two or
three dogs would make a rush at one spot, Tomline tell upon them,
and when he got up there was nothing seen, except there were

two or three spots of blood on his frock, and it stuck out more
on one side than the other. 1 hi^ would be many times repeated.
He always worked on the boundary of a manor, and always in
covert. If it were necessary from the approach of any one that
he should cross a boundary, he would drop on his hands and
knees, his dogs would crouch and crawl behind liim, and when
he was next seen it was at some distance beyond the limit.
(To Jje continued.')

PKOFITABLE POULTEY KEEPING.

Once more I must beg Bpace in The VouUrrj Chronicle^ and
ask the indulgence of its readers. My critic "K. C. C." still
demurs to Jiiy statements, arid I apprehend tlie best possible
reply I ean give will he a full year's accounts. To have copied
the entries of each day would have eucicached on too much
space ; I have, Iherefoie, given the first and last of (ach month
with the totals. From September the account is carried on to
the following January. This arose from there being compara-
tively few purchasers and sales from the middle of August to the
middle of October. My garden produce now chie6y fed my
stock birds, and until October I had very few eggs to dispose of.
My gardens were some few rods onlv short of an acre in extent,
were well cropped, and everything was done to make them pro-
ductive. My family consisted of six individuals oi»ly, and three
were children under five years of age : hence, 1 could not but
have an abundant supply of food for ray poultry during the
whole year, with the expenditure for grain and greaves given
below. That they were neither " gkinriy " nor starved, the
returns for eggs from October to January fully prove. With
these few remarks I ask a perusal of the following account (of
which I have given a candid interpretation in the form of an
analysis), premising that it is that of my first year, and calling
attention to the fact that I had no chickens for sale ur.til June;
and the results of this my initiatory year of keeping poultry for
profit only, are but little below those of the average of three
years on which my already' published accounts were based.

1857. Dk.

Payments.

£ ,t.

d

1857. Cr. RECF.J1TS.

£ ». d

Jan. 28.— To food pQ

chased

0 Ifi 8

Feb. 1 to 28.— BycgKStoId

2 13

Feb. 3 til 25.

do.

2 14

1

Mrr. lto29. do.

U 4 8

Mar. 2 to 2S.

do.

4 9

2

Apl. 2 10 i9. do.

5 15 10

Apt. 8 to 20.

do.

:; 18

4

Mays to 31. do.

3 15 10

May 9 In 30.

do.

6 1

S

June 2 to 29. cliickcns do

12 1 S

June 9 to 29.

do.

10 1

8

July 1 to 30. do.

19 2 «

July 4 to 30.

do.

8 0

0

AuK.4to2t. do.

24 16 8

Aup. 8.
.Sept. 1 to)
Jan. 31, I85S.;

do.
do.

4 6
3 19

S
O

Sept. 1 to)
Jau.30,165SJ ^?S'

19 IS l>

4t S

Gross

Profit

54 4

4

42 \1 1

tiS 12

6

Total cgKS, 10,225, of which

54-^5 were bcM at an

avtrace of Irf. each . . 22 17 1
3792 fetched an aveiace

price of \\tt. each, and

948 were used for sitting 19 15 0

ASALTSIS.

Total Chickens, 780, whicli
broufftt au average pric«
of l5. 5^. (and a Iractiou)
per head 50 0

42 12 1

98 12 «

This gives an average of 102i eggs to each hen, of which an
average of sixty-four were laid before sitting, and thirty-eight
during the autumn and winter months.

Average chickens to each hen 7 4-5ths. Seventy-eifht of my
own hens sat (including a few which sat twice), and twi-lve sitting
hens were lent to mo by a neighbour = 90, giving an average of
^i to each.

.«. d.
Average retuni per head . 19 8^ throwing off minute fractions.
„ cost ,, ,, .8 loj „ ,,

Gross profit per head . 10 10

Against the gross profit balance of £54 4s. id., the deductions
for interest, loss, eggs for sitting, rent, and management will
have to be placed. I hold, however, that where the care of
poultry devolves on members oi the owner's family, without
iiindrance to any other pursuit, and where the rent of premises
must be paid, whether occupied by poultry or not, the two
charges (or munagement and rent may legitimately be cleiined 08^
profit, or rather not n.ade a charge at all.

Again, I repeat, that two acres of grass land, nearly one acre-

August 20, ISGl. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTIAGK GARDliSEIl.

409

of garilen, and ever a quarter of an nnre of a sand and grarel
yard (containing duri^, straw, wood, &c.), is amply sufiicMent for
the heallh. keeping of 100 head of ponltry, with tlie purchases
above named.

" Let hi'M laugh who wins," is an old proverb. And whether
■the above statement be satisfaotoi-v or not to "E. C. C," I can
affirm that tlie pro6ts of poultry kt-epiug were eminently so to
me for a period of fourteen years, and not merely the four which
were conducted solely with a view to sale, but during the ]ire-
ceding ten, when I could get, in the locality in which I then
resided, only 1.?. a score for eggs in the height of the season, and
3-y. a couple for fat fow:s. I had my own consumption of
poultry and eggs, and a present to a friend now and then, Iree
■of all cost.

In my last an error occurred, either mine in transcribing, or
the printer's. The aoiount for pui'chase of stock should have
stood £14 15*. Gd., instead of £13 15*. &d. Tnis correction will
give, as 1 stited, " interest, 14.9. did. ; " and " price or cost per
head, 2.t. ll|-cZ. nearly ;" fractionally, 2.5. Hid., 21-2-5.

With the profit to hi obtained by tlie dealer I had nothing to
do. I obtained my own price, and in corroboration of tny
statements I would refer the reader to the series of papers which
recently ajipeared in The Poultry Clironisle, and also to the
quotations in tlie weekly lists.

Again, I consiiler myself justified by usage in charging the
eggs placed under the liens at a price lower than that at which
they would be sold. If a producer uses or consumes any of his 1
productions, he does not debit himself with the profit he could ,
have obtained by sale, but with the cost to himself.

Indisposition lias prevented this reply appearing pflrlier. If
deemed satisfactory by "E. C. C," well ; if not, 1 have neither
the means nor the inclination to continue the controversy. And
I say, though in all respect, that as the whole of my siaiem>'nt8
are "fouuJed on facts," Ian careh-ss of the result. — Leishton.

[We think this coritroversy may now cease. Our corre-
spondent " I.EI&HTON," whom we have long known, says he is
only stating "facts." — Eds. J. of H.]

niECOCIOUS DOCKING PULLET.

I HATE a white Dorking pullet whicli was hatched on the
12th of last March, and she laid on the 27th of July. Do you
often hear of pullets laying so young? — J. J'. B.

[We do not often hear of pullets laying eo young except they
arc Cochin-Chinas. They will lay at seventeen or eighteen
weeks old, if they reacli that age, in summer or autumn. Your
pullet would be nineteen weeks and four days old. It is an un-
usual occurrence, and the only explanation to be given is, she
lived and sjfew in the time of year most favourable to develop-
ment. She would not have laid if she had altaiue^J that age in
the winter.]

DORKINGS PRODUCING YELLOW-LEGGED

CHICKENS.
In the beginning of March last I was presented with what
was called a very fine Dorking hen (coloured), for which I pur-
chased a cock shortly afterwards. From the present pair I have
now twenty-one chickens, of which fourteen are cockerels, and
seven ]3ullets. I have read that coloured Dorkings should have
white legs, and it strangely happens that my pullets have all
jellow legs, with only one exception, while the cockerels are,
accord in,' to rule, provided with white ones. The question I
want to put to you is. Should 1 think less of my pullets because
they have yellow legs, if they are good birds otherwise? — Notice.
[Under no circumstances can we advise you to breed again
from birds that have thrown yellow legs. 'J hey may be tolerable
if you intend to eat them all ; but even then they are "Ugly on
the table. Ton cannot show them to a friend as Dorkings, and
neither alive nor dead can you sell them for such. View them in
what light you will, yellow legs are a great disadvantage, and
diminish value greatly.]

POULTB.Y AFFECTED WITH ROUP.

You will greatly obh'ge A Subscriber, if you can inform me
what to do with my chickens. They are Grey Dorkings.
Several of them, in two coops, about six weeks old, have been
simultaneously attacked with swelled heads and eyes ; in some,
only one eye; in others, both. JVone of those tliat became
wholly blind liave recovered their sight, but died in a few days ;
most of the others are getting well, though their eyes are very
weak. Tljeir feathers look well, and, for the most part they eat
well, and run about as usual. The coops are placed several
yards apart on a large piece of short grass, of which the chickens
have the run ; and the ground is not overstocked with fowls. I
have given the afllicted ones "Baily's roup and condition pills,"
and washed their heads once or twice a-day in weak vinegar
and water, when a film, in some cases as thick as the white of
an egg, came off the eye.

I fear the disease is infectious, as a large cockerel of more
than two months old has also lately been attacked, and I think
will not live. Can you suggest any remedy for this disease ?

[We advise you to remove the infected from the healthy
oliickens. Feed both freely on bi-eati and ale, and let some of
the earth close lo tlieir rips be turned up and over, with spade
-or fork, every night and morning. Y'our treatment of tlie sick
.chickens is right — continue washing with cold water and vinegar.
Where yonug chickens have both eyes closed, kill them at onue.]

GOOLE POULTRY SHOW.

On the 1st in«t., the first exhibition of the Goole Poultry
Show was held in the Boiidiii:;-yard, belonging to the Aire and
Calder Navigation Company, which had been placed at the dis-
posal of the Committee, to whom the management of the Show
was entrusied.

SPASiSH.— First, E. Brovvn, riillip's Uoail, ShefflelJ. Seconc], F. Johnson'
nail.

Dorkings.— First, E. Smitti, Stiddleton, .Second, F. Key, Beverley.

CxCHiy-CiiiN'A. — First, I-^ Smitli. Midtllcton. Second, W. Dawson, Mopton.

Gamk iBIack-brcasteo aud other Heds).- I'irst, i:. Tate, Driffield. Second,
H. Ailams, Beverley.

Gamb iDuckwings and other variety). — Firet, U. Adams, Beveiley.
Second, J. P. llepworth, Bearswood Green.

GAMR{.\ny variety).— Prize, .J. Fletcher. StoncclouEh, Jinnehester.

IIamborgh fGolden-spanEicd). — First, C. Whitton, Uawcli'tfe. Second, Miss
E. IJ Idon. I'ark Cottuee, Liradford.

Hamburgh (Silver spangled). —l"n'St, E. Hatton, Pudsey, Leeds. Second,
R. Tate, Driffleld.

Hamburgh iGolrten-pencllled).— First, F. Hardy, Bradford. Second, T. C.
Addey, Jan., Epwoith.

Hasibukgh i^ilver-pencilled).— First, C. Whitton, P.awclilTe. Second, Miss
E. F.eidon. Bradford.

PdLisn FoAVLS (any varir.ty). — First, F. Hardy, B.'adford. Second, Mi&s
E. lieldon, Bradford.

Any other Kurc or Distinct Brekd (Nut previously classed), — First,
P.. Tate, DrilHeld. Second, Miss E. Ucldon, liradford.

Bantams (Gaiiie).^FiTst, K. Tate, Dri.Held. Second, MissN. G. Crossland,
Walielicld.

Bantams (any other variety) —First, F. Hardy, Bradford. Second, Miss
N. G. Crosslund, Waketield.

SINGLE COCICS.

ScANlsn. — Prize, Mr. JFoss, Goolc.

DuRKiNG. — Prize. J. E. Colter. Goole.

CocniN-CnlNA. — Prize W. Dawson, llopton.

Game I ULack-breasted and other Ueds).— Fir,st, H, Adams, Beverley.
Second. F. Hardy, Br.idford.

Game iDackwings and any other variety). — Firs*^, J. Fletclier, Goole.
Second, F. Hardy, Brauford.

Ant Faiimvard Cuos).— Prize, li. Tate, Driffield.

Game Uaktam (any variety).— Prize, 11. Tate, l>ritfield.

Bantam (any variety).— Prize, F. Hardy, Bradford.

Two Hens (any variety). — First, B. Key, Epwovtii. Second, G. H. Cross-
land, Waketield.

Gandk and G00SE.--R. Tate. Driffield.

TuuKF.TS (cock and hen).— Prize U, Tate, Drilficld.

Gui.vEA F0W1.S icock and lien).— Prize, 11. 'Cate, Driffield.

liocKS (iiny varietv). — First und second, R. Tate Driffield.

Pigeons.— C»r;-;e("s -Prize nitliheld. Cnipiiers.- Second. J. B. Hepwortfi,
Bearsivood Green. Tiimhh-rs.—Vnit. J. W. Bell. Second, R. Grave),
Tliorne. /Jnril.— First, T. Elrinfiton, Woodmansey. Second, Miss E. Beldon,
Bradthrd. ./nrofti/i.- First, T. Elrington, Wnodmansej. Second, T.C. Addy,
Jan., Epwoitb. Ti-timpe.ttr.—Vm.t., F. Key, Beverley. Oic/.— First, J. W.
Bell, Beverley. Second, F. K-:y. Beverley. rKriiV.-Prize, F. Key. Fnntail.—
First, T. Elvinston Second, F. Kev. Ami other Tarictil.—Vnze F. Key.

Rabbits- i5(ici.—Fn-st, K. Earnsiiaw, Hawclifle. Second, .7. Ross, Howden.
£01;.— First, J. Aspin, Tliorne. Second, L. Dickenson, Howden.

.fudges for Foiilfri/, J.H. Smith, Esq., Skelton Grange, York;
for Piyeons, Mr. E. "llobson, the Brewery, Hull.

Of pouliry and Pigeons tliere were a21. pens, which we con-
sider good, especially as the Slieffield Show Avas so near, and
other two exhibitions of the kind in Yorkshire on the same day.

FEEDING BLACE EAST INDIAIT DUCKS.

Can tou tell me if these, for exhibition, ought to be fed or
treated differently than other Diicks ? — Sigma.

[The essentials in these birds are small size and bright

410

JOtrKXAL OF HOBTICULTTTKE AND COTTAGE aARDENEE.

[ August 20, 1861.

plumage. They should not, therefore, be either over-fed, or fed on
soft food. Peed principally on good heavy oats put in a vessel
with water and gravel ; and they should not alwaya have food by
them. Nothing tends so much to the good condilion of Ducks
as plenty of gravel.]

INTEODUCING A LIGURIAN QUEEN TO A
HIVE OF COMMON BEES.

Oji Friday, July 19th, at half past eleven A.ii., received from
the " Devonshike Bee-keeper " a small box containing a^
Ligurian queen and a few bees, which arrived in good order. Aj,
the queen arrived some seven hours sooner than the lette
announcing that her majesty had been sent off, I was not ex"
pecting her, and not prepared.

Now, for the means taken to unite her with black bees. In
the first place, I may state tliat I had only one stock, and that
was in a very large, common straw dome-shaped hive ; the bees of
this hive had not swarmed, but appeared to be on the point of
doing 80, drones having been flying about a fortnight, was very
populous, and, probably, had several immature queens coming
on. This being the case, I did not tliink it would be safe to join
the new queen to bees in an old hive, in the manner recommended
by '' A Devonshire Bee-keepee," as there would be a fear that
the bees would not take to the Ligurian queen, but would prefer
wait ng for a young queen of their own raising. Instead, there-
fore, of driving the old hive, I took it from the stand at a time
there appeared to be the most bees abroad, and placed in its
stead an empty one. As the old hive was taken completely
away, and as there were no other hives near at hand, the bees
were compelled, though very reluctantly, to take possession of
the empty hive.

On the Friday and Saturday the bees were, in a very excited
way, rushing in and out ; but by the Monday morning following
they seemed to have lost much of their restlessness, and I thought
the time had come for the queen to be presented to them, I
opened the communication between the box containing her and
the bees in the hive. The queen, I may state, had been placed
over an opening in the top of the hive, separated from the bees
below by some wire gauze, and the bees seemed to unite quite
peacefully. Though I had the top of the small box covered with
a square of glass, yet on the junction taking place I could not see
the queen, though I watched very intently, wishing to see how
the black bees would receive her.

About a quarter of an horn- after opening the communication
there was a gentle hum in the hive, which I took to be indica-
tive of a successful junction, and shortly after a bee entered the
hive laden with poUen — another good indication — and the bees
continued to carry a little all the day.

But now took place what seems to me as very strange. After
the Monday, July 22nd and day of junction, till "Wednesday in
the week following, July Slst, the bees ceased to carry poUen,
though they flew out and appeared to coUeot some honey ; but
on the Wednesday, July 3l6t, the bees again began to carry a
httle pollen during all the day, and on Thursday, August 1st,
rather more freely ; and since then in a fair quantity. How can
this be accounted for? I was very fearful during this period
that the queen had not been received, or that she had died. This
made me regret that I had not taken means to view the queen
before opening the hole to the hive, to see if she was alive, &c. ;
but at the time I did not wish to cause any excitement among
the bees, hut to keep them as quiet as possible whilst uniting, as
I recollected reading a few weeks before of the unsuccessful
introduction of a Ligurian queen to a liive of bees, the non-suc-
cess caused, as the "Devonsuiee Bee-k.eepek" thought, through
the bees having been excited, or made angry by a piece of pitch
string, used by the operator to stir the bees up to a more speedy
junction.

I can only account for the non-carrying of pollen (supposing
the queen to be aUve) to the probabi'ity that the queen, through
her confinement, sufiered in health — perhaps because her laying
had been suddenly arrested, and that it took nine or ten days to
recover herself so as to be able to resume laying.

By the plan adopted I had about as many bees as would make
a fair-sized swarm.

The night previous to the junction I gave the bees food to fill
themselves upon during the night, witli the intent of causing
them to unite more readily, as it has been several times stated
that bees are more peaceably inclined whilst in a state of repletion.

Though the Ligui'ian bees sent along with the queen were
received quietly in the first place, I am afraid they were after-
wards all slaughtered, as none are now to be seen, and several
have been found dead on the ground in front of the hive.

August 12. — Since the foregoing the bees have been working,
by building combs, carrying pollen and honey just as a natural
swarm. So I conclude that all is right.

The " Devonshiee Bee-keepee " wished me, when he sent
the queen, to report the success or non-success I might have, so
I have sent you the foregoing. — A.

ARTIFICIAL SWARMS.

Havino already described what I consider the best mode of
forming artificial swarms, I will now point out the probable
cause of failure in the instances mentioned by " A Middeesbi
Bee-eeepee," and by "J. E. B."

Both these correspondents attempted the formation of arti-
ficial swarms by putting combs containing eggs and brood in
empty boxes, which were then placed during the middle of a fine
day in positions previously occupied by strong stocks. I consider
this metliod inferior to that described by me last week, by reason
of the length of time which must necessarily elapse before a
young queen can be raised, become impregnated, and commence
laying eggs, to which must be added the period from the com-
mencement of egg-laying until young workers are able to take
wing. Under the most favourable circumstances these various
causes will produce a delay of two months before the numbers
of the daily-diminishing colony can be recruited by an accession
of young bees. This delay, be it remembered, occurs also just
at the busiest and most important season of the year. Another
disadvantage is, tliat any combs which may be fabricated before
a queen is matured, will generally be drone-combs, which must
either be removed at some future time, or if sufiered to remain
will injuriously atfcct the prosperity of the colony.

In some few instances bees will, under these circumstances,
make no attempt to raise a queen, whilst more frequenly the
attempt when made is unsuccessful. Success is, however, much
more probable when the brood-comb is accompanied by tlie bees
which cling to it ; and if this was not done I should be inclined
to attribute the failures which have been recorded to this cause.

Most apiarians are aware that Huber noticed two descriptions
of working bees in a hive which he denominated respectively
nurses and wax-workers. This division of the workers into two
classes has provoked ridicule from some, and incredulity on the
part of many. Recent observations, ho\Vever, goto prove that
there really is a division of labour among bees, and that whilst
the younger portion of the community devote themselves to the
home duties of the hive, their elders are employed in ranging the
woods and fields to procure sustenance for the entire colony.

It is, therefore, very probable that a chance medley collection
of bees consisting almost entirely of those best fitted for honey
gathering miglit either decline the attempt altogether, or fail in a
task which they had become unfitted to accomplish. — A Devon-
shire Bee-keepee.

WOODBURY BAR-HIVES— UNITING SWARMS.

^YoTTLD you be so kind as to give a further explanation to
Mr. Woodbury's bars, as my man does not understand by the
sketch given in No. 17, July 23rd, how he allows the bees to
pass above the bars, having had some of Mr. Woodbury's bars
made with frames for the comb and slides to fit into each side of
the bars ? The bars being made out of one thickness of wood,
and the slides fitting into eai'h side, thtfre is no way for them to
pass at top, unless 1 was to have some lioles drilled through the
bars betwixt the slide and the bottom of the bars. My bars are
now made on Mr. Woodbury's plan as given in a former Number ;
but the top of the box has slides with a groove on each side of
the bars, so that if you want to take out a bar with comb you
have only to draw out the slide on each side. This, I think, i»
a better plan than those recommended by Mr. Taylor and others.

I have a Ligurian swarm hived into a common straw skep on
the 20th ult., wlien I was absent. As I wish to increafe my
Ligurians would it do to fix some comb from a box-hive into a
Taylor's dividing-hive with Woodbury's bars and frames, and
then place the straw skep on to the dividing-box, and towards
the end of the season to remove the straw skep entirely, as next

August 20, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

411

spring I wish to diTide tins swarm as soon as it is ready for
swarming ?

A gentleman here showed me a plan of joining bees at any
time without fighting, which is to fumigate each hive a little,
or rather sufficiently for the smote to pervade the whole of
both hives and bees, and then to put all the bees if possible
into the hive you intend them to be in ; or, if you cannot
do that, to knock them out at the mouth, and they will enter,
and if properly done there will be no fighting ; but I find it is
necessary that each should be fumigated a little. I have joined
several — indeed I liave taken some from two or three hives, joined
them together, and then put them to weak swarms or stocks
without any fighting, but it should be done in the evening as
late as you can see to do it without a candle. I think you should
let this be known, as the deaths from fighting are very great and
very few know how to join them without fighting, and most of
the books do not tell you. I find the Lijurians worse than the
black bees in joining one to the other, but last season I bought
a swarm driven out to take the honey (and there was not more
than 3 lbs.), took away the black queen and joiiied it to the
Ligurians, and I did not observe the least fighting. — A. W.

[The printer by mistake inverted the woodcut which appeared
on the 23rd ult. It was repeated in its natural position the
week following, and will we think be found intelligible. As Mr.
Woodbury does not use slides, the bees have a free passage
between the bars. You will not succeed in forming an artificial
swarm by placing your Ligurian swarm on the top of a dividing-
hive. We should recommend its remaining in the straw skep
in which it has been placed.

Partial fumigation is a very effectual mode of subduing the
combative instinct in bees, and we have frequently efiected peace-
ful unions by its means.]

BOTTLE-FEEDING FOE BEES.

Messrs. Neiohbotie & Sons, of 149, Regent Street, and 127,
Holborn, have brought out an excellent feeding-bottle for bees.
It is 4 inches in diameter by 6^ inches in height, contains
2} lbs. of food, and havinga sufficiently wide moulh is admirably
adapted for copious feeding. Being made of the best flmt glass
it adds not a little to the interest of the process by enabling the
observer to watch the number of busy little tongues industriously
applying themselves to the task of appropriating the sweets
which are so conveniently offered to them.

Messrs. Neighbour supply these bottles completely fitted with
wood block, perforated zinc, and elastic band, at so moderate a
price as to place them within the reach of aU bee-keepers.

HOW I BECAME AN OXFORDSHIRE
BEE-KEEPER.

( Coiitinited from page 18S.)

*• Now did I not so near my labours' end
Strike sail, and hast'iiin'"- to the harbour tend,
My song to flow'ry gardens might extend ....

Describe we next the nature of the bees." — { Georg. IV,)

Bn before I issue my result of the present swarming season,
along with some noticeable peculiarities which have occurred iu
my practice, I wish to dispose of a few remarks.

Now, as regards giving flotir to bees as artificial pollen, I
alw.iys feared the very result which happened to "J. S.,"
No. 650, page 359, and have desisted from doing so. In the hire
there mentioned, the bees supplied themselves with the flour
beyond their needful wants and stored it away, and the result
was, the combs " were covered witli an excess of mites,'* and, of
course, the population came to grief. I bear in mind how prone
undisturbed flour is to breed mites during the summer, and
that, when once propagated, how difficult they are to eradicate.
For that reason I have not yet brought myself to administer artifi-
cial pollen to my bees, and the experience of "J. S." will cause
me to be very careful how I ever do so. We unfortunately possess
a flour-bin at the present time, which I purchased of a baker — a
"conscientious man," who holds forth sometimes; and I often
wish that, if he knew it, he bad mentioned to me that the bin
had some time been neglected and was subject to mites. But be
this as it may, I paid him his price and became possessor of I he
piece of furniture, and tlie trouble it gives to this day from
the frequent scrubbings and airings it has to undergo, is most
provoking to think of. One never dare to enter more than a

bushel of flour into it at a time j shoot a sackful, and one-half
of the quantity would be doomed to become " mity " ere it
could be used : therefore, I also caution bee-keepers to beware
of an evil from which their hives are not exempted, and to avoid
the necessity of supplying artificial pollen to their bees. In the
spring I would advise them to plant box trees, of free growth,
near the apiary, as they come into flower very early, and produce
quantities of pollen, and the bees are as urgent upon them as they
are upon the ivy blossom late in the autumn.

Water. — Here again I am not under the necessity of providing
for them this necessary fluid, as we have the lake in Blenheim
Park within a stone's throw, from which the bees decidedly prefer
to go and drink, rather than from anything I can provide them
for the purpose ; though I fear, when the " stormy winds do
blow," that very many of them meet with a watery grave. But
to those lacking " the running stream or standing lake," I have
often thought that an old filter placed upon some artificial rock-
work, with a constant drip, drip, among ferns and " mosses
many oh," might be made to become an appropriate and neat-
looking drinking-fountain in the neighourhood of the hives, and
one which our little friends would be sure to appreciate.

I take care to plant a great many crocuses for their early
delectation ; and tlien come the wall-fruit blossoms, followed by
their standard relatives, which, with front-feeding according to
the severity of the weather and their necessities, they make a
very good shift till the first grand blossoming arrives to the
sycamore trees, which refused to flower with us this season,
excepting a tree (a mere apology for doing so) here and there ;
and my bees for lack of it resolutely made up their minds to
swarm, and so far as I can make it out this is their motto : —

*' Plenty of sycamore honey, and a iig for swarming ;
No sycamore honey, and swarm we will !"

Here after the sycamore come the wild flowers and clovers.
This has been a capital season for the white Dutch clover, both
for the fields and the highways ; from which the bees have
procured us honey of a quality to meet the idea of the " Roving
Englishman in Turkey," where, he says, " The people are
carrying pretty baskets full of white sheeps'-milk cheeses made
ill the Levant. They are eaten with honey, and form, perhaps,
the most exquisite dish in the world."

I have specimens of honey by me which, if my prognostications
can be carried out, will be heard of again.

In order to utilise every foot of this small garden — a " poky
place after all" — the whole length of the extreme edge of the
fruit-border is planted with roots of the silver and common
thyme alternately ; it is now in full bloom, and on suspicious
days when the bees do not venture from home — such as to-day,
for instance— when we have experienced stubborn storms every
hour or so, they take the opportunity to work it well, as well as
the borage, which I cause to occupy a place wherever I can.
Last year, the latter especially was most serviceable, and I
allowed the flower-borders to become a complete jungle wiih it,
and till thci frosts came it was daily covered with bees. This
year both are at a discount, as well as the mignonette and the
asparagus on fine days, when they desert the garden for fields
and pastures new. Tlien they were desperate upon the limes, and
they are by no means equally full-flowered this year. A noble
tree in the grounds of Woodstock House, adjoining us, which I
greatly depend upon, has thrown out scarcely any blossom, so
the bees were compelled to go farther a-field for this coveted
sweet. By the time this paper is printed the lime blossom will
be over, and with it our honey season — at least, so far as the
supers are concerned; and then, liow I wish for the heather-
bloom, and the honey which " A Benfkewshike Bee-eeepee"
speaks but slightly of at page 72, speci''ying the nectar as dark,
and as being only fit for bees, or " sought after principally by the
tourists." Well, I take the latter to be worthy of some con-
sideration, in so being as they like it, and pay a good price for
it. ^8 a finale for our bee flowers comes the ivy-blossom ;
most of our surrounding old stone walls are covered with it, and
to those observant of the evergreen at that time of year I need
hardly say that tliereout our bees suck no small advantage.

When I operate upon my bees I take care to have at hand the
following instruments, and as to those who may feel inclined to
take a hint from me I would say, Xeep as few or as many of them
by you as you may ; but first or last i.'i bee manipulations you will
I be sure to want them for us?, and then not to have ihem by you
will be inconvenient. One becomes nervous, if not ruffled in temper
by warning what one has forgotten ; and then the bees wUl be sure
to get nervous, and out ol temper too, and all will go wrong. I

JOCENAL OF UOKTICULTTJEK AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK. [ AugxiEt 20, ISfil.

412

mentioned a stout wicter-worked basket-measure and some of
its uses at page 186 ; also I lUiike use of a hiisket containing a
soup plafe, and two table-spoons, a bag containing cotton Avad-
ding, and a pair of stout scissors ; a new goose's wing, a two or
tliree-foot lenglli of verj small tough wire, or stout thread, a
honej-knife, a clasp-knife, a worn-thin carving-knife and a fork,
a pail' of cutting-pliers, corks and bungs of sizes, and a few of
those small mahogany wedges which they use at Brightou to
prevent the windows " chattering."

I am one of those persons whom the bees do not care about
stinging, I can go amongst them and do what I require to them
■with impunity ; still, as discretion is the better part of valour at
super-taking, cutting out combs from tlieir hires, or other violent
operations, I put on a bee-dress made "of green leno. so as to
inclo?e the head, neck, and shoulders like a bag, with sleeves
made of green-glazed cambric to tie at the wrists," with thick-
knitted worsted gloves to draw over the hands to enable the bees
to withdraw their stings, and save themselves in cases of attack
from their otherwise inevitable doom ; for " In days of yore,
when the world was young, a bee that had stored her combs
with a bountiful harvest, flew up to heaven to present as a
sacrifice an offering of honey. Jupiter was so dt-lighted vith the
gift, that he promised to give lier what.*cever she should ask for.
She therefore besought him, saying, ' 0 glorious Jove ! make a
master of me, poor bee; give thy servant a sling, that when
any one approaches my hive to take the honey I may kill him on
the spot,' Jupiter, out of love to man, was angry at her request,
and thus answered her : — ' Your prayer shall not be granted in
the way you wish, but the sting you ask for you sh«Il have, and
when any one comes to take away your honey, and you attack
him, the wound shall he fatal, not to liim but to you, for your
life shall go with your sting.' "

Moral. — " He that prays harm for his neighbour begs a carse
upon himself." — Upwards axd Oxwakes.
{To le continued.)

PLAGUE OF WASPS.

I AM induced to trouble you with a few lines, in consequence
of reading in your Journal a communication from a corre-
spondent relating to wasps. Having seen an advertisement in
Mo. 14 from Phillips & Co., of Bishopsgate Street, stating that
they kept wasp traps, I was induced to send for a dozen, and I
here give you the results, aided by six pickle bottles. I give
you the result up to this morning : —

July 31 caught GOO Wasps. | .An?. 7 caught 396 Wasps.

Aug. 1 ,, 500 ,, „ .<* ., 300 „

2 ,. ■'« „ „ fl „ 421 „

3 „ Sm „ I „ 10 „ 417 „

4 „ 503 „ „ 11 „ 3-28 „

5 „ 408 „ .

6 „ 491 „ I 40C4.-T. G.

[Our coiTcspondent, whose address wc have, resides near
Teignmouth, iu Devonshire.]

THE CANAEY AND THE BEITISH FINCHES.

(Continued from page 391.)

4.— THE REED BUNTING (Emheriza Schceniclus).

German, Eohrammer. French, Ortolan de roseaux.

The Reed Bunting is also known by the names of Reed
Sparrow, Black-headed and Ring Bunting, and Black Bonnet.
'Xhey are generally distributed over England, but are more
common in marshes, on the banks of rivers, lakes, and ponds,
■where they frequent the reeds, sedge, osiers, and willows.

In plumage they are of a rufous brown above with longitu-
dinal black spots on the upper surface; the lower parts are
whitish-brown. The head and throat of the male are black ; when
newly inovdted these black feathers have a reddish-brown margin,
and the head does not become jet black till winter weather has
■n'orn these brown edges oii'in confinement. ^Vhere they are less
exposed to the action of the weather the head rarely becomes so
jet a black as in the wild slate; a white slripe passes from the
corners of the month across the cheeks, where it is broadest,
round to the back of the neck, where it is faintest ; the bai'k of
the neck has also a greyish shade; the tail is dark, the centre
feathers being brownish, and the outer ones having much white.

The female is distinguishable fiom the male by her lighter and

less brlaht colour, her head instead of b»irg black is brown, with
some darker specks and a light yellowi-h-brown stipe over the
eves. Tliey feed principally on insects like the other Buntings,
and also on the seeds of reeds. &c. When pressed bv hunger iu
winter they Irequeut the stubbles and farmyards, and find a
precarious living on hay seeds and corn. The nest is formed of
grasses, pieces of reed tops, &c., f.nd lined with fine cra^s and
reed down, and is generally placed on the ground amnug long
grass or rushes at the foot of a bush, or on the side of a batik.

The Rev. J. O. Atkuison says, " Tlie eggs are four or five in
number, of a pale reddish-brown colour, streaked and spotted
with dark brown of a rich purple shade."

In ft cage tliey are familiar, active birds, very fond of bathing,
and very amusinff by their grotesque movements and attitudes,
particularly when dispulins: the bath witli other birds. 'I he
soug, if such it can be calhd, is litt'e better than a scream.
Sfandin? erect, and throwing back the head with open mouth,
they jerk out, retell^ retch, retch, which is all the song I erep
heard my birds of this species attempt.

Bechsiein says, "In the room they are the tamest of all the
Buntings, and particularly fond of music, which they will
approach without sbuiess as near as possible, with drooping
wings and spte:td tail, which they often wave, evidently
pleased ; this ihe sa<3) he has noticed not of one only but of
many." In confinement they may he fed on canary seed, shelled
oats, hard boiled egg, and a few insects. — B. P. Bkekt.
{To he continued.)

OUE LETTER BOX.

Crooked Breasts in Povltiiv (Knit). — This distortion iray bp orra-
s-ioned sometimes l>y the biid-« roitctin^ nn riiirrow pt-rcbec, and when this
i-s the cusp hroid perches aie \.\ic self-evident remfdv ; hui crooked hreaf-t*
mnre fretpiently ii'i^e Uoii coiistitution:il weukne-^Riii the li-d;'. They are
stimiibited ton much into mpid grn-wth, and that which misht to ^c
spi-edily solid bone reiiiMin*- too Icm^ in a grisly and nlinnt j-tato; the
niusc'eso'i one sifip of the breast nre more tieveloptd than on the oilier
side, and they soon pull the bone ciooked.

Cotton Cakk iS. TT.).— This is the residne of cotton seeds aftfr the oil
has been prt-psed fro n them. There ate two kind^— one from whol** seet:,
and the rither from deeortiratt-d seed. The latter i* the he«r, as iht-rR i»
but little n«UM-hni( nt in the hu-^k of the setd, and Professor Voelckcr
considers thnt ihe hn>-k is artna'ly injurious to animtil-i if they nre allowert
to tat of it freely, the hard hu-k heing very inriicestihle. The more yellow
the cake the better. One pound of surh cike per'day would he the most
Tve would R-ive, coinbiiied. of cnurse,, with other food. It ct ria rlv enriches
the milk, th< ut-'h not quite sn nutfi!i»e us rape cake. We do not know the
price, but you niiaht asceitaiu troni tho^e who deal in nipecake.

Wild «"anauies. — As MM. Humboldt and Bonpland de^cmded from the
Peak of Tt-neiifff and appioacheri the town of OrolHva they met hivpe
flocks of Cai.siries They were uriformly pieen, hut some had a yellow
tinpe on their backs. Their note was the same as that of the tame Canary,
— ( Tayl'-r^s /,»/*• uf A . T'un Mun.bolitt.)

Chinchilla Kabbits 'A Constant .K^nrfpr).— Chinchilla Silver Grey
Rabbits are those most likely to ^nit ^ou, bein? very hardy and in good
demand. The Hiraalayars vould al^o suit you With resprct to the
value of the nbovi-- every fanciir or * eider h:is his ewn prites. I can
^upply you witli pure-bre'i Chinchillas from 12* to ■H)s per couple, accord-
ins 'o af?e, pei lection in coiour, t-izp. Arc. With respect to their cars, I
think they are pr- .ith influeni ed by heat, as thoto I hive reared in my
Rahbit-hou-e, which is latber warm, have much longer ears than those
rp.<>reil out o' doors, although the p>.reni8 are of the purest 'reed and
themselves short ears. I al^o find iimoitpsi ihoF^e imported from France
many with lor.K tars. The short ears are most liked, but 1 think size and
colour should be the principal ohjpct of the breeder.— R. S S.

Floor of a Kaubit-hutch //. /. J).~1 would not advise tbe whole of
the floor of the hu ■ h lo be covered with pi'ch; but 1 think it \\ould be a
grood plan to cover abom C inches at the back of the hutcl , as the Rabbit
usu..llv poes th"i '■- and It would pi event the wood absoibing the nioifture.
A south ai^pect is ihe b( si situaiion 'or your hutches to stand . but the sun
may he too Ht.roi>g for them, which you will o' serve by th»* Rabbits Koinp
into the ncs> i.pariri tut to sUt p, or going to ihe back. 'I'hey i-hould ihen
be shaded by throwing a little canvas? over the fronts.— R. S. S.

LONDON MARKETS.— AriiCsT 19.

POULTRY.
The beginning: of the Grouse season is the on'y novelty or change we
have to note ; young bird's have ^eldom been so scarce in England an thia
year. U'e sh li have to io^'k tt> Scotland ; iind. judging trom appearances,,
we shall not be disappointed. The birrs are -mall, but the young bear
their full and proper prop<<rtion to the old. Tbe supply of poultry is very
smull, not fqu il to the average.

Liirjje Kowls ..
SiiuiUcr Fowls

Euch-

-*.
S
2
t
2
i

d. ».
G to 4

9" I
G „ 2
G ., S

li
6

f,
S
9
0

Leverets ..
|.rou^e ....

Each-

-*. rf. s.
0 0 to 0

2 G ,, 5
(1 8 ,, 0
1 1 ,. 1
0 8 ,, 0

rf.
9
G"
<)

Uicklings

Geetie

Ralibits ....
Wild

a

• During the week.

AiiguEt 27, ISCl. ]

JOUBiJfAIi OF nORTlCULlUBE AND COTTAGE aABDENEF.

413

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

D.T

Day

of

OI '

M'ntb

Week.

1

27

To

28

W

29

Th

80

F

31

S

1

Sdh.

2

M

WEiTHER NZAU I.OMDON IN 1860.

AUG. 27— SEPT.

Barometer. Thennom.; Wind.

Rain in

Inches.

Run
Kises.

\ i >

Moon I Clock

Sun j Ujpprt Moon's befoi e Da j* oC

Sets, and Sets Age. Sun. ; Year.

Clethras.

Yucca.

.lasniine.

Periploca gra?ca.

Clematis.

14 Sunday after Teinitt.

Celsia orientalis.

dee. de?.
71-49
74-43

1 75-51
74-4S
j 6R-51
I 71—51
29.892-29.840 I 70—48

29.821—29 67.1
29.-il— 29.694
29 9^0—29.789
30.122-30.044
30015—29.939
30.045— 29.9B4

w.
W.
N.

N.
S.W.

w.
s.w.

6af 5

» a

9 5

11 5

13 5

14 5

m. h.

m. Y.

57af 6

e 9

5t 6

44 9 ;

52 6

32 10

50 6

33 U

48 6

inoin.

4.5 6

43 0

43 6

59 1

21
(

23
24
25
26
27

0 25

0 7

0 12

0 31

239
210
241.
242
213
214
245

Mbteorologt ot the Week — At Chiswick, from observation; during the last thirty-four j-ears, the average highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 75,4° and 51.7= respectively. The greatest heat, 92', oconrred on the 2Dd in 1856 ; and the lowest cold, 33',
on the 28th in 1858. During the period 125 days were fine, and on 108 rain fell.

A FEW FLOW.EES IN A VASE.

HE tlieme of my last chap-
ter was, making
a good display
in vases witliout
very grievously
detracting from
the beauty of the
garden.
There \a still another
iray which I hare found
effective — that is, taking,
perhaps, not more than three or
four really fine Geraniums, and
then placing them as lightly as
possible in a vase of an open
shape, leaving the centre merely
filled with a spray of leaves. This seems so trifling that
really I should hardly have thought of taming it, were it
not that some time ago a vase arranged in this way in an
accidental dearth of flowers was considered quite re-
markable for its beauty ; and, in fact, I am not quite
sure that on artistic principles our mixed nosegays are
much to be commended.

Certainly a plant is often much lovelier than a bouquet,
with its few specimens of a single flower in its different
stages, ranging from bud to blossom.

Three E,oses all of the same kind, or even one red and
two white, or two white and one crimson, with a little
foliage are beautiful, and so is one or two clusters of
climbing Roses laid in a vase together.

The great secret in these arrangements is to seem to
seek only to display a pretty spray of flowers and foliage,
not to fill a vase.

My Geranium-vase, I remember, had the clusters of
flowers lying lightly around the edge, then the two or
three small leaves attached to the stalk just very slightly
occupied the centre, making altogether just a little spray.
Wild flowers may be very useful, though they often
fail in mixing well in a garden bouquet, because they so
seldom present much of a mass of colour. I have found,
however, that by grouping them together in little knots
before arranging them in the vase, tliis greater depth of
colour can often be obtained, and leaves and berries will
thus produce a veiy gay effect by force of strongly-con-
trasted foliage.

In autumn, when Ferns of any sort are in plenty, there
can be litlle lack of sufficient flowers to fill up the vases ;
the Ferns grouped as a bouquet only requiring a few
little dots of colour just about the stem to make a far
more attractive group than they would do if placed in a
crowded vase. Ver}' small crimson, pink, blue, or
yellow flowers, all, and each, are appropriate to the foot
of the vase of Ferns. Large flowers do not answer well
in this case, whatever is their colour.

In the depth of winter, also, it is surprising how gaily
a vase may be decked with only a few of the earlier
Ko. 22. — Tox. I., Isiw SiBiES.

spring flowers, by collecting the blossoms into clusters as
I said just now. Hepaticas, pink and blue ; Periwinkles,
blue and white ; Snowdrops, and even Crocuses, can thus
be made available ; while one good flower — Hyacinth,
Camellia, or Azalea, may completely "make" a bouquet,
by giving a good centre to group the other ingredients
around.

Ivy leaves also come in most usefully in a winter's
vase ; and where three or four Scarlet Geraniums only
can be spared, a vase filled with Ivy leaves, looking like
one wide spraj% with a few small leaves drooping over
the side, and the flowers, such as they are, showing from
amidst and almost from underneath the leaves.

I need scarcely say how pretty during the seasons
rather more rich in blo.ssoms such vases may be made.
Ivy-leaved Geranium, Crimson IJnique. or Scarlet Gera-
nium leaves, taking, if necessary, the piace of Ivy ; and
the blossoms of the Wliite Ivy Geranium, or of any of
the pink, or scarlet, or crimson kinds being used for the
flowers.

This arrangement is still open to the objection of being
all one tlower : but as half a dozen are quite as m.any as
are even thus required. I do not think the ditliculty will
be felt. Where there are several vases to fill, the flowers
will, in fact, go much further in this way than in any
other; each vase taking one shade of colour, as cerise,
pink, scarlet, rose, white, mauve, slate, purple, ic. The
Verbenas also coming in useful here.

The chief thing to bear in miad in making up suck
vases, is not to aim at height but at width. A large,
wide bouquet can be better made with six flowers than a
high one with thirty. Tl e wide form being also the
really prettiest when tolerably well managed.

As for the larger flowers, the beautiful Lilies and
Passion-flowers and Boses that are now in blossom — in
all cases where five or six vases have to be filled, and
where, perhaps, three or four flowei"s of each sort are all
that can be spared, I am quite sure that the same
number of flowers that mixed would be none too much
for one, may under this arrangement be divided into at
least as many vases as there are different kinds of flowers.

I must not fail to remind my readers of the beauty of
Anemones and self-coloured double Tulips, as well as of
the single dwarf Van Thols, which are such brilliant and
useful flowers at a time when flowers are commonly hard
to meet with. A stock of tliese in winter is extremely
valuable ; but unless people hare long been used to
hunt up for vases, in all the wealth of August flowers,
one is extremely apt to forget that the time has now
arrived ou which the winter's success depends. — E.

ZEW GABDENS.

The Cjwer gardens at Kew, and the houses and house plants,
neier looked so well as they do this season — at least not since
1829 when I first visited them, and I liave seen them almost
every year since. ''"^

Perhaps the greatest improvement made since then was Sir
AViUiam Hooker's " bedding-out " plants. The worst of it is
No. 674. — Vol. XXA'I., Old Seriks.

414

JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ August 27, 1861.

that 90 very few of us can afford to get such bedders, or keep
them if we had them. They are all Palms, and were planted
" out " of huge tubs, not out of doors. They look magnificently,
and improve the looks of tbe grand conservatory amazingly.
They are now in flower as free as other bedding plants, so that
the " bedding system " is most applicable even to high botany ;
and the bother is that dairymaids wiU plant their patches after
the fashion of the duciiess, rather than on the plan of " so my
mother did before me." Kew is the very sort of place to put
such notions into such people's heads. Thousands upon tlioii-
sands go there from London free as thought, and learn all
manner of things about country life there — ribbon-borders, sliot-
siik beds, the contrast and combination of colours, the massing,
tlie bedding, the air plants, the water plants, the snaie-bearing
plants, the mammoth plants, and the plants botanical. But
after all is seen nothing seems to stick to the memory so
firmly as the bedding system, and I judge solely from the constant
flow of grist to our own mill from that quarter.

No place suits Punch Geranium out of Shrubland so well as
Kew Gardens, and Tom Thumbs liave never been seen in better
or more constant bloom than there. Tliere also are always to
be seen the best shows of Calceolaria amplexicaulis in England;
and this season they have even improved on their yellow beds
in the terrace garden in fi-ont of the great conservatory, by
mixing another shade of yellow with that of amplexicaulis.
Orange yellow improves the sulphur yellow of amplexicaulis as
mucli as the brown yellow of Prince of Orange improves the
orange yellow of other sorts. ^Then nothing nearer than the
Kentish Hero Calceolarias could be bad, one of it for every
five of the old Rugosa breed were planted all over large beds to
heighten the effect, as you will see in some of the first volumes
of this work. The Trentham Yellow, which is a stronger kind
of aurea floribunda, is the orange mixed with sulphur, and the
mixture is edged with the young of aurea floribunda, making tlie
richest yellow beds I ever saw. Take this Number to Kew, and
let us fix on the centre of one end of the terrace in front of
the conservatory, and first see the accompaniment-beds across
the end. They are two in number, with a high flower-vase
between them — long oblong beds with the corners cut ofi"
There are 4 feet of scirlet Verbena in the centre, 2 feet of Purple
King ditto on each side, and 18 inches of Cerastium for edging.
A pair of such beds and such another vase are at the other end,
of course, to match the others. But here let me say they
have found out that for all kinds of Verbenas, except Purple
King, the Variegated Mint is a better edge-plant than Cerastium,
or any other plant so used. The reason is that the Mint shoots
can be left longer, and being so much stronger uprights, they
make a complete hedge or barrier through which the Verbenas
caunot push, and next the grass or gravel the Mint can be cut
to a perfect slope. The terrace pattern is remarkably well
planted this season. You see the four corner-beds, the farthest
from the centre bed and from the axis of the terrace, are each in
one mass of Tom Thumbs, not a leaf hardly to be seen from our
position above them on the gravel terrace. Within these are,
also at equal distances, four nearly horseshoe-shaped beds of
said mixture of Calceolaria ; and still nearer the centre, and
embracing the centre bed in their curves, are four Purple King
Verbena-beds, and on the line of the axis of the terrace are two
match-beds, one on each side of the key-bed or very centre :
these two are in scarlet Verbenas, Lord Eaglan I believe. The
centre bed is oblong oval, with a swelling on two sides opposite
the centre. There is a vase in the centre of it filled with
Punch, and Perilla round the pedestal ; then four rings of Flower
of the Day and Baron Hugel round them ; and Cerastium
round the whole. There are four circles of Perilla in this centre
grou]), and these were in Delphinium formosum while- it lasted,
and splendid they were by all accounts. The Perillas were got
up in readiness in pots to fill the beds the day they were planted.
Would we had more such " removes !"

Two more beds on the axis and farther from each side of the
centre are triangular-shaded beds, with the two off-corners
blunted round. One-half of each of these is on each side of the
axis — a difficult thing to deal with ; but, say the point in the
centre is filled with Ageratum, the middle part of each of the legs
of the triangle is planted with Gcant des Batailles Verbena, and
the two blunt ends of the same bed are in Stachys lanata, or three
distinct kinds of plants in three divisions of the same bed — rot to
make up one bed, as it were, so much as to get the parts to
li.irmonise with other beds near them, which was the main point
.and difBcuItv. Two more beds on the axis and still further from

the centre are variegated Alyssum ; and the first and last on the
axis line are small circles in Perilla edged with Golden Chain,
being the end beds of one pattern. The outside beds across the
centre bed are in Ageratum.

The other half of the terrace is the same as it should be ; but
the distance down across the terrace between these two grand
matches is in grass and vases still, probably for want of money
to complete the flower design. Across at both ends of the con-
servatory-terrace are the Dahlia-beds as usual, with Marigold-beds
and Asters, making it as if they intended it mostly for the
composites or natural-order beds ; and outside the Y'ew hedge
which bounds the terrace gardens, and in the angles of the sweep
of the hedge are beds of Hol?yhocks as last year, and these edged
with Bibbon Grass. Both the arrangement and the effect are
particularly good. You never see the legs of the Hollyhocks
that way ; and if you go outside the hedge the legs are in Gar-
deners' Garters.

At both sides of the lake in front of tlie terrace garden, and
say going round from the terrace, are two oblong beds of the
finest Zelinda Dahlia not trained down I ever saw. These are
edged with strong yellow Calceolarias, and the circles which
accompany them are one with Cuphea, Purple King Verbena,
and Cerastium, and one with Brillante de Vaise Verbena and
Verbena Sabini. With these are two oblong beds with Agera-
tums edged with Mint. There are four circles in this arrange-
ment going to the top of the grand centre walk, which were first
with Delphinium formosum, and now with dwarf Dahlia for
succession.

At the other side of the conservatory and through the American
garden are eight beds on each side of the walk —another difficulty
in the way of planting, as any even number of beds in a line
leaves no key or centre bed to plant from. To get over this the
two central beds or pair of beds are planted with the same kinds
of plants, which leaves three beds, or three pairs of beds, on each
side of the centre, and, of course, the first three are planted like
the last three, making the arrangement what it should be in such
a garden. The two centre beds are in Ageratum edged with
Lord Raglan Verbena ; then one of the three pairs from the
centre is with Calceolaria amplexicaulis edged with a purple
Petunia; a second pair with Brillante de Vaise Verbena edged
with blue Lobelia ; and the third pair with China Eoses edged
with Cerastium. These are next the conservatory, and the match
pair at the opposite end are in a dwarf kind of Prince's Feather
instead, or Roses.

The two raised Araucaria-circles in (he centre of the American
ground, one on either side of the centre walk, 'have each four
oblong curved beds round the outer side of the circle.- These
are particularly good this year. Two of them are witli Calceolaria
amplexicaulis edged with Perilla, and two with Brillante de Vaise
and Lord Eaglan Verbenas mixed, and edged with the Variegated
Mint ; and there you will perceive the superiority of the Mint
for edging A'erbenas. But I have another variegated plant in
my eye which is even better than the Variegated Mint for such a
place, and for a new turn of which you will see a notice in
another page.

The system of vases round the lake and on the terraces is one
blaze of bloom in one harmonious whole. The four great oblong
beds round the barefaced circle of grass at the top of the grand
walk and next the lake are different altogether from what they
have been. This used to be the head quarters of my old friend
and favourite Punch. Now for Punch read Ageratum raexicanum
not trained, with two rows of Punch all round it, with 14 inches
of Cerastium for edging.

Do»n the great walk the arrangement is quite different this
season from last season. The promenade-beds are in groups as
usual, with single evergreen upright plants between each group,
one on each side of the walk. The groups are a pair of oblong
beds with pairs of circuljir beds at each end of them ; and the
next group only a pair of oblongs, and so on alternately to the
centre, and from the centre the same as above it. The first pair
of oblong beds are brimful of Lord Baglan Verbena splendidly
done and edged with Stachys lanata. The four circles of this
group are in mixed yellow dwarf French Marigold, and edged
with Gazania splendens and with blue Lobelias — all very full
and complete in itself. The second group is a pair of oblongs
planted with Calceolaria amplexicaulis, Perilla round it, and
edged with 15 inches wide Mangles' Variegated Gi-ranium. I
never saw the Perilla so fine as it is all over Kew this season.

The third group is the highest feather in the garden ; the
pair of oblong beds being in Flower of the Day for centres,

August 27, 1S61. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

415

Brilliant Variegated Geranium all round it, and 18 inches wide
of Purple King outeide. Nothing can beat that for contrast
and for " the harnaony of contrast," as the great French dyer
has it. The fourth group is a pair of oblongs in standard Roses,
with Gladiolus, and the ground covered with Mignonette, which,
in the midst of such and so mvich grandeur, looks like a home-
baked loaf in a pastery. In the next group the oblongs are of
Punch with Mint all round, and the four circles in Atripbx
edged with Mangles'. The Atriplex hortensis they do not seem
to prize so highly as Perilla. The next group is a pair of
oblongs in Purple King Verbenas edged with Tropseolum Tom
Thumb, wliich is not so good as its father and mother for
edgings, but for small circles as a whole bed is better than the
old one. Next a pair of oblongs with Calceolaria amplexicaulis
edged deeply with Purple King Verbena, and the four circles
with Lord Raglan Verbena edged with Moonlight, the best
white Verbena for this garden inside and out.

The next is in Roses and Mignonette as aforesaid ; and the next
is tlie centre of the grand walk. There two other walks cross the
line at 80 feet or so apart, and in that space there are no flowers ;
but the two cross-walks have each two oblong beds on the
right and as many on the left, with a circular bed for each of
the four breaks. Two circles at the upper cross and two at the
lower crossing these are m shot and silk, not shot silk — that is,
in Indian shot, or Cannas of three sorts and two aspects —
magnificent groups, rich as Rothschild. Canna indica, the plain
green old shot for the centre, a row of the purplish Canna
Warczewiczii round it, and a row of discolor round that ; then
an edging of the variegated Brilliant Geranium to give bloom
and contrast to the masses. But luck would have all the Bril-
liants planted elsewhere ere it was time to put out the Indian
shots ; and so they are shooting away amazingly well without
their brilliants the first going off.

The first pair of side beds to each of the cross-walks are mag-
nificentums certain — say tlie above Flower of the Day with
Brilliant and with Purple King. The off-pairs from these are
first-class Zelinda Dahlia-beds — the plants not trained down,
and never should be : these are edged deeply with bands of
strong yellow Calceolarias — I never saw bedding DahUas done
half so well. The lower half is as the above, and off we turn to
the rightabout, and on to the locket pattern in front of the
succulent-house. Just ask your way to the locket or lady's-
locket pattern when you go to Kew, and see how you like it —
a chain round the neck, a lover's-knot over the region of the
heart, and a golden locket hanging down from it on the line of
the centre of gravity ; but all is gay, and no graveness at all
about it. The neck is thick enough for apoplexy ; the chain
round it is 3 feet wide, and 4 rows of plants ; Golden Chain
outside. Purple King, then Punch, and Tom Thumb for inner
edge. From this the chain is Purple King and Golden Chain
to the lover's-knot, and the folds of it are in Flower of the Day,
Scarlet Verbenas and yellow Calceolarias ; and then the locket,
a circle of Calceolarias hanging from a gold and purple chain as
above the knot — capital touch for very many of the visitors.
Passing the beds by the sides of by-walks, we go to the front of
the old museum to see the old fat pig with one ear — not in the
museum, but in the front of it. But it is not there. The force
of circumstances drove him off over the water, and a new
arrangement has been made with the centre of the door in the
middle of the building for the pole of the axis of the new com-
position, which, although merely a fleabite, might be used as an
ABC lesson to some one or more in the Councils at South
Kensington ; and the way a long ribbon-border in front of the
composition is made to combine with the few beds in it by an
embracing band in neutral tint is worthy of the attention of
older pupils.

The neutral band is a narrow bed covered with Ivy only, and
runs from each end of the ribbon round so many of the beds,
and as many are on the outside of it ; but there is apparent
reason yet why the Ivy band might not have some variegated
plant or some flowering plants not of a strong colour planted
along with the Ivy. The centre and key-bed for that composi-
tion is an oval bed 18 feet long lying across the axis : it is planted
with Punch in the centre, with Tom Thumb all round, and
with mixed blue Lobelias and Variegated Alyssum for edging.
Beyond and embracing each end of that oval are two match-
beds of Zelinda Dahlia, then two beds of Trentham Calceolaria
on eaeh side of centre ; and still farther out from it right and
left two match-beds of Cloves edged with a light Verbena Hip-
podrome. Behind these are two beds of taU Dahlias edged with

the Ribbon Grass ; and beyond comes in the botanic grass garden.
The ribbon in front of these has a row of Perilla down (he centre,
and on each side the same pianis are repeated thus^ Cineraria
maritima on each side of Perilla, and a broad band of mixed
Purple King and Defiance Verbenas on the two outsides.
Looking along the ribbon against the sun the two Verbenas
give a shot-silk cast to the sides of the ribbon, the whole very
rich and appropriate, a vast improvement on the old arrange-
ment or rather unarrangement of beds. Verily, the bedding
system is getting more and more on its legs every season and
everywhere.

The house plants never looked as a whole so well as they are
now. The Victoria Lily is blooming in the original house for it
near the great conservatory, and in the new tank down in the
hothouse department one plant fills a great tank with a dozen
leaver, each broad enough and firm enough for a bachelor's
dinner table. The Orchids have taken a new lease of their lives
and seem to enjoy it. The great variegated plants and the im-
mense Ferns will soon want more room. The great show-houee
is as gay with the more common summer plants as a lady's
conservatory.

The young Cinchonas have made rapid growth, and are now
in large GO's and in 48-pots, looking more like a cross-breed
between the large Indian Rhododendron arboreum and some
Ixora than anything else. Lnpageria rosea is now blooming
freely in the great conservatory, and also the MandeviUo,
showing how very accommodating they are as to temperature.
The great Palms look now on the planting-out system as they
never did before, and they are flowering in all parts of the huge
structure. You heard, probably, of the noise the bursting of
the bladder made, from which one of them, the elegant Seaforthia,
sent out its curious blossoms ; that was from some seven or eight-
years-old growth, and on a smooth part of the trunk. Among
the other plants in bloom in the great conservatory I noted the
following — Meyenia erecta, several Hibiscus, Stephanotis, Lager-
strcemia, which holds out a long time, and looks as an in-
door Spiraea with carnea blossoms ; Justicias, of sorts ; Ipomsea
Learii, and others ; Passion-Flowers, Aristolochias, and Gigas
among them, but not in bloom ; a kind of the soft Passiflora
fcetida, with rough hedgehog bracts to guard the poorest flower
in the order ; AUamanda neriifolia, which blooms always, and all
the summer ; Scutellaria Ventenatil, like some crimson .Salvia,
and others of more common looks.

In the Victoria-house is a new Dioscorea from Natal, past
blooming, free as Pergularia odoratissima of older days, and as
little c nspicuous. The old Bougainvillea spectabilis which never
bloomed in England but in this groat conservatory, is also in
this Victoria-house ; but I did not notice speciosa, the kind
which blooms so freely.

There is an arrangement of Cissus discolor in the Victoria-
house, which is worth going the length of the kingdom to see.
It is this — round the sides of the tank for the Victoria Lily
are set ten pots at equal distances. No. 2-pots, I believe, and in
them are Cissuses 10 feet high trained up like pillar Roses ; and
from a yard above* the pots each pair of Cissus is festooned
together, the lowest part of the bend of the festoon all but
touching the surface of the placid lake, as a poet would say ; but
poetry would fail to describe the charming effect of these pillars
of beauty, and those festoons. Then from the four comers of
the house, and from the farthest-end centre other plants of Cissus
are on their way to be festooned over the walk with those pillars
nearest to their run. But you must go and see them. I dreamt
about them half the night. I never saw any one thing in our
way which pleased me half so much. I had a hundred other
things to say of Kew, but I cannot get beyond these Cissuses if
it were ever so. D. Beatok.

DISA "AT HOME."

We all know how much anxiety there is to see the abode and
learn all about the habits of great people. There are thousands
who have made their pilgrimage to Stratford-on-Avon, to see
the house where England's greatest poet lived, who would not
have stirred one foot from home had it been tenanted by a
meaner man. How many there are who want to know all about
what Her Gracious Majesty eats for breakfast, how she lives,,
and what she wears, who have the supremest contempt for what
their neighbour Mrs. Robinson does in these particulars I And
it was no wonder, then, that when that brilliant beauty made

41G

JOURNAL OF HORTICCLTURE AND COTIAOE GARDESEK.

[ August 27, 1861.

lier dtljut at Ksnsington Go-e in Juiip, ami dizzied with her
mo'e mature ciiartns many a loo!ser-oii in July, I should foel a
desire to know somewhat more about h^r habits and honie.
Her dress spoko lor itsalf ; and although the other particulars
had been told, yet I did want to see Mademoiselle Disa in her
Kuolish home. If one could but take a pair of wings, what
a pleasant thing to drop down on Table Mountai>; some fine
morning, and when the mouniain mists had cleared away peep
into that ravine where she is now, doubtless, tloupishing, although
lier bluoming-tiTue there is not now.

Well, one could not do that ; but tlie next best thing I could
was to try and see her growing in that pla 'e which has now
beobme famous throi^gh tlie success of its owner, Mr. <J. Leach,
in making her feel quite "at home" in England. Having had
occasion to ask for his permission to liave it copied for the
'Eloral Magazine," I aUo a:'ked tint I migl\t myself be allowed
to see it in its growing state, a request which was granted in the :
truest spirit of hospilahty and kindliness. Mr. Leach's residence
.is one of those quiet suburban villas standing in its email piece
■of garden ground which so largely testify to the wealth and
taste of our merchant princes ; for, instead of lookmg for the
•success of this in the many appliances, and elaborate sliuciures,
«nd accomplished gardeners which some of our show places mani-
.f<«t, it rauit be sought in that sound judsment and pra-tical
ommon seiise which oftentimes does :aorethan genius or wealth.
'I'he first objects that met my view on entering the gar-
den were some very large pots, out of which was growing
what to me was an unknotvn plant — a tall stem springing from
a large hidb, and topped witli an umbrella of curious-looking
scarlet flowers. This I soon saw by the appearance of the bulb
was Brunsvigia Josephinoe, which m iny persons had vainly
attempted to llower, but which Mr. Leach, by giving it a hirdier
Ireatmt^nt, had tor some years successfully done, his larger bulbs
having had forty or fifty blooms on them. It is in this state a fine
and curious-looking plant, but not pretty. There is a beautiful
bloom on the flower-stalks, hut the individual flowers are insigni-
ficant. The flower-stem is thrown up first, and then the leaves
are produced. Mr. Leach mentioned a curious fact — that he had
cut otf one of the stcins when it was inclined to seed for fear of
injuring the plant, and that he had placed it in the ground, and
there it had curried on the process and matured the seed.

I also saw standing in pots near the south wall what looked
to me very like a store Orchid, one of the Dendrobiums, and
such in fact it was — speciosum. Believing that a more suc-
cessful flowering of it might be attained if the treatment were
altered, Mr. Leajh has for two or three years been in the habit
of turning it out in the summer expose! to all weathers, and,
as the re?ult testified, with perfect success. The bulbs, or
p*eudo-biilbs, were exceedingly vigorous, and flower-buds were
alroady formed in the axils of the leaves. I believe it is Mr.
Leach's intention to try it in a cooler atmosphere m the house
4hau it has heretofore been treated with.

There were here also vaiieties of CJyrtanthus, another genus of
Cape bulbs allied to ^'alloia ; one, C. punicei.s, he described os
ve T beautiful, and as blooming very regularly — in fact, his great
delight seems to be to surmount difficulties and to flower p:auts
wliich liEve puzzled everybody el^e. 1 here is one old gentleman
=which lias as yet very crustily resisted all his attempts — viz..
Cactus senilis. There he stood, with his venerable locks falling
-down all over him, but not an attempt to show a bloom. It
seemed aluio.^l too much to expect from such a senile-looking
old " party ;" but if it is to be done it will be done here. The
Orchids in the Orchid-house looked the picture of health, but
were elbowing one anothersadiy from their very excess o! vigour.
In the gri'enhouse stood th^ ohjeci of my pilgrimage in all
her oiiarms, and in the fulness of youth and strength, with all
iier blushing honours thick upon her^the damsel ot ^^hom T/te
Collage Garden&rs Diclionart/saiOy "Pcriiaps the most splendid
is D. grandiflora, a fative of the top of Table Mountain behind
C'.ipe Town, growing in a spongy kind of peat ea th on the
margin of pools in the wet season ; but it has hitherto resisted
the skill of British cultivators." Out with That last eentence in
your next edition. Messieurs the Editors ; it is now as easy to
^row and flower as Tallota or Tritonia, which in their turn have
puzzled cultiTators. 1 he story of Mr. Lwch's success has been
often told. For many yrars he liad been in the habit of receiving
it from the Cape, and believing, as all the world did, that it
require^!, as most bulbs do, its season of rest, he allowed it to dry
ofl in the winter, and as a necessary result he lost it ; but one
autumn, noticing that a plant of it still retained its verdure, he

determined to try whether keeping it in a growing state would
suit it. This was the very point to hit — it is really ai evergreen ;
for although the leaves die down, yet, ere they do so, the bud i<
springing up alongside that is to form the new plnnt. He had
sent a plant of it through Mr. Skinner, the well-known Orchid
grower, to Herr Schiller, at Hamburgh, and he, adopting a
somewhat simdar method, had been 6ucc?8>ful also. I saw it
under all circumstances — planted in small pots out of doors,
others standing in larger pots filled with water, and these appa-
rently, ami ae one might infer from what has been said of its
habitat, growing vigorously. As it may be planted out of doors in
the summer time, I doubt not we sh'ill, by-and-by, see it in vigour
in suitahle places at many of the seats of our nobility and gentry.
There are evidently two varieties — one apparently of more
vigorous habit than the other, and diff'erent in its markings ; the
tips of the petals in it b^ing green and the scarlet spots of a
deeper hiie. Mr. Leach has done what he could to have this
plant widely distributed : not only hus he presented one of
his largest plants to the Royal Horticultural Society and
given it to friends, but he has in the most generous manner
presented twenty plants to the Gardeners' Benevolent Institu-
tion. These were sold by auction ; but, strange to say, when
I was at his house, no one connected with the Society had
acquainted him with the result of the sale, or how much it had
brought to the coifers of the Society. Surely this must have
been an oversight of the indefatigable Secretary !

And what a singular thing, I could not help thinking as I
i returned, is this local distribution of plants, insects, &c. Here
is one of great beauty, which, as far as is known, occurs but in
that one spot in the world'. And how wonderfnllv varied are
the productions of His hand, who pointed to the Lilies of the
field as the types of transcendent beauty, far surpassing all man's
labour and skill! How many a lime in my entomological pur-
suits have 1 found it the same — a species to be found in a space
of a few hundred yards, but occurring nowhere else in the neigh-
j bouihood, and with no apparent reason for it; its food not by
any means confineil to that spot.

Well, this is a subject for wiser heads than mine. Thave jnst
! told what I saw in " JJisa's " English home, and can only say that
, I never experienced more thorough kindness and genuine hospi-
; tnlity, not even in the Green Isle, than I did from Disa's accom-
! phshed owner. May not only Cactus senilis, but every other ob-
stinate old fellow, yield to his perseverance and skill. — D., Deal.

SIZE OF CONNECTIO^T-PIPKS FOR
HOT- WATER HEATING.

It is proposed to heat an iron curvilinear conservatory 19 feet
by 12 feet by 12 feet with twenty-four yards of four-inch cast-
iron pipes ; but the pipes supplying the hot water, which is
supplied from a kitchen range, are only proposed to be one-and-
a-quarter-inoh bore, and have to pass a distance of .57 feet before
their junciion with the four-ir.ch pipes in the conservatory;
of course, the return pipe from the four-inch pipes back to the
boiler will also be one-inch-and-a-qnarter bore. The object is to
have as small pipes ae possible in the rooais the pip-s have to
pass through before entering the conservatory. Will the one-
inch-aiid-a-quarter pipes crea'e sufiieient action in the four-inch
pipes 'i' Will the twenty-four yards of four- inch pipes be suffi-
cient for heating the house? — B. H.

[The question will turn to be more one of boilership and
boder setting, and keeping the boiler hot in winter, than the
mere size of the conveyance-pi]>es. One*inch-and-a-qiiarter will
do for that purpose; but the more they are encased in wood,
unless the heat be wanted in the rooms, the better. We pre-
sume there is a back wall to the conservatory, and that what
would be the usual sloping front is curvilinear. If so, the
twenty-four yards of piping will keep out frost, unless there is
an extra amount of iron in the roof. If the iron is heavy, or the
iron bars are thick on the roof, or if you want a temperate heat
in the house during all weathers — say .50° to 55°, then you would
require fom 30 yards to 3G yards of piping. At such a distance
from the kitchen, if other things were suitable, it would answer
better to have a small boiler directly under the control of the
gardener, and for which he would be solely responsible.]

Which is the Queen or Roses in tiie Gauden ? — The
rose of the watering-pot, for it rains over all theothers.

August 27, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOSTIOULTUKE AND COTTAGE aAKDENEF.

417

CONSERVATORY CLIMBERS.

I HAVE just built a consei'vatorv, mid having ronius iinder-
jieaH) it I cannot liare any borders for climbers. Will you tell
me the best way of growing them tn corer an end wall under
such circumstances ? I want somefhino that will be ornamental,
as the conservatory is connected with the drawing-room. It is
Gothic iron work, and the floor is of Minton's tiles, neutral
colours. Would you also tell me the names of four handsome
clinibers suitable for such a situation, and that will grow toler-
ably fast ? — A SrjBSCBIBEE.

[A large pot or tub will grow climbers as well as the best
borders. For such a situation nothing would answer better
than double red and double white Camellias. Before they tilled
the space you might have two plants of Acacia decnrrens, the
leaves of which would always look handsome, and there would
be fine yellow wreatlis in spring. For columns, &c., a pot
15 inches or 3 8 inches in diameter, or a tub of the pame size, will
grow the most of climbers well, and they could be so vlaoed as
to be ornamental against pillars. If tlie watering would be too
much for the floor, large saucers of zinc or soft ware might be
placed bene-atli them. Four climbers likely to suit you are —
Mandevilla suaveolens, red ; Kennedya Marryattte, white ; Passi*
flora Colvilli, blue ; Passiflora ccerulea racemosa, purple.]

GLA,ZmG A PEACH WALL.

I HAVE a Peach wall, south aspect, 300 feet long, 11 feet high,
with a border in front 10 feet wide. I want to cover this border
with glass. Will you do me. the kindness to tell me what is the
most reasonable, and most secure and proper mode of corering
this with glass — the frames or woodwork to be fixed? The
ground is my own freehold. I propose to hare a footing of
brickwork, in which to insert front ventilation. — Ax Old
SUBSCEIDEE.

[First, in such a case we would decide on having ihree houses
instead of one. The extra expense of six ends and six doors
over- two being more than compensatetl by the ease with which
plants may be taken out, and in allowing plenty of room — say
10 ieet at least between the houses.

If the wall had not been all finished and perfect; we would
liftve proposed a double wall-plate on the top of it, wit ji 15 inches
between them, and ventilators either of wood, or of wood and
glass, pivoted on the studs separating the lower and upper wall-
plates. If the wall is finished and must not be meddled with,
and has a good weather-coping, then the simplest plan would be
to fix a board 6 inches wideband IV inch deep, below the coping,
to receive the ends of the rafters. In a very strong wall strong
nails might do to fasten it ; but to make assurance doubly sure,
every seven feet or so an iron bolt might go through the wood
and the brick, and be screwed with a nut on the opposite side ;
a piece of flat iron some 12 inches long, 2 inches broad, and a
quarter of an inch thick going next the bricks, and between them
and the nut, so that the board inside could hardly move without
taking the wall with it. So much for the back.

The front should be 3 feet 9 inches, or 4 feet, in height. The
cheapest at first where oak is easily obtainable, would be oak
posts and plate of the requisite height, 4 inches square, or
4 inches by 5 inches, 2 feet in the ground ; inch-boards for
bottom ; a hinged board a foot wide for ventilation ; and a foot
wide of glass fixed above it. Here are now the front and back.

The rafter sash-bars should be cut out of planks 14 feet long,
9 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. Haeh plank will lluis make
four rafters. When planed, each will be about 4i inches deep,
and li inch wide. These, fastened to the board at top, and
notched, and fastened to the wall-plate in front, give the skeleton
of the roof. Q'hese will be strong enough to support glass
20 inches wide by 12 inches deep. To avoid the expense of
rabbeting these rafter sash-bars, though they would stand the
reducing at the sides by half an inch and then be strong enough,
slips of wood half an inch square, and as long as the rafter, may
be tacked on in the middle and thus form the rabbet. These
should be primed and painted before glazing, so that the putty
may bed well and stick firmly to the wood. We find this half-
inch rabbet is quite sufficient, as mere depth of putty is not
wanted. Where glass is twenty-one ounce, or much heavier than
that, a deeper rabbet — say about three-quarters of an inch, would
be wanted. In gladng, the laps should be from one-eighth to
one-quairter of an inch — say three-sixteenths of an inch, and all

regular. To prevent slipping in such heavy squares before the
putty is firm, place a small brad at the lower corner ot eacli
squnre, firming it into the rabbet.

All this is quite plain sailing. The only difficulty with such
fixed lean-to roofs is ventilation at the apex. Unless in the back
wall as hinted at above, many plans may be adopted, but all
more or less interfering with tlie simplicity of the fixed roof. In
such a lean-to, and with such large squares of glass, the heat is
at times excessive. For such a house, as there is a foot for
ventilation in front, there ought to be a foot all the way at the
top, or so regulated as to give on the whole that amount of
opening. Even then, an opening in the wall n foot square close
to the ground at the back every eight ieet, would be a great advan-
tage. The whole of these ventilators might be n.ade to move at
once with a rod ; but during the whole summer they will require
to be open. The great thing is to have enough of air. I speaJc
feelingly, as I have rather erred in this direction. In a house
somewhat similar, I had small ventilators made to occupy the
space of the two upper squares, and intended at first to place
them between every alternate sash-bar; but I did not place
them so thickly as that, though I wish I had done so, as eien
with doors open I find in some very hot days I had scarcely
enough, and had to make some lioles at the bottom of the wall,
which made thorough ventilation more perfect. I now judge
that with such ventilation between every two alternate sash-bars I
should have enough ; but on the whole but for the extra expense,
I would prefer ventilation all the wav and regularly, whether by
a small hipped-roof or otherwise. If the trees against the tact
wall are trained to a trellis 2 inches or 3 inches from the wall,
tltey will not feci the sun so much when exposed to such sheete
of glass. We would not say a word against mechanism in venti-
lation, quite the reverse; but we have seen instances in houses
intended chii fly lor orchard purposes, where the mechanism fov
regulating front and hack air, though ultimately it would save
labour, cost almost as much at first as the glass and wood of the
building. The plan we adopted is at least simple.

We should liave noticed that a weather-board placed under
the coping and over the rafters was grooved to receive the upper
end of the uppermost square. Where a ventilator was to be
placed which ought to have been at least between every alternate
i-after, a piece of wood 1 inch thick and 2 inches broad wae let
in and grooved on the under side to receive the top square,
leaving a space from that to the top of two squares open, less
the width of 2 inches of the cross pieces referred to. The ven-
tilator, therefore, to fill the space and rest on and over these
cross-pieces required to be 24- inches long, and for more than,
two-thirds of its length close on 20 inches wide, and the other
one-third less than 19 inches wide. The sides of the ventilator
are If inch wide and 2 inches f^ee^^ grooved inside to receive one-
square of glass. 'J he upper end is 2 inches wide, and also grooved.
The lower end is placed level with the grooves, so that the glass
rests upon it, and is prevented slipping by two brads at the
corners. The upper part of the sides is reduced a little more than
half an inch, so that it shnll play easily between the rafters. 'J'ha
lower part is grooved out below so that it shall re-*t on each
side between the rabbets. A screw fastens the narrow part to
the rafters, and on these screws the ventilator moves up and
down, as on a pivot hinge. A string fastened to the upper end
inside pulls the U|iper end of the ventilator down, and cansr*.
the lower end to rise, and the extra weight of the lower end will
cause it always to shut of itself when the strain- on the cord is
removed. A pin and a loop in the cord will keep the ventilators-
open. A strong cord or a rod might be fastened to all these,
and be moved at once. \Ve have for common purposes found
nothing simpler than these common screws for pivot hinging.
Of course, the hole through the ventilator must be rather easy,
that the ventilator may move easily.

A wall in front will look more stable, and, in fact, be more
lasting than wooden posts, and the half of it ipight be in glase
sashes to move, and thus considerably increase the expense ; but
no amount of front ventilation, though open from top to bottom,
will make up for a deficiency of air at the top of such a lean-to
house. Mr. Rivers does withcut such top air in span-roofed
houses, but there is a free circulation from each side. Before
commencing we would recommend perusing the last edition of
(he " Orchard House," by Mr. Eivers. — K. F.]

Peevention of Geass GEOwiifG IN Pavements. — Clean out
the ioints of the paving-stones and pavement to the depth of

418

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ August 27, 1861.

3 inches. Boil coal tar, mix the tar with clean sharp sand to
tl'.e consistency of grout, and fill up the joints, lajing on a layer
of cleaii, sharp sand as you go on; in the course often days
sweep off the loose sand. I have a large paved or causeyed court,
and found great difficulty to keep it clean of weeds until I adopted
tliis plan, and now there is scarcely a weed seen on it, — J. P.,
Gban. — {Irish Farmer's Gazette.)

SUBJECTS' FOR HORTICULTURAL SHOWS—
DINNER-TABLE DESIGNS.

It is pleasing to observe that the range of horticultural
societies' prizes keeps extending; but for some years prior to
the Show at the Crystal Palace being established, the prizes
given by sucli societies were of such a monotonous character
and so limited in their extent, thiit it was some relief to find that
an addition was to be made to the classes of plants that had
been exhibited year after year. In fact, down to the period I
speak of there was really less variety of articles at such shows
than there used to be thirty years ago ; for at that time although
the actual number of plants capable of forming a good show
was much less than now, the managers of such things had the
knack of introducing something or other at such shows that
made them both useful and instructive as well as merely pleasing
— such as models of garden structures, new implements, or ap-
paratus, or specimens of manufactured articles from home-grown
produce.

I remember the governor of a prison sending some excellent
cordage that had been manufactured by some prisoners from
Hemp that had been grown inside the prison walls. Specimens
of tlie Hemp in its various stages accompanied the manufactured
article.

Another addition made to a show, and that much to the
satisfaction of the judges, was prizes offei-ed for the best samples
of home-made wines. It may be urged that the general public
were not much the wiser by this ; but the hospitahty prevailing
at that time was not satisfied unless all the bottles sent for com-
petition went home empty, and tlie taste of Gooseberry or
Currant wine that obtained the prize was as much known to
those who did not partake of it, as that of Melons and other
fruits are now reported to be at the shows at which they are
exhibited, and the maker accordingly received the honours due
-to his skill, or, what was more likely," that of his better half

Now, it is certainly unfortunate that the limits of hortieid-
tural shows have been so far curtailed during the last few
years as to give no encouragement to the above and other matters
of a similar kind ; but at the June Show at Kensington, a move
was made in a direction whicli I have no doubt will be repeated,
in ofl'ering prizes for designs for dinner-table decorations. This
call was responded to, and its results are matters equally known
to most if not all that are engaged in gardening matters. It is,
therefore, on the subject of these decorations I beg to offer a
-few remarks — not, certainly, with any view of creating a factious
opposition, but in the way of clearing up some practical diffi-
culties not known, perhaps, to all who think themselves entitled
to give an opinion on such matters.

In the first place I may mention, that I have been led to
regard everything defective that was designed for the twofold
purposes of ornament and utihiy when its propoi-tions of these
•necessary qualifications were not well adjusted; or, in other
words, every article intended for domestic use ought to combine
the two elements of beauty and utilitv in such proportions as
render it suitable for its dulies, and that utility sliould not in
any case be saciificed to mere beauty. Where utility is tlie
chief object, let that be the first provided for ; and when the
article is purely one designed for appearance, let not good taste
be offended by any disproportion of its parts; but let the fancy
scan the whole with that feeling of pleasure which true beauty
never fails to impart.

Now, in giving this general outline of my ideas on such matters,
I regret I cannot coincide with the judgment which awarded so
high a compliment to the winner of'the first prize at Kensington,
of which an engraving appeared in The Journal of Hokticul-
TPEE, page 321. In differing from those whose judgment placed
It there, 1 confess feeling somewhat diflident ; but I, nevertheless,
beg them and others who agree with them to well consider the
reasons I urge for doing so.

The decorative article being intended for the dinner table
ouglit, certainly, to be as handsome as skill and good taste can

conirive ; but no object of human invention can compete with
that of the human fonn ; and however graceful a bouquet of
flowers may be, neither they nor anything else ought to interrupt
the line of vision between one individual and another when
seated at table.

I should make it a point to particularly enforce that rule on
all having the decoration of dinner tables. A bouquet may look
very well in the hands of a lady, but who ever thought of placing
one before her face ? and yet to place her behind one is doing
sometliing very much like it. And a large bunch of flowers on a
table at which, perhaps, some twenty or more are seated, conceals
the features of three or four at one end when looked at diagonally
from the other ; and to bob the head right and left, in a hidey-
go-seek manner, so as to be able to get a peep at your vis-a-vis,
is, certainly, neither becoming nor agreeable, and is destructive
of that social intercourse which ought to prevail at such times.

To be plain and practical on such matters, I would say. Orna-
ment your tabic as much as you like above and below the line
here indicated ; but let it remain clear, if possible, both of cumber-
some lights and every other obstruction. The line of vision may
be easily ascertained, and it is far from usurping much space. If
we take a line from 15 inches to 25 inches from the table we
shall include all that is here wanted to preserve, and above and
below these limits design and execute whatever good taste
allows — and assui'cdly there ia scope enough for it to do much in
that way.

Now, in giving the above ideas as my notion of what o"ught to
be observed at dinner table, I am sorry to see the prize design at
Kensington to be completely in the way. True, the upper bowl
may be so slightly loaded as to obstruct very little j but why is it
there at all ? Surely something less lofty would have been better ;
and assuming the upper bowl to be decked out by some one who
regards profusion as beauty (and there are many such), a more
(ffectual screen could not well be devised. I am sorry to differ
thus from those who, doubtless, hav^ superior taste in everything
else ; but I must also find fault with it on other points as well,
and they of a practical nature.

The prize design, as will be remembered, consisted of a glass
bowl supported by a slender glass stem not thicker than one's
little finger. This stem is also fitted into a bottom bowl, or
saucer, the whole apparatus resembling a pair of wheels with a
long, slender axle-tree. Now, the fact of this axle-tree or stem
being so small gives rise to a feeling of insecurity ; and the whole
is so evidently unmanageable in its locomotive qualities, that it
can hardly do other than excite the dislike of all having any-
thing to do with it, and it is, certainly, unfit for the table of a
public entertainment when the speaking calls forth any appro-
bation, as a very little jarring of the table, or even an accidental
push against it of the knee, must bring the top bowl down with
a crash.

These are matters that probably did not enter into the minds
of the admirers of the tasteful device of Ferns, Eose-buds, and
Forget-me-nots, all poetic names, and calculated of themselves
to elicit a strong feeling in their favour ; but a disaster like the
one here predicted will, doubtless, alter opinion, or if not, may
I ask them to consider what I have urged on the subject of
keeping the line of vision between the host and his guests per-
fectly clear, and see if something at once equally beautiful and
eflTective, as the design in question, cannot be contrived that has
not its defects ? — J. E.

VARIATION IN PLANTS.

DO CRUCIFEBOUS PLANTS HAVE A TERMINAL CUNTBAL
FLOWER ?

In esamining the plants of this neighbourhood with a view to
obtain the knowledge which entitled me to a certificate of the first
class in botany from the Society of Arts, I could not but be struck
with the many remarkable cases of variation that came under my
notice, and which seem to prove that many of the generic distinc-
tions now recognised by botanists are as artificial as the classes and
orders of the Linnrcan systeoi. I have seen labiate plants with
leaves disposed irregularly instead of being opposite, and with a
spiral torsion of the stem. I have counted fourstamens in a flower
of Stellaria holostea. I have seen a young fruit of Datura stra-
monium with tlu'ee carpels ; and a fruit of Veronica beccabunga
with three carjiels, in a raceme of which the other fruits were
formed as usual of two carpels. (Enothera biennis produced
flowers in my garden with five petals and ten stamens, and I

August 27, 1861.]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

419

once noticed a flower of Iris pseudaoorus with four stamens. If
all these Tariationa might be perpetuated in races derived from
them, we might have a labiate plant with a twining stem and
scattered leaves like a Convolvulus. We might have Caryo-
phyllaceie, of which it would not be easy to determine the genus ;
Solanacete, Scrophulariacete, and Onagraceffi, having characters
at variance with those which distinguish their respective orders ;
and an Iris, not only out of order, but falsifying one of the marks
by which Endogens are known from Exogens.

Mr. Beaton mentions a head of Clover which had a central
flower regular instead of being papilionaceous. Such a flower I
should expect to find on any papilionaceous plant which might
produce a terminal flower at all, which I believe to be extremely
uncommon. The position of flowers in a cluster, and tlieir
mode of inflorescence, are probably matters of more importance
than is generally thought. Deiinite and indefinite inflorescence
are in many instances chai'acteristic of the natural orders in which
they occur. It is true lliat there are many cases in which a
raceme or panicle may be surmounted by a terminal flower, and
such cases seem to have impressed tlie minds of some botanists
with a notion that tlie distinction between cymes and racemes is
only of secondary importance.

I am satisfied, however, that there are many flowers arranged
in racemes that are truly indefinite, or incapable of producing
a terminal flower, and I write these few lines mainly to challenge
attention to the subject, by asking every one who is interested
in it, whether they have ever seen the raceme of a cruciferous
plant terminated by a central flower? — John Gibbs, Friar's
Place, Chelmsford.

CONVERTING A LEAN-TO PIT INTO A
SPAN-EOOFED PIT.

Since reading the article on cold pits in The Journal of
HoBTlCTOTUKE, of August 6tli, 1 have been endeavouring to
decide liow I could change my pit into a span-roofed pit, so that
I could get into it and accommodate a greater number of bed-
ding plants than I now can.

I send you a sketch of it. I shall be obliged for your advice.
It is in four lights with a division in the centre, each ligbt 3 feet
wide and 6 feet long. The flue runs round three sides of the
pit ; but my difficulty is in how to make the flue a walk, as it
does not run where (in case of having four similar lights) the
walk would, I suppose, be ; the back wall is 3 feet 3 inches from
the ground line, and the front wall 1 foot 4 inches. It is excavated
about 4 feet, which I find to have been a waste of bricks. — F. H. L.

[We hardly know how to tell you to improve your pit at much
less trouble than building a new one. Your pit is now 7 fet-t
3 inches at back, and 6 feet 4 inches in front, and 5 feet 6 inches
wide, four feet of the depth being below the ground level.

First, then, without altering your pit at all, it will be an improve-
ment to have a moveable bottom of boards, supported on four or
five posts, and a rail at the back, and the same in the front, unless
& few bricks placed on the flue in front would serve the purpose
of the posts and rail. These will be a substitute for the out-
jutting ledge of bricks spoken of in the article referred to.

Secondly. Leaving the pit as it is, we would alter the flue,
so as to leave '2\ feet clear at the end next the furnace, close to
the back wall. Have a small doorway there, with steps leading
down to it. This, without any other alteration, would enable
you to have a pathway along the back of 2 feet in width, and a
platform for plants 3i feet wide. Against the back wall, 15
inches from the top, you could have a shelf 9 inches wide, and
15 inches from the back wall you could have another six-inch
shelf suspended from tlie rafters, and here you could examine all
the plants in all weathers, and lose but little room. We do not
see how you could increase your room and conveniences in any
other way, except by knocking down your back wall, and thus
make either a hipped or a span-roofed bouse.

Thirdly. In making a hip-roof, you might take down your back
wall, 6 inches or so below the g;round level, leaving the ends as
now, and two coluinns, 9 inches square, of brickwork to support
the wall-plate. Build a back wall 2^ feet above the level, and
3 feet from the other, and have short sloping sashes at the
back or roof all in a piece, and ventilators in the wall. The
walk would still be where proposed, and the back platform
would be a bed of earl h or sand instead of boards.

Fourthly. To make a span-roof, the present wall would need
+0 be entirely removed. Make the house double the width ; the

back wall the same height as the front, sloping sashes on both
sides, and ventilation at the apex. If the present sashes move,
the new back might be fixed. If both are fixed, ventilation
would be required at the apex by ventilators there, or a double
ridge-board and ventilators between them. In such a house the
flue had better return. Why not rather keep it as it is, and use
it as it is, or with the improvements marked first and second,
and build a small span-roofed house above ground — say side walls
4 feet higl), and ventilators in the wall, and a foot of glass fixed
above them, a fixed roof, and double ridge-board and ventilators
between them, the ridge to be 7 J- feet from the floor? The sash-
rafters need not be more than 3 inches by IJ inch, and be placed
to receive glass 18 inches wide ; and thus from the economy
in using the fixed roof and no sashes, a nice little new house
that you could walk down the middle of it, would cost little
more than the demolishing of the old back wall, and excavating
a great hole 4 feet deep to continue it. If convenient, make the
new span-roofed to stand with its ends north-east and south-
west, though we would have it east and west if it could not be
better. Tlie old pit would be useful for tall plants and many
purposes as it is.]

PIT FOE GENERAL PURPOSES.

I HATE been reading Mr. Fish's notes upon a " Pit for
General Purposes," and I am doubting which of his plans to
adopt, as I liave a situation for one, either for a sloping or span-
roof.

I have a wall 8 feet high facing due east, against which I could
erect the sloping one, making the front with opening sashes, and
having the rafters fixed witli openings at the ridge for top ven-
tilation. Would there be much advantage in having a span-
roof pit, with the ends facing north and south over this sloping
one facing east ? If I adopted the span-roof would it not be
better, if expense was not considered, to make the side walls
4 feet high and 2 feet or 1 foot 6 inches of glass sashes to open
hi them, and the height 8 feet to ridge, like the house figured in
No. 10, Vol. I., of this year, page 177, as a first-rate Cucumber-
house ? In either case I would adopt one of the plans suggested
by Mr. Fish, for having a division in the pit or house, so as to
have one heated more than the other.

Is it much more advantageous to have a span-house standing
with its ends north and south than east and west? A good
gardener the other day told me he should not_ object to the
latter, as on the northern part he could put plants not requiring
so much sun, or cuttings just potted oil". 'Ihis latter I under-
stand from your description at page 177 of this year's volume
to be the position of the house at Hatfield, there delineated.

When 1 am going to the expense of building a pit for general
purposes, and which might be used for any purpose, according
to tlie heat to be given, I should desire to adopt the plan that
would, under all circumstances, answer the best, and hence my
troubling you with this. As the expense is only on the first
outlay, I would not consider that in getting the best plan.

I have now only a fined pit, into which I cannot get nor
manage to alter it without much trouble, and I will use that for
something not requiring so much attention as bedding plants, &c.

I am striking some Geraniums of Madame Vauoher, H.
Berbet, and Burning Bush, and some good Fuchsias, in pots set
in this pit, and I have put bell-glasses over them, and kept the
pit sashes partly open (for it stands due south). These cutling-
pots and the bell-glasses stand on sand. Should I tilt the bell-
glasses either by day or night to give air, or should they be kept
close till the cuttings are struck ? And if air should be given at
either time, does the same rule apply to cuttings in the open air
under bell-glasses ? For instance, such as Yerbenos, Petunias,
and Conospermums, and Pentstemons.

With the common Scarlets I am adopting a frame in the full
sun, shaded and au:ed, and the lights taken wholly off at night.

— M. E. d;

[See what has been said to-day to " F. H. L.," on this subject.
The question lies in a nutshell, and must be left with yourself,
though we will give you our candid opinion.

First. You may have a nice house against your present wall
8 feet 10 inches in height, at the expense of the front wall and
sloping roof, and it will be easier heated than a span-roof of
the same size or greater width.

Second. The span-roof will be decidedly best for the growth
of all plants, if the heat is secured to keep all right. Fig. 41,

420

JOCSNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 27, 1861.

page 177, would be a caiiital house for general purposes. If tou
did not require to propagate largely in spring, you could dis-
pense with the pipes for bottom heat, and have either a sparred
platform or a bed on each side. The former would enable you
to store manv things— as Fuchsias, Salvias, large kinds of
Lobe-lias, Ac., beneath the stage in winter. If you contemplated
propagating or forcing in spring, iheu the bottom heat would be
adTipable.

Ihird. We have no objection to a span-house standing east
and west, with its fronts to north and souih. There is the ad-
vantage a gardener speaks of, of striking cuttings and placing
new-potted plants on the norlli side; but there is a disad-
vantage as respects general crops, if the south fide should bo
pretty well stocked with foliage. Fiq. 42, rescmbhng the house
at Hatfield, is built in that, way. Air is given by merely moving
the saslies on each side. The front pit was filled with 6ne pot
Tines with fruit, ripe at the end of April, and these did not vise
so high as to keep enough of light from tlie Cucumbers behind,
which were splendid, and some day we may say more about
them. It will be obserted that in such a house there was no
front openings in the wall, and no bottom heat, except from
manure, and yet the results as respects Vines and Cucumbers
were first-rate; but every amateur cannot at once be a Burton
to manage them. Such a liouse with mere top heat, and facing
north and south, would do well for bedding plants, because the
plants on the south side would be so low as not to shade those
on the north side. Did we grow Vines, or Cucumbers, or
Melons in such a house, we would not have the south plants too
thick, and we would train those on the north side so as to come
in in the openings between those on the south. When the mere
question of advantage is put to us, however, we unequivocallv
pronounce in favour of the house standing with its ends north
and south, or north-east and scuth-west. The great advantages
are— that each side receives about an equal amount of sun-
shine, and at noon when the sun is most powerful, the sun will
strike the roof obliquely instead of directly, whilst any side
may be kept as dark as desirable by shading.' Whilst, then, we
would ;not by any means despise a span-roofed house facing
north and south, we should never think of building one in that
direction, if we could make it equally convenient to have one
facing east and west with its ends north and south. A modifi-
cation of/y. 42, page 177, will do vei-y well for bedding plants,
with the sashes moveable as the means of givinu air. For
general purposes, though more expensive, we would preler
fg. 41, and with bottom heat, if early propagating or early
forcing was aimed at.

Your Geraniums, &c., will be benefited by a little air at m'ght.
Perspiration goes on slowly then, and the pure air strengthens
the cuttings. Shut down close before the sun shines upon the
cuttings with anvtldng like strength. The same rule applies to
all cuttings with leaves on out of doors. If kept close shut
night and day, the cuttings are apt to damp and decay, or "ct
too weak for rooting, be exhausting their energies upwards
instead of downwards. The great object is to obtain roots
forrned berore the cuttinss lengthen anything to speak of. The
rafionalnm siv^n in " Window Gardening for the Many," and
other places in late volumes.]

A NEW VARIEGATED PLANT.

The plant is not just a new one, only it. is new on the stocks.
A gentleman who saw scores of yards of it in Ireland as edgmgs
to flower-beds assured me that it was the brightest-looking thing
he had seen so used. I have full confidence in his judgment
in such things. A plant of the same kind was sent over from
Ireland to the last meeting of the Floral Committee, and those
members of that hcdv who understand the value of such plants
voted a second-rate prize for the plant, but others of tlie Com-
mittee who do not understand such things out-voted the gar-
deners by one extra vole only ; but as the plant is a fit subject
and the only subject within our reach for a new turn in flower- j
gardening, I am sure I shall only be doing justice to the whole \
of the Committee, and to this plant, by explaining what I
mean.

1 spent half an hour last June with Sir Joseph Paxton in his
own most beautiful flower garden, and the only want there and
in very many gardens all over the country is a strong, white-
<lowrred plant, or a variegated plant of equal strength, to cut oif
the weight of the evergreens from msstes of mixed colours just

in front of them. This want has been felt a long time, and more
urgently since ribhon-borders have bpcn laid down in front of
evergreens. Other cases do happen likewise, it which it is most
desirable to give such a finish to a mass of flowers as will mark
a boundary between them and what is beyond them ; and no
lilant in our books, I am quite certain, is one-half so appropriate
for that move as this plant from Ireland, which is a perleclly
Iiardy plant, being a British aubject, and called Scrophularia
nodosa in the variegated form.

It is as strong as the Antennaria raargaritacea, and more firm
and closer in its growth, and it has been proved by Mr. Cooper,
gardener to the Archbishop of Armagh, where the said gentle-
man saw thousands of plants of it, and being quite hardy it is
everybodv's plant. Who would have dreamt three years since
of giving a prize to the common cottage-garden plant called Gna..
phalium, or Cotton Plant, which is this Antennaria ? yet the best
bed at Hampton Court last ^ ear was of that very plant ; and the
best ilower-bed in Surbiton this season has a band of the same
Antennaria al round the true Trentham Scarlet Geranium, with
the CEnothera prostrata for an edging all round. Tliat bed is
in the garden oi our worthv rector, the Rev. E. Philips, who is
most particular about his Hower-beds.

Well, Scrophularia nodosa variegata is a better subject for
more uses than one than Antennaria margaritncea, and tlio
same way of treatment suits botli of them to the very lettei* —
that is, to leave tliem undisturbed till late in April, then to take
np the young shoots rising then from a mass of roots, like a»
Michaelmas Daisies or Asters, with an inch or so of roots to
each. The shoots will then be 2 inches or 3 inches long. They
may be planted for bands and edgings as close as young
Variegated Mint from spring cuttings. But for the new fancy for
the backs of borders, or any mass of flowers, strong patches of
the old roots will have to be divided, just as you would an old
Aster or a Phlox in March when digging the herbaceous borders.
— D. Beaton.

A EED-SPIDER PLAGUE.
Mb. Pearson, of Chilwell, in discussingthe ventilation of some
orchard-houses, states that for want of the necessary supply of
fresh air, some Cucumber plants in the centre of one of his
houses became infested with red spider, which no effort could
keep imder until piroper ventilation was adopted, then the plants
became clean and healthy. Now, if ventilation will drive away
red spider, how does he account for its presence in the open air?
In my garden I have Apple, Plum, and Damson trees, a'so
Strawberry plants covered with it, and in their neiglibourhood a
house thoroughly ventilated, where, in spite of syringing, sulphur,
and Gishurst Compound, Peaclies, Figs, Cticumbers, and almost
every other plant are e»ten up by it. Gishurst Compound pro-
duces a temporary benefit ; but the insect soon reappears, even
on the leaves which have been thoroughly wetted with the Com-
pound. I confess to be beaten, as although I have used the well-
recognised remedies and sought in all directions for others,
hitherto I liave found none but such as are similar in their appli-
cation to the old-fashioned plan of catching birds by salting their
tails.— K. T., Solihull.

OILED SILK FOR ENCLOSING SPECIMENS
OF PLANTS.

You wish to know the name of tlie material! sent the cuttings
in. It was bought at one of our Limerick monster shops. It is
called oiled silk, is Is. 6d. per yard, and is nearly half a yard
wide. — M. F.

[Of all the "oilskins" this stout oiled silk seems to us the
best discovery of the kind that has been made for a long time,
not only for sending liowers and cuttings in it through Ibfi
)j08t, or for seeds to the antipodes, but for various uses in pro-
jiagatiou. Roses high up on a pillar or against a wall could easily
he layered in fine earth or moss ill little bags of oiled silk, or
oiled canvass in the same way, and lots of other layers besides.
Then for cuts and bi-uises from garden too's, or for sprains, no
doctor's stuir is one-tenth part so good for the cure as « soft
linen rag dipped in spring water, and a fold of this oiled silk
dipped also in water and folded over the rag, lied aud refreshed
twice a-day — all which we know from exfierience. I'his frbm
Limerick is stout as blue post paper, and a sheet of it, or rather

August 27, 1861. ]

JOiUUSAL OF HORTICULTUilE AXD COTTA&E GAROESER.

421

half a sheet, would be an excellent thing fov weak eyes to rearl
print or manuscript through in glaring weather or strong night
light— D. B.]

CULTIVATION AND MANFEB AS PEETILISING
AGENTS.

By Hesry Tanseb, Professor of Agriculhire^ Queen's College^
Birm-.ngham.

In order that a clear view may be taken of the relatiTe value
of these agencies, it is necessary that the nature of the soil should
be examined, and its general properties understood. Soils may
be considered as consisting of matter in three distinct conditions.
The first has been termed the active matter of soils, because it
•exists in a condition capable of being dissolved in water, and
oonsequently available for entering into the circulation of plants
and ministering to their growth. It has, therefore, received the
term " active," as being ready for the immediate discharge of its
dtities ; and in this respect it differs very materially from the
two other portions of the soil. The second portion has been
named the dormant matter of the soil — not that it is dead or
useless, but simply in a state of inactivity, being insoluble in
water, and therefore unfitted for entering into plants. It might,
however, be said that all matter whioli is not active must be
dormant, and this is quite true -, but for the convenience of more
clearly explaining the component parte of the soil, a further
division has been found desirable : and hence we have a third
portion, or the grit of the soil. We must, therefore, view the
soil not as a homogeneous mass, but as consisting of ingredients
•congregated into three clashes, as —

The active matter of the soil ;

The dormant matter of the soil; and

The gritty portion.

By the aid of chemical analysis each of those may be again
subdivided into the several ingredients of which it may be com-
posed. It will at once be evident that an analysis of the entire
mass of the soil would give information which must be Tooked
upon with caution, and used with discretion. If an agriculturist
wishes to know the composition of any particular soil, it is mani-
fest that he requires, not an examination of the entire soil, but to
know the const.ituenta which compose the active ingredients of
the soil, for these are the materials which i'lfluence the imme-
diate fertility of the soil and regulate its productive character.

If you examine the three classes already named, you will see
that they are simply distinct stages, through which the soil has
progressed or is progressing. We have the grit or stony portion
— the type of the original rocks, from which all soils are jn'O-
diiced ; and these are the fractured particles which liave with-
stood the disintegrating action of the atmospheric agencies for a
longer period than the other portions. But as under the crumb-
ling influence of the air, moisture, and change of temperature,
these become broken up into a smaller and finer state, this eritty
matter changes into the dormant matter of our soils, in condition
and appearance forming part of the soil, but still insoluble, and
thprel'ore valueless as food for vegetation. Such, then, is the
matter of the second class, or the dormant portion — viz., the
finely disintegrated port'ons of the rocks and stones, appa^rently
available for vegetable growth, but still not in a condition to
fulfil that expectation. When, however, the dormant matter has
been more fully acted upon by the chemical agents in the rain
and air, then its character alters, and it no longer remains insolu-
ble, but it readily dissolves in water, and consequently assumes
the active condition. Thus, each of these stages is a progressive
advance — the grit will ultimately become the piilverised dormant
matter, and this will advance into the active condition. For
tihese reasons we may consider —

The active ingredients off the soil as the portion ready for im-
mediate use ;

Tlie dormant portion to be rendered usefid'by cultivation;

The grit, which is the store for future years.

We liave eveiy reason to believe that each of these portions
may be composed of matter equally valuable as fcrtilisinf; agents,
but differing only in one respect — viz., the time of their being
available for use. Dr. Daubeny proposed the two appropriate
terms of " active" and " dormant" for the two conrlitions already
described, and, in a communication to the Koyal Agricultural
Society, has shown the extent to which this distinction exists in
^oils. From the analysis given, it appears that about one-half
•of the alkalies and one-eighth of the phosphoric acid were iti
an active form in the soils examined, and the remainder were

dormant. If, therefore, a person had est imated the powers of the
soil by its full analysis, he would have anticipated the aid of
nearly double the quantity of alkaline matter and eight t'mes t)ie
quantity of phosphoric acid which really exists in a form available
for immediate use.

I shall now proceed to show the maimer in which bodies
existing in the soil in a dormant condition can be rendered
active, and thereby available for the processes of vegetation. I
need not do more than remind you that two agencies are very
influential in accomplishing this. These are rain water and
changes of temperature. Eain water is not pure water ; but as
it falls through the air it dissolves carbonic acid gas existing
there. It also carries with it some of the atmospheric air ; and
these gases, being conveyed into the soil, perform very important
duties, and contribute to the one which now claims our attention
— viz., the conversion of the dormant ingredients of the soil into
the active condition. Chemical research has proved that carbonic
acid and oxygen co-operate in carrying on a slow and almost im-
perceptible action upon the ingredients of the soil, thereby
changing the insoluble, gritty matter of our soils into dormaiit
matter, this again into the more complete and active state, and
then they assist in the final appropriation of it by the crop.
Thus, the same agents co-operate throughout the entire change,
and enable matter to assume these new iorms. This action is of
a chemical character, but it is powerfully promoted by the me-
chanical assistance rendered by changes of temperature. The
influence of this is to be traced to tiie fact that bodies when they
are hot occujjy more space than when they are cold : hence, by
rendering a body hot and cold, you weaken its cohesive power.
This is especially observable when the change of temperature is
great, or when water is present in the soil. All have noticed the
effects of frost upon tile clods of soil in our Ce! is — how the frost
binds them together with the hardness of a rock, and, when it
thaws, crumbles them into a jiowder. This same action takes
place in the particles of the soil in a greater or less degree,
according as lliey may be more or less exposed to the influence,
and this breaking up of the soil exposes fresh portions to the
action of the chemical agents spoken of. Thus, the combined
action of these very simple agents accomplishes by slow but
steady action very material changes in the sail, rendering its fer-
tilising ingredients available for our use, and urjlocking the stores
which Nature has made for our present and future requirements.
This IS a very hasty sketch of the materials which we have to
deal with ; but we must go on to show in what manner the pro-
cesses of cultivation render the soil more fertile by the develop-
ment of its own resources.

(To he continued.)

AVHAT TO LOOK FOE ON THE SEASHOEE.

(Continued from page 382.)

HoxoTHtmiDii! (continued). — SrptJBCUUD.E.
EotnuODEKJtATA (concluded).
TrrK BroWH Sea-Ghehein (Ocnu.ilmnneus), is quite smootli
of a pinkish-brown colour wiih dark spots. Its body is pent-
angular, and on each angle are ranged nine large suckers. The
tentacnla are white, extremely long, and either expanded into
finger-like processes or simply pinnate towards the extremities.
It is ordinarily about three^ quarters of an inch in length,
although it frequently attains a L-irger siz". It is a very sluggish
creature, and is found on shell-banks at various depths, both
on the east and west coa.ts. It is common iu the Frith of
Clyde, and the most famdiar of all the species on the shores of
the Isle of Man. It is also taken with the dredge in the loughs
of Stracigford and Belfast.

Trtones.
The CoMiioy TnTOK:E (Thyone papiUosa). — This creature
when in a state of rest presents somewhat the appearance of an
egg in shape. It is ol a browmsh-white colour, more or less
dusky. It has the power of lenytheniiig itself considerably ;
and when its tentacles are withdrawn has an uneven appear-
ance, bulging out on one side. It measures from 1 inch to
3 inches in length. Its skin is tough and covered with suckers,
which are not retractile. The tentacles are ten in number, large,
and oT a whitish colour. This animal has the power of ejecting
its viscera. It is found chiefly iu Berwick Bay, but is by no
means uncommon on the coasts of JJngland.

422

JOURNAL OP HORTiCULTTTRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 27, 1861.

It may be necessary to remai-k here, that if it be thought in
any case advisable to keep specimens of Holothuridae, they must
be preserved in spirits.

SiPTiNcriiD.^, OB Tebmigkade Echinodeems.

These animals derive their name from a Latin word signifying
" a Httle tube ;" and in them (he radiating character seems
ahnost entirely destroyed, their form and motions being more
like those of Annelides or Worms. They have no rows of
suckers ; and are either destitute of tentacles, or, when such are
present, they are regulated by no definite number. The body
is formed into slight rings by the foldings of the skin. There
are two openings at no great distance one from the other ; and
the intestinal canal, commencing at one, proceeds to the posterior
extremity, makes a turn, and terminates at the other.

We can do no better than follow Professor Forbes in his
grouping of the British Sipunculidae, who divides them into
three families — viz..

The Sipunculace.e, which have a retractile proboscis, at the
base of which is an opening, and at its extremity a crown of
tentacles.

The PEiAPULACEa:, also having a retractile proboscis but no
tentacles, and a long tail-like appendage with an opening at
the end.

The Thai-assemace.!:, which have a proboscis, with a fleshy
sheatli attached and no tentacles.

SiPUNCULACE.T,.

The Rough STsrsx {Si/rifix nudus). — The Syrinx (Tube

Worm), has a body of a cylindrical form, which is protected
by a strong tough skin, deeply scored both lengthways and
across, except towards the posterior extremity, where it is
inflated, smooth, and longitudinally grooved. It measures gene-
rally from 6 inches to 8 inches in length, and is found off
Teignmouth.

The Papillated Syrinx (Sj/rhx papiUosns), is an Irish
specimen, measuring about 4 inches in length and thick in
proportion, tapering postei ioi ly to a point. The skin is of a
brownish-white, frequently marked with dark brown patches.
It is very tough, finely furrowed, covered with brown papillfe.
These papillse are more numerous on tlie sides than on the upper
and lower surfaces. The proboscis is about one-third the length
of the body, and is furnished with a crown of thin flat tentacles,
lancc-shaped or finger-like at their edges. It has no teeth ; but
there is a digestive apparatus connected with a winding intes-
tine, which, after twice threading the body, opens in the vent,
which is placed near the back. The Papillated Syrinx is gene-
rally to be found under stones, and among rocks covered with
sand.

The Heemit Sipunculus {Sipiincvlns Bernharclns). — This
creature, although it is often found buried in the sand, or
hidden in the crevices of rocks, most frequently adopts the
shell of some dead univalve, in a similar manner to that followed
by the Hermit Crab ; and, having once taken the house, makes
it its permanent residence for the future. On entering on
possession of its new tenement, it builds up a wall-work of sand
at the entrance, leaving an aperture just sufficiently large to
admit of the expulsion of its trunk or proboscis, which it has the
power of extending to a considerable distance, and of moving
about at will. This proboscis is long and cylinder-shaped,
liaving at its extremity a circle of about twenty tentacles, which,
however, are very rarely displayed. The body is smooth, with
the exception of a few small bristles at the posterior portion.
The colour of this animal is white, and it is found on most parts
of the coast of Great Britain. It is frequent on the east, west,
and north of Scotland ; not uncommon on the coast of Ireland,
and is of very frequent occurrence on the west and south shores
of England. In what manner it originally takes up its residence
in the shell is not ascertained. Whether the egg is in the first
instance deposited in the empty shell, or whether the creature is
washed there by the action of the water, or whether when onco
in the possession of a Sipunculus by tenantry it remains in the

family, are questions which have not as yet received any satisfactory
solution.

Priapulace.e.
The Tailed Pbiapulus {Priapuhis cavdatii.s).—'i\\U is a

very singular creature, presenting when first taken the appear-
ance of a mere shapeless mass of white flesh ; but, if left un-
molested for a short time, it will presently show signs of strong
and vigorous animation. It assumes somewhat the shape of a
dice-box, thrusting out from one extremity a slightly conical
proboscis, and from the other a curious thread-hke tail, increasing
in size altogether from about half an inch, to perhaps 4 inches
or 5 inches. It is of a pinkish or blueish-white colour ; the body
streaked lengthways, and at the two extremities crosswise also.
The trxmk or proboscis is streaked lengthways only, and is some-
what enlarged at the upper end. The lower end of the body is
truncated, and from the aperture proceeds the thread-like tail
before mentioned. It has the power of withdrawing the proboscis
into the body, although, as Professor Forbes remarks, " the
puzzle to the spectator is, as to where it contrives to pack it ;
especially as on examination we find a fair supply of digestive,
circulating, and other apparatus, already stowed inside." The
tailed Priapulus was first found in the Zetland seas; but it has
also been taken off the Devonshire coast, and at Leith.

Thalas=emace^b.
The Common Spoon Woem (JSchiurus vulgaris). — The radiate

features are almost obliterated in this creature, whiih has a
cylinder-like body of 5 inches or 6 inches in length, and half an
inch in diameter. It is ringed, and of a bright rose colour. It
is destitute of tentacles, but has a proboscis about half an inch
in length, which is retractile, and at the base of which is affixed
a long scarlet sheath or spoon, not retractile. So very delicately
is this etiange appendage attached, that the least touch will
break it away. Near the junction of this sheath with the body,
are two bright golden-coloured horns, short and pointed; these
arc the genital hooks. The intestine is long and winding, and
running the entire length of the animal is a dorsal vessel charged
with red blood. The Spoon Worm is peiiietually changing its
form, which is effected by the taking in and discharging of
water. It swims about with great activity, but in the manner
of worms.

This animal, in which, as before stated, the character of the
Radiata is so deteriorated as to be almost lost, comiileles our
account of the British Echinoderms.

It may, perhaps, be objected that we have devoted too
much space to the Echinoderms in a work which professes to
confine itself to objects found upon the seashore ; inasmuch as
those creatures, for the most part, inhabit deep water, and are
obtained chiefly by dredging, and as ordinary pleasure tourists
are rarely provided with dredges, they would not be likely
to come in their way. To this it may be replied, that tlic
Echinoderms represent so large and important a family, that
it would have been out of character to have passed them by
with only a casual notice. Again, many of them are found on
the seashore, either resident there, or thrown up by the action
of the waves. In addition to which, tourists often find much
amusement in watching the sea fishermen and dredgiug-parties,
and as the former frequently bring quantities up either in nets
or on hooks (they are often caught by the haddock-fishers' lines),

August 27, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTTJBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

423

and the latter dredge for this very game, the spectator would
naturally watch the operations with additional interest when
provided with the means of introduction to the creatures
captured.

We now proceed to a higher order of marine animals, to
wliich has been given the title of " Crustacea." — W.
(To he continued^

THE NEW AND BAKE VARIETIES OF
BLECHNUM SPICANT,

Found in the Neigtibourhood of Todraorden and some other Places.

{Read before the Todmorden Botanical Society, hy the Fresident, Mr. A.

Stansfikld.)

(Concluded from page 382.)

13. BlECHNTru ANOMAXiJM. — On the 29th of last September,
my inestimable friend, Mr. Nowell, and myself devoted nearly a
whole day to the examination of that portion of Walsden lying
above the church ; in fact, the locality which had previously
yielded our friends the Blechnum imbricatum and the Blechnum
crassicaule. The weather proved rather unfavourable ; we had
loud thunder, with heavy showers at intervals, and, had it not
been for the large masses of inclined grit rock, a thorough
wetting would have been the consequence. Our slight investi-
gation of the irregular ground adjoining the church and Birks
Mill yielded us little in the way of novelties. As the weather
improved towards evening, we ascended to the top of the
enclosed land above Henshaw, and came to the moorland. Here
were abundance of Blechnums, and it was not long before we came
upon a most extraordinary form, a form that at once arrested
and riveted my attention. Fronds 9 inches to 1 foot in length,
attenuated, all the piunse contracted, all the fronds fertile half
way down, all barren below. I had previously witnessed so
many freaks played by my little favourite, that I was quite pre-
pared to meet with great divergence from the common type,
My mind had sometimes been occupied by imagining varieties of
structure of which I thought it might be susceptible ; but here
was a greater anomaly than I had contemplated in the visions of
fancy. I had, up to this time, examined innumerable specimens
of Blechnums, and had concluded that, when in fruit, it must
invariably bear dimorphous fronds ; but the plant before me
was in fruit, bearing amorphous ones only. This, of course,
would remove it into another genus, and constitute it a true Blech-
num. The moat obvious distinction between a Blechnum and a
Lomaria being, that the fonner bears amorphous and the latter
dimorphous fronds— that is, according to Hooker. My surprise
at this anomalous structure was only equalled by the pleasure
and delight with which I beheld it. And I bore away this
prize which Nature here offered me with that pleasing satisfaction
and gratitude that can alone be felt by others under similar cir-
cumstances. Mr. Moore, of Chelsea, has named it Blechnum
anomalum. New, unique, and extremely rare.

14. Towards the middle of October I felt a strong desire to
revisit the locality which had already yielded so many treasures.
Accordingly I devoted the whole of a fine autumnal day to the
purpose. Proceeding to the exact spot where the Blechnum
anomalum had been gathered, I made detours in various direc-
tions, from 200 yards to three-quarters of a mile from the place,
closely scrutinising the sides of most of the little moorland rills,
damp bants, dikes, bottoms of old walls, &o. I laboured assi-
duously and most incessantly for about six hours, and though
several interesting forms turned up, I got nothing very important.
Towards evening, however, I made another glorious "find."
" Perseverance is again rewarded," exclaimed I. There it was,
far up in the moorland, a gem upon which human eye had
probably never gazed, growing cozily io the green sphagnum,
almost in the water, drinking in the liquid element which silently
oozed from the peat above. Surrounded by other common
Blechnums, it seemed a fairy form among Satyrs. How greedily,
but yet how tenderly, did I handle it — did not at all heed going
up to the ankles in water — should liave gone up to the neck,
even in midwinter, to get such a charming thing. The spot on
which it grew was about 400 yards from that where the Blech-
num anomalum was got. Like that variety, it had amorphous
fronds, from 4 inches to 6 inches in length, all fertile half-way,
very attenuated, thin, and almost membranaceous in texture.
The autumn cold had slightly seared the ends of the fronds ;
but, notwithstanding that, I thought it by far the most beautiful
Blechnum I had ever seen. Mr. Moore has since named it

Blechnum anomalum minor. Perfectly unique and exceedingly
rare ; in fact, I believe these are the only plants known.

15. Blechnum mtotipuecatum. — Mr. T. Stansfield and
myself met with this variety last autumn near Over Darwen,
Lancashire; and we have also received it from Mr. Hillman,
Fern collector, gathered near Windermere. Fronds rather above
the usual size, all more or less ramosely divided at the eiids.
Very rare.

16. Blechnum bkevxlobum (Moore). — I gathered this pigmy
but beautiful variety last autumn, in a ravine, a little above Acre
Mill Rossendale. Fronds from 3 inches to 4 inches long, scarcely
pinnatifid, more entire than any other form I have yet seen, the
pinnae being only short triangular lobes or blunt teeth. My
acquaintance with brevilobum is not sutScient to warrant me in
saying that it will be permanent ; should it, however, remain
constant for another season, it will be a great acquisition.

17. Blechnum geacims. — This I have found gi-owing among
the millstone-grit rocks that bound the upper part of Harley-
wood Slack. Much less than the normal form, very slender ;
lobes distant, slightly contracted, much less coriaceous than in
the species. It has every appearance of being a permanent form,
but this time alone can determine.

18. Blechnum anqustatum. — This variety, or sub-variety, I
have found more widely diffused than any other. Fronds narrow,
linear in outline, less than the species, lobes short, closely set,
frequently tiled. It forms beautilul stellate patches, and is very
interesting.

19. Blechnum latifeons (Moore). — This variety, or sub-
variety, was gathered by Mr. Nowell and Mr. Patman last
autumn in Mytholm valley ; and I have also met with it in
Eastwood, Pennaut-clough, and some other places. Fronds
broad, lobes very broad and ample, thick and coriaceous. It is
a large and fine form.

20. Blechnum furcatum. — This variety or sub-vtriety, is
by no means nnfrequent. I have met with it in almost every
Reality in this and other neighbourhoods, though in no case,
that I have yet seen, are all the fronds characteristic. In most
cases the plants only bear one, two, or three fronds that are
furcate, with others normal. This seems very extraordinary
wlien we find so many other forms of far greater divergence so
perfectly constant. The Blechnum cristatum, for instance, has
all the fronds crested without a single exception, whether the
plants be raised from spores or otherwise, and so of others. But
the same thing occurs in Soolopendrium, which is rarely, if ever,
found with all the fronds simply furcate, whilst the midtifid
forms are perfectly constant. I am not so much surprised at
this in the case of Scolopendria as in that of Blechnum, as the
construction of the rachis, and the venation in the latter would
induce us to suppose furcation would often occur. Under cul-
tivation, the Blechnum furcatum often produces trifid or branched
fronds. I am not without hopes, however, that we shall some
day meet with plants bearing uniformly furcate fronds. These,
when they are found, will be great acquisitions.

21. Blechnum asplenioides (of Moore). — Tliis is a large-
growing variety, or sub-variety, distinguished by the sori not
being continuous, as in the species, but broken into linear or
asplenioidal forms. Should it remain permanent it will be a
great novelty. It was gathered last autumn in Ramsden valley
by Mr. John Fielden, and I have also found it in Catholesclough
and other places.

22. Blechnum abbuptum. — I have met with several good
forms of this variety, or sub-variety, during last autumn.
Fronds normal in size, but terminating abruptly at about two-
thirds the usual length ; occasionally the two last pinnse changed
into two miniature fronds, giving a most singular aspect to the
plant. Fronds injui-ed by insects or cattle are not unfrequent,
and these put on the appearance of abruption ; but the plant
here referred to appears to be naturally abrupt or truncate, the
ends of the frond being abortive. As the same thing occurs in
Lastrseas, Polystichums, &o., I see no reason why it should not
happen in Blechnum. But this another season will determine. ■
Should Blechnum abruptum remain permanent, it will be no
trifling acquisition.

A word as to the cultivation of Blechnums. No Fern is more
easily managed. A strong loam, mixed with decayed leaves and
rotten sphagnum, with fragments of grit-rock interspersed, and
a moist atmosphere, aro all that it requires. When the soil is
light it should have more moisture. Sand or grit is most
essential, as the slightest acquaintance with the plant is sufficient
to convince any one that it takes up silica ; and it would be

424

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND. OOITAGE GARDENEE.

[ August 27, 1861.

■wortli the while of cultivators to try silicate of potash as a
manure for Blechnums. Its native station is in the subalpine
region, on moist banks, by dasliing streams, murmuring brooks,
and dripping I'ills — the precise spots -where tlie lovers of nature
delight to linger, where all nature is free, where man may for a
time forego the cares and anxiaties of life, and where his mind
can acquire that vigour and freshness, and that joyous com-
placency, which towns and cities fail to give.

TRADE LISTS RECEIVED.

Select I.iJtt of Ht/acinths and other Jlulbs. Jiecomniended and
sold hy M'ilUam Paul, F.R.S.S , Cheximnt Nurseries, df'c, TJ'al-
tham Crons. — We have examined tliis list, and can safely say
that Mr. Paul has succeeded in his object *' to exclude every
variety of mediocrity or doubtful merit." The varieties enu-
merated are comparatively few ; but embrace all the best
Hyacinths, Narcissuses, Jonquils, Tulips, Crocuses, &o.

WORK EOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GAEDEN.
GrvE all possible encouragement to advancing crops by
stirring the surface of the soil, and by earthing up such as re-
quire it. Sasil and Marjoram to be out and dried just as they are
coming into bloom. Caiia^e, prepare ground fjr a large plan-
tation for 6fandi!-?g over the winter, to come into use in April,
May, and June. Carrots, make a sowing for early spring use
on a light, dry-lnyine piece of ground that is only moderately
rich. CavliJIoirers, if seed was not sown last week it should
now be done. Celery, attend to the earthing, and where the
attacks of slugs are apprehended dust with lime about the plants
before closing the earth around them. jEiidwe, make a last
sowing for spring use. Continue to transplant from former
sowings when the weather is favourable. Lettuce, if a sowing of
the various sorts to stand the winter was made during the past
week, another good sowing should be made about the latter part
of this weeli. The former to be transplanted in the autumn, and
the latter to remain in the seed-bed to be trairsplanted in the
spring. Onion, sow seed of Spanish, Tripoli, or Strasburg, to
stand the winter. The Welsh may also be sown for drawing in
the spring. The other sorts are best transplanted in the spring
for'bulhing. Spinach, Ihe winter crop should now be sown, if
not yet done. The operation of sowing above recommended
will not admit of much delay ; nevertheless, it wiU be nearly
useless to sow without watering and shading : therefore, if this
cannot be conveniently done, tlie various sowings must remain
over until a change of weather takes place. Continue to water
all the cro)-)8 that will receive actual injury without it, parti-
cularly Celery. Keep a sharp eye on the larvte or grub of
a species of cockchafer, which at lliis season does considerable
injury to newly-jjlanted crops, by eating off the roots. Tlie
drooping of the foliage is a sure indication of the enemy being
at or near I he roots, where he is frequently to be found. Carrots
and slices of Mangold to be stuck in the ground, where the grubs
will feed upon them, and may easily be desti-oyed.

FtOWEK gauden.
Collect and dry annual seed. An abundance of self-sown
plants of Lobelias, Campanulas, &c., will be found in tlie beds
where the old plants have been growing, these should now be
secured by pricking them out into pans or boxe^ filled with a
light, rich soil. Sow Clarkias, Nemopliilas, and CoUinsias in
any spare piece of ground. Candytuft will also do to be sown
now. New seed vegetates most readily. Sweeping, rolling,
and mowing to he attended to at this season. A thorough
cleaning of walks from weeds to be made. Evergreen cuttings
to be put in, and preparations to be made for the removal of
large shrubs by digging around Ihe roots.

FRUIT GARDEN.
Finish clranlng the runners from Strawberry-beds and rows,
and make fresh i)lantations. Set those intended for forcing
where they will have the full benefit of the sun. Thin and
shorten the shoots of Peach and Nectarine trees ; do every-
thing possible to ciTect their maturation. Prepare for planting
va the autumn. Remove all superfluous shoots from wall trees,
and expose the fruit; but this must not be done by cutting ofl'
the foliage. If the foliage is in any place overcrowded, the fault

is owing to the laying in of tlie shoots, and llio remedy mast
consist in their proper regulation. Place dry bean-stalks cut in
lengths of about 6 inches among the broncbes, and by this
means most of the earwigs may be caught before the fruit
becomes ripe.

STOTE.
Shade on bright days as i:sual, and maintain an atmosphere
sufficiently moist to keep the plants in good health without in-
curring the risk of over- watering, and creating stagnant moisture
about the roots. Cleanliness to be attended to, the surface soil
of large specimens to be stirred, and weeds and moss removed.
Pay attention to such superior plants as Allamanda, Dipladenia,
Stephanotis, Echites, Euphorbia, Luculia, &c.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATOET.
Wliere Camellias, Chinese Azaleas, and the liybrid Indian
Ehododendrans were not potied in the spring, aivd require
shifting, the present is the most favourable time, as the young
wood is now getting somewhat firm, and ll e flower-buds are
perceptible. The pots to be well drained, u.-iiig turfy peat and
sand, adding an equal portion of librous loam for the Camellias.

PITS AND EB.iMES.
Root a good stock of Maurandyas, Lophospermums, Ivy-
leaved Geraniums, and other climbers, which add much to the
beauty of our flower gardens. Also, robust-growing plants,
such as Salvias, Ageratums, &c., likewise Lobelias, Anagallises,
Nierembergias, and other dwarf favourites. All these will root
readily in sandy peat or sandy Inam, with the addition of a little
bottom heat, and a close frame. The propagul ion of stock for
supplying next season's demand should engro.-'S all the attention
and time that can be spared. Continue to pot off the early-
struck cuttings, bearing in mind that all the more delicate
bedding Geraniums should well fill their pols with roots before
winter, or many will be lost. While the stock is increasing
attention must be laid to the amount of winter accommodation
for them, which, whether in the shape of pits, frames, or larger
structures should be got in readiness to receive them before bad
weather sets in. Sow the seed of Pelargoniums as soon as it is
gathered, and also that of any other greenhouse perennial if ripe,
before the middle of September. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

"KITCHEN GAUDEN.

Eahlt Ash-leaved Kidney Potatoes were raised with hardly
anjthingthe matter with them ; but fine-sized tubers are beginning
to get diseased, after they were housed .thinly in a dry place.
Part of the ground had Savoys and other things planted between
Ihe vows, and these, having the earth spaded against the stems,
will soon cover the ground. Other places where the kinds of
Potatoes had larger head growth, after Ihe Potatoes were lifted,
have had some rotten manure thrown on the surface of the
ground, and beginning to dig deep, a trench is cut out every
2 feet, and Broccoli plants that had been pricked out 4 inches
or so apart are raised with ihn spade, the most with balls, and
are set some 18 inches apart in the shallow trench, the rotten
manui-e on the surface nnxed with the soil, spaded all along the
roots, so as to fill the trench half full, firmed, and then well
watered. The trench is then filled up by digging until it is far
enough to cut out another trench as the work proceeds. The
same plan is adopied with pieces of early Peas, Beans, &c. The
pricking out of the Broccoli and other plants, as previously
recommended, is a great advantage in such circumstances. It is
not so necessary where great quarters of a kitchen garden can lie
fallow uniil it is deemed time for planting the general winter
crop. If I have any envy in visiting gardens, it is in seeing
these bare quarters in April, May, and onwards. I never can
spare but the smallest piece for such purposes, and the only
objection I have to fine kinds of fall-gi-owing Peas is, that
unless tliey are in rows some 20 feet apart, noihing of any con-
sequence can be grown between them. Even those of moderate
growth will be grown most economically in rows a good distance
apart — say 15 teet to 20 feet, as crops come in nicely between
them, and the spaces which the rows of Peas occupied may be
used for something else when the Peas aie gone. Early Peas
are best grown by tliemselves, as the ground can he cropped
again at once as soon as the Peas are gathered. Planted out
Cauliflower on a bank, and also in a turf pit, where it could
receive a little protection to prolong the cutting-season into the

August 27, 1861. ]

JOUKNAL OP HORIIOULTUKE AJSD COTTAGE GARDENER.

Tvinter and spring. Cauliflower will long remain in a god
uondidon if cut with a foot of the stalk, all the leaves removed,
and tlie stalk inserted in sand, neither wet nor dry, in a shed
rather dark and cool, but safe from frost. Watered Dwarf
Kidney Beans, Peas, &c., wliich are feeling the dry searching
weatlier much, and mulched as opportunity offered, water getting
scarce. Cleared second and third crops of Cauliflower ground,
and marked it out into fifteen-inch rows, with 24 feet between
for late Celery ; putting a little rotten dung in the shallow
trench, and digging it well, so that the surface of the trench is
little, if anylhing, below the general level, and when earthed up
there wilt he no chance of moisture accumulating about the
roots. We grow the most of our Celery in beds ; but for spring
use we rather prefer a few single rows, so far as keeping well is
concerned. Cleaned all the Celery in beds of suckers, and
earthed up a portion to be fit for table by the 1st of September.
Planted out Lettuces and Endive in any open corners. Will
shortly fill some turf pits, so as to receive a little protection in
winter.

I notice that the early-planted Brussels Sprouts are strong
and sprouting, and otlier greens are equally strong. The Brussels
Sprouts were planted some 2 feet from row to row, and from
16 inches to 18 inches in the row ; but a great gardener told me
the other day, that I ought to take a leaf out of his book and
plant, them considerably thicker, and then from the shade the
large lower leaves will drop off sooner of themselves, and the
sprouts will come sooner and better. Perhaps there is some-
thing in it^ at any rate I will try with a few early ones next
season. It would be a great thing if our cottager friends could
gather earlier and nearly double the quantity from the same
ground of such a fine vegetable, the motto of which may well be
" Cut and come again ; the more you take from me, the more you
will get." If the close, firm sprouts do not come fast enough,
cut off the small head at the top, and daub the cut with lime and
charcoal to cause tiie wound to heal. The top is even more
delicious than th'i sprouts. I have known epicures in vegetables
that would take nothing else so long aa they could be had.

Proceeded with plant-houses, fruit-houses, and fruit trees out
of doors much the same as last week. As the first crop of Figs
which have given a nice supply for nearly three montlis are
about over, have watered the house, and syringe and shut up
close in the afternoon, to encourage the second crop to come 011,
so tliat it may be mostly gathered by the middle of October, as
after that time Figs are chiefly useful for looking at. Gathered
the Morello Oierries, as the wasps render it very problematical
whether covering them up would save them ; and as they are
never used here in the natural state for dessert, they might as
well be brandied or preserved for tarls, as give the wasps the
chance of having them. Expect we must gauze the openings to
the vineries, and put gauze or thin coverings of wadding over
late Peaches. Wasps hate anything woolly. What with nest-
taking and the chilly night on Monday, have seen fewer about
since. Cleared out early Melon plants that had perfected their
crop, and made the pits and frames ready for late Cucumbers,
bedding-plants, &c., as we cannot afford to have any empty
spaces in-doors or out of doors.

FLOTVEK GABDEN.

Out of doors the chief thing in the ornamental ground has
been keeping tiie place nice and clean. Either from the frost or
other causes the evergreens have been extra tioublesome this
season. Have pieces of the lawn as nice as may be at night, and
only let a little wind come, and in the morning the place will be
strewed with old decayed leaves of Laurel, Sweet Bay, &c. Even
this season, tliough some large Elms seem in good healtli, every
breeze shakes myriads of yellow leaves from them, though we
never used to be troubled until September; and we see at
once how much out of place they are before they are swept or
picked up, for the latter is the best plan, and by far 1 he quickf st,
if yoimg nimble hands and flexible backs can be used for the
purpose. Of course, we always expect evergreens to shed a
few leaves in summer ; but this season they have been extra
troublesome. I used to have two rows of standard Eosea as
part of an avenue of beds on a principal part of the lawn, and
frost having made them nearly all wrecks, I had made up my
mind not to replace them, but to keep all Roses in a comer by
themselves, so that their shed petals might not disfigure a short
green lawn ; but now the sheddings and blowings from the ever-

greens are, if anything, worse. But there are few greatr advan-
tages, but have some countervailing disadvantages ; and if it were
not so, " our occupation would be gone." A part of the lavm
beginning to be dotted with Plantain-heads, &c. : and as it
was too short for sending the scythe or machine over it, which
might have made it rusty, we drew the double-edge long-handled
knife over it, so as to give it an even green appearance. For
such a purpose and knocking the heads off Daisies and other
flowers that will sometimes appear on the best lawns, this knife
is the best thing that has come in my way. It was described in-
a late jVumber.

Used Green's machine freely where there was no danger of
browning or burning, working the twenty-two-inch one with two
men, each holding and pulling by turns. Some of my friends say
one man ought to do it. All I can say, they may do it for me and
welcome. It is work quite hard enough for two men if they keep
at it and work sharp, and I am sure that two men when the
grass is not too long, will mow as much as would require seven at
least to do under the most favourable circumstances with scythes
and brooms. However, all lawns are the better for being
grounded by the scythe now and then, and rough places with
uneven ground are not fit for the machine.

I notice what Mr. Green says in a late dumber as to the
terms on which he will supply new wheel and improved chain
to the old machines sent to him, if before Ciiri=tmas, and think
them reasonable and honourable. I wiU see how we get on, as
since the removal of another hnk the machine works well, even
though a few of the circular pieces of the links have dropped
out. I cannot let the wheel-and-raeket ones, with then- constant
clattering go near the living-rooms.

Repotted a few of last year's Chinese Primroses, and a great
number of this summer's sowing, taking them from small 60-pot9>
and giving them 48's, and placing them on boards behind a
trellis of trees, so as to be shaded from the south sun. Divided
plants of Cinerarias that had been turned out into a border, and
potted a number ofseedlings and set them in any frame to be
kept shaded for a time. Will repot a good number now
estabhshed in 60-pots, as soon as we can get at them ; with
plenty of water and a cool bottom they will now grow with
great luxuriance, and pretty well set all insects, as fly and thrips,
at defiance. However, if any appear, it may be as well to give a
little smoke of tobacco, taking care that however given the smoke
shall be cool. Treated hard-wooded plants with plenty of air
as recommended last week.

ctrTTUfGS.
Put in cuttings of a few Verbenas, Maurandyas, Petunias, and
the smaller kinds of bedding Geraniums, as alba floribundo.
Prince of Orange, Citriodora, Rouge et Noir, Diadeniatums, &c.
These strike best in spring, but they, and all the Diadematum
breeds, do so pretty well now. Put in also a few of the different
kinds of Heliotropes, to be followed by others. We used 48
and 60-pots for these, using fresh soil from the highway, with a
fair portion of drift sand, after filling the pots one-third with
drainage, and topping all with a sprinkling of filver sand. In
the larger-sized pots if the cuttings were small, we place two
rows round, leaving an open space in the middle for watering, so-
as to avoid damping in dull weather. In the smaller pots, we
put a row thickly on the outside, with the heads leaning inwards,
so that the pots may stand close before they are struck. In
selecting cuttings we prefer small stiff side pieces, about 2 inches
or a little more in length. After cutting these clean across at
their base, we remove fully three-fourths of the leaves, but leaving-
a few small ones at the point. We do tliis, because the close
atmosphere, to keep such leaves healthy and fresh, would be apt
to produce damp, and because by thus curtailing the perspiring
I surface we can give more light and air to the cuttings than they
! otherwise would stand. For aU such cuttings we prefer a cold
pit or a cold frame, so deep that the pots shall be from 18 inches
to 24 inches from the glass. The. cuttings are watered when,
inserted. Even the first night there is a little air left on the
frame, for re6,sons often given. Kext morning before the sun
begins to flag the cuttings the air is taken away, and most likely
if promising to be sunny a slight sprinkling is given from the
syringe or a very fine rose, just to moisten the leaves. So long
as the cuttings hold up their heads manfully no shading is given.
At that distance from the glass they will stand a httle sun ; but
the cuttings must show no signs of distress. Our maxim is,
"Never let a cutting flag." Whenever the least sign of that
appears, give shade ; but keep it on not one moment more in

426

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTimE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 27, 1861.

the afternoon than is necessary. The cuttings may be dewed
about four o'clock again, or even at mid-day if the sun is power-
ful and the shade rather thin, and air again admitted all night
unless very boisterous indeed. When struck, set out or give
more air still. From want of space I must have plants small in
wmter; but, small or large, tlieir keeping depends on bein" well
hardened off before the winter comes. They will grow fast
enough after March. Where there is plenty ofroom, the yomig
plants may be large if well Iiardened. In such cases propagation
may commence earlier. — B. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*#* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
TOmmunications should therefore be addressed solely to Tlie
Editors of the " Journal of Sorticullure, Src." 162 Fleet
Street, London, H.C. ' ) . .

We also request that correfpondenis will not mix up on the
same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on
-Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered
promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate
communications.

We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under
very special circumstances.

„r"lT ^o. Fawi Two AcREj (Arthur lo!m»).-The directions ore an-

w^rt'^r/.',^ ';'"!."''•'''",,?'' "J"'" Britain [A Garde,m).-Th^re is no
?°L'l.^.^^°'^,'^ '," describing them. Almost every Volume of Thk Cottage
t and present series, contains some such de-

li is

Gardkner, both of the
scriptions

FOHKKSOWIXG THU COLOfR OF WaLLPLOWKR SkEDI.IKG

Th« rf^vkn.;;.''„f."i," r ■ "' ■■A'-i-r'.owK" okedlikgs {T.Lambert).

„ ™ IL r,.l?f,wf..'''J'-T^^'^ ""' associi.ed with darknessof the flowers.

?„°J'."\°^" ''"^T"" !,''^ ''°'?""'' '""■ ascertain it until the seedlings are in
flower-bud. Then, by cutting across a bud, - . cu imb» are in

the future petals.

, you can perceive the colour of

Drvixo Flowers [n. iJ.j.-We know of no mode of drvins flowers
without injunng the brilliancy of their tints. A Gerra.in exhibited s^me
T?P,^':?i>i '■""■'""'' ^''■""' Palace, but his process was kept sec,?t
He met with no encouragement, and has returned to Germany, we believe

wirewo'rnrV'lf.'"'''""-"''''"' "" 1""'' "''>*"■'' '" attributing it to the
wireworm. The excrescences contain the grubs of a weevil.

Aspect for Kitches Garden Crops {C. n-).-To promote earliness let

and wrt''''",f,h"°"'' T^ ^""'"^ •" """""g productfon?i Peas &c.%
o™f >S If "le garden IS on the side of a declivity, v,e have the rows

?renche • ThU we ™n°/id"'""r'"^ "«"'■* ""'""'' '° '^'»- '"tsln shaUow
trencnes. 1 Him; c consider of more inportance than anv small difl'erencp
S^l, "Pf-sure o sunshine. Accidentally we did not reeeivTyour note in
time to answer the query about Verbena showing.

ab?e\«dsman'" Mfv-'Ti"' C- had better apply to the nearest respect-
able seedsman. Jlr. ^eal has appomted agents almost everywhere.

Parseky Dvikg {A Cheshire Subscriber). -On a light soil such as to,.
describe, Parsley is very liable to a disease called canker b, gardeners '^ n

Im "unU?"°CHv'td' r ""■™R'; .'^^ ?"("' "-^ to wh.Je^ ie ?oo 'and
stem uni e. Clay and limy rubbish mixed with the soil in sufficient
quantity to render its staple more retentive of moisture will prevent the

{rbuUo"n'\°„V,''b ""• '^^' 'T' '"^'-'"-'^ "f s"" ^auses'v^r ^au iflowe's
\J,i2r ?■], " "'""' "J^^'^y "■""'<' "x^ effectual. Give both the Parlley
and the Cauliflowers an abundance of liquid manure.

how"irsha?oen','t'"'if1b"'"'"= ' f;*-'--^^""^ '" "■■• S'^-™''^ f"' directions
are not sSLTent'^"^' '''"''■''''' '^■'P"''''''''^'' """<' "-^o «'»'=<'
Trop-eolem Cuttinos (An Irish Subseriber). -Tom Thumb Tronicolum
tH?.»",h''"' ?!'', ^^l^'^. "•"" f"-"'" seed, but no cuttingTare ca^ie, To
i^l th.m then i^fh\ ^""'' ^ T""''" "' to^^-i^oh or flvelinch pot f and
SelectUttlesWrshorZ,'"^^^ loam with half an inch of sa.,d on the top
VeI i„ side-shoots, 2 inches oi 3 inches ong for cuttin-s Remove all

rtaiv „1 .er.'i'''" ""." "l '"" ""'" "-'"RS at the point, Lay , hem down in a
'^'i'jj'i''f.^:,l!'' '?'" ^Os exposed, and the tops kept damp wi(h a little mo.-s

succulent stems in winter.' A fe"w such".;„ts",^ill7,'„',;"r'" '^^11.'"'^ ""■

sp&^-Zigens'i^^t^i^SxirJ^;;.;^^.^-; i^^ j?:-,i-

Spring Sowing Lobelia speciosa (Idem)
of any of the —.■•—■ --.-... ;. .•'

-If you save your own seeds

°n,S;^^H -u '"'"""'•*' °' *>'"« '-"•'^'ias they will come true from iSose
Ma?ch 01 Am ifT'th'' '"'" ""-^ "^-^aj-'ly « JO" sow the„rin February!
h.r.^v '.E "^ ' '," ""eopen air; but then it would be past Midsumme^
before they were large enough to handle, and, except gracilis it woiSd^be
wr^,""",' '^"^r' ^''"'" 'liey^ould do an^goodin the flower garden
useinT "' ""^ '" "^"""^ "" again, but there is lit lepfacS

Work ok Kitchen Gardening (I„gmrer).-For the price you name,
there IS none better than The Collage Gardeners' Dicliouary. You cai^
have It from our office for 5s. id. j i<<

Preserving Beans AND Peas for Winter Use (T. Z.).-If you wil'
purchase No. 350 of our first series you will find full directions. They are
too long to extract. '

DiELTTEA sPECTAB.Lis AFTER Fi.owERiNG (Z).-After flowering the plants
should be hardened a little under some shelter, and then be planted out
in rich light soil, such as Phloxes like best. In strong wet soil it makes
h^ ir,n '?,?,e'7"'."'- If the plants . re large it is a good plan to divide
the balls with a knife, and make each into four parts, and cutting off the
tops, then water, and allis right.

PnoPAGATiNo VARIEGATED Arabis (Jrfem).— Octobcr and November are
the best months to divide Variegated Arabis, and then every little morsel
with a root to it wilt make a capital edging-plant the following season :
and every morsel of it ihat has not then got a root ivill do just as well as if
It had, lor It will root through the winter under a hand-glass, iustas other
jilants do in summer. It will also force from November to May into new
shoots, and every two inches of it will root like Veihenas all through the
winter. "

Variegated Alma (E. £.)._You sent the plain white leaf of a spor'
from Alma \ariegated Geranium in a sticking-plaster instead of in a filmy
ouskm, or in prepared .silk in oil, which is a hct'er material. The sticking-
plaster and the plain white leaf were all in one mass of stickiness, that no
invention could unfold or separate them. Almost all, if not all, variegated
Oer.'iniums and oihei variegated plants make clean white sports occasion-
ally. Ihe same occurs in all our annual batches of seedlings. We had
over a score jf theni this very season. We call them albinos, and give
them a chance (or their lives; but, like the sport shoots of pure white,
they are of no practical use, as no one can make any use of them. Just at
this time we have an example of one of the most extraordinary white
sports we ever heard of, and we arc passing it through a strange ordeal,
which may or may not reveal something worth talking about. Some of
them are " excessively pretty," as you say ; but excess of beauty is not
just the right sort of sport to put under exp riments of propagation, and
you need think no more of yours, for they are of no use at all except for
one year or season. Variegated Alyssum and Arabis and Mangles' are
never free from them in such rich soil as vour garden is, so that the
better the soil the more manifest is the disease.

Melon Culture {Cuciohis J/c/o).— We think that you must have seen
just what suited you not long ago. However, we will epitomise to meet
your case Your pit will answer admirably. The flue will answer for the
purpose if strong enough. If you take it all round the pit, 10 feet or so
from the furnace should be brick on bed— in fact, but for the expense we
would have most of the front flue brick on bed, and the rest Hick on edge
and covered with the twelve-inch tiles. Over the flue you may make a bed
of clinkers and gravel for your pots ; but the pots will do admirably
set upon the top of the flue with a thin tile on each side of the pot to
prevent the bottom of the pot being too hot. When growing set
evaporating-pans on the flue. The trellis would be better at 15 inches or
10 inches from the glass instead of 12 inches. A good size of pots is
15 inches, but 12 inches or 18 inches will do, the former for small kinds,
the latter for large ones. Sow the seeds in the usual way. Pot oH' singly,
nip out the point when the plant has three or four rough leaves, train
them to one stem, nipping i ut all others as soon as you can see them in
the axils of the leaves. When a nice plant in a foui-inch or six-inch
pot, and before being matted in the roots, transfer at once to the large pot
using chiefly strong loamy soil. Train the shoots, nipping out all the buds
from the axils of the leaves for 2 feet or more, but preserving the large
leaves. Stop the shoots when 3 feet or more long, and allow the laterals
then to come, and stop above the fruit, and set and treat in the usual way.

Fruit Trees for West and East Walls (South Han's).— Yom state
neither the length nor height of your walls. On the west w e would place
Noblesse, Royal George, and Barrineton Peaches ; EIruge and Violette
native Nectarines ; and Moorpark Apricots. On the ea..t wall such Cherries
as Elton ; Circassian Plums, as Coe's Golden Drop, Jefferson's, and Wash-
ington ; and if room such Pears as Marie Louise and Seckle ; but we can
give no determinate advice under Ihe circumstances, as your wall mav be
10 yards or 100 yards long, and near London or near Inverness.

Roller Shades for Greenhouse (Sunshade, Dublin).— Vie do not
think a sketch necessary. The simplest mode for a house— say 20 feet to
30 feet long, is to fix Ihe shading-cloth firmlv by tacks to the apex of Ihe
roof on one side, and to a round lolior from'2 inches to 2i inches diameter
.at the front. The end of that rol'.er to have a groove, or wheel with groove,
beyond the house, to contain a yard or two more of rope than double the
width of the roof. There should be a stout nail or pin to fasten the rope
to. Ion may have a pulley-wheel at the apex opposite the wheel through
which the rope works. When you pull the rope the strain will cause the
roller to mount the roof and take the blind rolled up on it with it. It wi 1
do very well without any pulley-wheel however, and with less rope, by
wrapping more than the width round the groove at the end of the roller
when down, bv pulling the end at the bottom the roller must run up the
roof. When the house is much longer- say double or more, the best plan
18 to have such a pulley at each end, and one in the middle, but the middle
one fastened at the apex, brought down under the blind, taken over the
roller and up to a pulley at the apex, and the end brought down again within
reach of the two end cords, are taken over a pulley-wheel at the apex,
and are then taken along the apex of the roof to the centre, and each
passed over another pulley- wheel there, and the ends brought down to the
front. It is evident that one person may pull all the cords that will move
the whole roller at once. The first for houses of moderate size is the
simplest. When fastened to the roof, and you apply the strain to the
blind, the roller must turn round and rise, and you can fasten it where
jou like by means of the rope going round a pin. This mode of shading
IS, however, expensive, strong blinds seldom lasting long. We have
frequently alluded to size and a little whiting, a d also to the blinds
fastened inside with rings ; but the outside ones are very handy where
expense is no object.

Size of Boiler (A Suiscrijer).— The surface exposed to the fire is the
only circuiustance in its size that can serve as a guide for ascertaining
whether it is sulScient for heating a known length of piping. For your
2o() feet of four-inch pipes, 5} square feet of the bottom of the boiler ought
to be exposed to the fire.

August 27, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OARDENER.

427

HuMKAs AND DjANTUisES (R. F. S.)-— Humeas, like "Wheat and Barley,
flower and seed, which finishes their course ; then they are cut down, and
the next crop of them is reared from seeds. But Humeas take six or eight
months longer from the sowing to the flowering, s'' that the seed h^s to
be sown yearly in April, while the Whcatneed not be put in till the fol'ow-
ing October or November. All the new Dianthuses like the same soil as
ihe Sweet Williams— that is, any moderately rich, friable, garden soil.
The same soil as for Lettuces or early Radishe?, and that on the farm which
yields the best Barley would suit all the garden Dianthuses.

MiLL-Hir.L IIajiburqii Gkape (J. 7?.)-— Our opinion of the Mill-hiU
Hamburgh is— and we have grown it for some years— that, if cultivated
by a first-rate gardener wiUi ample means at his command, it is just as
good as the old IL^mburgb, b it not better in any one point s-ive the size of
the berries. We would never recommend the Mill-hiU Hamburgh to any
one who is not a first-rate Grape grower.

PirxAR RosK {/o!«n).— The best pillar Rose for a villa garden s difficult
to select ; but there is none better than G^nerul Jacqueminot, and suppose
we say a two or three-year-old plant worked on any stock quite close to the
ground. Then suppose we admit that Mr. Rivers made the best of all his
hits about Roses when he found out th;it, by burying the budded or grafted
parts in the earth at the time of planting, the Rose ultimately rooted for
itself above the budded or grafted part; and thit so Roses of all sor's, as
well as pillar Roses, are enabled eventually on their own roots to make
such beautiful heads. Tht-re are two beautiful newish names to tT^o
remarkably handsome Roses — Anna Alexief and Anna de Diesbach, and
for a pillar it would be difficult to choose between them. Then there is
tbe Comtesse de Chabrillant; and where was a belter pillar Rose ever
seen ? to say nothing of such charming pill.ir Roses as the Duchess of
Norfolk, Queen Victoria, General Simpson, Oriflamme de St. Louis, and so
many Madames and Mademoiselles as would fill a long avenue with
exquisite beauty, and with harmony and delicious odour.

Seedling Applk [Shaw and C'rossfnnd), —Yonr seedling Apple is not
nearly ready for use, and hence we cannot form any judgment upon it.
Send it agam when ripe, and send the best specimen you have. It is no
use telling us it grows as large again ; let us see it.

Anejiones Do.ve GnowiNo— Geranium and Petunia Cuttings (K&nt),
— The Anemones instead of being watered should have been taken up
wh^n the foliage deca}ed, cleaned and dried in the shade, and then
put into drawers or bags, and planted either at the end of October,
or the beginning' of February. The Nutmeg and most of the sweet-
scented Geraniums strike most freely in spring, in a little bottom heat.
At present select some short side shoot 2 inches to 2^ inches long, cut
across at base, take off fully half the leaves, and insert five or six round
the sides of a four-inch pot half filled with drainage, and then an inch
of sandy peaty loam and silver sand on the top. A close, cold frame or n
close hand-light is the place for them, keeping close and the floor of
the place moist during the day, and shading in very bright sun, and
leaving air on at night by tilting the ^lass half an inch. The Petunias
had better be potted separately in three-inch pots, or potted four round
the sides of a five-inch pot. We prefer the first where there is room. If
you succeed now so well with Petunias, there will be no fear of success
with Nutmeg Geraniums. You write very well, but if you are a young
man take our advice and avoid flourishes in writing, and capital letters
unless where you see such introduced in print. We have twisted the last
three or four lines of your letter, and yet cannot make it out. So if there is
anything we have not noticed write again.

Fuchsia T eaves {J. Wittfr). — The leaves of your Fuchsia were not
variegated when they reached us, but of one colour, though not tbe true
colour. They were as all the >ourig leaves of Tom Thumb Geraniums
■come out first e;irly in the spring— that is. a pale ytUowish-gieen ; or else
the way you prepared the leaves to come by post makes them look so.
You steeped them in some kind of oil which preserved them remarkably
•well ; for they were as plump andfresh in a common letter as if they had
been put up in oiled silk.

Wellingtonia gigantea Branches Decayikg {Jt. S. F,). — Some of the
■sprays you enclosed may have been injured by last winter's severity ; but
-others seem decaying naturally. We fear that it is natural for the lower
branches of this Conifer to die early. Ail the parent trees in California
have stems without branches for more than half their length.

Spergula PiLiFERA— Lobelia speciosa {An Amatcur)~TQMV bank is too
-dry for most plants ; but even if it were a stiff cl ly the Spergula pilifera
would soon clothe it, and without the clay pilifera would have behaved
just in thp same way. On the level ground our own native Spergubirias
or Spergulars are all the better for light land than pilifera. Lobelia
speciosa comes perfectly true from seeds; but all kinds of Lobelias have
been sold last spring for speciosa.

Ceeenhouse Feens for Table Decoration [F. C). — The following
gi'eenhouse Feins are all suitable for introducing on the dinner table, for
■drawing-room ornaments, for nosegays, and hanging-baskets. They are
also easily managed, and not expensive: — Adiantum assimile, cuneatum,
and formosura; Asplenium odontites, and viviparnm, or Fennel Fern;
Blechnum gracile; Cheilanthes e!egar.s, micromera, and spectabilis, great
favourites; Doodia asperaand caudata ; Lastrtea pubescens; Nephrodium
unitum ; Platyloma atro-purpurea, calomelanos, and ternifolia— three ot the
best Ferns under candle or gaslight; also Pla'yloma falcata.and rotundi-
folia ; and Polypodium effusum. Poinsettias require a stove.

Converting a Pasture into a Gardkn [T. C).— From all the portion to
he occupied by the kiichen gai'den and orchard we should strip off the turf
at once ; slack it, and let it decay in the heap ; then remove to one side all
the loamy surface soil ; then pare and burn 9 inches in depth of the clayey
subsoil, and underdrain the entire plot. The decayed turf, burnt day,
and loam will form an excellent soil. If this is all done now, then you
may plant all your trees in October, and save a year. Spring planting
is always to be avoided, if possible. Leave the turf, if it be f^ood, where it
ia intended to have a lawn. B it the portions to be used as flower-beds
and borders ought to be served as we have directed for the orchard, Scq.

Names of Fruit {W. H. Jlodges).— Your Apple with the fine bloom
upon it appears to be Red Astrachan. The other which is pale and smooth
■in the skin is not ripe and not known.

Names of Plants (W. X. ir.).— It is Calluna vulgaris, the common
Heather, seeds of which must have been mixed in the peat soil used for
spotting. (jl'/)Afl}. — Merely Cystopteris fragilis in a reduced form*

I {X. I'.). — Your plant being succulent was nearly reduced to a pulp in the
post-office; it appears to be Boussingaultia baselloides. ( TT. C. C). —
1, Athyrium filix-foemina ; 2, Cnicus palustris ; 3, Centaurea nigra;
4, Chrysanthemum segetum ; 5, out of flower, but appears like a
Micromeria.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

CRYSTAL PALACE POULTRY SHOW.
This Show of chickens of 1861 commenced yesterday and will
continue until the 29th. We give a list of the prizetakers,
but must reserve our report until next week.

Spanish.— First, J. R. Rodbari Second, J. Martin. Third, J. K.
Fowler.
Spanish. — First and Second, J. R. Rodbard.

Spanish Cocks. — First, R. Wright. Second, J. K. Fowler. Third, J.
Weston.

Dorking fColoured>. — First, Hon, W. W. Vernon. Second, J. tewry.
Third, E. H. Garrard. ' Fourth, J. Frost.
Dorking.— First, J. Lewry. Secontl, Mrs. F. Blair.
Dorking CWhite).— First, H. Lingwood. Second, Rev. G. F. Hodson.
Dorking Cocks fColoured and White).— First, Capt. W. W. Hornby, R.N-
Second, J. Lewry. Third, Lady J. Cornwallis.

Cochin-China (Cinnamon and Buff).— First and Third, J. W. Kelleway.
Second, S. Statham.

Cochin-China (Brown and Partridge-feathered). — First, Miss V. W.
Musgrove. Second, P. Cartwright. Third, E. Tudman.

Cochin-China (White).— First, W. Dawson, (Hopton). Second, A. E.
Smith.

Cochin-China Cocks (Coloured and White). — First, J. W. Kellewiiy.
Second, Miss V. W. Musgrove.
BaAHMA PooTHA.— First, Lady L. Thynne. Second, J. K. Fowler.
Brahma Pootea Cocks.— First, Mrs. F. Blair. Second, withheld.
Game Fowl (White and Piles).— First, R. R. Clayton. Second, G.
Croft. Third, J. Monsey.

Game Fowl (Black-breasted Reds).— First, H. Horton. Second, J.
Heath. Third, S. Matthew.

Game Fowl (Biown-breasted and other Reds, except Blaek-breasted).—
First, J. Fletcher. Second, J. H. Cuff. Third, E. Archer.

Game Fowl (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).— First, Hon,
W. W. Vernon. Second, P. Mason. Third, A. Guy.

Game Fowl (Blacks and any other variety).- Messrs. Noble & Ineson.
Second, J. Fletcher.
Game Cocks.— First and second, J. Fletcher. Third, E. .\rcher.
Hamburgh (Golil-pencilled).— First and Third, J. Munu. Second, A. E.
Smith.

Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled).- First, J. Martin. Second, Master E. E-
Keable. Third, J. Munn.

Hamburgh Cocks (Gold and Silver-pencilled).- First, R. Oxley. Second,
J. Munn.

Hamburgh (Gold-spangled).— First, G, Brook. Second, S. H. Hyde.
Third, H. Caiter.

Hamburgh (Silver-spangled).— First, Lady J. Cornwallis. Second, W.
Wood. Third, J. Robinson.

Hamburgh Cocks (Gold or Silver-spangled).— First, Mrs. Beardmorc.
Second, S. H. Hyde.

PoLASDs (Black with White Crests).— First, T. P. dwards. Second'
Messrs. Hepworth &Coldwtll.
PoLANDS (Goldl.— First, withheld. Second, A. E. Smith.
PoLAXDS I Silver).— First and Second, G. C. Adkins.
Poland Cocks.— First and Second, G. C. Adkins.
Malav.— First and Second, N. Sykes, jun.

Any Other Distinct Breed.— First, W. Dawson, Hopton. Second,
T. Walton. Third and Fourth withheld.
Gold- laced Bantams.— First, T. H. D.Bayly. Second, Miss E. Hodson.
Silver-laced Bantams.— First and Second, T, H. D. Bayly.
Bantams (white, clean l,!g!).— First, T. H. D. Bayly. Second, F. Hardy.
Bantams (Black).— Prize, E. Hutton.

Bantams (Game).— First, T. H. D. Bayly. Second, F. Angel.
Bantams (any other variety).— First and Second, Rev. P. W. Story.
Docks (Aylesbury). — First and Second, Mrs. Seamons.
Ducks (Rouen).— First, Mrs. F. Blair. Second, Mrs. H. Fookes.
Ducks (Black).— First, C. Ballance. Second, G. S. Sainsbury.
Ducks (any other variety). -First, T. H. D. Bayly. Second, C. Baker.
GtESE (White).— First and Second, W. Minslield, jun.
Geese (Grey and Jlotllod).- First, Mrs. F. Blair. Second, Mrs. Seamons.
TuKKiiVS.— Prize, Rev. T. L. Fcllowcs.

Ornamental Water Fowl -Firjt, T. H. D. Bayly. Second, C. Baker.
Tnird, .Marchioness of Winchester.
Pheasants (any new variety). — Prize, M. Leno, jun.
Guinea Fowls.— Prize, H. P. Benett. _

PIGEONS.
PowTEEs OR Ceoppees (Cocks of any colour).— First, J. Paton. Second,
E. L. Corker. Third, T. H. Evans.

428

JOCKSAL OF IfOBTlCDLTURK AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB.

[ Auguat 27, 1'86L

Poiv-reES on Croppebs (Hens of any colour).— First, E. L. Corker. Second
and Third, T. H. Evar.s.

CAEr.iERs (Cock, Black and Dan).— Fiist, J. Parkoa. Second, E. L. Corker.
TliirH, Major F. C. Hasfard, li.E.

Carriers (Cocks of any other colour). — First, J. Ford. Second, Mjjor F. C.
Hassard, K.E.

Cakkiers (Hens, Black and Dun).— First, P. Goas. Second, Major F. C.
Hassard, I!.E Third. J. F. Mortimer.

Caerifes (Hens of any other colour}.— First, Major F. C. Hassard, R.E.
Second, F. Esqnilant.

Dragons (Blue). — Piize, R. J. Morley.

Dragons (any other colour). — Prize. F. G. Steveas.

Almond Tumblers. — First, E. L. Corker. Second, F. Esquilant. Third,
J. Perciva 1.

SnORT-FAcED Mottles. — Prize, F. Esquilant.

Siioet-faced Baldhrads. — First, J. W. Edge, Second, F. Esquilant.

Short-faced Beards. — First, E. Archer, jun. Second, H. Bnnce.

Short-faced Tumblers (Self colour). — First, R. Fulton. Second, W. H.C-
Gates.

Jacobines.— First, F. G. Steven'. Second, A. G. Brooke.

O'WLS (Blue or Silver).— Prize, F. G. Stevens.

Owls (Yellow, or any other colour).— Priz-?, H. Morris,

Nuse.- First, A. G. Brooke. Second, withheld.

TuBBils.— First, G. Goore. Second, J. Percivall. Third, F. G. Stevens.

Fantails (White). — Prize, C. Allison.

Barbs (Black).— Prize, G. Gonre.

Barbs i Yellow, or any other colour). — Fi'St, J. H. Craigie.

Magpies.- First, E. L. Corker. SecOT-d, S. Wills. Third, H. MoiTis.

Trumpeters (Black Mottled). — Prize, withheld.

Trumpeters (White, or any other colour). — Prize. K. Key.

Spanish and Leghorn Hunts.- Fir.st, F. Key. Second, T. D. Green.

Any Otder Varietv.— First, A. G. Brooke. Second, A. Crossman.
Third, F. Smith, jun. Fourth, H. Morris.

P.ABBITS.
For Longest Eaes.- First, C. King Second, W. S. RofTey.
Black anp White. — First, R. Hawksley. Second, T. Goodall, jun.
Y'ellowand White.- First, C. Sellen. Seconii, J. Quick.
Tortoisesuell —First, J. Morri?, jun. Second, T. Durbridgc.
Blue and White.— First. W. Grittln. Second. Messrs. Guest & Coleman.
Grey and White.— First, R. Cook Second. J. Croft.
Self Coloue. — First and Second, J. Hincks, jun.
Foe Weight. — First, \V. Maitin. Second, G.Jones.
Foreign Rabbits.- First, Mies K. Baily. Second, C. L. Satherland.

Judges of Foultry, Messrs. Baily and Hewitt ; of Pigeons,
Messrs. Bellamy and Cottle ; of Bahbits, Messrs. Baiioks, Fox,
and Webster.

MORE ABOUT THE POULTRY DEATHS.

In reading OTer the list of victims at the late Poultry Show at
Sheffield, I see none so unCortunate as mvself. The losses
enumerated in your paper are confined to a single bird in eaeli
pen ; whereas, all my three prize birds in Pen 61 died a few
days after their return from the Show. They came back with
their combs perfectly black, and with an intense thirst upon them,
and after lingering a couple of days the cockerel and one of the
pullets died, and the other pullet expired two days after.

I wrote to Mr. Dawson as soon as I had seen them, to com-
plain of the sad condition in which they were sent back, to
which letter he civilly replied ; but of my report of their deaths
he has tnken no notice.

It is the more annoying, as tliese birds were entered at the
Crystal Palace, where, as you had reported them in your last
week's paper, as " for a-head of all their rivals " at Sheffield, I
might have looked for further success.

I had a pen of old birds at Sheffield which returned in perfect
health. — John F. NEV^Toy, Etrb^-in-Cleveland, Yorkshire.

I AM truly glad to see that you have taken notice of the mys-
terious deaths at the Sheffield Show ; though certainly I should
not have taken any public notice of it myself unless some one
else had done so first, as my loss was small compared to some
others, though there is no doubt it was the drake out of my best
pen, and one which I have not the least doubt woidd have apjieared
in the prize list. In your remarks I entirely concur ; and that
my drake died fi-om no ordinary cause I am and always have
been fully convinced, and, in fact, wrote to the Secretary imme-
diately after the Show to that efl'ect ; and I think under all cir-
cumstances that it is a pity that the Committee, instead of re-
turning all these dead birds to the unfortunate owners, to give
them every opportunity of using all means to ascertain the causa
of their birds' deaths, should have kept them all.

One remarkable feature in the case appears to be the fact of
all these birds liaving died or became ill before the awards.

I can confidently say that when my drake left home he was in

perfect health and condition. Let " Selim " come out in Iiis
own name and tell u.-* all he knows, and I am mistaken if he
would not put us in the track to trace this mysterious affair to
the fountain head. I most earnestly hope we mav be able to
do so, and for one shall be most happy to do anything in my
power to attain that object. — Cr. SAUiscsas SAiiisiiraY, Bowde,
Devizes.

DRESSING FOWLS FOR EXHIBITION.

Will you itiform me if I could have anything done to the face
of a Spanish cock in th^j way of r.'ducing the fulness of the
crests, or folds of white, without disqualifying liim for exhi-
bition ? He is a young bird of very high breed, and I have threat
hopes of him ; but unless something can be done I fear very soon
he will not be able to see to feed.

I think it my duty to ask you to warn iutendiag exhibitors of
poultry through the inediuni of your valuable Journal ; also to
apprise judges at shows, that certain notable exhibitors are base
enough to prepare the faces of Spanish by colouring them white,
and with stitching fresh combs on cocks, and inserting false tail-
feathers to the same. I am prepared to substaniiate my state-
ment, some friends having sutf<.red by these acts more thin
once. — T. B.

[There is nothing you can do without running the risk of in-
juring the bird's face by causing redness. If there is danger of
iiis eyes being shut up by his face, we advise vou to draw down
that which threatens most ou each side, aad to fasten it witli
adhesive plaster of some sort. Aft^-r some time it may be re-
moved, and it will be effectual. AVhen removed, it must be
done by soaking ^there must be no force used.]

HEMINISCENCES OF A GAMEKEEPER.

{Continued from page 408.)

It was said, and I believe with perfect truth, that ho never
undressed. He lived in a place half barn, half wood-house, with
no window, but one made of laths, and sufficiently high to be
used for ventilation without exposing tJte inmates to draught.
His apartment was rather spacious than otherwise, having an
open fireplace at one end, and a cou'jh of straw at the other. It
was not his habit to sell much of his game. I believe neTer>
except when be stood in need of some article of dress, or when
hi-* supply of tobacco was exhausted. His landlady lighted hiB
fire in his absence, and on his lefuru his game, always Hare or
Rabbit, was skinned, cut into joints, and cookeil. Then masteir
and dogs dined together, and the discipline observed here wa»
just as strict as when hunting. A good study for Landseer to-
look through that literally latticed window. The scene lighted
by the fire only. A thin worn man eating from a tin vessel con*
stantly replenished from the pot that hangs over the fire, and
surrounded by five lurcher doge, each waiting his turn quietly,
and when the meal is over all curling up in the straw for their
rest. Tomline was a day poacher. These two were specimens
of many of the same class, fostered by a large extent of common-
land. They are mostly stout fellows, and walk about with Iheir
hands in tlieir pockets. They never work, and there are few
things in moderation that the long velveteen coat would not
hold or cover. I must ask pardon for this long digression, but
I have a weakness for the heath country, where i began my
career, and have dwelt upon it.

It was after I had lived a year or two with my young master,
that late in the season we drove out a large covey of birds. My
master had been shooting very badly all the morning, and I was
anxious to show him sport. But in November, the birds, so
far as cunning and wildness are concerned, are all old ones.
The unaccustomed eye soon loses sight of them in a long
flight, and the practised has difficulty in following them. It is
a fine study for those who wish to find out the invisible colours..
'J he brown of the fading heath, and the back of a Partridge are
the same colour. But it is not only difficult to mark birds for
that reason, but there is another — and that is, they get out of
sight without setthng in the heath. When they have flown
over the highest part of the waste or common, they will skim
without moving their wings for 200 yards so low as nearly to
touch the tojjs of the heather. They are seeking where to alight,,
and having pitched on an open space, a ride or footpath, they
set off' running directly.

I had marked the birds I thought to an inch, and told my

August 27, ISGl. ]

JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTXAaE aARDKNER.

429

master 80. I led to tlie spot, but tlie dogs touched on nothing,
and a man turf cutting said no birds had settled there. My
master said he did not believe there were ; and I said I was sure
there were. He said many sharp tilings, and in very few minutes
it was settled I sliould leave him. I would have sworn the birds
passed the spot wliere we were, and I waliied out in a straight
line. Tlie dogs followed, and within 300 yards one was standing,
the other baeliing. " Look, sir," said I triumphantly. Had he
answered cheerlully, I should have passed my life in his service ;
but instead of that he walked silently and moodily to the dogs.
The birds all got up singly, and he killed them all. 1 knew that
he was pleased, but he would not show it ; the fact was, he knew
he was wrong. It was the last time I went out with him.

lly next place was with a man wlio had made an immense
fortune, and who thought sporting part of a gentleman's life. I
was reu'ommended to liira, and waited on him at his seat. I had
never seen any tiling so splendid ; he was proud of his wealth, and
did not hesitate to spend large sums on anything that was seen,
and that spoke of his riches ; but all that was out of sight paid
for it. He was a tall thin man with heavy brows, and whether
standing or sitting his eyes were always on you while he was
speaking, and his hands in his pockets toyed with his dear money.
** So, you are the keeper ! it appears to me the expense of such
« ma.T as jou are is enormous. What can you do to earn the
money you cost ? What are your duties ? "

I explained as briefly as I could, but he soon stopped me.
"' You misunderstand nie," said he, " 3^ou are getting deeper into
■expenses, and I am anxious to lessen them. Game is saleable,
iis it not ? Well, then, will the Pheasants when killed make as
"much as they have cost ?" I told him. not more than half. I
believe he would have given me up at once, had not his lady
entered tlie room and told him these expenses were necessary. I
had such a lecture afte." he had engaged me. He was not sure
he had done aright in engaging such a man as I was, he thought
a cheaper man would spend less money ; and then did I find
ray own guns, dogs, and powder and shot? What guarantee
could 1 give that after all this outlay there should be plenty of
game ? Would it be for this year only, or would it be annual ?
He would not have new things, fools had guns made, and they
'brtd dogs; but sharper fellows with money in their pockets
bought them, and so woulil he. I ventureil to say something
about a gentleman. This roused my master. " Don't talk to me,
about your gentlemen, t am one. What makes one? But,
mind, I wo'n't be treated as one, as you understand it. You will
persuade yourself you don't treat me well imless you rob mo.
Now, look here ! the man I bought this place of could go back
from ffither to son 300 years in possession. Ey dint of being
treated as gentlemen, they became servants. I am a gentleman,
and will be one in everything hut spending money." I was about
to speak, wlitin he said, "Nay, nay, hold your tongue, I must
have my man of" business here."

I liked the heath country and master better than the trader.

no hesitation in sajingthe worms might be batched and brought
up to their end by the commonest persons, and without the
slightest care after they are placed on the leaves.

" We made a mistake in having standard Ailantus trees
growing too far from each other. The poor worms descended
the stems in order to find food, and perished on the ground ;
whereas, were the trees planted like our copses, the worms could
go from one to another without risk. I am certain that, in
consequence of the little food (for we had to put them on
Cabbages which they ate very little of) they spun premnturely,
and thus their cocoons are not so big as under favourable
circumstances they would have been. I send you two as speci-
mens. Next year I shall (d.t.) set about this new experiment
in earnest. The worms themselves are most beautiful; very
like the Sphinx (Bomhyx) ligustri, of a bright emerald green
with turquoise blue spikes."

We shall be most happy to receive any further information
on this important subject ; and we and the public are certainly
much indebted to Lady Dorothy Neville for the disinterested
publicity she has given to her experiment, which will serve both
as information and a stimulus to others to prosecute what may
yet prove to be an important branch of industry. These insects
are perfectly hardy, and have only to be placed on the trees
where they take care of themselves. Birds do not appear to
touch them.

THE NEW AILANTUS SILKWOUM.

Many of our readers may be aware that there has recently
"been introduced to France a new species of silkworm, which
•promises to rival, if not supersede, that which hfls been so long
•the sole produce of all the silk of commerce. Unlike the old
species, which is known to be of delicate and tender constitution,
and has of late been subject to a disease which has produced
-great mortality in the silk-producing districts, the Ailantus worm
iii said to be very much more hardy and more easy of cultivation.
Some months ago we had numerous inquiries about this new
entomological introduction, and several ol our readers were suc-
cessful in becoming possessed of some of the eggs, but until
now we have been totally ignorant of the rjsult of any experi-
ment that has been made in rearing the worms. It is to Lady
Dorothy Neville, of Dangstein, that the great merit is due for
being the fii'st to make known the perfect success of this hardy
species of silkworm in this country. From this, the first attempt
ojf Lady Dorothy's, we entertain high hopes that this will become
not only a pleasing but a profitable pursuit.

Experience » ill, doubtless, bring out many points in the manage-
■jnent which have yet to be discovered ; but there can be little
doubt that from the following communication of Lady Dorothy's
'there is great encouragement to persevere in the work.

" I am very much pleased -with my worm success, and I have

THE CANARY AND THE BRITISH EINCHES.

{^Continued from page 412.)

5.— THE SNOW BUSTING {Emleriza nh-alis).
Frenoh, Ortolan seneige. German, Schneeammer.

The Snow Bunting or Snowflake is only a winter visitant to
this country, and I am not aware that it has ever been known to
breed in England, though perhaps it may in the north of Scotland.
The change of plumage incident to age and sex has given rise to
various names, as Tawny and Mountain Bunting, and from the
length of the hind claw it has sometimes been called Snow
Lark. It is, however, a true Bunting, as may be seen by the
formation of the beak and the palatal knob ; and though they
will eat seeds and corn, yet like the other species of the Bunting
tribe prefer insects.

Bechstein well describes their general plumage — " The head,
neck, and whole of the under parts of tlie body are white, the
head occasionally sprinkled with some yellowish-brown colour ;
the upper and lower back, the shoulders, and the tail-covert are
black, bordered, the black feathers with white, the shoulder
feathers and the larger tail-covers with liver colour, so that the
black on each of the back and shoulder-feathers appears trian-
gular; the primary wing-feathers or flight half white, the tips
beino; black, the secondaries white, the first and second having a
small black streak at the point, and the last three black with
reddish-brown borders ; the primary covert-feathers black, the
others white, except those that overlay the three black wing-
feathers, which like those are black and edged with icddish-
brown. The tail is forked, the three outer feathers of which are
white with a black stripe on the outer vane, the next black
being only white at the base, the two centre black edged with
grey or reddish-white.

" The female is a little smaller, the head and upper neck white
mixed with yellowish-brown, and across the white breast runs a
broken bancl of the same coloured spots."

5Iy bird was caught near Canterbury. It was about the size
of a Yellowhamnicr, the colour being much like that of the
common Bunting, but being much intermixed with white. I
never heard it sing, and believe it to have been a hen. A corre-
spondent in a contemporary writing from Edinburgh says — " I
had a pair of Snow Buntings which I kept in my bedroom, as
they disturbed the other birds at night. In 'the daytime they
sat very quiet in a dark corner of the cage ; at night they became
all activity, fed, played with each other, and sung till past mid-
night. Their song was a low, sweet, prolonged cry or chime, as
if talking to each other. I used to lie awake for hours and
listen to them. A pale light from the moon shining through
the window-blind seemed to please them greatly."

Bechstein also notices their nocturnal habits. He says, "It
is an unquiet bird, and if kept in a room also hops about
at night ; it sings in the same manner as the Yellowhammer ,
but faster, and runs fast along the ground like the Lark ; and

430

JOTJKNAL OF HOBTICTJLTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 27, 1861.

thougli it sometimes settles in trees, the earth seems its more
natural resting-place. He has a pleasing but short song, and in
the aviary sings the whole spring and summer through : this
song appears, while he records, to be composed of some lark-like
notes. When in full song, however, he pours forth many higher,
fuller, and sharp-ringing cadences, and falls then generally into
a soft-crickeu cry in piano." He further says, " Their call is
very clear and loud like the whistle of a man's voice, and sounds j
like Fid,Jicl, and girraha, gack."

They seem to arrive in England in September, and leave again
in April, and though common in some parts of Scotland during
winter, are rarely met with in the South of England in any great
numbers. — B. P. Bkent.

{Jo he continued.')

THE HABBIT (Lepus cuniculus) :

ITS HISTORY, VARIETIES, AND MANAGEMENT.
(^Continued from page 330.)

HUTCHES.

The hutches may be constructed either as fixtures or move-
able. I would recommend moveable hutches constructed in
stacks of two, three, or four high. They may be constructed
single, but alike externally to form stacks when placed on each
other, which will give a uniform and neat appearance.

They may be made according to the taste and means of the
fancier, and arranged, as to height, according to the size of the
building. Each hutch should not be less tlian from 20 inches
to 24 inches from front to back, 3 feet 6 inches long, and
16 inches high inside.

A. Perspective viewoi doe's hutch.

B. Ditto of buck's hutch.

C. Sliding division to doe's hutch.

D. Door to nest-box.

E. Hay racks.

F. Urine conductor.

G. Wire doors.

The doe's hutch must have a partition about 12 inches from
one end, and a hole must be cut at the extremity nearest the
front about IJ inch from the bottom, more than sufficiently
large for the Rabbit to pass through. The edges of the hole
should be bound with tin or zinc to prevent the Rabbits gnawing
them ; and if a small door is made to close the hole it will be as
well, as the Rabbit can be shut in on one side while the other
is being cleaned out. This partition sliould be moveable, as the
object of this is to form a snug corner in which the doe may
make her nest, and when the young ones are three weeks or a
montli old it can be witlidrawn, and thus afford a greater space
for their accommodation and gambols.

The front of the doe's hutch should be in two parts, one with
a close wooden door 12 inches wide corresponding with the
division, and the other a wire-framed door as shown in the
woodcut ; or, which I think is preferable, straight wires, as
the Rabbit is seen to more advantage through them. These

doors should be fixed on hinges or pivots, and fastened with
buttons, or any other fastening the fancier may tliink fit. The
brass window-sash fastener answers very well. There are many
other designs, more or less expensive, but the common button
answers every purpose. The advantage of haviitg the whole
front in doors is the facility for catching the Rabbits, and also
for cleaning out the hutches.

The floors should be made of one-inch boarding well glued
together to prevent leakage, and with an inclination to t)ic back
of about 1^ inch, from front to back, to allow of all moisture
being carried off by a pipe grooved out at the back of the hutch,
as shown by F in the diagram ; or if not a pipe, tlje floor should
extend li inch beyond the back of the hutch to prevent the
urine running down the back.

The buck's hutch should be made without a partition, and
the whole front in one wire door. They n?ed not be so long as
the doc's hutch, 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet is stiQicienlly long.
Each hutch may be fitted with a rack for hay, &c., as seen at E
in the diagram.

The troughs may be constructed the whole length of the wire
door of the doe's hutch, and fastened to it, or made to fix under
the door ; but a very simple and good trough for single Rabbits
is an ordinary spittoon, which is wider at the bottom than at
the top, and the Rabbits cannot scratch out and wa^te their
food ; but for a doe with young ones it would not answer.

As to the materials for constructing hutches, yellow or spruce
deals are the best. The fronts can be made of the same material,
or if the fancier is desirous of something handsomer, then come
the mahogany fronts, tinned wire, ivory, or brass fastenings, &c.
M. Didieux, speaking of economical hutches, states as follows :
— " I managed by chance to obtain a sight of a large Rabbit
establishment near the Burriere du Trone, in Paris. It is a
large court surrounded witli walls, transformed
into an open warren. Each hutch is nothing
else than an old barrel. There were at least
350. One an old grocer's cask, another a spirit
cask, and they had not cost on an average more
than two francs and a half each. These hutches
were thus arranged : Suppose an old barrel
with its bung-hole and two heads, one of the
heads removed, and with it a floor made. This
barrel is laid down on one of its sides, the
bung-hole being underneath. The planks of
the removed head are fixed at about a third
of the lower part, and about half way from the
entry. A trough made of wood is fastened to-
the sides of the barrel a few inches above the
flioor. The door is formed of a wooden hoop,
and closed with bars of wood an incli apart.
These bars would be liable to be gnawed by
the Rabbits, but they never touch them if
you take care to rub Ihem once or twice witli
the fresh baik of coloeynth. The bitterness
of the bark of this fruit is offensive to the
Rabbits. This door is fastened to the bottom
of the barrel with old leather hinges, and tho
door is kept closed by means of a strap and
buckle. A ring nail serves to hang the rack
inside the barrel.

"Thus arranged, the barrels are placed oiv
stocks to raise them above the ground, are placed
side by side, and facing the east. They are fur-
nished with a gutter to receive the urine de-
scending through the bung-holes. This gutter conveys the
liquids into a pail. You may place the barrels one over the
other, so that the bung-hole should be over the gutter between
tho under-barrels. 'Jhe empty space under the floor, and the
floor itself receive the dejections, which are removed by means
of a hook or hoe. The Rabbits have this floor for their feeding
and exercise ground, and the empty space at the back of the
barrel for sleep, and the does can litter there in safety.

" As these hutches are moveable they can be placed under
sheds or in stables during the winter."

From the above description you will observe that it is not
absolutely necessary to incur a great expense in constiucting
hutches, but at the same time I would always advise having
them properly made. The first expense is the least, and the
health of the Rabbits greatly depends on having a comfortable-
and clean abode. — R. S. S.

{To he continued.)

August 27, 1861. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAQE GARDENER.

431

A PLEA FOE SPAEROWS.

YOTTE correspondent, "X. Y.," in his vehemence against the
poor Sparrows, deals a little too largely in mere negative argu-
ment, which seldom proves anything. " They do not consume
caterpillars, &c.," because he has often had trees in his garden
covered with them, though numbers of SpaiTOws were about.
I may as well say my stacks and farmyard swarm with mice,
and yet I have several cats : ergo cats certainly do not eat mice.
Can " X. Y." prove that no insects are taken, because he sees
a great many on his trees ?

That farmers and gardeners generally, who see the harm the
Sparrows do at certain times, and do not trouble themselves to
look a little further, and acquaint themselves with their nature and
habits, should agree in denouncing them as vermin, is hardly to
be wondered at ; but it does not prove that they are correct in
their notions. Nor does it follow because " X. Y." does not
know a single case where a farmer or market-gardener wishes to
preserve them, that nobody else does. But be it so, many things
besides Sparrows suffer from old prejudices, which have no
foundation in truth. The common snake, the toad, the hedge-
hog, &c., are commonly and wantonly destroyed, though every
well-informed person knows them to be harmless. That Sparrows
do harm in eating corn, &c., no one, of course, denies ; the
question is. Do they do most harm or good ? That they bring
up their young largely on caterpillars when they are at hand,
and that myriads are thus destroyed every season, is, I believe, a
fact too well known to be set aside by a mere ipse dixit to the
contrary. There are those who have taken the trouble to watch
for hours and count the numbers which have thus been taken
to a single nest, and if one such fact can be established, it proves
far more than the co-existence of caterpillars and Sparrows in
the same garden can disprove.

At all events, if " X. Y." means to convince people, he must
have something better to advance than negative proofs, which
can at any time be made to support the greatest absurdities. —
JUSTITIA.

TAKING HONEY FEOM STUPIFIED BEES.

I PTJBPOSE taking lioney from my bees, which are strong, by
means of Messrs. G-. Neighbour & Son's prepared fungus, placed
in his fumigator fixed to bellows, and I am not sure how much
it requires to slupity without killing them. Could you tell me
about how muny puffs of smoke it is safe to blow into the hive ?
I never tock honey in this way before, and I should be obliged
if you would tell me this, and also whether it is best to rob the
honey from the sides or centre of the liives. — L. A. Q-.

[If you attempt fumigation you must smoke the bees until
they are quiet, and run the risk of some portion of them perishing
from an overdose. Bees that have once been stupified in this
manner seldom thrive afterwards, receiving, as we believe, per-
manent injury from tlie operation. We should, therefore,
renommend you to eschew fumigation altogether, and follow the
plan described in pages 45 and 46 of " Bee-keeping for the
Many." When you " take" any of your hives we should advise
you to make a clean sweep of it, and add the inhabitants to an
adjoining stojk. By robbing them of side-combs (which alone
must be meddled with under any circumstances) you would
inflict so great an injury as to render their surviving the winter
very problematical. A moderate pruning may be allowed if the
bees are to reap a second honey harvest on the moors, but not
otherwise.]

PEODUCTION OF BEONE EGGS.

I HATE to thank "B." for the communication on this subject
which appeai-ed in The Jouknai, of Horticultuee of the 13th
inst., and in which he refers to a passage, in page 44 of Dr.
Bevan's " Honey Bee." I must confeas to some doubts of
Huber's theory as to tlie eifec-ts of retarded impregnation, and
that I am more disposed to attribute the phenomenon of drone-
breeding queens to true parthenogenesis. It must be remembered
that Huber had no idea that a virgin queen might be capable of
laying eggs which would produce drones, and that he mig'.t
reasonably, although erroneously, infer that a retarded impreg-
nation had taken place when he found drone eggs laid by what
might possibly have been a virgin queen. It is, however, nothing
imusual to find a young queen laying a few drone eggs in worker-
cells as if by mistake; but in the instance which I have recorded

the number was so great as to be remarkable. Should anything
further occur to throw light on this obscure subject, it will not
be lost sight of by— A Devonshire Bee-keepee.

LIGUEIAN BEES IN SCOTLAND.

The following paragraph from The Berwick Advertiser proves
that Mr. Swan, to whom I sent a queen last year, has had every
reason to be satisfied with the superiority of Ligurian bees. —
A Devonshiee Bee-keepbe.

"DuNSE. — Bee-swarming Extraordinary. — Some time agowe
announced the introduction of the " Italian Alp or Ligurian
Bee," by Mr. J. Swan, Dunse, and then stated that the hive
first introduced had swarmed twice. A few days after that
announcement it swarmed a third time. A virgin hive has been
procured from the first swarm, and what is most extraordinary is,
that the second swarm, which was hived on the 12th of June,
has also produced two very large swarms — an occurrence, we
believe, altogether without a precedent in Scottish bee-keeping —
so that no fewer than six fine swarms of this new variety of bee
have been produced from one hive during the present summer.
The last swnrm, although a second, weighed fully 4 lbs. of bees,
which would thus amount to about 20,000 workers to the hive.
The above speaks well as to the prolificness of the Ligurian bees,
and we shall be glad to be able to inform our bee-keeping readers,
at the end of the season, of their superior honey-gathering quali-
ties also."

HOW I BECAME AN OXFOEDSHIRE
BEE-EEEPEE.

(Continued from page 412.)

** But when thou seest a swarming cloud arise,
That sweeps aloft, and darkens all the skies.",

I HAVE found, good Master Virgil, in those instances, that the
queen is rarely there, and without mixing

" With tinkling brass the cymhal's droning sound,"
or any of those other "alluring savours" you so mellifluously
recommend, the "unreconciled deserters" wiK, in about an hour's
time, return of their own accord, and wait a day or so longer till
the queen is ready to go with them. Before I knew so much
about bees as I do now, I remember I used to be in a great strait
when a swarm flew high, and settled on the boughs of the beech-
tree tops which overshadow my hives ; but after having made
preparations three or four times with ladders, linen-lines, saw,
&c., intent on capture — -worthy a scaling-party in a forlorn hope
— I found, by the time the preparations were completed, that
the besieged were retreating back to their hive. So now, in their
high and flighty humours, I merely take the precaution to keep
my eye upon them for an hour or so, when, if they are settled
and remain quiet and compact, that is quite another view of the
case, and the scaling apparatus would be put in use in earnest.
But their several castle buildings that way have never favoured
me with any result, save in their returning to their hive.
When they hover low is the true sign, and a row of peas or a
dwarf fruit tree becomes irresistible for the queen in her first
flight to rest upon with her faithful followers, than which —

*' not Egypt, India, Media, more

With servile awe their idol king adore."

From ten o'clock till two is the likeliest time for a swarm to
come off, though that period does not serve to pin one's faith to ;
for from eight a.m. to five p.m., my bees have called me forth on
those occasions. Premonitory, in the evening, I listen with my
ear close to the hive or hives suspected to swarm, when, if tho
queens are trumpeting, be watchful next day, or if a previously
busy hive show sudden inactivity, look out. Have a hive ready
with every projecting spray clipped close away from its inside ;
for any, the least protruding piece of straw there, the bees will
cut away with their mandibles, and it gives them incalculable
labour to do so. Introduce the crossed sticks as comb-supports,
and if the hive is brushed out clean with a hard brush, it is all
the preparation it will want; for the old-fashioned sweet appli-
cations of our grandmothers are of no use, they only give the
bees a great deal of trouble to clean them off again. If people
are old and obstinate, and will apply them, there is no remedy.
Some ten years ago I was in Loudon, when I expected my first
bees' first swarm. I left all the apparatus ready, and word for
the dame who kept bees in this place, and she promised to attend

432

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AJSD COTTACE GARDENER.

[ August 27, 1861.

to the swarming of mine during my absence, to be sure not to
apply any internal applicationc, but in Tain. I forget howmany
nostrums ebe concocted, and slushed into the hive with a bunch
of nettles or something ; but apply Ihe "dressings" she would,
or not liive the bees at all. In addition to the hive have a table-
cloth, a goose's wing, and four pieces of broken briois ; and, of
course, the bee-stand is ready, as I, or somebody eUe, have
already advised upon. Do not "tang" the bees when swarming,
as its only use would be to excite the queen to prolong lier first
flight, and, if she found herself strong upon the wing, to continue
it mucli farther than would be agreeable to the purauer.

"When my bees swarm I remain quietly amongst them, and I
oft«n thint they favour me for so doing by settling near my im-
mediate presence ; but be that as it may, two swarms apparently
returned this season to flie garden, when I appeared there
to the tune of what I call my bee voice, whicli I always use
when I go near them — viz., "boys, boys, boys!" pitched to a
high note, in the key of two flats and one sharp. In the first
instance — and tJie coincidences are curious — when I arrived the
swarm «as inclining lo a neighbour's garden, I called, and they
came. Secondly, it was on tiie day of the Archdeacon's visitation,
and my friend, Mr. Morris, P.C, attendance was required at the
church. In the meantime a message arrived to say his " bees
were swarming," and before I could hive them, and return, my
own were doing the same, in a strong east wind, so much appre-
ciated by Mr. feingsley (?) and they were fast veering off into
Blenheim Park as I entered the garden, when I sang out, " boys,
boys, boys!" which seemed immediately to alter their intention ;
for they returned in the face of (he wind and settled in the
garden. Again, (poor old Brotherton ! he will never march
again — the bees will never molest him, or will he ever more call
me to defend liim from their attacks !) My new odd man when
he is at work in their vicinity, and he bi'ares them well, for a
sting or two is of no consequence, I am often obliged to run to
relieve some from the hair of his head, and sometimes to relieve
him from their presence, thougli my bee voice rarely fail-* (o
appease their anger ; and I never knew it fail to keep tihem from
becoming peevish when I introduce strangers amongst them to
explain my management, and those times are neither few nor far
between.

The manner of hiving swarms is so generally known, that it
seems needless to recur to it : still I will do so in passing, for
what I wi'ite is intended as a guide chiefly to the inexperienced,
and for young bee-keepers who wish only to undertake the
management of a few hives, as well as merely an unfolding of
the subject matter of how I do it. So, the swarm having settled,
put on tljc bee-dress and gloves, and spread the ciotii upon the
ground, with a. corner pointing imder the bees. Lay three pieces
of brick upon the cloth angularwise, and fit the hive upon them ;
reverse the hive, and hold it under the bees, or as near to them
as possible, and if the bough is pliant, shake the bees into it ; if
not pliant, brush the bees tenderly into the hive with the wing,
every one from the bough or tree-stock, if possible, to make sure
of not leaving the queen beliind ; then reverse the hive over the
cloth, and sit it upon the bricks. Bring three ends of the cloth
on to the top of the liive, and keep them there with a pifce of
brick ; and should the sim be shining hot, place a rhubarb-leaf
or two or a green bough ovjr all, and it will be pleasing to
watch t)ie march of the stragglers along that extended corner of
the cloth, which was placed beneath them, up into the hive,
when, if they all go, and remain quietly, it would be as well to
take and place them on their stand, if it is near, and at once
accustom tliem to their new domicile; otherwise, the evening is
the best time to do so. Then take the bee-board, place the hive
gently upon it, bear it quietly to the stand, and place the pan, or
whatever shelter you may have decided upon, over it. Take
away the cloth and bricks, fork out the footmarks from the soil,
and the act is completed. Watch tlie bees next day, as they
might just possibly not become reconciled to their new home,
and fly off again. I never had a flitting of this sort j but I have
read of such an imtoward event, which was probably in con-
sequence of some nasty filthy " dressing." — Upwabds and
OnwaBPS.

(To te continued.)

little slone blue (such as is used in washing linen) moistened
sufficiently to rub on tlie part stung; it gives instant relief, and
tile wound will only feel a little stiff for twenty minutes or half
an hour. A small piece of blue might be carried m the pocket
ready for use now wasps are so numerous. — A. Richaudson.

MAKING CAYENNE PEPPEB.

Fboccee an ounce of the small long-pod West India chilies.
They should be a half or three-quarters of an inch long. They
require no drying (generally), and have only to be passed, pods
and seeds together, twice through a small steel mill, set so as to
grmd it rather fine, and yon have near an ounce of the finest,
strongest, and most aromatic cayenne pepper that can be pro-
duced, and more than any two lovers of curry can consume in a
twelvemonth. No sifting is required, only keep it in a dry,
well-stopped bottle. If you pass a little whole rice through
your mill before and after grinding the chilies neither the pepper
nor the mill will be the worse. Most lovers of cayenne do not
like it in fine powder.

S0LITBI.E Catense. — Take an ounce of the ground chilies as
in the last receipt, put it in a well-corked bottle with one ounce
of spirits of wine (rectified), and one ounce of water. Let th*
bottle stand ten or twelve days in a warm place, and shake it)
everv day. \ow strain it through fine muslin into a clean white
jelly-pot with a cover, and add two ounces of table salt, placing
the jar on Ihe hob or in a gentle oven till as much of the palt has
dissolved as the fluid can take up ; ten minutes should do it.
Tlien remove and pour the clear liquid into a dish or plate, and
place it in the draught of a window that the liquid may all eva-
porate, and rou will have nothing left but the essence of cayenne
combined with tlie crystal of salt. It is very strong, and, of
course, perfectly soluble. — B. W.

CURE FOR THE STING OF A "WASP.

You will be conferring a benefit on your readers if you will
inform them that the best remedy for the sting of wasps is a

CUE LETTER BOX.

Chickens Plucking each Other (/. C).— "W^henever fowlR eiit each
other's fealhers it i8 from dieeape, or a deranfjed state of the body. It is
at t.lie moultinjr timo, and for the sake of the blepdine Rtuniij of the feather.
It is always imagined that if proceeds frnir. feeding with meat. They
lenrn it one from ihe other, and for that reason the pecker and the peclced
t-honld both be removed at once. As soon sib the raw Fpot is feen all will
peck it, and when they hive once tasted they will continue to eat. Give
niphtly do.=es of c;iPtor oil ; feed sparinpfly on oatmeal ; and give lettuces
lo ent. Kemove all that thus pluck off the feathers.

Chinchilla am) niMAi.AVAN KabBits {X. U. />.!.— State T\hat vow have
to sell to Mr. Jackman. 3, Thistle Grove, West Brompton, or to Mr. liaily>
113, Mount Street, Grosvenor Square.

Gold Fish in Tank fi>«'//rt).— We have no reason for hoUevinK that
Gold Fish in vour Herefordshire pat den tank would be killed in winter.
We knew a tank in Hampi-hire where they survived— care bfinff taken to
break thp ice daily when the surfice was rozen. They were pone before
last winter. We shall be obliged by further information on this sul jcct.

Voluntary Cnoss-BHEEPiNo.— " I shall be obliged by any of the leadn-si
of Thk Jovrnal of Huhticulti' re telling me of instances they have known
of cock and hen birds — Goldfinches, for instance, loose in a room o"
aviary pairing with birds of a different kind, as Canaries, while there
were'matesof their own sort al.-o in the room. Any statements they couhl
afford me of the numbers and kinds of birds that they have found to nfirtc
well toseiher, and to succeed as to buiUiinp nests and rcarinc young in a
room or aviary, I should Icel very much obliged for, as I am very anxious
to collect as many pioved facte as 1 can to compare with my own expe-
rience.—E. A. M."

Bed Mites in Canaries (X.).— These may be got rid of hy means of
flowers of sulphur. "Wherever the cracks or devices of the cage show a
whitish, speckled or mouldy appearance, these little pests may be expected
to harbour. Open these cracks or joints with a chii^el or sci-owdriver, so as
to be enabled lo insert a feather or camel's-h..ir brut-h. and \y this means
well oil the opening, and then fill it with Ihe sulphur, a little of which
may he dusted among the birds' feathers, being cartful not to let it gel
into the eyes.— B. P. Brent.

LONDON MARKETS.— AuuDST 26.
POITLTEY.

The supply of good Grouse is small, but there are a great many inferio*-,
and, consequently, unsaleiiMe birds. 'J'here has seldom been tcss denianU
for poultry of every description than during the past week.

Each—*.

Large Fowls 3

Smaller FowU 2

rf.

0 to
6 „
9 ..
0 ..
0 „

».
3

3
2

2
5

6
0

0
3
0

Leverets ..

Bach-

-s.
0

0

1

0

rf. ». rf.

0 to 0 0
S „ 2 »

S „ 0 9

Ducks 2

Rabbits ....
Wild

3 „ 1 4

Geese 5

8 „ 0 9

September 3, 1861. ] JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTURE AJSD COTTAGE GASDEJSEE.

433

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day
of

Day

of

SEPTEMBEE 3-9, 1S61.

Weatbek near London in 1860.

Run

Sun

Moon
Rises

Moon's

Clock
before

Ilain in
Inches.

Day of

M'nth

Week.

Barometer. Thermom.

Wind.

Eises.

Sets.

and Sets

Age.

Sun.

Tear.

deg. deg:.

m. h.

m. h.

m. 1-.

m. ».

3

Tv

Chelone.

30.052-30.031

71--14

N.

—

17af6

41af6

20 3

28

0 50

246

4

\y

Liatris.

30.157-30.135

69-38

N.W.

—

19 5

39 6

sets

•

1 9

247

5

Th

Eupatorium sessilifolium.

30.199—30.175

70-53

W.

—

21 6

37 6

19 a 6

1

1 29

248

6

F

Lobelia.

30.348-30.301

63—37

N.E.

—

22 5

34 6

39 6

2

1 49

249

7

S

Bolionia asteroides.

30.308— 30.12G

68-40

N.E.

—

24 5

32 6

0 7

3

2 9

250

8 .

SCN

15 Sunday after Trinity,

30.012—29.977

72-47

N.E.

■01

25 5

30 6

28 7

4

2 29

251

9

M

Helianthus divaricatus.

30.084-80.052

60-31

N.E.

—

27 5

28 6

1 8

5

2 49

262

Meteoroloct op the Week. — At Chiswick. from observations during the

laat thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest

temperatu

res of these days are C9.8' and 47.2=

respectively. The greatest heat, 83

■>, occurred on the 5th in 1848 ; and the lowest cold, 28",

on the 7th

in 1855. During the period 136 days were fine, and on 102 rain fell.

KEVIVAL OF LAYERING CUTTINGS.

-^-—^ AE more eaey and

witli mach
better results
than some of
the propaga-
tors Liave met
with in their
closest houses
and greatest
heat is an old neglected
way of propagating, during
the summer months, some
of the most difficult plants with which
amateurs have to do in the open air.

It is over a quarter of a century
at least since the plan made the last
season's growth in our books ; and if
a score of old gardenei-s had been
gathered to their forefathers, the
practice might have been brought
out now as quite a new discovery in a
branch of propagation for middle-
class society, and for all those whom
we bear on the surface of our thoughts
when we write about the practice and
the projects of the times we live in.

But, lest I should have forgotten
some of the corners of the proceeding,
and having had a subject well fitted
to test the doubt thrown on my hands
by the dispersion at the Experimental
Garden, I tested the practice, and
with the loss of one subject only, and
N that was the first, and failed for want

of my hand being in practice.
People who were at the Eoso Show at South Ken-
sington, and have seen the splendid row (all round at
intervals) of Centaurea candidissima with which the
Messrs. Veitch, of the Exotic, furnished the middle stand
in the Society's conservatory, will never forget the sight,
neither shall I ; and there was another row round the
outside of that grand circle as easily and as cleverly
done as the other was difficult and tedious — I mean the
' couple of hundred of large No. 48-pots brimful of Lobelia
speciosa, and the pots placed so close together as to make
the blue edging an unbroken circle or edging all round.
Now, that is what thousands would be glad to have by
them in the country to be ready for some upshot or
another — as a wedding, a Prince's visit, a fancy fair for
some charity, a birthday festival, and such-like events,
when extras come in as close and tidy as did that sin-
gularly beautiful edging on the occasion of the July
Eose Show.

But that Centaurea candidissima pleased me the most,
and because that then I was in the dumps at losing one
plant of it by the experiment on the ancient way of pro-
pagating difficult things out of doors ; and how could I
No. 23. — Tot. I., New Sbeies.

know but that the whole might follow suit and leave my
experiment on the shelf for another quarter of a centuvv?
But I lost no more of them. Tlie plant of Centaurea
candidissima was sent three or four years back to the
Experimental by Mr. Salter, of the Versailles Nmsery.
It was a favourite in the conservatory there in the height
of summer and in the depth of winter ; and for a drawing-
room, or sitting-room, or anywhere about a house, there
is not a cleaner-looking plant in the whole vegetable
kingdom. If we could get it a yard high by the thousand,
instead of Scrophularia nodosa, you would see the efTect
of cutting short off the heavy burden of varied green
from the light airiness of a grand ribbon-border in front
of a shrubbery, or along a carriage drive out of some
plantations " going up to the house."

Now, it was this very plant for that one purpose that I
was anxious to do on tlie old plan, so as tliat anybody
after once obtaining a plant of it might be able to make
his or her own stock of plants of it.

The first of my proceedings early last May was to cut
out the heart-bud of that Centaurea candidissima, both to
keep it from flowering and to cause it to make side shoots.
It did make side shoots in earnest last June. It was
planted out of doors and out of pot in a south border
under a south wall, in rich earth, by the middle of May.
for it requires exactly the same kind of treatment in
summer and winter as a pot Tom Thumb Geranium, the
same soil also, and tlie same quantity of water every day
in the year. Tom is fidgetty about water in winter, so is
candidissima. Tom likes ample drainage and air from
below for his roots, so does the other ; and both agree as
to soil in pots, and both enjoy the luxury of planting out
of pots and out of doors for a whole summer. Tom is
easy to increase, but this Centaurea is uncommonly diffi-
cult to multiply by common modes. You might almost
think the plant had common sense, and made bad use of
it, by seeming to despise being cut or done for in those
modes, save by a first-class gardener, or second-class
propagator in a nursery. But the old way brings it to
the test, it roots in that way just as well in the smallest
as in the best and biggest garden in the kingdom.

I allowed the side shoots to attain 6 inches or 7 inches
in length, some were longer ; then I cut them within one
joint of the old stem of the plant, and cut off all the
leaves except the upper pair, and those I shortened as
they used to do all cutting-leaves when I was young ; I
smoothed under the bottom joint just as for a cutting,
and then I made a carnation-like layer of the very top of
the shoot— all setting out on a stool, recollect. I then
planted the bottom of the shoot like a cutting, but in a
slanting way, so as not to be too deep ; then I put down
the layer just as if it were a layer of a growing branch,
and there was only that one that missed taking root.

The plan, I would guarantee, is also applicable to five
hundred kinds of plants, from the old Clove up to the
new Mutisia decurrens. You might practise your hand,
indeed, on the old Clove itself. Take the longest shoots
of it from your oldest plants. I mean those that are now
too old to be kept longer ; strip oft' all the leaves as I did,
No. 675.— Vol. XXVI., Old Sbeies.

431

JOUENAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAOE GARDENER. [Septembers, 1861.

except the top pair and the centre ones of the point ;
guess which would be the underside of that branch
naturally, and make the layer of it by cutting the tongue
on the underside, and right through a principal joint.
You might plant them upright in a shallow trench, but
many kinds would do better on the slant as I did it. Or
if you never did such a thing as lay a Carnation, and can
hardly make out my meaning, just get half a dozen of
soft shoots out of a Black Currant bush. Let them be a
foot long, more or less will do. Strip off all the leaves
except the top pair as before, and pick out all the buds
below where you make the tongue, else the bottom eyes
will be sure to be up and make roots before your layer :
but then you are learning the practice, and not wishing
for more Black Currants.

But suppose you were to try a Eose that way. If you
were not afraid of the prickles, it is ten to one if the
wliole family of them would not come surer that way
than by the present doings ; for in my young days they
were all layered that way, only that the bottom of the
shoots was still left growing on the branch — and that
V. ouid seem a small matter if you come to think of it in
the right light. They say the rising sap never makes
roots ; it is the down -going sap from which the secretions
which make the roots come. Then, if a shoot can be
kept fresh enough on pure water or impure moisture in
the ground for a certain length of time, as we who dig
the earth well know to be the case wiih very many shoots,
what is to hinder the return of the sap from causing
roots to come that way even faster than if the shoot was
still growing on the bush? for very likely other shoots,
or parts of the plants, might be so impatient for more
than a share as not to allow the sap of that branch time
enougli to cause a single root to come. But that has to
be proved.

The best Hose nurserj- in Scotland in those days was
Peacock's, in Edinburgh. It was down the Leith Walk ;
and to my personal knowledge they layered the principal
portion of their Eoses in ttie spring. I recollect there
was an enormous big Pear tree in one of the Hose
quarters, and the branches of that Pear tree swept the
ground in a wide circle, and they used to make layers of
tlie last summer's wood of the Pear just as they did their
Hoses. But Mr. Barnet, who is , still in tlie Eegent's
Park Botanic, could tell more about it, only I was
thinking whether or not it would not be as good now as
then to have Apples and Pears on their own roots in
some soils,

Then, if Eoses will now come from cut shoots as layers,
I sec no reason why Pears should not do the same, as
they certainly did in Peacock's time, without being
detached, however, from the parent tree. Indeed, I
cannot conceive a reason why all kinds of plants which
root from layers in one season should not succeed this way
with ordinary care. At all events one of the most diffi-
cult of them has done so with me in two months, and
with no care whatever save being sprinkled with water
of an evening, taking their share of it like more common
cuttings and some seedlings which are set down beside
them.

In October, when I take them up, I should not be
surprised to find the bottom part of each shoot had
rooted also ; and if so, a new way of striking that Cen-
taurea will have been discovered without trying for it —
that is, half-ripened wood to be made cuttings of and
planted in the open air after the turn of midsummer : at
all events, this will open a new branch of easy propagation
to thousands who had never heard of such a thing. I
had been talking to them at Kew about it, and could find
no one younger than my.self who had ever heard of it
before ; but it was a common practice in earlier days.

SUNK GARDEN AT KEW.
Speaking of Kew reminds me of one of the hundred
things I intended to say about it. You have heard, no '

doubt, of the immense height of the flagstaff they have
put up there this season in the pleasure-ground : if not, you
will see it from any part of the grounds ; and you ought
to go up to it, and hard by you will find a new under-
ground garden for climbers, and for half-hardy trailing
and delicate plants, and a tunnel-passage into it without
an arch overhead, as in railway tunnels — merely steep
green banks right and left of you. It is a plan which
many people could imitate in their own gardens, and it is
well worthy of a visit to see it as it is. Formerly it was
a great gravel-pit, and what they did was to put the sides
of the pit all round into ship-shape, and giving them
(the sides) a steep slope. The slopes were deeply dug,
and very good and very light soil added to them, and
their whole surface covered with it. As the slopes are
all round the space, some part or other of them faces
every point and quarter point in the compass : therefore,
there is a suitable aspect for every little morsel of a thing
of a plant under the sun. All their Eock Eoses are
facing the sun, Italian fashion, and so on with all the
rest. But it is with the bottom of the slopes that I had
most to do, on account of the hardy climbers which they
planted there. But the bottom of the slopes is a regular
garden of itself, the shape of it is something of the shape
of the figure 8, but without the crossing in the middle ;
but any shape would do. It may be 6 feet, or 8 feet, or
more under the surface of the rest of the ground round
about it ; and if there was a belt of evergreens all round
the top of the slopes, that would make it appear still
deeper, and be warmer or more sheltered for the things
planted along the sloping sides. The bottom was first
levelled and a walk made all round it, the bottom of the
slope being one side to the walk the whole way, and on
the inner side of the walk they put up many iron rods
for pillars of hardy climbers, and a chain is festooned
from pillar to pillar all the way round, with a large bed
inside the climbers where half-hardy plants find a perfect
rest " from all the airs the winds can bla."
. There I saw the pretty little Mexican evergreen,
Berberis trifoliata, which was killed to the ground last
winter, and now has a shoot hard upon 2 feet in length
sprung up from the roots. As trifoliata is, generally,
a dense very low bush, this might teach some one how to
get it a dwarf standard on its own roots, when it would
be one of the nicest architectural plants in the order, on
account of its very peculiar glaucous aspect. IJot far
from it was one of Berberis Fortuni, also cut to the
ground ; but both were only planted late last autumn,
which accounts for their being so cut there. Fortuni,
which is six times stronger than trifoliata, put up three
or four shoots not over 6 inches high.

But, still, I want to keep the reader in mind of the
climbers. The best of them then in bloom was Clematis
lanuginosa — the very finest out-of-door climber in
England, unless, indeed, Lapageria rosea will be found
to do so much better in a half swamp out on a west
aspect, or down underground in the bottom of a stone-
quarry, or sand or g .avel-pit, made and laid out on the
plan of this one at Kew. Then, if the Eoyal Horticultural
Society could get us over all the Bomareas we already
know to be in feather, the same bed would do for them and
Lapageria, and Disa grandiflora, and all the biggest grandi-
flora bulbs of the Cape, the magnificent red Crinura
from the eastern settlement there, hardy as Gladiolus,
and all Tritomas, and with them Tritonia aurea, which is
a true swamp plant and never gets half enough water in
pots. Then it would be just time to send to the arid
plains north of Valparaiso, where most beautiful bulbs
are half baked in clay and lava-like soil, for the dry
slopes of the under-surface, rather than new under-
ground gardening. All that would be necessary to render
such a place fit for anything one could suggest is. that
there should be no stint of water when it was needed,
and no want of drainage from the lowest part of the
bottom to dry the place in winter, or keep it from being

September 3, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE (JAEDENER.

i35

flooded. At Kew, the bottom drains itself through the
bed of gravel. And, also, a thing of this kind would
offer great facility for a large surface of ground to be
covered with a comparatively small surface of glass in
winter, or canvass, as over the exhibition ground at the
Botanical Garden, Regent's Park. D. Beaton.

A CHAPTER ON BEDDING GEEANIUMS.

As I may at a future time mate some remai'is on bedding
Geraniums in general, I will merely in the present instance call
attention to a few points bearing on their appearance and utility,
with a view to enable the inexperienced to select tlie kinds best
adapted for his purpose in bedding. I do so because this is tbe
season for propagating them. As I piirpose going more into
detail on this matter hereafter, the observations here must neces-
sarily be brief.

lu the first place, I may confess that the Geranium is my
favourite bedding plant, it being the earliest and latest, and,
whetlier in flower or not, the plant looks well ; and if we take
the Variegated section into account, a very good feature may be
made with Geraniums alone, which will last the season through.
It is true that Geraniums require a little more room in winter
than Verbenas and some other bedding plants, but not so much
trouble nor hotbeds for propagating, &c., are wanted, if all be
duly attended to in the preceding autumn. However, it is not
necessary to enter into these matters just now, but to make a
selection amongst the many varieties of Geraniums oifered to us
for next year's display ; and as names do not always convey a
just description, I will only mention a few by way of example to
explain my views, dividing them into classes in the following
order : —

SiLTEE-EDSED GEEAKirjis. — The varieties here are numerous ;
but those with scarlet flowers are most esteemed, although those
with pink or purple blooms may be useful also ; but as the
foliage of this class is of more consequence than the flower
generally, it is better not to require too much of the flowering
part, but endeavour to obtain a good, free-growing variety. If
we had a good scarlet with tlie habit and rapid growth of
Mangles', we should have an acquisition. At the same time
the foliage ought to be of a more clear white, and not that
creamy dulness so many have. For upright-growing plants for
striped borders, I admire a leaf somewhat crumpled and cuppy ;
for as they are generally looked at in a horizontal direction, the
tips of the leaves are all that are seen, and if they be a clear bright
white they approach nearer that standard of perfection which
is so much aimed at. The two best varieties I have are Bijou
and Shottisham Pet. The latter certainly not so bright a scarlet
flower as Alma, Perfection, and some others, but a more free
grower, and the fohage a more lively white than the majority
of Variegated Geraniums, and being formed somewhat cuppy tbe
tips lo^k cheerful and well. I may observe that I do not
admire the class of fancy-coloured, variegated-leaved Geraniums,
or those having a series of rings or zones in the marking of the
leaf. I have not seen one that looks at all clear, excepting now
and then a soHtary leaf on a plant having twenty others of a
dull, confused character. The Countess of "Warwick is one of
this class, and at the distance of a few yards looks dirty and
impleasing. On the other hand Brilliant has not sufficient
■white marking ; Mangles' Variegated « ill not be discarded yet ;
but Flower of the Day is certainly doomed.

Yellgw-poliaged Geeanitjms. — Great improvement is
wanted this way, as I have only four varieties — Golden Chain,
Golden Circle, Golden Fleece, and Golden Vase. If Golden
Chain only could be induced to grow as fast as Tom Thumb, I
would not find fault with its flowers ; but it is of slow growth,
and, consequently, can only be increased to a moderate extent.
Golden Circle grows much faster, but in habit is somewhat
lanky. Golden Fleece is so liable to run into a green state that
I hardly know what to say of it, and I have not enough of
Golden Vase to give an opinion of it. All the tidy plants of
Golden Chain ought to be taken up and put away in boxes or
pots. Golden Circle will, however, propagate pretty freely at
this time. For edging purposes Golden Chain is certainly the
best plant we have, and if it would grow a little faster it would
be still more useful.

Gekakiums with Plain-leaves and Pale or Pink
FiowEKS. — White- flowered Geraniums are capable of much
improvement. Most of those we have are on plants with horse-

shoe markings or dull opaque leaves. Boule de Niege, Virgi-
natum, and some others are of this kind. In the Ust of pink,
Christina is by far tlie best I have; but if this had a clear green
leaf like Tom Thumb, it would be much improved. Princess
Alice, Lucia rosea, Kingsbury Pet, and others, must give place to
Christina, and, as paler varieties, Lizzie and Hendersoni are good.
Gebaniujis with Kose-colotjKed Floweks. — There are
some very exceUent varieties in this section, which embraces
more tints of colour than can weU be described. Amongst the
taU ones, Trentham Rose is good ; differing in colour fi-om it is
Rubens, also good ; Paul Labhe is as good as either ; and Rose
Perfection also \iseful. These are all strong growers, with plain
leaves or very little markings. Judy is more dwarf and much
smaUer in the truss ; and Cerise Unique is only usefid for its
upright growth, its fohage is that mixture of browu, dull red,
and dirty green, which give a confused appearance to it. Never-
theless, for a narrow line in a ribbon-border it is better than
those I have named above. We want one, however, to supersede
it, as its pale flower-stem is no longer a qualification now.

SCAELET GeKANIUMS WITH HoliSESHOE-MAEKED LEAVES.

There is a great number of names in this class, most of the
flowers having white eyes. But after a careful survey of those I
have and those I have noticed elsewhere, I have come to the
conclusion that Compactum and Scarlet Globe are the best ;
Blazer, British Flag, Cottage Maid, Commander-in-Chief, and
others, may be all pretty good ; but I think not better than the
two first named. Like the class mentioned above, the central
marking of the leaf is certainly no qualification. A good, clear,
dark marking of horseshoe on a briglit green leaf is much better
than when more colours are blended together in a confused
manner. Baron Hugel as a dwarf is useful, but its flowers are
dull. A good variety this way is wanting.

Scarlet Geeaniuiis with Plain Leaves. — Much diversity
exists on this head ; but as I only detail my own experience and
ideas, I unhesitatingly say tliat 1 have found none equal to Tom
Thumb yet, a clear green foliage, good habit, and constitution,
a fair truss of a good colour, and a general adaptabUity to all
situations. I like it the best of any I have, but there are certainly
some spurious varieties of Tom Thumb about, and, possibly,
those having the wrong kind may have given the preference to
another. Royal Dwarf is also good, and Punch presents a very
large truss with a stronger habit of growth, though in this
respect not more so than Mrs. Mayler, the most robust one I
have. 'J'om Thumb, however, is the one most generally planted,
and is not likely to be driven out of cultivation yet.

Gekaniums of the Noseqay Class. — This desultory section
is no great favourite of mine. Salmon and scarlet Nosegays I
shall dispense with after this season ; but purple Nosegay is
useful ; and if a more compact habit could be given to it, which,
doubtless, will be given to some of its progeny, it will be greatly
improved. Some other classes might be added to this in the
way of loose, flimsy flowers — Harkaway and Lucidum to wit ;
but except for novelty and multiplying names, I cannot see any
merit in them.

Ivr-LEAVED Geraniums. — I only grow two kinds, the crimson-
flowered and the white, both of which are excellent for vases or
beds on dry ground, and in a general way both useful bedders
in dry seasons ; but the foliage becomes discoloured late in
autumn, more so, perhaps, on the Variegated variety caUed Pink
Cup than in either of these. For spreading and covering a bed
they are excellent, and a sunny, dry bank is much enlivened
by them. Much rain or moisture is theu- bane.

Geraniums of other Varieties. — L'nder this head may be
classed the Uniques, Sweet-scented varieties, the Oak-leaved, and
other greenhouse kinds sometimes used in bedding. The Uniques,
as Rollison's, Gaines', and White Uniques, look well when in
flower, but after once flowering little else but a mass of leaves
follow. The Oak-leaved section flower more continuously, but
have the misfortune to hide their blooms in the foliage. Moore's
Victory, Quercifohum, Coccineum, and Rouge et Nou-, are
examples this way. A small-leaved variety called Prince of
Orange is better than any of them. They are all sweet-scented,
but two or three kinds grown only for their scent and foliage are
useful, but it is needless mentioning local names. Shrubland
Pet, however, ought not to be forgotten as a compact grower, and
one not to be despised as a flowerer when on ground not too
rich. I have never been able to make anything of Diadematum
rubescens, except as a solitary plant in a mixed border, where
for a time its blooms are showy ; but for that continuous flowering
which bedding plants are now-a-days requu-ed to do, this variety

436

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ September 3, 1861.

and its companions must succumb to the Scarlet and other
sections previously mentioned.

Pbopagation of Geraxiums i:>f Summer. — Every one has
a way of his own which he invariably thinks is the bestj and,
doubtless, in his particular ease is so ; but as some have not
yet fixed their own particular wjy, it may be as well to mention
the very simple method we adopt here, which is attended with
as little trouble as can well be desired, which is this — All the
cuttings of Geraniums taken j»rior to the lOtli of September are
struck out of doors, and in the full sun, the bed of ordinary
garden soil receiving only a top dressing of road sand that has
lain some time exposed to the air — in fact, as road sand must of
necessity do this, it is ready at all times. I do not like pit sand
so well. The cuttings are watered once when they are put in,
but get no more, and rarely more than one or two per cent, miss
growing. In the first week of October they are taken up and
planted thickly into boxes that are made 2 ieet long and 1 foot
wide, and 3 inches or 4 indies deep. From forty to fifty plants
are put into one of these boxes, and being watered at the time of
planliug and left to drain well before they are set away, they
rarely get any more for a long time after, and the boxes being
square fit and fill up any required spice. Pans may do for
those not requiring many, but where several thousand plants are
required some economy mtist be used, as well in space as also in
the mode of storing ■them away.

I have been led into the above, perhaps, by an undue regard
for Geraniums as a bedding plant ; but I appeal to those having
ttie management of tiower gardens, if this class of plants is not
the most useful and continuous-flowering soon after planting,
presenting at all times a healthy, orderly plant to look upon,
whether in flower or not, and many of the family are prettier
without flowers. I believe the majority of admirers of flower-
gardening coincide with me in placing the Ge-anium at the head
of the class, and nurserymen and fiorists have not been behind
in supplying us with an infinite array of names, some of ihem,
doubtless, of great merit ; but I have confined my observations to
lliose grown here (Linton Park), and omitled several that I
have not sufficiently tried ; but I may hereafter go througlithem
jnore in detail. In the meautinie I should be glad if some one
Tvould give ug a few particulars of Tropseolums, and explain
whether any really good yellow variety having all the qualifications
of T. elegans, has been introduced ; also, if any better than
elegans is forthcoming. Useful as this class of plants is, there
is yet much room for improvement, and those having made any
advance ihat way will do the gardening world good service by
publishing it. The sickly leaves on T. elegans about August are
a defect ; and one or two darker kinds have the leaf-stalk too
loMg, almost hiding the flower. The yellows have a different habit
altogether; but the whole is evidently only in the transition
state, and their progress onward towards perfection will be diUy
appreciated by the lovers of girdening, and I for one will hail
any improvement in the class of plants I called the attention
of flower-gardeners to some three or four years ago when a
cuecession of dry seasons threateut^d to render the Calceolaria
nseless to us. 'An article on Tropffoliims will, therefore, be very
acceptable ; or if each one knowing of a good variety of that plant
were to report upon it, much good would be done, and a general
dissemination of the good kinds more likely to take place. —
•J. ROBSOX.

DESTEOTING WORMS.

I SAW in your coliunns recently a method for destroying earth-
worms. A gentleman there states that there is no better agent
for killing earth-worms than lime water. I can state, on the other
liand, that I have tried lime water, and mustard and water also,
but I hey are not equal in effect to corrosive sublimate, which
may be procured at the chemists. I mix an ounce with 15 gal-
lons of water, then put it on with a rosed watering-pot ; it is
quite harmless, it will not injure the foling ) of any plant. I have
used 7*. worth on my lawn this summer, which has greatly im-
)>ro7ed it. I have likewise recommended it to several of my
friends, who have used it with great success. It is very cheap —
Ci/. per ounce. I dissolve an ounce in boiling water, then mix
it with 15 gallons of cold water. — S. E.

[Ihat corrosive sublimate (b'chloride of niercarj) will de-
stroy worms has long been known, and adopted by some gardeners ;
but, instead of its being "quite harmless," as stated by our cor-
jTMapondent, it is one of the most deadly of poisons : so deatlly

that many gentlemen will not permit it to be used. Poultry and
ducks have been killed by eating the worms destroyed by this
poison. — Ed3. J. OF H.]

THE LITTLE MAEKET-GAEDENEE ;

OR,
HOW TO CULTIVATE AN A£BE OF LAND WHEN PROFIT IS
THE CHIEF AIM, AND SHOWING HOW A FAMILY MAT BE
SUTPOBTED AND SOMETHING PUT BT FOE A BAINT DAY.
(_ConUnued from page 117.)

PLANTING CELERY.

As soon as the early Potatoes are ready to take up, lose no
time in getting them to market. They will never return so
much money as at first. I take up a row and weigh them, and
if they will pay about 15*. per rod I take them up and sell them
as fast as I can.

As you take them up •throw out your Celery-trenches 4 feet
from centre to centre, and about two spades deep if the soil will
allow of that depth ; but if it has a bad subsoil you should
not make the trenches so deep, and should make them a little
farther apart, so that you may have move soil with which to
earth up the plants.

When your trenches are ready apply 1 lb. of bone manure for
every yard in length, and about four or five o'clock in the after-
noon you may begin and dig it into the trenches as yon would
farmyard manure, and mind that you plant out the Celery the
same night, about 9 inches from plant to plant, and as soon ae
planted give them a little water, and in watering sec that you
water the sides of the trench more so than the bottom. I do
not care if the roots do not get any water the first night so that
the sides of the trenches are well watered up to the top.

TUKNIPS AFTER E.\KLT POTATOES.
When you have planted six rods of Celery you will have four
rods left for Turnips. As you lake up the Potatoes sprinkle a
little giiano upon the land, fork it in and sow the Turnip seed
whilst the surface is fresh.

PLANTING CAULIFLOWERS.
As soon 03 you have pricked out the Celery plants into nursery-
beds, you may plant a row of Cauliflowers up each walk, and as
soon as you take the Celei-y plants away you may plant a row up
the centre of each bed ; and as soon as you have taken up your
second early Potatoes put on to the ground three tons of good
rotten manure, and dig it into about five rods of land, then
plant it with Cauliflowers, placing them, as I have before recom-
mended, 17^ inches from row to row, and 20 inches from each
other in the row.

SAVOYS.

Tou may also plant five rods of Savoys, after second early
Potatoes, digging in three tons of manure the same as for the
Cauliflowers. Plant them 21 inches from row to row, and 2 feet
from each other in the rows.

BROCCOLI.
As soon as you can remove the early Peas from the land, dig
it over deeply and well, and plant about four rods of Broccoli ;
the one half of tliem Cape and the other half winter Broccoli.
Plant them about 27 inches from row to row, and about 30 inches
from each other in the row. You may stick a few late Broccoli
also in any bit of spare land until the first week in TQctober. It
will then be time to take up the Can-ots, and the Broad Beans
will be ofl" the land by then ; and as you have not put any manure
to either of those crops you may begin and dig it veiy deep, and
when you have made a good, deep, straight trench, lift up your
winter and spring Broccoli with the spade, shake the soil from
the roots, and lay them in the trench with their heads facing the
north or west. Half fill the trench with good rotten manure,
then go on with the digging until you have room for the next
row, and mind to cover the stalks close up to the heart, and
press them down with your foot. Tou may place them in the
trenches and in the rows as close together as you like, so that
they are not one upon the other.

TURKIPS AFTER EARLY PEAS.
As I only advise four rods of Broccoli to be planted, you will
have two rods left for Turnips; but it will be of very little

-September 3, 1861. ] JOURNAL OP HOBTICDLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARUENEK.

437

use sowing them after Peaa until there lias been a good soaking
of rain, uuless you give them a good watering or two.

SOWING CABBAGE SEED FOR SPRING USE."
After planting fire rods of Cauliflowers and five rods of
Savoys, you will hare four rods of second early Potato laud left.
Towards the 20th of July dig into that space two tone of good
rotten manure, mart it out into beds, and sow the seeds whilft the
land is fresli dug. Beniember tlie red lead and do not sow the
sseds too tbic'iily, and remember to sow a little Bed Dutch
Cabbage for pickling. Tou may sow a few Savoys also.

PRICKING OUT CABBAGE PLANTS.

As soon a3 the Cabbage plants are large enough to handle, dig
over tile two rods of land where the late Peas were, and the
one rod where the Lettuces were. Mark it out mto beds, and
then thin out tlie seed-beds (as you would Carrots or Onions,
leaving the best at a proper distance apart in the seed-bed), and
prick out the tliinniugs about 6 inches or 7 inches apai't every
way. If you have a good dressing of charred rubbish to put
upon the land before you dig it so mucli the better.

SOW'.NG WINTER ONIONS AND LETTUCES.
About tlie latter end of July or the beginning of August, put
a good dressing of rotten manure upon the four rods of land
where you grew your Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Savoy plants
for sale. Dig it in deeply and well, and sow the one half with
winter Lettuce, and the other lialf with winter Onions. The
best sort that I have grown for market are the hardy green
Cabbage Lettuce (a sort tliat I always grow the seed icyself, as
I cannot always get it true from other seedsmen), and^the
Brown Tripoli Onion.

PLANTING CABBAGES.
As soon as you have the Onions oS" the land, dig it over deeply
and well, and plant it with Cabb.iges. Take for this purpose the
best plants out of the seed-bed. Plant them as already recom-
mended. You need not put any manure upon the land this
time, if you did it as I recommended for Onions; but you may
put a good dressiug of cliarred rubbish if you have any.

BED C.i-BBAGE.
As soon as yo\i have the Carrots off from the land, you may
put a good dressing of rotten manure upon it, and upon the land
where the early Turnips were grown ; dig it in and plant the
space willi Bed Cabbage as formerly recommended.

This concludes the planting and sowing for the first year ; and
as soon as the very busy time of year is ovoi-, if all is well, I will
commence on the second year, which will not cost half the money
in manure, and I have no doubt y«u will haye vary nearly double
the crops.

The worst crop that I have had tjlia time is the Walnut-leaved
Potatoes. The frost bit them off so often until they were not
more than one-third of a crop ; but 1 have a beautiful crop of
Celery upon the land; and if yjour reporter comes to ourpoultry
show, wliich is the 24th of nest montli, I shall be very happy to
give him a stick, so that he may be able to judge what sort of
Celery may be grown with bone manure.

I am now (20th August), selling Cauliflowers at 2d. each,
grown after Potatoes with a little guano dug in the land. They
were planted about the 12th of July.

P.S. — I see I hiive made one mistake, as I have advised to lay
down the Broccoli upon the Carrot-beds, and I have also advised
to plant them with Ked Cabbage, which cannot both he done ;
but you will have plenty of Celery ready to dig up by the time
you will want the land for either of those uses. — Tnos. Jokes.
(1*0 be continued.)

THE POTATO DISEASE.

So much has been written on this subject, that I feel diffident
in making a.few observations in reply to Jlr. .Abbey's excellent
letter from Yorkshire in The Jouesai. op HoETictTLTTJBE of the
date of the 20th of August.

I can fully corroborate what Mr. Abbey says of that now-
favourite Potato the ITluko Kidney ; and a few years ago, after
a trial of the Fluke in 1854, my observations were sent to The
Cottage Gaedeneb for publication. Mr. Abbey recommends
Potatoes being planted farther apart, which no doubt is an

excellent suggestion, and he is averse to planting in newly-
broken-up ground. In the neighbourhood of Cheltenham an
excellent Potato, named the Alstons Kidney, has been cultivated
to a great extent for the last twenty-five j enrs ; but the sod, as
might be expected, is tired of this sort. Many of the small
Potato growers have planted tlio Alstone every second year for
twenty years on the same soil. Two-thu-ds of them this season
are diseased.

There are two modes of mitigating the disease in part : — First,
to raise Potatoes from the seed brought from a distance, t«
recommended by Mr. Abbey. Second, to plant no Potatoes m
the spring or autumn which have been raised within a hundreil
miles of the spot where they have originally come Irom.

Growers of Potatoes ought to club together in 1862, and
procure seed and seed Potatoes from the extremities of the
kingdom — from France, Belgium, and other foreign countries ;
and one more precaution is necessary — not in future to raise
them above cnce in four years on the same identical soil. I
do not believe electricity has »n\ thing to do with the disease.
That it is increased by wet weather is quite obvious. It began
in 1845, a wet summer, and has always been observed to be
more serious in wet than in dry seasons. Too-late or too-early
planting are both hurtful to the tubers.

I have only in conclusion to remark, that my small sample
of Fluke Potatoes planted in 185 i were procured from Mr.
Baskerville, a nurseryman at Bristol. These had no disease ;
they gave a heavy crop. The haulms of Uiese Flukes were
touching those of other sorts quite diseased, but the Flukes were
not infect/?d, jil-iinly showing it was not contact which promoted
the malady. — H. W. NBWHAif, HiUside, Cheltenliam.

LABLAB— TEAMING MANDEVILLA
SUAVEOLENS— BREADTH OF SHELVES.

Will you have the kindness to inform me what Lablab
means? It is one of the names of many seeds sent me from
Sidney. I have two of this Dolichos lablab up, and doing
well. Is it worth growing ? and is it a hot, or greentmuse plant ?

I have a llandevilla fuaveolens which was potted two montlis
since in a fourteen-inch pot. It has made two shoots 4 ftet
long, tightly twisted round the wire towards the rafters (which
are very high). Should I shorten these shoots, and when?

I have lat.'ly enlarged my hot and stove-house». Whet
mateii-il would you advise for the tables, and what width to be
ornamental and convenient ? Some recommend stone, some
slate, some wood ; so when country doctors difier, we go to the
metropolis for ad\ ice. —Julia, Manchester.

[The word Lallah signifies a Convolvidus, or a twining plant,
in Arabic. Yoiu- plant, if true, has nothing of the Convolvulus
except the twining habit, the blossoni being something like a
Pea. It is a synou^^me for Lablab vulgaris and Lablavia vul-
garis, an East Indian plant, that requires the heat of our stoves
in winter to keep it healthy. Y'ou might try a few of yovir
p'ants against a wall this hot autumn. It is hardly worth its
room in a house.

One shoot of the llandevilla would have been better than tw'\
Do not shorten it till it reaches and gets along the rafters. If
it clasps the iron too tight it will be killed.

Plants never do better than on wood thelves ; but tlate aird
stone are more lasting, and in a hothouse idlow of water being
used freely. Central platforms should seldom be above 5 feet ill
width ; others, according to convenience.]

WHAT TO LOOE FOE ON THE SEASHOEF.
{Continved from jj age 121)

CEUSTACEA.

Ceustaceaxs (from the Latin word cnfsfa, a hard rinrl or
sliell) are a class of articu'ated aniuinla vrlio^e natur»l roTeriiig
13 le&3 solid than lliat of tlie majority of testnceous Molluscs
but much fiimer and liardirthan ihe skin of tlie naked Mol-
luscs, and "whose con'^ormaiion is issenti^Dy distinct from otlier
classes, especially in the circulating, resjiiratory, and Incomotive
organs. The coDimonest and most iamiliar t\pes of this large
family are the common Crab and Loht^tcr. Tie crust, or shelly
coTcring which enyelopes these animals, coi;tains a considerable

438

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJEE AND COTIAGE GARDJENEB. [ September 3, 1861.

quantity of carbonate of lime, and in the smaller forms, such as
Prawus and Shrimps, it becomes of the consistency of thin,
transparent horn ; but in the larger forms, such as Lobsters and
Crabs, it acquires a much greater density, is perfectly opaque,
and of the hardness of true shell, or even of stone ; the tips of
the large claws of the Crab are of an intense hardness.

The ordinary provision of members is fire pairs of true feet,
and Ihi-ee pairs of organs which are called foot jaws. In addition
to these a large number of the species have five or six pairs of
jointed hmbs attached to the under surface of the abdomen,
which are used, in most cases, for progression, and are deuo-
minated/a?w/eei!. The mouth is provided with three pairs of
jaws and two pairs of autennse.

The body is divided into distinct rings or segments, moveably
articulated togetlier, and tlius forming a sort of external skeleton
by which the soft internal parts are protected, and by alfording
hold for tlie muscles enables the animals to move with more
swiftness and precision than the unprotected Holothuridie.
This skiu or armour is hardened by a calcareous secretion, and
its sections are united by a thin membrane, which gives a great
amount of flexibility to the entire body. As the creature has no
power of adding to the size of its shell to make room for its
increasing growth, it is in the habit, at stated periods, of
throwing ofl' its old coat and secretes a new deposit of calcareous
matter over its entire surface.

Crabs cast their shells once every year. The process lasts for
some length of time, and appears to be accompanied- with a con-
siderable degree of pain. For several days after the shell is cast
olT the body is covered only with a soft skin, and in this helpless
state the animal very frequently falls a prey to other and more
l^owerful marine creatures. It is a singular fact that the stomach is
also thrown off with the shell, and is renewed as the fresh shell
makes its appearance. This moulting, if we may so term it,
takes placj in the winter season, usually between Christmas and
Easter, and during the time of its duration the animal hides
itself in the cavities of the rocks or beneath some large stone. It
is slated that a hard-shelled Grab remains on guard over his un-
protected neighbours, to protect them from attack, and to give
warning of any approaching danger. T!ie operation of casting
the shell commences at the thorax, where it splits, leaving an
aperture through which the body may be drawn. The breast-
])late is then dropped, and the legs quit their orustaceous cover-
ings, leaving the old shell in two parts. These creatures have
also the power of renewing lost or wounded limbs, for on one of
the legs of a Crab being injured it would bleed to death were it
not for this pi'ovision. It effects the separation of the limb by
steadily stiflening it, when it suddenly drops off, and always at
the junction of the first and second joint, where a small gland
is placed for the supply of material for future legs. A scar is
formed over the raw surface caused by the separation, and this
afterwai'ds becomes a sheath for the new limb, which gradually
increases in size, and attains its proper shape, remaining, however,
unprotected by any hard covering until tlie next change of shell,
when it assumes its case with the rest of the members, although
it never reaches a size equal to the corresponding limb on the
other side of the body.

The Crustaceans are provided with different means of loco-
motion. Some have broad plates expanding at the tail, as is the
case with Pra\\^ls and Lobsters, enabling them to move through
the waters with great rapidity. The common Lobster is said to
be capable of darting hack 30 feet with inconceivable swiftness,
which when we consider the density and resistance of the water,
is a proof of the extreme power they are able to exercise. In
other members of the Crustacean family, as Crabs, there are no
terminal plates, only a thin flap bent under the body and pressed
close to it, except when forced out of its place by the spawn.
Some Crabs, it is true, have the power of swimming, but it is by
means of a different apparatus to that employed by the Lobsters.
In the common eatable Crab I Cancer pagnrus) &\\ the ket axe
terminated with sharp tips, with the exception of one pair of
limbs, which are expanded into strong gi'asping claws. But
there are some species common to our shores, in which the last
joints of the hind legs are dilated into a broad, thin plate fringed
wiih stiH' hairs, which serve as oars and row the animals with
much velocity through the water.

The Crustaceans possess all the senses of liigher animals in a
state of considerable perfection. The propagation of the race is
carried on only b; means of eggs — none of tlie tribe bringing
forth its young alive. These eggs, or " spawn " as they are
familiarly called, are intensely red globules carried underneath

the belly, and from the manner in which they are penetrated by
the fine hairs which fringe the false feet are extremely difficult to
remove. Thus these false feet arc manifestly intended as means
of protection for the spawn as well as for locomotion ; for the
eggs on being laid are deposited on these organs, and carried
about with ease to the parent and safely to themselves until
close upon the period of hatching.

The most highly endowed representatives of the Crustacean
tribe are those called Podopthalmata (from two Greek words
signifying "a foot " and "an eye"), and known as "Stalk-eyed"
Crustacea, from the strange fact of the eyes, instead of being fixed
in the head, or on the surface of the body, being situated at the
extremities of long horny stalks, which can be moved to and
fro in every direction, thereby considerably increasing the crea-
ture's range of vision. The strangest and most beautiful, per-
haps, of these are the Glass Crabs (PhyUosoma), one species of
which may be seen ou our shores, although more usually con-
fined to the tropics ; one of these creatures looks like an oval
plate of the most lucent glass, wilh a broad tail and divergent
limbs. It is so perfectly clear and colourless as to be scarcely
detected but by its eyes, which are of a bright blue colour, and
fixed at the extr.;mitie3 of long stalks. Our common Prawn
(Palamon) is another specimen of transparent structure, and is
an extremely graceful and active creature. The brushes of hair
with which some of their feet are provided serve them as cleans-
ing organs, and, from the manner in which they are made to
reach all parts of the body, they discharge this service very
effectually. Another strange creature is the Hermit Crab (Pa-
gurus), in wliich the abdomen is prolonged, but destitute of a
shell, so that the tail is soft, and being thus unprotected its
instinct leads it to take possession of the empty shell of a uni-
valve Mollusc, and when alarmed they withdraw themselves
closely within, and secure the aperture by placing their claws
over the entrance.

The Crnstaeeans have been variously divided, Cuvier classing
them into two large sections— namely, Malaeostraea, or soft-
shelled, and Entomostraca, or incised-sheUed ; the former in-
cluding all the true calcareous-shelled animals of the class, and
the latter those which have coverings of a thinner consistency —
horny rather than calcareous. We shall, however, adopt a more
recent division as better adapted to the plan we have laid down,
and shall arrange them in five different groups as follow: —
Clrr/wpoda, Entomostraca, Xifphosura, Podopthalmata, and
Edrioplhalmata. The distinct' i-haracteristics of each class will
be given as they are brought under consideration. — W.
(To be continued.)

AMINES INJURED BY BUBNING SULPHUB.

My Grapes being very badly mildewed, I gave my man some
flowers of sulphur with full directions for dusting it on. Not
content with this, he took it into his head to burn a quantity of
sulphur in the house on a shovel, with, of course, disastrous

September 3, 1861. ] JOtJRNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAOE GARDENEK.

439

results. All the leaves are destroyed. Will not the Vines be
seriously injured for another year? and is there anything to be
done under the circumstances ? I only use fires to keep out
frost. — Delta.

[If your wood on the Vines is getting brown, and you shade
from tlie brightest sunshine, the Vines may produce a good crop
next year. If tlie wood is still green, they will probably not do
so. The best plan would be to give them every chance, to wait
and try them, and if they did not show fruit treat the wood for
another season's crop. If the young shoots had no fruit and
looked sickly, the best plan would be to cut back to the bottom
of the rafter and grow on afresh. We have spared no pains to
eliow that sulphur if ignited at even a comparatively low tempe-
rature is ruinous. We have been told of an instance where a
similar mistake was made, and being early in the season the
Vines produced fresh leaves and ripened tlieir crop. We should
give them the chance.]

A MELON-HOUSE.

AVOIDING- THE CONSUMPTION OF DUNG.

Noticing in your No. 14, July 2nd, of The Jouenal of
HoKTictriTTJEE, a letter from "N.," deploring the state of
contention between his steward and his gardener, I think I am
now in a position to point out a way to end this unseemly strife,
and to cement a friendship alike valuable to both.

My master suggested the idea and erected last summer a house
in which to winter plants and cuttings. It is 30 feet by 12 feet,
3 feet high on the walls, and 8 feet up to the ridge. There is a
bed formed on pillars and rafters 4 feet wide on each side, witli
2 feet 6 inches for a pathway between. Underneath these beds,
simply resting on terra firma is a ten-inch flue formed of Staiibrd-
shire tiles, making the entire circuit of the house. There is one
partition making one part 20 feet and the other 10 feet long.
Well, it wintered the plants admirably. I gradually hardened
them off, and had the house cleared by the first week in June,
and then prepared my Melon and Cucumber-beds on the stages
or shelves where the plants had been, and now beneath Hartley's
rough plate there is a scene most charming. No unsightly
and reeking manure-heaps to offend the siglit or smeU ; but here
in my 20-feet house by 12 feet is a promenade of a most beautiful
kind, witli a few leaves on my plants; to add richness and beauty
to the scene are " seventy " splendid Melons of different kinds,
some fit for the table, and capable of pleasing the most exquisite
palate, whilst others are progressing.

The steward can come and enjoy the fragrant scene without
begrudging a forkful of manure. He can grow his Turnips for
the sheep without any help of mine, and I can grow the Melons
and Cucumbers for the family without his. So being inde-
pendent of each other we are on the best possible terms.

But to proceed. In the ten-feet house — it is a gem of a place
— there are the Cucumbers, the plants are thick on the beds, and
I have trained them all over the roof, and the fruit hangs thickly
on the sides and overhead. On a hot sultry day it beats any
harbour for a cool and pleasant shade. It is, in fact, a favourite
^3ot. But I shall be trespassing on your valuable space ; hoping
that this will meet the eye of " N.," and give him some relief
from his present grievances.

This is, too, without fire heat, except a little after a wet day
or on chilly nights. I send you a list of the sorts of Melons
grown. Beechwood, Scarlet Gem, Trentham Hybrid, Golden
Perfection, Excelsior, and Elphinstone Adair. — W. H. K. R.

HEATING, VENTILATING, AND STOCKING

OKCHAED-HOUSE.

Pl/EASE advise me under the following circumstances. I have
a span-roofed orchard-house, which I have before described in
your pages, originally 60 feet by 14 feet, standing seven points
west of north and south, of which I have partitioned off 27 feet,
and planted it with Vines trained to upright rods. Tlie Vines
are 30 inches apart ; twenty-three of them Black Hamburglis,
ten Royal Muscadines, one Muscat St. Laurent, one Muscat de
Sarbelle, one Muscat Madeira, one Muscat Precoce d'Aout —
(Shall I add a Bowood Muscat and a BucHand Sweetwater ? ) —
in all thirty-seven, leaving five vacancies from deaths ; which
room, however, I think of occupying with two Brown Turkey

Figs in pots and two Tangerin Orange trees, the latter to be
kept in a cellar from October to May. This vinery has its
border supported by bricks, and stands about 20 inches higher
than the sm-rounding soil. Against each side and against the
end of this vinery I have erected a lean-to orchard-house, 6 feet,
9 feet, and 8 feet wide respectively ; all, however, open to one
another and to the vinery. The sides are 4 feet high, boarded,
with an eleven-inch shutter under the eaves on all three sides ;
and two doors, one east, the other west, so as to give plenty of
air to the house, which, as you will see, is 36 feet by 28 feet.
Now, I am told that I cannot hope to ripen my Black Ham-
burghs in this house without heat, as the air is keen here from
being 500 feet above the sea level. I have a furnace at the south
end of the vinery, with a seven-inch-by-uine-inch flue, brick on
edge and slate top, running the whole length of the house, built
for security against dull rainy summers and spring frosts. I,
therefore, purpose tacking tiffany round the vinei'y, and having
a large opening for air at the south apex, above the place where
the rafters of the south lean-to house come up to the perpen-
dicular glazed end of the original house, which is now the vinery.
I then propose to have another chimney erected witliin the
partition, so that the flue may be used for the Vines alone, by
having a damper at the end of 27 feet, and thus create more heat
than if the smoke were allowed to roll on 33 feet more along the
narrow part of the house where fire heat would not be wanted.
Pray tell me if this plan will do, or is it necessary, and if_ so,
how large the air-openings should be ? The present one is just
under the roof-tree, 9 inches deep. There are two sets of fifteen-
inch panes of glass above the doorway over the furnace, leading
by steps into the lean-to, available for making ventilation ; or
could I make cheaper and more efficient ventilation by making
some of the twenty-inch-by-fifteen-inches panes near the roof-tree
moveable?

Will you also advise me as to the stocking of the rest of the
room under glass, taking notice of the fact, that the furnac3-
door being in the centre of the back of the south lean-to, will, of
course, heat it somewhat, though the two doors being only
14 feet from it on either side in a direct line may counteract
such heat ? The part which is 33 feet by 14 feet is at present
stocked with pyramid Pear trees in thirteen-incli and fifteen-
pch pots as follows : —

On Quince Stoclcs.

1 Alexandre Bivovt 1 Dr. TrouEssaii

1 Alexiindic Lambre 1 Doyenne du Cornice

1 Baionne de Mello 1 Fondante d'Automne

1 Beraumotte d'Espcren 1 JosC'phine de Maliiies

1 BeurrC' d'Amunlis 1 Tasse Colniav

1 Hardy 1 Pius IX.

1 Stcrckmans 1 Zepkiria Gifigoiie

0

tl Pe^

r Stocks.

1 Berg.imot, Autumn

1 Glou Itorceau

1 Gansel's

1 Jargonelle

1 Beune Claii-geau

1 Leopold I.

1 d'Arcirberg

2 Louise Bonne of Jersey

1 d'Amaulis

1 Marie Louise

2 Pviice

2 Winter Nclis

2 Diet

i Prince Albert

I Easter

1 Seckle

1 Giffatd

I Thompson's

2 Superfin

1 Van Mons (LC-on le Clerc)

2 Bon Chretien (Williams)

2 Portugal Quince trees

3 Colmar d'Ete

2 Medlars

2 Con'^ciller or Marecbal

de l,a

5 American Apples

Cour

3 Melons

1 Doyenne d'Eti?

1 Newtown Pippin

1 Duchesse d'Angouleme

1 Northern Spy

Now, I am told that most of these trees would do equally well
if planted out in a south border 12 feet by 90 feet, protected by
a nine-feet-high stone wall from the north, and to be covered
with tiffany next year. Would you kindly state which trees I
might safely turn out in this climate, and whether, if so turned
out of doors, they should be taken out of their pots, or would
be better for being left in pots and sunk in the earth ? The soil
is ordinary garden soil on a sandy clay, which grows the Cabbage
tribe to great perfection. I should certainly like to have tlie
orchard-house available for more valuable fruits than Pears ; and
if I could safely turn out most of the above-named, I thought
of planting the house with Apricots and Plums (pyramidal).
At present I have in thirteen-inch and fifteen-inch pots, the
following in the lower part of the house— the three lean-to's :—

14 Peach Apricots 1 Blenheim

1 Kaisha 1 Pine Apple

1 Royal

Is Blenheim, Shipley, orHemskirte.or any other worth adding ?

440

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ September 3, 1861.

Plums.

10 Gieen Gages {These I propose 5 Coe's Golden Drop

to keep in pots, as I hoar 5 Pnrple Gaffe

they ripen with more flavour 5 Jefferson's

if turned out of the orchard- 1 Guthrie's Late Green Gage

house in July.) 5 Prince Englebert

.5 Denniston's Superb 3 Rcine Claude de Bavay

2 Early Favotuitcs 1 Ickworth Imr<:'ratrice

2 Early Proliflc 1 St. Martin's Quetscho

1 De M'-ntford 2 Kirke's

1 Mirabelle 1 Victoria

1 Diamond 1 Washington

Do you think any of tlie above Plums might safely be
entrusted to the tender mercies of our norfliern-liill air in awell-
sheltered garden under tilTany ? If so, which, and whioli might
be planted out in the house to be lifted every autumn ?

Of Feac7ies I have the following : —

5 Royal George 1 Barrington

3 Noblesse 1 Gulando

2 Early York 1 Chancellor

2 Early Grosse Mignonne 2 Miilta

I Petite Mignonne 1 Seedling

1 Grosse Mignonne 1 Walburton Admirable

and propose to add (?)

2 Rcine des Vergers

1 G.ilande

2 Malta
2 Bellegarde

2 Chancellor

2 Monstreasc de Dou6

1 Early Newington

3 Pitmaston Orange

2 Elruge

2 Vlolette Hative

Of Nectarines, I have : —

2 Hatdwicke Seedling

3 Due de Telliers
1 Downfon
1 Murrey

to wliich I propose to add Bowden and Boman. — iGKOEAirrs,
Settle, Yorksliire.

[We recollect giving your ease full consideration some time
ago, though as no reference is given, we cannot find time to
trace your previous description, and what was definitely said
about the plans. We think your plan of a proposed second
chimney in tlie middle a good one, as you can heat the vinery
without lieating the other part as you deem fit. You liave so
clianged the character of the original house, by the lean-to'a
against it, that top air will now be essential to the vinery, and
the best way you could do that would be to make every alternate
square 20 inches by 15 inches at the apex moveable.

Tour collection of Pears is very good, all of them are hardy
enough to stand your climate ; but each of them is liable to
have every blossom destroyed by spring frosts, and, therefore,
the importance of having them under glass until all danger is
over. Ihe Pears will be all tlie better if turned out after the
fruit is swelling. If turned out altogether, they bad better be
planted out of the pots. If turned out for the summer and
autumn, the pots should be half plunged and weU mulched.
We think you might grow Tines in such a house — say 3 feet to
4 feet apart, as a late crop, giving them hardly any heat, by
keeping the damper in the flue as you propose; and before the
Vines became far enough advanced the Pears could be removed,
and be brought back in the beginning of winter when the
Grapes were cut. If these Grapes were left hanging the most of
the winter with the assistance of the flue, the Pears would take
no harm out of doors until the fruit-buds began to swell. You
might also grow Figs in summer under the Vines, or even if
tbere were no Vines.

Again, If you grew your Apricots, &c., all of which are good ;
and kept these Apricots in pots, they could stand thicker when
in bloom, and would require the room when gi-owing, which
would be obtained by setting the Pears outside when safe.

The same remarks apply to Plums as to Pears. Most of these,
with the exception of such fine late kinds as Coe's Golden Drop,
are improved in flavom- in fine seasons, when ripened out of doors ;
but with plenty of air given they are very good under glass. Of
course, just as in tlie case of Pears, in a fine spring they do
well out of doors, but in a changeable, frosty spring there is tl:e
chatiee of having no fruit, and tiffany, though valuable, is for
inferior to glass.

Your collections of Peaches and Nectarines are very good.
We could say nothing definitely of (he orange-coloured, sandy,
clay subsoil, as potting material, without feeling it, smelling it,
and trying it. We would try it merely at first. Wc would
prefer for (lie bulk the soil that grows Cabbages so well, with
good mulching. As a rule we do not like any subsoil for fruit
trees in pols. There is no necessity for having turf rotted down.
Soil 5 inches or 6 inches below the turf would suit admirablv.

There is hardly a district in which a few loads might not be
obtained from the mounds thrown up on the sides of roads, and
such we would prefer to your orange-coloured subsoil, at least
until it was seen how the plants liked it. As said above, we
would prefer well-aired earth from the kitchen garden. Very
often the mode of potting has more to do in these matters than
the soil.

We have not ourselves tried tiffany-houses. From what w&
have observed and noted, wc should conclude they would be
valuable for Pears, Plums, and even Peaches, &c., when coming
into and when in bloom, provided air-openings were left for fine-
mild days, so as to prevent the bloom being weakened ; but as
soon as the weather could be depended on the trees should be
exposed. As yet we have no faith in such a house in which the
trees were to be kept all the summer. The fruit would be too
much shaded to be of much use.

Wc give these few remarks, though we are of opinion that you
are abler to advise us from your practice than we are to advise
you ; but we thus show our wilUngness, and we hope that some
coadjutor or correspondent will be better able to advise you, and
that no other correspondent will send such a cloud of questions.]

ARAUCAlilA IMBRICATA BEAJSTCHES DYING-
IVY LEAVES BECOME BfiOWN.

I HAVE an Araucaria imbricata 20 feet high which has been
very healthy till this year. It is in a soil well-drained, and not
at all damp ; but now in the middle of the tree two or three of
the branches close to the trunk are worn as if they had had some-
thing round them ; for a foot all the prickles are torn off. I fear
the branches will die.

I have two plants of the Ivy growing up the north side of my
house, the leaves of whicli have become like those I enclose, and
the plants seem dying. A Bignonia radicans has died. Is it
the effect of salt which Iiaa been thrown over the carriage-
drive? — Floe A.

[The probability is that that part of your fine Araucaria wa»
" struck by lightning " — a disease so called that is not unfrequent
in Fir plantations in Scotland. There is no cure for it, and if it
is severe you will certainly lose these branches ; but perhaps it
is from a different cause. No one could tell without seeing it.

Your great Algerian Ivy has had a severe pinch from some-
thing, but it is as likely the effect of last winter as of the
salt. It is foolish to use salt for weeds at all near where
plants are growing ; the first shower washes the baneful brine
into pools over the roofs of the plants, and brown they go. Were
it not that you mentioned the salt, we should say the Ivy and-
Bignonia were suffering from severe drought at the roofs. Per-
haps it is so still, and if so the remedy suggests itself. The salt-
ing is without remedy.]

MANAGEMENT OF A PIT-FLFE— DISTANCE
OF CUTTINGS FEOM THE GLASS.

WliL you inform me what is the best way of arranging the
flue for heating a pit of thi'ee lights, 12 feet by 7 feet 6 inches,
3 feet in height bt the back, falling to 1 foot, and 3 feet in depth
below the ground line? At pi'esent, the fireplace is at the
comer of the lowest side. The fluo runs in the wall along the
lower side, and up one end to the chimney. We can get nothing
to stand the heat well by the flue near the fire, and last year our-
plants were killed by an escape of smoke. I have seen a pit
near here, where the flue runs across the middle only. Then in
the summer they cover it up; in the winter lay boards a little
above the flue for the plants.

How near the glass should the cuttings be ? — T. W. C.

[We consider your arrangement of the flue to be better than
the one taken across the middle. If your flue rises a little to
the chimney, all the better. With the furnace-bars low enough,,
such a flue merely along the front and one end ought to answer
excellently. Of course, it is easy to make such a flue too hot.
Very little fiie ought to do, and the ash-pit door and damper to be
well regulated. Bad management, or a very ill-built flue, would
be the cause of the explosion, or a very dirty flue. If Ihe flue is
very hot near the surface, make it thicker there for a yard or
two, or cover it over with sand. No plants should sta'id on it.
At pages 336 and 419, you would see eveiything about arranging

•September 3, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICTJLTtJRE AND OOXXASE GARDENER.

441

sucli a pit by temporary floorings, &o. For the management of
cuttings, see pages 420 and 425 in " Doings of the Last Week."
The distance from the glass hes in a nutshell. Tlie nearer the
glass the less danger of being drawn ; but the greater danger of
scorching if shading is not attended to. One foot is a good
medium distance. At 3 feet they will feel the sun less, and will
require less shading, and have, therefore, more light.]

REMOVING LAEGE PEACH TKEES.

I HAVE a cool vinery about 30 feet long, the back wall of
which is about 11 feet high. To this wall I wish to remove
some fine tj-ained standard Peach trees, now growing alternately
with some dwarf-trained trees. I find the latter are now quite
sufBcient to cover the wall without the standards. The trees
were planted four years since, and now girt 5 inches, and cover
an area of about 20 feet. Then- growth has been quite satisfactory,
and they have made the best of wood this year. The roof of
the cool Tinery, to the back wall of which I want to remove
them, is quite capable of growing all the Grapes I requu-e, with-
out the addition of the wall which has hithei-to been devoted to
the growth of Grapes. My intention is to cut back two oat of
three of the leading Vine-rods as far as half way down the roof,
ao that there will be no great deficiency of sun to the Peach
trees. Will you advise me how to go about the removal, so as
reasonably to hope for success ? Is there any root preparation
necessary ? I have enclosed a small portion of bark taken from
one of my Pear trees, an Easter Beurrd on the Quince stock.
Several are similarly affected, the bark opeuing and looking very
-eealy. I am afraid if it progresses it will do considerable injury
to their growth. Can you inform me what it is called, ajid M
there is any remedy that can be applied ? — C. R.

[Your Peach trees on the back wall of the vinei'y will answer
just in proportion to the light and air you can give them. Jf the
roof should bo den.sely clothed with Vines, the Peaches will not
be worth eating, and after a year or two you will not get any to
eat. If there are from 4 feet to 6 feet and onwards between the
bearing-stems of Vines, that will admit a good degree of light to
the north wall, and tlie Peaches will do well if kept cool enough
until they are fairly set. It is too late to think of preparing
Peach trees for removal now, except so far as keeping the head
of the tree well regulated and free from all later.als, and the
shoots shortened in a little to growing buds. This will so far
husband the resources of the root, and cause the buds to plump
and the wood to ripen, whilst as yet the leaves are nice and
green. We presume the back of the Vinery-border contains
fairish soil. We would have a little sandy loam and fine leaf
mould ready to go immediately over the roots to enc:im-age fresh
rooting. Then from the middle to the third week of October
we would commence taking up the Peach trees, taking them up
cai-efuUy, beginning at the extremities and forknig so as to dis-
entangle the fibres, and wrapping them in damp cloths as we
proceeded, unless the weather was shady and moist. We would
then try and undermine ohe tree so as to get a ball with it if
possible ; but if we could not get much of that, we wouM be very
particular in getting every root and taking care that the fibres
should not be dried. In planting, be careful tliat the tree stands
as high as it did before — in other words be sure that the stem is
not buried lower than it was previously. To allow for sinking,
the collar of the plant should be from 4 inches to 6 inches
higher than you ultimately wish it to be. Then spread out the
roots nicely, and damp thorn slightly through the rose of a water-
ing-pot. Then proceed and pack them nicely in layers with
the sandy loam and leaf mould. When all well covered give a
good watering with water at about 80°, and when settled replace
the surface soil. Syringe the leaves at the same time, as the
longer they keep on so as to induce quick root action the better.
If the sun shines brightly, not only syringe the leaves, but shade,
but give no more shade tlian will keep tlie leaves from flagging.
With such treatment the leaves will drop some time in NovembeK,
and fresh roots will be making. To encourage them cover ihe
grouad with litter or tan during the winter, so as to keep the
heat of the groand from radiating off ; and If you keep your
house airy and cool in spring as the buds swell, there will be
plenty of root action to support them, and a good crop will be
obtained. The success will, however, greatly depend in attending
to these minutiie. '

The piece from the Pear trees was rather too much dried

before we saw it, but on examining it and finding the alburnum
all safe beneath the seemingly split bark, we do not think there
is need of alarm as to the future — in fact, it seems that the tree
has relieved itself of rather a stift' coat by bursting the outside
layer, and distending the inner covering, and all for its owa
comfort.]

REMOVING DECAYED FLOWERS EROM
ROSES.

The other day I was cutting some Roses from my standards,
when, to my surprise, an amateur friend assured me that I was
injuring my trcs ; that standards did not like to have their
flowers removed. I bad always thought as a rule that the
remaining flowers bloomed all the stronger if sotne were removed ;
but as my friend's standards are always very superior to mine,
I should be inclined at onee to bow to his dictum if the garden-
ing world had not at all times so high an authority as yourself
to fly to, sure of an obhging opinion upon any point of doubt
or diflicidty. — H. A.

[Your friend has a wrong idea altogether about Rose trees ;
the more Roses you take from a tree or bush Rose, and the
sooner you do it after they are fit to gather, the better it is for
the future health of the tree. If the streugtli of Rose trees was
the object in growing them, no Roses should be left on tiiem at
all. Tell your friend what is here written, and tell him to mind
it in future with Ms own Roses, and mark the ditferenoe, you
will tlius bring him over to the truth.]

CONTRAST BETWEEN ONE HONEYSUCKLE

ON AN EAST AND ANOTHER ON A SOUTH TVALL.

I HAVE two Honeysuckles, planted about six years ago, against
my house by the drawing-room window — one facing the south,
the other round the comer facing the ea?t. Both are planted
under the projecting eaves runnin j; round the house, and the roots
are consequently generally dry. The one to the east is planted
on the lawn, that on the south front is in a narrow border, and
their roots are within a few feet of each other. Both plants
have grown vigorously, but the one at the east side is always a.
month later thau the other. " They are both always loaded with
blossom ; but the one facing the south is always attacked with
insects soon after it begins to blossom, to such an extent that
more than three-fourths of the blossoms never expand, but
become a black muss of a glutiuouo consislency, which seem to
defy all our attempts to get them clean. Syringing and washing
are of no avail, and the surface is too large to attempt fumiga-
tion iu the open air. The sister plant grooving round the corner
is never attacked with insects of any kind, but is as clean and
healthy as can be dcshed : it does not, however, produce so
many clusters of bloom in an equal space, but every one opens
well. Wliat can be the cause of the one on the south fj-ont
being so dreadfully infested with aphides ? Is it because the
roots gpt too dry and hot ? as that faeing the east is more
exposed to rain in the spring when easterly winds prevail, while
the other is sheltered. Can anything be done to mitigate the
evil ? — R. C, Marl'mgion.

[You have yourself suggested the evil and the remedy. When
you prune the Honeysuckle in the autumn wash it well over with
soap and water, and when dry paint it all over, with clay paint,
a quart of which had an ounce of flowers of sulphur mixed with
it, and an ounce of shag tobacco steeped in the water that made
the paint. Stir the soil, and give a good soaking of water as
soon as the buds break. Repeat the operation several times
dming the summer if dry. A little rotten dung, or tan, or
cocoa-nut fibre on the surface would kssen the foree of the sun
in drying the soil, and might be covered with earth to prevent
its being uusightly.]

POWOLOGiCAL GLEANINOS.

The " Passe Muscat " Geape. — I observe in the " Scottish
Gardener " that Mr. Cramb wishes to show tliis Grape with the
Bowood Muscat. Surely the name is a myth ! There is a Grape
called Pause Musque ; and in Dr. Hogg's "Fiuit Manual"
Passe Musque identical with Muscat of Alexandria ; but no
" Passe Muscat " in any catalogue, English or foreign.— -VlTlS.

JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. [ Stptember 3, 1861.

VIOTORIAl eegia.

riowcr of Victoria Kcgiaj as on first t!ay of expansion.

Flower of Victoria Regia : first stage of second day'a expansion.

September 3, 1S61. ] JOTJENAL OF HOETICXJLTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

443

Now tliat at Kew and elsewhere this magnificent queen of
aquatics has heen and is in its superlatiTe of beauty, we may ap-
propriately place before our readers a full description of the

plant from the pen of the late Professor Heufrey, with some
notes on its culture from the pen of Mr. iTeson, gardener at
Syon House, published in the " Gardeners' Magazine of Botany."

Nat. ord., Nymphaeaceee, § Eurvalete.

Generic Cbaeacter.— Victoria, Lindley. Tube of the calyx sub-globose,
adherent to the ovary, expanded into a torus at the throat ; limb 4-parted,
deciduous, coloured. Petals numerous, inserted on the throat and torus
of the catyx ; outer ones at length completely reflexed, longer than the
calyx, the interior by degrees narrower, acuminate, rigid, approaching
the form of the stamens. Stamens numerous, inserted with the petals on
the torus in about three rows, fertile; the Jilanients subulate, petaloid,
but rigid and firm, at length erect ; anthers introrse, the ceils situated
below the apex, linear-elongate, adnate. Within the stamens the torus io
prolonged upwards and inwards for about an inch, arching over inwards;
on its margin is borne a circle of conical, fleshy, somewhat recurved,
horn-like processes. Ovary globose below, concave-campanulate at the
top, marked with rays setting out from a central beak, many-celled, the
cells at first arranged regularly in one circle, afterwards becoming irre-
gular by mutual pressure, with many ovules; ovules anatropous, parietal,
affixed to a spongy, reticulated placenta by short funiculi ; styles wanting,
connate into a furrowed bell clothing the tube of the calyx (Lindley);
sfigmns forming radiating lines on the top of the ovary (R. Brown). There
exist also about thirty large, fleshy, incurved, somewhat scroll-shaped
boaies, forming projecting ridges at the outer ends of the rays of the top
of the ovary, their outer faces being blended with the concavity of the
vaulted portion of the torus. These have been described as stigmas.

Fruit baccate, globular-campanulate or cup-shaped, truncate, cam-
panulate above, beaked in the centre, many-celled ; cells many-seeded.
Seeds oval-globular, with a horny testa, and copious albumen,

A vast aquatic herb, inhabiting still rivers in the north of South
America, east of the Andes, rhizome perennial [1] Leaves gigantic, fioating,
orbiculate, peltate, fiat, the margin elevated all round, radiately and reti-
cularly ribbed, the ribs very prominent below, on very long foot-stalks, ..
the vernation of rhe lamina corrugated-involute ; flowers large and band-
some, at first whitish, becoming rose, especially within, petiur.cles elon-
gated ; roots adventitious, breaking out below the insertion of the leaves
on the rhizome ; petioles, peduncles, calyx-tube, and the ribs of the leaves
below, with abundunt large and acute spines,

Victoria regia. Lindtey. Victoria Water Lily, — The only species,

&Y^•o^;YMY,— Victoria regia, Lindley; Monograph on Victoria {with.
plates), private'y printed in 1837 ; Botanical R>'gister 2£isc , 1838, p. 9 ;
D'Orbigny, Ann. dcs Sc. Naturelles, 2nd ser. Botaniqne, vol. xiii., p. 57 ;
Walpers, Repertoriuniy vol, i., p, 106 ; Schomburgk, Views in the Interior
of Guiana, p. 2, frontispiece ; Botanical Magazine, 3rd ser., vol. iii.,
1847, p. I, tab. 4275-4278.

Victoria regina. Gray, Mag. of Zool. and Botany, vol. ii., 1838, p. 440.

Nymphaea Victoria, Schomburgk, M.S.

Euryale Amazonica Poppig, Froriep's A^otizen, vol. xsxv,, p, 9 ; ifleise,
vol, ii., p, 432,

Victoria Cruziana, D'Orbigny, 1, c, p. 57 (leaves of the same colour on
both sides, petals all rose-coloured).

Desceiptioit. — A large aquatic herb, with a perennial rhi-
zome large and tuberous, with internodes scarcely developed,
furnished with numerous cylindrical adventitious roots abound-
ing in air-cavities ; the rhizome thick, of a brown colour exter-
nally, white within, changing to purple when cut (Schomburgk),
decaying at the base as it developes leaves, flowers, and roots
above, growing in 4-6 feet water. Petioles long, terete, clothed
with copious prickles. Leaves floating, very large, 4 feet to 6^ feet
in diameter; when first expanded, oval with a deep narrow cleft
at one end, almost exactly orbicular when full-grown, peltate,
with the margin turned up all round, forming a rim like that of
a teatray ; the upper side of the blade full green, with numerous
reticulations forming somewhat quadrangular areolae; the under
side deep purple, or, according to Jj'Orbigny, sometimes green,
(brownish-red in the specimen from which our drawings were
made), clothed with short, spongy pubescence, with very pro-
minent flattened ribs set edgeways on the lamina, radiating from
the petiole to the circumference, and progressively diminishing in
depth ; these are united by cross ribs, also vertical plates, and
the latter again by less elevated ones crossing them, so that the
under surface is completely divided into quadrangular chambers,
of which the ribs form the sides, and the general surface of the
lamina the top, and as these detain air within them, they act aa
floats ; all the ribs are more or less beset with spines, varying in
length, sharp and horny, enlarged at the base. Vernation of
the lamina corrugatfid-iuvolute — that is, the greater part
wrinkled up like the petals of the Poppy, with the margin
rolled in on all sides. Peduncles all axillary, from the
rhizome, longer than the petiole (?), and rising above the
surface of the water when the flower expands, terete,
prickly, very copiously furnished with air-cavities, one-
flowered. Flower 10 inches to 15 inches in diameter,
somewhat pear-shaped in bud, fragrant. Calyx deeply
4-parted ; the tube tiu^binate, green, very prickly, adherent
to the ovary ; the lobes of the limb large, oval, reddish-
purple, concave, deciduous, a little prickly on the out-
side towards the base, rather shorter than the petals.
Within, at the throat, the calyx enlarges into an annu-
lar torus bearing the petals and stamens. Petals very
numerous, the outer ones larger than the calyx, oblong,

4M

JOURNAL OF MOKTICUITUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDEKEB. [ September 3, 1861.

concave, obtuse, the inner ones gradually becoming narrower,
much acuminated, and insensibly passing into pt-taloid fila-
ments. When the flowers expand, which they do for the first
time about five p.m., tliey rise 5 inches or 6 inches above the
surface of the water, and become abont half unclosed ; at this time
all the outer petals are white ; this condition persists until about
ten A.M. the next day, when the flower closes ; about two p.m.
of the same day it re-opens, assumes an upright position in
the water, and the outer enrelopes, which by degrees acquh-e
a continually deepening pinkish colour, become completely
refiexed, so that their summits touch the water all round ; more
and more of the erect petals are reflexed until only the strongly
incurved filamentous petals of a rose colour remain closed up ;
but these very soon assume an erect position, spreading on all
sides at the summit, so as to foi-m a rose-coloured crown sur-
rounding the essential organs, the yellow colour of the stamens
then becoming visible in the interior. About ten p.m. the same
night it closes pei-mauently, and sinks below the water to ripen
its seeds. The stamens are in about three circles, l:;rge, subulate,
incurved below ; anther-cells double, linear, introrse, occupying
the inner face of the filament below the apex. Within the "fer-
tile stamens the torus is prolonged inwards for about half an
inch, foi-ming an arch over the stigmas, and baring on its
margin a circle of somewhat recurved, fleshy, hom-like bodies.
Pollen apparently with a single coat. Ovary adherent to the
whole length of the prickly tube of the calyx, and thus turbinate
like it, with a deep radiated depression or cavity at the top, and
in the centre a small conical beak or column ; it may, therefore,
be called cup-shaped, with a thick fleshy base, having air-cells
extending down into the peduncle ; in this fleshy substance are
contained twenty-six to thirty compressed cells, arranged at
first in a very regular ch-ele near the rim of tlie cup. As the
ovules enlarge, the cells gradually come to occupy the whole
thickness of the germen, and by their mutual pressure are
rendered irregular in arrangement and form ; their parietes
consist of a reticulated spongy structure, partially gelatmous, and
the ovules are attached to the reticulations by short funiculi, the
funiculus being tm-ned toward the axis of the ovary. The
stigmatic surfaces are upon the rays on the top of tlie ovary. At
the ends of these rays occur about thirty somewhat scroll-shaped
or uniform, spongy, incurved, projecting bodies, which were
formerly taken for stigmas, but are mere processes from the
inside of the vault of the torus connected at their bases with the
ends of the stigmas; the circle formed by the points of their
junction is aboiit tliree-quarters of an inch below the insertion of
the petals and stamens, and tiithin the cup foi-med by the torus
and calyx tube. The seeds are rather large, imbedded in the
spongy placentas, with a horny testa, yellowish when young, and
brownish or black afterwards, with copious albumen. — A. H.

" The plant at Syon was received from Kew in the second
week of September, 18*9, being one of the numbei- which was
distributed about that time. It had then fo\ir leaves, the largest
being about 4 inches in diameter. It was placed at once under
similar treatment to that which was so successfully pursued with
the Kelumbiums in these gardens some years back, the basis of
which was a constant cu-culation of the water in which they
were grown. This was effected by placing three tubs at different
elevations. The upper one rested immediately over a hot-water
pipe. This warmed the water, which was then conveyed by a
syphon into the one below, in which the Vi<tori,i in a pot was
placed, and which was plunged in a bark-bed. From this the
water was conveyed by a pipe into the tbiid and lowest tub, from
which it was returned into the upper one, again to follow the
same course of circulation. Under this treatment, the plant
soon became too large for its original pot, and in about two
weeks it was shifted into one of a much larger size ; and, con-
tinuing rapidly to increase its dimensions, it was removed into a
wicker basket about 2J feet in diameter by 2 feet deep. About
the same time the size of the tub was enlarged by fixing sheet-
lead to th; uc'per part of it, and dressing it out into a superficies
of C feet square, and about 8 inches deep at the sides, thus
allowing room for the increased length of the leaf-stalks. In
this situation it remained, producing a succession of healthy
Isa-ves, until January 5th, 1850. It was then removed into a
low-roofed lean-to house, in which Mr. Beck had been ordered
to prepare a sliite-tank for its reception, 22 feet long by 12 feet
wide, and arrangeel in the following maimer : — the central
pt)rticn was made 2 feet 6 inches deep for the reception of the
soil ; the remaining part, over which the leaves weie to expand,
wae only 1 ioot deep, which baa be«n found amply sufficient. At

one end, and elevated above it, is placed a cistern through which
pass two two-inch hot-water pipes, connected with a single one
of the same size descending trom it and continued all round the
shallow part of tlie large tank below, whilst the centre and deeper
part is heated by a foui--ineh pipe passing entirely round it.
These pipes are all connected with a boiler, which heated the
building before it was applied to its present purpose.

" That this may be clearly understood 1 will enter a little
more into detail : — A large reservoir receives all the rain water
which faDs on the glass erections in this part of the gardens.
From thence it is pumped np into a cistern which supplies the
smallest one placed above the tank in which the plant is growing ;
thence, passing tliTongh a cock, it falls upon a small wheel,
which, revolving gently, agitates the water, and this, flowing
towards a waste-pipe, again finds its way into the reservoir, from
which it originally came — thus keeping up a continued and
healthy circulation. The water is kept ait an equable temperature
of about 85° i"»hr. by the hot-water pipes arranged as before
described.

" The soil in wliicii the Victoria was planted consisted of
three cartloads of good old turfy loam, which had laid in heap
for two or three years. Previously to placing it in the tank,
6 inches of broken brickbats were laid on the bottom, and
covered with turves of peat. On these the soil was laid in a
conical form, rising to within 6 inches of the surface of the water,
and in the centre of this the Victoria was planted. For three
weeks after its removal into its new home there was scarcely a
sunny day ; indeed, it was generally very foggy weather ; and
during this time it ouly existed, making no apparent progress.
The weather then changed, and it immediately showed evident
symptoms of growth. On February 1st, 1 discovered on the
surface of the soil several white roots, unmistakcable evidences of
health under water ; on the 3rd it produced its first healthy leaf
since its removal ; by the 10th this was 10 inches in diameter ;
at the end of the month seven leaves were formed, the largest of
which was 16 inches in diameter; during March it added nine
other leaves, the diameter of the largest being nearly 4 feet. On
April 1st, I discovered the firat flower-bud, and on the 10th the
flower began to open. It first opened about five o'clock P.M.,
continued open all night, and closed about ten a.m. on the
following day. On that day (April 11th) it began to open about
two o'clock P.M., having gone through its various stages, reached
its full expansion about six, when it was at its greatest beauty j
it continued thus for about four hours, when it began finally to
close preparatory to seeding. On the third morning the remains
of the flower were partly under water, and gradually sank lower,
but the floiver-stalk continued to lengthen for some time alter-
wards.

" I may hers observe that, on the morning of the day on
which the flower first expanded, the bud was seen to move itself
as far as possible in one direction, then back again in a semi-
circle, and finally raised itself out of the water to rest and
expand upon the young leaf, with which it was produced.
Just before opening, and duriug the whole of the first night,
the flower is very fragrant — the perfume being that of the
Pine Apple ; this odour is distinctly perceptible outside the
house.

" At the present time (May 6tli) the tenth flower is expanded ;
it is 12 inches in diameter. I find that each succeeding flower
increases in size. There are now four more flower-buds visible
— in fact, with every young leaf, comes its attendant flower-bud.
Since the loth of April the Victoria has been in flower for two
successive days, missing the following one, with very little
variation. The largest leaf is now 5 feet m diameter, with an
inch and a half of its edge turned neatly up, and forming a
beautiful rim ; the under surface being of a purplish-red colour,
and contrasting well with the deep green of the upper portion.
The formation of the under aide of the leaves is very beautiful ;
the large veins near the centre are about 2 inches deep, gradually
shallower towards the edge, and connected with each other by
means of smaller ones, altogether forming a strong network, the
whole being arnieil with powerful spines.

" The growth of the plant has latterly been so vigorous, that it
has become necessary to enlarge tlie tank to nearly double its
original size. This alteration is now being made ; when com-
pleted, the deeper portion of the addition -will be planted with
the different species of Ifelumbiuni now advancing towards a
flowering state ; and at the corner will be placed Nymphsea
rubra, N. coerulea, JT. dentata, and N. odorata, most of which
are already in flower, and are found to grow at a surprising rate

September 3, 1861. ] JOTTBNAL OF HOBTICULTFSE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

445

in the temperature kept up for the Tictoria. Altogether, I hope
to form a vei'y beautiful, fragrant, and interesting group of tro-
pical and other aquatics."

EOYAL HOETIOULTUEAL SOCIETY.

August 27.

Ploeai. Committee. — The majority of the flowers exhibited
to-day were Dahlias and Hollyhocks, and again the florists had
it pretty well to themselres. The heat of the day was intense,
and the great Reading Flower Show coming off on the morrow,
may have, )3robably, deterred some exhibitors ; but there was
not, certainly, a very largo display. The gardens looked very
Bicfe; but who can calculate the cost at which this is attained ?
On one of the parterres were five laen at work, and another
superintending, the men being armed with a pair of scissors
each ! to cut oif dead leaves, dying blooms, and straggling
shoots. Surely this is bedding-out run read, and that at a time
of the year when not a soul — i. e., of the ieau monde is in London,
when Eotten Eow and Kensington Gardens cannot boast a
single liorseman or horsewoman, and to be seen in the parks is
as one of the deadly sins. Well, well, " soon come, soon gone "
is the old adage ; and if you want a good recipe how to get rid

of a redundancy of cash, I say go to tlie . Well, I must

not be personal — but to that Society which has always been
famous for its feats in that line. But I must get back to the
Committee.

Mr. Bull exhibited the following plants, Sonerila elegans,
Xanthosoma macielata, an Arum-like plant with a pretty bloom
on the stalk, and the margin of the leaves white ; Follia purpurea,
with very deep metallic lustre on the leaves, almost as if a care-
ful housewife had blackleaded it — a Label of Commendation
was given to this ; Maranta orbifolia, PhyUagatha rotundifolia,
and Azalea Duncani.

Mr. Chater, of Saffron Walden, exhibited a collection of Holly-
hocks, amongst which were Premier; Lady King, a crimson
flower, for which a Label of Commendation was awarded ;
Orandissima, Lady Paxlon, Bianca, iVe Pbis JJHra, a fine lilac
purple flower — for this a Label of Commendation was awarded ;
Queen Victoria ; La Seine Blanche, Carminata, Cotmiess Russell,
soft, pink, fine guard petal and very full flower — to this a First-
class Certificate was given ; Triumphans, Glory of Walden,
Shotgrove Perfection, Agenora, and Invincible, a fine salmon
rose — this also received a First-class Certificate.

Mr. W. Paul, of Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, sent four seod-
Ung Hollyhocks of inferior merit — Paris, Earl of Shaftesbury,
Niole, and Euphrosyne. And Messrs. Downie, Laird, and Laing,
three trusses. Primrose Gem, Lady Dacres, a fine salmon-
coloured flower — for this a First-class Certificate was given ;
and Golden Fleece. They also sent a Dahlia, called Alpha, of
inferior merit.

From Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, and Mr. John Keynes,
of Salisbm-y, came a large number of Dahlias, some of which liad
been exhibited before, others now for the iu-st. By the former
gentleman were exhibited. Cygnet, a light lilac flower of good
properties ; Una, Charlotte Darling, a shaded purple of
attractive character, to which a Label of Commendation was
given ; Captain Sarvey and John Spencer.

Mr. Keynes had Fair Maid of Bath, a light tipped flower,
much in the way of Caroline, very delicate and pretty — a Label
of Commendation was given to it; Tiffany ; Prince Arthur;
Imperial, a large, well-built amaranth pru-ple, of fine properties —
this, too, receivedaLabel of Commendation; it was an exceedingly
fine flower; Fanny Purchase; Oscar; Goldfinder, a large,
yellow tipped flower, perhaps too coarse ; Boyal Purple, and
Maria Carter, white, tipped with deep carmine — this received a
Label of Commendation, not for its first-rate properties as a
florists' flower, but for its very attractive colour.

On the whole it seemed to me that the advance this year in
DahUas is as yet not very great ; but it is far too early to judge,
and doubtless the 11th wUl produce some fine blooms.

From Messrs. Low & Son came some very interesting things.
Ancectochilus Bulleni, from Borneo, a beautiful species of wliat
the Cingalese call the King of the Woods, from the intense
beauty of its markings. A note accompanied it to say that a
week ago it was on board the Delta, showing how admirably it
had been forwarded : for this a First-class Certificate was
awarded. Also Arthrobotrya articulata, a very beautiful stove
Fern from the same country. This also received a First-class

Certificate, as did Peni«<e)KO»£o?)ii«««)»,eolleetcdbyMr.W.Lobb
in California, a small, shrubby-looking plant, with yellow flowers
and sweet scented. Its locality indicates hardiness, and if so it
will be a great addition to our hardy plants. Also Penis/emon
spect-aiilis from the same country, no improvement on existing
kinds closely allied to it ; and PoUia purpurea from Java, the
same as exhibited by Mr. Bull, and receiving the same award —
a Label of Commendation. They also had an unknown Orchid
from Ceylon, of no apparent merit.

Mr. Richardson, of East Sheen, sent Geranium Forioiello,
inferior to many at present in growth. A seedling AUamandai
was also exhibited, but inferior to cathartica.

Fi'om Messrs. Charlwood & Cummins came some very large
blooms of Helianthus californiaiis ; and from Messrs. E. G.
Henderson & Co., several Variegated Geraniums, Mrs. Polloch,
Sunset, Delicata, and Aureum bicolor ; the first very striking in
foliage, green, with a broad belt of dark red crimson, and
externally belted with yellow. The second received a Label of
Commendation, its habit seemingly not so robust as Mrs. Pollock.
The third was a neat-habited white-variegated flower with pink
bloom, and was considered worthy of a Label of Commendation.
As pot plants these tricolor-zoned Geraniums are very pretty,
but they hardly keep their character out of doors, many which
gave bright promise having grievously disappointed afterwards.
Wherever they can have a little protection, they are very showy
and beautiful. — D., Deal.

ME. MAECH'S DESIGN EOE TABLE
DECOEATION.

With your permission I will make a few remarks in reply to
a letter in your last Number, signed " J. R.," upon the subject
of the flower-glasses made to my design for the June Exhibition
at Kensinston, and by the aid of which I had the good fortune
to gain the first prize for table decoration. The decision of the
Jury and the approval of the press have failed to satisfy your
correspondent in the face of certain practical difficulties which
he conceives to exist, but which I will undertake to prove are
imaginary.

He remarks that an object to be really beautiftil must also be
useful. So said Burke in his famous essay on the " Sublime
and Beautiful ;" and on this ground we will argue this question,
though I cannot concede the ground so far as to agree with the
retired citizen, who objected to the Russian service because he
"hked to see his viltles." In the name of utUity "J. B."
brings forward two objections to the "prize design," that it is
too brittle for wear, and that it obstructs the view and con-
versation at the table. Let me explain, that the set of glasses
exhibited in June were made up in a temporary manner from
such materials as were at hand, and it is true that the glass stems
then used were too slender for use and ill adapted for "locomo-
tion." Messrs. Dobson & Pearce, of 19, St. James' Street, have
since carried out the design in a practical way, and to my mind
the glass stems have lost none of their elegance by being made
stronger^ — so strong that nothing short of an Irish row or a
di'unken servant should break them, certainly not the vibration
or " table rapping" at the most uproarious of public feasts. The
pieces also are fitted separately, so that the glasses can be moved
and packed with the greatest care.

The second objeetnon raised is, that the flowers when an'anged
will obstruct fi-ee view and conversation at the dinner-table. It
was really to obviate this very usual defect in epergnes and table
decorations that I ventured to make the innovation. Most of
these are handsome pieces of plate two stories high. Cupids and
scroll-work lead to the first floor, where there are branches for
lights, or certain receptacles for ftuit and bonbons. On
the attic floor tliere is usually a glass in which the butler
marshals his out flowers, or inserts a sjjonge-cake tastefully
fluted, and decorated for the sacrifice with floral attributes.
Nest t<3 the centre ornament are generaUy silver branches
for lights, and then two well-grown Fuchsias or Geraniums in
silver wine-coolers : this is a very common arrangement at a
London dinner party, and the plants and fruit-receptacles do
materially interfere with the Une of vision. A friend of mine
will insist that the true use of the old epergne is to hide
the ugly people opposite ; but I will take a more cheerful view
and assume that every one at the party is worth seeing and
heai-ing. Well, the flower-glasses in question, which are chiefly
made for dinner parties, are 24 inches high, reckoning from the'

446

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAQE GARDENER. [ September 3, 1861.

tablecloth to the bottom of the upper glass ; and aa the line of
vision of a person 6 feet high, sitting down, is about 19 inches
from the table, there will be no obstruction to the TJew, with the
exception of a rod of glass, the lightest and most transparent of
substances. If the dinner party were given in Patagonia instead

all climbing Roses in all places, and under all circumstances
require, for the long run, that every bit of their wood be pruned
to close to the ground the first two years after planting, and in
many instances for the three first. With a good border, free
from the Lilac roots, scarlet Geraniums will do very well under

of Belgravia or Tiburnia, then I should recommend a couple of , the shade of trees on one side of them, or just over tliem, but no
inches more ; but in the case of ordinary mortals, who in stature I more, as is testified by many flower-beds doing handsomely at
are less than Ajax, the proportion will be found correct. Hampton Court under Yews, the oldest and largest we ever saw

Let us leave the objections and consider the possible advan- in a flower garden.]
tages of the idea. If it continues to hold its groiind, it will be,
I think, for some of the following reasons : — That in these
glasses the flowers play the sole jiart, unaided by metallic
Fauns and Cupids, which are not of their tind. In a well-
arranged decoration of this sort, you have a Fern leaf, or Ivy
border, a gently-rising mound of moss, flowers and Ferns —
poetic names ! aye, and poetic things. The moss of vivid and
varied green, the few flowers above it, bright and distinct. You
have a glass stem around which you train some light twining
branch ; and you have another mound of moss and flowers,
smaller than the lower, and more delicately treateil, from which
fall a few light sprays of droojiing foliage. There is consider-
able space to cover, and a proportionate margin for taste, in
shape and colour ; it will require a very sesthetic butler to ar-
range these glasses at once, like Sir Joshua Reynolds before the
pictures of the Vatican. He must first feel "like a httle child,"
he must forget his spongecake ; or, perhaps, after all, the lady of
the house must intervene in the first trials witli her superior
taste and cidture, and this will be a very great advantage.

Another gain I think is this, that glasses, or flower-holders, of
this kind, in which you see nothing but the flowers and foliage,
are quite as ornamental in the drawing-room as on the dinner-
table ; and this is not the case with ordinary epergnes and wine-
coolers. Then, it must be a relief to servants to clean such
simple smooth things, after the labour of keeping pure the
heathen mythology in frosted silver. It is only yesterday that
the butler in a friend's house exclaimed, with real feeling, "I wish
missus would get a few hartificials, they look veri/ pretty, and
them naturals do play old Harry with the plate !" Lastly, you
do not require to send these articles to your banker for safety
when you leave town, nor to draw upon him for the purchase
money, which is a trifle compared with other ornaments of the
same calibre for size and efiect. — Thos. C. Makch, St. James'
Palace.

PLANTS FOE A LOW NOETH WALL AND
BORDEE.

Would Roses do well near Dublin on a north wall — that is
facing the north, under the drip of Lilac trees, which are planted
in my neighbour's garden ? and if bo, which Rose would be most
suitable? and if not, what other plant would do to cover the wall,
which is only 4 feet high, and the border 3 feet wide ? I should
feel still fmther obliged if the Editors would say if we plant a
line of scarlet Geraniums in that border next year, would they do
under the drip ? Had one or two Flower of the Day there this
season, which seemed to do very well ; but without advice would
be afraid to plant so many as a whole line, which would be
about 50 feet long. — A Subsceibee.

[No climbing Rose, or any other cUmber or trailer, or any
one plant will ever establish itself under overshadowing Lilacs.
The roots of the Lilacs must first be cut, and the cutting be low
as the deepest of the Lilac roots. All the rooty soil must then
be got rid of, and fresh soil put in, and an open division be left
between the new soil and the old Lilac roots. For one plant,
however, or for a few, there is an old way of ours which does as
near to the best as anything of a palliating character can do, and
that is to sink empty tar barrels, just like plunging a pot-in a
border, each baiTcl to rest on three bricks to keep an open space
below,and so keep roots from getting into the barrel, with four-inch
or five-inch-bore holes at the bottom for drainage; the soil for
the barrel to be the beet that can be had, such as for a Myrtle
or Orange tree ; the top of the barrel to be just level with the
surface, and no more, to plant the Rose, Jasmine, Glycine, and
what not, and to attend to them properly for tlie first seven
years, which is the whole secret, and the only part which many
people forget. Felicite perpetuelle is the best ohmbing Rose for

such a plan and place, and Ruga the next best, for we have tried giving air rather freely, to prevent any attempt at a second
their whole generations, and these two did the best in the long ! growth ; and those requiring to be kept warm and moist to be
run. But recollect another essential to success — namely, that ! placed together at the opposite end of the house, giving but

WOEK FOE THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GAEDEN.
At the earliest opportunity earth up the Broccolis, Savoys,
and all otlier crops that require it. Remove Peas that are ipil-
dewed immediately they are done with. Destroy caterpillars
that infest the Brassica tribe before they do much mischief.
Articholces, cut down the flower-stems, and remove the dead
leaves from tlie old plantation ; those made last season will
probably now produce a few heads. Cahbaije, continue to plant
out for Coleworts at every favourable opportunity. Prick out
the young plants intended for the main spring crop. Cucum-
bers, those intended for house-culture to be now potted into
their fruiting-pots; the soil for the purpose to be composed of
equal parts of loam, leaf mould, and rotten dung. A good
drainage to be given, the health of the plants depending in a
great measure upon this point. Allow one or two shoots to
grow to the full extent of the house before being stopped.
Leeks, plant out the thinnings of the seed-bed as soon as the
weather is favourable. Onions, we have lately seen the Tripoli
of an amazing size from last autumn sowing. It has done better
than any other sort, of which there were several sown and
planted at the same time, we, therefore, strongly recommend it
to be sown immediately. Turnips, the last ci-op for the season
to be sown as soon as the weather is favourable for the purpose.
Thin the advancing crops. Vegetable Marrows, keep the plants
well supplied with water during the present dry weather ; cover
the ground about them with short grass, or litter of any kind if
that cannot be procured.

FLOWEK GARDEN.

If any beds under trees appear to be suffering for want of
water give them a good soaking at once. S<"e that late Holly-
hocks are liberally supplied witli water, which will greatly assist
in prolonging their beauty. As we may soon see indications of
the approach of frosty nights, it is advisable to be prepared
with something with which to cover any of the beds liable lo be
injured by slight frosts — such as Heliotropes, Ageratums, and
the variegated Geraniums, the foliage of wliich is very readily
injured.

FBUIT GAEDEN.

Go over all the Peach and Nectarine trees which are observed
to be growing too freely, stopping all the stronger shoots ; and
those that were treated in this way a few weeks ago should also
be looked over, again stopping a further portion of the shoots,
if necessary, to prevent the formation of gross wood. Also, go
over tlie Pear, and indeed all trained fruit trees, removing all
superfluous wood, so as to expose the trees to sun and air as
freely as possible, which will be of service towards getting the
fruit-spurs and bearing wood well ripened before winter. Re-
move the mulching from wall-fruit trees ; for the fruit is seldom
well flavoured if the roots are excluded from the action of sun
and air during their period of ripening. See that the Straw-
berries in pots for forcing next season are attended to, placing
them in an open sunny situation where they will have all the
light possible, and do not allow them to suffer for want of water
at the roots.

STOVE.

Where there is but one iiouse for the accommodation of
tropical plants some care and attention are necessary at this
season to manage them properly, as some, having completed
their season's growth, require to be kept cool and rather dry, in
order to ripen the wood; while others, in free growth, require
to be encouraged with warmth and moisture. If there is no
convenience for removing to a cooler house the plants that have
made their growth, they should be placed at one end of the stove,
keeping them sparingly supplied with water at the root, and

September 3, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COirAaE GARDENER.

447

yery little air, and keeping tlie atmosphere moist about them.
See tliat everything is free from insects, and keep the fohage of
Ixoraa and other such things clean by washing with a sponge
and soapy water when necessary.

GHEENHO0SE AND CONSEEVATOET.
The Chrysanthemums to be liberally supplied with water.
The Violets to be potted or got into their blooming-frauie before
the middle of the month. Luculias, Acacias, and other winter-
blooming plants growing iii the border of the conservatory to
be freely exposed to air and light to ripen the wood. Attend to
Mignonette by thinning it in time, and sow another crop. Pot
Ten-weet Stocks for early blooming, and also a few annuals for
the same purpose. Tropffiolums of all kinds to be started, and
no time to be lost in procuring and potting such Hyacinths,
Tulips, and other such bulbs as may be required for forcing.

PITS AND FKAMES.
Continue to give attention to the propagation of bedding-out
stock. Cuttings that are sufficiently rooted to be potted off at
once, keeping them close and moist until they become established.
Those that have been potted off some time, and have got esta-
blished ill their pots to be gradually inured to exposure to the
open air, stopping the shoots to keep them dwarf and stocky.
Plants that are not very strong to be shaded from bright sun-
shine for a few hours in the middle of the day, or placed in a
shady situation oiit of doors ; let them have the benefit of night
dews if kept under glass, and protect them from cold drying
winds if removed from under shelter. W. Kbane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.
Sowed a second lot of Spinach, in case the first should be too
strong before winter ; also Turnips, Radishes, and Onions, the
latter alike for salads, and to come in in spring early. Sowed also
Lettuces and Cauliflower for late winter and early spring supply,
sowing the first especially rather tlnck, watering with a rose,
and, when settled, covering with dry soil. Some Lettuces require
thick sowing this season. For general purposes, this and another
sowing should be chiefly of Blackseeded Brown Cos, Blackseeded
Brown Cabbage Lettuce, and the Hardy Hammersmith. Where
room can be spared, such sowings stand remarkably well at the
bottom of a wall if the ground was rather hard, and merely
hoed and raked before sowing. The hardness of the ground
causes the plants to come firm and robust, and as they do not
grow fast the winter frosts have little effect on them. Plant
them in deep-dug rich borders, and they will get so succulent
that they will go to a certainty before the first sharp frost that
comes. Those thus sown and thinned out suflicienlly on such a
hard border, will stand much better than transplanted ones.

WATEEING AND MULCHING.
Watered as far as we could Cauliflowers, Cucumbers, Peas,
and Beans, giving a little where there seemed the signs of suffer-
ing, as water is now getting like gold or fine port wine with us,
and generally either mulched directly afterwards, or threw some
dry soil over the place watered. A correspondent wants to
know why we watered the half-filled trench of Broccolis when
planted out, as he always watered his on the surface and had no
reason to grumble as to the results. Well, quite possibly not.
What is best administered is often the best, and had we a nice
stream of water always at command, we might not be disposed
to be always asking ourselves how we could use the water with
the best effect and with the least waste. But be the water
plentilul or short, we believe that the plan recommended has
reason on its side. By watering immediately over the roots we
were sure the roots and the ground round them were well soaked.
When water is communicated at the surface after the job is
finished, we may make sure of the surface soil being wetted ; but
unless our friend wields the pail himself, he cannot be so sure
that the water has actually reached the roots, as the flagging of
not a few next day might tell him. Again, if even water is
plentiful, economy in laboiu* is something, and the roots being
well soaked, the moisture was kept there much longer owing to
the dry surface of eartli put on the top. If the surface was wet,
a burning sun as we have had this last week would soon raise
all the moisture by evaporation, and the water-can would have
to be appUed once and again before our plants watered as
directed would show any signs of distress. And, once more.

still it is worth noting, that all plants fresh planted are stimulated
by the heat of the soil, and as evaporation from a damp surface
always cools that body, we thus secured moisture and heat to
the roots, and took care that the soil should not be cooled by a
damp evaporating surface. Of course, there would be a radiation
of heat at night ; but that would be more than neutralised by
the absorption of heat during these hot days, and yet the roots
would be luxuriating in a moist, warm-enough medium. Wher-
ever water is scai-ce, then especially it may be of much import-
ance to know how to keep it in the ground after you have given it.
Without such means, or others of a kindred nature, as shading
and mulching, it would be do, do, for ever doing, and never done.

CELEET EARTHING.
We almost begin to get timid for our Celery, as dryness is the
great cause of bolted heads in early Celery, and the titbit system
of earthing-up is one great cause of producing that dryness.
For getting nice clean heads, nothing is better for earthing-up
than finely sifted ashes placed next the stems. In beds we place
two boards, one on each side of the row as close as they will go,
drop the sashes close inside the boards, and fill up then with
well-chopped soil in the usual way. It it still easier done with
single rows, and effectually keeps slugs and worms at a distance.
Lime is frequently used for such a purpose ; but, if mild, it is
hardly so good as ashes, and, if acrid and hot, it frequently leaves
marks on the tenderer leaves.

POT HERBS.
Cut Mint, Marjoram, Basil, and other herbs for drying. They
are best when, after being dried in the shade, they are firmly
pressed into cakes, and then kept in a cool, airy place. Potted
off Basil, &c., for autumn and winter use in the green state.
Cut down another breadth of Parsley, that the shoots may be
fresh and close to the ground before winter, leaving only a little
bit for present vise. Will transplant some ere long, so that it
may be covered up in severe weather. If there is any person
that deserves commiseration, it is a gardener who cannot find
Parsley for the artiste of the kitchen. In some grounds it will
not do if left where it is sown ; but it will thrive pretty well
when transplanted when rather young. Now is a good time for
drying a quantity, and keeping it closely pressed and well-corked
in bottles, in case it should be short in winter.

MUSHROOM-BEDS.
Slightly swept with a hair-broom the MushrOom-beds under
the thatched shed, which are still bearing abundantly, and
covered with hay, which in this dog-day weather is kept moist
to produce cold by evaporation. If there is much more of the
heat we shall put some branches loosely over the bed, so that
there shall be a little space between the soil and the covei-ing ;
as, when the covering gets heavy from moisture and rests directly
on the bed, the spawn is apt to run into the covering. Beat
down the fii-st bed in the Musliroom-house, and slightly covered
it, and spawned a second one. Examined the bricks that were
spawned eight days ago, and were built in a heap in an opeu
pigeon-holed way, and covered all over with litter. If the
weather gets colder we shall place a little warm litter round at
the bottom. At present the weather is hot enough, and the
spawn is just beginning to run. What we have beeu using all
this season was made three years ago ; and when there is a heap
to go to we do not scruple in putting fairish-sized bits into a
bed.— R. F.

TRADE LISTS RECEIVED.

A Descriptice Catalogue of Grapes^ hy Ihomas divers, Saic-
hridgeworth Nurseries, This is prepared in the same way as
Mr. Rivers' descriptive catalogue of Fruits. It is divided into
five classes — 1, White Muscat Grapes ; 2, Purple and Bed
Muscats ; 3, Muscadine and Sweetwater ; 4, Purple ; and
5, White Grapes. The catalogue is a very full one, contains a
great many novelties, and forms a worthy companion to Mr.
Rivers' other catalogues.

Catalogue of Floioer Roots. F. <!/• A. Dickson S( Sons, East-
gate Street, Chester. — A well-selected list of Hyacinths and other
bulbs, arranged not only according to the colour of the flowers,
but, in the case of the Gladioluses, according to their fitness for
clumping, parentage, &o.

A Catalogue of Bulbous Flower Roots and Tulips, ly Charles
Turner, Soi/al Nurseries, Slough. — In this catalogue besides the

, usualUstsofDutohFiowerRoots, such as Hyacinths, Polyanthus
■though not of much importance in such weather as we have had, | Narcissus, Crocus, Anemones, Ranunculus, &c., all of which ar::

448

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJR"E AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 3, 18G1.

well represented, we have a list of those magnificent show Tulips
which excite the admiration of all visitors to the metropolitan
spring shows. Wo believe Mr. Turner is now almost the only
trade grower of this noble flower, the value of which can only
be judged of by glancing over this catalogue.

A Catalogue of Wt/ acini lis and other Bulhs^ Cinerarias^ Ferns,
^v., 6y William l>ean, Shipley^ YorTcsltire. — This is a very
judiciously selected catalogue, and does not perplex the juirchaser
by presenting a long list of names. It is preceded by a few useful
remarks on the cultivation of these fiowere.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

PBXT6TEMON Seedlikc [i?rtnA(rt(^).— Better than somn, biit not equal to
others in cultivation. Between P. Hartwegi and P. gentianoides there
are many similar results of crcs -breeding in cultivation.

Plum for South Walt, (if. TowJc),—\^ you have room only for one
tree -we should select the Jefierson's, for altbougli the fruit is not quite po
luscious as that of the Green Gage, yet it is a more certain and more
abundant beaver.

HoRTictJLiunAL SociKTv's Gakden {J. -ffwrfeZr?/).— The gordenet is Mr.
Eyles. a letter directed to hina at the Society's Garden, Kensington Gore,
vrould reach him. "We can give you no information in reply to jour other
query.

Scale on Pekns CiTrtj-riV).— The scale insect can only be eff ctnally re-
moved from ferns by perseverance in cleansing the plants. The insects,
old andyi'ung, require to be dislodged "o-ith a small flat-pointed stick, and
the surface carefully Tvashed with water and soft soap, or with a weak
solution of Gishurst, eitlier of which should afterwards be cleaned oflF with
a syringe. The plant you enclosed is Origanum sipyleum.

Heating a Small Pit iA Subscriber).— As far as we understand your
case, you could not well bring a flue from either of thegi'atesin the rooms;
as, independently of the trouble, your fiue woultl have to be so bit^h in the
pit, or rather the hou-e, as the floor is already 3/eet lower than the grate,
and the flue would require to be considerably higher than the grate to give
you any chance of drawing well, and altopether it would be a troublesome
expensive affair. If a small boiler were placed behind the fireplace there
would be a similar difficulty, thongh not equal in extent, as, though the
pipes must be r.s high as the boiler, they would be raore easily managed
than a flue. Eut then you might want a good heat in these pipes, when
you did not care about keeping up a fire in the grate. Altogether, in such
small places and so far apart from each other, the cheapest and best mode
where you merely wished to exclude Irost, would be to have a small iron
stove, or a small Arnott's brick stove, placed in each house. The latter
would be the best ; but the former could be taken out as soon as the fro&ty
nig'hts were past. These were described lately.

Garden Virmin (H. IT. We6f'rJey).~-'Uu6ev the name of "■worras"
you seem to include caterpillars and all other garden insect-marauders!
Hand-picliing is the most effectual mode of clearing the Cabbages from
caterpillars. 80 far from the Elder tree promoting the occurrence of sueh
pests, no insect feeds upon that tree, and an infusion of its leaves kills
many insects, and rubbed over a horse protfcts him from flies. The
"vermin'* upon your Black Currant trees we presume are aphides, or
green flies, the best destroyer of which is tobacco smoke or tobacco water.
It is impossible to reply satisfactorily to sueh non-specific inquiries.

Gvpsum [Jomcs Bruce).— That this (sulphate of lime) is a fixer of
ammonia is well known, and is used for tbe purpose scattered over stables
and mixed with dung-heaps. Although it absorbs much water, yet there
is a limit to ita.j:iower of absorption; so it would not do to " fiU drains
with this plaster."

Peopagatino-pit (KottitiffJiatnensis). — There has been a very great deal
said in late Numbers about pits and their arrangements. To make a
perfect propagating-pit you had better have pipes for bottom heat and
pipes for top heat. The top of the pipes for bottom beat should at least
be 3 feet from the glass. The bottom of the bed may be rammed hard to
within 3 inches or 4 inches of the pipes, and a hollowed bed of concrete
placed beneath them, the upper layer being of rough sand and lime, so as
to level smooth. Between and around the pipes plaie brickbats, stones,
&c., as rough as possible ; to be followed with rough gravel, and finished
with fine gravel, which will make 'he bottom of your bed. This covering
of stones and gravel should be from 4 inches to G inches deep. The first
will do well. On this place 15 inches of eoil, which will leave you fi-om
15 inches to the glass.

"Watering Lawns in Dry Weatbek {A. P. S.).—l lb. of muriate of
lime and 4 ozs. of guano to every SO gallons of watei', applied to a lawn in
dry weather, promotes its verdure. Chloride of lime (bleaching powder),
will do instead of muriate of lime. If you use nitrate of soda instead, as
you propose, 1 lb. to each 30 gallons of water will be enough ; but we have
no experience as to it:; promoting the verdure of grass in very dry weather.

Gardening Periodical {Amatt.ttr).—'i:hQ work you mention ceased to
he published, we believe, some weeks since.

Naufs of Plants {A. C.).~^, Oarrya elliptica; 2, Zauschncria cali-
fornica; 3, Sibthorpia curopifa ; 4, Balsamita vulgaris; 5, Saponaria
officinalis fl. pi, (S. Devon).— !, Lythrum salicaria ; 2, Achillea millee-
folium ; 3, Tanacetum vulgare ; 4, Eupatorium cannabinum. (A Reader).
—Your Fern is Asplcnium ruta-muraiia. [From Ke^icastlc) —1, Veratrum
nigrum; 2, V. album. (^. //.).— Your "bulb" is not a bulb but a tuber.
It was not a fresh specimen, and we do not profess to name di-ied speci-
mens, but we happen to know your.s. It is called Gcsnera elongata, and
requires exactly the same trcaiment as any of the new Gloxinias or
Achimenes.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

September 4lh and 5lh. Crystal Palace. (Dahlias, Cut Flowers of

other descriptions, and Fruit.) Hec.^ W. Houghton.
Seftimbkr 5th. ^V(.ilKso^. (floral and Horiieultural.) Hon. *Sec., Mr

Geo. Baxter.

SBrTFMBER Uth. PoYAL HORTICULTURAL SociETT. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
September !8tb and 19th. Brighton and Sussex. 5cc., E. Carfhnter.
November 6th and 7th. Roval Hortioulturai Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Xewington Chrysakthemuk Society.

Sec., AY. T. Howe.
November 14th and 15th. Crystal Palace. (Chrjsanthcmiim Show.)

Sec., NV. Houghton.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE,

CRYSTAL PALACE POULTEY SHOW.

The Directors of this great undertaking are equal to tbeir
work; but we advise the cdilor of " IIow to .See Paris in
48 Hours," or Monsieur Thiers, who wanted the Cliancellor of
tlie Exchequer to give him a petit qi'arl cfheiire to explain to
him the financial system of England, to write the visitor's guide
to the Crystal Palace during the Poultry Show, and bow to see
it in a day. Just imagine one from the lower parts of Devon-
shire, a dear lover of Game fowl. He is at the door at ten when
it opens. Tbe poultry — Performance on the gi'eat organ —
Lecture on the Vertebrata and the Gorilla^Performanee by
the C. P. C.'s band — The large fountains — Volunteer bands.
One has told him to be sure to see the pictures ; another tells
him of the courts. The ensemble of the place occupies the mind,
and it is truly an emlarras de ric/iesses.

We were much gratified when listening to the lecture for a
few minutes, the only time we had to spare, or to give to it, to
find the liold such subjects are taking of the public mind. On
tbe same day there was in the Times a column entirely occupied
by advertisements of subjects connected with zoology and natural
liistory. We were struck with the mastery of the subject pos-
sessed by Mr. Hawkins ; but we were aleo strongly impressed
with the great faeilitj' afforded to him by his admii'able skill in
sketching the objects he sought to explain. It struck us that
in the Show beneath the only difference was the illustration
was a living one ; but the numbers who listened to the lecture,
and who thronged the Exhibition, proved the lively interest
taken in these matters. If other proof were necessary it could
be found in tbe fact a Dorking cock was claimed at £6, a pen
of Cochins at 20 guineas, and anoth'-r at £20. Every Show
bi'ings UB new names among the successful, and every now and
then one of the early ones rises again after it has been thought
he had given all up.

Many speculations were hazarded as to where the Show would
be held after the destruction of the wing that had become identi-
fied with it ; but it is one of the notable facts of the Palace that
its resources are only found out and developed as accidents and
' necessities call them into action. By putting a few of the agri-
cultural implements out of doors, and by putting some more
close together, an excellent place was found. It lias an entrance
from the garden ; it is lofty, and it is on the ground. It is in
the northern part of tbe Palace.

As it is admitted on all bands that it his not been a favour-
able season for rearing chickens, we were not prepared to sec so
many beautiful specimens as we did in many of the classes.
Some of them will always be v ealc at a Chicken Show ; there are
certain breeds that are not fit to exhibit at an early age — Golden-
spangled birds, for instance ; Hambiirglis and Polands. Many
a one who admires them in December would hardly believe they
were the birds he condemned in August. These want adult
plumage. Duckwinged Game fowls, and Uaiitams also, want age.
The publication last week of tb.e prize list dispmses us fi-om
referring to many names, and leaves us free only to mention
the classes and such pens as were mnisually meritorious.

The Spanish were very good ; but we fancied there were birds-
there that were not fairly shown. It is a pity, becau,-e it re-
opens a question we thought settled — viz., that trimming should
lead to disqualification. Messrs. Rodbard, Martin, and Fowler
showed very good birds.

Dorkings were very numerous. If we were asked to name
the best pens we should say Mr. Vernon's cock and two piJletp,
Mrs. Blair's and Mr. Lewry's pullets, and Captain Hornby's
single cock. This bird was claimed. Many of our best breedere-
and exhibitors were represented in these classes, and it was,
therefore, no child's play to win against them. There were
eighty-two pens. The Wfiiie siiU show large and perfect birds.

We can speak in the highesttcrms of praise of the next class —
Buff and Cinnamon Cochins. It was full of beautiful chickens.
What must the competition be when such namfes as Tomlinson,.

September 3, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTXCULTTTRE AND COTIAGS aARDENEK.

4:4Q

Cattell, Stretch, Musgrove, Fookee, Fowler, Herbert, and Blaii-
go to the wall ? But it was so, and Mr. Kelleway may be
proud of hia exploit. He will, not, however, take his triumiJiant
birds home : they were claimed. The pullets in the Grouse and
Cartridge classes were better than the cocks ; these latter had
not perfectly black breasts, if we except one pen belonging to
Miss Musgrove. This was one of the best pens we ever saw of
any colour. Twenty guineas would not save it, it was sold. It
is a pity exhibitors are not more careful in selecting the cocks
they send with reference to the colour of the breast. Witli the
exception of the two prize pens, the Whites call for no particular
notice, except that some were most extravagantly vulture-hocked,
more like Ptarmigans in that particular than Cochins. Miss
Musgrove showed a very fine bird in the Single Cock class.

Brahma Pootras not only justify the wisdom that gave them
a class by their entries, but the type of them is known and
admitted. The specimens shown were very beautiful. Lady
Louisa Thvnne's p?n and Mrs. Fergusson Blair's single cock
were deservedly distinguished.

Game Fowls. — These birds form in themselves a little show, and
it can be tlie more appreciated, because, thanks to Mr. Houghton,
one pullet only need be shown. By tliis rule many siglits are
avoided that were not always desirable ; and, seeing the diffijuUy
there is in getting two pidlets and a cock to dwell together in
peace and amity, we tliink the dis'-retion has been a wise one
that limited the entry to one. We fancy that, taken as a
whole, these birds were rather more backward than they liaf e
been of late years. Tliere were new names in this class. Mr.
Fletcher was very successful, taking four prizes. The Hon.
W. W. Vernon's Duckwings were beautiful. Mr. Rice Clayton's
Files were also very excellent speeiuieus. Mr. H&rton desorredly
won in the largest class — i.e., BlacJc-breasted Med.

We must speak in terms of very high commendation of the
Golden-pencilled Jlamlntrglis. We have seldom seen a class so
good, and nine pens deservedly figured in the prize list. Mr.
James Munu's birds and Mr. Smith's were of a high order.
Mr. Martin sliowed good Silvers, and Mr. Oxley deservedly was
at the head of the " Single Cock " class. The Golden-spangled
Samhurghs were not so good as the Silvers. These latter would
eeem to come to maturity sooner than the others. Lady Julia
Cornwallis's pen were in benutiful condition.

The same may be said o{ Polands — the Golden were so badly
represented that tlie first prize was witliheld, while the Silvers
were most excellent. Our readers will be glad to see Mr. G-. C.
Adkins winner of both prizes in this class, and also in the next
for cocks.

The Malay chickens always seem better here than elsewhere)
and the present was no exception. Mr. N. Sykes took both
prizes ; had there been more some of the liighly commended
would have deserved them.

The " Variety " class was a weak one.

The Bantams were veiy good, and afibrded a continuous
triumph to Mr. Harvey Button Bayly. He took four first and
a second prize. Miss Ella Hodson and Mr. F. Angel, neverthe-
less, deserve mention. The Rev. P. W. Story took both prizi^s
for "various " Bantams, one pen of feather-legged JF7ii'<e chickens
being very smart birds.

It has been a bad Duck year, and the large prices they made
for the table, and which were quoted in our columns at the time,
would seem to account for the paucity of entries in the Aijlesiurg
class. Mrs.Seamons sent four pens, and they all figured in the
prize list. The weights of the four pens were 21 J lbs., 21 i lbs.,
21 lbs., and 19 J lbs. We were glad to see Mrs. Fergusson Blair's
enterprise rewarded by a first prize for Rouen Ducks, hard run
in an excellent class by Mrs H. Fookes. These two pens
weighed 16i lbs. and 14 lbs. There has been no greater success
-of late years than the institution of a separate class for Black
Ducks ; they are numerous and beautiful. We do not despair of
seeingthese brought down to what they originally were— the size
of the Widgeon. Tlie Call Ducks in class 41 were very good.

Mr. William Mansfield took both prizes for White Geese.
His birds are in every respect excellent, and weighed 46ilbs. and
38i lbs. Wo generally look for the Grey and Mottled to he
much heavier than the White, but we were dissppointed. It
was in weight only. Wo were much pleased at Mrs. Blair's
success with a pen weighing 48 lbs., Mrs. Seamons following with
47i lbs. The Highly Commended pens weighed 42 lbs. and
44 lbs. Thus goslings in August weighed from 14 lbs. to 16 lbs.
•each, while 12 lbs. were formerly the average for large Geese.

The same remarks hold good for Turkciis, which bronglit all

the prizes to the Kev. T. L. Fellowes. The poults shown weighed
23 J- lbs. and 24 lbs. There was a large show of good Turkeys.

The varieties of Aquatic Birds produced some very pleasing
specimens — Sebastopol Geese, Black Swans, White-eyed Ducks,
Common Swans, Spur-winged Geese, &c.

Assuming that the class for Pheasants is an experiment, we
advise that it be discontinued — at all events in the summer.
Oue pair only was shown. The prize for Gmnea Fowls should
also be given up. It savoured almost of the ridiculous to award
a prize of £1 to two httle miseries not worth 5s. We think a
discretionary power may safely be left to the Judges to give a
prize to any new variety of Pheasant, or in any case where there
is competition. It will always be an unsatisfactory class. The
birds do not show themselves ; they cannot be handled, and
they always remind us of Csesar and Pompey, " very much alike,
specially Pompey." Provided the birds are adults, and in good
feather, there is no difference in them. At this season of the year
they are either moidting or soft-feathered, and not fit for exhibition.
The prizes offered for these would be well bestowed in augmenta-
tion of those for the Dorkings or Game Bantams. These latter
from their entries and popularity are entitled to a third prize.

Our task, so far as the review of the classes is concerned, ends
here. We are pleased to be able to say the attendance was very
large, and the sales were unusually numerous. The railway was
also attentive this time, and those connected with the Show were
spared the annoyance of arrivals all day, and long alter the
Judges had commenced their labour. It is so manifestly the
interest of the railway companies to eneourago these gatherings,
that it is always matter of surprise to us when there is good
ground of complaint against thcai. Mr. Houghton was inde-
fatigable as usual, and richly deserved his success. He is entitled
to the thanks of amateurs in general.

We will conclude with a list of those whose birds received
commendations. We published the list of prizetakers last week.

■Spanis u— Highly Commended, W. R. Bull, Newport Pasnell, Bucks
J. R. nodbard, Wrington, near Bristol. Commended, F. Crook, Hampstead
Road.

Spanish. —Highly Commended, C. Atkins, Sewer Cottage, Thanies Bank.
Pimlico; J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury; T. Sheen, Holborn Hill,
Commended, W. Toby, Brompton.

DonKiNG (colouicd).— Highly Commended, Sir J. Paxton, 5I.P. ; Jlrs. F.
Blair, Incbniartine; J. Frost, SiifTulk; J. Lewry, Cuckfield; Mrs. E. Tudman,
Whitchurch. Co lunended. Lady L. Thynne, Muntham C^urt, Worthing ;
Sir J. Paxton. MP. ; Capt. Hornby, Prescot ; A. Potts. Chester.

DoBKlNG. — Highly Co.umended, M. Lcno, jun., Herts; Miss A. Wilcox,
Nailsoa Court, Bristol, Commended, Capt. W. Hornby, Prescot ; P. A.
Eagles, Stapleluirst ; J. H. Thomas. Hereford.

Dorking (white).— Highly Commended, H. Lingwood, Suffolk. Com-
mended, Mrs. Benrdmore, Hants.

DoBKiNG Cocks (coloured and white). — Highly Commended, Sir J.
Paxton, M.P. C'trnmended, MissM. E. Tudman.

CoCHlN-CeiNA <Cinnamon and BufT).— Highly Commended, Mrs. F. Blair ;
Mrs. Fookes, Dorset; J. W. Kelleway, Isle of Wight; S. Statham, Sussex;
T. Stretch, Liverpool. Commended, H. Bates, Birmingham; Mrs. Fookes;
the Lady Superior, St. Mary's Home, Portsmouth.

Co H N-CiUNA (Rrown and Partridge-feathered). —Highly Commended,
P. Cartwright, Osv.estry. Commended, Mrs. E. Herbert., Powick, near
Worcester.

Cocbin-China (White). — Highly Commended, Mrs. F. Blair.

CocHiN-CuiNA Cocks (coloured and white).— Highly Commended, W.
Copple, Prescot. Commended, T. Cartwright, Croydon.

Brahma PoorRA.— Highly Commended, Mrs. F. BlaU-, Inchmartine, N.B.

Game (lilack-brtasted Reds).— Hishly Commended, Hon. W. W. Vernon,
Ranton Abbey, StatTord; J. Fletcher, Manchester. Commended, W. Cox.

Game (Du'ckwings and other Greys and Clues).— Highly Commended,
J. Bradwell, Southwell.

Game Cocks —Highly Commended, Hon. W. W. Vemon, Stafford.

Hamburgh (Gold-pencilled).— Highly Commended, C. Catt, Brighton ;
A. Nultall, Manchester; R. Oxley, Windsor; W. Pleree, Cheshire; C. H.
Wakefield, Slalvein Wells.

Hamboegh (Silver-pencilled).- Highly Commended, Master T. B. Eeable,
Beiks; J. Munn, Manchester.

Hambcrgh Cocks (Gold and Silvcr-poncilkd!.— Highly Commended,
C. H. Wakefield, Malvern Wells. Commended, C. Catt.

Hamburgh (Silver-spangled).- Highlv Commended, E. R. Clayton, Slough;
Commended, Lady J. Cornwallis, Staplchm'st; Rev. T. L. Fellowes, Norfolk.

HA.MEURGH Cocks (Gold or Silyer-spangled).- Commended, Lady J.
Cornwallis, Staplehurst.

Polish (Black with white crests).— Highly Commended, T. P. Edwards,
Lyndhurst, Hants.

Polish (Silver).— Highly Commended, Miss E. Beldon, Yorkshire.

Malay.— Highly Commended, J. J. Fox, Devii-.es; J. Rum«ey, ShadwelL

Bastams (Gold-laced).— Highly Cnmmended, T. H. D. Bayly.

Baxtams (Game).— Highly Commended, Mrs. Bsardmore, Fareham, Hants ;
Miss V. W. JiusgroVe, Oimskirk. Commended, W. Lawrenson, Hardhom ;
O. Nicholson, Fareliam, Hants.

Bantams 'any other variotv).— Commended, T. Walton, DaventlT.

DcCKS (Aylc"bury!.— Hialily Commended, Mr.?. Seamons. Commended,
W. Walter, Jewry Street, Winchester.

Ducks (Roueni.—Highlj' Commended, Lady L. Thynne, Worthing; Mrs.
Fookes ; J. K. Fuwler. Commended, Lady L. Thynne.

Ddcks (Black),— Highly Commended, Mrs. Beavdmore, Hants. Com
mended, Mrs. Beardmore ; G. S. Sainsbury, Devices.

Gep.se (iVhite).— Highly Commanded, E. Tate, DriiBeld.

450

JOXTRNAL OP HORTICULTtTRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 3, 1861.

Geese (Grey and Mottled).— Highly Commended, Mrs. F. Blair; Mrs.
Seamons, Aylesbui-y.

TuHKEYS.— Highly C'lmmended, Slarrhioness of Winchester ; Miss L.
Crawshay, Reading; Master E. Guy. Commended, Marchioness of Win-
chester, Andover.

Ornamental Water Fowe. — Commended, C. Baker, Chelsea.

Extra Stock. — Commended, J. Ellis, Berks.

PIGEONS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW.
The Show of Pigeons numbered rather over 200 pens, of
which the Powtera and Carriers, shown as single birds and not
in pairs, constituted one-third. As a whole the Show was not
80 good as we have seen it, the falling oiF in some classes being
Tery marked. When the names of Wicking, Hayue, Maddeford,
Jones, Weir, and others are absent from the catalogue of a
metropolitan show, it is necessarily shorn of some of its greatest
attractions.

In the Fowter Cock class Mr. Paton was first with an old Blue
bird, 6} inches in limb by \%\ inches in feather ; and highly
commended for a young Bine that was regarded by all the
Powter breeders that we conversed with as the best bird in the
class, being longer and closer feathered in the legs and much
■ slenderer in the girth tlian the old bird. The owner, certainly
not a bad judge, placing nearly double the value on the com-
mended bird. It was very difficult to see the reason of many of
the awards in the Powter classes. For example : a very poor
White cock, 6 inches in limb and 17 inches in length, was com-
mended ; a White hen better absolutely in every respect, and as
a hen relatively immensely superior, was not noticed. The second-
prize cock, a very venerable old Blue 6i inches and 18 inches,
was miserably decrepid on the feet. The third, a Mealy, remark-
able for nothing except a very bad colour, 6J inches in limb and
18 inches in length. In the Powter Hen class the first went to a
Blue 6i inches aud 18 inches. The second to a Eed; and the third
to a remarkably good bird in every other respect except colour,
which was grizzled. She was 6f inches by 17i inches, a slim,
close-feathered, upstanding bird, the picture of what a Powter
should be in form and carriage.

In Carrier Cocks the first prize went to a Dun of Mr. Parkes,
a heavily-wattled bird, but coarse and rather' wanting in elegance
of style. The second and third were Blacks. The highly com-
mended young bird of Mr. Goss was a very stylish narrow-skuDed
bird of very good carriage.

In the " Cocks of any other colour," were shown two Black
hens of Mr. Corker. Those were entered in mistake, had they
been in the hen class their insertion in the prize list would have
been certain. In Black Hens we were much struck with the
goodness of the first-prize hen. The Blue prize hen of Major
Hassard was very good.

Dragoons were an unsatisfactory class to judge the prize.
Blues went to a rather heavy, thick, coarse pair. A pen of
elegant light birds that look too much like two hens were passed
over without notice.

In the Almond Tumblers, Mr. Corker had the first prize with a
splendid pair of birds. The head of the hen is marvellous — so very
good, in fact, that one cannot help thinking that Nature has been
assisted by Art in the manufacture of this perfect chrysolite.
Mr. Esquilant took second with liis well-known pen, the hen
being what is known as a primrose. Mr. Percivall was third.
In Mottles there were only two entries. Mr. Esquilant's Blacks
winning. In the class of Short- faced Baldheads the first prize went
to a pleasant pair of flyers that were not short-faced at all. The
second-prize pen were exceedingly good. In the class for Self-
coloured Tumblers, the prize was given to a very good pair of
Kites ; the second to Blacks. It would be interesting to know
what exhibitors are to understand by the term Self-colour. It is
usually understood to mean one uniform tint ; and had the
general opinion been that Kites were eligible to compete, it is
certain that the number of entries would have been multiplied
threefold.

The first prize YeUov) Jacohines were good. The second,
Whites, very poor. The class as a whole bad.

In OviU, Mr. Morris took a first with his pen of Miniature
Whites, the same that won at Sheffield.

The first prize in Nuns went to Blacks that were claimed at £4.
Turhits were not remarkable.
White Fantails good.

'Black Barhs very poor except the cock in the prize pen, a first-
class bird.

Magpies, a fair show ; a pen of Blues or rather Silvers win-
ning the third. Why three prizes should be given to Magpies,

and only two to Jacohines and other more valuable classes is
an enigma.

Trumpeters poor. A fair pen of Black Mottles was disquali-
fied for some reason not stated.

As if to show the good effect of a litlle liberality in a prize
list, we may point to the Eitnt class (at most Shows the smallest
of all the classes.) This contained twelve pens, because the
prizes were worth competing for ; whereas tlie Trumpeters,
usually forming well-filled classes, were here only two in tho
White class and three in the Mottled. The birds so bad that
one prize out of the two was withheld. No commendation
given, the result of offering a single prize of 15*. in each class
of Trumpeters, whereas three prizes commencing at £1 are given
to Magpies.

In the "Any other Variety" class, the first prize was given to
the Wongo-Wongos, noticed in our account of the Slieflield
Show. The second to a pen of Australian Bronze-wings, in good
feather.

The practice adopted by some Judges, of giving prizes to dis-
tinct species of foreign birds that are utterly incapable of domes-
tication in a class which is expressly staled to be for the en-
couragement of " Any other new or deserving Variety " of our
doineslicatod species, will very shortly have the effect of preventing
any entries of varieties properly so called. This class was formerly
one of the largest in the Show, it now numbers eight entries
only, excluding the foreign species.

We have no wish to see these birds excluded from Shows ;
but let a distinct class be made for them. Every person would
see the absurdity of giving a prize to an Antelope in any other
variety of domestic sheep : yet it would not be one whit more
ridiculous than rewarding the exhibition of foreign Dove.=, to
the exclusion of the breeder of new varieties of our domesticated
species.

PowTEns OR Croppers.— Highly Commended, J. Paton, Ayrshire; W. B.
Tepetmeier. Commended, Marchioness of Witichester ; K. S. Edwards ;
T. H. Evans, Lambetli Walli. Mens vf any co/o»»-.— Commended, W. B.
Tegetmeier, Muswell Hill.

Carriers (Ci'cKs, Black and Dun).— Very Highly Commended, P. Goss,
Plymouth. Higlily Comuiended, Mujor F. C. llassard, U.E., Portsmouth.
Commmded, Major F. C. Hassard, I!.E. ; P. Goss. Cocks o/ any other colour.
—Highly Commended, F. Esquilant, Cxford Street. Hens, Slack ami Dun.
- Conmiended, J. Parkes, Edgware Road.

Dragons {Blues— Commended, F. White, fjapham Common. Any oUier
colour.— H ghly Commended, J. Percivall, Peckliam.

Short- faced Baldheads.— Commended, H. Morris, Forest Hi I.

SnouT-FACED Tumblers. — Highly Commended, F. Esquilant, Oxford Street.

Owls.— Commended, H. Morris, Forest Hill.

Fantails.- Very Highly Commended, W. Dodds, Upper Clapton. Com-
mended, Major Cock. Somerset; J. Percivall, Peckham.

Barbs.— Highly Coiiimended. C. Baker, Chelsea.

Spanish and Leghorn Rests.— Highly Commended, C. Baker, Chelsea
Commended, T. D. Green, Essex.

Com-

EABBITS

For Longest Ears.— Highly Commended. J. .\ngus, Woolwich,
mended, Guest & Coleman. Birmingham ; M. Taylor, Herts.

Black asp White.— Higlily Commended, J. .Morris, jun., Forest Hill.
Commended, Guest & Coleman, Birmingham ; H. llindes, jun., Norwich.

Yellow and White.- Highly Commended, R. J. Murley; U. B. Newsom,
Biixton Hill. Conmiended, C. Felton, Erdington.

Tortoiseshell. — Highly Commended, W. S. RofFey, Woolwich. Com-
mended, H. Hindes. jun. ; C. Sellen, Surrey; A. Stedmun, Surrey.

Blve and White.— Commended, \V. GritBn, Kent; Guest A; Coleman.

Self Colour.— Highly Commended. R. J. Morley, Blackhcalh Village,
Commended, E. Davis, Russell Square; E. Hocliley, Greenwich; C. Sellen.
Sun-ey ; T. Soles, Woolwich.

MORTALITY AT THE SHEFFIELD POULTEY
SHOW.

With reference to jour remarks on the mortality at the
Sheffield Show, I would venture a suggestion. You take the
case up most praiseworthily, but I and others who were there
think von may be wrong; and until the proofs by analysis are
published we shall continue to believe, und fully to hope, there
was no poison administered. In the first place, we think many
birds sliown did not look well. Others in the same pens you
mention looked dull ; and we are inclined to think a great
deal arises from the distances (hey travelled, the violent and
rough usage they receive by railway porters, &c., want of food,
and probahly they were not in any way stimiUatcd before sending
off, which all birds should have before going to shows. We
think, in the absence of further proofs, this is often the cause of
deaths and illness after exhibitions : for it is not uncommon
that a bird leaves well, he gets to his journey's end much
changed, and, in the case of cocks, the combs often change and
never come up again. We hope, through your coHunns, to liear

451

mean to avoid contagion, as if they are under the hen at night
the rest will be sure to catch it. In all cases feed well; if they are
Tery young do not be afraid of an egg or two chopped fine, and
rubbed into three or four times their bulk of good, stale, whit''
bread, and a few grits now and then in the day. With this
management yoii will not want many of the nostrums so often
described as certain cures. — Old Hand.

September 3, 1861. ] JOURNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OARDENER.

of some of the birds in question having been opened, and some
ftirther information will be sent you ; or, as you say, it wfll
stop many from sending their birds anywhere. I think it would
be a good plan if the managers of poultry shows wouli have
large tickets printed and displayed about, stating, "Persons
seen giving poultry anything to eat, &c., will be turned out of
the Exhibition."— T. B".

[We are not aware that the poultry sent to Sheffield had to
endure usage more inimical to life than they have to endure
when sent to other poultry shows. If they had, let this be
stated and amendment promised for the future. Neither was
the weather so sultry as that which poultry have had to endiu-e
at other shows where no mortality has occurred. At no
other show did we ever know of so many deaths ; neither before
any other show did a "Selim" foretell the deaths, and warn
against foul play. It would have been very satisfactory if the
Committee had had the contents of the dead fowl's crops and
intestines " analysed ;" but they did not do so, we believe. At
present we are of opinion that circumstances sustain the sus-
picion that the deaths of poultry at Sheffield were occasioned
designedly.]

A EESTJLT OF IMPROPER FEEDING.

I HAVE just dissected a hen which died last night, and I found
her intestines were very fat, and her liver weighed 7 ozs. I
only noticed her ill yesterday morning. She had been sitting
for a week, and on opening my house in the morning I found
her sitting on a perch, and then put her into a coop and gave
her a tablespoonftil of castor oil immediately, but she gradually
got worse. Can you tell me the cause of her death ? The lungs
were very slightly diseased ; but all the other organs very
healthy, except the liver, which seems to me to have been of
unusual size. — C. H. D.

[Your hen died of diseased biliary organs, caused by exces-
sive and improper feeding. All the bile remained in the liver,
and if you noticed it you will bear us out, that the liver,
instead of being the deep dark brown it should be when healthy,
was wainscot colour; that it was so altered from its proper for-
mation that it coidd be spread like butter with a knife ; and the
gall-bladder, instead of being full, round, and bol tie-green, was
nearly empty, and of a very pale sea-gi-een, or sickly yellow hue.
The fowl had a fat liver. In such case the bird becomes thinner,
and tlie liver and intestines become fatter. In this stage it is
incurable ; but it seldom occurs when fowls are only moderately
fed, and are allowed to exert themselves a little.]

AVOIDING ROUP.

Having seen in your Poultry Chronicle much complaint of
roup am ongst fowls, I am induced to send you a little of my
experience in poultry keeping.

I have been amongst them thirty years, and have kept most
kinds, and I am certain that a suitable situation is the greatest
desideratum in poultrv-keeping, particularly as respects roup. I
have never found that poultry do so well on low clayey land as
on sloping sandy soils ; the Dorking, Spanish, and the Ham-
burghs in particuiai'. Any other sorts suffir less, and Game,
above all others, have done the best with me in a low place,
and I have found that good dry barley is the best food (con-
sidering they have a good run") for them, even for chickens as soon
as they can take it — say when a month old.

I consider all opening food ought to be avoided for roupy fowls
as they are often too much purged.

I should never roost roupy fowls in a house at all in summer,
the bouiihs of a tree form the place better than all others for
them, and will prove to have more influence over the disease
than anything else.

I have cured a bad case, in a fortnight, with a dose of twist
tobacco ar roost time, about half-an-inch every other night, and
the tree for a roost ing-place.

I nev. r remember seeing roup bad where fowls liave roosted
out. In the case of young chickens it is awkward : you cannot
roost theni out on a percii, but they may be put in an open shed,
or any other unclosed building would do. If they roost inside,
thorough ventilation must be seen to ; and the fewer chicks with
each hen the belter for avoiding the disease. If one should be
taken with it, and the chicks are young, kill it at once, if you

"B. & W.'s" APIARY IN 1861.

SmroET notices of my apiarian proceedings this year have
appeared in your columns from time to time during the summer
which is now waning ; but as they have only affiarded glimpses
of the condition and history of my bees, and have been written
unconnectedly, I purpose, according to my annual custom, to
relate in order what has befallen me in the way of good and ill
success.

I began the year with five stocks out of the seven which I had
at the close of last summer. As I took 29 lbs. of honey in
supers from them in a bad year, I only saved these five by dint
of steady feeding with sugar water all through the autumn,
winter, and spring — in fact, up to the second week in May. At
that time the bees stood as follows in my bee-house : —

A, defunct
D, strong.

B, strong.

E, moderately strong.

C, not very strong.
F, strong.

B gave me two artificial swarms. I call the first A, as it was
put in the place of defunct A. The second remains B, as I
destroyed and plundered the old hive-box ultimately.* These
swarms were forced severally on the llth and 23rd of May
It was on the llth that I received my first Italian queen, whos
misadventures were recorded in this Journal at the time. Mye
impatience was undoubtedly the cause of her destruction by the
bees of B, to which I offered her twenty -four hours after swarm A
was forced. When the second swarm was driven on the 23rd,
the young queen, which they reared artificially, was still im-
prisoned together with four other princesses in their cells. I
cut out these royal cells, adjusted them in a glass over a hole in
the top of the box into which the swarm was driven, and had
the pleasure of seeing her issue from her prison on the 27th.
The others were immediately destroyed. This swarm throve
extremely well, and was full of honey and bees at the end of
June, which was also the end of the honey season in this neigh-
bourhood. The first swarm A also did remarkably well, and
gave me a super weighing about 15 lbs. nett, a small box nett
h\ lbs., and li lb. in a small glass globe — 22 lbs. in all.

Out of F I forced a swarm on the 17th of May, which, as it
took the place of the old stock, also retains its title. The parent
stock was removed to a window in another locality, and was
ultimately broken up and plundered on or about the 12th of
June, when the bees with their young artificial queen were
driven into a Tasmanian hive (G). These have since done well,
being weighty with honey and full of bees. The swarm F gave
me 36^ lbs. nett honeycomb in various boxes and glasses. I,
perhaps, obtained so much honey from this swarm because I
sliced up the combs in two of the boxes, allowing the honey to
run out, and returning the foundation of the combs attached to
the bars, all that the bees had to do being to elongate the cells
and replenish them. A great economy of wax is effected by
this method, although it is a somewhat delicate operation and
troublesome.

On the 24th of May I forced a swarm out of C, the swarm
taking the place of the old stock. The latter was removed to a
stand in my garden, but came to nothing, owing to the entire
migration of the bees to their old locality. There was an
immense quantity of brood sealed up ; but few came to anything,
owing, I presume, to the absence of sufficient heat in the hive.
I was never more disappointed in my calculations ; but my
impression is that a young queen had been artificially reared by
the bees in April, and that she had only just filled the hive with
her first brood. The old bees would thus be all strong on the
wing, and familiar with their old haunts. The swarm, however,
gave me about 21 lbs. in glasses and boxes.

D stock swarmed naturally on the 14th of June. The swarm
H was put into an improved straw hive and located in my
garden. It throve so well that I obtained from it a beautiful
globe weighing 6i lbs. nett honeycomb on the 22nd of July

* This box was superadded to another hive till every particle of brood
was hatched out of it. Several pounds of honey were taken from it.

452

JOUENAIi OP HORTICULinEE A3fD COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ September 3, 1861.

while the parent stoct in the hee-house, which swarmed no
mort% gave me 27 lb». of eicellent honeycomb in two supers.

But my grand spoil was obtained from B, which was left to
its own devices. Besides its own stores in tlie stock-box (more
than sufficient for the winter), it gave me in three supers 64 ibe.
nett of beautiful honeycomb.

It will thus be seen that by the end of July my five stocks
had increased to eight,* while my honey liarvest from all sources
has amounted to 188J lbs. Of this I have already sold 70 lbs.
at an average price ot Is. 2d. per lb. — B. & W.
(To he continued.)

INTEODUCING A LIGUEIAN QUEEN BEE
INTO MY APIAEY.

As it is the fashion of many individuals to follow some par*
ticular pursuit, or hobby as it is sometimes called, independent
of their profession, so I have mine. I am a "hit" of a bee-
keeper for two reasons, profit and pleasure. I liave placed the
former first, as I fear this has such an influence over my love of
this branch of natural liistory, that were it to cease the second '
would suffer in a corresponding ratio. These two reasons have,
doubtless, induced the Editors of The JoraSAi. of Horticfl-
TunE to devote a portion of their columns to the discussion of
this branch of natural history. And these two reasons have
influenced me to peruse with no little pleasure that portion of
the said Journal devoted to that subject ; but my phrenological
bump denoting excitability felt more tlian usually disturbed j
when the news of a liitherto unknown species of these industrious
insects had been introduced amongst us. I say unknown, wlu'ch
I believe is correct to a certain extent, as but few English :
apiarians have hitherto been personally acquainted with this
Italian species. I, in common with several others of your readers, i
was sufit-ring from this bee-mania, and I for one wrote last season
to the chief physician, " A DEV0^'3HIRE Bee-keepee," for relief;
but as bad. luck would have it, no relief could be procured, and
poor I with sevi ral other patients have continued to sulier from
this malady for more than twelve montlis. At length tlie long-
looked-for came at last in the shape of a Ligurian queen bee,
but misfortune still continued to pUice its sombre mantle o'er \
me. This time my own ignoranoe, or oversight, was the afflicting
agent, as I shall presently show. I

Her majesty ai rived on the evening of July 39th, in a little i
casket escorted by a few workers — of course, too late to com- |
mence proceeriings at that hom- : consequently, I left her un- |
disturbed until tlie following morning, when about eleven o'clock
I began by unhousii-g my native stock, which is a swarm ofjune
16th, and hived in one of Mr. Tegetnieier's bar-frame hives
(thanks to Mr. Woodbury for recommending me to introduce
bar-liives into my apiary), I removed every bar into an empty
luve without finding her. I then inspected the sides of the hive
and found her sunounded by a portion of her subjects. I re-
moved and placed her under a wine-glass I then arijusted the
hive, leaving the inmates to discover then' loss, whilst 1 repaired
to tlie little eafket in order to discover and provide them a future
sot ereii;n. And liere quite a romantic incident occurred (or
i-ather incidents), involving me in the trouble above referred to.
After removing the IM of the box and investigating the comb,
nought could 1 discover amongst the workers at all resembling a
queen bee but oi e, as I thought larger than the rest, and this
cue so debilitated as scarcely being able to move. T took this one
out, examined it, presently it ceased to exist. I still thought it
must be a small queen ; but to make siuety doubly sure, 1 took
the little box about twelve paces from the house, I then shook
them out on a cloth but could discover no queen, and how it
could have escaped my observation is a mystery I am unable to
solve. This led me to conchide that the dead bee above referred
to was no otlier than the queen. This made me feel " kinder
riled." I tlien took the original queen from under the glass
with the intention of placing her in her former position, but it
refused to enter between the bars at the top of the hive. Being
obstinate I deemed it expedient to resort to physical force, so 1

• E»ery stofk, after my share was taken, remained well supplied witli
honey, so as to reqiiiie very little if any feeding— in fact, I only plunderea
what the bees chose to deposit in boxfe and gLjsses. Our iriend. the
** Devoshire EEE-KEKi'En," will bear testimony tj the correctiie.-.-* of my
st^ry from what be ^aw of the condition of my ajtinry on the 15th of July.*

[I ean have no hes.tation in bearing witncf.s to the correctness of the
ahove, wltich i.-*,- moi cover, agreeably impressed on my memory by the
recollectioa of a very pleasant visit.— A D£V02isuiitE Bee-keeper.]

pushed her in with my finger ; in so doing I acoidently killed
her. Here was a dilemma for a novice in apiarian tactics to be
placed in. I was fairly done.

There was now no alternative but to leave this now-disorganised
colony to re-arrange their constitution, and to select or rather
provide themselves another monarch. In the meantime I
toileted my hair with my fingers in order to allay a peculiar
itching sensation that then pervaded my " cranium." As soon
as the agitation had sufficiently subsided to compose me into a
writing mood, I resorted to pen and paper, and commenced
communicating my chapter of accidents to " A DEVOKsniEE
Bee-keepek." I liad about half finished my melancholy ditty
when my daughter (a gml often years old) opened the door from
whence I had made my exit, with- what I tliought a queenless
box, when what was my surprise to hear her exclaim, " Oh !
father, Cere's the Ligurian queen !" And sure enough, as an
Erinite (if there is such a word) would have it, there she wa»
with her faithful few in the ast of flying into my house. (Could
this have been merely accidental or a beautiful example of
instinct ?) Slie aliglited on the wall, I then took the little box
and held it over her, she immediately entered, and I no little
joyed at this opportune discovery, as quickly took her to her
new domain, separating her from her subjects until the morrow
by a piece of perforated zinc. During all this time the inmates
of the hive were most irascible, they attacked every one that
approached within fifty yards of their territory. On the morrow
(July 21st) I withdrew the zinc and admitted them to their
new sovereign, after this they were more composed, and resumed
their usual activity, and as they continued busy collecting pollen
I concluded all was well.

I saw no Ligurian bees until August 17th. I saw then two at
the mouth of the hive ; the next day more made their appearance,
and continued to increase daily, and now (August 27th) the
hive appears quite transformed, and has every appearance of
doing well. Amongst tlie several superior qualities which they
are said to possess over tlie black bees, I can bear testimony to
one — their appearance is certainly superior — in fact, they are
very interesting to look upon ; but whilst they are thus far
assimilated to the present age, I hope they will not prove
deficient in the " main point."

I have in compliance with the expressed wieh of "A DEVONf
SHIKE Bee-keepeb," entered somewhat fully into the events
connected with this my first effort to Ligurianise my apiary, and
I trust they will not fail to interest your numerous readers.
When lime permits I may relate a little about bees and bee-
keeping in this district, should you deem tlie observations I may
make worthy a corner in the Journal. — S. Amey.

GOLD FISH BECOMING BLACK.

Ix one or two of the early Numbers of your Kew Series, are some
answers to questions respecting Gold Fish. May I trouble yotj
with a new case ? Four Gold Fish, purchased some (cw years
ago, have been kept in a rather large glass globe, in which are a
few shells and pieces of moss; and the water is changed every week
(all according to directions received by the purchaser in London).
One of these fisfi some time aiio showed certain dark, I may say
black, marks upon it ; the back, the top of the head, and the
tops of the fins and the tail. This dark colour increased until
the whole boHy assumed a black appearance, and tlie fish died.
Two of the remaining fish are now undergoing the same change ;
slight at first, but increasing. Can you tell me tlie cause? Is
tliere any mode by wliich it may be removed ? The globe stands
in not a hot room, and has been there some few years. Can it
be from age ? — Deek.

[We have often observed dark spot« on Gold Fish, and wlien
very young they are entiiely dark ; but we never before heard of
this total relapse to a dart colour. We shall be obliged by
anv correspondent sending us information upon the subject. —
Eds. J. or H.]

OUR LETTEE BOX.

Wbioht ot Eor.s (Pawny).— The areragc weights arc — Dorkingft, 2f ozs. ;
Rouen Ducks, 3i ozs. ; Avlcpbury Ducks, 3 ozs. ; Game, 2^ ozs. ; Ham-
■juighp, 1^ to ifnz. ; Muiuj-s, 2.1 ozs.; Polands, 2 o»s. ; Cochin-Chinas,
2] o7,s. ; and Spanish, 3.^ oz.^.

Stewahton-bites { W. Johnson).— 1( you will buy No. 10 of our Journal
you will tind Buch h cl*soription as you reqtiiie.

Septembei- 10, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

453

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

of

Day
of

SEPTEMBEU 10-16, 1861.

"Weather near London in 1860.

Sun

Sun

Moon
Eises

Moon*s

Clock
before

Day of

Rain in
Inches.

M'nth

Week.

Barometer. Thermom.

Wind.

Eises.

Sets.

and Sets

Age.

Sun.

Year. >

deg. deg.

in. h.

m. h.

m. b.

m. s.

10

To

Glycine monoica.

30.072-30.035

58—32

N.E.

—

29af 5

25af6

46 8

6

3 10

253

11

W

Phlox pyraniidalis.

30.267-30.161

64-28

N.E.

—

3D 5

23 6

43 9

J)

3 31

254

12

Th

Saffron Crocus.

30.315-30.113

66-25

S.E.

82 5

21 6

51 10

8

3 52

255

IS

F

Nolana prostrata.

29.985-29.776

70-38

S.

■02

33 5

13 6

morn.

9

4 13

256

14

S

Zinnia.

29,605—29.491

67-46

S.W.

.04

35 5

16 6

5 0

10

4 34

257

15

SDK

16 Sunday after Trinity.

29.493—29.485

65-47

s.

•01

37 5

14 6

21 1

11

4 55

258

16

M

Polygonum orientale.

29.662.- 22. 582

65-54

S.W.

•18

38 5

12 6 35 2

12

5 16

259

Meteorology op the Week. — At Chismck, from observations during the

last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest

temperatures of these days are 08.1° and iS.V respeotively. The greatest heat, 86

", occurred on the 12th in 1853 ; and the lowest cold, SI",

on the 12th in 1848. During the period 135 days were fine, and on 105 rain fell.

PAEENTS OF SOME GLADIOLI.

EALLY obliged sLould I he if
you could tell me the names
of the parer.ts of Gladiolus
gandavensis. Also, whether
the six following varieties —
Eldorado, Canasi, Ophir,
Linne, Brencbleyensis, and
Vulcain, are the progeny of
G. gandavensis by itself, or
of G. gandavensis crossed by
some other species P If the
history of these si.x; varieties be not
known, their appearance may, per-
haps, to instructed eyes tell their
probableorigin.— ChaelesDaewin.

[The parents of Gladiolus gan-
davensis have been first mis-stated
on the Continent by Van Houtte,
in his description of it, and in
England by Paxton, in his " Maga-
zine of Botany." Gandavensis is
an English seedling, and was raised
by Dr. Herbert and by J. T. Alcock,
Esq., but neither of them could
flower it or any of the seedlings of
the same cross, and they sent out the bulbs to Mr. Bid-
well, at Sydney, where the climate was more favourable.
Mr. Bidwell flowered all the seedlings at Sydney, and one
of theui, gandavensis, found its way back to Europe.
The false pai-entage given to it by M. Van Houtte shows
that that " way " was not as it ought to have been.

Tan Houtte's parentage was between natalensis and
cardinalis ; but it is a curious fact, that the Natal bulb
resisted all the attempts to cross it everywhere with any
one of the west Gape species. Natalensis was the mother
of Gladiolus gandavensis by the pollen of the Madagascar
oppositiflorus, and the cross was accomplished by two of
the most correct breeders of their times. Through oppo-
sitiflorus as a floodgate both the west and east Cape
Gladioli and their oflspring have been induced to breed
as freely as the Pelargonium. Like the Pelargonium the
Gladioli of the present day are, and have been, fast " im-
proving " on the principle of breeding in-and-in. There
is no seedling in cultivation from gandavensis by any
distinct species whatever. But gandavensis is certainly a
true cross-bred plant between two genuine wild species ;
and although it is now more than twenty years of age, not
the age when it was announced on the Continent, it is the
last distinct cross between any two species in the genus.
The seedlings which you mention are all garden crosses,
but they are not the most dissimilar from the originals.
Gladioli are now getting striped and picoteed like
Dianthus. Mr. Beaton once or twice mis-stated the
nativity of Gladiolus gandavensis, saying it was an
Australian seedling, while it merely flowered there, with
Mr. Bidwell, for the first time.— D. B.]
No. 24. — Vol. I., New Sebies.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW OF AUTUMN
FLOWERS AND FRUIT.— Sept. 4th & 5th.

It was a grand Show, and the finest Ilahliaa ever yet Eeen
were there. The best HoUjhocis that ever were known were
there- also, right and wrong — that is to say, it is not only-
wrong, but very wrong, to give one farthing for cut flowers of
H0II3 liceks ; for if there is a blaclsleg between Sydenham and
tlie Brigg of Ayr, lie has here the power and the inducement to
cheat his customers with the most unworthy-of-cultivafion
Hollyhocks that ever were seen, for out of the worst spike
one flower picked, and cooked to look as the best we had there,
and a prize being obtained for it, it might be called a first-rate,
and then the exhibitor might turn round and say it was not his
fault, the Judges eaid so, and surely it was right and fair to turn
a penny by it. That is exactly where the arrow tends to from
cut blooms of Hollyhocks more than of any other flower.

The very best China Asters in the world were there, and
twice, if not three times, better than they were seen before.
There were thousands of them, and literally there was not a bad
flower among the whole. But there is one thing mightily in
their favour — they hare no ephemeral names to confuse and
bother people. They are in two claeses — the quilled or German,
and the French or fiat-floreted sorts. Now, just look at one of
the best German Asters, and see what we have lost in the loss
of the tasselled Chrysanthemums through the madness of the
best of our brethren, the florists, in their hurry to get at the
"improvement" of one section of the family. Why should we
not have Chrysanthemums exoc'ly in the form of the best China
Asters, as we might just as easily have had from the tasselled
kinds of Mr. Sabine's account of them, as we do have the
charmers of the incurved mood ?

But the Gladioluses, of all the flowers of this generation, have
made the most rapid strides on to perfection of "lug" and
feather ; and Verbenas put up in bunches, are very pretty orna-
ments in the drawing-room on pretty little stands of kniik -knacks,
but in that way they are of all other flowers the greatest traps
to the simple and unwary who may frequent some shows.
Nothing in the palmy days of honest George Robinson, of
Charing Ci'oss renown, was more hkely to deceive a good eus-
toicer as a bunch of so many trusses of Verbenas ; and I would
leave it as a legacy to my country readers never to buy or even
think of such a thing as buying anew Verbena, from only seeing
a pretty bunch of it at a show. But understand me, I would
not advise the doing away with the exhibition of cut Verbenas
by any means.

What I would like to see is this — only a few heads with a
sufficiency of brains to see the folly of the present system with
all cut flowers, not even excepting the Rose. What good has
all the money done that was spent in rewards for fruit at Chiswick
for the last thirty years ? It never taught a single individual
how to place a dish of dessert on the dinner-table, which is by
far the most essential "property" for a working gardener to
know about fruit. What on earth is the good to the propelhrg
power of gardening in civilisation, that you can anticipate from
exhibiting heaps of cut flowers, without heads or tails, or any
kind of real meaning in their an angement ?

This was certainly the most beautiful sight of cut flowers I
ever saw ; but I could not help mushig on our childish ways of
displaying them. Is there no man or woman on this or that
side of the Thames who would enjoy a design with cut flowers
that would combine the richness of five distinct shades of colour
in Dahlia, Verbena, Hollyhock, or After ? Can a mortal ham
No. 676.— Vol.. XXVI., Old Seeisb.

454

JOUENAL OP HORTICULTTJBE AND COTTAGE aARDENEE. [ September 10, 1861.

anytliing from seeing flowers set down as if Jupiter had thrown
them after his queen from tlie heaven of his idolaters ? Could
they not be so placed and grouped or arranged as that a body
" frae the countra " might pickup some notions of decoration
from tlu'ir effects ? Surely we could hit two birds with a throw
with cut flowers and fruit. I mean, we might exhibit all kinds
of combinations and contrasts of colours, on various ground
colours, by the very flowers we now use or abuse like children,
for no iise whatever.

The same v.^ith fruit. I would never give a prize to cut fruit
which was not set up exactly as if it were in the dessert on the
dining-table, that people who go to the Exhibition might learn
something more than that Jack the giant-killer took the first
prize in Pumpkins and AVater Melons. Should there not be
some higher aim in our awards for fruit than a day's gossip in
the village or parish where Jack was born and brought up, about
a medal he had from the Society to wear on gala days ? No
doubt we are now passing through that degree of civilisation
where such defects can be seen from behind, and such perception
may be spied in the distance. And, no doubt, also, but we
shall reach the top of the hill just at the right time, and not one
momeut sooner, no matter how we preach or how we practise.

To begin with the Fruit. There was a high-raised stand under
the great orchestra on purpose for a collection of fruit from Sir
Joseph Paxton's " Hothouse for the Million." The collection
was not for competition, but to show what splendid fruit could
be had from the simplest form of structures, and the least
expense in management ; also to exhibit the French mode of
managing common Grapes for common people — that is to say,
six pots of some Chasselas Grape loaded with bunches of Grapes
on the natural system, or without any attempt at thinning the ber-
ries, which they eat as we, or some of us, eat common Currants.
Then a row of splendid dishes of Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums,
as fine as any for the grand prizes. Her yoimg Grace of Suther-
land was again at the place of honour in the dessert competitions.
Her head gardener, Mr. Henderson, being first shot at all the
long ranges, and at some of the short ones, as this tale will tell.
First-class prize for the best eight dishes, won by Mr. Henderson.
The first collection of six dislus and first prize to Mr. Henderson.
The first prize for the best two kinds of Peaches, and the best
two kinds of Nectarines, to Mr. Henderson. Mr. Snow's extra
prizes for the best of his Muscat Hamburgh, first prize to Mr.
Henderson ; and an extra prize for the most out-of-the-way kind
of fruit also to Mr. Henderson for Psidium Cattleyanum.

The collection of eight dishes began with a handsome Pine
Apple, a prickly Cayenne ; Black Hamburgh and Lady Downe's
Grapes, with Muscats of Alexandria between Trentham White-
fleshed Melon ; Brugnon Nectarines ; Late Admirable Peaches,
splendid samples ; and Morello Cherries, black as Sloes.

The six-dish collection, a Montserat Pine Apple, Lady Downe's
Grape (black as jet), Muscat of Alexandria, Eoyal George Peach,
Violette HEitive Nectarine, aiid Trenthara Green-fleshed Melon.

The four Peach and Nectarine di&hes were of the Barrington
Peach and three kinds of Nectarine, the two oldest-standing
dishes, Elrugc and Violette Ilative; and the third a most
luscious-looking lot of \'\'illiams' Pitmaston Orange, as yellow as
if they were fresh from the diggings, and as brown as a berry.
There was only one more dish of this beautiful-looking Nectarine
in the whole Exhibition, it was from Mr. Goldsmith, gardener to
Sir W. E. Farquhar, near Dorking ; but in another class of less
kinds in which Mr. Goldsmith was deservedly first fiddle.

The second prize for the eight-dish collection was cleverly won
by Mr. Tillyard, late gardener to the late Speaker, and now to
the great builder, J. Kelk, Esq., down at Eossy Priory, near
Edgeware — a celebrated place for fruit for many years while in
the occupation of the Marquis of Abercorn, and now as likely to
keep up the charter of the place as ever it was. Mr. Tillyard
has been shooting successfully at the Regent Street " butts " for
years past. His dishes were Prickly Cayenne Pine Apples,
splendid Muscats of Alexandria, Black Hall Melon between the
Muscats, fine Black Prince Grapes, Magnum Eonum Plums,
Green Gages, Late Admirable and Noblesse Peaches, and Mo-
rello Cheries.

The third on the list was Mr. Young, gardener to W. H.
Stone, Esq., Havant. He had a Black Jamaica Pine, a fine
Dulwich Perfection Melon, Banana fruit, Black and Wliite
Grapes, Ehuge Nectarine, and Victoria Plums, and Late Ad-
mirable Peach. All the Peaches and Nectarines were very fine,
the Grapes were above extra fine. A new exhibitor of Grapes
up from Liverpool made some of the London people open their

mouths wider than their wont. But you shall see after we get
through with the Pines.

What would you say to a Pine Apple 19 J lbs. plump down
at the end of tlie fruit-stand ?— a perfect natural curiosity in its
way, and carried out in the best way known to us gardeners.
It was a handsome Prickly Cayenne, sitting low down in the
centre of an immense number of its own progeny, and looking
like a peacock, if it could be made to sit on a stool when its
tail is up ; then, like as its feathers in closeness together, rose
a circle of suckers from the neck of the Pine Apple, and each
of these had a little Pine Apple for a stool ; lower down another
row of suckers rose close to the first, and then scattered ones
down the stalk of the main fruit. There were eighteen or twenty
suckers in the first circle, quite as many in the next, and half as
many a little lower down : about fifty in all — something to talk of
when that kind cost £1 the plant. This was from our old frfend
Mr. Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq., Streatham.

Mr. Thomas Young, gardener to C. Baily, Esq., M.P. Aber-
dare, had the first Pine prize with a handsome black Jamaica ;
and Mr. G. Young, with Mr. Page, had the second and third in
that class. The next class being Queen Pines, and in them Mr.
Page had the first shot with a five-and-a-half pounder, and Mr.
Dalrymple was next with a four-pounds-five-ounce specimen.
Mr. Bull, from Messrs. Weeks' pineries at Chelsea, had several
nice Pines, and some prizes for them by way of extra.

The Grapes were never seen better. Mr. Smith, Lord Tenter-
den's gardener, and Mr. Henderson, of Trentham, were the only
two competitors with Snow's Muscat Hamburgh for his prize.
The largest bunch of Grapes was from Mr. Dwerrihouse, the
successor of Mr. Tillyard to Lord Eversley ; it was the clear
White Grape called Marchioness of Hastings, it is larger than
Trebbiano, and is said not to turn amber colour like Trebbiano
and Muscats when full ripe or over-ripe ; but it is an immense
buncher. The second largest was a double bunch of Black, the
stalk of the bunch at " showing time " divided into two stalks,
and both carried a bunch. The two together had a fine touch
of good management from Mr. Meredith.

'There were twelve baskets in competition for the twelve-pound
Black Grapes, and they were all first-rate to look at, and there
was a tie for the first and third prizes, Mr. Harrison and the
new comer from Garstang, near Liverpool, being equal in the
first, and had each a first-rate prize.

1 he Peaches and Nectarines in pots were all from the Messrs.
Lane & Son, the great Rose growers. 'Ihe Apples were not in
perfection, and the Pears were one-quarter ripe, except a few
summer ones. What a farce it seems to ofl'er prizes for green
fruit not fit to grind for cider or perry ! No Society or Com-
mittee should ever ofl'er, or give, a prize to a single article of
fruit which is not fit to set before the Queen at the time of ex-
hibition. But we inherit all this from the mismanagement of
the glories of Chiswick. 1 here were bushels of green Apples and
Pears, and heaps of Gourds and fancy Squashes — beautiful
things in their way, however; some lengthy Cucumbers, but
none over a yard as far as I could see, and if you would go to
Ipswich in the spring of the year, you would see the Cucumbers
sold there by the yard measure, as they sell the butter in
Cambridgeshu-e.

I began the Flowers with the Gladioluses. As a whole they
were not so good as they were last year, and Mr. Standish is, or
was the only exhibitor of them who put them up to the best
advantage — that is, in dark green boxes and bright green moss ;
but dark brown oak colour is the best ground colour to put
flowering plants on, and green baize. The common standing
dish is the second worst thing to make the best of flowers. A
Frenchman last year put his collection of Gladioli in pale glass
bottles of water at the Crystal Palace, one stage worse than
green baize, and this season lots of them were set in common
garden pots full of sand, just enough to ruin the eflVct of the
best flowers in the world. Mr. Standish was first, of course,
were it only for his judicious disposition ; but there were some
splendid new kinds. I would not hold the candli* for ariy man
in Europe on this subject. I was at the first, and the last, and
the middle of the din which raised the Gladiolus to this pitch.
I raised them by the thousanels and never lost sight of them to
this day; but 1 never Iiad them worse with me than tliey have
been in my front garden this season. The leaves wi re red-sv'idi red
this year as nothing was ever like it, yet being early sorts they
bloomed before the leaves were ruined. There were 424 of them
at the Show in four collections, besides a great many for orna-
mentation up and down the stands.

September 10, 1861. ] JOURNAL OP HOSTICULTURB AND COTTAGE G-ARDENEB.

455

The first tiling -which struck my eye in Mr. Standish's first-
class collection, was one in a new strain in colour and marking —
a most ladylike flower, crimson and white carnationed and
picoteed, as in some of the early Tulips ; the throat yellow,
and stained with deep crimson feathers. The flowers stand
back to back on the spike, as all in one section of them do, and
in making bunches of cut spikes that way of blooming is most
handy for placing contrast coloui-s in each other's axils, as one
might say. This charming llower is called Mrs. Hole, and you
may set down Mrs. Hole as the most perfectly painted lady
from top to toe amongst all Her Majesty's floral subjects.
Joshua Dix is still the richest of the rich crimson and deep
purple cast. Belle of Bagshot is a pure white, with a lemon
yellow tliroat, which is stained with crimson featliering, another
lore of a thing. Reynolds Hole, a big robust kind, in the style
of Joshua Dix, but lighter all over, on a bold vigorous spike,
shoulder high above its fellows, and curving gracefully to be
seen in front. Verily these florists put a high value on individual
character, if we may judge from the flowers they name after
their wives, friends, and patrons. Madame Vilmorin, a shaded
rosy lilac, just a lady's colour to a tint. Lanei, or J. W. Lane,
said to be the Turner of the florists of Dublin, for his turn for
flowers when his attorneyism allows him half an hour among
them. This is of a deep vermilion ground, with a lighter stripe
in each of the sepals, and the throat a yellow ground feathered
with crimson. Goldfinder, best-shaped yellow. Osiris, a con-
tinental seedling, remarkable as looking so much like the
Byzantine Gladiolus. Mrs. Dombraine — here, again, we have a
perfect model of a chaste florist's fancy in form, shape, and
symmetry in one flower, the ground colour of which is a delicate
blush lilac, and it is striped all over and more prominently
along the edges with carnation stripes ; the throat is a mottled
crimson, with three deeper bauds for feathers. Mrs. Standish
looked more like herself than she did last year ; better season
and better luck in living might be the cause. Of all the con-
tinental seedlings in this collection, Eugene Dumage, a deep
scarlet and crimson is the very best, a first-rate shape also, if
shape can be of use in so many moulds of matrons and
matronettes, to coin a word new as one of these seedlings. But
I have kept my own favourite to the last, a most charming new
colour, with which you cannot meet out of the Asiatic Dendro-
biums. The colour is between fawn colour, salmon tint, and
the vitellina kind of yellow all sufi'used together, but lighter and
deeper in difierent parts of the flower. The name is Edith
Dombraine, a dear little pet, you may be sure, if you had seen
tliis fliwer for her namesake.

Those I noted in Mr. Youell's collection, which had the
second prize, were Couranti fulgens, Kaphael, and Napoleon III.,
as the three highest-coloured ; then Gandavensis, Due de Mala-
koff", and Bowiensis; then Ophir, Ceres, and Madame de Vatry.

Out of the third collection, which was from W. Paul & Son,
the highest was Madame Furtado ; Victor Verdier, both as in
the names of Roses ; Clemants, a fine striped Carnation on a
lilac ground ; Due de Malakoff' again ; Robert Blum, orange
and scarlet ; Premier de Montrouge, crimson and scarlet ;
Mazeppa ; Raphael, and Brenobleyensis. Every one of all these
names represents a first-class flower-garden flower. As to shapes,
the best for Gladioluses is two triangles placed at right angles,
which cut the ground from under our florists' feet. To make
any one flower in the order of Irids a perfect circle would be to
spoil it altogether.

At this very point of my tale I spied a most practical florist in
tlie distance— Mr. Holmes of the Frampton Park Nursery, near
Hackney. He and Robinson's Defiance, or tlie author, rather, of
that Verbena, seemed to be contemplating on having a leaf out
of my book, thinking, probably, that I was out in my books in
. such company ; but no, I got him, the said Mr. Holmes, fast by
the button-hole, and stuck to him till he promised to do the
Dahlias for me, for I never yet knew the right end of a Dahlia.

Mr. Holmes' list of the twenty-four finest Dahlias in the
Crystal Palace Exhibition is as follows : — Triomphe i Puk, Chair-
man, Jenny Austin, Ljdy Popham, Golden Drop, Hugh Miller,
Mrs. W. Piggott, George Elliott, Joy, Lord Palmerston, Gold-
finder (Keynes), Mrs. C. Waters, Warrior, Mrs. Church, Mrs.
Vyse, Cherub, Satirist, Col. Wyndham, Criterion, Pre-eminent,
Flower of the Day, Sidney Herbert, Sir G. Douglas, and Mrs.
Beaumont.

Seven Fancies. — Lady Paxton, Queen Mab, Elizabeth, Pluto,
Elegans, Coronation, and Enchantress.

The best Seedling is Pope's Earl Derby.

The Hollyhocks in spikes were grand indeed; but I must
keep the names of the best-coloured ones of them in spikes and
in cut blooms, till it is time to buy them, which will be very
soon, and then I sliall mention the exhibitors and their kinds.
The same in Roses, for I want to close with the China Asters,
after saying the Phloxes were good and no more ; and Mr.
Cutbush, of the Highgate Nursery, had the finest-bloomed lot
of Tritoma uvaria in pots I ever saw ; there might be two
dozen of them in comparatively small pots, and so bloomed as
freely as Tom Thumbs.

But what I was going to say about China Asters, was, that I
got hold at last of the man who took the first prize for Frencli
Asters for the last four years — if not longer. Mr. Sandford has
his Aster seeds from the Messrs. Fraser, of Lea Bridge Nursery,
every year. He sows between the 20th and 26th of March, and
treats the seedlings and the full-grown plants as he does his
Celery seedUngs and plants, only they are not planted in
trenches, and that the Asters require about four times the
quantity of water. He thinks home-saved seeds not fit for
prize plants, and he grows great quantities to select from.

D. BEATOIf.

The following is a list of the prizetakers : —

FRUIT.

Cullectioji of eight dishes.— V'nst, A. Henderson, Trentham. Second,
G. Tillyard, gardener to J. Kelk, Esq., Great Stanmorp.

Collection of six dishes, distinct Jii/ids. — First, .\. Henderson, Trentham.
Second, T. Dawson, gardener to Earl Cowper, Panshanger.

Pine Apple, single fruit, any variefi/ but Queen. — First, T. Ifoung, gar-
dener to C. Bailey, Esq., M.P., Aberdare. Second, G. Young, gardener to
W. H. Stone, Esq., Havant.

Fi7ie Apple, Queen, single fruit. — First, J. Page, gardener to "\V. Leaf,
Esq., Streathara. Second, R. Dalryraple, gardener to C. H. Leigh, Esq.,
Pontypool Park, Monmouthshire.

Gropes, hoxesof 12 Ihs. n-eight. — Equal First, C. F. Harrison, Weybridge.
Equal First, J. Meredith, Garstang, Liverpool. Second, S. Solomon, Peck-
ham Rye.

Grapes, Slaek, two dishes, distinct kinds. — First, J. Meredith, Garstang,
Liverpool Second, withheld.

Orapes, White, two dishes. Muscat or any other variety. — First, T. Frost,
Aylesford. Second, J. Meredith, Garstang, Liverpool.

Grapes, the largest bunch of any kind.— First, J. DweiTihouse, gardener
to Viscount Eversley, Heckfield. Second, J, Meredith, Garstang, Liverpool.

Peaches and Nectariries, foul dishes, tuo kinds.- V\\-ii, A. Henderson,
Trentham. Second, W. Kaile, gardener to Earl Lovelace, Ripley.

Peaches and Nectarines, two dishes. —First, G. Goldsmith, gardener to Sir
W. R. Farquhar, Bart., Dorking. Second, H. Packman, Ewell Castle.

Melons, green-fleshed, single fruit. — First, T. Bailey, Sli-irdeloes Garden,
Amersham. Second, J. Pottle, gardener to B. D. Colvin, Esq., Woodbridge.

Melons, scarlet-fleshed , single fruit. — First, Dr. Cooper, Slough. Second,
T. Blair, Kingston.

Tigs, ttco dishes, twelve fruits each, distinct. — Prize, E. Spivey, gardener
to J. A. Uoublon, Esq , Halllngbury Park, Essex.

Cherries, two dishes, in fifties. — First, R. H. Betteridge, Milton Hall,
Steventon. Second, T. Da^'son, gardener to Earl Cowper, Panshanger.

Plums, three dishes, distinct kinds, ten fruits each. — Equal First, J. B.
Whiting, Deepdean Gaidens. Equal First, S. Snow, gardener to the Countess -
Cowper, Wrest Park, Silcoe. Second, J. Enstone, gardener to Sir J. Duck-
worth, Bart., Exeter.

Apples, dessert, six dishes, distinct varieties, ttoeloc fruits each, — First,
J Mortimore, gardener to Miss Brown. Carshalton. Second, J. Newton,
gardener to G. Graham, Esq., Enfield Chase.

Apples, kitchen, six dishes, distinct varieties, twenty-two fruits each. —
First, R. Heather, gardener to Mr, Pulsford, Ember Grove, Kingston. Second,
J. Mortimer, gardener to Miss Brown, Carshalton.

Pears, six dishes, distinct varieties, twelve fruits eftc/i.— First, C. F. Harri-
son, Weybridge. Second, W. Holder, Eton College.

Pears, three dishes, distinct varieties, twelve fruits each. — First, J,
Holder, Reading. Second, D. Hutcheson, gardener to H. Cotton, Esq., Qucx
Park, Margate.

Pears, single dish, for weight. — First, C. F. Harrison, Weybridge. Second,
G. Grovcr, Hammersmith,

Pears, single dish, for flavour.— Virst, D. Hutche:0n, gardener to H.
Cotton, Esq., QaexPark, Margate. Second, C. F. Harrison, Weybridge.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Fruit trees in pots. — Prize, Messrs. Lane & Son, Great Gerkhamps!ead.
.Boiiana.— Prize, G. Young, gardener to W. Stone, Esq.. Havant. Satway
Peach. — Prize, J. Dwerrihouse, gardener to Viscount Eversley, Heckfield.
Mammoth Gourd. — tvize, S. Bennett, gardener to S. Felton, Esq., Penge.
C"c»Hi6er5. — Prize, J. Horwood, gardener to G. H. Turnbull. Esq., Downe.
Guavas. — Prize, A. Henderson, Trentham. Various Gourds.- PvlzG,
— Salter, gardener to A. Sillems, Esq., Sydenham.

iSnow's Muscat Hamburgh Grapes. — First, A. Henderson, Trentham.
Second, J. Smith, gardener to Lord Tentcvden, Heiiden.

DAHLIAS.
Forty-eight blooms, dissimilar varirties.—Fhst, J. Keynes, Salisbury,
Second, C. Kimberley, Stoke Nui'sery, Coventry.

4 6

JOTTRIirAL or HOKTICrLTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 10, 1861.

Ttcenf if-four blooms, dissimilar varieties.— Tii&t^ J. Keynes, Salisbury,
Se.ond, C. Turner, Slougli.

T^celve Fancies, disvimilar vnrieii^s. — Fii-st, J. Keynes, Salisbury. Second,
C Kiinberley, Scoke Nuisery, Coventry.

Tuentii'four blooms, diss>mil"r rnrieties {Amateurs only). — First, W.
DoJds, Sulisbuiy. Secund, Kev. C. Fellowes, Norwich.

Tufifre blooms, dissimilar rariet'.ps {Amateurs only). — First, T. Charltoni
Jiarket Harboro. Second, T. Woodwar i.

Twelve Fancies, dissimilnr varipfies (Amateurs only). — First. C. J. PelT}',
Castle Erorawich. Second, W. Dudds, Salisbury.

SEEDLINGS.

Three blooms of each variety. — Certificate of Merit for Minnie Do'lds, 'W.
Dodds, Salisbury. For Black I'rmce, J. Keynes, Salisbuiy. Fur Dahlia
Lord De.'bv, J. Tope.

ASTEHS.

Twenty-four German Asters, dissimilar single blooms (quilled). — First,
It. H. Bettcridge, Hilton Hall, SLeventon. Second, L. Besley, East Hendred.

Twenty-four Fre7ich Asfcrs, dissimilar single blooms (tasselled). — First,
C. Saudfurd, gardener to T. Thomasset, Esq., Walthamstow. Second, C.
Wyatt, gardener to II. Willed Esq., Epsom.

nOSES.

Thirty-six Roses, distinct varieties, one truss of each. — First, J. Keynes,
Salisbury. Second, 11. Laing, Twiekenliam.

Tieenty-four Hoses, distinct varieties, sinffle blooms. — First, li. Laing,
Twickenham. Second, Perkin.s A Sons, Coventry.

Eighteen Hoses, distinct varieties, single bl >oms {Amateurs only).— First,
J. HollinKwoith, Maidstone. Second, J. Dennis, gardener to H. Haywaid,
Fsq., Folkington.

HOLLYHOCKS.

Twelve Hollyhocks, distinct varieties, in spikes. —Tivst, Laird «fc Laing,
Forest Hill. Second, W. Chater, Saffron Walden.

7\ve7ity-four Hollyhocks, distinct varieties, single blooms. — First, Minchin
and Son, Honk Noiton Second, W. Cliater, Satfron Waldi^n.

Tioelve Hollyhocks, single blooms, distinct varieties (Amateurs only). —
First, H. Glasscock, Bishop Stortford. Second, W. Plestcr, gardener to Mrs.
Kush, Biiiihop Stortford.

VERBENAS.

Tweuty-fovr Verbenas, distinct varieties, fire trusses of each variety. —
First, 0. J. Perry, Castle Broniwich. Second", Minchm and Son.
GLADIOLUS.

For the best collectioti.— F'nst, J. Stan dish, Bagshot. Second, Youell and
Co., Great Yarmouth.

PHLOX.

High'een f^piles. distinct varieties — First, N. Lawrence, Chatteris. Se-
cond, J. Cattell, AVesterham.

M i seel I arieou s. — ExU-a, G. S. Patey, Steventon ; J. Burley, Surrey ; Mr.
i>iarkes, gardener to "W. Johnson, Esq., St. Mary's Cray.

CAENATIONS AND PICOTEES.

A lADT asked the other day in the pages of The Jouhnal of
JIOETICULTUKE relative to the (to her) mysterious deatli of lier
Carnations ; and anoliicr corre-pondent has sent us to-day a
bloom of a yellow Carnation for our opinion {vide Answers to
Correspondents). These indications of ii taste, perhaps n re-
turning taste, for one of our favoin-ite flowers, induce me to
hare my little say about them. It i^ most probable that both
the florists alluded to have be^'n g'owing from imported conti-
nental seed, and tlievefore (without nieanidg any oifence), are
not yet in tlie way of real thorougli appreciation of this sweet
and beautiful flower.

Witli regai'd to this continental seed, a great deal either of
ignorance, or sometl]ing worse, is maiiifcsted by the vendors of
S'.eds in this country. I have one list before me in which one
may exceed about its. at the rale of lOti. per seed, and in whicli
roll are promised that each packet shall contain ilukes, bizarres,
<tc., as the case may be. ISow, in the Cnt place, it is utterly
impossible to determine what will be the produce of any one
packet — you might as well save seed from a wliitc Verbena and
advertise white Verbena seed, us save seed from a flake Carnation
and promise the produce to be flakes. And in the second place,
any one who wishes to gro^- tliese flowers will be supplied at the
rate of about lOJ. per plant — about the pric;) of the seed — by
f-ueh growers as Sir. Turiifr, of Slough, or Messrs. Dodwell and
13ayley, of Manchester, with varieties iucouiparably better than
any that can be obtained from foreign seed. I can say this
f:V cathedra. 1 have seen the produce of some of the best foreign
teed and know the results; and I do think the sooner a reform
takes place in some of the seed catalogues the better.

Probably tinrc are many who will agree with me in saying
this is not the only ))oint on which they need it. If I could
i:iduee your sul)scriber3 wlio seem interested in the flower to
i'do])t my advice, I am sure they would never rue the day.
Hut jierhaps they will say, " Oh! I have seen them grown, and
there was such a fuss with staking, and lying, and disbudding,
iiiid layering, and all kinds of process s, that I )mve no time for
ii." This maj' be the case ; but then these persons were either
ti.cided connoisseurs who would have them in their very best

state, or else they were exhibitors who must take all Ibis care to
have them fit for the exhibition table. But it is by no means
necessary for ordinary culture ; though I rather think, when
persons have seen the well-set-up flower that graces a first-rate
stand tliey wiU want to copy it too.

There are two ways iu which they are grown — in the open
ground and in pots; and as in an early Number of this year's
JouENAL OF HoETictFLTUEE I said somethiug about their spring
management, I would now add a few words as to their autumn
and winter care. They are, like most florists' flowers, peculiarly
susceptible of damp, and therefore require to be guarded from
that in winter — in fact, my good friend, Mr. Cattell, of Wester-
ham, though a very successful gardener and a large grower for
sale of Roses, &e., is never able to winter them, the damp of the
valley in which his nursery is situated causing them to fog oil
during the cold, dark months of winter.

They must be always renewed from year to year by layering.
The best plan is to pot the layers into single pots, or a pair in a
pot, and then to place them on ashes in a cold frame. They
ought to be by this lime nearly rooted, and as soon as they are
so, it is desirable to pot tlieoi ofl", as they thereby get established
before winter, and if the pots get well filled with roots the
drainage is better.

As to compost. My plan is generally to empty out one of the
large pots in which they have been growing, and use the old
stuff, adding, perhaps, a little loam which has been carefully
picked over in order to get rid of wireworms. When potted
put them into a frame and keep close lor a few days, then expose
them to the air freely and to light showers, but by no means to
the heavy autumnal rains. By the end of October they may be
placed in a southemly aspect, where they will have the benefit of
the morning sun. They ni.iy be watered regularly, but not too
frequently — in fact, the pots should be kept rather dry than
otherwise. It will be necessary to watch fur any appearance of
black sjiots on the leaves, and if they appear, to dust with
sulphur ; but witti good cultivation and care in watering they
need not be expected. The same care is necessary, recollect, if
you want to grow the foreign ones well, and, therefore, is by no
means to be set down as a result of " those troublesome florists'
flowers." And after all, if you want to do tilings well, it is just
the same with bedding-out plants ; you may have a parterre that
looks pretty and gay, but if you would do it « la Kensington
Gore, your pocket and time will know all about it. Nothing in
this world is to be had witTiout trouble, and although, perhaps,
the Carnation and Pieotee are as troublesome as any, yet they
have a peculiar charm which no other flower can give. With
regard to those complaints about their being destroyed by
worms, as I have already said, it arose from the depredations of
the wireworm, often so destructive to our .voung Wheat, Carrots,
&c. The only way to be secure against them is to liand-pick
the compost used, or if they are grown in beds to place slices of
Carrots or Potatoes in the ground near the plants, these will
attract them rather than the Carnation, of which, however, they
are very fond. As the colour of the larva is yellow, it is rather
easily detected in the ground.

As next month is one of the best periods for obtaining a
stock, I add a revised list of sorts, and have been careful to
name only those that are of good habit ; and may add, to stamp
some further value on the list, that it was arranged wiUi Mr.
John Ball, the int-lligent foreman of Mr. Turner, tlian whom
there is not a better grower or a more ardent florist, not even
excepting his employer, at least in these southern parts.

CAEX.VTIOXS.

SCAHLET lIIZARnKS.

Admiral Curzon (Easom). — .\n oH, h:gh-coloureJ, and very favourite
flower.

Captain Tliorapson (Pusley).— Very fine, larfrp, and bright.

Dreadnouglit (Daniels). — Large, wcll-iilled-up flower.

I>oid lUnclifFe (Hollid.ij-). — A. good and well-podiled ttowcr.

Oliver Goldsmilh (Toruer). — An t-Ncellent, bigU-coloured fluwer, a
eipital grower.

"V^'illiam I'ilt (Puxlcy). — A line flower, lut shy bluonier.
cniM.suN mzARniis.

Blacli Diamond (Haines). — A good H(»wei.

Hope (Puxleyi. — Finely marked and ro'.u.sl in habit.

Lord Milton (ElyJ. — Good, t-mall in the grasis.

I'reniier (Puxley). — Large and fine.

Tenby Rival (Puxley).— Good and bright.

Orestes (Puxley). — Very bright and large.

PINK AND pinrLK Di:^.Anr.hs.

Falconbridge (May).— Good.

Captivation (Tailor). — A ni^e flower and good inhabit.

.lohn of Gaunt (May).— Dibtinetly marked, an-l large.'

Sarah Payne (Ward).— A lighllr marked and ladylike flower.

September 10, 1861. ] JOURNAL OP HOETIGUIiTUSB AJUD OOTIAGE GARDENER.

457

PUEr-LE FLAKES.

Ascendant (Jtay). — A large and strong-growing yaviety.
Earl Stamford (Elliott).— Full and distinctly marked.
Mayor of Nottingham (Taylor).— Large, broadly maTkcd with deep
purple, good.
Ma^-or of Oldham (Ilepwortb).- Gnod and clear in colour.
Florence Nightingale.— Very fine and clear.

SCAni,i;T FLAKE..^.

.\frieana (Chnllingford).— Very bright and large,
Christopher Sly (May).— Fine bright saarlet.
Defiance (Puxiey). — Bright and well marked.
Magnet (Pnsley).— A good grower.

Sir Henry Hayelock (Puxiey).— Large, well marked, and a first-rate
flower.
Sportsman (Hedderly).— Excellent bolh in habit and colour.

ROSE FLAKES.

Aglaia (May). — Clear" and good.

Poor Tom (May).— .4 first-rate, deep-coloured and clear flower, quite as
good as Florals Garland, and of good habit.
Mr. Martin (Ellrington). — Large and bright in colour.

PICOTEES.

RED-EDGED,

Ada May (Smith).- .\ light-edged flower of very fine properties.
Charlemagne (Turner). — Heavy and bright.

Dr. Pittman (Turner). — Another heavy-edged variety of fine properties.
Eugenie (Turner). — A rather creamy ground, but good; beaten, how-
ever, by a new one to be let out this year.
Lauretta (Smith).— A large, light-edged flower.
Lavinia (May). — Medium-edged and good.
Miss Holbeck (Tv'rtland).— A light-edged variety of great merit.
Mrs Dodwell (Turner). — .\ good, heavy-edged flower.
Mrs. Norman (Norman). — Heavy-edged, and an excellent old flower.
Mrs. Hoyle. — Heavy and good.
Favorita (Rutland)."— A new flower, commended by Floral Committee.

PUnPLE-EDfJRD.

.\my Robsart (Dodwell). — A sweet flower, of excellent properties, light-
edged.

Countess (Fellowes). — Heavy, bright-coloured flower.

Duke of Devonshire (Bayley).— A^heavy-edged northern flower, of good
properties.

Lord Nelson (Norman). — A fine bright purple flower.

Royal Purple (Headlcy). — Heavy-edged, fine deep erige, ground colour
clearj and irot inclined to bar,

ROSE AND SCARLET-^nGED.

Miss Muling (Kirtland).— Bright rose, heavy, a very broad petal, flrst-
class certificate from Flor^'l Committee.

Princess Alice (Kirlland).— Heavy-edged scarlet, very bright, a first-
class certificate from Floral Committee.

Rev. H. Matthews (Kirtland). — Hose edge, mediu.-n deptl*, petal very
fine, awarded a first-class certificate.

Eva (Smith).— Light, rose, very fine.

Mrs. Drake (Turner). — A flower some years out, butttiU holdinga good
place.

Rev. A. Matthews (Kirtland).— Ilcavy rose, large, full, and constant,
extra fine.

I have endeavoured to confine this list to those vrliich are de-
cidedly good grovferg, and have not, knowingly, inserted the
name of a flower of eecond-rate qualit'es, nor any tliat are ex-
travagant in price. — D., Deal.

CISSUS DISCOLOE KEQUIEES STOVE
TEMPEEATUEES.

OinEB persons were as cracked as Mr. Beaton in his late visit
to Kew about Cissus discolor ; the effect is magical. Would a
greenhouse that receives no heat in svmimer do for it ? — A SuB-
SCBIBEB, Croi/don.

[Cissus discolor will do no good in any greenhouse whatever.
It must have the strong moist heat of a plant-stove or hotlioiise
all the year round, and there no plant is more easy of treatment.
It is a good feeder, and likes the same rich, strong loamy com-
post as the hest pot Pelargonium. It comes from cuttings
as freely as the Verbena, and grows as fast as a common Con-
volvulus; and everybody in the kingdom who likes to see a
splendid plant grown to perfection should visit Kew to see Cissus
discolor in the Victoria Lily-house, the next house to the great
Palm conservatory. 3

EAELY POTATOES IN COENWALL.
Cm you inform me as to the best time to put in eariy Pota-
toes after they are sprouted — say about an inch long or so ?
My plot is on a cliff, X may say very steep, sloping to the east,
and well sheltered ; the lower part ot the plot rests on the rocks,
and the sea is directly under. My neighbour, who has a few
little plots adjoining, has never had his crop injured by frost —
in fact, there is scai cely ever any frost there. Miglit I plant as

soon as I like without much danger ? Wliat kind of Potafo is
the Handsworth Early Kidney ? is it the earliest grown? Wc
have a Potato grown for the London market which is called
"Creeper" and sometimes "Springer;" it comes here very
early — in fact some get it in April wiih no hotbed, oiily
shelter from the frost in early spring. I have never eeeu it in
any catalogvte. — M. Aktouy, SL Ices, Cormoall,

[A place in England where " there is scarcely ever any frost ! "
We reaUy are not good authorities to advise about garden doings
in such a locality, for we have had no experience in suoli " a
happy valley." We presume that it would be useless to plant
sproutedi Potatoes unlil early in next year; but as to \hslesf
time, we have consulted a good authority in your neighbour-
hood, and this is his reply : — " Taking an average of seasons
I have found the first week in March the best time for planting
sprouted Potatoes ; but where a large breadth has to be done
an earlier commencement is sometimes made — say ten days
before ; and occasionally those planted a week later may fUrn
out better by escaping tjie hoar frost, to which even our Cornish
chraate is subject. Tire variety called 'Springers' or * Creepers'
is almost excktsiveiy used for sprouting ; they are placed on
shelves in well-ventilated and light outliouses, and frequently in
ten weeks after planting a good crop is obtained. A few spots on
the sunny side of a cliff on the northern coast may with care
produce very early tubers; but your St. Ives correspondent
must not expect to rival his neighbours in the vicinity of Pen-
zance, wlioee southern aspect is so much in their favour. The
Handsworth Kidney is an early kind; but for sprouting, and,
consequently, the first crop, nothing is found to beat the
Creeper. — W."]

THE hollyhock:.

This now popular autumnal flower was introduced to onr
gardens tipwards of three hundred years ago. Little improve-
ment took place in its properties till about fifty years ago, when
some curious dark varieties appeared in some few of our Scotch
gardens. Forty years ago the writer of this note introduced
several of tliese into Hampshire ; but little attention was paid
to them eveit by the then florists about Winchester. Pinks and
Carnations were then in great repute ; but even they become
eclipsed by the Dahlia, which became the leading flower of the
day. Tlie first impetus given to the Hollyhock in England is
due to Mr. Charles Earon, n humble shoemaker at SafTron
Waldeu, in Essex, who, following a course of culture peculiar to
himself, soon astonished the floricultural world with flowers
possessing characters for colour and form previously unknown.
Mr. William Paul, of the Cheshunt and Waltliam Cross Nur-
series, was amongst the first in the English trade who rook up
this long-negleeted flower, and he soon became eminent in its-
cultivation, and, we believe, was the first who wrote a work
(" An Hour with the Hollyhock " ) on its properties and manage-
ment. It was understood at the commencement of ita new era
that the English and Scotch breeds had no very intimate relatioi:-
sliip with each other, or, according to florist phraseology, thcr
were of different strains. Indeed, Mr. Paul was of opinion that
even two distinct strains existed in Scolbnd ; the varieties of
the one strain, although superior to the common English kinds,
were inferior to those of Mr. Baron ; those of the other he
suspects sprung from Mr. Baron's stock. Mr. Deans, of Jed-
burgh, Messrs. Ballantjne, Dalkeith, and Me-'srs. Downie, Laird,
and Laing, were amongst the first and leading parties in the
progress of improvement; and it is probable now I bat this
flower has attained almost all the perfection it is capaSde of;
for we believe tliere is a point to gain in the ease of all florists'
flowers, beyond which a retrograde aciion will take place. How-
far we are from that point at present it is impossible to say. —
(^Scotlisfi Farmer.)

A LoN» Island Maeket-Gaedeneb. — Mr. Charles Eacktis,
a Long Island farmer, has under cultivation eight large farms
devoted to raising vegetables for New York market. During
the past year he has raised forty acres of Potatoes, fifteen to
twenty acres of Parsnips, Carrots, and Beets, fifty of corn, eighty
of Cabbages. One hundred acres are devoted to Asparagus, and
forty to Currants. Tliree acres and a half are mider glass, for
raising early salad. Radishes, Cucumbers, &e. From three
hundred to three hundred and fifiy labourers are employed in

458

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 10, 1861.

the summer season, and twelve lar^e waggon-loads of produce
are every day sent to the city. His bu?ines3 in a single year
amounts to 100,000 dols. Only thirteen years ago two waggon-
loads per week were the whole amount of produce raised by Mr.
Bactus, who has every year since extended his operations, until
they now probably exceed those of any market-gardener in the
Union. — {Genesee Farmer.)

PLANTING NEAR THE LIVERPOOL COAST.

Beisg about to plant high land, exposed to sea gales from
the west, and without shelter on any side, I think of first
getting up to the height of about 5 fe3t, for shelter. Spruce in
rows from north to south, about 8 feet apart. Is this a good
plan ? or wliat other sort of tree, or other mode of obtaining
shelter is preferable ?^An Oxd Readek.

[Yours is an inhospitable quarter to get up a plantation, and
the surest way would be to notice what kinds of trees do stand
the sea breeze thereabouts. Even as far inland as Lord Sefton's
and Knowsley, would give you indications of what we mean.
But, meantime, instead of .Spruce we would take a lot of Pinus
marilima to begin with, and plant them just as you intended to
plant the Spruce.]

HEATING A VINERY AND CONSERVATORY.

I AM about changing my residence, and at the houFe I am
going to is a good vinery with young Vines, and divided into
two parts by a partition. It has a south aspect, and is heated
by a flue. An entrance is at the east end, and another through
the dining-room at tlio west end. In the vinery against the
north or back wall is a raised bed in which Vines have been
grown ; then the walk and tlie remainder of the floor space is
occupied by the flue. I wish to grow flowers in the part
adjoining the dining-room, and Tines in the other part. Now,
what is the best and most economical plan of heating both
places, the one independently of the other ? for I must, I suppose,
heat the Vines in summer and keep them cool in winter ; in
other words, put no fire to the Vines in winter, or ?.t the time
the flowers require it. I was thinking of putting a small boiler
over the fire which heats the flue, with two ranges of pipes, one
range to each place, and taps to eacli range, so that I eonld shut
o£f the hot-water from either place, and let it circulate in eitlier
as I chose. Will you also inform me what you consider to be
the best plan of a stage for the flowers ? and how many Vines I
should put in the part selected for the Vines ? The Vine stems
are uncovered for about 30 feet before they enter the vinery.
Will this be detrimental to them ? The house is 9 feet 6 inches
high in front, and 13 feet high at the back. — B. W.

[Why not let well alone ? If the flue is sound and good you
may secure all you want, and have Vines in both houses and
flowers too. The Vines will not be benefited by having no fire
in winter. If you do not raise tlie temperature above IS", the
Vines will not start before their usual time. The house next
the furnace will be the hottest, and here you might have Grapes
in August, and in the latter house in September and October.
You could keep your earliest flowers in the first house, and as
the heat and sliade were too much for them, remove them to the
second ; and that having been devoted to hardier and bedding
plants, could in April or earlier be moved under shelter out of
doors. A great deal could be done in such double bouse, with
a fair flue as it is now. But you wish to heat with hot water,
and lieat the one independently of the other. Then, instead of
using the present furnace, we would form a new one with a boiler
near the centre, and if you wished to force the Vines much, you
might take the flue across to the present flue in that department,
and then you would have both flue and pipe heat there. By
having an open cistern inside the house, or even valves without
a cistern, you could heat either place, separately or together, and
without any waste of piping. For mere Vines tlie present
arrangement would answer ; for more ornament, and opening
from the dining-room, (he path 22 inches would be too narrow
for ladies to move at all. A narrow stage at the back, and
a path at least 30 inches would suit better ; but if Vines are
to be continued, and walking room was not needed, we would
leave the bank as it is, and place a stage of five shelves and a
foot apart over it, whicli would hold many plants. The place
over the flue could also have a shelf. If the flue was removed

there would be plenty of room, and a six-inch shelf might pass
along the front. We presume the uncovered Vino stems are
outside. If the border is deep enough, encase the stems in
wooden boxes, with an open side next the wall, and pack with
sawdust.]

EFFECTS OF THE LAST WINTER IN
LEICESTERSHIRE.

(Continued from page 397.)

Larix europaea, Abies excelsa, and Pinus sylvestris, uninjured.

Taxus japonica, T. canadensis, T. Harringtonia, T. coriacea,
T. serapervirens, T. elegantissima, T. Mackaya, T. baccata fasti-
giata, T. baccata fastigiata foliis argenteis variegatis, T. baccata
fastigiata foliis variegatis, each from 2 feet to 10 feet high,
uninjured.

Cerasus vulgaris flore pleno, C. lusitanica, and laurocerasue,
10 feet each, uninjured.

Tilia europa?a and T. europsea laciniata, each 12 feet, uninjured.

Acer platanoides laciniatum, 20 feet, uninjured.

LTlmus suberosa foliis variegatis, 10 feet, uninjured.

Fagus sylvatica purpurea, 20 feet, uninjured.

Platanus orientalis, 20 feet, parts killed.

Laurus nobilis, 5 feet, killed to the ground.

Syringa vulgaris, S. vulgaris alba, S. persiea, 10 feet each,
uninjured.

?avia rubieunda, 10 feet, uninjured.

Viburnum tinus, and V. tinus lucidum, 8 feet each, killed to
the ground.

Rhododendrons, all the common sorts, with R. dauricum
and R. dauricum alro-virens, uninjured. R. Eussellianum and
R. pardoloton, parts of last year's growth killed, and lost their
leaves, but have a fresh crop of them. R. ciliatum, tops of
branches killed, but growing well. R. nivaticum, R. coriacea,
B. guttatum, &. altaclarence, R. Nobleanum, R. stramineum,
R. Cunningham's dwarf, R. Broughtonii, R. Victoria, B. atro-
purpureum, R. hirsutum, B. ferrugineum, R. ferrugineum album,

B. John Waterer, R. calyculatum, uninjured, except Nobleaiuim,
slightly.

Azalea refulgens, A. ne plus ultra, A. prsestantissima, A.venusta,
A. Morterii, A. ardens, A. coccinea, A. alba, A. pontica, A. Tay-
lor's Red, uninjured.

Erica codonoides (3 feet), E. tetralix rubra, E. tetralix alba,
E. cinerea, E. cinerea atro-purpurea, E. cinerea coccinea,
E. arborea, E. vulgaris purpurea, E. ciliaris and australis rosea,
killed. E. vulgaris nana, E. vulgaris coccinea, E. Hammcndii,
E. carnea, E. ramulosa rubra, E. Alportii, E. tetralix, E. tetralix
carnea, E. cinerea alba, uninjured. E. tetralix Mackiana, injured.
E. stricta, E. mediterranea, E. Irish mediten-anea, E. vagans,
E. multiflora, E. australis (5 feet) killed to the ground.

Calluna vulgaris, C. vulgaris decumbene, C. vulgaris aurea,

C. vulgaris foliis variegatis, C. vulgaris spicata, C. vulgaris alba,
C. vulgaris flore pleno, C. vulgaris tomentosa, C. vulgaris coccinea,
C. vulgaris serotina, uninjured. C. vulgaris atro-rubra, killed to
the ground.

Gypsocallis carnea, G. alba, uninjured. G. alba, injured.
G. rubescens, killed. G. vagans, G. multiflora, and G. purpu-
rascens, killed to the ground.

Menziesia empetriformis, uninjured. M. polifolia, M. polifolia
alba and M. globosa alba, killed to the ground. M. nana, killed.

Gladioli Don Juan, Couranti fulgens, Penelope, Mathilde de
Laiidevoisin, Amabilis, Egerie, Monsieur Blouet and Iroperatrice,
uninjured.

Lilium Wallichianum, uninjured.

Roses. — Those marked j> are dwarfs; and standards are
marked s. William Jesse, 8 ; Reine de Bourbon, s ; Augustine
Mouchelet, S ; Boronne Prevost, S ; Duchess of Sutherland, S ;
Mrs. Elliott, s ; Dupetit Thouars, s ; Menoux, D ; La Reine, 8 ;
Latifolia, s ; Marie Cliarge, D ; Comte de Kambuteur, s ; Emilie
Courlier, Sj Robin Hood, S; Augustine Marget, Sj Soliel
d'Austerlitz, s ; Boulo de Nanteuil, s ; Dr. Marx, s ; Smith's
Yellow, s ; Acidalie, D ; Edouard des Fosses, D ; Fortuni, D ;
William Griffiths, s ; Queen Victoria, D and s ; Paul
Ricaut, D and s j Souvenir de Malmaison, s ; French Crimson, D ;
Comte de Nnnteuil, D and s ; Celina, D ; Cramoisie Superieurc, D ;
Souvenir do Leveson Gower, D ; Mrs. Bosanquet, D and s ;
Pompone, D ; I'Elegante Nouvelle, D ; Etendard de Marengo, T> ;
Etna, D ; Sir John Franklin, killed. Fortune's (ealmon) D ;
Rampant, D ; Queen of the Belgians, D ; Ayrshire Rose ;
Angle, D ; Crimson Boursalt, D j Adelaide d'Orleans, D ; Ele-

September 10, 1861. ] JOTTENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

459

gans, D ; Ruga, d ; greater part of each killed. Rivers' Musk, D ;
SouTenir de llalmaison, D ; General Bedean, D ; Comte d'En, p ;
Madame Margat, D ; Eclatante, D ; William GriiEths, D ; Gloire
de Rosamenes, D ; Crimeon (SIoss) r ; Blush (Moss) D ; Comte
Brobinsky, D ; Madam Rivers, D ; Auguste Mie, D ; Fellenberg, D ;
General Jacqueminot, j> ; Madame Bureau, D ; Reveil, D ; Arch-
duke Charles, j> ; Alexandrine Bachmetoff, D ; Augusta, D ;
Aurore du Guide, J> ; Gloire de Dijon, D ; Lamarque, D ; JuKe
de Loynes, D ; and Monthly Chinas of twenty years' growth,
killed to the ground. Fulgens, s ; Celestine, D and s ; XJniques
(Provence, s ; and Moss, e) ; Charles Duval, s ; Madame
Laffay, d and s ; Bouquet de Elore, s ; Fimbriata, s ; Mrs.
Cripps, s ; Geant des Batailles, D and s ; Louis Buona-
parte, s ; Crested Moss ; Coup d'Hebe ; Austrian ; Harrisoni ;
Young and Jenny Lind, half-standarda ; Bath, D ; Luxem-
bourg, D ; French White, D and s ; Pius IX, D and S ;
Bernard, d ; Persian TeUow, s ; Spinosissima Sulphurea, D ;
General Drouot, D ; Lanesi, D, S ; Jules Margottin, D and S ;
Presque Partout, D ; Celina Dubois, D and s ; Comtesse de
Murinais, D ; Rose du Roi, D ; Kean, D ; Leon des Combats,
D and s ; George IV., B ; Clara Sylvain, D ; Caroline de Sansal, u ;
Baronne Hallez, D ; Louis Peronny, D ; Princess Clementine,
D and s ; General Castellane, D ; Miss Glegg, D ; La Quitinie, D ;
Vorace, D ; Madame Angelina, uninjured. Most of the dwarfs
that are killed were budded or grafted close to the ground. — J. G.
[We shall be much obliged by the communication you offer*
—Eds. J. OF H.]

WINTEEING CALADIUMS.

Oblige me by informing me the best way to preserve Cala-
diums during the period they are at rest in winter, as I lost
many very valuable varieties, and could assign no cause for the
bulbs decaying into a soft pasty pulp. Would it do to keep
them in a growing state and a moderate stove heat, or would
you prefer drying them off? — H. Maeshall.

[So far as the safety of the roots is concerned, it would be
safest to keep the plants growing slowly in winter ; but they
frequently do not grow so strong afterwards, if they do not have
a season of rest, comparatively speaking. While resting they
will not endure a low temperature, nor yet should the tubers be
quite dry. It is best to lessen watering in autumn, and as the
leaves decay in autumn to remove them ; but if one or two little
ones should show signs of vitality, it is as well to keep up a
languid growth, neither giving much water nor yet letting the
plants get quite dry. From 60° to 65° is as low a temperature
as the tenderest ought ever to have. If the temperature is
lower, and the soil at all moist, they well get soapy as you
Uescribe.]

CHANGING FEOM PLUE TO HOT-WATEB

HEATING.

Mt greenhouse plants suffered so much last winter from the
long-continued firing, that I wish to alter the mode of heating
from a furnace and flue to hot water. The greenhouse is a span-
roof, 16 feet long, 13 feet wide, 6 feet high in front, and 9 feet
high at middle, or contents 1770 cubic feet. It is glazed with
small squares, so that a quantity of air is always passing out and
in ; besides which, except in extremely cold weather, I like to
have a little air- on.

I want you to tell me where I can get a portable boiler at a
reasonable price. Having to attend to the fire myself, I should
prefer it inside the house, as then it is more comfortable, and I
am sure not to be smothered with smoke, which I might be if I
left it to another person. What I want to know is. Where to
get the boiler ? what sized pipe to go once round in order to
raise the temperature to a maximum of 25° ? whether zinc or
galvanised iron piping with soldered joints (the longitudinal
join tur^ied in and soldered), or galvauised cast rain-water pipe,
with lead pom-ed into the joints, would answer ? The sheet-
piping is for three-inch. Is. 7rf. ; four-inch, 2s. 3d. ; five-inch,
2s. Sd. per yard : cast galvanised, 2s. 5d., 3s. lid., 5s. — a great
saving when compared with iron pipes, which want painting and
smell so long after it.

Will you likewise be good enough to tell me if the new grass
substitutes — Spergula pihfera and saginoides, and Sagina pro-
•eumbens, arc fitted for six-inch verge lines instead of Box ? and

if so, may the seed be sown now for putting out in March or
April ?— j; R.

[If there had been due care taken not to have the flue too hot,
and evaporating-pans used on it, we do not see how the evils
complained of should have necessarily happened ; nor do we see
how mere hot-water heating will remedy the evil, as the heat, if
not counteracted by moisture, will be equally dry. The advan-
tages are, that the pipes will not absorb so much moisture from
the house; and the heat given off, though not pure, will be free
from some of those vapours that come from a flue much heated.

We are sorry we can say no more upon a portable boiler than
what our common and advertising columns afford. If the
boiler is to be inside the house, we certainly should like it to
be shut off in a corner by itself. Unpleasant fumes are apt to
escape at feeding and cleaning times, and we do not consider
that even the plan recommended by our correspondent would be
effectual. The funnel would require to have a bottom which
would shut as the top was opened ; and even then there would
be no chance of stirring the fire, getting out clinkers, &c. With
these seeming drawbacks we have notliing to say against the
proposed boiler made of galvanised iron, only that we have not
proved how such a boiler would stand the fire, and we and many
more would be glad if our correspondent would supply the
deficiency by his own practical experiment. We have no doubt
that galvanised iron pipes would auswer very well, and if kept
off the ground both they and zinc last a good while ; but we do
not think they are either so lasting, nor so far as galvanised
iron is concerned, do we consider them much cheaper at the
prices he quotes than cast metal pipes as suppUed by Mr. Jones
and other large makers. One shilling a-foot used to be a common
price for four-inch melal pipes ; at any rate, we are misinformed
if such pipes could not be obtained at less thau 3s. 11c?. per
yard. In their case the socket-joints are all ready ; and if
rammed home with oakum the joints may be filled with Portland
cement. Be this as it may, we would advise our correspondent
not to depend on one large pipe all round for such a house as
he describes, as the more water such a pipe contains the longer
will it be in heating. We would recommend two three-inch
pipes all round, both flows, and both becoming returns near the
boiler. Of course, by having the boiler inside you dispense with
the flue. We question now, if a boiler placed above the flue-
furnace, would not in the end be best ; but we would not like to
damp your enthusiasm for your own plan, and shall be glad to
learn how it succeeds.

We can say little more about the Spergula, &c., than what has
appeared in our pages. It does not seem to succeed well in
some places. For trim six-inch verges that were always to be
kept artistic, we would incline to favour the Box. The seeds
may be sown as you propose.]

HEATING A SMALL GKEENHOUSE.

Will you tell me the best and most economical way of
heating, to keep out the frost, a small greenhouse 15 feet by
9 feet p I had a small hot-water apparatus where I was living
last year, but I could never succeed in keeping the fire. in aU
night, and very seldom could get the heat up to 60" : be-
sides, if I shut the door, it then got too hot, and boiled over ;
the fire and boiler were like two conical boilers turned upside
down, with the chimney through the bottom, and the fire inside
one, and the water betwixt the two ; but it was a great trouble
to keep it right, and a great danger from the boy shutting it up
and leaving it, when all the water would boil over, and if not
discovered would have burst. — C. L.

[A small brick Amott's stove would heat such a house, though
we hardly know what you wanted 60" for in a greenhouse ; from
45° to 50° in winter would be high enough. We suspect there
was nothing wrong in your hot-water apparatus but want of
attention. With the furnace-door shut, and the ash-pit door
also shut, or the least opening in the regulator, and with only
an inch or so left open in the damper, we cannot see how there
need have been such diSicxJties with the fire. The expansion
could also have been guarded against, by either not fiEing
the flow-pipe quite full, or having a cistern a couple of feet
square at the farthest point from the boiler ; or, if the supply-
pipe was close to the boiler, and the pipes close all round, then
there should have been a pipe, like a small gas-pipe, fixed on the
highest point of the flow-pipe, and the farthest from the boiler,
rising upright and passing through the wall on to the outside of

460

JOUHNAL OP HORTICULTURE A»D COTTAGE GASDSNER. [ Scptcmb r 10, 1861.

the house. In small places, even then, the fire should not be put
on : th.nt would do to heat some 500 feet of piping or more.
If you have the hot-water apparatus we woiild try again. For
keeping the plants the brick stove would do, and you might have
the feeding-door either inside or out.]

TIMBEE FOE STOYE AND GEEENHOUSE
BUILDING.

I AM now erecting two forcing-liouses, the timber used for
rafters being best Petersburg red deals, with our own-grown
oak for sills and wall-plates. When these are finished we shall
begin building two span-roofs of a largo size ; and being anxious
to use the best timber that can be had, I would thank you for
your advice as to the description of timber most suitable. A
few pounds in the cost of the some would not deter us from
erecting them with the best materials.

Wliat do you say to Pitch Pine of the best quality ? it is an
extremely resinous wood, and to all appearance would last for
ever. I have not seen it used for the purpose, but some tell me
it would answer well ; others say it would not take the paint, or
that after it was painted the sun would cause the resin to exude ;
■while others tell me it is more subject to dry rot than any other
■wood when exposed to heat and damp. — Joim Stevens.

[We wish our correspondents and coadjutors would give uS
their experience. Our own would lead us to prefer the first
quality of red deal, though most of these houses are .built with
good seconds. We have no experience of the dry rot as appli-
cable to the Pitch Pine; but we have found that though resinous
timber is the most lasting if left io itself, merely planed, and,
perhaps, ehghtly varnished, yet the resin will in general force its
way through all kinds of paint when the weather is hot, and
thus so far spoil the neat surface the point is intended to give.]

NEW BOOKS.

OECJiARD-HorfEs.*— It would appear that the taste for
orchard-houses is not on the wane. We have now before us
another advocate of this method of cultivating fruit trees
written by one well qualified to speak on the subject, and who
has done his work in a clear and masterly way. In this pamphlet
we have the whole system of orchard-house cultivation brought
before us in language which nobody can mistake. The style
is terse and to the point, and the instruction is so perfect
as to enable any one who previously knew nothing of the subject
to become master of it with very little trouble. We give the
following as a specimen of the work : —

"Management of an Orc!iard-honsr.—A(tev jour house is liuilt, if not
before, you will have to determine the fruit to be grown in it. Tastes will
difiFer, ol couise, but the Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot may be considered
the aristocracy of the orchard-house. Plums bear enonnons crops, but are
not increased in flavour Peais are very handsome, but ours were so inferior
in flavour, that we discarded tliem. P,oth Plums and Pears might be grown
m the house till oil danger from frost was over, and tlien tiii-ned out to grow
and ripen their fruit, which would give more room to the Peaclies and
Apricots. I will supiiose Peaclies only to be grown, and conflnomy remarks
to them, as the same management applies alike to Kectarines and Apricots.
Buy your plants, if possible, early in the autumn ; yon will not only have a
better choice, but plants potted late seldom set their fruit well the following
season.

"After the tir;t year, if it is intended to pot or only top-dress the tiees, do
it before the leaves are quite off, m- as suon after .'s possible. Choose a good
turfy loam (ihe top spit Irom a clay pasture is the best), and add to it about
a fourth of rotten manure : this will lie belter if mi.xed some months before-
hand. Pot very fiimly. If your soil be light, you can hardlv m.ike it too
solid. Of course, tlie soil must be moderately dry. >fo plant enjoys tempered
mud, A good rule by which to judge of the ;tate of the soil is this:— Ifa
handful, grasped fiim.y retains its shape, but separates when allowed to drop
on the floor, it will not be too dry or too wet. If Peaches are growing in
borders, or against the walls, it is very necessary to kc.-p the ground firm
about their roots ; trample the soil well » hen in a dry state, and if the soil
be light use a rammer to make it solid. Paint the plant vhen the leaves are
all fallen with a mixture of Clislmrst Compound, C ozs, to a gallon of tobacco
water, to which are added a little clay, cow-manure, and snot. If you think
much of the trouble of this operation, syringe with the Gishurst and tobacco
water ; and if during winter you perceive any copper-coloured fly feeding on
the shoots of your plants, repeat the syringing. When tlie plants have been
painted or syringed place them closely ti gether in the middle of the house,
and cover the pots well with leaves, hay. or straw, to keep them safely from
hard frost. During frost the house had better be closely shut, and open only
in mild weaihcr. If the soil in the pots be moist when* covered with leaves
in autumn, they will, probably, not require watei ing more than once or twice
during the winter; if rot dry asdnst, the plants will be none the worse for
liaving been kept without much wati r whilst destitute of leaves. When the

♦ A Few Hints on the ConslriicH'ii nii-l Managcmci.t of Orchard-hotisrs.
By J. n. PcavBon. Ixindon : Hall, Vlrti\e, & C!o.

buds are swelling, prune the trees if they require it, and put them in tbe
places which they are intended to occupy during summer. In pruning care
should be taken to cut to a wood-hud, otherwise all the fruit on a leafless
branch will fall alterwards. However pruned, a few branches will be in this
leafless state at the time of blooming ; these may be at once cut back to
where theie are leaves. The later your plants bloom the better; the house
should, therefore, be well ventilated, and kept cool till the plants a-.c in
bloom. Fr'om the period the flower's are fairly out till the fniit is set Is the
critical time of orchard-house management. Let us suppose the house all in
order, and the plants coming into bloom: cultivate them as if they were a
number of Geraniums. If it is warm out of doors— that is, if the wind is
soft and mild, ventilate freely; but do not, because the sun shines, subject
your trees to a cold east wind."

Elm Gbange.* — This is a book for chOdren, but we notice it
for more reasons than one. In the first place, it fosters in young
minds the love of the country, and leads them to delight in
rural piu-suits ; in the second place, it is -wi-itten by the lady who
has been benefiting our readers by directions on the arrange-
ment of flowers in bouquets and vases ; and lastly, it is an
excellent example of the improved juvenile literature by which
children are now benefiting. " Watts," says Dr. Johnson,
" condescended to lay aside the scholar to write little books
adapted to the ■wants and capacities of children," and we feel
that it is similarly condescending and kindly in " E. A. M." to
devote her good taste and keen appreciation of the beautiful to
the gratifying and benefiting of our little ones. " Elm Grange"
is an admirable book for effecting these praiseworthy objects,
and we are pleased with ourselves as well as with the author to
be able to acknowledge that the genial truthful spirit that cha-
racterises every page led us on from one subject to that following
until we found that we had read the whole.

The Family Savk-all.-I- — This is one of a series of books
which hove nothing to recommend them but their taking names.

: It is a very unreliable book ; for it often states as facts what

' are not facts, and when it gives a reason for an eflect it usually

' gives a wrong reason.

For example, at page 239, to banish red spider from hothouses

I "the simple process of cutting off the infected leaf" is recom-
mended ; and it is added, " By carefully pursuing this ampu-
tation plants will become remarkably healthy." What do you
say to that, gardeners ?

At page 209, " If (frozen Potatoes are) thawed in open day
they rot, but if in darkness they do not rot."

Now, as all the foregoing is totally erroneous, and as we could
quote pages more equally devoid of correctness, we need occupy
no further space, for what we have quoted will be a sufficient
warning.

THE GAEDENEE'S ANNUAL FESTIVAL
AT PAEIS.

On Friday, August 30th, the gardeners of Paris, and their
friends, held high festival in the Bois de Boulogne. Their f^te
day is honoured by the patronage of two saints, a lady and a
gentleman, Madame Rose and M. Fiacre ; and the most elegant
decorators in the world very properly toke an opportunity of
giving the outside world a specimen of their artistic talent. A
large car is provided, and is made to bear such a profusion of
floral treasures as would almost fit it to convey Flora herself to
a morning concert on Olympus. The form seems to be fixed,
but the mode of execution varies with the taste and abiUty of
the parties entrusted with the beautifying of the chariot. This
year the decorators Kere very happy. The vehicle was a simple
platform on four wheels, hidden by a sky-blue curtain of silk,
which was ornamented with gigantic and elegant wreaths of
splendid flowers ; on each side were the arms of the city of
Paris, formed in blossoms, with the cyphers of the tutelary saints
in berries of the Mountain Ash. On the platform was a raised
da'is or plinth, which at a little distance seemed to be covered
with a gorgeous Persian carpet, of which the ■colours were well
selected and liiglily effective ; the whole of this was con^posed of
very small flowers, arranged so as to form a jierfect and brilliant
mosaic. On the doi's stood an enormous vase or tazza, two
stages high, filled witli the choicest exotics, the receptacle being
composed of a strong framework, covered with evergreens. The
whole must have been at least 12 feet high, and exhibited an
immense amount of taste, skill, and labour. As usual, the car
was drawn to the front of the church, at Passey, where a special

• Elm Grnnrir; or, A JSHtnmer ia the Cozintrt/, By E. A. M., Author of
"Sympathy," Ac. London: ilogg & Sons.

* The Fainilij Save-nll, n Siiftem of See^ndat-y f'ooiertf, i^-r. By the
Editor of " Enquire Within," &c. London : Kent & Co.

September 10, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HOETIGULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

461

mass was perfonnecl, and there the proceasion made its way to
the islands in the Bois de Boulogne, where the fete takes place,
and which consists of a concert, a dinner for a thousand people,
games on the water, fireworks, and a grand ball, where all the
flower of the horticultural family of Paris is to be seen in bril-
liant bloom. Upon the present occasion there was an additional
feature. A bridge of boats decorated in every part with garlands
and plants was thrown over to the island, and the floral car was
drawn down tlie steep bank and over the lake, amid the fears of
the spectators for the stability of the great vase and its contents.
A horrible moment of suspense occurred when it was found that
the top of the great perambulating bouquet would touch tlie
large garland which hung over the entrance of the bridge ; the
two portions of the decorations came into contact ; but, as both
possessed the quality of the rush and not of the oak, no mischief
occurred, and the fom- greys drew the c'.iariot of the flowers
safely up the opposite bank, and it was soon placed in a post of
honour at the end of the gi-eat banqueting-room. The weather
was magnificent, and the fete passed ofif extremely well ; and the
treasury of the Society for relieving the distresses of the poor
brethren of the craft will be some thousands of francs riclier for
the eating, and drinking, and dancing of the young, tlie happy,
and the prosperous portion ; while Saint Eiacre and Sainte Rose
may smile complacently on their proteges. — {Daily Telegraph.)

EOOF VENTILATION AND RED SPIDER.

I GATHER from Mr. Pearson's" note, in page 395, that he found
roof ventilation necessary principally on account of red spider
attacking his Cucumbers. In orchard-houses I have again and
again said that in span-roofed houses roof ventilation is entirely
unnecessary, and often leads to an addition to the builder's bill
without the least advantage accruing to tlie cultivator. I have
twelve span-roofed houses, some of them 12 feet, some 14 feet,
some 20 feet, and some 21 feet wide. Tliese are all without
roof ventilation. In two of them, each 70 feet by 20 feet, Vines
are trained to tlie roof and the houses heated, yet there is no
red spider or any other pest, even after this hot sumaier; so I
beg to tell your readers, witli greater firmness than ever, not to
touch tlie roofs of their span-roofed houses. Lean-to houses,
where the back walls cannot be perforated for sliding shutters,
must of course be ventilated at the top of their roofs.

By placing openings in the roof of a span-roofed house a
great advantage is thrown away — the hottest part of tlie house
is under the apex and extending downwards about 18 inches.
On the 27th inst. I elevated a tliermometer, shaded from the
sun, in a span-roofed house 100 feet by 24 feet, somewhere
about its centre : to within a foot of the apex of roof it reached
96°, while one below at 5 feet from the ground stood at 8S°.
Now, ill the increased temperature near the roof Grapes would
ripen earlier. Cucumbers would grow longer and faster. By
opening the roof these advantages are thrown away. This is
something like uncorking a bottle of fine old port the day before
it is wanted to let off and waste its strength.

With regard to the attacks of the red spider, they are so easily
warded off if taken in time, that I have, after much consideration,
placed him foremost in the rank of benefactors to the young
gardener — he makes him watchful and vigilant to an extent
scarcely credible ; for if he once gets a firm hold he is most
difficult to oust, there seems scarcely any possibility of destroying
him without destroying the tree. With the red spider pre-
vention is everything — ten times better than any cure. If my
friend Pearson early in the month of May had used a preventive
no spider would have necessitated disturbing the roof of his
house.

Preventive No. 1. — A light shelf of zinc or tin 8 inches wide
suspended from the ridge-board so as to hang in tlie centre of
the house, and about 18 inches from the apex of roof, should be
covered with flowers of sulphur to about one-eighth of an inch
deep and sulTered to remain there always. Some fresh sulphur
may ba added once a-month during the summer. If the house
is devoted to very early crops of Grapes, Cucumbers, or Peaches,
the shelf of sulphur may be put in action the beginning of April.
I need scarcely add that the same means may be applied to
lean-to houses.

Another mode of red-spider pi-evention by sulphur is by
placing pans of water in flues, on hot-water pipes, or on any
place where the water gets tolerably warm — say to 112° or more,
and covering the surface with a thick coat of flowers of sulphur,

renewing it as it subsides, which it does very gradually. Pans
of water with flowers of sulphur on the sm'face may be placed in
Melon-frames, or in any place where the water can be warmed
by tlie sun or otlierwise, so as to fjrm a most certain spider
preventive. I cannot conclude this without telling you how I
came to think of sulphur on warm water to prevent red spider.

I have a vinery some 40 feet long and 12 feet wide, in the
centre of which is a brick Arnott's stove. It has done its work
well, for I have generally commenced forcing my Grapes in
January and have cut in June. For the first three or four years
(the stove has been in use ten years), I was much troubled with
red spider on sone Muscat Vines in the centre of the house
over the stove. In spite of syringing so as to nearly spoil my
Grapes, and painting the chimney and part of the stove very
guardedly with lime and sulphur, Mr. Spider would come when
the weather became hot in July. I have not yet said that a
large milk-pan, holding, say, four gallons of water, was a fixture
in the top of the stove, standing in a thick bed of sand, which
was placed on the iron roof of the stove ; otherwise it would
have cracked if in contact with the iron. All at once it occurred
to me in a fit of (I must not desecrate another word) desperation,
that as I dared not place sulphur on the hot sand, why not
place it on the hot water, as I knew it would float ? and so I
threw a pound of flowers of sulphur on to the hot water. This
was about six years ago; the same stove is in use, the same
coating of sand is on the stove, the same milk-pan is in the
same, and every year about the end of April my man Friday
fills the pan with water, strews a pound of sulphur on the
sui'face, renews it twice or thrice during the summex-, and red
spider, even on the Viue leaves within 3 inches of the chimney,
is never seen, and never has been seen, since the sulphured water
has been in its place.

In all houses not heated by flues or hot water, sulphur should
be placed on shelves or on pieces of slate fully exposed to the
6un, so that there is a gentle constant evolvement of its fumes.
In Melon-frames and in very confined places even this may in
hot days become too po»verfiiI. In all such places flowers of
sulphur floating on pans of water may be employed — in fact,
made the regular routine of cultivation. Tlie gardener may
then, as they say on hatchments in Latin, " rest in peace."

As I expect to have a statue erected to ray honour in the
garden at Kensington, or in some other grand place, for my
discovery (?) which, I dare say, has been in use for scores of
years, I shall not as usual give " T. 1{." as my signature, but —
Tuos. En"Eus.

PROPAGATING PHLOXES.

A roBTNiani ago you speak of the present time — " And for
a month again, will be the time for propagating Phloxes." Which
would you recommend, the offshoots that start from the flower-
ing stem, or the flowermg stem cut into lengths of two joints, as
best for propagating under a hand-glass in the open border? —
W. Johnson.

[The sucker-hke shoots which rise from the collar, or bottom
part of the new Phloxes, are the best shoots for cuttings. But
young shoots from the- stems will also root, and if the flower-
ing principle is not yet in them they will make second- best plants ;
if it is they are hardly worth doing for a private collection.
Young shoots from the very bottom will also do well for cuttings
till the middle of April, only the later they are the least growth
will they make the first season.]

A DESIGN FOR A ROSE GARDEN.

The accompanying plan and sketches for a rosery were
designed by Mr. Herman Seitz (of Munich), once residing at
Chatsworth, as suitable arrangemenis for displaying a goodly
variety of tlie numerous beautiful climbing, pillar, dwarl^ and
standard Roses, which, through the assiduity and discrimination
of our great Rose culturists, are now worthy of a more dis-
tinguished position in the flower-garden scenes of England.

-Previous to adverting to details, however, it may not be con-
sidered out of place to direct an observatioa or two in reference
to the present position of "La Reine desPleurs"in the maiority
of our gardens.

It will not be controverted — albeit, the numberless " beauties
of the Rose," Messrs. Rivers, Lane, Paul, Francis, Wood, &c-.

462

JOtrUNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 10, 1861.

haye brought to our garden gates, as it were — that the queen of
flowers is too generally permitted, or rather compelled, to
occupy a situation inferior to her regal rank, and tlie rery re-
verse of dignified ; nor will it be gainsayed that there exists
scarcely a garden of any pretensions, where the introduction of
Roses en masse Ya\^\t not advantagecxisly be effected.

It is quite true, however, that occasional very laudable ex-
ceptions to the state of things just alluded to might be enu-
merated. For example, there is or was at Nuneham, Oxford-
sliire, a rosarium reflecting no small credit on its artist ; aud
the same might be said of a unique little Rose garden which I
remember to have seen, some few years ago, at Flitwich, Bed-
fordshire ; and, doubtless, of other gardens also, in various parts
of the country, which it may not have been my good fortune to
see.

Still, after having from time to time visited some of the
principal gardens in Britain, and learnt somewhat of places that
have not come under my own immediate observation, I would I
could, but regret I cannot, adduce a single instance where, in
my humble estimation, the J<ose receives due homage! On the
contrary, I cannot refrain from asserting my conviction and
surprise, that, with a very limited number of exceptions, the
glorious tribes of the Rose experience manifest indignities
throughout the entire range of our flower gardens ; and, more-
over, that in the grandest places, as well as in more circum-
scribed garden scenes, there is apparent a marvellous absence of
concentrated Rose gardens.

The design for a rosery now presented, neither assumes a
remedy for all this, nor presumes perfection in displaying Roses
to advantage upon our lawns and shrubberies — far from it ; but
it is premised the plan may not be deemed otherwise than a step
in the right direction, and, if so, worthy of insertion in this
periodical.

It shoidd be observed however, that the adoption of such a
plan would not be practicable unless upon a somewhat extensive
scale— a parallelogram of 150 feet by 100 feet, for example,
being the least space it should be attempted upon; whilst, on
the other hand, the design could, of course, be executed upon
the most extensive scale that local circumstances admitted of.

The situation of such a parterre, far from being obtrusive, it is
intended should be somewhat secluded. Perhaps an appropriate
site would best be obtained by clearing, well sub-draining, and
relueing to an even surface, a suitable portion of some extensive
shrubbery scene, contiguous to some main walk or walks, whence
the principal approach to it might be obtained, and not far
remote from the mansion. The proximity of lofty timber or
ornamental trees would, for obvious reasons, be objectionable;
whereas the presence of a grown-up shrubbery, of American
plants and common evergreens, would confer the requisite
degree of seclusion, exhibit a suitable background mass, and
afford considerable shelter — the latter being an especial deside-
ratum in the culture of some of the most beautiful tender sorts
of Roses ; whilst hardier kinds would also derive much benefit
by being less exposed to the sweeping blasts we not unfre-
queutly experience in spring and early summer.

liage accompaniments should not be less than 9 feet or 10 feet
high, nor should the width of the outer colonnade be less than
7 feet or 8 feet.

The walk beneath may either be made of gravel, ))aved with
wood or stone, or formed of asphalte, according to taste ; doubt-
less gravel would present the best appearance, provided that of
a good quality be obtainable in the locality.

In the sketch No. 1, it will be perceived that a frontage with
open columns lias been given to the colonnade on the inner or
garden side, in order that the promennder, beneath a canopy of
climbing Roses, may be enabled to look down upon the rosery
beneath, arranged with standard and dwarf masses. Were the
shrubbery in the background arranged with American plants
and other choice evergreens for ornamental effect, there would
be an obvious advantage attending the forming of both sides of
the colonnade alike ; but, if the reverse of such an arrangement
be adopted — the background merely consisting of a thicket of
common shrubs, &«. — the better plan would evidently be to
close in the outer side of tlie promenade with a thick hedge of
Laurel, Ivy, Box, Laurustinus, Holly, or Yew, amongst which
Bengal and common China Roses might be introduced for
enlivening the scene.

On the inner or garden side of the Rosc-covcred boundary
walk, climbing sorts, suitable for producing what are termed
"pillar Roses," might be introduced in conjunction with
standards, and a vase or two for breaking the monotony of the
long line of trelliage, &c. The sorts suitable for pillar Roses
would be best disposed by planting them against the main
supports or columns of the trelliswork, training a portion of
tlieir growth over the roof of the latter, wliilst the remainder of
their long flexible shoots would depend, and by a little manage-
ment and attention form projecting "pillars" of luxuriant
beauty.

Steps are shown in the plan conducting from the garden to
the trellised colonnade surrounding the former, and which it is
intended should be elevated some 3 feet or 4 feet above the
general level, and upon which, in the respective angles of the
parallelogram, raised seats canopied with climbing Roses are also
indicated.

u^m^

Trelliage accompaniment, No. '.

Trel nge accompaniment >o 1

It is presumed that a judicious blending of grass and gravel,
conjoined with the addition of a central basin of translucent
water, containing gold fish and a few choice aquatics, and having
a fountain, vase, or statue placed in the centre — the entire basin,
with its concentric walk, being embowered with climbing Roses
— the entire garden being surrounded with a light skeleton
colonnade, also covered and festooned with climbing Roses,
would produce a varied and highly pleasing effect in a garden of
the kind.

The sketches 1 and 2, exhibit the trelliage accompaniments to
the rosarium ; and it will bo obvious they present admirable
sites for displaying climbing Roses in great variety. Rod iron
would, of course, be the most appropriate material to employ in
their erection, although wood is sometimes used. These trel-

Situations for standard Roses, varying in height from 2 feet to
6 feet or more, and vases, are described on the plan by minute
circles and dotted Unes for the former, and by small squares for
the latter. Miniature, Provence, or Pompon, with dwarf,
Chinese, or " Fairy " Roses, would be the most suitable kinds
for planting vases with ; and if the bases or pcdestoU of the
latter were planted with choice climbing kinds, the partial in-
terspersion of these through the garden would, doubtless, be
productive of the most unique result ; and the same miniature
tribes might appropriately be further employed in furnishing the
small circles formed at the base of standards, as well as for de-
scribing compact zones of dwarf Roses to the margins of the
larger and more varied groups on grass ; for, in connection
with grass, these attractive little Roses always look exceedingly
well.

Finally, as regards the sorts best adapted for producing rich
irregular masses on the grass portion of our plan. The selection
and arrangement, in this instance also, n^nst obviously be de-
pendant on the taste of the proprietor; suffice it to premise
here, that among the numberless varieties of what are termed
" summer and autumnal " Rose?, there need be no standing
still for want of subjects. Doubtless, however, an arrangement
fur blending together a goodly number of the best sorts selected
from each class of these principal divisions, if made judiciously
and carried out tastefully in the grouping and disposition of
them, would be the most pleasing, if not appropriate one that
could be adopted. Similar observations to the foregoing must
also apply to the choice and disposition of climbing, standard,
and pillar Roses, indispensable to the creation and adornment
of such a rosery as the preceding remarks have attempted to
describe.

Septe-nbrr 10, 1331. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COirAG-K GARDENER.

463

a. — Pond of water margined witli dwiirf, and crn'oowored w.tli climbing

Roses.
h. — Gravel walks.
c — Grass.

d.— Colonnade festooned and embowered with cKci'jing Ecses,
«.— Flights of steps t-upported with vascG.

/.—Raised seats embowered with Roses find supported with vases.

^.— Parterre on gravel arranged with masses of Tea-scented anil Chinos

Itoses.
/i.—Irregular combinations of various " euramer and autumnal Hoses.
[I].— Vases filled with dwarf Roses,
o.— Standard Roses of different heights.

4m

JOFKKAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 10, 1861.

HEATING BY A HOT- WATER TANK.

Would you please to say to wliat heat a small greenhouse
might be raised, 16 feet long by 8 feet bi-oad, with a hot-water
tank 11 feet long by 4 feet broad, 6 inches deep inside ? The
sides of tank IJ inch thick, to be of wood. — C. H.

[If you cover your tank with iron or slate, you may have
almost any desirable heat for such a small house if the tank is
exposed at the top, or if you take means to secure the heat
from the tank getting into the house. What has been said to
another correspondent in reference to walks applies to yo,;.
With a four-feet tank or platform in the centre, walks round it,
and side shelves next the walks, the walks must be narrow in an
eight-feet-wide house. The temperature raised in such a place
would depend on the outside temperature and the fire used, or
the heat of the water in the tank.]

large species of Cooper Moth ; for more than half a mile the
trees had been completely defoliated by these insects.

Dr. Knaggs exhiVtited specimens of his new British species,
Nonagria Boiidii, and also some beautiful reared specimens of
Acidalia strigiLata.

EED SPIDER DESTROYED BY BITTER ALOES.

I riND your correspondent " E. T." gives up the destruction
of that plague, the red spider, in despair. Let him try the fol-
lowing. I do not myself ]ilace much faith in infallibility, still
do think a fair trial will not leave him much cause to despond.
It is equally effectual with aphides, mealy bugs, thrips, and scale.
Dissolve half an ounce of socotrine aloes in one gallon of water.
Syringe the plants with this solution so as to wet them under
as well as over the leaves. — Tnio.

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING.

The August Meeting of the Entomological Society was held
in the 5th ult., the President, J. W. Douglas, Esq., being
iu the chair. It appears probable from what has transpired, that
the reported removal of the Society to other quarters has been
premature, and that arrangements are on foot for rendering the
present meeting-rooms more convenient — a matter certainly
necessary, as owing to the heat of the meeting-room it became
necessary to admit a draught of cool air, over which there was
so little conti'ol that some of the lights were blown out at one
period of the evening. The Meeting was attended by Dr. Hagen,
of Konigsberg, General Sir J. B. Hesrsey, J. C. Bowring, Esq.,
lately returned from China, Ceylon, &c. ; by the last of whom a
very interesting selection of Coleopterous insects collected in
Penang were exhibited.

Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a splendid collection of Buprestidse
recently received from Adelaide, South Australia, containing
■fifty-eight distinct species.

Dr. MacLachlan exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Crewe, the larvfe
of two species of Moths belonging to tiie genus Eupithecia
(Pug Moths), and two of Caradrina.

The President exhibited a variety of insects of rarity and
interest recently captured, including an apparently new species
of Spilonota ; Ser.iplia fusca, or new species ; Abdera.4-fasciata ;
Myrmedonia coleoptrata, a curious little Hemipterous insect, of
which the two sexes had been described as belonging to dif-
ferent genera ; also the Microphysa psclaplioides of Westwood,
taken by Dr. Power in Ants' nests.

Mr. Stainton exhibited an apparently new species of Nonagria
from the fens of Norfolk.

Dr. ICnaggs also exliibited Leucania Elymi, a Moth hitherto
only taken on the shores of the Baltic.

Mr. Faraday exhibited an interesting variety of the little blue
Butterfly, Polyommatus Alexis, wanting the central spot in the
middle of the fore wings on the under side.

Mr. Smith exhibited a specimen of a beautiful Shield Beetle
from India, which had lived 116 days without food. The golden
hue of the insect had during this period become somewhat
tarnished. And Mr. E. Bond exhibited a small, new British
Moth of tlie genus Gelechia.

Professor Westwood exhibited specimens of the larvae of ffistrus
hominis received from Count Ostensackeu, Russian Minister at
Washington (a nepliew of the General of the same name of
Crimean celebrity), which liad been obtained from Honduras by
Dr. Leconte, of Philadelphia. These larva; differed considerably
from those of other well-known species of Bot Flies, so that it
appeared probable that there was really a species of the family
which was attached as a parasite to the human race.

A letter was read from Lord Dunsanny giving an account of
the destruction of Ash plantations near Navan by the larvre of a

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GAKDEN.
Follow up the plan of promptly clearing away the remains
of crops as they successively decay. Those quarters which re-
quire trenching the ensuing autumn should be kept free after
tliis time of the year of any further crop, that an opportunity
may be afforded of getting the operation performed before the
arrival of winter. Broccoli, where sufficient liave not been
planted, large plants may yet be put out with success. They
should be laid in with a spade in a slanting direction. Earth
up the advancing crops. Cardooiis, eartli up for blanching in
dry weather. Celeiy, continue to earth up the early crops care-
fully, the tops of the plants to be perfectly dry at the time. The
crops that are not yet earthed up to be kept very moist. Cucrnn-
bers, those in frames which it is intended to keep in bearing, to
be covered up when the nights are cold ; the beds should also
be newly Uned. Endive, continue to blanch and plant out from
Buccessional sowings. Ijeituce, another sowing of the various
sorts may be made ; it is always better to have a superfluity in
the spring than otherwise. Mtishroom-heds may now be made
either in sheds or in the open air. Parsley, thin the summer
sowing while in a young state, the plants will then gain strength
to stand the winter. A portion of the spring sowing to be cut
down. Tomitoes, gather the fruit as it ripens, remove all the
shoots that shade it, and also some of the leaves. A change has
taken place in the weather since last week, frequent showers
have greatly refreshed vegetation. Now is the time to be busy
with the hoe in earthing up the various crops that require it,
and also for planting out those that, from the dry state of the
weather, could not be got out before. Prepare ground for
spring Cabbage, and also for hand-glass Cauliflowers.

FLOTTEE GARDEN.

The work of mowing and general cleaning must be well followed
up at this season. See to the security of stakes and fastenings
generally. Wistaria sinensis, Jasmines, and the Virginian
Creepers may be propagated by cuttinEs. China Roses and
Heartsease may also be increased now. Chrysanthemums out
oi doors to be carefully staked, if against a wall where they look
best tliey should be trained. Budded Rose-stocks to be care-
fully attended to, the buds that have started to be encouraged to
make a more vigorous growth by stopping the wild branches of
the stock.

FKUIT GARDEK.

Thin and dress Strawberry plantations, and be careful not to
injure the leaves of the plants, and avoid deep diggmg between
the rows, which is apt to injure the roots. Look frequently
over the Pears that are ripening and gather those that are fit,
for if allowed to hang after they are ripe the tomtits or the
wasps are sure to spoil tbem. Give a final nailing to the wall
trees, that there may be nothing to obstruct the perfect ma-
turation of the wood. Remove all useless shoots from the Vines
out of doors, and lay in the branches close to the wall.

GKEENHOTJSE AND COKSEEVATORT.
Give air freely on bright days, but if the conservatory con-
tains many stove plants it will be advisable to shut up rather
early iu the afternoon, so as to retain a little war)nth for the
night, and in the event of wet, cloudy weather setting in, it will,
probably, be found necessary to use a little fire heat to dispel
damp and to preserve the bloom of tender things. Keep every-
thing as clean and neat as possible, removing decaying leaves,
flowers, &c., imme<liately they are seen. Examine pot specimens
occasionally, especiallj- such as may not occupy the most suitable
places, turning thcn\ partly round in order to expose all their
sides equally to light and air. Heliotropes, Vetbenas, Scarlet
Geraniums, and Roses required for decorative purposes, to be
progressively shifted, sto|)ped, and trained, tlicy will be found
useful to a late period of the year. Clirysanthemums, Cinerarias,
and Chinese Primroses arc common plants, but will amply repay
for the attention bestowed upon them. Bulbs will require early
attention so that they may be allowed time to form an adequate
portion of roots, that when wanted inherent vigour may assist

September 10, 18S1. ] JOUSNAL OF HORriO[TLTtJEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER.

'1G5

them to withstand premature excitement. Directly Japan Lilies,
Q-ladioIi, ancV plants of like habit have done blooming, remove
them to the foot of a south wall to ripen their growth, water to
be given moderately until the tops show signs of decay, when
they may be laid on their sides till potting time. The earliest-
struck Pelargoniums should now be potted off, exposing them
on all occasions td the weather, except during heavy rains ; the
older plants first cut back which have made shoots an inch or
two long, to be shaken out of their old soil, the roots trimmed
and repotted in smaller pots. If they can be plunged in a slight
bottom heat it will assist the roots to make a fresh start.

PITS AND FRAMES.
If previous directions had been attended to, the propagation
of next season's stock will by this time be well advanced, and
where from the engagement of other work or other causes this
is not the case, every possible dispatch must be used while the
weather is favourable for sjich work. W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

KITCHEN-GABDEN OPERATIONS.
These were much the same as the previous week. Shifted
Cucumber plants from 48 into 24-sized pots, preparatory to their
being planted out or grown in pots for winter, though we have
not been so particular of late as respects winter Cucumbers, as
few people hei'c seemed to care about eating them from Decem-
ber to February ; otherwise, with a close-walled pit, and no
scarcity of stable-manure, or with a hot-water pit, there is no
great difficulty in having them in good order all the winter,
provided one thing is attended to — and that is, that the plants
that bear profusely in November and December should not be
expected to bear freely onwards to the spring. Plants to begin
bearing about the new year and onwards should not be allowed
to swell their fruit until the second week of December. For this
winter work, unless the bed is vei-y narrow — say from 18 inches
to 30 inches, and from 15 inches to 20 inches deep, wo prefer
large pots well drained, and a good portion of the soil to be
fibry heath mould. With such soil top dressings of richer
material may be given, and manure waterings wheu required,
with little risk of causing the soil to become sour or water-
logged. In winter worms seldom interfere with soil in wliich
sweet heath soil forms a good part ; whilst in richer loams they
are apt to be troublesome, and lime water and other means can-
not be so safely resorted to in dislodging them in winter as in
summer. Well-dried, aired cowdung two years old is a good top-
dressing for Cucumbers in winter. Tlie next best is well-
decayed, sweet leaf mould from two to three years old.

WASPS.
The wasps, contrary to our expectations, have been rather
troublesome. They have seized upon Figs and some of the best
Grooseberries that were not close enough covered, without any
ceremony. G-rapes have as yet remained untouched ; but, to
secure them, thin muslin has been tacked over all the air open-
ings, so that not one wasp shall enter however r<'solved to do
so, without cutting holes in the muslin. This they do not like
doing in general ; they would sooner cut an opening in a brick
wall or deal board. We have had a strong nest in a chimney
close to the ridge of a house, and where we dared not resort to
other means than hot water, and filling every opening, however
small, with cement and tar ; but the little hardy things made
holes again and again for themselves. I have noticed, however,
that in gomg over and over on gauze and finding no opening
they generally give it up as a had job ; and rougli wadding is so
much an aversion that they seem glad to escape from it. We
have been forced to cover' Peaches and Nectarines getting ripe
with little bits of thin gauze twisted tightly round them : this
permits plenty of air and light to enter, and yet keeps the wasps
out. If the gauze does not go close to the stem of the fruit, a
little wadding stuck on there with the woolly side out will keep
wasps and flies at a distance. Some haud-Ughts fixed, as men-
tioned the other week, and set beside a piece of Gooseben'ies and
Currants, netted and covered, have each more than a peek of
wasps and great flies. I fear in such eases we are apt to look
less on the benevolent part of the question than we ought to do.

EEUIT.
Removed laterals from Vines to a gi-eat extent in the late
vinery. Eemoved or shortened laterals on fruit trres— such os

Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots, also Apples and Pears, in
order that the wood left might have more chance in perfecting
itself thoroughly, tlie growing now being made secondary to the
ripening process. Watered fruit trees transplanted in spring,
the sun being extra powerful. Cleared off all weeds from the
Strawberry-beds, and would have had all runners cleared off if
I could have found the time.

Watered Sirawberi-ies in pots, giving them manure water
almost at every time, as there is little sign of the plants being
too strong this season. In taking off the runners from the main
plantation, besides laying in a number thickly, we shall prick
out a good many about 6 inches apart in rich soil, and these if
needs be we can raise with balls, and force after March and
April. For all early forcing in winter and spring we consider it
absolutely essential that tlie pots should be full of roots, and
the buds well ripened before the end of autumn, and then that
the plants should have two or three months' rest before being
excited into growth.

This is a good time to make fresh plantation's of Strawberries
in the open air. A rather stiffish loam grows them best. They
go too much to leaf in light sandy soUs. In loamy soil our
practice is to trench two spits deep, and to stir with a pick the
bottom of the trench. Before trenching we place 2 inches oi'
3 inches of hotbed manm-e on the surface of the ground, and
that chiefly goes into the lower trench. When done, we spread
3 inches or so of such manure on the surface and fork it in, and,
when convenient, plant in rows 2 feet apart, and 15 inches in
the rows. In light soil we give more room, and consolidate
the soE by trampling and rolling before planting. In either
ease, though we mulcli and stir the surface, we never allow a
spade to go near them again until we dig them down to make
way for succession crojis.

As it is a matter of dispute and also of science in contrast
with so-called ignorant vandalism, we give our opinion on the
practice of cutting over the heads, or leaves, of Strawberry plants
shortly after they have done bearing, or at the usual time when
tl\e beds are cleaned. Now, our opinion from experience is
shortly this — but we wish no one to adopt it before convinced
thoroughly— that in all loamy stiflish soils the cutting off the
leaves of Strawberry plants is worse than vandalism. We
remove the runners, we even thin the stools of old beds and
rows by removing the pieces with the smaller buds, and plants
so treated will bear well many years. But we do not like to
remove a leaf from the part of the plant left, and we feel sure
that when these leaves get brown and decay the bud is ripe for
next yeai-'s work, whilst the decaying leaves form 8 defence to
the bud in the following winter. In very light sandy soil, with
all our treading and roUing, the plants will incline to grow too
much to top, and that will decay much sooner than on stiflish
soil. In that case we would not hesitate to clear all the
leaves away as soon as they began to turn brown, and then
fresh leaves' would be formed, and in time to perfect a fresh set
of buds close to the ground. If we have expressed ourselves so
as to be understood, our readers will perceive that the practice
that might be G-oth-and-Tandal-like under one circumstance,
may be not out of place in another set of circumstances.

PLANT-HOUSES.

Pruned back Felargonium plants in pots, the shoots being as
firm as Oak shoots ; the poor things resemble now, in miniature,
as many stag-horns. The ground was watered on which the
pots stand, and a slight sprinkHng was given to the tops to
cause the buds to swell ; but that will come time enough, as the
less the leaves are in winter the more easily are they kept m.
winter, and the better will they bloom in spring and summer.
Put some of the cuttings in pots, and others in borders to give
away or exchange. Changed and reset plant-houses, giving
plenty of manure water to Balsams and other annuals; and
plenty of sun, and yet protection from heavy rains, to hard-
wooded plants. Gave also manure waterings to Chrysanthemums
in pots. Now is a good time to layer some of those out of doors
in small pots ; for having dwarf plants in bloom for vases, &c.,
no belter plan can be adopted than, after getting the shoot to
the pot, running a knife for an inch or so up its middle, placing
in the opening a bit of wood or stone, and covering all in the earth
of the pot ; as the roots form, cut the stem at first half-way
through behind, and, in a week or two, cut the connection
altogether.

FLOWER GARDEN.

In our exposed place the hot dry weather has been trying to

466

JODENAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. [September 10, 1861.

Calceolaria-beds, but tlie very thing for Geraniums, which are
)iow blooming nicely. I raised a lament lately about beds of
Coreopsis refusing to open tlteir buds. Some beds for a fortnight
have been very fine, consisting of tlnctoria, ntro-sanguinea^
marmornta, and others, in one mixture. I bclieTe some thou-
sands will order their threepennyworth of seed next season to
try and beat me. I like them all the better because the humblest
and poorest can have them. We hare been obliged to water
Calceolarias and Dahlias several times, and hope the weather
will be a little more cool and moist .now that the most of the
harvest has been got in ; and a little moisture would be
the thing for Turnips. Lawns have required less attention ;
a slight skiff with the scythe when at all long, a whip with the
double-edged knife, a slight clip with the mowing machine, set
high so as not to dip too low, and cause it to look brown ; and a
whisk over with a light-hand wooden-roller, to make it smooth,
are about all that were needed to make it smooth and comfort-
able. A few brownish spots are, nevertheless, appearing, and I
should soon increase them if I allowed either scythe or mowing
machine to go down deep in such weather ; as watering is
quite out of the question, as we can hardly obtain enough for
pot plants.

Walks, though unrolled for a month, are in capital order ; but
are showing signs of cracking at the sides, and a few small weeds
are appearing in places close to the sides. To remedy all this, a
little salt was thrown along the sides for about 6 inches in width
which will keep it more moist there, will destroy the small, almost
imperceptible weeds, and will prevent the worms raising their
little heaps to mar the regular level outline. At this season I
do not mind thus treating the sides of a walk ; but I would not,
on any account, throw salt over the walk as a whole, if I expected
to walk on it in winter at all comfortably. — E. P.

TRADE LISTS EECEIVED.
List of Bulbs and other Flower Hoots, ^'c. Sy E. G. Sender-

son (|- Son, Nurserymen, cj-c, W ellint/ton Road, St. Join's Wood.
— A copious catalogue not only of bulbs, but of many other
tribes of flowering and ornamental plants. It contams also an
account of novelties to be sent out in October, and a drawin" of
one, the ornamental-fruited Epicynium leucobotrys.

Autumn Supplement to the Gardeners' and Farmers' Vade
Mecum. JBy J. Carter If Co., High Holborn, ioHdo«.— This
excellent supplement is itself a catalogue. Besides lists of the
best varieties of bulbs, it points out the soils and culture they
require ; gives groups of those best suited for exhibition, out-
door cultivation, and forcing ; lists of Ferns, and drawings of
hanging-baskets, which Messrs. Carter sell ready stocked with
growing Ferns ; besides much other useful information which we
cannot afford space to particularise.

Atitumn Catalogue of a Choice Collection of Dutch and Cape
Flowering Bulbs. By Butler and McCulloch, Covent Garden.
—This is also a copious catalogue, and contains a great deal of
useful information on the subject of bulbs.

Autumn Catalogue of Dutch, Cape, and other Flowering
Bulbs. By Hooper^ Co., Covent Garden.— Is an excellent cata-
logue, and embraces all that are worthy of cultivalion.

Catalogue of Dutch Flower Soots, cf-c. F. Taylor Ntirserti-
man, Sfc, Malton, Yorkshire. — It contains very select lists, and
includes similur brief selections of Pelargoniums, Petunias, and
other florists' flowers.

Catalogue of Fresh-imported Bulbous Flower Boots. Sutton
and Sons, Beading.— A very good selection, with some notes
upon the culture of some of the genera.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*#* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. AH
communications should therefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the " Journal of Horticulture, (Jc," 162, Fleet
Street, London, F.C.

We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the
same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on
Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered
promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate
communications.

We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under
very special circumstances.

SpARiiows {A. TT.).— The pnper vour refer to was translated and
published in the Timrs. We purpose to republish it. Tott will see some
notes on the subject in our eolunins to-d.iy.

Blotchrd Rose Leaves (OhI .?i/J.scri6ci).— These brown blotches arise
from a defective supply of sap. If the soil was richlv manured annuaUj-,
and well watered and mulched during the summer, probably the blotches
would not appear. Certainly not if the Roses were growing oa their own
roots and were so treated.

Flo Trees Killed by Frost (Suhscriber, North Wales).— he they ore
throwing up vigorous shoots from the old stools, certainly prefer those to
planting young trees in their place.

Frames (CoWi).— Mr. Joseph Smith, Pine Cottage, New Koad, Hammer-
smith, W., can give you the information you require.

Earwigs (fi. i., cS-c.}.— The only certain mode of destroying earwigs is bv
catching them. This can be effected by hollow tubts l.iirt here and there.
The common reed is fit for this purpose, but the hollow stem of the Sun-
flower and Jerusalem Artichoke are even more so, as the insects are eager
in the pursuit of the remains of the sweet pith. Thrv are also easily
caught between the folds of paper, ov in pieces of cloth and linen bid on
the ground. They creep into these traps in the morning after their noc-
turnal rambles, and may easily be shaken out and killed at any time of the
day. Some amateurs of Pinlis and Carnations place the leet of their
flower-stands in vessels of watei, which prevents the earwigs from creep-
ing, but not from flying, upon the plants, for the earwig has wings. Small
flower-pots with a little moss in them are placed on the top of Dahlia
stakes as traps, hut a more sightly trap is figured and described in the
"Gardeners' Magazine," xv., 1(10.

Heating a Small Greenhouse —Sweet-sckntkd Roars in Pots —
Parslet in Winter ( JVinc).— The small iron stove with the funnel through
the roof, and a flat head so as to hold a vessel of water would suit yon best,
or a small brick stove within 18 inches of the back wall. Of Roses,
you might have Madam Hardy as a Damask ; lilairii, Gdnf'val Jacqueminot,
Madame Plantier, Paul Perras, Paul Illcaut, 'William Jesse, among
Noisettes and Bourbons; and among Hybrid Perpetuals, Arthur de Sansal,
Baronne Prevost. Caroline de Sansal, .Jules Margottin, Louis Peronny,
Madam Rivers, Souveni' de Levcson Gower, and William Grifiith. To
have a good supply of Parsley in winter, .sow in April, and cut down
within 2 inches of the soil at the end of July. Either sow where it can be
protected, or rather transplant in July where it can receive protection. Wc
think any person that advertises in our columns could supply you true,
and we feel confident that any respectable nurseryman on your side of the
water would do the same, if you clearly stated what you wished, and that
you would have none other sorts.

Carnation [Seedling). ~T\ic Carnation from Glasgow was in such a
shrivelled condition that it was impossible to decide on its merits. Send
it in a box with a little damp moss, and we can then, probably, say whether
it is worth growing.

Sowing Lobelia speciosa ( tl'. H. F., Subscriher).— The best, and
indeed the only time for sowing Lobelia speciosa, is the end of March or
early in April.

Arbour (C. Cotton).— Hot knowing whether you intend to use a trelUci
and not knowing either the size you wish for nor the exact object you
have in view, we cannot advise. Evergreens are the best for every kind of
arbour.

Pink Geraniums (P. M. XI.— The leaf and truss you enclosed arc
far from being like those of Christina. There is no Geranium yet of the
same form and habit— bad habit, by the way— as those of Countess of
Bective, not Lady Bective, and the 'flowers of Christine, and never shall
be, that you may rely upon. We do not happen to know Lady EUes-
mere Verbena. The kind inquired after is probably Lady Middleton, a
light lavender, sweet-scented, very strong-growing Verbena, which was
advertised erroneously as of mauve colour. A " small dark purple Petunia
the size of Shrubland Rose," is no criterion to judge what flower the lady
wants; any of the sixpenny packets of seeds would be sure to produce
such a Petunia. Among all the Geraniums there is not yet one single kind
with a pink flower, for bedding, save the dw.irf pink Ivy-leaf called
Lateripes rosea by Sweet ; that race ran on from Rosy Morn to Ch< rry
Cheek — all rose, or all cerise, or a mixture of the two. A good pink
bedding Geranium is the greatest want in our day. Lilac and mauve
Geraniums are also much wanted by such ladies as wrote that note which
you enclosed. , Where the soil suits the very dwarf pure pink Ivy-leaf
(icranium there is not a prjttier pink plant for beds. There is a true jiink
Geranium exactly like that pink in the said Ivy-leaf Geranium coming cut
next year, but it is as strong as Christina, or a little stronger, but no one
knows yet if all kinds of soil will suit it. You heard that Baron Hugel,
the freest bloomer of all the Geraniums, does no good in the splendid new
Garden at South Kensington ; and another Baron, called Baron Riascoli, is
being now prepared to replace Baron Hugel there and probably in all
other places.

Name op Fern (Mrs. N C). — It is not a Fern, but one of the Fern
allies, Lycopodium denticulatum.

Muscat Hamburgh Grape {E, ^.).— You are no worse off than other
cultivators of this Grape; under any mode of culture it is liable to fail
both in setting and in swelling off its berries. If you remove it, plant in
its place a Buckland Sweetwater.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

September llth. Royal Horticultural Society. (Dahlias and other

Cut Flowers.) Garden Superintendent, G. Eyles.
September ISth and 19th. Brtohton and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpenter.
November 6th and 7th. Rotal Horticultural Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Superiniende^it, G. Eylcs.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newington CnRYSANTiiEMrM Society.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
November Hth and 15th. Crystal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.]

See.f W. Houghton.

September 10, 1861. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTUSE AND COTTAGE (JAEDEiS-EE.

467

POTJLTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

MORTALITY AT THE SHEFFIELD POULTRY
SHOW.

In reply to your letter I beg to say tliat the symptoms my
birds exhibited when thev returned from Sheffield were extreme
tliu'st, an aversion to all kinds of food, and a most duU and
melanelioly appearance. They all huddled into a corner and
there they lay ; their combs were of a deep purple, almost
black, and the cockerel was much purged. Two of them died on
the Saturday after tlieir return, and the third liugered on till
Monday morning, the 12th ; they were opened in my absence,
and I was told by my poultry woman that the whole of the
insides were much inflamed. I thought of sending them to an
analytical chemist, but was advised not to do so as the expense
would be Tery great.

I see a letter from " Selim," but he does not throw much
light on the matter.

Last year a cockerel exhibited by me at Sheffield died soon
after his return to me ; but at the time I attributed his death to
his having been aUowed to eat too much when first taken out of
his hamper.

My case seems different from any jet menOioned, as I suppose
my birds were not dosed until after the awards of the Judge. —
John F. Newton, Vicarage, Kirliy -in- Cleveland, Yorkshire.

[All the symptoms exhibited by the Eev. Mr. Newton's
poultry are indicative of death by an irritant poison — probably
arsenic ; and we regret exceedingly that he did not apply to the
Sheffield Committee to have the contents of the birds' crops and
intestines analysed. Even now it is not too late; for if poison
were the cause of the deaths, and the poison were of metallic
oi'igin, it would yet be detectable.

We observe that "Selim," in our contemporary, states that
■at the Slieffield Poultry Show, for 1860, two of his birds died,
thiit they were dosed, and that he warned the Committee to have
a detective this year. He concludes by saying, "From the fact
of so many birds being found ill before the awards were given, it
appears evident that some parties must have obtained admission
previously, and effected their object."]

I PEECEITE by a letter in your contemporary the Field that
" Selim " politely declines to avow his individuality, contenting
himself by pretty closely recapitulating his first statement re-
ferring to the precautions he himself deemed essential to the
preservation from injury of the poultry at the late Sheffield
Exhibition, adding, most properly, it was his sole desire to put
the Committee on their guard, and thus prevent disaster. So
far so good. Nor do I personally intend to entertain the iiow-
80-generally vexed question as to the "right" of the Sheffield
Committee to know personally the individual to whom they are
indebted. Again, had it been possible for me now to have
addressed a private letter to that gentleman, I should have
greatly preferred so doing to adopting the only course yet avail-
able to me ; for who " Selim " may be I cannot even conjecture.
X must not, however, forbear the expression of my own indi-
vidual opinion — in which I find nearly every poultry amateur
fuDy concurs — that all good results he tlius desired would have
been as effectively attained by the transmiision in the first
instance of a private, though necessarily emphatic letter, ad-
dressed exclusively to the Sheffield Committee, explanatory of
" Selim's " apprehensions, rather than by the adopting of the
less de.irable and ill-judged step of thus making it a matter of
universal publicity, tend-ng, as it inevitably must do, more to
the severance of good feeling among poultry amateurs than their
benefit. I repeat my conviction — every good issue that could
possibly ensue would have been thus easily gained ; whilst on
the other hand, the public distrust, unfortunately created by his
first printed letter, would as undoubtedly have been obviated
in toto — Edwaed Hewitt, Eden Cottage, Sparklroolc, Bir-
mingham, Sept. 5, 1861.

Halifax Fancy Pigeon Association. — The fourth annual
Show of this Association will take place on the 20th and 21st of
December next, and from the number of extra pi-izes promised,
no doubt it will be as successful as its predecessors. The
echedule will be out in the course of a fortnight.

CHESTER POULTRY EXHIBITION.

The competition throughout among the exhibitors of poultry
at Chester was very good ; so much so, that although the entries
comprised only about eighty pens, so interesting and perfect a col-
lection is rarely met with at even our largest meetings. This Show,
though essentially an agricultural meeting, has invariably stood
in good position as to poultry ; and, on the present occasion
the premiums offered for this description of stock, and sheep like-
wise, were raised exclusively by local subscription. We are
glad to see that this county, always renowned for the excellency
of its poultry, thus maintains its interest by progressing equally
with the districts immediately adjacent.

Our review of the classes was considerably improved by the ex-
cellency of the general arrangements. Chester was the first Show
that employed the folding wirework pens, now so general, and
which were originally suggested by that well-known poultry ama-
teur, Mr. Ed«ard Hewitt, of Bu-mingham. For utility as to
general exhibition purposes, combined with requiring the least pos-
sible space when travelling, or laid by until again wanted, there
seems no room for improvement ; but the " bolting-wire door,"
now used, is undoubtedly a great progressive step to the one first
applied, which then fasteneil similarly to the door of a Parrot's
cage. One of the very great advantages of the " bolting-wire "
is this, that whilst requiring no fastenings whatever, it does not
in the slightest degree compromise the safety of the inmates
from their own exertions to escape, and risitors should, at every
exhibition, be prevented from interfering with or handling the
poultry, by properly appointed officials : still, the arbitrators
possess the undeniable advantage of the readiest access possible
to any specimen they wish to handle. For Game cocks parti-
cularly, the hnlf-raised door offers a complete safeguard to the
hand whilst taking them from the pen for this always-necessary
investigation.

Spanish fowls headed the list. The first pen was undoubtedly
a good one, and being entered at the low price of £5, would
most probably change ownership. In the Spanish chickens, tlie
well-known birds of Mr. Ecdbard, of Bristol, not only richly
deserved their first premium, but most singularly attained it
without any competition whatever. The old DorJcings were,
indeed, a bad-looking lot ; but the Dorking chickens were
decidedly one of the best classes we have met with this season.
It will be seen by reference to our appended prize-list that Mr.
Stretch, of Booilc, obtained a very easy mastery in the adult Buff
Cochins; but in Parti-idge-coloured ones, the precedence was
enjoyed by Mr. Cnrtwright, of Oswestry, with an excellent pen.
It occurred to visitors that the pen of Mr. Stretch being so sadly
out of feather would have been more wisely managed had they
not just now have been exhibited. The Cochin chickens of
any variety of colour were marvels. Mr. Edward Tudman, of
Whitchurch, stood first with one of the best Partridge-coloured
pens we ever saw, and the Buffs and Whites were but little less
worthy of mention. The Uamhnrghs and the Oame fowls
showed to disadvantage. The Bantams of every variety save
Sebrights (not a single specimen of which competed) were
first-rate. We noticed several lots of Brown Eeds that were
peculiarly well bred for colour.

The Aylesbury Duclcs left a favourable impression on all par-
ties ; but the Eouens were indifferent, so much so that in this
last-named variety the only poultry prize withheld occurred.

The weather being very favourable, an extensive and fashion-
able attendance took place.

SpASisn.— First, J. Bamber, Broughton. Second, J. Grocott, Kantwich.
CTiieicfis.— First, J K. Rodljard, Aiilwiclc Court, Wringlon, aear Bristol.
Second, no competition.

DoKKiNOs.- First, A. Potts, Hoole Hall, Cliesler. Second, T. Bvu-gess, Jan.,
Birlcydam, Wliitclnucti, Salop. CTic/fciis.— First, A. Potts, Hoole Hal),
Cliester. Second, Lady Bagot, Blithfiel.l Hall, Rugeley, Staffordshire. Highly
Coinmeniled, Lady Bagot; Mrs. E. Tudman, Ash Grove, Whitchurch,
Salop. Commended, T. Burgess, jun.

CocHiN.CiiiN-.v (Cinnamon or Buff ).— First, T. Stretch Marsh Lane, Bootle,
Liverpool Second, G. Fell, Warrington. ^. „

Cochik.Chjha (any other variety).— First, P. Cartwright, Oswestry.
Second, T. Stretch, itavsh Lane, Bootle, Liverpool. C';iici«is.--Fir5t, b.
Tudman, Astv Grove, Whifcliurch, Salop. Second, J. B., Walthew,
Birch's Brow, Aughton, near Ormskirk. Highly Commended, G. Williamson,
Welch Row, Nantwich; P. Cartwriglit; T. Stretch; G. Fell, Warrington;
E. Tudman; J. B. Wallhew, Birch's Brow, Aughton, Omskirk. Commended,
H. Baes, Harbourne Heath Cottage. Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Hambubgh (Golden-spangled).— First, G. FeU, Wamngton. Second, no

competition. _ ..,„.._ n j n.

Haubckohs (Silver-spangled).- First, T. Dale, Middlewich. Second, 1.

Ricby, Fenny W' od, Winsford. „ ,, ^ „ .,, • ,

Hajibukghs (Golden-pencilled).— First, W. Pierce, Hartford, Nortliwich.

Hambdrghs (Silver-pencilled.)— No entry. Wiciens.— First, W. Pierce,

Hartford, Northii ich. Second, E. Roberts, Clifton, Preston, Lancashire.

4G8

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUSE AND COTTAGK GARDENER. [ September 10, 1861.

Gajie (any variety). — First, J. Grocott, Nantwich. Second, W. Sheffield,
Bvoxton. fhickevs — First", A. I'hilips, Gravel Lane, Winsford. Second,
C. Lfcwis, Old Kinfc's Head, Brii'ge Street, Cliester. Hiijlily Commended,
T. Bnrcesp, jun., Burleydam, W hitcliurch, Salop. C"minended, IT. Child,
jun., Sherborne Road, BirminKham.

Bantams 'anv variety).— First, T. Burgess, jun., Burleydam, Whitchurch,
Siih'p. Stcond, J. Grocitt, Nantwich. Highly Commended, C. W. Hull,
Toulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire.

Ducks (Aylesbury).— First, T. Johnson, Over, near Winsford, Cheshire.
Second, E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot, Oswestry. Highly Commended, J. Grocott,
Nantwich : T, Eigby, Fenny Wood, Winsford. Commended, T. RigUy.

Ducks (Rouen). — First, T. Burgess, jun., Bnrleydani, Whitchurch, Salop.
Second, withhell.

The Judge was Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Eden Cottagej Spark-
brook, near BirmiiigliarD,

POULTEY EXHIBITION AT KEIGHLEY,
YOEKSHIRE.

It mu6t incleed be most eatisfactoi'y to the Committee of the
Keighley Show to 6nd so full success attending their annual
meetings ; and, undoubtedly, if untiring efforts to cater for the
public gratification are "worthy of such an issue, none can more
richly deeerve it than they Jo. It is now nineteen years since
it was first instituted as an agi'icultural meeting, and it still
holds a prominent position among the inhabitants of the district
for many miles round ; whilst other societies of similar character
having at the onset equal advantages hare fallen into disuetude,
entirely through the want of energy on the part of their respec-
tive officials. Not so, however, with the Keighley Committee.
They "progress with the times ;" some new feature is annually
introduced, and, consequently, their Show has become as popular,
if not more popular, than any other exhibition of like nature in
Yorkshire. On the evening ofthe 3rd inst., any individual passing
through Keighley must have been surprised at the preparations
that were then fast progressing, and which were carried on with-
out the slightest intermission the whole night through. Festoons
of flowers, both natural and artificial, combined with gigantic
wreaths of evergreens, waved across the streets from most of the
windows ; holiday folk wandered about in one continued stream
on all sides, to whom the varied inscriptions on the numerous
banners appeared one of the principal points of attraction.

In front of the road leading to the railway station, we noticed
a very large decoration, bearing the appropriate announcement,
"Welcome Visitors all." A little farther on was an equally
large one, surmounted by a cornucopia, inscribed "1861;" the
hand of Providence pointing to the year's date, and beneath it —

** The poor shall he fed
^Vith plenty of bread."

Still onwards, but quite opposed to the general route to the
ehow-field, the loud laughter of an assembled crowd of idlers
caught our ears ; and, on arriving on the spot we found a
publican, who, no doubt, felt a great interest in the Show, but
still a little for self, had adopted the following novel means of
attracting customers. By the sides of the chimnies of his own
dwelling, and also attached to those of his neighbours, were
effigies of Hie size of a sailor, a soldier, on artilleryman, a rifle
volunteer, a Punch, and a Blondin; nor was the chief present
foible of the female portion of society overlooked — a crinoline I
certainly the largest of the many extravagant-sized ones that
have yet met our eye dangled midway across the highway, the
materials of which it was composed abounding in aU the gorgeous
colours that tlie most unfettered imagination could devise.
Strange idea! underneath its ample space, some 15 feet in
diameter, were suspended a leg of mutton, a ham, a reeve of
onions, a beeve's tongue, and an immense variety of similar
edibles. A Yorkshire wag in our rear (confound the fellow),
said " it was only suggestive of the business that might be done
with crinoline when out shopping." Good thing he escaped the
ducking-pond!

But to the poultry. We were quite disappointed with the
adult Cochins, they being naturally in heavy moult ; but the
chickens were excellent in every point. The Spanish mustered
rather strongly and were good ; but we were annoyed to see
decidedly the best pen on the ground "disqualified," fi'om
being entered in the wrong class. This result is compulsory,
and exhibitors cannot be too particular on this head. The
Bamhvryh classes, as might naturally be supposed, stood Al.
It is really surprising how perfect in plumage was nearly every
pen exhibited ; but the great failing — discoloured ear-lobes,
seemed somewhat overlooked by these candidates for public

distinction. In Polands, it is but rarely we see a better J
collection ; whilst all the chicken clashes were unexceptionable. I

The Geese ara\ Tt'.rkfi/svould have stood well at any exhibition, '
and the Ducks were no less creditable.

The Pigeons were quite a show in themselves, and certainly
attracted no small proportion of public attention. The Toy
Pigeons were particularly praiseworthy. Although the weather
at early dawn looked worse than suspicious, the day as time
wore on proved favourable, and, consequently, tlie attendance
was quite as great as even the most sanguine could desire.

Cochin-China (any colour).— First, W. Dawson, ISIirfieUl. Second, R.
Dewes, Knaresborough. Chickctis. — First, \V. Shepton. F.arhy. Second,
J. .T. Thomas, Garstan^. Commended. W. Dawson. Mirfield.

Spanish fBlack).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, D. Wilson, Sutton.
C7(iVA-p7(.5.— First, J. Senior. Batley Carr. Secono, E.Brown, Sheffield.
nigMy Commended, J. Dixon, Bradford.

Chitteprats.— First, Eriii'y Beldon, Bradford. Second, S. Shaw, Stain*
land. Commenced, J. Hoyle, Haycock. C7(tVA-C7)5.— First, J. Dixon,
Bradford. Second, J. Shackleton. Hisrhly Commended, Emily Beldon.
Commended, J. Sunderland. Earcroft ; W. Ayrton, Earby.

Goi.nzN Pheasant.— First, Emily Beldon, 'Bradford. Second, J. Dixon,
Bradford. Chickens. — First, W. Lawson, East Chivin, Otley. Second, J .
Dixon, Bradford. Commended, E. Harrison, Keifrhley ; Emily Beldon; J.
Newton. Silsden.

H«MBCROH (Golden-pencilled).- First, F. Hardy, Bradford. Second,
J. Dixon, Bradford. Commended, S. Smith, Northowram. Chickens.—
First, J. Firth, Halifax. Second, S. Shaw, Stainland. Highly Comniended,
J. Dixon, Bradford.

Silver Fheasant.— First. H. Carter, UpperThorg. Second. J. Hartley,
Keighlev. Chickens.— First. J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, S. Shaw, Stain-
land. Highly Commended, J. Hartley, Long Lee; E. H«ttersley, Keighley ;
G. West. Bingley. Commended, Emily Beldon, Bradford.

Black Pheasant.— First, S. Shaw, Stainland. Second, W. Maud,
Bingley. Chickens.— Fiift, S. Shaw. Second, J. Scott, Skipton.

Poland (Golden or Silver Pheasant).- First and Second, J. Dixon,
Bradford. C* if i^ns.— First, .1. Dixon. Second, J. Eroughton, Calvcrskye
Hill. Highlv Commended, J. Rnwnslev, Gilstead. Commended, .1. Dixon.

DoRKixr..— Fhst, J. T. C. Lister, Beamsley Hall. Second. J. Dixon,
Bradford. C'7iic*c«s.— First, T. E. Kelt, Wetherby. Second, T. B. Stead,
Leeds.

Game (Red).— First, E. Tate, DrifBeld. Second, R. Hemingway, Shelf.
CTi/V/.e;is.— First, J. Hodgson. Bradford. Second, 'St. Hemingway. Highly
Commended, W. Bcntlev, Low Moor ; G. Longbottom, Halifax. Com-
mended, T. Carr. Reed Maker ;'T. B. Steed, Leeds; M. Broadley, Wakefield.

Game (any other variety).— First. F. Hardy, Bradford. Secnd, K.
Turner, Dri'ahlington. Chickens.— First, M. Brcadtcy, Thome's Lane.
Second, F. Hatdv. Bradlord, Commended, -J. Sharp, Heaton; B. Hem-
ingwav, Shelf; R'. Tate, Driffield.

Bantam (Black, White, or Game).— First, E. Hntton, Pud.sey. Second,
J. Dixon, Bradford. Chickens.— First, S. Oxley, Heckmonriwike. Second,
R. Voakes. Driffield. Commended, RL Broadley, Wakefield.

Ant Distinct Breed.— First, J. Dixon, Bradford (Black Polandc).
Second. W. Dawson, Mirfield (Sultans). Commended, J. Dixon; K. Tate,
Driffield. r//icif»u.— First. J. Smith, Utley (Black Polands). Second, G.
West, Binglev (Black Polands). Highly Comniended, H. Cato, Keighley
(White Dorkings). Commended, J. Dixon (Malays); E. Hattersley
(White Polands).

DccKS (Rouen).— First, W. Mitchell. Keighley. Secotd, J. Dixon,
Bradford. Highly Commended, E. J. Robinson, Ulverston ; H. Cockshott,
Binglev.

Dicks (Avlesburv).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, J. Ramsden,
Bradley. Highly Commended, B. Tate, Driffield. Dneklini/s.—Fint, K.
Tate (Aylesbury). Second, II. J. RabiuEon. Ulverston (Rouen). Highly
Commended, J. Dixon .(Buenos .\yrean\ Commended, S. .Shaw, Stain-
land (Rouen).

Geese.— First, 3?. Tate, Driffield. Second, K. Baxter, Elslack Hall.
Highly Commended, E. Hutton, Pudsey.

TcRKrvs.— First, E. T,ate, DriflSeld. . Second, J.Dixon, Bradford,

Best Three Pens of Povi.trv (Chitteprat, Silver Pheasant, and Golden
Pheasant). — Silver Cup, J. Dixon, Bradford.

PIGEONS.

Powter on Cropper. — Coek.—First, J. Sunderland, Coley Hall.
Second, S. Slia-w, Stainland. J7fn.— First, H. Smilh, Skipton. Sccond>
S. Shaw. Highlv Commended, J. Sunderland

Carrier.— ftfi!-.— First, E. Mcorehousc, Halifax. Second, H. Smith,
Sliipfon. Hishly Commended, H. Smith. lien. — First, E. Moorchouse.
Second, H. Smith.

TiiMULERs (Almond). — Prize, S. Shaw, Stainland.

TvMBLERs (Balds, Beards, or Mottled).— First, S. Shaw, Stainland.
Second, ,T. Andetton, Glusburn. Highly Commended, S. Shaw. Com-
mended, C. Sidgwick, Riddlesden ; E. Moorchouse, H.difax.

Owls.— First, S. Shaw, Stainland, .Second, .1. Kaun.sley, Gilstead.

Tvhbits.— First, S. Shaw, Stainland. Second, J. Raunslcy, Gilstead.

Jacobins. — First, S. Shaw, Stainland. Second, A. Luycock, Woodville.

Fantails. — First, J. Raunsley, Gilstead. Second, S. Shaw, Stainland.

Barbs.— First, S. Shaw, Stainland. Second, E. Moorchouse, Halifax.

Dragons. — First, E. Moorchouse, Haiif.ix. Second, S. Sh.rw, Stainland.

Trvmpeters. — First and Second, S. Shaw, Stainland.

Magpies.— First, S. Shaw, Stainland. Second, A. Laycock, Woodville.

Archangils.— First, A. Laycock, Woodiille. Second, E. Moorchouse,
Halifax.

Ant Distinct Breed.- First and Second, S. Shaw, Stainland. Highly
Commended, J. Sunderland, Coley Hall; S. Fxley, Heckmondwike.

'J he Judges were Edward Bond, Esq., of Hearlingley, near
Leeds; and Edward Hewitt, Esq., of Sparkbrook, Birmingham.

Worms in the Etes of Geese. — " Snt, — The most singular
thing I ever heard of has happened to our Greese this year. They

September 10, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

469

are all going blind and pining away. I bad one of them Isilled,
and when we opened the eyeball a small black worm, just like a
yoxmg leech, eame out. It was very lively, and wheu it was put
into water it swam about exactly as a leech docs. I sent the
insect alive in a bottle of water to Dublin, to Mr. Small, of
Aungier Street, who is our veterinary surgeon. He has ordered
us to cut «pen the eyeballs of those affected, with a lancet or
sharp penknife. If any of your numerous readers have ever
been troubled in this way with their poultry would state what it
will be best to do to prevent or cure the complaint, it would
confer a favour on — Tours, &c., J. M'Keowit, Land Steward
to Sir John Macneil, MUltown Orange, Castlebellingham,
August 24!, 1S61." ^- (IrisJt JTariner's Gazette.)

CEYSTAL PALACE POULTRY SHOW.

(JFVom another Seporter.)

The Exhibition of poultry just closed has certainly been the
best summer show of chickens ever yet held by the Crystal
Palace Company, and these gentlemen well deserve so successful
a result'; for not only wore tlie premiums offered of an unusually
liberal character, but the arrangements throughout on this occasion
were so excellent and efficiently carried through as to leave no
cause for even a solitary grumbler. It is certain so well-devised
and tlioroughly-fulfiUed rules must have a permanent effect on
all future meetings ; whilst it is the just due of Mr. Houghton,
the never-tiring Secretary, to say that this extraordinary im-
provement in the management is solely attributable to his
personal exertion and superintendence. Even were a pre-
disposed fault-finder to have narrowly criticised the whole
management, the only suggestion he could possibly have thrown
out, would have been au exchange of position between the
classes for Ducks and Rabbits, although, probably, some private
reason existed for the plan adopted not so directly apparent to
a casual visitor.

The Spanish classes were perfect, scarcely a single pen could
have been pointed out that some few years back would not have
been deemed faultless. The yard of Mr. J. R. Rodbard shone most
brightly m the prize-list. Messrs. Martin and Fowler proved
themselves, however, very closely-running opponents. The
Dorking classes were extremely well filled, the best of any in the
whole collection — so much so, that it caused no little difficulty
to the Judges to even find a fault with various pens only highly
commended. It is a peculiarity of this season's poultry shows,
how much this class extends itself and improves throughout at
each subsequent meeting. The Buff" Cochins were quite as de-
servedly the object of the greatest interest to visitors. It is
hopeless to expect better ; but the Partridge-coloured and White
onss, as a whole, were not nearly go perfect. The general class
for Brahmas was capital, but the Single Gock class of this
variety was a complete failure. Most amateurs anticipated a
close struggle for mastery in the Game classes, and truly enough
every premium offered for this popular breed was hardly won,
scarcely a pen could be found that was not shown in first-rate
condition. The best show of Ramhurghs ever yet seen at the
Crystal Palace was on this occasion, the G-olden varieties, if
an;, thing, being the most preferable. Messrs. Munn, Saiith,
Brooke, Hyde, and Carter, have good reasons, therefore, to exult
in their pre-eminence. The Black Folands with white crests,
though so slight an entry, were perfection ; nor were the Silver-
spangicd less creditable ; but the Golden-spangled were un-
doubtedly inferior. The prize pens of Malays were capital.
Most of the classes for Bantams were good, the Sebright and
White ones particularly so. The time of year alone prevented
the Game Bantam classes showing in the condition w-e custom-
arily meet with.

The Water Fowls were first-rate, almost without a single
exception, a)id like the Turkeg poult class were well filled.
The ornamental classes, for water I'owls was a very pleasing one.
The Sebastopol Geese have never yet been shown in so good
trim, and took precedence. Black Swans, Spur-winged Geese,
and some few other rare varieties, also proving most attrac-
tive.

.:. The two classes for Pheasants, and the one for Gheinea Fowls,
only brought out a single entry as to the former two, and the
same in the latter breed ; and, perhaps, from such a result it
might prove wise to expunge these premiums from the jn-ize-
iist o'l future occasions, the efforts of the Crystal Palace Com-
mittee in these classes not meeting their due response.

REMINISCENCES OE A GAMEKEEPER.

(Continued from page 429.)

The manager came. I knew little of such men ; and when
one morning I saw a sharp-looking man surveying all my pre-
mises, and jotting the result in his note-book, I asked him what
he wanted. " Me ? " said he in surprise. " What do I want ?
Do you know who I am?" I said I did not. "I am your
master's manager." " Glad of it," said I. " I will point out to
you what I want. I want four dog-kennels." " Surely you do
not mean to keep four?" " Yes, more." "Cannot agree to
l;hat ;" and a memo, was made.* " At present my own two dogs
are shut up in a little knife-house. Look here." " Stay, are
they tied up?" "No." " Then never mind ; I do not want to
see them." " I want guns, dogs, some Pheasants to breed from."
" You misunderstand," said the agent, " you are here to preserve
the game, and you are paid a large salary to do so ; but if Mr.
Flosse is to buy it, why, it seems to me you are useless." " But,"
said I, " there is none to preserve ; the place is stripped."
" How many will you want ? " " Over such an extent, a hun-
dred should be turned out at least, and they would cost — seventy-
five pounds." " Positively wicked."

In this way everything was done. I was allowed to buy
nothing ; the manager provided all things. He went away with
a list of my requirements ; and, as our friends say, it was a " raale
caution" to see the things I received, and the " letter of advice"
I had fi'om the " manager ;" that Mr. Flosse was aware these
dogs were not perfect, but that as I stated I thoroughly under-
stood dog-breaking, I could break these before the season came
in ; that I should receive two guns, a double and a single-
barrelled, which were both warranted to he safe ; that I should
be required to keep account of the expenditure of powder and
shot, not only the quantity, but the purpose for which it
was expended ; that Mr. Flosse allowed no perquisites ; that
every Rabbit was to be trapped, and sent to market, and that
the account was to be sent direct to the " manager."

Let me describe the dogs. Don, liver and white, very large,
heavy dog, with a tail as thick as his legs, completely past work,
and hopelessly deaf; would stand for a few seconds, and then
I'ush in so cleverly it was a good bird or animal that escaped.
The first time I look him out he did not offer to leave the foot-
path till we got into some swedes. Here he deliberately surveyed
the whole place, and noticing a hedgerow on one side, he made
for it at a smartish pace. On his road he stopped, played in,
and presently trotted along the swedes, head and tail ei-ect, with,
a hen Pheasant in his mouth. He went into the hedgerow to
eat it, and joined me half an hour afterwards.

Bob, a remarkably handsome blaek-ticked dog, fom- years old,
had never been broken, or used for anything but a house-dog;
very spiteful, as I found when I tried to flog him for chasing.

Fan, yellow and white setter, veij beautiful, and excellent
dog provided there was no gun, but she was gun-shy, and yan
home directly a shot was fired.

Ned, called a retriever, never knew him find anything while I
had him, except it was the luncheon if that was left behind.
He was always on the look out for a bone or piece of food, and
having found it, he was no use afterwards. Was told he had
been used to lead a blind man.

This was my stock of dogs ; but such as they were they must
be fed, and I wrote to the "manager" to ask him to send me
food. He said that which many people fancy — that there is
always enough to feed a dog or two. He hoped I was not going
to make " an item " of such a thing as that. I said I must have
some meal and some flesh. He ordered me to get both. I said
I must have food for my birds. He wanted to know how birds
lived where there was no keeper. He desu-ed me to send all
bills to him, as no money was to pass through any hand but
his. I was very glad it was so. I bought oats and barley of the
tenants, and " manager " paid them by cheque, " less 5 per cent,
for cash." The tenants did not understand the deduction, and
manager was in hot water. They sent back the cheques, and
he answered by saying it was the custom of the house to deduct
5 per cent, for cash from all private accounts. They came to
me, and I could only refer them to manager. He stormed,
and talked about the " house " and Mr. Flosse ; but the passive
resistance of the farmers was too much for him. He was told
Mr. FIosse's money was no better than anybody else's ; that
anybody else would have paid at once without trying to cheat ;
and if he did not pay directly they would ask Mr. Flosse, and
if he didn't pay wliy they would make him, that's all. Young
Rooke, the lawyer, did not ask for better fun. He paid for the

470

JOTJENAL OF HORTTCULTUSE ANB COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ September 10, 1861.

corn, but none of the farmers would ha^e any more dealings
with him. Mr. Flofse liad bought estates in all directions :
everything was paid through the manager, and all money came
from tlie counting-house.

On the last day of August, while I was busy preparing for the
1st of September, manager visited me to say he had made
arrangements for the sale of the game ; that he looked to me to
see it was properly killed and taken care of; that I was respon-
sible for every bead ; and that I was not under any circum-
stances to allow any one to have a liead of game. I asked him
who my party would be on the following day. He said two of
tlie sons, and two friends fiom Oxford ; that they would pro-
bably want to slioot in a most unbusiness-like manner, and that
I must prevent it.

While he was speaking the sons and their friends came.
Their business was to give me their orders, and to choose a gun
for the youngest. He was a nice lad of about sixteen. His
elder brother and friends were provided. I asked liim whether
lie would have double or single. He said double, and I pro-
duced it. "Keeper," said the eldest son (he was a pompous
empty-headed fellow), " I will thank you to give my brother a
good gun, not a thing that is only fit to use for shooting spar-
rows oif wheat." "It is the best 1 have," said I, "and it was
sent by this gentleman." " Yes," said manager, " and I can
produce a written warranty for its being safe." " I thought,
sir," said the eldest eon, " your department was only in busi-
ness." " I am your father's cashier, and go where he pleases to
send me. In buying these guns I followed his orders, and yoti
must take any complaints you have to him." He was more
than a match for the young ones, and they got from him by
saying they would see the dogs ; but manager followed. The
son was pleased with the look of them, and ordered me to take
Don and Bob, pointers, and Ned, the retriever, " and mind,
keeper," said he, " I wish you to have the retriever in a slip.
X am very particular about my dogs. You will see that plenty
of powder and shot is provided, and come up to the Hall at
nine o'clock." Manager told me I was not to provide ammuni-
tion for the friends ; that the young men had brought them
without their father's permission.

Not wishing to spoil sport, and knowing there were lots of
birds, I took extra powder in the morning ; but manager fol-
lowed, and watched me everywhere. He was delighted with the
look of his dogs, and I must say they looked well. I was soon
fetched to the son, who desired me to see that all traps were
in order. I asked him about the day. I supposed they would
divide in two parties, two guns each. He said. No ; that his
brother would not shoot. We started. Below the park was
what they called " The New Form " — two hundred acres with-
out a hedge ; half was stubble ; the other half swedes, mangold,
rape, and potatoes. I knew if we beat the stubble first the
cover would be full of birds. I trembled for the behaviour of
my dogs. Ton would not leave my heels, and Bob was only
waiting an excuse and opportunity to fasten on Don. Ned
walked steadily on, sniffing to the right and left for a bone or
anything else, and looked in everybody's face as though he
would say, " Please to remember poor blind.", I turned round
once to look, and, to my surprise, manager was but a little dis-
tance behind. " Now, keeper, hunt your dogs," said the young
master. " Hold up, Don." Fortunately while I said so a bird
rose from the ground, and settled again within thirty yards.
Don winded them, and began to draw. I knew if he got among
them he would catch one, and there was an end of him for the
day, I therefore said, " Follow up, gentlemen." A regular
cloud of birds got up — ten brace at least. Six barrels were
poured into them at thirty yards, and five or six fell. Don
trotted up towards them, and Bob went off full cry after one
that was winged. " Keeper, keeper," shouted the young gentle-
man, " make your pointers ' down charge,' and let your retriever
loose." Ulie retriever had been loose ever so long ; but un-
luckily he had come across an old bone, and was contentedly
gnawing it. Don had succeeded (it was the 1st of September,
and the bu-ds were not full grown ) in getting two into his mouth,
and, after having surveyed the country, he had pitched on the
mangold as the best covert, and he was ofT, head and tail up,
and with that stately step peculiar to dogs when they are carry-
ing game. Bob had caught his bird, had torn it all to pieces,
and was having a little game of liis own a quarter of a mile off.
" Stop that dog. Where is he going? \Vhat is his name?
Shoot him, keeper ! Too bad ! Keeper, you should be ashamed,
your dogs are under no command. Call him baik." "It is

useless, sir ; he is deaf." " Then why do you keep him ? "
" These dogs were provided for me." Four birds were picked
up, and while thty were loading manager came up. " Let me
look at the birds. Ah!" said he, "these are too much shot;
they will not sell. I must beg you to put in less powder and
shot, or contiivc in some way to damage them less." There
were soon liigh words between the son and he, which ended in
his going home. I told them I would find them plenty of sport
without dogs, and I did so ; but they shot very badly, and the
result was a small bag. They were satisfied, but manager was
not ; he required to know the quantity of powder and shot that
had been used ; then the quantity required for one charge ; and
then with his pencil he had soon proved that it took five shots
to kill one bird, that every one was a serious loss. I saw no
more of him for six weeks. Ho then sent me word he would be
at my house in the morning, tiiat he wished to see me.

He desired me to read a paper. I found " Keeper £54 12s. per
annum, house worth £5 ; keep of four dogs £16 ; powder and
shot, &c., £13 ; one hundred Pheasants £75 ; food for ditto £23;
three men as watchers occasionally £15. You will observe," he
said, " I put only principal items — £200 12«. You say the
Partridge shooting is nearly over, my sale-account for them — five
hundred and eighteen birds — is £37 I8s. Y'^ou say Pheasants
must be sparingly killed this year, and that not more than two
hundred can be sold ; they will make £30. I shall have £67 18«.
to put against £200 12s., and this does not include outlay for
dogs, guns, kennels, nets, pens, coops, and a hundred other
things. You are a loss of £150 per year to the estate, and to
my accounts : can you reduce the expenses ?" "No." "Will
you make me any proposition ? I should like you for a certain
sum to undertake the whole, to guarantee first-rate sport, and
to supply the house with game." I declined it. " Then," said
the manager, " I am sorry to say I must discharge you ; I must
find one to undertake the whole on my terms. As such a one
will probably bring all he requires, will you take to the dogs and
guns you have at a liberal discount from their cost price?" I
declined, and thus I left Mr. Flosse.

Manager said he would recommend me freely for everything
but dog-breaking. I had signally failed in thaf.
{To he continued.)

THE WONGO-WONGO PIGEON.

(LErCOZAUCIA PICATA.)

Hating noticed the remarks made by a correspondent in the
report of Pigeons at the Crystal Palace Show in your last week's
Number, allow me to state I beg leave to diB'er with the statement
there made about the Wongo-Wougo Pigeon being " utterly
incapable of domestication."

I believe them to be very hardy ; mine, liaving now been con-
fined for some few months, are looking remarkably well and
healthy, and, from what I have lately observed, have not the
slightest doubt but that they will breed in this country, and are
quite capable of being acclimatised.

To bear me out in my remarks, I find, on reference to the
" Guide to the Zoological Gardens," the following description
of them : —

"Australia is rich in Pigeons, not less llim twenty-one species being
figured in Mr. Gould's work. Of tliese tlie most desitable to acclimatise
in Europe is the Won^o-Wongo. Tlie Wongo-Wongo, of wliich tbe
Society have recently received several newly -imported pairs, bred for the
first time during tbe past season. It is not only of considerable size, but,
according to Mr. Gould's observation, a first-rate bird for the table,
possessing a whiteness and delicacy of texture in its pectoral muscles,
which are unapproached by any other species of this widely-spread and
useful family."

— A. G. Bkooke, Peckham Sye.

SPAE.EOWS AND OTHER ANIMAL FEIENDS
OF THE GAEDENEE.

Spabeowb eat the caterpillars which injure the gooseberry,
cabbage, rose, &c., and they will open a pea-pod and take the
maggot out without eating the peas ! Seeing is believing.

The gooseberry caterpillar attacked our bushes severely, and,
what was somewhat odd, not before the 1st of August. At that
date the Ci'uit was nearly ripe ; to apply lime or hellebore was
out of the question. What was to be" done ? for ajiparcntly
either tlie trees or the fruit must perish. I was loath to part
with either, because my master is very fond of fine, thin-skinned.

Seplember 10, 1861. ] JOtTENAL OF HORTICULTURE XSD OOTTAOE aARDENER.

471

ripe gooseberries. But we had plenty of Sparrows about, and
on the 3rd of August 1 saw the Sparrows on the gooseberry
bushes. We had some Sparrows' nests (a second brood), and
the old Sparrows fed them witli caterpillars from the bushes
before mentioned. I had the pleasure of seeing the parent birds
move from the bushes to the nest eight times in nine minutes,
each time with caterpillars in their beaks, and four times from
the nest with the excrements of the young birds. On the 8th of
August a caterpillar was not visible on the bushes, and there
have been none on them since. Surely the caterpillars live more
than eight days ! What became of them then ? I saw the
Sparrows eat them, and heard the young chirp out loudly in
anticipation of the expected food — caterpillars.

I once saw a Sparrow shot that had a cabbage- caterpillar in
its mouth. Snrely the Sparrow did not pick it up to play with,
the same as a young eat does with a mouse.

That Sparrows eat peas and the buds of trees I admit ; but
this year caterpillars, grubs, &c., have been so abundant as not j
to indues them to eat om* peas, pick our seeds out of the soil, or '
eat the few cherries we had.

The Sparrows scratch holes in our sandy walks — I have
counted 100 of these holes — devour the seeds of various grasses,
of Poa annua especially, and they like a little corn, &c., when
they can catcli it.

I could say more, but enough. Sparrows are of real service
to man, and I am also able to defend the toad, hedgehog. Thrush,
Blackbird, &c., which some people destroy wantonly, and, I am
sorry to add, cruelly, wholly and solely because they have seen
them eat something they ought not (in their estimation), but
in reality because their natural food fails them, and they are
compelled to consume a substitute.

Sea-gulls destroy snails and slugs, and earthworms also. This
year 21,000 slugs were destroyed in our garden, and then, in
June, we procured two young Sea-gulls, fed them on fish until
they were able to find food for themselves, and they now keep
snails, slugs, and worms completely under subjection. One
wing of each was taken off at the first joint. The Gulls require
plenty of water in a cistern, for they like to bathe.

We have also eight or nine hedgehogs, about twenty toads
under glass. Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Sparrows without number,
in a garden within three-quarters of a mile from the centre of a
manufacturing town having a population over 100,000. I cannot
(nor can any person else), see what injury they do in it or to
the contents of the garden. — G-Eon&E Abbey.

YOUNG BEES EXPELLED FROM HIVES.

It is one of the pleasantest sights to the apiarian to witness
during the first burst of sunshine after ungenial weather the
gambols of a Hight of young bees, and one of the most painful
to watch these issue slowly, crawling along the landing-board,
snifi' the uncongenial atmosphere of this cold world, wheel about
to return to their snug domicile, this proceeding stoutly resisted
by their elder brethren, which summarily throw them over the
board, and hurry back to re-issue in pairs shortly, dragging
between them a poor resisting youngster to augment the increasing
heap of outcasts beneatli, to the no small delight of a host
of wolfish wasps there banqueting. This time last year this
anomalous proceeding first attracted my attention, taking place
at the entrance of my best-stored hive. I subsequently sought
your opinion amongst other difficulties about " Bee-feeding
and its Effects," in No. 634. That hive from being the best,
even after throwing a couple of swarms last season, dwindled
down to be the lightest, poorest, and most deficient in population
this summer, and never swarmed. Beginning of this week
I was chagrined to find the same work carried on extensively
from a hive containing upwards of 20 lbs. of honey, and plenty
of bees. It threw two swarms this season. Also to a lesser
extent from a couple more hives ; although clouds of fine
young bees have issued from all my other hives at every wink
of that fearfully watery Saint — Swithin. I send along with' this,
for your inspection, a dozen of the expelled bees. Your guess
in reply to my former query was to a considerable ektent quite
correst as to their being " imperfectly developed," as on a
more careful scrutiny this season, judging from their smaller size,
paler colour, and feebleness, they must have issued prematurely
and were therefore exp?lled ; and I now wish, if not considered too
troublesome, you could enlighten me as to the cause and cure.
Fearing, although the hive was well stored, the " commissioners

of supply" might be under-estimating their "ways and means,"
I, therefore, added largely to the "rest" fund by copious feeding
without one whit lessening the evil. Can blame be attachable
to the queen, as in both extreme cases, last and this season,
she was young ? or can the long continuance of bad weatlier
we have been visited with both seasons in any measure account
for it, either by there being (although plenty of honey) a short
supply of pollen so requisite to bring them to perfection, or by
the bees being confined too much within the hive ? the uniform
closeness, perhaps, causing the young brood to issue before
being properly matured, and their seniors, thinking such weak-
lings poor fellow-workers, at once pitch them overboard.
Your advice would oblige — A Pebplexed Yomra Bee-

EEEPEE.

[The bees accompanying your letter were so crushed during
their transmission by post, as to preclude the possibihty of
making a satisfactory examination. We could, however, perceive
that most, if not all, of them had defective wings, which sufficiently
accounts (or their expulsion. The only instance which we have
known of young bees being expelled in so great numbers as to
affect the prosperity of a colony occurred in July, 1859, when
the combs of a hive collapsed, and its inhabitants perished from
conCnemeni; during very hot weather. The combs being filled
with brood were replaced, and the hive restocked immediately ;
but all the young bees were turned out to perish as fast as they
came to maturity, owing to their wings remaining undeveloped.
We believe that this effect was produced by the excessive heat
to which the brood had been exposed, and fancy it may throw
some light on the cause of your misfortune. During the reign
(or rain) of St. Swithin, your juveniles appear to have been all
right ; but soon after hot weather set in, an issue of imperfect
bees commenced. We are not at all sure that this hypothesis
may be correct, but think it would be worth while to try the
effect of shading the hives, and keeping them as cool as possible.
We shall be glad to know the i^esult.]

BEES IN SUGAR EEFINEEIES.

In a recent Number I noticed a quotation from the Entomo-
logical Gazette of Stettin, regarding the above subject ; and in
case any of your readers, located in the neighbourhood of a
refinery, be tempted to follow in the footsteps of the faimers on
the banks of the Oder, and start bee-keeping, or increase their
stocks ten or twentyfold as they did, trusting to employ their
industrious little servants, not in the laudable calling of carrying
home the rich nectar from the too-fast fading flowers, but enlist
them in the disreputable proceeding of pilfering from the refinery,
may mention in the neighbouring town of Greenock, I presume
the largest seat of this manufacture in the kingdom, possessing
no fewer than fourteen large works of this description. The bee-
keepers in the suburbs nearest the refineries ascribe their want of
success, as contrasted with their brethren at the other extremity,
solely to their greater proximity to these works, and look on them
more in the light of " bee-traps " than anything else. On mild
days early or late in the season when honey is scarce, their little
favourites, thirsting for employment, wing their way they say to
the refineries, attracted by the saccharine odours, hover about,
gaiii an entrance at the first open door, and stick fast in the
treacle or molasses never to return, or should they be more
fortunate in getting a load, lose their way out in the labyrinth
of the work, fly to the lights of one of the nearest closed windows,
and perish in the spiders' webs that usually adorn them. It was
only within the last month, that a venerable "blue apron"
between eighty and ninety, told me his bees were doing him no
good in late years since these " confounded sugar-houses " had
been set up beside him. — A Rekebewshiee Bee-keepeb.

[Our correspondent is undoubtedly right in his conclusions.
Sugar refineries are far more likely to be slaughter-houses than
feeding-places for bees.]

Bees in Fkakce. — Accounts from MontpeUier states that
the present year will be one of the most remarkable as regards
the production of bees. In some hives there have been already
from two to three swarms ; and it is expected that the yield m
honey and wax will be so large as to compensate in some measure
for the deficient crops in the Gironde and the Laudes. — {Paris
Corre-ipondent of the Times.)

472

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [September 10, 1861.

BEES IN OBSEEVATOEY-HIVES.
A COEEESPOKDENT ill a former Number wishes to know if
bees will live through the winter in obserratorj-hives. I have
one of Tegetmeier's, four panes on each side, or twelve altogetlier,
and with a thermometer; but the winter before last the bees all
died in it, and a wooden-bar-frarae liive ; but, last autumn, I
got four boards, lined with cloth, put all round the observatory,
and a horse-cloth round the wooden one, and the bees did well
in the observatory, but not so well in the wooden one ; and I
find (here is a great deal of condensation in both which is bad,
and would be better got rid of if one could. This last winter I
discovered the cause of death the winter before, which was from
several of the bees lying or hanging near the mouth, and the
cold killing them, and thus stopping up the entrance, thereby
causing suiTocation : it is, therefore, necessary to have a piece of
wire turned a little, and occasionally going and pulling out tlie
dead bi'es ; but care must be taken not to disturb those alive
and pull them out also. I intend to keep the bees in the obser-
vatory-hive this winter, having added a Ligurian swarm to it. —
A. W.

EAELY FEEDING EEQUIEED EOE BEES.

I PTmcHASED two skeps of bees on the 12th of July, they were
new swarms of this season, and at the time I bought them
weighed about 28 lbs. eacli. Soon after I had them I placed on
the top of each an empty straw skep, thinking that as the hives
were getting full the bees would then work into the top one ;
but in that I have been disappointed ; and, during the last week
or two not having seen many bees moving about, I this morning
lifted one of them up, and was surprised to iind il weigh so
lightly. On looking into the hive I find that the bees have
eaten nearly all the honey. Such being the case I shall feel
obliged if you can tell me of any remedy, and if there is any
likelihood of my keeping them alive through the winter. — T. C. M.

[Feeding must be at once resorted to. Lump sugar and
water, in the proportions of three parts of sugar to two parts
water ( by weight), and boiled a minute or two, will do. The
best mode of administering it is by means of an inverted bottle I
the mouth of which should be tied over with a bit of cap-net,
and inserted through an opening in the top of the hive. This
must be refilled as often as it is enipt-ed, until the ."ontents of
the hive reach 20 lbs. If both colonies are tr( ated in this
manner, there is every probability of their surviving the winter.]

HOW TO STEAIN HONEY.

Box honey, and honey free from bee-bread, I put into a tin
pan, or other vessel, and place it on a stove, or over the fire, and
gradually melt the comb. This will rise on the top, and when
cool I take the wax ofif. If the honey is badly cnndied, I add a
very htlle water when I put the comb iu. Water may be added
sufficient to make the honey as limpid as desirable.

If the comb has bee-bread in it, I tie the eonib up in a cloth,
or put it in a bag, and hang it near the fire, so as to melt it, and
let the honey drip out. Care should be taken not to squeeze or
stir it, as that would cause the bee-bread to mix too much with
the honey. If the honey is badly candied, after I have dripped
out all I can, I add a little water, and melt as in the first instance,
and filter the honey after the comb is removed.

Should theie be much sediment and bee-bread, the whole may
be clarified by adding about a teaspoonful of saleratus, to a gallon
of honey, after tlie eomb is removed, and bring it to a boiling
heat. 'Ihe sediment will rise, and may be skimmed off. Milk
may be used instead of the saleratus. Water must be added to
keep the honey at the consistency wanted. Bee culture can
only be regarded as truly " the poetry of rural economy" when
it is prosecuted not merely as a source of p. cuniary profit, but
also as a perennial fountam of intellectual enjoyment. — K. C.
Otis, Bellevue, Ohio {in Rural New Yorker.)

[All supers and honey-boxes should be furnished with move-
able comb-bars ; and, where this is the case the cells only should
be sliced oif on each side of every comb, having their central
foundations uninjured, and attached to the bar. These thin
combs may be returnfd to the bees, and if the honey harvest be
not over, they will elongate the cells from their rudinients and
again fill them with honey. " B. & W." has combs which have
been thrice filled this summer. After the honey season is over,
these combs should be carefully preserved for future use. When

it is remembered that it has been stated that it takes 20 lbs. of
honey to make 1 lb. of wax, theeconomy of this process becomes
evident. It is to the Eev. J. D. Williams, of Farlow, thSt we
are indebted for this valuable hint. — A Devonshibe Bee-

KEEPEK.] ,

HISTOEY OF THE AILANTHUS SILEWOEM.

It was only towards the middle of the eighteenth century,
about 120 years ago, that missionaries mentioned this worm.
The Father Incarville was the first person to answe- questions
often before asked by naturalists. In 1773, the name of Somhyx
cynthia was given to the parent moth by the famous entomo-
logist Drury, in his illustrations of natural history.

The eggs of the Bombyx cynthia are twice as large as those of
the common silkworm, and the females lar about one-half the
quantity. The eggs are hatched in about eight days after they are
laid. These worms, like many other specie's, change their skin
four times before they begin to spin ; the fourth time they be-
come of an emerald green, and the extremities of the tubercles are
turquoise blue; they are from sixty-five to eighty millimetres long.

In weaving their cocoons, these worms differ from the ordinary
silkworms, for they make an elastic opening for the advent of
the moth. The cocoons of the Ailanthus silkworms are long,
and of a grey bro\^•Tlish colour, more or less pale according to
the state in which they are cultivated. Till now, these cocoons
being open at one end, have only been carded as wool or cotton ;
but further researches are being made, and, doubtless, will soon
show us a method of spinning the silk like the Mulberry silk-
worm.

The quality of this new textile fabric has been studied and
appreciated in France, where, alter trying experiments with the
castor-oil silkworm, they have arrived at the conclusion that the
cocoons of the Ailanthus worms are far more valuable, as they
are capable of taking an admirable dye. Monsieur H. Schlum-
berger, an eminent iilateur at GuebroiUer, has found the Ailan-
thus cocoons easy to card and spin. The thread obtained is
brilliant, smooth, and supple. The Father Incarville says, "The
silk produced by the Ailanthus worms is of a gris de lin, lasts
double the time any other silk does, and does not spot easily.
The fabric that is made from it washes like linen."

HOW TO DESTEOY WASPS' NESTS.
My method is so simple and efficient that it should be widely
known. I give a lad 3d. per nest to destroy it, by taking a
small watering-pot, devoted to Ihe purpose, full of coal tar,
cold, and pouring it into the hole till it is full. Nothing more
is required, and the job is effectually done. The best time at this
season is about half-past seven, when the inhabitants are nearly
all at home. Rabbits may be destroyed by coal tar with but
little trouble. Some litter should be taken to the holes and
thoroughly saturated with the tar, and then thrust firmly into
the mouth of each hole, pouring some over the litter after it ia
placed in its proper position, and bauking up each hole with
earth. Rats iu banks may also be made very unhappy if coal
tar is poured into their holes as soon as they are njade, and into
the mouths of all the old burrows. They are very clean animals,
and the chances are that they may hold an "indignation meeting,"
and quit the locality in disgust. — T. R.

A SAV0T7ET Dish. — Put one pound of rice into five pints of
cold water ; boil it gently for two hours, by which time it will
be a thick paste; then add two pints of skim milk and two
ounces of Cheshire cheese grated fine, a little pepper and salt,
and boil the whole very gently for another hour. It will produce
nine pounds of maccaroni rice.

OUE LETTEE BOX.

PouLTKY-nousE Floor ( J. Z". 7r'.).—Asplii)lte 01* BBy Other hard flooriop
is bad. Your mixture of cinder aphet* and praTel in excellent (or the
flooring. Never mind the fowls hulking: in it, (or that benefiin ihem, and
a close-tooihed rake ^ill put all smooth, and remoTe the dung every
morning:.

Rabbit-hutches {A Wovld-he 2ttibbii Fancier) —Ahhoueh there ifl no
need lor n partitioned-off pUepini; pluce in a buck's hut<:h, jet there is no
objection to such a tletping enclosure for him. In a butch umitr a phed,
though this oe cpen in fiont. and with good bedding, we do not think that
your Rabbits will suffer in ordinary winters, unless you live very fur r.oitb.

September 17, 1861. ] JOUENA.L OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE G-ARDEKEK.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

of

M'nth

17
18
19
20
21
22
23

Day
of

Week.'

SEPTEMBER 17—23, 1861.

Tu
W
Tb

r

s

SnK
M

Xerauthemum lucidum.

Ember Wekk.

Azalea set olirja.

Sun'a declin. 1" 0' x.

St. Matthf-r-.

17 Sunday after Trinity.

Aralia spinosa.

V/KATHER

NEAB LOKDON IN 1860.

BaTometer.

Thermom,

Wind.

Rain in
Ihcies.

dep. dc^.

20.025-29.505

62-51

6.\V.

•40

29.457—29.417

00-37

>'.

.01

29.537—29,393

62 -3i

N.B.

•02

29.795-29.708

67-48

W.

■22

29-9G9-29.892

65-42

w.

■02

29.673-29.616

62 -41

S.W.

•50

29.694-29.646

S9— 34

8.W.

_—

Sun
lllses.

in. U-

40af 5

Sun
Sets.

m.

h.
Oaf 6
7 6
5 6
2 6
0 6

55

Moon

Clock

llises

Moon's

before

and Sets

Age.

Sun.

m. 1-..

m. 8.

49 3

13

5 37

1 S

14

5 59

nses

O

6 20

0 a 6

10

6 41

IS e

17

7 2

41 6

LS

7 23

7 7

19

7 44

Day of
Year.

260
261
2fi2
263
264
265
206

Meteorology of thb Week. — At Chiswick, from observations durint? the last tWrty-fouT years, tbe average highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 67.3' and 45.8' respectively. The greatest heat, 84", occurred on the 17lll in 1843 ; and the lowest cold, 29",
on the 20th in 1856. During the period 131 days were fine, and on 107 rain fell.

cingunt." (All around.
Fir enclose the bills. )-

PLORA OF THE EOMAN CLASSICS;

CATAiOG-UB OF P1AXT3 irErfTIONED DT LAIIK AITTHOES,
WITH AS ATTEMPT TO IDENTIPY THEit.

ABIES.

OPULUS in fluviis, Abies in
montibus altis." (The Poplar
in streams, the Fir on loftj
movintains.) — Virgil's Eclor/.
vii., 66.

" Etiam ardua Palma nasci-
tur, et casus Abies visura ma-
rinos." (Thus too the lofty
Palm is produced, and the Fir,
likely to encounter ocean dan-
gers.)— Virgil's Georg. ii., 68.
" Undique colles inclusere
cavi, et nigra nemus Abiete
the valleys and a grove of dark
-Virgil's ^^neicl. viii., 598.
Pliny, after speaking of another coniferous tree — Picea,
and saying, "Its branches are of moderate size, extending
widely up almost from the root of the tree, and appear-
ing like so many arms," adds, " Similiter Abieti expeti»
navigiis. Situs in excelso montium, seu maria fugeret :
nee forma alia. Materies vero prtecipua trabibus, et
pluymis vitfe operibus. Eesina ei vitium, unde fructus
unus Picese : exiguumque sudat aliquando contactu solis.
E diverso materies, qua; Abieti pulcherrima, Piceai ad
fissiles scandulas, cupasque, et pauca alia secameuta."
— (Natural Hist., xvi., c. 10.) — (Similar in growth is the
Fir, of which the wood is highly esteemed for ship-build-
ing. It grows upon lofty mountains, as if it would avoid
the sea. It does not difl'er from the Pioea in appearance.
Its timber is chiefly employed for rafters and many other
domestic works. Resin in it is a defect, though it is one
of the Picea's profitable products ; yet a small quantity
usually exudes from it when exposed to the sxin. Whilst
the timber of the Fir is very superior, that of the Picea
is merely used for shingles, casks, and a few purposes of
rough carpentry.)

Again, when speaking of the same tree, Pliny says,
"Folia non decidunt Abieti." (The leaves of the Fir do
not {aU.)—{Ibid., xvi., 21.)

The Fir tree is stiU called in Italian Abeio, and the
especial Fir of Italy is the Abies pectinata, or Common
Silver Fir. This agrees with the characteristics assigned
to it by Virgil. It inhabits the alpine districts (in mont-
ibus altis). It is found throughout the Alps, as well as
in the mountainous parts of Piedmont. Elevations from
2000 to 4500 feet are those where it chiefly abounds. It
grows, also, throughoutthe whole chain of the Apennines.
Its foliage is dark (i)igra abiette), and it was from its
size and lightness well suited to coiistruct their navy and
encounter the perils of the sea (casus marines). So
exclusively were their ships composed of this wood, that
it was usual to describe them by various applications of
the terms abies and pinits. Thus Virgil himself speaks
Kg. 25. — Vol. I., New Semes.

of a ship by the term abies only (^neid, viii., 19), and
Vallerius Flaccus terms the same^MMes cava. The wood
of this species of Fir is still largely employed for boat-
building in Italy. Its branches extend around its stem
like so many arms (velut braehia), as mentioned by
Pliny, and is thus described by Gordon in his " Pinetum "
— " It is a lofty tree, growing from 80 to 150 feet high,
with an erect stem frequently 6 or 8 feet in diameter,
regularly furnished with whorls of branches, which stand
horizontal."

Palladius, when speaking of building materials, mentions
another species of Abies in these terms : — " Abies, quam
Gallicam vocant, nisi perluatnr, levis, rigida, et in operi-
bus siccis perenne durabilis." — (J)e He Rustica, xii., c. 15.)
— (The Fir which they call the Gallic, unless it is much,
exposed to wet is light and stiff, and for dry x'urposes
is everlasting.)

This is probably our Common Norway Spruce, Abies
excelsa. Gordon, in speaking of it, says, "A fine lofty
tree ; timber light, elastic [the very words of Palladius],
and not very resinous. It is known under the name of
White Deal. It is very common, and forms forests on
the Alps from east to west, and is principally found at a
height varying from 4000 to 6500 feet ; is common in
Scandinavia, especially to the east of the mountains, and
in the German plains, also from the Vosges in France
(quam Gallicam vocant) to the Carpathians, and on the
Pyrennes." — G.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S FLORAL
SHOW.— September 11.

This, the first grand Dahlia Show, richly deaevvecl the name ;
for, notwithstanding the nbseuce of some growers (conspicuous
amongst whom was Mr. Charles 'lumer, of Slough, and olwliose
misfortunes I shall have to eay a word presentlj), thd sliow of
that fine autumn Dower was both extensive and good in quality,
while the other florists' flowers were most admirable, dispiaj'ing
an inui'eased attention both to growth and the obtaining ol good
sorts, and although the time of year was unfaToiu'able to the
attendance, jet it seemed to tis that a goodly number were
present. But what could be expected in such a glorious Sep-
tember as this? Who would not copy Tityrus, and say, if they
could, "sub tegmiufl fagi ?" or stietch their lazy liihlis by the
shore of old Homer's " much resoumiing sea," and listen to its
sweet music ? The arrangements were of the most admirable
description, and spoke very highly for Jlr. Ejles' administrative
powers. I have seen ten times the "fuss and bother" in a small
provincial show that was manifested on tliis occasion.

I do not think I am far wrong in ascribing (with Mr. Benton)
the chief interest in the Exhibition to the collection of Grla-
diolus, and protninent above the rest (indeed no point of com-
parison could for a moment be instituted between them and
others) were those from Mr. Standish, of Bagsliot, who con-
tributed not only the two boxes required for exhibition, but a
large collection besides, composed chiefly of his own seedlings.
The most pleasing colours and the most delicate markings were
combined with good shape ; and although I do not think they
were quite as good as those at the Palace (how could J when
Mrs. Dombrain and Edith Dombrain were not lliere?) yet the
No. 677.— Vol. XSTVI., Old Seeief.

474

JOURNAL OF HORXICULTUBE AND COTTAGE aABDENER. [ September 17, 1861.

collection was a most deeply interesting one. In those exhibited
for the prize (ihose with s after them are Mr. Standish's own
raising), which, of course, they gained, were — Lady Emily
Seymour, s ; Mr. Rueker, s, beautiful deep cerise, white throat
and cerise foalher; Lady Caroline Legge, s, pure white, plum
feather ; Isaac Anderson, s ; Achille, a French sort, lovely deep
cherry spotted with carmine, and yellow feather ; Lady Wynn, s,
striped ; Mowbray Morris, s, crimson ; Purple Gem, s, white
shaded with purple ; Lady Mary Hood, s ; Amelia, orange
scnrlet ; Caliph, cerise, striped with crimson ; Helterii, deep
crimson ; Miss Graham, s, pure white, with plum feather ; Mr.
J. W. Lane, a, orange scarlet, yellow throat, scarlet feather ; Col.
Hood, s, deep scarlet ; Pegasus ; Prime Minister, deep purple ;
Madame Leseble, white, with plum feather ; Donald Beaton, s,
a rather brasst/-\onkmg flower, showing as bold and braw a face as
the veritable D. B. himself; Mrs. Menzies, s ; Mrs. Duffield, s,
orange scarlet ; and Susan Ingram, s, white, with plum feather.
In the other boxes were — Juliet, primrose; Colleen Bawn, s,
striped carmine ; Rowland Hill, rose, carmine stripe ; Brides-
maid, s, pure white, slight feather ; Madame Babourdin, shaded
plum; GoldGuder, nice primrose ; Mrs. Hole, described by Mr.
Beaton last week, to be figured in the " Florist " for October ;
Tippoo Saib, s, orange; Towardii, orange salmon; Rose of
England, S, brilliant cerise ; Rembrandt, scarlet crimson ; Mrs.
Standish, s, white, with purple feather. Messrs. Paul & Son, of
the Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, were second ; and Messrs. Minchin
and Son, Hook Norton, third.

In Gladiolus in pots there was but one collection contributed
by Mr. John Cattell, Westerham : it comprised — Sulphureus,
Yollande, Berthe de Rabourdin, La Re de Oude (?), Anna
Paulina, A''e9ta, Napoleon III., Vulcain, &c.

Roses were exhibited, considering all things, in better con-
dition than might have been expected. Mr. Mitchell, of Pilt-
down Nurseries, sent a fine collection, and was the only nursery-
man who exhibited in the Forty-eight class.

The first prize for Twenty-fours, three trusses, amongst ama-
teurs, was awarded to the Rev. F. W. Radclyffe, of Rushton,
whose success was universally hailed with pleasure ; for a more
enthusiastic Rose gi'ower, or a more genial and kind-hearted
man does not exist. It was to me personally a great pleasure ;
for I had superintended the cutting of the blooms, had the
arrangement of the box, and brought it up with me to London.
It was won easily, the second box being a long way behind, and
containing eighteen Teas in the twenty-four : it belonged to Mr.
HoUingworth, of Caversham. The third was gained by Dr.
Cooper, of Slough. Mr. Kadclyfle's Roses were — Triomphe de
Rennet (three fine corymbs of flowers), Geant des Batailles,
Celine Forestior (small blooms), Duchesse de Cambac^res, Caro-
line de Saneal, Mrs. Elliott, Comte de Nanteuil, Duchesse
d'Orleans, Orlaine Fontaine (very sn.all, but pretty). Souvenir
de la Malmaison, Reveil, Madame Knoir, Leon des Combats
(the finest bloom I ever saw of this variety was one of this trio),
Jules Margottin (very good), Devoniensi.'*, Souvenir de la Reine
de I'Angleti'rre (fivsh and lively), General Jacqueminot (a grand
trio), Solfatcrre (very good and full), Magador (damask, nice
blooms of a by-no-means-common Rose), Elize Sauvage (small
and pale), Duchess of Norfolk (splendid blooms), Gloire de
Dijon, and Auguste Mie. The greater portion ol these were cut
from Roses on Manetti slocks, and nothing can exceed the
vigour and beauty of the plants.

In Twenty-four Roses, single blooms, Mr. John Keynes, of
Salisbury, was first; and Mr. Laing, of Twickenham, second.

In Dahlias, Mr. Keynes, of Siilisbury. was first in all these
classes with some very fine flowers ; his generally successful
opponent, Mr. Turner, being quite ?iors de combat. I have
heard of thrips doing injury, but could never believe the devas-
tation it could create till I saw it at Slough — plaiits of the most
vigorous character, with Brobdignagian leaves 1 foot in length
and 9 inches in width, with every flower en them rolled or
pasted together, and from every bloom hundreds of the little
block varmin could be shaken. Every means that an able and
ardent cultivator could take were adopted, but all in vain — they
got through evervthing; and so at lai-t Mr. Turner gave it up,
took oft' his shades, and wisely determined not to exhibit any
more.

In the class of Forty-eight blooms, Mr. Keynes' flowers were
— Disraeli, Clierub, Colonel Wyndham, Golden Drop, Mentor,
Joy, Lord Palmersion, Mauve, Lilac Queen, Sir G. Douglas,
Queen (Kin>borley), John Keynes, Earl of Shaftesbury, 1-ord
Cardigan, Umpire (a lovely flower), Sidney Herbert, Mrs.

Chui-ch, Mrs. Critchett, Hugh Miller, King of Sweden, LoUipop,
Mr. Dodds, George Elliott (very fine), Pioneer, Black Prince,
Marquis of Bowmont, Mr. Boshell, Oscar, Leopard, Mrs. Trotter,
Rosebud, Lady Pennant (seedling), Goldfinder (seedling). Im-
perial, Rosa, Pandora, Chairman, Commander, Triomphe de
Pecq, Jenny Austin, Lady Franklin, Andrew Dodds, Mrs.
Balsache (beautiful peach), Juno, Perfection, and Mr. Waters.
The second prize was obtained by Mr. John Harrison, of Dar-
lington ; third by Mr. May, of Bedale, Yorkshire ; and fourth
by Mr. Kimberley.

In Twenty-fours Mr. Keynes had a very charming box of
Disraeli, Chairman, Lady Pennant, Golden Drop, Andrew Dodds,
George EUiott, Sir G. Douglas, Lilac Queen, Perfection, Mrs.
Trotter, Lady Franklin, Kimberley's Queen, Lord Palmerston,
Jenny Austin, Triomphe de Pecq, Hugh Millar, John Keynes,
Flower of the Day, Pandora, Mrs. Dodds, Mauve, Juno, Earl
of Shaftesbury, and Colonel Wyndham. Mr. H. Legge, of
Edmonton, was second ; Mr. H. May, third ; Mr. Harrison,
fourth ; and an extra prize was awarded to Messrs. Downie,
Laird, & Laing, of Stanstead Park Nurseries, Forest Hill.

In Eighteen Fancies Mr. Keynes was again first with fine
blooms of Harlequin, Pluto (splendid). Queen Mab (a very fine
flower), Souter Johnny, Miss Jones, Starlight, Zebra, Conqueror,
Baron Alderson, Garibaldi, Imperatrice Eugenie, Lady Paxton,
Leopard, Marc Antony, Confidence, and Mary Lauder. Mr.
Legge, of Edmonton, second ; Mr. Kimberley, third ; and Messrs.
Downie, Laird, & Laing fourth.

Amongst amateurs there was some very sharp fighting indeed.
In Twenty-fours the Rev. Charles Fellowes, of Shottisham, was
first with Ka^ny Keynes (which he can grow as no one else in
England can). Pre-eminent, Clara Novello, Beauty of Hilperton,
Norfolk Hero, Pioneer, Bravo, Chairman, Mr. Stocker, Sir G.
Douglas, Mentor, Lady Taunton, Purple Standard, Criterion,
Golden Drop, Triomphe de Pecq, Lord Palmerston, Madge
Wildfire, Mr. Dodds, Earl of Shaftesbury, Heroine, Madame
Alboni, and Majestic.

In Twelves Mr. Bai-nard was first, the Rev. C. Fellowes
second, Mr. W. Dodds third, and Rev. T. Charlton fourth.
Mr. Barnard's flowers were — Chairman, Lilac Queen, Chancellor,
Lady Popham, Mrs. Balsache, Triomphe de Pecq, John Dory,
Duke of Roxburgh, Mrs. Pigott, Beauty of Hilperton, Jenny
Austin, and Earl of Shaftesbury.

In Sixes, where the contest was very sharp, Mr. Pope was
first with Lollipop, Lord Palmerston, Earl of Shaftesbury, Mrs.
H. Vise, Chairman, and Bravo. The Rev. C. Fellowes was
second ; Mr. Bernard, of Darlington, third ; and Mr. H. Glas-
cock, of Bishop Stortford, fourth.

In Twelve Fancies the first prize was obtained by the Rev.
C. Fellowes, with Harlequin, Elizabeth, Conqueror, Oliver
Twist, Lady Paxton, Madame Alboni, Queen Mab, The Flirt,
Baron Alderson, Summertide, Pauline, and Ethel. Mr. Peiry,
of Castle Bromwich, was second ; Mr. Dodds, third ; and Mr.
Corp, of Milford, near Salisbury, fourth.

The finest seedling Dahlia was Lord Derby, exhibited by Mr.
Pope, of Chelsea. For this a First-class Certificate was awarded.
Labels of Commendation were also given to Black Prince, Gold-
finder, and Delicata ; and a First-class Certificate to Model,
an orange flower of fine properties.

Hollyhocks, considering the lateness of the day, were shown
in fine condition. The first prize for Twelve Spikes was obtained
by Messrs. Downie, Laird, <fe Laing, with Lady Dacre, Rosy
Gem, Memnon, Golden Fleece, Mr. Blackwood, David Fowler,
Monarch, Excelsior, Dr. Canning, Empress Eugenie, Mrs.
Deans, Mr. T. Mackenzie, and Stanstead Rival. The second
prize was obtained by Mr. Chater, of Saflron Walden.

In ciit blooms of Twelve varieties Mr. May, of Bfdale, was
first ; Mr. Minchin, of Hook Norton, second ; Messrs. Downie,
Laird, & Laing, third ; and Mr. Chater, of Saffron Walden,
fourth. Mr. May's flowers were — Begina, pink ; Mr. Wardrop,
scarlet ; Empress Eugenie, blush ; Memnon, scarlet ; Ijord
Loughborough, crimson ; Yellow Defiance, yellow ; Perfection,
pink ; Walden Masterpiece, orange ; Lord Taunton, dark ;
Ossian, scarlet ; Lizzy Roberts, primrose ; and Mrs. B. Cochrane,
scarlets.

Asters, both German and French, were truly grand; and
again Mr. Betteridge was first in the former, and Mr. Sandford
in the latter, with boxes which were the very model of growth.
The prizes were distributed thus — German Asters, first, Mr.
Betteridge j second, Mr. Westbrook, of Abingdon ; third, Mr.
Molyneux, of Nuneham Park ; and fourth, Messrs. Minchin and

September 17, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

475

Sod, of Hook Norton. Mark how all the prizes for this class
are gained by growers in the same locality ; the soil must suit
and the strain of seed there be good.

In French Asters, Mr. Chas. Sandford, gardener to T. Thoma-
sett, Esq., of AValthamstow was first ; Mr. Betteridge, second ;
Mr. Sandford, third ; and Mr. Percivall, of Leyton, fourth.
There were some magnificent blooms in these boxes.

Phloxes in pots were exhibited by Mr. John Cattell, of
Westerham, and Mr. Standish, of Bagshot, the former taking
first with fine plants ; the latter second with a dwarler but not
so well-bloomed a lot.

In Cut Blooms the order was reversed, Mr. Standish being first,
and Mr. Cattell second. The blooms in Mr. Standish's box
were — Madame Lierval, Hebe, Madame Henry, Marie, Louis
Gerard, Madame Amazeli Potier, Monsieur Forest, Dr. Bois
Duval, Madame Moiss on, Mr. Durdan, Mr. Punch, John Standish,
George Washington, Madame Amiee, Madame Vilmorin, Jean
de Bupliste, Annie Laurie, Benjamin Fj'auklm, Madame Maison,
Madame de Chambry, and Lord Clyde. There is no flower that
so soon fades when cut as the Phlox, and I fear it will not be an
exhibition flower for that reason, arid there is also a very
great similarity amongst them.

Some fine stands of Verbenas were staged, although late in the
year. Mr. Perry, of Castle Bromwici, was first. His flowers were
— Admiral Dundns, Magnifieens, Fairest of the Fair, Emperor,
Firefly, General Simpson, King of Verbenas, Reine des Amazones,
and a number of seedlings. Messrs. Minchin & Son were
second ; and Dr. Cooper, of Slough, third.

I have not ventured to touch upon the miscellaneous plants
in the Exhibition. I saw a "chiel" there busy with his note-
book, and so kept clear of a department which he has at his
fingers' ends, and of which he will give us, no doubt, a good
account. The general opinion of the Exhibition was a favourable
one, and I have but little doubt that next year will witness a
considerable advance j the Great Exhibition will then be open,
and all will be trying to do their very best for it. — D., Deal.

This was the first recognised exhibition of florists' flowers
which was ever held under the wings of the greatest horticul-
tural society in the world. How extraordinary the change
seemed to me from a show morning at Chiswiok, with all of
which, before and behind the scenes, I was quite familiar for the
last quarter of a century ! Old things have passed away, and the
sooner we forget them the more soon we shall gain the balance
of our past temperature to warm the air for erring mortals like
ourselves ; for the count is just as heavy against the florists as
against the glories of Chiswick. We have, all of us, had our
day and our faults — good for us and for our cause, if we acknow-
ledge the facts, and draw profit from our failures.

One thing waa a most striking improvement at this Show-
there were no heaps of green fruit ; and a bold and manly stroke
was exhibited by the sole manager of these Shows in the very
centre of the conservatory, to put down, as far as we may, the most
mischievous of all our exhibition faults — that is, to do away as
far ns we can with cut flowers altogether. Hundreds of beautiful
China Asters were put up in pots by Mr. Eyles on the centre
stand, beautifully bloomed. Mr. Cattell and Mr. Standish put
up Phloxes in pots, better done than you see them in the beds and
borders of many people who pride themselves on their gardening.
Mr. Cattell also exhibited a large collection of Gladioluses in
pots, and sooner or later we must liave them all in pots.

The most valuable things, however, for country gardeners are
the new accessions made of late years for the decoration of living-
rooms and conservatories in August, September, and October,
or till the Chrysanthemums come in. I am quite certain this is
now the greatest want in any branch of our craft. These new
accessions came up to that Show principally from the Messrs.
Veitch, and Mr. Bull, their next-door neighbour, in the shape of
two sections of Amaranths from the Exotic, and the new Coleus
Yerschaffelti from Mr. Bull. This kind of Coleus is just as
efiective, and four times more so, than the best variety of Gesnera
zebrina, before and after it blooms ; and from early spring
cuttings you can have it 4 feet across and a yard high with the
pot by the 1st of August. From then to the time of the Chry-
santhemums, you may have it in hues, alternating with some
strong variegated something up each side of the grand staircase,
in the statuary, the front hall or front gallery, along corridors, and
next the open windows, all along the suite of drawing-rooms; and
in all such places you can give it tlie same power of effecting
magic as they, us, we and ours do with Verbena Purple King. The

two sections of the Amaranths from the Messrs. Veitch — I mean
then- rich collection of varieties of Amaranthus tricolor, and of
Celosia coccinia, or cristata, on the natural system — that is to
say, great close-growing, bush-hke plants, with all the ends of the
shoots run up into flower-spikesof intensely rich tints of crimson,
scarlet, or yellow ; and these are the natural form of the plant
from which ci'istata, or our Cockscombs, have been made by the
industry of the Japan and Chinese gardeners hundreds of years
back. These come from seeds, and require the same stove heat
and management as the Cockscombs tiU they are in bloom, but
after that no plants are more useful to living-room decoration
and for warm conservatories in the autumn ; or, like Coleus they
can all be thrown to the dogs when done flowering, and no
bother to find room and patience for them over a winter. I
repeat, these thi'ee sections of hothouse annuals were the most
valuable things exhibited to a large class of coimtry people.

The rest of the Exinbition, except the Roses, was much the
same as at the Crystal Palace; but the Roses were grand indeed.
Mr. Mitchell had more blooms and more kinds than most
exhibitors set up in June and July ; there were one hundred
kinds in one of his collections in the way of extras. But hei'e
we must part company for the day. A highly scientific florist
will do what I could not for this Journal, and I shall go on in
my old style of reviewing things.

I began with the Messrs. Veitch's show of miscellaneous
plants, beginning with the three dwarf Cryptomcrias they had
in May ; a Thuja pygma3a, 8 inches high and 15 inches across
the top; the same Libocedius tetragona, with a season's growth
since last June show ; a fine assortment of most beautiful
varieties of Amaranthus tricolor aforefcaid ; the best of all
double Petunias — the Inimitable ; two large made-up masses of
Odontoglossum grande, each with a dozen to fifteen spikes of
bloom, and from three to four blooms on each, or it may be
fifty blooms for each pan. As this is the hardiest, the most easy
to do, and the vei-y finest of all the Mexican Orchids, including
La;lia superbiens, every one who can afford it should grow it
by the dozens and scoies, and by means well known in the craft
hove it in succession for the drawing-room from August to
Christmas. Campj lobotrys of sorts, Aralias, Curcuma Roscoeana
— who will give the name of that tint cf colour peculiar to the
flower-bracts of this plant? Cyanophyllum, of sorts; most
charming pans of tlie two kinds of Soneiila margaritacea — grow
this also by the score in No. 60-pots, have the small pots
plunged in a box of sand or sifted leaf mould till the season's
growth is nearly finished, to lessen the necessity of watering
often, then you can fill or fit any drawing-room article for
keeping flowers at an hour's notice, and no plant was ever more
at liome on a drawing-room stand than this ; Alocasia metallica,
with nine fine leaves and a flower-spathe ; Alocasia maci'orhiza
variegata, the finest of that order ; Elcagnusjaponicusvariegatus,
not mucli among so many us we possess now ; Yucca quadri-
color, a most useful plant; Cordyline indivisa; and fine plants of
Caladium Veitchi, a very distinct kind, and the end of this
group on the front shelf of the house.

The next on in order and worth talking about, was a most
beautiful dish or basket of Mill Hill Hamburgh Grapes from
Mr. Drummond, gardener to J. S. Smith, Esq., Beechwood,
Tunbridge Wells ; then some fine Cockscombs and cut Ama-
ranths from Mr. Tester, gardener to Mrs. Rush, Elsenham Hall,
Stortford ; after them eight immense Cockscombs from Mr.
Titmarsh, Edmonton ; next a collection of nice kinds of dwarf
Tropfeolums from Mr. Cattell, nurseryman, Westerham, Kent,
who was a successful exhibitor in the common-sense departments
all over the Exhibition.

Here the Messrs. Lee set up a collection of fine-leaved plants
and Ferns, such as Dicksonia antartica, Cordyline indivisa,
Ropala, Geopteris Fosteri, Cyathea Smithi, variegated Coboea,
and a Myrtle-leaved Orange in fruit. At the east end of the house
Mr. Bull set up six large specimen plants of the Coleus Ver-
schaffelti aforesaid ; also twelve smaller plants of it in No. 32-pots;
a Saracenia purpurea, with seventeen pitchers on it; Yucca
quadricolor,Theophraita imperialis, Pavetta borbonica, Cibotium
princeps, Gesnera velutina, the richest variety of zebrina ; PolUa
purpurea, a new dark purple metallic-like i'ladescantia; Cala-
diums ; Palms ; a golden gem called Gymnograrama puk-heUa
ramosa ; Cyanophyllum speciosum, which seems intermediate
between magnificiim and assamicum ; Rliodea japonica macro-
phjlla, with thick green leaves broadly margined with white as
in Aspidistra liu'ida, and several others of that stamp — all nice-
looking plants.

476

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 17, 1861.

On the centre stands the Messrs. Lee set up a second large
collection of very choice plants, which were very well set for
etfect. They made choice of Alocasia metiillica for a centre or
key plant; and on each side of it match duplicates to the extent
of 12 yards. Among them were pairs of the following — Alsophila
austraUs, a fine Pern ; Todea pellucida ; Poljstichum vestitum,
venustnni ; Lomaria fluviutilis ; Pteiis cretica albo-lineata and
argyrea ; Darea cicutarium ; Gleichenia dicarpa ; Cyathea deal-
bata; Caladiuras, Cordylines, Dracaenas, and others. The Messrs
Lane sent a collection of forty-four fruit trees in pots, consisting
of Peaches, Nectarines, and Grapes.

From the Society's Cbiswicli Garden they sent a dozen of
finely-grown Begonias of the first class, such as Argentea guttata,
Isis, nebulosa, Marshalli, Madame Aldworth, and if there is a
difierence between it and the last, it is not that they are not
alike ; marmorata, Res, and others in fine condition ; also, some
nice pot Zonule and plain-leaved Geraniums. Here stood a
noble spcciimn of Lapageria rosea, with thirty-six open blooms,
from 5Ir. Uzzell, gardener to her grace the Duchess Dowager of
Northumberland, at Ti\iel;enham.

Then forty-four pots of Japan Lilies, from Mr. Turner, of
Slough, and six large specimens of the same from Mr. Cutbush,
c-f Highgate. A noble collection of tUs free-feathered, branching
Amarantlis; the wild Cockscombs of three or four shades of
scarlet and crimson ; and a yellow kind from the Messrs. Veitch.
Twelve finely done Gladiolus in pots from Mr. Cattell. A large
collection of rare Conifers from Mr. Glendening. A fine col-
lection of the best variegated Geraniums fi'om Messrs. E. G.
Henderson & Son, exceedingly well set for effect. They were
nine kinds, and four plants of each kind in one row across the I
stage on this wise — !bur Golden Harkaway, four Fairy, four ]
Mrs. Pollock, four Tellow Belt, four Empress, four Sunset, the
tint of them all, and four Countess. i

A gentleman, who had seen Sunset planted out at the Wel-
lington Road Nursery, told me a week back it was the best he had
ever seen, andheisnobadjudgeof such tilings. But an old puzzle
asks the question. How would you set up nineteen variegated
Geraniums like these in nine rows, and nine plants to be in
every row ? The very first who shall send me a diagram to do
that with shall have a donkey large as the one Mr. Judd re-
fused. Another puzzle stood by these — a lot of variegated little
Veronica Anderson! in No. 60-pots, looking for all the world ;
to be that foi'm of an old Cineraria amelloidcs, and now Aga- '
thfea coelestis variegata, of whicli I hear that which pleases me !
not. These were from Mr. Mcintosh, of Hammersmith, who
also sent Thuja orieutalis variegata and others.

Mr. Williams, of the Paradise Nursery, had there a strange
little Orchid, a species of lonopsis, not unlike some delicate
Odontoglossum, and the nondescript plant he sent in June last,
which grows in green flaps like some Opuntia, and with as little
nourishment, brail oppeai-ances. He called it "an imknoum
plant" — he meant an unnamed one. Here, also, stood a
sti'ong-leaved yellow-leaved Geranium called Gold Leaf, from the
Wellington Road Nursery. It is m tlie way of Golden Fleece,
but stronger, and of a more permanent tuit ; ar.d eight pots of
the pretty little Scdnm carncnm variegatum, a? like young plants
of the variegated Alyssum as can be. Then two kinds of Reti-
nospora — obtusa and pisifera— from the Exotic Nursery, and
looking like Thuja. Then there were fringed single Piantlius
superba hybridafrom Mr. Seaming, Shipston-upon-Stour.

There was a fine-bloomed specimen of the true Anigozanthvis
Manglesi at last from Mr. Kinghom, of East Sheen or Rich-
mond Nursery. Many seeds and dried specimens of this extra-
ordinai'y plant have been sent here fi'om Australia in my time,
but the living curiosity I never saw till that day. The flower,
like those of the whole of this genus, is borne aloft on a long stalk
or scape, which is covered with purple down like the young of
Ropalas. '.I he flowers are lacerated more than in any of the older
kinds, and are as bright green as an emerald. Mr. Bull was here
again at the west end with a lot of fine-leaved plants ; and the
Messrs. Smith, of Dulwich, by his side with a fine seedling Petu-
nia, named after Madam Smith, a clear white limb and a crimson
stan-y throat ; and a new white Fuchsia, called Marchiones.s of
Both, from Mr. Wheeler, of Warminster. Mr. Cattell and Mr.
Standish had a collection of Phloxes in pots — the right way to
show them ; I have all the names, which will keep till snipe-
shooting time, the proper time to order them, and to plant new
plantations of them.

I had another look at the Gladioluses, and found sonic new
ones, and something else : I cauglit one of the Floral Committee,

Mr. Ivery, of Dorking, taking the names of what he thought the
best to buy; and being a very keen-eyed Fellow of the Royal
Horticultural Society, I got him to compare notes with me,
when I found we only differed in two names he had over me
■ at the Crystal Palace, and I took his selection at this show
to save my credit with the florists for not poaching in their
preserves, and here they are ; but I looked them all over to
checkmate him : — Lady Caroline Legge ; Purple Queen, which,
by the way, has net one shade of purple in it ; Achille ; Miss
Graham ; Madame Vilmorin ; Osiris, all in Mr. Standish's
lot ; and Egerie in that from Messrs. Paul & Son. The Lady
Caroline Legge is a pure ivory-white ground, firm as in Stan-
hopeas, an orange eye, and crimson feathers. Purple Queen is
a beautiful lilac ground, variously streaked. Miss Graham, a
most ladylike flower in white, and a highly-feathered nest in the
right place— the throat, of course. Talk about feathering one's
nest ! here is a good chance at all events. Achille, a fine bright
scarlet, with an orange mark in the throat. Egerie is of that
peculiar light orange and salmon, after some Dendrobium. But
for the comfort of poor relations, there is not one of the race
better for a bed than brenehleyeiisis at 4s. the dozen flowering
roots fresh from the Dutch growers.

The most curious plant at this show was the great Chiloo
Rhubarb plant in fruit — the Gvnnera scaira, often mentioned
in my accounts of Kew. Another curious one is Campanumiva
campanvlata, a climber, and a botanical curiosity in the eyes of
a gardener no less than some Stapelia flower transformed into a
Canterbury Bell, or Campanula flower, a climber from Mr,
Standish. D. Ebatoit.

WHAT PEEYS UPON FARFUGIUM GRANDE?

I prUD continually my Farfugium grande leaves oaten in holes.
I have looked them over at night, and but once found a cater-
pillar. They are eaten in holes, and seldom from the outer edge.
Can you suggest a trap ?^H. B.

[Every creeping thing that happens to come near our Far-
fugiums will have a bite at them ; and everything on the wing
which has a liking for a Peach or a Plum seems to have the
same fancy for the leaves of Farfugium. The consequence is,
that each season it is well on in June before we are masters of
our own Faifugiums, after conquering all its enemies and our
tormentors. But sad to say, there is nothing new in our mode
of warfare. Greasy Cabbage leaves, or those of a Savoy dipped
in a pot out of which a hock of bacon was just taken, will entice
and entangle all the slimy snails and slug race, and enable the
enticer to rid one acre of land of every one of them in one week,
and the unhatched ones come after and go the same gate. Tlieii
for the crawlers and creepers, beanstalks and pipy reeds make
the best retreat for them by day, and once a-day will clear out
the daily entrapped ones by blowing them through the pipes into
a can of water. But with them all we had to look, not over the
plants, but under them, for days and weeks, to catch very small,
light g'Cen, mining caterpillars, which stick at nothing that is
green and sappy. Now our Farfugiums are well worth the
extra care.]

NOTES MADE AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE,

Septkmber 4.
The general features of this remarkable garden being well
known to the readers of The Jouenal oj Hokticultuee from
the many descriptions of it by preceding writers, and a length-
ened report of the late Show having appeared from the pen of
one who doubtless took move notice of it in detail than I did,
I will confine my remarks to such objects as struck me as being
more than usually remarkable, and commencing with the interior
of the house, 'ihe first thing that will strike the occasional
visitor having an ey^ on girdening ni.atters is the progress made
by the creepers and stationary plants; those in the tropical end
especially being advanced to a condition which gives one soma
iilca of eastern vegetation. Even the more half-hardy plants
from Australia, Japan, and China seem to have advanced in a
manner that will in a short time give the belioldcr some idea of
the scenery they are meant to represent; but the loftiness of tho
building will enable them to grow for many years yet : suffice it,
however, to say, that they were in good health and looked well.
The Show- itself was not so extensive as has been seen, there

September 17, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HOaXICULTURE AND COTrAGK GARDESER.

m

being but few plants. No prizes being oflTered for them, only
novelties were sent.

Fruit, however, was good, though in some of the classes, as
Grapes and Peaches, it was far from plentiful. Melons, Apples,
and Plums were well represented ; and some Grapes from near
Liverpool were magnificent — three bunclies of Black Hambui'ghs
weighing lOJ lbs. and as black as jet. The "White Muscats were
also in genei'al fine and ripe, but there seemed a scarcity of other
White kiads. A large bunch of this colour, however, obtsined
the first prize for a heavy bunch, beating a Blaek Hamburgh
that was m every other respect its superior. The White one
being in fact green, its name did not appear, but it was not the
Syrian. Pines were good, but not numerous. A singularity in
the growth of this fruit wes awarded a prize in the character of
a good-sized fruit surrounded by a cluster of gill-suckers, the
base of each also containing a small fruit, the whole presenting a
mass of fruit, crown and sucker, at once singular and remark-
able. There were some good Queens there, but the other kinds
were not well represented.

The Cut Flowers attracted their full meed of attention. Asters
being very fine, as likewise were Dahlias. Gladioluses I think
have been better ; the season latterly has doubtless been too dry
for them and Phloxes. Eoses were tolerably good, but not
numerous ; and Hollyhocks superb, especially the spikes, which
is the only legitimate way of exhibiting these floWers. A group
of Tritoma uvaria in pots looked well ; and what must not be
forgotten, as it formed the subject of much conversation amongst
gardeners, were a quantity of fruit trees in pots in full bearing —
Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums. And as I expect they were
representatives of orchard-house cultivation, it is likely the
admirers of such things felt some little pride at the show they
presented. But as 1 have on former occasions expressed an
adverse oiiinion on this mode of obtaining choice fruit for table,
I wiL' say no more than that the specimens at the Ci'ystal Palace
Show rather confirmed me in that opinion than produced an
opposite one. This opinion, I think, was that of the majority of
those present, the fruit being so very small.

In the grounds I was surprised to see the effects of the dry
weather so perceptible, the turf being more burnt up than I ever
saw turf in my life, excepting such as had been recently laid
down — so brown, in fact, that there seemed no hopes of its
recovery for many plots of nearly an acre together. I am told
it has never been so bad before. I think excessive wear must
have had something to do witli it. The flawer-beds, how-
ever, were in most cases in their prime, and, with the exception
of the first year, I never saw them look so well. The varieties
of plants used in the chain-beds on the terrace gardens being
few and well chosen have a much better effect than where larger
mixtures are made ; for two or three distinct colours, when
looked at at the distance of a hundred yards or more, have a much
better efiect than when the bed is broken up into segments of
many hues. One of the sets of chain-beds was its whole longlh
planted all alike in stripes running lengthways. The beds being
something like 8 feet or more wide, were divided into five rows
— the centre row being the Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium ;
the two rows next it, Geranium Christina ; and the two outer
rows next the grass. Verbena Purple King. Nothing could well
look prettier than these did, unless it were some rings or bands
around some Araucarias and other trees on the U|)per terrace.
These trees occupy a circular space of some 20 feet or more in
diameter, a portion nearest the tree of some 6 feet, perhaps,
being vacant ; the remainder being planted with Lobelia speciosa,
having an outside mai'gin of Cerastium and an inside ring of the
same. The soft effect of these two slender rings of Cerastium
with the broad band of Lobelia when seen from the balconies
was very pleasing — more so than if more glaring colours had
been used. There were some other rings of other materials, but-
the one above pleased me most.

I was much surprised to find the Perilla nankincnsis to little
used — in fact, I did not see a plant of it, while in the most
gardens I have been in it forms the best feature in them. The
Variegated Alyssum has, however, been extensively used at the
Crystal Palace with good eifect. Some beds having a centre of
yellow Calceolaria, then a rim of Scarlet Geranium, and then an
edging of Alyssum looked very well; and one panel in the upper
terrace having a series of beds sm-roundiug it were all planted
in this mauuer. There were also some very good striped borders
at the Rose Mount, one of which consisted thus, beginning at
the top or back row : —
First row. — Geranium Trentham Kose, or one like it.

Second row. — Calceolaria, yellow.

Third row.— Geranium Trentham or Crystal Faia(?e S'liai'lfti

Fourth row. — Verbena Purple King.

Fifth row. — Tropseolum elegans.

Sixth row. — Geranium Mangles' Vai-iegated.

Some other stripes were done differently (o the above, but
those having fewest colours invariably looked best. In the
circular beds scattered over the ground in the dii-ection of the
Rose Mount were some very good mixtures in various ways ; and
a good Geranium of the Crimson Nosegay class, which I noticed
here, was new to me and promises to be a useful one. Verbenas
seemed to be but little used, and what Dahlias there were had
scarcely begun to flower. Calceolarias everywhere seemed lo do
well and were in full flower. Lobelia speciosa was also ex-
tensively ussd and with good efiect, and some beds of Gazania
rigens were as full of flower as it is generally met with. But I
did not see any new Tropieolums, and Petunias were few, and
Verbenas were confined to a very few kinds. But the mass of
flower was good in a general way ; perhaps some of it was going
ofi". The vases, certainly, were not so pretty as I have seen them.
This is, doubtless, accounted for by the wind ; and the walks,
like many thiugs else in the v/orld, are certainly better to look
at than to use, as nothing can be really more uncomfortable
than the sharp loose gravel they are composed of. Were they
more agreeable to walk upon, the turf would not be so much
worn. In the matter of walks, utility ought to be as much
considered as appearance ; but those at the Crystal Palace are
as unpleasant to walk upon as anything can well be. ITie
display of fountains was good, and the appearance of the shrubs
and trees generally was healthy. Some showed symptoms of
having being hurt by the severe weather of last winter ; but the
appearance of the burnt-up turf by the hot weather in August,
struck me and others as being more remarkable than anything I
had .witnessed in that way since the dry season of lS2t'>, but of
the cause of this something will, perhaps, be said here iifter. —
J. RocsoN.

PEOPAGATING-PIT NOT ANSWEEING.

; Some time ago I put up a small propagating-pit, heated with
[ hot-water pipes, which are all confined in a brick chamber, and
surrounded with fireclay ; brickbats are put in as loose as possible
to the depth of about 13 inches over the pipes ; I then laid fire-
clay pavement over these, keeping the joints pretty open, and
for plunging material about -t inches of rough sawdust. For top
heat I have two-inch drain-pipes set up over three of the pave-
ment joinings, and down these pipes I pour water, which finds
its way to the heated brickbats below, and sends up a fine
moisture.

The heat, however, seems to come and go at times, which I
cannot understand — sometimes over-hot, at other times too cold :
can you give me any explanation ? AVould it have been better
with gravel instead of the pavement ? Also, please to say if my
plunging material is good, and is it deep enough for small cut-
ting-pots ? I find worms work a good deal in sawdust. — Sena-
TEUK Vaise.

[Your pit, constructed as you say, ought to do you good
service ; but tliere njust be something wrong in the heating
apparatus to cause it to fluctuate as you describe, as a steady
and continuous fire ought always to give out a regular heat.
It would, however, have been better had you had one pipe
nearly exposed, or some larger portion accessible to the air of
the house than that which commuiiicotes through the drain-pipe
openings, which is not suflicieut to give atmospheric heat in
cold weather. Some little contrivance will, however, enable this
to be done even yet — by exposing a little more pipe for top
heat, especially in winter when a dry heat or warmth is more
sought after than bottom heat. But the variation of heat, if it
does not aris.^ from the careless management of the fire, will
sometimes be caused by the carelessness of those who made
the joints of the pipes stuffing some of the packing material
into the pipe, causing a lump and obstruction, checking very
much the onward progress of circulation, and subjecting it
to entire cessation at times. The liot water may also flow in
another direction instead of the one in question. We have more
than once known such contrivances not properly supplied vrith
water. Any one of these causes will be sufficient to account fin-
the unsteadiness of the heat given off. The beat way, without
pulling anything dovm, is to make sure there is water enough in

478

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUiiE AND COTIAGE GARDENER. [ September 17, 1861.

aud tbcu try the fire caivfuUy, and feel the pipes all their length :
there ought to be very little difference to the touch j if there is,
something must be wrong, and they must be examined. An air-
rent in the pipes at the highest point is also necessary to insure
steady regular working ; and in laying the pipes they ought
always to be a little on the incline to keep all the air at one place —
i.e., the highest. The brickbat foundation for the plunging-bed
need not have been so deep, and we fear the fireclay pavement
coTering will be too thick. Half tlie quantity, or less than that,
of brickbats and rather small blue slates laid oyer them would
have done as a bed for the sawdust, as, by being small, there
would be the more opening for the moisture to pass down
through, and for the heat to come up. The quantity of saw-
dust will be sufficient, as 4 inches all over wUl do to plunge pots
7 inches high when put close together. If you have access into
such a pit you will find slender glass coverings for portion of
such bed verj- useful, and it will hasten the propagation of every-
thing underneath very much. The other portion of the pit might
do for things more easily grown ; but all parts of it will do for
propagating all kinds of bedding plants. For wintering stock of
any kind it would be better to uncover more of the pipe to get a
drier lieat in the dark days ; and moisture is generally given off
in sufficient quantities by the wetted sawdust, and the slates
being small, water will percolate down to the brickbat founda-
tion, and be given off in vapour accordingly.]

VINES IN POTS BREAKING UNSEASONABLY.
I HAVE some Vines in pots that are breaking already, in spite
of my keeping them dry. I have plunged them ur.der a south
wall, nailed horizontally, top-dressed, and watered them, in-
tending as they advance in growth ancl the weather gets colder
to place them either in a warm pit or forcing-house. Shall I be
doing right, and do you think I shall do a'ly good with them at
so unusual a season ? They ought to produce fruit, and the
kinds arc — Sweetwater, Black Hamburgh, Black Prince, and
West's St. Peter's, by name, but it is a white Grape, and is not
that kind a black one ? — VlTis.

[We hardly understand your case. Placing them against a
south wall was a good place for perfecting their growth. As
soon as that was done the plants should have been removed to
the north side of a wall, and in very hot weather laid on their
broad sides and covered with damp mats, &.C., to keep them cool.
If from the heat and dryness the main buds are actually breaking
now, it will be no use to retard them, but the plants had better
be placed where they will receive no sudden cheek from dryness
or cold. Tliey should be allowed to move on slowly, giving no
artificial boat if the temperature reaches 55° to 60°, adding from
5 to 10 more when the bunches are in bloom. You may thus
have fresh Grapes about the new year, instead of waiting till
Jlarch and April for them. Did you prune your Tines when
set against the south wall ? West's St. Peter's is a black Grape.]

EOSES ON POSTS AND IN FESTOONS
KILLED BY FROST.

I HAD an avenue of the above, but alas I last winter Jack
Frost cut them all down to the ground, but he kindly spared
their lives, and they have all pushed, but instead of throwing up
four or five good strong shoots they have thrown up each a
regular thicket of small shoots. I have tried various plans but
want to obtain information from some more learned man, to
enable me to restore as speedily as possible the beautiful festoons
of Roses which used to adorn ray garden. Ought I to thin
away now all the shoots but one, or say four ? or will it be best
to head down now all but four, so that the strength of the
plant may be thrown into the four ? and should I in the winter
cut down the four or the one shoot to within a foot of the
ground, aud allow them neit year to grow as far as they like, as my
object is to have the chains covered as soon as possible ? Can I
do it by allowing a strong single shoot to remain the full length of
the pole, and by keeping it bare of side branches force it to break
at the head only like a very long-legged standard Briar for
budding ?— W. X. W.

[As it happens your Roses had the very best treatment of any
Roses in the three kingdoms this summer, and nineteen persons
out of tweuty would have given them the worst treatment, under

the impression that they, the nineteen, were doing that whic''
ought to be done. Leave your Roses untouched till the second
week of March next, then open the soil roimd the collar of each,
and cut each just below the tuft of shoots which are now in
leaf, and the eyes next lowest down on the shoulders of the
main roots will push next spring exactly as did the cut-down
stools last spring ; but you must then assert your authority and
your gardening and philosophic powers, and not let more than
three or four shoots rise more than 6 inches the whole of next
year. In the October of 1862 you may prune them again,
leaving one shoot only — the longest aud strongest — and all the
rest should be cut down to the surface of the ground. The one
you leave then to each plant will have to be cut back a little.

What about the ',Asarum ? We have been promised the
European kind which does on a dry bank but in the shade.]

EDGING MATERIALS FOR GARDEN "WALKS
AND FLOWER-BEDS.

It is somewhat to be regi-etted that the meelianical skill
directed to various departments of gardening should not devote
some attention to walk edgings, which certainly have not re-
ceived the notice they deserve. It is true that live edgings of
various kinds abound in great numbers, and every plant pos-
sessing a dwarf compact habit and easy growth may be applied
to this purpose ; but there are places where a live edging is not
practicable, or, in fact, where it will not live. In such places
some other edgings must be adopted, and it is to such places
that I would call the attention of those having the means of
furnishing an article at once durable, cheap, and suitable, and as
neat as can be well made. To effect a useful invention in this
way will be conferring a boon of considerable importance on the
gardening world. And by way of explaining what is really
wanted, it will be best to describe what already exists, and the
defects of each, with their relative merits as well.

For many years I have been in the habit of using common
kiln bricks as an edging to walks through dark shrubberies and
similar places. These arc laid in a diagonal position — one edge
and one flat side presenting each an angle of 45° to view, or, in
other words, they are laid with an angle edge upwards, thus —

^ /

a The corner of brick forming tlie edging.
b Tlie buried portion of the brick.

and, being placed deep enough in the ground to allow only
about 2 inches of the angular side of the brick to be seen, its
appearance is pleasing, and it is not easily moved ; even a wheel-
barrow driven over it does no further damage than chipping the
angles off a little, and sweeping and all the other ordinary work
of cleaning a walk only improve its appearance ; so that really
little is required as regards durability. But a something more
ornamefital might, perhaps, be belter for some places, and even
this might, perhaps, be had at very little more expense than is
now paid for ordinary bricks.

Another description of edging is one made of artificial stone,
or rather cement. Some edgings of this kind have been in us?
here for many years, and are composed of slabs 6 inches wide and
about 2 inches thick — the upper edge being rounded — and are
generally laid to appear about 2 inches above ground, and their
length being about 30 inches for straight work, with a sort of
joint for filting into each other. They are easily laid down, and
hold together pretty well, yet not so steadily as the bricks before

September 17, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDBNEB.

479

described ; besides which this edging ia expensive where any
great quantity lias to be don?. I can, however, vouch foi* its
durability, as I have not perceived the least flaw in what we
have of it, which has been laid some seven or eight years and
exposed to all weathers. The maker has also other patterns ;
but the plain round-topped loots as well as any.

Many years ago the kitchen-garden walk edging at Bridge
Castle, at the Earl of Abergavenny's, was laid with timber cut to
a size somewhat like that of the cement edging described above ;
but, of course, in such a position just at the surface it soon
decayed, and, I believe, has not been I'enewed : timber, there-
fore, cannot enter into competition with aiiything excepting for
present use, and to meet a sudden emergency, or in isolated cases
where other materials are not forthcoming.

Dressed stone is, perhaps, the best of all edgings where it can
be had, and I have seen a kitclien garden done with it, and look
exceedingly neat ; but I fear its expense will prevent it coming
generally into use, besides which it is only in places where stone
is plentiful that it can be had, and only some description of
stone is suitable. The flat slabs called Yorkshire paving are not
fit for this work ; for, being laid edgeways up, the moisture
easily penetrates, and frost often shivers the stone — in fact, it is
a general rule in building matters to lay each stone in the same
position it was found in where durability is the object sought
aftev. Dressed stone will, therefore, I fear, not come into general
nse, except in the localities where it is found.

A rough line of flints half imbedded into the ground and half
out often serves as a useful edging in places wliere rustic work is
appropriate, and even in dressed ground it is sometimes made to
assume a conspicuous appearance by being painted white. As
an example of this the names of the railway stations on many of
the lines south of London present as true a feature as can well
be given in this way, the letters forming the name being marked
out on the sloping bank of black coal ashes or small coals, the
flints themselves forming the letters being painted white, and
each letter about 6 feet wide perhaps ; but as this system of
naming stations, which I believe originated on the South-eastern
line, has become general in many other districts, I need say no
more on this head than merely point out flints as being suitable
in some instances of forming edgings in gardens, and have been
so used long before railways for passenger piu-poses came into
use. Painting them white is, however, not always done, and
some people of good taste dislike the glare it presents.

Useful in a similar way, and certainly much more ornamental
as requiring no painting or colouring, are the rough pieces of
spar or quartz found in mining districts ; the clear glitter its
angular sides present to the sun renders it highly ornamental.
Unfortunately, however, it is not to be had in sufficient quantity
to meet other than a local demand ; and I have only seen it in
use in Cumberland and Derbyshire, but believe it to be plentiful
in Cornwall and elsewhere, but I have not seen it used there.
A most excellent and ornamental walk is often made of the same
material in a broken state ; and, if my memory be right, those
at Trentham, and some, but not all, at Chatsworth were also of
this kind.

Fancy designs in brickwork or rough earthenware are common
enough ; and though some look tolerably well, the bulk of those

1 have seen are in my opinion exceedingly ugly — a clumsy
attempt to represent basketwork, perhaps ; or soma pattern of
gable enrichment ; or, it might be, some whimsical design of the
owner contriving a something which no ordinary ingenuity could
keep in order, and, leaning inwards and outwards, offend the
eye as much by tlie bad setting as by the foolish pattern, proving
that high edgings in this way are very unsuitable. By far the
best design I ever saw in this way was a rounded bead repre-
senting a rope of about 2 inches in diameter ; but unfortunately
the foundation of this rope was not sufficiently bulky to support
it in a uniform lino, and it was difficult to keep in a correct line ;
but this defect might easily be overcome by appending this rope
or cable to something like the consistency of a brick, and then
it would stand. The lengths ought also to be not less than

2 feet, if they could be made of tbis size ; but I believe this
cannot well be done with accuracy with such a common material
as brick clay, but I throw the hint out for those having the
means to try what they can do. A sort of mortise-and-tenon

joints ought also to be formed so as to fit into each other when
laid down. Many years ago the late Mr. Loudon called attention
to a description of edging-tile, made, I believe, at Aberdeen,
exceedingly hard and durable; but I fear its expense or some
other defect has prevented it being generally known, as it has

been lost sight of. Some other makers have at various times
l^resented diSerent articles in the same way for public patronage,
but nothing has been yet issued that has received anything like
general support.

To a limited extent I have seen a cast-iron edging of a fanciful
pattern that looked tolerably well ; but its expense must preclude
its coming into anything like general use. A similar remark
holds good in the matter of slate. Although in the districts
where these abound I have no doubt but they can be had at a
reasonable rate, and if not too slender must look well and answer
every purpose. I have, however, little hope of seeing slate edgings
generally adopted a liundred miles from where they are procured,
tiiough in particular cases tliey may be had and found to answer.

By the above it will be seen that I consider plain bricks the
best and cheapest edging we yet possess for the generality of
purposes where a live edging is either not available, or where it
will not live ; and some edgings of this kind that we have had
down ten years and more look well stUl. The only likely thing
to move them when placed in a shrubbery is the roots of trees
or shrubs getting under them and lifting them up. This force
no description of edging could resist, and bricks are easily relaid
again. Moss will collect on them, but must be scraped off";
and the mere fact of the brick becoming dull is an advantage, as
a bright glaring red is not wanted, and betrays the article used.
For convenience our kitchen-garden walks are also laid with
bricks in the manner described, and tliey have the advantage
of allowing a something to be planted inside them as well ; and
some compact-growing plant, as Arabis variegata, makes an
excellent edging to grow against this line of brickwork. And
being taken up in autumn to plant in flower-beds, then denuded
of then' summer occupants, the bricks remain a still permanent
and useful edging ready to allow another crop nest year to
partly overshadow them, or to answer the purpose of an edging
without such help.

The uses of a plain brick edging are far from being told yet,
for in the geometric garden or parterre it is equally serviceable.
Here, however, it is not put forth in such a conspicuous way,
but made to act in a more subordinate capacity as follows : —
Edgings of turf are well known to become jagged and uneven in
spite of every care in clipping the fringe of grass that overhangs
the edge ; and to cut these afresh with the spade, commonly
used for that purpose, every time they become so uneven cannot
T/ell be done, especially in dry weather : hence the propriety of
having an edging that requires no such cutting. With this
view I have, therefore, had some edgings laid down exactly in
the manner described with brick, and turf laid level with the
top edge of the brick or a little (perhaps half an inch) above it,
the object being to get out of the way of the scythe, and at the
same time have the slanting side of the brick as an edging to the
walk or flower-bed. Compartments of turf so edged cannot be
otherwise than correctly clipped in an even manner, and the
brick is scarcely seen. If time and other things allowed, I
should like to see every walk and flower-bed so treated, and
nothing can well look better and be more permanent, it being
no easy matter to damage an edge so formed. And assuming
weeds to be troublesome on the walk, salt or any other chemical
substance might b3 used to destroy them, without there being
any danger of injuring the edging, which is too often the case
when no such protection as a brick exists.

In advocating the brick laid in a diagonal direction as the
best and cheapest edging where Box, Thrift, and other live
edgings are not available, I by no means assert it to be the best
that can be adopted ; on the other hand, I invite mechanical
men to turn their attention to the requirements of the case, and
give us something better than we yet possess. And for my own
part I am strongly impressed with the belief that something of a
cable pattern, having a good sturdy foundation, to be the best
that I have seen. A fancy moulding rarely looks so well on a
large scale as some simple design, that I do not dislike the plain
rounded top ; but something more becoming than anything we
yet possess will doubtless be forthcoming ere long. One thing
must be insisted on — that is, cheapness ; for expensive objects
are out of the reach of the many, and when much edging is
required it will amount to a large sum. Another .thing must
also be borne in mind — that although long lengths are suitable
for straight and continuous bordering, short lengths will be
wanted to go round curves and other places. In tliis respect
we have found bricks come in very handy ; for by being broken
in two and placed vfith their ends up, a sharp curve may be
turned pretty well.

430

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 17, 18G1.

Since writing tlio abo^e, a work by flie Messrs. Major, of
Leeds, called "The Ladies' Assistant on tlie Formation of tbe
Flo-ner Garden," has been put into my hands ; and amongst
many varied designs for geometrical gardens are some designs
for edgings as well, one being of wire. Somehow I never
regarded a wire frame in any other light than as art adjunct to
an cdaing, and consequently did not mention it in the list of
other articles; and I think Messrs. llajor must hold a similar
opinion, as they say a plate of iron or zinc ought to go in tbe
inside of tlie wii-ev.ork to keep the dirt in. They also give some
patterns of earthenware and one of cast-iron, but I cannot say
that I admire Ihem. Something more simple would, I am
persuaded, look better. The designs for gardens are, however,
varied and good, and these I will take the liberty of mentioning
again. Suffice it to soy that the subject of garden edgings has
not yet received all the attention it requii-es, and they may cer-
tainly be improved. — J. RoBSON.

TEICOLOUEED-ZONED GEEANIUMS.

In a report of a meeting of the Floral Committee of the Royal
Horticultural Society held on August 27th, your correspondent
"D., Deal" in speakuig of the new tricolor- zoned Geraniums,
says, " They are very pretty, but they hardly keep then- character

out of doors Wherever they can have a little protection,

they are very showy and beautiful."

Now, I consider that this is quite calculated to mislead the
growers of tliese Geraniums ; and is, moreover, so entirely at
variance with my experience in the matter that I cannot help
thinking that " D." has never grown them out of doors, nor
seen them so grown.

It is only in tlie open air fully exposed to the sun and rain,
&e., that they attain anything like their greatest brilliancy, and
everything in the shape of protection diminishes the same in a
corresponding ratio. This is a fact which does not appear to be
generally known ; but any of your readers moj- convince them-
selves of its correctness by turning a plant of the very varieties
which " D." names into the ojieu border, keeping another plant
of the same variety luider protection, and at the end of the
present month report to you as to which plant is the more
brilliant.— Z.

THE BEDDING-OUT AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

Aftek the festooned Cissus discolor in the Victoria Lilj-
house at Kew the next prettiest effort in gardening in tlio king-
dom, as far as I can hear, is the long line of ribbon-like-planted
beds across the bottojn of the grand terrace at the Crystal
Palace.

I think there are twenty-two oblong beds in the stretch and
straight line : their length about 18 feet, and the width, of
course, one-third of the length, or G feet across ; and there are
as many circidar beds with an extra couple to spare — one between
each pair of oblongs, and of the same width. Nothing that has
ever yet been done in gardeit decoration v\ith flowers was ever
more telling, or, indeed, one-half so effective as this simple plan
and contrast with only three kinds of ilowers — two Geraniums
and one Verbena. If you could get the councils of horticultural
societies to see the effect of this judicious selection of the fewest
things one could use fur any effect, perhaps some of them
would offer prizes for the best effect from cut flowers at their
exhibitions ; then there would be something worth going to see
at their shows of such flowers.

I shall take this opportunity anel the privilege of a public
writer to recommend tlic subject to the Rev. Reynolds Hole —
the gentleman who originated the Rose shows and brought them
on so far with great credit to all concerned.

We have learned absolutely nothing yet in the way of effective
decoration from all the Dahlias, ni.d all the Roses, and all the
cut flowers which have been exhihitcci in Englancl for the last
forty years ; while Mr. Gordon, the youngcft of us all, has in
one season done more that way villi his disjiosition of three
kinds of plants than the whole of ua put together. But you
need not believe one word of tins : go to the Crystal Palace, and
I shall be ready to hear all that you can say for or against my
say— and pray just look at the first corner or v-bed opposite the
railway entrance, and say if you ever saw such another bed of
Soirlet Qcrani\ims in all your travels But I have seen better
beds of Punch than that one.

Look again at the top of that side walk for the match pair of
gem beds of which I spoke the day they were planted, and sec-
how they tally with my talc. Again, just look on the large bed
of Yellow Calceolarias on the north side of the Rose Mount,
right opposite the centre front of the great transept, and say if
ever you saw such another bed with such kinds of plants, the
bulk of them being of Gahies' Yellow Calceolaria, which is, or
seems to be, by far the best bedding Y'ellow Calceolaria that
ever was tried. It is a seedling cf Rugosa, or of one generation
from it. If the plant was out of bloom a botanist could not tell
it from Rugosa itself. I never saw any Calceolaria nearly so
good. They obtained it from Mr. Gibson, of Battersea Park
Gardens; and, of course, Mr. Gaines, of Battersea, knows more
about it, and his own real name for it.

When you reach the main terrace, just look down on each side
of the way to the water temples, and let us hear your notions of
these two lines of beds ; then turn round and see the grand
sight of the place, the said hne of tw-enty-two beds, all in three
kinds of plants — two Geraniums and one Verbena as I have just
said. The Crystal Palace Scarlet all along the centre of all the
beds in one straight line, Christina on each side of it, and Purple
King Verbena on each side of Christina. The fact is tliis :
Mr. Kinghorn ought to have had a gold medal struck on
purpose for himself for raising Christina, and the medal ought
to have been as wide as the shield of Achilles, and he should
hang it at tbe shop door at East Sheen, Richmond.

The Geranium Attraction which did so well at the Crystal
Palace in 1S59 failed in 18G0, and again this season, and they
will never try it again. The Geraniums in the chain patterns
liave got the better of the Calceolarias within their circles, and it
would be no discredit to England if they, or any one else,
would never plant another Scarlet Geranium by the side and in
contrast to yellow of any sort. When I was a first fiddler no
such thing was ever allowed by the highest artists. — D. Beaton.

VEGETABLE PHENOMENA.

A FEW days since I purchased two fine lai'go Lemons at a
grocer's shop in Ilounslow, for medicinal purposes. When on
cutting one of them open longitudinally, I was surprised to find
that four of the pips or seeds had germinated, the radicle of the
largest consisting of tr.o strong fibres about an inch long, the
plume or stem measuring \\ inch, and of a bright green colour;
The two parts (including the pip, about midway) extending in
nearly a straight line along the fruit ; the otlier three being
deflected in the shape of a fish-hook. I believe it is nothing
uncommon, although to the w riter equally unaccountable to find
a small Orange within a larger one, the outer integument of the
former being precisely of the same colour as the latter. The
writer would be glad to know if what he has noticed is of as rare
occurrence as he presumes it to be. — A. E.

[It is not uncommon for seeds to vegetate in the seed-vessel,
and the Lemon fruit is only the seed-vessel of the Lemon tree.
We have frequently seen the seeds of the Oiauge germinate
similarly in their surrounding pulp. Peas often germinate in
the jiod. It is a much more rare occurrence ior a perfect
Orange to be found within another as you describe.— Eds.
J. or H.]

DO BOOTS ESCAPING FROM POTS

INTO THE BOKDEB DISQUALIFY THE PLANTS AS POT
PLANTS?

I EXHIBITED on Thursday last three Grape Vines in pots at
the Worksop Show. They were very superior to any exhibited,
and averaged thirteen bunches each. To my surprise, on entering
the tent after tho Judges had given their decision, I found a
card containing these words placed on my A'ines ; — "Disquali-
fied, grown in open border."

Now, I have scores of witnesses who could prove they were
grown in ijots and never plunged, although they had partly
rooted from the bottom hole into some old t^n they stood on,
which would he impossible to prevent unless they were turned
and twisted daily. These Vines were taken to Worksop and back
in an open van, remained there all night in a crow ded tent, and
they are at this lime fresh and good and still fit to be cshibited
again.

I had a large trellis made to fix the Vines and binichcs to

September 17, 1861. ] JOUKIS^Al OF HORTICULTTJEB AND COirAGE aARDENEE.

4S1

carry them safe, aud had also a large forked iron placed in the
pots to steady them. This caused me in order I o balance the
pots to drop them into larger ones. I then filled the carity with
moss and water to keep them from drying, knowing they had to
remain until the second day. I beliere I have stated all par-
ticulars. The schedule states only these words — " For the best
three Yines in pots."

Mine were the best. Can they withhold the prize from me
on the grounds stated above in their card of disqnaUfioation ? —
E. Benneit, Otherton Hall, Worksop.

[If tlie above oommunication contains all the facts, we think
Mr. Bennett's Vines were unjustly disqualified. If the holes in
the bottoms of the pots were unusually large, and the roots had
passed tlu-ough in large quantities, or one root extensively, then
the disqualification was merited. — Eds. J. OE H.]

EOYAL HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Ebtjit CoaniiTTEE. — E. J. Graham, Esq., in the chair. At
tliis Meeting prizes were offered for the best three dishes of
Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums. Mr. Dwerrihousc, gardener
to Lord Evorsley, at Heokfield, sent Royal George, Soblesse,
and S-ilway. The first was briskly flavoured, but not sweet ;
Noblesse wns very rich and sugary, and remarkably highly
coloured for that variety ; while Salway was very flat in flavour,
though large and remarkably liandsome fruit. The merit of this
variety is in its lateness ; and from this exhibition it was evident
that it does not do to force, but requires to he ripened gradually.
This being the only collection exhibited, Mr. Dwerrihouse was
awarded the First Prize of £1. Mr. Dwerrihouse also exhibited
a dish of very fine Violefte Hative Ncclarines. There were no
competitions for the Weetarines.

In Plums there were three competitors, of whom the most
successful was Mr. Francis Dancer, Little Sutton, Turnham
Green, who obtained the First Prize of £\. His collection
consisted of Jefferson, Pond's Seedling, and Poupart's Seedling.
The JelTersons were remarkably lai-ge and handsome, having a
bronzy tinge, aud most delioiously flavoured. Pond's Seedling
were also large, but the flavour, thottgli good for thsit variety,
was only that of a cooking Plum. Poupart's Seedling is the
size of an Orleans, quite blaek and lined all over with bronzy
tracings. The flavour is rich, and it appears to be a very de-
sirable Plum. The Second Prize of 15s. was awarded to Mr.
John S"ewton, East Lodge, Enfield Chase, for Jefferson, Red
Magnum Bonum, and Coe's Golden Drop ; and the Third Prize
of 10^. to Mr. Henry Eyre, gardener to A. F. Slade, Esq.,
Chiselhurst, for Green Gage, JeiTerson, aud Blecker'a Yellow
Gage. The last is an American variety, about the size of a well-
grown Green Gage, of an amber colour, but not particularly rich
in flavour.

There was a very nice collection of Grapes exhibited from the
garden at Gl>isH-iek, among Avhioh were Muscat Noir Hatif, Hatif
de Jura, and Rouge de RoUe. These seemed all to be very much
alike, and appeared to be the same as our old Early Black July.
There was not the slightest trace of Muscat in the Muscat Noir
Hitif. Muscat Hamburgh was well exhibited, the bvtnches
being of good size and very well set. The flavour was most
excellent. Burchardt'a Prince, grown in the Yine-pit in a pot,
was very well developed. The bunch was large aud long, and
the berries as black as Sloes, while the flavour was that of the
finest Black Hamburgh. The true Esperione, as exhibited, is
a short bunch and not very well set, the stalk and pedicels very
stout and warted, aud the berries perfectly round. The skin is
jet black aud thick ; and the flavour is good, and between the
Black Hamburgh and Black Prince character.

A Seedling Grape of a remarkable character was received from
Mr. William Melville, of Dalmeny Park, near Ildinburgh ; it
was obtained by crossing Champion Hiunbui'gh with the pollen
of Canon Hall Muscat. The result is a Gmpe producing a
very large bunch, with enormous roundish or rather oblate
berries oF a grizzly colour, having the flesh of the Mill Hill
Hamburgh impregnated with a distinct flavour of the Muscat.
The Grape had evidently been produced under some disadvan-
tageous circumstances, and there is no doubt when well grown it
will prove a very yaluable acquisition.

Mr. Graham, of Crauford, also sent a Seedling Grape of the
^Yhite Frontignau class, and in the way of Chasselas Musque ;
but, as it was not quite ripe, Mr. Graham was recommended to
bring it up at the next Meeting.

X fine, large, and well-set bunch of a Muscat Grape wfs
received from John Ruck, Esq., Sutton Court, Surrey, under the
name of Muscatel Jesus. This, in the opinion of the Committee,
proved to be Muscat of Alexandria.

Mr. Drummond, gardener to J. J. Smith, Esq., Beechwood,
exhibited a basket of very large berries of Mill Hill Hamburgh
Grapes. They were beautifully covered with bloom ; but, as thoy
were not allowed to be tasted, the Committee could not give an
opinion upon them.

Mr. F. Joyues, of Bourton, Berks, sent a shoot of a Yine
bearing two bunches of Grapes, the produce of different crops :
one was ripened in June and the other in September. From
the condition in which these were exhibited, the Committee were
of opinion that there was no advantage to be gained by this
mode of culture ; but that on the contrary the result, which is
after all an unsatisfactory one, must be obtained at tbe expense
of the vigour of the Yine. Mr. Busby also exhibited a shoot of
the Golden Hamburgh grown under similar circumstances.

Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworih, brought fruit of a Seedling
Peach called Early Albert ; it is of good size, of a jjale, creamy
white on the shaded side, and a lively crimson where exposed ;
the flesh is quite pale at the stone. The flavour was excellent.
The same gentleman also exhibited good specimens of Crawford's
Early, a large yellow-fleshed American Peach of excellent flavour,
and another of the same race and origin culled Bcrgeus' Yellow,
which is larger than the former, but was flatter in flavour.
Princess Marie is of rich flavour, as is also Grosse Miguonne
Tardive, a variety a fortnight later than the old Grosse Mignonne.

Mr. Rivers' greatest triumph is the production of a Seedling
Nectarine, which has all the merits of the Stau^vick, and none
of its defects. It was raised from the Yiolette Hative, i'tipreg-
nated by Stanwiek. The fruit has all the appearance and rich-
ness of flavour of its male parent; but with the deep stain of
red in the flesh where it siu-rouuds the stone like the female.
It is a ino'iilh earlier than the Stamvick, and a fortnight later
than the Yiolette Halive. Perhaps the most remarkable feature
in the whole is, that the fruit being altogether that of the Stan-
wick, the kernel is bitter, showing how very decided the cross
has been. Hero, then, is a bitter-kernelled Stanwick, for both
the leaves aud flowers as well as the fruit are Stanwick. It
is called the Yictoria Nectarine, and it was awarded a First-class
Certificate.

Mr. Rivers also exhibi(ed another Seedling Nectarine called
Pine Apple, which was not quite rips ; and another from the
New White, which was vei'}- rich in flavour.

George F. WUson, Esq., of Gishurst Cottage, Weybridge,
sent a dish of magnificent Louise Bonne of Jersey Pears, among
the largest we have ever seen of that variety. They were grown
in pots in an orohard-house, but moved out of doors during the
summer months, where they were brought to the excellent
condition in which they were exhibited. The flesh was very
tender, melting, aud j uicy, and the flavour delicious. Mr. Wilson
alse exhibited a large specimen of Melon Apple.

A Seedling Apple called Jedburgh Abbey, was received from
Mr. WilUam Deans, Nurseryman, Jedburgh, N.B. It is of
medium size, conical shape, and with a 'smooth, yellow skin.
The flesh is briskly flavoured and tender. It is said to be a
very regular and abundant bearer. The opinion of t'ne Committee
was that this might be considered a good summer kitchen Apple ;
and from its tender flesh and agreeable brisk flavour would be
valuable for apple jelly, the Eeswick Codliu being the variety
which is now most used for that purpose.

Mr. Newton, of East Lodge, EuDeld Chase, exhibited speci-
mens of Devonshire Q.uarrenden, Kerry Pippin, and Yellow
Ingestrie.

WHAT TO LOOK FOE ON THE SEASHOBE.

( ConUnued from page 138.)

Ccr ST ACE A — ( continued) .

CinEHOPOD.V.

The Cirrhopoda, so-cailed from two Greek words signifying
"a tendril" aud "a foot," are a class of marine invertebrate
animals provided with numerous articulated cirrhi, or ciliated
arms, and having their bodies fixed in a multivalve shell. They
are divided into two families — Ttz., Lepaiiiliz or Sarnacles, and
Bala /I idee or Sea Acorns.

The Cirrhopods have been referr>id both to the Molluscs and

482

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTtTEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. [September 17, 1861.

to the Crustaceans, and they eeem to hare certain peculiar dis-
tinctions of structure and development wliich render it a matter
of some doubt to which order they really should be allotted.
The matter lias been disputed, and the question argued with
much energy and ability on both sides by English and foreign
naturalists, and (he result is the general admission that they are
true Crustaceans. Mr. Thompson, in his "Zoological Researches,'
affirms it in the most confident manner, adding that " in the
first state of these animals they not only possess perfect freedom
and power of motion, but organs of sight also ;" and tlie fact of
their claim to incorporation with the Crustacean family haTing
the sanction of so high an authority as Professor Owen, should
go far to establish that claim, and set the disputed question at
rest for the future.

Lepaiid^.
The Common IJaesacle (Lepas anaiifera). — It retains its
name anutifera (goose-bearing),
^^_^__,^ although the absurd error from

,^<-?^i<i*<t 1 which it deriTcd it has long been

exploded. As a curious instarice
of the ridiculous fancies prevalent
amongst our grave forefathers,
and the marvellous stories they
were willing to receive as sober
truths, we will give a literal extract
from the gigantic folio of old
John Gerard, the Cheshire Bota-
nist, entitled " The Herball, or
Historie of Plants," and which
met with implicit faith at the
hands of the enlightened public
of the sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries : — " There is found in
the north parts of Scotland, and
in the islands adjacent, called
Orchades, certain trees whereon
do grow certain shells tending
to russet, wherein are contained
little living creatures, which shells
in time of maturitie do open, and
out of them grow those little
living things, which, falling into
the water, do become fowles,
which we call Barnakles. In the
north of England brant Geese,
and in Lancashire true Geese;
but the other that do fall upon
the land perish, and come to
nothing. Thus much for the
writings of others, and also from
the mouths of people of these
parts, which maif reri/ tvell accord
with fnit/i. But what our eyes
have scene and hands have
touched we shall declare. There
is a small island in Lancashire,
called the Pile of Eoulders, wherein ore found broken pieces of
old and bruised ships, some whereof have been cast thither by
shipwracke ; and, also, the trunks and bodies, with the branches
of old and rotten trees cast up there likewise, whereon is found a
certain spume or froth that in breedeth into certain shell.=, in
shape like those of the Muskle, but sharper pointed, and of a
whitish colour, wherein is contained a thing in form like a lace of
silke, finely woven as it were together, of a whitish colour, one
end whereof is fastened into the inside of the shell, even as the
fish of oysters and muskles are; the other end is made fast into
the belly of a rude mass or lumpe, which in time cometh to the
shape and forme of a hird. When it is perfectly formed the
shell gapeth open, and the first thing that appeareth is the fore-
said lace or string ; next come the legs of the bird and hanging
out, and as it groweth greater it openelh the shell hy degrees,
till at length it is all come forth, and hangeth out by the bill ;
in short space after it cometh to full maturitie, and falleth into
the sea, where it gathereth feathers and groweth to a fowl bigger
than a mallard, and lesser than a goose, having blacke legs, bill
or beake, and feathers black and whil e, spotted in such a manner
as a magpie ; called in some places a Pie-annet, which the people
of Lancashire call by no other name than a Tree-goose, which
place, aforesaid, and those parts adjoining, do so much abound

therewith, that one of the best is bought for threepence. For
the truth hereof, if any doubt, let them repaire unto me, and I
shall satisfie them by the testimonie of good witnesses." —
(Herbal!, p. 1587.)

The Barnacles are attached to their resting-place by means of
a long, powerful, and flexible peduncle, or stalk, generally of a
scarlet or orange colour. The shell is compressed and is com-
posed of five plates, two on each side and one elongated piece
at the back. All these are delicately striated. The eirrhi spoken
of, and which extrude laterally from the sort of mantle which
lines the interior of the shell, are twelve in number, beset with
bristles, and when covered with the water are in perpetual
motion searching for prey. The stalk itself is of different lengths,
from an inch to a foot, varying in difierent species, and eveib
in the same species, dependant on the situation the creature
occupies. It is mostly flattened, but occasionally of a perfect
cylindiic formation. It is lined within with layers of muscles,
by which its oscillating movement is regulated. The intestinal
canal is complete and furnished both with an oral and anal
opening. In the early stage of the Barnacle it is furnished with
eyes, limbs, and antennae, and moves about with as much activity
as any of the httle inhabitants of the sea. It is only alter a
certain period of indulgence in a roving life that it reforms, and
establishing itself permanently on a fixed spot becomes during
the rest of its existence steady and immoveable. The Barnacles
attach themselves to rocks or other submarine objects, selecting
in preference, however, floating homes; although they by no
means disdain fixed habitations, affixing themselves indifferently
to vessels, sea-weed, bottles, rocks, and timber, whether floating
or stationary ; and so rapid is their growth and accumulation,
that ships on starting for a short voyage with a perfectly clean
bottom have been known to return completely incrusted with
them.

Balanid^.

The

Sea Aookn (Balanvs halanoides) . — The Sea Acorn
differs from the Barnacle in this particular
— it has no stalk or peduncle, but is
affixed by its base to the object on which
it takes up its residence. It has a conical
multivalve shell composed of six segments,
the upper opening being closed by a roof
composed of four valves. This creature may
be found constantly on the rocks by the
seashore, and vei-y frequently upon marine
shells. One species, the Tubicinella, attaches itself to the back
of the South-sea Whale, burying itself in its skin and fat. The
Balanus is provided with arms or eirrhi similar to the Barnacle,
and attaches itself to other objects in the same indiscriminate
manner. Both the Sea Accrns and the Barnacles have the power
of casting and renewing their coat. "In the Lepatidse" say»
Darwin, " neither the valves nor the membranes uniting them,
nor that forming the peduncle with its scales, are moulted, but
the surface gradually disintegrates and is removed, peihaps
sometimes in flakes, whilst new and larger layers are formed
beneath. In most sessile Cirripedes" (sessile, sitting, or station-
ary, as the Sea Acorns), " the outside membrane connecting the
cover and shell is regularly moidted, the delicate tunic lining
the sac and the integuments of the whole body are periodically
shed."

Our drawing represents Balanus cambricum, it being larger
and distinct than B. balanoides. The latter is very frequent in
clusters upon oyster-shells.

Both the Barnacles and Sea Acorns are bisexual.
There are other species of Cii-rhopods, but their characteristics'
are similar to those mentioned, and they may in all instances be
referred either to one family or the other. As the Barnacles
and Sea Acorns, therefore, are the only creatures likely to fall
under the notice of those for whom these sketches are intended,
it has not been considered advisable to extend this branch of
the subject, more especially as the other Crustacean families will
demand a more particular notice. — W.

{To be continued.)

The FiOBAL Magazine. — We have received this montli's
Number of the " Floral Magazine," which is now conducted by
the Rev. H. H. Dombrain, and the plates drawn by Mr. Andrews.
The subjects are — Rhododendron Climax, Auricula Smith's-

September 17, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

483

Lycurgus, Rose Enfant Trouve, and Double-flowered Petunia
luimitjible. The plates are well drawn and brilliantly coloured,
and the letter-press is readable and well written.

rUENISHING A GREENHOUSE.
The dimensions are :— height, 10 feet ; width, 8 feet 6 inches ;
length, 16 feet; iitted with Appleday's, of Chesterfield, hot-
water apparatus. It is desirable to be as economical as possible
in the furnishing with plants such as are easy of cultivation,
as professional engagements leave little for time for others.
— W. S.

[We hardly know how best to furnish such a house, as we
know nothing of the internal arrangements, and that is everything
M to the size and number of plants. The subjoined list are
hardy and would give a good variety, and, we presume, would
be cultivated in six-inch or seven-inch pots.

Acacia armata, A. Drummoudi, and A. grandis, chiefly for
spring.

Camellia japonica flore pleno, C. Cbandleri, C. ColviUi, C. ele-
gans, C. fimbriata, C. Sweeti, C. rosea elegans, and C. tricolor,
from Christmas to May.

Epacris fulgens, E. hyacinthiflora candidissima, E. miniate,
E. grandiflora, E. campanulata alba, and E. tauntoniensis, from
February to May.

One dozen florists' Pelargoniums, and one dozen fancy ditto.
May to August.

Half a dozen of Azalea indica, to bloom from March to June,
as A. indica alba, A. Broughtoni, A. lateritia fovmosa, and '
A. exquisita priestantissima variegata.

Erom a dozen to a score of Fuchsias, to come in along with
and after the Geraniums ; a dozen or a score of Balsams to
come in along with the Fuchsias, room being made by the
Camellias and Azaleas being in a shady place out of doors after
July ; a dozen of Cinerarias and the same number of Calceolarias
in small pots, witli a few annuals to fill up and make vari«ty.

Many not having much time would devote such a house
chiefly to Camellias, Geraniums, and Fuchsias, and except for the
first the cost would be little. Keeping up a good show of bloom
with Scarlet Geraniums, Cinerarias, Calceolarias, Fuchsias
Balsams, &c.]

the compost ; take up the roots as carefully as mentioned the
other week for Peach trees, wrapping them in damp mats or
cloth and keeping them damp, and the tops inside syringed and
shaded in bi-iglit sunshine, and the house close shut up. When
a part is ready, spread out the roots carefully in layers, from
12 inches to 6 inches from the surface, and water with water at
80° as you go on, and take means to keep the border warm
without making it too wet. Cover with litter or fern to keep
the wet in. If a hot sunny day comes, uncover, but cover again
at night. If the fruit is cut, ihe sooner this work is done in
September and October the better ; we prefer the first mouth
to the second.]

VINES UNFEUITFUL.

HAV1K& a vinery in which I have had but a very poor crop cf
Grapes for some years, I am now thinking of making a new
border this year, and pruning the Yines back to the front plate,
so as to make them produce entirely new wood. The Vines are
all Black Hamburghs, and all in a very healthy state. Do you
think it will succeed to take the Vines up and make a new
border? I thought of laying slate at the bottom to keep the
roots from striking down, and putting a double row of three-
inch drain-pipes ar. the front and back of the border, connecting
cross drains with them. — Vines.

[If your Vines are in such a strong healthy state we should
not think of cutting them down to the rafters, unless you abso-
lutely fixed upon that plan. We think it very likely that after
lifting the roots the Vines would not push so strong as you
would expect when thus cut down, and the mere lifting would
moderate luxuriance. If you could begin your work when the
wood was rather brown and firm, and yet the leaves rather green,
you would have a better chance of fruit the following year, and a
fair healthy breaking too ; and the longer you kept (he foliage
green by syringing and shading, the sooner would fresh roots
be formed ; and then, if even you cut down the Vines, we
would not do so until midwinter, so that all the assistance
possible could be given to form roots in the fresh soil, which the
growth at the tops would assist, and which, with a little warm
mulching, would continue to progress all winter. According
to your plan you had better begin at one end of the border, and,
keeping an opening, take up and plant as you go. With a
bottom of slate, that bottom should be some 27 inches below the
intended surface of the border, the front drain and the cross
drain should all be below the level of the slate, and made sure
where the slate joins the drain, that the roots may have little
temptation to enter the drains : oiherwise.your labour of slating
the bottom will be of little avail. Then, over the slate bottom
place 6 inches of open rubble, and then some turf or roughest of

A BOUQUET CRITICISED.

" S. -Z?." would feel very much obliged by being informed
whetiier the following arrangement of colour is against rule as
regards harmony and contrast. The bouquet was one of eight
which constituted a floral design, each bouquet consisting of two
colours, with variegated Geranium leaves for edgings. The one
in question and which has not been approved of on account of
colour, was as follows : — A large violet Aster in the centre
(colour of Purple King Verbena), encircled 2 inches wide with
blooms of Flower of the Day Geranium, which colour is a light
searlety cerise, or yellowish shade of cerise. The edging was of
the variegated leaves of Flower of the Day Geranium.

The idea " R. E." took from several of the oblong beds at
Kew, which are planted with Flower of the Day in the centre and
edged with Purple King Verbena, and which " R. E." thought
perfection for contrast.

[In reading " R. E.'s" query we were just about to exclaim
primrose or white should have surrounded the purple Aster.
We were amused then to find how that colour had been in eflect
the ruling one in the admired bed at Kew with the Purple
King Verbena. It is seldom very safe in bouquets to use in this
way separately the flowers and leaves which are beautiful in a
bed. The colours of all plants seem harmonised in a peculiar
manner, so that the green and flowers of each do best together.
In the Flower of the Day Geranium the general tint is given
rather by the leaves than the flowers, which are softened into
the prevailing hue by the yellow shade of their pale cerise.

Separating these, the effect would be as a mass of any other
red — inadmissible with purple, of which it forms a part. It is
probable that in this case, if the flowers of Flower of the Day
Geranium had been mixed in the wide band of its own foliage,
the effect would more have approached that of the bed alluded to.
This would not, probably, however, have suited the general
design and the other bouquets ; but pale yellow, white, or greeu
are the oniy good contrasts to a purple flower.

The scarlet ring and the leaves used in edging were also faulty,
neither harmonising as shades of the same colour nor contrasting ^
vividly as altogether different. But this would generally pass,
while the purple and red could not. — E.]

POMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS.

Peehaps you will think the following scraps worth inserting
in your " Pomological Gleanings :'' —

Champion Hameueoh Geape. — We have here the Champion
Hamburgh Grape (obtained from Mr. Rivers) in fruit, and I
cannot see any difference between it and the ordinary form of
Black Hamburgh.

Stkian Geape. — In your report of the meeting of the Fruit
Committee, it is stated that the Vine sent by me to the Royal
Horticultural Society's Garden, under the provincial name of
Syrian (?) is not the Syrian. Is there such a Grape as the Syrian ?
I have seen the White Nice cultivated under that name, like-
wise the sort now in question, which appears to me to be iden-
tical with the Grape grown at Trentham under the name of
AVhite Tokay, and probably with the White Portugal Grape
sold by grocers.

New Beace Geape. — An unnamed Black Grape which was
once exhibited at a meeting of the Pomological Society by Mr.
Cooper, from the Palace Garden, Armagh, was thought by some
of Ihe members to be the Black Morocco. It is now in fruit
here, and is totally distinct from tlie Morocco.

Bexle h'Obleans Cheeet. — The Belle d'Orleans Cherry (ob-
tained frosn Mr. Rivers) is a valuable early variety, and ought to

4S4>

JOURNAL OF nOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDEKEE. [ September 17, 1861,

be trade linown to fruit growers. It is a fuU-sizcd white Cherry,
ripening quite as early as the Early Purple Guigiie.

EiTEKs' PiUMS. — Those who desire to have early dessert
Plums should plant Eirers' Early Prolific and Early Eiwourite,
which are the best very early lands I am acquainted with. — -
J. B. WniTlNG, T/ic Beepdeiie.

TIMBER FOR STOVE AND GREENHOUSE
WORK.

John Stetens, at page 460, is quite right in calling attention
to this important matter, and I hope to see the question answered
by several practical men. My own views of the matter are in
favour of the best Memel deal, and not by any means to liave
pitcli Pine ; the latter shrinks mere tlian I ever expected, and
most likely will swell again, and unless selected with great care,
knots or places unduly charged with resin will cause much
annoyance afte-wards by its oozing out. Good, well-seasoned
Memel Fir will last a long time. Oak may be introduced for
sills if the builder wish it ; but it is rather an obstinate article to
deal with, and twists about very much ; and if it has to be bought
will come much dearer than deal, taking the extra carpentry into
account, and when neat work is concerned, it is no easy matter
to confine it to its place when the alternations of heat and
moisture are acting on one side, and a bright drying sunshine on
the other. But most of our hothouses here have oiken sills ; and
I once saw a vinery with moveable lights all made of Oak, and it
had been in working order, I was told, upwards of 110 years,
and when I saw it it seemed to have been a stranger to the paint-
pot for at least ten years, but it was strong and heavy, and
likely to last many more years. Deal, however, is much lighter,
works better, and is better in all respects; but there maybe
difference in the quality of deal, and the same kind receives
different names in different localities, but most intelligent
carpenters can tell which is good and which is not.

In framing any portion of the work together, care ought to be
taken that no sappy part of the wood be worked in. This is
the outside of the tree, and ia not so good and often decays in
ten years or less. The bottom ends of the lights arc the parts
that decay soonest, when the water runs over the timber across
the grain of the wood. This piece ought always to be extra
good. The shuteing ought also to be of good timber. I prefer
a sluite made out of a solid piece of square timber to one of
metal The latter always gets damaged at the jomts, and will
not bear ladders and other things leaning against it so well ;
but I shall be glad to have the opinion of others on this matter,
or I may possibly return to it at another time. One thing I
heai-tily agree with Mr. John Stevens in, not objecting to a
little expense at first, for next to a very dear house, a very cheap
one is a great evil ; but some good practical hints from other
quarters would be very acceptable. — J. Eoeson.

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

KITCnEN GAEDEN.
The season has been very favourable for operations under this
head. Weeds may, with half the usual trouble, have been eradi-
cated. Potatoes and other crops are coming off early, so that
the operations of manuring and traoching may be carried on at
every favourable opportunity. It is a mistake, to say the least
of it, to dig the ground intended for general cropping simply
one spit deep, even if the soil be shallow and the subsoil unge-
nial. The good effects of deep cultivation must have been per-
ceptible to many this season. Artichukes (Globe), cut off the
tops as fast as the heads arc used. Caulijluwers, prick out the
young plants as soon as they are sufficiently large to plant pro-
perly; some may be pricked into a sheltered border and some
into frames, and if some are potted singly in small pots they are
easily kept in any place under glass through the winter. Cvlery,
earth up when it has grown to some length ; that which is not
earthed up to have the soil stirred about it with a fork, and to
receive frequent applications of liquid manure. Lettuce, prick
some of the Cabbage varieties into a frame, to come in for winter
use. Also, continue to plant out strong plants of the Brown Cos
for winer use. Onions, a few of the NVelsh sort sown now will
come in useful where such things are in frequent request. Pull
up those that have done growing, and house them in a dry state.
To bo sorted before they are stored away, and the thick-necked

ones used first. Spinach, thin the plants to about 9 inches
apart ; if obliged to step in amongst them in wet weather loosen
up the soil aiter the thinning is completed. Turnips, thin as
soon as they have made a second rough leaf. Should slugs
attack them sprinkle hot lime over the groinid two or three times
a-week early in the morning or late in the evening. Eemove all
dead and decaying leaves from the Brassica tribe in general to
some ground under the process of trenching, and keep the earth
well stirred about them.

FLOWEK GARDEN.
Herbaceous plants will require to have the stalks of decayed
flowers removed, and Hollyhocks and Dahlias will still require
occasional looking after to secure them against the effects of
high winds, which may now be expected.

FEUIT GARDEN.

Look over wall trees, and cut off all foreright breasfcwood.
Apples and Pears will require frequent attention to catch the
favourable time for gathering, which must be as soon as they
can be detached from the shoot without using force. Those
intended for long keeping to be handled very carefully, to bo
carried in small quantities to the fruit-room, and to be laid upon
the bare shelves. The plan of laying them iu heaps to sweat,
as it is called, will not answer for such as are required to be kept
long, as it hastens the ripening process too much, and, as a con-
sequence, decay will more speedily ensue. I 'Id Strawberry-beds
intended to be left another season to have the runners and
rubbish cleared out of them, and to be well dressed with rich
decomposed manure ; but do not mow off the leaves.

STOVE.
Allamandas, Erugmansias, Clerodendrons, Ei-ythinas, and
plants of similar habits to be gradually reduced to a state of rest
by a decrease of water at the roots and a drier atmosphere over-
head. All stove plants which have been removed to the con-
servatory should now be got back to their permanent stations
without delay. Give liberal ventilation, accompanying it with
a high .temperature, as the hardening of growth is not carried
out by cold draughts.

GEEENHOtTSj: AND C0N3ERVAT0BY.
All the more delicate greenhouse plants to be housed without
further delay. Camellias, Chinese Azaleas, Acacias, and the other
more hardy sorts may be allowed to remain a short time longer
outside if the weather continues favourable. Acbimenes, Gesneras,
and Gloxinias, after they have done blooming, to be placed in a
spare pit or frame near the glass, and to be supplied with water
only to keep them from flagging, in order to get their i-oots
properly ripened before they are stored away lor the winter.
Amaryllis and the different varieties of Japan Lilies requii-e
similar treatment ; but the Lilies being more hardy may be
ripened off as advised last week at the bottom of a south wall.
Admit air day and night to all descriptions of greenhouse plants.
The Persian and other Cyclamens to be examined, and repotted
when necessary.

PITS AND FHAMES.
As the season is now advanced the propagation of all the
more important bedding plants should be brought to a close as
quickly as possible. Let Scarlet and other Geraniums struck in
the ground be taken up and potted as soon as they are rooted;
they will require a close frame for a week or t\vo, when they
should be placed on a dry bottom in the open air to harden them

off before housing.

W. Kbake.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

WATEIiING CELEBT.
The dry weather still continuing has been very trying. I
have been informed that the metropnlis was favoured vi'ith some
hours' rain on the 6ih; but we had not enough here to wet a
robin's bill. However, on the night of the Stli we had a warm
refreshing shower, which did a little more than lay the dust.
During the scorching heat, as water was very limited, the most
urgent cases only were attended to. Without mulching it was
little use wutcring ordinary crops ; and a mere watering for an
inch or two on the surface was worse than labour thrown away,
as it left the mass of the roots in dryness, and arrested tho
exhalation npwai-ds of moisture from greater depths. Those who
have partly earthed up their Celery, and have had equally dry
weather, may satisfy themselves of the relativeness of these ideas

September 17, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND OOTTAaE OARDENEB.

485

by just taking up a head and seeing wliat state the roots are in.
We raised some for the table in the beginning of the month ;
and, tliough we heard of no complaints, we knew it must be
deficient in crispness, though blanched enough from mere absence
of moisture at the roots. Though showing no signs of distress
at the top, the earth about the roots was so dry as to be easily
shaken from thoni, so that the roots, if tlie right colour, might
have passed for a no bad wig to grace a barbev'8 pole. Tiie earth
was removed a little, 6 inches from the plant, so as to form a
trench on eacli side. In this little trench holes were made,
6 inches apart, with a crowbar, and in these holes and the
trench the water was poured copiously, and the operation liad
to be repeated twice before the water thoroughly moistened the
roots. The plants rois6d attevwards were no better blanched
than the others ; but, instead of being limp and toughish, they
were short, brittle, and crisp. A fortnight more of such weather,
and no watsr admitted directly to the roots, and the Celery
would not only be lough, but almost every head we should have
expected to bolt up its flower-stem.

KITCHEN GAEDEN.
"Watered late Peas to keep them in bearing, stirring up the
ground previously, and mulching afterwards. Removed Peas
finished bearing profitably, turned up the ground and planted
with Broccoli and other greens. Did the same with garden
Beans, filling up every spare space, so that there may be plenty of
sauce in winter and spring ; and the late-planted often stands
better than the strong luxuriant plants that even now cannot
■find elbow room. Planted out also a bed of Leeks, being unabb
to find ground before. These will be very serviceable ; but to
have them as stout as a good-sized man's arm, they ought to
have been inserted in rioli soil six weeks or two months ago. To
the working man who can relish them no vegetable is more
delicious, either in soups, or when large, cooked whole ; it is then
far superior to Sea-kale, and a dish that a prince might envy,
especially if he can aiid a small nip of butter, salt, and pepper
to flavour. Onijns and Turnips for last crop are loath to come,
have surface-watered and covered with net and branches to
break the force of the sun's rays. Planted out good breadths
of Cabbage Lettuces, Cos ditto. Endive, and some where it will
be easy to give them a little protection. This is quite early
enough for turning out good plants for the winter crop. Fj aser's
hardy plain-leaved Batavian is the hardiest Endive we have met
with, and cabbages well oven in the spring. It was mostly cut
up last winter, but it stood well several seasons previously, and
for getting it a round ball of white, crisp leaves in March and
April, we had only to place a six-inch or eight-inch pot over a
plant, and put a stone or a clod on the hole to exclude light,
some six days or so before we wanted it to have it in great per-
fection. At an earlier period, a few leaves, a slate, or a board
placed over the plants eflected a similar blanching in a more
ordinary way; but the salad did not look so elegant as when
encased in a pot. Cleared the main crop of Onions, placing the
bulbs in a shady, dry place until we get time to string them.
Put a lot of stuff from the rubbish-heap and trenched it two
spits deep for early Cabhages in spring, which will be planted in
rows 2 feet apart and 16 inches in the row ; the kind most
preferred for that purpose being the Matchless. If the ground
is poor wlien trenched up we fork a little rottc-n dung or leaf
mould on the surface. Slugs must be looked to for some time.
This will be our first. If the winter is mild we shall cut nice
little Cabbages from the Coleworts.

CUCUMBKBS.
Cleared away a piece of Gherkin and ridge Cucumbers, after
having gathered them, to malce way for Geranium and other
cuttings. Fresh regulated those left under hand-lights, and
stirred the surface of the soil, as fresh mulchings of short grass
partly dried were introduced among them, and placed in large
pots nice plants intended to bear m a pit where heat from hot
water can be given. The pit, though 6 feet wide, has a place
shut off for the Cucumber-roots about 2ifeet wide and 15 inches
to 18 inches deep, which we find amply sufficient as room for
the roots ; but in the present case we have put them in pots for
two reasotis. First, because as we can only spare a small space
of a pit now, we can move the pots so as to give the plants more
room as they need it ; and, secondly, because in winter the plants
often bear mox-e profusely in pots, than even in such a narrow
pit as that referred to above, and it is easy to put a little hot
leaves among the pots if deemed desirable. The plants are so
secured to sticks fastened iti the pot, that the plant and pot may

be moved without the plant being at all injured. I used to pay
more attention to these things when Cucumbers were wanted
regularly all the year round. With me now I find it would be
useless expense, as few seem to care about touching them from
December to March. It wovild be of little use attempting to sell
them about London in these months, and where there is no
demand it would be waste to incur the expense of securing a
supply. In the country it is often different. Winter is the
season for hospitality, and if Cucumbers are reUshed at that
time, the proprietor should give his gardener a small house
heated by hot water on purpose.

VEGETABLE MAEEOW.

I noticed that sonje people complained of their Custard
Vegetable Marrow coming yellow instead of green. A few
of mine did so, and at first it did not bear so well as tho
coaimon Marrow j but the colour and the bearing have been
all right of late. Where time is valuable and labour search,
I find it quite as well to plant them in some sheltered out-of-
the-way place, and let them run about pretty much as they
like. The Custard when small. looks well on the table; but
though there was lately a furor about it and its superiority, I
find v\ many families the old yellow is again becoming the
favourite.

The heat being in good order in the second bed in the
Mushroom-house, earthed up with IJ inch of strong loam,
allowed it to lie a few days, and then beat it as hard as possible,
and then watered it, &c., whe;i a little hazelled or dryish on
the surface, beat it with a clean spade, and drew it when wet
fii-mly over it, so as to leave a smooth, glossy surface. Such a
surface is always easiest kept clean afterwards. Placed Capsicums
in a Vine-pit, where they would have a little help to ripen
their fruit witli the assistance of manure waterings, and thus
enable us to have home-made cayenne. Gathered Tomatoes
for sauce, which have been ripe long ago this season, leaving
plenty to out and come again. Why is it that so few eat them
in the green state as salad as in America ?

FEUIT GABDEN.

In the fruit garden, in addition to shortening shoots and
removing the last vestiges cf breastwood from Peaches, Apricots,
Plums, Pears, &c., the chief thing has been to see that spring-
fresh-planted trees are not suffering from want of water, and
keeping up unrelenting warfare with the wasps, covering the
openings in the vinery with gauze, wrapping the heads of little
fruit trees in gauze, and placing bits of gauze round fine fruit,
and agaiust the wall slicking a bit of wadding close to the stalk
to catch Mr. Wasp and big fly by the legs, and send him off
to other quarters. With all this care we get a fine fruit now
and then holed and hived far more beautifully than we like.
When fruit arc grown in houses it is comparatively easy to keep
all insects out, by covering the au'-openings with thin gauze of
even close woollen netting. Nipped the points of many Peach
shoots to arrest growth, and throw more maturation into the
fruit-buds, and got the ground about all fruit trees as clear as
close cropping would allow, so that the sun may exert aU its
power ou the ground, made rather firm on the surface to radiate
the heat hack again. As the second crop of Figs are now
beginning to swell, thinned out a good number of the older
leaves without doing much to the shoots (as these nuist be
kept for the first crop), in order that the sun and ah- might
play more freely on the shoots. The hot weather has brought
on Melons sooner than expected ; but it will be no great loss
if there are few late ones, as it is seldom Melons are worth
eating after the middle of October. Of course it is possible to
make a Melon good at any time if at all soft, as the soup iu
which stones and butter were boiled together would be rather
a rich affair in its way.

FLOWEE GAEDEN.

The flower garden has required unremitting attention to keep
it nice. Calceolarias on account of the dryness require consider-
able picking, and more water than we can give them. Even
Scarlet Geraniums require a little picking, though receiving no
water as yet. Salvias where exposed are feeling the drought,
and Hollyhocks and Dahlias are respectively calling out for
rain, though the former are blooming well, and so are a quantity
of the double Sunflower. Of this there seems several distinct
varieties. AVe have had several strong plants that have produced
one immense double flower, from 15 inches to 18 inches in
diameter, and which are now a mass of seed, that might servo a
turkey for a day. Another kind seems to throw out four or

486

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 17, 1861.

fire fair-sized d mble flowers at once, and others coming in
snccession ; but for the flowers being two or three times the
size, and not so lofty in growth, a person niiglit take them for
the old Heliaiithus mnltiflorus. In a rather wild part of the
garden they certainly have produced rather a tine etiect, with a
row of Hollyhocks in their centre. I hare said that no Geraniums
hare been watered ; but I must except some of the variegated ■
ones, and especially Pink Cup. Our friend Mr. Eobson speaks '
of it being so beautiful on a bank ; with me it seems to crave j
for a morass. The flowers this season hid all the leaves. 1

COEEOPSIS TINCTOniA.
Some time ago I grumbled because some varieties of Coreopsis
tinctoria did not bloom soon enough — such as alro-sanguinea,
roarmorala, &c. They liave almost fully paid back for their
delay. For three weeks tlie beds and rows have been a mass of
bloom of almost every conceivable shade of yellow, crimson,
purple, <ic. Some of one colour, others of difierent colours, and j
ho-w beautifully they looked with their almost unnoticed small
foliage ! The beds have an edging of .Saponaria calabrica creeping
lip amongst them. I do not know if any beds have had more i

admirers. Some connoisseurs even inquired what splendid new syringing, &c. in the spring will, we hope, save you from sui-h a casualty
plant it was. I like it all the better, because for an outlay of i '" future.

dried. A drawer with a layer of wadding round the p.ipers would keep
them well,

Ho>KYsucKLE FOR HousE Front (A Sttlscrihrt', JJtthlin). —The Japan
Honeysuckle is best for the purpose. It is all but evergreen, and will
bloom from May to October if you keep stopping the strongest shoots just
as they do the I'each trees. There is not another JIoncy.iuckle so appro-
priate for any side of a bouse in England, or any pai t of Ireland. We never
yet saw an insect on it.

Fpchsia wirn Yf.llow Leaves (.7'. JJ'ifler). — Our impression was that
the yellowish tint of the leaves of your Fucb;ia was against it. But no one
can judge such things from a couple of leaves. Before we could pass a
judgment on the plant for the purpose of edging in Golden Chain fashion,
we should need to see a good full specimen plant of it in the height of
summer. If we were in your place we would send a plant of it to the
Koyal Horticultural Society's Floral Committee's next meeting. Mr.
Beaton is one of that Comir.ittee, and be would be sure to do you justice.

Scale and Grben Fly on Wall Trees (.1. i?.). — The wonder is, how
the Apples and Apricots escaped under such circumstances. We are quite
unable to point out the cause. We would advice pruning the trees early
in autumn, collecting every bit of prunings and the loose bark scraped oif
and burring them, then wash the trees well, every bit of them, with
strong soft soap water, at a temperature of 1C0°, going over them scveial
times. Then, when the wood is dry, paint il all over vith a paint made of
two parts clay, one of lime, one of soot, and one of sulphur, in a cold
state Then remove fi om 4 inches to 6 inches of the surface eoil within a
yard of the bole of the tree and till up afresh, and a little attention to

twopence or threepence for seed, any cottager may beat me with
such a bed next season.

The new Dianthus Heddewigii and laciniata have also done
very well, and if last winter speaks true they promise to be as
hardy as the common Pink. W'e have just commenced taking a
few cuttings of the best-shaped, largest, and finest-coloured
flowers. We have delayed our propagating of the commoner
things, as we did not wish to disturb the outline of the beds,
but now we will go on with everything except Calceolarias, and
even now must be content with small cuttings of Geraniums, so
as not to disflgure the beds. When a family leaves their counti-y
seat at or before this season of the year, it is very difierent to
what it is when everything is wanted to be gay until the frost
comes. These Geranium cuttings we will place thickly in
wooden boxes, such as Mr. Bobson described the other week
but ours are not so nice. We thus avoid (he trouble of lift
again, and though not more than 2 inches or 3 inches now, they
generally get big enough before spring. These short ones refer
to Tom Thumb ; Brilliant, and some stronger ones we make a
little larger. We seek out for the small shoots coming from
near the bottom, and which would do no good this season. We
will now proceed with a fresh batch of Heliotropes, Verbenas,
Petunias, &c., selecting small, stiff side shoots from Ih inch to
2 inches in length, and after removing most of the leaves except
the end ones, draw small parcels of the cuttings through some
weak tobacco water before inserting them. The cuttings of
Verbenas, Petunias, &c., put in first are now well rooted, and
get plenty of air to keep them hardy. It is a great chance if
•we shall be able to pot off many of them. — R. F.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to mijustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should therefore be addressed solefi/ to IVie
Editors of the " Journal of Mortiailture, 4c.," 162, Fleet
Street, London, E.C.

We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the
same sheet questions relating to Gardening and tliose on

EGATED Alyssum (J?. C). — Of your spccimens, A IS, and B is not,
rightly named. A is the true and pure old-fashioned border annual called
Sweet Alyssum in a variegated dress. But at the time the Sweet Alyssum
produced this sport people did not know that sports differed from their
parents, and some one made a botanical blunder by making the sport not
only a new species, but also a false genus, and the false genus is Koniga.
The name of the other variegated plant, B, is also Alyssum, the Alyssum
sasatile, which makes the best yellow flower-beds in April ai.d May It is
also a perennial. The Alyssum maritimum variegatum, or what we call
variegated Alyssum, is an annual kept from cuttings, because it will not
seed, and if it did produce seed the seedlings would be as green and useless
as Koniga or Cornigera.

Book on Flowers (A Subscriber, Cili/).— Yon rcciuire a book for
general reference, and vou cannot have one more suited to your purpose
than the "Cottage Gardeners' Dictionary." It is alphabetical, and yon
can have it free by post from our office for 5s. 8rf.

Sir Joseph Pa.xton's Plant-bol'ses {Gloxinia), — They answer very
well. They are not blown away by a gale of wind.

Wall Treis for Poofit [Wellingborough).— 1\ioyif)\ the wall has a

a I south aspect you must not for profit grow Peaches and Nectarines. They

% I are too uncertainly productive unless under glass. Plums and Pears

would be most remunerative, if choice sorts were grown and well managed.

Name of Tree (7. D., Mos^le!/].—The leaf you enclosed is one from the

Salisburia adiantifolia, or llaiden-hair Tree. It is hardy, and does not

require to be trained against your south-east wall. It is a native of Japan.

Size of Sopplv-pipe {A. C'.).— A pipe two inches in diameter well

covered with stwdu.-t or other non-conductor of heat, would be large

enough to supply from the boiler hot water to the four-iuch How-pipe in

your vinery though 20 yards from the boiler.

Newlv-erecteu ORCHARn-HOUsE (A Constant Subscrtber\—Ti\e moisture
emitted by the brickwork will not injure your plants either in winter or
summer. Free ventilation is all that you will have to attend to. You may
extend the flue round your vinery without any fear of injury from its damp
brickwork.

Preserving Mklons {Cucnmis).- Our correspondent wishes for the best
mode of preserving Melons either whole or otherwise, and we shall be
obliged by any of our readers sending us recipes.

Welon-housk, Avoiding Consumption of Dung. — *' 71'. X. ir." will
he obliged by " W. H. R. R." saying how deep is his soil ; how far are
the plants from the glass; does he ventilate fjeeiy; and what tem-
peratures are maintained. These questions are asked because in a similar
structure " If'. X. W.'s" Melon culture -was a failure.

OrviRANDnA iF.Ni:STRALis (W. // 0.).— You did not prepay the postage
of your letter.

FRAME-Lionrs (IT. A. 71'.).— If you will consult our "Greenhouses for
the Many," you will find there the cheapest mode of constructing a green-
house. 'You cin have that JIanual from our office for seven postage
stamps. Your Ferns are named to-day.

GLADIOI.VS Bui.cs ((?.).— They should be taken up .as saon as the leaves
turn yellow, or at the end of October whether yellow or not; be dried,
stored, and replanted the first week in April, or sooner if they begin to
vegetate. The bedding Gl idioluses, however, need not be taken up at all.

T>u j-D L-i-r.," . ^- , I they only require to be covered over, 6 inches or 8 inches deep, with coal

1 oultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel mem answered ashes to keep the frost from them.

promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate

communications.
We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under

very special circumstances.
AcHiMENEs DONE FioWFRiNo (A Siiffolli Subscriber).— The size of the
flower is good, showing that you have grown the plants well. As the
plant' get shabby give but little' water, but do not 1-t them be quite dry
whilst there are any green leaves. In this state the sunnier the positioii
you give them, the better will the little tubers mature. Leave themas they
are until all the foliage is quite withered and the stems dried up. then cut
them over to the surface of the pots. The. roots will keep vary well in the
dry soil of the pots, kept dry in any place, where the temperature is not
lower than 45°, but generally from that to 50°. If such a place is not
sandy shake them out of the pots and pick out carefully all the tubers,
without breaking them, and place them in paper bags, in sand, and place
the bags in some place in the kitchen, or near the parlour fireplace, where
that temperature will be sustained, and vet the tubers be not too much

Ct'TTlNGS OF MaNDEVIIXA SUAVEOLENS - SOWING VERBENA SeED (E. T.) .

—In the spring, when the most moderate side .=hoots of Mandevilla
Buavcolens are from 2 inches to 3 inches long is the best time to propagate
it, and these with firm heels to them are the best cuttings. Verbena
seeds arc best sown early in March, exactly like sowing Mignonette m
pots, and the after-management is just the same till both arc planted out
in May. No bedding plants do so well with cuttings in sand and water as
the Verbenas ; but for curiosity many other plants would come that way
in the spring. The Fuchsias next best after Verbenas, then all the little
blue Lobelias. All the Weigclas come from cuttings of the young wood
in the spring with exactly the tame treatment as the Fuchsias; and, like
the common Fuchsias, cuttings of the ripe wood of this summer will do to
be put in at the end of October in the open ground, and if a hard frost
should kill these Fuchsia cuttings or those of Weigela to the giound, the
bottom buds of both will run up shoots and root next season.

Medicaoo inteutexta [Jiimis J/nrs/io//).— We never heard of Medicago
intertexta, or Mount Crlvary Clover, being used but as a border annual in
the olden times, and that for the curious seed-pods. Please to tell us your

Seplember 17, 1861.] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE aAEDENEE.

487

own experience of it, or your ideas more in detail. Koniga is a false
Bame for the variegated Sweet Alyssum.

Namks of Tlants (Tr. -ff.).— Ononis nutrix, var. pin^uis. (JI. A-
TF'a/At;*).— The small frond is Lomaria alpina. Its fertile fronds are
similar in character, but contracted in the pinna?. The larger is pro-
bably Blecluitnn cartihifjinexm, but is too Toun^j to determine. [Bror-
^bourne). — 1. Rhus cotinus ; 2, Salix helix; 3, Santolina ehamcecyparipsia.
A 5«ZJ5cre7jer).—l, Campanula fragilis, a pretty half-hardy or frame plant
for pot culture; strikes from cuttings of young shoots from the roots or
division, and grows in any well-drained sandy soil ; good for baskets, or
for standing on a cold greenhouse thelf. 2, Zauschneria califoinica.

3, Too much crushed for identification. 4 Statiee limonium. iS. Devon).
— 1, Apargia autumnalis ; 2, Senecio eruciefolius ; 3, no leaf sent;

4, Pulicaria dysenterica. {C. H.) —I and 5, Athyrium filix-fajmina
rhocticum; 2, Cystopteris bnlbifera ; 3, not sent; 4, Athyrium filix-foemina
trirtdum; G and 8, not in fructification, and therefore not recognisable;
7, Cystopteris fragilis ; 9, seedling form of Athyrium filix-fce mina.
{Blnirmore). — 1, not E. Massoni. but some rar. of ampuUacea ', 2, a
Diosma or Agathosma, but we cannot say what species without flowers;
3, Gnapbaliura uliginosum ; 4, Cystopteris fragilis dentata ; 5, Cerastium,
but not in a condition for determination.

from here by Lady Julia CornwalUs came back in so sictlj a
conditioTi that we hardly expected it to recover, its comb turning
black, and remaining so for a long time. Ultimately, however, it
did recover, and its sickness after so long a journey would not
have attracted much attention had not so many exhibitors suf-
fered in like manner or to a more serious extent. I hope, there-
fore, you may be able to throw some light on this mysterious
affair ; and if the reporting of the above case can in any way
add to the testimony bearing on the matter you are at liberty to
insert it. — J. Robson, Linton Fark, Kent,

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1361.

September 18th and 19th. Bktghton and Sussex. Sec, E. Carpenter.
November 6th and 7th. Rotal Horticultvral Society. (Fruit and

Chrysanthemums.) Garden Siiperiniendenty G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newington Chrtsanthemuk Society.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
November 14th and 15tb. Crystal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec, W. Houghton.
N.B. — Secretaries of Societies intey} ding to advertise in our columns wilt

o'nlige us by sending an earJy intimation of their exkibitioti days.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

POULTRY, «tc,, SHOWS.

Ssrrr.MBER 20th. Staffordshire (WoLVERnAMproN). Sec, Mr. "W.

Tomkinson, High Street, Newcastle, Staffordshire. Entries close

August 24lh.
Sf.ptesiber 24th. Bridgnorth. Sec, Mr. R. Taylor, Bridgnorth.
September 26tb. Middleton. Sec, Mr. Thomas' Mills.
October 81h, 9th. and lOtb. Worcester. Sec, Mr. J. Holland, Chestnut

"Walk. Entries close September 20th.
October 23rd. Calne. Sees., Messrs. F. Baily and A. Heath. Entries

close October 9th.
November 5th and 6th. Devizks. Sees., Mr. Geo. Saunders Sainsbmy,

and Mr. John Long. Entries close October 3th.
November 21st, 22nd, and 28rd. Glasgow. CPJgeon and Canary Bird

Show.) Sec, Mr. Tlios. Buchanan.
NovKMBER 22nd, 2Sth, and 29lh. Darlington. Sec, Mr. J. Hodgson.

Entries close November llth-
December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Birmingham. Sec, Mr. J. B. Lythall,

14, Temple Street. Entries close November 1st.
December llth, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Crystal Palace Winter Show.

Sec.t Mr. W. Houghton.

.?

MORTALITY AND SICKNESS AT THE
SHEFFIELD POULTRY SHOW.

The facts as to the so-called "aiortality" amongst birds at
the Sheffield Show are that out of tlje large number of birds
penned five were ill and two died. Tliis is surely not matter for
much astonishment when many of the birds exhibited had begun
to moult !

If " Selim " will come forward in his own name he shall have
all the information to which he is entitled. Should he decline
to do so, he will not be surprised that his honesty should be
considered on a par with his veracity, and his anonymous mis-
statements unworthy of furtlier notice.

Mr. Berwick's Dorking eoet was sent back to him, and his
letter in the Field to-day conveys the first intimation to me
that it was not received. — W. H. Dawson, Secretary, Sheffield,
Septemlei- 7, 1861.

[If only two died at the Show, yet more died subsequently.
The Eev. Mr. Kewton's whole pen of three died immediately
upon their return. Our reporter informed us that one bird in
each eleven or twelve pens was so ill at the time of the Show as
to be disqualified.

AYe shall be glad to have all the information that can be
afforded on the subject ; for we have only one object in view —
the promotion of the interests of poultry exhibitors and poultry
exhibitions. — Eds.]

It would certainly be more satisfactory to the exhibitors cf
poultry generally if the sickness and mortality of certain of tlie
birds at tlie late Sheflleld Show were more clearly accounted for.
One of the hens in a pen of Silver-spangled Hamburghs sent

DEATH OF ANOTHER FOWL EXHIBITED AT
SHEFFIELD.

SOME OJ? THK GAME FOWLS THEEE.
Mat I ask the favour of a portion of your space to refer to
some matters connected with poultry shows, which are now
exciting attention ? First, as respects the complaints, some of
which have appeared in your valuable paper respecting the birds
dying at the Sheffield Poultry Exhibition. I beg to state that I
went to the Exhibition on the Monday, where I claimed the first-'
prize pen of Duckwings belonging to Mr. Robert Chase. Ihey
were quite healthy when I claimed them, but when they reached
home the cockerel was very ill, and died immediately after ; the
pullets have also been very unhealthy ever since. I opened the
cockerel and found one side of his liver quite black, the other
side apparently quite healtliy ; the bottom of Ms windpipe was
also discoloured. My case appears to be about the fifth. There
have evidently been some very dishonourable acts committed.

Secondly, my object in going to the Sheffield Exhibition was
to discover whether Mr. Thomas Challoner, the Judge, was in
any way connected with the exhibiting of Capt. Hornby's Game
fowls, and from the information I received I suspect he was. I
was in company with Mr. Charles Challoner, and he told me that
the first-prize cockerel he got from a person named Johnson, of
Worksop ; this was exhibited in Capt. Hornby's name, and from
the manner he spoke of Capt. Hornby's Game birds, I was
led to the impression that they belonged either to him or his
brother, Mr. Thomas Challoner. I also examined some of the
labels on Capt. Hornby's hampers, and found them directed to
Worksop, I believe it to be Mr. Challoner's residence. I would
not willingly do either Capt. Hornby or Mr. Challoner an
injustice, but from what I saw there is an air of suspicion about
the matter, which I think it is the duty of either Mr. Thomas
Challoner or Capt. Hornby to endeavour to clear up. These
suspicions prevented my exhibiting at Sheffield, and I do not
intend to exhibit again where Mr. Thomas Challoner is Judge,
until I hear a satisfactory explanation, which I expect will be
supplied in your next paper. — F.

[Although signed by an initial only, this letter was accom-
panied by another stating the writer's address, and we therefore
publish it with such explanations as we have obtained.

We wrote to Capt. Hornby stating that there was much dis-
satisfaction expressed relative to his connection in some way witli
Mr. Challoner and the exhibiting of Game fowls, and asking if
he would give any explanation. The following is his prompt
reply : —

" Some four years ago, wishing to walk my Game fowls in the
midland counties (on gravel, not on clay which we have here),
I engaged Mr. Charles Chjlloner, a farmer residing at Keetly,
near Worksop, to walk them for me.

" Since then I have shown Game sometimes from here
(Knowsley), and sometimes from Keetly. I did show at Shef-
field, and the birds from there were addressed back to Keetly.
This has constantly been done. There has never been any con-
cealment about it.

" The Judge is Mr. Thomas Challoner. I am now told he is
related to Mr. Charles Challoner. They do not live in the same
place, and I do not know Thomas Challoner. To the best of rny
belief I have never even seen or spoken to him. I believe Mm
to be a fan- and upright Judge, and I certainly have no reason
to suppose I have received any partiality from him.

" The old Game cock (about the best in England) took second
prize in the largest sweepstakes ever shown of 100 cocks, where
Thomas Challoner was not Judge. He was beaten at Bir-
mingham in 1860, where Challoner was the Judge, and took first
prize at Liverpool the following month, where Mr. Challoner
was not Judge. At Prescot he took first prize where Challoner

488

JOUBNAL OF HOETICTJLTURE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 1?, 1861.

was no/ a Judge, and again at Slieflield where lie was. But Mr.
Thomas CliaUoner passed over at Sheflield two pens of Game
which liad taken prizes elsewliere with other Judgts, and which
I thouglit could not be beaten.

" The question only is, whether Mr. CliaUoner, the Judge, gave
any unfair preference to my birds. I was at neither of the
Shows, and cannot say, but those who were there lun say
whether tlie judgment was wrong.

"All I (an sriy is, tliat I firmly believe in the honesty and
impartiality of Mr. Thomas CliaUoner. I need hardly say I would
not lend myself to anything wrong. Eor the truth of v/hat I
now tell you T give you my word.

" I am very sorry I am in any way the cause of Mr. Thomas
Challoner's name being brought into discussion, though I do not
doubt he eon well defend himself. I regret these anonymons
attaelis on Judges. I know that yxiy baskets were examined at
SheiEcld. They were addressed to Keetly Farm, Worksop.
Surely if anything ic«* supposed to be wrong an explanation
might have been asked tor in the Show. I would close my
connection with Mr. Charles Clialloiierat once, but it might seem
that eitlier that thfre is trulli in the charge, or that I have been
driven into it." — "W. W. Hoenet.

Now, we are quite sure that Capt. Hornby had no sinister
intention when he sent his Game fowls out to walk at Mr.
Charles Challoner's ; but it is quite clear not only that such an
arrangement is open to suspicion, but we know from other
sources besides our correspondent "F.," that such suspicions
ai-e entertained. We advise Capt. Hornby, therefore, to with-
draw his birds from Mr. Cliarles Challoner's farm ; it is wise to
avoid even the appearance of v\hat is wrong, and no one who
kuows Capt. Hornby will suspect that he has done what is
right for any other reason than that he thinks it is right.

We quite agree with Capt. Hornby in the opinion that Mr.
Thomas CliaUoner is a fair and upright Judge ; but we think
that no Committee ought to put hiui in the invidious position of
sole Judge of the Game classes. It is generally understood that
Mr. CliaUoner knows the private marks of every lai'ge breeder of
Game fowls in England, and this belief of his knowledge, of
course, subjects him to the suspicion of bias. We are told that
Game fowls sent for exhibition have usually a private mark ; and
if this is so, then we think it desirable to have a rule that aU
birds so marked shall be disqualified. Such marks may be needed
for the eock-pit, but they are not needed for the exhibition-pen.
We shall be glad to hear from our readers on this subject, for
our object like their's is to save poultry exhibitions from any
suspicion of unfairness. — Eds.]

MANCHESTER AND LIVEEPOOL POULTRY
- EXHIBITION.

It is, very probably, well known to most of our friends that
the Exhibition of domestic poultry just held at Ashton-under-
Lyne forms a portion of the show of the Manchester and Liver-
pool Agricultural Society. This feature in their annual meetings
lias for a long series of years proved progressive, and one exciting
no small proportion of public interest. The general manage-
ment leaves but little room for improvement, but, on the
contrary, evinces an amazing advancement on the appointments
of only some few years back. It is evident the Society ore weU
aware how popular the poultry has been in conjunction with
their meetings, and certainly they have not shown any laggard
hand in offering premiums of value sufficient to call intb com-
petition birds from almost every principal exhibitor in the
kingdom. 'J his liberality on theii' part, conjoined with weather
the most favourable that could be desired, has caused the Meeting
of 18G1 to be the most important of any held since the first
institution of this Exhibition in the year 1847. It is -scarcely
necessary to add, that the show-yard was lileraUy fiUed through-
out the whole time it remained open with sight-secrs of every
description, and the griatest order and good feeUng prevailed, for
the giatifi'-ation was universal.

There is one point, however, tliat perchance another year
might be open to amendment — viz., the perpetual thronging of
visitors on the Judges during the arbitrations— a difl'iculty that
only became more and more obvious as the grounds became
more densely filled. A single policeman's unaided efforts, par-
ticularly where some score or two of eager lady visitors are con-
cerned, affords but little benefit under such circumstances ; and
we feel confident, acting on the friendly hint now given, the

Committee will adopt some more stringent arrangement in this
respect for coming years.

As to the poullry classes themselves, it is pretty obvious how
excellent roust have been the first-class Grey jiorkings, when
the renowned yard of Capt. Hornby had to content itself with a
third position. The first-prize birds of Mr. Tudman, of Whit-
church, Salop, were certainly very superior, and the puUets
in the second-prize pen belonging to Mr. Dolby, of Grantham,
were highly deserving of especial mention.

lu Spanisli, the first prize for birds of this season was easily
won by Mr. S. H. Hyde, of Ashfon, who also repeated his
triumph by taking, likewise, the first and second premiums oCTered
to this breed as local prizes. Mr. Martin's birds, of Claines,
Worcester, were also decidedly good, but want time to bring
them into first-rate condition. The third-prize birds of Mr.
Redpath, of Edinburgh, were capital as to feather, even after so
long a journey to the show-yard.

We must say the Game classes were not equal to our anticipa-
tions, from theii' pi-evalent lack of good feather, the moulting
season evidently taking place some three weeks earlier than last
year.

The great proportion of the Hamlurglis stood well, and perhaps
the Golden-spangled were the best of any. In the Silver-
spangled Hamburgh class, for the local premiums, a most
decided case of attempted imposition occurred, by painting white
the ear-lobes of the male bird and one of the hens. We should
not be doing our duty as public journalists did we not note
down the number of the ]ieii — 1196, and also the name of the
offender — viz., Mr. Joseph Saxon, of Keverlow, near Alt, Ashton-
under-Lyne. Such trickeries are really disgraceful and improper,
and we sincerely hope that some of our poultry societies will
devise a means that wUl thoroughly and universally expose all
parties, without respect of persons, who may in future be detected
in such nefarious practices, fraught, as they must be, with actually
predetermined injury to the honest and fair competitor,

Polands mustered strongly, and were very greatly in advance
of the generality of our shows.

In Baniams, we were particularly pleased with some excellent
specimens of White Booted ones.

Of Ooslhigs there has rarely been a better exhibition, and the
TurJcey poults were equally creditable.

In Aylesbury Ducks, the two principal exhibitors of this
excellent variety, whose names are everywhere "household
words " in our poultry prize-lists, liad a hard race for mastery ;
Mr. Fowler taking both first and second premiums, Mrs.
Seamons securing a very closely-run third position, and also a
high commendation. It struck us that this ladj's birds were
not in the tip-top condition she customarily attains when
forwarding them for competition. Rouen Ducks were good, and
the Grey Calls were perfect specimens. The Buenos Ayreau
Ducks were also most commendable.

DoKKiNCS.— Firs'. E.Tndmaii.WliitcliurcIi, Salop. Second, AV. Dolby, Jan.,
Sjston Ola Hall, Orantliani. Ihird, Caia. \V. W. Hornby, Prescot. Highly
Commended, Lady J. Coinwallis, Srapk-hui-st. Commended, >V. l>olby,jan.
Si-ANTSH.— First'. S. H. Hyde, AsIiton-under-Lyne. Second, J. JIartin.
Mildenham Jlill, Claines. Worcester. Third, Master A. Kidpatli, Edinburgh.
Highly Commended, S. H. Hyde. Commended, J. R. Kudbard, Wilngton,
near Bristol.

Game Cocks.— First, Capt. W. W. lioniby, Prescot. Second, A. llnmpson,
Bolton-le-Moors. Third, K. Archer, Yorkshire. Commended, J. Flelcter,
Manchester.

Game (BIa<I;-brcasted Beds). —First, Capt. W. \V. Iloniby, Prescot.
Sicnnd, J. Fletcher, Manchester. Thii-d. U. Wovrall, West Uerby. Highly
Cociimended, J. Holme, Prcseot; J. Keable, Berks. Commended, J. Turner,
Pilkington.

Game (Bro»-n-breasted Pveds).— First, Capt. W. W. Hornby, Proscot.
Second, J. Fletcher, Manchester. Third, T. Burgess, jun., Wbitchurch,
Salop. Highly Commended, H. Worrall, West Derby, near Liverpool.

Game (Any other A'ariety). —First, J. Uttcher, Manchester. Second,
T. Burgess, jun., Salop. Third, H. Worrall, West Derby. Highly Com-
minded, J. Fletcher; R. Tate. Driffield.

Cochxs-Chixa (Cinnamon or Buff).— First, E. JIuegiove, Aughton.
Second, T. Stretch, Boollc, Livei-pool. Third, J. P.ob nson, U.iritang. Highly
Commended, H. Bates, Edgbaston, Biinungh.ini ; E. Smith, Manchester.

CoCHix-CiuSA (Grouse and Paitriilge).— First, E. Tudman, Wliitehureh,
Salop. Second, E. Mosgrove, .4ughton. Third, T. Stretch, Liverpool.
Highly Commended, E. Tudman

IIamuuegus (Golden-pencilled).— First, A. Nuttall, Manchester. Seconds
J. Munn, Manchester. Third, J. Di.\on, Bradford. Highly Commended,
T. Parkinson, Aeciington; J- Mmin.

llAMitrnGHS (ailver-pcnciUed;.— First, J. Martin, Claines, Worcester.
Second, J. Munn, Manchester. Iliird, S. Shaw, Halifax. Highly Com-
mended, C Moore, Pou ton-le-Fylde.

Hambueobs (Golden-spnngled'.— First, G. Brook, Hnddersfleld. Sccon*
and Third, S. H. Hyde, Ashton-uuder-Lvne. Highly Commendett, J. Ash-
croft, Ashton-under-Lyne.

llAMBCROns (Silver-spangled).- First, J. Lancashire, Middlclon. Second,
J. Fielding, Hosscndole. Third, T. Dale. Cheshhe. Highly Cenimcndcd,
W. Jacksun, Middleton. Commended. J. FicKUng.

September 17, 1831. ] JOUHXAL OF HOSTICULTUSE AND COTTAaE GARDENEU.

489

PoT.ANTis (Any Y.irietvl.^First anrl Third, J. Dixon, ^^ovt^l Park, Brad-
ford. Secord, T. P. Edwards, Lymlhavst. Hants. Highlj- Commended,
J. Dixon; ilisf> E. de Courcy Drevar, Rose Hill, Dublin. Commended Mias
E. de Courcy Drevai".

Bantams (Game). — First, W. Silvester, Sheffield. Seconil, J. Camm,
Farnsfield. Notts. Third, T. TI. D. Bayley, Bifjsleswade. Betls. Highly
Con?mended, W. Lawrenson, PouUnn-le-Fvide; E. JIasEjrove. Aughton.

Bantajis (Any other Variety).— First fliid Third, T. H. D. Bayley, Biircles-
wade, Beds. Second, E. Fieldin.;;, Rochdale. Commended, J. Dixon, Brad-
ford.

AST OTHER Bref.p,— First, R. Ciiase, Birminghim (AVhite Cnchin-China).
Second, J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury (Brah'iia Pootras). Third, J. Ashcrott,
Ashton-unrler-Lyne (Black Hamhurghs). Iliffhly Commended, R. Teebay,
Preston (Brahma Pootras) ; J.Dixon. Bradford (Malays). Commended,
J. H. Craigie, Chipfwell. Essex (Brahma Pootras).

GEESE.-First, Capfc. AY. W. Hornby, Preacot. Second, Mrs. ^L Seamons,
Ayleslniry (Grey and MottIed\ Thiid, T. Burgess, jun., Whitchurch, Salop.
Highly Comrcended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury (Go-lings).

l5ucKs (Aylesbury).— First and Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Third,
Mrs. M. Scamims, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, J. Dixon, Bradford;
Sirs. M. Seamons.

Ducks (Ronen) —First, R. T'.to. Drifflcdd. Second and Third, J. Holme,
Prescot. Highly Commended, J. Dixcn. Bradford.

Any othek Breed. — First, T. H. D. Baylev, Biggleswade, Beds (Call
Ducks). Second, J. Dixon, Bradford [Grey CulD. Third, G. S. Sainshury,
Devizes (Black East Indian). Hignly Commended, G. S. Sainsbuiy (Black
East Indian).

TuuKEV.s.- First, E. Guv. jun., Grantham (Cambridge). Second, Capt,
W. W. Hornby, Prescot. third, J. Dixon, Bradford.

LOCAL PRIZES.

DoRKiNos.- First, S. H. Hyde. Ashton-under-Lyne. Second, R. Lees,
Ashlon-undcr-Lyno. Third, J. F..Lrwoafher, Ashtou-under-Lyne.

SrANisii.— First and Second, S H. Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne. Th'rd,
J. Potter, Openshaw.

Game. — First, J. .\shcroft, Ashton-under-Lync. Second, G. Lees, Ashton-
under-Lyne. Third, withheld.

Cochtn-Cbisa. — First, E. Whittakcr, Hurst, AsIiton-nnder-Lyne. Second,
H. N. Han-op. Ashton-undsr-Lyie. Third, withheM.

Hamburgu (Golden-pencilled).— First. J. Ashcrnfe. Waferlon, Ashton-
under-Lyne. Second, S. H. Hyde. Taunton Hall, Ashton-under-Lyne. Third,
J. Hilton, George Street, Ashton-under-Lyne.

HAMRURons (Silver-pencilled). — First^ R. Lees, Ashton-under-Lyne.
Second, J. Ashcroft. Waterloo, Ashton-under-Lyne. Third, J. Hilton, Geurge
Street, Ashton-under-Lvne.

Hamburgus (Golden-spangled).— First, S. H. Hyde, Taunton Hall, Ashton-
under-Lyne. SeconcI, J. Ashcroft, Waterloo, Ashttm-under-Lyne. Third,
W. Ti-avis, Little JIoss, Ashton-under-Lyne.

HAjtBUKGns (Silver-spangledl.— First, N". Mavlor, Denton, near llancheater.
Second. J. Aslicrnft, Waterloo, Ashton-under-Lyne. Third, S. 11. Hyde, Taun-
ton Hall, Ashton-under-Lyne. J. Saxon, Keverlow, near Alt, Ashton-under-
Lyne ; disqualified, painted on earlobe.

BANTAjrs.— First, E. v.'hittaktr, Hurst, Ashton nnder-L\ne. Second,
S. n. Hale, Taunton Hall, Abhton-under-Lyne. Tiiird, S. Street, Old Cross,
Ashton-under-Lyne.

Any other Breed.— First, J. Ashcroft, Waterloo, Ashton-under-Lyne
(Black Hamburgh 1. Second, IL Heap, Henrv Square. ABhton-undcr-
Lyne (Silver Polish!. Third, Z. Tetlow, Failsv.orth (Black Polish). Highly
Conmicndcd, .T. Hilton, George Street. Ashton-under-Lyne (Black Ham-
burgh). Commended, J. Berry, nnt.>hcad, Ashton-under-Lyne (Blat-k
Hamburgh) ; H. N. H:irrop, Audenshaw, Ashton-under-Lyne (Black Polands).

Geese,- First, J. Whittakcr, jun , Hurst, near Ashton-under-Lyne.
Second, Mrs. N. Alarlor, Denton, Ashton-under-Lyne. Third, J. Lingard,
Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne.

DncKS. — First. S. H. Hyd'\ Taunton Hall, Ashton-under-T.yne (Aylesbury).
Second, G. Davies, Crowthorne. Ashton-under-Lyne (Whitehall Ducks).
Third, J. Lingard, Old Siveet, Ashton-uudcr-Lyne (Aylesbury).

The officiating Judges were, Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Spark-
brook, Birmingham, and Mr. Thomas Challoner, of Burnt Leys,
WhitweU, near Chesterfield.

P0L\Nn(5ilver-spangled\— First and Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Chicliens.
— Prize, J. Dixon.

Ga5IE ( Black treasted and other Reds).— First, G. H. Crossland, Wakefield.
Second. R Heeley, Holmtirth. Chicken^.~Tn-sr,T, B. Stead, Leeds. Second,
F Hardy, Bradford. Highly Commended, S. S.hofield, Heckmondwike;
G. H. Crossland.

Game [Whites and Piles).— First, L. Wilkinson, Holmfirlh. Second, G. H.
Crossland, Wakefield. Chickens. — Firs^, K. lleeley, tlolmfirth. Second

F. Hardy. Bradford.

Ga5ie (Black and Brassy-winged, except Greys). — First, Master G. H.
Crossland. Wakefield. Second, Messrs. Noble & Ineson, Staincliffe, Dews-
bur}'. Chickens.— Tymi^ Messrs. Noble & Ineson. Second, Master G. H.
Crossland.

Game (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).— First, Messrs. Noble and
Ineson, Dewsbury. Second, F. Hardy, Bradford- Highly Commended.

G, H. Crossland, Wakefield. Chickens.— ^ix%t, Master G. H. Cros'^land.
Second, F. Hardy. Highly Commended, G. H. Crossland. Couiraended,
J. Horner, Hotbury.

Bantams (White, any aee''. —First, S. Schofleld, Heckmondwike. Second,
S. Pickard, Wakefield. Highly Commended, Master G. H. CroESland, Wake-
field.

B\NTAMS (Black, any age). — First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, S. Schofield,
Heckmondwike.
Bantams [Silver-laced, any age). — Prize, J. Dixon, Bradford.
P.ANTA3fs (Golden-laccd, any age).— Prize, J. Dixon. Bradford.
Bantams (any otner distinct breed, any age).— First, S. Schofield, Heck-
mondwike (Game). Second, Master G. H. Crossland, Wakefield.

Ant Breed mot mentioned in the foregoing classes). — First, T. JI. Brooke,
Dewsbury (Brahma Pootra). Second, J. Dixon, Bradford (Malay). Chickens.
j —First, J Dixon f Malay). Second. Master G. H. Crossland. Wakefield
I (Black Hamburgh). CocA-.— First, J. Dixon, Bradford (Duckwin^ Garae\
: Second, G. Robshaw, Dewsbury (Game), ^cw.- Fli-st, G. Robshaw (Spanish).
j Second, S. Schofield, Heckmond-Uke.
I DruKS (White).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, G. Robshaw, Dews-

burj'.
1 Docks fRouen).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, Mr. Hirst, Boyne
i Hill, near Waktfield.

Geksk.— Priza, J. Dixon, Bradford.
Turkeys. — Prize, J. Dix-m, Bradford.

BRETTON-WEST POULTRY SHOW.

ThiSj the twenty-second annual Exhibition of the Agricultural
Society, took place on the 5th inst. The entries were few, but
the quality of ihe fowh generally e^oocJ.

The Judges were, Mr. Thompson, and IMr. H. Ridgway, both
of Dewsbury. The following were their awards : —

CocniN'-CHiNA.— First and Second, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfleld. Chickens.
—First, W. Dawson. Second, S. Pickard, Dirtcar House, Wakefield. Highly
Commended, S. Pickard.

SPAN15B.— First, T. B. Stead, Leeds. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford.
Chickens. — First iind Second, G. Rebshaw, Dewsbury. Commended, J. Dixon.

DoKKiNG.- First, S. Pickard, WaUcfitkl. Second, H. Himswor'ii, Lupset
Hall. CA/c/.-^H-s— First, H. Himsworth. Second, T.B.Stead, Leeds.

Hambukgu (Golden-j^pangled). — First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, H,
Carter, Holmfirth. C/iicAc^/s.- First, H. Caitcr. Second, J. Dixon.

Hambdroh (Silver-spangled).— First, H. Carter, Holmfirth. Second, J.
Dixon, Bradl^rd. CAic/.-e?(S.— First, H. Carter. Second, F. Hardy, Biad-
Tord. Highly Commended, J. Dixon.

Hamburgu (Goiden-pencilledi.— First. F. Hardy, Bradtord. Second, J.
Dixon. Bradford. Chickerts.— Fivst, F. Hardy. Second, J. Dixon.

HATitBURGH (Silver-pencilled). — First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, F.
Hardy, Bradford. Chickois. — First, J. Dixon. Second, H. Ramsden, Holm-
firth.

Poland (Black witli WHiite Crests).— First and Second, J. Dixon, Bradford.
Chickens. — Prize, J. Dixon.

Poland (Gihlen-spangled).— Fii-st and Second, J. Dlxon, Bradford.
I hickens.— First, J. Dixon. Second, F. Hardy, Bnidford.

A PLEA FOE GAME FOWLS.

I PRESUME that all will allow that the comb and wattles of a
Dorking cock are one of its greatest ornaments. Now the
comb and wattles of a Grtame cock are naturally very similar (in
proportion to the size) to those of a Dorking. Why, then, are
they doomed to be deprived of such great ornaments ? This, I
believe, even our Judges cannot answer, though they will tell
you that it is an imperative ride that " the comb and wattles of
a Game cook must be well dubbed." Some may say it is an old
custom continued from time immemorial. Undoubtedly it is,
but nevertheless a very cruel one. Others say that they are
more pugnacious when not dubbed ; but that is absurd, for even
if they were it would make no difference, fof whether dubbed or
not two Game cocks cannot be kept together in the same run. I
believe mnny would prefer this beautiful breed to others which
they now keep, if it were not for the cruelty they must practise
if they wish to exhibit them. The days of cock-fighting are
happily nearly gone by, and I am sure our chief breeders do not
keep them for that purpose. Wliy then do they act as if they
did ? It is just such another absurd practice as that of cutting
dogs' ears to make them look handsomer, as some think, as if
they could improve upon Nature. It is as great pain to the
cockerels to have their combs and wattles cut off, as it would be
to us to have our ears shorn off.

If the Committees of some of our leading shows — such as
Birmingham or the Crystal Palace, would talce up the matter,
and require all Game cocks to be shown with full combs and
wattles, or allow them to be either dubbed or not, according to
the fancy of the exhibitor, I believe they would do great service
to the cause of humanity, and the custom would soon be
entirely aboUshed. — Hujianitas.

THE EABBIT (Lepus cuniculus) :

ITS HISTORY, VARIETIES, AND MANAGEMENT.
(Contimied from page 430.)

EABBIT COURTS.

Babbit courts are enclosures or paved yards in which Babbits
may be kept in a semi-wild state. They are of easy construction,
and there are many places that could with little expense be con-
verted to the purpose.

A court-yard paved and bounded by buildings, either houses,
stables or sheds, and if these are on two sides so much the better,
leaving the ends or other sides open for the free admission of
air and sunshine ; but these ends should be enclosed with walls

490

JOURNAL OF HORTICTJLTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 17, 1861.

of not less than 5 feet high, and if anything more is required to
keep out fowls, &e., a fence of wire netting placed on the top
will answer the purpose. In the corners or centre should be
placed mounds of earth, protected from the rain, in which the
JRabbits can burrow and find shelter.

I lately had the opportunity of viewing a large court in Sussex.
This court was made in an old melon ground about 200 feet
long by 120 feet wide, enclosed with eight-feet walls. Along the
south wall were arranged under a lean-to roof of asplialte about
fifty or sixty hutches, in which were kept the breeding Rabbits ;
the eoiu*t was only used for young ones, which were turned out
when about eight weeks old,andallowed to remain till four months
old, when the bucks were gelded or killed, except those kept for
breeding. This court was not paved, which was much against
it, as the land was very heavy, and when a continuance of rain
fell it was in a bad state ; but the proprietor was going to have
it well drained, which would lessen the evil. In the centre was
a large mound of earth thrown up to the height of 5 feet and
several others along the wall ; these were all protected from
ram by roofs of different descrijitions, but the centre mound was
the favourite with the Rabbits. The man informed me thai on
a fine morning the top would be crowded by the ilabbits per-
forming their toilettes.

In making a court the fancier should always endeavour to get
a south aspect, and the north and east bounded by buildings,
which will save the expense of making the necessary protection,
otherwise it would be necessary to have these sides boarded to
the height of 4 feet or 5 feet. The south should be open trellis
or wire netting. The floor should be sloping ; the floors com-
posed of cement and sand have been found to injure the Rabbits'
feet by being too rough, and bringing on what is termed sore
hocks, the same as with hutch Rabbits that have no litter under
their feet : therefore it has been foimd necessary to cover the
floor of the court with sand or gravel about 2 inches or 3 inches
thick. This, of course, will require removing either once or
twice a-year, according to the number of Rabbits kept upon it.
Straw, sawdust, or dry leaves would have the same effect, and
would all be useful for manure when removed.

The mounds should be placed at the back with a leaning
roof to protect it from rain; and also the feeding-troughs should
be protected by some rooting, so that the Rabbits can stand and
feed without getting wet while taking their food. If the court
is connected with the shed in which the breeding Rabbits are
kept so much the belter, as it will afford additional shelter in
wet weather to tlie Rabbits loose in the court.

I may add that the court is only suited to certain varieties,
such as Silver Greys, Himalayas, and all others, excepting the
long-eared and the Angoras, both these varieties require warmth.

Rabbits so kept are much more amusing than those hidden
in their hutches ; and this exercise assists their devolopment
considerably, and with young Rabbits reared in courts you will
seldom find them attacked with pot-belly — one of the greatest
evils in rearing hutch Rabbits. I strongly recommend a court
to those whose premises, &c., would allow of the plan being
adopted.— R. S. S.

{To be continued.)

Detizes Poultet Exhibitiok. — This is fixed for Nov. 5th
and 6th. The prizes are liberal, varying from fii-st prizes of five
guineas downwards. There are also sweepstakes for single cocks
of all the principal breeds.

EEMINISCENCES OF A GAMEKEEPER.

{Continued /rom page 470.)

I NEED hardly say I had few opportunities of saving money
under " manager." Beyond the sum actually necessary for my
subsistence, 1 earned nothing, and when the settlement came
more than half the items for necessary disbursements were dis-
allowed at the counting-house. I ought to produce written
orders or receipts for every penny I had expended. One of
manager's clerks explained to me that five hundred caps implied
teu shots per diem for fifty days, and manager made a note
against it — "Query, what return for all this shooting?" I
could not battle lor trifles against these " men of the pen," and
I left my place penniless.

Ko mon is worse off than a gamekeeper out of place. He has
little resource. As a rule lie is a mon who has taken to that

which suited his nature, and he has undergone no training as a
labourer to fit him for earning his livelihood as one. Then he
is not a favourite with labourers ; all men who work on an
estate look with suspicion on the gamekeeper : his duty is to
watch them. The man who takes a head of game unlawfully
becomes his foe. The keeper out of place has to look for oppor-
tunities of earning a trifle by taking charge of dogs from one
place to another; by acting as loader at a battue; or by attend-
ing for two or three days in a week on some townsman who has
taken some shooting. The last is very hard work, and yet I
have laughed till my sides were sore with suppressing it.

The first arrival. The master hardly out of the railway car-
liage before he asks for " the keeper " to tell him where the dog
is, and his name — eternal " Don " or " POnto ;" and although
he does not go so far as our friend Puttington in that excellent
Sporting Tour of Sponge's, who traced every bound to the
" Beaufort Justice," yet in a long, lean, flat-sided, sharp-noted
weed of an animal he will ask you to observe the unquestionable
marks of Spanish blood ; or that there is just the necessary cross
of the foxhound to insure speed and lasting properties.

I should always advise a man who is ou the point of engaging
himself as assistant or keeper for a time to survey the shooting,
or rather the country, and also the man to whom he is about to
hire himself. There were many ditches in my part of the coun-
try, and, being kept constantly cleaned out, they were deep and
wide; it was necessary they should be, as they had to carry off
much water in the winter. They had high hanks, but no shrubs
of any kind growing on them. They were easy enough to jump
by any young, active man, but they were sad posers to my tem-
porary master and his frieuds. Ihey were all arrived at the age
when men begin to increase in rotundity, and when they no
longer call the attention of their friends to the diflerence in the
tailor's measurement between the chest and the waist. Now the
clayey sticky b'ttom of the ditch was always thrown ou the
opposite bank, raising it considerably, making it stiff fencing for
those unaccustomed to it. My duty was to get over and hold
out a long stick for them to grasp when they jumped, and I
was then to puU them up. How I have laughed within myself
when a good fifteen stone has put on all his steam, gone at the
ditch with a rush, cleared it, laid hold of the stick, but alighting
rather too low he has slid down to the bottom, and alighted in
six in hes of water, accusing me of giving way. I have watched
the countenance as I stood on the bank pulling with all my
might. Concentration of strength and energy to enable the toe»
to do the work of the feet, and to support the body ; alarm as
they began to give way, frantic pulls at the stick, and at last,
when the down-slide had begun, blank despair and resignation.
But others, and stUl more amusing were those who with youth,
health, activity, and evei'ything else on their side, cannot shoot.

I was employed for two months on a manor that was let to a
number of young men, all friends, and all men of properly. It
was a treat to see their appurtenances. Every description of gun
and case ; all sorts of caps, powder and cartridge ; dogs out of
number. All that money can do to kill game was done ; but
none of them could hold straight enough. Many a time Ihey
have had me in the room after dinner in the evening to explain
to them the whole theory, and they have declared the foUonuig
day Ihey would kill everything. They shot as before, and then
it was amusing to hear the reasons assigned for missing. Some
knew they shot in too great a lim-ry ; others knew they shot
under the birds ; some were so confoundedly nervous ; but all
knew why they missed, and yet they could not remedy it. The
average of their killing was one shot in twenty, except on great
days when we used to beat the woods. Ihey had one virtue —
they were very liberal, and I earned much money with them ;
but it was only for a lime, and I was soon reduced very low.

About this time I heard a second keeper was wanted in an
adjoining county. I started for a thirly-uiiles walk early in Ihe
morning. I was buoyed up wiih hope, because I knew it was
one of ihose families where servants remain a lifetime. Weary,
hot, and footsore, I got there in the evening. I soon found there
was no manager here. The servants were good easy-going uieny
who filled out their clothes. 1 had trembled all the way lest
the lime consumed in walking there miglit cost me the place, by
enabling some more fortunate man to get tiiere before me. It
was with trepidation I approached the head-keeper's house. It
was a nice place, well planted with flowers, and evidently well
furnished. It hud an air of comfort and nell-doing about it,
that made me ask myself whether such a place would ever turn
up for me. I inquired for him, and was told by a stout lad who

September 17, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

491

was cleaning some boots that lie was taking a nap, and would
be out as soon as he was awake. I had well satisfied my appetite
at the hall before I came to the keeper's house, and was quite
ready to sit down after my thirty-miles walk. I did not wait
long. My superior was a smooth-faced, rosy man, rery stout,
and of more than comfortable appearance, it was evident the
world liad been easy with him, and he could not have answered
the question of "Tummas" — •"! say, John, what is taxes ?" The
place was not gone, the wages were liberal, the house comfort-
able, everything provided. I was soon engaged subject to the
master's approval. I was told I should have often to act as
upper-keeper in going out with the squire, as the head one was
very subject to gout and rheumatism, brought on, he said, by
overwork and exposure when young. I thought, perhaps, the
nap after dinner might have to do with it.

I was very anxious the next morning for my interview with
my master. Everything connected with the place seemed so
superior to anything I had before seen, that I could not help
fancying I should not be successful in obtaining it, but I was.
My master was a tall, portly man, with a most cheerful and
benevolent expression of face. He was a single man, but for
many years an old friend had lived with him. Tliere was no
dilBculty about character, and I thought he would have laughed
himself into a fit at my description of "manager," and at the
sight of my book with his remarks.

" You look very thin," he said, eyeing me closely. I said,
being out of place so long had reduced me. "Well," he said,
" it will take you a fortnight to recruit, enter your cottage at
once, take your meals at the hall, and we wUl then see what you
can do.

(To ie conHnued.)

A LITTLE ABOUT BEES.

Soil'E inquiry was made a short time since on the best way of
supplying bees with water, and one gentleman complained that
many of his bees were frequently blown into a pond or lake
when trying to drink. I have a very simple, and at the same
time very effective plan that I have used all the summer, and
from the number of bees seen drinking it appears to be all we
can desire. Take a common tumbler or wineglass and fill it
nearly full of water, then place on the top of the glass a small
plate or piece of earthenware so as to cover the top of the glass
and leave a rim of an inch or more all round. Turn the glass
and plate over, a little water will come on the plate and thus a
fountain is made at once which gives down water as fast as it is
required, but never enough to drown a bee even if it falls into
the water, as the depth will not be the sixteenth (1-16) of an
inch. Place plate and glass on a piece of wood near the hives
and all is complete. A bit of broken slate will answer instead of
a plate. For those who cannot attend to their hives every day
I would use a wineglass instead of a tumbler, for I find if the
water be left long before it is changed it becomes bad, and then
the bees will not drink at the same place even when fresh water
has been given.

Cowdung has been recommended for smoking bees. I tried
it, and though it was dried in an oven I could not get it to burn.
One year I tried tobacco and suppose I gave too much, for the
bees were smoked out of house and home. I wonder if they
thought it was washing-day ! This year I took some common
brown paper and made a cigar, such as we used to smoke when
we carried marbles in our pockets, and green apples in our
stomachs, and it answered tlie purpose very well ; the bees were
quiet, and do not seem to have any ill effects after it. That is
more than we could say. How frequently has the pale face told
the tale of the paper!

A vt ry good and amusing story you tell of a poor Soot running
miles afier his bees, and they would not settle. Whenever they do
this here the cottagers take fine sand or dirt and throw up among
the swarm, then down conies the swarm. Old Virgil tells this,
but I am sure my friends are guiltless of his acquuintance. I do
not send you the Latin qnotation, for though a little Latin looks
very learned, yet we must not forget The Jouknai. op Hokti-
ctfLTUBE is still 'iHB CoTTAGE Gabdenee. However, for your
classical readers, I refer them to " Georgica, lib. iv., 1. 85 et
seq." In Bohn's "Tirgil" there is a note on the Ligurian
bees as follows : — " This, like many other of Virgil's statements
respecting bees, is erroneous." Poor old Virgil ! But can any
of your readers tell me if it be true or not that bees take up

small stones to keep themselves steady in their flight in windy
weather ? Bees must have held an important place in the
economy of the Romans, or the patron Mcecenas would not have
had a book written especially on them. In modern times we
have not yet paid our debt to " The Detoxshire Bee-eeepee,"
for bringing out of obscurity the Ligurian bees, or at least into a
positive fact for all who like to take the trouble to inquire.

Now, as this has becH a pretty fair year for honey, will Mr.
Woodbury kindly give us some kind of table of the product of
honey from the Ligurians and the black bees ? Such an account
would tend to prove the superiority of the one over the other.

When do you mean to give the public the advantage of a new
edition of " Bees for the Many ? " Taylor's book is much
lauded, but I for one like the little manual better. True, it
does not look so fine on the drawing-table, but then all The
Cottage Gabdekek readers have not drawing-rooms. What
does Taylor mean by a knife " bent at a right angle at one end,
at the other at an angle of 80° or 90° ? " Is not 90° a right
angle ? Again, " The most highly-cultivated districts are rarely
so favourable to bees as those in which wild commons, woods,
and heathy moors prevail ; or where some such farm products
as Dutch clover, trefoil, saintfoin, buck wheat, tares, mustard,
colewort, turnip blossoms, &c., do not enter largely into the
staple of the country." Here the Dutch clover, buck wheat,
&c., are covered with bees when the plants bloom. What does
he mean ?

The best cure for a sting of a bee or a wasp is tobacco. See
Manual, page 20.

Those who doubt that sparrows and other little birds do good
should take a nest, put the young in a cage, and see what the
old ones feed the young ones with. Frighten the birds from
corn, &c., but do not kill them. — X.

THE QUEEN BEE.

DOES A VIRGIN QUEEN BREED DRONES ?— EE3UI.TS OF HER LOSS.

I rarEBfrom " A Devonshire Bee-keeper's " remarks that
he considers a virgin queen may be capable of producing the eggs
of drones ; and as this is quite a new light to me, I would ask if
thei-e is any evidence in direct proof of the fact. There must,
no doubt, be many difficulties in the way of demonstrating it
conclusively ; in fact, the only satisfactory way of deciding
would be to examine the queen every day after four P.M. Again,
it may be suggested, In what condition is a queen when a second
fecundation becomes necessary ?

Will your correspondent also kindly inform me if excitement
and tumult invariably ensue on the removal or loss of a queen,
and if otherwise, whether the bees would avail themselves of
brood to raise a new sovereign, supposing there was none in the
hive?

Again, in the event of a young queen not returning from her
aerial excursion, what would be the demeanour of the workers
in such an emergency ? My own experience, as far as it lias
gone, is that the bees exhibit signs of uneasiness towards evening,
but not to such an extent as to attract the observation of a
casual observer, and this restlessness gradually sinks into des-
pair. Under such circumstances I have found the bees hatch
out some brood which was fixed in the hive, but make no attempt
to raise a queen. Brood-comb was again presented, and a queen
was raised, and on this second occasion, if I remember right, I
fed the hive at the same time, and have now the impression that
when it is wished to raise an artificial queen, it is desirable to
feed simultaneous'.y with a little pure honey. — Intestioatoe.

[That a virgin queen may be capable of laying eggs which will
hatch into drones, or, in other words, the occurrence of true
parthenogenesis in the honey bee, rests upon such conclusive
evidence that it now takes rank as an undoubted scientific fact.
It is to the apiarians of Germany that we are indebted for the
promulgation of this discovery, which has been abundanlly
proved by the experiments and observations of both Dzierzon
and Berlepsch. Siehold, probably the most distinguislied of
German naturalists, has investigated and confirmed this remark-
able fact, and his conclusions are, I believe, indorsed by no less
an English authority than Professor Owen himself.

With such a weight of testimony in its favour, I have been
content to receive parthenogenesis as a proved fact, and have,
therefore, never subjected it to the test of direct experiment. At
the same time I am bound to say that such circumstances ae
have come under my observation tend most unquestionably to

4.9a

JOUKNAL OF UORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAllDENEE. [ September 17, 1851.

confirm it ; and althougli they fall bo far short of absolute proof
as scarcely, perhaps, to be adinissib'e as arguments, tliey appear
gufileientlj conclusive to leave no doubt on my own mind.

So extraordinary a phenomenon as true partht^nogenesis, or
production without intercourse v;ith the male, cannot, of course,
be received as a fact ■without the most conclusive evidence, and
this has been forihcoming in various forms. Baron Von Ber-
lepsch conlrivcd tae exclusion of queens at the end of September,
when there were no longer any males. He succeeded in keeping
cue alive through the winter, and she produced drones the
following spring. That this drone-breeding queen remained a
virgin was proved by the dissection wliich Leucbart undertook
at the request of Bet lepsi'h. Dzierzou also found drone-laying
queens in some of his hives whose wings were so imperfect thtt
they could not fly, and which were consequently unt'ecundated.
I myself came near confirming this fact only a few days ago,
when I discovered a young queen w'ith undeveloped wings,
whicli could, therefore, never have taken flight to obtain inter-
course with a drone, but which, nevertheless, from lier dis-
tended abdomen was evidently about to commence laving, what
I have no doubt would have turned out to be drone eggs. Had
I then been aware that the question woidd have been Oiooted, I
should probably have seized this opportunity of putting my
eonviciions to the test of experiment; but as it was, I did not
feel inclmed to sacrifice the well-doing of a stock of bees for the
purpose of confirming a fact which I looked upon as being
ah'eady established by the most irrefragable testimony.

It will, doubtless, be remembered that the illustrious Huber,
after discussing the effects of retarded impregnation (which,
however, appear to me ntore directly referrible to true partheno-
genesis), exclaimed, " It is an abyss in which I am lost ! "

This abyss appears to have curbed the footsteps of ail his suc-
cessors in tlie difficult path of apiarian investigation, until
Pzierzon succeeded in bridging it across, by what I believe to be
the true tlieory of reproduction in the honey bee. He pointed
out that whilst y:e virgin queen possesses, as I have before men-
tioned, the power of laying eggs which will produce males, she
by copulation with a drone acquu'es the ability to lay those
also wliich will produce females. She can, at the same time,
determine the sex of every egg she lays, and has the power of
laying the eggs of either sex at will.

As I have myself verified his doctrines as to some of the
anatomical causes of these remarkable phenomena, I will first
briefly state the result of my own investigations. On opening
the abdomen of a vu-gin queen, I have found a small globular
sac, called the spermatiieea, or seminal reservoir, communicating
with the oviduct, and filled with a semi-transparent watery fluid.
On examining a young impregnated queen I have found the
sperinatheca of the same size, but filled with a perTectly opaque
fluid of a milk-white colour.* 'The spermatheca of an old
queen, although filled with the same milk-white fluid, I have
found to be diminished to less than one-quarter of its normal
size, giving proof by its diminished volume that the period of
exhaustion was apjiroaching, and confirming to that extent the
testimony of Berlepsch, who states that he has known an old
queen, with an exhatisted spermatheca, return to the di"Oue-
laying cnndition of a virgin queen.

Dzierzon's theory is in perfect unison with the foregoing facts.
He belli ves that the ovaries of a quetn bee remain unimpregiiated
after copulation, and that the male semen is stored in the sper-
matheca. Every egg in the ovaries of the queen is of the same
kind, and all are capable of being brought into contact with the
contents of the spcrniatheca if she so wills it; and, in this case,
all would produce females. As, however, it is necessary thnt
drones should be forthcoming in due season, some are laid with-
out such contact, and these hatch into males : it will, therefore,
be understood that worker e^'gs are fecundated, whilst drone
eggs are unfecundatcd by the male semen.

Sicbold confirmed this doctrine after a laboriotis microscopical
investigation, during which he found a set of voluntary niuscles
for imparting a poriion of the contents of the spermatlieca to
every worker e^g, and discovered lively epermutozoids in the
semen of the drone as well as in the contents of an impregnated
spermatheca. He also detected the same spermatozoidivin worker
egt's, \\hil*t they were entirely wanting m those which would
produce drones.

Parlhtnogcnesis is also demonstrated by the occurrence of
fertile workers, which Sicbold dech^res arc proved by micrti-

* Eolli Gcnr..'ui anil American natnialitts concur in slating tliat tLls fluid
Is identical with the semen of the Uj one.

scopical examinal ion to be absolutely incapable of copulation with
the male bee or drone.

The soundness of Dzierzon's reasoning has, however, been
most conclusively demonstrated by Dr. Donhofi', a German
apiarian, who, it is stated, has succeeded in raising a worker
larva from a drone egg wliich he hsd artificially impregnated.

With regard to the condition of a queen " wlicn a second
fecundation becomes necessary," I ran not sure that I exactly
understand the question, but do not believe that a second
feeundalion ever takes place, at any rate after egg-laymg has
commenced. I have, nevertheless, known a young queen make
numerous agrial excursions, and in one instance saw her take
wing whilst a vigorous persecution of the drones was taking
place in her own liive, and, therefore, as I imagine, after im-
pregnation had been effected. Her absence (five minutes) was,
however, so short as to render it unlikely that it bad resulted
in dalhance with a drone, even if such had been her object.
M. Hermann says that he has noticed that queens which indulge
in a plurality of aerial excursions extend to a larger size, and are
more prolific than others. Without attempting to explain this
coincidence, I may state that my own experience tends to the
same conclusion.

Excitement and tumult are by no means the invariable accom-
paniments of the removal oi» loss of a queen, since I have kno\vn
a queen removed from, and a young queen raised in, a hive
without the slightest apparent di*tiu'bance. I have also lost
many queens during theu- aerial excursions without being able to
discover from the demeanour of the workers that such a mis-
fortune had taken place. On the opportunity being aflbrded
them they have always endeavoured to supply their loss. I
have, however, no doubt that " Iktestigatoe " is right, and
that it will be found advantageous to stimulate bees by feeding
whilst cipgaged in raising a young queen.

Ho apology whatever is needed for making inquiries like
these, which are so far from being troublesome that it always
aflbrds me much pleasure to answer tiiem to the best of my
ability. — A Detonshiee Bee-keepee.]

HORNETS AND WASPS SERVICEABLE.

David E. Cox, of Lincoln Co., N.C, wTites to the Jmericau
Agriculturist, that hornets and wasps are very serviceable in
destro) ing insects which injure vegetation and that they should,
tlierefore, not be molested, but encouraged. He says that they
rapidly cleared a pear tree on his premises of the aphides which
infested it ; also, that a neighbour of his had a crop of tobacco
saved from worms, which were destroyed by hornets. It is true
that hornets and wasps prey upon insects, for the sake of the
vegetable juiccs they contain ; but they are also troublesome by
attacking fruits, and their venomous stings make them unpleasant
neighbours. Perhaps, however, they are more beneficial than
injurious ; if so, let them be preserved. Here is an interesting
question for the investigation of young entomologists, who will
find in it both pleasure and profit. — (Boston Cultivator.)

To Fasten KNirE-HAlil)i.ES. — The Chemical Gazette says : —
" When knives or forks have come off the handles from being
carelessly put in liot water, or otherwise, a cement, made as
follows, will be useful to refasttn them : — Take of gum shellac
two parts, and prepared chalk one part ; reduce them to po«der
and mix thoroughly. Fill the opening in the handle with the
mixture, beat the shank of the knife and press it in. Then keep
the handle out of hot water."

OUR LETTER BOX.

Raedits Losing thuu Fue (Lapin domes ique}.~T\iis symptom antl
the skin bavin tr a while tcurf, maybe relieved by rubbing mild sulphur
uintment on the places. Cover the fiugged pavement of tbeir room T?itb
j-aud two iuches.

LONDON MAEKETS.™ &i:pTEMBEii 16.
POULTRY.

There is still but a moderate f-upply, and a -wretched trade. There
are as many PavUitlgcs as are wanted, but m^ny of them arc suiuH.

Each-

•

d. $.
C to 4
(i „ 8
9 „ 2
U „ 2
0 „ 5

0
0
0
6
C

£ach-

-».
5
0

d

1

0

rf. ».

0 to 2
9„ 1
8 „ 0

■I,. 1
3 „ 0

3

1
2

5

Piuuiilgw ..

«

9

Ducks ,...

Qecse

Rabbits

»

Wild

9

September 24, 1861. ] JOUESTiL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

Day

of

of

M'nth

Week.

24

Tn

23

W

2S

Th

27

F

28

S

29

6dn

30

M

SEPTEMBER 24-30, 1861.

WEATniin NEAR LONDON IN 1S60.

Barometer. Tliermom.. I "Wind.

Inches.

Gordonia pulDescens.

Vitex as^nus-castus.

Salvia erecta.

Liffu^itrum lucidum.

Magnolia.

18 Sunday after Trinity. Mich.

Escallonia. [Day.

29 734-29.4S7
29."o9-29..523
29.783-29.611
29.fi76 -29.626
29 755-29.694
29.923—29.851
30.101-30.027

deff. de?.

1 67-39

N.E.

56-29

S.W,

60-37

S.E.

66-47

S.W.

57-44'

N.

53-35

N.

61-44

W.

.80
.01
.24
.14
.09
.01

Sun

Sun

Bises.

Sets.

ni. h.

m. h.

51 af 5

53af 5

S3 5

51 5

54 5

48 5

56 5

46 5

57 5

44 5

59 5

42 5

61 5

39 5

Moon

Rises Moon's
and Sets Age.

h.
7
S
9

54 10
35 11
morn.
52 . 0

20
21
22
<

24
25
26

Clock

tofore

Sun.

Day of ;

Teui-.

8 45

9 6
9 25
9 45

10 4

287
2BS
2f.9
270
271
272
273

Mkteorologt op the Week.— At Chiswick, from observations during the last thirty-four years, the average highest and lowest
temperatures of these days are 65.G' and 45.2' respectively. The greatest heat, 82", occurred on the 25th in 1832 ; and th" lowest cold, 24', |
on the 27th in 1828. During the period 116 days were fine, and on 122 rain fell. |

HAMPTON COURT GARDENS IN
MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER.

THE

NG absence of rain since tlie middle
of August has caused the flower
gardens in the south and most parts
of England to be much parched,
and all that the flower-gar-
deners could do was to pour
■water in floods on their beds
andborders ; while the people
in the highlands andthe north
of Scotland were watching
between the showers for
the movements of the misty
clouds and other signs know n
to the weatherwise, with
anxious thoughts about their
crops or their sports and
pleasures, just as they had
been over in Ireland before
the Queen's visit. At Kew,
Kensington, Sydenham, and
Hampton Court, the beds
were never drier in Septem-
ber than they have been this
season. But Hampton Court
stood this severe drouglit as
well as any place I know ; but it must have been at
the cost of much more labcur, owing to the peculiar
disadvantages of the place in being hedged in on all
sides by dense masses of forest trees, which stretch their
greedy roots under the whole of the (lower depart-
ment. Add to all this, that nineteen out of every twenty
beds there have each a wide-spreading Yew tree in the
very centre of it. These Yews and beds being in single
rows along the sides of the walks, the shade from a single
tree does not seem to hurt the flowers in the least ; and
some flowers, which will be mentioned presently, do very
much better in a hot, dry season under the trees than on
the open lawn.

Now, if you had a flower-bed of any size on the bare
lawn in such a season as this, or in very hot weather at
any time, and were to setup a pole in the centre of it, and
cast a tent or some canopy or covering all over the bed,
but the matter of 6 feet or 7 feet clear all round the
sides, your bed would be as scores of large beds are at
Hampton Court, with the extra advantage of having no
roots from the pole running under the bed and suck-ing
it below more than the flowers exhausted the surface.
This is a great point gained for small adventures in
flower-beds. There is not a single tree, or one standing
apart by itself on a lawn, which might not have a nice
flower-bed under it, if the branches are not lower than
7 feet all round. A Beech tree or an Ash tree is, perhaps,
a little more faixlty than a Yew tree, or any tree that is
covered all over with strong Ivy, as manj' are at Hampton
Court. But, Mr. Donald's management would grow
No. 23. — Vol. I., New Seeiks.

Tom Thumbs to perfection under the oldest Ash tr«e, or
the strongest Beech tree in the three kingdoms. That is
now a certain fact, though very few gardeners could
believe it unless the fact was put beyond the shadow of a
doubt. "Without advising any one to make a flower-bed
under a tree on the lawn, if there is sufiicient room on
the grass, I think it of the greatest consequence to know
that by screening beds of flowers from the direct rays of
the sun for months together you are not hurting plants
or blooms, but actually improving both. That is one of
the best lessons one can learn at Hampton Court.

The nest lesson is the direct experiments with Mr.
Donald's gains from the desert— the wilderness of hia
immediate locality. "\Ye owe to him entirely for two of
the most telling beds we possess, and for two more wliicli
are not of so much value. He has been experimenting
on them this season to render them more practicable,
and has succeeded to his heart's content. He has now-
whole beds of Antennaria margaritacea as closely grown
and as even on the top as Cerastium tomentosum ; and
not only so, but by another move he could make you or
your teacher believe that he had discovered a Cerastuim
tomentosum snperbum which grew to 15 inches or
18 inches high, either for an entire bed or for an edging-
to a bed of Mrs. Vernon Nosegay Geranium, or for a
break between the Mistress and Punch on a ribbon-
border, and that Cerastixiin tomentosum snperbum is
notliiug else than the woolly everlasting called Anten-
naria margaritacea.

By dividing it, say early in May from the shoots then-
rising from the old roots, with an inch of roots to each
shoot, by planting these as thick as -t inches or 5 inches
apart each way, and by pinching out the blossom-buds ns-
fast as they show tlieiriselves ; also, if a stronger shoot
offers to rise beyond his fellows in any part of the bed
or row, off with its point, and four more moderate points
will succeed. Your bed or row will be just 15 inches high
on moderate soils, and as close along the top and as even,
that a sparrow in boots could walk a mile over it without
a hitch, or quite as close and dense as ever you saw
an old patch of Cerastium tomentosum growing on the
stump of a tree in a rootery, or hanging down from sk-.
shelving rock or precipice over a waterfall in dell or
wilderness. We had that plant in our hands for the las.t'
three generations, and no one thought of it as tjie very
best white plant of its size in Europe for the present
fashion of flower-gardening. Next season every nursery
where tliey sell bedding plants— and I take that embraces
every nursery in tlie three kingdoms — will have thousands
of plaiits of this Antennaria on sale, or can get them
from the London trade. And tlie same -with Stachys
lanata, at which all the public gardeners about London
jumped the moment they were told in this work the
marvels which had been got out of it at Hampton Court.

The bed of young Lavender plants which was tried
last year is now so close and even on the top that a bird
fancier might exerose his linnets over it at volunteering.
I never saw a better neutral bed. Then the plain greofj
Alyssum saxatile, which blooms in beds in April or]y
No. G78.— Vol. XXVf., OiD Skwks.

494

JOtJENAL OF HORTICTJLTrBE AND COTTAGE OARDENER. [ September 24, 1861.

elsewhere, is made at Hampton Court to last out the season ;
first, bj thinning off part of the flower-shoots before they are
just at their prime; and secondly, by not allowing it to form a
seed-pod at all —or, to undei'stand the thing properly, say they
do the evergreen rock Alyesum at Hampton Court as everybody
ought to do their Mignonette when he or they wanted to make
it last out the season in bloom. Then the two native Lamiums,
the purple and the white, are both spring bloomers, and are up
at their pitch about the time of bedding out the Geraniums.
Then the moment they begin to decline let their whole herbage
be cut down close to the gi-ound, and they will be up again before
the Verbenas cover their beds, and look a genuine healthy green
for the rest of the season; and in an ordinary one, the two will
bloom on occasionally the summer through. The Lamium is one
of the best to bed under trees. A perfectly new bed, and a most
interesting one, is now under experiment there, and there are
upwards of fifty kinds of out-of-the-way and hardy plants under
consideration in the back-stair court ; among them is the Scro-
phularia nodosa variegata.

But about the new bed. It is a Geranium-bed all over — the
old Geranium eanguineum struck from autumn cuttings just
like Terbenas, but in the odoI. Hundreds of little plants of it
were planted out at 3 inih!3 or 4 inches apart in the spring,
and, if you believe me, the whole bed is one-third in bloom, or
was so last week ; but without ilowers it makes one of those
neutrals which are so useful in some situations. Of course every
seed-pod is cut off as fast as it comes, also the flowering-shoots
are stopped once or twice while the bed is in its natural bloom —
that causes it to bloom on occasionally through the season, just
like Alyssum saxatile. All the beds there have been planted
this season each with one kind of plant only — no edgings and
no contrast, save that of one bed with that, or those nearest to
it, and for that style of flower garden the plan is the best that
could be adopted. The strong colours as yellow and scarlet,
and the neutrals as Stachys lanata, and many more such are so
disposed at intervals as to make an obvious and easy combina-
tion wherever a lot of beds are seen at one view.

It is a very difficult thing to manage the colours as we have
them in our day in a Dutch garden like tliHt of Hampton Court,
■where the plan is some centuries old ; and the best planting in
the world is one-half lost to a stranger from not seeing more
than a very few beds at one view, owing to the trees which
occupy the run of all the beds. Tom Thumb is the best Scarlet
Geranium now at Hampton Court; but there are many kinds.
Punch is mad there, and does no good at al), Dennis' Alma
makes one of the best telling beds within twenty miles of London
after the angle-bed of Punch at the Crystal Palace. Ignescens
major of Sweet's Geraniacese is as good, if not more telling, at
Hampton Court than Ignescens snperba at the Crystal Palace.
There are two good beds of Miller's Nosegay Geranium, called
by them sanguineum. This is not yet at tlie Crystal Palace ; but
Mr. Eyles made his first two beds of it on entering on the South
Kensington Garden. It makes a very good bed, but not sucli
a biisht one as the Crimsou Minimum Nosegay — the best dwarf
bedding Geranium we have for a bed. The next oldest Nose-
gay, the FothergiUi, which put the bedding of the Crystal Palace
in the first rank for the first time this season, is not yet at
Hampton Court ; neither is Mrs. nor Miss Vernon, which match
60 well on tile Rose Mount.

There are two distinct kinds of Perilla nanlcinensis at Hamp-
ton Court ; every leaf on one is as plain as a Lime leaf, the
other is the common one. There must be several thousands of
plants of Perilla there, and not one of them failed or is behind
those at Kew. There are two model beds in two different parts
of the garden to show how to dispose of colours in match pairs
from a key, or centra point, or bed ; each of these has fifteen
rows across it. Flower of the Day being the centre or key row,
then seven duplicates correspondingly t»n the right and left. I
shall now give the colours as they are put, and mention a lot of
the beds, and the more prominent and out-of-the-way of them,
beginning at the front ot the Palace and going to the left. The
Ist bed is of Scarlet Geranium under a dense Tew doing capi-
tally. 2nd, Cineraria maritinia. All one bid of 3rd, all Perilla,
the white of 2 contrasts, with the scarlet of 1, and the black
of 3 the 3ime. 4th is Tropfcoluin elegans. 5tli, Iberis sera-
pervirens, the next General Simpson Verbena, then Variegated
Alyssum, followed by Purple King under a large tree and not
looking comfortable ; then Calceolnria integrifolia, or some
variety of it, the first clear yellow in this run ; then Heliotropes
and Violet-", or Cherry Pie for eunimcr, and the Violets for

spring ; then a bed of standard Roses ; but Kew and Hampton
Court want a leaf out of the Crystal Palace book about Roses.

All their standard Roses are most perfectly ridiculous as
objects for effect. But there are, at the least, fifty kinds of first-
rate Roses which could be grown to the height of these standards
on their own legs from the surface of the ground. I say not on
their own roots, because that is the best way ; try the second
best way, first in order to get one step beyond the present, or
the worst way for that kind of soil and subsoil. One step at a
time is the surest way to get up or down the ladder.

But the next bed after the foolish dry sticks with a little
bunch of Rose-shoots stuck on the tops, is a whole shining bed
of Stachys lanata done to a turn of the scale; next, a bed of
Verbena Andre, the best red purple before the dark Purple
King ; next, Calceolaria Kayii and dwarf Marigold. This Mari-
gold was the beet plant in the catalogue twenty years since, to be
kept in reserve for filling up where something failed, as it will
remove any day of the summer or autumn, and be as fresh and
flowery to-morrow as if nothing had happened.

Which is the best and next best for that work now ? I think
the best is the double of this same dwarf Marigold, and the
second best the single of the same ; but, perhaps, I am wrong,
being such a while out of the " back premises," and not knowing
how they manage that department of late. Now, pass several
beds and we have the model for planting beds — the bed with
fifteen rows. Flower of the Day is the key row in the centre;
then Andre Verbena in single rows on each side of the centre ;
then two yellow Calceolarias to match one on each side ; two
Perilla, ditto ; two Scarlet Geraniums, ditto ; two Variegated
Alyssum, ditto ; two Purple King Verbena the same ; and the two
outside rows yellow Calceolarias. A similar bed is as far off from
the front door of the Palace on the other side just to match. A
bed of the ra9))-leaf or pinnatifidum Geranium, with an edging of
Prince of Orange round it, is the only bed with an edge there,
except its match bed or beds. Madeline, an old light lilac
Verbena, makes a capital bed of a very scarce colour. The plain
green Alyssum saxatilo doing well where no other plant could
live, under a very dense old low-headed tree. Mangles' A'^ariegated
is the next for such a confined and out-of-the-sun place ; Agera
tum the next ; Zelinda Dahlia next, but it must be trained down
under trees and that completely spoils it. But the first be-
ginnings at the Ci-ystal Palace led the way to the most ridiculous
style of barbarism by training down any mortal thing till their
rows were bare as a barber's pole ; but the rage gave people a
sickening of that ridiculousity, and we shall soon get rid of the
polish training.

There is hardly a plant trained low down this season at
Hampton Court, except some few under the trees which could
not be avoided. It is sometimes better to give tether than advise
gardeners to shorten sail. The thing will more surely take a
better turn if you allow them sufficient rope and never praise
their faults. Kingsbury Pet Geranium is one of the very best
under a Yew, wlier" the sun never touches a petal of it. Hender-
son!, the white siedling of 1846, is still the best white there and
the best of the Horseshoe or Zonale for under trees.

A white Verbena witli the same habit as Purple King sprang
up from self-sown seeds there this season, and it promises to
take the same position among whites as Purple King does
among all the rest. In 1852, Mr. Scobie raised Purple King at
Lord Holland's, at Kensington, and no Verbena has ever had
such a run or such a scope. I recollect writing to a great lady
about it when I first saw it before it was out, and I now write
to Tou about this white, which might be an albino from the
Purple King itself, and which I think will have an equal run.
I had forgotten that General Pelissier Geranium had Nosegay
flower-stalks till I saw a good bed of it there. The little SantoUna
I noted from Kew last autumn, is there by the hundred now
ready for next year to make a match for the Lavender- bed. But
I must conclude with saying the old hedges of Launistinus and
the very large old plants of it in the " lower garden " below the
ramparts, escaped the frost of last winter and hardly lost a leaf.
But if ever I draw up a " summary " of this summer season I
shall have a score of things to say of Hampton Court.

D. Ebaton.

TEICOLOR-ZONED GERANIUMS.

I AM exceedingly sorry if I have maligned this pretty-foliagcd
section, but can assure " Z." that I hare grown them (I believe
nearly every one that has been let out), and tliat I have seen

September 24, 1861. ] JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAftE GARDENEE.

495

them in as many gardens as most people, and that notwith-
standing his remonstrance I must still state that my experience
is the rererse of his. I dj not for a moment question that the
markings will be more vivid (all colour becomes more intense
by exposure). Thus, I have at this moment a plant of Celosia
aurea turned out, and its later blooms arp a deep orange ; but
then they are so soon spoiled with rain, and in the foliage
being kept clean it seems to me their success consists. I have
never seen them satisfactory out of doors in this respect ;
neither are they as strong-constitutioned as the ordinary
variegated Geraniums, and hence I have never seen them used
for beds. Has "Z." ever tried them in this way or as part of a
ribbon ? — D., Deal.

WINTER FLOWERS IN ROOMS.— No. 1.

Does any one wish this year to have a gay display of sweet
flowers at Christmas ? If so, I must beg to hint to them that
now it is high time that they should prepare for making it.

Last year I tried a variety of very pretty flowers, growing
them in various combinations, and without any means of advance
whatever (as far as those I speak of were concerned), beyond a
cellar-shelf and a large south window in a room where the
temperature was not below 35° at night (except, perhaps, 2° on
about two of the very coldest nights). These advantages, it is
very evident, are not uncommon ; and though the room I speak
of was seldom very warm — hardly ever above 50°, an excess of
heat would be more easily dealt with than an extreme of cold.
By the windows, for example, it is rarely over-warm.

I am sure no one without seeing it would believe how gay my
room was. Large dishes of most brilliant flowers succeeding
each other on at least three tables ; not to speak of the Hyacinths
in glasses, or of the plant-cases, which are another story. Now
I am preparing my this-year's display ; and so encouraging are
the testitnonials that my little attempts at describing bouquets
and cut flowers have already met, that I hope a few hints on
preparing growing bouquets may not be unwelcome.

I do not tliink myself that mixing many colours ever answers
well ; and writing chiefly to ladies, I may use an illustration
which they will enter into. Taking shades of wool — not for a
flower, but merisly for working into a formal pattern — have they
ever found pink, scarlet, crimson, and brickdust colours to mix
in well together ? Will purple and Eugenie blue, mauve and
magenta, amalgamate at all ? Or what is the efiect on blueish-
wliite — that most exquisite shelly tint, I mean, like the white
Gloxinias with the purple eye — on pinkish-white and on ivory
white, of being contrasted witli the perfect snow ?

All ladies know that these colours will not do together. They
may make their five, or seven, or even perhaps nine or eleven
shades of the most intangible gradations of depth ; and the
more the shades the softer and more delicate will the colour be.
But these are shades, not colours, and wonderful indeed is the
diff'erence made by this.

I want it, therefore, to be laid down as a law, that where one
colour is, no different form of the same colour is to be intro-
duced— only shades of the oue colour there, and other distinct
colours which harmonise with it well.

With a crimson set, for instance, one has pink, and one of
the very prettiest sorts of pink too ; but that is in harmony, as
a shade of crimson. And then for the white to go with it ? A
pinkish-white, of course, to harmonise with the rest.

Harmony here, on the contrary, it seems to me, means con-
trast ; just as in music scientific people tell me you must have a
discord to produce sweet sounds.

May we, then, take for granted that in shading flowers ladies
will bear in mind the laws of their German wool work, and turn
that said work to some account of some sort ? If so, we may
pass on peaceably ; only I may remark that as absolute proof is
necessary to compare precise shades, I shall hereafter in a few
instances give the lists of the few flowers I have at present
retained shaded lists of, duly grouped together ; though, as my
observations for this have been very limited, I think that any
one meaning to make up shaded sets had better explam theu*
wishes to the seedsman they employ. In some catalogues of
bulbs, especially, white incluues blush and the paler shades of
creuUi colour ; the seedsmen, of course, understanding this, and
generally knowing the exact shade themselves.

To proceed, then, to the work at this time in hand — and
indeed it is a work that must not be long delayed.

There are a great many who think that Snowdrops and
Crocuses are unhappy things to grow because they do run up
so ; and others, I know, have still a notion that Tulips are large
flaunting sort of things not much to be desired.

Hyacinths, again, are all in vogue for glasses, and miniature
Hyacinths for the children's playthings ; but they are very
lucky children, I think, who get such gems. Last year I shared
with the children, and never did I see anything more pretty.
Eight glad was I tliis year to see my four old friends in their
old place again in a Floi-ist's list. The four I chose last year
and have repeated this, in an extended form, are La Candeur
and Grand Vainqueur — both of the purest white, one with long
waxen bells, and the other with reflexed petals ; Diebitsch Sabal-
skanskoi and Ami du Coeur, both of a pretty rose colour. These
little beauties are only Zs. a-dozen ; and the show, therefore,
that \s. Gd. invested in them will make is something rather
striking.

I do not approve of mixing them. A glass nnlk-pan which
I planted yesterday has six of Grand Vainqueur, and in the
centre three of Diebitsch Sabalskanskoi. Nine Scilla sibiricas are
dotted down amongst them ; and eighteen Snowdrops are also
intended to droop their graceful heads and wave their slender
foUage round the more brilliant wreath ; into which, moreover,
they are sometimes dotted.

A very pretty soup-plate may also be arranged to drop into a
bowl, or to be surrounded with one of the wreaths of green I
have BO often spoken of. Such a plate would be very prttty
with one (white) La Candeur in the centre, three (pink) Ami
du Coeur in a sort of triangle round it; and round this again a
La Candeur outside each of the three Ami du Coeur,. and an
Ami du Occur again between each of these. Any space left
I simply crowd with Scillas and Snowdrops, if possible placing
some Scillas just about the centre between the triangle and the
outer wreath of Hyacinths, and Snowdrops filling up in between
the bulbs. The Scillas, too, are so pretty mixing at the edge.

A third device is of three pink Hyacinths, Diebitsch Sabal-
skanskoi for instance, and two white ones — say Grand Vain-
queur ; the three making a centre and two sides, the two filling
up the places opposite each other. I had last year one of three
pink and two white, and one of two pink and three white, and
they did not look liney and were extremely admired. Snow-
drops and Scillas again filled them up all round.

These all blossom so nearly together as to make a very good
display. At the same time the Scillas begin so early, that even
while growing up the plates look really pretty ; and mine went
on so long, that, after having seen the Hyacinths with them fade
— and they were long in doing so — these little flowers went
through many transplantations, filling up nooks wherever they
were wanted.

I should mention that no sooner didone spike of paleblue flowers
fade than I cut it oft' immediately close down to the root, and
then directly up another came. Neither Snowdrops, Crocuses,
nor Scillas were ever higher than they ought to be in the open
air ; only being shielded from smoke or rain, their exquisitely
fresh appearance was something very charming. My plates, of
course, were covered with moss before the flowers came out.

This season I am forming some plates of double miniature
Hyacinths, with the design of prevailing on them to last yet
longer than the single ones did last year. In their case the Snow-
drops and Scillas will be put in a few days later, or Van Thol
Tulips will be mixed up with them. I think, however, these
may as well be left for another week to describe more fully.

Only, on a suggestion given last year by an authority in this
Journal, I venture to advise any one who intends to have the
sweet little red Van Thol Tulips double as well as single, and
any one who aims at imitation Eosea in months when Eoses are
not, and any one who is ambitious of lasting cups of the palest
wax shading from rose to white, to place in a box or in a plate
of slightly moistened sand, as many as they wish to have of the
five kinds I name. Very few, probably, will begin to grow at
first; and as one never knows which these very few may be,
perhaps one wastes a good deal of trouble on those which would
have done quite as well for a good whUe longer lying in a box.
By this means one can arrange tliem fairly to run together ^hen
it conies to dishes or to potting. In the fii'st instance, therefore,
and that is now, make the bulbs stand as nearly as you can on a
layer of dampish sand, and keep them in total darkness. The
five kinds I name I may venture to vouch for in rooms — single
red Van Thol, double red ditto, single rose and while ditto, Eex
Bubrorum and Itnperator Eubrorum, double crimson Tuhps

4;:6

JOTJRNAL OF HORTICULTUEE ATSl) COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ Scptombei' 21, 1861.

All of these nre tolerably low — from four iiiclies to eight inches

Now I will conclude with the actual work of planting.

Tlii! thick green glass milk-pans that I saw advertised in this
■loiirnal a few weeks ago are most charming things, and very
'nr superior to those meant for Hyacinths when they are for the
iriblc. To fill a ronnd flower-stacid planted with large Hyacinths
;!ie others would do admirably.

The dish, being half filled witli silver sand, is thoroughly
foaked with solt water. Then a quantity of dry sand being put
o!i, we arrive -within an inch of the surface in tolerably dry
conditioB. The bulbs thus are kept moist witliout being ever
wet. Each is pi'essed gently upon the ean^, and not covered up
.tf all. The diih is placed, as I said before, upon a dry cellar-
'helf, and there it may remain untouched till the roots are more
than an inch long. Attempting to force tliem sooner only leads
10 harm. — E. A. M.

i:OYAL HOllTICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S GARDEN

AT KENSINGTON GORE.

At paste 445 of The JorKNAi. of HoETicULTrKB is a notice
(.ftlie Horticultural Society, by " i) , Dedl," preceded by a few
'•(■marks on the trimming of the beds and the expense involved
-it this d_'ad season of the year, which I think must have been
\vi-itten in forgetiulness of the fict that there was to be a public
iVmbition oa the Hth, and that, eouspqueutly, it was of im-
jvjrtance tlie gardens slioidd look as well as possible. I hardly
think the allusions to the past quite (air under the circumstances.
It is better to cherish the best hopes for the future, until there
are unmistaieablo signs of waste and mismauagcment. — E. E.

THE OSAGE ORANGE.

Two of my friends have each a plant of the Osage Orange-
^('hey were raised from seed brought from South America up"
wards of twenty years since. The plants are at least twenty
years old, one is on a wall iu a walled-in garden, in rather low
:;round ; the other is a standard on heavy ground ; they are in
^'ardens about twenty miles apart. Both trees flourish but
neitlier have bloomed.

Tou will oblige by giving any hints res])ecting their cultiva-
tioa, so as to insure their blooming. — W. B., Fakenham,
Xorfolk.

[The Osage Orange trees are not worth cultivating in any
pnrt of England, as far as their fruit is in view ; but it is very
■.utercsting to know they escaped the frost of last winter in this
country. We had it thirty years ago on a south wail with the
-Mela Carla Apple and the original Ci-lini Apple ; we even had
class ca?es over them iu spring, but all to no purpose, the fruit
of none of them was belter than the fruit of a Club Gourd.]

THE VEGETABLE CROPS OF 1861.

As the growing season for the most kinds of summer vege-
tables is fast drawing to a, close, and those intended for autumn
and winter being all in their place*, a'ul their success or failure
may, to a c.n-'ain degree, be judged of -.vitli tolerable accuracy, it
ij a good time to make a retrospect of t!ie past, and report the
I'ondition of the various crops thai have been gathered, or are iu
use, or co'ning forward", fo as to enable those who live in other
districts to compare the results here (Kent) attained witli what
ihey have experienced at home ; and as this report will be best
given in t'e'ail, 1 w ill begin with one of the most useful.

Potatoes. — Notwithstanding some unmistakeable tokens of
disease a'lout the enil of July, arising, no doubt, from the rains
we had at that time, winch caused a sudden and alarming
slate of disease iu the crop, the fine dry weather of the present
mouth seemed to arrest its fuither progiVis, and the disease, in
many places, seemed confined to the top ; and as the crop had
vvell nigh arrived at mutuiity when attacked, they have ripened
off prelty wl-11, the propo;-lion of bad ones being insignificant
compared with that of former years, while the crop has been
■ill that could be desired — cxccciling that of several seasons lately.
fhe general regret being that tnore were not planted. Some
tliat were taken u,) towards the end of July when the disease
showed itself have gone oH'in a sad nvinncr, as might be expected ;

but the quantity then taken up was not large. The variety called
Flukes seem to have withstood the disease entirely, and the tops
are now (the end of August) still green where not ripened off in
a natural way ; that altogether the Potato crop of 1861 has been
more satisfactory than for several years past.

CakkoTS. — These promised Wtll until the middle of JulVi
when a maggot attacked them, and they have, in most cases,
become a total failure. I am not aware how the field Carrots
have fared, as but few are grown around here ; but the loss
in garden Carrots has been almost total in all except the Early
Horn, and those only that were sown very early have escaped.
Some remedy or preventive for such a disaster must be tried
another year, as Can'ots cannot be done witliout in winter, and
there is nothing to act as a substitute for them.

CAULirLOWEK. — In hot dry seasons it is no easy matter to
keep up a succ^'Bsion of them ; and in a wet, cold summer like
that of 1860, they sufli'i-r from an opposite cause. However, they
have been all that could be desired this season, and instances of
their having assumed an almost fabulous size are far from
common. Plunts that liad been saved ihiough the winter were
scarce and much sought after in spring ; but early sowings and
successions have been plentiful, and carried on the supply well,
and promise to do so as long as moderate weather will allow
tlieni to do 80. This crop may, therefore, be regarded as a
successful one.
I Lettuce. — Like the last-named this has also been good ; but
being more susceptible to the changes of weather from moist to
dry than the Cauhflowei', by its not rooting so deeply, it has
[ towards the latter end of August become not so good with us as
it was in the eailier pait of the season. But we must not com-
I plain, and Lettuce may be classed amongst the successful crops
j of 1861,

Bhoad Beans. — Tliese arc less liable to failure than most

j crops. Dry, seasons curtail their usefulness certainly, but they

j only require to be sown ofteuer. This year they have yielded

well, and the plant has been less attacked by the black fly and

red rust than usual; although not entirely exempt from either

of these evils, st.U the crop may be regarded as good.

I'EAa. — This very important crop is seldom so good in Kent
as it is in more northern counties, excepting for the very early
crop. Dry, warm weather soon destroys the pod-bearing pro-
perty of the Pea, and, mildew attacking it, its utility is soon at
, an end : it was, therefore, owing to the plant's dislike to dry
weather that made it flourish so well in i860, and up to the
middle of August it did equally well tliis season, but now it has
I failed from tlie dry weathei-, which has been so beneficial else-
where. The supply of Peas has been much above an average,
: and the crop of 1861 may be justly regarded as satisfactory. I
may, perhaps, hereafter mention some m.ore particulars of this
crop, and the varieties in cultivation, but suffice it to say the
whole have been good whilst moist weather continued, but since
then all have failed.
i DwADF Kidney Beaks have been very good, and with forced
! ones we have rarely been without them since the middle of
I Dccirmber last year. This crop endures dry weatlier better tlian
Peas, and there is a better prospect of seed ripening properly
1 than was the case last year. There is a multiplicity of names;
j but an old liver-coloured variety and a dun-coloured one ausv/er
our purpose very well, and their bearing properties the present
year are all that can be desired.

Onions. — I wish I couM report as favourably of this crop,
which, however, is not a failure : but a blight attacked oui^
about the mitldlc of July, at a lime wlien they seemed in vigorous
', health and likely to form excellent bulbs ; the result was, they
ceased growing and ripened prematurely, and very likely may
; not keep well, although there is no apjiarcnt sign of decay yet :
but it is better for everything to attain its proper slate of per-
fection. I believe Onions m a general way have sufiered the
i same as those here, and are reported muili worse in some places.
The crop must, therefore, be regarded as only of a medium
character, and perliaps below that.

Paksnips and Beet somewhat variable. Beet especially ; and
Parsnips had in many instances to be sown over again. Cottagers
usnally excel in Parsnips, and they report their difficulty in
getting a plant, and in most cases their roots will be small hj
being so late. Beet can hardly be known yet.

Scakiet KuNNEiiS. — Invariably good where a plant coidd be
obtained, but there was a scarcity of good seed in the spring,
which told sadly in many inslances — portions of rows not
growing, and had to be filled up as they best could ; but where

September 24, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENSE.

497

anything like a Iioalthy plant did exist the crop has been farouv-
able. This is essentially a poor man's crop, and no vegetable
yields a greater amount of food of a kind that is a general
favourite than the Scarlet Runner. Hot weather generally
favours it, and wet cold seasons, like tliat of last year are in
like manner adverse to it : hence, its faihire last year and the
little good seed that was obtained from it. The present year it has
been good.

Ttjbnips. — Common as those are, good early ones are as difE-
cnlt to obtain as anything in the gardening way, and when hot
weather sets in they are equally difficult to obtain in good con-
dition. This year, however, tliey are good ; and although field
ones at the present time are sufTering from the dry weather, it is
likely they will quickly recover when a shower comes, the long
dewy nights and moisture tliat may fairly be expected will pro-
mote a growth everywhere. Turnips may, therefore, be classed
amongst the articles said to be good.

Cilery. — Though too soon to do more than merely note its
appearance, hitherto it may be regarded as natisfaotory. Rain,
however, is wanted to promote its growth, and check any dis-
position dry weather may have on its prematurely running to
seed — a propensity that Karly Celery is very likely to have.

Gakhc and Shallots. — Botli good, better than for some
years past ; but a different situation may hive had something to
do with tliis, and I may here observe that I have found these
bulbs do better when a supply from a distance has been had for
planting with. This remark liolds good with other things as
well as with Garlic and Shallots.

OuoUMBERS Oui-DOOES. — These have done badly, and plants
dying off suddenly after bearing a very few fruit : lience they
have been scarce, and we have been obliged to fallback upon the
frame ones again.

Vegetable Marbow. — Unfortunately we did not give this
useful article a good position, so it is hardly fair to find fault
with its not doing so well as in some seasons. Mildew is ap-
pearing, and its usefulness is fast approacliing a close.

Globe Artichokes. — These were so much injured the last
winter that but few plants survived, and these were necessarily
late ; they have, liowever, done pretty well considering, and we
must protect them a little more the ensuing winter.

AsPAEAOirg. — Not at all good ; but ours is not a soil adapted
to this vegetable. It is reported to have been indifferent in
most places.

Cabbaqe Tribe. — These have been good. Perhaps they have
been eaten a little more with caterpillar lately than they are in
some years ; but where they survived the winter, the growing
spring season favoured their doing well.

MiNOB Oeops. — Herbs of some kinds suffeved by the winter,
and have in consequence been more source ; but where they were
saved they have grown well. Our greatest loss was Fennel, aud
that, perhaps, from other causes than the hard weather. Thyme
was much cut, but Sage escaped pretty well,. Situation and
other circumstances so much determine this that no general
rule can be laid down. Parsley was scarce in early spring, and
Camomile has perished to a great extent.

Ceops ¥on iue ENSUiNa Winter. — These vary according to
circumstances, but in general are promising, and as they will con-
tinue to grow for a long time yet, it is too soon to pass an opinion
on what they will likely become. So far all seems fair and pro-
mising with all the Broccoli and winter green tribe, and these
embrace by far the greatest number of things wanted in winter.
Endive is mostly too young to express an opinion upon, and
Spinach has only lately been sown : these crops may, howevoi',
be the subject of a future chapter ; suiEce it, therefqi-e, to say
that at the present time they promise well.

General Featitees oe the Season. — The wintpr,, as is well
known, was very severe; the frosts, however, in spring were
fewer than usual, and April was a dry month. May was fine and
growing, and June on the whole favourable. July was also tole-
rably fine, but more rain fell that month than on the same in last
year, or any season since 1855 ; but it was generally in such
Urge quuntities at a time as sufTice the purpose of vegetation
without impeding the growth or ripening of things requu'ing
sunshine, and the copious rain we liad favoured the growth of
the variiras crops above enumerated. On the other hand,
August has been dry and sunny, much more so than July, and
crops of all kinds have hastened to maturity. The season may
justly be regarded as a good one tor vegetables, but a bad one
for fruits, excepting Strawberries : I may possibly report on them
herea,fter. I may, however, saj th^t bedding plants have done

well — better than in the generality of seasons. This, also, may
be the subject of a separate article.

Co^IPAEISON WITH other SEASONS IK EE&AltD TO EaELINESS

OR Lateness.— This is difficult to define exactly; for at one
period it may be twenty days or more behind, and at anotlior
time it may be scarcely any at all. Usually about the 1st of
June there is not many days' difference b; tween a late season
and an early one ; but before and after that time there is often
greater diiftrenee. For some years I lir.ve regarded the coming,
into use of Scarlet Rnnners as a test of the season, and find'
the present season to have been fourteen days earlier than 18(50,
and five or six days later than 185S ; but this is liable to error,
although taken from a number of examples which I have the-
means of doing. July last was a steady rather than a fast-
growing month, and the same might be said of June. I shall,
however, at another time give some notes on the weather, whicli,
though I have no fdith wliatevcr on its being of the least use in
prognosticating what the future may be, yet it may be interest-
ing to compare with like reports made elsewhere, .audita results
on the crops of the season may be traced perhaps.

J. Robson.

THE BEST FLOWER-BEDS OF THE SEASON.

Harvest is passed, the kindly fruits of the earth are gathered
in, the husbandman sees with 6atis6ed eye his empty fields and
full barns and yards, and, if his heart bo right, looks up in grateful
thankfulness to Him " who givelh food to all flesh." Harvest is
a time that not only interests the countrymnn but also those " in
crowded cities pent ;" and now that this object of general interest
is successfully terminated, I propose that we all note the best
arrangement of our flower gardens, and that every reader of The
Journal of Horticulture send the planting of the very best
bed in his or her garden. Let them give us the size and form of
bed, the width of each colour, and the kinds of plants and the
treatment, and the symmetrical arrangement of the plants. I
infer that we should by these means diffuse much valuable in^
formation on flower-garden decoration.

Our king-bed is o centre one, a diamond 16 feet from point to
point, the centre of which is Purple Nosegay ; next, a row of the
old Frogn-.ore Scarlet ; next, two rows of Flower of the Day, all
edged with Lobelia epeeiosa from cuttings. The Gevsniums
were all stnick in August, 18S0, and the Lobi'lia this spring from
store-pots kept over the winter. The whole forms one of the
most effective beds, both in shape and colour, that could possibly
be imagined. The plants descend from the Cfiitre in regular
gradation, for I consider that the form and symmetry of a berl
has as much to do with its effect as the harmonious blending of
the colours.

Purple Nosegay blooms shy with us at the commeneement of
the season. Would one-year-old plant's be better than those struck
the previous year ? — N. H. Pownall, Holme I'isrrepont.

"THE LTJJIPISH DAHLIA."

" Hear, till him ! Hear, till him !" the lumpish Dahlia I So
a contemporary has designated this grand autumnal flower ;
and if the Oracle has spoken, who dare gainsay if ?

" Hear, till him," ye florists ! ye who many a long year have
been working up your way from the star-shaped single " ragged
garb" that once was known as the Dahlia to such exquisite
flowers as Earl of Derby and L'mpire ! Go home, Messrs.
Turner, Keynes, Cattell, and all your tribe. Make a bonfire of
your stakes, roast or do anything you like with your tubers, cut
up your stands for firewood, but let us see no more "lumpish"
flowers !

And ye, poor purblind amateui-e, who have hitlierto thought
that there was sometliing fine in the sight of a stand of Dahlias
with its varied and gorgeous tints and its massive-looking forms !
Oh ! how deluded have you been to think that there could be
anything in the " lumpish " Dahlia !

But, seriously, do we not hpre trace the hand that ere now
drew its pen across everything in the way of florists' flowers in
the schedules of Chiswiek days, and would exclude them now if
it could? I think most of us can recognise the doer of these
things. It was indesd an offence not to be forgiven tliat a show,
aud a successful one, should have been held entirely dependant
on the florists; because, altliough many most beautiful p'ants
were exhibited by Messrs. Yeiteh & Sgn, Bull, ani olkev^, yi i

498

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 24, 1861.

the schedule only noticed florists' flowers, and those who really
came to see flowers could only have been attracted by them ;
and so, although it was called a Dahlia show, and although the
cut blooms of this flower filled up half the space allotted to
productions at the exhibition, yet it is pooh-poohed, and the
whole thing ignored by this depreciating remark, " the lumpish
DahUa." What does that mean ? Does it imply that every-
thing massive ofTends the eye and is to be rejected in the floral
world ? Are we, then, to put away the grand Cyanophyllum
and content ourselves with the little Ansectochilus ? Are "we to
see no beauty in the Cyathea and other glorious tree Ferns, and
admire only the light and airy Adiantums ? Is there no beauty
in the flowing outline of a three-decker, and only in the rakish
schooner ? No beauty in the stalwart form and brawny limbs
of a Hercules, or only in the delicate outline of a Tenus ?

We ought not to be guilty of these things now-a-days ; and
there is the satisfaction that we may desire, that not all the ugly
names in the world, or all the cold water thrown upon the
subject, will ever deter the flower-loving public from admiring
the noble autumnal beauty. We may certainly speak in high
terms of the delicately formed maiden just coming out with the
bloom of youth and beauty upon her, but may we not see an
equally-tobe-admired beauty in the majestic form and matured
charms of the comely matron ? I think we may : and hence
one can, I believe, truly appreciate the exquisite shape which
now has been obtained through the successful hybridising and
diligent eultui'e of the Dahlia growers.

Containing, as it does, so many varied colours, tints, and
shades, whether it be gro\vn as a border flower or for the purpose
of exhibition, the Dahlia is destined to hold the high place it has
maintained for so many years.

The flower that was selected by the writer of the article in
question as the one whose beauties as an exhibition flower were
to eclipse it, is the Phlox. Now, I had ventured to hazard a
remark in last week's Jotienax or Hoeticultuee totally at
variance with this — viz., that the Phlox would never be a favourite
exhibition flower. Nor, indeed, is it a very desirable garden
one, as there is not one, I believe, which so soon feels the influ-
ence of wet. Af(er heavy rain, when the Aster, Dahlia, and
Gladiolus seem but little the worse for it, the Phlox-bed is
strewn with the flowers which have been knocked off; while
those that remain are blurred and damaged. In an exhibition,
if shown in a cut state, before half the day is over they are
hanging down their heads, looking the very picture of misery ;
vihile a bank of them, though beautiful, has a tame appearance.

Very similar is the Japan Lily. As a flower I have no greater
favourite. Its exquisitely delicate colour, its shape, habit of
growth and perfume, all combine to make it an especial pet of
mine ; but a bank of them in an exhibition is a failure. At the
Crystal Palace it was tried once or twice, but it did not answer.
It wanted variety, or brilliancy of colour ; and so with the
Phloxes at present. If cultivators can get greater substance info
the flower and greater variety in colour, it will be a difierent
affair.

There was another flower that received a caatigation from the
same hand — the Gladiolus. We were told the collection sent
in by Mr. Standish wanted colour, and that none of them would
be as effective as a garden flower as Brenchleyensis. Now, I
think Brenchleyensis a very fine thing. I am rather proud of
it, as it was raised in my own dear county (Kent), and I grew
it for years before the Gladiolus furor bad acquired such
intensity, and before it was known beyond the confines of its
native county ; but no partiality could bUnd me to the fact that
it is now far and away eclipsed, and this notwithstanding Mr.
Beaton. Look at such kinds as the Rev. Joshua Dix and John
Standish of Mr. Standish's breed ; or Achille, Eugene Domage,
and Ketterii, of French origin, and I think one cannot doubt,
that when they become plentiful Brenchleyensis will hold a
minor place. It is a question whether the Gladiolus will make
an effective ornamental plant at all ; but then this query is
connected with all varieties, Brenciileyensis as we'd as any of
the others.

In making these remarks my sole object has been to stand up
for the honour of the craft. I am quite aware that we are
looked down upon, and perhaps justly so ; we have not mastered
sesquipedahan names ; we cannot discourse learnedly on scientific
botany, and I give all honour to those who can, and only regret
1 am myself so far behindhand in these matters ; but this one
thing is pretty clear — that, whether rightly or not, we florists
old an important place in the minds of the floral public, and

are as necessary for the success of an exhibition as our fellow
labourers ; and as an attempt has been made to depreciate a
flower on which we have bestowed no little labour, I could not
forbear taking up the cudgels, and deny the propriety of
designating o.;r glorious Dahlia by the title of "lumpish." —
D., Deal.

PINCHING THE SHOOTS OF DWAEF APPLE
AND PEAR TEEES.

Will you inform me whether, in bush Apple and Pear trees,
all the shoots should be pinched back to three leaves when they
have made four ; or, should a leader be left to each principal
branch, to he cut back at the end of the season, and only the
side shoots be pinched back ?

Will you also inform me whether the above-named trees
shoidd be root-pruned biennially by cutting off the large roots,
or should the trees be merely lifted and replanted without
cutting the roots ? — J. H.

[If your trees are under biennial removal, which they should
be in a small garden, all the shoots may be pinched in the way
you describe. If suffered to grow without being checked by
removal, a leading shoot should be left to grow till the end of
August. If the trees are biennially removed no large roots will
be produced ; the trees mny be merely lifted and replanted.]

TIMBER FOR GREENHOUSE AND STOVE
BUILDING.

YouE correspondent Mr. John Stevens inquires about Pitch
Pine for stove and greenhouse building. Having built a glass
house last year with the rafters and some other parts of that
material, I can inform him that there has been no difficulty about
its taking the paint, or the resin exuding. On the contrary, it
has been remarked by many as being the best work they ever
saw. The wood is of greater weight, which may be a disadvan-
tage in some cases. As to dry rot I can say nothing, my ex-
perience of it (Pitch Pine), for flooring in a dwelling-house is,
that it is excessively durable. In a country house abroad belong-
ing to my family, we have had it down for forty to forty-five years.
I only speak as an amateiu-.-^E. B.

ORCHARD-HOUSE FRUIT.

I BEAD in the Journal, page 477, a remark by Mr. Eobson on
the emallness of the fruit of Peaches and Nectarines on some
trees in pots exhibited at the Crystal Palace, by some person he
does not name. He says sarcastically, " As I expect they were
representatives of orchard-house cultivation, it is likely the ad-
mirers of such things felt some little pride at the show they pre-
sented." The trees alluded to were poor specimens of orchard-
house culture, and ought not to have had a place at the Exhibition.

Mr. Robson, it seems, did not see Sir Joseph Paxton's fine
collection of fruit the produce of his orchard-houses. He should
have made a proper use of his eyes ; or he should go down to
the head-quarters of orchard-houses at Sawbridgeworth. Mr.
Rivers has never, I believe, exhibited orchard-house trees with
fruit on, simply because, as I have heard him say, it is quite
impossible to "convey to any distance a fine tree of a Peach or
Nectarine full of fruit just ripe or on the point of ripening,
the only period that such trees can be seen in their full beauty.

I measured some Peaches at Sawbridgeworth a short time
since, and I found some that were 9i inches in circumference,
and Nectarines that measured 1\ inches. The general crop of
Peaches measured from 7 inches to 8 inches in circumference,
and nothing could be more beautiful, and no wall fruit equal to
it in flavour.

It is a common thing to find old gardeners that are not able
to travel unbelievers in any improved mode of fruit culture.
They have cultivated Peaches and Nectarines against walls till
they think it impossible they can be grown in any other way.
One smiles at the weakness of judgment too often the result of
a life of routine; but to hear a young priggish gardener declare
witli a loud voice the impossibility of cultivating fruit in
orchard-liouses, so as to bring it to perfection, is something
trving to the patience of a thinking man. No gardener should
form an opinion on any mode of culture till he has seen it
carried out by several good cultivators. — Cokstant Readeb.

September 24, 1861. ] JOURTfAL OF HOETICULTURE AJSD COTIAaE GABDENEK.

499

EED SPIDER.

The preventive plan recommended by Mr. E-ivers in your
No. 24 being that which most gardening books have quoted
as suecessl'ul in keeping off the attacks of red spider i« the plan
which, among others, I have tried witb most perseverance, but
regret to say with the least success. I have covered the flues
with sulphur ; placed basins of sulphur on parts of them so hot
as to melt the sulphur without producing the slightest impres-
sion on the insects, even on plants standing within a few feet of
the melting sulphur. I had previously during the winter care-
fully painted the plants with a solution of G-ishurst Compound
8 ozs. to the gallon, and repeatedly during the growing season
syringed them with the several solutions cf G-ishurst Compound,
sulphuret of potash (which should not be used where there is
white-lead paint), and aloes.

To show iiow uttei-Iy sulphur, as recommended by Mr. Elvers,
may fail, I will state my experience of its use in a two-light
Melon-frame. I began by carefully painting the whole of the
interior of the frame with soft soap and sulphur so thoroughly
that even now the sides of the frame are yellow with sulphur.
Afterwards the plants were daily examined, and immediately
upon the discovery of tlie insect a zinc pan, 18 inches by 12 inches
containing 3 lbs. of sulphur, was introduced and kept in the
sunniest part during the remainder of the season. In spite of
these precautions every plant was sucked dry by red spider ; the
leaves were soon covered with their fine web, and dead before
the fruit ripened.

I have arrived at the conclusion that sulphur without soap is
useless against red spider, and that soap without sulphur is nearly
if not quite as efficient as the two combined. But I have found
no remedy permanently successful where from any cause I could
not seoui-e plenty of moisture combined with healthy action at
the roots ; and any one who wishes to get rid of red spider must
look to them.— E. T., Solihull.

NATURAL PHENOMENA IN AMERICA.

Register. — Of the leafing and blossoming of some of the
principal shrubs and trees, made at Belfast, Maine, latitude
44.23" N., longitude 69.8° W., during the year 1861.

Names of Plants, In Leaf. In Blossom.

Apple tree June 2nrt June 11th

Apple, crab May 29th June 5th

Blackberry common May 24th June 27th

Balm of Gilead May 18th... May 13th

Cherry, tame June 6th June 2nd

Cherrv, wild..., Slay 2-3rd June -Sth

Currant, red May I3th JUy 29fh

Currant, black May loth June 4th

Chokechcrry May 1,5th June lOtli

Chestnut, Horse May 2lst June 12tll

Elder, pink blossom, common May l-Sth May -list

Gooseberry, common May 9th Jlay 2Sth

Gooseberi-y, English May 9th May 26th

Lilac May 23rd June 10th

Ox-eye Daisy Early June 22ud

Pear, wild May 22nd May 31st

Plum, common June 5th June 10th

Pceony May 19th June 19ih

Rose, common May 24th June 17rh

Raspben-y May 10th June 14th

Strawberry Earliest May 7th

Spirffia May 10th July 17th

Snowdrop May 2,3i-d July 10th

Snowball May 26th June 2Dth

Willow May 16th M ly lath

Remark. — Recorded in leaf when the first pair of leaves have
fully expanded ; in blossom, when in full flower.

Record,. — Of the first arrival of some of our principal migra-
toi'y birds made at Belfast, Me., 1861 : —
Robin Redbreast arrived, March 30th
Ground Sparrow ., March 27th
"Wild Geese passed over-
head, March 26th
Brown Blackbird arrived, April 5th
Bluebird „ April 19th
'Barn Swallow „ April 27th

Kotes. — The Robin is one of our most common-feathered
friends, and indeed in many cases he may be said to be more than
half domesticated ; lor when not disturbed they will make their
liabitation in the trees shading the dwellings, in the outbuildings,
and even the portico over the door where there is passing in and
out all of the time. They are the least inimical and the most
l)eneficial to the farmer of any of the feathered race, ridding his
gardens and fields yearly of thousands of injurious insects. The
Sparrow is our first feathered visitor, heralding the approach of

spring, while the snow yet covers the ground and the flowers
are far in the future. The wild Goose does not remain here,
but passes overhead to their breeding grounds in the north aad
north-east, in the English dominions. Ths brown Blackbird is
not seen here, but a short time after their arrival. The Bluebird
remains here during the summer. The Barn Swallow remains
here in great numbers, and after breeding seek a warmer climate ;
their food consists entirely of insects, and they destroy many-
thousands of the smaller gnats, moths, flies, &o. The Plover is
rather scarce ; it breeds far upon elevated smooth lands and
grass fields. The Bobolink in common breeds here.and returns in
early autumn to the southern rice-fields, where it is said to be very
destructive. The King bird is common in our orchard ; breeds
here, and with Swallow, is very useful in keeping hawks, &o., £way
from the farmyard. — G.B.Beaokett, Belfast, Maine.— .{Genesee
Farmer.)

HOTBEDS WITHOUT MANURE.
The method which we here give is that of F. Bouceune, pub-
lished in the Revue Sorficole, and is highly recommended by
him for its cheapness and efficacy.

It is, to xise his own words, as follows : — " Dig, first of all, a
trench 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 20 inches deep. This trench
forms the bed for the materials. If, however, you wish to raise
the bed above the level of the soil, you can, with some stakes
and old boards, build a kind of box which wiU hold it. This
done, we strive to collect together on the spot the necessary
materials to construct the bed itself.

" Procure, Ist, 300 lbs. to 500 lbs. of straw, or of old hay ; or
it may be of Utter, or of well-dried moss. 2nd, One and a-half to
one and three-quarters bushels of powdered quickhme. 3rd, One
pound four ounces muriatic acid, diluted in twenty gallons of
water. 4th, Oneanda-half pound of saltpetre, dissolved in twenty-
seven gallons of water. 5th, A new broom, or one nearly new.

" Spread over the bottom of the trench a layer of straw, or
whatever the material may be, about 8 inches or 10 inches thick.
Sprinkle it with the quicklime. Dip your broom into the vessel
containing the muriatic acid diluted with water ; then sprinkle
this first layer, after which you shall make a second one of the
same thickness. You shall scatter upon it the lime, and you shall
sprinkle the diluted muriatic acid in the same manner as before.

" Make at last a thu-d layer of straw, of less thickness than the
first two — say 4 inches or 6 inches only, and wet it with the
water in which you have dissolved the saltpetre ; but shake up
the bed often, and pour it upon it, so there may be absorption
by the lime, which will evaporate a good part of the liquid in
parting with its heat."

After this operation, the frame can be placed upon the bed, a
few inches of earth spi-ead inside, and as soon as the extreme
heat has subsided, which will be in two or three days, it -wiU be
ready for use. Beds formed in this way will maintain their heat
from four to six weeks.

Eave Swallow

arrived,

April 27th

Plover

April 27 th

Yellowhammer

April 28th

Bobolinlc

May 10th

Chimney bird

May 13th

King bird

May 15th

Humming bird

May 21st

WINTERING GERANIUMS IN A COLD
CONSERVATORY.

LILIDM LANCIFOIIUM AFTER FLOWERING.

WlLl. you inform me if Scarlet Geraniums Tom Thumb,
Masterpiece, &c., should he out down or only pruned back a
little before being put away for the winter ? The only place to
keep them until the spring being a cold conservatory which
there is no means of heating, and where they will be only just
free from frost. Should the leaves be stripped oS; or should
they be put away as they are? and may they (for convenience),
be taken out of" their pots and packed closely in a box for the
winter, and if so, should the roots be trimmed or the old soil
shaken out ? What is the proper treatment for Lilium lancifolium
after flowering ? — A. H.

[According to the way you are going to winter your Scarlet
Geraniums, the best way is to cut tliem back to the wood of last
year ; leave no leaves on them, and shake out all the old soil
from the roots, then plant them in loose soil— that is, not too
dry; then water them to fill up cavities and keep out air, and
after three days cover the mould in every part with linch deep of
soil or sand, or something as dry. I'he under soil will do for
the roots for three months, but examine the plants on a certain
day in each month as long as they are there. The twentieth day
is our day and we found it a lucky day for looking over wivitc
store of old plants.

500

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Sqjtember 24, 1861.

If the Liliums are in the bordere, the proper way after flower-
ing is ju?t the same as for the common Lilac — that is, to remain
without a liiongJit about tliem till next blooming tinje, for the
speckled and white common ones, called Japan Liliums, are just as
hardy as the common Crocus. But if they are in pots, let the
leaves and stems be kept fresh as long as tliey will keep so, and
when they turn yellow cut them off and bury the pots in a
border out of doors till March or thereabouts, then cultivate
them as before. As tliis is the first time that these Liliums
have been recommended to be kept in winter buried in the open
ground, let us observe the plan is founded on their perfect
hardiness in England, which was never so thoroughly proved as
last winter. Then any hardy "root" is more safe in the open
ground than anywhere else, and when the pots are not very
large the best way is, as soon as the flowers are over to turn the
balls out where they are to winter, and let them take their chance
of the autumn rains.]

A SPAN-BOOFED HOUSE, ITS HEATING AND

USES.

I HATE a span-roofed house, 30 feet by 1-1 feet, sides 3 feet
9 inches high, of brickwork, with 3 feet of glass, and the ends
nearly north and south. I want to shelter bedders and force
early in the spring. AVill you kindly give your opinion how the
place is likelv to succeed', or say what would do better ?

I purpose to divide the house in halves with glass ; beds 5 feet
wide, 15 feet long, and 6 inches deep, resting on rough tile 2 feet
oflT the ground, on nine-inch brickwork on each side of a two-feet-
six-inches palli in first portion of the house. Would a brick flue
passing round the house aud under both beds give heat enough
for the purpose ? and what amount of heat ought I to obtain ?
Would nine-infh drain-pipe used as a flue increase or decrease
heal ? or would any other mode of heating do better at the same
or less expense ? I'ould I lit up the house in any otlier style to be
more useful for the same money ? — A Vebt Youn0 Gabdener.

[A span-roofed house of the dimensions given may be made
very useful ; but there is certainly some error in describing the
intended bed as only 6 inches deep. However, assuming it to
be 30 inches, or 3 feet, the difficully in giving an opinion is much
reduced : still, we have many tilings to surmise which makes it
advisable to give a qualified answer — one based on general terms.
Thus, where firing is cheap, a flue is the <'heapest of all modes of
healing, and for a iiouse as large as yours we would have portions
of it twelve-inch Portland cement pipe well set at thejoints, and
the remainder brick, with firebrick covering at the part nearest
where the fire enters.

A eonsideralile portion of the flue must be open to the air
of the liouse, so as to heat it when required ; and it would bo
better if the bottom heat wanted for forcing could be supplied by
tan or other fermentirg matter independent of the flue. This,
however, cannot well be done when the flue goes all round the
house as you propose; but assuming you merely want the house in
question to pr pagate bedding plants in during the spring months,
the following contrivance will serve your purpose, perhaps.

Instead of dividing the house into two compartments, let the
pipe flue ru?i up each side undcrneatlt what you call your side
beds, and let one of these bo made into a stage or platform for
plants ; the other side, or a part of it, we would convert into a
propagating-|nt, by covering the fiue in the manner described at
page 478 for covering hot-water pipes, with brickbats, slates, and
sawdust, and have slight glass easlies to cover these fitting close
at the back, front, and ends. This pit need bo not an inch deeper
than is necessary to plunge the cutiing-pots in ; and you wi 1
here have all the advantages of a nurseryman's propagating-
house, while the other portions of the house may he more liberally
supplied wiih air. Wcwould advise the westsideto be converted
into the propagating department, as less hkely to suffer from
sunshine; aud cuttings of most ordinary things root frcelv in
such a position, and may he gradually hardened ofl".

A flue is nuich cheaper than hot water ; and we know of more
than one house heated by cement flues which answer admirably,
the ends and turnings being of brickwork ; and we have been
told that a good specimen of Portland cement piping has been
heated almost to a white heat without damage to it.

Your plan in every other respect seems good ; but if you adopt
the .suggestion aboAe you need not have the partition dividing
your house into two, and the portion used as a propagating
department may be made removable, .so that when not wanted

as such it may be a span-roofed plant-house, uniform in appear-
ance, with a path up the middle, and door at one end. Your
own ingenuity and the advice given on other structures of a
similar kind will supply all the rest.]

OECHARD-HOUSE CULTURE BY AN
AMATEUR.

I BUILT myself an orchard-house last summer 23 feet long and
lOi feet wide, 9 feet high at the back and IJ feet in frontj with
sashes hung from the plate to open, and a ventilating drop
shutter the length of the house under the sashes, wiih ven-
tilators on the top and back, so that I can give abundance of air.
It is a lean-to against a south brick wall, with the door and west
end glazed. I had Denniston's Superb Plums ripe in the second
week in July, and Green Gage in the third. Empress Eugenie
Oierries in the second week in May, quickly followed by the
Elton. My Pears have succeeded admirably, they have been
loaded with beautiful fruit. One tree, the Colmar d'Ete, three
years old, brought two dozen to perfection, and were ripe by the
middle of August. The fruit, in general, are one month earlier
than those out of doors. I have a Golden Drop Plum with one
halfin the house and the other out. The fruit inside are now
ripening, and of fine size ; those out are not half the size. My
Peaches, Nectarines, and Vines are making good ripe wood, and
I anticipate a splendid crop next season. I was very much
annoyed with ants. I found about half a pint of soot laid on
the top of the pota started them off.

I find my orchard-house is the only one in this county, and I
hope it will bo the means of introducing them, as I am quite
certain they must become general. I have had a great many
of the gentry to look at it, and all express their astonishment to
see trees full of fine fruit, and looking so remarkably healthy in
pots. — An Amateur, Uppingham.

THE PRIZE AT WORKSOP FOR VINES IN POTS.

I BECEITED your Joumal this morning containing an answer
to my Vine question, which you have quite mistaken. I wished
for your opinion on this point : The schedule states, as per
enclosed piece of paper, "for the best three A^nes in pots." It
does not state they should be grown in pots, or that they should
be pot Vines. Mine were decidedly the best — in fact, the others-
were very inferior and far from clean. Mine were fairly grown
in pots and so exhibited, as I before stated to you. Had they
been plunged and rooted from the top of the pot they might
have objected to give me the prize ; but as I complied with the
schedde I cannot see how it is possible for them to withhold
it. Dr. Lindley has decided according to the schedule entirely
in my favour. He says I can xmdoubtedly claim the prize, and
such is my own opinion.

My Vines are now- at this time fit to grace the table of any
exliibition, nearly every leaf being in perfect health. I can
prove they never saw an open border, or that they were never
plunged, although, as I before stated, they had partly grown
through the bottom of the pot. One bad several parts of roots
to some length, but not the main roots or tap root ; and I
must say, as an old London exhibitor, if all plants that root
through the bottom of a pot are to be disqualified, above rne-
half the plants exhibited would be served so, especially the
Chrysanthemum. But it was not on this point I wished for
your answer, or I should have headed it such. It was respecting
the disqualified card and the schedule. I would feel greatly
obliged for your opinion wheiher, according to these, I cannot
claim the prize. — Edwakd Benheti, OsbeHon Kail, Worksop.

[We did not misunderstand the question, and we abide by our
answer at page 181. When a society oilers a prize " for the
best Vines in pots," it is always understood that it is for Vines
grown in pots. The question, then, is simplified to this — Were
Mr. Bennett's Vines so grown? He says they were ; that they
were never even plunged, but that several parts of the fibrous
roots, but not the main roots, bad grown to some length
ihrough the bottom. If the holes had been enlarged to facilitate
this growing out through the bottom ; or, if the roots, without
such an enlarging of the holes, had grown to such an extent in
the material on which the pots stood as to give them an advan-
tage over Vines of which the roots were entirely confined within
the iiots, then it was quite within the province of the jiidges to
disqualify them.

September 21, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUilE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

501

The sole inteiitiou of a prize for Vines grov.-n in pots, is to
reward the skill wliich produces fine Q-rapes from plants with a
very limited amount of root-pasturage ; and this object would
be entirely frustrated if Vines were allowed to carry oif the
prize the roots of which had had the advantage of much pas-
turage outside of their pots. We do not say that Mr. Bennett's
had such advantage, because we do not know from inspection
«ther the extent of the roots outside the pots, or the pasturage
these escaped roots obtained. — Eds. J. OP H.*]

SEEDLING CYCLAMENS.

Mt gardener in weeding his border found two seedling Cy-
clamens, of which I enclose a leaf. Tlie tubers are about an inch
in diameter. Will you kindly say what vai-iety they are ? What
puzzles me is hon* they mannged to grow tliere, for from the
size of the tuber they are more than this year old, and must have
stood the frost of last winter. I am the more puzzled because
■Cyclamen europeeum will not grow out of doors with me. I have
tried various bulbs of it, one an immense one, but not one ever
flowered or survived its 6rst winter. I have several of Hender-
sons' Cyclamen persicnm in pots in my greenhouse. It is possible,
but not probable, that a seed or two from them might get into
the garden soil ; but even in this case how is it that the seed-
ings stood the vei-y severe frost of last winter? — W. X. W.

[We have such findlings in all our borders. Tour Cyclamen
appears from the leaf to be that of a true coum ; but no one
■can now judge a Cyclamen by the leaf, they are so interbred
with Mr. Atkins' seedlings. Tiie way if comes to pass is this — ■
a seed drops in a pot of Cyclamens and grows on for a season ;
nest year the balls are reduced, and new pots and more soil are
given. The refuse from the potting-bench is wheeled on to I he
borders, and little bulbs like those of Cyclamen seedlings spring
up like weeds. If it is the true coum it might have been
buried 6 inches deep before the last great frost, and if so the
frost would not harm it. The spring dressing or diggi.ig brought
it nearer the surface — at all events there is noihing eingiilar
about Cyclamens spriuging up in gardens where old plants of
■them are grown.]

BUDDING EOSES.

I HAVE this year put in several hundred Uose-buds, having
lost my whole collection by the frost on Christmas morning, and
have been pretty successful ; but last week I was looking at the
buds put in by a ft-iend's gardener, and find nil, to the number
of about two hundred, taken well. This leads me to think that
with some of mine I was not right in taking out the wood, and
hear that many are almost sui-e of success. Now, am I asking
too much in requesting a hint so that next year I may be as
successful as my friend's gardener ? — P. H. J.

[Much of the success in budding Koses and other plants
depends ou the condition of the stocks, and on the kind of
weather for the three wei-ks following the operation. But there
is one thing which spoils good budding more than any olher,
and that is the practice of cutting off a portion of the shoots
just before or after the budding is performed. The idea is that
the cutting away of so much of the top of the shoot will throw-
more strength into the remaining part and the newly inserted
bud. The idea is very good and very bad at the same time.
The first immediate result of cutting off part of a young growing
shoot is to stop the circulation for a certain time; during that
certain time the new bud fails for lack of moisture, or, if it
survives till the flow is on again, the natural buds deprive it of
its share, as they are greedy fur action, while the new one is
hardly ready to work. Therefore, if you do not cut a shoot
3 inches be'bre it is budded, never cut it till three weeks or
more after the bitd is put in.]

NEW AND EAEE PLANTS.

Arxbbia G-ElFFtTaii (Oi-iJiOi's Amebia).
Nat. ord., Boraginese. Linn., Pentandria Monogyuia. — ^First
discovered by the late Mr. Griffiths in Cabool. The genus is
■closely allied to Lithospermum. Flowers rich tawny yellow,

* Sin'^e the above w.is ia type we find tli.it Dr. Lindley h.is retracted his
too-hastily-formed opinion ; and the j udges s*ay that there were more roots
•outside tlian inside Mr. Bennett's pots.

with five remarkable deep purple spots, which gradually dis-
appear. These spots are alleged by the CabooUes "to be the
impressions of the five fingers of Mahomet." — IBolaiiical Man..
t5266.)

Akis^jia pejecox (Sar!j/-Jloti>ei-inff AristBina).

Nat. ord; Aroidese. Linn. Monoeeia Moiiandria. — " A native
of Japan, in the Gotto Archipelago." This pretty plant appears
easily cnltivat»d, producing its arched sp-the strikingly striped
with green and white; and with dark purple lips, early in the
spring if removed from a cool pit to the stove. — (Ibid., t. 5267.)
Spiselia splenbens {Brilliant Spiqelia).

Nat. ord., Loganiaoeao. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. —
Nothing is known of the history of this beautiful plunt ;" but as
it requires stove culture, and others of the same genus which
require similar treatment are from Mexico, most likely it is a
native of tropical South America. "Not hint; can exceed the deep
rich crimson of the spike." — {Ibid., t. 5268.)

HoYA Shepherdi {Mr. Shepherd's Boi/a).

Nat. ord., Asclepiadacrae. Linn., Pentandria Digynia. — It
probably camo from the Himalaya, but iis native place is not
certainly known. Its flowers, ro<y white, are not conspicuous.
It flowered at Kew in June. — {Ihid., t. 5269.)

BiLlEEE&IA BH-ITTATA {Sibbon- leaved Sil/bergia.)
Nat. ord., Bromehacete. Linn., Hoxandria Slonogynia. — A
pretty plant, most probably a native of South America. Flowers
white. Leaves " under-surface dull brown, upper green, with
two broad, bnif, longitu'limd bands, which pass into dull red at
the base."— {Ibid., t. 5270).

Ceaspedia Biceea ( Glaucous-lea oed Craspedia).
Nat. ord., Compositse. Linn., Syngenesia sequalis. It has
also been called C. glauca and pilosa ; Richea glauca and Po-
dosperma peduneulare.— A verv remarkable hardy annual from
south-eastern Australia, "by no means uuornamental." Its
flowers are yellow, in dense globose heads, and open in June. —
(Ibid., t. 527 1.)

POMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS.

Champion- HAMUFEaii Grape. — Your coi-respondent, Mr.
J. B. Whitin;;, must be labouring under S'me misiake when he
says in his communication in last week's Journal, that he cannot
see any diU'er.nce bi-tweeii Champion Hamburgh and the ordi-
nary form of Black Hambtirgh, as 1 have always found them to
be perfectly distinct. There is a variety called Chatnpion Ham-
burf;h which has large, round, flattened berries of the shape of
an Orange, and this I have always regarded as the same as Mill
Hill Hamburgh ; but there is another with a large oval berry,
and which appears to me to be the Black Champion of Dr. Hogg's
" Fruit Manual," which is quite different from every other Grape.
I have grown it for several years, a-.jd it is not only very much
larger in the bun^h i^nd berry than the Black Hamburgh, but is
also about a fortnij;ht later, and vei-y hardy. — Cepa sue Sepe.

St. Ladiiekt SlrsCAT Geape. — How is it that the Muscat
St. Laurent Grape is so little known or written about? If it
continues to be with me what it has been the last three years, I
should say it is a very Viiluablc one. Ea3h year I have ripened
it without fire heat, before or quite as soon as the Sweetwater.
I have asked several people to taste it, and every one pronounces
it delirious, and wiiha decided Muscat flavour — which it cer-
tainly has ; but no one seems to know it.

POJIOIOQICAL CiTEiOslTY. — One of Nature's freaks has just
been submitted to us by Mr. Eivers, cf Sawbridgeworth, in the
shape of a large and handsome Peach rai^ed fi om the Pitm-jston
Orange Nectarine. We were aware that Mr. Kivers had been
experimenting on the different races of Peaches and Nectarines,
and that he had been successful in raising Peaches from Nec-
tarines, and Nectarines from Peaches; but it was not till this
season ihat we saw the result of his labouis. His Peach No. 8,
raised from Pitmaslon Orange Nectarine, is a fine thing ; it is
iMther above medium-size, skin with lomon-ycllovv gi-ound,
coloured whfere exposed to the sun with a crimson cheek, and
this covered with dark mottles and broken streaks of darker
crimson. The flesh comes clean away from the ttone, and is
very tender, melting, and very juicy, deeply stained w-ith dark
red round the stone. The juice is very abundant and of very
rich flavour, with a good deal of the Nectarine aroma about it.
The leaves are crenated and have kidney-shaped glands, and the
flowers are small. — H.

502

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 21, 1S61.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE SEASHOBE.

{^Continued from page 182.)

CHrsTACEA — {continued).

With regard to the five classes of Crustacea mentioned in a fore-
going chapter — namely, Cirrhopoda, Entomostraca, Xipliosura,
Edriopthalmata, and Podopthalmata, we may again remark that
it will be by no means necessary, nor would it, indeed, be con-
sistent with the design and limits of this work, to treat them
with any degree of elaborate arrangement or minute detail ; inas-
much as they are composed of such countless varieties of species,
the classification of which is so intricate, that the mere enume-
ration of them would confuse and perplex the tourist beyond
measure. Those who feel disposed to folio >v up more closely
their study of this most interesting branch of natural history,
will find ample materials by a reference to the able and extensive
treatises devoted to the subject, the most valuable of which,
perhaps, are Mr. Milne Edwards' " History of Crustacea," and
Professor Bell's work on the " British Stalk-eyed Crustacea."
It will be suSicient for us merely to touch vei-y briefly upon the
less familiar members of this large family, and, whatever may be
our temptations to digression, to keep in view the title attached
to these papers, confining ourselves as closely as may be to
objects really to be met wiih "on the seashore."

Of the first class, the Cirrhopoda, we have already spoken ; let
us then take a glance at the three following classes, reserving the
greater space for the last, or fifth, the Podopthalmata, or " Stalk-
eyed Crustacea," in which we shall meet with the Shrimps,
Prawns, Crabs, and Lobsters, which are famiUar to every eye,
and to be met with on every coast.

The Ektomosteaca, ok Sheli, Insects.

These creatures may be truly " named by the name " of
Legion, swarming in incalculable quantities in all water.^, fresh
as well as salt, in inland ponds and ditches, and in the rock-
pools on the seashore. They are, in most instances, so minute
as to render the aid of a microscope necessary for their exami-
nation. They vary considerably in the number of their legs
and in other particulars. Selecting the Nebalia, however, as a
general type, we shall not deal further with tlieir variations.

The Nebalia has two pairs of large ramiform autenrse and
twelve pairs of feet, eight pairs being branchial and the remaining
four natatory. It is furnished with a large carapace enclosing
the head and a portion of the thorax almost as in a bivalve shell.
The Nebalia is by no means uncommon on the south-western
and western coasts of England; it is found beneath stones that
lie in the mud amongst the hollows of the rocks. Many of
these little creatures are parasites, having a mouth destitute of
any organs fitted for mastication, but provided instead with an
apparatus adapted for sucking : hence they are called Sij^hono-
stoma or Siphon-mouthed. Their shell is of a single piece and
remarkably slender. These attach themselves to, and prey upon
the skin of many kinds of fish, in consequence of which habit
they have acquired the vulgar name of "Fish-lice."

'The third class, XiPHOSrRA, from two Greek words signifying
" a sword" and "a tail," should be passed over entirely as com-
pletely out of our range, consisting as it does but of one species,
and that a stranger to our coasts. Its size and strange formation,
however, must plead for a passing observation.

The Lisiulus, ok Kikg Cbab, is one of the largest of the
Crustaceans, sometimes measuring two feet in length. It for
the most part inhabits the tropical seas, and is found near the
shore. The body is composed of two divisions, the anterior one
being a crescent-shaped piece, or carapace enclosing the cephalo-
thorax and its organs ; the posterior segment being of a some-
what hexagonal form, formed by the coalescence of the abdominal
segments. From the posterior extremity of this second division
of the body projects a long, powerful, homy spike, or tail, re-
sembling a sword. This spike is used by certain savage tribes for
spear-heads and arrow-points. The upper surface of the body
is very convex, whereas the lower surface is, on the contrary,
extremely concave, the hollow formed in the centre containing
the creature's feet. In China the King Crabs' eggs are eaten,
but their flesh is thrown to the pigs.

We will now proceed to the fourth class, EDRiOPTnALM.iTA,
or Crustaceans with immoveable eyes. 'Ihese creatures always
have the head distinct from the thoracic segment, never assiun-
ing the single formation known as the eephalothorax, so com-
monly found in other Crustaceans. They have two eyes, which

are neither stalked nor moveable. These eyes usually consist of a
quantity of simple eyes clustered together in one spot, although
some species possess regular compound eyes. The mouth is-
provided with jaws and with a single pair of foot-jaws, which
are commonly followed by seven pairs of legs, to which the
branchial organs are attached.

The most familiar type of this class is the common Talitivs,,
or Sand-Mopper. This may be seen by myriads on every sandy

beach of England. If you observe attentively the edges of the
waves, you will perceive a sort of misty cloud arising close to
them on the shore, and rising to the height of several inclies.
On closer examination you will discover that this mist arises
from the gambols of these Sand-Hoppers, or, probably, from
continuous swarms of them started by your footsteps. Although
the size of these creatures is so small, their muscular power is
extraordinary, rivalling that of the flea. They can leap several
inches into the air, and burrow into the soft wet sand with
amazing rapidity. The Sand-Hoppers may be found in abun-
dance swimming about in the rock-pools, or concealed beneath
masses of seaweed. You may secure them also by digging into
the sand and pouncing on them before their alarm at this sudden
irruption has sufficiently subsided for them to make their escape.
The chase is rather exciting, as they leap and hop away with
strange activity. The Talitrus establishes its home on the shore,
generally buried in the sand, and its principal article of food is-
seaweed.

We come now to the fifth, and by far the most important class
of Crustaceans, called Podopthalmata, or Stalk-eyed, to the
individuals composing which we shall have to devote more
particular attention, following in our examination of them the
clear and able guidance of Professor Bell as to matter though
not as to method. We shall commence with

The Cohmon Shbimp {Crangon vulgaris). — The common
Shrimp belongs to the order Decapoda, or Ten-footed, and to
ih^t o{ Macronra^ ov Long-tailed. 1 he carapace and abdomen
are smooth with the exception of three spines, one on the thorax
behind, and one on each branchia. The eyes are closely ap-
proximated, naked, and protruding. The anterior legs are
smooth and large, having a compressed hand furnished with a
curved and moveable finger; the remaining legs are filiform and
elongated. The abdomen is rounded and tapers gradually, the
false feet attached to it being very long. The tail is narrow and
pointed in the central plate. The total length of the Shrimp
from the eyes to the extremity of the tail is about two inches
and a half. In colour it is of a greyish-brown, dotted all over
with dark brown, and does not become red by heat. The red
Crustaceans sold commonly as Shrimps being, in fact, young
Prawns. As Professor Bell states — " In some parts of the
coast, as at Poole, this species is comparatively rare, and is not
used as food. Tlie smaller Pala?monid£e (Prawns), are here
called Shrimps, and when of small si^e and sold by measure they
are called ' Cup Shrimps ;' the present species is called the Sand
Shrimp, to distinguish it from the smaller Prawn, which is
called the Rock Slirimp." In some parts of Ireland also this
species is styled the Grey Shrinip, and is held in very slight
regard, whilst the common Prawn is called a Shrimp.

The Shrimp is an extremely prolific creature, and produces an.
enormous nimiber of eggs, which it carries about with it until
the period ot hatching arrives, when the parent Shrimps come
up to the mouths of the large rivers, even ascending them to a,
considerable distance and deposit then- spawn. Shrimps are
caught by means of peculiarly-shaped nets, which are pushed
forward by the fishermen along the bottom of the sea, and into
which the frightened creatures run. They are frequently to be
found, however, in pools in the hollows of the rocks, and if
any be required as specimens, may be easily captured by passing
a gauze net rapidly through the water.

The flesh of the Shrimp is considered particularly wholesome,
although in some cases it has been staled that nausea ha!>
resulted from eating them, similar to that occasioned so fre-
quently by an indulgence in Mussels. — W.

{To he continued.)

September 2)., 1861. ] JOUEJfAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OAEDENER.

503

WINTEUING GERANIUMS AND FUCHSIAS.

Will you inform me if Scai-let and Cerise Geraniums in pots
should be cut down before housing for the "winter, or left un-
touehed till the spring ? They can only be kept on shelves on a
large staircase-landing where no heat can be given. If they
should bo cut dowi3, should it be done at once, that they may
break befoi-e frost comes ? And should Fuchsias (to be kept
during winter in same plate) be cut down now, or in the
spring ? — A Ladt.

[Under the circumstances the best way is not to cut back the
Geraniums till the frost comes, if it should not come till De-
cember. Meantime keep the pots half dry, or give no more
water than will keep the leaves from drooping. Cut off all the
young wood of this season, and keep the pots nearly dry, but
not quite dry all the winter. It is best if the plants make no
eifort to grow till February. The Fuchsias should be treated
the same way.]

BLACK DAHLIA.

Fon the sake of contrast and variety in a small collection, I
have long felt the want of a truly black Dahlia, as black or
blacker than some of our Hollyhocks, for instance. I have at
last had my wish gratified, temporarily at least, by the bursting
of a well-formed flower of inky liue on a plant of Dandy.
Could you or any of yoiu- Dahlia-growing subscribers, inform
me if there would be any use in saving the seed from this flower
with a probability of its producing black varieties ? — A Spobt-in
Dandy.

[Not the least. In the first place, we have had flowers nearly
black — Lord Fielding and Midnight, so dark at any rate as to
answer all the purposes of contrast ; and as Dandy is a fancy
with maroon stripe, it is probably that colour that has run
into the petals, but so like the Irishman's horse — when caught
it is no good, for no dependance can be placed on seed. You
are just as likely to obtain a wliite fi"om it as a black, for in these
florists' flowers there can be no certainty of seed. A sport is
perpetuated by cuttings; and if all the flowers on your plant
had come dark there might be a probability, though not a
certainty, that you might perpetuate a dark Dahlia. Would
not Midnight answer all your purpose? It is a little shaded,
but its colour is very intense.]

We cannot but think that with such a change in its form, the
"Florist" will become one of the marvels of modem periodical
garden literature.

CULTUEE OF OUVIRANDEA FENESTRALIS.

I HATE an Ouvirandra fenestralis, but am unable to grow it
well. I can command water, &c., and any temperature, and
have tried it in various ways with the same result — viz., leaves
IJ inch long, when they begin to decay, and are growing
smaller. I have not seen it well done this season in any nursery
or public garden in the neighbourhood of London. — H. H. O.

[All you can do with the Ouvirandra now is merely to keep it
at rest till the winter is over — say at about 60° to 65° of tem-
perature, with only 3 inches of water above the lace-like leaves,
and the surface of the mud bottom in which it roots to be well
covered with broken shells or spar gravel, and a handful of the
same placed round the neck of the plant to keep it steady. In
March you should take it out and replenish your case with fresh
soil, gravel, or shell, and set it to work afresh at a temperature
of 76°.]

THE FLOSIST.*

It will be seen by our advertising pages that this popular
periodical, which has been the exponent and depicfor of the
floral branch of horticulture during a period of fourteen
years, has passed into a new management. The work will
continue in its present form till the end of the year ; but with
the 1st of January of 1862, we are informed this long-established
favourite will assume a new and enlarged form, and instead of
one it will bo illustrated with two plates, and all without any
addition to the former price. Many other new features are in
contemplation, whicli we understand will be duly announced.

• The Florist, Fruitist, and Garden Miscellany, conducted by Robert
Hog^, LL.D., F.L.S., and John Spencer, F.G.S. London : 162, Fleet
Street Price One Sliilling monthly.

THE SINGAPORE AGRI-HORTICULTUEAL
SOCIETY.

The first exhibition of the Singapore Agri-Horticult uval
Society took place on the 27th July. The tent containing tue
plants was well filled, and was gaily decorated with bouquets
of cut flowers from the Society's garden and from exhibitors.
Among the contributions of the latter were several very taste-
fully-arranged vases, containing Orchids and other rare and
showy varieties of flowering plants. There was a good display
of plants in pots, a number of which were sent by natives. The
Dahlias and Chrysanthemums were in full flower and very
healthy. The vegetables exhibited were good, and consisted of
Cabbages, Lettuce, Endive, Celery, Capsicums, Cucumbers, and
Pumpkins. Two collections of English Green Peas were on the
table, and were quite equal to home-grown. A pot of fine
Parsley also testified to what can be done in the way of growing
English vegetables in the tropics. — {London and China Tele-
graph.)

SKELETONISING.

The art of " skeletonising" consists in promoting the decom-
position of the cellular structure of leaves and certain other parts
of plants, without breaking or injuring their woody fibre, which
is done very easily and cheaply by macerating them in water.
For convenience of dlustration, let us select the seed-vessels or
burs of Stramonium, or Jamestown weed, which ai-e now just in
the right condition, being partially open, but not at all, or very
slightly, dried or faded in colour ; place these in a basin or
bucket, and pour on them sufiicient hot water to cover them
completely, and set them aside. Cold water will answer the
purpose, but not so quickly. After about three weeks, during
which time a little fresh water may be occasionally added, these
will be softened and ready for the removal of the cellular portions.
This is accomplished by scrubbing with an old tooth brush or
shaving-brush, allowing a stream of water to run over them
during the process. The seeds are to be taken out, and the water
allowed to run through the bur, but without removing the inter-
nal structure in which the seeds are deposited ; in this way, a
perfect skeleton may be produced, showing all the woody por-
tions, including the external prickles, and when bleached, having
the appearance of delicately-carved ivory.

A variety of seed-vessels may be prepared in this way, of
which the Poppy-head is one of the prettiest ; it may be readily
obtained in a suitable condition from the druggists ; the internal
membranous portion containing the seed requires to be removed,
after the requisite maceration in water, by a small opening in
the side. An offensive odour arising from the decomposition of
the cellular structure and its contents is one of tlie discomforts
of this process, but is amply repaid by the beautiful resulting
skeletons. In English " bouquets " of these preparations, there
are some seed-vessels not often met with in this country, of
which the Henbane (Hjoscyamus) is beautiful.

The preparation of leaves affords a greater variety of forms
than of any other portion of the plant. Only the leaves of trees
and shrubs, as far as I know, will furnish a skeleton ; those of
annual and herbaceous plants seem to lose their structure
entirely by maceration. Some of the most transparent and
delicate leaves and Ferns may be bleached by putting into the
bleaching -solution without previous maceration, but must always
be previously faded, so as to have entirely lost their greenness.
Among the best leaves for skeletonising are those of the Ivy, the
Linden, the Elm, the Poplar, the HoUy, the Pear tree, the
Chestnut, the Sassafras, the Magnolia, the Althaea, and no doubt
hundreds that have never been tried. The Oak would furnish a
beautlftil skeleton, but requires from eight to twelve months'
maceration, whilst most of the others named are sufliciently
decayed in from one to three months. The leaves should he free
from insect bites or other imperfections. In cleaning them, it is
best to lay them upon a smooth board, turning them over from
time to time, and very carefully removing the decayed parts with
a soft brush. It has been observed that Ivy leaves otc best pre-
pared after maceration by tearing off the two outer layers of
skin, leaving little else but the skeleton, which is then easily

504

JOURNAL OF H0ETICT7LTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ September 24, 1861.

cleaned by careful bandliiig under water. After obtaining the
skeletons, the next 6tep is to bleach them ; thia is done bv placing
them for a term, varying from an hour to a whole day, in a
solution of chloride of lime, made by dissolving about 2 ozs. in n
pint of water. Poppy- heads or Jamestown burs will bear double
that strength ; some delicate leaves, Hydiangea flowers, &c., will
bleach advontagcously with a still weaker solution. The pre-
paration is to be removed from the bleacliiug liquid as soon as it
is tligroughly and satisfactorily bleached ; it is then to be
■wssneil, dried, and put away in a box, excluded from the light,
till the collection is ready for mounting. 'Ihis operation requires
much skill and taste ; a common way is to make a kind of pin-
cushion into which the bleached stems of jjetioles, or covered
wires glued to the base of the leaves and seed-vessels, are to be
stuck ; the whole may then be covered by a glass shade, which
protects "the bouquet" from the dust, and renders it an exceed-
ingly attractive household ornament. — (Friends' Intelligencer.)

WOEE FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.
Cablage, (he main spring crop to be planted : the small
dwarf soi-t6 at 18 inches row from row and 15 inches in ihe row ;
the large sorts at 2 leet row from row and 2U ii.ches in the row.
A double quantity may be planted in the rows, so as to admit
thinning out every other one in the spring. Cauliflower, prepare
the ground for llie plants which it is intended to protect wirh
hand-glaspcs. The soil to be rich, and in a sheltered siiuation.
Nine plants may be planted under a good-sized glass, and in the
spring five or six of them may be taken up and planted else-
where. Cehiy, the first earthing of a crop should not take
place until it has made considerable progress. By commencing
too early it is drawn up weakly. The eurth to be closed round
the stalks with the hand. Cvcumbeis, the heat of tlie beds
contahiing bearing plants should not be allowed to decline, or
they will not continue productive ; whereas, by proper attention,
they will produce fruit until Ciiristmas. Dung to be procured
and prepared for beds next month. Endii-e, tie up for blanch-
ing when the plants are quite dry. Another plantation may
also be made. Mtishrooms,\he beds recently made to be spawned
as soon as the heat has become moderate ; when earthed, to be
Tfell beaten down, as solidity is one of the principal causes of
productiveness. Potatoes to be taken up wlien the haulm is
ripe, or they are likely to grow again if showery weather occurs,
which greatly deteriorates their flavour.

FLOWEE GARDEN.

The removal and transplanting of evergreen shrubs may
now be commenced ; whether planted in masses or singly,
the ground to be well trenched and drained, and for single
plants to thrive, the ground for some space round to be well
worked up to facilitate the progress of the future roots, as well
as the escape of water. Wlien each tree or shrub is planted
secure it Irom the action of high winds ; mulch the snrface to
prevent evaporation from the soil, and besides occasional water-
ings at the roots when the earth becomes dry sprinkle the tops
well each evening, wetting the bark and folinge completely.
Camiition and Picotee layers which are sufficiently rooted may
be taken off and potted. Plant offset Tulip?, giving them a
feiTOurable situation and good soil. Should the Verbenas or
other ma^s flowers show signs of exhaustion manure water will
be found a useful stimulant. See that faded blossoms and seeds
are regularly removed from beds, other blossoms will be thus
encouraged ; much of the vital energy of the plant is expended
in the perfection of its seeds. As soon ns the beds can be spared
they sliould be prepared for the reception of bulbs. Use the
present opportunity of effecting a complete clearance of weeds
from walks and borders. Roll and mow grass, trim edgings, &c.

FEUIT GAHDEN.
It is now time fa.think of making preparations for filling up
vacancies on ihe walls with young trees, and perhaps in some
cases judicious transplanting may be con-ideicd advisable. In
either case the sites must be properly prepared with fi-csh maiden
loam. If tlie borders have been properly cotistructed witli
regard to drainage and a porous bottom (and without which no
good results can be expeeted to follow), but little preparation
beyond removing a considerable portion of the old soil and
supplying its place with new will be required.

STOVE.
Give abundance of air at every convenient opportunity, and
assist the plants to complete their growth in a strong and healthy
manner. Do not attempt to bring plants that are growing
prematurely to rest, because of ripening the growth, but keep
them steadily growing untU they go gradually into a state of
rest. Ixoras and many other stove plants may be made to
make as much growth during the winter as in the summer.
Sprinkle the walls twice or thrice daily, and dew the plants over
occasionally with tepid water on bright days. Maintain a brisk
temperature in the daytime, but allow the thermometer to fall
to about 00° during the night.

GEEENHOtTSE AND CONSEEVATOET.
The conservatory to be kept gay by a fresh inh'oduction of
plants in bloom, and the removal of such as begin to decay. It
will, however, be advisable not to overcrowd tlie house at this
season, as the permanent inmates will require to have all the
light and air possible to ripen their wood. 'J he climbing plants
to be looked over frequently, shortening back the shoots going
out of bloom, and training the remainder so as to assume a free,
natural habit. The supply of water to the plants in the borders
to be gi-adually decreased as the days shot ton, and apportioning
it with some difference, as the strong-rooting plants will require
more than the others. A portion of the stock of Chrysan-
themums to be placed under glass to forward them. Thin out
the flower-buds, and water with liquid manure. When arranging
Pelargoniums for the winter, allow them the lightest and warmest
part of the house, to be kept close to the glass, and not allowed
to touch each other.

PITS AND FRAMES.
The winter stock of bedding-out plants that are well established,
should now be arranged and placed in their winter quarters.
As frosty nights may be shortly exiiected, it is advisable to hare
the stock all housed and everything in readiness to afford
protection when required. The plants to be placed near the
glass, where they will liave sunlight and air, which will impart
to them a robust and stifl' habit. In turf pits the distance from
the straw coverings to be greater — from a foot to 18 inches, as
there is then not so much danger to be apprehended from frost,
as when placed higher in the pit. Where space is limited we
have found that a select number of stout store plants well kept
throughout the winter, are the best to propagate from in the
spring, as early-rooted plants are decidedly better for this pulr-
pose than those which have been kept in pits throughout the
winter. W. Keane.

TRADE LISTS RECEIVED.

Sarr S^^ Sagden's Autumnal Catalngne, 15, King Street,
Covent Garden, is one of the best issued of Dutch, Cape-flower-
ing Bulbs, &c. It gives well-selected lists, particularises those
adapted lor growing in masses, groups, &c., and adds much
useful information.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*^* We request that no one will write privately to the depart-
mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage
Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they
are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All
communications should tlierefore be addressed solely to The
Editors of the "Journal of Horticulture, Sj-c," 162, Fleet
Street, London, F.C.

We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the
same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on
Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel luem answered
promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate
communications.

We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under
very special circumstances.

Vine Liaves Blistered (A Suhscribn; Viihlin).— the blistered »p-
pearance arises from exees-ive vigour in the Vines, accomp;inied, perhaps,
by rattier too niucli moisture in tlie air of t!ic hou(-c. Ttie parencbyma.or
pulpy part, of the leaves inere.ises faster th.in the spaces bttween the ribs
of the leaves. The blistering will not injure the Vints.

Peach Tbees in Hoesiis (//. C).— In the Collarie Oardencrs' Dictionary,
article " Peach." you will find all necessary direet'ons. Assistiug fcrtili-
e.ition by applying pollen by a camel's-huir pencil is desirable to all stone
fruit grown under glass.

September 24, 1861. ] JOTJRTirAt O^F HORTICULTTJBE AND COTTAGE GAEDEKEK.

505

Chemical Manurhs (W. Ai}nms).—As you cannot obtain the ani™o-
niacal liquor fiom the eas work" for your grass on light land, you hart
better applv superphosphate of lime and sulphate of ammonia. \\ e cannot
advise about the wall trees without more inforraalion. Cutting off branches
of Peach, Nctarine, and Apricot trees 4 inches in circumference requires
much discretion.

Work om OncHins ( IF. C. P.).— The best is "The Orchid Growers-
Manual," by T. Appleby, published at our office. There is no reliable
separate work on the culture of stove plants.

Sf.bblino Geeanicm {J. S , J'rome).— We have a high opinion of

your seedling Oeranium, which is a Kose minimum, and of the .L""a
rosea breed, with a horseshoe, and sm ill bright rosy flowers ; then if the
habit will prove as you say, the plant is valuable, and would make an
edging to Christina, and look like it at the same time. " Thb Doctor s
Bot" sent us one very lilce it, which we lost before proving it. but we
hope to he able to prove yours by striking the two pieces you sent, yet
they will be just as safe as if thev were in your own keeping, and you may
have them hack or have them destroyed when yon will. Next time put
out all your force to raise a good pink mitiimum, a good pink medium, and
a good pink as strona as Punch. There is not a particle of pmk in any ot
the Lucia rosea breed yet. Pinks, lilacs, niauves, and magentas, with
solfjrina. and sophora colours, are the great desideratum of this age.
Sophora colour being as yellow ae the .\llaraanda petals.

Ckrastiiim tomeutosum as an Epgino— Peopagatino _ Cineraria
MisiTiMA (n/ro).— Cerastium tomentosum should he left as it is till the
middle of April, then to be taken up, parted at the roots into little bits,
and then repUnted, and to g^ on doing it the same way to the end of the
chapter. Cineraria maritima is better, and ten times more easy to raise
from seeds; and the severest frost will not hurt it if it sows itself, as has
been proved this season in the rectory garden at Surbiton. Last-autumn-
self-sown seeds there came up in spring.

Garden Plan (Countij of Wic!clow).-Jhe plan and letter from the
county Wicklow about the mixed border is under consideration. It will
be some tiaie before we can have it properly answered. When such
things are done in a hurry they, generally, may be laid aside at one s
leisure as of very little account.

Flower Gaebex Aheasged foe Next Tear (S. B.).— Tour plan is
very good, and your arrangement of the colours for next year is exceed-
ingly well done.

Seedling Verbena (Bo./^unr).— Tour Verbena is the .second instance we
have seen of some common V.rbena crossing Verbena venosa accidentally.
Mr. Beaton stated, many years since, in these pages that he had a seedling
from venosa by some strange pollen. The plant was just as wiid-looku'g
ae yours is. It is not valuable as it is, hut by anticipation it is worth
much for raising a new race of Verbenas as hardy as couch grass, ai,d as
gay as the present colours are in the blood of your wilding. But who will
take the nec=ssarv stops? Mr. Baton has lost his Experimental Garden,
and we do not kiiow of anv one to supply his place : therefore, we must
reluctantly decline your offer of the plant.

Tomatoes.— Will some of your readers kindly enlighten me as to the |
beat mode of preserving, pickling, or converting the above into sauce for
winter use ? I have this se.ason grown both the red mid the yellow variPties,
the latter is very attractive to the eye, but very inferior in my opinion to
the red in taste. I read recently that the yellow is uspd in China for
dessert like Oranges, but I could not make it palatable with either sugar
or salt. One of vour corr»spondents this week asks why it is not used in j
this countrv in tlie green state as salad. Will he inform ire how to prepare
it, sliced with vinegar, oil, and pepper, like Cucumber !— W. X. \V.

Clat Soil Gardev iT. C'.).— Do not use the Quince as a stock for your [
Pears, unless the soil is wet. We always graft on dwarf stocks both ^
Pears and Apples, the trees are so much more manageable than standards.
The Paradise stock is far better thiin the Crib for grafting Apples nn.
Plant three-year-old trees. For Apricots and Plums use ihe common
Plum as the "stock.

Sowing Herbaceous Calceolaria and Cineraria Seehs (IT. B". J.).
—It is full late for sowing Calceolaria seed", those of Cineraria should he
sown as soon as ripe. How can we tell where you can procure a garden
plan without any information as to the size, form, or locality of the garden ?

Wintering Old Vprhenas and Agiratums (A ifew Chfshira Stibscriber).
—The old Agcratums will keep very well all the winter in your greenhouse,
but unless the old Verbenas are now in pots, we think that you will not be
able to get them to take to pots from the open ground, but there will be no
harm in trying. They keep very easily if they take to the pots.

Names of Plants [Suhsn-iierX—l, Pteris tretnuU ; 2, .some Nephro.
dium or Goniopteris. wc cannot tell which without fructiftoation ; 3, Asple-
Hiuin flaccidum ; 4. Pteris hastata macrophylla ; 5 and 6, forms of
Selaginella Martensii ; 7, Selaeinella uni-inata, commonly called cccsia.
IB S.I.— Bi.lens tripartita. The plant is used to give a good yelow dye to
woollen fabrics, but we do not know that it has any value as fodder.

FLOWER SHOWS FOR 1861.

November 6th and 7th. Boval Horticoltural Socieit. (Fruit and

Chvysanthemums.) Gnrdni Superhiiendent, G. Eyles.
November 12th and 13th. Stoke Newingion CHRTSANTHEMrn Societt.

Sec, W. T. Howe.
November I4th and 15th. Cststal Palace. (Chrysanthemum Show.)

Sec, W. Houghton.
N.B. — Secretaries of Sociefies inUndinp to adrertise in our columns will

oblige us by sendi?iff an early intimation of their exhibition days.

POULTRyT^E, and HOTTSEHOLD CHRONICLE.
MORTALITY AT POULTRY SHOWS.

Much has been said of late about unfair practices with poultry
at exhibitions, and it lias been attempted to prove that such
have occurred at recent shows. They woitld go far to injure a

pursuit which we like, atid they would tate fi-om it a character
which has made it a hobby with many of the most estimable
members of society. "VVe know not what is secure from the
attacks of rogues, if they make up their minds to offend, nor cau
we point out any means of preventing misdeeds ; but publicity
will put persons on their guard to detect and prevent, and will
cause offejiders to be veiy cautious in their operations.

But it is worth while "to ask what proof there has been that
nefarious practices have been resorted to, or that birds have died
from other than natural or pm-ely accidental causes ? It is ditR-
cult to get a thousand birds together without casualties ; and
though it may seem strange, yet it is not impossible, that these
should even for two years in succession fall on the same party.
It is worthy of remark, that accideuts always happen to the best
birds. If trickery is resorted to to hinder birds from winning,
then, of course, it must be done in league either with the owner's
servants, or those of the Committee of the Show.

In either of these cases detection may become certain aod
punishment should follow ; but if it take place after the awards
are made, it shows a wretched spirit of revenge, which may be,
and we hope is, its own punishment, but which can hardly be
found out. It is so easy in passing a pen to tbrow in a piece
of food, and it is almost certain the fowls will eat it.

The competition in poultry is different from almost any other.
The competitors are subiect to no trial before they meet at the
show ; they are generally from different parts of the country,
and it is impossible one exhibitor should know whose birds vrill
tenant the pens adjoining his own. We believe few ever know
till they possess a catalogue who are their opponents ; they cannot
then set to work poisoning till they see them, victorious, pro-
bably, over their own. But what then is their object ? The
deatii of the successful is no help to the defeated. It is more
than probable, if they are put at a moderate price, that they will
be sold, and the loss then would fall on the ptn-chaser, the in-
convenience on the Committee. The offender through success
would not in any way be affected by it. If they were not sold,
the glory and even "the profit of the triumph would be little
diminished by the death of the birds.

But there is a common-sense explanation. Your columns
have contained many complaints during the last three"months
of inexplicable sickness and mortality among fowls. This,
added to the moulting season and to unusual confinement, may
surely account for the deaths of even more fowls than we have
heard of. It is assuming far too much to suppose that all birds
are sent in perfect condition to shows, and we know it has been
matter of comment among some of our most experienced judges
that there has been more appearance of sickness this year than
for a long time. Indeed, it has been thought poultry was
suffering from blight like some vegetables.— A SoTJTH CptrifTKT-
MAX.

POISONING FOWLS AT SHEFFIELD.

A aKKAT mistake has been made by your correspondent in
attributing the death and illness of the fowls at the Sheffield
Exhibition to poisoning. I was within a few yards of Mr. Ber-
wick's pen when it was opened, and the cock was then in a djing
8t£>te. There is nothing extraordinary that a hen in Mr. Carter's
gold-spangled pen should be ill ; but, that the pen would have
stood a chance of winning had the hen been well I cannot believe,
as the male bird was in miserable condition and feather owing to
fretjuent exhibition. It never ceased raining during the night
previous to the Show, and no doubt many birds that are tenderly
treated suffered. But are Ihe Committee of the Sheffield Poultry
Show responsible for the weather ?

My birds have always been carefully attended to, and at their
next exhibition I shall have no hesitation in entering such of my
fowls as are fit for exhibition. I understand that Mr. Pallett, of
Sheffield, whose birds were stated to be in miserable condition,
has denied the statement. The Sheffield prize hst is always
first-class, and I wish them every success. — S. H. Htdb, Taunton
Sail, AsJdon-uiider-Lyne.

CAPTAIN HORNBY'S GAME FOWLS.

If "F." was only actuated by a conscientious wish to see
Mr. Thomas Challon'er's fairness as a Judge established, he will
be delighted to hear that all the inquiries I have made tend to
estabhsh his integrity, and to assure me that he has not ever

EOG

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND C0T7AGE aARDENEK. [ September 24, 1861.

ecen bcforelianil any of Ihe Game fowls in Mr. Charles Clial-
loner's care until tliey came before him as a Judge.

As, however, I think it rery unfair to him to be exposed to
such insinuations, and as it is vei-y disagreeable to me to have my
name brouglit into such a discussion, I have written to Mr.
Charles Challoner to close the connection between us. I have
resigned all claim to the use of any of the poultry in his care,
and I have left him free to do anything he likes with them.

Any Game fowls I may m future show will have been walked
at Kuowsley under my own eye. j

I may conclude by a cordial asssnt to your idea that at no
poiiltry show ought there to be only one Judge ; though, if such
insinuations as have lately been made are to become common,
the difficulty will be to find judges willing to expose themselves
to such remarks. — W. W. Hoknbt.

WOLVEEHAMPTON POULTRY EXHIBITION.

Most of those individuals well conversant with poultry shows
anticipated a meeting of high character at Wolverhampton, a
town which from its ready access by rail from every quarter is
peculiarly available for the purposes of such exhibitions. It has,
indeed, been a matter of general surprise that no previous
poultry show has taken place at Wolverhampton. The one now
just closed, however, proves beyond the possibility of doubt how
strongly supported in this favoured locality an annual meeting
of Uke naturewould soon become. We cannot hesitate to record the
fact, which is in all ways a most important one, that we can
scarcely call to mind a visit paid to any exhibition of poultry
where the character of the birds throughout was so well-deserving
of our highest praise — in fact, every premium was closely con-
tested.

It would truly bo a remissness on our part not to speak in terms
of the highest approval of all the arrangements ; for the Honorary
Secretaries, Messrs. Lamb and Morris, had evidently left nothing
undone that could be done, both for the universal comfort of an
extraordinarily large concourse of visitors assembled, and equally
so for that of the poultry temporarily confided to their care — in
fact, everything connected with the Siiow had been carefully
considered, and afterwards carried oat under their personal
superintendence. The poultry were arranged under a very
commodious tent in double rows back to hack, and presented
as a whole one of the prettiest and most orderly shows of the
season.

The first class was for Oame chickens of the present year, and
a most excellent competition resulted ; the Messrs. Stubbs, of
Weston HjII, and Preston Hill, may well plume themselves on
their success in taking all three of the Game prizes with Black-
breasted Reds of great promise. The first-prize cockerel is quite
the best bird in hand we have met with tliis season, and with
proper care will prove no mean antagonist in the Single Game
Cock classes of coming years. Several of the pullets in these
prize pens were of especial beauty. In Spanish, though the
class generally was a most promising one, Mr. Rodbard, of
Aldwick Court, Bristol, took the precedence with ease. Messrs.
Martin and Cargey had a close struggle for the second and
third premiums ; whilst a highly commended pen, exhibited
by Ihe last-named gentleman, proved but little inferior. Mr.
Cargey stood out in full force in the next class with Silver Grey
Horlcings —so much so, as to sweep oif the entirety of the prizes.
It is a high credit to any breeder to be enabled to exhibit
together three so excellent pens as those alluded to : they were
all shown in superior condition. The pride of the Show was
the Cochin class — in fact, although every colour competed
together, birds of the highest character of all the varieties were
present, ^'ery few of our readers who l)ave seen them will feel
surprised to find Mr. Tudman's Partridge birds taking the lead,
pretty closely pushed, however, by a very excellent pen of Buffs,
the cock especially so, the property of Mr. Henry Bates, of
Harbournc Heath Cottage, Birmingham. We must not here
omit a favourable mention of a four-and-a-half-months-old pen
of White Cochin chickens, belonging to Mr. George Lamb, of
Compton, Wolverhampton, which took the third prize. With
age they will greatly improve ; but even now they were shown
in most creditable feather. Gold and Silver-spangled Hamlurgha
strove jointly for the awards. Here Mr. Leech, of Newcastle,
took first with a capital pen of Silver, and second with a but
little inferior pen of Golden-spangled, still continuing his success
by taking the third also with a pen of the latter variety. In

Pencilled Hamburglis Mr. Martin, of Claines, Worceste-r, stoofJ
pre-eminent with a pen of almost faultless Silvers ; the second
prize being Golden, and the remaining one Silvers.

The Turkeys were first-rate, and the Geese particularly so.
Here Mrs. Seamons, of Aylesbury, stood far in advance with a
pen of Toulouse. The third prize were also of this breed, and
the second were Embdens.

We now come to Ducks (any variety). In this class Mrs.
Seamons again easily walked away with both the first and second
prizes with Aylesburys of highest merit, and a pen of very good
Rouens were consequently compelled to be content with the
third only. We thought it a pity no class was offered for
Polands, as of late these classes are far better flUed than in
times back, and we hope to find its introduction on future
occasions. With all these disadvantages, however, the Polairds
were not permitted to remain unrepresented ; the Duke of
Sutherland sending as "extra stock" two pens, one of Golden
and the other of Yellow Polish, both of which were so good as
to elicit a unanimous high commendation from the Judges, and
also an expression of regret no general class had been allotted
them, as being undoubtedly one of the most striking varieties
in any exhibition, combined with great capabilities as layers.

The Judges were Mr. Douglas, of Banton Abbey, Stafford-
shire ; Mr. Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham ; and Mr.
George Lowe, of Ibstock, Leicestershire.

Game (Chickens of 18G1).— First and Second, J. Stubbs, Weston Hall
(Black Red). Tliird, C. Stubbs, Preston Hill. Hichly Commended. E.Archer,
Malvern. Commended, G. Cargey, Sandon Farm. Stone (Black RedJ.

Spanish. — First, J. R Rodbard, Aldwick Court, Wrington, Bristol.
Second, J. Slartin, Mildenham Mill, Claines, Worcester. Third, G. Cargey,
Snndon Farm, Stone. Highly Commended, G. Cargey. Commended, F.
Crook, Uampstead Road, London.

DoEKrNGs. — First, Second, and Third, G. Cargey, Sandon Farm, Stone
(Silver Grey).

Cocbi.s'-China (any variety). — First, E. Tudman, Ash Grove, "Whitchurch
(Grouse or Partridge). Secind, H. Bates, Harborne Heath Cottage. Edg-
baston (Buff). Third, G. Lamb, Compton, Wolverh.impton (White). Highly
Commended, E. Tudraan (Grouse or Partridge); H. Bates (Butf). Com-
mended, E. Smith. Middleton, Mancliester (Buff/.

Hamburgh (Golden or Silver-spangled). — First, Second, and Third, J.
Leech, Newcastle (Silver and Gold). Highly Commended, G Cargey. Com-
mended, Countess of Dartmouth.

H.^MBCUGH (Golden or Silver-pencilled). —First, J, Martin, Mildenham
aii.l, Claines, Worcester (Silver). Second, W. Tavernor, Little Aston, Stone
(Golden). Third, J. Bates, Burton-on-Trent (Silver).

Turkeys. — First, J. Coxon, Freeford {Cambridge). Second, Master E.
Guy, Eaton, Grantham (Cambridge). Third, G. H. Perry, Tettenhall.

Geese. — First, Mrs. M. Seamons, Hartwell. Aylesbury (Toulouse). Second,
Mrs. A. Baker. Grendon. Third, Rev. J. R. Blacki,ton, Settle, Yorkshire
(Tonlousei. Highly Commended, E. Mills, Shenstone (Greyling). Com-
mended, E. Mills (Greyling).

Ducks.— First and Second, Mrs. M. Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury (White
Aylesbury). Third, G. Cargey, Sandou Farm, Stone (Rouen). Highly
Commended, Mrs. A. Baker, Grendon ; A. MoiTis, Pendeford (Rouen).

ExTKA Poultry. — Highly Commended, the Duke of Sutherland, Trentham
Hall (Golden Polish and Yellow Polish).

SPAKKENHOE FAEMERS' CLUB POULTRY
SHOW.

This was held on the 11th inst. The Judge was Mr. Douglas,
Ranton Abbey, Statford ; and the following were his awards : —

A Cup for three best pens to J. Choyce, Harris Bridge, near Atheretone.

SrANiss.— First, Capt. Buckley, Desford. Second, J. Meredith, Ather-
stone.

Dorkings (Coloured). — First, Mis. E. S. Wolferstan,Tamwortli. Second,
W. Trussell, Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Dorkings (White).— First, Capt. Buckley, Desford. Second, J. M.
Grundy.

Cochin-China (Coloured).— First and Second, J. Staley, Collingbam,
Newark. Highly Commended, Capt. Buckley, Desford.

Cochin-China (White).— First, J. Choyce, Harris Bridge. Second,
Capt. Buckley, Desford. Highly Commended, Capt. Buckley.

Brahma Pootras.— First and Second, Capt. Buckley, Desford.

Game (White, Piles, and Light Colours).— First, C. Lowe, Atherstone.
Second, J. Cowlishaw, Katby, Leicester. Highly Commended, The Marquis
of Hastings.

Game (Red, and other Dark Colours).— Firist, K Lea, Hinckley. Second,
G. Bolt, Sheepv, Atherstone. Highly Commended, The Marquis of
Hastmgs; M. Taverncr, Upton, Nuneaton ; Lady E.A.Hastings, Ashby-
de-la-Zouch. Commended, W. T. Everard, Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Hamborghs (Gold-spangled and Pencilled).— First, G. Woodcock,
Ilincklev. Second, Capt. Buclilcv. Desford.

Hamb'urghs (Silver-spangled 'and Pencilled).- First, Mrs. Wolferstan,
Tamworth. Second, Capt. Buckley, Desford.

Polands.— Furst, J. Choyce, Harris Bridge. Second, Capt. Buckley,
Desford. ,, ,,

Ant Other Distinct BniEn.— First, J. Meredith, Atherstone (Indian
Midays). Second, Captain Buckley, Desford (Sultans). Highly Commended,
Captain Buckley [Sultans).

Ducks (White Aylesbury).— First, H. E. Embcrlin, Leicester. Second,
J. Choyce, Harris Bridge.

Ducks (Any other Variety).— First, Rev. B. C. Astlcy, Atherstone

September 24, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICTJLTTTRE AND OOTTAaE OABDENEB.

sor

(Bl'ick East Indian). Second, J. Choyce, Harris Bridge. Commended,
Mrs. A. Baker, Atherslone (Rouen); R. Dummeller. Shackerstone Field.

Gkese.— First, — Winterton, Hinckley. Second, Baroness de ClifFord,
Hinckley. Hifthly Commended, Mrs. A. Baker, Atherstonc. Commended,
J. G. Ayre, Ashby-de-la-Zouch ; Lady E. A. Hastings, Ashby-de-la-Zouch
(Canadian).

TuRKETS.— First, W. Dawkins, Temple Mill, Congerstone. Second,
Bev. W. R. Burgin, Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Guinea Fowls.— First. R. Dummeller, Shackerstone Field. Second,
— VVinterton, Wolvey Villa, Hinckley. Commended, W. Harrison, Bag-
worth Park, Leicester.

EANT.4MS.— First, Sir A. B. C. Dixie, Bart., Bosworth Park. Second, J.
Choyce, Harris Bridge.

PiGEOss.—Powters or Croppers.— ?n7,e, H. E. Emberlin, Leicester.
Carriers.— Prize, H. E. Emberlin, Leicester. Tumblers.— tnze, W. Choyce,
Atherstone. FantaUs.—?n7,e, W. Choyce, Atherstone. Any other dis-
tinct rariet!/.—Pil/.e, Sir A. B. C. Dixie, Bart., Bosworth Park (White
Jacobins).

Rabbits.— /"or the heaviest Weight.— Trize, W. Choyce, Atherstone.
Commended, J. Meredith, Atherstone. For the greatest length of Ear .—
Prize, W. Choyce, Sibson, Atherstone. For the best of any other kind. —
Prize, "W. Choyce, Atherstone.

POWLS WITH FLESH TASTING OFFENSIVELY.

I HATE been most successful in rearing a fine stock of
Dorking cliickens, most of which are now in high feather and
good condition for the table ; but when cooked are so offensive
in taste and smell that it is impossible to eat them. I shall be
glad if you could enlighten me as to the cause, and also point
out a remedy. The smeU resembles that of the dung of fowls in
their house. I have nearly one hundred, and we cannot touch
another. — An Old Sdbsckibee.

[The smell and taste arise entu-ely from some improper food
to which they have access. To prove it, give a fowl garlick or
milt dust, and the eggs they lay will taste of it. Purge the
fowls of which you complain, confine them for a fortnight, feed
them on ground oats, and all the smell and taste will have dis-
appeared. You must discover whence they get the offensive
food. It may arise in a smaller degree from their being killed
when full of food, which after death ferments in the body, and
causes partial decomposition.

After having fed a fowl for a fortnight in the manner we have
described, let it be fasted for twenty-four hours, then killed, and
it will eat well.]

ANSWEE TO AND PLEA FOE GAME FOWLS.

YoUB correspondent " HiJllANlTAg," in his letter upon the
dubbing of Game cocks, seems unable to see the advantage of
depriving the birds of their natural adornment. The reasons
are very evident. First, To allow the smallness and neatness of
the head to be seen, whicli, if the comb and wattles wei-e left on,
would not be so apparent. Second, To allow no hold to its
adversary in battle, for though cock-fighting days are past it is
well to prepare against the results of chance combats. The force
with which Game cocks strike is well known ; and when they can
hold the comb of their foe, they are enabled to deal much more
powerful strokes than otherwise.

" Htjmanitas " seems to consider the comb and wattles a
great adornment to the bird, but many of our Game fowl
breeders will, I am sure, not coincide in his opinion on this
point. As to the cruelty of the operation, if done when young by
a skilful operator, and a little powdered resin dusted upon the
bleeding wound, very little danger or pain will accrue from the
process. — Galltts PtraifAS.

CUEING A COCK OF HIS PUGNACITY.

Can you tell me how to cure a fine Dorking cock of his savage
propensities ? There are plenty of hens and a good run for him,
and yet he is so savage that it is impossible to go near him with
comfort. He is very spiteful also to the hens generally. I feel
unwiUing to get rid of him, if there is any way of taming him as
he is a fine bird. — A Subsoelber.

[Like you, we should be very sorry to get rid of a savage cock,
as such are generally the best birds. Their spitefulness in-
creases with the fears of their owners. As soon as they find
they are mastered, they become milder in tlieir temper. We
advise you to tie a long empty bag, or an old pillow-case to the
end of a stick, and carry it when you approach him. If he I
attack, buffet him gently with it, and he will soon give over his

pugnacity. We have known a shepherd cure a dog of his pro-
pensity to run after sheep by tethering him to an old ram. The
latter soon butted tlie breath out of the dog, and lie never faced
a sheep afterwards.]

DORKING COCK'S SPUES-MAEK ON
PULLET'S NECK.

If you can spare m3 space in your answers to correspondents,
be kind enougli to settle my doubts on two points.

I have a fine young Dorking cockerel that I intended to show
at Birmingham. He is a particulai-ly fine bird, and promises to
be very large and handsome ; but there seems to be a pecuUarity
about the growth of the two back toes. Instead of their growing
one curving upwards from the other as is usually the case, they
grow at right angles with the shank, keeping together though
quite separate. They are also of exactly the same length, instead
of the upper one being longer than the under one. Would this
peculiarity interfere with his success at a show? Would judges
look upon it as a blemish ?

2ndly. A very fine and handsome pullet had her neck slightly
injured when a chicken through a hen having pecked her. The
feathers (two or three only), have grown so as to show a mark,
suggesting the idea tliat there is a scar. Would this spoil a pen
in which she might be one of three ? — Eev. E. C.

[The peculiarity of the claws of the Dorking cook will not
interfere with his success. It is no advantage, but it is far from
a disquahfication.

The absence of two or three feathers in the neck of a hen is
immaterial ; but with the most ordinary care no soar or appear-
ance of one should have been a result.

It is no longer necessary to have three hens or pullets at
Birmingham. Two only are required in competition.]

FOOD FOE DUCKLINGS AND YOUNG
TUEKEYS.

Will you inform me the best food for young Ducks and
Turkeys ? I liave been in the habit of feeding them with soaked
bread, rice, and barleymeal mixed, but they do not appear to
thrive. Last year I lost them nearly all from cramp and want of
strengthening food, although regularly fed..— T. B.

[When ducklings are first hatched curd is the best food for
them ; but when they are of tolerable size ground oats mixed in
water, with a little gravel in it, and whole corn for a change, are
all they require if at liberty. If tliey are confined, they should
have sods of growing grass put in their water.

Turkeys should now be large and old enough to be out o£
harms' way. The food on which they thrive best is oatmeal
mixed with milk, with which the green of onions may be chopped
fine and mixed. For young Turkeys, bruised peppercorns aro
good food. Bice is bad. Do not allow your young Turkeys to
wander about the fields till the sun is up, and the dew is off the
grass.]

THE ANY OTHEE VAEIETY AND TUMBLEE
CLASSES.

AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE EXHIBITION OF PIGEONS.

Havino read the account of your reporter of the late Crystal
Palace Poultry Show, and the refittation of the charge contained
therein against the utility and possibility of taming and domes-
ticating the Australian Wongo-Wongo Pigeon by the exhibitor,
it appears that the point of the argument rests not in capability
of domestication, but whether the class " Any other Variety "
embraces all Pigeons (those captured and imported) as well as
the varieties of domestic ones to which a separate class is not
aUotted ?

Certainly to any itnprejudiced observer it seems that wild
Pigeons ought to be disqualified from competition in this class ;
if they are exhibited it ought to be in a special class adapted to
foreign wild Pigeons which liave been imported. A very good
class might be made if they allowed foreign wild Pigeons and our
native wild Doves and Pigeons to compete in one class.

There is, also, another objectionable point which the late
Show has brought before public notice — the competition of Kite

SOS

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARJ)ENEE. [ September 24, 1861.

Tumblers in the class with self colours. Self-coloured Tumblers
must mean those of one imiform colour, whose feathers are not
streaked with black. Surely a Kite-niarkfd bird cannot fairly
compete with rids, yellows, and blacks ; some Kites appear to be
almost uniform in colour, but these are not specimens which we
ought to judge by of the variety. — An Exhibitor.

WOEMS IN THE EYES OF GEESE.

With reference to the letter in your last issue from Sir John
Macueil's land steward, respecting the insects found in the eyes
of several of the Geese on Miltown Grange Farm, I think it an
extraordinary and unaccountable phenomenon. I have one of
the parasites still alive in water at my hospital in Aungicr
Street, where the curiou.s may examine it.

It appears the eye alfccti-d first inflames, and the cornea or
front of the eyeball loses its natural trnnsparency and becomes
white. By degrees the eye gets too large for the orbit or socket,
and is projected outwards ; evidently causing much pain to the
animal. The disease only attacks one eye. Being in the vicinity
of Miltown Grange the other day on other business, I called to see
these animals, and operated upon two of them by splitting open
the cornea with a pair of scissors and allowing the parasite to
escape. In every case the insect comes away alive, and can be
kept alive in water.

These Geese have access to a rivulet with clay bottom, that
communicates with the river Eane ; in which are abundance of
the common ditch leech. Is it possible that the leech spawn
swallowed by the animal could be thus generated, or how gets
the parasite into the charrber of the eye ?

On the subject of " Worm in the Eye of the Horse," the
following short letter is publislied in "Percival's Lectures," 3rd
vol., p. 235 :—

** I have been favoured lately with some observations of the
presence of these woims in horses' eyes, by W. Twinmg, !Esq.
(surgeon to the Commander-in-Chief), who has written on the
subject in the 'Medical Society's Transactions,' at Calcutta, from
which I will row give you an extract. He says, 'Sir E. Home
mentions (in his Lectures on Comparative Anatomy), that the
arteries of the cihary processes in the horse «re comparatively
yery large, and that Sir E. Homes is led to believe that the two
species of worms — the strongylus and filaria — found alive in the
aqueous humours of that animal in India obtain access through
these arteries, and this opinion is the more probable since similar
worms are known to be occasionally present in the blood.' "

Mr. Twining adds, that several circumstances concur to render
it probable that the ova of the filaria equi arc received into the
stomach with the food ; and that these ova, taken up by the
absorbents, flow with the blood into the various parts of the
body favourable to the development of the worm, which having
been accomplished, its further progress may be impeded by its
augmented size. Sir A. Cooper's observations on worms found
within the cceliac artery of the ass may be considered corrobo-
ratory of all this, though it must be confessed the subject yet
lacks elucidation. — M. Small, V.S., 22, Aungier Sti-ec4, Ihthlin.
— (Irish Farmer's Gazette.)

YOUNG BEES EXPELLED FEOM HIVES.

I CANNOT quite concur in the reply given in The Jouhnal or
HoKTicrLTUEE, of the 10th of September, to the query of
" A Perplexed ToruG Bee-keepee." I do not think that the
heat of the weather, or undue heat maintained internally by the
bees, has anything to do with the cause of the imperfect develo]")-
ment of the brood, or indirectly in any way wiih the expulsion
of the young bees. We have had, if 1 mistake not, a summer of
a lower average temperature than usxial ; and the lui>t four weeks,
though on the whole fine and dry, have not been at all remark-
able for excessive heat — in fact, 1 should imagine them to have
been below par in that respect.

But although I have thus expressed myself at issue with the
reason assigned in the reply, yet I am not prepared to advance
any other which is much more satisfactory to my own mind. The
querist is, I think, himself nearer the truth in attributing the
cause to the long continuance of uncongenial weather with whieh
we were visited during July and part of August; but we
might suppose, if such were the cause, that many more hives
would suffer in the same manner.

I am inclined to doubt that all the young bees thus summarily
dis]iosed of are imperfcftly developed. Bees quickly learn bad
habits. If we leave refuse combs about with the view of their
bemg cleaned by the bees, we soon transform a peaceable apiary
into a cest of abandoned robbers. Thus, is it not possible that
some imperfect bees were originally, and from time to time, cast
out, and that the adults became indoctrinated with the spirit of
slaughter? The wings which appear improperly formed may
have become mutilated by the ruthless foes of these (uifortunates.
This is merely a suggestion, and not in any way advanced as a
solution of the difl[lculty. Perhaps the " YorNO Bee-keepek"
would examine more closely the young bees as they first issue
from the entrance, and try to ascertain if they are in any way
imperfect. — S. B. Fox. Exeter.

The case of your correspondent " A Pebplesbd Youkg
Bee-keepeb" although rare, is not altogether unknown ; as
about six years ago I had a hive from which the young bees fell
to the ground on their first attempt at flight, to such an extent
that the garden walks were covered with them, especially on a
fine day occurring after a few days dull weather. This com-
menced early in the spring and continued until autumn (in spite
of feeding, which did no good), when I kilhd them and found
the hive well stored with good honey to the weight of about
20 lbs. This could not have been caused by want of fine
weather, as the summer was a good one, and great quantities of
pollen were carried in ; nor could I discover the cause when I
killed them. ; but I am inclined to think you have suggested the
roost probable cause — viz., a too warm situation, as mine were
located under a high wall, aspect south, the hive a common one,
well hackled. I must, however, say, I had another liive alongside
it which did very well and showed no sign of the disease, and
this seems to point to the queen as being diseased. Are the
" two other hives" your correspondent speaks of, the swarms of
the one most dise.ased ? And are his hives exposed to the sun?"
If not, I would drive them and unite them to one of the best
stored stocks.

The season in this neighbourhood has been a very bad one ;
very few hives have swarmed twice, and a great many not at all.
Feeding will have to be generally resorted to, for which purpose
I prefer a wooden trough cut out of the solid — say 8 inches long,
1 i" itich deep, and 1^ inch wide, with wooden float; the hive
to be raised on blocks if full of comb, if not, a larger entrance
than usual to be cut for the purpose, and fitted with a block of
wood having an aperture of less than usual size. I do not find
the bees take the food fron^. the top as well as the bottom.

I am glad to see your Renfrewshire correspondent enlightens
your apiarian readers as to the effect of the vicinity of sugar
refineries, and shall be glad to hear how the season has been
^TJtli him and the "Pluvians" generally, and how his LiguriauB
],avo fared. — A Noeth-Staefokdshire Bee-kbepeb.

SUPERIOKITY OF LIGURIAN BEES.

I EEGRET that I am notable to furnish "X." with a fable
of the product of honey from the Ligurians and the black bees,
although I do not fancy a table of this kind could be eo framed
as to be of any real value.

Perhaps the best test to which I can submit the Ligurians, is
briefly to state what I have done w th them during the past
summer, and leave the apiarian readers of The Jouknal of
HonTiC'tJLTUKE to draw their own conclusions with regard to
their superioi-ity over the common species.

Premising, therefore, that all my endeavours have been directed
to the multiplication of stocks and queens, and that what honey
I have taken has been, as it were, forced \ipon me, I may state
that I commenced with ten weak stocks, nine of which were
Ligurians, to which must be added one purchased swarm of
common bees, making eleven in all. I'uring the season these
havo been increased as follows : —

Qneens and stocks tlispnsed of 24

Kemuining in ttie apiary 28

Total 52

When it is considered that some stocks and queens were
parted ivilh so early that little or no increase was obtainc<I from
thcMi by me, and that as each left the apiary the oapaoily of
reproduction in the latter was proportionately diminished, I
think the Italians will be admitted to have done well in my

September 21, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB.

509

hands. I should also add that the incidental honey harvest has
amounted to about 70 lbs,

Perlmps, liowever, the capabilities of tlie Liguvians may be
best estimated by what has been done by my strongest stock,
which I have multiplied to ten! in addition lo tailing from It a
super containing 38 lbs. of beautiful honey! — A Detonshike
Bee-keepek.

APIAEIANS' EXHIBITION IN FEANCE.
The Agricultural Society of France for the Encouragement
of tlie Breeding of Bees, held a meeting last weeli at the
Model Bee-hive, at the Luxembourg. About one hundred agri-
culturists attended from various parts of France. The exhibiticn
oi bees which was held in the orangery, was very interesting.
The produce exhibited called forth expressions of admiration
from the spectators. It showed how much progress has been
made within a few years in one of the most lucrative industries
of rural life. Several very important practical questions were
discussed at the meeting. The country clergy were represented
at the congress by five parish priests. One farmer in Cham-
pagne, instructed in this art by his parish priest, po'sssses at
prc'scnt 1000 bee-hives. The efforts of the Society have been
attended witli the best results. A superior degree of comfort
has by its means been iutroiluced into districts where it was
hitherto unknown. The rearing of bees entails no additional
house rent. It requires but a small capital, and but Httle
labour. It is evident that mucli remains to be done, when we
consider that while France produces 70,000,000f. worih of honey
and wax, she expends 60,000,0001'. in additional purchases. The
Agricultural Society are of opmion that France might produce
2GO,000,OOOf. worth of honey and wax, and then export
70,000,0001'. worth.— (Pacis Corresj>ondent of the Times.)

A.

(Artiticiii) swarm

May It. Old queen.)

D.

" B. & W.'s •■ APIAEY IN 1861.

{Continued from page 452.)

Mt last communication, wliich appeared in your Journal of

the 3rd instant, brought down the liislory of my apiary to the

end of Jidy ; at wliieh period my stocks, eight in number (more

I care not to liave) stood as follows : —

B. C.

(Artilicitil Bwarm (Aviificiial swnrm

M.iy 23. Artificial May 24. Old queen.)
queen, 18()1.)

E. F.

(Old stocli, artifldal. (Old stock, artifloial. (Artificiiil swarm

Natural queen, 1861.) Arliflcial queen, 1859.) May 17. Old queen.)

These six hives were in my bee-house. Tiie two others were
located elsewhere.

G. H.

(Artificial ewarm (Natural swarm

June 12. in Tusinatiian-hive. Juno 14, in improved straw hive.
Artiftciul queen, I8til.) Natm-al queen, 1860.)

I have now to relate the story of a dynastic revolution effected
this autumn, by wliich the ilrst seven of these kingdoms have
been convulsed and their queens deposed. Our friend the
" DevonsiiirI; Bee-keeper" has to answer tor the distress
occasioned to these Iia|:'le8s populations by his ruthless patronage
of the invading Ligurians,* alias Italian alp bees.

The first two annies of the invader were indeed successfully
repulsed and destroyed, not one surviving to carry oft' the tale of
their disaster. But on tlie 12th Jidy there suddenly appeared
a third Amazon leader, witli her picked guards in russet and
gold, wliich by a night surprise became masters of the citadel
of D, and ultimately of the entire kingdom, the reigning queen
having bet n early killed in the inelee.

To speak in plain English, the substitution of the Italian for
the English queen was this time eflected most cautiously and
successfully. My mode of proceeding was this : Preparatory to
giving the Itahans to this hive I removed the stock-box 1),
having the English queen in it, to a stand in a distant part of
my garden. A super full of comb and bees, whicli happened to
be over this box, was substituted in its place. The Italian
queen with several of her own subjects, whicli Iiad been trans-
ferred to a large wineglass, wna then placed over a hole in the
top of the super, with a piece of perforated zinc intervening.

* By the way, I hope this is the last occasion on which I shall write the
word "Liguriau" as the title of these bees, it b.'ing on acknowledged
mlBnomer,

They remained thus for fourteen or fifteen hours, during wliich
time I occasionally withdrew the zinc slide and admitted some
of the English bees, taking care not to irritate either party.
They all I'raternised amicably — not the slightest symptom of
anger (and barely of suspicion) appearing in any of them, till,
when the English bees outnumbered the Italians, the elide was
finally removed. In a short time the queen and all descended,
and everything proceeded as usual. I am not aware that a single
worker Italian bee lost her life on this occasioui The English
bees had been aware of their own loss.

Finding that X could look for no further additicfn to my
number of pure Italians this year, I resolved to rear a number
of artificial hybrid queens, and to substitute them for the several
Englisi) queens in my apiary. If the modern theory be correct,
and the drone-offspring of these hybrids will be pure Italians, I
shall have no difliculty next year in supplying any quantity of
pure-bred queens — i.e., in the event of my solitary Italian queen
surviving the winter.

In preparation for this breeding of hybrids, I had carefully
examined every comb in the super before introducing the Italian
queen, and had assured myself that it contained neither eggs nor
brood of any kind. Finding, therefore, at the end of a week
that many eggs had been laid in the combs, some of which were
actually hatched, I determined to lose no time in commencing
operations, especially as the number of drones in my apiary was
beginning to decrease rapidfy. My plan of proceeding was
first of all to drive the whole population of D and A, with their
respective queens, into empty boxes, which for several hours
were located each in its own place till both hives were quieted,
the stock-boxes of the two hives were then returned to the bees,
only being made to exchange places. Thus, the Italian queen
found herself mistress of a hive full of English brood in every
stage of progress while occupying the same place in the apiary
as before ; and the bees of A, whose queen I had sought for and
destroyed previous to giving them the Italian box (lately B's),
were compelled to supply her loss by nurturing a hybrid queen.

On the 15th of July the " DevOnshiee Bee-keepek " paid
me a visit, bringing with him a royal cell containing an Italian
nymph, which he had kept as warm as possible in his hat. We
made an artificial swarm out of E on the spot, by simply re-
moving the stock-box, queen and all, to another stand m the
garden, and putting a super in its place in the bee-hou»e, which
super happened (as in the former case) to be over the stock-box
full of bees, with some few combs empty of brood. The royal
nymph in her cell was adjusted in a glass containing some comb
and set at once over an open hole at the top of the super. The
bees crowded up directly and took possession of the glass, paying
gi'eat attention to the young grub, covering her in in due time, so
that I inade sure all was right. However, on the 24th of July
I found the royal ccU demolished, in such a manner as satisfied
me that the bees had torn out the body of the young queen, their
instinct discovering to them that she was dead. A careful
search among the bees confirmed my suspicions, no queen was
to be seen. On the next day, therefore (the25tli), I took several
combs out of A (late D's box) and examined them, four royal
cells were found, but only one apparently tenanted ; there may
have been others which escaped my notice. The comb containing
the tenanted cell was returned to A, the three others I cut out
and put them in a glass with other comb over E. Besides the
three royal cells there was some Italian brood not ceiled in, all
which were utterly neglected ; not' did the bees of E seem dis-
turbed, although certainly queenless.

Before I relate the further fortunes of this hive, I may mention
that a young queen issued from her cell in A in due time ; I saw
her indistinctly on the 3rd of August, on which day thei-c was a
grand massacre of drones in this hive, some few, liowever, being
happily spared : these beeS have since done very well, having
been subsequently transfeiTfed to a large box three-parts full of
comb, where, as I fed them liberally, they have constructed fresh
comb, and a good deal of pollen is now (Stpt 11), being carried
in. Here, at least I have succeeded in establishing a fertile Anglo-
Italian hybrid.— B. & W.

(2b ie cdniUuid.)

Ceikoliite and its CoNSEijUEircES. — A correspondent vouches
for the truth of the following story : — On Sunday last a young
lady expansively dressed was in a garden within a hundred
miles of the town of Bradford. She stooped to gather sorae-
thiug, when her crinoline coquetted with a bee-hive that stood

510

JOtTRNAIi OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 24, 1861.

close by. On attempting to walk forward, the mischievous article,
unwilling to surrender its hold, pulled over the hire, and an angry
troop of bees came buzzing about the alarmed and unhappy
fair one. Clearly no time was to be lost, so, mustering up her
courage, she rushed to a pond in the enclosure, and plunged
OTerhead, to shield herself from her exasperated foes. As it was,
however, the poor girl was very badly stung, and had to be
removed to bed. It was expected that she would quite recover
in a few days. — (Pfeston Herald.)

HEALTHY HOMES FOE DOMESTIC ANIMALS.

Dk. Johnson has said that "Human life is everywhere a
state in which much is to be endured and little to be enjoyed ;"
and certainly this remark can with much propriety be referred
to our domestic animals ; creatures which are more or less
rendered subservient to tlie use of men, by whom they, in order
to obtain from them the commodity for which they are kept,
are placed under the operation of certain artificial states, and
in many instances under circumstances most baneful to the
animal economy, and consequently detrimental to the well-being
of our stock.

"We are well aware that a hunter must be artificiallv treated
ill order to fit him for the severe physical exertion lie is forced
to undergo dui-ing a run with hounds, and that a milch cow,
especially the one located iu our metropolitan dairy sheds, is
converted into a machine for the production of milk ; at the '
same time it is the duty of merciful man to consider well how
he deals with the tender life of dumb creatures committed to
his charge by an All-wise Providence ; and this matter must
be investigated on sound principles, and the conclusion arrived
at must be based on deep scientific research and well-weighed
practical observation. This consideration, therefore, involves
the necessity of the reasoner being acquainted with the habits
of animals, whether placed in a natural or an artificial state,
and of his being versed in a knowledge of physiology and
chemistry, appertaining to an elucidation of a hygienic system.
The question may be put. What is to be understood by hygiene ?
Hygiene is a system by means of which we are able to indicate
both for ourselves and animals, first, the best food to be taken
for consumption, or that which is most calculated to promote
health ; and, secondly, to select habitations so situated and
arranged as to insure perfect drainage and ventilation, or,
in other words, those built on scientific principles, and with
sufficient human foresight so as to procure health and consequent
happiness.

By a due attention to these laws, " Life may be lengthened,
though death cannot ultimately be defeated ;" and in applying
this remark to our domestic stock, we must consider where and
how stables should be erected so as to insure perfect drainage
and ventilation. Stalls in our opinion should not be less than
7 feet wide ; the floors of which should dechne, and that very
slightly, from the side " partitions " to the centre, from which
point the liquid runs away through a long underground gutter
to the main di'ain. By effecting the immediate escape of liquid,
it is easily understood that decomposition cannot go on within
the stable, and, consequently, the presence of certain deleterious
gases, such as ammonia, sulphuretted hydrogen, &c., is in a
great measure prevented. We recommend a slight decline from
the partitions and main wall in front, because we have noticed
the ill cBects, and in many instances disease, arising as the
result of the floors of stalls being built on a dechne from the
main or wall in front to a surface gutter, which formerly existed,
and sometimes even now is met with behind the horses' heels.
In this stall so constructed, the inmate was obhged for hours
together to stand uphill — i.e., with his forelegs in a more
elevated position than his hind ; and that this continued posture
must be wearisome to horses, and we will add, injurious, can be
seen by animals so located hanging back, as it is called — i.e.,
placing their hindlegs near the main surface gutter, so as 'o
bring their forelegs on a plane sm-face, and place their bodies in
an easy and at the same time natural posture. Any position if
persisted in for any length of time becomes irksome and laborious ;
but ten times worse is it for the poor horse so situated, which
has no alternative but to lie down and stand on an inclined
plane— /.e., iu a po^ition calculated to produce contraction of
the ligaments at tlie back part of the knee, and thus set up the
disease known as over at knee. We are no advocates for stalling
horses ; without doubt it is our duty to consult the workings

of nature; and common sense indicates that loose boxes are
to be preferred to stalls as habitations for our horses. In these
locations our animals can range about and stand or lie down
in almost any posture they like ; their legs do not go, and life
itself by these means could be rendered pleasant. But stalls or
loose boxes if not ventilated — i.e., if they are not constructed so
as to admit the ingress of pure air, and the egress of impure or
spent gases, are likely to produce in horses diseases most fatal,
such as glanders, farcy, opthalmia, &c. These maladies were
common some years back, but lately, owing to a better attention
to the laws of hygiene, have become comparatively rare. Many
systems of ventilation have been tried, but none have succeeded
so well as Muir's Patent Four-points Ventilator, which consists
of a cylincli'ical tube, divided into two parts by a mid partition,
or diaphragm, so arranged as to allow the escape of the impure
air on one side and ingress of pure air on the other. By this
means a continued stream of fresh air is supplied, replacing the
spent gases, or those unfit for respiration, and consequently
injurious to health.

Having insured good drainage and ventilation for our stables,
our task is only partly accomplished, since we must now select
the best stable iittings. The days were when stable appointments
were so ill-contrived and painful for the reflecting horseman to
consider, that Messrs. Cottam & Hallen introduced and patented
stable fittings, and so well constructed were they that throughout
Great Britain they have been adopted with great success and
profit to the patentee. Since this patent was invented several
of greater or lesser value have appeared, all presenting, with a,
few trifling exceptions, the same features as the original invention
of Messrs. Cottam & Hallen. Lately, the spirited firm of
Messrs. Musgrave & Brothers, of Belfast, have introduced
stable fittings — fittings carried out on the same plan as the
original patent, but certainly improved upon and added to
with success. These stable fittings consist of three open stalls
and one loose box. In the loose box we object to the hayrack
being in front and above the horse's head, instead of below it,
as seen in the annexed illustration of Musgrave's new Patent
Manger, which is fitted in the stalls. In this the opening at

the top of the hayrack is made very large, and as there is no
back rim, the horse is able to get his head freely down to the
bottom. The manger or mash-tub has a footguard, which
efiectually prevents the horse throwing out his oats or mash,
and yet lets his breath escape while feeding. The water-pot hag
no brass plug in the bottom, but turns upon a pivot, and
discharges tlie unused water through a grating at the back,
keeping the pot as dean as a china bowl, and the water always
fresh. If oats happen to be in the pot they are retained whUe
the water passes ofl". Any one who has used the common
water-pot, with a brass chain and plug iu the bottom, which
frets tlie horse and soils the water with verdigris, will see ia
this, although so simple, a very great improvement.

The tying apparatus is a great improvement on the original
patent. In Musgrave's the horse is not fastened to the manger,
but the leather strap or chain (the former being the better)
works through a long slit on the top plate, which allows it to
play as freely as if no manger was before the horse.

Another improvement introduced by the Musgraves consists
in a sliding guard iu the form of a gridiron, which, by resting
on the top of the hay in the rack, allows the horse only to remove
a mouthful at a tinje, and by this means prevents waste.

Tlie sliding bar for confining each horse in his own stall in
the absence of the groom, on account of its use is a work of
experience and foresijiht. The annexed diagram shows a stall
division fitted with the jiatent safety barrier. In the centre of

September 24, 1861. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICTJLTTTRE AND COTTAGE (JAKDENER.

511

the stall dirisiou is inserted a strong iron tube, marked "Barrier
Sheatli," and inside of this there is a sliding barrier, which
passes out through the heel-post, with a knob on tlie eud. The

seryant as he leaves the stable pulls the barrier out of each
stall, and fastens it to the opposite wall. This closes off the
passage behind, so that if the horse should break loose at night,
he is eiFectually confined to his own stall. In the morning, the
barriers slide back again into their sheaths, where tliey are out
of the way till next required. Two or more barriers can be
fitted to each division, but one is generally found sufficient.

BIRDS :

THE DAMAGE DONE BY THEM, AND THE GOOD THEY DO.
** In medio tutissimus ibis. "

Ms. Abbey is among the few gardeners who take a liberal
and humane view on the subject of the mischief done by birds.
He has said everything in their favour, and little against them.
It is when birds become too numerous that damage is done.

In certain cold, dry springs, where Sparrows are numerous
and caterpillars scarce, I have seen nearly the whole of the
blossom-buds of the gooseberries destroyed by them, and the
farmers allow tliem to buUd near their houses, but make a
great fuss and try to scare them away when their wheat is
ripening, and the birds get into flocks of a thousand strong.

Thruslies do little damage, as they live mostly on small worms
and insects, but in a scorching June only they will take a very
few strawberries and currants. The great cormorant of the fruit
garden is the wary Blackbird. Surely Mr. Abbey will admit
that where they are very numerous they help themselves most
freely, and destroy immense quantities of strawberries. At the
same time it must be allowed, that when breeding, little else
except caterpillars, worms, and other insects, are carried to the
nests for their young ones.

The French Grovernment have been trying to encourage the
breed of birds of all sorts, particularly Sparrows, Larks, and a
few other sorts, which have been nearly extirpated in that
country. The French have few birds excepting the migratory
ones — nightingales. Blackcaps (the Fmivettes), Wood Wrens, iScc,
and the people there have found out that for want of the natural
birds of the country their crops are damaged by catei-pillars and
grubs of all sorts.

There being no law of primogeniture as to landed property
in Prance, the land is so much divided in small portions and
tracts, that it will require a very stringent enactment to compel
the innumerable host of little landholders to abstain from de-
stroying birds on their own estates. It is the same in the island
of Jersey, where one hundred fowlers may be seen with guns
looking after a couple of Woodcocks in the winter, when these
birds arrive on the island.

Hooks do a great deal of good to the farmer also ; but thes
must not be suffered to increase too much. It is ridiculous to
say that if these birds were left alone altogether that no mischief
would be done by them, as alleged by some writers. They
■will destroy the seed crop of potatoes, wheat, or any corn
whatsoever almost entirely, and I have seen them attack the
appl«8 and pears in orchards in Gloucestershire, particularly in

dry seasons, not to mention the walnuts, which tliey carry ofl' in
great quantities in October.

The poor Larks are quite harmless, and they are cruelly shot in
great numbers to be eaten.

The winter of 1860-61 has made great havoc amongst the birds,
and I can see a gceat diminution in tlieir numbers, particularly
in those of our sweet songster, the common Thrush {Titrthis
musicus). The Missel Thrush, also, has not been seen so fre-
quently tbe last spring in this neighbourhood, and I miss his
wild chant during storms.

It would be almost impious to say that any living creature was
not sent into the world by their Creator for some good purpose ;
but common experience tells us certain creatures must be
lessened in numbers from time to time, the same as the common
cattle which we live on.

On tiie whole, I highly commend Mr. Abbey for going out of
the vulgar track of gardeners in general, some of whom grudge
even the poor Robin a few currants, although this bird almost
begs and waits for a worm, and enters our houses in severe
winters to seek shelter from the cold. 1 have heard gardeners
call him a little " robbing " bird.

Those migrating birds included in the category of "garden
warblers," are in July great pDferers of strawberries, raspberries,
and red currants ; but no one ought to look on this but as a
fair return for their beautiful song. — H. W. Newman", Hillside,
Cheltenliam.

CULLINGFOED'S BIED TRAP.

The engraving illustrates a very ingeniously-constructed trap
for the purpose of capturing birds, that has been issued by Mr.
CuUingford. It consists of a central platform which sways freely
from side to side, being supported on a pivot at each end. On
this platform is placed the bait, consisting of grain or whatever
material may be attractive to the bird which it is desired to
capture. Around this platform ia a deep groove to contain the

net, which is securely fastened down around one half of the trap,
the remainder being attached to a wire forming three-fuurths of
a square ; this is turned into a spiral spring where it is con-
nected with the trap. The consequence of this arrangement is,
that when the net is puUed back into the position shown in the
cut, and then liberated, it is by the action of the spiral spring
quickly thrown over the entire platform, securing any animal
that may be upon it. When set for use the wire covering the
net is forced back into the gi-oove to the right hand, and secured
by bringing over it tlie pointed wire wliioh is sliown in the erect
position in the cut ; the point of this wire is held down by the
small catch shown on the platform.

It is obvious that tlie movements of any bird or other animal
on the platform must of necessity cause it to sway to one side or
the other ; and the result is, that the pointed wire beiu"
liberated from the catch permits the spring and wire to pull the
net over the platform and secure the bird.

STOCK OF CANARIES— FOOD FOR YOUNG
ONES.

The size of the aviary is 3 feet by 4 feet ; height 9. I propose
to begin with six green hen Canaries', and two golden yellow
cocks : may they be placed together now, and allowed to bring off
their young as frequently and as early ss they please ? for, in
my breeding-cage, a hen Canary has laid sixteen eggs ; forsaking
her young at the end of a fortnight, to the injury of her elder
brood. Would it answer to put in a cock Goldfinch to get used
to the Canaries, and place him in a breeding-cage with a suitable
hen early in the spring ?

512

JOTJENAL OF HOBTICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ September 34, 1861.

Any sugsestioT) to save the quantity of epgs consumed by the
Toung birds would be moft acceptable, as the older birds most
freelv partake of the food provided for the nestlings.

[I consider it would be better to put one coct and four hens
in the proposfd avinry than two cocVs and six hens in so small
a space ; end as the season is so far advanced, it would be better
not to put the cock in until the spring, but a Goldfinch would
do no injury at present.

I know of no better food for the old to feed their young on
than hard-boi'ed egg, bread, and maw-seed, with plenty of fresh
green meat.— B. P. Brext.]

THE .JAPAJTESE OR AILANTHUS SILKWORM.

This specie?, which 51. Guerin Meneville has natuvalifcd in
central France, is reared in the open air, and its food — the !eaf
of the Japan vari;ish tree — prospers in the poorest soils capable
of producing no grains, vines, or grapes for lasture. This worm
demands very little care; it is exposed with impunity to violent
storms, has not been affected by the epidemic disease so fatal to
the silk culture in Southern Europe, and may be destined to
furnish for western countries, as it has for many w^nturies in
China, the silk of the people. At the ch&teau de Leygouttier,
the residence of M. Aiguillon, a distinguished agriculturist ot'
Toulon, a part of these worms were raided in a close cabinet,
another set in a greenhouse well aired both day and niglit, and
a third division in the open air upon hurdles Uft out of doors,
and on trees mer<;ly covered with a netting for protection against
birds.

At the ch^'eau de Coudray-Montpensier, also, Count Lamotte-
Barace has had these silkworms reared in the open air on mag-
nificent clumps of the Japanese varnish tree 12 feet to 16 feet
high. The cocoons obtained from those kept exposed to all
weathers are larger and richer in silk than from those which
have been protected or confined ; and at Toulon, as at Coudrsy,
the worms have undergone several violent storms, with beating
rains and furious gusts, without appearing to sutler in any way.
At Coudray, after a hurricane, July 20 and 21, 1S59, which
broke oV tore up many trees, and carried aw»y the stispension
bridge of Langeais, over the Loire, they were found next morn-
ing with the rain flowing over them, eating and weaving their
cocoons on the trees where they had maintained tlieii^selves
safely.— {Prairie Farmer.)

WASPS.

CoKTKAKT to the established ideas on such matters that these
destructive in-sects only visited us in large numbers when Plums
were plentiful, they are certainly this year as numerous as any
season I ever knew, 'ind as luscious, juiiy fruits are not forth-
coming, they have attacked apples and pear.'' — not ripe, mellow
ones only, but hard and dry fruit of any kind that is to bcj had.
Tomatoes they also attack, which is an unustial event, and I
expect those having bees must keep a sharp look out, or their
enemy, the wasp, will wage a destructive war with the in-
dustrious denizens of the hive. Destroying the nests by all
known means is all that can bo done now, njKl b;iits or traps for
catching the nasps must also be put in requisition. One of the
best of small liauiiing-traps is of glass, the lop having a sott of
funnel tube running downwards like the neck of some ink
bottles that prevent the ink spilling when the bottle is turned
en its side or upside down. These wasp trajjs have a cork-hole
in the bottom to take out the dead wasps and liquid, which fre-
quently re quires emptying. It is astonishing what numbers are
taken in a day.

AVasp nests in the ground are destroyed by home-made
fujces, which are made by folding a little brown paper tighily
round a stick as thick as the httlo finger, and tlien withdrawing
the stick and stopping up one end. The tube is filled with
a mixture of one pan gunpowder and three or four parts ot
saltpeire, and brimstone pounded fine. The whole being put
in dry, the lusee being lighted at one end, and put into the
hole will burn quit-? half a minute, searching out every cell, and
for a time stupifying the wasps sufliciently long to enable them
to be dug out and the nest destroyed. There are other methods
of dealing with them as well as the above. Turpemine poured
into the hole is said to stifle them, and a piece of tow or soft rag
steeped in this liquid and put into the hole will cffeetually prevent
tli'.ir using it again ; but if the ground is loose and open they

will sometimes work their way out in another direction. Xhat
after nil it is best, where practicable, to dig out and cnish up to
mnmmy every particle of the nest and its contents. Hot water
will kill them when it can be poured in with any chance of
coming in contact with them; but this is not always the case,
their burrows sometimes taking an upward turn which the water
does not follow, so that after trying vaiiuus plans I have found the
above to be the best that I know of; but those having had long
experience in the matter generally become accustomed to one
particular way, which, doubtless, in their indivi<iual case n^ay be
the best. At 'dl events, war must be waged with the enemy,
both now and again next May, when every wasp betjomes a nest.
— J. EOBBOK.

EHUBAEB WIjSTE.

A SUOBT time ago I saw a letter in your Journal from a
correspondent, who, writing upon the above subject, complains
that among all the suggestions about bruising or nut bruising. Ice,
what was wanted for him and many others was a "good receipt
for making rhubarb wine."

Taking an interest in the making of the wine for my own
consumption, I have taken up my pen to (;ive your correspondent,
and others who may feel interested in the subject, the lollcwing
receipt.

First of all I must beg your acceptance of a saniple boltlc
which I here enclose, that you may judge for yourself whether
the quality is such as you can recommend; and if you approve
of it to transfer the receipt to yoi;r columns. The wine from
which the enclosed bottle was taken was made in August 18€0.

On the 18th of that month 22 lbs. of rhubarb stalk were cut
small and bruised, and 2^ gallons of water added, and stirred
every day for a week, then strained and three-quarters of a
gallon more wa'er added to the fruit, and left to stand two days,
then well squeezed in a lever press. Fourteen pounds of best
raw Jamaica sugar n ce then added to the juice, and fermentation
began the next day. On the 1st of September it was put into a
four-and-a-half-gttllon cask, leaving about halfagal'on to fill
up with as the yeast worked out at the bung-hole, and on
the 1st of November the bung was laid lightly on, and on
January 1, 1861, the wine was racked off and the cask rinsed
with some of the wine, after which it was again put in the cask,
and a bottle of Bett's patent brandy added us well as three
pennyworth of burnt suear for colouring ; then closely bunged
down, and bottled the 12tl! of Inst month, producing two dozen
of good wine.

I need hardly say all the vessels, &c., used, should be perfectly
sweet and clean.

The cost will be somewhere about 7i(l. a bottle to those who
grow their own rhubarb. — Jaiibs AttKN, Austin Street, Lynn,
yorfollc.

[Without any exception this is one of the best samples of
bomeninde wines we ever tasted. AVc can even go further, and
s»y truly that it is equal to some of the best of the luscious
foreign wines. A lit'le more age will make it still more superior.
If any of our readers are successful in making superior malt and
parsnip wines, we should be glad of samples and the recipes for
making the wines.]

OUR LETTER BOX.

Cnoss-BiiKns for Eating -{X Forbes). — In your northern climate we
recommend Co»hiti-Chin:t puliets ynd u Doikinj: cock. You will have
fowls as good Uix tubie a if you bad Spanish puluts, the cbickcns will be
larger and h-trdier, and you will have eggs in winter.

DuDBTNO Gaue Cockerki.s (F. 5rtf7r/) .— Dabb'ng is imperatiye if you
hope to gain a prize. The judges would pass ovc- the pen if the cockerel
we:e not dubbed.

Spanglkd HAMBrRon Cock's Tail {A Sulsrribery (?/rtji/70ic).— Hi« tail
onght to be erect and arched. Your cockerern ttil drooping very mitch
arises either from un injury or deformity 'of the spine.

LONDON MARKETS.— Septembes 23.
POULTRY.

Though the supply of poultry is very small, it is quite eqnal to the
demand. Urauoe and Tartrirtge sell well.

Each— J.

Large Fowls 3

Smaller Fowls 2

d. «.
G to 4

S " 1

a „ 2

0 „ 2
0 „ 5

d
0
0
0
6
6

Grouse

Each— J.

2

1

d. ». d.
0 to 3 0
0 „ 1 »

Chickens 1

0

8 „ (1 9

Ducks 2

Rabbits

1

4 „ 1 5

Gocsc 5

Wild

0

9 „ 0 10